Les Adkins speaking on stage

Speaking & keynotes

Ideas worth saying out loud.

I've spoken at conferences, leadership summits, and corporate events across the country — on stages big and small. My talks blend research, real-world experience, and a healthy dose of storytelling to leave audiences thinking differently about how people learn and grow.

Topics

What I speak about

Every talk is tailored to your audience — here are the themes I return to most.

01Keynote / Workshop

Learning That Actually Sticks

Why most corporate training fails — and what the science of learning tells us about designing experiences that create lasting behavior change. Practical, provocative, and immediately actionable.

L&D teams, HR leaders, executives
02Keynote / Workshop

The Leader as Teacher

The most effective leaders don't just manage — they develop. This talk explores how leaders at every level can build a culture of continuous learning on their teams without adding to their workload.

Managers, directors, senior leaders
03Keynote / Bootcamp

Designing for Change

Change initiatives fail when learning is an afterthought. This session shows how L&D professionals and change leaders can partner to build the human capability that makes transformation stick.

L&D professionals, change managers, HR
04Keynote / Panel

The Future of Workplace Learning

AI, remote work, and shifting workforce demographics are rewriting the rules of L&D. A forward-looking talk on where learning is headed — and how organizations can stay ahead of the curve.

CLOs, L&D leaders, HR executives

Track record

Past engagements

A selection of conferences, summits, and events where I've had the privilege to speak.

VR (Virtual Reality) Training for Leaders

"The Leader as Teacher"

2025Conference

Leadership Training

"Learning That Actually Sticks"

2023Conference

High Achievers Network Atlanta

"Designing for Change"

2022Symposium

Government Blockchain Association

"The Future of Wallets and Crypto"

2021Panel Discussion

Elite Consulting Bootcamp for CDW

"Elite Consulting with Influence and Thinking Preferences"

2017–2019Bootcamp

Virtual Training for Facilitators

"How to Deliver Engaging and Interactive Online Training"

2019Forum

Virtual Training for Leaders

"Customer Service Strategies Amid COVID-19"

2019Conference

See it live

Highlight Reels

Watch Les in action — panel discussions, keynotes, and conversations on leadership, learning, and emerging technology.

Global Blockchain Panel Talk

A panel discussion on the intersection of emerging technology and organizational learning.

Speaker Highlight Reel

A curated look at Les on stage — keynotes, panels, and workshops that move audiences to action.

Booking

Book Les for your event

Interested in having Les speak at your conference, summit, or corporate event? Fill out the form below and I'll be in touch within 2 business days.

Les Adkins

Learning & Development leader helping organizations grow through intentional design, facilitation, and human-centered strategy.

Connect

"Learning is the work."

© 2026 Les Adkins. All rights reserved.

Available for remote consulting & speaking engagements