Lunch With a Leader – Past – Page 2

Lunch with a Leader featuring Beckie Scott

Step into a rare and inspiring afternoon with Beckie Scott: Olympic champion, trailblazing advocate, and one of the most respected voices in Canadian sport. This exclusive lunch event offers a unique opportunity to connect with a leader whose impact reaches far beyond the podium.

As a three-time Olympian and the first Canadian to win an Olympic medal in cross-country skiing, Scott carved her name into history at the 2002 Olympic Winter Games. Her athletic achievements alone place her among the most accomplished Nordic skiers our country has ever produced.

Today, Scott is celebrated not only for her Olympic triumphs but for her unwavering commitment to integrity, equity, and the power of sport to transform lives. As the Founder of Spirit North, she has championed sport-for-social-development across Canada, empowering Indigenous youth through movement, play, and community connection. Her leadership on the global stage, particularly during her tenure with the World Anti-Doping Agency, earned her international recognition for her courage, clarity, and principled advocacy for clean sport and athlete rights.

Now serving as CEO of Nordiq Canada, Scott continues to shape the future of sport by strengthening high-performance pathways and driving values-based change across the national system.

Her extraordinary contributions have been honoured with induction into the Canadian Sports Hall of Fame, Canadian Olympic Hall of Fame, and Canadian Ski Hall of Fame, along with the Alberta Order of Excellence and multiple honorary doctorates.

Limited seating is available for this exclusive lunch, don’t miss out.

- - Date: February 19, 2026
  - 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

Beckie Scott

Beckie Scott is one of Canada’s most respected leaders in sport, recognized nationally and internationally for her achievements as an athlete and advocate. A three-time Olympian, Scott made history at the 2002 Olympic Winter Games in Salt Lake City by winning Canada’s first-ever Olympic medal in cross-country skiing. She competed at the 1998 and 2006 Olympic Winter Games and remains one of the most accomplished Nordic skiers in Canadian history.

An Olympic champion and Officer of the Order of Canada, Scott is the Founder of Spirit North, Canada’s largest sport-for-social-development organization, working to improve health, wellness, and education outcomes for Indigenous youth through the power of sport and play.

Following her athletic career, Scott rose to become a leading figure in anti-doping, chairing the World Anti-Doping Agency’s Athletes’ Commission and playing a prominent role during the Russian doping scandal, where she was acknowledged globally for her principled leadership and advocacy for integrity, athlete rights, and clean sport.

Scott currently serves as the CEO of Nordiq Canada, the national sport organization for cross-country skiing and para nordic skiing, where she is focused on strengthening high-performance systems, and driving values-based organizational change.

Her contributions to sport and society have been widely recognized. She is an inducted member of the Canadian Sports Hall of Fame, Canadian Olympic Hall of Fame, and Canadian Ski Hall of Fame, and is a recipient of the Alberta Order of Excellence. She holds Honorary Doctorate degrees from the University of Alberta, the University of British Columbia, and Mount Royal University, and is a frequent CBC Sports broadcast analyst.

Lunch with a Leader featuring Jenna Kaye

Get ready for an energizing and insight‑packed afternoon as we welcome Jenna Kaye, one of Canada’s most dynamic and trailblazing business leaders – and one of Axis Connects’ founders.

Jenna is a powerhouse across finance, innovation, and diversity. As the CEO and Founder of Odyssey Trust Company, Jenna leads Icebook Investments Corp., co‑founded Tetra Trust Company – Canada’s first regulated crypto custodian backed by Coinbase – and co-founded Axis Connects and Corporate Diversity Consultants, both dedicated to advancing diverse leadership.

With an MBA/LLB from Dalhousie and experience practicing law nationally, Jenna brings sharp insight into regulated finance, crypto, governance, and building inclusive executive pipelines.

Count on bold insights, real‑world leadership wisdom, and a fresh look at the future of finance. Limited seating is available for this exclusive lunch, don’t miss out.

- - Date: February 4, 2026
  - 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: Viking Room
  - Cost: $50 + fees and GST

Jenna Kaye

Jenna Kaye is the CEO and Founder of Odyssey Trust Company. She is the first female founder of a Federally Regulated Financial Institution.

Jenna is also a Principal of Icebook Investments Corp, a family office with over $20 million of capital invested in early-stage companies across a wide variety of industries), a Founder and Director of Axis Connects Corp., a diversity and inclusion non-profit organization, and Corporate Diversity Consultants, a consulting firm for public issuers providing governance, recruiting and pipeline building solutions to increase diverse representation at the board and c-suite levels.

Jenna has a passion for deregulated finance and cryptocurrency and is the Co-Founder and Director of Tetra Trust Company, Canada’s first regulated crypto custodian, backed by Coinbase (NASDAQ: COIN). Ms. Kaye has an MBA/LLB from Dalhousie University and practice law at a national law firm.

Lunch with a Leader featuring Adam Legge

Join us for a conversation that could change the trajectory of your leadership journey. This exclusive mentoring lunch features Adam Legge, President of the Business Council of Alberta and one of the province’s most influential voices in business, public policy, and economic development.

For more than two decades, Adam has been at the helm of high‑performance teams and transformative organizations. From revitalizing the Calgary Chamber into an award‑winning global leader, to shaping economic strategy as Vice President and Chief Economist at Calgary Economic Development, Adam has built a career defined by vision, impact, and results.

A lifelong student of economics and history, Adam brings a rare blend of strategic insight, practical experience, and deep curiosity about what makes organizations — and people — remarkable. He is the author of Making Remarkable and a trusted advisor to multiple Calgary-based companies and community organizations, including the Calgary Counselling Centre and Vibrant Communities Calgary.

Valuable for emerging leaders or seasoned executives, this intimate lunch is your chance to learn directly from a builder of organizations, a champion of shared prosperity, and a thinker who believes deeply in the power of teams to create something extraordinary. Don’t miss out.

- - Date: January 28, 2026
  - 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

Adam Legge

Adam is the President of the Business Council of Alberta. He has worked with the founders since Day 1 of the organization to create something new and unique—an organization of business leaders advocating for shared prosperity and a better life for Albertans.

Adam has spent over two decades building and leading high-performance teams and organizations in business, public policy, and economic development. He is a life-long student of economics and history and believes strongly in the ability of a team to create something remarkable.

He was the 18th President and CEO of the Calgary Chamber where he transformed a struggling organization into a national and international award-winning entity. He was previously a Director at the Haskayne School of Business, and Vice President and Chief Economist at Calgary Economic Development. He is the author of Making Remarkable.

Adam serves on the boards of the Calgary Counselling Centre and Vibrant Communities Calgary and sits on the boards of several Calgary-based private companies.

Lunch with a Leader featuring Roselle Gonsalves

LWAL GlueUp Banner Roselle Gonsalves (1)

Join us for a powerful conversation with Roselle Gonsalves, PhD, Head of Inclusion & Reconciliation at ATB Financial, whose work is reshaping how organizations engage with equity, belonging, and Indigenous reconciliation.

A transformational leader, storyteller, and bridge-builder, Roselle brings over 15 years of experience across social services, consulting, and post-secondary education. At ATB, she leads systemic efforts to embed inclusion and socio-economic reconciliation into the heart of corporate culture. Her academic depth—anchored by a PhD from the University of Calgary—explores immigrant identity, Canadian multiculturalism, and intersectionality, offering a rich lens on the complexities of belonging.

Beyond the boardroom, Roselle’s leadership extends to sport and civic life: she serves on the Board of Governors at Curling Canada, represents Canada at the World Curling Federation, and advises Boston College’s Centre for Corporate Citizenship. Named one of Edmonton’s Top 40 Under 40, she’s also the author of the Amazon bestseller The Ordinary Turned Precious: A Quest for Belonging.

This session is more than a talk—it’s an invitation to reflect, connect, and reimagine leadership through the lens of inclusion and reconciliation. Don’t miss it!

- - Date: October 24, 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

Roselle Gonsalves

Dr. Roselle M. Gonsalves is Head of Inclusion & Reconciliation at ATB Financial, where she leads systemic efforts to embed equity, inclusion, and socio-economic reconciliation with Indigenous communities across the organization. A transformational leader, storyteller, and bridge-builder, she brings over 15 years of experience advancing equity and belonging in sectors spanning social services, consulting, and post-secondary education.

Roselle holds a PhD from the University of Calgary, where her research explored immigrant identity, Canadian multiculturalism, and intersectionality. She serves on the Board of Governors at Curling Canada, represents Canada at the World Curling Federation, and sits on the Executive Advisory Board at Boston College’s Centre for Corporate Citizenship.

Named one of Edmonton’s Top 40 Under 40 in 2022, Roselle is also the author of The Ordinary Turned Precious: A Quest for Belonging, an Amazon bestseller. She makes her home in Mi’kma’ki, now called Nova Scotia.

Lunch with a Leader featuring Alison Jackson

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

Alison Jackson

Alison Jackson joined EY Canada in 1998, became a Partner in 2007 and has served as Managing Partner of the EY Calgary office since 2019. As Managing Partner, she leads in the areas of mergers, acquisitions and divestitures, business transformation and risk, governance and taxation. She has completed several executive education programs at the Kellogg School of Management of Northwestern University, the Jones Graduate School of Business at Rice University and the London School of Business, in addition to completing the Directors Education Program with the Institute of Corporate Directors. Alison has served on the boards of St. Paul’s University College, the Ontario Association of Triathletes, the Calgary Public Library and the United Way Calgary and Area.

Lunch with a Leader featuring Kirstie Boyle

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.

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

Kirstie Boyle

Kirstie Boyle is the CEO of Envirosoft Corporation, a Constellation Software company. Envirosoft is a Calgary-based environmental software company that helps the energy industry manage emissions and regulatory compliance. 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. She’s a Board Director and former Chair of TELUS Spark Science Centre, where she’s helped increase access to science and technology globally.

Kirstie holds an MBA in Global Energy Management and Sustainable Development and a B.Sc. in Biological Sciences from the University of Calgary. As a mom of two young boys, Kirstie is deeply invested in shaping a future where everyone sees themselves as having the ability to be a scientist, a leader, and a changemaker.

Lunch with a Leader featuring Sona Khosla

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.

- - 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

Sona Khosla

In her role as Chief Impact Officer, 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.

Lunch with a Leader featuring Judy Fairburn

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.

- - 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

Judy Fairburn

Board director and change-maker (Co-Founder, Fund Managing Partner – The51 Ventures), bridging the worlds of venture finance, industry, and public policy. Proven track record in building cutting-edge business ventures and providing sage advice to CEOs and executive teams of large corporations as well as startups.

Named one of Canada’s Top 50 Change-makers in 2023 (The Globe and Mail – Report on Business) and recipient of Canada’s WXN Top 100 Powerful Women, Queen’s Platinum Jubilee medal, Schulich School of Engineering Alumni Leadership Excellence Award, the inaugural Calgary Influential Women in Business Lifetime Achievement Award winner, and 2025 Clean50 Lifetime Achievement Award for sustainable innovation.

Judy (MSc Chemical Engineering, MBA, FCAE, ICD.D) draws upon a unique mix of C-suite industry, government and start-up/venture capital experience. Previously was EVP Safety & Chief Digital Officer, EVP Business Innovation, EVP Environment and Strategic Planning, VP Refining, VP Weyburn Operations and VP Portfolio Management at major Canadian corporations, as well as the first Board Chair of the consolidated Alberta Innovates. She was also Visiting Executive to the federal government Privy Council Office in 2003/2004.

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

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.