Developing Self-Aware Leaders & High-Performing Teams to Drive Business Results
The expert keynote speakers from the Simmons Leadership Institute bring decades of global experience helping organizations unlock the power of self-aware leadership and build high-performing, engaged teams. Our work is grounded in practical strategies that accelerate business performance by strengthening leadership at every level.
Available for in-person or virtual delivery, our dynamic, action-oriented keynotes spark energy and alignment around the leadership behaviors that drive real results. Many organizations use our keynotes to launch or amplify leadership development initiatives—fueling transformation, inspiring commitment, and creating lasting impact.
Fostering cultures of accountability
What every leader can do to build a team, and a culture that is feedback-rich, respectful, and productive.
Best practices for women leaders to thrive
Practices that will help your workforce understand and leverage their unique personal powers to thrive.
Creating a more engaged, inclusive workforce
Strengthen cohesion and create an environment where the best people want to join, stay and engage.
Tailored for your organizational needs
We partner with you to address critical topics to move your organizational objectives forward.
Trusted by
Susan MacKenty Brady
Susan
is a globally renowned expert on inclusion, best self leadership, and women’s leadership. She has keynoted or consulted at over 500 organizations worldwide.
“Susan is high energy and high impact! Not afraid to challenge, she skillfully brings people along on a journey of self-discovery. You leave any time spent with Susan feeling inspired to do more and be even better.”
See Susan in Action
In this 2 minute video, hear how Institute partners Intuitive Surgical, John Hancock, and Moet Hennessy leverage Susan’s keynotes to ignite action in their organizations.
Susan's Keynotes
Igniting Leadership Performance from the Inside Out
How Self-Awareness, Resilience & Presence Drive Results
What drives high-performing leaders isn’t just skill—it’s how they show up under pressure. In this compelling keynote, leadership expert Susan MacKenty Brady delivers a fresh, business-grounded approach to building the leadership core: self-awareness, composure, and clarity. Drawing from decades of experience and research, Susan shares practical tools leaders can use immediately to elevate their personal effectiveness, strengthen relationships, and lead with greater purpose and precision—especially when the stakes are high.
Navigating Conflict with Confidence
Turning Tension into Trust, Accountability & Progress
Conflict is inevitable—but dysfunction is optional. In this practical and inspiring keynote, Susan MacKenty Brady reframes conflict as a strategic leadership skill. She shares a proven approach for addressing tension with clarity, curiosity, and confidence—before it derails performance or culture. Whether you’re leading a team, managing cross-functional friction, or navigating change, you’ll gain tools to foster productive dialogue, restore alignment, and move forward stronger than before.
The Power of Authentic Presence
Lead with Credibility, Confidence & Clarity—In Every Room You’re In
In today’s complex workplace, it’s not just what you know—it’s how you show up. This keynote dives into the mindset and mechanics of executive presence, offering a modern, research-informed approach that goes far beyond posture and polish. Susan MacKenty Brady helps leaders elevate how they’re experienced by others—whether speaking up in a meeting, influencing across silos, or leading under pressure. With practical tools and an authentic tone, this session equips leaders to project confidence, build trust, and lead with lasting impact.
Book Susan to Speak at Your Next Event
Susan has been featured on ABC’s Good Morning America and has keynoted at over 500 organizations worldwide. Download Susan’s speaker kit to learn more about her work and impact.
Elisa van Dam
Elisa
has over two decades of experience working with leaders and organizations to increase their understanding and practice of inclusive leadership behaviors.
Elisa's Keynotes
Breaking Barriers with Courage: Thriving as a Woman Leader
Powered by Simmons’ best-selling book, Arrive & Thrive: 7 Impactful Practices for Women Navigating Leadership, Elisa inspires women in leadership to make an even bigger impact, and to lead by example with courage and purpose.
This content is the foundation for Leading with Impact: Essential Practices for Women, a turn-key learning experience, available as an instructor-led or self-guided leadership course.
Fostering Cultures of Belonging: The Work of the Inclusive Leader
Fostering a team culture where others feel a sense of belonging can seem daunting, and yet, when leaders don’t intentionally include others, they run the risk of unintentionally excluding.
In this practical and engaging keynote, inclusive leadership experts Elisa van Dam and Gary Bailey demystify inclusive leadership by providing a road map of 6 key practices across three levels of engagement. Increase the effectiveness and impact of the leaders in your organization and create a culture where all team members bring their best selves to work.
Ensuring the workplace works for everyone isn’t just about creating equitable shots at opportunities and advancement. To create an environment where others are inspired to give their best effort, leaders need to show up in a way that welcomes everyone on their teams, especially those who are unlike us.
This content is the foundation for Inclusive Leadership in Action, a turn-key learning experience, available as an instructor-led or self-guided leadership course.
Book Elisa to Speak at Your Next Event
Elisa has over two decades of experience working with leaders and organizations to increase their understanding and practice of inclusive leadership behaviors.
