Alisa Simon
EVP, E-mental Health Transformation & Chief Youth Officer, Kids Help Phone
Alisa Simon brings more than 20 years of leadership experience in healthcare access and non-profit management to her role as Executive Vice President, E-mental Health Transformation and Chief Youth Officer at Kids Help Phone. In this role, Alisa oversees Kids Help Phone’s national clinical service programs, providing strategy, leadership and guidance to more than 150 clinical staff and thousands of volunteer crisis responders across Canada.
Through her focus on building innovative digital systems that break down barriers to care by changing the way care is delivered, measured and received, Alisa is driving the transformation of Canada’s youth mental health landscape and creating equitable access to support for youth across the country. Under Alisa’s leadership, Kids Help Phone has evolved from a phone-based helpline to a comprehensive solution that fully integrates a growing number of access points, programs and resources, achieving over 13 million interactions since 2020.
Alisa also oversees knowledge translation, quality assurance and equity programs, ensuring the organization is delivering the best possible services to young people, particularly youth from equity-seeking communities. Alisa holds a Master of Public Health degree from the University of North Carolina.
Through her focus on building innovative digital systems that break down barriers to care by changing the way care is delivered, measured and received, Alisa is driving the transformation of Canada’s youth mental health landscape and creating equitable access to support for youth across the country. Under Alisa’s leadership, Kids Help Phone has evolved from a phone-based helpline to a comprehensive solution that fully integrates a growing number of access points, programs and resources, achieving over 13 million interactions since 2020.
Alisa also oversees knowledge translation, quality assurance and equity programs, ensuring the organization is delivering the best possible services to young people, particularly youth from equity-seeking communities. Alisa holds a Master of Public Health degree from the University of North Carolina.
Tim May
Creative Director & Head Alchemist, XPLANE
Tim masterfully combines the elements of design, curiosity, storytelling, and visual thinking to enact transformative change for individuals and organizations.
With a career spanning 25 years in various roles across Boston and the Pacific Northwest, Tim has honed his craft into a potent visual enchantment, focusing on resolving challenges related to culture, vision, strategy, process, and alignment for diverse teams. A key ingredient in Tim’s cauldron is leading co-creative workshops where teams build visual tools to accelerate change. This work supercharges alignment, collaboration, and creates buy-in and enables powerful transformations.
Tim, along with the ACMP Innovation Lab, lead workshops that used a graphic-novel style approach to change challenges. His client portfolio includes names like Netflix, Red Bull, Intel, Nike, Disney, Mathematica Research, Rocket Software, Sikorsky, Microsoft, Berklee Music, and Astra Zeneca.
Join Tim May as he shares insights gained through decades of wielding the sorcery that transforms change challenges into successful transformations, making him a driving force in the world of change design and innovation.
With a career spanning 25 years in various roles across Boston and the Pacific Northwest, Tim has honed his craft into a potent visual enchantment, focusing on resolving challenges related to culture, vision, strategy, process, and alignment for diverse teams. A key ingredient in Tim’s cauldron is leading co-creative workshops where teams build visual tools to accelerate change. This work supercharges alignment, collaboration, and creates buy-in and enables powerful transformations.
Tim, along with the ACMP Innovation Lab, lead workshops that used a graphic-novel style approach to change challenges. His client portfolio includes names like Netflix, Red Bull, Intel, Nike, Disney, Mathematica Research, Rocket Software, Sikorsky, Microsoft, Berklee Music, and Astra Zeneca.
Join Tim May as he shares insights gained through decades of wielding the sorcery that transforms change challenges into successful transformations, making him a driving force in the world of change design and innovation.
Amanda Cupido
Storytelling Strategist & Founder, Lead Podcasting
Amanda is the founder of Lead Podcasting, a production company that specializes in developing podcasts for thought leaders and organizations. She is the author of the Amazon bestseller, Let’s Talk Podcasting: The Essential Guide to Doing it Right. She is also a part-time university professor and has helped to redefine the radio courses at both Seneca College and Toronto Metropolitan University.
Amanda's expertise in strategic communications has led her to train executives across the globe and has supported numerous renowned organizations including World Vision International, Cisco and CIBC. Previously she worked as a radio reporter, news anchor and program director.
Amanda has a Bachelor of Journalism from Toronto Metropolitan University and a Master of Professional Studies in the Psychology of Leadership from Penn State University. In 2024, she completed her certification in Artificial Intelligence in Business from Oxford University.
Amanda's expertise in strategic communications has led her to train executives across the globe and has supported numerous renowned organizations including World Vision International, Cisco and CIBC. Previously she worked as a radio reporter, news anchor and program director.
Amanda has a Bachelor of Journalism from Toronto Metropolitan University and a Master of Professional Studies in the Psychology of Leadership from Penn State University. In 2024, she completed her certification in Artificial Intelligence in Business from Oxford University.
Jason Little
CTO, Author & Founder of Lean Change
Jason is the founder of Lean Change, and author of Lean Change Management, Change Agility and From Skeptic to Strategist: Embracing AI in Change Management. He began his career as a web developer and then began helping organizations shift to agile ways of working in the mid-2000s.
With over 20 years of experience in technology and change, Jason has traveled the world working with or in companies of all shapes, sizes and industries as an internal coach, external coach, product owner and more.
Jason is also currently the CTO of Spero Careers Canada which is an organization that helps employment specialists help neurodiverse people find and keep jobs.
With over 20 years of experience in technology and change, Jason has traveled the world working with or in companies of all shapes, sizes and industries as an internal coach, external coach, product owner and more.
Jason is also currently the CTO of Spero Careers Canada which is an organization that helps employment specialists help neurodiverse people find and keep jobs.
Cher Jones
Your Brand At Work™ Expert & Founder, Socially Active Training
Cher is a highly respected personal branding expert, trainer, and speaker with over 25 years in corporate communications, marketing, and broadcasting.
Through her company Socially Active, she offers Brand(ed) At Work, a training program and speaking series renowned for its functional and practical approach to personal branding. This approach empowers professionals to excel in their roles, build their careers, and amplify their influence and advocacy, both in-person and online. Trusted by industry giants like Lockheed Martin, BNY Mellon, Rogers, Fannie Mae, and HP, Cher's strategies have proven invaluable.
As a 3X LinkedIn Learning Instructor, the host of The "Your Brand At Work™” Podcast. Recognized as a “Creator to Watch” by LinkedIn’s Editor and Chief, her infectious energy and undeniable expertise make her a sought-after authority for anyone who wants to leverage their personal brand at work, for work.
Through her company Socially Active, she offers Brand(ed) At Work, a training program and speaking series renowned for its functional and practical approach to personal branding. This approach empowers professionals to excel in their roles, build their careers, and amplify their influence and advocacy, both in-person and online. Trusted by industry giants like Lockheed Martin, BNY Mellon, Rogers, Fannie Mae, and HP, Cher's strategies have proven invaluable.
As a 3X LinkedIn Learning Instructor, the host of The "Your Brand At Work™” Podcast. Recognized as a “Creator to Watch” by LinkedIn’s Editor and Chief, her infectious energy and undeniable expertise make her a sought-after authority for anyone who wants to leverage their personal brand at work, for work.
Rich Batchelor
Chief Change Agent, Capillary Consulting & Learning
Rich has been successfully delivering change for over 30 years. He has consulted, coached and educated with organizations across all parts of the globe and regularly lends his voice to many educational events, conferences and experiences each year. He is a founding member of the Association of Change Management Professionals (ACMP) and is a current member of the global board and president of the association. He also is curator and founded the highly successful Toronto Change Days.
He has a masters in change management and a certified change management professional (CCMP). He is certified in Project Management, Process improvement, Facilitation, HR, Coaching, Counseling and Psychotherapy. He is also a Certified Lego® Serious Play® Facilitator & Workshop Designer, Certified in facilitating organizations through VUCA and an accredited emotional culture deck consultant ”elephant rider” !
His presentation delivery is known for its passion and direct challenges to the audience. He enjoys the opportunity to disrupt traditional thinking, bring humour to the learning space and enable curiosity to take control of the change space for everyone.
He has a masters in change management and a certified change management professional (CCMP). He is certified in Project Management, Process improvement, Facilitation, HR, Coaching, Counseling and Psychotherapy. He is also a Certified Lego® Serious Play® Facilitator & Workshop Designer, Certified in facilitating organizations through VUCA and an accredited emotional culture deck consultant ”elephant rider” !
His presentation delivery is known for its passion and direct challenges to the audience. He enjoys the opportunity to disrupt traditional thinking, bring humour to the learning space and enable curiosity to take control of the change space for everyone.
Manisha Paliwal
Head, Enterprise Change Enablement, Definity
Manisha is passionate about working with individuals and organizations to design and execute transformations with a focus on the people impacts of change. She currently leads Definity’s Enterprise Change Enablement team which focuses on supporting the organization’s enterprise-wide transformation programs.
Previously, she ran her own consulting practice through which she successfully lead change transformation programs for organizations across many industries including Loblaw, CPP Investments, Ontario Power Generation, RBC, TD, and Bell. She has built leadership development and culture programs that allow organizations to deepen the ties that employees have to their organization’s values.
As an Adler trained coach, she has worked with leaders in helping them deepen their change leadership skills and more broadly in meeting their professional and personal goals and she looks forward to connecting with you at the conference!
Previously, she ran her own consulting practice through which she successfully lead change transformation programs for organizations across many industries including Loblaw, CPP Investments, Ontario Power Generation, RBC, TD, and Bell. She has built leadership development and culture programs that allow organizations to deepen the ties that employees have to their organization’s values.
As an Adler trained coach, she has worked with leaders in helping them deepen their change leadership skills and more broadly in meeting their professional and personal goals and she looks forward to connecting with you at the conference!
Barbara Yebuga
Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) Advisor, Greenshield
Barbara is a vibrant Keynote Speaker and Facilitator who champions Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) with passion and purpose. With a background as a Communications Consultant and Catalyst for Change, Barbara is dedicated to driving meaningful conversations around the wellbeing of employees in the workplace.
As the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Advisor for Greenshield, Canada’s pioneering health care payor provider, Barbara plays a pivotal role in shaping inclusive workplace cultures. Additionally, she lends her expertise to various organizations in the public and private sector, ensuring that DEI principles are integrated into their practices.
Barbara's impact extends beyond corporate settings. She serves as an Author and EDI educational consultant for Pearson Publishing, where she develops resources for K-12 curriculum subjects, promoting inclusivity and accessibility in education. Furthermore, as a Huffington Post columnist, Barbara shares insightful perspectives on EDI literature for young audiences, contributing to broader societal discussions on diversity and representation.
As the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Advisor for Greenshield, Canada’s pioneering health care payor provider, Barbara plays a pivotal role in shaping inclusive workplace cultures. Additionally, she lends her expertise to various organizations in the public and private sector, ensuring that DEI principles are integrated into their practices.
Barbara's impact extends beyond corporate settings. She serves as an Author and EDI educational consultant for Pearson Publishing, where she develops resources for K-12 curriculum subjects, promoting inclusivity and accessibility in education. Furthermore, as a Huffington Post columnist, Barbara shares insightful perspectives on EDI literature for young audiences, contributing to broader societal discussions on diversity and representation.
Rehana Rajwani
Director, Agile Transformation, BMO
She is the Director for Learning and Development for the Agile Center of Enablement at Bank of Montreal. For over a decade, her impact has involved hundreds of leaders advance in their leadership journey by helping them embrace the Growth Mindset.
In an increasingly challenging VUCA world, her strength is in simplifying complexities. During the pandemic, she chaired the Aga Khan Education Board for Ontario, leading efforts to serve the vulnerable in her community to help them get access to equitable education. She also co-Founded and was the Captain of HQ United, a Women's cricket team in Toronto leading them to 2 silver medals in the Premier Cup. Rehana has also founded Knowledge Bridges to help Engineering Leaders build their Leadership capabilities through a continuous improvement mindset.
Rehana Rajwani claims that's she can help improve productivity in any environment using Organizational Physics, Agile and Change Leadership. Join Rehana as she dives into how Change Leadership can maximize its impact using Physics and Agile!
In an increasingly challenging VUCA world, her strength is in simplifying complexities. During the pandemic, she chaired the Aga Khan Education Board for Ontario, leading efforts to serve the vulnerable in her community to help them get access to equitable education. She also co-Founded and was the Captain of HQ United, a Women's cricket team in Toronto leading them to 2 silver medals in the Premier Cup. Rehana has also founded Knowledge Bridges to help Engineering Leaders build their Leadership capabilities through a continuous improvement mindset.
Rehana Rajwani claims that's she can help improve productivity in any environment using Organizational Physics, Agile and Change Leadership. Join Rehana as she dives into how Change Leadership can maximize its impact using Physics and Agile!
Lon Wong
Founder, human-centred leader & Author, More Human Inc.
Lon is a human-centred leader, strategist, author, and coach. He has led social enterprises, faith communities, and technology startups. Lon also spent ten years helping transform the lives of the most vulnerable at an international humanitarian agency.
Lon is committed to seeing individuals, teams, and organizations become more human. He has led a national youth movement, launched multiple campaigns, and developed innovative programs and products, all with human-centred design at heart.
Currently, Lon serves as a partner and lead consultant with Chisel Consulting, helping nonprofit organizations elevate their impact in the world. He also coaches leaders and facilitates spaces for connection and learning within Seth Godin’s altMBA. Lon has a Bachelor of Engineering and a Master of Divinity in spirituality and leadership. He has been a lifelong practitioner of mindfulness, nonviolent communication, culture-building, and ruckus-making.
Lon is committed to seeing individuals, teams, and organizations become more human. He has led a national youth movement, launched multiple campaigns, and developed innovative programs and products, all with human-centred design at heart.
Currently, Lon serves as a partner and lead consultant with Chisel Consulting, helping nonprofit organizations elevate their impact in the world. He also coaches leaders and facilitates spaces for connection and learning within Seth Godin’s altMBA. Lon has a Bachelor of Engineering and a Master of Divinity in spirituality and leadership. He has been a lifelong practitioner of mindfulness, nonviolent communication, culture-building, and ruckus-making.
Yvonne Ruke Akpoveta
Change Management Strategist & Founder, The Change Leadership
Yvonne is a Change Management Strategist, Advisor, and Change Leadership Advocate, with over 20 years of experience helping executives, professionals, and
organizations to navigate through change in today’s fast-paced and disruptive environment. She is the founder of The Change Leadership, a series of events and community focused on preparing
professionals and organization to respond better and faster to change in their industry.
She is passionate about helping professional and organizations lead and respond to change better & faster. She has worked with organizations such as RBC, TD, Deloitte, Loblaws, and JP Morgan Chase to lead and manage their Strategic, Technology and Change Initiatives.
She holds a BSc honours in Business Information Technology from London Guildhall University, an MBA from Warwick Business School, and a Change Leadership Certificate from Cornell University. She works closely with professionals to help them more effectively lead and manage change in their organizations, to become sought after change leaders in their organizations and industry. She is a published author and change catalyst.
She is passionate about helping professional and organizations lead and respond to change better & faster. She has worked with organizations such as RBC, TD, Deloitte, Loblaws, and JP Morgan Chase to lead and manage their Strategic, Technology and Change Initiatives.
She holds a BSc honours in Business Information Technology from London Guildhall University, an MBA from Warwick Business School, and a Change Leadership Certificate from Cornell University. She works closely with professionals to help them more effectively lead and manage change in their organizations, to become sought after change leaders in their organizations and industry. She is a published author and change catalyst.
