Brantford became the center of conversation on aging, leadership, and workplace innovation on January 22, 2025, as Rosie’s Roadshow Leadership Labs hosted its first event of the year.
Co-hosted by Cassandra Angus, Founder and CEO of Home Transition Specialists Inc., the event gathered community leaders, changemakers, and professionals to address the challenges and opportunities of an aging workforce and explore strategies for fostering inclusive and adaptive workplaces.
Cassandra Angus, a champion for empowering older adults and caregivers, emphasized the need for proactive planning and community support.
Her organization, Home Transition Specialists Inc., focuses on providing resources and education to ensure that aging is met with dignity and independence.
Speaking about the event’s goals, she stressed, “Aging needs to be planned. Without a plan, things go awry. We want people to take a proactive approach, whether in their workplaces, families, or personal lives.”
Through interactive workshops and discussions, attendees tackled issues such as intergenerational workforce dynamics, caregiving responsibilities, and the economic implications of longer careers.
Cassandra Angus highlighted Brantford’s status as an age-friendly community recognized by the World Health Organization, underscoring the city’s robust support systems for aging populations.
Rosie’s Roadshow Co-CEO Zoe Share, who founded the initiative in 2023, explained the motivation behind the series and its focus on equipping businesses and communities for the demographic shifts ahead.
“Soon, one in four Canadians will be 65 or older, which will create a massive economic and lifestyle shift,” Share noted.
“We want workplaces and individuals to be prepared for the challenges of an aging population, including employee caregiving and workforce engagement.”
The event’s workshops encouraged participants to share insights and develop actionable solutions.
Share highlighted the importance of knowledge equity, ensuring that diverse voices and experiences are valued in shaping a future that embraces aging as an opportunity.
“Tonight’s goal is to help people understand what’s coming and encourage curiosity about what others in their workplaces or lives might be experiencing. We want people to walk away thinking, ‘I can be part of the solution,’” Share said.
Since its inception, Rosie’s Roadshow has grown significantly, hosting 14 events in 2024 and launching an ambitious calendar for 2025, with 12 leadership labs planned across Southern Ontario and two flagship events focused on aging and life transitions.
The next Rosie’s Roadshow Leadership Lab in Brantford is scheduled for June, continuing the mission of preparing communities to embrace aging with foresight, compassion, and innovation.
