Todd's presentation topics range from trends and analysis of
the current Canadian and global economy, to presentations
from themes in his books.
He is also able to customize topics for specific audiences.
Presentation topics:
1. Four Economic Rules to Unlearn... and what it means in 2021
As with most things in life, economic dogma is full of "truths" that many of us accept unconditionally. But as we move through the COVID pandemic, some of our old ways of thinking about the economy need to be challenged. What does this mean for Canada in the second half of 2021? And what can we expect next?
2. TOPICS FROM HIS BOOKS:
SPIDERS IN COVID SPACE: Adapting during and after the pandemic (2021)
In 2011, a little spider named Esmeralda made history. She was one of a pair of golden silk orb-weaver spiders, brought up to the International Space Station by NASA scientists to study how spiders will behave in zero gravity. Will they try to spin webs? Will they even be able to spin webs? Building a traditional web depends on gravity as the spider lowers herself down on her silk threads. What happened in zero gravity? Esmeralda struggled at first, but didn’t give up. After some false starts, she figured out how to spin webs in space. She adapted!
Like the spiders, COVID-19 has thrust everyone into a new economic environment—and not everything in this new environment is pleasant and predictable. Traditional manufacturing has been altered forever by global supply chains and low-cost competitors. Prices for our natural resources have fallen and may not recover soon. In many ways, a lot of the Canadian economy feels like it has lost its gravity. But like Esmeralda, we have to find ways to cope—and even thrive—in an environment that’s changed forever.
Spiders in COVID Space is a sequel to their 2017 book “Spiders in Space." Authors Todd Hirsch and Robert Roach explore the idea of adapting to very sudden and unwanted change. Through profiles of Canadian entrepreneurs, businesses, educators, athletes and community leaders, we learn about the traits of great adapters. These stories of “spiders spinning webs in space” are both inspirational and instructional.
3. The Boiling Frog Dilemma: Saving Canada from Economic Decline (2012)
Canada is stuck in old ways of thinking—ways that will prevent us from achieving our economic potential and cause us to fall behind in the global race for long-term economic success. Like the metaphor of the frog in the pot water, gradually heating up and approaching a boil, Canadians have a decision to make.
A lot hangs in the balance. It is our economic success that underpins our ability to provide a just society, material prosperity, meaningful work experiences, and aid to those less fortunate. We need a new approach to thinking about ourselves, our businesses, and our country that goes
beyond the traditional “quick fixes” such as a cut to corporate taxes or a new government economic plan.
Jumping out of the pot doesn’t come without cost. We need to develop a culture of creativity, a
bold international approach, a renewed focus on entrepreneurialism, more risk-taking, greater
flexibility, the drive to be at the top of the global value-chain, green efficiency and stronger civic
bonds will keep Canada an economic leader able to provide meaningful work opportunities, a
rising standard of living, and a stronger society.