At The Astonishment Academy, we blend the art of magic, the science of engagement, and the discipline of leadership to help educators and leaders create moments of wonder that drive sustained learning, collaboration, and well-being.
Through keynotes, interactive workshops, and coaching, we empower teachers, principals, executives, and teams to transform everyday interactions into unforgettable sparks of growth. The result, resilient cultures where people thrive, stay, and succeed.
1. CAPTIVATE
ATTENTION
2. CULTIVATE
COLLABORATION
3. COMBAT
BURN OUT
Ben D, Civic Resolve
“Bro Gilbert opened our yearly event in Colorado and to say he delivered is an understatement.
His message of seeing the magic in the ordinary, delivering experiences and connecting like a magician set the perfect tone for the weekend.
The clever hidden cookies in his presentation made certain that attendees were talking about Bro and his frameworks long after the event was over.
We needed someone who could help our audience question reality and open up to new solutions.
His ‘Slow Magic’ keynote set the perfect tone—captivating, connective, and deeply engaging. Bro brings a rare kind of magic that truly shifts the room."
Angela B, Vancouver School Board
"We brought Bro Gilbert in to present his Spark Magic: The 5 Steps of Magical Student Engagement" presentation. The keynote was truly captivating as teachers enthusiastically participated with curiosity, amazement, joy and laughter.
Beyond entertainment, the content offered invaluable insights into using magic to enhance teaching and learning.
The session was also aligned with the Critical & Creative Thinking Core Competency in BC's curriculum which teaches students to transform subject-specific content into a deeper understanding, fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity.
Teachers left feeling inspired to apply their learning the very next day. It was one of the most impactful professional development workshops we have ever hosted. Highly recommended. "
Magda D, Aitken Leadership Group
“Bro Gilbert worked with our team presenting for a group of 250 virtual attendees from all over the United States at the remote annual shareholder retreat for Geo Engineers.
It was an absolute pleasure to work with Bro. He took the time to fully understand the theme of the event and the outcomes we were trying to attain.
His Zoom performances throughout the day were truly magical, immersive and awe-inspiring. Participants walked away better connected, with a twinkle in their eye and the organizational message coursing through their veins.
Bro Gilbert is professional, creative and adaptable and we can’t wait to work with him again.”
"Never hesitate to trade your cow for a handful of magic beans." -Tom Robbins
ABOUT
The Astonishment Academy is a leading authority in leveraging the ancient principles of magic to reshape classroom and workplace culture, improve retention, and enhance mental health. Bro Gilbert is a renowned speaker, author, and experience designer who has dedicated his career to helping organizations create motivating, creative, and fulfilling environments.
Our approach is rooted in the belief that real human connection, employee/student satisfaction, and unique experiences are paramount in the AI-dominated future of school and business. We empower leaders and educators to embrace the art of 'Slow Magic,' as outlined in Bro Gilbert's groundbreaking book, which emphasizes the importance of slowing down to speed up and creating WOW.
Magical Solutions.
Whether it’s a one-hour keynote or a deep‑dive interactive workshop, The Astonishment Academy delivers the repeatable “illusion-to-impact” tools that make classrooms and boardrooms come alive. Please press the INQUIRE button and let us know what solutions you are interested in, and someone from our team will get back to you right away.
Flagship Keynote
“Slow Magic: The Art of Astonishing Leadership”
45–60 minutes of live, high-energy storytelling and interactive illusions that show educators and executives how to:
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Hook any audience in 30 seconds
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Turn curiosity into collaboration
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Replace burnout with sustained WOW.
Perfect for conferences, PD days, and all-hands meetings.
Hands-On Workshops
Half-Day Lab (3.5 hrs) | Mini Lab (2 hrs)
Participants roll up their sleeves and master the exact frameworks revealed in the keynote.
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Build “Aha!” lesson plans & meeting agendas on the spot
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Practice crowd‑tested magic moves that boost retention by 40 %
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Leave with a 21-day action map to keep the momentum alive
Ideal for leadership retreats, school in‑service, and team off‑sites.
Astonishment Coaching
1:1 or small‑group sprints (6–12 weeks)
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Laser-focused strategy sessions tailored to classroom challenges or corporate KPIs
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Real-time feedback on presentations, lesson plans, or change initiatives
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Accountability loops that turn new habits into culture
For principals, department heads, and high-potential managers who want ongoing mastery.
Geneve M, Dream Group
“Bro Gilbert has been our go-to magical human for over a decade. His experience, talent, and passion truly connects and brings people together as they gather in amazement!"
Yolanda B, Flight Center Canada
"The Keynote was as original as it was amazing, interactive, and high energy from start to finish. On top of that, it appealed to and engaged everyone in our diverse and multigenerational staff. Real magic!"
Lloyd S, Fountain Tire
“Our owners and attendees were still talking about your presentation more than a week later! That says everything, thanks for making me look good! Very impressed.”
"When we change the way we look at things, the things we look at change.
-Wayne Dyer
The Books
CLASSROOM ASTONISHMENTS
Volume #1
Transform Your Classroom One WOW at a time.
In a world of distractions, Classroom Astonishments gives high school teachers a powerful toolkit of magic tricks, logic puzzles, and psychological wonders to instantly captivate students, spark curiosity, and create unforgettable learning moments.
This isn’t just a book—it’s your secret weapon for engagement, connection, and joy in the classroom.
You don’t need to be a magician—you already are one!
***SLOW MAGIC FOR LEADERS***
New Book Coming Soon!
The Keynote
Slow Magic for Leaders is a fully interactive, laugh-out-loud session that merges world-class magic with data-driven leadership science.
Drawing on his work consulting for Dynamo, Criss Angel, Penn & Teller, and other top performers, Bro reveals the four moves magicians use to create lasting amazement, then flips them into simple, actionable tools leaders can deploy the very next day to beat change fatigue and spark resilient, wonder-fueled teams.
Key take-aways
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Pause → reset overloaded brains
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Hook curiosity → ignite problem-solving
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Co-reveal wins → build shared trust
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Teach the method → lock in behaviour change
No slides full of jargon—just live astonishment, immediate strategies, and an experience your people will reference long after the applause ends.
