Meet our Legacy Builders

Lidia Matei’s background is in science. Dr. Matei started her career in radiochemistry and during her Ph.D. studies, she worked on the development of novel steroid analogues with potential tumoral and antiviral activity. As a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Sherbrooke (Sherbrooke, QC) she was a member of the pioneering team focused on the optimization of new agents used in medical imaging. Lidia transitioned into the industry as an R&D specialist at Best Theratronics a medical device company in Ottawa. Beyond strengthening her technical skills, she acquired new skills in customer relations, marketing and commercialization, bidding processes, and negotiations. In 2016 joined Canadian Isotope Innovations a start-up, spin-off company of Canadian Light Source as a regulatory affairs manager. At the same time, Lidia has completed her education in Business at the University of Saskatchewan, Edwards School of Business. Since 2019, Lidia Matei activates as Corporate Business Officer with Sylvia Fedoruk Canadian Centre for Nuclear Innovation. In this role, she is combining her technical knowledge with business handling contracting, marketing, and customer relations, and is a key member of the management team. In 2019, Lidia in collaboration with Professor Chary Rangacharyulu at the University Saskatchewan and Tourism Saskatoon has elaborated, submitted, and wan the bid for the 11th International Conference of Isotopes, to be held in Saskatoon in 2023. Currently Lidia and Chary are co-chairing this event that will bring together more than 300 scientists, business professionals, and members of the industry to discuss the latest technology developments in the field of isotopes. Dr. Matei has delivered many presentations at scientific conferences, and publications in peer-reviewed journals.

Most important reason for hosting a business or sport event in Saskatoon

Saskatoon is a hidden gem, a technology hub with fast growth in business and science. A scientific event brings together knowledge, expertise, and industry. Conferences (such as the 11th International Conference on Isotopes) focus global attention on the host community; this is a unique opportunity to showcase who we are and what we do in Saskatoon. The impact of each event is later translated into opportunities for any local business. Companies have the opportunity to position themselves among other organizations in a global state. Through an event, any business will have the opportunity to make a statement about its own commitments in the key sectors to an audience of potential customers or investors. Finally, an international event is a valuable source of new talents. A major conference is one of the best available tools for attracting global expertise. It is one of the most effective opportunities to showcase the Saskatoon’s values and its community.

One of Shad’s core beliefs is that true growth and development come from an intense understanding of self and a commitment to support and develop the capacity of others to realize their dreams and their potential. With strong involvement and commitment to the community, Shad works with organizations, corporations, municipalities, and individuals locally, across Saskatchewan, across Canada, and throughout North America. he remains a highly sought-after speaker at conferences and meetings.

Shad worked with Eclipse 3 and Melin Consulting to facilitate business planning and economic development plans and initiatives for the Haida G’wai Nation in the Queen Charlotte Islands. Shad has acted as a facilitation and planning consultant to clients such as the City of Regina Public Works Division and the City of Burlington (several departments). A sought-after speaker, Shad presents at conferences on topics such as Strategic Planning, High-Performance Boards, Strategic Development, True Customer-Centred Relations Management, Building High-Performance Team, Leadership Development, Keys to High Performance & Productivity, and many other topics.

Shad has had the privilege to serve many of Canada’s top Associations and Charities including the Canadian Red Cross, Osteoporosis Canada, Canadian Diabetes Association, The Lung Association, Toronto Training Board, Human Concern International, Canadian Society of Training and Development, Canadian Professional Sales Association, Toronto Board of Trade, Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, and United Way among others. Corporate clients include Great-West Life Assurance Company, Amalgamate Canada, City of Burlington, York Region Public School Board, City of Saskatoon, and the City of Regina.

Most important reason for hosting a business or sport event in Saskatoon

Saskatoon remains a dynamic, vibrant, and exciting place for meetings, conferences and sporting events. Our track record of success as hosts and for providing unforgettable experiences alone is evidence of that. Add to that the presence of world-class amenities such as the Canadian Light Source, VIDO, Global Institute for Water Security, World-Class Agriculture Sciences, our Tech Hub Success with companies such as Vendasta, CoLabs, and 7Shifts among others. Then there is Wanuskewin – a world heritage site and an urban buffalo centre, plus our rich indigenous history to be experienced. Oh and a river runs through it. Saskatoon remains the best.

One of Kim’s beliefs is that understanding one’s self, patience, diligence, and attention to detail is paramount to success. This begins with clarity of purpose, the establishment of clear goals and objectives, and a commitment to action.

Kim has a distinguished employment history working with organizations such as Sask Sport, Royal Life Saving Society, and Tennis Canada prior to joining On Purpose Leadership. A skilled and experienced professional she dedicates herself 100% to client service and satisfaction. Kim co-facilitated sessions at the National Fundraising Congress in Toronto including Events with Purpose and Converting Donor Complaints to Critical Success Factors.

Kim was the OPLI lead on the 20-month-long Saskatoon Centennial Celebrations Project (2006) for the City of Saskatoon leading the various sub-committees (Events, Community Relations, Fundraising & Finance, Marketing & Communications, and Education) and supporting the Management Committee and the Core Committee. She stewarded plans for special events, managed committees, developed and implemented event design, and developed and oversaw the marketing and communications plans for the project.

Kim has been the project lead on the successful Meewasin’s Cameco Riverfront Campaign and Skating Rink Capital Campaign, Event Manager for the Saskatoon Olympic Torch Relay (2010), and Event Manager for 125^th Anniversary marking the partnership between the Whitecap Dakota Nation and City of Saskatoon and coordinated the City of Saskatoon Mayors Town Hall Meetings (2009 & 2010).

Kim’s unique skills and expertise set include:

• Designing, planning, and implementing special events

• Volunteer management

• Preparing and monitoring project and business plans and budgets

• Conference and trade show management including negotiating, managing, and monitoring contracts with suppliers and contractors

• Developing partnerships between diverse agencies

• Speaker recruitment and management

Most important reason for hosting a business or sport event in Saskatoon

The most important reason is to enhance the lives of the residence of the city while showcasing our city to the world.

My outreach activities include offering short courses and workshops on nuclear science and technologies, particle physics, holding science fairs, Nobel symposia for high school students etc.

Worked extensively at particle accelerators of various types with collaborators from several countries such as Japan, Russia, Germany, Netherlands, USA, Vietnam, and Canada. Also carried out research with SLOWPOKE reactor.

Currently focus on novel modalities of nuclear medical imaging and food irradiations with collaborators from Japan, India, Vietnam, and Canada

Held Visiting Professor and Guest Research Scientist  titles at:

TU-Darmstadt (Germany);

KVI, Groningen (NL),

National High Energy Accelerator Research Organization (KEK), Tsukuba, Japan;

Research Centre for Nuclear Physics, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan;

Institute for Nuclear Study, Tokyo University, Tanashi, Japan;

Indian Institute of Technology, Ropar, India;

Kasetsart Univeristy, Bangkok, Thailand   etc.

Published more than 200 articles and gave several invited lectures and seminars, colloquia on four continents  and author of:

 i) Physics of Nuclear Radiations- Concepts, Techniques, and Applications (2014)-  a textbook

ii) From Atoms to Higgs Boson  Voyages in Quasi-Spacetime with Dr. Chris Polachic (2019)

Most important reason for hosting a business or sport event in Saskatoon

Saskatoon, a vibrant yet small city of multi-cultural and multi-lingual community,  is home to the headquarters of multinational companies for uranium and potash mining. We are a well-kept secret.