2023 AGENDA

All times in ET

• 8:00 AM

  Registration and breakfast

• 8:55 AM

  Opening remarks from chairperson

  

  Susan DuHamel  

  Chief Marketing Officer, Global Risk Solutions 
  Liberty Mutual Insurance

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  Susan DuHamel  

  Chief Marketing Officer, Global Risk Solutions 
  Liberty Mutual Insurance

  Susan DuHamel has 25 years of experience in marketing, communications, and distribution in the insurance industry. She is Chief Marketing Officer for Liberty Mutual’s Global Risk Solutions division, a North American role she took on in 2019 following time with Liberty Mutual Canada. During her career, she has also worked with other global insurance & risk management companies. 

  Susan sits on the advisory board of ISC Group Canada, a business community that provides personal, professional, and business development for women in insurance. 

• 9:00 AM

  Welcome Address

  

  Jean-Pierre Galipeault

  President & Chief Regional Executive
  Arch Insurance Canada

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  Jean-Pierre Galipeault

  President & Chief Regional Executive
  Arch Insurance Canada

  Jean-Pierre Galipeault serves as President and Chief Regional Executive for Arch Insurance Canada. He was promoted to President in January 2023. Jean-Pierre joined Arch Canada in 2013 and held various senior underwriting positions until he became Chief Regional Executive in 2019. Prior to joining Arch Canada, Jean-Pierre worked as broker focused on specialty programs and warranty solutions. He has an Honours BSocSc from the University of Ottawa and is fully bilingual in French and English. 

   

• 9:05 AM

  Opening Keynote introduction

  

  Catherine A. Décarie

  Associate Vice President, Affinity Market Group
  TD Insurance

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  Catherine A. Décarie

  Associate Vice President, Affinity Market Group
  TD Insurance

  Catherine is a dynamic bilingual insurance professional with over 25 years of experience in contact centre leadership, government & industry relations and B2B relationship management. Catherine currently leads a team of Relationship Managers responsible for the Affinity Market Group partnerships in Eastern Canada. She joined TD in 1994 and has had the opportunity to work in various sectors of TD Insurance, including client services and claims services, before joining the Affinity Market Group in 2018.  

   

  She holds a Master’s degree in private law from the Université of Paris X, in Nanterre, France.  

   

  She is active in the insurance industry as a member of both the Quebec and Atlantic regional Committees of IBC (Insurance Bureau of Canada) and has also served as Chair of the Atlantic Committee of CADRI (Canadian Association of Direct Relationship Insurers). 

   

  An active and fierce ally for diversity, equality and inclusion, Catherine recently championed the creation of a new internship program at TDI for students with disabilities.  

   

  She is an active member of the International Women’s Forum Canada (IWFC) and has just started her 2 year term as President on June 1st.

• 9:10 AM

  Opening Keynote: Rowboat in a hurricane – Dealing with change and unexpected setbacks

  Imagine surviving a hurricane with nothing more than a rowboat to shelter you. When Julie Angus set off on a quest to become the first woman to row across the Atlantic Ocean from mainland to mainland this was not what she anticipated. But Julie soon realized that to be successful she’d not only need to deal with adversity and uncertainty but embrace it and use it as an opportunity to grow and prosper. Not only did she succeed but she was awarded National Geographic’s “Adventurer of the Year” for her incredible achievements. Julie shares techniques to deal with changing environments including altering our perception, preparing for the unexpected, assessing risks, and improving communication.

  

  Julie Angus

  Explorer, Scientist, & Bestselling Author
  

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  Julie Angus

  Explorer, Scientist, & Bestselling Author
  

  Julie Angus is a leading adventurer, bestselling author, scientist, and entrepreneur. She was awarded National Geographic’s “Adventurer of the Year” award when she became the first woman to row across the Atlantic Ocean from mainland to mainland. She has also cycled across continents, rowed thousands of kilometers of coastlines and rivers, and organized an expedition that sailed the ancient Phoenician trading routes. Julie draws on lessons learned in extreme environments to motivate and inspire her audiences to reach their goals and overcome challenges. 

  Julie has written three books, produced several documentaries, and has a graduate degree in microbiology. A serial entrepreneur, Julie has had a successful career in venture capital, business development, and technology transfer. She is currently the CEO and co-founder of Open Ocean Robotics, a marine drone company that was recently granted an $800,000 prize from the Women in Cleantech Challenge to transform how we understand our oceans. 

   Named as one of North America’s leading adventurers by Explore magazine and one of Canada’s Greatest Women Explorers by Canadian Geographic, Julie is also a fellow of the Royal Canadian Geographic Society and recipient of numerous awards, including the University of Victoria Distinguished Alumni Award and McMaster University Young Alumni Award. 

• 9:55 AM

  Panel: Competitive intelligence – Market trends and the future of insurance

  Digital disruptions, including AI, deep learning technologies and Blockchain, post-pandemic and environmental factors, are changing the insurance market and the way products and services are delivered. As we move out of the pandemic, what are the latest market trends, opportunities, and technologies shaping insurance today? In this session, hear from key industry leaders as they dive into the current and future insurance market – and learn what you need to know to remain an informed and effective leader. Among the topics and questions to be explored: 

  • What are the latest market trends and what do they reveal? 
  • Discover current thinking on ESG priorities, big data, and analytics  
  • Addressing emerging trends in natural disasters and climate risk   
  • What’s next? Anticipating market trends and industry changes in 2023 and beyond  

  Moderator

  

  Kesha Christie

  Senior Cyber Placement Broker
  WTW

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  Kesha Christie

  Senior Cyber Placement Broker
  WTW

  Over the last 15 years, Kesha has focused on management and professional liability lines at several national brokerages. At WTW she specializes in the placement of Cyber and Tech E&O, providing risk solutions and placement across all industry sectors. Kesha holds provincial insurance licenses all provinces/territories except Quebec and is a Canadian Accredited Insurance Broker with the CAIB designation Certificate in Professional Liability. 

  Panelists

  

  Sarah Fong

  Assistant Chief Economist and Head of Industry Data
  Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC)

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  Sarah Fong

  Assistant Chief Economist and Head of Industry Data
  Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC)

  Sarah Fong is an experienced economist with a Master’s degree in Economics, and a CRM designation. She has been with IBC since 2019 and is currently Assistant Chief Economist & Head of Industry Data at Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC), leading IBC’s advocacy initiatives with its members in financial regulation policy work, including solvency risk, financial and non-financial risk management, and taxation. She has written numerous policy position papers on various topics affecting P&C insurers, such as reinsurance, IFRS 17 accounting policy, taxation, technology and third party risk, and climate risk. She also manages the industry’s financial data, analysis and reporting work to support IBC’s federal and provincial government and regulatory advocacy initiatives.  

  

  Tendai Moyo

  Senior Vice President, Cyber Insurance Practice Lead
  Hugh Wood Canada

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  Tendai Moyo

  Senior Vice President, Cyber Insurance Practice Lead
  Hugh Wood Canada

  As the Cyber Practice Lead at Hugh Wood, Tendai builds bespoke solutions to respond to the complex needs of her clients as they navigate the evolving risks of a connected world and the potential impact on their business. She is the cyber knowledge leader within the HWI International Group. The role involves creating, facilitating, and managing educational sessions for clients and colleagues focusing on risk management advice as well as risk transfer of organizational exposure to cyber-related losses. Tendai has 15 years of experience in the insurance industry, prior to becoming the Cyber Practice Lead, her focus was on Professional Liability where she was a member of the Design and Engineering team involved in the placement of complex global insurance programs.  

  Tendai holds the Cyber COPE Insurance Certification (CCIC) designation, an executive certification in Cybersecurity through Chubb and Heinz College of Carnegie Mellon University. The designation provides an understanding of building cyber resilient cybersecurity programs through well-managed practices, policies, and processes to protect and defend organizations’ critical assets.  

  Tendai has developed a passion for cyber risk and is active in the insurance community where she is recognized as a cyber insurance expert, attending as well as participating in public forums in order to stay on the leading edge of the latest market changes, products, and claims trends.  

  

  Gary Saarenvirta

  Chief Executive Officer
  Daisy Intelligence

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  Gary Saarenvirta

  Chief Executive Officer
  Daisy Intelligence

  Gary Saarenvirta is the founder and CEO of Daisy Intelligence and a pre-eminent expert on autonomous AI. Under Gary’s leadership, Daisy is delivering Explainable Decisions– as-a-Service for merchandise planning and risk management. By actioning the Halo Effect, Gary discovered an opportunity to drastically improve business decision-making with automatable recommendations for retailers and insurers. Gary and his leadership team have established a track record of delivering verifiable financial outcomes for a rapidly growing list of global clients with Daisy’s solutions. 

• 10:40 AM

  Networking coffee break

• 11:10 AM

  Panel: Pursuing better together – Harness the power of intersectionality to help you achieve your potential

  Embracing different perspectives and ideas creates more effective, productive, and sustainable organizations. As an industry, we’ve come a long way, but we still are growing. It is vital for industry leaders to evolve current thinking on diversity, equity, and inclusion to include considerations of intersectionality, an academic term that recognises how different aspects of a person combine to create overlapping areas of privilege and oppression (Kimberlé W. Crenshaw, 1989). In this session, our panel will explore how to build on current DEI programs to understand how intersectional groups experience the workplace. By including intersectionality, we can advance opportunities for all and enable each other to succeed.

  • Learn about intersectionality and why is it important to overcoming inequality in the workplace
  • Discover how to apply intersectionality to empower your workforce and your team
  • Examine issues in the workplace through an intersectional lens and learn practical tips and actionable takeaways

  Moderator

  

  Melike Oz Pasaogullari

  Senior Vice President, Head of Business Process Management
  Arch Insurance 

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  Melike Oz Pasaogullari

  Senior Vice President, Head of Business Process Management
  Arch Insurance 

  Melike Oz Pasaogullari is Senior Vice President, Head of Business Process Management at Arch Insurance North America. Previously, she held the role of Senior Vice President, Business Process Management Lead for Delegated Authority at Arch. Prior to joining Arch in February 2020, Melike served as Head of Retail Product Development and Marketing at MassMutual. She also held several different positions in strategy, planning, project management and lean deployment functions at MassMutual. Additionally, she was Senior Business Consultant for Small Commercial Strategic Initiatives and Enterprise Small Business Strategy at The Hartford. Melike earned a Ph.D. in industrial engineering and operations research from the Pennsylvania State University and a B.S. in industrial engineering from Middle East Technical University. Melike is Co-Chair of the Arch Women and Allies Employee Network and was Chair of the Women’s Leadership Business Resource Group at MassMutual. In 2022, Melike was honored by APIW as an Extraordinary Women in an Extraordinary Year.

  Panelists

  

  Lisa Fisher

  Assistant Vice President, National Distribution Manager
  Arch Insurance Canada

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  Lisa Fisher

  Assistant Vice President, National Distribution Manager
  Arch Insurance Canada

  Lisa Fisher is Assistant Vice President, National Strategy and Distribution at Arch Insurance Canada Ltd with responsibility for engagement and expansion of distribution relationships with retail and wholesale brokers. In addition, she assists Arch with its marketing strategies across all product lines and geographies in Canada. 

  Prior to joining Arch, Lisa spent 8 years at Aon in various roles including Strategic Carrier Engagement Leader and VP Treaty Broker. 

  Lisa holds a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) from Brock University, A Post Graduate Certificate in Research Analytics (Hons) from Humber College and is a Chartered Insurance Professional. 

  

  Edwina McKennon

  Founder & Host
  Move Her Forward

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  Edwina McKennon

  Founder & Host
  Move Her Forward

  Edwina McKennon is a notable senior business leader hailing from Canada, who has been blazing a trail for women in insurance and business worldwide. Her achievements have earned recognition from esteemed groups like the Canadian International Black Women Excellence, Canadian Underwriter, and Insurance Business Canada. Notably, she was named a finalist for The Steamatic Canada Award for Woman of Distinction in both 2021 and 2022 by Insurance Business Canada Magazine. Additionally, she received the prestigious Canada’s Top 100 Black Women to Watch award in 2022. 

  With a strong affinity for Artificial Intelligence and technology, Edwina has cultivated a substantial following of like-minded women who aspire to advance their careers and build inspirational empires. Her extensive knowledge and expertise are shared with her followers through various channels, whether online or in-person. 

  Driven by her passion for women empowerment, Edwina founded and hosts the ‘Move Her Forward’ Podcast & TV series, which has garnered over 2,000 downloads to date. This platform aims to educate and motivate women in business. Her ultimate goal is to create more opportunities and increase representation for empowered women and people of color worldwide. 

  

  Ruby Rai

  Cyber Practice Leader – Canada
  Marsh Specialty US & Canada

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  Ruby Rai

  Cyber Practice Leader – Canada
  Marsh Specialty US & Canada

  As Marsh Canada’s Cyber practice leader, Ruby is charged with ensuring Marsh delivers to its clients, customized solutions powered by actionable insights and analytics. Ruby has over 17 years of insurance experience, which includes managing Cyber & Professional Liability portfolio for a global insurance company and leading cyber broking practice for a Tier 1 brokerage in Canada. She advises clients in assessing their privacy and information security risks and finding the right solutions for risk transfer. 

  She actively participates in public forums to promote the need for identifying and managing cyber risks. Ruby is a certified Information Privacy Professional and holds her CRM designation. 

• 11:45 AM

  Breaking the taboos – Supporting women’s health at every career stage

  Women face health issues and challenges throughout their lives, and introducing a specific women’s health strategy can provide practical advice on how to enable women to thrive in the workforce. How can we create an open culture in which women feel supported, confident, and safe in talking about health issues like menopause and miscarriage? How can you take control of your own health in the workplace? Hear how our speaker has implemented a culture that prioritizes women’s health, and the strategies you can implement in your own organization. Among the issues to be discussed: 

  • Conversations to expand line managers’ awareness and understanding 
  • Discover how small adjustments can have a significant impact 
  • A breakdown of common taboos around women’s health issues for the benefit of your workplace 

  

  Nicole Hackney

  Training and Research Officer
  Ontario Mutual Insurance Association

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  Nicole Hackney

  Training and Research Officer
  Ontario Mutual Insurance Association

  Nicole Hackney is the Training and Research Officer at Ontario Mutual Insurance Association, an Instructor at the Insurance Institute of Canada and teaches property insurance at Fanshawe College. Nicole has over 10 years of experience working in the Mutual insurance industry. Nicole holds her Certified Insurance Professional (CIP) designation along with additional certifications in Risk Management and In-Person and Virtual Teaching Techniques. With a passion for volunteering for non-profit organizations, Nicole has been a mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters, as well as being involved with the Watford Food Bank and Ronald McDonald House. 

   Based on her own personal journey, Nicole has been an advocate for better perinatal support and research around Pregnancy and Infant Loss. Nicole collaborated with MPP Peggy Sattler and allowed her to share her story in the House of Commons in support of Bill 141, the Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness, Research and Care Act. Nicole and her husband have been honoured as bereaved parents at the Pregnancy and Infant Loss Summit and she acts as a peer support for other bereaved mothers. 

• 12:15 PM

  Networking lunch

• 1:15 PM

  Panel: Fighting fatigue – How to remain on top of your game

  With competing priorities and stressful working environments, many managers and executives are experiencing various levels of burnout. How can we prioritize well-being, and in turn create a culture of empathy and support? This session will discuss strategies to fight fatigue, boost resilience, and focus on self-care and mental well-being to lead by example. Among the topics and questions for discussion: 

  • What are the best strategies for fighting fatigue, and how can we develop them? 
  • How can managers and organizations encourage and prioritize a culture that supports well-being? 
  • Overcoming common challenges such as time management, multiple responsibilities, and burnout 

  Moderator

  

  Robyn Campbell

  Managing Director, FINPRO Practice Leader
  Marsh Canada

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  Robyn Campbell

  Managing Director, FINPRO Practice Leader
  Marsh Canada

  Robyn has been in the insurance industry since 2012. Prior to joining Marsh in 2020, Robyn was Vice President at a large international insurance company, where she lead a group of lawyers and other claims professionals in the specialty casualty claims group. The specialty casualty claims group were responsible for complex claims in all specialty areas including D&O, E&O, Employment Practices, Crime and Surety. Prior to joining the insurance industry, Robyn was in house counsel at an auto manufacturer, managing litigation during a particularly challenging time involving numerous class actions. Robyn began her legal career at Cassels, where she articled and was an associate in the commercial litigation department.

  Robyn is a leading advisor on risk and insurance to companies and senior executives across Canada and is a nationally recognized expert in the field of director and officer liability, risk, and insurance. She advises many publicly traded companies in Canada and the United States and their directors and officers, as well as private companies, Crown Corporations, and not-for-profit organizations. Robyn is the national leader of Marsh’s Financial and Professional Services (FINPRO) team, who are responsible for advising Boards of Directors across Canada with regard to executive lines risk (D&O, EPL, Fiduciary, Crime and Kidnap & Ransom).

  Panelists

  

  Cindy Manek

  Senior Vice President, Technology Professional Liability
  Ridge Canada

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  Cindy Manek

  Senior Vice President, Technology Professional Liability
  Ridge Canada

  Cindy Manek joined Ridge Canada Cyber Solutions in 2021 as a Senior Vice President, focusing on Technology Errors & Omission (E&O) Insurance. 

  Cindy’ s career in the commercial insurance industry began in Ottawa in 2012 as an underwriter with Encon Group, now Victor Canada. Throughout her time with Encon, she specialized in Technology Errors & Omissions (E&O) and Cyber package underwriting. 

  In 2015, Cindy made the transition from Encon to an Account Executive at Travelers Canada, continuing her focus on Technology E&O and Cyber underwriting. Through her position at Travelers, she gained experience in the international market, where she continued to underwrite package policies with a focus on Canadian technology companies. In 2019, she moved to Markel Canada as a Senior Underwriter where she oversaw product development for Technology E&O and developed a tailored package policy for the FinTech industry. Throughout her career, Cindy has developed and maintained strong broker relationships across Canada. 

  Cindy holds her Bachelor of Economics degree from Laval University and is a Chartered Insurance Professional (CIP) and an accredited Canadian Risk Manager (CRM). She is currently pursuing her Actuary studies. She is fluent in both French and English. 

  

  Amanda Nordstrom

  Vice President Personal Lines West
  Intact Insurance

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  Amanda Nordstrom

  Vice President Personal Lines West
  Intact Insurance

  Amanda Nordstrom is Vice President Personal Lines West for Intact Insurance. As the leader of operational underwriting teams located in five Western Canadian cities, she’s focused on connecting with her teams, building and driving strategic priorities, and collaborating with her peers nationally across Intact’s business units. Amanda has a track record of successfully leading large scale national projects as well as driving performance in an engaging environment. She strongly believes in bringing out the best in people by inviting diverse perspectives and leading with a people-first mindset. No stranger to fighting fatigue, at home she is kept busy by her two very active boys, while traveling and leading teams in multiple cites. She is always looking for new ways to drive success while maintaining a sense of balance, good health, and overall well-being, for herself and for her teams.   

  

  Kyle Sparkman

  Chief Operating Officer
  Allianz Global Assistance

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  Kyle Sparkman

  Chief Operating Officer
  Allianz Global Assistance

  Kyle Sparkman has been the Chief Operating Officer at Allianz Global Assistance for just over four years, and has been in the finance and insurance industry for over 25 years. As COO, Kyle is responsible for Allianz’s national operations team – extending to over 600 employees across Canada and globally. He’s a member of the company’s Senior Leadership Team which is responsible for setting the overall strategic direction of the business and is the executive sponsor of the employee appreciation and recognition committee, VIBE. 

   Throughout Kyle’s career, he’s become known as a dynamic leader with vast expertise in building and executing business strategies that unveil the potential in people, enable innovation and accelerate business growth. Kyle’s passion for driving exceptional employee, customer and partner experiences has strengthened Allianz’s corporate culture and commitment to helping people when they need it most. Previously, Kyle held several leadership roles with increasing responsibility at BMO, including Head of PMO and Business Transformation, Head of Canadian Collections, and ran the operations of Diner’s Club following the acquisition of that portfolio by BMO. 

   Kyle holds a Master’s of Business Administration in Financial Services from Dalhousie University and an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree from University of Toronto. Kyle, along with his wife Mandy, are loving parents to four children. While the kids keep Kyle and Mandy busy at pools and hockey arenas, they find time to travel as much as they can (with kids and without), keep healthy together and where time permits, get out and golf. Connect with Kyle on LinkedIn. 

  

  Colette Taylor

  Chief Operating Officer
  Sovereign Insurance

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  Colette Taylor

  Chief Operating Officer
  Sovereign Insurance

  Colette Taylor is the Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Sovereign Insurance, where she leads the business strategy to drive new growth in the rapidly changing Canadian marketplace. 

  Colette has been in the P&C insurance industry for more than 20 years in a variety of roles. She found her passion when she entered the world of team leadership. Prior to joining Sovereign, she had extensive experience in the mid-market commercial and specialty space as an executive and senior leader. She has led front-line commercial underwriting teams, managed strategic broker relationships, and spent time during her career as a broker working directly with commercial end-clients. 

  Since joining Sovereign in 2018, Colette has had a significant impact on the organization, quickly demonstrating her capabilities and growing within the leadership team. She began by leading the Specialty Lines Solutions team and assumed responsibility of the Commercial Solutions team in 2020 in her role as VP Commercial Solutions and Specialty Lines Solutions. Colette was responsible for the streamlined execution of Sovereign’s strategies within Commercial Solutions and Specialty Lines Solutions to support Sovereign’s goals for each channel of distribution. Her focus on innovation, efficiency, and informed underwriting has streamlined Sovereign’s operations; fostered a more collaborative and efficient experience for the organization’s brokers and partners and made a significant impact on supporting Sovereign’s profitability.  

  Although originally from New Zealand, Toronto is now her home base where she lives with her husband, two kids, two cats and a dog.

• 2:00 PM

  Speed networking

  Expand your network, make new connections, and meet fellow delegates in a structured networking session.  

  

  Susan DuHamel  

  Chief Marketing Officer, Global Risk Solutions 
  Liberty Mutual Insurance

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  Susan DuHamel  

  Chief Marketing Officer, Global Risk Solutions 
  Liberty Mutual Insurance

  Susan DuHamel has 25 years of experience in marketing, communications, and distribution in the insurance industry. She is Chief Marketing Officer for Liberty Mutual’s Global Risk Solutions division, a North American role she took on in 2019 following time with Liberty Mutual Canada. During her career, she has also worked with other global insurance & risk management companies. 

  Susan sits on the advisory board of ISC Group Canada, a business community that provides personal, professional, and business development for women in insurance. 

• 2:15 PM

  Networking coffee break

• 2:45 PM

  Know your worth – How to negotiate during pay discussions

  Gender pay inequity exists at all levels in the insurance profession. This empowering session will provide you with the confidence to negotiate your remuneration while meeting the needs of your organization. Among the topics that will be discussed: 

  • How to prepare for the conversation to get the outcome you want  
  • Understanding your compensation expectations, incentives, and career progression   
  • Alternative compensation models that value performance and outcomes   

  

  Lauren Ritchie

  Certified High Performance & Career Coach
  

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  Lauren Ritchie

  Certified High Performance & Career Coach
  

  Lauren Ritchie is a certified high-performance and career coach. She empowers individuals and teams to 5X their career through strategic pivots and accelerated performance. Leveraging the six pillars of high performance, she works with her clients to achieve heightened and sustained levels of performance and success.

  Lauren spent almost a decade working in financial institutions before pivoting her career to entrepreneurship. She has worked with some of Canada’s most prominent organizations, helping them drive engagement, retention and growth of their people and business.

  Lauren believes that gaining clarity about who you are; your value and self-worth, is essential to accelerating performance and to leading a fully engaged, purpose-driven life.

• 3:15 PM

  Fireside chat: Accelerating your career – the latest scoop on skills development

  The industry is rapidly changing, and leaders need to be at the forefront to deliver business objectives. How can you ensure you are performing at your best through self-driven learning and development? This fireside chat on skills development will discuss strategies to develop capabilities and skillsets for career advancement. Among the issues to be explored: 

  • What are the top three emerging leadership skills, and how can we develop them?  
  • How can managers and executives encourage and prioritize learning and development for themselves and their teams?  
  • Overcoming challenges, such as leading inclusively and authentically in a hybrid environment, juggling multiple responsibilities, and collaboration among multi-generational teams  
  • Tips on how to take the next step in your career

  Moderator

  

  Chaya Cooperberg

  Executive Vice President, Chief People and Communications Officer
  AmTrust Financial Services Inc.

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  Chaya Cooperberg

  Executive Vice President, Chief People and Communications Officer
  AmTrust Financial Services Inc.

  Head of global Human Resources, Marketing, and Communications, global Property & Casualty insurer, ~$8 billion in gross written premium, 6,500 Full Time Employees. 

  Chaya Cooperberg is an accomplished Human Resources, Marketing, Communications and Investor Relations executive with experience advising Boards and senior management at publicly traded multi-national companies. With more than 20 years of experience across industries, Chaya has developed expertise in incentive compensation plans, succession planning, corporate culture, talent development, organizational design and restructuring, diversity and inclusion, wellbeing, ESG, brand management, shareholder activism, financial reporting and financial disclosure, and crisis communications.  

  Panelists

  

  Marcela Abreu

  Vice President, Head P&C Solutions Canada & English Caribbean
  SwissRe

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  Marcela Abreu

  Vice President, Head P&C Solutions Canada & English Caribbean
  SwissRe

  Marcela Abreu is the Head of P&C Solutions for Canada and English Caribbean at Swiss Re. Based in Toronto since February 2021, Marcela leads the region’s go-to-market strategy for delivering proprietary tools, data analytics capabilities and bespoke consultancy services offered by Swiss Re Reinsurance Solutions.

  Marcela has held multiple roles during her 10-year tenure with Swiss Re. Before moving to Canada, she was responsible for driving all P&C business in Chile, Uruguay and Paraguay. With over 14 years in the industry, she has technical underwriting, strategy and client management expertise within global P&C reinsurance and brokerage operations.

  Marcela is known by her peers because of her high levels of energy and can-do spirit. Passionate about sales and talent development, she has been involved with Inclusion & Diversity initiatives since the beginning of her career, and currently dedicates time to mentor Latin women looking to internationalize their career. Marcela received a bachelor’s degree in International Relations and has a specialization in Business and Management.

  

  Melissa Bajwa

  Vice President, Compliance and Broker Network Operations
  PROLINK Insurance Inc. & PROLINK Broker Network

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  Melissa Bajwa

  Vice President, Compliance and Broker Network Operations
  PROLINK Insurance Inc. & PROLINK Broker Network

  Melissa Bajwa joined PROLINK Insurance Inc. in 2016, and presently holds the title, “Vice President of Compliance and Broker Operations”. In just six years, Melissa has established herself as a critical senior leader, resulting in her 2020 appointment as Principal Broker (DI) for both PROLINK and over 30 brokerages that comprise the PROLINK Broker Network. Additionally, Melissa holds the highest P&C license in all provinces and territories, excluding Quebec.

  

  Dionne Bowers

  Owner, D.B. Solutions
  Canadian Association of Black Insurance Professionals

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  Dionne Bowers

  Owner, D.B. Solutions
  Canadian Association of Black Insurance Professionals

  Dionne is a dynamic leader with over twenty years of progressive experience in the insurance industry. She operates her own Consulting business, which focuses on training and development solutions for insurance professionals and is also a contracted facilitator with some of Ontario’s higher learning institutions. Dionne is a Co-Founder of the Canadian Association of Black Insurance Professionals; a non-profit organization primarily focused on Advocacy, Mentorship, Education and Networking for individuals in the insurance industry or who are looking to pursue a career in this industry. She has a strong passion for learning and sharing knowledge with others.  

  Dionne graduated from the University of Ottawa with a degree in Criminology and Sociology. She also has a diploma in Public & Private Investigations from Sheridan College and currently holds her Fellowship Chartered Insurance Professional designation – the highest professional designation in Canada’s Property & Casualty industry as well as her Canadian Risk Management designation.  

  She is a published author and in her spare time, enjoys mentoring people, giving back to the community, reading, traveling abroad, boxing, basketball and creating new experiences with family and friends. 

• 3:55 PM

  Closing remarks from chairperson

  

  Susan DuHamel  

  Chief Marketing Officer, Global Risk Solutions 
  Liberty Mutual Insurance

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  Susan DuHamel  

  Chief Marketing Officer, Global Risk Solutions 
  Liberty Mutual Insurance

  Susan DuHamel has 25 years of experience in marketing, communications, and distribution in the insurance industry. She is Chief Marketing Officer for Liberty Mutual’s Global Risk Solutions division, a North American role she took on in 2019 following time with Liberty Mutual Canada. During her career, she has also worked with other global insurance & risk management companies. 

  Susan sits on the advisory board of ISC Group Canada, a business community that provides personal, professional, and business development for women in insurance. 

• 4:00 PM

  Networking drinks reception