Speakers

Leonard Brody

Called a “a leader of the new world order”, Leonard Brody was recently named one of top 30 management thinkers in the world. He is an award-winning entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and bestselling author, and a two-time Emmy-nominated media visionary. Brody has helped raise hundreds of millions in capital for startup companies, taken a company to a six billion market cap IPO, and been involved in the founding and successful exit of numerous companies to date. In his compelling, customized talks—with clients ranging from the United Nations to Visa and Pepsi—Brody addresses the rapid pace of change, innovation, and disruption facing us all, and what to do about it.

After selling his company in 2009, Brody became the president of the Innovation and Digital Group for the Anschutz Company, one of the largest live sport and entertainment businesses in the world. The company owns assets such as the O2 Arena in London and Staples Center in LA; sports teams like the Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Galaxy, and the Los Angeles Kings; and is one of the premiere concert promotion businesses in the world, seating hundreds of millions of people a year.

Today, Brody is the co-founder and executive chairman of Caravan, a joint venture with CAA (Creative Artists Agency), the largest sports and entertainment agency in the world. He oversees the building of new ventures for some of the most well-known celebrities and political leaders in the world like Carrie Underwood, Tom Hanks, and President Joe Biden. Brody is also one of the proud owners of the professional soccer team Coventry City in England.

Brody is also working on a new book in partnership with Forbes magazine entitled The Great Re:Write. It is based on the successful documentary series Brody and Forbes produced, which garnered an audience of over 7 million in the last year. He holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts from Queens University, a law degree from Osgoode Hall, and is a graduate of the Private Equity Program at the Harvard Business School.

Danielle Cherewyk

Danielle Cherewyk is the Founder and CEO of The Headroom Salon Company and the Owner and CEO of Peak Beauty Academy in Grande Prairie, Alberta; two award-winning brands recognized for innovation, education, and exceptional guest experiences. A Redken Certified Hair Colorist and second-generation salon owner, Danielle grew up immersed in the beauty industry and has spent more than two decades blending artistry, leadership, and strategy to redefine what’s possible for salon professionals.

Danielle is passionate about the power of ongoing education, efficient systems, and a positive mindset to transform businesses. Through The Headroom’s acclaimed associate and extension programs, she has mentored dozens of stylists into thriving professionals while creating a culture rooted in growth, mentorship, and mastery.

Under Danielle’s leadership, The Headroom was recognized as a 2025 Salon Today 200 Salon, celebrating excellence in business, client experience, and industry leadership. The salon has also been named one of the city’s Three Best Rated Salons for eight consecutive years.

As a salon and Little Voice Mastery coach and mentor with the High Performance Salon Academy, and previously as a Redken Educator, Danielle has helped hundreds of beauty professionals and established salon owners streamline operations, elevate profitability, and build lasting legacies. Her proven frameworks for branding, management, and leadership empower owners to create more profit in their companies and more peace in their lives.

Danielle’s mission is simple: to empower professionals with innovative education, confident leadership, and real pathways to financial success; helping them grow thriving careers while living fully and joyfully.

Because when we invest in people, everyone wins, in business and in life.

Mike Downie

Mike Downie is a celebrated documentary filmmaker and philanthropist. Most recently, he directed and produced The Tragically Hip: No Dress Rehearsal, a powerful exploration of the band’s legacy and its deep connection to Canada’s cultural identity. It premiered at TIFF 2024, where it won the prestigious People’s Choice Award for Documentary, and recently won seven Canadian Screen Awards. Downie is also the co-founder of the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund, the largest reconciliation fund in the country, and, along with his brother, Gord, created Secret Path, the groundbreaking multimedia project that tells the tragic story of Chanie Wenjack. Through his work and speaking engagements, he inspires audiences to embrace storytelling as a means of connection, change, and creating cultural identity.

Downie’s work has earned multiple Canadian Screen Awards, including the prestigious Donald Brittain Award for Best Social/Political Documentary. His other award-winning documentaries include Invasion of the Brain Snatchers, The Hockey Nomad, One Ocean, and The Covid Cruise, all of which showcase his ability to tell compelling, wide-ranging stories.

Downie’s keynotes weave personal storytelling with powerful insights, drawing from his experiences growing up in a small town, working in a northern mine, and traveling the world as a filmmaker. His talks resonate with audiences looking for inspiration,  authenticity, and a deeper understanding of the stories that shape us.

With a background spanning science, economics, and adventure—including time as a deep shaft miner, medical researcher, and windsurfing instructor—Downie brings a unique perspective to every stage. He holds a Bachelor of Science with Honours from Queen’s
University, and an MBA from York University’s Schulich School of Business.

Lois Duke

Lois Duke is a proud Cree and Iroquois Iskwew from Kelly Lake, British Columbia. Family and community are at the heart of everything she does. Lois lives in Grande Prairie, where she and her husband are raising their three daughters, while their son continues his studies at the University of Alberta.  

Working alongside her husband, Lois has helped build several successful businesses, always guided by values of collaboration, responsibility, and giving back. Her leadership extends deeply into the community, where she is known for her dedication to strengthening Indigenous voices and supporting safe, inclusive spaces for Indigenous people.  

Lois serves as President of the Foothills First Nation and the Grande Prairie Friendship Centre, Vice President of the National Association of Friendship Centres, and Chair of the Grande Gathering Gala. She also sits on the boards of the Kelly Lake Community Centre Society and the First Nations Housing & Infrastructure Council of British Columbia. In the spring of 2023, she was honoured to be appointed to the Grande Prairie Police Commission. 

At her core, Lois is dedicated to creating a strong future for her children and future generations through leadership rooted in culture, community, and care.

Lois is joined by:

Miranda Laroche

Originally from Treaty 8 territory and a member of the Bigstone Cree Nation in Calling Lake, Alberta, Miranda has served as the Executive Director of the Grande Prairie Friendship Centre for nearly 10 years and is the newly elected President of the Alberta Native Friendship Centre Association. She is deeply committed to elevating Indigenous voices and representation and values strong partnerships as part of the Friendship Centre Movement. Miranda also brings first-hand industry experience through her role as Health and Safety Coordinator for Alberta West Transport and Bison Oilfield Services Ltd.

Tonya Fleming

Tonya Fleming leads the Private Markets & Innovation team at the Alberta Securities Commission. She spent the first decade of her career as a Securities Law and Merger & Acquisitions lawyer at one of Canada’s top corporate law firms. She then moved into the energy industry, serving as Vice-President and General Counsel to three growing TSX-listed companies. In her current role at the Alberta Securities Commission, the regulator of Alberta’s investment market, Tonya’s team oversees the capital raising activities of Alberta’s private companies as well as working with entrepreneurs and start-up founders in the innovations ecosystem.

Tracy Golnick

Tracy Golnick is a dedicated mental health professional, known for her leadership in advancing mental wellness across resource-based industries and her impactful contributions promoting mental wellness. With a passion for dismantling the stigma surrounding mental health in the energy sector, Tracy focuses on raising awareness, research and empowering individuals with the tools they need to support both their own well-being and that of others. Tracy is a Master Facilitator for the Mental Health Commission of Canada and leads the Men’s Mental Health program and the internationally recognized program Tough Enough To Talk About It for the Resource Centre for Suicide Prevention. With well over two decades of experience championing community-based solutions, Tracy empowers individuals, leaders, and workplaces with tools to foster resilience, connection, and meaningful conversations around mental well-being.

Jesse Hill

Jesse is passionate about helping to build stronger businesses and organizations through thoughtful technology strategy and implementations. He has spent over 25 years learning from clients, partners, and his own company experiences to build a team that is relentlessly focused on leveraging technology to achieve business goals and solve business challenges. Having grown up in a family business, working on the front line, and then acquiring the company, Jesse has learned through good times and bad how to help his clients navigate change and grow more successful intime. When he’s not in the office, Jesse likes staying active, spending time with family, and travelling.

Company bio: Tier 3 I.T. Solutions is a mid-sized IT Services firm that has been serving businesses since 1990.Inthat time, the company has reinvented itself to remain current and relevant as technology has grown and changed. We believe that technology spend should be seen as a strategic investment that is helping you build and run a better business. Our teams have a truly proactive approach to managing technology through thoughtful planning, implementations, security, support, and strategic alignment.

Colin Knoll

Colin Knoll is a senior strategy and transformation leader with a proven track record of driving growth, complex change, and successful exits across regulated financial institutions and high growth companies. Over the past decade, he has led enterprise strategy at Servus Credit Union, Canada’s #1 largest credit union, and served as Head of Strategy at Firma Foreign Exchange, where he helped scale and transform the business through a successful acquisition by a public company in 2021, valued at nearly $100M. 
 
Colin is a champion for Alberta, having lived all across the great province (Calgary, Edmonton, and Grande Prairie). He is deeply passionate about economic development for Alberta with a particular focus on the intersection of AI, energy, the workforce and technology. He currently advises economic development organizations, municipalities, scaleups, CEOs, and Boards through The Build Better Business Company, which he founded in 2025. 
 
In addition, Colin advises high potential startups at Innovate Calgary, supporting founders in the commercialization of advanced technologies, he teaches business management at MacEwan University, and also serves as a Board Director with the Association for the Rehabilitation of the Brain Injured (ARBI). 

Grace Larson

Grace Larson is a community builder, economic development professional, and youth mentor with years of experience supporting aspiring entrepreneurs in our region over a decade of experience working with youth leaders across Alberta. Her work sits at the intersection of entrepreneurship, workforce development, and youth leadership—helping individuals turn ideas into action and build the confidence, skills, and systems needed to succeed.

In recent years Grace has worked closely with young and emerging entrepreneurs in Grande Prairie and the surrounding region through programs such as Lemonade Day, community workshops, and mentorship initiatives designed to spark entrepreneurial thinking at an early age. She has also contributed to large-scale economic development efforts, including regional entrepreneurship conferences such as the Hyperdrive Women in Business Summit and community recovery initiatives following the Jasper wildfires.

Grace’s commitment to youth leadership extends beyond her professional roles. She has served as Chair of the City of Grande Prairie Youth Advisory Council, was a member of the Employment Action Team with Communities Building Youth Futures (CBYF) Grande Prairie, and has volunteered extensively as a peer mentor and youth leader in schools, community organizations, and leadership programs for more than ten years. Across these roles, she has championed youth voice, employment readiness, and pathways from education to meaningful work.

A two-time Valedictorian of NWP, Grace holds a Bachelor of Business Administration with a focus on Human Resources and brings a people-first, practical approach to leadership and mentorship. She has worked extensively with the NWPSA to bring educational sessions to NWP students, focusing on bridging the gap between postsecondary education and a meaningful career. Recognized for he rimpact, she was nominated for the Women of Influence Awards in 2025. Whether working with first-time entrepreneurs or emerging youth leaders, Grace is passionate about empowering the next generation to lead with confidence, purpose, and resilience.

She is currently pursuing an MBA specializing in Management Analytics through the Haskayne School of Business at the University of Calgary, with the goal of bringing an even more evidence-based, data-driven, and systems-focused approach to her work with both youth and business leaders.

James Leppan

James Leppan was born in Zimbabwe and relocated to Canada in 2011 after eight years with Princess Cruises, where he served as Onboard Revenue Manager for Photography and Videography. During that period, he was fortunate to travel to all seven continents, including six voyages to Antarctica.

He became a Canadian citizen in 2016 and was appointed Executive Director of the Grande Prairie Regional Tourism Association (GPRTA)in 2018. In 2019, he moved to Edmonton to join Travel Alberta, first as the Northern Alberta regional lead and later as Destination Development Manager for the Edmonton region and Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo.

In 2023, he completed the Certified Destination Management Professional designation through Destinations International (DI). He also serves on DI’s Professional Development and Social Impact subcommittees and was appointed to the Culinary Tourism Alliance board in 2024 and the DI CDME board in 2025. In2026, he was named to the MacEwan University Travel and Tourism Program Advisory Group.

He is currently pursuing his MBA in Global Tourism Management through the University of Cumbria, delivered in partnership with Robert Kennedy College.

As Director, Destination Strategy at Explore Edmonton, he advances destination growth through strategic development, partnerships, and industry training. Outside of work, he enjoys travel, championing the visitor economy, and tracking down the perfect cup of coffee.

Mid-Day Squares

Jake Karls and Nick Saltarelli are two of the three co-founders of Mid-Day Squares, one of the fastest-growing CPG brands in North America, and a company that has become a case study in fearless branding and radical transparency. 

With no background in the food industry, Jake and Nick helped take Mid-Day Squares from a raw idea to a multi-million-dollar brand by doing things differently. Instead of following the traditional startup playbook, they chose to build in public, documenting the real highs, lows, pressure, and pivots of entrepreneurship as they happened. 

That unfiltered approach became their competitive edge, allowing Mid-Day Squares to build a deeply loyal community and a brand rooted in trust, authenticity, and performance. 

On stage, Jake and Nick bring unmatched energy, honesty, and real-world insight. They speak candidly about scaling under pressure, navigating setbacks, building high-performing teams, and leading with transparency in an environment where nothing is guaranteed. Their sessions are practical, current, and grounded in lived experience. 

Lisa MacGregor is a broadcast journalist, filmmaker, and media entrepreneur with more than 15 years of experience leading thoughtful, high-impact conversations. 

In 2025, Lisa launched two independent platforms: Top Stories YEG, a hyper-local accountability journalism network, and Off Air Talks, a culture-forward podcast and media company focused on authenticity, leadership, and real dialogue. 

Prior to going independent, Lisa spent 15 years in mainstream media as a television news and sports reporter and anchor with Global News and CBC, covering major breaking news, Alberta politics, and national and international sporting events.  

She holds a Bachelor of Communications from Australia and has completed international journalism fellowships with the Oxford Climate Journalism Network at the Reuters Institute, the Kiplinger Program in Public Affairs Journalism, and the Solutions Hack for Journalists in Spain. Lisa is known for asking sharp questions, creating space for honest dialogue, and guiding conversations that go beyond surface-level soundbites. 

When home in Edmonton, she can usually be found tending to her five backyard chickens.

Len Morissette

Len is a proud Mistawasis (Saskatchewan) band member that grew up urban Indigenous. His dad is Cree, and his mother has European ancestry. He moved to  Grande Prairie in 2000 from Vernon, British Columbia with his beautiful wife and two daughters. After 11 years working at the Ainsworth Lumber mill, he had a dream of starting a digital advertising and film company in northern Alberta. In 2011 Len founded C.I.A Solutions, a majority Indigenous owned film and advertising company.

He joined the Chamber of Commerce and Rotary in 2011 and his company has worked with many organizations to help develop their brands and marketing  strategies over the years.

Len was the President of the Alberta Native Friendship Centre Association and has spoken at events to bring awareness on Indigenous issues and rights as well as creating documentaries about and for First Nations across Canada. Over the past 10 years Len and his team have filmed and produced over 200 commercials and films, as well as music videos.

Len and his team have won awards for youth engagement and business innovation. During the past four years Len and his team have had two of their film projects, “Momentum: From Nothing to NASCAR” and “Lost” publicly voted on and selected to win funding to be created for TELUS Story Hive. Lost went on to be viewed around the world in film festivals, winning multiple awards. Their latest documentary, Resilience: The Aseniwuche Winewak Story, was screened at the American Indian Film Festival in San Francisco.

Len created the first underwater exploration show with an Indigenous perspective that is airing on the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network, and he was recently inducted into the Royal Canadian Geographical Society, where he will continue to represent the Indigenous people of Canada. This past summer Len and his team worked REV TV to broadcast NASCAR Canada’s western leg of the Canadian series.

Peter Nelson

Peter is an experienced economist with over a decade of expertise in market analysis, modelling, and strategic storytelling. He has led impactful work in securities regulation, housing policy, and behavioural science—translating complex findings into clear, actionable insights for senior leaders, stakeholders, and the public. He brings this multidisciplinary lens to support LMIC’s mission of delivering comprehensive, high-quality labour market information across Canada. Peter holds a master’s degree in economics from Simon Fraser University and a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from the University of Lethbridge.

Deans of Northwestern Polytechnic

The Deans of Northwestern Polytechnic (NWP) bring a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to the region’s growth and education. 

Dr. Julia Dutove, Dean of the School of Applied Science and Technology, holds a PhD in Kinesiology from the University of Minnesota. Before joining NWP, she was an assistant professor at Minnesota State University. She has been with NWP since 2017, supporting the School’s growth and new programs. 

Megan Stone, Dean of the School of Health, holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Master of Nursing from Athabasca University. She has experience in rural healthcare settings, having worked in general medicine, critical care, and geriatrics, and taught in the BScN program before assuming her current role. 

Chantel Lussier, Dean of the School of Business and Education, holds a Bachelor’s degree from the U of A, a Master of Education from UBC, and Superintendent certification for Alberta. With experience in system leadership across K-12 and post-secondary, she steadily achieves program growth and development. Prior to her current role, she taught STSE science education for the University of Alberta. 

Bobbi Craig-Sparkes, Dean of the School of Skilled Trades (Grande Prairie), is a Red Seal Electrician and has extensive experience in the trades industry and education. She has been an instructor and leader in trades programs, equipping students with skills for success in the workforce. 

Together, these leaders are dedicated to advancing education in their communities.

Mark Parsons

Mark is the Vice President and Chief Economist at ATB Financial, where he leads a dynamic team in providing insightful commentary and strategic economic outlooks, primarily focused on Alberta. With over two decades of experience in senior economic positions, including notable roles at Alberta Treasury Board and Finance, Pricewaterhouse Coopers, and the Department of Finance Canada, Mark has established himself as a trusted authority in the field. He is a regular speaker at industry conferences and a frequent contributor to media discussions on economic trends. He holds a Master’s degree in Economics from the University of Alberta and is a CFA charter holder. Mark is on the Board of Directors for Nordiq Canada, the national sport organization for cross-country and para-nordic skiing.

Yvonne Rempel

My name is Yvonne Rempel, and I’ve had the privilege of living and working in rural Northern Alberta for the past 28 years. Throughout this time, I’ve served my community in many capacities; town councilor for 9 years, as a community volunteer, town councilor, and community board & committee member and Rotarian, always with a focus on building strong, resilient communities.

For the past 14 years, I’ve worked as a Community Health Promotion Facilitator with Cancer Prevention Screening & Innovation under Healthier Together, where we work alongside communities implementing promoting strategies that improve health outcomes and empower communities to take charge of their well-being.

With over 25 years of experience in community development, I bring a deep commitment to collaboration, innovation, and insights and experiences that highlight the power of community-driven initiatives and the impact we can make together

Chris Sankey

Chris has dedicated his life to helping indigenous communities collaborate by encouraging them to embrace their traditional knowledge, implement best business practices and provide solutions.

Chris is a Senior Advisor to the energy, investment and infrastructure industry. He provides strategic advice and planning to companies engaging Indigenous Communities, Industry and Government. His approach is a great fit for not only companies looking to partner with indigenous communities, but aligns with his indigenous values.

When it comes to the energy sector, Chris is not afraid to take on impossible tasks and difficult issues. His straight forward approach to problem solving brings leaders together through meaningful dialogue and partnerships.

Chris is an extremely influential person who believes in strengthening communities to achieve economic reconciliation.

Jessica Schoepp

Calling the Peace Region home for decades, Jessica Schoepp is a multidisciplinary leader dedicated to inclusivity, community success, and robust economic development. As the owner of 92 Beverage Co., Jessica was recently honored as the 2025 Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year, following her 2024 recognition as Downtowner of the Year. Beyond her business, Jessica serves as the Community and Student Engagement Coordinator at the University of Alberta’ Northern Alberta Medical Program, where she bridges the gap between the next generation of Physicians and regional communities. Her commitment to social advocacy is reflected in her role on the Board of Directors for Odyssey House, Women in Business and her previous work with the Grande Prairie Pride Society. A former Volunteer of the Year and multi-year Woman of Influence nominee, Jessica combines her background in sociology, finance, and non-profit management to foster a vibrant, equitable, and prosperous future for Northern Alberta.

Doug Stephens

Doug Stephens has been called “the futurist that futurists follow”. As one of the world’s foremost business futurists and retail industry experts, he decodes the forces reshaping commerce and translates them into strategic advantage. As the founder and CEO of Retail Prophet, Stephens is the go-to authority for global brands like IKEA, Nike, Coca Cola, and Louis Vuitton. His dynamic keynotes don’t just explore business transformation; they reveal the surprising competitive advantages waiting for organizations bold enough to reimagine their future in this era of unprecedented disruption.

Stephens is an internationally bestselling author of three books on the future of consumerism including his most recent, Resurrecting Retail: The Future of Business in a Post-Pandemic World. His insights provide a roadmap for businesses seeking to thrive amid radical shifts in technology, consumer behaviour, and competitive landscapes.

Stephens’ unique perspectives on trends in economics, technology, and consumer behaviour have made him a sought-after voice in leading global publications and media outlets, with features in The New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, and Fast Company, and on the BBC and CBC. He also sits on multiple corporate and academic advisory boards, including the David Sobey Centre for Innovation in Retail at St. Mary’s University.

As one of the world’s most sought-after business speakers, Stephens offers an ever-evolving array of cutting edge and compelling topics, suitable for any business audience.