Making the Leap to the Executive Rank: Questions and Answers

Making the leap to the executive rank: Questions and answers

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 are listed below.

Our executive level panelists will share observations and opinions on the role of the executive and the challenges and opportunities of the transition. This facilitated discussion will also offer candid insights and inspirations to aspiring and new executives to prepare for the change in role, mindset, and responsibilities.

This event is sure to both inspire and provide valuable tips and tools for success. It is open for all executives and all aspiring executives ((EX minus 1 and minus 2)

Event Details

Date & Time: February 15, 2023 13:00 to 14:30 EDT

Topic: Making the leap to the executive rank: Questions and Answers

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

Session Resources

Photo des panelistes de l'événement - Picture of event panelists

Session Recording Available

Watch recording

Picture of Clerk (Janice Charette) speaking on stage at event

Clerk’s address to new executives

2022 Ceremony of Entry into the Executive Ranks

Watch recording

Panelists

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.

Hantz Prosper
Director General, Corporations Canada
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED)

Hantz Prosper is Director General, Corporations Canada at Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) and responsible for ensuring that the Canada Business Corporations Act, the Canada Not-for-profit Corporations Act and other applicable laws are administered and implemented through regulations, policies and standards. Prior to this, Hantz held a number of executive positions, including most recently as Chief of Staff to the Deputy Minister, Public Services and Procurement Canada. He is proud to have co-founded the Federal Black Executives Network, a group which he continues to contribute to that works to eliminate racism and barriers for black employees.

Hantz is a Mechanical Engineer with a Master’s degree in Business Administration. For over 10 years, he taught at the University of Ottawa, both MBA and undergraduate-level business courses focused on management skills, leadership, strategic thinking and analysis. Before joining the federal government 19 years ago, Hantz spent five years in project management, energy and equipment design in the private sector.

Hantz is passionate about developing leaders and establishing work environments where people can thrive. In his spare time, he is working to make public the collection of poetry that he penned over 25 years, and he loves to spend quality time with his three children and wife.

Amandeep Sangha

Strategic Advisor, Office of the Director General, Programs Directorate
Public Safety Canada

Amandeep is currently on an executive level assignment with Public Safety Canada where she provides strategic advice and guidance on Community Safety and Emergency Management program delivery. Previously, Amandeep served as the Manager of the British Columbia Federal Council Secretariat. In this role, Amandeep supported the Deputy-level Chair and 45 of the most senior regional executives in implementing horizontal initiatives to support the priorities of the Government of Canada and regional public service.

Amandeep began her career in the federal public service almost 23 years ago as a student Immigration Officer. Since then, she has grown her career entirely in the region through progressively challenging leadership roles within Citizenship and Immigration Canada, Indigenous Services Canada, the Public Health Agency of Canada, the BC Federal Council and currently Public Safety Canada. In 2020, Amandeep was acting Regional Director in the Public Health Agency of Canada where she co-led regional COVID-19 pandemic response efforts in BC and Alberta. Amandeep has extensive experience in leading emergency management, grants and contributions and program operations teams.

Amandeep enjoys supporting fellow public servants in navigating their own careers, sharing what she can to help others achieve their goals. Amandeep is married with two kids and a puppy. Her credentials include a Master of Arts in Criminal Justice from the University of the Fraser Valley and a Bachelor of Arts from Simon Fraser University.

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 to the Executive Rank: Questions and Answers

Making the leap to the executive rank: Questions and answers