Heather Russek

Keynote Speaker | Toronto, Ontario

Strategist, Collaborator
Innovation Design Expert

Heather Russek Expertise Business Growth, Business Management, Project Management, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Digital transformation, Consumer Behaviour and Disruption Management.

Heather Russek

About Heather Russek

Heather Russek is a strategist, researcher, and innovation expert who helps organizations navigate complexity and plan for the future. She works with public, non-profit, and socially driven leaders to design resilient strategies through applied futures research and human-centered design. With over 20 years of experience in policy innovation, healthcare leadership, management consulting, and strategic foresight, she is recognized for her ability to translate uncertainty into opportunity. A 2021 Next Generation Foresight Practitioner Fellow, Heather holds degrees from Queen’s University, McMaster University, and OCAD University.

Heather Russek Videos

The future of work and labour post-pandemic

Heather Russek Interviews & Podcasts

Our Future Hamilton Summit 2019: Brookfield Institute for Innovation

HEATHER RUSSEK BIOGRAPHY

Heather Russek is a strategist, researcher, designer, and innovation expert with more than two decades of experience helping organizations navigate complexity and plan for resilient futures. Her expertise lies in applying strategic foresight, human-centered design, and systems thinking to help leaders make informed, future-focused decisions in rapidly evolving environments.

Throughout her career, Heather Russek has established herself as a trusted expert in foresight and innovation across the public, private, and social sectors. She has guided governments, non-profit organizations, and institutions in identifying long-term opportunities, mitigating emerging risks, and designing strategies that balance immediate needs with future impact. Her work integrates evidence-based research, creativity, and design methodologies to produce insights that lead to meaningful organizational transformation.

Heather Russek has served in several senior leadership roles that have strengthened her reputation as a national voice on innovation and strategy. As Director of Policy Innovation at the Brookfield Institute for Innovation + Entrepreneurship, she led multi-year research initiatives examining the intersection of technology, policy, and inclusive economic growth. Her leadership on projects such as the AI Shift Conference, AI Futures Policy Labs, Into the Dataverse, and Empowering Women Entrepreneurs advanced understanding of artificial intelligence, data governance, and the future of work in Canada.

She played a leading role in the Employment in 2030 project and co-authored Turn and Face the Strange, which explored how automation and technology would reshape Canada’s labour market. These national foresight studies provided practical frameworks to help organizations, policymakers, and educators prepare for shifting workforce needs and technological disruption.

Earlier in her career, Heather served as Director of Corporate Strategy and Strategic Initiatives at St. Joseph’s Health Centre in Toronto. In this position, she was responsible for advancing large-scale transformation projects that strengthened organizational performance, patient care, and cross-sector collaboration within the healthcare system. Her experience in the health sector provided her with a deep understanding of how design thinking and strategic foresight can create systemic and sustainable improvements.

Heather Russek’s academic background combines science, business, and design, which underpins her ability to integrate analytical and creative thinking in equal measure. She holds a Bachelor of Science from Queen’s University, an MBA from McMaster University’s DeGroote School of Business, and a Master of Design in Strategic Foresight and Innovation from OCAD University. Her multidisciplinary training enables her to approach challenges from multiple perspectives, connecting insights across disciplines to drive innovation.

In recognition of her leadership in futures research, Heather was named a Next Generation Foresight Practitioner Fellow in 2021. Through this fellowship, she has collaborated with global foresight networks to explore how communities and organizations can better anticipate and adapt to change. She has also been instrumental in establishing partnerships among policymakers, educators, and civic innovators working toward more inclusive and forward-thinking systems.

Heather has contributed extensively to the development of open foresight networks that bring together city leaders, researchers, and innovators from across Canada to share data, insights, and methodologies that support public problem-solving. Her collaborative approach emphasizes participation, creativity, and evidence-based strategy as essential tools for designing adaptive and resilient futures.

As an educator and facilitator, Heather has taught strategic foresight and design methods at OCAD University and has delivered workshops for a wide range of professional audiences. Her ability to translate complex ideas into accessible strategies has made her a sought-after voice on topics such as the future of work, healthcare transformation, public policy innovation, and technology’s impact on society.

Heather Russek continues to support organizations in developing the capacity to think beyond short-term planning and embrace long-term resilience. She believes that curiosity, collaboration, and cross-sector learning are vital to solving complex challenges and preparing for the next generation of change. Her approach to leadership and foresight reflects a balance between analytical precision and creative exploration, enabling organizations to see connections across systems and design strategies that endure.

Through her research, facilitation, and strategic advisory work, Heather Russek has built a career dedicated to helping organizations move from uncertainty to possibility. Her insight into emerging trends, human-centered innovation, and strategic design continues to influence how leaders across Canada and beyond prepare for the future.

Heather Russek Topic Presentations

Heather Russek Toronto, Ontario, Canada delivers keynote presentations, workshops, fireside chats, moderated Q&A, and other presentation formats on a wide variety of topics. Each presentation is unique, customized and tailored for audiences, industries, conferences and event formats.

Thinking Beyond Tomorrow: Strategic Foresight for Smarter Decisions

Designing Resilient Systems: Innovation That Works in Practice

The Future of Work: Building Adaptable and Inclusive Organizations

Heather Russek Books & Articles

The Theatre We Want in 2040? We Used ‘strategic Foresight’ to Plan on the Prairies
The Theatre We Want in 2040? We Used ‘strategic

We worked with strategists Jessica Thornton and Heather Russek, whose work in their Creative Futures Studio is about anticipating potential...

Designto Symposium: a Future without Work
Designto Symposium: a Future without

DesignTO’s fifth annual symposium brings nine multidisciplinary experts into one room for an inspiring discussion on a Future without...

Heather Russek Speaking Testimonials

"Heather Russek and Jessica lead a national, complex, multi-stakeholder project that required a number of pivots to respond to changing pandemic conditions. The team at Creative Futures brought the latest in innovative engagement methodologies to deliver high value for partners, participants and funders.  Despite the challenges of the pandemic, I didn’t worry about the year-long initiative because I was confident it was always in the best hands.  "

Sean Mullin

Executive Director
Brookfield Institute for Innovation Entrepreneurship 

"It was a pleasure to work with Creative Futures. We were looking for a partner that could help us frame a transformational new strategy related to People-Centred Care at North York General and the team at Creative Futures was very effective in helping us get there. They bring a fresh approach to strategic planning that blends traditional organizational strategy with the foresight to future-proof the work we do. They are a pleasure to work with and highly recommend them to anyone that is looking at building an innovative strategy for their organization.  "

Sean Molloy

Director
Quality, Patient and Family Centred Care and Care Transitions 

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Heather Russek known for and what is their expertise as a keynote speaker in Canada?

Heather Russek is known for defined subject matter expertise based on professional experience and industry background. As a keynote speaker in Canada for conferences and conventions, their presentations align with organizational objectives and audience outcomes. Corporate keynote speakers in Canada are selected based on credibility, relevance, and practical application. Expertise alignment supports informed booking decisions. Read More

What topics does Heather Russek speak on for conferences, conventions, corporate events, and annual general meetings in Canada?

Heather Russek delivers keynote presentations on defined topic areas confirmed during booking. Canadian business speakers for corporate meetings in Canada align topic selection with event objectives and audience priorities. Conference speakers in Canada adapt messaging for conventions, trade shows, and summits. Topics are finalized prior to written confirmation. Read More

How do I know if Heather Russek is the right fit for my audience, conference, convention, or AGM?

Heather Russek is evaluated based on audience alignment, event objectives, and subject matter relevance. Event planners booking keynote speakers in Canada for corporate conferences review experience, delivery style, and industry context. Canadian business speakers for annual general meetings must align with program goals and audience expectations. Fit is clarified during the pre decision call. Read More

Where is Heather Russek from and where do they speak across Canada?

Heather Russek is from Toronto, Ontario and is available for events across Canada. Conference speakers in Canada frequently travel nationally with defined travel terms. Corporate keynote speakers coordinate scheduling through structured agreements. Availability is confirmed through formal inquiry. Read More

Is Heather Russek available as a virtual keynote speaker for online conferences, webinars, or hybrid events in Canada?

Heather Russek is available as a virtual keynote speaker for online conferences, corporate webinars, and hybrid events in Canada. Virtual keynote speakers in Canada deliver structured presentations adapted for remote audiences. Format, platform coordination, and timing are confirmed during booking. Virtual availability is documented through written agreement in Canada. Read More

Does Heather Russek deliver keynote presentations, workshops, training sessions, breakout sessions, fireside chats, or panel discussions?

Heather Russek may deliver keynote presentations as well as workshops and breakout sessions. Canadian business speakers for corporate training in Canada define session length and format during booking. Conference speakers may also participate in fireside chats or panel discussions depending on program design. Session formats are confirmed in writing. Read More

How do I contact Heather Russek to check availability and begin the booking process in Canada?

Heather Russek is contacted through Speakers Bureau of Canada to confirm availability and event details. Event planners and meeting planners typically schedule a pre decision call to clarify format, objectives, and scope. Booking begins once event requirements are defined. Written confirmation follows agreement execution. Read More

How do I book Heather Russek for a conference, convention, trade show, summit, or corporate meeting in Canada?

Heather Russek is booked through a structured agreement process confirming availability, fee structure, and logistics. Booking keynote speakers in Canada for conventions and trade shows includes written contracts and defined payment terms. Canadian business speakers for annual general meetings require scope confirmation before date holds convert to confirmed status. Booking is finalized upon agreement execution. Read More

How much does it cost to book Heather Russek as a keynote speaker in Canada?

Heather Russek keynote speaker fees depend on event type, audience size, format, and location. The cost to book a keynote speaker in Canada varies based on preparation scope and delivery structure. Corporate keynote speakers in Canada confirm fees through a booking agent and written agreement. Final pricing reflects defined scope and contract terms. Read More

Are there additional costs to hire Heather Russek for a corporate event, convention, or trade show in Canada?

Additional costs to hire Heather Russek may include travel expenses, extended sessions, workshops, meet and greets, emcee duties, or event host roles. Keynote speakers in Canada for business conventions often separate honorarium from travel and related logistics. Canadian business speakers confirm these components in writing before agreement execution. All additional costs are outlined contractually. Read More

How far in advance should I book Heather Russek for a conference, convention, or business meeting in Canada?

Heather Russek should be booked once event dates, location, and format are confirmed. Conference speakers in Canada often secure dates several months in advance. Corporate keynote speakers for annual general meetings may have limited availability during peak seasons. Early inquiry improves confirmation certainty. Read More

Is Heather Russek represented by an agent in Canada and how is the agreement handled?

Heather Russek is represented by Speakers Bureau of Canada for booking coordination and agreement management. Keynote speakers in Canada often work through an agency to formalize contracts and payment handling. Agent representation ensures structured communication between organizers and the speaker. Representation clarifies agreement terms before confirmation. Read More