Ellen delivers dynamic keynotes and workshops that inspire high-performing teams and leaders to stop avoiding tough conversations and start tackling them—together. With a blend of practical tools, transformative language, and real-world strategies, she equips audiences to replace silence and avoidance with clarity, connection, and action.

From giving effective feedback to influencing with purpose and advocating for themselves and their teams, Ellen empowers leaders to communicate with confidence, authenticity, and heart. Her sessions go beyond surface-level tips—they shift mindsets, spark courage, and lay the foundation for lasting culture change.

Ellen has brought this work to life across industries including government, healthcare, education, and corporate sectors, delivering impactful experiences nationwide. Her mission is simple yet powerful: to help organizations build communication cultures where honesty is the norm, leaders rise with integrity, and no one feels the need to shrink or stay silent.

Keynote Topics

The Conversation Shift

Too often, organizations default to silence, politeness, or passive conflict avoidance—and it shows up in disengagement, burnout, and stalled progress. This keynote tackles one of the biggest growth levers in any team: the ability to have open, honest conversations—early and often. In this keynote, Ellen shares practical, proven techniques to move from avoidance to action, creating a culture where feedback is welcomed, tough topics aren’t taboo, and communication becomes a powerful tool for change. If your team is ready to stop tiptoeing around what really matters, this keynote is the shift you’ve been waiting for.

Leading From the Inside Out

New leaders often feel the pressure to have all the answers, be liked by everyone, and get it all right from day one. This keynote invites a refreshing reframe: great leadership isn’t about having it all figured out—it’s about showing up with self-awareness, curiosity, and courage. Ellen walks through the foundational leadership principles every new (and evolving) leader needs to know—like how to build trust, model emotional intelligence, and make bold decisions while staying grounded in your values. This is leadership that doesn’t just look good on paper—it actually works.

Speak Up - Without the Guilt

Most high achievers know how to work hard—but when it comes to speaking up for what they really want, hesitation kicks in. This keynote empowers professionals to shift from people-pleasing and perfectionism to confident, values-based self-advocacy. Ellen shares the mindset shifts and language tools needed to ask for more—more support, more opportunity, more balance—without apology. Through real talk and actionable strategies, audiences learn how to stop avoiding the conversation and start owning their voice.

*Can be tailored with powerful examples for an all female audience

Here's what clients say

Ellen was so INCREDIBLE. She is so knowledgeable, encouraging and provoked dialogue and ensured there was learning retention every step of the way.

- Shannon M.

Ellen is an amazing facilitator. She shows interest in her students, asks for feedback from us, never puts anyone on the spot, yet effortlessly keeps the conversation going. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend her or take another course from her! Thank you, Ellen!

- Felicity E.

Ellen and her ability to foster learning and connecting to not only the materials, but to one another as learners was such a rewarding experience altogether.

- Cheyenne B.

Ellen did a great job facilitating conversation and making sure that we understood the concepts she was sharing. I could see how she was implementing the concepts herself as she coached us as a group throughout the session.

- Sam T.

Ellen is a great trainer. She has a command of the material and also is very skilled at creating a safe, fun, rich learning environment. Her engagement with us was top notch! She is also incredible at giving feedback.

- Lisa B.

I really appreciate that Ellen makes the training a "safe space" so we are able to have hard conversations relevant to actual current events during our breakout sessions.

- Umi Y.

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