LEADERSHIP IN THE RISE OF THE MACHINES

Speakers

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  KAIHAN KRIPPENDORFF

  CEO of Outthinker Networks | Strategy & Innovation Expert

  Kaihan Krippendorff is the CEO of Outthinker Networks, a global think-tank of chief strategy and innovation executives shaping the future of business. He has been recognized by both Global Gurus and Thinkers50 as one of the top 30 global thinkers in strategy and innovation. Krippendorff’s work helps organizations generate breakthrough ideas that drive transformation and growth in our accelerated world of change.

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  Krippendorff combines skills and experience earned while working with McKinsey and Company with rigorous research of emerging trends to design practical business tools that deliver. He is an innovation catalyst to business leaders and CXOs of some of the world’s most admired companies. To date, his work has generated over $2.5B in new annual revenue for clients that include Aetna-CVS, JP Morgan, Lockheed Martin, Procter & Gamble, IBM, and Yahoo.

  A prolific writer, Krippendorff has published five books including the bestsellers, Outthink the Competition and Driving Innovation from Within. In May 2024, he will release his sixth book, Proximity: How Coming Breakthroughs in Just-in-Time Transform Business, Society, and Daily Life. Amidst a dizzying schedule of keynotes, workshops, ongoing research, and writing, Krippendorff still finds time to teach for Wharton Executive Education, Florida International University, and New York University; host the Outthinkers podcast; and play an active role on two corporate advisory boards.

  Krippendorff holds a doctorate in strategy and has degrees from the University of Pennsylvania School of Engineering, Wharton, Columbia Business School, and London Business School. With a mother from Bangladesh, father from Germany, and wife from Latin America, Krippendorff is a global citizen who brings a holistic, diverse, and worldly perspective to everything he does.

  Nobel Peace Prize-winner Muhammad Yunus said, “Kaihan shows that with a compelling idea anyone can change the world” and that message has made him one of the most sought-after business speakers in the world.

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  KIM SCOTT

  Author of Radical Candor and Radical Respect | CEO Coach at Dropbox, Qualtrics, Twitter

  Kim Scott is an expert in leadership and effective communication. Fast Company included Radical Candor on their list of 7 Books To Help You Be A Better Leader In 2020 and Business Insider said it was one of 57 Highly Influential Business And Leadership Books That Can Boost Your Management Skills.

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  Kim Scott is the author of Radical Respect: How to Work Together Better and Radical Candor: Be a Kick-Ass Boss Without Losing Your Humanity and co-founder of the company Radical Candor. Kim was a CEO coach at Dropbox, Qualtrics, Twitter, and other tech companies. She was a member of the faculty at Apple University and before that led AdSense, YouTube, and DoubleClick teams at Google. Prior to that Kim managed a pediatric clinic in Kosovo and started a diamond-cutting factory in Moscow.

  She co-hosts the podcasts Radical Candor and Radical Respect. She lives with her family in Silicon Valley.

• 
  SONIA SENNIK

  Executive Director of Creative Destruction Lab | AI Expert

  Sonia Sennik is the Executive Director of Creative Destruction Lab (CDL), a global not-for-profit organization that delivers an objectives-based program for massively scalable, seed-stage, science- and technology-based companies. Sonia is responsible for the CDL’s strategic, operational and programmatic leadership, coordination and oversight across thirteen university-based locations in seven countries.

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  From 2020 to 2023, Sonia led the CDL Rapid Screening Consortium, a unique project to develop and implement COVID-19 screening systems at workplaces across Canada to help reopen the economy and break the chain of transmission of the virus. Sonia worked with researchers to publish in two world-leading academic journals including JAMA Research and Science Advances, and won the 2022 PMI Project of the Year Award.

  Prior to CDL, Sonia spent a decade managing large-scale capital projects at Hatch Ltd., a leading global engineering firm. They are well-established in leading interdisciplinary teams of professionals working on multiple, complex projects.

  In 2020, Sonia founded the Sonia Sennik Resilience Fund at McMaster University to award an annual $8,000 entrance scholarship for an engineering student who has shown grit and strength of character in their life; the largest multi-donor endowment in McMaster Engineering history.

  Recently, Sonia was named as Canada’s Top 40 Under 40. Sonia is also the host and executive producer of Connected Intelligence, a podcast about all the things we bring to work that aren’t actually about the work.

  Sonia was the head coach of Rugby Ontario Senior Women’s Team from 2016 to 2018. Sonia is a proud MBA graduate at Rotman School of Management and was the first-ever recipient of the Social Impact Award. Sonia received the Rotman Emerging Leader Award to recognize their influential leadership talent to motivate, mentor and inspire others to reach their potential.  Sonia holds a B.Eng from McMaster University.

• 
  AVI GOLDFARB

  Rotman Chair in AI & Healthcare | AI Expert

  Avi Goldfarb is the Rotman Chair in Artificial Intelligence and Healthcare, and Professor of Marketing, at the Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto. Avi is also Chief Data Scientist at the Creative Destruction Lab and a Research Associate at the National Bureau of Economic Research. His research focuses on the opportunities and challenges of the digital economy.

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  Since receiving his Ph.D. in economics from Northwestern University, he has published academic articles in marketing, computing, law, management, medicine, physics, political science, public health, statistics, and economics. His work on online advertising won the INFORMS Society of Marketing Science Long Term Impact Award, and he testified before the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee on competition and privacy in digital advertising. His keynote speeches include the NATO Defense College’s 70^th anniversary event, the IEEE Aerospace Conference, and the European Commission’s Workshop on the Economics of AI. Avi’s recent research on artificial intelligence includes the bestselling books Prediction Machines and Power and Prediction.

  Power and Prediction: The Disruptive Economics of Artificial Intelligence

  Artificial intelligence presents an extraordinary opportunity and an extraordinary threat. But not in the way that might be expected. Today’s AI is best understood as prediction technology rather than a machine that can do everything humans do. Prediction technology can nevertheless transform industries. It does this by decoupling prediction from the other aspects of decision making, thereby creating new ways of delivering value. Unleashing this potential requires the invention of new ways of operating, many of which remain undiscovered. Today, we sit in a striking phase in the development of this technology, The Between Times after witnessing AI’s potential, but before its widespread impact. On the other side of The Between Times, when this process of invention is complete, the changes in decisions will mean changes in power. In industry, power confers profits; in society, power confers control.

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  PATRICIA THAINE

  Co-Founder & CEO of Private AI

  Patricia Thaine was on Maclean’s magazine Power List 2024 for being one of the top 100 Canadians shaping the country.

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  Patricia Thaine is the Co-Founder & CEO of Private AI, a Microsoft-backed startup who raised their Series A led by the BDC. Private AI was named a 2023 Technology Pioneer by the World Economic Forum and a Gartner Cool Vendor. Patricia was on Maclean’s magazine Power List 2024 for being one of the top 100 Canadians shaping the country. She is also a Vector Institute alumna and a recipient of the NSERC Postgraduate Scholarship, the RBC Graduate Fellowship, and the Ontario Graduate Scholarship.

• 
  CARI COVENT

  Head of AI & Emerging Technology, Canadian Tire

  As the Head of AI and Emerging Technology at Canadian Tire, Cari is responsible for using AI as a lever to drive both cultural and digital transformation.

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  As the Head of AI and Emerging Technology at Canadian Tire, Cari is responsible for using AI as a lever to drive both cultural and digital transformation. With a human-centered approach, Cari has a successful track record of leading the development and execution of strategy, roadmaps and operating models for Automation and Artificial Intelligence resulting in revenue growth, increased employee and customer engagement and operating efficiencies. Cari is passionate about developing innovative partnerships with start-up communities, research institutes and academic institutions. These partnerships have led to the ideation, shared learnings, development of novel AI products, scaled up-skill training, and the development of best practices on the operationalization of building and deploying AI responsibly.  Her approach to balancing the macro change required for successful adoption of AI with the value that it can generate has resulted in many international speaking engagements and advisory discussions.

• 
  DR. MARC MILSTEIN

  Neuroscience & Brain Expert | Author of The Age Proof Brain

  Dr. Marc Milstein provides science-based solutions to keep the brain healthy, lower the risk of dementia, boost productivity and maximize longevity. His new book, The Age-Proof Brain, is an Amazon bestseller and was nominated for the “Next Big Idea” award for best non-fiction book of the year.

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  Dr. Marc Milstein specializes in taking the leading scientific research on health and happiness and presents it in a way that entertains, educates, and empowers his audience to live better. His presentations provide science-based solutions to keep the brain healthy, lower the risk of dementia, boost productivity and maximize longevity.

  He earned both his Ph.D. in Biological Chemistry and his Bachelor of Science in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology from UCLA. Dr. Milstein has researched topics including cancer biology and neuroscience and his work has been published in multiple scientific journals.

  Dr. Milstein has been quoted breaking down and analyzing the latest research in popular press such as USA Today, Huffington Post, and Weight Watchers Magazine. Dr. Milstein has also been featured on television, explaining the latest scientific breakthroughs that improve our lives.

  Dr. Milstein’s new book, The Age-Proof Brain, is an Amazon bestseller and was nominated for the “Next Big Idea” award for best non-fiction book of the year.

• 
  JANICE STEIN

  Geopolitical & Global Economics Expert

  Whether it’s economics, geopolitics, or international security and terrorism, few people have a better understanding of global issues than Professor Janice Gross Stein.

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  Whether it’s economics, geopolitics, or international security and terrorism, few people have a better understanding of global issues than Professor Janice Gross Stein. Her dynamic presentations provide a unique perspective into what’s really happening around the world—from China to Russia to the Middle East and Europe—and what it means to her audiences. Professor Stein’s presentations not only connect the dots regarding key events, but provide a look at where things are headed, and where the potential dangers and opportunities may lie. Both realistic and hopeful, she leaves her audiences with a better understanding of current global issues, and a clear, compelling vision of the future.

  Stein is the Belzberg Professor of Conflict Management in the Department of Political Science and the Founding Director of the Munk School of Global Affairs at the University of Toronto. She is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada and an Honorary Foreign Member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

  Professor Stein was the Massey Lecturer in 2001, and a Trudeau Fellow. She was awarded the Molson Prize by the Canada Council for an outstanding contribution by a social scientist to public debate, and has received an Honorary Doctorate of Laws from the University of Alberta, the University of Cape Breton, McMaster University, and the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. She is a member of the Order of Canada and the Order of Ontario.

• 
  JAMES CUNNINGHAM

  Corporate Comedian | TV Personality

  From the smash success of his award-winning Funny Money lectures to his nightly stints on comedy stages across North America, Cunningham is simply one of the best.

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  The name James Cunningham is synonymous with excellence and professionalism in the entertainment industry. He has made quite a name for himself as one of Canada’s funniest and most versatile performers. His remarkable and diverse career knows no boundaries.

  From the smash success of his award-winning Funny Money lectures to his nightly stints on comedy stages across North America, Cunningham is simply one of the best. If it’s a master of ceremonies, keynote speaker, or just a fabulous evening of entertainment you’re looking for — look no further!  He has proven, time and again, that he is one of the most skilled professionals on- and offstage and has a long list of repeat clientele to prove it. He has been asked to host shareholder and annual business conferences across the country and around the world, repeatedly. Pepsi, Frito-Lay, Starbucks, KRAFT, Canadian Tire, McDonald’s, STAPLES, Nestle Purina, Walmart, GoodLife Fitness, BMO, Scotiabank, Proctor & Gamble, Medtronic, Ingram Micro, and Grant Thornton International are just a few of his past corporate clients.

  On television, James has been featured multiple times, including two of his own hour-long Comedy Now standup comedy specials for CTV and The Comedy Network, two Just For Laughs “Galas” for CBC TV, five seasons as a writer and actor on the award-winning television series Comedy Inc., and on NBC’s Last Comic Standing. He is also known internationally for hosting five seasons of Eat St., which gave audiences a curbside view of North America’s tastiest, messiest, and most irresistible street food. The food truck-themed show aired on Food Network Canada, Cooking Channel in the US, and in dozens of countries around the world. Cunningham’s Eat St. cookbook (Penguin/Pintail) was a North American bestseller.

  Cunningham has performed at and hosted events for the nation’s top corporations and distinguished crowds of all ages. His clean and audience-appropriate performances have earned him countless recommendations. Combining his knowledge of the stage and his experience as a standup comedian, he has entertained at over 1,500 shows in the corporate arena. His personalized presentations guarantee laughter and delight at every type of event and function imaginable. Whatever the theme or purpose of your next corporate gathering, Cunningham will provide the humour necessary to make it an especially successful and memorable one.

  Additionally, James continues to host sold-out events across Canada for THE POWER OF SUCCESS, where he has had the pleasure of sharing the stage with former US President Bill Clinton, Tony Robbins, Sir Richard Branson, Martha Stewart, Barbara Walters, Andre Agassi, Suze Orman, and Hilary Swank, to name a few. He can also be seen regularly on The Marilyn Denis Show on CTV.

• 
  DR. JP PAWLIW

  Leadership and Performance Expert | New York Times Bestselling Author

  Organizations face big challenges: whether it is an accelerated rate of change, the threat of disruption, ambitious targets, or aggressive competition. For over twenty years, JP Pawliw’s curiosity and passion for helping people manage their emotions has driven his research into the skills and tools required to build a culture of exceptional leadership.

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  As a highly captivating speaker and thought leader, JP brings his passion, humor, and engaging stories to every keynote. He challenges groups to think differently about human behavior and leadership, and how to manage the pressure that is overtaking so many organizations and individuals today. JP shows people how to leverage the power of the science of emotional intelligence, and to embrace pressure and manage disruption. He engages the audience with interactive opportunities to learn and strategies they can implement immediately.

  A renowned author, JP embedded his learning and stories into the New York Times bestseller, Performing Under Pressure: The Science of Doing Your Best When it Matters Most, co-authored with Hendrie Weisenger.

  JP’s clients have included leaders from Fortune 500 companies such as KPMG, UGH, and Allstate; the CIA and US Marines; as well as Olympic, NBA and NFL teams, to name just a few.

  In his Breakout Session, JP will speak to us about why people handle the first 92% of difficult conversations well, but when it comes to the last, most critical 8%—the part where emotions and stakes are high—they hesitate or hold back.

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  JOSIAH SHELLEY

  Founder of ForwardPath | AI Implementation Expert

  Josiah Shelley is the founder of ForwardPath, a practical AI company that helps organizations embed AI into their operations and increase their competitiveness in their industry.

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  Josiah is also the owner of Shelley Ventures, a boutique venture firm investing in a mix of tech and e-commerce companies.

  He has founded three ventures and sold two of them in the digital marketing and tech sectors, including a mobile marketing SaaS company in 2012. Most recently, in 2024, he sold his shares at Jan Kelley after helping 2x revenue into 8 figures and 4x profits in 5 years.

  Josiah holds an MBA from the University of South Wales and enjoys (mostly) raising two wonderful children with his wife, Sarah. In his spare time, he is a runner, cyclist, and swimmer.

  Josiah’s breakout will share his practical, cutting-edge insights on how to include AI into the operations of your organization to propel your business forward.

• 
  DR. KARYN GORDON

  Leadership & Relationship Expert | Maximizing Performance

  Dr. Karyn Gordon’s purpose is to develop great leaders who drive success both at home and work. A bestselling author, top 10 TEDx speaker, and media personality, Gordon has delivered over 1000 keynotes to more than half a million people across 17 countries — including Fortune 500 companies, entrepreneurs, and government agencies. She draws on her extensive research into leadership, relationships, and emotional intelligence to help audiences foster the skills needed to lead in the 21st century.

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  Dr. Gordon is currently the founder and CEO of DK Leadership, a global leadership coaching company specializing in emotional intelligence skills for organizations and families. Known for her expertise, she is often featured in national media outlets and is currently the leadership and relationship expert on Canada’s #1 daytime show, Cityline. She has previously worked with Good Morning America, Forbes, and The New York Times. Dr. Gordon is also a bestselling author with her most recent book, The Three Chairs: How Great Leaders Drive Their Teams’ Communication, Productivity, and Engagement, becoming a Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Amazon bestseller.

  A dynamic speaker, Dr. Gordon’s most recent TEDx talk “Why Confidence is the Secret to Great Leaders at Work and Home” ranked #6 on TEDx Talk’s Top 10 World’s Chart ranking their most popular talks in 2022. She excels at communicating complex research in a simple and passionate way, and specializes in building effective multi-generational workforces and increasing engagement, productivity, and retention. Her past clients have included Pepsi, Credit Union, Young Presidents Organization, Entrepreneur Organization, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Canadian Tax Foundation, Ontario Family Judges, the University of Alberta, and the Government of Alberta.

  Gordon has a bachelor’s in psychology, a master’s in counseling, and a doctorate in marriage and family. She has also completed several specialty leadership certifications with extensive research into generational differences, leadership, and emotional intelligence.

  Dr. Gordon’s breakout session will explore how attitude shifts drive leadership communication and productivity.

• 
  STEPHEN MILL

  President, Canada, Robert Half Executive Search | Talent Management Expert

  Stephen Mill brings 25+ years of experience in human capital advisory and serves as a trusted advisor to many companies. He has personally conducted hundreds of complex executive level assignments, specializing in finance, technology, and operations leadership advisory work with investment management, private equity, banking, manufacturing, and technology organizations.

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  Stephen began his career at Robert Half in 1996, serving as the Sr. Regional Vice President for Canadian and Northeastern US staffing operations. He left Robert Half to assume a national leadership role for Korn Ferry’s recruitment process outsourcing business, developing and rapidly scaling their Canadian operations as a member of their executive team. He returned to Robert Half in 2014, where he has since developed, curated, and expanded the executive search business and implemented best practices across the organization globally.

  Stephen is an advisor to FEI Canada’s CFO of the Year program, jointly sponsored by Robert Half and Protiviti. Stephen has been interviewed and quoted by numerous news outlets, and mainstream media publications.

  Stephen’s breakout session will explore a strategic approach to talent acquisition and development in the age of digital transformation and AI.