Session 1: Unleash the Power of Workforce Well-being: Thrive in a Competitive World - Shelly Meadows & Martin Franchi, Navigation Consulting & Training
Discover the secrets to workforce sustainability & organizational effectiveness in today's fierce employment landscape. Brace yourself for the truth: workplace stress is an undeniable force, infiltrating every corner of your organization. But fear not! Your employees are the key to decoding the health of your workplace environment. Join our session to challenge your assumptions and ignite a revolution in approaching workplace stress and mental health. Break free from reliance on personal resilience alone. Explore major causes of workplace stress & uncover strategies to conquer them head-on. No more guesswork. No more sleepwalking through employee well-being. It's time to truly listen to your workforce and decode their stress levels. Ignite a transformation that drives unparalleled productivity, engagement, and ultimately success. Don't miss this opportunity to embrace and redefine the well-being paradigm!
Learning Outcomes:
- Recognize the warning signs of workplace stress and burnout- Participants will be able to identify individual and organizational signals of unmitigated stress — in themselves, their teams, and their culture — before they escalate to performance breakdown, absenteeism, or attrition
- Distinguish root causes from symptoms and stop guessing - Participants will understand the difference between surface-level stress responses and their underlying organizational, leadership, and individual drivers — grounded in the CSA Z1003 / ISO 45003 13-factor framework — and learn how to gather data rather than assume.
- Apply a three-pronged approach to build a healthier, higher-performing workplace - Participants will leave with a practical framework for addressing workplace stress at three levels — organizational engineering, individual support, and proactive resilience-building — so they can lead change that is sustainable, not symptomatic.
Session 2: Humans of HRPA IN-PERSON EXCLUSIVE
We are excited to present Humans of HRPA, an innovative event series that shines a spotlight on the untold stories of HR leaders – trailblazers who have navigated the challenges, celebrated the victories, and shaped the future of the workplace.
At the heart of Humans of HRPA is storytelling. This event features authentic, unfiltered accounts from established HR professionals who share their journeys with honesty and courage. From breaking through barriers to embracing pivotal moments of growth, these leaders authentically share their paths to success and the people who championed their rise.
In an era where human connection is more essential than ever, Humans of HRPA fosters an environment where vulnerability is a strength, and shared experiences create a ripple effect of empowerment. Attendees leave with more than just professional insights—they walk away inspired by the resilience and humanity of those who make organizations thrive.
Whether you're an HR professional, a people leader, or someone who simply loves a great story, we invite you to join us on a journey of growth, learning, and heartfelt celebration of the people behind the progress.

Anne Cesak, CHRL - Anne is a Senior Consultant at Great Place To Work® Canada with expertise in workplace culture, leadership development, employee engagement, and organizational strategy. As an Everything DiSC® Certified Practitioner and Qualified Administrator of the Intercultural Development Inventory, Anne partners with leaders to build high-trust workplaces where employees can thrive. She facilitates leadership development programs, strategic planning sessions, culture transformation initiatives, and employee survey action planning for organizations across Canada.
Dr. Deepak Sharma, CHRP, CPHRC, CTDP, CCIP, CMBE, CCL - Dr. Deepak Sharma is a veteran HR executive, academician, and EDI champion with 30+ years of cross-sector experience, holding a Ph.D. and multiple certifications (CHRP, CPHR, CTDP, and others). He currently teaches HR, EDI, and Leadership at Canadian universities while holding governance roles with HRPA, Algonquin College, and the University of Fredericton, and mentors professionals through organizations like ACCES Employment, TRIEC, and United Way.
Jean Goldsmith, CHRE, CTDP - Jean Goldsmith is a Senior Director of Global Talent & Learning at Vena Solutions with 25+ years in talent, learning, and organizational transformation. She leads global people strategy across four countries and co-leads Vena's AI Pod, bringing certifications in CHRE, CTDP, and Adler coaching.
AGENDA
5:00am-5:45pm Registration &Dinner
VIRTUAL STARTS HERE: 5:45-7:15pm Unleash the Power of Workforce Well-being: Thrive in a Competitive World
IN-PERSON EXCLUSIVE:
7:15-7:30pm Break
7:30-8:00pm Humans of HRPA
8:00-8:25pm Networking
8:25-8:30pm Wrap-up
Registration Difficulties or Questions: Please reach out to Tracey Gallacher, Specialist, Member Engagement