Leona Banfield, M.ADS
Why I Started Ginomai
I started Ginomai because I was tired of watching leaders drown in "training" programs that dump content but offer no practical support to actually apply it.
For over 20 years, I've worked in human development and behavioural strategy, and I kept seeing the same pattern: leaders would attend workshops, get energized, then return to work and... nothing would change. Not because they didn't care, but because they had no framework for turning insight into practice.
I wanted to bridge that gap—to bring together my applied behaviour analysis background with the philosophical world of leadership development in a way that creates real, sustainable change. Not just for the individuals who participate, but for the organizations that send their people.
I wanted to help leaders feel more confident in the digital AI age, reduce burnout, and expand what's possible in their work. To help people elevate their leadership so they can expand their impact, navigate change with ease, and continue to do the work they love.
How I Work
I don't do one-size-fits-all frameworks or generic content dumps. My approach is grounded in behavioural science, built around real work, and designed to create sustainable practices—not just awareness or knowledge.
Whether I'm working with a woman leader building her practice with AI or an organization designing culture for resilience and change, I partner with you to uncover what's already working, build on your strengths, and create conditions for change to stick.
My Background
I hold a Master's in Applied Disability Studies and have spent over 20 years working at the intersection of behaviour change, leadership development, and organizational transformation.
My background in applied behaviour analysis gives me a unique lens on how people actually change—and how to design interventions that work in real-world contexts, not just theory. I've worked primarily with organizations in social services and education, and more recently with women leaders building independent practices who are navigating how AI fits their work.
I serve on the Behaviour Science Program Advisory Committee at Algonquin College and contribute to several community initiatives in Burlington, Ontario.
My work has helped executive teams navigate burnout, leadership misalignment, and stagnant culture. I've piloted AI tools to reduce admin burden, reworked leadership frameworks, and designed full-scale behaviour change initiatives—always with the same goal: practical impact with measurable outcomes.
What drives my work: I believe leadership influence should result in actual change, not just new ideas. I believe technology should enhance judgment, not replace it. And I believe people deserve support that helps them apply what they learn—not just more content to consume.
Collaborative Partners
I work with trusted experts to bring specialized capabilities to client engagements, particularly for complex organizational work and projects. Anna Hoferica and I collaborate on projects requiring expertise in strategy, risk management, and leadership.
Anna Hoferica
Strategy | Governance | ERM | Risk Intelligence Expert
I’m Anna Hoferica, Principal and Chief Risk Officer at Canada Direction Inc. With over 20 years of experience in governance, risk, and strategic leadership, I help public, private, and nonprofit organizations build resilience, make smarter decisions, and lead confidently in complex environments.
My work sits at the intersection of enterprise risk management, compliance, and strategy. I’ve led initiatives to embed risk intelligence into processes, streamline operations, and strengthen governance — always with the goal of delivering long-term value.
In the autism services sector, I’ve supported service providers through customized risk frameworks, financial tools, and strategic governance. As the Ontario Autism Program evolves, I’ve helped organizations stay adaptive and anchored in quality service delivery.
I also collaborate with Ginomai Consulting and Training on select projects where my expertise supports broader systems change and innovation.
Outside of my consulting work, I serve as a board member at Wexford Residence and mentor with the Small Business Advisory Group. I’m also the founder and creative director of Julianna Glass, a passion project rooted in creativity and entrepreneurship.
I hold a Master’s in Economics and multiple certifications in risk management and internal auditing. Whether advising executives or mentoring new leaders, I aim to equip others with the clarity and tools they need to lead well — even in uncertainty.
Let's Talk
Ready to explore how we can work together?