Rose Adams (Toronto Chapter)

Who Am I

I’m a wife (patient husband), Step-Mother (two sons), advocate (former Lawyer for 20 years), Keynote Speaker (Resiliency), Manic Renovator (constant construction), enigma (social extrovert who is self-conscious and loves spending time alone). My favourite pursuit is helping others.

Why am I running for the CAPS National Board of Directors?

It would be an honour serving on the CAPS National Board. I will approach my role from numerous perspectives: advocate – for membership; inclusive – as a black female trauma survivor; law – ensuring adherence to rules & regulations; skilled analysis – for educated decision-making; and Mediator – creative and solution-focused.

I have served 6 years on Chapter Leadership: 2 as Toronto President and 4 as Programming Chair. Newest “host” of Academy Cohort (Stagecraft). Committed to the success of the Association and its members by helping members elevate their CAPS experience and increase membership to ensure a strong and viable future.

What qualifies me to be a CAPS Board Member

I was appointed by the Ontario Lieutenant Governor in Council to the Board of Governors for Laurentian University for two terms. Sat on numerous Local and Provincial Boards (including Big Brothers, Simcoe County Literacy, Osgoode Legal & Literary, and a theatre company), bringing 15 years of experience covering a variety of interests. Eager to contribute wherever our Board would benefit most.

Watch a video message from Rose

Sara Gilbert (Québec Chapter)

Who Am I

As one of the few Canadian coaches invited to join the Forbes Coaches Council and a member of the Harvard Business Review Advisory Council, my mission is clear: to help entrepreneurs and leaders think, speak, and act differently so they can make a meaningful difference in the world, in their own unique way. My skills in business strategy, mindset coaching, and my passion for elevating others position me to bring significant value to the CAPS National Board of Directors.

Why am I running for the CAPS National Board of Directors?

My interest in joining the CAPS National Board of Directors is driven by a deep desire to contribute to the growth, reputation, and awareness of CAPS. I believe CAPS is an underappreciated treasure and an invaluable resource for speakers and trainers. If elected, I aim to support the growth of our members’ businesses in a simple, effective way. By helping more speakers and trainers solidify their business strategies and foundations, we create more space for them to focus on what they do best—speaking. I’m passionate about supporting professionals in both French and English across in-person and virtual formats, not just within Canada but globally. My peers can expect my contribution to be one of strategic growth, focused on elevating CAPS as a leading force in our industry.

What qualifies me to be a CAPS Board Member

I have always been committed to causes that foster growth and collaboration. Currently, I lead the ‘public speakers’ community’ within the Forbes Coaches Council, where our group was recognized as “the most valuable group” within my first month. My core value is generosity; I believe in the power of sharing and togetherness. This mindset drives my work and is central to how I would approach my role on the CAPS board. My experience in leadership roles and my deep understanding of the speaking business would allow me to contribute meaningfully, ensuring that we continue to build a supportive, thriving community.

CAPS – Challenges and Opportunities

One of the greatest challenges I see for CAPS is that the association is underrepresented. Many speakers I know don’t fully understand the value of joining or contributing to CAPS. I believe we have an incredible opportunity to reframe the association’s image and communicate its immense value more effectively to attract and retain members who will benefit from what CAPS has to offer.

Watch a video message from Sara

Barb Stuhlemmer (Toronto Chapter)

Who Am I

Hi, I’m Barb Stuhlemmer, MBA and CAPS member of 8 years. I started out in technology, developing, training, and managing laboratories, technical departments, and customer support. I’m a systems girl. I have worked in numerous industries, including medical device manufacturing, software development, waste transfer, service, and higher education.

As a business owner since 2004, and change strategist, my company, BLITZ Business Success, has focused on speaking to and supporting small businesses with my exit readiness process, evaluation, strategy, and training.
As a daughter, family member, friend, and employee of many small business owners, I feel like I have been in and around small businesses all my life. The people who run small businesses, like our CAPS members, are my passion.

Why am I running for the CAPS National Board of Directors?

Why do I believe these board roles are important? Because CAPS ensures speakers who are small business owners are successful. Seeing small businesses thrive is my purpose.

There are so many things for a speaker to know. How to present, who to reach out to, where to market, speaking skills, technology, timing, support systems, entrepreneurship, etc. Having an association that is focused on ensuring its members are successful is critical. But, an association cannot run without the support of its members as volunteers. I believe in the value of this association, and I want to be a part of ensuring CAPS continues to support our members, all of you, to deliver excellence, reach your goals, and create jobs that support your families & communities.

What qualifies me to be a CAPS Board Member

I’ve been on several boards, including different associations, college schools, and private corporations. I’ve held several positions as an advisor, president, co-chair, and chair.

I was on the CAPS Toronto chapter board for 7 years, helping in different capacities, including marketing, secretary, president, and past president. One of my passion projects was starting a volunteer committee to help bring in more support for the chapter. Through this program, we increased our volunteerism by adding more than 10 extra people in 2019 to help out on smaller projects, like managing the guest check-in, sharing good news, room set-up, & newsletter prep, etc.

This past year, I was not on the Toronto board; instead, I stepped up to help relaunch and run the CAPS Academy Business Starter Track.

CAPS – Challenges and Opportunities

Many speakers do not know about the value of CAPS, and some do not know about it at all. I believe one of the biggest opportunities our association has is to reach those speakers that are currently not CAPS members. Recently I met a Canadian speaker that had joined NSA because they did not know there was support closer to home.

One of the challenges of associations is ensuring there are volunteers to help run and manage all the moving parts so that all our member’s experience is exceptional. I’ve been fortunate to have experienced many of these amazing support systems over the years, but not every year has all the same support at the same level. I’d like to see all our volunteers receive the assistance they need so they can enjoy their roles and their membership.

Watch a video message from Barb