Mary Abbajay: Change Management

  • Leadership Experience: Mary Abbajay brings over 20 years of hands-on experience in leadership roles, offering a wealth of insights into effective organizational management and leadership development strategies.
  • Entrepreneurial Success: As the President of Careerstone Group, LLC, Mary leads a dynamic consultancy that delivers leading-edge talent and organizational development solutions to businesses and government agencies alike.
  • Best-Selling Author: Mary Abbajay’s book, “Managing Up: How to Move Up, Win at Work, and Succeed with Any Type of Boss,” has garnered widespread acclaim, cementing her status as a thought leader in workplace dynamics and management strategies.
  • Engaging Speaker: Mary’s speaking engagements are characterized by her engaging style and ability to connect with audiences on a personal level. Her presentations are informative, interactive, and packed with actionable insights that resonate long after the event.

Travel & Fee Range:**

  • Travels from: Washington, District of Columbia, United States
  • **Fee range: $20,001 - $35,000

Keynote Topics

Human beings are social creatures, and the workplace is—at its core—a social system.

Understanding the true drivers of human social behavior is becoming ever more urgent if we are to create more inclusive, productive, and positive workplaces. In a world of increasing interconnectedness, diversity, and rapid change, there is a growing need to improve the way people work and engage with each other.

Social neuroscience’s exploration of the biological foundation of the way humans relate to each other and themselves can help us understand and enhance our ability to accelerate high-performance and high engagement workplaces.

In this engaging, high-energy presentation, workplace expert and best-selling author, Mary Abbajay, explores how five key neuropsychological domains of human experience can enrich the human experience in the workplace and explains why this is essential to your success to your workplace relationships.

So maybe your team doesn’t hate you—but you might be driving them crazy without even knowing it. Managing others is hard—and let’s be honest—we may not be as good at it as we think we are.

Research repeatedly shows that poor managers remain one of the top reasons why talent walks. Creating a culture of high performance, engagement, and retention requires paying attention to the impact of our leadership behaviors.

In this engaging and fast-paced presentation, best-selling author and workplace expert, Mary Abbajay, shares the top ten managerial behaviors that disempower, demotivate, and diminish organizational productivity and positivity—and how to avoid them. 

Whether we like it or not, our bosses have enormous influence over our ability to succeed, thrive, and advance in our organizations, in our careers and in our own leadership journey.

Establishing strong, productive working relationships with those above us is the single most effective way to accelerate success in any organization. Whether you are reporting to a supervisor, middle manager, VP, top executive, or a board of directors, managing up is a skill that we all need.

This lively and interactive presentation provides proven strategies and techniques to increase cooperation and collaboration between those who have different power levels, perspectives, and personalities. Learning to effectively manage up is good for you, good for your boss, and good for your organization.

Recent research shows that organizations with high levels of psychological safety simply perform better. According to data from the PEW Research Center, 89% of employees say that psychological safety is essential and that business leaders are responsible for creating it.

Organizations with robust psychological safety can magnify the contributions of talent at all levels. Colleagues who feel psychologically safe at work are more willing to exhibit behaviors that contribute to greater organizational engagement and innovation—like speaking up, asking questions, sharing unspoken reservations, and respectfully disagreeing.

They trust that their co-workers and leaders value honesty, candor, and truth-telling. This ultimately creates a more robust, dynamic, innovative, and inclusive climate and culture. In this high-energy presentation, workplace expert and best-selling author, Mary Abbajay shares key strategies to create and sustain psychological safety in teams, groups, and organizations.

Everyone has a brand whether they realize it or not. Your personal brand differentiates you from others. It is the impression you both want to make and do make on others. Done well, your personal brand and reputation can help you succeed professionally—both internally and externally.

It helps guide the way you present yourself to others—ensuring that people see you in the way you want them to, instead of in some arbitrary, possibly detrimental, way. You can either ignore your personal brand and reputation, and let it develop organically—possibly chaotically beyond your control—or you can take active steps to create a personal brand that accurately depicts you as the person you want to be.

In this engaging, high-energy presentation, workplace expert and best-selling author, Mary Abbajay helps participants identify key components of their brand, assess gaps between desired brand and real-world reputation, identify key strategies to reinforce their brand while engaging with others, and explore social media best practices for personal brand promotion.

Perfect for senior level directors and executives focused on building their personal brand/public profile, customer-facing employees looking for added confidence, sales teams aiming to strengthen customer relationships, or even providing a comprehensive guide for Gen Z employees building their professional pathways and learning to understand the effects of their online presence.

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 […]

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 academic rigor and practical application. As an entrepreneur, consultant, and seasoned educator, Mary brings a unique blend of theoretical knowledge and real-world insights to her speaking engagements.

Mary Abbajay | Corporate Culture

With a career marked by continuous growth and innovation, Mary Abbajay stands as a beacon of leadership excellence. Her journey spans various roles, from serving as adjunct faculty at George Mason University’s School of Management to sharing her wisdom at esteemed institutions like Montgomery College and the Georgetown University Center for Professional Development. Mary’s multifaceted experience has equipped her with a profound understanding of the complexities inherent in modern organizational dynamics.

As the President of Careerstone Group, LLC, Mary leads a dynamic team dedicated to delivering cutting-edge talent and organizational development solutions to both private enterprises and government agencies. Her best-selling book, “Managing Up: How to Move Up, Win at Work, and Succeed with Any Type of Boss,” has solidified her reputation as a thought leader in the realm of workplace dynamics. Through her consultancy, Mary empowers individuals and organizations to thrive in today’s rapidly evolving business landscape.

Why Book Mary Abbajay:

Event planners seeking to provide their audience with transformative insights and actionable strategies need look no further than Mary Abbajay. With her unparalleled expertise in organizational management and leadership development, Mary brings a fresh perspective to the table. Her engaging speaking style, coupled with her wealth of experience, ensures that attendees walk away with tangible takeaways they can implement immediately.

Mary’s ability to demystify complex concepts and distill them into practical guidance makes her an invaluable asset to any event. Whether addressing challenges in team dynamics, navigating organizational change, or fostering a culture of innovation, Mary offers actionable solutions tailored to the specific needs of her audience. By booking Mary Abbajay, event planners can guarantee a memorable experience that leaves a lasting impact on attendees.

Summary and Conclusion:

In summary, Mary Abbajay stands as a distinguished figure in the field of organizational management and leadership development. With over two decades of experience, a stellar academic background, and a proven track record of success, Mary brings a wealth of knowledge and insights to her speaking engagements. Her ability to connect with audiences on a personal level and deliver actionable strategies sets her apart as a sought-after speaker in today’s competitive landscape.

For event planners seeking to provide their audience with transformative experiences, Mary Abbajay is the ideal choice. Her expertise, combined with her engaging speaking style, ensures that attendees walk away inspired and equipped with the tools they need to succeed. By partnering with Speakers Inc, event planners can access top-tier talent like Mary Abbajay and deliver unforgettable events that leave a lasting impact.

View All Speakers and follow us on Twitter

Videos

Interest to Book? Send us your enquiry

Speaker Contact Form

Enquiry Form

Excellent
“Mary was incredibly engaging, funny, insightful and an all-around amazing speaker. We had many people tell us that it's been the best speaker yet for our Leadership Summit event.” University of Tampa
Excellent
“Mary Abbajay’s knowledge and experience in understanding leadership styles is as extensive as it is terrific! Her advice is relevant, accurate and deployable in the modern workplace.” BB&T Bank
Excellent
“If you are looking for a phenomenal presenter, look no further. Mary Abbajay is a fabulous leader and presenter! Her energy exudes into the entire room and into others’ spirits…our leadership team loved the interactivity and engagement. Mary has been one of the most successful a…
Read more ▾
Excellent
“Our members haven’t stopped talking about your workshop! We really enjoyed having you back to speak at our Leadership Development Program. Thanks for a wonderful and interactive workshop!” United Bank
Excellent
“She was GREAT! Easy to work with, professional, and the audience loved her. I would 100% recommend, and I would absolutely have her back for additional sessions/events.” Discover Financial
Excellent
“Mary's energy and topics were perfect for our group. She was engaging and drew in the audience.” National Electrical Contractors Association

In order to view the below you must be logged in.

  • Powerpoint Slide – For meeting and event planners
  • Gallery Images
  • High Resolution Images
  • PDF Files
  • Books and Magazine Links
  • Music List
  • Podcast Shows
  • Courses
  • + more

Talent Storefront

Explore talent products
  • (4) Views

Managing Up: How to Move Up, Win at Work, and Succeed With Any Type of Boss 1st Edition Build vital connections to accelerate your career success Managing Up is your guide to the most valuable ‘soft skill’ your career has ever seen. It’s not about sucking up or brown-nosing; it’s about figuring out who you are, who […]

  • Author: Mary Abbajay
  • Category: Speaker Books
  • (5) Views
Mary Abbajay - Blinkist Managing Up

Blinkist Managing Up is your guide to the most valuable ‘soft skill’ your career has ever seen. It’s not about sucking up or brown-nosing; it’s about figuring out who you are, who your boss is, and finding where you meet. It’s about building real relationships with people who have influence over your career. Blinkist Managing […]

  • Author: Mary Abbajay
  • Category: Blinkist Books

News Articles

You may be interested in...

  • (4)
Chris Folayan

Chris Folayan is a renowned and award-winning serial entrepreneur, author and founder, celebrated for his exceptional ability to start and scale multi-million-dollar global companies. With an illustrious career spanning decades, Chris has demonstrated an extraordinary talent for investing, raising substantial capital, and building thriving businesses from the ground up. His entrepreneurial journey began at the […]

  • Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
  • Business Speakers
  • (14)
Susan Feniger

Susan Feniger is a celebrated chef, author, and entrepreneur. Her professional collaboration with Mary Sue Milliken (CITY, Ciudad, Too Hot Tamales) has led to the groundbreaking Border Grill empire, with locations in Santa Monica, Downtown LA, LAX Airport Tom Bradley International Terminal, Las Vegas at Mandalay Bay, and a second outpost in Las Vegas at […]

  • Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
  • Chefs Speakers
  • (63)
  • (3)
Chris Barton

In a world where technology has become an integral part of our lives, Chris Barton stands out as a visionary who has not only revolutionized the way we interact with it but has also epitomized the spirit of innovation and perseverance. As the creator of the iconic app Shazam, Barton’s journey from ideation to acquisition […]

  • Travels from: San Francisco, CA
  • Leadership Speakers
  • (15)
Ben Hines

Ben Hines is the founder of Moving Performance, an innovative initiative that merges his two lifelong passions: people development and music. Drawing upon over 13 years of experience in the financial and legal sectors, Ben has developed a groundbreaking approach to leadership and team development. His ability to intertwine real-world business insights with his artistry […]

  • Travels from: London, UK
  • Leadership Speakers
  • (34)

Mari Carmen Pizarro stands at the forefront of leadership expertise, possessing over 25 years of dedicated experience in cultivating exceptional leaders and enhancing human performance. With an unwavering commitment to guiding leaders towards unparalleled success, she has become a revered figure in the realm of leadership development. Through her insightful guidance and transformative strategies, Mari […]

  • Travels from: Philadelphia, PA
  • Hispanic Speakers
  • (69)
Kevin L. McCrudden

After 20 years in the personal and professional development space, Kevin L McCrudden is better known as “Mr. Motivation and America’s CMO – Chief Motivation Officer.” Kevin L McCrudden is an international author, speaker and the only motivational and leadership speaker in American history to ever have a day of recognition passed by The United […]

  • Travels from: New York, NY
  • Motivational Speakers
  • (26)
Melissa Majors

In an ever-evolving world where businesses strive for excellence, leadership and innovation go hand in hand. Melissa Majors, an accomplished business leader, is a shining example of how education, innovation, and inclusion can be strategically woven together to drive success. Not only is she a prominent advocate for inclusion, but she is also the author […]

  • Travels from: Fort Worth. TX
  • Leadership Speakers
  • (33)
  • (5)

Peter Diamandis stands at the forefront of innovation, a visionary entrepreneur and thought leader dedicated to unlocking the potential of exponential technologies. Named by Fortune as one of the “World’s 50 Greatest Leaders,” Diamandis is renowned for his groundbreaking work in incentivizing innovation through the XPRIZE Foundation and for his role in shaping the future […]

  • Travels from: Santa Monica, CA
  • Leadership Speakers
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:

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Newsletter

Subscribe to our newsletter and stay updated.

We use Brevo as our marketing platform. By submitting this form you agree that the personal data you provided will be transferred to Brevo for processing in accordance with Brevo's Privacy Policy.

Our Mission:

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

© All rights reserved 2025.  Designed using Voxel

MonTueWedThuFriSatSun
242526272812345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031123456