Speaker Reel - https://vimeo.com/1052840561?fl=pl&fe=vl

Gravity Speakers Profile - https://www.gravityspeakers.com/speakers/neil-redding

Speaker Website - https://neilredding.com/

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Why Neil for CalCPA Member Summit

• Bridges technology and leadership: frames AI as a leadership and decision-making shift—not a tool tutorial—so it lands with students, practitioners, and Board/Council leaders.
• Executive-level framing: helps technical experts evolve into strategic leaders who can orchestrate change across stakeholders, systems, and risk.
• Actionable, not abstract: delivers clear models and rituals that attendees can apply immediately—aligned to your “end with takeaways” requirement.
• Future-facing, but grounded: strong credibility in emerging tech, paired with practical business translation (not hype).
• Distinct “flavor” option: can serve as a bold opening keynote to set an innovation tone and elevate the profession’s narrative.

‍

Tailored Keynote

Orchestrate or Obsolete: Leading the AI-Powered Near Future

AI isn’t the problem — we are. We’re still leading like humans are the only ones in the room. In the near future, AI will actively participate in every decision, alongside humans and live ecosystem signals — and the leaders who master this orchestration will rewrite how business works. Near Futurist Neil Redding reveals how to lead in this new symbiosis — introducing the HAIR (Human–Agent Interaction Rate) metric, the Orchestration Canvas to map your shift, and daily rituals for thriving in the AI-powered near future.

Note: Topic at the intersection of Technology and "Moving into the C-Suite"

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‍Highlights

• Keynote speaker for major stages including SXSW, Dubai Future Forum, and Building the Future
• Corporate keynote experience with brands such as Meta and Microsoft
• 30+ years in emerging tech strategy as an Innovation Architect / computer scientist
• Built and led Near Future teams at Mediacom, Gensler, Thoughtworks
• Founder of Redding Futures; advised brands including Visa, Nike, Apple, Verizon
• Creator of the Near Future Framework focused on ecosystem-centered design and practical value creation

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‍

^{"Neil Redding's participation in the Meta Brazil activation during SXSW was incredibly valuable. His deep understanding of AI and spatial computing allowed him to effectively address the specific challenges and needs of our clients' businesses.”-Conrado Leister, VP & Managing Director, Meta}

^{"This session was truly remarkable, we had the presence of Neil Redding, a Near Futurist, who took us on an exciting journey about AI, Spatial Computing and co-creation of reality and challenged us to rethink concepts, and to a deep reflection on the transformative potential of AI in our organizations and in our lives!" -Manuel Dias, National Technology Officer & Executive Board Member, Microsoft}‍

Speaker Reel - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=omB_zDTE_7Y

Speaker Website - https://patrickmork.com/
‍
‍

Why Patrick for CalCPA Member Summit

• Authentic career-change credibility: lived experience of reinvention at the executive level, not theoretical advice.
• Deep emotional connection: ideal for attendees navigating burnout, change fatigue, or career crossroads.
• Highly practical: attendees leave with concrete tools they can use immediately.
• Broad relevance: resonates with students, mid-career professionals, and senior leaders alike.
• Strong closing keynote option: leaves audiences grounded, motivated, and clear on next steps.

‍

‍

Suggested Topics

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From Silicon Valley to Chilecon Alley

^{Format: 45–60 minute keynote}

This program is perfect for:

• Professionals feeling stuck, burnt out, or at a personal/professional crossroads
• Organizations navigating transformation who want to empower employees to lead change from within

The audience will leave with:

• A mindset shift about what it takes to make bold, lasting life and career changes
• Practical tools to overcome resistance, step outside comfort zones, and move toward a purpose-driven life

Program Description:

What really holds us back from change? And how do we overcome the fear and inertia that keep us from becoming who we’re meant to be?

In this candid and deeply human keynote, Patrick Mork shares the story of how he walked away from a high-flying Silicon Valley career—including co-founding Google Play—to start over in Chile as an executive coach and entrepreneur. From navigating a painful divorce to leaving behind prestige and stability, Patrick unpacks what it means to make a real leap—one rooted in courage, humility, and radical reinvention.

Drawing on the powerful frameworks from his best-selling book Step Back and LEAP, as well as his experience living in 11 countries, speaking 4 languages, and working across 7 industries, Patrick reveals the mindsets, habits, and tools that helped him rewrite his story—and that anyone can use to do the same. Through raw stories and actionable strategies, your audience will walk away inspired to face discomfort, step outside their comfort zones, and begin crafting a career—and life—driven by meaning and joy.

Every keynote includes QR codes that allow participants to instantly access Mork Guides on topics like Assertive Communication, Productivity, and Managing Energy—so the learning continues long after the talk ends.

This keynote can also be paired with one of Patrick’s powerful 3-hour Morkshops, where participants go from Inspiration to Application by practicing and applying the exact tools shared on stage.

‍

Becoming Unstoppable: Reinventing Yourself in the Age of AI

^{Format: 45–60 minute keynote}

This program is perfect for:

• Teams facing rapid change, burnout, or post-reorg uncertainty
• Leaders navigating transformation, layoffs, or innovation pressure

The audience will leave with:

• A new, empowering definition of resilience that goes beyond “grit”
• Five practical tools to lead with courage, purpose, and energy—even under pressure

Program Description:

Patrick’s journey spans 11 countries, 33 moves, 4 continents, and 6 startups—each chapter a masterclass in overcoming adversity, embracing reinvention, and building unshakable resilience. In this powerful, emotionally rich keynote, Patrick reveals how the hardest chapters of his life—from brutal startup failures to personal crises—shaped his signature framework: The 5 Pillars of Resilience.

Through raw, real storytelling laced with humor and humility, Patrick connects deeply with audiences, offering a roadmap for navigating today’s relentless pace of change. This isn’t just inspiration—it’s transformation. Each keynote includes access to QR-based Mork Guides, giving attendees practical tools they can use immediately to reset their mindset, lead through uncertainty, and bounce forward—not just back.

Perfect for companies dealing with AI disruption, cultural change, or leadership fatigue, this keynote delivers the emotional connection and tactical insight your people need—right now.

Can be supplemented by one of Patrick’s 9 different Morkshops ranging from Building Psychological Safety to Mastering Feedback (each Morkshop is 3 hours – see other programs)

‍

Additional Workshops available, which may be suitable, but prices will vary

^‍

Highlights

• Former CMO and marketing leader at Google, including co-founding Google Play
• Executive leadership experience across startups and global enterprises
• Founder, LEAP, serving CEOs and executive teams across Latin America
• Clients include Walmart, Scotiabank, Falabella, Banco Consorcio, NEC, and others
• Author of STEP Back and LEAP
• International keynote speaker delivering programs in English and Spanish
• Known for pairing emotional resonance with practical, tool-based takeaways

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‍

^{"Patrick Mork's speech was a masterclass in leadership and entrepreneruship. He shared wisdom, experience and vision with passion and clarity. Thanks Patrick" - Pedro Lima, Organizer Insead Entrepreneurship Forum}‍

Speaker Profile: https://www.gravityspeakers.com/speakers/shawn-dubravac

Speaker Website: https://shawndubravac.com/‍

‍

Why Shawn for CalCPA Member Summit

• Perfectly aligned to the CPA profession: understands finance, economics, and the strategic implications of technology.
• Strong “lifelong learner” lens: focuses on skills that grow in value over time, not just tools.
• Accessible across the audience spectrum: equally compelling for students, practitioners, and Board leaders.
• Balanced tone: blends inspiration with clarity and realism.
• Flexible keynote placement: works well as either opening or closing anchor.

‍

Topic

Leading the Next Chapter: Technology, Talent, and the Future-Ready CPA

The accounting profession is at an inflection point. AI, automation, and intelligent systems are not just changing how work gets done—they are redefining what it means to lead, advise, and create value.

In this opening or closing keynote, Dr. Shawn DuBravac challenges California CPAs to rethink their role in a world where technical expertise alone is no longer enough. Drawing on real-world examples across finance, professional services, and adjacent industries, he explores how emerging technologies are reshaping decision-making, career paths, and the expectations placed on trusted advisors.

Key Takeaways:

• How AI is changing the CPA value proposition faster than most firms realize
• Practical steps to remain relevant, credible, and indispensable over the next decade
• A practical approach to lifelong learning that fits busy professionals

Highlights

• New York Times bestselling author, Digital Destiny
• Former Chief Economist, Consumer Technology Association (CTA / CES)
• President, Avrio Institute
• Advisor to Fortune 100 & Global 1000 companies, governments, and nonprofits
• Featured in WSJ, NYT, Financial Times, Wired, Barron’s, CNBC, Bloomberg, NPR
• Former board president, CFA Society of Washington, DC
• Named one of 27 Finance Thought Leaders to Follow (Prophix)
• University faculty experience across multiple business schools

‍

^{"Shawn DuBravac works at the epicenter of technology and society...When he talks, I listen." - Doug Solomon, former Chief Strategy Officer at Apple}

^{“We received lots of positive feedback to your presentation and have been thinking of other platforms at the Chamber to invite you back.” - Hilary Crow, Senior Director, Programs, U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation}

^{“...presentation was very well received by our attendees and many of our Informatica executives who were in the audience. I heard nothing but glowing remarks so huge “THANK YOU” for stepping in and working with us to customize your talking points to make it very relevant to our audience and Informatica’s brand.” - Jennifer Jawor, Senior Director, North America Regional Marketing, Informatica}

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 Member Summit (Career & Executive Presence Focus)

• Executive presence without performance: Helps professionals build influence through clarity, credibility, and decision-making presence—not volume, dominance, or “acting like an executive.”
• Directly relevant to career progression: Equips CPAs and finance professionals with practical tools for being seen as leadership-ready, trusted, and promotable across client, firm, and boardroom contexts.
• Bridges technical expertise to leadership impact: Particularly effective for high-performing individual contributors and managers transitioning from “excellent at the work” to “respected for judgment and leadership.”
• Memorable, immediately usable frameworks: Attendees walk away with concrete language shifts and behaviors they can apply the same day—in meetings, client conversations, and cross-functional settings.
• Credibility at scale: Brings deep corporate experience with Fortune-level organizations and a proven ability to teach executive communication and presence to large, mixed-level audiences (2M+ learners globally).
• Strong Summit versatility: Works equally well for early-career professionals developing confidence, mid-career CPAs navigating advancement, and senior leaders refining influence and mentorship.

‍

Recommended Keynotes‍

The Visibility Factor: Stand Out, Speak Up and Drive your Career Forward

This powerful keynote will empower attendees to move beyond just working hard to strategically advocating for their ideas. Jessica Chen will unveil her proven ACCT Framework to teach professionals how to build a compelling career brand and communicate with confidence—without sounding self-promotional. Participants will walk away with actionable skills, increase their visibility, and unlock more opportunities. This session is a must for organizations wanting to inspire employees to adopt an empowered mindset.

You will learn:

• How to use the ACCT Framework to advocate for your ideas and achievements without sounding self-promotional.
• Techniques to increase your visibility at work so decision-makers recognize your impact and potential.
• Steps to build a compelling career brand that aligns with your goals and communicates value clearly.
• Tools to shift from a passive contributor to an empowered leader, no matter your title or experience level.

Themes: Empower, visibility, career growth, motivational

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The New ROI: Return on Intelligence - Unlocking the Power of Human Potential

This keynote is a front-row seat to the future of work and how we can position ourselves to drive business results. Focusing on AI and it’s impact in the workplace, this dynamic session will inspire participants to elevate their communication and collaboration skills. Drawing from Jessica’s popular courses with over 2 million learners, attendees will know how to unlock their human potential, cut through noise, break down silos, and accelerate innovation by engaging more purposefully across teams.

You will learn:

• How to communicate with clarity and confidence in an AI-integrated workplace to drive decisions and visibility.
• Strategies to break down cross-functional silos and build stronger team alignment for faster innovation.
• A framework to cut through workplace noise so your ideas and contributions get noticed and acted on.
• Tools to engage more purposefully across hybrid and diverse teams to boost collaboration and results.

Themes: Future, collaboration, communication, teamwork, unlocking human potential

‍

Developing Executive Presence

Executive presence isn’t just about how you show up—it’s how others experience your leadership. In this session, participants will learn how to project confidence, communicate with clarity, and lead with influence in high-stakes situations, whether in meetings, presentations, or day-to-day interactions.

‍

Highlights

• Emmy Award–winning communication expert who helps high-performing professionals translate expertise into executive presence, influence, and career momentum
• Creator of proven frameworks (including the ACCT Framework and Communication Advantage) used by 2M+ learners globally to gain visibility and leadership credibility without self-promotion
• Trusted by Fortune-level organizations including Google, Microsoft, Citibank, Chanel, Mattel, S&P Global, and the United Nations
• Author of Smart, Not Loud, a practical guide for getting noticed, respected, and promoted through clarity, confidence, and strategic communication
• Particularly effective for technical and analytical professionals (like CPAs) transitioning from “excellent at the work” to “recognized as leadership-ready”
• Delivers immediately applicable tools for executive presence in meetings, client conversations, cross-functional settings, and high-stakes decision environments

‍

^{"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}‍

Speaker Video - https://youtu.be/dxDPfejV6nc

Gravity Speakers Profile - https://www.gravityspeakers.com/speakers/ramy-nassar

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

‍

Why Ramy for CalCPA Member Summit

• Deep CPA relevance: proven resonance with CPA audiences across North America.
• Balances inspiration and practicality: delivers real frameworks leaders can apply immediately.
• Strong lifelong learning lens: emphasizes curiosity, learning velocity, and judgment over tools.
• Credible innovation leadership: former enterprise innovation executive, not a commentator.
• Excellent closing keynote option: leaves attendees confident, energized, and future-ready.

‍

Topics

From Technician to Strategic Leader: How CPAs Earn Influence in the Age of AI

‍A forward-looking and inspirational keynote grounded in hist experience as Head of Innovation at Mattel, Ramy focuses on how professionals evolve from technical experts into trusted strategic leaders. AI and technology act as accelerants, but mindset, judgment, and influence are the true differentiators.Key themes and takeaways:

• How CPAs can reposition themselves as strategic partners inside their organizations
• What innovation leadership looks like in practice, even without formal authority
• Practical ways to use AI to elevate impact rather than replace professional judgment

‍

The World After AI: Staying Relevant When Technology Becomes Table Stakes

‍As AI becomes embedded into everyday workflows, competitive advantage shifts away from tools and toward how people think, decide, and lead. Led by former head of innovation at Mattel, Ramy Nassar, this session helps CPAs cut through hype and focus on what will truly matter in the next decade.Key themes and takeaways:

• Why AI advantage is temporary, but mindset advantage is durable
• Where CPAs should double down as automation absorbs more analytical work
• A clear framework for evaluating new technologies without chasing every trend

‍

Lifelong Learners Win: Building a Future-Proof Career from First Job to C-Suite

‍Designed to resonate across students, early-career professionals, and senior leaders, former head of innovation at Mattel, Ramy Nassar, explores how curiosity, learning velocity, and critical thinking are becoming the most valuable skills in the profession.Key themes and takeaways:

• The skills that increase in value as AI reshapes accounting and finance
• How to design a personal learning strategy that compounds over time
• Practical tools & habits that help CPAs stay adaptable, relevant, and in demand

‍

Highlights

• Former Head of Innovation, Mattel (Barbie movie contributor)
• Closing keynote, CPA Canada National Conference 2024
• Trusted by 250+ organizations across public and private sectors
• Author, The AI Product Design Handbook
• Faculty member at universities in Canada and Europe
• Active advisor on AI governance and real-world implementation
• Recognized for practical, non-hype AI leadership frameworks

‍

^{"The charismatic Ramy Nassar inspired and equipped the ONE audience with the new skills and insights to navigate a rapidly evolving AI landscape. He shared the ‘AI Impact Framework’, which ensures that AI initiatives drive ROI and other key financial outcomes.Nassar also touched on the human impact on AI and the importance of considering potential risks, like data bias. His practical examples, case studies and best practices helped explain how CPAs leverage AI to guide strategic decision-making. Attendees left AI-ready." - CPA Canada}

Speaker Reel - https://vimeo.com/1049427374?fl=pl&fe=vl

Gravity Speakers Profile - https://www.gravityspeakers.com/speakers/nikki-greenberg

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

‍

Why Nikki for CalCPA Member Summit

• Strong executive credibility: brings real C-suite and enterprise transformation experience—not just futurist commentary.
• Bridges inspiration and practicality: ideal for a Summit audience that wants motivation and clear next steps.
• Broad audience resonance: examples and frameworks land equally well with students, professionals, and Board leaders.
• Future-ready lens without hype: simplifies AI and tech trends so they feel actionable, not overwhelming.
• Flexible keynote positioning: works well as either an opening (vision-setting) or closing (future-focused) keynote.

‍

‍

Suggested Topic

Journey to 2040: Leading the Future of Your Industry

Becoming Your Industry's Most Admired & Forward-Thinking Company

World-renowned futurist Nikki Greenberg equips leaders to proactively shape their organization’s future by navigating the major forces reshaping every industry, including AI, generational shifts, and workplace evolution. Drawing on her experience leading the digital transformation of a seventy-billion-dollar organization, Nikki provides practical tools and a forward-thinking framework to embrace change, harness emerging technologies, and accelerate success. Delivered in her light-hearted, dynamic, and entertaining style, this keynote blends inspiration, motivation, and practical insight on how to become future-ready today.

Key Learning Outcomes

• Actionable strategies today via Nikki’s Five-Step Future Ready Framework
• AI & tech made simple, without overwhelm
• Strategies to overcome barriers to change (resources, incentives, generational dynamics)
• How visionary leaders bring bold ideas to life and shape future-ready cultures

‍

Highlights

• Former Head of Technology Strategy for a $70B global investment manager
• 2025 awards: Top AI & Technology Speaker and Top Thought Leader Speaker (Speaker Awards, London)
• Recognized as:
  • Top 15 Most Popular Future Trends Keynote Speaker
  • Top 10 Future of Work Speaker
  • CIO View’s 5 Most Influential Women in Real Estate to Watch
  • ULI Global Luminary
  • Finalist, MIPIM Global PropTech Awards
• Founder & Global Ambassador, Women in PropTech
• Former three-term Co-Chair, ULI NYC Technology & Innovation Council
• Delivered keynotes for Bank of America, Brookfield, Barings, NAR, CIO, UN Habitat, Smart Cities Expo, and more
• Based in New York City; international keynote experience across multiple continents

‍

‍

^{"The main room was completely full, as was the overflow space! We had tremendous feedback from senior management and clients alike." - UBS}

^{"Nikki showed how there are points in time that change everything & that today, with AI is one of those - really hit home." - Stanford University}

^{"Feedback on Nikki’s session has been amazing! A lot of different people have contacted me to suggest things we need to start doing as a business because of what she highlighted & discussed." - Frasers Properties}‍

Speaker Reel - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R_2mW-VhSQM

Gravity Speaker Profile - https://www.gravityspeakers.com/speakers/keith-abraham

Speaker Website - https://keithabraham.com/‍

‍

Why Keith for CalCPA Member Summit

• Career-stage agnostic, leadership-relevant: Content scales from emerging professionals to senior executives and board-level leaders.
• Executive mindset, not hype: Focuses on clarity, discipline, and intentional leadership rather than raw motivation.
• Supports career progression themes: Especially relevant for attendees navigating promotion, leadership scope expansion, or reinvention.
• Highly practical: Attendees leave with tools they can immediately apply to career goals, leadership priorities, and team direction.
• Strong Summit versatility: Works well as a unifying keynote reinforcing ownership, focus, and long-term professional impact.

‍

‍

Topics

^{(titles only, see link below)}

• CREATING INFINITE POSSIBILITIES
• CREATING COMMERCIALLY CONSCIOUS BUSINESS LEADERS

‍

Highlights

• Creator of the GoalDriver™ Formula, used globally to support leadership clarity and sustained performance
• Trusted advisor to organizations across 43 countries, impacting 1.7M+ professionals
• Five-time bestselling author, published in 12 languages
• Recipient of international honors including Keynote Speaker of the Year and the Nevin Award
• Especially effective for career acceleration, leadership transition, and executive focus, not surface-level motivation
• Delivers practical frameworks leaders can apply immediately to goal setting, prioritization, and decision discipline

‍

‍

^{“Keith has a unique and invaluable ability to transfer enthusiasm and empathy while keeping business goals in focus.” - John Roca, Managing Director, Sydney City Lexus & Toyota}

^{“I’ve used Keith across two decades, two industries and two countries. Whenever I need to focus a business on clients, he’s the solution irrespective of the challenge.” - Ian Blair, Managing Director, New Zealand, WSP}

^{“Keith leaves our people truly inspired and has the ability to shift their thinking and motivate lasting change.” - Anne Petracca, CEO, Lorraine Lea}

Speaker Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Mg2x4ithLw

Linkedin Profile - https://www.linkedin.com/in/marilynnagel/

Company Profile - https://www.rise-results.com/why-rise

‍

Why Marilyn for CalCPA Member Summit

• True C-suite experience: brings real executive leadership credibility, not theoretical advice.
• Ideal for “moving into the C-suite” theme: focuses on influence, visibility, and strategic relationships.
• Highly practical: attendees leave with tools they can immediately apply to their careers.
• Resonates across career stages: valuable for students building networks, professionals advancing, and Board leaders mentoring others.
• Grounded, trusted voice: especially strong for audiences that value substance over flash.

‍

Topic

Building Intentional Connections

Networking can often feel overwhelming; yet, the most successful professionals are those who build intentional networks—leveraging their relationships to create meaningful connections that matter.

Keynote Description

‍In Marshall Goldsmith’s book What Got You Here Won’t Get You There, he states, “Nothing is more important to the leader of the future than networking.” A strong network is a vital driver of career success, business development, job satisfaction, and retention. This keynote explores the importance of networks and provides each participant an opportunity to document their network, evaluate it, and, most importantly, develop a plan to enhance it.

You will learn to:

• Understand the value of your network
• Build your business network and connection mapping
• Evaluate relationships with people on your map
• Develop a plan to add people who support your goals
• Maximize mentor relationships
• Create new and impactful relationships

‍

Highlights

• Former CEO, Watermark (Conference for Women founder & builder)
• Former Chief Diversity Officer, Cisco
• Recognized global thought leader in culture and talent development
• Pioneer of inclusion and belonging frameworks adopted across industries
• Executive producer, TEDx Sonoma
• Board & advisory roles with NACME, PBWC, Ceres, Center for Talent and Innovation, and more
• Trusted advisor to Fortune 500, multinational, and pre/post-IPO companies‍

Speaker Video - https://youtu.be/u1XSymg37c4

Gravity Speakers Profile - https://www.gravityspeakers.com/speakers/emma-louden

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

‍

Why Emma for CalCPA Member Summit

• Embodies lifelong learning in action: a compelling, credible example of career transformation without abandoning expertise.
• Strong cross-career resonance: inspires students, professionals, and senior leaders navigating non-linear paths.
• Practical frameworks, not just inspiration: equips attendees with tools they can apply immediately.
• Distinctive voice: brings scientific thinking to leadership, decision-making, and adaptability.
• Flexible keynote placement: effective as either an opening (growth mindset) or closing (action-oriented reflection) keynote.

‍

Topic

From Telescopes to Executive Leadership: What Astrophysics Taught Me About Lifelong Learning and Career Transformation

Drawing on her journey from astrophysics Ph.D. to tech company president, Emma Louden delivers a powerful keynote on how lifelong learning fuels confident career transformation. She shows how skills developed in highly technical fields—curiosity, experimentation, data-driven thinking—translate across industries and leadership roles.

This talk blends inspiration with practical frameworks, helping attendees understand how to navigate major career pivots, build transferable expertise, and use “practical hope” as a strategic tool in times of uncertainty. Tailored for CPAs, Emma connects scientific thinking to leadership development, continuous learning, and guiding organizations through industry transformation.

Key Takeaways

• How to translate technical expertise into leadership impact
• A framework for navigating career pivots with confidence
• How to build transferable skills as a lifelong learner
• Using data-driven thinking in career and leadership decisions
• Practical hope as a strategy for uncertainty and change

‍

Highlights

• Ph.D. in Astrophysics, Yale University; Magna Cum Laude, Princeton
• Published 18 peer-reviewed scientific papers
• Deputy Chair, NASA Habitable Worlds Observatory Working Group
• President, Slooh (global astronomy education platform)
• TEDx speaker; author; Substack writer (Observing Hope)
• Recognized Brooke Owens Fellow and Quad Fellow
• Bridges elite technical rigor with executive leadership and storytelling

‍

^{“Emma is an exceptional speaker who uses her platform to make a real difference. She is a role model for young women in STEM, and her commitment to both professional excellence and genuine discourse on mental health is truly commendable. I highly recommend her to anyone seeking an inspiring and thought-provoking STEM speaker, and we cannot wait to have her return for future events” - College of DuPage}‍

Speaker Reel - https://youtu.be/EGVSih7ip1w

Gravity Speakers Profile - https://www.gravityspeakers.com/speakers/josh-drean

Speaker Website - https://joshdrean.com/

‍

Why Josh for CalCPA Member Summit

• Technology keynote that still feels human: focuses on how leaders and teams adapt—not just tools—so it works for a mixed audience from students to Board leaders.
• Practical frameworks + clear next steps: aligns with Summit’s need for actionable takeaways, not trend commentary.
• Strong credibility signal: HBR Press author + Harvard affiliation gives instant committee confidence.
• High engagement delivery: energetic style keeps large, diverse rooms attentive and activated.
• Great “opening keynote” candidate: sets urgency and optimism about change, then equips attendees with a blueprint they can act on.

‍

Suggested Topic

THRIVE THROUGH DISRUPTION: How Leaders Boldly Stay Ahead in the Rapidly Changing World of AI

‍AI is reshaping every industry, every business model, and every competitive advantage you thought was secure. The leaders who win the next decade are the ones who learn to harness the power of emerging technologies. In this electrifying keynote, Future of Work strategist and HBR Press author Josh Drean shows your audience how to move past incremental thinking and practically embrace AI-driven transformation with clarity and confidence at the speed you need to embrace.

Drawing from global research, executive advisory work, and real-world case studies from the world’s most innovative organizations, Josh reveals the emerging technologies that matter now, and the mindset leaders need to implement them before they’re outpaced. He translates cutting-edge trends into simple, actionable strategies any organization can use to accelerate growth and increase resilience to unlock next-level performance.

Josh brings an energetic, story-rich delivery shaped by his background as a performer and international keynote speaker, creating a dynamic experience that keeps audiences laughing and thinking differently about what’s possible. Attendees walk away with a blueprint they can act on immediately, equipped to make smarter decisions to empower their teams and build an organization capable of thriving through whatever comes next.

Audience Takeaways

• How to spot and capitalize on emerging trends before competitors do
• A simple framework for integrating AI and other disruptive technologies
• Why adaptability, not efficiency, is the new currency of high-performing organizations
• How to build teams and cultures that remain resilient under pressure
• Clear next steps to lead confidently through the next wave of change

‍

^{“I cannot recommend Josh Drean enough as a keynote speaker on employee experience. His expertise, passion, and ability to connect with the audience left an indelible mark on our event. The impact he made will continue to resonate with our attendees long after his presentation. If you're looking for a dynamic and influential speaker who can inspire positive change within your organization, Josh Drean is the perfect choice.” - Janice Robinson Burns, Chief People Officer, Degreed‍}

^{“The enthusiasm and energy that Josh brought to the stage were infectious. His passion for the subject matter was evident in every word he spoke, captivating the audience from the moment he stepped on stage until the very last minute of his presentation. Attendees were inspired, motivated, and filled with a renewed sense of purpose as they envisioned the endless possibilities that the metaverse and web3 technologies could bring to their organizations.” - James McQuivey, Ph.D. VP, Principal Analyst, Forrester‍}

^{“I wholeheartedly endorse Josh Drean as a keynote speaker. His forward-thinking and thought-provoking content on the metaverse and web3 technologies is unparalleled, and his ability to connect these concepts to tangible business outcomes is truly exceptional. Josh can inspire your audience, ignite their curiosity, and propel your organization into the future of work. Prepare to be amazed and ready to embrace the incredible opportunities that lie ahead!” - Josh Levine, Culture Strategist, Author, Professor, Great Mondays LLC}‍