Workshops & Presenter Profiles 

Retired General Rick Hillier, Former Chief of the Defence Staff for Canadian Forces

Throughout his career, General Hillier has had the privilege of commanding troops from the platoon to multi-national formation level within Canada, Europe, Asia and the United States. Appointed as the first Canadian Deputy Commanding General of III Corps, US Army in Fort Hood, Texas, Commander of NATO’s Stabilization Force’s (SFOR) Multinational Division (Southwest) in Bosnia and then Commander of Canada’s Army, Hillier was selected as the Commander of the NATO -led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Kabul, Afghanistan, in October 2003. He assumed duties as the Chief of the Defence Staff in 2005.

As noted by Globe and Mail, “[General] Rick Hillier’s rise through the ranks of the Canadian Armed Forces can be linked to a gale force wind. Few individuals in our history have been as single-handedly accomplished at recrafting the nation’s image”. Since retirement from the Military in 2008, General Hillier has written several books, including the latest bestseller Leadership Matters, incorporating his unprecedented experience to help leaders in all arenas navigating through tough economic times and rethink about the roles and impacts of leaders from a fresh perspective. He has been a Strategic Advisor advising clients in a capacity to some of the country’s top companies such as Exxon Mobil, Telus, Rogers, TD Bank, Tim Hortons and many others.

Keynote Topic: Leadership Under Fire – Lessons Learned From The School of Hard Knocks

“General (Retired) Hillier shares many of the leadership lessons he has absorbed from over 35 years of Military service, constant deployments, work with other nations , government leaders, Civilian and International agencies and , especially, from the privilege of commanding more than 100, 000 Canadian servicemen and women while supporting they and their families in the execution of Canada’s missions at home and around the world .”

Amber MacArthur, Award winning podcaster, author and television host

Amber Mac is an award-winning podcaster, bestselling author, and media host on the topic of AI and emerging technology. In this virtual or in-person presentation, she will guide attendees through her four-part blueprint for not just surviving our fast future but thriving in it.

These lessons include what every leader and professional needs to know to design, grow, learn, and communicate in the age of AI, all while leading with values and making an impact during today’s world of predictable unpredictability. This is a practical, inspirational, and highly relevant talk, delivered with up-to-the-minute tech trends by one of the country’s top technology and innovation voices.

Fireside Keynote Conversation: Relentless Transformation: 4 Lessons to Thrive in our A.I. Future in 2024 and Beyond

Please note: Registration closes on Wednesday, October 23rd at noon EST.