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BUSINESS LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE
23RD ANNUAL
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
WES BARKER
Wes Barker is a high-energy stunt magician and comedian who’s wowed audiences around the world. You may have seen him on America’s Got Talent, Ellen, Wizard Wars, MTV, Penn & Teller: Fool Us, Netflix, or HBOMax. With over 247,000 YouTube subscribers, Wes has built a massive online following thanks to his jaw-dropping tricks and hilarious performances. He’s even a Guinness World Record holder! Like many, Wes once faced the all-too-relatable challenge of not knowing what path to take after university. But after discovering his passion for magic and comedy, he took a leap of faith—quitting his day job to chase his dreams. That bold move paid off, landing him his own TV show and taking him on tour doing what he loves most.
GUEST SPEAKERS
MICHELLE DUBÉ
Michelle Dubé has been the trusted Co-Anchor of CTV News Toronto since 2012, helming Toronto’s most-watched local newscasts: CTV News at Noon and CTV News at Six. She joined the CTV Toronto team in 2009 as a reporter and fill-in anchor, quickly becoming a familiar face to viewers. Her compelling storytelling has been featured on both local and national newscasts, covering everything from the chaos of the G20 summit in Toronto to the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II in London, England. Known for her versatility and passion, Dubé has interviewed icons like Oprah Winfrey, conquered the CN Tower’s Edgewalk on live TV, and reported on major events for nearly two decades. In 2019, Dubé was honoured with a Canadian Screen Award for Best Local News Anchor, and in 2013, she was named one of Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100 by the Women’s Executive Network (WXN) in the Future Leaders category.
JACK ARMSTRONG
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BRENNAN CLOST
Brennan Clost is a Canadian actor and dancer with undeniable talent and poise. Best known for Netflix’s Tiny Pretty Things and Disney’s The Next Step, Brennan is an alum of the prestigious Juilliard School with an exciting year ahead. He’s starring in Fear Street: Prom Queen (Netflix, May 23rd), A24’s Overcompensating, and opposite Lauren Holly in the two-hander comedy Yuppie. He is an outspoken advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights and representation. Having experienced his own struggles growing up as a male dancer, he is also very passionate and involved in anti-bullying initiatives.
RICK (THE TEMP) CAMPANELLI
Rick Campanelli is a beloved Canadian TV and radio personality who first captured the nation’s heart as “Rick the Temp” on MuchMusic. His charm and authenticity propelled him into a successful run as a longtime host on ET Canada, where he became a familiar face in entertainment reporting. Known for his versatility—from music countdowns to afternoon radio—Rick’s career showcases his enduring connection with audiences across generations. Beyond the spotlight, he’s a passionate philanthropist, using his platform to champion youth initiatives and health-focused charities throughout Canada.
SHAILYN PIERRE-DIXON
Shailyn Pierre-Dixon is a rising Canadian actress whose talent has been turning heads since childhood. Currently a university student, she most recently starred in the lead role of Macy Murdoch (2023), showcasing her versatility and screen presence. Shailyn first captured national attention with her powerful performance as “Young Aminata” in The Book of Negroes (2015), earning a Canadian Screen Award for Best Supporting Actress. Her impressive resume also includes a role alongside Will Smith as his daughter in Suicide Squad (2016). Beginning her career as a child model, Shailyn has grown into an award-winning actress celebrated for her depth, authenticity, and undeniable star power.
SAMI JO SMALL
Sami Jo Small has led teams to success through adversity for 3 decades both as an athlete and in management roles. She is a 3 time Olympian as a goaltender in the sport of Ice Hockey. (2gold, 1 silver) as well as a 5 time World Champion. A Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) and a graduate of Stanford University in Mechanical Engineering, Sami Jo has travelled the world as a professional speaker for more than 25 years. She uses storytelling to exemplify many aspects of developing more successful teams and leave the audience with concrete ways to support the people and the teams around them through her message that, "In life, we don’t always get to choose the role we play, but we always get to choose how we play it. Sami Jo is a published author of her best-selling memoir, The Role I Played – Canada’s Greatest Olympic Hockey Team (Published 2020), works in television as a sports analyst, and runs a hockey school that has run for more than 25 years.
MICHAEL BROVAC
Michael Brovac is an Inspirational Speaker, Coach, and Entrepreneur dedicated to helping others overcome adversity and unlock their full potential. As the founder of CAM-O, He supports hospitalized kids struggling with isolation and mental health. He’s also a Personal Trainer, Holistic Life Coach, and a Professional Player Development Basketball Coach with the Sudbury Five. But his journey to this point was anything but easy. Born with a rare immune deficiency, He spent 18 years in and out of hospitals, facing life-threatening illnesses, countless medications, and the devastating loss of his 10yr old brother Cameron. Now, Michael uses his experiences and life lessons to inspire others, honour his brother and guide those he helps to purpose, connection and belonging.
MARIYA KHOMUTOVA
Mariya Khomutova is a Ukrainian actor and writer. She started her theatre studies in Odesa at the age of 12 and has played many different roles throughout her career. Mariya was the recipient of the Golden Duke Award from the Odesa Film Festival for Best Actress. Mariya co-wrote and stars in the play First Métis Man of Odesa which she has been sharing across Canada. The show won 3 Doma awards and she was named one of the “Breakthrough artists of the year” in 2023. She moved to Canada in 2020 before the full scale invasion began in Ukraine, and had to witness the war from her new home in Canada. Mariya has friends and family who are still in Ukraine. Since 2022, Mariya has concentrated her work around promoting contemporary Ukrainian playwrights.