Kris Harty

My keynote is my life story. It IS my bio. My story and lessons from it came at a price. But at this point in life, it was all worth it.

I've accomplished a lifetime of overcoming.

At age seven, I was diagnosed with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis. It's affected all areas of my life. Still does. But you'd never know it from my can-do, 'watch this' attitude and persevering ways.

My credentials? I've dealt with:
• A lifelong obvious disability and health issues.
• Nine surgeries to keep me walking, including three surgeries that I nearly died from.
• Childhood depression and hidden suicidal thoughts.
• Naysayers - in the form of family, friends, coworkers, employers.
• The corporate world (yes, it is its own category – you know it's true).
• Discrimination – it's alive and well, and cleverly concealed.
• Mergers and acquisitions – making happen what the deal makers said they could do.
• Layoffs and being let go.
• Love and loss, including both parents dying by my early thirties.
• Saying goodbye to toxic people in my life.
• Learning how to turn negatives into positives.
• Finding my own voice to help other people deal with their own challenges.

Doesn't that all sound like a whole lot o'fun?

Actually, it is, because I make it so. My presentation is not depressing or wallowing. It moves fast and runs the gamut of emotions, all of which engage the listener, and allow for the message to be felt, to sink in, and to be remembered. My audiences are never 'down' for long. I bring them back up with an infectious smile and a generous smattering of humor and fun throughout.

An audience member from years ago, recently shared with me that my message changed her life, and it has remained changed since that time a decade ago.

I'll do the same for your audience.

I don't speak often, so your people haven't heard me elsewhere. It's not same old, same old. When I speak, it packs a punch. It's memorable. It's life-changing.

Professionally, I've worn many hats, so your attendees and I have many levels on which to connect.. I spent 20 years in the corporate world in various capacities: as a leader, in sales, in support, on the frontlines. I've worked in the non-profit world. I've worked in startups. I've worked as an entrepreneur. I've worked in communications, as a freelancer, and been a supporter of social enterprise. I've been a speaker, author, blogger, radio show host and producer.

I make my life happen. I can help your people make theirs happen, too, on and off the job.

I live my keynote, every day. Step by Step.

Do your organization and your audience a favor: provide them the opportunity to hear my message, and change their work lives and personal lives for the better.