Speaking

Keynote Topics

Keynote topic

Workplace Safety: What’s your WHY?

This keynote tells the story of Steve Howe’s early career in the construction industry. Like many workers, he never imagined he would fall victim to a workplace accident that would almost cost him his life.

Steve’s story of the tragic accident, his long recovery, and his return to work will inspire audiences to learn the reasons WHY Steve now works safely. Steve shares how he uses a combination of his experience as a Safety Director and the story of his avoidable accident to inspire his own team to work safely and how he achieves his number one professional goal; creating ZERO accident workplaces.

With 15 years on construction sites since his accident, Steve knows the safety challenges facing construction projects and the people working on them. His keynote not only inspires audiences to think about WHY they should work safely but he also shares how to establish a culture of safety by keeping it simple and making every word count.

Keynote topic

Know the WHY before the HOW

Steve Howe was a young man working in the construction industry when he suffered a tragic workplace accident. He woke from a three-month coma with a false sense of security that between his company, Worksafe and ICBC his financial needs would be covered … he was wrong.

This keynote gives a firsthand account of what happens to a real person that suffers a severe accident and inspires professionals in the financial services industry to pick up the phone and call their clients with renewed conviction. Steve and his audience will share tears, laughter and hope as he underscores the critical role they play in their clients’ lives. Through his personal experience, Steve will highlight the positive ripple effects that financial advisors can create in the lives of their clients vs the financial waves of change that impacted his own life and the lives of his family and friends.

Steve’s goal is to connect the “why” before the “how,” offering a unique perspective that will leave the audience compelled to advocate for comprehensive insurance planning. By the end of this keynote, attendees will understand the crucial role they play in safeguarding the future of those they serve and will feel a renewed conviction to promote the value of insurance to all.

Steve in action

Thank you for touching our organization.

We cannot begin to thank you for coming to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New Orleans District, and sharing your beautiful story and presentation on survival. It was not only moving, but it was relevant to all walks of life. Thank you so much for your transparency and your passionate delivery. I know that your presentation has had an amazing, positive impact on all our lives in one way or another. I am certain that for every person that was there, they shared your story with at least three people. Thank you for touching our organization.

US Army

People are looking at
their work and the risks differently

We have seen a significant increase in safety idea cards and reporting of near misses since you have
visited the facility. I consider this a significant advancement in our culture because people are looking at
their work and the risks differently. We are seeing our work differently and are less willing to accept
things that might be a risk, even if it isn’t an urgent risk at the moment. When we are out on the shop
floor discussing our risks/opportunities, your visit or something you said comes up in the conversation
frequently.

Caterpillar

We were very fortunate to hear your incredible story

Thank you so much for taking the time to speak at our Safety Summit. Your message meant a lot to our staff and really drove home the importance of safety, not only for yourself but also for your loved ones. Thank you for putting your entire self into the speech and being so vulnerable with us. We received such positive feedback from our staff about how these real-life examples are extremely meaningful and stay with you for a long time. We were very fortunate to hear from you and listen to your incredible story.

Hector Lopez, Operations Superintendent City of Saskatoon

Steve’s keynote speech left everybody in awe

I again wanted to express my sincere gratitude and heartfelt thank you to you both for your participation and presentation in our Health, Safety and Information Development Day Event yesterday. I have heard tremendous feedback from our staff and the day wouldn’t have been the successful day it was without Steve’s keynote speech that literally left everybody in awe. I can’t tell you how many people reached out to me after the event and this morning who bought your book and told their families/spouses about your story.

Enterra

It was very emotional – in a positive and impactful way

Our expectations were exceeded, and he had the audience in tears. It was very emotional – in a positive and impactful way. We were very happy with his keynote, and the event was a success.

City of Saskatoon

Thank you for helping us wake up our team

It went fantastic, our entire team was still talking about a couple days after. Thank you and Steve so much for helping us wake our team up.

City of Joe Hearn, Director of HSE and Streamline Logistics Hi-Way 9 Group of Companies

Steve’s presentation had a real impact

People were really affected by Steve’s presentation, including me. We had lots of comments about what a good keynote he was. A number of people told me his comment about the decisions you make today affecting people for years to come really resonated with them.

City Kim Eames, Director of Operations Environmental Operators Certification Program

Steve’s presentation went over very well with our audience

Steve’s presentation went over very well with our audience. His story kept everyone engaged and he did a good job getting the audience involved. He met our expectations for sure, he did a great job telling his story and the affects that it not only had on him, but the affects on his family, friends, social life…… We told him that we wanted to push the “WHY” we do things, and I believe he did a great job tailoring his presentation towards the message that we were trying to convey to our people.

SUNDT Health and Safety Director Operators Certification Program

Very motivating and genuine

Steve was great! Very motivating and genuine. He was able to engage the entire room and he delivered a very solid message that aligns with our safety program. Thank you so much for your excellent coordination as well. “Best safety meeting ever!”

Municipal District of Bonnyville No. 87

A guy with an attitude of gratitude

It is not hard to see, based off your presentation that you are passionate about keeping the people of our industry safe. I am truly grateful that you have taken your story/accident and turned it into an opportunity to share with the people throughout our industry. You are definitely doing your part to help others avoid future accidents. It is truly a miracle that you made it through your accident and now have a life second to none! I think goes without saying you are a guy with an “attitude of gratitude

J.B. Henderson Construction Company Inc

I believe you saved some lives in our company and we are grateful

Meeting you has motivated me to be a better leader and create a better safety culture at Aldridge. I have been told repeatedly by our employees, that by far this was the best safety meeting they have ever been to. I believe you saved some lives in our company and we are grateful. We are really looking forward to a couple more talks and want to get the rest of the company to hear your story

Aldridge

Steve’s presentation was a home run

It exceeded our expectation. He was clear concise and captivating. Jim and I both commented you could have heard a pin drop in the room everyone was so engaged! Thank you so much for the recommendations. I would highly recommend Steve to all our colleagues. He was very personable and even attended our meet and greet that evening to interact with our guests. His story was very compelling and left a lasting impression on all in attendance. I can’t say enough great things about your service and his presentation. Thanks so much and we look forward to working together in the future.

UA Local 496