Power Play: Decoding Geopolitical Chess in 2024

In an era defined by shifting geopolitical dynamics, the 22nd Prime Minister of Canada, The Right Honourable Stephen Harper PC brings unparalleled expertise to shed light on the intricate relationships between powerhouse nations.

Explore the ripple effects of this geopolitical chess game on the wider global economy, as the Prime Minister provides insights on the interconnectedness of nations and the strategies needed to navigate these ever-evolving dynamics successfully.

In a private boardroom style briefing we will discuss how the current geopolitical landscape influences Australia and Canada’s economic and diplomatic climate, providing a nuanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities on the horizon.

COVID protocols in place in line with the VIC Government, Department of Health advice.

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For nearly a decade The Right Honourable Stephen J. Harper led Canada through the world’s most complex geopolitical, economic and security challenges as the country’s 22nd Prime Minister. He created the modern Conservative Party of Canada, won three successive national elections, and was the longest serving Conservative Prime Minister since Canada’s founding Prime Minister in 1891.

Since leaving office in 2016, Mr. Harper founded and is Chairman and CEO of Harper & Associates, a global consulting and strategic advisory business, and is Chairman of Vision One, a value-oriented investment fund based in Miami, Florida. He serves as a Director of Colliers International Group Inc. and Recover Inc. He is also the author of “Right Here, Right Now: Politics and Leadership in the Age of Disruption”, and a frequent speaker on geopolitical trends, populism, and business.

Mr. Harper serves as Chairman of the International Democracy Union, the Friends of Israel Initiative, and a member of the Global Advisory Board of India’s Observer Research Foundation. He has bachelor and master’s degrees in economics from the University of Calgary, an honorary doctorate from Tel Aviv University and an honorary degree from the Jerusalem College of Technology. He is a Companion of the Order of Canada and the recipient of numerous international recognitions, including the Order of Liberty, Ukraine’s highest civilian honour.

Mr. Harper resides in Alberta, Canada with his wife Laureen; they have two adult children, Benjamin and Rachel.

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Lesley Gillespie is Co-Founder of Bakers Delight, a 680 plus bakery franchise network across four countries; Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the United States. Bakers Delight will be celebrating its 40th birthday in May 2020.

Her achievements include being a finalist in the 2004 Prime Minister’s Award for Community Partnerships, receiving the 2002 Boroondara Citizen of the Year (shared with her husband Roger), an OAM in 2006 and a Fellowship from Monash University in 2013 where she gained an Honours Degree in Science and a Diploma of Education. The association with Monash continues with Lesley chairing the Philanthropy Advisory Committee for the World Mosquito Program which is based at Monash and has the aim of eliminating Dengue Fever from the world.

In 2008 Lesley and Roger were inducted into the Hall of Fame at Swinburne University’s Australian Graduate School of Entrepreneurship. In 2014 Lesley began her role as Chair for the Swinburne’s Business School Industry Advisory Board a role she continues with to this day. Added to this, she was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Business from this University in August 2018.

In 2014, Lesley and Roger (Co-Founder Bakers Delight) were honoured as Champions of Entrepreneurship at the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ Southern Region awards.

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Mike is Head of Institutional Capital and responsible for MA Asset Management’s capital partnerships. He has been with MA Financial Group since 2013 and previously led MA’s IR and strategy function.

Prior to joining Moelis, Mike was at Citi bank. Before starting his financial services career, Mike represented the Sydney Swan’s in the Australian Football League – winning a premiership in 2012. He also played professional rugby in Europe and represented Canada at the 2007 Rugby World Cup. Mike holds a Master of Commerce (finance) from The University of Sydney.

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Jeremy has an extensive corporate practice, advising in multiple jurisdictions across industry sectors such as energy, infrastructure, financial services, health and consumer brands. He is a director of the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and the Chair of Linden New Art, Inc. He has lectured in takeover law and regularly present on legal issues.

• Goldman Sachs JBWere – advised on the sale of its margin lending business to Adelaide Bank Limited, valued at over A$900million
• Goldman Sachs - advised on the sale of its iconic JBWere stockbroking and private wealth management business to National Australia Bank
• Asaleo Care Limited, Svenska Cellulosa AB and Pacific Equity Partners – advised on Asaleo Care's $1.06 billion initial public offering and listing on the Australian Securities Exchange
• CGU Insurance Limited – advised on the creation of Australia’s leading marine insurance specialist – Marine Protect: Powered by NTI. NTI is a joint venture owned and underwritten 50/50 by CGU and AAI
• Jemena (a joint venture between State Grid of China and Singapore Power) – advised on its $1 billion+ bid for the Iona gas storage facility.

ABOUT THE CACC

The Canadian Australian Chamber of Commerce (CACC) is a non-profit volunteer based organisation that aims to bring businesses together to facilitate strong economic and trade relationships between Canada and Australia.

Host or Publisher Canadian Australian Chamber of Commerce (CACC)