The Unbalanced Paddle Boarder
Recently recognized by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the House of Commons, Mike Shoreman is the first athlete with disabilities to cross all five Great Lakes.
Mike’s Story
Mike is a solutions focused resilience expert and champion in overcoming obstacles. Before the success of his Great Lakes crossings of 2022, Mike was told by medical professionals that he would never walk properly, drive or paddleboard ever again as a result of his health crisis and mental health breakdown in 2019 that left him with vision, hearing and mobility challenges.
Through rigorous physiotherapy, mental health treatment and training Mike and his team set out in 2021 to become the first person with disabilities to cross international waters. Thwarted by dangerous weather conditions in his initial attempt, Mike recommitted himself to another year of intense physical and mental training.
Over the course of 2021 Mike built a team of 38 people that included coaches, nutritionists, boat captains, support crews, logistics coordinators, website developers, content writers, and weather and navigation specialists. He wrote to every car company in Canada asking them to help in providing a vehicle to drive him, his team and Mental Health across the United States and Canada, only to be told NO or rejected at every turn, except the last turn where Mazda Canada said YES. In 2022 Mike and his dedicated support team madeCanadian history becoming the first person with disabilities to conquer crossing all 5 Great Lakes.
In today’s corporate world more than ever teams are searching for motivation in achieving top tier results and achieving professional excellence. Mike is experienced in strategic planning, government relations and is an expert in performing under high pressure and with intense media scrutiny.
Today Mike travels across North America motivating individuals and organizations in building resilience and confidence to meet and surpass their personal professional goals. Mike’s story of resilience bridged with mental health and accessibility, shows audiences that the extraordinary is possible. Mike’s presentations are inspiring, motivating and provide tangible strategies that your teams can apply right away that are solutions-focused.
Mike has keynoted at events with clients including the Ministry of National Defence, Canadian Armed Forces, Tim Horton’s, Mazda Canada and more. Mike has appeared as a regular guest on shows including Breakfast Television, Your Morning, CP 24 to discuss resilience, mental health and accessibility issues.
Donate and support the goal of funding mental health programs in Canadian schools
Let’s do something amazing together!
An inspiring and engaging presentation that motivates audiences to overcome the obstacles in front of them. Mike is on a mission to help your audience achieve their greatest potential, through actionable steps in overcoming personal and professional obstacles and setbacks.
