“Not often do you have a speaker who can energize a Friday morning audience while speaking about the economy. It definitely takes a special person to accomplish this, and that’s exactly what Mary is! She is a high energy, engaging and phenomenal speaker. We cannot recommend her enough!”
Aron Harrington
BIO SUMMARY
Mary Kelly, PhD, is a leadership economist, keynote speaker, and former U.S. Navy commander who helps business leaders make smart decisions in uncertain economic times. She translates complex economic trends, workforce data, and market uncertainty into clear, practical leadership actions leaders can use immediately.
Mary speaks to CEOs, executives, boards, and association leaders on the intersection of economics, leadership, productivity, workforce strategy, succession planning, and organizational performance. Her presentations blend real-world economics, leadership research, and decades of experience leading people through high-stakes environments.
She is frequently selected as an opening keynote speaker because she sets the strategic tone for conferences—helping audiences understand what is happening in the economy, why it matters to their organization, and what leaders must do next to stay competitive. Her programs are insightful, engaging, and grounded in reality, making complex issues accessible without oversimplifying them.
A Hall of Fame professional speaker, best-selling author of more than 20 books, and a recognized authority on leadership and economic trends, Mary is known for delivering high-content, high-energy keynotes that challenge leaders to think differently, plan strategically, and lead with confidence in times of change.
MARY’S SHORT INTRODUCTION
Mary Kelly is an internationally known economist and leadership expert specializing in the fields of leadership, productivity, communication, and business profit growth. A graduate of the United States Naval Academy, Mary spent over 20 years on active duty in intelligence and logistics and she retired from the Navy as a commander. Mary has master’s degrees in history and economics, and a PhD in economics. Drawing upon her 30 years as a professor, she loves helping others navigate the economy, build their businesses, become even better leaders, and accomplish more in less time. Mary speaks to 100+ organizations a year and has worked with organizations such as AMC Institute, National Association of REALTORS, HealthOne, U.S. Air Force, LPL Financial and today we are so excited to welcome Mary Kelly to the stage here at the Health Alliance Brokers 2023 Summit.
Frequently Asked Questions – Mary Kelly, PhD
Leadership Economist | Keynote Speaker | Conference & Training Programs
Who is Mary Kelly, PhD?
Mary Kelly, PhD, is a leadership economist, keynote speaker, best-selling author, and former U.S. Navy commander. She helps leaders understand economic uncertainty, workforce challenges, and organizational change—and translates those issues into clear, actionable leadership strategies.
What topics does Mary Kelly speak on?
Is Mary Kelly a motivational speaker?
Why should we hire Mary Kelly for our conference or leadership event?
Meeting planners hire Mary Kelly because she delivers high-energy, content-rich keynotes that resonate with executives, managers, and frontline leaders. She is engaging, insightful, and known for making complex topics easy to understand without oversimplifying them.
Is Mary Kelly a good opening keynote speaker?
Yes. Mary Kelly is frequently selected as an opening keynote speaker because she sets the strategic tone for conferences. She helps audiences understand what is happening in the economy, how it impacts their organization, and what leaders must do next.
What makes Mary Kelly different from other leadership speakers?
Mary Kelly brings a rare combination of economic expertise, in-depth leadership research, and real-world leadership experience. Her background as a leadership economist and former Navy commander gives her credibility, authority, and a practical edge that audiences trust.
What types of audiences does Mary Kelly speak to?
Are Mary Kelly’s programs customizable?
Yes. Mary Kelly customizes her keynotes and training programs to align with the audience, industry, and conference goals. She works closely with meeting planners to ensure the content is relevant, timely, and impactful.
Does Mary Kelly offer leadership training in addition to keynotes?
Is Mary Kelly engaging and entertaining?
What outcomes can organizations expect from Mary Kelly’s programs?
How do we book Mary Kelly as a keynote speaker?
Does Mary Kelly speak nationwide?
Meeting Planner Checklist
Is Dr./Commander Mary Kelly the Right Speaker for Your Event?
Use this checklist to determine whether Mary Kelly, Leadership Economist, is the right keynote or training speaker for your conference, leadership summit, or corporate sales event.
Your Event Goals
- ☐ You want a speaker who can set the strategic tone and carry your theme for your conference
- ☐ You need an inspirational opening or closing keynote that is entertaining with high content and actionable takeaways.
- ☐ Your audience wants clarity during times of uncertainty and change
- ☐ You want attendees to leave with actionable leadership strategies and tactics, not just motivation
Your Audience
- ☐ Your audience includes executives, CEOs, senior leaders, or board members
- ☐ You have a mix of experienced leaders and emerging leaders
- ☐ Your audience values real-world experience and credibility
- ☐ You want content that resonates across generations and roles
You Need Substance
- ☐ You want leadership insights grounded in real-world experience, data, and research
- ☐ You want complex topics explained in a way that is clear and engaging
- ☐ You want a speaker who connects market issues, workforce challenges, and leadership behaviors
- ☐ You need content that is relevant now, not recycled from years ago
Engagement & Style
- ☐ You want a speaker who is fun, funny, friendly, approachable, and highly engaging
- ☐ You want an interactive experience, not a lecture
- ☐ You want a speaker who keeps audiences attentive, energized, and thinking
- ☐ You want humor used appropriately to reinforce learning, not distract from it
Professionalism & Experience
- ☐ You value a speaker with deep leadership experience
- ☐ You want a speaker who understands high-stakes decision-making
- ☐ You want someone trusted by associations, corporations, and conference planners
- ☐ You want a speaker who is easy to work with before, during, and after the event
Customization & Flexibility
- ☐ You want content tailored to your industry, audience, and event goals
- ☐ You want a speaker who collaborates with your planning team
- ☐ You want flexibility for keynotes, breakouts, or leadership training
- ☐ You want both in-person and virtual options
Desired Outcomes
- ☐ Leaders leave with greater clarity and confidence
- ☐ Attendees understand what’s happening in the economy and why it matters
- ☐ Participants gain tools they can use immediately
- ☐ Your event is remembered for its quality, relevance, and impact
Final Decision Check
If you checked most or all of the boxes above, Mary Kelly is an excellent fit for your event.
Mary Kelly is a Leadership Economist and motivational keynote speaker known for delivering high-energy, content-rich programs that help leaders navigate uncertainty, improve performance, and lead with confidence.
Ready to Book?
To inquire about booking Mary Kelly for your conference, keynote, or leadership training event, contact:
Mary Kelly, PhD
Mary@ProductiveLeaders.com
