A True Story of Grit & Determination
In a world filled with economic uncertainty, political volatility, unprecedented developments in technology, increasingly devastating natural disasters, and never-ending challenges, staying motivated can feel impossible. The hard truth is that the overwhelm can be paralyzing for people who haven’t developed the resilience and grit to thrive during adversity.
Set against the backdrop of her real-life story of the desperate times that led her and her children to build their own house using YouTube tutorials, Best-selling author Cara Brookins’ presentation inspires and challenges audiences to go beyond their comfort zones, conquer self-doubt, and turn overwhelm into action.
Her stories, encouragement, and inspiration will give your audience the tools to always get back up (and keep moving forward) no matter the challenge or obstacles in their way. And today, more than ever before, you need a resilient team with the grit to perform under pressure and rise above the chaos no matter what happens in the world.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Staying Motivated in a Changing World
In today’s world of constant, unrelenting change, it’s natural to feel worried about the future, and, even worse, unmotivated at the one time you can least afford to be unproductive. Instead of wasting time trying to plan for an unpredictable future, the way forward is to take the next step even when you don’t know what comes next.
Bestselling author and Thought Leader in the science of motivation Cara Brookins knows a lot about being adaptable and staying motivated during turbulent times. In her presentation she draws authentic parallels between building a house with her four kids using YouTube videos and the uncontrollable, changing environments individuals, leaders, and businesses face today.
With insights from Cara’s inspiring construction site stories, audiences will learn how to develop the mindset necessary to push past their fear of the unknown, remain adaptable in turbulent times, and continue to take action when everything feels uncertain. Because in a world of constant, unrelenting change and uncertainty, you need a future-proofed team of in-control, with highly-focused leaders who are ready to lead with confidence no matter what happens in the world.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Taking Charge In An Ever-Changing World
In today’s rapidly changing global marketplace, leadership is no longer a position but an essential skillset for everyone who wants to rise above the chaos. The traditional paradigm of leadership no longer fits the changing workforce, creating dissatisfaction and a high turnover at every level. But there’s a proven way to fill this void.
In this game-changing presentation, best-selling author Cara Brookins uses her story of building her own house with her four kids using YouTube videos as a new foundation for leadership. Cara takes audiences along on the construction site to prove that even the most unlikely, inexperienced person can step into a leadership role and do extraordinary things.
Her entertaining stories serve as real-life inspiration for individuals from every level of the organization to recognize their innate leadership potential and navigate turbulent times with confidence. By the end of this presentation your audience will understand the specific steps they need to motivate themselves and their teams.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Lay the Foundation for Effective Teamwork
As businesses enter an era of radical change, teams are distracted, isolated, and more disconnected than ever before. High turnover rates and low productivity are now the norm at even the top, leading organizations. But there is a path forward.
Drawing on her experience building her own house alongside a construction crew of her four young children, Best-selling author Cara Brookins’ motivates audiences with her unconventional strategies for building camaraderie. Cara uses parallels from her construction site to lay out a blueprint to engage every single team member and instill a sense of belonging backed by a shared sense of purpose.
Whether you’re a team leader or team member, this presentation equips you with the tools, mindset, and inspiration to not only weather the storm of change but to emerge stronger, more motivated, and better prepared to take on whatever the future holds as a cohesive team.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Cara Brookins is a bestselling author and motivational speaker best known for building a house with her children using YouTube tutorials, a story she uses to teach resilience, problem solving, and action under pressure. Cara pairs her personal narrative with evidence-based motivation techniques so audiences gain both inspiration and practical methods to move past roadblocks.
She is especially effective for teams facing disruption, organizational change, or morale challenges: her talks are emotional, tactical, and designed to leave participants with steps they can implement immediately. Because Cara’s work centers on real, repeatable behavior change, organizers get measurable follow-up actions and momentum after her sessions.
Cara Brookins is a dynamic and inspiring motivational speaker known for her remarkable story of resilience, determination, and the power of self-reliance. As an author, builder, and keynote speaker, Cara captivates audiences with her unique journey of building a house from scratch using YouTube tutorials while raising her four children.
Her story has been featured in major media outlets, including the Today Show, CBS This Morning, and The Washington Post, making her a prominent figure in motivational speaking circuits. Cara’s ability to connect with audiences on a personal level stems from her authentic and relatable approach.
She shares her experiences with vulnerability and humor, offering valuable lessons on overcoming adversity, embracing challenges, and harnessing inner strength. Her presentations are not only motivational but also deeply practical, providing actionable insights that attendees can apply to their own lives and careers.
Cara Brookins’ journey began with a challenging personal situation that required her to start anew. Faced with the daunting task of rebuilding her life after escaping an abusive marriage, she decided to take an unconventional route to provide a stable home for her children. Without any prior construction experience, Cara embarked on the ambitious project of building a 3,500-square-foot house by following YouTube tutorials.
This incredible feat was not just about constructing a physical structure but also about rebuilding her family’s sense of security and hope. Her expertise in problem-solving, perseverance, and self-education became evident through this project. Cara’s story is a testament to the power of determination and the human spirit.
She chronicled her experiences in her best-selling book, “Rise: How a House Built a Family,” which has inspired countless individuals to pursue their dreams despite seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Cara’s background in technology also plays a significant role in her speaking engagements. With a degree in computer science and a career as a systems analyst, she understands the importance of adapting to new technologies and leveraging them to achieve goals.
This unique combination of technical knowledge and personal resilience makes her a compelling speaker on topics such as innovation, digital transformation, and the intersection of technology and human potential. In addition to her personal story, Cara is an accomplished author with multiple books to her name. Her writing spans various genres, including fiction and non-fiction, further showcasing her versatility and creativity.
This interactive element makes her presentations not only memorable but also deeply impactful, as attendees leave with a renewed sense of purpose and actionable strategies to implement in their own lives.
Cara Brookins is a powerful and inspiring motivational speaker whose journey of building a house from scratch using YouTube tutorials has captivated audiences worldwide. Her presentations are a blend of engaging storytelling, practical advice, and interactive elements, making her a sought-after speaker for a wide range of events.
View All Speakers and follow us on Twitter
Cara Brookins built software systems for 20 years as a senior analyst, but when her life crumbled around her, she rebuilt in an unconventional way. Cara built her 3,500 square foot house from the ground up by watching YouTube tutorials.
This dynamic sizzle reel introduces audiences to Cara Brookins, bestselling author and resilience keynote speaker. Through powerful clips from her stage presentations and media appearances, the video highlights her extraordinary journey of building a 3,500-square-foot house with her four children — using only YouTube tutorials as their guide.
The reel emphasizes Cara’s central themes: turning impossible challenges into achievable goals, transforming trauma into triumph, and proving that ordinary people are capable of extraordinary things. Footage of Cara engaging with audiences demonstrates her humor, authenticity, and ability to connect deeply while sharing lessons on resilience, innovation, and collaboration.
The video also showcases testimonials and audience reactions, underlining her impact as a global speaker who equips individuals and organizations to embrace change, harness inner strength, and build “something bigger” in their lives and work.
00:00 – 00:30 Opening montage: Cara on stage, audience applause, introduction of her unique story.
00:31 – 01:00 Cara recounts her background and the extraordinary decision to build a house with her children.
01:01 – 01:30 Clips of the construction journey, illustrating resilience and teamwork.
01:31 – 02:00 Cara explains the broader message: overcoming barriers and harnessing creativity.
02:01 – 02:30 Audience reaction shots, laughter and engagement.
02:31 – 03:00 Testimonials and speaker highlights underscore her credibility and impact.
03:01 – End Closing with Cara’s tagline about resilience and building unstoppable strength.
News feature showcasing Cara Brookins and her children, who built a 3,500 sq. ft. home in nine months with no experience just YouTube tutorials and determination.
This powerful news feature tells the extraordinary story of Cara Brookins, a mother of four who escaped domestic violence and made a radical choice: to build a home from scratch with her children, despite having no construction experience.
With only nine months before defaulting on their loan, Cara balanced a full-time job, parenting, and late-night construction shifts. Using grainy 2007-era YouTube tutorials, she and her kids learned every step—from plumbing to rafters—improvising their way through overwhelming challenges.
Her children, ranging in age from two to seventeen, each played a role: her eldest daughter Hope managed household calm, son Drew handled heavy lifting, daughter Jada straightened bent nails to save money, and toddler Roman brought lighthearted energy to the worksite. Cara, determined not to show fear, led with resilience, telling her kids, “We got this” even when unsure herself.
Against all odds, the family completed the house in time, passing inspections on their very first try. Today, their home—called Inkwell Manor—still stands as a testament to resilience, teamwork, and grit.
The segment closes with hosts marveling at the achievement, noting how a family with no background in construction completed in nine months what professional crews might take much longer to accomplish. Cara’s story, captured in her bestselling book Rise: How a House Built a Family, continues to inspire audiences worldwide.
00:00 – 00:20 Introduction by news anchors: Cara Brookins’ unbelievable story.
00:21 – 01:00 Cara shares motivation—escaping domestic violence, seeking strength and safety.
01:01 – 01:40 Family begins the project with no experience, relying only on YouTube tutorials.
01:41 – 02:20 Cara describes balancing a full-time job, construction at night, and parenting.
02:21 – 03:00 Children’s roles explained: Hope as stabilizer, Drew as lifter, Jada as recycler, Roman as toddler-in-the-mud mascot.
03:01 – 03:40 Family completes the house on time; Cara describes the empowerment of living in a self-built home.
03:41 – End Anchors reflect in awe at the achievement, emphasizing the speed, determination, and love behind the build.
A: Both — she uses the DIY home-build story to illustrate leadership, planning, and resourcefulness.
A: Yes — her message of resilience resonates across sectors and audience types.
A: Possibly Yes, workshops include guided exercises to convert inspiration into practical next steps.
In order to view the below you must be logged in.
Dr. Mark Zandii is chief economist of Moody’s Analytics, where he directs economic research. Moody’s Analytics, a subsidiary of Moody’s Corp., is a leading provider of economic research, data and analytical tools. Dr. Zandi is a cofounder of Economy.com, which Moody’s purchased in 2005. Dr. Zandi is on the board of directors of MGIC, the […]
Kerri Strug vaulted into Olympic history with her courageous performance during the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta. With the world watching, she executed a near-flawless vault on an injured ankle, securing the first-ever team gold medal for the U.S. women’s gymnastics team. Her determination and resilience in that defining moment made her an American hero, […]
James Lawrence, widely recognized as the Iron Cowboy, stands as a testament to human endurance and the power of determination. Renowned for his astonishing feat of completing 50 Ironman-distance triathlons in 50 consecutive days across 50 states, James Lawrence transcends the boundaries of physical achievement. His journey from a humble beginning in Calgary, Alberta, to […]
First Sergeant Matt Eversmann’s harrowing experience during the Battle of Mogadishu, famously depicted in “Black Hawk Down,” has become a testament to courage and leadership under fire. His story not only highlights the chaos of combat but also underscores the profound lessons of duty and resilience that are essential in both military and civilian life. […]
Dina Demetrius has spent over two decades at the forefront of broadcast journalism and live event hosting, making her one of the most experienced professionals in the industry. As a well-respected news anchor and correspondent, she has graced major networks, including CBS News, PBS, and others, delivering top-tier journalism with poise and professionalism. Her rich […]
Porsha Williams is known for her comedic verve and quick-witted screen presence, the Real Housewives of Atlanta star has emerged as one of the most prominent celebrity voices against police violence in the past year. From marching on the frontlines of Black Lives Matter protests to speaking out against systemic racism to her over six million social […]
Marci Shimoff, a renowned speaker, and leading expert in personal development, happiness, and success. With a captivating presence and profound insights, Marci Shimoff has inspired countless individuals worldwide to transform their lives and achieve greater levels of fulfillment and joy. Marci Shimoff | Transformational Leadership Background and Expertise Marci Shimoff is a New York Times […]
Scott Klososky has lived on the leading edge of technology innovation and its impact on the business world and society in general. He is recognized globally for his unique ability to accurately predict future digital trends and provide the logic behind why they will alter the current status quo. Scott has the ability to entertain, […]
These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.
All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.
Our Mission:
© All rights reserved 2025. Designed using Voxel
