Conférence d’ouverture : mercredi 16 juin
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Peter Katz
Peter Katz, notre conférencier d’ouverture, commence l’Université de la paie avec une expérience stimulante et hautement interactive, conçue pour rassembler notre communauté dès les premiers instants. Grâce à la musique, aux récits et à la participation du public, Peter aidera les membres à se connaître et à tisser des liens au fil des jours suivants. Bien plus qu’un simple mot d’ouverture, cette conférence inaugurale mémorable invitera les membres à se mobiliser et faire l’expérience en temps réel de la force de la communauté.
Biographie
Peter Katz is a Juno Award and Canadian Screen Award-nominated singer-songwriter, keynote speaker, and facilitator whose interactive keynote concerts create lasting connection, belonging, and momentum. Recently inducted into the National Speakers Association’s Speaker Hall of Fame, an honour held by fewer than 1% of professional speakers, Peter is known for highly customized experiences that help audiences recognize and celebrate their individual and collective impact. Blending live music, compelling storytelling, and research-backed insights, he explores resilience, authenticity, service, and unexpected joy. Peter brings nearly two decades of international touring experience to the stage. After a serious injury interrupted his music career, he discovered that the practices behind meaningful live performance—creating space for connection, reflection, and communal joy—could help leaders and teams in every field thrive. Today, as a four-time TEDx fellow, he equips people at every level of an organization to lead and work with greater purpose. An acclaimed recording artist, Peter’s music has been streamed more than 35 million times, with videos earning over 38 million YouTube views. His keynotes leave audiences feeling recognized, energized, and united around a values-driven vision.
Conférence : jeudi 17 juin
“Spark Connection”
Dr. Miriam Kirmayer
Drawing on her research on the science of friendship and her expertise as a clinical psychologist, Dr. Miriam Kirmayer will explore how meaningful relationships build a sense of belonging, strengthen communities, and create supportive environments where people feel valued and connected. Through relatable insights and practical strategies, attendees will discover how everyday interactions can become opportunities to foster trust, deepen relationships, and create a stronger sense of community—both personally and professionally.
Biographie
Dr. Miriam Kirmayer is a clinical psychologist, leading friendship expert, and one of the most influential speakers on human connection and social support. With over a decade of research on the science of friendship, Dr. Miriam is revolutionizing the way we show up for, mentor, and connect with each other. Through her relatable, science-backed keynotes, digital courses, writing, and online community, Dr. Miriam inspires people around the world to get Confidently Connected and empowers them to build resilient relationships, supportive workplaces, and deeply fulfilling lives. In addition to helping teams and organizations bridge the connection divide and create powerful cultures of belonging, she sits on the Mental Health Advisory Board of Wondermind and consults with The Foundation for Social Connection. Dr. Miriam regularly contributes research-driven insights and relatable advice to top outlets including The Atlantic, BBC, Forbes, The New York Times, Time, and more.
Conférence de clôture : vendredi 18 juin
“The Power of We”
Rick Hansen
Rick Hansen will close Payroll University with an inspiring keynote on the power of working together to create meaningful change. A Paralympic medalist, 19-time international wheelchair marathon winner and shared recipient of the 1983 Lou Marsh Trophy, Rick wheeled more than 40,000 kilometres across 34 countries on his Man in Motion World Tour, leading to the Rick Hansen Foundation. His message brings Community, Connection and Collective Impact to life, reminding attendees that the journey is never about one person alone, but about the support of many people in motion.
Biographie
Rick Hansen, C.C., O.B.C., is a Canadian icon who has dedicated his life to raising awareness of the potential of people with disabilities. He is best known as the “Man In Motion” for undertaking an epic 26-month, 40,000 km journey around the world in his wheelchair. The goal of his Man In Motion World Tour was to create a more inclusive world where barriers are removed, and people of all abilities can reach their full potential.
He is the Founder of the Rick Hansen Foundation, an organization committed to inspiring, creating, and delivering innovative solutions that accelerate a global movement to remove barriers to inclusion for people with disabilities.
Rick’s leadership initiatives are inclusive of accessibility, spinal cord injury cures, and research and extend into his personal passion for conservation.
Rick is committed to advancing ideas and actions that contribute to creating a healthy, accessible, and equitable world for all.