Speaker Bios

Ellen Roseman
Business Columnist, The Toronto Star
Links: www.ellenroseman.com

Ellen Roseman is a personal finance and consumer affairs columnist with The Toronto Star. She joined the Star in 1997 as business editor after 20 years at the Globe and Mail. Ellen also teaches courses in personal finance and investing at U of T’s School of Continuing Studies and contributes radio commentaries to CBC Radio's business network. She has an MA in philosophy from U of T and a BA from McGill University.

Joel Epstein
CEO, Friction Factor
Links: www.frictionfactor.net

Joel Epstein is a business leader with an international reputation and the author of The Little Book on Big Ego. As CEO of Friction Factor, Inc., Joel holds training, sales, management and leadership seminars across the country. After many years of study and consulting, Joel realized an essential truth. The vast majority of lost accounts, of sales not made, of management problems, of failed careers, and of damaged relationships aren’t rooted in business issues, but instead in ego.

Christina McDowell
Image Consultant, National Spokesperson, Personal Shopping Services, Holt Renfrew

Christina McDowell provides wardrobe and image styling to clients from many walks of life: celebrities, MBA and university graduates, professional athletes, executives, and those who simply want to look pulled together. She is often invited to speak on “The Power of Image” to Fortune 500 companies and private clients. Christina has appeared on national television, and in newspapers and magazines across the country.

Melanie Novis
President, Corporate Speech Consultants
Links: learn.utoronto.ca/Page1071.aspx
learn.utoronto.ca/Page1764.aspx

The award-winning educator and author of Canadian Public Speaking helps people present themselves and their ideas more effectively. Melanie Novis’ programs in business pitches, presentations, voice, speech, leadership and other valuable skills have enhanced the careers of academics, professionals and business people around the world. She earned the Excellence in Teaching Award from U of T, where she teaches professors and students. Melanie holds her Licentiate from Trinity College in England and a speech degree from the University of Cape Town.

Peter Andreana
Certified Financial Planner (CFP), Continuum II Inc.
Links: www.c2inc.com
www.cfp-ca.org

Peter Andreana is a respected public speaker and financial planning expert who is often quoted in the National Post and Investment Executive. From the small-business owner to company executive, Peter walks clients through retirement, investing, tax planning, insurance, debt, business issues and employee benefits. Peter helps ensure clients achieve peace of mind while they attain their goals. He is known for providing industry-leading service with a personal touch.

Barbara Kofman
Principal, CareerTrails
Links: www.careertrails.com

Barbara Kofman’s years of work experience and her own journey to find the right fit have made her an expert in career management intervention. She honed her skills while in senior roles in outplacement, human resources and consulting. Barbara has taught career management courses to college and university students, is a regular magazine contributor and a busy public speaker. Additional credentials include CHRP, Certified Career Management Fellow, MA in Public Administration, BA and BEd.