• Leadership Resilience Re-imagined: From Hostage To Hero - The Sam Goodwin Story

    PEO Leadership's Eye of the Executive In-Person Series
    March 7th at 5:00PM EST- 181 Bay St, Toronto, Ontario
    REGISTER TODAY!

Why attend?

We are kicking off our 2024 Eye Of The Executive In-Person Series, in partnership with Aird & Berlis LLP, with an inspirational story that will change the way you look at your life forever. Join us for an inspiring evening, where we hear from Sam Goodwin, who was taken hostage in Syria and wrongfully imprisoned on false charges of espionage in 2019. His incredible journey of survival illustrates the extraordinary power of the human spirit. In his highly motivational and inspiring keynote, Sam will dive into essential lessons about resilience, perseverance, overcoming adversity, and embracing uncertainty.

Sam is an American entrepreneur, author and thought leader on embracing uncertainty. He has traveled to every country in the world. Today, Goodwin shares his experiences through speaking engagements worldwide. His passionate storytelling, unpredictable humor and authentic message make each presentation and interaction genuinely transformational.


This event is tailored specifically for CEOs and executives and is sure to provide insight into how uncertainty can be used to drive innovation, growth and success in your personal life. We hope you can join us and learn from Sam’s inspiring story. RSVP today to secure your spot!


Registration closes at 5:00PM EST on March 5th. Space is limited and only those who register will be able to attend. For more information, contact our head of marketing and events, Joanna Thommee at jthommee@peo-leadership.com

AGENDA

Join us for an evening of strategy, collaboration, connection and empowerment specifically designed for CEOs and senior executives.

5:00 PM - 5:30 PM
Check in & Registration
 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Keynote by Sam Goodwin on uncertainty and resilience
 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Networking Reception
REGISTER TODAY

Our Speakers

Sam Goodwin
Leon Goren
Sam Goodwin

Sam Goodwin

In 2019, Sam was taken hostage in Syria, leading US Government and intelligence officials to doubt whether he would ever be seen again alive. His incredible journey of survival illustrates the extraordinary power of the human spirit. As an inspirational speaker, his keynotes have inspired audiences and added value to hundreds or organizations around the world.

Sam earned a four-year ice hockey scholarship to Niagara University (New York) in 2008. He attributes the mental toughness, critical thinking and resilience garnered through a life of competitive athletics as crucial to his survival as a hostage. Goodwin moved to Singapore in 2012 to help launch a tech startup business and regional NGO. His focus included stakeholder management, media relations and non-profit partnerships. He has led humanitarian efforts across Asia, Africa and Latin America.

From 2010-2019, Sam traveled to all 193 United Nations’ sovereign countries and wrote about it on his blog. He particularly enjoys promoting the beauty and positivity of lesser-known and negatively-perceived places. Sam has visited all 50 US States and is a member of several extreme travel groups.

Goodwin holds Bachelor’s degrees in Communication Studies and French from Niagara University and a Master’s degree inInternational Affairs from Washington University in St. Louis. He is currently a Doctor of International Affairs candidate at the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) in Washington DC.
Leon Goren

Leon Goren

Leon Goren believes in purposeful leadership – the type that requires us to challenge the status quo, anticipate the future and be confident enough to step outside of our comfort zone to inspire and help those around us excel. His 25 years of leadership experience underscores his unique impact on the way leaders lead, learn and live, and his ability to understand their needs and challenges.

As the owner and CEO of PEO Leadership, Leon is dedicated to building communities of knowledgeable and respected business leaders by developing opportunities for shared insights and experience. Under his leadership, PEO is recognized as a premier executive leadership advisory community that positively influences the way leaders lead, learn and live.

Leon is also Toronto Chair of TIGER 21, where he leverages his experience to develop exceptional leaders working with high net worth individuals and families.

As founder and CEO of www.justwhiteshirts.com in 1997, Leon became one of Canada’s first online success stories, recognized for bringing the dot com retail experience to Canadians through a combination of online, catalog, and bricks and mortar channels.

Leon is an authority on leadership and business strategy as he is consistently invited to address various business audiences, including the graduating classes of Chartered Accountants. His thought leadership is published in the CA Magazine, The National Post and The Globe and Mail.

Leon is a current member of the Umbra and IHHP Advisory Boards. He is a former member of the North York Aquatic Club Board of Directors. Leon is a CPA, CA. He is married with children and is active in sports, including triathlons and skiing.

To connect with Leon, you can find him on Twitter and LinkedIn.

REGISTER TODAY!

About PEO Leadership & Member Stories

If you would like to hear more about the difference that PEO Leadership can make in your career and business trajectory, reach out! Our peer advisory and executive coaching services have significantly changed the lives of many leaders. We are here to maximize your potential. Contact Joanna Thommee at jthommee@peo-leadership.com for more details.

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