Sam’s Story
Sam Thiara is a dynamic leader who blends storytelling, education, and transformational coaching to help individuals uncover their unique paths. As an Adjunct Professor at Simon Fraser University’s Beedie School of Business, he brings an engaging and insightful approach to both the classroom and boardroom, inspiring the next generation of leaders. His dedication to building strong communities has influenced educational institutions and organizations, shaping programs that foster meaningful connections.
Recognized for his outstanding contributions, Sam has received prestigious honors, including the Canadian Sovereign Medal for Volunteers, the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, the King Charles III Coronation Medal, and the Rick Hansen Difference Maker Medallion.
As the founder of Ignite the Dream Coaching and Consulting, Sam has conducted over 5,500 career coaching conversations, guiding individuals and organizations toward unlocking their full potential. His impact extends across more than 50 non-profits, where he has driven strategic growth and community engagement. A sought-after speaker, Sam has delivered two TEDx talks and has been featured in over 80 podcasts, captivating audiences regionally, nationally, and internationally with his powerful storytelling and thought-provoking insights.
Sam’s journey is beautifully captured in his books, including Lost and Found: Seeking the Past and Finding Myself, a compelling travel memoir detailing his quest to trace his ancestral roots in India armed only with a faded photograph. The story’s profound impact has led to its adaptation into a screenplay. His upcoming third book, Calm and Sense is Common Sense: 30 Life Lessons to Fulfillment, continues his focus on personal and professional growth.
With an MA in Leadership Studies from the University of Exeter, a Higher Education Certificate from Harvard University, and a certificate in Positive Psychology and Well-Being from Stanford University, Sam brings a wealth of knowledge to his work.
He lives by his motto: “Everyone’s life is an autobiography… make yours worth reading.”