Podcasts about associate secretary

In our last re-run for this season, Matt Yannopoulos PSM, Associate Secretary of the Department of Defence, maps out a unified approach for the public service to defend Australia's interests.In a world with increasing geopolitical tension, collaboration across the public service remains key to protecting Australia's security and prosperity. On this episode, David Pembroke, CEO of contentgroup sits down with Matt Yannopoulos PSM, Associate Secretary of Defence, to explore what it takes to do this well.They delve into the importance of a whole-of-government approach, emphasising the need for speed, focus, and coordination across various government agencies to enhance national security and preparedness.Matt also shares his perspectives on the current geopolitical landscape, the transformation within the Department of Defence, and the strategic initiatives aimed at accelerating defence capabilities.Key tips:The APS has always worked well in a crisis. Let's make this not the exception, but the norm.Give your project managers clarity and set clear expectations.Defending Australia's interests is important beyond the Department of Defence – think about how your agency or department can contribute.Show notes:2024 National Defence Strategy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Yannopoulos PSM, Associate Secretary of the Department of Defence, maps out a unified approach for the public service to defend Australia's interests.In a world with increasing geopolitical tension, collaboration across the public service remains key to protecting Australia's security and prosperity. On this episode, David Pembroke sits down with Matt Yannopoulos PSM, Associate Secretary of Defence, to explore what it takes to do this well.They delve into the importance of a whole-of-government approach, emphasising the need for speed, focus, and coordination across various government agencies to enhance national security and preparedness.Matt also shares his perspectives on the current geopolitical landscape, the transformation within the Department of Defence, and the strategic initiatives aimed at accelerating defence capabilities.Discussed in this episode:· a cross-agency approach to defence· strategic priorities in the 2024 National Defence Strategy· challenges and opportunities in defence transformation· the role of the public service in national security and economic prosperity· strategies for effective collaboration and innovation in the Department of Defence. Shownotes2024 National Defence Strategy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Quakers Today we ask, How do you process memories, experiences and feelings? For the best listening experience we encourage you to listen to this episode with headphones or earbuds.   Rashid Darden's Personal Reflections The episode features Rashid Darden and his reflection of identity and faith. As a Black person in a predominantly white faith community, Rashid's experience is unique and enlightening. He shares, "The surprising thing about my journey in the Quaker faith is that I'm still able to show up as my entire self and not be penalized for it... and in fact, to be celebrated for it."  Rashid Darden is an award-winning, best-selling novelist of urban LGBT experiences, a seasoned leader of Black fraternal movements and nonprofit organizations, and a professional educator in alternative schools. He lives in Conway, North Carolina. Rashid serves as the Associate Secretary for Communications and Outreach for Friends General Conference.  Hear more of Rashid's reflections in the QuakerSpeak video, Growing the Community of Friends, Embracing Diversity, and Quakerism. It is also available at the QuakerSpeak YouTube Channel. Many thanks to Christopher Cuthrell for providing this audio.  Influences on Virginia Woolf Peterson Toscano draws a parallel between the Quaker faith and the literary world, focusing on Virginia Woolf, a renowned early 20th-century author. Some scholars suggest that Woolf's feminist stance and innovative writing techniques were significantly influenced by her Quaker aunt, Caroline Stephen. She is the author of the classic religious text, Quaker Strongholds. This connection highlights how Quaker practices of self-reflection and inner exploration may have impacted Woolf's iconic stream of consciousness writing style, particularly evident in characters like Mrs. Dalloway. Dig Deeper into Caroline Stephen and Virginia Woolf A Quaker Influence on Moder English Literature: Virginia Woolf and her Quaker Aunt Caroline Stephen by Alison M Lewis The Search for God: Virginia Woolf and Caroline Emelia Stephen by Kathleen A. Heininge, George Fox University Virginia Woolf's Vision of Utopia by Diane Reynolds Quakers and Fiction: Vicki Winslow's “Sabbatical” The episode also brings us the story "Sabbatical" by Vicki Winslow. After experiencing the loss of her father, Silena Yancey travels from North Carolina to the American Southwest to find inspiration, which she hopes leads to equilibrium. Vicki shares, "My story 'Sabbatical' is largely a collage... In many ways, we're all on a sort of pilgrimage." This narrative invites listeners into the internal pilgrimage of its protagonist, providing a window into the process of self-discovery and reflection. Vicki Winslow is a writer who currently serves as clerk of the Friends Meeting in Liberty, North Carolina. Her publications include Follow the Leader for middle readers, a novella called The Conversion of Jefferson Scotten, and short stories in both literary and online journals including the story The Last Bear in Deep South Magazine. Read the full story in the November 2023 issue of Friends Journal or on FriendsJournal.org. In our podcast feed, you will also find a bonus recording to Vicki's story.  Satire in Quaker Context Adding a different flavor to the episode, Peterson discusses Donn Weinholtz's book, Jesus Christ, M.B.A.: A Gospel for Our Times. The story is illustrated by David Weinholtz. Carl Blumenthal reviewed the short book for Friends Journal. He writes, Conventional wisdom says that if Jesus returned today, he would be branded a heretic, a lunatic, or a criminal. Yet Donn Weinholtz's satire on the Second Coming imagines him as a rabble-rouser, who, instead of rendering unto Caesar what is Caesar's, plunges into the political fray as an independent candidate for the U.S. presidency. Closing Thoughts and Invitation As Peterson Toscano and the team begin preparing for the next season of Quakers Today, he invites listeners to share their experiences of the show and share feedback. Leave a voice message or send an email. You will find contact details below. Question for next month How do you process memories, experiences, and feelings? Leave a voice memo with your name and the town where you live. The number to call is 317-QUAKERS, that's 317-782-5377. +1 if calling from outside the U.S. Or email podcast@friendsjournal.org  Quakers Today is the companion podcast to Friends Journal and other Friends Publishing Corporation (FPC) content online. Season Two of Quakers Today is sponsored by the American Friends Service Committee.  Do you want to challenge unjust systems and promote lasting peace? The American Friends Service Committee, or AFSC works with communities worldwide to drive social change. Their website features meaningful steps you can take to make a difference. Through their Friends Liaison Program, you can connect your meeting or church with AFSC and their justice campaigns. To learn more, visit AFSC.org   

Gary Krause was elected as Associate Secretary of the General Conference in July 2010. He serves as the liaison officer to Israel Field and as the Director of Adventist Mission, which oversees the Global Mission Centers, church planting, and mission promotion.

In this special re-run of one of our most popular episodes of 2022, we feature the late Brendan Sargeant, who was the Professor of Practice in Defence and Strategic Studies and Head of the Strategic and Defence Studies Centre at the Australian National University (ANU), former Associate Secretary of Defence, and long-time supporter and Deputy President of IPAA ACT. Professor Sargeant sadly passed away shortly after the recording of this episode, leaving a legacy of invaluable contributions to ANU, the Australian Public Service, the Australian Defence Force, the wider Canberra community and the nation. Brendan was joined by Katherine Mansted, Director of Cyber Intelligence and Public Policy at CyberCX and Senior Fellow at the ANU National Security College.Discussed in this episode:A rapidly changing Asia-Pacific region and its impact on Australia.Articulating difficult conversations to develop a robust sense of defence in a complex time.The impact of climate change on the strategic order.The APS response. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We are currently experiencing a reset of the strategic order and rules that have governed our region for more than 70 years. China is challenging American dominance. We're seeing the rise of other powers such as India and Indonesia, and a more assertive Japan. This, compounded with climate change, stress on the natural systems and food sources, has created a strategic environment that Australia hasn't had to deal with before. Policy makers – in fact all Australians - need to reconsider how we operate in the region, how we contribute, how we exercise leadership and what role we will play in responding to these enormous changes.This episode is a special one, as it was recorded shortly before the untimely passing of Brendan Sargeant. Brendan was the Professor of Practice in Defence and Strategic Studies and Head of the Strategic and Defence Studies Centre at the Australian National University (ANU), former Associate Secretary of Defence, and long-time supporter and Deputy President of IPAA ACT. In the episode, Brendan is joined by Katherine Mansted, Director of Cyber Intelligence and Public Policy at CyberCX and Senior Fellow at the ANU's National Security College. Discussed in this episode:A rapidly changing Asia-Pacific region and its impact on Australia.Articulating difficult conversations to develop a robust sense of defence in a complex time.The impact of climate change on the strategic order.The APS response. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Bruegel's Giuseppe Porcaro and André Sapir sit down with Tim Yeend, Associate Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Australia. They discuss current global trade environment, Australia's perspective on the WTO, supply chains, economic coercion as well as EU-Australia bilateral trade relationship.

In this session, originally recorded on January 26, 2022, we asked Matthew Mendelsohn, a public policy entrepreneur, researcher, strategic advisor and public sector executive, to share his five good ideas on the best ways to influence the decisions governments make. Matthew provides an overview of lessons he has learned during his time in government, advocacy, consulting and policy think tanks. Read the full transcript at https://maytree.com/five-good-ideas/five-good-ideas-to-influence-public-policy/. Five Good Ideas 1. Political science matters – interests, institutions, ideas, identity, and incentives all constrain outcomes 2. Understand the political process, the bureaucratic process, and the issue 3. Relationships and trust are capital 4. Stories matter to help frame problems and solutions 5. The announcement is the end of the beginning – details and implementation matter Resources David Evans and Markus Goldstein: 8 lessons on how to influence policy with evidence – from Oxfam’s experience. Overseas Development Institute: 10 things to know about how to influence policy with research. Antje Dun: How to frame issues for social change impact. Pedro Barata: Five Good Ideas for getting your issues on the public policy dance floor Sherri Torjman: Five Good Ideas about policy About Matthew Mendelsohn Matthew Mendelsohn is a public policy entrepreneur, researcher, strategic advisor, and public sector executive. He has been using public policy to deliver economic and social impact for 25 years. He is currently a Visiting Professor and co-founder of First Policy Response at Ryerson University in Toronto and a Senior Advisor to Boston Consulting Group’s Global Public Sector Practice. From 2016-2020 he served as Deputy Secretary to the Cabinet in the Privy Council Office, where he led the Prime Minister’s Results & Delivery Unit and the Impact & Innovation Unit. During his time in Ottawa, he also co-led the Government of Canada data strategy, oversaw advice on digital and platform governance, and designed Impact Canada, which developed Challenges and outcomes-based funding initiatives for the government. Prior to his role in the Privy Council Office, Matthew was the founding Director of the Mowat Centre, a public policy think tank in the School of Public Policy & Governance at the University of Toronto. During that time, he published and spoke about government transformation, democratic institutions, social and economic policy, and federalism. Matthew is a former Deputy Minister and Associate Secretary to the Cabinet with the Ontario government and a former Senior Advisor in the federal government’s Privy Council Office where he led the polling unit. He was a chief architect of the 2015 Liberal election platform and a member of Prime Minister Trudeau’s transition team. Matthew received his B.A. from McGill University and Ph.D. from the l’Université de Montréal and held a post-doctoral fellowship at the University of British Columbia. He was a tenured faculty member in the Department of Political Studies at Queen’s University for 10 years and has been an active board member for many non-profit

Today we feature a heart-felt conversation with Dr. Tensia Soto, Professor of Mathematics at Colorado State University. As a very small child, she grew up in a 2-room adobe home in Mexico. She moved to Nebraska soon after and lived on a farm with her 8 brothers and sisters. Tensia earned her undergraduate and masters degrees in mathematics education at Chadron State College. She earned her PhD in mathematics education from the University of Northern Colorado. Her research focuses on the teaching and learning of undergraduate mathematics where she embraces an Embodied Cognition perspective in her work. She currently serves as Associate Secretary of the Mathematical Association of America and recently received the MAA Haimo Award for Distinguished University Teaching. This conversation with Tensia underscores the influential role of an advisor, the importance of setting goals and outlining plans to achieve them, and the balance of work and care in a life. So, please join us as we talk with Tensia.

Wednesday, September 15, 2021 Hoover Institution, Stanford University   Momentum is growing for significant increases to teachers' salaries. Can we be certain in the post-COVID world that the plan would lead to positive outcomes? The Hoover Education Success Initiative (HESI) hosts a discussion asking Will Increasing Teacher Pay Harm Students? on Wednesday, September 15, 2021 at 1PM PT. FEATURED PANELISTS Holly Boffy, District 7 Representative, Louisiana Board of Elementary & Secondary Education: Holly Boffy is serving her third term as a member of BESE.  She is the founder of EdTalents, a human capital development organization, and previously worked for six years at the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO).  A middle school teacher for over a decade, she was Louisiana's State Teacher of the Year in 2010. Kent McGuire, Program Director, William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, Education: Kent McGuire leads investments for teaching and learning and open education resources strategies at the Hewlett Foundation.  Previously he served as President and CEO of the Southern Education Foundation and as the Dean of the College of Education at Temple University.  He was Assistant Secretary at the USDOE during the Clinton administration. Eric Hanushek, Senior Fellow, Hoover Institution: Eric Hanushek is Chair of the Hoover Education Success Initiative (HESI) and the Paul and Jean Hanna Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institution.  He pioneered measuring teacher quality on the basis of student achievement and his work on school efficiency is central to debates about school finance adequacy and equity across America today. MODERATED BY Christopher N. Ruszkowski, Hoover Education Success Initiative (HESI): Christopher Ruszkowski is a Distinguished Policy Fellow at the Hoover Institution, where he has helped establish HESI.  He served as Secretary of Education for the State of New Mexico under Governor Susana Martinez, Associate Secretary of Education for the State of Delaware under Governor Jack Markell and now serves as CEO of Meeting Street Schools. The Hoover Education Success Initiative (HESI) focuses on providing state leaders with sound research-based recommendations to improve education in America.

The Public Service Medal (PSM) pays tribute to public servants who have gone above and beyond to deliver. It pays homage to outstanding service, including service excellence, innovation, leadership and other achievements. In this episode we're joined by Paul Way PSM, Director General at the Department of Defence, Dr Ros Baxter PSM, Deputy Secretary at the Department of Education, Skills and Employment and Caroline Edwards PSM, former Associate Secretary at the Department of Health and IPAA ACT Councillor. Hosted by journalist Adjunct Professor at the University of Canberra, Virginia Haussegger AM, they explore the meaning behind and significance of Public Service Medals.Discussed in this episode:Panellists' reflections on being awarded the PSM Inspiration in the public serviceThe PSM nomination process See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In today's episode, Nick Warnes has a dialogue with Jennifer de Combe. Jen de Combe serves as the Associate Secretary of Canadian Ministries for The Presbyterian Church in Canada. During her time in this role the PCC has launched two congregational renewal programs and a church planting support initiative in partnership with Cyclical Inc. She is passionate about discipleship, evangelism and starting new churches. Jen holds a Master of Sacred Theology from McGill University in Montreal. To find out more about Jennifer de Combe you can visit https://presbyterian.ca/canadian-ministries Please review this episode, subscribe to this podcast and share it with a friend! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/cyclical-podcast/message

Innovation does not stand still on ‘’Work with Purpose’’. This week we feature a conversation with IPAA Future Leaders who undertook a hackathon to explore the question “What could, or should the APS look like one year from now?” The IPAA future leaders, as you have seen from the important contribution they have made to Work with Purpose, are the best and brightest in the APS. We would encourage anyone interested in making bigger contribution to the APS to get in touch with IPAA about how to become a future leader. Today’s episode is hosted by the Assistant Commissioner of the Australian Electoral Commission, Matt McMahon who leads a discussion with Director of the Department of Finance, Holly Noble, Associate Director of KPMG, Rachel Martin, and our first returning guest in her new role as Associate Secretary of the Department of Defence, Katherine Jones PSM. Discussed in this episode: - Identifying the need for change and reform- Interdepartmental governance reflections- The first steps to taking an active role to shape and become a collaborative leader- Maintaining resilience in a digital work environment- Delivering old skills in a new digital world See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In today's episode, Nick Warnes has a dialogue with Jennifer de Combe. Jen de Combe serves as the Associate Secretary of Canadian Ministries for The Presbyterian Church in Canada. During her time in this role the department has launched two congregational renewal programs and a church planting support initiative in partnership with Cyclical Inc. She is passionate about discipleship, evangelism and starting new churches. Jen holds a Master of Sacred Theology from McGill University in Montreal. To find out more about Jennifer de Combe you can visit https://presbyterian.ca/canadian-ministries. Here are some quotes from today's interview: ""You have to establish trust with the people you're reaching. And that doesn't happen overnight."" ""We really emphasize building care and trust over time."" ""You have to be building your relationships with your overhead church as well."" ""I really encourage [new church starters] to partner with a denomination. With a denomination you have history and resources...and a community that stands behind you."" ""We should innovate and try new forms, but there is something beautiful about having a tradition [behind you] that you can relate to in new ways."" ""God loves beauty, and we're gifted to worship in that way."" ""From the beginning, identify multiple sources of finance. Don't rely just on presbytery grants."" ""When you're looking for fundraising streams, look for other foundations and organizations with similar missions to yours, and find out who funds them."" ""Carve out time every day for spiritual practices."" Please review this episode, subscribe to this podcast and share it with a friend! Make sure to visit our website, cyclicalchurches.com. There's a lot more going on at Cyclical, including our upcoming conference. Virtually every church around the world has been impacted by COVID-19 and we are all now in various stages of it. It can be hard to trace the threads of how to understand the church and your role in it and what kind of priorities we should be paying attention to right now. We are gathering a group of ecclesial innovators from across our international network for a conference called Faithful Innovation: Beginning a Conversation for a Post-Covid Church. When you register, you'll get the book too: 12 chapters to help you reflect on this unique moment, and make sense of what it means to be church after COVID-19. Register today at cyclicalchurches.com/events. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/cyclical-podcast/message

Australia's first peoples are among Australia's most vulnerable communities.The virality of Covid 19 posted a particularly serious threat.In this episode we speak with the leaders of the National Indigenous Australians Agency to explore the decisions, partnerships and networks that were deployed to keep the people in and the virus out of our most remote communities.Ray Griggs was appointed the inaugural Chief Executive Officer of the National Indigenous Australians Agency when it was stood up as an Executive Agency on 1 July last year having earlier serviced as Associate Secretary in the Indigenous Affairs group in the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet.His entire career has been dedicated to the best interests of the Australian people, a commitment that continues today. Letitia Hope is the Deputy Chief Executive Officer at the NIAA and a proud Bundjalung Torres Strait Islander and South Pacific Islander women.The Bundjalung people are from the Northern Rivers of N.S.W.As Deputy CEO, Letitia is responsible for making stuff happen and ensuring that the NIAA is a trusted and reliable partner contributing positively to the lives of all Indigenous Australians.For the past 26 years, Letitia has served in a range of positions across both Commonwealth and State governments in both mainstream and specialised social policy development, service delivery and more recently in health.Discussed in this episode:The unique value proposition Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people bring to the APSCreating the space to have conversations about values and behavioursKeeping COVID-19 out of remote Aboriginal communitiesThe importance of food securityReinforcing the value of NIAA’s regional teamsHow to get involved in the reconciliation journey See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In an episode recorded in the second week of December 2019, Allan and Darren welcome Gordon de Brouwer PSM onto the podcast. Gordon has a distinguished public service career in the fields of economics, the environment, energy and international institution building. From 2013-2017 Gordon was Secretary of the Department of Environment and Energy. Prior to that he had been Associate Secretary in the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, including as Australia’s G20 Sherpa at the time the G20 was organising its response to the Global Financial Crisis. Trained as an economist, Gordon has also been a Professor at the ANU and worked at the Reserve Bank of Australia and the Department of Treasury. The episode begins with Gordon’s assessment of the world being a “particularly messy place”, where he makes the observation that many of the countries that were long considered the bulwark of the international economic system are aggressively attacking it, with a nationalist “winner takes all” mindset. Allan asks whether this means an effective global response would be unlikely if global economic turmoil again strikes, and Gordon explains how much of the problem stems from the (unforeseen) loss of faith in institutions that resulted from the GFC and its aftermath. The conversation then turns to integrating very different conceptual perspectives into effective policymaking. Gordon explains that “social harmony” or “social wellbeing” is a third dimension that must be integrated along with economics and security, citing how social dislocation can be caused in the way national security questions are discussed, and how more generally a full range of interests and perspectives must be integrated into national security policymaking. By way of example, Gordon uses China’s Belt and Road Initiative to show how integration of a market-based perspective can reduce some of the security vulnerabilities that might arise. What kind of policymaking arrangements in Australia might help resolve conflicting perspectives? Gordon outlines his proposal for an integrated strategy office in the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet. Allan asks Gordon about his experience on the panel of the recent Public Service Review (chaired by David Thodey), and the conversation finishes on the topic of climate change, in which Gordon offers his reflections on how different Australian governments have tried to address the issue, and how the public service must navigate the politics of the policy issues upon which it is asked to provide advice. Why has Australia’s political system not yet been able to develop an effective response? Note that the interview took place before the worst of Australia’s bushfires had occurred. As always, we invite our listeners to email us at this address: australia.world.pod@gmail.com We welcome feedback, requests and suggestions. You can also contact Darren on twitter @limdarrenj We want to thank AIIA intern Isabel Hancock for research and audio editing, XC Chong and James Hayne for research support, Rory Stenning for composing our theme music and Julia Ahrens for technical support in studio.  Relevant links Gordon de Brouwer’s biography (via The Nature Conservancy website): https://www.natureaustralia.org.au/about-us/who-we-are/our-people/gordon-de-brouwer--/ Gordon de Brouwer, “Bringing Security and Economics Together in the National Interest”, speech to Research Institute of Economy, Trade and Industry, Tokyo, 21 November 2019 : https://www.rieti.go.jp/jp/events/19112101/pdf/s-1_brouwer_paper.pdf

We are very excited to bring you a special interview this episode with Rebecca Skinner, Associate Secretary of Australia’s Department of Defence, and therefore one of the most senior women working on Australia’s national security. It is a wide-ranging conversation that covers topics including the nature of the Associate Secretary role, civil-military relationships inside the department, the never-ending question of reform, gender issues, and contrasts between private and public sector organisations. Allan and Darren also pose big picture questions on the disrupted strategic environment and how to better integrate Australia’s national security community. On the lighter side, the $400 ash tray from the TV show “The West Wing” and (perhaps) its Australian equivalent – a flute – also come up. As always, we invite our listeners to email us at this address: australia.world.pod@gmail.com We welcome feedback, requests and suggestions. You can also contact Darren on twitter @limdarrenj Our thanks go to AIIA intern Charlie Henshall for his help with audio editing, Rory Stenning for composing our theme music, and Martyn Pearce for technical assistance in setting up this episode. Relevant links Rebecca Skinner’s biography: http://defence.gov.au/leaders/MsRebeccaSkinner.asp The West Wing: “Four hundred dollar ashtray”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7R9kH_HOUXM

The Empire Club of Canada Presents: His Worship John Tory, Mayor of Toronto On Leading Toronto Forward As the 65th Mayor of Toronto, John Tory has led the way in tackling traffic congestion and building transit. Mayor Tory has taken action to reduce commute times while moving forward with Toronto's first-ever network transit plan that will see subway lines extended through the northwest end of the city into Vaughan and east to Scarborough, a significant expansion of the LRT network, and much greater use of GO lines across the city as part of SmartTrack, the Mayor's signature transit initiative. Since being elected to office in 2014, he has been focused on ensuring Toronto remains a livable and affordable city, leading City Council in passing successive budgets that kept taxes at or below the rate of inflation while investing in priority services including housing, parks and student nutrition. He has worked to make the city government more modern and effective, to deliver better services at a more competitive price, and to be more open and accountable to the public. Born and raised in Toronto, Mayor Tory has spent his career giving back to the city he loves working with organizations like the United Way, St. Michael's Hospital and Civic Action. In office, he has been a constant champion for Toronto, securing billions of dollars from the provincial and federal governments for transit, housing and other vital infrastructure. He uses his experience leading organizations and businesses to promote Toronto on the world stage, attract jobs and investment, and secure the city's future as a global capital. Mayor Tory began his career practicing law in Toronto, and he was later elected as a managing partner of one of Canada's biggest law firms. In the 1980s he served as Principal Secretary to Premier Bill Davis and as Associate Secretary of the Ontario Cabinet. He has served as Commissioner of the Canadian Football League and as CEO of Rogers, one of the country's largest cable companies. His time in politics dates back to 2004 when he was chosen to lead the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario, later serving as Leader of the Official Opposition at Queen's Park. Mayor Tory is a lifelong, and long-suffering, Toronto Maple Leafs fan – and is an avid supporter of all Toronto's teams and attractions. Mayor Tory and his wife Barbara have been married for 39 years, have four children and five grandchildren. Speaker: His Worship John Tory, Mayor of Toronto *The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.* *Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.*

Focus. An important word as we dedicate our Senior class to God's will this Sabbath. However, the message isn't only for them. A call to focus is something that each of us would do well to heed; personally, in our family life, in our organizations and institutions. In short, our focus, or lack thereof, will determine where we'll go and what we'll achieve in this life—as well as the next. We invite you to listen along as we welcome Associate Secretary for the General Conference, Claude Richli, as our speaker for Senior Dedication Sabbath.

In this episode, Linell McCurry, Associate Secretary for Business and Finance at Philadelphia Yearly Meeting, spoke about dwindling meetings and the need to plan for the future of your meetinghouse and property while there is still an active membership. Before joining PYM in 2012, Linell had a career in investment as a portfolio manager. She […]

How does ecumenical dialogue help churches work for justice and peace? What does ‘peace’ mean for Christians? Peter Noteboom, Acting General Secretary of the CCC and former Associate Secretary for the Commission on Justice and Peace, discusses ecumenical and theological principles for justice and peace work, shares personal reflections on peace and peacemaking, and speaks about the current work and future directions for the Council.

Pastor Santos is the Associate Secretary of the General Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church and travels around the world to share his passion for church growth.. He has also served as the Mission to the Cities director

The Empire Club of Canada Presents: His Worship Mayor John Tory, Mayor for the City of Toronto John Tory is the 65th Mayor of Toronto. Born and raised in Toronto, Mayor Tory has spent his career promoting and giving back to the city he loves. As a lawyer, talk show host, businessman, Member of Provincial Parliament and Leader of the Official Opposition at Queen's Park, and finally as Mayor, he has long believed that the diversity of Toronto is its strength. As Mayor, John's focus will be on bringing the city together as One Toronto. Among Mayor Tory's top priorities are tackling transit and traffic congestion. He is focused on taking action to reduce commute times so Toronto residents can get to work on time and home to their families sooner. Mayor Tory is also getting to work on Toronto's transit crisis by getting on with the Scarborough subway and beginning work on the SmartTrack line, a 53 kilometre, 22 station surface subway that would provide all day, two way service across the city and bring needed relief to the congested Yonge subway. The early years of Mayor Tory's career were spent practicing law in Toronto, and he was later elected as a managing partner of one of Canada's biggest law firms. In the 1980's he served as Principal Secretary to Premier Bill Davis and as Associate Secretary of the Ontario Cabinet. In September 2004, Mayor Tory was elected leader of the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario. In 2005, as PC Party Leader, Mayor Tory would serve as the Leader of the Official Opposition at Queen's Park. Mayor Tory has an extensive background in volunteer community service. He served as volunteer Chairman and Commissioner of the Canadian Football League and has chaired fundraising campaigns for St. Michael's Hospital and the United Way. He has also held leadership positions in a wide range of charitable organizations ranging from Canadian Paraplegic Association, Crimestoppers, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto Association for Community Living, the United Way, and the Women's Legal Education and Action Fund, LEAF. Mayor Tory's community work has been widely recognized. Mayor Tory was a founding Board Member and Chair of the Greater Toronto CivicAction Alliance. He is a recipient of both the Paul Harris and Mel Osborne Awards from the Rotary and Kiwanis organizations respectively and was named a Life Member of the Salvation Army Advisory Board. He is also the recipient of an African Canadian Achievement Award and the Harry Jerome Award. Mayor Tory was recently awarded the Order of Ontario for being a consummate champion for the Greater Toronto Region. Born on May 28, 1954, Mayor Tory is a lifelong, and long suffering, Toronto Maple Leafs fan. Mayor Tory and his wife Barbara have been married for 37 years. They raised their four children, John Jr, Chris, Susan and George in Toronto and are now delighted to have five grandchildren to spoil. Speaker: His Worship Mayor John Tory, Mayor for the City of Toronto *The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.* *Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.*

Welcome to the first episode of Faith & Witness, a monthly podcast exploring ecumenism—what happens when churches talk to each other, and the people who have spent their lives in dialogue with Christians of other traditions. This month's episode features a dialogue between Fr. Geoffrey Ready of the Orthodox Church in America (Canadian Archdiocese), and the Rev. Ian Sloan of the United Church of Canada. Fr. Geoffrey and Rev. Ian talk about the idea of salvation, and how Orthodox and United beliefs about salvation are the same, and how they differ. In our second segment, Associate Secretary for the Commission Dr. Mary Marrocco interviews Fr. Damian MacPherson, SA, Director of the Office of Ecumenical & Interfaith Affairs for the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Toronto.    Theme and interstitial music by Telepathic Teddy Bear ("Churches"; CC BY 4.0) Cover image: Adaptation of "Christ in the Storm on the Sea of Galilee" by Ludolf Backhuysen, 1695 (Wikimedia; Public Domain)

The Empire Club of Canada Presents: Wanted in the GTA: Honesty, Boldness and Big Thinking John Tory is a Canadian businessman, political activist, former leader of the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario, former Member of Provincial Parliament and broadcaster. He also is the volunteer chair of the Greater Toronto Civic Action Alliance. Tory received his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Trinity College, University of Toronto in 1975. He received his Bachelor of Laws degree in 1978 from Osgoode Hall Law School of York University. He was called to the Bar in Ontario in 1980. From 1980 to 1981, and 1986 to 1995, Tory held various positions Tory, Tory, DesLauriers and Binnington, including partner, managing partner, and member of the Executive Committee. From 1981 to 1985, Tory served in the Office of the Premier of Ontario as Principal Secretary to the Premier and Associate Secretary of the Cabinet. In 1985 Tory joined the Office of the Canadian Special Envoy on Acid Rain, as Special Advisor to the Special Envoy. Tory later served as Tour Director and Campaign Chairman to then Prime Minister Brian Mulroney. From 1995 to 1999, he returned to Rogers Communications Inc., as president and CEO of Rogers Media. In 1999, Tory became president and CEO of Rogers subsidiary Rogers Cable. Tory was leader of the Ontario PC party from 2004 to 2009. In January of 2010, Tory became the Chair of the Toronto City Summit Alliance, now named the Greater Toronto Civic Action Alliance. In August 2012, Tory was appointed Co Chair of Greater Toronto Marketing Alliance. He currently hosts Newstalk 1010′s Monday to Friday Live Drive, which airs from 4pm to 7pm. John Tory's community work has been widely recognized. He is a recipient of the Order of Ontario and the Diamond Jubilee Medal and both the Paul Harris and Mel Osborne Awards from the Rotary and Kiwanis organizations respectively. He was named a Life Member of the Salvation Army Advisory Board. He is also the recipient of the African Canadian Achievement Award, the Harry Jerome Award and the 2011 Negev Dinner Honouree. Speaker: His Worship John Tory, Mayor of Toronto *The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.* *Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.*