Drake Dyck, CD
Photographer | Veteran | Peace Officer
As a dedicated individual with a rich and varied background, Drake has built a career that spanned over twenty-five years in the Canadian Armed Forces, predominantly within the military police. His journey took him across various domestic and international missions, including a significant deployment to Afghanistan. Much of Drake’s career was in serious crimes investigation, including a year-long secondment with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). After military service, Drake transitioned to a role as a Peace Officer in British Columbia, and currently leads the development of a drone response program. Drake is a certified Advanced small RPAS (drone) pilot and an active member of the Law Enforcement Drone Association (LEDA), which allows him to stay at the forefront of innovations in drone technology and public safety.
Beyond professional commitments, Drake is deeply rooted in the local community of Sooke, BC. He runs the largest Facebook group in the area, "Meanwhile in Sooke," fostering community engagement and connection. His passion for the arts is demonstrated through a previous role as vice-president of the Sooke Arts Council and his founding of the Sooke Photography Club.
Drake is the owner of Sooke Photography Adventures, a business focused on photography education and exploration, as well as showcasing fine art photographic prints. He is represented by Station Street Gallery in Duncan, BC, and is a Canadian Association for Photographic Arts (CAPS) trained photography competition judge.
Drake’s personal interests complement his professional life; he enjoys explore the stunning landscapes of Vancouver Island through hiking, kayaking, and landscape photography.
Through his diverse experiences and community engagement, Drake aims to inspire others to share in the beauty of photography while fostering a spirit of collaboration and support within our community and beyond.
Sooke Photography Adventures
Beyond professional commitments, Drake is deeply rooted in the local community of Sooke, BC. He runs the largest Facebook group in the area, "Meanwhile in Sooke," fostering community engagement and connection. His passion for the arts is demonstrated through a previous role as vice-president of the Sooke Arts Council and his founding of the Sooke Photography Club.
Drake is the owner of Sooke Photography Adventures, a business focused on photography education and exploration, as well as showcasing fine art photographic prints. He is represented by Station Street Gallery in Duncan, BC, and is a Canadian Association for Photographic Arts (CAPS) trained photography competition judge.
Drake’s personal interests complement his professional life; he enjoys explore the stunning landscapes of Vancouver Island through hiking, kayaking, and landscape photography.
Through his diverse experiences and community engagement, Drake aims to inspire others to share in the beauty of photography while fostering a spirit of collaboration and support within our community and beyond.
Sooke Photography Adventures
DENISE LEVINE
Financial Expert. Metaphysical Explorer. Sword-Wielding Ballerina
Born and raised in Canada, Denise lives in beautiful Vancouver, British Columbia, where she’s built a long-standing career in the financial industry. As a Certified Financial Planner and Chartered Investment Manager, she brings a thoughtful, people-focused approach to supporting individuals and organizations through leadership, financial planning and decision-making.
She’s the founder of Magical Pathway, a meditation-based business that blends mindfulness with education and energy work. With over 25 years of personal meditation practice, a master’s degree in metaphysical sciences, and current doctoral studies in the same field, she offers workshops and sound experiences that support well-being, presence, and deeper self-awareness.
Outside of work, Denise spends as much time as possible outdoors—hiking local trails, playing sports, or simply enjoying nature. She’s an avid traveler and photographer with a love for movement and artistry, and some of her other interests include ballet, sword fighting, and exploring new environments that spark creativity and inspiration. Magical Pathway
She’s the founder of Magical Pathway, a meditation-based business that blends mindfulness with education and energy work. With over 25 years of personal meditation practice, a master’s degree in metaphysical sciences, and current doctoral studies in the same field, she offers workshops and sound experiences that support well-being, presence, and deeper self-awareness.
Outside of work, Denise spends as much time as possible outdoors—hiking local trails, playing sports, or simply enjoying nature. She’s an avid traveler and photographer with a love for movement and artistry, and some of her other interests include ballet, sword fighting, and exploring new environments that spark creativity and inspiration. Magical Pathway
Kirstyn Everson Nair
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Kirstyn Everson Nair is a nurse practitioner specializing in child/adolescent psychiatry. She completed her Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) at Oregon Health & Science University. She has worked with children and their families in an outpatient setting for more than 10 years. Prior to her work as a nurse practitioner, she was an intake and charge nurse for patients with substance use disorder. She also volunteered her time working for child advocacy organizations.
Kirstyn utilizes an integrative approach to care, working with kids and families to meet their therapeutic goals through a combination of therapy strategies, environmental modifications, relationship enhancement, spiritual/cultural care, mindfulness, and medication management.
In addition to traditional psychiatric care, Kirstyn is passionate about integrative practices and holds certification as a conscious connected breath work facilitator. She is currently in training to specialize in psychedelic-assisted therapy to expand her toolkit for healing.
Kirstyn values diversity and has traveled to over 20 countries, gaining insights from diverse cultures and perspectives. She is a dedicated spiritual seeker, continuously exploring new paths to personal and professional growth. She has climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, run half marathons, adopted a street dog from Brazil, supports a school in Cambodia and practises kindness as her mantra.
Kirstyn utilizes an integrative approach to care, working with kids and families to meet their therapeutic goals through a combination of therapy strategies, environmental modifications, relationship enhancement, spiritual/cultural care, mindfulness, and medication management.
In addition to traditional psychiatric care, Kirstyn is passionate about integrative practices and holds certification as a conscious connected breath work facilitator. She is currently in training to specialize in psychedelic-assisted therapy to expand her toolkit for healing.
Kirstyn values diversity and has traveled to over 20 countries, gaining insights from diverse cultures and perspectives. She is a dedicated spiritual seeker, continuously exploring new paths to personal and professional growth. She has climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, run half marathons, adopted a street dog from Brazil, supports a school in Cambodia and practises kindness as her mantra.
John Brkopac
Entrepreneur, Mentor, Speaker, Investor
John is a Computer Science grad and built a career in high technology. He founded several companies, the most recent being The BluMarble Management Group Inc, an advisory and enterprise software implementation firm partnering with Oracle. John has worked for several Silicon Valley including Hyperion Solutions and Oracle Corporation
John has had an interesting and varied career. He led the development of one of the first indoor golf simulation systems in the early 90s and worked with the firm’s Japanese partners to introduce the technology in Asia. He was part of this same team that developed one of the most successful golf infomercials on TV.
In the mid-90s, John joined Arbor Software, a Silicon Valley startup, and became an evangelist for Essbase, a technology that was eventually acquired by Oracle and is the underpinning of Oracle’s Management software offerings.
In 2009, John incorporated Technolab Canada as a subsidiary of a Latin American based Oracle implementation and Managed Services firm. John grew the domestic business and helped to develop Technolab’s Support Centre in Montevideo. The Technolab Group of companies was acquired by The Hackett Group in 2014.
John has lived in Vancouver, BC since 1981 and has had a long love affair with personal development. Since being introduced to NLP in the mid 80’s, John has been a seeker and experienced many different modalities in this world. He was introduced to Men’s work in the mid-2000s through Warrior Sage, and most recently spent 3 years with the Samurai Brotherhood, now Arka. In 2021/2022 John invested time and energy into workshops with the International School of Temple Arts (ISTA) to explore tantric practices, shadow, and sexuality.
Over the past 20 years, John has mentored many young men in the areas of mission, finance, and the feminine. On Saturday mornings, you can find him cold dipping in Lynn Canyon and then enjoying a coffee and conversation with a great group of like-minded individuals. Blue Marble Group
John has had an interesting and varied career. He led the development of one of the first indoor golf simulation systems in the early 90s and worked with the firm’s Japanese partners to introduce the technology in Asia. He was part of this same team that developed one of the most successful golf infomercials on TV.
In the mid-90s, John joined Arbor Software, a Silicon Valley startup, and became an evangelist for Essbase, a technology that was eventually acquired by Oracle and is the underpinning of Oracle’s Management software offerings.
In 2009, John incorporated Technolab Canada as a subsidiary of a Latin American based Oracle implementation and Managed Services firm. John grew the domestic business and helped to develop Technolab’s Support Centre in Montevideo. The Technolab Group of companies was acquired by The Hackett Group in 2014.
John has lived in Vancouver, BC since 1981 and has had a long love affair with personal development. Since being introduced to NLP in the mid 80’s, John has been a seeker and experienced many different modalities in this world. He was introduced to Men’s work in the mid-2000s through Warrior Sage, and most recently spent 3 years with the Samurai Brotherhood, now Arka. In 2021/2022 John invested time and energy into workshops with the International School of Temple Arts (ISTA) to explore tantric practices, shadow, and sexuality.
Over the past 20 years, John has mentored many young men in the areas of mission, finance, and the feminine. On Saturday mornings, you can find him cold dipping in Lynn Canyon and then enjoying a coffee and conversation with a great group of like-minded individuals. Blue Marble Group
Vinod Nair
Speaker, Performance Consultant, Author with Asperger's Syndrome
Vinod is an impactful speaker known for delivering powerful, actionable insights with precision and clarity. His sessions are structured on values and goals. They are deeply engaging, and tailored to drive real-world results. His practical approach resonates with audiences, leaving them inspired, motivated, and equipped to perform at their peak.
Vinod helps individuals and teams reduce waste, boost productivity, enhance accuracy, upgrade skills, overcome challenges, and optimize performance. His approach supports lasting success, empowering clients to achieve and sustain both their professional and personal goals. He has worked organizations like Deloitte, Boston Consulting Group, Accenture, Capgemini, Morgan Stanley, JP Morgan Chase, Citibank, and Johnson & Johnson, among others.
Vinod's autistic traits such as his inability to engage in small talk, IQ of 163, out of the box thinking, honesty, hyper-focus, structured thinking, eye for detail, and ability to get to core issues make him an asset to every individual/ organization aiming to achieve their full potential. Visit Vinod Nair
Vinod helps individuals and teams reduce waste, boost productivity, enhance accuracy, upgrade skills, overcome challenges, and optimize performance. His approach supports lasting success, empowering clients to achieve and sustain both their professional and personal goals. He has worked organizations like Deloitte, Boston Consulting Group, Accenture, Capgemini, Morgan Stanley, JP Morgan Chase, Citibank, and Johnson & Johnson, among others.
Vinod's autistic traits such as his inability to engage in small talk, IQ of 163, out of the box thinking, honesty, hyper-focus, structured thinking, eye for detail, and ability to get to core issues make him an asset to every individual/ organization aiming to achieve their full potential. Visit Vinod Nair
Simon Maxwell-Stewart
Researcher, Scientist, Philosopher
Simon Maxwell-Stewart is a seasoned researcher and scientist with over a decade of experience in big data and a passion for pushing the boundaries of analytics. A Physics graduate from the University of Oxford, Simon also explores in theatre, performance and poetry, refusing to be constrained to any one paradigm of thinking.
Kevin Yamamoto
Veteran, Philosopher, Investor, Husband, Dog Dad
A Third Generation Japanese Canadian born in Winnipeg Manitoba. Both sets of grandparents came to Canada in the 1920s to “make their fortune” during an economic downturn in Japan, hoping to return to the homeland.
The reality of the great depression in the 1930’s, the start of the Second World War, the forced relocation of Japanese Canadians from the West Coast in 1942 changed the life trajectories of all Japanese Canadian families.
Despite the setbacks my grandparents and parents endured, my childhood and adolescence were extremely normal. I graduated high school and studied engineering. To help pay for my degree, I joined the Naval Reserves, training as a bridge watchkeeper.
Upon completion of school and military service I joined the Federal Public Service and spent 31 years in Ottawa and 1 year in Victoria as a Procurement Officer. During my time, I supported numerous military and civilian projects and programs. I had an interesting career, meeting and collaborating with some excellent people on both the government and business sides.
About 2 months before I was eligible to retire, I was diagnosed with a rare, incurable but treatable lymphoma type cancer. Fortunately, it is an indolent type of cancer, and I didn’t require treatment for 4 years. Currently I am doing fantastic as my latest blood work would show.
After my diagnosis, I worked another year, but it became less fulfilling. I new I needed a change that would reduce stress and start enjoying life more. Three months before I retired, I married my long-time fiancée, took the summer off to clean up the basement and began volunteering at the National Aviation and Space Museum. In the fall I started working as a driver for Enterprise car rental. Since my “retirement”, I've occasionally taken on short-term contracts for various federal government departments as a contracting consultant.
In 2022, we followed my dream of living in British Columbia and we moved here in December of 2022.
My interests are politics, economics, military history, business and volunteering.
luda artemieva
Architect, Kundalini Yogi, Founder: LVA Concepts
Luda Artemieva is an imaginative artist and experienced architectural and interior designer. Having travelled around the world, she now resides in Vancouver, BC. Luda gathers inspiration through her affection to nature, art, culture and architecture.
The miraculous ideas that she creates start from client's dreams and aim to help people in changing the quality of their lives. As a competent residential and commercial designer, Luda achieves this goal by involving numerous practical, analytical, artistic skills, a strong understanding of architectural fundamentals, and a multitude of different styles and techniques.
Since 2003, Luda and her wonderful team of colleagues have created numerous projects that aimed to meet aesthetical and practical clients’ needs. These projects range from small city apartment renovations to newly built houses, offices and fashionable bars and restaurants.
Luda is an avid hiker, globe trotter, and a practitioner of Kundalini Yoga.
LVA Concepts
Shobha Pillai Coutinho
Seasoned Media Industry Expert | Entrepreneur | Visionary Leader
Shobha Pillai Coutinho is a distinguished media industry expert and dynamic entrepreneur with 32+ years of experience. As CEO of Midnight Media Solutions and Founder of Backwaters Chechie, she has consistently demonstrated visionary leadership, innovative thinking, and a deep commitment to excellence.
Shobha's remarkable career spans influential roles at media powerhouses, including The Times of India Group, where she played a pivotal role in transforming the organization into a modern, multimedia news delivery platform. Her entrepreneurial ventures & innovations include: - Midnight Media Solutions: CEO- Backwaters Chechie: Founder- Yellow Umbrella: Unisex Salon- Swayamvaram World: Wedding Planning Company - Author, Aahaaram Sadhya: A Definitive Guide to Authentic Kerala Cuisine- Certified in Emerging Leadership Skills, Indian School of Business (ISB)- Certified in Coaching Expertise, Results Coaching Systems UK- Member, WMPP (Woman Movement for Peace and Prosperity)- Core Member, Good People Foundation (GoodPeople.Org.In)
As a sought-after consultant and mentor, Shobha leverages her industry expertise and entrepreneurial acumen to drive innovation, foster talent, and mentor the next generation of media professionals. Click here to contact Shobha
Shobha's remarkable career spans influential roles at media powerhouses, including The Times of India Group, where she played a pivotal role in transforming the organization into a modern, multimedia news delivery platform. Her entrepreneurial ventures & innovations include: - Midnight Media Solutions: CEO- Backwaters Chechie: Founder- Yellow Umbrella: Unisex Salon- Swayamvaram World: Wedding Planning Company - Author, Aahaaram Sadhya: A Definitive Guide to Authentic Kerala Cuisine- Certified in Emerging Leadership Skills, Indian School of Business (ISB)- Certified in Coaching Expertise, Results Coaching Systems UK- Member, WMPP (Woman Movement for Peace and Prosperity)- Core Member, Good People Foundation (GoodPeople.Org.In)
As a sought-after consultant and mentor, Shobha leverages her industry expertise and entrepreneurial acumen to drive innovation, foster talent, and mentor the next generation of media professionals. Click here to contact Shobha
MAJOR ABHINAY DOGRA
Veteran, Entrepreneur, Writer
Major Abhinay Dogra is an ex armed forces officer who has served in the Indian army in the special forces and infantry division of the Indian Army, equivalent to the Special Forces and Marine Corps of the United States. He has served in an anti-terrorism role in the volatile Jammu and Kashmir region and the Far East states of Assam and Arunachal bordering China. He has served in the same Battalion as Capt Vinod Nair albeit in a different era and period.
A corporate manager and entrepreneur he has worked in multiple domains to manage Sales, Marketing, Operations and Administration and has a concise understanding of the corporate world as it functions within the myriad and labyrinth of archaic corporate /government rules and mode of governance within the country.
Also a writer now and an avid and enthusiastic sportsman , he writes on various topics especially related to military and geopolitics to include all issues of national and international interest to cover current affairs , conflict , tactics and strategy as employed in peace and war .
With his experience he would like to contribute in terms of sharing his work, thoughts and ideas and also learning from the extensive experience privileged panelists and hosts bring to the forum.
Visit Abhinay's blog
Tulip Joshi
Artist, Yogi, Vedic Consultant
Athlete, successful actor, yogi, vedic consultant and astrologer are a few of the titles Tulip Joshi has gathered during the course of her life.
Born to multi cultural parents (Indian father and Armenian Mother), Tulip excelled in sports in her childhood. She began modelling towards the end of her teens, brief but stellar career which included some of the world's best brands.
As an actor, Tulip has played the female lead in 17 movies and a TV show.
Through all this, she pursued her passion studying Vedic Astrology and Vedic lifestyle for well over a decade before launching herself as a Vedic Astrologer and Vedic Lifestyle Consultant.
She was diagnosed with ADHD, her gift, that allows her to excel in multiple fields
Tulip is also a brilliant artist who creates and exhibits art. She defies traditional categorizations, encourages, inspires people to embrace their unique path and taste true freedom!
Know more about Tulip