Why Culture Is The Ultimate Advantage In Times Of Disruption
In a world defined by constant disruption, organizational culture can be either your greatest risk or your most sustainable competitive advantage.
Together, we’ll explore what culture really is (and isn’t), the often-misunderstood role leaders play in shaping it, and the subtle yet powerful choices that either reinforce or unravel it over time.
Expect a candid, actionable discussion at the highest levels known for sparking bold, human conversations that stay with you long after the coffee’s gone.
This strategy session will feature:
An exploration of how culture drives (or derails) talent strategy in an era defined by change.
Insights from Christine Song—Co-Founder of 5 to 9 Society and multi-time Chief People Officer with 20+ years of experience scaling high-growth, venture-backed startups, shaping culture, and building resilient, high-performance teams across North America’s tech ecosystem.
Opportunities to connect over coffee and lunch with leaders shaping Canada's business landscape and leadership future.
A few lucky guests will leave with more than insights—think surprises!
Here’s what to expect:
11:30 AM – Check-in, Lunch & Networking
12:00 PM – Speaker’s Strategy Session
1:00 PM – Coffee & Connections
Feel free to stay back, co-work, or continue the conversation in the shared lounge afterward.
This session is for Founders, CEOs, CHROs, and senior leaders who are excited about going through a culture crafting masterclass, all whilst in the mix with peers across the industry.
About the Host
Karun Mehra brings a global mindset with a local heartbeat. Now based in Toronto, he leads senior-level search mandates across Canada and the U.S., drawing from a rich career that spans the Middle East, Asia, Europe, and North America.
His journey into executive search was driven by something simple, yet powerful: an innate desire to help people grow. Whether advising a client on their next strategic hire or helping a leader take the next big step in their career, Karun is all in—curious, consultative, and committed to making connections that last beyond the placement.
“Build relationships not just for the sake of connection, but to create communities you’re proud to be part of.”
With experience across professional services, financial services, sovereign wealth funds, industrial, and more, he brings both range and depth to every search. His career journey—from global boardrooms to high-growth, founder-led businesses—has shaped his appreciation for both scale and agility in how organizations grow and lead.
His roles in business development, market intelligence, and project management helped shape a 360° view of leadership development and transformation. His personal and professional life has steeped in cross-cultural experiences, with a deep understanding of diversity, communication, and what drives people across borders.
Karun holds a BBA in Finance, is a Chartered Accountant (ACCA, UK), and has completed Level I of the CFA. But beyond the credentials, it’s his people-first philosophy that makes him stand out.
Outside of work, Karun is equal parts competitor and creator—whether he’s hitting the gym, sinking threes on the basketball court, following F1 (Team Hamilton all the way), or jamming on his guitar. A firm believer that values start at home, he credits family as the anchor behind his professional approach: lead with integrity, stay curious, and always play to win—with heart.
About the Speaker
Christine Song is the Co-Founder of 5 to 9 Society and a multi-time CPO for high-growth, venture-backed companies. Christine is an entrepreneur and builder with over 20 years of HR and operations experience scaling some of North America’s most dynamic startups. A recognized thought leader in the tech ecosystem, she has spent the last decade building high-performance teams, shaping company cultures, and partnering with bold founders to turn early-stage ideas into fast-scaling, resilient organizations.
Outside of her time building and networking with elite entrepreneurs, she is also an Advisory Board member for Aboard, Graphio AI, and Ribbon.ai.
About Pender & Howe
Pender & Howe is a North American talent advisory firm specializing in leadership recruitment and consulting. We partner with organizations to build high-performing leadership teams, optimize board effectiveness, and support executive career transitions.
With a presence in key North American cities—including Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Edmonton, Boston, and New York—we offer both local expertise and global reach. As a proud member of Kestria, the world’s largest executive search alliance, we extend our impact across 40+ countries and 90+ cities, enabling seamless talent solutions for international organizations.