True changemakers inspire us to reimagine what’s possible. They challenge the status quo, tackle complex issues, and ignite movements that shape the world for the better.
We’re proud to work with several renowned individuals who are redefining what it means to make an impact. Their courage, innovation, and dedication inspire others to think bigger and act bolder. Through their work and by sharing their powerful stories, they not only create meaningful change but also spark inspiration for audiences worldwide.
Below is a round-up of our top five blogs in 2024 profiling some of our incredible speakers who are making a difference through the work they do. Dive into their inspiring stories!
Time 100
Connie Walker Named One of TIME’s 100 Most Influential People of 2024
A Pulitzer Prize and Peabody Award-winning investigative journalist, Connie Walker has spent over two decades shedding light on often overlooked Indigenous stories. Her work has exposed the devastating impacts of intergenerational trauma stemming from Indian Residential Schools and shed light on unsolved cases of missing and murdered Indigenous people.
In recognition of her ground-breaking work, Connie was named one of TIME magazine’s 100 most influential people of 2024.
It’s her relentless commitment to exposing hidden truths — which she pursues with the dogged drive of an investigator, the compassion of a relative, and the vulnerability of an artist — that makes her voice so powerful.
Julian Brave Noisecat
Debunking the Wellness Industry
Timothy Caulfield Enters the Manosphere in New Documentary Debunking Toxic Male Wellness Industry
A professor of health law and science policy, Timothy Caulfield has dedicated his career to debunking myths and misinformation about innovation in the health sector — from research on stem cells to diets and alternative medicine — for the benefit of the public.
In his latest documentary, Harder Better Faster Stronger, Timothy dives headfirst into the emerging “manly man” wellness industry, speaking to everyone from extreme influencers to renowned mental health experts to investigate the purported “crisis in masculinity” and debunk toxic men’s health myths.
Ahead of the documentary’s release, we spoke with Timothy to explore what he learned from entering the manosphere.
We looked at the claims being made about these “masculinity norms”… the evidence is clear, those claims were questionable. Evidence tells us that embracing traditional masculinity is associated with a host of physical and mental health risks… That’s not the promise we’re hearing from these masculine influencers.
Becoming, Belonging, and Being Seen
Dr. Chika Stacy Oriuwa Shares Her Inspirational Story of Becoming, Belonging, and Being Seen
From childhood, Dr. Chika Stacy Oriuwa dreamed of being a doctor. In 2016, that dream became a reality when she was accepted into the University of Toronto’s Temerty Faculty of Medicine. But the high of that acceptance came crashing down when she discovered that she was the only Black student in her incoming class of 259 students. The world of medicine was not immune to the systemic discrimination that permeates the fabric of our world. So, Chika decided to do something about it.
A story of becoming, belonging, and being seen, Chika released her powerful memoir, Unlike the Rest, in 2024. It shares her challenging journey to becoming a doctor and an advocate who had no choice but to step into the spotlight.
Ahead if the book’s release, we sat down with Chika to talk more about her memoir, her advocacy work, and how connection and poetry fueled her journey.
In the early months of my medical degree, I had to make a decision to show up in a different way that wasn’t unprofessional, but it was different. It was championing authenticity in a space that wasn’t going to inherently reward that behaviour… to own my blackness, to show up already feeling different and then highlight and spotlight that difference on a public platform.
Thriving Through Adversity
How Lightning Strike Survivor Kellylee Evans Conquered Fear to Heal
Kellylee Evans’ Juno-Award-winning career as a singer-songwriter came to an abrupt halt when the impossible happened — she was struck by lightning while washing dishes in her home. This life-altering event sparked a decade-long battle with chronic pain until she finally discovered what lay at the root of her health issues: fear.
With a new understanding of fear’s impact on both her physical and emotional health, Kellylee underwent intense therapy to re-wire her brain in hopes of coaxing her body back into a sense of safety. In just three months, she went from a person suffering only walking 500 steps a day to someone who walks 12,000 steps each day without assistance.
Kellylee shared her remarkable story with us and how she helps audiences take control of their health and build true resilience in the face of adversity.
I can still remember lying on my osteopath’s treatment table and him asking about my anxiety. I carefully explained that I didn’t have anxiety. That yes, I have had countless ulcers since my early teens and suffered from panic attacks since the lightning strike… but ‘no’, I did not have anxiety… It’s amazing how we can’t see in ourselves what may be crystal clear to others.
Adopting a “Yes” Mentality
Bob McDonald Charts His Surprising Path to Becoming One of Canada’s Best-Known Science Journalists
For five decades, Bob McDonald has been one of science journalism’s most revered and recognizable names as the host of CBC Radio’s award-winning science program, Quirks & Quarks, and the author of seven bestselling science books.
Bob’s most recent book, Just Say Yes, shares a more personal story — his own. Starting at the beginning — his childhood in Orillia, growing up in a low-income family plagued by alcoholism — Bob shares how a university dropout and former construction worker became one of Canada’s most prominent science journalists, while sharing powerful insights on how he learned to overcome his fear of failure, tackle life-transforming challenges, and have the courage to leap into every opportunity that came his way.
If you allow childhood trauma to interfere with your adult life or inhibit you, you are giving more power to the abuser. They already had power over you as a child, they don’t deserve it as an adult. Take charge of your life, don’t give them the power. That’s my message. It’s not easy, but we can support each other.
Publishing 2-3 blog posts weekly, we share insights and advice from our leading roster of experts on the topics that you and your audiences want to hear about. Follow us on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram to stay in the know.
Meet More Top Motivational Speakers
Our roster uplifting motivational speakers share their heartfelt experiences of overcoming adversity and some of life’s most difficult challenges to inspire and help audiences tackle whatever challenges they may face, both at home and work.
In addition to the incredible speakers featured above, meet more of our top motivational speakers below. Contact us if you’re looking to motivate your team in 2025 and discover how our inspirational speakers can help your audience learn to better navigate the currents of life and work with unwavering resolve.
Jill Heinerth
More people have walked on the moon than visited the places Jill Heinerth has seen on Earth. This adventurer inspires audiences to reach beyond their limitations and overcome their fears.
Neil Pasricha
With infectious enthusiasm and heartfelt authenticity bestselling author Neil Pasricha draws on the latest research to show audiences how to create a more positive and productive workplace.
Peter Katz
Combining original songs with heart-warming stories, Peter Katz is a master at creating experiential environments that inspire connection and foster a shared vision.
