Leadership Keynote Speakers — Canada & USA
The best leadership keynotes don't recite frameworks — they change how a room makes decisions on Monday morning. The speakers below have led under real pressure: on the ice, in the cockpit, in boardrooms, in crisis.
Every name here is personally vetted by Spoken Artists, a Toronto-based keynote speaker agency booking leadership speakers for conferences, executive offsites and association events across Canada and the United States.
Lived experience leading people, not just studying leadership
A clear takeaway your leaders can apply the same week
Willingness to tailor the talk to your industry and audience level
A free intro call so you can test chemistry before you commit
Commander Paul Smith
Decorated Naval Officer | History-Making Commander | Leadership Strategist
Mark Shapiro
President & CEO, Toronto Blue Jays
LCol (Ret’d) Maryse Carmichael
Canada’s First Female Snowbird Pilot
Brad Stulberg
The performance thinker for a chaotic decade.
Dr. Karen MacNeill
Peak-Performance Psychologist to Canada’s Olympic Athletes
Dr. Ellen Choi
Organizational Behaviour & Leadership Strategist. Founder, TMU Wellness Lab
Hon. Beverley McLachlin
Canada's First Female Chief Justice and Award-Winning Author
Julien Christian Lutz
Director & Creative Visionary in Music and Culture
Kara Hardin
Mental health educator and Registered Psychotherapist helping high achievers make work human again
Amber Balcaen
Professional NASCAR Driver | Entrepreneur | First Canadian Woman to Win a NASCAR-Sanctioned Race in the U.S.
Sandy Brondello
Inaugural Head Coach, Toronto Tempo | WNBA Champion | Olympic Medalist
Jennifer Brace
Futurist on Future of Work, Innovation, and Well-Being
How much does a leadership keynote speaker cost in Canada and the US?+
Fees depend on the speaker, date, format (in person or virtual) and travel. Share your budget and Spoken Artists will shortlist leadership speakers who fit it, with exact quotes within one business day.
Who are good Canadian leadership keynote speakers?+
Canadian leadership keynote speakers represented by Spoken Artists include Commander Paul Smith, LCol (Ret’d) Maryse Carmichael, Dr. Karen MacNeill, Dr. Ellen Choi, Hon. Beverley McLachlin. Every one offers a free intro call before booking.
Who are good American leadership keynote speakers?+
US-based leadership keynote speakers represented by Spoken Artists include Brad Stulberg, Jennifer Brace. All are available for events across the United States and Canada.
Do your speakers travel to the United States?+
Yes. Spoken Artists speakers regularly keynote across Canada and the United States, in person or virtually. Quotes are available in CAD or USD.
How far in advance should I book a keynote speaker?+
Three to six months is ideal; six to nine months for peak dates like January sales kickoffs and fall conference season. Short-notice bookings are often still possible — ask.
Can I meet the speaker before I book?+
Yes. Every speaker on the Spoken Artists roster offers a free introductory Zoom call so you can test chemistry and tailor the keynote before committing.