A CPRS Leadership Masterclass Series Sponsored By McMaster University’s MCM Program

Become a more strategic PR Leader – limited spots for this exclusive series 

Designed specifically for mid to senior-level public relations and communications professionals who are ready to sharpen their strategic edge. This immersive series offers a deep dive into both foundational and cutting-edge practices, equipping you with the skills and insights necessary to stay ahead in an ever-changing industry.


This six-part series is taught by experts and leaders in public relations and communications, from Canada and beyond. 


The CPRS Leadership Masterclass Series is designed specifically for mid to senior-level communications and public relations professionals who seek learning from the best who are ready to sharpen their strategic edge.

This immersive learning program offers a deep dive into both foundational and cutting-edge practices, equipping you with the skills and insights necessary to stay ahead in an ever-changing industry.

WHY YOU SHOULD ENROLL 

As a PR or communications leader, your role has never been more critical or more complex. The demands on your expertise are growing, and your ability to lead strategically will define your organization’s success in this challenging environment. The CPRS Leadership Masterclass provides you with advanced strategies and tools to thrive and grow in this space.


More than just another training—this Masterclass is a pathway to becoming a more strategic, ethical, and future-ready communications leader, while building your network with public relations and communications professionals across Canada. Each session is tailored to help you build on your existing experience while pushing you to think critically about the new challenges and opportunities facing our field.
 

 WHO SHOULD PARTICIPATE 

Why the CPRS Leadership Masterclass Series is right for you:
  • Senior PR and communications professionals seeking to refine their strategic leadership skills.
  • Mid-level communications and PR managers aspiring to step into senior leadership roles.
  • Communications Directors responsible for shaping organizational messaging and reputation.
  • Public Relations Executives focused on navigating complex crisis and reputation management scenarios.
  • Internal Communications leaders aiming to enhance DEI initiatives and foster inclusive workplace cultures.
  • Professionals interested in exploring the ethical implications and strategic use of emerging technologies like generative AI.
  • Leaders overseeing transformative change in fast-paced, dynamic environments.
 

Your registration includes:
  • Six live and highly interactive virtual sessions.
  • Each session will be approximately two hours.
  • One session per month, from January to June 2025.
  • Taught by Canadian and international industry experts.
  • Access to recordings of all sessions.
  • CPRS Leadership Masterclass certificate of completion.
  • ​Eligible for 3 APR maintenance units.​
  • A $50 credit for your 2025 CPRS National Conference ticket. 
   


 
 

MASTERCLASS SERIES TOPICS

January 30, 2025
12:00 PM - 2:00 PM ET
Leverage Technology: Gain in-depth understanding of emerging trends, including the ethical use of generative AI, understanding how to use this tool to reshape your approach before it reshapes yours. Guest Presenters:
  • Martin Waxman, APR, MCM. Adjunct Professor & LinkedIn Learning Instructor
  • Andrew Blanchette, Vice President Data Intelligence, ChangeMakers
Moderator
  • Kim Blanchette, APR, Chart. PR, FCPRS, Executive Vice President, Castlemain
February 27, 2025
12:00 PM - 2:00 PM ET
Lead With Purpose: Learn how to effectively connect with your audience through purpose-driven communications, both your personal purpose and that of your organization.
 
Guest Presenter
  • Padraig McKeon, FPRII, SCMP, Chart.PR (UK), Consultant, McKeonIreland, Co-founder, DublinConversations.org
Moderator
  • Colleen Killingsworth, APR, FCPRS, MCM, President, CKCommunications Strategies

March 26, 2025 
12:00 PM - 2:00 PM ET

Elevate Your Leadership: Understand how to lead from within your organization, both positioning public relations as a strategic function while providing coaching and development opportunities for the next generation of PR leaders. Guest Presenter: 
  • Paul Willis, Co-author of Strategic Public Relations Leadership
Moderator:
  • Terence (Terry) Flynn, Ph.D., APR, FCPRS, Graduate Director and Associate Professor, McMaster MCM Program 
April 23, 2025
12:00 PM - 2:00 PM ET
Navigate Transformative Change: Acquire insights into how to lead your team and your organization through transformative changes while maintaining strong internal and external relationships.
Guest presenters: 
  • Brie Thorsteinson Ogle, MCM, Professor, and Principal at Skipti Strategic Communications 
  • Maggie Darling, MCM, Communications Specialist at Cameco Corporation  
Moderator
  • Colleen Killingsworth, APR, FCPRS, MCM, President, CKCommunications Strategies
May 2025
Date to be confirmed
Master Crisis Communications: Equip yourself with the latest strategies for navigating crises, managing reputational risks, and responding to issues based on the latest trends and case studies.
Guest presenter to be announced.
Moderator
  • Kim Blanchette, APR, Chart. PR, FCPRS, Executive Vice President, Castlemain
June 2025
Date to be confirmed
Keep The Conversation Going: whether it’s engaging employees in a remote, hybrid, or reluctantly in office environment, managing generational dynamics or keeping organizations focussed on their Equity, Diversity and Inclusion commitments, learn about how today’s communicator can help facilitate the conversations and implement strategies to deliver results that matter to organizations and employees.
​Guest presenter to be announced.
Moderator:
  • Terence (Terry) Flynn, Ph.D., APR, FCPRS, Graduate Director and Associate Professor, McMaster MCM Program
 

 MEET THE MASTERCLASS LEADERS 

Masterclass-Kim-v2.png
Kim Blanchette - Moderator
APR, Chart. PR, FCPRS
Executive Vice President
Castlemain
Martin Waxman
APR, MCM
Adjunct Professor &
LinkedIn Learning Instructor
Andrew Blanchette
Vice President Data Intelligence
ChangeMakers
Colleen Killingsworth - Moderator
APR, FCPRS, MCM
President, CKCommunications Strategies
Padraig McKeon
FPRII, SCMP, Chart.PR (UK)
Consultant, McKeonIreland,
Co-founder DublinConversations.org
 
Terence (Terry) Flynn - Moderator
Ph.D., APR, FCPRS
Graduate Director and Associate Professor,
McMaster MCM Program 
Paul Willis 
Co-author of Strategic Public
Relations Leadership
 




More to come very shortly!

Have a question about this Masterclass series?
Please email PD@cprs.ca


Terms and conditions
Due to the nature of this online immersive experience, there are no options for refunds for this certificate course. Once paid, registration is non-refundable and non-transferable unless prior to the start of the program date and confirmed by CPRS National Office. Sale or transfer of CPRS Masterclass credentials to another person is not permitted. Masterclass registration must be completed by January 20, 2025 to guarantee participation in the series. The $50 CPRS National Conference credit can only be used for a 2025 conference attendee ticket, the credit cannot be used for the hotel, other tickets or activities. The $50 credit is non-transferable and can only be used by the registered Masterclass participant.  Non members who which to become CPRS National members will receive the non member rate.  Registration for both is required the same time.