Colette Carlson helps leaders and teams activate The Human Edge™ through stronger communication, deeper trust, and meaningful human connection.
5.00 of 5
Top rated!5 of 5
"Relatable! Colette absolutely crushed it for the opening session at our largest annual event! She is relevant, engaging, funny, and tailored her presentation to our audience perfectly.”
ASHLEY MCCANN
MA, EVENTS DIRECTOR, RE/MAX OF MI
Human connection has never been more important or more challenged, than it is today. As technology accelerates and workplaces evolve, the ability to communicate clearly, build trust, and lead with empathy has become a defining leadership skill. Human Behavior Expert and CPAE Hall of Fame keynote speaker Colette Carlson helps organizations strengthen these essential capabilities through practical strategies and powerful insights. Drawing on decades of experience and a Master’s Degree in Human Behavior, Colette equips leaders, teams, and professionals with the mindset and skillset needed to activate The Human Edge™ the critical human-centered qualities that elevate engagement, collaboration, and performance. Her high-energy, humorous, and interactive keynote experiences leave audiences inspired and ready to take action.
Organizations today face a unique challenge: how to preserve genuine human connection in a world that is increasingly automated, fast-paced, and digitally driven. Communication gaps, disengagement, and fractured collaboration often stand in the way of high performance. Colette Carlson addresses these challenges head-on by helping leaders and teams activate what she calls The Human Edge™.
As a Human Behavior Expert and internationally recognized keynote speaker, Colette Carlson equips audiences with practical strategies to strengthen trust, improve communication, and create more connected workplace cultures. Her presentations combine humor, relatable stories, and research-backed insights that resonate with professionals at every level of an organization.
Colette’s message is clear: organizations that prioritize human connection outperform those that overlook it.
Colette’s work centers on developing the human skills that technology cannot replace. While automation and digital tools continue to transform the workplace, the ability to communicate effectively, build trust, and engage authentically remains essential to success.
Through her keynote presentations, Colette helps audiences understand how small shifts in communication and behavior can dramatically improve collaboration and performance. Participants gain practical tools to:
Build stronger trust across teams and departments
Improve listening and communication clarity
Strengthen relationships with colleagues and clients
Increase engagement and accountability
Lead conversations with intention and empathy
These skills form the foundation of The Human Edge™ the qualities that empower individuals and organizations to thrive in an increasingly complex business environment.
Colette Carlson’s content is shaped by decades of firsthand conversations with professionals across industries. From executives and emerging leaders to sales teams and frontline employees, she has spent years listening to the real challenges people face in the workplace.
This continuous dialogue allows Colette to bring a rare level of authenticity and relevance to her presentations. Rather than delivering generic speeches, she crafts deeply customized keynote experiences informed by audience interviews, current research, and the unique needs of each organization.
The result is a keynote that feels personal, practical, and immediately applicable.
Her delivery style is energetic, engaging, and interactive. Audiences appreciate her ability to balance insightful learning with humor and storytelling, creating an environment where participants feel both inspired and empowered to change their behavior.
Since founding her company, Speak Your Truth, Inc., Colette Carlson has delivered keynote presentations across five continents, helping organizations strengthen communication, leadership, and engagement.
Her client list includes some of the world’s most recognized companies, including:
Microsoft
PepsiCo
FedEx
ExxonMobil
Procter & Gamble
Fidelity
Costco
Domino’s
These organizations invite Colette because her message resonates across industries and professional roles. Whether addressing executives, leadership teams, or large conference audiences, she delivers insights that translate into real results.
Colette Carlson’s influence in the speaking profession has earned her some of the industry’s most respected honors.
She holds the Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) designation—an earned credential held by fewer than 10% of professional speakers worldwide. The CSP recognizes a consistent track record of professionalism, experience, and audience impact.
In addition, Colette has been inducted into the CPAE Speaker Hall of Fame, an honor reserved for speakers who have reached the highest level of career excellence in the industry.
These distinctions reflect not only her speaking ability but also her long-standing commitment to delivering meaningful value to every audience she serves.
When organizations invite Colette Carlson to speak, they gain more than an engaging keynote. They gain a powerful catalyst for stronger communication, deeper trust, and more intentional leadership.
Participants leave her sessions energized and equipped with practical tools they can apply immediately, tools that help them communicate more effectively, strengthen relationships, and contribute to a healthier workplace culture.
Through her signature blend of humor, research, and lived insight into human behavior, Colette Carlson empowers audiences to unlock The Human Edge™ and transform the way they work, lead, and connect.
5 of 5
"Relatable! Colette absolutely crushed it for the opening session at our largest annual event! She is relevant, engaging, funny, and tailored her presentation to our audience perfectly.”
ASHLEY MCCANN MA, EVENTS DIRECTOR, RE/MAX OF MI
5 of 5
"Highly impactful! Colette worked with leadership to tailor her message to our 1,000 sales team members. Fantastic blend of serious content with humor to keep the audience fully engaged!“
RYAN STECK EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, STRATEGIC MARKETING, HENRY SCHEIN
5 of 5
“Colette’s ability to connect with McKesson’s US Pharm leadership team was truly remarkable. Her expertise in resilience and leading through change is unmatched. Colette skillfully guided us through the importance of connection and navigating the ever-changing landscape of life and business. She provided practical strategies and actionable steps that empowered us to not only survive, but thrive in the face of adversity. What truly set her apart was her ability to infuse positivity and optimism into her message, along with tailoring it for our audience and business. Her energy was infectious, leaving us all feeling invigorated and eager to embrace change as an opportunity for growth and success. Her skit was also unmatched and really got the audience engaged and laughing! I wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone seeking guidance and inspiration in navigating the challenges of life and leadership.”
JOE URBY DIRECTOR, US PHARMACEUTICAL COMMUNICATIONS, MCKESSON
5 of 5
Colette’s enthusiasm, humor, and very practical advice were a huge hit with our group of women General Counsel and senior-level in-house counsel. She fully committed to our program, spending time with our attendees and other speakers to gain a deep understanding of our challenges and goals. She made sincere personal connections; our attendees left energized and better prepared to address the obstacles that impede their success and the success of the organizations they serve.
Chair, National Assn. of Women Lawyers 8th General Counsel Institute
5 of 5
Colette recently spoke for us as the Opening Keynote Speaker and Virtual Chat Emcee/Moderator of our first virtual IAEE Women's Leadership Forum and, as always, she was AMAZING! I have used Colette numerous times in my career and she never disappoints; a true professional when it comes to presenting virtually. I always know I can count on her to do what's needed to make our program a huge success! Always on point, providing leadership tips to women; she is top notch, has a true pulse on what our attendees need and is always able to engage. We love Colette!
Stacy Riddler, Senior Education Manager International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE)
5 of 5
After two days of education focused on improving patient safety and health care quality, Colette’s closing keynote brought an element of positive inspiration and humor to a crowd of 500 health care executives! The post event evaluation identified her as the most highly rated speaker, and it was no surprise given her ability to tailor the content to meet the needs of our audience.
S.B., Program Manager Texas Hospital Association Foundation
5 of 5
Colette’s engaging style and creative virtual presentation made our event a great success! The post-event survey identified her as the most highly-rated session and rated her as the “highlight” of the entire two-day Learning and Development program!
Esin Akkanat Mircrosoft
Keynote by Colette Carlson:
Master Connection. Build Trust. Future-Proof Your Team.
The future isn't just digital—it’s deeply human. In an era defined by rapid change, advancing technology, and generational diversity, it’s not just what leaders know, but how they connect that creates impact.
The Human EdgeTM of Leadership equips leaders with the essential human-centric skills needed to foster trust, belonging, and performance in today’s complex workplace. From hybrid dynamics to high expectations, employees need leaders who communicate with clarity, compassion, and courage.
Rooted in neuroscience and real-world strategies, this research-based program helps leaders raise the quality of conversations to meet the moment—and lead with presence, purpose, and emotional intelligence.
Because people don’t just want to be managed. They want to be seen, supported, and inspired.
Key Takeaways:
Emotional Agility - Elevate your emotional intelligence to better navigate change, reduce friction, and create a connected, resilient team culture.
Conversation that Moves People - Learn actionable, human-first techniques to spark meaningful dialogue, deepen trust, and drive accountability without micromanaging.
Psychological Safety as a Leadership Strategy - Create a safe space where people speak up, bring ideas forward, and feel valued for who they are—not just what they do.
Strength-Spotting & Storytelling - Become a Human Highlighter® who authentically acknowledges progress and potential to boost motivation and morale.
Cultivating a Culture of Growth - Lead in a way that grows people—not just performance—so individuals and teams thrive under your leadership.
Real influence starts with real connection. Build yours with The Human EdgeTM of Leadership.
Keynote by Colette Carlson:
Influence Faster, Connect Deeper, Win More
Sales success isn’t just about closing deals—it’s about opening relationships.
In a world of inbox overload, AI-generated everything, and rising buyer skepticism, the differentiator is no longer just product knowledge or persistence. It’s your ability to connect human-to-human.
The Human EdgeTM of Sales equips sales professionals with the mindset and skillset to lead richer conversations that break through noise, build trust faster, and deepen relationships that drive long-term loyalty.
Rooted in behavioral science and practical strategy, this uplifting and results-focused session challenges outdated sales habits and replaces them with emotionally intelligent, buyer-centric communication. Drive connection, loyalty, and results through meaningful, modern conversations.
Because in today’s trust-fragile environment, how you show up matters more than what you sell.
Key Takeaways:
From Transaction to Transformation - Learn how to move beyond scripts and surface-level pitches to create meaningful, memorable customer connections.
Protect Your Priorities - Adopt a mindset that filters distractions and focuses time and activity on what moves sales forward.
Strategic Curiosity - Ask better, deeper questions that uncover real needs, shift buying hesitations, and reveal opportunities others miss.
Empathy in Action - Listen beyond the words. Strengthen emotional engagement by understanding what customers truly value.
Stories that Sell (and Stick) - Harness the power of storytelling to illustrate impact, inspire action, and emotionally resonate with your audience.
Modern Trust-Building Techniques - Use verbal, visual, and digital cues—especially in virtual selling—to build credibility and reduce buyer resistance.
Sales isn’t just about influence—it’s about impact. Get there faster with The Human EdgeTM.
Keynote by Colette Carlson:
Connect Authentically. Collaborate Fearlessly. Achieve Collectively
Teams don’t thrive by chance—they thrive by choice, awareness, and courageous communication.
In a workplace shaped by disruption, hybrid dynamics, and relentless pressure to perform, the most impactful teams are grounded in trust, fueled by emotional intelligence, and united by a shared sense of purpose.
The Human Edge™ of Thriving Teams equips leaders and contributors with actionable tools to deepen connection, foster a climate of psychological safety, and embrace change with confidence and clarity. This dynamic, insight-rich session blends science-backed strategies with relatable storytelling to unlock what every high-performing team needs most: trust, truth, and tenacity.
Because success today isn’t just about what we do—it’s how we show up for each other while doing it.
Key Takeaways:
Psychological Safety in Action - Foster an environment where team members feel safe to speak up, share ideas, and take risks—without fear of judgment or retaliation.
Emotional Intelligence that Elevates - Strengthen your self-awareness and empathy to build better relationships, defuse tension, and navigate change with composure.
Courageous Conversations - Replace silence or surface-level dialogue with meaningful conversations that move collaboration—and culture—forward.
Change Agility - Shift from resistance to resilience. Learn strategies that help your team adapt and thrive in the face of constant change and uncertainty.
Trust That Transforms - Build a culture where trust isn’t a buzzword—it’s a behavior. Learn everyday habits that reinforce accountability, connection, and confidence.
Aligned Accountability - Move from “me” to “we” thinking. Discover how to co-create shared goals, expectations, and feedback loops that drive collective achievement.
It’s not just what your team does—it’s how they connect, communicate, and collaborate that determines how far they go. Thrive together with The Human Edge™.
Keynote by Colette Carlson:
Train Your Brain. Fuel Your Focus. Stretch Your Edge.
Burnout isn’t a badge of honor—it’s a warning light.
In today’s boundary-blurred, always-on world, thriving at work requires more than just grit. It demands intention, emotional agility, and the ability to shift from reactive to resilient—on repeat.
The Human Edge™ of Resilient Performance is a powerful and practical experience that helps individuals take back control of their time, energy, and mental clarity. Whether you're navigating high-stakes deadlines, nonstop change, or the daily demands of hybrid life, this program provides the mindset reset and science-backed tools to stay focused, fueled, and forward-moving.
And unlike machines, humans aren’t designed to run 24/7. We require reflection, recalibration, and connection—this session shows you how to access all three.
Through relatable storytelling, brain science, and immediately usable techniques, participants will leave with a renewed sense of agency—and the strategies to lead themselves and others from burnout to breakthrough.
Because it’s not just about bouncing back—it’s about bouncing forward with purpose and power.
Key Takeaways:
Focus on What You Can Control - Interrupt stress spirals by mastering mental filters that help you channel focus where it matters most.
Mindset Reset - Rewire your inner narrative and replace unhelpful patterns with empowering, science-backed reframes.
Energy Intelligence - Learn how to manage your energy—not just your time—by recognizing burnout cues and proactively restoring mental fuel.
Resilience Rituals - Build micro-habits that increase emotional endurance, improve clarity, and bring you back to center—even on tough days.
Support that Sticks - Create psychological safety for yourself and others by identifying what you need—and learning how to ask for it without guilt.
Stretch Your Edge - Adopt a growth mindset that helps you embrace discomfort, increase adaptability, and transform challenges into growth.
Machines don’t burn out—but they don’t innovate, adapt, or connect either. Build the mindset only humans can master with The Human Edge™.
Keynote by Colette Carlson:
You don’t need to become someone else to lead—you just need to fully own who you already are.
In a world still catching up to equity, women leaders often navigate a dual reality: extraordinary capability, paired with invisible challenges. From outdated biases and double standards to balancing boldness with likability, the path to leadership can feel like walking a tightrope.
The Human Edge™ of Empowered Leadership for Women equips participants with the clarity, confidence, and communication skills to lead with presence, elevate their influence, and claim their seat at any table—without compromising authenticity.
This empowering, research-backed session is designed for women at all career stages and delivers actionable strategies for navigating the real dynamics of work and leadership. Through the lens of emotional intelligence, self-advocacy, and connection, participants will learn how to turn challenges into catalysts—and show up with unapologetic impact.
Because leadership isn’t just about rising—it’s about rising while lifting others.
Key Takeaways:
Strategic Self-Worth - Silence the inner critic. Identify and own your value—then communicate it with clarity and conviction.
Purposeful Connection - Build relationships that open doors, offer support, and fuel your influence—without networking that feels transactional.
Commanding Communication - Speak up without shrinking back. Learn high-impact messaging techniques to be heard, respected, and remembered.
Mastering the Ask - Negotiate, advocate, and navigate critical conversations with confidence and composure.
Resilience on Repeat - Build the emotional endurance to move through challenges, navigate change, and bounce forward—not just back.
From Limits to Leverage - Identify unconscious scripts, redefine boundaries, and take bold steps toward growth—even when the path isn’t clearly paved.
Empowered women lead louder, rise higher, and bring others with them. Unleash your Human Edge™ and lead from your full power.
Watch Colette Carlson in action!
Watch Colette Carlson in action!
