Nick Foley

Keynote speaker, Facilitator, Teacher, Coach, Entrepreneur

Topics: Diversity and Inclusion, Entrepreneurship, Leadership Development, Motivation and Inspiration, Resilience
Audiences: Corporate, Educators/Staff, Middle/High School, Parents, University/College

WORKSHOPS
AND TOPICS

How Do You Want to Be Remembered? - High School/Post Secondary/Corporate

Nick will leave both your student and teacher audiences inspired to take action as he speaks about the journey he and his family are on to create an inclusive environment for his daughter.

This message is illustrated through real life stories that will leave the audience laughing as well as thinking about the legacy they are creating. This presentation illustrates that inclusion without bias is what will fundamentally contribute to eradicating hate and building a lasting inclusive culture in your work community. Nick pulls from the life lessons he learned while cycling 8312 km from Victoria, BC to St. John’s, NFLD on his Move for Inclusion journey to raise awareness about Inclusion. Nick shares with the audience that if ‘your why for doing something is big enough, then the how you do it will always show up.’ He shares practical approaches to fostering the most inclusive work place possible by offering insights and tips on how to propagate a diverse workplace through his years of working in the inclusion and diversity space.

Teaching the Exceptional Child - Teachers, teacher colleges, teacher conferences

This workshop is for teachers K-12 and is centred around how to make your classroom inclusive, as well as how to effectively communicate with the parents of the exceptional children in your classroom. Nick brings years of teaching experience, as well as being a Dad to his daughter Brynn who has Down Syndrome. This insightful workshop will give teachers the tools to effectively communicate with students as well as parents. (Ideal for teachers and students in Teachers college)

The Cadence Effect - Corporate, High School College Workshop

Nick will work with your business or organization on how to align your aspirations with application as well as how to measure days and months, so you are getting the most out of each day.

Nick offers 2-hour, half-day and full-day options ideal for all types of businesses, organizations and teachers. 

Testimonials

Speaker Testimonials

“Nick’s talk was straight from the heart. Bayside students were riveted during his story about Brad and participated wholeheartedly during the interactive parts of the presentation. I believe that the overall message of the importance of responsible decision making truly resonated with students. Nick’s youthful enthusiasm and ability to connect with his audience were amazing!”

Emily Young - Bayside High School

“Nick was an overwhelming hit and was able to reach our students with his interactive and engaging approach.He has a unique ability to connect with students and staff and inspire them to be instruments of change. Nick’s presentation struck a chord with our students in a personal and reflective manner. His message will follow our students for many years to come. At the end, our students walked away feeling empowered to take a stand against bullying and positively impact our community.”

Gloria Hackett - ST Theresa's Catholic Secondary

“We need to say “Thank You.” You were perfect timing, and you spoke, touched and changed many lives yesterday. Our senior teachers have said it was the best message in their long careers. “

Daniel, Teacher, Sussex High School
More Information

REQUEST TO BOOK Nick Foley

If comfortable, please use a personal email as many school boards have blocked external emails.

Ian Tyson

Speaker, Author, Facilitator, Silver Lining Prospector

Topics: Improving Social Climate and School Culture, Leadership Development, Motivation and Inspiration, Resilience, School Spirit and Involvement, Team-Building
Audiences: Corporate, Educators/Staff, Middle/High School, Parents, University/College

WORKSHOPS
AND TOPICS

"Hooray For Everything!"

Ian takes a look deeper into personal attitude and how it affects our day to day lives. By looking back at the enthusiasm of our youth and contrasting to what we do in our daily lives, stark contrasts emerge. Ian explores the things we “spend” time doing in our lives, and whether that is in fact, living fully. While not advocating blind optimism; Ian instead looks at a more complete understanding; that while life can throw us curve balls – resilience comes with perseverance and the right mindset. Dealing with topics like fear, gratitude, choices, and habits, Ian shows how letting go of negativity can really improve our outlook and life. Capitalizing on his trademark style of storytelling with wit and wisdom intertwined, this presentation will leave audiences wanting to be a “Silver Lining Prospector”

*** All presentations can be curated to school/conference learning outcomes with material and stories pulled from multiple presentations to create the most personalized show possible.

"Hero Inside"

This keynote is the epitome of “Comedy with a Message”, and has been both entertaining and thought provoking for people of all ages for years. Hero Inside takes your audience on a hilarious journey from childhood through high school and beyond, with observational humour and life lessons along the way. Through his anecdotal tales, the audience will meet the colourful characters that have inspired Ian throughout his life. Ian combines his skills as an award winning stand-up comic with his vibrancy for life to create a presentation that your audience will not soon forget.  Covering topics like overcoming obstacles, kindness, respect, dealing with loss, resilience, building culture, balancing stress in life, recapturing childhood energy, finding a personal motivation and making a difference in the life of others.

*** All presentations can be curated to school/conference learning outcomes with material and stories pulled from multiple presentations to create the most personalized show possible.

"Hooray for Everything!" - Corporate

Ian takes a deep dive into attitude and how it affects our day to day lives at home and work. This presentation contrasts the way we have carried ourselves and faced negativity throughout our lives and how those habits change our perception. This interactive and high energy presentation explores the things we “spend” time doing in our lives, and how they add up over time. While not advocating blind optimism; he instead looks at a more complete understanding; that while negativity is unavoidable, our response is within our control – resilience comes with perseverance and the right mindset. Dealing with topics like fear, choices, habits, gratitude, work -life balance, and more, Ian shows how letting go of negativity can really improve our outlook and help to forge the life we all crave. Capitalizing on his trademark style of storytelling with wit and wisdom intertwined, this presentation will leave audiences wanting to be a “Silver Lining Prospector”

*** All presentations can be curated to your company/event desired learning outcomes with material and stories pulled from multiple presentations to create the most personalized show possible.

"Feed My Life" - Corporate

Utilizing food and cooking as the metaphor and delivery method Ian weaves through personal stories and life lessons about gratitude, resilience, service, kindness and more. Digging deep into higher concepts like learning, behaviour, and the things we take for granted, Ian will deliver relatable material that will help your team be better, together. Through his anecdotal tales, the audience will meet the colourful characters that have inspired Ian throughout his life. Ian combines his skills as an award winning stand-up comic with his vibrancy for life to create a presentation that your audience will not soon forget.

*** All presentations can be curated to your company/event desired learning outcomes with material and stories pulled from multiple presentations to create the most personalized show possible.

Workshops

Drawing from Ian’s extensive background in leadership training and group facilitation, he has a wealth of workshops to help leaders at all levels create better programs, be stronger teams and lead more effectively. Workshops can be customized to your school/compant/event needs and can cover a myriad of topics and activities, including:

Creating Events that Matter

Building Effective Teams

Enhancing Trust

The “Why” of Leadership

Improving School/Corporate Culture

(Workshops can be 45 mins to multiple hours)

Testimonials

Speaker Testimonials

“I thought I would let you know about the lasting impression you have made after hosting and speaking at the Provincial Student Leadership Conference held in Olds, Alberta in May. Your message regarding HEROES has hit home for many Albertans during the recent floods but more importantly your compassion for others and your passion for life has made an impact on all those who attended. Two of my children continue to talk about your keynote address and your session.”

Janine Becker, Alberta Provincial Leadership Conference

“Ian I believe gave both our students and advisors motivation to go back to their schools and make a difference for all students. He was passionate, enthusiastic, engaging, and delivered a very positive, uplifting message.”

Katie Mercadante, Montour High School, Student Council Co-Advisor

“You really have motivated me to be the best that I can be, and you also really inspired me to be a better person, and just say hi to the kids that really don’t have anyone around them, or are alone in the cafeteria. I feel like I want to turn my life around, and help out people.”

Lindsey Ambrus, participant, HOBY Leadership Conference

“Ian is very sensitive to the needs and concerns of students today and, despite being older than they are, is able to relate to them on their level. He tells stories of his past and the tough decisions he had to make and students readily connect with their personal concerns of today.”

Barb Sonier, Principal, South Secondary School, London

“I thought I would let you know about the lasting impression you have made after hosting and speaking at the Provincial Student Leadership Conference held in Olds, Alberta in May. Your message regarding HEROES has hit home for many Albertans during the recent floods but more importantly your compassion for others and your passion for life has made an impact on all those who attended. Two of my children continue to talk about your keynote address and your session.”

Janine Becker, Alberta Provincial Leadership Conference

“Ian I believe gave both our students and advisors motivation to go back to their schools and make a difference for all students. He was passionate, enthusiastic, engaging, and delivered a very positive, uplifting message.”

Katie Mercadante, Montour High School, Student Council Co-Advisor
More Information

REQUEST TO BOOK Ian Tyson

If comfortable, please use a personal email as many school boards have blocked external emails.

Fahd Alhattab

Millennial Workplace Expert, Entrepreneur and Youth Leadership Speaker

Topics: College and Career Prep, Improving Social Climate and School Culture, Leadership Development, Motivation and Inspiration, Social Impact, Team-Building
Audiences: Corporate, Educators/Staff, Elementary, Middle/High School, Parents, University/College

WORKSHOPS
AND TOPICS

Accelerated Leadership: Unlocking Youth Leadership Potential

Ideal for leadership groups and camps, leadership conferences, and full school assemblies. Primary/Secondary and College/University students.

Topics covered:

– The 5-levels of leadership students must climb to achieve their maximum potential

– The importance of diversity and inclusion

– How to improve decision-making skills

– How to take action and make an impact in your community

– How to build resiliency and overcome obstacles

Live Your Best Life: 5 Steps to Living, Growing, and Creating an Impact

Ideal for welcome back assemblies,  full school assemblies,  mental health week, or grade 9 welcome assemblies. Primary/Secondary students.

Topics covered:

– Tools to develop as a leader and become your best self

– The importance of staying positive in negative situations

– The importance of getting involved in extra-curricular activities

– The importance of diversity and inclusion

– How to take action and make an impact in your school community

– How to build resiliency and overcome obstacles

Social Impact, Entrepreneurship, and Building Your Own Path

Ideal for career day assemblies, full school assemblies, student orientations, leadership groups, and clubs. Primary/Secondary and College/University Students 

Topics covered:

– The definition of an entrepreneur

– The path to entrepreneurship

– How to identify and take action on issues you care about 

– How to be a better and creative problem-solver

– How to practice social entrepreneurship in their school and community today

– How to stay motivated, inspired, and resilient

The Unwritten Rules of Post-Secondary: How to Succeed Personally, Academically, and Socially

Ideal for grade 12 students, grade 11 students preparing for next year, and career day.

Topics covered:

– What to expect and how to navigate post-secondary school

– How to manage time commitments 

– Where to find leadership opportunities beyond high school

– Tools and strategies for post-secondary success

– How to build resiliency and overcome obstacles

Your School Needs You: Leading Change in Your Community

Ideal for fall orientation, welcome back week, residence orientation, and student orientation. College and University Students

Topics covered:

– Tools to develop as a leader and become your best self

– The importance of staying positive in negative situations

– The importance of getting involved in extra-curricular activities

– The importance of diversity and inclusion

– How to take action and make an impact in your school community

– How to build resiliency and overcome obstacles

Fail Forward: Reimagining Failure as a Catalyst for Personal Growth

Ideal for leadership conferences, entrepreneurship conferences, student orientations, and welcome week. College and University Students

Topics covered:

– The ultimate success formula for risk-takers

– The importance of goal planning and perseverance

– The powerful effect of stepping outside of your comfort zone

– How to apply creativity in all facets of life

– How to navigate negative self-talk and believe in yourself

– How to build resiliency and overcome obstacles

5 Steps to Fostering Student Leadership Capacity

Ideal for PD training, teacher conferences, parent councils, and educator workshops. Educators and Parents.

Topics Covered:

– Techniques on how to lead by example

– How to develop students into leaders using learned training techniques

– How to empower students to take ownership of projects and make a community impact

– How to motivate students to find innovative solutions to problems

– How to educate students on diversity and inclusion

– Research on how leadership helps students development

Building Resiliency: Priming Teenagers for Challenges and Change

Ideal for PD training, teacher conferences, parent councils, and educator workshops.

Topics covered:

– Habit-forming framework for students

– How to teach teenagers the difference between growth versus fixed mindsets

– How to mark for effort versus results

– Why resilience is important and how to build resilient students

– How to educate students on diversity and inclusion

Making A Difference and Unraveling School Culture

Ideal for educators and parents, career day assemblies, full school assemblies, student orientations, leadership groups or clubs.

​Topics covered:

– How to create a conscious culture in the classroom

– How to create a culture of self-leadership that rewards star performers

– How to apply basic team-building principles to teaching

– How to align your staff and students to a shared purpose

– How to motivate students to get more involved in their school and community

Building Leaders Through Community Impact Today

Ideal for students who want to be inspired to begin their own leadership journeys and begin taking action as they move into a new chapter of their lives. Primary/Secondary students and College/University Students

Fahd’s vision and approach are about getting more youth meaningfully engaged in their community, and actively looking for opportunities to create impact and solve problems. The goal of this workshop is simple: to get students to take action on an issue or opportunity that they care about.

Topics covered:

– How to uncover what problem or challenge in your community you deeply care about

– Understanding the existing solutions and environment of the challenge

– How to create a plan of action, designing a change plan with clear goals and objectives using a strengths-based approach

– How to identify gaps between the challenge and solution

Testimonials

Speaker Testimonials

“We have used Fahd for several events when we wanted to make in impact with the message we asked him to share. He has a natural charisma, the charm of youth, and a wisdom that exceeds his years. When our students hear him speak, they are enamoured with his storytelling, as they are inspired to dream about how they can shape their lives and the world around them. “

John Unsworth, Head of Student Services, Nepean High School

“Fahd was incredible. His life stories were relevant, engaging and humorous. His overall delivery was exceptional. In fact, the very best that I have seen in my 38 years in education. As a school team, we are putting a huge focus on student leadership. Fahd said that yes, he could help us. He delivered tenfold -The staff and the students were so positive about the hour spent with Fahd! A super rock star presenter!”

Cindy Beauchamp, Principal, Queen Mary Public School

“Fahd Alhattab is still one of the greatest, inspirational, and thoughtful people I have heard speak to this day. #stillblownaway “

Abby Wood, Student

“We were incredibly lucky to have Fahd Alhattab as our guest speaker for the WCSS leadership camp. Fahd spoke to us about his journey to success, strategies he has used to achieve what he has today, and how we can create our legacy. The presentation was a perfect balance between humour, personal stories and life-long messages. It was a presentation to be remembered by all!

Francine Menna, Teacher, West Carleton Secondary School

“We have used Fahd for several events when we wanted to make in impact with the message we asked him to share. He has a natural charisma, the charm of youth, and a wisdom that exceeds his years. When our students hear him speak, they are enamoured with his storytelling, as they are inspired to dream about how they can shape their lives and the world around them.”

John Unsworth, Head of Student Services, Nepean High School
More Information

REQUEST TO BOOK Fahd Alhattab

If comfortable, please use a personal email as many school boards have blocked external emails.

Alison Springer

Youth Communication Specialist & Founder & Director of Young Women of Power

Topics: Diversity and Inclusion, Improving Social Climate and School Culture, Leadership Development, Mental Health, Motivation and Inspiration, Women's Leadership
Audiences: Corporate, Educators/Staff, Elementary, Faith-Based, Middle/High School, University/College

WORKSHOPS
AND TOPICS

Mirror Mirror – ALL School Assembly (50 minute Presentation)

Mirror Mirror is an entertaining presentation with a powerful message that inspires students to lead by embracing who they are and how they were made. Alison helps students expose the ‘lying mirrors’ in their lives and the three causes that distort how they view themselves (media, comparison and things that people say). Students will learn positive and helpful ways to protect their dignity and the dignity of others. Alison shares some of the struggles she faced being black, tall and loud, along with her academic struggles. Students will realize that their strengths and weaknesses serve a specific purpose.

Addresses topics around: self-image, personal confidence, celebrating diversity, verbal bullying and student leadership.

Wait For It: Celebrating Personal Diversity – ALL School Assembly (50 Minute Presentation)

‘You are the way you are for a reason, just wait for it’ is the main message of this talk. Everyone has something they wish they could change about themselves. For some the list runs long. In this session, Alison shares her personal story about the four things she wished she could change about herself and how those things today have been to her advantage. Her humourous and relatable story will have students reflect on their own lives with great hope and promise opening their eyes to see that the things they despise will help them to rise…Just wait for it.

Topics addressed include: Ethnic diversity, self-image, confidence, academic challenges, family, self-dignity, life challenges and struggles, hope, patience, contentment, and destiny.

Let Me Make It Clear – ALL or Girls Only (50 Minute Presentation)

The purpose of this talk is to make your school or community a safer place for all but especially for girls.

Inspired by the pop song Blurred Lines, Alison makes the lines clear by defining to both genders what is sexual assault and sexual harassment.
Alison’s philosophy is that guys are good they just say or do stupid things. This talk is so necessary especially as the laws in Canada are changing as a result of Amanda Todd and the Rehtaeh Parsons tragedy. What is funny and what is not, what is acceptable and what is not is a must have conversation with boys. The earlier the intervention the better, knowledge can help save boys from irrevocable consequences.

Girls need permission to speak up and knowledge helps empower them. Many girls do not know what to do if someone assaults them or even how to confront and address the issue. Alison helps girls voice their concerns, gain the confidence to know that they must be taken seriously, that it is not their fault, and how to be a support to females.

This talk does not go into explicit details making it suitable for grade 6 and up to both faith based and public schools.

It is recommended that a school policy or protocol is developed on how your school addresses sexual assault and harassment. This talk can be a catalyst to begin this discussion or an opportunity to inform the students what your protocol is.

Topics addressed: inappropriate touching (ie. butt and breast grabbing), distribution of intimate pictures, verbal harassment (includes online), what is consent, student leadership, and courage.

(This talk has been delivered through the Canadian Student Leadership Association to private, public and catholic schools, and has been well received. For references contact Alison)

Proud to Be Pink – Girls Only Talk (50 minute Presentation)

Alison shares her love hate relationship with the colour pink. As an athlete, and having joined the military, the colour pink and what it represented wasn’t anything she wanted to be associated with. In this presentation Alison redefines what the colour pink represents, revealing the negative labels that have hindered girls from celebrating and being proud to be their unique self. After attending this presentation girls will leave with a restored sense of Female Pride, viewing other females as allies rather than enemies.

Topics addressed include: Self-Image, Comparison, Why Girls Don’t Get Along (Bullying), Helping Girls Find their Voice and the importance of their contribution to society.

Culturally Dangerous – Girls Only Talk

Girl culture has a negative reputation. It is common knowledge that the majority of females don’t like their body, they tend to not get along with one another, and they over analyze their action long enough to talk themselves out of taking steps forward. This session is all about raising up young females to change girl culture. Alison shares 10 traits of a culturally dangerous female from laughing at herself, to helping a sister in need. If you want to change girl culture in your school, this is the talk for you.

Topics addressed include: Fear of failure, speaking up, dating (understanding self), working together, generosity, self-worth, self-care.

YWOP PivotFWD Workshop (Girls Only – Workshop)

The YWOP PivotFWD is an engaging, interactive, strength based program designed to equip at girls with tools to make positive choices while instilling the confidence to do so. Delivered in six 2 ½ hour sessions or a three day after school program workshop PivotFWD addresses the key areas that affect girls confidence: Self-Esteem, Family, Friendships, Dating Relationships, School Culture, and Mental Health. This Program can be delivered during health or as an after school program.

Testimonials

Speaker Testimonials

“Alison encouraged us never to compare ourselves with others because it may have a negative impact on our confidence and self esteem. She explained that everyone has a strength that is useful and important regardless of what others have to say, we just have to wait for it and we will someday see it become a reality.”

Mariam, Student, Lester B. Pearson High School, Calgary, AB

“We as staff knew that Alison would be able to deliver not only an entertaining and creative speech, but also a relevant message to our graduating class. Alison even wore the dress that one of our students made for her, which pleasantly surprised both the staff and the students. Alison captured the entire audience attention with her energetic personality, enthusiasm and passion.”

Amanda Depner, Teacher – Graduation Coordinator, Jack James High School, Calgary, AB

“We at Jack James would not hesitate to recommend Alison Springer as a motivational speaker to any school group. Her warmth and genuine interest in students permeates her presentation style and affects all in attendance. Thank you Alison for going above and beyond for us.”

Michele Konschuh, Acting Assistant Principal, Jack James Senior High School, Calgary, Alberta Canada

“Alison relates to where the students are in their teenaged years. The idea that those ‘flaws’ will one day empower them is a wonderful message.”

Ryan Hanley, Teacher - Coordinator, British Columbia Student Leadership Conference 2019
More Information

REQUEST TO BOOK Alison Springer

If comfortable, please use a personal email as many school boards have blocked external emails.

Scott Hammell

Speaker, Magician, Stunt Artist, Storyteller

Topics: College and Career Prep, Goal Setting, Leadership Development, Motivation and Inspiration, Resilience, Stress and Anxiety Management
Audiences: Corporate, Educators/Staff, Middle/High School, Parents, University/College

WORKSHOPS
AND TOPICS

Perspective

Magic is all about perspective. The same thing, seen from different angles can appear wildly different. Scott pulls back the curtain and examines how magicians use a combination of techniques to achieve the desired outcome. These techniques have been monumental in Scott’s life for his art, as well as understanding and gaining clarity on challenging issues. Subtle perspective shifts can lead to significant improvements.

Effective Goal Seeting Technique

Scott has built a wonderful life for himself by pursuing his dreams. He created opportunities for himself when he felt forward progress wasn’t fast enough. Some people look at Scott’s Guinness World Records as unique accomplishments. While Scott is very proud of these achievements, he views himself as an ordinary person who has figured out how to effectively set and accomplish goals!

Understanding Fear

Sometimes we push ourselves outside of our comfort zones, and sometimes we are pushed by factors external to us. In order to discover our true capabilities it is critical we move outside of our comfort zone.

Scott knows the benefits of pushing his boundaries all too well. He would not be a Guinness World Record holder today if he had not stepped outside of his comfort zone to attempt a gravity-defying stunt. Instead of being limited by his fear of heights, Scott faced the fear, embraced it, and ultimately overcame it.

Leadership

Scott knows what it takes to be a leader. He’s built, inspired and motivated his teams to achieve world-class results. Although his stunt experiences are unique, the wisdom he has gained and is able to convey is timeless and relatable. His leadership messages are about ideals such as protecting your crew, leading from behind, highlighting your team’s skill sets, delegation of tasks and successfully managing team members who are not contributing. Scott has toured the world, presenting at top leadership conferences and he is in demand for repeat performances.

Resilience

Sometimes our worst experiences can end up making us stronger. Scott sees opportunity in adversity and offers strategies to control perspective. We can’t control adversity, but we can control our perspective. Like most things in life, the more we practice resilience, the more naturally it comes. Scott’s passion-based approach to resilience offers a clear starting point as well as room to build solid foundations so that later work feels effortless.

Career Development

When you love doing something, it feels as natural as breathing. “Getting Paid to Breathe” is about finding your passion and making it happen.  Scott empowers his audience to examine their career development in the context of career satisfaction.

The Stuntman's Guide to Staying Calm

Scott Hammell has made a career by putting himself into stressful situations. No, I don’t just mean public speaking. Scott has tackled stunts in the air, on land and underwater. These experiences, combined with over 20 years as a hypnotist have lead to some interesting insights and techniques for staying calm during stressful situations. You don’t need to be attempting stunts to find the value in these simple practices.

The speech is designed to bring audiences into the mind of Scott as he’s about to perform one of his most dangerous stunts. His techniques for staying calm are broken down and elaborated upon. Scott also teaches the secrets to develop a super power.

The podcast is a free resource of relaxation recordings. These recordings are designed to help you sleep better, improve your memory, increase your focus and reduce your overall stress levels.

Additional Magic and Juggling Workshops

Scott has been teaching magic and juggling for over 20 years. He is able to provide participants with all the necessary tools to learn magic and or juggling. The tricks taught in these workshops can have specific tie-ins to his speaking topics. If you’re looking for a complimentary program that is fun and hands-on, ta-da!!!!

More Information

REQUEST TO BOOK Scott Hammell

If comfortable, please use a personal email as many school boards have blocked external emails.

Orlando Bowen

Founder of One Voice One Team, Game Changer and Speaker

Topics: Bullying, Improving Social Climate and School Culture, Leadership Development, Resilience, Team-Building
Audiences: Corporate, Educators/Staff, Middle/High School, Parents, University/College

WORKSHOPS
AND TOPICS

Resilience

Making Sweet Lemonade of Life’s Lemons and Sharing it with Those Around You

Anti-bullying

One Voice One Team – There is No ‘Us and Them’… There’s Only ‘US’

Leadership

Leading by Example, We ALL Have Stories and Gifts to Give

High Performance

Creating High Performance Teams where Excellence is the Standard

Set the Tone

Creating a Climate and Culture of Excellence for Every Student

Resilience

Creating and Fostering Excellence in Light of Adversity… Bring it ON!!

Testimonials

Speaker Testimonials

“Orlando is very engaging. The students instantly connect with him. He has led an amazing life but his message is about encouraging students to do the same. The students feel like he is talking directly to them even though there are thousands of people in the room.”

R. Jones, Coordinator, Alberta Student Leadership Conference 2018

“Honestly, it was an honour to have you at our school today, you not only touched my heart but the hearts of all the students you talked to today. You make me want to be the best person I can, and from this day, I will. Thank you!”

Brittney, Grade 10 Clarke Road S.S. (London, ON)

“Orlando Bowen is the most powerful and engaging speaker I have ever had the pleasure of hearing. His vision for the world left me in awe. He connected with both the boys and girls in the audience, which is rare for a speaker.”

Erin, 4H Canada

“Orlando speaks from the heart with sincerity, enthusiasm, and most importantly, he speaks from experience. His biggest message is about forgiveness. Having lived through unspeakable, life-changing events, Orlando can teach students about forgiveness, because he has managed to unconditionally forgive all those who have wronged him.”

A. Cox-Twardowski, Teacher, Beaconsfield H.S., Montreal, QC
More Information

REQUEST TO BOOK Orlando Bowen

If comfortable, please use a personal email as many school boards have blocked external emails.

Cheryl Pounder

Two-time Olympic Gold Medalist, Speaker and Broadcaster

Topics: Goal Setting, Leadership Development, Mental Health, Resilience, Women's Leadership
Audiences: Corporate, Educators/Staff, Middle/High School, Parents, University/College

WORKSHOPS
AND TOPICS

Pursuit of Excellence: “Growing for Gold” – Self-Awareness, Leadership and Teamwork

How does one grow and get gold, no matter their situation? Cheryl’s enlightening keynote is interactive, engaging and entertaining. She discusses the importance of building a vision while focusing on participation vs engagement and the importance of seizing every opportunity. Cheryl also focuses on the character dimensions of leadership, the importance of collaboration and how one individual can affect and impact the culture and mission of a group. By sharing information, understanding the importance of inclusivity and recognizing value, we build culture and efficiency. Growing for Gold involves trusting the process, tough conversations and clarity of the common goal. Thinking differently is essential to excellence.

Pursuit of Excellence: “Breaking the Barriers” – The Courage to Overcome Adversity

How do you take what cards life has dealt you and turn them into a win? Cheryl discusses adversity as it applied to her journey and how being ‘abnormal’ and taking chances helped her succeed in a world where many believed she couldn’t.Finding strength in vulnerability and having the courage to embrace change, leads to incredible opportunities. Cheryl takes you on a journey, discussing how she developed resiliency and how she has overcome her personal fear of failure in order to break barriers and prove to herself and others that she has what it takes to win.

Pursuit of Excellence: “End the Stigma” – Understanding Mental Health

Can you recognize the signs of mental illness? Are you doing what you need to do to take care of your own mental wellness? Cheryl talks about the pressures of leadership, being in the public eye and the importance of taking care of your own mental wellness in order to reach your goals and lead a fulfilling life. She also talks about the importance of encouraging your team and those around you to put mental wellness on their list of personal goals.

Pursuit of Excellence: “Women in Leadership” – The importance of finding your voice, rising up and collaborating

As a professional hockey player and sports broadcaster, Cheryl Pounder will share her journey as a female in a male-dominated community. She discusses the courage needed to find your voice and how to find the strength to ‘stand on top of your story’. She will reinforce the importance of joining the conversation and how women can rise up to any challenge in any circumstance. She encourages the audience to talk about their own personal barriers while recognizing their role within a community. Cheryl also talks about the need for collaboration as women in leadership and how teamwork really does make the dream work.

Testimonials

Speaker Testimonials

“Cheryl was simply amazing. She connected with the audience by finding common threads and working those in to her talk. Her message was very applicable to our audience and people were hanging on to her every word. I’m still running in to people who were at the event and singing her praises.”

Event Coordinator, Clarington Sports Hall of Fame, Bowmanville, ON

“Cheryl was amazing! She connected with the guests, had her photo taken, let guests hold her medals, and her presentation was perfect. She integrated her story with our work and at the end, she had a standing ovation. Cheryl is a lovely person and an outstanding presenter. Her love for presenting and her passion for her story and her caring for others comes through loud and clear.”

Halton Healthcare Services, Oakville, ON
More Information

REQUEST TO BOOK Cheryl Pounder

If comfortable, please use a personal email as many school boards have blocked external emails.

Mark Black

Resilience Expert and the Only Man in History to Run a Marathon Using Someone Else's Heart and Lungs

Topics: Bullying, Leadership Development, Mental Health, Motivation and Inspiration, Resilience
Audiences: Corporate, Educators/Staff, Faith-Based, French Speaking, Middle/High School, Parents, University/College

WORKSHOPS
AND TOPICS

Do Tough Stuff

Format: Assembly Program or Workshop

Duration: 50-65 mins

Suitable for: Grades 7-12

We live in a world where convenience and ease are valued more highly than determination and grit. When students believe that better means easier they risk missing out on some of the best parts of life.

In this thought-provoking and inspiring program; Mark shares how the best things in his life came out of what initially seemed like terrible situations. Students learn practical strategies for reframing their challenges and embracing their flaws to become the best version of themselves.

Key Take-Aways:

  • Your results are created by your decisions. If you don’t like your results; change your decisions.
  • The best way to deal with your problems is to face them head-on.
  • It is great to dream and to have a positive attitude, but unless you DO something, nothing will change.
  • The most successful people are also the most determined: If you never quit, you succeed, or you learn.

Hold On

Duration: 50-65 mins

Suitable for: Grades 9-12 & University/College audiences

Teens are more anxious and stressed than ever before. 34% of high school students now indicate a moderate to serious level of psychological distress. Suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death in people aged 15-24, it doesn’t have to be.

Even while working as a “motivational speaker” Mark struggled with an anxiety disorder and depressive episodes for years. He has experienced how it feels, and he wants to help. Mark is not a therapist or psychiatrist. He is just someone who has been there and found a way out.

In this powerful presentation, Mark incorporates humour and humility to open an authentic and encouraging dialogue and provide a safe space for students dealing with depression and other mental health struggles. Students will learn practical strategies to cope and learn it is okay to ask for help.

Key Take-Aways:

  • Permission to talk: students will be encouraged to talk to people they trust about how they feel
  • Acceptance: teens need to feel accepted. Mark helps students accept themselves for who they are
  • How to get help: Posting the crisis / suicide hotline number is not enough.
  • Mark provides students with a number of resources and ways to get help after the presentation.

Level Up Your Life

Teens are at a critical time in their personal development. In “Level Up” Mark will use his life story of battling a life-threatening disease, surviving a Heart & Double-Lung Transplant, and running 4 marathons to help your students see new possibilities for themselves.

Key Take-Aways:

  • Discover what is holding you back from being your best
  • Stretch your vision of what is possible
  • Learn how to cultivate REAL motivation that lasts
  • Understand what drives you
  • If you need to stretch the vision of your organization and help your people set bigger goals, this is the program for you.

The Resilience Roadmap

You deal with adversity on a daily basis. In addition to the typical challenges you have always had to face, now there is covid-19 and all it brings. When faced with any adversity, people generally have two reactions: fight or flight. They either summon their resources and resolve, they retreat or sink into despair. Which will you be?

To succeed in the face of adversity, one tool is essential to have in your toolbox; resilience.  In The Resilience RoadmapTM Mark provides a framework for success despite the odds and provides a powerful dose of inspiration and excuse-eliminating motivation, in the process.

Using his life story of battling a life-threatening disease, surviving a Heart & Double-Lung Transplant, and recovering to run 4 marathons Mark will show you that you are limited more by perceptions than circumstances. But it goes far beyond emotions or attitude.

In this powerful and practical program, you will acquire skills you can implement immediately to improve your bottom line.

Key Take-Aways:

  • Re-frame challenges to create powerful opportunities for innovation and growth
  • Eliminate distractions and excuses that impede your success
  • Where to put your time and energy to impact the metrics that matter
  • Create milestones and goals that actually drive results
  • Develop an implementable action plan
  •  This program will not only provide your conference with a powerful experience ideal for beginning or ending your event with impact, attendees will leave with practical takeaways they can implement in their business the following day.

Live Today

Do your people struggle with stress, frustration, or worry? Have they lost some of the joy and passion for what they do amid all of the challenges and stresses they face? If so, Live Today is the perfect program to remind them how much their work matters and re-ignite their passion for doing it.

Live TodayTM is an inspiring and powerful way to open or close your conference with a message that will leave people inspired and rejuvenated. Through his powerful personal story, Mark will show your audience how to accept the things they cannot change, and focus their most precious resources – time and energy – on the things that matter.

  • Accept the things they cannot change, in order to
  • focus on what they can control
  • Re-discover the pride and passion they have for their work
  • Be inspired and motivated to be their best for themselves and their patients
  • Live Today provides your people with a fresh perspective on challenges and perceived problems and leaves them inspired and empowered to be their best.

Through Your Patients' Eyes

You care about your patients. You want to give them the best care possible. You can’t be expected to do that unless you know what really matters to them.

In this engaging presentation, Mark will the incredible impact made on him by the medical professionals who he lived with and cared for him as he faced the prospect of death. You’ll be inspired and affirmed in the value of your work. More than that, you’ll learn practical strategies to help you be a better professional, like:

  • The Do’s and Don’ts to ensure your patients feel cared for
  • The 3 things you can do to connect with your patients immediately
  • How to turn a patient into your ally
  • How to turn your workday into an energizing, rewarding and
  • fulfilling experience

Mark has worked with thousands of medical professionals, and spoken at dozens of conferences, including

  • Canadian Association of Critical Care Nurses
  • National Emergency Nurses Association
  • Canadian Association of Health Care Auxiliaries
  • National Pulmonary Hypertension Association

This program is perfect for the opening or closing keynote for your healthcare conference. It is also available as a 90 min breakout.

Testimonials

Speaker Testimonials

“It is rare to find a speaker who is able to both connect with teens AND provide a meaningful message that can immediately help them in their lives. Mark is one of those speakers. If you have the opportunity to bring him to your school, do it. We booked Mark for three virtual programs for our students and parents during the pandemic. I was impressed with how he effortlessly mixed humour with his remarkable experience, to make genuine connections with the audience even through a screen. Using various engagement strategies from hand raising to Q & A, he kept students engaged throughout. Mark’s program was exactly what we needed. The resilience strategies he teaches give students the tools to be better cope with the multitude of challenges they face, and the unforgettable story he shares inspires us to take action. After hearing Mark, students realize their capacity to thrive despite their circumstances and are empowered to face whatever life throws at them.”

“Recently our students had the privilege of hearing speaker Mark Black. Mark was chosen by our Students’ Council after they heard him speak at the Ontario Student Leadership Conference in Niagara Falls. Right from the start of Mark’s presentation, students were engaged and remained engaged throughout the entire hour. Mark did a great job of combining humour and anecdotes relevant to our teenage students to hook them up, and to prepare them to hear his practical and powerful message of leading a life that is positive and purposeful. As a Guidance Counsellor and Students’ Council Advisor, I would highly recommend Mark for any speaking engagement. Using his own personal life experience, Mark is able to offer students practical ways to feel more optimistic, reduce anxiety and worry, and start a change process to reach their goals.”

Adam Rowden, Student Council Advisor, Wellington Heights Secondary School

“The saying ‘speak from your heart’ certainly suits Mark Black’s presentation! His honest, down to earth conversation with our students made a huge impact! We tied his presentation to our school Career Fair and his words hit home. It is rare to see a standing ovation in a high school, but there was no question: he deserved it!”

Sheila Chad, Principal, E.D. Feehan Catholic High School

“It is not easy to gain the attention of middle schoolers. He engaged our 7-12 audience with skill. His content was everything that we try to deliver in our grade 9-12 Healthy and Active Living curriculum. It’s inspiring to hear a “stranger” make these connections with the students: resilience, consent, respect and the Golden Rule, etc. We look forward to linking his talk back to our themes in the curriculum in the coming months.”

D. Kealey, Principal, St. Peter High School, Orleans, ON

“It is rare to find a speaker who is able to both connect with teens AND provide a meaningful message that can immediately help them in their lives. Mark is one of those speakers. If you have the opportunity to bring him to your school, do it. We booked Mark for three virtual programs for our students and parents during the pandemic. I was impressed with how he effortlessly mixed humour with his remarkable experience, to make genuine connections with the audience even through a screen. Using various engagement strategies from hand raising to Q & A, he kept students engaged throughout. Mark’s program was exactly what we needed. The resilience strategies he teaches give students the tools to be better cope with the multitude of challenges they face, and the unforgettable story he shares inspires us to take action. After hearing Mark, students realize their capacity to thrive despite their circumstances and are empowered to face whatever life throws at them.”

More Information

REQUEST TO BOOK Mark Black

If comfortable, please use a personal email as many school boards have blocked external emails.

Jeff A.D. Martin

Youth Communication Specialist and Diversity & Inclusion Coach

Topics: Diversity and Inclusion, Leadership Development, Mental Health, Motivation and Inspiration, Social Impact
Audiences: Corporate, Educators/Staff, Elementary, Faith-Based, Middle/High School, Parents, University/College

WORKSHOPS
AND TOPICS

You Are Worth It! (Student Session)

Coming out of COVID-19, some studies show that 1 in 3 students suffer from depression, anxiety and have suicidal thoughts. One of Jeff’s favourite keynote topics is about finding your self-worth and believing in who you are. Jeff helps to combat against this negative thinking by teaching on the positive effects of self-affirmations and raising your self-worth.

*Can be modified towards the students age of understanding, ranging from Grade 3 to College/University level.

Diversity & Inclusion (Student Session)

Many people do not recognize that although we are all different in gender, skin complexion, religion etc, as human beings, the only difference between any one of us, on a microscopic level is 0.01%. This means we are more alike than not. The sad part is people are being bullied, discriminated against and even killed over the difference of 0.01%. Jeff focuses in on the power of inclusion and embracing diversity.

*Can be modified towards the students age of understanding, ranging from Grade 3 to College/University level.

Your Why! (Educator Session)

For the many teachers who put their heart and soul into their students, as time goes on, you can sometimes experience fatigue and burn out. Jeff reminds you of why you got into the profession of teaching to begin with. Your job is greater than teaching 1+1, your job is shaping the future leaders of tomorrow. Jeff wants to remind you about your importance and of the fact that you could be moulding the next Prime Minister of Canada.

Do I matter to you? (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion – Teachers session)

In this special presentation, Jeff digs into the important topic of biases, where we learn them and how they effect the way we see and treat each other. He also discusses the term ‘Privilege’ and how we can actually use or own identified privileges to help others. Jeff shares useful tools and resources that assist the audience in discovering their own biases and also effective ways to speak to children about discrimination without shying away from the topic. Jeff uses Canadian examples in his presentation and reminds us that its not about blaming others for the past, its about taking both self and a collective responsibility to make change.

How do I speak to my child about race? (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion – Parent session)

In this special presentation, Jeff digs into the important topic of biases, where we learn them and how they effect the way we see and treat each other. He also discusses the term ‘Privilege’ and how we can actually use or own identified privileges to help others. Jeff shares useful tools and resources that assist the audience in discovering their own biases and also effective ways to speak to children about discrimination without shying away from the topic. Jeff uses Canadian examples in his presentation and reminds us that its not about blaming others for the past, its about taking both self and a collective responsibility to make change.

Do I matter to you? (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion – Corporate session)

In this special presentation, Jeff digs into the important topic of biases, where we learn them and how they effect the way we see and treat in the work environment. He shares the ways a corporation can win when fully adapting Inclusion to its core competencies. Jeff also shares useful tools and resources that assist the audience in discovering their own biases and also effective ways to speak on macroaggressions within the work environment. In this corporate presentation, Jeff reminds us that its not about blaming others for the past, its about taking both self and a collective responsibility to make positive and sustainable change to the work environment.

More Information

REQUEST TO BOOK Jeff A.D. Martin

If comfortable, please use a personal email as many school boards have blocked external emails.

Joel Hilchey

Entrepreneur & Advocate for Better Education

Topics: College and Career Prep, Health and Wellness, Improving Social Climate and School Culture, Mental Health
Audiences: Corporate, Educators/Staff, Middle/High School, Parents, University/College

WORKSHOPS
AND TOPICS

Rehumanizing Education with Unforgettable Experiences - Educators/Education Associations

There was a time when the goal of education was to impart information. That time has passed. Information is now freely available, but information doesn’t change people. Curriculum? Subjects? Classrooms? All are necessary but not sufficient. School itself must be reinvented. Students need relevant skills and guidance. Teachers must become coaches and curators. Thankfully, these complex transformations can be guided by a simple focus: Experiences.

The idea of changing education seems daunting. But everyone already feels overworked, under-appreciated, and tapped-out, so what do we have to lose? We can steal the best practices, discard the irrelevant, and empower teachers to do the jobs they signed up for.

What if the pathway to reinventing education could actually be FUN?

Key Takeaways:

  • The characteristics of unforgettable experiences.
  • How to leverage experiences into transformational educational moments
  • How to save time by focusing on the moments that matter

The Best Career for You - Students

Society is full of bad ideas about careers that stress out students. By busting some myths about life after high school, students will find themselves feeling more free to explore and try new things. Joel’s keynote will help show students that there’s not a “best” career at all! By getting beyond the pressure and stress, students can discover a path that’s fulfilling for them!

Key take-aways:

  • You don’t have to have it all figured out by graduation!
  • The “University is best” mentality is outdated; every path has its benefits!
  • You don’t know what you like until you try it.

Wellness 101 - Students

These are wild times. Self-care is important, but it’s not enough. We need to change the way we approach wellness in schools. Joel’s keynote helps normalize the struggles we all face, and it gives students practical tools to support friends, family, and themselves through tough times. You’ll be surprised how fun a presentation about wellness can be!

Key take-aways:

  • Self-compassion for all our unique struggles
  • Two practical approaches to dealing with tough times
  • Conversation strategies to support students in need

Brainsprouting: How to Become Fearlessly Creative & Have Better Ideas More Often

Unlock your hidden creative talents, generate hundreds of innovative ideas, and learn facilitation techniques to maximize your team’s creativity.

More Information

REQUEST TO BOOK Joel Hilchey

If comfortable, please use a personal email as many school boards have blocked external emails.