Facilitators
Roxanne M. Brown
Keynote Speaker
Roxanne has over 25 years of change experience with Capital One and other companies, focusedon leader and team transformation coaching, large-scale change initiatives, culture strategy,communications and training.
Roxanne has established a Change Leadership Community of Practice, helped implement the firstchange management practices, and set the program change management methodology andtoolset for organizations. She teaches change management courses, leads discussion groups onthe subject, and mentors practitioners.
Her specialty is in creating high-performing teams by engaging the unique abilities of leaders andteam members.As a result, Roxanne moves the organization beyond just implementation and intoculturestrengthening.
Today, Roxanne is the cofounder of The Change Decision LLC, a change and culture consultancyfocused on growing Joy at Work.Roxanne received her bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts, with afocus in Leadership Studies, from the University ofRichmond. She brings her unique combinationof leadership insight and coaching abilities to guide leaders through not only completing thechange by improving their organization’s culture.She is also the past President of the Board ofDirectors for the Association of Change Management Professionals (ACMP).
Ed L. Cook
Keynote Speaker
Ed has over 20 years of leadership and analytical experience at Capital One and Corning as well as10 years of experience as a navy pilot.
Ed was mobilized by the US Navy and sent toBaghdad, Iraq where, as CDR Ed Cook, he worked inthe Green Zone on the Commanding General’s Staff, at the time Gen. David Petraeus. Ed worked extensively on employment initiatives for the people of Iraq bridging across the US military, the USEmbassy, and the Government of Iraq.For his efforts, Ed was awarded the Bronze Star.
Ed has implemented large process and infrastructure changes.The culminating effort was inleading the program where Capital One built coffee houses (Capital One Cafés) across the countryinstead of traditional branches.
Today, Ed is the cofounder of The Change Decision LLC, a change and culture consultancy focusedon growing Joy at Work.Ed has a BS in Aerospace Engineering, an MBA, and holds a PhD in SystemsModeling and Analysis.He brings his expertise in Decision Analytics to the work of The ChangeDecision.Ed also employs his analytics expertise as a Visiting Professor at the University ofRichmond in both the undergraduate and MBA programs
Change is persistent - so why not be great at it?
In this (Keynote) session Roxanne and Ed will take you through the process of establishing a Leadership Intention. Different than a leadership style assessment, which often focuses on evaluating how one particular leader approaches leadership, the Leadership Intention is a statement of how the leader wants a leadership team to act with each other. The key to developing the Leadership Intention is for each member of the leadership team to recall the best team they have ever been on. This approach is rooted in Positive Psychology and the work Roxanne and Ed have done in understanding what grows Joy at Work. Joy at Work is a measurable state that organizations can use to understand their culture and then move their culture in the direction they desire. In this session, Roxanne and Ed will help you create a Leadership Intention that you can use for your team or a Leadership Team you are helping. You'll learn the exact questions to ask and the right order to ask them. Then you'll try the process! Roxanne and Ed will also provide an overview of the grounding for this approach so that you can build upon it yourself. In the end, you'll not only have a tool you can use with teams but also a better understanding of what Joy at Work means to you.
Dani
Learning Journey Host
I’m a facilitator, consultant, and educator with an instinct for creating engaging spaces wherepeople connect, learn, and spark meaningful conversations. Funny enough, I’d beenfacilitating for years without realising it! Once that clicked, I startedmaking sense of myapproach—and now I teach courses on facilitative leadership, knowledge-sharing, and how tohelp groups unlock their collective wisdom.
With nearly two decades of experience across Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East,and Europe,I’ve worked with organisations to drive change, promotelearning, and getpeople talking (and sometimes laughing!) about serious topics. Lately, I’ve been exploringhow humour and playfulness can make learning stick.
Giulio
Learning Journey Host
I believe that true change goes beyond frameworks—it happens when we connect with somethingdeeper. Love and empathy are the forces that drive meaningful progress, shaping the way we buildrelationships, make decisions, and create impact. Genuineconnections are more than just interactions;they are reflections of the energy we put into the world.
At the core of my work is a belief in the power of intention. When we clearly envision the change weseek—whether in our personal lives, our communities,or the organizations we support—we set it intomotion. By aligning our actions with our values, we create space for transformation to unfold in ways thatare both authentic and lasting
Carina
Learning Journey Host
Dr. Carina Fiedeldey-Van Dijk, co-founder of Into Performance ULC and president of ePsy Consultancy, helps organizations thrive by enhancing leadership, culture, and performance. With a PhD in Psychology and expertise in mathematics and statistics, she excels in assessment development and data analysis. A Master Coach and sought-after speaker, she partners with major organizations to drive data-driven decisions.
Carina co-developed the Bar-On Multifactor Measure of Performance™ and the Equality Framework™, and she continually innovates in emotional intelligence, leadership, and organizational climate.
Rik Berbé
Rik Berbé is a dedicated Dutch facilitator, lecturer and researcher specialising in change management, design thinking, and systems thinking. He has a background in change management and organisational consultancy, currently he is working with collegues and students at Windesheim University of Applied Science in the Netherlands. Rik is passionate about training and facilitating groups to become transformative forces for sustainable development. He loves pizza's, science fiction stories and good coffee. WORKSHOP How can you NOT recognize how deeply everything is connected? In this workshop, we delve into the fascinating worlds of complexity theory and network theory to uncover the hidden patterns that shape our lives, societies, and natural systems. Through interactive discussions and engaging activities, participants will explore how small changes create massive effects, how interconnected systems self-organize, and how networks hold the keys to understanding resilience, influence, and change.
Alex Jackson
Alex is a dynamic and innovative senior consultant with 15+ years of expertise spanning sales, marketing, customer success, operations, and service & systems design. Leveraging design and system thinking, Alex has extensive experience consulting with SMBs and Global Enterprises to improve business architecture, leading SaaS implementations, process improvement, and innovation initiatives with a balanced approach of sustainable continuous improvement and change leadership to improve operational efficiency with measurable ROI. WORKSHOP Why Not... Simulate Change Before You Implement? Using AI simulation to test change strategies can transform how we approach organizational change—but only if we keep human connection at the core. This workshop introduces a collaborative approach in which participants design and test change strategies through live AI simulation. Together, we'll test different change management approaches through a facilitated live simulation for group observation and discussion. This format enables everyone to participate in the simulation while maintaining meaningful dialogue and collaboration. Through structured exploration and group analysis, participants discover how AI simulation enhances decision-making while keeping humans central. No technical expertise is required - just the participant’s change management experience and curiosity.
Dan Eng
Dan is a Systems Changes Learner who is at his best when those around him have fun learning WORKSHOP Why Not Wait? - What is the pace of your change? When deciding if you should wait or take action, it’s important to think about how quickly your system and the other connected systems are changing. The system you want to change may be moving too fast compared to the other connected systems. On the other hand, if the connected systems are changing quickly, your plan might need to speed up to stay relevant. Systems Changes Learning provides a framework called Hub and Spoke. This framework helps changemakers in dealing with the diverse pacing of connected systems.
Ilana Sprongl
Ilana Sprongl is a software delivery consultant and leadership coach with over two decades of experience guiding teams and leaders toward sustainable success. As the founder of HelpText Consulting, she emphasizes principles over rigid methodologies, helping organizations navigate the complexities of modern software delivery with agility and collaboration. Certified in leadership coaching through the Rotman School of Management, Ilana combines strategic insight with empathic curiosity, empowering individuals and teams to thrive. A writer and founding signatory of the Manifesto for Agility in Finance and Accounting, Ilana explores themes like unconscious bias, leadership growth, and bridging the divide between business and technology. Her actionable insights and engaging workshops challenge assumptions and foster meaningful change, making her a sought-after voice in leadership and delivery excellence. WORKSHOP Why Not Uncover Bias? Exploring Curiosity as a Path to Inclusion and Growth Unconscious bias is often an invisible barrier to meaningful change. In this workshop, participants will explore how curiosity and courage—embodied by the question “Why not?”—can help uncover and challenge hidden biases that influence our decisions and relationships. Through guided activities and discussions, participants will learn how to identify unconscious bias, question its origins, and foster more inclusive practices. This session equips participants with practical tools to disrupt bias in their personal and professional lives, empowering them to create more equitable and innovative environments.
Amrita Kaushik
Amrita Kaushik is a leading expert in sustainability projects and a seasoned professor with over 18 years of experience in college and university coaching. Currently, she serves as a research assistant at the DI of TMU, where she provides expert consultancy in designing innovative programs that prioritize sustainability and drive the transition to more sustainable practices. WORKSHOP Why not learn how to unlearn Everyone is talking about learning new skills and methods. However, unlearning must be as important as learning in an ever-changing world. This workshop will touch on unlearning, the freedom from old knowledge, habits, and biases, for growth and adaptation. Attendees learn how fixed beliefs, routines, and approaches can hinder progress and innovation. When it is decided to unlearn the basics, a fresh approach to challenges can be made; new ideas can be embraced, and creative problem-solving can be enhanced. The session will explore how to unlearn strategies that include questioning assumptions, trembling at the edges of comfort zones, and fostering a growth mindset. Participants would take away tools on how to avoid cognitive biases and the fear of change to promote a culture of constant self-improvement. Unlearning is an agent of agility during the constant process of change, allowing the person to flourish better during his self-life and work in general.
Maha ElHindawy
Maha El Hindawy is a seasoned leader with extensive experience in consulting and industry, specializing in change management, HR transformation, talent management, and organizational culture. With a Master’s degree in Organizational Learning and Change from the University of Toronto, she excels at navigating complex challenges, designing sustainable solutions, and aligning talent strategies with organizational goals. Maha has worked with diverse clients across industries, delivering impactful initiatives such as workforce transitions, leadership development programs, and equity-focused talent processes. She is an active mentor and speaker, sharing her expertise to inspire growth and innovation in others. WORKSHOP How Personal Experience Drive your Practice! Change is an inevitable part of both personal and professional life. Yet, too often, we approach it with rigid methodologies, overlooking the profound influence of our personal experiences. This interactive workshop challenges participants to explore how their unique journeys through change shape their professional decisions—consciously or unconsciously—and how embracing this connection can lead to more authentic and effective practices. Managing change is not just about following a prescribed process; it’s about recognizing and leveraging the human element within us all. By reflecting on their own experiences, participants will uncover valuable insights that can guide their approach to changewith confidence and authenticity.
David Donaldson & Oliver Marti
David has more than 30 years experience as a facilitator, consultant, and trainer working with individuals and organizations helping bring their best while supporting them through change. David has facilitated and coached at all levels across many sectors building leadership and agility. After an entrepreneurial start to his career David discovered his passion for L&D, dedicating his life to helping others grow. David is a Certified Training and Development Professional, member of the Institute for Performance and Learning, Personal Resilience Practitioner, TCD contributor and TEDx speaker. Oliver Martin is dedicated to helping individuals, teams, organizations, and communities transform relationships by enhancing their ability to work through challenging situations. Oliver is the Director of Workplace Restoration & Culture at York University and an instructor for York University's Certificate in Dispute Resolution program. In private practice, he mediates workplace disputes and provides training in conflict resolution, mediation, and negotiation for leaders. WORKSHOP Not Why Many change agents start with explaining the “Why”. When the “Why” is acceptable, the change agent’s job is easy, when the “Why” is not acceptable, conflict occurs. Leveraging tried & true conflict management techniques, you will gain tools to help uncover their “Why” of resistance, better positioning you to meet their needs while delivering the change. We will explore how to: • Uncover their needs • Defuse tense situations • Create the possible Instead of pushing forward in conflict, Why Not work with them in partnership.
Courtney McLeod & Livia Gruji
Courtney McLeod is a Certified Coach focused on helping people live lives that they are excited about through one on one work and group coaching programs. She facilitates workshops for individuals and corporations that are designed to enhance the lives of participants. She is a self proclaimed “playspert” and she infuses fun and play into all of the work she does. Liv Grujich is a Certified Happiness Trainer and the owner of Prescribing Happiness. Through her engaging workshops and keynotes, Liv empowers individuals, corporations, and educational institutions with practical strategies for leading happy, healthy lives. Her approach is rooted in evidence-based practices, combining the latest research with time-tested wisdom. WORKSHOP Increase Your Happiness One Action At A Time Happiness is the ultimate currency in life and there are simple things we can each do to help us achieve it. - Participants will create a personalized Happiness Plan (centered around the research based SPIRE model of well being) identifying simple actions they can take each day that will increase their levels of happiness. - Participants will walk away with a better understanding of the mind body connection and how to utilize it. - Participants will walk away feeling better and energized to embark on their happiness journey. If you want to see change in the world, why not begin with your happiness and see the powerful ripple effect it will have.
Anca Baban
Anca Baban, MPM, B.A.A., Pl. Fin., is an experienced professional specializing in project management, change management, and organizational transformation. With expertise in accreditation processes, business agility, and stakeholder engagement, Anca brings a unique blend of academic rigor and practical insights to her work. Her experience spans roles in aerospace, financial services, and academia, where she has demonstrated influential leadership, adaptability, and a commitment to excellence. Anca is known for her analytical skills, innovative approach, and ability to foster trust and collaboration across diverse teams. Fluent in French, English, and Romanian, she combines a global perspective with a deep understanding of local contexts, making her an asset in both international and multicultural environments. Anca’s achievements include awards for excellence in customer service, leadership, and financial planning, reflecting her dedication to achieving impactful results. WORKSHOP Why Not Transform Through Accreditation? Accreditation in higher education is often viewed as a technical process focused on certification, but why not see it as an opportunity for profound organizational transformation? This workshop explores accreditation as a strategic lever for driving meaningful change. Drawing from real-world cases we delve into the transformative potential of accreditation processes. Participants will engage with Kurt Lewin's three-phase model (Unfreezing, Transition, Refreezing) to understand how accreditation can catalyze shifts in governance, culture, and operations. Through comparative analysis, attendees will gain insights into the balance of technical, psychological, relational, and symbolic dimensions required to navigate complex institutional changes successfully.
Josh Stein
Josh is a workshop facilitator and coach, and founder of The Awkward Leadership School, focused on authentic communication for self-conscious, people-pleasing, and/or neurodivergent facilitators, helpers, and other leaders. He deeply wants to better the world by supporting and empowering those who are stuck, holding back, or getting in their own way to be more impactful and potent as leaders and in their lives. He does this by helping them see their relational blind-spots and giving them tools to have deeper and more-meaningful connections with others. WORKSHOP The Relational Courage Lab: Why not let your mask down? Are you able to be your real self with the people around you? Or do you tend to feel like you’re hiding and having to perform with others? Do you even know what’s going on inside when you’re with others? If your tendency is to keep your feelings, needs, and ideas hidden in order to keep others happy or maintain the peace, you may also recognize the toll this can take on both your wellbeing and your effectiveness as a change leader. In times of change, uncertainty increases. And when uncertainty increases, our communication and connection need to increase too. In this highly-interactive workshop, we'll practice taking little risks revealing our inner world to others and receive real-time feedback through hearing how that impacts another person.
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