Carmen Schoenmetz

A dynamic and inspiring executive partner with 15+ years of experience driving success alongside C-suite leaders and founders across fast-paced industries—including SaaS, Nanotechnology, Security Printing, and Automotive.

Known for building and leading high-performance teams, streamlining operations, and cultivating cultures of collaboration and accountability.

A natural self-starter with a high EQ and influential leadership style, I specialize in guiding organizations through complex transitions and mission-critical projects.

I thrive on innovation, challenge, and momentum—offering focused engagements (1 to 3 years) to help visionary companies scale, adapt, and achieve sustainable growth.

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EXPERIENCE TIMELINE

xxx 20xx - PRESENT

CHIEF GROWTH OFFICER

Canadian Physiotherapy Association | Toronto/Ottawa

The Canadian Physiotherapy Association (CPA) represents over 16,000 physiotherapy professionals and students across Canada.

    • Advisor to the CEO and founders for scaling the business (increase in revenue by 25% in 2022)

    • Implementing and overseeing business objectives and strategic initiatives, align executive team on goals

    • Establishing internal reporting, leading the Business Intelligence department to establish and measure KPIs

    • Scaling day-to-day operations, preparing the organization to increase headcount by 3x the next 3-5 years

    • Improving cross-functional communication, alignment and decision-making

    • Building out the HR department to increase employee wellbeing and improve talent management

    • Increased team size from 2 to 8 people, overall headcount in the business from 110 to 150 in 2022

FEBRUARY 2022 - XXX 20XX

HEAD OF BUSINESS OPERATIONS, CHIEF OF STAFF

Leap Tools Inc. | Toronto                

A tech start-up established in 2017, creating AR technology and visualization tools (SaaS).

    • Advisor to the CEO and founders for scaling the business (increase in revenue by 25% in 2022)

    • Implementing and overseeing business objectives and strategic initiatives, align executive team on goals

    • Establishing internal reporting, leading the Business Intelligence department to establish and measure KPIs

    • Scaling day-to-day operations, preparing the organization to increase headcount by 3x the next 3-5 years

    • Improving cross-functional communication, alignment and decision-making

    • Building out the HR department to increase employee wellbeing and improve talent management

    • Increased team size from 2 to 8 people, overall headcount in the business from 110 to 150 in 2022

MAY 2019 - DECEMBER 2021

VP Business Operations Nanotechnology

Canadian Bank Note Company (CBN) | Ottawa

A medium-sized business providing technology solutions to prevent fraud in the secure solutions market.

    • Responsible for implementing the founder’s vision, being the trusted advisor and voice to the organization; supporting the founder with critical tasks

    • Establishing a new senior management team and organizational structure

    • Developing the annual strategy process and leading the senior management team through it

    • Implementing a program management function to track projects and continuous improvement initiatives

    • Leading day-to-day operations, developing a KPI system to track progress 

    • Designing, implementing, maintaining and optimizing departmental processes to address business needs

    • Facilitating goal setting across diverse teams to set clear priorities and improve performance

    • Setting up transparent stakeholder management, supported by an effective communication structure

    • Coaching and leading new team leads to promote performance excellence and long-term success

    • Introducing critical thinking skills to the company, facilitating trainings and workshops

NOVEMBER 2013 - APRIL 2019

Program Director Canadian Banknotes & Director Quality Assurance  

Canadian Bank Note Company (CBN) | Ottawa

    • Responsible for end-to-end operations and product delivery for the company’s top customer

    • Took over the account when the customer relationship was suffering and turned it around into a healthy, trusting and profitable partnership (contract volume CAD 650 million, annual revenue 35 million)

    • 20% increase in revenue through improving existing systems, services, and processes

    • Oversaw R&D, Manufacturing, Quality Control, Distribution, Procurement & Supplier Management, Customer Management, Finance and Legal as well as (IT) Security.

    • Launched two award-winning new products with new technical features

    • Designed and built a new department “Lab Services” with focus on data analytics

OCToBER 2007 - OCTOBER 2013

Manager Production ExcellencE             

Giesecke & Devrient GmbH | Munich, Kuala Lumpur, Ottawa 

A large-sized business engineering customized security technologies in payment, ID documents and digital infrastructures.

    • Designed a new business model how to do 100% automated quality inspection with an optical system (first model like this in the industry) with a new team of 30 global employees, increased revenue by 35%

    • Responsible for a global continuous improvement team with 15 employees (process optimization, leveraging best practices, executing Six Sigma Black Belt projects, and mentoring Green Belt projects)

EDUCATION

Diplom-Ingenieur (Dipl. Ing.), Industrial Engineering and Business

Technical University of Aalen, Germany
October 1999 – March 2004
German degree equivalent to a Master’s in Engineering & Business Administration

Comprehensive interdisciplinary program combining engineering principles with advanced business and financial management. Academic focus included strategic business management, corporate finance, process optimization, and operations planning. Gained a strong foundation in systems thinking, analytical problem-solving, and cross-functional collaboration—skills that continue to inform and enhance my leadership approach in complex organizational environments.

SIGNATURE COMPETENCIES

  • DATA INFORMED DECISION MAKER

    Grounded in analytics and guided by insight, I leverage data to drive strategic choices that lead to measurable impact. Whether analyzing performance metrics or forecasting trends, I turn complex information into clear, actionable strategies. My approach balances intuition with evidence, ensuring confident, forward-thinking decisions.

  • PROCESS INNOVATOR

    I identify inefficiencies and design smart, scalable systems that streamline operations and enhance performance. With a keen eye for optimization, I lead process transformations that support growth and resilience. I believe in building frameworks that evolve with the business—reducing friction while boosting productivity.

  • EXECUTION STRATEGIST

    I move from vision to execution with focus and discipline. Known for getting things done, I align teams around clear goals, drive accountability, and ensure momentum from start to finish. I take pride in delivering outcomes that are not only timely—but transformative.

  • HUMAN-CENTRED LEADER

    Above all else, relationships are at the heart of everything I do. I lead with empathy, emotional intelligence, and a deep respect for diverse perspectives—creating cultures where collaboration thrives. My leadership style builds trust, unlocks potential, and inspires teams to perform at their best.

real world OUTCOMES

  • It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

  • It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

  • It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

  • It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Professional Development & Achievements

  • 2018 • IBNS Bank Note of the Year Award

    The International Bank Note Society (IBNS) Bank Note of the Year Award is an annual recognition given to an outstanding banknote issued in circulation during the previous year. The award, established in 2004, highlights banknotes with artistic merit, innovative security features, and a general circulating design. 

  • 2014 • Kepner-Tregoe certified facilitator for Critical Thinking

    I am a Kepner-Tregoe (KT) certified facilitator and am trained and certified by Kepner-Tregoe to guide and facilitate the use of the KT methodology in organizations. This methodology is a structured approach to problem-solving, decision-making, and risk management, focusing on critical thinking and systematic analysis. 

  • 2013 • PMP Certified Project Manager

    I am a Project Management Professional (PMP) certified project manager and have passed the rigorous Project Management Professional (PMP) certification exam administered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). This certification validates my expertise in managing people, processes, and business priorities within project environments. 

  • 2012 • Award Winner CEO Business network for top female managers

    Generation CEO was founded in 2007 as a German-speaking, international network of leading female managers and is considered one of the first support networks for female executives.

    The network now includes 262 experienced female managers and independent entrepreneurs with diverse, international backgrounds who work in numerous industries. 

  • 2008 • Certified Six Sigma Black Belt

    I am a Certified Six Sigma Black Belt professional who demonstrates expertise in applying Six Sigma principles and methodologies to lead teams in process improvement projects. I possess advanced knowledge of Six Sigma tools, techniques, and the DMAIC framework, enabling me to drive breakthrough improvements. Black Belts, like myself, are also skilled in change management, project management, and team leadership.