WAW Logo Summit White


Toronto Agenda

Tuesday October 21 2025

Deloitte, 8 Adelaide St W #200, Toronto, ON, M5H 0A9

08:00 – 08:55

Registration, Networking, Meeting and Connections

08:55 – 09:00
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Welcome and Setting the Scene

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WAW Logo Mark
Mark Rix
Group Managing Director, Sonas Group, (Wellbeing at Work)
WAW Logo Mark
09:00 – 09:20

Welcome Address from our hosts

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Speaker to be announced shortly
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09:20 – 09:45
Dr Cherise Regier

The Work Wellbeing Playbook: A Comprehensive, Evidence-Based Guide to Improving Employee Wellbeing

What are the key workplace factors that shape employee wellbeing across roles and industries? Which organizational interventions have the strongest evidence for improving these factors? How can business leaders effectively implement these interventions to support sustained wellbeing and performance?
Dr Cherise Regier
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Dr Cherise Regier
Strategic Advisor, World Wellbeing Movement
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09:45 – 10:30
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Leadership Lessons from High-Performing Teams - What Organizations Can Learn from Sports

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Michael Landsberg
Former Host, TSN’s Off the Record and CEO of Empaath Inc.
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10:30 – 10:50

Morning Networking Break

10:50 – 11:25

Panel: The Role of Wellbeing as the Power Behind Organisational Performance

What is the association between workplace wellbeing and company performance. Beyond ROI – what are the true measures of wellbeing on performance? Where does emotional insight fit when building positive workplace cultures for business impact? What is the value of designing wellbeing programs as integrated experiences that are embedded throughout the employee journey? How can employers truly help people thrive and grow?
Margot Lackenbauer

Margot Lackenbauer
BDO
Margot Lackenbauer
Chief Human Resources Officer, BDO
BDO
Kelly Davis

Kelly Davis
Gowling WLG
Kelly Davis
Chief People Officer, Gowling WLG
Gowling WLG
Carla Spina small sq

Carla Spina small sq
Echelon Insurance
Carla Spina
VP, Human Resources
Echelon Insurance
Carolyn Meacher

Carolyn Meacher
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Carolyn Meacher
Chief People Officer, Canada, Dentsu
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11:25 – 12:25

Leadership Workshops

12:25 – 13:20

Lunch, Meetings and Connections

13:20 – 13:30

Energiser

13:30 – 14:00

Innovating Benefits Strategy: How Digital Physiotherapy Solves Pain and Boosts Wellbeing and Productivity in the Workplace

Musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions impact millions of employees, leading to physical pain, reduced productivity, and even short or long-term disability. Yet, traditional physiotherapy often isn't practical due to limited access, high costs, and high dropout rates. In this panel, we will discuss strategies for tackling these challenges by incorporating an innovative digital physiotherapy solution into employee benefits. With insights from industry leaders, you will hear about digital physiotherapy's role in shaping their innovative strategies for the future and learn actionable insights on leveraging technology to promote a healthier, more productive workforce.
Speakers to be announced shortly
14:00 – 14:45

Workplace Wellbeing for All – Ensuring Belonging is at the Heart of the People Strategy

Wellbeing for all – what part does trust play in employee’s expectations of their organizations and wellbeing efforts? What part does data play as wellbeing intersects with culture? What are some examples that show why wellbeing needs to be addressed from an equity standpoint? What should be done about culture from the perspective of inter-generational workers?
Hilary McVey

Hilary McVey
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Hilary McVey
Managing Director for DEI and Accessibility, Deloitte Canada
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Lynn Ardizzi

Lynn Ardizzi
Lynn Ardizzi
Vice President, People, Equity & Culture, Centennial College
Abhishek Sarathy small sq

Abhishek Sarathy small sq
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Abhishek Sarathy
AVP, Diversity, Inclusion & Diversity, Canadian Tire
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Steeves Bujold

Steeves Bujold
McCarthy Tétrault LLP
Steeves Bujold
Interim Chief Inclusion Officer, McCarthy Tétrault LLP
McCarthy Tétrault LLP
14:45 – 15:15

Networking Break

15:15 – 15:40

The Science Behind Workplace Wellbeing

Discover why more and more employers think workplace wellness programs are not just "nice to have." The presentation will include employer best practices for measuring the business impact and long-term value of wellness programs.
Speaker to be confirmed shorly
15:40 – 16:05

The Right Not to Remain Silent: The Truth About Mental Health in The Legal Profession

This panel will discuss how mental health is perceived in the legal profession and beyond. Panel members will discuss what it means to be a member of the legal profession living with mental health and addiction issues including anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression and eating disorder.
Speakers to be announced shortly
16:05 – 16:25
Cynthia L Elliott   new small sq

How the Future of Wellness Can Drive ROI

Wellness is a Profit Driver: Companies investing in holistic well-being see higher productivity, lower healthcare costs, and increased profitability. AI & Personalization Elevate Engagement: Data-driven wellness solutions, like AI-powered coaching and health analytics, create customized well-being plans that improve employee retention and performance. Psychological Safety Fuels Performance: Cultures prioritizing emotional intelligence, trust, and mental health support experience stronger engagement, lower turnover, and higher innovation. Wellness is a Competitive Advantage for Talent: Organizations that embed well-being into the employee experience will attract and retain top talent, especially Gen Z and Millennials.
Cynthia L Elliott   new small sq
Cynthia book A New American Dream - new cover
Cynthia L. Elliott
Author, A New American Dream: Conscious AI For a Future Full of Promise and one of the 100 most influential women leading AI - Davos 100 Women
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16:25 - 16:30
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Closing Remarks

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WAW Logo Mark
Mark Rix
Group Managing Director, Sonas Group, Wellbeing at Work
WAW Logo Mark
16:30 – 17:30

Networking Reception