Paul Hartley

Paul Hartley, PhD,  

CEO of Human Futures Studio 

 

Paul Hartley is an anthropologist, foresight practitioner, and innovation specialist. As an applied researcher, Paul has worked with hundreds of innovation, R&D, and strategy teams and contributed to many of the products and services we all now take for granted. He has been a strong advocate for pushing the boundaries of what is possible in business research, with an emphasis on the benefits of being rigorously human-centric. As a consultant, he has helped companies, governments, and NGOs all over the world solve knotty problems, create better products, services, and experiences, and build research teams capable of meeting the demands of an increasingly complicated business landscape.  

  

When not in field doing ethnography, Paul is the CEO of Human Futures Studio, a global applied research consultancy HQed in Toronto Canada. He is also an author, speaker, and educator. His most recent book, Radical Human Centricity: Fulfilling the Promises of Innovation Research, provides practical advice to avoid the weaknesses in both market research and traditional innovation research, and unlock the potential of meeting your customers where they live. 

 

Mark Peco

Mark Peco, CBIP, is an accomplished Data Analytics Consultant and Educator with over 30 years of experience in data analytics, data science, and data management. He has a strong background in developing and implementing data strategies for organizations across various industries, including energy, utilities, and financial services. Mark specializes in teaching analytics concepts in an accessible and engaging way, using real-world examples and hands-on exercises. His expertise spans machine learning, data warehousing, business intelligence, and performance management, making him a valuable resource for students seeking to understand the practical applications of data analytics in today’s business environment.

As an instructor at York University, Mark has designed and delivered courses that bridge the gap between theory and practice. His teaching approach emphasizes the development of practical skills, empowering students to apply their learning in real-world scenarios. Students in his courses benefit from his extensive knowledge, industry insights, and passion for education.

Mark holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in engineering from the University of Waterloo and is a Certified Business Intelligence Professional (CBIP) at the mastery level.

Michelle Saba

Michelle is a trusted advisor and business leader with over 20 years of experience working with Canadian and global companies, including Cineplex, Loblaw Companies, Arterra Wines Canada, Constellation Brands, PepsiCo, Beam Global, the Wine Marketing Association of Ontario (WMAO), Wine Growers Ontario, and Food Network Canada. She has exceptional thought leadership in all streams of communication, including corporate reputation, issues and crisis management, public/media relations, and internal and executive communications.

As a Certified Investor Relations Professional (CPIR), she understands the complexities of publicly held companies and private equity investments, as well as the varying stakeholder demands and regulatory considerations. With a PROSCI certification in Change Management, she helps organizations navigate divestitures, acquisitions, technology and process restructuring, and people changes.

Leading with an enterprise mindset, Michelle creates strategies that support organizations through growth ambitions and transformational change. As a brilliant storyteller, she builds interest and engagement across an organization’s internal and external ecosystems. Her strength in fostering relationships with stakeholders forges strong alliances and trusted partnerships.

Gregory Milavsky

Management

Gregory Milavsky is a Founder of The Black Box Institute, an advisory boutique. He was formerly Managing Director/Group Head of Scotiabank Private Equity Investments and head of Merchant Banking for Rothschild Quantico Capital. Greg spent five years at Rothschild Canada Limited, most recently as Senior Vice President and Director. Prior to Rothschild, Greg was an investment banker with James D. Wolfensohn Incorporated in New York. Greg worked with the CIBC Group as an Associate Director, Corporate Finance in London and Tokyo. He has provided investment banking, corporate finance and financial advisory services to global public and private corporations and governments.

Amanda Dahl

Change Management, Operations, Project Management, Strategic Planning

Amanda Dahl is the owner and operator of Boost Consulting, a consultancy that helps clients become more effective and efficient. She has over 20 years of experience in project management, operational excellence, change management, strategic planning, geoscience, and facilitation across multiple industries.

Amanda holds a Master’s Certificate in Project Management with training in Lean Six Sigma: Green Belt and Black Belt. She is a Project Management Professional (PMP), Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP), and Prosci-certified Change Practitioner. Additionally, she is the Co-Chair of the Women in Mining and Women in Nuclear Saskatchewan (WIM/WiN-SK) Mentorship Committee and a Director on the Board of T2 Metals Corporation.

She presents her technical and real-world knowledge in an authentic, tangible way to enhance understanding and engagement, and enjoys connecting with people in a meaningful way.