The Power of Positive Leadership

Discover how positive leadership behaviours rooted in values and ethics can drive resilience, engagement, and inclusivity in the workplace. In this insightful session, our guest speaker Dr. Craig Dowden will share key concepts from a paper and guidebook he developed for APEX, offering a roadmap for public service executives to lead with purpose and integrity.

A respected expert in leadership, Dr. Dowden has been featured in premier leadership and business publications and is the host of the acclaimed podcast “Do Good to Lead Well”, ranked in the top 0.5% of podcasts globally. Known for his engaging and research-driven approach, his sessions have been praised for blending practical wisdom, case studies, and actionable insights.

During this session, Craig will unpack the six pillars of positive leadership (self-awareness, respect, humility, focusing on the positive, leading with values, and empathy), and provide practical tips to equip executives to lead their teams effectively in times of change and to support them for the future of work. This learning session is a great opportunity to enhance your leadership toolkit and drive meaningful impact in your organization.

Event Details

Date & Time: February 12 2025, 13:00 to 14:15 EDT

Audience: All Public Service executives across Canada and internationally are invited to attend APEX’s learning events

Cost: Free

Language: This event will be in offered in English. Simultaneous interpretation will be available via Wordly, an AI-based interpreting service.

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

Resources

Coming later

Craig Dowden
Executive Coach

Craig was born and raised in Mount Pearl, a town of 22,000 people near the easternmost point of Newfoundland and Labrador. He often tells audiences that “there’s only one thing you need to know about me: I’m from Newfoundland.”

For over 25 years, Craig has been fascinated by the links between the science and practice of leadership excellence, so much so that he pursued his PhD in Psychology and Business. His personal mission is to bridge the gap between what science knows and what leaders do.

Craig is passionate about teaching and coaching. Previously, he was a Professor at Carleton University in Ottawa, Canada where he was twice nominated for the Capital Educators Award. Today, he serves as an executive coach to leaders in the private, public, and not-for-profit sectors while supporting EMBA and AMBA students at the Richard Ivey School of Business.

Christa Gillis
Applied Research and Leadership Executive, APEX

Christa Gillis has joined APEX from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), where she held the role of Director General Human Resources. In her role as APEX Executive, Applied Research and Leadership, Christa will be working with executives, networks, leading academics, industry, and government departments and agencies to support APEX’s research program, with the objective of equipping executives to lead today and in the future.

Christa’s academic and government work have provided a strong frame for her interest in inclusive leadership, employee engagement, wellness, and psychological health and safety in the workplace. With a Masters thesis in leadership and a Ph.D. in Psychology, Christa has led research on offender employment with the Correctional Service Canada and held the position of Director Operational Research before taking on a regional role leading a team providing mental health services to offenders. Christa has held various policy and operational roles, with 20 years of service with CSC and the past 10 with ACOA.

An avid reader in her spare time, Christa also enjoys hiking and spending time at her cottage and on the water with her husband and three children.

The Power of Positive Leadership