Whether presenting their popular Power of Positive Networking®, their signature conference opener Leap Start™, or teambuilding essential Positive Communication™, Gayle and Judy have a special way of connecting with their audiences. Not only that, but they get their audiences connecting with one and other!

Gayle Hallgren Rezac

Gayle Hallgren-Rezac is co-author of the bestselling book WORK THE POND! Use the Power of Positive Networking to Leap Forward in Work and Life (Penguin Prentice Hall). She co-authored this best-selling book with DarcyRezac, managing director emeritus of The Vancouver Board of Trade and Judy Thomson.  The book has been translated and published in Chinese, Korean and Russian. It has been called “the connector’s handbook” by Town & Country magazine.
 
Gayle is a graduate of the University of British Columbia and has spent over two decades observing and writing on networking around the world. She is a member of the Davos Circle, having attended the Annual World Economic Forum over eleven times. She is also an expert on conversation and storytelling, subjects she writes and speaks on frequently. Gayle is the chief engagement officer of Shepa Learning Company.  With her co-author Judy Thomson, CA, they are a unique dynamic duo, renown for presenting lively, entertaining, and memorable events.

Judy Thomson, CA

Judy is chartered accountant, speaker and co-author of WORK THE POND! Judy’s interesting career spans both the corporate and entrepreneurial worlds. She has held executive positions in human resources and administration with global companies in Canada and Asia. In addition, she had the unique experience of being part of the start-up management team of the world-famous Rocky Mountaineer Railtours where she created the company’s customer experience while ‘riding the rails’. Judy is a corporate director of publicly traded mining exploration company where she chairs various committees. She is the vice-chair of The Vancouver Board of Trade’s Women’s Leadership Circle® advisory board, sits on the board of directors of the BC Women’s Enterprise Centre and has been a supporter of many women business organizations.  Judy is the chief operating officer of Shepa Learning Company.  With a client list of over 100, Judy and Gayle have spoken on networking, storytelling, communication and social intelligence to multi-national corporations, associations, governments, universities and The Power Within.

Since becoming Canada’s top soldier in February 2005, General Rick Hillier (Retired) fought two battles, each with his trademark passion and urgency. The first was on the ground in Afghanistan, as Canada’s traditional peacekeeping role segued dramatically into a heavy combat mission in the scorching hills of Kandahar. The second battle was for the hearts and minds of Canadians. A tireless military advocate, General Hillier raised the profile of Canada’s armed forces which endeared him to troops and gave Canada an important card to play at the NATO table. On stage, General Hillier inspires others to lead with passion and involvement. General Hillier was recently named to The Order of Canada, 2011.

Throughout his career, General Hillier has had the privilege and pleasure of commanding troops from the platoon to multi-national formation level within Canada, Europe, Asia and the United States. He has worked as a staff officer in several headquarters, first at the Army level in Montreal and later at the strategic level in Ottawa.

In 1998 General Hillier was appointed as the first Canadian Deputy Commanding General of III Corps, US Army in Fort Hood, Texas. In 2000, he took command of NATO’s Stabilization Force’s (SFOR) Multinational Division (Southwest) in Bosnia-Herzegovina. In May 2003, General Hillier was appointed as Commander of the Army and subsequently, in October 2003, he was selected as the Commander of the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Kabul, Afghanistan.

General Hillier was promoted to his present rank and assumed duties as the Chief of the Defence Staff on 4 February 2005. He retired from the Canadian Forces in July 2008. General Hillier’s first bestselling book, A Soldier First, recounts his role and experiences within the Canadian military, and his latest bestseller, Leadership Matters, emphasizes the importance role a great leader can play in the lives of others.

 General Hillier enjoys most recreational pursuits but, in particular, runs slowly, plays hockey poorly and golfs not well at all.

This keynote presentation is one you won’t want to miss! For more information on General Rick Hillier and other 2012 Atlantic HR Conference details, visit www.atlanticHRconference.com today!