Stephanie Simpson

Run Your Own Race: Leadership, Confidence, and Achieving Meaningful Goals

High performers, great leaders, and visionary changemakers all have one thing in common: they understand that growth is a marathon, not a sprint. But what happens when the vision you have for yourself, your student organization, or your team feels too big or overwhelming? It’s easy to feel stuck, unsure where to start, or paralyzed by the pressure to succeed.

Working toward your goals and stepping into authentic leadership requires patience, resilience, and a willingness to take the first step—even when the finish line feels far away.

For Stephanie Simpson, this wasn’t just a metaphor; it was a reality. What started as a personal challenge to run a few blocks turned into training for and completing the NYC Marathon—a journey that reshaped her mindset, leadership, and approach to goal setting. Along the way, she discovered the essential ingredients for turning vision into action, overcoming setbacks, and developing confidence as a leader—lessons that extend far beyond the racecourse.

In this engaging keynote, Stephanie shares powerful insights from her journey as a marathon runner, entrepreneur, and leadership coach to help students break through self-doubt, develop authentic confidence, and set goals that align with their values. Leadership isn’t just about holding a position—it’s about how you show up for yourself and others in moments of challenge, uncertainty, and growth. Whether you’re navigating academics, student leadership, internships, or planning for your future, this keynote will equip you with the tools to stay focused, build resilience, and step into leadership with clarity, courage, and intention.

Learning Outcomes

As a result of attending the program, students will:

• Learn how to shift self-talk to build authentic confidence as a leader.
• Gain tools for setting meaningful, achievable goals and creating a roadmap for success.
• Develop strategies for navigating setbacks with resilience and adaptability.
• Understand the importance of pacing yourself to avoid burnout and sustain long-term impact.
• Discover how to cultivate a strong support system and lead with purpose.

Rewiring Stress: The Science of Thriving Under Pressure

Stress isn’t the enemy—it’s a signal. It tells you what matters, where you’re being stretched, and what’s at stake. The challenge isn’t eliminating stress (because that’s impossible)—it’s learning how to harness it, not fight against it.

Whether you’re juggling deadlines, managing high expectations, or feeling stretched too thin, the key to success isn’t avoiding stress—it’s understanding how to use it to your advantage.

In this engaging and practical keynote, Stephanie Simpson redefines stress as a powerful tool for growth, adaptability, and peak performance. As a former professional performer turned entrepreneur, she knows firsthand the pressure of high-stakes environments. Blending insights from psychology, leadership, and mindfulness, Stephanie shares science-backed strategies and personal experiences to help students shift their relationship with stress—from something that drains them to something that drives them.

Stress doesn’t have to lead to burnout and frustration. When approached intentionally, it can fuel confidence, focus, and resilience. This keynote will empower you with the mindset and tools to harness stress, reclaim your energy, and stay in control—whether you’re leading a student organization, navigating major life transitions, or striving for high performance in school and beyond.

Learning Outcomes

As a result of attending the program, students will:

• Understand the Three S’s of Stress—and how to recognize them in their own lives.
• Learn the Four Pillars of Stress Mastery—a science-backed framework for resilience.
• Discover the difference between Eustress and Distress—and how to use stress as fuel.
• Gain insights into how stress impacts peak performance—and what top performers do differently.
• Walk away with practical tools to shift their mindset, avoid burnout, and thrive under pressure.

The Inner Game of Leadership: Unlocking the Potential of Yourself and Others

Leadership isn’t about having a title—it’s about how you show up in the moments that matter most. Whether you’re leading a student organization, collaborating on a group project, or preparing for your future career, the way you manage your thoughts, emotions, and energy defines your impact. Your ability to communicate effectively, navigate challenges, and empower others will determine your success.

Conscious leadership is about shifting from a mindset of “me” to a culture of “we.” It’s about developing self-awareness, understanding your impact on others, and learning how to lead with confidence and purpose. The best leaders aren’t just the loudest voices in the room—they are the ones who foster trust, inspire collaboration, and create environments where people thrive.
In this engaging and interactive keynote, Stephanie Simpson—a former WNBA dancer, professional performer, and expert in psychology, leadership, and peak performance—guides students through a fresh perspective on leadership. Drawing from the Core Energy Leadership™ framework, sports psychology, and high-performance strategies, she helps students step into leadership roles with confidence, clarity, and resilience.

Leadership isn’t about knowing all the answers—it’s about creating spaces where people can grow together. When students develop self-awareness and adaptability, they build stronger teams, foster meaningful relationships, and prepare themselves for success in school, work, and life. This keynote will equip students with the mindset and tools to lead with confidence, navigate challenges, and unlock their full potential.

Learning Outcomes

As a result of attending the program, students will:

• Learn what Conscious Leadership is and how it creates inclusive, engaged communities.
• Recognize the 7 levels of energy and how mindset affects leadership effectiveness.
• Develop emotional intelligence and communication skills to build trust and collaboration.
• Apply tools for navigating conflict, receiving and giving feedback, and leading under pressure.
• Cultivate a leadership approach that is authentic, adaptable, and impact-driven.