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MOVING AUDIENCES AND CHANGING LIVES AROUND THE GLOBE INCLUDING:
Vanessa brings a neuroscience-backed approach to wellbeing, drawing from her Master's in Social Work and expertise in how the brain and nervous system impact how we show up in the world. Her talks weaves together emotional intelligence, effective communication, and relatable stories helping individuals and teams understand the connection between their inner state and outer results.
In addition to her signature keynote talks, she offers tailored workshops, lunch and learns, trainings.
Signature Talks
signature talks
LEADING FROM WITHIN
Success Without
Survival Mode
You don't burn out because you're weak—you burn out because you've been wired for survival, not fulfillment. Beneath the polished success and productivity lies a hidden pattern—one shaped by early experiences of stress, safety, and self-worth. These unconscious habits silently drive how you lead, relate, perform, and recover.As high achievers, we're taught to rely on strategy and willpower—but often, it's our nervous system that's really in control.
In this powerful talk, Vanessa McNeal reveals how perfectionism, people-pleasing, and internalized pressure keep high performers stuck on autopilot—and how to finally break free. Blending neuroscience, client stories, and compelling examples, she offers a new way to understand stress and practical tools to help you rewire your inner world. You'll walk away with a deeper understanding of your nervous system and the ability to shift from high-functioning survival to aligned, empowered leadership
A Brain-Based Approach to Leading Difficult Team Members
Rewiring Workplace Relationships:
Every leader faces the challenge of working with team members who seem resistant, disruptive, or simply "difficult." But what if the issue isn't about changing them—it's about understanding what drives these behaviors and creating the safety that transforms team dynamics?
This isn't your typical conflict resolution talk. Using a holistic, neuroscience-backed approach, you'll discover how stress responses and unmet psychological needs manifest as "difficult" behaviors and learn to shift from reactive management to responsive leadership that creates lasting behavioral change. This talk combines neuroscience, trauma-informed care, and emotional intelligence to revolutionize how you approach difficult team relationships.
(Presented as a keynote or a training)
SOLUTIONS FOR WELL-BEING IN THE WORKPLACE
Becoming that organization:
the 3 Keys to creating a workplace everyone wants to join
In an era where 92% of employees prioritize their emotional and psychological well-being, the question isn't just why—it's how. What transforms a good workplace into THAT organization—the one everyone dreams of joining and no one wants to leave? This powerful keynote provides leaders with a science-backed framework for creating magnetic organizational cultures. Through Vanessa's innovative Nervous System Ladder™ methodology and proven strategies, discover how to create an environment where people thrive. Organizations implementing these practical tools have seen significant increases in engagement, performance, and loyalty—and that's exactly what Vanessa wants for you.
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 that feeling of readiness you're chasing is actually the very thing keeping you stuck? Your biggest competition isn't in the marketplace, it's in your mind, where invisible forces quietly sabotage your potential before you even step into the arena. In this eye-opening keynote, you'll discover the surprising science behind why your brain keeps you waiting in the wings and learn to recognize the hidden patterns that masquerade as wisdom but are actually rooted in outdated survival mechanisms. Through a blend of neuroscience, compassionate insight, and real talk about the inner game we all play, you'll walk away with a radically different relationship to readiness itself—feeling lighter, more connected to your authentic power, and equipped with the permission you've been waiting for someone else to give you.
OVERCOMING ADVERSITY
Can’t climb a smooth mountain
What if your greatest obstacles became your most powerful stepping stones? In this compelling keynote, Vanessa shares her remarkable journey from childhood adversity to professional triumph, weaving together raw personal storytelling with powerful insights about human resilience. Through her gripping narrative of overcoming generational barriers, surviving abuse, and becoming a first-generation high school graduate, Vanessa demonstrates how life's steepest climbs often lead to our greatest breakthroughs. She reveals to audiences how every setback became a foothold for future success. This isn't just a story of survival; it's a masterclass in transforming life's greatest challenges into catalysts for extraordinary growth.
meet your guide
Vanessa McNeal is more than a speaker—she’s a catalyst for change. With a gift for storytelling and a magnetic presence, she creates unforgettable experiences that move audiences to think bigger, push past limitations, and take action. From corporate teams and universities to conferences, Vanessa goes beyond delivering a speech and sparks total transformation.
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Blending authenticity, humor, and powerful insights, she connects with audiences on a deep level, leaving them inspired and armed with real tools to create impact. If you're looking for a speaker who will energize, challenge, and empower your audience, you've found her.
speaker. coach. and transformation agent.
2x
TEDX SPEAKER
150k
ONLINE COMMUNITY
2k
PODCAST DOWNLOADS
150+
COACHING CLIENTS
real clients. real results.
real clients. real results.
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"She digs deep to pull out your potential."
I really enjoyed Vanessa’s talk. One of the things that sets her apart is the level of engagement she creates. She digs deep to pull out your potential. After attending her talk I have true clarity on my next moves to get unstuck. I am now on a path that will be life changing.
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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
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