Mike Shoreman

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

Request Mike

Mike Shoreman

Request Mike

Mike Shoreman’s life exemplifies persistence, resilience, and incredible transformation.

Renowned for his authenticity and influential mindset, Mike addresses how to confront
uncertainty and fear with positivity and success. As a gifted storyteller, he blends inspiration,
likability, and candor, offering practical solutions to challenging situations based on his
remarkable journey.

A nationally recognized coach with Paddle Canada, Mike’s life changed dramatically when he
was diagnosed with Ramsay Hunt Syndrome in 2018. This condition led to severe physical
impairments, including loss of mobility, hearing, and vision, chronic vertigo, and facial nerve
collapse, culminating in a mental health crisis.

After a grueling physical rehabilitation and mental health recovery, Mike found a new purpose.
Defying medical expectations, he returned to paddle boarding, ultimately making history in 2022
as the first person to paddle board across all five Great Lakes.

His journey supported national mental health organizations and raised significant awareness across
Canada and globally. Mike’s Great Lakes Crusade and his own experiences underscore that resilience
can be built through facing everyday challenges.

He works with organizations, corporate groups, and academic institutions to inspire audiences to push beyond their limits. Mike shares valuable lessons on maintaining positivity and focus amidst adversity, providing real-world examples that empower individuals and teams to achieve practical solutions for optimal outcomes.

Mike’s work has been recognized by the Ontario Legislative Assembly, the House of Commons and
the Prime Minister. He has been nominated twice for the Ontario Premier’s Award and received the Marg
Starzynski Mental Health Leadership Award from the Mood Disorder Society of Canada in 2022. In 2024,
his paddleboard from the Great Lakes crossings was inducted into The Canadian Canoe Museum. The
Council of the Great Lakes Region honoured Mike with The Changemaker of the Year Award in 2024.

What to Expect

Embark on a journey through Mike’s remarkable narrative of triumph over adversity, mastery of
adaptation, and cultivation of an indomitable mindset. Trusted by esteemed corporations,
government agencies and educational institutions, Mike epitomizes the inexhaustible potential
of the human spirit. Emerging from a harrowing physical and mental health breakdown that
threatened his very existence, he defied the odds, using the experience as a springboard for
transformational growth.

Today, as a record-breaking Disabled Adventurer, Mike shatters preconceived notions of what’s
achievable for individuals of all abilities. Prepare to be moved, motivated, and transformed as Mike’s signature keynotes ignite a powerful call to action, emphasizing the pivotal roles of resilience, adaptability, and unyielding determination.

His presentations transcend mere speeches, immersing audiences in unforgettable experiences. Seamlessly weaving together compelling narratives with profound insights, connecting with audiences leaving them
with tangible strategies and solutions. Each engagement is crafted to captivate, educate, and inspire, leaving a lasting imprint on every attendee’s journey towards personal and professional excellence.

Adjusting Your Sails in Uncharted Waters: Resilience Strategies For When Times Get Tough

In the dynamic and ever-evolving workforce, unforeseen challenges can leave teams feeling lost. “Adjusting Your Sails in Uncharted Waters” is more than just a story — it’s a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit, brought to life by Mike Shoreman. Mike is a highly sought-after speaker whose incredible journey inspires and empowers.

Mike is a trailblazer, celebrated as the first Disabled Adventurer to cross all five Great Lakes. His journey from overcoming a life altering neurological disorder to achieving extraordinary feats has garnered global recognition and admiration.

As an award-winning speaker, best-selling author, and leading mental health advocate, Mike’s insights into resilience are invaluable for any organization navigating through turbulent times.

Learning Outcomes

• Practical Strategies for Tough Times
• Building and Nurturing Support Networks
• Embracing Change and Innovation
• Setting and Celebrating Small Wins
• Maintaining a Positive Mindset

Ideal for Corporations, Associations, Educators, College/University/Sports Teams:

• Facing Significant Challenges: Boost morale and motivation in times of uncertainty.
• Aiming to Build Resilience: Develop a corporate culture that thrives on stability, innovation and support.
• Leaders Seeking to Inspire: Equip your workforce with the mindset and tools to achieve goals and maintain positivity despite adversities
Mastering Resilience: The Backbone of Business Success

In “Mastering Resilience,” Mike shares invaluable insights gleaned from his extraordinary achievements and experiences on the frontlines of resilience. This keynote is designed to empower your team, connect them to their purpose, and drive them to persevere through adversity.

Mike’s journey from a business leader devastated by a life altering disability to a record-breaking athlete and mental health champion offers profound lessons on resilience and high-performance team dynamics.

His story resonates deeply with corporate audiences, providing practical strategies and inspiration to tackle business challenges head-on.

Learning Outcomes
• Building Resilient Teams to Bounce Back Quickly
• Turning Setbacks into Comebacks
• Empowering Leadership to Take Inspired Action

Ideal For Corporations/Associations/Sports Teams/Education
• Teams Facing High Pressure: Equip your team with the resilience tools needed to excel under pressure and navigate challenges effectively.
• Organizations Seeking to Enhance Performance: Build a resilient corporate/team culture that drives high performance and innovation.
• Leaders Aiming to Inspire: Empower leaders with the strategies to inspire and lead resilient teams that thrive in adversity.
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 Outcomes:

• 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.

Adjusting Your Sails in Uncharted Waters: Resilience Strategies For When Times Get Tough

In the dynamic and ever-evolving workforce, unforeseen challenges can leave teams feeling lost. “Adjusting Your Sails in Uncharted Waters” is more than just a story — it’s a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit, brought to life by Mike Shoreman. Mike is a highly sought-after speaker whose incredible journey inspires and empowers.

Mike is a trailblazer, celebrated as the first Disabled Adventurer to cross all five Great Lakes. His journey from overcoming a life altering neurological disorder to achieving extraordinary feats has garnered global recognition and admiration.

As an award-winning speaker, best-selling author, and leading mental health advocate, Mike’s insights into resilience are invaluable for any organization navigating through turbulent times.

Learning Outcomes

• Practical Strategies for Tough Times
• Building and Nurturing Support Networks
• Embracing Change and Innovation
• Setting and Celebrating Small Wins
• Maintaining a Positive Mindset

Ideal for Corporations, Associations, Educators, College/University/Sports Teams:

• Facing Significant Challenges: Boost morale and motivation in times of uncertainty.
• Aiming to Build Resilience: Develop a corporate culture that thrives on stability, innovation and support.
• Leaders Seeking to Inspire: Equip your workforce with the mindset and tools to achieve goals and maintain positivity despite adversities

Mastering Resilience: The Backbone of Business Success

In “Mastering Resilience,” Mike shares invaluable insights gleaned from his extraordinary achievements and experiences on the frontlines of resilience. This keynote is designed to empower your team, connect them to their purpose, and drive them to persevere through adversity.

Mike’s journey from a business leader devastated by a life altering disability to a record-breaking athlete and mental health champion offers profound lessons on resilience and high-performance team dynamics.

His story resonates deeply with corporate audiences, providing practical strategies and inspiration to tackle business challenges head-on.

Learning Outcomes
• Building Resilient Teams to Bounce Back Quickly
• Turning Setbacks into Comebacks
• Empowering Leadership to Take Inspired Action

Ideal For Corporations/Associations/Sports Teams/Education
• Teams Facing High Pressure: Equip your team with the resilience tools needed to excel under pressure and navigate challenges effectively.
• Organizations Seeking to Enhance Performance: Build a resilient corporate/team culture that drives high performance and innovation.
• Leaders Aiming to Inspire: Empower leaders with the strategies to inspire and lead resilient teams that thrive in adversity.

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 Outcomes:

• 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