Speakers / Types: Bestselling Authors
Bestselling Authors
The New York Times, The Globe and Mail, Amazon and The Guardian are just some of the bestseller lists our authors have dominated (often for weeks on end) with their incredible works of literature and non-fiction.
Yassmin Abdel-Magied
Leadership & Diversity Expert | Social Advocate
Yassmin Abdel-Magied is an engineer, author, broadcaster, and award-winning social advocate. Her powerful TED talk, “What does my headscarf mean to you” has more than 1.8 million views, and she has become an internationally renowned speaker on the topics o...
Michael Abrashoff
Former Navy Commander | Bestselling Author
Michael Abrashoff is at the center of one of the most remarkable modern-day stories of organizational transformation. Abrashoff took command of the worst-performing navy ship and crew in the Pacific Fleet, plagued with low morale, high turnover, and abysmal pe...
Shawn Achor
Harvard Researcher | Bestselling Author of The Happiness Advantage
Is there a connection between happiness and success? Shawn Achor is the world’s leading expert on the topic. His acclaimed TED Talk, The Happy Secret to Better Work, has been seen by over sixteen million people around the world, and his two books, The Happin...
Zahra Al-Harazi
Award-Winning Entrepreneur | Purpose-Driven Leadership Expert
The road to real leadership is rarely a straight one. Among Canada’s most successful entrepreneurs, few have faced more obstacles than Zahra Al-Harazi. With a no-holds-barred attitude, Al-Harazi helps people and organizations realize their potential for succ...
Jann Arden
Renowned Musician | Bestselling Author
Jann Arden can bring a hall full of people to tears through song, only to have them, moments later, rolling in the aisles from her off-the-cuff comedy. Whether she’s performing her music, hosting an event, or telling her deeply personal and affecting stories...
Afdhel Aziz
Expert on Purpose & Organizational Culture | Bestselling Author
Afdhel Aziz is one of the world’s leading experts in organizational purpose, marketing innovation, and social entrepreneurship. After a 20-year career as a global marketer at Procter & Gamble, Nokia, Heineken, and Absolut Vodka, Aziz is now the Found...
Jay Baer
Marketing and Customer Service Expert | New York Times Bestselling Author
Jay Baer is a Hall of Fame Speaker, renowned business strategist, a New York Times bestselling author of five books, and the Founder of five multi-million-dollar companies. Jay’s programs help organizations everywhere rethink their approach to marketing ...
Chris Bailey
Productivity and Performance Expert | Bestselling Author, Hyperfocus and The Productivity Project
Chris Bailey gives audiences practical, tactical advice for becoming more productive. Called “the most productive man you’d ever hope to meet” by TED Talks, a “productivity mastermind” by Fast Company, and “a quirky and energetic guide through the ...
Jeanne Beker
Iconic Fashion Journalist
Jeanne Beker is one of the most influential women in the fashion industry—in Canada and around the world. A long-time celebrity, Jeanne speaks on how she rose to the top of arts and culture media as the iconic host of TV’s Fashion Television, along with wh...
Kevin Breel
Mental Health Activist | TED Sensation
Kevin Breel’s TEDx Talk, “Confessions of a Depressed Comic”, has garnered more than four million views, making it one of the most watched TED talks ever on mental health. In the years since he delivered it, Kevin’s been called one of the “most ...
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...
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...
Dr. Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic
Psychologist | Author | Entrepreneur
An international authority in psychological profiling, talent management, leadership development, and people analytics, Dr. Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic uses science and technology to help organizations predict human performance. Currently the Chief Talent Scientis...
David Chilton
Former “Dragon” on CBC TV’s Dragons’ Den | Bestselling Author of The Wealthy Barber
Whether it’s helping millions of Canadians achieve personal financial success or investing in low-fat cookbooks, David Chilton has always had a knack for recognizing great ventures, a skill he leveraged as a “dragon” on CBC television’s #1 hit show, Dr...
Wade Davis
Anthropologist | Explorer
Wade Davis’s presentations—illustrated by his exquisite photographs—are a wild and moving celebration of the wonder of humanity and the diversity of the human spirit, as expressed through the myriad of cultures he has encountered. A former Explorer-i...
Arlene Dickinson
Arlene Dickinson "Dragon", CBC's Dragons’ Den & Founder and General Partner, District Ventures Capital
“The purpose of marketing is to deliver business results,” says Arlene Dickinson, renowned CBC “Dragon” and one of Canada’s most successful communications entrepreneurs. Whether explaining how to leverage marketing in even the tou...
Drew Dudley
Internationally Acclaimed Leadership Speaker | Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author
Called one of the most inspirational TED speakers in the world, Drew Dudley is on a mission to help people discover the leader within. With more than five million views, his TED talk “Everyday Leadership (The Lollipop Moment)” redefined leadership ...
Robin Esrock
Renowned Travel Writer and TV Host
Robin Esrock’s success as a global adventurer, travel writer, bestselling author, and international TV personality is no accident — although it did start with one. After a bike accident left him with a modest insurance settlement, Esrock quit his job to se...
Will Ferguson
Award-Winning Novelist and Travel Writer
Will Ferguson is as Canadian as canoes and hockey. The hilarious author of numerous acclaimed books, including Canadian History for Dummies, How To Be a Canadian, and even (counter-intuitively) Why I Hate Canadians, Ferguson wears his nationalism on his sleeve...
Sarah Ferguson
The Duchess of York
Internationally recognized for her inspiring story, Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, is an acclaimed author, humanitarian, broadcaster, and spokesperson who has spent much of her life in the glare of the public spotlight. Speaking candidly about her person...
Keith Ferrazzi
Expert in Business Relationship Development | Bestselling Author
Keith Ferrazzi holds the secret to creating positive organizational change. By helping global organizations recognize and transform behaviors that unlock or block strategic goals, Ferrazzi helps create new, more profitable habits throughout every level of the ...
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...
Dan Gardner
Risk Management & Forecasting | Award-winning Journalist | Bestselling Author
Can we improve our ability to forecast the future and manage risks to do better in business and life? Award-winning journalist and bestselling author Dan Gardner tackles these questions and more in his eye-opening and mind-expanding talks. Based on his bestsel...
Yossi Ghinsberg
Adventurer | Amazon Survivor | Inspiration for the Movie Jungle
Yossi Ghinsberg knows survival like almost no one else. When he was just 21 years old, he made headlines around the world for having survived in the Amazon rainforest for three weeks, alone. Today, Yossi draws on the lessons he learned from his ordeal to show ...
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...
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...
Kindra Hall
Strategic Storytelling Advisor and Expert
As the president and chief storytelling officer at Stellar Collective, Kindra Hall has worked with top organizations across industries to help tackle today’s communication challenges through storytelling. She is a sought-after keynote speaker trusted by ...
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...
General Rick Hillier
Former Chief of the Defence Staff for Canadian Forces
Leadership requirements on the front lines of business are not so different than those on the front lines of combat, says General (Retired) Rick Hillier. Each position requires a strong and sound vision to lead a united and skilled team. Drawing from more than...
Dr. Thomas Homer-Dixon
Award-Winning Author | Public Intellectual
Bestselling author of The Ingenuity Gap, Dr. Thomas Homer-Dixon shows audiences how to adapt and prosper in a world of ever-increasing complexity, speed, and surprise. Called “one of the best-informed and most brilliant writers on global affairs today...
Clara Hughes
Six-Time Olympic Medalist | Mental Health Advocate
After spending half her life striving to be the fastest person in the world, six-time Olympic medalist Clara Hughes decided to switch gears and “slow down to the pace of a human being.” This led her to hike over 16,000 kilometres, where she discovered the ...
Alex Hutchinson
Human Performance Expert | Award-Winning Journalist | Bestselling Author
Many believe our limits are defined by physical traits, but Alex Hutchinson knows that limits only exist in our minds. An award-winning science journalist, Alex draws on his experiences as an elite long-distance runner for Canada’s national team and as a sci...
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 ...
Bobby Jones
Marketing for Social Change
Bobby Jones is an expert on engaging people for social change. He is the co-author of the bestselling book Good is the New Cool: Market Like You Give Damn, a bold manifesto and how-to guide helping marketers to address environmental, civic, and economic issues...
Phil M. Jones
Globally Recognized Sales Expert | Bestselling Author
Phil M. Jones has made it his life’s work to demystify the sales process, reframe what it means to “sell”, and help sales teams learn new skills that inspire confidence, overcome fears, and instantaneously impact their results. His contagious personality...
Dr. Shimi Kang
Award-Winning Harvard-Trained Physician | Bestselling Author | Global Social Entrepreneur
An award-winning medical doctor, researcher, and expert on the neuroscience of innovation, leadership, and motivation, Dr. Shimi Kang provides science-based solutions for health, happiness, and achievement in the workplace, classroom, and at home. With 20 year...
Katty Kay
Lead Anchor, BBC World News America | Co-author, Womenomics and The Confidence Code
Katty Kay is the lead anchor for BBC’s World News America where she covers the full gamut of American and global affairs―reporting on US elections, the White House, Congress, Wall Street, global economies, and world trouble spots. Kay also frequently act...
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...
Bruce Kirkby
Acclaimed Explorer | Writer | Photographer
Bruce Kirkby lives life on the edge. An acclaimed explorer, travel writer and television host (with a degree in engineering physics), Kirkby’s travels have taken him from the world’s highest mountains to the wildest rivers and driest deserts. He draws ...
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...
Patrick Lencioni
Organizational Health Expert
Do you want to gain the ultimate competitive advantage and take your company to the next level? Organizational health expert Patrick Lencioni can show you how. In his sought-after talks, Lencioni explains that leaders already have everything they need at their...
Melissa Leong
Personal Finance Expert | National Media Personality | Bestselling Author
Melissa Leong is one of Canada’s best-loved authorities on personal finance. A sought-after speaker, national media personality, bestselling author, and award-winning writer, she is currently the resident money expert on CTV’s The Social, Canada’...
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...
Bruce Lourie
Influential Environmental Policy Expert | Bestselling Author
Author of international bestseller Slow Death by Rubber Duck, Dr. Bruce Lourie is one of Canada’s most influential leaders and thinkers in the environment sector. He has been instrumental in the creation of more than a dozen organizations that play criti...
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. ...
Dr. Gabor Maté
Expert In Addiction, Health and Wellness | Bestselling Author
Dr. Gabor Maté is highly sought after for his expertise on a range of topics including addiction, stress, and childhood development. Rather than offering quick-fix solutions to these complex issues, Dr. Maté weaves together scientific research, case historie...
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...
Nilofer Merchant
Former Tech Executive | Bestselling Author
Nilofer Merchant is a renowned business strategist and innovator on a mission to reinvent work so that it actually works. A bestselling author, TED mainstage speaker, and recipient of the “Future Thinker” Award from Thinkers 50, Merchant says few companies...