Samantha Nutt
Samantha Nutt is an award-winning humanitarian, bestselling author and acclaimed public speaker. A medical doctor and the Founder and President of the renowned humanitarian organizations War Child Canada and War Child USA, Dr. Nutt has worked with children and their families at the frontline of many of the world’s major crises – from Iraq to Afghanistan, Somalia to the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Sierra Leone to Darfur, Sudan. A leading authority on public health, war, international aid and foreign policy, Dr. Nutt is one of the most intrepid and recognized voices in the humanitarian arena and a highly sought-after public speaker in North America. With a career that has spanned more than two decades and dozens of conflict zones, her international work has benefited millions of war affected children globally.
Dr. Nutt is a respected authority for many of North America’s leading media outlets. She is a regular foreign affairs panelist on the acclaimed news program, CBC TV NEWS “The National”, and a contributor to NowThis News. Nutt’s written work has been published by TED Ideas, Reuters, The Globe and Mail, The National Post, The Toronto Star, Maclean’s Magazine, The Ottawa Citizen, The Huffington Post, and other publications.
Speaking topics
- The Significance of Leadership
Leaders have strength, courage, and conviction. Were they born with these illusive qualities, alongside a perfect balance of knowledge and charisma, or have they simply learned to communicate their experience and ideas more effectively than the rest of us? Leaders encourage us to inspire, to think, and to demand more of ourselves and of our society. They connect us to something larger than ourselves. But is leadership just ingrained in certain people, or can it be acquired? Can we all be leaders? In this presentation, Dr. Nutt looks at the meaning and significance of leadership. She maps out ways in which we can all be more effective leaders – in the world and in the workplace – because the capacity to lead exists in each and every one of us.
- What Not To Give (The Art of Philanthropy)
Don’t give to charity; give to change. This is Dr. Samantha Nutt’s overarching message in a dynamic and thought-provoking presentation about philanthropy esploring what works and what doesn’t.
Geared to general audiences who want to know how to really make a global difference, this presentation challenges popular thinking around what it means to give and why good intentions don’t guarantee good outcomes.
Nutt outlines practical solutions and recommendations for those looking to make the most of their philanthropic efforts. Ideal for groups looking for a mix of inspiration and information on philanthropy and corporate social responsibility.
- Conflicted? The World of War
This presentation takes a compelling look at the impact of war — the truth, the lies, and the reality on the ground — and the major events currently shaping our world. Geared towards students, educators, and general audiences, this captivating talk examines our growing global economic and security inter-dependence, and explores the meaning of social justice and community in the 21st century.
- Adapting to the Unknown: Strategies for Public Health Employers
- This presentation is highly personalized for businesses who are looking to develop public health protocols and strategies for their businesses and includes a look at current realities (epidemiologic trends), infection control practices to consider, the evidence around the efficacy of specific interventions, and future developments and considerations.
- What Just Happened? Leading Through Fear and Uncertainty
This is an engaging presentation that helps leaders tap into the tools needed to withstand and lead their businesses and organizations through unstable and unpredictable times. This is suitable for corporate, nonprofit, academic and other audiences.
- We Will Get Through This: An Antidote to Hopelessness
This is a personal presentation about tapping into resiliency and not succumbing to feelings of helplessness and hopelessness in times of tremendous upheaval and uncertainty. Having spent years working in war zones, Dr. Samantha Nutt knows what it means to feel fear and dread about what new uncertainties lie around the corner. This is an uplifting presentation about withstanding life’s ups and downs, and dealing with change.
- When Women Lead
Geared towards lawyers, civil society organizations, and justice advocates, this presentation explores the importance of the rule of law and access to justice in promoting a more peaceful and sustainable world. Dr. Samantha Nutt talks about her experiences developing and promoting access to justice programs that strengthen the rights of women and children, with a view to tackling the climate of impunity that exists in many corners of the world. She explains why the rule of law and its champions can and must be the next frontier of international humanitarian assistance.
- Corporate Governance
Doing the “right” thing in business isn’t without its ambiguities, or even its liabilities. When do ethical screens trump financial considerations? How are these assessments weighted and what matters to shareholders? Will you be in breach of your fiduciary duty if you prioritize human rights over hard math? What is your legal obligation either way?
In this thought-provoking presentation geared towards investors, asset managers, and business leaders, Dr. Samantha Nutt reflects on the changing ethical and fiduciary responsibilities facing businesses, and the meaning of governance and risk at a time of growing consumer activism and evolving international legislation. She examines the true meaning of transparency and corporate social responsibility, and makes the case for why businesses willing to embrace these changes will land on top
- Canada: Where do we go from here?
- The world is changing in complex and at times frightening ways. Globalization, terrorism, integrated economies, climate change, population displacement, emerging epidemics – all of these are impacting on how Canadians view the world and our relationship to it. What does it mean to be Canadian now? Is there a role for us in the world? Are we who we think we are and how do other countries see us? Join recognized global affairs expert and award-winning humanitarian Dr. Samantha Nutt as she explores the meaning of Canada in the 21st century and learn about what Canadians can do to have a lasting global impact.
Video clips
Speaker testimonials
Everyone really enjoyed the presentation! People thought it was very fun and engaging. They love the work that Sam does and really loved the learnings from the event.