Nelson Switzer

Keynote Speaker | Toronto, Ontario

Author & Climate Tech Investor
Decarbonization, Market Returns & Climate Economy Expert

Nelson Switzer's Expertise: Business Growth, Entrepreneurship, Economic & Market Trends, Global Shifts & Geopolitics, Disruptive Innovation, Future Trends, Futurists & Foresight, Corporate Responsibility (CSR), Strategic Thinking, Transformation, Business Leadership and Organizational Change.

Nelson Switzer

About Speaker Nelson Switzer

Nelson Switzer is an investor and author who built his career on a single conviction: that the largest profit opportunities of this century lie in fixing the economy’s deepest inefficiencies. Over a 25-year career he has served as a Chief Sustainability Officer at Nestlé, held senior roles at PwC, Centrica, and RBC, and advised more than 150 corporations, asset managers, and governments operating in nearly every country on Earth. Today Nelson Switzer co-leads a venture fund that backs companies capable of reaching billion-dollar valuations while removing a billion tons of carbon as an inherent result. Known as The Gigacorn Hunter, after his bestselling book, he reframes climate action as opportunity rather than obligation and insists that data beats dogma.

Why Intuition Won't Save the Climate | Nelson Switzer | Tedxcentrevill

Why Intuition Won't Save the Climate | Nelson Switzer | Tedxcentrevill

Investing in Climate Action

Investing in Climate Action

Nelson Switzer Biography

Nelson Switzer is an investor who is convinced that some of the largest fortunes of this century will be made solving the problems most people treat as costs. He is known as The Gigacorn Hunter. For more than two decades, Nelson has pursued a single idea: that the capital markets can fix the problems they helped create and prosper by doing it. He believes data beats dogma every time. Nelson Switzer began his career as an environmental engineer before becoming a business strategist and investor. That training still shapes how he works, with evidence first and conviction close behind.

Early on, he pioneered environmental risk valuation for asset managers, giving financial markets a way to price what they had long ignored. It was a commercial insight before it was anything else. That work led Nelson to coin the principle of the restoration economy, the argument that restoring natural capital underpins lasting economic prosperity. It became the foundation for everything that followed. His corporate leadership runs deep. Nelson Switzer served as a Chief Sustainability Officer at Nestlé, one of the largest companies in the world, where strategy met the realities of global operations.

Prior to that, he held senior roles at PwC, Centrica, and RBC. Across these positions, Nelson learned how value is created, measured, and defended inside the institutions that move the most capital. Over a 25-year career, Nelson has advised more than 150 corporations, asset managers, governments, and investors operating in nearly every country and region on Earth. He has navigated boardrooms from Wall Street to High Street to Silicon Valley with one aim, to help people and the planet prosper together. His message to each of them is consistent. Nelson Switzer presents decarbonization as a breakthrough opportunity rather than a burden and returns as the reason the work gets done at scale.

In 2020, Nelson co-founded a venture fund built to invest in companies that solve pervasive economic inefficiencies and generate outsized value. Deep carbon reductions follow as an inherent outcome rather than the starting goal. These are the companies Nelson calls climate gigacorns, ventures capable of reaching billion-dollar valuations while removing more than a billion tons of carbon from the economy. Finding and backing them is the work he cares about most. Nelson Switzer shares what he has learned in his bestselling book, The Gigacorn Hunter: Seven Principles for a Climate Investor. The book turns a career of practice into a clear framework for investing in the economy that is taking shape.

Beyond investing and writing, Nelson is an active educator and keynote speaker who has taught at leading universities and appears regularly in global media. Audiences describe him as authentic and direct, and credit him with making complex ideas simple and the case for action compelling. Those who know Nelson Switzer describe him as a sharp-eyed strategist with a bias for bold action, and a straight shooter at heart. He is also a husband and a father, which keeps the work grounded in the future he is trying to protect.

Nelson Switzer holds a Master of Engineering in environmental engineering from the University of Toronto and a Bachelor of Science from the University of New Brunswick. The engineer in him still asks for the data before the verdict. Whether in the boardroom, the classroom, or on stage, Nelson Switzer keeps his philosophy simple: solve the problem, create value while doing it, and set an example worth following.

 

Nelson Switzer Topic Presentations

Nelson Switzer From Toronto, 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.

Questioning the Obvious: Why the Surest Bets are the Ones That Fail

This is the Climate Economy: Finding Extraordinary Value Where Others See Cost

Beyond Intuition: Making High-stakes Decisions When Instinct Misleads

The Rule of 44: A Discipline for Underwriting the Next Decade of Climate Capital

Building a Climate Economy Superpower: A Working Session on Turning Advantage into Execution

Books
Nelson Switzer
  • The Gigacorn Hunter: Seven Principles for a Climate Investor
Interviews
Nelson Switzer
  • How Business Benefits from Clean Water Access
  • Cnn International: World Water Day 2017
Podcasts
Nelson Switzer
  • Investing Opportunities in Climate Tech
  • Investing in a Better Future: Nelson Switzer, Managing Partner, Climate Innovation Capital
  • Best Of: Climate Innovation Capital's Nelson Switzer: Investing in a Better Future
Articles
Nelson Switzer
  • Hunting for Gigacorns and Building the Decarbonization of Everything Economy
  • Clean Energy Economy is ‘repricing Itself,’ Investor Says at Dc Climate Week

Nelson Switzer Speaking Testimonials

"I had the pleasure of having John Westhaver speak at a company wide safety event. From the start of the process, deciding which topics to drive home to the audience, through the lead up to the event and post-event review, John was in tune with our wants and needs. His delivery is genuine, his desire for others to learn from his experiences is heartfelt, the tools he provides are effective and easy to implement, and his explanation of why we remain trapped in believing the lies is both insightful and relatable. I would not hesitate to recommend retaining John as a speaker for your event."

Mark Rhebergen

Safety Coordinator
Maple Reinders

"The event was a huge success, we had so many positive comments following your presentation and I wanted to thank you for that. It certainly made an impact on our business and a huge positive impact on our employees and contractors. They were so grateful that you were able to share such a powerful personal story."

John Dunne

Group Head of Health and Safety
Red Sea Global

"I’ve heard from so many folks that really thought the sessions were impactful and on target. The main sponsor said she was proud to have her company’s name on the event. We appreciate your message so much."

Scott W. Scheffler

Executive Director
Permian Road Safety Coalition

"Working with John is always a pleasure during our Friends for Life Road Safety Speaker Series. His story is so impactful for the students and staff at each school he visits. The feedback we hear from schools is always overwhelmingly positive, with many being inspired to change their own driving behaviours after hearing from John."

Samantha Sommerfield

Community Relations Specialist
Manitoba Public Insurance

"John Westhaver delivered a truly impactful keynote on resilience. His presentation was heartfelt, real, and deeply thought-provoking. He has a unique ability to connect with his audience through authenticity and lived experience, making complex and often difficult topics both accessible and meaningful. His insights on resilience were not only practical but also inspiring, leaving a lasting impression on everyone in the room. If you’re looking for a speaker who brings sincerity, depth, and powerful perspective to the stage, I highly recommend John."

Wendy Hofford

CEO
WH Strategic Drive Inc.

"John brings his personal experience to relate to teens and groups. He is a compelling speaker and our students really enjoyed having him for our assembly. I have now heard John speak twice and I am riveted every time."

Emily Somers

English and Language Arts Teacher
St. Stephen High School

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Nelson Switzer known for and what is their expertise as a keynote speaker in Canada?

Nelson Switzer 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 Nelson Switzer speak on for conferences, conventions, corporate events, and annual general meetings in Canada?

Nelson Switzer 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 Nelson Switzer is the right fit for my audience, conference, convention, or AGM?

Nelson Switzer 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 Nelson Switzer from and where do they speak across Canada?

Nelson Switzer is from Toronto, 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 Nelson Switzer available as a virtual keynote speaker for online conferences, webinars, or hybrid events in Canada?

Nelson Switzer 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 Nelson Switzer deliver keynote presentations, workshops, training sessions, breakout sessions, fireside chats, or panel discussions?

Nelson Switzer 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 Nelson Switzer to check availability and begin the booking process in Canada?

Nelson Switzer 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 Nelson Switzer for a conference, convention, trade show, summit, or corporate meeting in Canada?

Nelson Switzer 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 Nelson Switzer as a keynote speaker in Canada?

Nelson Switzer 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 Nelson Switzer for a corporate event, convention, or trade show in Canada?

Additional costs to hire Nelson Switzer 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 Nelson Switzer for a conference, convention, or business meeting in Canada?

Nelson Switzer 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 Nelson Switzer represented by an agent in Canada and how is the agreement handled?

Nelson Switzer 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