Dr. Joanna Cheek
“While a highly trained professional, Dr. Joanna Cheek does not cloak and armour herself in the white coat of academic expertise without sharing her own vulnerability. This is a guide we can trust. – Dr. Gabor Mate, MD, Author of The Myth of Normal and In the Realm of the Holy Ghosts
Joanna (Jo) Cheek (she/her), M.D., is a Canadian psychiatrist and award-winning clinical professor of medicine at the University of British Columbia. She is a mental health speaker and advocate, meditation teacher, and psychotherapist trained in numerous styles of therapy. She is the author of the Globe and Mail bestselling book IT’S NOT YOU, IT’S THE WORLD: A Mental Health Survival Guide for Us All (HarperCollins Canada).
Jo co-founded Mind Space, a collective of physicians across British Columbia offering publicly-funded mental health groups to tens of thousands of participants as part of her advocacy to improve mental health equity and access to services. She has specific interests in mental health and wellness education, social psychiatry, collective & community care, systems change & quality improvement, group facilitation, trauma, neurodiversity, and cultural humility, equity, diversity, and inclusivity (CHEDI).
Jo sees mental health struggles as symptoms of the imbalances in our wider systems, hoping to decrease the stigma that is too often misplaced on the individuals who suffer rather than the ailing society around them.
“Dr. Joanna Cheek places our mental troubles in the context of the wider world, and her collective view of mental health helps us understand where our thoughts and fears stem from.” – Matt Haig, Author of The Midnight Library & Reasons to Stay Alive
“Joanna faces the personal and the political, bringing her ‘perky optimist’ self and clinical expertise to a stunning range of problems. Her courage and wisdom shine through!” – Jack Kornfield, PhD, Author of A Wise Heart & Bringing Home the Dharma, and Trudy Goodman, PhD, Founding Teacher of Insight LA
“The real reason emotional suffering is skyrocketing isn’t because we’re flawed or broken—it’s because we’re responding to a deeply unwell world. Dr. Joanna Cheek guides us to see the wider ecology driving our distress—the dis-ease of greed, hatred and delusion that infects our societies. With clarity and care, she invites us to face these truths together, to hold hands, and to begin healing the roots of our collective pain.” – Tara Brach, PhD, Author of Radical Acceptance, Radical Compassion, & True Refuge
“Highlighting the inextricably interconnected nature of our existence and the vast web of causes and conditions behind each of our individual experiences, Dr. Cheek emphasizes the need for greater compassion and mutual understanding to best meet the polycrises impacting us all today.” – Sharon Salzberg, Author of Lovingkindness and Real Life
“A powerful antidote to the current geopolitical climate and uncertain times plaguing all of us.” – Dr. Ramneek Dosanjh, MD, Past President of the Federation of Medical Women of Canada & Doctors of British Columbia
Speaking Topics
1. It’s Not You, It’s the World: Self-Care Needs Collective-Care
This talk explores mental health and well-being from a systems perspective, focusing on how individual distress often reflects broader social and environmental imbalances. We will examine how mental health symptoms can function as signals that point to underlying stressors in our bodies, relationships, communities, and larger global systems.
2. Mental Health Survival Skills
We will define mental health symptoms as adaptive signals that point to underlying stressors in our internal and external environments. We discuss how ongoing systemic stress can overwhelm these “alarm systems,” and how this can lead to distress, denial, or emotional shutdown. We will then focus on developing a range of practical skills – such as mindfulness, nervous system regulation, and working with thoughts, emotions, body sensations, trauma, and interpersonal conflict – to better understand and respond to these signals.
3. An Ecological Understanding of Health
We will explore health and well-being through an ecological systems lens – how balance is maintained across both our internal bodies and the wider social and environmental systems we inhabit. We will describe the principles of interdependence, diversity, and feedback regulation in healthy systems, and how changes in any part of a system can deeply impact the whole.
4. Mental Health 101
We will illustrate how stress affects mental health and how emotional and psychological symptoms can serve as important signals of imbalance. The audience can learn how chronic stress overwhelms the body’s natural ability to regulate itself, contributing to mental health challenges, and how a variety of approaches—including therapy, lifestyle practices, social connection, and meaningful engagement—can support recovery and resilience.
5. Dysregulated: Understanding and Managing Our Messy Moments
Will dive into how stress and dysregulation affect our ability to think clearly, connect with others, and make decisions aligned with our values. We will explore how the brain and nervous system responds under stress, how to recognize signs of dysregulation in themselves and others, and practical strategies for restoring balance. This talk will focus on building self-awareness, developing regulation skills, and fostering supportive relationships that encourage connection, co-regulation, and collective well-being.
5. Evolutionary Psychology: We’ve Evolved to Survive, Not To Be Happy or Calm
This talk will explore the purpose and function of emotions as important signals that help us navigate challenges and meet our needs, rooted in neuroscience and evolutionary theory. We will explore how emotions such as fear, grief, shame, resentment, envy, and low mood can provide valuable information about our experiences and environments.
6. Shame: It’s Not You, It’s Them
We will explore the role of shame as a natural emotional response to perceived rejection and disconnection. The audience will examine how shame differs from guilt, how it influences the ways we hide or protect parts of ourselves, and how social experiences shape our sense of belonging.
7. Health is Political: How Inequities Make Everyone Sick
This talk focused on the connection between human health, social systems, and the broader ecosystems we depend on. We will explore how patterns of domination, division, and indifference to realities of our interdependence can create imbalances across communities and societies, and how inequities in areas such as income, education, and healthcare affect collective well-being.
8. Generative Conflict: The Power of Guilt and Repair
This audience will explore how empathy, accountability, and repair can help heal personal and collective divisions. Dr. Cheek will focus on fostering belonging, strengthening our capacity to engage with challenging social issues, and creating opportunities for growth, healing, and deeper understanding through honest dialogue and shared learning.
9. Weak Ties, Strong Communities: How to Foster Connection in Your Hectic Schedules
We will dive into the powerful impact of social connection on physical and mental health – how social isolation affects well-being and longevity, and how the quality and diversity of our relationships can influence health outcomes.
10. Purpose as Medicine
We will explore the connection between individual well-being, social connection, and collective care. Dr. Cheek will examine research showing how living in alignment with personal values, purpose, and meaningful contribution can improve health and resilience, while isolation and excessive individualism can have harmful effects.
11. We Are Our History: How the Past Hasn’t Passed
This talk illustrates how our personal histories, family experiences, and inherited patterns shape the way we think, feel, and relate to others in the present. The audience will be able to develop awareness of these patterns, recognizing when past adaptations are being activated, and building skills to respond with greater self-compassion, choice, and agency in the present.
12. The Emergence of Hope in Chaotic Times
We will examine how individuals and communities can help restore balance in times of social and systemic instability – illustrating how meaningful change often emerges from periods of disruption, and how personal actions, relationships, and values can contribute to creating healthier, more just systems.
13. Press Writing for Academics and Health Professionals
We will explore different genres of journalism and explore tips on how to conceive, report, structure, write, pitch, and publish articles from a journalism perspective, or write and pitch a non-fiction book proposal, find an agent, and submit to publishers.
Dr. Joanna Cheek in the Media:
Telus Talks weekly podcast hosted by Tamara Taggart
Psychology Today article by Dr. Cheek, “Why Self-Care Isn’t Enough”
BBC Science Focus Instant Genius podcast
The Courageous Life podcast: On the Remedy for a World on Fire
Hank Idsinga
Hank Idsinga was a member of the Toronto Police Services for thirty years, leading the country’s top homicide unit for five years. Having served as Detective Sergeant and, later, Inspector in charge of Toronto’s Homicide Squad, he has policed just about every kind of case you can imagine, and has stared down some of the hardest criminals the city has ever seen. Idsinga has received numerous awards from the Ontario Homicide Investigator’s Association, and has twice been recognized by Toronto Life magazine as one of Toronto’s 50 Most Influential People. Additionally, he is a regular presenter at policing conferences, including the FBI National Academy Associates Conference and the Ontario Homicide Investigators Conference, among others. Recently retired and now a crime commentary fixture on the Corus radio network (nationally) and Global Television, as well as several true crime series in production, Idsinga speaks widely about policing in the wake of a highly decorated career.
His memoir of policing, THE HIGH ROAD: CONFESSIONS OF A HOMICIDE COP, published in April of 2026 by S&S Canada, instantly became a #1 National Bestseller.
Hank speaks on:
- Leadership
- Institutional racism and corruption
- Holocaust education
- Grass roots policing
- High level investigations
- Serial killer case studies
- Paediatric death case studies
Praise for THE HIGH ROAD
“Confessions of a Homicide Cop is ultimately not about bitterness. It is about conscience.”— BERNIE FARBER, Canadian Jewish News
“He pulls no punches when it comes to exposing major issues with Canada’s largest police force. A scary, searing look behind the badge.” — JULIAN SHER, co-author of Hitman
“The killings on his watch, overwhelmingly solved, required investigative skill, management adeptness and empathy for victims. This was a police officer who spent a lifetime delving into the darkness of horrific crimes and wretched criminals. In The High Road: Confessions of a Homicide Cop, Hank recounts it all with immense humanity.” — ROSIE DiMANNO, Toronto Star
Media Links
https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/video/9.7172163
Gill Deacon
“I can truly say that to hear Gill’s voice filling the theatre—familiar, intelligent, revelatory, comforting—this is the voice I want to hear more of as we all navigate the most tumultuous times on planet earth.”
Gillian Deacon is an award-winning broadcaster and bestselling author who spent over 10 years as host of Here & Now, Toronto’s afternoon drive show on CBC Radio One. She is a regular guest host on CBC radio’s flagship network arts program Q. She currently hosts the popular Apple-Featured podcast A Love Affair with the Unknown.
Gill is the author of the national bestsellers There’s Lead in Your Lipstick: Toxins in Everyday Bodycare and How to Avoid Them(Penguin, 2011), and Green For Life (Penguin, 2008) and the memoir Naked Imperfection (Penguin, 2014). Her latest book A Love Affair With The Unknown: Leaning into the Uncertainty of Modern Life was published by House of Anansi in January 2026.
She has written for the Globe and Mail, CBC.ca and Chatelaine magazine. She was awarded a one-month paid residency in the Literary Journalism program of the Banff Centre for the Arts.
Gill worked for many years on television, as host of CBC’s The Gill Deacon Show, and before that as co-host of @discovery.ca for five years on Discovery Channel Canada and Discoveries This Week for Discovery Science Channel in the U.S. Her work as a broadcaster has earned Gill a Gold medal at the New York Film and Television awards and a Canadian Screen Award nomination.
A former director with WWF Canada, Evergreen Foundation and Writers’ Trust, Gill lives in Toronto with her family. You can learn more about Gill and her outstanding career on her website here.
Speaking Topics:
Learning to Love the Question more than the Answer
What if uncertainty isn’t something to fear, but something to embrace? How can we reframe the way we think about not knowing all the answers and grow more comfortable with—even enthusiastic about—the liminal? Gill’s talk encourages a new relationship to fear, a greater tolerance for ambiguity, and a renewed capacity for wonder. Her personal story of resilience is the starting point for an invigorating, inspiring keynote that leaves audiences filled with hope, invigorated by the surprising strength that can emerge when we stop trying to outrun the unknown and learn, instead, to see it as the birthplace of possibility.
Curiosity Is a Competitive Advantage: Why Innovation Depends on Not Knowing
From art to science to leadership, nothing original emerges from certainty. Gill’s talk makes a compelling case that creativity, insight, and ethical decision-making all require a tolerance for not knowing. Clinging too closely to hard data is a path to peril. When we cling to our certainties, we become closed-minded; assumptions shut us off from learning and observing other possibilities. By reframing our relationship with the unknown, Gill’s talk leaves audiences motivated to be resourceful, innovative and courageous.
Leading in the Liminal: How to Make Better Decisions When the Future Is Unclear
No matter how much we may wish it were otherwise, uncertainty and upheaval are the reality of our times. Individuals and organizations alike are operating in an “in-between” state—between old models and new, certainty and ambiguity, stability and disruption. But a rush toward control, tantalizing though it may seem, is shortsighted. Gill’s talk helps leaders stay grounded, present and effective when there’s no clear roadmap, as she reframes uncertainty not as a failure of planning, but as a prerequisite for growth and meaningful change. Audiences will come to see uncertainty as productive terrain, not a problem to eliminate
“Gillian Deacon has hosted and emceed numerous events for Scotiabank, particularly within our arts and culture sponsorship portfolio, and she is exceptional at what she does. Gill is an utter professional—she quickly understands the brief, brings genuine warmth and charisma to the stage, and has an impressive ability to adapt seamlessly in the moment. Her presence consistently elevates the guest experience and adds credibility and energy to every event she touches. I would highly recommend Gillian for hosting, emceeing, and public speaking engagements of any scale.” — Ryan Burella, Director of Global Sponsorships, Scotiabank
“Having recently shared the stage with the incomparable Gill Deacon, I can truly say that to hear Gill’s voice filling the theatre—familiar, intelligent, revelatory, comforting—this is the voice I want to hear more of as we all navigate the most tumultuous times on planet earth.” — Melanie Doane, Juno-award winning musician and artistic director, Doane Music School
Gill Deacon in the Media:
Jen Kish
Jen Kish is a three-time Hall of Famer, Olympic bronze medalist, former Captain of Team Canada Rugby 7s, keynote speaker, and mental health advocate. Named one of Canada’s Most Influential Women in Sport in 2016, Jen represented Canada for more than 13 years, leading her team to a historic bronze medal at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games and a gold medal at the 2015 Pan Am Games. From overcoming a difficult childhood to captaining her country on the world’s biggest stage, her story shapes her speaking work today.
Jen specializes in leadership, culture building, women’s empowerment, mental health, and the realities of invisible injuries such as concussion. Through powerful storytelling and practical strategies, she equips audiences with tools they can immediately apply to their lives, teams, and organizations. Her authenticity and lived experience create an inspiring, emotional, and actionable experience for corporate, education, sport, and community audiences.
THE LEADER IN YOU
Unlocking Influence, Culture & Purpose
“Leadership isn’t a position — it’s a behaviour. It’s a skill, not a title.”
• Build influence through trust, example, and accountability
• Adopt a “lead from the back” approach to empower teams
• Transform adversity into purpose-driven performance
• Strengthen culture through clarity, communication, and ownership
UNLOCK THE HIDDEN HER-O IN HER
Elevating Women Through Strength, Representation & Voice
“When we remove barriers for women, everything improves.”
This keynote is designed to empower girls and women to:
- Recognize the impact of representation on confidence and ambition.• Develop strategies to champion women in leadership.
- Understand early gender messaging.
- Build cultures that support equity & belonging.
- Encourage girls and women to take space — and keep it.
THE UNSEEN WOUNDS WE CARRY
Mental Health, Resilience & Healing
“Mental health affects every part of performance and life.”
• Learn how early support changes outcomes.
• Recognize signs of struggle.
• Apply the N.U.R.S.E. model.
• Foster cultures of empathy.
THE INVISIBLE IMPACT
Understanding Concussion & Recovery
“A concussion is an invisible injury with very real consequences.”
• Recognize symptoms & effects.
• Explore emotional identity challenges.
• Learn support strategies.
• Build safe awareness-driven cultures.
Jen Kish in the news:
Karl Subban
KARL SUBBAN is the bestselling author of How We Did It: The Subban Plan for Success in Hockey, School and Life, speaker and award-winning educator. A school principal for many years, he is also a director of the Greater Toronto Hockey League and the Herbert H. Carnegie Future Aces Foundation. Subban was awarded an honorary doctorate of education by Lakehead University in 2022. He is a certified Maxwell speaker, coach and a trainer. His second book, The Hockey Skates was published in September 2023. Karl’s upcoming title, Raise Your Roof: The Hidden Power of Potential, will be published in April 2025. He lives in Toronto.
Speaking Topics
Karl speaks to a range of audiences, and has keynotes tailored to students and educators, as well as the general public.
Raise Your Roof: The Power of Potential
For more than three decades, Karl Subban has been honing his proven approach to building resilience, increasing perseverance, mastering goal setting—and bringing out the best in everyone. Every year we get bigger, but not necessarily better. Older, but not necessarily wiser. We’re not always set up for success, and despite our best efforts, we can get stuck in a place where we don’t think it’s possible to dream, let alone dream big. As a coach, educator, author and father, Subban knows that understanding and believing in our own potential are key to making changes that matter and bringing purpose to our lives and those around us. Packed with proven strategies for leaders, parents and educators, this keynote will inspire audiences to create meaningful change, realize goals and find fulfillment. The power of potential is at your starting line, not your finish line.
Developing Potential
For Educators
Teachers plant seeds in the mind, body, and soul of young people, and they don’t often see the fruits of their efforts. An example for me was Mr. Kangas, my very first teacher in Canada. He was the primary reason why I wanted to go to school. He pulled me up when I was feeling down, and he wasn’t aware of it until I wrote about him in my first book, How We Did It. He saw me, valued me and made me feel special. His impact on me made me realize that in order to be effective, a teacher must know their students, care about their students, and inspire their students.
Every student has potential and, as educators, we must help them to reach it. Remember, we can only reach our potential through growth. We will explore two primary ways to empower growth in our student leaders:
- Creating a growth empowering environment
- Developing as a growth empowering leader
Potential is having the capacity to develop into something in the future. The potential of the school is directly related to the potential of the students and the staff.
It Always Seems Impossible Until It is Done
For Students
My student keynote will focus on my own journey; sharing stories and lessons learned working in my three worlds as an educator, hockey dad, and coach working with youth in several sports, including coaching the men’s basketball team at George Brown College and being a hockey coach in the Greater Toronto Hockey League for approximately ten years.
My aim is to provide students with tools and frameworks to inspire them reach their unlimited potential. This talk will encourage students to reflect upon the following:
- Is your dream your dream?
- The power in your beliefs
- Facing and working through challenges and adversities
- Focus more on possibility not performance
- Using the 4T’s to take effective action (Time, Task, Training and Team)
- Navigating distractions
- Building confidence and overcoming fear and failure
- Are you teachable, coachable, and likeable?
- Do you want to be good, or do you want to excel?
- You must FOCUS to make it.
To book Karl Subban, contact Rob Firing at speakers@transatlanticagency.com.
Miranda Newman
Miranda Newman is a journalist, editor, and author. Her debut memoir-in-essays, Rough Magic: Living with Borderline Personality Disorder was an instant national bestseller. Miranda’s award-nominated feature and opinion pieces have appeared in The Globe and Mail, Chatelaine, The Walrus, Broadview, and more.
Miranda holds a bachelor of journalism from Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly, Ryerson). In 2022, she completed a fellowship at Yale University’s program for recovery and community health and went on to mentor incoming fellows. Miranda speaks regularly on topics related to mental health, psychology, and trauma at events across North America.
Speaking Topics
What does recovery from mental illness look like?
“What are your recovery goals?” This question was posed to Miranda Newman shortly after her third stay in psychiatric intensive care. It was a question that was both simple and daunting. Unlike recovering from physical illness, mental health recovery is harder to conceptualize and rarely linear. Was recovery fewer panic attacks and thoughts of self-destruction? Longer periods between hospitalizations? The ability to return to full-time work?
In this talk, Newman explores the complex and often storied reality of mental health recovery. Informed by her lived experience recovering from borderline personality disorder, an often fatal mental illness typically viewed as untreatable, and her fellowship at Yale University’s program for recovery and community health, Newman examines the best and worst practices in community-based mental health treatment, unpacks social attitudes toward mental illness, and highlights gaps in policy. A talk rooted in hope, Newman reminds audiences that recovery isn’t the sole responsibility of the individual. It takes a village to help a person recover from mental illness.
Supporting mental health in the workplace
Miranda Newman worked herself to the point of hospitalization. Twice. All the evidence of mounting burnout was there: poor sleep, panic attacks, missed deadlines, weight loss, irritability, and extreme emotions. But with no workplace mental health support and fewer coping skills, Newman just kept working until her suicidal urges grew so powerful that inpatient care was her only option.
In today’s fast-paced and high-pressure work environments, mental health challenges are increasingly common. According to the Canadian Psychological Association, at least 500,000 Canadians miss work due to mental illness every week, with an estimated cost of $51 billion annually. Unfortunately, the Canadian Mental Health Association notes that just 36 per cent of employees feel comfortable discussing a mental health concern with a manager.
Supporting mental health in the workplace can improve productivity, employee satisfaction, staff retention, and teamwork. In this talk, Newman offers strategies to foster mental wellness in the workplace. From accommodation, to education, to implementing wellness programs, Newman’s talk will equip audiences with the ability to make a meaningful impact on the mental health of those around them and address mental health concerns before they become crises.
Videos:
- Conversation with co-hosts Melissa Grelo and Cynthia Loyst on CTV’s The Social, May 2024
https://youtu.be/Zu05flHmqsk?feature=shared - Interview with Lindsey Deluce on CTV’s Your Morning, May 2024
https://youtu.be/xnC860oxI4s?feature=shared - Discussion with Tamara Taggart on the Telus Talks podcast, June 2024
https://youtu.be/bOiX-70eMPs?feature=shared
Eliza Reid
Eliza Reid is a bestselling writer, public speaker, gender equality advocate, cofounder of the acclaimed Iceland Writers Retreat and former first lady of Iceland. She was born and raised in Canada but has lived in Iceland for over twenty years. Eliza’s first book, Secrets of the Sprakkar: Iceland’s Extraordinary Women and How They Are Changing the World, was an instant bestseller in Canada and Iceland, a New York Times Book Review Editors’ Pick, and translated into numerous languages. Her first novel, an Iceland-set mystery called Death of a Diplomat (Death on the Island in the U.S.), will be published in spring 2025.
From 2016 to 2024, Eliza served in the unofficial role of First Lady while her husband was President of Iceland, during which time she acted as patron of numerous organizations and was named a United Nations Special Ambassador for Tourism and the Sustainable Development Goals. A memoir of her time in the role is set for publication in 2026.
Passionate about inclusion, belonging, and equality, she wielded her influence through poignant op-eds, a compelling TEDx talk, and dozens of keynote addresses to audiences of hundreds around the world, including presidents and royalty. In addition to public speaking, Eliza Reid is an experienced moderator and has interviewed celebrities, including politicians and other world leaders such as Hillary Rodham Clinton, Ashley Judd and internationally-acclaimed authors Louise Penny and Anthony Horowitz. Her advocacy in the field of gender equality has been praised by U.S. President Joe Biden, Canadian Governor General Mary Simon, and numerous others. She has also received awards from the Better World Fund, Meet in Reykjavík, and the Institute for South Asian Women.
Eliza has degrees from the University of Toronto (Trinity College) and Oxford University (St. Antony’s College). She lives in the outskirts of Reykjavík with her husband and four children.
Eliza’s Speaking topics
- Secrets of the Sprakkar: How to Bring Gender Equality Within Reach, and Why That’s Important for Everyone
What do a fishing captain who dabbles as a standup comedian, a group of middle-aged women who swam across the English Channel, and a small-town Canadian who unexpectedly became First Lady all have in common? They are all women in the tiny Nordic country of Iceland, the country closest in the world to closing the gender gap. Iceland has a word – *sprakkar –* that means “extraordinary women” and this informative and funny talk, which is based on Eliza’s bestselling book *Secrets of the Sprakkar <https://www.simonandschuster.ca/books/Secrets-of-the-Sprakkar/Eliza-Reid/9781982174064>*,
shares their stories and those of many others who are making a difference in their communities by being positive role models. Be reminded how building greater equality will benefit everyone in society, and be inspired to continue your vital work making a positive difference in the world by nudging things in the right direction. (Spoiler alert: Eliza herself is the unexpected first lady of this description)
- The Bend in the Road: How to Make the Most of Unexpected Opportunity
Eliza’s memoir of her time as first lady is set for publication in 2026 and this talk is based on much of that content.
Eliza Reid grew up in small-town Canada and met her Icelandic husband, Guðni Jóhannesson, at graduate school in England. When she gave fate a push by contriving to win a date with him in a raffle, she never imagined that spontaneous decision would lead her to becoming First Lady of Iceland almost two decades later, after a whirlwind seven-week campaign on her husband’s first foray into public office.
Incorporating insightful behind-the-scenes moments from life in the world of global leaders; from having tea at the White House with the Bidens, to poignant moments such as attending Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral, navigating volcanic eruptions and living through a global pandemic, this talk examines how Eliza navigated her public but undefined role, and used it to upend expectations about first ladies.
Although it’s entertaining and provides a glimpse into an unusual world, this talk is really about inspiring people to make the most of unexpected opportunities, to be forces for positive change in the world. It’s for everyone who strives to write their own fairytale, and subvert the expectations others might impose on us.
- Storytelling for leadership and change
Everyone has a unique story. Paying attention and harnessing the wisdom of your journey can enhance how you move through the world—the type of organization you run, the children you raise, the people whose lives you’ll impact.
This workshop is designed to help you make sense of your story and sharpen your observation skills to better understand the stories that continue to unfold around you. It will help you to tease out the special details of a life and how to use those details to inspire, inform, and connect with others, putting your story to work to bring out the kind of change you want to create in your company or community.
- General talks in the sphere of travel & sustainability
I have delivered numerous keynote speeches on travel and sustainability at industry events and was named a United Nations Special Ambassador for Tourism and the Sustainable Development Goals in 2017. I can adapt speeches to suit a broad range of audiences and explore a variety of topics. Often using Iceland as a case study, I can speak to how travel and tourism are economic drivers in a country; the challenges and opportunities that tourism brings, and how Iceland is a leader in sustainable tourism and has (unusually) a generally positive view of tourism among its local population.
More broadly speaking, travelling and discovering new places and meeting new people has the potential to bridge divides and bring us closer together. I have travelled extensively, much of it solo, and can share some of the stories I have heard and adventures I’ve had on the road, and what that has taught me about communication and cooperation in other facets of life.
Testimonials
“She shared many heartfelt messages, leaving an indelible impression as one of the most empowered, driven, and inspiring women I have ever met.”
—Lilian Atho, CEO and Founder Real Time Global
“I had the great privilege of recently attending a speech by Iceland’s former First Lady, Eliza Reid. She was funny, smart, insightful, and entertaining. She didn’t hit a homerun; she hit a grand slam.”
—Jean Becker, Former Chief of Staff to George H.W. Bush
“Her energy, intelligence and integrity are so inspiring and most of all, I love how real she is. When you think of a First Lady you don’t expect someone to be so warm, unpretentious and personable.”
—Amy Skelding, Managing Partner at Finn Partners Travel
“Ms. Eliza Reid captivated our group of over 100 lawyers and their spouses with her stories of life in Iceland and extraordinary women in Icelandic history, but the best aspect of her presentation was the message that equality in authority and parity in opportunity are possible and within reach. Eliza’s approachable style and comfortable delivery, sprinkled with humor and playful wit, capture and sustain the attention of the audience. She is a delightful, entertaining and empowering keynote speaker for any meeting or conference.”
Steve Quattlebaum, 2023 National President of The American Board of Trial Advocates
Rebecca Hosey, DC, MS, PA-C
Dr. Rebecca “Becky” Hosey is a licensed chiropractor, physician assistant, speaker, and writer, with degrees from the University at Albany, New York Chiropractic College, and the Le Moyne College Physician Assistant Program. With many years of unique clinical experience, her expertise is in the fields of pain medicine and psychiatry. A life-long learner, Becky has a strong passion for education and has held several academic positions, including Assistant Professor of Clinical Medicine.
Becky was diagnosed with Sjögren’s Disease in 2015, and stage four endometriosis in 2021 after years of undiagnosed and severe symptoms. She began sharing her story to inspire others, and is currently writing a memoir documenting her experiences and advocating for patients with chronic illnesses. Becky is a regular speaker in the general public and medical community, and her work is centered around empowering patients to advocate for themselves. In her work with medical professionals, she focuses on the importance of leading with empathy, and on the vulnerability of the patient experience, which can be easily overlooked in the current medical model.
She has appeared on numerous podcasts, news interviews, and has partnered with several autoimmune organizations to share her story. Becky has also been the keynote speaker at various events. She has many published articles, and is a regular blog writer. Becky is the recipient of the 2024 Autoimmune Advocacy Leadership Award (the Autoimmune Association) which was presented during a reception in Washington D.C. She has participated in healthcare reform lobbying while in the Capitol, and during New York State Legislative meetings.
Awards & Honors:
Autoimmune Advocacy and Leadership Award (Autoimmune Association 2024)
Summa Cum Laude Graduate (Le Moyne College 2009)
William G. Allyn Award (“Commemorating Strong Academic Performance, Exemplary Professionalism, Leadership & Community Service” 2008)
Phi Chi Omega National Chiropractic Honor Society Member (2000-2003)
Clinic Class Representative (New York Chiropractic College 2003)
Speaking Topics
Becky’s keynotes can be tailored to medical professionals or the general public.
Medical Ableism
There has never been a more dire time for the reimagining of disease, especially in light of the growing population suffering from chronic illness and disability. With infrequent discussions occurring in medicine and society, Becky educates and empowers audience members on health related prejudices, and how to eliminate these detriments.
Oh, The Medical Humanity…
An engaging presentation for medical professionals and students alike. Audience members join Becky on a journey through her personal medical mystery to ultimate diagnosis, followed by a discussion of medical humanities and the importance of incorporating these concepts into to everyday practice in order to understand the vulnerable patient perspective.
The Stigma of Health Provider Sickness
A rarely discussed and little- known phenomenon of the unique stigma a medical provider experiences when chronically ill. Becky candidly shares her own personal struggles, as well as uncovering the unwritten truth in modern medicine that healthcare providers are expected to remain healthy, or suffer the consequences of failure.
Self-Advocating on Your Health Journey
An informative talk for attendees to learn about the importance of self-advocating while navigating medicine. Audience members will discover that healthcare is a consumer based industry, with no greater service more important than their own well-being. Participants will learn to get the most out of their health visits, and how to become empowered patients.
Sjögren’s Disease: It’s More than Dry Eye & Endometriosis: The Silent Pain.
These individual disease presentations are vital for healthcare providers to learn about two common, but misunderstood conditions. Significant research gaps exist in medicine with respect to women’s health issues, which makes health providers unprepared to properly care for patients. Becky delivers both the patient and provider perspective, as well as essential information that will leave audience members feeling confident and prepared for their next patient encounter.
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Elisabeth Burks
Elisabeth Burks (she/her) brings over 20 years of experience at the intersection of culture and commerce, driving revenue and relevance for cultural icons like John Legend, global brands like Samsung, and entertainment giants like Sony Music and TIFF. As a visionary strategist, she guides organizations and leaders through the challenges of boardrooms and the marketplace—delivering transformational insights and strategies for leadership, business growth and cultural relevance. As founder and CEO of Known Entity, Elisabeth specializes in creating cultural and commercial strategies that move markets and mindsets. Elisabeth holds an EMBA from Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management and the Schulich School of Business, and a B.A. in Media and Cultural Studies from The New School in New York City. A proud mother and wife, she is a sought-after public speaker and moderator and a passionate advocate for youth and social impact.
“Elisabeth’s extensive experience is distinguished as a unique and trusted advisor for top-tier businesses. Her specialized expertise provides a compelling strategic vision on how to harness cultural trends to drive commerce in today’s fragmented market. Her approach, equally strategic and sincere, is both refreshing and inspiring.” —Veronica Gaik, Executive Director, Brand Sales & Partnerships at TikTok Canada
Elisabeth Burks Speaking Topics
As a sought-after speaker and moderator, Elisabeth is equal parts advisor, strategist and motivator. Elisabeth delivers more than just inspiring keynotes—she develops workshops and seminars tailored to help organizations impact culture and the bottom line.
Leveraging Culture as a Competitive Advantage
Learn how to build and sustain cultural capital, transforming relevance into long-term commercial success.
Strategic Workshops on Aligning Purpose with Profit
Interactive sessions that equip teams with strategies for meeting consumer expectations while driving ROI.
Tailored Training on Navigating Emerging Trends
Seminars designed to decode and apply cultural shifts to leadership, branding, and marketing strategies.
Designing Commerce Around Culture
Learn the step-by-step process of connecting cultural movements to product innovation and market leadership.
Building Teams for a Culture-Driven Future
Unpacks how cultural movements and consumer trends are reshaping organizationz and how businesses can stay ahead by aligning their leadership strategies with cultural shifts.
Sharon and Randi
Since the 1970s, Sharon, Lois & Bram have been family-entertainment superstars across North America and beyond. Over the course of their 45-year musical journey, Sharon, Lois & Bram produced dozens of recordings and compilations, as well as three award-winning, best-selling children’s books. Together, the threesome appeared in many of the most prominent venues in the United States, as well as every major concert hall in Canada. They were Goodwill ambassadors, received countless awards, sold millions of albums worldwide and starred in two critically acclaimed television series (The Elephant Show and Skinnamarink TV). They are widely recognized as the most beloved children’s entertainers of all time.
Sharon Hampson and Bram Morrison performed as a duo for more than 20 years after Lois Lilienstein stepped away from live performing. The Sharon, Lois & Bram tiktok has made them social media darlings with over 37M+ views and 188,000+ followers.
When Bram retired from touring at the end of 2019, Sharon’s daughter, Randi, joined Sharon as a live performer, and recently produced and sang on the JUNO-nominated album, Sharon & Bram and Friends, as well as writing three picture books for Penguin Random House, Sharon, Lois & Bram’s Skinnamarink, One Elephant Went out to Play, and Peanut Butter and Jelly.
Now Sharon and Randi are continuing to share the music of Sharon, Lois & Bram, performing in both live and virtual settings as A Sharon, Lois & Bram Singalong with Sharon & Randi. Just as Sharon, Lois & Bram brought happiness to four generations of children and their grown-ups, Randi and Sharon are now bringing their own live performances, featuring stories, music, memories, and life lessons, to a new generation of adults and children.
Speaking topics and performances
A Sharon, Lois & Bram Sing Along with Sharon & Randi
This singalong gathering is a real family affair featuring Sharon & Randi, Randi’s son Ethan and her beau, Jim. Singalong highlights include such beloved Sharon, Lois & Bram favorites as “Tingalayo,” “Hey Dum Diddeley Dum,” “She’ll Be Coming Round the Mountain,” and, of course, “Skinnamarink. Guaranteed to be a fun, interactive time for children, their families and the young at heart.
Randi and Sharon in the classroom
Randi and Sharon play games, sing songs, teach finger play and make music with classes and children from JK-grade 4.
Behind the Scenes and Life Lessons with Sharon & Randi
Listen in on captivating conversation and stories of tours, TV, parties, and behind-the-scenes peeks. Sharon also shares her personal journey dealing with breast cancer, the loss of her husband, Joe, then partner and friend, Lois. This will be poignant, fun, infused with laughter, inside stories and of course, always singing. This can be an intimate event with a Q&A or a keynote address.
Finding your Child Spirit Workshops for Teachers
Sharon & Randi will delight educators by singing and reading from their three best-selling children’s books, and teaching songs and gameplay to their educator audience. Participants will reconnect with their child spirit by engaging in literary and musical activities they will take back to their classrooms. This will be a fun hour of singing, dancing and laughing, that consequently teaches about memory, food, rhyme, counting, patience, coordination, cooperation and so much more.