ACT ONE

Bridging the Mind Gap

"Fabulous! . . . 10/10 recommend."
“She was fantastic . . . very vulnerable with her story. It was a great eye opener.”
“Very entertaining in the best way possible!”

~ Audience Feedback Survey, OMGMA Conference, September 2025

What if “common sense” was never actually common at all?

The way we think, process, and experience the world is as individual as we are; so why do we keep insisting everyone be the same?

Start your conference on a high-impact note with a keynote that’s as thought-provoking as it is entertaining! Bridging the Mind Gap unpacks the unseen barriers of cognitive diversity that can quietly undermine collaboration, innovation, and engagement; and offers a surprisingly refreshing framework to overcome them.

With her signature blend of wit, warmth, and engaging flair, award-winning speaker and neuroinclusion specialist Kristin Light brings a refreshingly real (and surprisingly fun!) look at how our brains, biases, and beliefs shape the way we work; challenging long-held ideals of professionalism and offering startling insights into how assumptions of a common “normal” can leave brilliant minds unheard and unseen. Through insightful storytelling, accessible research, and a handful of nostalgic toys, Kristin illustrates how our workplaces – much like our minds – thrive not through conformity but through connection: where expectations are clear, empathy is exchangeable, and possibilities are endless.

Whether you're navigating communication challenges, advancing DEI goals, or simply trying to work better together, this unique kick-off experience bridges the gaps between us with a fresh, funny, and deeply moving take on what it means to really see each other – and ourselves – in an uncommonly new light.

Learning Outcomes:

• Recognize the hidden impact of assumptions
• Apply clarity and empathy as tools for collaboration
• Identify neurodivergent strengths and support strategies

ACT TWO

Happily Ever Average

“Kristin's keynote is uplifting, energizing and incredibly validating . . . a session that fills you up, that sparks your heart, and stays with you.”

~ Terri Duncan, Executive Director, Children’s Autism Services of Edmonton

The stories we tell ourselves about our best—those magical days when everything clicks—might be the very ones holding us back. In this honest, humorous, and quietly radical keynote, award-winning mental health speaker Kristin Light draws on classic literary tropes to unpack the hidden cost of holding ourselves to our own highest highs. A theatrical entertainer (and psych ward regular), Kristin weaves her candid story of persistent survival through engaging research, surprising overlaps, and just the right dose of dark comedy to paint an aspiringly beautiful portrait of life in the statistical middle.

Learning Outcomes:

Attendees will gain a broader understanding and awareness of the unique scope of challenges faced by individuals coping with mental illness, suicidal ideations, and other mental health struggles; and the subsequent epidemic of shame felt by survivors in the face of relapse. We will explore specific strategies for embracing these particulars and approaching each day with compassion, empathy, and a new zest for life.

SIDESHOW

Reading Between the Minds

“Hearing (Kristin) speak was so enlightening. I have never felt so seen in my life.”

~ Desiree Visser, Attendee, 18th Annual Autism Conference (Edmonton)

A Half-Day Interactive Workshop Experience

In today's dynamic workplaces, effective communication is essential, yet rarely foolproof. Without an appropriate prologue of clarity and empathy, we risk misreading each other entirely; quietly creating friction and disconnect between even the most well-intentioned colleagues.

In this uplifting and impactful half-day session, award-winning speaker and neuroinclusion specialist Kristin Light takes participants on a lively, insightful journey through the natural cognitive differences in how we think, process, and communicate. Through story-driven learning and light audience interactivity, participants will explore the invisible gaps that can quietly disrupt the way we work and leave brilliant minds misunderstood.

Blending research and real-world experience, this session demystifies neurodiversity in a way that’s fresh, funny, and deeply human; revealing how shifting toward clarity and curiosity can dramatically improve team dynamics, reignite supportive collaboration, and create inclusive workplaces. Whether you support students, systems, or staff, this is your invitation to create space for every voice, every style, and every kind of brilliance — simply by reading between the minds.

BUILDING BETTER, TOGETHER

An immersive LEGO® Serious Play® experience uncovering each person’s hidden strengths, silent barriers & untapped connections; discovering new ways to strengthen the bridges between them for a more connected, collaborative workplace.

LEGO® Serious Play® works on a simple but powerful truth: sometimes, our hands know more than our minds let on.

By building our thoughts before jumping into talking, we can sidestep bias, self-consciousness, and the many defensive filters that shadow words alone. It’s thinking made visible: a creative way to turn insight into something we can actually see, share, and build on together.

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of the session, participants will be able to:

• Understand the foundational principles of neurodiversity and how our mindful differences can impact team dynamics and engagement.
• Recognize the distinct but complementary parallel between diagnosable pathologies (like ADHD, dyslexia, or bipolar disorder) and the socio-political concept of neurodivergence.
• Apply neuroinclusive communication techniques that foster collaboration and psychological safety in workplaces.
• Recognize how differences in communication, processing, and self-regulation may show up in daily interactions, and how best to respond when faced with contrasting perspectives.
• Reduce unspoken assumptions and reframe “difficult” behaviours with empathy and clarity.
• Create a more connected, resilient, and inclusive workplace culture where every team member can thrive.

THE EMCEE

Your ‘Mistress of Charisma’

“INCREDIBLE!! Passion yelling because wow, dynamic, engaging, passionate.”

~ Leisse W., Corporate Leadership Consultant

Hosting That’s Equal Parts Wit, Warmth, & Wow

Looking for an emcee who can effortlessly command the room, establish a joyful tone, and ensure a seamless event flow? Meet your new M.C. — the Mistress of Charisma!

Kristin Light is a veteran entertainer with a rare gift for transforming even the most dense, data-heavy sessions into something genuinely dynamic. She's a master at mixing essential structure with irresistible soul, infusing each moment with empathy and an infectious energy that makes even the toughest topics a joy to explore. The result? Authentic connection, electric audience engagement, and a refreshing sense of ease for everyone involved.

Drawing on four decades of stage experience — as an actress, dancer, speaker and show host — Kristin blends her inclusion-forward approach with a healthy dose of humour to guarantee the most engaging event experience for all. Her relatable style creates welcoming spaces where audiences feel secure, energized, and eager to dive into the content that really matters.

Whether hosting a gala or a multi-day summit, her goal remains the same: to make your event feel seamless, fully supported, and truly unforgettable (in all the best ways!).