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Speaker Bio

Better known as “The Retired Spy”, JJ Brun is a Human Behaviour and Communication Specialist who has over 30 years of studying and working within the field of human behaviour.

Speaking to everyone from industry leaders to university students, JJ has helped hundreds of thousands of people learn to relate and communicate more effectively across cultures, in their own businesses and personal lives.

His 15 years of service within the field of Human Intelligence (HUMINT) for the Canadian Armed Forces Intelligence Branch fostered his interest in how people feel, think and act they way they do. Through JJ’s unique application of the Four Temperament (DISC) Model Human Behaviour, JJ provides the secrets to reading people and recognizing what certain behaviour indicates and how to interpret and respond to that information.

In a world where everyone communicates, and very few connect, JJ has dedicated his life and his business to learning the principles of human behaviour and effective communication practices across cultures.

Speaker Topics

Making Sense of the People Puzzle in Times of Change

Are you struggling to understand why your team members feel, think, and act the way they do during times of change? Discover, experience, and apply key “OPERATIVE INSIGHTS” to effectively read other people’s needs and expectations, ensuring that no one gets left behind during times of crisis and change.

Presenting Ideas and Gaining Buy-In

Are you tired of having your great ideas shot down before they even have a chance to take flight? JJ reveals the secrets to why people say no to your ideas and how to turn their rejection into acceptance.

How to Successfully Navigate Hostile Environments Using the ‘F’ Word

JJ explains how to use the Environmental Hostility Spectrum to successfully navigate difficult conversations by using the‘F’ word, and no, we don’t mean the four-letter curse word! We’re talking about the ‘F’ word when connecting with people matters. This powerful tool will help you become better equipped to handle any difficult environments or conversations that comes your way.

Testimonials

JJ had our full attention for two solid hours during our 2024 company off-site retreat!  In short, we all thoroughly enjoyed JJ’s session and it made a great impact on us! Our team completed DISC profiles in advance of the session to help us understand our individual personalities and how we interact as a team. We are looking forward to keeping the messages and the learnings moving forward.  JJ also provided a ton of resources that we can use as a follow-up.  Our team debriefed afterward, and everyone had nothing but fantastic things to say about both the session and its outcomes! We highly recommend JJ Brun as a speaker.

Daniel Lisi, Business Development Manager, Elite Construction  

The session went well, and everyone was impressed with JJ’s presentation. JJ was both great as a presenter and went above and beyond in the lead up to the event. I could not have asked for anything more.

Katrina Roberts , Department of National Defense

Our HR leadership day was highlighted by your opening speech about the People Puzzle. You brought a new and refreshing perspective on how we communicate with our people to get “buy-in”. I know that you impacted many in the room because your ideas were referred to several times at other sessions.

P. Landreville , Shared Services Canada

All the feedback was very enthusiastic concerning the novelty of JJ’s topic and how he made it so relevant to our diverse audience. But almost more important, was our using “The Retired Spy” on our teasers. This was a real attention-getter and a draw for registrations.

A. Martin, PLR Expo (Property Loss Restoration)

Recently, we were lucky enough to enjoy a keynote address delivered by JJ Brun. The presentation incorporated many personal stories from his time as a spy as well as lessons learned in his personal life, giving the talk added entertainment. All in all, it is difficult to find presenters who can bring entertainment to a presentation that can also be used for personal and professional development – but that is exactly what JJ offered us. Job well done!

Dustin Menger, President , Canadian Well Logging Society

JJ did an excellent job for us. I was very pleased by the feedback from so many of our attendees who said that he “really” got it and were looking forward to using some of the techniques when they get back to their offices. It was confirmation that there were some real take-aways in that presentation.

G. Gibson , Government Finance Officers Association

JJ was awesome! It was a real eye-opener when he read the room. We have received great feedback from the delegates.

A. Jeffs, Events Organizer, Association of Municipal Administrators in Nova Scotia (AMANS)

…a new understanding of the way I manage my clients. Working in the banking industry I get the chance to deal with many clients, therefore many different personalities. I look forward to attend other presentations in the future.

P. Dufour, TD Canada Trust

This course will provide me the opportunity to perfect my interaction skills with these individuals. Overall evaluation of this program – excellent!

P. Trudeau, Bombardier Aerospace

JJ’s Keynote presentation for our non-profit society AGM was one of the most interesting and informative Keynote talks I’ve seen. Not only was he entertaining, but he provided a look into using the skills of a spy in everyday life and business. JJ is an inspiring speaker who spun a fun/exciting talk into something I now want to pursue to increase my day to day business success.

T. Yaxley, Roke Technologies Ltd.

This was the best investment I have ever made in a learning and development seminar.

R. Lambe, Fisheries and Oceans Canada

The presentation incorporated many personal stories from his time as a spy as well lessons learned in his personal life giving the talk added entertainment. All in all, it is difficult to find presenters who can bring entertainment to a presentation that can also be used for personal and professional development – but that is exactly what JJ offered us. Job well done!

Dustin Menger, President, Canadian Well Logging Society

Loved the presentation … JJ was entertaining andengaging. He had us all up and out of our seats todemonstrate, really show, the differences in behaviouraltendencies and how they can influence/improveinterpersonal skills and communication.

D. Steele PMP, Attendee - Solving The People Puzzle Workshop

JJ is awesome! This is the first training that I’ve taken inmy career where I am fully attentive the entire time. I enjoyed the conversation. JJ, keep up the great work, your knowledge, experience and feedback is appreciated.

University of Ottawa Student

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