Category: Lunch With a Leader – Past

Join us for an intimate lunch session with Alison Jackson, Managing Partner of EY Calgary, whose career journey is a masterclass in leadership, strategy, and community impact.

Since joining EY Canada, Alison has been at the forefront of transformative work in mergers, acquisitions, governance, and taxation. As Calgary’s Managing Partner, she brings deep expertise and a bold vision to the region’s business landscape. Her dedication to service is reflected through board roles with the Calgary Public Library, United Way Calgary and Area, Simpson Centre and more.

This is a rare opportunity to hear directly from one of Calgary’s most respected business leaders—on navigating complex change, building resilient teams, and leading with purpose. Come with questions, leave with insights.

• • • Date: October 9, 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

Join us for a unique opportunity to engage with one of Canada’s top change-makers, Kirstie Boyle, CEO of Envirosoft Corporation, and a renowned leader in tech, innovation and transformation. Since 2020, Kirstie has led the company through a remarkable transformation—quadrupling its size, expanding into international markets, and building a high-performing team.

Kirstie’s background spans startups, venture-backed scale-ups, and global commercialization, but what drives her is building inclusive, purpose-driven organizations. Kirstie is passionate about making science and technology more accessible, mentoring emerging leaders, and showcasing Calgary’s innovation on the world stage.

During this intimate lunch, Kirstie will share insights from her extensive career, her passion for science and technology, and her experiences fostering transformation. Expect an engaging discussion on the future of business innovation, the role of women in leadership, and sustainable solutions for today’s most pressing challenges.

This is a fantastic opportunity to connect with a powerful thought leader, ask questions, and gain valuable perspectives on how to drive meaningful change within your organization and industry. Limited seating is available for this exclusive lunch, so don’t miss your chance to be inspired by one of Canada’s most influential leaders.

• • • Date: September 25, 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: Trophy Room
    • Cost: $50 + fees and GST

Join us for a unique opportunity to engage with one of Canada’s top change-makers, Sona Khosla, Chief Impact Officer of Benevity, and a renowned leader in tech, innovation and social impact.

In her role as CIO, Sona is responsible for infusing impact into Benevity’s business and culture and overseeing the company’s own impact and inclusion initiatives. At the helm of Benevity Impact Labs, an incubator and resource hub, Sona and her team bring cutting-edge data, research, insights and best practices to help organizations and individuals maximize their impact and authentically live their purpose.

As the host of Benevity’s podcast, Speaking of Purpose, Sona is a frequent guest on shows and in the media discussing topics such as building purpose-driven brands, authentic employee and customer engagement, corporate giving trends and diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging.

During this intimate lunch, Sona will share insights from her extensive career, her passion for fostering innovation, and her experiences fostering transformation. Expect an engaging discussion on the future of business innovation, the role of women in leadership, and sustainable solutions for today’s most pressing challenges.

This is a fantastic opportunity to connect with a powerful thought leader, ask questions, and gain valuable perspectives on how to drive meaningful change within your organization and industry. Limited seating is available for this exclusive lunch, so don’t miss your chance to be inspired by one of Canada’s most influential leaders.

• • • Date: September 11, 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: Wine Cellar
    • Cost: $50 + fees and GST

Join us for a unique opportunity to engage with one of Canada’s top change-makers, Judy Fairburn, Co-Founder and General Partner of The51 Ventures, and a renowned leader in venture finance, industry, and public policy.

Judy brings over 25 years of diverse experience in C-suite roles across major corporations, government, and the startup ecosystem. As a board director and change-maker, Judy has been instrumental in building cutting-edge business ventures and empowering women-led companies. With a remarkable track record, including her recognition as one of Canada’s Top 50 Change-makers (The Globe and Mail) and her multiple awards for leadership in sustainable innovation, Judy is a visionary who bridges the worlds of business, technology, and policy.

During this intimate lunch, Judy will share insights from her extensive career, her passion for fostering innovation, and her experiences shaping transformative ventures in both the corporate and venture capital landscapes. Expect an engaging discussion on the future of business innovation, the role of women in leadership, and sustainable solutions for today’s most pressing challenges.

This is a fantastic opportunity to connect with a powerful thought leader, ask questions, and gain valuable perspectives on how to drive meaningful change within your organization and industry. Limited seating is available for this exclusive lunch, so don’t miss your chance to be inspired by one of Canada’s most influential leaders.

• • • Date: June 24th, 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: Trophy Lounge
    • Cost: $50 + fees and GST

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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 – 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

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.

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.