Dr. Bill Howatt is recognized internationally as a leading authority in workplace mental health, with over 30 years of clinical experience supporting employers’ HR and psychological health and safety initiatives. As an active HR/psychological safety practitioner, researcher, and author,  he has created several tools and programs to mitigate mental harm and foster mental health. Specifically, Dr. Bill is the former Chief of Research, Workforce Productivity, at The Conference Board of Canada, and the former Chief of Research and Development, Workforce Productivity, at Lifeworks. Dr. Bill has created the senate approved Certificate in Psychologically Safe Leadership and Certificate in Management Essentials, Pathway to Coping and Mental Fitness through the University of New Brunswick. Dr. Bill is the Chair of the CSA Technical Committee on the Management of Impairment Standard, CSA Technical Committee Member for the Psychological Health and Safety Standard and is a member of the CSA Strategic Steering Committee for Occupational Health and Safety. 

Dr. Howatt completed his B.Sc. Physical Education, B.A., M.Ed. Counseling Psychology, M.Sc. Clinical Psychology, and his Ph.D.s in Counselling Psychology and Industrial/Organizational Psychology, Ed.D., He also completed a Post Doctorate Behavioral Science, University of California, Los Angeles, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior. Dr. Howatt openly shares his personal challenges with mental health and neurodivergence in his recently published book, Stop Hiding and Start Living: How to Say F-it to Fear and Develop Mental Fitness. He is the author of over 50 books and 500 articles, including a regular column with Talent Canada, OHS Magazine, The Chronicle Herald, HR News Canada and The Globe and Mail. His approach to workplace mental health is not only evidence-based, but also grounded in lived experiences, making it both practical and relatable.