Facilitating involvment by London's 22-44 year old demographic. Creating investment by this demographic in our community

Created by the demographic, for the demographic...

Created by the demographic, for the demographic, Emerging Leaders aims to develop the next generation of local leaders in business, technology, education, research, political, creative and cultural sectors by targeting London’s 22-44 year old population, a demographic of creative and entrepreneurial thinkers, to connect them to each other and to the London community in general, as well as provide an avenue for this demographic to weigh-in on some of the city’s most important questions (i.e. attraction and retention, issues surrounding organic growth and entrepreneurialism, community investment and philanthropy etc.)

Emerging Leaders will contribute not only to the community’s knowledge-base and important attraction and retention efforts, but help to create a strong bridge between London’s established business class, community and cultural leaders and the city’s next generation of leaders, entrepreneurs, creatives and philanthropists.

What is an Emerging Leader?

An Emerging Leader is someone who:

  • Is between the ages of 22-44, from a range of sectors (business, technology, education, science/research, political, creative, cultural…)
  • Is creative, entrepreneurial, and innovative in thought process and action
  • Is community-minded and/or interested in issues and challenges facing the London community
  • Demonstrates community leadership or intentions towards same
  • Is willing to contribute meaningfully to think tank sessions and share knowledge and ideas with peers

Vision

Emerging leaders is a collective of like-minded 22-44’s who believe that London, Ontario, Canada, can be among North America’s top ranked 21 st century cities, in terms of both economic prosperity and quality of life, and intend to share ideas, experiences and action-oriented dialogue, with each other and current leaders, to help it get there…and to have a little fun and shake things up in the process!

Values

leadership, creativity, inclusiveness, diversity, innovative thought, decisive action, dynamism

Organizational Objectives

The Emerging Leader’s initiative will:

  1. Connect emerging leaders to one another to develop personal and professional networks and create business development and/or entrepreneurial opportunities;
  2. Provide a “voice” for the 22-44 year old demographic in London and the opportunity to weigh-in on important issues facing the city in the next decade;
  3. Connect emerging leaders and London’s established business and community leaders, to explore mentorship and professional development opportunities and to share ideas, issues and action-oriented solutions to those issues;
  4. Foster a sense of investment by emerging leaders in the London community and its future;
  5. Encourage a sense of ownership among established business and community leaders in terms of investment in, and development of this demographic, London’s next generation of business, technological, academic, scientific, political and cultural leaders

Founding Steering Committee

Emerging Leaders began in 2006 as a grassroots initiative, with support from TechAlliance, Fanshawe College and the City of London, and led by a dedicated volunteer Steering Committee comprised of diverse members from the target demographic as follows:

  • Lindsay Sage, Partner, Marketing Consultant, sageComm (co-chair) *
  • Jeff Sage, Manager, Marketing and Communications, Fanshawe College (co-chair) *
  • Joel Adams, Director, Western Research Parks
  • Jamie Bruce, Business Development Manager, Robarts Research Institute
  • Sunil Godse, Principal, Godse Management Inc.
  • Ben Jackson, Business Development Manager, mh Safety
  • Andrew McClenaghan, Principal/Owner, Echidna Solutions Corp. *
  • Roxanne McClenaghan, Manager of Communications & Donor Relations, London Community Foundation
  • Anthea Rowe, Assoc. Director of Communications, Robarts Research Institute
  • Jodi Simpson, Director of Programs & Member Relations, TechAlliance *
  • Lee Smithson, General Manager, The Stiller Centre
  • Brian Spencer, President, StreamingDigitalMedia dot Com
  • Marcia Steyaert, Community Relations Specialist, The University of Western Ontario *
  • Kevin Sullivan, Business Development Manager, Viron Therapeutics Inc.
  • Kadie Ward, Manager, Business Retention, London Economic Development Corp.
  • Katherine Wiggett, President, CityMedia and Independent Artist *

* Working Group Chairs

Sustainability Advisory Committee

In 2008, Emerging Leaders undertook a comprehensive sustainability review, led by the following cross-functional and cross-sectoral team:

  • Michael Barr (Chair), Critical Outcome Technologies Inc.
  • Michelle Baldwin, Pillar NonProfit Network
  • Jeff Bennett, ScotiaMcLeod
  • Adam Caplan, Web.isod.es and The University of Western Ontario
  • Jamie Crich, Auburn Homes
  • Jeff Harris, Kay Chiropratic and Young Professionals Group (YPG)
  • Chicoung La, Robarts Research Institute
  • Kapil Lakhotia, London Economic Development Group
  • Stephanie Lenz, Deloitte and Touche
  • Joel McLean, Infotech Research Group
  • Kristina Shaw, Miller Thompson LLP
  • Jennifer Wain, The Lashbrook Group
  • John White, The Grand Theatre
  • Kyla Woodcock, KEW Consulting