At Valero, we believe our employees are our greatest asset, and keeping them at the top of their game is important. With this in mind, we have developed a comprehensive set of personalized resources for them and their families, all part of our Health and Wellness Program. From physical and mental health to financial stability, Valero offers them real-world options to make good choices, live healthy lives, and do well in their careers and in life. Supporting Physical Health and Well-Being A culture that promotes physical health and well-being contributes to a healthy and rewarding work environment where everyone can thrive. A fully equipped gym and three adjoining showers have been fitted up in our office, thereby encouraging physical activities and making it more accessible. Boxing courses, boot camps, and Pilates yoga are offered at lunchtime to suit everyone’s tastes and interests. For those wishing to train at outside facilities or at home instead, we also reimburse subs
Clarity at every step of the process. Collaborations with clients and advisors. Understanding client needs and offering appropriate legal advice. HTW Law Professional Corporation ticks all the boxes in providing forward-thinking legal solutions that empower clients to thrive. Its approach is rooted in the principles of clarity, collaboration and client-centricity. An Ontario-based firm, HTW Law offers professional legal services on all workplace matters, including employee terminations, wrongful dismissals and workplace harassment. It also advises clients on legal matters related to human rights violations, class actions and medical malpractice “We see ourselves as more than just legal representatives; we’re trusted advisors, invested in your long-term success. This deeply personal approach cultivates strong, lasting relationships that go beyond simply billing hours,” says Tony Wong, owner and managing lawyer. Legal matters are often shrouded by jargon and opaque processes. HTW Law cuts through the noise and delivers clarity at every step. Its multidisciplinary team collaborates internally and with clients’ trusted advisors, keeping the big picture in mind while developing tailored solutions. With client-centricity at its heart, the firm takes the time to listen, asks the right questions and truly understands a situation before offering legal advice.
Susan Hobson knows firsthand that real leadership begins within. As a Princeton graduate and former professional hockey player, she discovered early on that it wasn’t just physical training that gave her an edge under pressure—it was mindset. Mental resilience, focus, and internal strategy fueled her success both on and off the ice. After retiring from professional sports, Hobson turned her passion for mindset mastery into a mission: helping leaders unlock their full potential from the inside out. But she soon noticed a troubling pattern in the corporate world. As noted by the Harvard Business Review, companies spend more than $365 billion annually on leadership development, yet many programs fail to create lasting change because they still rely on surface-level tactics that overlook the deeper drivers of behavior. Hobson’s approach is different. Working with executives and entrepreneurs, she found that the most impactful leaders weren’t just technically skilled—they were mentally strong, deeply self-aware, and intentional about designing their internal world to shape external results. These insights became the cornerstone of Elite High Performance, her leadership development firm built on the pillars of mindset, strategy, and architecture. It’s a neuroscience-backed method that goes deeper— helping leaders rewire the beliefs that shape their behaviors and develop the clarity, confidence, and purpose needed to thrive in today’s complex world. “We focus on building the mindset architecture that drives consistent, empowered leadership from the inside out,” says Hobson, CEO of Elite High Performance. “Our mission has always been to help leaders achieve lasting breakthroughs— not by pushing harder, but by thinking differently.” From the Ice to the Boardroom The origins of Elite High Performance are as inspiring as the results it delivers. Hobson’s experiences under the high-stakes pressure of competitive sports laid the foundation for her unique coaching philosophy. She realized that true performance—and true leadership—comes not just from skill, but from mastering the inner game.
Employee Wellness
Louise Kyprianou, Director - Training & Leadership Development, Pomerleau
Employment Law
Heather Mack, Human Resources Manager, Amer Sports
Employment Law
Liz Volk, Chief Human Resources Officer, Longo
Corporate Wellness
Shannon Millar, Interim VP of Strategy and HR (Canada, Latin America, Caribbean), Gallagher
Corporate Wellness
Beverley Downer, Director, Human Resources, Russel Metals [TSE: RUS]
Leadership Development
Dawn Farahani, Vice President, People & Culture, BCAA
Leadership Development
Jacquilynne Ellison-Wickson, Director of Talent Acquisition Canada, HUB
Leadership is among the utmost priorities for any business in today's ever-competitive and fast-paced environment.
Building Better Workplaces through Smarter HR Practices
Leadership development remains one of the most important areas of focus. Organizations are moving beyond surface-level training and investing in programs that assist with the everyday pressures of managing people. One-on-one coaching has become a valuable addition to these efforts. It offers leaders space to think more clearly, adjust their approach and strengthen their work with others. Whether someone is stepping into the role for the first time or managing established teams, this kind of support helps reinforce effective habits. Programs that connect directly to workplace realities give leaders a better chance of growing in ways that last.
Legal expertise is also becoming more integrated into how organizations shape their workplace culture and policies. Employment law firms work closely with HR leaders to update internal procedures, manage risk and prepare for ongoing changes in legislation. These partnerships help organizations stay current while applying rules and policies fairly. Employers are taking an informed and structured path forward rather than approaching legal matters only in reaction to problems. With sound advice, HR teams are better equipped to support employees and protect operations simultaneously.
These efforts show organizations moving toward a stable and intentional working method. Strong leadership and clear policy are no longer seen as separate concerns. When they support each other, the workplace becomes easier to manage and better prepared to grow. Manage HR Canada is helping employers bring these pieces together in a practical and sustainable way.
In this edition of Manage HR Canada, we explore the recent developments in leadership programs and one-on-one coaching, employment law and how HR professionals across Canada are turning to trusted experts to support capable leadership and workplace integrity.
We hope this edition of Manage HR Canada helps you find the right partner for your business requirements.