About Hani Kafoury
Psychologist, Author & International Speaker
“I realize that the right path doesn’t really exist. Instead, life blesses us with many paths, each with its own risks and rewards. But had I not found the courage to embrace the unknown—to step away from the safety of the familiar—life’s opportunities for growth and transformation would have simply passed me by.”
My Journey
Hani at the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro at 51
Hani filming documentary on Mount Kilimanjaro
Hani completing a full Ironman at 59
“For change to happen, one first needs to relinquish the familiar—that safety thinking that puts us at ease and makes us feel in control—to pursue the “what ifs” that thrive in the unknown.”
- Hani Kafoury
Dear reader,
My first experience with public speaking was a disaster I still remember to this day—I had, quite literally, wet my pants. I was a 7 year-old second grader quite nervous about reciting a poem in front of my characteristically unforgiving classmates and a teacher with a reputation for making you tremble in place. But it wasn’t just nervousness that led to that mishap still perfectly etched in my memory a half century later, it was the shyness and timidity of a young boy with very little self-confidence or self-esteem. I lived with the daily conviction that I was not as good or as smart as others–be it intellectually, physically, or otherwise. I had few friends in high school and was too shy to ask a girl out, even on big occasions like prom night, so dating was out of the question; I would turn several shades of strawberry red when having to talk to a girl. Flying under the radar was my preferred modus operandi back then and my comfort zone was at the back of the classroom where I could go unnoticed by my teachers.
At 17, I’d had enough of my shelled-in life. I committed the idea to my personal journal in a written pledge to change, and I began reading inspiring books to motivate me on my journey. One of those books was “Your Erroneous Zones” by the late Dr. Wayne Dyer, which proved to be a life changer. I also began giving myself daily action challenges to help break free from my shyness and to gain self-confidence. Without knowing it, I was already embracing Nike’s renowned “just do it!” mantra decades ahead of the pack. Another turning point manifested in my early 20s when I took the 13-week Dale Carnegie public speaking training seminar which not only helped me develop my public speaking skills, but also greatly improved my leadership and interpersonal skills that have served me well throughout my career.
When I came up with my “Become what you must” business tagline, it took me a few weeks to realize exactly why it resonated so much with me. Indeed, we all have strengths and untapped potential within us that are never fully developed due simply to unawareness, ignorance or fear. Becoming what you must is paradoxically about becoming who you already are—unapologetically, genuinely, and steadfastly–and is brought about through the power of change. It’s something I have done repeatedly in my personal and professional life over the years. Truthfully, without it, I can’t imagine being able to look forward to giving a talk to 600 people as I do now or to engage in a conversation with complete strangers anywhere I go (much to the embarrassment of my two young adult children.) You see, becoming what you must is not about lack or shortfalls of who you are–it’s simply about becoming all that you already are!
So as someone who has been embracing change for more than four decades, let me be the first to tell you that the process of moving away from the familiar need not be the most difficult, gut-wrenching journeys you will ever undertake. All it takes is a healthy dose of courage and the resolve to see things through. True, life tends to hard-wire our brains—to trick them, if you will—into believing that the path we’re on is the one we should stay on. But in this fast-paced world where people, places and priorities can be fleeting, change is a limitless resource for those of us willing to embrace it.
I thought as much when I was 21; I found myself a student holding down a part-time job in a maximum security psychiatric hospital for the criminally insane, and incidentally on the path to a bright career as a psychologist. By the time I graduated from university at 23 and accepted a position as a pharmaceutical sales rep, followed shortly thereafter by a promotion and relocation to Toronto, I knew again that it was the right path for me. When I turned 29, I quit my job (unreservedly, I must say) to backpack the world with the steadfast reassurance that I will finally find my path in life – visiting Roman baths, in Bath, England, setting off down the Nile in Egypt, walking the Via Dolores in Old Jerusalem, meeting with Mother Teresa in Calcutta, teaching English in Bangkok, trekking the Annapurna at the base of the Himalayas, and picking grapes in Mildura, Australia. Within three weeks of ending my self-imposed “world tour”, I resumed my career in pharmaceuticals and figured it was time to lay down roots. So I thought.
At 36 came marriage, kids and another promotion that required me to once again move to Toronto. It seemed the right path at the right time. An organizational restructuring ensued and, at the ripe age of 44, I followed the path back to Montreal where I reinvented myself as a general manager for a multinational advertising agency. As rewarding as that path turned out to be, my interests drove me back to a senior position in the pharmaceutical industry. This barrage of life changes made me feel as if I were trekking through a mountain range, and it is perhaps that very feeling that led me to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro at age 51. No sooner had I reached the peak of my potential than at 54, I stepped out of my comfort zone as a senior executive in the corporate world, obtained my licence as a psychologist I had returned to graduate studies 10 years earlier, found a new voice as a psychologist, an author and international speaker, and became what I must. After all, there is magic in change.
This transformational journey has, over the last few years, allowed me to work with organizations of all sizes and from different industries as well as individuals, to help them initiate, manage, lead and cope with their own change and transformation, so that they can become what they must!
Looking back, as so many of us do when reaching a pinnacle in our life, I realize that the right path doesn’t really exist. Instead, life blesses us with many paths, each with its own risks and rewards. But had I not found the courage to embrace the unknown—to step away from the safety of the familiar—life’s opportunities for growth and transformation would have simply passed me by. Today, at 59, I still feel that I’m in the summer of my youth and firmly on the path to something truly wonderful. So much so, that I recently completed a full IRONMAN; 16 hours and 12 minutes of sheer commitment towards breaking the status quo and pushing the limits.
Your change Sherpa,
Hani
My Credentials
My credentials to inspire and guide your change and transformation
First-hand experience with change and leadership challenges
As an ex-corporate executive with over 30 years of business experience in management and leadership, I approach change and transformation as someone who’s “been there, done that”, so I understand exactly where you’re coming from and have the practical tools and insights to help you get where you want to be.
Expert in human behaviour, including learning and change
I’m a licensed psychologist with the Order of Psychologists Quebec (OPQ).
Expert in change management
I’m a certified change management practitioner of William Bridges and PROSCI change management models.
In-depth knowledge of leadership issues and opportunities
As a certified leadership coach, and once a former corporate leader myself, I bring first-hand experience and expertise to the forefront of key leadership challenges in times of change and beyond.
In-depth understanding of how different personality types respond to and cope with change
As a certified practitioner of Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), I focus on personality types and the perceptions and judgments that influence their decision-making.
I integrate mindfulness meditation to develop creativity, productivity, stress-reduction and transformation
As a certified Mindful Meditation practitioner, I help develop tools that cultivate a greater sense of acceptance and non-judgmental awareness in everyday situations, especially in times of change.
I help individuals manage career transitions and change
As a certified career coach (Myers-Briggs Type Indicator), I provide the tools and methodologies that help individuals through career growth and transformation.
Contributing writer, covering a range of change-related topics
I have contributed a number of articles about change management for, among others, the Montreal Gazette and PharmacyU, a trade magazine that specializes in the business aspects of pharmacy.
International Speaker
Hani is gaining an international reputation as an inspiring speaker and workshop facilitator around change and transformation. He has delivered keynotes, seminars and workshops across Canada, the US, Europe and the United Emirates.
What Sets Me Apart
“To become what you must, you need to fulfill all that you already are.”
- Hani Kafoury
My talks and workshops have been enjoyed by audiences across Canada, the US, Europe and in the United Arab Emirates, and are given from the unique point of view of a former corporate executive turned psychologist and coach, certified change practitioner, accomplished athlete with a “citizen of the world” background (French, English)—and as someone who “walks-the-talk” when it comes to pushing out the change boundaries, transformation and achievement. As a psychologist and certified coach, I am firmly entrenched in the “business” of people and change!
To bring key points home, I revisit anecdotes that cover my experiences as a senior executive, as a marathoner and IRONMAN, as a world traveller and mountaineer who has trekked the Annapurna and who summited Kilimanjaro at age 51 and, consequently, as a filmmaker who produced a documentary about the climb. The film was nominated best in its category by the Canada Independent Film Festival in Montreal (2015), and selected by Hollywood International Moving Pictures Film Festival (2017); Los-Angeles Cinefest Film Festival (2017); and Los-Angeles Independent Film Festival Award (2017).
I invite you to explore the Testimonials section, to read what leaders in some of the organizations I have been working with over the last few years have to say about the changes and transformations I have helped them with.
Hani in the Headlines
The Montreal Gazette
Life after work can be emotionally draining
Vancouver Sun
Prepare for emotional side of life after work
Investors Group
Pharmaceutical Marketing Club of Quebec
Association of Change Management (Los-Angeles)
Beyond Change Management – What Do We Do With the People?
Chez Nous – Employee newsletter
Montreal Children Hospital
“Change, Change, Change – Big change is coming to MCH: Some tips to help you cope” – Lisa Dutton
The Montreal Gazette
“Focus on process, not result of change” – By Hani Kafoury
PharmacyU
“Resistance to change: Understand it. Prevent it. Bust it.” – By Hani Kafoury
The Montreal Gazette
“Creating customer loyalty, one employee at a time” – By Hani Kafoury
40Plus Career Guru
“Employers and recruiters take note – these are the myths about mature workers” – By Hani Kafoury
Articles
Testimonials
The nice things some very nice people have said about me
Hani has presented for ACMP as a breakout session speaker at our annual conference in 2013 in Los-Angeles and 2015 in Dallas. He has spoken on the topics of: “Beyond Change Management – What Do We Do With the People?” and, “Coaching Change: How Coaching Can Help Transform Your Organizational Culture”. Both years, Hani has delivered a successful, well-received session with survey responses written in including: “Best session yet!”, “Excellent job weaving stories and principles together” and, “Walked away from a session with a great speaker and expanded views.” Hani is an asset to your speaking agenda.
Nikole Fridenmaker, CMP, Director of Meetings
ACMP (Association of Change Management Professionals)
Hani gave an excellent presentation to open our PMCQ 2017-2018 educational season. Throughout the planning process, Hani was generous with his time to ensure that the session met the audience needs. Then, on the day of, along with inspiring us through his masterful storytelling, Hani left participants with real-world, actionable steps to elevate the integration of mindfulness into our everyday lives and for that, we are most appreciative!
Shannon Quinn, President
Pharmaceutical Marketing Club of Quebec
Hani spoke in our annual conference in Dubai. Hani is a unique speaker, dynamic, engaging. With practical content that is applicable immediately.
Khaled Almobarak, President
ASSOCIATION OF CHANGE MANAGEMENT PROFESSIONALS - MENA
Hani approaches change by integrating his extensive managerial experience and formal training in psychology with his personal journey, a powerful combination to engage the audience and generate lively discussions.
Ela Borenstein, Program Director
BDC CAPITAL
We benefited from Hani’s services as a keynote speaker and workshop facilitator for the last 4 years. Our various audiences, including pharmacy owners, always found him dynamic, inspiring, and informative.
Barry Fitzgerald, Director of marketing
STAGNITO BUSINESS INFORMATION
I found Hani’s presentation to be very interesting and quite relevant in today’s industry. His real-life accounts and handout questions provided excellent examples of important aspects to consider when empowering yourself to achieve life and career aspirations.
Georges Ged, Director & Board Member
PHARMACEUTICAL MANUFACTURING ASSOCIATION OF QUEBEC
Our MBA students had the privilege and pleasures of hearing Hani speak at the University of Montreal HEC. His approach, style, and pertinent anecdotes, have consistently captured and engaged the audience. Hani is dynamic and talented communicator whom I recommend without hesitation.
Christian Denis, Director, MBA HEC
UNIVERSITÉ DE MONTRÉAL, QUÉBEC
Hani combines a deep knowledge of organization change and organization transformation with a relaxed engaging style of animation. He can help a group develop dynamics which help it engage in dealing with difficult issues.
Glen Shepherd, President
HEALTH PARTNERS INTERNATIONAL OF CANADA
Hani knows how to captivate an audience who remains engaged to the very end of his talk. Hani's message is clear and practical, his delivery style engaging and to-the-point. Any organization about to implement a change, big or small, should contact Hani to secure a successful journey.
Sybil Dahan, President
TRITON PHARMA INC.
If you need someone professional, thought-provoking, entertaining capable of motivating or animating your conferences, Hani is the speaker you want. He brings more than 27 years of business experience in executive management positions along with athletic and travel prowess which ensure credibility and bring true life experiences to the program.
Pierre Montanaro, President & CEO
PHARMETICS
Hani assisted our organization through some internal changes that, as with most re-organizations, came with difficulties and hard feelings. With his help, our teams were stronger and more successful. We appreciated his thoroughness and ability to see all sides of the issues associated with leadership and change. Hani is a wonderful coach for all levels. I will of course work with him whenever the opportunity arises, and I would recommend him to anyone who needs a helping hand in the workplace.
Catalina Lopez-Correa, MD PhD, Chief Scientific Officer & Vice-President
GENOME QUÉBEC
I have had the pleasure of working with Hani for over 4 years in a variety of roles from Coach to Facilitator and Mentor Coach. Hani connects with people in a warm credible and value-add way. Hani has done Mindfulness Training, One on One Leadership Coaching and Group Coaching and exceeds expectations each time. I am never worried to put Hani in front of a client as he ensures exceptional delivery of every program and wins the audience over every time.
Hani has worked with us on a variety of clients within several different industries. I look forward to continuing to engage Hani in a variety of projects – Leadership Coaching/Training, Employee Engagement, Consumer Experience, Emotional Intelligence and Assertiveness Training, and Mindfulness Training.
Nancy Dewar MEd, ACC, CTDP, Director of Coaching, Consumer Experience
BOND BRAND LOYALTY
As a manager, one of the key competencies to continuously improve is that of self-knowledge in order to effectively lead a group of people with different personalities and skills set. I had the privilege of having Hani as a business coach. His approach and style has greatly contributed to further develop this competency. Hani asks questions that have forced me to get out of my “comfort zone” and further develop my leadership skills. Thank you, Hani!
Patrick Corriveau, M.Sc., M.B.A. Regional Business Manager
Immunology / IBD Quebec & Ottawa
JANSSEN INC.
Hani came to us as a coach and a facilitator to assist in growing our Dealership in two areas: employee engagement and the consumer experience. A short 4 years later he left us as a changed company winning multiple awards for Leadership. All my staff looked forward to his visits, relied on his coaching and changed because of it. I personally miss his presence but I gained a friend.
Anthony Norris, Dealer Principle
NORRIS FORD (Alberta)
We worked with Hani for 3 years, and I have nothing but good things to say. He helped us change our focus, change our culture, and ultimately change the way we try to do business. He is an excellent coach and mentor and his introspective approach to “change” worked great for us.
Curtis Vickers, Director of Sales
SUMMIT FORD (Ontario)
As a result of his expertise and his incredible communication talent, Hani knows how to impart judicious coaching and mentoring to our leadership team and help make our staff perform at a higher level. Hani’s presence, over the last four years, allowed our organization to grow!
Dominic Hardy, Dealer Principal
HARDY RINGUETTE FORD (Val-D’Or, Qc)
My Clients
Some familiar names I’ve helped along the way
Videos
Employee Engagement and the Consumer Experience
Change your mind. Change your life.