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MOVING AUDIENCES AND CHANGING LIVES AROUND THE GLOBE INCLUDING:
I don't just inspire, I equip
I help leaders and teams uncover the hidden patterns driving behavior under pressure—and show them how to shift those patterns for sustainable results. Audiences leave with tools they can implement Monday morning.
I reveal what's actually happening beneath the surface:
✓ Why the survival patterns running in the background aren’t weaknesses—they’re the nervous system’s way of keeping people safe under pressure.
✓ How "difficult behaviors" are actually dysregulation in disguise—and what brain-based approaches work to transform them
✓ What "shock absorbers" organizations can implement immediately to help employees stay regulated under pressure
✓ Why nervous system regulation isn't just fluffy well-being jargon—it's your competitive advantage that drives innovation, collaboration, and psychological safety
You’re one of the best in the business Vanessa!
I love that it’s not your typical leadership talk, it’s the talk we all actually need to hear!
Morgan Schmall- Director Of Operations at Women Lead Change
Rave Reviews:
Keynotes
Most Requested Keynotes
Success Without
Survival Mode
Moving High Performers from Exhaustion to Sustainable Excellence
Burnout isn’t the problem. What drives it is—and that’s what Vanessa reveals.
This isn’t another burnout talk. Leaders and organizations already know about boundaries, self-care, and saying no—but they’re still answering emails at midnight and calling it dedication.
Vanessa McNeal helps audiences get to the root of their survival patterns by uncovering the core questions driving their behavior—and guiding them to discover new empowering questions that spark authenticity, alignment, and sustained high performance.
Through a brain-based framework, she teaches audiences how to recognize stress and survival patterns in real time and shift them into energy, focus, innovation, and deeper connection. Packed with practical tools and inspiring stories, this keynote equips participants to perform at their best without burning out while strengthening self-awareness and leadership.
A Brain-Based Approach to Transforming "Difficult" Relationships
Rewiring Workplace Relationships:
What if there are no “difficult people”—only dysregulated people navigating the pressures of a fast-paced, ever-changing world?
What if the key to stronger collaboration, compassion, and trust is looking beyond surface-level judgments to understand why people show up the way they do?
In this keynote, Vanessa McNeal shows how to recognize dysregulation in real time, regulate your own responses, and shift interactions from reactivity to connection. When teams are more regulated, they don’t just reduce conflict—they innovate faster, strengthen relationships, and perform at a higher level.
This practical, human-centered approach equips leaders and teams to build healthier cultures, improve collaboration, and achieve meaningful results—all at the same time.
SOLUTIONS FOR WELL-BEING IN THE WORKPLACE
Becoming that organization:
Creating a workplace everyone wants to join
Great cultures aren’t built on perks, policies, or performance slogans—they’re built on how safe people feel, how supported they are under pressure, and how intentionally leadership designs the environment. In Becoming THAT Organization, Vanessa McNeal reframes workplace well-being as cultural infrastructure, showing leaders how to create organizations that are magnetic by nature—rooted in trust, regulation, compassion, and accountability. This keynote isn’t about fixing burnout; it’s about building cultures where people want to stay, grow, and contribute—because when organizations are designed around human capacity instead of constant output, engagement rises, loyalty deepens, and performance becomes sustainable.
CONNECT TO YOUR POWER
The Readiness Myth
You’ve been waiting to feel ready—ready to take that leap, launch that idea, or claim the success you’ve earned. But what if the very feeling of readiness you’re chasing is what’s keeping you stuck?In this eye-opening keynote, Vanessa McNeal reveals why your brain keeps you waiting in the wings and how invisible survival patterns quietly sabotage your potential. Blending neuroscience, compassionate insight, and real talk about the inner game we all play, she shows audiences how to recognize these hidden patterns and shift them.You’ll walk away with a radically different relationship to readiness, feeling lighter, more connected to your authentic power, and fully equipped to move forward—without waiting for permission from anyone else.
OVERCOMING ADVERSITY
Can’t climb a smooth mountain
Vanessa McNeal knows that the most meaningful growth comes from tackling challenges that feel insurmountable. From childhood abuse and adversity to becoming a first-generation high school and college graduate, she has faced obstacles that could have stopped her—but instead became the foundation for her growth, success, and magnetism. After all, you can’t climb a smooth mountain—the hardest paths shape the strongest leaders.
In this keynote, Vanessa blends personal storytelling with actionable insight, showing audiences how to navigate setbacks, strengthen resilience, and make empowered choices—even when the climb feels steep. Attendees leave with practical tools to overcome obstacles, build self-trust, and step confidently into their next level of impact, whether in work, leadership, or life.
Why hire Vanessa?
Vanessa has a unique way of making complex human challenges easy to understand and practical to change. She helps people see what’s really driving their reactions, stress, and behavior—and gives them tools they can actually use.
What sets her apart is how she shows up: with warmth, honesty, and deep relatability. People feel safe, seen, and understood in her presence, which creates real openness and real transformation.
Audiences don’t just leave inspired—they leave clearer, more connected, and equipped with tools they can use immediately at work and in life.
real clients. real results.
real clients. real results.
"Her keynote address was a highlight of the year."
Her keynote address was a highlight of the year—raw, real, and deeply resonant. She brought not only her extraordinary story, but also the tools, empathy, and strength to help the audience step into their own narratives with confidence and purpose. Students and staff alike were moved to tears, inspired to dream bigger, and empowered to believe in their own resilience.
Vanessa is more than a speaker—she’s a catalyst for transformation. Her lived experience, academic grounding, and unmatched presence make her a powerful force for good.
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booking Vanessa is a simple 3 step process:
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SCHEDULE AN EVENT DATE
Work with our experienced team to check Vanessa’s availability. We book Vanessa out months in advance so this important first step should be done as soon as possible!
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RESEARCH & CUSTOMIZE
Vanessa and her team collaborate closely with you to understand your organization's vision, goals, and aspirations. Through a series of strategic calls, we gather crucial insights to empower Vanessa in customizing the talk specifically for your audience and event, ensuring a uniquely tailored and impactful experience.
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VANESSA CRUSHES THE EVENT
Vanessa doesn't just deliver a keynote; she orchestrates an immersive, inspiring experience for your audience. Beyond inspiration, she brings game-changing strategies and unforgettable narratives that will not only transform your culture but leave a lasting imprint on engagement, connection, and profits for years to come.
Looking for an engaging, impactful and relatable speaker? Interested in exploring meaningful collaboration opportunities? I’m excited to connect and bring your vision to life—let’s make something incredible happen!
Vanessa
contact
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