‍Speaker Reel - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m_p1qD_sNqs

Speaker Profile - https://www.gravityspeakers.com/speakers/jennifer-cassetta

Why Jennifer?

Jennifer Cassetta is a powerhouse of personal empowerment. A 3rd-degree black belt in Hapkido and a board-certified health coach, Jennifer helps audiences face adversity with resilience and confidence. Her message is particularly relevant for city leaders and staff facing burnout, stress, and the emotional toll of public service.

TOPIC OPTIONS:

‍The Art of Badassery: Becoming a Black Belt Leader

From Burnout to Blazing: A Mind and Body Approach to Wellbeing

Description:
In “The Art of Badassery,” Jennifer shares her six-step framework to help leaders bounce back from setbacks and lead with courage and composure. In her wellness-focused keynote, she addresses stress, burnout, and the body-mind connection—essential themes for those working in high-pressure civic roles.

Key Takeaways:

• Build resilience using martial arts-inspired principles
• Learn actionable tools to avoid and recover from burnout
• Cultivate mental toughness, confidence, and inner calm

Highlights:

• Bestselling author of The Art of Badassery
• Frequent TV guest and wellness contributor
• Combines empowerment with humor, storytelling, and presence

_{“Jenn had me on the edge of my seat, I was captivated by every word she spoke. Her message is both powerful and empowering; how to better position oneself to protect mind, body, heart and soul in order to thrive and live a healthy, happy and fulfilled life.” - GERARD MCEVOY, British Airways}

_{“CREW Kansas City hosted our annual membership dinner and Jenn Cassetta presented “The Art of Badassery!” to a room of 70 professional women. Jenn was extremely engaging and interactive with the audience that added an abundance of enthusiasm and joy throughout our event space. Her message resonated with all of us as we are still talking about it. You'll definitely walk away with an overwhelming sense of being a true BADASS!” - CHRISTIE MONTAGUE, CREW Kansas City}

‍Speaker Reel - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pnMJKMVJmJ4

Speaker Profile - https://www.gravityspeakers.com/speakers/anthony-mclean

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Why Anthony?

‍Anthony McLean brings infectious energy and heart to the stage. A trusted voice on mental health, inclusion, and personal growth, Anthony uses the power of storytelling to inspire civic audiences to lead with empathy and clarity. His ability to connect deeply with both frontline workers and senior leaders makes him a versatile choice.

Topic - Lead with Story: Transform the Way You Motivate and Inspire

Description:
This keynote teaches leaders how to harness storytelling to spark engagement and fuel positive change. Anthony reveals how great stories drive connection, trust, and purpose—especially in environments where morale and motivation are vital.

Key Takeaways:

• Learn how to tell impactful, mission-driven stories
• Understand how stories influence team culture and engagement
• Equip yourself to lead with authenticity and emotional intelligence

Highlights:

• Featured speaker at Google, Johnson & Johnson, and PepsiCo
• Deep expertise in education and inclusive leadership
• Combines humor, vulnerability, and practical insights

_{“Anthony McLean is an extraordinary keynote speaker whose authentic storytelling and powerful insights captivate audiences from start to finish. His ability to connect on a deeply personal level leaves a profound and lasting impact, inspiring positive change and sparking meaningful conversations. Anthony's presentations are not just heard, but truly felt, making him an unforgettable force on any stage!” - Vanessa Lo, Colleague Experience Associate, TD Bank Group}

_{“Anthony is a gifted and down-to-earth storyteller who empowers readers, from boardrooms to personal lives, to discover our unique rhythm where we can excel at work and still make time to reenergize. A must-read for those striving to maximize peak performance.” - Curtis Carmichael, Award-Winning STEAM Teacher and Author}‍

‍How to Reclaim Your Life From Work | Simone Stolzoff | TED - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cfKFbh8LPvU

Speaker Profile - https://www.gravityspeakers.com/speakers/simone-stolzoff

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Why Simone?

‍Simone Stolzoff is a workplace expert and the bestselling author of The Good Enough Job. He helps civic leaders and employees rethink their relationship with work, productivity, and identity—offering critical perspective for public servants who often feel overextended and underappreciated.

Topic - How to Keep Your Work from Taking Over Your Life

Description:
This keynote encourages attendees to create boundaries between their personal identity and professional role. Simone offers a refreshing look at work-life balance, burnout, and the cultural forces shaping how we see our jobs—crucial themes for city employees and managers alike.

Key Takeaways:

• Rethink the narrative of “work as identity”
• Build sustainable habits to protect wellbeing
• Support healthier work cultures across departments

Highlights:

• Author of The Good Enough Job (Penguin Press)
• Featured in The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, NPR
• Engaging blend of cultural critique and practical guidance

_{"A timely, compelling case for designing work around our lives instead of squeezing our lives into the space around work. It’s a wakeup call for people who feel overworked and leaders who have lost sight of their humanity." - Adam Grant, Wharton}

_{"Simone is a thoughtful, provocative, and engaging speaker. Our team couldn't get enough of him. They talked about how much useful knowledge, and perception-shifting data he shared — and he was very funny, too!" - CJ Jackson, Guild}

‍Speaker Reel - "Achieving the Impossible" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xRkjmypvuWk

Speaker Reel - Limitless! The SUP Crossing - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBlCMQlLiGo

Speaker Profile - https://www.gravityspeakers.com/speakers/chris-bertish

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Why Chris?

Chris Bertish is a world record-setting adventurer and speaker who has defied limits at sea and in life. His story of crossing the Atlantic Ocean solo on a stand-up paddleboard is a masterclass in courage, perseverance, and mindset. For city leaders looking for inspiration to tackle big challenges, Chris delivers.

Topic - Achieving the Impossible! The Mavericks Big Wave Story

Description:
Chris shares his journey of taking on some of the world’s most extreme physical and mental challenges. With captivating visuals and unmatched energy, he shows how preparation, vision, and heart can turn the impossible into the achievable—offering a powerful metaphor for civic innovation and resilience.

Key Takeaways:

• Discover how mindset and preparation lead to breakthrough results
• Learn to embrace adversity as an opportunity
• Inspire teams to think bigger and believe deeper

Highlights:

• First person to solo paddle across the Atlantic
• TEDx speaker and bestselling author
• High-impact, edge-of-your-seat storytelling

_{“He's an expert on shifting his comfort zone, and it's clear through his public speaking that he is right in his comfort zone. He teaches on finding your greatest potential, and coming from such a legend as Chris, I was left feeling empowered to evaluate where in my life I could more intentionally "dial it up" and follow my passions. If there's ever an attitude for gratitude that should be shared on a big stage (or virtual event), then Chris' story is one for the records. This was one of our most successful talks at Salesforce.” - Kelly Cowden - Industry Events & Sponsors, Salesforce}

_{“Everyone is just raving about your talk. Your story is truly outstanding and is told with humility, insight and humour, which is woven into a spellbinding narrative. As a motivational talk, I cannot fault it!”  - Paul Boynton, Alternative Investments}

Old Skool Cafe - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5m3QN-z47bA

CNN Hero: Teresa Goines - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t6FKmqi2P98

Speaker Profile - https://www.gravityspeakers.com/speakers/teresa-goines

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Why Teresa?

Teresa Goines is a former juvenile corrections officer turned nonprofit founder who knows firsthand how small actions can create massive change. Her story resonates deeply with civic audiences because she’s lived on both sides of the system—enforcing policies and then rewriting the future through second chances. Her voice is ideal for leaders committed to community building, restorative justice, and human-centered leadership.

Speaking Topics -

• "Having Grit: Persevering Through Challenges" – Public administrators often work within bureaucratic systems that can feel slow-moving and resistant to change. Teresa’s journey demonstrates that persistence, creativity, and a deep commitment to service can drive real impact, even in challenging environments.
• "How to Take Small Steps Towards a Big Dream" – Government initiatives require long-term commitment and incremental progress. Teresa’s story of starting with a vision and turning it into a nationally recognized program provides inspiration and practical insights on how to turn ideas into actionable change.
• "Restorative Justice: A Path to Healing and Hope" – Many local and state agencies are seeking more effective, community-based solutions to crime, recidivism, and social justice reform. Teresa offers a proven model for rehabilitation, mentorship, and breaking cycles of incarceration—one that government employees can learn from and implement in their own communities.

Topic - How to Take Small Steps Towards a Big Dream [recommended]

Description:
This keynote is a heartfelt look at what it means to lead from a place of purpose and vision. Teresa shares her journey from corrections to founding Old Skool Cafe, a youth-run supper club that employs at-risk youth. She helps audiences recognize that leadership isn’t about titles—it’s about taking one intentional step at a time toward something greater.

Key Takeaways:

• Discover how incremental change leads to transformational impact
• Learn how purpose-driven leadership can change systems from the inside out
• Build a vision that uplifts underserved communities

_{"Teresa’s story alongside Old Skool Café is inspiring... Our team left with a positive call to action to give back and contribute to the community." - Mark Perez, Founding Partner, Virgo Investment Group
"Teresa Goines is a powerful and authentic speaker. She has a unique story to tell - of inspiration, innovation and impact - one that engenders feelings of connection, hope, and solidarity." - Julia Novy, Professor of the Practice, Stanford University}

Highlights:

• Founder of nationally recognized nonprofit Old Skool Cafe
• Featured on CNN Heroes, Oprah’s Super Soul 100
• Inspires hope, action, and service in public sector leaders

Speaker Reel - https://vimeo.com/1040941226

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

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Why Barb?

Barb Betts brings over two decades of real estate leadership and people-first strategy to the stage. She specializes in building cultures rooted in connection, communication, and trust—skills that are fundamental for civic leaders managing complex teams and community relationships. Her energy and authenticity make her a standout motivator for public service audiences.

TOPIC - Leading with Connection: Building Stronger Teams from the Inside Out

Description:
This keynote explores the art and science of building trust-centered workplaces. Barb equips attendees with actionable tools to strengthen internal team dynamics through relationship-building and emotional intelligence. Her strategies support leaders in fostering work environments that are collaborative, inclusive, and high performing.

Key Takeaways:

• Master the building blocks of authentic professional relationships
• Learn how intentional connection improves collaboration and morale
• Discover how empathy, trust, and communication drive leadership success

Highlights:

• Nationally recognized keynote on connection-based leadership
• High-energy, storytelling-rich delivery
• Perfect for civic teams navigating high-pressure environments

_{“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}‍

‍Speaker Sizzle Reel - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-tnF8r4tgtw

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

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Why Krista?

Krista Ryan’s keynote style is raw, real, and refreshingly bold. She delivers gut-punch honesty with humor and warmth—exactly what overworked, change-fatigued leaders need to hear. Her story of facing addiction, rebuilding her life, and launching a global coaching movement offers a message of grit and grace. Perfect for city staff who’ve endured burnout or transitions.

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

Description:
This talk is about resilience without the fluff. Krista walks audiences through the emotional rollercoaster of transformation—whether personal, organizational, or societal. With humor, storytelling, and practical steps, she empowers leaders to keep showing up even when everything feels uncertain.

Key Takeaways:

• Break through mental blocks and fear of change
• Understand the emotional arc of transformation
• Learn practical tools to stay motivated and centered under stress

Highlights:

• International speaker and mindset strategist
• High-energy, real-talk presentation style
• Ideal for energizing staff who feel overwhelmed or stuck

^{“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}