Grit and resilience keynotes for Canadian conferences
Adventurer, TV host and resilience speaker Paris Norriss helps Canadian organizations build the grit to keep performing when the plan breaks.
Tough conditions build tough teams
Canadian organizations operate across vast distances, demanding climates and fast-changing markets. Their people need staying power, not slogans.
Grit, the passion and perseverance to keep working toward a long-term goal, is what keeps teams moving when conditions turn hard.
Paris has tested grit on the Pacific, on the ice and on seven continents, and The Grit Code turns it into a practical framework.
Conferences and offsites that need to perform
Conferences & sales kickoffs
National conferences and SKOs in Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal and Calgary.
Energy & resources
Resilience for teams working in demanding conditions.
Leadership offsites
A shared language for pressure and a plan for leading through change.
Schools & universities
The Grit Generation program for students and young people.
Talks and formats
The Grit Code
Resilience and high performance from the Pacific, the ice and the start line.
The age of AI needs more grit
As AI reshapes work, the skill that never goes out of date is the ability to keep going when the plan breaks.
Grit Deconstruction workshop
A hands-on session for leadership teams and sales groups that maps where your team breaks under pressure and builds a plan to fix it.
Host / MC / panel
A TV presenter to keep your program on time and your audience engaged.
Tested at sea, on the ice and on stage
Shows in 123 countries
His adventure TV shows are distributed in 123 countries, and Guy in Dubai has 22 million views.
7 marathons, 7 continents
Ran seven marathons on seven continents in 5 days, 21 hours and 51 minutes.
Rowed the Pacific
In 2023 he rowed 4,800 km across the Pacific with three teammates, raising more than £150,000 for marine conservation.
Main stages
TEDx Amman to 4,000 people in a Roman theatre (October 2025), COP28 (December 2023) and Expo 2020 Dubai (2021).
Past audiences include the UN Tourism General Assembly, COP28 (December 2023), Expo 2020 Dubai (2021), TEDx Amman (October 2025), the US Army, DHL, Nokia and Durlston Partners.
In North America, Paris has given talks at Surfbreak in Honolulu and spoken to US Army soldiers at Fort Shafter, Hawaii. International clients include DHL, Nokia, IHG and Kraft Heinz.
Speaking in Canada, in person or virtually
Available for in-person events across Canada, or virtually in your local time zone.
Organizers typically book speakers about three months ahead, so get in touch early to secure your date.
The 30–45 minute virtual keynote suits teams spread across provinces.
From the organizers
Paris Norriss is a true adventurer and entrepreneur. He came to speak with our Soldiers in Hawaii to tell them stories on his adventures including his most recent, rowing across the Pacific Ocean to Kauai. His story showed our team what the world has to offer, to be resilient and how important teamwork can be especially in times of hardship.
I’ve had the privilege of witnessing Paris Norriss in action as a storyteller, motivator and a true catalyst for transformation. Through his powerful awe-inspiring adventures, he doesn’t just recount tales of endurance and grit, he lives them.
I had the pleasure of working with Paris during TEDxAmman, the largest TEDx event in the MENA region, where he joined us as one of our inspiring speakers. From the very start, he showed professionalism, positivity, and contagious enthusiasm that uplifted everyone around him.
Cities we cover in Canada
A grit keynote for Canadian stages
Canada’s corporate calendar runs through Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal and Calgary, with strong association, energy, finance and technology events nationwide. Organisers booking a grit speaker want someone who can work in English for mixed Canadian and international rooms and who brings proof from real challenges.
Paris Norriss is a keynote speaker on grit and mindset and CEO of Blazing Sand Studios. The Grit Code draws on the 7 marathons on 7 continents in 5 days, 21 hours and 51 minutes, and on the 2023 Pacific row of 4,800 km. His TV shows have been distributed in 123 countries.
Past clients include Nokia, DHL, Kraft Heinz, IHG, Dubai Airports, Expo 2020, COP28 and the UN Tourism General Assembly. He speaks in Canada in person or virtually.
Energy, finance, tech and leadership
- Energy and resources leadership events.
- Banking, insurance and professional services.
- Technology and AI transformation programmes.
- Sales kick-offs and annual conferences.
Formats include a 45–60 minute keynote, a virtual version, and the Grit Deconstruction workshop.
Cities we cover in Canada
Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal and Calgary. Other Canadian cities are available in person or virtually. All locations →
Why organisers book Paris
- 7 marathons on 7 continents in 5 days, 21 hours and 51 minutes.
- 2023 Pacific row of 4,800 km.
- TV shows in 123 countries; Guy in Dubai has 22 million views.
- CEO of Blazing Sand Studios.
- Clients including Nokia, DHL, Kraft Heinz, IHG, Dubai Airports, Expo 2020, COP28 and UN Tourism.
Queen’s University, Ontario
Paris has given talks at Queen’s University in Ontario. That is his confirmed Canadian speaking work so far. Canadian city and hub pages are also for organisers who want to book him elsewhere in the country, in person or virtually.
He is a keynote speaker on grit and mindset and CEO of Blazing Sand Studios. The Grit Code draws on the 7 marathons on 7 continents and the 2023 Pacific row of 4,800 km.
FAQ
Can I book Paris Norriss as a keynote speaker in Canada?
Yes. Paris speaks at conferences, sales kickoffs and leadership offsites across Canada, in person or virtually.
Has Paris spoken in North America?
Yes. In Canada he has given talks at Queen’s University in Ontario. In the US his only clients were in Hawaii: Surf Break, and the US military at Pearl Harbor.
Does Paris present in English?
Yes. Paris presents in English, and every talk is tailored in a briefing call for your audience.
Can Paris deliver virtually across Canadian time zones?
Yes. Virtual keynotes are scheduled in your local time zone, with expedition footage and live Q&A.
How far ahead should we book?
Organizers typically book speakers about three months ahead. Shorter notice is sometimes possible, so it is always worth asking.
How long is The Grit Code keynote?
The flagship keynote runs 45 to 60 minutes including Q&A. Paris also delivers 90-minute to half-day workshops and 30 to 45-minute virtual keynotes.
Does Paris speak in Canada?
Yes, in person or virtually. Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal and Calgary have dedicated pages.
Is a workshop available?
Yes. The Grit Deconstruction workshop runs from 90 minutes to half a day.
Can the keynote be virtual for Canadian teams?
Yes. A 30–45 minute virtual version is available in your local time zone.
Can Paris host as MC?
Yes. Many organisers book him to host and to give the keynote.
Who has Paris spoken for?
Past clients include Nokia, DHL, Kraft Heinz, IHG, Dubai Airports, Expo 2020, COP28 and the UN Tourism General Assembly.
Has Paris spoken in Canada?
Yes. He has given talks at Queen’s University in Ontario. He is also available for conferences and company events elsewhere in Canada.
Bring grit to your next event in Canada
Tell us the date, the city, the audience and what you want them to walk out with. You will get a straight answer on availability and fit. Prefer to talk first? Book a call.
More about Paris: About · The Grit Code · Contact