Julie Kim

Speaking topics

Presentations listed below include in-person and virtual keynotes, as well as workshops, fireside chats, and other presentation formats.

• From Corporate to Comedy: Building the Bridge

  Julie Kim is one of Canada’s top stand-up comedians and the first internationally touring Asian female comedian in the country. She’s also a television writer and producer, having written on top shows like Kim’s Convenience, Still Standing, Run the Burbs, and The JUNO Awards.

  Prior to (and during!) her comedy career, Kim was a management consultant, PhD student, professor, and more, often holding multiple jobs at the same time. While she thrived in a multi-faceted and high-performance professional career, she eventually discovered her purpose in entertainment and comedy.

  In this keynote, Kim shares how she strategically (and often not so strategically) crossed what she refers to as the “bridge” of two different worlds. Her stories and lessons are funny, irreverent, inspiring, and relatable.

• Work-Life Balance: Balance is Overrated

  Julie Kim is one of Canada’s top comedians with multiple televised appearances and regular international tours. She’s also a television writer and producer, having written on top shows like Kim’s Convenience, Still Standing, Run the Burbs, and The JUNO Awards. She’s also been a management consultant, PhD student, professor, and more (often at the same time). Her busiest professional year yet was also the first year of her daughter’s life.

  Kim’s often asked, “how do you manage work-life balance?” and “how do you do it all?” The short answer is that she doesn’t believe in those questions, but she’s got a LOT to say on the matter.

  In this presentation, Kim shares insights and experiences that are funny, fresh, thoughtful, transparent, and irreverent, with real-talk nuances regarding gender and race.

• Grit and Perseverance at All Costs

  Julie Kim shares stories and lessons from her 12-year journey as one of Canada’s top stand-up comedians and the first internationally touring Asian female comedian in the country. Her talk highlights stories and insights shared regarding two main success factors in her journey — grit and perseverance.

  Starting out with no template or direct role models in a very challenging industry where few people looked or sounded like her, Kim has had to keep her eye on the prize and create many of her own opportunities.

  Please note: This presentation references various forms of racial, sexual, and gender-related harassment and discrimination.

• Asian Heritage Month: Breaking Barriers and Embracing Identity

  Julie Kim’s story is one of breaking boundaries and embracing her unique identity to pave her way in the world. As the first Asian female stand-up comedian in the country, she shares with humour how she’s navigated barriers and challenges from the outside world as well as within.

  Through sharing her story and observations as a second-generation Korean Canadian, Kim speaks to the clash between individual dreams and cultural expectations and how to re-frame limitations into superpowers. She also shares her first-hand experiences about the impact of increased representation and diversity in the media, and how she tries to contribute to this movement. Resonating themes include self-leadership, questioning societal constraints, embracing one’s true self, and perseverance.

  This can be presented as a fireside chat or a 20-30-minute keynote followed by a Q&A.

• Host / Emcee

  With backgrounds in business, technology, education, and healthcare, Julie Kim can host and facilitate events that require subject matter expertise with flair and professionalism (but also FUN, FUN, FUN). From strategic planning retreats and annual general meetings to awards galas, fundraisers, and auctions, Kim is an expert host, emcee, and facilitator.