Malcolm Staves

Global Vice President, Health and Safety, L'oreal

L'Oreal Global Vice President Health & Safety, Malcolm Staves is co-founder of Safety On the Edge Forums and People Sustainability Global Summit. A Fellow of the Institution of Chemical Engineers, Malcolm graduated from Loughborough University with a degree in Chemical Engineering. He also has an MSc in Integrated Environmental Management from Bath University. Considered a futuristic thought leader in Health & Safety, Malcolm's background was in site engineering technology and plant management as well as corporate environment, health, and safety. At L’Oréal, Malcolm has developed strategies for the globalization of health & safety with a focus on risk management, visible felt leadership, and putting people in the centre. He is the Occupational Health & Safety expert partner to the Capitals Coalition where he is driving putting occupational health and safety firmly into the Human Capital and ESG agendas and a co-founder of OneWISH that aims to promote Diversity and Inclusion within the Health & Safety profession. He is also a member of the IOSH Business Leaders Forum. He is known for his networking and sharing as well as his hummingbird approach which was the subject of his 2022 TEDx talk. He is married and lives in France with his three children and enjoys anything to do with space, science fiction and following Chelsea football club.

Wayne Arondus

CEO, MSABC

Chief Executive Officer of the Manufacturing Safety Alliance of BC, Wayne is an experienced leader in all areas of operations, manufacturing, distribution, and supply chain. A proven sales and marketing leader, Wayne has led multiple businesses serving the manufacturing, retail, and wholesale channels. He joined the Alliance as Chief Operating Officer in 2018. An experienced manufacturing leader and mentor, Wayne has taught business and operations management at the BC Institute for Technology for 20 years. He is vice-chair of the board of the Make-A-Wish Foundation BC Yukon, and has served on multiple nonprofit boards, including past terms as board chair for Habitat for Humanity Canada and president of a chapter of the Canadian Mental Health Association. Wayne is an alumnus of the 8th Governor General’s Canadian Leadership Conference of Canada.

Gudmundur Ben. Thorsteinsson

Human and Organizational Performance Lead, Tesla

Human and organizational performance lead at Tesla, Gud Thorsteinsson is a skilled instructor in human performance improvement. With experience in the aluminium industry in Iceland and Norway, today Gud is a lead in human and organizational performance at Tesla headquarters in Austin, Texas. He is a manufacturing operations and EHS professional with a Masters' degree in Occupational Health and Safety Management from Loughborough University.

Marieke Bleyenbergh

Founder, Be Human Be Safe

Marieke Bleyenbergh is the founder of Be Human Be Safe, a company dedicated to transforming workplace safety through human-centric leadership. She is a practical and strategic advisor who has lived the operational side of high-risk industry. She loves to speak and inspire at events, as well as coach and develop EHS and operational leaders. With over 27 years of international experience in refining, petrochemicals, and specialty chemicals, Marieke has held senior leadership roles at Shell and AkzoNobel and recently served as interim CEO of Pryme Circular Cleantech, a publicly traded company in chemical recycling. Her expertise spans operations, supply chain, sustainability, and health, safety & environment (HSE), where she is recognized for combining technical depth with a strong focus on people and culture. She has worked extensively across Europe, the U.S., and Asia, giving her a truly global perspective on industrial safety challenges. Through Be Human Be Safe, Marieke helps organizations and leaders build trust, shift mindsets, and embed lasting cultural change. She is known for her engaging keynotes, practical frameworks, and ability to connect with audiences from the boardroom to the frontline.

Chris Cloney

Managing Director and Lead Researcher, DustEx Research

Chris is the Managing Director and Lead Researcher at DustEx Research, a global organization dedicated to raising awareness of combustible dust hazards and preventing fire and explosion incidents. With a background in detonation, explosion, and blast research, he worked as an engineering consultant and software developer in the defense industry before earning his PhD in coal dust and hybrid mixture explosion modeling. He then transitioned to online education to connect and share knowledge within the combustible dust community. A recognized expert in combustible dust research, Chris has published over 15 peer-reviewed journal articles and presented at conferences worldwide, including in Canada, China, Norway, the UK, Poland, Germany, and the U.S. He has also produced over 250 podcast episodes for Dust Safety Science and moderated more than 150 webinars, further advancing industry knowledge and safety practices.

Anthony Aarons

President, Delphi AI Research Group and Senior Research Fellow, Global Centre for Advanced Studies

Anthony Aarons is an AI speaker, business strategist and President of Delphi AI Research Group, a European consultancy that helps organisations navigate complexity, risk and emerging technologies. Recognised for his expertise in leadership, risk management and organisational transformation, Anthony is sought after by businesses looking to understand the practical implications of artificial intelligence in an increasingly uncertain world. His keynote presentations explore the intersection of AI, human decision making, risk, culture and business performance. An alumnus of EfRATE Paris, Anthony combines a strong academic foundation with extensive commercial experience. Early in his career, he held senior commercial positions including Head of Sales and Marketing at Springer and Jacoby UK before becoming Director of UK Stone Ltd. He later progressed into business development, leadership advisory and executive coaching roles, serving as Executive Manager of Business Development at LJM Group, Director of Wentworth People and Principal Business Advisor for the Global Academy of Emergency Medicine. These experiences provided him with first-hand insight into organisational change, people leadership and strategic growth, all of which inform his balanced and practical approach to AI. Today, Anthony advises leaders and organisations on the opportunities and risks presented by emerging technologies. Alongside leading Epifini, he has served as Managing Director of Synergy Risk and was appointed Senior Research Fellow at the Global Centre for Advanced Studies. He is also a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and holds an IECL accreditation. A respected commentator, Anthony has broadcast on BBC Radio, LBC, ABC and CBS. Anthony Aarons is a respected figure whose advisory and coaching work spans organisations including GlaxoSmithKline, Roche, Hiscox, AXA, BHP Billiton, Glencore, Barclays, Dentsu Aegis, Omnicom, Lloyds of London and British Transport Police. Drawing on decades of leadership, risk and transformation experience, Anthony delivers engaging, evidence-based insights that help audiences understand how to adopt AI responsibly while strengthening organisational resilience and performance.

Amanda Peck

Claims Team Lead, TeksMed Services Inc.

Amanda Peck, Technical Claims Specialist with TeksMed Services Inc. has been working in Disability Management since 2006. She brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise in managing complex claims and has a passion for Disability Clam Management and facilitating Return to Work Coordination for TeksMed Services' clients. TeksMed Services Inc. is the leader in Canadian Disability Management, backed by over 25 years of success. TeksMed proactively manages employees' occupational and non-occupational injuries and illness, benefiting both employees as well as employers. TeksMed - We always see the Ability in Disability.

Rebecca Cairns

Research Analyst, Saint Mary's University

Rebecca is a Ph.D. Candidate and Researcher at Saint Mary's University with expertise in safety leadership and safety culture. She earned her Master of Science in Applied Industrial-Organizational Psychology from Saint Mary's University in Halifax, Canada, and is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in the same field. She has worked in both academic and organizational settings, with most of her work to date centering on occupational health and safety. Rebecca has contributed to several safety-focused projects, concentrating on areas such as safety culture performance indicators, safety leadership, and safety management systems. She is particularly interested in applied research and translating research findings into evidence-based practices.

Stacia Gunn

Health, Safety, Environment and Quality Manager, MacKinnon and Olding

Stacia Gunn, CRSP, P.Eng., NCSO, is an award‑winning health and safety leader recognized nationally for her impact, innovation, and ability to make safety real for people at every level. With over 15 years of experience, she is the Health, Safety, Environment and Quality Manager at MacKinnon and Olding Ltd. in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. Her career path has been anything but linear, starting as a Field Engineer in oil and gas in Abu Dhabi, moving through marine operations leadership across multiple Canadian cities, and ultimately finding her passion in occupational health and safety. That journey gives her a unique perspective. She understands both the operational realities of the field and what actually drives safer workplaces. Today, Stacia leads company-wide safety and quality systems and is known for translating complex requirements into practical, people-focused solutions that stick.

Kathy Seabrook

CEO, Global Solutions, Inc.

Kathy A. Seabrook, CSP, CFIOSH is a global thought leader in transformational change, EHS, impact management and sustainability, advancing how organizations recognize and integrate people/workforce and environmental value into strategy, risk management and decision-making. As CEO and Founder of Global Solutions, Inc., Kathy advises organizations across industries and has worked with companies including Google, Pfizer, Nucor Steel, Anheuser-Busch, Reynolds Metals, Dragados, Brambles/CHEP, and Halcrow. She co-founded and co-chairs the Capitals Coalition’s global Human Capital/ People Sustainability initiative, helping elevate workforce health, safety, and wellbeing as drivers of business value. Her international expert work spans ISO 45001, ISO/PAS 45007, ISO 53001/2, ISO IWA 48 ESG, GRI 403 OHS, the Capitals Coalition, National Safety Council’s New Value of Safety and Health research, and the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine risk committee. A former ASSP and Center for Safety and Health Sustainability Board Chair, Kathy is co-author of Connecting the Dots: Environment, Health, Safety, and Sustainability (Wiley, 2025).

Michelle Garner-Janna

Chief Experience Officer/Co-Founder, What Works Institute

Michelle Garner-Janna is the Chief Experience Officer & Co-Founder of the What Works Institute. Prior to launching What Works in November of 2024, Michelle had a 30 year career as an accomplished business executive leading Health, Safety, Environmental, Manufacturing & Maintenance functions. In her most recent role, she led Global Health, Safety & Environment Cummins Inc., a 62,500+ employee global power leader in over 190 countries and territories. She is a Certified Safety Professional, Certified Professional Ergonomist, and Certified 6-sigma Greenbelt. Michelle holds both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Industrial Engineering from Auburn University as well as an Executive MBA from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University. She is a past Board member of the National Safety Council and past Chairperson of the Campbell Institute. Michelle is also a professional member and past President of the West TN American Society of Safety Professionals, a member of the Memphis Wastewater Hearing Authority and is active in community affairs by frequently volunteering her time.

Hassan Nedadahandeh

OHS Audit Manager, Manufacturing Safety Alliance of BC

Dr. Hassan Nedadahandeh is an experienced OHS audit manager with more than 18 years of experience and has conducted more than 500 audits in the food, space, automotive, and other manufacturing industries. He is a certified lead auditor and instructor in the fields of OHS, quality, and environment. Hassan holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Industrial Engineering and a Doctorate degree in Business Management with research in risk and hazard management. He is a registered professional engineer (P.Eng.) in the field of management systems and cooperates with Engineers and Geoscientists BC (EGBC) as a Statutory Committee Member and Competency Assessor. Hassan has several professional designations including Six Sigma Black Belt, Scrum Master, ISO 9001/ISO 14001/ISO 45001/IATF 160494/Risk & Hazard Management certified lead auditor and instructor, and EFQM Award assessor. He is passionate about leading the OHS audit program and supporting our precious clients to ensure that the entire OHS audit process from planning to implementation and reporting is conducted with maximum effectiveness and efficiency. Hassan provides internal and external auditor training courses, as well as support for auditors to get qualified with maximum productivity.

Leslee Wills

Vice President, People & Corporate Affairs, Bimbo Canada, a division of Grupo Bimbo

Leslee Wills is vice president of people and corporate affairs at Bimbo Canada, a division of Grupo Bimbo, the world’s largest baking company. Les is a staunch advocate of a “people-first” culture and a passionate ambassador of Bimbo’s beliefs, particularly how the organization “values the person.” Les puts her more than 25 years of experience to work in bringing pragmatic and sustainable people solutions to the most demanding and dynamic environments. An HR generalist with a deep understanding of the business, she partners with the organization’s leaders in developing the right strategies that generate results. Les is a highly sought-after speaker and has published many articles as a subject matter expert. She was recognized in 2023 as one of Canadian Grocer’s Star Women in Grocery for the critical role that she plays in leading Bimbo Canada’s vision of driving growth through the talent of its people. Les sits on the HR Advisory Board of SuccessionHR, holds a master of laws degree from Osgoode Hall Law School and is a certified Professional Director.

Dee Arp

Chief Quality Officer, NEBOSH

NEBOSH Chief Quality Officer Dee Arp is a Chartered Safety and Health Practitioner of IOSH and a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Educational Assessors. She is a RoSPA Ambassador and the 2025 Past President of the International Network of Safety and Health Professional Orgnisations (INSHPO). Dee became a qualified health and safety practitioner over 25 years ago whilst working at RoSPA, where she developed and taught a wide range of courses and helped several boards to implement safety governance. At NEBOSH Dee is responsible for providing leadership on qualification development and assessment, and on all compliance matters. Dee previously studied with Cambridge University for the Certificate of Continuing Education (Principles and Practice of Assessment) and is now undertaking further study with Cambridge University for a Masters in Education. Dee is a judge on several Industry Awards, including the RoSPA Health and Safety Awards, the IIRSM Risk Excellence Awards, the SHE Excellence Awards and the eAA Assessment Awards. A highly regarded expert speaker, she frequently presents at global conferences on health, safety, and assessment.

Will Thomas

Safety Advisor, Ergonomist, Manufacturing Safety Alliance of BC

Will is a passionate and proven Health & Safety Advisor, specializing in Ergonomics and Human Factors. He focuses on delivering practical strategies for implementing ergonomic programs that align workplace demands with the diverse capabilities and needs of frontline teams. Will holds a BSc in Kinesiology and an MSc in Ergonomics & Human Factors. His academic foundation is complemented by extensive industry experience, including his role as Corporate Ergonomist for PepsiCo North America. There, he led the strategic design and execution of ergonomics programming across a network of more than 300 manufacturing and distribution sites, helping deliver significant reductions in musculoskeletal injury rates. Will also brings first-hand innovation experience, having served as the Lead Ergonomist in the development, testing, and commercial deployment of multi-point sensor systems that digitize ergonomic risk assessments and validate control measures.

Alessio Paterno

Senior Consultant and Business Psychologist, Human House

A senior consultant and Authorised Psychologist at Denmark's Human House, Alessio's key focus areas include: - Culture and organisational development - Stress prevention and stress management - Individual therapy sessions and supervision - Cooperation and team development - Psychological safety - Crisis management - Change management - Onboarding of Generation Z

Nicklas Kronow

Business Psychologist, Human House

A business psychologist and Authorised Psychologist at Denmark-based Human House, Nicklas Kronow's key focus areas include: - Individual therapy - Cooperation and team development - Developing teams and individuals with MBTI - Stress prevention and management - Generational leadership - Onboarding of generation Z

Avi Biswas

Scientist, Institute for Work & Health

Dr. Avi Biswas is a scientist at the Institute for Work & Health in Toronto, an associate professor at the Dalla Lana School of Public Health at the University of Toronto, and also president of the Canadian Association for Research on Work & Health (CARWH). His research focuses on understanding ways to promote worker wellbeing and healthy physical activity across diverse occupational contexts. Biswas obtained his PhD in health services research at the University of Toronto’s Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation. During his PhD studies, he received a doctoral research fellowship from the Toronto Rehabilitation Institute and was a past recipient of the University of Toronto’s Ted Goldberg award for academic excellence and promise in health services research. Biswas was previously a Mustard post-doctoral fellow at the Institute for Work & Health (2017-2019). Biswas’s research examines how physically demanding work, combined with other work and non-work conditions, including environmental exposures, contribute to the risk of worker injury and chronic disease. He also investigates ways to promote worker wellbeing and healthy physical activity across diverse work contexts. His studies draw on survey and administrative data as well as systematic reviews.

Tierra Lavery

Cheersleader of People & Culture, Driftwood Brewing

Originally from the island of Molokai in Hawaii, Tierra believes in living and leading with 'aloha' in all that she does. As a versatile HR and health and safety professional, her focus remains on continued development and exploring new ways to improve the employee experience and workplace culture for employers. Today, she leads People and Culture for Driftwood Brewery and consults for Reimagine Work on Vancouver Island. A Chartered Professional in HR (CPHR) Tierra is an HR generalist with experience across several industries including retail, manufacturing, construction, tourism and hospitality, and transportation. With recruitment, health and safety, and career coaching at the forefront of my areas of expertise, she is passionate about health and safety. Tierra has built health and safety programs from the ground up for employers of all sizes. Her experience and training is in health and safety program administration, safety culture and engagement, workplace inspections, and audits—including leading one employer to COR certification to the Occupational Safety Standard of Excellence. With her passion for promoting diversity through community building and culture, she frequently volunteers at local events in Victoria and performs at festivals as a Polynesian dancer with the Pearls of the South Pacific dance group.

Tammy Cunnington

2X Paralympian, Speaker, Advocate, Author

From Red Deer to the Paralympic Games, Tammy Cunnington embodies grit and resilience. Paralyzed at six, she defied limits to compete at the 2016 Rio Paralympics and now champions accessibility, diversity, and inclusion. As a speaker, advocate, and author, Tammy inspires audiences to rise above obstacles and find strength in unexpected places. A survivor of a life-altering plane crash at the age of six, Tammy’s journey to Paralympic success has been marked by grit, perseverance, and a relentless spirit. After the accident, she turned her focus to wheelchair basketball, winning a gold medal at the Gold Cup Championships, and later transitioned to para-swimming. Tammy represented Canada at the 2016 Rio Paralympics and the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics, achieving remarkable results, including multiple medals at the Para Pan American Games, the Pan Pacific Championships, and Canadian Nationals. She proved that no obstacle is too great to overcome. Now retired from elite competition, Tammy is dedicated to inspiring others through her speaking engagements and coaching. As an ambassador for Fast and Female and the Rick Hansen Foundation, she helps others embrace their strength and take on challenges with confidence. Her motto, “Passion = Victory,” drives her to continue pursuing new goals, including traveling, coaching, and even bungee jumping. Tammy’s story is one of transformation, and she continues to inspire individuals worldwide to face their own battles with resilience and determination. She resides in Red Deer, Alberta, with her husband, Martin, and together, they run a successful construction business.

Elliot Steele

Information Technology Consultant, Kearns Technology Inc.

A senior technology executive, Elliot Steele has led enterprise technology strategy, cybersecurity, and transformation across complex, multi-entity organizations. Today an IT consultant with Kearns Technology Ltd. and Steele Consulting, Elliot has served as SVP of Technology within a private equity-backed environment, operating across construction, manufacturing, and distribution businesses throughout North America. Led enterprise IT, cybersecurity, infrastructure, and ERP strategy while supporting growth through M&A, integration, and operational scaling. He partners with executive leadership teams to advance technology strategy within their organizations focusing on AI adoption, governance, operating model design, and the alignment of technology to business priorities. His work centers on helping organizations move from fragmented systems and reactive IT toward scalable, secure, and forward-looking technology environments.

Romy Soullier

OHS Training Instructor, Manufacturing Safety Alliance of BC

She brings over 30 years of facilitation experience in Occupational First Aid, Mental Health First Aid, Instructional Skills, leadership and curriculum development. Volunteerism has played a strong role in her life having volunteered with Search and Rescue, St. John Ambulance, Scouts and Girl Guides Canada. Romy is a recipient of the queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Medal for having made significant contributions to British Columbia as a Cadet Instructor working with youth for 25 years. Romy has a profound interest in life-long learning and has taken every opportunity to grow and develop her skills completing numerous programs through JIBC, Vancouver Community College, Instruction Skills Network and the Mental Health Commission of Canada. Her mission as an OHS trainer is to ensure workplaces are promoting health and safety because workers should come first. We want our workers home safe at the end of the day.

Chalena Biggar

Health & Safety Director, Cooke, Inc.

In the decade since she stepped into an interim health and safety role, Chalena has successfully implemented key initiatives in multiple organizations throughout Canada's Atlantic provinces. Director of Health and Safety at Cooke, Inc., a multinational seafood company based in New Brunswick, and founder of a regional peer organization: Women Safety Leaders. With experience spanning construction, transportation, manufacturing, processing, fisheries and aquaculture, Chalena's focus areas are evaluating safety management systems, managing incident reporting systems, and encouraging an open and positive safety culture. A Certified Health and Safety Consultant (CHSC) and Canadian Registered Safety Technician (CRST), Chalena has been named a Top Women in Safety by Canadian Occupational Safety for two consecutive years.

Abby Ferri

Director, NSC Networks, National Safety Council

Abby is an influential leader in global risk management and safety with over 20 years of experience. As a senior leader with National Safety Council’s Networks in the USA, she is part of a team that provides unique forums for interaction among member companies, enables benchmarking among members, alignment of special projects with other aspects of NSC, and provides safety consulting and thought leadership. A passionate advocate for advancing women in EHS leadership, ethical technology integration, and STEM education, she co-founded the globally recognized "Safety Justice League" podcast and has authored two books. Abby also serves as an adjunct professor and is active in her local community, contributing to advisory groups focused on thoughtful AI strategy and equitable access to STEM careers. Her leadership and innovative approaches continue to shape the future of workplace safety and education. She was honored with the 2022 American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) Safety Professional of the Year and the 2019 International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA) Distinguished Service Award in recognition for her advocacy for industrial worker safety. In 2023, she was vice chair of the ASSP/ISEA Technical Report Committee establishing guidelines for the fit and selection of PPE for women. Abby holds a Masters Degree in Environmental Health and Safety from the University of Minnesota Duluth, is a Certified Safety Professional (CSP) and Associate in Risk Management (ARM).

Kiran Kapoor

COO & VP, Market, Product and Technology Innovation, Workplace Safety and Prevention Society

Kiran Kapoor is a senior leader focused on a data driven approach to inform strategy and business decisions that create customer value and maximize impact. In her executive leadership role at Workplace Safety & Prevention Services, Kiran leads cross-functional teams, guided by the principle that diversity brings strength and that innovation and insight require multiple voices. A 2023 Canadian Occupational Safety Top Woman in Safety, she has a vision to create healthy work environments in the agricultural, service and manufacturing sectors. Kiran's early experience in the public and private sectors included research and program evaluation, stakeholder consultations, and building up health and safety management systems. As a recognized authority, she shares her expertise and passion for health beyond WSPS through speaking engagements and academic programs. Kiran earned her undergraduate honours degree in biology from McMaster University and her master’s degree in health science from the University of Toronto. Recently, she completed the Governance Essentials Program from the Institute of Corporate Directors.

Kim Cooper

President and CEO, Youth Culture Inc.

Kim Cooper is President and CEO of Youth Culture Inc., a consultant and strategist driving innovation in youth empowerment, education, and communications. She also serves as Director of Communications at Space Canada, supporting collaboration and promoting Canadian innovation. With a diverse background in business, Japanese studies, robotics, education, ethics in AI, and media, Kim brings a unique interdisciplinary lens to her work. She is a Certified Career Strategist and author of Girls in Science: Voices for Change, committed to building inclusive, forward-thinking solutions.

Jack Slessor

Trainer and Consultant, SAFE Work Manitoba

Jack Slessor is a Certified Safety and Health Consultant (CHSC) with over 19 years of experience as a workplace safety and health professional. Jack began his career in 2007 as a Workplace Safety and Health Officer with the Manitoba Workplace Safety and Health Branch (WSH). As the "committee specialist" he provided training and guidance to workplace safety and health committees in all industries in Manitoba, shared best practices and provided on-site support to them in their efforts to make their workplace a safer place for everyone. In 2014, he joined several of his WSH colleagues who were asked to move over and partner with the WCB - SAFE Work Services staff to create the new, prevention-focused SAFE Work Manitoba. Jack continued to provide wide ranging training and consultation support, such as guidance to workplace committees about their roles and responsibilities as outlined in the Manitoba Workplace Safety and Health Act and Regulation. His presentations include SAFE Committee Basics, Hazard Identification & Risk Control, Supervisors & SAFE Work, Harassment & Violence Prevention and Investigating Workplace Incidents workshops as well as special presentations customized for the needs of conferences, organizations and workplaces. Jack retired from SAFE Work Manitoba in September 2022, but continues to bring his passion for people and their safety to every presentation he provides as an independent trainer and consultant.

Tim Boyes

Environmental, Health & Safety Manager - Lumber Operations

Tim Boyes is the Environmental, Health & Safety Manager, Lumber Operations for Sinclar Group Forest Products Ltd. With more than 26 years of experience working for multiple companies in the forest products industry, Tim has held leadership roles in production, quality assurance, and environmental, health, and safety. Throughout his career, he has witnessed firsthand the significant evolution of combustible dust management, from traditional housekeeping practices to formal risk assessments, and comprehensive combustible dust programs.

Shayla McLean

Senior Strategic Business Advisor, Value Driver

Shayla is a Senior Strategic Business Advisor with Value Driver with a proven track record of helping owner-operated businesses build the clarity, systems, and leadership capacity required to grow sustainably and transition with confidence. With a relationship-first, solutions-driven approach, she specializes in translating strategy into meaningful, measurable action. Shayla partners with business owners to cut through complexity, strengthen operations, and implement the structures that position businesses for long-term success. Whether that means scaling a team, improving execution, or preparing for what comes next. She brings expertise across strategic planning, operational systems, organizational design, and business value creation. A skilled facilitator and trusted advisor, Shayla works alongside owners at every stage of the journey. Bridging the gap between ambition and execution, and building the clarity, capability, and momentum that lasting businesses are built on.

James Grieve

Founder and Principal Strategic Business Advisor, Value Driver

James Grieve is Founder and Principal Strategic Business Advisor of Value Driver, a multi-disciplinary advisory practice that helps businesses build stronger so they perform today and endure tomorrow. James helps business owners and leaders de-risk their organizations through a practical, impactful, and collaborative approach — working alongside founder-led businesses, family enterprises, trades and construction companies, and not-for-profits to align goals, people, and priorities into measurable, lasting results. His approach is built on his proprietary SCALE methodology, and grounded in a simple but often overlooked idea: what appears stable is frequently more fragile than it seems, and the real work of building a resilient business begins long before crisis arrives. Rather than chasing growth alone, James helps leaders look beneath the surface to strengthen the foundations — people, processes, and culture — that determine whether a business can withstand pressure when it counts. James is a Fellow Certified Management Consultant (FCMC), a Family Enterprise Advisor (FEA), and a Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA) — the latter reflecting his focus on helping business owners prepare for exit-readiness and succession, so that ownership transitions happen on their terms, not by default. He is also the author of The Catalyst, a business novel that presents these ideas in a practical, accessible way, challenging assumptions about growth, leadership, and resilience. James brings decades of experience helping organizations strengthen accountability, protect performance, and build the resilience to grow now and last for years to come — guiding businesses through every stage, from scaling up and improving performance to planning for succession.

Melanie Kowalski-Fleming

Volunteer + Speaker, Threads of Life

Melanie Kowalski-Fleming lives outside St. Thomas, Ontario, with her son and extended family. She has worked in an industrial setting for over 25 years. Her current role is in the automotive manufacturing sector. Melanie is dedicated to her family and passionate about volunteering. In 2011, Melanie’s family experienced a life-altering and devastating workplace tragedy. Melanie has become a Threads of Life family member and volunteer. Threads of Life helps families aff ected by a workplace fatality, life-altering injury or occupational disease along their journey of healing. It provides these families with referrals and a one-on-one peer support program delivered by trained Volunteer Family Guides who have also experienced a workplace tragedy. Threads of Life is currently working with thousands of family members from across Canada who have been aff ected by a workplace tragedy. Melanie shares her story in the hope of preventing another family from having to experience a workplace tragedy and to heighten awareness about what we can do in our own workplaces to be an advocate for safety.

Shari HInz

Regional Development Coordinator Western Canada, Threads of Life

Shari Hinz is the Regional Development Coordinator for Threads of Life in Western Canada. Her background is in finance, non-profit management, program development and injury prevention. Threads of Life brings hope and healing to Canadian families who have been affected by a workplace fatality, life-altering injury or occupational disease. It is a national charity connecting thousands of family members through one-on-one peer support, links to community support services, and the opportunity to take action to help prevent similar tragedies to other families. It is currently working with more than 4,200 family members from across Canada who have been affected by a workplace tragedy.

Greg Neher

EyeSafe BC Senior Manager

With 13 years of experience, Gregory has led safety eyewear compliance on both the lab manufacturing and program administration ends. As the Senior Manager of the EyeSafe vision care program for the BC Doctors of Optometry, he focuses on facilitating safety eyewear compliance for both dispensing optometrists and employers who require them. Gregory also serves on the Canadian Standards Association technical committee for eye and face protectors, helping provide guidance on updates to national safety standards.

Francois Barton

Executive Director, Business Leaders' Health and Safety Forum

Francois is the Chief Executive of the New Zealand Business Leaders’ Health and Safety Forum – New Zealand’s largest CEO membership group, representing a coalition of more than 440 CEOs who lead more than 25% of our national workforce, and committed to building cultures that enable people and business to thrive. His motivating belief, developed and confirmed by more than 20 years of working with business and across government in policy, strategy and regulation, is that progress only comes when leaders confront difficult realities together. This is why Francois was one of the founders of the Business Leaders’ Health and Safety Forum back in 2009 and is immensely proud and privileged to have been Forum Chief Executive since 2015.

Ashish Syal

CEO & Founder, Edgentik

Edgentik was founded on the belief that AI should improve human safety—not replace human judgment or add noise for frontline teams. The company helps industrial and warehouse operations use existing cameras, sensors, and systems to identify safety risks, verify incidents, assign follow-up, and track whether corrective actions are reducing risk. Its mission is to make AI practical, ethical, and focused on safety follow-through, helping teams build safer operations and ensure more people go home safely at the end of the day.

Rob Klassen

Dust Collection System Specialist, Airplus Industrial Corp.

Rob graduated from the Mechanical Engineering Technology program at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology in 1988. He immediately found himself in the world of dust collection and filtration. After a downturn in the Alberta economy in 1990, he made his way to British Columbia, met and married a wonderful lady and never left. In his role at AIRPLUS, he works with manufacturers, engineers, and contractors to solve dust problems. Over his 38 years of working in dust collection service and sales, he has seen a lot of changes in how the dangers of combustible dust are recognized and addressed. He is accredited with the Association of Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of BC, and a member of the National Fire Protection Association. He loves to travel, whether by plane, train, automobile or boat, and seeks back roads whenever possible.

Jared Trudeau

Vice President HSE at Veriforce Canada

Jared Trudeau is Vice President of Health, Safety and Environment for Veriforce Canada. With nearly 20 years of experience in the energy sector, he has led work spanning enterprise risk, operational governance, regulatory compliance and contractor oversight. He brings a practical perspective to managing contractor risk, connecting decisions made before and during the work to safety, business continuity and financial performance.

Mark Gamble

Capital projects, AIRPLUS Industrial Corp

Mark Gamble is a capital projects sales engineer at AIRPLUS Systems with extensive experience in the mining and oil and gas industries.

Anton Brosas

Audiometric Technician and Owner/Operator of TJ's Workplace Hearing Testing

Audiometric Technician and Owner/Operator of TJ's Workplace Hearing Testing

Sandra Reder

President and Founder, Vertical Bridge HR

For over 20 years, Sandra has been a driving force within the human resource community. Her understanding of current HR best practices and trends is extensive, and her desire to ensure that Vertical Bridge HR is providing innovative programs and services to their clients is what drives her and the business forward. She has worked within a wide range of industries including healthcare, private sector, not-for-profit and public sector. In 2005 Sandra founded Vertical Bridge HR a full-service HR and recruitment consulting practice. Then, in late 2014 Sandra identified a need for HR support within the health care sector. She founded Health Bridge HR, specifically focused on health care practitioners providing them with HR expertise that they would not otherwise have access to. Sandra is a well-regarded facilitator and speaker on a variety of subjects, including HR Best Practices and Inter-Generational Communication within the Workplace. She is a sought-after key-note speaker on the topic of human resources and has presented at numerous association and industry conferences.

Rachelle Grace

Return-to-Work (RTW) Specialist and Registered Nurse

Rachelle Grace is a Return-to-Work (RTW) Specialist and Registered Nurse with more than 20 years of experience in occupational health and injury management. Since joining WorkSafeBC in 2004, she has helped employers improve RTW outcomes through effective injury management and evidence-based RTW practices. As part of Consultation and Education Services, Rachelle works with employers across BC to build supportive workplaces that promote recovery, timely reintegration, and positive outcomes for injured workers. She is passionate about helping organizations foster a culture of care, support, and resilience.

Elise Kobylanski

Manager of Client Services for Return-to-Work Consultation and Education Services

Elise Kobylanski, RN, COHN, is the Manager of Client Services for Return-to-Work Consultation and Education Services. With more than 25 years of experience in occupational health and disability management, she supports employers in developing practical, sustainable approaches to helping injured workers return to safe and productive employment. An experienced educator and presenter, Elise has delivered sessions to employers, unions, and industry associations across Canada on disability management, workplace accommodation, mental health, psychological injury, and return-to-work practices. Her presentations combine clinical expertise with practical approaches employers can apply in their workplaces.

Dovie Majors

Vice President, EHS - Energy

For more than two decades, Dovie Majors has led global teams across occupational safety, operations, risk management, and organizational excellence—focused on preventing serious harm, strengthening accountability, and building systems that protect people in complex, high-risk environments. Vice President, EHS – Energy, at Moss, Dovie has held senior leadership roles at Rocket Fulfillment Co. (Taiwan), Amazon, and SunCoke Energy. Her leadership philosophy is grounded in public trust: people first, systems that work, and consistent standards applied fairly. She believes sustainable results come from clarity, responsibility, and leaders who build cultures where safety, integrity, and performance reinforce one another.

John Dony

Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder What Works Institute

John is the Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder of the What Works Institute. Before launching What Works in November of 2024, John served as Director at the Phylmar Group, a US west coast-focused EHS network organization that covers critical and emerging safety, health, environmental, and regulatory issues. John and the What Works team continue to manage and direct Phylmar membership in their new capacities. Prior to this, John had a 16-year career at the National Safety Council, and last served as the organization’s Vice President of Workplace Strategy. In that capacity, he led vision and strategic direction for the NSC Workplace Practice, including for thought leadership programs and offerings including the Campbell Institute, Work to Zero, SAFER, the MSD Solutions Lab, NSC Networks, and the Council’s deep array of training, survey, and consultative services. John also led a variety of research and impact initiatives around emerging topics and issues of interest to safety & health leaders. John has previously held quality management, project management, and coalition-building positions in the communication and educational fields. He graduated from Northwestern University with a dual bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Creative Writing.

Greg Sensy

CleanSpace

With over 15 years of experience in respiratory safety, Greg is dedicated to enhancing worker well-being. His innovative approach has positively impacted many industries by delivering high-quality safety solutions and strengthening safety programs. Greg's passion and expertise continue to improve workplace environments, ensuring the protection of workers across sectors.

David Munro

David Munro, Manufacturing Consortium Manager

David helps manufacturers, and food and beverage companies, connect with the resources, programs and resources that help them move forward. He does this by promoting awareness of EMC’s programs and resources in Western Canada through monthly Strategic Interest Group webinars, Continuous Improvement Roundtable Sessions, and ongoing communications and collaboration. David has been involved with manufacturing his whole life, from his parents shake and sawmill businesses, to assisting manufacturers with plant expansions/relocations during his career in economic development. David is an avid Blue Jays and Canucks fan that enjoys farming at his rural home near Chilliwack, BC.

Kelly Killby

EHS Professional, EMC

Kelly is passionate about safety excellence and industry-driven solutions that deliver practical results for manufacturers. With a common-sense coaching approach, she helps organizations build effective health and safety programs in complex operating environments while fostering collaboration across the manufacturing sector. She is also focused on building a strong national health and safety network for Canadian manufacturers, connecting employers, industry partners, and subject matter experts to share leading practices, accelerate learning, and improve workplace safety outcomes across the country. Kelly is a Certified Sustainability Practitioner and an ISO Management System Lead Auditor. She has been a guest speaker for ISO’s Next Generation Climate Change Project and a guest lecturer in Western University’s Master of Environment & Sustainability program. Prior to joining EMC, she spent more than 20 years in the automotive and handheld electronics sectors, gaining extensive experience in manufacturing operations, management systems, sustainability, and workplace health and safety.

Natalia Guzman

Founder, VMA Wellness

Founder, VMA Wellness. Natti is the founder of VMA Wellness, which designs neuroscience-based wellbeing experiences for organizations. She has designed experiences for more than 3000 leaders and collaborators across 6 countries . She believes that in the age of AI, the skills that make people irreplaceable are profoundly human, and she brings that lens to how teams handle stress, overload and burnout.

Carolina Lasso

Certified teacher in emotional intelligence

Certified teacher in emotional intelligence, mindfulness, resilience, effective teams, purpose and organizational wellbeing. Caro is a former leader at Google and at the Search Inside Yourself Leadership Institute, where she trained professionals in emotional intelligence and mindful leadership. She is a TEDx speaker and the author of The Purpose Reset and The Path to Flourishing, and she works in English, Spanish and Portuguese.

Daniel Lumia P.Eng

Dry and Combustible Dust Solutions, Nederman Division North America

Daniel Lumia, P.Eng., is Business Development Manager, Dry & Combustible Dust, North America at Nederman, bringing extensive experience in industrial air filtration, engineered dust collection solutions, and project management. He holds an Honours BASc in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Toronto, with a minor in Sustainable Energy, and is a licensed Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) in Ontario.