Beyond Efficiency: AI & the Human Element in Life Sciences
AI is changing far more than how efficiently we work. It is reshaping how we think, lead, make decisions, develop talent, and navigate change.
This discussion looks beyond productivity to explore the broader impact of AI on Life Sciences, from leadership and human judgment to workforce transformation, creativity, trust, and the relationships that remain at the heart of the industry.
Agenda:
• 7:30: Arrival and networking
• 8:00: Welcome and introductions
• 8:15: Main presentation
• 9:00: Q&A and group discussion
• 9:15: Closing
Moderator
Frank Fascinato: President & Founder of Treviso Consulting
Frank Fascinato is the President & Founder of Treviso Consulting, bringing more than 20 years of experience in the pharmaceutical sector across sales, training, marketing, commercial operations, and senior leadership. Known for his high-energy, authentic approach, Frank helps organizations and individuals unlock their potential through practical, insight-driven consulting, facilitation, and capability development.
Throughout his career, Frank has led complex commercial transformations, shaped strategy, driven innovation, and helped bring new capabilities from concept through implementation at scale. Today, he continues to champion innovation, develop the next generation of pharmaceutical leaders, and turn complex business challenges into clear, actionable solutions that drive performance and sustainable growth.
Speakers
Sylvie Trudeau: Healthcare Executive & Strategic Advisor
Sylvie Trudeau is an accomplished healthcare executive with more than 30 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry, including senior leadership roles in Sales and Marketing across respiratory, cardiovascular and diabetes. She has led national and regional organizations, launched 20+ products and built high-performing teams through significant periods of change and transformation.
A passionate and collaborative leader, Sylvie has always been driven by curiosity, innovation and finding new ways to move the business forward. Throughout her career, she has embraced new ways of working, rethinking customer engagement and commercial approaches.
Today, she brings that same curiosity to AI, exploring how it can help leaders and teams work smarter, make better decisions and create greater impact - without losing the human side of leadership.
Nabil Vasrani: AI & Digital HR Leader — Deloitte Canada
Nabil Vasrani leads Deloitte's Human Capital AI Advisory practice for the Life Sciences & Health industry and is leading one of Canada's largest Healthcare transformations. He has experience delivering transformational projects with over 15 years of combined industry and consulting experience. Nabil has worked with Canadian and International HR Leaders on their HR transformation journeys - focused on executive socialization, business case development, AI strategy, automating business processes, operating model design and the implementation of HR technologies.
Lisa Brookman: Psychotherapist and Co-Founder of the West Island Therapy and Wellness Centre
Lisa Brookman, MSW, PSW, is a psychotherapist, entrepreneur, speaker, and co-founder of the West Island Therapy and Wellness Centre. Since co-founding the Centre in 2001, Lisa has helped grow it into a thriving multidisciplinary practice dedicated to supporting the emotional well-being of individuals, couples, and families.
As a psychotherapist, Lisa believes that everyone deserves to feel seen, heard, valued, and supported. Through her clinical work, leadership, workshops, and wellness initiatives, she creates nurturing spaces where people can reconnect with themselves, strengthen their self-worth, and feel empowered to move forward with greater confidence and self-compassion.
Known for her warmth, authenticity, and creative approach, Lisa is passionate about building meaningful connections and helping people recognize their own strength, even during life’s most challenging and uncertain moments.
About the Hosts
Céline Chabée: Partner, Pender & Howe
Céline Chabée is a Partner at Pender & Howe with more than twenty years of experience in the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors and an extensive global network. She advises Biotech, MedTech, and AI Health organizations on executive search strategies, drawing on her European background and deep understanding of North American business culture to help European companies recruit executive talent for their North American operations. A pharmacist by training and a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) with more than 900 hours of coaching experience, Céline brings a thoughtful, evidence-based approach to supporting clients and candidates alike.
Tania Balassanian: Director, Executive Search, Pender & Howe
Tania Balassanian is Director, Executive Search at Pender & Howe. Tania has been working in Life Sciences recruitment since 2012. Throughout this time, she has built a reputation for her deep industry understanding, genuine care for people, and commitment to meaningful, long-term partnerships. Whether advising a global pharmaceutical company or supporting early-career scientists, she brings empathy, clarity, and energy to every interaction and is always striving to create opportunities that inspire both individuals and organizations.
Pender & Howe is a human capital advisory firm specializing in executive search and benefits plans, delivering tailored expertise to every leadership mandate across Canada and the US. We pair the agility of a smaller firm with deep sector knowledge and a data-driven approach. We treat every search as a true partnership, grounded in integrity, curiosity, and genuine care.
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.