Dan Pontefract

Dan Pontefract is the CEO and founder of the Pontefract Group, focusing on improving corporate culture and leadership. He is also the best-selling author of four books: "LEAD. CARE. WIN. How to Become a Leader Who Matters," "OPEN TO THINK," "THE PURPOSE EFFECT," and "FLAT ARMY." A recognized authority on leadership, he has presented at four different TED events, including a TEDx talk titled "How Schools Can Save Companies From Collapsing." Pontefract writes for Forbes and Harvard Business Review and is an adjunct professor at the University of Victoria, Gustavson School of Business.

Throughout his career, Pontefract has earned more than 20 industry awards. His work as former Chief Envisioner and Chief Learning Officer at TELUS—a Canadian telecommunications company—saw him launch the Transformation Office, the TELUS MBA, and the TELUS Leadership Philosophy, initiatives that significantly increased the company’s employee engagement to nearly 90%. Before his time at TELUS, he held senior roles at SAP, Business Objects, and BCIT. Pontefract's "OPEN TO THINK" won the 2019 getAbstract International Book of the Year.

Today, besides leading the Pontefract Group, Pontefract is noted for his dynamic and engaging speaking style, emphasizing compassionate leadership, purpose, and collaborative environments. His keynotes cover vital topics such as self-leadership, corporate culture, and the importance of empathy and purpose in leadership, introducing strategies to improve both organizational and individual thinking. Recognized repeatedly for his contributions to the field, Pontefract has been included on the Thinkers50 Radar list and named one of the 100 Most Influential People in HR for 2021 by HR Weekly and one of the Top 200 Thought Leaders to Follow in 2021 by PeopleHum.