Speakers
The Self-Motivated Boy: Developing 21st Century Leadership
18 February 2017
Vivanta By Taj Hotel
Dwarka, New Delhi, India
Dr. Shimi Kang
Dr. Shimi Kang is a Harvard-trained medical doctor, researcher, media expert, and writer. She authored The Dolphin Parent: A Guide to Raising Healthy, Happy, and Self-Motivated Kids (Penguin Canada 2014) and The Self Motivated Kid (Tarcher Perigee 2015). The Dolphin Parent is a #1 bestseller in the Unites States, won the 2015 U.S. News International Book Award in Parenting and Family Category, and has been translated for global release in countries such as Germany, Russia, China, Thailand, Slovenia, Taiwan, and Korea.
Major media outlets, including The Huffington Post, NPR, The Washington Post, The Times of India, Psychology Today, South China Morning Post, and Time magazine have featured Dr. Kang’s articles and appearances on topics such as wellness, motivation, and optimal performance. She is an entertaining and experienced speaker who has shared the stage with cutting-edge scientists, movie stars, professional athletes, national politicians, CEOs, and even a Miss Universe. At her TEDx presentation, Dr. Kang skillfully combined her knowledge of motivation into her talk for a unique “therapeutic presentation” that led to a standing ovation.
She is the current Medical Director for Child and Youth Mental Health for Vancouver community, an associate professor at the University of British Columbia, and the founder of the Provincial Youth Concurrent Disorders Program at BC Children’s Hospital. She has received five national awards in the field of addictions and mental health, including the American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry Research Award and the 2016 YWCA Woman of Distinction Award in Health and Wellness. Dr. Kang garnered the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for her years of outstanding community service. She is the proud mother of three amazing — but exhausting — children.
Consult Dr. Kang's professional profile for more information.
David Armstrong
David Armstrong, who possesses extensive experience in education, the nonprofit sector, and the for-profit world, is the fourth Executive Director of the IBSC. As leader of the IBSC, David’s goals include serving as a catalyst for growth and membership, raising the organization's profile around the globe, improving the quality and value of the products and services offered, and delivering robust revenues to ensure the IBSC's future to champion boys' education worldwide.
Previously as Headmaster of Landon School in Bethesda, Maryland, United States, for 11 years (2004-15), David demonstrated his commitment to the education of boys. He evidenced his dedication especially in the area of character development and his passionate advocacy for boys’ schools and all the individuals who make them thrive. His legacy at Landon reveals capabilities critical to the IBSC and its members: curriculum review, better communication and collaboration, superior professional development opportunities, increased social media presence, the use of technology in teaching and learning, and devotion to educating boys.
A confident, proven leader who has earned an undergraduate degree from Princeton and a J.D. from the University of Denver, David’s experience in the business world, particularly in entrepreneurship, combined with his long IBSC institutional memory, has proven instrumental as we develop our international connections, online classes, and global relationships. Furthermore, David remains steadfastly committed to the IBSC’s research endeavors. Focused on working with and knowing boys and those who teach them, David determinedly builds and strengthens relationships with schools around the globe that work with boys.
David resides in La Jolla, California, United States, with his wife Liz. They have three children and four grandchildren.