McLean Signature
October 4-6, 2026
Virgin Hotels, Las Vegas
Signature is an innovative, research-based human resources conference that brings together HR Executives and their leadership teams. The 2026 Signature agenda will include interactive sessions, keynote presentations, peer-to-peer roundtables, and CHRO panel discussions.
Registration Now Open
00
DAYS
00
HOURS
00
MINUTES
00
SECONDS
Human Centric. Future-Ready.
Prepare for a people-first, future-ready approach to HR at 2026's must-attend conference, McLean Signature.
Join us in October in Las Vegas as we bring together thought leaders, analysts, and HR professionals like you to explore the trends, culture shifts, and strategies shaping a human-centric future. Dive into impactful keynotes, interactive sessions, roundtable discussions, networking, and more.
Don't miss your chance to gain actionable insights and strategies to drive meaningful change and prepare your organization for the future.
Rates:
Save $600 until August 28th
Member
$2,495 USD
$3,095 USD Regular Rate
Non-Member
$3,295 USD
$3,895 USD Regular Rate
Why Attend McLean Signature?
Join the Future of Work
- Learn from McLean & Company analysts about emerging thinking in the HR and leadership space.
- Hear from industry leaders about how they've successfully tackled HR and leadership challenges.
- Network with fellow HR leaders from across a wide range of industries.
- Receive practical tips and tools with real-world examples, actionable advice, and guidance.
This program (CPD Code) has been approved for 10.75 Continuing Professional Development (CPD) hours under Section A of the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Log of the Human Resource Professionals Association (HRPA).
This Program has been pre-approved for 10.75 HR (General) toward aPHR®, aPHRi™, PHR®, PHRca®, SPHR®, GPHR®, PHRi™ and SPHRi™ recertification through HR Certification Institute® (HRCI®).
McLean & Company is recognized by SHRM to offer Professional Development Credits (PDCs) for SHRM-CP® or SHRM-SCP® recertification activities.
McLean Signature Speakers
Crystal Washington
Futurist, Author, Hall of Fame Speaker
Crystal Washington
Futurist, Author, Hall of Fame Speaker
Futurist, author, and Hall of Fame Speaker, Crystal Washington equips organizations with the knowledge they need to become "future-proof." As a technology strategist and certified futurist, Crystal makes complex artificial intelligence, social media, and app technology easy to understand and accessible for everyday people.
Crystal's clients include Fortune 100 companies, including Google, American Express, and Pfizer. As a sought-after keynote speaker, she has entertained and educated audiences around the globe.
As one of Forbes' 50 Leading Female Futurists, she appears weekly on season two of the Emmy nominated show Life 2.0. She's also appeared in numerous publications, including Entrepreneur and Bloomberg Businessweek, and major television networks regularly call on her as a tech expert.
Crystal is the author of One Tech Action and The Social Media Why.
Jimmy Yeary
Award Winning Country Music Song Writer and Captivating Storyteller
Jimmy Yeary
Award Winning Country Music Song Writer and Captivating Storyteller
Jimmy Yeary has been writing songs in Nashville for 30 years, and has written over 2 thousand songs. He has become one of Nashville's most sought after songwriters, with 14 number 1 songs, as recognized by Billboard Magazine. Some of his hits include, I Called Mama, by Tim McGraw. Everything's Gonna Be Alright, by Kenny Chesney. He also was a writer on the 2013 CMA and ACM song of the year, I Drive Your Truck. Jimmy has also been called "one of the most engaging speakers in the country". He takes the lessons he has learned and the experiences he has encountered in his music career and applies them to the process of creating results for businesses, organizations, and teams.
Paul Okoye
Practice Lead, HR Advisory Services, McLean & Company
Paul Okoye
Practice Lead, HR Advisory Services, McLean & Company
Paul Okoye is a Practice Lead of HR Advisory Services at McLean & Company, specializing in HR strategy and culture services. With over 20 years of management consulting experience, Paul helps leaders in various sectors translate their organizational goals into tangible outcomes. Recognized for his expertise in culture transformation, Paul supports organizations in aligning their cultures with core values and business objectives.
Paul is known for his ability to analyze complex situations, identify opportunities, and formulate actionable strategies. He has been instrumental in guiding organizations through periods of growth and transformation, bringing a unique blend of analytical acumen, interpersonal skills, and a commitment to ethical and socially responsible decision-making. Paul holds a Bachelor's in Commerce (Management Information Systems), an MBA (Organizational Enablement), and a PMP designation. He actively contributes to community engagement as a member of the City of Kitchener's Equity and Anti-Racism Team and the City of Waterloo's Economic Development Advisory Committee.
Dessalen Wood
Chief People Officer, Syntax
Dessalen Wood
Chief People Officer, Syntax
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.
Karen Smith
Vice President and CHRO, Bruce Power
Karen Smith
Vice President and CHRO, Bruce Power
Karen Smith is the Vice-President and Chief Human Resources Officer at Bruce Power, with 16 years of experience in various HR and corporate roles. She previously worked at BlackBerry and holds an Executive MBA from the Schulich-Kellogg program, a Business Administration degree from Wilfrid Laurier University, and an Executive Certificate in HR Leadership from Cornell University. Karen is involved with the Electricity Human Resources Canada (EHRC) and the Girl Guides of Canada Board of Directors. She is dedicated to Talent Management, HR transformation, and fostering a culture of excellence.
David McLean
Executive Counselor, McLean & Company
David McLean
Executive Counselor, McLean & Company
David McLean brings over 25 years of experience as an HR and business leader to his role as Executive Counselor at McLean & Company, where he supports and guides HR leaders to map out their HR strategy and prioritize HR initiatives that will have a measurable impact on the business.
David brings a diverse background to McLean & Company. His HR experience encompasses leadership roles in both the public and private sector, with expertise in organizational development, change leadership, organization culture, learning & development, HRIS implementation and HR strategy. His HR leadership experiences include holding the CHRO role for both a private and public sector organization. His industry experience spans the Transportation, Healthcare, and Higher Education sectors.
He is passionate about leadership development strategies that create organization capabilities and culture that enable organizations to win in the marketplace. With his client-focused approach and growth mindset, David has earned a reputation as a strategic thinker and a life-long learner with a deep knowledge of what it takes to build a culture in which employees will thrive. He is a recipient of the President's Award for Leadership from London Health Sciences Centre for his work in leading culture change initiatives.
David holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Western University, a postgraduate certificate in Human Resources, and a Master's degree in leadership from the University of Guelph. He holds a Certified Human Resources Leader (CHRL) designation.
Dalana Brand
Chief People Officer at Peloton
Dalana Brand
Chief People Officer at Peloton
Dalana Brand is an accomplished corporate executive with global leadership experience at some of the foremost Fortune 500 companies spanning various industries. She has established a strong reputation as an innovative human capital strategist and for transforming organizations by maximizing the talent and potential of their people.
Previously, Dalana Brand was the Chief People and Diversity Officer at Twitter, Inc., where she served as a strategic advisor to the CEO, and a key member of the executive leadership team. At Twitter she oversaw every aspect of human resources and corporate real estate in over 38 countries for 8,000 employees worldwide and led a global team to design and develop people programs that equitably engaged employees, created a fair and inclusive culture, and helped advance the business strategy of the company. Before joining Twitter, Dalana was Vice President of Total Rewards for Electronic Arts, and held several senior leadership positions at the Whirlpool Corporation in her nine-year tenure.
Ms. Brand's human resources work has led to industry accolades like Adweek's Trailblazers award, Diversity Woman Magazine's Elite 100, ColorComm's 28 Changemakers, and the National Diversity Council's Top 100 Diversity Officers.
Currently, Ms. Brand serves as the Chief People Officer at Peloton. With experience in fostering employee engagement and leading with transparency and accountability, Brand manages the company's overall strategy for people operations, total rewards, talent acquisition, talent management, team member development, team member relations, workplace experience, internal communications, DEI, and ESG to create elevated people experiences, an equitable and inclusive culture, and support Peloton's growth and goals as a company.
She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Finance and a Master of Business Administration with a dual degree in Finance and Human Resources from Michigan State University. She also earned her Doctorate in Management from Case Western Reserve University, further deepening her expertise in leadership, organizational strategy, and human capital development.
In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and collecting art.
Michelle Leedy
Executive Advisor, McLean & Company
Michelle Leedy
Executive Advisor, McLean & Company
Michelle brings over 20 years of combined consulting and leadership experience to her role as Executive Advisor at McLean & Company, where she supports and guides HR leaders in mapping their HR strategy and prioritizing HR initiatives for measurable business impact.
Michelle offers a multi-faceted background to McLean & Company. Her experience in Human Resources spans multiple industries including Healthcare, Technology, Government, Energy and Utilities, Banking, Consulting, Retail, Higher Education, and Nonprofit.
She is passionate about creating value and positive impact via authentic leadership, client and customer-centric strategies and operations, and building organization culture and capabilities for sustainable change.
Michelle holds a bachelor's degree in Communication from Duquesne University and a master's degree in Educational Policy and Leadership from Ohio State University. Michelle is a continuous learner and holds multiple certifications including Certified Change Management Professional™ and Gestalt Professional Certified Coach. She actively seeks opportunities to expand her knowledge and challenge her perspective.
Shazia Mazhar
Managing Partner, McLean & Company
Shazia Mazhar
Managing Partner, McLean & Company
Shazia Mazhar brings over 20 years of HR and business leadership experience to her role as Managing Partner at McLean & Company. She supports HR leaders in developing strategies and prioritizing impactful initiatives. Shazia's expertise spans diversity, equity & inclusion, employee culture, learning & development, and leadership. Her global experience includes working in Europe and South America, leading teams across six continents. Known for her collaborative approach and strategic mindset, Shazia excels in leading transformational change and engaging stakeholders.
Before joining McLean & Company, Shazia held HR and business leadership roles in the Engineering and Financial sectors, focusing on change, transformation, and business effectiveness. She holds a Bachelor of Arts 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. Shazia is also a board member for Mujeres Que Mueven (Women Who Move).
Brian Dickens
Chief Human Resources Officer, University of Tennessee System
Brian Dickens
Chief Human Resources Officer, University of Tennessee System
Brian Dickens is the Chief Human Resources Officer for the University of Tennessee System. In this role, Dickens is responsible for planning, developing and implementing statewide initiatives that support employee engagement. Administration areas include system recruitment, employee and organizational development, compensation, inclusion, diversity and engagement, data analytics, reporting, payroll, benefits and retirement services. The office also ensures compliance with federal, state, and University labor standards and policies. He collaborates with the UT system, campus and institute leadership, human resources officers and diversity officers. Dickens joined the UT System on Dec. 1, 2019, following a national search.
As part of his personal and professional ethos, Dickens strongly emphasizes his social responsibility. He firmly believes that we are responsible for positively impacting society and the environment in which we operate. By integrating social responsibility into his endeavors, Dickens aims to contribute to the well-being of the communities and the planet and foster a culture of ethical decision-making and sustainable practices. Dickens is committed to leveraging his skills and resources to drive meaningful change and create lasting, positive impact through his daily interactions as a thriving individual contributor. He also serves as a Board member of both The Knoxville Police Foundation and Leadership Knoxville and is a graduate of Leadership Knoxville Class of 2023.
Dickens earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Prairie View A&M University in 1994, a Master of Arts in counseling in 1995, and a doctorate in educational administration and human resource development from Texas A&M University in 2015. He is a member of the 100 Black Men of America and a proud member of the Beta Theta Chapter of the Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity.
Matt Drappel
Senior Sales Director, McLean & Company
Matt Drappel
Senior Sales Director, McLean & Company
Matt Drappel is a Senior Sales Director for the Acquire Division at McLean & Company. He's known for his passion, energy, and genuine love of his job across various roles at the company: Account Manager, Head of Sales Enablement, and Sales Director.
Matt is a classically trained actor and has spent several years in film and television including hosting his own late night talk show and winning nationally televised reality shows before getting into Sales in 2015. His diverse background has been a driving force behind his success with McLean & Company and now hosts several live and virtual events for Info-tech Research Group.
In addition, Matt is a full-time husband, father of 3 young kids, and avid runner in London Ontario. He also has a recurring weekly segment, since 2019, on the Fresh 103.1 morning show.
Matt has been with the company since 2021 and is very grateful for the support of the leadership team.
Jeffrey Green
Chief People Officer, Allworth Financial
Jeffrey Green
Chief People Officer, Allworth Financial
Jeffrey Green is an accomplished human resources leader with deep expertise in the financial services industry, currently serving as Chief People Officer for wealth management firm Allworth Financial. He has led people strategy for organizations of 12,000+ advisors and 2,400 employees, driving growth through M&A integration, leadership development, and inclusive culture building. Known for aligning HR with business priorities, Jeffrey has advanced initiatives in improving advisor and employee experience, and creating inclusive, high-performance cultures within high growth organizations. He has led initiatives ranging from equity and rewards redesign to management capability improvements and large-scale leadership forums. He is passionate about helping people and organizations thrive through clarity, accountability, and authentic leadership.
Rocki Rockingham
Chief Human Resources Officer, GE Appliances
Rocki Rockingham
Chief Human Resources Officer, GE Appliances
Rocki Rockingham is an accomplished C-suite professional with over 30 years of domestic and international business experience in human resources, communications, community relations, public affairs, and marketing communications. She has a proven track record of success as a strategic partner supporting business objectives in various Fortune 500 companies.
Rocki's expertise includes managing corporate acquisitions, turnarounds, and growth businesses while leading through transformational change. She's known for her proactive, innovative, and global approach to problem-solving and leadership. Rocki is a highly influential mentor who connects with individuals across corporate, community, and entrepreneurial circles.
Under Rocki's leadership, GE Appliances has been recognized for its innovation in employee recruitment and retention, consistently earning accolades as a Forbes Great Place to Work and achieving a score of 100 on the Corporate Equality Index.
Currently, Rocki serves as Chief Human Resources Officer for GE Appliances, a Haier company headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky. Prior to joining GE Appliances, she was Senior Vice President of Human Resources for Newell Brands, Appliances and Cookware Division, in Boca Raton, Florida. Throughout her career, Rocki has held leadership roles in Human Resources, Corporate Communications, and Public and Community Affairs at other Fortune 500 companies, including Jarden, General Motors, and Chrysler Corporations.
Committed to community engagement, Rocki serves on numerous boards, volunteers, and personally sponsors charitable events. She is a dedicated mentor for youth and actively seeks opportunities to make a positive impact. Rocki also works extensively with community and civic groups to improve and manage community, diversity, and civic initiatives. She collaborates with government, corporate, and community organizations on local, state, and national levels.
Rocki holds a Master of Arts degree in Organizational Communication from Western Michigan University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Relations and Journalism from McKendree.
Rosemarie Estrada
Senior Vice President of HR Strategy, Services & Systems, Kyndryl
Rosemarie Estrada
Senior Vice President of HR Strategy, Services & Systems, Kyndryl
Rosemarie Estrada is the Senior Vice President of HR Strategy, Services & Systems at Kyndryl, one of the largest startups in corporate history. Kyndryl is the world's leading IT infrastructure services provider. With the industry's most experienced talent and 4,600 customers, Kyndryl is uniquely positioned to help organizations build strong, secure, resilient, and adaptive digital capabilities. With an aggressive focus on being an employer and partner of choice, Rosemarie leads global HR transformation and the related technology initiatives that power up service for moments that matter to Kyndryls. Rosemarie is a global leader with a passion for digital transformation to achieve meaningful and sustainable change that cultivates a culture of high performance, engagement and shared success. In multiple, complex technology and professional services environments, she has successfully led large transformation efforts leveraging enterprise technology to achieve a seamless end-to-end employee experience that supports accelerated business growth.
Chris Ellis
Co-founder and CEO, Thatch
Chris Ellis
Co-founder and CEO, Thatch
Chris Ellis is the Co-founder and CEO of Thatch, a company redefining how modern businesses offer health benefits. With a deep passion for innovation in the healthcare and benefits space, Chris has been at the forefront of making Individual Coverage HRAs (ICHRA) more accessible, efficient, and scalable for employers and brokers alike.
Before founding Thatch, Chris held roles at some of the most disruptive Biotechnology companies, where he honed his expertise in research, go-to-market strategy, and scaling high-growth businesses. Under his leadership, Thatch has secured backing from top investors like a16z, Index Ventures, Google Ventures, and General Catalyst, further cementing its role as a leader in the evolving benefits landscape.
Chris is a sought-after thought leader on the future of health benefits, employer-sponsored coverage, and the intersection of technology and insurance. He is passionate about empowering employers/brokers with the tools and insights they need to navigate the changing landscape of healthcare and benefits administration.
Amy Cappellanti-Wolf
EVP and Chief People Officer, Dayforce
Amy Cappellanti-Wolf
EVP and Chief People Officer, Dayforce
Amy Cappellanti-Wolf is the EVP and Chief People Officer at Dayforce, a global human capital management (HCM) platform that unifies payroll, HR, benefits, talent, and workforce management.
A seasoned HR executive, business transformer, and executive coach, Amy brings deep expertise across the full spectrum of people and organizational strategy. With a career spanning startups to Fortune 500 companies, she is known for building high-performing leadership teams and steering organizations through complex transformation—ranging from pre-IPO scaling to M&A integration, rapid growth, divestitures, and cultural reinvention.
Amy's leadership experience spans technology (Cohesity, Symantec, Silver Spring Networks, Cisco, Sun Microsystems), entertainment (The Walt Disney Company), and consumer goods (Frito-Lay). Her specialties include business transformation, change management, organizational design, talent and succession planning, operational and process excellence, and total rewards strategy.
She holds an M.S. in Industrial and Labor Relations and a B.S. in Journalism and Public Relations from West Virginia University.
Amy is a seasoned board leader, having served on the Board of Directors and as Chair of the Compensation Committee at Softchoice (TSE: SFTC), a leading IT solutions and managed services provider. She also served as a Board Member and Chair of the Compensation Committee at D-Wave (NYSE: QBTS), a pioneer in quantum computing technology, and Betterworks, a human capital management platform. In addition, Amy is a Board Advisor to Wellist, a digital health company focused on personalized care navigation, and is an active member of the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD).
Her contributions to leadership and people strategy have earned her numerous accolades, including Women of Influence by the Silicon Valley Business Journal (2022), recognition as one of the Top 50 Most Influential Women Tech Leaders by the National Diversity Council, and induction into the Roll of Distinguished Alumni at WVU's John Chambers College of Business and Economics. In 2025, Amy was recognized by HR Executive Magazine as one of the Top 100 HR Tech Influencers.
Laura Last
Head of Global Talent Development and Enterprise Learning, BeOne Medicines
Laura Last
Head of Global Talent Development and Enterprise Learning, BeOne Medicines
Laura brings over 30 years of experience to her role as the Head of Global Talent Development and Enterprise Learning at BeOne Medicines. Laura has been a learning leader in 3 different pharmaceutical and biotech organizations, both in the commercial and clinical space. As part of her practice, Laura utilizes performance improvement methodology and learning science to drive meaningful learning and development initiatives.
Mary Krick
Global Executive Director of Talent Management, BeOne Medicines
Mary Krick
Global Executive Director of Talent Management, BeOne Medicines
Mary Krick is a seasoned HR executive and thought leader, with over two decades of experience driving strategic talent initiatives across global organizations. Currently serving as Global Executive Director of Talent Management at BeOne Medicines, Mary leads enterprise-wide efforts in leadership development, performance management, and workforce planning in a rapidly scaling biotech environment.
Her career spans influential roles at companies such as Lucasfilm, Hasbro, Wingz, and Asia Alternatives, where she built and transformed HR functions to support innovation, growth, and cultural alignment. At Signature 2025, Mary brings her deep expertise in building future-ready talent ecosystems and her passion for human-centric leadership. Her session will offer actionable insights into aligning talent strategy with business transformation, especially in high-growth and pre-commercial settings.
Rob Garmaise
Former Chief Innovation Officer, Fasken
Rob Garmaise
Former Chief Innovation Officer, Fasken
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.
Shalini Phillips
Global CHRO and Trusted Advisor
Shalini Phillips
Global CHRO and Trusted Advisor
Shalini Phillips is a Global CHRO and trusted advisor with over a decade of leadership experience transforming HR strategies across organizations ranging from 4,000 to over 100,000 employees. She excels at aligning HR operations with business goals, leading large-scale transformations, and fostering inclusive, high-performance cultures. Shalini's industry expertise spans healthcare, financial services, insurance, media, and consulting, where she has guided organizations through complex scaling, culture change, and leadership development.
Her strengths include succession planning, executive coaching, and HR technology integration to support sustainable growth and leadership continuity. In addition to her corporate work, Shalini contributes her expertise through board advisory roles, supporting strategic HR initiatives and governance. Currently pursuing an MBA in Human Resources Management from the University of Cumbria, she is recognized for her global perspective, collaborative leadership, and ability to align talent strategies with organizational objectives. At McLean & Company, Shalini partners with leaders to drive transformation and business success.
Lisa Highfield
Principal Director of Human Resources Technology and Artificial Intelligence, McLean & Company
Lisa Highfield
Principal Director of Human Resources Technology and Artificial Intelligence, McLean & Company
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.
Kelly Berte
Practice Lead, HR Research & Advisory Services, McLean & Company
Kelly Berte
Practice Lead, HR Research & Advisory Services, McLean & Company
Kelly Berte is a Practice Lead, HR Research & Advisory Services, with McLean & Company. She brings energy to translating scientific concepts to real-world application for HR leaders, promoting human-centered change that helps organizations support their people to be at their best.
Kelly started her career and worked for over a decade in employee wellbeing before expanding her scope into a variety of cross-functional HR projects focused on culture and systems thinking. Her expertise lies in culture, change management, HR strategy, HR metrics and analytics, and leadership strategy.
Kelly holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Health Promotion from the University of Iowa, as well as a Master of Science degree in Organization Development and Leadership from St. Joseph's University in Philadelphia, PA.
Jon Campbell
Senior Vice President of Sales, McLean & Company
Jon Campbell
Senior Vice President of Sales, McLean & Company
Jon Campbell is the Senior Vice President of the McLean & Company sales teams, supporting both our new business (Acquire) and member services (Engage) teams. Jon is responsible for leading our sales engine to success by focusing on the growth of our business.
He started his career with McLean & Company in 2015 as a Commercial Director on our Acquire team and was promoted to lead that team after less than a year in the role. Jon spent three years as Director of Acquire, growing the team in both sales and headcount, and earned a spot on our President's Club trip. In his next role as Director of Engage, he led the team to their best result and transformed them into a growth engine. In August of 2020, Jon was promoted to lead the sales team as the Vice President of Sales.
Jon studied Marketing and Sales at TAFE NSW and spent time in sales roles in the travel and tourism industry before joining McLean & Company.
Previous Keynotes
Did you happen to miss a Keynote presentation from last year's Signature Event?
Session Topics
- Navigating Change and Uncertainty
- Reinventing Team Collaboration
- Adaptive Talent Strategy & HR Transformation
- AI Talent Debate
- Mastering People Analytics
- Employee Listening Strategies
- Strategic Organizational Design
- Mental Health in the Workplace
- Strategies for Upskilling and Reskilling
- Effective Leadership Development
- What's New at McLean
Sample Agenda
Pre-Conference Session
Know Your Brand. Own the Room. Leave with a Plan.
Lindsay Austin
Practice Lead, Learning Solutions Delivery
Lindsay is Practice Lead, Learning Solutions, at McLean & Company. She leads the program delivery team in Learning Solutions, including coaching and facilitation programs. In her role, Lindsay drives organizational excellence through one-on-one coaching with leaders at all levels. She delivers authentic and effective leadership experiences through facilitating McLean & Company’s leadership and strategic HR development programs such as Management Fundamentals and Elevate HR. Lindsay uses passion and curiosity to get the best out of problems, processes, and people.
Prior to joining McLean & Company, Lindsay worked in the oil and gas sector in human resources leadership. Most recently she led and managed her own business as a coach and HR consultant.
Lindsay has a BA from Mount Royal University, a Graduate Coaching Certificate from Royal Roads University, and an Associate Certified Coach (ACC) designation through the International Coaching Federation.
Kate McKenzie
Director, Learning Solutions Delivery
Kate McKenzie is Director, Learning Solutions Delivery, at McLean & Company. She leads the delivery of executive coaching and facilitation programs that help leaders strengthen their impact and drive organizational success. In her role, Kate equips leaders and HR professionals with practical tools to grow with purpose – drawing on more than 15 years of cross-sector experience and a deep understanding of adult learning, behavior change, and leadership development.
Kate has coached hundreds of leaders across industries including financial services, tech, government, and social enterprise. She brings energy and authenticity to every session, facilitating McLean & Company’s leadership development programs such as Essentials for Leaders of Leaders, Management Fundamentals, and Elevate HR. Known for blending research-backed strategies with compelling storytelling, Kate helps leaders turn challenges into opportunities for transformation.
Before joining McLean & Company, Kate was a leadership consultant, cofounded the global Secret 3K movement for gender equity, and served as a leadership coach and program designer with organizations including ATB Financial and Toronto Metropolitan University. She holds a master’s in digital media with a focus on adult learning, a Bachelor of Education, and an ACC designation from the International Coaching Federation.
Networking Event
Welcome ReceptionKeynote
Speed. Scale. Soul. HR's Defining Role in a Tech-Driven World
Sally Cornet
Executive Counselor
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.
CHRO Panel
Leading Through Uncertainty
Sharon R Grant
Executive Advisor
Sharon brings over 25+ years of experience in full-cycle HR, talent management, business operations, and technical proficiency to her role as Executive Advisor at McLean & Company. Her leadership roles span both the public and private sector in the Technology, Utilities, Financial/Banking, and Non-Profit industries.
Sharon is a strategic HR business partner with proven ability to drive change and empower global cross-functional team success in competitive markets. She is passionate about championing diverse employee-centric workplaces for employee and workforce engagement, wellness, and recognition.
Sharon holds a Bachelor of Science in Business, University of Massachusetts at Boston, and a Master of Business Administration, from the Terry College of Business, University of Georgia. She holds Project Management Professional (PMP) and SHRM-SCP designations. In addition, she holds a HR Management Certificate and other various certifications such as MBTI, DiSC, and Hogan Behavioral Assessment.
HR Peer Exchange
Post Keynote Discussion: What Human-Centric HR Means in Practice
Grace Ewles
Practice Lead, HR Research & Advisory Services
Grace Ewles is a practice lead on the HR Research & Advisory Services team at McLean & Company. She is passionate about using data-driven insights to help organizations drive performance and create impactful change. Her areas of focus include employee wellbeing, organizational culture, talent management, and talent development.
Prior to joining McLean & Company, Grace worked as an organizational consultant for eight years. As a consultant, she supported a range of organizational development initiatives related to recruitment and selection, organizational design, change management, and employee development in the public, private, and not-for-profit sectors.
Grace holds her MA and PhD in industrial-organizational psychology from the University of Guelph, where she conducted research on work stress, occupational health, and wellbeing. She also has extensive experience as an educational instructor and has taught several courses at the post-secondary level related to statistics and organizational psychology.
Adrienne Go
Director, Human Resources Advisory Services
As a Director of HR Advisory Services at McLean & Company, Adrienne provides high-quality advisory services to external clients and conducts engagements such as workshops, focus groups, and consulting to aid in the acceleration of HR strategy deliverables and thought leadership, as well as training for HR and other organizational leaders. She also represents McLean & Company at conferences and events by delivering keynote presentations and/or facilitating roundtables. While championing empathy and equity in the workplace, her mission is to create systemic and measurable HR outcomes to drive cultural evolution and innovation.
In addition to her 10 years of experience in organizational culture change management, Adrienne leverages over 20 years of concurrent work experience in employee relations, training, talent acquisition, HR project management, engagement, and wellness in the workplace. She has worked in a variety of industries, including financial services, healthcare, technology, and commercial real estate.
Adrienne is a Canadian Certified Inclusion Professional (CCIP) and a Canadian Human Resources Leader (CHRL) and obtained her Master of Human Resources Management (MHRM) degree from York University. Leveraging her undergraduate degree in Commerce and Environmental Management from the University of Toronto, Adrienne has also devoted her efforts toward advancing corporate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals. Most recently, she is undertaking the Award of Achievement in Diversity and Inclusion at the University of British Columbia.
An advocate for organizational wellbeing, she is certified in Mental Health First Aid by the Mental Health Commission of Canada and is a member of the Community of Practice for the Not Myself Today campaign. In her spare time, Adrienne has served as an Ambassador for the Peel Regional Diversity Roundtable and provides career coaching to newcomers in the Greater Toronto Area.
Sally Cornet
Executive Counselor
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.
Lightning Rounds
Lightning RoundsCHRO Peer Exchange
Deepen your Capability
Susanna Rothfuchs
Senior Executive Advisor & Practice Leader
As Senior Executive Advisor at McLean & Company, Susanna Rothfuchs brings more than 30 years of HR experience to support and guide HR leaders in shaping strategies and prioritizing initiatives that make a meaningful difference for organizations. With a career spanning executive, consultant, and practitioner roles, Susanna has led both generalist and specialist HR teams in organizations ranging from 65 to over 70,000 employees, across industries such as financial services, technology, and marketing communications.
Susanna is passionate about talent and believes people can greatly impact business results. She works as a strategist, trusted advisor, and coach for leaders looking to boost their influence and create positive change. Her focus is on thoughtful talent practices, always aiming to help organizations improve through strong HR and organizational development. She has a love of learning and helping others achieve their potential.
She holds a Bachelor of Commerce from York University and a Master of Education in workplace learning and change from the Ontario Institute of Education (OISE) faculty of the University of Toronto. She is an Associate Certified Coach (ACC) and a member of the International Coaching Federation (ICF).
Terri Hoskins
Executive Counselor
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.
HR Peer Exchange
Fast, Flawed, and Fixable: Getting Real ROI from AI in Talent AcquisitionDebate
The Benchmarking Debate: Impactful Insights or Misleading Metrics?
Nadia Bifolchi
Director, Analytics
As Director, Analytics within McLean & Company, Nadia’s role is to help collect, analyze and draw insights from all relevant HR diagnostic data for both clients and research projects. She thrives on completing problem solving tasks and undertaking intricate data analyses.
Through her work with McLean & Company and graduate research, Nadia has obtained experience working with a multitude of different data types and analytical techniques. In particular, her thesis work consisted of developing predictive models for use with individual-level data (microdata).
Nadia earned her PhD in Applied Statistics from the University of Guelph. Prior to her PhD she completed an Honors Bachelor of Science degree in Statistics, also at the University of Guelph.
Cara Danielson
Executive Advisor
Cara brings over 25 years of experience as an HR leader supporting HR strategy & culture, talent management, leadership and learning, team effectiveness, business operations, and HR technology to her role as executive advisor at McLean and Company. She also has experience in process optimization, solution selling, and customer experience.
Her leadership roles span both private and public sector in the telecommunications, consumer packaged goods, oil and gas, retail, financial/banking, and non-profit industries.
Cara is a strategic HR business partner with a proven ability to drive transformation and engagement enabling cross-functional team success in competitive markets. She is passionate about innovation, design thinking, and co-creation that align people strategies to enable performance and deliver measurable business outcomes.
Cara holds education credentials including an Associate of Arts in Music and Early Childhood Care and Development and has continued with deep professional development including Six Sigma, performance and executive coaching, instructional design, and adult education.
Kate McKenzie
Director, Learning Solutions Delivery
Kate McKenzie is Director, Learning Solutions Delivery, at McLean & Company. She leads the delivery of executive coaching and facilitation programs that help leaders strengthen their impact and drive organizational success. In her role, Kate equips leaders and HR professionals with practical tools to grow with purpose – drawing on more than 15 years of cross-sector experience and a deep understanding of adult learning, behavior change, and leadership development.
Kate has coached hundreds of leaders across industries including financial services, tech, government, and social enterprise. She brings energy and authenticity to every session, facilitating McLean & Company’s leadership development programs such as Essentials for Leaders of Leaders, Management Fundamentals, and Elevate HR. Known for blending research-backed strategies with compelling storytelling, Kate helps leaders turn challenges into opportunities for transformation.
Before joining McLean & Company, Kate was a leadership consultant, cofounded the global Secret 3K movement for gender equity, and served as a leadership coach and program designer with organizations including ATB Financial and Toronto Metropolitan University. She holds a master’s in digital media with a focus on adult learning, a Bachelor of Education, and an ACC designation from the International Coaching Federation.
Breakout Session
TBDLightning Rounds
Lightning RoundsMainstage Session
Beyond the Agent: Human‑Centric Leadership in an AI‑Enabled World
Jennifer Rozon
Division President, McLean & Company
Jennifer Rozon is the Division 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.
Interview
Evolving Today’s HRBP for Tomorrow: Building Clarity for What’s Ahead
Kelly Berte
Practice Lead, HR Research & Advisory Services
Kelly Berte is a Practice Lead, HR Research & Advisory Services, with McLean & Company. She brings energy to translating scientific concepts to real-world application for HR leaders, promoting human-centered change that helps organizations support their people to be at their best.
Kelly started her career and worked for over a decade in employee wellbeing before expanding her scope into a variety of cross-functional HR projects focused on culture and systems thinking. Her expertise lies in culture, change management, HR strategy, HR metrics and analytics, and leadership strategy.
Kelly holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Health Promotion from the University of Iowa, as well as a Master of Science degree in Organization Development and Leadership from St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, PA.
Product Session
Focused, Fast, Valuable: How McLean Workshops Accelerate What Matters Most
Youssef Kamar
Practice Lead, HR Workshops
As the practice lead of HR workshops at McLean & Company, Youssef Kamar champions strategy development, organizational design, and HR process optimization in companies big and small across a variety of industries. Backed by McLean & Company’s ongoing best-practice research and benchmark expertise, Youssef works with clients through McLean's tried and tested workshops to address their most challenging problems and develop fit-for-purpose HR strategies and processes in a collaborative and directed environment.
Previously, Youssef spent 10+ years in consulting, working with McLean & Company and Info-Tech clients do develop customized solutions, engaging with leaders in HR, IT, and the wider business. He gladly, brings this experience and expertise to every engagement as he supports his clients to achieve their goals and strategies.
Youssef boasts a Bachelors degree in both Science (from the University of Western Ontario) and Business Administration (from the Richard Ivey School of Business), as well as Masters degrees in both International Business (from the Richard Ivey School of Business) and International Management (from the Global Alliance in Management Education). He also has a certificate in Lean Six Sigma (from the University of Toronto) and a certificate in Digital Business Strategy from MIT Sloan.
Main Stage Session
TBDBreakout Session
TBDLightning Rounds
Lightning RoundsMain Stage Session
TBDFireside
TBD
Nicky Pitt
Executive Advisor
Nicky brings over 20 years of global experience as a senior HR, talent, and organizational development leader to her role as Executive Advisor at McLean & Company. Her expertise spans talent management, leadership development, succession planning, performance enablement, engagement, and diversity, equity, and inclusion, supporting organizations through complex transformation and growth.
Throughout her career, Nicky has partnered closely with executive leaders to design and implement enterprise-wide people strategies that align with business priorities and deliver measurable impact. She is known for her builder’s mindset and her ability to translate strategy into practical, scalable solutions, including leadership frameworks, performance systems, and end-to-end talent programs.
Nicky’s leadership experience spans global, matrixed organizations across industries including mining, financial services and banking, pension and asset management, healthcare, engineering-driven environments, and professional services. She has led initiatives across North America, Latin America, the Caribbean, Europe, and West Africa, bringing a global and culturally grounded perspective to her advisory work.
Nicky is a trusted strategic advisor recognized for her thoughtful, pragmatic approach and her ability to help HR leaders navigate complexity, strengthen capability, and enable sustainable organizational performance.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Post-Graduate Diploma from the University of the West Indies, a Master of Arts from the University of Warwick, and a Graduate Certificate in Executive and Professional Coaching from the University of Texas. Nicky is an ICF Associate Certified Coach (ACC) and is based in the Toronto area.
Product Session
The Leadership Gap No One's Talking About and How to Close It
Lindsay Austin
Practice Lead, Learning Solutions Delivery
Lindsay is Practice Lead, Learning Solutions, at McLean & Company. She leads the program delivery team in Learning Solutions, including coaching and facilitation programs. In her role, Lindsay drives organizational excellence through one-on-one coaching with leaders at all levels. She delivers authentic and effective leadership experiences through facilitating McLean & Company’s leadership and strategic HR development programs such as Management Fundamentals and Elevate HR. Lindsay uses passion and curiosity to get the best out of problems, processes, and people.
Prior to joining McLean & Company, Lindsay worked in the oil and gas sector in human resources leadership. Most recently she led and managed her own business as a coach and HR consultant.
Lindsay has a BA from Mount Royal University, a Graduate Coaching Certificate from Royal Roads University, and an Associate Certified Coach (ACC) designation through the International Coaching Federation.
Keynote
One Shot: Change Management for the Bold
Alex Weber
International Leadership and Peak Performance Keynote Speaker
Alex Weber is a highly acclaimed International Speaker on Leadership and Peak Performance. Alex has positively ignited over 3.5 Million people worldwide to overcome obstacles, realize their fullest potential, and achieve record-breaking success!
Alex is an Award-Winning Performer for NBC, The Discovery Channel, FX, and more! Bringing his experience as a Professional Entertainer to the Keynote stage, Alex has been critically acclaimed for his contagious energy, bursting humor, and long-lasting positive impact. Alex engages audiences with riveting stories of resilience as a Competitor on NBC's Emmy-nominated series American Ninja Warrior, referred to as one of the most difficult competitions on earth.
Alex is also a Record-breaking Coach and Leader. Alex took over a program that had never won a playoff game in history, and in Alex's first year, he transformed them into the Champions of Los Angeles. Alex was awarded US Lacrosse Coach of the Year honors. Alex brings that same passion now to transforming individuals and organizations!
Alex is also a World Record holder, 5x TEDx Speaker, and a World Championship level Athlete.
More than anything, Alex's passion is to give audiences an actionable roadmap to seize their goals, fulfill their potential, and lead their organizations to record-breaking success!
Networking Event
Networking ReceptionKeynote
Strategy is Energy
Shawn Kanungo
Global Innovation Strategist and Thought Leader on AI
As a globally recognized innovation strategist and bestselling author, Shawn Kanungo has emerged as one of the world’s most sought-after voices on innovation and generative AI. He spent 12 years at Deloitte working closely with leaders to help them better plan for the opportunities associated with disruptive innovation. In his high energy keynotes, Kanungo draws on his extensive experience to provide audiences with an optimistic roadmap for the future; one that embraces unexpected approaches to innovation to remain competitive and relevant.
Called the “best virtual speaker I’ve ever seen” by Forbes and recognized as one of Edify’s “Top 40 Under 40”, Kanungo has spent over two decades working with and advising Fortune 500 companies. His expertise spans artificial intelligence, cloud technologies, and behavioral economics, enabling him to guide organizations through complex transformations.
Kanungo made history as the first innovation expert with a streaming special on Apple TV and Prime Video. His bestselling book, The Bold Ones — celebrated by McKinsey as essential reading for decision makers — provides a thought-provoking blueprint for professionals and organization to embrace bold innovation in an era of unprecedented change.
Featured in the Globe and Mail, The Guardian, CBC, and CTV, Kanungo is also a prolific content creator whose thought-provoking insights on innovation has attracted millions of followers across LinkedIn, TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram.
Mainstage Session
Influence Unleashed: A Leader’s Superpower for the Future
Shazia Mazhar
Senior Managing Partner
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.
Breakout Session
TBDLightning Rounds
Lightning RoundsPanel
HR & IT Collaboration in the Age of AI
Tom Zehren
Chief Executive Officer
Tom Zehren is the Chief Executive Officer of Info-Tech Research Group.
Prior to joining Info-Tech initially as the firm’s Chief Product Officer in 2022, Tom spent a decade with McKinsey & Company, most recently as an Associate Partner, serving clients across North America and Europe on digital growth strategies, digital transformations, and product management.
Tom holds a summa cum laude Ph.D. and was faculty in Technology Management at the Technical University of Dortmund, Germany. He also earned a B.S. and M.Sc. of Finance from the Frankfurt School of Finance & Management, Germany, and started his career in Finance. He has been a pro bono advisor to Ashoka Globalizer Summit Fellows and other fast-growing technology firms and VC funds across the US, Canada, and Germany for more than a decade.
CHRO Peer Exchange
Deepen your Capability
Tamara Heimonen
Senior Executive Advisor & Practice Leader
Tamara Heimonen brings over 20 years of experience as an HR leader to her role as Senior Executive Advisor at McLean & Company, where she supports and guides HR leaders to map out their HR strategy and prioritize HR initiatives that will have a measurable impact on the business.
Tamara has deep experience in moving organizations forward in Culture, DEI, and Leadership & Learning, and has previously worked for national and multinational corporations in the finance, retail, and grocery industries. She is a results-driven leader with a passion for innovation and aligning talent strategies to drive engagement and performance in complex and changing environments.
Tamara holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Western University, a postgraduate certificate in Human Resources Management, and is a Certified Human Resources Leader (CHRL).
Stacey Shepherd
VP, Executive Services
Stacey is a sought-out, trusted HR advisor to senior leaders with over 30 years’ experience working with both public and private sector employers, helping organizations navigate complex business transformations and successfully manage through change. With extensive experience coaching and guiding leaders to successfully execute on their strategic agendas, she operates with integrity, authenticity, and a keen sense of humor.
Prior to joining McLean & Company as an Executive Counselor, Stacey held senior HR leadership roles across many diverse industries, including newspaper and magazine publishing, financial services, law enforcement, and municipal government.
She brings a passion for elevating the HR function and team and has specific experience in leading and influencing HR modernization and transformation programs across businesses, positioning HR as a true strategic business partner.
Stacey 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, Chicago.
HR Peer Exchange
Mind the Gap: Measuring Engagement Between Surveys
Amanda Chaitnarine
Senior Director, HR Diagnostics, Advisory & Data Insights
Amanda Chaitnarine is a Director, HR Diagnostics, Advisory & Data Insights, at McLean & Company. She leads the advisory team for McLean & Company’s HR diagnostic tools, including the Employee Engagement Program, the McLean Employee Experience Monitor, and the New Hire and Employee Exit surveys. She is also the product manager for McLean & Company’s HR Organizational Alignment (HROA) and HR Management & Governance (HRMG) diagnostics.
In her role, Amanda works directly with clients to identify key insights from survey data across the employee lifecycle and develop action plans to improve engagement in their organizations. She also works with clients to identify priorities that align HR strategy to organizational goals and objectives. She has gained valuable experience in working with organizations large and small across industries and geographies.
Prior to joining McLean & Company, Amanda was an Organizational Development & Human Resources Advisor for a large seniors’ care organization where much of her work was project based in the areas of training and development, onboarding and orientation, recognition programs, survey administration, and HR process improvement.
Amanda is a Certified Human Resources Leader (CHRL). She has earned a Bachelor of Arts in Labour Studies from McMaster University along with certificates in Workplace Wellness and Health Promotion, Human Resources Management, and Adult Training/Education. Most recently, she has completed a Masters Certificate in Organizational Development and Change.
Denise Teixeira
Executive Advisor
Denise brings over 20 years of experience in technology and financial organizations to her role as Executive Advisor at McLean & Company. Her expertise encompasses learning, leadership, and talent management, where she has supported highly dynamic business groups. Throughout her career, Denise has developed strategic approaches, collaborated with executive leadership, and led robust teams. She is a strategic HR business partner known for her innovative, out-of-the-box thinking and her ability to provide recommendations that enhance business performance.
Denise holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Toronto and a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from Yorkville University. She is also certified in HR, Learning, and Communications.
Main Stage Session
TBDCase Study
People-Centered Data, Future-Ready Action: Diagnostics in Practice
Nadia Bifolchi
Director, Analytics
As Director, Analytics within McLean & Company, Nadia’s role is to help collect, analyze and draw insights from all relevant HR diagnostic data for both clients and research projects. She thrives on completing problem solving tasks and undertaking intricate data analyses.
Through her work with McLean & Company and graduate research, Nadia has obtained experience working with a multitude of different data types and analytical techniques. In particular, her thesis work consisted of developing predictive models for use with individual-level data (microdata).
Nadia earned her PhD in Applied Statistics from the University of Guelph. Prior to her PhD she completed an Honors Bachelor of Science degree in Statistics, also at the University of Guelph.
Amanda Chaitnarine
Senior Director, HR Diagnostics, Advisory & Data Insights
Amanda Chaitnarine is a Director, HR Diagnostics, Advisory & Data Insights, at McLean & Company. She leads the advisory team for McLean & Company’s HR diagnostic tools, including the Employee Engagement Program, the McLean Employee Experience Monitor, and the New Hire and Employee Exit surveys. She is also the product manager for McLean & Company’s HR Organizational Alignment (HROA) and HR Management & Governance (HRMG) diagnostics.
In her role, Amanda works directly with clients to identify key insights from survey data across the employee lifecycle and develop action plans to improve engagement in their organizations. She also works with clients to identify priorities that align HR strategy to organizational goals and objectives. She has gained valuable experience in working with organizations large and small across industries and geographies.
Prior to joining McLean & Company, Amanda was an Organizational Development & Human Resources Advisor for a large seniors’ care organization where much of her work was project based in the areas of training and development, onboarding and orientation, recognition programs, survey administration, and HR process improvement.
Amanda is a Certified Human Resources Leader (CHRL). She has earned a Bachelor of Arts in Labour Studies from McMaster University along with certificates in Workplace Wellness and Health Promotion, Human Resources Management, and Adult Training/Education. Most recently, she has completed a Masters Certificate in Organizational Development and Change.
Main Stage Session
TBDProduct Session
Accelerating Transformation: A Case Study in Partnership with McLean Executive Services
David McLean
Executive Counselor
David McLean brings over 25 years of experience as an HR and business leader to his role as Executive Counselor at McLean & Company, where he supports and guides HR leaders to map out their HR strategy and prioritize HR initiatives that will have a measurable impact on the business.
David brings a diverse background to McLean & Company. His HR experience encompasses leadership roles in both the public and private sector, with expertise in organizational development, change leadership, organization culture, learning & development, HRIS implementation and HR strategy. His HR leadership experiences include holding the CHRO role for both a private and public sector organization. His industry experience spans the Transportation, Healthcare, and Higher Education sectors.
He is passionate about leadership development strategies that create organization capabilities and culture that enable organizations to win in the marketplace. With his client-focused approach and growth mindset, David has earned a reputation as a strategic thinker and a life-long learner with a deep knowledge of what it takes to build a culture in which employees will thrive. He is a recipient of the President's Award for Leadership from London Health Sciences Centre for his work in leading culture change initiatives.
David holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Western University, a postgraduate certificate in Human Resources, and a Master’s degree in leadership from the University of Guelph. He holds a Certified Human Resources Leader (CHRL) designation.
Main Stage Session
TBDBreakout Session
Learning Ecosystems: Rethinking L&D for the Future
Amy Fullerton
Principal Director, Human Resources Advisory Services
As Principal Director, HR Advisory Services at McLean & Company, Amy brings over 15 years of experience in learning and development, organizational design, and technology integration. She specializes in helping organizations align their learning strategies with business goals through scalable, tech-enabled solutions that enhance employee experience and performance.
Amy has led large-scale learning and change initiatives across higher education, financial and professional services, and the public sector, working with both domestic and global organizations to drive impactful transformation. With both a practical and research-based background in adult learning and education technology, she bridges the gap between strategy and execution. Now, she advises HR leaders on how to modernize their learning ecosystems, leverage data, and embed learning into the flow of work. She is recognized for her ability to translate complex systems into user-centered solutions that support continuous growth and inclusive talent development.
Amy holds a PhD in Education Technology and is an Organizational Development Certified Professional (ODCP). She continues to explore innovations in digital learning, systems design, AI and future-of-work strategies to help organizations stay adaptive and talent-focused.
Keynote
What Now? vs. Now What? Reclaiming HR’s Power to Shape What’s Next
Paul Okoye
Practice Lead, Human Resources Advisory Services
Paul is a seasoned advisor and thought leader with over 20 years of experience in HR strategy, organizational culture, and transformational change. As Practice Lead in Human Resources Advisory Services at McLean & Company, he partners with senior leaders across sectors to translate strategic ambition into actionable outcomes, helping organizations adapt and thrive amid complexity and change.
With a sharp focus on culture as the foundation for organizational success, Paul supports executives in assessing and reshaping their workplace environments to foster innovation, resilience, and alignment with core values. His approach is rooted in evidence-based practices and deep consulting experience, enabling leaders to build high-performing cultures that fuel long-term impact.
Paul brings a unique blend of strategic insight, systems thinking, and a strong commitment to values-driven leadership. Known for his ability to distill complexity and drive clarity, he has guided numerous organizations through periods of significant transformation – helping them unlock potential, overcome barriers, and build capacity for sustainable growth.
Paul holds a bachelor’s degree in Commerce (Management Information Systems), an MBA in Organizational Enablement, and the Project Management Professional (PMP) designation. He also contributes to his community through civic leadership roles, including serving on the City of Kitchener’s Equity and Anti-Racism Team and the City of Waterloo’s Economic Development Advisory Committee.
Networking Event
Closing ReceptionExhibitors
Gold
Bronze
Partners
Exhibitor Opportunities
McLean & Company is the trusted partner of HR leaders and we are proud to offer you an opportunity to showcase your brand as an exhibitor at our annual invite-only conference.
Signature is McLean's marquee event for hundreds of HR executives making people and culture decisions and influencing thought leadership in their companies.
Benefits of Exhibiting
awareness
Venue
Virgin Hotels, Las Vegas
Just minutes from the Strip, Virgin Hotels Las Vegas offers a fresh, modern take on the Vegas experience. Designed with connection and comfort in mind, the resort features iconic event spaces, world-class dining, and a relaxed pool oasis. With sleek rooms, vibrant social venues, and Virgin’s signature flair for hospitality, it’s the ideal destination for work, play, and everything in between.