Laura Schwartz

Based on Laura's book, this keynote shows how to use the positive power of networking to your advantage.

Laura's presentation is humorous and engaging, but that’s not what makes it powerful. What makes it powerful is that it’s immediately actionable. For the attendee, the new networking knowledge can be applied instantly to the conference at hand. This presentation outlines purposeful skills that inspire leadership and drive performance. It becomes the centerpiece for a truly productive conference. Eat, Drink, & Succeed is more than a series of anecdotes; it’s a compelling story that’s packed with networking tools and knowledge. Laura’s behind the scenes stories of the White House, Dreamworks, Oprah and beyond illustrate just how useful these skills are for the savvy professional, regardless of industry or career path.
One key technique Laura employs is flipping the definition of networking, empowering her audience to continue growing their networks and opportunities by adopting the mantra, “What can I do for you?” instead of the more typical mentality that asks, “What can you do for me?” She explains how positive, powerful networking involves mentoring and leading both inside and outside of the office, resulting in beneficial outcomes for all sides. She shares her techniques – including insider tips about effective follow-ups and how to leverage the powers of preparation, introductions and engaging conversations, among others – and provides attendees with the means to turn a brief meeting, break room conversation, lunch or “optional” social occasion into a valuable opportunity.

Eat, Drink & Succeed motivates, engages, and most importantly, it drives action.

This keynote presents a unique and dynamic approach to leadership, incorporating over 200 years of U.S. presidents, first ladies and their stories. As a witness on the front lines of climatic celebrations as well as moments of great gravity, determination and leadership, Laura achieved a rare perspective on the private and public moments of first families and global leaders. In this unforgettable program, Laura reveals the behind-the-scenes lessons learned in action at the White House. Using inspiring stories and visuals, she shares valuable takeaways from the earliest White House inhabitants, along with first-hand accounts of defining moments during the Clinton administration to illustrate real lessons in leadership we all can put to use in our daily lives as we work with our customers and colleagues.

This presentation is often adapted for women’s groups and corporate leadership teams

What can you accomplish? For inspiration, look to what the greats have done in the past. This keynote covers “bars” set by female leaders who have changed history and forged the professional community landscape that women excel in today.
Laura takes the audience on a journey that explores the lives of notable women from around the world and across a variety of fields – such as Eleanor Roosevelt, Margaret Thatcher, Rosa Parks, Hillary Clinton and Oprah Winfrey – to better understand how women today are shaped by the skills, strength and struggles of those who came before them. By also looking at those individuals who set the bar for these famous women, Laura shows the audience how they, too – as women who are leaders, mothers, spouses, sisters and friends – set the bar for themselves, their families and other women every day, whether or not they realize it.

The message resonates with women of all ages in every stage of their careers and lives. Whether it is a corporation, industry association or nonprofit, Laura will ensure her message relates to your audience. Laura can develop an even stronger connection with the audience by incorporating your organization’s own founders, leaders or other strong women your audience identifies with to demonstrate how they “set the bar.”

Laura is a premier emcee for conferences and events as she uses her positive energy and professional speaking experience of over 17 years to bring a conference to life and her background on camera to bring a level of ease to onstage interviews with CEOs, newsmakers, and celebrities. Laura engages your audience throughout and creates an environment that will take your event to the next level and achieve your objective.  Laura has had great success as an Emcee as she keeps audiences involved and their energy in-sync with the event’s overarching purpose, while driving a message of inclusion and corporate culture.