Keynote Speaking

Effective and Engaging

Leadership Development Keynote Speaker Debra Benton

Proven Experience Developing Leaders

"If there is anyone who has contributed to my development as a leader more than Debra Benton, I’m not sure who it is."
— Mike Barkley, CEO of KIND Snacks

Good leadership isn’t born, it’s made. As a leadership development keynote speaker, Debra Benton combines unparalleled insight and experience with practical application to provide developing leaders the tools they need for career and organizational success. Debra understands leadership— from the theoretical to the practical, and she breaks it down for her audience in an accessible, relatable way.

Debra Benton's speaking style is clear and direct. She is engaging, entertaining, and interactive with the audience, using examples and relevant stories to divulge information garnered from thirty years as one of the nation's top C-suite coaches. Her experience in leadership development for managers and young executives gives her timeless, powerful insight into what it takes to succeed as a leader. When she is your keynote speaker, audiences will laugh, listen, and walk away with the type of “Aha!” moment that prompts lasting change.

When you hire Debra Benton to present at your event, she'll personally interview you and your contacts well in advance. After learning about your organization's goals, challenges and culture, she'll weave her findings into a customized presentation that combines her experience developing leaders with the needs of your organization.

Presentation Options

Benton creates a program that accomplishes what you want to accomplish.

Each topic can be:

  • A 45- to 90-minute keynote
  • Expanded into a half or full-day breakout workshop or training session (which can include one-on-one coaching)
  • A follow-on webinar
  • Presented virtually

She can present a keynote speech with information that can be followed up with more in-depth training and development. Benton can also moderate a panel of executives, or engage with a single executive "interview" style.

Ideal Audience

Benton's presentations are perfect for managers and emerging leaders who want to improve overall performance of themselves and their organizations.

Presentation Topics

What Clients Say About Debra Benton's Keynotes

"Benton presents a wonderfully personal, step-by-step guide to being a truly caring leader with integrity, confidence, and drive."
— Reuben Mark, Chairman and CEO, Colgate-Palmolive Company

"Put simply, she is easy to watch and listen to. Her presence makes the audience feel a profound connection. She doesn't so much lecture as confide her secrets."
— Heidi Olinger, CEO, Pretty Brainy, Inc.

"With Benton, it's a lot like having the other team's playbook a week before the Super Bowl."
— Ed Shonsey, CEO, Northrup King

"Benton causes anyone to pause, take stock, and ask: Am I developing all the qualities of character that will allow me to lead and achieve great things."
— Rick O-Donnell, CEO and president, Action Foundation

"In a room packed full of people I felt like I was the one in the room she was talking to versus talking to a mass of people. I noticed no one in the audience was looking at their phones or multitasking but were giving her their undivided attention. I felt this was my company's money well spent."
— Amy Costello, Microsoft Worldwide Partner Conference

"This will have a profound impact on anyone's career."
— Rick Ambrose, President, Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company

"Benton has pulled together the information we all need to be a success."
— Marshall Loeb, (former) Managing Editor, Fortune

"Debra Benton is the leadership Peter Drucker of the 21st Century."
— John Bianchi, Ph.D., CEO, Frontier Gunleather

"Most insightful... especially for the young and hungry go-getters who need Benton's advice more than they'll ever know."
— Jeff Cunningham, Chairman, iLIFE.com

"Shrewd, thoughtful, and very practical advice."
— Senator Gary Hart, counsel, Coudert Brothers

Give an Autographed Copy of Debra's Latest Book

People love receiving Debra's bestselling business books courtesy of the meeting chair. Debra offers a significant discount on books for you to provide to your attendees. Her time with your audience can also include an autograph session at no charge where she will sign any of her books.

Meeting Planner Tools

Ready to bring Debra to your event?