Molly Kawahata: The Hope Whisperer
Hope and transformational leadership keynote speaker Molly Kawahata equips organizations to harness the science of hope to drive culture change, innovation, and collective action for a better future.
Quick Facts:
- Highlights:
- Former climate advisor to the Obama White House
- Founder of Systemic Impact Strategies advising global brands, NGOs, and foundations
- Featured in Patagonia’s award-winning film The Scale of Hope
- Recognized expert in hope science, behavioral change, narrative strategy, and climate leadership
- Formats: Hope, Transformational Leadership, and Climate Strategy Keynote Speaker
- Audiences: Corporate teams, leadership groups, climate-focused organizations, NGOs, foundations, academic institutions, and events centered on innovation, resilience, culture, and behavior change.
- Outcomes:
- A practical understanding of the science of hope and how it fuels organizational performance and resilience.
- Tools for shifting narratives, strengthening culture, and empowering people to take meaningful action.
- Renewed clarity, confidence, and collective motivation to create a brighter future together.
- Travels from: Denver, CO
- **Fee range: On Request
Talent Services
Keynote Topics:
THE SCIENCE OF HOPE AND THE WORKPLACE
Molly delves into the fascinating realm of hope within the workplace, presenting the science behind its potential to transform organizations.
Molly provides evidence-based strategies to help leaders and organizations increase retention, productivity, engagement, job satisfaction and employee morale through the science of hope.
This insightful keynote and/or workshop provides actionable strategies for organizations seeking to infuse hope into their workplace ethos, enhancing overall well-being and performance.
COLLECTIVE MENTAL HEALTH AND THE POWER OF HOPE
Tailored as a keynote and/or workshop for employee and organization audiences, this topic takes a deep dive into the profound influence of hope in our lives and its capacity to spark a collective force within organizations.
Molly explores the interplay between individual and collective mental health, shedding light on how cultivating hope can foster resilience, agency, well-being, and collective action at an organizational level. Gain valuable insights into the transformative power of hope within your team and organization.
THE TRANSFORMATIVE POWER OF HOPE-BASED LEADERSHIP
In this keynote and/or workshop, Molly equips leaders and organizations with evidence-based strategies to enhance retention, productivity, engagement, and employee morale through the science of hope.
Her guidance empowers leaders to create hope-centered work cultures that transform individuals and organizations from the inside out, enabling them to achieve their mission more effectively and efficiently.
THE ART OF HOPE-BASED STORYTELLING
Grounded in psychology and neuroscience principles, Molly empowers in this keynote and/or workshop organizations, brands, creatives, and thought leaders with the proven effectiveness of hope-based storytelling.
She covers narrative development, the neuroscience of storytelling, metaphor as a framing tool, and cultivating future-oriented thinking to drive transformative change within organizations.
A HOPEFUL HORIZON FOR CLIMATE ACTION
Drawing from evidence-based practices in climate cognition, communications, and framing, this keynote and/or workshop offers practical strategies to empower companies and organizations to impact climate discussions, action, and thought leadership at the societal level.
She infuses these strategies with the transformative power of climate hope, inspiring others to recognize that a brighter future is not only possible but within their collective agency to shape.
Talent Short Bio
Molly Kawahata is an internationally recognized strategist, storyteller, and keynote speaker celebrated for her groundbreaking work on the science of hope and its power to catalyze organizational and cultural transformation. A former climate advisor to the Obama White House, Molly brings deep expertise in leadership development, behavior change, and narrative strategy, empowering organizations to strengthen resilience, unlock collective potential, and mobilize meaningful action.
Known as “the hope whisperer,” Molly’s insights bridge the worlds of psychological research, leadership science, and real-world impact. Her story is powerfully depicted in Patagonia’s acclaimed film The Scale of Hope, which chronicles her pursuit of climbing Alaskan peaks while navigating mental illness and redefining hope as a transformative force. This dual journey—external and internal—shapes her mission to help teams reimagine what is possible even in moments of uncertainty.
Read Full Bio
Molly Kawahata is a dynamic speaker, strategist, and ice climber renowned for her pioneering work in harnessing the power of hope within organizations. With a background as a former climate advisor to the Obama White House, Molly brings a unique blend of expertise in leadership, organizational development, and narrative transformation to her speaking engagements.
Affectionately dubbed “the hope whisperer,” Molly’s insights into the science of hope have earned her international acclaim, positioning her as a leading voice in catalyzing positive change.
Molly’s journey is as captivating as her message. As depicted in the acclaimed Patagonia film, THE SCALE OF HOPE, Molly’s life story intertwines her passion for conquering towering Alaskan mountains with her personal struggle with mental illness. Through her experiences, she has cultivated a profound understanding of the transformative potential of hope, which she now shares with audiences worldwide.
With a focus on leveraging hope as a catalyst for change, Molly founded Systemic Impact Strategies, a consultancy dedicated to advising organizations on climate strategy, organizational development, and communication. Her strategies have empowered leading brands, NGOs, and foundations to drive tangible impact and foster cultures of resilience and innovation.
Molly Kawahata leverages profound insights in behavioral change to empower individuals and organizations to not only envision a brighter future, but also realize their collective power to create it.
She is an Advisory Board Member to the Environmental Voter Project and an Advisory Council Member to the AAPI Victory Fund. In her free time, Molly Kawahata is an avid ice climber, with a particular passion for scaling technical ice routes in Montana and the Central Alaska Range. An introduction to the film can be viewed here.
View All Speakers and follow us on Twitter
Videos
Interest to Book? Send us your enquiry
No reviews available for this post.
Talent FAQ's
Do speakers charge a flat fee or by the hour?
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.
What is the typical duration of a keynote speech and what is included?
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.
Does the scale of the event and audience size affect a speaker’s fee?
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 and other costs
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.
Deposits and securing a booking
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.
Additional tips and takeaways
- 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...
- (37)
Erica Baker is a Principal Group Engineering Manager at Microsoft. She is a former Senior Engineering Manager at Patreon, and Senior Engineer at Slack Technologies. She is an advocate for diversity and inclusion in tech, and expanding access to tech education. Erica’s career in tech began fifteen years ago doing domain administration for the University of Alaska Statewide […]
- Travels from: Oakland, CA
- Culture Speakers
- (20)
Sowers has held coaching positions as the offensive assistant for the 49ers and training camp coach for the Atlanta Falcons. She started with the Kansas City Chiefs as a top athlete quarterback, then became the athletic director in Kansas City. As a female athlete and an empowered gender equality speaker, Katie Sowers has publicly taken […]
- Travels from: Santa Clara, CA
- Sporting Speakers
- (38)
Arjun is Managing Partner of Cogknition Analytics, a strategy and analytics firm with offices in Chicago, Seattle, and Washington DC. Prior to Cogknition he was a senior executive at GES, serving as Senior Vice President of Analytics and Insights. He was also an award-winning Professor at the Illinois Tech Stuart School of Business, having played a […]
- Travels from: Chicago, IL
- Leadership Speakers
- (48)
Sophia the Robot is a marvel of artificial intelligence and robotics, captivating audiences worldwide with her human-like appearance and advanced conversational abilities. As the world’s first robot citizen and the inaugural robot Innovation Ambassador for the United Nations Development Programme, Sophia embodies the intersection of technology and humanity. Her presence challenges our perceptions of AI […]
- Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
- Humanoids
- (8)
Martini glass dancers are an innovative and captivating addition to conference events, elevating the atmosphere with their unique blend of artistry and entertainment. These performers, often skilled aerialists or acrobats, showcase their talents within oversized martini glasses suspended from above. The visual impact is stunning, creating a memorable experience for conference attendees. The allure of […]
- Travels from: Nationwide
- Martini Glass Dancers
- (12)
Sarah Armstrong-Smith is one of the most influential cybersecurity leaders in the industry. With three decades of front-line experience, including roles as Chief Security Advisor at Microsoft and Group Head Crisis Management at The London Stock Exchange, Sarah delivers transformative strategies to help organisations build resilience to digital disruptions and global crises. In 2022, Sarah […]
- Travels from: London, UK
- Cybersecurity Speakers
- (8)
- (6)
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 […]
- Travels from: Washington, DC
- Business Speakers
- (60)
Peter Vidmar stands as a testament to the heights that can be achieved through dedication, innovation, and excellence. As the highest-scoring American gymnast in Olympic history, Peter’s journey from a young enthusiast to a celebrated Olympic champion serves as an inspiring narrative for audiences worldwide. His core message emphasizes the principles of Risk, Originality, and […]
- Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
- Summer Olympians
Disclaimer
These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.
Fee Range Information
All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.