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Type of Performer
keynote
Jody Urquhart
Funny Motivational Speaker
After years of observing professionals drowning in mediocrity, I've dedicated my career to understanding why we've lost touch with our humanity at work.
For the last 26 years, I’ve been a motivational speaker and I’m a former stand-up comedian.
I’ve researched and produced over 1,000 videos exploring burnout and workplace connections and interviewed hundreds of professionals. I’ve written two books, All Work & No Say and BlissOut.
One thing is clear: we thrive anywhere we feel like we’re seen and we belong.
Through years of stand-up comedy and raw audience interaction, I've mapped the landscape of professional disconnection.
I focus on talent acquisition, team connectivity, and burnout prevention while fostering a culture where people thrive and stay.
I use stand-up comedy to help audiences drop their defences and relate more deeply to the human condition.
The result is an experience that’s deep enough to ponder your life choices but funny enough to not take it personally.
I'm not a traditional motivational speaker. No PowerPoints, no staged lectures—just pure, unfiltered human engagement.
I participate in over 50 events yearly, I help worn-out professionals:
- Shed self-doubt and cynicism
- Rediscover joy in their work
- Transform rooms of strangers into communities of understanding
Are you ready to transform your workplace?
This Would Be Funny... If It Wasn't Happening To Me!
How to Navigate Change by Mastering Human Connection
Work isn't just about tasks—it's about people. Real, messy, complicated people who are just trying to belong and make sense of constant change.
Ever feel like you're the only one struggling? You're not. This transformative keynote is a no-filter dive into workplace transformation.
What We'll Unpack Together:
- How to create a genuine connection when everything's changing
- Embrace work with a sense of urgency, conviction and vitality
- Turning workplace uncertainty into moments of real understanding
- Strategies for building a team that feels like 'your people'
- Making everyone feel seen, heard, and valued—even in chaos
Relatability isn't just a skill. It's your secret weapon.
For every leader feeling isolated, every team member wondering if they fit in, every person who's ever thought, "Do I belong here?"—this is your moment.
TOPIC - Change - Belonging - Teamwork - Transformation
How to Speak Human: Make your Leadership more Relatable
Our leadership is at a crossroads.
Our teams are floundering toward fulfillment as we try to balance algorithms with basic human emotions. If your workplace has become a little bit robotic, Authentic leadership can resurrect your teams back to life.
Relatability is powerful.
If your brain feels like a browser with 47 tabs open, this session will give you relief.
It’s time we realize that it’s people, not processes that drive success.
Join us for a session that’s deep enough to ponder your life choices but funny enough to not take it personally.
Learn:
- How to make employees feel like they’re human again
- 3 pillars of building a human centered culture
- How to prioritize the well-being of your team
- How to ditch a stiff persona for something more relatable
- Diversity and Inclusion: Create a culture where people belong
- The comedic side of humanizing leadership
TOPIC - Humanizing Work - Inclusion - Belonging - Future of Work - Leadership
CrazyBusy: Relief to Find Immediate Balance in a Fast-Paced World
Look, we've all been there. Drowning in to-do lists, feeling like we're the only ones struggling to keep our heads above water. But You're not alone. Not even close.
This isn't another productivity talk. This is a lifeline for anyone who's ever felt:
- Isolated in their overwhelm
- Like they're failing at managing their life
- Disconnected from what matters
Many of us get trapped in patterns of self-made chaos, believing we're the only ones struggling. But here's the truth: Your experience is shared by many. Your overwhelm doesn't define you—it connects you.
Together, we'll:
- Expose the busyness patterns that are crushing your spirit
- Create a genuine connection in a world that feels increasingly fragmented
- Understand why we use busyness as a shield—and how to put that shield down
Learn How to Truly Belong to Yourself:
- 3 Signs You're Working Harder, Not Smarter
- Uncover Personal Patterns That Steal Your Joy
- 4 Time and Energy Drainers
- Why Your Struggle Is actually Your Superpower
TOPIC - Wellness - Productivity
Look, we've all been there. Drowning in to-do lists, feeling like we're the only ones struggling to keep our heads above water. But You're not alone. Not even close.
This isn't another productivity talk. This is a lifeline for anyone who's ever felt:
- Isolated in their overwhelm
- Like they're failing at managing their life
- Disconnected from what matters
Many of us get trapped in patterns of self-made chaos, believing we're the only ones struggling. But here's the truth: Your experience is shared by many. Your overwhelm doesn't define you—it connects you.
Together, we'll:
- Expose the busyness patterns that are crushing your spirit
- Create a genuine connection in a world that feels increasingly fragmented
- Understand why we use busyness as a shield—and how to put that shield down
Learn How to Truly Belong to Yourself:
- 3 Signs You're Working Harder, Not Smarter
- Uncover Personal Patterns That Steal Your Joy
- 4 Time and Energy Drainers
- Why Your Struggle Is actually Your Superpower
TOPIC - Wellness -Productivity
Look, we've all been there. Drowning in to-do lists, feeling like we're the only ones struggling to keep our heads above water. But You're not alone. Not even close.
This isn't another productivity talk. This is a lifeline for anyone who's ever felt:
- Isolated in their overwhelm
- Like they're failing at managing their life
- Disconnected from what matters
Many of us get trapped in patterns of self-made chaos, believing we're the only ones struggling. But here's the truth: Your experience is shared by many. Your overwhelm doesn't define you—it connects you.
Together, we'll:
- Expose the busyness patterns that are crushing your spirit
- Create a genuine connection in a world that feels increasingly fragmented
- Understand why we use busyness as a shield—and how to put that shield down
Learn How to Truly Belong to Yourself:
- 3 Signs You're Working Harder, Not Smarter
- Uncover Personal Patterns That Steal Your Joy
- 4 Time and Energy Drainers
- Why Your Struggle Is actually Your Superpower
TOPIC - Wellness - Productivity
The Joy of the Job.
Take This Job & Love It: Your Work, Your Way!
Tired of feeling like just another employee? Sick of dragging yourself to work? What if you could enjoy your job – and I mean enjoy it?
Join us for this comedy-filled real-world guide to turning work from a daily grind into something you look forward to.
The big secret? You create the meaning.
Stress doesn't control you – you control your response. Your job isn't just a paycheck; it's your playground for growth.
By the end, you'll know how to:
- Inject fun into your daily work
- Turn challenges into opportunities
- Make stress your sidekick, not your boss
- Find joy in what you do
- Become the energy you want to see at work
Ready to flip the script on your 9-to-5?
TOPIC - job satisfaction - wellness - mental health
Follow Me, I'm Right Behind You!
Where Leadership Meets Real-life
Think the best leaders are always out front? Think again. The magic happens when you're walking alongside your people, listening to their stories, and having their backs.
Leadership isn't a title – it's how you influence others.
This motivational speech will turn traditional leadership upside down – because the best way to lead isn’t to make sure people fit the mould but to make sure people feel they matter.
Forget "culture fit" – we're talking about culture transformation. When everyone belongs and brings their unique perspective, everyone performs.
You'll learn how to:
- Build trust by giving people your undivided attention
- Create a team that wants to show up, not has to
- Make every person feel like they truly belong
- Turn your workplace into a community people care about
- Lead with heart, not just authority
Ready to flip the script on leadership? Sometimes the front of the line isn't where the real action is. It's about creating a place where everyone feels at home, valued, and part of something bigger than themselves.
TOPIC - Leadership - Work Culture - Teamwork - Belonging
"Jody was awesome. I was very engaged in her conversation with the group and I was just watching it in Utah. I loved the humor and the concepts that she taught. One of my favorites. I still have a smile on my face…I am signing my name with my hips."
- Discover Financial
"I can’t say enough great things about Jody. Our attendees loved her, she kept the audience engaged, and was energetic. You won’t go wrong with her. She’s a breath of fresh air and she got our attendees laughing, and that’s always a good thing! "
- Construction Managers Association of America
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