Ken Okel: Motivational Speaker

    Motivational keynote speaker Ken Okel leverages broadcast journalism experience to deliver creative leadership solutions that boost performance, engagement and everyday execution.

    Quick Facts:

    • Highlights:
      • Former broadcast journalist at WPBF, WSPA, WSIL and KAET
      • Covered major hurricane relief efforts
      • Author of Stuck on Yellow
      • Host of the 2 Minute Takeaway Podcast
    • Formats: Motivational Keynote Speaker and Event Emcee
    • Audiences: Corporate teams, associations, leadership conferences and organizations seeking stronger execution and creative problem solving.
    • Outcomes:
      1. Practical tools to improve daily performance and execution
      2. Enhanced leadership and accountability skills
      3. Renewed engagement through interactive learning experiences
    Reading time: 1 min
    Reviews: (0 reviews)
    • Travels from: Fort Lauderdale, FL
    • **Fee range: $10,001 - $20,000

    Talent Services

    Keynote Topics:

    Remember, as kids, when you could turn down a dare? Today, workplace challenges may offer you no choice. You have to respond and you need to be at the top of your game.

    Busy leaders often find themselves defined by how they perform under pressure. In this keynote session, you’ll change the way you approach challenges, inspire your team, and create a path out of uncertainty.

    You Will Learn:

    • How top performers maximize their performance on the job.
    • The question smart news reporters ask and how it can build your employee culture.
    • The role communication plays with your team and your customers.
    • What you should be celebrating during challenging times.
    • What a ballerina knows about trust that can transform you and your organization.
    • This session also includes Ken’s signature piece, The Police Dog Attack Story.

    If you feel like you never have enough time to get your important work done, then you’re not alone. The problem isn’t competence but the fact that you don’t get enough time to perform what you do best.

    In this engaging session, you will learn actionable strategies designed to end your struggle with the clock. It’s a mindset makeover that will give you back your edge.

    You Will Learn:

    • How to control distractions that steal your time.
    • Understanding how newscasters embrace the challenges of daily deadlines.
    • Maximizing your employees, even if it means waving goodbye to the good ones.
    • How to avoid costly communication misunderstandings.
    • The surprising role toilet paper plays in your ability to delegate.
    • This session also includes Ken’s signature piece, The Police Dog Attack Story.

    Talent Short Bio

    Ken Okel is a motivational keynote speaker and former broadcast journalist who understands what it means to perform at a high level every day. Having worked in television news for stations including WPBF, WSPA, WSIL, KAET and the Cable Ace Award winning Fort Collins Evening News, Ken built his career around delivering under pressure, covering major events such as hurricanes Wilma, Frances and Jean.

    Today, he channels that real world performance mindset into engaging leadership presentations for companies and associations. Known for his creative problem solving and relatable storytelling, Ken equips audiences with practical tools to overcome workplace challenges and transform professional performance.

    He is the author of Stuck on Yellow and host of the 2 Minute Takeaway Podcast. Over the course of his career, he has marketed everything from global brands to a three legged kitten, reinforcing his ability to connect with diverse audiences and industries.

    Ken Okel understands the importance of performing at a high level every day, having worked in broadcast news.

    Today, as a motivational keynote speaker, audiences enjoy his creative solutions to their problems. (WPBF, WSPA, WSIL, KAET, and the Cable Ace Award Winning Fort Collins Evening News), hurricane relief (Wilma, Frances, and Jean), and professional ballet (not a typo).

    Today, as a motivational keynote speaker, audiences enjoy his creative solutions to their problems.

    Ken is the author of the book, Stuck on Yellow, hosts the 2 Minute Takeaway Podcast, and has marketed everything from global brands to a three-legged kitten.

    Today people know about Ken Okel for his leadership presentations to companies and associations.

    Audiences are engaged and entertained as they learn from his experiences and gain the tools necessary to transform their professional lives. Some enjoy taking part in Ken’s famous Paper Hat Exercise.

    Ken continues to use his broadcasting skills in interviews, as a Master of Ceremonies, and in webinars. Ken is a Past President and two time Member of the Year of the Florida Speakers Association and a 15+ year member of the National Speakers Association.

    View All Speakers and follow us on Twitter

    Videos

    Interest to Book? Send us your enquiry

    Speaker Contact Form

    Enquiry Form

    No reviews available for this post.

    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...

    • (40)
    Carly-Patterson-1

    Carly Patterson didn’t just make history—she inspired a generation. As the first American woman in two decades to win the Olympic all-around gymnastics title at the 2004 Athens Games, Carly captivated the world with her grit, grace, and gold-medal performance. Today, she brings that same passion and perseverance to the stage, sharing her journey from […]

    • Travels from: Dallas, TX
    • Summer Olympians
    • (12)
    Farrah Khan - Image 05 (April 14, 2026)

    Farrah Khan has spent two decades raising awareness about the intersections of gender-based violence and equity through education, policy, and advocacy. She is a member of the Government of Canada’s Advisory Council on the Strategy to Prevent and Address Gender-Based Violence, former co-chair of the Ontario Government Provincial Roundtable on Violence Against Women, board member […]

    • Travels from: Toronto, ON
    • Leadership Speakers
    • (14)

    Barb Stuckey has been at Mattson since 1997, and is currently President and Chief Innovation Officer at the country’s most successful independent developer of foods and beverages for the retail foods and chain restaurant industries. Barb is known as a taste, food trend, innovation, consumer insights, and product development expert. As part of Barb’s role […]

    • Travels from: San Francisco, CA
    • Workplace Wellness
    • (53)
    Dandapani - Image 07 (March 4, 2026)

    Dandapani is an internationally renowned and highly sought-after speaker who is revolutionizing the business world with his practical and systematic approach to balancing work/life challenges. His talks offer attendees an understanding of how the mind works so they can create sustainable changes in their personal and professional lives. He delivers keynote addresses all over the […]

    • Travels from: Nosara, Costa Rica
    • Inspirational Speakers
    • (23)
    DJ BritLee

    Never afraid to go try new genres, DJ BritLee emotive musical selections are his own therapy.  Having grown up on his father’s eclectic combination of funk music (George Clinton, Morris Day), European electronica (Kraftwerk, Tangerine Dream), synth-infused 80s music (Depeche Mode, Gary Numan, Human League)… all which became infused with his own love for various […]

    • Travels from: Las Vegas, NV
    • Mobile DJ
    • (17)
    • Featured
    Scott Galloway - Image 01 (March 5, 2026)

    Scott Galloway is a distinguished professor, entrepreneur, and author renowned for his incisive analysis of business and technology trends. As a Professor of Marketing at NYU’s Stern School of Business, he has been recognized among the world’s best business professors by Poets & Quants. Scott has founded nine companies, including Prophet, RedEnvelope, L2, and Section, where […]

    • Travels from: New York, NY
    • Marketing Speakers
    • (22)
    Kate Fagan - Image 05 (February 2, 2026)

    Kate Fagan is a celebrated ESPN host, author, and keynote speaker who shines a spotlight on crucial topics within the sports world. Known for her engaging storytelling and insightful commentary, she has a remarkable ability to connect with audiences on a deep level, using her experience as both a former collegiate athlete and a prominent […]

    • Travels from: New York, NY
    • Mental Health
    • (38)
    • Featured
    Kanya Sesser - Image 14 (January 23, 2026)

    Kanya Sesser is an internationally recognized para-athlete, groundbreaking model, actress, and motivational speaker whose life epitomizes resilience and determination. Born without legs and abandoned as a baby in Thailand, Kanya overcame immense challenges to become a global symbol of empowerment. Her motto, “No legs, no limits,” captures her journey of defying expectations and inspiring others […]

    • Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
    • Inspirational 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.

    Speakers Inc.

    Connecting you with the perfect speaker.

    We connect you with world-class speakers to create impactful, memorable events.

    Find the Perfect Speaker

    Tell us about your event and we’ll match you with the right speaker.

    © 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.