Heather Wood
Live boldly, love stupendously—even in the messy middle.
Travels from Syracuse NY, USA
Audience Feedback
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Attendees Find Valuable
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Would See Again
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Talks Given
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Speaks on:
Authentic Leadership
Emotional Intelligence
Personal Growth
Resilience
Speaks to:
Community & Civic Organizations
K-12 Education
Other / Cross-Industry
Formats:
Keynote
Breakout
Audience members say
Key Audience Outcomes
Participants feel inspired and empowered to live life more fully, boldly, and in the present, without waiting for the "perfect time."
Attendees gain a new perspective on grief and loss, learning to find strength and beauty even after profound tragedy.
Individuals are encouraged to reflect on their own lives, prioritize what truly matters, and foster deeper connections with others with unwavering kindness.
Leaders and individuals learn the importance of emotional intelligence, vulnerability, and leading with heart and empathy in both personal and professional settings.
Many feel a renewed sense of hope and motivation to overcome their own challenges, realizing that "anything is possible" and that they can "live in the messy middle."
Heather's Bio
Heather Wood is a keynote speaker, executive leader, and founder of Stupendous Love, built on a belief forged through an extraordinary life: sometimes freedom comes from loving what you never thought you could. After experiencing unimaginable personal loss in 2023, Heather transformed what life taught her about love, choice, connection, and courage into a philosophy for living and leading. Drawing on 23 years in financial services and executive leadership, Heather delivers two distinct keynotes: Stupendous Love: Loving the Thing I Never Thought I Could, and Stupendous Love: Servant Leadership. One challenges how we live. The other challenges how we lead. Both are rooted in the same conviction: Stupendous Love is a muscle, not a mood. Live Boldly. Love Stupendously.
Private
Varies based on date, location, and engagement type
What you will receive
A detailed quote with pricing, availability, add-ons, and travel info that's ready to share with your team.
Heather Offers the Following Talks
Stupendous Love: Loving the Thing I Never Thought I Could,
Reclaim the choices that are still yours: Recognize what remains within your power, even when circumstances cannot be controlled.
Allow joy and pain to coexist: Experience what is good without denying, minimizing, or comparing what is difficult.
Use three rebellious practices for greater joy and freedom: Refuse to wait for rescue, claim every shred of joy, and choose the lobster roll.
Move forward with greater intention: Discover that unexpected circumstances do not erase what is good -- and learn how to keep noticing, choosing, and experiencing it.
Show more >
30 - 90 minutes
Stupendous Love: Servant Leadership [FKA: Lead with Heart, Not Armor]
SEE: Identify assumptions, recognize meaningful individual contributions, and get curious before jumping to conclusions.
SERVE: Use authority, influence, clarity and accountability responsibly for people and organizational purpose.
STRENGTHEN: Build capability, ownership and resilience without equating growth solely with promotion.
APPLY: Use a practical three-part decision process and carry-forward reflection in real leadership moments.
Show more >
30 - 60 minutes
Audience Feedback on Heather
1 / 9
I appreciate her ability to speak about her experiences. I respect Heather for not only sharing her experiences but for talking about it and still having love. I hope she continues being the great person she is. It was an informative talking about dealing with grief and moving forward. I think it would be helpful to include even more ways to connect and bulleted lessons that others can take with them. Thank you. (see talk report)
Trudi Antoine
It was a beautiful lesson in showing up for those around us and recognizing that everyone is battling something we have no idea about. That courage and bravery can be as simple as just paying attention and asking someone how they are or showing up for someone when they need it the most. It was a reminder that in leadership and in life to just be a good human and show unwavering kindness. (see talk report)
Ashley Wicks
Delmonico Insurance Agency
I’d say, it warmed my heart to see you thriving. Though we don’t know each other, as a mother from Liverpool, close to your district, I knew people who knew you and your daughter, and as a mother, I cried with and for you when I heard your story. I’m so happy to see the healing you’ve experienced and the healing you’re offering others.💗 (see talk report)
Heather Juston
Inspiring woman telling her story and how she pulled herself out of darkness after tragedy. She talks about her teenage daughter Ava who was horribly taken from her and how she took inspiration herself from how Ava lived and who Ava was, to move forward in her life and live boldly and love stupendously. (see talk report)
Kayla Saltamach
Very inspirational, I had a great loss at 17 when I lost my mother unexpectedly. I love her perspective of not looking at it as a loss but instead of what I had, and what I had made me the mother I am today. (see talk report)
Lisa
My niece and nephew knew your daughter and went to school with the her. They said she was a wonderful girl. I am so sad for your loss and am very thankful for you sharing your story and being so honest. (see talk report)
Fabiola Tedesco
Heather was real and raw and relatable. She challenged us to think and reflect in our own situations without condemnation. She allowed us space to share & was genuine and appreciative of our shares. (see talk report)
Attendee
You are truly an inspiration and full of very important information. To live life to the fullest even in the worst moments. Life is short & reflect on life. Live boldly & stupendously. (see talk report)
Shannon Stein
A great reminder to live life in the present. Life gets too busy and it’s too easy to get wrapped up in things that are not important. Be intentional with your time and take the trip! (see talk report)
Sara
Frequently Asked Questions on Working With Heather
What should I know about working with you?
The best keynote experiences begin before I step onstage. I work closely with event leaders to understand your audience, goals, and desired impact. Expect thoughtful preparation, clear communication, and an experience designed to feel relevant, human, and worth remembering.
What's included in your fee?
My keynote fee includes pre-event planning, audience and event research, customization, presentation preparation, and travel time. When applicable, airfare, lodging, ground transportation, and related travel expenses are additional and clearly outlined in advance.
Can you customize your presentation for our specific audience and event theme?
Absolutely. I learn about your organization, audience, objectives, and theme to thoughtfully tailor the experience. Stories, examples, and emphasis may be customized while preserving the core ideas and frameworks that make each keynote distinct.
What kind of promotional support do you offer to help market the event?
I'm happy to help build excitement with approved headshots, bios, promotional assets, social support, collaborative posts, and select keynote assets. I'm also open to podcast, newsletter, and media interviews. Custom promotional video can be discussed.
How do you engage audiences post-event?
When the event allows, I stay afterward to meet attendees, continue conversations, and take photos. Select keynotes may also include digital resources and downloadable frameworks to help audiences put what they experienced into practice.
Do you offer extras (book signings, meet-and-greets)?
Yes. I'm happy to explore ways to extend the keynote experience, including meet-and-greets, attendee photos, facilitated conversations, VIP experiences, and other event-specific opportunities. Let's create what makes sense for your audience.
My organization has a limited budget. Do you have any flexibility in your pricing?
Possibly. Limited consideration may be available for schools, nonprofits, community organizations, mission-aligned events, and select Central New York engagements. Each opportunity is considered individually based on scope, audience, and alignment.
Will I receive post-event materials (slides, recordings, handouts)?
Select resources may be available depending on the keynote and engagement. Because my presentations contain proprietary stories, frameworks, and intellectual property, slides are not generally distributed. Available audience resources will be discussed during planning.
What is your policy on event recordings and media rights?
Event photography and short promotional clips are generally welcome within agreed parameters. Full-presentation recording, livestreaming, distribution, rebroadcasting, or archival access requires prior written agreement to protect proprietary content and IP.
What are your specific travel requirements?
My travel requirements are designed to be reasonable and straightforward. Specific arrangements vary by location, timing, and event needs. Any applicable travel expenses and requirements are discussed and agreed upon in advance, so there are no surprises.