Masai Ujiri

Transformative Leadership

Masai Ujiri is one of the most well-known leaders in the NBA. As the president and Vice-Chairman of the Toronto Raptors, he led the team through its most successful period in franchise history.

At the same time, Masai’s Giants of Africa foundation has enriched the lives of African youth globally, and helped these young players compete at the highest levels in basketball.

As an influential public figure and highly effective leader, Masai shares how his leadership style helps him win on and off the court, lift up those around him, and develop the next generation of leaders.

Dr. Hadiya Roderique

Cultivating a Diverse and Inclusive Workplace

Dr. Hadiya Roderique made waves in corporate Canada after her feature essay “Black on Bay Street” was published in The Globe and Mail. It shared her experience as a young, Black woman working in a large Bay Street law firm, and sparked discussion in boardrooms across the country.

Hadiya’s data-informed presentations draw on her personal experience as a corporate lawyer to discuss barriers and challenges to diversity and inclusion in the workplace, counter these common arguments, and showcase the power behind a diverse and inclusive workplace.

Martin Luther King III

Continuing the Legacy: Civil Rights in the 21st Century

As the son of Martin Luther King, Jr., one of the most iconic civil rights leaders of the 20th century, taking a stand against injustice and advocating for human rights is in Martin Luther King III’s blood.

A global humanitarian who has travelled worldwide to make a difference in the lives of all people, King has unique insights into the civil rights battles still being waged today. Reflecting on the examples and work of his father, King calls attention to what is left to be done, and the steps needed to make equality for all not just a dream, but a reality.

Wes Hall

The Corporate World Reimagined

From growing up in rural Jamaica to becoming a CBC Dragon, Wes Hall’s climb to the top of the corporate ladder is an inspirational one. Yet, as he climbed higher, Wes noticed that fewer and fewer people looked like him.

Wes founded BlackNorth Initiative to challenge corporate Canada to end systemic racism. In this presentation, he not only shares his personal story of success, but also reveals concrete steps leaders and organizations can take to reduce anti-Black systemic barriers and advance POC in the workplace.

Sandy Hudson

Activating Anti-Racism

Engaging in anti-racist work for over 15 years, Sandy Hudson has developed a participatory teaching style that uses interactive activities, case studies, and audience participation to create the ideal atmosphere to learn about the difficult topic of racism.

The co-founder of the Black Lives Matter movement in Canada, Sandy provides a comprehensive introduction to what racism is, how to recognize it, how it operates, and how to actively address it in organizations and as individuals.

Anthony McLean

Black History: Then and Now

Anthony McLean has created a fascinating and inspiring Black History Month presentation that surveys where we were, where we are, and where we’re headed when it comes to racial equity.

Anthony celebrates past and present civil rights pioneers around the world, while showing audiences how to be allies to the Black community.

This uplifting presentation celebrates the progress we’ve made while encouraging all to continue the journey toward racial equity.

Dr. Kwadwo Kyeremanteng

Unapologetic Leadership

Dr. Kwadwo Kyeremanteng is the department head of critical care at The Ottawa Hospital; founder of the Resource Optimization Network and Solving Wellness; host of the popular podcast, Solving Healthcare; and the force behind, Bridges Over Barriers, a charity supporting children’s mental health.

Drawing from his new book Unapologetic Leadership, Kwadwo explore the values-first, action-oriented leadership style that inspired his team to accomplish the impossible during an impossible time, leaving audiences inspired and equipped to lead with purpose and create positive change.

Birgit Umaigba

Nurturing Mental Health and Well-Being in the Workplace

Registered nurse and award-winning health equity activist, Birgit Umaigba analyzes the pivotal intersection of mental health and well-being in the workplace. She delves into the profound impact work has on employees’ well-being and the role leadership plays in destigmatizing mental Illness.

Through data-driven insights and strategies, Birgit showcases how fostering a mentally healthy workplace not only enhances employee morale and productivity but also reduces absenteeism and turnover rates.

Tyrone Edwards

What I Wish My Teachers Had Known

In this deeply moving keynote experience, Etalk’s Tyrone Edwards takes audiences on a journey through the educational system from the eyes of a little black boy. From grade one to graduation, he shares stories he wished his teachers had known at the time to give educators greater clarity and insight into the diverse students they teach, and how to best support them on their respective journeys.

By leading with vulnerability, kindness, and humour, Tyrone models ways to forge meaningful relationships, cultivate joy, and foster a sense of belonging in the classroom and beyond. 

Lekan Olawoye

Understanding the Black Experience and Becoming an Ally

Many corporate leaders would like to be an ally of the Black community, their employees, and clients, but don’t know where to start.

Lekan Olawoye is the founder and CEO of Black Professionals in Tech Network, the largest Black tech and business community in North America. He helps audiences lean into this important conversation, providing historical context and insights into the Black experience and giving practical tools on how to become an intentional ally.

Raven Solomon

Generations and Racial Equity

An expert on the intersection of generations and racial equity, Raven Solomon breaks down the connection between equity and generations that every organization needs to know and lean into in order to thrive in a marketplace growing more racially and ethnically diverse by the decade.

Raven helps attendees understand how and why a generation can impact how they view, understand, and combat racism, leaving them with greater clarity on their role in fighting for racial equity and how to effectively collaborate with others in that pursuit.

Cameron Bailey

Creating An Urban Cultural Hub

Few people understand the importance of the arts and cultural sector better than Cameron Bailey. He is the CEO of one of the world’s biggest and most important film festivals, and under his leadership the Toronto International Film Festival continues to grow in size and significance every year.

In his engrossing and highly customized talks, Cameron discusses what it takes to grow a cultural organization, from engaging staff at all levels, to harnessing the energy of local citizens and politicians to capturing the attention of the world.