MEET COURTNEY
Courtney Stanley is recognized globally as an award-winning changemaker, compelling keynote speaker, energetic event emcee and acclaimed creator of the women-inspired podcast, Dare to Interrupt. Through her leadership and use of voice, Courtney has earned seats on prestigious international boards of directors as the youngest member ever inducted. She has spent 10 years helping women, young professionals, entrepreneurs and organizations engage in game-changing, impactful conversations that empower individuals to tap into their true potential, improve team and culture dynamics, and drive meaningful change. Personally, she is most proud of her work to prevent sexual harassment and assault through the launch of an events-centered social movement, #MeetingsToo.
With a degree from Central Michigan University in experience design, leadership studies and business hospitality, Courtney helps people from all walks of life fiercely lean into the power of leading with empathy, build confidence and advocate for themselves and others, and seize “silver lining” opportunities to grow personally and professionally. Her mission to empower women and ambitious professionals through vulnerable, meaningful dialogue has resulted in changed behaviors and altered approaches to leadership on stages and in boardrooms throughout North America and internationally.
"Courtney is truly a change maker who knows her strength, isn't afraid to be vulnerable and leverages the power of positivity to impact all those around her. In talking with Courtney, I am always reminded that sharing our perspectives and stories is how we inspire others and change the world. We can learn from her positive spin on taking setbacks and turning them into comebacks and leveling ourselves right back up again. Courtney is the type of person you want to keep around you because she lights you up every single time. Beyoncé was right: girls run the world... and Courtney is living proof. She is the real deal."
- Jenn Artura, Head of Global Events & Incentives, Veritas Technologies LLC
Through her customized keynote presentations, Shaken, Not Stirred: Transforming a Setback into Your Greatest Comeback, #OUTSPOKEN: Owning Your Mic Drop Moment, and The Essentials of Empathy: Changing Culture, Building Trust, and Cultivating Leaders, Courtney teaches audiences, teams and individuals how to build trust and influence through empathy, courage, and grit. She lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan and loves spending summertime enjoying her state’s beautiful Great Lakes and wine country.
"Operating on the belief that everyone has the ability to shine in their own right, Courtney pursues what she believes with passion and drive. I can’t say enough about her quality of presentations and who she is as a global citizen and champion of women. A powerhouse of strategic and creative ideas, she has mastered the perfect balance between inspiration and guidance while allowing for individual growth and exploration of ideas. In recent years we have seen massive progress in the voice given to women in the workforce, and it’s due to people like Courtney leading the way."
- Christine Mack, Themed Entertainment Association
AWARDS & RECOGNITION
Francesca Vereb
VP of Marketing,
Cvent
Courtney is one of the industry’s best! We had the pleasure of having her emcee our panel for women in leadership at Cvent Connect and our live broadcast of Cvent Connect TV - she was incredible! Courtney is confident, authentic, poised, and came very well prepared. She skillfully guided our panel of seasoned executive women in a conversation that delivered 5-star ratings! Her passion for the topic of diversity in the boardroom was evident and as such she was not afraid to shift the conversation and challenge the speakers, all the while balancing what the audience wanted to hear about with expertise the individual panelists were qualified to provide. I highly recommend Courtney for any events – you will be delighted with the results!
Trevor Lui
Principal,
The Highbell Group
Energetic, passionate and thought-provoking leader. Courtney is unapologetic in her quest to push the boundaries for change. Her body of work and track record in a short time has and continues to help catapult our industry into the future. I’m proud and lucky to have been witness to this first hand and look forward to her continued contributions.
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Jenn Artura
Head of Global Events & Incentives,
Veritas Technologies LLC
Courtney is truly a change maker who knows her strength, isn’t afraid to be vulnerable and leverages the power of positivity to impact all those around her. In talking with Courtney, I am always reminded that sharing our perspectives and stories is how we inspire others and change the world. We can all learn from her positive spin on taking setbacks and turning them into comebacks and leveling ourselves right back up again. Courtney is the type of person you want to keep around you because she lights you up every single time. Beyoncé was right….Girls Run the World….and Courtney is living proof. She is the real deal.
Lorie Tuma
Assistant Professor of Hospitality & Tourism,
Grand Valley State University
If there was ever a "higher than high" recommendation - Courtney would definitely receive mine! She was, and continues to be the most amazing, profound, and intellectually insightful young professional I have ever met. Hire her to speak, coach or consult? You would be crazy not to -- I promise you this, if you need to take your organization or team to the next level, Courtney is the one for the job. She certainly made an impact on our program. I wish her every success and know that whatever she touches will turn to gold!
Christine Mack
Associate Event Producer,
Themed Entertainment Association
Courtney is the quintessential changemaker. A champion for all, she is fearlessly leading the way to a brighter, better future by sheer will and example. I have been fortunate to have her as my coach, and I can’t say enough about her quality of coaching and who she is as a global citizen and champion of women. She’s supportive, enthusiastic and believes whole-heartedly in what she does and what she stands for. A powerhouse of strategic and creative ideas, she has mastered the perfect balance between support and guidance while allowing for individual growth and exploration of ideas.