Layne The Auctionista

Layne The Auctionista

ON, CA

Layne ignites transformation! With humour, storytelling & bold insights, they inspire authenticity, resilience & inclusive leadership. Be moved. Be motivated. Be ready for positive change!

Layne is a non-binary, successful entrepreneur with a charming, animated personality, and armed with a collection of captivating anecdotes. They have presented on stages for over a decade, combining education and entertainment with seamless finesse. Layne delivers a unique blend of insightful learning and captivating humour, leaving audiences craving more.


They openly speak to their life experiences; coming out, rebounding from multiple traumas, mental health and physical wellness, and they hilariously spill the tea about being the only gay in the village at a US auction school. Layne offers insights into building a powerhouse company from the ground up, and the inspirational (and tragic) moments they’ve experienced during their career of working over 1,600 events.


Layne has appeared in prominent media from coast to coast such as CBC, Cityline, CTV, Authority Magazine (Medium) and as a recurring guest and co-host on Citytv’s Breakfast Television. Layne was named LuxLife’s 2024 “Fundraiser Event Entertainer of the Year (North America)”, Canadian Choice Award Winner for 2024, Corporate Livewire’s 2024 Innovation & Excellence Global Awards “Keynote Speaker of the Year” and was nominated in 2022 for a Canadian Event Award.


An advocate for social impact, Layne’s work as The Auctionista has raised over $50 million for charity across North America. Layne’s undeniable stage presence and commitment to each and every cause has made them a force in the fundraising world. They champion the idea that no challenge is insurmountable, and no dream is unattainable.


Layne would know best. Prior to blazing a trail in a male-dominated industry and creating a wildly successful company, Layne changed career paths from a Financial Advisor to Director of Development at a charity, only to courageously pivot again. Through their determination and perseverance (and a certain someone telling them they couldn’t), they decided to take the leap and reinvent the role of auctioneer. As a non-binary, entertaining, fashion-forward philantro-tainer, Layne has turned the world of auctioneering on its head.


With securing the title “Celebrity Auctioneer” and live fundraising firmly under their belt, Layne stepped into the world of keynote speaking to deliver powerful messages about the importance of living authentically, and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging. In 2024, Layne launched The IMPACT Workshop; a learning series targeted to organizations which is focused on helping participants understand the concepts of gender identity, and how to create a workplace and community that is inclusive and accepting of all, honouring intersections of identity including race, body size, abilities, age, etc.

The IMPACT Workshop was prominently featured in the Spring 2024 issue of Canadian Business, where they spoke about the immediate, positive, and lasting effects that Layne’s workshop had on an organization.


Now, the ever-innovative Layne, is one of the most coveted and respected auctioneers, speakers, and workshop facilitators, with a sparkling reputation for personal storytelling that connects.


The power of vulnerability, courage, resolve and resilience delivered with humour is the Layne way!

Layne is a non-binary, successful entrepreneur with a charming, animated personality, and armed with a collection of captivating anecdotes. They have presented on stages for over a decade, combining education and entertainment with seamless finesse. Layne delivers a unique blend of insightful learning and captivating humour, leaving audiences craving more.


They openly speak to their life experiences; coming out, rebounding from multiple traumas, mental health and physical wellness, and they hilariously spill the tea about being the only gay in the village at a US auction school. Layne offers insights into building a powerhouse company from the ground up, and the inspirational (and tragic) moments they’ve experienced during their career of working over 1,600 events.


Layne has appeared in prominent media from coast to coast such as CBC, Cityline, CTV, Authority Magazine (Medium) and as a recurring guest and co-host on Citytv’s Breakfast Television. Layne was named LuxLife’s 2024 “Fundraiser Event Entertainer of the Year (North America)”, Canadian Choice Award Winner for 2024, Corporate Livewire’s 2024 Innovation & Excellence Global Awards “Keynote Speaker of the Year” and was nominated in 2022 for a Canadian Event Award.


An advocate for social impact, Layne’s work as The Auctionista has raised over $50 million for charity across North America. Layne’s undeniable stage presence and commitment to each and every cause has made them a force in the fundraising world. They champion the idea that no challenge is insurmountable, and no dream is unattainable.


Layne would know best. Prior to blazing a trail in a male-dominated industry and creating a wildly successful company, Layne changed career paths from a Financial Advisor to Director of Development at a charity, only to courageously pivot again. Through their determination and perseverance (and a certain someone telling them they couldn’t), they decided to take the leap and reinvent the role of auctioneer. As a non-binary, entertaining, fashion-forward philantro-tainer, Layne has turned the world of auctioneering on its head.


With securing the title “Celebrity Auctioneer” and live fundraising firmly under their belt, Layne stepped into the world of keynote speaking to deliver powerful messages about the importance of living authentically, and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging. In 2024, Layne launched The IMPACT Workshop; a learning series targeted to organizations which is focused on helping participants understand the concepts of gender identity, and how to create a workplace and community that is inclusive and accepting of all, honouring intersections of identity including race, body size, abilities, age, etc.

The IMPACT Workshop was prominently featured in the Spring 2024 issue of Canadian Business, where they spoke about the immediate, positive, and lasting effects that Layne’s workshop had on an organization.


Now, the ever-innovative Layne, is one of the most coveted and respected auctioneers, speakers, and workshop facilitators, with a sparkling reputation for personal storytelling that connects.


The power of vulnerability, courage, resolve and resilience delivered with humour is the Layne way!

Bidding To Be Your Best

Format: 30-45 minute keynote

 

This program is perfect for:

  • Corporate teams
  • Leaders; Emerging, Corporate, Not for Profit
  • Associations

 

The audience will leave with:

  • Knowledge of how to channel adversity and vulnerability to find your courage and momentum.
  • A new perspective on societal expectations to live freely and be authentically...
Diversity Equity Inclusion (DEI)Gender IssuesLGBTQInspirational / Life-changingHumorous / FunnyAuthenticityCourageFundraising

From She To They

Format: 30-45 minute keynote

 

This program is perfect for:

  • LGBTQ2+ and allies
  • Leaders; Emerging, Corporate, Not for Profit
  • Professional Associations
  • Corporate Teams

 

The audience will leave with:

  • A new perspective on societal expectations to what it means to be authentically you.
  • An understanding of Non-Binary, and how to use...
Diversity Equity Inclusion (DEI)Gender IssuesLGBTQEducational / InformativeInspirational / Life-changingHumorous / FunnyAuthenticityCourage

Power of Play

Format: 60 minute keynote

 

This program is perfect for:

  • Senior programs, associations
  • Organizations promoting work-life balance

 

The audience will leave with:

  • Recognize  the Importance of Play: Participants will understand the fundamental  role of play in adult life, including its impact on creativity,  problem-solving skills, and overall...
Educational / InformativeInspirational / Life-changingHumorous / FunnyCourage

The IMPACT Workshop

Format: Full Day In-Person Workshop 

 

This program is perfect for:

  • Organizations looking to bring gender inclusion training to their team

 

At the end of the Workshop, participants will:

  • Describe and understand the concept of gender identity and be gender informed.
  • Understand how gender and other identity markers impact individual...
Diversity Equity Inclusion (DEI)Gender IssuesLGBTQAudience ActivityEducational / InformativeInspirational / Life-changingAuthenticity

Making Friends With The Future

Format: 45 minute keynote

 

This program is perfect for:

  • Organizations, Associations, Entrepreneurs

 

The audience will leave with:

  • Channel and redirect fear and vulnerability into a positive perspective
  • Commit to small, daily actions and find the joy in your future
  • Understand the power of manifestation
  • Reframe societal expectations to live...
LGBTQNonprofitInspirational / Life-changingAuthenticityCourage