STÉPHANE
GRENIER

large organizations, Stéphane Grenier stands as a true pioneer in the field. His journey is marked by a remarkable 30-year military career, including service in various parts of the world, such as Lebanon, Haiti, Kuwait, Rwanda, Cambodia, and Kandahar, Afghanistan. Upon retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel, he transitioned to a new role as the CEO of a company that exclusively employs individuals who have grappled with mental health issues, making his insights deeply personal and profoundly transformative.

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Having weathered his own struggles with mental ill-health, enduring moments that brought him perilously close to the brink of suicide, Stéphane's journey has imbued him with a profound understanding of this prevalent issue in our society. He doesn't just talk the talk; he walks the walk.

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Throughout his extensive career, Stéphane has engaged with organizations from all sectors of the economy, introducing innovative, "outside-the-box" solutions that challenge the status quo. His keynotes are not mere churning out of common knowledge; they are catalysts for introspection and paradigm shifts.

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Stéphane's groundbreaking work is multifaceted as a CEO, author, and the founder of Mental Health Innovations (MHI), a consultancy dedicated to provoking game-changing action to address mental health in organizations. He's been honored with the Order of Canada and bestowed with two honorary Doctor of Laws degrees, testaments to his extraordinary contributions to the mental health landscape.

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In his memoir, "After the War: Surviving PTSD and Changing Mental Health Culture," Stéphane narrates his riveting journey from the Rwandan genocide to reshaping his own workplace culture to prioritize mental health, with a special emphasis on rehumanizing the recovery process. As the architect of national Guidelines for Peer Support, he has set new standards for compassionate care and support for people. Stéphane's work transcends the clinical realm, advocating for a culture of compassion and support, enriching the lives of individuals from all walks of life.

 

Stéphane's keynotes inspire not only leaders but individuals at every level, fostering personal growth, resilience, and positive mental health. His remarkable journey, coupled with his extraordinary vision, invites everyone to be a part of the transformation towards enhanced well-being.

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​1. UNLOCKING THE POTENTIAL OF YOUR GREATEST MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCE: YOUR PEOPLE

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In today's rapidly evolving work landscape, mental health concerns have emerged as the predominant cause of disability claims, encompassing a substantial 70% of workplace disability management expenses in Canada. Stéphane Grenier, a seasoned visionary in the field, brings firsthand insights into the profound impact of mental health issues on both individuals and organizations.

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Traditionally, the workplace has primarily approached mental health challenges from two distinct angles: the performance dimension and the clinical aspect. Clinicians diagnose and treat symptoms, while leaders manage employee behaviors. However, in the face of this growing crisis, Grenier's keynote directly confronts these old paradigms, modernizing our thinking as to what humans need the most - human connection, empathy, and compassion.

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Drawing upon an extensive background spanning decades, dedicated to transforming how major public and private organizations nurture the well-being of their workforce, Grenier provides invaluable guidance tailored for leaders. His mission is to steer organizations toward fostering corporate cultures that embrace openness and destigmatize discussions about mental health, emphasizing the fundamental importance of human connection, empathy, and compassion in building a healthier, more resilient workforce.

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By interweaving personal narratives, compelling corporate case studies, cutting-edge research findings, and impassioned pleas for a paradigm shift, Stéphane challenges us to ponder the apparent oversight. How did we overlook the most evident factor - our people, and their need for genuine human connection, empathy, and compassion?

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2. UNLOCKING BETTER MENTAL HEALTH: THE LEADERSHIP BLUEPRINT

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In today's dynamic and demanding work environments, the impact of leadership on employee well-being cannot be understated. Discover how effective leadership can be the linchpin for improved mental health outcomes in organizations.

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Join Stéphane Grenier, a distinguished leader with more than 4 decades of experience in the field, as he unravels the leadership blueprint for nurturing positive mental health. Drawing from his extensive journey, Grenier delves into the specific attributes, habits, and leadership styles that set the stage for better outcomes for employees.

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This keynote transcends the usual rhetoric, as Grenier seamlessly blends his personal experiences and professional insights. His message is clear: effective leadership is not about titles, but about fostering a culture that genuinely supports and values people.

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Through compelling narratives, real-world examples, and data-backed insights, Grenier showcases the key behaviors that unlock better mental health within teams and organizations. He challenges preconceived notions and offers practical advice that can be implemented right away.

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Attendees will leave this keynote with a deep understanding of the critical role leadership plays in shaping the mental health landscape. They will be equipped with a toolkit of strategies and best practices to instill within their organizations, ensuring healthier and more productive workplaces.

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Stéphane Grenier's presentation is a call to action, an invitation to embrace leadership as a force for positive change in the realm of mental health. Join this transformative discussion to pave the way for a future where leaders champion the well-being of their teams, and mental health is not just a policy but a core organizational value.

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3. TABOO UNVEILED: EXPLORING SUICIDE AS A MIRROR OF OUR SOCIETY'S SHORTCOMINGS

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In today's complex world, mental health challenges have assumed a position of prominence, affecting workplaces and individuals alike. Among the most delicate and taboo subjects is suicide, the ultimate consequence of our collective inability to provide adequate support.

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Enter Stéphane Grenier, a trailblazer in the realm of mental health, and a seasoned leader with more than 4 decades of experience. His keynote doesn't shy away from addressing the elephant in the room. Instead, it unapologetically dives deep into the intricacies of this often-avoided subject.

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Sharing from his personal journey, Grenier offers a fresh perspective, one that goes beyond traditional paradigms of mental health. He has traversed the darkest corners of despair, finding himself on the precipice of suicide four times. Drawing from these harrowing experiences, he compels the audience to reevaluate their preconceived notions about this critical issue.

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Through powerful narratives, compelling case studies, and unearthing the most recent research, Grenier prompts us to acknowledge the stark truth: Suicide is a reflection of our collective failures to support those who are suffering. It's not merely an individual's struggle; it's a systemic problem that necessitates a collective response.

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This keynote is not for the faint of heart. It is for individuals, leaders, and communities ready to confront the uncomfortable reality and spark a change. It empowers attendees with the knowledge and insights they need to better understand, support, and address suicide in the workplace, their communities, and society as a whole.

 

Stéphane Grenier's compelling narrative is a call to action, a journey towards creating a more compassionate and empathetic world. It challenges us to acknowledge the pain and suffering that often remains hidden in the shadows and inspires us to step into the light, embrace the discomfort, and collectively transform the way we approach mental health and suicide.