Coaching and Collaboration

Sharone is President of Bar-David Consulting Inc., a company dedicated to building respectful work environments through training sessions, consulting, and specialized services for revitalizing the effectiveness of abrasive leaders. She brings to her work a unique synthesizing perspective gained through 20+ years’ experience as a lawyer, trainer, speaker, consultant and family therapist. Sharone’s insights into workplace-related matters are featured regularly in a commentary column she writes for the Canadian HR Reporter magazine. Her expertise in workplace change is featured in a book she has co-authored, Awakening the Workplace. Her tips-packed blog had become a destination for readers wishing to create respectful and engaged work environments.

People Leadership

Shawn is senior manager, learning design, with Royal Bank of Canada. For the past 20 years he has successfully merged his passions for technology, project management and adult learning into an intriguing career. Shawn graduated with a BSc in Computer Science from the University of the West Indies. He also earned certifications from the American Management Association and Prosci as a Certified Trainer and Change Management Professional. Shawn was often called upon to lead training teams on large transformational technology-based projects. He has also lectured to college classes on information management, project management and educational technology. Shawn successfully completed the Masters Certificate in Adult Training and Development (MCATD), became a Certified Training and Development Professional with The Institute for Performance and Learning and a Project Management Professional with the Project Management Institute. Shawn is currently the Learning Portfolio Lead for Retail Operations within RBC’s Personal & Commercial Banking segment, a learner base of approx. 9000 RBCers.

Municipal Sector, Public Sector

As one of Canada's most knowledgeable public service leaders, Shirley's 30-year career includes serving as Assistant Deputy Minister in three ministries: Ontario Women's Directorate, Ministry of Community & Social Services, and joint ADM of Operation and CEO of the Ontario Housing Corporation. Between 2001 and 2008, Shirley served the vital role as City Manager for the City of Toronto, advising the Mayor and City Council on major fiscal, organizational and service strategies. In 2014, Shirley completed a five-year term with Toronto Lands Corporation, where she helped oversee a $340-million revenue contribution.

Big Data and Analytics

With more than 10 years of consulting experience, Snehal focuses on helping large organizations unlock the full potential of their data through AI and analytics, and use it as an asset to drive profitability, reduce costs, mitigate risk. As a senior manager within Omnia AI, Deloitte’s AI Consulting practice, he specializes in advisory and large-program delivery to transform and mature enterprises across all aspects of data management, analytics, and AI.

Financial Acumen

Steve Weiss is an international negotiation specialist. For more than 30 years, he has delivered high-level negotiation training in academic and corporate settings. Steve is an award winning instructor, and his popular Schulich international negotiation program features “mega-simulations” to reinforce key negotiation techniques. Steve will be facilitating the dynamic Canada-China negotiation simulation at this special event. Steve's extensive clients to-date include American Express Canada, AT&T, Babcock & Wilcox, Celestica, Dassault Aviation, and Purolator.

General Management, People Leadership

Stephen specializes in teaching leaders and management professionals about various aspects of interpersonal communication, management skills and leadership development in the workplace. His extensive education experience includes online and live education. He is an award winning, Adjunct Professor of Organizational Studies at the Schulich School of Business at York University since 2000, where he teaches Organizational Behaviour, Team Development, Human Resource Management and Leadership in the BBA, MBA, Masters of Marketing, Masters of Management and Masters of Artificial Intelligence programs. Stephen has worked with groups and individuals across a broad range of industries Stephen’s casual and affable delivery style immediately puts his participants at ease and sets a unique interactive and engaging tone which has made him a sought after and repeat speaker, educator and coach for numerous organizations across Canada. His style is authentic, provocative, humorous and fun. He holds an M.A. and an Honours B.A. in Psychology. Additionally, Stephen Friedman is a skilled and recognized executive coach, facilitator and educator of leadership and management skills development, team development, organizational learning and human resource management for numerous organizations and individuals. His experience with in this area spans over 25 years.

Sales

Since 1989, Steve Gregory has led IsaiX Technologies Inc., a firm specializing in sales organizational development and technology. Their methods and technology supporting sales and sales management, have had significant impact in organizations such as ATB, Merck, Michelin, GDI, KeyBank, TD Ameritrade and TD Bank. In 2012 he was invited to sit as a Director of Acerus Pharmaceutical Corporation, a TSX-listed specialty pharmaceutical company actively developing medications for men’s health. Steve is a graduate of Carleton University, with an undergraduate degree in Law and Political Science. In 2013 he completed the Rotman School of Management, Directors Education Program.

People Leadership

Steve is an award-winning training consultant and instructional designer with a specialty in (and passion for) elearning. He has worked in the training and development industry for close to 20 years and was the lead designer for two Canadian Society for Training and Development design awards. He also won the inaugural Iron Mouse award for Storyline design at the 2015 Institute for Performance and Learning (I4PL) awards. In addition to his work as a facilitator for the Masters Certificate in Adult Training and Development (MCATD), Steve has been a regular guest speaker at I4PL’s national conference and spring symposium, York University and various networking groups across the GTA.

Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Marketing

Steve Pulver began his career in marketing and sales by selling cameras to pay his way through graduate school. Upon graduation he joined the more traditional marketing ranks at P&G. He then spent some time at CBS Records where he managed the Canadian launch of many of the '80s best selling artists. An opportunity to become a partner at a fledgling agency called Echo Advertising was too good to pass up and, in1987, Steve became a driving force in what would become one of the largest and most successful Canadian advertising agencies. Upon its sale in 2006, Steve turned to consulting and teaching, becoming a four-time teacher-of-the-year nominee at Canada’s #1 Business School, the Schulich School of Business at York University. A former stand-up comedian, Steve loves teaching as he says the audience has to pay attention and he gets to read his act! Steve’s entrepreneurial career continued at Mill Street Brewery where he helped to grow the business into the most successful craft brewery in Canada before it’s sale in 2015 to Anheuser Busch. Numerous other businesses attract his expertise, including a number started by former students, inspired by his passion and knowledge.

Healthcare

Dr. Steven Bongard obtained his DDS degree from the University of Toronto Faculty of Dentistry in 1986. His professional interest has been concentrated on all aspects of implant dentistry since 1995. He has extensive experience in implant placement, bone grafting procedures, and the prosthetic component of implant restoration. He has published and lectured nationally and internationally on implant placement, full arch rehabilitation and non-grafted immediate approaches to implant surgery. He presently maintains a dental practice in Toronto, Ontario, that is exclusive to the placement and restoration of dental implants. His recent focus has been on developing a community resource and training centre that can provide access to innovation, technology and advanced infrastructure, as well as support and mentoring, to the dental implant community.

Sales

Steven Rosen is President of STAR Results. Steven coaches sales executives and managers to lead with passion and ignite their teams to achieve outstanding results. Steven has more than 10 years of senior sales leadership experience in the healthcare industry.

Coaching and Collaboration, People Leadership

Suchitra is a seasoned facilitator and coach in strengths-based leadership development with years of experience helping leaders become their best selves. She is adept at creating a safe space for courageous conversations and supports participants in taking their learning to the next level. Her specialty is working with emerging leaders to strengthen their abilities to unleash their potential. She is certified with the International Coaches Federation and brings to the table close to 20 years of success in partnering with a wide range of business from hi-tech to not-for-profit as an employee, leader and outside consultant.