The ELO Forum Toronto Online was held yesterday (Nov 23rd) featuring networking sessions and a world-class roster of presenters from Canada, the US and Australia. The successful event was the final of three ELO Forums Online, which also included Winnipeg on Nov 9th and Vancouver on Nov 16th. ELO was able to nimbly complete a trifecta, leveraging its unmatched track record of successful in-person Forums.

The Forum theme of “rethink” was very pertinent in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. The focus was to help Christian marketplace and entrepreneurial leaders “rethink” the present situation from various dimensions: faith & meaning; economics; diversity; relationships; innovation; and leading.

Here is a sampling of the very positive feedback received from attendees:

• “High-quality content. High-quality speakers.”
• “Really appreciated hearing from other leaders on ways that we all can grow in our leadership and remain faithful to God's call on our lives.”
• “Great insight from a variety of perspectives.”
• “The sessions provided helpful perspective on current issues and trends, and I always appreciate the great networking opportunities.”
• “All the sessions were very insightful. Got an opportunity to learn from great Christian Entrepreneurs. Thank You ELO.”
• “I appreciated the diversity of expertise on a range of meaningful organizational topics with a strong Christ-centered perspective.”
• “I always learn from those in the trenches and ELO had CEOs busy building their businesses as speakers at the Forum.”
• “Great to hear how biblical values influence the behaviour of entrepreneurs to grow companies”

The seven presenters hailed from different countries and perspectives. Simon Pillar is Managing Director & Founder of Pacific Equity Partners, the largest local private equity firm in Australia and New Zealand. The firm has approximately A$3.5 billion in assets under management. Simon addressed the spiritual implications of the COVID-19 pandemic. The foundations of people’s lives have been shaken—how to deal with that?

Jerry Bowyer is a US economist, lay minister, media personality and author of The Maker Versus The Takers based in Pennsylvania. He spoke on “Rethink: Economics” from a US perspective. Jerry helped us make sense of the markets and provided his keen insights on how the political situation impacts the economy.

Ron Haik, Senior Financial Advisor, Nicola Wealth, Toronto focused on “Rethink: Economics.” The subtitle of Ron’s session was “Politics, Pandemics, and Investments.” Ron discussed the economic big picture and how it impacts Canadian’s individual: politics, pandemics and investments.

Veronica Utton, Diversity & Inclusion Expert, Predictive Success Corp., Toronto, focused on “Diversity & Inclusion.” She described how people can uncover and overcome unconscious bias and change their behaviours towards a more diversified and inclusive workplace. Creating an inclusive company and reducing unconscious biases increases retention, performance and attracts future talent.

Diane Craig, President & Founder, Corporate Class Inc., Toronto, talked about the dynamics of women in leadership. She highlighted some practical tools and strategies to allow women to participate fully in business leadership.

Brad Pedersen, Founder, Indykko Ltd., Kelowna, BC, and Hong Kong SAR, talked about people who have positively impacted him among family, friends and peers. He discussed the value of peer relationships and getting valued input on business and spiritual/ethical matters. ELO is launching its own Peer Advisory Group network in 2021>>

Glenn Cooke, CEO, Cooke Aquaculture Inc. & Cooke Inc. Family of Companies, Blacks Harbour, NB, started small and now leads a large organization. The company was started in 1985 by Glenn, his brother Michael and their father Gifford and now employs over 10,000 people globally in 10 countries, ships over one billion pounds of fresh, sustainable True North Seafood Company branded products a year to over 67 countries and generated $2.35 billion CAD in sales last year. Glenn discussed his faith and entrepreneurial journey and offered insights on rethinking leadership in the midst of an ongoing COVID-9 pandemic.

The ELO Forum had sponsors from throughout Canada: Gold - Nicola Wealth; Silver - Predictive Success, Redeemer University and Youth For Christ International; Bronze - Food For the Hungry, Christian Schools Foundation, Royal Lepage RCR Realty, and Cooke Aquaculture; and Supporting Organizations - Tyndale University, Village Church and The Gideons International in Canada/ Share Word Global

In short, the ELO Forum Toronto Online 2020 was able to bring together Christian marketplace and entrepreneurial leaders from throughout Ontario and beyond. While the format was different than in previous years, the impact and outcome were similar.

To receive more information on our speakers or sponsors please view this year's conference magazine, The Toronto 2020 Entrepreneurial Leaders Review>>