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Speakers > Mike Shoreman

Mike Shoreman

Disabled Adventurer & Mental Health Advocate

Mike Shoreman helps teams, educators, and students develop record-level resilience through the inexhaustible potential of the human spirit.

Defining Moments

  • First person with physical disabilities to paddle board across all 5 Great Lakes


Fee range:

$5,000-$10,000


Travels from:

Toronto, Ontario, CA



Perfect for:

Team building, leadership retreats, student success, mental health events


Tone & Approach:

Dynamic storyteller, humor with heart, captivating

Meet Mike

Mike Shoreman is a mental health and connection expert, speaker, coach, author, and advocate whose transformative journey has inspired audiences worldwide. Featured in a multi-award-winning documentary, he founded The Great Lakes Crossings for Youth Mental Health, raising awareness and driving change in mental health.

In 2018, Mike was diagnosed with Ramsay Hunt Syndrome, a neurological condition that took his mobility, speech, vision, and hearing—along with his thriving coaching business. Doctors told him he’d never paddleboard again. Instead, he defied expectations, becoming the first to paddleboard across all five Great Lakes, inspiring a nationwide movement and funding critical youth mental health programs.

A passionate advocate, Mike has authored two best-selling books and been featured in People Magazine, The Chicago Tribune, The National Post, CBC, and CTV. His work has impacted thousands, earning him prestigious honors, including the Mental Health Leadership Award, Changemaker of the Year, and recognition on the Global Most Influential Persons with Disabilities list. In 2024, he received the King Charles III Coronation Medal, and his paddleboard was inducted into The Canadian Canoe Museum.

Known for his dynamic storytelling, Mike delivers powerful, transformative keynotes that challenge audiences to rethink adversity, unlock their potential, and create lasting impact.

As Seen on

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Signature Presentation

Adjusting Your Sails in Uncharted Waters: Resilience Strategies for When Times Get Tough

Mike Shoreman in black jacket gesturing with a purple background featuring a circular design and text "Human Connection Speakers Bureau."

Description:

In today’s fast-changing world, uncertainty isn’t a possibility—it’s a guarantee. Teams face unexpected challenges, industries shift overnight, and personal setbacks can derail even the most ambitious goals. But what separates those who thrive from those who struggle? Resilience. 

Mike Shoreman knows resilience on a level few can imagine. Once a thriving entrepreneur and nationally recognized paddleboard coach, a sudden neurological disorder took away his mobility, speech, vision, and hearing—along with his career, independence, and sense of identity. Doctors told him he’d never paddleboard again. They were wrong. 

Mike defied all expectations, becoming the first Disabled Adventurer to cross all five Great Lakes, a feat that captured the world’s attention. His journey from personal devastation to record-breaking achievement is more than an inspiring story—it’s a blueprint for navigating adversity with purpose, focus, and determination.

Attendees will…

  1. Strengthen resilience and adaptability by learning strategies to stay motivated and focused during uncertainty.

  2. Foster a supportive and innovative workplace culture that promotes stability and collective growth during challenging times.

  3. Equip attendees with practical tools and a resilient mindset to overcome obstacles, maintain positivity, and achieve goals despite adversity.

Additional Presentations from Mike Shoreman

  • In “Mastering Resilience,” Mike shares invaluable insights gleaned from his extraordinary achievements and experiences on the frontlines of resilience. This keynote is designed to empower your team, connect them to their purpose, and drive them to persevere through adversity. Mike’s journey from a business leader devastated by a life altering disability to a record-breaking athlete and mental health champion offers profound lessons on resilience and high-performance team dynamics. His story resonates deeply with corporate audiences, providing practical strategies and inspiration to tackle business challenges head-on.

  • In North America 1 in 5 will struggle with mental health challenges. In “Building Supportive Teams for Mental Health,” Mike addresses the critical need for mental health awareness and support within communities. This keynote is structured to guide the audience through practical steps using science-based strategies to create a supportive and resilient environment. Mike’s personal experiences and achievements highlight the importance of fostering inclusive communities, reducing stigma, and ensuring access to mental health services. He provides a roadmap for organizations to support their employees effectively and build environments where everyone can thrive.

Testimonials

Watch & Learn:

Diaries of The Unbalanced Paddleboarder: Crash and RISE

Book cover featuring the title "Crash and Rise: From Victim to Thriving Survivor" by Mike Shoreman, with colorful background waves.

Connect with Mike:

Send us a message to inquire about or to book Mike Shoreman