Ron Shlien

Keynote Speaker | Montreal, Quebec

Curiosity-driven Innovation Speaker
Leadership, AI, Entrepreneurship & Stem Education Expert

Ron Shlien's Expertise: Business & Corporate, Innovation & Creativity, Business Management, Business Leadership, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Operational Process Improvement, Entrepreneurship, Business Technology, Resilience & Change, Employee Engagement, Leadership and Change Management.

Ron Shlien

About Speaker Ron Shlien

Ron Shlien, MSM, is a curiosity driven innovation speaker, entrepreneur, advisor, and co-founder of Mad Science, the global STEM education organization that delivers hands on science learning to millions of children each year. He transformed a teenage curiosity project in Montreal into an internationally recognized education company while also serving as Entrepreneur in Residence with the Government of Canada, where he introduced entrepreneurial thinking into senior public sector leadership. Ron Shlien speaks on innovation, artificial intelligence, leadership, employee engagement, entrepreneurship, and organizational learning. His presentations help companies, schools, and government leaders strengthen initiative, critical thinking, and execution in rapidly changing environments.

The Courage of Curiosity: How Questions Build the Future | Ron Shlien

The Courage of Curiosity: How Questions Build the Future | Ron Shlien

Ron Shlien Biography

Ron Shlien, MSM, is a curiosity driven innovation speaker, entrepreneur, advisor, and co founder of Mad Science. For more than four decades, Ron Shlien has worked at the intersection of entrepreneurship, STEM education, leadership, innovation, and organizational learning, helping companies, schools, and government leaders strengthen curiosity, initiative, and execution in rapidly changing environments.

What began as a teenage curiosity project in Montreal became one of the world’s leading STEM education organizations. Under Ron Shlien’s leadership, Mad Science expanded internationally and introduced millions of children to hands on science learning through experiences designed to encourage questioning, participation, experimentation, and critical thinking. The organization became widely recognized for transforming science education into an engaging and accessible learning experience for students, educators, and communities around the world.

Ron Shlien’s career has provided him with direct experience building organizations, leading teams, navigating complexity, and turning ideas into scalable action. His work focuses on the belief that curiosity is not a personality trait, but a discipline that can be practiced, strengthened, and applied to leadership, innovation, learning, and problem solving. His presentations examine how organizations can create environments where people ask better questions, challenge assumptions, adapt more quickly, and improve execution in periods of uncertainty and change.

In addition to his entrepreneurial work, Ron Shlien served as Entrepreneur in Residence with the Government of Canada in one of the country’s most distinctive public sector innovation roles. In this position, he brought entrepreneurial thinking, curiosity, and initiative into senior federal leadership, helping leaders explore innovation inside large and complex systems. His experience working across business, education, and government sectors gives Ron Shlien a practical understanding of how innovation operates in different organizational environments and how leadership influences adaptability, engagement, and long term performance.

Ron Shlien’s current work spans speaking, advising, entrepreneurship, and community leadership. His presentations are tailored to the specific priorities, challenges, and objectives of each audience, with topics that include artificial intelligence, innovation, leadership, employee engagement, entrepreneurship, STEM education, organizational culture, and public sector transformation. Ron Shlien speaks from active experience inside the work itself, drawing from decades of building organizations, leading through complexity, and helping people translate curiosity into learning, initiative, and measurable action.

Ron Shlien’s contributions have been recognized by the Governor General of Canada, EY, BDC, and EDC for entrepreneurship, export achievement, STEM education, and public service. His work continues to focus on helping organizations and leaders strengthen the habits of curiosity, learning, adaptability, and execution required in environments shaped by rapid technological advancement, artificial intelligence, and constant change.

Ron Shlien Topic Presentations

Ron Shlien From Montreal, Quebec, 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.

Leadership in the Age of AI: How Curiosity, Judgment and Initiative Become the Human Advantage

The Courage of Curiosity: How Better Questions Drive Innovation, Engagement and Action

Curiosity Starts Things. Hustle Finishes Them: Entrepreneurial Thinking for People Who Need to Build, Adapt and Deliver

The Engagement Advantage: What Hands on Learning Reveals About Attention, Participation and Performance

Innovation Inside Government: Entrepreneurial Thinking for Complex Public Systems

Future Ready Learning: Building Curious, Capable People for a Changing World

Interviews
Ron Shlien
  • Marking 35 Years of Mad Science
  • Dr Williams Interviews Ron Shlien, Co-founder of the Mad Science Group, from Montreal, Canada.
Podcasts
Ron Shlien
  • Canada’s Inaugural Entrepreneur-in-residence Has Some Advice to Give
Articles
Ron Shlien
  • Innovation and the Future of Diabetes: a Conversation with an Entrepreneur and Diabetes Dad

Ron Shlien Speaking Testimonials

Coming Soon!

You May Also Like

Carrie Anton

Carrie Anton

Paralympic Gold Medalist | Diversity, Innovation & Accessibility Expert

Featured

Carrie Anton

Speaker Topics

  • Resilience & Adversity
  • Happiness & Positivity
  • Mindset & Attitude
  • Resilience & Change
  • Personal Growth
  • Mental Health
  • Stress Management
  • Work Life Balance
Carrie Anton is a gold medalist, needs consultant, trainer, and technician with 20 years of experience in the assistive technology and...
Dr. Vivian Ayoungman

Dr. Vivian Ayoungman

Indigenous Education Leader | Language Preservation & Cultural Revitalization Expert

Dr. Vivian Ayoungman

Speaker Topics

  • Communication
  • Confidence
  • Cultural Diversity
  • Cultural History, Safety & Humility
  • Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
  • HR & Corporate Culture
  • Indigenous
  • Indigenous Business & Economics
  • Indigenous Leadership & Cultural Wisdom
Dr. Vivian Ayoungman is a lifelong advocate for Indigenous education, language preservation, known as a First Nation cultural...
Dr. Dean Barnes

Dr. Dean Barnes

Leadership & Equity Specialist | Representation, Storytelling & Education Expert

Dr. Dean Barnes

Speaker Topics

  • Leadership
  • Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
  • Inclusive Leadership
  • Teamwork
  • Cultural Diversity
  • Leadership and Change
  • Business & Corporate
  • Athletes & Sports
  • Inspirational Leadership
Dr. Dean Barnes is a Canadian speaker, podcaster, collector, and education leader who shares powerful stories of leadership, equity, and...
Burlington Burlington, Ontario
Eagle Blackbird

Eagle Blackbird

Indigenous Culture and Storytelling | Digital Education Expert

Eagle Blackbird

Speaker Topics

  • Indigenous
  • Cultural Diversity
  • Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
  • Leadership Development
  • Leadership and Change
  • Self Improvement & Self Care
  • Resilience & Adversity
  • Resilience & Change
Eagle Blackbird is a content creator, educator, and advocate recognized for his engaging approach to sharing Indigenous culture online. A...
Walpole Island Walpole Island, Ontario
Mark Breslin

Mark Breslin

Canadian Comedy Icon, Entrepreneur And Author| Leadership, Workplace Culture & Communication Expert

Featured

Mark Breslin

Speaker Topics

  • Communication
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Humour in the Workplace
  • Influence & Negotiation
  • Business Leadership
  • Mindset & Goal Accomplishment
  • Personal Leadership
  • Purposeful Work
  • Public Relations & Media Training
Mark Breslin is a visionary in the Canadian comedy scene, significantly impacting the entertainment industry. Born in Toronto, Mark Breslin...
Tammy Buss

Tammy Buss

Family Business & Succession | Leadership, Governance & Legacy Expert

Tammy Buss

Speaker Topics

  • Mentoring & Succession Planning
  • Leadership Development
  • Organizational Change
  • Inter-Generational Workplace
  • Communication
  • Teamwork
  • Collaboration
  • Women In Business
  • Workplace Culture
Tammy Buss is an educator, author, and podcast host specializing in family enterprise, succession planning, and generational transition....
Dr. Elizabeth Cannon

Dr. Elizabeth Cannon

Award Winning Engineer & Women in Business | Leadership and Digital Innovation Expert

Featured

Dr. Elizabeth Cannon

Speaker Topics

  • Artificial Intelligence (AI)
  • Big Data & Analytics
  • Business & Corporate
  • Business Growth
  • Business Leadership
  • Business Management
  • Business Technology
  • Disruptive Innovation
  • Corporations & Businesses
Dr. Elizabeth Cannon is a renowned motivational speaker and respected leadership authority whose trailblazing expertise in Geomatics...
Cristina Carpio

Cristina Carpio

Media & Content Production | Storytelling | Brand Strategy | Entrepreneurship

Cristina Carpio

Speaker Topics

  • Entrepreneurship
  • Business Management
  • Leadership & Mentoring
  • Media Training and Storytelling
  • Ambassadorship & Advocacy
  • Women Empowerment
  • Marketing & Public Relations
  • Brand Strategy & Creative Production
Cristina Carpio is an entrepreneur, media personality, and philanthropist with over two decades of experience across media, hospitality,...
Rob Catalano

Rob Catalano

Leadership, HR & Employee Experience | Future of Work Strategy Expert

Rob Catalano

Speaker Topics

  • Workplace Culture
  • Future of Work
  • Employee Engagement
  • Organizational Change
  • HR & Corporate Culture
  • Leadership Development
  • Strategic Thinking
  • Leadership and Change
  • Employee Management
Rob Catalano is a speaker and advisor who works with HR executives on leadership, employee experience, and the future of work. In 2026, Rob...
Gina Cody

Gina Cody

Human-Centered AI, Innovation & Leadership Expert

Gina Cody

Speaker Topics

  • Leadership
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI)
  • Human Connection
  • Health & Wellness
  • Belonging
  • Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
  • Racial Justice
  • Collaboration
  • Emotional Intelligence
Gina Cody immigrated to Canada during the Iranian revolution in 1979. She enrolled at Concordia University, earning a PhD in building...
Harish Consul

Harish Consul

CEO & Venture Capitalist | Future & Tech Trends | AI & Digital Innovation Expert

Harish Consul

Speaker Topics

  • Business Leadership
  • Business Growth
  • Global Business & Trade
  • Innovation & Creativity
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Leadership
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI)
  • Emerging Technology & Tech Trends
  • Small Business Development
Harish Consul is a globally recognized innovation strategist, venture capital leader, and keynote speaker with more than three decades of...
Michael Crouse

Michael Crouse

Professional Baseball Player & Team Canada Athlete | Leadership, Performance & Sport Expert

Michael Crouse

Speaker Topics

  • Leadership
  • Leadership and Change
  • Leadership Development
  • Employee Engagement
  • Employee Management
  • Peak Performance
  • Personal Growth
  • Personal Leadership
  • Time Management & Productivity
Michael Crouse is a professional baseball player & proud member of Team Canada, known for his participation in major international...

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ron Shlien known for and what is their expertise as a keynote speaker in Canada?

Ron Shlien 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 Ron Shlien speak on for conferences, conventions, corporate events, and annual general meetings in Canada?

Ron Shlien 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 Ron Shlien is the right fit for my audience, conference, convention, or AGM?

Ron Shlien 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 Ron Shlien from and where do they speak across Canada?

Ron Shlien is from Montreal, Quebec 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 Ron Shlien available as a virtual keynote speaker for online conferences, webinars, or hybrid events in Canada?

Ron Shlien 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 Ron Shlien deliver keynote presentations, workshops, training sessions, breakout sessions, fireside chats, or panel discussions?

Ron Shlien 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 Ron Shlien to check availability and begin the booking process in Canada?

Ron Shlien 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 Ron Shlien for a conference, convention, trade show, summit, or corporate meeting in Canada?

Ron Shlien 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 Ron Shlien as a keynote speaker in Canada?

Ron Shlien 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 Ron Shlien for a corporate event, convention, or trade show in Canada?

Additional costs to hire Ron Shlien 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 Ron Shlien for a conference, convention, or business meeting in Canada?

Ron Shlien 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 Ron Shlien represented by an agent in Canada and how is the agreement handled?

Ron Shlien 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