Category: Lunch With a Leader – Past

Lunch with a Leader: Featuring Kent Ferguson, Senior Vice President, Strategy, Sustainability, and Corporate Development, Suncor

Join us for an exclusive Lunch with a Leader event featuring Kent Ferguson, Senior Vice President at Suncor. With over 25 years of experience in the energy industry, Kent brings a unique and comprehensive understanding of the Canadian energy market, sustainability, and corporate development. His impressive career includes a significant tenure at RBC Capital Markets, where he was a leader in global energy, Indigenous finance, climate change, and energy transition—key areas shaping the future of business and sustainability.

This session offers an unparalleled opportunity to connect with one of Alberta’s foremost thought leaders on sustainable energy strategy and corporate growth. Kent’s insights into the evolving energy landscape, sustainable finance, and commitment to diversity make him an inspiring mentor for professionals interested in impactful, forward-thinking leadership.

Only 10 spots available! Registration opens Nov 18 @ 9am.

Must be an Axis Member to register (Register here)

• • • Date: November 28, 2024
    • Location: The Ranchmen’s Club, 710 13 Ave SW
    • Time: Please arrive at 11:15 am. Lunch will start at 11:30 am.
    • Lunch is included.

Kent Ferguson

Senior Vice President, Strategy, Sustainability, and Corporate Development, Suncor

Kent oversees Suncor’s corporate strategy, sustainability initiatives, and investment portfolio, guiding the company’s commitment to responsible energy and sustainable growth. A CFA charter holder with a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Saskatchewan, Kent has led transformative projects on emissions, energy policy, and environmental markets. Before joining Suncor, Kent was Managing Director and Co-Head of Global Energy at RBC, where he spearheaded initiatives focused on energy transition and inclusive finance.

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.

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.

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.

• Date: June 20, 2024
• Location: The Ranchmen’s Club (McPherson Room)
• Time: Please arrive at 11:00am. Lunch will begin at 11:30am.
• Lunch is included!

Agenda
Welcome & Leader Introduction (15 minutes):
Networking and Discussions/Lunch (40 minutes):
Closing Remarks and Conclusion (5 minutes):

Registration Opens June 7 @ 9am!

Join Kelly Schmitt this May, at The Ranchmen’s Club for Lunch with a Leader. This program is designed to provide Axis Connects members with valuable opportunities to gain insights, mentorship, and network with senior professionals in various industries. We aim to inspire and empower our members by exposing them to diverse perspectives and experiences.

Only 10 spots are available!

Must be an Axis Member to register (Register here)

• Date: May 28, 2024
• Location: The Ranchmen’s Club
• Time: Please arrive at 11:15am. Lunch will begin at 11:30am.
• Lunch is included!

About Kelly Schmitt

Chief Executive Officer, Benevity Inc.

Kelly is the CEO of Benevity, a leading provider of global corporate purpose software, providing the only integrated suite of community investment and employee, customer, and nonprofit engagement solutions. Powering the goodness programs of many iconic brands such as Apple, Google and Nike, Benevity has processed over $13 billion in donations and 65 million hours of volunteering to 430,000 nonprofits worldwide.

Prior to taking on the CEO role in February 2021, Kelly was Benevity’s President and Chief Financial Officer, overseeing the company’s go-to-market activities and industry-leading risk, vetting and donation disbursement services. Kelly has over 20 years of experience in growth company finance and operations, and recently received the Calgary Influential Women in Business Award (Large Enterprise) and was named an AACSB Influential Leader for her impact in the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging area.

Kelly is passionate about childhood learning and development, serving on the board of the Calgary Science Centre and supporting causes that empower women and children.

Connect with Kelly on LinkedIn!

Join Arun Chandrasekaran this May, at The Ranchmen’s Club for Lunch with a Leader. This program is designed to provide Axis Connects members with valuable opportunities to gain insights, mentorship, and network with senior professionals in various industries. We aim to inspire and empower our members by exposing them to diverse perspectives and experiences.

Join Gina Grandy this February, at The Ranchmen’s Club for Lunch with a Leader. This program is designed to provide Axis Connects members with valuable opportunities to gain insights, mentorship, and network with senior professionals in various industries. We aim to inspire and empower our members by exposing them to diverse perspectives and experiences.

Only 10 spots available!

Must be an Axis Member to register (here)

• Date: February 29, 2024
• Location: The Ranchmen’s Club
• Time: Please arrive at 11:15am. Lunch will begin at 11:30am.
• Lunch is included!

About Gina Grandy

Dr. Gina Grandy is Professor and Dean for the Haskayne School of Business at University of Calgary. Prior to her current role she served as the Dean for the Hill and Levene Schools of Business at University of Regina. She has also held the roles Associate Dean of Research and Graduate Programs, Research Development Program Lead, and the RBC Women in Leadership Scholar. Gina was the lead for the Women Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub (WEKH) in Saskatchewan – a national network coordinated by Toronto Metropolitan University.

Gina is the co-editor of two books and her award-winning research on leadership, gender and women’s experiences at work, stigmatized work and case writing has been published widely. Gina is a trained leadership and performance coach and is an emotional intelligence certified facilitator. Gina has designed and facilitated leadership development programming, for both aspiring leaders and those holding leadership positions. She has a particular interest in women’s leadership development. She has worked for eight universities located in Canada, United Kingdom and Ukraine. Over the past 25 years Gina has consulted for a diverse range of not-for-profit, public and for-profit organizations across Canada in strategic analysis, planning, implementation and leadership development.