Step 1: Induction Forum

8:00 – 8:45 ET

Networking Breakfast

Meet with other newly appointed executives to expand your network and mingle with Deputy Ministers and other senior leaders.

9:00 – 9:35 ET

Welcome to the Executive Cadre

Welcome and congratulations from APEX, CSPS and other senior leaders.

Grandmother Irene Compton

Bill Matthews

Secretary, TBS

Taki Sarantakis

President, CSPS

Jean-François Fleury

CEO, APEX

9:35 – 10:30 ET

Session 1 – Leading at the Executive Level: Shifting Mindsets

Explore the transition from senior manager to executive. You will hear from an experienced executive on their career path, highlights and transition to the executive cadre. Registrants will collaborate and work in groups during this session.

Karen Ellis

Retired Executive

Karen Ellis is an engaging and inclusive senior leader with extensive public sector experience across 14 organizations, known for driving systems change, strengthening culture, and delivering results. She recently retired as Ontario’s Deputy Minister of Correctional Services and also served as Public Service Commissioner, providing strategic direction on HR and executive development. Before joining the OPS, she led a consulting practice focused on change leadership and executive advisory services. She previously had a 20-year federal career where she held multiple Assistant Deputy Minister roles and earned a reputation for strategic execution and strong people leadership.

10:30 – 10:50 ET

Networking Break

10:50 – 12:05 ET

Session 2 – Navigating Complexity: Strategies for Success

Change is constant, and today’s leaders must do more than adapt; they must guide others through it. This plenary presentation explores the human side of transition and offers practical approaches to lead with clarity, confidence, and trust in times of uncertainty. Participants will reflect together on key insights and learn strategies to navigate complexity as new executives.

John Medcof

Lead Faculty, CSPS

John is Lead Faculty at the Canada School of Public Service. In this role, he facilitates executive leadership programs and provides strategic advice and direction on executive learning and faculty recruitment. Prior to this role, John was Director General of Transferable Skills at the School. In addition to his work in learning design and delivery, John has extensive experience designing and delivering government policies and programs, and working in a central agency. Before joining the School, John was the Executive Director of Strategic Policy at the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat.

12:05 – 12:15 ET

Final Thoughts

Closing remarks from the Chief Human Resources Officer.

Jacqueline Bogden

CHRO, TBS