Winning the War for Talent in a Competitive Market

Lynn Ferrari founded Talent |Tools |Transformation a Talent, Culture & Engagement firm relentlessly dedicated to delivering value and impact leading at the intersection of Talent, Operations and Technology. Lynn is recognized as a trusted advisor and member of client leadership teams architecting solutions focused on achieving audacious goals through engaged teams and inclusive leadership from blue chip to start-up ventures through HR delivery of Talent Acquisition, The Future of Work,  DEI, Talent and Performance Management, Learning, Organizational Development and Effectiveness, Behavioral Change Management, , and Merger and Acquisition planning.  During her extensive career as an executive HR partner for companies including Amazon, Starbucks, Unbounce, JP Morgan Chase and Wendy’s,  she has been recognized for deep business acumen; exceptional hands-on leadership; and building values-based cultures in technology, financial services, and retail sectors.  Ferrari is Global Professional in Human Resources® (GPHR®) | Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Leading Organizations and Change Certified.

Paul Taylor is currently the Vice President of People & Culture at Purdys Chocolatier. His career spans several industries including: retail, manufacturing, banking, and other professional services. Since joining Purdys, he has continued to build and implement successful people and culture practices to continue the company’s reputation as an employer of choice. Paul also is an active member of RCC’s HR Advisory Council. He holds an M.B.A. from Arizona State University as well as CPHR and SHRM-SCP designations.

Sharon brings with her over 35 years of extensive practical experience in the retail and banking business.

She began her retail career with The Bay where she held many positions in middle and senior management. She was then hired away from The Bay by Ben Moss Jewelers, to hold the position of General Manager for their 22-store operation in Western Canada.

Following this, Sharon took her experience to the Bank of Montreal where she held the position of Area Manager. She was responsible for managing 220 people in 16 branches. She left the bank to open her own retail consulting firm – InFocus the Retail Consultancy, working with independent owner retail operations throughout Western Canada.

Sharon Purchased Diane’s Lingerie in December 2012 after working with previous owner as a consultant for 10 years.

John Benjamin is the Vice President of People for Walmart, leading the team that oversees the experience of more than 30,000 associates in 140 stores across Western Canada.

With 20 years of retail industry experience, John is a people-first leader who is a passionate champion of talent development, culture, and transformational change.

Prior to joining Walmart in 2016, John was the Director of Human Resources with The Hudson’s Bay Company, and Best Buy Canada, where he held progressive roles within Talent Acquisition and Human Resources Management.

John is a graduate of Toronto Metropolitan University (Formerly Ryerson) with a Bachelor of Commerce Degree in Human Resources Management.