Heidi Connal: Adversity Speaker

  • Highlights:
    • The workplace is no exception to the human existence of change, loss, and grief.
    • Heidi dives into how loss and trauma impacts an employee, and how we as leaders can understand what they’re going through, support them in their journey, and help them build their resilience.
Reading time: 2 min
Reviews: (1 reviews)
Rated 5 out of 5
  • Travels from: Bend, OR
  • **Fee range: On Request

Keynote Topics

Life often throws us situations—personal and professional—where we are caught off guard or knocked off our feet.

During these times it’s easy to lose our stride and our confidence, but there are ways to get back on our feet quickly, spending less time on the down and more time in creative action.

In this talk, Heidi shares the latest in neuroscience, behavioral psychology, mindfulness, and coaching techniques so that you can rewire your own brain for positivity, self-compassion, and a strong sense of purpose.

Key Takeaways:

  • Calm your nervous system in stressful situations
  • Regain control of your creative mind when caught off guard
  • Stay open to possibilities
  • Take action with confidence
  • Grow from failed experiences and get better faster
  • Learn to tolerate ambiguity
  • Develop realistic optimism

The workplace is no exception to the human existence of change, loss, and grief.

This talk dives into how loss and trauma impacts an employee, and how we as leaders can understand what they’re going through, support them in their journey, and help them build their resilience.

Key Takeaways:

  • Defining leadership moments
  • This is our brain, on grief
  • What makes resilience, resilient?
  • The mindfulness of words and actions
  • Leading Change and Winning Over Resistance
  • Career Reinventions and Epiphanies
  • Storytelling For Leaders
  • Resolving Conflict
  • Influencing Without Authority
  • Managing Bias
  • Personal Branding
  • Negotiating Adeptly

Heidi Connal loves the adventure of change. For the last 25 years, Heidi has guided leaders and teams to navigate the organizational and emotional transformations of hyper-growth, mergers and acquisitions, corporate reorganizations, and technological reboots.

She’s a recognized global expert in team dynamics, emotional intelligence, and executive relationships, and uses her skills to build healthier, more effective and collaborative leaders within the corporate world. Says one client, “Heidi has an uncanny ability to distill elusive personal aspirations into actionable, achievable plans and certainly made me feel a newfound sense of self-efficacy and confidence.”

Heidi is known for her strategic expertise in large global enterprises. A former Salesforce Vice President, Heidi has developed leaders and teams at organizations such as the US Navy, Salesforce, Bank of America, LinkedIn, Digitas, Workday, TIAA, Capital One, Wells Fargo, PriceWaterhouseCoopers, Roblox, Logitech, Veeva, the Skoll Foundation, and Marketo.

Heidi Connal | Adversity Speaker

Heidi Connal insatiable thirst for learning and exploration began as a child of an Air Force family and later developed into a passion for travel and adventurous experiences. One snowy night, two months after returning from a year-long round-the-world trip, Heidi Connal’s husband died unexpectedly.

Faced with sudden, inconceivable grief and post-traumatic stress, Heidi transformed her heartache as a young widow into a deeper understanding of tragedy, anxiety, and trauma as an executive and leader.

An expert in leadership and change, Heidi Connal guides executives on the impacts of grief, trauma, mindfulness, and empathy on their employees, their teams, and their peers. Moving, thoughtful, and humorous, Heidi will take you on a journey of deeper insight into the human condition in the workplace.

Heidi holds an MBA in finance and marketing from NYU Stern School of Business and a bachelor’s degree in information systems from the University of Virginia. Heidi is a certified executive coach through the Berkeley Executive Coaching Institute.

Contact us at Speakers Inc and follow us on Twitter

Interest to Book? Send us your enquiry

Speaker Contact Form

Enquiry Form

Summary of User Reviews:

This workshop has received high praise for its targeted focus on specific outcomes that directly contribute to job success. Attendees, such as a Technology Partnerships Executive, appreciate the practical skills and insights gained, which are seen as highly beneficial for their professional development. However, no weaknesses or areas for improvement were mentioned in the review provided.

Overview:
A highly effective workshop that prioritizes tangible outcomes for career advancement, making it a valuable experience for professionals seeking to enhance their skills.

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!

View further speakers

  • (5)
Julie Austin

Julie Austin is an award-winning author, inventor, futurist, innovation speaker, and member of the World Future Society. She’s an internationally known thought leader on the topic of innovation, and CEO of the consulting firm Creative Innovation Group. She’s been an innovation keynote speaker for corporations such as Procter & Gamble, Novartis Pharmaceuticals, Northrop Grumman, and […]

  • Travels from: Fort Worth. TX
  • Futurists Speakers
  • (32)
Shari Levitin-1

Shari Levitin is a globally recognized sales strategist, tech influencer, and bestselling author who bridges the gap between AI innovation and authentic human connection. With over 160 million views on her transformative, often viral videos, Shari has become a powerful voice for the future of sales, where empathy meets efficiency. Her dynamic approach captivates modern […]

  • Travels from: Salt Lake City, UT
  • Sales Speakers
  • (20)
Dale Wilsher

Dale Wilsher is a seasoned professional development expert, executive leadership coach, Certified Professional Life Coach (CPLC), Professional Certified Coach (PCC), Certified Clinical Substance Abuse Professional (CCSP), motivational speaker, and DISC personality trainer. With a profound belief in the transformative power of mastering one’s meaning, Dale advocates for the pivotal role of authentic self-discovery and purpose […]

  • Travels from: Denver, CO
  • Leadership Speakers
  • (41)
Matt Mullenweg - Image 02 (January 29, 2026)

Matt Mullenweg, the visionary co-founder of WordPress and CEO of Automattic, has been a transformative force in the digital publishing world. His pioneering work in open-source web development has democratized online content creation, empowering millions globally. As a speaker, Matt captivates audiences with his insights into technology, entrepreneurship, and the future of work. Born on […]

  • Travels from: Houston, TX
  • Innovation Speakers
  • (25)
Robyn Benincasa

Robyn Benincasa has made an art form of extreme performance by competing and winning at the highest levels of sport and business. Robyn is an award-winning keynote speaker, a 20+ year veteran San Diego firefighter, a World Champion Adventure Racer, a 2014 CNN Hero, a Guinness World Record Endurance Kayaker, a best-selling author, and founder […]

  • Travels from: Cardiff-by-the-Sea, CA
  • Motivational Speakers
  • (85)
Jessica Mah - Image 02 (January 27, 2026)

As Founder and CEO of inDinero, Jessica Mah loves helping entrepreneurs run better businesses. She started inDinero back in 2010 to help entrepreneurs with all their accounting and tax needs after going through the same challenges with her own businesses.  Jessica has grown inDinero from zero to multi-million dollar revenues with over 100 full-time employees […]

  • Travels from: San Francisco, CA
  • Empowerment Speakers
  • (36)
Gaby Natale

Triple Emmy-Winning Journalist and Bestselling Author Gaby Natale is on a mission to awaken the PIONEER spirit in each of us. Gaby stands as a trailblazer in the entertainment industry, possessing not only the creative prowess but also the entrepreneurial acumen to carve her path. As one of the few women who own the rights […]

  • Travels from: Fort Worth. TX
  • Hispanic Speakers
  • (9)
Jim Davidson

Jim Davidson is a resilience expert who has survived not just one epic mountain disaster, but two. From his real-world survival experiences, he distills hard-won lessons about forging the resilience to overcome change, challenge, and uncertainty. While climbing Mount Everest, Jim and his team survived massive earthquakes and avalanches on what became the mountain’s deadliest […]

  • Travels from: Fort Collins, CO
  • Adventure 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.