In the 1980s Joe Roberts was homeless in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. Overcoming trauma and a history of emotional challenges, within twelve years, he literally went from Skid Row to CEO.

In this eye-opening presentation, Joe shares the critical role family and community support played in helping him overcome a lifelong struggle with substance use disorder and mental illness. 

Through the lens of his incredible transformation, audiences will be reminded that every person, including themselves, has enormous potential and they will leave feeling inspired to create safe spaces for others to learn, grow, and change. 

This program is perfect for leaders and teams who are:

• Seeing a rapid rise in sick leave, burnout, suicide, PTSD, substance use disorder, and depression in their organization
• Experiencing productivity decreases, increased sick days, quiet quitting, unmotivated staff, high turnover, or internal strife and tensions.
• Needing to build empathy-based leadership and a psychologically safe work environment.
• Unaware or unconcerned about the stigma and issues surrounding mental health, addiction, and suicide.

You will leave with:

• The motivation and tools to develop empathy-centered leadership and see the possibilities in everyone you meet.
• Simple steps you can take to create a safe space where people are seen and heard.
• Practical techniques for supporting the person AND challenging the behavior, including tools for conducting “Tough Stuff” Mental Health Conversations.