Contributors

Contributors

CAAT Pension Plan

Contributors is a Canadian-inspired podcast showcasing the innovative and strategic contributions leaders make today to ensure a better future for Canada. Host Russell Evans from the CAAT Pension Plan sits down with leaders who are committed to making meaningful change beyond just the bottom line. Russell and producer Jade Towle reflect on the tangible takeaways at the end of each episode.

Lessons From the Leaders: Season 2

Lessons From the Leaders: Season 2

Join us for the finale of season two where host Russell Evans and producer Jade Towle reflect on the season and delve into discussions on how to adapt businesses to better meet customer needs, the importance of prioritizing and acting on feedback, and the significance of adopting a people-first approach while aligning with a purposeful direction.Featuring soundbites from notable guests such as Anthony Viel, CEO of Deloitte Canada; Dr. Susan Black, President and CEO of the Conference Board of Can

Mar 6, 2024 • 35:16

Canada’s Greatest Comeback – Why Modern Pensions Matter to Everyone

Canada’s Greatest Comeback – Why Modern Pensions Matter to Everyone

Retirement income security is a looming issue in Canada.In this insightful episode, we delve into the dynamic world of defined benefit (DB) pension plans in Canada, tracing their journey from prominence, through decline, to their modern resurgence.Host Russell Evans brings a roster of leaders and experts onto the show, including: Pamela Steer, President & CEO, CPA Canada; Stephen Poloz, former Governor of Bank of Canada and Special Advisor, Osler Hoskin & Harcourt; Keith Ambachtsheer, Co

Jan 17, 2024 • 35:39

The Maple Transformation - How to disrupt industries through innovation and collaboration

The Maple Transformation - How to disrupt industries through innovation and collaboration

How can organizations transform and scale, while promoting the greater good for Canada? For Brett Belchetz, CEO and Co-Founder of Maple, the answer was shifting from a consumer focused B2C model to an influential force in the B2B landscape. Host Russell Evans and guest Brett Belchetz engage in conversation, delving deep into the genesis of Maple’s journey – and more importantly, how other organizations can learn from the transformational pivot the virtual healthcare app made. With his unique exp

Oct 4, 2023 • 36:53

Revisiting: The Marathon for Talent: How to attract & retain talent through a long-term lens 

Revisiting: The Marathon for Talent: How to attract & retain talent through a long-term lens 

Attraction and retention strategies are critical in the workforce today, and it’s becoming clear that the race for talent is here to stay. In this special panel episode, Russell sits down with two guests: Dr. Susan Black, CEO of the Conference Board of Canada, and Derek Dobson, CEO and Plan Manager of CAAT Pension Plan. Their conversation focuses on “the marathon for talent,” which refers to a shift in perceptions and perspectives around the trending term “race for talent.” Derek and Susan discu

Sep 27, 2023 • 55:44

Influencing the future - How BBTV leverages the creator economy for positive change

Influencing the future - How BBTV leverages the creator economy for positive change

With influencer marketing driving an increasing percentage of online business, and more children dreaming of becoming YouTubers than astronauts, it’s abundantly clear that leveraging video content is the way of the future. In this episode, Russell sits down with Shahrzad Rafati, Founder & CEO of Broadband TV Corp. (BBTV). BBTV is a media-tech company that is advancing the world by helping creators succeed. With over 35 million pieces of content in its purview, BBTV is the second-larges

Jun 23, 2023 • 33:28

Humanizing AI - How Dell leverages technology for the greater good

Humanizing AI - How Dell leverages technology for the greater good

Dell has been a trusted name in technology since before the Internet made its way into the palms of our hands. Technology has evolved in countless ways since those days, and today, AI is making its way to the forefront of this evolution. In this episode, Russell speaks with Dr. Rola Dagher, Global Channel Chief at Dell. We’ll learn why the human element will always have a place in the evolution of technology, and how AI will continue to improve our lives, specifically in areas like education and

May 17, 2023 • 35:30

The Feedback Loop - How companies can create best-in-class experiences with Alida

The Feedback Loop - How companies can create best-in-class experiences with Alida

With a looming recession, Canadians are becoming more selective about where their dollars are going. This is just one reason why it’s more important now than ever for brands to provide best-in-class customer experiences that are more than just transactional. In this episode, Russell sits down with Ross Wainwright, CEO of Alida, a customer experience management and insights platform. They discuss why Customer Experience (CX) needs to be top of mind for every Canadian organization vying to win the

Apr 19, 2023 • 34:32

Beyond the Numbers - The emerging role of accountants and CPA Canada

Beyond the Numbers - The emerging role of accountants and CPA Canada

"Accounting is the language of business" has been a long-held truth for decades, but language is subject to evolving, changing, growing. In this episode, Russell sits down with Pamela Steer, President and CEO of CPA Canada. Russell and Pamela dissect the evolution of the CPA profession, and discuss how accountants-turned-CFOs, in particular, are an organization's secret weapon. The episode also covers financial literacy, including why it’s a top priority for Chartered Professional Accountants an

Mar 8, 2023 • 36:24

Meaningful Manufacturing: How Samuel is contributing to a greener supply chain

Meaningful Manufacturing: How Samuel is contributing to a greener supply chain

In this episode, Russell tackles some of the big questions surrounding innovation in a traditional industry along with the leader of a company that’s seen more than 160 years of transformation. Colin Osborne is the CEO of Samuel, Son & Co.—an Oakville, Ontario-based advanced manufacturing company that traces its roots back to 1855. Together, Russell and Colin discuss how Samuel has made its way to the forefront of a new, green approach to manufacturing by upskilling its labour force, reducin

Feb 15, 2023 • 35:45

The Marathon for Talent – How to attract & retain talent through a long-term lens 

The Marathon for Talent – How to attract & retain talent through a long-term lens 

Attraction and retention strategies are critical in the workforce today, and it’s becoming clear that the race for talent is here to stay. In this special panel episode, Russell sits down with two guests: Dr. Susan Black, CEO of the Conference Board of Canada, and Derek Dobson, CEO and Plan Manager of CAAT Pension Plan. Their conversation focuses on “the marathon for talent,” which refers to a shift in perceptions and perspectives around the trending term “race for talent.” Derek and Susan discu

Jan 18, 2023 • 55:39

Triple Bottom Line - How Vancity’s unique business model drives profit and change

Triple Bottom Line - How Vancity’s unique business model drives profit and change

In this episode, Russell sits down with Christine Bergeron, the President and CEO of Vancity. As a values-based financial cooperative, Vancity uses its assets to improve the financial well-being of its members and their communities. The company puts its members, their communities, and the planet at the centre of everything they do by giving back 30% of their profits to members and communities every year. With over 500,000 members, Vancity is a profitable co-op that’s taking action on climate cha

Nov 30, 2022 • 28:58

A Thriving Future – How Deloitte is harnessing optimism for a better Canada

A Thriving Future – How Deloitte is harnessing optimism for a better Canada

What does a thriving Canada look like tomorrow, next year, in 2030? According to Deloitte, it’s time to spark a new, better future for the country, and while the challenges we face are big, so are the opportunities. In this episode, Deloitte’s CEO for Canada and Chile, Anthony Viel (also known as AV) joins Russell to discuss why we’re in a pivotal moment, and how we can make the most of our country’s current economic landscape. As a company that’s in the business of building a better future for

Nov 9, 2022 • 36:59

Outside-In – How the healthcare industry transformed Purolator

Outside-In – How the healthcare industry transformed Purolator

Purolator provided essential services during the pandemic, keeping Canada’s healthcare system running and supplied. It also provided essential services to meet the demands of a surge in e-commerce, allowing Canadians to shop from the safety of their own homes. Now, coming out of the pandemic, the Canadian company has increased its efforts to provide health and wellness programs to its staff members, recognizing how essential their well-being is to business success. In the first episode of Contri

Oct 19, 2022 • 36:36

More Contributors Coming Soon

More Contributors Coming Soon

The most admired Canadian businesses focus on more than just the bottom line. Ultimately, these are organizations that pursue a significant mission, while also prioritizing ways to make Canada better, more prosperous, more resilient, and more equitable. Contributors returns for season two and host Russell Evans is gearing up to speak with a whole new roster of Canadians leaders who will share their inspiring stories about our country’s future, including tangible takeaways for employers, employee

Oct 5, 2022 • 2:18

Lessons from the Leaders

Lessons from the Leaders

In the final episode of season one of Contributors, Jade Towle of CAAT Pension Plan sits down with host Russell Evans to discuss some of the key highlights from the series so far. Together, Jade and Russell review a variety of lessons and takeaways from some of Canada’s top changemakers that were interviewed in season one. From the race for talent, to employee engagement and finding purpose at work, the podcast series has explored some of the most topical issues in Canada today. This retrospecti

Jun 8, 2022 • 39:30

Barriers to Entry - How Canadian colleges are closing the skills gap

Barriers to Entry - How Canadian colleges are closing the skills gap

For decades, Canada's universities and colleges have provided fundamental career pathways for professionals, artists, and trades people, and over the last 20 years, these institutions have needed to constantly adapt to keep pace with the shifts in the modern Canadian workforce. In this episode, Russell is joined by Anne Sado, the past president of George Brown College. During the episode, she shares how Canadian colleges, like George Brown, have created learning pathways to mitigate the gr

Apr 20, 2022 • 33:28

A New Era of ‘Enabling’ – How CIBC is leading modern change in the banking  Industry

A New Era of ‘Enabling’ – How CIBC is leading modern change in the banking Industry

In this episode, Russell sits down with Victor Dodig, CEO of CIBC. Victor shares his insights into the future of Canada, as seen through CIBC’s modern approach to finding solutions. In addition, he advises C-suite executives on how they can evolve to become more modern and enable more of their people, their customers, and their society. This episode will demonstrate the unfolding future of banking following the pandemic, including how and why CIBC is investing in initiatives that impact mo

Apr 6, 2022 • 35:15

Growing Good Governance – How collective power is driving change in Canada

Growing Good Governance – How collective power is driving change in Canada

In this episode, Russell sits down with Catherine McCall, the Executive Director at Canadian Coalition for Good Governance, to discuss building good governance in Canada. This episode explores how organizations can champion good governance in Canada, including various strategies to improve ESG factors, how to empower employees, and where to start if governance is a new priority. After this episode, you’ll learn: The value of prioritizing ‘good governance’; How any organization acr

Mar 23, 2022 • 31:59

Removing the Burden  – How one organization is reshaping Canada's access to healthcare

Removing the Burden – How one organization is reshaping Canada's access to healthcare

In this episode, Russell sits down with Zahid Salman, the CEO and Board Director at Green Shield Canada. Zahid explains how Green Shield is helping to drive better health outcomes, improve access and provide additional support to Canadians during a challenging time. Zahid explains how Green Shield focuses on supporting dental, oral health and mental health, especially for women and BIPOC communities who the pandemic has disproportionately impacted. He also shares his perspective on how executive

Mar 9, 2022 • 39:09

The Power of Pensions – How retirement security can (and will!) transform Canada

The Power of Pensions – How retirement security can (and will!) transform Canada

In this episode, Russell sits down with Derek Dobson, CEO and Plan Manager at the CAAT Pension Plan. Exploring the challenges of retirement security in Canada today, Derek provides insightful commentary about how DB pension plans are integral to Canada’s retirement ecosystem and why access to a secure pension plan in the workplace is a significant priority for Canadian and employers today. After this episode, you’ll learn:The looming challenge of retirement savings in Canada – and the oppor

Feb 23, 2022 • 43:57

The power of attraction – How The Conference Board of Canada leverages data & engagement to empower employees

The power of attraction – How The Conference Board of Canada leverages data & engagement to empower employees

In this episode, Marnie and Russell sit down with the President and CEO of the Conference Board of Canada, Dr. Susan Black. Building a diverse and inclusive environment at work has been an important topic of conversation in recent years. In this post-truth climate, it’s more important than ever for companies and organizations to go above and beyond to recruit, attract and retain valuable employees. After this episode, you’ll learn:New research about the connection between higher employee en

Feb 9, 2022 • 33:31

In the Business of Doing Good – How Jim Estill supports charitable causes to empower his workplace

In the Business of Doing Good – How Jim Estill supports charitable causes to empower his workplace

Marnie and Russell sit down with Jim Estill, the CEO and Owner of Danby Appliances, in this episode. Although he's seen great success as a business leader, Jim's impact reaches farther than that. Throughout his career, Jim has made it his mission to give back to the community, helping others through charitable initiatives like supplying ventilators during the pandemic and supporting Syrian refugees who have recently come to Canada. After this episode, you'll learn: how social good can empower lo

Dec 15, 2021 • 31:57

Opportunities in uncertainties – The next decade for Canadian business

Opportunities in uncertainties – The next decade for Canadian business

In this episode, Marnie and Russell sit down with Canada’s widely recognized economist, Stephen Poloz, to learn the outlook for Canadian business – particularly looking at technology and the ageing demographic. During the episode, Stephen shares his expertise on the volatility we see in Canada, but more importantly, advice on how Canadians and employers can adapt to thrive into the future. Stephen Poloz has nearly 40 years of experience in financial markets, forecasting, and economic policy, inc

Dec 1, 2021 • 37:20

The future of financial wellness in Canada – Lessons from the legal community

The future of financial wellness in Canada – Lessons from the legal community

In this episode, Marnie and Russell sit down with Dawn Marchand, President and CEO of a not-for-profit organization, Lawyers Financial / Canadian Bar Insurance Association (CBIA). During their discussion, they explore opportunities around financial wellness in the workplace and how planning for retirement can ensure prosperity for Canadians’ futures – while supporting key business objectives. Dawn shares some staggering statistics, her perspective on why retirement planning and resources around

Nov 17, 2021 • 37:41

Innovation in Canada's private capital funding ecosystem

Innovation in Canada's private capital funding ecosystem

In this episode, Marnie and Russell sit down with John Ruffolo, the Founder and Managing Partner of Maverix Private Equity. Focusing on the value of investing in Canada’s future, the episode explores how private capital can address the gaps in the country’s funding ecosystem. John shares three key actions all employers should consider today to ensure success over the long-term. Show Links:  Download the Lessons from the Leaders eBook here: https://mailchi.mp/53b43e0152a4/3u7xfoybpi&nbs

Nov 3, 2021 • 32:55

Canadian innovation – Harnessing the power of untapped potential

Canadian innovation – Harnessing the power of untapped potential

In this episode, Marnie and Russell sit down with Yung Wu, CEO of MaRS Discovery District to discuss where Canada is thriving in the innovation space – and opportunities for where Canadian leaders might look to flourish further. During their discussion, Marnie, Russell, and Yung focus on the acceleration of Canadian technology before turning to a global perspective, giving a big picture outlook on how Canada is performing on the world stage.Show Links:  Download the Lessons from the Leaders

Oct 20, 2021 • 29:41

The Boomer Brain Drain – Navigating a new workforce

The Boomer Brain Drain – Navigating a new workforce

In this episode, Marnie and Russell sit down with Paula Allen, Global Leader and SVP of Research and Total Wellbeing at LifeWorks, to dissect the major challenges Canadian employees and businesses faced during the pandemic and the long-term impact they continue to have. New research released by LifeWorks and Deloitte Canada reveals that the state of mental wellbeing, particularly among business leaders, is compromising a post-pandemic workplace recovery, and organizations across all sectors are

Oct 6, 2021 • 34:21

Coming Soon

Coming Soon

Welcome to Contributors, a podcast that showcases Canadian innovation and how leaders are making strategic contributions today to secure a better tomorrow. Listen in as hosts Marnie Niemi Hood and Russell Evans sit down with leaders who are innovating industries, leading change, and investing in Canada’s wellbeing. You’ll hear thought-provoking conversations about how to take your organization one step further by prioritizing more than just the bottom line.Tune into the first episode October 6th

Sep 24, 2021 • 2:46

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