James Keown

Sessional Instructor – Post-Graduate Studies – part-time at Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology

Provided hybrid instruction to adult learners in various business administration topics. Delivered lectures, mentorship and guidance for working professionals upgrading their skills for professional growth or career changes. Managed learners’ course progress and assessments during the contract.

Adjunct Faculty Member at Robertson College – Robertson Global

Taught in-class courses to international students across multiple program streams including eCommerce, logistics, marketing, and HR. Subjects included Digital Technology, UX design, Digital Marketing, Project Management, Business Communications, and Entrepreneurship. Redesigned Graphic and Web Design course for synchronous delivery and enhanced classes with digital tools like Brightspace, digital whiteboards, and video content. Assessed student progress with authentic assessment methods and rubrics.

Adjunct Faculty Member at Robertson College – Online School of Business

Instructed students in business communications, marketing, writing, digital analytics, and entrepreneurship. Oversaw course delivery and grading via Brightspace with Turnitin integration and facilitated virtual live sessions. Redesigned Microsoft Office Applications course to integrate CCL Jasperactive tutorials. Produced instructional videos and received Microsoft Certified Educator designation to support certification preparation.

Teaching Assistant – Massive Open Online Course Facilitator at Commonwealth of Learning

Facilitated a professional development MOOC on Authentic Assessment for Online Learning. Supported global educational professionals, engaged students in forum discussions, and provided feedback on e-portfolio assessments using the MOOCIt platform.

Teaching Assistant – Massive Open Online Course Facilitator at Commonwealth of Learning

Re-engaged with the Authentic Assessment MOOC facilitation, supporting learners, and providing feedback for assessments.

Instructor, Video Producer, Director - CEO at Keown Enterprises Inc.

Provided contract instruction, facilitation, digital media content production, and business consulting for higher education and B2B training. Served clients such as Robertson College, Commonwealth College, and The First Nations University of Canada.

Small Business Advisor at Scotiabank

Counseled small and mid-size businesses on strategy, lending, and financial structuring. Reviewed financial statements, assessed risk, managed client portfolios, and prospect new business opportunities. Advocated for clients while maintaining strong business relationships.

Senior Account Executive, Canada – Independent Retail Sales at Advicent Inc (Vista Equity Partners)

Led sales and consultation to Canadian financial services professionals for software solutions. Achieved high sales growth including a $400,000 deal over four years. Delivered product demos and webinars, tracked sales activities, and mentored junior staff. Managed client expectations on pricing, scope, and implementations.

Financial Advisor at Sun Life Financial

Conducted financial needs analysis with retail and corporate clients, collaborated on financial and estate plans, and grew a client base to 140 within two years. Earned the Order of Merit for sales excellence and participated in advanced training programs.

Senior E-Commerce Designer at SecuriCan General Insurance (Western Financial Group)

Led web revenue growth from 16% to 36%, developed tracking systems for email campaigns and affiliate marketing, provided analytics reporting to management, and trained staff in CRM and e-Commerce design.

Co-Founder, Director - Business Development - CEO at Blend Media Group Inc.

Directed corporate strategy, initiated sales, cultivated partnerships, led fundraising, and developed digital media training applications for medical education and professional development. Served clients in healthcare and education sectors.

New Media Producer at University of Manitoba, Information Systems & Technology

Produced internet video segments for campus events, developed conference websites with registration, oversaw live video streaming for medical lectures, and administered LMS support for faculty.

Multimedia Producer at Health Sciences Centre, Bio-Medical Communications

Created medical education CD-ROM multimedia textbooks, 3D surgical procedure animations, and received an industry bronze award for educational multimedia development.

Sessional Instructor – Post-Graduate Studies – part-time at Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology

Produced narrated video tutorials and explainer videos for MS Office suite operations with motion graphics, overlays and captions for international students; provided hybrid instruction to adult learners in business administration and marketing topics; lectured, guided and mentored professional development; oversaw learners’ course progress and assessments.

Adjunct Faculty Member at Robertson College – Robertson Global

Provided in-class instruction, guidance and mentorship to international students across programs from e‑Commerce to logistics, marketing and human resources; supported language comprehension using screen reader highlights and text-to-speech narration; reorganized Graphic and Web Design courses for synchronous in-class delivery using Brightspace; augmented in-class experiences with digital whiteboards, explainer videos and media production; facilitated live discussions and career preparation activities.

Adjunct Faculty Member at Robertson College – Online School of Business

Redesigned course structure for Microsoft Office Applications to align with CLOs; created lecture transcripts and screen reader-friendly content; delivered online via D2L Brightspace with integrated grading and submission workflows; produced course news updates and instructional videos using various media tools and platforms.

Instructor, Video Producer, Director - CEO at Keown Enterprises Inc.

Produces and directs digital media content for post-secondary education and B2B training; contract-based instruction, facilitation, business development and leadership coaching across multiple sectors; client base includes Robertson College and other higher-education institutions and government partners.

Small Business Advisor at Scotiabank

Provided finance industry and business development experience to support small business clients with financial planning and growth strategies; cross-sold banking products and services.

Senior Account Executive, Canada – Independent Retail Sales at Advicent Inc (Vista Equity Partners: formerly Zywave Inc and EISI, now InvestCloud)

Delivered customized remote presentations and strategic approaches for reporting and marketing; conducted scenario-based financial planning analyses; supported tax planning storytelling using WebEx, GoToMeeting, Skype for Business and other collaboration tools.

Financial Advisor at Sun Life Financial

Financial services professional delivering client-focused financial planning and advisory support.

Senior E-Commerce Designer at SecuriCan General Insurance (now Western Financial Group)

Led virtual training via GoToMeeting for regional managers; trained marketing team for e-commerce development (graphic design, front-end development basics); contributed to training in JavaScript, AJAX and .NET for web understandings and site compatibility.

Co-Founder, Director - Business Development - CEO at Blend Media Group Inc.

Established corporate direction and technology-enabled service offerings; initiated new business through direct sales, cold calls and demonstrations; cultivated customer relationships and joint ventures; organized capital-raising activities through contracted and grant-supported proposals; focused on niche market segments and partner networks.

New Media Producer at University of Manitoba, Information Systems & Technology

Coordinated production of internet video segments for Pan Am Games on campus; developed faculty and research conference websites; oversaw live streaming of medical lectures; administered WebCT LMS course accounts.

Multimedia Producer at Health Sciences Centre, Bio-Medical Communications

Developed medical education CD-ROM multimedia textbooks; earned a Bronze Award for Mechanics in Hematology; created 3D animations for inclusion in surgical procedure videos.

Sessional Instructor – Post-Graduate Studies – part-time at Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology (MITT)

Produced narrated video tutorials and explainers for MS Office product operations with motion graphics, overlays, captions, and careful placement for international students. Provided hybrid instruction to adult learners in various business administration and marketing topics. Lectured, guided, and mentored professionals returning to augment and upgrade their skill sets as part of professional development. Oversaw and managed learners’ course progress and assessments.

Adjunct Faculty Member at Robertson College – Robertson Global

Provided in-class instruction, guidance and mentorship to international students across a variety of program streams from eCommerce to logistics and supply chain management, marketing, and human resources. Supported international student language comprehension through targeted resources and screen reader support. Reorganized and streamlined the Graphic and Web Design course for synchronous in-class delivery, using Brightspace for content organization and virtual classroom signs. Augmented in-class experience through digital whiteboards, explainers and media production. Guided students in business communications, writing, marketing, digital analytics, market research, career preparation, and entrepreneurship. Course oversight and student engagement, including instruction, grading and curriculum advisement.

Adjunct Faculty Member at Robertson College – Online School of Business

Redesigned Microsoft Office Applications course to accommodate TCL Jasper/ articulate content tutorials for delivery in D2L Brightspace. Created lecture transcripts and screen reader adaptations. Delivered course via Brightspace – D2L with integrated marking and Turnitin submission content scanning. Maintained online course updates and stakeholder communications including course newsletters and instructional videos using Blended/Blended design tools.

MOOC Facilitator – Teaching Assistant at Commonwealth of Learning

Online course facilitation and learner support within a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) for authentic assessment in online learning, supporting education professionals worldwide. Initiated exchanges with learners, prompted discussions, and provided feedback on assessments and portfolios via MOOC platform (Drupal-based).

MOOC Facilitator – Teaching Assistant at Commonwealth of Learning

Online course facilitation and learner support within a MOOC, fostering peer-to-peer engagement and providing feedback on student work via MOOC platform.

Instructor, Video Producer, Director - CEO at Keown Enterprises Inc.

Produces digital media content for post-secondary education and B2B training; contract-based instruction for higher education, training, facilitation, business development, and leadership coaching across multiple sectors. Clients include Robertson College, The Commonwealth of Learning, Campbell College, and First Nations University of Canada.

Small Business Advisor at Scotiabank

Finance industry and business development-related experience; engaged clients with strategic planning, relationship management, and financial guidance.

Senior Account Executive, Canada – Independent Retail Sales at Advicent Inc (Vista Equity Partners: formerly Zywave Inc and EISI, now InvestCloud)

Delivered customized remote one-on-one presentations with overviews, strategic approaches for reporting and marketing, and high-touch tax and financial planning scenarios, leveraging web meetings and collaboration tools to support B2B clients.

Financial Advisor at Sun Life Financial

Provided financial services expertise and client-centric planning to individuals and small businesses.

Senior E-Commerce Designer at SecuriCan General Insurance (now Western Financial Group)

Conducted virtual training via GoToMeeting for regional territory managers on CRM methods, techniques, and reporting approaches. Trained marketing team for e-Commerce development including web design and related technologies.

Multimedia Producer at Health Sciences Centre, Bio-Medical Communications

Developed medical education CD-ROM multimedia textbook content. Won a Bronze Award from Health Sciences Communications Association for mechanisms in hematology CD-ROM, and created 3D animations for inclusion in surgical procedure videos.

New Media Producer at University of Manitoba, Information Systems & Technology

Coordinated production of internet video segments for campus events; developed faculty and research conference websites; oversaw live streaming of medical student residency seminars and administered Web CT LMS course development

Co-Founder, Director - Business Development - CEO at Blend Media Group Inc.

Co-founded and directed technology services initiatives; initiated new business through direct sales, demonstrations, and partner collaborations; cultivated beneficial business relationships and joint ventures; led capital fundraising activities via contracts and grant proposals; focused on niche markets and partner ecosystems; developed digital media-based training applications for medical education and product training.

Sessional Instructor – Post-Graduate Studies at Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology

Provided hybrid instruction to adult learners in business administration and marketing topics; produced narrated video tutorials and explainer videos for MS Office; oversaw learner progress and assessments; mentored professionals pursuing professional development or career changes.

Adjunct Faculty Member at Robertson College – Robertson Global

Provided in-class instruction and mentorship to international students across eCommerce, logistics & supply chain, marketing, and HR; supported accessibility through screen reader and text-to-speech narration; reorganized the Graphic and Web Design course for synchronous in-class delivery using Brightspace; augmented learning with media production and live discussions; evaluated progress against learning objectives.

Adjunct Faculty Member at Robertson College – Online School of Business

Redeveloped Microsoft Office Applications course to align with Jasperactive content; created transcript-ready content and screen reader adaptations via Kaltura integration into Brightspace; delivered via Brightspace with marking and Turnitin integration; produced course updates and engaged students through virtual classrooms and media.

Teaching Assistant – MOOC Facilitator at Commonwealth of Learning

Online course facilitation and learner support for Authentic Assessment for Online Learning MOOC; prompted and engaged learners in forums; provided feedback on assessment and grading of e-portfolios via mooc4dev.org.

Teaching Assistant – MOOC Facilitator at Commonwealth of Learning

Online course facilitation and learner support for MOOC offerings; engaged learners and provided feedback on assessments and portfolios.

Instructor, Video Producer, Director - CEO at Keown Enterprises Inc.

Lead producer and instructor delivering digital media training and consulting for higher education and corporate clients; development of training videos, facilitation of workshops, and provision of business development and strategy services across multiple sectors.

Small Business Advisor at Scotiabank

Finance industry and business development-related advisory experience, focusing on client solutions and strategic planning for small businesses.

Senior Account Executive, Canada – Independent Retail Sales at Advicent Inc (Vista Equity Partners: formerly Zywave Inc and EISI, now InvestCloud)

Customized remote one-on-one presentations and strategic demonstrations of financial planning software; delivered weekly solution overviews and webinars for professionals in financial services via multiple web conferencing platforms.

Financial Advisor at Sun Life Financial

Finance industry professional providing financial guidance and client services.

Senior E-Commerce Designer at SecuriCan General Insurance (now Western Financial Group)

Trained regional managers in GoldMine CRM methods; led e-commerce development training for marketing teams and junior designers.

Co-Founder, Director - CEO at Blend Media Group Inc.

Led corporate strategy and technology service initiatives; built new business through direct sales and partnerships; developed digital media-based training applications for medical education and professional development.

New Media Producer at University of Manitoba, Information Systems & Technology

Coordinated internet video production for PanAm Games on campus; developed websites for faculty conferences and streaming of live lectures for remote learners; administered WebCT LMS accounts for educators.

Multimedia Producer at Health Sciences Centre, Bio-Medical Communications

Developed medical education CD-ROM multimedia textbooks; produced 3D animations for surgical videos; earned a bronze Health Sciences Communications Association award.

Sessional Instructor – Post-Graduate Studies – part-time at Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology

Sessional instructor providing hybrid instruction; produced narrated video tutorials and explainer videos for MS Office; mentored professionals returning to upskill; oversaw learners’ progress and assessments.

Adjunct Faculty Member at Robertson College – Robertson Global

In-class instruction and mentorship for international students across eCommerce, logistics, marketing, and HR; improved accessibility with screen-reader support and audio narration; reorganized Graphic and Web Design course for synchronous delivery; used Brightspace for content and assignments; facilitated live discussions.

Adjunct Faculty Member at Robertson College – Online School of Business

Redeveloped Microsoft Office Applications course for D2L Brightspace; created lecture transcripts and screen-reader adapted content; integrated Kaltura video into Brightspace; delivered online with grading integration; produced routine video updates and media for instruction.

Teaching Assistant – MOOC Facilitator at Commonwealth of Learning

MOOC facilitator for Authentic Assessment for Online Learning; facilitated online discussions, prompted student exchanges, and provided feedback on e-portfolios via mooc4dev.org.

Teaching Assistant – MOOC Facilitator at Commonwealth of Learning

MOOC facilitator for ongoing professional development; supported learning professionals globally through prompts and feedback on assessments.

Instructor, Video Producer, CEO at Keown Enterprises Inc.

Production of digital media content for post-secondary education and B2B training; contract instruction; leadership across multiple sectors; clients included Robertson College, Commonwealth of Learning, Campbell College, Commonwealth College, and The First Nations University of Canada.

Small Business Advisor at Scotiabank

Finance industry and business development experience; advised clients on financial solutions and growth.

Senior Account Executive, Canada – Independent Retail Sales at Advicent Inc (Vista Equity Partners)

Delivered remote one-on-one presentations, software demos, and webinars for financial planning solutions; supported learning for professionals via WebEx, GoToMeeting, Skype for Business, and Mikogo.

Financial Advisor at Sun Life Financial

Financial advisory work and business development within financial services.

Senior E-Commerce Designer at SecuriCan General Insurance (now Western Financial Group)

Trained regional managers in GoldMine CRM methods; led e-Commerce development for marketing teams.

Co-Founder, Director - Business Development - CEO at Blend Media Group Inc.

Led corporate direction, built partnerships, and orchestrated capital fundraising; focused on digital media-based training applications.

New Media Producer at University of Manitoba, Information Systems & Technology

Coordinated internet video production for PanAm games; oversaw streaming of medical education events and LMS administration (WebCT).

Multimedia Producer at Health Sciences Centre, Bio-Medical Communications

Developed medical education CD-ROMs; created 3D animations for surgical videos; earned bronze award for Mechanisms in Hematology CD-ROM 2nd Edition.

Instructor, Video Producer, Director at Keown Enterprises Inc.

Contract-based instruction for higher education, training and facilitation; production of digital media content for post-secondary education and B2B training; business development and consulting across multiple sectors.

Sessional Instructor – Post-Graduate Studies – part-time at Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology

Providing hybrid instruction to adult learners in various business administration topics; mentoring professionals returning to upskill; oversight and management of course progress and assessments.

Adjunct Faculty Member at Robertson College – Robertson Global

In-class instruction and mentorship across programs including eCommerce, logistics, marketing and HR; live discussions; assessment and course delivery; media-enhanced learning and course stream optimization.

Adjunct Faculty Member at Robertson College – Online School of Business

Guided students in business communications, writing, marketing, digital analytics, market research and entrepreneurship; course oversight, curriculum advisement and Brightspace integration; writing assessment in APA format; online delivery and engagement.

Small Business Advisor at Scotiabank

Business counselling and strategy development for small and mid-sized businesses; risk assessment and portfolio management; client relationship management.