Ken Okel: Motivational Speaker

Motivational keynote speaker Ken Okel leverages broadcast journalism experience to deliver creative leadership solutions that boost performance, engagement and everyday execution.

Quick Facts:

  • Highlights:
    • Former broadcast journalist at WPBF, WSPA, WSIL and KAET
    • Covered major hurricane relief efforts
    • Author of Stuck on Yellow
    • Host of the 2 Minute Takeaway Podcast
  • Formats: Motivational Keynote Speaker and Event Emcee
  • Audiences: Corporate teams, associations, leadership conferences and organizations seeking stronger execution and creative problem solving.
  • Outcomes:
    1. Practical tools to improve daily performance and execution
    2. Enhanced leadership and accountability skills
    3. Renewed engagement through interactive learning experiences
Reading time: 1 min
Reviews: (0 reviews)
  • Travels from: Fort Lauderdale, FL
  • **Fee range: $10,001 - $20,000

Talent Services

Keynote Topics:

Remember, as kids, when you could turn down a dare? Today, workplace challenges may offer you no choice. You have to respond and you need to be at the top of your game.

Busy leaders often find themselves defined by how they perform under pressure. In this keynote session, you’ll change the way you approach challenges, inspire your team, and create a path out of uncertainty.

You Will Learn:

  • How top performers maximize their performance on the job.
  • The question smart news reporters ask and how it can build your employee culture.
  • The role communication plays with your team and your customers.
  • What you should be celebrating during challenging times.
  • What a ballerina knows about trust that can transform you and your organization.
  • This session also includes Ken’s signature piece, The Police Dog Attack Story.

If you feel like you never have enough time to get your important work done, then you’re not alone. The problem isn’t competence but the fact that you don’t get enough time to perform what you do best.

In this engaging session, you will learn actionable strategies designed to end your struggle with the clock. It’s a mindset makeover that will give you back your edge.

You Will Learn:

  • How to control distractions that steal your time.
  • Understanding how newscasters embrace the challenges of daily deadlines.
  • Maximizing your employees, even if it means waving goodbye to the good ones.
  • How to avoid costly communication misunderstandings.
  • The surprising role toilet paper plays in your ability to delegate.
  • This session also includes Ken’s signature piece, The Police Dog Attack Story.

Talent Short Bio

Ken Okel is a motivational keynote speaker and former broadcast journalist who understands what it means to perform at a high level every day. Having worked in television news for stations including WPBF, WSPA, WSIL, KAET and the Cable Ace Award winning Fort Collins Evening News, Ken built his career around delivering under pressure, covering major events such as hurricanes Wilma, Frances and Jean.

Today, he channels that real world performance mindset into engaging leadership presentations for companies and associations. Known for his creative problem solving and relatable storytelling, Ken equips audiences with practical tools to overcome workplace challenges and transform professional performance.

He is the author of Stuck on Yellow and host of the 2 Minute Takeaway Podcast. Over the course of his career, he has marketed everything from global brands to a three legged kitten, reinforcing his ability to connect with diverse audiences and industries.

Ken Okel understands the importance of performing at a high level every day, having worked in broadcast news.

Today, as a motivational keynote speaker, audiences enjoy his creative solutions to their problems. (WPBF, WSPA, WSIL, KAET, and the Cable Ace Award Winning Fort Collins Evening News), hurricane relief (Wilma, Frances, and Jean), and professional ballet (not a typo).

Today, as a motivational keynote speaker, audiences enjoy his creative solutions to their problems.

Ken is the author of the book, Stuck on Yellow, hosts the 2 Minute Takeaway Podcast, and has marketed everything from global brands to a three-legged kitten.

Today people know about Ken Okel for his leadership presentations to companies and associations.

Audiences are engaged and entertained as they learn from his experiences and gain the tools necessary to transform their professional lives. Some enjoy taking part in Ken’s famous Paper Hat Exercise.

Ken continues to use his broadcasting skills in interviews, as a Master of Ceremonies, and in webinars. Ken is a Past President and two time Member of the Year of the Florida Speakers Association and a 15+ year member of the National Speakers Association.

View All Speakers and follow us on Twitter

Videos

Interest to Book? Send us your enquiry

Speaker Contact Form

Enquiry Form

No reviews available for this post.

Was this profile helpful?

Talent FAQ's

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

  • 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...

  • (24)
Deborah Gardner, CMP, CVP - Image 03 (January 27, 2026)

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 […]

  • Travels from: Phoenix, AZ
  • Change Speakers
  • (13)
Daniela Amodei - Image 01 (February 19, 2026)

Daniela Amodei is a pioneering leader in artificial intelligence safety, governance, and responsible innovation. As President and Co-Founder of Anthropic, she stands at the forefront of developing advanced AI systems designed to be reliable, interpretable, and aligned with human values. With a career rooted in operational excellence and policy engagement, Daniela has played a critical […]

  • Travels from: San Francisco, CA
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • (19)
Astrid Scholz - Image 04 (February 2, 2026)

Dr. Astrid J. Scholz is co-founder and CFO/COO of Armillaria, a tech-for-good company that creates digital infrastructure for more effectively and equitably mobilizing data, people, and capital towards addressing the most urgent challenges of our time. Integrating contemporary innovations in technology, finance, and law, Armillaria is focused on the development of incentives and mechanisms for […]

  • Travels from: Portland, OR
  • Entrepreneurship
  • (10)
  • (3)
Brian Apprille Comedian

Brian Apprille Comedian has become a sought-after name in the corporate comedy circuit. His ability to craft relatable, clean, and engaging content makes him a beacon of laughter and inspiration in a dynamic environment. Brian Apprille | Comedian & Emcee Brian Apprille’s journey into comedy started like many great stories—with a love for making people […]

  • Travels from: San Diego, CA
  • Comedian Hosts
  • (18)
Sara Frasca

Sara Frasca is a business growth expert. Honing her skills in senior leadership roles in both corporate America and the world of startups, Sara now serves as Chief Executive Officer for Point NorthEast, a global business coaching firm. She helps leading organizations cultivate human imagination, build a culture of accountability, and solve complex problems to […]

  • Travels from: Ponte Vedra Beach, FL
  • Business Speakers
  • (9)
Rebeca Hwang - Image 01 (January 19, 2026)

Rebeca Hwang is a  Professor of Practice at Thunderbird and the Senior Director for Thunderbird’s new Center for Global Entrepreneurship and Family Business.  Ms. Hwang is also a Managing Partner at Kalei Ventures. Rebeca is a venture capital investor who has collected experiences as innovator and inventor, founder and entrepreneur, social entrepreneur, educator and ecosystem builder.  […]

  • Travels from: San Francisco, CA
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • (72)
Jessie Camacho

Jessie Camacho has solidified her reputation as an experienced event moderator and emcee with over two decades of professional event hosting and facilitation experience. She has worked across various industries, including corporate, entertainment, nonprofit, and educational sectors, seamlessly engaging audiences of all sizes. Whether hosting large-scale corporate conferences, moderating high-stakes panels, or facilitating intimate roundtable […]

  • Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
  • Event Emcee
  • (51)
Jeff Krapf

Born in Northern California, Jeff Krapf is considered one of the most versatile television hosts in the business. With a proven background in hosting local and national TV shows or on a microphone hosting international Live events Jeff exudes energy, personality, charm and brings a sense quality and charisma that very few people can pull off. […]

  • Travels from: San Diego, CA
  • Event Emcee
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 2026.  Designed using Voxel

AI Assistant
Speakers Inc Logo 2024
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.