HR Executive Peer Forum 2026

Tom Turcich, the tenth person to walk around the world and the first to do so with a dog, captured the world's imagination with his remarkable journey. After the death of a close friend, Tom resolved to make the most of life. The day before his twenty-sixth birthday, he stepped out his front door to begin an adventure spanning seven years, twenty-eight thousand miles and thirty-eight countries.
By traversing the globe on foot, Tom immersed himself in the diverse cultures and landscapes. From the bustling streets of Istanbul to the tranquil beauty of the Kyrgyz mountains, Tom embraced the challenges and triumphs of an extraordinary pilgrimage. But his expedition was not just a physical feat but a profound introspection. Each step was a testament to an unwavering commitment to self-discovery and a search for understanding.
Through encounters with strangers, weeks of solitude, and a sheer resilience of spirit, Tom emerged as a beacon of inspiration for countless individuals yearning to find purpose in their own lives. His tale serves as a reminder that fulfillment lies not solely in reaching a destination but in the transformative power of the journey itself.
Tom has been featured on CNN, BBC, Good Morning America, The Guardian, and countless other news outlets.

Shazia is an accomplished leader with a powerful blend of business leadership and human capital expertise. As Managing Partner, Executive Services at McLean & Company, she partners with senior leaders to unlock organizational performance through strategic people practices that align with core business objectives.
With a career spanning more than 25 years in Telcom, Engineering and Financial sectors, Shazia has held leadership roles that bridge the gap between HR strategy and enterprise growth. Her experience advising global organizations has honed her ability to deliver high-value insights, enabling clients to address workforce challenges, improve operational agility, and drive sustainable results.
She specializes in areas such as strategy, leadership development, cultural transformation, and operational excellence — all framed through a lens of strategic business alignment. She brings clarity to complexity and is adept at navigating change with both decisiveness and empathy. Whether advising on enterprise strategy or guiding executive teams, she has a passion for helping organizations—and the people within them—thrive.
Shazia holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Guelph, a postgraduate certificate in Communications and Public Relations from the University of Western Ontario, and a Diploma in Adult Education from Durham College.

Jennifer Rozon is the President of McLean & Company. She manages the overall vision and strategy for research, product development, business development, and customer experience. She is passionate about elevating HR departments and translating innovative ideas into execution through inspired team members. Jennifer is an analytical leader who drives bottom-line results while staying people focused and embraces change as an opportunity to drive breakthrough performance. She is a firm believer that creating an exceptional employee experience will in turn create a better member experience.
Since joining the organization in 2006, Jennifer has held positions in research, business development, corporate strategy, and product development. Jennifer pioneered some of the first blueprints and diagnostic products, including the development of the Employee Engagement Program.
Prior to joining McLean & Company, Jennifer held roles at Human Resources and Skills Development Canada, BlackBerry, and Wal-Mart. Jennifer received her Honors Business Administration from the Ivey Business School at Western University.

Robert was most recently the Chief Innovation Officer at Fasken, where he was responsible for transforming firm operations by pinpointing the products, process improvements, and business model changes that would best position Fasken for future success.
Robert has led major business transformation projects and held senior positions at McKinsey, Microsoft, Workbrain Corporation, Blockbuster Canada, and TheGuarantors.
Robert holds an undergraduate degree in Mathematics from Harvard University and an MBA from Northwestern University.

Mardi brings decades of experience as an HR Executive to her role as Executive Counselor at McLean & Company, where she supports and guides CHROs to be strategic business partners in achieving organizational and professional success.
Prior to joining McLean & Company Mardi led Human Resources for high-profile, growth-oriented companies in sports, media, entertainment, hospitality, manufacturing, and high tech. As a member of senior executive teams, she participated in setting strategic organizational direction, ensuring goals were aligned to the company’s vision, values, and priorities. Mardi is passionate about creating and sustaining a best-in-class culture where employees can thrive and grow. She has extensive experience with organizations undergoing change, particularly through growth and acquisition, and oversaw a successful HR transformation in an organization that more than quadrupled its value in 15 years.
Mardi holds a degree in psychology from the University of Western Ontario and both the CHRL and CHRE professional designations. Over and above her CHRO roles, Mardi is active in the HR community. She was the first recipient of the Professional Leadership Award from the HRPA, recognizing her commitment to the human resources profession. As a member of the HRPA’s Human Resources Experts Bureau, Mardi was a sought-after media contact for HR issues. Mardi has also served as a professional advisor and guest lecturer for George Brown College, Humber College, Ryerson University, and Osgoode Hall Law School.

Sally Cornet is an award-winning HR executive and Executive Counselor at McLean & Company, where she partners with CHROs and HR leaders to navigate complex organizational challenges and accelerate strategic impact. With over three decades of global talent and culture leadership, Sally brings deep expertise across high-tech, financial services, healthcare, retail, and customer experience sectors.
Prior to joining McLean & Company, Sally led HR teams for some of the world’s most iconic global brands, overseeing workforces of 80,000+ employees and HR functions with over 120 professionals. She is recognized for her ability to align people strategies with business priorities, transform HR operations, and build innovative, high-performance cultures.
Sally holds an MBA with a concentration in Organizational Behavior from the University of Central Florida and a BSBA in Marketing from the University of Wisconsin. She is a certified SPHR, GPHR, and ICF PCC-certified coach, as well as a Master Practitioner and Trainer of Neurolinguistic Programming (NLP). Her work blends strategic insight, operational excellence, and advanced coaching methodologies to elevate leadership and organizational effectiveness.
Known for her engaging style and pragmatic wisdom, Sally brings clarity, confidence, and lasting impact to every project she steps onto.

Tiphani Krueger is a seasoned HR executive and strategic advisor with over 25 years of experience across global asset management, financial services, telecommunications, and consulting. A former CHRO, she partners with senior leaders to drive transformation through people-focused strategies in leadership development, talent management, organizational effectiveness, and culture. Known for her collaborative approach and commitment to inclusive leadership, Tiphani continues to mentor and coach within the HR community. She holds a BA in sociology from the University of Iowa and certifications in MBTI, Hogan, and Korn Ferry leadership tools.

Stacey is an Executive Counselor at McLean & Company with over 30 years of experience advising senior leaders in both public and private sectors. Known for her integrity, authenticity, and sharp sense of humor, Stacey helps organizations navigate complex business transformations and lead through change with confidence. She brings deep expertise in coaching executives to deliver on strategic agendas and has held senior HR leadership roles in industries including publishing, financial services, law enforcement, and municipal government. Stacey is passionate about elevating the HR function, with a strong track record of leading modernization and transformation programs that position HR as a strategic business partner. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Toronto and is a graduate of the Advanced Leadership Program at the Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University. Stacey is a trusted advisor who brings insight, empathy, and practical guidance to every engagement.

Dessalen Wood, CHRP, is the Global Chief People Officer at Syntax, a global provider of cutting-edge cloud and managed IT solutions. Dessalen leads company-wide human resource strategies, fostering a vibrant culture for over 2,800 employees in 15 countries.
With over 25 years of experience, Dessalen has built and developed People & Culture teams, creating customized professional development initiatives at renowned Canadian and US enterprises like Reitman’s Canada, Hudson’s Bay Company, and The Disney Stores. Before Syntax, Wood served as Chief People Officer at ThoughtExchange and Vice President of Talent Development at Cineplex Entertainment. Recognized with multiple awards, including the Retail Council Award for Talent Development, Waterstone Top 10 Most Admired Corporate Cultures, and most recently is proud to announce Syntax having been named a Great Place to Work by their employees in all the countries in which they operate.

Louis Ansara brings 25 years of business operations and HR leadership experience to the Executive Counselor role at McLean & Company, where he will support and guide HR leaders to map out their HR strategy and prioritize HR initiatives that will make a measurable impact on their businesses.

With deep experience in several different industries including Retail and Manufacturing & Transportation, Louis has supported and led teams ranging from 6,000 to 30,000 employees. He has deep expertise in talent management, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, change management, compliance, and strategy & culture. His passion resides in developing others to achieve their career goals while also making a positive impact on business results and growth in the skills of team members.

In partnership with the COO and SVP operations, Louis led an organizational restructure that resulted in growing the company from eight regions to twenty, improved results and growth opportunity for employees at all levels, and set the foundation for the operating model of the company today. He has completed expatriate assignments in Australia and Japan as a business operations leader.

Louis attended the University of Toledo studying business administration. He holds certifications from Gallup University in their Great Managers and StrengthsFinder programs, and the Stephen Covey 7 Habits of Highly Effective People course. He is pursuing certification in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion from the University of South Florida.

Lisa Highfield is the Principal Director of Human Resources Technology and Artificial Intelligence at McLean & Company. With over 25 years of experience spanning HR, IT, and finance, Lisa delivers practical research and advisory services that help HR leaders drive strategic results. Formerly a Research and Advisory Director for Enterprise Applications at Info-Tech Research Group, she brings deep expertise in aligning business, HR, and IT priorities into actionable outcomes. Lisa specializes in HR technology strategy, digital transformation, and optimizing investments across the HR application lifecycle, including HCM, payroll, L&D, workforce management, recruiting, and ERP systems. A strong advocate for innovation, she is passionate about empowering HR teams through technology and data. Lisa holds an Executive MBA in Global Business, degrees in HR and science, a post-grad certificate in IT, and is advancing her knowledge of AI through Wharton’s executive education. She is a lifelong learner and trusted advisor to HR and IT leaders alike.

David McLean is an Executive Counselor at McLean & Company with over 25 years of HR and business leadership experience across the public and private sectors. A former CHRO in both environments, he brings expertise in organizational development, change leadership, culture, learning and development, HRIS implementation, and strategic HR planning.
David has worked across industries including transportation, healthcare, and higher education. He is passionate about leadership development strategies that build organizational capability and cultures where employees thrive. Recognized for his strategic mindset and client-focused approach, he received the President’s Award for Leadership from London Health Sciences Centre for leading transformative culture change.
A lifelong learner, David holds a BA from Western University, a postgraduate certificate in Human Resources, and a Master’s degree in Leadership from the University of Guelph. He also holds the Certified Human Resources Leader (CHRL) designation.

Terri Hoskins is an experienced global Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) and C-Suite executive who helps organizations unlock performance by putting people at the center of business strategy. Terri’s overarching HR philosophy is simple: organizations are comprised of human beings, not human doings. As a trusted advisor to Boards and C-Suite leaders, Terri is known for integrating talent, culture, and organizational design to accelerate profitable growth and drive operational excellence across multiple sectors including technology, energy, manufacturing, hospitality, finance, retail, and healthcare.

With deep expertise in leadership development, succession planning, executive compensation, labor relations, employee benefits, and enterprise change management, Terri has led organizations through complex transformations, global expansions, and mergers and acquisitions. Her practical, people-first approach consistently builds strong leadership pipelines and inclusive, high-performing cultures.

Terri earned her Master’s in Human Resources and Industrial Relations at West Virginia University and her Bachelor’s in Business Administration from Shepherd University. She holds the prestigious Certified Franchise Executive (CFE) credential as well as certifications in Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), Hogan Assessments, DDI Facilitation, and Situational Leadership, among others. Several years ago, she co-authored a feature article in the Global Business and Organizational Effectiveness journal entitled, “Enhancing experiential learning through business simulation and emulation” (Wiley).

When she’s not working, Terri can be found at the beach, traveling, working on her golf swing, learning pickleball, or enthusiastically embracing the thrill of a great shopping trip.

Julie Cober brings over 30 years of global human resources leadership experience, having served as CHRO and SVP of HR across the telecommunications, financial services, transportation, and management consulting sectors. Her career spans public Fortune 100 organizations, private equity–backed companies, nonprofits, and entrepreneurial ventures, including her role as Founder and CEO.

Julie is recognized for her pragmatic, strategic, and highly collaborative approach to leadership. As both a CHRO and Certified Executive Coach, she partners with senior leaders and boards to navigate complex organizational challenges, particularly in environments undergoing growth, transformation, or heightened change. Her work is grounded in sound judgment, discretion, and a strong ability to balance operational stability with forward-looking strategy, aligning people strategies with business priorities to deliver measurable results.

She has led large-scale mergers and acquisitions, enterprise-wide cultural transformations, and global expansions. Julie brings deep expertise in HR strategy and execution, organizational design, leadership development, succession planning, executive coaching, talent management, and employee engagement.

Julie is passionate about developing leaders and building high-performing, resilient organizations. She is known for fostering environments where individuals and teams can grow, adapt, and perform at their best.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology with a minor in Business from the University of Guelph, along with postgraduate certifications in HR leadership from Harvard University and Seneca College. Julie is also a Master Certified Executive Leadership Coach.

Julie is committed to continuous learning and brings a thoughtful, disciplined approach to her work that is grounded in curiosity, presence, and a willingness to challenge conventional thinking.

Both a strategic CHRO and transformative business leader, Stephen brings a unique perspective to HR, with deep experience developing and driving retail businesses prior to transitioning into his HR career. With experience spanning retail, hospitality, and global organizations, he brings a strong commercial mindset and a people-first approach to shaping high-performance cultures.

Throughout his HR career, Stephen has held senior HR executive roles with many notable brands – IKEA Canada, Sephora Canada, Four Seasons Hotel and Resorts – where he led enterprise-wide talent strategies, leadership development, and employment brand initiatives. His work has supported organizational growth, strengthened employee engagement, and enabled scalable, future-ready talent models across diverse regions and industries.

Under Stephen’s leadership, both IKEA Canada and Sephora Canada were named as a Forbes Top Employer for several years in a row and recognized for excellence in Talent Development by the Retail Council of Canada. As the Global Head of Talent at Four Seasons, Stephen led the development of the first global talent strategy aligned with the business to deliver a sophisticated and scalable talent model supporting strategic business growth and new lines of business. This included a global initiative to drive consistency and efficiency using data analytics and insights to assess talent readiness, succession risk, and future capability needs.

Drawing on his strong commercial and operations experience, Stephen ensures that HR strategies are grounded in the ability to shape and influence the business, operating models, and the economics of an organization.

A graduate of the University of Winnipeg, Stephen knows the power of amazing mentors and pays the experience forward with new leaders. Curiosity has been the driving force behind Stephen’s career path, with a connection to purpose-led brands. As a lifelong learner, Stephen loves to read and has a passion for wellness and practicing mindfulness.