Breakout Sessions: Leadership & Workforce Development In today’s dynamic world, career paths, organizational structures, and project management are rarely straightforward. Traditional career ladders and project paths may feel limiting and unrealistic in a landscape full of unpredictable challenges and opportunities. This presentation reimagines the conventional ladder model, introducing a 'Snakes and Ladders' framework that captures the non-linear, multifaceted nature of strategic decision-making. Speaker: Soumya Markandeya Room: Kenneth C. Rowe Hall Participants will explore how leaders can achieve and sustain peak performance by recognizing the impact of personal and team energy management. They will learn to identify vicious cycles versus virtuous cycles that energize them. The presentation will introduce evidence-based practices and tactics for leaders to recharge themselves and their teams effectively, focusing on creating sustainable work habits. By the end, leaders will understand how to incorporate these practices to enhance resilience, collaboration, and sustained success in challenging environments. Speaker: Janice Tanner-Ernst Room: Windsor Foundation Classroom Your people are the heart of your business. Attracting the right talent begins with building a brand that people care about. Join us as we discuss the essential elements of a strong brand that not only attracts but also retains the right talent, fostering a culture where your employees feel valued and inspired to succeed. Speakers: Sue Oland & Ashley Delaney Room: Ralph and Rose Chiodo Gallery

Day 2: Wednesday, November 27th, 2024

9:30AM

Opening Remarks: Jan Fullerton & Cassandra Baccardax

9:45AM

Panel: Empowering Employees Through Nova Scotia Works Programs This panel will highlight success stories from individuals who have utilized Nova Scotia Works' resources. Panelists will share how support from centres helped them overcome challenges, gain new skills, and achieve career goals, showcasing the impactful role of Nova Scotia Works in workforce development and personal growth. Panelists: Emily Towns, Michael Stack Facilitator: Randy Lindsay

Break

10:45AM

11:05AM

Keynote: Addressing the Skills Shortage in Nova Scotia This session will provide an in-depth look into the critical state of the current labour market and offer practical solutions to address the skills shortage affecting organizations in Nova Scotia today. It will cover the driving forces behind the skills shortage in Nova Scotia, the impact of aging demographics, and the competition for skilled workers. I will explore how the pandemic has transformed the workforce, particularly in the province's key industries, and offer actionable strategies for attracting and retaining top talent. Speaker: Eddie LeMoine

12:15PM

Lunch

Pulse Point

12:05pM

1:15PM

Beyond the Corporate Ladder: A Strategic Framework for Navigating Careers, Organizations, and Projects

Strength in Leadership: Thriving Through Today’s Challenges

2:15PM

Closing Remarks: Thank you for joining us! See you in 2025.

How Brands Attract + Retain Talent: Building a Brand People Love

LEARN MORE

Eddie LeMoine

We're thrilled to announce that Eddie LeMoine will be this year's keynote speaker! A renowned speaker, author, and leadership expert, Eddie will explore the current state of the labour market, the impact of aging demographics, and the competition for skilled workers. He’ll also dive into how the pandemic has reshaped workforce dynamics in key industries, and offer actionable strategies for attracting and retaining top talent.

KEYNOTE

Facilitator: Trent Soholt (He/Him) Executive Director, Nova Scotia Construction Sector Council Trent is an internationally certified Project Management Professional with over 25 years of Project Management experience. He is the Chair of the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency; Past Chair of the Association of Industry Sector Councils; Treasurer for Skills Canada-Nova Scotia and the Apprenticeship Award Trust; Director for the Technical Safety Board; and is involved with many industry and government committees. Trent believes Sector Councils and the construction industry have a fundamental role in the prosperity of Nova Scotia and Canada.

Facilitator: Robert Newcombe (He/Him) Founder, Newcombe Consulting Robert is a seasoned Professional Industrial Engineer, Consultant, Coach, and Trainer specializing in organizational transformation and productivity enhancement. With over a decade of consulting experience, an MBA, and a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, Robert has helped public and private sector organizations optimize processes and improve efficiency. Driven by a passion for innovation, he is at the forefront of integrating AI technologies into business operations. Over the past year, Robert has dedicated himself to researching and experimenting with AI tools to empower organizations.

Cynthia Sweeney (She/Her), CEO/Founder, Simply Good Form Inc. Breakout Session: Becoming an Inclusive Change-Maker Cyndi is an award-winning Canadian DEI solutions provider. With 20+ years of experience, she helps organizations address gender-identity biases, foster diverse teams, and boost retention and revenue. Cyndi is the author of The Pink Balloon, co-host of two transgender talk show podcasts, and founder of PFLAG Canada’s Halifax chapter. Recognized as a national finalist for Business Leader of the Year 2023 and LGBTQ+ Advocate of the Year 2022, her harm-reduction approach elevates trans and non-binary voices across North America.

Emma Stanley (She/Her), Chief Development Officer, Simply Good Form Inc. Breakout Session: Becoming an Inclusive Change-Maker Emma is originally from New Brunswick and joined the team at Simply Good Form after more than ten years of teaching English. Being a queer trans woman living and transitioning across several countries and cultures, Emma had the chance to experience a wide variety of different perspectives and approaches to 2SLGBTQIA+ people. These days she leverages those cultural experiences to ensure that our programming is as inclusive, engaging, and entertaining as possible. Passionate about cultural transformation, Emma is committed to making inclusion practical and accessible for all.

Arleigh Hood (She/Her), Founder, Arleigh Hood Consulting Breakout Session: What? Huh? Strategies for Successful Communication with Your Newcomer Employees: Embedding IDEA… Every Day With over 20 years of experience in international and Canadian settings, Arleigh is a language and learning expert dedicated to supporting newcomers and vulnerable learners in their communities and workplaces. She maximizes learning outcomes through strategic methods, intercultural competence, and trauma-informed practices. Arleigh has a strong foundation in adult learning principles and has been instrumental in developing programs, curricula, and policies.

Pamela Fancey (She/Her), Associate Director, MSVU, Nova Scotia Centre on Aging Breakout Session: Engaging Older Workers: Opportunities and Barriers With a mission to advance knowledge on aging to inform social policy and practice, Pamela leads project development, stakeholder relations, consultation, and event planning. She has directed evaluation projects and co-authored articles and reports on topics including family caregivers, older workers, age-friendly communities, dementia care, and more. Additionally, she is a part-time instructor in the Department of Family Studies & Gerontology, contributing expertise to the academic field while continuing to support critical research and initiatives in aging.

Kelly O’Neil (She/Her), Postdoctoral Fellow, MSVU, Nova Scotia Centre on Aging Breakout Session: Engaging Older Workers: Opportunities and Barriers Kelly is an older worker and post-doctoral fellow currently holding an embedded research position with Nova Scotia Health Continuing Care. She has been a research associate at the Nova Scotia Centre on Aging (NSCA) since 2017, where she contributes to research on older workers in Nova Scotia. Kelly’s research also focuses on older adults' health and wellbeing, as well as their social engagement and empowerment. Her work continues to address key issues that impact the lives of older adults, helping to shape better outcomes for this demographic.

Michelle Hurlburt (She/Her), Founder, Facilitator & Coach, 3DLife Inc. Breakout Session: Cultivating Psychological Safety in the Workplace Michelle is known for her ability to quickly grasp human challenges, ask the right questions, and break down actionable steps that drive results. With extensive experience as a business owner, facilitator, and certified coach, she brings deep knowledge of leadership and communication. Michelle supports leaders and teams in enhancing communication, sharpening emotional intelligence, and fostering safety and belonging in workplaces. With over 25 years of national and international experience, her approach is rooted in practical human strategies that lead to meaningful growth and lasting impact.

Panelist: Emily Towns (She/Her) Web Developer, Forward Creative Emily is a mother of four who spent over a decade as a registered nurse before discovering she is on the autism spectrum, which led her to transition her career. Driven by a passion for technology, Emily retrained, earning certifications in Cybersecurity, Software and Web Development, and UX Design. She is also a proud member of the Nova Scotia Information and Communication Standard Development Committee, advocating for accessibility and equity in technology for all ages, genders, races, and abilities.

Soumya Markandeya (She/Her), Transformation Architect & Business Consultant Breakout Session: Beyond the Corporate Ladder: A Strategic Framework for Navigating Careers, Organizations, and Projects A seasoned leader with 20+ years of experience in business transformation, strategic solutions, and leadership across Nova Scotia and the Atlantic Region. Known for driving organizational change and continuous improvement, Soumya has advised executives and led ambitious initiatives, often calling meetings “just a warm-up for the real work.” As a first-generation immigrant, she blends grit, humour, and resilience with a strong commitment to mentorship, inclusion, and growth.

Sue Oland (She/Her), Principal, Good People Consultants Breakout Session: Attraction Through Branding Sue is an MBA graduate with 20+ years of experience working with brands such as Alexander Keith’s, Empire Theatres, Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation, and NS Power. She has developed business and brand strategies, led digital roadmaps, and created high-performing teams. In 2020, Sue launched her consulting business, Good People, where she focuses on building strong leadership foundations for both businesses and individuals. Sue is passionate about helping organizations and leaders unlock their potential by fostering a culture of collaboration, growth, and empowerment.

Ashley Delaney (She/Her), Owner, Loyal Brand Co. Breakout Session: Attraction Through Branding Ashley is a Brand Consultant and owner of Loyal Brand Co., with over 17 years of experience creating and nurturing successful brands across various industries. She has worked on both the agency and client side, helping individuals and businesses stand out in their markets. Focused on strategic foundations and sustainable plans, Ashley builds brands for long-term success. With a simple, results-driven approach, she helps align your brand with your vision, attracting the loyalty you deserve.

Panelist: Robyn Webb (She/Her) Director, Labour Market Development, Halifax Partnership Robyn leads Halifax Partnership's talent attraction and retention initiatives and teams, including the award-winning Connector Program and the Atlantic Immigration Program. With strong business acumen and considerable sales and recruitment experience, Robyn has advanced communication skills that allow her to engage all levels of decision-makers and build productive relationships with a diverse client base. As Executive Director of the National Connector Program, Robyn partners and supports Canadian communities and industry associations interested in launching the Connector Program.

Panelist: Phil Cantrill (He/Him) COO & Executive Director, People Plus Consulting Limited Phil leads a dynamic team of career practitioners at Job Junction in Halifax. A lifelong learner, he has built his career in coaching, recruiting, and training, with a Bachelor of Commerce in Marketing Informatics from Dalhousie University. Originally from South Africa, Phil’s global experiences have shaped his passion for diversity and inclusion, influencing his hiring and training practices. He champions personal and professional growth, encouraging his team and clients to embrace their strengths, build self-awareness, and approach every challenge with confidence and a positive attitude.

Panelist: Angelique LeBlanc (She/Her) CEO, Western Regional Enterprise Network Angélique demonstrates exceptional leadership and a talent for building strategic partnerships. Her expertise in economic and business development has given her a deep understanding of the challenges faced by local business communities. With a strong network of regional and provincial contacts, she collaborates effectively with all levels of government. A bilingual Nova Scotian, Angélique holds an MBA from Université de Moncton and is an MIT REAP graduate. She currently serves on the NSCC and NSCDA Boards.

Lisa Villeneuve (She/Her), Principal, Lisa Villeneuve Coaching & Consulting Breakout Session: Mobilizing Impact Networks to Shift Systems Lisa is a strategy designer, coach, and facilitator based in Wolfville, with 25 years of experience in strategic policy, planning, and partnerships. She has held senior roles with the Ontario provincial government and United Way of Greater Toronto, and since 2012, has provided consulting, coaching, and teaching to nonprofit organizations across Canada. With degrees in Psychology and Social Work and a Graduate Diploma in Social Innovation, Lisa is also a certified leadership coach and an active community volunteer.

Robin Lorway (She/Her), Executive Director, Skills Canada - Nova Scotia Breakout Session: Engaging Youth in Career Exploration Robin brings over 15 years of experience to Skills Canada – Nova Scotia, where she currently serves as Executive Director. Throughout her tenure, Robin has spearheaded numerous impactful initiatives, including developing a hands-on program to equip students with the 9 Skills for Success, preparing them for the demands of today’s workforce. Additionally, she has played a pivotal role in leading Canada’s participation in the prestigious International Abilympics, a global skills competition for individuals with disabilities, highlighting her commitment to inclusivity and skill development for all.

Panelist: Owen Sagness (He/Him) CEO, Digital Nova Scotia With over 20 years of executive leadership experience, Owen has driven success in both Fortune 50 companies like Hewlett-Packard and Microsoft and in smaller venture-backed tech firms. His expertise in building and managing businesses has consistently boosted profit, customer satisfaction, and brand favorability. A sought-after Independent Director and Advisor, Owen serves on boards and advisory committees, offering strategic guidance to CEOs and founders. He is also a member of the Institute of Corporate Directors, bringing invaluable insights to our team.

Janice Tanner-Ernst (She/Her), Senior Human Resources Consultant, KBRS Breakout Session: Strength in Leadership: Thriving Through Today’s Challenges Janice is a seasoned HR professional focused on creating thriving workplace cultures and achieving performance goals. She specializes in organizational effectiveness, talent attraction and retention, employee engagement, and workforce planning, offering practical solutions for today’s evolving challenges. With extensive experience in senior HR roles, she collaborates with leaders to implement tailored strategies. Janice also serves as Chair of the Health Services Foundation of the South Shore, supporting local healthcare initiatives.

Nancy Bain (She/Her) CEO/Founder, SupernovaMediaHQ With over 20 years of experience, Nancy helps solopreneurs and small businesses simplify technology and leverage AI as a practical tool for growth. Known for designing custom workflows, Nancy specializes in automating admin tasks, streamlining marketing, and enhancing client onboarding to save time and reduce stress. A global speaker and educator, Nancy shares actionable strategies to overcome bottlenecks and build efficient systems tailored to individual business needs. Passionate about making AI accessible, Nancy empowers entrepreneurs to work smarter, not harder.

Frank Rudzicz (He/Him) Associate Professor, Dalhousie University Frank Rudzicz is an Associate Professor at Dalhousie University, co-founder of WinterLight Labs Inc., and a founding faculty member at the Vector Institute for Artificial Intelligence. He is also a status professor at the University of Toronto and a Canada CIFAR Chair in Artificial Intelligence. Specializing in machine learning in healthcare, Frank focuses on natural language processing, speech recognition, and safe AI. His research is featured in outlets like Scientific American, Wired, CBC, ACL, NeurIPS, JAMA, and Nature.

Stacey Taylor (She/Her) Assistant Professor, Cape Breton University Stacey Taylor is an Assistant Professor of Management Science in the Shannon School of Business at Cape Breton University. Her research focuses on applying machine learning and natural language processing to accounting and finance. Stacey earned her PhD in Computer Science and Master of Electronic Commerce from Dalhousie University, as well as an MBA from Saint Mary’s University. A Chartered Professional Accountant, she also serves as senior faculty with the CPA Atlantic School of Business, blending academic expertise with professional practice.

Speakers

Randy Lindsay (He/Him), CEO, Futureworx Randy is a passionate social entrepreneur with over 30 years of experience, dedicated to advancing social and emotional skills as essential for unlocking potential and preparing Canadians for the “future of work.” His leadership has positioned Futureworx as a national and international leader in employment programming, with innovative, client-centred tools and frameworks used worldwide. Grounded in hands-on experience and client insights, Randy believes a structured focus on these skills is key to individual success and the prosperity of communities.

PLAN YOUR VISIT

HOW TO VOTE

Don't Forget to Vote!

Nova Scotia's Municipal Election is happening on Tuesday, November 26th! We’re encouraging all our attendees to take advantage of early voting. Click here for details on where and how to vote early and ensure your voice is heard.

Parking

Large paved parking lots (Halifax Port Authority Lots B, C, and D) are available to the right of Pier 21's main entrance. Rates: Monday to Friday, 7:00AM to 6:00PM — $3.00 per hour, with a maximum of $12.00 per day. Additional Options: On-street metered parking is available near the entrance. If parking in the mentioned lots (B, C, D), we recommend downloading the Indigo Neo App ahead of time for a seamless experience. Pay stations are also available on-site. For more information, visit the Indigo Neo website. Address: 1215, Marginal Road, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 4P8

Location

We’re thrilled to host the conference at Pier 21, a historic and iconic location that celebrates Canada's immigration story! The main conference space will be in Kenneth C. Rowe Hall. Upon arrival, enter through the Main Entrance and take the stairs or elevator to the second floor. Head towards the Chrysler Pavilion, and you’ll find us waiting for you! Signage will be available to guide you. Address: 1055 Marginal Rd, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 4P7

Our Supporters

Thank you to our sponsors & partners!

WORKFORCE LEADERS

WORKFORCE EXPO

BREAK TIME

WORKFORCE ALLIES

See you at the summit!

123 Anywhere St., Any City, State, Country 12345

Mailing Address

hello@reallygreatsite.com

Email Address

(123) 456 7890

Phone Number

For those Committed to Workforce Development in Nova Scotia

WORK

FORWARD

See you there!