Sam Thiara | SpeakerHub

Personal Details

Bio

Sam Thiara, MA, is a 2x TEDx speaker, author, and educator who helps leaders and organizations build human-centered cultures through storytelling, leadership, and purpose. Based in Vancouver, Canada, he serves as Chief Motivating Officer at Ignite the Dream Coaching & Consulting and as an Adjunct Professor at Simon Fraser University’s Beedie School of Business.

Over his career, Sam has supported more than 50 non-profit organizations and guided thousands of professionals toward clarity, confidence, and meaning in their work. He has received the Governor General’s Canadian Sovereign Medal for Volunteers, the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal and King Charles Coronation Medal for his community leadership and service.

Sam is the author of Lost and Found: Seeking the Past and Finding Myself, Calm and Sense is Common Sense: 30 Life Lessons to Fulfillment and Personal Storytelling: Discovering the Extraordinary in the Ordinary, exploring fulfillment, identity, purpose, and the stories that connect us. His talks and workshops are known for blending story, strategy, and empathy, helping audiences rediscover what truly drives engagement and impact.

He lives by the philosophy: “Everyone’s life is an autobiography—make yours worth reading.”

Current position (2)

Chief Motivating Officer

Ignite the Dream Coaching and Consulting

Adjunct Professor - Management

Beedie School of Business, Simon Fraser University

Achievements (4)

Governor General's Canadian Sovereign Medal for Volunteers

With over 45+ non-profit organizations supported over the last 20 years, was recognized by the Governor General of Canada for the community engagement commitment made.

Governor General's Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal

Having mentored and coached hundreds and engaged thousands of individuals over the last many years, was recognized by the Governor General of Canada for the contribution of engaging individuals in their personal and professional journey.

King Charles III Coronation Medal

Recipient from the Governor General of Canada, the King's representative in Canada

Rick Hansen Difference Maker Medallion

Recognized as an individual who has made a valuable contribution on a regional and national level and was part of the Canada wide relay to recognize the 25th anniversary of the 'Man in Motion' tour.

Degrees (9)

Leadership and Management

University of Exeter

2006 to 2008

Higher Education Certificate

Harvard University

2019

Certificate in Positive Psychology and Well-being

Stanford University

2025

Life Coaching Online Certificate

Cambridge University

2015

Happiness and Positive Psychology Online Cerfiticate

Indian School of Buisness

2015

Adult Education certification

VCC

2005

HR Certificate

BCIT

1996 to 1997

Community Leadership Certificate

Leadership Vancouver

1996 to 1997

Double Major in Business and Political Science

Simon Fraser University

1981 to 1986

Presentations

Presentations (3)

Leading Through CARE

In a fast-changing world, leaders must balance results with humanity. Sam shares his CARE framework—Collaboration, Adaptability, Resilience, and Empathy—to help teams stay connected and high-performing under pressure. Attendees learn actionable ways to build trust, adapt to change, and create a culture of care that drives engagement, innovation, and long-term success across any organization.

The Art of Storytelling in Leadership

Every great leader is a storyteller. Sam reveals how to use storytelling as a tool for influence, connection, and clarity. Through engaging examples and practical exercises, participants learn to communicate ideas with authenticity, transform information into meaning, and inspire teams and customers through the power of narrative—a must-have skill in today’s fast-changing world.

Rediscovering Purpose at Work

When people lose their sense of purpose, performance follows. Sam helps organizations reconnect individuals to meaning, clarity, and contribution through reflective storytelling and human-centered leadership insights. This keynote inspires employees to rediscover what truly drives engagement and belonging—empowering teams to work with renewed energy, confidence, and alignment.

Workshops (1)

Active Communication: Saying it and writing it

4 hours

Active communication means creating and toning your inner voice so you can project it verbally and written. Communication is critical and employers are constantly looking for people who can articulate their thoughts.

Past talks (3)

Discovering the Extraordinary in the Ordinary

TEDxSFU

Simon Fraser University

October 16, 2011

Diversity panel

LEWAS - Women's Leadership Conference

Bahrain

October 25, 2018

Making the Voice Within Louder than the Noise Around

TEDxLangaraCollege

Vancouver

July 11, 2019

All (2)
Videos
Photos (1)
Slides (1)

This speaker hasn't uploaded any videos yet.

GradusOne Conversation

Personal Branding

This speaker hasn't uploaded any one sheet yet.

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Books & Articles (3)

Lost and Found: Seeking the Past and Finding Myself

Sam Thiara,

2019

Personal Storytelling: Discovering the Extraordinary in the Ordinary

Lulu,

2014

Student Engagement: A Collaborative Process

Lulu,

2008

Expertise (13)

Clients

Simon Fraser University - Burnaby, British Columbia

University of British Columbia - Vancouver, British Columbia

Calgary Teachers Conference - Calgary, Alberta

LEWAS - Leadership and Awards - Bahrain

LEWAS - Empowering Women - Saudi Arabia

ZAFA - Zimbabwe

MDA - Aerospace Engineers - Vancouver, British Columbia

CUISA - Credit Union Insurance Brokers

Awards & certifications (3)

Rotary International - Paul Harris Fellow

Rotary International

2017

BC Sugar Achievement Award

Simon Fraser University

2007

Mentor of the Year Award

Leaders of Tomorrow - Vancouver Board of Trade

2011

Reviews

Testimonials (4)

Sam's energy is infectious for all the right reasons: ideas aplenty, successes delivered, and a storytelling style that is to be envied. He means what he says, and he says it so well = he's someone to listen to as he'll make you think, and he'll make you act. Nice, that!
Rick Antonson
Verified
I met Sam in 2012 when he gave a key note speech at a leadership conference I was at. Immediately he engaged the audiences attention and went on to tell us that he cares about each and every one of us and has not even met us all yet. This truly resonated with me and I went on to listen to his next talk about “Finding the Extraordinary in the Ordinary.” Sam has a way of engaging the audience and making everyone who hears him feel his presence. Since then, I have seen him speak at multiple events and every single time, I leave feeling more inspired and impacted by his talks. Sam speaks from his heart and is an advocate for many not for profits. It is people like Sam that make the world a better place by sharing his passion and purpose in life with the audience. I admire how Sam holds space for the audience to feel his presence and be able to ask questions and become fully engaged. Sam is a true leader who encourages everyone he meets to redefine their finish lines. It is an honour to know him and I look forward to attending more of his talks in 2019.
Danielle Buchanan
Verified
Sam’s ability to connect with his audience is a transcendent experience, which transforms our commonly held perceptions and permits a subtle paradigm shift in thinking
Kal
Verified
An accomplished leader, coach, author, father, and friend, Sam is the first person to call when you are seeking clarity, truth, and energy to keep going. Not only is he able to lift up your thoughts and ideas, he’s able to bring them to practical use in today’s world. With a global mindset and local understanding, he takes on every challenge and expertly delivers it with grace and humility. Mentoring students, leaders, and professionals across the globe, through his written and spoken words, he enables you to reflect and learn more about yourself and what you’re capable of.
Reem

Why choose me?

More than a speaker, you get a storyteller, connector, and catalyst for reflection and action.