Results Are Human.
Most leadership strategies try to solve human challenges with systems, incentives, and pressure. They fall short because burnout, disengagement, and mistrust aren’t operational issues—they’re relational ones.
People don’t give their best because a strategy demands it.
They give their best when they feel safe, seen, and connected to the people they work with and for.
When leaders create environments where fear is reduced, trust is built, and relationships are prioritized, something powerful happens: friction drops, accountability rises, and performance becomes sustainable—not forced.
Leadership Is the Variable.
The LEAD HUMAN ™
keynote equips leaders to address the human dynamics beneath performance—turning connection, psychological safety, and relational credibility into the most reliable drivers of trust, retention, and results in times of constant pressure and change.
Drives Business Results
When leaders create trust, safety, and clarity at work.
They deliver stronger results consistently, sustainably, and with less friction.
And teams feel confident enough to engage, collaborate, and take ownership.
How Lead Human
Built for Leaders Who Need To
Drive performance without burning people out or relying on fear
Hold clear, human conversations when performance isn’t improving
Lead across generations, roles, and expectations with credibility
Reduce friction, silence, and avoidance inside their teams
Create accountability that people actually commit to
Stronger, more consistent execution under pressure
Higher retention and reduced leadership drag
Improved focus, energy, and psychological safety at work
Less time managing performance issues—and more time leading
Sustainable results driven by trust, clarity, and connection
What Organizations Gain
What Changes on Monday Morning?
You will have:
for understanding what’s really driving performance, engagement, and resistance—so leaders know where to focus their energy.
replacing pressure with trust, clarity, and accountability people actually commit to.
by addressing the human dynamics that cause burnout, disengagement, and quiet quitting.
A practical relational framework
Proven ways to raise performance without fear or punishment,
A clear strategy to reduce attrition and leadership drag
by motivating people through connection, credibility, and shared ownership—not one-size-fits-all tactics.
Tools to lead through complexity
and change
The Cost of Disconnection
The Business Case for
It costs far less to keep people than to replace them.
And the difference isn’t compensation—it’s how people experience leadership.
Leading Human
When trust erodes and people disengage, organizations pay a steep price.
Replacing a single employee costs an average of
150%
of their salary
A $150,000 role can cost
$225,000
to replace
Those costs show up in lost productivity, recruiting, onboarding, and leadership time (Source: Gallup, Forbes)
The Cost of Connection
Creating environments where people feel safe, valued, and supported costs far less.
Improving satisfaction and retention averages
7–8%
of salary
A $150,000 role requires roughly
$11,250
in investment to retain
That investment pays dividends in performance, loyalty, and execution
(Source: PayScale)
LEAD HUMAN CREATES
THE SHIFT
FROM
Pressure
to
Performance
Churn
Retention
Obligation
Buy-In
FROM
to
FROM
to
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."
