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!

JODI KORTJE (Keynote Speaker)
Chief Operating Officer
Seven Oaks General Hospital

Building and leading effective teams

The work environment should be a place where people feel safe, valued and happy. Toxic work environments are a growing concern across industries which impacts employee retention, morale and an organization’s reputation. The literature reveals that leadership plays a role in creating and sustaining toxic work cultures but also indicates how leaders can play a critical role in the ability to transform that culture. This session will draw on an experience of transforming a toxic work environment within healthcare and building it into a positive high-performing team within 6 months. Jodi Kortje will share key learnings which include:

• • Understanding the root of the concerns
• • Engaging stakeholders for collaboration
• • Identifying the strategies used to make the transformation and build the team

TAMMY HARPER
Chair, Civil Engineering Technology
Red River College Polytechnic

What is authentic leadership and how will it make us better leaders?

Being an authentic leader means being self-aware, open, honest and consistent. This creates mutual respect, trust, and better working relationships. This presentation will focus on identifying authentic leadership skills that we currently have and looking at why we want to develop more authentic leadership skills.

• • Self-awareness – you need to know yourself, this includes your strengths and weaknesses
• • Asking for Input – draw on the experiences of others, welcome opposing viewpoints and consider the value of all points of view
• • Honesty – encourage it, even when it is hard or uncomfortable
• • Leading by example – your actions must back up your words

RAMNEET MAVI
Director, Enterprise Solutions
Wawanesa Mutual Insurance Company

Finding your voice as a leader

A passionate advocate for leveraging technology to solve business challenges, Ramneet Mavi is equally dedicated to mentoring and empowering the next generation of women leaders. In her talk, she will delve into “Finding Your Voice as a Leader,” a subject that holds deep personal significance. Drawing from her extensive experience and personal journey, Ramneet will offer valuable insights on the importance of discovering and embracing your leadership voice.

• • The importance of authentic leadership: Understanding why finding and using your authentic leadership voice is crucial for personal and organizational success
• • Overcoming unique challenges: Addressing the specific obstacles women face in executive roles and how to navigate them effectively
• • Fostering inclusivity: Practical strategies to create an inclusive and equitable workplace where diverse voices are heard and valued

TREENA NAULT
Owner
Nault Group Private Wealth Management

Being more mindful

Mindfulness is the basic human ability to be fully present, aware of where we are and what we are doing and not be overly reactive or overwhelmed by what’s going on around us. Mindfulness is a quality that every one of us already possesses. When we are mindful, we can reduce stress, enhance performance, and increase our attention to others’ well-being.

• • How mindfulness improves relationships with oneself and others
• • Mindfulness as it relates to career choices, successes, and failures
• • The importance of being present
• • Mindfulness and how it relates to kindness and curiosity

SHERYL WACHAL LERATO
Vice-President, Marketing
Online Business Systems

Building a resilient life and career

Life is full of challenges, but with the right mindset, we can navigate them successfully. In this session, Sheryl Wachal Lerato will share her journey of adapting to unexpected changes and provide insights into how resilience can empower women to thrive both personally and professionally. The discussion will cover:

• • The importance of adaptability in navigating both career and personal life challenges
• • How to build and leverage a strong support system to reinforce resilience
• • Practical strategies for cultivating a resilient mindset and leadership style

JESSICA JENSEN
Partner
MLT Aikins

Succeeding as a board director

Professionals from all industries are often shared to share their expertise and time volunteering on boards of various organizations. Determining how and when to get involved and how to ensure that your time spent has the most impact can be challenging. Involvement as a Board Director can be a fulfilling component of any career. Join Jessica Jensen in a discussion of:

• • When to serve. Ensure you’re involved in organizations where you can be successful and have an impact.
• • When to speak up. How to ensure you’re making an impact.
• • When to step back! Success in being a board director can also mean knowing when you do not have the capacity to properly serve the role.

MANNY ATWAL
Chief Operating Officer
People Corporation

Influencing a culture of innovation

Organizations can end up in situations where improvements and innovation are top-down driven and can miss out on numerous opportunities to leverage the experience and knowledge of the entire company. An organization which can enable the entire workforce to think and act in a Continuous Improvement mindset will not only create more opportunities to innovate but will engage more people in the process which drives up success rates.

• • What is a Culture of Innovation?
• • How can Leadership engage the organization to Innovate?
• • What are the steps we can take to get there?

MIMI LOCHER
Dean, Faculty of Architecture
University of Manitoba

Workplace design for wellness

Well-designed interior workspaces can increase employee productivity and job satisfaction. Thoughtful interior design and material choices also can have a positive effect on physical and mental wellness. We’ll look at the trends in designing interior workspaces for wellness, including:

• • Connecting to nature
• • Choosing healthy materials
• • Creating multi-sensory experiences

JENNIFER EWANKIW
Vice President, Strategy and Business Development
Red River Mutual

Getting out of your comfort zone to become a better leader

Stepping out of our comfort zones is a transformative journey that can lead us to become the leaders we aspire to be. It’s about embracing the discomfort of imposter syndrome, recognizing it as a sign of growth, and using it as a catalyst to propel us forward. By taking chances, making mistakes, and seeking help, we not only enhance our leadership skills but also inspire those around us to do the same.

• • Embrace Vulnerability: View imposter syndrome as an opportunity to learn and grow, rather than a setback.
• • Risk and Reward: Understand that taking calculated risks can lead to significant personal and professional development.
• • Collective Strength: Remember that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness, and it contributes to a culture of collaborative leadership.

MICHELLE DUPUIS (Morning Chair)
Vice President, Strategy and Governance
Access Credit Union

TERRYL WALLER (Afternoon Chair)
Vice President, Team Development
Princess Auto