Human Resources Professionals: Insights & Resources

Best Keynote Speaker Services in Canada

Ryan Stevens
September 4, 2025
All Insights
HR Professionals: Insights & Resources

Best Keynote Speaker Services in Canada

Canada Keynote Speakers

Canada’s keynote speaking scene is rich with trusted professionals who do more than motivate, they anchor events with practical frameworks, real-world data, and fresh perspectives that move audiences to act. Whether you’re running a national conference, leadership retreat, or virtual event, these Canada-based speakers stand out for their authentic insights and verifiable client impact.

Methodology: How We Chose These Canada-based Keynote Speaker Services

Each featured speaker or company meets three simple, transparent benchmarks:

Research-driven: Published work, real frameworks, or clear case studies.

Client-reviewed: Positive testimonials, proven ROI, or repeat client success.

Location-based: Canadian-founded, rooted, and primarily serving local or North American clients.

🌟 Canadian Keynote Speaker Services - Provider Spotlights

🔑TRUTHPLANE®

What they do:
TRUTHPLANE is Mark Bowden’s global keynote platform, specialising in body language, communication influence, and leadership presence. Mark’s talks help leaders communicate with authenticity and impact.

Who they work with:
Fortune 500 executives, political figures, sales teams, HR leaders.

Operating model:
Live keynotes, virtual masterclasses, executive coaching, and bespoke influence training.

💡 Why they stand out:

  • 🎥 World-renowned expert on nonverbal communication and human behaviour.

  • 📚 Author of multiple bestsellers on body language and influence.

  • 🌍 Regularly ranked as one of the world’s top communication coaches.
Mark Bowden, Founder & President of TRUTHPLANE®

Mark Bowden is an internationally recognised body language and communication expert whose clients range from global politicians to top sales leaders. He’s known for delivering dynamic, research-based keynotes that blend humour, neuroscience, and practical tactics audiences can use immediately. Mark’s frameworks are trusted by high-performing teams worldwide to boost trust and credibility in every interaction.

🔑Marilyn Barefoot

What they do:
Delivering high-energy keynotes on creativity, brainstorming, and innovative thinking.

Who they work with:
Marketing teams, sales departments, creative agencies.

Operating model:
In-person workshops, conference keynotes, and virtual sessions.

💡 Why they stand out:

  • 💡 Proven ideation frameworks used by top Canadian brands.

  • 🗣️ Engaging delivery style that gets teams out of their comfort zone.

  • 🎯 Focused on practical tools that drive real creative output.
Marilyn Barefoot, Founder of Marilyn Barefoot

Marilyn Barefoot is a celebrated creative strategist who has run brainstorming bootcamps for Canada’s biggest brands. Her sessions are legendary for sparking fresh ideas and unlocking team creativity in industries where innovation is make-or-break.

🔑Kalen Academy

What they do:
Keynotes on civil discourse, workplace civility, and public service leadership.

Who they work with:
Municipalities, public sector leaders, community organisations.

Operating model:
Live talks, online academies, and workshops.

💡 Why they stand out:

  • 📚 Author of “Save Your City”, a leading book on civil discourse.

  • 🏅 Certified management consultant with proven frameworks.

  • 🧭 Empowers local leaders to tackle toxic culture head-on.
Diane Kalen-Sukra, MA, CMC, Founder of Kalen Academy

Diane Kalen-Sukra is a civic leader turned keynote speaker whose practical, evidence-based talks help public sector teams build healthier work cultures. Her audiences appreciate her actionable insights and calm, encouraging delivery.

🔑Caliber Leadership Systems

What they do:
Inspires leaders to drive transformation, engage teams, and navigate change.

Who they work with:
Corporate boards, non-profits, public sector leadership.

Operating model:
Executive keynotes plus leadership development programs.

💡 Why they stand out:

  • 📈 Deep expertise in change management and strategy.

  • 🌿 Combines business consulting with people-centred coaching.

  • 🧩 Known for practical leadership frameworks.
Heather Hilliard, Founder & Principal of Caliber Leadership Systems

Heather Hilliard is a Canadian leadership strategist known for helping boards and senior teams thrive through transition. Her clear, no-nonsense speaking style brings calm clarity to complex leadership challenges.

🔑WeApply Canada Inc.

What they do:
Career and leadership keynotes with a focus on diversity and career acceleration.

Who they work with:
Universities, HR conferences, employee resource groups.

Operating model:
Live talks, online workshops, personal coaching add-ons.

💡 Why they stand out:

  • 💼 Specialist in career advancement for underrepresented groups.

  • 📊 Practical, step-by-step frameworks for real career outcomes.

  • 🌟 Strong track record with Canadian universities and youth leadership groups.
Lissa Appiah, Founder & Certified Career Strategist & Executive Coach of WeApply Canada Inc.

Lissa Appiah is a certified career strategist and keynote speaker whose sessions equip people to own their careers with clarity and confidence. She’s known for her warm, relatable delivery that leaves audiences inspired to act.

🔑R&R Solution

What they do:
Motivational keynotes on workforce engagement, sales culture, and community leadership.

Who they work with:S
small businesses, regional events, community groups.

Operating model:
Hybrid delivery: live events plus virtual masterclasses.

💡 Why they stand out:

  • 🔑 Focus on practical strategies to boost employee morale.

  • 💬 Authentic, energetic style rooted in real community impact.

  • 🎯 Proven results growing sales culture and team alignment.
Michelle Alcorn, Founder & CEO of R&R Solution

Michelle Alcorn is a seasoned business consultant and keynote speaker known for energising community leaders and local businesses. Her sessions blend motivational stories with clear frameworks for building connected, resilient teams.

🔑Checkmate Public Affairs

What they do:
Expert keynotes on crisis communication, media handling, and risk messaging.

Who they work with:
Executives, comms teams, public figures.

Operating model:
Live talks, media training intensives, advisory consulting.

💡 Why they stand out:

  • 📰 Deep real-world crisis comms expertise.

  • 📣 Practical tools for clear, calm public messaging.

  • 🏅 Trusted advisor to senior executives and spokespeople.
Jeff Chatterton, Founder of Checkmate Public Affairs

Jeff Chatterton is an internationally respected crisis comms expert known for helping leaders navigate media storms with credibility. His straightforward, tactical sessions equip spokespeople to stay calm, clear, and on message under pressure.

🔑2 Get There Connections

What they do:
Inspires teams to build strong connections, boost collaboration, and strengthen culture.

Who they work with:
Nonprofits, community organisations, SME teams.

Operating model:
Keynotes, workshops, and team-building events.

💡 Why they stand out:

  • 🤝 Focus on authentic team connections and trust.

  • 🌟 Practical activities that embed learning beyond the stage.

  • 💚 Known for warm, community-first approach.
Sabrina Castellanos, Founder & Time Management & Strategic Planning Consultant, 2 Get There Connections

Sabrina Castellanos is a community engagement speaker who helps organisations rebuild trust and collaboration. Her keynotes blend relatable stories with tangible actions that bring teams closer together, even in challenging times.

Transformative Canadian Keynote Speakers Who Spark Action

A great keynote speaker leaves your audience with more than just notes, they leave people with a spark to do things differently. These Canadian keynote leaders deliver frameworks, stories, and action steps that work long after the mic drops. Whether it’s shifting mindsets or driving performance, they know how to captivate with valuable insights and impactful takeaways. From motivational messages to actionable advice, they create lasting transformations that ripple through organizations and individuals alike. Their expertise doesn’t just entertain; it challenges and empowers audiences to make real, sustainable changes in their personal and professional lives.

At Digital Reference, we specialize in curating resources that connect you with thought leaders and experts, ensuring that your next speaker or consultant is someone who will truly make a difference.

If you found these recommendations useful, here are additional resources to guide your decision-making:

If you appreciated these expert insights, uncover more actionable content and tools at Digital Reference. It’s your go-to platform for all things professional growth and insight.

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