Cultivating Authentic Leadership Conference

Join us for a dynamic two-day conference designed to help you unlock your leadership potential. Discover practical strategies to enhance your communication skills, connect with and learn from diverse communities, and implement actionable steps to foster a more inclusive and welcoming workplace and community.

The Cultivating Authentic Leadership conference is an empowering event bringing together over 20 distinguished speakers from across Canada, including leadership experts, communication specialists, diversity and inclusion leaders, and community advocates. United by a shared commitment to purpose-driven leadership, this conference offers a unique opportunity to explore transformative strategies for personal and professional growth.

See below for:

1. Event Overview/What to Expect/Outcomes
2. Presentation and Workshop Topics
3. Speaker Bios and connect on LinkedIn

Visit tigerseye.ca/events for last event podcasts and footage

EDMONTON PROMO VIDEO:
Edmontonhttps://valientemedia.tv/programs/tiger-eye_002_sponsorsv2_v3-1c00b9
KELOWNA PROMO VIDEO FROM May Conference
https://valientemedia.tv/programs/cultivating_authentic_leadership

AT THE EVENT YOU WILL:

• Learn from over 20 diverse leaders and experts.
• Expand your network and engage in meaningful discussions.
• Gain fresh perspectives on inclusive leadership and drive change in your organization and community.
• Explore personal biases to improve your decision-making process.
• Strengthen your communication skills to become a resilient and authentic leader.
• Leave equipped with tips, knowledge, and practical solutions that help you thrive as a leader.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

• Corporate professionals
• Government
• Non-profit professionals
• Entrepreneurs
• Community leaders

Anyone who is passionate about driving meaningful change. It’s designed for those committed to making a difference both professionally and personally, through intentional conversations, authentic leadership, and transformative actions that foster inclusion, resilience, and growth.

WHAT IS INCLUDED?

• Presentations, roundtable discussions, workshops
• Guided networking activities
• Snacks & lunch

EVENT OUTCOMES:

1. Gain insights into impactful actions that drive positive change, like promoting open communication, leading with purpose, respecting everyone’s unique differences, and exploring the types of support needed to bring these initiatives to life.
   
2. Build confidence by learning how to navigate challenging moments with resilience, like providing tough feedback, making decisions under pressure, and respecting diverse teams, ultimately strengthening relationships and fostering change.
   
3. Engage in deep individual and collective reflection to uncover personal biases and organizational and societal barriers helping leaders improve self-awareness, foster trust and engagement, boost team performance and innovation, and build a resilient, inclusive culture leading to stronger teams, higher retention, and better long-term success.
   
4. Equip yourself with practical tools and strategies to create inclusive environments that boost employee engagement and retention, drive innovation, improve team performance, and enhance your organization's reputation and customer loyalty.
   

WHY ARE THESE TOPICS IMPORTANT?

AUTHENTICITY to show your genuine leadership + personal growth.

RESILIENCE needed to lead effectively in diverse settings.

TRANSFORMATION to create meaningful, lasting change in your workspaces.

FORMAT:

1. Presentations
2. “Pod” discussions
3. Activities
4. Workshops
5. Networking

Presentations and Round Tables (Detailed description Tigerseye.ca/events )

Stay tuned for more presentation and round table discussions!

PRESENTATIONS

1. Beyond Words: Transformative Conversations for Meaningful Change

What It’s About: Practical strategies to navigate difficult conversations with empathy and ensure all voices are heard.
Presenter: Denise Young
Takeaways:

Techniques for fostering trust and mutual understanding in tense conversations.

Practical tools to ensure everyone feels acknowledged and valued.

The importance of seeking to understand others to drive meaningful change.
Leadership Insight: Builds authenticity by promoting open, empathetic communication and enhances resilience by fostering trust in challenging interactions.

2. Our Collective ReconciliACTION: Beyond Diversity

What It’s About: Understanding reconciliation as a journey distinct from DEI, focused on rebuilding relationships between Indigenous and settler communities.
Presenter: TBC
Takeaways:

Key differences between reconciliation and traditional DEI initiatives.

The importance of restructuring relationships for long-term transformation.

Practical ways to intersect reconciliation efforts with organizational goals.
Leadership Insight: Demonstrates inclusive leadership by addressing systemic inequities and fosters authenticity through commitment to reconciliation.

3. Stronger Together: The Power of Allies, Sponsors, and Mentors

What It’s About: Leveraging networks of support to break barriers and elevate diverse voices.
Presenter: Navneet Scheie (and TBC)
Takeaways:

The roles and distinctions between allies, sponsors, and mentors.

Building relationships that empower underrepresented individuals.

Strategies to grow and sustain impactful support systems.
Leadership Insight: Enhances inclusivity by fostering collective success and strengthens resilience through supportive networks.

4. Insights from the Top: EDI from Corporate, Government & Legal Lenses

What It’s About: Exploring how leaders across sectors embed equity, diversity, and inclusion into their strategies.
Presenter: TBC
Takeaways:

Insights into systemic approaches to DEI from diverse industries.

Challenges and best practices in leading equitable change.

Tools for integrating DEI into corporate, legal, and government frameworks.
Leadership Insight: Builds authenticity by aligning DEI with leadership practices and enhances resilience through cross-sector learning.

5. Shifting Mindsets for Culture Change

What It’s About: How shifting biases and attitudes fosters organizational transformation.
Presenter: Tynan Allan
Takeaways:

Techniques to challenge ingrained mindsets and behaviors.

The role of leadership in driving cultural change.

Steps to create an inclusive, forward-thinking workplace.
Leadership Insight: Promotes inclusive growth by addressing cultural biases and builds resilience by embracing change.

6. Global Insights, Local Impact: Mastering Cultural Agility

What It’s About: Building intercultural skills to create inclusive and respectful workplaces.
Presenter: TBC
Takeaways:

Understanding key cultural differences and how they shape workplace dynamics.

Developing practical skills for cultural agility.

Enhancing workplace inclusivity by valuing diverse perspectives.
Leadership Insight: Fosters inclusive leadership by embracing cultural diversity and builds authenticity through culturally aware practices.

7. Handling Bias with Balance: Navigating Customer Interactions with Accountability and Care

What It’s About: Strategies to recognize and mitigate bias in customer interactions.
Presenter: TBC
Takeaways:

Identifying biases that impact customer experiences.

Practical tools for addressing bias with care and accountability.

Building trust and fairness in customer relationships.
Leadership Insight: Promotes authenticity by committing to fair practices and builds resilience by addressing bias with confidence.

8. Rise Strong: Embracing Courage and Resilience in Leadership

What It’s About: Leading with vulnerability, authenticity, and strength in the face of challenges.
Presenter: Dee McWatters
Takeaways:

The power of vulnerability in building authentic connections.

Tools to foster resilience and inspire others during uncertainty.

Strategies for leading courageously in challenging environments.
Leadership Insight: Enhances resilience through bold leadership and demonstrates authenticity by embracing vulnerability.

9. Everyday Commitment: Showing Up for Your Team

What It’s About: Building trust and alignment by showing up consistently for your team.
Presenter: Nicole Middleton
Takeaways:

The importance of reliability in leadership.

Aligning actions with values to deepen team trust.

Strategies to foster loyalty and connection through consistent engagement.
Leadership Insight: Builds authenticity through consistent actions and strengthens inclusive leadership by prioritizing team well-being.

10. Sawubona: Unlocking Connection Through the Power of Presence

What It’s About: Exploring the power of recognition and presence to foster inclusivity and connection.
Presenter: Harriet Tinka
Takeaways:

Understanding the African concept of "Sawubona" and its impact on relationships.

Tools to make others feel seen and valued in personal and professional contexts.

Strategies to transform organizational culture through acknowledgment.
Leadership Insight: Strengthens authenticity by valuing others deeply and fosters inclusivity through genuine connections.

11. Rekindling Identity: Indigenous Leadership and the Quest for Belonging

What It’s About: Centering cultural identity and belonging in Indigenous leadership.
Presenter: Stephanie Anaka
Takeaways:

Exploring the interplay of tradition and modernity in Indigenous leadership.

The importance of cultural identity in fostering belonging.

Bridging traditional wisdom with contemporary practices.
Leadership Insight: Demonstrates authenticity by honoring cultural identity and fosters resilience by embracing diverse leadership styles.

12. Inclusive Leadership in Action: A Guide for Change-Makers

What It’s About: Practical strategies to operationalize inclusive leadership.
Presenter: Matteo Stewart
Takeaways:

Overcoming barriers to inclusivity.

Building equitable systems for team success.

Aligning leadership practices with inclusive values.
Leadership Insight: Strengthens authenticity through values-driven leadership and promotes inclusive growth.

13. Breaking Barriers: Ensuring Accessibility for Everyone

What It’s About: Designing accessible spaces and policies to support inclusivity.
Presenter: Brad Bartko
Takeaways:

Identifying barriers to accessibility and addressing them effectively.

Practical steps for fostering inclusion for individuals with disabilities.

Building policies and spaces that empower everyone.
Leadership Insight: Fosters inclusivity through accessibility and strengthens authenticity by addressing systemic barriers.

14. Mind Matters: Integrating Mental Wellness into EDI and Self-Care

What It’s About: Balancing self-care and EDI work to sustain mental wellness in leadership.
Presenter: TBC
Takeaways:

Understanding the intersection of mental health and equity.

Tools for prioritizing self-care while leading inclusively.

Strategies to sustain mental wellness in diverse teams.
Leadership Insight: Builds resilience by promoting wellness and demonstrates authenticity by prioritizing balance.

15. How Your "WHY" Defines You as a Leader
What It’s About: Understanding your core "why" to guide authentic and purpose-driven leadership.
Presenter: Jeff Sesol and Denise Young
Takeaways:

• The importance of aligning leadership actions with personal purpose.
• Strategies to identify and articulate your "why" for greater clarity and impact.
• Tools to inspire and motivate teams by leading with purpose.
  Leadership Insight: Builds authenticity by grounding leadership in personal values and strengthens resilience by fostering purpose-driven decision-making.

Round Tables

We will break into smaller groups to delve deeper into the following topics as well as gain valuable insights and practical takeaways.

1. Blueprint for Belonging: Crafting Inclusive Policies That Work

What It’s About: Designing policies that align with inclusive organizational goals.
Facilitator: Tiffany Connauton
Takeaways:

Practical tools to create effective inclusive policies.

Strategies for aligning policies with organizational goals.

Methods for measuring the success of inclusion initiatives.
Leadership Insight: Builds inclusive leadership by embedding equity into policy design and demonstrates authenticity through intentional action.

2. Mentorship That Matters: Building Programs for Real Impact

What It’s About: Designing mentorship programs that drive lasting, meaningful outcomes for mentees and organizations.
Facilitator: Harriet Tinka
Takeaways:

Identifying key elements of impactful mentorship programs.

Strategies to create inclusive, equitable mentorship opportunities.

Tools to measure and sustain mentorship success.
Leadership Insight: Strengthens inclusive leadership by empowering diverse talent and enhances authenticity through intentional mentorship practices.

3. Safe Spaces, Strong Teams: Fostering Psychological Safety in Inclusive Spaces

What It’s About: Creating environments where employees feel empowered to show up authentically and take interpersonal risks.
Facilitator: Ruthann Weeks
Takeaways:

Understanding the role of trust in psychological safety.

Techniques to address intersectional diversity in workplace dynamics.

Strategies to evaluate and measure success in creating safe spaces.
Leadership Insight: Promotes resilience by supporting team growth and strengthens inclusivity by ensuring diverse voices are protected and valued.

4. Unlocking Authenticity: Overcome What Holds You Back as a Leader

What It’s About: Identifying and addressing barriers to leading authentically.
Facilitator: Navneet Scheie
Takeaways:

Tools to uncover and address personal limitations in leadership.

Strategies to cultivate confidence and authenticity in decision-making.

Practical techniques to align leadership actions with core values.
Leadership Insight: Builds authenticity by fostering self-awareness and enhances resilience by confronting challenges with confidence.

5. Room to Grow: Building Adaptive, Diverse Spaces for Innovation

What It’s About: Leveraging diversity and adaptability to foster innovation in teams and organizations.
Facilitator: Alex Ibbotson
Takeaways:

Understanding the connection between diversity and innovation.

Techniques to build adaptable teams that thrive on diverse perspectives.

Tools to foster creativity and collaboration in diverse spaces.
Leadership Insight: Promotes inclusive leadership by embracing diverse inputs and builds resilience by fostering adaptability in dynamic environments.

6. Speak Your Truth: Mastering Communication for Authentic Connections

What It’s About: Developing self-awareness and communication skills to build genuine, impactful relationships.
Facilitator: Irma Vartanian
Takeaways:

The role of self-awareness in effective communication.

Practical tools for clear, confident, and authentic expression.

Techniques to navigate challenging conversations with empathy.
Leadership Insight: Builds authenticity by aligning communication with core values and fosters resilience by improving relational trust.

7. From Values to Profits: Making DEI a Core Business Strategy

What It’s About: Embedding DEI principles into business strategies to drive innovation and long-term success.
Facilitator: Chantha Nhem
Takeaways:

Quantitative insights and ROIs for successful DEI buy-in.

Effective DEI strategies for organizational transformation.

Overcoming challenges in executing DEI initiatives.
Leadership Insight: Enhances inclusive leadership by aligning DEI with business priorities and demonstrates authenticity through commitment to equitable practices.

8. Authentic Leadership in Action: Agile & Neuroscience Techniques for Lasting Change

What It’s About: Using neuroscience and agile methods to implement meaningful change as a leader.
Facilitator: TBC
Takeaways:

Agile techniques for fostering sustainable, lasting change.

Neuroscience-driven tools for reducing resistance and enhancing collaboration.

Principles of authentic leadership to inspire trust and drive success.
Leadership Insight: Builds resilience by embracing innovative strategies and strengthens authenticity by fostering trust in the change process.

9. Neurodiversity Unplugged: Truths Every Workplace Needs to Hear

What It’s About: Creating neuroinclusive workplaces by valuing and supporting diverse ways of thinking.
Facilitator: Tara Langan
Takeaways:

Normalizing and embracing neurodiversity in workplace dynamics.

Practical tools to support neurodivergent individuals effectively.

Empathy mapping exercises to foster understanding and inclusion.
Leadership Insight: Promotes inclusive leadership by valuing diverse cognitive approaches and demonstrates authenticity by leading with empathy and understanding.

10. Resiliency in Leadership: Driving DEI with Strength and Purpose

What It’s About: Equipping individual leaders with the resilience needed to champion diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the face of challenges and resistance.

Facilitator: Sherilyn Trompetter

Takeaways:

• Understanding how personal resilience enhances a leader’s ability to drive DEI efforts.
• Strategies to navigate setbacks, maintain focus, and inspire others in advancing DEI goals.
• Practical tools for building emotional intelligence and fostering authentic, inclusive leadership practices.

Leadership Insight:
Strengthens leaders’ ability to persevere in challenging DEI environments, deepens their commitment to equity, and enhances their capacity to build trust and inclusion through resilient, purpose-driven action.

Meet Our Event Host and Speaker

Denise Young Facilitator, Trainer, Speaker, Tiger's Eye Advisory Group

Denise Young is a dedicated leader with over 20 years of experience in organizational development, specializing in creating inclusive, diverse, and high-performing spaces. Throughout her career, Denise has led transformative change initiatives focused on fostering collaboration, cultural growth, and equitable opportunities for all. As the Organizational Development Manager at Tigers Eye Advisory Group, she collaborates with governments, organizations, and Indigenous communities to design and deliver training programs that promote leadership and entrepreneurship. Her efforts drive sustainable business practices and foster inclusivity in every environment she works within.

Denise’s passion for creating inclusive environments is further reflected in her work at the City of Edmonton, where she played a pivotal role in advancing the organization’s cultural transformation. As a Corporate Culture Consultant, she developed and led programs that supported equity and diversity initiatives, including the Culture Ambassador Program and various change management efforts. Whether facilitating leadership training, collaborating with senior leaders, or consulting on organizational change, Denise is committed to helping organizations thrive by embracing diversity, fostering collaboration, and creating spaces where all individuals feel valued and supported.

Meet Our Speakers: (full bios at tigerseye.ca/events)

Tynan Allan Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion 📢 Keynote Speaker 🎙️Host of the CultureING Podcast

Stephanie Anaka Indigenous Studies & Psychology Student at UBCO |Sixties Scoop Okanagan Director

Brad Bartko Disability Specialist | Specialized Training, Team Leadership

Tiffany Connauton CEO Beyond Diversity | Ally & Advocate Certified Inclusion Specialist | Prosci Change Practitioner | Member of Artemis Project | GBA+ Certified | Board Vice Chair and Director |

Alex Ibbotson Values-based, Strategic Culture Consultant | Métis Artist |Trauma Informed, Executive Life Coach | Speaker, Facilitator, Curriculum Creator & Land-based, Educator

Tara Langan, B.Mgmt. Reducing the stigma related to Neurodiversity in the workplace | Keynote Speaker | Course Creator
Darrien McWatters Equity, Diversity, Inclusion Champion and Consultant, Professional speaker, Advocate for 2SLGTBQIA, Advocate for Trans Inclusion in Sport, EDI Task Force Member for BC Hockey; BC Hockey Official, Operations Manager

Nicole Middleton, Team Development, Coaching, Manager

Chantha Nhem, Coach, Mentor, Consultant

Navneet Scheie, Award Winning HR I D&I Leader I Talent Nurturer I Strategic Thinker

Matteo Stewart Inclusive Leadership Facilitator, TEDx Speaker, Belonging Practioner, IDI Qualified Administrator

Jeff Sesol Entrepreneur, Leadership Coach, Business Coach, Author, Public Speaker.

Harriet Tinka, Chartered Professional Accountant, Confident Expert, Transformational Speaker

Sherilyn Trompetter: 2X Co-Founder | Renowned Facilitator | Masterfully cultivating transformative experiences

Irma Vartanian, Trainer, Facilitator, Mentor, Coach

Ruthann Weeks, People & Culture Strategist Certified in Workplace Psychological Safety | Neuroinclusion | Workplace Bullying | Sexual Harassment | DEIB | Domestic Violence at Work | Employee Advocate | Leader | Author | Speaker