Women's Network Ontario Region: The Power of Effective Communication Webinar

Unlock the secrets to becoming a more confident, impactful, and persuasive communicator in this engaging live webinar, The Power of Effective Communication. Whether you’re looking to boost your professional presence, improve personal interactions, or master the art of storytelling, this event is for you!

Join us for an enlightening session featuring three expert presenters, each bringing their own unique perspective on the core elements of effective communication:

Communicating with Confidence… the Art of Preparation
Carol McGlogan, President & CEO, Electro-Federation Canada
The Importance of Storytelling while Communicating
Mark MacDonald, President, Electric Avenue Manufacturing
Assertive Communications
Marie Rodgers, MBA, Sr. Consultant, Portage Sales

Master the art of assertiveness—standing your ground while respecting others. This presentation will help you communicate more directly, yet diplomatically, ensuring your voice is heard without conflict.

This is a live webinar that is open to all members, providing a wonderful opportunity to learn, ask questions, and network with fellow attendees. Whether you’re speaking to a group, leading a team, or having one-on-one conversations, this session will equip you with practical tools and techniques to elevate your communication skills.

Don’t miss out—reserve your spot now and take your communication skills to the next level!

Speakers

Carol McGlogan
President & CEO, Electro-Federation Canada

Carol McGlogan is the President and CEO of Electro-Federation Canada. Electro-Federation Canada (EFC) is a national, not-for-profit association representing the dynamic electrical and automation industries, contributing to Canada’s net zero future, intelligent buildings, smart infrastructure, and Industry 4.0. EFC’s 260 member companies consist of manufacturers, distributors, manufacturer’s representatives and field service organizations. EFC members’ activities create over $15B in output for the Canadian economy and support over 100,000 jobs across the country.

Carol joined EFC in April 2017. Prior to this role, Carol spent much of her career in the lighting industry with Philips and Canlyte and had executive responsibilities in marketing, sales and channel management. During Carol’s time in the lighting industry, she spent several years volunteering with EFC as Chair of the Supply & Distribution Council in 2002 and Chairman of the Board in 2006. As President & CEO of EFC, Carol guides the association’s overall strategic vision while overseeing the development of programs and services that help member companies compete, lead and grow.

SESSION DESCRIPTION: Communicating with Confidence – The Art of Preparation
Confidence is built on self-assurance, trust in your abilities, and the knowledge that you can handle challenges effectively. Whether you’re just starting your career or are a seasoned professional, confident communication comes from preparation and expertise. In this session, Carol McGlogan will share insights from her journey—from the early stages of her career to her current role as EFC President—highlighting how preparation and experience work together to create confidence in any situation.

Mark MacDonald
President, Electric Avenue

Mark MacDonald began his career at Nortel Networks, Canada’s largest tech company at the time. When the company faced bankruptcy just a year later, Mark used the experience to shape his entrepreneurial journey and develop his passion for innovation and adaptability.

In 2003, he launched his first business designing home automation systems, which he sold three years later. Over the next decade, Mark honed his technical and business skills, eventually merging two companies to form Catalyst Sales and Marketing in 2016. He later founded a renewable energy company and, in 2021, launched Electric Avenue, specializing in electric vehicle charging solutions.

An accomplished keynote speaker, Mark has shared his insights at events such as the Alberta Electrical Alliance’s Electrical Learning Expo and EFC Atlantic Region’s Environment and Sustainability Panel. He has also been featured as a guest on the Reimagined Energy podcast. Known for his engaging storytelling and relaxed yet authoritative presentation style, Mark captivates audiences by blending expertise with relatable anecdotes.

SESSION DESCRIPTION: The Power of Storytelling in Communication

Storytelling is one of the most powerful tools in effective communication, helping to create connections, simplify complex ideas, and inspire action. In this session, Mark MacDonald will share lessons from his entrepreneurial journey and public speaking experiences, exploring how storytelling can enhance your ability to engage, persuade, and lead. With his signature blend of expertise and relatable anecdotes, Mark will provide practical strategies to help you harness the power of storytelling and elevate your communication skills.

Marie Rodgers, MBA
Sr. Consultant, Portage Sales

Marie is a people development and sales enablement professional, former Director of Learning & Talent Development, currently running her own practice helping companies upgrade and implement programs to grow their people.

At organizations like Softchoice and FedEx, Marie transformed development programs and training into strategic assets that increased productivity, performance, and engagement. Her programs have increased gross profit by double digits, grown pipeline by almost $2 million, and yielded significant climbs in employee engagement surveys.

She believes that growing leaders and building strong coaches who can in turn grow their people can have a profound impact on a company’s results and culture. Marie’s mission is to help companies fix their onboarding, upskilling, sales, and leadership development programs by taking a strategic, holistic approach that directly impacts business results.

Marie holds an Executive MBA from Queen’s University, and has a background in B2B sales. She has guest lectured at many Canadian universities on topics including negotiation, sales, and human resources. She is currently a professor at George Brown College, where she teaches a course on how to stand out in the workplace and develop your career.

Marie is passionate about helping women show up confidently, advance in their careers, and become strong leaders that drive meaningful, positive change.

SESSION DESCRIPTION: Mastering Assertive Communication

Assertive communication is the ability to express yourself clearly, directly, and respectfully. It’s a key skill that reduces misunderstandings, strengthens relationships, and ensures your voice is heard—whether in the workplace or personal life. In this session, Marie Rodgers will discuss what positive assertive communication looks like, common barriers to being assertive, and practical techniques to develop this essential skill. By mastering assertive communication, you can drive better results in your career and enhance your everyday interactions.

Date/Time
Mar 24, 2025
2:00 pm - 3:30 pm
iCal Webcal