Speaker Fee Range:
Travels From:
Related Categories:
Heather E. McGowan
One of Forbes’ Top Futurists, Heather E. McGowan brings fresh energy and
actionable insights to the future of work. A sought-after strategist, keynote
speaker, and 2x bestselling author, she equips organizations to navigate
relentless change by activating their most critical resource: their people.
Heather’s audiences range from startups to publicly traded Fortune 500
companies, including Google, JPMorgan Chase, Mastercard, and Kaiser
Permanente. Through data-driven insights and powerful visual frameworks,
she helps leaders and teams transform their distinctly human capabilities—
adaptability, empathy, and curiosity—into strategic advantages.
Often quoted in The New York Times, with Thomas Friedman calling her an
“oasis” for her insights, Heather’s bestselling books include The Adaptation
Advantage and The Empathy Advantage, which was named a Top 10 Business
Book of 2023. By teaching people to ask better questions, she enables them to
adapt at the speed of possibility to Solve Tomorrow’s Problems™.
Topics
Solve Tomorrow’s Problems
When naysayers said "it can't be done," humans accomplished the impossible—in weeks, not years. Each pivotal moment reminds us of humanity’s most underestimated asset: our ability to adapt in the face of seemingly impossible odds.
In this perspective-shifting keynote, Heather challenges the myth that we resist change using unforgettable stories about a mop, a burrito, and a hermit crab to demonstrate how we can tap into our natural curiosity and hardwired drive to collaborate to see and shape what’s next.
Drawing from her bestselling books The Adaptation Advantage and The Empathy Advantage, Heather reveals how leading organizations thrive when they place adaptability at their core, allowing them to find breakthrough opportunities where others least expect.
Clear on Purpose
The ability to bridge divides through emotional intelligence and skilled communication may be our most valuable professional competency in today's interconnected world. When organizational purpose aligns with human potential, extraordinary things happen.
In this inspirational keynote, Heather reveals how purpose can become your organization’s most powerful performance driver. Through compelling research and real-world examples, she demonstrates how a shared vision can create the trust, belonging, and motivation needed to transform individual potential into collective impact. By getting clear on purpose, we don't just adapt to change—we shape the future.
The Augmented Imperative
Unleashing Human Potential in the AI Era
Start With Trust
Despite disruptions like technology shifts and social changes, businesses today have a unique opportunity to tap into measurable advantages when it comes to engagement, innovation, and profitability—
AND IT ALL
BEGINS WITH TRUST.Just as humanity’s greatest achievements arose from collective effort, cohesive teams innovate faster, adapt more effectively, and consistently outperform when they are grounded in trust.
In this powerful presentation, Heather shares proven tools audiences can use to activate their natural collaborative strengths so they can achieve extraordinary results, gain a competitive advantage, and drive sustainable growth.
The Curiosity Advantage
Remember when being a leader meant having all the answers? Today's most successful leaders are
ASKING BETTER
QUESTIONS.In a world of unprecedented opportunity, they’re not the most certain, but the most curious.
In this paradigm-shifting talk, Heather reveals why the future belongs to forward-thinking leaders who can navigate relentless change by activating their team’s innate potential to learn, adapt, and grow.
Through compelling research and real-world examples, she demonstrates how exceptional performance depends on empowering rather than managing, building trust rather than enforcing processes, and harnessing collective intelligence for breakthrough results.




What is Heather E. McGowan's speaking fee?
The typical range for Heather E. McGowan's speaking fee is $20,000–$32,000. The low end of the fee range represents their standard virtual fee. The high end of the fee range represents their standard fee for a US-based in-person speaking engagement. Appearances which require an extended schedule of activities or international travel will possibly exceed this fee range. Speaker fees update frequently. To receive a personalized quote for Heather E. McGowan to speak at your event, please consult with a Key Speakers advisor for up to date information and assistance.
What factors influence the speaker's fee?
Other factors that influence a keynote speaker's fee include their reputation, expertise, demand, experience, duration of the presentation, travel requirements for the event location, and any additional services, activities or customization options they offer.
Are travel expenses included in the speaker's fee?
Travel expenses are typically not included in the listed speaker's fee and are quoted separately. If the speaker needs to travel internationally, fees will be higher. These expenses may include airfare, accommodation, ground transportation at home and in the event city, and meals. We can provide more detailed information about travel expenses and arrangements once you've selected a speaker.
How do I book Heather E. McGowan for my event?
The speaker booking process typically involves the following steps:
- Browse our website or reach out to a Key Speakers advisor through our website to explore speaker ideas.
- Select a keynote speaker based on their expertise, experience, and suitability for your event.
- Contact Key Speakers to confirm the speaker's availability, fees, and any unique requirements. We can also help negotiate fees and terms.
- Submit a firm offer to extend the invite to your speaker. These details will be used to create an agreement once the speaker accepts.
- All parties coordinate and finalize the terms of the booking, including contract terms and conditions.
- Confirm the booking by signing the contract and making the necessary payments.
What types of events do keynote speakers typically speak at?
Keynote speakers can speak at a wide range of events, virtual or in person, including conferences, corporate meetings, industry conventions, seminars, workshops, fundraising galas, educational programs, and other special occasions where an inspirational or informative address is desired.
How do I select the right keynote speaker for my event?
When selecting a keynote speaker, consider the following factors:
- The speaker's expertise and knowledge relevant to your event's theme or industry.
- Their speaking style, ability to engage the audience, and deliver impactful messages.
- Past client testimonials, reviews, or references.
- The speaker's availability and fee within your budget.
What are the payment terms and conditions?
A deposit is required upon signing the contract, with the remaining balance due 2–4 weeks before the event. If the event is taking place within 30 days, the full balance is due upon signing.
How far in advance should I book a keynote speaker?
It is generally advisable to book a keynote speaker as early as possible, especially if you have a specific speaker in mind or if your event is during a peak season holiday. Ideally, booking a speaker three to six months in advance can increase the chances of securing your desired speaker.
Can you help me with the logistics and technical requirements for the speaker's presentation?
Yes, we can assist you with the logistics and technical requirements for the speaker's presentation. We stay actively involved during pre-event planning to coordinate with you and ensure that the necessary audiovisual equipment, staging, lighting, and other technical aspects are in place for a successful presentation.
Are there any special requirements or accommodations that need to be considered for the speaker?
Keynote speakers may have specific requirements or accommodations that need to be considered, such as travel arrangements, accommodation preferences, dietary restrictions, or accessibility needs. Some speakers have a performance rider we include in the contract, others have minimal requirements.
Do keynote speakers offer customization options for their presentations?
Yes, many keynote speakers offer customization options for their presentations. They can tailor their content, examples, or case studies to align with your event's theme, industry, or specific audience. Discuss your customization needs with us so we can guide you accordingly.
Can the speaker participate in pre-event activities such as panel discussions or Q&A sessions?
Some keynote speakers are open to participating in pre-event activities such as panel discussions, Q&A sessions, or meet-and-greet sessions. Please share your specific requirements with us during the firm offer phase, so we can work on getting you everything you need.
How long is a typical keynote speech?
The duration of a standard keynote speech can vary depending on the speaker and the event's schedule. Typically, keynote speeches range from 30 minutes to 90 minutes, including any Q&A sessions or interactive elements. Some speakers can accommodate half or full day sessions and extended keynotes. Discuss the desired duration with your representative to determine the appropriate length for participation.
Can I provide feedback or reviews about the speaker's performance?
Yes, we encourage and appreciate feedback about the speaker's performance as well as our services. You can share your feedback via email after the event, or via our survey feedback form. Your feedback can help them improve our services and assist other clients in making informed decisions.
Are there any discounts or special offers available for booking multiple speakers or multiple events?
Often, yes. It's worth inquiring about such possibilities with your Key Speakers representative to explore any available cost-savings options.
Why book Heather E. McGowan though Key Speakers?
- We provide a comprehensive service that takes the guesswork out of hiring a speaker—from speaker selection to logistics to post-event feedback. We know you have lots of responsibilities on top of finding and coordinating event speakers, so having a committed and proactive partner on your side that is an expert with the talent booking process is crucial. Every time you book a speaker with Key, your dedicated events manager will support you throughout the entire planning process. We work closely with you from speaker selection to post-event success and always ensure that your needs are addressed first.
- We help you negotiate contractual details such as speaker fees and travel terms so that you end up with the most favorable deal. Leave the fine print to us so you can focus on other aspects of your event. Key Speakers mediates and absorbs some of the contractual risks that inherently come with booking a keynote speaker.
- With our highly communicative booking and proposal model, you'll never be left in the dark with the status of your speaker. We pride ourselves on speedy response time and always keep you updated on all new developments relating to your event. Our experienced agents are personable (after our morning coffee!) and always eager to do whatever it takes to secure a fantastic speaker for your event.
To put it simply, Key Speakers is your one-stop resource for finding, booking and managing speakers for your event. We do the heavy lifting for you. Our dedicated and knowledgeable advisors ensure that your speaker's message and personal brand perfectly align to your event objectives.
Remember that the specific details and offerings may vary among different speakers, so it's always recommended to consult with your Key Speakers representative for accurate information and assistance.
Speaker Fee Range:
Travels From:
Related Categories:
Request Heather E. McGowan
Connect with us to learn more about booking this speaker for your event.