The Speakers

Lisa Taylor is a leading expert on the Future of Work and career innovation. As Founder of Challenge Factory, she pioneered career services for older workers in Canada, earning recognition as one of WXN’s 2022 Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100.

An author of five books, including The Talent Revolution, and an Associate Fellow at the National Institute on Ageing, Lisa bridges corporate strategy and public policy to address workplace disruption. A sought-after speaker and media contributor, she inspires fresh thinking about careers, longevity, and unlocking potential at every stage of life.

Offering a global perspective, Lisa will highlight how aging demographics are reshaping workplaces worldwide, with lessons learned from trailblazing nations like Japan and South Korea. She will emphasize that Newfoundland and Labrador is not alone in facing this challenge and will share actionable best practices for career development and fostering an intergenerational approach. With an inspiring vision for the future of work, Lisa will leave audiences equipped to navigate these transformative shifts with confidence and innovation.

Join Rob Greenwood as he explores the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of Newfoundland and Labrador’s workforce. With NL holding the distinction of the oldest population in Canada per capita, Rob will discuss the implications for businesses and the economy, including:

• The impact of an aging workforce exiting at nearly twice the rate that youth are entering.
• How the projected loss of workers affects economic growth and business expansion in the province.
• The role of government and public-private partnerships in addressing labour market challenges.

Drawing on his extensive experience, including his previous role with the Harris Centre at Memorial University and his current advisory position with Premier Andrew Furey, Rob offers a deep understanding of labour market opportunities and solutions.

Mark Patterson leads Magnet’s efforts in advancing workforce innovation and building partnerships that drive skills development and inclusive economic growth. As the creator of Magnet, Mark has shaped its vision to connect talent with opportunities across Canada and globally. A recognized expert in workforce and technology integration, he is at the forefront of emerging trends, including how artificial intelligence is reshaping skills development and the future of work. His leadership continues to influence how individuals and organizations adapt to these changes.

Sarah Stoodley (MA, B.Comm. Co-op) was first elected to the House of Assembly on May 16, 2019.

Ms. Stoodley grew up in Grand Falls-Windsor, lived and worked for three years in Oxford, United Kingdom, and built a successful career as a digital expert in financial services.

She was an elected alumni representative on the Memorial University Board of Regents and served on the C.A. Pippy Park Commission Board and the techNL (NATI) Board.

On April 8, 2021, she was re-sworn-in as Minister of Digital Government and ServiceNL, Minister Responsible for the Office of the Chief Information Officer and Minister Responsible for Francophone Affairs.

Since July 19, 2024, Ms. Stoodley has served at the Minister for Immigration, Population Growth and Skills and the Minister Responsible for Francophone Affairs. On March 11, 2025 she was also appointed as Acting Minister of Health and Addictions and Acting Minister of Housing.

As CEO, AnnMarie is dedicated to working alongside the St. John’s Board of Trade team and Board of Directors to provide guidance, support, and solutions to members. Throughout her career, AnnMarie has worked with the region’s largest and often most complex organizations to help shape their vision, build meaningful relationships, establish connections with stakeholders, and achieve their business objectives. She channels her depth of experience in strategic marketing and communications into her role as CEO and comes to work every day focused on helping to ensure businesses in our city can grow, evolve, and thrive.

An optimist and connector who acts with urgency, can only see opportunity, and won’t easily take no for an answer. His Unfair Competitive Advantage is three and half decades of global relationship development across governments, industries, and academia coupled with a burning entrepreneurial spirit and a natural ability to tell a story.

A lifelong seeker of what inspires others. Over 30 years in advertising sales created an insatiable curiosity about what makes people tick. From radio to newspapers to video to digital advertising it’s always been about the people behind the businesses that truly makes things work. Advertising on the weekdays and wedding videos on the weekends, Gerry has recorded well in excess of 500 wedding videos since 1988. Nothing compares to the fulfilling feeling of being around families and friends expressing love for each other on a wedding day. Gale Force Wins isn’t a wedding but it’s a marriage of positive and inspiration that just makes sense.

Steven Taylor is an accomplished executive with extensive experience in leadership roles across various industries. As the Executive Vice President at Keyin College, he has been instrumental in driving strategic initiatives and fostering growth within the institution. Previously, Steven served as the Chief Executive Officer at Cellcom Communications, where he demonstrated a strong acumen in business development within the wireless industry. His proven leadership and strategic vision have consistently contributed to organizational success.

As Director of the NL Workforce Innovation Centre (NLWIC) at the College of the North Atlantic (CNA), Sharon is a passionate, innovative and results-focused professional who has over 35 years in leadership and operational roles in education, industry and government including the Economic Recovery Advisory Board, Advisory Council on the Economy, and Royal Commission on Forest Protection and Management. Sharon joined CNA NL in 2004, working in Corporate Training and Continuing Education and the Office of Applied Research & Innovation. Prior to joining NLWIC in 2018, Sharon worked as Manager of Corporate Services at CNA-Qatar. Sharon has served on the boards of the Atlantic Provinces Economic Council, Junior Achievement, Tree Plan Canada, and Greater Corner Brook Board of Trade. Sharon is currently a member of the Conference Board of Canada’s Council on Innovation and Commercialization and serves as Director on the Corner Brook Port Corporation, YMCA of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Humber Valley River Condo Corporation Boards. Sharon holds an Honors Business Administration degree from Western University and her son McLennon is an Assistant Professor at Cape Breton University.

Adapting Business and Labor Practices for an Older Workforce

Gale Force Wins, founded by Allan Dale and Jerry Carew hosts a panel exploring the evolving role of older workers in today’s workplaces, tackling common barriers they face and uncovering what they value most in extending their careers

Skill Tool Kit: How to Upgrade and Up-Skill an Aging Workforce

Sharon McLennon of the NL Workforce Innovation Centre hosts a panel of Public and Private Academia providers to discuss the role academia plays in up-skilling or retraining older worker for the future workplace

What’s Next? The Path Forward

Anne Marie Boudreau, CEO of the St John’s Board of Trade hosts a panel with business, government and academia to discuss the next steps in the path forward to leveraging and realizing an older workforce in NL