Making the leap: Tips to becoming an executive

The Association of Professional Executives (APEX) provides opportunities for learning and dialogue on the current issues facing public service executives whether they are new to the role or experienced executives. APEX would like to invite both aspiring and new executives to participate in a facilitated discussion with experienced public service leaders. The biographies and backgrounds of our distinguished moderator and panelists will be listed below as they become available.

Our executive level panelists will share observations and opinions on the role of the executive and share tips and advice to becoming an executive. This facilitated discussion will also offer candid insights and inspirations to aspiring and current executives to prepare for the change in role and having a growth mindset.

This event is sure to both inspire and provide valuable tips and tools for success.

Event Details

Date & Time: June 5, 2024 13:00 to 14:30 EDT

Topic: Making the leap to the executive rank

Audience: All executives of the Public Service and aspiring directors (EX minus 1 and minus 2) across Canada and internationally

Cost: Free

Language: This event will be in a bilingual format where the speakers will alternate between french and english. Simultaneous interpretation will be available via Wordly, an AI-based interpreting service.

Platform: Participants are welcome to attend our virtual event via Teams webinar . A meeting link will be sent once you are registered.

Session Resources

Practical Guide for Aspiring Executives

Access the guide

Deputy Clerk’s address to new executives

2023 Ceremony of Entry into the Executive Ranks

Panelists

Mélanie Laflèche
Executive Director, Leadership Policies and Programs, Office of the Chief Human Resources Officer, Treasury Board Secretariat (TBS)

Mélanie began her career in the banking industry with the Desjardins Group where she worked in financial planning. In 2008, Mélanie joined the Canada Revenue Agency in the Assessment, Benefit, and Service Branch. She joined the Human Resources Branch in 2009 where she held various positions including in planning, operations, and learning and leadership.

She joined TBS in March 2022 and is focused on enabling leadership talent with a people first perspective. Mélanie holds a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce from the University of Ottawa. She is a proud Franco-Ontarienne, mother of teenage twins, and makes a point every week to invest time in reading, cooking, and enjoying the outdoors!

Jennifer Thorne
Director, Values, Integrity and Workplace Policies and Programs Division
Workplace Relations and Compensation Directorate, Human Resources Branch
Canada Revenue Agency

Originally from New Brunswick, Jennifer has worked for the Public Service of Canada for over 20 years where she has developed expertise in policy, program management, communications, engagement, governance, human resources, and client service. An executive for over 10 years, she has held positions in multiple departments. She is currently the Director of Values, Integrity and Workplace Policies and Programs at the Canada Revenue Agency. She has also held the position of Director of Outreach and Engagement in the Public Service Renewal Secretariat at the Privy Council Office, and served as Director of Appointments in the Senior Personnel Secretariat of PCO, overseeing key elements of the Governor in Council and Senate Appointments processes. Since 2018, she has been a full-time virtual employee; living, playing and working in Mont-Tremblant Quebec.

Karim Adam
Director, Oversight and Compliance
Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat

Karim Adam is currently Director, Oversight and Compliance, at the Official Languages Centre of Excellence within the Office of the Chief Human Resources Office at Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat since 2022.

Previously, Karim spent 13 years at Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC), holding various management and executive’s positions within the Human Resources Branch, Real Property Branch, Translation Bureau and in the Deputy Minister’s Office.

Karim has a Bachelor of Business Administration and a Master of Public Administration (MBA) from the National School of Public Administration and has more than 18 years in the Public service.

During his spare time, Karim love to cook, play volleyball and take walks with his family.

Mitos San Diego

A/Senior Director, Enterprise Project Coordination Office, Human Capital Management, PSPC

Mitos has over 20 years of experience both in the private and public sector in the field of Program and Project Management, Resource Management, Marketing and Communications. As head of the EPCO, she is currently responsible for the Human Capital Management Portfolio’s Integrated Plan, Performance Measurement, Strategic Reporting and enterprise Risk Management. Mitos has previously worked at the Canadian Coast Guard and contributed to managing resource allocation and investment planning for major capital projects within the Shipbuilding and Materiel Branch.

Mitos was born in Manila Philippines and have been a proud GC Public servant since 2005. She has a Bachelor’s degree with a major in Communications and minor in International Development; a Master’s degree in Project Management and has recently completed the McGill Executive Institute Mini MBA program.

Mitos is passionate about leadership, health and wellness as well diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace. During her spare time, she plays golf; enjoys cycling, trail running and kayaking.

Moderator

John Medcof
Lead Faculty
Canada School of Public Service

John Medcof 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 experience in learning design and delivery, John has extensive experience developing 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. He joined the Government of Canada in 2004 after a successful career in business in the private sector.

John is passionate about promoting human-centered leadership at all levels, as well as diversity, equity and inclusion in the public service. He works from Ottawa but is an advocate for distributed teams and regional perspectives.

Career highlights

Director General, Transferable Skills, Canada School of Public Service
Executive Director, Strategic Policy, Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat
Departmental Liaison, Office of the President of the Treasury Board

Host

Jeremy Stowe
Chief Learning Officer
APEX

Jeremy is an executive with over 32 years of combined experience in the Federal Public Service and the Canadian Armed Forces. He is an experienced leader of national programs, line operations, diverse teams, and end-to-end transformation initiatives. Jeremy served in an executive role for over 11 years at the Canada School of Public Service in various roles including the Director General of Events and Operations as well as the Director General of the Government of Canada and Public Sector Skills business line. He also has extensive experience in defining and setting a vision to deliver on organizational priorities that improve outcomes for the department and the client(s) it serves. Jeremy has been formally recognized with awards for his exemplary efforts related to innovation, teamwork, education, and leadership, and for his overall dedication to the public service. He was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Award in recognition of his contributions, achievements, and dedicated service to Canada.

Making the leap: Tips to becoming an executive

Making the leap: Tips to becoming an executive