Mike Shaw

Keynote Speaker | Kelowna, British Columbia

Mental Health Counsellor
Former Pro Skier | Spinal Cord Injury Survivor | Author

Mike Shaw Expertise Leadership, Mental Health, Leadership and Change, Business Leadership, Global Business & Trade, Peak Performance, Mindset & Goal Accomplishment, Personal Growth and Workplace Safety .

Mike Shaw

About Mike Shaw

Mike Shaw is a former professional skier and high-performance coach who was paralyzed from the neck down in a catastrophic crash. Told he’d never walk again, he defied the odds—recovering mobility and becoming one of the only incomplete quadriplegics in the world to run full marathons. Now a mental health counsellor and wellness advocate, Mike inspires audiences with his lived experience, clinical insight, and powerful message of resilience. His story has been featured on Red Bull TV, TEDx, CBC, and beyond.

Mike Shaw Videos

Mike Shaw - Never Part of The Plan, A Story of Courage, Resilience, an

The Mike Shaw Story – Paralyzed to Skiing Again

Grief Happens | Mike Shaw | Tedxstanleypark

Mike Shaw: Injured Young Worker | Worksafebc

Mike Shaw Interviews & Podcasts

Mike Shaw -- Freestyle Skier, Coach, Entrepreneur, Speaker

Never Part of the Plan with Mike Shaw

MIKE SHAW BIOGRAPHY

Mike Shaw is a mental health counsellor, professional speaker, and former high-performance ski coach who knows what it means to face the unimaginable and come back stronger. In 2013, while coaching Canada’s Olympic Development Halfpipe Team, Mike suffered a catastrophic skiing crash that left him paralyzed from the neck down. Doctors told him he would never walk again.

But Mike defied the odds. Through grit, resilience, and a profound sense of gratitude, he not only learned to walk again he became one of the very few incomplete quadriplegics in the world to run full marathons. Today, Mike channels that same determination into helping others overcome their own adversity. As the founder, a mental health practice based in Victoria, BC, he helps individuals navigate life’s toughest challenges—blending lived experience with clinical insight to guide healing, growth, and resilience.

Mike’s powerful story has been featured by Red Bull TV, TEDx, CBC, NBC, CTV, Global, and USA Today. His acclaimed documentary The Healing Agent, TEDx Talk Grief Happens, and book Never Part of the Plan have inspired thousands globally, offering hope, strength, and a practical path forward through life’s hardest moments.

Whether he’s speaking to students, executives, or frontline professionals, Mike’s message lands with authenticity and impact. He doesn’t just talk about resilience he lives it. Mike’s mission is clear: to inspire and empower individuals and organizations to transition from merely surviving to thriving, despite life’s toughest challenges.

Still an adventurer at heart, Mike thrives today as a para-athlete, entrepreneur, and backcountry skier. He is a passionate advocate for spinal cord injury research and a living example of what’s possible when courage meets compassion and science meets spirit.

Mike Shaw Topic Presentations

Mike Shaw Kelowna, British Columbia, 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.

Never Part of the Plan : A Story of Courage, Resilience, and Gratitude

From paralysis to purpose : Journey through mental health and resilience 

The Fear of Falling

Thriving in Uncertainty: Building Confidence Amidst Change

Enhancing Workplace Well-being: : Optimizing Mental Health for Peak Performance

How to Build Impressive Organizations with Impressive People

Mike Shaw Books & Articles

Never Part of the Plan: a Story of Courage Resilience Gratitude
Never Part of the Plan: a Story of Courage

At age 26, when Mike Shaw, freestyle skiing coach, stepped into the sunshine on a crisp Colorado morning, it never entered his mind by...

From Paralysis to Power: the Inspirational Journey of Mike Shaw
From Paralysis to Power: the Inspirational

Mike Shaw's journey from paralysis to becoming an empowering force in leadership and resilience. After a severe spinal cord injury, Mike...

Mike Shaw Speaking Testimonials

"Mike, thanks for a fantastic presentation that set the tone for a tremendous week. Yours is an amazing story, and you presented it beautifully. Our members were inspired and fired up, and we cannot thank you enough."

DAVID GOLDSTEIN BSJ/LLB

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
U SPORTS AGM

"I was, and remain, incredibly moved by Mike’s story, and I know that our guests were too. Mike, thank you for being so open and for sharing something so deeply personal with us."

STEPHANIE MALLALIEU

GO2HR TOURISM

"I appreciated your candour and honesty, and the humour you incorporated to lighten up what was a touching and sobering story. Also, you were able to tie in your lessons learned with great practical ways that we can integrate better practices into our operations at Tolko. I think many of our employees were impacted by your presentation, and thanks again for sharing your story."

STEVE WHITE

CPA, CA
TREASURY & RISK ANALYSIS, TOLKO INDUSTRIES LTD.

"We have received such positive feedback and praise for your exceptional conference presentation. Your captivating insights, professionalism, and enthusiasm to share your experience was noted by many. We appreciated your preparedness and ease with which we worked to coordinate your session. Thank you for contributing your insights to positively shaping our conference delegates’ experience."

SHANNON HALL

EVENTS COORDINATOR
CANADIAN SPORTS LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Mike Shaw known for and what is their expertise as a keynote speaker in Canada?

Mike Shaw 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 Mike Shaw speak on for conferences, conventions, corporate events, and annual general meetings in Canada?

Mike Shaw 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 Mike Shaw is the right fit for my audience, conference, convention, or AGM?

Mike Shaw 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 Mike Shaw from and where do they speak across Canada?

Mike Shaw is from Kelowna, British Columbia 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 Mike Shaw available as a virtual keynote speaker for online conferences, webinars, or hybrid events in Canada?

Mike Shaw 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 Mike Shaw deliver keynote presentations, workshops, training sessions, breakout sessions, fireside chats, or panel discussions?

Mike Shaw 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 Mike Shaw to check availability and begin the booking process in Canada?

Mike Shaw 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 Mike Shaw for a conference, convention, trade show, summit, or corporate meeting in Canada?

Mike Shaw 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 Mike Shaw as a keynote speaker in Canada?

Mike Shaw 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 Mike Shaw for a corporate event, convention, or trade show in Canada?

Additional costs to hire Mike Shaw 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 Mike Shaw for a conference, convention, or business meeting in Canada?

Mike Shaw 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 Mike Shaw represented by an agent in Canada and how is the agreement handled?

Mike Shaw 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