Program at a Glance


Friday, February 26, 2021

10:00 am  -  12:00 pm
Main Stage | Plenary Session

Winning with Big Brands

 

OPEN to all business owners who want to learn more about the tremendous opportunities to open doors and to access more business with “Big Brands” through supplier diversity. The focus is on learning how to cultivate, build and grow relationships and business opportunities between certified diverse suppliers, corporations, and public organizations. Learn more about those championing inclusive procurement and supplier diversity:

 

 

 

Moderator: Silvia Pencak, President, Women Business Enterprises Canada Council (WBE Canada)

 

 

 

 

Speakers:

  • Cassandra Dorrington, President & CEO, Canadian Aboriginal & Minority Supplier Council (CAMSC)
  • Dale McDermott, COO, Canada’s LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce (CGLCC)
  • Deidre Guy, Founder, Inclusive Workplace & Supply Council of Canada (IWSCC)
  • Catherine Grosz, Manager, Corporate Membership, WBE Canada, & Representing SDAC
  • Carol Attak, Senior Manager of Global Supplier Diversity and Sustainability, BMO Harris Bank
  • Ashifa Jumani, Director of Procurement, TELUS
  • Tara Hartley, Regional Director, Public Services and Procurement Canada (PWGSC)
  • Celso Afonseca, Manager, Account Services & Program Operations, Staples Promotional Products
  • Lisa Siragusa, President, NRG TeleResources and WBE Supplier

Friday, March 5, 2021

9:00 am  -  11:00 am
Main Stage | Plenary Session

Champions of Change: Women Leaders Who Made and Make a Difference

 

Laura Reinholz BMO For Women“Champions of Change: Women Leaders Who Made and Make a Difference”

Moderator: Laura Reinholz, Director, BMO for Women

Women increasingly play a powerful role in driving global changes. By providing powerful and meaningful messages of “Women Championing Women”, we know a difference can be made for women, girls, and the next generation of leaders. This section of the 2021 Summit Series will showcase a panel of inspirational women leaders and trailblazers who have had impact on communities, society and the world.  Sharing their sage advice and brilliant perspectives on their ups and downs, their failures and wins, their strategies and tactics for their success, they are all passionate leaders who will encourage, inspire, and motivate you to become the successful woman you want to be!

Panelists:

  • Alyse Nelson, CEO, Vital Voices
  • Betty Hines, President and Founder, Women Elevating Women (W.E.W.)
  • Sophie Pierre, OBC, OOC & Ktunaxa Hereditary Chief
  • Lieutenant Colonel (ret’d) Susan Beharriell, O.M.M., CD.

Wednesday, March 17, 2021

9:00 am  -  10:30 am
Zoom Room C | TRACK 3

Get Your Brāv On! Learn How To Build A Braver Mindset & What It Takes To Make It Happen

“Get Your Brāv On! Learn how to build a braver mindset & what it takes to make it happen.

Moderator: Patricia Ross, Councillor, City of Abbotsford

If you were even braver, what would you do that you’re not already doing? Who would you be that you’re not already being? Sometimes it’s not about learning new skills or taking on more courses. Sometimes it’s about stepping up, standing out, and choosing to be brave. After conducting significant research at The Brāv Institute, women at all stages and levels of experience are ready to be braver… whether in their work, their relationships, or their life.

*Please Note: ALL Sessions are LIVE, no recordings are available at this time.

Speaker: Carol Schulte, Speaker, Trainer, Founder of The BRĀV Institute

9:00 am  -  10:30 am
Zoom Room B | TRACK 2

Master The Moment: Communicate with Diplomacy, Impact and Confidence Especially During Conflict and Stress

Holly Sorgen“Master The Moment: Communicate with Diplomacy, Impact and Confidence”

Moderator: Holly Sorgen, GroYourBiz Chair, Grande Prairie, Owner, EmPower Up! ED, Community Futures Grande Prairie & Region

Within our global community, diversity can increase creativity and productivity, yet it can also increase misunderstandings, conflict and stress. Know how to navigate through that with the impactful awareness of specific communication strategies that will instantly reduce conflict and stress. There has never been a great leader who wasn’t a great communicator especially during crisis, rapid growth and change. When the pressure is high and the moment is brief, what you do and say in that defining moment matters. Fact, all of us are difficult under stress. While stressed we may be temporarily compromised from our ability to think as effectively. Just like a legal document is null and void if signed under stress or duress…this session is about how to tap into your intelligence to master the moment. Feel confident in communicating through stressful situations. Know how to create the calm and respectful environment you need and how to keep it that way. Understand the impact and game changer of Verbal, Vocal, and Visual in communication.

*Please Note: ALL Sessions are LIVE, no recordings are available at this time.

Speaker: Lorna McLaren, Owner, McLaren Formula Training, (Award Winning Corporate Trainer & #1 Bestselling Author)

9:00 am  -  10:30 am
Zoom Room A | TRACK 1

Know Who You Are Hiring With Social Media Checks & Avoid the 3 Most Common People Management Mistakes

Marg Hachey“Know Who You Are Hiring With Social Media Checks”

Moderator: Marg Hachey, Eastern Managing Director, GroYourBiz

Job candidates LIE!   You need to know the REAL candidate. Know what to look for to ensure you are hiring who you think you are hiring.   The first pre-employment screening company in Canada, with over 45 years in business is pleased to share useful tips on finding the right job candidate.

*Please Note: ALL Sessions are LIVE, no recordings are available at this time.

Speaker: Marty Britton, President & CEO, Britton Management Profile Inc.

and

“Avoid the 3 Most Common People Management Mistakes and Set Your Employees Up for Success”

You spent a lot of time and money hiring your perfect employee, now set them up for success and reap the rewards of your investment.

In this session you’ll learn:

  • A simple process to increase your employee’s productivity faster by capitalizing on your new employees excitement for their new job
  • The power of positive feedback to exponentially increase your ROI on your employees
  • How to avoid the 3 most common People Management Mistakes that cost business owners time, money and frustration
  • The secret to increasing your day to day happiness while running your business

*Please Note: ALL Sessions are LIVE, no recordings are available at this time.

Speaker: Angela Heit, Founder & CEO, Crysalis Consulting Group Inc.

Wednesday, March 24, 2021

4:00 pm  -  5:30 pm
Zoom Room B | TRACK 2

Twinning Your Competition: Why 86% of Buyers Can’t See The Difference

Petra Mayer“Twinning Your Competition: Why 86% of Buyers Can’t See The Difference”

Moderator: Petra Mayer, Founder, Petra Mayer & Associates Consulting, and Global Virtual Chair, GroYourBiz

Hosted By: Women’s Enterprise Organizations of Canada (WEOC) & Women’s Enterprise Centre (WEC)

Your business isn’t as unique as you think. Research shows that buyers don’t see you as different compared to your competitors. This comes out loud and clear when you’re price-shopped, lose the sale to a competitor or worse yet-can’t even get the meeting with the decision makers in the first place! Time-starved buyers don’t have the desire to meet with just one more vendor who does the same thing as their current vendor. There’s a reason why calling more leads or hiring more sales staff isn’t helping grow your business faster. The answer is simple, it’s scientific and it requires very little investment other than a few changes to what you’re already doing to reach out to prospects.

*Please Note: ALL Sessions are LIVE, no recordings are available at this time. This is a fully interactive session where you do your 30-60s elevator pitch and Chala differentiates it on the spot with some laser coaching. Come prepared to turn on your sound and video to participate.

Speaker: Chala Dincoy, CEO & Founder, Coachtactics/The Repositioning Expert

4:00 pm  -  5:30 pm
Zoom Room C | TRACK 3

The Crisis of Accountability and What You Can Do About It

“The Crisis of Accountability and What You Can Do About It”

Moderator: Susi Graf, President, Susable Consulting, & GroYourBiz Chair, Vaughan

Hosted By: Women’s Enterprise Organizations of Canada (WEOC) & Women’s Enterprise Centre (WEC)

Businesses are facing a crisis of accountability in the workplace. This crisis stifles collaboration, disrupts creativity and impairs leadership capabilities. Lack of accountability creates environments where teamwork is challenging, transparency is opaque, trust is low and self-preservation is the focus. In this session, participants will discover the causes of low accountability. We will also explore common behaviors of low accountability in the workplace. Participants will gain a greater understanding of low vs. high accountability impacts on their work, their teams and their company culture. Participants will gain insights and techniques to address and improve their own accountability. Leaders will obtain strategies to positively leverage their influence and accountability to help their team members boost their accountability.

*Please Note: ALL Sessions are LIVE, no recordings are available at this time.

Speaker:  Brandy Ferrer, President & CEO, Pathfinder Strategies

4:00 pm  -  5:30 pm
Zoom Room A | TRACK 1

Recalibrating Your Life: Advancing Your Life Journey with ‘SELF’ in the Driver’s Seat

“Recalibrating Your Life: Advancing Your Life Journey with ‘SELF’ in the Driver’s Seat”

Moderator: Marg Hachey, Managing Director & Chair, GroYourBiz

Hosted By: Women’s Enterprise Organizations of Canada (WEOC) & Women’s Enterprise Centre (WEC)

Overarching goal of session is to help empower Leaders/ Entrepreneurs in their quest to live balanced, fulfilled and satisfying lives, aligned with their personal values and priorities. It is intended to help serve as an effective and influential resource in support of managing the competing demands of personal and professional life. It will stress the importance of taking a holistic approach to identifying and addressing priorities in various aspects of life, and will reinforce the importance of building on values and talents, and addressing needs as a means of managing energy and preserving motivation. It will emphasize the importance of managing the risk of making decisions and sacrifices at the expense of ‘self’ together with the importance of ‘honouring self’ in all aspects of life.

*Please Note: ALL Sessions are LIVE, no recordings are available at this time.

Speaker: Vania Sakelaris, MBA, CHE, Founder/Principle, VAS & Associates Inc., and Chair, GroYourBiz

Wednesday, March 31, 2021

9:00 am  -  11:00 am
Main Stage | Plenary Session

Humanizing Healthcare: The Cost to Businesses and Women Business Owners

 

WATCH THE REPLAY… for one of the most important topics affecting all of us—HEALTHCARE!

Moderator: Dr. Darryl Plecas, Former Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia and Author, “The Essentials of Leadership in Government” and UFV Professor Emeritus

Hosted By: Devonshire Dementia Care Home

Add a world PANDEMIC to healthcare and it is even more critical to have an honest session and a Call To Action. We know that access to good health care impacts a person’s overall physical, social, and mental health status and quality of life; yet we still have not figured out how can society deliver health care productively while expanding its access and enhancing its quality? Did we fail the most vulnerable in our society? Why didn’t we take better care of our elderly? Do we have different standards for minorities and women? How can we as citizens compassionately find new solutions and innovations through collaborative communication with those dedicated to Saving Lives?  

There is no ONE solution to improving our Healthcare.  But what COVID taught us is that there was an increased burden on families, patients and caregivers. “Humanizing Healthcare” brings together prominent leaders and professionals whose innovative ideas and approaches in a variety of healthcare fields can provide ways to make breakthroughs. At #EXCELerate2021 you will hear them share their views on the need for more teamwork, collaborative communication, and provide ideas on the investment healthcare deserves to support the most vulnerable in our society.

Panelists: 

  • Carolyn Cross, Chairman & CEO, Ondine Biomedical Inc.
  • Dr. Alex Mihailidis, Scientific Director & CEO, AGE-WELL
  • Dr. Angela Marshall, President & CEO, Comprehensive Women’s Health
  • Dr. Martha Dow, Director, Community Health & Social Innovation Hub (Chasi)
  • Laura Tamblyn Watts, President & CEO, Canada’s National Seniors’ Advocacy Organization (CanAge)
  • Ron Beleno, Care-giver, AGE-WELL

Wednesday, April 14, 2021

9:00 am  -  10:30 am
Zoom Room C | TRACK 3

Build Your Resilience During Challenging Times

“Build Your Resilience During Challenging Times

Moderator: Susan Kabani, CEO, Ugenie.io & Co-Chair GroYourBiz London, UK

Hosted By: Ugenie.io

Researchers have discovered the formula for living a good life, so why is depression still the world’s leading disability and anxiety the most common mental health disorder in North America? Most people don’t know what will truly make them happy, and far too few make proven wellness practices a part of their lives. To cope with all the stresses we encounter, we need to actively care for ourselves, which includes heeding our ancient programming that demands that we move our bodies, connect face-to-face and get enough sleep. These important factors build our resilience.

In this entertaining and and interactive expert workshop session, Addie Greco-Sanchez will demonstrate how investing as little as five minutes of self-care goes a long way in building resilience and decreasing absences related to stress and mental health challenges. Based on the book she co-authored, The 5-Minute Recharge, 31 Proven Strategies to Refresh, Reset and Become the Boss of Your Day, Addie will provide useful strategies for thriving at work and in life.

*Please Note: ALL Sessions are LIVE, no recordings are available at this time.

Speaker: Addie Greco-Sanchez, President, AGS Rehab

9:00 am  -  10:30 am
Zoom Room B | TRACK 2

Up Your Speaking Game to Attract New Global Opportunities

“Up Your Speaking Game to Attract New Global Opportunities”

Moderator: Susan Baka, President, Bay Communications & Marketing Inc., International Vice President, OWIT

Hosted By: OWIT

Ways to Leverage Global Innovation to Grow Your Business.  Gain tips from Canadian, African, European, and U.S. trade experts from Organization of Women in International Trade (OWIT) on how to grow your service business internationally.

*Please Note: ALL Sessions are LIVE, no recordings are available at this time.

Panelists: 

  • Anne Freedman, CEO & President, Speakout Inc.
  • Camelia Mazard, Esquire, Doyle, Barlow & Mazard PLLC, International President, OWIT
  • Frida Owinga, Founder, PassionProfit Ltd., Executive Vice President, OWIT
  • Hülya Kurt, Co-Founder, InnKick, President, OWIT Lake Geneva
3:00 pm  -  4:30 pm
Main Stage | Plenary Session

Sustainable Solutions: Doing little things in a Big Way—It’s Up to Us!

 

“Sustainable Solutions: Doing little things in a Big Way—It’s Up to Us!”

Moderator:  Leann Hackman-Carty, Author of “Master Your Disaster”—Gleaned from years of experience with disaster recovery organizations, she has specialized insight with the different levels of disaster preparation and recovery.

Sponsored By: Waste2Wear

No one knows what tomorrow holds, but everyone has an interest in making this world a better place.  Women and Youth are leading the way in creating Smart Solutions for Sustainable Success, as we address Climate Action / World Floods/ Mental Health / Peace & Security / Racism and much more.

The impact of our global problems will require enterprises and individuals to act in new ways. This session highlights how some leaders are making a difference — whether it’s taking action to save our planet from pollution, world floods, or fostering mental health in a way that impacts generations positively. Please join us for a discussion on global concerns and solutions to protect our world’s most climate-vulnerable communities. Our panel will share their passions and progress in a way that will inspire you to think differently about your business plan and corporate responsibility.  We all want to grow…we all want to help…let’s put our heads and hearts together and see how we can grow into being part of the solution.  We also believe that it will be women and youth, who will become the majority “change makers” pushing for the solutions required to get changes adopted and supported sooner by our policy makers and governments.

*Please Note: ALL Sessions are LIVE, no recordings are available at this time.

Panelists:

  • Bessie Schwarz, Co-Founder, Cloud to Street
  • Dr. Maymunah Kadiri, CEO, Pinnacle Medical Services
  • Monique Maissan, CEO, Waste2wear
  • Major General Suzanne P. Vares-Lum, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command
4:30 pm  -  5:30 pm
Main Stage

1-2-1 Networking

 

Join Us for “CHAT ROULETTE” and Meet Someone NEW Every 5 Minutes!

Our Chat Roulette is designed to explore respective businesses without any ‘selling’ pressure. It is an opportunity to learn more about fellow delegates and WBOs from other regions/countries. It might just also highlight chances to collaborate.

 

Wednesday, April 21, 2021

10:00 am  -  11:30 am
Main Stage | Plenary Session

WE Empower UN SDG Challenge and the Benefits for WBOs

 

Lisa Milburn“WE Empower UN SDG Challenge and the Benefits for WBOs”

Moderator: Lisa Milburn, Chief Marketing & Communications Officer, BMO Wealth Management

Hosted By: Women Elevating Women (W.E.W.)

The WE Empower UN SDG Challenge is the first-of-its-kind global competition for social entrepreneurs who are advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals and inspiring entire communities to act to create the world we want by 2030. The WE Empower Challenge honors innovative women leaders from around the world who are pushing the SDGs forward through sustainable business practices and inspiring others to follow suit. The opportunity recognizes their innovative work and provides Awardees with capacity-building training sessions and opportunities to connect with an unparalleled global network to advance their enterprises. This program elevates and showcases the valuable contribution women entrepreneurs and business leaders can make toward the SDGs and solving the world’s greatest challenges. GroYourBiz is proud to be a lead partner in this initiative.

If you are a WBO whose business is advancing any of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, then you should attend and consider applying. Each year Five Finalists are selected from around the world to participate in a series of tailored trainings, high-level events, and networking opportunities surrounding the 76th UN General Assembly (in-person in September 2021 or a virtual program from August through October 2021). BMO Bank of Montreal will also share their involvement with WBOs and SDGs with their upcoming Grant Program for 2021.

*Please Note: ALL Sessions are LIVE, no recordings are available at this time.

Panelists:

  • Alyse Nelson, CEO & President, Vital Voices
  • Amanda Ellis, Executive Director, Hawaii & Asia-Pacific, ASU Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory
  • Hadeel Mustafa Anabtawi, Founder & CEO, The Alchemist Lab
  • Laura Reinholz, Director, BMO For Women
  • Leah Lizarondo, Founder & CEO, Food Rescue Hero
  • Valrie Grant, Founder, GeoTechVision
11:30 am  -  12:00 pm
Main Stage

Cookology – A Live Cooking Session

 

Join Chef Olivia as she prepares a wonderful Salad Power Bowl during our Lunch Break.

Click Here to Download the Recipe and prepare your meal alongside Chef Olivia.

 

12:00 pm  -  1:30 pm
Main Stage | Plenary Session

Empathetic Leadership is Good for Business: Leading with Strength and Compassion

 

Dr. Antoinette Farmer-Thompson“Empathetic Leadership is Good for Business: Leading with Strength and Compassion”

Moderator: Dr. Antoinette Farmer-Thompson, President/CEO, Foresight Foundation for Economic Equity, Deputy VP, Educational Outreach & Student Services, Arizona State University, and Co-Founder, Foundation for Female Equity & Inclusion

Sponsored By: Mastercard Canada

Global consumer buying habits continually are changing, especially among women and youth who are speaking out more. They crave authenticity and purpose, and issues they most care about, which are key elements for a successful brand. So, what are corporations and public institutions doing to stand out and be different? In this session we showcase leaders whose innovative ideas are generating a new model of doing business.  Each panelist shares their own underlying culture addressing this new leadership incorporating socially, environmentally, and corporately responsible behaviours in their business practices, including sustainability, inclusiveness, diversity, and gender equality.

This Plenary Session goal is to provide delegates with innovative, dynamic, and thoughtful ideas to inspire a leadership growth. Women increasingly play a powerful role in driving global changes. We believe that sharing “best practices” will drive unprecedented positive change for all businesses, no matter their size or sector.

Our keynote panelists are prominent leaders who will share their views reflecting on how they are making strides in issues we most care about while serving clients and social goals as it relates to the four major conference themes: leadership, global competitiveness, business growth and megatrends.

*Please Note: ALL Sessions are LIVE, no recordings are available at this time.

Panelists: 

  • Dan Lutkenhouse Jr, President / Executive Director, Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden
  • Jennifer Sloan, Vice President, Public Policy – Canada, MasterCard
  • Julie Hansen, Global Executive Advisor – Office of the CEO, Salesforce
  • Whitney McWade, Director, Sustainability Strategy, Disclosure and Impact, BMO Financial Group

Wednesday, May 5, 2021

1:00 pm  -  3:00 pm
Main Stage | Plenary Session

Money & Morals: Ringing the Alarm on Harmful Tech. Can SMEs Make A Difference?

 

Carmi Levy“Money & Morals: Ringing the Alarm on Harmful Tech. Can SMEs Make A Difference?”

Moderator: Carmi Levy, Canadian Technology Analyst and Journalist

Hosted & Sponsored By: Hakemi & Ridgedale LLP (see below)

CALL FOR ACTION! All SMEs should be aware of what Canada’s position is on BIG TECH and Social Media. Are you aware of C10 and the new Terms & Conditions proposed by CRTC? Millions of SMEs on sites like YouTube, Instagram, TikTok and hundreds of other services will be affected.

On the other hand we also know that a much larger discussion is required on how to deal with hate speech, misinformation, pornography, and all the “harmful” social media. Is it time to dig into “The Good, the Bad and The Ugly”

Join our World Experts including: Susan Crawford, Harvard Law & Author of “Fiber” and who served with President Obama as Special Assistant for Science, Technology, and Innovation Policy; to Dr. Tai Neilson, who discusses Australia’s News Media Bargaining Code—a first of its kind Law to pay for content; to other Internet & Digital Activists & Journalists, and an SME who depends on social media for business growth.

This Plenary session will cover a range of topics including:

  • Is it time to Ring the Alarm on Harmful Tech?
  • What about small new startups that depend on Social Media?
  • What should we focus our attention on in making policy changes?
  • What about Australia’s “bargain code” as a policy?
  • What should the next generation of “net” look like?
  • What is the role of Social Media?  Should there be accountability for the spread of misinformation?
  • Should interests come before values? Should governments step in and start regulating?
  • Is attention the currency of the 21st century?
  • What is responsible Social Media and how to use it for the benefit of all? How should it shift?
  • Should Social Media be publicly owned?
  • How can Social Media abide by rules and become safer? Is this possible?
  • How can we support entrepreneurship and new competition? Etc.

Hakemi & Ridgedale LLP is a Vancouver-based litigation boutique and its reputation in dispute resolution stems from its lawyers’ capabilities in complex corporate and commercial litigation. The firm has notable experience in corporate and commercial disputes, securities litigation, defamation law, and family law involving individuals with high net worth and complex asset structures. Headed by co-founders and partners Tom Hakemi and Lisa Ridgedale, the firm’s lawyers have experience advising clients in complex business disputes across several industry sectors including private equity and investments, financial services and banking, mining, resources, energy and infrastructure, construction, real estate, and retail and consumer markets. The firm’s lawyers resolve matters in all levels of court, and in front of regulatory bodies, tribunals, and arbitrators and mediators.

Over the past year, the firm has received several prestigious awards and rankings. Hakemi & Ridgedale was ranked by The Legal 500 as a 2021 Leading Firm in Dispute Resolution in British Columbia. HRLLP has been ranked by Benchmark Litigation 2021 as a recommended firm in British Columbia for litigation and dispute resolution. Tom Hakemi and Lisa Ridgedale have also been personally recognized as Litigation Stars in the Benchmark Litigation 2021 guide. Lisa was recently selected as a finalist for the Female Trailblazer Excellence Award by the Canadian Law Awards. The firm was previously announced as an Excellence Award recipient for Western Canada Law Firm of the Year 2020, presented by Lexpert’s 2020 Canadian Law Awards and supported by Canadian Lawyer and InHouse magazines. In September 2020, associate Nerissa Yan was announced by Canadian Lawyer as a Top 25 Most Influential Lawyer in Canada 2020, in the Young Influencer category. In April 2021, associate Nathan Muirhead was named a Lexpert Lawyer to Watch and achieved this status by virtue of being a finalist in the 2020 Lexpert Rising Stars: Leading Lawyers Under 40.

*Please Note: ALL Sessions are LIVE, no recordings are available at this time.

Panelists: 

  • Susan Crawford, Telecommunications Policy & Law Expert, & Professor, Harvard Law
  • Dr. Tai Neilson, Lecturer in Media at Macquarie University, Sydney; Author of “Journalism and Digital Labor: Experiences of Online News Production”
  • Ritesh Kotak, Tech Entrepreneur and Digital Strategist, Ritesh Kotak Consulting
  • Seher Shafiq, Co-Founder, Cardamom & Co.
3:00 pm  -  4:15 pm
Main Stage

1-2-1 Networking

 

Back by POPULAR DEMAND! Join Us for “CHAT ROULETTE,” and Meet Someone NEW Every 5 Minutes!

Our Chat Roulette is designed to explore respective businesses without any ‘selling’ pressure. It is an opportunity to learn more about fellow delegates and WBOs from other regions/countries. It might just also highlight chances to collaborate.

This is a FREE Session, and anyone is welcome to join! REGISTER NOW*
*If you have already registered for #EXCELerate2021 there is no need to register again.

 

Wednesday, May 12, 2021

12:00 pm  -  1:30 pm
Zoom Room C | TRACK 3

Share Your Stories & Grow Your Capacity For Success

Crystal D'Cunha“Share Your Stories & Grow Your Capacity For Success”

Moderator: Crystal D’Cunha, CEO, The Inside View Inc. & GroYourBiz Chair, Niagara Falls, ON

Hosted By: Moyaa Shea Products Ltd.

This interactive session will introduce tips for sharing your stories to increase your visibility, encourage collaboration and connect you with your community. How? By connecting your story to your success and teaching you how to use both to grow your capacity for success and amplify your results. Trish will create a “safe zone” to learn, share and receive peer feedback and recognition.

*Please Note: ALL Sessions are LIVE, no recordings are available at this time.

Speaker: Trish Tonaj, Published Author, and Owner, Phaze2Inc.

12:00 pm  -  1:30 pm
Zoom Room B | Track 2

Franchise Your Business: A Proven Strategy for Growth & Success

“Franchise Your Business: A Proven Strategy for Growth & Success”

Moderator: Betty Hines, President and Founder, Women Elevating Women (W.E.W.)

Are you an entrepreneur and have run your business for at least a year? Have you ever thought about franchising your business into a national brand? Is this the right growth strategy for you?

In this expert workshop session, you will learn:

  • Why franchising is the growth strategy for entrepreneurs, especially during a global pandemic
  • The reasons for and benefits of franchising your business
  • Understanding if your business is “franchise-able”

*Please Note: ALL Sessions are LIVE, no recordings are available at this time.

Speaker: Faizun Kamal, CEO, The Franchise Pros

1:30 pm  -  2:45 pm
Main Stage

1-2-1 Networking

 

Back by POPULAR DEMAND! Join Us for “CHAT ROULETTE” and Meet Someone NEW Every 5 Minutes!

Our Chat Roulette is designed to explore respective businesses without any ‘selling’ pressure. It is an opportunity to learn more about fellow delegates and WBOs from other regions/countries. It might just also highlight chances to collaborate.

This is a FREE Session, and anyone is welcome to join! REGISTER NOW*
*If you have already registered for #EXCELerate2021 there is no need to register again.

 

Wednesday, May 26, 2021

9:00 am  -  9:30 am
Main Stage

Welcome Remarks

 

Welcome Remarks by Barbara Mowat, President & Founder of GroYourBiz and EXCELerate

Mistress of Ceremonies: Pamela Martin, Former TV News Anchor and Reporter

  • National Anthems preformed by: AHSIA and Seven Taviss, Students, Sarah McLachlan School of Music
  • Traditional Prayer for Squamish Nation from Shamantsut (Amanda) Nahanee
  • Welcome from Honourable Janet Austin, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia
  • Welcome Greeting from BMO Bank Of Montreal
    • Lisa Milburn, Chief Marketing & Communication Officer, BMO Wealth Management

*Please Note: ALL Sessions are LIVE, no recordings are available at this time.

BUY TICKETS

10:00 am  -  11:30 am
Zoom Room A | TRACK 1

The 4 Forces of Strategic Differentiation

Victoria Eastwood“The 4 Forces of Strategic Differentiation”

Moderator: Victoria Eastwood, Founder, InSync Executive Coaching

Most business owners struggle with their Value Proposition and have immense difficulty with differentiating their offer in a way that feels both authentic and accurate. We live in a business climate where competition is ever increasing, commoditization of our offer is becoming the norm, and consumers are increasingly skeptical. This environment requires a different approach to building value and it is essential that the entrepreneur have not only clarity and confidence in their offer, but also express an inspired vision of a better world.

In this session, Canada’s first Differentiation Coach — a Master Certified Coach and ICF Coaching Impact award recipient — will help conference delegates understand how they can improve their business performance by:

  • Injecting the one over-looked and essential ingredient into their Value Proposition
  • Leveraging a proven framework to create a sustainable, differentiated offer
  • Understanding how to take their business from success to significance

*Please Note: ALL Sessions are LIVE, no recordings are available at this time.

Speaker: Michèle Soregaroli, Co-Founder, Master Certified Coach, Transformation Catalyst

BUY TICKETS

10:00 am  -  11:30 am
Zoom Room C | TRACK 3

Pricing & Costing: The Art of the Market Meets the Science of Cost Accounting

“Pricing & Costing: The Art of the Market Meets the Science of Cost Accounting”

Moderator: Catherine Gardiner, President, CG Marketing & Communications, Tēlōs Enterprises & GroYourBiz Chair, Calgary, AB

Hosted By: Bloom

Price is a critical decision in any business, yet information on pricing is quite scarce.  This workshop is a crash course in both market pricing and cost accounting especially as it relates to growing business.  Our topics include:

  • Introduction: In this section, we discover the ‘Four C’s’ of Pricing and how they play a role in determining the viability of the viability of a product or a business.
  • Understanding Cost (Finding your Inner Cost Accountant): We examine the different cost types, how they impact your prices, and how costs change as your business grows. Of the three things, all entrepreneurs should know cold one is a full understanding of your costs.
  • Market Pricing (Where the fun begins): In this section we discover prices as perceived by your customer. We examine how price is integrated into your marketing strategies, how psychology affects price, and how price anchors are essential for pricing decision.  To apply these to business development we introduce the concept of strategic pricing which is using pricing to achieve specific business goals. Finally, we examine pricing pitfalls and tactics designed to help you integrate pricing into your overall business plan.

This session is designed to challenge everything you know about setting your prices and encourages entrepreneurs to reconsider their pricing beliefs and assumptions. Pricing just may be the most important decisions you make in your business…and good decisions make for great businesses.

*Please Note: ALL Sessions are LIVE, no recordings are available at this time.

Speaker:  Bill Erichson, CEO, William Erichson Business Solutions Ltd.

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10:00 am  -  11:30 am
Zoom Room B | TRACK 2

Making Foreign Less Foreign

“Making Foreign Less Foreign”

Moderator: Jennifer Cooke, Manager, Inclusive Trade and National Lead, Women in Trade, Export Development Canada

Sponsored By: Export Development Canada

Learn how you can increase your company’s profitability, productivity and innovation through exporting. As a key sponsor for EXCELerate 2021, Export Development Canada is proud to present this session highlighting the benefits for your company of exporting. The session will explore strategies and tips on how to overcome common barriers such as finding new customers, accessing market intelligence and getting the working capital you need to finance your export business.  You will also hear first-hand from highly successful entrepreneurs who will share their inspiring stories, lessons learned, and practical tips for success.

Panelists:

  • Angela Hofmann, President, World Strategies, LLC
  • Dr. Dionne Laslo-Baker, Founder, DeeBee’s Organics
  • Kim Ades, President and Founder, Frame of Mind Coaching & JournalEngine Software
  • Norma Biln, CEO, Augurex

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12:00 pm  -  2:00 pm
Main Stage

Keynote, GroYourBiz Awards, and Closing Remarks

 

Mistress of Ceremonies: Pamela Martin

*Please Note: ALL Sessions are LIVE, no recordings are available at this time.

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