YYC Data Advisory Board

Tara McLaughlin is an out-of-the-box thinker with the awards to prove it. She has spent more than two decades using her natural talent for entrepreneurship helping organizations around the world to establish and fight for their unique place in the market.

As CEO and co-founder of Paper Crane, Tara leads a team of branding innovators dedicated to creating results-driven campaigns and attention-holding brands. When she’s not grinding away at the office, you can find Tara leading the board of directors for Google for Entrepreneurs’ backed Startup Grind Calgary and mentoring up-and-coming startups. Tara’s philosophy of work-life freedom is best exemplified by her constant work companion, Remi and her frequent workaway trips out of the country with her team.

Guru Singh is an entrepreneur and business owner in the food and hospitality sector. Based out of Calgary, he has years of experience in the food and hospitality industry as an entrepreneur and investor in start-ups in various segments of the food industry.He has developed expertise in food catering models, food market data and insights, event platform, sustainable food packaging and international logistics.

As an immigrant himself to Canada around 20 years ago, Guru Singh takes an active interest in advising new entrepreneurs in their business pursuits. He is passionate about travelling, connecting and learning from others with his work taking him around the world including Europe, Middle East and Southeast Asia.

Harish Consul is the Founder & CEO of Ocgrow Ventures, which is widely recognized as one of Canada’s leading private venture capital funds, with global tech focus. Mr. Consul has spent his entire career as an entrepreneur, in scaling & investing in highly successful exponential growth businesses around the globe, with over 35 years of experience.

Ocgrow Ventures has been a leading early investor in several world class companies to date, including Amazon, Shopify, Coupang, Viome, Garuda &numerous others. Mr. Consul is an innovator, thought leader and creator, widely recognized for his visionary leadership & investment knowledge, always focused to build and inspire high energy teams around the world. He is an active Board and Advisory Board member of several exponential growth tech Unicorn companies.

Mr. Consul is a highly acclaimed keynote speaker at many investment and tech conferences from London, Abu Dhabi, New Delhi & around the globe. His visionary speeches to sold out audiences range from How to Build a TechUnicorn, Health & Longevity, to Global Venture Investing. Areas of expertise include latest global trends in Digital Innovation, FinTech, Generative AI & HealthTechnology.

Ryan Townend embodies the grit and determination of entrepreneurial life. Initially pursuing a medical career, he studied under Benedictine monks at St. Peter’s College in Muenster, SK, before pivoting to business and earning a degree from the College of Commerce. His passion for marketing soon revealed itself, blending strategy and creativity in a way that suited his entrepreneurial spirit. Ryan’s early career spanned roles in non-profit and media sectors, where he gained valuable insights into maximizing impact with limited resources. These experiences helped him develop a deep understanding of how to connect businesses with their audiences effectively. In 2002, Ryan founded William Joseph Communications, now WJ Agency, a strategic marketing firm. Over two decades, the agency has grown into a powerhouse, guided by Ryan’s leadership, vision, and passion for helping businesses thrive. As CEO, Ryan manages key relationships, provides strategic direction, and shares industry insights, including his monthly Global TV segments and hosting "Ryan’s Roundup" networking events. In his downtime, he enjoys traveling, motorcycling, fitness, and spending time with family and his dogs—always living life with authenticity, integrity, and a hearty sense of humor.

Shawna Presland is a highly skilled event manager with over 15 years of experience organizing a wide range of events, from intimate weddings to large-scale trade shows like ConvergX. As the General Manager of 1600 World Bier Haus, she expertly coordinates events for 50 to 2,000 attendees, showcasing her keen attention to detail. Shawna's passion lies in transforming client visions into unforgettable experiences across various sectors, including sports, technology, and hospitality. Renowned for her proactive problem-solving and empathetic approach, she consistently delivers personalized elements that leave a lasting impact.