Speakers / Topics: Innovation | Creativity | Disruption
Innovation & Creativity Speakers
Creativity: where ideas are spawned. Innovation: where ideas are put into action. Disruption: when ideas change the world as we know it. Our speakers explain how to get creative juices flowing, how to innovate to stay ahead, and prepare you for the disruptive forces at work in your industry and beyond.
Andrew Au
Global Thought Leader on Digital Transformation and Culture Change
When companies like Microsoft, FedEx, and 3M want to accelerate innovation, they call Andrew Au. Today, the dynamics of industries are changing. No enterprise is too big to fail, no start up is too small to disrupt. Agility has become the new currency of busin...
David Ben
Creativity Expert | Master Magician
David Ben inspires people to strike the word “impossible” from their vocabulary. A master problem-solver, David uses his training as a former tax lawyer, a graduate of the London School of Economics, and a world-class magician to make perplexing problems i...
Roberta Bondar
Astronaut | Physician | Scientist | Photographer
The first Canadian woman and neurologist to fly in space, Dr. Roberta Bondar is globally recognized for her pioneering contributions to space medicine research, fine art photography, and environment education. She expanded the horizons of millions when she joi...
Dr. Nick Bontis
Leading Strategy and Management Expert
The “knowledge era” is here. Do you know how to survive? An internationally recognized intellectual-capital expert, Dr. Nick Bontis helps individuals and organizations navigate the new world of digital technology, industry disruption, and information bomba...
Sinead Bovell
Futurist | AI & Future of Work Expert
On a mission to bridge the gap between young entrepreneurs and the digital future, Sinead Bovell strives to create conversations that will lead towards a progressive, informed, and thriving new era. She is a futurist and the founder of WAYE, an organization th...
Mark Brand
Social Entrepreneur | Restaurateur
Mark Brand is one of North America’s foremost social entrepreneurs. With 11 businesses under his belt, he is an example of a new form of leadership that encompasses good in every step. Determined to breathe new life into our struggling and disjointed com...
Leonard Brody
Business and Technology Visionary
Recently named one of the top 30 up and coming management thinkers in the world, Leonard Brody is known as “a leader of the new world order”. He is an award-winning entrepreneur, venture capitalist, bestselling author, and a two-time Emmy-nominated media v...
Jesse Brown
Digital Media Expert | Disruptive Journalist | Futurist
What does the future hold for Canada? Are our institutions and economy at odds with rapid technological and cultural change? Are we keeping up? From business to government to media, disruption is here. Technology and media expert Jesse Brown explains the chall...
Erin Bury
Technology and Marketing Expert | Startup Fanatic
Named one of Marketing Magazine‘s “Top 30 Under 30”, Erin Bury is an entrepreneur, marketer, former technology journalist, and startup advisor. A monthly columnist for the Financial Post and a tech commentator on CTV News, Bury shares the ins...
Susan Cain
Bestselling Author of Quiet: The Power of Introverts
Susan Cain believes society dramatically undervalues the talents of introverts. In her bestselling book, Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking, and in her record-smashing TED talk, Cain explores ways to tap-in to the quieter c...
Bill Carr
Communication Expert | Award-Winning Humourist
For over twenty-five years, Bill Carr has been making people laugh at what’s trivial while helping them think deeply about what counts. His unique blend of humour and insight inspires laughter and helps people see their world with a fresh perspective. An awa...
Jacqueline Carter
Leadership & Mindfulness Expert
The world is facing a global leadership crisis. 77% of leaders think they do a good job of engaging their people, yet 88% of employees say their leaders don’t engage enough, and 65% of employees would forgo a pay raise to see their leaders fired. Leaders...
Ben Casnocha
Entrepreneur | Co-Author of The Alliance: Managing Talent in the Networked Age
Ben Casnocha is an award-winning entrepreneur and author from Silicon Valley. BusinessWeek named him”one of America’s top young entrepreneurs,” while PoliticsOnline called him one of the “25 most influential people in the world of inter...
Choir! Choir! Choir!
International Singing Phenomenon
Choir! Choir! Choir! has sung with Tegan and Sara at the Junos, performed at a David Bowie tribute in New York, and have even taken to the Radio City Music Hall stage with Debbie Harry and The Flaming Lips. A collective led by creative directors Nobu Adilman ...
Bruce Croxon
Former "Dragon" | Host, The Disruptors | Partner, Round13 Capital
Bruce Croxon wants to invest in the next Canadian wave. The co-founder of the wildly successful dating site Lavalife, and a former “Dragon” on CBC TV’s Dragons’ Den, Bruce shares informed insights into what it takes to succeed in today’s demanding en...
Johnny Cupcakes
CEO, Johnny Cupcakes | Award Winning Entrepreneur & Brand Hysteria Expert
If you dream of inspiring cult-like brand loyalty—the kind that involves mile-long queues and even permanent tattoos— then Johnny “Cupcakes” Earle is for you. The founder of the world-renowned tee-shirt brand Johnny Cupcakes, Johnny’s kno...
Liane Davey
Expert on Building Effective Teams, Improving Communication, and Increasing Leadership Effectiveness
Known as the “teamwork doctor,” Liane Davey knows how to create high performing teams. Having worked with organizations, including Fortune 500 companies, from across the globe helping teams from the frontlines to the boardroom, she has developed a unique p...
Ilona Dougherty
Leading Expert on Millennials and Generation Z | Social Entrepreneur
For businesses, organizations, and governments striving to succeed in the innovation economy, and anyone who hopes for a bright future, Ilona Dougherty’s perspective is what you have been waiting for. Ilona Dougherty is an award winning social innovator and ...
Chester Elton
Bestselling Leadership Author
Called the “Apostle of appreciation” by the Globe and Mail, Canada’s largest newspaper, and “creative and refreshing‚” by the New York Times, Chester Elton is co-author of several successful leadership books. All In, The Carrot Principle and What M...
Ryan Estis
Business Performance Expert
Ryan Estis has more than 20 years of experience as a top-performing sales professional and leader. As the former chief strategy officer for the McCann Worldgroup advertising agency NAS, he brings a fresh perspective to business events. Known for his innovative...
Shane Feldman
Connection | Community | Leadership
In this digital age of distraction and disconnection, many companies are finding it increasingly challenging to engage and retain both top-tier talent and customers. This is where Shane Feldman thrives. Recognized by The White House, The Prime Minister of Cana...
Richard Florida
Renowned Economist | Bestselling Author
Richard Florida is one of the world’s most sought after speakers on global trends, economics, prosperity, competitiveness, and growth. Combining in-depth analysis, a fascinating personal story, and a touch of self-deprecating humor, it’s no wonder he was n...
Vinh Giang
Entrepreneur | Master Communicator | Magician
For more than 15 years, Vinh Giang has dedicated himself to mastering the art of performance-enhanced communication, helping thousands of professionals worldwide do the same through the power of magic. In his inspiring talks, Giang seamlessly integrates storyt...
Emmanuel Gobillot
Internationally Renowned Leadership Expert
There must be a better way. That’s the motto Emmanuel Gobillot has adopted toward everything he does. As one of the world’s most popular speakers, consultants, and thought-leaders, Gobillot believes there is a better way to lead, relate to customers, and e...
Seth Godin
Author, Entrepreneur and Most of All, A Teacher
Seth Godin is an internationally recognized speaker, popular blogger, and global thought leader in innovative business ideas and marketing strategy. Named one of the Top 21 Speakers For the 21st Century by Successful Meetings magazine, Godin draws on his bests...
Adrian Gostick
Bestselling Leadership Author | Organizational Culture Expert
How do today’s best leaders accelerate business results? By engaging their employees to execute on strategy, vision, and values. In his challenging, information-packed talks, #1 bestselling leadership author Adrian Gostick provides real solutions on managing...
Swish Goswami
Startup Canada's Young Entrepreneur of the Year
Swish Goswami has built a multi-hyphenate career at just the age of 23. He is the CEO of Trufan, a social intelligence platform that helps brands of all sizes make smarter marketing decisions. His company, which acquired SocialRank in late 2019, works with cli...
Chris Hadfield
Astronaut | First Canadian Commander of the International Space Station
Referred to as “the most famous astronaut since Neil Armstrong,” Colonel Chris Hadfield is a worldwide sensation whose video of David Bowie’s “Space Oddity” — seen by over 75 million people — was called “possibly the most poignant version of th...
Scott Harrison
Founder and CEO of charity: water | World Economic Forum Young Global Leader
Scott Harrison has helped to bring clean drinking water to millions of people around the world. The founder and CEO of charity: water, one of the most well-known philanthropic organizations in the world, shares how his approach to running a non-profit — from...
Lawrence Hill
Bestselling Author, The Book of Negroes
Commonwealth Writers’ Prize winner and bestselling author of The Book of Negroes, Lawrence Hill speaks as well as he writes. With engrossing, poignant talks on diverse topics such as channeling creative energy, censorship, racial identity, mental health, an...
Michael Hyatt
Leadership | Change and Innovation Visionary
In our rapidly shifting business landscape, Michael Hyatt wants to inspire people to face change head-on, and give them the tools and insight needed to succeed. A self-made millionaire who built two highly successful tech firms, he ranks as one of Canada’s t...
Mitch Joel
Business Transformation and Digital Marketing Expert
When brands like Google, Starbucks, Shopify, and GE want to use technology to better connect with their consumers, they call Mitch Joel. Called “one of North America’s leading visionaries” by Strategy magazine, Joel fills in the gaps to help leaders buil...
Frans Johansson
Innovation Thought Leader | Bestselling Author
Does your strategy reflect the new normal? We live in unpredictable times where the rules are changing and the formulas for success are disintegrating. Bestselling author and thought leader Frans Johansson shows organizations how to innovate, grow, and create ...
Shawn Kanungo
Strategy in a World of Disruption
Shawn Kanungo is a globally recognized innovation strategist. He previously spent 12 years at Deloitte working closely with leaders to better plan for the opportunities associated with disruptive innovation. His mandate at the firm was to help corporate execut...
Peter Katz
JUNO-Nominated Musician and Storyteller
Peter Katz is a JUNO Award and Canadian Screen Award-nominated singer-songwriter who has spent the past 15 years touring internationally, sharing the stage and studio with legendary musicians and releasing five albums. A gifted storyteller, Katz infuses his pr...
Avinash Kaushik
Web Analytics Master
Avinash Kaushik is the “Digital Marketing Evangelist” for Google. His passions lie at the intersection of marketing, analytics and artificial intelligence, and he has developed innovative frameworks like “See-Think-Do-Care”, which allow senior...
Sarah Kay
Spoken-Word Poet
Sarah Kay uses the power of spoken word to inspire creativity and self-empowerment in others. In her famous TED talk–a talk that inspired two standing ovations and has been seen by over seven million people online–she tells the story of her metamor...
Michael Kerr
“The Workplace Energizer”
Why choose between humour and relevant, practical content when you can have both? Michael Kerr is one of North America’s leading authorities on fostering innovative and inspiring workplace cultures. His presentations — known for their practical and inspiri...
Hamza Khan
Multi-Award Winning Marketer & Entrepreneur | Empowerment Expert
Hamza Khan is a multi-award-winning marketer, bestselling author, and global keynote speaker whose TEDx talk “Stop Managing, Start Leading” has been viewed over a million times. He shares actionable insights on resilience, productivity, and leaders...
Kai Kight
Violinist | Composer | Innovator | Entrepreneur
Kai Kight has inspired thousands to reach their creative potential. An innovative violinist, composer, and speaker, Kai uses music to fuel his mission to spark a global mindset shift in which ingenuity is the norm, not the exception. He performs mesmerizing, o...
Justin Kingsley
Award-Winning Storyteller and Creative Strategist | Bestselling Author | Filmmaker
Justin Kingsley is one of the most versatile and truly unique storytellers in the world. A New York Times bestselling author, Kingsley is a strategist, creative director, filmmaker, photographer, and a former press secretary under Prime Minister Paul Martin. N...
Kaihan Krippendorff
Strategy and Innovation Expert
Kaihan Krippendorff is one of the most in-demand business speakers in the world. A bestselling author, internationally recognized thought-leader, and a sought-after strategic advisor, Kaihan is known for his ability to turn difficult concepts into easy-to-und...
Polly LaBarre
Co-Author, Mavericks at Work | Founding Member, Fast Company Magazine
For nearly 20 years, Polly LaBarre has worked to embolden and equip leaders to ramp up originality, invention, and game-changing disruption. Co-author of Mavericks at Work: Why the Most Original Minds in Business Win and founding team member of Fast Company ma...
Greg Lindsay
Expert on Cities, Mobility, Travel, Trade, and the Future of Work
Greg Lindsay is literally a man on the street, reporting from the intersection of global trends and local wisdom. Widely cited as an expert on the future of travel, technology, and transportation, on the design and resiliency of cities, and on how to create mo...
Josh Linkner
Award-Winning Entrepreneur | Creativity Expert
Josh Linkner personifies innovation, entrepreneurship, and breakthrough disruption. Beginning his career as a jazz guitarist, Josh has now been the founder and CEO of five tech companies, which sold for a combined value of more than $200 million. Through his i...
Doug Lipp
The Magic of Disney
Candid, passionate, relevant — Doug Lipp is on a mission to help organizations strengthen their corporate culture, boost business performance, and, unapologetically, have fun while doing it! Lipp is the former head of training at the legendary Disney Univers...
Amber Mac
Innovation Speaker | Co-host of Marketing Disrupted and The AI Effect
Considered by many to be the go-to expert on anything to do with technology, Amber Mac helps companies and audiences to stay ahead of the curve. She is an industry veteran, renowned as a journalist, moderator, entrepreneur, consultant, and bestselling author. ...
Mike Mandel
Expert in Communication, Motivation and Influence
Self-described as “a reasonably normal guy with a really weird job,” Mike Mandel is a uniquely qualified expert in the art and science of influential communication. Simultaneously fascinating and hilarious, he provides audiences with powerful tools to spar...
Lital Marom
Innovation Strategist and Visionary
A thought leader on agile business processes, digital transformation, and the future of work, Lital Marom is an expert at helping organizations unlock the potential of their business by leveraging emerging technologies and new economic models. In her practical...
Bob McDonald
Host of CBC Radio's Quirks & Quarks
Bob McDonald is one of Canada’s best-known science journalists, bringing science to the public for more than 40 years. In addition to hosting Quirks & Quarks, the award-winning science program with a national audience of nearly 500,000 people, McDona...