2022’s theme for International Women’s Day is “break the bias”, and we’re proud to represent a diverse group of women who, as leaders in their fields, use their platforms to enact positive change worldwide.
We’ve curated some of our most popular blog posts below that showcase the expertise that these women bring to every stage as keynote speakers. Their powerful, compelling, and informative talks leave audiences motivated and equipped to face the challenges of today and build a brighter tomorrow.
Entrepreneurship
Michele Romanow
“Dragon”, CBC’s Dragons’ Den | Co-Founder and Executive Chair, Clearco
Recommended reading — From Caviar to Clearco: How Michele Romanow Made It
Best recognized as a “Dragon” on CBC’s Dragons’ Den, Michele Romanow flipped the venture capitalist industry to place power back into the hands of founders. She co-founded Clearco in 2016 to democratize access to capital and take bias out of investing. Clearco’s funding model is completely automated and data-driven, and, as a result, they have funded 25x more women-led companies than traditional funders.
Meet more inspiring female entrepreneurs:
Zahra Al-Harazi Purpose-Driven Leadership Expert |
Erin Bury Co-Founder and CEO, Willful | Tech Expert |
Joanna Griffiths Founder and CEO, Knix |
Mental Health And Wellness
Dr. Chika Stacy Oriuwa
Physician | Expert in Human Connection, Authentic Leadership, and Organizational Wellness
Recommended reading — Medical Trailblazer Dr. Chika Stacy Oriuwa Named to Maclean’s 2022 Power List
Dr. Chika Stacy Oriuwa is upending racism in medicine while blazing a path forward for a new generation of doctors. After being the only Black medical student of her graduating class, Chika has become a vocal advocate for improving disparities in healthcare and confronting institutional discrimination. She was recognized as one of Maclean’s Power 50 in 2022 as a medical trailblazer.
Currently a psychiatry resident at the University of Toronto, Chika draws on her clinical experience to share insight into mental health and wellness, especially as it affects racialized populations.
Dr. Shimi Kang
Leading Expert in Change, Leadership, Innovation, and Wellness
Recommended reading — Dr. Shimi Kang’s Five Tips for Managing Stress and Loneliness
In the lead-up to Bell Let’s Talk Day this year, Dr. Shimi Kang joined CTV’s Your Morning to share five coping strategies to better manage stress and sadness, especially during challenging times. She draws on her 20+ years of clinical experience to provide science-based solutions for health, happiness, and achievement in the workplace and at home.
Meet more inspiring mental health and wellness speakers:
Dr. Lisa Bélanger |
Dr. Robyne Hanley Dafoe Expert on Resiliency and Workplace Wellness |
Jessica Holmes |
Future of Work
Sinead Bovell
Futurist | AI and Future of Work Expert
Recommended reading — Sinead Bovell’s New WIRED Series Explores How Tech is Changing Our World
Futurist Sinead Bovell believes if we want to get our future with technology right, everyone needs to be a part of the conversation. In partnership with WIRED magazine, she’s launched a new YouTube series that dives deep into how technology is changing our world — the opportunities, the red flags, and everything in between — so we can all learn and prepare for what’s next.
Amber Mac
Technology and Innovation Speaker | President, AmberMac Media, Inc.
Recommended reading — Amber Mac: The 2022 (Mostly Business) Survival Guide
Innovation expert Amber Mac outlines the new thinking and action necessary to not only survive but thrive in our new world of predictable unpredictability. Her 2022 (mostly business) survival guide explores three key areas of focus — digital discipline, purpose prioritization, and workplace wellness — needed to build future-ready businesses.
Meet more future of work experts:
Lital Marom |
Nilofer Merchant |
Takara Small |
Global Affairs and Politics
Janice Gross Stein
Founding Director of the Munk School of Global Affairs, University of Toronto
Recommended reading — “A Shift in the World Order”: Geopolitical Expert Discusses Russia’s Attack on Ukraine
The founding director of the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy at University of Toronto, Professor Janice Gross Stein recently shared her insight into Russia’s devastating attack on Ukraine. She shared why this invasion marked a shift in the world order and its impact on the future of global security.
Dr. Samantha Nutt
Physician | Global Affairs Expert | Founder, War Child Canada and War Child USA
Recommended reading — COVID-19: Where Do We Go from Here with Dr. Samantha Nutt
A medical doctor and founder of the internationally renowned non-profit War Child, Dr. Samantha Nutt has been on the frontlines of many of the world’s major crises. She is a leading authority on current affairs, public health, war, international aid, and foreign policy.
Samantha joined us for a virtual Q&A as part of our Virtual Speaker Series, where she answered audience-provided questions about the pandemic, from vaccine effectiveness and Omicron to mental health and what happens next.
Meet more of our global issues experts:
The Hon. Rona Ambrose Former Leader of Canada’s Official Opposition in the House of Commons |
Sheila Watt-Cloutier Environmental, Cultural, and Human Rights Advocate |
The Hon. Jody Wilson-Raybould |
Hosts and Entertainers
Canada’s got talent, and we’re lucky to work with so many iconic Canadian entertainers and television personalities. They bring their enthusiasm to every stage as hosts and performers, guaranteeing a rollicking good time for every audience.
Jann Arden |
Jessi Cruickshank |
Kellylee Evans |
Andrea Bain |
Tracy Moore Host, Cityline |
Serena Ryder |
Interested in learning more about our keynotes speakers and what can bring to your next event? Contact us at [email protected].
