Speakers
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Beyond Pink strives to present today’s most exciting, inspirational and motivational speakers to our delegates. We are truly privileged to be able to host these speakers at our conference, and are extremely grateful for their time and insight. To date, we are excited to confirm the following speakers as part of our itinerary: |
| Katie Dunsworth | Smart Cookies Katie, a newlywed and publicist, had a dark financial past full of maxed out credit cards, shopping sprees and unpaid bills. After meeting her husband and connecting with the other Smart Cookies, Katie committed to changing her ways. By taking a no-nonsense approach to career and wealth, she has made nearly $200,000 through investing in real estate and the stock market. Katie also managed to pay for her $22,000 wedding in cash while still continuing to build her savings and investment portfolio. Today Katie is over half way to paying off her mortgage, and is also co-founder and partner in the Vancouver based PR Firm, Spark PR. |
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| Andrea Baxter | Smart Cookies Andrea, a marketing director and brand strategist, had no savings, a big mortgage, and $18,000 in consumer debt, including a revolving line of credit and two credit cards—one of which had gone into collections. Unfortunately, this was a result of one too many shopping sprees and non-fat lattes! Andrea had big dreams for herself, but figuring out how to get there financially was not her strong suit. Within two years of joining the Smart Cookies Andrea had paid off all of her debt, has a plentiful savings account and is also the Principal of her own marketing firm, Bratface Marketing. |
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| Bob Elton | CEO, BC Hydro Raised in northern England and educated (arts major) at Cambridge, Bob Elton has ridden leadership ability, commitment to conservation and financial acumen to one of the key business posts in B.C. A longtime chartered accountant with PriceWaterhouseCoopers, Elton rose through the ranks of BC Hydro to become president and CEO on November 10, 2003. Married with two children, and for two decades a girls and women’s soccer coach, Elton is also current chair of Canadian Business for Social Responsibility. |
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| Fiona Walsh | Founder, FM Walsh and Associates As a featured speaker, columnist and business coach, Fiona Walsh has entertained audiences throughout North America with her powerful, cutting-edge information on business success. After 17 successful years in corporate sales, she stepped out and formed her company – FM Walsh & Associates Inc – to deliver business coaching programs to entrepreneurs and corporate employees. Fiona is passionate about helping people succeed in business by teaching them effective tools for getting ahead. She delivers practical and insightful solutions that have an immediate impact. |
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| Gayle Hallgren-Rezac | Co-author, Work the Pond! Gayle is a writer, speaker, entrepreneur (founder, Cookies by George) and a YWCA Woman of Distinction. Gayle is a graduate of the University of British Columbia and has spent over two decades observing and writing on networking around the world. She is a member of the Davos Circle, having attended the Annual World Economic Forum over eleven times. She is also an expert on the “art of conversation”, a subject she writes and speaks on frequently. Gayle is chief engagement officer of Shepa Learning Company, their training and development company. |
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| Judy Thomson | Chief Operating Officer, Shepa Learning Company Judy is a chartered accountant, business consultant and speaker who has held executive positions in human resources and administration with global companies in Canada and Asia. She was also part of the start-up management team of the world-famous Rocky Mountaineer Railtours. In addition to her role as chief operating officer of Shepa Learning Company, Judy is vice-chair of The Vancouver Board of Trade’s Women’s Leadership Circle® advisory council, sits on the board of directors of the BC Women’s Enterprise Centre and is a past director of a publicly-traded mining exploration company. |
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| Patricia Graham | Editor-In-Chief, Vancouver Sun Ms. Graham was an award-winning column writer and has been a commentator on both television and radio. She was a lecturer at the graduate School of Journalism at the University of British Columbia and currently serves on its advisory committee. She is a member of the board of directors of Canadian Women in Communications and the board of governors for the National Newspaper Awards. In 2006 she was named one of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women by the Women’s Executive Network and was a recipient of the Hadassah-Wizo Woman of Achievement Award. |
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| Devon Brooks | Blo Blow Dry Bar While at the London College of Fashion, Devon developed the Blo concept with her mom, Judy, and wrote the Blo Blow Dry Bar business plan for an assignment. She got 98%, and took it a step further — Blo opened it’s first location in Vancouver, Canada Spring 2007. Now just 23, the Must-Have-Maven enjoys speaking to youth groups, High School and University students about the blo brand, having the guts to take any idea to market, and her inspiring story. As Franchise Manager Devon facilitates the development of new locations, and teaches ‘franchys’ how to build a blo, covering everything under the magenta umbrella. Devon has also been appointed Director of ‘Brand and Strategic Growth’ for Face of Today, a new charity which focuses on facilitating entrepreneurship for underprivileged youth. All with flawless hair, of course. |
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| Judy Brooks | President & CEO, Blo Blow Dry Bar Being first to market in the category of Blow Dry Bar with a cheeky brand has had its advantages. Blo has a big vision and Judy is working with the young team to capitalize on the success with a well-developed growth strategy. In the last 15 years Judy has founded 3 companies, has been appointed to the board of the Forum for Women Entrepreneurs, sits on the business advisory board of The Smart Cookies and Young Women in Business, and consults for a variety of start-up concepts. Judy focuses primarily on women in business, an obvious passion. El Presidente is often asked to speak on the topic of brand & culture (for which Blo is known in Canada and beyond!), Judy says: “Blo is so much more than hair – it’s about the emotional interface our Hair Cadets have with the brand.” |
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| Cathy Adair | Vice President – Cancer Control, Canadian Cancer Society Cathy has a Bachelor in Social Work from McGill University, a Masters in Social Work from University of BC and a certificate of completion from the Program of Executive Development from UBC. She has worked in the social service and health services fields for 33 years with extensive experience in developing and managing community based services in municipal, provincial and non-profit organizations. In her current position with the Canadian Cancer Society as Vice President, Cancer Control, Cathy is responsible for the three mission areas of the Canadian Cancer Society – Prevention, Research and Support Services as well as strategic planning and community inclusion. |
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| Mike Desjardins | Driver, ViRTUS A graduate of UBC’s Sauder School of Business with a Bachelors of Commerce, Mike has spent the past 17 years transforming businesses. From entrepreneurial business to large public companies and public-sector organizations, Mike and the team at ViRTUS focus on driving a return on investment in every engagement they work on in the areas of strategy planning and implementation, leadership development, change management, and succession planning, through to the full spectrum of organizational development. In June 2002, Mike was invited to join the Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO) and was President of the Vancouver Chapter for 2007/8. In January 2006, Mike was the recipient of the BIV Top Forty Under 40 Award. |
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| Beverly Briscoe | Chartered Accountant, Forum for Women Entrepreneurs BOD Bev Briscoe is a Chartered Accountant with extensive industry experience in the transportation and industrial equipment sectors and has served on a number of boards and audit committees over the past decade. Currently, Ms. Briscoe is a director and audit committee chair of Goldcorp Inc. and Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers Inc. -both public companies listed on the TSX and the New York Stock Exchange. She is a director for a number of non-profit organizations and she is the chair of the BC Forest Safety Council. She sits on the panel of judges for CFO of the Year and Entrepreneur of the Year. Ms. Briscoe holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of British Columbia and is a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of British Columbia. |
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| Chris Flett | Founder, Ghost CEO Christopher Flett is an author, speaker, entrepreneur, and instigator of the new model of business. Founder of the Ghost CEO Business Coaching program, he travels the globe working with companies, associations and professionals that focus on professional development for women in business. A sought after presenter, Christopher has been featured in various publications including: Entrepreneur magazine, the New York Times, the Washington Post, the Wall Street Journal, and has been a guest on the Today Show, Fox Business Network and The Big Idea with Donny Deutsch on CNBC. |
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| Linda Morris | CEO, Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, BC/Yukon Region Linda arrived at the CBCF in December 2008 direct from her position in Victoria, BC, as Deputy Minister of the Public Affairs Bureau, a $37 million and over 200 staff department of the provincial government responsible for cross- government and ministry specific communications strategies and services. Prior to this, Linda held the position of Vice-President, Communications and Community Engagement for Vancouver Coastal Health, Canada’s largest health authority, providing leadership for all the health authority’s communications and community engagement functions across a multitude of internal and external publics. Prior to Vancouver Coastal Health, Linda also held Public Affairs positions with the Vancouver Port Authority and the Canadian Museum of Civilization in Ottawa-Hull. |
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| Allison Mack | Actress Allison Mack began her career at age 4 when her mother made an executive decision that she had the personality to be on TV. From her stage performances in shows such as “Chicago”, “Rent”, and “Hair’ to films with actors such as Sissy Spacek, Estelle Parsons, Christopher Lloyd and Aiden Quinn along with the role she is most well known for (Chloe Sulliven on the CW’s “Smallville”). In the fall of 2008 she was given the great honor of directing episode 13 of Smallville’s season 8 (“Power”). This propelled her into a whole new arena of appreciation for the art of film making and was a great impetus for her decision to open a production company, Parvati Creative Inc., alongside two women she admires greatly, Kristin Kreuk and Rose Bhura. Together, the team is focused on making “human-centric films as seen through a female lens”. |
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| Lori Richardson | Sales Detective and Founder, Score More Sales Lori Richardson is a sales detective and founder of Score More Sales – a sales effectiveness organization. Lori works for Dun & Bradstreet as a blogger on relationship selling at website AllBusiness and is the author of three books on selling. She’s a member of the Top Sales Experts, Sales Shebang (for women in sales) and numerous other virtual communities that focus on creating revenue to grow business.Lori launched her business after more than 20 years in the corporate world. She is kicking off a 50 city book tour in January and speaks, trains, and consults with businesses throughout North America. Lori can be reached at lori@scoremoresales.com |
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| Melody Biringer | Founder and CEO, CRAVE Melody Biringer, self-avowed “start-up junkie,” has built companies that range from Biringer Farm, a family-run specialty-food business to home furnishings to a fitness studio. Now, Melody runs the CRAVEcompany, a network of businesses designed to creatively connect entrepreneurs who approach business in a fresh, new way with the stylish consumers they desire. After initially launching in Seattle, Melody has taken CRAVEparty to more than 13 US cities including Phoenix, Chicago, Portland, and Chicago; and internationally to cities such as Rotterdam and Toronto. Melody is a loyal community supporter, versed traveler, and strong advocate for women-owned businesses. |
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| Liz Gaige | Owner, Market Navigators Consulting | Director, Ladies Who Launch Vancouver Liz Gaige collected a variety of business experiences before finding her calling in Marketing and Business Analysis, and the adventure continues. After 10 years running her own business, her eyes still light up when she gets going – with anyone from start-ups, to small business ventures, to multi-national corporations. It’s tough to say who gets more enthusiastic about new ideas and their potential, she or her clients. Through both Market Navigators Consulting and her newest initiative, Ladies Who Launch Vancouver, Liz continues to connect with enthusiasm and soulful passion in supporting, inspiring, guiding and encouraging women in business. |
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| Penny Ballem | City Manager, City of Vancouver Dr. Ballem joined the City of Vancouver in December 2008 as the City Manager. She serves as a director on the Board of VANOC, Canada Line, the Street to Home Foundation, and as the City’s representative on the Immigrant Employment Council, in association with the Vancouver Foundation. Dr Ballem has had a diverse career in the health sector as a senior health administrator, practitioner and teacher/researcher.
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| Cameron Herold | Founder, BackPocket COO For over 20 years Cameron has been coaching, speaking to, or helping entrepreneurs build companies on five continents. He launched BackPocket COO to coach & mentor young, fun, entrepreneurial, growth companies and help make their dreams happen. He is one of the country’s most innovative business leaders and was a leading force behind one of the most successful businesses of the decade, 1-800-GOT-JUNK 1-800-GOT-JUNK 1-800-GOT-JUNK 1-800-GOT-JUNK ?. He is currently mentoring companies based in Switzerland, Germany, the UK, USA & Canada. |
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| Carrie Gallant | President, Gallant Solutions Inc. Carrie is passionate about helping women leaders and professionals to imagine andachieve extraordinary outcomes in their careers and professional is passionate about helping women leaders and professionals to imagine and achieve extraordinary outcomes in their careers and professional lives. As an executive career coach and former practising lawyer, Carrie specializes in helping her clients master their personal influencing power and leadership competencies in workplace communication, negotiation, and conflict management. As an executive career coach and former practising lawyer, Carrie specializes in helping her clients master their personal influencing power and leadership competencies in workplace communication, negotiation, and conflict management. |
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| Jason Pires | Weekend Sportscaster, CTV News Born and raised in Victoria, Jason earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology at the University of Victoria, and a Broadcast Journalism diploma from BCIT, before starting his broadcasting career in his hometown in 2000 as a news reporter for CHEK-TV. In 2001, Jason helped launch a brand new television station in B.C.’s capital (now known as A-Channel Vancouver Island) and served as its original sports director/anchor/reporter. After more than six years at A-Channel, Jason was ready for a new challenge – so he took a jump over the Strait to the big city to join the CTV Sports Team. |
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| Matt Corker | Alumni Relations Manager, Faculty of Science, UBC Matt Corker has a serious addiction to big ideas, bold goals, and strong communities. Starting with a blank canvas, Matt has been charged with creating a cohesive alumni engagement program that provides meaningful opportunities for Science alumni to contribute back to their alma mater. Matt, a young alumnus of UBC himself, has a Bachelor of Commerce in Human Resource Management and International Business. He has a strong background in public relations, student affairs, and volunteer management and a big heart for social media, inspiring minds, and giving out great high fives. More information about Matt can be found at http://thatsacorker.com. |
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| Cindy Willick | Founder, Baring It All™ Cindy is the Founder of Baring It All™, an international coaching company that is dedicated to helping women world-wide reclaim their beauty, health and feminine power. Her Baring It All™ philosophy challenges you to unzip your thinking, slip out of your fears and bare the real you! She studied coaching with the formidable Dr. Martha Beck of Oprah fame and she integrates coaching with her expertise in communications and leadership to facilitate the exploration of human connection and personal empowerment. |
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| Philippe Desrochers | Career Manager, Hari B. Varshney Career Centre Philippe, GCDF is a career manager for the Hari B. Varshney Career Centre and a teacher for the Career Management course at the Sauder School of Business. He has worked with over 3000 students and is passionate about finding the perfect balance between career achievement and fulfillment. His teachings are based on an 18 month research study which discovered techniques to land work within 12 weeks or less with a 72% success rate. He is also a career columnist and radio host for Career FastTrack. |
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| Madeline Chenette | Partner & Chair, SECOR Consulting Madeleine Chenette is Chair of the Board of Directors of SECOR Group, an international strategy and management consulting firm. Instrumental in the growth of the company where she has been managing partner and successively led its customer strategy practice, leadership and transformation practice, and innovation development. Madeleine is now the Global Lead of all intellectual capital enhancement and development for the Group. With extensive experience in three continents, she is a respected and engaging speaker for international conferences on trends and new best practices. |
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| Mentor Lunch The Mentor Lunch at Beyond Pink is a unique opportunity for the leaders of today, to meet with, inspire and be inspired by the leaders of tomorrow. Each mentor will be sitting at a table with 6 to 8 delegates with whom they will be able to engage with in hopes of developing mutually beneficial and lasting relationships. A sample of some of our fantastic mentors include: |
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- Maili Wong | Vice-President, HSBC
- Cybele Negris | CEO, Webnames.ca
- Rachel Lewis | COO, Vancouver Whitecaps FC
- Michelle Rupp | Founder, Lighthouse Leadership
- Jane Webb | Founder, The Brag Company
- Jane Samletzki | Executive Director, BC Disability Sports
- Ginger Grant | Managing Partner, Creativity in Business Canada, Inc.
- Carrie Gallant | Founder, Gallant Solutions
- Kathy Butler | Executive Director, CIBC World Markets
