Laryssa Topolnytsky is a partner in Heidrick & Struggles’ Toronto office and a leader in the firm's CEO & Board of Directors Practice, specializing in CEO succession and executive team performance. As a seasoned talent expert, she works with executives as they transition to new companies or roles to accelerate their performance. Laryssa advises boards on CEO effectiveness, HR strategy, and succession issues, working across industries as a trusted advisor to CEOs. Before joining Heidrick & Struggles, Laryssa was a senior partner and member of the CEO and board effectiveness practice of a global talent advisory firm. Prior to that, she was a founding member of the first international office of a strategic talent management firm. She has held talent management roles in industry and has change management expertise. Laryssa is co-author of a book on employee retention and has written numerous peer-reviewed articles on employee commitment and organizational change. She is a keynote speaker at conferences and client events on these topics and topics related to leading in times of change and advancing women.