Emily Carlson

Emily Carlson

NY, US

"Powered by Authenticity. Fueled by Action."

Real impact comes from leading with authenticity and taking bold action. 

Emily Carlson – Keynote Speaker | Executive Leader | Advocate for Authentic Leadership

Emily Carlson is a dynamic keynote speaker and executive leader with 30 years of experience in Healthcare IT consulting, leadership transformation, and organizational change. She is known for her bold, no-nonsense approach to leading with authenticity, navigating change, and driving real impact.


Throughout her career, Emily has shattered barriers in technology and leadership, often in spaces where she was told she didn’t belong. But what truly fuels her success isn’t just strategy and experience—it’s what she calls her F’ed Up Life: Faith, Family, Food, and Football (with a whole lot of fun). Her signature keynote, "The F’ed Up Life That Fuels Me," isn’t about setbacks—it’s about the power of embracing what brings you joy, staying true to your values, and leading from a place of authenticity.


As the CEO of PBA Consulting and host of the Powered by Authenticity podcast, Emily amplifies conversations around gender equity, fearless leadership, and the real, unfiltered path to success. Her influence has earned her national recognition, including being named one of Consulting Magazine’s Top Women Leaders in Technology, Excellence, and Innovation in 2021 and Mentor of the Year in 2022.


She speaks to audiences across industries, equipping leaders, teams, and organizations with the mindset and tools to own their story, lead with impact, and take action—even when the path forward isn’t clear.


Emily delivers high-energy, thought-provoking keynotes that challenge audiences to ditch perfection, embrace real leadership, and fuel success by staying true to what really matters.

Emily Carlson – Keynote Speaker | Executive Leader | Advocate for Authentic Leadership

Emily Carlson is a dynamic keynote speaker and executive leader with 30 years of experience in Healthcare IT consulting, leadership transformation, and organizational change. She is known for her bold, no-nonsense approach to leading with authenticity, navigating change, and driving real impact.


Throughout her career, Emily has shattered barriers in technology and leadership, often in spaces where she was told she didn’t belong. But what truly fuels her success isn’t just strategy and experience—it’s what she calls her F’ed Up Life: Faith, Family, Food, and Football (with a whole lot of fun). Her signature keynote, "The F’ed Up Life That Fuels Me," isn’t about setbacks—it’s about the power of embracing what brings you joy, staying true to your values, and leading from a place of authenticity.


As the CEO of PBA Consulting and host of the Powered by Authenticity podcast, Emily amplifies conversations around gender equity, fearless leadership, and the real, unfiltered path to success. Her influence has earned her national recognition, including being named one of Consulting Magazine’s Top Women Leaders in Technology, Excellence, and Innovation in 2021 and Mentor of the Year in 2022.


She speaks to audiences across industries, equipping leaders, teams, and organizations with the mindset and tools to own their story, lead with impact, and take action—even when the path forward isn’t clear.


Emily delivers high-energy, thought-provoking keynotes that challenge audiences to ditch perfection, embrace real leadership, and fuel success by staying true to what really matters.

"The F’ed Up Life That Fuels Me" -

Powered by Authenticity. Fueled by Action.

Format: 45-60 minute Keynote, Workshop, or Breakout Session


This program is perfect for:

  • Leaders and professionals navigating change, challenges, or career transitions
  • Teams looking to build resilience, embrace authenticity, and lead with impact


The audience...

Women in TechnologyEducational / InformativeInspirational / Life-changingAuthenticity

"Own the Room: Lead, Speak Up, Break Barriers"

Powered by Authenticity. Fueled by Action.


Format: 45–60-minute Keynote, Workshop, or Breakout Session


This program is perfect for:

  • Women in STEM navigating male-dominated spaces and looking to build confidence
  • Leaders, mentors, and allies seeking to foster inclusivity and support women in STEM

Women in TechnologyAudience ActivityEducational / InformativeInspirational / Life-changingAuthenticityInformation Services

"The Secret Sauce of IT Project Success: Why Diverse Teams Win"

Powered by Authenticity. Fueled by Action.


Format: 45-60 minute Keynote, Workshop, or Breakout Session


This program is perfect for:

  • IT leaders, project managers, and executives driving digital transformation initiatives
  • Teams looking to harness the power of diversity for innovation and problem-solving

Women in TechnologyBusiness - CultureAudience ActivityEducational / InformativeTechnical / SpecificInformation Services

"Reverse Mentoring: The Key to Stronger Leadership"

Powered by Authenticity. Fueled by Action.


Format: 45-60 minute Keynote, Workshop, or Breakout Session


This program is perfect for:

  • Leaders and executives looking to gain fresh perspectives and stay ahead of change
  • Organizations striving to build a more inclusive, dynamic, and future-ready workforce

Generation IssuesHealthcare businessWomen in TechnologyAudience ActivityEducational / InformativeTechnical / SpecificInformation Services