Neil Thornton – speaking bio

Neil Thornton is a Corporate Strategist, Business Innovation Specialist, writer, facilitator and speaker. He is the President of The Thornton Group of Companies.

Since starting his organization, Neil has made a commitment to share the ideas, insights and trends that he has learned in over 20 years of consulting, business development, entrepreneurship and coaching business leaders. He has been asked to work with, business teams, associations, executives. public entities, academic institutions, and technology-innovation groups.

He has worked with hundreds of progressive companies that have innovated and thrived in today’s fast paced, changing markets. His speaking, writing, web presence and messaging for the past 20 years has reached over one million people. His experience in keynote delivery, seminar workshops and teaching is extensive.

Every company he works with wants to grow business development, especially in changing markets and changing client expectations. He helps his clients execute goals and drive change; a process critical for success in today’s changing markets. He builds great teams and helps ensures success.

Today it’s all about speed, agility and behind ahead of the curve; something people have expressed an interested in hearing about.

Neil has a unique and direct approach that hits straight to the heart in an honest and direct point. There is no fluff allowed when he is in the room. He pushes and drives for change in business and culture. He has a no-holds barred style of integrity and directness.

Neil can be found by searching him on Google, connecting with him on LinkedIn, or by visiting www.thorntongroup.ca.

Speaking topics:

Business engagement and results Strategic planning and execution The new reality of sales skills Developing vision and goal setting Presentation and influence skills Web presence, social media and new

technologies Executive coaching and tools

Succession planning and team development Hiring for success and planning Leadership development Dealing with new millennial generations Handling stress and worry Branding, networking and influence

Communications and human relations

When you say it, it’s bragging. When others say it, it is proof.

Business Clients

“We engaged Neil Thornton to help our leadership team align their actions with outstanding results, and to engage their team to produce outstanding results. Neil partners with us to help us learn, grow and keep pushing the bar. He doesn't do the work for us, he transfers the knowledge so that we do the work and we get results. Neil connects just as easily with the president of the organization as he does with front line leaders and part time staff. He gets us, and he works with the strengths that we have, not the strengths that we should have. He helps us be "better" versions of us. I would highly recommend The Thornton Group - but only if you really want to grow and see positive change!” 

Tammy Sweeney, VP Human Resources, Scotiabank Convention Centre

“Neil has an incredible ability to help people cut through the bs in their lives and really focus on what they want. His ability to hold up a mirror to people and make them really look at themselves is something you have to see. If you want positive, focused, business results, he's your guy.” 

Ed Vermolen, Director/Sales, Origro – Aldershot Greenhouses 

“Neil Thornton knows how to bring out the best in people. He taught me how to challenge myself in life and business. But most importantly he taught me how to hold myself accountable to my goals. Since learning from Neil in the last two years I have become a senior account executive at my place of work and have repeatedly been in the top ten in sales across North America for our buying group of 15 companies. I recommend listening to Neil if you have any desire to better yourself!!” 

Dave Edward, Account Executive, Brand Blvd

“If your company is ready for change and I mean really ready, Neil will drive that change. Our organization grew over 100% in the year after Neil assisted us in re-aligning our team and assisted Link Wireless become one of Canada's most successful Rogers Wireless Dealers.” 

Josh Finlay, President Rogers-Link Wireless

“Wow. I don't know how so much energy can be stored in one body. Only hire Neil if you want results because he won't rest until he gets results that can be measured.” 

Mike Memme, VP, Mountainview Properties

“I have used Neil to co-host our staff customer service orientation day for two years. He was able to capture their attention and made learning about customer service effortless and fun. Staff left the session motivated and ready to serve both their colleagues and our visitors.” 

Grace Poles, VP Human Resources, Royal Botanical Gardens

“Neil, is a results focused consultant that energizes, enthuses and motivates teams towards higher levels of achievement. His style and approach engages people and inspires better performance” 

Jeff Ransome, GM, Marriott International

“Neil is the most out of the box thinker that I have ever met. If you’re in for a high tempo ride to success, strap on your seatbelt and give Neil a call!!!” 

Nathan Gatt, Benefits Consultant, Benefit Partners Inc

“Neil has a proven track record of being a invaluable resource to my client's and the companies I seek to do business with. Neil has a keen business sense and recognizes what elements a business must take to succeed. What has made a company successful in the past, may not be enough to help them succeed in the future. Neil knows how to help companies maximize their resources, enhance sales and increase the bottom line. It is probably the hardest job to tell companies the realities but Neil and his team are honest and realistic and in today's economic climate, that is what business owners need. I give Neil and his team full credit for helping companies grow at a time when many are closing their doors. I would highly recommend Neil I believe they have the expertise and knowledge to help every single business increase revenues.”

Judi Smith, Senior Account Executive, Hub International Ontario Ltd.

“I've had a really great time working with Neil through a variety of community channels around Niagara. Through those engagements it became natural for me to invite Neil into the AOS Group boardroom to participate in some of our recent HR discussions. Neil’s expertise in the "behavioral arts" really shone through for us in his inventive dialogue with the members of our sales management team as well as a few of the prospective employees we met with on that day. His approaches generated reaction and investment into the conversations we had, making the dialogue invaluable in terms of measured insight into the individuals around the table. Neil delivers a powerful punch of honesty at key moments during critical conversations and his presence in these conversations adds the enables maximum value extraction. All things remaining the same, I would turn to Neil as a go-to guy to have around for "crucial conversations" and high-level management coaching.” 

Dave Shaw, Partner, AOS Solutions

Student references

“Neil Thornton is what every student, business professional--anyone that is seeking success--needs to have in their corner! Neil has the ability to be soft when necessary, to help you toughen up when necessary, and everything in between. This experienced professional knows when to have fun, and when to be dead serious. Neil is genuine in all that he does. He cares, and it shows in all that he does. I have seen and heard story after story of how Neil has made an impact on people's and company's lives. This is one phenomenal professor, businessman, and person!” 

Jennifer Crocker, Student, Niagara College

“You want to see a teacher who has completely redefined what the word teacher really is? It's this guy. Neil has been such an inspiring leader both on and off campus. I have had the tremendous privilege of having him as a teacher and mentor. Neil goes above and beyond what a teacher is. He changes students’ lives by inspiring each and every one of his students to step out and become a leader. This is a quality that is very rare and I have been blessed to have him as a channel for growth. There is no doubt in my mind, that when every student in our class (including myself) experiences even a hint of business success upon graduation, it has largely been in part of what kinds of tools, skills, and knowledge Neil has given us. He is an extremely awesome motivator and his attitude is dangerously contagious! He is always looking at how he can help others grow before himself and he is one of the most professional and humble guys you will ever meet, I can promise you that. The guy is awesome! Take him out for coffee, or buy him a steak dinner. Either way you will leave a changed person. It happened to me.” 

Fabio Marrama, Student, Niagara College

“This guy is a lunatic! But he's just the person Niagara's business course needed. This guy raises everyone's own personal expectations for themselves. The level of energy in the class is insane and so appreciated. Plus the all the people Neil has put us in touch with is absolutely priceless. Neil you know your stuff inside and out! You have successfully raised the bar when it comes to interactive learning and I have a feeling you have touched way more individuals positively with your teaching and great attitude than you will ever perceive.” 

Tyler Kroes-Burn, student, Niagara College Canada