Suzanne Jean
Trainer, Speaker, Author
Suzanne is available for speaking engagements, podcast interviews, or training sessions. A list of keynote topics can be found below.
As Director of Fit4Defense Ltd, Suzanne conceived and now operates PowerED, a holistic life program that inspires confidence in participants to be heard, safe in the community and free from abuse through assertive communication and self-defense. The life-changing transformations she witnessed while teaching PowerED inspired her to write her powerful book, “Bullying Stops Here,” in which she shares the true stories of persons who converted fear into confidence, self-reliance, and positive action through the skills acquired in the program.
With over fifty years of experience in the design, implementation, and accreditation of community-based programs in the social service field, Suzanne currently acts as Quality Assurance Director at Hollyburn Community Services Society. She co-founded the Kettle Society and Watari Research Association serving as Executive Director for each organization for over ten years.
Suzanne has trained in the martial arts since 1975 and teaches karate, tai chi and self-defense. She is an insured member of Karate B.C., holds a National Coaching Certification, and a Nidan Black Belt in Karate.
She is an active instructor of social issues topics related to conflict resolution, workplace violence, leadership team building, service development and working with at-risk populations, and is available for speaking engagements or training sessions. Please contact Suzanne directly at 604-837-6436 for more information, or to book her for your next event.
Speaking Topics
Conflict Management Training
This training explores assertive communication techniques for resolving conflict and promoting collaboration. It directly addresses workplace violence, bullying and harassment. The exercises provide direction to identify strengths and challenges, risk and safety strategies, aggressive triggers and cues and a strong defense position. Participants build confidence to defend themselves from forms of abuse, aggression, and violence. The physical techniques for this workshop will be simple, easy to learn, but effective self-defense responses based on attention, awareness, and avoidance.
Leadership Training
This training supports the core competencies for providing management and leadership in any type of organization. It is designed to build communication, conflict resolution and team building skills. It will focus on leadership; leadership styles, qualities of a leader, decision making and critical thinking. Leadership skills include the ability to inspire others, mange effective teams, decision-making and critical thinking. Sessions are provided in a ‘cohort’ style, and participants are invited to engage in discussions that reflect current practice and experience.
Team Building Training
This training examines your organization’s professional practice relative to the best interest of your persons served, clients, and customers. Professionalism stems from several influences including industry standards, model integrity, personal commitment, and organizational standards. This training explores these influences as they relate to your organization, mission, philosophy, values, standards, policy, and procedures. It examines and develops the skills and group guidelines necessary for building an effective, productive team. Topics include team benefits, functions, roles, communication, effective meetings and management skills.
Stress Busters
This training examines the connections between our bodies, mind, and spirit. It identifies the causes, signs and effects of stress and the relationship between our thoughts and feelings. It will examine personal stress triggers and our responsibility for how we think, feel, and behave. Mindfulness exercises are introduced to relieve tension through breathing and guided relaxation.