Speaking & Workshops

Burn the script. Invite what’s real.

Challenge the script

High-performing cultures are full of people who’ve mastered the mask. They’re sharp, successful, and often stuck.

Whether it’s burnout disguised as drive, leadership that’s disconnected from values, or teams going through the motions, surface-level solutions won’t cut it.

In my talks and workshops, I don’t offer quick fixes or empty inspiration. I create catalytic experiences that get under the hood, helping individuals and organizations strip away what’s misaligned so they can rebuild from clarity, conviction, and truth.

Because when leaders get real, everything changes: the way they show up, the way they lead, and the way others follow.

TOPICS WE UNCOVER

From Burnout to Sustainability

Rewiring the high-achiever operating system

High-performing professionals are conditioned to deliver results at all costs - chasing recognition, promotions, or political capital.

But performance without alignment eventually leads to depletion, disconnection, and burnout.

In this talk, we unpack the roots of over-functioning, dismantle outdated success metrics, and provide a framework for sustainable leadership rooted in clarity, worth, and aligned ambition.

The Cost of Adaptability

How people-pleasing erodes leadership power

High-achievers often build influence by accommodating others, but over-adaptation is a silent power leak.

When you’re too focused on approval, you compromise clarity, conviction, and authentic decision-making, especially in leadership roles.

This session reframes adaptability as a strength with boundaries, teaching participants how to recognize people-pleasing patterns, reclaim agency, and lead from inner alignment, not external validation.

Beyond Performance Culture

Reclaiming identity at the intersection of leadership and self

Most leaders operate from a persona, a curated version of themselves shaped by what has worked, what’s expected, or what earns rewards.

But real impact comes from congruence: where identity and execution meet.

This workshop helps participants shift from performative leadership to aligned leadership, where strategy, self-awareness, and success reinforce each other rather than compete.

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  • After listening to Maki speak, one word came to mind: "Presence." She oozed presence, and exemplified what most professionals hope to one day exhibit. Creating positive disruption and staying true to yourself are great take-aways. I look forward to reading her book.

  • "Stop chasing outcomes." This is one of the things Maki said that really stuck with me. If I only make it to "X" or if I can only achieve "X" then I will have been successful, right? This false sense of achievement that is tied to the outcome means that your worth inevitably gets tied to the outcome.

  • “Even neutral experiences condition us.” That statement struck me. It’s easy to attribute behaviors and choices to obvious life experiences but what about the subtleties? What about the everyday subconscious ideas and actions that are such a part of life that we don’t even consider their origins or influence? I am considering Maki’s suggestions to examine my conditioning, raise my expectations, and be authentic. Great advice, great speaker!

  • Maki’s ability to directly address the ugly stuff with professionalism, poise and yet vulnerability and relatability is unmatched. I felt like she was in my head, and I can't wait to read the book.

  • What an unexpected and pleasant surprise--Maki Moussavi! It's been quite a while since I've heard someone speak and remembered the provocative questions they asked as opposed to some fact or statement they delivered.

  • Maki does a terrific job of making her audience really think! She challenges the status quo and presents a different perspective. How often do we hear, hard work pays off or all the hours you put in will get you to success and happiness? Probably countless times. Now, how often do we hear Maki's perspective? Almost never! I found that Maki's talk made me think more deeply than any of the others.

  • Maki was excellent; as she spoke, I could only appreciate her strength, confidence, and resilience. The timing of her talk was perfect, as I am working to minimize my approval-seeking style. I loved her point about how people-pleasing can get you out of sync with your own integrity. What she said at the end of her talk resonated with me. "We are not here to be all things to all people. Some will like it, some won't. Be with those who will like it".

  • Well, I feel a little called out and a little seen. So much resonated during Maki’s talk, and especially right now when I’m preparing myself to take the leap out of the corporate world. She talked about the reality that “conditioning is conditioning” and shared common conditioning challenges….check, check, check. This speaker really hit home and I can’t wait to read her book.

  • Maki's message was so powerful. It was evident that most of the room resonated with Maki's experience of being a high achiever. I really felt like she distilled some of the complex thoughts I have had as to why I continue to experience dissatisfaction in my career even though I still manage to find "success".

Access Speaking Materials

Resources to help guide your speaking session or workshop.

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