TALENT MEET THE EXPERTS
MEET THE EXPERTS
Lianne
Clarke, Principal, Cowan Benefits Ltd
Lianne Clarke leads the strategic initiatives and growth of Cowan Insurance Group’s Return to Health® wellness and disability practice. Joining in 2015 as a senior benefits consultant, she later became VP of Wellness & Disability Operations. Her passion for wellness and client care has made her a valued mentor and a key driver of the company’s success in this area.
In her current role, Lianne ensures that wellness and disability practices align with the evolving challenges of workplace health She also helps organizations design wellness, stay-at-work, and disability programs to reduce absenteeism, costs, and improve employee health
With nearly 30 years of experience in group benefits, disability, wellness, and absence management, Lianne was honored with the 2018 Well-Being 100™ Award by the Corporate Health and Wellness Association She has also been involved in the Economic Roundtable for Mental Health and is a speaker at industry events Lianne holds a B Sc , B Ed , a MHCC Mental Health First Aid certificate, and is a volunteer firefighter
EXPERT ON: Employee Wellness
Norma McDonald-Ewing, Associate Vice President, Employee Experience & Development, Conestoga College
Norma McDonald Ewing is a facilitative leader and awardwinning educator dedicated to enhancing employee experience, inspiring adult learning, and strengthening communities through authentic relationships and meaningful collaboration. As Associate Vice President, Employee Experience & Development at Conestoga College, she brings over two decades of experience fostering inclusive, engaging environments where individuals and organizations thrive.
A certified professional coach (PCC), Norma holds BA and MA degrees from the University of Waterloo and is recognized for her leadership with the YWCA Women of Distinction Award, the Aubrey Hagar Distinguished Teaching Award, and the King Charles III Coronation Medal Passionate about community capacity building, she continues to contribute her time and leadership to a range of educational and civic organizations
EXPERT ON: Corporate Culture.
MEET THE EXPERTS
Andrew Leith, Founder & President, Octant Executive Advisory Group
Andrew Leith is a recovering revenue executive turned executive coach and business consultant who believes culture is the key to success With expertise in leadership, sales strategy, and organizational growth, he helps companies develop scalable, forecastable revenue strategies while building stronger leadership teams His approach combines personal and professional assessments to tailor management strategies for long-term success.
As a late-life ADHD diagnosis advocate, Andrew promotes neuroinclusivity in the workplace, shifting focus from traditional accommodations to empowerment and performance. He works with organizations to unlock the potential of their neurodivergent workforce through strategies like internal communication, Employee Resource Groups, and innovative engagement platforms, including music, LEGO, and mindfulness. Andrew’s work focuses on creating environments where both people and businesses thrive
EXPERT ON: Mentoring
Olusola Oladele, Employer Liaison Lead
Workforce Planning Board of Waterloo Wellington Dufferin
Olusola Oladele is the Employer Liaison Lead at the Workplace & Immigrant Network Waterloo Region With over 15 years of HR experience in Nigeria and Canada, she leverages her expertise and lived experience as an immigrant to support employers in attracting, hiring, and retaining newcomers
EXPERT ON: Hiring Newcomers & Refugees
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Jennie Di Girolamo (she/her), Talent Liaison Lead
Workplace and Immigrant Network of Waterloo Region
Jennie Di Girolamo (she/her), Talent Liaison Lead, Workplace and Immigrant Network of Waterloo Region
Jennie Di Girolamo is the Talent Liaison Lead at WINWR
With seven years of employment expertise and a background in disability studies, Jennie excels in promoting global talent’s unique skills to the local labour market and driving community growth through strategic partnerships "
EXPERT ON: Hiring Newcomers & Refugees