WHEN

March 27, 2025

WHERE

The Creative Hive

16819 111 Ave NW, Edmonton

ALLY STONE

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Ally Stone, Founder/CEO of The Inspired Leader, is a renowned leader in the hospitality industry with nearly two decades of experience. As an entrepreneur since 2005, Ally has played a pivotal role in developing 15 successful businesses, building and scaling them into a $40 million a year enterprise. Her journey had her focus on leadership development and culture, leading her to master the art of forging genuine connections and driving long-term business success through authentic leadership.

Currently at the helm of The Inspired Leader, Ally is dedicated to the transformational practice of bringing humanity back to the heart of business. Her mission is to revolutionize leadership by inspiring and empowering individuals and organizations to unlock their untapped potential through embracing a culture of authenticity and connection. Ally offers three primary services: Executive Coaching, Keynote Speaking, and Workshop Facilitation, each designed to unlock impactful leadership and meaningful change.

KRIS MARKS

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Kristopher (Kris) Marks (he/him) is the founder and CEO of VĪV Mental Health, a business and community enterprise delivering workplace and leadership training, community programs, classroom education, and media production to organizations across Canada. He has established himself as a prominent voice in the areas of workplace mental health, leadership development, men’s mental health, supporting youth, and suicide prevention. His passion for connection has brought his inspiring blend of lived experiences, professional expertise, humour, and compassion to audiences all over the world.

Kris is a CMHA-Certified Psychological Health & Safety Advisor and holds certificates in both Psychological and Mental Health First Aid. He is a frequent keynote speaker, host of the VĪV Mental Health Podcast and founder of the InstruMental Health Therapeutic Music Program, a Red Seal journeyman machinist, professional musician, stand-up comedian, and a proud harm-reduction volunteer.

TIFFANY CONNAUTON

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Tiffany Connauton, CEO of Beyond Diversity Inc., brings over a decade of experience across industries like Manufacturing, Energy, Financial, and Education. Combining her lived experience, formal education in Business, Inclusion & Diversity and credentials such as Prosci Change Management Practitioner, Tiffany leads with empathy to create meaningful, inclusive change.

Tiffany is a true champion of inclusion, navigating the complexities of organizational transformation with skill and determination. Her positive and flexible approach, coupled with a genuine care for the well-being of individuals, positions her as an invaluable asset to any endeavor focused on building a more inclusive and fulfilling future for all. 

Her dedication to uplifting marginalized communities and her extensive volunteer work, including organizing Moosehide Campaign Day, supporting MMIWG initiatives, volunteer boards and working with the Junior Achievement team showcases her deep commitment to belonging, healing and building inclusive communities together. 

STEVEN LANGER

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Do you ever feel that no matter how much effort you put into your company, you seem to still be spinning your tires, and you feel exhausted, like you’re just hanging on?

Steven is a highly-rated international keynote speaker and expert in creating the conditions for a healthy workplace culture. He is also a lead curator for an international wellness magazine, and has appeared on several podcasts and publications.

Steven works with organizations to amplify their organizational wellness, design healthy workplace cultures, and empower teams to reach their optimal potential. Steven brings actionable strategies to create the conditions for a healthy workplace culture and sustainable personal and professional wellness.

Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, on the verge of burnout, or simply seeking a more sustainable lifestyle, Steven's message will empower you to live your life with greater intention, and help you to optimize your workplace culture.

TOBA BEST

PANELIST

Toba Best is a certified human resources professional and an accomplished expert in organizational learning and development, talent acquisition, and competency frameworks. With over a decade of professional experience spanning the FMCG, medical, and manufacturing industries, Toba has honed his expertise in both private and government sectors across Africa and the United Kingdom.

Toba holds a Strategic Leadership Certificate from the London School of Business Administration and a Professional Diploma in Organizational Learning and Development from the Chartered Institute of Personnel Development (CIPD). These qualifications, combined with his professional certifications, position him as a trusted advisor for businesses aiming to enhance employee experience, drive performance, and achieve results through capability development and value creation.

As a sought-after speaker and facilitator, Toba has inspired young professionals globally through leadership development programs, conferences, and workshops. His passion for capacity building led to the creation of Standout Professionals, a mentoring platform where he collaborates with outstanding individuals to provide career guidance and support. He is also the author of The Key: A Practical Guide to Creating a Standout CV/Resume, a must-read resource for job seekers aiming to leave a lasting impression in today’s competitive job market.

THOMAS STENSON

PANELIST

Thomas Stenson is a dedicated HR consultant and your friendly neighborhood HR guy. He is the founder of Stenson HR Consulting, specializing in helping small businesses and nonprofits build positive, inclusive workplaces. With over 14 years of experience across industries such as retail, healthcare, manufacturing, and oil and gas, Thomas provides tailored HR solutions designed to meet unique organizational needs.

He is passionate about empowering organizations to thrive through people-focused strategies. His personable approach and ability to navigate complex challenges make him a trusted partner for businesses seeking impactful HR support.

LISA DUBLIN

PANELIST

Lisa Dublin, MBA, MA, is a keynote speaker, life coach, health coach, speaking coach, and performance poet dedicated to helping others win in life. She believes that with faith, desire, strategy, and support, anything is possible. Her mission is to empower professionals to break free from limitations, build confidence, and pursue their goals with passion and energy.

Lisa’s journey is one of resilience and transformation. She has overcome clinical depression, an eating disorder, heartbreak at a young age, business losses, and the challenges of migrating to a new country with a young family and little to her name. Despite these obstacles, she has emerged stronger, using her experiences to guide and inspire others.

In 2019, Lisa met a fitness and life coach who helped her shift her mindset, lose over 30 pounds, and reclaim her sense of self. This experience ignited a passion for coaching, and during COVID she made a life-changing decision. She would not return to the office but instead step fully into her calling. She became a certified health and life coach, dedicating her career to helping clients get unstuck, think differently, make bold choices, and see themselves as worthy and capable.

Today Lisa travels the world, coaching and speaking to individuals and organizations, guiding them to embrace confidence and step into their full potential. As a wife and mother of three sons, she understands the demands of a busy life and values the power of rest when she can find it.

Lisa Dublin is more than a coach. She is a catalyst for transformation, leading by example and inspiring others to rise, thrive, and win.

DEBRA KASOWSKI

PANELIST

Debra Kasowski, a powerhouse motivational and inspirational speaker, ignites transformative change in individuals and organizations alike. With infectious energy and a commitment to unlocking untapped potential, Debra empowers audiences to embrace their true capabilities and achieve unparalleled success.

With a remarkable journey that spans healthcare, entrepreneurship, and transformative coaching, Debra is not just a leader – she's a game-changer. A three-time bestselling author, multiple TEDx speaker, and host of The Millionaire Woman Show podcast, she has dedicated her career to unlocking human potential. Recognized in 2024 with nominations for the GIFEW Leadership & Impact Award and shortlisted for Best Executive Coach, Debra brings a unique blend of clinical expertise and coaching brilliance.

Holding a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and currently pursuing her Master's in Executive Coaching, she transforms complex leadership challenges into actionable strategies. Her clients range from emerging entrepreneurs to established executives, all drawn to her powerful approach of combining emotional intelligence, strategic thinking, and genuine human connection. A past Forbes Coaches Council member, certified executive coach, and passionate advocate for personal transformation, Debra doesn't just talk about potential – she helps you realize it.

KRISTA TUPALA

MODERATOR

Krista Tupala is the Vice President of Culture and Leadership with Red Tractor Hospitality, a multi-unit restaurant organization, which operates multiple Original Joe's locations. With over 20 years in the hospitality industry, 12 of those being in leadership, it is safe to say that Krista has a love of people.

Krista's heart-driven approach to leadership is rooted in the belief that by nurturing and taking care of individuals, we nurture the collective spirit of the organization. Krista has dedicated herself to creating an environment where people feel heard, valued and are inspired to bring their whole selves to work.

As the VP of Culture and Leadership, Krista leads the senior leadership team of Red Tractor Hospitality with a focus on making people feel taken care of and the ripple effect that is felt throughout the organization and beyond when we lead this way. Krista believes wholeheartedly that this creates a culture of trust and camaraderie that fosters long-term connection and success.

BRENDA LYNES

ENTREPRENEURIAL STORY

At Elevating-HR, my mission is to bridge the gap between employees and employers, empowering people through authentic connections, bold solutions, and a shared journey of growth and joy. With extensive expertise in Human Resources leadership and strategic facilitation, I partner with organizations across industries—construction, manufacturing, engineering, health care, financial and professional services—to deliver transformative solutions that drive both people and operational success.

Throughout my career, I have specialized in coaching leaders, developing strategic partnerships, and fostering high-performing workplace cultures. By designing competency-based compensation structures, creating succession plans, and driving cultural transformations, I consistently deliver measurable outcomes in employee engagement, retention, and productivity.

Certified as a Talent Management Practitioner (CTMP) and Dare to Lead™ Trained, I am dedicated to empowering individuals and organizations. My commitment to bringing joy, authenticity, and empowerment to every partnership makes me a trusted advisor for HR excellence and strategic growth.

ABI AJIBOLA

ENTREPRENEURIAL STORY

Abi Ajibola is an international award-winning portrait photographer with over 15 years of experience. She is the founder of Memoirs Photography by Abi, a boutique studio specializing in contemporary headshots, beauty, and family photography. Through her personalized approach, Abi creates impactful images that capture the essence of her subjects while helping business owners elevate their brands and connect with their ideal clients.

Passionate about women’s empowerment, Abi is the visionary behind BOLD Over 40, a portrait project and movement celebrating the confidence and resilience of women over 40. Through transformative photography sessions, she helps women see themselves in a new light—both literally and figuratively—rediscovering their beauty and strength at every stage of life. The project culminates each year at The BOLD Woman Gala, an inspiring event that honors these incredible women and fosters a community of support and connection.

Abi’s journey is a testament to resilience and reinvention. After immigrating to Canada in 2019, she rebuilt her career from the ground up. Today, she shares her entrepreneurial journey to inspire others to embrace boldness, overcome challenges, and confidently pursue their dreams.

LANCE JOHNSON

EMCEE

Lance has entertained audiences as a keynote speaker and trainer across three continents and numerous countries on business strategy, marketing, and entrepreneurship. He is the founder and CEO of Amplomedia, a video-first digital agency based in Edmonton that solves the biggest challenge every business faces which is customer acquisition. Amplomedia creates and executes conversion-optimized marketing strategies for clients in Canada, the USA, and the UK.

Lance is the host and producer of Amplify Your Business, a weekly web series in which he shines a spotlight on entrepreneurs and interviews them about their entrepreneurial journey and the lessons they’ve learned along the way. Lance has conducted more than 300 interviews and distilled the lessons shared by his guests into “The Secret Sauce to Building a Successful Business”, a handbook for all entrepreneurs.