Lunch with a Leader featuring Shannon Pestun

2025 LWAL Eventbrite Poster - Shannon Pestun

Join us for an inspiring afternoon with Shannon Pestun — entrepreneur, changemaker, and nationally recognized advocate for economic reconciliation and Indigenous women’s empowerment.

A proud Métis woman from Treaty 1 territory, Shannon is the CEO of Pestun Consulting and a Senior Advisor with The Diversity Institute. She brings deep expertise in building inclusive economic systems, advancing Indigenous economic self-determination, and reshaping corporate accountability in Canada.

In addition to her consulting and policy work, Shannon leads the Indigenous Women Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub, serves as Vice-Chair at Mount Royal University, and is the founder of the Gifting Circle Bursary, which has raised over $200,000 to support Indigenous women entrepreneurs.

At this Lunch with a Leader, Shannon will share her journey to leadership, her vision for a more equitable economy, and practical ways organizations can advance reconciliation.

Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with Calgary’s professional community and engage with a powerful voice for change.

      • Date: June 6, 2025
      • Time: 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM MST
        (Guests are welcome to stay until 1:30 PM for optional networking)
      • Location: Calgary Petroleum Club
      • Room: Cardium Room
      • Cost: $50 + fees and GST

About Shannon

CEO Pestun Consulting/ Sr Advisor, The Diversity Institute

Shannon Pestun is an entrepreneur, board member and executive leader who is committed to empowering people and organizations to advance a reconciliation economy and create pathways to rebuild Indigenous economies and close socioeconomic gaps between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. Grounded in the belief that reconciliation is a personal, organizational, societal and systemic journey, Shannon’s takes a holistic approach to co-create solutions to empower people, governments, industry, and institutions to advance their reconciliation work in the areas of policy reform, corporate accountability, and Indigenous economic self-determination.

As a Métis woman, Shannon envisions a society where Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people can thrive in safety with equitable opportunities in education, wellbeing, economic development, and political participation.

Through Pestun Consulting and The Finance Cafe, Shannon shows how together we can break down barriers, build lasting partnerships, unlock innovation, and create a more inclusive economy. Shannon currently leads the Indigenous Women Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub and is a member of Women and Gender Equality – Canada’s Indigenous Women’s Circle. She also serves as Vice-Chair of the Board of Governors at Mount Royal University and sits on the Investment Committee for the Métis Settlements Development Corporation Investment fund. In 2020, she created the Gifting Circle Bursary for Indigenous Women Entrepreneurs, which has raised $200,000 to support Indigenous women pursuing entrepreneurship at the post-secondary level.

Originally from the Métis homeland in Treaty 1 territory, Shannon lives in Treaty 7 territory. She is a proud member of the Métis Nation of Alberta.

Lunch with a Leader featuring Heather Campbell

2025 LWAL Eventbrite Poster (17)

Get ready for a bold conversation that will challenge your thinking.

Join Axis Connects for an unforgettable Lunch with a Leader featuring Heather Campbell — a powerhouse in Canada’s energy transition movement, a passionate advocate for inclusion, and a leader who isn’t afraid to speak the hard truths.

With three decades of experience across the energy industry and a deep commitment to sustainability, innovation, and equity, Heather brings a perspective that few others can offer. An engineer, energy strategist, clean tech advisor, and community leader, Heather has built a career at the intersection of technical expertise, courageous leadership, and social change.

This won’t be a typical leadership talk. Be prepared for real conversations, uncomfortable questions, and fresh perspectives that will challenge how you think about leadership, innovation, and building a more inclusive future.

Heather currently serves as an independent adviser with Rev Innovations, advancing low-carbon, low-cost energy solutions. She also lends her expertise to the B.C. Centre for Innovation and Clean Energy, the National Research Council of Canada’s Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC-IRAP), Arts Commons, and the Western Engineering Advisory Council.

Heather’s leadership has been recognized with awards including the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal, the Calgary Black Chambers Black Achievement Award in Energy, and the 2024 Harry Jerome Decade Leader Award.

      • Date: May 22, 2025
      • Time: 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM MST
        (Guests are welcome to stay until 1:30 PM for optional networking)
      • Location: Calgary Petroleum Club
      • Room: Presidents Room
      • Cost: $50 + fees and GST

About Heather

Heather Campbell is an accomplished energy professional with a diverse, three decades long energy career in a full range of energy industries. With her focus on energy transition, sustainability, and inclusion, she currently serves as an independent adviser for Rev Innovations as they aim to expand low-carbon, low-cost energy solutions.

Ms. Campbell holds a Bachelor of Engineering Science degree in Biochemical and Chemical Engineering from Western University in addition to a Master of Laws in Energy Law and Policy from the University of Dundee. She is a licensed professional engineer practicing in Alberta, Canada.

Ms. Campbell is an engaged, lifelong community volunteer, actively sharing her talents, resources, and time by participating and often leading a purposely diverse range of organizations. Ms. Campbell is a board director with Calgary’s performing arts centre Arts Commons and is a member of the Advisory Council for Western Engineering, her alma mater.

Ms. Campbell performs two clean technology advisory roles: first she is an advisory council member of the B.C. Centre for Innovation and Clean Energy (BC CICE), and second she is an advisory board member of the National Research Council of Canada’s Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC-IRAP). She is the former co-chair of Alberta’s Anti-Racism Advisory Council, a former Commissioner with the Calgary Police Commission, and has been awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal, the Calgary Black Chambers Black Achievement Award in Energy, and the 2024 Harry Jerome Decade Leader Award.

Lunch with a Leader featuring John Kousinioris

2025 LWAL Eventbrite Poster (9)

Join us for an exclusive opportunity to connect with John Kousinioris, President and CEO of TransAlta Corporation and a respected voice in Canada’s energy sector.

With a career spanning law, growth strategy, and executive leadership, John brings over a decade of experience at TransAlta, one of Canada’s largest electricity generation companies. Since joining in 2012, he has held key roles including Chief Operating Officer and Chief Growth Officer, before taking the helm as CEO in 2021.

John’s insights go beyond business strategy—he’s deeply committed to community and education. He currently serves as Chair of the Board of Governors at Bow Valley College and sits on the boards of the Calgary Stampede Foundation, Axis Connects, and both the Business Council of Alberta and the Business Council of Canada.

This Lunch with a Leader offers an intimate setting to learn from John’s journey, gain perspective on leadership in dynamic industries, and engage in meaningful conversation with Calgary’s professional community.

Don’t miss this opportunity to be inspired and expand your network.

  • Date: May 9, 2025
  • Time: 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM MST
  • Location: Calgary Petroleum Club
  • Cost: $50 + fees and GST

New Lunch With A Leader Registration Process

Due to high demand, we’ve introduced a new registration process to ensure fairness and maximize participation:

      • Complete the registration form (button below).
      • Attendees will be selected based on availability.
      • Completing the form does not guarantee a spot.
      • If selected, you’ll receive a confirmation email from Axis Connects with instructions to purchase your ticket.
      • Once you’ve purchased your ticket, your spot is officially secured!

Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to gain insights into corporate leadership, governance, and mentorship from one of Calgary’s most respected leaders!

About John Kousinioris

John Kousinioris has served as the President and CEO of TransAlta Corporation since 2021 and has been with the company since 2012. Prior to stepping into this role, he has held several leadership positions at TransAlta including Chief Operating Officer, Chief Growth Officer and Chief Legal Compliance Officer.

TransAlta is one of Canada’s largest publicly traded electricity generation companies, with over 113 years of experience operating hydro, wind, solar, gas and storage facilities across five provinces in Canada, the United States and Western Australia.

John holds a Bachelor of Arts from the Ivey Business School, an MBA from York University, a Law degree from Osgoode Hall Law School, and has completed the Advanced Management Program at Harvard University. Beyond his role at TransAlta, he is the Chair of the Board of Governors at Bow Valley College, a Director on the Calgary Stampede Foundation Board, a director on the Axis Connects Board, and is a member of the Business Councils of Canada and Alberta.

Lunch with a Leader featuring Jennifer Koury

2025 LWAL Eventbrite Poster (11)

Join us for an exclusive opportunity to meet and learn from Jennifer Koury, a trailblazing leader with over 35 years of professional experience spanning the world’s largest mining company, energy giants, and boardrooms across the country.

Jennifer’s career exemplifies resilience, adaptability, and leadership. From her executive roles at BHP Billiton, Enerplus Resources, and Exxon Mobil to her current positions on the boards of Crescent Point Energy and Bird Construction, Jennifer has continually paved the way for women in traditionally male-dominated industries. As the Board Chair of the Calgary Zoo and a Co-Founder of Board Ready Women, she has dedicated her time to mentorship, governance, and shaping the future of leadership.

In this intimate Lunch with a Leader session, Jennifer will share her journey, insights on navigating corporate leadership, and her passion for empowering the next generation of leaders. Don’t miss this chance to hear firsthand from one of Calgary’s most accomplished business leaders and connect with like-minded professionals.

  • Date: Thursday, April 24, 2025
  • Time: 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM MST
  • Location: Calgary Petroleum Club
  • Cost: $50 + fees and GST

New Lunch With A Leader Registration Process

Due to high demand, we’ve introduced a new registration process to ensure fairness and maximize participation:

      • Complete the registration form (button below).
      • Attendees will be selected based on availability.
      • Completing the form does not guarantee a spot.
      • If selected, you’ll receive a confirmation email from Axis Connects with instructions to purchase your ticket.
      • Once you’ve purchased your ticket, your spot is officially secured!

Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to gain insights into corporate leadership, governance, and mentorship from one of Calgary’s most respected leaders!

About Jennifer Koury

Jennifer Koury has more than 35 years of professional experience, including C-suite leadership roles and international expertise. Her impressive career spans some of the world’s leading organizations, including BHP Billiton, Enerplus Resources, and Exxon Mobil.

Currently, Jennifer serves on the Board of Directors for Crescent Point Energy, chairing their Human Resources and Compensation Committee and serving as a member of the Governance Committee. She also sits on the Board of Bird Construction in Toronto, chairs their HR and Governance Committee, and is a member of the EH&S Committee. Her passion for community engagement is evident in her role as Board Chair of the Calgary Zoo and her work as one of the Co-Founders of Board Ready Women. Additionally, Jennifer served as Co-Chair of the Women in Mining Canada Board from April 2017 to April 2021.

Jennifer holds a Bachelor of Commerce Degree (Honors) from the University of Alberta and earned her Directors Designation (ICD.D) from The Rotman School of Business, University of Toronto.

Join us as Jennifer shares her invaluable experiences and insights on leadership, governance, and the power of lifting others along the way.

Lunch with a Leader featuring Hilary Foulkes

2025 LWAL Eventbrite Poster (6)

Lunch with a Leader featuring Hilary Foulkes – Our 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award Winner!

Join us for an exclusive opportunity to meet and learn from Hilary Foulkes, our 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award winner at the Calgary Influential Women in Business Awards!

Hilary’s career is a masterclass in leadership, resilience, and breaking barriers. From her early days as a geologist to leading billion-dollar transactions in investment banking and oil & gas, she has paved the way for women in male-dominated industries. As a board member, business leader, and passionate mentor, she is dedicated to empowering the next generation of female leaders.

In this intimate Lunch with a Leader session, Hilary will share her journey, insights on leadership, and her philosophy on mentorship—focusing not just on career advancement, but on self-discovery, resilience, and shaping the future of business.

This is your chance to hear firsthand from one of Calgary’s most influential business leaders and connect with like-minded professionals.

    • Date: Wednesday, March 28, 2025
    • Time: 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM MST
    • Location: Calgary Petroleum Club, 319 5 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2P 0L5
    • Cost: $50 + fees and GST

New Lunch With A Leader Registration Process

Due to high demand, we’ve introduced a new registration process to ensure fairness and maximize participation:

    • Complete the registration form by March 14, 2025 (button below).
    • Attendees will be selected based on availability.
    • Completing the form does not guarantee a spot.
    • If selected, you’ll receive a confirmation email from Axis Connects with instructions to purchase your ticket.
    • Once you’ve purchased your ticket, your spot is officially secured!

Don’t miss this chance to engage with an industry trailblazer and celebrate our Lifetime Achievement Award winner!

About Hilary Foulkes
Hilary has spent over 40 years leading in geology, investment banking, and corporate governance. She has held executive roles at Scotiabank, Penn West Exploration, and Tudor Pickering Holt & Co., and serves on the boards of Chord Energy and Pine Cliff Energy.

Beyond her corporate leadership, Hilary is a champion for STEM education as Vice-Chair of Let’s Talk Science and a devoted mentor for women in business. She believes true leadership isn’t just about reaching the top—it’s about lifting others along the way.

Lunch with a Leader featuring Wendy Beauchesne

2025 LWAL Eventbrite Poster (3)

Join us for an exclusive mentoring opportunity with Wendy Beauchesne, CEO of the Alberta Cancer Foundation, where she will share insights on leadership, fundraising, and driving impactful transformation in the health sector.

      • Date: Wednesday, March 12, 2025
      • Time: 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM MST
      • Location: The Ranchmen’s Club, 710 13 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2R 0K9
      • Cost: $50 + fees and gst
New Lunch With A Leader Registration Process

Due to overwhelming interest, we’re introducing a new registration process to ensure fairness and accommodate as many members as possible.

How it works:

    • Complete the registration form by February 27, 2025. (Button Below)
    • Attendees will be selected based on availability and the number of spots.
    • Completing the form does not guarantee a spot at the event.
    • If selected, you’ll receive a confirmation email from the Axis Connects team with instructions to purchase your ticket.
    • Once you’ve purchased your ticket online, you will be officially registered for the event and are guaranteed a spot.

We appreciate your enthusiasm and look forward to seeing you at lunch!

About Wendy

Wendy Beauchesne is the Chief Executive Officer of the Alberta Cancer Foundation, leading with a deep passion for fundraising, building high-performance teams, and turning strategic goals into measurable results. Since joining the Foundation in 2020, Wendy has played a pivotal role in advancing one of Western Canada’s largest health campaigns, supporting the development of the Arthur J. E. Child Comprehensive Cancer Centre in Calgary, which is set to become one of the largest cancer centers in North America. She also inspires ongoing giving to cancer centers across Alberta, including the Cross Cancer Institute in Edmonton.

Before her tenure at the Alberta Cancer Foundation, Wendy had a distinguished career in the health sector, including roles at STARS Air Ambulance, where she led expansion into Saskatchewan and Manitoba and spearheaded a $130 million capital campaign as Executive Vice President. Wendy also served in leadership roles at Alberta’s health authorities, where she facilitated the amalgamation of 12 independent communications departments into a unified provincial team.

In 2020, Wendy was selected as one of 250 Canadians to be part of the Governor General’s Canadian Leadership Conference.

Lunch with a Leader Featuring Zoe Harrison

Lunch with a Leader Featuring Zoe Harrison

Join us for an exclusive mentoring opportunity with Zoe Harrison, a corporate board director and expert in innovation, digital transformation, and diversity.

      • Date: Wednesday, February 26, 2025
      • Time: 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM MST
      • Location: The Ranchmen’s Club, 710 13 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2R 0K9

Registration Information:

      • Tickets: $50pp (includes lunch)
      • Availability: Limited availability so register early. If you have already attended a Lunch with a Leader in 2025 please see the note at the bottom of the page.
      • Sign up before: February 12, 2025

About Zoe Harrison

Zoe Harrison is an experienced corporate board director with a focus on innovation, digital transformation, and increasing diversity on boards. Her current board portfolio includes Peace Hills General Insurance Company, Alberta Lawyers Indemnity Association, and Cybera Technology. Previously, she worked as a board governance facilitator with the Alberta Government Board Development Program and for Downstage Theatre.

A proud University of Calgary alumni, She has had a 20-year international career in corporate strategy & innovation for financial services. She currently runs an independent consulting practice that supports the growth of fintech in Western Canada and corporate innovation programs.

Who Should Attend:

      • Professionals aiming to enhance their leadership skills in governance and innovation.
      • Individuals passionate about advancing diversity and digital transformation in their industries.
      • Anyone seeking inspiration and practical advice from a leader with a dynamic, global perspective.

New Lunch With A Leader Registration Process

Due to overwhelming interest, we’re introducing a new registration process to ensure fairness and accommodate as many members as possible.

📌 How it works:

      • Complete the form by February 12.
      • Attendees will be randomly selected based on availability and the number of spots.
      • If selected, you’ll receive confirmation and the next steps to secure your ticket.

We appreciate your enthusiasm and look forward to seeing you at lunch!

Lunch with a Leader Featuring Byron Neiles

Lunch with a Leader Featuring Byron Neiles

Join us for an exclusive mentoring opportunity with Byron Neiles, an accomplished leader and visionary in business, energy, and community development.

      • Date: Tuesday, February 11, 2025
      • Time: 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM MST
      • Location: The Ranchmen’s Club, 710 13 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2R 0K9

Registration Information:

      • Tickets: $50pp (includes lunch)
      • Availability: Limited availability so register early. If you have already attended a Lunch with a Leader in 2025 please see the note at the bottom of the page.
      • Registration Opens: January 28, 2025 @ 9am.

About Byron Neiles

Byron is a director of Calgary Economic Development and ENMAX Corporation and in July 2024 retired as the Executive Vice President & Chief Administrative Officer at Enbridge Inc. in Calgary after 30 years with the Company. During that time he led the Major Projects Division, IT, Human Resources, Safety & Operational Reliability, Real Estate, Supply Chain Management, Public Affairs, Communications and Sustainability as well as Regulatory, Law and Customer Care with its Natural Gas utility in Ontario. Prior to that he served as a policy advisor to two Canadian federal energy ministers.

Byron holds an MBA from the University of Calgary, a BA from the University of Regina and is a graduate of the Advanced Management Program at Harvard Business School. Byron has also earned the NACD CERT certificate in Cybersecurity Oversight from the Software Engineering Institute at Carnegie Mellon University. He is the former Co-Chair of the annual Global Business Forum in Banff, and active community volunteer as Trustee of Makadiff Sports and Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra Foundations, member of the Dean’s Management Advisory Council at the Haskayne School of Business School as well as a member of cabinet of the OWN Cancer Campaign with the Alberta Cancer Foundation and cabinet for the new Science Hub at the University of Calgary. Byron, his wife Lisa and three adult daughters live in Calgary.

Who Should Attend:

      • Professionals looking to grow as leaders in business and governance.
      • Individuals interested in learning from an expert in energy, sustainability, and strategic community impact.
      • Anyone seeking inspiration and insights from a leader with extensive experience in shaping impactful organizations and initiatives.

Note to Attendees

Due to the high demand and interest in our Lunch with a Leader program, we kindly ask that if you have attended a recent lunch, please consider giving others who have not yet had the opportunity a chance to register.

If you have previously attended an event and are registered for an upcoming one, please note that the Axis Connects team may reach out to you to issue a refund in order to make room for new attendees.

Please note that Eventbrite fees are non-refundable. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at hello@axisconnects.com.

Thank you for your understanding and support in helping us create equal opportunities for all members to participate.

Lunch with a Leader featuring Gitane De Silva

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Join us for an inspiring and exclusive mentoring opportunity with Gitane De Silva, a distinguished leader and visionary in public policy, energy, and intergovernmental relations.

      • Date: Friday, January 31, 2025
      • Time: 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM MST
      • Location: The Ranchmen’s Club, 710 13 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2R 0K9

Registration Information:

      • Tickets: $50pp (includes lunch)
      • Availability: Limited availability so register early. If you have already attended a Lunch with a Leader in 2025 please see the note at the bottom of the page.
      • Registration Opens: January 17, 2025 @ 9am.

About Gitane De Silva

Gitane De Silva, ICD.D, is a public policy leader with extensive executive experience across provincial, national, and international arenas. She is the Founder and Principal of GDStrategic, a consulting firm. As the CEO of the Canada Energy Regulator (2020-2023), she ensured the safe delivery of energy while advancing environmental protection and Reconciliation. Gitane has held pivotal roles, including Alberta’s Deputy Minister for International and Intergovernmental Relations and Alberta’s Senior Representative in Washington, DC. A seasoned diplomat, she has been instrumental in trade negotiations, energy infrastructure promotion, and fostering Canada-U.S. relations.

Gitane also serves as a Special Advisor at Blue Rock Law, a Global Fellow with the Canada Institute at the Wilson Center in Washington, DC, and a Board Member with the Public Policy Forum. Passionate about gender equality, public policy, and dark chocolate, Gitane enjoys time with her family, reading, and exploring the Rocky Mountains.

Who Should Attend:

This event is perfect for:

      • Professionals aspiring to grow as leaders in public policy and governance.
      • Individuals seeking to learn from an expert in intergovernmental relations, energy, and Canada-U.S. dynamics.
      • Anyone inspired to gain insights from a leader shaping impactful policies and strategies.

Note to Attendees

Due to the high demand and interest in our Lunch with a Leader program, we kindly ask that if you have attended a recent lunch, please consider giving others who have not yet had the opportunity a chance to register.

If you have previously attended an event and are registered for an upcoming one, please note that the Axis Connects team may reach out to you to issue a refund in order to make room for new attendees.

Please note that Eventbrite fees are non-refundable. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at hello@axisconnects.com.

Thank you for your understanding and support in helping us create equal opportunities for all members to participate.

Lunch with a Leader featuring Andrea Robertson

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Lunch with a Leader featuring Andrea Robertson

Join us for an inspiring and exclusive mentoring opportunity with Andrea Robertson, a distinguished corporate director and community leader.

      • Date: Tuesday, January 14, 2025
      • Time: 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM MST
      • Location: The Ranchmen’s Club, 710 13 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2R 0K9

Registration Information:

      • Tickets: $50pp (includes lunch)
      • Availability: Limited availability so register early. If you have already attended a Lunch with a Leader in 2025 please see the note at the bottom of the page.
      • Registration Opens: January 1, 2025 @ 9am.

About Andrea Roberton

Andrea Robertson is a highly accomplished corporate director and former President and CEO of STARS Air Ambulance, where she led the not-for-profit helicopter air ambulance service for over a decade until her retirement in 2023. Andrea’s career in healthcare leadership spans nearly 30 years, with significant roles at Alberta Health Services, the Foothills Medical Centre, and the Alberta Children’s Hospital.

Currently, Andrea serves as the Board Chair for The Calgary Airport Authority and is a Board Member for CP Railway. She has also served on various boards, including Bow Valley College and United Way of Calgary and Area, and continues to offer her expertise to the Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) Board.

Who Should Attend:

This event is perfect for:

      • Professionals aspiring to join corporate or non-profit boards.
      • Leaders looking to refine their board-readiness.
      • Anyone eager to learn from a visionary leader in health care and governance.

Note to Attendees

Due to the high demand and interest in our Lunch with a Leader program, we kindly ask that if you have attended a recent lunch, please consider giving others who have not yet had the opportunity a chance to register.

If you have previously attended an event and are registered for an upcoming one, please note that the Axis Connects team may reach out to you to issue a refund in order to make room for new attendees.

Please note that Eventbrite fees are non-refundable. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at hello@axisconnects.com.

Thank you for your understanding and support in helping us create equal opportunities for all members to participate.