Dr. Chika Oriuwa is a child of Nigerian immigrants to Canada, who experienced many challenges including racism, sexism and financial precarity on her way to realizing her dream of becoming a doctor. Upon arriving at medical school, she discovered she was the only person of colour in a class of over 300 students. This inspired her to become an entrepreneur of her own life and career and led her to become a cultural icon whose story resonates globally.
Dr. Oriuwa has been recognized internationally for her accomplishments and was named one of TIME magazine’s “Next Generation Leaders” in 2021 and was honoured with one-of-a-kind Barbie doll for her contributions as a frontline healthcare worker, Dr. Oriuwa is Her accomplishments exemplify the potential of women who harness their power to break barriers and inspire others.
She is currently touring North America with a keynote sharing her blueprint for innovation, a neuro-science driven, three-pillar framework designed to revolutionize leadership and organizational success on both an individual and organizational level for lasting impact – from boardrooms to the psychiatric emergency room and from billion-dollar problems to toddler meltdowns, Dr. Oriuwa is combining storytelling, science and strategy to unlock entrepreneurial ingenuity at home – or the boardroom.
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Kevin Halliday (kevinhalliday.com) is a transformation expert, TEDx speaker, and award-winning entrepreneur with success spanning the construction, fitness, and hospitality industries. He’s the founder of multiple companies, including Spindle Stairs & Railings, Alberta’s leader in stair innovation and recipient of the BUILD Award for Best Innovation Product, and Urban Studio Shed, a creative media and podcast production company. A former WNBF bodybuilding champion, Kevin turned his own life around from unhealthy and overworked to disciplined and purpose – driven. Through his hit podcast ShedTalk with Kevin Halliday and his powerful TEDx talk, “What Men Say in Sheds,” he inspires people over 50 to transform their health, master their mindset, and create lasting wealth—proving that life doesn’t end at 50, it starts.
Kevin Halliday, the dynamic, passionate, and visionary transformation expert, TEDx speaker, and award-winning entrepreneur, is widely recognized for his extraordinary, groundbreaking, and innovative success spanning across the construction, fitness, and hospitality industries. He’s the ambitious, determined, and resilient founder of multiple thriving, impactful, and influential companies, including Spindle Stairs & Railings, Alberta’s respected, trusted, and celebrated leader in stair innovation, and proud recipient of the prestigious, distinguished, and highly regarded BUILD Award for Best Innovation Product. He also established Urban Studio Shed, a creative, imaginative, and forward-thinking media and podcast production company that emphasizes storytelling, authenticity, and meaningful connection.
A former WNBF bodybuilding champion, Kevin courageously turned his own life around from unhealthy, exhausted, and overworked to disciplined, focused, and purpose-driven, embodying resilience, strength, and determination. His inspiring journey demonstrates perseverance, transformation, and empowerment, showing that personal reinvention is possible at any stage of life. Through his hit podcast, ShedTalk with Kevin Halliday, and his powerful, motivational, and thought-provoking TEDx talk, “What Men Say in Sheds,” he passionately inspires people over 50 to transform their health, master their mindset, and create lasting wealth.
His message proves that life doesn’t end at 50—it boldly, confidently, and vibrantly starts, opening new opportunities, possibilities, and horizons. Kevin’s work emphasizes holistic transformation, combining physical vitality, mental clarity, and financial empowerment. His approach integrates discipline, consistency, and vision, encouraging individuals to embrace wellness, fitness, and entrepreneurial creativity. He highlights the importance of mindset mastery, resilience, and adaptability, teaching audiences to overcome obstacles, embrace challenges, and pursue growth with courage and determination.
Through Spindle Stairs & Railings, Kevin showcases innovation, craftsmanship, and design excellence, redefining stair construction with modern, functional, and aesthetically pleasing solutions. His leadership in Alberta’s construction industry reflects dedication, ingenuity, and forward-thinking strategy. Urban Studio Shed further demonstrates his creativity, offering a platform for authentic conversations, engaging podcasts, and meaningful media production that resonates with diverse audiences.
Kevin’s bodybuilding achievements illustrate discipline, strength, and perseverance, while his entrepreneurial ventures highlight vision, leadership, and impact. His journey from struggle to success embodies transformation, resilience, and empowerment, inspiring countless individuals to pursue health, wealth, and fulfillment.
By sharing his story, Kevin motivates people to embrace change, cultivate discipline, and unlock potential. His teachings emphasize that transformation is not limited by age, proving that reinvention, growth, and success are achievable beyond 50. His work continues to empower communities, inspire audiences, and redefine possibilities, making Kevin Halliday a true leader in transformation, innovation, and inspiration.
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Dan Pantaleo, is President/ CEO of CanGuard Security & Investigations Inc. Dan founded CanGuard in 2005. The company is a full service security corporation with a core business of On -line Training, Background checks, guards and private investigators. For Dan personally its not being the biggest or the best but about being as integral and helpful as possible in this convoluted world of security. Dan dedicates about 25% of his time to helping candidates navigate through the world of security and assist them in getting job ready , employment or help them choose the best career path for them as individuals. Dan has a solid background in policing in Toronto and was able to make the transition into the private sector entrepreneurship successfully. His philosophy is simple, the more people he helps the more help he gets from people.
CanGuard Security & Investigations Inc is recognized as an integrated security and investigation firm, serving a broad clientele including retail, insurance, corporate, and legal sectors. This comprehensive approach is designed to fulfill the intricate security and investigation needs demanded by the ever-changing events in this increasingly complex world. Under the dedicated leadership of Dan Pantaleo, a respected figure and former officer with the Toronto Police Services, CANGUARD maintains a strong commitment to delivering extraordinary client service. This commitment is continuously exemplified by a consistent desire to produce solid, actionable results across all assignments.
The firm proudly serves the expansive Toronto GTA area, offering specialized services that include expert private investigations, highly trained security guards, advanced CANGUARD GPS Tracking capabilities, the useful CANGUARD GPS Message App, and modern Security Systems/CCTV installations. Since its inception in 2005, the foundational focus of the organization has been firmly grounded in people. CANGUARD is deeply committed to building strong, lasting relations by proactively developing solutions that not only work effectively but also inspire confidence and trust in their clients. The foundational belief is that the relationship between CANGUARD and clients must be based upon essential virtues: unwavering honesty, steadfast loyalty, and uncompromised integrity.
The company strives to successfully partner with every client, ensuring all assignments are completed efficiently and within their specific financial boundaries. CANGUARD’s vision is centered on achieving absolute excellence in the efforts of security, investigation, and education. A key part of this educational mission involves facilitating aspiring candidates to attain their professional goals by providing high-quality on-line training. This training, offered for both Private Investigator Training and Security Guard Training, is designed to be the most effective and economical option available in the industry, consistently surpassing standard industry requirements.
The corporate tagline, ‘SECURING YOUR FUTURE,’ encapsulates this forward-looking and proactive stance. The private investigation division provides a full range of meticulous services that are specifically designed to meet stringent corporate standards. The team is composed of professional private investigators who meticulously devise a strategic approach to consistently exceed client expectations in complex scenarios. Furthermore, the security guard service employs qualified and highly competent personnel. These dedicated security guards are comprehensively trained to respond swiftly, decisively, and effectively to any situation. They are empowered to take necessary initiative to ensure the utmost safety and security of both people and property across diverse sites, including construction developments, residential properties, condominium complexes, hotel venues, and large-scale special event settings. CANGUARD extends its services and acclaimed online training programs for security guards and private investigators throughout Ontario, including major municipalities such as Hamilton, Burlington, Oakville, Mississauga, Brampton, Toronto, Vaughan, Markham, Richmond Hill, Oshawa, Pickering, Newmarket, Barrie, Orillia, Gravenhurst, Bracebridge, Huntsville, North Bay, Sudbury, Sault Ste. Marie, and Thunder Bay, as well as all surrounding areas. The entire operation upholds the highest standards of professionalism and accountability, reflecting Dan Pantaleo’s background and dedication to securing the future for both clients and candidates in the private security sector.
The commitment to building strong community ties and providing specialized guidance remains a paramount objective for the firm.
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Shawn Freeman is the founder of Impactful MSP, a coaching business dedicated to helping Managed Service Providers scale, lead, and grow beyond seven figures. After building and successfully exiting his own MSP and then partnering to build a second one, Shawn now coaches other MSP owners to create businesses that are not only profitable but also truly impactful. He believes an exceptional MSP business empowers its owner, uplifts its team, delivers real value to clients, and strengthens the community it serves. With deep experience in technology, leadership, mentorship and entrepreneurship, Shawn provides the strategic insight MSPs need to shift from overwhelmed operator to confident, visionary leader.
Shawn Freeman helps owners build a scalable MSP with proven systems and coaching. He shows you how to run an impactful MSP without stress or second-guessing, offering clear guidance and steady growth. This provides a path to becoming a better leader, achieving steady growth, and leading your business confidently. If your days are filled with client issues, staffing problems, and nonstop firefighting, you’re not running a sustainable business.
You may be running yourself into the ground, a common problem where effort is not lacking but the model doesn’t give you room to lead. Staying in that unsustainable loop isn’t just exhausting; it is also tremendously expensive. It costs valuable time, energy, and momentum that could be used for scaling. Your competitors are refining their systems, winning better clients, and scaling teams that operate successfully without constant intervention. They are moving forward while many owners find themselves standing still, and the longer this continues, the wider the competitive gap becomes. The Impactful MSP Coaching Program is built for owners who are done spinning their wheels on low-value activities. Participants receive a clear, proven framework to regain control of their time and install the necessary systems that truly scale. This approach allows them to create a thriving business that doesn’t rely entirely on the owner to function.
Success translates directly to more freedom, better-fit clients who appreciate value, and higher margins for the MSP. It cultivates the confidence to lead with purpose instead of managing crises under pressure. You are capable of so much more, and you can build the MSP you deserve through strategic action. Scaling your Managed Service Provider doesn’t have to mean more chaos and longer hours of work. With the right plan and expert coaching, you can streamline operations and accelerate forward like never before seen. What is holding you back is often getting caught in the weeds, managing day-to-day tasks instead of driving strategic vision.
Many realize they are not growing or simply don’t have a clear vision for the business that excites them. Here is the truth: you need to learn new skills to get to the next level of profitability and leadership. Until you acquire those essential skills, you will be spinning your wheels, which costs more than just revenue; it costs time, energy, and confidence. The Impactful MSP Coaching Program offers a smarter way to scale your MSP, focusing on building a business that empowers your team. It gives you the freedom to focus solely on what matters most for long-term strategic success. We help you grow your leadership skills through the implementation of proven systems.
This focus includes market differentiation, delivering stand-out results your clients will notice and truly love. It ensures simplified growth using proven tactics that help you scale your entire team without significant burnout. The program includes the freedom to lead, implementing methods that work without micromanagement, a key component to achieving your goals.
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Dan Swayze is a seasoned executive leader with over 20 years of experience driving growth, innovation, and transformation in high-tech companies. Renowned for defining and executing technical strategies that enable cloud migration, automation, and data-driven decision-making. Adept at aligning business and technology goals to deliver scalable, secure, and high-performing solutions. Dan is passionate about mentoring talent, fostering a culture of innovation, and building high-performing teams. He thrives at the intersection of technology and strategy, driving measurable results and sustained business success.
Dan Swayze’s strategic focus is heavily aligned with providing Strategy and Execution for Startups Ready to Scale, ensuring businesses are Moving Fast and Smart. His leadership enables companies to Ship Value Fast by aligning product, people, process, and strategy to unlock significant market traction. He champions the philosophy that Moving Fast is good, but Moving Smart is better, and the goal is always to do both. Specifically, he excels at structuring engagements that accelerate ROI, reduce costs, and secure capital, ensuring that strategy, product, and technology are working together for faster, de-risked growth.
His background includes a deep specialization in complex Secure SaaS at Scale implementations. A prime example of his impact involves the redesign of SaaS security platforms utilizing scalable serverless architecture, which has successfully cut onboarding friction by 60% and simultaneously reduced operational costs while restoring critical investor confidence. This approach often involves re-architecting platforms using a multi-tenant serverless design, streamlining client onboarding processes, and thoroughly embedding scalability and security protocols directly into the delivery model. This hands-on capability ensures platforms are positioned as investor-ready with a clear, reliable path to scale.
Beyond architectural transformation, he provides crucial Startup Advisory services, particularly focused on AI Startup Funding Readiness. He helps founders refine their validation and Go-To-Market (GTM) strategy, crafting an investor-ready narrative that significantly accelerates fundraising and secures vital investor interest. This meticulous work involves helping teams clarify their problem–solution fit, define their ideal customer profile (ICP), and construct an investor-ready GTM narrative supported by demonstrably measurable traction levers.
Furthermore, he has a proven track record in Business Growth, enabling regional services businesses to expand their offerings and optimize marketing performance, leading to quantifiable improvements such as a 20% boost in customer acquisition efficiency within short six-month cycles. This success is achieved through introducing tailored service-line strategies, piloting targeted local marketing experiments, and structuring foundational operations for systemic scale.
For investors and Private Equity (PE) firms, his expertise includes detailed Investor Product Diligence. He conducts rigorous product audits, uncovering technical risks prior to acquisition deals, which effectively prevents overvaluation and strengthens negotiation terms. This due diligence involves a detailed codebase and product audit to surface hidden technical and operational risks, delivering actionable remediation recommendations that protect investor value and reduce post-acquisition uncertainty.
Dan Swayze is committed to Transforming Vision into Execution, offering Strategic Advisory for Founders and PE Firms Ready to Scale. His proven methodology systematically combines strategic thinking with rapid, hands-on execution to consistently deliver measurable, tangible results for growing businesses. His consultative solutions include MarketSync for GTM Strategy and Product-Market-Technology Alignment, ensuring synchronous growth strategy, product roadmap, and technical execution with strong investor-ready positioning. He implements ProductPath for Agile Product Strategy to Scale Smart, defining adaptive roadmaps that ship high value fast with outcome-driven prioritization. His TechStack Advantage service focuses on Technology Stack Review and Optimization, designing revenue-ready, scalable tech stacks that incorporate cost control and essential compliance from the outset. He drives InvestorReady strategies to ensure clients show up prepared for diligence and their next capital raise, equipped with GTM clarity and the right corporate governance checklists. Finally, his PE Advantage framework offers an Operational Audit and Efficiency Roadmap, providing faster ROI with systematic leakage find-and-fix across product, process, and operational spend. These engagements are guided by core Value Pillars: Clarity, providing actionable roadmaps; Execution, accelerating plans without sacrificing precision; Scale, building a foundation for sustainable growth; Risk Reduction, ensuring foresight to identify technical and operational gaps; Investor Readiness, preparing clients to face investors with confidence; and Efficiency, helping clients to modernize and streamline operations while reducing costs. This comprehensive approach ensures a clear path from initial guidance to sustained growth for all clients.
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Stephan and Kimberley Lafreniere are growth-oriented and insight driven senior executive with a track record of success in developing and implementing strategies and tactics to drive profits in the retail sectors.
Stephan has held progressively senior roles within the planning, merchandising, and branding disciplines at iconic Canadian retailers including Canadian Tire Corporation, Hudson’s Bay Company, Loblaw Companies Ltd., and Sears Canada Inc. Kimberley has an equally impressive retail career after working for iconic brands like Sears, HBC, and Sobeys, loving what I do every day. Building that new program and watching the guests fall in love with it is a thrill.
In 2021 Stephan and Kimberley invested in a Schooley Mitchell franchise. Schooley Mitchell is the largest independent cost reduction consulting firm in North America, with offices from coast-to-coast in the United States and Canada. On average, they reduce essential business service expenses by 28% and have delivered over $540 million in documented savings to our clients to date.
Stephan and Kim are passionate about saving money for their clients and helping them grow their business. Schooley Mitchell delivers expertise to companies of all sizes from all industries, offering a broad range of services aimed at reducing costs and
All Schooley Mitchell fees are self-funded from the savings generated. If savings aren’t found, our clients don’t pay – a truly risk-free and mutually beneficial model.
Schooley Mitchell is strategically positioned to help businesses grow by ensuring optimal financial health and maximizing operational efficiency. The dedicated team of specialized Cost Reduction Specialists, including Stephan and Kimberley, are passionately focused on finding tangible solutions that save your business both valuable time and substantial money. They operate under the clear understanding that a client’s success is unequivocally their own success. Their proprietary approach ensures every client is consistently receiving the best essential business services at the absolute best price. This meticulous review process systematically identifies billing errors, eliminates internal redundancies, and significantly improves organizational efficiency. The network of skilled specialists leverages proprietary sophisticated software and extensive pricing databases to achieve these remarkable outcomes.
They actively maintain long-standing relationships with diverse service providers across North America. This combination of technology and established relationships allows the team to find substantial savings and monitor client accounts on an ongoing, continuous basis. This ensures that the services remain fully optimized, protecting financial advantages for the long term.
Schooley Mitchell’s commitment to results is unparalleled across the consulting industry. Their foundational work is based on a transparent, symbiotic, and mutually beneficial model. They are singularly driven by producing measurable, impactful results for their clients and maintain no ties to specific vendors or service providers.
This vital independence ensures objective and unbiased recommendations. Schooley Mitchell proudly boasts over a billion dollars in documented client savings across North America, a powerful testament to their effective methodology and network of over 350 dedicated offices. Their deep expertise covers very essential services like Telecom, Merchant Services, Small Package Shipping, Waste, and high quality Facility Supplies.
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Joe Blanchard is a results-oriented Senior Executive. He runs VeCATS to assist Soldiers and Veterans transition into Corporate Canada with the right skills to be successful. VeCATS provides a 4 Step Process for veterans 1. Soft-Skills, 2. Hard Skills, 3. Internship, 4. Job Placement. And his primary focus today is to help Veterans move into the entrepreneurial sector successfully. Joe is a former veteran and has travelled the military, corporate and entrepreneurial roads. A proven performer Joe moves easily from vision and strategy to implementation and follows through. He is an innovative and strategic thinker, with sound business judgement and proven analytical, troubleshooting, and critical thinking abilities.
Joe Blanchard’s work with VeCATS embodies a Renewed Vision: Advancing Veteran Empowerment Across Canada. This commitment involves an unwavering dedication to advocacy, which has led to meaningful engagement with both federal and provincial governments. VeCATS is actively shaping a future where post-service life is filled with opportunity, dignity, and recognition, ensuring a successful holistic transition for Canadian soldiers, veterans, and their families. This organization stands out by offering personalized services specifically designed to meet the complex needs of the transition to civilian life. The fundamental 4 Step Transition framework—which includes Soft-Skills, Hard-Skills, Training, and Job Experience—has recently seen its core principles successfully integrated into national Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) initiatives.
Beyond individualized coaching and training, VeCATS is heavily involved in high-level policy advocacy. A key legislative initiative is the push for a Tax-Free Services Program on military installations, designed to mirror successful models adopted by international allies, thereby providing economic advantages to ease the shift into civilian life for CAF and RCMP members. Furthermore, VeCATS is driving the proposed Canadian Veterans Procurement Act, which mandates a robust 10% of all procurement contracts issued by Veterans Affairs Canada and the Canadian Armed Forces be awarded to verified Veteran-Owned Businesses. This specific measure is critical for ensuring economic inclusion and recognizing the entrepreneurial spirit within the veteran community through first-right-of-refusal mechanisms.
Joe’s strategic direction also focuses on the development of a comprehensive National Veterans Strategy centered on four transformative pillars. The first pillar is the Indigenous Veterans PTSD Wellness Program, a culturally rooted healing initiative that incorporates Indigenous wisdom and trauma recovery methods to support both men and women veterans in their mental health journey. The second pillar involves establishing the Canadian Military University, a dedicated institution offering accredited education, certifications, and skills training in vital areas such as technology, management, governance, and entrepreneurship. This university will ready veterans for a successful career post-service. The third pillar addresses infrastructure through the National Veterans Housing Initiative, an ambitious plan to build dignified low-income housing on strategically located Crown Lands near critical amenities for veterans and their families.
Finally, the Veterans Entrepreneurship Hub (Vet-Hub) serves as a national platform designed to meticulously guide veterans through every stage of startup development, from initial launch and critical mentorship to sustainable business growth, succession planning, and successful exits. The VeCATS team provides continuous Personal Coaching and structured Corporate Training & Development. These essential programs adapt effectively, enhance employee skills, and include specialized courses such as Financial Acumen for Managers (understanding P&L), Strategic Planning & Execution, and Leadership Development, which are vital for integrating into middle management and achieving long-term success in corporate life after service.
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Shaun Stratton has spent his career as an expedition leader, international leadership consultant, professional speaker, and bestselling author. He is the founder of the International Vegan Film Festival and World Tour. In 2022, he joined the Planted Expo as an account manager, overseeing vendor and sponsor relations for Planted’s Toronto Expo, helping to maximize service quality while minimizing spend. This is what led him to his current entrepreneurial role as a Business Optimization Specialist at Schooley Mitchell. Shaun combines his prior entrepreneurship, leadership development, strategic sales knowledge, and consulting experience into a role where he is able to directly impact businesses’ bottom lines. Shaun believes every business should pay the right rates, receive the right services, and have the peace of mind from knowing your business is running as efficiently as possible.
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The newscast for entrepreneurs is all about savings. With all the talk about tariffs and the like, it seems that margins will take a hit. So for entrepreneurs the news is, how can we increase savings to offset lower margins. Today, we’re going to meet Mike Deboer, who is Franchise Development Advisor for Schooley Mitchell, a partner of Canada’s Entrepreneur and the leading cost reduction experts for entrepreneurs to use in Canada. Then we can go into the Top 10 reasons to manage your overheads and the proven benefits of doing this.
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Jamie Conroy is the beating heart of Orenda, an Alberta-based non-profit organization that promotes the mental health and well-being of youth, families, and individuals through a range of mentorship programs, workshops, and retreats. With a Bachelor of Education and 12 years of experience, Jamie has worked with youth and communities across various projects — from the Inspired Youth School Project to the Boys and Girls Club of Calgary, as well as the NHPCA, the Chamber of Okotoks, CBE, and the Foothills School Division. She is also certified in yoga and life coaching, and brings both depth and versatility to guiding people and building systems that make a lasting, positive impact. Guided by the principle of challenging and loving simultaneously, Jamie develops family- and community-driven programs that prioritize trust, safety, and connection. Through Orenda, she is helping create a world where personal and collective transformation, youth and family development, and community-building thrive.
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