Discover the exceptional leaders who will share their insights and expertise at the Young Professionals Leadership Summit 2025 in Toronto. Our carefully selected speakers represent diverse industries and leadership styles, bringing authentic stories of career challenges, pivotal moments, and breakthrough successes. From entrepreneurs and C-suite executives to thought leaders and coaches, these accomplished professionals will provide actionable strategies, innovative perspectives, and inspiration to help you elevate your leadership journey and maximize your career potential.
Meet our MC
Reggie Waterman
Director of Brand at Yorkville University and the Founder of NEXT TENReggie Waterman is the Director of Brand at Yorkville University and the Founder of NEXT TEN, a purpose-driven platform designed to empower individuals to unlock their potential and step boldly into their next chapter. With a career built at the intersection of creativity, strategy, and impact, Reggie has a unique ability to bring brands—whether products, services, or people—to life.
At Yorkville University, Reggie leads the brand vision across campuses nationwide, crafting compelling narratives that connect with diverse audiences and drive growth. Through NEXT TEN, he creates transformative experiences—from workshops to community events—that help professionals define their personal brand, discover their “X-Factor,” and move forward with clarity and confidence.
Reggie lives by the motto “constantly keeping you in wonder”—a mindset he weaves into every interaction, campaign, and keynote. Whether he’s shaping institutional identity or guiding individuals on their branding journey, Reggie is committed to creating authentic, purpose-led stories that spark curiosity and fuel transformation.
AI Panel
Ashwin Balu
Award-winning Leader and Keynote SpeakerAshwin Balu is an award-winning leader and keynote speaker with over a decade of experience in data analytics and AI. As Principal Manager for IBM Canada’s Client Success team, he helps clients solve complex business challenges at scale, focusing on technology modernization, generative AI, hybrid cloud, analytics, and sustainability. He has worked with countless Fortune 500 companies, guiding them on transformative technology journeys that drive industry leadership through innovation.
Ashwin has led IBM missions at both the worldwide and the market levels – in the business partner ecosystem, technical sales, product management, technical enablement, sales enablement, and client success arenas. A passionate lifelong learner with a growth mindset, Ashwin holds a Masters in Computer Science, an MBA, and management credentials from Harvard Business School. He has deep expertise in areas ranging from AI, Data Science, Machine Learning, and Strategic Execution.
Mariam Afshin
Head of Data Science, Int Ops, RBCMariam has 15+ years of experience applying AI to real-world problems to generate actionable business insights that support product and business decisions across Finance, Insurance, Retail, Technology, and Biotechnology sectors.
Passionate about leading and implementing data-driven solutions using AI and Machine Learning techniques, with over 12 publications and 14 conference papers.
Education: Ph.D. in Machine Learning (UWO); MASc. & BEng in Electrical and Computer Engineering (IUST); Mini-MBA (UofT).
Nelson Rosa
Senior Program Manager – Quality Management | Mentor | Leadership AdvocateNelson Rosa’s leadership journey began with a simple belief: growth comes from stepping into the unknown. Over 15 years later, he has led multi-billion-dollar infrastructure programs and now oversees the Quality Management System for one of Canada’s largest transportation portfolios—valued at CAD $120–180 billion.
Like many emerging leaders, Nelson faced challenges—imposter syndrome, steep learning curves, and the constant question of “What’s next?” His answer: invest in people, embrace failure as a teacher, and never stop learning.
A certified PMP, CM, QMSA, and former ASQ CMQ/OE, Nelson combines technical excellence with a passion for mentorship. He believes leadership isn’t about titles—it’s about influence, humility, and lifting others as you climb.
Nelson’s mission is simple: to inspire leaders to lead with courage, curiosity, and connection.
Energy and Infrastructure Panel
Joanna Osawe
President & CEO of WiRE – Women in Renewable EnergyPanel Moderator
Joanna Osawe is the President & CEO of WiRE – Women in Renewable Energy. Joanna attended Western University studying Languages, graduating with an Honours BA. Joanna has used her language skills in a focused, 15+ year management career at leading renewable and energy sector companies in Canada and the United States. By carrying complex projects through many stages she has seen firsthand the vital role renewable energy and emerging technologies serve in moving the Canadian, American and global energy mix forward.
Joanna has been appointed to the Federal Sustainable Development Advisory Council, led by Canada’s Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Steven Guilbeault. She looks forward to continuing to engage and contribute to the Council’s success. The Council is made up of the Canadian public that represent the views of different provinces and territories, Indigenous peoples, as well as environmental non-governmental organizations and business and labour organizations.
Andrew Thiele
Senior Director of Policy and Government Affairs at Energy Storage CanadaAndrew is Sr. Director of Policy and Government Affairs with Energy Storage Canada. Andrew joins ESC with over 10 years of experience working in the energy and environmental sectors having previously held roles with Bruce Power, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce and Ontario Government. Andrew is also a graduate of the Munk school of Global Affairs the University of Toronto with a master’s degree in public policy and public affairs.
Cara Clairman
President and CEO PLUG’N DRIVECara Clairman is President and CEO of Plug’n Drive, a non-profit that is accelerating the deployment of electric vehicles (EVs) to maximize their environmental and economic benefits.
Cara has taken Plug’n Drive from an idea to a thriving non-profit, recognized as a leader in the EV space. Focused on accelerating EV adoption through outreach and education for over 14 years, Plug’n Drive has developed a number of award-winning programs to encourage consumers and fleets to make the switch from gas to electric, including the EV Discovery Centre and the Mobile EV Education Trailer (MEET).
Cara has more than 30 years of experience working in the environmental and sustainability fields, including 12 years working at Ontario Power Generation, initially as OPG’s environmental lawyer and later in the role Vice-President, Sustainable Development. Prior to joining OPG, Cara spent five years practicing environmental law with the Torys law firm.
She holds a Bachelor of Laws from Osgoode Hall and a Master’s in Environmental Studies from York University, as well as an Honours Bachelor of Science degree from Queen’s University.
Cara is the 2017 recipient of the Women in Renewable Energy’s ‘Woman of the Year’ award and the 2021 winner of the Al Cormier EV leadership award from Electric Mobility Canada. She lives in a two EV household, including a Chevrolet Bolt and Hyundai’s IONIC 5.
Shahid Pasha
Vice President at CIMA+Shahid Pasha is a strategic energy infrastructure executive with over 20 years of experience in both engineering consulting and EPC organizations, where he has held key operational and strategic leadership roles. His career spans power, telecom, electrification, and renewable energy sectors, giving him a rare ability to bridge front‑line execution with high‑level business strategy.
As Vice President of Energy & Resources at CIMA+, Shahid leads multidisciplinary teams delivering high‑performance transmission, distribution, renewable, and electrification solutions across North America. Prior to this, he held executive leadership roles within an EPC organization, driving large‑scale project execution, operational performance, and business growth.
Shahid has successfully led and executed more than $5 billion in complex infrastructure projects across Canada, the United States, and the Middle East. His expertise covers the full project lifecycle—from engineering and procurement through construction, commissioning, and operations—while shaping organizational strategy, M&A initiatives, and operational policies.
Shahid. He holds a master’s in engineering & business management, bachelor’s in electrical engineering, a Mini-MBA, and a PMP certification.
Olivia Carpova
Speaker, Author & CoachWith 19 years of experience in transportation infrastructure across capital projects and operations, Olia is a trusted advisor to senior executives, helping design and scale organizations to deliver complex programs. Her leadership-first approach to transformation aligns structure, governance, processes, technology, and capabilities to support seamless transitions across the project lifecycle.
She has led major business and digital transformations, process optimization, and data-driven performance initiatives at TTC, Metrolinx, Infrastructure Ontario, and most recently, ALTO. Known for her systems thinking and strategic clarity, Olia helps organizations navigate complexity, enhance delivery, and build long-term resilience.
As a certified leadership coach, Olia is passionate about developing emerging leaders and building collaborative, high-performing cultures. She brings a unique blend of strategic insight, operational expertise, and human-centered leadership to every engagement.
Simon Shao
Founder & CEO, Maxperr Energy | Managing Director, Digital StarSimon Shao is an energy entrepreneur and technology innovator with expertise in EV charging infrastructure, microgrid integration, and energy management solutions. As Founder & CEO of Maxperr Energy, he leads the development of advanced Level 2 and DC fast chargers to accelerate EV adoption in North America. With a background in software technology and over 8 years in digital transformation and product management at companies like Lenovo and Just Energy, Simon also founded Digital Star, delivering ERP, AI, and IoT solutions for manufacturing and logistics. Passionate about sustainable innovation, he partners with municipalities, fleet operators, and commercial property owners to design scalable clean energy systems.
Samantha Reynolds
Vice President, Commercial for Capital Projects at MetrolinxSamantha Reynolds is the Vice President, Commercial for Capital Projects at Metrolinx, where she leads commercial strategy across a complex portfolio that includes the GO/UP Lakeshores, Union Station, and Specialized Delivery. With over two decades of public sector and infrastructure experience, she has built a career spanning commercial management, strategic planning, and organizational transformation—from shaping policy at the Ontario Ministry of Finance to advancing major capital programs at Metrolinx. Samantha has successfully led high-stakes negotiations, overseen multi-billion-dollar infrastructure agreements, and developed innovative contracting models that drive value for money and foster strong partnerships. Holding an MBA with a focus on organizational design and leadership, she is recognized for her collaborative, inclusive approach and her commitment to modernizing Ontario’s transit system to meet the needs of a growing population.
Keynote Speakers
Rob Kamranpoor
Founder, RK Leadership & YPLSummit OrganizerRob Kamranpoor is the visionary founder of RK Leadership and the driving force behind the Young Professionals Leadership Summit. Combining his technical expertise as a Professional Engineer with strategic business acumen from his MBA, Rob has built a reputation for helping professionals unlock their full potential.
As a dedicated life coach, Rob works with individuals at critical career junctures to identify their strengths, overcome obstacles, and chart paths to meaningful success. His unique approach blends analytical problem-solving with human-centered coaching methodologies, creating transformative experiences for his clients.
Ahmad Jabbir
2x TEDx and international speakerAhmad Jabbir is a 2x TEDx and international speaker who has inspired audiences across the U.S., U.K., and Canada.
After struggling with burnout and self-doubt, he discovered Mental Fitness, the idea that we can train our minds like our bodies to build resilience before challenges hit. His journey led him to complete a 9-hour mountain race, go skydiving, and interview 100 people across 89 cities and 45 countries. He later joined Yes Theory, a YouTube channel with over 9 million subscribers, where he led the marketing for their clothing brand sold in over 160 countries.
Claudia Wyatt
The Confidence IgnitorKnown as “The Enthusiasm Ignitor” and “Self-Doubt Eraser,” is a powerhouse Confidence, Cognitive Behavior, Life Purpose, Empowerment and Leadership Coach, Consultant, International Speaker, Writer and Transformational leader with over 20 years of experience. She’s driven by her passion for helping people unleash their personal power, show up authentically, and live with unshakable confidence. As the founder of Claudia Wyatt Coaching LLC, Claudia has empowered countless high-performing teams and individuals to conquer self-doubt and thrive in their personal and professional lives.
Her magnetic presence on stage and contagious energy have captivated audiences at live & virtual events, podcasts, and radio shows. Recognized as one of the 10 Most Admired Women Leaders To Follow and a 2023 Rising High Women Leader Making a Difference, Claudia’s mission is to inspire others to believe in themselves through imagination, confidence, and self-care.
Claudia’s authentic approach, rooted in personal triumph over adversity, ignites enthusiasm in others, empowering them to rewrite their stories and become their own inspiration. With Claudia, it’s not just about confidence; it’s about changing lives!
Helping people Follow Your Inner Compass fueled by her mission to empower and inspire people to believe in themselves.
Sunjay Nath
Hall of Fame SpeakerSunjay Nath is an internationally renowned speaker who travels globally sharing insights on leadership and performance. As a speaker, in 2005, Sunjay became the youngest Canadian and third youngest in the world to earn his CSP (Certified Speaking Professional) and in 2018 Sunjay was inducted in the Canadian Speakers Hall of Fame.
He started an international speaking business at 19 years of age; he wasn’t even old enough to rent a car. He is the author of several books including The 10-80-10 Principle. Sunjay holds an undergraduate degree in Mathematical Engineering an MBA and is currently completing his doctorate.
He is best known for his trademark, “The 10-80-10 Principle” which is a framework that helps individuals and teams improve performance. This methodology combines best practices with small wins to help empower audiences to reach their stretch goals.
Pete Wiltshire
Executive Performance Coach | Martial Arts & Mobility SpecialistPete Wiltshire has over 30 years of martial arts experience and more than 15 years as a coach. He trains amateur fighters, youth athletes, and business leaders alike. Pete’s programs, including the Executive Combat System, help high performers sharpen focus, regulate stress, and build resilient minds and bodies—using the same principles that forge world-class fighters.
He is a Level 2 Boxing Coach (Boxing Ontario), Level 1 Kickboxing Coach (WAKO Canada), and is certified in FRC (Functional Range Conditioning) and AMA (Athletic Movement Assessment). Pete holds a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu purple belt and has competed in every discipline he teaches—so he knows exactly what it feels like to step into the ring with nothing but your preparation, your mindset, and your team’s belief in you.
A former hairstylist turned fighter turned coach, Pete brings a grounded, no-BS approach to leadership and performance. His message is simple: when the bell rings, no one else can fight for you. But with the right training, you’ll be ready.
Hovig Tchadeian
Sales Representative in Realty Wealth Group Inc., BrokerageHovig Tchadeian is a disciplined force in real estate and business, shaped by years of martial arts training and a mindset forged in high-stakes environments. From the dojo to the boardroom, his approach blends strategic thinking, composure under pressure, and an uncompromising standard of excellence.
He built his reputation in the competitive world of Toronto real estate, where he’s known for navigating complex deals with a tactical mindset—and delivering outcomes that exceed expectations. Hovig leads with clarity, confidence, and unwavering integrity.
Combining strategy and strength, he empowers others to lead with purpose and act with precision. His leadership philosophy is simple: Stay sharp. Move fast. Never compromise on your principles.