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Kristin wears a low cut red gown with silver Y necklace. She poses in front of the CAPS association banner.

Presentation Topics

Kristin stands next to white mantle wearing a short rose wrap dress and vintage pearl necklace.

.. knowledgeable, genuine, humorous, and engaging!

Kristin was a pleasure to have... Her passion for helping people in their mental health journey shone through!

Joe Teo
CEO, HeyOrca

Stage shot of Kristin, arms extended, triumphant closed-mouth smile. Blue dress, long hair.
Bridging

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 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.

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"Fabulous! 10/10 recommend."

- OMGMA Conference, September 2025​​​

FORMAT:
LENGTH:
SLIDES: 

Keynote/Presentation

60 minutes
PowerPoint provided

KEYWORDS:

Human Connection; Neurodiversity; Communication; Collaboration; Team Dynamics; Workplace Culture; Mental Health; Psychological Safety; Productivity; Inclusivity; Engagement​​

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LEARNING OUTCOMES:

  • ​Recognize the hidden impact of assumptions

  • Apply clarity and empathy as tools for collaboration

  • Identify neurodivergent strengths and support strategies​​​​

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BONUS ACTIVITY:


Bridging the Mind Gap,
One Brick at a Time:

This unique experience includes a fun and impactful hands-on building activity with LEGO® Serious Play. Attendees can even clip their unique creations to their event lanyards — turning every networking interaction into a fun, built-in conversation starter!

... Happily Ever Average:
A Candid Reframe of Mental Health, Resilience, and the Fallacy of the Finish Line

FORMAT:
LENGTH:
SLIDES: 

Keynote/Presentation

60-90 minutes
PowerPoint provided

For those of us living with relentless suicidal ideations, we know that 'happily ever after' is a fictional tale as old as time.

 

In the real-life version, the adversity we face is not one magically overcome by a new dress or a fresh perspective. Our persistent ruminations are not silenced by sunshine or solved by distraction. And well-meaning doctors are no more the heroes than we are the villain.

 

Life is more a multi-volume chronicle than a single story; a choose-your-own-adventure with countless twists and turns, climaxes, and conclusions. If such a tale called for only one satisfactory ending, then would it still be worth reading?

 

With this dynamic and inspirational new presentation, award-winning speaker (and psych ward regular) Kristin Light tackles the trope of the suicide attempt survivor overcoming adversity to live happily ever after – instead exploring the very real possibility of multiple relapses, despite well-intentioned efforts to the contrary. She demystifies major depression and the neurodivergent overlap with a few made up mashups, reframing our measure of achievement from the lofty end goal to instead the very act of pressing on.

 

A theatrical dance specialist and delightful dork, Kristin draws on classic literary tropes and jazz-age flair to share her personal story of persistent survival, unpacking old myths and sharing new secrets so that we may all enjoy a fighting chance at finding balance after breaking down – no matter how many chapters we may face along the way.

KEYWORDS:

Keynote Speaker; Invisible Disabilities; Mental Health; Mental Illness; Mood Disorders; Suicide Prevention; Resilience; Neurotypical; Neurodivergent; Neurodiversity; Self-acceptance; Equity; Inclusion; Diversity; DEI;  Productivity; Inclusivity; Performing Arts

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

Attendees will gain a broader understanding 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.

Average
GreatMinds

Great Minds Think Differently:
Championing Neurodiversity by Challenging the Illusion of Sameness

FORMAT:
LENGTH:
SLIDES: 

Presentation/Session

60 minutes
PowerPoint provided

With at least 20% of the global population identifying as neurodivergent, it’s not a question of if you'll work with professionals who think, process information, and experience the world in ways that differ from your own; you already do.

 

And while this represents an enormous opportunity for today's forward-thinking organizations, most long-held workplace standards have unintentionally left neurodivergent minds masking their true strengths while their teams miss out on this untapped potential. 

​

But what if the real driver of success isn’t in fitting in, but in amplifying what makes us different?

 

Hosted by workplace inclusion specialist Kristin Light, this lively and eye-opening session truly demystifies neurodiversity, exploring both the real challenges and unique strengths of neurodivergent professionals. Blending cutting-edge research, real-world insights, and a much-needed dose of levity to this timely topic, we’ll uncover how embracing these natural variances can transform workplace engagement and even reshape how we see ourselves.

​

Whether you’re a leader, a teammate, or simply curious about this trending concept, this session is your gateway to making neuroinclusion your team’s secret weapon, and creating a workplace where minds of all kinds can truly shine!

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"Beyond engaging!"
"One of the best presentations I have attended."

- Corporate training event, October 2025

KEYWORDS:

Neurodiversity; Mental Health; Workplace Accommodations; Acceptance; Neurodivergent; Equity; Inclusion; Diversity; DEI; Productivity; Inclusivity; Leadership

​

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

  • Understand the foundational principles of neurodiversity

  • ​Identify the hidden costs of traditional workplace norms, and how to reverse that trend

  • ​Explore actionable strategies for fostering neuroaffirmative culture

​

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OPTIONAL ADD-ON:

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Perspectives at Play
Level up your session with a hands-on LEGO® Serious Play activity that brings themes of neurodiversity and inclusion to life through tactile learning and unforgettable fun!

Out Loud: 
Taking Workplace Mental Wellness Out of the Whispers & Onto the Agenda

FORMAT:
LENGTH:
SLIDES: 

Workshop/Session

45-60 minutes
PowerPoint provided

It's the elephant in the room that we can all secretly see.

Nearly 50% of all mid-career professionals have, or have had, challenges with their mental health; yet many still hesitate to disclose these realities at work, fearing stigma, exclusion, or even job loss. The cost? Lower engagement, missed potential, and a workplace culture that struggles to support the minds behind the mission.

​

So how do we talk about mental health in a way that protects privacy, honours complexity, and supports the ebb and flow of workplace demands? And how can managers respond with empathy and guidance without burning out themselves?

 

Join award-winning speaker and workplace inclusion specialist Kristin Light for a candid, compassionate, and deeply human session on navigating mental health in modern workplaces. As a neurodivergent professional personally navigating the fluctuating complexities of mental illness, Kristin brings a rare blend of cutting-edge research, vulnerable lived experience, and just the right dose of humour to explore how we can create workplaces where every mind can safely thrive.

​

Your team's safety is top of mind: Kristin is certified in Mental Health First Aid and Applied Suicide Intervention Skills (ASIST).

KEYWORDS:

Mental Health; Mental Wellness; Mental Illness; Mood Disorders; Workplace Accommodations; Prevention; Support; Pro-Active

​

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

  • Identify common barriers to open communication; including fear, stigma, and internalized pressure to "push through."

  • ​Explore practical strategies for discussing bandwidth, boundaries, and support needs

  • Understand the role of leadership in maintaining psychologically safe spaces

OutLoud
Events

Welcome By Design:
Planning Accessibly Spectacular Events for All Kinds of Guests

FORMAT:
LENGTH:
SLIDES: 

Keynote or Workshop

45-60 minutes
Available & Optional

You’ve seen it before: “This event is fully accessible.”

It’s a well-intentioned promise; but often, it only covers the 4% of guests with visible mobility needs.

 

The reality? Roughly 96% of disabilities are invisible, including chronic pain, sensory differences, mental illness, and neurodivergent challenges. Without thoughtful, intentional planning, those needs can go unnoticed, unaddressed, and unintentionally excluded.

In this candid and interactive session, event marketing veteran and neuroinclusion specialist Kristin Light shines a light on the unseen barriers that can quietly push people out of the room. We’ll explore where these barriers come from, why they persist, and how to shift everyday event practices to create truly welcoming spaces.

 

You’ll leave with all kinds of practical, event-ready strategies you can use right away, and the confidence to welcome all 100% to the party!

​

* Presentation can cover broad accessibility, or focus on neurodivergent specifics only.

KEYWORDS:

Invisible Disabilities; Accessibility; Neurodivergence; Mental Health;  Accommodations; Acceptance; Inclusivity; Leadership; Event Planning; Event Marketing

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LEARNING OUTCOMES:

  • Understanding the broad spectrum of disability and neurodivergence, and the impact that cognitive, emotional, and physical challenges can have on attendee experience.

  • Exploring inclusive best practices for event layouts, networking segments, group participation, and pre-event marketing.
     

LEGO
Logo - LEGO Serious Play

LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY®

Kristin is a certified facilitator in this ground-breaking methodology; a powerful tool designed to enhance innovation and business performance, transforming insight and awareness into commitment and shared goals. Click to learn more.

  • Session Icebreakers

  • Conference Openings

  • Neuroinclusive Meetings

  • Team Building

  • Conflict Resolution

  • Difficult Discussions

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