Diane was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa at the age of five. By the time she was ten, she was considered legally blind, and lost all sight in her 30’s.

Undaunted by this, Diane continues to achieve whatever goal she sets her sights on – from higher education: she has her Master of Arts in Leadership – to physical fitness: she recently completed an Ironman. What many would call a disadvantage, Diane has turned into an incredible strength.

Through all of Diane’s work, sport and volunteer activities, she demonstrates a commitment to improving the quality of life of all people.
Diane is currently a Vice President for the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB), in a national and international advocacy role, and has held an array of other high-level positions in organizations that advocate for people with disabilities.

She began her career within municipal administration as an advisor on disability issues and policy to the Edmonton City Council (Alberta). She left this position after five years, so she could advise the Alberta Government as a staff member of the Premier’s Council on the Status of Persons with Disabilities. For over eight years, Diane took on a number of projects and roles within the organization, including the Director of the Council Secretariat.

Diane also has a passion for adventure, and is a bit of a daredevil! She has driven a race car, skydived, and rappelled down the side of a 29-storey building. Her latest adventures challenge her physically, and she has been competing in longer and longer races and triathlon courses – most recently the Mont Tremblant Ironman as the only participant in the physically challenged category.

Diane has been an active volunteer within her community all her life, from working with youth groups and advocacy organizations for people with disabilities to supporting the work of post-secondary institutions.

She has held many positions responsible for organizational governance and public relations. Whether it’s participating as secretary of her child’s Parent Council, or President of the National Educational Association of Disabled Students, Diane brings together her experience and passion to the role.

Diane is also a life-long learner. She is an alumnus of both the Management Studies and the Rehabilitation Practitioner programs at MacEwan University. She is also a graduate of MacEwan’s Bachelor of Applied Human Services Administration program.

In 2011, Diane graduated with distinction from the Master of Arts in Leadership program from Royal Roads University, where she was also the graduate student representative on the University Academic Council.

Diane has been a self-advocate all her life. Indeed, she has had to be. As a woman with a disability, she has experienced her share of discrimination. Always one to use a challenge as motivation, these kinds of experiences re-ignite a passion within her: a passion for ensuring that all people are recognized for what they can do and not limited by others’ perceptions.

In her career, volunteer work and in her personal friendships, Diane continually helps others to understand that people are more than any label that has been placed on them.

Diane truly believes that we are only limited by our own self-concept. Challenging stereotypes is her way of life, and is how she opens ideas, conversations, and how she demonstrates that nothing is impossible if the will and support is there to try.

Even without the ability to see, Diane’s vision is clear!

Dr. Dianne Saxe is one of Canada’s most respected environmental lawyers, with 40+ years’ unparalleled experience writing, interpreting, and litigating Ontario’s energy and environmental laws. An experienced team leader with substantial board experience; a skilled communicator with broad strategic vision. Hard-won expertise in government relations, corporate governance and public consultation. A can-do person always striving to make a difference. Now heading a consultation practice business providing strategic advice and presentations on climate, energy and environment.

Leadership training and experience: 2015 to 2019, Dr. Dianne Saxe was the Environmental Commissioner of Ontario. She was appointed unanimously by all MPPs to report to the Legislature on Ontario’s environmental, energy and climate performance, and to be the guardian of the Environmental Bill of Rights. During her term, she improved the effectiveness of the Environmental Bill of Rights, increased public understanding of the urgency of climate change, and delivered 17 reports on environment, energy and climate.

Board Experience: More than 20 years’ experience on public and private boards, including Draxis board and audit committee (public issuer). Non-profit organizations included Secretary of Evergreen, a $10 million/year environmental charity; president and chair of the Windshare renewable energy cooperative; Ontario Bar Association Investment Committee. Extensive professional assistance to boards and board members, especially on issues of personal and environmental liability. Certified “Board-Ready” by Women in Capital Markets. Author: Environmental Protection – Guidance & Recommendations for Boardroom Practice. Canadian Board Diversity Council Get on Board, Intermediate program.

Business Experience: 25 years running her own small business, a highly regarded environmental law boutique. A Certified Environmental Law Specialist, Commissioner Saxe was recognized by all major legal rating services, including acknowledgement as one of the world’s top 25 environmental lawyers by Best of the Best, 2008 and as Best Lawyers’ first Environmental Lawyer of the Year for Toronto.

Professional Qualifications: Ph.D. in Law, Osgoode Hall Law School, 1991. Ontario Bar, 1976. LL.B., Osgoode Hall Law School, 1974. Mediator.

Awards: Toronto’s first Environmental Lawyer of the Year, selected by Best Lawyers. One of the world’s top 25 environmental lawyers, according to Best of the Best, 2008. Recognized by Lexpert, Who’s Who Legal, Chambers, Martindale Hubble and other rating agencies. Osgoode Hall Alumni Gold Key for Achievement; Ontario Bar Association Distinguished Service Award.

Eddie LeMoine, a Canadian-born international renowned author, keynote speaker, seminar leader and corporate trainer. He specializes in leadership, employee engagement, stress management, safety and the psychology of success. His presentations are full inspiring stories. He easily connects with audiences through his great sense of humor and genuine care for people. Eddie LeMoine uses his speaking ability to motivate and inspire individuals all over the world. LeMoine’s unprecedented success is due to his powerful ability to close the gap between business results and personal development. He inspires greatness in corporations by inspiring greatness in individuals.

With innovation and creativity, Eddie LeMoine moves people towards brilliance—and the results are immediate. As a result, his presentations contain rich with content that leave audience members energized and with the tools they need to implement change in both their work and personal lives.

Eddie LeMoine has an uncanny ability to touch the hearts and minds of people around the globe. His audiences represent 83 countries and his speeches have been translated into five languages.  His bestselling book,” Bring About What You Think About” helps readers understand that changing the way they think can absolutely change their lives. Furthermore, it teaches the importance of matching your thoughts to your emotions and how to embrace change. As a result, his book has become a must read for many companies across the country.

In addition to his success as an author, Eddie is the 2017 TEC Canada speaker of the year. TEC Canada is a business leadership group that expands business minds, businesses and community contribution. TEC Canada offers a peer advisory board for business leaders supported by one-to-one coaching, expert speakers, fast-paced learning and global networking. Because he works closely with TEC Canada, Eddie LeMoine coaches and facilitates many of Canada’s top business leaders to innovate their companies through his practical solutions for workforce and individual success.

In addition to his presentations, Eddie LeMoine also want to make sure the audience has an amazing learning experience. That experience should go beyond the stage. To help organizations for the long term, every member of an Eddie LeMoine audiences will receive a three-month complimentary pass to Eddie’s online training community!

Elaine Allison, (CSP) is known as a Customer Care Advocate and is an international keynote speaker; trainer, consultant and author of the bestselling book The Velvet Hammer: PowHERful Leadership Lessons for Women Who Don’t Golf.

Elaine is passionate on transforming companies and organizations via modern customer service strategies to be number one in their industry. You can expect happier customers who return more often, recommend you to all their friends, higher revenues, a larger share of the market, and a stronger company. With extremely successful results in helping organizations become #1 in Customer Care – Elaine delivers powerful keynotes and learning programs that have an impact on audiences. They leave with techniques in their back pocket that can be used immediately.

Elaine Allison has insider knowledge and experience in both customer service skills and unique training methods to ensure learning takes place and the techniques taught are used immediately. For many years, she was on the front lines facing the toughest customers on the planet, day in, day out. It forced Allison to innovate and optimize my methods and approaches to turn every angry customer and hopeless crisis into a win for the company.

And given that today’s consumer shares their experience via online reviews and social media as well as checks on these reviews before making a purchase, it’s never been more important for companies to upgrade their the customer facing employee skills to remain competitive. Her strategies and solutions are based on meeting the high expectations of today’s consumer in a competitive market.  Elaine Allsion has worked with sales leaders and their employees at over hundreds of companies and organizations in North America.

Elaine Allison has been featured on ABC World News, Global TV, The Globe and Mail and many networks, newspapers, and radio shows across North America. Her hands-on experience, real life stories and illustrations of what we encounter daily helps audiences consider all their options and apply immediate solutions. Over the years, Elaine has developed training and keynotes for such industries as travel, trades, finance, insurance, military, corrections, police, retail, food services, media, technology, healthcare. Elaine Allison’s messages are universal and are tailored to your needs. Elaine Allison has enthralled audiences from coast to coast in both the United States, Canada and globally with her lively presentations and affable style. She was also the recipient of the 2002 Visions of Excellence – Entrepreneur of the Year Award.

Elaine Froese (CSP), is a lifelong farmer. Every day, she uses her background in conflict resolution and communication to help fellow growers and ranchers face make-or-break issues head on – so they can focus on the business of farming. Starting with 4-H presentations in Manitoba at age nine and moving on to audiences today in Mexico, Australia and beyond, she has always understood that communication is the key to building trust and understanding, especially when your family members are your business partners.

Elaine is a member of the Canadian Association of Professional Speakers, and an award-winning author of two books: Planting the Seed of Hope: A Celebration of Prairie Life and Do the Tough Things Right. She currently writes a regular agricultural column for Grainews for 20 years, and previously appeared on Canada’s national AgVision TV. Elaine Froese is also member of the Canadian Association of Farm Advisors

Elaine Froese has personally experienced the stresses and frustrations that only families in today’s agriculture climate understand. Froese has seen it all, heard it all, and survived it all — from buying the in-laws’ farm, the isolation of farm life, a sudden illness or death in the family, and every crisis you can imagine. She has given families worldwide the practical tools they need to save their marriages, hold onto their farms and gain some much-needed peace of mind.

Elaine Froese hates it when people say “she must be busy.” As a certified coach from the Hudson Institute of Santa Barbara, Elaine has amazing strategies for mapping out a great way to live intentionally and make conscious choices. She removed “all hurriedness from her life” after a serious bout of post-partum depression. Her empathy for mental health is widely appreciated by her audiences as she confronts the true challenge of self care which is not selfish. As a depression survivor, Elaine Froese places a high priority on staying healthy.

She knows it is never a quick fix project, but an ongoing process of choosing what is most important to you in the present season of your life. More than 600 families have received her personal coaching advice, along with thousands more who have attended her keynote presentations on emotionally complicated topics -and walked away with life-changing results. If you want relief from uncomfortable discussions about roles and responsibilities, arguments over ownership and succession agreements, and procrastination on planning for the future, there are several ways to put Elaine Froese’s expertise to work for you.

A geo-economist and long term thinking advocate, Eric Noël helps leaders better anticipate and better prepare for tomorrow’s global markets and politico-economic, demographic and technological changes.

He launched his first information company at the age of 18 and began his career in journalism, finance, and international business publishing, with assignments in China and Europe, including with The Economist Intelligence Unit. He joined Oxford Analytica in 1993 to open the Canadian market. Oxford Analytica is a leading global analysis and advisory firm which draws on a worldwide network of 1,400 experts in 150 countries to explore events and trends at the nexus of politics and economics, state and business. In addition to serving several government and international agencies including the Government of Canada and the UN, Mr. Noël has served 11 Fortune 100TM, almost half of Canada’s 25 largest funds and companies, and advised on transactions totaling more than $30B in some 30 countries.

Mr. Noël is the initiator of the Canada Towards 2030 Project, an independent foresight initiative and series of events that have attracted more than 4,700 participants coast-to-coast. He is also an executive fellow, School of Public Policy, University of Calgary; and a judge and mentor at XPrize Foundation in Los Angeles. Author and speaker. A Rotary Foundation Scholar and ambassador of Goodwill, he graduated from Bishop’s University, Institut d’Études européennes, and Solvay Business School.

Danièle Sauvageau has the passion, instinct and leadership that was instrumental in the historic win by the Canadian Women’s Hockey team at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City. As the general manager and coach, Sauvageau transformed a fear of losing into an absolute desire for victory, a radical turnaround that enabled her players to achieve their Olympic dream. Danièle Sauvageau has taken part in six Olympic Games, as women’s hockey coach, general manager and coaching consultant. She played a key role in her team’s wins in seven consecutive world championships, and in the silver medal they won at the Nagano Olympics. With her dedication, involvement in developing her sport and her winning record, she has become the undisputed guru of women’s hockey in Canada. She also holds a master’s certificate in coaching from the National Coaching Certification Program and a management certificate from the École des Hautes Études Commerciales.

Danièle Sauvageau has a degree in social work and has served with the RCMP and Montreal’s police department for over 24 years, including the narcotics division. Sauvageau has done undercover narcotics work, busted a car full of drug dealers, and ordered the forced entry and rescue of a double agent whose life was in jeopardy. Sauvageau currently works as advisor to the strategic development department.

Sauvageau’s expertise is not limited to just one sport. She has contributed to the success of a number of national programs, including the national synchronized swimming team and the women’s water polo team. She is involved as a coaching and performance consultant with the Canadian Olympic Committee in preparation for the Vancouver Winter Olympics. As such, she is closely associated with the success of Canadian short-track speed skaters and figure skater Joanie Rochette.

Drawing on her expertise in human resources management, coaching, leadership, situation assessment, communication and the formation of winning teams, Danièle Sauvageau speaks on various topics related to performance. In 2003, Sauvageau began to offer her services as an executive coaching consultant. She has supported and assisted numerous public and private-sector clients in building a new vision and managing change in order to gain a competitive edge. Danièle Sauvageau is a well-known figure in the media and is often asked to comment on developments in hockey and elite sports in general.

Over the course of her career, she has been featured on CBC, Radio-Canada, TSN and NBC, as well as many articles in Canadian and American publications. She is also the co-author of The Golden Tears, the Journey to the Olympics. Danièle Sauvageau was the spokesperson for the Coaching Association of Canada and a member of the Coaches of Canada, as well as serving on the board of directors for Vancouver’s 2010 Winter Olympics bid.

If anyone understands that life is what you make it, it’s Darci Lang. She quite literally went out and built the life she wanted. She has worked for great leaders and not so great leaders, built three award-winning businesses and let them go when the time was right. All she has accomplished has been done on her own terms and by focusing on the 90% – the positive in her world versus the other 10%.

Darci Lang has discovered a solution to help you live your life, do your job, and connect with the people who matter most, to the fullest. Darci has a bold, joyful presence – illuminating the good in audiences lives with her dynamic message. For 24 years, Lang has been sharing tough love with empathy, creating perspective shifts and having an impact on hundreds of businesses in diverse industries. Darci Lang helps to transform cultures, employee engagement and in turn – morale and profitability. From farmers, ironworkers and linesmen to medical professionals, educators and administration people, her connection to her audience is astounding.

Darren Lang has lived his talk. Having gone through a major rut in his own life, everything he talks about are the tried and true tools he used to pick himself up and get back to feeling great. Throughout his career, Lang has shared his stress busting techniques to help thousands of individuals and hundreds of organizations by sharing fun and powerful stories and ideas on how to take control of stress and stay more connected and balanced.

Darren Lang has a degree in Business Administration as well as an MBA. He is a professional member of the Canadian Association of Professional Speakers (CAPS) for over 10 years and is also past president of the Saskatchewan chapter of CAPS. In addition, Darren has been a member of the Saskatchewan Association of Human Resources Professionals (SAHRP) for over eight years. For the past 21 years, he has worked with several different companies designing and conducting training sessions and in the last eight years, Darren Lang and his wife, Darci, have operated their own corporate speaking and training company, XL Enterprises.

Tired of working with a stressed team? Is your group suffering from burnout, apathy, absenteeism and health trouble? Stress can have a huge impact on your team, resulting in poor decision making, lackluster performance, stress leave and staff turnover. Darren Lang shares his own journey with stress and the tools that brought him back to feeling his best.