Neurodiversity in Mining: Tapping into a Competitive Advantage

CIM Toronto Branch presents IN PERSON luncheon series:

Neurodiversity in Mining: Tapping into a Competitive Advantage

Abstract:

In an era where innovation drives success, understanding and embracing neurodiversity isn't just about inclusion—it's about unleashing untapped potential in the workplace. This compelling panel discussion combines three perspectives to explore how organizations can create environments where neurodiverse talent thrives.

Moderated by Janelle Dixon (Partner, KPMG), this candid conversation features Beth Borody (CEO and Founder, Femina Collective), Nathan Stubina (CIM DIAC neurodiversity champion and PACE CEO) and Peggy Bell (Founder, peggybell.design) in a unique exploration of the neurodiversity spectrum in leadership. Through their successful working relationship, they'll demonstrate how neurotypical and neurodiverse professionals can create powerful synergies in the workplace.

Key Discussion Points:

• Understanding Neurodiversity: Why it’s essential to learn about symptoms to create a supportive environment
• Leadership flexibility: How leaders can adapt their management style to support and empower neurodiverse talent
• Practical strategies: Real-world examples of successful accommodation and support systems
• Talent acquisition and retention: Expert HR insights on creating inclusive hiring practices and supportive workplace cultures
• Unlocking superpowers: How neurodiversity can drive innovation and creative problem-solving in organizations

Drawing from personal experience as a late-diagnosed neurodivergent leader in STEM, Peggy Bell brings authentic insights into the challenges and opportunities of neurodiversity in professional settings. Nathan Stubina will share his insights as a founding member of CIM's Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee. Beth Borody complements this perspective with practical leadership strategies that celebrate and harness cognitive differences.

This session promises actionable takeaways for organizations seeking to build more inclusive, innovative, and high-performing teams through neurodiversity-aware leadership practices.

Introductions:

Alessio Scurci - CIM Toronto Branch Chair

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Please Note: The National Club has a DRESS CODE: Business Attire Only; NO RUNNING SHOES, ripped jeans, shorts, or hoodies. For more details click here

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To purchase a CIM Toronto Branch membership please follow the link below and select Toronto as the branch:

https://portal.cim.org/mpower/cim/membership/apply-for-branch

Please note that CIM Toronto membership is separate from CIM National membership.

Note: Attendance at this event may qualify toward professional development credits. If you require confirmation of your attendance for PD credit, please email toronto@cim.org.

Bio:

Janelle Dixon is a Tax Partner in KPMG's Greater Toronto Area (GTA) Mining practice, where she has developed extensive experience in tax planning, tax advisory, tax due diligence, financing, and structuring of investments outside of Canada while focusing on the mining sector.

Janelle has worked with clients in Canadian head offices with foreign operations and clients with Canadian mining operations, covering both inbound and outbound structures. Janelle has in-depth knowledge of Canadian Income tax and Canadian Mining Tax, with specific expertise and experience with the flow through share tax regime. In addition, Janelle has a deep understanding of the CRA audit process and experience managing CRA audit queries, researching past corporate tax returns, and coordinating to prepare appropriate responses.

Janelle has worked extensively to lead teams through tax provision reporting under IFRS for sizeable multinational mining companies with active operations in jurisdictions such as Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Bolivia, Burkina Faso, Surinam, the United States, Canada, and more.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janelle-zutz-dixon/

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Bio:

Beth Borody is a seasoned leader in the mining sector and a trailblazer in driving diversity, equity and inclusion. A firm believer in the feminist vision of mining, Beth was recognized by Women in Mining UK as one of the top 100 women in mining in 2024.

After working for a mid-tier gold miner as VP Sustainability, Beth started the Femina Collective to radically change the experience of women in mining.

Through her leadership, Beth has grown Femina to a global membership-based organization, supporting women on five continents.

The Femina Collective is a reflection of Beth’s deep understanding of women at various stages of their careers and who are ready for the next step.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beth-borody-cdi-d-9091ab3b/

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Bio:

Peggy Bell is a global growth executive with 20+ years of leading market transformation. Currently the Principal of Peggy Bell Design, she works with organizations to develop people-based go-to-market strategies and reach clients with engaging thought leadership.

In her past roles, Peggy led the national environmental sales team for AECOM Canada and was the global sales and marketing manager for SGS Natural Resources. She led teams across global regions, growing revenues to USD 84M and CHF 1.4B.

In 2023, Peggy left the corporate world to launch Resource Becoming. While RB didn’t work out as expected, she embarked on a two-year journey to learn what it meant to be a neurodivergent woman in mining leadership.

Today, Peggy reaches thousands of people through her show, the Changing Face of Mining, and guides value-aligned organizations in reaching new markets.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peggy-jane-bell/

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Bio:

Nathan M. Stubina, Ph.D., P. Eng is the CEO of PACE.global and has a long history in the mining industry. This includes his time at Sherritt International as VP Technologies, his work as Managing Director for McEwen Mining as well as at various major mining companies such as Barrick Gold Corp. and Noranda Inc./Falconbridge Ltd. (now part of Glencore).

Nathan holds a Ph.D., in Metallurgy and Materials from the University of Toronto and a B. Eng. in Mining and Metallurgical Engineering from McGill University.

Nathan is currently a member of the Association of Professional Engineers of Ontario and was VP International of the CIM. He is a Past-President of MetSoc (Metallurgy & Materials Society of the CIM) and a certified Six Sigma Master Black Belt. He was named a Fellow of the CIM in 2012 and a CIM Distinguished Lecturer in 2019. He is also a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Engineering (CAE) and the Institute of Materials, Minerals & Mining (IOM3). Nathan is a founding member of CIM-DIAC (CIM’s Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee).

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathan-stubina-fcim-09b774b/

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To find out more about our sponsors visit this link:

https://www.cim.org/toronto/sponsors/

To become a sponsor please visit this link:

https://www.cim.org/toronto/sponsorship-packages/

CIM Toronto Branch LinkedIn Corporate Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cim-toronto/

CIM Toronto Branch Web Page: https://www.cim.org/toronto