)
Samantha Nutt
Founder & Executive Director, War Child North America
Samantha Nutt
Founder & Executive Director, War Child North America
Biography
Samantha Nutt is an award-winning humanitarian, medical doctor, best-selling author and acclaimed public speaker. Her debut book Damned Nations: Greed Guns, Armies and Aid was a #1 national bestseller and is currently taught in select schools and colleges across North America. Damned Nations is a bracing and uncompromising account of Dr. Nutt’s work in some of the most devastated regions of the world.
As founder of the renowned international humanitarian organization War Child, 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 Syria to Darfur, Sudan. A leading authority on current affairs, war, international aid and foreign policy, she is one of the most intrepid and recognized voices in the humanitarian arena. With a career that has spanned more than two decades and dozens of conflict zones, her international work has benefited hundreds of thousands of war-affected children.
As an original thinker and charismatic personality, Dr. Nutt is a respected authority for many of North America's leading media outlets. She is a regular panelist on Canada’s premier nightly news show, CBC TV NEWS The National with Peter Mansbridge, where she debates foreign policy and current affairs. Her written work has been published by Maclean’s Magazine, Reuters, The Globe and Mail, The National Post, the Ottawa Citizen and The Huffington Post, among many others. She has been profiled by Time Magazine, More Magazine, Marie Claire and has appeared on NBC Nightly News, BBC World News Service, CBC, CTV, Global Television, WGN and NPR, to name just a few.
Dr. Nutt was recently named one of Canada's 25 Transformational Canadians by the Globe and Mail, and has been recognized as a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum. Time Magazine has featured her as one of Canada's Five Leading Activists. In July 2011, Dr. Nutt was appointed to the Order of Canada, Canada’s highest civilian honour, for her contributions to improving the plight of young people in the world's worst conflict zones.
Samantha Nutt graduated summa cum laude from McMaster University, earned an M.Sc in public health with distinction from the University of London and holds a Fellowship in Community Medicine (FRCPC) from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. She is further certified by the College of Family Practice and completed a sub specialization in women’s health through the University of Toronto as a Women’s Health Scholar. Dr. Nutt is the recipient of numerous honorary doctorates from universities in Canada and the USA in addition to being a staff physician at Women's College Hospital and an Assistant Professor of Medicine at the University of Toronto.
Speech Topics
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, educator and general audiences, this captivating presentation examines our growing global economic and security inter-dependence and explores the meaning of social justice and community in the 21st century.
The Price of Inaction
So what does it take to realize a vision of the world in which we act on our responsibilities as citizens? To do a better job (not necessarily even a perfect job) of protecting civilians caught in the crossfire of war? To reduce, if not eliminate, the threat of war as a propagator of death and disease and destruction and unfathomable hardship? What will this take?
In this presentation, Dr. Nutt explains that it takes nothing less than a dramatic shift in the way we think about war. It takes a moral and philosophical transformation around the privileged position we occupy in the world – geographically, politically and economically – and the responsibility that comes along with this.
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 to investors, asset managers and business leaders, Dr. 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.
Damned Nations: Greed, Guns, Armies & Aid
This presentation explores some of the concepts and themes in Dr. Nutt’s #1 bestselling book, Damned Nations. Suitable for audiences looking to understand more about current and international affairs, this gripping keynote is a valuable introduction to the challenges and opportunities facing our world.
Culture & Identity
When we talk about diversity, it’s important to start with an understanding of global events that are shaping our world, and the impact these can have on schools and even in the workplace. North America’s ties to some of the crises currently playing out around the world run very deep, from the Ukraine to events in Syria, Egypt, Sri Lanka, Nigeria, Iraq, Sudan, Eastern Congo, Pakistan and Afghanistan, to name but a few.
This presentation is especially relevant to educators and employers by offering practical tips for understanding and promoting culture and diversity.
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.
Those Who Know, Teach
Geared towards educators and school officials, this presentation focuses on what teachers need to know about global events and how to effectively prepare students to better understand the world around them. Dr. Nutt also shares resources with teachers who are interested in engaging their students in international development concerns.
Global Health
Many health professionals and associations are engaged in “global health” work. But is this effective? And how can they really have an impact? In this compelling presentation, Dr. Nutt reflects on the twenty years she has spent advancing the cause of global health, the lessons she has learned and the role that health practitioners can really play in promoting a healthier and safer world. This presentation is ideal for medical audiences, as well as hospitals, medical and nursing schools.
When Women Lead
A popular choice for International Women’s Day and other events celebrating women’s leadership, this presentation combines humor and personal reflections on women in the 21st century and why the women’s movement is unfinished everywhere. Dr. Nutt’s often satirical take on hot topics such as “Lean In” and whether “women can have it all” offers an engaging, thought-provoking and entertaining examination of the challenges women still face in the world and how women (and men) can advocate for change. This presentation is also suitable for businesses and other groups looking to promote diversity and strengthen gender equality at the senior management and executive levels, as well as on Boards.
Student Activism & Public Engagement
How can students have a global impact? What really does make a difference? And is it possible to do more harm than good? In this riveting and inspiring speech, Dr. Nutt outlines how students can get involved in global efforts and provides them with practical tools for getting started.
)
)
)
)