Mary Abbajay: Change Management

Leadership and corporate culture keynote speaker Mary Abbajay helps professionals manage up, strengthen workplace relationships, and build high-performing organizational cultures.

Quick Facts:

  • Highlights:
    • President of Careerstone Group, LLC
    • Bestselling author of Managing Up
    • Expert in leadership development and workplace dynamics
    • Consultant to private sector and government organizations
  • Formats: Keynote Speaker and Leadership Development Expert on Corporate Culture and Workplace Effectiveness
  • Audiences: Corporate leaders, managers, HR professionals, government agencies, associations, and professionals seeking to strengthen leadership capability and workplace relationships.
  • Outcomes:
    1. Improved ability to manage up and navigate complex workplace dynamics
    2. Stronger leadership communication and influence skills
    3. Practical tools for building a positive, high-performing culture
Reading time: 2 min
Reviews: (6 reviews)
Rated 5 out of 5
  • Travels from: Washington, DC
  • **Fee range: $20,001 - $35,000

Talent Services

Keynote Topics:

Human beings are social creatures, and the workplace is—at its core—a social system.

Understanding the true drivers of human social behavior is becoming ever more urgent if we are to create more inclusive, productive, and positive workplaces. In a world of increasing interconnectedness, diversity, and rapid change, there is a growing need to improve the way people work and engage with each other.

Social neuroscience’s exploration of the biological foundation of the way humans relate to each other and themselves can help us understand and enhance our ability to accelerate high-performance and high engagement workplaces.

In this engaging, high-energy presentation, workplace expert and best-selling author, Mary Abbajay, explores how five key neuropsychological domains of human experience can enrich the human experience in the workplace and explains why this is essential to your success to your workplace relationships.

So maybe your team doesn’t hate you—but you might be driving them crazy without even knowing it. Managing others is hard—and let’s be honest—we may not be as good at it as we think we are.

Research repeatedly shows that poor managers remain one of the top reasons why talent walks. Creating a culture of high performance, engagement, and retention requires paying attention to the impact of our leadership behaviors.

In this engaging and fast-paced presentation, best-selling author and workplace expert, Mary Abbajay, shares the top ten managerial behaviors that disempower, demotivate, and diminish organizational productivity and positivity—and how to avoid them. 

Whether we like it or not, our bosses have enormous influence over our ability to succeed, thrive, and advance in our organizations, in our careers and in our own leadership journey.

Establishing strong, productive working relationships with those above us is the single most effective way to accelerate success in any organization. Whether you are reporting to a supervisor, middle manager, VP, top executive, or a board of directors, managing up is a skill that we all need.

This lively and interactive presentation provides proven strategies and techniques to increase cooperation and collaboration between those who have different power levels, perspectives, and personalities. Learning to effectively manage up is good for you, good for your boss, and good for your organization.

Recent research shows that organizations with high levels of psychological safety simply perform better. According to data from the PEW Research Center, 89% of employees say that psychological safety is essential and that business leaders are responsible for creating it.

Organizations with robust psychological safety can magnify the contributions of talent at all levels. Colleagues who feel psychologically safe at work are more willing to exhibit behaviors that contribute to greater organizational engagement and innovation—like speaking up, asking questions, sharing unspoken reservations, and respectfully disagreeing.

They trust that their co-workers and leaders value honesty, candor, and truth-telling. This ultimately creates a more robust, dynamic, innovative, and inclusive climate and culture. In this high-energy presentation, workplace expert and best-selling author, Mary Abbajay shares key strategies to create and sustain psychological safety in teams, groups, and organizations.

Everyone has a brand whether they realize it or not. Your personal brand differentiates you from others. It is the impression you both want to make and do make on others. Done well, your personal brand and reputation can help you succeed professionally—both internally and externally.

It helps guide the way you present yourself to others—ensuring that people see you in the way you want them to, instead of in some arbitrary, possibly detrimental, way. You can either ignore your personal brand and reputation, and let it develop organically—possibly chaotically beyond your control—or you can take active steps to create a personal brand that accurately depicts you as the person you want to be.

In this engaging, high-energy presentation, workplace expert and best-selling author, Mary Abbajay helps participants identify key components of their brand, assess gaps between desired brand and real-world reputation, identify key strategies to reinforce their brand while engaging with others, and explore social media best practices for personal brand promotion.

Perfect for senior level directors and executives focused on building their personal brand/public profile, customer-facing employees looking for added confidence, sales teams aiming to strengthen customer relationships, or even providing a comprehensive guide for Gen Z employees building their professional pathways and learning to understand the effects of their online presence.

Talent Short Bio

Mary Abbajay is a respected authority on leadership development, workplace dynamics, and organizational culture, with more than 20 years of hands-on experience helping individuals and organizations thrive. With a master’s degree in organizational management and advanced training from Georgetown University and the Coaches Training Institute, Mary combines academic depth with practical expertise.

As President of Careerstone Group, LLC, Mary leads a consulting firm that delivers talent development and organizational effectiveness solutions to private companies and government agencies. Her work focuses on leadership effectiveness, communication, managing workplace relationships, and building strong corporate cultures that drive performance.

Mary is the bestselling author of Managing Up: How to Move Up, Win at Work, and Succeed with Any Type of Boss, a widely recognized guide to navigating complex workplace relationships and advancing careers. Her insights into managing upward, leading across, and building trust in organizations have made her a trusted advisor to executives, managers, and emerging leaders.

Mary Abbajay is a renowned figure in the realm of organizational management and leadership development, boasting over two decades of hands-on experience in the field. Armed with a master’s degree in organizational management and post-graduate certificates from prestigious institutions such as Georgetown University and the Coaches Training Institute, Mary’s expertise is deeply rooted in both academic rigor and practical application. As an entrepreneur, consultant, and seasoned educator, Mary brings a unique blend of theoretical knowledge and real-world insights to her speaking engagements.

With a career marked by continuous growth and innovation, Mary Abbajay stands as a beacon of leadership excellence. Her journey spans various roles, from serving as adjunct faculty at George Mason University’s School of Management to sharing her wisdom at esteemed institutions like Montgomery College and the Georgetown University Center for Professional Development. Mary’s multifaceted experience has equipped her with a profound understanding of the complexities inherent in modern organizational dynamics.

As the President of Careerstone Group, LLC, Mary leads a dynamic team dedicated to delivering cutting-edge talent and organizational development solutions to both private enterprises and government agencies. Her best-selling book, “Managing Up: How to Move Up, Win at Work, and Succeed with Any Type of Boss,” has solidified her reputation as a thought leader in the realm of workplace dynamics. Through her consultancy, Mary empowers individuals and organizations to thrive in today’s rapidly evolving business landscape.

View All Speakers and follow us on Twitter

Videos

Interest to Book? Send us your enquiry

Speaker Contact Form

Enquiry Form

Mary Abbajay has received overwhelmingly positive reviews for her presentations, highlighting her engaging energy and ability to connect with audiences. Users consistently praise her professionalism, interactivity, and insightful knowledge on leadership styles. Clients from various organizations, including the National Electrical Contractors Association and TD Bank, commend her as a phenomenal presenter who leaves a lasting impression. Many attendees noted that her workshops were memorable and sparked ongoing discussions, indicating their effectiveness and relevance in the modern workplace.

However, no significant weaknesses were mentioned in the reviews, suggesting a highly satisfactory experience overall. Mary is highly recommended for future events, with multiple organizations expressing a desire to have her return for additional sessions.

Talent Resources

Was this profile helpful?

Talent FAQ's

Speaker fees can vary depending on factors such as expertise, demand, and event specifics. While some speakers may charge a flat fee for their services, others may have hourly rates. It’s best to discuss fee structures directly with the speaker or their representative to understand the pricing model.

Keynote speeches typically range from 30 to 90 minutes, with the duration determined by the speaker’s expertise, the event’s agenda, and audience preferences. Keynote speeches often include a combination of inspirational stories, practical insights, and actionable advice tailored to the event’s theme or objectives.

The scale of the event and audience size can indeed impact a speaker’s fee. Larger events with a broader reach or higher attendance may command higher fees due to increased exposure and demand. Conversely, smaller events or niche audiences may offer opportunities for more flexible pricing arrangements.

Travel expenses such as transportation, accommodation, and meals are typically negotiated separately from the speaker’s fee. These costs vary depending on the speaker’s location, travel distance, and event duration. It’s important to clarify travel arrangements and expenses during the booking process to avoid misunderstandings.

Many speakers require a deposit to secure a booking, with the remaining balance due closer to the event date. Deposits are often non-refundable and serve as a commitment from both parties. It’s advisable to discuss deposit requirements and payment terms with the speaker or their representative when finalizing the booking.

  • Virtual speaking appearances are a cost-effective alternative to high speaking fees, often 10-50% cheaper than in-person rates.
  • There is typically no difference in fee for a 15-minute speech versus a 60-minute speech.
  • Some motivational speakers are open to discounting their fee if hired for more than one event by the same organization.
  • When browsing speakers, consider their location to keep travel costs down.
  • Personal connections to your organization or event location can increase your chances of securing a renowned speaker.
  • Be upfront about your needs and expectations to ensure a successful partnership.
  • Speaker bureaus like Speakers Inc help guide you through the booking process to negotiate the best deal with favorable terms.

Ready to find the perfect speaker for your event? Use our advanced search feature or contact us to get started today!

You may be interested in...

  • (32)
Ben Hines

Ben Hines is the founder of Moving Performance, an innovative initiative that merges his two lifelong passions: people development and music. Drawing upon over 13 years of experience in the financial and legal sectors, Ben has developed a groundbreaking approach to leadership and team development. His ability to intertwine real-world business insights with his artistry […]

  • Travels from: London, UK
  • Leadership Speakers
  • (21)
Julia Collins

Julia Collins is a trailblazing figure in the world of technology and entrepreneurship, making history as the first Black woman to achieve “unicorn” status with her tech company. As the Founder and CEO of Planet Forward, she has garnered international acclaim for her innovative approach to addressing climate change through technology. With a unique blend […]

  • Travels from: San Francisco, CA
  • STEM Speakers
  • (70)
  • (3)
Chris Barton

In a world where technology has become an integral part of our lives, Chris Barton stands out as a visionary who has not only revolutionized the way we interact with it but has also epitomized the spirit of innovation and perseverance. As the creator of the iconic app Shazam, Barton’s journey from ideation to acquisition […]

  • Travels from: San Francisco, CA
  • Leadership Speakers
  • (35)
  • (2)
Daniel Burrus

Daniel Burrus is heralded as one of the globe’s preeminent futurist speakers on global trends and disruptive innovation. With an extraordinary ability to translate complex technological trends into actionable business insights, Burrus has become a pivotal figure in strategic consulting. His keen insights and articulate delivery have earned him accolades from prestigious publications like The […]

  • Travels from: San Diego, CA
  • Futurists Speakers
  • (40)
Lisa Tanzer

Lisa Tanzer journey to President of the $100 million optimistic lifestyle brand, Life is Good, started in 1990 when she joined the board of “Project Joy”, a small play therapy program for kids facing early childhood trauma in Boston. Today that little play group has evolved into The Life is Good Kids Foundation which positively […]

  • Travels from: Boston, MA
  • Marketing Speakers
  • (49)
Alli Webb

Alli Webb is the co-Founder and Chief Creative Officer of Drybar, the nation’s leading blow dry bar offering customers no hair cuts and no hair color, just professional blow outs at an affordable price. After leaving the hair care workforce in 2005 to start a family, Alli looked for an opportunity to continue pursuing the […]

  • Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
  • Business Speakers
  • (22)

Polly LaBarre helps leaders make sense of and creatively respond to the forces buffeting their organizations. A bestselling author, speaker, and thinker who’s advised top global organizations, Polly’s mission for the past 20 years has been to make every kind of organization fundamentally more resilient, innovative and inspiring. Her insights embolden and equip leaders at […]

  • Travels from: New York, NY
  • Communication Speakers
  • (32)
Chris Folayan

Chris Folayan is a renowned and award-winning serial entrepreneur, author and founder, celebrated for his exceptional ability to start and scale multi-million-dollar global companies. With an illustrious career spanning decades, Chris has demonstrated an extraordinary talent for investing, raising substantial capital, and building thriving businesses from the ground up. His entrepreneurial journey began at the […]

  • Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
  • Business Speakers
Disclaimer
The profiles and images embedded on these pages are from various conference entertainers and other talent.

These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.

Fee ranges where listed on this website are intended to serve as a guideline only.

All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.

Subscribe to our Newsletter and get connected:

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Newsletter

Subscribe to our newsletter and stay updated.

We use Brevo as our marketing platform. By submitting this form you agree that the personal data you provided will be transferred to Brevo for processing in accordance with Brevo's Privacy Policy.

Our Mission:

We are your partner creating memorable and engaging experiences that go beyond the event itself.

© All rights reserved 2026.  Designed using Voxel

AI Assistant
Speakers Inc Logo 2024
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.