Fresh Thinking. Shared. 2022

Purpose and Prosperity

As capitalism evolves from a shareholder to a stakeholder centric model, purpose and prosperity become inextricably linked.

In the wake of the pandemic disruption, and the midst of the Great Resignation, a common theme that shows up for employees pivoting to new opportunities is the need for a sense of purpose. Likewise, with the social reckoning and exponentially increased awareness of the risk to our way of life as a result of climate change, customers are looking to their supply chains for confirmation that companies are embedding ESG ( environmental, social and governance) responsibility into their strategy.

Join us for an afternoon of inspiration and practical guidance on the connection between purpose and prosperity from some of Canada’s leading difference makers.

 

Keynote Speakers

Mohamad Fakih

Leadership, Innovation and a Kinder Capitalism.

With restaurants shut down in the early days of COVID-19, Mohamad had to innovate to find ways to diversify and pandemic-proof his business; he worked to keep his 1500+ staff employed while also continuing personal and corporate donations to charities and local communities.

In this talk, audiences will learn more about Mohamad’s work as an unwavering advocate for refugees, diversity, and anti-hate movements, and his help to fund employment support resources for Syrian refugees.

It’s all part of what Mohamad calls “kinder capitalism” – an approach that earned him the Order of Canada and title of Canada’s Corporate Citizen CEO of the Year in 2021.

 

Isabelle Hudon, President BDC

A Better Way Forward – A conversation with BDC’s President & CEO Isabelle Hudon

The past two years have accelerated the pace of disruption. And going back is not an option. Join us in a discussion with Isabelle Hudon, President and CEO of BDC – Canada’s bank for entrepreneurs, about how it is the perfect time to re-imagine the future of Canada’s economy – creating one that is resilient enough to adapt to future challenges. Isabelle will share views on small and medium-sized businesses’ appetite for integrating sustainability in their practices as well as thoughts on how BDC plans to be the partner of choice of these businesses.

 

Bob Willard

The New ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) Imperative

ESG / sustainability has become a mainstream business imperative. This session will outline the drivers behind this trend, why climate change is THE sustainability issue; and how to make smart business decisions to capitalize on associated leadership and innovation opportunities.

3 Key take-aways for the Audience

  • ESG / sustainability is a mainstream business issue
  • Companies need to be ready for climate change
  • Taking action is smart business.

 

 

 

Our Panel 

The panel will be integrated by a group of Innovators Alliance group. More details to be provided soon.

When: April 5th, 2022​
Where: BMO Institute for Learning - 3550 Pharmacy Ave, Scarborough, ON M1W 3Z3
Event Type: Live
Registration: Eventbrite

Fresh Thinking. Shared. Agenda

AM/PM Agenda Item
1:00 - 1:45 pm Networking Reception
1:45 - 2:15 pm Welcome and AGM
2:15 - 2:30 pm

A Better Way Forward – A Conversation With BDC’s President & CEO Isabelle Hudon

2:30 - 3:30 pm The New ESG Imperative (Environmental, Social, Governance) - with Bob Willard
3:45 - 4:30 pm

Innovators Alliance Member Panel: Integrating ESG Into Strategy

4:30 - 5:30 pm

Cocktail Reception

5:30 - 8:00 pm

Dinner and keynote: Mohamad Fakih - Leadership, Innovation and a Kinder Capitalism.

When: April 5th, 2022​
Where: BMO Institute for Learning - 3550 Pharmacy Ave, Scarborough, ON M1W 3Z3
Event Type: Live
Registration: Eventbrite

Contact Information
Nancy Laslavic
Member Services Manager
647-986-2206
[email protected]

Keynote: Mohamad Fakih

Leadership, Innovation and a Kinder Capitalism

Paramount Fine Foods, led by Mohamad Fakih, is one of North America’s fastest growing Middle Eastern Halal food chains, due to his turnaround leadership. Mohamad is equally renowned as a respected philanthropist as he is an award-winning entrepreneur. As the face and voice of UN Refugee Agency Canada, he’s an unwavering advocate for refugees, diversity, and anti-hate movements. Mohamad inspires audiences to grow their businesses and provides them with sustainable ways to give back to their communities and change the world.

Leadership, Innovation and a Kinder Capitalism.

With restaurants shut down in the early days of COVID-19, Mohamad had to innovate to find ways to diversify and pandemic-proof his business; he worked to keep his 1500+ staff employed while also continuing personal and corporate donations to charities and local communities.

In this talk, audiences will learn more about Mohamad’s work as an unwavering advocate for refugees, diversity, and anti-hate movements, and his help to fund employment support resources for Syrian refugees.

It’s all part of what Mohamad calls “kinder capitalism” – an approach that earned him the Order of Canada and the title of Canada’s Corporate Citizen CEO of the Year in 2021.

Isabelle Hudon, President BDC

A Better Way Forward – A Conversation With BDC’s President & CEO Isabelle Hudon.

 

Steven Stein

From 2017 to 2021, Ms. Hudon was Ambassador of Canada to France and Monaco. She also served as the Personal Representative of the Prime Minister of Canada for La Francophonie. Previously, she was President and CEO of Sun Life Financial Quebec and Senior Vice President of Sun Life Financial Canada.

Ms. Hudon has also held seats on numerous boards of directors, including those of Hydro-Québec, Groupe Marcelle, Holt Renfrew and the Canada Council for the Arts. She is the co-founder of The A Effect and co-chair of the Ordre de Montréal’s Council.

In 2021, Ms. Hudon received the insignia of the Commander of the Legion of Honour from the French government. She has also been honoured with the Medal of the National Assembly of Québec for her commitment to the cause of women’s ambition and the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for her contribution to culture in Canada. Ms. Hudon was awarded the honorary degree of Doctor of Law by Concordia University.

A Better Way Forward – A conversation with BDC’s President & CEO Isabelle Hudon

The past two years have accelerated the pace of disruption. And going back is not an option. Join us in a discussion with Isabelle Hudon, President and CEO of BDC – Canada’s bank for entrepreneurs, about how it is the perfect time to re-imagine the future of Canada’s economy – creating one that is resilient enough to adapt to future challenges. Isabelle will share views on small and medium-sized businesses’ appetite for integrating sustainability in their practices as well as thoughts on how BDC plans to be the partner of choice of these businesses.

Keynote: Bob Willard​

The New ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) Imperative

 

Bob is a leading expert on quantifying the business value of sustainability practices. He has given over 1,500 presentations, has authored six books, and published two white papers. He provides extensive free, open-source resources for sustainability champions. He is an award-winning Certified B Corp, a Sustainability Excellence Professional, and a Future-Fit Certified Professional. He has a Ph.D. in sustainability from the University of Toronto.

 

The New ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) Imperative

ESG / sustainability has become a mainstream business imperative. This session will outline the drivers behind this trend, why climate change is THE sustainability issue; and how to make smart business decisions to capitalize on associated leadership and innovation opportunities.

3 Key take-aways for the Audience

  • ESG / sustainability is a mainstream business issue
  • Companies need to be ready for climate change
  • Taking action is smart business.

 

Panel

 

The panel will be integrated by a group of members from Innovators Alliance. More details to be provided soon.

When: April 5th, 2022​
Where: BMO Institute for Learning - 3550 Pharmacy Ave, Scarborough, ON M1W 3Z3
Event Type: Live
Registration: Eventbrite

Full members: Complimentary

+ONE, Intrapreneurs and additional sponsors: $75

Guest: $125

When:  April 5th, 2022​
Where: BMO Institute for Learning - 3550 Pharmacy Ave, Scarborough, ON M1W 3Z3
Event Type: Live
Registration: Eventbrite

Our Sponsors

grant-thornton
Sherrard Kuzz LLP
Sherrard Kuzz LLP

FRESH THINKING. SHARED.