Carolyn de Voest, a sought-after business performance and leadership expert, is passionate about helping subject matter experts—such as accountants, lawyers, and engineers—transition into thriving business leaders. Drawing from her vast experience, de Voest emphasizes the importance of intentional planning, team alignment, and clear accountability in fostering sustainable growth.

Grant Findlay-Shirras is an accomplished entrepreneur with a track record of scaling companies and driving long-term success. As the Co-Founder of Parkbench, he bootstrapped the business to $37 million in revenue, serving 500,000+ local businesses and 7,000+ real estate agents, while building a remote team of 88.

Tom Shepansky is one of the Founders of Rethink Communications, the leading independent creative agency in Canada. Rethink was founded 25 years ago and has grown beyond Canada to become a Globally recognized agency, most recently awarded Independent Agency of the Year at the Cannes festival. Rethink has offices in Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal and has recently opened a New York office to serve global brands in the US and beyond.

Negotiating a successful merger or acquisition takes more than expertise and experience. It also requires deep focus, serious goal-setting and the strength and stamina to go the distance. Kevin Shaw, President & Managing Director at Baker Tilly Capital, has worked with businesses in a variety of industries ranging from hospitality to construction in providing his expertise and experience in acquisition planning, divestitures, business strategy and business transition.

Husband and wife team Celine and Allan Bacani took over ownership of Vancouver-based Lee’s Donuts six years ago and have grown the business from one location to its current six and a commissary in the region with plans for national growth.

Cheryl Zealand, Founder and CEO of Cranked Energy, based in Winnipeg, started her business as a personal thing. “I wanted wholesome, quality energy for myself and my family. The truth is that I couldn’t find exactly what I was looking for. I wanted something that’s freshly made from quality ingredients and is full of energy and protein. I was also not willing to sacrifice taste—and neither were my kids!