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Speaking to the World

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Brett Francis

Stress Management, Communications & Emotional Intelligence Expert, Best-Selling Author

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Biography

As a keynote speaker and trainer, Brett Francis has worked with hundreds of corporations to increase the value of their most important asset: their employees. Brett’s forte is enhancing the contribution of each and every employee by helping them boost their emotional intelligence, manage stress more effectively, communicate better despite generational differences, and be fully present when they show up for work. Read More >

For corporate clients, working with Brett creates a more productive workplace where more is accomplished, employee retention is higher because people want to work there, and diversity is embraced for its ability to generate new ideas and perspectives.

Endorsed by Mental Health America, the Canadian Mental Health Association, Mental Health Commission of Australia and other important organizations for her expertise, Brett is a best-selling author who has worked with thousands of individuals.

Corporate audiences especially enjoy the frankness with which she shares her own personal story. Brett has emerged stronger after coping with Tourette’s syndrome, anxiety, ADHD, OCD, panic disorder and chronic pain.

Everyone has challenges but some people have more than others. Brett Francis knows this from personal experience. Only now she turns those challenges—her own and other people’s—into assets. Her mantra is “no one is broken” and she means it when she says “our struggles are not our fault.”

Her Not Broken® Radio show is heard on hundreds of stations throughout the globe; she is the bestselling author of Not Broken: How to Overcome Mental Health Challenges and Unlock Your Full Potential. In addition, she hosts the TV series Breaking The Barriers.

She gets the biggest kick out of inspiring individuals who need some help powering through their own issues. But she doesn’t just talk the talk … she walks it.

Some of the challenges that have made Brett a stronger person include Tourette’s syndrome, ADHD, childhood bullying, anxiety, panic disorder, OCD, an abusive relationship, a miscarriage and depression.

Brett’s mission is to educate individuals and society at large about mental health and why having mental health issues or a family member with them is a lot more normal than most people think. She wants to eradicate the stigma associated with mental health and disabilities so that those who are coping with such issues realize they are no different than having diabetes or some other common physical ailment. She advocates for greater education and awareness of these common problems. Read Less ^

Speaker Videos

Speaking Reel

Embracing Challenges

From Challenges to Advantages

A New Way of Looking at Mental Illness

Not Broken

Unlocking Your Full Potential

See Fewer Videos

Speech Topics

Presentations & Training for Managers & Corporate Leaders

In these unprecedented times, are you asking yourself how you continue to adapt and even thrive during and post COVID-19? Many companies continue to struggle to find their way through, so it is more essential than ever to identify and implement the right guidance. Read More >

Brett’s targeted services and trainings focus in on dynamic employee engagement and productivity, building resilience, and effective communication at all levels with the results being that your organization can thrive and embrace the new “normal” moving forward. Read Less ^

Working with employees to ensure that they are able to maintain an emotionally healthy work/life balance
Team building and cohesion for employees working from home, the office or both who may be feeling disconnected because of an unpredictable work environment
How to manage employees working remotely with reduced supervision and guidance
Equipping employees to more easily manage uncertain times
Addressing the “elephant” in the room when a co-worker tests positive for COVID-19 and dealing with the COVID-19 “stigma”
Setting and maintaining reasonable goals and expectations in light of COVID-19

Presentations & Training for Employees

Prior to COVID-19, productivity and stress management were already key factors in economic loss for corporations. With COVID-19, there are now a whole new set of challenges for employees, including managing the inherent stress, fear, doubt, financial uncertainty, feeling disconnected, and managing mental health. Brett’s goal is to help employees thrive in the new “normal.” Read More >

Some common challenges that she will help employees navigate are: Read Less ^

Managing home issues and stress and not letting them affect your work negatively
Never turning off or unplugging work at home while learning how to manage distractions and stay motivated
Integrating and mastering technology issues and organizational learning
Focusing on productivity to accomplish some of your best work at home
Exacerbating underlying stress and mental health issues due to isolation, fear and uncertainty
Managing COVID-19 “stigma”

Helping Employees Achieve Resiliency, Emotional Intelligence, Stress Reduction & Greater Productivity

Her Not Broken® Radio show is heard on hundreds of stations throughout the globe. She also hosts the TV series Breaking The Barriers. Read Less ^

Turn Challenges into Superpowers

Her Not Broken® Radio show is heard on hundreds of stations throughout the globe; she is the bestselling author of Not Broken: How to Overcome Mental Health Challenges and Unlock Your Full Potential. In addition, she hosts the TV series Breaking The Barriers.

She gets the biggest kick out of inspiring individuals who need some help powering through their own issues. But she doesn’t just talk the talk … she walks it.

Brett is endorsed by Mental Health America, the Canadian Mental Health Association, Mental Health Commission of Australia and other important organizations. Read Less ^

Increase Productivity By Reducing Stress: 3 Steps For A More Successful Business

The pressure to get things done, often on tight deadlines, can lead employees to barricade themselves in their offices and chain themselves to their desks as they forgo meals, breaks and needed fluids. In addition, employees bring to work their stress from home and vice versa. Read More >

Helping employees reduce their stress levels by arming them with the right tools is simply good, compassionate business practice. Read Less ^

5 biggest myths about stress... and how to harness it for your employees emotional well being
T.G.I.S. (Thank God it's Stress!): How to value stress as a signal for opportunity
Bring it on! 3 keys to master emotions in order to overcome workplace challenges

Advance Team Performance By Improving Communication & Decision Making

A team is only as strong as its weakest link. But sadly, team members are not always on the same page. Poor communication between members can lead to misunderstandings, poor decisions and lost opportunities. However, most of us need some help when it comes to understanding where other people are coming from and what it means to truly listen and be empathetic. Read More >

Help is here. Read Less ^

Reasoning with the Un-reasonable: How to find common ground with difficult clients or co-workers
Getting them all on the same page: 5 keys to closing communication gaps
Word-Play Workshop: An engaging, fun, and interactive training using the power of words to advance team performance

How To Create Connections To Decrease Conflict, Increase Engagement & Retention

Baby boomer, Gen-X, millennial: Every team member needs to feel valued and know that their opinion matters. However, members of different generations may have different values and morals which can make understanding one another more challenging. Read More >

Happily, those challenges can be overcome through greater connection and understanding. Read Less ^

You believe whaaat? How supporting your team’s individual values can improve morale and strengthen your organization
The power of synergy: How to diffuse conflict through team-building conversations
Ways to use "Locked-in listening™" to increase employee engagement and retention and feed workers’ souls

A New Way of Looking at Mental Illness

There’s plenty wrong with the way the public and media talk about mental illness. How can we change the stereotypes and misconceptions people have when they hear the diagnosis of depression, anxiety and the like? In this informative, intriguing and inspiring presentation, Brett will give you the answers you seek for understanding mental health in order to thrive in your personal life, your relationships and your career.

The 5 Biggest Misconceptions About Self-Care & Emotional Well-Being

Mental health and physical health may seem like two different things but in reality they are interrelated. Learn how to take care of your mental health—the most neglected aspect of modern health—as you discover five compelling hooks to take the weight of the world off your shoulders as you come to grips with the most common misconceptions about health. You’ll also pick up invaluable self-care tips.

Testimonials

"Brett is one of the most engaging speakers we've ever had. I would encourage anyone and everyone to book Brett for any and all future events, you will definitely not be disappointed!"

- CEO, Canadian Council on Rehabilitation and Work

"We were thrilled to have Brett speak, she was very well received to everyone in attendance. I would highly recommend Brett as a presenter."

- Sun West School Division

"We had to turn people away for Brett's training seminar because the registration filled up so quickly. We will be having Brett back regularly and I would definitely recommend Brett for any of your organizational needs."

- Executive Director, NSILC

"My depression was initially diagnosed as “adjustment disorder with depressed mood.” I wondered at the time if it was a ploy by the VA to avoid diagnosing a disorder that might cost the VA more to treat. The psychologist told me I had PTSD symptoms, but not enough to meet diagnostic criteria, as I was still functional. Given the stigma I had internalized against mental disorders at the time, I was only too happy to reassure myself that I didn’t meet criteria for PTSD. Fast forward however many months, function declined, and I was diagnosed with both MDD and PTSD. I guess my latest struggle has been with how to integrate these diagnoses into my self-concept in a positive manner. As Brett Francis says, “You’re not broken, and you don’t need to be fixed. Her message truly inspires and helps others, it is very refreshing."

- Audience Member

"Brett was engaging, funny and entertaining, we would have her back in a second! She is incredibly dynamic and it you're looking for a speaker, she's it!"

- Executive Director of Learning Disabilities Association

"Brett was a wealth of information and knowledge, she also has just the right amount of grit to make her highly interesting and engaging. I'd highly endorse Brett for any and all of your speaking needs."

- CEO, Positively Parenting Summit

"Thank you for being our keynote speaker! Everyone is very pleased with the Luncheon – we raised over $191,000 (a record) and had a record number of attendees – nearly 520. I admire your strength, positivity and resilience, and your desire to help others with their journeys."

- The Village

"Have Depression? Cool! Got ADHD? Right on! How about Anxiety? Awesome! How’s that for a disruptive approach to mental illness?! When I heard those words last night, 2 things happened. First, I did a double take. Then I sat up straight and listened hard, as Brett Francis delivered a fresh and honest message about mental illness. Say what now? Isn’t mental illness this terribly, horrible, dark and scary thing that we want to avoid at all cost? After all, even Clara Hughes admits on her website that she couldn’t bring herself to tell her own mother about her depression (her mom found out from TV) because she didn’t want it to be a burden. So, why should we celebrate something that is such a burden? I came away from last night looking at mental illness with a different lens. A positive lens. And although it doesn’t feel quite right to say that yet (it’s a huge shift in mindset!), it also feels very right. To all my friends who are struggling and triumphing as you read this. Right on! You are who you are, and I love you for it—not in spite of your mental illness, but because of it."

- Disrupt HR

"Brett Francis is truly inspiring, I myself struggle with BP & depression, anxiety, PTSD from a house fire, and thyroid issues, my favorite trigeminal neuralgia! All seem to be co-morbid conditions, plus oh yeah, mental pause, (menopause). Of all, TN, chronic pain, makes me very empathetic to my own detriment. I also have issues with time. ~wow! ~ & yes, I work when I am able. Love it!!! Very inspiring and uplifting! Thank you, thank you, thank you for all that you do!"

- Audience Member

"I liked Brett immediately as she is a warm person with a very engaging personality. She came to talk to us, and we found her easy to listen to, very intelligent, very funny and her story very enlightening. The staff really enjoyed her and described her story telling as powerful and compelling. Her optimism is contagious as the listeners stated that they felt better about themselves and about opportunities to help others feel better about themselves after listening to Brett. Her description of her real-life experiences growing up with Tourette’s Syndrome, a diagnosis of ADHD, general anxiety and depression forced us to rethink how we may judge and treat people based on appearances and/or behaviors. Her honest portrayal of a young woman overcoming many obstacles to achieve her goals is educational, helpful and empowering. I strongly recommend that you contact Brett to be your next motivational speaker!"

- Canadian Mental Health Association

"Brett is a champion in the world of disabilities. Not only does she advocate, educate, and support individuals and families with disabilities, she lives it. And live it she does—with grace, professionalism, humility, and empathy. Brett has a few diagnoses, but it is never about her—she is out there to help any and all who suffer. Brett doesn’t see obstacles—she sees opportunities to grow and lead in the sometimes frustrating and overwhelming world of having a disability. Her positive attitude is infectious and is admired by all who know her. She is an incredible speaker and advocate and we would have her back anytime!"

- Learning Disabilities Association

"Brett was our speaker for our 2015 Mayors luncheon. She was the perfect choice of presenter for our luncheon with record attendance and sold out. I think that people like Brett who have lived the experience are the right people to share their stories and to give hope to others, to families and friends. I also think that professionals need to hear what Brett has to say."

- Canadian Mental Health Association

"Brett is a passionate young woman who has found her calling in speaking out for mental health and wellness. After many years of struggling to overcome her own challenges with Tourette Syndrome, anxiety, depression and OCD, Brett has met them head on and turned them into something positive, and in the process, she is making a difference for others. She is a passionate speaker, who speaks from the heart about growing up with Tourette's Syndrome and the many experiences she endured during her childhood after being diagnosed. She was able to overcome the obstacles that held her back, embrace her uniqueness, and now Brett wants to help others find their own strength and courage, embrace their abilities with confidence, so they too can live their best life and find success in their own endeavors. Brett is a compassionate person who brings great energy to everything, no matter how busy she is with her job, she still finds time to volunteer with numerous non-profit organizations. Brett is a tireless mental health advocate and amazing, captivating speaker."

- Audience Member

"Brett Francis has been a speaker at two events for the Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program. Brett’s story of overcoming the odds is inspiring and is key to breaking down barriers on disability issues. Her message moved the audience and started important conversations among attendees following the events. I can’t thank Brett enough for being involved with our events and sharing her story, we will continue to bring her back."

- NSILC

"I just wanted to share how Brett helped me not only understand what both of my children went, and continue to go through, but also that you helped me realize what I have gone through in my life. Your shows helped me open my eyes realizing that mental issues can happen to anyone. I have always considered myself one of the strongest people I know, and there have been issues that have brought me to my knees, and it would have been much easier dealing with that knowing then what I know now. Thanks for helping me open my eyes to mental issues and increase my level awareness of both myself and others around me."

- Audience Member