Join in this engaging discussion to explore the paradigm of building genuine connections and networks with people across positions of influence, status, or authority, challenging the implicit impulses of deferring to pre-conceived power-dynamics, and building confidence in the unique importance and value that one brings in building new connections.

Speakers:

Darryl Spector, P. Eng., PMP

President, Promation Ltd. 

Darryl is the President of Promation. Since joining Promation in 2004 as a Manufacturing Engineer, Darryl has risen through the ranks to establish himself as a strategic Operations professional and Executive leader. Coupling his strong and engaging communication style with his previous Engineering, Manufacturing, and Project Management experience, Darryl has been instrumental in driving growth and development evolutions within Promation. 

Darryl has been an agent of change and cultural definition, as attested to by Promation winning the Award of Excellence in the Large Business category in Oakville in 2016, the Halton Employer's Choice Award in 2017, OCNI Service Excellence Award in 2019, 2023, and 2024, as well as the OCNI Innovation Award in 2022, Top 100 SME Employer in Canada in 2020, 2021, and 2022, the Oakville Chamber of Commerce “Business Icon of the Year” award for 2021, and driving Promation’s Canadian Council for Indigenous Business (CCIB’s) certified “Bronze” status under their Partnership Accreditation in Indigenous Relations (PAIR) program in 2023.  Most recently, Darryl was awarded the 2025 Women in Nuclear (WiN) “Ally of the Year” award who are recognized for their support in promoting diversity and inclusion within the workplace, while actively demonstrating the qualities of a strong ally in the pursuit of gender balance.

Darryl is the Past Chair for Skills Ontario, holds a seat on the National Board for the Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters (CME) association, and is also a member of their Advisory Board (Ontario). 

Darryl received his Bachelor's of Applied Science degree (with Honours) in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Toronto.  He holds designations as a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) from the Professional Engineers of Ontario (PEO), Project Management Professional (PMP) from the Project Management Institute, and has completed the Harvard Business School YPO Gold Presidents Program.  Darryl is also a member in good standing with the Young Presidents Organization (YPO) since 2020.

Elena Wong

Sr. Project Manager at Promation

Elena joined Promation in 2025 as a Sr. Project Manager in Radiopharmaceuticals, acting as the primary liaison between clients and internal cross-functional teams while leading the execution of custom-engineered solutions to support successful project delivery. Prior to this role, Elena worked in the automation industry, leading custom automation projects for the Life Sciences, Automotive, and Consumer Goods industries. Elena holds both a Bachelor of Engineering and a Master of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Guelph, and is a Project Management Professional (PMP). Having built her career in traditionally male-dominated technical environments, Elena is passionate about maintaining confidence and authenticity while navigating power dynamics and redefining how meaningful connections are built.