Joe Roberts

Tagline: The Skidrow CEO

Keynote Topics

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

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

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

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

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

Videos

Gallery

Talent Highlights

  • From Homelessness to CEO: Joe Roberts transformed his life from being homeless on Vancouver’s skid row to becoming a successful CEO and motivational speaker, exemplifying resilience and personal growth.
  • 20+ Years of Experience: With over two decades of public speaking, Joe has delivered impactful keynotes to a wide range of audiences, from Fortune 500 companies to non-profit organizations.
  • Expert on Resilience and Change: Joe’s keynotes focus on overcoming adversity, building mental toughness, and adapting to change, offering practical tools for both personal and professional growth.
  • TEDx Speaker: Joe has delivered powerful TEDx talks that explore how to confront and overcome limiting mindsets.
  • Author of “The Push for Change”: Joe’s book shares his incredible journey and offers actionable strategies for overcoming life’s challenges. 

Travels from:

  • Vancouver, BC

Fee Range:**

  • North America: $20,000
  • Virtual: $15,000
  • Workshop Fee: $10,000
  • Virtual Workshop: $7,500

+ Travel; flight economy / accommodations and per diem
Travel is estimated and capped to keep things simple

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.

Joe Roberts | Inspirational Speaker

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.

Expertise: Mastering the Art of Resilience and Change

His deep knowledge of human behavior, combined with a comprehensive understanding of high-performance leadership, makes him an authority on the topic. Joe focuses on the psychological barriers that prevent success and teaches organizations how to move past these hurdles. With a background in business management and a career in leadership consulting, Joe is more than just a motivational speaker—he is a thought leader who offers actionable insights backed by research and experience.

Joe’s work with businesses is particularly impactful as he brings fresh perspectives on leadership, accountability, and personal growth. His workshops and seminars include key topics such as adapting to change, fostering resilience in the workplace, and achieving high performance through mental toughness.

Authority: A Respected Voice in Motivation and Leadership

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’s credibility is enhanced by his extensive media coverage, with appearances on major news outlets, podcasts, and talk shows. His work with various charitable organizations and campaigns for youth homelessness has brought him public recognition and awards, further establishing him as a trusted voice on resilience, leadership, and personal growth. Joe has been featured on platforms like TEDx, and his expertise has been sought after by companies ranging from Fortune 500 businesses to nonprofit organizations.

As an authority in his field, Joe has been called upon to speak at major conferences and events worldwide, helping organizations foster a culture of resilience and adaptability. His influence extends beyond his speaking engagements, as his work has left lasting impressions on the many lives he’s touched.

Trustworthiness: A Proven Track Record of Impact

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.

Joe’s engagement with various charitable initiatives and his transparency about his struggles and successes make him relatable to audiences of all backgrounds. He stands as a living example of overcoming adversity, and his life’s work reflects his integrity and dedication to his cause. His approach to public speaking is built on honesty and delivering real value, which makes him a dependable choice for event organizers looking for impactful speakers.

Joe’s commitment to helping others is evident in the feedback from his clients, many of whom credit him for making a lasting change within their organizations. His clear communication, professional demeanor, and passion for creating positive change build a foundation of trustworthiness that makes him a sought-after speaker globally.

Why Book Joe Roberts for Your Event?

Joe Roberts delivers more than just an inspirational story; he provides tangible tools for resilience and overcoming adversity that apply across industries. Whether it’s a corporate setting dealing with significant organizational change or an individual confronting personal challenges, Joe’s content resonates and impacts audiences. His deep understanding of change management, resilience, and human performance ensures that attendees leave with more than just inspiration—they walk away with actionable strategies they can implement immediately.

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.

In a world where change is the only constant, Joe’s message of overcoming limitations is particularly relevant. Event planners can trust that Joe will deliver a presentation that is not only engaging but also tailored to the specific needs of their organization, ensuring maximum impact.

Why Use Speakers Inc to Book Joe Roberts?

Speakers Inc offers unparalleled expertise in matching event planners with the perfect speaker for their needs. When booking Joe Roberts through Speakers Inc, event planners benefit from a seamless booking process and comprehensive support to ensure the event’s success. With years of experience in the industry, Speakers Inc knows how to coordinate every detail, ensuring a smooth and stress-free experience from start to finish.

The team at Speakers Inc understands the unique requirements of every event and works closely with clients to customize the experience. By booking Joe Roberts through Speakers Inc, event planners can expect professionalism, expert guidance, and a speaker who will deliver a presentation that exceeds expectations.

Summary and Conclusion

Joe Roberts, known as The Skidrow CEO, is an expert on resilience, change, and high performance. Having overcome personal adversity to become a successful entrepreneur, Joe now teaches others how to break through their own limitations and redefine what’s possible. His personal journey, combined with his business acumen, makes him a sought-after keynote speaker in the fields of leadership, resilience, and change management.

By booking Joe Roberts, event planners can expect an inspiring, high-energy presentation that motivates audiences to take action. With the support of Speakers Inc, organizations can ensure a smooth, professional experience from start to finish, allowing Joe to deliver his impactful message with maximum effect.

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Joe Roberts - The Push for Change

“The Push for Change” is a powerful and inspiring memoir by Joe Roberts, known as “The Skidrow CEO.” In this gripping account, Joe takes readers on a journey through his life—from his darkest days as a homeless man struggling with addiction on the streets of Vancouver to his transformation into a successful entrepreneur and one […]

  • Author: Joe Roberts
  • Category: Speaker Books

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