Mike Shoreman

First Athlete with Disabilities to Cross all 5 Great Lakes ~ Speaker ~ Author ~ Mental Health/Wellness ~ Disability Advocate ~ RCGS

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Mike Shoreman

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Mike Shoreman is a mental health and connection expert, professional speaker, coach, author, and advocate whose transformative journey has inspired audiences worldwide. As the subject of a multi-award-winning documentary and the founder of The Great Lakes Crossings campaign, Mike’s work is dedicated to raising awareness and driving change in mental health.

In 2018, Mike’s life took an unexpected turn when he was diagnosed with Ramsay Hunt Syndrome, a chronic neurological condition that stripped him of his mobility, speech, vision, hearing and dignity. Once a thriving entrepreneur, nationally recognized coach with Paddle Canada, and business leader, doctors told Mike he would never paddle board again. Overnight he lost his business, independence, financial stability, and social connections, leading to a mental health crisis. Refusing to accept this, Mike not only overcame his condition but set out to paddle board across all five of the Great Lakes, raising both funds and awareness for youth mental health. His remarkable story of resilience and transformation inspired the country from coast to coast to coast helping provide mental health programs and services for young Canadians and continues to empower individuals to create meaningful change in their own lives.

A passionate advocate, Mike has authored two best-selling books, and his story and work have been featured in prominent media outlets such as People Magazine, The Chicago Tribune, The National Post, CBC, and CTV. His Great Lakes Crossings campaign has helped provide mental health programs and services for thousands of youth across Canada.

Mike’s impact has been recognized with numerous prestigious awards, including the Mental Health Leadership Award from the Mood Disorder Society of Canada, the 2024 Changemaker of the Year Award from the Council of the Great Lakes Economic Growth Forum, and inclusion on the Global Most Influential Persons with Disabilities list by Diversability. He has also been honoured by the Prime Minister of Canada, received the King Charles III Coronation Medal, and had his paddle board inducted into The Canadian Canoe Museum in 2024.

Known for his engaging and inspiring speaking style, his keynotes are more than just talks—they are life-changing experiences that leave audiences motivated to unlock their potential, rethink their challenges, and make a lasting impact on both their professional and personal lives.

The 1 in 5 Statistic: Building Supportive Teams for Mental Health

In North America 1 in 5 will struggle with mental health challenges. In “Building Supportive Teams for Mental Health,” Mike addresses the critical need for mental health awareness and support within communities. This keynote is structured to guide the audience through practical steps using science based strategies to create a supportive and resilient environment.

Mike’s personal experiences and achievements highlight the importance of fostering inclusive communities, reducing stigma, and ensuring access to mental health services. He provides a roadmap for organizations to support their employees effectively and build environments where everyone can thrive.

Learning Objectives:
• Reflect on and evaluate one’s own mental health and wellness
• Identify barriers that prevent individuals from seeking help
• Break stigma and stereotypes associated with mental health
• Understand your strengths and how they can impact a team
• Improve resiliency by how we view life’s challenges

Ideal for All Organizations:
• Facing Significant Challenges: Boost morale and motivation in times of uncertainty
• Aiming to Build Resilience: Develop an environment that thrives on stability, innovation, and support
• Promoting Open Conversations About Mental Health and Well-Being
Documentary Screening of 'When Hope Breaks Through' and Q&A

A 90 minute documentary screening followed by a 15-20-minute Q&A/Interview “In Conversation With Mike Shoreman” by an interviewer-host of the client’s choice, plus a 10-20 minute moderated Q&A with the audience.

‘When Hope Breaks Through’ by Director Matthew Wagner is the inspiring story of Mike Shoreman, who was diagnosed with a neurological condition that left him paralyzed, with vertigo, hearing loss and vision challenges, ultimately leading to depression and a mental health breakdown. The film explores the mental health crisis and our relationships with our own mental health as it immerses the audience in Mike’s epic five crossings of the Great Lakes, encompassing over 300 kilometers of open water paddling with his dedicated crossings team. Together these strangers come together and form an inseparable bond as they face and conquer obstacles from boats breaking down, medical emergencies to hallucinations and everything in between.

The 1 in 5 Statistic: Building Supportive Teams for Mental Health

In North America 1 in 5 will struggle with mental health challenges. In “Building Supportive Teams for Mental Health,” Mike addresses the critical need for mental health awareness and support within communities. This keynote is structured to guide the audience through practical steps using science based strategies to create a supportive and resilient environment.

Mike’s personal experiences and achievements highlight the importance of fostering inclusive communities, reducing stigma, and ensuring access to mental health services. He provides a roadmap for organizations to support their employees effectively and build environments where everyone can thrive.

Learning Objectives:
• Reflect on and evaluate one’s own mental health and wellness
• Identify barriers that prevent individuals from seeking help
• Break stigma and stereotypes associated with mental health
• Understand your strengths and how they can impact a team
• Improve resiliency by how we view life’s challenges

Ideal for All Organizations:
• Facing Significant Challenges: Boost morale and motivation in times of uncertainty
• Aiming to Build Resilience: Develop an environment that thrives on stability, innovation, and support
• Promoting Open Conversations About Mental Health and Well-Being

Documentary Screening of 'When Hope Breaks Through' and Q&A

A 90 minute documentary screening followed by a 15-20-minute Q&A/Interview “In Conversation With Mike Shoreman” by an interviewer-host of the client’s choice, plus a 10-20 minute moderated Q&A with the audience.

‘When Hope Breaks Through’ by Director Matthew Wagner is the inspiring story of Mike Shoreman, who was diagnosed with a neurological condition that left him paralyzed, with vertigo, hearing loss and vision challenges, ultimately leading to depression and a mental health breakdown. The film explores the mental health crisis and our relationships with our own mental health as it immerses the audience in Mike’s epic five crossings of the Great Lakes, encompassing over 300 kilometers of open water paddling with his dedicated crossings team. Together these strangers come together and form an inseparable bond as they face and conquer obstacles from boats breaking down, medical emergencies to hallucinations and everything in between.

Testimonials

“We thoroughly enjoyed working with Mike, who was a keynote speaker at one of our events with the Inclusive Workplace Supply Council of Canada. I have highly recommended Mike to many of our partners and will continue to do so. His message is important and needs to be heard by all.”

Diedre Guy, Founder and CEO IWSCC
“I invited Mike to speak at Durham College after I saw his film ‘When Hope Breaks Through.’ He joined us at a time our community was reeling from the loss of a much-loved colleague. He not only delivered a strong and relevant message that resonated with students and staff alike, but he struck the right balance of sensitivity with our grieving community. Following, he spent time with students who saw him as a safe person to talk to. I recommend Mike wholeheartedly.”

Linda Flynn, Associate Vice President, Durham College
“Mike is an engaging and passionate speaker and storyteller whose ‘voice’ is authentic and crystal-clear about the struggles that people living with mental health live with daily. If you are looking for inspiration, motivation and insight into mental illness, wellness, overcoming and hope, Mike’s story is one that you need to hear.”

Shauna Moore, DEI Lead, Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences
“It was truly a privilege having Mike to speak to our teams. His documentary on disability awareness and the mental health crisis was eye-opening and inspiring to say the least. I believe everyone took something of value away from his screenings and Q and A as they or someone they know are dealing with injury or illness, physical or mental. Truly inspiring.”

Commander Keith Fugger, Ministry of National Defence