Alex Budak Keynote Speaker

• Becoming a Changemaker

If the word “leader” didn’t exist, what word would you use instead? For UC Berkeley faculty member and best-selling author Alex Budak, the future of leadership means each of us becoming a changemaker.

We can all lead change from wherever we are, and this actionable and inspiring keynote shares the research-backed steps to help individuals, teams, and organizations lead with courage, purpose, and impact. We'll cover how to question the status quo (in ways that actually work); how to lead change through influence (not just authority); and how to inspire others with your vision (no matter your title).

• Developing Change Fitness

While there are countless strategies for change management, they are rendered totally ineffective if you and your team aren't prepared to face change itself. In this keynote, together we will develop your "Change Fitness" - helping you build the core strength to adapt, thrive, and lead in dynamic environments. Just as you'd hit the gym to strengthen your body, we'll exercise your mental agility and flexibility. Drawing from cutting-edge research in psychology, neuroscience, and organizational behavior, you'll discover practical techniques to build resilience, cultivate grounded presence, and excel at seeing opportunity in change. You'll gain powerful tools to boost your change fitness, enhancing your and your team's ability to navigate and thrive in today's evolving business landscape.

• From Ideas to Impact

This engaging session delves into lessons from inspiring social entrepreneurs who have made a lasting impact on society. Through real-world examples - including from Alex’s own work co-founding StartSomeGood - we’ll explore how these social innovators leveraged entrepreneurial methods to create scalable, sustainable change. Attendees will gain insights into how these strategies can be applied to all types of change efforts, even in traditional corporate environments.

Focusing on the power of innovation and adaptability, the session will equip participants to think like changemakers—turning big ideas into tangible, lasting solutions. This session provides tools and insights for leaders and teams to create meaningful change, regardless of industry or role.

• Everyday Courage

When we think of courage, we often picture heroic acts or fearless leaps. But true courage isn't just about grand gestures—it's about the small, everyday choices we make. In this keynote, we’ll reframe courage as a habit that anyone can cultivate, in all aspects of our lives. You'll uncover the six distinct types of courage—from moral to creative to social—and learn how to leverage them to lead a more meaningful and impactful life. Drawing on insights from psychology, neuroscience, and inspiring but relatable real-world stories, we’ll explore how courage is not the absence of fear but the willingness to face it. Attendees will leave with actionable strategies to strengthen their courage muscles and apply them at work, life, and beyond.