In this episode of the podcast, Nancy MacKay hosts Conan Graham, Chief Business Officer and Certified Forum Chair at MacKay CEO Forums, and Brian Harris, President and CEO of Beem Credit Union, discussing their leadership journeys, the challenges of being a CEO, and the importance of community and vulnerability in leadership. They explore the significance of personal growth, mental fitness, and the transformative potential of AI in the workplace. The conversation emphasizes the need for CEOs to surround themselves with supportive peers and to embrace new technologies to drive innovation and efficiency in their organizations.

Conan Graham is an accomplished executive who thrives at the intersection of strategy, innovation, and impact. With a career spanning multiple sectors, including FinTech, SaaS/PaaS, real estate, healthcare, senior living, and emerging technologies, Conan has consistently helped organizations turn complex challenges into sustainable growth. His approach combines visionary thinking with practical execution, grounded in a global perspective and a deep commitment to meaningful outcomes.

Brian Harris serves as President and CEO of Beem Credit Union, accountable to the Board of Directors for ensuring the ongoing success, strength, and long-term prosperity of the organization and its members. In this role, Brian Harris provides strategic leadership, direction, coordination, and planning to advance the credit union’s vision and deliver on the objectives outlined in Beem Credit Union’s corporate strategic plan. Born and raised in British Columbia, Brian Harris brings more than 20 years of global experience leading financial services organizations through periods of significant growth and transformation, helping them adapt to an increasingly fast-paced and evolving industry.

Join a MacKay CEO Forums⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Peer Group:

MacKay CEO Forums⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: brings results-oriented CEOs, Executives, and Business Leaders together to solve their toughest problems and maximize opportunity through peer learning and support. Learn more: https://mackayceoforums.com/members/

In this episode, Nancy MacKay hosts Keith Ippel and Natalie Michael to discuss the challenges and triumphs of social purpose leadership. They explore the loneliness often felt by CEOs, the importance of health and well-being, and the transformative role of AI in business. Keith shares his journey as a social purpose entrepreneur and the impact of his co-CEO model, while Natalie discusses her work in supporting CEO transitions. Together, they emphasize the need for community, coaching, and innovation in leadership.

Keith Ippel is a serial entrepreneur and investor who has co-founded five ventures including Spring Activator, a Vancouver based incubator and accelerator that exists to change the world through innovation. A global company, Spring has supported over 3,300 purpose driven companies across Canada to launch and scale their impact, and 1,100+ Canadians to step into impact investing. Keith also co-founded Spring Impact Capital Fund, an early stage VC that focuses at the intersection of people and planetary health. Keith holds an MBA from the Ivey School of Business.

Natalie Michael is a Master Certified MacKay CEO Forum chair, executive coach, and succession consultant who helps CEOs and executives grow their leadership and navigate C-suite transitions. She’s passionate about building socially responsible, high-quality businesses and believes personal fulfillment drives long-term success. Over the past decade, she has coached hundreds of leaders, led world-class development programs, and chairs multiple CEO groups. Natalie is a Partner at Waterfront Partners and co-author of Your CEO Succession Playbook and author of The Duck and The Butterfly. Natalie is known for connecting leaders who share goals and strengthening executive communities.

Join a MacKay CEO Forums⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Peer Group:

MacKay CEO Forums⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: brings results-oriented CEOs, Executives, and Business Leaders together to solve their toughest problems and maximize opportunity through peer learning and support. Learn more.

In this episode of the It's Lonely at the Top podcast, Nancy MacKay interviews Jay-Ann Gilfoy, CEO of Meridian Credit Union, discussing her journey from HR to CEO, the importance of peer groups, and the challenges of leadership. Jay-Ann shares insights on overcoming loneliness at the top, inspiring leadership practices, and the role of mental fitness and positive intelligence in her daily routine. The conversation also delves into the integration of AI in business and how to address workforce concerns regarding AI adoption.

Jay-Ann Gilfoy joined Meridian as President & CEO on January 3, 2022. She is focused on leveraging Meridian’s unique value proposition to transform the business, achieve its winning aspiration, and secure its future. In collaboration with the Board and senior management, she is responsible for articulating the organization’s strategy and delivering on its purpose of helping Members and customers achieve a better life, while growing the business.

Jay-Ann’s wealth of business transformation, social impact, and leadership expertise has been cultivated over more than 20 years as a senior executive in a broad range of roles and experiences in the private and public sector and co-operative financial services.

Join a MacKay CEO Forums⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Peer Group

MacKay CEO Forums⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: brings results-oriented CEOs, Executives, and Business Leaders together to solve their toughest problems and maximize opportunity through peer learning and support. www.mackayceoforums.com/members/