For event planners
Everything you need to plan the session.
Bios, an introduction to read from the stage, room requirements and how the planning works. If something you need isn't here, ask and it will be sent to you.
Bios
Use either version in your program, website or promotion. Edits for length are fine.
Short bio
Andrew Kooger helps leaders and teams decide well and rebuild when the plan breaks. He built his career in finance and today works as an asset management professional. After a 2020 mountain biking crash left him with a traumatic brain injury and a spinal cord injury, he returned to competitive adaptive sport and won two bronze medals at the 2025 Canada Summer Games. He is the author of Defy The Odds.
Longer bio
Andrew Kooger is a speaker, author and Team Ontario para-cyclist who helps leaders and teams decide well and rebuild when the plan breaks.
He built his career in finance and today works as an asset management professional, supporting the advisors and planners who guide clients through major decisions. In 2020, a mountain biking crash left him with a traumatic brain injury and a T7 spinal cord injury. He rebuilt his work, his training and his sense of who he is, returned to competitive adaptive sport, and won two bronze medals at the 2025 Canada Summer Games.
His keynotes (When the Plan Breaks, The Puzzle and Both Sides of the Desk), hands-on workshops and one-on-one coaching give people a practical way to make decisions under real constraints. He is the author of Defy The Odds (2024) and is based in the Greater Toronto Area.
Stage introduction
About 30 seconds when read aloud. Please read it as written, or check changes with Andrew before the event.
Our next speaker built his career in finance and today works in asset management, alongside people who help others make big decisions. In 2020, a mountain biking crash changed every plan he had. He rebuilt his work, his training and his sense of who he is, and in 2025 he won two bronze medals at the Canada Summer Games as a para-cyclist with Team Ontario. He is the author of Defy The Odds. Please welcome Andrew Kooger.
Headshots
Approved for event programs, websites and promotion.
What event hosts say
“Andrew’s talk was empowering. By sharing his story, he equipped our advisors and clients with practical tools to maintain mental performance during challenging times, stay motivated and energized as they age, and rediscover their sense of purpose in retirement.”
“The principles you shared, buoyed by your demonstrable ability and desire to live life to the fullest, were practical examples of what members in the audience could use to reflect on their own personal challenges.”
“Andrew’s powerful story shows how something tragic can become a source of purpose and inspiration. His talk prompted me to reflect on my own life, my values, and what matters most to me.”
“WOW - What a way to start our virtual conference! Andrew did an exceptional job of sharing his personal story and connecting his 3 principles to finding purpose in life and business. It was an extremely powerful and impactful session that resonated with my Team.”
“Andrew has an incredible story and his message was delivered in a very thoughtful and authentic way. The team was very moved and inspired by Andrew's message, myself included.”
“I wanted to extend my sincere thanks for sharing your story at the associate conference. Your message truly resonated with everyone in attendance, leaving a lasting impression on our team. Your openness and authenticity inspired many of us and reminded us of the power of personal experience in shaping our perspectives. The feedback has been incredibly positive, with many associates expressing how much they appreciated your willingness to share and how impactful your words were. Thank you again for your contribution. Your story made the conference even more meaningful and memorable for all of us.”
AV and stage requirements
Final details are confirmed with you during planning.
- Speaking position
- Step-free access to the speaking position, or a suitable floor-level setup, with arrangements confirmed during planning.
- Microphone
- A lapel or headset microphone.
- Screen
- A screen or display for slides, where slides are used.
- Workshops
- A room where small groups can sit together and move between tables.
- Travel
- Based in the Greater Toronto Area. Travel and accessible accommodation are arranged as part of the proposal.
How planning works.
Share your event
Send an inquiry with your audience, date, location, format and what you want people to take away. Rough details are fine.
Shape the session
Andrew follows up to understand the event, then sends a proposal with the format, scope and fee. The date is held once the proposal is agreed.
Equip your people
Before the event, you share context about your audience so examples fit. On the day, Andrew delivers the session and any workshop materials.
Planner FAQs
Prefer email? Write to info@andrewkooger.com.
Can the session be tailored to our audience?
Yes. Every session starts from your audience, your event theme and what you want people to take away. Examples, scenarios and emphasis are adjusted for your group. The core story and the decision protocol stay the same.
Can we pair a keynote with a workshop?
Yes, and it is often the most useful format. The keynote gives the full audience a shared language; a workshop the same day or later gives a smaller group time to apply it. When the Plan Breaks and Both Sides of the Desk pair with The Decision Toolkit. The Puzzle pairs with Purpose at Work or Practical Accessibility and Inclusion.
Do you deliver sessions virtually?
Yes. Keynotes and workshops are available in person or virtually. Mention your preference in your inquiry and the proposal will cover the format and technical setup.
Do you travel?
Andrew is based in the Greater Toronto Area and can travel for events. Travel and accommodation are discussed during planning and included in the proposal.
How does booking work?
Send an inquiry with what you know so far. Andrew will follow up to understand the event, then send a proposal with the format, scope and fee. An inquiry does not reserve a date; a date is held once the proposal is agreed.
What are your fees?
Fees are quoted individually because they depend on the format (keynote, workshop or both), location, travel and scope. Share your budget range in the inquiry if you have one. It is optional.
What do you need on the day?
Step-free access to the speaking position, or a suitable floor-level setup, and a lapel or headset microphone. Arrangements are confirmed with you during planning. Details are on the event planners page.
Planning your 2027 event?
Tell Andrew about your audience, your date and what you want people to leave with. He will follow up to talk it through and send a proposal.