Jason Reid is a seasoned manager, leadership speaker, and communication expert who believes the best results come when leaders show up as fully human.
As former head of content for a national television network, Jason led diverse teams through rapid change and high-pressure environments.
As a leader, Jason faced two distinct challenges: A life-long chronic illness which sapped his energy, as well as a newsroom struggling with declining productivity, and uninspired output.
At his first national staff meeting, Jason made a bold choice. He shared his invisible disability. That moment of vulnerability sparked something unexpected. One by one, team members came forward to discuss their own invisible disabilities (mental health issues, neurodivergence, chronic diseases). By adopting a human-centered leadership style Jason addressed the challenges head-on. Team productivity doubled in less than a year, and the department won national and international awards for the first time in its history.
Under Jason's leadership, The Weather Network became a respected news and information brand, despite dealing with limited resources and a rapidly changing industry. Jason’s clear communication and people-first approach also led to successful leadership roles on multi-million dollar projects.
Jason’s leadership philosophy is simple but powerful: Connection beats perfection. Jason’s keynotes combine real stories, practical insights, and actionable tools that help organizations increase discretionary effort, develop future leaders, and create workplace cultures where people thrive.
Jason also has roots in journalism, screenwriting and comedy. This rich storytelling experience allows him to bring a rare blend of humor and heart to every keynote. His talks leave audiences laughing, reflecting, and, most importantly, ready to lead with more courage, clarity, and connection.
As well as leadership keynotes, Jason shares his considerable story and presentation skills to help individuals and organizations build influence, share vision, and communicate in an effective way that gets emotional buy-in.
Jason is also the author of the books Embracing Invisible Disabilities in the Workplace and Thriving in the Age of Chronic Illness which are available on Amazon.
Jason Reid is a seasoned manager, leadership speaker, and communication expert who believes the best results come when leaders show up as fully human.
As former head of content for a national television network, Jason led diverse teams through rapid change and high-pressure environments.
As a leader, Jason faced two distinct challenges: A life-long chronic illness which sapped his energy, as well as a newsroom struggling with declining productivity, and uninspired output.
At his first national staff meeting, Jason made a bold choice. He shared his invisible disability. That moment of vulnerability sparked something unexpected. One by one, team members came forward to discuss their own invisible disabilities (mental health issues, neurodivergence, chronic diseases). By adopting a human-centered leadership style Jason addressed the challenges head-on. Team productivity doubled in less than a year, and the department won national and international awards for the first time in its history.
Under Jason's leadership, The Weather Network became a respected news and information brand, despite dealing with limited resources and a rapidly changing industry. Jason’s clear communication and people-first approach also led to successful leadership roles on multi-million dollar projects.
Jason’s leadership philosophy is simple but powerful: Connection beats perfection. Jason’s keynotes combine real stories, practical insights, and actionable tools that help organizations increase discretionary effort, develop future leaders, and create workplace cultures where people thrive.
Jason also has roots in journalism, screenwriting and comedy. This rich storytelling experience allows him to bring a rare blend of humor and heart to every keynote. His talks leave audiences laughing, reflecting, and, most importantly, ready to lead with more courage, clarity, and connection.
As well as leadership keynotes, Jason shares his considerable story and presentation skills to help individuals and organizations build influence, share vision, and communicate in an effective way that gets emotional buy-in.
Jason is also the author of the books Embracing Invisible Disabilities in the Workplace and Thriving in the Age of Chronic Illness which are available on Amazon.
Leading Through Chaos and Change (Even When you Don't Have a Title)
Format: 90 Minute Keynote
In this fast-paced and thought-provoking keynote, Jason Reid reveals why moments of change are actually ripe with opportunity to lead, especially for those who know how to communicate with clarity, empathy, and vision.
Through hilarious, human, and often unexpected stories—from newsroom disruption to fronting a corporate rock band—Jason shows how leadership doesn’t come from titles, but from action, inclusion, and...
This Might Get Awkward: Real Stories of Vulnerable Human Leadership That Worked
Format: 60-minute keynote
In a world obsessed with AI and perfection, what if your real leadership superpower… was being unapologetically human?
In this fast-paced, funny, and story-driven keynote, award-winning news manager, master storyteller, and former comedy writer Jason Reid flips the leadership playbook on its head. Forget polished perfection—Jason shows how vulnerability, honesty, and a little bit of awkwardness can unlock connection,...
Wired for Success - Managing Neurodiverse Teams
From ADHD and learning differences to autism and beyond, neurodivergence is an everyday reality in the workplace. Yet, because these traits are often invisible, many organizations struggle to recognize, discuss, and accommodate the needs of their neurodiverse teams.Building a workplace that embraces neuroinclusion isn’t just about compliance—it’s about unlocking productivity, innovation, and engagement by fostering an environment where all employees can thrive.
Strategic Storytelling For Communicators And Associations: Increase your Influence and engage your audience.
Recent research has shown that 63% of an audience will remember stories, while only 5% remember statistics. A well-told story is not only more memorable but also triggers the release of the hormone oxytocin in your audience which stimulates both empathy and trust.
This is why, when selling your organization or your big idea, stories should play a key role in building connection, consent, and buy-in. However, not all stories are created equal. Some stories...
The Art of Storytelling for Leaders Build Trust. Inspire Change. Lead with Heart.
Format: 60 minute Keynote/breakout or workshop
Award-winning journalist and leadership expert Jason Reid explores how authentic storytelling can transform workplace culture, build deep trust, and drive lasting performance.
Key Takeaways:
- How storytelling unlocks trust, clarity, and engagement
- Using stories to sell your vision.
- A simple framework for crafting impactful leadership...
A Leader’s Guide to Conversations Around Employee Mental Health and Mental Illness
More than 18% of workers in the US reported a mental illness and 71% of adults reported at least one symptom of stress. In this context, it has become incredibly important for managers and team leaders to understand how to have effective conversations with employees about mental health issues.
Invisible disability expert Jason Reid is joined by psychologist Dr. Marjorie Aunos as they discuss the best ways to navigate sensitive conversations and make decisions around...
Embracing Invisible Disabilities in the Workplace
One in three working-age adults have an invisible disability and that number is rising. The good news is that people with invisible disabilities can be just as productive as anyone else. However, embracing invisible disability in the workplace requires trust, good communication, and an innovative mindset to accommodation.
Jason shares real-life insight into what it is like to work with an invisible disability, as well as manage and support others who have the same...
Leading People with Invisible Disabilities In the Workplace (chronic illness, mental health issues, and neurodivergence)
Managing people is a challenging skill that many new leaders are forced to learn on the job. This becomes even more challenging when their employees face obstacles due to invisible disabilities, be they physical, mental/emotional, or neurodivergence. With about a third of the workforce affected by these conditions, it's not a matter of IF these conditions come up but when.
How do managers navigate these sensitive issues while ensuring both workplace performance...
Caught In the Act: How A Little Drama Can Turn Moments into Momentum
Format: 30 minute keynote
If you want to inspire people to act, don’t just tell them a fact — show them a moment that moves them.
In this engaging and humorous keynote, award-winning storyteller Jason Reid breathes new life into one of Hamlet’s most famous scenes: the “play within a play” designed to catch a guilty king.
Using Shakespeare’s famously awkward moment as a launchpad, Jason shows how...






