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Best Keynote Speakers in Toronto
Toronto, Canada Keynote Speaker Services
Toronto is a dynamic hub where global ideas meet local expertise, making it a prime stage for influential keynote speakers. In HR especially, these speakers drive leadership development, workplace culture, diversity, and employee wellbeing—shaping strategies, policies, and the future of work across the city.
Toronto-based Keynote Speakers Methodology:
At Digital Reference, our mission is to help organizations find the right voices who can elevate conversations. Our methodology for curating this list of top keynote speakers in Toronto involves extensive research, professional evaluation, and a deep dive into each consultant’s unique contributions. Some are solo entrepreneurs, some lead firms, and others work in partnerships—but all have a profound impact.
Below, you’ll find our curated selection of Toronto’s most inspiring keynote speakers. Each one brings something uniquely valuable to the table, from fostering creativity to building resilience in organizations.
🌟 Meet Toronto’s Keynote Speakers Making Things Happen
♦️ Amber Mac
Futurist, Digital Transformation Expert, Broadcaster & Author
Amber Mac is one of Toronto’s most recognized voices on digital transformation, innovation, and future trends. With a background in broadcasting and entrepreneurship, she bridges the gap between technology and people in ways few can.
✨ Highlights of Amber’s work:
💡 A sought-after futurist and trend analyst, Amber is a trusted advisor to organizations navigating disruption.
🎙 Host of multiple media projects, she’s known for translating complex tech themes into accessible and actionable insights.
📚 Author of Power Friending, Amber writes about the human side of digital growth—how trust, empathy, and connection drive innovation.
🌎 Frequently seen at global conferences, she emphasizes digital literacy and human-centered tech adoption.
Her keynote topics resonate with HR leaders because they blend innovation strategy with employee engagement—a critical pairing for companies in Toronto’s competitive talent market.
♦️ Marsha Shandur
Storytelling & Communication Coach, Founder of Yes Yes Marsha
Marsha Shandur, known as Yes Yes Marsha, specializes in storytelling and communication coaching. Her background in media and broadcasting adds a unique flair to her work, making her keynotes both entertaining and transformative.
✨ What sets Marsha apart:
🎭 She teaches leaders how to use narrative to connect authentically—a vital HR and leadership skill.
📢 Featured at conferences across industries, she creates interactive sessions that encourage deep audience participation.
💬 Known for her warm, witty, and accessible coaching style, she equips executives to present their most authentic selves.
🌟 Works closely with professionals navigating career pivots and organizational storytelling.
For Toronto businesses, Marsha’s value lies in helping leaders articulate culture and values—something that directly impacts employee retention and HR alignment.
♦️ Jim Harris
Innovation & Disruption Expert, Author of Blindsided!
🔗LinkedIn | 🌐Website | 🌐Modern CTO Podcast
Jim Harris is a globally recognized innovation and disruption expert based in Toronto. He has worked with some of the world’s biggest organizations, helping them navigate uncertainty with clarity.
✨ Key achievements:
📊 Best-selling author of Blindsided!, a definitive book on disruption and change management.
🎤 Frequent keynote speaker at global conferences—he has presented to executives in more than 40 countries.
🔄 Advises on topics like sustainability, resilience, and disruptive innovation.
🧭 Known for his thought-provoking take on future readiness, essential for HR leaders facing shifting workplace dynamics.
Jim’s ability to integrate global case studies with local Toronto insights makes his sessions particularly valuable for companies striving to stay competitive.
♦️ Nina Spencer
Speaker Coach, Author of Getting Passion Out of Your Profession
Nina Spencer is one of Canada’s most beloved motivational keynote speakers, often referred to as the “workplace guru.”
✨ Why she stands out:
💼 She blends research-based insights with uplifting delivery, making her an HR favorite.
📖 Author of Getting Passion Out of Your Profession, she inspires professionals to find meaning in their daily work.
🎯 Focuses heavily on employee engagement, leadership, and workplace morale.
🏆 Recognized as one of Canada’s leading female keynote speakers.
For organizations in Toronto, Nina is a go-to when they want to boost employee motivation and resilience—a must in today’s demanding workplaces.
♦️ Kristen Harcourt
Executive Coach, Host of Inspirational Leadership Podcast
Kristen Harcourt is an executive coach, keynote speaker, and podcast host who emphasizes human-centered leadership.
✨ Her impact includes:
🌱 Helping leaders move from transactional to transformational leadership.
🎙 Host of Inspirational Leadership podcast, where she interviews leaders on authenticity and workplace culture.
📚 Regularly publishes thought pieces on emotional intelligence, inclusivity, and HR transformation.
🌟 Works with global firms but maintains strong ties to Toronto’s business community.
Kristen’s talks are invaluable for HR professionals aiming to develop emotionally intelligent leadership pipelines.
♦️ Marla Lukofsky
Resilience & Humor Speaker, Comedian, Storyteller
Marla Lukofsky is a comedian-turned-keynote speaker whose focus on resilience, humor, and storytelling creates unforgettable sessions.
✨ Defining qualities:
😂 Uses humor as a leadership and coping tool, making heavy topics approachable.
🎭 Skilled at engaging diverse audiences, from corporate teams to healthcare professionals.
🌟 Known for her uplifting take on resilience, especially relevant in challenging organizational climates.
Toronto audiences appreciate her unique ability to turn adversity into insight, creating culture shifts in HR and leadership.
♦️ Cherry Rose Tan, MBA, MA
Entrepreneur, Educator, Mental Health Advocate, Founder of #REALTALK
Cherry Rose Tan is an entrepreneur, educator, and mental health advocate. Her work centers around psychological safety, leadership wellbeing, and entrepreneurship culture.
✨ Career highlights:
🌟 Founder of #REALTALK, a platform elevating conversations around mental health for entrepreneurs.
🎓 Business professor, blending academic expertise with lived entrepreneurial experience.
🎤 Keynotes highlight the intersection of wellbeing and leadership resilience.
💬 Frequently quoted in national media on mental health in business.
Her Toronto-based initiatives are creating healthier workplaces—a priority for HR executives today.
♦️ Dr. Karyn Gordon
Psychologist, Leadership Expert, CEO of DK Leadership
Dr. Karyn Gordon is a psychologist, leadership expert, and CEO of DK Leadership.
✨ Notable contributions:
🧠 Specializes in emotional intelligence, leadership confidence, and generational engagement.
📚 Author of The Three Chairs, a model on leadership mindset.
🎤 Frequently featured on TV and media for her expert commentary.
🌟 Works extensively with HR and executive teams to align leadership with culture goals.
Her blend of psychology and leadership makes her a go-to for organizations looking to strengthen culture through leadership coaching.
♦️ Mike Aoki
Customer Experience (CX) Keynote Speaker & Trainer
Mike Aoki is a customer experience (CX) keynote speaker and trainer based in Toronto.
✨ Highlights:
🎯 Focuses on contact centers, customer engagement, and employee motivation.
🏆 Recognized as a leading CX thought leader in Canada.
🎤 His sessions combine practical tools with motivational delivery.
Mike’s HR relevance lies in his expertise in employee training and frontline leadership—helping HR build service-driven cultures.
♦️ Yan Markson
Leadership & Communication Strategist, Mentalist
Yan Markson brings a background in mentalism and psychology to keynote speaking.
✨ Distinctive features:
🧠 Expert in influence, persuasion, and communication strategy.
🎭 Uses performance art to illustrate leadership and HR concepts.
🌟 Known for highly engaging, interactive presentations.
Toronto firms love Yan for his creative approach to corporate learning and communication.
♦️ Janey Brown
Leadership Coach, Singer-Songwriter, Founder of Pure Minds
Janey Brown is a leadership coach and singer-songwriter whose focus is on courage, authenticity, and wellbeing.
✨ Contributions:
🎶 Blends her music background with leadership development.
🌟 Founder of Pure Minds, an organization dedicated to mental wellness in the workplace.
💡 Guides leaders on courage-driven transformation.
Janey’s unique lens is helping HR leaders in Toronto prioritize mental health and emotional authenticity.
♦️ Mark Bowden
World-Renowned Body Language Expert, Author & Media Commentator
Mark Bowden is one of the world’s leading body language experts.
✨ Known for:
📚 Co-author of multiple books on non-verbal communication.
🎤 Works with top global organizations on leadership presence and influence.
🌟 Regular media appearances as a body language commentator.
For HR and executives in Toronto, Mark’s insights into non-verbal leadership communication are invaluable.
♦️ Greg Wells
Scientist, Performance Physiologist & Author of The Ripple Effect
Dr. Greg Wells is a scientist, performance physiologist, and author.
✨ Major impact:
🧪 Researches human performance, resilience, and wellbeing.
📚 Author of The Ripple Effect, which explores micro-changes that fuel big results.
🎤 His keynotes blend science and practical advice for workplace wellness.
For HR, Dr. Wells provides evidence-based strategies for optimizing employee health—a growing priority in Toronto.
♦️ Ellie Borden
Therapist, Author & Mental Health Speaker
Ellie Borden is a Toronto-based therapist, author, and speaker.
✨ Contributions:
🌟 Speaks on mental health, resilience, and personal growth.
💬 Offers strategies for both leaders and employees navigating stress.
📖 Her book and media appearances make her a recognizable voice in wellbeing.
Her work provides HR leaders with practical insights into mental health support strategies.
♦️ Ron Tite
Marketing & Branding Expert, Author of Think. Do. Say., CEO of Church+State
Ron Tite is a marketing, branding, and creativity expert.
✨ Noteworthy:
🎤 A highly entertaining speaker, blending humor with business insight.
📚 Author of Think. Do. Say., a book on authentic brand storytelling.
🌟 Works with global firms on brand purpose and authenticity.
HR and marketing often overlap, and Ron’s ability to align brand culture with workplace culture makes him a valuable partner.
Wrapping It All Up
Toronto is a city of dynamic voices and powerful perspectives, and these keynote speakers represent the best of what the region has to offer. From innovation to resilience, emotional intelligence to storytelling, these professionals are shaping not only corporate strategy but also the future of workplace culture.
At Digital Reference, we believe in amplifying these voices because they inspire better HR practices, stronger leadership, and healthier organizations.
Dive deeper into how we support organizations in finding the right consultants, discover additional insights on our website, such as:
- What Is An Energy Coach?
- Best Life Coach & Consulting Services in Canada
- Best Career Coach & Consulting Services in Canada
Whether you’re an HR leader in downtown Toronto or a startup founder in Scarborough, the speakers on this list can help shift perspectives, energize teams, and drive results. And that’s exactly what Digital Reference is here to do—connect you with the expertise you need, when you need it.
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