While defined and standardized techniques such as Human-Centered Design Thinking are important, they often fail to fully address root causes or yield sustainable answers. That’s why sharing examples of atypical and inspiring methodologies of problem-solving is invaluable to our HUBTALKS audience.
Instead of relying on standard PowerPoint presentations, we encourage our speakers to captivate the audience through immersive storytelling, interactive demonstrations, hands-on exercises, and compelling performances. Participants can expect to engage actively with the content and gain practical insights.
Join us for our next HUBTALKS and be part of a transformative dialogue that inspires creative and unconventional ways to find answers to pressing issues.
NEXT
DATE > October 1, 2026
TIME > 5–8pm
LOCATION > tbd
RSVP > Coming Soon
TOPIC > Harmony and Innovation
\\\ More info
SPEAKERS WANTED
We’re seeking authentic voices with personal stories. Our speakers share non-traditional approaches to problem solving—those that challenge conventions and inspire fresh perspectives. Whether through storytelling, demonstrations, performances, or moderated exhibitions, they present their experiences in formats that engage and captivate our audience, moving beyond standard presentations.
If you have an inspiring story, innovative methodology, or a unique perspective on problem-solving that you’d like to share, we’d love to hear from you!
Contact us below, and also sign up for our newsletter to receive speaker details and a RSVP reminder before the event.
Speaker
DIRECTORY
Welcome to the HUBTALKS Directory of speakers, creative industry partners, institutions, incubators, and talent. Learn about their creative work, projects, and research. Connect to continue the conversations about ‘What if…?’
Keisha Turner
Founder, AKWEKON
Speaker and social advocate, driven to challenge conventional thinking and to lead with bold action. A problem-solver with an intersectional focus, crafting innovative solutions that elevate others' understanding of the world.
(Hubtalks: 14.03.2024)
Michael Sanderson
Director, Arthur L. Irving
Entrepreneurship Centre at SMU
Expert in entrepreneurship, economic development, and business coaching - inspiring others to dream ‘business’.
(Hubtalks: 14.03.2024)
Vincent van den Brink
President, Breakhouse
Architect, restaurant owner and podcaster, discussing how ‘Design Makes Everything Better’.
(Hubtalks: 14.03.2024)
Duane Jones
Founder and Creative Director,
Art Pays Me
Brand developer, information manager and podcast host of ‘Changing the Narrative’, discussing race, culture and the challenges of creative entrepreneurship.
(Hubtalks: 14.03.2024)
Michael-Andreas Kuttner
President, Neato Entertainment
Cultural entrepreneur, digital / TV producer, creative director, operations executive, delivering interactive, educational and entertainment products.
(Hubtalks: 14.03.2024)
David Clark
Professor for Expanded Media, NSCAD University
Award-winning artist, filmmaker, digital explorer, radio producer, writer and a connoisseur of the intangible connection.
(Hubtalks: 14.03.2024)
Michael Maracle-Polak
President, AKWEKON and Executive Director for Pictou Landing First Nation
Passionate problem solver, who is driven by ideas with a unique approach, viewing the world. Michael is dedicated to collaborating with partners to empower indigenous communities through strategic development.
(Hubtalks: 14.03.2024)
Emo Ikede
Founder, Ejitech Solutions
Business Mentor & instructor, Project manager, YouTuber, author, real-estate & equity investor, motivational speaker. loves learning, sharing productivity, efficiency and money saving tips.
(Hubtalks: 23.09.2024)
Jess Myra
Design Lead and Manager
at Google Ai
Jess has been at the forefront of digital innovation across apps, websites, wearables and emerging technologies for notable companies like Nintendo, Nike, Samsung, Michael Kors, EA Sports, IDEO, Twitter and Google AI.
(Hubtalks: 23.09.2024)
Jordan Bennett
Professor for Expanded Media NSCAD University
Visual Artist creating art rooted in the act of visiting in Mi’kma’ki and beyond. His art takes many forms, and is often situated within the public realm, lending itself to discussions around contemporary Indigenous realities within urban and rural communities.
(Hubtalks: 23.09.2024)
Maddie Bristol
Founder, Plastarch Packaging
Maddie is a passionate social entrepreneur, who is addressing environmental and social challenges through innovative, profitable solutions. Her company Plastarch Packaging, offers a bioplastic alternative for restaurant food packaging and single-use cutlery.
(Hubtalks: 23.09.2024)
Shahriar Amin
Growth Coach in VOLTA, Board of Director in CEED
Founder of Wara Ventures, a company that supports visible minority immigrant-owned businesses with growth strategies. Shahriar is author of 2 Marketing books, and identifies as Proud Empath.
(Hubtalks: 27.11.2024)
Daneesha Provo
CEO and Founder, Daneesha Provo Canadian Basketball Academy
Former international basketball professional who uses the sport as a tool for education, growth, and global connection to empower young women.
(Hubtalks: 27.11.2024)
Desiree Juzdan Ghosn
Associate Certified Executive and Life Coach, Founder and Principal of INSIGHTS
As a strong advocate for women empowerment and community support she guides entrepreneurs, and immigrants in navigating challenges, developing leadership skills, and achieving sustainable success.
(Hubtalks: 27.11.2024)
Fantanesh Attomsa
Founder of Sacred Lotus Holistic Wellness and The Canadian BLUE Wellness Association
Creates therapeutic and inclusive spaces in underrepresented communities. Through her podcast, The Blue Room, she inspires deep conversations about self, life, and relationships.
(Hubtalks: 27.11.2024)
Fatu Kaba
Peace Activist and founder of FatuM and HEARTS Global Network
Focuses on empowering communities and amplifying underrepresented voices through education, entrepreneurship, and storytelling.
(Hubtalks: 27.11.2024)
Laura MacNutt
Owner of Kings PIER Vintage
As an Architect and Designer, Laura MacNutt is a passionate entrepreneur and promoter of the circular economy.
(Hubtalks: 27.11.2024)
Sonia Chow
Designer/Artist/Educator
Problem-solving and blurring the imaginary boundaries between art, craft and design.
(Hubtalks: 14.04.2025)
Sam Beckley
Masters of Architecture Student at Dalhousie University
Researching the integration of traditional woodworking techniques and contemporary digital manufacturing procedures.
(Hubtalks: 14.04.2025)
Jennifer Green
Associate Professor of Textiles, NSCAD University
Founder of the Flaxmobile Project, a collaborative project connecting local farms and craftspeople to revive a local flax industry in the Maritimes
(Hubtalks: 14.04.2025)
Emanuel Jannasch
Emanuel is a designer, maker, and consultant currently teaching at the Dalhousie School of Architecture.
(Hubtalks: 14.04.2025)
Ankur Dnyanmote
Medical Writer at Thermo Fisher
Educator, scientific system-thinker and communication expert around the topic of AI.
(Hubtalks: 14.04.2025)
Inquiries
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