Meet our Business Real Talk Panel

Arron Neal is a Montreal-based communications strategist, writer, and speaker who helps bridge mission, strategy, and real-world decision-making.

With more than two decades of experience as an agency leader, in-house practitioner, and independent consultant, Arron partners with social-impact–driven organizations to translate big ideas into clear narratives and actionable strategy.

In addition to her consulting work, Arron is an opinion columnist for the Montreal Gazette, where she explores how policy, power, and systems shape everyday life. She also writes a newsletter that examines these issues through the lens of work, family, and public life.

As a speaker and moderator, Arron guides thoughtful, grounded conversations informed by a cross-border perspective shaped by lived experience in Montreal, Los Angeles, New York, and Washington, D.C.

Nivatha Balendra is the CEO and Founder of Dispersa, a CleanTech startup that has developed the world’s first waste-derived surfactants — a natural alternative to one of the main ingredients found in everyday products such as soaps, detergents, and cleaners. With over $14M in funding secured and growing commercial interest, Dispersa is a leading startup in the CleanTech sector on a mission to make circular surfactants mainstream.

Nivatha’s dedication to environmental sustainability began at the age of 17 with a science fair project. Her research led to the creation of her startup in 2019. Coupled with her personal experience as a cancer survivor, Nivatha’s drive to make a positive societal impact through innovation fuels her passion to expand Dispersa’s reach. She was recognized as one of Forbes’ 30 Under 30 for 2025, received the Governor General’s Innovation Award, the World Economic Forum’s Young Scientists Prize, and was chosen as one of six founders for the Canadian Government’s inaugural Women in CleanTech Challenge.

Lea Hein is a purpose-driven environmental strategist who works at the intersection of environmental protection, funding, and storytelling. A sailor at heart, she spent her childhood at sea — crossing four oceans and visiting 40 countries before the age of 18. This global upbringing shaped her profound respect for nature, her resilience, and her conviction that protecting what is fragile requires both care and decisive action.

In her professional life, Lea channels that spirit into helping climate innovators, communities, and organizations bring impactful ideas to life. Her background spans climate tech investing and her current work supporting environmental initiatives through the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation (Canada). At EY, she leads EY Ripples initiatives in Montreal, mobilizing skills-based volunteering and corporate action toward environmental and social progress.

At the core of her work is the belief that advancing the climate agenda requires creativity, collaboration, and strong narratives. Through funding support, strategic storytelling, and advisory work, she helps organizations ensure their impact is not just achieved — but seen, valued, and amplified.

A dancer, artist, and traveler, Lea is a bridge-builder between people, capital, and nature. Her mission is to reconnect humans with the living world and make environmental action feel accessible, human, and deeply meaningful.

Natasha is the co-founder of Recycla, a purpose-led enterprise operating at the intersection of the circular economy, education, and business innovation. Born in Brazil, Natasha holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Concordia University and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Management and Sustainable Development at HEC Montréal.

She previously founded Mind the Eco, an online sustainability education initiative, and served as Concordia University’s first sustainability engagement coordinator. She was also a nominee for the UNESCO 14th Youth Forum.

Christopher Magnone is a serial entrepreneur and consumer-goods innovator with a proven track record of founding and scaling multiple eight-figure businesses. He is the Co-Founder and CEO of Temple Lifestyle Brands, the leading Canadian wellness platform behind Thirsty Buddha® — the country’s #1 organic coconut water — and Rise® Kombucha, Canada’s top kombucha brand.

Recognized for his impact and leadership, Chris has been honored as an EY Entrepreneur of the Year and named to Canadian Grocer’s Generation Next, highlighting the next wave of leaders shaping the future of food and beverage in Canada.

A lifelong competitor, Chris earned a scholarship to play NCAA Division I tennis at Georgia State University, where he helped win a conference championship, earned All-American honors, and made the Dean’s List. He brings that same discipline and intensity to building purpose-driven brands and to his personal life as a proud father of two and a four-time Half Ironman finisher.

Sabrina Silvestri is a brand and marketing leader in the Canadian food and beverage industry, managing beverage giants like Thirsty Buddha Coconut Water and Rise Kombucha. She also works as an Entrepreneurship Program Coach and Developer at Miss Edgar’s and Miss Cramp’s School (ECS). She works closely with emerging and established brands to build purpose-driven businesses and helps students turn ideas into meaningful ventures by blending real-world entrepreneurship with creativity, resilience, and impact.

About our Business Real Talk Series

Ready to cut through the noise and get to the heart of being a founder? Business Real Talk is a new series featuring honest, practical conversations with industry experts and successful entrepreneurs who’ve been there. Just real-world insights, local connections, and tested strategies to help you tackle the challenges of your entrepreneurial journey. It’s time to stop guessing and start making decisions that move your business forward.

Mission to Market — Turning Purpose into Profit

Mission to Market — Turning Purpose into Profit is a Business Real Talk event designed for entrepreneurs and founders who want to scale purpose-driven businesses while staying profitable.

In today’s landscape, sustainability in business isn’t a trend — it’s a business advantage that customers, retailers, and investors increasingly expect.

But how do you build a purpose-driven company that actually scales and stays profitable?

Join us for our next Business Real Talk event focused on one big question: How do you turn purpose into real business growth?

Check out our other Entrepreneurship workshops and events by browsing through our Entrepreneurship Calendar.