General Session

Ben Nemtin

Impossible is possible

Ben Nemtin is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of What Do You Want to Do Before You Die? and a star of MTV’s highest rated show on iTunes and Amazon called The Buried Life. As the co-founder of The Buried Life movement, Ben’s message of radical possibility has been featured on The Today Show, The Oprah Winfrey Show, CNN, FOX, and NBC News. President Obama called Ben and The Buried Life “inspiration for a new generation” and Oprah declared their mission “truly inspiring.” Ben is recognized as one of the World's Top Organizational Culture Thought Leaders and was ranked 3rd Best Motivational Speaker in the world by Global Gurus in 2022.

In his first year of university, Ben was unexpectedly hit with a depression that forced him to drop out. In an attempt to feel more alive, he created the world’s greatest bucket list with his three best friends. They borrowed a rickety old RV and crisscrossed North America, achieving the unthinkable. And most importantly, every time they accomplished a dream, they helped a complete stranger cross something off their bucket list. From playing basketball with President Obama to having a beer with Prince Harry, from reuniting a father and son after seventeen years to surprising a young girl with a much-needed bionic arm—Ben’s bucket list quest has inspired millions to thrive personally and professionally.

Journal from this speaker can be purchased here.

Dr. David Kelly

Dr. David Kelly is the Chief Global Strategist and Head of the Global Market Insights Strategy Team for J.P. Morgan Asset Management. With over 20 years of experience, David provides valuable insight and perspective on the economy and markets to the institutional investor and financial advisor global communities.

David’s research focuses on investment implications of an evolving economic environment. He has written extensively on all aspects of the U.S. economy and his proprietary U.S. economic forecasting model helps shape his views on both the economic landscape and prospective asset class returns. He currently sits on JP Morgan Fund’s operating committee.

Throughout his career, David has developed a unique ability to explain complex economic and market issues in a language that financial professionals can use to communicate to their clients. He is a keynote speaker at many national investment conferences and a frequent guest on CNBC, Bloomberg, and other financial media outlets.

Prior to joining J.P. Morgan Asset Management, David served as Economic Advisor to Putnam Investments. He has also served as a senior strategist/economist at SPP Investment Management, Primark Decision Economics, Lehman Brothers and DRI/McGraw-Hill. David is a CFA^® charterholder. He also has a Ph.D and M.A. in Economics from Michigan State University and a B.A. in Economics from University College Dublin in the Republic of Ireland.

Sandro Forte

Not to be discouraged by some challenges during the early part of his life, Sandro Forte has built one of the UK’s most successful and highly respected businesses, with individual and corporate recognition and awards too lengthy to list. Yet, by his own admission, Sandro is an ‘ordinary guy’ who simply believes – and demonstrates day to day – that determination and a will to win are prerequisites for success. He has excelled at just about everything he has done; captaining and playing golf, hockey and soccer at national level. His book, ‘Dare To Be Different’ has sold over 400,000 copies, across more than 60 countries – and it is now published in 8 languages. Sandro Forte clearly knows the secrets to success, and he shares them, using simple, practical and transferable ideas, to help others achieve their objectives.

Paul Vaillancourt Executive Financial Consultant

Paul is a recognized and trusted Certified Financial Planner professional with IG Private Wealth Management. Practicing since 1989, he takes a comprehensive 360° approach to financial planning and provides clarity, advice and direction to help clients fulfill their goals and dreams. One of Paul’s greatest assets is his ability to inspire others to be clear, confident and excited about their financial goals and to take action to ensure they achieve these objectives. Able to communicate complex financial concepts clearly, Paul has shared his extensive knowledge and trained financial professionals across Canada. Paul and his knowledgeable team of financial professionals are committed to helping their clients achieve positive outcomes. Paul is proud to lead Vaillancourt & Associés, the largest and most successful IG Private Wealth Management office in Ottawa.