Simran Singh, President & Chief Executive Officer of OPA! of Greece, first joined OPA! of Greece as a member of the accounting team in 2014 and has since held multiple leadership roles, most recently as the company’s Financial Controller. He is also a multi-unit franchise operator, with a portfolio of five total storefronts after his newest location, in Edmonton’s West Granville neighbourhood, opened in December of 2025. His extensive experience across every level of the business has uniquely prepared him to lead the company into its next phase of growth.
In addition to his career at OPA!, Simran has worked extensively in the hospitality industry. Through his unique perspective as both a franchise operator and corporate controller, he looks to lead OPA! Of Greece with a focus on clarity, discipline, and long-term growth. He is committed to building strong systems, elevating franchisee operational performance and creating value for franchise partners, teams and guests. His goal is to guide OPA into the future with purpose and strategic focus.
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Simon Gravel is the founder and CEO of freelance.group, the largest freelance platform in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, and the fifth largest in the world. He is currently developing freelance.ca to become the leader in the Canadian market. With over 15 years of experience in innovation and internationalization, he has built a community of more than 1.2 million freelancers and 100,000 employers in over 15 countries across 3 continents. A visionary of the future of work, he connects specialized talent with businesses.
Active in his community, he chairs the Marcelle-Mallet High School Foundation and serves on governing boards in Europe. His vision is to offer every freelancer the best possible project and every employer the best expert for their project.
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With his energy and enthusiasm, Nick Thompson brings a new approach to corporate image management, culture development, and enterprise growth. As a co-founder and President of a number of companies, including Metromedia Marketing Ltd., BrandAlliance Inc., VEA Office Professionals, and The Astra Group Inc. Nick now shares his 30+ years of leadership and executive management experience with business owners and professionals across North America.
He works with over 100 companies every year to help them grow and is especially passionate about sharing leadership experiences in the areas of culture, M&A, and strategic growth.
The organizations that he spearheaded grew to be internationally recognized, with dozens of locations across the globe and employing hundreds of people in numerous countries. With extensive experience in sales and marketing strategies, executing on business plans, and culture development, these businesses became award winning – having been listed on the “Best Places to Work” roster yearly as well as gaining the coveted “National Distributor of the Year” award. BrandAlliance also obtained Deloitte’s “Canada’s Best Managed Companies” distinction several years in a row.
Nick’s credentials include being a finalist for the Ernst & Young “Entrepreneur of the Year” award, recognition as one of Business in Calgary’s “Leaders of Tomorrow”, recipient of the “Premiers Award for Healthy Work Places,” and has been featured on the cover of a number of commercial and trade publications for his business acumen. He held the rare marketing designation of M.A.S. (Master Advertising Specialist) and was awarded the first ever “Humanitarian of the Year” award by his industry association for his endless philanthropic contributions.
Apart from his entrepreneurial endeavors, Nick is also a Business Execution Specialist (executive team coach) with Results Canada Inc. Nick has served on many Boards, including his past companies, both the Provincial and National Boards of the PPPC (Promotional Products Professionals of Canada), and several not-for-profit enterprises. He is also active in the worldwide Entrepreneurs Organization as a board member, a mentor, and a trainer for their Accelerator program across North America.
In his free time, Nick continues to write and publish a number of books on personal and business life lessons (www.nickthompsonbooks.com). He also enjoys staying active – hiking, running and playing sports of any kind.
He and his wife take great pleasure in travelling, looking for new experiences, and tasting new foods and wines.
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“We’re a small team achieving big things. I realize that our people are the biggest value in the business.”
Chuck L’Ecuyer is Founder, Owner, and CEO of Intellifelx. Chuck is a third-generation electrician with more than 20 years of experience in project operations. He founded CES Corporation in 2011 and built his company from the ground up, staffed it with skilled professionals through all subsidiary divisions of Engineering, Manufacturing, and Construction, therefore accommodating multidisciplinary EPCM services.
Chuck’s Corporation developed the Intelliflex line of products in 2019 to accommodate today’s data centre needs from cloud to blockchain computing. As a fully integrated immersion modular data centre solution, it allows fast growth operations to expedite AI data centre infrastructure deployment.
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Carlamay Sheremata is a retired police officer, keynote speaker, award-winning author, and family conflict resolution specialist—but more than that, she’s a bridge-builder. Between systems and people. Between leaders and their teams. Between families and the youth they love.
After 21 years in law enforcement—including 8.5 years as a School Resource Officer—she’s seen what happens when people lose connection. She’s watched families fracture, leaders burn out, teams implode, and kids fall through the cracks. Not because people didn’t care—but because they didn’t know how to lead through the hard stuff.
That’s why she created the CALM Leadership Method™️—a trust-centered, emotionally intelligent approach to leadership that works in real life. Under pressure. In crisis. In the moments that matter most.
She now helps corporate teams, educators, frontline professionals, and families lead with connection, rebuild trust where it’s been lost, and communicate clearly when it counts most—at home, at work, and everywhere in between.
Whether she’s on stage speaking to executives, equipping frontline teams, or sitting across from a family in conflict, she brings the same message: Connection heals what correction can’t.
And if we don’t fix the disconnection, we lose the people who need us most.
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Lucas McCarthy is the CEO and founder of Showpass, a leading event technology company powering North America’s most dynamic live experiences. He drives the company’s product and strategic vision with a focus on building tools that make events easier to manage and more profitable. Under his leadership, Showpass has become known for its agile, scalable solutions that empower event organizers to move quickly, operate efficiently, and stay ahead in a fast-changing industry. A champion for creators and independent operators alike, Lucas believes operational simplicity is key to ensuring a vibrant, diverse future for live events.
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Danijel Sliško founded Cerco, a marketing agency specializing in creative design, creation of original content across various platforms and channels. It includes campaign management, branding services, custom website design and development, video series, documentaries, news programs, blogs, social media posts, and environmental design. Equipped with its own production house and a skilled team of designers, content writers, creators, producers, and technical staff, the agency is dedicated to delivering high-quality media content to meet people’s marketing and communication requirements.
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Calgary-based entrepreneur and University of Calgary alum, Joanna Pariseau along with her business partner, Melissa Ninaber embody both through their fast-growing food-tech venture, Taste the City.
Taste the City invites customers to enjoy a thoughtfully curated tasting experience. Text-led, each tasting allows guests to visit multiple restaurants in one evening, all within walking distance. When booking, diners do not know where they’ll be going, or what they’ll be eating, but by removing the need to decide, the experience becomes effortless and free from decision fatigue. Every stop is carefully timed, prepaid and designed to showcase the best of the local dining scene while fostering connection through food.
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Calgary-based, award-winning real estate agent, Katherine Bennett, has recently been named a Trusted Real Estate Professional by HGTV and Home Network star Scott McGillivray.
Katherine has extensive experience assisting out-of-province buyers and first-time homeowners, as well as advising seasoned investors, including luxury-level professionals, on navigating Alberta’s real estate market. Drawn by Alberta’s lower home prices and strong job market, many Ontarians are making the move west in search of opportunity. The transition can be overwhelming without the right guidance. Unexpected expenses, such as inspection fees, legal costs, moving expenses, condo fees, insurance and utilities often take buyers by surprise and can quickly strain their finances. Alberta is calling and RE/MAX’s Katherine Bennett is ready to help Ontarians answer with confidence.
With years of real estate service under her belt, Katherine Bennett assures that her clients are in good hands. Representing local and future homeowners, Katherine is committed to listening to her clients, focusing on their needs and using keen negotiating skills to ensure a successful transaction. Her intimate knowledge of this region, combined with her lifelong experiences of living here, gives her an enthusiasm and a desire to make her home, your home.
Katherine Bennett recently won the #1 Top Individual designation at RE/MAX Realty Professionals for September 2025.
Beyond her credentials and accolades, what truly sets Katherine apart is her genuine dedication to helping buyers feel grounded and informed throughout one of life’s biggest transitions. She understands that purchasing a home—whether across the city or across the country—is not just a financial decision but an emotional journey. Many of her clients describe her as a steady voice of reassurance, someone who breaks down each step with clarity, patience, and a rare kind of empathy that transforms uncertainty into confidence.
Katherine’s process often begins long before her clients ever set foot in Alberta. She spends time helping them understand neighbourhood personalities, school options, commute times, and lifestyle differences so they can picture themselves living in Calgary with complete transparency. Her virtual tours are known for being thorough and thoughtful, capturing not just the features of a property but the feeling of the surrounding community. Clients appreciate that she goes the extra mile, offering guidance on everything from relocation logistics to understanding Alberta-specific regulations that differ from those in Ontario and other provinces.
Her background in negotiation and market analysis allows her to advocate fiercely for the best possible outcomes. Whether she’s helping a young couple secure their first townhouse or assisting an investor searching for revenue-generating opportunities, Katherine tailors her approach to match each client’s goals and comfort level. She takes pride in being approachable and accessible, ensuring that her clients never feel rushed or pressured. Instead, she empowers them with information and insight so they can make well-informed decisions that align with their long-term plans.
Katherine’s deep connection to Calgary also fuels her passion for real estate. She has watched neighbourhoods transform, businesses grow, and city pockets evolve into vibrant hubs. This firsthand experience allows her to spot emerging opportunities early and guide clients toward areas poised for appreciation and lifestyle value. Her love for the region isn’t just professional—it’s personal—and she shares it enthusiastically with those considering Alberta as their next home.
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Entrepreneur with a passion for purpose-driven growth, operational efficiency, and people centered leadership. He combines a background in engineering and global business with a hands-on approach to building service based brands.
After 6 years in Oil & Gas (SNC-Lavalin & Suncor Energy), he transitioned into entrepreneurship in 2014 by acquiring Leela Eco Spa, despite no prior experience in the wellness space. What began as a single spa in Calgary has grown into a portfolio of 12+ locations across Canada, including the launch of SKA Thermal Spa, Calgary’s first urban thermal wellness concept.
Today, Leela Eco Spa and SKA Thermal Spa support over 350 team members and serve 140,000+ guests annually. The growth has been guided by lean systems, strong financial discipline, and a commitment to uplifting both clients and team members through exceptional service and meaningful experiences.
Building on these accomplishments, Gaurav has continually prioritized creating thoughtfully designed environments that focus on relaxation, rejuvenation, and overall wellness. Every location is equipped with high-quality amenities, aesthetically pleasing interiors, and carefully curated experiences that enhance both physical and mental well-being. His focus on operational excellence ensures that all processes, from appointment scheduling to client care and staff training, are executed with meticulous attention to detail, efficiency, and consistency. He actively cultivates a culture of collaboration, mentorship, and continuous professional growth, encouraging his team members to develop both their skills and leadership capabilities while contributing positively to a supportive and inclusive workplace. Through strategic planning, innovation, and ongoing evaluation of service delivery, Gaurav has elevated the standards of wellness hospitality, creating memorable experiences that delight guests and foster loyalty.
Gaurav’s approach emphasizes sustainable growth, balancing expansion with quality control, client satisfaction, and the personal development of his employees. He integrates modern wellness trends, innovative service offerings, and data-informed operational improvements to ensure that each spa location operates at peak efficiency while remaining warm, inviting, and guest-focused. By combining strategic vision with hands-on management and people-centered leadership, Gaurav has developed a scalable, sustainable business model that continues to thrive in a competitive marketplace.
The brands he leads reflect his unwavering commitment to purposeful entrepreneurship, operational rigor, and meaningful service, ensuring that both clients and team members benefit from a holistic, carefully managed, and inspiring environment. With every new initiative, he seeks to enhance wellness accessibility, expand therapeutic offerings, and provide enriching experiences that improve the lives of thousands of guests across Canada. Gaurav’s leadership is defined by a rare combination of discipline, empathy, innovation, and vision, making his work a benchmark for excellence within the wellness and hospitality industry and a model for aspiring entrepreneurs seeking to build sustainable, people-focused businesses.
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