When planning an event, choosing the right keynote speaker can make or break the entire experience. A great speaker doesn't just fill a time slot—they set the tone, spark energy, and leave your audience inspired long after the closing remarks.
As someone who has delivered motivational and inspirational keynotes across Canada, the USA, and Nigeria, including a TEDx talk and dozens of conferences and leadership summits, I've learned what truly resonates from the stage.
Whether you're booking for a corporate event, an association summit, conference, school, or a leadership retreat, here are 7 key traits every event planner should look for in a keynote speaker:
Great speakers don’t lecture—they connect. A skilled keynote speaker draws the audience in through personal stories, vivid imagery, and emotional touchpoints.
I often share stories from my helicopter aviation background, including life-or-death decisions and high-stakes leadership moments, to illustrate resilience and decision-making under pressure.
I also receive excellent feedback from my stories, diving with sharks, delivering a TEDx talk, being broke and in $70,000 of debt at age 19, and chasing my dreams to fly helicopters and falling flat on my face.
Here are some testimonials from real events, conferences, and schools:
“I’ve had the pleasure of working with Chris Wilson multiple times—from having him as a three-time guest on my podcast to most recently inviting him to speak at a company Lunch & Learn—and every time, he brings nothing short of powerful, practical, and inspiring insight.
Chris has a way of taking big, sometimes intimidating topics like risk, fear, and growth and breaking them down in a way that truly connects with people at all levels. Whether you're an emerging leader or a seasoned exec, there's always a lesson to take from his talks. His aviation background, real-world leadership experience, and the unique “Dare to Fly” framework offer a fresh perspective that stays with you long after the session ends.
He’s not just an excellent speaker—he’s a storyteller, motivator, and teacher who leads with authenticity and purpose. If you're looking for someone to ignite meaningful conversations, challenge mindsets, and equip your team or audience with actionable takeaways, I can’t recommend Chris enough.”
-Jessica (Fiesta) George, Head of Talent, Atlantic Street Capital Advisors Inc.
“Great storytelling, good analogies of life….whether it be through work or experience. Very inviting and inspiring.”
-Event attendee
“Chris can capture the room as a speaker by vividly painting a picture in the listener’s mind with his choice of words and poise. His ability to tell an intriguing story and relate to a common problem many struggle with (feeling stagnant in life) is impressive!”
-Reid Bowering, Pro Lacrosse Athlete, Vancouver Warriors
"This session was quite insightful, engaging and inspiring too. It was worth joining and interacting with like-minded peers and leaders from different parts of the world."
-Event attendee
Want more real data and testimonials directly from my talks?
View more speaker testimonials.
Inspiration is great, but action is better. The best keynote speakers offer practical, real-world tools and insights.
In my talks, I introduce leadership frameworks like "Dare to Fly"—a step-by-step approach to navigating change and building momentum in uncertain times.
See a speaking clip from my keynote Dare to Fly on leading through uncertainty and creating movement:
Energy matters. A great speaker reads the room and knows when to elevate the vibe or create a reflective pause.
My experience as an entrepreneur/business owner and an aviation professional has taught me to command a room with presence, clarity, and empathy. While inducing humour, lightness, and uniqueness.
Chris Wilson Speaker Reel 2024:
There’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all talk. Your audience is unique, and your speaker should treat them that way.
Every keynote I deliver is tailored to the audience’s goals, industry challenges, and event theme. That’s why it’s key to book anywhere from 3 to 6 months in advance. Allowing me to research your audience and understand what problems their facing to create maximum impact and takeaways.
“Chris's ability to provide tailored, insightful advice significantly contributed to the growth and success of our participants. His strategic thinking, problem-solving skills, and unwavering encouragement inspired our participants to think creatively and push their boundaries. Chris is a true leader and advocate for innovation, and his contributions have left a lasting positive impact on our program. I highly recommend Chris for any mentoring or leadership role."
-Shari-Ann Baker, Senior Program Manager, League of Innovators
The most impactful speakers walk their talk. I bring over 15 years of leadership experience in high-pressure environments and now coach and mentor entrepreneurs, professionals, and teams across Canada.
Including working with Entrepreneurship at the University of British Columbia, the University of California, Berkeley, with the NOW Conference, League of Innovators, Junior Achievement British Columbia, the YMCA, PMI - Project Management Institute, ASCM - Association for Supply Chain Management, and more.
Chris Wilson's TEDx talk:
The connection shouldn’t stop at the mic drop. Whether it’s staying for a breakout session, leading a workshop, or engaging with attendees online, I believe in showing up fully before, during, and after an event.
It is important to do a pre-event call 2 weeks before the event, customize my talk and tailor it to that specific audience, deliver an outstanding talk with next level slides and takeaways, along with my slides after the talk, a one-page overview of the content covered and key takeaways, along with a follow up call or team connection.
This, along with custom social media messages and videos. To make your event truly special, dynamic, and unique for your students, staff, and attendees.
“Chris delivered genuinely inspiring and engaging talks that resonated deeply with our students. He skillfully addressed key themes of leadership, the importance of pursuing dreams, the valuable lessons learned from failure, and the multifaceted nature of success. What made Chris's presentations impactful was his ability to connect these concepts with practical advice and actionable tips that our students can directly apply as they navigate the remainder of their academic journey and begin to explore their career paths within the tourism and hospitality industry.
His ability to captivate a university audience and leave them feeling motivated and equipped with new perspectives shows his genuine passion for empowering others. The students were engaged throughout his sessions, and the feedback I received was overwhelmingly positive. Chris is a dynamic and insightful speaker, and I highly recommend him to any organization looking to inspire and motivate their audience, offering valuable guidance for personal and professional growth.
It was a pleasure hosting Chris at Capilano University, and I hope to work with him again in the future.
-Jana Remisova, School of Business, Capilano University
At the heart of every great keynote is a big idea. My keynote, Momentum Shift: Turn Challenges into Opportunities explores how momentum isn’t something we wait for; rather, it’s something we must create. It’s a message that resonates across industries, generations, and leadership levels.
This, along with my keynote: The Dead Man’s Curve: Embrace Risk to Redefine What’s Possible, shows leaders how embracing the methodology of flight characteristics in the workplace and at organizations can improve progress and drive results.
Read more about my keynote overviews.
If you're looking for a motivational and inspirational keynote speaker who will inspire, challenge, and energize your audience with a message that matters, let’s connect.
I work with students, leaders, and organizations across Canada and the USA, from events, conferences, summits, managers, staff training, leadership development, non-profits, schools, and more.
Book Chris Wilson to speak at your next event!
Chris M Wilson
Chris is a leadership keynote speaker, TEDx presenter, and founder of the Mentee community for entrepreneurs. He helps individuals and organizations create unstoppable momentum through meaningful connection, bold leadership, and action.
Chris Wilson is a motivational keynote speaker, aviator, and entrepreneur from Vancouver, BC, Canada. He helps leaders turn change into momentum with speaking, coaching and community.
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