keynote Speakers 2025
We’re thrilled to welcome an exceptional lineup of industry leaders and innovators to Hyperdrive 2025! Each speaker offers unique insights and expertise to inspire and inform.
Jennifer Ireson
Founder of Balanced Perspectives | HR Expert, Speaker, and Entrepreneur
Jennifer Ireson is the founder of Balanced Perspectives, an HR consulting firm dedicated to helping business owners build solid teams and navigate the often-complex landscape of Human Resources. With over 20 years of experience in HR, Jennifer brings a wealth of knowledge, practical insights, and a refreshing balance of professionalism and humour to every conversation. Her mission is to demystify HR for organizations, providing them with actionable solutions that align with their business goals.
nancy robbins
Executive Director, Community Futures West Yellowhead
Nancy moved to Jasper in 1997 for a summer job and has been living in Alberta ever since. With a background in economic development in fisheries and women’s issues from growing up in Newfoundland, she loves the West Yellowhead region for its diversity in people, communities and geography. She has been manager of CFWY since 2012 and worked for the CF program prior to that time with Leadership West Yellowhead. Her passions include writing, reading, knitting, hiking, travelling, and of course, following her two children and husband around northern Alberta in a quest to see every hockey rink north of Highway 16.
kimberly lyal
Resilience Speaker
Kimberly Lyall lights up every room she enters with her energy, passion, and commitment to empowering others. As an award-winning consultant, influential speaker, and seasoned instructor, she brings over two decades of experience in community social development, tourism, and economic leadership that drives impactful change.
For more info visit : here
matricia bauer
/ Isko-achitaw waciy / ᐃᐢᑯ ᐃᐦᒋᑕ ᐘᒋᕀ
Matricia herself is a keynote speaker, drummer, singer, artist and a certified guide leading plant walks in the Rocky Mountains. She also appears on APTN as a Bears’ Lair winner, and a host for the show “Back to Roots” Season 2. Matricia runs Warrior Women and recently launched another company called Wisakipakos (Don’t be bitter; be better!) She is working towards completing her Tea Sommolier.
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kristen cummings
Change Expert, Human Resource Consultant
Kristen Cumming's career is focused on improving the connection between people and their work. Her 20 years’ experience in career development and human resources is complemented by a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and a Master of Education degree in Workplace and Adult Learning. Kristen operates a successful consulting practice through which she serves as a speaker, facilitator and trainer on strategy, leadership and execution.
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Heather Thomson
Executive Director of the University of Alberta’s Centre for Cities and Communities
Heather Thomson is the Executive Director of the Alberta School of Business - Centre for Cities and Communities. As one of the founders of the centre, Heather is mentoring the next generation of business innovators while working with leaders in the business community with an emphasis on education, consulting, academic & applied research and industry outreach.
Heather also works as a consultant with 13 Ways Inc. a Community Development Firm. Heather delivers business and community assessments, builds community plans that specialize in economic development, local businesses prosperity and beautification. Heather has work
with hundreds of communities and has delivered dozens of keynote presentations across
North America.
Panelists
Chyanee Smith
Chyanne owns Don't Be Chy Photography and Don't Be Chy Boutique both located in Sexsmith, AB.
Rana Al-Slaa
Rana owns Pure Life Cleaning and Maintenance and is a Realtor in Grande Prairie, AB
Nita Knapp
Mind Renewal Coach
Celest Robinson
Chocolate Dragon/CEO
Breakout Sessions
Teresa Bateman
This session will help unearth the imposter inside, identify the associated thoughts and feelings, to examine it and manage the thought process through adopting a growth mindset. Don’t miss this chance to manage the imposter beast and emerge with a refreshed perspective based in humility and facts about the exceptional competence and perspectives you bring to any project,
role or partnership!
See more on our schedule page
Teresa owns Callidus Arte Solutions in Spruce Grove, AB
Jessica Hearsay
Fast Track to Sustainable Profits: Elevate Your Profitability
Ready to break free from cash flow chaos and turn your business into a profit powerhouse? This breakout session will give you an overview of tools to take control of your finances, pay yourself, and finally build the business you’ve always dreamed of. Say goodbye to overwhelm and hello to sustainable profits and financial freedom!
See more on our schedule page
Jessica owns Altitude Accounting in Hinton, AB
Jessica Perry
Somatic exercise focuses on mindful movement to enhance body awareness and reduce tension. This practice encourages gentle, intentional motions that help improve flexibility, coordination, and overall body function. By participating, you can expect to feel more connected to your body, experience less pain, and achieve a sense of calm and balance. Perfect for all ages and fitness levels, somatic exercise is a wonderful way to nurture your physical and mental health.
Jessica owns Dysfunction Junction in Grande Prairie, AB
Matt Peck
AI Tools
Nancy Robbins
Building a business continuity plan
Kimberly Lyall
Effective Communication: Critical Connections for Leaders and their Teams
Communication breakdowns are the root of most problems within organizations. Creating effective communication is the foundation for a high performing team and retentive workplace. Kimberly helps you identify where communication gaps exist and why, and shares tools and techniques that improve communications moving forward.
LEADING INNOVATION: How to Find and Seize Opportunities
How does a casual comment about loving a crusty old guy’s stories turn into a nationally award-winning project and a breakthrough in its industry? Through knowing how to seize opportunities! Opportunities are everywhere, but most organizations are not equipped to identify them or act on them. Those that do WIN in today’s world! Let Kimberly show you how to create a culture that maximizes opportunities to lead innovation
Mariah Braun
Repurposing Content You Already Have
Learn how to leverage your existing content and create reusable marketing content that saves time and money!
This breakout session will take you through an exercise that helps you organize your current content inventory list, learn tips on how to repurpose that content and identify content you’d like to start creating for your 2025 strategy.
Leave with practical strategies, content you have repurposed, and some strategies to help you boost your marketing efforts!
Leveraging One Shoot For Multiple Marketing Assets
In this session, you’ll discover how to leverage one shoot for multiple marketing assets for product—and service-based businesses.
Participants will be guided through practicing taking pictures of a product with their mobile phones, using lights, props, and backdrop while being provided tips on enhancing their own results.
Leave with strategies to maximize every shoot and streamline your content creation process.
Mariah owns M3M Studios and
M3M Marketing in Grande Prairie, AB
Jennifer Ireson
The 60-Second Termination: Handling the Toughest Conversations with Confidence
Get in, Get Out, Do It Right.
Learn from the Terminator, Jennifer Ireson, as she teaches you how to conduct a professional termination in under 60 seconds.
In this workshop, Jennifer will teach you how to master the art of delivering termination news with clarity and professionalism, avoiding unnecessary awkwardness or drawn-out conversations. You will learn how to stay focused on the facts while balancing empathy and respect for the individual. With a strong emphasis on keeping your approach human-centered yet business-savvy, you’ll gain the skills to handle even the toughest conversations without sacrificing professionalism.
See more on our schedule page
Jennifer owns Balanced Perspectives in Sexsmith, AB
Cris Seppola
Unveil Your Core Values in 90 Minutes
In this engaging and transformative session, Cris Seppola will walk you through interactive exercises and reflective discussions designed to help you uncover two to four core values that drive your personal and professional life. This experience will equip you with the clarity to align your decisions and actions with what truly matters to you. You'll walk away inspired and ready to lead with authenticity and purpose
Find Cris on LinkedIn