Deborah Gardner, CMP, CVP: Performance Expert
Performance speaker who turns resistance into action for hospitality and corporate teams with Streamline Methods to boost engagement, speed decisions, and lift team performance.
Quick Facts:
- Highlights:
- Better known by many Fortune 500 companies as "the pit bull in a skirt," Deborah G is an in-demand global keynote speaker, a swimming champion, founder of three businesses, and author of 6 bestsellers.
- Deborah's competitive spirit comes from her background as an Olympic Trials swimmer, the first female broadcaster at CBS Sports, and former hotel sales executive.
- Her 30+ years of experience in addition to many years as a Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) and entrepreneur, translates into powerful keynote presentations, teaching audiences how to move beyond obstacles to become champions of business.
- Formats: Keynote (45–60 min); Executive briefing; Half-day workshop; Breakout session; Virtual masterclass.
- Audiences: Hospitality leadership teams (25–150); Conference keynotes (200–2,500).
- Outcomes:
- Increase team engagement and frontline buy-in.
- Shorten decision cycles through practical process changes.
- Improve service consistency and measurable performance indicators.
- Build repeatable habits that reduce resistance to change.
- Travels from: Phoenix, AZ
- **Fee range: $10,000 - $15,000
Talent Services
Keynote Topics:
Streamline into Action
Obstacles are more than just roadblocks. They prevent a business from achieving goals. Get your team members to view change as an opportunity rather than a roadblock.
Come along for a ride as Deborah G takes you on a journey that explores the Streamline Method. With only a few simple changes, you’ll learn how to reduce resistance to change, move beyond obstacles, and build a proactive team. Instead of being complacent with current level of success, what if you could convince your team that the way forward is moving beyond what they thought was achievable?
Get ready for an exhilarating interactive program that will empower participants to achieve the following outcomes:
- Learn effective strategies to cultivate confidence and thrive in high-pressure environments, both personally and professionally
- Discover a simple exclusive method that has been proven to yield great results with minimal resistance
- Overcome complacency and embrace disruption by taking calculated risks that will enable you to achieve your goals and reach new heights
- Transform the fear of failure into a powerful catalyst for elevating performance
- Dominate any stumbling blocks that slow innovation and adaptation – and embrace opportunities to move beyond them
Talent Short Bio
Deborah Gardner is a performance keynote speaker and CEO who specializes in turning resistance into measurable action for hospitality and corporate teams. Drawing on a unique journey that spans elite athletic training, broadcast leadership, and hands-on executive experience, Deborah created the Streamline Method a practical framework designed to boost engagement, speed decision-making, and lift team performance. Her work targets the everyday friction points that slow organizations down, replacing them with clear routines and playbooks leaders can deploy immediately.
Deborah’s presentations are high-energy and grounded in real-world application: she mixes storytelling with specific tools and replicable tactics so participants leave with both the why and the how. She’s particularly effective with audiences that must balance guest experience with operational constraints helping managers and frontline staff align around simpler processes that produce consistent results.
Beyond the keynote, Deborah leads workshops and implementation sessions to embed the Streamline Method into workflows, coaching leaders on how to measure impact and sustain improvements. Event planners choose Deborah for her ability to translate strategy into operational habits that produce visible results in short order.
Read Full Bio
Competitive Performance Expert | Keynote Speaker | Hospitality Powerhouse | Six- Time Bestseller
From Olympic Trials swimmer to one of the first female broadcasters with CBS Sports to Mrs. American, Deborah Gardner knows what it takes to compete, win, and lead. Today, she’s a sought-after global keynote speaker and CEO of DG International, where
she energizes organizations to take ACTION and perform at their highest level with humor, heart, and no fluff.
Known as the “Pit Bull in a Skirt” by Fortune 500 giants, Deborah Gardner brings her relatable, high-energy programs that draw from real-life adventures — growing up in a 16-ft trailer, crashing a wedding (on purpose!), running three businesses, and now training to become the oldest woman to swim the 21-mile Catalina Channel this October aiming for Guinness World Records.
Deborah has 30+ years of hospitality experience. A certified meeting professional (CMP) and creator/host of Hospitality Today Live show, Deborah Gardner is a respected voice in the industry, producing broadcasts for global hospitality celebrations and thought leadership.
Industry Accolades Include:
- Top 30 Global Hospitality Gurus
- Top 50 Successful Meetings Women Leaders
- CNN’s Top 75 Keynote Speakers Worldwide
- Eventex Top 100 Most Influential in Events
- Meetings Today Trendsetter
- Meetings Mean Ambassador
- Arizona Fabulous Women to Watch
- One of the Most Requested Speakers by Meeting Professionals and more
Fun Fact: Meetings & Convention Magazine’s poll by meeting professionals cited Deborah Gardner as one of the best speakers ever heard, putting her in the category with Bill Clinton, General Colin Powell, Barbara Corcoran, Les Brown, Magic Johnson, and Tom
Brokaw
Trusted By Top Brands & Organizations:
Walmart · Marriott · Nike · Blue Cross Blue Shield · FOX Restaurants · Fairmont ·
Northstar · Best Western International · Outdoor Industry Association · Direct Selling
Association · PM Hotels · MPI · Smart Meetings · SGMP · PCMA · FleetCon · Teneo
Hospitality · Hotel Interactive · Women Leading Travel · Meetings Today Live · Global
Business Travel · North Carolina Apartment Association · Crown Plaza Hotels and more.
Although Deborah wishes she were a mermaid, off stage, Deborah lives in Arizona with her husband Jerry and their wildly lovable pup, Bear.
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Videos
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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
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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.
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- 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.
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