Tackling difficult conversations in the public service

Speakers

• Rell DeShaw

  Assistant Director, FIN Program, Settlement and Integration Policy (SIP) Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada

  Canada

• Susan Johnston

  Former Talent Manager, Canada’s Free Agents, Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat

  Canada

• Denise Grant

  Law Clerk, Ontario Ministry of the Attorney General

  Canada

• Rell DeShaw, long-time manager with the Government of Canada, is a life-long learner who is passionate about learning about management and leadership. She is a regular contributor to apolitical.co and writes a blog at https://lettertoanewmanager.wordpress.com/.

• Susan Johnston, who is passionate about dialogue, and creating new spaces for people to learn and collaborate on topics they care about. Susan has explored these interests across the federal public service in Canada and her local community, using her skills to support public engagement and partnerships, conflict resolution, the arts, and well-being. Susan is part of the Government of Canada’s Free Agents program and is currently working with the Office of Energy Efficiency at Natural Resources Canada. Previously, worked at the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat, the Canada School of Public Service, the Privy Council Office, and in communications policy and international collaboration at Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada.

• Denise Grant, Transformation Coach, Grassroots and Systems Level Change Agent, Law Student, Leadership and Public Speaking Coach, and Public Servant. In her book, Racism: Rising Above the Discomfort of Difficult Conversations, she shares 21 lessons she learned and applied to transform her own life from a victim of systemic racism to now champion for change. Denise has served more than 25 years as a professional in the legal industry. She grew up in the depth of poverty and experienced racism and discrimination throughout her life. She also lived a life of privilege while struggling with her identity. Denise enjoys delivering talks to empower women to pursue their dreams.