Jeff Lehman

Keynote Speaker | Barrie, Ontario

Strategic Leadership
Communication | Corporate Governance & Economic Development Expert

Jeff Lehman Expertise Business Leadership, Public Relations & Media Training, Economic & Market Trends, Change Management, Transformation, Conflict Resolution, Influence & Negotiation, Inclusive Leadership and Workplace Culture.

Jeff Lehman

About Jeff Lehman

Jeff Lehman is a Canadian economist, political leader, and governance expert recognized for his innovative approach to public policy and city leadership. Over a 25-year career, he has advanced economic development, urban planning, and social progress through strategic collaboration and evidence-based decision-making. As the former Mayor of Barrie and current Chair of the District of Muskoka, Jeff Lehman has earned national recognition for his leadership and creative problem-solving in government. Named one of Fast Company’s Most Creative People in Business, he continues to influence policy and inspire progress across Canada through his vision for effective, accountable, and community-driven leadership.

Jeff Lehman Videos

Mayor Lehman's Five Year Report

Mayor's Innovation Awards 2020

Barrie Carp Chapter Virtual Meeting July 8, 2020 with Mayor Jeff Lehma

Barrie's Mayor: Jeff Lehman on Entrepreneurship

Jeff Lehman Interviews & Podcasts

Manufacturing Innovation Summit: Featuring Mayor Jeff Lehman and Chie

A New Municipal Growth Framework: Jeff Lehman, Chair of Muskoka Distri

Jeff Lehman Talks New Role as Chair of District of Muskoka Council

JEFF LEHMAN BIOGRAPHY

Jeff Lehman, an extraordinary leader who has made a profound impact on organizations, policies, and communities throughout his remarkable 25-year career. Known for his exceptional ability to communicate and inspire, Jeff has skillfully applied his expertise in economics, land use, and change management to achieve remarkable leadership results in the political arena, boardrooms, and even at kitchen tables and town halls in Barrie.

His outstanding contributions have earned him numerous accolades. In 2017, he was honoured with the esteemed Gil Bennett Award by the Conference Board of Canada’s Director’s College for his exceptional work in corporate governance education. The Economic Developers Council of Ontario also recognized Jeff Lehman as the influential Community Leader Influencer of the Year in 2017. He is well known for his innovative solutions in government earning him a prestigious spot as number 26 in Fast Company’s 2019 list of the Most Creative People in Business—an extraordinary accomplishment for a local government official.

One of Jeff’s greatest strengths lies in his ability to convey the need for change in a manner that is both emotionally and rationally compelling. This talent has been instrumental in successfully driving cultural change within the City of Barrie—an organization of significant size and diversity—and in engaging the broader public on a community level.

Jeff Lehman possesses a unique talent for bringing together diverse stakeholders and uniting them under a common purpose through the development and delivery of compelling cases for change. His journey began as a faculty member at the prestigious London School of Economics, where he shared his knowledge and expertise. He later co-founded and built a consultancy, where he played a pivotal role in transforming the execution and delivery of major transportation, real estate, and policy projects for government and private sector clients. Since becoming Mayor of Barrie in 2010, Jeff has become a nationally recognized leader, renowned for his ability to rally his community during times of crisis and confront strategic challenges head-on.

During his three terms as Mayor of Barrie, Jeff Lehman has been re-elected twice with an astonishing 90% of the popular vote. He has harnessed this platform to introduce groundbreaking solutions that have propelled his city forward, particularly in the realms of economic development, finance, and social justice. As Chair of Ontario’s Big City Mayors Caucus, he has been elected twice by his peers, effectively assembling a dedicated support team and organizing the mayors into a formidable communications and lobbying organization.

In his role as a founding Director, Jeff Lehman played a vital part in unifying eight stakeholders behind the monumental 2016 “mega-merger” in the electricity sector, resulting in the creation of Alectra—the second-largest community-owned utility in North America, serving over 3 million customers in southern Ontario. Additionally, he spearheaded the establishment of the Barrie Health Accord—a groundbreaking agreement among the City of Barrie, County of Simcoe, Royal Victoria Hospital, Public Health, and the Barrie Police Service. This accord solidifies their commitment to joint capital planning, enabling upstream investments to reduce emergencies and address social issues.

It is undeniable that former Mayor Jeff Lehman’s story is one of inspiration and triumph. As a professional motivational speaker coach, I am honored to share his incredible journey, leadership strategies, and unparalleled ability to bring about positive change. Jeff’s remarkable achievements serve as a powerful reminder that with vision, determination, and the ability to rally diverse stakeholders, we can make a lasting impact on organizations, policies, and communities. Together, let us learn from Jeff’s expertise and empower ourselves to become exceptional leaders who drive meaningful change in our own spheres of influence.

Jeff Lehman Topic Presentations

Jeff Lehman Barrie, Ontario, 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.

Strategic Leadership: Navigating Change, Disruption & Systems for Organizational Success

Agile Leadership: Driving Transformation and Adaptability in Times of Change and Restructuring

Leading with Purpose: Lead the Human Experience

Navigating the Path to Successful Business Mergers and Transitions

Elevating Corporate Governance: Strategies for Ethical and Effective Leadership

Strengthening Connections: Effective Stakeholder Outreach and Engagement for Sustainable Success

Building Strong Connections: Purpose and Community for Meaningful Engagement

Driving Economic Development: Collaboration Between Government, Corporations, and Communities

The Art of City Building: Creating Sustainable and Thriving Urban Environments

Empowering Economic Development: Strategies for Sustainable Growth and a Prosperous Future

Influencing Government: Strategies for Effective Advocacy and Civic Engagement

Every Voice Matters: Making a Difference and Embracing Inclusive Impact

Jeff Lehman Books & Articles

Exclusive: Jeff Lehman Says
Exclusive: Jeff Lehman Says "never Say

With September’s AGM fast approaching, would-be successors are quietly testing the waters — and JEFF LEHMAN is the latest name to float...

Lehman Not Planning to Run for Liberal Leadership, Citing Family and Muskoka Commitments
Lehman Not Planning to Run for Liberal

In a social media post on Monday, Lehman said he has been “honoured by the number of calls and messages I’ve received encouraging me to...

Jeff Lehman Speaking Testimonials

"Always Ready To Serve."

Jessie Paquette

"Such An Important Socioeconomic Program By The City Of Barrie.this Will Solve All Our Problems, Or At Least Make Us Forget About Them For A Few Moments. Such A Good Politician."

Chris Rogers

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Jeff Lehman known for and what is their expertise as a keynote speaker in Canada?

Jeff Lehman 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 Jeff Lehman speak on for conferences, conventions, corporate events, and annual general meetings in Canada?

Jeff Lehman 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 Jeff Lehman is the right fit for my audience, conference, convention, or AGM?

Jeff Lehman 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 Jeff Lehman from and where do they speak across Canada?

Jeff Lehman is from Barrie, Ontario 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 Jeff Lehman available as a virtual keynote speaker for online conferences, webinars, or hybrid events in Canada?

Jeff Lehman 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 Jeff Lehman deliver keynote presentations, workshops, training sessions, breakout sessions, fireside chats, or panel discussions?

Jeff Lehman 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 Jeff Lehman to check availability and begin the booking process in Canada?

Jeff Lehman 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 Jeff Lehman for a conference, convention, trade show, summit, or corporate meeting in Canada?

Jeff Lehman 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 Jeff Lehman as a keynote speaker in Canada?

Jeff Lehman 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 Jeff Lehman for a corporate event, convention, or trade show in Canada?

Additional costs to hire Jeff Lehman 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 Jeff Lehman for a conference, convention, or business meeting in Canada?

Jeff Lehman 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 Jeff Lehman represented by an agent in Canada and how is the agreement handled?

Jeff Lehman 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