CalCPA - Women's Leadership Forum
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About the event

Elevate: Women's Leadership Forum

Join us at the Pasea Hotel & Spa in Huntington Beach for an empowering and transformative two-day summit designed to elevate your career, expand your leadership skills, and connect with a dynamic community of professionals. With insightful keynote sessions, expert-led panels, and interactive workshops, this event is your gateway to growth in an ever-evolving industry.

  • Dates & Venue: May 7–8, 2026 | Paséa Hotel & Spa, Huntington Beach, CA
  • Opening Keynote Slot: Early afternoon on May 7 (preferred format last year: ~35-minute talk + 15-minute moderated sponsor Q&A; open to either straight keynote + Q&A or a keynote with light interaction).
  • Audience: ~250 attendees: ~25 students, ~75 entry-level, ~75 mid-level, ~75 executives/C-suite; predominantly women across Accounting & Finance.
  • Budget Guidance: General keynote range $5K–$25K (preference $5K–$15K for Women’s Leadership Forum; budget is more flexible for Summit than this Forum).
  • Content Direction: Inspirational/motivational; avoid tech-forward topics this year. Lean into community, resilience, alignment, influence, confidence, and leading through change.
  • Tone: Energizing, practical, and inclusive—build momentum and belonging across career stages; equip attendees with immediately usable tools.
Jessica Chen
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The Generosity Effect: Small Acts, Big Impact—How Service Mindsets Elevate Teams, Clients, and Careers

Jessica Chen is an Emmy Award-winning global communication expert, author of Smart, Not Loud, and the Founder & CEO of Soulcast Media, a communication training company serving clients such as Google, Microsoft, Citibank, Chanel, Mattel, S&P Global, and the United Nations. Through courses and keynotes, she has taught 2,000,000+ professionals to communicate with clarity and presence—especially those from “quiet culture” backgrounds who want to be noticed for the right reasons.

Jessica’s newest keynote, The Generosity Effect, distills case studies of organizations that embed generosity into daily operations—showing how a service mentality amplifies client loyalty, collaboration, and leadership influence. By shifting from “Can I help?” to “How can I be of value to you?”, teams create ripple effects of trust and care that strengthen culture and performance.

For Elevate: Women’s Leadership Forum, Jessica connects communication and leadership through simple, repeatable behaviors that build community, confidence, and alignment—precisely the Forum’s aims for a non-tech, motivational opening.

Speaker Fee - $20,000, plus Expenses

*Speaker is based in Irvine, CA, travel fee and expenses may not be required.

Speaker Highlights

Speaker Reel - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wVuXeBq72HE

Speaker Page - https://www.gravityspeakers.com/speakers/jessica-chen

Speaker Website - https://jessicachenpage.com/

Why Jessica Chen is a fit for CalCPA’s Elevate: Women’s Leadership Forum

  • Fresh, non-tech keynote that turns service and generosity into everyday leadership tools for Accounting/Finance contexts.
  • Empowers quiet and loud leaders alike to influence through clarity, care, and value—ideal for a multi-level audience.
  • Offers memorable language shifts (“How can I be of value to you?”) that attendees can apply immediately with clients and colleagues.
  • Polished delivery suited to 35+15 (keynote + moderated sponsor Q&A) with strong audience engagement.
  • Deep corporate credibility (Fortune-level clients) and proven large-audience teaching reach (2M+ learners).

Recommended Keynote

The Generosity Effect: The Simple, Science-Backed Growth Strategy

In a world packed with noise and competition, the fastest way to elevate culture, client loyalty, and career impact is deceptively simple: lead with generosity. In this energizing keynote, Emmy Award–winner and global communication expert Jessica Chen reveals how a growth mindset through giving—rooted in the science of habits—creates an outsized ripple effect across teams and client relationships. Drawing on her journalism background, Jessica shares unforgettable stories, interviews, and characters that reframe generosity as a practical, science-backed communication system rather than a “nice-to-have.”

Designed for organizations navigating constant change, this session turns generosity into a stabilizing force: a way to build community, sustain resilience during disruption, and keep momentum when priorities shift. Attendees will learn to replace “Can I help?” with the golden question, “How can I be of value to you?”—a value-first pivot that surfaces real needs, deepens trust, and accelerates problem-solving. The result is a repeatable approach that strengthens connection, boosts performance, and fuels sustainable growth—without adding complexity or cost.

You will learn
  • Ask like a journalist: How to use powerful, value-first questions to instantly build deeper trust with clients and teams—and uncover what truly matters.
  • Apply the 1% Giving Rule: Small, consistent acts of service that compound into measurable growth and create positive ripple effects across your culture.
  • Operationalize community: Practical ways to embed generosity into workflows so belonging and cross-level support become part of how work gets done.
  • Lead through change: Communication shifts that reduce uncertainty, align expectations, and strengthen team resilience in fluid environments.
  • Build lasting trust: Simple habits that make people feel taken care of—so opportunities, referrals, and relationships start finding you.
  • Make it stick: How to break old patterns, create new ones, and treat giving as a forever growth strategy for your business and your career.

"Jessica is a dynamic speaker who is both inspirational and educational. She is an expert in communication and she has a profound understanding of business solutions. Jessica is amazing and captivated our audience. They walked away with actionable strategies to succeed in the workplace!" - Mattel
“Jessica’s talk was so relatable that I found myself nodding along in agreement as she shared her personal struggles and triumphs. She made me realize that advocating for myself in the workplace is not just a necessary skill, but also an act of self-care and self-respect. Her passion and expertise are truly remarkable, and I can say with certainty that her talk was one of the best I have ever attended.” - Sage
“Jessica facilitated her Advocating for Yourself workshop and we received amazing feedback from our attendees! Not only did this session offer an opportunity for our community to share their personal experiences in a safe space, but we all also walked away with a tangible framework with actionable steps to build more confidence and navigate more challenging conversations.” - GumGum
Shasta Nelson
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Belonging at Work: The Relational Intelligence Advantage

Shasta Nelson is one of the most trusted voices on human connection—a leading friendship and belonging expert, three-time author, and in-demand keynote speaker who has delivered 500+ keynotes across more than twenty industries, including Google, LinkedIn, Walmart, Salesforce, and Kaiser Permanente. A contributor to Harvard Business Review and frequent media resource featured by The New York Times, TIME, Forbes, and more, Shasta translates the science of connection into practical tools that strengthen trust, engagement, and performance.

Her work centers on how relationships fuel resilience and retention—exactly the outcomes CalCPA is seeking as it builds community and alignment in times of change. Through a clear, research-backed framework, Shasta shows leaders and teams how to create the conditions for high-trust, rewarding relationships that lift every metric that matters.

At Elevate: Women’s Leadership Forum, she will equip attendees at all levels with simple practices to cultivate belonging, navigate conflict with courage, and amplify each other’s success—without relying on technology-centric solutions.

Speaking Fee - $15,000, plus a $1500 travel stipend to include all transportation and travel costs, Organizer to provide up to 2 nights hotel, depending on speaker schedule.

Speaker Highlights

Speaker Reel [unreleased] - https://vimeo.com/1124976152?fl=pl&fe=sh

Speaker Page - https://www.gravityspeakers.com/speakers/shasta-nelson

Speaker Website - https://www.shastanelson.com/

Why Shasta Nelson is a fit for CalCPA’s Elevate: Women’s Leadership Forum

  • Directly addresses belonging, community, and resilience—the Forum’s requested themes—through a research-backed yet accessible approach.
  • Ideal for an inspirational/motivational opening that still delivers practical tools attendees can apply immediately.
  • Message and methods resonate across students, early-career, managers, and executives, matching your audience mix.
  • Proven 35+15 friendly content with natural prompts for a sponsor-moderated Q&A.
  • Extensive credibility (HBR contributor, two TEDx talks with nearly 1M views) helps anchor a flagship session.

Suggested Keynotes -

Relational Intelligence: Accelerating High-Trust, Resilient, and Rewarding Relationships

Did you know that employees with meaningful relationships at work are seven times more likely to be engaged in their jobs, take fewer sick days, collaborate more effectively, provide better customer service, and have higher loyalty to their companies? Belonging is the #1 factor for employee satisfaction, and creating a culture of belonging is an effective solution for decreasing turnover and increasing employee fulfilment.

Perfect for leaders & orgs who want to
  • Increase employee retention, engagement, and collaboration.
  • Inspire and gift their employees with skills to improve their well-being and fulfillment at work and in their personal lives.
  • Create a culture of belonging at work.
Audiences will leave with
  • The latest research on how meaningful relationships at work impact employee engagement and retention.
  • The 3 requirements of all healthy relationships and how they establish a culture of belonging.
  • A framework to evaluate relational intelligence within your teams and identify areas of improvement to focus on for maximum impact.
  • Strategies to implement the 3 requirements in your company culture and accelerate high-trust and resilient relationships at work.

“Shasta is a powerhouse speaker & educator! Shasta hosted an incredible virtual session on the business of belonging & relationships for my Marketing team at Google. She left the team with incredible insights & thinking tools that are just so valuable for a mindset change. Our event with Shasta felt like a warm but productive hug with a focus on being intentional about the experiences people are creating for each other.” -- Supriya Gujral, Senior Director, Global Partner Marketing at Google
“I had the amazing opportunity to ask Shasta to return for a second year in a row to host a session on Building Friendships for our employee culture day here at LinkedIn! I would highly recommend working with her at your organization to bring powerful, energizing, and impactful expertise around relationships!” -- Sam Murphy, Sr. Customer Success Manager, LinkedIn
“Shasta was outstanding. Of all our Leadership and Development speakers, she was one of the best we’ve had. With the stress and risk of burnout many leaders face in today’s world, her presentation provided us with knowledge and tools in a way that was engaging, informative, transformational and unforgettable.” -- Rick Rawson, President, Adventist Health + Rideout Hospital
Rashmi Airan
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Rise Together: Courage, Community, and Resilience Through Change

Rashmi Airan is a transformational keynote speaker and consultant whose powerful, deeply human story sparks courageous conversations about values, leadership, and the choices that define us. A first-generation immigrant who excelled as a Columbia Law School graduate and corporate attorney, Rashmi later faced a profound personal reckoning—serving time in federal prison related to a real-estate matter. Her journey from high achievement through adversity to renewal gives audiences an authentic blueprint for resilience, accountability, and community.

Drawing on 30+ years across finance, business, and law, and informed by research in behavioral psychology, she helps leaders recognize blind spots, navigate uncertainty, and rebuild trust—from the inside out. Fortune-level companies and professional services firms engage Rashmi because she transforms vulnerability into momentum and turns lessons learned into practical leadership tools.

For CalCPA’s Women’s Leadership Forum, Rashmi’s message directly aligns with community-building, alignment, and leading through change—without a technology focus. Attendees leave equipped and inspired to support one another, make values-aligned decisions, and convert personal resilience into shared progress.

Speaker Fee: $15,000 + plus a $2000 flat travel fee for RT Airfare, RT Ground Transfers, plus Organizer to provide Hotel for up to 2 nights

*Speaker is based in Miami, FL

Speaker Highlights

Speaker Reel - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cHrUrMaSNdI

Consideration Video - https://vimeo.com/1124977309

Speaker Profile - https://www.gravityspeakers.com/speakers/rashmi-airan

Speaker Website - https://rashmiairan.com/industry/financial-services/

Why Rashmi Airan is a fit for CalCPA’s Elevate: Women’s Leadership Forum

  • Centers on resilience, community, and courageous leadership—the Forum’s priority themes this year.
  • Resonates with women across career stages, modeling accountability and renewed purpose.
  • Ideal for inspirational/motivational tone with practical takeaways for values-aligned decision-making.
  • Seamlessly supports the 35+15 keynote + moderated Q&A format with rich discussion prompts.
  • Trusted by Fortune brands (e.g., Coca-Cola, Cardinal Health, Merck, Comcast, Sotheby’s, Hershey’s) and professional services audiences including CPAs and legal groups.

Suggested Topics

Rise Together: Building Brave Community Through Change and Resilience

Change is constant, and women leaders carry the responsibility of guiding others through it while finding their own ground. At the intersection of professional responsibility, family, and community, the challenge is not whether change will come but how we meet it.

In this keynote, Rashmi Airan shares her own journey as a Wall Street investment banker, Ivy League attorney, and mother who served time in federal prison, and how she discovered the power of community as the foundation of resilience. She reveals how hidden prisons of limiting beliefs, cultural expectations, and old assumptions hold us back, especially in moments of uncertainty. Rashmi shows how authentic connection, courageous vulnerability, and collective momentum allow us to rise through struggle and lead with conviction.

Attendees will walk away not only inspired but equipped with practical tools they can apply directly to their leadership, organizations, and communities.

This keynote is an invitation to build spaces where resilience is possible, change becomes growth, and leadership is shared.

Key Takeaways:
  1. Build trust that lasts. Create the foundation for resilient communities by cultivating honesty, transparency, and accountability.
  2. Harness collective wisdom. Draw strength and creativity from diverse voices to navigate complexity and uncertainty.
  3. Lead through uncertainty. Develop the courage and clarity to guide teams and communities through change with confidence.
  4. Sustain momentum. Transform individual resilience into shared progress that carries organizations and communities forward.

Rise Through It™: Transforming the Fear of Uncertainty to Limitless Results

Every day, leaders face a barrage of challenges, problems, and threats. While the initial instinct may be to avoid them, hiding from adversity often leads to further setbacks and long-term chaos.

In reality, the most difficult moments can become our greatest teachers if we intentionally choose to learn from them, solve them, and rise through them. True growth and leadership emerge from consciously deciding to "rise through" our challenges, rather than merely trying to "rise above" them to quickly escape.

Rashmi Airan learned first-hand what it means to Rise Through It™. Her remarkable journey—from an Ivy League education to federal prison—has unlocked immutable lessons in determination, growth, and transformation. Today, Rashmi is a sought-after expert helping leaders rise through challenges rather than avoid them using her proven system: The RISE Process™.

After working with Rashmi, leaders adopt a bold and transformative approach, shifting from being victims of circumstances to viewing challenges as opportunities for profound growth. She fosters a culture of courage, acceptance, and vulnerability to harness discomfort and thrive. Her proven framework illuminates the path to becoming bold, grounded, visionary leaders prepared to overcome the inevitable fear when dealing with change. When we RISE THROUGH IT™, we embrace growth and unlock our power to shine.

Outcomes:
  • Master a validated process to address any challenging scenario and convert it to an opportunity.
  • Reframe our sense of self with the understanding that it's about who we are, not what we achieve that matters.
  • Cultivate a culture of courage by creating safe spaces for open communication and risk-taking.
  • Alleviate AI anxiety and create a more inclusive, adaptable, and future-ready digital workplace.

Highlights

  • Columbia Law School honors graduate; career spanning finance, business, and law.
  • Featured by ABC, PBS, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal; TEDx presenter.
  • Partner to Fortune 100 and professional services organizations, including CPAs and financial groups.
  • Board leadership with Overtown Youth Center/Alonzo Mourning Foundation; community advocate.
  • Delivers high-empathy, high-utility programs that move audiences from reflection to action.

“Rashmi’s story illustrates the power of humility and transformation. Rashmi is an energy giver - whether live or virtual. She reminds us that we are all humans and fallible. I would recommend Rashmi, she is one the best speakers I have ever worked with and I will work with her again!” - Damien Atkins, Former General Counsel, Hershey’s Inc.
“The most mind capturing talk ever! 100% focused and visually present. Personable and relatable” - Roshni Kadhiwala, CEO/Owner JLM Hotel Group, Asian American Hotel Owners Association
Barb Betts
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Relationship-First Influence for Women Who Lead: Trust, Connection, and Real-World Results

Barb Betts is a nationally recognized relationship-driven business leader and keynote speaker who helps professionals turn everyday interactions into engines of trust, influence, and growth. Having built a thriving career by prioritizing authenticity over scripts and transactions, Barb translates the art and science of connection into simple habits that elevate credibility and results—without requiring anyone to be the loudest voice in the room.

Her message resonates across industries where reputation, referrals, and long-term loyalty matter—making it especially relevant to Accounting and Finance professionals navigating relationship-intensive work with clients, colleagues, and cross-functional partners. For women at every career stage, Barb offers a practical blueprint to lead with clarity, communicate with confidence, and build networks that compound over time.

For Elevate: Women’s Leadership Forum, Barb will center belonging, alignment, and human connection—precisely the themes requested for this year’s opening session. She equips attendees with actionable “micro-moves” that strengthen trust in teams, deepen client relationships, and accelerate influence in moments of change.

Speaker Fee: $15,000

*Speaker is based in Long Beach, travel fee and expenses may not be required.

Speaker Highlights

Speaker Reel - https://vimeo.com/1087279061

Speaker Profile - https://www.gravityspeakers.com/speakers/barb-betts

Speaker Website - https://www.barbbetts.com/

Why Barb Betts is a fit for CalCPA’s Elevate: Women’s Leadership Forum

  • She delivers authentic, non-tech strategies for influence and impact—perfect for this year’s shift away from technology-forward content.
  • Her relationship-first framework maps to CalCPA’s goals around community, alignment, and momentum, offering usable habits for every level, from students to the C-suite.
  • Emphasizes confidence and credibility for women leaders who want to be heard without being “loud,” aligning with an inspirational/motivational tone.
  • Easy to stage in your preferred 35+15 format (keynote + moderated Q&A) with clear prompts to engage a sponsor moderator.
  • Provides immediately applicable tools (language, outreach rhythms, trust-building micro-actions) that translate to client service and internal collaboration.

Suggested Topic:

The Relationship Advantage: Master the Art of Influence and Connection for Real Results in Business and Life

Ideal for All Audiences seeking to enhance trust and influence

In every room, there’s one person who stands out—not because they’re the loudest, but because they’re the most trusted. No matter what business or industry you are in, the ability to connect authentically with others is the ultimate game-changer. The Relationship Advantage reveals the secret to becoming that person—the one everyone turns to, the one who naturally builds rapport and trust with ease.

This keynote goes beyond conventional strategies. It’s about understanding the power of relatability and authenticity in building meaningful relationships that drive real results. You’ll learn how to show up in a way that makes people feel seen, heard, and valued, whether you’re managing a team, working with clients, or collaborating with colleagues.

If you’re looking to enhance your influence in business, build stronger connections with colleagues and clients, or simply become someone people trust and relate to, The Relationship Advantage will give you the tools to show up as the most authentic, relatable, and impactful person in the room.

Key Takeaways:
  • Own Your Influence: Recognize that you’re always “selling” something, whether it’s your ideas, yourself, or your vision.
  • Lead with Authenticity: People trust what’s real. Showing up as your true self is your greatest asset in building connection and credibility.
  • Build Meaningful Trust: Go beyond surface-level interactions to create lasting trust. Discover the essential elements that make people feel genuinely seen, heard, and valued.
  • Leverage Relational Intelligence: Emotional Intelligence alone is not enough anymore, Relational intelligence is your human advantage. Strengthen your ability to connect with anyone, in any environment, with ease.
  • Invest in Relationships That Last: Every interaction is a chance to deepen a relationship. Learn how small, consistent actions create long-term growth, loyalty, and opportunity.

Highlights

  • Founder & CEO of Two Successful Businesses: Runs a top-performing real estate brokerage and a national coaching company helping professionals systematize success through relationship-first strategies.
  • Award-Winning Industry Leader: Recognized by the National Association of REALTORS® as a thought leader and featured speaker for industry innovation and leadership.
  • Women-Centric Coaching & Mentorship: Trains and mentors hundreds of women entrepreneurs annually, helping them overcome mindset barriers and lead with confidence and clarity.
  • Authenticity Advocate: Known for her ability to blend personal storytelling with tactical business insights—encouraging women to build careers and companies that reflect who they truly are.
  • Proven Public Speaker: Has keynoted events across the U.S., consistently earning praise for her engaging delivery, actionable takeaways, and empowering message tailored for female leaders.

“I was the Chairman for a 600 person conference on property management….we were looking for an energetic, knowledgeable and entertaining speaker on a subject that can be deathly boring: time management. Barb (who doesn’t call her Barb) knocked it out the park. For a “non-industry” speaker she resonated with my industry. She successfully mixed the personal stories with the practical applications. You feel good when a speaker you pick makes those attending feel great about being there. It is a safe bet(ts) to hire Barb Betts for your conference.” - Scott Brady, CEO of Progressive Property Management
“Barb Betts completely transformed our members’ perspective on the power of authentic relationships in business. Her expertise and passion shines through in her presentation, which immediately resonated with our community. Barb didn’t just speak to us—she shifted our mindset, showing us how meaningful connections can drive long-term growth. Our members walked away inspired, equipped, and ready to implement her systems. She brought incredible value, and I can't recommend her enough as a speaker!“ - Ryan Lang, CEO of Empire Partners
Rachel Druckenmiller
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Unmuted Leadership: Confidence, Courage, and Connection Without Burning Out

Rachel Druckenmiller is an award-winning keynote speaker, entrepreneur, and singer-songwriter who helps leaders and teams unmute their voices, reset resilience, and reconnect to purpose. After nearly two decades in the corporate world—culminating as Director of Wellbeing & Employee Engagement—Rachel brings a rare blend of research-backed insight, interactive facilitation, and artful storytelling that sparks clarity and courage.

Her keynote experiences address the real pressures facing Accounting and Finance teams: self-doubt, burnout, and the strain of constant change. Through a relatable voice and practical frameworks, she invites audiences to reflect, reframe, and recalibrate—equipping them to speak up, support one another, and move forward with renewed momentum.

Recognized as a Best of the Stage speaker by Smart Meetings, a Forbes Next1000 honoree, a Workforce Game Changer, and WELCOA’s Top Health Promotion Professional in the U.S., Rachel creates high-energy sessions that feel fresh and human—perfect for an inspirational opening that still arms attendees with tools they can use the next day.

Speaking Fee - $20,000, plus a $2000 flat travel buyout to cover travel and expenses, Organizer to provide Hotel for up to 2 nights

Speaker Highlights

Speaker Reel - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M3kC9XA5wY0

Consideration Video - https://www.loom.com/share/5e69479646164dd8970c0515c1954fe3

Speaker Profile - https://www.gravityspeakers.com/speakers/rachel-druckenmiller

Speaker Website - https://www.racheldruckenmiller.com/

Why Rachel Druckenmiller is a fit for CalCPA’s Elevate: Women’s Leadership Forum

  • Tackles confidence, voice, and courageous contribution—top needs for women across your multi-level audience.
  • Provides two non-tech keynotes that pair inspiration with clear frameworks and practices.
  • Music-infused delivery and interactive moments translate beautifully to a 35-minute talk + 15-minute moderated Q&A.
  • Aligns to the Forum’s goals around belonging, alignment, and momentum amid change.
  • Evidence-based and audience-inclusive—ideal for entry-level through C-suite.

Suggested Topics

The Resilience Reset: Reflect. Reframe. Recalibrate.

Change is constant, and with it comes disruption, pressure, and moments that leave even high-performing professionals feeling stuck, depleted, or disconnected. In fast-paced, high-accountability environments like accounting and finance, these challenges are common and more prevalent than ever.

Rachel Druckenmiller knows this firsthand. After being blindsided by burnout and hit by a pickup truck, she learned what it truly means to navigate uncertainty—not with blind grit, but with intentional pause, deep reflection, and grounded courage.

In this energizing keynote, Rachel introduces a practical, three-part framework—Reflect. Reframe. Recalibrate.—to help people shift from survival mode to forward momentum. Drawing from story, science, and shared experience, she equips attendees to move through change with more curiosity, clarity, and compassion for themselves and others.

Whether your team is navigating a transition, managing complexity, or simply in need of a reset, this session offers powerful tools and renewed perspective for the road ahead.

Attendees will learn how to:
  1. Implement a three-part framework to respond to change and disruption with intention and clarity
  2. Reconnect with purpose and possibility to restore energy, direction, and meaning
  3. Engage in reflective, interactive practices that foster insight, connection, and forward movement
  4. Unleash curiosity and self-awareness to navigate uncertainty with resilience and renewed momentum

Be the Difference: Amplify Purpose, Presence & Potential in Your People and Yourself

In a time when so many professionals are stretched thin, burned out, or silently questioning whether their work still matters, leaders have an urgent opportunity: to be the reason someone feels seen, supported, and valued.

Rachel Druckenmiller has spent nearly two decades helping leaders show up with more intention, connection, and humanity. Along the way, she’s helped organizations earn recognition as Top Workplaces and Best Places to Work—because she knows what truly drives engagement isn’t big initiatives, but everyday moments when people feel seen, heard, and valued by the people they work with.

In this energizing keynote, Rachel invites leaders to stop operating on autopilot and start leading with purpose and presence. Blending story, science, and shared experience, she equips leaders with the tools to create upward-spiral conversations—moments of recognition and trust that unlock engagement and activate the potential in their people.

Because when leaders see the soul behind the role, they become the reason someone stays, grows, and thrives.

Attendees will learn how to:
  1. Understand the key drivers of employee engagement and how to amplify them in everyday interactions
  2. Learn how to foster psychological safety and elevate team performance through authentic presence and intentional connection
  3. Facilitate conversations that generate creativity, trust, and purpose, even in the midst of change
  4. Lead with confident humility to model the kind of leadership that inspires loyalty, impact, and growth

Highlights

  • Best of the Stage (Smart Meetings); Forbes Next1000; Workforce Game Changer; WELCOA Top Health Promotion Professional.
  • TEDx speaker; nearly 20 years working with organizations on engagement, resilience, and culture.
  • Known for interactive, energizing sessions that blend story, science, and (optionally) music.
  • Equips attendees with actionable frameworks that stick—perfect for a mixed-seniority audience.
  • Trusted by diverse associations and corporate clients for culture-building initiatives.

Past Industry Clients

  1. AICPA
  2. Baker Tilly
  3. bpm
  4. CliftonLarsonAllen
  5. Greater Washington Society of CPAs
  6. Institute of Management Accountants
  7. Maryland Association of CPAs
  8. Massachusetts Society of CPAs
  9. MCM CPAs & Advisors
  10. North Carolina Association of CPAs
  11. Kentucky Association of CPAs
  12. tonneson + co. (now Plante Moran)

“Rachel is an amazing speaker and session facilitator! Our accounting firm brought Rachel in this month to lead a session called Mindset Reset. As we head into a busy session after a particularly challenging and stressful year, this session was exactly what our staff needed! Rachel gave us practical tips, founded in science, on how to reset our brains and effectively manage stress. We have received so much positive feedback from our team who found this session inspiring and helpful. Rachel is inspiring, authentic, compassionate, approachable, and dynamic! I would highly recommend her to any company looking for an online session to help employees feel supported and connected during these challenging times. Thank you, Rachel!” -- Sarah Burke, Senior Director of Marketing, tonneson & co.
“Our Firm was introduced to Rachel in 2020 through an event sponsored by our female leaders within the Firm. Since that time, Rachel has joined back with our Team on a number of occasions during 2020 and 2021 most recently being our keynote speaker at a Firmwide event. I know our team has benefited from Rachel’s talks which are high energy. Rachel brings a positive message on topics that everyone is being confronted with today. I know for me personally, Rachel’s messages have both challenged and inspired me. She has also contributed to my reading list with some great recommended books to check out. I look forward to having Rachel back with our Team and also this coming week when Rachel is going to keynote our annual client education event.” -- Brad Smith, Partner, Cherry Bekaert
“Rachel made an impact on our audience and our internal team. The professional, energetic and positive approach has set a new gold standard to what we are measuring our keynote speakers to. Are you willing to record a promotional video, will you customize your presentation to our event and audience, are you willing to take risks and be vulnerable in communication. Are you able to sing beautifully? (We don't ask that last question but Rachel does). In a year of years, when fear rode shotgun for all of us in conference planning, Rachel Druckenmiller was the brightest light in 2021. Memorable in a year that we all might be trying to forget.” -- Linda Dodd, Learning Specialist, North Carolina Association of CPAs
Siri Lindley
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Unleash Your Champion Mindset: Courage, Focus, and Fearless Leadership

Siri Lindley is a two-time Triathlon World Champion, former world #1 triathlete, and elite performance coach who transformed self-doubt into world-beating results. After retiring from racing, she became a sought-after speaker and coach to Olympic and elite athletes, Fortune 500 leaders, and purpose-driven organizations, translating the inner game of sport into a playbook for courageous leadership and sustained performance.

A bestselling author (Surfacing: From the Depths of Self-Doubt to Winning Big and Living Fearlessly) and subject of the upcoming documentary “Tri Me: The Siri Lindley Story” (featuring Tony Robbins and Melissa Etheridge), Siri blends high-energy storytelling with deeply practical tools. Offstage, she co-founded Believe Ranch and Rescue and Horses in Our Hands, channeling her passion for service and healing into equine-assisted leadership programs that change lives.

Speaking Fee - $20,000* + plus a $2,500 flat travel fee for RT Airfare, RT Ground Transfers, plus Hotel

*Siri is based in California.

Speaker Highlights

Gravity Speakers Profile - https://www.gravityspeakers.com/speakers/siri-lindley

Speaker Website - https://sirilindley.com/

Why Siri Lindley is a fit for CalCPA

  • Delivers a high-octane, motivational experience that equips every level—from students to Board—with repeatable performance habits.
  • Turns fear into fuel and models resilient leadership under pressure—on brand for opening or closing.
  • Connects mindset to real business outcomes: focus, follow-through, and team belief in the face of change.
  • Inspires with authenticity while providing simple, sticky tools leaders can reinforce back at work.
  • A great “different flavor” that complements innovation/people-first themes with elite performance rigor.

Suggested Topic

Unleash Your Champion MindsetPacked with practical tools and heartfelt stories, Siri teaches audiences how to tap into their courage, face fear with intention, and lead with authenticity. Whether navigating personal challenges or leading change, participants leave with a newfound fire to step into their greatness.

Key Takeaways
  • How to turn fear into fuel
  • Tools to develop a world-class mindset
  • Steps to lead with heart and resilience

Highlights

  • Two-time Triathlon World Champion; former world #1 triathlete.
  • Elite performance coach to Olympians, executives, and teams.
  • Bestselling author; upcoming documentary “Tri Me”.
  • Founder of Believe Ranch & Rescue and Horses in Our Hands.
  • Signature style: contagious energy + actionable tools.

“Siri’s keynote was more than inspiring—it was soul-shifting. Our team is still buzzing!” -J. Martinez, VP of People, Adobe
“I’ve seen many speakers, but Siri’s vulnerability, humor, and power are in a league of their own.” -M. Keller, Event Director, LinkedIn Women in Tech Summit
“Her story is extraordinary. But her message is universal: You can overcome anything. You just need belief.” -R. Collins, Executive Coach, Procter & Gamble
Dr. Tiffany Moon
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Joy Prescriptions: Sustainable Success Without the Perfection Trap

Dr. Tiffany Moon is a board-certified anesthesiologist, bestselling author, entrepreneur, and media personality who bridges academic rigor and real-world leadership. An Associate Professor at UT Southwestern with 50+ peer-reviewed publications, she has been honored as Faculty of the Year and a Distinguished Educator by the American Society of Anesthesiologists, and serves as an Oral Board Examiner. Beyond medicine, she’s the founder/CEO of multiple ventures—including Aromasthesia Candle Company, Three Moons Wine, and LeadHer Summit—and the USA Today #1 bestselling author of Joy Prescriptions.

As a keynote speaker, Dr. Moon brings research-backed insights and vulnerable storytelling to topics of confidence, burnout, boundaries, and thriving in high-stakes environments—resonating with professionals, leaders, and students alike.

Today, Dr. Moon draws from her journey as a physician, immigrant, working mother, and Real Housewives of Dallas cast member to deliver science-backed, deeply relatable keynotes on confidence, burnout, sustainable success, and thriving in the spotlight.

Fee: $20,000 + $2,000 flat travel fee + hotel and event city ground transfers

Speaker Highlights

Medicine, Motherhood, and Mayhem | Dr. Tiffany Moon's Keynote - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4T1xYb1bGEM

Gravity Profile - https://www.gravityspeakers.com/speakers/tiffany-moon

Speaker Website - https://www.tiffanymoonmd.com/

Why Dr. Tiffany Moon is a fit for CalCPA Members Club Summit

  • Science-backed, high-credibility voice on well-being and sustainable performance.
  • Delivers practical tools to counter perfectionism and burnout—perennial issues in Accounting/Finance.
  • Compelling cross-sector story (physician, entrepreneur, author, media) that engages diverse audiences.
  • Aligns with Summit’s call for actionable takeaways and an inspirational tone.
  • Natural fit for closing with a renewal and momentum message.

Recommended Keynote for Elevate -

Suggested title options:
  • Women, Wellness, and the Silent Sacrifice: Reclaiming Joy in the Midst of Change
  • From Burnout to Breakthrough: How to Reclaim Joy, Build Resilience, and Lead Through Change

In this keynote, Dr. Moon shines a light on “The Silent Sacrifice”—the often invisible compromises women make in their pursuit of success. Through personal storytelling, humor, and science-backed insights, she explores how cultural expectations, over-functioning, and perfectionism quietly drain women’s energy and disconnect them from their communities.

She then introduces The Joy Prescription, her 3-part framework designed to help women reset their nervous systems, set boundaries without guilt, and rebuild authentic connection—especially in seasons of rapid change.

Attendees will walk away with:
  • One “silent sacrifice” they can begin to let go of
  • A boundary they can set this week to protect their energy
  • A connection strategy to foster real community at work
  • A new framework for approaching leadership with joy and sustainability

Recommended Keynote for Members Summit -

The Confidence Prescription: From Self-Criticism to Self-Compassion

Imposter syndrome. Inner critics. Constant self-doubt. Dr. Moon blends neuroscience, lived experience, and actionable frameworks to help individuals rewire the way they see themselves. Audiences walk away with practical tools to build confidence from the inside out.

Highlights

  • Associate Professor, UT Southwestern; 50+ peer-reviewed publications.
  • USA Today #1 bestselling author of Joy Prescriptions.
  • Founder/CEO: Aromasthesia Candle Co., Three Moons Wine, LeadHer Summit.
  • Featured in Forbes, Variety, Harper’s Bazaar, USA Today; first Chinese-American cast member of Real Housewives Of Dallas.
  • Recognized educator and Board Examiner (American Board of Anesthesiology).

“Tiffany Moon’s Joy Prescriptions is a must-read for anyone seeking more balance, purpose, and joy at home and at work. Her honest take on overcoming perfectionism and building real connections is inspiring and relatable, and her practical advice empowers readers to find happiness on their own terms. This book is a roadmap for anyone looking to take charge of their own happiness.” — BARBARA CORCORAN, Shark on Shark Tank, founder of The Corcoran Group, and author of Shark Tales
“Emotional health is a crucial ingredient to overall well-being. Joy Prescriptions connects the two components of living well, offering actionable insights on living with intention, balance, and vibrancy.” — DR. CASEY MEANS, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Good Energy
Krista Ryan
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KFG: A Step-by-Step Guide to Navigate Change With Confidence

Krista Ryan is a certified executive coach, facilitator, speaker, and Workplace Performance expert who is on a mission to help leaders thrive through chaos, change, and challenge.

She’s the CEO of KfG Coaching and a trusted coach for Bravely and Limitless Minds—where she brings the science of mental conditioning to the art of leadership. From C-suite leaders to elite athletes, Krista’s global clients turn to her when they need to communicate better, collaborate stronger, and perform under pressure.

With nearly two decades of experience as a Human Resources Director—and as a third-generation leader in her family-owned bank—Krista has lived what she teaches. Her no-fluff, deeply practical approach blends human insight with real-world strategy.

She’s the author of The Keep F!#ING Going*, a candid, energizing guide to navigating uncertainty and leading with strength in any season.

When she’s not coaching, speaking, or training, Krista is traveling the world in search of the best oyster bar—and fueling up with double-stuffed Oreos along the way.

Speaker Fee: $10,000 + $2000 Flat Travel Fee to cover RT Airfare, Ground Transfers, Hotel in addition, up to 2 nights provided by Organizer

Krista is based in Minnesota and would require Travel and Expenses

Speaker Highlights

Speaker Reel - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rOGD0j4bHpg

Gravity Speakers Profile - https://www.gravityspeakers.com/speakers/krista-ryan

Speaker Website - https://www.kristaryan.com/

Why Krista Ryan is a fit for CalCPA

  • Delivers a PG-rated, action-based framework tailor-made for change navigation.
  • Strong relevance for Boards and professionals managing transformation while maintaining trust.
  • Emphasizes values alignment, shared goals, and mutual accountability.
  • Facilitator’s toolkit translates to Monday-ready habits.
  • Works as an opening catalyst or closing unifier with clear next steps.

Suggested Topic

Keep F!#ing Going: A Step-by-Step Guide to Successfully Navigate Change

Change is inevitable. How leaders and teams navigate through change defines their outcome and ability to grow stronger together.

"Keep F*!#ing Going". **This Keynote is rated PG

What began as a formula for healing after being involved in a mass shooting, Krista's KFG method became and action step for living and leading through unexpected change.

The audience will learn how to navigate change through this action-based and proven formula.

Whether it is a change of challenge or a change of wild success, teams will learn how to build unity and collaboration by focusing on shared goals, mutual accountability, and forward momentum.

This program is perfect for Leaders and Teams:

  • Looking to increase accountability and connection while navigating change.
  • Aiming to build a deeper sense of belonging and purpose to ignite forward momentum and action.
  • Creating a tangible action plan for navigating change with confidence and clarity.
Key Takeaways
  1. A deeper sense of awareness and accountability.
  2. Tools to align values and intentions for a unified vision.
  3. Strategies to take purposeful action in the face of adversity.
  4. A clearer understanding of their personal and team legacy.

Highlights

  • ICF-credentialed (PCC) executive coach and facilitator.
  • Third-generation leader in financial services; nearly two decades in HR.
  • CEO/founder, KfG Coaching; clients from family businesses to Fortune 100.
  • Specializes in leadership excellence and workplace success through change.
  • Known for clear, compassionate action plans that stick.

“Krista collaborated with my leadership team, coaching us on how to effectively implement the practical strategies from her recent book, Keep F*!#ing Going. Her steps are straightforward, actionable, and have significantly benefited our team. She also served as the keynote speaker at a security industry conference we hosted, captivating the audience with her engaging, authentic, and thought-provoking presentation. Krista's ability to share valuable insights on shifting your mindset to tackle stressful situations, paired with her vulnerability and relatability, made a lasting impact. I highly recommend Krista for group coaching or as a dynamic keynote speaker. You won’t be disappointed!” -Melissa Brinkman, CEO, Custom Alarm
“If you are looking for a powerful formula for living your life, the KFG Formula is for you!” -Jack Canfield, Co-author, Chicken Soup for the Soul