an inspiring, uplifting speaker!

With her message of connection and compassion for all, Sally is an in-demand speaker at college campuses, business conferences and leadership workshops worldwide.  In fun and informative talks filled with powerful personal stories and mind-blowing research, Sally helps teams and communities move past conflict to find their common ground.  She leaves audiences feeling more empowered, hopeful and inspired.

And yes, Sally is currently booking virtual speeches, hosting gigs and discussion panels — as well as selected in-person events provided strict adherence to Covid-19 health and safety protocols.

Sally's latest TED talk

watch speaking highlights

sample recent speeches

European Association for International Education, 2018

Muse Conference, 2018

popular topics

PUBLIC SPEAKING 101

How can you be a more compelling, charismatic speaker? How can you better communicate your goals, whether small group presentations, sales pitches or job interviews? In this popular workshop for college students and business groups alike, Sally shares a digested version of the public speaking training she provides for top business executives, political candidates and TED speakers. For small audiences or thousands, Sally will take your group through an interactive, entertaining public speaking workshop that will leave everyone feeling skilled up to be their best selves on any stage.

HOW TO TALK TO PEOPLE YOU DISAGREE WITH

Just because our politics these days are disagreeable and divided doesn’t mean we need to be, too. Plus the only way we’re going to change the minds of others is by listening and engaging with a truly open mind ourselves. But from the workplace to extended families to everything in between, politics keeps coming between us and shaping our interactions. How can you get along with people you don’t agree with — and maybe even start to build common ground? In this popular talk with business audiences and other change makers, Sally goes beyond the diversity and inclusion rhetoric to talk about real tools for effective, compassionate conversations.

HOW TO CHANGE THE WORLD BY BEING THE CHANGE

In this popular talk for college and high school audiences, Sally shares the stories from her youth that help shape the person she is today. From being a bully in elementary school to coming out in high school, Sally connects narratives of personal transformation to the desire to transform the world — and shows how because we can all change for the better, the world can change for the better. And each of us has a vital part to play that change. This inspirational talk challenges every young person in the audience to change the world for the better — and not to wait until they’re older, but start being part of that change today.

graphic representation by Johnine Byrne