Lessons from the Top

Dr. Gerald Fried holds the positions of Professor of Surgery, Associate Dean of Education Technology and Innovation, and Director of the Steinberg Centre for Simulation and Interactive Learning. Dr. Fried's extensive research on surgical education focuses on teaching and evaluating procedural skills among elite surgeons, and he has developed widely accepted measures to evaluate surgical skills. As a former Chief Surgeon, he has served as President of several major international surgical associations, including the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons, the Canadian Association of General Surgeons, the Central Surgical Association, and James IV Association of Surgeons.

Dr. Christos Christou is the international president of Doctors Without Borders. With his extensive experience and leadership within the organization, Dr. Christou plays a vital role in guiding the impactful work of Doctors Without Borders on a global scale. Having joined Doctors Without Borders in 2002, Dr. Christou's journey has been one of unwavering commitment to providing medical aid in some of the world's most challenging environments. Throughout his tenure, he has held various positions, including serving as a field doctor in Greece, working on critical HIV/AIDS projects in Zambia, and demonstrating his exceptional skills as an emergency and trauma surgeon in conflict zones like South Sudan, Iraq, and Cameroon. In his current role, he heads the organization's efforts to deliver life-saving medical care to those most in need, overseeing strategic initiatives, and ensuring the mission and values of Doctors Without Borders are upheld.

Mgr. Antoine de Rochebrune est un prêtre catholique français et membre de l'Opus Dei. Il a été nommé vicaire de l'Opus Dei en France en 1999 et depuis 2020, il occupe le poste de vicaire de l'Opus Dei au Canada. Mgr. De Rochebrune a suivi une formation d'ingénieur en génie électrique et a travaillé chez Schneider Electric avant d'être ordonné prêtre en 1995. Il est également titulaire d'un doctorat en théologie dogmatique de l'Université pontificale de la Sainte Croix. Mgr. De Rochebrune a également publié un livre intitulé Opus Dei, confidences inédites en 2016.

Vincent Godcharles is an accomplished entrepreneur who has made a name for himself in the Montreal business market. Mr. Godcharles is the CEO of Logient, a software engineering company, and has been instrumental in increasing its sales to over $30 million. He has completed 8 transactions since joining the company and has helped position Logient as a key player in its field of activity. Mr. Godcharles believes in putting people at the center of his decisions and has always ensured that Logient’s ownership remains local. He has also been actively involved with various boards of directors, including Télé-Québec as Chairman of the Audit Committee and the Sablon Foundation.

The Canadian Senator Tony Loffreda is a distinguished figure with over 35 years of expertise in the financial industry. Mr. Loffreda presently holds esteemed positions on several Senate committees and working groups, including the National Finance Committee and the Committee on Banking, Trade, and the Economy. Prior to his appointment, he held top executive roles at RBC and served on various boards and committees. Senator Loffreda is renowned for his philanthropic activities, having chaired fundraising initiatives for various causes. He is a sought-after speaker on topics related to economic and community issues, and has been conferred numerous accolades and honors for his contributions to society.

Lieutenant Gouverneur du Québec, l’honorable J. Michel Doyon. Avocat et historien de profession, il a été élu bâtonnier du Barreau du Québec en 2007 et a enseigné à l'université pendant de nombreuses années. Il a également occupé des postes au sein de conseils d'administration de grandes organisations telles que la Société Radio-Canada et l'Orchestre symphonique de Québec. Il a reçu des distinctions pour sa contribution exceptionnelle à la profession juridique, dont la Médaille du Barreau du Québec, ainsi que pour son service à la monarchie canadienne, avec la Médaille du Jubilé de diamant de la Reine Élizabeth II.

Guy Berthiaume est un historien canadien renommé dans l'Antiquité classique. Mr. Berthiaume a eu une carrière impressionnante dans le monde universitaire, en tant que professeur d'histoire et administrateur pendant plus de 30 ans. Il a également occupé des postes clés dans le domaine de la bibliothéconomie et de l'archivistique, notamment en tant que bibliothécaire et archiviste du Canada et président-directeur général de Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec. Avec un doctorat en histoire grecque de l'Université Paris VIII, M. Berthiaume est l'auteur de plusieurs ouvrages sur l'Antiquité classique.

Madwa-Nika Cadet est membre de l'Assemblée nationale du Québec pour Bourassa-Sauvé et ancienne conseillère politique du ministre de l'Innovation, des Sciences et de l'Industrie du Canada. Mme. Cadet a également travaillé pour la Banque mondiale à Washington, où elle a analysé les cadres réglementaires des affaires dans 190 pays. Mme Cadet a une expérience en droit commercial et corporatif et a siégé aux conseils d'administration de la Fondation des Bureaux internationaux jeunesse du Québec et de Centraide du Grand Montréal.

The Honourable Senator David M. Wells was appointed in 2013. Before his appointment, he served as Deputy CEO and board member of the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Petroleum Board. Senator Wells has made significant contributions to the Senate by developing and chairing the Standing Committee on Audit and Oversight, and sponsoring significant legislation affecting meaningful change for Canadians. In addition to his political career, Senator Wells is a dedicated community volunteer and a high-altitude alpine mountaineer who has climbed the highest peaks in Africa, South America, and Europe.

Caroline Codsi founded and has been the leading the non-profit organization La Gouvernance au Féminin since 2010, with the aim of supporting women's access to decision-making positions and seats on boards of directors, as well as promoting gender parity. Ms. Codsi is recognized in Canada and internationally, having been listed in the Women's Executive Network's Top 100 Most Powerful Women in Business in Canada and winning the Leader of the Decade for Diversity and Inclusion award at the Women Economic Forum in New Delhi in 2018. Despite facing numerous challenges in her formative years, Ms. Codsi has emerged as a formidable champion for women in the corporate world, and her contributions are internationally respected.