The Alcoholic Admiral
My addiction: Why I drank
Treatment and recovery from addiction
My First Depression
Admiral Imposter Syndrome
Presentation to over 100 leaders in industry and government on mental health and addiction
My engagement on leadership, mental health and addiction with Government Digital Leaders
Overview
Leadership, Inspiration, Recovery.
Helping break the stigma around addiction and mental illness through honesty, humour and hope.
My 37 years of military service culminated serving as Deputy Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy & Military Personnel Command. I learned a great deal about leading large and diverse organizations of military and civilian members.
Today, I share my story of recovery and resilience to inspire others. My presentations combine vulnerability, humour, strength and hope.
Every presentation is tailored to your audience - whether corporate teams, military groups, schools, or community organizations. I am committed to provide an authentic and impactful experience.
Reviews
2 reviews
Cp D.
November 14, 2025Captivating, Courageous and Heartwarming
The Alcoholic Admiral is an impassioned speaker who will impress an audience with his personal courage when it comes to sharing his story. I have seen an audience of several hundred people fully captivated by his willingness to be open, his ability to connect with anyone in the room, and a heartwarming desire to help those in need but also those in positions of leadership of others. Humble, funny and truly emphatic, we can all relate to his story and grow to be better human beings.
Hired as: Leadership/Success Speaker
Susan H.
August 5, 2025A Powerful, Authentic, and Unforgettable Keynote Experience
Chris far exceeded our expectations when he spoke to over 200 senior leaders at my event this year (2025). His presentation was a powerful blend of humour, emotion, and authenticity that deeply resonated with the audience.
Chris' message to leaders was timely, relevant, and grounding--delivered with vulnerability, warmth, and genuine conviction.
Throughout his talk, the room moved between laughter, quiet tears, and absolute stillness--a testament to the emotional range and raw honesty of his storytelling. It was clear he wasn't delivering a script; he was sharing something deeply personal and meaningful.
Beyond the stage, Chris was a dream to work with: responsive, professional, and collaborative during the planning process. I would wholeheartedly recommend Chris to anyone looking to elevate their event and create a truly unforgettable experience - especially when tackling complex and deeply personal subject matters.
Hired as: Leadership/Success Speaker
Booking information
Price range: Contact for rates
Languages: French
Gig length: 45 - 90 minutes
What to expect
My goal is to tailor a presentation to meet your needs.
I have a wealth of experience in leadership commanding at the tactical, operational and strategic levels. The Royal Canadian Navy has over 16000 defence team members while Military Personnel Command is responsible for providing the full range of personnel services (recruiting, retention, pay and benefits, health care, education, training, professional development, personnel policy, talent/succession management, strategic planning, HR digitalization and more) to over 119 000 military personnel and their families.
I have deployed multiple times to conflict zones around the world, and have had the honour to command a guided missile warship, as well as the largest military base in Canada.
I am passionate about reducing fear and stigma surrounding addiction and mental illness by sharing my personal struggles with alcoholism and depression.
Today, I share my story of recovery and resilience to inspire others. My presentations combine vulnerability, humour, strength and hope. In a typical presentation, I speak to:
- Overcoming addiction and mental illness
- Leadership lessons that supported my recovery
-Improving mental, moral and physical health
-Practical ways to support yourself and those who are struggling
Additional Context about my services/presentations:
Leadership: I share my experiences/lessons learned leading and commanding warships, military bases, the Royal Canadian Navy and Military Personnel Command.
Addiction: I have 18 years in recovery from addiction to alcohol. I share about my journey. It started with admitting I had a problem and reaching out for help. The non-judgmental support I received from leadership, friends, family and medical professionals was overwhelming and saved my life. I assess that my experiences in recovery have helped me to become a better leader, spouse and parent.
Mental Illness and Mental Health: Over the past two decades, I have struggled with depression. I share about what I have learned in recovery from mental illness and the tools I have in the toolbox. My depression is not military combat related. Life itself is stressful, and impacted my mental health. I speak to what leaders and colleagues can do to support family, friends and coworkers who may struggle with mental illness.
About
CHRIS SUTHERLAND, CMM, CD
REAR-ADMIRAL (Retired)
FORMER DEPUTY COMMANDER ROYAL CANADIAN NAVY
AND MILITARY PERSONNEL COMMAND
Born in Teulon, Manitoba into a military family, Chris received his first posting to Gimli, five days later. He graduated from the Royal Military College of Canada (RMC) Kingston, in 1991 and drove to Victoria, B.C. to commence his naval career.
Chris served in HMC Ships IROQUOIS (Operation SHARP GUARD), GATINEAU, MONTREAL(Standing NATO Force Atlantic), and CHARLOTTETOWN (Operation APOLLO). He served as Executive Officer of HMCS HALIFAX and Sea Training (Atlantic). Rear-Admiral Sutherland assumed Command of HMCS MONTREAL in January 2009.
Staff positions have included time at National Defence Headquarters serving in the Directorate of Maritime Policy, Operations and Readiness, the Strategic Joint Staff (twice) and as Executive Secretary to the Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy. In 2014 he became the Special Advisor to the Commander of Canadian Joint Operations Command. He was appointed Base Commander of Canadian Forces Base Halifax in 2015.
Returning to Ottawa, he assumed the duties of Director of Senior Appointments in Ottawa. In the Fall of 2017, he was promoted to Commodore and posted as the Director General of Military Careers. In May of 2019, he was promoted to the rank of Rear-Admiral and appointed the Deputy Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy.
In April 2022, he was appointed as the Deputy Commander of Military Personnel Command. Chris retired from the Canadian Armed Forces/Royal Canadian Navy in March of 2025.
Chris was active in the Canadian Armed Forces soccer program. He was captain of the National Military Soccer Team representing Canada in the First World Military Games in Rome 1995. Chris is a graduate of Canadian Forces College Command and Staff Course and National Security Program.
Chris enjoys sharing quality time with his wife, hanging out with his kid, extreme gardening, making horrible veggie smoothies, playing old timer soccer (once his left hip is replaced), and participating in other activities to stay in shape.
In service and in retirement, Chris has shared his story about depression and addiction in the hopes of reducing the fear and stigma of reaching out for help and seeking treatment.