TRANSFORMATIVE CHANGE & NEXT-LEVEL THINKING KEYNOTES

For over 40 years, Val Vigoda has been focused on what truly moves people. As an honors sociology major in college, she analyzed the elements of music that connected with people on a vast scale, and the ones that didn't. Fascinated by the intersection of artistic expression and human behavior, Val has made it her mission throughout her career to create moving, uplifting and transformative work, in musical performance, songwriting, theatre, and now in the speaking realm as well.
She brings the concept of "collective effervescence" (first coined by pioneering sociologist Émile Durkheim) to joyful life in her keynotes, creating connection and leaving a lasting impact on every audience she encounters. Her work is especially timely, and sorely needed, in this era of global disconnection, guardedness, frayed social fabric, and pervasive loneliness. And it is essential in corporate settings, where studies show that self-trust, playfulness and expression directly improve productivity and team cohesion: expressiveness improves effectiveness. Val's presentations on resilience, courage and optimism will deeply resonate with your audience, and her dynamism and energy will make your event a huge success.
Which presentation will resonate more with your audience?

The Human Edge in an AI World: How Presence, Creativity, and Soul Beat the Algorithm
30 - 90 minutes
Strategic + Disruptive | Soul-Driven. AI-Savvy. Unignorable.
AI can write for you, think for you, even learn from you—but it can’t be you. In a world racing toward automation, the leaders who will thrive are those who lean into their most human traits: creativity, empathy, presence, and meaning-making.
Through story, song, and cutting-edge insight, Val shows how resilience, emotional intelligence and creative leadership are no longer “nice to have”—they’re your strategic edge.
This compelling keynote is more than a talk. It's a call to elevate what makes us human—and lead from that place of strength, not fear, in the age of machines.
Perfect for leadership teams, innovation summits, and future-forward organizations navigating disruption with heart and strategy.
Lead with Confidence into the Unknown: Creativity as a Tool for Optimism
30 - 90 minutes
Bold + Unexpected | Turn Expression into Influence. Turn Play into Power.
Confidence, leadership, playfulness, creativity—these are all skills that improve with practice (not simply traits that you either have or you don’t).
Val takes audiences on a music-filled journey toward more creative leadership, illustrated by bold stories from her own life as well as astounding lessons from one of the greatest leaders in history, Ernest Shackleton.
This empowering presentation, with its emphasis on mindset, story, and expression to uplift and connect people, is ideal for organizations ready to deepen collaboration, ignite innovation, and grow bold, imaginative leaders who thrive in uncertainty.
Especially impactful for energizing conferences, leadership retreats, and company events where creativity and connection matter.
Pivot with Courage: Building Resilience through Creativity and Connection
30 - 90 minutes
Gritty + Grounded | Raw Truth. Real Tools. Change in Motion.
We are all born creative, full of imagination and unafraid to make mistakes. And these qualities are often dulled by time—but they don’t have to be. It’s by reconnecting with our innate confidence (as well as with each other) that we can face crisis, change, and fear with agility and grace.
Val provides powerful insights on how to do this through her own unique stories of overcoming adversity, punctuated by songs which elevate and clarify her message.
This moving, resonant keynote helps organizations foster innovation, connection, and emotional resilience—equipping their people to navigate change with confidence and grace.
Designed to shift audiences from reflection to action—especially impactful during times of transition, team rebuilding, or cultural renewal.
Overcome Fear with Optimism, Resilience and Courage
30 - 90 minutes
Uplifting + Strategic | Bravery. Buoyancy. Lasting Impact.
It’s been said that the human brain is like Velcro for negative experiences and Teflon for positive ones; and so our natural state is easily skewed toward pessimism, fearfulness and an abundance of caution.
But great achievements are fueled by bravery, optimism and—sometimes counterintuitively—playfulness. Now more than ever we need to cultivate these qualities; and in this compelling presentation Val takes to the stage with her six-string electric violin and shows us how.
An effervescent collection of adventures from her own life (as an awkward student, rebellious daughter, struggling Army cadet, nervous backup musician to rock stars, self-critical theater artist…) reveals how crisis forced Val to let go of perfectionism, face her deepest fears, and rediscover strength through play.
With humor, vulnerability, and unforgettable music, this talk empowers audiences to meet challenges with flexibility and boldness.
Ideal for leadership trainings, company-wide events, or any team ready to rise into a more courageous, creative, and joyful version of itself.
The ROI of Joy: Why Playful Teams Outperform Burned-Out Ones
30 - 90 minutes
Rejuvenating + Tactical | Play with Purpose. Energize with Impact.
In a culture obsessed with hustle and optimization, happiness is often treated as optional. But neuroscience—and real-life leadership results—show that delight isn’t a distraction; it’s a performance enhancer.
In this revitalizing, music-infused keynote, Val makes the case for joy as a strategic asset: one that fuels collaboration, resilience, and long-term success.
Through powerful stories, humor, and live performance, she gives your audience permission to reconnect with play—and the tools to build a culture where people feel alive, not just productive. Joy not as fluff, but fuel.
An excellent fit for organizations facing burnout, change fatigue, or the need to refresh their workplace energy.
Rewrite the Script: Turning Struggle into Strength Through Story
30 -90 minutes
Reflective + Actionable | Perspective. Resilience. Transformation.
We all face adversity—but the stories we tell about it shape what happens next. In this poignant and uplifting keynote, Val shows how reframing personal and collective challenges can turn pain into purpose and fear into momentum.
Through live music, real talk, and hard-won insight, she invites your audience to become the authors of a more empowered narrative—both individually and together.
A standout choice for organizations navigating change, transforming culture, or cultivating resilience with heart.

Need a keynote that blows your audience away—and makes you look like a genius for booking it?

Common Audience Reaction To Val's Presentations:

"Super Powers" (Expertise)

TRANSFORMATIVE CHANGE & NEXT-LEVEL THINKING KEYNOTES

The Human Edge in an AI World: How Presence, Creativity, and Soul Beat the Algorithm

Lead with Confidence into the Unknown: Creativity as a Tool for Optimism

Pivot with Courage: Building Resilience through Creativity and Connection

Overcome Fear with Optimism, Resilience and Courage

The ROI of Joy: Why Playful Teams Outperform Burned-Out Ones

Rewrite the Script: Turning Struggle into Strength Through Story

Sample of Organizations That Have Benefitedfrom Val's Insights and Unique Expertise

See Val Vigoda in Action!

Bring Val's creativity, innovation, insights and passion to your next virtual or LIVE event.