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Anthony McLean, Culture, Wellness & Inclusion

Diversity, Anti-Racism and Mental Health Speaker, Master Storyteller, Actor

Anthony McLean, Culture, Wellness & Inclusion
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Anthony McLean, Culture, Wellness & Inclusion

Called a “master storyteller,” Anthony McLean delivers lively, actionable presentations on Culture, Wellness, and Inclusion. He’s worked with leading organizations such as PepsiCo, AT&T, Intel, TD Bank, Coca-Cola, and more. McLean shows audiences how human connection is the key to boosting individual and team performance.

A respected voice in his field, McLean has delivered hundreds of inspiring talks across the world, rocking the stage at conferences, colleges, and corporate events. His clients have ranged from charities and non-profits to Fortune 500s, all benefitting from his research-backed tools and actionable strategies that leave them inspired and equipped to bring their best every day. In 2024, McLean released his first book, All Fired Up: Optimize Mental Health to Ignite Joy and Fuel Peak Performance.

A Canadian transplant to Los Angeles, Anthony also works in the film and television industry. As a screenwriter, he is currently in development on two feature films. He lives with his wife, their two kids, and an impressive collection of 90s movies.

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Presentations

  • Microaggressions and Their Impact on Mental Health

    Microaggressions are often compared to paper cuts—seemingly small, but painful when they accumulate. In this dynamic talk, Anthony McLean unpacks the hidden harm of microaggressions in the workplace, encouraging participants to approach these situations with positive intent. Rather than focusing on “cancel culture,” this session emphasizes building a respectful, inclusive environment where everyone is called to a higher level of communication. Through engaging stories and practical strategies, Anthony explores how small acts of exclusion affect employee mental health, performance, and sense of belonging. Walk away with the tools to foster self-awareness, support inclusive interactions, and build a positive workplace culture where everyone feels valued.

    Learning Outcomes
    • Recognize and address common microaggressions to create a more inclusive workplace.
    • Understand the cumulative impact of “subtle acts of exclusion” on mental health and performance.
    • Learn actionable ways to respond as a target, bystander, or when you’ve inadvertently caused a microaggression.

  • Culture, Wellness, and Inclusion: The Pillars of Workplace Belonging

    Imagine a workplace where everyone feels valued and supported, where diversity and mental wellness are not just initiatives but integral parts of the culture.

    Join Anthony McLean as he delves into the foundational element that bridges these two vital areas: workplace culture.

    Discover why a culture that values inclusion is essential for leveraging diversity, and how collective wellness habits can significantly improve workplace performance.

    Anthony will share practical strategies for fostering an inclusive and supportive environment, helping organizations create workplaces where everyone can thrive. Through engaging stories and actionable insights, this keynote will equip you with the tools to build a healthier, more inclusive workplace culture.

    Learning Outcomes
    • Discover actionable insights for both personal self-care and collective wellness habits.

    • Learn how to approach mental health and diversity through the lens of empathy.

    • Understand why self-awareness is critical for successful wellness and inclusion initiatives.

  • Fire Up Your Mental Health!

    How can we regain our enthusiasm, recapture our joy, and get the pep back in our step at work and at home? Mental health encompasses more than just dealing with stress; it’s about maintaining high energy levels, clear thinking, and a joyful approach to each day.

    In this upbeat and inspiring presentation, Anthony McLean provides practical tools to boost your energy, enhance your creativity, and infuse your daily routine with enthusiasm and purpose. Discover the secrets to optimizing your mental well-being and transforming your life.

    Learning Outcomes:
    Learning Outcomes:
    • Discover healthy coping strategies to manage stress and enhance resilience.

    • Understand the vital role of exercise, sleep, hydration, and nutrition in overall wellness.

    • Develop a supportive mental health routine to maintain peak performance and joy.

  • Storytelling Masterclass

    (40 min keynote or half-day workshop)
    Information is cheap. Attention is expensive. Stories cut through the clutter. From sales pitches to team meetings, storytelling transcends mere data and engages our emotions, making us feel connected and inspired.

    Join Anthony McLean, a professional screenwriter and author, as he unveils the transformative potential of storytelling in the corporate world.

    In this captivating presentation, Anthony shares practical insights to help you unlock the power of storytelling in every facet of your communication journey. From understanding story structure to infusing emotion and empathy, discover how storytelling can elevate your message and leave a lasting impact.

    Learning Outcomes:
    • Learn how to make dull information exciting by infusing it with the power of storytelling.

    • Learn Anthony’s “No S.W.E.A.T.” framework to tell any story in a captivating way.

    • Understand the essential do’s and don’ts of effective storytelling

  • Diversity: The Secret Power Behind High Performing Teams

    Diverse teams are two times more likely to meet financial targets, three times more likely to be high-performing, and six times more likely to be innovative and agile. Diversity is a competitive advantage! But barriers to career advancement have limited underrepresented communities in significant ways.

    In this lively and interactive presentation, Anthony McLean challenges participants to think critically about unconscious bias, microaggressions, and other hindrances to creating an inclusive workplace culture. Finally, he offers actionable strategies to hire, promote, and protect under-represented people groups within our organizations.

    Learning Outcomes:
    •Learn how to move from being “non-racist” to becoming “anti-racist”
    •Understand the difference between “cancel culture” and “accountability”
    •Harness the power of being an ally in your circle of influence

  • Black History: Then and Now

    The past few years have put the reality of anti-black racism on full display. People everywhere are asking how they can be allies in dismantling racism. In this upbeat and inspiring presentation, Anthony celebrates the struggles, adversity, and contributions of people of African descent and reflects on how far we’ve come as a society. He leaves the audience with an inspiring call to action on how each and every person can create a workplace, community and school community where everyone belongs.

    Learning Outcomes:
    •Learn how to approach racial equity through the lens of empathy
    •Understand the impact systemic racism has on mental health
    •Learn practical strategies for becoming an ally to the Black community

  • In Celebration of Educators and Administrators

    This is an encouraging, morale-boosting talk to inspire educators and administrators who give their best every day.

    Teachers and administrators are often overwhelmed and sometimes feel burnt out by the end of the week. In the midst of a busy year, it’s easy to forget that the daily interactions we have with students are sometimes the most valuable moments of our day.

    In this laugh-out-loud presentation, Anthony McLean tells funny and inspiring stories about the teachers and administrators who changed his life by acknowledging his effort, encouraging his strengths, and pushing him to give his best. Every educator needs this reminder — the reward for not giving up on our students is the ability to make a difference and change the world one student at a time.

Microaggressions and Their Impact on Mental Health

Microaggressions are often compared to paper cuts—seemingly small, but painful when they accumulate. In this dynamic talk, Anthony McLean unpacks the hidden harm of microaggressions in the workplace, encouraging participants to approach these situations with positive intent. Rather than focusing on “cancel culture,” this session emphasizes building a respectful, inclusive environment where everyone is called to a higher level of communication. Through engaging stories and practical strategies, Anthony explores how small acts of exclusion affect employee mental health, performance, and sense of belonging. Walk away with the tools to foster self-awareness, support inclusive interactions, and build a positive workplace culture where everyone feels valued.

Learning Outcomes
• Recognize and address common microaggressions to create a more inclusive workplace.
• Understand the cumulative impact of “subtle acts of exclusion” on mental health and performance.
• Learn actionable ways to respond as a target, bystander, or when you’ve inadvertently caused a microaggression.

Culture, Wellness, and Inclusion: The Pillars of Workplace Belonging

Imagine a workplace where everyone feels valued and supported, where diversity and mental wellness are not just initiatives but integral parts of the culture.

Join Anthony McLean as he delves into the foundational element that bridges these two vital areas: workplace culture.

Discover why a culture that values inclusion is essential for leveraging diversity, and how collective wellness habits can significantly improve workplace performance.

Anthony will share practical strategies for fostering an inclusive and supportive environment, helping organizations create workplaces where everyone can thrive. Through engaging stories and actionable insights, this keynote will equip you with the tools to build a healthier, more inclusive workplace culture.

Learning Outcomes
• Discover actionable insights for both personal self-care and collective wellness habits.

• Learn how to approach mental health and diversity through the lens of empathy.

• Understand why self-awareness is critical for successful wellness and inclusion initiatives.

Fire Up Your Mental Health!

How can we regain our enthusiasm, recapture our joy, and get the pep back in our step at work and at home? Mental health encompasses more than just dealing with stress; it’s about maintaining high energy levels, clear thinking, and a joyful approach to each day.

In this upbeat and inspiring presentation, Anthony McLean provides practical tools to boost your energy, enhance your creativity, and infuse your daily routine with enthusiasm and purpose. Discover the secrets to optimizing your mental well-being and transforming your life.

Learning Outcomes:
Learning Outcomes:
• Discover healthy coping strategies to manage stress and enhance resilience.

• Understand the vital role of exercise, sleep, hydration, and nutrition in overall wellness.

• Develop a supportive mental health routine to maintain peak performance and joy.

Storytelling Masterclass

(40 min keynote or half-day workshop)
Information is cheap. Attention is expensive. Stories cut through the clutter. From sales pitches to team meetings, storytelling transcends mere data and engages our emotions, making us feel connected and inspired.

Join Anthony McLean, a professional screenwriter and author, as he unveils the transformative potential of storytelling in the corporate world.

In this captivating presentation, Anthony shares practical insights to help you unlock the power of storytelling in every facet of your communication journey. From understanding story structure to infusing emotion and empathy, discover how storytelling can elevate your message and leave a lasting impact.

Learning Outcomes:
• Learn how to make dull information exciting by infusing it with the power of storytelling.

• Learn Anthony’s “No S.W.E.A.T.” framework to tell any story in a captivating way.

• Understand the essential do’s and don’ts of effective storytelling

Diversity: The Secret Power Behind High Performing Teams

Diverse teams are two times more likely to meet financial targets, three times more likely to be high-performing, and six times more likely to be innovative and agile. Diversity is a competitive advantage! But barriers to career advancement have limited underrepresented communities in significant ways.

In this lively and interactive presentation, Anthony McLean challenges participants to think critically about unconscious bias, microaggressions, and other hindrances to creating an inclusive workplace culture. Finally, he offers actionable strategies to hire, promote, and protect under-represented people groups within our organizations.

Learning Outcomes:
•Learn how to move from being “non-racist” to becoming “anti-racist”
•Understand the difference between “cancel culture” and “accountability”
•Harness the power of being an ally in your circle of influence

Black History: Then and Now

The past few years have put the reality of anti-black racism on full display. People everywhere are asking how they can be allies in dismantling racism. In this upbeat and inspiring presentation, Anthony celebrates the struggles, adversity, and contributions of people of African descent and reflects on how far we’ve come as a society. He leaves the audience with an inspiring call to action on how each and every person can create a workplace, community and school community where everyone belongs.

Learning Outcomes:
•Learn how to approach racial equity through the lens of empathy
•Understand the impact systemic racism has on mental health
•Learn practical strategies for becoming an ally to the Black community

In Celebration of Educators and Administrators

This is an encouraging, morale-boosting talk to inspire educators and administrators who give their best every day.

Teachers and administrators are often overwhelmed and sometimes feel burnt out by the end of the week. In the midst of a busy year, it’s easy to forget that the daily interactions we have with students are sometimes the most valuable moments of our day.

In this laugh-out-loud presentation, Anthony McLean tells funny and inspiring stories about the teachers and administrators who changed his life by acknowledging his effort, encouraging his strengths, and pushing him to give his best. Every educator needs this reminder — the reward for not giving up on our students is the ability to make a difference and change the world one student at a time.

Testimonials

  • "Anthony McLean is an extraordinary keynote speaker whose authentic storytelling and powerful insights captivate audiences from start to finish. His ability to connect on a deeply personal level leaves a profound and lasting impact, inspiring positive change and sparking meaningful conversations. Anthony's presentations are not just heard, but truly felt, making him an unforgettable force on any stage!"

    Anthony McLean, Culture, Wellness & Inclusion Vanessa Lo, Colleague Experience Associate, TD Bank Group
  • "We recently held an event with 300+ leaders at PepsiCo Canada on the topic of Diversity and Inclusion. Anthony delivered a powerful presentation for us and the feedback has been outstanding. One thing I appreciated was how he was able to weave in our core values throughout the talk. Most importantly, Anthony gave our leaders real-world actions to do the work of anti-racism. An all-around excellent presentation!"

    Anthony McLean, Culture, Wellness & Inclusion Dave Moncur, Vice President, Human Resources, PepsiCo Canada
  • "Anthony's virtual presentations have been so helpful to us as we work to create a culture that fosters caring, wellness, diversity and inclusion. He is incredibly gifted at connecting with people in a way that reaches them at their level and lifts them higher -- which is especially hard to do virtually! He navigates difficult subjects with respect, grace, and humour. Feedback from our team has been overwhelmingly positive!"

    Anthony McLean, Culture, Wellness & Inclusion Alex Meers, Director of Employee Experience, Real Matters/Solidifi
  • "Anthony is a master storyteller! He’s got the gift of entertaining while educating on such important matters as understanding unconscious bias and how to be “anti-racist”. Anthony was a pleasure to work with, he seamlessly incorporated our company’s Mission, Vision, Values into his presentations, making them all the more relevant to our audience. If you want to have a meaningful conversation about Diversity & Inclusion with your employees, I’d highly recommend you bring Anthony in."

    Anthony McLean, Culture, Wellness & Inclusion Stephen Satchel, Chief People Officer, Coca-Cola Canada Bottling Limited
  • "Anthony is an energetic, charismatic, and engaging speaker. As industry leaders and professionals, his message is one we need to hear, digest, and propagate to the highest levels possible."

    Anthony McLean, Culture, Wellness & Inclusion Tanya Diedrick, President, Ontario Risk & Insurance Management Society
  • "We had the privilege of having Anthony speak to our firm and clients about the power of diverse teams, and we were thrilled with the presentation. Anthony is an incredibly engaging speaker, and he addressed some really serious and important issues around anti-Black racism in such an approachable way. There were so many practical tips, strategies and takeaways, and we received excellent feedback. We would not hesitate to have him back to the firm to speak again."

    Anthony McLean, Culture, Wellness & Inclusion Zoë Paliare, Assistant Director of Professional Resources, Cassels Borck & Blackwell LLP
  • "You truly have a gift for reaching through the screen and connecting with people. You listened so carefully to what we shared in our briefing and applied it in the most personal, inspirational, and moving way. You literally brought us to tears. It was, by far, the best keynote we have ever had the pleasure to share with our group."

    Anthony McLean, Culture, Wellness & Inclusion Barbara Glass, Executive Director, College Sector Committee for Adult Upgrading

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