Speakers

Paul Burns, previous Managing Director ofTwitter Canada, Toronto, ON

Topic: "What’s Happening in the World of Tech & Why It Matters"

Don Campion, Co-Founder and President of Banyan Air Service, Fort Lauderdale, FL

Topic: "Success is Great but Significance is Lasting”

Discussion of Don's upbringing in the bush in Nigeria as a missionary kid
The founding of Banyan Air Service at the age of 25
The principles and values that enabled the business to become known as one of top five corporate aviation support companies in the USA.
The calling to do more with our talents and resources. To make a bigger impact which resulted in the commencement of revitalizing Egbe Hospital and the School of Nursing in the bush in SW Nigeria
The impact and progress 12 years later in Africa while having their best year ever at Banyan Air Service. Read More

Peter Hall, Chief Economist at econosphere inc., Ottawa, ON

Topic: "Strength in Weakness: The Near-Term Global Economic Outlook"

Is inflation out of control?
How high will interest rates go?
Is the housing market going to crash?
Is recession imminent? If so, will it be mild, medium or hot?
How do I find workers in this tight labour market?
Should I be concerned bout rising personal, corporate and public debt?
What are Canada’s key future sources of growth?
Is Canada adapting to environmental challenges (or are we still an oil/resource country?) Read More

Promod Haque, Managing Partner, Norwest Venture Partners, Palo Alto, CA

Topic: My Faith and Business Journey: Lessons from Silicon Valley

What is your calling?
Explain the VC process—what does Norwest bring to the table and what types of investees are you looking for?
What’s one of the most interesting companies you have worked with? What are the key things you look for in a company?
What have you experienced are the traits of the founders of your investee companies? Read More

James Kelly, Founder of FaithTech, Kitchener, ON

Topic: "What’s Happening in the World of Tech & Why It Matters"

Douglas Nix, Chairman of Stillwater Capital Corporation, Toronto, ON

Topic: "Key Ways to Build Value in Your Business"

System, not person, dependent - the value is in the system
Finetune the value proposition – what does the company do very uniquely (be clear on that point and then fortify it
Diversity of clients – not to rely too heavily on too few clients
The team – have you assembled a talented and empowered team?
Technology – are you are the front end of technological developments? Is it an advantage?
Intellectual property – apart from patents (which are uncommon), do you have proprietary business knowhow, industry knowledge, etc.? Read More

Chris Spanjaard, Senior Vice President and COO of Purolator's Operations, Mississauga, ON

Topic: Purolator's Big Moves: Planning & Investing Today for Tomorrow's Reality

Georgette Zinaty, Executive Vice President at Corporate Class Inc., Toronto, ON

Topic: Leadership, Diversity & Inclusion: Reflections on Building Your Team & Culture