Laurie Toulouse
Director, Research Strategy and Optimization • She/Her
Laurie Toulouse is Anishinaabe kwe, a member of Serpent River First Nation. She grew up on the lands of the Kwikwetlem First Nation and Coast Salish Peoples and currently calls T’karonto, Dish with One Spoon treaty territory her home.
Laurie is a mother, partner, teacher/coach/facilitator, and observer/learner. As a lifelong learner, she is committed to a journey of continuous personal growth and expansion. She has had an expansive management career in the retail fashion industry, with a specialty in education and development. Her lived and professional experience inform the way in which she promotes inclusive excellence at the workplace. Embodying the principles of Intentionality and thoughtfulness, she ensures that her teaching and facilitation support leaders and decision makers in shifting environments that favour inclusion and the service of all peoples.
Organizations we partner with
Bata Shoe Museum, Canadian Council for the Arts, CEE Centre for Young Black Professionals, City of Toronto, David Suzuki Foundation, Fasken, Genome Canada, George Brown College, GTAA, Humber, IMCO, Kids Help Phone, Luminato, McMaster University, MLSE, OICR, Ontario Presents, ROM, Sankofa Square, Sick Kids, TD Bank, TTC, UHN Foundation, United Way Greater Toronto, University of Toronto, University of Waterloo, University Pension Plan Ontario, York University
Clients Served Include
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BES provides a wide range of free educational resources designed to inform, guide, and support professionals at every stage of their career.
Sustainability / Helen Mekonen
Equity is not Optional: Lessons from Public Education for Every Organization
What happens when our systems only recognize certain kinds of contributions, and only reward certain ways of leading? Drawing from the lessons of public education and the insights of scholar Nicole Ineese-Nash, this article explores how organizations can move beyond performative inclusion toward systems that truly honour cultural knowledge, relational leadership, and shared responsibility. Rather than focusing on what’s lacking, Helen Mekonen invites readers to consider what’s already present—gifts, strengths, and ways of knowing that are often overlooked. For organizations committed to sustainability, equity is not a one-time investment; it is a design principle that must live in everyday practice, accountability, and imagination.
Professional Development / Helen Mekonen
Let’s Go to Lunch! One of the Many Ways to Integrate Culture into Strategy
In this article, Helen Mekonen explores how culture in today’s workplace is shaped not only by where we work but by how we come together. She argues that while digital platforms remain useful, the true power of connection is revealed when people share space: in a meeting room, at a conference, or over lunch. These face-to-face moments build trust, sharpen cultural fluency, and foster collaboration in ways digital exchanges alone cannot. By intentionally making room for in-person interaction, leaders can design strategies that are not only human-centred but also resilient and performance-driven.
Professional Development / Urmilla Mahabirsingh
Elevating Talent Management and Recruitment with Yoga: Cultivating Mindfulness and Wellness
In the demanding world of talent acquisition and management, professionals often face high stress and complex challenges. Yoga offers a powerful tool to cultivate balance, resilience, and mindfulness, enhancing both personal well-being and professional effectiveness. By integrating practices like deep breathing, meditation, and targeted poses such as Mountain Pose or Warrior Pose, professionals can reduce stress, boost creativity, and improve communication. This article explores how yoga can empower talent managers to navigate their roles with composure and innovation, fostering a healthier work-life balance and driving organizational success.
Professional Development / Jason Murray
From Competent to Compelling: Six Tips for Elevating Your Leadership
In this article, Jason Murray offers six practical and personal strategies for individuals who want to deepen their impact as a leader and grow in their leadership abilities with intention. Rather than focusing on titles or external validation, he emphasizes the importance of building confidence through experience, developing a clearly articulated leadership identity, and cultivating the emotional intelligence required to lead others well. He reminds readers that leadership is not about having all the answers but about staying flexible, curious, and anchored in service.
Sustainability/Stephanie La
Green AI: The Role of AI in Sustainability
Green AI emphasizes the importance of balancing innovation with environmental responsibility, addressing the significant environmental and ethical challenges posed by AI development, such as high carbon emissions, energy consumption, and data privacy concerns. While AI offers transformative benefits, including climate change prediction, pollution monitoring, and public health insights, its rapid advancement often prioritizes speed over sustainability. By adopting Green AI practices—such as energy-efficient algorithms, renewable energy sources, and sustainable development goals—organizations can reduce their environmental impact, align with sustainability objectives, and foster long-term growth while contributing to a more sustainable and equitable future.
Leadership/Melissa Sumnauth
The Importance of Pronouncing a Name: An Act of Inclusive Leadership
Names are not just labels; they are powerful reflections of identity, culture, and history. In this article, Melissa Sumnauth explores the significance of correct name pronunciation in leadership and organizational culture. Drawing on her experience in executive coaching, executive search, facilitation, and people & culture she illustrates how mispronunciation can function as a microaggression and a barrier to inclusion, while intentional effort to say names correctly fosters dignity, belonging, and trust. With practical tools and a call to action for leaders, this article reframes name pronunciation as a vital practice in advancing equity and respectful engagement.