We recently had the chance to connect with David Houle and have shared our conversation below.
David, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What is a normal day like for you right now?
Right now, my days and nights are a beautiful balance of work, creativity, and self-care! As a dancer at the Royal Palace in France, I’m thrilled to be part of our 45th anniversary celebration. My performances typically happen Wednesday through Sunday, which keeps me energized and engaged.
In addition to dancing, I’m diving into writing my first book, “The Art of Starting Over,” which is set to release in 2026. I’m also preparing for extra rehearsals for TV shoots for our upcoming Christmas show, so there’s always something exciting on the horizon!
To keep my energy up, I hit the gym about three times a week and continue to write music as an independent recording artist—it’s truly an exhilarating time!
With my contract running until July 2026, I feel fortunate to have the space to breathe and relax in my performances, especially after traveling the world for the past two years. Each day is a new opportunity to create and perform, and I couldn’t be happier!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
What sets my brand apart is my journey as a multidisciplinary artist from Montreal, Canada, with a decade of diverse experience that has taken me around the globe. I’ve had the incredible opportunity to perform in productions on the iconic Las Vegas Strip alongside finalists from “America’s Got Talent.” My career continues to expand, with notable collaborations including the Toronto Dance Theatre, the Canadian Opera Company, and the Mervis Company in Toronto, where I worked directly with the legendary Cyndi Lauper on the original Canadian production of “Kinky Boots.”
But my artistry extends beyond dance. I’ve toured with rock icon Marilyn Manson and performed at the 25th Warped Tour. These experiences have not only shaped me as an artist but have also fueled my passion for storytelling through music and movement.
A pivotal part of my journey is my ongoing commitment to sobriety, as I approach six years of living a clean and transformed life. This chapter has propelled me into a powerful role as a motivational speaker, and I’m proud to be represented by Speakers Canada. My brand is continuously evolving, and I’m learning to embrace the space I occupy as a singer.
What truly excites me now is the opportunity to blend my artistic passions and use them as a platform for inspiration. My message is about encouraging others to start over and find their voice through their hobbies, silencing their inner demons in the process. My keynote presentations are unique: I sing, I dance, and I share stories that resonate deeply with audiences. It’s something I’m building with pride, as I believe that my life experiences and artistic expression create a connection that truly inspires those who see me as a speaker. Each performance is more than just entertainment; it’s a celebration of resilience and transformation.
I’m currently pouring my heart and soul into finishing my first book, “The Art Starting Over.” This project is incredibly special to me, as it captures the lessons I’ve learned during my first five years of sobriety. Within its pages, I share a tapestry of stories that range from deeply personal moments to lighthearted comedic anecdotes, all interwoven with self-reflection exercises designed to guide readers on their own journeys.
This book is perfect for anyone yearning to live a more authentic life—especially those who find themselves struggling to let go of the past while seeking a powerful and vibrant future. My hope is that as readers delve into my experiences, they’ll not only find inspiration but also the tools to navigate their own paths of reinvention. It’s about embracing vulnerability, celebrating resilience, and recognizing that starting over can lead to the most beautiful chapters of our lives. I can’t wait to share this journey with the world!
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
What breaks the bonds between people is often a complex interplay of broken trust, whether it unravels slowly over time or shatters instantly due to a lack of a meaningful apology. It’s a paradox of our age—while we are interconnected like never before through social media, genuine bonds necessitate in-person contact and environments that nurture authentic human connection.
Additionally, these bonds can fray when we fail to meet others where they are in their own journeys. The age-old saying, “actions speak louder than words,” rings true here; when we neglect to support one another, we undermine our connections. At our core, we all crave connection and respect. When we achieve validation from within and cultivate a strong sense of confidence, we begin to recognize that some relationships may no longer serve our narratives, and sometimes, others may not wish for our success. Jealousy and incompetence can poison relationships, while a lack of courage can sever the threads that tie us together.
In contrast, what restores these bonds is a courageous and honest self-evaluation of our past actions. Acknowledging our triggers and understanding why we reacted in certain ways can pave the way for open, effective communication. This process of introspection allows us to navigate relationships with clarity, fostering connections that uplift and support us.
It’s essential to recognize that not all broken bonds are meant to be mended; this realization can be tremendously liberating. Sometimes, the most profound growth lies in letting go, learning from the experience, and focusing on building new connections that resonate with our evolving selves. Ultimately, restoration is found in vulnerability, kindness, and the willingness to embrace both our flaws and triumphs as we continue to weave the intricate tapestry of our relationships. This journey of connection and disconnection is what makes us profoundly human.
When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?
I began hiding my pain in my early 20s while grappling with deep-rooted self-confidence issues, and masking that pain became my reality. Losing my mother in high school left an indelible impact on me. I moved to Toronto to pursue my passion for dance, immersing myself in contemporary dance at the Toronto Dance Theatre, now known as the Dance Art Institute. Yet, despite the beauty of my surroundings and the art I was practicing, I felt a profound anger toward the world and didn’t recognize the pain as a powerful catalyst for change; instead, I used it as an excuse to play the victim.
It wasn’t until I faced a life-altering overdose in my early 30s—an experience that nearly cost me everything—that I had my wake-up call. That moment of crisis pushed me to reevaluate my life and embark on a journey of transformation. I started therapy and seriously committed to my sobriety. Through this process, I came to see my pain not as a burden but as unresolved trauma yearning to be acknowledged.
During the pandemic, I found my voice through songwriting. Writing lyrics became a lifeline that helped me connect my experiences, turning my pain into art and power. This pivotal shift not only played a crucial role in my recovery but also allowed me to inspire others as a motivational speaker. I realized that sharing my story is part of a shared human experience; we all face struggles, and when it comes to addiction, many of us encounter challenges at different points in life.
Transforming my pain into a source of empowerment is something I will continue to do. I invite everyone to explore my new book, “The Art of Starting Over.” It serves as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the profound truth that we all long to be seen. Everyone deserves the confidence to turn their pain into power. We are all remarkable in our journeys, and recognizing our own strength can lead to incredible transformations. Let’s embrace our stories and empower each other along the way!
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
If you asked my close friends what matters most to me, I think they’d say it all boils down to three things: feeling heard, creativity, and, of course, a good cheese platter!
First off, they know I’m the queen of projects—I’m always diving into something new, whether it’s a song I’m writing or a wild creative endeavor. I thrive on the joy of creation! And let’s be real, they’d definitely point out that I love to talk and can chat about the same subject for days (and trust me, we often do!). Engaging conversations fuel my spirit, and I cherish those moments of connection.
Honesty is a big deal for me, too! As I’ve grown into adulthood, my patience for anything less than genuine has vanished. So, my friends know to keep it real with me!
And let’s not forget my guilty pleasures: taking long, luxurious baths and indulging in some delicious cheese.
Whether I’m soaking in a bubble bath or savoring the perfect cheese board, I believe life is all about enjoying the little things!
So, there you have it! My friends would likely say that feeling heard, creating, honesty, and a love for baths and cheese truly make up the essence of who I am. It just makes life so much more fun!
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. Have you ever gotten what you wanted, and found it did not satisfy you?
Absolutely, I’ve experienced this phenomenon multiple times over the last decade. I’ve set ambitious goals, aiming to collaborate with renowned companies and artists, only to find that when those opportunities materialize, they often don’t meet my expectations. This has been a profound lesson for me in aligning my goals with both my vision and my values.
When we pursue our dreams, there’s a natural inclination to approach them with high hopes and preconceived notions of how fulfilling the experience will be. Yet, I’ve learned that holding onto those preconceived expectations can be counterproductive. There was a prominent company I had admired for years, and when I finally had the chance to work with them, I was struck by how much it had lost its initial sparkle. Despite its well-known name, I quickly realized that it was grappling with internal issues; the financial state was declining, and the energy within the leadership was lackluster at best.
What I found most disheartening was witnessing the incompetence of some in upper management. It was shocking to see individuals in leadership roles who had little to no credentials to inspire and guide their teams. They seemed to be in their positions merely because of longevity, not because they had the vision or skill set to lead effectively. This experience taught me that even the most powerful brands require strong visionaries at the helm—leaders who are passionate about their roles and committed to nurturing their teams.
Having managed teams myself, from Las Vegas to Europe, I understand the incredible toll that these responsibilities can take. Effective management isn’t just a job; it requires dedication, energy, and a genuine desire to uplift those around you. It was disheartening to witness a once-great company doing the bare minimum, creating an illusion of success rather than embodying it in a meaningful way.
Ultimately, it’s deeply disappointing when our heroes let us down, revealing that they’re not living up to the ideals we held for them. These experiences have reshaped my perspective, reminding me that fulfillment comes not just from achieving goals, but from finding meaningful connections and working with those who share a true commitment to excellence. I now endeavor to approach opportunities with an open heart, focusing on the journey rather than the destination, understanding that sometimes the lesson is more valuable than the achievement itself.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://speakerscanada.com/keynote-speaker/david-houle/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/__davidhoule/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-houle-9143261b2?originalSubdomain=ca
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@__davidhoule
- Other: https://youtu.be/-dz3RtYKr-M?si=O5Vq1MIQtyU7cvjM
Image Credits
David Houle
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
