~ Top 50 Most Influential Women in Charlotte
~ Woman of Impact, Charlotte Business Journal
~ Best-Selling Author of UNICORN Leader
~ Creator of the UNICORN Leader™ Framework
~ Award-Winning Leadership Strategist
~ Celebrated Motivational Speaker on Future-Ready, High-Impact Leadership
~ Host of 5 star- rated Podcast on Next-Gen Leadership and Workplace Culture
✨ Step into a world where leadership meets limitless potential with Kristi Straw — a powerhouse of bold insights and unapologetic inspiration! Brace yourself for a journey that ignites action, elevating every room she steps into. Kristi is your guiding light to a new era of fresh, empathetic leadership that drives real, lasting impact.
Why Bring Kristi to Your Stage?
Kristi Straw is a trailblazer in High-EQ leadership, igniting confidence and authenticity in leaders ready to step boldly into their purpose. Her bestselling book, UNICORN Leader: Driving Innovation and Influence in the Modern Era, quickly became an Amazon bestseller in the Strategy & Leadership categories. Kristi delivers power moves that drive real, actionable and lasting change. Her infectious confidence empowers leaders to build bridges, enhance their impact, and lead with clarity, conviction, and compassion.
Recognized as one of Charlotte’s Top 50 Most Influential Women and recipient of the Woman of Impact award, Kristi’s insights are bold, practical, and sustainable. With over 20 years guiding Fortune 500 leaders and teams, she now channels her expertise through her UNICORN Leader™ Framework and Lighthouse Leadership Consultants, delivering strategies that create resilient, purpose-driven workplaces.
A keynote speaker who leaves a lasting impression, Kristi’s energy and authenticity bring audiences closer to their potential with every word! Based in Charlotte, NC, Kristi resides with her husband, three children, and a loyal dog.
Topics That Resonate
and Drive Action
Make your next event a turning point for your organization — where insights meet impact and every attendee leaves ready to drive change
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What to Expect in a Kristi Straw Keynote
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“An Unforgettable Experience!”
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- Dynamic Engagement: Kristi’s talks are far from a one-way lecture. She engages the audience with thought-provoking questions, live polls, and interactive exercises that drive immediate connection. And laughter – there WILL be laughter!
- Real, Actionable Insights: Every keynote is filled with concrete steps and frameworks that attendees can apply in their roles – the very next day.
- Tailored for Impact: Kristi customizes each talk to align with the goals of the event and the unique challenges of the audience, making every presentation a perfect fit.
Keynote Topics:
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Bold & Brazen: 10 Power Moves for Women Leaders
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High-EQ Leadership in a Tech-Driven World
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Beyond The Balance Sheet: Building $tronger Bonds
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Sales Leadership 2025: Cultivating EQ and Next-Gen Talent
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Poker Face: High-Stakes Conversations in Leadership
Kristi’s Signature Style
- Heartfelt and Engaging Delivery: Kristi’s natural flair for connecting with her audience through honest, direct, and humor-laced presentations ensures that every word resonates deeply, leaving a lasting impact.
- Powerful Storytelling: With each tale woven from real-world experiences, Kristi captivates listeners, turning lessons into laughter – and actionable insights.
- Tailored for Every Leader: Regardless of where you stand on your leadership journey, Kristi’s bold insights will empower you to lead more effectively, inspire your teams, and drive your organization to lasting success.