honored to work with
Moments of truth don’t announce themselves... but they decide everything.
Today’s organizations don’t fail all at once. They fail at the moment leaders hesitate.
- The warning signs are minimized or ignored.
- Hard conversations are delayed.
- Decisions get deferred “until there’s more clarity”.
That moment: when inaction feels safer than action... is the reckoning.
We don’t motivate leaders. We prepare them for moments of truth.
Because leadership isn’t proven by intention. It’s revealed by action when the pressure is real.
Book me for your next workshop, conference, or event to get real world, engaging, action-oriented inspiration.
Here's how i can help transform your organization:
Reckonings: Moments of Truth that Change Everything
Most leaders don’t fail because they’re incompetent. They fail because they hesitate.
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Optimize With Optimism
Rewire your brain from negativity & tap into more positivity, meaning, & productivity.
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Evolving Your Organizational Culture
Create a culture that allows everyone - including the bottom line - to flourish.
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Evolving Women Leaders
Tame the imposter & lead using your unique gifts.
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Empowered Leaders Empower Others
Cultivate true leadership in yourself & everyone in your organization.
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Preparing for the Unthinkable
In a world where uncertainty is the only certainty, organizations often suffer by not addressing the risks that accompany unexpected crises.
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Optimism
It isn't a feeling. It's a choice.
And when we choose it, we fuel our energy, spark collaboration, and drive real, measurable success throughout every facet of our performance.
Hear from those we've empowered
Attending Kristen’s keynote on optimizing performance through optimism was a transformative experience for our team at Chase Bank. Her unique blend of authoritative leadership experience and genuine passion for positive change was not only inspiring but also incredibly practical.
John McCourt
I loved your talk about "lighting up change with disruption.” It was so powerful it made me cry (in a good way)! Two things resonated with me. First, trying to make positive change in a broken system. Second, I feel that same sentiment as a cog in the wheel of public education.
Melissa S.
Not only did Kristen deliver an outstanding presentation, but she also left a lasting impact on our participants. Her insights were delivered with enthusiasm and practicality, leaving everyone feeling inspired and motivated.
Heather Hollingsworth Issvoran
Kristen removes all veils of complacency and gives an on-ramp to action for leaders and team members at all levels.
Meredith Plaxco
Kristen’s energy is electrifying. I left feeling charged and ready to tackle any challenge.
Michael Peaster
Life-changing, insightful, down-to-earth. I could have listened to Kristen the entire conference and came away with so much actionable information.
Sarah Trimble
The session was inspiring and funny, and it helped me look at myself and my actions as a leader from a different perspective. Sometimes when you are caught up in the day to day grind, it's hard to step back and see how you truly influence others and the culture of the office.
Mary Heather Verzaal
Hi, I'm Kristen.
Keynote Speaker, Crisis Leadership Expert, and Author.
My career journey took me through law enforcement, where I learned firsthand what it’s like to work in a culture of uncertainty.
As a rookie cop, I found myself surrounded by officers who were stuck in a cycle of complaints and resistance to change. But when I became the first female Police Chief in Aurora, IL, I realized that disruption doesn’t need authority—it just takes the courage to shift the mindset.
I’ve made it my mission to help organizations navigate moments of reckoning—those times where the truth is unavoidable, the stakes are real, and honesty is required. I help leaders to confront what’s been tolerated, respond with clarity, and take action when it matters most.
With a mix of academic insights, real-world experience, and leadership know-how, I empower teams and individuals to cultivate a mindset of innovation, resilience, and sustainable success.
Onward and upward!
