“I was looking for something in a similar space, but with more meaning,” says Culic. “When I looked into Resonance, it just clicked.”
The company’s work spans brand development, tourism strategy, placemaking, urban planning, and high-end hospitality. Their projects take them across the globe, often balancing creativity with data and long-term vision.
From Advertising to Impact
Culic’s path to Resonance began in Vancouver’s agency scene, with stints on both brand and creative sides. Over time, he shifted from client services to leadership roles, eventually becoming Managing Director at a social agency before joining Resonance.
“I was the account guy,” he says. “I knew how to build great relationships, write strategy, and bring in the right people to execute. Becoming Managing Director meant stepping up to oversee the business as a whole—everything from proposals and pitches to team development and innovation.”
That innovation includes exploring tools like AI to streamline work and support methodical, strategic growth.
A Global Footprint Rooted in Community
Resonance works across diverse sectors, but their common thread is place-based strategy. From community branding to tourism master plans, the team brings together data, design, and insight to help cities and developers build stronger, more meaningful destinations.
“Our projects take us around the world,” says Culic. “One day we’re working on placemaking for the Shipyards district in North Vancouver, to luxury resort developments in Punta Mita in Mexico, to city branding campaigns in Brussels in Europe.”
The firm also works with luxury hotel brands and releases a biennial report on the future of luxury travel. “That keeps our pulse on the market,” says Culic, “and lets us offer better branding to global hospitality clients.”
Turning Data into Demand
One of Resonance’s most well-known contributions to the field is their annual World’s Best Cities rankings. These benchmark cities based on livability, lovability, and prosperity—data-backed factors that influence both tourism and talent attraction.
“We started with a global top 100, but eventually added regional reports for the Americas, Europe, and Asia,” says Culic. “Every time a report comes out, cities reach out. They want to understand why they ranked where they did—or how they can climb higher.”
This data-driven marketing tool generates strong inbound leads and positions Resonance as a global thought leader.
Hosting the World’s Most Innovative City Thinkers
Building on the momentum of the reports, Resonance also hosts an annual WRLDCTY event, a global forum for urban transformation. This fall, for the first time, the event will take place in Vancouver.
“We bring together hundreds of people who are shaping the future of cities,” says Culic. “It’s a think tank rooted in climate resilience, culture, development—you name it.”
The event reinforces the company’s global profile while creating a rare space for collaboration among civic and commercial leaders.
Why This Work Matters
Revitalizing cities means working with large, often complex stakeholder groups, which Culic sees as both challenging and rewarding.
“You’re not just selling a product—you’re helping define the heart and soul of a place,” he says. “That’s the part that feels meaningful. You can come back in 10 or 20 years and still see the impact of what you built.”
For Culic, that’s a significant shift from short-lived campaigns. “It’s not a flash-in-the-pan social ad anymore. It’s long-term, strategic work with lasting value.”
Partnering with Goldbeck to Build the Right Team
As part of his leadership role, Culic is also tasked with building the right internal team—and that’s where Goldbeck Recruiting came in.
“I needed someone to help find our new Director of Finance and Admin—someone who’d be a true right hand to me and align with our values,” he explains.
Culic turned to Goldbeck based on a recommendation, and was impressed by their approach.
“Henry and the team made it feel like I was meeting a new family. They weren’t just dumping resumes—they really listened to what we needed.”
The result? A perfect-fit hire who joined the team the same week Culic sat down for this interview.
“It wasn’t just about checking boxes,” says Culic. “It was about character, cultural alignment, and understanding the importance of things like diversity and inclusion. The experience was nothing but lovely.”
Final Thoughts
From revitalizing cities like Baltimore to shaping entire communities in Canada, Resonance’s work reflects both global ambition and local care. And under Dan Culic’s leadership, the consultancy continues to grow with intention—fueled by smart data, human insight, and a team that shares his purpose-driven mindset.
Need help finding great candidates for your workplace? Goldbeck Recruiting is ready! Contact us today and let’s get started!
