Bob Wilkie

Keynote Speaker | Calgary, Alberta

Former Nhl Player
Mental Health, Resilience & Trauma Recovery Expert

Bob Wilkie Expertise PTSD & Trauma, Mental Health, Health & Wellness, Health Performance, Nutrition & Fitness, Resilience & Adversity, Mindset & Goal Accomplishment and Athletes & Sports.

Bob Wilkie

About Bob Wilkie

Bob Wilkie is a former NHL player, mental health advocate, and international speaker recognized for his leadership in trauma recovery, resilience, and personal growth. After surviving the 1986 Swift Current Broncos bus crash that claimed four teammates, he transformed his experience of grief, addiction, and depression into a mission to help others heal. Drawing from his professional hockey career with the Detroit Red Wings and Philadelphia Flyers, Bob delivers evidence-based insights into performance, mindset, and recovery. His presentations inspire individuals and organizations to strengthen resilience, emotional awareness, and mental wellbeing.

Bob Wilkie Videos

Canada Speakers Bureau Sample

The Neutral Zone

Talk It out with Bob Wilkie

Panel: Understanding Stress with Do More Ag & i Got Mind

Bob Wilkie Interviews & Podcasts

Former Red Wing Helps Athletes Tackle Mental Health Issues

Calgary Next with Bob Willkie

The Inherent Risk Podcast #10: Bob Wilkie

Bob Wilkie and "sideways," the 1986' Swift Current Broncos Bus Crash D

BOB WILKIE BIOGRAPHY

Bob Wilkie is a former NHL player, author, and mental health advocate whose life and career represent resilience, recovery, and leadership in mental wellbeing. He was drafted 41st overall by the Detroit Red Wings after an outstanding career with the Swift Current Broncos of the Western Hockey League.

At seventeen, Bob survived the tragic 1986 Swift Current Broncos bus crash that claimed four teammates, an event that would forever shape his understanding of trauma and human endurance.

The culture of silence surrounding mental health in sport left him without tools to process grief, leading to years of depression, anxiety, and addiction. Despite these struggles, he fulfilled his lifelong goal of playing in the NHL with both the Detroit Red Wings and the Philadelphia Flyers, earning a Memorial Cup title along the way.

Behind his athletic achievements, Bob endured the emotional cost of perfectionism, pressure, and unspoken pain common in professional sports environments. Following his retirement, he was forced to rebuild his identity beyond the game, facing new challenges that included business loss, family tragedy, and continuing battles with his mental health. Seeking help became the turning point that redirected his life toward purpose. He committed to studying mental wellness, trauma recovery, and personal growth under respected leaders in these fields.

Through this transformation, Bob designed educational programs that help others understand and manage the mental and emotional challenges of performance, pressure, and change. He developed structured workshops and courses that equip participants with practical skills to recognize stress, improve communication, and strengthen emotional intelligence.

These programs have reached sports teams, workplaces, and community organizations across North America, promoting a culture of openness and support around mental health. His documentary and educational initiative, based on his personal story of tragedy and recovery, illustrate how adversity can serve as a foundation for resilience and personal transformation.

The program’s team includes psychologists, mental health clinicians, and educators who collaborate to deliver content that connects lived experience with proven psychological frameworks.

Bob’s work emphasizes that healing and high performance both begin with vulnerability, awareness, and connection.

He continues to speak to audiences across Canada and internationally, offering practical tools and genuine insight on mental health, leadership, and recovery.

Bob Wilkie’s story demonstrates that resilience is not defined by strength alone but by the willingness to ask for help, rebuild, and lead others toward understanding and growth.

 

Bob Wilkie Topic Presentations

Bob Wilkie 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.

The Cost of Silence: Understanding Mental Health in High-performance Environments

Resilience Redefined: From Trauma to Transformation

Building a Culture of Wellbeing: The Leadership Responsibility

Bob Wilkie Books & Articles

Sudden Death: the Incredible Saga of the Swift Current Broncos
Sudden Death: the Incredible Saga of the Swift

On December 30, 1986, the Swift Current Broncos' bus crashed in horrible weather conditions, and four players died. In 1989 they won the...

Nhl Abuse Allegations Present a Chance to Talk to Kids About Safety
Nhl Abuse Allegations Present a Chance to Talk to

Wilkie says he now encourages conversations — no matter how awkward — between parents, kids and coaches. He started I Got Mind, an...

Ex-red Wing Bob Wilkie Helps Athletes Tackle Mental Health Issues
Ex-red Wing Bob Wilkie Helps Athletes Tackle

It had not been an easy life. And then, the dream unraveled. Once a top draft choice of the Red Wings, Bob Wilkie stared across an abyss...

A Stalwart Promoting Mental Wellness & Performance Through Social and Emotional Learning in Business, Education, and Sport: i Got Mind
A Stalwart Promoting Mental Wellness &

The Full Show: More Reaction to Habs’ Controversial Draft Selection, Safety and Utility of Trucks & Understanding Trauma to Help Athletes
The Full Show: More Reaction to Habs’

Bob Wilkie Speaking Testimonials

"Bob was a pleasure to hear from and engage with, and his passion for improving mental wellness certainly came across during the presentation. You can tell he cares. I appreciated the helpful, simple tips.  "

Chamber of Commerce Hanna Alberta

"Thank you, Bob and I Got Mind, for the exceptional presentation regarding life’s burdens and our ability or inability to manage them. The weight of the burdens we carry and how as individuals, we deal with them is something that is far too often overlooked by many. The impact of this presentation on our group was evident from the moment Bob began to speak – very powerful stuff!  "

Scott

City of Calgary Engineers

"Bob’s presentation It’s Lonely at The Top was very impactful and relevant. Becoming a judge is an arduous journey, and Bob’s story related to all of our judges. The pressures of being at the top can take a toll, and Bob’s vulnerability has opened discussions with our group that has proven to be very helpful to all.  "

Chair
Alberta Judges Education

"I wanted to give our group something special as we kicked off our annual planning conference. Bob’s keynote on Fear and Motivation was more impacting than I had hoped for. We found ourselves talking more about that during our planning session that planning. Thanks, Bob for opening the doors of communication for our group.  "

Chair
Investors Group Alberta

You May Also Like

Meghan Agosta

Meghan Agosta

Olympic Champion & Police Constable | Leadership, Teamwork & Resilience Expert

Meghan Agosta

Speaker Topics

  • Leadership
  • Leadership and Change
  • Peak Performance
  • Teamwork
  • Resilience & Change
  • Adaptability & Agility
  • Burnout Prevention
  • Olympians & Olympics
  • First Responders
Meghan Agosta is an Olympic gold medallist with the Canadian women's hockey team, competing in four Olympic Winter Games. Renowned for her...
Dr. Kevin Alderson

Dr. Kevin Alderson

Mental Health | Diversity And LGBTQ2 Expert

Dr. Kevin Alderson

Speaker Topics

  • Adaptability & Agility
  • Addictions & Substance Abuse
  • Business & Corporate
  • Business Leadership
  • Business Management
  • Change Management
  • Confidence
  • Cultural Diversity
  • Disability
Dr. Kevin Alderson is a dynamic keynote speaker with 30 years experience as psychologist who is a recognized expert in...
Calgary Calgary, Alberta
Dr. Shahana Alibhai

Dr. Shahana Alibhai

Women's Health & Emotional Resilience | Mental Health, Menopause & Burnout Recovery

Featured

Dr. Shahana Alibhai

Speaker Topics

  • Mental Health
  • Health & Wellness
  • Health Performance
  • Resilience & Adversity
  • Emotional Intelligence
  • Change Management
  • Burnout Prevention
  • Medical & Healthcare
  • Healthcare Innnovation
Dr. Shahana Alibhai is a TEDx speaker, bestselling author, and leading voice in emotional health. A family physician and Medical Director...
Darcy Ataman

Darcy Ataman

Humanitarian Music Producer | Trauma Recovery & Cultural Healing Innovator

Darcy Ataman

Speaker Topics

  • Innovation & Creativity
  • Strategic Thinking
  • Public Relations & Media Training
  • Business Ethics & Values
  • Conflict Resolution
  • Psychological Safety
  • Racial Justice
  • Cultural Diversity
  • Resilience & Change
Darcy Ataman has dedicated his work to bringing an alternate form of music therapy to survivors of conflict and trauma. He developed the...
Erez Avramov

Erez Avramov

Resilience & Communication Expert | Leadership and Change Management Executive Coach

Erez Avramov

Speaker Topics

  • Resilience & Adversity
  • Leadership
  • Adaptability & Agility
  • Leadership and Change
  • Mindset & Attitude
  • Performance
  • Reinvention
  • Empowerment
Erez Avramov is a resilience expert, keynote speaker, and executive coach recognized as “the Man Who Refuses to Die.” A former elite...
Richard Bartrem

Richard Bartrem

Former WestJet VP | Leadership & Workplace Culture | Branding and Marketing Expert

Featured

Richard Bartrem

Speaker Topics

  • Business Growth
  • Customer Service & Experience
  • Innovation & Creativity
  • Brand Strategy & Storytelling
  • Business Ethics & Values
  • Business Leadership
  • Public Relations & Media Training
  • Consumer Behaviour
Richard Bartrem is the former VP of Marketing Communications at West Jet, who is now a speaker and expert on leadership, brand, marketing &...
Calgary Calgary, Alberta
Chris Beaudry

Chris Beaudry

Humboldt Broncos Coach & Crash Survivor | Resilience, Grief, Loss, Mental Wellness Expert

Chris Beaudry

Speaker Topics

  • Business & Corporate
  • Health & Wellness
  • Burnout Prevention
  • Nutrition & Fitness
  • Mental Health
  • PTSD & Trauma
  • Stress Management
  • Leadership
  • Employee Engagement
Chris Beaudry is a father, farmer, and public speaker who uses his lived experiences as grist for the mill for personal and spiritual...
Mark Black

Mark Black

Survivor | Leadership | Breakthrough | Performance | Resilience & Change Expert

Mark Black

Speaker Topics

  • Business Leadership
  • Change Management
  • Disability
  • Excellence & Success
  • Mental Health
  • Mindset & Goal Accomplishment
  • Personal Leadership
  • Health Performance
  • Mindset & Attitude
Mark Black is a heart and double-lung transplant recipient turned four-time marathon runner who exemplifies resilience through lived...
Tim Borys

Tim Borys

Workplace Performance Catalyst | Executive Coach | Mental & Physical Health Expert

Tim Borys

Speaker Topics

  • Mental Health
  • Health & Wellness
  • Adaptability & Agility
  • Inclusive Leadership
  • Burnout Prevention
  • Mindset & Goal Accomplishment
  • Resilience & Adversity
  • Future of Work
  • Consultants & Coaches
Tim Borys is a leadership, performance, and workplace wellbeing expert with more than two decades of experience helping organizations...
Calgary Calgary, Alberta
Jim Brayshaw

Jim Brayshaw

Mental & Emotional Health | Confidence | Workplace Culture & Psychological Safety

Jim Brayshaw

Speaker Topics

  • Mental Health
  • Workplace Culture
  • Psychological Safety
  • Burnout Prevention
  • Stress Management
  • Change Management
  • Happiness & Positivity
  • Mindset & Attitude
  • Suicide Prevention
Jim Brayshaw is a seasoned professional with over 30 years of experience as a firefighter, fire officer, medic, and educator. His expertise...
Vanisha Breault

Vanisha Breault

Trauma-Informed Leadership | Hope-Driven Culture | Leadership & Resilience Expert

Vanisha Breault

Speaker Topics

  • Resilience & Adversity
  • Personal Leadership
  • PTSD & Trauma
  • Women's Leadership
  • Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
  • Workplace Culture
  • Burnout Prevention
  • Stress Management
  • Leadership Strategist
Vanisha Breault is a Canadian speaker, author, and revolutionary voice for hope. As a founder and former CEO of a leading recovery...
Calgary Calgary, Alberta
Hon. Judge Marion Buller

Hon. Judge Marion Buller

MMIWG Commissioner & Former Judge | Human Rights, First Nation & Indigenous Advocate

Featured

Hon. Judge Marion Buller

Speaker Topics

  • Cultural Diversity
  • Cultural History, Safety & Humility
  • Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
  • Excellence & Success
  • Gender Equality
  • HR & Corporate Culture
  • Inclusive Leadership
  • Indigenous
  • Indigenous Business & Economics
Judge Marion Buller is a keynote speaker & human rights advocate who helped form the First Nations Courts in BC & the first woman...

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Bob Wilkie known for and what is their expertise as a keynote speaker in Canada?

Bob Wilkie 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 Bob Wilkie speak on for conferences, conventions, corporate events, and annual general meetings in Canada?

Bob Wilkie 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 Bob Wilkie is the right fit for my audience, conference, convention, or AGM?

Bob Wilkie 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 Bob Wilkie from and where do they speak across Canada?

Bob Wilkie 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 Bob Wilkie available as a virtual keynote speaker for online conferences, webinars, or hybrid events in Canada?

Bob Wilkie 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 Bob Wilkie deliver keynote presentations, workshops, training sessions, breakout sessions, fireside chats, or panel discussions?

Bob Wilkie 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 Bob Wilkie to check availability and begin the booking process in Canada?

Bob Wilkie 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 Bob Wilkie for a conference, convention, trade show, summit, or corporate meeting in Canada?

Bob Wilkie 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 Bob Wilkie as a keynote speaker in Canada?

Bob Wilkie 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 Bob Wilkie for a corporate event, convention, or trade show in Canada?

Additional costs to hire Bob Wilkie 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 Bob Wilkie for a conference, convention, or business meeting in Canada?

Bob Wilkie 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 Bob Wilkie represented by an agent in Canada and how is the agreement handled?

Bob Wilkie 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