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...
- (25)
- (13)
Allison Massari, an extraordinary inspirational speaker hailing from the scenic town of Belvedere, California. Her journey is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, as she not only overcame unimaginable adversity but has dedicated her life to inspiring others through her compelling story and motivational insights. Allison’s life took a drastic turn in […]
- Travels from: San Francisco, CA
- Inspirational Speakers
- (14)
Abigail Posner is a multi-talented professional, combining creativity, intellect, and innovation into her work. With a rich background in various fields and a passion for exploring the intersection of technology and creativity, she has become a recognized figure at Google, consistently pushing the boundaries of brand marketing. Posner’s journey began with a solid academic foundation. […]
- Travels from: New York, NY
- Marketing Speakers
- (34)
- (5)
Jeremy Gutsche, MBA, CFA, is a renowned figure in the world of innovation and entrepreneurship, celebrated as a New York Times bestselling author and an award-winning innovation expert. With a reputation for delivering electrifying keynote presentations that inspire and ignite creativity, Jeremy has been dubbed by The Sun Newspaper as “one of the most sought-after […]
- Travels from: Toronto, ON
- Artificial Intelligence
- (34)
Jeanette Andrews is hailed as one of the most innovative illusionists in the world today and has staged hundreds of sold-out and standing-room-only performances for Fortune 500 companies, theaters and universities including Infiniti, Kraft, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Lyric Opera & Chicago Ideas Week. She has presented commissioned and site-specific works for The Smithsonian’s Cooper Hewitt, […]
- Travels from: Chicago, IL
- Magicians
- (46)
Nora Ali is a dynamic event moderator and emcee, celebrated for her versatility, professionalism, and ability to create engaging and seamless experiences for audiences across the globe. With a strong background in journalism, business, and media, Nora brings a wealth of knowledge to every event she moderates, ensuring that panels, discussions, and keynote presentations run […]
- Travels from: Manhattan, NY
- Business Emcees
- (42)
- (6)
Kate Vitasek is a distinguished authority in collaborative business relationships, renowned for her pioneering work in transforming traditional business models into cooperative partnerships that drive innovation and mutual success. Her groundbreaking “Vested” business model has redefined how organizations approach outsourcing and strategic alliances, emphasizing a “What’s-in-it-for-We” philosophy that fosters shared value and long-term sustainability. Recognized […]
- Travels from: Seattle, WA
- Culture Speakers
- (21)
Karen McCullough is a nationally known keynote speaker and expert on change, generational opportunities and workforce trends. Karen helps organizations cut through the generational biases and get back to reality by leveraging their team’s strengths, enriching the work environment, and driving better results. Each of her presentations brings a realistic perspective on workplace trends, employee […]
- Travels from: Houston, TX
- Generational Speakers
- (8)
A professional variety comedian with numerous television and Las Vegas credits, Frank Miles died in a hang gliding accident and was revived by emergency room doctors. True courage – he came to realize – is not facing death in daredevil pursuits. True courage is facing life every day. After a full recovery, Frank Miles left one successful […]
- Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
- Motivational Speakers
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.
