FOUNDER & CEO, AUTONOMIC

Jamie Wood is the Founder & CEO of Autonomic Technologies Inc., a biotechnology and digital health platform transforming how people understand and optimize cognitive performance. Working at the intersection of neuroscience, AI, and human performance, she develops science-backed tools that help entrepreneurs, leaders, and innovators sharpen focus, strengthen decision-making, and build resilience in high-demand environments. A sought-after speaker, Jamie has presented at Fortune 500 companies, global institutions, and leading tech conferences; this year, she was invited to speak at the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women Summit and Fast Company’s Innovation Festival.

CEO, HYPER HIPPO ENTERTAINMENT

As CEO of Hyper Hippo Entertainment, Sam sets the strategy and direction for one of Canada’s leading video game companies.  Hyper Hippo believes that positive entertainment has a transformative cultural impact and can build strong communities anywhere in the world.  Sam has been a speaker at leading game exhibitions around the world, and constantly focuses on the importance of entertaining, connecting, and inspiring players through positive game experiences, and the responsibility entertainment creators and curators have for building positive communities.

CEO, ACCELERATE OKANAGAN

Brea first started with AO back in 2014 as the Community Manager, and had the opportunity to work as the Director of Operations prior to officially becoming CEO in 2019. She has been supporting the growth of the local tech industry for over 10 years through economic development efforts, including launching new entrepreneurial programs and investment initiatives. She is a proud alumnus of Okanagan College’s Bachelor of Business Administration program and champions OKGNtech by participating as an Advisory Member for the Canadian Technology Network and volunteering as a Board Member for local organizations.

EXECUTIVE-IN-RESIDENCE, ACCELERATE OKANAGAN

Larry has a degree in Information Science, an MBA, and holds the Certified Management Consultant (CMC) designation. He has led several technology companies from early stage through rapid growth to market leadership. These companies were recognized multiple times by Profit, Deloitte, Branham, and others as leading growth firms, gaining market respect and attracting acquirers. He has also advised numerous tech companies, helping them navigate challenges, turnarounds, and rapid growth while mentoring leadership teams. Larry works to build alignment and commitment around the focus needed for a tech company to reach the next stage and increase value.

PARTNER, MCCARTHY TÉTRAULT LLP

Dana Siddle is Co-Leader of our Health Industry Group and a partner in our Business Law and Technology Law groups. Leveraging her deep knowledge and years of experience in the technology space, Dana advises clients in the public and private sectors on complex commercial transactions and projects, including technology procurement and outsourcing, IT contracting, and digital health/telehealth. She also supports clients with practical, solutions-oriented advice on privacy, information security, anti-spam law, and e-commerce.

PARTNER, MCCARTHY TÉTRAULT LLP

Robert Anton is a partner in our Business Law Group in Toronto. A trusted advisor strongly invested in our clients’ success, Robert has a practice focused in the areas of M&A and capital markets, with an emphasis on tech M&A. Robert has extensive cross-border experience in advising public and venture-backed companies on a wide range of matters, including buy-side and sell-side M&A transactions, including stock and asset deals, special purpose acquisition company deals and acquihires. His practice includes a mix of private and public M&A, private equity transactions, corporate finance, and general securities law matters.

PARTNER, MCCARTHY TÉTRAULT LLP

Jade is a recognized leader in cybersecurity and privacy. He advises organizations on incident preparedness, risk management, and the acquisition of cybersecurity software and services. Jade has worked on some of the largest cybersecurity incidents in Canadian history, as well as numerous data breaches and ransomware attacks. His privacy compliance work spans the retail, financial, and technology sectors, helping clients balance compliance, risk, innovation, and competitiveness. He has also led the negotiation of public sector technology contracts and outsourcing, and understands the unique privacy, cybersecurity, and commercial needs of the public sector.

PARTNER, KPMG

Debbie is the Managing Partner for the Kelowna office with more than 30 years of experience, and her unique value proposition is building trusted relationships with clients by being able to explain and implement complex accounting, tax and business concepts while listening to their individual needs. She works with clients in most market areas, including technology, construction, medical professionals, investment holding companies and consumer services.

FOUNDER, LAZY EXPLORER

Martine Boucher is an entrepreneur, angel investor, and trained lawyer who’s lived more professional lives than most cats—and stumbled through a few of them, too. She’s gone back into the arena more times than she can count and learned—sometimes the hard way—that resilience isn’t about pushing harder. It’s about knowing when to pause, when to pivot, and how to protect the parts of yourself that don’t show up on a P&L. These days, Martine splits her time between building new ventures, coaching founders, making early-stage bets, and finding ways to give back. Her superpower? Spotting patterns in the chaos and asking the question that unlocks a better path forward. She lives in the Okanagan and is happiest when deep in a conversation that’s honest, a little messy, and full of unexpected insight.

GROWTH ADVISOR, ACCELERATE OKANAGAN

Ty joined Accelerate Okanagan in 2019, where he has supported the tech ecosystem in many ways. Originally from Calgary, he completed his undergraduate business degree at the University of British Columbia and earned my MBA from Royal Roads University. He began his career with Disney’s Club Penguin and has since founded three companies, including one that has achieved a successful exit. He is passionate about assisting founders as they navigate the challenges of building and scaling their businesses, and loves being part of a community that helps entrepreneurs grow in the Okanagan.

FOUNDER & CEO, ENTHEOTECH

Fraser Johnston is the Founder and CEO of EntheoTech ("ET"). ET's vision is to change societal views on medicine, health care, and consciousness. Their treatments are grounded in cutting-edge science and the desire to heal and evolve our communities. They deliver medically driven and personalized psychedelic therapy via their proprietary Odyssey Method in multidisciplinary clinics treating chronic pain and mental health conditions.

HEAD OF LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT, NOW OF WORK

Alison Yesilcimen is an executive leadership coach and former C-Suite executive with over 25 years of experience launching startups to scaling $80M companies in the media, technology, and manufacturing sectors. As a Certified Positive Intelligence Coach and Head of Leadership Development at The NoW of Work, she guides leaders to manage their time and energy in a more focused and impactful way.  Alison’s work blends neuroscience, emotional intelligence, and real-world executive experience to equip leaders with practical mental fitness skills that reduce reactivity and raise performance in today’s unprecedented environment.