Desi Payne

Desi Payne energizes audiences worldwide with fearless humor,
leadership insights, and unstoppable positivity.

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USA

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14 Client reviews

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My experience in working with Desi over the years has been one continuous adventure! Her 'make-you- smile' attitude is fueled by energy and passion and backed by humor and a bunch of FUN! It all is contagious, making her a true joy to work with. Desi is a pro with her highly interactive and people- focused approach. And most importantly, she truly embraces the idea that "laughter is the best medicine" with practical ideas that will add to your learning beyond the speaking or training session. As you look to grow programs for personal and professional development in your company, I highly recommend that you make Desi a key member of your team.

David Drewelow

Head Coach, Action Coach Heartland

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Why you should book Desi Payne for your next event

Desi’s frequent appearances on shows like Hello Iowa! highlight her as a widely respected expert in stress relief and employee well-being, offering credibility to her advice.
Desi provides actionable strategies that help teams manage stress, reduce burnout, and improve overall resilience in high-pressure environments.
As an Executive Program Director with the Maxwell Leadership Team, Desi offers top-tier leadership development strategies, equipping teams with the skills to lead and thrive.

Non-binding request for Desi Payne

Boost Team Morale & Manage Negativity

Energized, enthusiastic, and fearless, Desi Payne is a motivational speaker who brings laughter, insight, and unstoppable energy to every stage. With nearly three decades of experience as an entrepreneur, author, and leadership trainer, she has inspired thousands of leaders across the world. A dynamic member of the John Maxwell Leadership Team, Desi combines practical wisdom with humor to help organizations strengthen teamwork, resilience, and positivity. As a breast cancer survivor, she speaks from the heart about overcoming adversity and finding joy even in the toughest moments.

Meet Desi Payne

Desi Payne is one of the most engaging and energetic motivational speakers in the business world today. Known for her humor, authenticity, and contagious enthusiasm, she delivers keynotes that help people thrive under pressure, embrace change, and rediscover joy at work. Whether she’s speaking to corporate leaders, healthcare professionals, or educators, Desi connects instantly with her audience, bringing real stories, laughter, and lessons that inspire lasting impact.

Leadership & Experience

For nearly 29 years, Desi has been a driving force in leadership and personal development. She has built and led successful businesses, trained leaders at every level, and worked with hundreds of organizations seeking growth and engagement. As an Executive Program Director with the John C. Maxwell Leadership Team, she represents one of the most respected names in leadership worldwide. Her programs are designed to help teams strengthen communication, boost morale, and cultivate a culture where people perform at their best.

The Power of Humor & Resilience

What sets Desi apart is her ability to use humor as a teaching tool. Her background as an award-winning entertainer keeps audiences laughing while learning. Every story, every moment of laughter serves a purpose, to remind people that positivity and resilience can transform challenges into opportunities. Having faced breast cancer herself, Desi understands the importance of mental toughness and optimism. She shares her personal journey with honesty and heart, making her message both relatable and unforgettable.

Books & Media Presence

Desi is the author of three popular books: Do You Work with the Living Dead?, Give Me Some Chocolate... I’m Stressed!, and Manage Stress Without Losing Your Mind. Each title reflects her down-to-earth approach to personal growth and stress management. As a regular guest on the lifestyle show Hello Iowa!, Desi has become a familiar face, offering viewers practical ways to stay positive and productive. Her ability to connect through television, workshops, and speaking engagements has earned her a loyal following.

Audiences will learn how to:

Boost energy and morale in high-pressure environments
Communicate effectively and strengthen teamwork
Turn stress into motivation and momentum
Build a resilient mindset through humor and perspective
Create a workplace culture that inspires positivity and performance

Whether you’re planning a corporate conference, leadership retreat, or healthcare event, Desi delivers an unforgettable message that empowers people to face challenges with courage, humor, and heart.

Book Desi Payne for Your Event

When you book Desi Payne, you get more than a speaker, you get an experience. Her presentations are interactive, filled with laughter, and grounded in real-world wisdom. Desi equips teams to manage stress, stay motivated, and bring renewed energy to their professional and personal lives. Whether you’re planning a corporate conference, leadership retreat, or healthcare event, Desi delivers an unforgettable message that empowers people to face challenges with courage, humor, and heart.

Customer Reviews

David Drewelow Head Coach, Action Coach Heartland

Desi, having been an audience member myself at your presentations, I can only say that your focus on positive, entertaining, and uplifting material always makes for memorable sessions. From "The Attitude Adjuster," to (my favorite) "Do You Work with the Living Dead?" and even "Give Me Some Chocolate…I'm Stressed," your product and style captivate an audience to be engaged and participatory. Spectators will be delighted to have you as a part of any conference, workshop, breakout session, keynote, or other essential participant. Any organization will certainly be making the right decision by adding Desi to their lineup of professionals.

Sharon Stroh VP, Organizational Communications Ottumwa Partners in Progress

I would like to endorse Desi Payne as a speaker for any group. She is a very positive person and engages quite well with an audience quickly. She is always well prepared and provides numerous humorous anecdotes and stories. If you want your audience to laugh and feel more positive when they leave, Desi will come through for you. Your firm or organization will not be disappointed.

Bob Kramer President Financial Partners, Inc.

When my company had its annual retreat, I recommended Desi to speak to a room of executives on work behaviors. This was a tough crowd, but she handled them like a pro. After the two-day event, they loved her, loved the outcomes of teamwork, and loved the laughter she provided! Desi gives inspiration to everyone she meets. So I follow her with a passion for learning more, dealing with work stress (which we all have on some level!), dealing with personalities, and most of all, eating chocolate to soothe the heart! To say I would fully recommend her is selling her short: I would say if you don't utilize her talents, your organization is missing out!

Suzie Wood Regional Vice President of Health Dimension Group

If you are looking for an energetic and inspiring speaker, look no further than Desi Payne! She has spoken three different times for our Leadership NOW! Annual Regional Conference - both as a workshop facilitator and as a keynote. Desi is highly engaging and can interact with people of all ages.

Hollie Tometich Executive Director Ottumwa Leadership Academy

Desi Payne is a versatile, entertaining, and educational speaker and teacher. In 2017, I had the opportunity to work with her in Costa Rica, facilitating leadership training for business and government agencies with the John Maxwell Leadership Foundation, and was amazed by her unique and memorable approach to training people. In late 2018, my company sponsored Desi to come to my community to work with our students and educators. In less than a week, Desi gave three different presentations to over 1,200 students, educators, and administrators, ages 5 - 65. Desi's professionalism, talent, humor, and message left my community stronger and better equipped to take on the challenges of life. I hope to bring her back in the future.

Katherine Tatsuda Marketing Director, Tongass Federal Credit Union, Ketchikan, Alaska

If your organization is looking for someone to fire you up on leadership issues, Desi Payne is your speaker. I have seen her speaking at our local Leadership Academy as well as Regional Leadership Conferences. Her interactive, humorous style will give your attendees practical information on leadership and personal growth. As a John Maxwell Trainer, she is well versed in successful leadership techniques. Her background in clowning helps her put a humorous twist to the important information she brings. I am confident you will be pleased with her speaking style and audience response.

Dr. Ted Haas Dean of Ottumwa Leadership Academy, 2015-2016.

Desi Payne is an engaging and entertaining motivational speaker. I had the honor of having her speak at one of my events in front of 10k students. She had the students engaged the entire time -including the teachers! If you need a speaker that will not only entertain but move your audience to take positive steps towards success, book Desi Payne—you will be glad you did!

Marie Cosgrove CEO Balanceback & Author Greater Fortune, Essential Lessons from the Entrepreneur Who Bought the Company That Fired Her

Desi has spoken to many business professionals in my community, and I have had the pleasure of attending several of her programs. One of her programs deals with toxic people in the workplace. The lessons that she teaches all circle back to attitude, how we all have the choice to be either positive or negative about our day. Another great program is on stress in the workplace. Unfortunately, we all deal with stress often in our careers; she has a unique way to get across real-life action steps to help deal with those situations. I absolutely recommend Desi Payne for any speaking opportunity you may have for people, young and old, who may need less stress, more resilience, and greater courage. She is such a dynamic and inspirational speaker.

Lindsey Gould Marketing & Media Specialist Community 1st Credit Union, Ottumwa, IA

Desi did a fantastic job of interacting with everyone and making her session fun. She uses compelling storytelling, humor, practical guidelines, and time-tested research to keep the audience engaged. We've had Desi on numerous occasions training our faculty. I highly recommend her speaking and training for your business or organization.

Matt Thompson President, Indian Hills Community College, Ottumwa, Iowa

At the SAHMA Alabama/Mississippi Conference last week, I had the pleasure of watching, listening to, interacting with, and learning from an amazing speaker, Desi Payne KEYNOTE SPEAKER. Desi was fun, full of energy, motivating, and most of all, informative. We got some great ideas to use to help motivate and inspire our teams, and boost their overall morale. I would certainly recommend having Desi speak at any event as a keynote speaker.

Dennis Williams President, Southern Affordable Housing Management Association

Desi Payne delivered an exceptional keynote. Desi was not only down to earth and easy to work with but also electrifying, hilarious, and thoroughly entertaining. Her dynamic presentation captivated the entire audience, making everyone feel involved and engaged. Desi's unique ability to inspire and motivate shines through as she effortlessly connects with a diverse audience, resonating equally with young professionals and seasoned experts. Her charisma and genuine approach make her a standout speaker who leaves a lasting impression on all who have the pleasure of hearing her.

Dr. Jaimis Rebecca Ulrich Director of Professional Development at International Institute of Municipal Clerks

Desi knocks it out of the park. Her energy, storytelling, and engaging discussions pull you out of the everyday grind and into a place of empowerment. I’d highly recommend Desi to any organization who wants the best out of their team.

Ramon Looby President & CEO, Maryland Bankers Association

Desi created an amazing workshop! From the minute I walked in, there was an air of enthusiasm.

Karen Knotts Daughter of Legendary “Barney Fife” Don Knotts

Keynotes

Keynote by Desi Payne:

REBOOT to RE-ENERGIZE

Energizing Excellence to Create a Positive Workplace Culture.

Imagine this: You walk into your workplace and instantly feel the positive energy. People collaborate with ease, support one another, and genuinely enjoy coming to work. Wow—what an incredible environment that would be! But let’s face it—the reality is that many employees today are disengaged, burned out, and overwhelmed. If that sounds familiar, it might be time for a REBOOT!

This high-energy keynote will recharge your mindset, lift team morale, and reignite the passion and drive to perform at your best.

Just like a computer runs better after a reboot, you’ll discover how to refresh your mindset and reignite your energy at work in this powerful and entertaining keynote, Desi

Payne shows you how to:

CONTROL your actions and reactions,
ALTER your perspective and mindset, and
DELETE negativity - so you can show up as your best self every day.

With experience training thousands of leaders and employees across hundreds of organizations, Desi delivers practical tools with humor and heart. Get ready for a keynote that’s not just motivating—it’s energizing, interactive, and downright fun!

Participants will learn:

The REBOOT framework which will energize excellence in leaders and their teams.
To discover how to reignite enthusiasm within your team.
To develop strategies for navigating negativity.
How to CONTROL, ALT, and DELETE to become a better version of YOU!
How to reboot and encourage others.

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Keynote by Desi Payne:

The Magic of Connecting for Leaders

Create Impact and Influence Today.

Do you know the secret to becoming a great leader? Would you like to learn the magic of connecting?

If yes, then Desi wants to energize you to become EXCELLENT at connecting with your team and co-workers. Why?

Research shows that when employees feel connected, they feel valued, energized, and inspired—and as a result, performance soars.

Connections also increase retention and collaboration and decrease isolation, conflict, and misunderstandings. In this keynote or breakout session, participants will learn the principles of connecting as well as the impact and influence connecting creates.

Participants will learn:

How easy it is to make connections.
Principals of connecting which will build trust and a more cohesive team.
The benefits of connecting which will create influence and impact.
Why creating connections increases employee retention.
How to elevate your entire organization through the habit of making connections.

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Keynote by Desi Payne:

Give Me Some Chocolate...I’m Stressed!

Energizing Excellence by Harnessing Stress.

In today’s fast-paced, high-pressure world, it’s easy to feel drained, overwhelmed, and stretched too thin. How do you energize excellence when everything around you seems to zap your energy? How do you accomplish more with less—without burning out?

In this high-energy session, motivational speaker Desi Payne will share her powerful “3-L Framework” to help you recognize, reduce, and respond to stress in healthier, more productive ways. You’ll discover practical strategies to either eliminate or effectively manage the stressors that weigh you down at work and in life.

Walk away with tools that will help you:

Boost your energy and enthusiasm.
Show up fully engaged and focused.
Improve your mental health and resilience.
Create a more positive, productive workplace culture.

Participants will learn:

The consequences of unmanaged stress and how it affects their productivity.
The 3-L Framework to navigate stress:
Lifestyle Changes
Let it Go
Laugh More
What their own 'Stress Test' results are
How to manage stress on the job so they will have sustained energy and become the best version of themselves.

Get ready to laugh, learn, and leave equipped to manage stress—without losing your mind! You will learn to be intentional about taking care of the stress that is robbing you of your happiness and joy. This is a fun, high-energy, and impactful session!

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Keynote by Desi Payne:

The Connective Power of Laughter

A Great Banquet or Celebration Keynote.

Are you having a fun annual celebration and need the perfect banquet speaker? Maybe you need a dynamic session to re-energize everyone after lunch. This keynote delivers just that!

More than just entertaining and engaging, this laughter-filled experience will have your audience laughing and learning about the amazing science behind laughter. Did you know that laughter relaxes your muscles, releases feel-good hormones, boosts your mood, energizes your body and mind, and—believe it or not—even gives your internal organs a gentle massage?

Laughter will boost morale, strengthen connections, and help employees manage stress in the workplace.

This high-energy keynote reveals how humor and laughter are more than just fun—they’re powerful tools for creating healthier, happier, and more productive teams.

Here's proof of Desi's humor:

Award-winning professional clown, in 2016 winning the prestigious “All-Around Clown" and 1st Place in Skit Competition at the World Clown Convention.
Guest performer with Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus as well as the Carden International Circus.
Directed Humor Therapy Department at local hospital for 29 years as a professional clown.
Attended clown college and training throughout the country and Canada on the art of clowning with patients.
Worked on Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines as a family entertainer.

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Workshop by Desi Payne:

D.I.S.C. Workshop

Energize Your Team with Incredible Communication Skills.

What if you could tap into your greatest motivations and dramatically improve your relationships and accelerate your results? Then D.I.S.C. training with Desi is the best solution!

D.I.S.C. will teach participants their personality style which would be one or a combination of

D: Dominant, I: Influencing, S: Steady, or C: Compliant.

Participants are introduced to the DISC model and begin by exploring their personal profiles to better understand their own communication style and behavioral preferences. They then learn about the full spectrum of DISC styles, gaining insight into the strengths and value each brings to a team.

Finally, they apply this understanding to enhance collaboration and communication across their organization. This workshop is ideal for individual contributors or for fostering a shared understanding and common language around the DISC framework within teams or organizations.

This fun, dynamic, and highly engaging session offers a hands-on experience that will leave participants with a clear and practical understanding of how to communicate more effectively with one another.

Participants will learn how to:

Identity four different personality traits as well as learn their own.
Build a stronger team that communicates, appreciates the style of others and works well together.
Understand how to successfully engage and interact with styles that are different than their own.
Understand the impact communication has with the people they work with and the clients they serve.

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