Speaking

Keynotes that help leaders navigate pressure, steady their teams, and shape compassionate, resilient cultures.

These keynotes are designed for conferences and leadership events where audiences are responsible for others and need to make decisions amid uncertainty—before, during, or after crises or disruptions.

Organizations and event planners trust Manya to support audiences through the human side of disruption. These sessions translate lived experience and practical insight into steady, actionable leadership.

.

Featured Keynotes

Compassionate Leadership: Driving Growth and Well-Being

Stress and disruption change how people show up at work. This keynote gives leaders a clear path to respond with steadiness and empathy while sustaining strong performance. Audiences learn how compassionate leadership strengthens culture, improves decision-making, and supports long-term resilience.

Best for: corporate leadership, people managers, HR/people teams, mission-driven organizations

Attendees gain:

  • practices that stabilize teams during pressure
  • strategies for building trust and connection
  • a framework leaders can use immediately to strengthen culture

Unlocking Resilience: Lessons from Surviving the Boston Marathon Bombing

Surviving a mass tragedy revealed how people recover, how systems falter, and how compassionate leadership shapes healing. This keynote offers grounded insight for high-pressure professions and teams exposed to crisis, stress, or emotionally demanding work.

Best for: public safety, emergency management, healthcare, educators, corporate crisis teams

Attendees gain:

  • a deeper understanding of invisible emotional wounds
  • tools to support colleagues after disruptive events
  • renewed clarity about what meaningful resilience requires

Compassionate Leadership After Crisis

Operations may return to normal long before people do. This keynote helps leaders understand the emotional and cognitive realities of post-crisis recovery and offers clear guidance on communication, expectations, and culture rebuilding.

Best for: organizations recovering from layoffs, disasters, leadership transitions, or community-level crises

Attendees gain:

  • insight into common post-crisis reactions
  • communication practices that steady teams
  • steps to create conditions where recovery and performance can rebuild

Trusted By

A selection of organizations that have partnered with Manya

  • SXSW
  • TEDx Northeastern
  • National Homeland Security Conference
  • International Association of Emergency Managers
  • International Critical Incident Stress Foundation
  • Pennsylvania Governor’s Office of Homeland Security
  • Minnesota Department of Public Health
  • State of Minnesota Department of Public Safety
  • Association for Talent Development
  • Public Sector HR Association
  • Human Resources Association of Treasure Valley

What Audiences Say

“Manya’s message and example of leadership and compassion in the face of real adversity was impactful. She changed our way of thinking about leadership—changed us as professionals and as persons for the better.”
Bruce Dutra, Secretary and Chair, Programs Committee, Human Resources Association of Southern New Jersey

What Event Planners Can Expect

  • collaboration to align with your audience and event goals
  • content shaped for your audience’s exposure to stress or disruption
  • a grounded, steady presence equipped for sensitive topics
  • actionable takeaways participants can use immediately
  • participation in the full event day (keynote, plus any additional panels, fireside chats, or breakout sessions you request)
  • all travel expenses are included for straightforward planning

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is your speaking fee?

Fees vary by event size, industry, format, and timing. Keynotes typically range from $10,000–$25,000, and all travel expenses are included. For an exact quote, contact me to discuss. You’ll receive a response within two business days.

Will you participate in more than the keynote?
Yes. When requested, Manya participates in panels, fireside chats, or breakout sessions in addition to the keynote.
Do you ever speak for free?
Yes. I consider free or reduced-fee engagements on a limited basis for mission-aligned organizations.
What do you need for the technical setup?
A standard AV setup is ideal: projector or screen and a microphone. I can present using my own MacBook or your computer, depending on what fits your setup. I work with your team to schedule a brief tech check before the session to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Ready to hold a date or start a conversation?