Speakers / Types: Motivational Speakers
Motivational Speaker
Do you or your staff need someone to encourage you to work better help you achieve your goals? Our motivating and inspiring speakers share their experiences when overcoming some of life’s most difficult obstacles, and how you can, too.
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. An explorer-in-residenc...
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 ...
Josh Dueck
Paralympic Gold Medalist and Flag Bearer
Some spirits are simply unbreakable. In 2004, a harrowing freestyle skiing accident left Josh Dueck paralyzed from the waist down. While his spinal cord may have been damaged, his determination to continue in the sport he loved was not. Just five years after s...
Linda Edgecombe
Bestselling Author | Motivator
Linda Edgecombe is an expert at shifting perspective. A highly sought after speaker who energizes every room as she encourages people to loosen up, lighten the load, and laugh. Encouraging others to understand that they can change their lives at work and at ho...
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...
Kellylee Evans
Juno Award-Winning Singer-Songwriter | Motivational Speaker
Internationally acclaimed Juno Award-Winning singer-songwriter Kellylee Evans has been making waves around the world with her energy-charged performances. She shares her inspirational journey of recovery, and showcases the importance of self-care and finding y...
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...
Perdita Felicien
World Champion Hurdler | Two-Time Olympian
Perdita Felicien is a two-time Olympian, 10-time National Champion, two-time World silver medalist, and the only Canadian woman to win a World Championship gold medal in track and field. During her career as a 100-metre hurdler she earned numerous honours, inc...
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 ...
Molly Fletcher
CEO | Business Author | Former Sports Agent
Molly Fletcher is a trailblazer in every sense of the word. She is a rare talent of business wisdom, relationship brilliance, and unwavering optimism. As the former president of client representation for sports and entertainment agency CSE, she was hailed as t...
Tom Flick
Former NFL Quarterback | Authority on Leadership, Leading Change and Accelerating Performance
Dynamic and highly sought-after, leadership expert Tom Flick has delivered over 3,000 presentations to a “who’s-who” list of clients that includes Microsoft, Starbucks, Google, Boeing, American Express, Amazon, NASA, Mercedes-Benz and the Pen...
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...
Porter Gale
Former VP of Marketing at Virgin America | Marketing and Networking Expert | Award-Winning Author
Porter Gale has more than 25 years of experience in marketing, business, and tech. She was awarded the Changing The Game Award, by The Advertising Women of New York (AWNY), was on AdAge’s Digital Hotlist, iMedia’s Top 25-Digital Marketers list, and named a...
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 ...
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...
Dr. Karyn Gordon
Leadership and Relationship Expert | Maximizing Performance
Dr. Karyn Gordon’s mission is to inspire people to dream their best life, learn the tools, and do it! A bestselling author and media personality, Gordon has delivered more than 1000 keynotes to more than 500 million people from 15 countries — including For...
Swish Goswami
Startup Canada's Young Entrepreneur of the Year
Swish Goswami has built a multi-hyphenate career. Just 22 years old, he is already a serial entrepreneur; a LinkedIn Youth Editor; a past Fortune 500 consultant for Google and American Express; a venture capitalist; a UN Youth Ambassador; and a three-time TEDx...
Bob Gray
Memory and the Turbocharged Brain
How often have you bumped into a client or customer, but for the life of you, you can’t remember their name? Socially, this can be embarrassing, but in business, it can be disastrous. Bob Gray teaches audiences the techniques they need to unlock their me...
Great Traits with Mark Tewksbury and Debbie Muir
Inspiring Excellence
Great Traits, founded by Olympic insiders Mark Tewksbury and Debbie Muir, delivers engaging, unique, impactful programs that show people how to perform at their best, and influence the environment around them in a positive and meaningful way. It is often said ...
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...
Stacey Hanke
Communication Expert
Today’s fast-paced business environment requires leaders who can create impact and influence others with sound communication practices. Stacey Hanke has trained over 15,000 executives to influence, persuade, sell, or simply effectively communicate face-to-fa...
Dr. Robyne Hanley-Dafoe
Expert on Resiliency and Workplace Wellness
Dr. Robyne Hanley-Dafoe is a multi-award-winning psychology instructor who specializes in resiliency, navigating stress and change, and personal wellness in the workplace. Described as transformational, engaging, and thought-provoking, Hanley-Dafoe’s key...
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 over 6.3 million people worldwide. The founder and CEO of charity: water, one of the most well-known philanthropic organisations in the world, shares how his approach to running a non-profit — from i...
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, ...
Paul Henderson
The Goal of the Century
Paul Henderson became a Canadian sports legend on September 28, 1972. With 34 seconds remaining in Canada’s game against the Soviet Union, Henderson scored the winning goal and lifted Canada to victory in the “Series of the Century.” Today, Henderson sha...
John Herdman
Head Coach, Canadian Men's Soccer Team
As the former Head Coach of the Canadian Women’s Soccer Team, John Herdman took a group once called a “struggling squad” to one that has captured the hearts and minds of Canadians. Under his leadership, the team won two back-to-back bronze medals at the ...
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...
Sally Hogshead
Brand Innovation Consultant | Bestselling Author
Why are you captivated by some people but not by others? Why do you recall some brands yet forget the rest? The answer is “fascination,” and ― as Sally Hogshead explains ― it’s the most powerful way to influence decision making. Drawing upon her bran...
Jessica Holmes
Celebrated Comedian | Author | Mental Health Advocate
Beloved comedian Jessica Holmes has been a perennial favourite on Royal Canadian Air Farce for 15 years, and has brought the house down opening for giants such as Ellen DeGeneres, Russell Peters, Jerry Seinfeld, and Oprah Winfrey. Her hilarious take on life’...
Clara Hughes
Six-Time Olympic Medalist | Mental Health Advocate
“Being a champion is not just about winning,” says six-time Olympic medalist Clara Hughes. Believing that actions off the track define us as much as those on it, Hughes inspires people toward success in all areas of their lives. Her candid, personal talks ...
Paul Huschilt
Storyteller Extraordinaire
Hilariously funny, smart, motivating, inspiring, and memorable, Paul Huschilt creates conference summaries and keynotes tailored exactly to the needs of your audience. Described by many as indescribable, he’s one of the most unique voices in the speaking ind...
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...
Michael Hyatt
Leadership | Change and Innovation Visionary
By age 25, Michael Hyatt became a self-made millionaire by building two highly successful tech firms that he sold for $500 million dollars. Today, Hyatt ranks as one of Canada’s top entrepreneurs, and is a mentor and investor in several startups. Whether spe...
Marci Ien
Co-Host, The Social | Former Co-Host and News Anchor, Canada AM
For over 15 years, Canadians from coast to coast woke up every morning to Marci Ien’s friendly, familiar face as the co-host and news anchor of the national morning program, Canada AM. Today, Ien is seen across the country as a co-host of one of televisi...
Dr. John Izzo
Bestselling Author | Business Visionary
Dr. John Izzo helps companies maximize their potential from the ground up. For over 20 years, Dr. Izzo has worked with thousands of leaders around the world, on employee-engagement strategies and brand transformations. He has been a pioneer in employee engagem...
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...
Sabrina Jalees
Comedic Star
Sabrina Jalees’s comedy has taken the world by storm. Opening for the likes of Russell Peters and a headliner comic in her own right, Jalees never fails to draw laughter with her shoot-from-the-hip style. As a keynote speaker, Jalees tells her personal story...
Neen James
Sales, Leadership, and Productivity Expert
Today’s leaders and team members live, work, and breathe in a whirlwind 24/7 cycle of commitments, distractions, data, and deadlines, causing them to feel stressed, overwhelmed, and out of control. Productivity, sales, and leadership expert Neen James’ hig...
Mark Jeffries
Strategic Communications | Soft Skills Expert
In highly competitive situations, you need to stand out, get noticed, and be remembered. Strategic communications and “soft skills” expert Mark Jeffries teaches audiences how to make smart moves that bring success. A trusted advisor to global blue chip cor...
Jamil Jivani
Award-Winning Activist | Lawyer
Jamil Jivani tackles some of the biggest challenges in the world as a lawyer, community organizer, and teacher. With research and teaching appointments at Yale Law School and Osgoode Hall Law School, Jivani focuses on issues that impact youth, immigrants, and ...
Hal Johnson and Joanne McLeod
Body Break
Hal Johnson and Joanne McLeod are known across Canada for encouraging people to live a healthier, active lifestyle, keep fit and have fun. The hosts and creators of Body Break convey their message of health in a positive and entertaining manner, complete with ...
Earvin “Magic” Johnson
NBA Legend | Hall of Famer | Entrepreneur and Philanthropist
Earvin “Magic” Johnson has become the most powerful African-American businessman in the world. Having left the basketball court for the boardroom, Johnson has successfully parlayed his skills and tenacity on the court into the business world as Chairman an...
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...
Jennifer Jones
Skip of the 2014 Olympic Champion Curling Team
Jennifer Jones is Canada’s most decorated and recognizable female curler. She won an Olympic gold medal as skip of the Canadian team at the 2014 Olympic Games in Sochi, just 18 months after having ACL surgery, and 15 months after becoming a mother for the fi...
Dr. Ivan Joseph
Award-Winning Performance Coach | Leadership and Cultural Transformation Expert
Dr. Ivan Joseph wants you and your team to succeed — and he knows how you can do it. An award-winning coach, educator, and leader, Ivan has spent his career leading cultural transformation, helping people believe in themselves, and creating cohesive teams. I...
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 almost ...