Syntax Strategic

Brand isn’t what you design, it’s what people believe and how you’re understood. On Message Received, Lindsey Fair breaks down the difference between brand and branding — and why leaders must understand perception before launching campaigns. Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts.

Launching a brand refresh or campaign? Have you checked what your audience thinks? On Message Received, Lindsey Fair, VP of Marketing & Bayview Impact at Invest Ottawa, speaks on why social listening & benchmarks are core to brand strategy. Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts.

People don’t leave because of your logo. They leave when experience doesn’t match the promise. Lindsey Fair, VP of Marketing, Communications and Bayview Impact at Invest Ottawa, says the fix isn’t cosmetic. It’s operational. Find Message Received on Spotify & Apple Podcasts.

The best communication solves more than one issue at a time. Clearer language can completely change how a message is received. On Message Received, Meggan Van Harten shares why small wording choices can improve both understanding and impact. Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts.

The problem with most guidelines is that they tell you what to do, not why. In Episode 2 of Message Received, Meggan Van Harten explains how Design de Plume’s Indigenous Communications Toolkit turns understanding into real action. Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts.

Good work doesn’t start with output. It starts with trust. Episode 2 of Message Received is live with Meggan Van Harten, Co-CEO of Design de Plume, on why meaningful change has to move at the speed of trust. Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & Amazon Music.

Most people have something to say. What stops them is worrying about what others will think. On Message Received, Jennifer Stewart explains why building trust isn't about being perfect. It's about showing up over time. Find it on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Amazon Music.

One of the biggest mistakes organizations make? They overthink. In a fast-moving world, momentum beats perfection. On the first episode of Message Received, Jennifer Stewart explains why strategy needs speed. Find it on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music.

Happy New Year! A new year brings fresh energy and the mental space to take on new ideas, challenges, and opportunities. We’re grateful for the moments and milestones that shaped 2025 and are fuelling our excitement for the coming year. Here’s to an inspiring 2026.

Happy Holidays from all of us at Syntax! This holiday season, we’re reflecting on the partnerships, collaborations, and shared successes that made this year so rewarding. Wishing our friends, partners, and community a joyful and warm holiday season!

What a year. 2025 was filled with fresh ideas, meaningful creative growth, and work that moved our clients forward. Thank you to the partners who trusted us to tell their stories with impact. We’re excited for what’s ahead!

Last year, 1 in 4 Ottawa households experienced food insecurity. This holiday season, #TeamSyntax is proud to donate to the West Carleton Food Access Centre and support their year-round work on strengthening food security in West Carleton.

Something new from Syntax: a podcast! Message Received explores strategy, storytelling and audience insight through conversations with leaders and communicators shaping narratives today. The first episode is now live. Find it on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music.

Introducing Syntax Strategic’s Defence Communications Division Built by former military, police, journalists, and government communicators, we deliver clear, credible communications in high-stake environments, from crisis response to public engagement. syntaxstrategic.ca/divisions/defe…

Every community has a story. Across the Ottawa Valley, Syntax has collaborated with municipalities to create lasting brands. We've helped places like Petawawa, Pembroke, Whitewater Region, Renfrew, and Carp connect, grow, and thrive through design. syntaxcreative.ca

Syntax Strategic was honoured to be the Presenting Sponsor of Christie Lake Kids’ Four Seasons Soirée. Together, we helped raised $150,000 for its life-changing STAR City Programs. Read more about the incredible night here: carolineinthecapital.ca/christie-lake-…… 📸: Caroline Phillips

Today, on Remembrance Day, we pause to honour those who have served and those who gave their lives in conflict. We reflect on their service, their sacrifice, and the freedoms they fought to protect, freedoms we are fortunate to experience every day. Lest we forget.

Our VP Comms, @JohnstonMich, joins Progress Canada’s On Message podcast once again for the latest episode, Carneynomics. Michelle breaks down the federal budget and its strategy, and how it could shape the political landscape ahead. Tune in here: youtube.com/watch?v=87qg47…

Live from Calgary, AB! Syntax is proud to be on the ground supporting communications, media relations, and live social for the #CCRC2025 — a national gathering uniting researchers, clinicians, policymakers, and patient advocates to shape the future of cancer research in Canada.

Things got a little spooky today at Syntax. 🎃 A few of our team members’ little ones wanted to join the festivities and spread some cheer! We wish everyone a safe, fun, and treat-filled Halloween!