Stan Phelps

Best-selling author and TEDx speaker Stan Phelps empowers leaders to stand out through Differentiated Experience, boosting customer engagement and employee commitment.

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Stan has been a wonderful resource to help elevate our sales force to the next level. We have been utilizing Stan across both our internal staff as well as our most important customers and prospects to share his great advice and vision around all things sales and marketing. A tremendous speaker and talent. For our annual sales kickoff this year Stan received glowing remarks around his session and content.

B.T.

Vice President, Ricoh Graphic Communications

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Why book Stan Phelps for your next event

As one of only a handful of Global Speaking Fellows, a Certified Speaking Professional, and an IBM Futurist, Stan Phelps is recognized among the top 1% of speakers worldwide. He has delivered high-impact keynotes for Fortune 100 companies like IBM, Target, and Cardinal Health, helping leaders embrace change and drive measurable growth.
Stan Phelps is the author of 20 acclaimed business books, including the Goldfish Series, which has become a global reference for customer and employee experience. His work provides actionable frameworks that help organizations attract raving customers, boost engagement, and build long-term loyalty.
A regular Forbes Contributor and TEDx Speaker, Stan Phelps shares cutting-edge insights on differentiation, experience, and innovation. His thought leadership inspires executives and teams to think differently, preparing organizations to thrive in competitive and rapidly evolving markets.

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Driving Loyalty Through Differentiated Experiences

Discover how to stand out in a sea of sameness with award-winning keynote speaker, author, and TEDx voice. Backed by 5,000+ case studies, he equips organizations with proven strategies that boost loyalty, inspire employees, and deliver measurable results.

Keynote Speaker Stan Phelps is recognized globally for his expertise in customer experience, employee engagement, and brand differentiation. With more than 5,000 case studies collected from companies around the world, he has developed powerful insights on how organizations can stand out in today’s crowded marketplace. His message is clear: differentiation isn’t just about what you say, it’s about what you do, how you do it, and why it matters.

As the best-selling author of 20 books, including the acclaimed Goldfish Series, Stan provides practical frameworks that organizations can immediately apply to improve loyalty, retention, and referrals. He has spoken for leading Fortune 100 brands such as IBM, Target, and Cardinal Health, earning a reputation for delivering presentations that are both inspiring and results-driven.

Stan is also a Forbes Contributor, TEDx Speaker, IBM Futurist, and one of only a select few Global Speaking Fellows, placing him among the top keynote speakers worldwide. Known for his engaging storytelling, sharp wit, and interactive delivery, he creates memorable experiences that captivate audiences while equipping them with actionable tools for success.

If your organization is looking to drive meaningful change, improve employee commitment, and enhance customer engagement, booking Stan is a powerful choice. Book Stan Phelps for your event and give your audience the strategies, inspiration, and practical steps they need to thrive in a rapidly changing business environment.

Customer Reviews

B.T. Vice President, Ricoh Graphic Communications

Stan did such an amazing job presenting his Diamond Goldfish workshop at a recent AMA Triangle Connect & Inspire Mentorship Event. Our mentors and proteges, which range from career marketing professionals to college students, learned a great deal about themselves and each other as well as the styles we all bring to the world. Stan shared his insights in such a relatable, thoughtful, and joyous way! We would love to work with Stan again and highly recommend him as a speaker, his books, and his workshops.

T.H. Director of Connect & Inspire Mentor Program, AMA Triangle

We were lucky to have Stan join our team for a development opportunity this past year. Our team is comprised of marketers at varying levels from junior specialists to long-seasoned managers. Those who attended let me know that they were able to take away some really good insights that they could apply to their everyday work, and also help them to think about work a little bit differently. We also had a good amount of great questions and answers in the session which was a great way for team members to apply what they were hearing directly to their everyday situations.

C.W. External Communications Manager, IKEA

Stan Phelps's keynote presentation at the Association for Test Publishers Innovations in Testing convention was nothing short of exceptional. His insightful exploration of Customer Experience and emphasis on the significance of small moments resonated brilliantly with our diverse audience. Phelps's engaging approach, including interviews with community members, showcased his deep understanding of the audience, making it one of the most memorable keynote addresses in recent years.

M.N. Program Chair, Association of Test Publishers

I had the pleasure of experiencing Stan Phelps' presentation at our national convention, and I must say, he was truly awesome! Stan not only had everyone engaged with his captivating speaking style, but the subject matter he covered was right on point. His ability to inspire a culture of exceeding customer expectations, thinking outside the box, and promoting positivity throughout the company is commendable. Stan's insights left a lasting impact, and our corporate office received nothing but positive feedback for his session. I highly recommend Stan Phelps to anyone looking to elevate their company culture and create a lasting impression. His expertise in building a culture of excellence is truly remarkable.

S.S. CEO, Zoomin Groomin

Stan delivered an exceptional closing keynote for SKYGEN’s TRANSFORM23 Summit, speaking on how to amplify your uniqueness in the marketplace. I was so impressed with how Stan incorporated key themes and thoughts from the two preceding days into his comments. His presentation was the perfect closing to our Summit, tying everything together and giving our audience something to think about and take back to their organizations and colleagues. Our audience agreed, as his closing session received the highest rating of our entire program. Stan was engaged with us throughout the planning process, making sure he understood our audience and what we wanted them to take away from our event. He is a dynamic, engaging, and entertaining keynote presenter – one of the best I have ever worked with.

M.C. Vice President Marketing, SkyGenUSA

Your Customer Service training for both our owners/managers & our frontline employees was some of the best we have done in my 6 1/2 years here. All our members who attended the sessions indicated they took away actionable items to incorporate into their daily jobs. We HIGHLY recommend you hire Stan Phelps if you are trying to move your business, your community or your chamber/association to that next level!

K.B. Executive Director, Mammoth Lakes Chamber of Commerce

Stan delivered a fantastic virtual presentation of his "Pink Goldfish" keynote to our Connecticut Chapter of the AMA. It was educational, engaging, and fun thanks to Stan's mastery of the content and his remarkable ability to connect with the audience. The feedback from participants speaks volumes about how successful the event was for us: “Thank you, Stan, for an insightful and well-structured talk" “Fun blend of serious biz concepts and great examples” “Awesome presentation, makes you think differently!!” “Great energetic presentation! I really enjoyed - it was such an engaging and interactive presentation!” If you want a speaker who will crank your event up to an 11, I highly recommend Stan.

K.J. Director of Programming, AMA Connecticut

The Mammoth Lakes Chamber of Commerce really enjoyed having Stan Phelps out to lead our Customer Service Workshops. His style of collaboration with the audience resonated with our members and allowed for attendees to apply his concepts to their individual industries. Thank you Stan!

B.G. Assistant Director, Mammoth Lakes Chamber of Commerce

We want to be a more collaborative team. The Excelling Under Pressure Workshop provided tools for knowing our way of work under pressure and identify our collages way of work to have effective communication and be more productive and efficient as a team.

X.P. Latin America Commercial Brand Manager, ExxonMobil

Stan was the energy that we needed for our first in-person Sales & Marketing Summit. He was flexible, accommodating, and understood his audience. The reviews were phenomenal and I can't recommend him enough. His ability to read a room and deliver a clear message should be a class in itself. We would love to have Stan back in future years to inspire our event attendees and peers without hesitation.

J.N. CEO, Good Brand

ETDBW – I think that acronym best captures what it’s like to work with Stan Phelps. Easy To Do Business With. Stan has so many practical insights and he is always willing to customize his presentations to meet your audience’s needs that there is no better choice of a speaker to inspire your group. No matter what color your fish is, I highly recommend Stan Phelps.

D.S. Chief Operating Officer, California Grocers Association

"You inspired the audience at Angkor University in Siem Reap, Cambodia to be happier and more positive. You shared very simple & small steps from your goldfish lessons which everyone can do to improve customer service."

W.S. Interpreter, Angkor University

I had the opportunity to organize and moderate a European webinar for France, Germany, and the UK with Stan Phelps. The theme of the virtual program was: Excelling Under Pressure and Leading an Effective Team. Stan understood our need to present the importance of leadership skills from an early age in a rapidly changing world and demonstrated his adaptability to our target audience. Stan's energy keeps his audience focused, delivering powerful messages that allow everyone to identify with and imagine themselves in his story.

S.M. VP of PMI NextGeneration, PMI France

Stan is the total package – fusing deep expertise and his affable personality to engage and deliver content that is tailored to his audience and immediately implementable. In a recent workshop for our marketing team, he understood our challenges and our goals and packaged a virtual half-day workshop that actively engaged and inspired. What I heard most after the workshop from attendees: 'Stan was a great presenter – and I can actually use his insights on customer journey mapping.'

C.M. Assistant Dean of Online Programs, West Virginia University

Stan delivered an engaging opening keynote for the 2023 Engage Summit! And he was wonderful to work with throughout the entire process. Stan's keynote focused on the purple and blue goldfish. His research allowed him to deliver a customized session that was highly relevant to our audience. I can’t recommend him enough!

M.W. VP Marketing, Element 451

From the very moment Stan 'takes the stage' ….. you know! Very specifically, you know that total professionalism in its most profound way is here. You know that this is not some ‘off-the-shelf’ talk but one specifically designed for you. And you know that your team is going to love it. Equally, you know you’re going to love the results that flow as a result of Stan Phelps taking the stage. Simply extraordinary.

P.D. Co-Founder, B1G1

We had an identified need to better communicate our team’s value using consistent and concise language. Stan not only provided us with effective communication tools but also skillfully guided us through a workshop where we could tailor these tools to our specific needs. His energy, responsiveness to our requirements, and evident mastery in his field were key factors in the success of the workshop. Overall, Stan's impact was highly positive, and we wholeheartedly recommend him for his valuable insights and facilitation skills.

C.D. Learning & Development | Digital Creative | Manager, Kenvue

Hosting Stan Phelps at our BHHS office for his 'Pink Goldfish' presentation on March 8th, 2023, was pure magic. In addition to his marketing expertise, he brought a warmth and wit that filled the room with laughter and inspiration. His stories were more than anecdotes, they were guiding lights, energizing and full of fresh insights. Ultimately, leaving everyone feeling confident to let our unique talents sparkle – reminding us that being real is the ultimate competitive advantage.

V.M. Broker, Berkshire Hathaway Home Services

Stan’s Presentation Skills Workshop was very well received by our entire marketing/design team. The presentation was well crafted and full of helpful content and tips, and the delivery was informative yet very entertaining and engaging. The workshop was very relevant for all levels of our organization, and the activities sprinkled throughout the session gave the team immediate opportunities to practice the principles. Thanks for a great session!

A.F. Sr. Marketing Director, The Gorilla Glue Company

Thank you so much for travelling all the way to Malaysia and delivering such a useful and engaging session. It was certainly in the spirit we intended. The buzz in the room was a great sign – the interaction, activities, case studies and finally close it with real life presentation was a bomb! Thank you for the extra-ordinary training session! We will see you again in 2024.

E.I. Program Director, Global People Strategies Asia

Stan Phelps delivers a captivating and insightful presentation in 'Pink Goldfish’, highlighting his expertise to make his presentation relatable for all types of businesses. His storytelling was effortless and on point, offering action items perfect for entrepreneurs and business owners. The audience was motivated and entertained throughout his engaging slide presentation and talk. I highly recommend Stan to any organization looking for actionable ways to stand out and make an impact.

L.R., President, Sales Savvy

We used Stan as a speaker for our staff meeting. We chose Gray Goldfish as we have a multi-generational group. Outstanding information delivered in a way that helped us understand each other. This year we plan to use Stan again and have chosen the Green Goldfish to help us engage employees and reinforce culture.

D.W. Executive Assistant, Hitachi Energy

Stan Phelps is an exceptional speaker who captivates our association members with his talent, charisma, and dynamic presentations. His repeated appearances, notably at our 2023 Fall Conference, have consistently left our audience thoroughly engaged and craving more. Stan's commitment to excellence is evident in his meticulous preparation and flawless delivery, reinforcing his status as a member favorite. As CEO of AENC, I eagerly anticipate Stan's future return to our stage, knowing that his professionalism and impactful presentations will continue to elevate our events.

R.P. CEO, Association Executives of North Carolina (AENC)

Stan helped my team learn valuable storytelling and presentation skills. He was informative, intelligent, and engaging. He created a fun and thought-provoking learning environment where everyone felt safe to participate. In our post-workshop survey, all participants strongly agreed that Stan was a fantastic instructor, making the workshop a great success!

H.C. Assistant VP - Global Brand & Marketing, Met Life

Keynotes

Keynote by Stan Phelps:

Purple Goldfish: Creating Wow Through Customer-Focused Micro-Moments

Today’s customer experience is shaped by the small yet impactful moments that add value and reduce friction. This keynote introduces the Purple Goldfish concept, offering 10 innovative strategies for transforming customer interactions into memorable experiences. Learn how small gestures can drive customer loyalty, enhance retention, and boost word-of-mouth advocacy. Participants will explore practical ways to implement the I.D.E.A. process to create value through empathy and intentional customer-focused actions.

Focus:
Improving the customer experience to drive customer loyalty, improve retention, and promote positive word of mouth.

Target Audience:
This keynote is ideal for senior management, managers, and frontline staff seeking to elevate customer retention and drive brand advocacy through tailored, customer-centered actions that turn every touchpoint into an opportunity for WOW.

Main Objectives:

Tools: Get equipped with the I.D.E.A. process for designing customer experience.
Skills: Understand how to do the little things to drive value or reduce customer effort.
Empathy: Gain a deeper appreciation for the need to exceed customer expectations.

Key Takeaways:
Actionable ways to improve the customer experience. Equip yourself with actionable techniques to design impactful customer experiences by focusing on the small things that make a big difference. Learn how thoughtful touches can differentiate your brand, reduce customer effort, and foster loyalty through a deeper understanding of customer expectations.

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Keynote by Stan Phelps:

Pink Goldfish: Unleash Your Brand’s Uniqueness to Stand Out in a Sea of Sameness

In a crowded marketplace, blending in means losing out. This keynote introduces the F.L.A.W.S.O.M.E. framework, an eight-part approach that embraces authenticity and turns perceived flaws into competitive strengths. By amplifying your brand’s unique “weirdness” and embracing authenticity, this program guides you in crafting a memorable brand identity that truly stands out. Learn actionable ways to discover, amplify, and leverage the distinctive elements within your brand DNA for lasting differentiation.

Focus:
Improving brand strategy and positioning to create competitive separation in the marketplace.

Target Audience:
This keynote is perfect for senior leaders, marketers, and brand strategists who are ready to create a standout brand that thrives on differentiation and customer loyalty.

Main Objectives:

Tools: Get equipped with how to uncover weakness and weirdness in their DNA.
Skills: Understand how to design in order amplify uniqueness.
Empathy: Gain a deeper appreciation for the need to embrace differentiation.

Key Takeaways:
Actionable ways to enhance positioning in the marketplace. Gain the tools and mindset to turn brand “flaws” into compelling strengths that attract loyal customers. Understand how embracing authenticity not only drives competitive separation but also fosters deeper customer connections, enhancing retention and word-of-mouth advocacy.

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Keynote by Stan Phelps:

Diamond Goldfish: Excel Under Pressure and Thrive in the Game of Business

In today’s fast-paced business world, excelling under pressure is essential for building lasting client relationships and driving sales success. This keynote introduces the Kerage Styles framework, guiding leaders through techniques for managing their own behavior under pressure while deepening connections with clients. Attendees will gain actionable strategies for enhancing client acquisition, improving sales conversions, and creating meaningful, long-term relationships.

Focus:
Actionable ways to improve prospecting and client management in order to increase sales conversion and deepen client relationships.

Target Audience:
This program is tailored for senior leaders and managers seeking to improve sales outcomes and client loyalty by mastering their own behavior and adapting their approach to diverse client styles.

Main Objectives:

Tools: Get equipped with the keys to managing our own behavior under pressure.
Skills: Understand their Style comes with the free Kerage Styles Indicator assessment.
Empathy: Gain a deeper appreciation for the needs of prospects and clients.

Key Takeaways:
Actionable ways to improve the client acquisition process. Develop the skills to perform under pressure and drive business growth by aligning your approach with each client’s unique style. Learn to manage your behavior effectively, enhance prospecting, and foster strong client relationships that go beyond the initial sale. BONUS: Each attendee receives a copy of the Diamond Rule Matrix. A one-page go-to reference tool for working with each of the four behavioral styles.

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Keynote by Stan Phelps:

Red Goldfish: Winning Hearts, Minds, and Profits with Purpose

Purpose has transformed the way companies operate and how customers connect with brands. This keynote dives into the power of purpose, revealing how organizations can authentically integrate purpose to increase engagement, build customer loyalty, and drive profitability. Through the eight purpose archetypes, leaders will learn actionable strategies to bring purpose to life, fostering a culture that resonates emotionally with both customers and employees while positively impacting society.

Focus:
Improving the differentiated experience you provide to customers and employees.

Main Objectives:

Tools: Get equipped with the eight purpose archetypes.
Skills: Understand how to bring purpose to life within an organization.
Empathy: Gain a deeper appreciation for emotional drivers.

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Keynote by Stan Phelps:

Green Goldfish: Driving Engagement Through Meaningful Employee Experiences

Employee engagement goes far beyond salary. In this engaging keynote, learn about the 15 types of Green Goldfish, the “little extras” that create a more empowered, efficient, and engaged workforce. Discover how to foster a culture of appreciation by addressing the basics, building belonging, and nurturing growth. Using the I.D.E.A. process for employee experience design, participants will explore proven strategies to create a workplace that inspires loyalty, boosts productivity, and strengthens your organization’s culture.

Focus:
Improving employee engagement to reinforce culture, improve retention, and increase productivity.

Target Audience:
This keynote is ideal for senior leaders and managers who aim to boost employee advocacy and create a motivated, high-performing workplace.

Main Objectives:

Tools: Get equipped with the I.D.E.A. process for employee experience design.
Skills: Understand how to develop programs that address basics, belonging, and building.
Empathy: Gain a deeper appreciation for the needs, desires, and expectations of employees.

Key Takeaways:
Actionable ways to improve the employee experience. Uncovering practical ways to enhance employee engagement and retention by meeting core needs and exceeding expectations. Understanding how small but intentional actions can build a culture of loyalty, driving employees to become enthusiastic advocates who make a lasting impact on customer satisfaction.

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Keynote by Stan Phelps:

Gray Goldfish: Leading Across Generations - Bridging the Gaps for a Unified Workforce

With five generations working side by side, effective leadership requires a nuanced approach that respects the values and motivations of each group. This keynote provides leaders with essential insights and practical strategies to recruit, train, manage, and inspire a multigenerational workforce. By understanding each generation’s unique drivers, leaders can foster a cohesive, engaged team that leverages its diversity for greater productivity and innovation. This program provides a map for leaders to follow as they recruit, train, manage, and inspire across the generations.

Focus:
Improving leadership capabilities to effectively manage today’s multigenerational workplace.

Target Audience:
This program is ideal for senior leaders and managers who want to improve engagement, drive retention, and harness the full potential of a multigenerational team.

Main Objectives:

Tools: Get equipped with the different drivers for each generation.
Skills: Understand how employees from different generations approach work, projects, and relationships.
Empathy: Gain a deeper appreciation of how to lead Matures, Baby Boomers & Gen X and develop specific techniques for how to recruit, manage, build relationships, and retain Millennials and Generation Z.

Key Takeaways:
Actionable ways to improve the employee experience across the generations. Gain the skills to bridge generational differences and create an inclusive workplace where every team member feels valued. Learning actionable techniques for engaging, motivating, and retaining employees from Matures to Generation Z, ensuring that each generation’s strengths are recognized and utilized.

BONUS: Each attendee receives a copy of the Generational Matrix, a one-page go-to reference tool for leading each generation.

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Keynote by Stan Phelps:

Workshop Portfolio Overview

Stan Phelps offers a diverse range of interactive workshops designed to equip leaders, teams, and organizations with the tools they need to thrive in today’s rapidly changing business landscape. Each workshop is hands-on, practical, and tailored to address the most pressing challenges organizations face, spanning customer experience, leadership, communication, employee engagement, and organizational performance.

Workshop Themes Include:

Journey Mapping Your Customer Experience
Effective Communication & Presentation Skills
Excelling Under Pressure – Leading Effective Teams
Navigating the Generations: Leading a Multigenerational Workforce
Maximize Productivity Through Effective Employee Engagement
Stand Out: Amplifying Your Brand’s Differentiation
Well-Being: Driving Employee Happiness and Organizational Success
Achieving World Class Negotiation Outcomes
Enhancing Customer Experience with AI, Data & Analytics

Why Book a Workshop?

Each session is highly engaging, blending research-driven insights with interactive exercises to ensure participants leave with practical tools they can apply immediately. Whether the goal is boosting leadership effectiveness, enhancing customer experience, or strengthening organizational culture, these workshops provide measurable value that drives growth and long-term success.

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