Ron Shlien

Keynote Speaker | Montreal, Quebec

Co Founder of Mad Science & Tedx Speaker
Curiosity, Leadership & Change Expert

Ron Shlien's Expertise: Leadership, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Innovation & Creativity, Future of Work, Employee Engagement, Entrepreneurship, Change Management, Workplace Culture, Leadership and Change, Education & Teachers and STEM & STEAM.

Ron Shlien

About Speaker Ron Shlien

Ron Shlien, MSM, is a TEDx speaker, entrepreneur, former senior Government of Canada executive, co-founder of Mad Science, and current presiding official at Canadian citizenship ceremonies. A builder and operator rather than a theoretical consultant, Ron has spent more than four decades turning curiosity into action — building a global STEM education brand, bringing entrepreneurial thinking into senior public-sector leadership as Canada’s first Entrepreneur-in-Residence, and welcoming new Canadians at one of the most meaningful moments in their lives. Ron’s customized keynotes help leaders, teams, and organizations ask better questions, challenge assumptions, strengthen judgment, and adapt with confidence in a world being reshaped by AI, change, and uncertainty. His work connects innovation with humanity, helping audiences move from curiosity to courage, ownership, and meaningful action.

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 TEDx speaker, entrepreneur, former senior Government of Canada executive, co-founder of Mad Science, and current presiding official at Canadian citizenship ceremonies. His work sits at the intersection of curiosity, leadership, innovation, AI, education, entrepreneurship, public service, and human engagement. Ron co-founded Mad Science, the global STEM education brand that grew from a teenage curiosity project in Montreal into an international organization reaching millions of children through hands-on learning. For more than four decades, he has been a builder, operator, innovator, and communicator — helping turn ideas into organizations, experiences, partnerships, and measurable impact.

Ron later served as Canada’s first Entrepreneur-in-Residence, bringing entrepreneurial thinking into senior public-sector leadership. In that role, he worked at the intersection of government, science, innovation, commercialization, and public purpose — helping institutions think differently about how ideas move from possibility to action. Ron Shlien has also served as a senior mentor with Creative Destruction Lab, working with entrepreneurs and emerging ventures at the frontier of science, technology, AI, and commercialization.

Ron Shlien currently presides over Canadian citizenship ceremonies, welcoming new Canadians at one of the most meaningful moments in their lives. That experience has deepened his understanding of belonging, participation, purpose, and the power of making people feel seen, included, and invited to contribute. As a speaker, Ron brings the perspective of a real-world operator rather than a theoretical consultant. Ron Shlien has built, scaled, operated, governed, and adapted organizations through growth, complexity, uncertainty, and change. His keynotes are practical, human, energetic, and grounded in lived experience.

Ron does not speak about curiosity as a slogan. He has built a life and career around it — turning questions into companies, public-sector innovation, learning experiences, emerging ventures, and moments of belonging. Ron Shlien speaks on leadership, AI, innovation, future of work, employee engagement, workplace culture, entrepreneurship, change, education, public-sector innovation, and execution. His core message is that curiosity is not a soft trait — it is a leadership discipline that helps people ask better questions, challenge assumptions, strengthen judgment, adapt faster, and turn uncertainty into meaningful action. Every Ron Shlien presentation is customized to the audience, industry, event theme, leadership priorities, and desired outcomes.

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.

The Courage of Curiosity: How Better Questions Help People Lead, Adapt and Act in a Changing World

Leadership in the Age of AI: Why Curiosity, Judgment and Initiative are the Human Advantage

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

The Engagement Advantage: What Hands-on Learning and Citizenship Ceremonies Reveal About Attention, Belonging and Participation

Innovation Inside Complex Systems: Entrepreneurial Thinking for Government, Institutions and Large Organizations

Future Ready Learning: Preparing People to Think, Question and Create in 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
  • Whatever Happened to Imagination in Canada?
  • 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

"Ron Shlien’s TEDx talk was outstanding. He combined innovation, storytelling, and real-world business experience to deliver a message that was engaging, practical, and highly relevant to leadership and the future of work. His energy and authenticity captivated the audience, while his insights challenged people to think differently about curiosity, creativity, and innovation. We would gladly welcome him back to a future TEDx event."

Shiv Mishra

TEDxHECMontréal

"Ron Shlien’s keynote was a standout — relevant, energizing, and right on target for today’s students. He blended humour, real-world insight, and personal stories to make big topics like AI, STEM, and the future of work feel accessible and exciting. The talk was interactive, age-appropriate, and impactful. Ron doesn’t just speak — he connects, empowers, and inspires. We were thrilled to have him at this year’s LCC Destiny Quebec Conference."

Connor Girouard

Social Science Department Head
Lower Canada College

"Ron is a highly effective and professional communicator, fluent in both official languages. Whether addressing formal ceremonies or public audiences, he delivers remarks with clarity, poise, and authenticity, making his presentations engaging, polished, and memorable."

Colin Wong

Supervisor, Citizenship Operations Division, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
Government of Canada

"Ron brings rare compassion, charisma, and expertise to everything he does. He has gone far beyond the call of duty in serving his community and inspiring people around the world. For Ron, the sky is not the limit — and as an astronaut, I would know."

Julie Payette

29th Governor General of Canada

"Ron is a terrific communicator — clear, persuasive, and authentic. He brings people together, makes complex ideas understandable, and turns vision into action."

Ian Shugart

Former Clerk and Secretary
Privy Council and Cabinet of Canada

"Ron Shlien brings a powerful mix of authenticity, confidence, and real-world experience that few speakers can match. He connects big ideas to practical business realities, making innovation, creativity, and leadership feel urgent, relevant, and actionable. Ron does not just inform a room; he energizes it, leaving people engaged, challenged, and wanting more."

Shafik Mina

Former President
2inspire

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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