SPEAKERS

George Stroumboulopoulos

George Stroumboulopoulos doesn’t just ask questions – he creates space for his guests to share their human experiences. His fresh, thought-provoking style fuses big ideas, with art, pop culture, politics, news, sports, and celebrity.

A six-time Gemini Award and Canadian Screen Award winner for best host in a talk series, George is known for having an unrivaled presence to all that he does. He brings an authenticity and genuine curiosity to each and every interaction – be it on screen or on stage. George’s interviewing skills are first rate, allowing audiences a deeper more meaningful look at his guests.

You’ve heard him on AppleMusic Hits where he hosts STROMBO, a music and talk radio show, as well as CBC Radio 2 with The Strombo Show, a syndicated weekly music and talk radio show. George also partnered with Apple Books to launch the Strombo’s Lit book club with ‘gripping books and great conversations.’

He is Canada’s first Ambassador Against Hunger for the United Nations World Food Programme, the world’s largest humanitarian organization that won the 2020 Nobel Peace Prize for its efforts to combat hunger and improve conditions for peace. George is deeply involved in issues of global food security and the interconnections with climate change. His role often takes him to regions grappling with these pressing challenges, reflecting his commitment to understanding and addressing these issues firsthand.

In 2024, you can also see him interviewed for the TIFF People’s Choice award winning DocuSeries on The Tragically Hip, and as English narrator for the new series on CRAVE, Inside the Montreal Canadians: The Rebuild.

His other charitable work includes Nelson Mandela’s Children’s Fund (Canada), the Canada Africa Partnership on AIDS (CAP AIDS), War Child Canada, and Make Poverty History. Stroumboulopoulos currently sits on the auxiliary board for The David Suzuki Foundation, as well as Artists for Peace and Justice Canada (APJ). In addition, he has strong ties with the Canadian Music Therapy Fund through supporting The George Stroumboulopoulos Music Therapy Scholarship.

Along the way, George has interviewed Hollywood legends such as Oprah, Tom Cruise, Michael J. Fox, Clint Eastwood, Jodie Foster and Samuel L. Jackson; political leaders such as Hillary Clinton, Jean Chrétien, Sarah Palin, Al Gore and Jimmy Carter; critically acclaimed authors including Christopher Hitchens, Salman Rushdie, Stephen King, Peter C. Newman and Gore Vidal; renowned directors including Spike Lee, James Cameron, Deepa Mehta, Brian DePalma, and Paul Haggis, just to name a few.

George began his television career with MuchMusic as the producer and host of NewMusic and MuchNews. He then moved on to CBC where he received critical acclaim as the host and co-executive producer of the award-winning shows George Stroumboulopoulos Tonight, which wrapped after 10-seasons on air at the CBC, and The Hour. In 2014 George became the face of Hockey Night in Canada & the NHL on Sportsnet.

George is a three-time Canadian Organization of Campus Activities (COCA) award-winner for Speaker of the Year on campuses across the country. In addition to his role as a broadcaster, Stroumboulopoulos is active in many social and environmental issues. In January 2010, he brought together actors, artists and athletes for Haiti relief efforts as the executive producer and co-host of Canada for Haiti, a live benefit that raised more than 27 million dollars for Haitian earthquake victims.

Zack Kass

THE NEXT RENAISSANCE (Keynote & Fireside Chat)

In the age of Artificial Intelligence, everything is changing, from how we work to how we create. How can you take advantage of this change to improve your life and career? As the former Head of Go To Market for OpenAI, Zack Kass has been at the forefront of AI’s global transformation for over 15 years. In this compelling keynote, Zack counters the conventional dystopian narrative of AI, sharing a positive vision that offers the potential for game-changing innovation, opportunity, and human potential. Audiences will come away understanding how technology will reshape their industries, organizations, workforce, and lives for the better.

Zack Kass is a Futurist, keynote speaker, consultant, and the former Head of Go To Market for OpenAI. He has spent over 14 years in the field of AI with companies like Figure Eight, Lilt, and OpenAI. His mission is to ensure businesses and governments are active participants in the AI-powered future by demystifying AI, making it accessible and understandable for everyone, and helping leaders navigate the rapidly evolving environment.

While Head of Go To Market at OpenAI, Zack worked at the helm of the team key channeling OpenAI’s innovative research into tangible business solutions. Zack built the teams responsible for OpenAI’s sales, partnerships, and customer success and served as a personal advisor to countless executives deploying the technology across their business.

Today, he is considered one of the foremost thinkers in Applied AI. His thought leadership and techno-optimist views have been featured in countless publications, such as Fortune, Newsweek, Entrepreneur, AdAge, and Business Insider to name a few. Zack has also advised many top companies on AI, including Coca-Cola, Morgan Stanley, and Agmen.

Beyond the corporate world, Zack is a staunch techno-optimist, an advocate for AI’s potential to revolutionize the human condition and reduce suffering. He works tirelessly to promote the promise of AI, serving as a counter-narrative to the prevailing media cynicism.

Zack received his BA from The University of California, Berkeley, and resides in Santa Barbara, California.

Laurent Duvernay-Tardif

Laurent Duvernay-Tardif Fireside Chat moderated by Matthieu Proulx

In this captivating conversation, Duvernay-Tardif will share his incredible journey from Super Bowl victory with the Kansas City Chiefs to his decision to leave football to serve on the medical frontline during the COVID-19 pandemic. Through his personal story, he will offer insights into resilience, leadership and the power of following one's passion.

His meteoric rise has been so remarkable that the Kansas City Star called him “the most interesting man in the NFL.” And for good reason: not only is Laurent Duvernay-Tardif is a 9-year NFL Veteran and Super Bowl Champion, but he is also a Doctor of Medicine from McGill University. In May 2018, he graduated with his doctorate, earning one of the biggest accomplishments of his life.

In May 2014, at the age of only 23, the Mont-Saint-Hilaire native became the 10th Canadian to be drafted by an NFL team from a Canadian university. In his second season in Kansas City, the six-foot-five-inch 320-pound player earned the position of starting right guard on the team.

Passionate about both football and medicine, Laurent turned a deaf ear when counsellors and family members advised him to choose between the sport he loved and his studies. And it proved to be the right choice! “It’s all about balance. Don’t give up on your passions!” he tells the young people he meets at the many talks he gives in schools across the province.

Duvernay-Tardif played university football with McGill University (2010 to 2013) after his college career with the Phénix at Collège André-Grasset (2008-2009). Previously, he played three seasons with the Richelieu Pirates in Beloeil.

From the beginning of his career, he has been honoured with awards, both athletic and academic. In February 2020, he was an integral part of the Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl winning team as their starting Right Guard.

During the spring of 2020, Laurent lent a helping hand during the Covid-19 pandemic by working as an orderly at a long-term care facility in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu. In July 2020, Laurent announced that he was opting out of the 2020 NFL season due to Covid-19, becoming the 1st player of the 2020 NFL season to announce his decision to opt-out. While working on the front lines, he also enrolled in Harvard’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

In 2020, he was named co- recipients of the Sports Illustrated Sportsperson of the Year award as well as the co-winner for the 2020 Lou Marsh Trophy. He was also named to “l’Ordre National du Québec” in 2020. In 2021, he was the recipient of the Muhammad Ali Sports Humanitarian Award. Laurent was also the inaugural recipient of the 2021 Canada’s Walk of Fame National Hero Honour in December 2021. His scrubs and lab coat are now on display in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Involved in his community despite his grueling schedule, Laurent is driven by the desire to get young people excited about physical activity and art as well as promoting balance between sports, arts and studies. In 2017, his longtime girlfriend Florence-Agathe Dubé-Moreau and him cofounded the Laurent Duvernay-Tardif Foundation, its mission being to encourage sports, arts and studies for kids.

He announced his retirement from professional football on September 21st, 2023.

And since there's no stopping him, in 2021 Laurent took over his family bakery Le Pain dans les Voiles with his good friend and agent Sasha as well as with other associates. They now operate 4 locations.

Coming Soon!

Mark Worster

Breathwork Workshop w/ Mark Worster

Discover the power of psychedelic breathwork. These sessions will be taking place in the hotel, outside of the general session times. Refer to the app for locations at times closer to the event.

Mark Worster is a distinguished leader, entrepreneur, and U.S. Marine Corps veteran known for his transformative impact in technology and healthcare. His military service has instilled a strong foundation of resilience and commitment, driving his career towards fostering innovation and operational excellence. Mark has held significant roles, including President of the Entrepreneurs' Organization (EO) in Boston and CEO of Unitel, where he focused on enhancing information technology through innovative solutions.

As a skilled financial strategist, Mark served as Treasurer for the American Nurses Association Massachusetts Chapter, managing financial operations for a leading healthcare organization. He founded Novation IT Services and led Unitel, recognized twice on the INC 500 list, positioning these companies as leaders in technology solutions. Mark's mission is to empower businesses and create sustainable value through strategic insights and disciplined execution, making him a dynamic force in the evolving business landscape.

In addition to his impressive business acumen, Mark has developed a unique expertise in helping entrepreneurs transform their lives through transformative breathwork events. As a work-life coach, he brings passion and joy to his work, leveraging practices such as breathwork, yoga, and plant medicine to facilitate personal growth and transformation. Mark's innovative

approach combines his background in healthcare with entrepreneurial insights, offering powerful experiences that help business leaders unlock their full potential.

As a psychedelic healthcare professional, Mark brings a holistic perspective to his work, integrating cutting-edge wellness practices with traditional business strategies. His unique blend of experiences - from military service to healthcare leadership to entrepreneurship - allows him to connect with diverse audiences and offer transformative insights that resonate with business leaders seeking to optimize their personal and professional lives.

Mark has studied Breathwork Facilitation with Dr. Stan Grof and is currently training with Jacques Theron, a world-renowned breathwork practitioner from Sao Paulo, Brazil. In addition Mark studies Andean Shamanic Practices with Joan Parisi Wilcox, skilled Peruvian Shaman and author of Masters of the Living Energy: The Mystical World of the Q'ero of Peru.

Jake Karls, Lezlie Karls, and Nick Saltarelli

Building an Unstoppable Brand – The Mid-Day Squares Story

Success isn’t about playing it safe—it’s about showing up, being bold, and staying true to your vision. In this high-energy keynote, the Mid-Day Squares team pulls back the curtain on how they built one of the most disruptive brands in the CPG space by doing things differently. From scaling fast and handling failures in public to creating a brand people obsess over, they share the unfiltered lessons they’ve learned along the way.

• The power of authentic storytelling and why consumers crave realness
• How to build a fearless brand that stands out in a crowded market
• The importance of team culture, resilience, and trust in fast-growth businesses

Packed with energy, raw insights, and actionable strategies, this keynote is for anyone looking to build something bold, disruptive, and unforgettable.

Jake Karls, Nick Saltarelli, and Lezlie Karls Saltarelli didn’t just create a chocolate company—they built a movement. As the co-founders of Mid-Day Squares, one of the fastest-growing CPG brands in North America, they’ve redefined what it means to be authentic in business, turning their company into a case study on fearless branding, disruptive marketing, and high-performance teamwork.

With no background in the food industry, the trio took Mid-Day Squares from an idea to a multi-million-dollar brand by doing things their way—raw, unfiltered, and unapologetically real. They broke all the traditional rules of business, documenting the highs and lows of entrepreneurship in real-time and building a die-hard community of fans who believe in their mission.

As speakers, Jake, Nick, and Lezlie bring unmatched energy, honesty, and insight, sharing their journey of scaling a brand from scratch, turning setbacks into opportunities, and building a culture of radical transparency and trust. Their talks are part business masterclass, part motivational fuel—leaving audiences fired up with real-world strategies for winning in today’s market.

Jake Karls is a different type of business leader – unapologetically authentic, refreshingly relatable, and completely free of bs.

He is the Co-founder and Chief Rainmaker of Mid-Day Squares, the good-for-you chocolate brand that turned a kitchen-table dream into a global household name. Mid-Day Squares is leading the disruption of an extremely competitive vertical with a winning team, innovative marketing strategy, and fearless spirit.

The secret ingredient fuelling the brand’s stratospheric growth? Genuine human connection. Jake’s role is to build the brand’s network and visibility. To hear him speak is to understand how he does it. By prioritizing relationships, harnessing the power of storytelling, and being himself, Jake has cultivated the loyalties of investors, buyers, journalists, influencers, his own team, and of course, the chocolate-loving community. Even Kim Kardashian is a fan.

He and his business partners, who happen to be his sister and brother-in-law, are strong proponents of a healthy corporate culture and emotional well-being, and even get together for regular business therapy sessions. Empathy and open communication are engrained in the culture at Mid-Day Squares, promoting long-term success and sustainability.

Jake is recognized as a rising star in the business world. He was a finalist in EY’s Entrepreneur of the Year awards, was named to Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list for 2023 (Food and Beverage category), and is featured as a regular contributor to media outlets across North America.

Keynotes by Jake Karls offer valuable, practical insights and his unique and unfiltered takes on some universally relevant themes. Your audience will come away hyped, energized, and ready to take on the world.

Lezlie Karls is a dynamic entrepreneur and Co-Founder & CEO of Mid-Day Squares, a disruptive functional chocolate company that has redefined the snack industry. With a focus on creating a brand that breaks down barriers and challenges norms, Lezlie has led Mid-Day Squares to achieve exponential growth and success, landing on shelves in major retailers across North America. Her leadership and bold vision have been recognized widely, earning her accolades in the food and beverage industry as a forward-thinking leader and a champion of transparency and authenticity.

Lezlie's impact extends beyond just product innovation; she’s a pioneer in storytelling, utilizing social media and digital platforms to create an open dialogue about the challenges and triumphs of entrepreneurship. Her candidness has made her a sought-after speaker on topics ranging from brand building and leadership to overcoming adversity and building a thriving culture in high-growth environments.

With her passion for empowering other entrepreneurs, Lezlie is a frequent speaker at industry conferences, where she shares actionable insights on disrupting industries, building powerful brands, and staying true to one’s vision while navigating the complexities of business growth.

Nick Saltarelli is also the Co-Founder of Mid-Day Squares. Nick blends creativity and strategy to craft authentic narratives that resonate deeply with audiences. He is a master of leveraging unconventional marketing techniques to drive massive awareness and create a loyal community of fans. Through his expertise in digital marketing, brand storytelling, and innovative growth strategies, Nick has helped Mid-Day Squares transcend traditional brand boundaries, turning it into a lifestyle movement.

Nick is passionate about sharing his journey to inspire fellow entrepreneurs and marketing professionals to embrace the challenges of building standout brands in a crowded marketplace.

The Power Plays

Frederic Brousseau

Williams Racing’s Transformation – From Crisis to High Performing Team

In this keynote, Frederic Brousseau, COO of Atlassian Williams Racing, takes the audience behind the scenes of one of Formula 1’s most iconic teams, revealing how it transformed from struggling at the back of the grid to rebuilding through their race-winning formula. This is the story nobody can see on camera during a F1 Grand-Prix weekend, simply because it happens back at homebase in Grove, UK; where more than 1,000 people dedicate their soul to reinvent the history of a team that won 9 Constructors World Championship since 1977. Through real-world stories of leadership, efficiency, and data-driven decision-making, he shares powerful lessons for entrepreneurs on scaling businesses, breaking silos, and adapting to rapid change. Packed with insights from F1, this talk will inspire business leaders to optimize performance, drive transformation, and build organizations that are fit to win—on and off the track.

Frederic Brousseau began his career with Pratt & Whitney Canada in 1997 as a production engineer, and advanced through a variety of operational roles, including the management of company subsidiary in the People’s Republic of China and direct international sourcing strategies. As General Manager of the company’s Mirabel Aerospace Centre he guided the design, construction and opening of the facility and its state-of-the-art production line for the engines which power the Airbus A220 commercial jet liner.

After fulfilling several executive roles in his 26-year career at Pratt & Whitney, Frederic was appointed Vice President, Operations at P&W in April 2022. In this role, he oversaw the company’s worldwide Operations, encompassing 12 sites across Canada, United States, Poland, Morocco and China. He also led the company’s worldwide supply chain, sourcing strategy as well as new program industrialisation. He was responsible for the development and deployment of operational strategy with a focus on driving operational excellence of its sites & supply chain.

During his time at P&W, Frederic also played a leadership role in the areas of employee health and safety, environmentally sustainable manufacturing philosophies and practices, and the development of talent in various multi-cultural and cross-disciplinary settings.

He holds a Bachelor in Mechanical Engineering, Major in Aeronautical, from the Université de Sherbrooke (Sherbrooke, Quebec), and a Masters in Business Administration from Hautes Études Commerciales (Montreal, Quebec). He has also graduated from Executive Programs at INSEAD (Singapore) and the University of Virginia, Darden School of Business (Charlottesville, Virginia, USA).

Frederic has been Chief Operating Officer at Atlassian Williams Racing since April 2023.

Anne Beliveau

Transforming from Within: Practical Strategies for Change + Innovation

Anne Belliveau is doing what many leaders only dream of—redefining innovation and change management inside one of the world’s most iconic organizations, Cirque du Soleil. In this dynamic keynote, Anne shares how she helps teams and organizations navigate transformation by using what they already have, rather than chasing shiny new solutions.

Anne’s approach is grounded in practicality: rethinking resources, reorganizing processes, and repackaging existing tools to drive meaningful change. Her stories from leading digital transformation at Cirque du Soleil bring these concepts to life, showing how to make big moves without overcomplicating the process.

– How to uncover untapped potential within their organization’s existing resources.

– Strategies for fostering collaboration and creativity during times of change.

– Real-world examples of how Anne has helped Cirque du Soleil innovate from within while remaining true to its creative DNA.

Anne’s keynote is a rallying cry for leaders to embrace what they already have, empowering teams to transform chaos into opportunity and emerge stronger than ever.

Chief Customer Experience Officer, Cirque du Soleil

With over 30 years of dynamic experience, Anne Belliveau has built a reputation as a visionary leader who transforms organizations and inspires teams to achieve extraordinary results. Her career spans telecommunications, performing arts, and sports & entertainment, with impactful contributions in North America and on the international stage.

Currently serving as Chief Customer Experience Officer at Cirque du Soleil, Anne is at the forefront of innovation, driving digital transformation to revolutionize the fan experience. Her leadership enhances customer engagement across meaningful touchpoints, reshapes the audience journey, and uncovers new revenue opportunities. Through her strategic vision, Anne ensures that Cirque du Soleil remains a global leader in entertainment, blending creativity with cutting-edge technology to deliver unforgettable moments.

Before joining Cirque, Anne was Chief Marketing and Revenue Officer at Tennis Canada, where she led transformational initiatives that generated unprecedented revenue growth. She introduced scalable, tech-driven revenue streams and elevated the organization’s global brand presence through innovative marketing strategies and advanced sales infrastructure.

Anne’s expertise in digital transformation was also instrumental during her tenure as CMO at Just For Laughs Group, where she spearheaded the organization’s shift to digital-first strategies. Her earlier leadership roles include Vice President, Business Brand and Marketing Communications at TELUS, where she redefined national branding strategies, launched data-driven campaigns, and earned global recognition for her work, including a Cannes Lions d’Or nomination for a B2C loyalty program.

Beyond her professional achievements, Anne is a passionate community leader and advocate for the arts. She served until recently as Chair of the Board for the Dr. Clown Foundation, dedicated to spreading joy through therapeutic clowning, and previously sat on the Board of the Montreal International Triathlon organization. As a member of the Triathlon Canada Age Group Team, she proudly represented Canada at the 2018 Triathlon World Championships, embodying her commitment to growth, resilience, and excellence in all areas of life.

Anne’s dynamic leadership, digital acumen, and passion for driving growth make her a recognized force in mobilizing teams and elevating brands to new heights. Her story is one of innovation, impact, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

Justin Roethlingshoefer

Speaking info and Bio

Run Your Body Like a Business

We’ll apply the same strategic mindset you use to run your business to optimize your health. This session will guide attendees through a data-driven, personalized approach, using advanced testing to uncover key health insights. By building a simple, actionable framework tailored to each individual, we’ll empower attendees to take control of their health with clarity, precision, and confidence—just like they do with their businesses.

From Data to Action: Why generic health advice fails high performers—and how personalized data-driven insights unlock sustainable energy, mental clarity, and recovery.

The Power of Cellular Micronutrient Testing: Discover how advanced testing reveals hidden deficiencies impacting energy, sleep, and cognitive performance—and why this data is a game-changer for optimizing health.

Own Your Health, Own Your Business: How improving biological resilience directly translates to sharper decision-making, better leadership, and increased business success.

Stress Isn’t the Problem—Recovery Is: Learn the overlooked science behind heart rate variability (HRV) and how mastering your recovery cycles prevents burnout while sustaining high performance.

Justin Roethlingshoefer is a human performance expert, data-driven health strategist, and longevity practitioner with over two decades of experience optimizing health and performance. His mission is simple yet profound: to empower, educate, and equip leaders to take ownership of their health so they can fully live out their God-given mission.

As a former health and performance expert in the NCAA and NHL, Justin used biometric data and real-time analytics to enhance recovery, endurance, and longevity. But his own wake-up call came when he was told he wouldn’t live past 35. Forced to reprioritize his own health, he embarked on a personal

healing journey using the same methods he was using for his athletes—one that led to a powerful realization: the health crisis wasn’t just an athlete issue; it was a human issue.

The real problem? Healthcare was reactive, not proactive. The system focused on treating symptoms rather than asking the right question: "Why is this happening?" Determined to bring wisdom out of the dark and into the light, Justin made it his mission to spread a message of hope and healing that unlocked the truth about health and longevity—not just for the elite, but for everyone.

This journey led him to create OWN IT, an elite health coaching ecosystem designed for leaders who refuse to accept mediocrity in any aspect of life. Through personalized data, a team of specialized experts, and a science-backed system, OWN IT has helped thousands heal and optimize their mind, body, and spirit—unlocking the unstoppable energy and healing they were built for.

A sought-after speaker, consultant, USA Today bestselling author, and podcast host of the OWN IT show, Justin doesn’t just teach high performers how to improve their health—he gives them the blueprint to win. His work is shifting the conversation from reactive healthcare to proactive health ownership, proving that longevity isn’t just about adding years to your life, but adding life to your years.

But beyond the data, science, and accolades, Justin is a husband, a man of faith, and a firm believer in this truth:

Healing is coming to you. Thriving is waiting for you. But it requires you to live differently.

Harley Finkelstein

Harley Finkelstein is an entrepreneur, lawyer, and the President of Shopify. He founded his first company at age 17 while a student at McGill. Harley completed his law degree as well as his MBA at the University of Ottawa. Harley was one of the “Dragons” on CBC’s Next Gen Den and starred on Discovery Channel’s I Quit. He received the Canadian Angel Investor of the Year Award, Canada’s Top 40 Under 40 Award, Fortune’s 40 Under 40, and was inducted into the Order of Ottawa.

From 2014 to 2017 Harley was on the Board of Directors of the C100, and from 2017 to 2020 he was on to the Board of Directors of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC). He is currently on the Board of Directors of the National Retail Federation, Montreal Children's Hospital Foundation and Operation Hope. Harley recently co-founded Firebelly, a modern high-end tea brand, and created Big Shot, a project and podcast that archives the stories of the greatest Jewish entrepreneurs of the last century.