Background

Prior to consulting, Kris was a master classical concert pianist and official representative of the Russian Federation who toured Europe.

Education

Kris received a Dipl. in Music with a concentration in Classical Piano from DG Shatalov Music College, a B.Comm from UNISA, cum laude with highest distinction, and an MBA from Ivey Business School, University of Western Ontario, on the dean’s list with highest distinction — where she was President of the Public Sector Club and Editor of the Public Sector Journal.

Professional experience

Prior to her business degrees, Kris worked in management consulting. Post-MBA she was a banker and consulting engagement manager in Toronto. As a corporate banker she managed a portfolio of 37 corporate clients across 34 industries, with total authorization of C$885M and borrower’s revenue of up to $3.1B. Annual portfolio revenue generation of approximately $11M.

FIRMSconsulting

Since founding FIRMSconsulting.com in 2010, Kris has assembled a universe of digital platforms teaching case interviews and business strategy. She is FIRMSconsulting’s Presiding Partner.

Recognition

Voted one of the Top 30 Business Gurus in 2023, 2024, and 2025 alongside Tom Peters, Jim Collins, Gary Hamel, W. Chan Kim, and Joseph Stiglitz. Author of 5 books on strategy and critical thinking.