Jo-Ann Conrod

I remember the good old days of watching Dick Clark’s American Bandstand in my hometown. It was always a mid-Saturday afternoon ritual on the ABC television network.

American Bandstand featured unruly teenagers dancing and be-bopping to the beat of America’s Top 40. Adjacent to the props, television cameras and risers, I would fantasize about being one of those backstage go-go dancers decked in her thigh-high boots; shaking and strutting her bootie on stage in a ‘father-forbid’ miniskirt.

While I never landed my fantasy dream job at NYC’s Whiskey a Go Go, I used my creativity and passion for stage and television into telling a good story. I specialized in Media by graduating in Journalism and Public Relations.

My skillful ability to fact-find, gain trust, cultivate lasting relationships, and pen an unbiased piece, garnered accolades. I interviewed athletes, celebrities, politicians, and rock stars; and had the opportunity to sit on volunteer boards. Life’s choices and relocations led me to a passel of complementary yet contrastive positions.

I sold designer fashions, photocopiers, RESPs and oceanfront properties. I fundraised and increased a non-profit's revenue by 127% in a year because I cared and followed up. I owned a specialty coffee franchise and became the #1 corporate caterer by pounding the pavement with my own brand of take out menu.

Today, I manage the administrative and business operations activities of a select group of Deloitte Partners in T&T and SR&T (don't you just love acronyms?), including market offering categories such as OperateNext, Health, Consumer, Marketing & Engagement as a Service, Financial Crime Analytics, Forensic and Investigating Accounting, Restructuring Services, Government and Public Services, and M&A Advisory.

I have been consistently recognized at the national level for my vision, inspiration, and commitment to Deloitte Canada; and in 2021 as Founder & Champion of Deloitte’s first, inaugural National Executive Services Conference. In addition to my proven track record of leadership initiatives, volunteerism, and mentorship, I am an insatiable advocate in the sector of mental health and well-being in the workplace and a proud DE&I Ambassador.

And while my teenage dreams of becoming a go-go dancer naturally faded with wisdom, I wouldn’t change my current career for all the tea in China.