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WINKLER CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ANNOUNCE FRANK O’DEA 2013 GALA KEYNOTE SPEAKER
May 15th, 2013

Frank O’Dea, co-founder of The Second Cup has been announced as the Keynote speaker for the Winkler & District Chamber of Commerce P.W. Enns Business Awards Gala on November 7, 2013.  O’Dea’s story is a rags to riches tale that saw O’Dea making poor choices in his teen and early adult years based on a various traumatic events.  O’Dea has enjoyed a... more»

SECOND CUP FOUNDER BIG ON CREATING NEW MARKETS
April 24th, 2013

Second Cup founder big on creating new markets

Frank O’Dea, the rags to riches ex-panhandler who helped build a national chain of coffee shops, freely admits that he doesn’t really know much about the health-care system. The co-founder of the Second Cup coffee chain still had plenty to offer when he took the stage at the National Health Leadership Conference in Halifax last... more»

JOHN GORMLEY LIVE - FRANK O'DEA, CO-FOUNDER OF SECOND CUP, SPEAKER AND AUTHOR - AN INSPIRING STORY OF TRIUMPH OVER A LIFETIME OF ADVERSITY
April 18th, 2013

John Gormley Live - Frank O’Dea, Co-Founder, Second Cup, Speaker and Author - An inspiring story of triumph over a lifetime of adversity.

Audio File:

http://cjme.com/sites/default/files/JGLCUP.mp3

Live interview Broadcast Saskatoon Radio, John Gormley Show

Frank O’Dea, co-founder of Second... more»

MARTIN SHEEN, FRANK O'DEA, KARDINAL OFFISHALL, KARL WOLF, SHAWN DESMAN AND NEVEREST ARE PART OF THE LINE UP FOR THE FIRST NATIONAL WE DAY
April 12th, 2013

Martin Sheen, Frank O’Dea, Kardinal Offishall, Karl Wolf, Shawn Desman and Neverest are part of the line up for the first National We Day.

This is one of 13 events held in cities across Canada. On April 29, 2013, 4,000 students from all across Canada will come to the National Capital Region to hear Free the Children co-founder Craig Kielburger and his line-up of speakers and... more»

SUCCESS IN ANY ORGANIZATION COMES OUT OF THE CULTURE OF THAT ORGANIZATION
April 3rd, 2013

Success in any organization comes out of the culture of that organization. My friend, Mario Pilozzi, former CEO of Walmart Canada, had a tough job recently. He was brought in to speak at a meeting of middle and senior managers of a large food processor that has been growing by acquisition. Conscious of the consequences mixed or conflicting corporate cultures, management want to draw on... more»

DINNER GALA TO RAISE SUPPORT FOR VICTIMS OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING IN CANADA. GUEST SPEAKER, FRANK O'DEA SAYS THAT WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE
March 28th, 2013

Frank O’Dea, will be speaking at the fundraiser for victims of human trafficking, many of whom are children right here in Canada. You will remember that Frank, an inspiring speaker is the former homeless man who is a founder of the Second Cup and Street Kids International and other international businesses and charities.

This event, which is being organized by the Joy Smith... more»

Frank O'Dea Returns from his 14th Trip to Brazil - Building Affordable Housing Project
March 20th, 2013

Frank O’Dea has just returned from his 14th trip to Brazil where his latest project is building vast tracts of affordable housing. He is leading a group of Canadian investors who, using Canadian technology, have created a new market for housing in that country.  Speaking at a recent private business luncheon, he encouraged his audience to not ignore the opportunities outside of... more»

Coalition for Persons with Disabilities Event Reminder
February 28th, 2013

Reminder to employers in Peel, Halton and Dufferin. There are only two weeks left to register for the Employer Appreciation lunches organized by the Coalition for Persons with Disabilities.  The purpose of these 2 events are to create awareness and to thank employers in that area who support the work of the coalition.

March 13, 2013 – Mississauga Convention... more»

Coalition for Persons with Disabilities invites Frank O'Dea to speak at two separate business lunches in Burlington and Mississauga
February 15th, 2013

The Coalition for Persons with Disabilities has invited Frank O’Dea to speak at two separate business lunches in Burlington and Mississauga, organized to create awareness and to thank employers in that area who support the work of the coalition.

The Coalition for Persons with Disabilities was formed as a not-for-profit community-based partnership of persons with disabilities and... more»

FRANK O'DEA HITS A HOME RUN WITH INSURANCE INDUSTRY EXECUTIVES
December 6th, 2012

Frank O’Dea hits a home run with insurance industry executives.   Below are some of the written comments received following speeches by Frank O’Dea at two insurance related conferences.

“[Frank] you were fantastic and so well received.   I am being very honest when I tell you that I never had people come up to me to specifically mention that... more»

Youth Services Bureau raised over $100,000 at the Ottawa Police Gala featuring Frank O'Dea
November 9th, 2012

The Youth Services Bureau raised over $100,000 in one evening at the Ottawa Police Gala with Frank O’Dea as keynote speaker. This annual Gala organized by the Ottawa Police Services is a large festive undertaking that raises money each year for a designated charity. This year it was the turn of the Ottawa Youth Services Bureau to be the beneficiary of this outstanding event which is... more»

NEWSFEED ARTICLES - SEE YOU IN SEPTEMBER!
July 5th, 2012

We are closing down the News Feed for the summer - more news in September!

... more»

RANDALL CRAIG INTERVIEWS FRANK O'DEA ON PROFESSIONALLY SPEAKING TV
June 19th, 2012

Randall Craig, the renowned host of Professionally Speaking TV, has just aired an interview of Frank O’Dea.  

The interview covers topics of leadership of the companies and the not-for-profits that he founded; how he was able to get off the streets; and O’Dea’s latest projects in Brazil and in Thompson, Manitoba.

 

Click here to see... more»

HEALTHCARE LEADERS LOOKING FOR ANSWERS CALL ON FRANK O'DEA
June 12th, 2012

Healthcare leaders looking for answers called on Frank O’Dea. The Canadian College of Health Leaders and the Canadian Healthcare Association called on O’Dea to share his experiences in the success developing new, revolutionary ideas in stagnant industries, such as coffee in the 70’s, document destruction in the 90’s, and now affordable housing. The closing session of... more»

WE ALL WIN
June 5th, 2012

Following his speech in Edmonton, sponsored by the Edmonton Commission on Homelessness and the Chamber of Commerce, Frank O’Dea received a copy of the following article by a young person who was in the audience and was inspired to try and make a difference, by writing about the benefits to society in solving the problem of homelessness. Here is the article, unedited.

WE... more»

SPEAKERS I LIKE : TONI NEWMAN
May 28th, 2012

I enjoy being around smart, articulate people, and Toni Newman of Customer Touchpoint Innovation is one of them.

At a conference, I heard her ask a group of real estate brokers these pointed questions. “Why you?  No really… why you?  Why should your perfect customers do business with you? Why you and not the broker down the street or the broker around the corner,... more»

SPEAKERS I LIKE: GENERAL ANDREW LESLIE
May 14th, 2012

General Andrew Leslie (Ret), the man who transformed the Canadian army from a peacekeeping force into a globally acknowledged superb fighting force will be speaking in Toronto on September 19, 2012 on the subject of the new leadership, leading and developing leaders in the millennial generation.

General Leslie brings new insights into the challenges of attracting and engaging and... more»

Desiderata, a Poem by Max Ehrmann
May 8th, 2012

Desiderata: We are often asked about the poem that Frank O’Dea has been known to use to close his speech “Hope Vision Action”. It is an excerpt from the poem “Desiderata” by Max Ehrmann

Desiderata

Excerpt used in speech by Frank O’Dea

 

Beyond a wholesome discipline,

be gentle with yourself.

You are a... more»

A MESSAGE ON BEHALF OF STEPHEN MANDEL, MAYOR OF EDMONTON AND THE EDMONTON COMMISSION TO END HOMELESSNESS
May 2nd, 2012

On behalf of Stephen Mandel, Mayor of Edmonton, and of the Edmonton Commission to End Homelessness, Frank O’Dea sends this video message:

http://bit.ly/Homeless-Invitation

... more»

MARIO PILOZZI WILL PRESENT TO ONE OF CANADA'S FASTEST GROWING FOOD PROCESSORS
April 17th, 2012

Mario Pilozzi, former CEO of Wal-Mart, one of Frank O’Dea’s favorite business speakers, will be presenting in Whistler in June to one of Canada’s fastest growing food processors. The senior management is looking for Pilozzi’s insights on how to deal with fast growth. Pilozzi will have those answers.

He is the one who led Wal-Mart through its explosive growth... more»

FRANK O'DEA KEYNOTE AT EDMONTON HOMELESS COMMISSION EVENT MAY 3, 2012
April 10th, 2012

The Edmonton Homeless Commission and the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce have tapped Frank O’Dea as Keynote speaker at their May 3, 2012 lunch.  This lunch event is set to bring awareness to the Edmonton business community of the success of the commission on its third anniversary.  Getting people off the streets by providing them with places to live securely, enables them to get... more»

YOU ARE INVITED TO LAURIER ALUMNI DEVELOPMENT DAY 2012!
April 2nd, 2012

featuring... Frank O'Dea 

Entrepreneur, Founder of Second Cup

With grit, ambition and determination, O'Dea left panhandling on the street to become one of Canada's most successful entrepreneurs, founding The Second Cup and numerous other businesses. Now he inspires others with his personal rags-to-riches story. In his talk,... more»

FRANK O'DEA KEYNOTE AT BRANTFORD CHARITY OF HOPE FUNDRAISER APR 28, 2012
March 26th, 2012

Who better to speak at the Brantford Charity of Hope Fundraiser on April 28, 2012, than Frank O’Dea, Canada’s most recognized advocate for Hope.   His speech “Hope Vision Action” is an inspiring story of hope and triumph over adversity.  Here is the story of the Charity of Hope by its founder, Sam Mercanti.

Hope has made a difference in our life.... more»

FRANK O'DEA SPEAKS AT GREATER ESSEX COUNTY DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD MAR 27&28, 2012
March 19th, 2012

Cairncroft Management announces that the people of Windsor/Essex in Ontario are in for a real treat. Frank O’Dea is the headline speaker for two events in that area on March 27 and 28, 2012. The events, being held at two different locations in Windsor and Leamington respectively, is Jobs for Tomorrow: Promising Occupations for your future!

The events are being organized by The... more»

FRANK O'DEA WILL SPEAK OF NEW MARKET SPACE STRATEGY IN CALGARY ON APRIL 27/12
March 12th, 2012

New Market Space Strategy will be the subject of Frank O’Dea’s speech in Calgary on April 27, 2012.  This is the business strategy where companies create brand new market spaces and make the competition irrelevant. 

It is used by companies in very competitive industries where growth only comes at the expense of stealing market share from the “other”... more»

SARAH PREVETTE SPEAKING MAR 14, 2012 AT NATI'S SOLUTIONS SUMMIT 2012
March 5th, 2012

Sarah Prevette is one of my favorite speakers on the subject of doing business on the internet. She will be speaking in St. John’s, NL on March 14, 2012  to a full house of technology executives at their annual Solutions Summit for Newfoundlandand Labrador Association of Technology Industries (NATI).

Prevette represents a whole new generation of entrepreneurs. She has... more»

FRANK O'DEA TO SPEAK AT ALBERTA HOTEL AND LODGING ASSOC APR 16, 2012 IN JASPER
February 27th, 2012

The Alberta Hotel and Lodging Association has tapped Frank O’Dea to be their inspiring Keynote speaker at their Annual Conference in Jasper on April 16, 2012.

The AHLA is a member-driven organization that represents the interests of more than 850 hotels, motels and campgrounds across the province.  Since 1922, their association has provided a common voice to important issues... more»

FRANK O'DEA TO SPEAK AT ADULT LEARNER'S WEEK FOR ENGLISH MONTREAL SCHOOL BOARD
February 21st, 2012

The English Montreal School Board has invited Frank O’Dea to speak during Adult Learner’s Week on April 5, 2012 at the Marymount Adult Centre in Côte Saint-Luc, Quebec. 

The event celebrates the people who take control of their lives and their circumstances in order to better themselves and their families. These adult students are people who need retraining,... more»

Frank O'Dea Keynote at April 3, 2012 Responsible Gambling Council in Toronto
February 13th, 2012

Frank O'Dea will be a Keynote Speaker in Toronto on April 3, 2012 at an event organized by the Responsible Gambling Council.

The Responsible Gambling Council (RGC) was established in 1983 as the Canadian Foundation on Compulsive Gambling (CFCG), the country's first non-profit responsible gambling organization.  Founded by Tibor Barsony, a compulsive gambler and pioneer in the... more»

LAW OF UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES
January 16th, 2012

Following a speech to a Community Futures Conference, Frank O’Dea has been invited back to Thompson Manitoba to advise on a solution to the housing shortage in that city.

O’Dea, who has extensive experience in building affordable housing in Brazil using a technology developed right here in Canada, was in Thompson making a speech on entrepreneurship, which gave rise to... more»

PLANNING THE WRONG MEETINGS HOW WILL YOUR EVENT BE PERCEIVED - PART TWO
January 9th, 2012

Planning the Wrong Meetings: How will your event be perceived? This is a reprint of the second half of an article that appeared in the renowned Speaking of Impact Magazine.

We asked two prominent professional speakers,... more»

CHRISTMAS MESSAGE FROM FRANK O'DEA AND FAMILY
December 19th, 2011

Frank O’Dea and his family wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.  Also, he asks you to reflect on the past year and ask yourself “What did I do this year to contribute to making the world a better place? And what will I do next year?” 

... more»

PLANNING THE WRONG MEETINGS HOW WILL YOUR EVENT BE PERCEIVED? (Speaking of Impact Magazine article)
December 12th, 2011

Planning the Wrong Meetings: How will your event be perceived? This is a reprint of the first half of an article that appeared in the renown Speaking of Impact Magazine last month.

We asked two prominent professional... more»

FRANK O'DEA TESTIMONIALS - A BUSY NOVEMBER ON THE SPEAKING TOUR
December 5th, 2011

A busy November on the speaking tour for Frank O’Dea brought out a lot of comments. Here are some of them.

“His inspiring story of rags to riches had everyone on their feet and lined up to shake his hand.” S. Burke, PMI Ottawa Valley

“Thanks. Frank was great. Got a standing O.” R. Abrams, The Lavin Agency 

“Thanks for following... more»

MICHAEL J. HUGHES GAVE AN EXCELLENT PRESENTATION IN OTTAWA
November 28th, 2011

Michael specializes in helping professionals increase results by improving their ability to develop and leverage relationships. For the last nineteen years, he has been coaching business and sales professionals to achieve better results. His client list includes names like Dell, Royal Bank, Workopolis, Staples, Advocis, University of Ottawa MBA program and the... more»

FORMER CEO OF WAL-MART CANADA A BIG HIT AT CCSR CONFERENCE
November 21st, 2011

Mario Pilozzi, former CEO of Wal-Mart Canada, was the Keynote speaker at the Awards Dinner at the recent Community and Corporate Social Responsibility Conference held on November 15, 2011.

The audience was fascinated by the behind the scene activities.  Pilozzi provided an engaging talk on corporate... more»

AWARDS CEREMONY FOR THE BE A HERO. BE A VOICE FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING
November 7th, 2011

Frank O’Dea will be the keynote at this event in Oakville on November 22, 2011. The Be a Hero contest gives high school students a unique opportunity to be a voice for change in their own community by using their creative talents to raise awareness around the issues of homelessness and the need for affordable housing in... more»

REVIEW: COMMUNITY FUTURES CONFERENCE SEP 20-22 (THOMPSON CITIZEN)
October 31st, 2011

Riverlodge Place played host to a couple of celebrated Canadians last week as Community Futures North Central Development brought in writer and journalist Peter C. Newman, and Frank O'Dea, the former homeless alcoholic, who went on to found the Second Cup coffee chain in 1975 in a classic rags to riches story – for the 2011 Manitoba Community Futures Conference here Sept.... more»

EVENT ATTENDEES - RULES OF ENGAGEMENT
October 24th, 2011

By Les Selby: The meetings and events industry does not exist in a vacuum and those of us who work in this field must continually seek new ways to increase our value to our employers and clients.

http://www.meetingscanada.com/content/event-attendees-rules-of-engagement-23157

... more»

A Testimonial - Cornwall Children's Treatment Centre's Celebrity Walk and Breakfast Sep 28/2011
October 17th, 2011

Dear Mr. O’Dea, 

I am writing to express my profound gratitude to you for taking the time to attend the Children’s Treatment Centre’s Celebrity Walk and Breakfast as the Guest Speaker.  You have touched the heart and soul of more than 600 supporters who filled the hall in the very early morning hour of six o’clock to listen to your life journey; from... more»

PAST PRESIDENT OF WAL-MART CANADA TO SPEAK IN OTTAWA
October 3rd, 2011

The word is out that the organizers of the Corporate and Community Social Responsibility Conference (CCSR) have been lucky enough to snare Mario Pilozzi as the keynote speaker for their annual awards dinner on Tuesday, November 15, 2011 at Algonquin College.

Eli Fathi the principal organizer pulled a lot of strings... more»

SALES REPS AND ENTREPRENEURS TO HEAR TONI NEWMAN
September 26th, 2011

Toni Newman the expert in sales innovation, and the creator of Attract, Keep and Engage More Customers More Often system is coming to Ottawa on October 12. She will be delivering her signature, all-day workshop on Touchpoint Innovation to a limited number of business owners, sales representatives and senior executives at this special public event. For as little... more»

TWELVE CITIES IN TWELVE WEEKS
September 20th, 2011

Frank O’Dea began a 12 city speaking tour on September 12th. Sponsored by Mantis Marketing, he will be speaking to budding entrepreneurs in North Carolina who are looking for advice on starting new businesses. 

Having launched the Second Cup, Pro-shred Security, Street Kids International and a number of... more»

PEOPLE IN KITCHENER, WATERLOO ARE IN FOR A TREAT!
September 13th, 2011

People in Kitchener-Waterloo are in for a treat.

The public will have an opportunity to hear one of Canada's most inspiring speakers. If you are someone who is involved in finding speakers for your events, you, or someone in your organization, should not miss this chance to preview this powerful speaker.

Frank O'Dea, the former homeless man who became a founder... more»

RON MACLEAN SAID HE GOT THE IDEA OF GIVING OUT HIS PHONE NUMBER FROM THE BOOK WHEN ALL YOU HAVE IS HOPE, BY FRANK O’DEA.
May 31st, 2011

Among the academy’s guest lecturers was CBC sportscaster Ron MacLean, who is one of the judges of this year’s writing contest.  “Ron came in and spoke to the class, and he was just so inspiring,” said Rosensweig. “He was talking about how it was important to have mentors and support, and while he was talking about that, he... more»

SPEAKERS I LIKE - MICHAEL HUGHES
May 16th, 2011

Helping people build careers and develop sales.

Michael Hughes has worked with thousands of people to show them how to use networking to... more»

SECOND CHANCE – ON THE WAY TO SECOND CUP
May 9th, 2011

My life has been touched by volunteers, those who helped me personally and by volunteers who are responsible for the success of the many projects that I have been involved with, such as the Canadian Land Mine Foundation. This is a story that I have told often. It is about... more»

SPEAKERS I LIKE – JEAN (JJ) BRUN
May 2nd, 2011

Speakers I like: Jean (JJ) Brun – Getting buy-in from skeptical people

Jean (JJ) Brun is a speaker who will influence a lot of people.... more»

SPEAKERS I LIKE – VAL CARTER
April 26th, 2011

Val Carter was a big hit at the “Celebrating Women” conference in Camrose, Alberta last week. Her topic: “Say no without feeling guilty:
Val says, “We never stop. We do our utmost to make sure that nothing is missed; nothing falls through the cracks – for everyone else! It’s easy to forget to take care of ourselves as we rush through life. When we... more»

Frank O'Dea impressed by new generation of entrepreneurs
April 18th, 2011

Frank O’Dea has advice for entrepreneurs in this excerpt of an interview for sprouter.com, the website for start-ups.
His best-selling memoir is called When All You Have is Hope, and details his struggles during his teens and early twenties and eventual success in the business world. He says three words describe his journey: hope, vision and action.... more»

TWO QUESTIONS I GET ASKED MOST OFTEN
April 11th, 2011

There are two questions that I get asked most often. The first goes something like this, “How is it possible to go from homeless panhandler to the Second Cup to the Order of Canada? When I first heard that question, I did not have a ready answer. Only later, after hearing the question a few times, I reflected that the answer is summed up in three words... more»

TV INTERVIEW REVEALS THE CONTRASTS OF HARSH REALITIES FOR FRANK O’DEA AND HIS FUTURE PROJECTS ON A GLOBAL SCALE
April 4th, 2011

Click here http://bit.ly/iboCbe for CTS TV reporter Connie Smith’s interview with Frank O’Dea, which reveals some remarkable contrasts in O’Dea’s life. What makes this story so interesting is that not only was he able to... more»

ALBERTA TOURISM WILL BE LOOKING TO FRANK O’DEA FOR GROWTH ADVICE
March 28th, 2011

Frank O’Dea will be speaking at a conference on April 6th that is focused on growing rural tourism in Alberta. He has a history of success in growing businesses and creating new market spaces, and will be sharing his experiences with the owners and managers of tourism related businesses in rural Alberta.
As a young man, Frank was a homeless person... more»

Tickets Still Available for Frank O'Dea Event April 9, 2011 in Toronto
March 21st, 2011

Frank O’Dea will be speaking at a public event on Saturday April 9th at the 53rd Anniversary celebration for the Bloordale United Church. This Church has been at the forefront of the fight against homelessness in Toronto and has invited Canada’s best known former homeless panhandler to speak at their event.  The event begins at 6:30 pm. People... more»

THERE WAS A 20% INCREASE IN ATTENDANCE DUE TO PROMOTIONAL VIDEO
March 14th, 2011

Community Futures Lethbridge reports a 20% increase in the attendance at their small business event thanks to a video by Frank O'Dea.  A... more»

RECRUITING WOMEN FOR I.T.
March 7th, 2011

Speakers I like: Cristi Cooke will speak at the Technology Industries Conference in St. John’s. She is recognized internationally as an expert in marketing to women.

Cristi Cooke helps companies, sales organizations and professional firms do and say the right things to make their organizations more appealing... more»

FORMER MCDONALD'S CEO INTERVIEWS FRANK O'DEA - PART 3
March 7th, 2011

McDonald’s CEO, Bill Johnson interviews Frank O’Dea in series of interviews of successful Canadian business people. Here is Part 3 of the “Coffee with Frank O’Dea Series” more»

FORMER MCDONALD’S CEO INTERVIEWS FRANK O’DEA – PART 2
February 28th, 2011

McDonald’s CEO, Bill Johnson interviews Frank O’Dea in series of interviews of successful Canadian business people. Here is Part 2 of the “Coffee with Frank O’Dea Series” more»

FORMER MCDONALD’S CEO INTERVIEWS FRANK O’DEA
February 21st, 2011

McDonald’s CEO, Bill Johnson interviews Frank O’Dea in a series of interviews of successful Canadian business people http://bit.ly/ecUwEk

... more»

BLOGGER REPORTS ON ”CAN DO” STORY THAT YOUTH SHOULD HEAR
February 14th, 2011

Blogger, Garth Wunsch, reported on the inspiring speech he heard at Sudbury Chamber of Commerce at The President's Luncheon Series held at The Caruso Club, sponsored by BDC on February 10, 2011:

more»

RUTH SURMAN BRINGS CONFLICT OUT IN OPEN AT IAAP ON FEBRUARY 10
February 7th, 2011

Ruth Sirman will talk about conflict... more»

CBC says thank you
February 2nd, 2011

CBC says thank you to Frank O’Dea and his panel, recognizing the immediate and long term affect on volunteerism in this country

more»

Michael Hughes Interviews Celebrated entrepreneur
February 2nd, 2011

Michael Hughes interviews Frank O’Dea in advance of (EO) dinner in Toronto on Jan 27.

The Entrepreneurs' Organization (EO) - for... more»

Tough Job for O’Dea and his panel
January 9th, 2011

Talk about a tough task.Link to the CBC showing Frank O’Dea and his panel selecting the finalists for the Champions of Change more»

Judge's Diary (Frank O'Dea): The Judges' Choice Award - Thank you Manulife!
December 17th, 2010

My last blog was about the Judges Panel and what an incredible experience it was to spend a weekend with these folks, talking about incredible volunteers, and the values we want to celebrate with Champions of Change.

more»

Judge's Diary (Frank O'Dea): A Great Selection Committee for Champions of Change
December 10th, 2010

I'd like to say a word about a great group of volunteers: the selection committee. These folks were awesome. Never having worked together before, we came together in Toronto to work hard and effectively though an intense weekend. Each of us with only one vision - to pick 10... more»

Frank working with Royal Roads to find solutions to the growing problem regarding clean water
December 3rd, 2010

Last year at this time Frank O’Dea was in Copenhagen at the World Water Conference on behalf of Royal Roads University. RRU, which specializes in business and the environment, had asked Frank to scout out opportunities where the university could contribute to the... more»

Tough choice
December 1st, 2010

Frank O’Dea and his panel of Champions of Change judges selected 10 candidates from a field of 50 top volunteers in Canada.  Take a look at the 50 more»

Canadian Institute for Advanced Research elects Frank O’Dea to the Board
November 23rd, 2010

David Dodge and Richard W. Ivey of the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research are also pleased to welcome Jacques Lamarre and Frank O’Dea to CIFAR’s Board of Directors.

more»

CMHC selects Frank O’Dea to be be speaker for National Housing Week event
November 23rd, 2010

In recognition of National Housing Week, CMHC has invited Frank O’Dea, the former homeless man and founder of the Second Cup, to speak at their cross-country event, on November 23. This inspiring speech is expected to remind the staff at CMHC that the work that... more»

CBC, Outpost Magazine, Manulife and Frank O’Dea reveal Canada’s Champions
November 17th, 2010

The following are the ten finalists for Canada’s Top Volunteer award:

In the category of Health & Wellness,... more»

Finalists to be revealed on November 15, 8pm ET
November 12th, 2010

CBC will announce the names of Canada’s top volunteers as nominated by Canadians across the country.  There were over 1600 volunteers nominated and this number was whittled down to the 50 most outstanding.more»

“Here come da judge” CBC announces the judges for Champions of Change.
November 9th, 2010

The following are the outstanding Canadians who served on the panel to select the top ten finalists for the Champions of Change initiative to recognize the top volunteers in Canada:

more»

ROLE-MODEL FOR SMALL BUSINESS IN CANADA
November 8th, 2010

Owners and managers of small and medium size businesses across Canada received an inspiring message and good advice on how to find innovative methods to grow their businesses, in spite of the economy.

more»

Nominations from across Canada
August 6th, 2010

Nominations are coming in from all over the country as Canadians are responding to the search for Canada’s Champions of Change. There are so many stories of wonderful people who volunteer.  In the end it will be a... more»

Judge: Frank O'Dea
July 9th, 2010

CBC and Outpost Magazine have launched a six-month search for the Top Canadian volunteers, Canada’s Champions of Change. And, they have named the entrepreneur, speaker and humanitarian, Frank O’Dea, as the Chair of the panel of judges who will select the finalists for this Canada-wide, people’s choice... more»

We get feedback
May 20th, 2010

Frank was simply amazing. So many attendees came up to me afterwards and were just blown away with his closing address.  He has this soft spoken nature but has the ability to draw people in with what he is saying.  The room was so quiet you could... more»

Frank O’Dea joined a blue-ribbon panel of innovative business leaders
March 15th, 2010

Frank O’Dea joined a blue-ribbon panel of innovative business leaders to advise Canada Post. Looking to provide more value to Canadians by taking advantage of its vast network, Canada Post presented a number of innovative and... more»

Frank to speak at Philanthropist of the Year Dinner
February 1st, 2010

The Fredericton Community Foundation has invited Frank to be the speaker at their awards dinner and fundraiser on Friday June 4, 2010. For tickets contact Ruth at the Foundation.

more»

Frank is not going to Australia but his book is.
January 14th, 2010

Despite requests and rumors to the contrary following the publishing of Frank’s book, “When All You Have is Hope” in Australia, he will not be travelling there in the foreseeable future.

more»

The Social Entrepreneur Award goes to…
November 2nd, 2009

The organizers of the 2009 Corporate and Community Social Responsibility Conference have selected Frank O’Dea to be this year’s recipient of the Social Entrepreneur Award.... more»

Small Business Week in North Bay
October 6th, 2009

The Nipissing-Parry Sound Business Centre has invited Frank O'Dea to speak to businees owners in that community on the evening of October 22. They have asked Frank to share his story of overcoming adversity and turning several small businesses into big businesses. ... more»

St.John's Board of Trade brings in serial entrepreneur to speak
October 6th, 2009

"The Board of Trade has a long history of bringing top speakers", says Nancy Healy, CEO. "We want our members to get exposure to Canada's best business people."

more»

Innovation in Thunder Bay
October 6th, 2009

Frank O'Dea has been invited to speak about innovation and small business by the Thunder Bay Entrepreneur Centre. He will be giving a keynote speech at lunch and conduct a session on innovation in the afternoon of October 19.

more»

Upcoming public events
September 2nd, 2009

Frank O’Dea will be speaking at public events in different parts of the country over the next 60 days. On behalf of the respective organizations, we are providing the following information that we have about obtaining... more»

 
  KEYNOTES  
   
   
A speech by Frank O'Dea will be a highlight of your event.
 

  RECENT CLIENTS  
   
 

  FRANK'S BOOK  
   
 
Frank's inspiring story is retold in his best-selling memoir "When All You Have is Hope", available in bookstores and online. Buy a copy for someone who is important to you.
 

  VIDEOS  
   
   
See and hear excerpts of speeches by Frank O'Dea