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presents The Diversity Brainstorm™
| Presented by: | Sponsored by: |
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In today’s environment the reality is that diversity of thought, background, and experience drives relationships and delivers crucial benefits to organizations that embrace them. Likewise, it also helps improve client relationships and services, attract and retain top talent, and increases innovation and productivity within teams.
Have you ever gone to a conference where participants do a great job talking about a problem, but at no point does anyone provide any solutions? The concept of the Diversity Brainstorm™ is completely the opposite - bringing together people with a diversity of thought and experiences to work together to design solutions to address some of the most pressing issues related to diversity. We already know what the issues are. What about the solutions – the ones that will really effect change? At the Diversity Brainstorm™ you will not be simply examining the problem. You and your colleagues, from a wide variety of organizations and experiences, will be working on solutions that will potentially be implemented in your organization.
You will be placed into one of six groups – each breakout group focused on a different topic (based on your selections during registration). Along with a facilitator, you will identify the key aspects of the issue at hand and pinpoint potential solutions based on your practical, hands-on understanding of your organization. By the end of Day 1, the information from your group’s Diversity Brainstorm™ will be summarized into one cohesive presentation.
On Day 2, one person from each of the six groups will present their solution at an invitation-only C-Level Executive Breakfast, and that audience will become the judges for each idea – with the results of the vote presented in real time. Think of it as "Speed Strategy."
Following the breakfast, the participants will regroup and discuss how to take the ideas to the next level, including developing tangible action plans.
Actionable plans for you to present to your leadership
Ideas for concrete innovation on the topic of diversity
A network of like-minded individuals across Canada that you can call upon.
Come prepared to work. The key to a successful Diversity Brainstorm™ is to have participants that:
| DAY 1 | |
|---|---|
8:00a.m.-9:00a.m. |
Welcome and IntroductionsPresenter: Elaine Newman |
9:00a.m.-10:30a.m. |
Exploring New Territory:
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10:30a.m.-10:45a.m. |
NETWORKING BREAK |
10:45a.m.-11:45a.m. |
Separate participants into groupsBased on your registration, each participant will join a group that will focus on one of the six selected critical diversity-related issues facing employers, utilizing the Diversity Brainstorm Concept. |
11:45a.m.-12:00p.m. |
NETWORKING BREAK |
12:00p.m.-1:00p.m. |
Lunch and Keynote PresentationDuring Lunch, you will hear from our keynote speaker who will be presenting on how business decisions are made, with the goal of helping diversity and HR professionals better understand and impact their organization with their work. Presenter: Beth Wilson |
1:00p.m.-2:30p.m. |
Organizational Application / Group WorkEach group will tackle one issue, applying the frameworks discussed in the earlier sessions to address key organizational diversity issues. These facilitator-lead breakout sessions will be fast paced, quickly identifying the key aspects of the issue and, then, pulling together potential solutions. Presenter: Team Facilitators |
2:30p.m.-2:45p.m. |
NETWORKING BREAK |
2:45p.m.-5:00p.m. |
Making the Case to the C-LevelIn preparation for the invitation- only C-Level Strategy Breakfast on Day 2, the breakout groups will work to create a clear and compelling case for their proposed solution, including a PowerPoint business case document that will be presented to, and judged by, Canada’s leading senior executives. Presenter: Team Facilitators |
5:00p.m.-6:30p.m. |
NETWORKING COCKTAIL PARTY |
| DAY 2 | |
|---|---|
7:30a.m.-9:00a.m. |
Real Time C-Level Strategy BreakfastThis is an invitation-only event for C-Level executives hosted by Rick Waugh, CEO of Scotiabank and Bill Thomas, CEO and Senior Partner of KPMG. A representative from each of the six groups on Day 1 will have the opportunity to present their strategic diversity initiatives to the audience and have them judged in real time. |
9:30a.m.-10:30a.m. |
Welcome, Report Out, and RecapThe participants from Day 1 will gather again to find out the results of the voting from the C-Level Strategy Breakfast. The results of the vote will determine which of the six strategic diversity initiatives will be further developed by the groups. Presenter: Elaine Newman |
10:30a.m.-11:00a.m. |
Open DiscussionParticipants will have an opportunity to discuss the results of the voting and their experiences thus far. Based on the results of the vote, some initiatives may be abandoned and participants from those groups will be integrated into other groups. |
11:00a.m.-11:15p.m. |
NETWORKING BREAK |
11:15a.m.-12:15p.m. |
Community of Practice ForumThis is a forum where diversity practitioners will share critical insights and offer real-time feedback in order to make diversity initiatives gain greater resonance within organizational ranks. We will hear from our two sponsor organizations – Scotiabank and KPMG – on some of the work they’ve done as it specifically relates to the six selected topics. Presenters: Michael Bach and Deanna Matzanke |
12:30p.m.-1:30p.m. |
NETWORKING LUNCH – Presenter: Pamela Jeffery |
1:30p.m.-3:15p.m. |
Embracing the Challenge of Organizational Buy-inThe remaining groups will work to finesse the top rated ideas from the C-Level Strategy Breakfast into more well-rounded strategic initiatives for organizational adoption. The goal is for participants to leave with a framework of a solution that could possibly be implemented in their workplaces. Presenter: Team Facilitators |
3:15p.m.-3:30p.m. |
NETWORKING BREAK |
3:30p.m.-4:00p.m. |
Summary of Key Learnings and
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4:00p.m.-5:00p.m. |
Evaluations and
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Women have played an active part in the workforce for decades. So, why aren’t there more women in positions of leadership? Women only make up 11 percent of Fortune 1000 board seats. One doesn’t need to look much further than the leaking pipeline to understand why. While intake between men and women is nearly equal at junior levels, senior leadership of most organizations is decidedly male. This session will focus on key ideas for retaining women in your company, so the pipeline is truly filled with the best and brightest.
Mother always said the two things you shouldn’t talk about at dinner were religion and politics. Yet, in the past decade, religion has taken centre stage in the media and politics. Further, it is starting to show up at work. More and more, people want to bring their whole self to work and, for some, their religion and faith are a major part of who they are. This session will focus on how best to address and welcome religion and faith into the workplace.
People of Colour, Visible Minorities, Ethnic Minorities - regardless of what term you use to describe the non-Caucasian (white, European) population, statistics show that there are huge barriers when it comes to embracing these communities – either as employees or as consumers. It’s estimated that by 2042, the Latin and Hispanic population will be the majority in the United States. For Canada, visible minorities will be the majority in major cities by 2031. If we believe the statistics, the need to reach these communities has never been more critical. This session will focus on strategies for reaching out to different ethnic and racial groups, as recruits and customers.
Attracting and retaining talent is one of the, if not the single, most important aspects of any company’s strategy. You need the best and brightest to continue to grow as an organization; but what if the best and the brightest don’t look the same as us? What if the best and brightest don’t look for jobs the way we have in the past? This session will focus on effective strategies for recruiting diverse talent.
A blind woman once said, "Lights are an accommodation for sighted people. If the lights go off, I can still get my work done. What’s your problem?" Everything in life is an accommodation for someone. The disabled community, globally, is estimated to be worth billions of dollars as consumers. Employers who are able to successfully integrate people with disabilities into their workplace, and better serve their disabled customers, will find they build long-lasting loyalty. This session will focus on how to move from compliance to how to successfully integrate people with disabilities into the workplace as well as the marketplace.
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans-identified - in recent years, sexual orientation and gender identity have become pressing issues that we hear about in daily conversation. This isn’t a topic about sex. It’s about ensuring that LGBT people have the ability to go to work and live as openly and honestly as their heterosexual counterparts. In this session we will focus on LGBT people and how to create an inclusive environment where they can be as much a part of the work experience as everyone else.
When you say the word "diversity" few people would think of straight, white, able-bodied men (SWAM). However, if the dictionary definition of the word diversity is "difference," why aren’t SWAMs part of the conversation, particularly when they are often in positions of power that can effect change for other groups? This session will focus on how to better engage leadership, and particularly SWAMs, in the diversity conversation.
Most organizations would say that diversity is part of their corporate DNA; but is it really? If it were really part of their DNA, wouldn’t there be more "diverse" people in leadership positions? This session will focus on the business case for diversity and how organizations can truly make diversity part of their DNA.
As you probably know, in Japan, bowing is a sign of respect? Moreover, it is critical for the most junior person to bow lowest and remain bowing last. Did you know that in most Muslim cultures, it’s inappropriate for a man to shake the hand of a woman? As the world changes, and our workplaces become more global, how are we to manage in a truly diverse workplace? This session will focus on successful ideas to integrate internationally trained professionals and manage in a culturally diverse workplace.
The dynamic, solutions-driven leader of an international group of companies, Elaine Newman has benefited from more than 25 years of global experience in senior sales, client relationship development, and management consulting positions.
As part of her instrumental role in launching Xerox Business Services in Canada, Elaine developed business cases that improved her clients’ income statements and balance sheets through Facilities Management and Outsourcing strategies.
Later, she became the Vice President of a Toronto-based management consulting firm working with both corporate and non-profit sector clients in the Fortune 500. There, she developed and taught sustainable operational strategies to organizations experiencing significant transition and challenges.
Her solid expertise in the field of strategic consulting and new markets led, first, to the creation of an award-winning Human Resource learning and consulting company headquartered near Washington, DC, in 1996. Then, building on the demonstrated success of that company, Elaine founded Global Learning LLC in 2004. Seven years later, she leads the well-respected, international Global Learning group of strategic consulting and learning companies specializing in diversity and inclusion.
Michael Bach is the National Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for KPMG in Canada.
In this capacity, Michael is responsible for the overarching diversity strategy for KPMG’s operations in Canada, including the development and implementation of all diversity-related programs and initiatives. Since taking on the role, KPMG has received several prestigious diversity-related awards – including being named one of Canada’s Top Employers for Diversity (2008, 2009, and 2010).
Michael also recently completed a two year secondment as the Deputy Leader for Diversity with KPMG International – acting as a subject matter advisor to KPMG’s 140+ member firms globally.
In addition, the firm has been named one of Canada’s Best Employers for New Canadians (2008, 2009, and 2010), one of Canada’s Top Family Friendly Employers (2009 and 2010), and the Top 40 Places Gen Y Wants to Work (2009).
Recently, Michael was honoured by the Toronto Immigrant Employment Council with the 2010 IS Award Canadian HR Reporter Individual Achievement Award. Additionally, in October 2009, Michael was honoured as one of the winners of the KPMG CEO Community Excellent Award for his contribution to community.
Barbara Ann Sharon is the Chief Learning Officer of Global Learning LLC. Barbara Ann has extensive experience in consulting and training in a wide range of areas: Sales, Marketing and Influencing, Strategic Planning and Visioning, Consulting, Leadership, Management Development, Teambuilding, Customer Service, Executive Coaching, Feedback and Coaching, Conflict Resolution, Problem Solving, and Organizational Development and Effectiveness, including Process Improvements.
Barbara Ann holds dual bachelor's degrees in Sales/Marketing and Speech Communications. She spent over 20 years in the sales field, advancing on to achieve superior sales and service achievements. Her first Master's Degree was earned in Human Performance Technology and Instructional Design. From there, she continued with studies for an MBA in Business Management.
As a member of several professional associations and organizations, Barbara Ann remains on the cutting edge of market topics and techniques. Her professional certifications and trade designations continue to accelerate. She has produced numerous customized programs, training materials, and workshops. By virtue of both her practical and theoretical experience, Barbara Ann is able to bring passion, commitment, and excellence to the task of helping organizations and individuals move forward to their highest level of achievement.
Deanna was appointed, in February 2007, to the position of Director, Global Employment Strategies in the Global HR and Communications function at Scotiabank. Prior to joining this Global HR group, she spent six years in the Employment Law Group as in-house counsel at the Bank where she dealt with all aspects of the employment relationship including termination, wrongful dismissal, human rights, discipline, and performance management.
In her current role, she guides two teams of employees who focus on Diversity and Inclusion and HR Policy and Compliance. Within these two areas, her group deals with a wide range of employment strategies including privacy, occupational health and safety, employment equity, human rights, flexible work options, accommodation, accessibility, as well as fostering and integrating the Bank's Global Inclusion Strategy for addressing diversity.
Beth started with KPMG’s audit practice in 1991 and has followed a varied career path within KPMG for the past 18 years. In her earlier years, she was active in recruiting, technical research and accounting, as well as training and education. As an audit partner, she works primarily in the technology sector and is the lead engagement partner for Rogers Communications Inc. Beth led the firm’s HR team and the Employer of Choice strategy as the Chief Human Resources Officer from 2005 - 2007 and was a founding member of the firm’s Diversity Council. During that time she was a member of the global firm’s People, Performance and Culture committee and was responsible for global learning initiatives. Subsequently she led the firm’s regions’ offices and private company practice as the Canadian Managing Partner – Regions and Enterprise. She currently is the managing partner of KPMG’s Toronto office and also leads the firm’s community leadership strategy as the Canadian Managing Partner, Community Leadership.
Active in both her profession and the community, Beth currently is a vice-chair on the board of the National Ballet of Canada, with leadership roles on the Audit and Finance and also the HR committees. As a member of the GTA United Way Campaign Cabinet, she co-chairs the Women Gaining Ground initiative. In addition she chairs the Education and Qualifications Committee of the CICA and is an active Young Presidents Organization (YPO) member.
Beth has been recognized for her leadership in her profession and community with an FCA designation in 2003 and as one of WXN’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women in 2008. She is a passionate supporter of diversity and women’s leadership.
Pamela Jeffery began her career as a government relations and communications strategist. She has over 20 years of experience providing strategic communications counsel to private sector and government clients. Prior to founding The Jeffery Group in 1994, Pamela served as a Political Advisor in the Ontario government of David Peterson and a Senior Consultant at a Toronto-based lobbying firm. In 2000, Pamela was appointed by Ontario Conservative Finance Minister Ernie Eves to the Ontario Business Tax Review Panel to develop recommendations on future corporate, property and personal income tax policy. In 2004, Pamela was appointed by Ontario Attorney-General Michael Bryant to the Democracy Renewal Advisory Committee. Recognized by the National Post as a "communications wizard," she served as Ontario Communications Advisor to Prime Minister Martin in the 2004 federal election.
Pamela is the Founder of the Women’s Executive Network™, Canada’s national by-invitation network for women in management, executive, professional board roles. Since its founding in 1997, WXN has grown to 16,000 select women. In 2003, she founded Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100™, now Canada’s preeminent awards program for women. Initially based in Toronto, WXN has expanded to Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Mississauga, Ottawa and Montréal. In 2008, WXN launched in Ireland – its first step towards creating an international community of female leaders.
In 2009, she founded the Canadian Board Diversity Council with a mandate from the federal government and private sector diversity leaders to increase the board representation of women, members of visible minority groups, Aboriginal and First Nations people, persons with disabilities and members of the LGBT community over the next five years. Pamela’s commitment to community service is extensive. She is well-versed in corporate governance in the broader public and not-for-profit sectors having served on 12 boards and three governance committees. She currently serves as a Director of The Canadian Opera Company and a Governor of Trent University.
She is a past Director and President of the National Club, and a past Director of Casey House Foundation, The Donwood (now the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health), Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital Foundation, Richard Ivey School of Business Alumni Association, Sick Kids Connection, TELUS Toronto Community Advisory Board, and the University of Western Ontario Alumni Association. She is a past member of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce Finance and Taxation Committee and the Governance Committees of the Institute of Corporate Directors and the Toronto Board of Trade.
Pamela holds an MBA and an HBA from the Richard Ivey School of Business at the University of Western Ontario. She lives in Toronto with her husband Norman Inkster and is the mother of two teenage sons Stephen and Samuel.
Registration covers attendance for one person; supplementary course materials; breakfast on Day One; lunch, coffee, and refreshments on Day One and Day Two.
IMPORTANT: Participation is limited to the first 200 registrations received.
Fee: $950
EARLYBIRD REGISTRATION (Before Jan. 24, 2011): $895
NOTE: Please add 13% HST to all prices.
For questions regarding the Diversity Brainstorm™, or registration details, please contact Jessica Prentice at (416) 488-4844 or jprentice@egloballearning.com.
All delegates are required to select their top three Diversity Brainstorm™ Topic choices. The Strategic Diversity Institute will make every effort to accommodate topic choices; however, topic group registration will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Register early to ensure your place in your topic of choice.
Global Learning has a special team discount. Groups of three or more from the same organization receive 15 percent off the registration fee. For all group registrations please call 416-488-4484.
Please note that non-attendance at the course does not entitle the registrant to a refund. In the event that a registrant becomes unable to attend following the deadline for cancellation, a substitute attendee may be delegated. Please notify Global Learning of any changes as soon as possible. Global Learning assumes no liability for changes in program content or speakers. A full refund, minus a 15 percent service charge, will be provided upon cancellation in writing received prior to January 17, 2011. This applies to the attendance fee only. No refunds will be issued after this date.
Thursday, February 17, and Friday, February 18, 2011
Conference check in begins at 7:00 a.m. Both morning sessions start promptly at 8:00 a.m. The second day ends at 5:00 p.m.
KPMG LLP Offices
333 Bay St., 46th Floor
Toronto, ON M5H 2S5
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