We built this to solve a real problem
Back in 2020, a budget coordinator named Isabeau Thériault sat in a dim conference room watching executives glaze over during her presentation. The numbers were solid. The projections were accurate. But nobody was listening. That moment sparked something that became Novitrus.
What we actually do
Interactive scenario training
You walk through real budget presentations that went sideways. The client who interrupted. The CFO who fixated on one line item. The board member who challenged your methodology. Each scenario teaches you how to handle pressure without losing your thread.
Instant feedback system
After you submit an answer or complete a presentation segment, you immediately see what worked and what fell flat. We show you alternative phrasings, point out missed opportunities, and explain why certain approaches land better with finance executives.
Progress tracking
The system tracks which presentation techniques you've mastered and which still trip you up. You can see your improvement over weeks, identify patterns in your mistakes, and focus practice time on areas that actually need work.
Real budget templates
We provide the actual documents you'll need: variance analysis frameworks, executive summary formats, assumption documentation sheets. These aren't theoretical examples. They're templates that work in real finance departments at real companies.
How we got here
Started with one frustrated coordinator
Isabeau spent three months interviewing finance professionals who struggled with presentations. The pattern was clear: they knew the numbers but couldn't communicate them effectively under pressure. Traditional presentation training didn't address the specific challenges of budget work.
Built the first scenario library
Working with Vaughn Kellaway, a former corporate trainer, we documented twenty real presentation disasters and the techniques that could have prevented them. These became the foundation for our interactive scenarios. Beta testers from three companies helped refine the feedback system.
Expanded beyond basics
After working with over 800 students, we added advanced modules covering board presentations, crisis budget situations, and multi-stakeholder negotiations. The platform evolved based on direct feedback about what people actually struggled with in their jobs.
Current focus
We're running cohorts for municipal finance teams and mid-sized company budget coordinators. Recent additions include modules on remote presentation techniques and handling virtual budget committee meetings. The platform now covers 47 distinct scenario types based on real situations our students encountered.
What drives our approach
Practical focus
Every exercise comes from actual budget presentations. We don't teach theory or generic communication skills. You practice the specific techniques that work when explaining variance analysis or defending capital expenditure requests.
Honest feedback
When your answer misses the mark, we tell you why and show you what would have worked better. No vague encouragement or participation trophies. Just direct assessment of whether your approach would survive a real stakeholder meeting.
Respect for time
Each module takes 25 to 40 minutes. You can complete them during lunch breaks or after work. No mandatory webinars, no scheduled sessions, no waiting for cohort dates. Access everything immediately and work at whatever pace fits your schedule.