Join Erin Trafford, Anton Sestritsyn, and Rob Leone to gain practical, real-world insights into how the government works. This session breaks down where procurement decisions are truly made, who influences them, and how to position your organization. Learn actionable frameworks for navigating complex government systems, identifying key stakeholders, and building authentic, sustained relationships that lead to meaningful opportunities. Whether you’re new to government relations or looking to refine your approach, this session will give you the tools to engage with confidence and purpose.
Anton Sestritsyn is a VOSAVIS Principal based in Ottawa, bringing extensive experience in federal politics, public affairs, and strategic communications. His experience spans senior roles within the Canadian Government, as well in advisory roles with the United Nations, U.S. Senate and U.S. State Department.
In the private sector, Anton has held executive and consulting positions including within a Canadian defence company and at a national strategic consulting firm. His professional background also includes journalism and NGO work focused on international policy issues,
Anton holds a degree in Public Affairs and Policy Management from Carleton University. He is fluent in three languages and has working proficiency in three others.
Dr. Rob Leone currently serves as Managing Principal of VOSAVIS, where he is a trusted advisor to business, political, and non‑profit leaders on strategy, governance, and public policy. As the Member of the Provincial Parliament for Cambridge, Ontario, during the province’s 40th Parliament, he was a leading advocate on issues related to education and training, government finance, and energy policy.
In addition to his academic and advisory work, Dr. Leone is a frequent lecturer and opinion leader on economic development, campaign strategy, political communications, media and public opinion, and research methods.
Dr. Leone holds a Ph.D. in Public Policy from McMaster University. His scholarly work includes publications in national and international academic journals, with research and teaching spanning governance and ethics, cities and urban policy, Indigenous affairs, development and housing, intergovernmental relations, and environment and energy policy.
Erin Trafford is a communications strategist and consultant whose career spans broadcast journalism, media entrepreneurship, and organizational strategy. Erin built her early career in front of the microphone, earning recognition as an award-winning anchor and talk show host with Rogers Radio and as a news anchor with Global
Today Erin is the CEO of Story Studio Network, an award-winning boutique branded podcast production company. Her consulting work sits at the intersection of communications, media, and operations, helping organizations in professional services, raw materials, non-profits, and thought leadership build the strategic and infrastructural foundations that make their communications actually work.
She holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Bioethics and Political Science from the University of Toronto and a Master of Arts in Journalism from Western University.
