Leanne Meyer

Leanne Meyer Speaking Topics

• The Power of Three: Why You Need a Network Trifecta and How to Build It

  Decades of research on organizational networks have shown that who you know—and who knows you—is critical to performance and career success.

  The ability to develop and maintain a strong network of internal and external relationships is a key factor distinguishing leaders with consistently outstanding performance records from those who languish in the middle.

  Why? Because people in positive relationships are more likely to share invaluable information, recommend each other for career opportunities, vouch for each other, make introductions, and provide professional advice and support. Successful leaders leverage these relationships in support of their organization’s mission.

  They also rely on their network for personal and professional development.

  These distinct purposes require you to build three related but different networks:

  • Operational Network

    • those involved in your group’s daily work

  • Strategic Network

    • those who can help you prepare for the future

  • Developmental Network

    • relationships that can help you grow professionally and provide personal, and emotional support when needed

  Too often, senior leaders neglect to cultivate these essential networks—whether due to discomfort with workplace politics or the mistaken belief that networking is inauthentic or self-serving. But this avoidance can be career-limiting and organizationally damaging. Avoiding the creation of influential networks is a form of self-sabotage that also risks stalling the future success of your organization and your culture initiatives.

  In this transformative session, we will focus on practical tools and strategies to break the myths around networking and see it for what it truly is: a leadership competency and culture-building tool. Participants will walk away empowered with a clear plan for turning their networks into one of their most powerful leadership assets—one that fuels both personal and organizational success.

• From Perfection to Passion: Refining Your Leadership Brand

  A leadership brand conveys your identity and distinctiveness, the value you offer. If you have the wrong brand for the position you hold or the position you want, then your work is not having the impact it could.

  Strong leaders have clear stories.

  They know where they’ve been, who they are, and what they envision for the future. Whether aspiring to thought, community, or corporate leadership, this clarity is essential for anyone looking to lead with influence and impact.

  However, many professionals fall into the trap of striving for “perfection” across multiple roles—leader, partner, friend, executive—causing them to overlook their true potential. Instead of embracing their unique power and perspective, they may question their worth, dismiss their talents, and diminish their identity.

  Key Takeaways:

  • Discover your personal strengths and how they drive your career growth.
  • Identify the barriers and fears holding you back from achieving your aspirations.
  • Develop a leadership brand statement that aligns with your professional goals and contributions.
  • Create an actionable plan to turn your vision into reality.

Sustaining Leadership Effectiveness: Preventing Burnout While Maximizing Impact

Leadership demands tight deadlines, constant multitasking, and high-pressure situations. Managing stress effectively is not only vital for your own well-being but also crucial for those you lead. This session focuses on building resilience, enhancing productivity, and managing energy to maintain peak performance, even under pressure.

Participants will learn how to work smarter, set boundaries, and build support networks that boost their effectiveness. Additionally, strategies for bouncing back from challenges and strengthening a growth mindset will be explored to enhance adaptability and grit.

Key Takeaways:

• Develop strategies to prevent burnout and build resilience.
• Learn how to set boundaries, prioritize tasks, and manage energy efficiently.
• Understand how to cultivate allies who advocate for you and amplify your contributions.
• Explore insights on balancing dual-career demands and creating sustainable work practices.
• Explore AI-powered productivity tools that help streamline tasks, reduce cognitive overload, and free up time for high-value leadership work.   This session equips leaders with the tools they need to maintain effectiveness, adapt to challenges, and thrive in demanding environments.

The Leadership Edge: Navigating Barriers & Seizing New Opportunities

Women in leadership often encounter unique challenges—from navigating unclear career paths to integrating competing demands at work and home. Despite their expertise and contributions, many women still face barriers to advancement, including limited access to influential networks, fewer role models, and outdated perceptions of leadership success. 

In this compelling keynote, Leanne Meyer draws on insights from her book, Climbing the Spiral Staircase, to examine the dynamics that shape women’s careers and leadership journeys. Blending research-based strategies, executive coaching insights, and real-world examples, she provides practical tools to help women overcome obstacles, leverage their strengths, and take ownership of their career growth.    Key Takeaways:

• Master Three Critical Career Transitions – Learn how to shift from: 
• Perfection to Passion: Let go of unrealistic expectations and embrace leadership integrity. 
• ""Clueless"" to Connected: Build the right networks, sponsors, and allies to accelerate your success. 
• Worker Bee to Strategic Resource: Step into higher-impact roles and become an indispensable leader.
• Develop a Leadership Framework: Identify where you are in your career journey and what skills you need to grow. 
• Adopt Evidence-Based Strategies: Gain actionable insights on navigating workplace dynamics, strengthening influence, and increasing visibility. 
• Seize Opportunities with Clarity & Confidence: Learn how to advocate for yourself, align with key decision-makers, and drive career momentum.

Why Attend?

This keynote empowers women to take control of their leadership trajectory, whether they are early in their careers, preparing for a promotion, or transitioning into executive roles. Participants will leave with a clear roadmap to advance their careers, cultivate meaningful professional relationships, and make a lasting impact in their organizations. 

With a blend of storytelling, research-backed insights, and practical takeaways, this keynote is designed to equip women with the strategies, mindsets, and confidence to lead boldly and successfully.

The Art of Asking for It! Negotiating as Leadership Practice and Advocating for Yourself

Negotiation is a critical skill that impacts every aspect of professional life, yet many professionals, especially women, hesitate to advocate for themselves. Research reveals that men are four times more likely to negotiate, and while women excel at negotiating on behalf of others, they often struggle when it comes to their own needs.

This keynote equips participants with the skills to recognize negotiation opportunities, overcome anxiety, and build the confidence to advocate effectively for themselves. Mastering these skills not only enhances individual success but also strengthens teams, leverages connections, and contributes positively to workplace culture.

Key Takeaways:

• Understand how negotiation impacts the gender leadership gap.
• Master essential negotiation practices and concepts.
• Learn how to maximize bargaining power and identify negotiation opportunities.
• Develop strategies to plan and succeed in negotiations confidently.

Topics covered include addressing the confidence myth, overcoming impostor syndrome, and managing your inner critic.