Speaking

I’m based in the Raleigh–Durham–Chapel Hill area of North Carolina, right in the heart of the Research Triangle, and I’ve delivered talks to participants across the US, the UK, and beyond.

Event planners often worry that a speaker’s location could limit options or drive up costs. That’s why I make travel and delivery straightforward: no matter where your event is located, I handle the logistics with the same calm, aviation-tested precision I bring to every stage.

(See also: "What’s your travel expenses policy?" and "How do you handle last-minute surprises?")

My speaking fee is flexible and tailored to your event, because every audience, format, and goal is different. Instead of preset price tags, we start with your objectives and design a package that delivers measurable impact for your aviation organization.

Event planners can be concerned about hidden costs or inflexible pricing. To remove that pressure, I base my fee on clear factors such as event size and scope, the level of customization and prep required, and any add-ons like Q&A sessions, panels, or workshops.

I also account for travel logistics, which are explained in "What’s your travel expenses policy?"

(Related: "Do you require a deposit to hold a date? and "Do you speak pro bono?")

I know that many events operate without a speaker budget, so I’m open to creative, mutually beneficial arrangements.

Introductions to industry leaders, travel and accommodations for destination speaking opportunities, sponsorships, or other creative collaborations can all make sense. 

(See also: "What's your speaking fee?" and "Do you require a deposit to hold a date?")

Travel is straightforward and predictable. If travel expenses are included and I have to fly to an event, I prefer to be seated in business class so I can arrive rested, focused, and ready to deliver real value for your audience.

I don’t need luxury accommodations; just a clean, quiet, safe hotel near the venue and reasonable ground transport. All other expenses can follow your organization’s per diem policy or be submitted with receipts.

I keep everything transparent so there are no shocks to your budget. My schedule is flexible; early-morning or red-eye flights are fine if it helps reduce costs. We’ll confirm all details in advance to keep the process smooth and fair.

And of course, I'm always open to negotiation for the right event and audience.

(Related: "What's your speaking fee?" and "Do you speak pro bono?")

If a speaking fee applies, a non-refundable 30% deposit secures your event date and locks it into my calendar. The remaining balance is typically due 14 days before the event, unless we agree on different timing.

I understand that the idea of putting down a deposit can feel risky, but this policy actually protects both of us, because it guarantees your date and it ensures that I can focus my time and preparation exclusively on your event.

If plans change, I’m happy to apply the deposit to a rescheduled date as long as we work it out in good faith and with reasonable notice.

(For related details on budgeting and risk-free planning, see: "What's your speaking fee?" and "What's your travel expenses policy?")

Unexpected changes don’t rattle me. Aviation teaches you to plan thoroughly, adapt quickly, and stay calm under pressure, and I bring the same mindset to every event.

Here’s how that plays out when things don’t go as planned:

●  I arrive early. If travel’s involved, I build in buffer time so I’m rested, ready, and not in transit when I should be on stage.

●  I adapt on the fly. Need me to go longer, shorter, or shift the focus midstream? No problem. I stay aligned with your event goals while adjusting in real time.

●  I keep things grounded, even if the tech crashes. (Because if it hasn’t yet, it will.) If the mic dies or slides disappear, I carry on, because my interactive, story-driven style connects without relying on slides.

●  I bring grace and humor. Unscripted moments aren’t disruptions; they’re chances to show flexibility and keep the audience engaged.

●  I reschedule if needed. If your event is postponed, we’ll find a new date and work out a fair solution.

(See also: "What’s your travel expenses policy?" and "Do you require a deposit to hold a date?")

I focus on events where leaders need to understand why their communication systems aren't surfacing the truth, especially in high-stakes industries where escalation matters.

My primary areas of interest are conferences, in-house events, and summits that bring together operational leaders, safety professionals, and executives who recognize that systems alone don't move critical information.

Formats can include keynotes, workshops,  breakouts, executive roundtables, and strategic facilitation sessions designed to help leaders shift how they think about escalation, communication safety, and the measurable indicators that show when a system is actually working.

I can also work with organizations for strategic facilitation, panel moderation, and custom presentations tailored to their specific challenges.

Each session is built around real organizational problems, not theory. The goal is clarity: helping leaders see the gaps in their communication systems before risk compounds.

(For related details on preparation and delivery, see "What's your process for preparing for an event? and "How do you handle last-minute surprises?")

When your event succeeds, we both succeed, so I’m happy to support attendance goals in ways that make sense for my role and my brand.

Here’s how I can help you build visibility and engagement:

● Promotional video. I can record a short, professional invite video to generate buzz and give potential attendees a reason to show up.

● Collaborative content. Need a quote, blog blurb, or podcast interview to position the event? Just say the word.

● On-site engagement. I’ll be present, accessible, and fully engaged with attendees before and after I speak to keep momentum high.

(For related details on preparation and day-of flexibility, see "What's your process for preparing for an event?" and "How do you handle last-minute surprises?")

I prepare for every talk the way I prepared for every flight: I plan thoroughly, execute with precision, and stay ready to adapt.

Here’s how that looks in practice:

Pre-Event Prep:

● Speaker Alignment Call. We clarify your audience, goals, and key challenges so the talk is built for your event.

● Industry-focused research. I dive into current issues in your sector to speak your language and address real concerns.

● Tailored content. I weave in relevant case studies and stories so the session feels custom-made, not canned.

Talk Development & Delivery:

● Interactive design. Questions, stories, and real-world scenarios keep people engaged and thinking.

● Clean visuals. Slides, if used, stay simple and focused, never a distraction.

● Early arrival & tech check. I arrive early, meet your AV team, and handle setup so there are no surprises.

Post-Event Support:

● Follow-up options. Q&A, panels, or action-oriented handouts can keep momentum high if desired.

(For related details, see "How do you handle last-minute surprises?" and "Can you help us increase attendance?")

My priority on stage is to serve, not to sell.

When I’m speaking at your event, I’m there to deliver actionable insights, spark meaningful change, and elevate the experience for your audience, not to pitch programs or promote services.

If attendees want to stay connected afterward or explore additional consulting, I’m always happy to provide those details—but only by request or with your approval. I’ll never promote from the stage unless you’ve asked me to include specific resources as part of the event experience.

(For related details on how I keep the spotlight on your audience—not on selling—see "What's your speaking fee?")

Your attendees will hear something many speakers don't offer: clarity about why their communication systems aren't working the way they should; the truth about why adding more systems or procedures won't fix the problems; and practical ideas about what to do instead.

(For related details on how I keep engagements cost-predictable and low-risk, see "What's your speaking fee?", "Do you require a deposit to hold a date?")

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