“No war plan survives first contact with the enemy” is a truism. In the military, leaders must acknowledge and address the fog (things we can’t see, know, or predict) and friction (the forces which impede progress) of war. In such times, effective leadership is more crucial than ever. Using the challenges and uncertainties of combat as a metaphor for organizational challenges, Nicole stresses perspective, priorities and positive leadership as she provides tools for leaders to use in times of crisis—or anytime—to keep their organizations successfully moving forward.

Nicole Malachowski offers leaders a framework to lead through fog and friction in times of crisis.

-How to proceed regardless of the unknowns your organization facing

-How to maneuver around or through impediments to your organization’s progress

-Understand the leadership challenges that are unique to times of crisis

-Keep focused on your purpose; perspective is critical to manage risk and adapt

-Positivity and calmness are essential. Instill confidence; don’t add to the chaos

Breaking Barriers

Conquering Self-doubt And Cultural Paradigms

Everyone faces barriers, both personal and professional, that may appear to place limits on what’s possible. When people pursue only what is expected, accept cultural norms that hold them back, and view barriers that appear unsurmountable, their personal and professional lives become limited—scripted. A powerful trailblazer herself, Nicole Malachowski reminds audiences to not let others draw their boundaries, and to break tradition with grace and purpose. She inspires people to see obstacles and challenges as opportunities to grow—a chance to reach new levels of personal and professional excellence.

Nicole delivers actionable insights for pursuing dreams, making choices, and living an unscripted life.

-Define your own possibilities and overcome self-doubt

-Reevaluate traditions, paradigms, and overcome limitations

-Welcome challenges to the status quo

-Why having the courage to ask for help is key to, reaching your potential

-Acknowledge the work-life balance myth

The Mach 2 Mindset

Decision-Making in a High-Speed Environment

One popular pilot saying is “speed is life,” because without enough speed, an airplane is nothing more than an expensive rock. In the business world, especially when technology is involved, speed can be just as crucial. The organization that moves the fastest often realizes the most success. Having flown a high-tech fighter aircraft that can reach speeds of up to twice the speed of sound, Nicole Malachowski offers principles that keep any organization functioning smoothly, efficiently, and at high speed, even when chaos and the unexpected occur.

Nicole’s insights help leaders create a culture where decisions get made quickly.

-Assess the dynamics that slow your organization down

-How turmoil in your operating environment slows you down

-How does a need for speed impact decision-making

-Trust, clear roles, and communication are vital to navigate the unknown at speed

-Practice, planning, and preparation underpin organizations that move quickly

Pushing the Envelope

Being the Best When It Counts

To be successful, leaders from every industry and experience level need to effectively navigate moments of self-doubt, master the role of a trustworthy team player, and embrace moments of personal and professional vulnerability. Using the idea of an aircraft performance envelope as a metaphor, this elite fighter pilot and military leader will share inspiring personal stories and practical tools to ignite individuals and teams to reach beyond commonly-assumed limitations to achieve their maximum capabilities and impact.

Nicole Malachowski’s presentation will bolster the ability of individuals and teams to:

-Overcome self-doubt that often inhibits personal and professional growth

-Model the selfless trust needed to be an effective teammate

-Practice vulnerability and transparency to build trust and galvanize teamwork

-Build accountability, dependability and reliability that drive performance

-Break down silos to unleash creativity and adaptability

View More Featured Keynote Programs

Nicole Malachowski
Featured Reviews

She was an absolute superstar who captivated our audience of over 300 people all the attendees could talk about was how inspired they felt after hearing Nicole's story!

CEO

Vista Solutions Group

I have never received feedback regarding a guest speaker like I did this year Truly outstanding.

Chief Operating Officer

Troon

Nicole knocked it out of the park. She was definitely a hit and folks could not stop talking about her session Just phenomenal.

Wood PLC

As always, Nicole hit a home run! Her message greatly resonated with the audience! A lot of her language is being used: loosen my grip, etc. She is a gem.

W.R. Grace

Nicole Malachowski brought energy, enthusiasm, and a message of resiliency the accolades and amazing reviews from our audience continue to materialize

CEO

TransCend4

In 30 years of events, I have never had so many supplier appreciation attendees rave about any of our other VIP speakers than I had about you. The best we've ever had!

CEO

Chase Plastics

The honest truth is - everyone was blown away. I think it's a talent and a gift to get a group of dealers to be that introspective not just about their business, but about themselves. I don't know if Nicole could tell, but there were some tears happening in that room truly an incredible experience.

Event Manager

Toyota Motor North Ameri

Such an amazing presentation today by Nicole. I just don't even have words to describe how she hit it out of the park - pure awesomeness!!!

Raytheon

In my 35 years as part of the financial services industry, I've seen a lot of great speakers, inspirational speakers. Nicole is the absolute best I've ever seen. Her story is inspirational, her delivery is superb. But most of all, Nicole spent the time and energy to get to know OUR story so that her presentation was really about US

National Sales Manager

Transamerica

Book her now! I have worked with many speakers throughout my career and by far Nicole is the best. Easy to work with, engaged and humble. She did her homework and tied in our mission to her remarks and hit the nail on the head on how our audience of over 800 people can work together as a team. She was funny, passionate and drove home her points. We had attendees lined up for 45 minutes afterward to speak to her personally and she was gracious in speaking to every one of them.

Savannah Economic Development Authority

In a few words, she was a slam dunk! Working with Nicole Malachowski has been one of the highlights of my career. Not only was she very personable and spoke to everyone that wanted her attention, but as a keynote, she absolutely nailed it! She took the time to call me beforehand and tailored her speech EXACTLY to our audience. She was more than just a speaker and touched the audience in so many ways - professionally by taking a chance on herself, being a teammate, a mom, a woman and a badass

Senior Meetings and Continuing Education Director

Medical Industry Association

The conference attendees raved about your presentation...You are an extraordinary presenter who understands people and what is important to them. YOU ROCK!!!!

HM Health Solutions Inc

After the meeting, many dealers stated she was the best speaker we have ever had in the 28 years this event has been held. I strongly recommend her to future clients.

Group Vice President and General Manager

Lexus Division

You had a big impact on our team, for which I am grateful. The one thing that stood out to me is your advice to "loosen your grip" when turbulence hits. My natural reaction is just the opposite. But with our great team, I think your advice is spot on and I am going to focus on loosening my grip when the next rough patch hits. Thanks for making me a better leader.

Chief Executive Officer

Extra Storage Space

Nicole! We cannot thank YOU enough for bringing your inspiring, moving, profound, vulnerable, INCREDIBLE story to our team. If your ears have been ringing it is 120 people saying you were the absolute highlight of the whole offsite. And many told me you were the best speaker they have ever heard (and these people hear a lot of speakers!)

Genentech

You are a spectacular speaker and I have never been to a meeting with our entire team mesmerized by anyone like they were with you. Your story is unbelievable and you are able to deliver it in such a natural and powerful way that had me in awe for days after. I haven't been so motivated or inspired by anyone in a long time

Event Director

Best Western

Rarely have I found an entire room of business colleagues all so incredibly inspired and engaged by one speaker! Nicole's story has the power of relating to all businesses as well as the individual journeys we are all on. Nicole's compassion, determination and kind spirit shine through in every aspect of her presentation. The outpouring of support, after two standing ovations and many tears, made it clear her message resonated with everyone in attendance

CEO

Cetera Financial Group

Colonel Nicole Malachowski recently spoke to the senior leaders in my company and did an outstanding job. In fact, I cannot recall another speaker where there was such high universal praise. She is inspiring, authentic, energizing, and a true American hero. More than a week later, there is still abuzz in the organization and I have zero doubt her remarks will leave a lasting impression on our team to embrace headwinds and navigate change more successfully.

President and CEO

Strayer University, Inc.

She is on stage right now and she is killing it - we are all huge fans!!! Thank you for your help bringing her to our winners.

Director of Event Marketing

SunTrust

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