Heidi Connal: Adversity Speaker

  • Highlights:
    • The workplace is no exception to the human existence of change, loss, and grief.
    • Heidi dives into how loss and trauma impacts an employee, and how we as leaders can understand what they’re going through, support them in their journey, and help them build their resilience.
Reading time: 2 min
Reviews: (1 reviews)
Rated 5 out of 5
  • Travels from: Bend, OR
  • **Fee range: On Request

Keynote Topics

Life often throws us situations—personal and professional—where we are caught off guard or knocked off our feet.

During these times it’s easy to lose our stride and our confidence, but there are ways to get back on our feet quickly, spending less time on the down and more time in creative action.

In this talk, Heidi shares the latest in neuroscience, behavioral psychology, mindfulness, and coaching techniques so that you can rewire your own brain for positivity, self-compassion, and a strong sense of purpose.

Key Takeaways:

  • Calm your nervous system in stressful situations
  • Regain control of your creative mind when caught off guard
  • Stay open to possibilities
  • Take action with confidence
  • Grow from failed experiences and get better faster
  • Learn to tolerate ambiguity
  • Develop realistic optimism

The workplace is no exception to the human existence of change, loss, and grief.

This talk dives into how loss and trauma impacts an employee, and how we as leaders can understand what they’re going through, support them in their journey, and help them build their resilience.

Key Takeaways:

  • Defining leadership moments
  • This is our brain, on grief
  • What makes resilience, resilient?
  • The mindfulness of words and actions
  • Leading Change and Winning Over Resistance
  • Career Reinventions and Epiphanies
  • Storytelling For Leaders
  • Resolving Conflict
  • Influencing Without Authority
  • Managing Bias
  • Personal Branding
  • Negotiating Adeptly

Heidi Connal loves the adventure of change. For the last 25 years, Heidi has guided leaders and teams to navigate the organizational and emotional transformations of hyper-growth, mergers and acquisitions, corporate reorganizations, and technological reboots.

She’s a recognized global expert in team dynamics, emotional intelligence, and executive relationships, and uses her skills to build healthier, more effective and collaborative leaders within the corporate world. Says one client, “Heidi has an uncanny ability to distill elusive personal aspirations into actionable, achievable plans and certainly made me feel a newfound sense of self-efficacy and confidence.”

Heidi is known for her strategic expertise in large global enterprises. A former Salesforce Vice President, Heidi has developed leaders and teams at organizations such as the US Navy, Salesforce, Bank of America, LinkedIn, Digitas, Workday, TIAA, Capital One, Wells Fargo, PriceWaterhouseCoopers, Roblox, Logitech, Veeva, the Skoll Foundation, and Marketo.

Heidi Connal | Adversity Speaker

Heidi Connal insatiable thirst for learning and exploration began as a child of an Air Force family and later developed into a passion for travel and adventurous experiences. One snowy night, two months after returning from a year-long round-the-world trip, Heidi Connal’s husband died unexpectedly.

Faced with sudden, inconceivable grief and post-traumatic stress, Heidi transformed her heartache as a young widow into a deeper understanding of tragedy, anxiety, and trauma as an executive and leader.

An expert in leadership and change, Heidi Connal guides executives on the impacts of grief, trauma, mindfulness, and empathy on their employees, their teams, and their peers. Moving, thoughtful, and humorous, Heidi will take you on a journey of deeper insight into the human condition in the workplace.

Heidi holds an MBA in finance and marketing from NYU Stern School of Business and a bachelor’s degree in information systems from the University of Virginia. Heidi is a certified executive coach through the Berkeley Executive Coaching Institute.

Contact us at Speakers Inc and follow us on Twitter

Interest to Book? Send us your enquiry

Speaker Contact Form

Enquiry Form

**Summary of User Reviews:**

This workshop has received high praise for its targeted focus on specific outcomes that directly contribute to job success. Attendees, such as a Technology Partnerships Executive, appreciate the practical skills and insights gained, which are seen as highly beneficial for their professional development. However, no weaknesses or areas for improvement were mentioned in the review provided.

**Overview:**
A highly effective workshop that prioritizes tangible outcomes for career advancement, making it a valuable experience for professionals seeking to enhance their skills.

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!

View further speakers

  • (37)
Mike Staver

Mike Staver, CEO of The Staver Group, has earned a reputation as a bold, no-nonsense leadership coach who inspires change and growth in leaders across various industries. Often referred to as a “rebel with a cause,” Mike challenges leaders to confront their realities and face their fears head-on. He helps them take decisive action, enabling […]

  • Travels from: Fountain Hills, AZ
  • Leadership Speakers
  • (67)
Shelmina Babai Abji

Shelmina Babai Abji is a TEDx speaker, board member, former vice president at IBM, and an angel investor. She started her career as a software engineer and then moved into sales and sales leadership, leading global teams to deliver over $1B in annual revenues and serving as a key decision-maker in hiring and promoting hundreds of […]

  • Travels from: Seattle, WA
  • Leadership Speakers
  • (34)
  • (3)
Robb Holman - Inside Out Leadership

Robb Holman is a globally renowned expert in personal transformation and the driving force behind the Inside Out Leadership philosophy. As a highly sought-after keynote speaker and best-selling author of four books, Robb has shared the stage with some of the most influential leaders of our time. As the CEO of Holman International, a leading […]

  • Travels from: West Chester, PA
  • Leadership Speakers
  • (29)
Dima Ghawi Headshot

Dima Ghawi is a Jordanian American award-winning author, leadership keynote speaker, and executive coach. She is the founder of a global talent development company dedicated to advancing individuals in leadership. Through her compelling storytelling and insightful presentations, Dima empowers professionals worldwide to shatter limitations and embrace their full potential. Born in Ankara, Turkey, and raised […]

  • Travels from: Baton Rouge, LA
  • Leadership Speakers
  • (38)
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
  • (96)
Satcha Pretto

Satcha Pretto stands as a beacon of excellence, a seasoned anchor whose presence illuminates the screens of millions across the globe. With a career spanning over two decades, Pretto has solidified her place as one of the most respected and admired personalities in broadcast journalism, particularly as an anchor for “Despierta América” on Televisa Univision. […]

  • Travels from: Miami, FL
  • Business Emcees
  • (86)
Dr. Rebecca Heiss - Image 05 (January 23, 2026)

Dr. Rebecca Heiss is a highly sought-after keynote speaker, author, and expert in evolutionary biology who brings a fresh and dynamic perspective to leadership, communication, and workplace culture. With a background in research and a passion for making science accessible and applicable to everyone, Dr. Heiss is on a mission to empower organizations to thrive […]

  • Travels from: Greenville, SC
  • Workplace Wellness
  • (26)
Chelsea Miller - Image 04 (February 2, 2026)

Chelsea Miller stands at the forefront of the racial justice movement as a visionary keynote speaker, educator, and advocate. Known for her impassioned approach to speaking, Chelsea has become a prominent voice in social justice, particularly in Black racial justice. She leverages her experiences, academic background, and deep commitment to advancing equity, inspiring individuals and […]

  • Travels from: New York, NY
  • Social Justice
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.