Business & Leadership Insights
Plenary Speaker: David-Alexandre Brassard
Chief Economist, CPA Canada
Plenary Speaker: Carolyn Stern
Emotional Intelligence Expert, University Professor, and CEO of EI Experience
July 10, 2025
8:30am - 4:30pm
Live Virtual Conference via Zoom
Navigating Complexity
In a world of increasing polarization, political change, and economic challenge, it is easy to feel overwhelmed. This conference day has been designed to provide strategies and practical tools to help business leaders succeed. Whether you want to enhance workplace communication, lead with clarity and composure, or understand economic trends, this PD Nexus Day will help you and your team thrive.
Don’t miss this opportunity to hone your leadership skills, share experiences, and be inspired by business leaders and subject matter experts.
Eligible CPD Hours: 7
Course Fee: $475
PD Passport: 12 credits
Nexus Day Agenda
Time
Event
8:30 am - 8:35 am
Welcome and Introductory Remarks
8:35 am - 9:55 am
PLENARY
Economic Update: Canada, BC and Beyond
Presenter: David-Alexandre Brassard, BA, MA | Chief Economist, CPA Canada
This session will cover the trends and evolution of the Canadian, BC and international economies. We will cover current topics including inflation, housing, the labour market, and productivity.
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9:55 am - 10:10 am
Break
10:10 am - 11:20 am
BREAKOUT 1
The Agile CFO: 3 Ways to Lead Technology Change & Navigate Complexity
Presenter: John Hetherington, PMP, CMC | Technology Strategist, International Speaker and founder of We Deliver Your Vision
In today’s business landscape, agility is no longer optional for CFOs—it’s a strategic necessity. With AI, automation, and data analytics reshaping finance, CFOs must embrace agility to drive successful technology adoption and business transformation.
Read more on 3 Ways to Lead Technology Change & Navigate Complexity
Clarity, Authenticity, Frequency – Developing Essential Leadership Communication Skills for a Complex World
Presenter: Corinne Impey, MPC | Founder, Director of Creative & Communications, Six Words Communication Corp.
In today’s changing business landscape, one thing remains the same: leaders need strong communication skills. Regardless of the opportunities or challenges you face, being able to communicate in a clear, authentic, and consistent way will help you navigate complexity and drive results.
Read more on Developing Essential Leadership Communication Skills for a Complex World...
Most Digital Transformations fail to reach their goals, often due to resistance to change, poor implementation strategies, and a lack of adaptability. To successfully implement digital finance initiatives, CFOs must go beyond finance management and become technology change leaders, business strategists, and innovation catalysts.
Key takeaways
The Ethics of Structure
Presenter: Tammy Towill, MBA, MA, FCPA, FCMA | Partner, Cordura Group
Language is powerful. This session will explore how language and the structure of our communication may be creating unintended opportunities and barriers in the workplace.
11:20 am - 11:35 am
Break
11:35 am - 12:45 pm
BREAKOUT 2
What’s New in Excel – The “Cool” and the “Caveats”
Presenter: Ken Puls, FCPA, FCMA, Microsoft MVP | President and Chief Training Officer, Excelguru Consulting Inc.
In this session, participants will explore the cutting-edge features that have been added to Excel over the past few years, which can transform workflows and boost efficiency.
Read more on What's New in Excel - The "Cool" and the "Caveats"...
Mastering Negotiation in Uncertain Times: Beyond the Numbers for CPAs
Presenter: Carrie Gallant, JD | Executive Leadership Coach, Negotiation Strategist and Impostor Syndrome Informed Coach
In today’s climate of economic uncertainty and organizational change, many professionals hesitate to negotiate believing the timing isn’t right or options are limited. But for CPAs, the opposite is true. This interactive session reframes negotiation as a vital leadership skill and strategic tool, especially in uncertain times.
Read more on Mastering Negotiation in Uncertain Times: Beyond the Numbers for CPAs...
The Wellness Paradox
Presenter: Nicole Porter | Stress Coach, Wellness Educator, Nutritionist, Speaker, Founder of Nicole Porter Wellness
Despite working harder than ever to stay healthy, professionals are stuck in a cycle of ineffective tactics and outdated advice. In this insightful session, Nicole uncovers the top three misconceptions that hinder optimal health, mindset, and productivity - offering a modern, strategic approach that delivers real results.
Read more on The Wellness Paradox...
12:45 pm - 1:45 pm
Lunch Break
1:45 pm - 2:55 pm
BREAKOUT 3
Navigating Sustainability Reporting in Uncertain Times
Presenter: Caren Lombard, CFA, CPA, FSA | Academic lead, BMO SME Climate Clinic, Sauder Centre for Climate and Business Solutions, UBC Sauder School of Business Faculty
Sustainability Reporting is rapidly evolving, with complex and, at times, controversial changes to Standards that could impact your organization. This session will briefly look at the background to the new Canadian Sustainability Standards, review key developments in other jurisdictions and consider how the recent issuance of the Canadian Sustainability Disclosure Standards (CSDS 1 & 2) could impact Canadian organizations and CPAs.
Read more on Navigating Sustainability Reporting in Uncertain Times...
Striking the Balance: A Strategic Mindset for Today’s Operational Challenges
Presenter: Mia Maki, BA, MBA, FCPA, FCMA | Associate Dean, External & Outreach, and Associate Teaching Professor, Gustavson School of Business | University of Victoria
Discover how to cultivate a strategic mindset that empowers you to balance operational tasks with long-term success, driving meaningful results in your work. Effectively manage today’s demands while achieving tomorrow's goals.
Read more on Striking the Balance: A Strategic Mindset for Today's Operational Challenges...
Cultivating Resilience and Well-being
Presenter: Ross Laird, PH.D, RCC | Best-selling author, clinical consultant, acclaimed educator, and award-winning scholar
Working with people in professional contexts is complex and nuanced. As we support and empower clients and colleagues, how can we also stay emotionally healthy and connected to ourselves and those around us? How might we develop strategies to ensure that we don’t slide into burnout, trauma, mental illness, or deep distress?
2:55 pm - 3:10 pm
Break
3:10 pm - 4:30 pm
PLENARY
Cultivating Resilience in Uncertain Times
Presenter: Carolyn Stern, B.Ed, PBD in PrEd, PBD (International Business), MA (Leadership) | Emotional Intelligence Expert, University Professor, and CEO of EI Experience
In today’s fast-paced, ever-changing world, navigating complexity requires more than just strategy – it demands emotional strength. This session will empower leaders to adapt, thrive, and inspire amidst uncertainty.