Merit Kahn

Merit Kahn, CSP, is the CEO of SELLect Sales Development, author of "Myth Shift: Challenging The Truths That Sabotage Success" and "Are You Open To… Four Words That Transform Sales and Just About Everything Else" (2023), and creator of The Merit Method for Sales Mastery program. She co-hosts The Smarter Sales Show podcast and is the writer, producer, and star of the one-woman inspirational comedy show, "Book of Merit."

With over 20 years of experience in sales, sales management, coaching, training, consulting, writing, and speaking, Kahn has worked with clients across multiple industries to achieve one primary goal: grow sales and influence. Her sales philosophy underscores the importance of an open mind as the first step to closing deals, particularly in sectors that involve custom, complex, or creative products and services. Her expertise in emotional intelligence and her status as a Certified Speaking Professional—a prestigious designation held by less than 12% of professional speakers worldwide—further distinguish her in her field.

In her keynote speeches, Kahn combines cutting-edge sales strategies with lessons from her comedy performances, offering insights into leadership, emotional intelligence, and women's empowerment. Her presentations are interactive and entertaining, designed to impart practical skills and motivate her audience. Whether addressing thousands on stage or a small executive team, Kahn ensures her content is engaging, educational, and filled with humor. Each presentation is uniquely tailored to meet the specific needs of her audience, reflecting her deep understanding of cultural transformation and emotional intelligence in the realms of hiring, onboarding, selling, and retaining top talent.

Before founding Merit-based Business, Kahn was the Senior VP of Sales for a nationwide sales training organization and served as the youngest General Sales Manager for a start-up radio station in the country's third largest market. She draws life and business lessons from her adventurous experiences, which include backpacking solo around the world and engaging in extreme sports like bungee jumping and skydiving. Her resilience and ability to draw empowering messages from her experiences resonate deeply, inspiring people to explore new possibilities in business and life.