Defy Conventional Wisdom for Breakthrough Performance
As the very nature of business rapidly changes, its leaders must be open to change too. Unconventional methods are no longer reserved for processes and procedures alone.
To gain competitive ground, leaders have to disrupt the existing ways they think, act and lead.
The Details
As a Leader, How Could you Expand Your Impact If … ?
You were willing to sit still, while everyone else was in motion.
You were willing to ditch your dependence on what you’ve always done.
You were willing to be informed by data, but not driven by it.
Based on her ground-breaking business book, “Leadership Unchained: Defy Conventional Wisdom for Breakthrough Performance”, Sara reveals the conscious practices separating innovative leaders from their counterparts.
Using a dynamic combination of insights, examples and research, she outlines the new signature habits that will catapult “by the book” leaders into modern thinkers.
Current and future leaders will be captivated by Sara’s clear roadmap for defying conventional wisdom and adopting unconventional habits for business success in the 21st Century.
The relentless pace of business today is taking a serious toll on all of us. We might strive to be purpose-driven, impactful and innovative, but we are often hijacked by never-ending to-do lists and constant crisis management.
To better manage today’s complexities and make the shift from motion to meaning, we need a new set of strategies.
The Details
In this presentation, Sara will share a powerful and compelling wake-up call that will arm leaders with the practices they need to take back control of their time and their business impact. Blending insights, humor and actionable strategies, Sara takes audience members on a journey to:
UNDERSTAND HOW YOUR PROFESSIONAL REPUTATION IMPACTS YOUR CAREER SUCCESS
IN-PERSON | VIRTUAL
You’ve got the experience. You’ve got the diplomas. You know your stuff. So how can you significantly speed up your career momentum? Is there a secret to reaching your business goals faster? The most successful professionals have learned how to match their intentions with their actions and elevate their capacity to influence and impact. Expert Sara Canaday will show you exactly how to do that.
In this program, Sara shares real-world stories that illustrate the hidden gaps between what we see versus what those around us see.
Blending insights, humor, and actionable strategies, Sara takes you on a journey to:
Gain a fresh perspective about your professional reputation
Identify what makes your approaches attractive (or annoying!)
Better manage the experiences you create when interacting with others
Make strong and lasting impressions by matching your intent with your impact
Rapidly elicit opportunities to be noticed, hired, respected and promoted
EVALUATE YOUR IMPACT, DEMONSTRATE YOUR VALUE
VIRTUAL
Your leadership brand is the synthesis of several key components, including visuals, messaging, demeanor, interpersonal skills and more. When these pieces come together, they create the whole picture that the rest of the world recognizes as You.
Whether you are moving up the corporate ladder, making your value known in your current role or looking to expand your impact, boosting your brand is the key to remaining viable and competitive.
By deliberately managing and improving your brand, you can dramatically elevate your ability to impact and influence. To interact and collaborate. To coach and mentor. All of it comes back to making intentional choices about your leadership brand
Sara Canaday is a respected leadership development expert, keynote speaker, author, and advisor known for translating complex leadership concepts into clear, actionable strategies that drive measurable improvement. With more than two decades of experience, she has become a trusted voice for professionals seeking to enhance their impact, accelerate career growth, and lead with confidence in dynamic organizational environments.
Her work draws from extensive study in adult development, communication, and organizational behavior, combined with real-world leadership insights gained throughout her corporate career. This blend allows Sara to bridge theory with practice, offering audiences a grounded, relatable perspective on the challenges facing today’s leaders.
Sara’s approach helps professionals identify blind spots, improve emotional intelligence, and cultivate the presence and strategic mindset required to thrive. Her content empowers individuals to embrace change, lead through ambiguity, and strengthen relationships that drive collaboration and performance.
Sara Canaday is a distinguished figure in leadership development, renowned for her insightful guidance and practical strategies aimed at empowering professionals to navigate the complexities of the modern business landscape. As a seasoned speaker, author, and thought leader, Sara brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her engagements, inspiring audiences to unlock their full potential and excel in their careers.
With a career spanning over two decades, Sara Canaday has solidified her reputation as a leading authority in leadership and career management. Her journey began with a deep passion for understanding human behavior and organizational dynamics, which led her to pursue advanced studies in adult development, leadership, and communication.
Sara’s unique blend of academic rigor and real-world experience has enabled her to develop a comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by today’s professionals. Leveraging this expertise, she has dedicated herself to helping individuals and organizations thrive in an ever-evolving business environment.
As a keynote speaker, Sara brings a unique blend of insight, inspiration, and practical wisdom, making her an invaluable asset to any organization committed to driving excellence and innovation.
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A two minute 56 second highlight reel showcasing Sara Canaday’s practical, research-informed insights on leadership development, self-awareness, and navigating modern workplace challenges.
This two minute 56 second SXSW EDU highlight reel presents Sara Canaday’s core message on the importance of self-awareness, behavioral insight, and intentional leadership in a rapidly evolving professional environment. Through a mix of stage clips and narration, Sara explains how the most effective leaders are those who understand how their actions, communication, and presence influence the people around them.
She discusses the gap that often exists between how leaders see themselves and how they are perceived by colleagues, emphasizing that closing this gap is essential for stronger influence and more meaningful professional relationships. Sara highlights the need for leaders to look beyond technical expertise and embrace emotional intelligence, adaptability, and continuous learning as essential components of long-term success.
The reel showcases her ability to make leadership development relatable and practical, breaking down complex interpersonal dynamics into simple, implementable strategies. She prompts viewers to reflect on their blind spots and consider how intentional shifts in behavior can improve engagement, collaboration, and impact.
Throughout the video, Sara’s delivery is clear, concise, and grounded in real-world application. Her presence at SXSW EDU reinforces her role as a thought leader helping educators, managers, and professionals elevate their leadership capacity in meaningful, sustainable ways.
00:35–01:15 Insights on perception gaps and why leaders must understand how others experience them.
01:15–01:55 Discussion of emotional intelligence, adaptability, and behavior shifts that elevate effectiveness.
01:55–02:30 Practical examples illustrating how intentional changes improve collaboration and communication.
A three minute 30 second leadership reel featuring Sara Canaday’s actionable insights on self-awareness, influence, and the behaviors that elevate professional effectiveness.
This three minute 30 second highlight reel showcases Sara Canaday’s signature leadership philosophy: modern leaders must cultivate self-awareness, behavioral intelligence, and intentional habits that deepen their influence. Through a blend of keynote clips, interview moments, and audience visuals, Sara explains that leadership today requires more than technical expertise. It demands an understanding of how one’s actions affect others, how perception shapes opportunity, and how small behavioral shifts create meaningful impact.
Sara emphasizes that many leaders unknowingly operate with blind spots—gaps between how they see themselves and how colleagues experience them. She describes how identifying and addressing these gaps strengthens trust, enhances communication, and improves team dynamics. The video highlights her ability to translate complex leadership concepts into clear, relatable, and practical strategies that professionals can apply immediately.
She also explores the importance of presence, emotional intelligence, and adaptability in environments defined by rapid change. Rather than relying solely on past accomplishments or job titles, Sara encourages leaders to remain curious, reflective, and open to feedback. These qualities, she notes, elevate influence and drive long-term career growth.
00:40–01:20 Key insights on self-awareness, blind spots, and how leaders are perceived by others.
01:20–02:10 Discussion of emotional intelligence and intentional behavioral shifts that elevate influence.
02:10–02:50 Practical examples showing how mindset and communication improvements strengthen collaboration.
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.
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