SPEAKING
Jennifer Willey Keynote Speaker Profile
Meet Jenn Willey
Jennifer Willey does more than just inspire when she speaks--she changes behaviors with well-researched insights and clear strategies that help others overcome fear to accelerate performance and achieve their potential. Her wealth of experience on-air, on stage and on task as an entrepreneur and C-Suite executive ensures she will own the room with a unique, dynamic keynote that delivers actionable "a-ha" moments her audience will be anxious to apply.
Jenn customizes her material to meet your business goals and align with your event theme. Every talk integrates findings from Wet Cement’s proprietary Fearless@Work Survey™, academic research insights, and lessons learned from Jenn’s career journey. Attendees will walk away with a renewed sense of purpose, a more “fearless” perspective and proven techniques to power growth for themselves and their companies.
Jenn earned her prestigious Certified Speaking Professional® (CSP) designation from the National Speaker's Association. She is also an eSpeakers certified Virtual Presenter, an IAB Preferred Partner and Speakers Associates: Preferred Bureau Partner.
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Bio
Jennifer Willey is dedicated to building fearless, future-ready teams that drive innovation and growth. She's empowered thousands of professionals worldwide by leading keynotes, workshops, and leadership programs.
Jenn understands what drives outcomes, as she's been responsible for business growth in organizations large and small. Her career spans over two decades as a growth strategist and sales executive at Yahoo, AOL, pwc, WebMD, Sharecare, and The Trade Desk. Before transitioning to corporate leadership, Jennifer was an award-winning journalist, serving as a TV news anchor and reporter, where she mastered storytelling, presence, and audience engagement.
Since launching Wet Cement in 2017, she's helped hundreds of teams and leaders develop the skills and mindset to achieve their potential. Her book, Fearless in 5: Confidence, Communication, Connection, Control and Courage, is a guide to help professionals get ahead, while building momentum, resilience, and lasting impact at every stage of their career.
Jennifer is a Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) with the National Speakers Association, an International Women’s Day recommended speaker, and a Speakers Associates: Preferred Bureau Partner. Jennifer was named Captivate’s global "Driver of Diversity" and honored as a "Woman of Achievement" by the Princeton Mercer Regional Chamber of Commerce.
Jenn founded and leads the Alliance for Science (DA4S) Supplier Partnerships for Relationships and Learning Initiative (SPIRAL). Additionally, She's an Advisor for Comexposium Japan, the Head of the DPAA's Women’s Empowerment Initiative (WE.DOOH), and serves on the Executive Women of New Jersey's Leadership Council.. She is part of the WBEC-Metro NY/DMV SAGE Program faculty and a Luminary facilitator.
Jennifer’s influence extends to programs like the Empower and Elevate Training Academy for ethnic-minority-owned businesses in Europe and the UK (delivered in partnership with ESDP and MSDUK). She is a frequent speaker at the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) conferences, the NJ Conference for Women, and Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC).
Jennifer has a B.S. in Communications from Cornell University and a Diversity & Inclusion Certification from eCornell. She's a proud Mom to Tyler and Carter, and lives in New Jersey with her husband, John (her videographer at her first on-air job!) and cavapoo, Snowball.
Signature Talks
Culture
Fearless in 5: A Journey of Resilience & Reinvention
Intended Audience: General
What if the only thing standing between you and success was your own mindset? In this vulnerable, funny and relatable keynote, Jennifer Willey takes audiences on an unforgettable journey through her path to fearlessness—one filled with unexpected twists, cringe-worthy moments, self-doubt, and breakthrough lessons. She started as an awkward kid on a 1980s TV show and become the youngest certified fitness instructor in the U.S. Jenn stepped in front of the camera as a TV news anchor, pivoted into IT management consulting and finally, moved into leadership roles at innovative tech and media. Her career has been anything but predictable.
But through every setback, reinvention, and period of self-doubt, Jennifer learned that adaptability, resilience, and confidence are not inherent traits we’re born with—they’re skills we build. Now, as an entrepreneur, global keynote speaker, and author, she shares how to overcome external obstacles and internal barriers with humor, heart, and a few embarrassing stories along the way. Jennifer reveals the mindset shifts that helped her embrace uncertainty, navigate challenges, and push past fear to create a career and life on her own terms.
Attendees Will Leave With:
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The ability to turn fear into fuel – transforming challenges into growth opportunities
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Plans for embracing change with confidence
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Strategies to silence self-doubt – replacing impostor syndrome with self-assurance
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An understanding of their unique value, so they can boldly step into their power
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Knowing there is humor in the hard stuff – strengthening resilience with laughter
Being fearless isn’t about eradicating all fear—it’s about taking action in the face of natural anxieties. With the right mindset, you can build a career and life beyond what you ever imagined.
The Innovation Mindset: Embracing Creativity, Collaboration and Change
Intended Audience: General
In today’s fast-moving world, adaptability, collaboration, and innovation are essential for success. Many employees struggle with perfectionism and uncertainty, while resisting change, slowing progress, and stifling creativity. Research shows that organizations fostering psychological safety and a culture of belonging outperform their peers, experiencing a 5x increase in productivity (Stanford) and 21% higher profitability (Gallup). To stay competitive and drive meaningful results, employees at all levels must develop skills to navigate uncertainty, embrace change, and build trust across teams.
This interactive workshop helps participants collaborate more effectively and overcome habits that hinder innovation. Attendees will learn how to adopt a progress-over-perfection mindset by participating in a rapid problem-solving challenge that highlights the power of action vs waiting for the “perfect” solution. Participants will engage in a reverse brainstorming exercise, identifying and flipping common teamwork pitfalls to understand collaboration best practices. A self-assessment and improv-based exercise helps develop adaptability and resilience by reframing uncertainty as an opportunity for growth. Attendees also learn how to ensure their colleagues feel heard and valued. Finally, each participant will develop a personalized action plan outlining specific strategies to enhance their agility, teamwork, and problem-solving skills in their day-to-day roles.
Attendees Leave With:
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A practical framework to confidently navigate change and uncertainty.
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Proven collaboration techniques to break down silos, improve communication, and drive results.
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Strategies to overcome perfectionism and take action even when all answers aren’t clear.
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A personalized action plan to apply key takeaways in their daily work.
Self-Leadership
Evict the Impostor: Overcome Self-Doubt and Build Confidence
Intended Audience: All employees; Manager Version also available
Have you ever thought of yourself as a fraud or a fake, waiting for others to “find out” that you aren’t as smart or talented as everyone thinks you are? If you haven’t personally felt this way, your team members probably have. Our proprietary research reveals that 98% of professionals struggle with aspects of impostor syndrome, and it remains one of the most pervasive challenges in the modern workplace. Many professionals secretly lack confidence at work and identify with one or more impostor syndrome “types.” Employees are hungry for strategies to understand and overcome their limiting beliefs and self-doubt.
Imposter syndrome keeps high-performing, intelligent and creative people from achieving their potential while wreaking havoc on team dynamics. Left unaddressed, it can lead to costly outcomes for organizations, including higher turnover, and lower levels of innovation, productivity and morale. Those touched by the impostor wand withhold their best ideas, shy away from taking calculated risks and pursuing leadership opportunities, delay action, and burn themselves out. This workshop builds confidence, connections, and trust across your team so they can overcome roadblocks and reach their goals together
Attendees Leave With:
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A clear understanding of the triggers for impostor syndrome, why it matters, and how it impacts workplace performance and job satisfaction.
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Proven tools to reframe limiting beliefs, silence their inner critic and foster resilience.
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Strategies to advocate for themselves, embrace imperfection and get comfortable asking for help.
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Methods for managing team members who suffer from low self-confidence or impostor syndrome.
Build Your Personal Board of Directors: Advancement Through Advocates
Intended Audience: General
The relationships you build throughout your career profoundly impact your professional growth and success. Research shows that individuals with strong networks of mentors, sponsors, and advocates solve problems better, are promoted faster, earn more, and are 23% more likely to advance in their careers (Center for Talent Innovation).
This actionable workshop gives participants a roadmap to create their own Personal Board of Directors—a network of trusted advisors who can help navigate challenges, provide guidance, and open doors to new opportunities. Attendees learn how sponsors, mentors, peers, allies, and protégés can impact professional development through mutually beneficial relationships. Participants identify their career growth needs and outline a plan to build a network of trusted partners who will share a vested interest in their future.
Attendees Will Leave With:
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A clear understanding of how a Personal Board of Directors can accelerate career growth.
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Professional development priorities and strategies to build meaningful relationships.
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A roadmap to identify and “recruit” board members and define their unique roles in supporting career goals.
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Practical tools and conversation starters to approach potential advocates and secure support.
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Prospective “Board Members” from interactive group breakout activities.
Sample Keynotes
Testimonials
Thought Leadership
As a successful entrepreneur and seasoned presenter, Jenn has many opportunities to share her perspective across industries and channels. A high-profile thought leader, Jenn has been featured in a broad range of articles, podcasts, and events where she's shared her passion to advance women and help others "fear less."