Desi Payne

Desi Payne helps leaders and teams reduce burnout, manage stress,
and build positive workplace cultures that drive lasting results.

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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

Learn practical strategies to reduce burnout, manage stress, and create a healthier, more productive workplace culture.
Gain leadership insights from a certified John Maxwell Trainer with more than 35 years of experience across industries.
Experience a high-energy keynote filled with actionable tools, humor, and memorable stories that inspire immediate action.

Non-binding request for Desi Payne

Energizing Leaders, Beating Burnout, & Inspiring Teams to Create a Positive Workplace Culture

Desi Payne is an international motivational keynote speaker, leadership trainer, author, and workplace culture expert who helps organizations create healthier, more engaged, and more productive teams. With more than 35 years of experience spanning entrepreneurship, leadership development, customer service training, patient advocacy, and professional entertainment, she delivers presentations that combine practical strategies with high energy and genuine connection. Desi is known for helping leaders and employees reduce burnout, manage stress effectively, strengthen workplace culture, and improve performance. Her engaging style, authentic storytelling, and actionable takeaways leave audiences inspired and equipped to create lasting positive change long after the event ends.

Book Desi Payne for Your Event

Desi Payne is an international motivational keynote speaker, leadership trainer, author, and workplace culture expert who helps organizations reduce burnout, manage stress, and build positive workplace cultures that support stronger engagement, retention, and performance.

With more than 35 years of experience as an entrepreneur, patient advocate, customer service trainer, leadership professional, and award-winning entertainer, Desi brings a unique perspective to every audience. Her presentations combine practical leadership strategies, real-world business experience, and engaging storytelling that inspire lasting change.

Organizations invite Desi to help employees and leaders navigate workplace challenges with greater confidence, resilience, and energy. Her ability to turn complex workplace issues into practical solutions has made her a trusted resource for companies, associations, healthcare organizations, and leadership teams across multiple industries.

Leadership Development That Makes a Difference

Strong leadership is one of the most important drivers of organizational success. As a certified John Maxwell Leadership Trainer, Desi helps leaders strengthen communication, improve team relationships, build trust, and create cultures where people feel motivated to contribute their best work.

Her leadership programs focus on practical application rather than theory alone. Audience members leave with strategies they can implement immediately to improve team performance, increase accountability, and lead more effectively during times of growth and change.

Whether speaking to emerging leaders, experienced managers, or executive teams, Desi delivers insights that resonate across every level of an organization.

Helping Teams Reduce Stress & Burnout

Employee burnout continues to be one of the biggest challenges facing organizations today. Increased workloads, constant change, and growing expectations can affect both performance and well-being.

Desi helps audiences understand the causes of workplace stress while providing practical tools for maintaining energy, resilience, and productivity. Her presentations encourage individuals to take control of the factors they can influence while developing healthier habits that support long-term success.

Rather than offering short-term motivation, Desi focuses on sustainable strategies that help people remain engaged, focused, and productive even during demanding periods.

A High-Energy Speaker with Practical Takeaways

One of the reasons organizations continue to book Desi Payne is her ability to combine meaningful content with an engaging delivery style.

Her presentations blend humor, audience interaction, research-backed concepts, and memorable stories that keep attendees engaged from beginning to end. Participants are not simply inspired during the event, they leave with tools and ideas they can immediately apply in their professional and personal lives.

This combination of energy and substance has made Desi a popular choice for conferences, leadership retreats, annual meetings, healthcare events, and corporate training programs.

Trusted by Organizations Across Industries

Throughout her career, Desi has delivered keynote presentations, workshops, and training programs in 28 states and three countries, impacting hundreds of organizations.

Her client list includes organizations such as Farm Bureau Insurance, Century 21, Kinseth Hospitality, and McLeod Health. Her ability to connect with diverse audiences and tailor her message to specific challenges has contributed to her strong reputation as a speaker who creates measurable value.

Beyond the stage, Desi continues to share her expertise through multiple channels. She hosts The Energized Leader podcast and regularly appears on the television lifestyle program Hello Iowa!, where she provides practical insights on leadership, workplace culture, and personal growth.

Author & Workplace Culture Advocate

Desi is also the author of three books that reflect her passion for helping people navigate stress, leadership, and workplace challenges:

Manage Stress Without Losing Your Mind
Give Me Some Chocolate... I'm Stressed!
Do You Work with the Living Dead?

Whether she is addressing frontline employees, managers, healthcare professionals, or C-suite executives, Desi Payne delivers an experience that energizes audiences and equips them for action. Her combination of leadership expertise, practical strategies, humor, and authentic storytelling makes her a valuable addition to any conference, corporate event, or leadership gathering.

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:

Make Your Current Job Your Dream Job

Helping High Performers Beat Burnout, Stay Positive, and Uplift Others Even on Tough Days

In this high-energy keynote, audiences will discover what becomes possible when people walk into work feeling energized instead of exhausted and overwhelmed. While many workplaces today are facing stress, burnout, and low morale, this session offers a refreshing and practical path forward. Rather than staying stuck in the cycle of Sunday night dread, toxic tension, and simply trying to make it to Friday, participants will learn that positive change is possible when they begin to approach each day differently.

That different begins with a daily REBOOT.

In this engaging keynote, Desi shares her practical REBOOT framework to help audiences beat burnout, learn how to work with difficult people, boost morale, strengthen workplace culture, and make their current job feel a whole lot more like a dream job. With humor, heart, and actionable tools, this session leaves people refreshed, recharged, and ready to uplift the people around them.

YOUR AUDIENCE WILL WALK AWAY WITH:

A REBOOT framework to help them control their actions, alter their perspective, and delete negativity by replacing it with positivity.
Practical strategies to recharge their mindset, protect their energy, and stay energized even during demanding seasons.
How to be better equipped to respond intentionally, value people more effectively, and strengthen workplace relationships and culture.
Tools to protect positivity, uplift the people around them, and turn their current job into their dream job.

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Keynote by Desi Payne:

The Power of Connection

How Great Leaders Build Trust, Belonging, and Influence

In today’s workplace, people are craving more than a paycheck. They want to feel seen, valued, and connected. The good news is that connection is not just a nice idea. It is the antidote to disengagement, disconnection, and workplace burnout.

In this high-energy and highly engaging keynote, Desi Payne shows leaders how to create meaningful connection that transforms workplace culture and helps employees turn their current job into a dream job. When people feel connected, everything changes. Morale rises, collaboration improves, trust grows, and employees become more energized, engaged, and committed to the mission.

Desi reveals six proven principles for unlocking the magic of connecting and creating lasting impact with the people you lead. Participants will discover how three simple words can leave a powerful impression, strengthen relationships, and influence others in a positive way. They will also learn that the ability to truly connect begins with one essential truth: valuing people.

Filled with humor, heart, and practical takeaways, this keynote equips leaders with simple tools they can use immediately to create a more connected, positive, and productive workplace.

YOUR AUDIENCE WILL WALK AWAY WITH:

Appling connection principles that fit into a busy day and strengthen relationships quickly.
Demonstrating ways to show people they are valued through words, attention, and follow-through.
Strategies for finding common ground to build trust among coworkers.
Tactical ways to add humor and laughter into the workplace to strengthen relationships.

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Keynote by Desi Payne:

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

Managing Stress to Prevent Burnout

In today’s fast paced, high-pressure workplace, unmanaged stress drains creativity, disrupts collaboration, and leads to burnout for leaders and their teams. The consequences are real: diminished performance, increased conflict, and a loss of joy at work.

Join motivational speaker Desi Payne for an interactive, high-energy experience that blends laughter, research, and hands-on activities. Discover science-based tools that empower you to recognize and respond to stress before it spirals out of control. You will learn how to take back control of your day, elevate your team’s resilience, and intentionally nurture a culture where everyone can thrive.

Leave this session with practical strategies to manage stress without losing your mind, actionable insights you can apply immediately, and renewed energy to make your current job feel like your dream job.

This dynamic keynote or breakout session is very interactive and fun. Desi has everyone up and exercising, dancing, and laughing—making the experience not just memorable, but potentially life altering. You’ll leave equipped with practical tools and the motivation to create positive change, both at work and beyond.

YOUR AUDIENCE WILL WALK AWAY WITH:

The real, science-backed consequences of unmanaged stress and how it impacts productivity, well-being, and happiness.
Research-based strategies to make lifestyle changes that support resilience and energy.
Proven ways to “let it go” and release stressors you can’t control.
How laughter and positive emotions can physically and mentally recharge you.
Insights from your personal “Stress Test” results to identify your unique triggers.
Practical tools to manage stress on the job for sustained energy, improved focus, and better results.

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Keynote by Desi Payne:

The Incredible Power of Laughter

How Laughter Boosts Morale, Resilience, and Connection

Desi Payne draws from her award-winning background in comedy to show audiences how humor and laughter can become dynamic tools for boosting well-being, strengthening teams, and creating a more positive workplace culture.

Desi understands what it takes to navigate stress, change, and challenges, and she delivers practical insight with humor, heart, and unforgettable storytelling. Through hilarious personal stories, laugh-out-loud moments, and science-backed research, she reveals why laughter is not just fun, it is a serious advantage.

Desi’s presentation is uplifting, interactive, and full of memorable moments that will leave audiences laughing, learning, and feeling lighter. This keynote is the perfect reminder that sometimes the most powerful tool we have is the ability to laugh together.

YOUR AUDIENCE WILL WALK AWAY WITH:

Renewed joy and a fresh perspective on the important role laughter plays in both their lives and the workplace.
Tactical ways to add humor and laughter into the workplace to strengthen relationships.
Tools to be more strategic on how to use humor to strengthen resilience, increase engagement, boost morale, and create a thriving and unified positive workplace culture.

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Keynote by Desi Payne:

DISC Training to Improve Communication

What if you could tap into your greatest motivations and dramatically improve your relationships and accelerate your results?

Then communication training with Desi is the best solution!

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

YOUR AUDIENCE WILL WALK AWAY WITH:

Identify four primary personality styles and pinpoint your own style.
Strengthen team chemistry by improving communication, appreciating different styles, and working together more effectively.
Learn how to engage and collaborate successfully with people whose styles differ from yours.
Recognize the impact of communication on coworkers and the clients you serve, and adjust your approach for better results.

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Motivational Speaker, Desi Payne with Human Resources Director

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Desi Payne NEW Speaker Reel 2024

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The Magic of Connecting for Leaders Keynote Desi Payne

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Books by Desi Payne

Manage Stress Without Losing Your Mind
52 Tips to Reduce & Eliminate Stress from Your Life
by Desi Payne
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Give Me Some Chocolate...I'm Stressed!
Faith-Filled Strategies to Refuel, Recharge, and Reduce Stress
by Desi Payne
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Do You Work with the Living Dead?
How to Survive Among Lifeless and Negative People in the Workplace
by Desi Payne
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