Diana Swain

A warm, gracious, and intelligent speaker, Diana Swain challenges audience members to ask themselves what they're doing to enhance, and develop, our country. We all call Canada home, but what does it mean to be a Canadian? How can each of us make it an even better place to live? Swain discusses Canadians' views of each other, dissolves stereotypes about various regions, reports on how we're viewed abroad, and reveals the truth—the millions of little truths—about how our country really works. Her talk is sweeping and diverse. But it's also unifying. It helps us re-evaluate each of our roles in this country, as well as our country's role in the world. What we do now—including, but not limited to, caring for the environment—will shape the Canada we leave behind for our children.

In this passionate address, Diana Swain uses the example of Canada—and the countless Canadians she's met—to deliver a thoughtful look at leadership. Where does leadership come from? What does it entail? Every day, Canadian communities, big and small, are rising to the great challenges they face. They are drawing on creativity, on determination and—most importantly—on quiet leadership, from unexpected places. Swain's stories focus on the exceptional everyday people who realize that true leadership does not take the easy path; that it involves "hacking through the tall-grass of challenge to forge a new path." Leadership belongs to those who persevere and continue to work, even when the spotlight has passed. Above all, it falls to all of us. All Canadians. Exploring what makes Canada so envied, Swain also calls on us to make our own meaningful contribution. She creates, with eloquent language, forceful argument, and enormous pride, a snapshot of Canada—and leadership—at its very best.