Fee Range for Emily O'Brien
$7,501 - $10,000
Emily O'Brien
Keynote Speaker, Social Entrepreneur;
Founder-Comeback Snacks;
Prison Reform Advocate
About Emily O'Brien
Emily O'Brien is a Toronto-based keynote speaker, social entrepreneur, and founder of Comeback Snacks, a gourmet popcorn brand built on a mission of second chances.
What started as an idea developed during a federal prison sentence has grown into a nationally recognized business — and a platform for one of Canada's most compelling stories of resilience and reinvention.
As a speaker, Emily brings audiences a rare combination: a deeply personal story of transformation paired with practical, business-tested lessons in leadership and accountability.
Emily O'Brien's Expertise
Emily O'Brien is best known as a resilience and entrepreneurship speaker, drawing on her experience rebuilding a life and a business from the ground up.
Her signature talks center on what she calls her "comeback framework" — a practical approach to forgiveness, accountability, and finding purpose-driven motivation ("emotional profit") even in the toughest circumstances.
Audiences leave with concrete takeaways on leadership under pressure, second-chance hiring, and turning setbacks into long-term opportunity.
Emily is a strong fit for corporate conferences, women-in-business events, HR and DEI programming, and any organization looking for a keynote on resilience, redemption, or entrepreneurial grit.
Emily O'Brien's Bio
An award-winning entrepreneur, Emily O’Brien built a social enterprise that began in the most unlikely place: a prison cell. Through sharing her story, she offers a powerful narrative on transformation that is as compelling as it is instructive. Her journey from incarceration to becoming a celebrated business leader is a masterclass in how resilience and determination can turn even the greatest adversity into opportunity.
O’Brien is the founder of Comeback Snacks — “popcorn so good, it’s criminal”. The idea took root while she was serving her sentence, inspired by the creative seasonings her fellow inmates used to dress up popcorn. Refusing to let her circumstances define her future, she began laying the groundwork for the business from behind bars — coordinating market research and branding through hand-written letters. Upon her release, she scaled that groundwork into a brand now available in major grocery chains and independent retailers across North America
Beyond her business success, O’Brien is a leading voice in prison reform advocacy. She uses her platform to eliminate the stigma surrounding prior convictions and has helped provide employment and mentorship to those in need of a second chance. Her work with organizations like the Elizabeth Fry Society and her fundraising efforts for at-risk youth highlight her deep commitment to social impact.
O’Brien’s expertise and leadership have been recognized with numerous accolades. This includes the YWCA Women of Distinction Award for Business Leadership, the Women Empowerment Award for Entrepreneur of the Year, and The Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Award.
As a speaker, O’Brien connects with audiences by blending raw honesty with practical business insights. Her keynotes explore the “comeback blueprint,” focusing on forgiveness, kindness, and the “emotional profit” required to succeed in both life and the competitive retail industry. O’Brien is the ideal choice for organizations looking to inspire their teams with a story of relentless resilience and courageous reinvention.
Contact Us for Emily O'Brien's speaker fees, and date availability.
Emily O'Brien's Presentation Topics
Emily O'Brien travels from Toronto, Ontario, Canada. She offers either a keynote presentation, fireside chat or moderated Q&A format. Each presentation is unique and tailored for audiences, industries, conferences and corporate event formats.
The Comeback Blueprint +
Recovering and rebounding from difficult circumstances is easier said than done but not impossible. Emily O’Brien — the CEO and Founder of Comeback Snacks, a business she built from scratch while serving time behind bars — is living proof that a setback, no matter how large, doesn’t have to be the end of your story.
In this keynote, O’Brien breaks down her proven “comeback blueprint”, designed after successfully navigating the criminal justice system and the world of entrepreneurship. Through sharing the highs and lows of building her business — from launching it while serving time and coordinating branding and market research through hand-written letters, to scaling it into a brand now on shelves across North America — she shares the two components she believes are non-negotiable for success today: kindness and resilience.
O’Brien’s blueprint is a result of her own personal reckoning: the embarrassment, guilt, anger, and even revenge she felt in the aftermath of her mistakes, and the difficult conversations that followed. She shares how she moved from looking back on the past to taking ownership of it — and how that shift in accountability became the foundation for building something unstoppable. --
Business Success and Emotional Profit +
Starting a small business is tough. Starting one behind bars is another challenge entirely. The CEO and Founder of Comeback Snacks, Emily O’Brien takes audiences through the trials, tribulations, and life lessons acquired after building a business in federal prison and elevating it to new heights after her release.
From forgiving one’s past mistakes to helping others in need, O’Brien discusses how the real “profit” needed to succeed in business and life is not simply financial, but emotional. She shares her riveting entrepreneurial story while breaking down her lessons learned, including how to build momentum with no capital, how collaboration and community can grow a business faster than money can, and how finding real joy in the work is what keeps founders motivated for the long haul.
Key takeaways include:
- Redefining “profit” to include empathy, purpose, and impact.
- How self-forgiveness unlocks the confidence to lead.
- Turning past mistakes into fuel for helping others succeed.--
The Trust Gap: How Great Leaders Create Cultures Where People Can Grow Beyond Their Mistakes +
Most hiring processes are built to screen people out. Emily O’Brien built hers to bring people in. As CEO and Founder of Comeback Snacks, she has staffed her company with fellow justice-impacted individuals — a decision rooted in her own experience of what it feels like to be defined by a single mistake.
O’Brien lays out the case for fair chance hiring in practical terms: what she calls a trifecta of benefits, where businesses gain loyal talent, employees gain dignity and stability, and communities lower reoffending rates and stronger safety nets. She’s built her team on this different set of rules and seen her company flourish.
O’Brien is candid about where this conviction comes from: the stigma she faced coming out of prison, and the handful of people who trusted her before she’d proven anything. That early trust became the model for the culture she runs today — one where a mistake is a starting point, not a life sentence.
Key takeaways include:
- The business case for fair chance hiring (talent, loyalty, retention).
- How to build a culture where people are trusted to grow.
- Why second chances strengthen teams, not just individuals. --
Women in Leadership: Smashing That Popcorn Ceiling +
As a female entrepreneur in the male-dominated food retail industry, Emily O’Brien has learned how to survive in a tough market while facing constant pressure. In this keynote, she breaks down what that’s actually required of her: patience, courage, and perseverance. Rather than positioning herself against the men she’s worked with, she’s learned to work alongside them — a strategy that’s shaped how she leads and how she’s grown her business.
O’Brien speaks openly about her own story as a woman in leadership — the pressure to prove herself, and the moments she chose to push forward anyway. Above all, she credits humour and joy as what carried her through the hardest parts of building her business. --
Book Emily O'Brien to speak at your next conference or corporate event.
Frequently Asked Questions About Emily O'Brien
Who is Emily O'Brien? +
Emily O'Brien is a Toronto-based keynote speaker, entrepreneur, and founder of Comeback Snacks, a specialty popcorn company built from an unlikely starting point — a federal prison cell. She is also a respected prison reform advocate who works to remove the stigma around criminal records and create employment opportunities for people seeking a second chance. --
What does Emily O'Brien speak about? +
Emily's presentations center on her "comeback blueprint" — a framework for resilience, forgiveness, accountability, and what she calls "emotional profit." She blends candid personal storytelling with practical business lessons, making her keynotes relevant for audiences focused on leadership, entrepreneurship, mental health, and overcoming adversity. --
What are Emily O'Brien's most requested keynote topics? +
Emily offers several signature presentations, including:
- Leaders Never Leave – on resilient, accountable, and compassionate leadership
- The Comeback Blueprint – her personal framework for turning hardship into opportunity
- Profits With People – on building purpose-driven businesses and supporting others through setbacks
- Resilience for Redemption – on self-belief, authenticity, and entrepreneurial growth
- Radical Accountability: Owning Your Path to Success – on taking full ownership of choices and outcomes as a path to personal and professional growth --
What presentation formats does Emily O'Brien offer? +
Emily can deliver a traditional keynote, a fireside chat, or a moderated Q&A session. Each presentation is customized to fit the specific audience, industry, and event format. --
How much does it cost to book Emily O'Brien as a keynote speaker in Canada? +
Emily O'Brien's keynote speaker fees are currently in the range of $7,501.00 –$10,000 CAD, with final pricing confirmed through K&M Productions Speakers & Shows based on event format, location, audience size and customization. Contact K&M Productions to check date availability and arrange a pre-event call.
Also note that there is a fee range link on most speaker pages on our website. Corporate keynote speakers in Canada represented by K&M Productions Speakers & Shows confirm fees through our agency by written agreement. Final pricing reflects agreed-upon details and execution of the contract terms. --
Where is Emily O'Brien based, and does she travel for events? +
Emily O'Brien is based just outside of Toronto, Ontario, Canada. At this time, she is only available for "live" events within Canada. She is able to present virtually for conferences and corporate events in the USA as well as internationally. --
How do I book Emily O'Brien for my Canadian conference, corporate event, company retreat or AGM? +
Emily O'Brien is directly represented by K&M Productions Speakers & Shows. You can request her availability and fees by contacting K&M Productions through their event inquiry form or by phone at 905.831.0404. --
What awards or recognitions has Emily O'Brien received? +
Emily has been honored with several awards for her business and community impact, including the 2020 YWCA Women of Distinction Award for Business Leadership & Entrepreneurship, the 2022 Women Empowerment Award as Entrepreneur of the Year, and the Queen's Platinum Jubilee Community Service Award in 2022. --
What media outlets have featured Emily O'Brien? +
Emily's story has been covered by major Canadian and international media, including CTV, CBC, Global, Vice, SiriusXM, CHCH, The Toronto Star, The Globe and Mail, and Toronto Life Magazine. --
What organizations does Emily O'Brien support or partner with? +
Emily partners with organizations such as the Elizabeth Fry Society, which supports individuals in the Canadian justice system, and has raised funds for groups like the Yonge Street Mission to support at-risk youth. --
Is Emily O'Brien a good fit for mental health or resilience-focused events? +
Yes. Her keynotes on overcoming adversity, redemption, and personal transformation make her a strong fit for events focused on mental health, resilience, leadership development, and entrepreneurship. --
What do past clients say about Emily O'Brien? +
Past clients consistently praise her authenticity and storytelling ability. Event organizers have described her as a charismatic, passionate speaker whose personal journey resonates deeply with audiences and leaves them inspired to apply lessons in resilience and determination to their own lives and businesses. --
Is Emily O'Brien represented by a speaker's bureau in Canada and how is the contract handled? +
Emily O'Brien is represented by K&M Productions Speakers & Shows Canada who coordinate bookings and handle the contract-agreement with the client. Keynote speakers in Canada often work through a bureau to take care of their contracts and payments while they look after the creative and content aspects of their topics and presentations. Bureau representation ensures consistent communication between the client and the speaker as well as an "insurance policy" for your conference in the unlikely occurrence of speaker illness or cancellation. --
Who do I contact for more information on Emily O'Brien? +
For booking inquiries, speaking fees, and date availability, contact K&M Productions Speakers & Shows at 905.831.0404 or through our website's event inquiry form. --
What Clients are Saying About Emily O'Brien
Emily O'Brien has a story like no other I have heard before. She speaks from the heart with passion, humour, and grace.She shows audiences
how they too can be resilient, and come back from what may appear to be insurmountable challenges. While her trials are unique to her story, everyone can apply her grit and determination to build a business and life to be proud of, while creating stronger communities for all.
–Stacey Smith / Program Manager/ Industry Events - Farm Credit Canada
Emily O'Brien is a visionary leader and an inspiring entrepreneur. Her journey with Comeback Snacks is a powerful story of resilience. During the NLOWE International Women's Day Event, Emily shared her compelling story of overcoming adversity and turning a personal challenge into a thriving business that also gives back to the community.
Comeback Snacks is more than just a business; it's a mission-driven enterprise that supports second chances and creates opportunities for those who need them the most. Emily's commitment to employing formerly incarcerated individuals and helping them reintegrate into society is truly commendable. Her story resonated deeply with our attendees, showcasing how one person's determination and vision can drive meaningful change. She discussed the hurdles she faced, and the lessons learned along the way, providing invaluable insights into entrepreneurship, social impact, and personal growth. Her authenticity and passion were inspirational.
I highly recommend Emily for future speaking engagements and applaud the impactful work she continues to do.
–NLOWE (Booked by K&M Productions)
CMHA Fort Frances Branch was fortunate to have Emily O’Brien from Comeback Snacks present to us during our All Staff meeting. Emily is a passionate speaker who inspired our staff with her personal story. Truly inspirational and would highly recommend.
–Canadian Mental Health Association
I recently recommended Emily to a friend of mine looking for a keynote speaker for a major event around Women's Empowerment Day. Incredible reviews! Interestingly, I did this without ever having seen Emily speak. Why was I so confident? Well, she's charismatic, interesting, funny, authentic, different and a great story teller. A winning formula!
–David Chilton