b'Q A&withALLAN KEHLERby Justyne EsseryBBased in Saskatoon, Allan Kehler is a mental health advocate, keynote speaker and best-selling author of four books covering topics from addictions and substance abuse to stress and mens mental health. Drawing inspiration from his own personal struggles, Allan encourages others to break their silence and create a culture where everyone can be seen, heard and supported, both at work and at home.Answers have been edited for lengthand clarity.CM&E: What inspired you to start public speaking?ALLAN: The short and sweet is Ive spent so much of my life trying to harm myself. I look back and theres no logical reason why I should still be alive, other than I feel Im just here to carry a message. This has always been bigger than me. When I was struggling with mental illness, addictions, going through trauma, thoughts of suicide, I always said to myself, There has to be a purpose to all this. And when I was finally able to transform that pain into purpose, that was the why.I was a compulsive gambler. I lost everything to that. But I found that gambling in particular wasnt being recognized by society, and I saw so many young men struggling. I was living in Edmonton; I was teaching at a time when I was not in a good place. I Googled Problem Gambling Resource Network, and I marched into that organization. I shook hands with Ray [the executive director] and I said, My name is Allan. Let me be a face and voice to this. He started giving me $75 to go to jails, Fall/Winter 2023CORPORATE MEETINGS & EVENTS 37'