Stephane Grenier Profile Picture

Keynote SpeakerStephane Grenier

French-Canadian military officer known for his work on psychological war trauma and posttraumatic stress disorder

With decades of first-hand experience in addressing mental health for workplaces and 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... Read more

Biography

With decades of first-hand experience in addressing mental health for workplaces and 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

“At one of our recent CEO Roundtable Discussions, Stéphane Grenier shared practical ways in which we can help those silently struggling among us; ways by which we can improve not just our companies, but our society at large. I encourage every CEO…every leader… to take the time to learn more from Stéphane and his team at MHI. To do so may be both life-changing and life-saving.” John Wilson, Founder, CEO Global Network
“Now more than ever, the mental health of our people is a critical responsibility for all leaders. Stephane is a powerful speaker, who brings personal experience and academic rigour to the why and the how of promoting mental health. His presentation was among the most impactful I have seen in recent memory.” Sean Drygas, President, Bullfrog Power
“Stephane was the most inspiring speaker that my employees have ever had the pleasure of listening to. He was incredible and well worth the wait. I am already looking forward to next years event!” Adam Tyman, CEO Clintar
“The energy that was given to the audience was amazing! It was personal, not just a clinical talk. Absolutely FANTASTIC message. You kept a HUGE topic simple. And what you talked about made sense. It just made sense! Thank you!!” Renee Ruccolo, City of Wndsor
“I heard you speak at the safety conference in Winnipeg last week. Before you started I thought 'oh another mental health speaker' expecting to hear all the same dry terminologies we have heard at other similar events. I was delighted to discover this was not just another mental health speech - it was a refreshing approach to how we can help each other through the rough spots in life. I appreciated your message, value the investment you have made to our country in both your service in our military and the efforts you are making to improve others' lives. Thank you for making the last session of the day so enjoyable, even fighting off the flu I was able to laugh at your jokes and absorb some excellent info. Keep up the great work!”
“I wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed the last keynote speaker today (Jan 24), Stephane Grenier. Great speaker, GREAT TOPIC! Really helpful, fresh suggestions on a topic that's been discussed to death! (not easy to do!) Please pass my thanks on to Stephane!” Kathy Roberts, Safety Services Manitoba Conference

Popular Talks by Stephane Grenier

  • Unlocking the Potential of Your Greatest Mental Health Resource: Your People
    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...
  • Unlocking Better Mental Health: The Leadership Blueprint
    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. Join Stéphane Grenier, a distinguished leader with more than 4 decades of experience in the field, as he...
  • Taboo Unveiled: Exploring Suicide as a Mirror of Our Society's Shortcomings
    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. Enter Stéphane Grenier, a trailblazer in the realm of mental health, and...