Tom Deans
Succession Planning and Wealth Management Expert
Over the next two decades, Canadians are projected to inherit an unprecedented $1 trillion, representing one of the largest wealth transfers in history. Award-winning speaker and Globe and Mail bestselling author Dr. Tom Deans has built his career around helping individuals and organizations understand and navigate the profound implications of this shift. Known for his thought-provoking and often contrarian perspective, Deans challenges audiences to think differently about their roles as both beneficiaries and benefactors. He encourages people of all income levels to embrace opportunities to live extraordinary, purposeful lives that make a lasting impact on others and society.
Currently serving as the President of Détente Financial Press, Deans leads advanced executive training programs for financial institutions, charities, and professional service firms, including those in the legal and accounting sectors. His diverse professional background includes leadership in banking, serving nearly a decade as CEO of a multinational company, presiding over a railway, and chairing a federal government committee on tax credits.
His international bestseller, Every Family’s Business, has sold more than a million copies in over 100 countries and was recognized by The New York Times as one of the top ten books for business owners. His follow-up book, Willing Wisdom, builds on his doctoral research conducted across the US, Canada, and the UK.
Deans’ expertise has been featured in Profit, Money Sense, Investment Executive, and The New York Times. He is also a frequent guest on CBC, MoneyLine, and BNN, where he discusses succession planning, intergenerational wealth transfer, and philanthropy.
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Speaking Topics
We All Leave Our Business One Day
Drawing from his international bestseller Every Family’s Business, Dr. Tom Deans delivers a compelling and inspirational presentation on how to plan the right business exit strategy. He addresses the emotional and practical challenges of transitioning wealth and wisdom to the next generation, highlighting the importance of family communication, authentic life choices, and leaving a legacy that’s more than just money.
Themes: Business Exit Planning, Succession Planning, Family Legacy, Purposeful Living, Leadership.
Helping Employees Lead Extraordinary Lives
Half of Canadians don’t have a will, and many who do have outdated documents. Dr. Deans inspires employees to take action on estate planning — not just for financial security, but for personal fulfilment. He explores how thoughtful planning can strengthen families, reduce stress, and increase focus at work.
Themes: Personal Finance, Company Culture, Purposeful Living, Caring for Aging Parents, Legacy Planning.
Dividing Estates Between Family and Charity: The $1 Trillion Dilemma
How much should you leave your children? What about charity? Dr. Deans tackles these tough questions with insight and humour, sharing seven key questions to spark meaningful estate planning conversations.
Themes: Estate Planning, Philanthropy, Preparing Heirs, Legacy, Wealth Transfer.
When Charity Meets Family
A powerful keynote for donors and non-profits, demonstrating how to align charitable giving with family conversations to create lasting legacies.
Themes: Philanthropy, Transparent Estate Planning, Family Communication, Inspiration, Legacy Building.
Advisors: It's Time For The Will Talk
Designed for wealth managers, lawyers, and accountants, this keynote helps advisors guide clients through the often-avoided conversation about wills — turning it into a relationship-building opportunity.
Themes: Advanced Estate Planning, Preparing Heirs, Retirement Planning, Legacy Families.
Preparing Heirs: A Family Meeting You Won’t Soon Forget
From boardrooms to family retreats, Dr. Deans facilitates transformative conversations about wealth transfer and legacy, using his innovative 7-step process from Willing Wisdom.
Themes: Preparing Heirs, Communication, Dividing Assets, Family Legacy, Next-Generation Potential.
Inspiring Client Conversations That Change Lives
A keynote for professional advisors on using will discussions to deepen client trust, improve engagement, and strengthen multi-generational relationships.
Themes: Client Discovery, Succession Planning, Estate Planning, Long-Term Engagement.
Inspiring Client Conversations That Change Lives 2.0
A hands-on workshop for advisors to master the process of mapping a client’s wealth transfer plan with confidence and empathy.
Themes: Advisor Training, Intergenerational Wealth Transfer, Client Engagement, Legacy Planning.
Recent Publications by Tom Deans
Q&A for Tom Deans
Where does Dr. Tom Deans usually travel from?
Dr. Tom Deans is based in Ontario, Canada, and travels across North America and internationally for keynote presentations, workshops, and private consultations.
Which subjects does Dr. Tom Deans typically speak on at events?
Dr. Deans is a leading authority on intergenerational wealth transfer, family business succession, and estate planning. Drawing from his best-selling books, he inspires business owners to approach succession planning with clarity, purpose, and open communication. His presentations guide audiences through building legacy, fostering trust, and ensuring smooth business transitions.
How much does it cost to book Dr. Tom Deans for a keynote?
Please contact us for an accurate quote tailored to your event’s location, audience, and format.
What is the typical length of Dr. Tom Deans’ keynote presentations?
His keynote speeches are generally 45–60 minutes in length, with the option to include an interactive Q&A session. He can also deliver half-day or full-day workshops for deeper engagement.
Is Dr. Tom Deans available for panel discussions or workshops?
Yes — Dr. Deans regularly participates in panel discussions and facilitates workshops designed to help families and businesses navigate succession challenges and strengthen communication.
Can Dr. Tom Deans customise his presentation for our audience?
Absolutely. He collaborates with event organisers to ensure his message aligns with the audience’s needs, whether they are entrepreneurs, family business leaders, or financial professionals.
What are some of Dr. Tom Deans’ notable past speaking engagements?
Dr. Deans has delivered over 2,000 speeches in 28 countries, speaking at conferences for major banks, insurance companies, wealth advisory firms, and family business associations. His message has resonated with audiences ranging from small business owners to large corporate leaders.
How do we book Dr. Tom Deans for our event?
To book Dr. Tom Deans for your next event, please contact Heather at ProSpeakers.com:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 416-420-4525
"Instead of the usual theme about how to hand off the family business to the next generation, Tom's book and speech offers a refreshing perspective encouraging family business owners to review all of their succession planning options, to challenge themselves by asking tough questions, and to focus on preserving their family wealth." The Succession Fund, Argosy Partners, Ltd.
"Tom's presentation is enlightening, engaging and entertaining...exactly what we expected following the book. He was prepared and open to discussing his perspective and experience as they relate to the complex topic of family business." Canadian Association of Family Enterprise
"Deans convinces his audience that businesses are temporary economic organizations always moving towards obsolescence - that the key to preserving generational wealth means abandoning the longevity of a business as a fundamental goal. With his entertaining style, he leaves you questioning everything you thought you knew about succession planning." MacKenzie Financial