Speakers / Types: Campus Speakers
Campus Speakers
Creating confident, intelligent young people who thrive is what matters most to our speakers for college and university audiences. From mental health and diversity, to politics and literature, they always deliver A+ performances.
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...
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...
Trey Anthony
Award-Winning Canadian Playwright | Diversity Expert
Trey Anthony is a visionary creator, comedian, television writer, and award-winning playwright of international significance. The first African Canadian woman to have her own program on a primetime Canadian network, she is the writer of the critically acclaime...
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...
Sally Armstrong
Human Rights Activist | Journalist | Author
Sally Armstrong has covered stories in zones of conflict all over the world. From Bosnia and Somalia to Congo and Afghanistan, her eyewitness reports have earned her the Amnesty International Media Award four times over, as well as acclaim all over the world. ...
Jordan Axani
Mental Wellness and Leadership Expert | Focus of World's Most Viral Human-Interest Story
Jordan Axani has a long track-record of bold acts that move and inspire people. Whether becoming one of the youngest people to bike across Canada, or being at the centre of the most viral human-interest story in the internet’s history (the tale of a Canadian...
Chris Bailey
Productivity and Performance Expert | Bestselling Author, Hyperfocus and The Productivity Project
Chris Bailey provides audiences with practical and 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, “a quirky a...
Chris Bashinelli
National Geographic Explorer | Executive Producer and Host, Bridge the Gap
Chris Bashinelli was 20 years old when he traveled to Tanzania to film his first documentary, asking the question: how can we change the world? When he returned, his father was diagnosed with terminal cancer. It was this moment that he realized there was nothi...
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...
Orlando Bowen
Game Changer and Motivational Speaker
When it comes to building teams, creating momentum, and employing winning strategies, Orlando Bowen is the real deal. A former professional football player and now high-performance coach, for the past fifteen years Bowen has used storytelling, fitness activiti...
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...
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 ...
Brian Burke
NHL Leader | Community Activist | Philanthropist
Hockey legend Brian Burke is a dynamic figure in both the worlds of business and sport. He is the president of hockey operations for the Pittsburgh Penguins, and formerly held leadership positions in the organizations of the Calgary Flames, the Toronto Maple L...
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...
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...
Michel Chikwanine
Former Child Soldier | Inspirational Speaker on the Ability to Create Change
Michel Chikwanine has overcome unimaginable pain and struggle. Born in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Michel grew up amid the terror of the Great War of Africa. Much of his childhood was ravaged by the death and decay of a war that claimed the lives of 5.8 ...
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 ...
The Rt. Hon. Joe Clark
Former Canadian Prime Minister and Foreign Minister
Canada’s 16th Prime Minister, the Right Honourable Joe Clark is one of the most widely respected Canadians in history. Clark reaches across divides — from chairing the Commonwealth Foreign Ministers campaign against apartheid, to winning unanimous agre...
Anderson Cooper
Award-Winning CNN Anchor and Journalist
Anderson Cooper untangles the complex webs surrounding today’s biggest news stories and engages audiences with his world view of the latest hot spots and global issues. The anchor of Anderson Cooper 360, a provocative weekday program on CNN that goes bey...
Jessi Cruickshank
Television Personality
As the host of many of television’s most popular programs, Jessi Cruickshank knows how to capture eyes and ears. Acclaimed for her hilarious humour and friendly demeanour, Jessi showcases her unique abilities as an emcee, moderator, or on-stage interviewer f...
Severn Cullis-Suzuki
Environmental Activist
At just 12 years old, Severn Cullis-Suzuki gained international attention when she delivered her famous speech at the Rio Earth Summit, pleading for the delegates to preserve the planet. Since then, Cullis-Suzuki has continued to advocate for intergenerational...
James Cunningham
Corporate Comedian | Emcee | Television Personality
Seeking a master of ceremonies or a fabulous evening of entertainment? Then look no further. James Cunningham has proven, time and again, that he’s among the most skilled corporate emcees and comedians in the world. His personalized performances and attentio...
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...
Daniel Dale
CNN Reporter | Award-Winning Journalist
Daniel Dale has spent nearly a decade reporting on populist politicians with an aversion to the truth. Beginning with Mayor Rob Ford’s infamous reign in Toronto City Hall, and continuing today at CNN where he’s responsible for fact-checking every w...
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...
The Debaters Live
With Steve Patterson
Be it resolved that The Debaters Live comedy show is an entertaining and stimulating way to liven up any event. Award-winning comedian and hilarious host Steve Patterson and two stand-up comics are ready to entertain with an exhilarating exchange of “fac...
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 ...
Mike Downie
Award-Winning Documentary Filmmaker | Co-Founder, Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund
Mike Downie is a multi-award-winning documentary filmmaker and the co-founder of the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund. A celebrated and inspirational storyteller, Downie takes his audiences on a ride that explores how our stories define us, remind us of o...
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 ...
Tyrone Edwards
Anchor, etalk
With his extensive pop culture knowledge and an innate ability to ease his guests into intimate and candid conversation, Tyrone Edwards brings his expertise to Canada’s most-watched entertainment program as the anchor of etalk. A versatile presenter and ...
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...
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...
Niall Ferguson
Internationally Renowned Historian
Named by Time magazine as one of the “100 Most Influential People in the World,” Niall Ferguson’s work impacts industry, finance, government, and academia. Controversial, expansive, and eloquent, Ferguson’s talks explore themes that have urgent relevan...
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...
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...
Michael J. Fox
Parkinson's Activist | Celebrated Actor
Michael J. Fox has one of the best-known faces in Hollywood. In addition to being recognized as a star in dozens of blockbuster films and highly rated television series, Fox is also recognized world-wide as the face of Parkinson’s disease, a condition he has...
Sir Bob Geldof
Influential Global Visionary | Pop Icon
Rock musician, songwriter, and political activist, Sir Bob Geldof is the rare combination of musical talent and successful businessman. He created the Live Aid concerts, built a media empire, called urgent attention to the world’s most vulnerable people,...
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 ...
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 mos...
Evan Hadfield
Digital Media Strategist
As head of Toronto digital creative agency launch*pad, Evan Hadfield has built a name for himself from the ground up. The mastermind behind Colonel Chris Hadfield’s “Space Oddity” YouTube sensation, as well as dozens of other videos by the fa...
Rick Hansen
Man In Motion | Champion for Accessibility and Inclusion
Rick Hansen, C.C., O.B.C., is a Canadian icon who has dedicated his life to awakening the world to the potential of people with disabilities. He is best known as the “Man In Motion” for undertaking an epic 26-month, 40,000 km journey around the world in hi...
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...
Jill Heinerth
Explorer-in-Residence, The Royal Canadian Geographical Society
More people have walked on the moon than have visited many of the places that Jill Heinerth has seen on Earth. From the most dangerous technical dives deep inside underwater caves, to searching for never-before-seen ecosystems inside giant Antarctic icebergs, ...
Mark Henick
Mental Health Advocate and Strategist | Top 50 TEDx Speaker
With over six million views, Mark Henick’s TEDx talk, “Why We Choose Suicide,” is among the most watched in the world. His story of searching for “the man in the light brown jacket” who saved his life from a teenage suicide attempt captured g...
Cheryl Hickey
Host of ET Canada
As host of television’s pre-eminent entertainment news program, ET Canada, Cheryl Hickey greets over half a million loyal viewers each night as she relays in-depth profiles, breaking news coverage, and behind-the-scenes exclusives. A nominee for a presti...
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...
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...
Simon Jackson
Movement Builder | Founder of the Spirit Bear Youth Coalition
Simon Jackson, who shot to fame as the founder of the Spirit Bear Youth Coalition when he was just 13 years old — is a storyteller, connector and movement builder committed to improving our public discourse and shaping a better balance between the needs...