The Power of Pods

Preparation is everything

When change is rapid, adaptability is essential. Luckily, we prepare our FDM Consultants for today’s evolving tech landscape with our innovative upskilling approach.

Join your hosts Rod and Sheila Flavell, CEO and COO of FDM, as we showcase how we can equip your business with the talent to tackle complex challenges:

Observe the power of our Agile Pods model in action with a live demonstration of FDM’s IDB Pod.
Engage with subject matter experts—including speakers from FDM’s client base—in an industry-leading panel discussion on the importance of upskilling.
Connect with industry peers and expand your professional network.

Made possible with Pods

Committed to continuous upskilling, the FDM Pods model equips our consultants with the skills and capabilities you need to stay ahead.

Experience Pods in person

Agenda

Engage with thought leaders, observe our FDM Pods in action, celebrate diversity and inclusion, and network with industry peers at our business-boosting event.

3pm – 3:30pm: Check-in and networking

Arrive early to connect with industry peers and expand your professional network.

3:30pm – 3:45pm: Welcome and introduction

Meet your hosts, Rod and Sheila Flavell, as we begin a session that will showcase the importance of upskilling.

3:45pm – 4:30pm: Panel discussion

Industry leaders tackle the topic of Upskilling in the Era of Rapidly Emerging Technologies.

4:30pm – 4:45pm: Audience Q&A session

Engage with the panelists on key topics.

4:45pm – 5pm: Break and refreshments

Use this short interval to enjoy the complimentary refreshments on offer.

5pm – 5:30pm: FDM Pod demonstration

A live demonstration of FDM’s IDB Pod, showcasing the Scrum process, collaboration techniques, and adaptability.

5:30pm – 5:35pm: Closing remarks

Final remarks to summarize the event and explore partnership opportunities.

5:35pm – 6:30pm: Drinks reception and networking

Continue the conversation over complimentary refreshments and connect with your hosts, panelists, and attendees in a relaxed, social setting.

Meet your hosts

Rod Flavell

Chief Executive Officer, FDM Group

Rod Flavell

Chief Executive Officer, FDM Group

Sheila Flavell CBE

Chief Operating Officer, FDM Group

Sheila Flavell CBE

Chief Operating Officer, FDM Group

Meet your panelists

Susan Welstead

Associate VP of Technology Services – Infrastructure Delivery & Engineering, IGM Financial

Susan Welstead

Associate VP of Technology Services – Infrastructure Delivery & Engineering, IGM Financial

Susan Welstead is a highly motivated and results-driven technology leader with over 20 years of experience leading change across IT, Operations, Security, and Risk in industries like financial services, tech, and manufacturing. As AVP of Technology Services at IGM Financial, she heads the Technology Tools & Services group, helping business deliver impactful, tech-forward solutions. She’s passionate about continuous learning, innovation, and building inclusive, high-performing teams.

Richard Linton

VP of Cloud & Infrastructure Engineering, Canadian Tire Corporation

Richard Linton

VP of Cloud & Infrastructure Engineering, Canadian Tire Corporation

Richard Linton is VP of Cloud & Infrastructure Engineering at Canadian Tire Corporation, where he leads cloud strategy and engineering. With a background in large-scale cloud adoption and DevOps from his time at TD Bank, Richard focuses on making platforms more secure, efficient, and aligned with business goals. He works closely with teams to modernize tools and processes while balancing risk and value.

Luke Shannon

Director of Developer Platforms and DevOps Centre of Excellence, Intact Financial Corporation

Luke Shannon

Director of Developer Platforms and DevOps Centre of Excellence, Intact Financial Corporation

Luke Shannon is Director of Developer Platforms at Intact, where he helps build tools that make software development faster and more efficient. His career has included roles at Jaspersoft, VMware, and Pivotal, and he co-founded a developer-focused startup acquired by Red Hat. Luke brings a strong focus on open-source communities, developer enablement, and scaling innovation through great platforms.

Paul Chellingworth

Managing Director: Head – Global Credit; Corporate and Institutional Lending Technology, Royal Bank of Canada

Paul Chellingworth

Managing Director: Head – Global Credit; Corporate and Institutional Lending Technology, Royal Bank of Canada

Paul is an experienced Capital Markets Technology executive with 18+ years of expertise driving large scale program delivery and leading cross-functional teams across the Capital Markets domain. Paul is passionate about harnessing technological advancements to reshape and elevate the banking sector.

Our Pods make you future proof

Upskilling in the Era of Rapidly
Emerging Technologies

Preparation is everything

Made possible with Pods

Agenda

3pm – 3:30pm: Check-in and networking

3:30pm – 3:45pm: Welcome and introduction

3:45pm – 4:30pm: Panel discussion

4:30pm – 4:45pm: Audience Q&A session

4:45pm – 5pm: Break and refreshments

5pm – 5:30pm: FDM Pod demonstration

5:30pm – 5:35pm: Closing remarks

5:35pm – 6:30pm: Drinks reception and networking

Meet your hosts

Rod Flavell

Rod Flavell

Sheila Flavell CBE

Sheila Flavell CBE

Meet your panelists

Susan Welstead

Susan Welstead

Richard Linton

Richard Linton

Luke Shannon

Luke Shannon

Paul Chellingworth

Paul Chellingworth

Our Pods make you future proof

Past events

FDM alumni come together for professional development event

FDM hosts RRC roundtable event for alumni

Find out how we helped a major coffee chain cut contractor costs by 35%

The next generation of everyday pioneers