S&B began as an escapist daydream
Transformative change management, strategic communications planning, organizational strategy and employee engagement are the building blocks of the S&B origin story and the relationship between its founders.
Natasha and Jess first met as public servants doing all of this—and more. When they became co-directors of a prominent branch within the government, working on intense and complex files while overseeing a large and accomplished team of communications professionals, S&B began as an escapist daydream.
What if, they wondered, we could take this experience, and the varied training, education, and lived experience we’ve each had, and launch an organization that helps bring out the best in others? That supports teams and leaders through moments of change and growth? That is based on—and encourages—true collaboration and mutual support?
What began as a dream has become a dream project.
Together, through S&B, Natasha and Jess work with clients to build
connected, engaged, and purpose-driven communities.
The world is changing. Let them help you navigate that change.
NATASHA GRANATSTEIN
Natasha is highly skilled in corporate and crisis communications, media and stakeholder relations and communications audits. A former journalist, she has advised and written for the premier of Ontario, cabinet ministers and presidents. Previously the Communications Director at the Ontario Ministry of Health and at Cabinet Office, her varied experience has given her insight into a range of areas including health care, education, government and private sector.
She’s built and led large teams and small, coaching and developing people to produce the highest quality work, often in high stress environments.
Natasha has won a number of awards for her work including Ovation awards of excellence from the International Association of Business Communicators and Pinnacles from the Canadian Public Relations Society.
A certified leadership coach, she also couples her leadership experience to help professionals and leaders to navigate complexity and feel confident in decision making.
Natasha is an ardent volunteer; she was the founding chair of her neighbourhood’s active and vibrant community association and she is a mentor to Indigenous girls with the Jays Care Foundation’s James Bay Girls at Bat program.
JESS DAVIDSON
An experienced leader, communicator, researcher and strategist, Jess has worked with clients across a variety of sectors including health, long-term care, grocery, agriculture, finance, real estate, technology, law, and higher education. An experienced leader, communicator, researcher and strategist, Jess has worked with clients across a variety of sectors including health, grocery, agriculture, finance, real estate, technology, law, and higher education.
An academically-trained ethnographer, Jess did her graduate work at the University of Toronto. Her research focused on precarious labour practices in a large Asian city, which reflects her deep interest and expertise in organizational strategy and corporate culture, particularly as it relates to employee engagement and experience.
After leaving academia, Jess returned to her agency roots, working at an executive level in one of the city’s top marketing and communications agencies, before making the move to the public sector. While a member of the Ontario Public Service she worked on the executive teams of the Ministries of Health, Long-term Care, and Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs. She didn’t move far past academia, however, as she is a Professor at Seneca College teaching post-graduate courses in writing and presentation skills.
Jess is also passionate about giving back. She is the Executive Director of The Diaper Bank of Toronto, a local, grassroots not-for-profit organization that supports low-income families.
Her favourite place to be is outdoors with her family, preferably with a good coffee in hand and a backpack full of delicious snacks, as the only thing she loves almost as much as time with her family is good food and good drinks (steeped, stirred, fizzy, or fermented).
CO-FOUNDER
JESS DAVIDSON
An experienced leader, communicator, researcher and strategist, Jess has worked with clients across a variety of sectors including health, long-term care, grocery, agriculture, finance, real estate, technology, law, and higher education. An experienced leader, communicator, researcher and strategist, Jess has worked with clients across a variety of sectors including health, grocery, agriculture, finance, real estate, technology, law, and higher education.
An academically-trained ethnographer, Jess did her graduate work at the University of Toronto. Her research focused on precarious labour practices in a large Asian city, which reflects her deep interest and expertise in organizational strategy and corporate culture, particularly as it relates to employee engagement and experience.
After leaving academia, Jess returned to her agency roots, working at an executive level in one of the city’s top marketing and communications agencies, before making the move to the public sector. While a member of the Ontario Public Service she worked on the executive teams of the Ministries of Health, Long-term Care, and Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs. She didn’t move far past academia, however, as she is a Professor at Seneca College teaching post-graduate courses in writing and presentation skills.
Jess is also passionate about giving back. She is the Executive Director of The Diaper Bank of Toronto, a local, grassroots not-for-profit organization that supports low-income families.
Her favourite place to be is outdoors with her family, preferably with a good coffee in hand and a backpack full of delicious snacks, as the only thing she loves almost as much as time with her family is good food and good drinks (steeped, stirred, fizzy, or fermented).