The Relational Edge
Connection Wins Where Control Fails.
Disconnection, burnout, and fear are eroding performance from the inside out. In a world of hybrid teams and high pressure, authority no longer inspires—connection does.
before correction, and you’ll trust, creativity, and unstoppable performance.
LEAD HUMAN
Invest
gain
framework, Dr. Stephen de Wit helps organizations
Through his
framework, Dr. Stephen de Wit helps organizations replace control with trust, turning relational intelligence into measurable performance.
replace control with trust, turning relational intelligence into measurable performance.
The Relational Edge is simple.
in connection
14%
higher productivity
Engaged, high-trust teams consistently outperform
Their people show:
78%
less absenteeism
21%-51%
Lower turnover
Source: Gallup’s State of the Global Workplace 2025
Dr. Stephen de Wit helps leaders master the human systems that drive every organization’s performance. With over two decades of experience working with high-level executives, teams, and individuals across diverse sectors—from corporate boardrooms to research with homeless veterans and dementia care communities—he brings a rare depth of insight into what truly builds trust and alignment.
Grounded in therapeutic practice and behavioral research, Stephen translates the science of human connection into practical leadership strategies that eliminate friction, deepen trust, and increase retention. His keynote, The "Human Edge", gives audiences a proven blueprint to lead human in a world defined by complexity, change, and disconnection.
Stephen is trusted by leaders from:
Stephen takes
organizations...
“FROM
Pressure & Paralysis
From workplaces running on fear and fatigue.
to”
Trust & Momentum
cultures energized by clarity, safety, and forward movement.
“FROM
Silence & Survival
From workplaces running on fear and fatigue.
to”
Honesty & Growth
teams thriving on openness, learning, and purpose-driven action.
“FROM
Control & Compliance
From leadership that manages tasks.
to”
Connection & Commitment
leadership that moves people—transforming fear into belonging and compliance into passion.
“FROM
Burnout & Blame
From Exhausted Teams Protecting Themselves.
to”
Safety & Strength
empowered teams supporting each other and performing at their peak.
Ready For Something Different?
Stephen’s keynotes deliver more than inspiration—they offer a human-first, research-backed approach that transforms how people connect, communicate, and perform.
Rooted in his Lead Human framework, Stephen draws from his work with executives, teams, and communities—from boardrooms to frontline care—to reveal the systems that truly drive trust, safety, and performance in modern organizations.
At the heart of every talk is one simple truth: when people feel safe, seen, and connected, they perform at their best.
It’s not soft. It’s strategic. And it’s the future of leadership.
Stephen’s keynotes will teach you how to:
- Build cultures of trust that thrive under pressure and change.
- Increase retention and loyalty through connection before control.
- Strengthen communication to align teams at every level.
Because when leaders learn to lead human—everything grows.
Dr. de Wit is a gifted professional speaker who knows how to educate and move crowds of all stripes. Stephen managed to be entertaining, funny and informative while always maintaining appropriateness. There should be no hesitation in booking him for your future events.
Dr. Anthony Mair
Orthodontic Specialist
Canadian Association of Orthodontists
You challenge people to ask themselves questions and you inspire and encourage people to lean into their own self-worth and believe that they are not only capable but deserving of a great life. You offer them a safe place to be themselves, open their hearts to new possibilities, and give them permission to prioritize their own lives and their own happiness.
Nicole Byrom
Health Promotions Manager
Canadian Celiac Association
Luisa Barton
Faculty & Coordinator, PHCNP Program
Graduate Studies, Toronto Metropolitan University
Your high energy, engaging and interactive delivery had our participants both learning and laughing. You were able to create a comfortable and safe space for people to share and ask questions. We have had nothing but positive feedback from the attendees.”
Your high energy, engaging and interactive delivery had our participants both learning and laughing. You were able to create a comfortable and safe space for people to share and ask questions. We have had nothing but positive feedback from the attendees.”
Luisa Barton
Faculty & Coordinator, PHCNP Program
Graduate Studies, Toronto Metropolitan University
Dr. de Wit is a gifted professional speaker who knows how to educate and move crowds of all stripes. Stephen managed to be entertaining, funny and informative while always maintaining appropriateness. There should be no hesitation in booking him for your future events.
Dr. Anthony Mair
Orthodontic Specialist
Canadian Association of Orthodontists
Michelle L. Hoesly
President
Million Dollar Round Table
"Your participation was instrumental in making the Annual Meeting a wonderful experience for our members. The Program Development Committee spent a great deal of time selecting the right people for our program. We are so grateful they selected YOU!"
"Your participation was instrumental in making the Annual Meeting a wonderful experience for our members. The Program Development Committee spent a great deal of time selecting the right people for our program. We are so grateful they selected YOU!"
Michelle L. Hoesly
President
Million Dollar Round Table
"Dr. de Wit's presentation featured a unique blend of professional expertise/knowledge, illuminating personal anecdotes, and a captivating sense of good humour that not only endeared him to his audience but demonstrated his ability to create a space in which people felt comfortable talking."
Kathleen Gamble, B.A., M.A., PhD.
Sessional Lecturer/Course Director
Trent Universit
Nicole Byrom
Health Promotions Manager
Canadian Celiac Association
"Your participation was instrumental in making the Annual Meeting a wonderful experience for our members. The Program Development Committee spent a great deal of time selecting the right people for our program. We are so grateful they selected YOU!"
"Dr. de Wit's presentation featured a unique blend of professional expertise/knowledge, illuminating personal anecdotes, and a captivating sense of good humour that not only endeared him to his audience but demonstrated his ability to create a space in which people felt comfortable talking."
Kathleen Gamble, B.A., M.A., PhD.
Sessional Lecturer/Course Director
Trent University
What a refreshing approach to a challenging topic, and one that should be shared with all! You presented in a manner that was both professional, comfortable and creative, while still getting your message across to the entire audience. That’s a hard combination to achieve, but you did it with style and ease. You would be a huge asset to ANY group who is looking for an amazing, one-of-a-kind speaker.
John Machido
Director
OCDSB
Michelle L. Hoesly
President
Million Dollar Round Table
"Your participation was instrumental in making the Annual Meeting a wonderful experience for our members. The Program Development Committee spent a great deal of time selecting the right people for our program. We are so grateful they selected YOU!"
What a refreshing approach to a challenging topic, and one that should be shared with all! You presented in a manner that was both professional, comfortable and creative, while still getting your message across to the entire audience. That’s a hard combination to achieve, but you did it with style and ease. You would be a huge asset to ANY group who is looking for an amazing, one-of-a-kind speaker.
John Machido
Director
OCDSB
Your high energy, engaging and interactive delivery had our participants both learning and laughing. You were able to create a comfortable and safe space for people to share and ask questions. We have had nothing but positive feedback from the attendees.”
Luisa Barton
Faculty & Coordinator, PHCNP Program
Graduate Studies, Toronto Metropolitan University
Kathleen Gamble, B.A., M.A., PhD.
Sessional Lecturer/Course Director
Trent Universit
"Dr. de Wit's presentation featured a unique blend of professional expertise/knowledge, illuminating personal anecdotes, and a captivating sense of good humour that not only endeared him to his audience but demonstrated his ability to create a space in which people felt comfortable talking."
