The Evidence-Based Keynote Vetting Guide: Critical Questions for HR, Healthcare & STEM LeadersKeynote Speaker for Analytical Thinkers: Creativity, Innovation, & Leadership

Answers to the 10 Questions That Determine Event ROI: Why Credibility (DVM, IAM) and a Proprietary Framework (DANCE, 3Cs) are Non-Negotiable.

What Questions to Ask a Keynote Speaker

Planning a successful event means asking the right questions. If you’re data based like me, you might be looking for evidence-based Keynote Speaker vetting advice. To help you in your search, we’ve put together a list of key questions you should ask any keynote speaker before you book. Whether you are looking for a leadership speaker, a sales speaker, or a motivational speaker to bring up the energy in the room, there is information you need before you take your options to your committee or make your selection.

Below, you’ll find our answers, provided by engaging HR and STEM speaker Dr. Caroline Brookfield, to help you make the best decision for your team.

Speaking Topics

How will you customize your presentation for my specific audience?

From a dedicated research assistant, to interviews with attendees and stakeholders ahead of time, I make sure to craft a presentation that feels bespoke for your group, ensuring that every attendee feels the message was just for them.

What is the key takeaway from your talk?

Everyday Creativity is a human, elemental gift. We have enough robots. Creativity is simply problem solving on a sliding scale. Creativity is all that, AND a bag of chips:

builds tolerance of ambiguity
protects against burnout
builds resilience
drives innovation
Increases adaptability in change

These outcomes are achieved through the application of my evidence-backed methodologies, the DANCE Framework (for creative habits) and the 3Cs of Ambiguity Framework (for leadership resilience

In a recent keynote, the audience increased their belief in their creative mindset by over 300%!!
Look out for clear frameworks for navigating ambiguity with creativity, and habits to build a creative mindset, will give specific actions that your attendees can take immediately to start seeing results.

My talks revolve around radical originality to be creative, and how to lean into ambiguity with more optimism and confidence. Creativity and adaptability (tolerance of ambiguity) are deeply interlinked. Creativity is the only factor that increases all 9 dimensions of Tolerance of Ambiguity.
For more on topics, click here.

How do you ensure your message is relevant to our industry or company culture?

Every client I work with is unique, so I research every group’s unique culture and challenges, from company size to industry-specific trends. During our pre-event call, I listen closely to your goals and tailor my content to resonate with your team’s specific needs and experiences. I’m available for meetings as needed to clarify the content, and I have a dedicated assistant to provide whatever you might need.

Do you provide any pre- or post-event resources to help our team implement your message?

From a produced video to promote the event, to handouts and interactive games and resources (check this one out) I have a plethora of handouts and resources, including post event drip campaigns and exercises and workbooks. I can also participate in a post-event Q&A or schedule a virtual or in person follow-up session to answer any lingering questions.

Book a call directly with Caroline

Speaking Style & Delivery

What is your speaking style? Is it more humorous, serious, or interactive?

My presentations are mullet-style: Fun up front, data in the back. I combine humor and storytelling from my background as a veterinarian and comedian with data-driven insights without the boring list of p-values (can be provided on request). My talks are highly interactive and include fun, short exercises to ensure the audience is engaged and retains the information. Check out this short sizzle reel for a sample. For more, start with this video playlist with longer clips before getting distracted by sloth videos.

Do you use visual aids like a slide deck, and can we see a sample?

Despite being a creativity speaker, I’m not too artistic, so I have commissioned a designer to create my professional slide deck to support my talk. With clean, modern visuals to reinforce key concepts, the images are simple, with silent videos to support the content with metaphors that are easy to understand. I can provide a sample deck or a video clip of my speaking style and visual aids upon request.

How do you engage the audience during your talk?

Let’s go beyond audience engagement! Through story, turn to a partner or group exercises, staring contests, ask/answer, study simulations and even audience endangerment (not really – I like to throw mini chocolate bars and I’m a terrible throw. Talk about paying attention!). I have a library of activities and engaging techniques from QR codes to walking through the audience. These activities are curated when we discuss your goals for the event, audience size, and more.

Are you comfortable presenting to both in-person and virtual audiences? What about hybrid events?

I have extensive experience with all three, and am comfortable with all. I do have the option of renting a professional studio for virtual events.

What kind of tech or A/V requirements do you have?

For my in-person talks, I require a projector, screen, slide advancer and a wireless headset or lavalier microphone. I can provide a full A/V rider upon request. For virtual events, I use a professional camera and audio setup and am comfortable using all major platforms (Zoom, Teams, etc.).

Experience & Credentials

What is your experience speaking to audiences in our industry?

I have had the privilege of speaking to a wide range of organizations, including HR Groups (SHRM National, CPHR), Edwards Lifesciences, OR and ER Nurses, Veterinarians, Financial Professionals (Credit Unions) and Women’s groups (Agriculture, Mining, Insurance). My unique background in both science and comedy allows me to connect with analytical thinkers and “non creative” professionals in management and STEM fields.

Can you provide testimonials or references from past clients who had a similar audience?

Check out my Talkadot Profile for unedited third party testimonials and attendee feedback.

Do you have a professional speaking designation or are you a member of any speaking associations?

I am a professional member of CAPS (Canadian Association of Professional Speakers) and a published author of “The Reluctant Creative”

Do you hold any professional designations or degrees?

I’m a lifelong learner! Not only do I spend a great deal of time researching creativity and ambiguity for effective leadership and for improved well being, I hold several advanced certifications and degrees that inform my work. I am a certified Creative Problem Solving facilitator and an Indicator of Ambiguity (IAM) Assessment Facilitator, a validated psychometric test, which informs my proven, data-backed framework. As a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM), I bring a unique blend of scientific rigor and as a woman with ADHD, I am compelled to make complex ideas simple and relatable. My academic study of leadership, organizational performance and instructional design was earned through the 300 hour Certificate of Professional Management program from the University of Calgary.

Do you have a published book or other publications?

My book “The Reluctant Creative” is a key part of my message and provides a framework for my DANCE Creativity talk. I’m currently working on book #2, and I have also been published in several peer-reviewed scientific journals for my work as a veterinarian.

Logistics & Fees

What is included in your speaking fee? Is your fee within my budget?

Keynote fees depend on your event’s specific needs, but I don’t want to be too cryptic. My keynote fee typically ranges between $8 000 to $12 000. If this is in the hockey rink across town instead of in the ballpark, please reach out anyway. Depending on the location, timing, and if I have any discounted spots remaining for the year, sometimes I can make a lower budget work. Let’s get creative together!

The fee covers any pre-event calls, a promotional video or article if desired, attentive dedicated team to support any needs, social media support, a fully customized keynote, my professional slide deck, and a Q&A session. Contact me with more details for a customized quote, including a travel inclusive option if desired. To hold the date, 50% of the fee is due on contract signing, and the remaining portion is due 10 days prior to the event.

Are you available for a Q&A session, panel discussion, or breakout sessions?

Let’s go! I’m up for pretty much anything, including team building or off site activities, and we can discuss these options and tailor the perfect experience for your event.

What is your process for booking and working with an event planner?

We start with a brief discovery call to discuss your needs and goals. From there, my team will provide a simple contract for review. About 8 weeks prior to the event, I ask you to complete a pre-event form that populates a working Google Document where all the nitty gritty details are stored like AV details, tech check, and more. Me and my team are always available to answer any questions you have leading up to your event.

What is your cancellation policy?

My cancellation policy is outlined in my contract. We can review all the terms together during the booking process.

Where do you Travel?

Canada: Canadian Citizen based in Calgary, Alberta.

USA: I hold an E1 Investor visa that permits me to work in the US.
For US Customers I will provide a W-8 BEN for your tax purposes.

Europe: UK Passport holder.
For other countries, please contact me to discuss working options.

Do you have a Speaker Sheet?
Check out this brochure with all the links and videos you could wish for.

Still curious? Book a call directly in Dr. Caroline’s Schedule here.

Audience & Outcome

What is the ideal audience for your talk?

I love working with analytical thinkers in business or STEM who have an open mind. Attendees who resonate with my message are open to new ways of living and working, to build a more resilient, adaptable, innovative, and human-centered workplace. My talks are especially relevant for HR leaders, Women in STEM, Healthcare, and teams in analytical fields like finance and Health and Safety.

What will our attendees think and feel after your talk?

Attendees will hopefully be smiling and laughing throughout my presentation, and will feel inspired, empowered, and equipped with practical tools to tackle challenges with creativity. They will leave with a new perspective on problem-solving and a renewed sense of optimism about their work. People often call my presentations engaging and “light delivery, deep message”.

How can you help us make our event a success?

I’m a Type A Overachiever which is lucky for your event. I strive to do anything within reason to make your event a success by delivering a memorable, engaging keynote that your attendees will talk about for weeks to come. But let’s face it, that’s table stakes. With my customized mobile games for your event, ample handouts and exercises, optional book signing and energizers, let’s get creative!