Stephanie Battaglino
Founder, Follow Your Heart, Speaker on Equity and Inclusion
Biography
As the founder and owner of Follow Your Heart, LLC., Stephanie is an internationally recognized speaker, workshop presenter, trainer, author, coach, and workplace diversity, equity, and inclusion consultant. A major voice in the LGBTQ+ workplace equality movement with emphasis on transgender and non-binary individuals, Stephanie casts a bright light on all of the pertinent Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) issues that companies and organizations must face to successfully transform their workplaces into a truly welcoming environment for all of their employees. Stephanie’s warm and personal style has engaged and enlightened her audiences wherever she speaks. She currently sits on the Board of PFLAG National, where she also serves as the Chair of the organization’s Business Advisory Council. She has proudly served on the Boards of the following organizations: the LGBT Community Center of New York and the Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund (TLDEF). She has been named to LinkedIn’s inaugural group of LGBTQIA+ Top Voices and GO Magazine’s 100 Women We Love 2022 list which celebrates women who’ve made significant achievements in their respective fields. Stephanie’s new book, Reflections From Both Sides of the Glass Ceiling: Finding My True Self in Corporate America chronicles her life as a corporate vice president at New York Life Insurance Company, where she was the first transgender person to transition on the job in the 165-year history of the company. It is part memoir, part cautionary tale of what it is like to experience a career on both sides of the gender divide. Stephanie’s frank, honest and vulnerable storytelling paints a vivid picture of what the intersection of gender and gender identity looks like from a decidedly unique point of view. Stephanie possesses over 40 years of management and leadership experience in marketing, advertising and communications within the Fortune 100. Stephanie holds a BA in Communication from the University of Delaware and an MBA in Marketing from the Samuel L. Silberman College of Business at Fairleigh Dickinson University. She is also a graduate of the prestigious UCLA Anderson School of Management’s LGBT Leadership Institute. She resides in Palm Desert, California with her wife, Mari and their cats, Aengus and Fionna.
Speech Topics
Reflections on Vulnerability and Privilege
Drawing on my unique experiences living at the intersection of gender identity and gender equity in my corporate life, I expand on my observations of how make privilege serves as a powerful force that shapes organizational culture, and how vulnerability - if embraced and allowed to proliferate as an intentional act - can be an even more powerful catalyst for growing and transforming truly inclusive cultures.
Reflections from Both Sides of the Glass Ceiling
This is my coming out story. Weaved within it are the key observations and learnings that I experienced from living a corporate life on both sides of the gender divide. It is a story of vulnerability, authenticity, and courage that has touched every audience that I have shared it with and has given many their first glimpse of what it is like to live a life in two genders.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I check Stephanie Battaglino's availability or request a quote?
You can inquire about Stephanie Battaglino'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 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 Stephanie Battaglino for my event?
The speaker booking process typically involves the following steps: contact Key Speakers to confirm Stephanie Battaglino'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 Stephanie Battaglino 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 Stephanie Battaglino
Piers Kowalski
Piers Kowalski is an average father of two with a not so average story. A gifted public speaker on a mission to change the world, Piers shares his powerful story of pain, self-discovery, fear, love, and hope to help others better understand the transgender experience, community, and humanity. Piers was born and raised in Colorado, then lived and worked on the west coast for 11 years before moving back to Colorado with his wife. He built a career in his dream field of performance psychology, his wife went back to school and became a NICU nurse, and they had two children. Their family currently enjoys the typical outdoor life activities Colorado has to offer - snow skiing in the winter, camping in the summer, and exploring the outdoors every season in-between.
Fee Range: $8,000–$15,000
Travels From: CO
Wade Davis
Former NFL Player Wade Davis is a thought leader, public speaker, and writer on gender, race, and orientation equality. Wade is currently the Vice President of Inclusion Strategy for Product at Netflix and has consulted with Google, P&G, Viacom, Bacardi and others to co-create transformative solutions to build inclusive corporate cultures. Additionally, Wade has coached senior leaders to adapt and flex their leadership styles to meet the needs and develop their employee population.
Fee Range: $15,000–$20,000
Travels From: CA
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