Contributors

Neil Aitchison is a popular speaker, M.C., actor, former broadcast executive and radio personality. When not speaking, he’s kept busy as the Senior Manager of Market Development for Melloul-Blamey Construction, one of Ontario’s largest and most diversified construction firms.  Previously, he spent six years as Director of Development for Drayton Entertainment, one of Canada’s most successful theatre companies. Neil was the recipient of the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal in 2002, for having made a significant contribution to
Canada at home or abroad.

Crystal Andrus is a worldwide leader in the field of self-discovery and personal transformation. From a bruised and battered beginning – one that could have sent her in the opposite direction – she has risen to become a best-selling author, (Simply...Woman! and Transcendent Beauty), motivational speaker, women’s advocate, health and fitness authority, and the weight-loss expert on the international hit TV show “X-Weighted”, seen in more than 15 countries. Certified by the American College of Sports Medicine and Canadian School of Natural Nutrition, Crystal is the CEO and founder of Crystal Andrus Productions – a company dedicated to creating health and healing products, CDs, DVDs, retreats, and telecourses. She is also the founder of the SWAT Institute, a long-distance-education Empowerment Coaching school.

Crystal’s latest book, Simply...EMPOWERED! (March 2010) is already being hailed as one of this year’s “Must Reads!”. Visit: www.crystalandrus.com and www.SWATInstitute.com.

Linda Armstrong Kelly is a passionate activist and motivational speaker who captivates audiences with her personal story of battling adversity. She is a shining example of spectacular triumph against incredible odds. From high school dropout to successful career woman and mother of Lance Armstrong, seven-time Tour De France champion and cancer survivor, her story motivates people to achieve their own dreams, regardless of the obstacles they face.

Her television appearances include “The Dr. Phil Show”, “CNN” and “ESPN”. She’s been featured in national magazines such as People, The New Yorker, USA Today, Ladies Home Journal and Texas Monthly, as well as many local newspapers, radio programs and television news shows.

To find out more about Linda, her memoir – No Mountain High Enough: Raising Lance, Raising Me or her speaking engagements, please visit: www.lindaarmstrong.com.

David Bach is the bestselling author of the FinishRich and Automatic Millionaire series. He’s a guest on “The Oprah Winfrey Show”, the “Today Show”, the “Early Show”, and a columnist for Yahoo! Finance. He’s best known for his common-sense strategies for living and retiring rich. His recent book, Go Green, Live Rich, combines the principles of living with eco-consciousness, so readers can reap the financial rewards.

Dr. Dan Baker is a Medical Psychologist and author of the bestseller, What Happy People Know: How the New Science of Happiness Can Change Your Life for the Better (Rodale, 2003). What Happy Companies Know: Discovering What is Right With America’s Corporations, published by Prentice Hall (2006), followed by What Happy Women Know (Rodale, 2007). Growing Up Right, Growing Up Strong: Parents, Kids, and Scouting will be published by Boy Scouts of America in the first quarter of 2009.

Lee Brower, creator of the Quadrant Living system of wealth preservation, has been featured in the best-selling book and movie “The Secret”, and has appeared on “The Today Show”, among other popular programs. The revolutionary new method of financial planning is based on transferring not just monetary wealth, but core assets like health, family and values.

Lee is a noted authority on helping prestigious families create enduring legacies that flourish generation after generation. He’s also an accomplished teacher and mentor for entrepreneurs and CEOs. His breakthrough concepts on preserving wealth are changing the landscape of leadership in a variety of places, from private homes and small businesses to public corporations and large educational institutions.

Robin Casarjian is the author of Forgiveness: A Bold Choice For a Peaceful Heart (Bantam Books, 1992), which has been translated into seven languages. She is a public speaker on forgiveness and has appeared on numerous television shows, including “20/20” and “Oprah”. Her stress management seminars have been broadcast live via satellite to Fortune 500 companies across the U.S. Robin is the founder and director of The Lionheart Foundation www.lionheart.org, sponsor of The National Emotional Literacy Projects for Prisoners and Youth at Risk. She is author of the book, Houses of Healing: A Prisoner’s Guide to Inner Power and Freedom and co-author of Power Source: Taking Charge of Your Life.

Don Cherry is a Canadian ice hockey commentator for CBC Television. Cherry co-hosts the “Coach’s Corner” intermission segment (with Ron MacLean) on the long running Canadian sports program Hockey Night in Canada. He is known for his outspoken manner, flamboyant dress, and staunch patriotism. Prior to his broadcast career, Cherry was a National Hockey League player and coach. He played one game with the Boston Bruins, and later coached them during the days of Bobby Orr. He is also well-known as an author, syndicated radio commentator for The Fan Radio Network, creator of the “Rock’em Sock’em Hockey” video series, and celebrity endorser. Cherry was voted as the seventh greatest Canadian on the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation’s television special, The Greatest Canadian.

Time Magazine heralded Deepak Chopra as one of the 100 heroes and icons of the century, and credited him as “the poet-prophet of alternative medicine.” Entertainment Weekly described Deepak Chopra as “Hollywood’s man of the moment, one of publishing’s best-selling and most prolific self-help authors.” He is the author of more than 49 books and more than 100 audio, video and CD-Rom titles. He has been published on every continent and in dozens of languages. Over a dozen of his books have landed on the New York Times Best-Seller list. Toastmaster International recognized him as one of the top five outstanding speakers in the world. Through his over two decades of work since leaving his medical practice, Deepak continues to revolutionize common wisdom about the crucial connection between body, mind, spirit, and healing. His mission of “bridging the technological miracles of the west with the wisdom of the east” remains his thrust and provides the basis for his recognition as one of India’s historically greatest ambassadors to the west. Chopra has been a keynote speaker at several academic institutions including Harvard Medical School, Harvard Business School, Harvard Divinity School, Kellogg School of Management, Stanford Business School and Wharton.

Deb Cripps is a writer, photographer and marketer (Oneofakind Marketing Solutions – Linwood, Ontario) who is focused on adventures and projects that make a difference. Deb freelances for magazines, corporate work and is the author and co-photographer of Keepers of the Land … A Celebration of Canadian Farmers. E-mail: oneofakind@giftofwings.ca

www.tryoneofakind.ca

William Jefferson Clinton was the first Democratic president in six decades to be elected twice – first in 1992 and then in 1996. Under his leadership, the country enjoyed the strongest economy in a generation and the longest economic expansion in U.S. history, including the creation of more than 22 million jobs.

After leaving the White House, President Clinton established the William J. Clinton Foundation with the mission to strengthen the capacity of people in the United States and throughout the world to meet the challenges of global interdependence. Today the Foundation has 1,400 staff and volunteers around the world working to improve lives through several initiatives, including the Clinton HIV/AIDS Initiative which is helping 2 million people living with HIV/AIDS access lifesaving drugs. Other initiatives – including the Clinton Climate Initiative, the Clinton Hunter Development Initiative, and the Clinton Giustra Sustainable Growth Initiative – are applying a business-oriented approach worldwide to fight climate change and develop sustainable economic growth in Africa and Latin America. As a project of the Foundation, the Clinton Global Initiative brings together global leaders to devise and implement innovative solutions to some of the world’s most pressing issues. In the U.S., the Foundation is working to combat the alarming rise in childhood obesity, and is helping individuals and families succeed and small businesses grow.

In addition his Foundation work, President Clinton has joined with former President George H.W. Bush three times – after the 2004 tsunami in South Asia, Hurricane Katrina in 2005, and Hurricane Ike in 2008 – to help raise money for recovery efforts. He also served as the U.N. Envoy for Tsunami Recovery to help people “build back better.” President Clinton was born on August 19, 1946, in Hope, Arkansas. He and his wife Secretary Hillary Rodham Clinton have one daughter, Chelsea, and live in Chappaqua, New York.

Donnamarie Dunk, is a Certified Professional Coach specializing in NLP (Neuro-Linguistic-Programming) and Solution Focused Coaching. Donnamarie also conducts personal and business development learning encounters and retreats and is currently authoring her first book, The Anatomy of a Champion.

She can be reached at: www.championcoachingcenter.com.

Bethany Eaton has a passion for design and freelance writing. As a small business owner of 12 years working with home builders and residential clients and many years experience in public relations and event planning, she’s fascinated by the entrepreneurial spirit that drives success in all areas of life.

To contact Bethany, visit: www.bethanyinteriors.com

For the past decade Bob Egan has been a member of “Canada’s Blue Rodeo”. He’s traveled a unique path to arrive at this dream job – a decade in university earning a Master’s degree in Industrial Organizational Psychology, six years as a management consultant specializing in employee attitude research and six years as small business owner/entrepreneur. His future path will be just as unique. Combining his experiences in music, business, and academia Bob is laying the foundation for new adventures in public speaking and writing.

Contact him at: www.bobegan.com.

Jim Estill is former CEO of SYNNEX Canada Ltd., a computer equipment wholesaler based in Guelph, Ontario. He is now running an early stage venture fund in New York. His popular CEO Blog: “Time Leadership” can be enjoyed at www.jimestill.com.

Rosie Fernandez is a writer, director and producer who has worked in television and radio for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. She has had several plays produced, including A Girl Named Maria, at Harbourfront Centre. She has written and directed plays for radio and for the stage, including a Shakespeare in the Park version of Midsummer’s Night Dream. Rosie has written and produced short films in conjunction with The National Film Board of Canada and LIFT and had poetry published and featured on CKLN’s In Other Words literary radio program. She has a Master’s degree in English literature and currently works as a radio and web content producer for CBC’s Literary Unit.

Catherine Fife was first elected to the Waterloo Region District School Board in 2003 and re-elected in 2006. In 2007 Catherine was elected as Vice-President of the Ontario Public School Board Association where she has taken the lead on Promoting Partnerships for the Whole Child.  Locally she serves as Vice-Chair of the City of Waterloo’s Safe & Healthy Community Committee and is Coordinator of the Child Care Action Network of Waterloo Region. Catherine lives in Waterloo with her husband and two children and works in Kitchener at the Mosaic Counselling and Family Services (formerly Catholic Family Counselling Centre).  She took her first run at provincial politics in 2007 and hopes to run again.

Best known for his appearances on “MTV” and “The Jamie Foxx Radio Show The Foxxhole”, Clayton Fletcher has performed his hilarious stand-up routine all over the world. His unique blend of clean, intelligent, sincere wit and pointed sarcasm make him a favorite among audiences ranging from suburban college kids to diverse mature urban professionals. This comic proves once and for all that funny is funny no matter who you are!

Clayton headlines “The Clayton Fletcher Show” every Friday and Saturday Night 8PM at New York Comedy Club 241 East 24th Street in Manhattan. The show, which also features some of NYC’s top comics, has been running for three years and routinely sells out.

Clayton Fletcher is also an accomplished actor, having appeared in several films and television shows. He has toured nationally with “Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story” and “Hank Williams: Lost Highway”. He is a multi-talented performer who has dedicated his life to entertaining people. He has recorded music with his band, “PokerFace”, and his a cappella doo-wop group, “Stackin’ Forty-Fives”. Fletch makes his home in NYC but was born in Baltimore, MD. For more, visit www.claytonfletcher.com.

James Fowler is an Associate Professor in the Political Science Department at the University of California, San Diego. James was recently named one of the Nifty Fifty most inspiring scientists by the San Diego Science Festival. He was also named the Most Original Thinker of the Year on The McLaughlin Group. James is working on his book Connected: The Surprising Power of Social Networks and How They Shape Our Lives. It will be published by Little Brown in early 2010.

Carmine Gallo is the Communications Coach for the World’s Most Admired Brands. He is the author of several books including his latest, The Presentation Secrets of Steve Jobs: How to be Insanely Great in Front of Any Audience. Visit him online at www.carminegallo.com.

Christopher P. Gardner is the head of his own brokerage firm and lives in a Chicago townhouse – one of his three homes – with a collection of tailored suits, designer shoes, and Miles Davis albums. His path to this extraordinary success took a series of extraordinary turns. Just 20 years ago, Gardner was homeless and living, on occasion, in a bathroom at a Bay Area Rapid Transit station in Oakland, California.

Gardner’s first book, The Pursuit of Happyness, is an account of his life story and was released in June 2006. Columbia Pictures has also completed production on a feature film based on Gardner’s rags-to-riches tale. It stars Will Smith as Gardner and was released in December 2006.

Gardner’s extraordinary story illustrates the nurturing and sustaining power of positive role models. He proudly acknowledges those who guided him – a mother who kept him grounded and uncles who served in the military. Gardner’s belief in himself and his dreams, along with his refusal to give in to self-doubt, inspires audiences.

Carl Hiebert - photographer, aviator, motivational speaker, and author of six best-selling books - believes that at the end of the day, the rules are simple. Choose to live with a positive attitude, take regular intentional risks, and you’re on track for a life lived fully. As a speaker, he has shared his uplifting message with over 800 audiences across North America. www.giftofwings.ca.

Holding the position of Operations Manager for Menno S. Martin Contractor Limited, Art Janzen knows first hand, the importance of building meaningful, trusting and long lasting relationships. His passion for meeting new people, sharing personal stories, contemplating the journey of life, and a dream to one day write about that journey, started with this submission. To contact Art, visit: www.mennosmartin.com.

Pamela Kelly has trained thousands of professionals in Canada, United States and Asia to unleash their communication super-powers and live the life of their dreams. She specializes in helping others improve their presentation and interview skills, vocal development, accent reduction, and also offers whole life coaching. The content of this article is based on NLP and Pamela’s book, Speak with Passion, Speak with Power! available at amazon.com.

Pamela is on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter. Visit: www.pkelly.com, www.speak-with-passion.com, www.pkellycom.blogspot.com.

Before Shy Kurtz even started university in New York, he had already lived, worked, and served in over thirty countries. During Shy’s academic career he became an award-winning scholar, who obtained straight “A”s with uncanny certainty. Despite a shocking diagnosis of severe learning disabilities while at McGill Law School, Shy finished two law degrees in record time, while also working full-time as a Faculty Researcher. When he suddenly found himself a single father of two, he decided to stop collecting university degrees, and gave himself a final school project: to start applying his “A”-Technique in “the real world,” aka the private sector.

Now, Shy combines his skills in language, logic, law, and lore to address international acts and omissions that equivocate to “genocide” and human suffering, by structuring Canadian Government-registered programs that bring hundreds of millions of dollars (every year) of AIDS relief to world leading charities, NGOs, and to the Ministries of the Interior of embattled Sub Saharan African nations. Shy not only shows leading philanthropists and entrepreneurs around the world how to combine for-profit and nonprofit activities to achieve a “double bottom line”, but he inspires and empowers others how to apply the same principles to their career aspirations. To contact Shy Kurtz please email him at:info@sintax.pro.

Raymond Laflamme is Director of the Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC), a leading-edge scientific institution at the University of Waterloo in Canada. He co-founded IQC shortly after joining Waterloo’s renowned Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics. Previously, Laflamme spent nine years at the Los Alamos National Laboratory in New Mexico, during which time he was named an Oppenheimer Fellow. He earned his PhD from Cambridge University under the direction of Stephen Hawking. Laflamme lives in Waterloo with his wife Janice and their children Jocelyne and Patrick.

Author, humourist, PBS star and Fortune 500 trainer, Loretta LaRoche lives in Plymouth, Mass. She is on a campaign to stop Global Whining. For more information on Loretta LaRoche, go to www.powerwithin.com.

Silken Laumann is a four-time Olympic medallist, a dreamer, and one of Canada’s top inspirational speakers.

Patrick Lencioni is the founder and president of the Table Group, a business dedicated to providing organizations with ideas, products, and services that improve teamwork, clarity, and employee engagement. Lencioni's speaking and consulting clients include a mix of Fortune 500 companies, professional sports organizations, the military, nonprofits, schools, and churches. Lencioni is the author of nine best-selling books with nearly 3 million copies sold, including the new release, "Getting Naked", and "The Five Dysfunctions of a Team", which continues to be a fixture on national best-seller lists. www.tablegroup.com

Mike Lipkin is the CEO, of Environics/Lipkin, Canada’s leading research and motivation company. Every year he talks to over 100,000 people around the world. He regularly shares the same stage as leaders like Bill Clinton, Anthony Robbins, and Lance Armstrong. He is an authority in social trends and values. Ultimately, Mike specializes in helping the best get even better.

Visit: www.mikelipkin.com.

Patricia Lovett-Reid, Senior Vice President of TD Waterhouse Canada Inc. is one of Canada’s leading and respected authorities on personal finance. Patricia is the host of “MoneyTalk”, a national prime-time television program on personal finance, airing every Monday at 8:00 pm (ET) on Business News Network and is a regular commentator for “Business News Network”, “CTV”, “CP24”, “The National on CBC” and also offers daily market commentaries on “AM 740”. A sought-after speaker and commentator on wealth management, Patricia has co-authored six books, including the national best sellers, Get Real: 26 Canadian Women Share the Secret to Authentic Success, Live Well, Retire Well: Strategies for a Rich Life and a Richer Retirement and Retirement Strategies for Women.

Jeff MacInnis has pushed the limits of human experience. He achieved a four hundred year old impossible challenge, when he led the first team to sail the Northwest Passage. The expedition became a National Geographic article, a best-selling book, a worldwide Rolex Ad and an international television special. In athletics, Jeff competed on the Canadian National Ski Team, during the era of the “Crazy Canucks”. In business, his company has designed and delivered over 750 projects in 16 countries. His clients include more than half of the Fortune 500. He is the creator of The Business Race Program. Currently, Jeff and his organization are Business Racing their clients to over $16 billion dollars in revenue. Over the last few years, Jeff has competed internationally in Adventure Racing. Recently, at Eco-Challenge New Zealand, the World Championship of Expedition Racing, Jeff and his team celebrated a 10th place finish against the best teams in the world. Jeff is racing in business, athletics and life. Please visit: www.businessracecoach.com

Twelve year old Aedyn MacKenzie plays rep hockey for the Wilmot Wolverines. When not listening to her IPOD, she spends her time writing, snow boarding, playing soccer and visiting with her friends. She enjoys writing and hopes to be an architect when she grows up.

Meni Mancini is a seasoned executive with over seventeen years of International Trade and business experience specializing in helping companies understand the legal implications of cross border trade. Through her proven business acumen and strategic direction, Ms. Mancini was responsible for the management of business development and marketing activities for a leading North American Consulting firm, setting up the firm for unprecedented growth and leadership positioning in the market place. Her portfolio of clients included consulting assignments ranging from startup ventures to large multi-national companies. Ms. Mancini has participated in trade missions to promote trade and has been involved with various trade groups and industry associations in Canada and the United States and has lectured extensively on the topics of customs compliance, NAFTA, Border Security and risk management and mitigation. Ms. Mancini has established a boutique consulting firm offering services in the area of innovation development, business strategy, financing options, financial recovery opportunities, venture funding and customs and trade consulting. She can be reached at : meni@tradeworksinc.com.

Tim Mulcahy is one of North America’s leading direct marketing entrepreneurs. Living a rags-to-riches story, Tim has helped develop many sales people into millionaires. His successful career in direct marketing and the development of motivational programs spans over 30 years. Tim co-founded Ontario Energy Savings Corporation, U Weight Loss Clinics, and created Truestar Health. Please visit: www.salessuperstar.com.

Jay Paterson has been a visionary entrepreneur for over 35 years. His dynamic career has led to the creation and co-founding of Empowered Wealth Canada with his wife Anne and their partner Lee Brower. Jay is also a gifted speaker, facilitator & engaging "storyteller", yet without hesitation he will state with great conviction that his mission in life arises from his Core Quadrant: "... to be the best mentor I can be for my family, my children, my grandchildren, my friends, our clientele and their families."

To purchase The Brower Quadrant please visit: www.amazon.com, www.leebrower.com. The Canadian site for the sale of The Brower Quadrant is: www.empoweredwealth.ca/thebrowerquadrant.

Nick Perpick is a member of the Board of Directors, and the President and Chief Operating Officer of Prime Restaurants of Canada Inc. He is also one of the original founders of the company. Perpick served as Senior Vice President of Operations of Prime’s predecessors from August 1989 to June 1995, Executive Vice President from June 1995 to May 1997, Chief Operating Officer from May 1997, and President and Chief Operating Officer from February 2001. Mr. Perpick graduated from Hotel and Restaurant Administration at Fanshawe College, London, Ontario.

For the past eleven years, Kim Phuc Phan Thi has been a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador working to promote a culture of Peace. In 1997, she was the subject of Shelley Saywell’s award-winning documentary “Kim’s Story: The Road from Vietnam”. Since defecting to Canada in 1992, Kim has inspired audiences around the globe, sharing her story though guest appearances and presentations while raising money for The Kim Foundation International. This organization partners with aid organizations to help child victims of war. The Foundation is currently working with school and water projects in Uganda and is planning a future project with orphaned children in Burma (Myanmar). To find out more about Kim Phuc Phan Thi, her life and her projects, visit: www.Kimfoundation.com for information and to make donations.

In 1990, Bruce Poon Tip founded G.A.P Adventures in order to deliver an authentic travel experience for travelers, like himself, who craved adventures that went beyond all-inclusive resorts. Bruce has been honoured with Entrepreneur of the Year, Innovative Executive and one of the Top 100 Leaders of Tomorrow. G.A.P Adventures has been recognized as a 50 Best Managed Company and a Top 100 Employer. Bruce has also been presented with the Global Traders Leadership award for excellence in exporting and international business. National Geographic Adventure recently rated G.A.P Adventures as the “Best Do It All Outfitter” on Earth in an international competition and for six consecutive years, this prestigious magazine has selected a G.A.P Adventures tour as one of its 25 Best New Adventure Trips of the Year.

Geoff Rowan is the Partner and Managing Director of Ketchum Public Relations Canada.

Howard Schultz is Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Starbucks Coffee Company.

Robin Sharma is one of the world’s most highly respected leadership experts, with a client list that includes Microsoft, GE, NIKE, FedEx, Yale University and IBM. In a survey of 22,000 business people ranking top leadership gurus including the likes of Jack Welch, Sharma was rank #2. His books, The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari and The Greatness Guide have sold millions of copies in over 60 countries. His new book, The Leader Who Had No Title: A Modern Fable on Real Success in Business and in Life (Simon and Schuster) is available in March 2010. Please visit Robin’s blog at: www.robinsharma.com.

Donna Taylor, DO(MP), is a graduate of the Canadian College of Osteopathy and author of The Concept of the Fulcrum (CCO thesis, 2008). Her book entitled The Alchemy of the Fulcrum is currently being edited for publication in 2010. Previous studies in Medical Technology, Vibrational Energy Medicine and Emotional Anatomy contribute to her unique perspective on healing.

Arupa Tesolin is a Speaker, Trainer and Business Consultant in Intuition Smarts, Grassroots Innovation & Creative Capital, author of two books, Ting! A Surprising Way to Listening to Intuition & Do Business Better and Spark - Raise Your Mind to the Power of Infinity & Create Anything and conducts related training workshops through her company Intuita. She’s also the Canadian Partner for Learning Paths International which designs profitable fast-track learning paths for employees.  Please visit: www.learningpathsinternational.com  or www.intuita.com.

Robin Todd started working for her father in 1982, fresh out of high school. In 1995 Robin purchased Marks Supply from her Dad when the company had four locations and sales of $8 million. Since then the company has grown to include seven wholesale branches, three retail stores, and a repair division. The company’s sales now exceed $67 million and it employs over 185 people. Robin is ranked 25th in Profit Magazine’s List of Canada’s Top Women Entrepreneurs. Robin credits the growth of her company to the talent and energy of the outstanding team she’s had the good fortune of surrounding herself with. Please visit: www.markssupply.net.

An ex-Green Beret and former river guide, Phil Town is a self-made millionaire several times over and America’s most widely sought-after investment speaker. In his book, RULE #1, Phil describes the RULE #1 personal financial strategy in detail so that anyone (even first-time investors) can get and stay rich. Phil Town speaks to more than 600,000 people annually, appearing regularly on the same stage as Rudy Giuliani, Bill Clinton, and Zig Ziglar as part of the Get Motivated touring seminar. Phil is a regular guest on CNBC’s “The Millionaire Inside”, alongside fellow wealth experts David Bach, Barbara Corcoran, and Loral Langemeier. He frequently appears on the MSNBC program “Your Business”. For more of Phil’s ideas on investing and success visit: www.philtown.com.

Syd Vanderpool is a champion and world-class super-middleweight boxer. He owns and operates Vanderpool Athletic Training Systems, Boxing by Syd and the Destiny Boxing Academy in Kitchener, Ontario. He is a motivational speaker and is active in the community. The story of Syd’s rise to boxing fame can be seen in the award-winning 2005 documentary “The Road”, now showing on Super Channel. Syd can be reached at syd@vanderpooltraining.com.

Mac Voisin is the Chairman & Founder of M&M Meat Shops, Canada’s leading retailer of specialty frozen foods with more than 470 locations across the country. Mac started M&M Meat Shops in 1980 and has since been named the Canadian Food Industry’s “Man of the Year”; “Entrepreneur of the Year” by Ernst & Young, Nesbitt Burns and Bank of Montreal; and has been recognized with several Canadian Franchise Association awards, including the “Corporate Citizen Award” for M&M Meat Shops’ charity work with the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of Canada. M&M Meat Shops is a five-time recipient of “Canada’s 50 Best Managed Companies”.

Mark Wardell is President of Wardell Professional Development (www.wardell.biz) a national advisory group specializing in value enhancement for privately held companies. An author of seven business books, including How To Change The World While Waiting For Your Toast, Mark appears on “BNN”, Canada’s business news network, and contributes regularly to over 20 publications including PROFIT Magazine, the Globe and Mail, and CGA Magazine.

Jennifer Webb has a passion for reporting and writing. After finishing her Bachelor of Journalism degree at Ryerson University as a magazine major in 2008, Jennifer interned at tvguide.ca and is now freelancing. She is also a new contributor to the Toronto Star and Travel Life Magazine. Feel free to contact her at: Jennifer.webb24@gmail.com.

A Silicon Valley icon and philanthropist for the past three decades, Steve Wozniak helped shape the computing industry with his design of Apple’s first line of products the Apple I and II and influenced the popular Macintosh. In 1976, Wozniak and Steve Jobs founded Apple Computer Inc. with Wozniak’s Apple I personal computer. For his achievements at Apple Computer, Wozniak was awarded the National Medal of Technology by the President of the United States in 1985, the highest honor bestowed on America’s leading innovators. In 2000, he was inducted into the Inventors Hall of Fame and was awarded the prestigious Heinz Award for Technology, The Economy and Employment. After leaving Apple in 1985, Wozniak was involved in various business and philanthropic ventures, focusing primarily on computer capabilities in schools and stressing hands-on learning and encouraging creativity for students. He founded the Electronic Frontier Foundation, and was the founding sponsor of the Tech Museum, Silicon Valley Ballet and Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose. Wozniak currently serves as Chief Scientist for Fusion-io and is a published author with the release of his New York Times Best Selling autobiography, iWoz: From Computer Geek to Cult Icon, in September 2006 by Norton Publishing.