Heather Whelpley

Keynotes and virtual events that embolden women to break free from proving, pleasing, and perfecting and rediscover their voice, take up space, and unleash their authentic leadership - and life.

Expert on

  • Motivation
  • Leadership
  • Inspirational

Fee Range

$5,000–$10,000

Travels from

MN, US

Biography

Heather Whelpley is a dynamic keynote speaker, leadership development expert, and award-winning author who equips professionals with grounded confidence—the kind of confidence that stays steady even when expectations are high, change is constant, and the pressure never seems to stop.

Through her signature Grounded Confidence framework, Heather helps audiences reconnect to the values, strengths, and purpose that anchor how they lead, communicate, and show up at work, along with neuroscience backed tools to stay effective under pressure.

When leaders operate from this grounded place, they have the hard conversations sooner instead of avoiding them. They have the courage speak up in high-stakes meetings and contribute their ideas with clarity and impact. They stay steady rather than reactive when tensions run high.

Instead of offering quick hacks or generic advice, Heather’s keynotes tackle the real barriers that quietly undermine confidence and performance—burnout, imposter syndrome, and the pressure to prove, please, and perfect. Known for her engaging and highly interactive style, she blends thought-provoking insights, relatable stories, and practical tools audiences can apply immediately.

Before stepping onto stages, Heather spent over a decade in leadership development, human resources, and change management roles at Cargill and Ameriprise. Her work took her everywhere from corporate offices to manufacturing plants across the U.S., Australia, and Latin America—and yes, she still has the steel-toed boots in her closet to prove it! Today she works with organizations and professional associations across the U.S. and around the world, including Deloitte, General Mills, and Medtronic.

Heather is the multi-award-winning author of An Overachiever’s Guide to Breaking the Rules and Grounded Wildness: Break Free from Performing Your Life and Start Living It. She holds a master’s degree in Human Resource Development from the University of Minnesota and lives in Colorado, where she spends as much time hiking and exploring the outdoors as possible.

Speaker Videos

Leading With the Power of Grounded Confidence

Everything feels louder, faster, and more uncertain than it used to – and as a leader, you’re expected to navigate it all with composure. This experiential keynote helps you reconnect to your foundation of grounded confidence and show up with what leaders need most right now: courage and curiosity. You’ll leave with a greater sense of calm, confidence, and practical ways to lead with intention and impact.

Make Your Voice Count - Grounded Confidence for Courageous Communication

Using your voice well matters more than ever right now. This keynote shows you how to tap into your grounded confidence, so you can speak up with courage and intention when it matters most. You’ll leave with actionable strategies to amplify your ideas, influence at a higher level, and make a real impact with your voice.

The Power of Grounded Confidence - Break Free from Perfect and Become Unshakable

What unspoken rules are you playing by? Do you feel like you have to say yes to everything? Aren’t allowed to make a mistake? These rules push you away from your confidence – and toward proving, pleasing, and perfecting. Walk away knowing how to break free from the rules, clarify your purpose and direction, and become unshakeable.

Imposter Syndrome - From Self-Doubt to Grounded Confidence

“I’m not ready. I just got lucky. Do I really know enough to be here?!?” These imposter thoughts influence how you show up – but they don’t have to. Learn how to quiet the inner critic, reignite your confidence, and take bold steps knowing you deserve a seat at the table.

Beyond Burnout - A New Path to Clarity, Energy, and Grounded Confidence

Massages and bubble baths are great, but they aren’t the cure to burnout. Instead of scratching the surface with temporary fixes, we’ll dive into the REAL steps to recover from burnout, reclaim your time, and increase resilience so you can truly thrive in your work and life.