MAX CEO Panel Series | Leadership at Scale

Sponsored Venue: We're excited to host this event at the McKinsey & Company Toronto Office, a generous contribution from McKinsey & Company in support of our vision to nurture senior leadership.

Join us for another MAX CEO Panel Series Session where we will feature distinguished CEOs who have risen to the top of their careers through dedication, perseverance, and exceptional leadership. This event is more than just a panel; it's an opportunity to delve into the journeys of these remarkable individuals, uncovering the strategies and insights that propelled them to success.

Designed as a source of inspiration, our series aims to serve as a valuable learning resource for others who aspire to similar heights. This session of the series will highlight four dynamic leaders from a variety of sectors, offering a rich collection of experiences and wisdom to draw from.

Whether you're a seasoned corporate executive, an entrepreneur, or simply intrigued by the art of leadership, this panel promises to offer invaluable perspectives on navigating the path to professional excellence.

Speakers:

1. Naveed Irshad – President & CEO, Manulife Canada
2. Riaz Ahmed –Former President & CEO, TD Securities
3. Wes Hall – CEO & Founder, Kingsdale Advisors
4. Rola Dagher – Former Global Channel Chief, Dell Technologies & Former President and CEO, Cisco Canada
5. Ali Zahedi - CEO, Infinite Investment Systems

What to Expect:
Networking Opportunities:
In line with MAX's commitment to nurturing talent and leadership, within our community, across various industries, this event offers an exclusive opportunity to engage with and learn directly from top corporate leaders during our networking sessions. You'll also interact with attendees from a wide array of backgrounds, each bringing unique skill sets and perspectives. This diverse gathering promises to enrich your understanding of Corporate Canada, providing a comprehensive and holistic view that extends beyond traditional boundaries.

Leadership Insights from the Panel:
Beyond networking and diverse perspectives, prepare to be immersed in leadership insights that redefine success in the modern business world. This segment of our event will explore the strategies and visionary thinking that have guided our speakers to the heights of their careers. From leveraging technology and sustainable practices to fostering inclusive work environments, you’ll gain firsthand knowledge on leading with impact. This is your chance to discover how today’s leaders are not just navigating, but also shaping the future of their industries and creating lasting legacies.

Diverse Perspectives:
Our panel will feature esteemed leaders from technology, finance, insurance, and corporate advisory sectors. Each executive brings a wealth of experience and a unique lens on what it takes to lead at scale. From driving innovation in tech to shaping the future of financial and insurance strategy, they will share the pivotal moments and strategic decisions that defined their success. Attendees will gain a holistic perspective of leadership—how it evolves across industries, adapts through change, and inspires lasting impact.

Muslim Achieving Excellence (MAX) was founded with the aim to recognize, reward, celebrate and motivate high achievement and encourage positive and productive contributions to society by Muslims in Canada. MAX fosters that through creating connections between senior level, mid level and early career professionals.

THIS IS A GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO GET TO KNOW SOME OF CANADA'S TOP LEADERS. DINNER WILL BE SERVED.

For any attendees who may have financial needs and require a sponsored complimentary ticket, or for any questions or comments please contact:

Muneeb Hassan | Lead, CEO Panel Series | [email protected]

Zoya Abbas | Executive Member, CEO Panel Series | [email protected]

Website: onemax.org | LinkedIn: MAX | Twitter: @max_gala | Instagram: @onemax.ca

ALL TICKET SALES ARE FINAL

ABOUT THE SPEAKERS

Naveed Irshad - President & CEO, Manulife Canada

Naveed Irshad is President & CEO, Manulife Canada. He leads the implementation of the company’s growth strategy across the Canadian market, where we're focused on helping Canadians improve their financial, physical, and mental health. Naveed is a member of Manulife’s Executive Leadership Team. He has over 30 years of industry experience and has a deep understanding of the global life insurance industry. Before becoming Manulife Canada’s CEO, Naveed was Global Head of Inforce Management and Head of our North American Legacy Business, where he led initiatives to improve the profitability and risk profile of the inforce business.

Naveed was also President & CEO of Manulife Singapore where he oversaw the overall development of Manulife’s operations across all business segments and distribution platforms in Singapore. Prior to this role, he spent three years in a key leadership position at a major reinsurance company with a focus on global business and product development. Naveed is an avid supporter of Manulife’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion efforts, and internal Employee Resource Groups. In 2022, Naveed was appointed to the Government of Canada’s Disability Inclusion Business Council – a select group of Canadian business leaders who provide the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion advice and recommendations on workplace inclusivity.

Naveed holds a B.Sc. in Actuarial Math from Concordia University. He is a Fellow of the Society of Actuaries (FSA) and of the Canadian Institute of Actuaries (FCIA) and is a Member of the American Academy of Actuaries (MAAA). Active within his community and industry, Naveed serves on the Board of Directors for the Canadian Life & Health Insurance Association (CLHIA) and Squash Ontario and is a member of the President’s Advisory Group at Concordia University.

Riaz Ahmed - Former President & CEO, TD Securities

Riaz Ahmed is former President & CEO, TD Securities – the investment banking arm of TD Bank Group. A passionate promoter of inclusivity and diversity in the workplace, Riaz has in the past chaired TD’s Inclusion and Diversity Leadership Council and was most recently a member of the Women in Capital Markets Advisory Council (now known as VersaFi). He has also co-chaired TD’s United Way fundraising campaigns and was recently Chairman of the Aga Khan Foundation Canada’s National Committee. Riaz currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Aga Khan Museum.

Wes Hall: Investor, Entrepreneur, Nation-Builder

From a plantation shack in rural Jamaica to the boardrooms of Toronto's Bay Street, Wes Hall’s rise is a testament to grit, vision and purpose. As Founder and CEO of Kingsdale Advisors, he has led some of Canada's most complex corporate deals, establishing the firm as a leader in shareholder advisory services. He also serves as Founder and Executive Chairman of WeShall Investments, a private equity firm backing BIPOC entrepreneurs, and is a prominent investor on CBC’s Dragons’ Den. Wes is the Founder of the BlackNorth Initiative, the first Black Chancellor of the University of Toronto in its nearly 200-year history, and a member of the Prime Minister’s Council on Canada-U.S. Relations. He has been named one of Maclean’s 50 most powerful people in Canada twice, he has received the King Charles III Coronation Medal, and he holds six honorary doctorates. His accolades include the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, Canadian Business Leader of the Year Award from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, the Social Impact Award from the Toronto Black Film Festival, Communicator of the Year Award from the International Association of Business Communicators Toronto and Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year, to name but a few. Wes' mission is to drive equity, build opportunity and inspire a more inclusive Canadian economy.

Rola Dagher - Former President & CEO, Cisco Canada

Leadership is not a title—it’s a daily choice to act with purpose, conviction, and courage. Rola Dagher lives by this belief. With over two decades of experience in the technology industry, she has led transformational change, built world-class teams, and championed inclusive leadership at every turn. Dagher returned to Dell Technologies in 2020–2023 as Global Channel Chief after a groundbreaking tenure as President and CEO of Cisco Canada. She previously held senior sales leadership roles at Dell and Bell Canada. Her influence on the global channel ecosystem earned her recognition as one of CRN’s Global 50 Most Influential Channel Chiefs, Channel Influencer, and multiple accolades including CRN’s Women of the Year, Power 100, and Top 100 Executives. A passionate advocate for equity and representation, Dagher has made it her mission to elevate diverse voices. She’s been honored as one of Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100™, WXN’s Top 25 Women of Influence™, WCT’s Woman of the Year. She was also recognized by RBC as one of the Top 25 Canadian Immigrants of the year. Her extraordinary journey—from a childhood in a war-torn country to boardrooms at the helm of global enterprises—has earned her four Honorary Doctorates (LL.D.) from McMaster University,University of Waterloo, Toronto Metropolitan University, and Wilfrid Laurier University. In 2023, Dagher was appointed to the Order of Canada and received the prestigious King Charles III Medal and the Horatio Alger International Award. Beyond the boardroom, Dagher co-founded the BlackNorth Initiative and serves on the advisory boards of Catalyst and the 30% Club. She sits on the Board of Trustees for SickKids Hospital, is a Director of the Horatio Alger Association of Canada, and a council member of the University of Waterloo Dean’s Advisory Council and Shift Canada. Today, Rola inspires leaders to rewire and reimagine their thinking for the AI era—to shift from legacy leadership to human-centered innovation. Her message is clear: the future belongs to those who lead with authenticity, embrace reinvention, and prioritize impact over ego. At the heart of her leadership philosophy is a powerful mantra: “Learn it. Earn it. Return it.” Rola Dagher continues to live this mission—empowering the next generation to rise, lead, and make lasting impact.

Ali Zahedi - CEO, Infinite Investment Systems

Ali is the CEO and co-founder of Infinite Investment Systems. He started his career in the financial industry in 1998 as a developer for a firm providing financial systems in the Canadian market. In 2004, he co-founded Infinite Investment Systems with Ahmad. As a Software Engineer (from University of Toronto), Ali’s initial efforts were focused on system development and marketing of Harmony, and he subsequently led the system implementation process. At present, Ali is primarily focused on the growth of the business and its overall direction. Given his experience and background, Ali remains hands-on with certain aspects of the system implementation and product development.

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