What’s driving 2026? We asked our leading experts to break down the year ahead — from global political shifts to AI’s next critical phase. Plus, meet new faces on our roster.
Global Shifts, Leadership, and Tech: 2026 Trends to Watch
Discover the trends to watch in 2026! Exploring global politics, the workplace, and AI/technology, we’ve compiled tips, trends, and advice from some of our leading speakers to help prepare you for the challenges and opportunities ahead.
Global Shifts
Janice Gross Stein
Founding Director, Munk School of Global Affairs
The overwhelming focus of attention in 2026 will be the midterm elections in the US. Will it happen? Will the Democrats capture control of the House? Will the Trump administration accept the results?
Leadership
Hamza Khan
Future of Work and People-First Leadership Expert
2026 will see a continued leadership reinvention. As AI increasingly takes on executional tasks, leadership is less command and oversight and more co-creating the conditions for regenerative performance.
AI and Tech
Taylor Owen
Digital Future Expert | Host, Machines Like Us
After years of hype, AI is entering a consequential phase. The defining question for 2026 — can it be adopted in ways that remain politically legitimate, socially trusted, and economically durable.
What's Driving the Year Ahead?
New to Our Roster
From the UN to the World Cup, from Parliament Hill to the frontlines, meet the latest speakers to join our roster.
Jesse Marsch
Head Coach, Canada’s Men’s National Soccer Team
Drawing from his road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Jesse Marsch delivers powerful insights on leadership and rallying teams around ambitious goals.
Mark Shapiro
President and CEO, Toronto Blue Jays
Mark Shapiro shares invaluable insights from orchestrating one of baseball’s most dramatic turnarounds, the Blue Jay’s run to the 2025 World Series.
The Honourable Bob Rae
Canada’s 25th Ambassador to the United Nations
With five decades in international diplomacy and national politics, the Hon. Bob Rae offers rare insight into navigating complex challenges.
Dr. Sheila Wijayasinghe
Medical Doctor | Co-Host, The Doc Talk Podcast
From menopause to health equity and patient self-advocacy, Dr. Sheila Wijayasinghe translates complex health topics into actionable insights.
General Wayne Eyre (Ret’d)
Former Chief of the Defence Staff
General Wayne Eyre led Canada’s military through unprecedented crises. He speaks on pressing issues facing Canada and the leadership required.
Jagmeet Singh
Former Leader of Canada’s New Democratic Party
Political trailblazer Jagmeet Singh shares the leadership principles that helped him drive transformative change in an era of deepening polarization.
Alicia Woods
Award-Winning Entrepreneur | CEO, Covergalls Workwear
From pitching on Dragons’ Den to scaling Covergalls, Alicia Woods transforms audiences’ understanding of innovation, resilience, and workplace safety.
Mark Bentz
Building Resilience Through Adversity | CEO
Blind since age nine, paralympic champion Mark Bentz‘s inspirational keynotes motivate audiences to transform adversity into opportunity and unlock their full potential.
Interested in learning more about our leading speakers? Contact us today!
