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Merge Gupta-Sunderji turns managers into leaders. A highly-respected leadership expert and columnist, Merge gives people specific and practical tools to achieve leadership and communication success. Over 94,000 managers in twenty-nine countries have attended her fun, content-rich keynotes and facilitated workshops.
A leader at one of Canada’s premier oil and gas companies and a board leader at a Credit Union for a combined total of over 17 years, Merge offers a unique blend of realism and humor that consistently engages and entertains her audiences. She is called upon frequently to individually mentor high-potential leaders in a variety of organizations.
Previously, she was the well-known voice behind the national CBC radio column The Softer Side of Business. She’s an award-winning published author, writing for many well-known organizations and publications, including the very popular Merge’s Monthly Mega Minute, and a regular monthly column in The Globe & Mail, Canada’s most respected and widely-circulated national newspaper.
Her first book titled "Why Does the Lobster Cast Off Its Shell?" is now in its third edition, and her last book "Generations Exposed – Unexpected Insights Into the People You Work With" is in its second printing.
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In today’s workplace, it’s not uncommon to find all five generations working side by side — traditionalists, Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials and the emerging Gen Z. Each group brings its own quirks, values and work styles, creating both surprising opportunities and unexpected challenges. Without strategies to bridge these generational differences, organizations risk conflict, inefficiency and even the loss of future talent. In this dynamic presentation, you’ll discover what truly drives each generation, explore eye-opening strategies to bridge the gaps and learn how to turn generational diversity into your workplace superpower. Whether you’re motivating a 20-something new hire or collaborating with a seasoned pro, this session will equip you with the tools to connect, communicate and lead with confidence. Get ready to see your workplace — and your colleagues — in a whole new light!
Shane is a global expert in leadership and team culture with over a decade of experience developing remarkable leaders, teams and cultures. Blending business experience with psychology, Shane’s passion lies in empowering leaders to communicate, connect and collaborate more effectively. He thrives on helping leaders have the conversations they need to build the team they want. His perspectives and expertise have been shared in notable publications such as the Harvard Business Review, Forbes, The Australian, HRD, CEO World, Smart Company, Kochies Business Builders, The Herald Sun, Foundr, Company Director and more. Clients consistently value Shane’s skill for introducing clarity to their thought processes and distilling complex ideas into pragmatic strategies. Shane is the author of two books including "Lead The Room — Communicate a Message That Counts in Moments That Matter" and the bestselling "Let’s Talk Culture — The Conversations You Need to Create the Team You Want." He is also the host of the insightful podcast Phone Calls With Clever People, which delves into a diverse range of leadership topics. With a prolific career as a speaker, executive coach and facilitator, Shane has collaborated with businesses spanning a range of industries across the public, private, and not-for-profit sectors. Currently, Shane is elevating the conversation about culture across Australia, New Zealand, the U.K. and the U.S., upholding his reputation as a global thought leader in leadership and culture.
Sean Alexander is a seasoned strategist and thought leader whose engaging keynotes empower business leaders to embrace the opportunities and challenges of transformation in the AI era. With a 25-year career at Microsoft and a history of shaping groundbreaking initiatives, Sean combines deep expertise in innovation with a practical, results-oriented approach to navigating change.
Through his programs, audiences gain actionable insights into the business impacts of AI and digital transformation — not just the "how," but the "why" behind driving meaningful change. Whether addressing the ethical implications of AI or demystifying what it takes to future-proof an organization, Sean inspires leaders to think boldly, act strategically, and harness emerging technologies to create competitive advantage.
Sean’s impact in the business world is rooted in a legacy of innovation. At Microsoft, he co-authored the company’s Applied AI strategy, developed the Microsoft AI Executive Program for C-suite leaders, and played a pivotal role in launching the OpenAI partnership. His pioneering work has not only earned him a prestigious Technical Emmy® but also positioned him as a trusted advisor to Fortune 500 organizations navigating the complexities of transformation.
Today, as a Business & Technology Advisor and Keynote Speaker with The Persimmon Group — an award-winning management consulting firm — Sean partners with organizations to develop strategies that balance innovation with accountability. His expertise helps leaders drive growth, build resilience, and ensure that technology serves as a force multiplier for their business objectives.
Sean’s approachable style, rich storytelling, and practical takeaways make his presentations a must-attend for anyone seeking clarity and confidence in an unpredictable landscape.
A proud second-generation graduate of the University of Tulsa, Sean also earned an Executive MBA from the Microsoft/Northwestern program and an Executive Certificate in AI Business Strategy from MIT. He is an active board member for several nonprofits and a member of the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD).
Don’t wait around for perfect data or the perfect strategy, says Neil Hoyne. In today’s rapidly changing landscape, leaders who know how to make the most of “good enough” will win outsized rewards. As the author of “Converted” and Google’s chief strategist, Neil has spent almost 9000 hours (that’s over a full year) talking to CEOs, boards, and investors about how they make decisions and navigate change. Whether you’re looking to roll out a new marketing strategy or exploring what AI can do for your business, Neil knows what your competitors are doing — and how you can outpace them. In practical talks, he offers you the information he’s gained from hundreds of Fortune 500 companies, equipping you to work with what you have to take more risks, innovate, and move faster