Meet our Speakers

DEEPAK CHOPRA MD, FACP, FRCP founder of The Chopra Foundation, a non-profit entity for research on well-being and humanitarianism, is a world-renowned pioneer in integrative medicine and personal transformation. Chopra is a Clinical Professor of Family Medicine and Public Health at the University of California, San Diego and serves as a senior scientist with Gallup Organization. He is also an Honorary Fellow in Medicine at the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow. He is the author of over 90 books translated into over forty-three languages, including numerous New York Times bestsellers. For the last thirty years, Chopra has been at the forefront of the meditation revolution and his 94th book, Quantum Body - The New Science of Living a Longer, Healthier, More Vital Life co-authored with physicist Jack Tuszynski, Ph.D., and endocrinologist Brian Fertig, M.D. was published in December, 2023.. TIME magazine has described Dr. Chopra as “one of their top 100 most influential people.”

LOCATION: Toronto

Seven World Championships; Six Olympic appearances; Five Olympic medals; Four Olympic Gold medals – Hayley Wickenheiser is a titan of sport and a leader both on and off the ice. 

A first-ballot Hockey Hall of Fame inductee, Hayley’s hockey IQ is highly respected in both the male and female game. She has played in, or coached at, four NHL development camps – the Edmonton Oilers, Philadelphia Flyers and the Toronto Maple Leafs – having accepted a permanent full-time role of AGM of Player Development for the Leafs in 2020. 

Alongside her career in the NHL, Hayley is currently a doctor in the Toronto-area – a pursuit she had dreamt of her whole life and began in 2017 following her retirement from her 23 years on the National Women’s Team. 

She is a member of the Order of Canada, a retired member of the IOC Athlete’s Commission, Member of Canada’s Sport Hall of Fame, Founder of The Canadian Tire Wickenheiser World Female Hockey Festival and most importantly, a mom to her grown son Noah. 

LOCATION: Toronto

Rayhan's inspiring story is one of resilience in the face of adversity and constant change. He was diagnosed with an ultra-rare muscle condition in his early twenties that has gradually stripped him of his physical abilities, but he has continued to thrive in his personal and professional life. Rayhan is currently Vice President and Head of FP&A at Cineplex Entertainment, has traveled the world with his wife and children, pursued his passion for film, and advocates for disability rights and inclusion through multiple board positions. 

With over 25+ years of global leadership experience in technology, government, nonprofits, community-based organizations, and academia, Bhimani stands out as a builder, problem solver and connector. She adeptly synergizes the varied objectives and needs for technology companies to build inclusive and responsible tech/products/services that speak to diverse markets, users and consumers. She has a track record of empowering leaders and organizations to be innovative, resilient and legible to an increasingly dynamic world.

As Alphabet's first Chief Strategist and Director on Inclusive Technology, Business, and Leaders since 2017, Salima empowered 11 startup moonshot companies (Waymo, Wing, X, Sidewalk Labs, Intrinsic, Isomorphic, GV, etc) to shape sustainable businesses for Alphabet while improving the world. A trusted partner to tech CEOs and their emerging businesses of various scale, maturity and market fit, in fields like AI, venture, robotics, self-driving tech and biotech she enabled untapped, billion dollar people, product and business opportunities into the success of every moonshot. She built the foundational strategies, infrastructure and operations, while influencing an ecosystem of leaders and functions. 

Having worked with 1,000+ executives and key stakeholders, Salima pioneered innovative business and organizational change. She’s expanded the impact that technology, non-profit, government, education/academic and international sectors have in under considered and underinvested areas, increasing the potential of multimillion dollar outcomes. This included increasing effectiveness of resources allocated to high profile projects. Before joining Google in 2017, she was CEO and founder of a global consulting firm. From 2008-2015, Salima has held positions with the Canadian Federal government, City of Toronto, Harvard University and the University of Toronto. Within those organizations, she held roles such as director of programs and projects, consultant, global researcher, professor, and international project designer. 

She is a sought-after speaker and consultant who has spoken and led alongside global dignitaries. She has served on several non-profit boards and advised the United Nations on inclusive innovation and technology.

LOCATION: Toronto

Zabeen is a strategic advisor to both the private and public sectors, a thought leader in Future of Work, leadership, culture, purpose, skills-based economy, and diversity, equity, and inclusion. Her senior leadership and board experience enables her to bring a practical perspective to her advisory work and as a speaker, writer, and media commentator.  Now in her Purposeful Third Act, she is creating impact by activating her purpose: "to unlock the potential of people and build inclusive prosperity" and her mission is to scale this concept.  

Zabeen had a distinguished career at RBC (Royal Bank of Canada) where, before her retirement, she was Chief Human Resources Officer for 10 years, overseeing 80,000 employees across 40 countries.  She was a member of RBC's Group Executive Committee, which set the bank's strategic direction, and also held responsibility for brand, communications, and corporate citizenship.

Currently as Executive Advisor Future of Work at Deloitte, Zabeen advises clients on people and culture issues key to their transformation agendas and long-term success and leads Deloitte’s CHRO30 Forum, which convenes CHROs from leading private and public sector organizations.  She is Senior Advisor to Knockri, an AI-enabled recruitment and staffing assessment tool that mitigates bias. 

She serves as Special Advisor to the Clerk of the Privy Council, Co-Chair of the City of Toronto's Economic Development Advisory Panel, and Executive-in-Residence at Simon Fraser University Beedie School of Business.  Active in the not-for-profit sector, Zabeen serves on the Board of the Public Policy Forum, and the Board of Governors for JA (Junior Achievement) Worldwide. 

Zabeen has received numerous recognitions, including the Canadian HR Awards Ivey Business School Lifetime Achievement in HR Leadership, Governor General's Meritorious Service Medal for Diversity and Inclusion, SFU Outstanding Alumni Award, Catalyst Canada Honour for championing women and minorities in business, Top 25 Women of Influence, and three-time WXN Top 100 Most Powerful Women awardee and a Hall of Fame inductee.  Zabeen has an MBA from Simon Fraser University.

LOCATION: Toronto

Mike co-founded Wealthsimple, Canada’s leading financial services innovator, in 2014 and the company today serves more than three million Canadians. He has been named Entrepreneur of the Year by Ernst & Young, one of Toronto’s 50 most influential people by Toronto Life and one of Canada’s “Top 40 Under 40.” He sits on the board of Intact Financial and the Wealthsimple Foundation, an initiative that helps children from modest-income families save for post-secondary education.

Mike holds an undergraduate degree in Business from the University of Western Ontario, and a graduate degree in Management from Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University.

Tammy is the Director of HR for IBM Canada where she leads all aspects of the people and culture strategy impacting team members across the country. She is a member of the IBM Canada Executive Leadership team and works closely with IBM leaders both in Canada and globally to ensure the company’s people strategy in market is deeply grounded and aligned to business priorities. This includes championing digital transformation within IBM including the organization’s focus on leveraging automation and AI capabilities to improve HR processes, applications and technologies.

A committed advocate for people and driving change for the better, Tammy brings over 20 years of experience to her leadership role across talent and performance management, employee relations, conflict resolution, HR technology & transformation, diversity & inclusion, compensation, and complex employee relations. Prior to joining IBM, Tammy held roles in HR Technology consulting with PwC Consulting (acquired by IBM), and with one of Canada’s largest retailers.

Tammy is a Board Member for Women in Communication and Technology (WCT) and member of the Conference Board of Canada and a graduate of York University and Humber College.

Jodi is an experienced, visionary CEO leader and a transformative global brand builder. She is a growth strategist and a passionate connector of people.   

Jodi was the founder and CEO of #movethedial, which focused on the growth and equitable participation of all women in tech. Leveraging Jodi’s vision, wealth of experience, pioneering spirit and passion, the movement impacted over 60,000 people at events throughout Canada, the US, the UK and Israel. Jodi also previously led growth at Vetster, a telemedicine platform, and was the CEO at Peerscale, a technology membership association.   

Jodi is passionate about the intersection of equity, innovation, and the future of work.  Featured in Forbes Women, Jodi was recognized as an Adweek Brandstar in Toronto in 2018, One of Canada’s 25 Women of Influence in 2018, and one of WXN’s Canada’s 100 most powerful women in 2017 and 2019.   

Jodi holds an HBA from Ivey Business School at Western University and an LLB from Osgoode Hall Law School at York University. Jodi also authored Go Out of Your Way, a book about the power of people, relationships and building genuine connections, endorsed by Sheryl Sandberg. 

David Lloyd has a passion for transforming data into action to drive quantifiable value for customers. Prior to joining Dayforce, David served as the CEO of companies that successfully leveraged data science and intelligence to create amazing customer experiences, while simultaneously building award-winning cultures and SaaS platforms loved by customers. His motto: Never stop learning. 

Lital's journey to becoming a global innovation powerhouse began on the technological frontlines of Europe, where she built software products from the ground up. As her influence
grew, so did her scope, soon leading strategic sales for Fortune 100 giants across three continents. Her exciting journey has led her to live in ten different countries and to start four
companies, including UNFOLD, a haven for innovation, and The Academy of Tomorrow,
shaping the leaders of tomorrow.

Imagine a unique INNOVATION FRAMEWORK grounded in solid evidence. That's what Lital and her team at UNFOLD have developed, guiding organizations to  transform and grow their businesses. The result? Faster growth, higher profits, and a business model that's ready for the future and focused on improving their customers' lives. Then there's The Academy of Tomorrow, Lital's revolutionary approach to learning. With the future in sight, she's equipping leaders with the mindsets and skillsets to navigate and succeed in the world of tomorrow.

Her inspiring story, extensive experience, and the success stories of those impacted by her work underline her authority in connecting technology (disruptive technologies and system thinking) with humanity to create impact on a global scale. She's not just a guide; she's a game-changer—your game-changer. Let her ignite your transformation journey, and start seeing the change in your business and in your life today.

In her current role, AnnMarie leads Walmart Canada's human resources with over 100,000 associates supporting more than 400 stores, distribution centres and fleet hubs nationwide and a growing e-commerce business.

AnnMarie joined Walmart Canada in 2015 and has been instrumental in charting the retailer’s path forward on strategic initiatives driving the talent agenda, organizational design and future ways of working with her ability to translate strategy into action and collaborate across the organization.

AnnMarie is known as a developer of talent, motivating others to strive to their full potential, capitalizing on their unique capabilities and demonstrating how their actions translate to our ‘bigger picture’.

AnnMarie’s strengths will position Walmart Canada well in the next phase of its transformational journey, ensuring it continues to be associate-centred.

Prior to joining Walmart, AnnMarie held several senior leadership roles in both human resources and communications leading major corporate and global initiatives, including mergers and acquisitions around the world, driving the talent agenda forward.

Claudette McGowan is a global information technology leader with more than 20 years of success leading digital transformations and implementing cybersecurity platforms and solutions. She has worked in the technology industry for several organizations such as Deloitte, Metropolitan Police Services, North York General Hospital, Bank of Montreal, and TD Bank.

At BMO, Claudette served as the Chief Information Officer, Enterprise Technology Employee Experience, and at TD she was the Global Executive Officer for Protect Fusion & Cyber Experience.

Claudette is currently the Chief Executive Officer for Protexxa, a Canadian-based cybersecurity software and services company.

Claudette is an active member of the Canadian innovation ecosystem. She is Vice-Chair of MaRS Discovery District, and Board Chair of the Coalition of Innovation Leaders Against Racism (CILAR), a group of senior business leaders committed to creating platforms that break down systemic barriers within the innovation economy. McGowan recently co-led the launch of Phoenix Fire & The Firehood, a multi-million-dollar women-focused angel fund and network for women in technology.

Her commitment to community is evidenced by her multiple board seats for leading organizations such as Air Canada, SickKids Hospital Foundation, Black North, CILAR, Elevate Technology Festival, and University of New Brunswick Canadian Institute for Cybersecurity.

Claudette holds a BA from Lakehead University, MBA from Athabasca University, three Hon Doctor of Laws degrees from Carleton University, McMaster University and University of Waterloo. Claudette is currently in the Computer Science PhD program at Toronto Metropolitan University.

Kathleen (Katie) Taylor (JD/MBA/BA - CM) is Chair of Element Fleet Management and Altas Partners and is the Chancellor of York University. She is also the former Chair of RBC and the former President and CEO of Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts.

Katie is the Vice Chair of The Adecco Group in Zurich and a director of Air Canada and Mattamy Asset Management. She also chairs the Advisory Board of the The Cabot Collection.

A champion of women and children, Katie is Chair of the Board of the Hospital for Sick Children and the Past Chair and a member of the board of the SickKids Foundation. She is also a Founding Visionary of The Prosperity Project, a national not-for-profit devoted to the advancement of women in leadership and the economy. She has served as the Co-Chair of the Advocacy Committee on National Childcare and currently serves as Co-Chair of TPP’s Annual Diversity Report Card.

Katie is a member of the C.D. Howe Institute’s National Council, Co-Chair of their Human Capital Policy Council and a member of the Task Force on the Digital Economy. She is also serves on the Dean’s Global Advisory Council of the Schulich School of Business and is the current Chair of the Governor General’s Canadian Leadership Conference.

Katie earned an MBA from the Schulich School of Business, a law degree from Osgoode Hall Law School and a Bachelor of Arts (Honours With Distinction) from the University of Toronto. She has been a member of the Order of Canada since 2016.

Salim is a Partner with Radical Ventures where he leads the firm’s Velocity Team.  Radical Ventures invests in people shaping the future of how we live, work, and play by partnering with founders who understand the transformational power of AI.

Salim brings over 25 years of experience in the technology sector as an entrepreneur, venture investor, corporate innovator and innovation ecosystem builder. Prior to Radical Ventures, Salim served as President, Venture Services for Toronto-based MaRS Discovery District, one of the world’s largest urban innovation centres. Salim has held leadership roles with Indigo Books & Music, CX Digital and was a Partner with early-stage VC firm Brightspark Ventures. Salim was also a Co-founder of San Francisco-based MobShop Inc, a pioneering e-commerce venture funded by GE Capital, Visa International, Mayfield Fund and Marc Andreessen.

Salim is a graduate of the Ivey Business School at Western University.

Fahd is a startup workplace expert who teaches managers how to lead multi-generational teams. He specializes in transformative leadership and team dynamics training for high-growth startups. 

Through his thirteen years of experience building successful teams, he’s identified the tried and true ingredient that sets high performing teams apart from competitors — they had leaders who prioritized team performance over individual success. 

 He calls them Unicorn Leaders. 

Fahd has spoken to +65K people across North America on leadership and been named Rising Star Speaker and Most Entertaining Speaker by the Canadian Association of Professional Speakers. Now, he offers startup founder leadership coaching, offsite team-building retreats, and inspires audiences to become Unicorn Leaders through his corporate keynotes. 

Laura boasts more than two decades of experience providing strategic advice and legal representation to organizations on a full range of labour, employment law and human rights matters. She has specific expertise in conducting investigations and organizational reviews related to equity diversity inclusion and systemic discrimination issues.

As a speaker, Laura frequently chairs, educates and keynotes at legal, association and business conferences, and conducts customized in house corporate training to help organizations identify and address legal risks, implement equity, diversity and inclusion strategies, restore culture and optimize people management strategies.

As a recognized thought leader, Laura has been featured in various publications including Canadian Lawyer, Lawyers Weekly, Law Times, HR Professional Magazine, Canadian HR Reporter, Canadian Employment Law Today and Canadian Labour Law Today. In addition, she has appeared in various national broadcast and print media including CTV News, Global News, BNN, CBC Radio, the Globe and Mail, National Post, Canadian Business Magazine and Chatelaine.

In addition to her work, Laura is a member of various professional organizations and community service associations. She has been appointed as an advisor on the University of Western Ontario’s newly formed Equity Council and to the Adidas United Against Racism Accountability Council. Laura also has many years of service on various Boards of Directors, including most recently for Canadian Society of Association Executives and is the Chair of the 360Kids Board of Directors.