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Toronto CHRO Virtual Executive Summit
December 2, 2021 | 8:00am - 3:30pm EST
December 2, 2021 | 8:00am - 3:30pm EST
Collaborate with your peers
Come together with your peers virtually to tackle top business challenges through peer-driven content and discussions at the Toronto CHRO Virtual Executive Summit.
Join your peers to discuss the most critical issues impacting CHROs today:
Creating meaningful and actionable initiatives that drive diversity, equity and inclusion
Initiating programs that engage whole-person wellness
Transforming purposeful leadership in the new era of HR
Governing Body Co-Chairs
![](https://resources.eventbeyond.com/evantaconnect/production/profile/113667_1635971599.jpg?4499)
Sonia Boyle
Gore Mutual Insurance Co.
Chief Human Resources Officer
![](https://resources.eventbeyond.com/evantaconnect/production/profile/13424.jpg?8109)
Cathie Brow
Revera
SVP, Human Resources & Communications
![](https://resources.eventbeyond.com/evantaconnect/production/profile/100130_1637227930.jpg?2898)
Barb Keenan
LCBO
Chief People Officer
![](https://resources.eventbeyond.com/evantaconnect/production/profile/99644_1583956786.jpg?2711)
Marcia Mendes-d'Abreu
Foresters Financial
Global Chief Human Resources Officer
![](https://resources.eventbeyond.com/evantaconnect/production/profile/192354_1617376863.jpg?6610)
Rashid Wasti
Weston Group of Companies
EVP & Chief Talent Officer
![](https://resources.eventbeyond.com/evantaconnect/production/profile/110361.jpg?2593)
Tova White
Giant Tiger
SVP and Chief Human Resources Officer
What to Expect
Connect with your CHRO community through a variety of different session formats at the upcoming Virtual Executive Summit. You'll have the opportunity to listen, engage and create lasting relationships with like-minded peers.
Agenda
December 2, 2021
11:30am - 12:30pm EST Executive Boardroom
Roadmap to Resilience — Mental Health in the Workplace
Hosted by Sun Life
![Dave Jones headshot Dave Jones headshot](https://resources.eventbeyond.com/evantaconnect/production/profile/140133_1619126097.jpg?2783)
Dave Jones
President
Sun Life Health
![Lora Haak headshot Lora Haak headshot](https://resources.eventbeyond.com/evantaconnect/production/profile/307912_1637539056.jpg?6507)
Lora Haak
Senior Vice President Human Resources
McKesson Canada
![Sebastian Calvo headshot Sebastian Calvo headshot](https://resources.eventbeyond.com/evantaconnect/production/profile/198771_1606776031.jpg?9111)
Sebastian Calvo
VP, Human Resources - Global Business Human Resources
Apotex
In any given week, 500,000 employed Canadians cannot work due to mental health issues. Facing one of the greatest health challenges of our time, CHROs must find new ways to build the innate resilience of employees to help reduce absence and burnout, improve productivity and increase retention. How can leaders take tangible steps to better support employees’ mental health and thereby increase overall organizational resilience?
In this session, HR leaders will explore:
- Key insights surrounding mental health impacts and long-term implications for the business
- How to understand the unique stressors of a diverse workforce and align programs accordingly
- Fostering a culture of connection in a hybrid environment to better support employee mental health and build individual resilience
11:30am - 12:30pm EST Executive Boardroom
Bridging the Benefits Gap for a Diverse Workforce
Hosted by TELUS Health
![Sonya Lockyer headshot Sonya Lockyer headshot](https://resources.eventbeyond.com/evantaconnect/production/profile/432614_1635872400.jpg?7351)
Sonya Lockyer
Vice President and General Manager
TELUS Health
![Janet Joubran headshot Janet Joubran headshot](https://resources.eventbeyond.com/evantaconnect/production/profile/222803_1606776886.jpg?4889)
Janet Joubran
Chief People Officer
Yum Brands - KFC Canada
![Dorena Quinn headshot Dorena Quinn headshot](https://resources.eventbeyond.com/evantaconnect/production/profile/288070_1609770571.jpg?6242)
Dorena Quinn
VP, People
IAMGOLD
The labor shortage has organizations searching for creative ways to attract new talent and prevent attrition. As a result, many CHRO’s are re-evaluating their benefits offerings to maximize flexibility, increase engagement and support a workforce with diverse needs. But between budget constraints, bids for new and improved benefits in addition to increased employee demands, how and where do you compromise?
Join this interactive session to discuss:
- Key trends in employee expectations vs offerings, and which benefits are considered “deal breakers”
- Understanding the diversity of your workforce and designing personalized offerings to meet contrasting employee needs
- Sustainable solutions to help reduce absenteeism, increase productivity and foster a culture of wellness
11:30am - 12:30pm EST Executive Boardroom
Solving the People Challenge in Identifying Leadership Potential
Hosted by Thomas International
![Merle Ballaigues headshot Merle Ballaigues headshot](https://resources.eventbeyond.com/evantaconnect/production/profile/140171_1635171013.jpg?9001)
Merle Ballaigues
President
Thomas International
![Deanne Dillon headshot Deanne Dillon headshot](https://resources.eventbeyond.com/evantaconnect/production/profile/341610_1636160861.jpg?6453)
Deanne Dillon
Chief People Officer
HUB International Ontario
![Greg Mackie headshot Greg Mackie headshot](https://resources.eventbeyond.com/evantaconnect/production/profile/302332_1588685301.jpg?3018)
Greg Mackie
VP, Human Resources & EHS
Norbord
Identifying future leaders is a constant struggle for many organizations. There have historically been subjective measurements to evaluate leadership capability and high potentials. Currently, new factors such as hybrid/remote work, resignations, and retirements are leaving employee development pipelines drained and organizations looking for new solutions for leadership development.
In this session, HR leaders will discuss:
- Identifying and measuring leadership potential, as well as performance readiness
- Removing historical biases to find the hidden gems within your organization
- How to be proactive rather than reactive in building a leadership pipeline
11:30am - 12:30pm EST Executive Boardroom
Leaders vs Laggards — Differentiating the Employee Experience
Hosted by Medallia
![Mary Ainsworth headshot Mary Ainsworth headshot](https://resources.eventbeyond.com/evantaconnect/production/profile/344545_1635171226.jpg?1951)
Mary Ainsworth
EVP, Chief People Officer
Medallia
![Stephanie Hardman headshot Stephanie Hardman headshot](https://resources.eventbeyond.com/evantaconnect/production/profile/114944_1606776607.jpg?7182)
Stephanie Hardman
Chief People Officer
McDonald's Canada
![Steve Majer headshot Steve Majer headshot](https://resources.eventbeyond.com/evantaconnect/production/profile/220907_1633538690.jpg?7670)
Steve Majer
Vice President Human Resources
Ford Motor Company of Canada
Recent studies have shown that employee experience practices greatly influence critical people outcomes such as performance, retention, connectedness and satisfaction. But to truly understand employee needs in this new world, and take measurable action to fulfill them, organizations need a more holistic approach.
Join this interactive session to discuss:
- Key practices that differentiate EX leaders from laggards
- Leveraging technology to better understand behaviors and amplify the employee voice
- Creating opportunities for feedback and action to drive a culture of trust and transparency
12:30pm - 1:15pm EST Keynote
Great Attrition to Great Attraction — Talent Trends in the New World of Work
Hosted by Ceridian
![Karen Collins headshot Karen Collins headshot](https://resources.eventbeyond.com/evantaconnect/production/profile/114425_1636479834.jpg?3746)
Karen Collins
Chief Talent Officer
Bank of Montreal
![Mohammed Chahdi headshot Mohammed Chahdi headshot](https://resources.eventbeyond.com/evantaconnect/production/profile/226646_1635444429.jpg?9960)
Mohammed Chahdi
Head of HR Operations - Americas
Dell Technologies
![Steve Knox headshot Steve Knox headshot](https://resources.eventbeyond.com/evantaconnect/production/profile/339121_1635171314.jpg?3510)
Steve Knox
VP of Global Talent Acquisition
Ceridian
The pandemic gave workers the time and motivation to reevaluate work, the relationship with their employer and the trajectory of their lives. As a result, CHROs now find themselves navigating what is truly a great resignation for some organizations, but not all. What can be learned from those who are winning on the talent stage, and how can organizations stay competitive in a candidate market?
In this Keynote session, HR leaders will discuss:
- How to balance heightened employee expectations and demands with organizational goals and constraints
- Evolving the employer brand and leveraging employee experience to combat attrition and drive key talent acquisition initiatives
- Looking beyond traditional talent sources and building a long-term, sustainable talent strategy for the future
1:15pm - 1:45pm EST Networking Break
1:15pm - 1:45pm EST Networking
Meet the Speakers
![Helen Ashton headshot Helen Ashton headshot](https://resources.eventbeyond.com/evantaconnect/production/profile/414116_1613141693.jpg?3789)
Helen Ashton
VP, HR Canada
Campbell Soup Company
Don't miss this opportunity to meet with CHRO practitioners and industry thought leaders who shared their insights on the agenda.
Come with questions from the sessions you attended in this gathering designed to foster peer connections and collaboration in the Toronto community.
8:00am - 8:45am EST Keynote
Psychological Climate Change in Today’s Workplace
Hosted by LifeWorks
![Stephen Liptrap headshot Stephen Liptrap headshot](https://resources.eventbeyond.com/evantaconnect/production/profile/173619_1604605204.jpg?9719)
Stephen Liptrap
President and CEO
LifeWorks
![Gillian Whitebread headshot Gillian Whitebread headshot](https://resources.eventbeyond.com/evantaconnect/production/profile/346948_1604605024.jpg?2157)
Gillian Whitebread
CHRO & EVP
LifeWorks
Now in the second year of COVID-19, the reality of pandemic-related fears and trauma have initiated a new form of climate change: a worsening psychological climate in the workplace. Many experts believe that employee wellbeing – a key factor in engagement and productivity – will take a long time to fully recover in a workplace that may look and feel far different than before.
Join this session with the CEO and CHRO of LifeWorks where they will discuss their partnership in:
- Orienting workplace culture more meaningfully around a corporate purpose that values employee wellbeing as an ESG priority.
- Ensuring mental health and wellbeing issues are addressed from a C-suite perspective to better support HR leaders on the front lines.
- Strategies that reflect DEI factors, given the mental health challenges that marginalized populations have experienced in the pandemic.
8:45am - 9:15am EST Networking
The Passion Project Exchange
![Kelly Davis headshot Kelly Davis headshot](https://resources.eventbeyond.com/evantaconnect/production/profile/199859_1606935499.jpg?6246)
Kelly Davis
Chief People Officer
Sunwing Travel Group
As we come upon the end of 2021, what initiatives are you most proud of as a leader? What are your passion projects in your professional and personal lives? Join this interactive and collaborative session to connect and celebrate the bright spots in a demanding career — and year.
9:15am - 9:30am EST Break
9:30am - 10:30am EST Executive Boardroom
Evolution of the Employee — The Future of Whole Person Wellness
Hosted by Teladoc Health
![Dr. Joby McKenzie headshot Dr. Joby McKenzie headshot](https://resources.eventbeyond.com/evantaconnect/production/profile/431646_1635170591.jpg?1161)
Dr. Joby McKenzie
Managing Director
Teladoc Health
![Nicole Desloges headshot Nicole Desloges headshot](https://resources.eventbeyond.com/evantaconnect/production/profile/98111_1635859400.jpg?1740)
Nicole Desloges
SVP, People
LifeLabs
![Gordana Terkalas headshot Gordana Terkalas headshot](https://resources.eventbeyond.com/evantaconnect/production/profile/335777_1617051047.jpg?1004)
Gordana Terkalas
SVP, Human Resources
Aecon
Workforce needs and expectations around well-being solutions have vastly and permanently changed. Employees now expect well-being programs that support all dimensions of their lives, and organizations are looking to create sustainable health and well-being strategies that go beyond the typical norms of care and drive the broader business objectives.
Join this session to discuss:
- Accurately identifying gaps and understanding whole-person wellness needs in a hybrid environment
- Developing inclusive and engaging wellness programs for current and future workforce
- Understanding key data and insights around whole-person benefits to enable recruitment, retention and employee productivity
9:30am - 10:30am EST Executive Boardroom
Transformation With Purpose — Data-Led Reorganization and the “What-If” Mindset
Hosted by orgvue
![Rupert Morrison headshot Rupert Morrison headshot](https://resources.eventbeyond.com/evantaconnect/production/profile/428580_1629468468.jpg?9551)
Rupert Morrison
Founder & Deputy Chair
Orgvue
![Mike Annable headshot Mike Annable headshot](https://resources.eventbeyond.com/evantaconnect/production/profile/223699_1636132785.jpg?1832)
Mike Annable
Senior Vice President, Human Resources & Information Technology
Greenwin Corp.
![Nancy Kennedy headshot Nancy Kennedy headshot](https://resources.eventbeyond.com/evantaconnect/production/profile/376167_1636469108.jpg?8398)
Nancy Kennedy
SVP, People & Culture
Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation
Today’s organizations have had to adapt to a wide range of market challenges and the transformations on which CHROs tend to focus are the large, strategic initiatives. But more often than not, businesses need to transform on many levels, continuously, and with an operational focus on driving ever-greater efficiencies.
Join this interactive session to explore:
- HR’s role in transformation and organization design and how CHRO’s can play a more integral part in the business
- How HR leaders can spot trends and take a proactive, rather than reactive approach to transformation initiatives
- Leveraging data and technology to deliver more effective change
9:30am - 10:30am EST Executive Boardroom
The Power of Recognition in Changing Times
Hosted by O.C. Tanner
![Meghan Stettler headshot Meghan Stettler headshot](https://resources.eventbeyond.com/evantaconnect/production/profile/421102_1620663684.jpg?1032)
Meghan Stettler
Director
O.C. Tanner Institute
![Laura Mably headshot Laura Mably headshot](https://resources.eventbeyond.com/evantaconnect/production/profile/178760_1635444563.jpg?1625)
Laura Mably
Chief Human Resources Officer
Co-operators Group Limited
![Norm Sabapathy headshot Norm Sabapathy headshot](https://access-resources.s3.amazonaws.com/bh/production/contacts/square/115107_1568134755.jpg)
Norm Sabapathy
EVP, People
Cadillac Fairview
After a year and a half of challenges, disruptions, and change, HR leaders across Canada are increasingly turning to their organization’s total rewards and recognition programs to build a strong workplace culture that can weather the storms of the Great Resignation, keep their teams connected in a hybrid environment, and foster a greater sense of belonging.
In this boardroom session, HR leaders will share research and insights into:
- Bringing authentic employee experiences to life
- Creating connected teams in a hybrid environment
- Fostering a more inclusive culture of belonging
9:30am - 10:30am EST Executive Boardroom
Doubling Down on DE&I
![Dahabo Ahmed-Omer headshot Dahabo Ahmed-Omer headshot](https://resources.eventbeyond.com/evantaconnect/production/profile/433227_1636670112.jpg?8665)
Dahabo Ahmed-Omer
Executive Director
BlackNorth Initiative
![Barb Keenan headshot Barb Keenan headshot](https://resources.eventbeyond.com/evantaconnect/production/profile/100130_1637227930.jpg?2898)
Barb Keenan
Chief People Officer
LCBO
![Rashid Wasti headshot Rashid Wasti headshot](https://resources.eventbeyond.com/evantaconnect/production/profile/192354_1617376863.jpg?6610)
Rashid Wasti
EVP & Chief Talent Officer
Weston Group of Companies
Driven by social responsibility, diversity, equity and inclusion efforts have soared. Organizations can no longer sit on the sidelines as employees now expect a workplace with an inclusive culture, equitable development opportunities and a strong sense of belonging. What can be learned from progress made thus far, and how can CHRO’s level up their DE&I efforts to empower employees and create sustainable, lasting change?
In this session, HR leaders will discuss how to:
- Unify independent initiatives across the organization to create a cohesive and collaborative approach to DE&I
- Develop programs to elevate underrepresented talent and increase diverse representation in leadership
- Create accountability beyond the HR function to help drive DE&I initiatives across all aspects of the business
10:30am - 11:15am EST Keynote
The New Era for Leadership — The Evolving Role of the CHRO
Hosted by Sun Life
![Nancy Nazer headshot Nancy Nazer headshot](https://resources.eventbeyond.com/evantaconnect/production/profile/253296_1606775821.jpg?6785)
Nancy Nazer
Chief Human Resources Officer
OMERS
![Helena Pagano headshot Helena Pagano headshot](https://resources.eventbeyond.com/evantaconnect/production/profile/244633_1635170805.jpg?8882)
Helena Pagano
Chief Human Resources & Communications Officer
Sun Life
Prompted by the pandemic, social issues and a new hybrid workplace, CHROs are in the spotlight now more than ever. HR leaders are now tasked with greater accountability for driving business success, shepherding the workforce through change and ensuring culture and connection are in place across the organization. How can CHROs navigate the complexities of this new world of work; while also balancing their own personal well-being?
Join this Keynote session to explore how CHROs can:
- Align with the C-Suite and Board on critical issues to sustain progress made and advance business objectives
- Embrace a flexibility-first approach to empower employees and foster a culture of belonging
- Lean into continual change, build personal resiliency and manage leader burnout
11:15am - 11:30am EST Break
2:00pm - 3:30pm EST Peer-to-Peer Meetings
Peer Meetings
Meet virtually for in-depth conversations with your colleagues
December 2, 2021
Community Program Manager
For inquiries related to this community, please reach out to your dedicated contact.