The Great Return: Rethinking the Workplace Experience

Did you know that post-pandemic, 57% of companies have altered their working models, while 56% are embracing increased flexibility in their work setups?

Adecco had a thought-provoking conference in Toronto, where industry leaders, experts, and professionals will discuss the pivotal theme of "Returning to Office”.

As we adapt to the evolving post-pandemic workplace, we'll explore several strategies companies are using to navigate through new work arrangements.

Kathleen Taylor, renowned for her versatile skills across various industries and regions, serves as Chair of Altas Partners, a private equity firm managing around $10 billion in assets across North American market leaders. Additionally, she holds key roles as Vice-Chair of The Adecco Group and serves as a director and Chair of the Human Resources Committee of Air Canada. Taylor's influence extends to Mattamy Asset Management and The Cabot Collection, where she contributes as a board member and advisory board chair, respectively.

Ms. Taylor recently served as the Chair of the Board of the Royal Bank of Canada (a director from 2001 and Chair from 2014 to 2023) helping to oversee a period of significant growth and international expansion for the bank. Prior to this role, Ms. Taylor was the President and CEO of Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, where she was instrumental in building Four Seasons’ global portfolio and international brand over almost 24 years with the company.

A champion of women and children, Ms. Taylor is Chair of the Board of Trustees for the Hospital for Sick Children and the Immediate Past Chair and a member of the Board of Directors of the SickKids Foundation. She is also a Founding Visionary and Co-Chair of the Advocacy Committee of The Prosperity Project.

She holds various positions of influence, including membership in the C.D. Howe Institute's National Council and as Chancellor of York University.

Taylor's remarkable achievements have earned her numerous accolades, including membership in the Order of Canada and the Canadian Marketing Hall of Legends. She is also a recipient of prestigious awards such as WXN's Most Powerful Women Hall of Fame and the Schulich School of Business Award for Outstanding Executive Leadership. Her educational background includes an MBA from Schulich School of Business, a law degree from Osgoode Hall Law School, and a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) from the University of Toronto. Additionally, she holds multiple honorary doctorates from esteemed universities, underscoring her significant contributions to business and society.

Kathleen Taylor's Linkedin

Professor Jonathan Passmore is SVP, EZRA-LHH, and professor of coaching and behavioural change at Henley Business School UK. prior to this he has worked for PWC, IBM and OPM. He holds 5 degrees and three professional qualifications and is listed in the Thinkers 50 and Global Gurus coaching lists. He has published widely over the past three decades, with over 40 books and 250 scientific papers and book chapters making him one of the most published researchers in his field.

Jonathan Passmore's Linkedin