


KARIME ELIAS
Managing Partner and Founder
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With over 15 years of experience supporting top leaders and decision-makers, I’ve had the privilege of contributing to some of the most ambitious energy mega-projects in the world. Throughout my career, I’ve specialized in Strategy and Business Planning, leading teams to execute complex initiatives, facilitate strategic planning sessions, and develop innovative solutions to challenging problems.
My professional journey began in Mexico, where I was born and raised, and took an exciting turn in 2005 when I moved to Calgary. As a business student, I leveraged my bilingual skills to help coordinate a successful bid for a gas pipeline in Mexico, which ultimately opened doors for me to work full-time in Canada’s oil and gas sector. Over the years, I took on key roles in business planning, strategy development, and execution, with a particular focus on large-scale projects involving geographically dispersed teams and intricate implementation challenges.
After earning my MBA, my passion for solving complex problems and driving strategic initiatives led me to create FourSide Consulting. Through FourSide, I partner with leaders, founders, and organizations facing critical challenges, delivering tailored, out-of-the-box solutions through the FourSide Model—a client-centered approach focused on tangible results.
Currently based in West Kelowna, BC, I enjoy spending time with my family and embracing the great outdoors with my two boys.
BRAD CRAG
Senior Partner and Co-Founder
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Born and raised in Kingston upon Hull, England, I made Calgary home in 2002 and have spent the past two decades building a career in Canada’s energy sector. With a Master’s in Petroleum and Gas Engineering from the University of Salford in the UK, and a Bachelor’s in Energy Sciences and Mathematics from the University of Calgary, I bring a strong technical foundation paired with a passion for sustainable, results-driven project delivery.
My journey has taken me through a wide range of roles—from early-stage upstream projects to leading initiatives on some of the country’s most complex, large-scale energy developments. Whether supporting construction teams or advising executives, I’ve always gravitated toward the challenges that require technical insight, strategic planning, and meaningful collaboration. I’ve led key initiatives focused on improving productivity, managing costs, and streamlining processes across many diverse teams and disciplines.
What drew me to FourSide Consulting was the opportunity to work alongside a team of like-minded professionals who value innovation, authenticity, and the ability to make a real impact. I’m energized by the chance to help our clients navigate complexity and unlock strategic value in their most critical projects.
Outside of work, I stay connected to my roots through a love of football (soccer) and rugby—sports that continue to inspire my approach to teamwork, leadership, and continuous improvement.
LAURA ROBINSON
Senior Partner and Co-Founder
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I grew up in southern Ontario and moved to Calgary in 2002 to attend the University of Calgary, where I majored in Archaeology. Captivated by the city and the nearby mountains, I’ve made Calgary my home ever since, spending as much time as possible outdoors with my family and sharing my love for nature with my daughters.
My career has been a dynamic journey shaped by diverse experiences and a passion for solving complex challenges. I began as a field archaeologist in Ontario and Alberta, where I quickly identified opportunities to improve workflows. This led me to create a new role, build a team, and streamline processes for greater efficiency. After a decade in archaeology, I transitioned to the oil and gas industry, where I developed compliance processes, facilitated strategic planning sessions with executives, and spearheaded innovative initiatives to enhance workplace culture. Leading a national initiative with stakeholders across Canada honed my skills in communication, coordination, and creative problem-solving.
I co-founded FourSide Consulting to collaborate with visionary leaders, founders, and organizations seeking innovative strategic solutions to achieve transformative growth. By combining my creativity, organizational expertise, and exceptional client service with the diverse and outstanding skills of my partners, we have built a dynamic and cohesive team. Together, we deliver tailored strategies that empower our clients to realize their ambitions and reach new heights of success.
I thrive on tackling challenges with fresh perspectives and a focus on efficiency and innovation. Every obstacle presents an opportunity to rethink the status quo, and I’m excited to bring this mindset to help clients achieve their strategic goals.
Our Values
Integrity: We are honest in all our dealings to ensure transparency, confidentiality and trustworthiness in client relationships.
Collaboration: We build strong, cooperative relationships with clients and partners, with a focus on understanding and prioritizing the unique needs and goals of each client.
Excellence: We focus on taking strategic actions that lead to measurable outcomes, driving client success through continuous improvement and managing change.
Curiosity: We challenge the status quo to continuously learn and evolve through creative thinking and new approaches to solve problems.