Joe Roberts: The Skidrow CEO
Joe Roberts — The “Skidrow CEO” who turned homelessness into hope, sharing powerful lessons on resilience, leadership, and the mindset of transformation.
Quick Facts:
- Highlights:
- Former homeless addict turned successful CEO, author, and humanitarian.
- Over 20 years of speaking experience for Fortune 500 companies, schools, and nonprofits.
- Founder of The Push for Change initiative, a cross-Canada walk for youth homelessness.
- Featured in national media as a leading expert on resilience and change.
- Combines real-world experience with behavioral psychology and leadership insight.
- Formats: Keynote presentation (45–60 minutes), resilience workshop, or leadership development session.
- Audiences: Corporate teams, educators, youth organizations, government leaders, and professionals navigating change or adversity.
- Outcomes:
- Learn proven strategies to overcome setbacks and reframe challenges into opportunities.
- Understand the psychology of resilience and how to apply it to leadership and life.
- Inspire teams to achieve more through accountability, courage, and mental strength.
- Travels from: Vancouver, BC
- **Fee range: $10,001 - $20,000
Talent Services
Keynote Topics:
Keynote 1: From Skid Row to CEO
Building resilience one step at a time
In this empowering keynote, Joe teaches audiences how to build the resiliency needed to succeed in the face of adversity and change by taking small, attainable steps. Sharing the story of his catastrophic failure and extraordinary success, Joe inspires audiences to see beyond their perceived limitations to overcome life’s challenges and embrace change.
This keynote is ideal for anyone who is:
- Trying to adapt to significant change or disruption
- Disconnected from their purpose and passion and showing signs of burnout or underperformance
- Feeling stuck or holding onto limiting beliefs and a negative outlook
- Struggling to see their potential and ability to accomplish anything!
The audience will leave with:
- Actionable insights on building personal resilience no matter what challenge or change they are facing
- A greater understanding of the cumulative impact of small, consistent actions and the motivation to take the first step
- Renewed interest and focus in their work as they reconnect to their purpose and passion
- Tools for reframing a limiting mindset so they can see the possibilities in themselves and the world around them
Suitable for: Corporate; Educators, Non-Profit/Associations, Government, Healthcare
Keynote 2: There’s More to You Than You Can See
Collapsing mental health stigma
In this eye-opening keynote, Joe shares the critical role family and community support played in helping him overcome a lifelong struggle with substance use disorder and mental illness. Through the lens of his incredible transformation, audiences will be reminded that every person, including themselves, has enormous potential and will leave inspired to create safe spaces for others to learn, grow, and change.
This program is perfect for leaders and teams who are:
- Seeing a rapid rise in sick leave, burnout, suicide, PTSD, substance use disorder, and depression in their organization
- Experiencing productivity decreases, increased sick days, quiet quitting, unmotivated staff, high turnover, or internal strife and tensions
- Needing to build empathy-based leadership and a psychologically safe work environment
- Unaware or unconcerned about the stigma and issues surrounding mental health, addiction, and suicide
The audience will leave with:
- The motivation and tools to develop empathy centered leadership and see the possibilities in everyone they meet
- Simple steps anyone can take to create a safe space where people are seen and heard
- Practical techniques for supporting the person AND challenging the behavior, including tools for conducting “Tough Stuff” Mental Health Conversations
Suitable for: Corporate; Educators, Non-Profit/Associations, Government, Healthcare
Keynote 3: To Protect and Serve
The life-changing potential of every interaction
In this inspiring keynote, Joe Roberts highlights the life-changing impact first responders can have in every interaction through his own remarkable story. What was a typical distress call for Constable Scott MacLeod (another man with a gun threatening suicide) became a moment that changed Joe’s life forever. Joe’s story reminds first responders of the power of every interaction and the deep impact they have, but don’t always see, on their communities.
This keynote is perfect for any first responder who is:
- Feeling underappreciated under the weight of public hostility, negative headlines, and the growing anti-police movements
- Needing a reminder of the good work being done every day in their millions of positive interactions
- Struggling to see the potential in the people they support and serve because of burnout, frustration, or unrecognized bias and stigma
The audience will leave with:
- A feeling of being honored and appreciated for their work
- A powerful reminder of their ability to make a difference in their community through a real-life example
- A rededication and commitment to purpose and passion and tools for staying inspired and motivated despite external factors
- Greater empathy and respect for the potential of those who struggle with mental health or addiction
Suitable for: Law Enforcement, Probation, Parole
Keynote 4: Safety - It’s About the Little Things
Leading and inspiring a culture of safety
In this keynote, Joe explores the connection between mental safety and physical safety and shares how anyone can connect their personal purpose to safer behavior. As Joe walks the audience through his first poor choice and how it led to a journey of degradation and despair, they will understand why people make unsafe decisions and how they can intentionally build physically and mentally safer workplaces with every small decision.
This presentation is perfect for safety leaders and teams who are:
- Unaware of the significant impact mental health can have on job performance and safety
- Lacking a safe and supportive environment where employees feel comfortable discussing their mental health
- Struggling to pay attention to the little things, leading to potentially costly mistakes
- Unsure how they can build a culture of empathy where people feel seen, heard, and safe enough to address potential safety issues
The audience will leave with:
- A deeper understanding of why the little things matter so much and the motivation to make every small choice a good one
- A greater appreciation for the importance of advocating for prevention, even if it means having a tough conversation
- Tools for creating a safe space where people are not only seen and heard but also supported in their struggles
Suitable for: Corporate, Healthcare
Keynote 5: The Push for Change
How to lead, inspire, and engage on purpose
Pushing a shopping cart 9,064km across Canada may sound impossible, but amazing things happen when passion aligns with purpose! Joe shares lessons learned from The Push for Change, a 17-month walk across Canada to support the end of youth homelessness. As audiences follow along with his journey, they‘ll learn practical insights for developing a purpose-driven leadership that inspires and engages others.
This program is perfect for any audience who wants to lead well but is:
- One of the 4 in 5 people that aren’t playing to their strengths in the workplace
- Unsure how to handle the issues they’re facing with their teams, such as decreased productivity, increased sick days, unmotivated staff, and internal strife and tensions
- Struggling with apathy, disengagement, and underperformance, due to burnout-out or a disconnect from their purpose and passion
The audience will leave with:
- Tools they can immediately use to overcome adversity and reframe a limiting mindset
- The ability to tackle big projects and stay focused by tapping into their deeper sense of purpose-driven leadership
- Three core things that get people and teams fired up so they can achieve literally anything!
Suitable for: Corporate; Educators, Non-Profit/Associations, Government, Healthcare
Talent Short Bio
Joe Roberts is an internationally acclaimed keynote speaker, author, and social impact leader best known as “The Skidrow CEO.” His remarkable journey—from living homeless on Vancouver’s skid row to leading a successful business and inspiring millions—embodies the transformative power of resilience and choice. Joe’s life story offers a profound reminder that no matter how dire the circumstances, change is always possible through courage, accountability, and purpose.
After rebuilding his life from addiction and poverty, Joe went on to become a successful entrepreneur and CEO before dedicating his career to helping others overcome adversity. For more than two decades, he has inspired audiences across the globe, from corporate executives to youth organizations, empowering them to see potential where others see limitation. His acclaimed book, The Push for Change, chronicles his personal story and the lessons that now form the foundation of his leadership and resilience programs.
Joe also spearheaded a cross-Canada walk to raise awareness and funds for youth homelessness—an initiative that earned widespread recognition for its impact and authenticity. Today, he works with organizations to cultivate mental toughness, adaptability, and performance under pressure, blending raw storytelling with practical strategies for personal and professional growth.
Read Full Bio
Joe Roberts, famously known as “The Skidrow CEO,” has one of the most powerful personal stories in the speaking world. His journey from living on the streets of Vancouver’s skid row to becoming a successful entrepreneur, author, and keynote speaker demonstrates a profound transformation of both character and circumstance. Joe has faced catastrophic failure firsthand, having once been homeless and battling addiction, but he turned his life around to achieve extraordinary success in business and life. His lived experience gives him a deep understanding of resilience, change, and the human ability to overcome adversity.
Joe’s compelling narrative and insights are rooted in real-world challenges and triumphs. He has dedicated over 20 years to inspiring companies, leaders, and individuals to push past their perceived limitations. His story has been shared on prestigious platforms, and he has spoken to audiences in sectors ranging from corporate boardrooms to educational institutions. Through his keynote speeches, Joe connects deeply with his audience, making resilience a tangible, relatable concept. He teaches practical strategies for confronting roadblocks, inspiring teams to achieve high performance by redefining what’s possible.
In addition to his speaking engagements, Joe is the author of “The Push for Change”, where he documents his life experiences and provides tools to overcome challenges. His non-profit work, particularly his cross-Canada walk for youth homelessness, has been highly publicized and recognized, further solidifying his impact and reputation.
Joe Roberts is regarded as one of the top keynote speakers in resilience and change due to his unmatched personal experience and his success in turning adversity into leadership. His authority on the subject comes from his journey as a former homeless youth who transformed into a celebrated entrepreneur, earning a spot as one of Canada’s top business leaders. Over the years, Joe has built a solid reputation as a speaker who not only inspires but also provides actionable takeaways that make an immediate impact in the workplace.
Joe Roberts’ story is not just one of personal success but also one of service and giving back. Through his non-profit work and his cross-country walks for youth homelessness, Joe has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to making a positive difference. This track record makes him a highly trustworthy speaker for any event. His authenticity shines through in every presentation, and audience members leave not only inspired but also moved to action.
His ability to connect with a wide range of audiences, from executive teams to frontline employees, makes him an ideal choice for any organization looking to foster a culture of high performance and adaptability. Joe’s presence at an event elevates the experience, ensuring that attendees feel both motivated and equipped to tackle the challenges ahead. As a speaker, Joe emphasizes the importance of mental toughness, leadership, and fostering a resilient mindset that empowers individuals and teams to reach their highest potential.
View All Speakers and follow us on Twitter
Talent Videos
Joe Roberts Showreel | From Skid Row to CEO – The Power of Resilience and Change
In this 5-minute speaker reel, Joe Roberts—known globally as “The Skidrow CEO”—shares his extraordinary transformation from homelessness to high performance, inspiring audiences to redefine resilience and leadership.
Video Summary & Key Moments
This compelling showreel captures the essence of Joe Roberts’s unforgettable story and his impact as one of the world’s most authentic and inspiring keynote speakers. The video opens with dramatic visuals of Joe’s past—his years struggling with addiction and homelessness on Vancouver’s skid row—contrasted with clips of him now commanding global stages as a respected CEO, author, and social advocate.
Joe narrates how a moment of crisis became the turning point that set him on a new trajectory. He speaks about the power of mindset and the decision to take accountability for one’s life, sharing that resilience is not about avoiding struggle but transforming it into strength. The reel intercuts live keynote moments where Joe’s storytelling captivates audiences through humor, honesty, and hope. His tone is raw yet uplifting, underscoring that personal change leads to professional excellence.
Throughout the reel, audience testimonials and media features reinforce Joe’s credibility as both a thought leader and a humanitarian. He highlights lessons learned from his cross-Canada Push for Change campaign, where he walked over 9,000 kilometers to raise awareness and funds for youth homelessness. The closing message is powerful and universal: no matter where you start, you can choose a different ending.
Key Moments
- 00:35 – Joe introduces his journey from addiction to achievement.
- 01:20 – Lessons in resilience and personal accountability.
- 02:10 – Keynote moments: inspiring global audiences through storytelling.
- 03:05 – Highlights from The Push for Change cross-Canada walk.
- 04:10 – Audience reactions and client testimonials.
Joe Roberts: Mental Health and Addictions Keynote | The Skidrow CEO on Recovery, Resilience, and Hope
In this 7-minute keynote highlight, Joe Roberts—once homeless and addicted—shares his powerful journey of recovery and renewal, offering a message of compassion, resilience, and the limitless potential of the human spirit.
Video Summary & Key Moments
In this heartfelt keynote, Joe Roberts delivers an unflinching yet uplifting account of his personal battle with addiction and his path to recovery. Speaking from lived experience, Joe reflects on his years of homelessness and despair on Vancouver’s skid row, describing the cycles of addiction that nearly claimed his life. He emphasizes the pivotal role that human connection, community support, and personal accountability played in his transformation from rock bottom to respected business leader and motivational speaker.
Joe’s message centers on breaking the stigma surrounding mental health and addiction. He explains that behind every struggle lies a story of pain, and behind every recovery lies courage. By sharing his truth with candor and vulnerability, he helps audiences understand that addiction is not a failure of character—it’s a complex challenge that requires empathy and systemic support.
He connects his recovery journey to lessons in resilience and leadership, demonstrating how the same skills that rebuilt his life—discipline, perseverance, and hope—can empower others to overcome adversity. Interwoven with clips from The Push for Change campaign and footage of Joe addressing diverse audiences, the keynote highlights his ongoing advocacy for youth mental health and prevention initiatives. The closing message resonates deeply: no matter how far someone falls, there is always a path forward through courage, connection, and compassion.
Key Moments
- 01:10 – The turning point: choosing change and seeking help.
- 02:45 – The power of support, mentorship, and community in recovery.
- 04:00 – Breaking stigma: addiction as a human challenge, not a moral failure.
- 05:25 – Lessons in resilience and leadership drawn from personal transformation.
- 06:40 – Closing message: hope, courage, and belief in second chances.
Interest to Book? Send us your enquiry
No reviews available for this post.
Talent FAQ's
Do speakers charge a flat fee or by the hour?
Speaker fees can vary depending on factors such as expertise, demand, and event specifics. While some speakers may charge a flat fee for their services, others may have hourly rates. It’s best to discuss fee structures directly with the speaker or their representative to understand the pricing model.
What is the typical duration of a keynote speech and what is included?
Keynote speeches typically range from 30 to 90 minutes, with the duration determined by the speaker’s expertise, the event’s agenda, and audience preferences. Keynote speeches often include a combination of inspirational stories, practical insights, and actionable advice tailored to the event’s theme or objectives.
Does the scale of the event and audience size affect a speaker’s fee?
The scale of the event and audience size can indeed impact a speaker’s fee. Larger events with a broader reach or higher attendance may command higher fees due to increased exposure and demand. Conversely, smaller events or niche audiences may offer opportunities for more flexible pricing arrangements.
Travel expenses and other costs
Travel expenses such as transportation, accommodation, and meals are typically negotiated separately from the speaker’s fee. These costs vary depending on the speaker’s location, travel distance, and event duration. It’s important to clarify travel arrangements and expenses during the booking process to avoid misunderstandings.
Deposits and securing a booking
Many speakers require a deposit to secure a booking, with the remaining balance due closer to the event date. Deposits are often non-refundable and serve as a commitment from both parties. It’s advisable to discuss deposit requirements and payment terms with the speaker or their representative when finalizing the booking.
Additional tips and takeaways
- Virtual speaking appearances are a cost-effective alternative to high speaking fees, often 10-50% cheaper than in-person rates.
- There is typically no difference in fee for a 15-minute speech versus a 60-minute speech.
- Some motivational speakers are open to discounting their fee if hired for more than one event by the same organization.
- When browsing speakers, consider their location to keep travel costs down.
- Personal connections to your organization or event location can increase your chances of securing a renowned speaker.
- Be upfront about your needs and expectations to ensure a successful partnership.
- Speaker bureaus like Speakers Inc help guide you through the booking process to negotiate the best deal with favorable terms.
Ready to find the perfect speaker for your event? Use our advanced search feature or contact us to get started today!
You may be interested in...
- (46)
With a trailblazing spirit and a commitment to excellence, Carey Lohrenz has soared to remarkable heights both in the sky and on the ground. As the first female F-14 Tomcat pilot in the United States Navy, Carey shattered stereotypes and paved the way for women in military aviation. Her journey is not just one of […]
- Travels from: Excelsior, MN
- Aviation Speakers
- (14)
The Swing Cats Big Band with the Swing Kittens is Southern California’s freshest and most dynamic swing band around. Composed of top musicians dedicated to the performance and preservation of big band music, The Swing Cats will take you back to the ’30s, ’40s, and ’50s with their high-quality, authentic sound. Come cut a rug […]
- Travels from: San Diego, CA
- Musicians
- (135)
Jason Silva is a multifaceted individual renowned for his captivating storytelling, visionary ideas, and dynamic presence both on screen and on stage. As an Emmy-nominated TV personality, filmmaker, and futurist, Jason has captured the imagination of audiences worldwide with his thought-provoking insights and impassioned delivery. Jason Silva’s journey into the realms of media and futurism […]
- Travels from: Miami, FL
- Digital Speakers
- (119)
Kemba Smith Pradia went from college student to drug dealer’s girlfriend to domestic violence victim to federal prisoner, and in 1994 she was sentenced to 24. 5 years in federal prison. Kemba’s case drew support from across the nation. Often labeled the “poster child” for reversing a disturbing trend in the rise of lengthy sentences […]
- Travels from: Washington, DC
- Motivational Speakers
- (9)
Nouriel Roubini is CEO of Roubini Macro Associates, LLC, a global macroeconomic consultancy firm in New York. He is also Chief Economist for Atlas Capital Team LP, as well as Co-Founder of Rosa & Roubini Associates. At a 2006 address to the International Monetary Fund, Roubini warned of the impending recession due to the credit […]
- Travels from: New York, NY
- Finance Speakers
- (26)
Anthony Trucks is not your average motivational speaker. With a remarkable journey that encapsulates resilience, determination, and the power of identity transformation, he has captivated audiences worldwide. From his humble beginnings in the foster care system to the pinnacle of professional football and beyond, Trucks’ story is a testament to the human spirit’s ability to […]
- Travels from: Antioch, CA
- Motivational Speakers
- (30)
DJ Jose T is a Professional DJ conducting his entertainment business in the Atlantic County for the last 12 years. He takes pride in what he does and takes his work seriously because his mission is to go over and above, and exceed his client’s expectations. He enjoys working for special events with anyone, getting […]
- Travels from: Riverside, CA
- Mobile DJ
- (19)
- (3)
Wema Hoover is a trailblazer in the fields of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), organizational development, and authentic leadership. With a career spanning decades, she has become a trusted voice for driving meaningful transformation in corporate culture. Known for her ability to inspire leaders and teams alike, Wema’s thought-provoking insights and actionable strategies resonate on […]
- Travels from: New York, NY
- Diversity Speakers
Disclaimer
These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.
Fee Range Information
All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.
