About
It started with one small step
That business and that life we always wanted? We built it. And we can help you build yours too.
The history of Giant Leap
Giant Leap began in 2003 with an exclusive focus on consulting. It soon grew to include peer mentoring groups that meet in Vancouver, B.C. and recently in Seattle, Washington. Since we started, we’ve helped hundreds of business owners find their ideal path. We’re adding workshops and assessments to our offering, to enable us to help thousands more.
George Noroian
Founder and Group LeaderGeorge grew up in a small family business, learning from an early age that there are both good and bad ways to be an entrepreneur. He had a rich and varied career path, serving in the diplomatic corps, getting an MBA from Stanford, and running two multi-million dollar companies. His journey has given him experience and empathy, and he uses these to help business owners create the entrepreneurial lives they’ve always wanted.
Aaron Schmookler
Group LeaderAaron brings a range of experience to leading the South Sound and Kitsap County CEO groups — from outdoor leadership and theatre direction, to teaching business communication and management skill development. For nearly 30 years, Aaron has helped leaders build structures, habits, and mindsets that support an enduring high-performance culture, so both their profits and their people thrive. Aaron is co-founder and CEO of The Yes Works.
Joanne Giordano
Group LeaderJoanne is a high-energy servant leader with a passion for building culture based on clear alignment from mission to tactical implementation. She has the gift of cultivating people, opportunity, and innovation to create a clear roadmap to success. Joanne draws on her experience at senior levels in the insurance industry and as a start-up president and COO to make a difference in the lives of senior leaders.
Mike Gardner
Group LeaderMike brings deep expertise as an entrepreneur and CEO to his role as Vancouver group leader. He is the owner of Property Fox, which simplifies the Canadian mortgage renewal process, and principal of boutique consulting firm Currentii Advisors Inc. He is the former CEO of Agreement Express and founder and president of Cayenta. In his spare time, Mike teaches entrepreneurship at the University of British Columbia. He holds an MBA from Queen’s University.
Laura Knowles Cavanaugh
Client CoordinatorLaura ensures that monthly meetings take place smoothly and is the first point of contact for member inquiries. She works hand-in-hand with the team to deliver best-in-class service to our members. Laura cares deeply about connecting with others and creating the space for people to grow and change together. She draws on her talents in writing, customer service, leadership and office management to support our team through process delivery and oversight of our information systems.
A word from our clients
There’s a trust people have in George. When he calls me on something, I can tell he’s coming at it with compassion and non-judgement.
George is very adept at keeping senior leaders strategically moving forward. Having been in our shoes, his wise and candid counsel is rare.
Origin story
“Innovation in the 1960s was dominated by the space race, which culminated in the first moon landing on July 20, 1969. On that day, Neil Armstrong uttered what has become one of the most famous phrases in the English language: ‘That’s one small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind.’
Growing up in the space age, I have been inspired by the passion, curiosity, drive, and commitment to excellence that represents the best of the U.S. space program. I believe that taking small, meaningful — and often challenging — steps, ultimately culminates in giant leaps.”