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Exclusive Event

Leaders in Design: Shaping the Future of Design

We hosted a forward-looking conversation in Toronto with senior design and innovation leaders.

  • BrainStation Toronto
  • Event Recap
  • Aug 13, 2025
View Photo Gallery
  • Renee Racine-Kinnear

    Renee Racine-Kinnear

    Head of Design

    RBC
  • Will Maclvor

    Will Maclvor

    Head of Design

    Kijiji
  • Tania Makroo

    Tania Makroo

    Partner & Platform Design Leader

    Salesforce

In Toronto, design leaders from RBC, Kijiji, and Salesforce shared insights on the evolving role of design, the impact of AI on creativity and decision-making, and strategies for building cohesive experiences across platforms. Renée Racine-Kinnear, William MacIvor, and Tania Makroo offered candid perspectives on how technology is reshaping the future of design leadership and customer experience.

  • Renee Racine-Kinnear

    Renee Racine-Kinnear

    Head of Design

    Renée Racine‑Kinnear is Head of Design at RBC, leading experience strategy and UX design initiatives that shape seamless customer journeys. With over 15 years in UX and CX, Renée is known for user‑centered design methods, from journey mapping to persona‑driven strategy.

  • Will Maclvor

    Will Maclvor

    Head of Design

    William MacIvor brings a rare interdisciplinary background to Kijiji, with degrees in architecture and physics, and over a decade of leadership in product and design. At Kijiji, he leads experience strategy, applying systems thinking and research-driven processes.

  • Tania Makroo

    Tania Makroo

    Partner & Platform Design Leader

    Tania Makroo leads Partner & Platform Design at Salesforce, where she shapes user-centric design strategies that elevate the partner ecosystem and platform experiences. With a deep focus on collaboration, systems thinking, and scalable design solutions, she’s committed to building intuitive experiences that drive impact at scale.

More Upcoming Events

Aug 17

Demo Event TO

How Product Managers Can Use Claude as a Second Brain

Product leadership isn't about managing tools; it's about managing cognitive overload. In this expert-led demo event, join Jose Platero, Director of Digital Product, Design & Martech, to explore how senior leaders use AI to navigate a constant stream of competing inputs.

  • 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM EDT
  • 482 Front St W, 2nd Floor, Toronto, ON
  • $55
Jose Platero

Jose Platero

Director, Digital Product & Design

Discussion Topics:

  • Finding Cognitive Clarity Under Pressure
  • Claude as a Decision-Making Partner
  • Building a Practical, Repeatable System
Aug 17
Demo Event TO How Product Managers Can Use Claude as a Second Brain

Product leadership isn't about managing tools; it's about managing cognitive overload. In this expert-led demo event, join Jose Platero, Director of Digital Product, Design & Martech, to explore how senior leaders use AI to navigate a constant stream of competing inputs.

  • 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM EDT
  • 482 Front St W, 2nd Floor, Toronto, ON
  • $55
Jose Platero

Jose Platero

Director, Digital Product & Design

Discussion Topics:

  • Finding Cognitive Clarity Under Pressure
  • Claude as a Decision-Making Partner
  • Building a Practical, Repeatable System
View Event
Aug 19

Marketing Evenings TO

Building Shake Shack Canada

From day one, Shake Shack Canada focused on understanding the local market. This session explores how messaging, tone, and positioning were adapted to resonate with Canadian consumers while staying true to the global Shake Shack brand.

  • 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM EDT
  • 482 Front St W, 2nd Floor, Toronto, ON
  • $35
  • Billy Richmond
  • Jane Phillips

Discussion Topics:

  • Localizing a Global Brand
  • Community-Led Growth and Partnerships
  • Scaling Across Canada
Aug 19
Marketing Evenings TO Building Shake Shack Canada

From day one, Shake Shack Canada focused on understanding the local market. This session explores how messaging, tone, and positioning were adapted to resonate with Canadian consumers while staying true to the global Shake Shack brand.

  • 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM EDT
  • 482 Front St W, 2nd Floor, Toronto, ON
  • $35
  • Billy Richmond
  • Jane Phillips

Discussion Topics:

  • Localizing a Global Brand
  • Community-Led Growth and Partnerships
  • Scaling Across Canada
View Event
Aug 26

Design Evenings TO

How Float Rebuilt Their Design Process Without Figma

Join us for an evening with Greg Rogers, Head of Design at Float, as he explores how a high-growth company reimagined its entire design workflow.

  • 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM EDT
  • 482 Front St W, 2nd Floor, Toronto, ON
  • $35
Greg Rogers

Greg Rogers

Head of Design

Discussion Topics:

  • The Ideation and Build
  • Navigating the Transition and Adoption
  • Surf in Action: A Live Demo
Aug 26
Design Evenings TO How Float Rebuilt Their Design Process Without Figma

Join us for an evening with Greg Rogers, Head of Design at Float, as he explores how a high-growth company reimagined its entire design workflow.

  • 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM EDT
  • 482 Front St W, 2nd Floor, Toronto, ON
  • $35
Greg Rogers

Greg Rogers

Head of Design

Discussion Topics:

  • The Ideation and Build
  • Navigating the Transition and Adoption
  • Surf in Action: A Live Demo
View Event
View All Events