New Speakers | Spring 2016
Jesse Wente | Pop Culture Critic & Director, Film Programmes at TIFF
Jesse Wente is the pop culture critic on CBC’s Metro Morning and regular guest on “q”, CBC Radio’s national arts and culture show. A self-described ‘Ojibwe dude’ with a national and international lens, he encourages audiences to consider diversity and inclusion into the future view of their organization, industry and country.
Jesse is also the Director of Film Programmes at TIFF Bell Lightbox, overseeing new releases, series and TIFF Cinematheque programming and scheduling, returning from the latest Cannes Film Festival in May 2016.
Jesse speaks on Pop Culture, Education and Diversity.
David Goldbloom | Former Chair of the Mental Health Commission of Canada
David Goldbloom, MD, is author of the new book How Can I Help? and a leading advocate for mental health. He’s a Senior Medical Advisor at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health in Toronto and a graduate of Harvard University, Oxford University (Rhodes Scholar), and McGill University. In 2007 he was appointed Vice-Chair of the Mental Health Commission of Canada and served as Chair from 2012-15. He is a Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Toronto and has authored over 100 scientific articles.
David speaks on Mental Health in the Workplace, Stigma and Creativity.
Tracey Lindberg | Indigenous-Rights Activist, Professor of Law & Acclaimed Author of Birdie
Tracey Lindberg’s novel Birdie was chosen as a finalist in this year’s CBC Canada Reads competition with the theme of ‘starting over’. She’s an award-winning author who teaches Indigenous studies and Indigenous law. She sings the blues loudly, talks quietly and is next in a long line of argumentative Cree women. Tracey is fluent in issues related to Indigeneity, women, leadership and Indigenous ways of knowing. She also focuses on conflict and comparative laws, sovereignty, self-determination and self-sufficiency and in the power of language and action in changing the world.
Tracey speaks on Indigenous Narratives, Career Development and Relationships & Reconciliation.
Talli Osborne | Punk Rock Optimist Inspiring Change from Within
Talli is known in many circles for her work in inspirational speaking and in helping others by inspiring change within themselves. She was born with some physical challenges but was raised with the belief that she could do anything she set her mind to, and this determined attitude is exactly how she lives her life. Talli loves changing perceptions and attitudes, and sharing her stories with others. As Talli says, she wants to spread inspiration, love and punk rock, across the globe, one talk at a time.
Talli speaks on Cyberbullying, Positive Thinking and Client Empathy.
Ian Keteku | World Champion Poet & Award-Winning Language Coach
Ian Keteku is an award-winning poet and multi-media artist committed to using words as a prescription for society’s complications. He has coached two national poetry slam championship teams and continues to inspire people of all walks of life to uncover their hidden voice. Ian explores themes of social justice, mental health, race, romance and beauty. He uses his voice to inspire messages of peace, action and critical thought. Ian believes poetry is the universe’s way of showing us the beauty in emotion, the similarity in experience and the art of living.
Ian speaks on Impactful Communication, The Science of Story and Effective Messaging.
Dr. Sam Collins | Award-Winning Entrepreneur, Corporate Difference Maker & Bestselling Author
Dr. Sam Collins has been named one of the ‘Top 200 Women to Impact Business & Industry’ by Her Majesty, The Queen of England. She founded Aspire, the first coaching company for women executives, in 2001 on a shoestring budget. Today, Aspire is a globally sought-after coaching organization that enables women executives and leaders to thrive through leadership development and social impact. Sam can get you blazing your trail faster, more efficiently and more enjoyably; providing actionable tools, and the right level of inspiration to become—or become more of—a trailblazing leader.
Dr. Collins speaks on Failure, Making a Difference and Technology & Human Rights.
This is just a taste of the new speakers we are proud to represent. Additional speakers we’ve recently added include:
