Haskayne Business Exchange

Dr. Serasu Duran, PhD
Assistant Professor in Operations and Supply Chain Management

Dr. Serasu Duran discusses the growing importance of recycling and repurposing old renewable energy technologies, like solar panels and wind turbines, to support clean energy growth. She explores how this approach can make the energy transition more affordable and sustainable by turning waste into valuable resources.

Dr. Chelsea Willness, PhD
Professor in Organizational Behaviour and Human Resources

Why do some corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts flop, even when companies seem sincere? Dr. Chelsea Willness dives into the role of authenticity in CSR and how public perception can make or break a company’s good deeds. She provides insight into what companies can do to ensure their efforts resonate positively.

Dr. Yrjo Koskinen, PhD
Professor in Finance

Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) initiatives create value for shareholders in the U.S., but not in Canada. Dr. Yrjo Koskinen explains how differences in corporate governance between the two countries contribute to this surprising result and what other factors make it challenging to make money with ESG in Canada. 

Industry Leader: Mac Van Wielingen
Mac Van Wielingen is an investment management executive, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. He co-founded Viewpoint Investment Partners and ARC Financial Corp., the largest private equity firm in Canada’s energy sector. Appointed to the Order of Canada in 2022, Mac is recognized for his leadership in governance, corporate responsibility, and philanthropy.

Industry Leader: Byron Neiles
Byron is a Haskayne MBA and member of the Dean’s Management Advisory Council.  In 2024, he retired after 30 years with Enbridge as Executive Vice President & Chief Administrative Officer, leading IT, human resources, real estate, supply chain management, public affairs, communications, and sustainability teams and prior to that led Major Projects and Safety and Operational Reliability. He is an active community volunteer and member of the ENMAX Corporation and Calgary Economic Development Board of Directors.  

Industry Leader: Janice Tran
Janice Tran is the CEO and Co-Founder of Kanin Energy, a development company pioneering the use of waste-heat-to-power technology to decarbonize heavy industries. With a strong background in finance and sustainability, Janice previously served as Director at Generate Capital, where she built one of North America’s largest portfolios of anaerobic digester assets. Prior to Generate Capital, Janice worked at NRG to start their renewable microgrids business line. She holds a Master’s degree in Sustainability Management from Columbia University and is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) in Canada. Janice also co-founded Student Energy, a nonprofit which is today’s largest global charity dedicated to educating and uniting post-secondary students on energy issues.

Moderator: Pamela Wallin
The Honourable Pamela Wallin, O.C., S.O.M has been a journalist, an entrepreneur, a diplomat, a corporate director and a Senator. Ms. Wallin is an Officer of the Order of Canada, Canada’s highest civilian honour, and a member of the Saskatchewan Order of Merit, and a former Chancellor of the University of Guelph.

Artificial Intelligence
Generative AI is transforming our world. Dr. Mohammad Keyhani explores new pathways created by generative AI in the science and practice of organization.

Blockchain and crypto
More than just digital asset trading, they revolutionize traditional business sectors. Dr. Alfred Lehar explores how smart contracts can automate and secure transactions like real estate deals and business invoicing.

Trust and privacy in data management
User data management is a critical issue for businesses. Dr. Sule Nur Kutlu will discuss how empowering users to control their own data can increase data sharing on websites, and caution that the management of shared data can significantly impact a business's reputation.

Panelist: Ross Ballendine
Ross Ballendine is the Vice-President, Information Technology for Trimac Transportation, one of North America’s largest Bulk Transportation companies. He began his career in finance leadership roles before moving into the IT domain. As a CPA, Ross has a high degree of understanding and empathy for the users of technology solutions, and believes that technology should be delivered pragmatically and as a direct enabler of strategic business value. Ross’ career spans several industries, including manufacturing, Oilfield Services and most recently with Trimac Transportation, where Ross is spearheading a strategic cloud data architecture initiative.

Panelist: Danielle Gifford
Danielle Gifford, a dynamic leader and Director of AI at PwC, has pioneered substantial advancements in technology across multiple sectors. Her expertise in AI, AR, and cloud technologies has driven innovation and strategic investment, making her a pivotal figure in technological evolution.

Panelist: Neeraj Gupta
Neeraj Gupta is a serial entrepreneur, angel investor, and co-founder of start-ups including Lawcubator, FormulateIP, and Kfx Labs. He is the Chief Advisor for Technology & Innovation Investments at Invest Alberta and a board member of various organizations, including Platform Calgary and the Canadian Blockchain Consortium.

Moderator: Eric Wong
Eric Wong is a Senior Manager in Accenture’s Strategy & Consulting practice with 15 years of experience in Organizational Change Management, Organization Effectiveness, People and Culture, and Leadership. He currently leads Accenture Canada’s initiatives on understanding the impacts of generative AI on work and workforce dynamics.