Biography
Blythe McGarvie has served on 8 public corporate boards, currently serving as a member of the boards of directors of Apple Hospitality REIT, Sonoco, LKQ and privately-held Wawa. She was the Audit Committee Chair for Accenture for ten years after the company went public, Viacom, and Pepsi Bottling Group. She currently chairs one Audit and other committees including Nominating and Governance, Financial Policy, and Finance. She also served on the board of Travelers and LaFarge NA. In 2018, she served as a Commissioner for the NACD’s Blue Ribbon Commission initiative focused on adaptive governance: to better assess and respond to complex, difficult-to-identify risks that would have a profound economic, operational, and/or reputational effect. In 2019, Blythe earned the CERT Certificate in Cybersecurity Oversight and presented Corporate Governance topics to various audiences, including PCAOB and Board Member conferences. She is a financial expert after years as a CFO at public companies and ran LIF Group, offering a global perspective for clients seeking profitable growth. She taught full-time in the accounting and management unit at Harvard Business School (HBS) for two years. In 2018, Women Inc. named her as a 2018 Most Influential Director. In 2012, 2010, and 2008, NACD/Directorship selected Blythe as one of the Top 100 “Most Renowned and Influentials” in corporate governance. Prior to leading LIF Group, Blythe served as Chief Financial Officer based in Paris and transformed the global technology capabilities of BIC Group, a French company traded on the Euronext. She was a pioneering Chief Financial Officer at Hannaford Bros. Co. as one of only ten female CFOs in the Fortune 500 in 1995 for 5 years until selling the company. She has also served as chief administrative officer – Pacific Rim for Sara Lee Corporation where she had responsibility for growing the business through acquisitions, improving the information technology and finance processes, and hiring leaders in the region. Blythe is a certified public accountant (CPA). She earned an MBA from Northwestern University’s J.L. Kellogg Graduate School of Management, which selected her for the Schaffner Award, presented annually to an alumnus who is preeminent in his or her field and who provided outstanding service to Kellogg. Her bestselling book, Shaking the Globe, subtitled Courageous Decision-Making in a Changing World (published by John Wiley & Sons in 2009) provides entrepreneurs and executives with research and action ideas to overcome obstacles in a competitive and interconnected world. She is the author of Fit In Stand Out, subtitled Mastering the FISO Factor: The Key to Leadership Effectiveness in Business and Life (published by McGraw-Hill in 2005).
Speech Topics
Global Citizenship: Succeeding in a New Culture
Two-thirds of the world's purchasing power and 95% of the world's consumers reside outside US national borders. The top 25 US companies made 43% of their revenues abroad in 2004. Leaders must learn how to take advantage of this increasing globalization. Understanding the truth about American jobs and who are the business winners and losers will allow executives to navigate their careers and their company.
Financial Accuity Matters
Finance is the language of business, in any industry. You can turn opportunity into strategic insight if you have financial acuity. Clearly, this is an under-developed skill given the financial scandals and disruptions of recent times. Keying into Google the phrase "financial scandals" yields 175,000 hits; the word "bankruptcies" yields 500,000 hits; and "accounting fraud" yields nearly 1 million hits. You must know what attributes define a company that will sustain profitable growth and be a great place to invest your time or your money. You must develop your own financial acuity even if your job is in marketing, operations, sales, or human resources if you want to thrive in business today.
Courageous Decision-Making
Many Americans fear that the global economy will cost them their jobs and purchasing power and that, in turn, will force a reconsideration of American values. It is one thing to lose jobs to Indochina because employers located there can hire 14-year old children and women cheaply, provide no health care, avoid safe workplace standards, hire and fire at will, and face no liability for environmental depredation. Yet, it is another to consider a twenty-first century America that must scale back its labor practices and deregulate to make America competitive once again. These fears are based on legitimate concerns but McGarvie's goal is to lessen them and the reactionary protectionist policies they engender, by demonstrating that global business changes offers opportunities to Americans. At this seminar, McGarvie shows the six stops to connect the globe in a changing world; illustrates how business can redefine success in an interconnected world; and how to make better decisions by using untapped resources and fostering the entrepreneurial spirit in organizations of any size.
Videos
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I check Blythe J. McGarvie's availability or request a quote?
You can inquire about Blythe J. McGarvie's availability or get a customized quote by contacting Key Speakers directly. Our team will help you determine fit, logistics, and budget options for your upcoming event.What is Blythe J. McGarvie's speaking fee?
The typical range for Blythe J. McGarvie's speaking fee is $12,000–$20,000. The low end of the fee range represents their standard virtual fee. The high end of the fee range represents their standard fee for a US-based in-person speaking engagement. Appearances which require an extended schedule of activities or international travel will possibly exceed this fee range. Speaker fees update frequently. To receive a personalized quote for Blythe J. McGarvie to speak at your event, please consult with a Key Speakers advisor for up to date information and assistance.What factors influence the speaker's fee?
Other factors that influence a keynote speaker's fee include their reputation, expertise, demand, experience, duration of the presentation, travel requirements for the event location, and any additional services, activities or customization options they offer.Are travel expenses included in the speaker's fee?
Travel expenses are typically not included in the listed speaker's fee and are quoted separately. If the speaker needs to travel internationally, fees will be higher. These expenses may include airfare, accommodation, ground transportation at home and in the event city, and meals. We can provide more detailed information about travel expenses and arrangements once you've selected a speaker.How do I book Blythe J. McGarvie for my event?
The speaker booking process typically involves the following steps: contact Key Speakers to confirm Blythe J. McGarvie's availability, fees, and any unique requirements (we can also help negotiate fees and terms); submit a firm offer to extend the invite to your speaker, with the details used to create an agreement once the speaker accepts; coordinate and finalize the terms of the booking, including contract terms and conditions; and confirm the booking by signing the contract and making the necessary payments.What types of events do keynote speakers typically speak at?
Keynote speakers can speak at a wide range of events, virtual or in person, including conferences, corporate meetings, industry conventions, seminars, workshops, fundraising galas, educational programs, and other special occasions where an inspirational or informative address is desired.How do I select the right keynote speaker for my event?
When selecting a keynote speaker, consider the following factors: the speaker's expertise and knowledge relevant to your event's theme or industry; their speaking style, ability to engage the audience, and deliver impactful messages; past client testimonials, reviews, or references; and the speaker's availability and fee within your budget.What are the payment terms and conditions?
A deposit is required upon signing the contract, with the remaining balance due 2–4 weeks before the event. If the event is taking place within 30 days, the full balance is due upon signing.How far in advance should I book a keynote speaker?
It is generally advisable to book a keynote speaker as early as possible, especially if you have a specific speaker in mind or if your event is during a peak season holiday. Ideally, booking a speaker three to six months in advance can increase the chances of securing your desired speaker.Can you help me with the logistics and technical requirements for the speaker's presentation?
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Keynote speakers may have specific requirements or accommodations that need to be considered, such as travel arrangements, accommodation preferences, dietary restrictions, or accessibility needs. Some speakers have a performance rider we include in the contract, others have minimal requirements.Do keynote speakers offer customization options for their presentations?
Yes, many keynote speakers offer customization options for their presentations. They can tailor their content, examples, or case studies to align with your event's theme, industry, or specific audience. Discuss your customization needs with us so we can guide you accordingly.Can the speaker participate in pre-event activities such as panel discussions or Q&A sessions?
Some keynote speakers are open to participating in pre-event activities such as panel discussions, Q&A sessions, or meet-and-greet sessions. Please share your specific requirements with us during the firm offer phase, so we can work on getting you everything you need.How long is a typical keynote speech?
The duration of a standard keynote speech can vary depending on the speaker and the event's schedule. Typically, keynote speeches range from 30 minutes to 90 minutes, including any Q&A sessions or interactive elements. Some speakers can accommodate half or full day sessions and extended keynotes. Discuss the desired duration with your representative to determine the appropriate length for participation.Can I provide feedback or reviews about the speaker's performance?
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Often, yes. It's worth inquiring about such possibilities with your Key Speakers representative to explore any available cost-savings options.Why book Blythe J. McGarvie through Key Speakers?
We provide a comprehensive service that takes the guesswork out of hiring a speaker — from speaker selection to logistics to post-event feedback. We know you have lots of responsibilities on top of finding and coordinating event speakers, so having a committed and proactive partner on your side that is an expert with the talent booking process is crucial. Every time you book a speaker with Key, your dedicated events manager will support you throughout the entire planning process. We help you negotiate contractual details such as speaker fees and travel terms so that you end up with the most favorable deal. With our highly communicative booking and proposal model, you'll never be left in the dark with the status of your speaker. To put it simply, Key Speakers is your one-stop resource for finding, booking and managing speakers for your event.
Speakers Like Blythe J. McGarvie
Robin Fisher Roffer
From Microsoft, Mattel and Walmart to the Wharton School of Business, Robin’s captivating keynote presentations have touched thousands. Building on material from her critically acclaimed books: Make A Name For Yourself, The Fearless Fish Out of Water and Your No Fear Career, Robin reveals the secrets to building an unforgettable personal brand and inspires professionals to become courageous leaders by embracing their uniqueness, focusing on their strengths, and working with greater authenticity to gain influence. As the only career reinvention experts on the front lines of business, Big Fish provides tools to help executives market themselves for success, so they can connect faster, easier and more meaningfully with their target audience, advance their career, and make more money.
Fee Range: $10,000–$15,000
Travels From: NM
Amy Vetter
Amy Vetter is an expert on authentic leadership and putting the soul back into business. She’s a transformational keynote and TEDx speaker and the creator of the B3 Method for developing work-life harmony. Amy is also an accomplished CPA and recognized as one of the Most Powerful Women in Accounting. She regularly contributes her business insights to Inc, Entrepreneur, Accounting Today and CPA Practice Advisor. Over the past 25-plus years, Amy has become a well-known advocate and evangelist for leadership, entrepreneurship, and the accounting profession. Through her expertise on these topics, Amy has inspired audiences as a keynote speaker on: authentic leadership, work-life balance, productivity, women’s leadership and empowerment, entrepreneurship, technology and innovation, and the future of accounting and financial advisory services.
Fee Range: $8,000–$12,500
Travels From: OH
Jackie Freiberg
One of the world’s leading speakers and authorities on Courageous Leadership, Culture, Change and the Female Economy, Dr. Jackie Freiberg helps leaders develop courage skills to create best places where the best people do their best work to make the world better.
Fee Range: $15,000–$20,000
Travels From: CA
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