March 5 + 6, 2025
Join us for a dynamic two-day conference designed to help you unlock your leadership potential. Discover practical strategies to enhance your communication skills, connect with and learn from diverse communities, and implement actionable steps to foster a more inclusive and welcoming workplace and community.
The Cultivating Authentic Leadership conference is an empowering event bringing together over 20 distinguished speakers from across Canada, including leadership experts, communication specialists, diversity and inclusion leaders, and community advocates. United by a shared commitment to purpose-driven leadership, this conference offers a unique opportunity to explore transformative strategies for personal and professional growth.
See below for Speaker Bios, Presentation and Workshop Topics:
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At the Event You Will:
Learn from over 20 diverse leaders and experts.
Expand your network and engage in meaningful discussions.
Gain fresh perspectives on inclusive leadership and drive change in your organization and community.
Explore personal biases to improve your decision-making process.
Strengthen your communication skills to become a resilient and authentic leader.
Leave equipped with tips, knowledge, and practical solutions that help you thrive as a leader
Enhance self-awareness, communication skills, and create actionable strategies!
Who Should Attend?
This conference is for:
Corporate professionals
Government
Non-profit professionals
Entrepreneurs
Community leaders
Anyone who is passionate about driving meaningful change. It’s designed for those committed to making a difference both professionally and personally, through intentional conversations, authentic leadership, and transformative actions that foster inclusion, resilience, and growth.
Included:
Snacks and lunch
Guided networking activities
Presentations, roundtable discussions, and workshops
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Gain insights into impactful actions that drive positive change, like promoting open communication, leading with purpose, respecting everyone’s unique differences, and exploring the types of support needed to bring these initiatives to life.
Build confidence by learning how to navigate challenging moments with resilience, like providing tough feedback, making decisions under pressure, and respecting diverse teams, ultimately strengthening relationships and fostering change.
Engage in deep individual and collective reflection to uncover personal biases and organizational and societal barriers helping leaders improve self-awareness, foster trust and engagement, boost team performance and innovation, and build a resilient, inclusive culture leading to stronger teams, higher retention, and better long-term success.
Equip yourself with practical tools and strategies to create inclusive environments that boost employee engagement and retention, drive innovation, improve team performance, and enhance your organization's reputation and customer loyalty.
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Event Host and Speaker
Denise Young Facilitator, Trainer, Speaker, CEO, Tiger's Eye Advisory Group
Denise is a collaborator, activator, connector and broker. She is passionate about making a difference in every organization, community and with every person she connects with. An empowering facilitator and business strategist, Denise is always looking for continuous improvement which provides cost-savings to organizations. With over 20 years in public relations, project and change management, event management, facilitation, training/instructing, program development and communications, Denise's multifaceted experience fuels her success as an internal and external multi-disciplinary trainer and consultant.
Speakers
Katie Allan, M.Ed. Empathetic & Strategic Business Leader | COO, Sinogap Solutions
Katie Allan is a dynamic and people-centered leader dedicated to creating spaces where individuals feel heard, valued, and empowered. As Chief Operating Officer at Sinogap Solutions, she blends strategic vision with a deep commitment to leadership development, guiding organizations through research-backed insights, training programs, and coaching sessions that foster real transformation. Katie has expanded Sinogap Solutions’ organizational consulting services, helping organizations operate more effectively through organizational reviews, competency frameworks, culture assessments, change management, strategic planning, and research methodologies such as surveys and focus groups to inform direction and priorities.
With a Master’s in Education from the University of Alberta, Katie’s expertise in mentorship, organizational change, and leadership learning is rooted in both research and lived experience. She brings over a decade of formal leadership experience in higher education, specializing in volunteer and staff management, student mental health, curriculum development, program assessment, stakeholder engagement, and relationship building.
Whether leading high-impact research initiatives, facilitating leadership workshops, or amplifying meaningful conversations through the Tackle Tuesday podcast, Katie is passionate about fostering brave spaces where people can learn, grow, and lead authentically.
Tynan Allan Director of DEI, CultureING
Tynan Allan is an internationally recognized leader in DEI, known for creating impactful strategies that drive measurable change, always with a touch of fun and a no bullshit attitude. As the Founder and Director of DEI at CultureING, he has partnered with organizations like Rogers Communications, the RCMP, The Brenda Strafford Foundation, and Absorb Software to design inclusive strategies, policies and launch transformative Employee Resource Groups (ERGs). He was recently selected as a LinkedIn Top Voice for his contributions to the DEI industry; through his writing and content creation, Tynan amplifies underrepresented voices and shares actionable insights through his platforms. With over a decade of experience, he combines personal lived experience as a Biracial Queer Non-binary leader with professional expertise to inspire and lead people to highly practical organizational changes. As an Adjunct Instructor with SAIT and expert facilitator with Elevate Aviation and Toast, Tynan also spends a lot of time designing curricula and educating vast audiences on topics such as allyship, anti-racism, reconciliation and bias. His keynotes challenge audiences to rethink norms and equips them with tools to create meaningful workplace transformation.
Stephanie Anaka Indigenous Studies & Psychology Student at UBCO, Positive Pathways CEO & Founder
Stephanie’s unwavering commitment to seeking healing and justice for indigenous communities impacted by the IRS and the 60 Scoop stems from her ties as a survivor, plus the resilience she inherited from her ancestors. Through her dual studies in psychology and indigenous studies at UBCO, she strives to utilize knowledge and personal insights to instigate positive transformations and empower individuals to reclaim their cultural heritage. As the Okanagan director for the Sixties Scoop BC region, Stephanie spearheads initiatives to enhance awareness as a host for Well-being Wednesdays for sixty Scoopers, helping and championing the rights of those affected.
Brad Bartko Co-Founder & CEO, disabilityABD- Accessible By Design
Brad is the Co-Founder/CEO of Disability- Accessible By Design which provides education and awareness to businesses on how to be more inclusive and accessible for people with disabilities. Brad designss and delivers specialized training programs, workshops, and presentations that address the needs and challenges of diverse audiences and industries.
Sean Bosch, Senior Program Manager, School of Continuing Education, MacEwan University
Shaun Bosch is a continuing education professional with over 16 years of experience delivering high quality professional and personal development programming. His passion for adult learning is guided by his belief in the transformative power of accessible education and the importance of humility, gratitude, compassion and integrity. In 2023 he was recognized by MacEwan as an I.D.E.A. Leader for his contributions in promoting and advancing inclusivity and equity, and also received a DEI Champion Award from the Women in Leadership Foundation for his contributions to the Bridge to Gender Equality Project. Through his work in the community as a youth basketball coach, he has had the opportunity to help hundreds of kids understand the importance of leadership and the different ways we can lead.
Tiffany Connauton CEO Beyond Diversity
Tiffany is the Founder and CEO of Beyond Diversity Inc, an Organizational Consulting firm. As a dedicated advocate for positive change, Tiffany channels her passion into shaping a world where workplaces and volunteer organizations thrive through inclusivity.
Her commitment to improvement is not just a professional pursuit but a personal mission deeply rooted in her love for people and culture.
Tiffany's journey is marked by a combination of formal education and lived experiences, providing her with a unique perspective that sets her apart. Her strength lies in simplifying the complexity into targeted, multi-layered action plans, making her a strategic partner in the transformation of organizational landscapes.Diana Dimmock Accessibility & Size-Inclusive Consultant: RHFAC Fundamentals Certified
Amina Djirdeh Founder, Global Mastery Partners
Amina is the Founder and CEO of Global Mastery Partners, a firm dedicated to advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion (DEI) while driving innovation and sustainable growth in the finance industry. With over a decade of experience in investment banking, equity research, and private equity, she leverages deep industry insights to help organizations dismantle systemic barriers and build inclusive, high-performing teams. Amina specializes in designing actionable strategies that foster inclusive leadership, psychological safety, and cultural transformation. She is a sought-after speaker and educator, empowering leaders to embrace equity as a driver of profitability and change. Her work bridges data-driven analysis with a commitment to human impact, ensuring lasting results. Through her leadership, Amina inspires organizations to create workplaces where every voice is valued, and innovation thrives.
Alex Ibbotson Organizational Culture Consultant, Decolonizing Language & Policy Advisor Natural Progression Consulting
Carrie Lamb Empowering Growth | Leadership Coach, Facilitator, Speaker | Bridging Wisdom and Innovation
Carrie Lamb is a transformative decolonial HR practitioner, coach, facilitator, and public speaker committed to equity, inclusion, and justice. With over 20 years of experience, she challenges systemic inequities and dismantles workplace colonial structures. Her coaching journey began in HR, where she witnessed exclusion and harm, leading her to explore decolonial theory and anti-oppressive practices.
Carrie guides leaders to unlearn harmful paradigms, embrace authenticity, and lead with accountability and compassion. Her work is informed by facilitating workshops, designing equity-centered HR strategies, and speaking on stages nationwide. Today, she partners with organizations to build inclusive leadership and create workplaces where everyone can thrive.
Tara Langan, B.Mgmt. Reducing the stigma related to Neurodiversity in the workplace | Keynote Speaker | Course Creator
With a background in Human Resources and a recent ADHD diagnosis, Tara has established herself as a key voice in advancing normalizing neurodiversity in workplaces on LinkedIn as well as a keynote speaker. With several presentations including taking the stage at DisruptHR she is proudly inviting a call to action for workplaces to embrace neurodiversity and mental health in the workplace. Taking the lead on advancing neurodiversity in industry, she has partnered with Athabasca University to develop a getting started continuing education program: Neurodiversity in the Workplace training program for leaders, HR professionals, and teams. Tara's approach is centered on offering a universal human centric approach to the human experience. Her workshops are engaging, fun as she invites brain nudges around how we all operate differently.
Kristopher Marks VĪV Mental Health CEO and Founder
Kristopher Marks has established himself as a prominent voice in the fields of workplace mental health, culture, leadership development, and psychological safety,. His approach to creating equitable and inclusive workplaces highlights the benefits (and impacts) of addressing workplace challenges through a trauma-informed lens.
Kristopher is a Certified Psychological Health & Safety Advisor through the Canadian Mental Health Association, a Red Seal machinist, professional musician, and stand-up comedian.
Dee McWatters Founder,Dee McWatters Consulting
Dee came out to herself as transgender female on September 4, 2017, and to the world in January 2018, and began the long road of transitioning to her authentic female form. She is a long-time hockey player, coach, and on ice official and continues to play in Kelowna and officiate with BC Hockey. Dee has been selected to officiate the female provincial championships 3 consecutive years. Dee is one of the founding members of the BC Hockey Equity, Diversity, Inclusion work group and is an advisor on gender expression and diversity to Hockey Canada. She is the former Director of Transgender Community Involvement for Kelowna Pride Society, and the Current Vice President of Advocacy Canada, a 2SLGTBQIA+ advocacy group based in Kelowna, BC She is an aspiring author, having penned a yet to be published memoir entitled, “Sorry I Was Such a Dick When I Had One!” Dee is a philanthropist, creating fundraisers to support 2SLGTBQIA identifying youth organizations and bursaries, and an advocate and activist for equity, diversity and inclusion, and the 2SLGTBQIA+ community.
Nicole Middleton, Team Development, Coaching, Manager
As a previous business owner Nicole started to understand the power of philanthropy and empathy in the work place. Changing her career path to incorporate these values, she went on to doing careers as a Job Placement Advisor, Team Manager, Writer, and Motivational speaking to help individuals and organizations build a foundation with similar objectives.Chantha Nhem ACC ICF Coach & New Professionals Global Program Lead Nokia
My passion is to empower professionals to reach their potential and to support organizations to build more inclusive workplaces through action-oriented and results driven plans. I specialize in coaching & mentoring women in tech and early career professionals on the topics of professional development, navigating difficult conversations & situations in the workplace and career advancements. With my combined 15+ years of experience in leading diverse teams, change management, process innovation, employee resource group leadership, Corporate Early Careers Programming & Strategy expertise, I bring a niche set of skills to empower professionals and support organizations to build an inclusive work culture.
Jen Newsted Self Employed Settler Disrupting the Status Quo
A ripple making truth seeker, Jen's a white settler, born in what is currently known as Canada of mixed western european descent. A cis-straight, she/her pronoun using, non parent by choice, alcohol free, daughter, sister, auntie, friend, volunteer, and mentor.
A lifelong student intentionally disrupting the status quo to dismantle her colonial conditioning, Jen collaborates with entrepreneurs & organizations to lead, activate and elevate their transformational work.
Dr. Pagonis - Founder and CEO, Sinogap Solutions
As the founder and CEO of Sinogap Solutions, Dr. Pagonis brings over 20 years of expertise in researching, evaluating, designing, and implementing organizational processes that enhance communication and collaboration. With a Master’s in Educational Psychology from McGill University and a PhD from the University of Alberta, her research and commitment focuses on improving the way employees engage with one another to achieve organizational goals.
Dr. Pagonis is deeply committed to fostering psychological safety in workplaces, recognizing that mental well-being is a key component of overall health and safety. She is currently writing her second book, which is focused on psychological safety, and is based on the extensive research being conducted by Sinogap Solutions. This research aims to provide practical frameworks for creating “brave spaces” in which employees feel empowered to voice their thoughts and concerns openly, thereby enhancing organizational culture and performance.
Her first book, Choose to Be a Leader Others Would Want to Follow, provides insights on leveraging organizational processes to design and implement meaningful supports that enhance informal learning for leaders and employees. Her forthcoming book will delve deeper into strategies that organizations can adopt to prioritize psychological safety as part of their health and safety excellence.
Sinogap Solutions is committed to helping organizations create workplace cultures of psychological safety, trust, and innovation, ensuring that employees can thrive both mentally and professionally.
Jeff Sesol Entrepreneur, Leadership Coach, Business Coach, Author, Public Speaker.
With over 30 years of entrepreneurial success, Jeff Sesol is an accomplished business leader who has built and sold multiple companies, including FreeDrive, a pioneering web-based storage company, and SonMedia, an Internet safety platform for parents. Jeff's passion for business transformation and leadership development has been the cornerstone of his career. He brings extensive practical experience to business and executive coaching, helping companies unlock their potential and reach new heights.
His most recent venture, Pull the Chute, exemplifies his mission to help as many companies as possible grow by focusing on leadership and organizational culture.
Matteo Stewart Senior Inclusive Leadership Facilitator, Diversio
Matteo Stewart (he/him) is a 3-time International TEDx Speaker, Belonging Practitioner, Senior Inclusive Leadership Facilitator and Qualified Administrator of the IDI - Intercultural Development Inventory.. . His "YES, AND..." approach has been fostered over the past 30+ years from coaching, collaborating and advising Senior Leaders across North America in various industries, including Healthcare, Global Asset Management, Non-Profit, the Olympics, Paralympics, Pan Am Games and Film Production. After a leukemia diagnosis, Matteo left his coaching practice in Canada’s Financial district and moved to the mountains of the Okanagan Valley in BC to Build Community. He advocates for curating a sense of belonging in all workplaces while embracing the mantra that addressing unconscious bias takes conscious effort.
Harriet Tinka, Founder & CEO, Empowered Me Inc.
Harriet Tinka is a social entrepreneur, transformational speaker, and founder of Empowered Me Inc., where she leverages her extensive experience in leadership development and advocacy for equity, diversity, and inclusion. With a public sector financial management background, Harriet brings a unique perspective to her work, empowering marginalized communities and advocating for multiculturalism. She has served on the boards of the TELUS Friendly Future Foundation and the Canadian Multicultural Education Foundation, where she has championed initiatives that promote inclusivity and equal opportunities. Harriet's inspiring story of survival and resilience has made her a sought-after speaker known for connecting with diverse audiences and encouraging them to embrace their unique strengths. Her passion lies in uplifting others and creating spaces where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued.Sherilyn Trompetter Principal & Founder, MT Consulting Group
Sherilyn is a compassionate and authentic professional who has worked in various themes of diversity, equity and inclusion for over two decades. Sherilyn brings a trauma-informed approach to consulting organizations and coaching individuals and groups. A masterful facilitator, Sherilyn is able to elicit powerful insights and initiate transformative experiences. Sherilyn has extensive community service and volunteer experience. She co-founded ACT Alberta: the Action Coalition on human Trafficking, the leading research-based and outcome-focused human trafficking organization in Alberta. She has a passion for multiculturalism, social justice and community service and has over 18 years of board experience and is currently on the Board of Directors of the Edmonton Community Foundation.
Ruthann Weeks, Harmony In The Workplace, Founder and Principal Consultant
Ruthann Weeks is the Principal Consultant and Founder of Harmony In The Workplace. She is passionate about helping to create environments that support business objectives and the people that make them happen. She is an author and gifted keynote speaker who delivers a powerful message about today’s workplace challenges. Ruthann is an HR professional specializing in psychological health and safety, inclusion and belonging, workplace bullying, sexual harassment, domestic violence, and mental health at work. Harmony works with progressive leaders to create thriving organizations that attract and retain top talent.
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Presentations:
Finding My Place: Journey to Authentic Leadership
What It’s About: Many believe that leaders must be experts who never show vulnerability, keeping their personal lives entirely separate from their professional ones. But is that really true? Authentic leadership goes beyond guiding teams or achieving goals—it’s about staying true to your core values in all aspects of life. By embracing vulnerability and aligning your relationships with your values, you can lead with empathy, build trust, and foster meaningful connections.
Presenter:
Denise YoungTakeaways:
Discover how empathy and understanding can turn challenging interactions into opportunities for growth and mutual respect.
Gain practical insight into how aligning your relationships with core values strengthens your ability to lead authentically.
Leadership Insight: Authenticity in leadership begins with open, empathetic communication. Staying true to your values not only enhances resilience but also empowers you to navigate difficult situations while fostering trust and mutual respect.
2. Our Collective ReconciliACTION: Beyond Diversity
What It’s About: Understanding reconciliation as a journey distinct from DEI, focused on rebuilding relationships between Indigenous and settler communities.
Presenter: Carrie Lamb
Takeaways:Key differences between reconciliation and traditional DEI initiatives.
The importance of restructuring relationships for long-term transformation.
Practical ways to intersect reconciliation efforts with organizational goals.
Leadership Insight: Demonstrates inclusive leadership by addressing systemic inequities and fosters authenticity through commitment to reconciliation.Stronger Together: Power of Allyship, Mentorship and Sponsorship
What It’s About: Understanding how dismantling colonial conditioning is critical to leadership and essential in allyship, mentorship, and sponsorship. This session explores how leveraging networks of support can help break systemic barriers, amplify diverse voices, and create meaningful change.
Presenters
Chantha Nhem, Jen Newsted, Shaun BoschTakeaways:
The critical distinctions and interconnected roles of allies, sponsors, and mentors in dismantling colonial mindsets.
Practical tools for building relationships that empower underrepresented voices and challenge oppressive systems.
Proven strategies to grow and sustain impactful, equity-centered support networks.
Leadership Insight:
By addressing and dismantling colonial conditioning, leaders can create inclusive spaces where collective success thrives. This approach not only empowers diverse voices but also strengthens resilience, fosters accountability, and drives transformative change through supportive, interconnected networks.4. Breaking Down Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion: Challenges and Importance of Terminology
What It’s About:
Exploring the challenges of maintaining a focus on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) while addressing the debate on whether the terminology should evolve or remain consistent.Round Table Discussion
Facilitated by: Tynan AllanTakeaways:
Insights into the importance and meaning of each term: Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.
Opportunity to challenge and have open dialogue on the understanding of meaning.
Reflect on discussion to form an informed perspective of where you are at with this debate.
Leadership Insight:
Authenticity is strengthened when leadership aligns with the principles of EDI. Retaining these terms enhances resilience by fostering cross-sector collaboration and ensuring shared understanding of core values.5. Shifting Mindsets for Culture Change
What It’s About: How shifting biases and attitudes fosters organizational transformation.
Presenter: Tynan Allan
Takeaways:Techniques to challenge ingrained mindsets and behaviours.
The role of leadership in driving cultural change.
Steps to create an inclusive, forward-thinking workplace.
Leadership Insight: Promotes inclusive growth by addressing cultural biases and builds resilience by embracing change.6. Global Insights, Local Impact: Mastering Cultural Agility
What It’s About: Building intercultural skills to create inclusive and respectful workplaces.
Presenter: Amina Djirdeh
Takeaways:Understanding key cultural differences and how they shape workplace dynamics.
Developing practical skills for cultural agility.
Enhancing workplace inclusivity by valuing diverse perspectives.
Leadership Insight: Fosters inclusive leadership by embracing cultural diversity and builds authenticity through culturally aware practices.7. Authentic Leadership in Action: Agile & Neuroscience Techniques for Lasting Change
What It’s About: Using neuroscience and agile methods to implement meaningful change as a leader
Presenter: Sherilyn Trompsetter
Takeaways:Agile techniques for fostering sustainable, lasting change.
Neuroscience-driven tools for reducing resistance and enhancing collaboration.
Principles of authentic leadership to inspire trust and drive success.
Leadership Insight: Builds resilience by embracing innovative strategies and strengthens authenticity by fostering trust in the change process.
8. Rise Strong: Embracing Courage and Resilience in Leadership
What It’s About: Leading with vulnerability, authenticity, and strength in the face of challenges.
Presenter: Dee McWatters
Takeaways:The power of vulnerability in building authentic connections.
Tools to foster resilience and inspire others during uncertainty.
Strategies for leading courageously in challenging environments.
Leadership Insight: Enhances resilience through bold leadership and demonstrates authenticity by embracing vulnerability.9. Everyday Commitment: Showing Up for Your Team
What It’s About: Building trust and alignment by showing up consistently for your team.
Presenter: Nicole Middleton
Takeaways:The importance of reliability in leadership.
Aligning actions with values to deepen team trust.
Strategies to foster loyalty and connection through consistent engagement.
Leadership Insight: Builds authenticity through consistent actions and strengthens inclusive leadership by prioritizing team well-being.10. Sawubona: Unlocking Connection Through the Power of Presence
What It’s About: Exploring the power of recognition and presence to foster inclusivity and connection.
Presenter: Harriet Tinka
Takeaways:Understanding the African concept of "Sawubona" and its impact on relationships.
Tools to make others feel seen and valued in personal and professional contexts.
Strategies to transform organizational culture through acknowledgment.
Leadership Insight: Strengthens authenticity by valuing others deeply and fosters inclusivity through genuine connections.11. Rekindling Identity: Indigenous Leadership and the Quest for Belonging
What It’s About: Centering cultural identity and belonging in Indigenous leadership.
Presenter: Stephanie Anaka
Takeaways:Exploring the interplay of tradition and modernity in Indigenous leadership.
The importance of cultural identity in fostering belonging.
Bridging traditional wisdom with contemporary practices.
Leadership Insight: Demonstrates authenticity by honouring cultural identity and fosters resilience by embracing diverse leadership styles.12. Inclusive Leadership in Action: A Guide for Change-Makers
What It’s About: Practical strategies to operationalize inclusive leadership.
Presenter: Matteo Stewart
Takeaways:Overcoming barriers to inclusivity.
Building equitable systems for team success.
Aligning leadership practices with inclusive values.
Leadership Insight: Strengthens authenticity through values-driven leadership and promotes inclusive growth.13. Breaking Barriers: Ensuring Accessibility for Everyone
What It’s About: Designing accessible spaces and policies to support inclusivity.
Presenter: Brad Bartko
Takeaways:Identifying barriers to accessibility and addressing them effectively.
Practical steps for fostering inclusion for individuals with disabilities.
Building policies and spaces that empower everyone.
Leadership Insight: Fosters inclusivity through accessibility and strengthens authenticity by addressing systemic barriers.14. Mind Matters: Integrating Mental Wellness into EDI and Self-Care
What It’s About: Balancing self-care and EDI work to sustain mental wellness in leadership.
Presenter: Kristopher Marks
Takeaways:Understanding the intersection of mental health and equity.
Tools for prioritizing self-care while leading inclusively.
Strategies to sustain mental wellness in diverse teams.
Leadership Insight: Builds resilience by promoting wellness and demonstrates authenticity by prioritizing balance.15. How Your "WHY" Defines You as a Leader
What It’s About: Understanding your core "why" to guide authentic and purpose-driven leadership.
Presenter: Jeff Sesol and Denise Young
Takeaways:The importance of aligning leadership actions with personal purpose.
Strategies to identify and articulate your "why" for greater clarity and impact.
Tools to inspire and motivate teams by leading with purpose.
Leadership Insight: Builds authenticity by grounding leadership in personal values and strengthens resilience by fostering purpose-driven decision-making.
16. Accessibility and Size Inclusion
What It’s About: Understanding the often-overlooked barriers faced by individuals of diverse body sizes in workplaces and public spaces. This session highlights the importance of designing inclusive environments, policies, and practices that accommodate all body types, ensuring equity and dignity for everyone.
Presenter:Diana Dimmock
Takeaways:
Understanding the barriers faced by individuals of diverse body sizes in workplaces and public spaces.
Practical strategies to create inclusive environments that accommodate all body types.
How to advocate for policies and practices that promote size diversity and accessibility.
Leadership Insight: Leaders who prioritize accessibility and size inclusion foster truly equitable environments. By addressing systemic biases and implementing inclusive policies, they strengthen authenticity, enhance team well-being, and drive cultural change
ROUND TABLES
1. Blueprint for Belonging: Crafting Inclusive Policies That Work
What It’s About: Designing policies that align with inclusive organizational goals.
Facilitator: : Tiffany Connauton
Takeaways:Understand how policies can support and shape corporate cultures.
Learn about inclusive benefits that drive engagement and retention.
Rethink statutory holidays for equity and belonging.
Leadership Insight: Builds inclusive leadership by embedding equity into policy design and demonstrates authenticity through intentional action.
2. Creating Brave Spaces: Building Connections Through Courageous Empathy
What It’s About: Discover innovative approaches to cultivating psychological safety in your workplace. Rooted in the concept of brave spaces, this session invites participants to embark on a transformative learning journey - moving from self-awareness, inspired by authentic leadership principles, to fostering meaningful connections with others through courageous empathy.
Facilitators: Dr. Pagonis and Katie AllanTakeaways:
1. Frame of Reference: Gain insight into your personal frame of reference in relation to dimensions of identity and learn actionable steps to broaden your understanding of others' perspectives.
2. Perspective Shifting: Develop the ability to shift your frame of reference to better appreciate and engage with diverse identities and lived experiences.
3. Reflection on Challenges: Reflect on moments when your frame of reference was challenged, examining the impact on relationships and workplace dynamics.
4. Creating Inclusive Spaces: Build the confidence to foster brave spaces where diverse perspectives are welcomed, and individuals feel seen, heard, and valued.
3. Safe Spaces, Strong Teams: Fostering Psychological Safety in Inclusive Spaces
What It’s About: Creating environments where employees feel empowered to show up authentically and take interpersonal risks.
Facilitator: Ruthann Weeks
Takeaways:Understanding the role of trust in psychological safety.
Techniques to address intersectional diversity in workplace dynamics.
Strategies to evaluate and measure success in creating safe spaces.
Leadership Insight: Promotes resilience by supporting team growth and strengthens inclusivity by ensuring diverse voices are protected and valued.4. Unlocking Authenticity: Overcome What Holds You Back as a Leader
What It’s About: Identifying and addressing barriers to leading authentically.
Facilitator: Jeff Sesol
Takeaways:Tools to uncover and address personal limitations in leadership.
Strategies to cultivate confidence and authenticity in decision-making.
Practical techniques to align leadership actions with core values.
Leadership Insight: Builds authenticity by fostering self-awareness and enhances resilience by confronting challenges with confidence.
5. Creating Adaptive Spaces Through Diversity
What It’s About: Leveraging diversity and adaptability to foster innovation in teams and organizations.
Facilitator: Alex Ibbotson
Takeaways:Understand why adaptive space is essential for organizations.
Techniques to create adaptive space, by fostering diversity.
Tools to develop an adaptive mindset for leaders.
Leadership Insight: Promotes inclusive leadership by embracing diverse inputs and builds resilience by fostering adaptability in dynamic environments.
6. Speak Your Truth: Mastering Communication for Authentic Connections
What It’s About: Developing self-awareness and communication skills to build genuine, impactful relationships.
Facilitator: Harriet Tinka
Takeaways:The role of self-awareness in effective communication.
Practical tools for clear, confident, and authentic expression.
Techniques to navigate challenging conversations with empathy.
Leadership Insight: Builds authenticity by aligning communication with core values and fosters resilience by improving relational trust.
7. From Values to Profits: Making DEI a Core Business Strategy
What It’s About: Embedding DEI principles into business strategies to drive innovation and long-term success.
Facilitator: Chantha Nhem
Takeaways:Quantitative insights and ROIs for successful DEI buy-in.
Effective DEI strategies for organizational transformation.
Overcoming challenges in executing DEI initiatives.
Leadership Insight: Enhances inclusive leadership by aligning DEI with business priorities and demonstrates authenticity through commitment to equitable practices.8.Neurodiversity Unplugged: Truths Every Workplace Needs to Hear
What It’s About: Creating neuroinclusive workplaces by valuing and supporting diverse ways of thinking.
Facilitator: Tara Langan
Takeaways:Normalizing and embracing neurodiversity in workplace dynamics.
Practical tools to support neurodivergent individuals effectively.
Empathy mapping exercises to foster understanding and inclusion.
Leadership Insight: Promotes inclusive leadership by valuing diverse cognitive approaches and demonstrates authenticity by leading with empathy and understanding.
9. Resiliency in Leadership: Driving DEI with Strength and Purpose
What It’s About: Equipping individual leaders with the resilience needed to champion diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the face of challenges and resistance.
Facilitator: Sherilyn Trompetter
Takeaways:
Understanding how personal resilience enhances a leader’s ability to drive DEI efforts.
Strategies to navigate setbacks, maintain focus, and inspire others in advancing DEI goals.
Practical tools for building emotional intelligence and fostering authentic, inclusive leadership practices.
Leadership Insight:
Strengthens leaders’ ability to persevere in challenging DEI environments, deepens their commitment to equity, and enhances their capacity to build trust and inclusion through resilient, purpose-driven action.