Cynthia Wakeman
Leadership and Talent Management Expert; Author, The Reality-Based Rules of the Workplace
Biography
Cy Wakeman is a dynamic national keynote speaker, business consultant, New York Times bestselling author, and trainer who has spent over 20 years cultivating a revolutionary approach to leadership. Grounded in reality, Wakeman’s philosophy teaches people how to turn excuses into results and transform unhappy employees into accountable, successful members of the workforce. Through her prolific work with companies such as Bayer, New York Presbyterian, National Institutes of Health, Hallmark, Verizon Wireless, TD Ameritrade, and Wells Fargo, Wakeman has helped eliminate tired, impersonal management techniques in favor of a reality-based revolution. Wakeman’s professional journey began when she was promoted to her first management position in the late 1980’s. Rather than forcing ineffective, traditional management practices into her workplace, Wakeman began developing and teaching her employees a reality-based mindset. What she found was inspiring – her employees were not only motivated to succeed, but they were also driven to deliver results, adapt to change, and emanate happiness on the job. Inspired to help others transform their company and their work, Wakeman began consulting and training. Today, she visits more than 200 companies each year, empowering employees and executives alike to take control of and invest in their work. Wakeman’s acclaimed book, The Reality-Based Rules of the Workplace, shows employees how to calculate their true value to their organization. With an original formula for measuring current performance, future potential, and “emotional expensiveness” – the toll an individual’s actions and attitudes take on the people around them, Wakeman shows employees how to become invaluable team members and learn to love their jobs again. Named one of the “Top 100 Leadership Experts to Follow” on twitter, Wakeman’s influence continues to build. Her programs are consistently ranked by participants as the single most impactful training they have ever received. An expert blogger on FastCompany.com and Forbes.com, Wakeman’s ideas have been featured in The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, The New York Post, and on SHRM.com. She has written two books, Reality-Based Leadership: Ditch the Drama, Restore Sanity to the Workplace, & Turn Excuses into Results and The Reality-Based Rules of the Workplace: Know What Boosts Your Value, Kills Your Chances, & Will Make You Happier. She is a contributing author for Expert Women Who Speak...Speak Out! Wakeman is a highly sought-after conference headliner and holds a Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) designation from the National Speaker’s Association, placing her within the top 3% of speakers worldwide. In 2012, she received the “Outstanding Leadership Award” from the World HRD Congress in Mumbai.
Speech Topics
Reality based Leadership - Ditch the Drama and Turn Excuses into Results
This leadership presentation is based on Cy Wakeman’s Book! Today’s challenging business environment is calling for a new type of leader. We need those willing and able to recreate mindsets (their own and that of others) and change an organization’s culture in order to lead in a bold new way. The Reality Revolution begins with a few good leaders who are able to quickly see and radically accept the reality of the situation, conserve precious team energy, and use that energy instead to impact reality. A great Reality-Based Leader anticipates the upcoming changes and capitalizes on the opportunity inherent in the situation without drama or defense. The principles of Reality-Based Leadership include: -Refusing to argue with reality -Valuing action over opinion -Leading first, managing second -Bulletproofing employees so that they can succeed, regardless of the circumstances -Working to be happy rather than to be right
Reality-Based Rules of the Workplace - Boost Your Value and Be Happy at Work
This is an employee development & engagement presentation based on Cy Wakeman’s New York Times Bestselling Book! Wouldn’t you like to know your value within your organization? Better still, wouldn’t you like to boost it? In this presentation, you’ll discover how to determine your value to your organization. You’ll get a formula designed to calculate your current and future potential against your “emotional expense”— the toll your actions and attitudes take on the people around you. This clear direction cuts or reduces your emotional cost, and helps everyone become an invaluable member of the team. The result? Everyone at all levels of the organization will not only re-engage, but grow passionate about their work. Five rules to boost your value include: -Don’t hope to be lucky. Choose to be happy. -Ditch the drama. -Buy-in is not optional. Your action, not opinion, adds value. -Change is opportunity. -Succeed anyway.
Reality-Based Talent Management - Connecting the Investment in Talent to Bottom Line Results
This is a performance management & accountability presentation. The cost of talent is one of the largest items on most of our budgets and yet we still have difficulty calculating the real value that talent brings to the bottom line. Performance measures fall short as many years find performance ratings high and bottom line results low or desired outcomes wanting. Our research shows a direct connection between accountability and bottom line results. While engaging our employees is critical, it turns out that engagement isn’t enough. Engagement without accountability is chaos. It is the organizations that cultivate a culture of personal accountability who are truly winning. This presentation challenges HR conventional wisdom with evidence-based research, revealing the major flaws in the logic supporting traditional talent programs and initiatives, and provides techniques for hardwiring the magic competency of accountability throughout your team and your organization.
No Ego: How Leaders Can Cut the Cost of Drama, End Entitlement and Drive BigResults
Recent research conducted by Cy Wakeman in conjunction with the Futures Company, has discovered that rather than driving performance and creating efficiencies for the organization, conventional leadership strategies and philosophies are actually fueling drama in the workplace. In fact, research indicated that under currently prescribed leadership philosophy and strategic best practices, up to three months per year of each employee’s time - potentially billions of dollars annually in the U.S. alone – is wasted in drama. In this session, Cy proposes a radically different approach to core leadership philosophies such as engagement, change management, and accountability. Join Cy as she calls leadership professionals to redefine HR and leadership with science and research and to teach leaders strategies and tools that will actually work in their modern workplace.
Employee Engagement is Broken: Unlocking the True Driver of Employee Performance
For years, our organizations have been investing time, money and energy into engaging our employees based on the promise that engagement drives results. While engaging our employees is critical, it turns out that engagement isn’t enough. Engagement without accountability is chaos. In this dynamic, provocative and groundbreaking presentation, you will be introduced to the concept of Reality-Based Engagement, where accountability and engagement intersect to produce awesome results. This will include some practical guidance for how to cultivate the power of personal accountability within your organization.
Videos
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I check Cynthia Wakeman's availability or request a quote?
You can inquire about Cynthia Wakeman'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 Cynthia Wakeman's speaking fee?
The typical range for Cynthia Wakeman's speaking fee is $35,000–$50,000. 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 Cynthia Wakeman 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 Cynthia Wakeman for my event?
The speaker booking process typically involves the following steps: contact Key Speakers to confirm Cynthia Wakeman'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?
Yes, we can assist you with the logistics and technical requirements for the speaker's presentation. We stay actively involved during pre-event planning to coordinate with you and ensure that the necessary audiovisual equipment, staging, lighting, and other technical aspects are in place for a successful presentation.Are there any special requirements or accommodations that need to be considered for the speaker?
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?
Yes, we encourage and appreciate feedback about the speaker's performance as well as our services. You can share your feedback via email after the event, or via our survey feedback form. Your feedback can help us improve our services and assist other clients in making informed decisions.Are there any discounts or special offers available for booking multiple speakers or multiple events?
Often, yes. It's worth inquiring about such possibilities with your Key Speakers representative to explore any available cost-savings options.Why book Cynthia Wakeman 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 Cynthia Wakeman
Neil Pasricha
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Nicole Malachowski
Colonel Nicole Malachowski is a top keynote speaker, former White House advisor, and the first female Thunderbird pilot. An inductee into the Women in Aviation International Pioneer Hall of Fame and the National Women’s Hall of Fame, Malachowski brings her experience to the stage and holds audiences spellbound with an easygoing authenticity of someone who’s achieved greatness. Since a chronic tick-borne illness prompted her medical retirement from the military, she has turned her fiery spirit to advocating support and research for tick-borne diseases, in addition to quickly building a reputation as a sensational and effective speaker on the topics of achievement, overcoming adversity, and rocking the status quo.
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Rohit Bhargava
Rohit Bhargava is on a mission to inspire more non-obvious thinking in the world. He is the 3-time Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author of eight books and is widely considered one of the most entertaining and original speakers on trends, innovation and marketing in the world. Rohit has been invited to deliver sold-out keynotes and workshops in 32 countries around the world to change the way teams and leaders think at the World Bank, NASA, Intel, LinkedIn, MetLife, Under Armour, Univision, Disney and hundreds of other well-known organizations. Prior to becoming an entrepreneur and founding two companies, he previously spent 15 years as a marketing strategist at Ogilvy and Leo Burnett where he advised global brands on marketing and storytelling strategy. Outside his speaking and consulting, Rohit has taught persuasive speaking and global marketing as an adjunct professor at Georgetown University, is frequently quoted in the global media and writes a monthly column on trends for GQ magazine in Brazil. Rohit lives in the Washington DC area with his wife and is a proud dad of two boys. He loves the Olympics (he’s been to five!) and actively hates cauliflower.
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Ryan Estis
Ryan Estis understands the challenges business leaders and top performers face, because he’s been in their shoes. He spent 15 years helping companies connect with employees and customers as an ad agency executive, building a client roster of category leading brands. Nine years ago, he decided to put that experience into practice and launch his own research and learning organization. Ryan is afforded an inside look at what the world’s best companies do differently and he shares that insight by helping clients initiate change, improve performance and deliver growth.
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