Ann Zuccardy

Ann Zuccardy

NY, US
Ann contends she became smarter after a whack on the head gave her a traumatic brain injury. Now she helps others uncover their own New Smart using therapeutic humor and neuroplasticity training.

Ann's Speaking Focus

Using the ingenuity she discovered after a traumatic brain injury (TBI), along with three decades as a former  corporate communicator, entrepreneur, social media expert, and teacher/professor, Ann challenges conventional ideas about intelligence, self care, and creativity.

Ann's two TEDx talks How a Brain Injury Made Me Smarter and How Being Unsafe Makes You Smarter and numerous keynote addresses in business, academia, and professional organizations not only inspire personal growth, but open the door for greater productivity, innovation, and teamwork.

About Ann's Background

In addition to a long career as a professional writer (technical writing, copywriting, corporate communications, and social media marketing), Ann was the president of Vermont Shortbread Company, an international gourmet food business she created and successfully ran for 15 years.  Ann is a well-known personality with a large following on all major social media platforms.

Ann holds a bachelor's degree in English from Southern Connecticut State University.  

Ann is a member of the National Speakers Association, Women Speakers Association, and Association for Applied and Therapeutic Humor where she is working towards her Certified Humor Professional designation. 

Ann splits her personal time between New York City and Vermont.

Ann's Speaking Focus

Using the ingenuity she discovered after a traumatic brain injury (TBI), along with three decades as a former  corporate communicator, entrepreneur, social media expert, and teacher/professor, Ann challenges conventional ideas about intelligence, self care, and creativity.

Ann's two TEDx talks How a Brain Injury Made Me Smarter and How Being Unsafe Makes You Smarter and numerous keynote addresses in business, academia, and professional organizations not only inspire personal growth, but open the door for greater productivity, innovation, and teamwork.

About Ann's Background

In addition to a long career as a professional writer (technical writing, copywriting, corporate communications, and social media marketing), Ann was the president of Vermont Shortbread Company, an international gourmet food business she created and successfully ran for 15 years.  Ann is a well-known personality with a large following on all major social media platforms.

Ann holds a bachelor's degree in English from Southern Connecticut State University.  

Ann is a member of the National Speakers Association, Women Speakers Association, and Association for Applied and Therapeutic Humor where she is working towards her Certified Humor Professional designation. 

Ann splits her personal time between New York City and Vermont.

Play Your Way to Productivity and Innovation: 5 Secrets of an Accidental Neuroscientist

Format: ​45-60 minute keynote

This program is perfect for:
  • ​Teams who want to be more productive and innovative
  • Business who want to encourage a culture of creativity
  • Helping professionals (teachers, therapists, health care professionals, clergy)
  • University students

The audience will leave with:
  • ​A formula for incorporating more creativity into life and...
Audience ActivityEducational / InformativeInspirational / Life-changingHumorous / Funny

Telling Your Brain Injury Story (can be customized for other audiences)

Format: ​60 minute workshop/breakout

This program is perfect for:
  • ​brain injury survivors (or survivors of any illness or trauma) who want to tell their story
  • aspiring speakers
  • entrepreneurs

The audience will leave with:
  • ​Ability to clearly articulate why and to whom they want to tell their story
  • Definition of disability humor and a checklist for...
Audience ActivityEducational / InformativeInspirational / Life-changingHumorous / Funny

Your Brain Is Your Brand

Format: ​60 minute keynote

This program is perfect for:
  • ​Entrepreneurs who struggle with time management
  • Small business owners
  • University and high school students
Brain power is your company's greatest asset. Many companies spend millions on building their brand, but do little to nurture it from the inside out. What do all the recent studies showing the effects of sleep deprivation...
Audience ActivityEducational / InformativeTechnical / SpecificInspirational / Life-changingHumorous / Funny