Advancing Women

Susan Blair
Executive Director, Animal Health, Boehringer Ingelheim (Canada) Ltd.
Burlington, Ontario


Presentation Title: Transition from Grassroots to Corporate Boardrooms
Lessons learned and critical success factors in a journey from Saskatchewan grain and cattle producer, to the head of Boehringer Ingelheim's Canadian Animal Health business.

Profile:
Susan Blair has a Degree in Agriculture from the University of Saskatchewan. With a passion for agriculture, Susan purchased land in 1983, and began her career in grain and cattle production with her family’s backing. World trade wars, high interest rates and drought propelled her to seek off farm income in 1990, when she joined SmithKline (later acquired by Pfizer) as a Territory Manager in Ontario, covering poultry, swine and cattle. She moved to Alberta in 1993 to assume a Saskatchewan & Alberta Territory, for their cattle and swine business.

Susan later became Product Manager for Pfizer’s Pet portfolio, before joining Boehringer Ingelheim (Canada) Ltd. in 2003 where she held positions including National Sales Manager, Business Unit Manager, and lead the acquisition and integration of the Wyeth/Fort Dodge portfolio for Canada. Susan also worked on special projects including the development of the business plan and respective implementation strategy for Boehringer Ingelheim’s Turkish Animal Health market. She is currently serving on a 3 year term as a Board Member for the Canadian Animal Health Institute, and is Chair of their Annual General Meeting Committee.

Susan is currently the Executive Director for Boehringer Ingelhiem’s Canadian Animal Health Business, responsible for the leadership, strategic alignment and implementations, resource deployment, and financial performance of the business. With a keen interest in lifelong learning, Susan has participated in many marketing, finance, managerial, and leadership programs and conferences over the years, in North America, South America, Europe, Asia and Australia.



Jennifer Carlson

Founder, Baby Gourmet Foods Inc.
Calgary, Alberta


Presentation Title: Entrepreneurship in Agriculture
Bringing innovation in agriculture to market and overcoming growth challenges.

Profile:
Jennifer is the visionary behind Baby Gourmet Foods Inc, an organic baby food company specializing in nutritious and delicious packaged food for babies and toddlers. She successfully launched the Baby Gourmet brand in 2006 at The Calgary Farmers Market and has since built a company with product distributed in major retailers across North America. Baby Gourmet has since become Canada’s #1 selling branded organic baby food.

She is the mother of two well-fed children and has a passion for all things culinary. Jen is an inspirational and motivating speaker to women, entrepreneurs and busy moms. In July 2011, Jen was recognized for her leadership and innovation. She was the recipient of the Ernst & Young Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year 2011 (Prairies).



Wynne Chisholm
President and CEO, W.A. Ranches Ltd.
Calgary, Alberta


Presentation Title: It's Your Time to Lead!
Think "Cattle Ranching" and what images come to mind? Cowboys? Calves? Picturesque landscapes? BBQ's?
Wynne sees confident women in leadership roles who are connecting their cattle operations to the community and the consumer. Join Wynne for a quick ride through the joys and challenges of leading one of the best cow-calf operations in Canada.

Profile:
Wynne is a seasoned executive, entrepreneur and rancher who brings a high level of energy and strategic thinking to all challenges.

Wynne is President & CEO of W. A. Ranches Ltd., a highly respected cow–calf operation. Along with her husband, Dad and staff, they raise grass and select crops on +-18,000 acres to nurture their herd of 900 Angus X mother cows and an annual “crop” of calves for the feeder and replacement heifer markets. FCC recognized Wynne’s accomplishments in 2011 with a Rosemary Davis Award for leadership in agriculture and the community.

As President of Wynne Chisholm & Associates, Wynne specialized in building organizational capability. She worked with business leaders in Canada, USA, England, France, Ireland and the Netherlands to help them achieve stronger and more sustainable business results. Wynne also held senior and executive human resource management positions in real estate, oil and gas, education and financial services; and was on the faculty of Queen’s University IRC Organization Design and Advanced HR programs.

Wynne is a past Director of the Boards of the Calgary Stampede, Stampede Entertainment Inc., Rocky View County Agricultural Services, and VON Calgary. She is an Honorary Life Director of the Calgary Stampede, and a Life Member of the Canadian Association of Management Consultants.



Dianna Emperingham
Director, Product Supply
Bayer CropScience Inc.
Regina, Saskatchewan


Presentation Title: Banquet Sponsor Message

Profile:
Born and raised in rural Saskatchewan, Dianna has been connected to Agriculture for her entire life.
Dianna has been with Bayer for almost 25 years. For the first 16 years Dianna was part of the Canadian operations team holding a variety of roles in both the Animal Health and CropScience organizations, her last role in Canada was Purchasing Manager for Bayer CropScience Canada.

In January 2006 she moved to Monheim, Germany to take on a newly created role as the Global Procurement Manager for Research and Development for Bayer CropScience and then in April 2008 Dianna moved again, this time to the UK Bayer office – located in Newbury, Berkshire – where she has spent two years building and heading up Regional Procurement for the UK and Ireland.

In August 2010 Dianna rejoined the Canadian organization as Director of Product Supply and Site Manager for the Regina Production Facility.

Dianna has two sons, one step daughter and four grandchildren. She and her husband Gord reside in a Lake Community in Saskatchewan where they are still able to enjoy the agricultural activities around them, while also incorporating their love for hunting and fishing.



Bianca Ferrari
Employee Engagement Leader
DuPont Pioneer
Mississauga, Ontario


Presentation Title: Breakfast Sponsor Message

Profile:
Bianca has lead DuPont Pioneer’s focus to improve Employee Engagement, using innovative communications and behavioral science. She participates in the global team that has created the “Organization Vibrancy strategy” for all DuPont Businesses in 90 countries, 70,000 employees. Specifically, Bianca has driven strategies around employee engagement, company core values: Respect for People, Safety and Diversity and Inclusion. She has Master Degree in Human Resources Management from York University, studied Human Resources at Rotman School of Business - University of Toronto and completed her Psychology degree focus in Organization Behavior in Sao Paulo Brazil with honours.



Kim Gandier
Communications Specialist
Cargill Ltd.
Winnipeg, Manitoba


Presentation Title: Coffee Break Sponsor Message

Profile:
Kim Gandier is a professional communicator who has worked in a variety of industries prior to starting her career in agriculture in 2008. With over 15 years’ experience in communications, marketing, and branding, Kim has held senior leadership roles in the IT sector, magazine publishing industry, and also managed a boutique ad agency prior to joining Cargill. Kim is currently pursuing her Masters in Professional Communications degree from Royal Roads University in British Columbia. At Cargill, Kim uses her combined work experience and academic knowledge to provide direction and advisory services to executives, managers and multidisciplinary team members on best practices for communication and marketing initiatives. Kim plays an integral role in Cargill’s Inclusion and Diversity efforts which has resulted in the company winning Canada’s Best Diversity Employer Award in 2013 and 2014. Kim is passionate about community engagement and creating work environments where employees are respected and valued for their diversity of thought, background and experience.



Laurie Goodwin
Government Affairs Manager
Syngenta Canada
North Gower, Ontario


Presentation Title: Welcome Coffee Reception Sponsor Message

Profile:
Laurie Goodwin is the Government Affairs Manager for Syngenta Canada where she works with many key industry stakeholders to help advance Canadian agriculture. She is passionate about advocating for science-based regulatory policy and correcting misinformation about agriculture.

Laurie is a Director on the Canadian Business and Biodiversity Council board of directors and a member of the Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Crops communications committee. She is also active with the Government Affairs and Plant Biotech committees of CropLife Canada.

Laurie joined Syngenta in 2002 as a Product Development Agronomist in Ontario followed by a move to Hawaii where she then took a position managing the corn trait introgression group on the island of Kauai. Her career then led her to a position within the Corporate Affairs team where she led government affairs, industry relations and outreach and education for the State of Hawaii. Laurie and her family returned to Canada in 2011.

Laurie holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Agronomy from the University of Guelph and is a graduate of the University of Hawaii’s Agricultural Leadership Program.



Ashley Green
Analyst
Investment Group, AVAC Ltd.
Calgary Alberta


Presentation Title: Coffee Break Sponsor Message

Profile:
Ashley has been working with AVAC since 2008. Prior to AVAC, she was at BMO Nesbitt Burns where she worked within their private client division. She is the first point of contact for potential investments at AVAC, focusing on market research, financial analysis, and due diligence. Her focus areas include bioscience, agriculture, ICT, technology. Ashley is an active member of the Alberta Women’s Angel Group, Alberta Women Entrepreneurs, and the Calgary Women’s Finance Group. She holds Bachelor of Arts and is currently completing her Bachelor of Commerce in Finance.



Dianne Finstad

Communications Specialist
Red Deer, Alberta


Event Master of Ceremonies and Opening Comments

Profile:
Dianne Finstad is a broadcaster and reporter who specializes in agriculture and rodeo coverage. She’s spent over thirty years bringing stories to light through television, radio, and print. Based in Red Deer, she began her career at CKRD-TV and radio. Her program ‘This Business of Farming’ was a staple in many rural households around the province. She also worked at KG Country Radio, providing daily farm reports and regular rodeo coverage. As well, Dianne has MC’d at events ranging from Farm Credit Canada Forums to ag conferences and dairy shows. Her work has received numerous awards, and she is an honorary member of the Alberta Institute of Agrologists and the Alberta Human Ecology and Home Economics Association. Dianne is currently doing agriculture, rodeo and speaking work on a freelance basis, and is a regular contributor to publications like Canadian Cowboy Country and Canadian Rodeo News.



Trish Jordan

Director, Public and Industry Affairs, Corporate Engagement, Monsanto Canada
Winnipeg, Manitoba


Presentation Title: Dealing with the Media: Friend or Foe?
Ask anyone about their experience dealing with the media and you'll usually hear a horror story about how "they got it all wrong!" Media can be friend or foe, make your life easy or ruin your day. How can you engage with media in a confident way and ensure your story or your voice is heard.

Profile:
Trish Jordan is passionate about agriculture, farmers and enhancing agricultural awareness with the non-farming public.

In her current role as Public and Industry Affairs Director with Monsanto Canada – part of the larger, global multi-national, Monsanto Company - she sits on Monsanto's Canadian Leadership Team and is responsible for media relations, issues management and providing strategic communications support to core business activities. Trish also manages Monsanto Canada's Grower Advisory Council as well as the company's recent efforts to engage with consumer audiences to share the Monsanto story.

Trish started her career in agriculture with Alberta Wheat Pool, a farmer-owned grain co-op based in Calgary. After 12 years in a wide-variety of roles with Alberta Pool, she had the opportunity to assume the position of Director of Resources and Communication with Canadian Foodgrains Bank – a Christian-based non-governmental organization (NGO) based in Winnipeg. She also worked for a brief period of time in advertising and media relations with the Canadian Wheat Board before joining Monsanto in January 2001.

Trish donates her time to a number of boards and committees, including Agriculture in the Classroom-Manitoba, the Council for Biotechnology Information and CropLife Canada's Advocacy, Communications and Trust committee.

In her time outside of work, Trish is an avid competitive golfer and passionate curler. She also enjoys NFL Football, curling up with a good book, and spending time on the farm with her closest friends.



Dr. Carol Kinsey Goman

Owner, Kinsey Consulting Services
Berkeley, California


Presentation Title: Body Language for Women Who Lead
Nonverbal skills are a crucial part of all interpersonal interactions. In the business world, they are essential to being perceived as having executive presence or potential.

Profile:
Carol Kinsey Goman, Ph.D., is an international keynote speaker and authority on the link between effective leadership and nonverbal communication. She coaches executives, female leaders, salespeople, and change-agents to build strong and productive business relationships by projecting confidence, credibility, caring, and charisma. Carol is a leadership blogger for Forbes and the author of twelve business books, including The Silent Language of Leaders: How Body Language Can Help – or Hurt – How You Lead. Her latest book is The Truth About Lies in the Workplace: How to Spot Liars and What to Do about Them. Carol has served as adjunct faculty at John F. Kennedy University in the International MBA program, at the University of California in the Executive Education Department, and for the Chamber of Commerce of the United States at their Institutes for Organization Management. She’s a faculty member with the Institute for Management Studies.



Alanna Koch

Deputy Minister, Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture
Regina, Saskatchewan


Download Presentation (.pdf)

Presentation Title: Women in Leadership Roles: Listen, Learn and be Inspired!
Alanna will speak to her experiences, challenges and successes in the agri-food industry.

Profile:
Alanna Koch was appointed Deputy Minister of Saskatchewan Agriculture, in November 2007.

Alanna has been involved in the agriculture industry, both professionally and personally, for most of her life. For the two years prior to her appointment as the Deputy Minister of Agriculture for the Government of Saskatchewan, she worked with the Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance (CAFTA) – an organization that advocates an open and fair trading environment for agriculture and agri-food products – first as Vice-President and then as President. Her background in agriculture and agricultural policy also includes the roles of Director with Agricore United, Executive Director with the Western Canadian Wheat Growers and Director of the George Morris Centre at the University of Guelph.

Alanna has also helped develop agricultural extension services in Atlantic Canada, served as a national judge for Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmers’ program and as a committee member for Canadian Western Agribition.

She has a Chartered Director designation from the Directors College, a program of the Conference Board of Canada and the Michael D. DeGroote School of Business at McMaster University. She is a graduate of the Canadian Agriculture Lifetime Leadership program and an Honorary Life Member of the Saskatchewan Institute of Agrologists.

Alanna currently serves on the boards of Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation and Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership (STEP), and the Global Institute for Food Security, a unique public-private partnership aimed at increasing the supply and quality of food to help solve food security issues around the world while advancing the growth of Western Canada’s bioeconomy.

She was named one of the Saskatchewan Agricultural Hall of Fame 2011 inductees. The Hall of Fame formally and publicly recognizes persons who, in the course of their residence in Saskatchewan, have made significant contributions to the welfare and improvement of Saskatchewan agriculture, and to a better way of life for the farm family.

In 2012, Alanna received the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for her work on behalf of the province’s producers. In honour of Her Majesty, the Royal Canadian Mint created 60,000 medals that were awarded to outstanding Canadians who have made a significant contribution to their province or community.

Alanna, with her husband, Gerry Hertz, own and operate a grain farm at Edenwold, Saskatchewan. They have two daughters, both attending the University of Saskatchewan. They are also involved in their small community of Edenwold.


Kay Kuenker

Vice President of Global Affairs and Government Affairs
Dow AgroSciences
Indianapolis, Indiana


Presentation Title: Reception Sponsor Message

Profile:
Kay Kuenker is Vice President, Global Government Affairs, Public Affairs and Sustainability for Dow AgroSciences (DAS). She was named to this position in July 2014. In this role she is responsible for leading the development and execution of an overarching strategy to enable DAS' regulatory and commercial success through its advocacy, acceptance and governmental and industry affairs efforts.

Kuenker joined The Dow Chemical Company (Dow) in 1986 as a math modeler focusing on reactor design, pharmacokinetics and environmental risk assessment. She became part of Dow’s agricultural business in 1988 with roles focused on manufacturing plant optimization for agricultural chemicals.

In 1989, she relocated to Indianapolis and became leader of the Research and Development’s Modeling and Information Sciences Lab. In 1997, Kuenker was named leader of the Global User Services for Dow AgroSciences Corporate Information Systems. She joined the Plant Genetics and Biotechnology organization in 1999 as a Project Success leader for corn and subsequently held a variety of commercial jobs including marketing specialist, licensing leader for Corn Traits and Germplasm as well as global business leader for Corn and Sorghum. In 2005, she relocated to Calgary, Alberta, Canada, to serve as the Regional Commercial Unit leader for Canada. And in 2007, she again returned to Indianapolis and was named global leader, New Business Platforms, where she was responsible for accelerating the development of new growth businesses, including new ventures and non-core crops as well as technology out-licensing. In 2011 Kuenker was appointed Global Leader, Dow AgroSciences Europe, Middle East and Africa. As part of DAS’ Corporate Management Committee (CMC) she was responsible for DAS’ EMEA strategy and growing the DAS business in this region.

Kuenker is a member of the Executive Committee of the European Crop Protection Association (ECPA). She has recently been named as a board member for BioCrossroads, and for Indiana Biosciences Research Institute (IBRI. She has previously served on various boards including the Food and Ag Governing Board for Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO), Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, Purdue University Burton Morgan Entrepreneurial Center), Executive Committee for the National FFA Foundation and CropLife Canada.

Kuenker received a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from the University of Michigan and a master’s degree in mathematics from Central Michigan University.



Gwen Paddock

National Manager, Agriculture and Agribusiness, Client & Business Strategy, RBC Royal Bank
Toronto, Ontario


Download Presentation (.pdf)

Presentation Title: Wise Women & Wealth
Whether by circumstances or by choice, women are finding themselves in roles where they must be responsible for long-term financial needs and security. Are you ready to be the CFO of your household?

Profile:
Gwen Paddock is the National Manager, Agriculture & Agribusiness for RBC Royal Bank. In her role, Gwen focuses on client strategy development for the Agriculture and Agribusiness markets. Born in Guelph, Ontario, Gwen was raised on a Beef Cow-Calf farm. As a youth she participated in 4-H and Junior Farmers. Her interest in Agriculture influenced her decision to attend the University of Guelph where she obtained a B.SC (Agr) with a major in Agriculture Economics in 1985. Following graduation, Gwen joined RBC in Chatham Ontario as an Agriculture Account Manager Trainee. Through the past 30 years, she has held positions in Account Management, Risk Management and Sales Management throughout Southwestern Ontario. Gwen is a graduate of the Advanced Agriculture Leadership Program and is a Fellow of the Institute of Canadian Bankers. Community involvement includes Board Member of the Farm & Food Care Foundation, member of Grand River Conservation Authority Foundation Guelph Lake Nature Centre Steering Committee and past President of the Ontario Agri Business Association. Gwen and her husband Ron live in Guelph.



Liana Robberecht

Executive Chef, Calgary Petroleum Club
Calgary, Alberta


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Presentation title: The Recipe for Success
Being successful in your career of choice takes hard work, perseverance and passion. In this session, Liana will discuss her recipe for success including overcoming obstacles, having a clear focus on goals, and staying true to your passion.

Profile:
As Executive Chef at the Calgary Petroleum Club since 2002, Chef Liana is passionately committed to regional cuisine. A farm-to-table philosophy pervades the three kitchens and staff of 40 under her leadership. This commitment extends from her kitchen to fellow chefs, diners and food enthusiasts in the community at large, as evidenced by her involvement in professional organizations and participation in special and educational events for the public.

With years of extensive training, Chef Liana brings unrivaled expertise and creativity to the Calgary Petroleum Club. Beginning her journey with the Professional Cooking Program at NAIT in the early 90’s and apprenticing at SAIT, she went on to continue her training in a variety of disciplines across Western Canada, including Pastry Arts at Dubrulle French Culinary School in Vancouver, and art classes with Alberta College of Art & Design.

Chef Liana’s professional memberships include the Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Board (local and provincial Apprenticeship Committee member), and the SAIT Advisory Committee for the Professional Cooking Program (Chairperson 2002-2014) . Liana is also involved Chef’s Collaborative, the Research Chef Association, and the Chaine Des Rotisseurs. Being a member of Slow Food Calgary led her to be selected to attend the Slow Food Terra Madre World Meeting of Food Communities in Torino, Italy, in 2006 & 2008. Liana is a regular on CBC Radio Homestretch Show, a contributing food writer for Restaurantcentral.ca Involvement in all these organizations is important to Chef Liana, as it gives her a vehicle to support up-and-coming talent, along with the opportunity to learn about and teach, ethical and regional food philosophy.

Chef Liana was recognized with the 2010 Golden Whisk award by the Women Chefs & Restaurateurs. In 2011, she was named Chef of the Year by the Alberta Foodservice Expo and Canadian Restaurant and Foodservice News magazine.



Zsuzsanna Sangster

Product Specialist – Insurance
AFSC (Agriculture Financial Services Corporation)
Strathmore, Alberta


Presentation Title: Lunch Sponsor Message

Profile:
Homemade professional, proud volunteer, health and wellness enthusiast and member of the 5 o'clock am club.



Kirstine Stewart

Managing Director and Head of Twitter Canada
Toronto, Ontario


Presentation Title: The Role of Women as Leaders
Traditional leadership traits almost universally stem from the masculine point of view. But that's changing very quickly, especially as more women than ever before enter the corporate and political realms. Kirstine Stewart shows us that it has never been a better time to be a driven woman, ready to subvert stereotypes and take your rightful place as a leader.

Profile:
One of Canada's most high-profile women in business, Kirstine Stewart recently left her post as Executive Vice-President of CBC English Services to become the Managing Director and Head of Twitter Canada. A powerful speaker, Stewart talks about how modern workplaces need a new kind of leader—one who values partnership, collaboration, and empathy. And, she shares her story of success in the business world, as a leader and as a woman.

As Managing Director and Head of Twitter Canada, Kirstine Stewart is responsible for building the Canadian market. She was previously Executive Vice-President of CBC English Services, where she commissioned the greatest number of Canadian content hours the CBC has ever had in prime time. She helped lead it to some of its biggest ratings in history, all while maintaining and strengthening its public broadcasting mandate. Her book Our Turn: Time for a New Kind of Leader, on women leaders in a time of new opportunities, will be published by Random House in Spring 2015.

Stewart was named Canadian Women in Communications 2010 Woman of the Year; has been recognized by the Women’s Executive Network as one of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women; is a member of the Forum of Young Global Leaders, selected to advise the World Economic Forum; and in 2006, was named one of Canada’s Top 40 Under 40. She has also been named one of Canada’s Top 25 by Women of Influence magazine and Playback’s 2011 Person of the Year.

Stewart is a founding board member of Culture Days and sits on the boards of the Banff Television and Film Festival White Knights, and Amfar. She is a graduate of the University of Toronto and the Global Leadership in the 21st Century program at the Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University.



Debbie Travis

Chief Creative Officer, Debbie Travis Branding
Westmount, Quebec

Presentation Title: Dream it... Do it... Live it
Debbie’s presentation will include her 10 commandments on how to successfully transform your dreams into your ideal life.

Profile:
Her innate talent for design coupled with her brand savvy and dry British wit has made Debbie Travis a beloved, trusted and inspiring media icon throughout the world.

Born in England, Debbie transformed her experiences in Art College and as a fashion model into a television career, working as a producer for several British networks. As a tireless entrepreneur and having moved to Montreal to start a family, she turned a humble painting and design business into a multi media empire. In 1995 she combined her two passions, design and television production, and created one of North America's first decorating shows, Debbie Travis’ Painted House, amassing millions of devoted viewers in over 80 countries. This successful series was followed by more hit and award winning shows, Debbie Travis’ Facelift, From the Ground Up and All for One.

“Paint is her passion'', says Oprah Winfrey about Debbie. ''She can do things with paint that you’ve never seen before. Travis is the master of paint and plaster”

“The Reigning Queen of Renovations,” as Regis Philbin calls her, continues to bring fun and passion into our homes, having turned decorating from a chore into a lifestyle for everyone.

Debbie’s production company WAM produces a variety of lifestyle programmes for the American and Canadian markets that are distributed worldwide. She is an award-winning author of 9 best selling books, has an internationally-syndicated weekly newspaper column with over 6 million readers, and is a sought-after key note speaker. Her home décor product line of over 1200 items is sold exclusively at Canadian Tire, Canada's most shopped retailer with over 500 locations from coast to coast.

Her success as one of the best known celebrity brands in Canada prompted Debbie to share her exciting and refreshing tips on being a business woman, juggling family and work and the fascinating world of branding has made her a sort after public speaker across North America.

This year she will launch an online portal, whose goal is to provide a support forum to whom all can turn to for tools to get through their busy days. Debbiedaily.com

Following in the footsteps of her entrepreneurial seminars, Debbie has begun an inspirational retreat for women to share their stories and brain storm ideas at her luxury villa in Tuscany.

Debbie has been the spokesperson for The Cure Foundation for breast cancer for the last 3 years

Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheDebbieTravis
Twitter: @debbie_travis
Websites: www.DebbieTravis.com
Tuscan Girl’s Getaway: www.TuscanGetaway.com



Courtenay Wolfe

Venture Capitalist, Chairwoman, Vital Alert & Brilliant Resources
Toronto, Ontario


Download Presentation (.pdf)

Presentation Title: Your Network is Your Network: Building Success One Relationship at a Time
Relationships are the key to greater success, wealth and happiness. Effective networking is a life skill that takes authentic practice and effort but what separates highly successful people from everyone else is their ability to effectively build and leverage their networks. Learn how to use this powerful skill to help you achieve your personal and professional goals.

Profile:
Courtenay is an active venture capitalist that has been involved in the investment business for over 12 years. Courtenay is the former President and CEO of Salida Capital. During her tenure, Salida was ranked one of Canada's largest private investment management firms. Courtenay is also the former President and CEO of SCM Securities, a Canada based private investment dealer. Prior to her tenure in finance, Courtenay ran Dell Canada's online business and grew it to the largest ecommerce business in Canada in the late 90's. Courtenay is an avid board member and sits on numerous for profit boards in a diverse area of sectors from technology to agriculture. She is the Chairman of Vital Alert Communication, a private Canadian based technology company and Brilliant Resources, a public Canadian natural resources company focus in Africa. Courtenay is also a passionate philanthropist. In 2009, Courtenay founded the Salida Capital Foundation and established a philanthropic partnership with the William J. Clinton Foundation for sustainable agriculture and development in Africa. In 2013, Courtenay visited numerous countries in Africa with former President Bill