Recommended Leadership Speakers
Maryanne Oketch
Maryanne Oketch is a familiar face because of her appearance on CBS's hit show, Survivor. She was known for her positivity, optimism, and genuine joy during her time on the island. She was the second black woman and the second Canadian to win the 42nd season, outsmarting 17 other contestants to become the "Sole Survivor". Maryanne is passionate about empowering the next generation to share their talent and stories to make change in their communities. Today, Maryanne works as a Host at TVO on their show "Nerds on Healthcare," and is in her second year of medical school at Western University.
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Three Core Themes: Leadership, Resiliency, Authenticity
Scott Hammell
Scott Hammell has been traveling the world as a magician, escape artist, stunt artist and speaker for nearly three decades.
He is a four-time Guinness World Record holder. Some of his stunts include:
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Hanging upside down from a hot air balloon while locked in a straitjacket and chains.
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He jumped from an airplane while blindfolded and handcuffed to his waist.
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He Juggled Live Explosives.
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And has performed the most dangerous stunt in show business, The Bullet Catch.
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Three Core Themes: Mental Health, Resilience, Effective Goal Setting
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Contact: ​www.ScottHammell.com
or www.ScottHamburger.com (because most people get confused spelling my last name)
I'm not on social media!
Mark Black
Mark’s life changed forever at 23 years old when a doctor told him that without a rare, life-saving transplant, he would be dead by 25. Heart and double-lung transplants are extremely rare, and Mark was told his odds of receiving one in time were virtually zero. Facing imminent death, and with no other options, Mark moved 1500km away from his home and family, waiting for a miracle.
On September 7, 2002, Mark was one of seven Canadians to receive a heart and double-lung transplant that year. Three years later, he became the only man in history to complete a marathon with someone else’s heart and lungs.
A few years after completing his first marathon, Mark accidentally discovered his love for speaking. Invited to address the graduates of a local high school, Mark shared some of the life lessons he learned while facing death and enduring tremendous challenges. The speech was so well received, a parent came up after the speech to hire him to speak at his company. And a career was born.
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Three Core Themes: Mental Health, Resilience, Equity
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Contact: markblack.ca
Jeff Gerber
Jeff believes the “biggest ship in leadership is relationship.” A member of the Canadian Association of Professional Speakers, he is an engaging keynote speaker and presenter with experience at global, national, provincial, regional and local conferences, TEDx, school assemblies, and more.
From his 20 years experience as a Leadership Teacher and Student Council
Advisor he has been recognized as a “National Leader of Distinction” by the Canadian Student Leadership Association and “Advisor of the Year” for the province of Ontario by the Ontario Student Leadership Conference. He is blessed to empower and encourage people speaking about Leadership, Love, and Belonging at schools and conferences across North America.
Jeff is excited to meet you and work alongside you to help make your school a place where everyone belongs!
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Three Core Themes: Belonging, Wellbeing and Mental Health, Leadership and Team Building
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You can learn more about Jeff and his passion for building schools andcommunities where everyone belongs at www.jeffgerber.ca and connect with him on social media @jeffgpresents.
Andy Thibodeau
Andy Thibodeau was called “Mr. School Spirit” by King’s University College at Western University when they named him the alumni of the year in 2014. This passion for leadership and school spirit started in elementary school when Andy successfully ran for student council Vice President. He won because no one ran against him! From organizing dances in grade 8, pep rallies in high school and orientation week in University, Andy’s enthusiasm for youth leadership led to his unique career of inspiring students and school staff across the continent.
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Since 1992, Andy has delivered thousands of fun inspirational presentations to schools and conferences across North America. Over two million people have seen him speak in all 10 Canadian provinces, the Yukon and 40 US states. ​
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Andy’s Impact Presentations at www.andypresentations.com Instagram andytspeaks
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Three Core Themes: Building School Spirit, Student Leadership Training, Balancing Learning with having Fun in school.
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Contact: andypresentations.com
Chris Gray
At the age of 5, Chris had one goal… to one day wrestle in the same ring as his childhood heroes and become a professional wrestler. Despite growing up in an extremely small rural Canadian town, and everyone telling him his dream was impossible, Chris went on to achieve his dream and become a professional wrestling champion.
Chris currently wrestles all around the world as “Cody Deaner” for TNA (Total NonStop Action) Wrestling on a television show that is seen in 150 million homes in 120 countries worldwide.
Chris’ story proves that you can’t judge a book by its cover. Not only is Chris a professional speaker and a professional wrestler, he’s also a father of four children and a husband to a beautiful and supportive wife. Oh… and while pursuing his dream to be a professional wrestler, he also got his English Language & Literature degree and used to be a high school teacher and librarian! Chris did all these things while leading a fundraising initiative called “Giv’er for Charity” that has raised tens of thousands of dollars for various children’s charities across Canada.
Chris uses everything he’s learned in his unique life journey to craft presentations that tell a story. Ultimately, Chris is a professional storyteller. Through his powerful stories, he shares with students that we should all dare to dream big. We can all be whatever we want to be if we’re willing to put in the work. And, in the end, we all have the power to be a positive influence in our classroom, schools, and community as a whole.
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Three Core Themes: Mental Health, Resilience, Equity
Website: ChrisGraySpeaks.com
Instagram: Instagram.com/chrisgrayspeaks
Facebook: facebook.com/chrisgrayspeaks
Jeff A.D. Martin
Jeff A.D. Martin is a soul-stirring, thought-provoking, highly requested transformational speaker, who has been using his platform to inspire people from around the world.
Much of Jeff’s love for people can be attributed to his years of involvement as a community advocate, a mentor and also to his 20 years of experience in Law Enforcement. Jeff has worked as a police officer and in various investigative roles. He is a youth communication specialist, with over 1000 forensic interviews with children.
Jeff is also an author of two critically acclaimed books. A City of Toronto best-selling children’s book, “Brothers from the 6/ Sisters from the 6: Role Models in my Community”, and an Amazon best selling personal development book, “KNew Me: 10 Men, 10 Stories of Perseverance”.
Jeff is an award-winning professional speaker, a certified coach, University of Guelph certified leadership professional, Harvard University certificate recipient for public speaking and a Diversity & Inclusion Trainer from Ashton College.
With his career and life experiences, coupled with his benevolence and passion to inspire, Jeff A.D. Martin shares his gift of purpose in efforts to help others find their true potential.
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Three Core Themes: Mental Health, Equity, Leadership
Contact: Jeffadmartin.com
@Jeffadmartin
Nadia Ladak
​Nadia Ladak is an award winning speaker on youth entrepreneurship and creating change in the world. As a youth entrepreneur herself, she’s passionate about empowering young leaders
to turn ideas into action, speak up for what they believe in, and lead with both heart and hustle.
As a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree and young founder, Nadia started Marlow just months after graduating university—proving that age is no barrier to making an impact. What began as a school project in her final year at Western University has now grown into an international period
care brand that has been featured on Dragon’s Den, CP24 Breakfast Television, The Globe and Mail, and more.
Nadia is a graduate from the Ivey Business School, sits on the advisory board for Venture for Canada, is a member of the G20 Young Entrepreneur Alliance, and an entrepreneur in residence at Branksome Hall School.
In her talk, Nadia shares honest insights about building a company from scratch, navigating failure, challenging the status quo, and using entrepreneurship as a force for good.
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Three Core Themes: Entrepreneurship, Resilience, Creating Impact
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Contact: https://nadialadak.com/
Levi Stanford
Just five days after marrying the love of his life, Levi’s world was turned upside down by a devastating accident that cost him his left hand and nearly his life. When he finally awoke from his coma, he didn’t see tragedy; he saw a second chance.
Fueled by gratitude, Levi transformed pain into purpose and rebuilt his life as a musician, singer, and storyteller, proving that true joy isn’t dictated by circumstances, but by perspective.
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Today, Levi travels the globe as a motivational speaker, comedian, and musician. His dynamic presentations combine raw honesty with infectious humor, creating experiences that are equal parts inspiring and entertaining.
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From Canada to the United States, New Zealand to Australia, Levi has inspired audiences worldwide to face adversity with courage, humour, and heart. His story and perspective have even taken him to the national stage on Canada’s Got Talent, where he showcased not just his talent, but his courage to live boldly.
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Levi doesn’t simply deliver keynotes, he creates unforgettable moments that move people to rethink their own challenges. Audiences will walk away laughing, inspired, and empowered with tools to face adversity with resilience, courage, and joy.
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Three Core Themes: resilience, emotional mastery, life design and meaning.
Ahmad Jabbir
Ahmad Jabbir is a 2x TEDx and international speaker, having spoken
in the U.S., U.K., and Canada. His journey led him to his marketing role at Yes Theory, a YouTube channel with over 9 million subscribers, that has collaborated with channels like Mr.Beast, Logan Paul, and KSI.
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After facing burnout and self-doubt, he came across the idea of mental fitness, the belief that we can train our minds like our bodies to build resilience before challenges hit. His journey led him to complete a 9-hour mountain race, go skydiving, and interview 100 people across 89 cities and 45 countries.
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He later joined Yes Theory, the YouTube channel with over 9 million subscribers, where he led marketing for their clothing brand sold in more than 160 countries. Now, he's on a mission to make mental fitness routines as attractive as physical fitness routines
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Three Core Themes: ​
Contact: ahmadjabbir.com
Sam Demma
Sam Demma is a best-selling author and one of the most in-demand keynote speakers today. He has delivered nearly 700 performances across Canada, The United States, and Kenya. He was invited to deliver two TEDx talks, co-founded PickWaste—an organization that mobilized volunteers to pick up over 3000 bags of litter—and was awarded the prestigious Queens Platinum Jubilee Award for his national contributions.
During the pandemic, Sam produced two viral graduation videos for students who missed their ceremonies and launched a partnership with Taco Bell to encourage people to engage in acts of kindness.
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Sam is also the founder of Elite Speakers Coaching, a program designed to empower aspiring speakers with the tools, strategies, and confidence to share their stories and build thriving speaking careers.
Through his multimedia platform, The High Performing Educator, Sam has spotlighted over 250 educators, and his bestselling debut book, Empty Your Backpack, has been called "a must-read for young dreamers." In his spare time, you can find Sam reading books, dancing the bachata, or traveling the world with his giant red backpack.
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Three Core Themes: Leadership & Empowerment, Service
Personal Growth & Resilience
Contact: samdemma.com
Matthew McKinnon
Matthew, a two time cancer survivor and TEDx presenter, shares a powerful message about resilience and courage in the face of life’s challenges. His story highlights how adversity can become a turning point for growth and positive change.
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At 16, Matthew’s life took an unexpected turn with a serious medical diagnosis. What should have been a typical summer before Grade 12 became a journey through two brain surgeries, chemotherapy, and radiation treatments. Through this experience, Matthew learned the importance of voluntarily taking on life’s challenges.
Drawing from his experiences with cancer and mental health challenges, Matthew helps students understand how they can develop resilience and respond to difficulties with strength and hope. He offers practical insights and strategies to encourage young people to overcome setbacks and build confidence for whatever lies ahead.
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Three Core Themes: Resilience and Overcoming Adversity, Mental Health, and Defining your Why
Contact: https://www.matthewmckinnon.ca/
Ian Tyson
Since his very first show in 1989, Ian Tyson has strived to entertain and inspire people across North America with his unique brand of “Comedy with a Message”. Ian’s passion is always on full display during his presentations, with high energy, humour and heart-warming relatable stories of overcoming obstacles and making a difference in the lives of others.
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Contact: iantyson.ca
Christene Lewis
​Christene Lewis is an international author and speaker. She is also a leadership and change coach amongst youth advocacy for families from various socio-economic status. Christene was one of the recipients of the Canada’s top 100 Black Women to Watch 2023 award and the 2024 Black Diamond Award for youth empowerment!
Her book, Hidden Truths, Broken Silence has been compared and reviewed to award-winning author Sister Souljahs, The Coldest Winter Ever.
Christene speaks from life experience, through early childhood molestation to gang culture. Some say Christene was the epitome of the girl who wasn’t supposed to make it. Christene’s emphasis and capacity building module is that One’s impact must always be greater than their intention. Christene's focus on youth is imperative for growth for the upcoming generation.
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Larissa Franklin
Growing up in Maple Ridge, British Columbia, Larissa’s impact extends far beyond her individual achievements; whether it's on the field, speaking to a corporate audience, or coaching softball, what truly sets Larissa apart is her seamless transition from focused intensity to fostering a fun and supportive environment. Her ability to strike this balance embodies the essence of high performance.
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12 Year National Team Member
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Olympic Bronze Medalist
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Guinness World Record Holder
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Pan American Gold, Silver, Bronze Medalist
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3x World Bronze Medalist
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Contact: https://www.larissafranklin.com/ ​
Orlando Bowen
Orlando Bowen is a keynote speaker focused on equipping people to get off the sidelines and become difference-makers on their teams and in the lives of those around them. He is a highly sought after speaker and trainer who works with corporations, small businesses and non-profits. When it comes to building teams, creating momentum and employing winning strategies, Orlando is the real deal. He is also passionate about youth leadership.
As a result of that passion, he founded One Voice One Team Youth Leadership Organization to inspire and to teach resilience, leadership and teamwork to youth.
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Contact: orlandobowen.com
Alvin Law
There is an expression that says, “First impressions are everything”. When people see Alvin Law, their first impression is usually negative. Makes sense because he has no arms. He was born that way because his mother was given medication when she was pregnant and his arms never grew. Some people would see that as tragic, but not Alvin.
Today, he is married, is a Dad and he owns a speaking company that has taken him to five different continents around the world. In fact, he has spoken to over two million people and is even in the Canadian Professional Speakers Hall of Fame.
He is proof that no matter what happens in life, our attitude really does make a difference.
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Contact: alvinlaw.com
Ryan Straschnitzki
Ryan Straschnitzki is a former Humboldt Bronco from the 2017-18 season, current Team Alberta para-ice hockey member and a hopeful for the 2026 Team Canada’s para-ice hockey team. Currently he is attending physiotherapy for his dream of hopefully walking again someday, he is making strides each and every session thanks to the wonderful environment at Synaptic in Calgary.
Ryan’s journey has not been an easy one, he understands that each day is a battle not just physically but mentally as well. Although he’s received countless amounts of support from around the world he recently started a foundation called the Straz Strong Foundation with hopes of giving back to the disabled community, his dream is to one day live in a world where people with both mental and physical disabilities can have better qualities of life through adaptive sports, inexpensive rehabilitation needs and more social awareness for those who limit understanding of the life of someone with a disability.
While keeping busy he also enjoys public speaking to spread messages of positivity and motivation for those looking for ways to adapt and change their lives for the better.
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Contact: strazstrongfoundation.com