INSPIRATION for today’s hard working human!

2025 Keynotes!

You Got THIS, Your Next Chapter Could Be Your Best Chapter

You Get One Story, Success Is in the Edits, Rewrites, and Plot Twists.

Life is full of highs and lows, and never stops moving forward. Navigating your journey to success requires more than just perseverance. This inspiring keynote explores the true meaning of resilience and how it empowers us to take control of our futures no matter what challenges or changes we face.

Resilience isn’t just about bouncing back; it’s about how you get back up. Nina breaks down the tools, mindset, and strategies needed to not just survive but thrive in the face of adversity of all sizes. Drawing from her own journey through career pivots, personal triumphs, and failures, she brings resilience to life in a way that is both deeply relatable and profoundly motivating.

Audiences will gain insights into Nina’s concept of the “Reverse Resume”- a visual timeline of life’s ups and downs that emphasizes the growth and strength we gain from the struggles we overcome. Through powerful storytelling, actionable takeaways, and her unique framework, Nina equips attendees with practical tools to manage stress, maintain perspective, and foster collaboration in their professional and personal lives.

Audience Takeaways:

  • Understand the true meaning of resilience and why how you get back up matters.

  • Learn actionable strategies to adapt positively to challenges and changes.

  • Discover Nina’s “Reverse Resume” framework to reframe your life’s highs and lows as tools for growth and strength.

  • Develop practical skills to manage stress, stay motivated, and maintain perspective during uncertain times.

  • Gain insights to foster collaboration and thrive in both personal and professional settings.

  • Leave inspired to embrace your next chapter with confidence, knowing it could be your best yet.

Whether you’re at the beginning, middle, or starting a new chapter of your career or life’s journey, this keynote will empower you to embrace life’s plot twists. After all, your next chapter could be your best chapter!

Build to Last: Thrive Through Change and Design Your Next Success

Empowering Hardworking Audiences to Adapt, Rebuild, and Succeed in a World of Constant Change.

Change is inevitable and often unpredictable. Life’s plans can feel like a carefully built masterpiece that suddenly collapses, leaving us to rebuild with whatever “blocks” we’re handed. In this engaging keynote, Nina empowers audiences to thrive through the unexpected shifts life throws their way.

Nina dives into why change feels so challenging and why we instinctively resist it. With relatable insights, science, and storytelling, she reframes change as a natural and necessary part of growth. Using the metaphor of ‘building’ a life, she shows audiences how to adapt quickly when the “blueprint” shifts unexpectedly.

Through interactive storytelling and Nina’s signature approach that blends humor and science, this session equips individuals and teams with practical strategies to see change not as a threat but as an opportunity to build something even stronger.

Audience takeaways include:

  • Turning apprehension into action with Nina’s framework for managing stress and maintaining perspective.

  • Tools for fostering collaboration and innovation, even in the face of uncertainty.

  • A fresh mindset to view change as just another set of “bricks” to build with, no matter how mismatched they might seem.

This keynote is a dynamic, “Aha!” experience, leaving your workforce inspired to take on challenges, adapt to new realities, and confidently design their success, brick by brick. Let Nina guide your team to create a resilient culture where every change becomes a new opportunity to build.

Play the Long Game: Resilience for a Successful Lifetime

Empowering Top Performers to Keep Winning in Life’s Ever-Changing Arena

In today’s fast-paced world, success isn’t about a single win, it’s about staying in the game and mastering how you play the game of life for the long haul. In this dynamic keynote, Nina equips high achievers with the tools to not only hit their current goals but also to level up and play the ultimate long game: a successful ‘lifetime’.

Nina challenges executives and ambitious professionals to shift their mindset from chasing isolated victories to embracing a lifetime of achievements. She introduces a game-changing framework to keep raising the bar without succumbing to “Excellence Exhaustion,” the burnout that stems from constant ambition and today’s relentless connectivity.

Using the metaphor of life as a game, Nina helps audiences reflect on their own successes and setbacks, providing strategies to keep “unlocking new levels” while maintaining their mental well-being and confidence. Whether you’re spinning on the merry-go-round of endless goals or on the playing field facing a new opponent, Nina shows you how to stay resilient, adapt, and be ready for the next challenge.

This is a master class in resilience for leadership teams, packed with actionable insights to:

  • Strengthen resilience and adaptability.

  • Boost productivity and team culture.

  • Empower individuals to confidently take on whatever’s next.

Join Nina and discover how to play the long game, win at life’s challenges, and build a legacy of success that lasts beyond the scoreboard.

Resilience 101: The College Keynote

You’re in the game, and there’s no pause button!

College life is full of challenges, achievements, and unexpected twists, and it’s all part of the continuous journey toward success. In this engaging and relatable keynote, Nina helps students navigate the pressures of today’s FOMO-fueled, always-connected world.

With humor and insight, Nina draws on her experience as a D1 student-athlete, TV personality, and tech executive to share her own wins and "game over" moments. She teaches students how to:

  • Build resilience to tackle challenges without fear of failure.

  • Develop a mindset that supports mental wellness and long-term success.

  • Bounce back with confidence when life doesn’t go as planned.

Unless students plan to sit on the sidelines and watch others succeed, they’re in the game. Nina reminds them that success isn’t about never failing, it’s about how you navigate the highs (now what?) and lows (now what?) of life’s unpredictable game.

This dynamic session is packed with real talk, relatable stories, and actionable strategies, making it a perfect power-up for high-achieving students feeling the pressure to succeed.

Students leave this keynote feeling less overwhelmed and more confident about taking control of their future and their mental health. It’s like having a cheat code for success.

Workshops - Deep Dives into key Resilience Topics

Resilience & Burnout: Overcoming "Excellence Exhaustion"
Introducing Excellence Exhaustion - the cost of always striving for more. What if you’re stronger than you think, and right where you’re meant to be?

In this transformative session, you’ll learn how to leverage everything you’ve accomplished and overcome to be the hero in the next chapter of your story. While your Reverse Resume, the record of your challenges and triumphs, grows, so does the stress of success. Gain practical tools to manage that stress, sustain your momentum, and thrive without burning out. This is your time to take charge, rewrite your narrative, and succeed on your terms.

Resilience & Change: Mastering the Art of Adaptability
Change is inevitable, but tough chapters don’t define your entire story - they shape it. In today’s world, raising the bar and facing new challenges isn’t the exception; it’s the rule.

This powerful session is a master class in resilience, delivering a pro-level framework to help your team develop the mental agility needed to navigate change with confidence and optimism. Walk away equipped with actionable strategies to embrace uncertainty, turn challenges into opportunities, and write your next chapter with strength and purpose.

Resilience & Mental Health: Thrive Through Adversity
High achievers often hold themselves to the highest standards, but that drive can sometimes work against us. Through self-talk, self-sabotage, and the pressures of social media, we may unknowingly fuel our own anxiety and stress.

This empowering session dives into how to navigate life’s challenges with resilience and self-compassion. You’ll gain science-backed tools and actionable strategies to quiet your inner critic, rewrite your narrative, and achieve meaningful personal growth. It’s time to take control of your story! and ensure it’s one you’re proud to live.

Resilience/Teamwork: Thrive Together
Success isn’t a solo act - it’s a team effort. In this engaging and thought-provoking session, you’ll explore the power of connection and collaboration.

Discover who’s in this journey with you, what unique strengths you bring to your team, and identify the missing pieces needed to thrive. While you may be the main character in your own story, have you considered the role you play in the stories of others? This session combines insightful exercises with a fresh perspective on teamwork, leaving you inspired to strengthen your connections and achieve success together.

 

Nina can be your Emcee/Event Host (seen here at Deltek Projection hosting a fireside chat with President and CEO Mike Corkery)

Emcee/Host

Nina is a seasoned and dynamic event host/emcee who brings energy, professionalism, and precision to every stage. Known for her meticulous preparation, she seamlessly weaves your corporate messaging, culture, and event themes into her delivery, ensuring your event stays on point and your audience remains fully engaged.

Nina’s commanding yet approachable style guarantees that your event runs smoothly, stays on schedule, and leaves a lasting impression. With her at the helm, you can trust your audience is in expert hands.

Moderator/’Fireside Chat’ Host

Nina is a skilled interviewer and panel moderator who creates an environment where participants feel comfortable, confident, and truly heard. With award-winning journalism credentials and over 12 years of experience in corporate meetings, Nina brings a unique combination of poise, professionalism, and precision to every discussion.

Her diligent preparation ensures your session aligns with your objectives, keeps the conversation engaging and impactful, and wraps up on time with a strong and memorable conclusion. With Nina at the helm, your fireside chat will be both insightful and seamlessly executed.

 
Annual National Meeting

“Thank you for joining us in Chicago! We have received so much amazing positive feedback and comments on your session.”

Kristy Floyd, Director of Conference and Event Strategy

 

 TOP 8 REASONS TO BOOK NINA

 
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1. Nina has been in your shoes

She used to book speakers as a MKT VP. She knows you need her to be prepared, be flexible, and send her presentation early.

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2. Nina delivers

She’s a proven presenter. She anchored three shows a day for 20 years and was repeatedly voted favorite news personality. Your audience will like her.

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3. Nina is fun

She’s is a pro, but she doesn’t take herself too seriously. Even the prep calls and pre-event work will be enjoyable.

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4. Nina is flexible

She knows things can change and she will adjust and deliver whatever you need… um… she is an expert in RESILIENCE so dealing with change is her jam!

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5. Nina knows media

She loves using fun video clips and multi-media stories. She’s going to make sure your audience stays engaged.

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6. Nina is new

This is the new keynote, presentation or host that your audience has not seen. Plus she uses current events and what is trending.

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7. Nina checks the box

She checks a lot of boxes - Energetic, Female, Leader, Corporate Exec, Elite Athlete, TV Personality, Author, Podcast Host, Parent

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8. Nina gets your audience

She’s worked eye to eye with Senior Executives, identifies as a Gen-Xer, has Managed Millennials and worked with College Students. She speaks your audience’s language.

“Reverse Resume”

A "Reverse Resume" is a visual and reflective concept developed by Nina Sossamon-Pogue that highlights the personal challenges and obstacles a person has overcome.

Above the line, you’ll find your accomplishments - those moments of success we often celebrate.

But below the line, is where your true resilience is revealed - the challenges, setbacks, and obstacles you’ve overcome.

Nina'sReverse Resume” concept highlights the untold story of life’s challenges and setbacks - those transformative experiences below the surface that shape who you are and fuel your resilience.

Nina grabs you by the brain, pulls you in and holds you there”
— Tom Saturley, CAI, Chair of Tranzon/Driggers