Author: Claire Edwards

3 Reasons Why the Leadership Forum is a Must-Attend

On November 13, 2024, the Axis Connects Leadership Forum will bring together 500 mid-to senior-level corporate professionals at the Calgary TELUS Convention Centre. Here’s what to expect.

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Hear from inspiring keynote speakers

Every year, the forum hosts some of Canada’s most prominent leaders to share insights, knowledge and experience to help inform and inspire attendees. This year, topics include the future of leadership, sports, politics and more.

Former Prime Minister Stephen J. Harper will discuss the impact the U.S. election will have on Canada, CEO and executive transition practice lead Dr. Ty Wiggins will share insights from his recent book, The New CEO, and Zabeen Hirji, executive advisor on the Future of Work, will explore leadership in a changing landscape. Meghan Donohoe and Sabrina Sullivan will also lead an interactive session on leadership for the future.

Russell Reimer, Alyson Walker and Olympic medalist Diana Matheson will discuss the business of women’s sports, and two trailblazing women in leadership, Dr. Martha Piper and Dr. Indira Samarasekera, will share their experiences breaking down barriers to become the first female presidents of two of Canada’s largest and most prestigious research universities.

Learn and interact at tailored workshops

Attendees can engage in breakout sessions where speakers take a deep dive into specific topics. The workshops offer intimate settings with opportunities to connect through individually tailored conversations.

Choose from an interactive session on negotiation and conflict types with Negotiations Collective CEO Joanna Shea, an insightful look at what’s next for Alberta with Cristina Lopez and Gitane De Silva or a discussion on the gender gap in data with Janine Rogan, author of The Pink Tax, and My Normative CEO Danika Kelly.

Network, network, network!

In a room of people looking to take their leadership to the next level, the forum is designed to make networking easy. Get to know people who have faced or are facing similar professional hurdles. Chat with professionals across the city during the networking cocktail hour, discover how other leaders have overcome barriers or catch up with colleagues between speakers.

Join hundreds of like-minded women on their journey to professional growth and leadership potential and expand your network at this year’s leadership forum.

If you can’t attend the whole day, remember that you can still join our networking event!

BUY TICKETS HERE

Learn more at axisconnects.com/axis-leadership-forum/.

Lunch with a Leader featuring Denise Man

Nov LWAL
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Lunch with a Leader: Featuring Denise Man, Chief Technology Officer, AIMCo

Join us for an exclusive Lunch with a Leader event featuring Denise Man, Chief Technology Officer at AIMCo. With over 20 years of technology and leadership experience, Denise is a trailblazer in Alberta’s tech community, bringing a wealth of expertise in areas ranging from AI and microprocessor development to innovation in financial services. She is a passionate advocate for growing Alberta’s technology skills and building an inclusive, future-ready workforce, making her an inspiring mentor for aspiring leaders in tech and beyond.

Only 10 spots available! Registration opens Oct 22 @ 9am.

Must be an Axis Member to register (Register here)

    • Date: November 7, 2024
    • Location: The Ranchmen’s Club
    • Time: Please arrive at 11:15 am. Lunch will start at 11:30 am.
      • Lunch is included.

 

Denise Man   

Chief Technology Officer, AIMCo  

Denise leads AIMCo’s Global Technology and Data team to leverage the technology infrastructure of the organization to invest on behalf of AIMCo’s clients more efficiently.  With more than 20 years of technology and leadership experience, ranging from artificial intelligent speech recognition research to the development of the 64-bit Itanium microprocessor at Hewlett Packard. During this time, she was awarded seven patents and has several publications with the U.S. Patent Office. Prior to joining AIMCo, Ms. Man served in a variety of executive roles including leading the Technology, Innovation and Engineering teams at ATB Financial, and the Technology Operations teams at Enbridge Pipelines, as Chief Technology Officer.

A University of Calgary alumni, Ms. Man holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering with a minor in Computer Engineering.  Ms. Man’s vision is to grow Alberta’s technology skills through inclusive practices to mobilize a diverse and future-ready workforce. Denise is an active mentor, role model and sponsor in the Alberta technology and business communities, and she was recognized for her efforts as the 2021 recipient of the AXIS Calgary Influential Women in Business award in the Large Enterprise category.

Denise serves as Chair of the Band Capital Investment Advisory Committee and is a member of the Coril Board of Directors, and National Music Center Board of Directors. She is also a former member of the Mount Royal University Board of Governors, SAIT’s School of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Dean’s Technology Advisory, and Tua Financials Board of Directors.

Axis Connects Bookclub: October 2024

Join the Axis leadership team in our inaugural book club!

We’re excited to kick off our new digital book recommendations, straight from the Axis Connects group chat! Up first is Nerve: Lessons on Leadership from Two Women Who Went First by Indira Samarasekera and Martha Piper.

These inspiring leaders—former presidents and vice-chancellors of the University of Alberta and The University of British Columbia —will join us at the upcoming Leadership Forum, powered by ATB Financial! Their book shares powerful insights into navigating the challenges and opportunities women face in leadership. Whether you’re just starting your leadership journey or already paving the way, Nerve offers valuable lessons from two trailblazers in academia and beyond.

Who knows? You might finish this weekend thinking, “This book changed my life.”

Happy reading! Comment below if you’re joining us for this inspiring read!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Nerve: Lessons on Leadership from Two Women Who Went First Hardcover 

Candid and insightful perspectives on the dilemmas and opportunities women confront as they take on leadership positions.

Martha Piper and Indira Samarasekera had vastly different career paths on their way to becoming the first (and so far only) female presidents of two of Canada’s largest and most respected research universities and directors of some of the nation’s largest market cap companies, but what they had in common was their gender, their willingness to take risks when leadership opportunities presented themselves, and a work ethic second to none. It was not always easy, pretty, or fair, but it was always the result of choosing to answer the call to lead. A call that in the authors’ view, too many women still turn away from.

In Nerve: Lessons on Leadership from Two Women Who Went First, Piper and Samarasekera share their personal and professional stories, offering guidance for women leaders of every age and at every stage of their career. Nerve is a must-read for any woman who is leading today, considering leading, or thinking about life after leading.

Championing Change: Empowering Women to Lead

Join Axis Connects for a captivating Career Development Dialogue in partnership with ATB Financial.

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Join Axis Connects for a captivating Career Development Dialogue in partnership with ATB Financial.

Championing Change: Empowering Women to Lead
This session will explore the pivotal role of leaders in advancing women’s careers through allyship, mentorship, and strategic initiatives. Join ATB Financial President and CEO, Curtis Stange, and ATB Vice President of Advisory Services Strategy and Growth, Allison Comeau, as they share personal insights from their own careers, the impact of gender-neutral leadership groups, and the transformative initiatives ATB is using to foster an inclusive environment. Together, we’ll discuss the future of the financial industry and the vital contributions women leaders can make in driving innovation and change

        • Speakers: Curtis Stange and Allison Comeau
        • Moderator: Nuvyn Peters, Axis Connects CEO
        • Venue: Calgary Petroleum Club
        • Date: October 18, 2024
        • Time: 11:30am – 1:30pm
        • For: All Career Levels
        • Ticket Price: $40 (lunch included)

Agenda

      • 11:30AM: Registration & Networking
      • 12:00PM: Program Begins
      • 1:00PM: Program Ends
      • 1:30PM: Open networking

Seating for this event is limited, and tickets are expected to sell out rapidly. Don’t delay – secure your spot by registering now.

Axis Connects membership is free – register at www.axisconnects.com

Speaker Bios

Curtis Stange was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of ATB Financial on June 30, 2018. With courage, disciplined thought and precise action, he leads a team of more than 5,000 team members who are dedicated to ATB’s purpose—to make it possible for over 800,000 clients and business owners.

With more than 35 years of experience in financial services in Canada, Curtis has led teams across diverse geographic markets and through various economic cycles—always with an inquisitive nature and a desire to get to know the people and places around him.

Curtis is a Stanford alumnus and member of the Alberta Business Council and the Canadian Chamber of Commerce Western Executive Council. In 2023, he was awarded as Canada’s Most Admired CEO by Waterstone Human Capital.

Along with his role on the Axis Board, Curtis serves on advisory boards for the Edmonton International Airport, Visa Canada, and Advancing Women Executives in Western Canada. He also co-chairs the STARS Air Ambulance board and is a strong advocate for mental health.

 

Allison Comeau is the Vice-President of Strategy & Growth, ATB Advisory Services. Allison joined ATB again in 2023 with over 16 years of experience in the wealth industry. In her role, Allison focuses on seeking and executing growth opportunities for ATB Wealth.

Allison’s prior experience includes being Chief Operating Officer and Chief Experience Officer as a founding member at Grayhawk Wealth where she had the opportunity to build a national business in the ultra high-net-worth segment. During Allison’s previous eight years with ATB Wealth, her focus was on business and technology transformation.

Earlier in her career, Allison grew her skill set and expertise in business growth and technology implementation across several industries including manufacturing, utilities, oil & gas and tech start-ups.

She is a big believer in the importance of approaching any strategic change using the lens of the people who are impacted by understanding their voices and ideas – including clients, team members and partners. Supporting through the journey as a team helps everyone embrace the change and drive results more effectively.

Lunch with a Leader featuring Katherine Emberly

Oct LWAL (1)
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Join us for an engaging Lunch with a Leader event featuring Katherine Emberly, President & CEO of STARS, a transformational leader with over two decades of executive experience. Katherine is known for her dynamic communication skills, strategic leadership, and unwavering commitment to delivering critical care to the most vulnerable. Her expertise spans across multiple sectors, making her an inspiring mentor for aspiring leaders.

 

Only 10 spots available! Registration opens Sept 19 @ 9am.

Must be an Axis Member to register (Register here)

      • Date: October 3, 2024
      • Location: The Ranchmen’s Club
      • Time: Please arrive at 11:15 am. Lunch will start at 11:30 am.
      • Lunch is included.

 

KATHERINE EMBERLY

President & CEO, STARS

Katherine is a transformational leader and dynamic communicator with over two decades of executive experience. As President & CEO of STARS, she is accountable for the alignment and direction of the organizations’ strategy, as well as building on critical external stakeholder relationships with government, donors, and key partners. Katherine and her team have a singular focus – delivering critical care to the most vulnerable and sickest people wherever and whenever needed. They achieve this goal by being values and purpose driven.

Prior to joining STARS, Katherine spent the last twenty years with Shaw Communications, progressing through more senior roles until she spent the last five years as President, Business. Having grown with and across that organization, Katherine is a champion of building talent and providing opportunities to stretch, grow and learn.

Katherine is also committed to giving back to the community that has provided so many opportunities for her, and she sits on the boards of Alberta Blue Cross, Calgary Economic Development and Axis Connects.

Katherine is ICD.D certified, has completed the Harvard Executive Leadership program, and is a graduate of the University of Alberta.

Lunch with a Leader featuring Judith Athaide

Sept 17 LWAL
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Join us for an inspiring “Lunch with a Leader” event featuring Judith Athaide, a distinguished corporate director, entrepreneur, and engineer whose vast experience and strategic insight have made her a driving force in multiple industries. Judith’s leadership extends across energy, finance, technology, and more, making her a true multidisciplinary expert and a model for aspiring leaders.

With 30 years of executive and corporate governance experience, Judith currently serves on the Boards of Kiwetinohk Energy Corporation and Canada Pension Plan Investments. Her role as Chair of the Governance and Nomination Committee at Kiwetinohk reflects her deep expertise in shaping effective leadership teams and driving corporate excellence.

A lifelong advocate for continuous learning, Judith holds a Bachelor of Commerce, an MBA in Finance, and a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. Her commitment to professional development is further demonstrated by her certifications, including a Nuclear Governance Certificate from Emory University and a Certificate in Artificial Intelligence from MIT Sloan. As an instructor for the ICD DEP program and an examiner for mock boardroom examinations, Judith is dedicated to preparing the next generation of board members and leaders.

This lunch is an exceptional opportunity for those interested in corporate governance, engineering, and strategic leadership. Judith’s extensive experience across various sectors makes her an ideal mentor for anyone seeking to understand the complexities of board roles or aiming to enhance their strategic decision-making skills.

If your career path is aligned with corporate leadership, governance, or innovative entrepreneurship, this lunch will provide invaluable insights and guidance from one of Canada’s most accomplished leaders.

Only 10 spots available! Registration opens Sept 4 @ 9am.

Must be an Axis Member to register (Register here)

      • Date: Sept 17, 2024
      • Location: The Ranchmen’s Club
      • Time: Please arrive at 11:15 am. Lunch will start at 11:30 am.
      • Lunch is included.

About Judith Athaide

Ms. Athaide is an accomplished corporate director, entrepreneur, Professional Engineer (P.Eng.), and certified Corporate Director (ICD.D). She has 30 years of executive and corporate governance experience in a variety of sectors including energy, power and utilities, clean technology, software, oilfield services, banking and investments.

Ms. Athaide is currently serving on the Board of Kiwetinohk Energy Corporation where she Chairs the Governance and Nomination Committee and the Board of Canada Pension Plan Investments.

A proponent of life-long learning and continuous improvement, she has a Bachelor of Commerce degree (Honours), a Masters of Business Administration in Finance, a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering and has been awarded the designation of ICD.D by the Institute of Corporate Directors. She has earned the Nuclear Governance Certificate from the Goizueta School of Business at Emory University and a Certificate in Artificial Intelligence from the MIT Sloan School of Business. She has been an adjunct professor at a number of Canadian universities and is an instructor for the ICD DEP program and an examiner for the ICD’s mock boardroom examinations.

Lunch with a Leader featuring Heather Culbert

Sept LWAL
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Join us for an exceptional “Lunch with a Leader” event featuring Heather Culbert, a trailblazing leader whose contributions have profoundly shaped Calgary’s community landscape. Heather is more than a leader—she is an innovator and change-maker who has dedicated her life to advancing the causes that matter most to our city.

After nearly three decades in the oil and gas industry, Heather transitioned from her executive role to focus on enhancing our community. Over the past decade, she has made a lasting impact by serving as Chair of SAIT’s Board of Governors, co-chairing the Promising Futures Campaign, and founding pivotal initiatives like Board Ready Women, Axis Connects, and the Calgary Influential Women in Business (CIWB) Awards. Through these efforts, Heather has tirelessly championed the advancement of women on local boards and in Calgary’s business community.

Heather’s commitment extends far beyond these roles. As a trustee for the Alberta Cancer Foundation and past chair of United Way of Calgary and Area, she has consistently demonstrated her dedication to philanthropic leadership. Currently, she serves as Chair of the United Way World Leadership Council, continuing her mission to drive positive change.

One of Heather’s most significant undertakings is her work as co-chair of the OWN.CANCER campaign, where she leads efforts to raise over $250 million for the new Arthur JE Child Comprehensive Cancer Centre. Thanks to her leadership, $225 million has already been secured, bringing us closer to opening a facility that will revolutionize cancer treatment and improve survival rates across Calgary and Alberta.

This lunch is an invaluable opportunity for those aspiring to board leadership or seeking to make a meaningful impact in their careers. Heather’s extensive experience and passion for community enhancement make her the ideal mentor for anyone looking to become board-ready or take the next step in their professional journey.

Don’t miss this chance to learn from one of Calgary’s most influential leaders and gain insights that could transform your path to leadership.

Only 10 spots available! Registration opens August 21 @ 9am.

Must be an Axis Member to register (Register here)

      • Date: Sept 4, 2024
      • Location: The Ranchmen’s Club
      • Time: Please arrive at 11:15 am. Lunch will start at 11:30 am.
      • Lunch is included.

About Heather Culbert

Heather is a co-founder of Axis Connects as well as the founder of Board Ready Women, a non-profit focused on raising awareness of women on boards in Alberta and assisting with opportunities for women to serve on Boards.

Heather currently serves as Vice-Chair of Export Development Canada (EDC), Board Member of The Fraser Institute, Chair of United Way World Leadership Council and as a co-fellow of the Jarislowsky Foundation, benefiting the MBA program of the Haskayne School of business at the University of Calgary.

From 1996 to 2006 Ms. Culbert was the Senior Vice President of Corporate Services with Enerplus Resources Corporation.

Community Achievement Award: Calgarian of the Year presented to Heather Culbert

Exciting News!

Axis Connects is thrilled to celebrate our incredible co-founder and board chair, Heather Culbert, who has been honoured with the prestigious Community Achievement Award: Calgarian of the Year!

Heather’s impact on Calgary is nothing short of extraordinary. After nearly three decades in the oil and gas sector, she dedicated herself to community service, leaving an indelible mark on our city. Her leadership and innovation have driven countless initiatives, enhancing the lives of Calgarians.

From her pivotal roles as chair of SAIT’s Board of Governors and co-chair of the Promising Futures Campaign to her relentless efforts with Board Ready Women and Axis Connects, Heather’s dedication to advancing women in business is unparalleled. She has also made significant contributions as a trustee for the Alberta Cancer Foundation and as past chair for United Way of Calgary and Area, among many other roles.

One of Heather’s most significant achievements is her leadership in the OWN.CANCER campaign, raising an astounding $225 million towards the new Arthur JE Child Comprehensive Cancer Centre. This centre, set to open this year, will revolutionize cancer treatment in North America, thanks to Heather’s tireless efforts and the support of many volunteers and donors.

Join us in congratulating Heather Culbert on this well-deserved recognition! Her passion, vision, and dedication are truly inspirational.

Transformative Leadership: Unleashing Team Potential

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Join us for a captivating Career Development Dialogue on the topic of Transformative Leadership: Unleashing Team Potential

Are you on a quest for the secret sauce that propels teams toward unprecedented success? Look no further. The upcoming Axis Connects Career Development Dialogue is your gateway to mastering the art of leadership that not only meets but shatters expectations. Dive into a treasure trove of innovative strategies and practical tools designed to elevate your team’s dynamics and results.

This session, orchestrated by Monark’s vanguards of leadership excellence and organizational psychology (visit them at leadwithmonark.com), promises to arm you with the cutting-edge techniques needed to amplify your team’s influence, harness collective strengths, and surge ahead in performance. Join us and transform the way you lead.

  • Topic: Transformative Leadership: Unleashing Team Potential
  • Speaker: : Amanda Julian, Chief Science Officer & Co-Founder, Monark
  • Venue: The Hyatt Regency Downtown (Thomson’s Social Hub)
  • Date: June 12, 2024
  • Time: 11:30am – 1pm
  • For: All Career Levels
  • Attendance: 100+ Axis Connects Members
  • Ticket Price: $40 (lunch included)

Agenda

  • 11:30AM: Registration & Networking
  • 12:00PM: Program Begins
  • 1:00PM: Program Ends
  • 1:30PM: Optional time for networking

Seating for this event is very limited, and tickets are expected to sell out rapidly. Don’t delay – secure your spot by registering now!

We hope to see you there!

Responding to our members’ valuable feedback, it’s evident that there’s a strong desire for increased networking opportunities during our sessions. To address this, we’re excited to announce that for this month’s event, we’ve dedicated time both before and after the presentation for meaningful networking opportunities.

Must be an Axis Connect’s member, membership is free – register at www.axisconnects.com

Amanda Julian, Chief Science Officer & Co-Founder, Monark

Amanda holds a PhD in Industrial Organizational Psychology, and is passionate about bridging the gap between leadership research and practice. Together with co-founder Kelsey Hahn, Amanda recognized the opportunity to apply her extensive experience in leadership and organizational assessment and development, as the basis for Monark’s innovative approach to improving access to leadership development and training.