Jess Ekstrom: Inspirational Speaker

  • Founder of Headbands of Hope, a social enterprise donating headbands to children with cancer.
  • Author of the best-selling book “Chasing the Bright Side.”
  • Launched Mic Drop Workshop, empowering women to become paid keynote speakers.
  • Advocate for female entrepreneurship and social impact.
  • Engaging and relatable speaking style that resonates with diverse audiences.
  • Offers actionable takeaways on resilience, innovation, and purpose-driven leadership.
  • Recognized for her commitment to philanthropy and mentoring.

Travel & Fee Range:**

  • Travels from: Raleigh, North Carolina, United States
  • **Fee range: $10,001 - $20,000

Keynote Topics

THE NEW RULES FOR INNOVATION— AND MOTIVATION— THAT LASTS

Let’s face it, there’s always a “what’s next?” Your ability to individually and collectively reach that next big milestone — without burning out– has to do with the answer to the following question:

How do we create motivation that lasts when we’re never done?

It turns out — While traditional leadership approaches focus on external rewards, the latest science shows us that the most flourishing contributors have a personal, internal connection to their work. That’s right; people with high intrinsic motivation experience lower rates of disengagement, higher levels of innovation and more fulfillment than those focused primarily on external factors. 

Forbes Top Rated keynote speaker, Jess Ekstrom, uses modern research and her experiences starting two multi-million-dollar businesses to guide audiences to deeper engagement, fulfillment and lasting motivation in their role.

If you’re looking to infuse individuals at any level of your organization with unshakeable motivation through gripping storytelling and entertainment, it’s here.

AUDIENCE TAKEAWAYS:

  • Why a primary focus on external motivation increases burnout
  • How intrinsic motivation leads to increased problem solving and fulfillment
  • The three psychological needs that inspire lasting motivation
  • Simple secrets to more powerfully create and innovate everyday
  • Three questions to lead yourself and others with a greater purpose in mind

PURPOSE-DRIVEN THINKING LEADS TO UNSTOPPABLE GROWTH

This keynote is perfect for: workplace engagement, overcoming burnout, adapting a more positive mindset at work, employee retention, increasing fulfillment, navigating change and hardships, startup struggles and culture building.

Nowadays, it’s so easy to get warped into negative thoughts and constantly feeling like you’re moving from problem to problem.

A recent study at the American Academy of Neurology found that prolonged negative thinking diminishes your brain’s ability to think or reason clearly and it quickly drains your energy.

You’d think the solution to negativity would be to tell yourself to “just be positive!” but we all know that doesn’t trick your brain, it only frustrates it.

In Jess’ bestselling book, Chasing the Bright Side, she talks about how optimism isn’t about eliminating the negativity, it’s about using it to create something better. Even the spark of her business, Headbands of Hope, was started because of a problem she saw: kids with cancer wanted to wear headbands after hair-loss. Now, her company has donated over one million headbands to kids with illnesses and has reached every children’s hospital in the United States and 22 countries.

But it all began because there was a problem. Problems are where a lot of great ideas begin if we let them.

If you’re looking to find a keynote speaker who can deliver inspiration infused with humor and entertainment, then Jess is your choice. In this keynote, she aims to inspire audiences to not just envision a better future for their life, work, and community, but go create it.

TAKEAWAYS:

  • Finding the overlap between passion and profit
  • Why optimism is the key to positive growth
  • How to turn setbacks into comebacks
  • A better future starts with a brighter mindset

HOW TO BE FULFILLED…RIGHT WHERE YOU ARE

This keynote is perfect for: purpose building, audiences seeking fulfillment, hitting goals + targets, improve retention rates, improving connections to customers/clients, recentering your career to remember why you started.

Most of the time we believe that in order to do something meaningful, we have to do something else: live somewhere else, work somewhere else, do something else, be someone else.

But what if we didn’t have to change our circumstance to do something meaningful, but changed our mindset around it?

So according to the Chapman University Survey, why do most people fear public speaking more than they fear sharks?

Nowadays, people don’t want to just clock in and clock out. People want to feel like what they’re doing matters- it’s human nature. We want to know that all of the tasks are building blocks to something greater than themselves. We want to zoom out and say, “Yes! I’m a part of something that matters.”

When employees, leaders, entrepreneurs can create meaning in their work:

  • They show up with more passion
  • Their hustle muscle is activated
  • They’re more engaged in the big picture
  • And the ordinary tasks now have an extraordinary purpose

When we build meaning in our work: A single sale becomes a fist pump of forward progress. A customer service call becomes a deeper connection to a future customer. An end of quarter review becomes an impact report….

In other words, our jobs are no longer jobs…they’re a service to humanity.

Jess’ keynote is certainly not a namaste, save the world, love-what-you-do-and-you-never-have-to-work-a-day-in-your-life manifesto. She uses her experiences, market research, and improv comedy classes to make an inspiring yet entertaining experience.

TAKEAWAYS:

  • Fulfillment is not a destination we hit one day, but a choice to how we live today
  • Develop an entrepreneurial mindset to increase your agility and handle what’s thrown your way
  • It’s not about the task, but what you make the task mean
  • Learn what is success (purpose) and what is achievement (reward)

Jess Ekstrom is a dynamic and inspiring speaker who has captured the hearts and minds of audiences around the world with her powerful message of resilience, innovation, and purpose-driven leadership. As the founder of Headbands of Hope, a social enterprise that has donated over one million headbands to children battling cancer, Jess exemplifies the power […]

Jess Ekstrom is a dynamic and inspiring speaker who has captured the hearts and minds of audiences around the world with her powerful message of resilience, innovation, and purpose-driven leadership. As the founder of Headbands of Hope, a social enterprise that has donated over one million headbands to children battling cancer, Jess exemplifies the power of using business as a force for good. Her journey from a college student with a simple idea to a nationally recognized entrepreneur and keynote speaker is a testament to her belief that anyone can turn their passion into a movement that makes a difference.

Through her keynote speeches, Jess shares her insights on turning adversity into opportunity, the importance of giving back, and how to cultivate a mindset of resilience and optimism in the face of challenges. Her engaging storytelling, combined with actionable takeaways, leaves audiences not only inspired but also equipped to make positive changes in their personal and professional lives. Whether she’s speaking to corporate leaders, entrepreneurs, or students, Jess’s message resonates with anyone looking to find purpose in their work and life.

Jess’s influence extends beyond the stage. She is also the author of the best-selling book “Chasing the Bright Side,” which has been praised for its honest and relatable exploration of the ups and downs of entrepreneurship and life. In her book, as in her speeches, Jess encourages readers to embrace optimism as a strategy and to see the potential for good in every situation. Her ability to connect with audiences on a deep, personal level has made her a sought-after speaker for events of all sizes.

Jess Ekstrom | Inspirational Speaker

Expertise and Background
Jess Ekstrom’s journey into the world of entrepreneurship began while she was still a college student at North Carolina State University. Inspired by her internship at a wish-granting organization where she met children battling cancer, Jess was struck by the small but meaningful way a headband could brighten a child’s day. This simple observation led her to start Headbands of Hope in 2012, with the mission of donating one headband to a child with cancer for every headband sold. What started as a small initiative quickly grew into a nationwide movement, capturing the attention of major media outlets and celebrities alike.

Under Jess’s leadership, Headbands of Hope expanded rapidly, gaining partnerships with major retailers and achieving significant milestones in both sales and donations. The success of the company is a direct reflection of Jess’s ability to combine entrepreneurial innovation with a deep commitment to social impact. She has shown that businesses can thrive while also making a difference in the world, and this message has resonated with audiences across industries.

In addition to her work with Headbands of Hope, Jess Ekstrom is a vocal advocate for female entrepreneurship and leadership. She launched Mic Drop Workshop, an online course and community designed to help women share their stories and become paid keynote speakers. Through this platform, Jess has empowered thousands of women to step into their own power and use their voices to inspire change. Her dedication to supporting and uplifting other women is a core aspect of her work and a theme that runs throughout her speaking engagements.

Jess’s influence as a speaker is evident in the impact she has on her audiences. Jess Ekstrom has spoken at a wide range of events, from corporate conferences and leadership summits to universities and non-profit organizations. Her ability to connect with diverse audiences stems from her authentic, down-to-earth style and her willingness to share both the highs and lows of her journey. Jess’s speeches are filled with humor, heart, and practical advice, making her a favorite among event planners and attendees alike.

Beyond her entrepreneurial ventures, Jess is also a dedicated philanthropist and mentor. She has worked with numerous organizations to support causes related to pediatric cancer, women’s leadership, and social entrepreneurship. Her commitment to giving back is not just a part of her business model; it’s a central component of who she is as a leader and a speaker. This dedication to making a positive impact on the world is what sets Jess Ekstrom apart and makes her such an influential figure in the speaking industry.

Why Event Planners Should Book Jess Ekstrom
Event planners looking for a speaker who can inspire, motivate, and engage their audience need look no further than Jess Ekstrom. Her unique blend of entrepreneurial success, social impact, and personal resilience makes her an ideal speaker for a wide range of events. Jess has a rare ability to connect with audiences on a personal level, leaving them not only inspired but also empowered to take action in their own lives and careers.

Jess’s speeches are more than just inspirational; they are actionable. She provides tangible takeaways that attendees can implement immediately, whether they are looking to start a business, lead with purpose, or overcome personal challenges. Her message of optimism and resilience is particularly relevant in today’s rapidly changing world, where leaders and individuals alike are facing unprecedented challenges. Jess’s insights on how to turn adversity into opportunity are invaluable for any organization looking to foster a culture of innovation and resilience.

Moreover, Jess Ekstrom’s story of building a successful business from the ground up, while staying true to her values, is a powerful example for any audience. She shows that it’s possible to achieve success while making a positive impact on the world, a message that resonates with people from all walks of life. By booking Jess, event planners can ensure that their audience will leave the event feeling inspired, motivated, and ready to make a difference.

Why Event Planners Should Use Speakers Inc
When it comes to booking top-tier speakers like Jess Ekstrom, event planners can trust Speakers Inc to provide a seamless and professional experience. With over two decades of experience in the industry, Speakers Inc has a proven track record of connecting event planners with the right speakers for their events. Their team of experts takes the time to understand the specific needs and goals of each event, ensuring that the speaker not only meets but exceeds expectations.

Speakers Inc is committed to providing a personalized service that goes beyond just booking a speaker. They work closely with event planners to ensure that every aspect of the speaker’s engagement, from the initial inquiry to the post-event follow-up, is handled with the utmost professionalism. By partnering with Speakers Inc, event planners can rest assured that their event will be a success, with a speaker like Jess Ekstrom who will leave a lasting impression on their audience.

Summary and Conclusion
Jess Ekstrom is a visionary speaker whose journey from college entrepreneur to nationally recognized social innovator and author has inspired audiences around the world. Her ability to turn adversity into opportunity and her commitment to using business as a force for good make her a sought-after keynote speaker for a wide range of events. With her engaging storytelling and actionable insights, Jess leaves audiences feeling not only inspired but also empowered to create positive change in their own lives and organizations.

Booking Jess Ekstrom for your event is a decision that will undoubtedly elevate the experience for all attendees. Her message of resilience, optimism, and purpose-driven leadership is not only timely but also timeless, making her an ideal speaker for any audience. By working with Speakers Inc, event planners can ensure a smooth and successful experience from start to finish, allowing them to focus on what matters most: creating an unforgettable event.

View All Speakers and follow us on Twitter

Videos

Interest to Book? Send us your enquiry

Speaker Contact Form

Enquiry Form

For Meeting Planners

This PowerPoint slide above is designed for meeting planners.

Register for FREE and simply click the URL link for automatic download of the PPTX slide.

We have created a simple “ABOUT” single slide which you can instantly insert into your pitch deck when submitting speaker proposals.

Features:

  • video links,
  • short concise bio
  • Book images and
  • topic list.

Author Books | Magazine Covers

Jess Ekstrom

Chasing the Bright Side, Jess Ekstrom shares her own inspirational story of how optimism helped her overcome multiple challenges, and the dynamic ways her mindset propelled her as a young entrepreneur, international speaker, and philanthropist.

Podcasts Channels & Episodes

View further speakers

  • (13)
  • Featured
Olympia LePoint

Olympia LePoint is an award-winning rocket scientist, bestselling author, and dynamic professional speaker whose mission is to inspire, educate, and empower audiences worldwide. Renowned for her pivotal role in NASA’s Space Shuttle Program, where she contributed to the success of 28 space missions, Olympia has transformed her groundbreaking expertise into a platform that merges science, […]

  • Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
  • AI Technology Speakers
  • (+13)
  • (176)
  • Featured
Kanya Sesser

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
  • (+15)
  • (89)
  • Featured
Lily Brasch

Lily Brasch is a living testament to the power of resilience and determination. Born with a rare congenital condition and told she would never walk, Lily has turned impossibilities into achievements that inspire audiences worldwide. Her journey is a beacon of hope, proving that the human spirit can overcome even the most daunting challenges. From […]

  • Travels from: New York, NY
  • Inspirational Speakers
  • (+10)
  • (43)
  • Featured
  • (6)
Tammy Barlette

Retired Lt. Col. Tammy Barlette, and seasoned military pilot, brings a fresh perspective to overcoming challenges with high-stakes mental performance strategies. Drawing on her 20 years of experience in the cockpit of some of the Air Force’s most demanding aircraft, Tammy inspires audiences to rethink their approach to handling adversity and reaching peak performance. Her […]

  • Travels from: Tucson, AZ
  • Military Speakers
  • (+8)
  • (48)
  • Featured
Tom Jones

Tom Jones, the visionary founder of Quitproof, is an acclaimed motivational keynote speaker whose life journey is a testament to the unyielding power of persistence and resilience. From overcoming significant personal struggles to becoming an endurance athlete and high-performance coach, Tom has mastered the art of turning challenges into steppingstones. His compelling message resonates with […]

  • Travels from: Huntington Beach, CA
  • Motivational Speakers
  • (+3)
  • (63)
  • Featured
Sarah Dandashy

Sarah Dandashy has earned her reputation as one of the world’s leading concierges, having worked in some of the most prestigious hotels globally. With over 15 years of experience in the luxury hospitality industry, Sarah has been consistently recognized for her ability to deliver unparalleled service and create memorable guest experiences. Her transition into event […]

  • Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
  • Event Emcee
  • (+3)
  • (157)
  • Featured
  • (5)
Kurdt Greenwood

Kurdt Greenwood is a young, dynamic naturalist, conservationist, survival expert, and animal behavior specialist whose passion for wildlife knows no bounds. With a deep connection to nature and a unique ability to communicate its wonders, Kurdt has dedicated his life to preserving the natural world and educating others on its importance. His journey as a […]

  • Travels from: Atlanta, GA
  • Wildlife Speakers
  • (+2)
  • (33)
  • Featured
Angelica Malin Emcee - Angelica Malin Speaker

Angelica Malin Speaker is a dynamic and versatile professional emcee, author, awards host, and keynote speaker who bridges the bustling cities of New York and London. Known for her boundless energy and infectious enthusiasm, Angelica transforms live events into unforgettable experiences, leaving a lasting impression on audiences worldwide. Her charisma and professionalism have made her […]

  • Travels from: New York, NY
  • Event Emcee
  • (+5)
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:

Our Mission:

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

© All rights reserved 2025.  Designed using Voxel