NSBest 2015 | Speaker Updates [1/2]

2015 marked our sixth annual speaker showcase. Our best speaker showcase yet, the event offered a great mix of speakers who shared valuable insight and their “Words to Live By” with our valued clients. This week, we’re going to update you on some of the great things these #NSBest speakers have been up to since. In part one, we’re looking at our featured speakers at Toronto:

Natalie Panek | Rocket Scientist & Advocate for Women in Tech

When she’s not inspiring on the stage, Natalie is a systems engineer on space robotics projects and other space exploration programs at MDA Corp. She is currently working on a Mars rover program where her team is building the chassis and locomotion system for the European Space Agency’s ExoMars rover that will launch in 2018. Natalie also continues to be a public voice of advocacy in two areas she’s passionate about: getting more young women involved in STEM careers and saving our planet from space junk.  In the past couple of months, she’s been on the TEDxToronto stage along with being in featured in Huffington Post, GE Reports, and U of T Engineering News. Natalie was even named Ms. Chatelaine for the month of May! Check out the highlights from her NSBest presentation:

Hon. Bob Rae | Ontario’s 21st Premier & former Liberal Party of Canada Leader

Bob Rae is a widely respected writer and commentator on important issues throughout Canada. A tireless advocate for rights of Indigenous peoples, Bob recently sat down with CTV Power Play to discuss the dispute between the government and the Catholic Church over residential schools compensation. He also toured Canada’s first residential school and joined the ‘Save the Evidence’ campaign which aims to preserve this piece of history to serve as a historical reminder in helping Canadians understand what once happened.

“We now have an opportunity to create a place that will serve as a historical reminder for all Canadians. An educational centre, a museum, a learning centre where people can understand what happened.” -Bob Rae

Check out the highlights from Bob’s NSBest presentation:

Matthew Corrin | Founder & CEO of Freshii

Matthew continues to grow the Freshii organization throughout the world, recently opening new locations in Dublin, Grand Rapids, Winnipeg, and Columbus to name a few. The chain is now in over 85 cities around the world. The Financial Post recently looked at how Matthew is riding the health food boom and finding inspiration from fast fashion to fuel Freshii’s rapid expansion. Freshii’s in-store partnerships and new home meal-delivery service are featured in the article.

“The more of us that can bring health and wellness to the masses, the more that will have a positive impact on society.” -Matthew Corrin

Check out the highlights from Matthew’s NSBest presentation:

Ramona Pringle | Interactive Producer & Expert on Digital Media Culture

Ramona is at the forefront of exploring the relationship between people and technology. She teaches at the RTA School of Media at Ryerson University and is a frequent contributor for CBC. Some recent commentary by Ramona includes: breaking down the new app called Airtime, cyber security in light of the Panama Papers, Chatbots going rogue and Apple’s spot in the smartphone market. Check out the highlights from Ramona’s NSBest presentation:

Deborah Kimmett | Second City Veteran and Expert on Communication and Change

Deborah has been helping audiences with a podcast that explores how to deal with uncertainty with grace and humour. Titled, The Hope for Today Cafe, it is a virtual coffee house that delivers wit and wisdom to your day. Her most recent episode looks at Palliative Care:

Check out the highlights from Deborah’s NSBest presentation:

Marc Kielburger | Co-Founder of Free The Children & Me to We

Marc and brother Craig held one of their biggest youth celebrations yet with their first ever We Day California event.  Charlize Theron, Seth Rogen and Selena Gomez were some of the big names inspiring a crowd of 16,000+. Highlights from the program will air as a TV special on August 28th on ABC.

Check out the highlights from Marc’s NSBest presentation:

Thanks to our incredible NSBest attendees we were able to exceed our goal of $5,000 to outfit a school in Kenya through Marc and Craig’s Free the Children foundation. Thank you to all who helped make this happen.

View the updates on our NSBest Vancouver speakers here.

Learn more about these speakers and how their insights can help your organization achieve success by contacting us today.