Gasparotto Group | Backcountry Leadership

Abigail Gasparotto

Photographer & Videographer
Creative & Logistics Team Member

About Abigail

After a year at Ryerson University for Fashion Design, I sought a change and transitioned into a major in Anthropology and minor in History at Carleton University. I discovered immense fulfilment in shaping young minds, fostering their passions, and nurturing their intellectual curiosity. Alongside my academic pursuits, I have managed to obtain my certification as a CAC Level 2 Athletics Coach and continue to refine my craft as a photographer. Moreover, my dedication to competitive water polo is the foundation of my life, and it earned me a prestigious national ranking as the top goalie in two age groups in 2019.

My journey with Gasparotto Group began at the age of 15, under the tutelage of my father, who retired from the military and founded the company. Since 2020, I’ve had the privilege of contributing as a photographer and integral member of the creative team. Engaging in projects such as Outside the Wire events, I seamlessly blend creative vision with logistical support, aiding with the execution and overall success of the company’s endeavours.

Shelley Lamothe

Associate

About Shelley

Shelley proudly served the Canadian Armed Forces for 27 years in the Royal Canadian Medical Corps and senior leadership positions, building, developing and supporting resilient teams through multiple overseas deployments and in teaching and training capacities. Most recently, she was serving at a graduate-level college, developing leaders for the future of the Forces. She has now transferred to the corporate sector as the Director of Learning and Development for MedCan.

A believer in the power of collective resiliency for better team cohesion and outstanding results, she also started Disciplined Direction Consulting in part to work with the Gasparotto in the delivery of programming and provide the insights gained from being a RBLP-Trainer with others to support others in building and leading resilient teams. Shelley holds several degrees and certifications and was recognized for her career of service when she was inducted into the Order of Military Merit by the Governor General of Canada.

Qualifications

Bachelor of Science in Physician Assistant Studies, University of Nebraska Medical Center

Masters of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Nebraska Medical Center

Resilience Builder Leader Program – Trainer

PROSCI Change Management

Primary Care Paramedic diploma, Justice Institute of British Columbia

Management Development Studies certificate, Seneca College

Markus Weber

Associate

About Markus

Markus has over three decades of experience in National Defense and Security – the preponderance with the Global Special Operations community – specializing in crisis management, readiness and security program management, training curriculum development and delivery, and the leadership of teams that design and achieve mission accomplishment.

He has extensive specialized inter-agency, multi-national, and combat experience in various dynamic, high-pressure, highly-sensitive environments – from the tactical to strategic levels – to add depth and breadth to experience. In this capacity he has formulated comprehensive recommendations to the highest levels of National Defense leadership – most recently promulgating regular correspondence to the US Secretary of Defense, through the Commanding General of the US Special Operations Command and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Qualifications

Bachelors of Bioresource Engineering, McGill University

Bachelors and Masters of Physiotherapy, Université Laval

Ely Périard-Fournier

Associate

About Ely

Ely is a business owner and entrepreneur, running an independent physiotherapy practice. Fascinated by human potential, learning and growth, their practice is based on empathy and empowerment. They strive to create a space where health care is safe, inclusive and accessible.

Ely has also served as an officer and a team leader in the Royal Canadian Engineers and the Canadian Special Operation Forces Command. Specializing in explosive ordnance disposal and the neutralization of weapons of mass destruction, they have had the privilege to train with and mentor soldiers from nations all over the world.

Ely also has a long-term love story with the outdoors, their greatest passion being in the mountains, rock climbing and backcountry skiing in Canada and abroad.

They see their work as a team guide in the Gasparotto Group as an opportunity for co-learning and for everyone to share lessons from their own lives on leadership, team-building, resilience, diversity, and inclusion.

Qualifications

Bachelors of Bioresource Engineering, McGill University

Bachelors and Masters of Physiotherapy, Université Laval

Mark Gasparotto

President

Mark Gasparotto — leadership development professional and decorated combat-veteran — is a man for all seasons, combining theory with practice, art with science, and experimentation with reflection.

About Mark

Mark is the President of Gasparotto Group, a boutique consultancy that provides clients with customized, pragmatic, and evidence-based leadership solutions. Mark combines his 10+ years of entrepreneurial experience, 20+ years of uniformed service as a combat engineer officer, and a masters of leadership to deliver impactful and practical leadership insights for over 1000 clients.

A member of the TEC Canada (Vistage) community, Mark was awarded the TEC Impact Speaker Award for 2020. He is the co-author of Clearing the Way: Combat Engineers in Kandahar — now an award-winning documentary film.

Mark has a duty to share his hard-won experiences in the service of building stronger communities. He does that by helping people and teams to struggle well and clear the way — to live, learn, and lead into their potential.

Qualifications

Master of Arts in Leadership, Royal Roads University

Master of Defence Studies, Royal Military College of Canada

Bachelor of Engineering, University of Waterloo

MBTI

EQi 2.0

Lifestyles Inventory and Leadership Workstyles 360° (Human Synergistics)

Management/Leadership Impact 360° (Human Synergistics)

Organizational Culture Inventory (Human Synergistics)

Awards & Decorations

Meritorious Service Medal with Bar

Brazilian Army Medal

Ontario Regiment Museum

Visit the Ontario Regiment Museum Website

The Ontario Regiment Museum houses the largest collection of operational military vehicles in North America. Our partnership provides us access to vehicles with which we are able to provide a highly unique element to our experiential learning events.

Fanshawe Corporate Training Solutions

Visit the Fanshawe Corporate Training Solutions (CTS) Website

Fanshawe Corporate Training Solutions (CTS) provides on-demand, online courses that are relevant for individuals and industry professionals to help address critical issues in today’s workforce. CTS hosts our three leadership courses: Planning & Execution Fundamentals, Leadership of Self, and Crisis Leadership.

Human Synergistics®

Visit the Human Synergistics Website

Globally recognised as a leader in culture change, leadership development, and team building, Human Synergistics® specialises in measuring and developing organisational cultures, leadership strategies, team synergies, and individual behavioural styles. We are accredited practitioners and use several of their tools to assess individual, team and organisational behaviours.

TEC Canada

Visit the TEC Canada Website

At Gasparotto Group, we believe we have a duty to share our hard-won experiences in the service of building stronger communities. We are proud to be partnered with TEC Canada, an organisation dedicated to the growth and development, and increasing the effectiveness and enhancing the lives of Canadian business leaders.

Bytown Ventures

Visit the Bytown Ventures Website

Bytown Ventures, headed by Scott & Kim Morin, works with us to offer advice on business growth and operating systems. Scott is an accredited implementer of The Entrepreneurial Operating System® (EOS®), and Kim is an executive recruiter who specializes in placing C and VP-level executives in dynamic and growth-oriented companies.

Reticle Ventures

Visit the Reticle Ventures Website

Blending tactical excellence with strategic relevance, Reticle delivers comprehensive solutions to complex problems using a brand of niche subject matter expertise, which we have incorporated into our experiential learning events.

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Anthony Robb

Director of Curriculum

With extensive military experience, Anthony brings a deep understanding of leadership fundamentals, emotional intelligence, teamwork, and communication.

About Anthony

With over two decades of decorated military service, Anthony is a proven tactical leader and operational planner. He has served on two operational tours to Kandahar, Afghanistan. He was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal for his leadership in combat in 2006 and has served as the lead planner for post-war reconstruction and development operations.

In addition to co-authoring Clearing the Way: Combat Engineers in Kandahar, Anthony continues to publish leadership material in respected academic journals. He holds a bachelor of electrical engineering, a master of science in organizational leadership, and a master of defence studies. He believes in interrogating reality and challenging people and organizations to understand why they do the things they do.

*Photo by Trevor Godinho, trevorgodinho.com

Qualifications

Master of Defence Studies, Royal Military College of Canada

Master of Science in Organizational Leadership, Norwich University

Degree in Electrical Engineering, Royal Military College of Canada

Project Management Certificate, University of Waterloo

Paul Kernaghan

Coming Soon

About Paul

Qualifications

Lindsay Robb

Art Director

Simon Wells

Sherpa

Simon Wells brings a mix of military, emergency management, and business continuity experience to curriculum development and coaching in Gasparotto Group.

About Simon

Simon is proud to have served in the Royal Canadian Logistics Service and in some of the largest disaster responses in Canadian history as an emergency manager. Most recently, he served as a project manager, emergency planner, and operations lead for the City of Toronto’s Mass Immunization Clinics in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

A staunch proponent of continuous improvement and education, Simon holds a Master of Arts from Royal Roads University and is pursuing a Master of Business Administration from the Ted Rogers School of Management. He holds several professional certifications and volunteers his time to advance professional and community causes. Simon is excited to work with clients of The Gasparotto Group to help them improve their innate leadership and crisis management skills and realize their goals.

Qualifications

Master of Arts, Human Security, and Peacebuilding, Royal Roads University

Bachelor of Military Arts & Science, Royal Military College of Canada

Professional Logistician certification, The Canadian Professional Logistics Institute

Associate Business Continuity Professional certification, Disaster Recovery Institute Canada

Master of Business Administration Candidate, Ted Rogers School of Management at Ryerson University

OUR TRAINING LOCATIONS

Shawn Groves

Director of Operations

Shawn is an innovative and experienced leader who is passionate about leadership and developing effective and cohesive teams. He has formed, developed, and led teams for over 30 years, and has a proven record of leading and inspiring people, and building successful, resilient teams of diverse capabilities, and cultivating a culture of trust.

About Shawn

A decorated veteran, Shawn is a transformational, innovative, and experienced leader who is passionate about leadership and developing effective and cohesive teams. As a former Canadian Army Engineer, who, through excellence in skills, knowledge, and demonstrated leadership performance and potential, progressed through the non-commissioned ranks and then into the officer ranks, he has a proven record of leading and inspiring people, cultivating a culture of trust, and building effective, cross-functional teams of diverse capabilities.

Shawn has extensive instructional experience at both the Canadian Forces School of Military Engineering and the British Army School Royal Corps of Engineers, where he played a key role in developing, delivering, monitoring and adjusting training to meet the needs of the Army. He has designed, implemented and validated individual and collective training curriculums and courses. His operational experience was key in his capacity as an observer-controller-trainer and exercise developer, to validate the operational readiness of army units prior to their overseas deployment.

A proven problem solver in volatile and dynamic situations, Shawn has considerable international and domestic operational experience and is highly skilled in operational analysis and planning. Shawn’s ability to develop leaders and thier effective, cohesive, and resilient, teams has been proven and tested.

Since leaving the military Shawn has gained significant experience as a project manager and company executive; thereby, developing an understanding of the relevant application of his military experience in the business context and setting. Shawn has successfully transitioned his military skills, knowledge, and breadth of experience into the business and corporate world and brings this to Gasparotto Group.

Education & Relevant Training

Baccalaureate in Military Arts and Sciences

Diploma in Agriculture

PMP Designation (Ongoing)

Certified Engineering Technician

Organizational Behaviour and Leadership

Risk Analysis & Management

Corey Shelson

President, 44 North Digital Marketing

A driven entrepreneur with a strong leadership background, Corey founded 44 North Digital Marketing in 2015 with the vision of creating an agency that could do it all. Corey is a sought-after public speaker and digital marketing trainer who has spoken to audiences at the Richard Ivey School of Business, Western University Accelerator, Western University Propel Entrepreneurship Centre, the Inspiring Innovation Conference in Collingwood and Unlondon Forward Speaker Series.

Prior to his career in business, Corey served for 12 years as a Combat Engineer Officer with the Canadian Armed Forces. Corey is the recipient of the General Campaign Star, Canadian Forces’ Decoration and Joint Task Force Afghanistan Commander’s Commendation.

Overview

Intrapreneurs are comfortable being uncomfortable as they test ideas and “fail forward” to ultimate success.

This keynote focuses on the culture required for innovation and intrapreneurs to flourish in an organization. Mark teaches organizations how to create a fertile leadership environment–the soil in which your innovative ideas, processes, and products can grow.

Duration

1 – 1.5 hour keynote.

Key Highlights

Explore the current environment and the case for innovation.
Identify the state of your organization’s capacity for innovation.
Learn what leading organizations are doing to stay ahead of the innovation curve.
Discover the six keys to creating a culture of innovation and empowering your intrapreneurs.

Overview

Most people’s leadership is stuck at the level of their Inner Game^*.

This insightful keynote delivered by Mark Gasparotto, a highly decorated former combat leader, provides a visual framework to determine where you are on the Lead-O-Meter™ and provides key take-aways on how you can move the needle towards mastery.

Duration

1-hour keynote to a 4-hour interactive workshop.

Key Highlights

Explore the meaning of leadership.
Identify the level of your Inner Game.
Learn the keys to increase your leadership-of-self effectiveness.
Discover three actions that you can immediately implement to raise the level of your Inner Game.

^*Anderson and Adams, Mastering Leadership

Norm Daigle

CEO, Splice Inc.

Norm is the CEO and co-founder of Splice – a Software and Service company enabling companies to work with the top consultants in their industries.

Norm has held multiple executive roles in Software and Consulting Services companies, giving him experience doing business internationally with leading global companies in multiple industries – Government, Utilities, Health Care, Manufacturing, High Tech, Retail, Financial.

Matt Davey

CEO, Ticket Direct International; Co-Founder Ticket Rocket; Director and Co-Owner, Otago Highlanders Rugby Club (NZ)

Matt is a serial entrepreneur with companies around the globe. Starting Ticket Direct 17 years ago it is the biggest ticket agency in New Zealand and has offices in Australia, Singapore, the UK, and North America. Passionate about Rugby, he and his partners own a controlling stake in the Otago Highlander’s Rugby Club, which not so incidentally was Ticket Direct’s first customer. Building on his success in New Zealand, Matt recently started a Canadian venture called Ticket Rocket.

Françoise Gagnon

CEO, ADGA

Françoise Gagnon is the Chief Executive Officer and Owner of the ADGA Group of Companies. With over 15 years’ experience, Ms. Gagnon leads an exceptional team of more than 800 engineers and professionals who deliver tailored solutions to the Defence, Security, and Enterprise Computing sections. Since 2014, she has successfully taken the company through a transition in ownership, and accelerated its growth through strategic acquisitions.

Prior to joining the ADGA Group, Ms. Gagnon held several executive roles within the private, public, and not for profit sectors. Ms. Gagnon holds a B.A with Honours from the Norman Patterson School of Public Affairs (Carleton University), specializing in Soviet and East European Studies (1984).

Bruce Moszcelt

Co-CEO, T-Base Communications

Bruce is the Co-CEO of T-Base Communications, an Ottawa Ontario based firm that provides large enterprises with support in communicating with their blind and low vision consumers. T-Base uses proprietary software to transform a wide range of documents into accessible formats preferred by blind and low vision consumers. As Co-CEO, Bruce oversees sales, marketing and operations.

Previous to joining T-Base, Bruce was a Co-Founder of Gestalt Equity Partners, a private investment firm focused on investing equity capital into a private business and was the Managing Director in Bank of Montreal’s Mid-Market Mergers & Acquisitions group.

Bruce is a Chartered Financial Analyst and a graduate of The Richard Ivey School of Business with a Bachelor of Arts in Honours Business Administration.

Peter Ceponis

Associate

With a rich background in research, medical planning, and clinical support to soldiers, Peter provides the academic link that connects theory with practice.

About Peter

Joining the Canadian Armed Forces as a medical student in 2006, Peter entered active duty in 2010. He has since served in a variety of capacities, including as a Flight Surgeon in direct medical support to Arctic operations, and in coordinating international medical support for soldiers. Most recently, he completed a fellowship in Hyperbaric Medicine at Duke University and serves as a nation-wide Consultant in Diving Medicine for the Forces.

As a physician with a broad foundation in family, sport, and environmental medicine, Peter cares deeply about physical and mental health. Combined with his expertise in public health, he strives to optimize health and performance at both the individual and population levels. His contributions to over 20 peer-reviewed publications, invited speaking events, and mentoring of medical trainees also highlight a personal goal of communicating sound information.

Peter is a communicator, researcher, and clinician who aims to bring evidence-based leadership practices to bear.

Qualifications

PhD in Cellular Microbiology, University of Toronto

Master’s of Public Health candidate, University of North Carolina

Hyperbaric & Undersea Medicine Fellowship, Duke University

Diploma in Sport Medicine, CASEM

Certification in the College of Family Physicians

Doctor of Medicine (MD), University of Toronto

Masters of Science in Health Science, McMaster University

Bachelor of Science in Medical Toxicology, Guelph University

Cindy Legarie

Associate

With over 20 years of military experience, Cindy focuses on awareness of the impact individuals can have on a team, on how being accountable helps you thrive as a leader and that building trust is the foundation of any team for success.

About Cindy

Cindy Legarie is an Engineer Officer with over 20 year of experience in the Canadian Army and a Professional Engineer with the province of New Brunswick. Cindy joined the Canadian Armed Forces in 1997 and has served in Bosnia-Herzegovina, Afghanistan and Ukraine in leadership and planning positions. Cindy complied personal anecdotes from soldiers who served in 2 Combat Engineer Regiment into a book Bridges, Jumpers, Divers and Demolitions: An anecdotal History of 2 Combat Engineer Regiment in time for the unit’s 40th anniversary.

Cindy focuses on personal leadership development by raising awareness of the impact leaders have on their team and being fiercely accountable for their actions and decisions as well as the results and atmosphere of their team. She is believes all teams need to be grounded in a common purpose and the foundation of a good team is trust.

Qualifications

Masters of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of New Brunswick

Certificate in Applied Science and Technology, City & Guilds London Institute

Degree in Chemical Engineering, Royal Military College of Canada

Overview

When trust is your team’s common currency: decisions are fast and action is decisive.

This interactive keynote examines the foundations of team dynamics with a focus on the cornerstone of trust. Mark, a former multi-national force commander, provides the key trust building techniques used by successful organizations around the world to shape and sustain high-performance teams.

Duration

1-hour keynote to a 4-hour outdoor experiential workshop.

Key Highlights

Explore the foundations of team dynamics.
Identify your team’s level of effectiveness.
Learn the keys to building and maintaining high levels of trust.
Discover three trust-building actions that your team can immediately implement to increase performance.

EXPLORE NATURE’S CLASSROOM

Backcountry Leadership Camp is an outdoor leadership development adventure. With nature as the classroom, participants lead, plan, and execute a variety of outdoor activities. Your team will reset, reconnect, and emerge more confident, resilient, and equipped to confront new leadership challenges.

Overview

Backcountry Leadership Camp can take place any time of the year in a variety of terrains. Expedition distance, difficulty, and duration is customizable, based on abilities and desired outcomes.

Spring to Fall

WHAT YOU'LL DO:

WINTER

WHAT YOU'LL DO:

OUTCOMES

Learn in a safe environment for enriched leadership development

Gain confidence in the outdoors and backcountry environment

Learn military-inspired planning and execution tactics

Reconnect with nature and your team while practicing proven resilience techniques

BACKCOUNTRY LEADERSHIP CAMP in action

PARTICIPANT INSIGHTS

Hear from True Patriot Love Foundation sponsored participants about their transformative experiences at our Backcountry Leadership Camp.

OUR TRAINING LOCATIONS

ALGONQUIN PARK, ON | BRUCE TRAIL, ON | GATINEAU, PARK, QC

OR ANY NORTH AMERICAN BACKCOUNTRY OF YOUR CHOOSING

REGISTER FOR BACKCOUNTRY LEADERSHIP CAMP

Abigail Gasparotto

Shelley Lamothe

Markus Weber

Ely Périard-Fournier

Mark Gasparotto

Anthony Robb

*Photo by Trevor Godinho, trevorgodinho.com

Paul Kernaghan

Lindsay Robb

Simon Wells

Shawn Groves

Corey Shelson

Norm Daigle

Matt Davey

Françoise Gagnon

Bruce Moszcelt

Peter Ceponis

Cindy Legarie

Françoise Gagnon