November 20, 2025

*Please note that this page will continue to be updated as speakers and topics are confirmed and thus is subject to change

8:00 a.m. – Doors Open, Registration Begins, Breakfast Is Served

Hampton Inn and Suites by Hilton Waterloo St. Jacobs – Berlin Room

Thank You To Our Venue Sponsor:

Thank You To Our Breakfast Sponsor:

8:45 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. Welcome

We are proud to begin our conference with a Land Acknowledgment by the Workforce Planning Board of Waterloo Wellington Dufferin and an introduction to our Master of Ceremonies for the day Tige Wright

Tige Wright: Master of Ceremonies

Tige has been touring Canada since 2017 and finally broke into the U.S. just as COVID-19 came onto the scene. Fortunately, his timing on stage is much better! A master storyteller with a unique comedic voice Tige combines his real-life experiences with his untraditional view of the world and the people who live in it. His show is very much like the man himself, intelligent, funny, and too quick for some! He’s done everything from producing shows in coffee shops the size of a shoebox to performing in theatres, off-grid private events to resort-casinos. “Please don’t suggest anything dirty” to “We bet you can’t make us blush” and he loves them all.

9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m – Keynote – Brock Dickinson

Steady Hands: Adapting to Economic Uncertainty

We just survived a global pandemic, a workforce shortage, and a round of high inflation, so what could be next? How about tariffs, trade wars, and Trump 2.0? And maybe we’ll throw in a few worries about A.I. as well… Just when we think we’re getting a handle on things, the world seems intent on giving us something else to worry about. Entrepreneur and economic development strategist Brock Dickinson is here to reassure us that it’s not the end of the world! Through stories, humour and practical examples, he’ll help us understand how communities, employers and individuals can survive and even thrive amidst the chaos.

Keynote: Brock Dickinson MA, Ec.D (F)

Brock is one of North America’s leading economic development actors. He started his career with the United Nations, working on development projects in more than 30 countries before returning to Canada to lead economic development and tourism agencies in both Nova Scotia and Ontario.

In 2007, he founded MDB Insight (now part of Deloitte), where he worked with some 300 communities across North America to identify and pursue economic development, investment attraction, and job creation opportunities. In September of 2010, the company was named to Profit Magazine’s “Hot 50” list of Canada’s fastest growing young companies, and it eventually became the largest specialist economic development consulting firm in Canada. In 2017, he joined the University of Waterloo, serving as their Entrepreneur-in-Residence and later as the Director of the University’s Economic Development Program.

Today, Brock serves as the Vice-Chair of the Board of Directors of Invest Ontario, as an Executive-in-Residence with Innovate Niagara, and as a partner in Stonebridge Solutions, a U.S.-based private sector investment group focused on the financing of economic development projects around the world.

A widely published writer and popular public speaker, Brock has a BA from the University of North Carolina and a Master’s degree in International Relations from Brock University, where his research focused on global economic development best practices. He has also studied at Queen’s University, the University of Waterloo, and the French-language Université Sainte-Anne.

10:05 a.m. – 10:25 a.m – TBD

TBD

Thank you to our speaker sponsor:

10:30 a.m. – 11:10 a.m. – From Inclusion to Retention: Creating Workplaces Where Everyone Thrives

This session explores the neuroscience and psychology behind why employees stay, and how organizations can unlock the full potential of neurodiverse and culturally diverse employees. Drawing on evidence-based research and high-performing culture practices, participants will learn how to create workplaces where people don’t just feel included — they thrive.

Michael Schiel

Michael Schiel is a High Performance Coach and Transformation Consultant with over 26 years of experience helping individuals, teams, and organizations reach their full potential. He combines the latest evidence from neuroscience, psychology, and high-performance research to help people and organizations thrive — achieving exceptional results while maintaining well-being, balance, and fulfillment.

Michael has coached leaders and teams across the public, private, and non-profit sectors. His work focuses on helping teams create psychologically safe, high-performing, and purpose-driven workplaces where people don’t just succeed — they flourish.

Certified in Applied Neuroscience of High Performance, Sport Psychology, Change Management, and Lean Six Sigma, Michael is known for translating complex science into practical strategies that enhance performance, engagement, and retention.

Through his company, Invictus Coach, and his membership community, Thrive Hive, Michael teaches evidence-based tools that help people and organizations move from surviving to thriving.

11:15 a.m. – 11:55 a.m. – Talent In Plain Sight Panel

Moderator: Jennie di Girolamo, Talent Liaison Lead, Workplace & Immigrant Network

Jennie Di Girolamo is the Talent Liaison Lead at the Workplace and Immigrant Network of Waterloo Region. With 7 years of employment expertise and a background in disability studies, Jennie excels in promoting global talent’s unique skills to the local labor market and driving community growth through strategic partnerships.

Olabukonola Mise, Lead Consultant, The Ola-M Company Inc.

EQ-i 2.0 certified facilitator and consultant, Ola supports newcomers and organizations through coaching, facilitation, strategy, and consulting. She helps diverse teams thrive by turning emotional intelligence into a driver of performance and retention.

Jennifer Hope, Director of Development and Capacity Building, Ontario Disability Employment Network (ODEN)

Jennifer Hope is the Director of Capacity Building and Development at the Ontario Disability Employment Network. Jenny is a passionate disability employment advocate with deep expertise in inclusive hiring strategies and collaborative capacity building. With experience in both the for-profit and non-profit sectors, Jenny works collaboratively with employers, service providers, and community stakeholders to expand equitable employment opportunities—grounded in the belief that employment is more than just a job; it’s a pathway to connection, purpose, and social inclusion.

Sue Gordon, Job Developer/ Coordinator, 2^nd Chance Employment Counselling

With over 25 years of experience connecting employers and job seekers, Sue has a talent for building strong relationships and making the right match. Through her work at 2^nd Chance, she helps businesses access government programs and find the right fit for their hiring needs. At the same time, she supports job seekers in highlighting their strengths and becoming more marketable in their chosen fields. Known for her strong communication skills, Sue also enjoys leading workshops and networking to bring people and opportunities together.

Thank you to our Panel Sponsor:

12:00 p.m. – 12:55 p.m. – Lunch

1:00 p.m. – 1:50 p.m. – Business To Business Podcast LIVE!

Ian and Greg discuss the things that matter most to the business community of Waterloo Region. With influential guests, intriguing topics, and informative subjects, Business to Business focuses on connecting the community through business.

Ian McLean, CEO, Greater KW Chamber of Commerce

Ian McLean has served as President & CEO of the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce since September 2010, leading one of Ontario’s largest chambers with more than 1,500 members across Kitchener, Waterloo, and Woolwich Township.

In this role, Ian is deeply engaged in advancing the region’s economic vitality. He serves on the Immigration Partnership of Waterloo Region Council and the Chamber Health Care Recruitment Council. He also chairs the Connect the Corridor Coalition. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Ian co-founded the Business and Education Support Team of Waterloo Region (BESTWR) to address urgent community needs. He continues to chair the group, advocating for business interests, navigating trade and tariff challenges, and preparing the region for significant growth as it approaches a population of one million.

A committed community leader, Ian’s public service includes seven years on Waterloo City Council, where he chaired the Finance and Strategic Planning Committee from 2008 to 2010, served on the City’s Audit Committee, and sat on the Waterloo North Hydro Board of Directors. He has contributed to numerous boards and committees, including the Uptown Waterloo BIA, Waterloo Public Library Board, Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery Board, and Waterloo Economic Development Committee. He currently serves as Chair of the Waterloo Region Police Services Board.

Beyond his Chamber role, Ian is Chair of McLean & Associates, a consulting firm specializing in strategic problem solving, international trade development, and business development networking. Previously, Ian had spent time working in the private sector for both large (Labatt Brewery) and small (Paul Puncher Menswear) businesses. He also worked in the public sector, serving as Executive Director of Stakeholder Relations for the Ontario Workplace Safety and Insurance Board.

Ian holds an Honours B.A. from the University of Toronto and a Diploma in Business Administration from Wilfrid Laurier University. A lifelong Waterloo resident, he is a proud father to daughters Hannah and Abigail, and dog dad to Bailey.

Greg Durocher, CEO, Cambridge Chamber of Commerce

In his twenty-fifth year as President and CEO of the Cambridge Chamber of Commerce, Greg has had extensive service to his community. While in the private sector, Greg Chaired the Business Improvement Area, and for 9 years represented the Preston area of Cambridge as City Councilor. In 2000 he ran for Mayor and lost by 26 votes to Doug Craig in the closest mayoral race in Cambridge’s history.

During his time on Cambridge City Council, Greg chaired numerous committees, and for 9 of the 10 years on Council chaired the City’s Budget Task Force Committee. Greg led Cambridge to 9 consecutive budgets of zero increase in taxes, his first official motion on Council was a 1% decrease in municipal property tax for the 1992 budget year. As a member of City Council, Greg brought forward new concepts in private/public partnerships like the Ice Park, YMCA/City Pool Partnership and developed the Core Area Patrol Program in partnership with the Business Improvement Areas.

Greg brought his exuberant and exciting personality to the Chamber when he joined. Increasing the membership from just under 700 over 1400 today and making the Cambridge Chamber of Commerce one of the largest Chambers in Ontario by membership and top 15 in Canada. Greg’s out of the box thinking and marketing concepts brought the Chamber to new heights and has made Cambridge an International leader in Chamber development. From National programs he developed like “Funny Money” a High School financial literacy program that in 2011 won The Best Unconventional Chamber Project in the World at the World Chambers Congress in Mexico City, at the time, only the second Chamber of Commerce in North America to ever win an International Award. Cambridge was the first Chamber to adopt video technology, all geared towards communication with the membership as well as the community.

He has served on the Executive Board of the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives, a global organization, as their International Chamber Executive responsible for international development of Chamber Professionals.

Greg is also on the Board of Directors of Drayton Entertainment an Ontario theatre company with 7 venues, Official Competition Judge for the World Chambers Congress and International Chamber of Commerce, and he is a Member of the Major Cities Council of ACCE North America.

In 2014 Greg was named Chamber Executive of the Year for Canada by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce Executives Association. Greg was also a contributor to a Global Chamber paper called “Chamber 2025” a look to the future on what’s in store for business and Chambers in the next 10 years.

In 2023, Greg received the James Gordon Carnegie Memorial Award for his leadership in the business community by the Chamber Executives of Ontario (CEO) Association.

Greg is married to Lisa, they have 4 children and 3 grandchildren. Greg and Lisa have a common hobby, working for the betterment of the Cambridge business community, a function they both enjoy very much, and they love spending time with family at their Cottage on Conestogo Lake. Greg’s only vice is his love for Golf, any chance he can get, which is not often enough from his perspective, but if he is not in the office, home, at a Chamber event, or at the cottage, you will find him on a golf course.

Leia Minaker, Director, Future Cities Institute (University of Waterloo)

Leia Minaker is the inaugural Director of the Future Cities Institute at the University of Waterloo, and an Associate Professor in the School of Planning in the Faculty of Environment. She holds a PhD in Public Health and her research focuses on designing cities to improve health, with a focus on urban food systems and urban design for mental health.

1:55 p.m. – 2:50 p.m. – Leading Beyond the Checkbox: Empathy, AI & Human-Centered Workplaces

As technology transforms how we work, the most future-ready organizations are rediscovering something timeless: people thrive when leadership sees the human, not just roles to be filled. This session explores how empathetic leadership can create workplaces that go beyond compliance by supporting people wherever they are in life and unlocking their full potential.

Through stories from across Southwestern Ontario we’ll look at how organizations are reimagining workplace accommodations, designing more inclusive systems, and anticipating human needs as part of their workforce strategy. Participants will leave with clear insights they can apply directly to their own leadership approaches and strategies,

Jamie Burton, President & CEO, INNoVA

Jamie Burton is President and CEO of INNoVA Corp, a social enterprise at the forefront of innovation, economic sustainability, and workforce transformation. She is recognized for developing business models that align profitability with purpose, advancing strategies that help organizations thrive in rapidly changing markets.

Through INNoVA, Jamie has introduced solutions such as dQi (Data for Quality Innovation) and SPHERE, tools that give leaders actionable insights to strengthen workforce performance, adaptability, and resilience. She also founded Disabilities Mentoring Day (now known as DMX), a nationally recognized initiative and global model that demonstrates how inclusive practices unlock talent, productivity, and competitive advantage.
Previously, Jamie held senior leadership roles with Dolphin Digital Technologies and the Canadian Council on Rehabilitation and Work (CCRW), where she built a reputation for scaling social enterprises and forging strategic alliances. Her leadership has been recognized with the BMO Celebrating Women – Innovation & Global Growth Award, underscoring her impact at the intersection of business innovation and social progress.

Charlene Hofbauer, Executive Director, Workforce Planning Board of Waterloo Wellington Dufferin

Charlene Hofbauer is the Executive Director of the Workforce Planning Board of Waterloo Wellington Dufferin. Charlene understands both sides of the talent landscape having worked in HR, education, literacy and has spent 17 years in workforce development. Her goal is to build relationships with partners looking to find unique solutions for local labour market challenges and tackle some of the bigger ones that go beyond our region. Her greatest strength as a local leader is sharing research and trends in easy to understand pieces and connecting the dots for governments, schools, employers, students and jobseekers alike.

Thank You To Our Panel Sponsor:

2:55 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. – Wrap Up & Snack

Join Charlene Hofbauer, Executive Director of the Workforce Planning Board of Waterloo Wellington Dufferin, as she delivers the closing remarks for the Growing Your Workforce 2025 Conference. Following the session, attendees are invited to grab a snack before departing or exploring the many attractions St. Jacobs has to offer.

Thank You To Our Snack Sponsor:

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Growing Your Workforce 2025 Agenda