Automation. The gig economy. Skyrocketing debt. Limitless social connectivity. These are just some of the challenging realities young Canadians face alongside parents, employers, educators and government as young Canadians transition into a rapidly changing workplace.
Thanks to all who joined us at The Burlington Performing Arts Centre for “Talking Today’s Youth, Tomorrow’s Prosperity” – a night of community conversation in partnership with RBC. This vital talk shone the light on opportunities, obstacles, collaborations and concrete actions we all have before us now, and in the future as we help young Canadians build personal and professional success. For when young Canadians prosper, business and community do.
Featuring renowned McMaster educator, author and Top 30 global management guru, Dr. Nick Bontis, the evening included a high-energy presentation by Nick, followed by a lively panel discussion with business, government, education and young adults (see our fantastic panelists below)
To find out more about the RBC Future Launch program or to access career building tools for youth and young adults on RBC’s digital hub, please visit: rbc/futurelaunch
To read or download Burlington Foundation’s Vital Signs 2017-18 report including important insights on youth and young adults in our community click here
The Future is NOW. Your voice is vital. We encourage you to keep the conversation going! #BurlVitalTalk
Our Featured Keynote Speaker:
Dr. Nick Bontis Nick is a multi-award-winning professor at McMaster University with international accolades to his name including the prestigious 3M National Teaching Fellowship. As the world’s leading expert on intellectual capital, Nick brings his enthusiasm for accelerating high performance to business, students and educators in his dynamic, high energy talks. From his background as researcher, author, educator and strategic consultant, Nick stands at a unique intersection of business and education to truly inspire us all to work together to help young Canadians prepare for the future of work. Twitter: @NickBontis, http://nickbontis.com
Featured panel members included:
Leona McCharles; Vice President, Global Recruitment for RBC As head of talent acquisition for RBC, Leona is focused on building a future-ready workforce in support of RBC’s vision of becoming a digitally enabled relationship Bank. Leona is actively engaged in providing opportunities for early talent that provide skills and experience for the future of work both internally at RBC as well as in the community. rbc.com, https://www.linkedin.com/in/leonamccharles/
Eleanor McMahon; MPP Burlington In addition to being MPP, Eleanor is currently President of the Treasury Board and Minister Responsible for Digital Government. Having spent her career in senior roles in government, business and the not-for-profit sector, Eleanor’s perspective enriches the dialogue further on this important community conversation. http://eleanormcmahon.onmpp.ca
John Romano; Co-founder, Nickel Brook Brewery Co. Nickel Brook Brewery has earned its’ enviable leadership status in the national craft brewery movement through a distinctly successful mix of family business entrepreneurship and innovation. As a forward looking employer and brand builder, John’s commitment to cultivating an ongoing, strong connection to young adults is important to the conversation. https://nickelbrook.com
David Santi; Dean, Engineering Technology, Mohawk College Serving 30,000+ students and ranking 1st among all Greater Toronto and Hamilton area colleges in graduate satisfaction for the past 4 years, Mohawk College has a strong commitment to ensuring graduates are workplace ready. As Dean, David has been focused on developing advance manufacturing programs that will prepare students for the future needs of business. https://www.mohawkcollege.ca
Roman Turchyn; Vice President, Human Resources, L-3 WESCAM Along with 9 Emmys and 2 Oscars for technical excellence, L-3 WESCAM’s global leadership in manufacturing and high-technology has positioned it as a celebrated international success story right in our community. As a leader in human resources, L3 WESCAM has developed a powerful feeder system to develop and find highly qualified and motivated students. https://www.wescam.com
Erinn Weatherbie; Co-creator of Kelly’s Bake Shoppe & Best-selling Cookbook “Made With Love” As an inspirational young lifestyle entrepreneur who passionately embraces the power of social, Erinn is cooking up so much more than cupcakes and cookies these days. Erinn brings her insights and experiences on her trajectory from McMaster grad to powerhouse influencer, spreading her love of food, life and good health. http://www.kellyanderinn.com https://www.kellysxo.com
Charlotte Zhen; Analyst, Deloitte Canada As a member of Burlington Foundation’s volunteer Young Professionals Team, and from her recent journey from Ivey Business School grad, to Shopping Channel team member, to Deloitte, Charlotte brings an in-the-trenches vantage point on the challenges and opportunities facing her cohort. https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlottezhen/
To learn more about Burlington Foundation’s and RBC’s partnership to support youth and young adults as they transition into the workforce click here
