MEET CHALLENGES FROM A PLACE OF CLARITY
Upcoming Events
Join me on these legendary monthly SideQuests to enhance your leadership skills.
What is a Sidequest?
Traditional networking events often carry high stakes, elevator-pitch anxiety, and a transaction-first mentality. SideQuests are designed to flip this dynamic completely. By framing networking around the nostalgic concept of "co-op gameplay" and "side quests," we strip away the corporate stuffiness and foster genuine human relationships.
Quick Find
Quickly go to an event by title or month.
MONDAY, 21 SEPTEMBER 2026
Fall SideQuest
Build Your Party
You have a quest ahead of you. The question is whether you have the right party to complete it.
When organizations grow, leaders often look for people who think like them, work like them, or bring more of the strengths they already value. The result can be a group of capable people who still leave important gaps uncovered. Because you probably do not need another you.
You may need someone who sees what you miss, builds what you imagine, strengthens what you started, or brings a completely different kind of expertise to the party.
At this SideQuest, business owners, organizational leaders, nonprofit leaders, and people managers will explore how to build a stronger team around the work ahead.
Together, we will consider:
What your organization is trying to accomplish next
What your current party already does well
Which capabilities or perspectives may be missing
How to recruit for the quest ahead instead of simply replacing the person who left
Your Evening's Quest
During the featured Guild Hall experience, you will:
Name the Quest Identify what your organization needs to accomplish over the next 6 to 12 months.
Inventory Your Party Consider the strengths already around you and where responsibilities, capabilities, or perspectives may be missing.
Find the Missing Character Define what your next party member needs to contribute before deciding whom or how to recruit.
Visit the Adventure Board Share a challenge, discover potential connections, and meet people who may have knowledge, experience, or introductions that can help.
You will leave with a clearer understanding of who may be missing from your party and a more intentional way to approach your next hire, partnership, or collaboration.
Edmonton location to be announced
- 5:00 - 7:30 PM
- Refreshments included
- $40
registration opens soon!
Heroes Academy
Forge Your Leadership. Empower Your Team. Grow Your Business.
Feeling overwhelmed running your business? Struggling to hire the right people, set expectations, or have tough conversations? You’re not alone and that’s exactly why I created the Heroes Academy.
Direct coaching from an experienced HR & leadership expert
Proven strategies to grow & manage your team
Master hiring, delegation, and team building in just 8 weeks
Live, interactive coaching. You will have the opportunity to ask questions, work through scenarios, and learn how to approach common leadership situations with more clarity and confidence.
Learn real-world strategies you can implement immediately
Limited spots available—secure yours today!
A six-month workshop for business owners and leaders. Starts November 19, 2026
Be the first to know about new Sidequests
This is NOT another boring leadership course. It’s an interactive, hands-on experience where you’ll actually build the skills you need to lead effectively.
Past SideQuests
Summer SideQuest
Networking Event - August 18, 2026
Stay Tuned for Photos and Videos from the event!
Meet your host
Thomas Stenson
Teacher - Speaker - HR Professional
With more than 14 years of experience across human resources, leadership, healthcare, retail, nonprofit, and small business environments, Thomas brings a practical, people-centred approach to HR. His work includes employee relations, workplace investigations, performance management, leadership coaching, recruitment, onboarding, policy development, training, and HR strategy.
Real-world strategies you can implement immediately
You don't have time for theory; you need what works, right now.
What is a Sidequest?
Traditional networking events often carry high stakes, elevator-pitch anxiety, and a transaction-first mentality. SideQuests are designed to flip this dynamic completely. By framing networking around the nostalgic concept of "co-op gameplay" and "side quests," we strip away the corporate stuffiness and foster genuine human relationships.
What to expect
A welcoming, casual environment
Cooperative games and interactive activities
A practical, HR-informed workshop, food and refreshments
Meaningful conversations without forced introductions
No elevator pitches
No awkward speed networking
No expectation that you work the room
Come as you are. Participate at your own pace. Leave with at least one connection or idea worth continuing.
Your next quest may not require more of you. It may require someone different beside you.
who should attend?
SideQuests are designed for:
Business owners and entrepreneurs
Executive directors and nonprofit leaders
Managers and people leaders
HR professionals
Community builders
Professionals preparing to grow or restructure a team
Anyone wondering whether they need to hire or need a different kind of support
You do not need to be actively recruiting to participate. If you are leading people, growing an organization, developing a project, or trying to stop carrying everything yourself, this SideQuest is for you.
A New Quest Is Beginning
Guests will also receive an early introduction to the Geekosystem, a growing community designed to help leaders find the people, knowledge, resources, and experiences they need for the Quests ahead.
Gather your party or come ready to meet some new characters.
SMILE, YOU'RE ON CAMERA
By attending these events, you acknowledge and agree that photos and/or videos may be taken during the event. These may be used by Thomas Stenson and event partners for promotional purposes, including but not limited to social media, marketing materials, and future event advertising.
