Our Inspiring, Relevant & Engaging
Keynote
Inspired Action;
Stories & Strategies to Lead with Resilience
Stories increase our willingness to act by 261%. Stories turn feeling into action. Inspired employees are more than twice as productive as their peers.
Are you maximizing your ability to influence? Do you know how to inspire action?
Most people spend a significant portion of their lives at work—attending meetings, managing projects, and leading teams. Yet, these moments often fail to inspire. This talk is for organizations and leaders who are interested in reimagining leadership and discovering creative solutions to engaging & retaining teams.
This engaging talk will address the 3 following takeaways:
- UNCERTAINTY & INSPIRATION. As we lead in these uncertain times, inspiration is more important than ever.
- ACTION & PRACTICAL STRATEGIES. Case studies and leadership storytelling that provided examples coupled with best practices that will help you create an actionable roadmap that drives individual and collaborative action.
- TEAM CULTURE & OUTCOMES. Apply practical tools to build resilient, inclusive, and innovative teams that improve outcomes.
Drawing from her own experience as a dean and her expertise in psychology, business, coaching, and teaching, Julie Lancaster has designed programs that helped thousands of leaders to create impact and reimagine what is possible in their workplaces.
As of January 2025, her leadership development firm, Lancaster Leadership, has served 170 teams and 75,000 clients.
Best Selling Author, Top Coach, Distinguished Alumni, Businesswoman of the Month, Instructor of the Year
“More Than Wishful Thinking” is Jeff Kennedy’s signature keynote that challenges leaders to move beyond hopeful intentions, passive optimism, and into purposeful, bold, accountable action. Centered on the principles of possibility thinking, extreme ownership, and courageous feedback, this engaging and empowering talk offers a roadmap for turning hope into strategy and is designed for leaders navigating complexity and uncertainty.
Attendees will leave with three clear takeaways:
- HOPE is more than wishful thinking; it is the earnest expectation of positive outcomes and a critical leadership asset in uncertain times.
- EXTREME OWNERSHIP AND ACCOUNTABILITY; Attendees will gain actionable strategies to take full responsibility and lead with clarity and conviction.
- GIVING AND RECEIVING FEEDBACK Through compelling case studies and leadership storytelling, participants will learn how to leverage feedback as a catalyst for growth and alignment.
Learning objectives include strengthening individual and collective accountability, applying feedback to drive growth, and equipping leaders with mindsets and methods to unlock innovation and collaboration. More Than Wishful Thinking is more than a talk; it’s a call to action.
Reach out for pricing & availability & learn how we can customize this program for your industry and association.
Feel free to let us know if you would like for us to sell one of our books at your event or allow for pre-orders.
From 200 – 2,000 attendees, associations we’ve presented to:
- American Burn Association
- American Dental Education Association
- Arizona Association of Community College Trustees
- Arizona Association of Counties
- Arizona Association of Perioperative Nurses
- Arizona Chief Probation Officers Association
- Arizona City/County Management Association
- Arizona College and University Professional Association, Human Resources
- Arizona Community College Coordinating Council
- Arizona County Clerks Association
- Arizona Fiduciary Association
- Arizona Fire Chiefs Association
- Arizona Law Enforcement Records Management Association
- Arizona Society for Certified Public Accountants
- Arizona Society for Human Resources Management
- Arizona Society of Association Executives Getaways
- Arizona Tax Conference/ AZ Department of Revenue
- Association for Women in Higher Education
- Association of College & University Housing Officials – International (ACUHO-I)
- AZ Aging (AZ4A)
- Meeting Professionals International
- Northern Arizona Human Resource Association
- Toastmasters International
- Women Leading Government
Julie provided the keynote at the annual meeting of the American Burn Association in April 2025 in Phoenix. Her talk, entitled “Building Resilient, Interdisciplinary Burn Teams for the Future” was inspiring, practical, and entertaining. The audience was energized and left with resources, tools, and strategies to approach leadership in these challenging times. She made a strong connection with all.
Paul Pomerantz, FACHE, FASAE
Principal, Pomerantz Consulting
Julie Lancaster’s REST Method—Relate, Engage, Short, Theme—left a lasting impact on ABA 2025 participants in Phoenix, AZ, by equipping them with a powerful, authentic approach to leadership storytelling that celebrates the heart and humanity of burn care teams. Ed Dellert, RN, MBA, CAE, CEO, American Burn Association
Ed Dellert, RN, MBA, CAE, FACEHP
Chief Executive Officer, American Burn Association
Your presentation to the AZ County Clerks Association was terrific. Our members range in experience from over 30 years to just under five years. You managed to actively engage every single participant and every participant walked away with new knowledge and/or new found enthusiasm for the job we do.
Wendy Escoffier
Retired Clerk of the Board of Supervisors, Coconino County
Julie is an AMAZING facilitator! We had her facilitate our Gender and IT conference as well as present a much needed program about mentoring to our participants. She pulls everyone into the conversation, providing space and opportunity for connection, vulnerability, and support. I highly recommend engaging Lancaster Leadership to bring your team(s) together for a genuine “breakthrough” experience that sets the stage for next steps in the growth of your organization.
Andrea Stalker
Director ITS, NAU Strategic Planning, Implementation and Education Services
Julie Lancaster was an incredible and engaging keynote speaker at our Arizona Tax Conference. Not only does she know how to get everyone in the room involved, and I do mean everyone, but she does it in such a warm and welcoming way; soon your attendees will be shouting out, laughing, and learning. Julie and her presentations are an incredible resource for personal and professional growth, whether it’s a small gathering of team members, or a conference of hundreds, Julie will leave your team members refreshed, focused, motivated, and ready for the task ahead!