A thought-provoking presentation about history, identity, resilience, and the choices that ultimately define our lives.
Every generation believes it is different.
Baby Boomers.
Generation X.
Millennials.
Generation Z.
We all know the stereotypes.
But how much do those labels really explain?
Drawing on six generations of her own family, author and former university instructor Cinda Gault explores the extraordinary events that shaped ordinary lives—from the Spanish Influenza and the Great Depression to the women's movement, the computer revolution, and the emergence of artificial intelligence.
Through personal stories, historical perspective, and the experiences behind her novels, Cinda asks a larger question:
How much of who we become is determined by history—and how much is determined by the choices we make?
This engaging presentation follows the lives of real people across more than 120 years of history to reveal a surprising truth:
History writes the opening chapter of every life.
Character writes the ending.
Rather than focusing on what separates generations, this presentation examines the experiences that unite us: family, work, ambition, failure, love, reinvention, aging, and the search for meaning.
Audience members are encouraged to reflect on the crossroads that shaped their own lives and the stories they continue to write.
Whether discussing the resilience of her grandparents, revising a novel first published nearly four decades earlier, returning to university in midlife, or becoming a grandmother in the age of AI, Cinda demonstrates that while every generation inherits a different world, all still face the timeless challenge of deciding who they will become.
Audience Takeaways
Participants will:
Ideal Audiences
About the Speaker
Cinda Gault is the author of historical and contemporary novels that explore how ordinary people respond to extraordinary moments in history. A former university instructor with graduate degrees in criminology and English, she has also worked as a prison officer, founded an agency serving victims of domestic violence, and spent decades researching Canadian history and literature.
Her presentations combine storytelling, historical insight, humour, and personal experience to create engaging conversations that continue long after the presentation ends.
Presentation Length: Approximately 45–60 minutes, followed by questions.
Books Available: Signed copies of Cinda's novels are available following the presentation.
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