TESTIMONIALS

Speaker Testimonials

"As the CEO of WCB NS, we were honored to have Dr. Robert Strang lead a compelling session on the critical role of social connections and physical movement in fostering a healthy work environment. Dr. Strang stressed the importance of developing personal relationships within the workplace, encouraging us to see beyond professional roles and build bonds that support a collaborative and supportive atmosphere. He articulated how these connections do more than just enhance individual well-being; they contribute to our collective success, transforming our workplace into a vibrant network of interdependent relationships.

Dr. Strang also spoke passionately about the concept of reciprocity in wellness, encapsulating this idea with the powerful notion that "by helping others, we help ourselves." This philosophy calls for a cultural shift towards mutual support for mental health within our organization, advocating for a community where everyone feels empowered to seek and offer help.

Dr. Strang's insights have undoubtedly sparked a movement within WCB NS, inspiring us to maintain our momentum in building a workplace that not only aims for professional excellence but also champions the health and happiness of every team member."

Chrisanne Delano, CEO, Workers Compensation Board NS

"Everything went great!  Everybody loved Dr. Strang and I have heard great feedback from our group."

Lisa Macdonald, Gordon Food Service

Dr. Robert Strang

In the spring of 2020, Dr. Robert Strang was thrust into the spotlight where he became an overnight folk hero.

Appointed the Chief Medical Officer of Health for Nova Scotia in 2007, Dr.Strang was tapped to lead Nova Scotia through the COVID-19 pandemic, a role he embraced with a steadfast belief and commitment to science, and affable demeanour and natural leadership skills that prioritized empathy and compassion for one another.

Daily briefings with the province’s Premier became must-watch-TV for Nova Scotians who were calmed by his thoughtful command of an unprecedented situation. His leadership was admired and celebrated worldwide, including on CNN and in the pages of The New York Times, The Atlantic and The Guardian.

Though COVID raised his profile, in his 25 years in public health, Dr. Strang has been a passionate and vocal advocate for creating conditions that support equitable health for all -taking his voice and experience to local, provincial and national levels collaborating with a diverse range of partners.

He believes foremost in the power of people and attributes the province’s ability to manage the pandemic’s earliest and scariest days to the strength of the provinces many small, close-knit communities.

The characteristics displayed throughout this crisis by these communities extends into all areas of public health and health care, and is inclusive of increased access to services, information dissemination, and creating environments and infrastructure supportive of better physical and mental health. By coming together, caring about one another, and using common sense in the face of uncertainty and a constantly changing situation, Dr. Strang’s core message of kindness and community is foundational to keeping us safe and healthy.

In honour of his work during COVID’s earliest days, he was awarded the 2020 Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Excellence in Public Administration, given to a public sector practitioner who “exhibits the highest standard of excellence, dedication, and accomplishment.” In 2021, Dr. Strang graced the cover of Halifax alt-weekly The Coast when he was voted Best Halifamous Person in its annual Best of Halifax readers poll. And in 2022, the province created the Dr. Strang Mayflower Award for Healthcare Professionals, to be given annually to medical professionals who “demonstrate outstanding strength, perseverance and courage in delivering frontline healthcare in challenging circumstances.” He is, of course, its inaugural recipient.

Dr. Strang received his medical degree from University of British Columbia and has an adjunct appointment with Dalhousie University in Department of community Health and Epidemiology. Dr. Strang is a husband to Stephanie, father to three adult children, and known at home for his “Dad-jokes”, being baffled by technology, and the need for fashion advice.

Building on his broad experience, Dr. Strang’s speaking focuses on areas of individual and community wellness in today’s world, leadership in complex and challenging situations and resiliency through uncertain times.

SPEAKING TOPICS

Wellness in 2024 and Beyond

Wellness is an often-used word but what does it really mean in today's complex world? Dr. Strang will engage you in unpacking this question and exploring individual wellness with how it is built on personal connections and community wellness. Building skills and giving it the right amount of attention will help to find new possibilities and positive solutions.

Leadership and Complexity

Our world is increasingly complex and interconnected.  With his experience in leading responses to two pandemics and many other public health issues, Dr. Strang will share his reflections and learnings about what works for effective leadership on complex issues and how to come out the other side (relatively) intact.

Change and Resiliency

As our world continues to change in faster and more complex ways, how can we stay grounded, healthy and connected? What are key lessons we can take from responding to pandemics and extreme weather events and apply to daily life. Dr. Strang explores this topic through the themes of love and caring, building community and focusing on collective good.