Axis Connects Leadership Forum Event Hub

Dr. Scott Tinker, PhD – Global Energy Visionary & Educator; Chairman, Switch Energy Alliance

Description: We are delighted to have Dr. Scott Tinker, global energy visionary and educator, as a keynote speaker! Don’t miss his talk on the global energy transition, including the link between energy poverty and gender inequality. With a career spanning industry, academia, government, and non-profits, Dr. Tinker’s insights on energy, environment, and economy have sparked meaningful dialogue and driven real-world solutions.

Dr. Scott Tinker Bio: Dr. Scott Tinker is a global energy visionary, educator and pragmatist working to solve major societal challenges in energy, environment, and economy. His career in industry, academia, government, and non-profits, including travel to 60 countries, underpin his global speaking, writing, filmmaking, television, radio, and board work. Tinker has led the dialog on balancing energy access for human flourishing with environmental protection in what he calls the “radical middle.” His views of the global energy landscape have proven prescient and impactful to industry leaders, policy makers, and educators.

Fireside Chat Moderated by: Tracey Bodnarchuk, CEO, Canada Powered by Women

Vassy Kapelos, Chief Political Correspondent, CTV News

Description: We’re thrilled to welcome Vassy Kapelos, one of Canada’s most respected political journalists, to this year’s Leadership Forum stage. As the Chief Political Correspondent for CTV News, she brings a sharp, insightful lens to the most pressing issues shaping our democracy. With her signature clarity and journalistic integrity, Kapelos will share her perspective on Canada-U.S. relations, gender and politics, as well as her own leadership journey. Whether you’re a policy wonk, media enthusiast or simply curious about the forces shaping our nation,  this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

Vassy Kapelos Bio: Based in Ottawa, Vassy Kapelos is Host of CTV’s weekly political journal of record, QUESTION PERIOD, and Host of CTV News Channel’s weekday marquee political program, POWER PLAY. She is also the host of the weekday national radio program THE VASSY KAPELOS SHOW on the iHeartRadio Canada Talk Network. Born in Toronto, Kapelos is a three-time Canadian Screen Award winner, having been recognized for Best Live Production Social Media (2020), for CBC’s coverage of the B.C. by-election that saw Jagmeet Singh win his seat in Parliament, and Best Talk Program or Series (2021), for POWER & POLITICS, and Best Political News Program or Series (2024), for CTV News’ Power Play. She also received the 2021 Leitch Lecture Award from the University of Alberta and University of Calgary’s Faculties of Law after delivering a lecture on the political effect of the COVID-19 health crisis in Canada. Kapelos has extensive experience covering federal and provincial politics in Canada. Prior to joining CTV News, Kapelos was host of CBC’s POWER & POLITICS. Previously, she was Global News’ Ottawa Bureau Chief and host of THE WEST BLOCK. Before working in Ottawa, Kapelos covered provincial politics in Alberta and Saskatchewan. Kapelos graduated from Western University with a Bachelor of Arts degree, and then from Dalhousie University with a Master of Arts. She speaks English.

Joanna Shea, CEO and Co-Founder, Negotiations Collective

Description: Level up your negotiation skills with this session led by Joanna Shea of Negotiations Collective. Learn science-based techniques to use power, influence, and persuasion to trigger a quick “yes” without coercion or manipulation. Discover how to strategically deploy these techniques for mutual benefits and create more confidence, trust, opportunities, and value.

Joanna Shea Bio: Joanna has over 20 years of negotiations experience in the natural resource, utilities, infrastructure, health care and education sectors. During that time, she has led over $2B worth of acquisitions, divestments, and contract negotiations. She has project managed and negotiated agreements linked to over $1B in capital projects in both Canada and the United States and held senior leadership roles in commercial negotiations, project management, resource development and organizational restructuring.

Joanna has served as both director and president of volunteer and professional organizations across Canada, whereby her primary objective has been to lobby provincial governments on issues relating to the members she represented, in addition to developing and delivering education and social programs.

Joanna has a BCOM from St. Francis Xavier University, is a graduate of British Petroleum’s intensive in-house Conflict and Negotiations training course, holds a Graduate Certificate in Project Leadership from Cornell University, and a Graduate Certificate in Negotiations Mastery from the Harvard School of Business.

Joanna is the CEO and Co-Founder of the Negotiations Collective.

Danielle Gifford, Managing Director of AI, PwC

Session Description: Artificial intelligence is transforming industries, but who gets left behind when algorithms make decisions? Join us for a thought-provoking session that dives deep into gender and intersectional biases embedded in AI systems and what we can do about them. Featuring Danielle Gifford, a leading voice in ethical tech and inclusive innovation, this session will explore:

• • • How bias creeps into AI models, from data collection to deployment
    • Real-world consequences of algorithmic discrimination
    • Strategies for building more equitable and responsible AI systems

Danielle brings a unique blend of technical insight and social impact leadership, drawing from her work across AI ethics, policy, and responsible innovation. Whether you’re a developer, policymaker, or simply curious about the future of technology, this session will challenge assumptions and spark action.

Danielle Gifford Bio: As the Managing Director of AI at PwC, Danielle’s role is to help steer the growth of the Data and AI Practice in Canada, She has more than a decade of experience in commercializing advanced technologies particularly in artificial intelligence, data analytics, augmented reality, and cloud platforms in both the private and public sector.

Throughout her career, Danielle has championed AI innovation and education. She helped spearhead The51 Ventures’ M51 investment education platform and led AltaML’s AI Talent and Experimentation Accelerator, where she helped trained 240 professionals and developed 70+ AI applications. She also helped launch Alberta’s first Government AI Lab (GovLab) and was part of the initial team at the Creative Destruction Lab Rockies in Calgary, contributing to over $250M in venture equity value creation.

Recognized as a Global AI Ambassador and Top 40 under 40 recipient, Danielle is a sought-after speaker at premier conferences. She also teaches the University of Calgary’s inaugural AI in Business MBA course, reinforcing her commitment to making AI education accessible to all.

Heather Exner-Pirot: Senior Fellow and Director of Energy, Natural Resources and Environment at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute in Ottawa, Special Advisor to the Business Council of Canada, Research Advisor to the Indigenous Resource Network, and Global Fellow at the Wilson Centre in Washington D.C.

Rob Roach: Deputy Chief Economist and Managing Director, ATB Financial

Session Description: As Alberta navigates a rapidly shifting global environment, its economic future is being shaped by forces both at home and abroad. This session explores the province’s evolving landscape through the lens of energy transition, technological innovation, trade dynamics, and shifting geopolitical realities.

From the impact of global commodity markets to the rise of clean tech and AI-driven industries, this session will examine how Alberta can position itself competitively in a world defined by disruption and opportunity. Join Heather Exner-Pirot and Rob Roach as they unpack the trends, risks, and strategic choices that will define Alberta’s next chapter. Moderated by Gitane da Silva.

Heather Exner-Pirot Bio: Heather Exner-Pirot is a Senior Fellow and Director of Energy, Natural Resources and Environment at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute in Ottawa, Special Advisor to the Business Council of Canada, Research Advisor to the Indigenous Resource Network, and Global Fellow at the Wilson Centre in Washington D.C.

She has twenty years of experience in Indigenous, Arctic and resource development and governance. She has published on Indigenous economic development, resource politics and policy, energy security, Arctic human security, regional Arctic governance and the Arctic Council, Arctic innovation, First Nations equity and own source revenues, and more. She obtained a PhD in Political Science from the University of Calgary in 2011.

Exner-Pirot sits on the boards of the Saskatchewan Indigenous Economic Development Network and the Canadian Rural Revitalization Foundation. She is a member of the Canadian Defence and Security Network and a Network Coordinator at the North American and Arctic Defense and Security Network. She is the Managing Editor of the Arctic Yearbook (an international, peer-reviewed annual volume), a member of Yukon’s Arctic Security Advisory Council, and the former Chair of the Canadian Northern Studies Trust.

She has published over 45 peer-reviewed journal articles, book chapters, and edited volumes, and presented at over 100 conferences and events nationally and internationally, in addition to authoring dozens of op-eds in Canada’s top publications.

She currently lives near Calgary with her husband and two children.

Rob Roach Bio: As the Deputy Chief Economist at ATB Financial, Rob is laser-focused on the Alberta economy, the forces that shape it and the challenges and opportunities affecting the prosperity of Albertans.

He is the co-author of three books: “The Boiling Frog Dilemma: Saving Canada From Economic Decline,” “Spiders in Space: Successfully Adapting to Unwanted Change,” and “Spiders in COVID Space: Adapting During and After the Pandemic.”

As Vice-President of Research with the Canada West Foundation, Rob had the opportunity to explore a broad array of economic and public policy topics. Rob recently served as the Chair of the National accessArts Centre–Canada’s largest and oldest disability arts organization. Rob also teaches courses on local government for the University of Alberta.

Dr. Erin Brennand, Academic and Clinical Department Head of Obstetrics & Gynecology at the University of Calgary and Alberta Health Services – Calgary Zone

Dr. Jayna Holroyd-Leduc, Academic geriatrician, professor and head of the Department of Medicine at the University of Calgary.

Session Descriptions: Join us for a transformative conversation that redefines leadership through the lens of women’s health. Leading Through Life’s Transitions: How biologic changes shape resilience, health and leadership explores how changes, from pregnancy to menopause and beyond, profoundly influence resilience, wellbeing, and career trajectories. Dr. Erin Brennand and Dr. Jayna Holroyd-Leduc lend their expertise to help you:

• • • Discover how hormonal shifts and life stage transitions impact decision-making, energy, and emotional intelligence.
    • Learn strategies to support health and career growth through every phase of life, from early ambition to seasoned leadership.
    • Explore the evolving relationship between health and leadership, and how embracing change can elevate personal and professional impact.

Whether you’re navigating your own transitions or leading others through theirs, this session offers insights, tools, and inspiration to lead with authenticity, resilience, and purpose.

Dr. Erin Brennand Bio: Dr. Erin Brennand is the Academic and Clinical Department Head of Obstetrics & Gynecology at the University of Calgary and Alberta Health Services – Calgary Zone. A practicing Urogynecologist and leading researcher, her work bridges clinical medicine, biomedical science, and population health data to improve the quality and safety of female reproductive health care.
Dr. Brennand’s research has reshaped surgical practice and informed health policy in Alberta, advancing safer, more patient-centered care. In 2023, she founded the Sex, Gender and Women’s Health Research Hub within the O’Brien Institute for Public Health, a provincial initiative dedicated to improving how research and policy serve women’s health.

A passionate advocate for integrating women’s biology into conversations about leadership and performance, Dr. Brennand brings both professional expertise and personal insight as a mother of three young children. Outside of medicine, she finds balance in gardening and caring for her backyard chickens.

Dr. Jayna Holroyd-Leduc Bio: Dr. Jayna Holroyd-Leduc is an academic geriatrician, professor and head of the Department of Medicine at the University of Calgary. Her major research interests involve the use of knowledge translation (KT) to improve care for older adults.

She is the UCalgary BSF Chair in Geriatric Medicine and the Scientific Director of the Centre on Aging at the University of Calgary.

Geoff Bertram, Executive Managing Director and Co-Head of Global Corporate and Investment Banking Coverage at TD Securities (TDS)

Melinda Park, K.C., Regional Managing Partner, Calgary BLG

Session Descriptions: When the pressure is high and the stakes are real, how do leaders stay grounded, make sound decisions, and inspire trust? In this breakout session, Geoff Bertram and Melinda Park will share candid insights from the front lines of high-stakes leadership.

Through real-world stories, unexpected lessons, and practical takeaways, they’ll explore how leadership evolves under scrutiny, whether in the courtroom, the boardroom, or the middle of a financial crisis. Expect a lively, informal conversation that challenges conventional wisdom and offers fresh perspectives for leaders navigating complexity, risk, and rapid change.

Geoff Bertram Bio: Geoff is Executive Managing Director and Co-Head of Global Corporate and Investment Banking Coverage at TD Securities (TDS) and sits on the Corporate and Investment Banking Executive Committee. Geoff was previously Co-Head of the Global Financial Institutions Group – a team focused on providing merger, acquisition, and financing advice for TD’s financial institutions clients. Prior to joining the Financial Institutions Group, Geoff worked for 12 years in TDS’ Equity Capital Markets group advising corporate clients on initial public offerings, follow-on offerings, and equity-linked securities. He joined TDS in 2006 after spending six years working in both the Investment Banking and Equity Capital Markets groups in the Toronto and New York offices of a global investment bank.

A passionate supporter of diversity in the capital markets, Geoff recently completed his term as Co-Chair of Women at TD for TDS and Chair of the Women at TD Allies group at TD Bank and now leads the Indigenous Employee Resource Group for TDS. He previously served as Co-Chair of the TDS Underwriting Hope Campaign and Auction, an employee-driven event that has raised more than C$25 million for children’s charities since its inception over 25 years ago. Geoff serves on the boards of the National Ballet of Canada and the Crescent School Foundation, and was on the Major Individual Giving Cabinet for the United Way of Greater Toronto.

Melinda Park Bio: Melinda is focused on growing client relationships, investing in local talent and reinforcing the firm’s commitment to service, integrity and community connection. In addition to her leadership role, she brings more than 30 years of experience in corporate and securities law, with 20 years of her practice spent at BLG, with a strong focus on mergers and acquisitions and corporate governance.

She advises public and private companies on a wide range of transactional and strategic matters, including domestic and cross-border M&A, reverse takeovers (RTOs), going-public transactions and complex business combinations. She structures and negotiates share and asset deals and helps companies navigate regulatory and compliance issues tied to reorganizations and strategic investments.

Boards of directors and special committees regularly turn to her for guidance on governance practices, fiduciary duties, conflicts of interest and continuous disclosure. She also advises issuers listed on the TSX and TSX Venture Exchange on governance frameworks, securities compliance and financing strategies through prospectus and private placements.

Judith Athaide, corporate director, entrepreneur, Professional Engineer (P.Eng.), and certified Corporate Director (ICD.D).

Sue MacKenzie, P.Eng., ICD.D, Corporate Director with over 40 years of energy sector experience. 

Session Description: What really happens behind closed doors when strategy is set, crises are navigated, and bold decisions are made? In this candid, no-slides-needed breakout session, seasoned board members and executive leaders pull back the curtain on the realities of boardroom leadership.

Expect personal stories, hard-earned lessons, and practical advice on how great leaders think long-term, serve with integrity, and adapt in times of change. Whether you’re already at the table or aspiring to earn your seat, this informal conversation will leave you with fresh insights, a few laughs, and a clearer sense of what it takes to lead at the highest level.

Moderated by Tara Weber.

Judith Athaide Bio: 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.

Sue MacKenzie Bio: Ms. MacKenzie is a Corporate Director with over 40 years of energy sector experience.

Ms. MacKenzie is currently a director of MEG Energy Corporation, Precision Drilling Corporation, Teine Energy Ltd. and Shock Trauma Air Rescue Service (STARS). She is a former director of Enerplus Corporation, Freehold Royalties Ltd., TransGlobe Energy Corporation, FortisAlberta Inc., the Calgary Women’s Emergency Shelter and Safe Haven Foundation.

Most recently Ms. MacKenzie was Chief Operating Officer at OilSands Quest Inc.. Before then she was with Petro-Canada in various technical, strategic and leadership roles, including Vice President Human Resources and Vice-President In Situ Oilsands Development and Operations. Prior to that she was with Amoco Canada in a variety of engineering and leadership roles in natural gas, conventional oil and heavy oil development.

Ms. MacKenzie holds a B. Eng (Mechanical) from McGill University, an MBA from the University of Calgary, the ICD.D designation, is a P.Eng. and Life Member of the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta.

Hetty Pye, Russell Reynolds Associates

Session Description: Join us for a powerful keynote that confronts the Authority Gap: the persistent disparity in how women leaders are perceived, evaluated and expected to perform. Hear from Hetty Pye, co-founder of RRA Artemis, a pioneering development program designed to drive systemic change in the succession planning process.

Through real-world examples and transformative insights, this conversation dives deep into the invisible hurdles women leaders face and the systemic shifts needed to dismantle them.

Expect bold truths, actionable strategies, and a renewed sense of possibility.

Hetty Pye Bio: Throughout her professional life, Hetty has been drawn to, and focused on, helping people and companies transform. Based in London, she supports businesses to respond to an ever-more dynamic world by solving complex leadership succession, development and transformation challenges.​

In recent years, Hetty has been instrumental in guiding clients towards embracing inclusive leadership and sustainability as essential pillars for performance and purpose. This has included a deep commitment to promoting true gender parity at the highest levels of organizations, focused on board, CEO and ExCo progression in particular. ​

Collaborating with kindred spirits at Russell Reynolds Associates, and a growing group of global business leaders, this passion has led to the creation and launch of RRA Artemis—a movement aimed at driving systemic, positive change in the entire succession planning process and reshaping perspectives and practice. At the core of the movement is our pioneering women CEO accelerator development programme.​

Hetty is a member of Russell Reynolds’ Board & CEO Advisory Partners and leads the global Energy and Infrastructure Services Practice. She also chairs the firm’s LEAP Board, advising on promotions and development across the firm. ​

Hetty received her MA in Modern History from Brasenose College, Oxford University.

Anthony Viel, Chief Executive Officer of Deloitte Canada

Session Description: We are delighted to welcome Anthony Viel, Chief Executive Officer of Deloitte Canada, to this year’s Leadership Forum stage.

A visionary leader driving bold transformation across Deloitte’s global network, Anthony is a champion of gender parity and diversity on leadership teams.

In this exclusive keynote, Anthony will share insights on:

• • • How inclusive leadership has shaped culture and engagement at Deloitte
    • The intersection of AI, the future of work, and leadership
    • Diversity as a proven driver of growth, resilience, and competitive advantage for the future

Don’t miss it- This is a must-attend session for leaders looking to build resilient, inclusive, and future-ready organizations.

Anthony Viel Bio: Anthony Viel became the Chief Executive Officer of Deloitte Canada in June, 2019. His vision for the firm reflects a commitment to pursue bold and focused growth choices to make a better Canada and Chile for our clients and our communities. Central to these choices is increasing Deloitte Canada’s ability to continually apply disruptive thinking to ourselves and our clients, and by elevating the firm’s partners and people to reach their full potential.

Anthony joined Deloitte in 2000 in Australia. Since then he has made a significant impact on the firm, holding a number of leadership roles in Forensics and Financial Advisory in Australia. Most recently, he was the Managing Partner of Financial Advisory, led our Analytics offering in Canada and headed up our Greenhouse program located across a network of seven innovative spaces called Greenhouses. In these roles, Anthony fostered the development of key talent at Deloitte with many people he mentored taking on broader leadership positions within the firm. He is an innovator, establishing leading service offerings and taking new products to market. Before joining Deloitte, he worked with Australia’s Company and Markets Regulator, and the country’s largest energy retailer.

Anthony’s leadership extends to both the soccer pitch and the classroom. He has volunteered as an accredited sports coach and currently volunteers in an education advisory role for several Analytics courses here in Canada and Australia. He holds a Master of Laws from the University of Sydney, Diploma of Law from the Legal Practitioners Admission Board, and a Bachelor of Economics (Actuarial Studies) and Master of Applied Finance from Macquarie University.

Anthony is a passionate wellness advocate, lives in Toronto with his wife and four children, and is known within the firm simply as “AV.”