SPEAKERS & PRESENTERS
We are thrilled to introduce a diverse lineup of captivating speakers and instructors who will contribute to this year's themes of Employment: building the best workplace and Entrepreneurship. They will share their insights and expertise to inspire and energize you at this year's conference.
BRAD KOTOWICH
About
With a passion and appreciation for the power of people, Brad helps organizations and leaders develop strategies that align people and processes to achieve great outcomes. He created Focused Leadership Group in 2004 and enjoys strong ongoing relationships with a myriad of client organizations across all sectors. Approximately 60% of Brad’s work is helping small to medium sized businesses evolve and achieve their desired outcomes. Brad was an executive senior leader for 10 years with a large non-profit organization with over 700 staff where he honed skills in the evolution of people, strategic growth and organizational development. During this time, he was recognized provincially (Alberta) for his leadership and facilitation skills and became a leading speaker and facilitator in the areas of workforce development, organizational planning and design, leadership training, workforce culture, and strategic planning. Since then, Brad is proud to have worked over 400 different organizations and leaders across all sectors. Brad continues his lifelong leadership learning journey. He is a certified interpersonal relationship coach and is a co-founder of A Personality Perspective which is a dynamic organizational personality platform designed to assess individual and collective behavioral tendencies and the challenges thereof, complete with strategies to strengthen the human potential. Brad prides himself on being an engaged and ever-evolving leader with enthusiasm, a great attitude and the willingness to be as awesome as he can for those around him. His focus has evolved into helping people set themselves up for their own defined success.
FEATURED SPEAKERS
SIDDHARTHA BHATTACHARYA
About
Siddhartha Bhattacharya is a Senior Economist at ATB Financial. Siddhartha focuses on developing comprehensive forecasts and scenarios of Alberta’s economy through the analysis of trends in the provincial, national and global economy. Before starting in his role at ATB, Siddhartha was an Economist at Alberta Treasury Board and Finance for over five years, where he led macroeconomic forecasting, modelling and impact analysis work as well as conducted research on current topics and trends for publication purposes. Siddhartha is a seasoned professional with over a decade of experience in macroeconomic research and analysis. He graduated from the University of Calgary with an Master’s degree in Economics and also holds a Master’s degree in International Business from the University of Dundee, United Kingdom.
JACQUIE FENSKE
About
Jacquie has worn many hats throughout her life. As a child, when asked what she wanted to be, she responded: a teacher, a lawyer, and a spy. Her journey so far has included roles as a junior and senior high teacher, a municipal councillor, and a Member of the Legislative Assembly. Additionally, she was asked to serve as the intern leader for a provincial political party. Today, Jacquie calls herself an entrepreneur. She is a managing partner in her family’s restaurant business and the president of two companies that promote rural and agricultural initiatives. Committed to building community, she actively practices what she preaches by taking initiative and volunteering on several boards, committees, and community-building projects. Jacquie shares her extensive knowledge and life experiences through speaking engagements and mentoring groups and individuals. With over 13 years of teaching experience and a career in politics similar to law, she continues to embody her childhood aspirations. And as for the spy? Well, they say older women make the best spies. Stay tuned—her journey is far from over.
PRESENTERS
DR. JANICE MUENCH
Focused Education Group Ltd.
Janice is an experienced presenter, educator, and leader. Her career experiences have followed her personal interests and passion for promoting positive leadership development, creating healthy organizational culture, and fostering research proven approaches in educational, corporate, and non-profit environments. Janice believes that we all have a responsibility to support the creation of our communities and to proactively create vibrant and healthy living conditions for ALL. She has served in educational environments for over 25 years. Janice currently works with non-profit organizations, first responders, businesses, and schools. She is a proven coordinator, presenter, director, trainer, and consultant. Almost 30 years of educational stewardship, organizational leadership, and lifelong learning has led Dr. Muench to be recognized as a leadership consultant and trainer. Dr. Muench brings an equally empathetic and directorial approach to her work. Clients feel understood and challenged in the same moment, galvanizing organizational change and leadership expertise. She resides in Sherwood Park, Alberta, Canada.
Charne Roodt
Unstoppable Partnerships
Charne brings her love for hospitality and community to Unstoppable Partnerships. With years of experience in hospitality management and building connections, she’s excited to support others in creating meaningful experiences and lasting growth. Her passion for culture, people, and bringing ideas to life makes her a key part of the team, always ready to help clients find their path to success. Together, Charne and Michelle, the Unstoppable Partnership founders and their network of expertise, will ensure you’re on the right track to achieve your goals. Engage with our Strategic Project Consulting to reach your full potential.
Keleigh Cormier
ClearThink™ Group
Keleigh Cormier is a Fellow Certified Management Consultant (FCMC) and Certified Agricultural Consultant (CAC) with over three decades of experience empowering entrepreneurs and their organizations. As President of ClearThink™ Group, Keleigh specializes in business strategies, marketing research, feasibility studies and coaching, with a particular focus on agriculture, tourism and technology sectors. Keleigh has led transformative projects such as the Alberta Open Farm Days Coaching Program, Back to Business Coaching Program and the Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP). She recently co-founded the Connect for Food Project, promoting sustainable food systems and economic revitalization in rural Alberta. Her work has earned prestigious awards, including two international Constantinus Silver Awards for excellence in management consulting. Prior to consulting, Keleigh gained valuable experience at Labatt’s Breweries and Maple Leaf Foods. She holds a B. Comm from the University of Alberta and certifications in new product development and Indigenous studies. Keleigh actively contributes to the Global Agritourism Network and her local agricultural society in Ardrossan (ARAS). Her leadership continues to advance agritourism and business innovation, creating opportunities for entrepreneurs to diversify and thrive in Alberta’s evolving economy.
Michelle Wright
Unstoppable Partnerships
Just starting on the next phase of her life, Michelle is taking her passion for supporting others to a new level. She can’t wait to commit her discernment, loyalty, compassion and accountability to connect with those who are looking to find their way to a better business, self or community. Together, Charne and Michelle, the Unstoppable Partnership founders and their network of expertise, will ensure you’re on the right track to achieve your goals. Engage with our Strategic Project Consulting to reach your full potential.
Pierre Cormier
ClearThink™ Group
Pierre Cormier is a Certified Management Consultant (CMC) and Certified Agricultural Consultant (CAC) with over 26 years of experience advising businesses to achieve sustainable growth. As Partner of ClearThink™ Group, Pierre provides expert guidance in business strategy, market development and coaching, working across sectors like agri-business, tourism, technology and manufacturing. Pierre's notable initiatives include the international award-winning Back to Business and ClearThink™ Coaching Programs, which supported hundreds of businesses through disaster and pandemic recovery. He has also been instrumental in projects such as Alberta Open Farm Days and the Visitor Friendly Business Program, promoting innovation in agritourism and rural economic development. His work has earned prestigious awards, including two international Constantinus Silver Awards for excellence in management consulting. Before consulting, Pierre owned and operated two culinary retail stores and managed national accounts at Maple Leaf Foods in Alberta. His entrepreneurial approach energizes his work, while his mentorship has helped countless clients achieve measurable results. Pierre has earned multiple honours including the “Alberta Hero of the Wildfire” award for his leadership in Fort McMurray’s recovery efforts. Pierre is a dedicated member of professional organizations including the Global Agritourism Network, the Canadian Association of Farm Advisors and the Canadian and Alberta Associations of Certified Management Consultants. His passion for supporting businesses ensures impactful outcomes and lasting success.