The Women in Leadership Conference brings together professional women to talk about the challenges that they face, exchange views, and learn from peers and leaders.

The event provides an invaluable opportunity to listen to industry leaders as they share best practices and insights to help women in leadership roles become more effective leaders and be on top of their game.

Join us at this in-person event. Learn, connect & reconnect, and have fun!

 
 
 

RHONDA BLACKMORE (Keynote Speaker)
Assistant Commissioner
Commanding Officer of the RCMP in Saskatchewan

A goal setter that gets results

Anyone can set goals and anyone can get results. The focus needs to be on not only the results, but also how those results are being achieved. Assistant Commissioner Rhonda Blackmore will speak to her experience in goal setting and achieving results, but doing it in a way that focuses on individuals involved in achieving the goal. Her examples will show that when a leader focuses on how the results are achieved, the results are generally well beyond initial expectations.

• • How are you getting the results?
• • What is the cost of achieving the results?

BRITTANY MELNYK
VP Product
Andgo Systems

The art of influence in the workplace

Influence, the ability to shape thoughts and actions, is an indispensable skill for effective leadership. By understanding the fundamentals of responsible influence, leaders can inspire and guide their teams toward meaningful outcomes. The ability to influence is not just a tool, but a reflection of strong leadership, sharing the same core principles of trust, empathy, and shared vision.

• • The Power of Influence: Understand its significance in achieving workplace goals
• • Elevate Your Influence: Strategies to inspire and motivate others
• • Cultivate Your Influence: Embrace continuous growth to become a more influential leader

LAURA HUNTER
Executive Director, Public Service Commission
Government of Saskatchewan

Bringing out the best in people

Bringing out the best in people is a crucial skill for any leader. This session will provide practical strategies and insights to enhance individual and team performance, foster creativity and enable a culture of continuous learning. This session will delve into key concepts such as psychological safety, empowerment, and effective feedback.

• • Psychological Safety: Learn how to create a work environment where team members feel valued, safe to share ideas, and can openly discuss mistakes.
• • Empowerment and Autonomy: Discover strategies to enable your team through effective delegation and fostering a culture of innovation and growth.
• • Effective Feedback and Coaching: Understand the importance of constructive feedback and coaching to help your team reach their full potential. 

ERIN LAWSON
CEO
Saskatoon Regional Economic Development Authority

Being more mindful

Discover how integrating mindfulness practices can enhance focus, reduce stress, and foster a culture of innovation and collaboration. Learn firsthand how these techniques can drive sustainable growth and organizational success.

• • Explore mindfulness techniques that improve decision-making and creativity
• • Learn how a mindful workplace promotes empathy and collaboration for long-term success
• • Understand how regular mindfulness practice helps manage stress and maintain work-life balance

NICOLE TIESSEN
Principal
aodbt architecture + interior design

How can design support well-being in the workplace?

A look at how the design of office spaces have evolved over the last number of decades and how creating 21^st century office spaces not only encourages productivity and efficiency but also promotes both physical and mental wellness. We will explore how office design has shifted from a static fixed space to a more dynamic collaborative environment in the post-pandemic world. Key takeaways will be looking at how thinking “outside the box” utilizing innovative furniture, technology and the balance of personal and public spaces supports the health and well-being of employees in your organization.

• • The evolution of office design
• • How space can respond to the needs of the post-pandemic work culture
• • Strategies for using design to prioritize well-being in the workplace

TRISH LIVINGSTONE
Director, Claims Operations
Saskatchewan Workers’ Compensation Board

Embracing change and transformation

This session will focus on embracing change and transformation to guide innovation efforts. Trish Livingstone will discuss the role of the leader in creating a line of sight to an organization’s innovation work including how to create a narrative, build engagement, and sustain focus.

• • Developing a narrative that creates a sense of urgency and a compelling vision
• • Assessing, monitoring and influencing organizational readiness for change
• • Building a fleet of problem seekers and problem solvers through skill development, coaching, monitoring and measurement

BARB GOTTSELIG
VP, Branch Operations & People
Harvard Western Insurance

Committing to continuous learning

It is imperative that we make a commitment to continuous learning throughout our lives, regardless of whether we are contemplating career advancement or focusing on personal development. It is essential to persist through obstacles and setbacks to facilitate growth. By fostering self-motivation and determination, we can attain success and noteworthy achievements. Furthermore, it is crucial to inspire and support those around us to embark on a similar journey. Barb Gottselig will impart valuable insights on the methods and significance of self-improvement, including:

• • The significance of understanding our strengths
• • Approaching development with purpose and intention
• • Practical starting points to initiate growth

SHAUNA IRONSTAR
Chief People Officer
First Nations Bank of Canada

Diversity in leadership

Discover the transformative impact of diversity in leadership, emphasizing its role in driving organizational success and nurturing inclusive cultures. Join Shauna Ironstar on a journey through her personal leadership experiences, highlighting key lessons and strategies for empowering diverse leadership teams. Gain actionable takeaways to implement within your own organization, ensuring a future where diversity is not only valued but integral to achieving excellence.

• • Leveraging the strategic advantages of diverse leadership
• • Establishing and nurturing an environment conducive to diverse leadership
• • Cultivating inclusive cultures that embrace diversity

TARA CLEMETT
Provincial Auditor of Saskatchewan

Effective use of power in leadership

Effective leadership is not about dominating, it is about using power to create a positive impact. Exemplary leadership involves leveraging power proficiently to achieve positive outcomes through collaboration and inspiration. Formal authority from your title matters, especially in denoting the power of expertise, but leaders also harness the power of authority by encouraging leadership from others and fostering a positive work environment from within. Effective leaders create collective success by using their other powers wisely, through networking, active listening, being accessible, and refining their personal skills and emotional intelligence. In this presentation, Tara Clemett will discuss how to effectively use power in leadership by:

• • Building strong relationships, allowing one to influence and collaborate effectively
• • Using transparency and openness to build trust, including providing credible evidence and data to support arguments and decisions
• • Empowering team members through encouragement, goal setting, and recognition

KENZIE BERGERON (Morning Chair)
AVP Sales
Saskatchewan Blue Cross

ASHLEY SMIDT (Afternoon Chair)
Vice President, Business Development
Paradigm Consulting Group