In a world of disruption, uncertainty, and accelerating change, one truth remains: leadership built on character is not optional—it’s essential.
Some may claim character is outdated in today’s high-pressure environment. We see it differently. The future of our organizations—and our nations—hinges on the everyday decisions of leaders who embody integrity, courage, humility, accountability, and sound judgment. These are not abstract ideals; they are the engine of trust, resilience, and lasting impact.
This is not just another leadership event. It’s a call to action.
This one-day, high-impact conference brings together leaders from every sector—business, government, non-profit, and academia—alongside seasoned Leader Character Practitioners and transformative keynote speakers. Together, we’ll challenge conventional thinking, confront the gap between intentions and outcomes, equip ourselves with the tools to lead with both competence and character and challenge ourselves to be boldly ambitious.
Expect real-world insights. Hard truths. Deep reflection. And above all, a renewed vision for how leadership rooted in character can drive performance, foster belonging, and build the kind of organizations and nations we all desire.
In this defining moment, we don’t need more charisma. We need more character.
Join us—and be part of the leadership movement shaping a better future, one decision at a time.
DATE: Wednesday November 19, 2025, 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
LOCATION: Art Gallery of Ontario, 317 Dundas St. W, Toronto, ON
Program highlights include:
- Opening Keynote by Greg Hicks, HBA '95, President and Chief Executive Officer, Canadian Tire Corporation, Limited
- From Ethos to Application: Insights From Large-Scale Implementation of Character Leadership in the Military with Mary Crossan, Professor at Ivey Business School, and Craig Aitchison, Major-General (Retired), Canadian Armed Forces
- The Character Playbook: From Embedding Character to Shaping the Future of Sport with Corey Crossan, Research and Teaching Fellow at the Oxford Character Project and Dixon Ward, Vice President, Okanagan Hockey Group
- Exciting closing speaker - to be announced!
Opening Keynote: Greg Hicks, HBA '95
President and Chief Executive Officer, Canadian Tire Corporation, Limited
Greg Hicks was appointed President and CEO of Canadian Tire Corporation (CTC) in March 2020. With a strategic mindset, tremendous commercial acumen, and the ability to build high-performing teams who deliver exceptional results, Greg has proven himself to be a world-class and purpose-driven leader. Building on the iconic Company’s more than one hundred years of success, Greg has aligned the enterprise to a clear Brand Purpose that We Are Here to Make Life in Canada Better and is driving sustainable, long-term growth that delivers value for all CTC’s stakeholders.
Prior to this appointment, Greg was President, Canadian Tire Retail (CTR), CTC’s largest banner, with more than 500 stores across Canada. In addition to overseeing all aspects of CTR’s business, Greg was accountable for its global operations, eCommerce initiatives and its valued relationship with Canadian Tire’s Associate Dealers. Greg is relentlessly focused on bringing customers the products they want and need to make life in Canada better. He built a world-class Owned Brands portfolio delivering over $4B in sales in 2019, and led the acquisition of Party City’s Canadian business, adding a new trip-driving category and attracting a new customer segment to CTR.
Previously, Greg served as Group Senior Vice-President, Consumer Products & Retail Experience, CTR, where he oversaw its General Merchandise and Automotive businesses and was also responsible for managing Store Experience, Store Operations, Product Sourcing and Quality, including the management of CTC’s Pacific Rim offices in Asia. Greg was instrumental in transforming Canadian Tire’s assortments for Life in Canada, including a renewed focus on Owned Brands, style and design, and new levels of product quality. He has been integral to the Company’s focus on disciplined performance management.
With more than 20 years of retail experience in senior leadership positions, strong management and merchandising experience, Greg has a proven ability to lead teams to success. Before joining Canadian Tire, Greg was the Chief Operating Officer at TSC Stores where he supervised all of TSC’s business operations. Greg has also advised and worked with large multi-national retailers on the development of Canadian strategies.
Greg holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Western Ontario and an Honours Business Administration degree from the Richard Ivey Business School. He is a member of CTC’s and the Business Council of Canada’s Boards of Directors and was previously a Trustee for CT REIT and the former Chair of the Retail Council of Canada. Greg was named Distinguished Canadian Retailer of the Year by the Retail Council of Canada in 2023 and is a past recipient of Canada’s Top 40 under 40 Award.