CHRIS
BERGERON
SPEAKER AND TRANS AUTHOR
VICE PRESIDENT OF INCLUSIVE CREATIVITY, COSSETTE
“You can't do great things if you fight with yourself. "
For almost 40 years, Chris Bergeron has lived the life of a heterosexual man. From very early in her career, she had great professional success: after having been a collaborator for major media such as La Presse and Radio-Canada, Chris directed for the newspaper VOIR for five years, which was the largest network of weekly cultural magazines in Quebec at the time. She then made the leap to the advertising world where she held the position of creative director for major agencies.
Then, she came out and started living true life as a trans woman. Suddenly being propelled into the reality of a visible sexual minority has profoundly transformed her perception of the world. In Quebec and internationally, Chris advocates for diversity, inclusion and the rights of trans people by sharing her story to the public. She frequently intervenes in the advertising industry to demand better representation of minorities.
At Cossette, she leads a multidisciplinary team of strategists, community managers and multiplatform content creators. She is also part of the creativity collective that strives to push the boundaries of the agency's creative branch at their Montreal office. Thanks to her creative and strategic outlook, she amplifies the digital potential of Cossette's clients.
Her portfolio includes several major brands, including McDonald's Canada, Destination Canada, the Quebec Tourism Industry Alliance, Tourisme Montréal, Loto-Québec, SAQ, L'Oréal, BDC, VIA Rail and Liberté.
TOPICS:
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LOSING MY PRIVILEGES: WHAT BECOMING A VISIBLE MINORITY TAUGHT ME ABOUT LEADERSHIP
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LOCATION : MONTREAL, QC
For nearly 40 years, Chris Bergeron lived the life of a heterosexual male leader and experienced a certain level of success. She led a magazine, worked as a creative director, won awards - essentially, the typical life of a white male creative. Then, she came out as a transgender woman and began living her authentic life. This conference explores how being suddenly immersed in the realities of life as a visible and sexual minority member has affected her perspective on the workplace and fundamentally transformed her approach to leadership.
Join us for an engaging presentation by Chris Bergeron, author, creative director, and Vice President of Inclusive Creativity at Cossette. In her talk, "From Rock n' Roll to AI: How Montreal Shaped My Creative Process," Chris will explore the vibrant evolution of Montreal's cultural landscape and its profound influence on her work in the realms of literature and technology.
Drawing upon her diverse experiences from the gritty pulse of Montreal's rock scenes to the cutting-edge innovations in AI, Chris will share how the city's eclectic identity has been a constant source of inspiration. She will delve into how Montreal’s unique blend of language, culture, and art has informed her approach to storytelling and creative direction, emphasizing inclusivity and innovation.
Expect a journey through Montreal's historical and modern contributions to the arts, and insights into how these elements have converged in the digital age to foster new forms of creative expression. This presentation will not only highlight the city’s impact on her creative journey but also inspire others to explore how their own environments can similarly shape their creative processes.
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EMBRACING BOLDNESS: CREATIVE CONFIDENCE IN A TIME OF CHANGE
Chris Bergeron at our upcoming conference, where she will explore the crucial role of creative boldness in today's rapidly evolving technological and political landscape. Chris, a trans woman who rebuilt her identity and career from the ground up, embodies the essence of transformation and resilience. In her talk, "Embracing Boldness: Creative Confidence in a Time of Change," Chris will share her inspiring journey and the lessons she's learned about the power of creativity and bold expression. She'll offer practical advice on how to cultivate a fearless approach to creativity, encouraging attendees to push boundaries and challenge the status quo in their work and lives.
This session is not just a talk, but a call to action for anyone looking to harness their creative potential and make a significant impact in our dynamic world. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from Chris Bergeron's unique perspective on thriving through creativity and boldness in an age of transformation.
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INCLUSIVE TECH: AI AS NOVELIST: CRAFTING THE FUTURE OF FICTION
Chris Bergeron, an acclaimed author and advocate for inclusive storytelling.
In this session, titled "AI as Novelist: Crafting the Future of Fiction," Chris will explore the burgeoning role of Artificial Intelligence in the creative worlds.
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How does AI challenge traditional narratives?
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Can it truly mimic human creativity?
These questions and more will be addressed as Chris delves into the potential of AI to co-author stories that resonate across diverse audiences.
Drawing from her expertise in creating content that embodies diversity and inclusion, Chris will discuss the ethical implications of AI in writing, the collaboration between human and machine in producing meaningful stories, and her vision for a future where AI enhances rather than replaces the human touch in storytelling.
Don't miss this compelling exploration of how AI is transforming the craft of novel writing, and the crucial role of human oversight in maintaining the soul of literature.
Format: keynote alone or keynote & workshop: participants will use AI to create their film scenario.
DIVERSITY & LEADERSHIP, LIFE STORY, INSPIRATION
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Chris is the author of Valide, a queer science fiction autobiography at XYZ editions.