Essential Tools to Transformative Leadership
Queen Elizabeth Park Community and Cultural Centre (Rehearsal Hall) - 2302 Bridge Rd, Oakville, ON L6L 2G6
Today's engineering leaders are asked to shape direction, build stronger teams, and drive innovation. This session is designed for engineers who want to move beyond simply "getting things done" and become leaders who spark real, positive change.
In this session, we will explore what sets transformative leadership apart from effective management in an engineering context. You will see how emotional intelligence (EQ) is the key practical skill set that helps you inspire, influence, and create an environment where your team thrives. We will focus on simple, actionable steps to build trust, communicate with clarity, and use your EQ to guide teams through complex challenges.
Expect to leave with practical strategies, renewed confidence, and a clear path to leading with more impact, no matter your role or experience level.
Presenter:

Karen Wonders is a Certified Executive Coach, seasoned tech leader, and the Founder of LALUZ Consulting. Her company, 'La Luz,' which means 'The Light,' is built on her core mission to help the unique light within every leader shine brighter.
As an engineer with an Executive MBA and over two decades of experience, Karen specializes in a pivotal transition. She helps technical professionals evolve from being an effective contributor (someone who gets things done) to a transformational leader who has influence and impact, regardless of their title.
Her entire career has been focused on meaningful connections and stakeholder collaboration. This unique combination of practical experience and coaching expertise allows her to empower engineers at all levels with practical skills to foster innovative work and lead with confidence. This commitment extends to her volunteer work, where she actively mentors young engineers.
Agenda
- 6:30 pm to 7:00 pm – Registration and networking
- 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm – Introduction of guest speaker and presentation, Q&A
- 8:00 pm to 8:30 pm – Additional networking time