Event held in partnership by Deloitte’s Technology Fast 50™ Program, The Forum and Acetech

​A candid founder forum on resilience, risk, and real‑world leadership

​Every founder faces storms – the tough decisions, close calls, and setbacks that define their journey and teach lasting lessons. Stormy Stories shines a light on these moments through candid conversations with technology founders and CEOs, creating space for reflection, shared insight, and peer learning within the tech community.

​Because every storm eventually gives way to clearer skies, we’ll wrap up the evening on the rooftop with great food, drinks, and conversation. Join fellow founders and CEOs to reconnect, unwind, and celebrate the relationships and community that help us navigate the journey together. ☀️

​About this event:

​We’ll explore the founder and CEO stories that don’t make the highlight reel – the crises, turning points, and tough choices that test leadership and resilience. Select Founders and CEOs share their experiences to help others avoid missteps or find perspective in their own storms. Through open dialogue and honest reflection, leaders gain clarity, confidence, and practical tools to navigate their toughest moments.

​Stormy Stories Speakers:

​Angela Robertson, CEO, Acetech

​Angela is the CEO of Acetech and host of the Stormy Stories Show, a podcast that celebrates the journey of tech leaders and entrepreneurs as they navigate the storms in both their business and personal journies. She is a strategic growth leader and former technology CEO with over 20 years of experience in scaling B2B companies. At Acetech, she champions bold leadership, peer learning, and clarity in decision-making, guiding tech founders to navigate scale with confidence.

​Kirsten Koppang Telford, CEO, The Forum

​Kirsten is CEO of The Forum, a national charity supporting 2,000+ women entrepreneurs each year start and scale their businesses through education, mentorship, and access to capital. An award-winning strategist and entrepreneur, she previously co-founded ePACT Network and exited in 2023. She was named to Vancouver Magazine’s Power 50 in 2025 and 2026.

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​Key themes include:

• ​Turning adversity into strategic growth
• Leading through uncertainty and change
• Owning mistakes and rebuilding trust
• Resilience as a core leadership skill
• Creating space for vulnerability and learning

​If you’re a tech founder or CEO who wants to:

• Learn from the honest, hard‑earned experiences of other leaders,
• Build confidence in handling your own business storms,
• Translate challenges into lasting leadership insight, and
• Connect meaningfully with the Acetech, Deloitte and The Forum communities

​…then this session is for you.

​Stormy Stories sessions are real, raw, and deeply relevant. Each one offers a safe space to reflect, connect, and grow among peers who understand both the risks and rewards of leading through turbulence. You’ll leave inspired, grounded, and better equipped for whatever storm comes next.

​About Acetech:

​Acetech is the premier community for tech founders and CEOs in BC. Our members receive exceptional support to growth their businesses faster and with more confidence because they have access to exceptional thought leadership, strategic partners, and peers who are leading and growing technology companies. If you are a tech CEO or founder who is building in BC, join the community that will ensure you and your company can thrive. https://www.acetechleadership.com

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​About The Forum:

​The Forum is a national charity that unlocks access to wisdom, financial and social capital for women, trans-femme and non-binary. We help them access the education, resources & community they need to thrive in buiness every year. The Forum has supported over 18,000 women entrepreneurs across Canada since 2002. https://www.theforum.ca/

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​About Deloitte’s Technology Fast 50™ Program:

​Build your reputation. Share your growth story. Be recognized for shaping what comes next.

​The Technology Fast 50 program is a year-round platform that shines a spotlight on the emerging technology companies driving innovation and accelerating growth across Canada. It’s a place where forward-thinking founders gain national visibility, strengthen their credibility, and become part of a community that’s influencing the next era of Canadian innovation. The program culminates in awards across three distinct categories, with additional recognition for Canadian companies featured in Deloitte’s North American Fast 500. http://www.fast50.ca/