About - Not Your Average Jo Communications

There’s nothing average about Jo Williams.

Guided by her Metis father from a young age, Jo learned to knock down walls – literally and figuratively. He taught her to explore beyond the confines of her imagination, to love ideas and the challenge of making those ideas reality.

Now Jo teaches her clients to dream BIG because, at the end of the day, the world will never evolve without big dreamers, bold thinkers and thought leaders.

As a strategic communicator, Jo knows that the biggest limitation to making these big dreams a reality is spreading the good word – effectively. And Jo does just that, combining strategy with storytelling she shares the big ideas in a way that captures hearts and minds.

From discussing the communications theory at University of Southern California, to working as a press secretary in the Manitoba government, Jo quickly learned she wanted to create a career in the fast-paced and growing communications industry. Over the last 20-plus years she’s built a career and a stellar reputation. From ground zero NYC 9/11 in 2001 to helping Joyti Gondek win the Calgary mayoral election in 2021 – Jo’s shown she can be counted on to get results.

Success for Jo starts with solid client collaboration. An astute listener, she seeks first to understand and then accepts the challenge of saving a reputation, creating a brand, or promoting the next big idea.

From small projects to big international issues, Jo is ready with her everything. Everything she’s learned. Everything she’s done. Everything she is.

And Jo is so much more than most people know. She’s a marathon runner, surfing enthusiast, former barrel racer, cocktail drinker, thought leader, and mother of two teens. And she’s just getting started. Together with her husband Al, she’d ready to sample all the adventures life has to offer.

Our direct marketing concept was a wee vision just over a year ago. Enter Jo! She has provided so much strategic guidance, incredible vision, outstanding communication and amazing contacts. The ideas and energy never stop!

~ KIM WACHTLER, Burke Creek Ranch quote

Good communication is like good food, drink, or style. It sparks our imaginations, and our emotions and it’s always full of flavour.

- JO WILLIAMS

Jo did a rebrand of our building business — what a success it was. She has an exceptional team each with specialist expertise coupled with flair and imagination. But what sets Jo apart is her uncanny ability to listen and build a story around the individual personalities. The process is extremely professional but hugely enjoyable. Jo makes it fun whilst sticking to schedule. Our business has been transformed more than we could ever imagine and we couldn’t be more grateful.

- DORIAN MEDLICOTT, Beacon Mountain Homes quote

I began by getting a BA in Public Relations from the University of North Dakota, worked in politics as a press secretary, then continued at the University of Southern California where I received my MA in Communication Management. This move of course had absolutely nothing to do with harsh Manitoba winters. I also hold a Digital Marketing Certificate from the Canadian Marketing Association and continue to take a variety of courses to ensure I’m up on the latest trends.

Then it was back to Canada to continue my career in communications. I’ve been involved in many different projects in a range of sectors—almost two decades in the business now—for corporate, government, non-profits and small business. Check out my LinkedIn profile to see more about where and who I’ve worked for.

Along the way, I’ve helped with a number of disaster relief efforts—a highlight being a spokesperson for the Canadian Red Cross in NYC at Ground Zero during 9/11.

But before I start working with you, I want to know this: what do you believe in? Because what drives you is what will drive me. I’m inspired by clients who love what they do, and believe in it.

Jo was an integral part of the Tannas for Senate campaign team. She is bright, personable and an expert in the field of communication. Her insight and creativity helped us craft and deliver the key messages to voters. She assembled a terrific team of experts who got all aspects of the communications strategy executed on time, on budget and at a very high quality. I'm happy to provide my unreserved endorsement!

- SENATOR SCOTT TANNAS, Founder & CEO of Western Financial Group and Canadian Senator

Not Your Average Jo gave our company website a complete facelift. Jo is, indeed, anything but average. She kept and eye on the budget, wasn’t shy to put forward suggestions, managed her various ‘sub-trades’ efficiently and kept us on time and on budget. We would recommend Not Your Average Jo to any organization, large or small, thinking about making their website totally not average.

- ADAM PEKARSKY, Pekarsky & Co quote

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

I collaborate on projects with other awesome freelancers who mostly work from our home offices or random coffee shops. Need a SEO specialist? Check. Photographer? Check. Pollster? Check. Illustrator? Check. This independent spirit allows us to be nimble and adapt quickly to trends.

Everything is customized to the client, the challenge and the audience. Have a specific need or do you need to roll out a large campaign? I call on the best in the industry to work alongside me to produce outstanding results. We gauge success by return on investment, interactions and influence.

By marrying the power of strategy with premium aesthetics, the brand we create for your business will enchant your clients, drive ROI and ensure a solid reputation for years to come.

Shannon Larkins

Brand Strategist

Shannon Larkins, owner of Blackcoffee Studio, premium brand development agency, delivers luxury brand experiences to clients at home in Calgary, Canada and across the globe. We work with them to develop brands and reputations for entrepreneurs and businesses a cut above.

Colleen Lavender

Writer

Colleen Lavender loves a good turn of phrase. An eager writer since she learned her alphabet, Colleen has an ear for storytelling and an eye for detail. That winning combination means crafting the right message for clients is always top-of-mind.