Arlene Dickinson

Keynote Speaker | Calgary, Alberta

CBC Dragons Den
Business Leader | Visionary Entrepreneur & Bestselling Author

Arlene Dickinson Expertise Business & Corporate, Business Growth, Business Leadership, Business Transitions, Leadership and Change, Entrepreneurship, Small Business Development and Celebrity.

Arlene Dickinson

About Arlene Dickinson

Arlene Dickinson is an award-winning entrepreneur, best-selling author, and venture capitalist recognized as one of Canada’s most influential business leaders. She is a member of Canada’s Most Powerful Women Top 100 Hall of Fame and continues to be celebrated for her leadership in business and investment. As General Partner of District Ventures Capital, she leads a fund dedicated to supporting and scaling companies in the food and health sectors. Her expertise in marketing, brand building, and growth strategy has positioned her as a trusted advisor to entrepreneurs across Canada. Arlene is also widely known for her role as a venture capitalist on the multi-award-winning television series Dragons’ Den, where she appeared for over 12 seasons, investing in and mentoring numerous successful businesses.

Arlene Dickinson Videos

Arlene Dickinson: Lessons from an entrepreneur

Tedxyouth@toronto 2011: Arlene Dickinson

Arlene Dickinson Interviews & Podcasts

Entrepreneurship, Embracing Challenges & the Art of Creating Meaningfu

ARLENE DICKINSON BIOGRAPHY

Arlene Dickinson is one of Canada’s most recognized business leaders, a self-made multi-millionaire, entrepreneur, investor, author, and public speaker. Widely admired for her role as a “Dragon” on CBC’s award-winning television series Dragons’ Den, Arlene Dickinson appeared for 15 seasons, making her the longest-serving female Dragon in the show’s history. Her presence on the program introduced audiences to her sharp business instincts, measured approach, and ability to identify potential in entrepreneurs at every stage of growth.

Arlene Dickinson is the Founder and General Partner of District Ventures Capital, a leading venture capital fund focused on the food, beverage, health, and wellness sectors. Under her leadership, District Ventures Capital has become a catalyst for innovation, investing in companies that are redefining industries and changing consumer lifestyles. With a portfolio that reflects her commitment to sustainability, entrepreneurship, and consumer needs, the fund has established itself as a cornerstone of Canadian venture investment and a platform for scaling groundbreaking businesses.

Her journey to success began with a humble start. Arlene immigrated to Canada with her family at the age of three, arriving with limited possessions but with a strong sense of optimism for a new beginning. Inspired by her father’s dedication to teaching and his deep gratitude for the opportunities offered by their adopted country, Arlene pursued her own path with determination and curiosity. These early experiences instilled in her the values of hard work, resilience, and ambition that shaped her career and approach to business.

Arlene Dickinson’s introduction to the world of marketing came while working at a television station. It was there that she discovered her passion for communications and business development, eventually leading her into a career where she would rise through the ranks while balancing the responsibilities of raising four children. Her determination culminated in owning and managing her own successful marketing firm, which became a nationally recognized leader in communications.

Today, Arlene Dickinson is celebrated not only for her business acumen but also for her contributions to community, philanthropy, and mentorship. She has served on numerous public and private boards, offering her expertise to guide organizations across a wide spectrum of industries. With a strong interest in health, food, and supporting women in business, she has dedicated significant time to charities, foundations, and initiatives that drive both social and economic progress.

As an author, Arlene Dickinson has written three national best-selling books that reflect her philosophy of business, life, and leadership. Her works share personal lessons, practical insights, and stories from her career, offering valuable guidance for entrepreneurs and professionals navigating complex economic landscapes. She also hosts a podcast and continues to speak to audiences around the world, delivering content that is both informed by her experience and deeply relevant to the challenges faced by modern organizations.

Her professional reputation is matched by the recognition she has earned through numerous awards and honours. Arlene Dickinson has been inducted into Canada’s Most Powerful Women Top 100 Hall of Fame, named to PROFIT and Chatelaine’s Top 100 Women Business Owners, and enshrined in the Marketing Hall of Legends. She has been honoured with the Pinnacle Award for Excellence, the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Medal, and the Queen Elizabeth Platinum Jubilee Medal. LinkedIn has named her among the most influential women in Canada, a reflection of her reach and impact in both business and thought leadership.

Her commitment to philanthropy is evident in her long-standing role as an ambassador for Second Harvest and her involvement in multiple charitable organizations. She has also served as an Honourary Captain in the Royal Canadian Navy, further underlining her dedication to service and leadership. In recognition of her contributions, she has received numerous honorary degrees from institutions such as Mount Saint Vincent University, Concordia University, Saint Mary’s University, Olds College, Northern Alberta Institute of Technology, and University Canada West.

With decades of experience across communications, marketing, investing, and entrepreneurship, Arlene Dickinson brings unparalleled knowledge to her audiences. Her insights span branding, leadership, market growth, and innovation, always anchored by her lived experience of building success from modest beginnings. Her perspective as a woman excelling in traditionally male-dominated industries provides added weight to her lessons on perseverance, leadership, and vision.

Arlene Dickinson continues to use her platform to guide, inspire, and mentor individuals, businesses, and communities. Whether addressing Fortune 500 executives, university graduates, or audiences at international conferences, she communicates with authenticity and clarity, leaving participants with practical tools and renewed motivation. Her unique combination of business leadership, entrepreneurial success, and personal resilience has established her as a trusted voice in Canada and beyond.

Arlene Dickinson Topic Presentations

Arlene Dickinson Calgary, Alberta, Canada delivers keynote presentations, workshops, fireside chats, moderated Q&A, and other presentation formats on a wide variety of topics. Each presentation is unique, customized and tailored for audiences, industries, conferences and event formats.

Lessons from the Den: Succeeding at Business and Being an Entrepreneur

Leadership and Strategic Marketing

Reinvention

Marketing Yourself

The Power of One

Arlene Dickinson Books & Articles

Persuasion
Persuasion

At thirty-one, Arlene Dickinson found herself stranded. Recently divorced, she had only a high school diploma, no savings and no clue how...

Reinvention: Changing Your Life, Your Career, Your Future
Reinvention: Changing Your Life, Your Career,

At fifty-seven, Arlene Dickinson’s life was turned upside down. Her company was on the brink of disaster. Her sense of herself as a...

All in
All

To be a successful entrepreneur, you don’t just need to know how to run a business. You need to know how to run your life when the...

Anatomy of a Leader: Arlene Dickinson
Anatomy of a Leader: Arlene

Arlene Dickinson today is recognized as a visionary entrepreneur with an incredible track record of success – an iconic Canadian business...

Arlene Dickinson: What Works in Venture Capital
Arlene Dickinson: What Works in Venture

Arlene Dickinson: Dragons’ Den star, businesswoman, investor, author, and founder and managing general partner at Calgary-based District...

Arlene Dickinson Dragons Den
Arlene Dickinson Dragons

A self-made success story, Arlene has launched, operated and managed businesses for 35 years. Her strategies and business savvy are...

Arlene Dickinson – Four Messages Leaders Need to Share with Their Team: Metronome’s Tip Top Summit 2023
Arlene Dickinson – Four Messages Leaders Need

“Learn the lesson in the moment!” Arlene Dickinson is best known for her role on Dragons' Den (Canada’s version of Shark Tank) for...

Arlene Dickinson Speaking Testimonials

"Arlene Dickinson’s personal story was a wonderful way to start the day and her emphasis on dimensions of character that are not often discussed, such as humanity and humility was particularly powerful… In a business school, it is important to have great female role models with our speakers and she delivered that in spades."

Ivey Business School

"It was amazing!!!!! Arlene was amazing, people were crying."

Industry Workforce Development Manager
Manitoba Environmental Industries Association (MEIA)

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Arlene Dickinson known for and what is their expertise as a keynote speaker in Canada?

Arlene Dickinson is known for defined subject matter expertise based on professional experience and industry background. As a keynote speaker in Canada for conferences and conventions, their presentations align with organizational objectives and audience outcomes. Corporate keynote speakers in Canada are selected based on credibility, relevance, and practical application. Expertise alignment supports informed booking decisions. Read More

What topics does Arlene Dickinson speak on for conferences, conventions, corporate events, and annual general meetings in Canada?

Arlene Dickinson delivers keynote presentations on defined topic areas confirmed during booking. Canadian business speakers for corporate meetings in Canada align topic selection with event objectives and audience priorities. Conference speakers in Canada adapt messaging for conventions, trade shows, and summits. Topics are finalized prior to written confirmation. Read More

How do I know if Arlene Dickinson is the right fit for my audience, conference, convention, or AGM?

Arlene Dickinson is evaluated based on audience alignment, event objectives, and subject matter relevance. Event planners booking keynote speakers in Canada for corporate conferences review experience, delivery style, and industry context. Canadian business speakers for annual general meetings must align with program goals and audience expectations. Fit is clarified during the pre decision call. Read More

Where is Arlene Dickinson from and where do they speak across Canada?

Arlene Dickinson is from Calgary, Alberta and is available for events across Canada. Conference speakers in Canada frequently travel nationally with defined travel terms. Corporate keynote speakers coordinate scheduling through structured agreements. Availability is confirmed through formal inquiry. Read More

Is Arlene Dickinson available as a virtual keynote speaker for online conferences, webinars, or hybrid events in Canada?

Arlene Dickinson is available as a virtual keynote speaker for online conferences, corporate webinars, and hybrid events in Canada. Virtual keynote speakers in Canada deliver structured presentations adapted for remote audiences. Format, platform coordination, and timing are confirmed during booking. Virtual availability is documented through written agreement in Canada. Read More

Does Arlene Dickinson deliver keynote presentations, workshops, training sessions, breakout sessions, fireside chats, or panel discussions?

Arlene Dickinson may deliver keynote presentations as well as workshops and breakout sessions. Canadian business speakers for corporate training in Canada define session length and format during booking. Conference speakers may also participate in fireside chats or panel discussions depending on program design. Session formats are confirmed in writing. Read More

How do I contact Arlene Dickinson to check availability and begin the booking process in Canada?

Arlene Dickinson is contacted through Speakers Bureau of Canada to confirm availability and event details. Event planners and meeting planners typically schedule a pre decision call to clarify format, objectives, and scope. Booking begins once event requirements are defined. Written confirmation follows agreement execution. Read More

How do I book Arlene Dickinson for a conference, convention, trade show, summit, or corporate meeting in Canada?

Arlene Dickinson is booked through a structured agreement process confirming availability, fee structure, and logistics. Booking keynote speakers in Canada for conventions and trade shows includes written contracts and defined payment terms. Canadian business speakers for annual general meetings require scope confirmation before date holds convert to confirmed status. Booking is finalized upon agreement execution. Read More

How much does it cost to book Arlene Dickinson as a keynote speaker in Canada?

Arlene Dickinson keynote speaker fees depend on event type, audience size, format, and location. The cost to book a keynote speaker in Canada varies based on preparation scope and delivery structure. Corporate keynote speakers in Canada confirm fees through a booking agent and written agreement. Final pricing reflects defined scope and contract terms. Read More

Are there additional costs to hire Arlene Dickinson for a corporate event, convention, or trade show in Canada?

Additional costs to hire Arlene Dickinson may include travel expenses, extended sessions, workshops, meet and greets, emcee duties, or event host roles. Keynote speakers in Canada for business conventions often separate honorarium from travel and related logistics. Canadian business speakers confirm these components in writing before agreement execution. All additional costs are outlined contractually. Read More

How far in advance should I book Arlene Dickinson for a conference, convention, or business meeting in Canada?

Arlene Dickinson should be booked once event dates, location, and format are confirmed. Conference speakers in Canada often secure dates several months in advance. Corporate keynote speakers for annual general meetings may have limited availability during peak seasons. Early inquiry improves confirmation certainty. Read More

Is Arlene Dickinson represented by an agent in Canada and how is the agreement handled?

Arlene Dickinson is represented by Speakers Bureau of Canada for booking coordination and agreement management. Keynote speakers in Canada often work through an agency to formalize contracts and payment handling. Agent representation ensures structured communication between organizers and the speaker. Representation clarifies agreement terms before confirmation. Read More