Randye Kaye
Speaker/Trainer/Author at Engage for Maximum Impact LLC
Motivational/Self Development
Education: SUNY Albany
Trumbull, CT, USA
Biography
An inspiring keynote speaker and experienced workshop facilitator, Randye Kaye brings her unique take and skills as a professional theater and improv actor to your conference or company, reigniting and engaging enthusiasm for shared human experience - the antidote to “quiet quitting” and the loneliness epidemic.
Help your attendees make the most of being together as they connect and communicate more fully - and create together in collective energy - with interactive, entertaining, insightful presentations.
Randye’s two bestselling books, Happier Made Simple and Ben Behind His Voices, are tied into this work as speaker and mental health advocate. She is also a radio broadcaster (commercial radio and NPR local host), corporate trainer, podcast host, voiceover talent, audiobook narrator and presentations coach.
She has worked with clients like the American Psychiatric Association, NPR's Marketplace, COCC, Sunovion Pharmaceuticals, Missouri Behavioral Health, and Bridgeport Hospital. Randye is also a Master Facilitator with companies such as Communico, Inc., and leads virtual and in-person sessions on Emotional Intelligence, Customer and Employee Engagement, Presentation Skills and Communication.
Passion
To combat the Epidemic of Loneliness with inspiration and shared experiences that remind us that we are better, together.
Humans are hard-wired to connect - and recent technology can create the illusion that we are self-made.
Shattering the "illusion of connection" falsely created by social media and AI, and reigniting connection, collaboration, possibility and achievement.
and
Advocating tirelessly for Families living with SMI (Serious Mental Illness), especially schizophrenia (see video)
Featured Video
I am willing to travel
More than 100 miles
When it comes to payments
I generally get paid for speaking but make exceptions
Topics
Best Story
Have you ever struggled to find where you belong? Felt like the odd one out, that your self-esteem was challenged because you just didn’t feel like you fit in somehow?
Me, too. And long after my parents had passed away, I found out why.
A random DNA test led to the discovery that the father who had raised me was not my biological dad - .that both my older brother and I had been conceived by sperm donation.
Our parents had never told us.
This shakes your world, believe me. Medical history, genetic traits, that sense of distance from your own father…
And so you find yourself questioning, and then redefining, what family actually means, and how to find it.
When something like that comes to light, the outcome then depends on what you tell yourself about it. My brothers (one of whom, it turns out, was the biological son of both my parents) and I came to very different conclusions.
I had to find my own tribes, places to belong - and decide what qualifies.
The man who raised me, who wanted me enough to try a new, costly, and risky procedure - that man is my father. With all the flaws, all his good intentions and mistakes.
He is the one who showed up. That is the first of three steps for human connection that form the basis of my keynotes on combating the epidemic of loneliness.
That is family: the people you embrace, and who embrace you back - even for awhile.
Origin Story
35 years ago my husband disappeared without a trace.
The night before, he’d left a message on the answering machine for our kids.
“Daddy loves you so much.”
After that we never heard from him again. No goodbye, no explanation, no clues.
He was just - gone.
I was left with 2 tiny children with broken hearts, a huge mortgage, no child support, inconsistent work as an actor, and a big mystery to solve:
Where had my husband disappeared to - and why?
Was he dead or alive?
It would take over twelve years to find out.
For all that time, my kids and I lived with the open wound of confusion and loss, until we finally got some answers, an eventual temporary reunion, and a bit of closure.
In the meantime, I learned some powerful lessons in holding my family - and our finances - together, and discovering my own resilience, creativity, and potential for love and success.
These lessons brought me to a career in radio and podcasting, the chance to play many roles in theatre and improv, a happy second marriage, a growing family, valued friendships, two bestselling books, and most importantly the opportunity to impact lives of others as I share these messages with audiences all over the world.
I’d love to share them with you, too.
Example talks
Engage for Maximum Impact: Three Simple Steps to Make This Your Best Conference Ever
Format:
BEST: 15-45 minute Keynote (Closing or Opening)
1 hour breakout session
half or full-day workshop
Comments from Attendees:
“Very dynamic presentation. Loved the focus on the importance of the collective -together we are stronger!” - Dr. Davia Shepherd - EWomen Network
“Great presentation - wonderful energy with key points and usable take-aways!” - Fail Kulas, Leading to Unlock
This program is perfect for:
conference attendees who want to get more out of an event and revive the art of face-to-face engagement
employees who want more satisfaction from their workplace
companies who want greater employee engagement and customer loyalty
people who feel overwhelmed and increasingly lonely when relying on social media not social gathering
Takeaways:
the 3 basic steps for true human engagement: Show Up, Reach Out, Let In
the desire and knowledge to effectively and appropriately engage with other attendees at a meeting or conference
how to turn off "social media brain" and tune into people in the real world
how energy and creativity increase when we connect
listening and empathy skills for more open communication
techniques for more effective collaboration
a fun interactive experience that leaves them more open to the contributions of others
Emotional Intelligence at Play: What Actors Know and Leaders Can Learn
Format: 10-45 minute keynote, 1.5 hour to full day workshop/breakout
This program is perfect for:
Workplaces who want to build team effectiveness
People who want more success at work and in their personal lives
The audience will leave with:
More Emotional Energy - Awareness and Management
Social Intelligence - Empathy is Key
Active Listening and Responding: Skills
Body Language Speaks Volumes:
Adaptability and Resilience
Welcome to an engaging presentation on Emotional Intelligence: What Actors Know and You Can Learn!
In this session, Randye will draw upon her expertise as an actor to unravel the secrets of emotional intelligence and guide you through practical takeaways that can elevate your personal and professional life.
Randye shares insights into the world of actors, where understanding and channeling emotions is key. You'll discover how actors tap into their emotional intelligence to create compelling performances and learn how these skills can be translated into your everyday interactions.
Let's mystify emotional intelligence, making it accessible to all attendees.
Prepare to delve into five actionable takeaways that you can immediately apply in your own life. Through relatable anecdotes and interactive exercises, Randye will help you experience firsthand the power of emotional intelligence.
Whether you're navigating challenging conversations, leading a team, or simply seeking personal growth, this presentation promises to be a transformative journey into the heart of emotional intelligence. Get ready to enrich your understanding, sharpen your skills, and take a step closer to mastering the art of emotional intelligence!
From Mundane to Meaningful: Reclaiming Meaning, Purpose & Creativity at Work
“Is it Friday yet?”Sure, we’ all look forward to the weekend - but if you find yourself feeling stuck or bored at work, that can affect not only your job performance but also your emotional health
The solution? See your work responsibilities through a different lens - one that creates more opportunities for you to shine, be more creative, and find greater purpose in what you do each day. This program uses improvisation, exploration and collaboration to help you discover how to bring more or YOU - your own strengths and skills - to the job you were hired to do, so that you find greater satisfaction each day, enjoy your work more, and practice excellence for whatever comes next.
Mental Wellness at Work and Beyond: ReHumanize to ReEnergize
Employee satisfaction is down, employee turnover is up.
How much does it cost your company to lose team members, and train new ones?
How does employee dissatisfaction affect clients and customers?
Turn it around by Rehumanizing your Workplace, so that there is a greater sense of belonging, purpose, positivity, and teamwork - and your people work more happily, stay with the company longer, and create more success together.
Topics addressed: listening skills, empathy, teamwork, attitude, creativity, communication.
From Introvert to Influencer: Crafting Compelling Presentations
What Actors Know (and You Can Learn) about Public Speaking. Learn how to use your voice, body and brain to make public speaking fun (Yes, you read this right) and effective - and unique to youe best, authentic self.
• "Very good presenter and teacher."
• "Excellent little exercises to force people to learn and retain. Very interactive - excellent speaker! Because of this session, I believe I improved my own presentation that took place later on in the week"
• "Excellent speaker. Had a lot of fun in her class"
Smarter Than Your Smartphone: Digital Wellness and Life Balance
When was the last time you had a conversation without someone's phone face down on the table?
What happens when your child gets a smart phone and then suddenly stops doing the things that used to bring them joy?
Do you know anyone whose life was ruined by a careless tweet?
Digital tools are here to stay - but that doesn't mean we can't hold the reins.
Learn how to compromise with the "smart" phone - and take back your life.
Improv for the Terrified
Afraid of Improv? Hey, you're already doing it!
Are you thinking it means you have to "perform", like on SNL? That could not be further from the truth.
Improv "for the terrified" is a group experience, designed for fun and play, with no pressure to be or do anything weird.
We inspire each other through play to more creativity, confidence, and laughter.
Why? More belonging, better leadership, greater acceptance, more room to grow - and fun!
This is the place where failure is funny - and fun.
Randye has taught improv for years, from preschool to adult - and was a member if the improv groups "Acid Reflux" and "Moving Targets."
You will learn (takeaways)
How the basic rules of improv can improv your communication skills, in person or on the page.
How we become more creative when we interact with others.
Yes, you are "creative"! Give your brain a chance.
Live in the now.
Employ active listening.
Saying yes to yourself
Take the risk of saying yes to others.
Make others look good.
The Toss and Dare Workshop: Create Space and Spark Possibility
Format:
1 hour to full day workshop.
This conversation is perfect for anyone who is...
Overwhelmed by mind and space clutter and confused as to how to break through
Anyone who feels stuck when reaching for goals
Those reluctant to risk that "first or next" step toward their big dream
The audience will leave with the following:
A new focus and structure about what to “toss” out – from things to our business and home lives – and the three ways it happens
Why do we let our dreams stay as fantasies, and how to change them into goals we can reach
The mindset – and skills – to turn “Dare” into “Do!” – one step at a time
Prior attendees have said :
" A very cathartic session. Randye Kaye is a wonderful facilitator who engages everyone. Helped me put priorities in perspective. " - Leslie
"Randye Kaye's "Toss and Dare" workshop is a must for everyone. Randye created several techniques, based on years of research used to empower and invigorate oneself. You will learn proven techniques to let go of past behaviors that prevent you from being happy and fulfilled. Thanks to Randye, I am moving forward and feel unstoppable. I am daring myself to do something new that I may have been afraid to try. This workshop has made me realize my potential and enabled me to do what makes me happy!" - Harriet
"Randye's workshop helped propel me into action.Randye is engaging, funny and clever. I was inspired to immediately take action! " - Pat Lore, Headline Productions
SEARCH: What Families Need when Mental Illness Strikes
Format:
45-60 Minute keynote (can be adjusted to fit your needs) This program is perfect for:
mental health professionals
hospital psychiatric staff
pharmaceutical company teams: sales, support, research
psychiatrists
families dealing with mental illness
psychiatric nurses
mental health advocates
When mental illness strikes, it affects the entire family - but by the time you meet the patient, the family may already be, or feel, estranged. There are definite advantages to including the family in the recovery process, thus reducing the "revolving door" of re-admission. The four pillars of recovery in mental illness are: Treatment, Community, Purpose and Structure. Family can help - if they receive some care as well.
SEARCH stands for Support, Education, Acceptance, Resilience, Communication Skills, and Hope/ Humor.
I've presented this keynote dozens of times, for NAMI educational conferences, Psychiatric Conferences (doctors and/or nurses), Pharma, and Hospital Grand Rounds.
" I truly appreciated your candor, your humor, and your heart in speaking on this topic. I'd like to think I pride myself on empathy and compassion with all my patients, but I know after hearing you speak, I will double my efforts, all around, no matter the condition. Thanks again for a really worth while and inspiring talk." - Lauren, OTR
"Your Story brought hope and inspiration to all the individuals there and proved to everyone how critical family participation is in a person's journey to recovery."
- Fiona Jones, Kennedy Center Inc.
"Thank you for being our featured guest speaker. Your story was informative, moving and thought provoking. I know there are many families who will learn from your courageous story and be better able to support and advocate for their children after reading about your experiences."
- Mary Guerrera, Exec. Director, Fellowship Place (New Haven)
"Thank YOU! It was a wonderful event and everyone was captivated by you and by your story."
- Michelle Sawyer, Laurel House
Happier Made Simple: Choose Your Words, Change Your Life.
Format: 15-45 Minute Keynote, 1-2 hour breakout , 1 day workshop (tailored to your needs or event)
aka "The Seven Secrets of Basically Happier People"
Can be presented as a keynote, breakout, or workshop, length to fit your event or educational goals.
This program is perfect for: The audience will leave with:
Happier Made Simple BREATHE elements: (each can also be a stand-alone keynote or session)
Being (AKA Mindfulness): Be Here Now
Reality (AKA Acceptance): It Is What It Is.
Engagement (AKA Human Connection): We're All Connected
Appreciation (AKA Gratitude): This Is Good.
Trust (AKA Faith): All Will Be Well
Humor (AKA Perspective): Isn't That Interesting?
Esteem (AKA Self-Love, Self-Care): Whatever Happens, I'll Handle It Somehow.
and then summarized with bonus tips on Communication and Taking Action.
people struggling with stress that affects their mood, relationships, and work life
managers coping with negative attitudes from employees and teams
awareness of the power of words to change their inner and outer messages
The seven phrases that immediately bring more calm, joy and hope
simple adjustments to increase satisfaction at home and at work -without complicated gratitude lists, etc
knowledge to notice when they are compounding issues with self-talk
Perfect for a lunch and learn, spouse program, positive-tone keynote or day-long workshop. Entertaining and enlightening.
"Randye is one of the rare individuals who not is able to create the essence of wisdom by creating the talk called: "Happier Made Simple," but also has the extraordinary ability to command the audience as well. She is motivating as well as captivating and is one of the best speakers I have ever heard on this subject. Her message no only hits the target but also aims at the heart of the listener and with persuasive precision."
- Lionel Ketchian , Founder of the Happiness Clubs :: www.happinessclub.com
"Your presentation was meaningful, captivating, interactive and instructive. I think you got people to step back and assess their lives and their good fortunes despite any hardships they might have to deal with. I have only heard positive responses to the talk...and I think people are breathing more!!!"
- Wendy Bloch, Kennedy Center
This brief summary of the program should customers understand which of your programs is right for