Virtual Event
Work Reimagined: The Way Forward
April 26, 2022 at
1:30pm EST
2:00pm – 2:45pm
The New Normal
Speakers:
- Michael Puck, Senior Manager, human insights, UKG
- Carolyn Byer, Head of HR, Microsoft Canada
- Helena Pagano, EVP, CHRO and Communications Officer, Sun Life
- Chris Taylor, CHRO, Best Buy Canada
This roundtable discussion, moderated by Talent Canada publisher Todd Humber, features a look at:
- Best practices in training and development
- Out of the box benefits employers are embracing
- Creative ideas for social activities
- How to identify and not lose track of high performers/future leaders
Michael E. Puck, Dipl. Betriebswirt (VWA), SHRM-SCP
Michael Puck, an HR innovator and change agent, has an established track record of discovering and implementing sustainable solutions to challenges in the workplace. He refines complex issues into a comprehensive diagnosis thus empowering his audience to develop and accelerate action-oriented strategies that maximize HR’s business impact.
His international and multi-cultural background, 20+ years of HR experience, and a passion for people-centric frameworks fuel his goals as a senior partner in the UKG Human Insights Group.
Puck graduated from the German Air Force Academy. His eight-year term as Officer bolstered his understanding that putting people first is vital to the success of the team and organization. During his time in the military, he earned a degree in business and a postgraduate degree in economics from VWA in Essen, Germany. Additionally, Puck is a Senior Certified Professional with the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM-SCP), a published author, frequent presenter and the President of an animal-focused non-profit in the state of Tennessee.
Carolyn Byer
As Human Resources Lead for Canada, Carolyn works closely with President Kevin Peesker and the Leadership Team to develop and execute the people strategy for Microsoft Canada. She leads a team of HR professionals focused on developing Microsoft’s talent, organization and culture to accelerate the company’s own business transformation and impact the broader Microsoft ecosystem.
A strong business leader with proven experience in the c-suite and across all levels of management, Carolyn is a champion of Microsoft’s “learn it all” and growth mindset” tenets and is committed to continuing to grow Microsoft’s diverse and inclusive workforce.
Prior to joining Microsoft, Carolyn served in a variety of HR disciplines globally at IBM for more than 17 years. She has a Bachelor of Psychology from University of Guelph and a Masters in Human Resources from Rutgers University. Outside of work, Carolyn focuses on her family. She enjoys conversing with others and expanding her perspectives and can typically be found on a soccer field or a lake.
Follow Carolyn Byer on LinkedIn.
Helena Pagano
Helena Pagano is Executive Vice-President, Chief Human Resources & Communications Officer, Sun Life. In this role, she is responsible for leading Sun Life’s global human resources and communications strategies. This includes supporting a diverse and inclusive culture that advances the talent and capabilities of Sun Life’s workforce, and leading a corporate communication strategy that positions Sun Life as one of the best insurance and asset management companies in the world.
Helena joined Sun Life in 2017, bringing with her deep global human resources expertise. She has over 20 years’ experience in financial services, supporting retail and institutional businesses. Helena has held a variety of human resources generalist and specialist functions in senior and leadership roles.
Helena holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Ryerson University. She served on the Board of the Artist’s Health Alliance and the United Way Major Individual Giving Cabinet Member.
Chris Taylor
Chris Taylor is the Chief Human Resources Officer for Best Buy Canada. In this role, he oversees the wellbeing of more than 12,000 employees across the country, leading the HR teams supporting all Best Buy and Best Buy Mobile stores, distribution centres, and the corporate headquarters in Burnaby, B.C.
Chris joined the company in 2004 as a Human Resources Manager and has served in a breadth of human resources, talent development and employee relations leadership roles since, most recently as Vice President, Human Resources.
A natural innovator and champion of corporate culture and change management, Chris has led the company through key growth and rewards initiatives over the years that have advanced Best Buy Canada to becoming one of the top employers in Canada. Prior to joining Best Buy, Chris held leadership roles with The Home Depot and Office Depot.
Chris holds a CPHR designation, along with an MBA from the University of Fredericton.
