Eddy Robinson
Eddy Robinson is Anishinaabe/Muskegowuk Cree of the Missanabie Cree First Nation, born and raised Toronto. Like many Indigenous people in Canada Eddy did not enjoy an easy childhood. His father – a Residential School survivor – left the family when Eddy was just three years old and he subsequently endured years of abuse from an alcoholic parent. Caught in the same cycle of violence and addiction that dominated his childhood, Native Peoples Parish in Toronto encouraged him to seek out his roots. A traditional Anishinaabe Vision Quest/Fasting held at “Dreamers Rock” on Manitoulin Island would begin his healing journey.
Eddy engages the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action through a personal narrative, discussing growing up as an urban Indigenous person and his professional experience with Indigenous organizations on local, provincial and national levels. Over the past 25 years of working on the frontline of social services and advocating for Indigenous communities, Eddy has evolved into a noted Anishinaabe artist, musician, educator, facilitator, trainer and public speaker. He’s involved with numerous local district school boards, colleges, universities, corporate institutions and several Indigenous/Aboriginal organizations. Eddy established Morningstar River in 2007 to address the societal need for Indigenous education and displays of authentic culture.
Esther Fleurimond
As a Bilingual (fluent in French and English) Health and Safety Consultant, specializing in workplace mental health, Esther has a solid knowledge of the development and implementation of a psychologically safe and healthy culture in today’s work environment.
Esther has over 20 years of experience with both private and public sectors and has occupied management positions within provincially and federally regulated employers. As a thought leader being part of the WSPS Healthy Workplaces Team, Esther specializes in workplace mental health. In addition, to deliver engaging training, Esther developed her expertise to identify and mitigate psychological hazards and support organizations to develop and implement solid action plans leading to positive, effective and sustainable mental health strategies. Esther has been called upon to consult and conduct management audits on both physical and psychological health and safety for government departments in Ontario and abroad which brought her to Africa, India, and South America. Esther’s past experiences as a civil servant include leadership and managerial positions in Ontario's public sector as well as in federal organizations.
Passionate about the field of mental health, Esther enjoys providing insightful and interactive training to managers, supervisors and workers with interactive mental health and safety solutions.
Esther holds a graduate degree in Occupational Health and Safety from Ryerson University (Toronto, ON) and an Undergraduate Degree in Business Administration, specializing in Human Resources and International Business from the University of Montréal, HEC Business School (Montréal, Québec).
Esther enjoys outdoor activities with her family such as hiking and canoeing in the beautiful Gatineau Park, near her home in the National Capital Region of Ottawa.
Dr. Karyn Gordon
Dr. Karyn is a Wall Street Journal bestselling author of the book – The Three Chairs: How Great Leaders Drive Communication, Performance & Engagement.
In addition, she is a Leadership & Relationship expert, professional counsellor, CEO of DK Leadership: A Global Leadership Coaching Company and TV personality for Cityline.
A dynamic TED Talk speaker, Dr. Karyn has given over 1000 keynotes to more than ½ million people from 17 countries - including Fortune 500 companies, professionals, parents and hundreds of school boards across North America.
With a Doctorate in Marriage & Family and specialty training in leadership and personality, her purpose is to develop GREAT Leaders in organizations and families.
Her gift is speaking passionately & practically!
A dynamic motivational speaker and powerfully effective coach, Dr. Karyn has delivered over 1000 keynotes to more than 1⁄2 million people. Her clients include Fortune 500 companies, family businesses, government agencies, entrepreneurs, educational school boards and many professional organizations.
With a Doctorate in Marriage & Family and certifications in Leadership and EQ Dr. Karyn was invited to collaborate with professors from The Wharton School to develop an EQ training curriculum for family businesses. John Prato, The Consul General of Canada in New York, hosted a reception in 2013 honouring her work with New York organizations. Over the years, she has served as the media spokesperson for Maple Leaf Foods, Johnson & Johnson, Microsoft and UNICEF.
An audience favourite, WP Pensions + Benefits is pleased to have Dr. Karyn join us at our conference once again in 2022.