black and white bed linen

Keynote Speaker

Inspiring audiences to embrace serendipity, take action before they're ready, and navigate life's transitions.

About Dennis

Dennis Geelen is a TEDx speaker, bestselling author, and the accidental solopreneur behind multiple successful ventures. After being laid off at 43, Dennis didn’t panic — he pivoted. His journey from uncertainty to impact has inspired thousands of entrepreneurs and leaders to bet on themselves, embrace change, and create their own lucky breaks.

Through his signature mix of storytelling, humor, and actionable insights, Dennis helps audiences shift their mindset, find clarity, and take bold steps toward what’s next.

Ready to inspire your audience? Let's discuss how I can bring energy and actionable insights to your next event.

Dennis has been a sought after speaker as a keynote and breakout sessions at several events and conferences.

"Dennis is an engaging storyteller and his genuine passion makes him an exceptional speaker. I highly recommend him for any event where you want to inspire and motivate your audience."

Corey Gill - COO at Banking Labs Inc.

Signature Talks

Engaging talks tailored to inspire and motivate your audience. Book Dennis for your next event!

The Power of Serendipity: How to Create Your Own Lucky Breaks

Perfect for: Entrepreneurs, career changers, leadership teams

What it’s about:
Success isn’t just about hustle. It’s about setting the stage for luck to find you. In this inspiring talk, Dennis shares how you can increase your “luck surface area” with small, bold moves — and why recognizing and acting on the unexpected is the real superpower.

Audience Takeaways:

  • How to prime yourself for unexpected opportunities

  • Why most people miss the turning points in their life

  • The 3 steps to attracting (and acting on) good luck

Start Before You're Ready: The Mindset Shift That Changes Everything

Perfect for: Students, early-stage founders, aspiring creators

What it’s about:
You don’t need all the answers to begin — just the courage to start. This talk is ideal for those stuck in overthinking mode. Dennis shares his own story of diving into entrepreneurship with no roadmap and how uncertainty can actually be your greatest advantage.

Audience Takeaways:

  • How to move forward even when you don’t feel “ready”

  • Why messy action beats perfect planning

  • Stories of real people who figured it out after they started

The 5 Shoes of Change: A New Way to Navigate Life’s Biggest Transitions

Perfect for: Organizations, churches, leadership retreats

What it’s about:
Change is hard — but it doesn’t have to be chaotic. Based on the upcoming book The 5 Shoes of Change, Dennis walks audiences through a practical framework for leading yourself and others through personal or organizational transitions, one “shoe” at a time.

Audience Takeaways:

  • A memorable metaphor for understanding different phases of change

  • Tools to lead others with empathy and structure

  • How to recognize when you're in the wrong “shoe” — and what to do next

Dennis was great! Funny, engaging and easy to follow along with so many memorable learning nuggets.

Gordon Goldschleger

★★★★★

★★★★★

From the time Dennis stepped on the stage, he had the entire room captivated. His presence was magnetic, his storytelling was rich with sincerity, and his message was uplifting.

Melissa Sopko

★★★★★

Dennis is an engaging storyteller who connects deeply with audiences and leaves them inspired. He 's also a great personality off stage that is supportive and kind. I would absolutely recommend him as a speaker.

Michelle Aarons

What Audiences Are Saying

Founder @ Leaders Who Break Barriers

AVP, Ombudsman at Aviva Canada

Executive Director of Programs & Partnerships at York University

Dennis is an engaging storyteller and his genuine passion makes him an exceptional speaker. I highly recommend him for any event where you want to inspire and motivate your audience.

Corey Gill

COO at Banking Labs Inc.

★★★★★

★★★★★

Dennis is a compelling and insightful speaker who brings clarity, passion, and depth to every stage he steps on.

Robin Young

Director of Corporate Training Services at Durham College

Book Dennis For Your Event

person in brown jacket using black smartphone
person in brown jacket using black smartphone

Reach out for booking inquiries, collaborations, or to learn more about my speaking engagements.