Member since November 2021
"Sally Z” is an award-winning speaker, best-selling author, and coach whose mission is to empower leaders and change-makers of all stripes to bravely move from the sidelines into the spotlight at work - on stage - and in life. After 20+ years of honing her craft, Sally (sometimes lovingly referred to as a "professional nudger") encourages and equips people to be braver in both the every day and exceptional moments - and share their voice and story with authenticity, clarity, and courage. Sally has spoken in front of thousands of people - coached hundreds of speakers - and created countless “moving moments” in that indelible connection between speaker and audience. Her client list includes household names like Viacom, Facebook, Adobe, Paramount, and Thomson Reuters - and hundreds of exceptional entrepreneurs and emerging thought leaders that will soon join those ranks!
As a long time performer, speaker and producer, Sally creates and cultivates experiences that unleash what's possible - through her own events and by speaking at others'. For those leaders who want to step on stage themselves, Sally coaches aspiring and advanced speakers to leverage the power of speaking to grow their impact, authority, and revenue.
Sally is the host of This Moved Me, a podcast in the top 2% of podcasts in the world. She is listed in the top 3% of Women in Business speakers by espeakers.com. And Sally is the curator and co-producer of the delightful Permission Slip Conference, countless retreats, and the Movers LIVE! event for speakers debuting in Spring 2025. Sally's instant best-selling book, Speaking Story, came out in February 2024.
From the boardroom to the biggest of stages - Sally believes that when we share our authentic voice and story it just might be the thing that moves the world.
My passion is helping big-hearted entrepreneurs and changemakers step out front!
I’ve been doing my craft for the last 20 years - coaching hundreds of speakers on hundreds of talks (not to mention the hundreds I’ve given) - and I have to tell you: I love speakers (even if you don’t consider yourself one)! I love your courage, your vulnerability, your openness - and your determination - all to make a difference in the world and to move your audience.
There are some programs out there taught by speakers who’ve reached some success of their own - and then they turn back to share with you what worked for them…which might be helpful!
But it doesn't make them great coaches. A great coach is someone who truly knows the craft in the broadest sense, and empowers people in their own journey. Who SEES them. Gets them. And I ‘get’ my speakers. I know how to pull the best out of my speakers, and set them up to shine - helping these leaders not just FEEL better about their abilities and experience - but to see tangible, powerful results that rocket their reputation, credibility, and impact.
One of Sally's most memorable speaking experiences occurred during the Permission Slip Conference, where she captivated the audience with her insights on authenticity. Attendees reported feeling a profound sense of connection and empowerment, leading to several participants stepping out of their comfort zones to share their own stories on stage. This event solidified her reputation as a speaker who not only inspires but also fosters community among aspiring speakers.
STORYTELLING IS ONE OF THE MOST POWERFUL TOOLS available to anyone who has the courage to yield it.. The problem is: we don't know how!
Description:
It’s not just about being less boring. Without story, your pitch will fall flat. Your customer will care less. Your audience will walk away - all hitting your bottom line. The thing is? - there are some simple shifts that can make all the difference, empowering you to show up with a story-based message, with ease and confidence. In this interactive, delightful, and engaging keynote, Sally breaks down the myths of storytelling in business and leadership - and shares a simple approach to leveraging this magical and persuasive tool.
Takeaways:
Learn about the brain's specific readiness for the power of story (and why it’s worth it)
Identify the key shift we have to make as leaders in order to more powerfully persuade and influence
Discover 3 simple and powerful strategies that will help you serve your "audience" (whoever that might be) - and lead with story.
IT’S SIMPLE - BUT NOT EASY.
Description:
“Being ourselves” in the big moments sounds easy, but we know it's not. We cross our fingers and hope that when the heart-pounding moment comes along (the chat with the boss, the pitch, an interview, meeting someone new - even sometimes raising our hands in the meeting!), we'll show up confidently and not be betrayed by our adrenaline-filled body or a racing mind full of unhelpful thoughts. Even the most “confident” of people sometimes feel like they need to "be someone else" to be taken seriously or to have a real impact.
There's a better way! Those high-stakes, big-time moments? They require us to show up fully, grounded in our authentic voice and being. Turns out - we don't need to "fake it until we make it." We don't need to feel like imposters. But we DO need to practice the art of #showingupanyway and risking through it all. Are you ready? (You are.)
In this insightful, empowering, and fun keynote, Sally will share stories and strategies to help you BE YOU in the biggest of moments (when we're most convinced we can't).
TAKEAWAYS:
Discover the thing that makes you you, so you can take intentional and authentic action
Identify what’s holding you back from your next big, transformative risk - and what to do about it
Learn a simple 3-step framework to #showupanyway- to help you be more ‘you’ in the big moments, and stay grounded in your authentic spark.
YOUR PLAYING SMALL DOES NOT SERVE THE WORLD.
Description:
Most people believe that only certain special (and elite!) people have what it takes to - launch that idea - lead that meeting - make that goal - write that book! - get on the big stage! - or [fill in the blank for whatever dream YOU have]!...
Nope! - It’s not true. But it definitely feels that way.
After twenty years of walking side-by-side with hundreds of leaders and entrepreneurs of all stripes in the biggest ‘leap’ moments of their careers - there is no innate talent or “x factor” that determines someone’s success. The difference between those who DO - and those who “want to, BUT…” is one - simple - thing. Turns out - we don't need permission, or to have a huge following, or to research and learn until we feel totally, 100%, perfect-proof ready. But we DO need to practice the art of #showupanyway. Because on the other side of that leap are more opportunities - more impact - more growth - and more fulfillment. No more sitting on the sidelines!
In this interactive, dynamic and high-energy keynote, Sally will help you unlock what’s holding you back so you can shift from self-doubt into confident action, and take intentional steps toward making your next dream come true.
Are you ready? (You are!)
TAKEAWAYS:
Unlock the key difference in thinking that can unleash even the most hesitant risk-taker (and turn them into a DO-er!)
Identify the specific "delay" that's holding you back from your next big, transformative risk - and what to do instead.
Learn a simple framework to #showupanyway - and move through the sometimes debilitating fear that’s keeping you stuck -and keeping you small.
KEY AUDIENCES: leaders, entrepreneurs, sales & external leaders, thought leaders and subject matter experts… anyone who wants to stop waiting, and start doing.
One of Sally's most memorable speaking experiences occurred during the Permission Slip Conference, where she captivated the audience with her insights on authenticity. Attendees reported feeling a profound sense of connection and empowerment, leading to several participants stepping out of their comfort zones to share their own stories on stage. This event solidified her reputation as a speaker who not only inspires but also fosters community among aspiring speakers.
STORYTELLING IS ONE OF THE MOST POWERFUL TOOLS available to anyone who has the courage to yield it.. The problem is: we don't know how!
Description:
It’s not just about being less boring. Without story, your pitch will fall flat. Your customer will care less. Your audience will walk away - all hitting your bottom line. The thing is? - there are some simple shifts that can make all the difference, empowering you to show up with a story-based message, with ease and confidence. In this interactive, delightful, and engaging keynote, Sally breaks down the myths of storytelling in business and leadership - and shares a simple approach to leveraging this magical and persuasive tool.
Takeaways:
Learn about the brain's specific readiness for the power of story (and why it’s worth it)
Identify the key shift we have to make as leaders in order to more powerfully persuade and influence
Discover 3 simple and powerful strategies that will help you serve your "audience" (whoever that might be) - and lead with story.
IT’S SIMPLE - BUT NOT EASY.
Description:
“Being ourselves” in the big moments sounds easy, but we know it's not. We cross our fingers and hope that when the heart-pounding moment comes along (the chat with the boss, the pitch, an interview, meeting someone new - even sometimes raising our hands in the meeting!), we'll show up confidently and not be betrayed by our adrenaline-filled body or a racing mind full of unhelpful thoughts. Even the most “confident” of people sometimes feel like they need to "be someone else" to be taken seriously or to have a real impact.
There's a better way! Those high-stakes, big-time moments? They require us to show up fully, grounded in our authentic voice and being. Turns out - we don't need to "fake it until we make it." We don't need to feel like imposters. But we DO need to practice the art of #showingupanyway and risking through it all. Are you ready? (You are.)
In this insightful, empowering, and fun keynote, Sally will share stories and strategies to help you BE YOU in the biggest of moments (when we're most convinced we can't).
TAKEAWAYS:
Discover the thing that makes you you, so you can take intentional and authentic action
Identify what’s holding you back from your next big, transformative risk - and what to do about it
Learn a simple 3-step framework to #showupanyway- to help you be more ‘you’ in the big moments, and stay grounded in your authentic spark.
YOUR PLAYING SMALL DOES NOT SERVE THE WORLD.
Description:
Most people believe that only certain special (and elite!) people have what it takes to - launch that idea - lead that meeting - make that goal - write that book! - get on the big stage! - or [fill in the blank for whatever dream YOU have]!...
Nope! - It’s not true. But it definitely feels that way.
After twenty years of walking side-by-side with hundreds of leaders and entrepreneurs of all stripes in the biggest ‘leap’ moments of their careers - there is no innate talent or “x factor” that determines someone’s success. The difference between those who DO - and those who “want to, BUT…” is one - simple - thing. Turns out - we don't need permission, or to have a huge following, or to research and learn until we feel totally, 100%, perfect-proof ready. But we DO need to practice the art of #showupanyway. Because on the other side of that leap are more opportunities - more impact - more growth - and more fulfillment. No more sitting on the sidelines!
In this interactive, dynamic and high-energy keynote, Sally will help you unlock what’s holding you back so you can shift from self-doubt into confident action, and take intentional steps toward making your next dream come true.
Are you ready? (You are!)
TAKEAWAYS:
Unlock the key difference in thinking that can unleash even the most hesitant risk-taker (and turn them into a DO-er!)
Identify the specific "delay" that's holding you back from your next big, transformative risk - and what to do instead.
Learn a simple framework to #showupanyway - and move through the sometimes debilitating fear that’s keeping you stuck -and keeping you small.
KEY AUDIENCES: leaders, entrepreneurs, sales & external leaders, thought leaders and subject matter experts… anyone who wants to stop waiting, and start doing.
