Speaking

Developing next-generation leadership for a complex, fast-changing world.

As a speaker, I bring a systems thinking perspective that challenges conventional assumptions and expands what leaders believe is possible. In today’s complex, fast-changing world, leadership can no longer rely on linear models or siloed expertise.

I help organizations move beyond the invisible boundaries of outdated leadership paradigms, using systems thinking not just as a tool, but as a lens that reveals hidden leverage, emergent potential, and new pathways to collective intelligence.

Whether guiding senior teams or speaking to large audiences, my keynotes and workshops are designed to activate deeper insight, spark paradigm shifts, and unlock the next generation of leadership across every level of the enterprise.

Vision Meets Execution

"Bringing Ted in to work with our leadership team was one of the best decisions we’ve made as a company. He took what could have been another generic strategic planning session and turned it into a highly collaborative and high-value experience that truly aligned our leaders. Ted has a unique ability to formulate vision then execute—making strategy feel not only clear, but achievable. We worked with Ted to develop practical tools that we still use today, and he helped us build a shared sense of purpose that’s already improving collaboration across departments. In an industry where deadlines are tight and stakes are high; Ted gave us the clarity and alignment we needed to move forward with confidence."

President, JMC2 Civil and Structural Engineering

Ideas to Ahas

"I’ve been a speaker and presenter as SANG (Speakers Authors Networking Group) and found Ted Whetstone through a colleague at the event. On his recommendation, I hired Ted for one of our leadership events where we bring together world-class speakers. Ted was new to me and the group, but he was seasoned, professional, and engaging. His teaching style is smart, fresh, and surprisingly counterintuitive, which kept us all on our toes; brain cells were popping from so many aha moments."

Founder, Evolve Life Systems

Inspiring and Unforgettable

“Ted didn’t just share ideas—he owned the stage. His energy, pacing, and connection with the audience kept every person in the room engaged from start to finish. The way he combined clear storytelling with practical leadership strategies made the session both inspiring and unforgettable.”

Professor of Entrepreneurship, Loyola Marymount University School of Business Administration

From Insight to Inspiration

“Ted has that rare combination of deep expertise and compelling delivery. He made systems thinking exciting: something I didn’t think was possible. The audience left not only informed, but motivated to start seeing and leading differently.”

President, Bold Point Communications

Keynotes & Workshops

The Story Behind Ted’s Talks:
The Foundational Philosophy That Helps Leaders Think Bigger, Lead Bolder, and Reshape the Future

Focal Areas:
Systems Thinking, Cross-Functional Leadership, Learning Agility, Emotional Intelligence, Influence and Change Leadership, Critical Thinking and Assumption Testing
In a world of increasing complexity, organizational challenges rarely stem from isolated problems – they arise from interconnected systems. In this engaging and practical talk, we’ll delve into systems thinking as a transformative lens for organizations. With compelling examples, relatable insights, and actionable tools, you’ll gain insights and a deeper understanding of how organizations actually function – and how to drive performance, innovation, and alignment not by working harder, but by thinking more holistically. Whether you're navigating siloed teams, culture change, or cross-functional friction, this talk will help you see the bigger picture and lead with systemic intelligence.
Key Takeaways:
1. Shift from Symptoms to Systems: Learn how to identify root causes beneath recurring challenges – and avoid wasting time and resources on short-term fixes.
2. Map What Matters: Discover how visualizing key systems (like decision flows or customer journeys) can immediately reveal leverage points for lasting improvement.
3. Build a Culture of Systemic Thinking: Gain practical steps to foster cross-functional collaboration, challenge outdated assumptions, and embed learning and feedback across your organization.
Note: This talk can be tailored to fit your needs, ranging from concise 30-, 45-, or 60-minute keynotes to deep-dive interactive 2- or 3-hour workshops.
1. Shift from Symptoms to Systems: Learn how to identify root causes beneath recurring challenges – and avoid wasting time and resources on short-term fixes.
Focal Areas:
Systems Thinking, Empowerment, Adaptive Capacity, Purpose-Driven Alignment
Join us for an energizing and eye-opening session that reimagines what leadership can be in today's complex, fast-moving environment. Rather than choosing between rigid hierarchies or chaotic flat structures, this talk introduces a new model of semi-distributed leadership: a dynamic balance between clarity and autonomy. Grounded in systems thinking, we’ll explore how leadership can be designed as a function of the organization itself, emerging where it’s needed, flowing across roles, and enabling faster, smarter, more adaptive decisions. Perfect for CHROs and forward-thinking business leaders, this session offers a blueprint for transforming how leadership shows up in your culture, structure, and strategy
Key Takeaways:
1. A New Mental Model for Leadership: Discover how to move beyond top-down vs. bottom-up debates by designing leadership as an emergent, systems-based function – not a static role.
2. Practical Design Levers: Learn six actionable strategies – like role-based authority and decision rights mapping – to architect leadership flow across your organization.
3. Case-Based Confidence: Walk away with real-world examples of mid-sized companies achieving faster innovation, higher engagement, and greater adaptability through semi-distributed leadership models.
Note: This talk can be tailored to fit your needs, ranging from concise 30-, 45-, or 60-minute keynotes to deep-dive interactive 2- or 3-hour workshops.
Focal Areas:
Adaptive Thinking, Systems Thinking, Emotional Intelligence, Facilitative Leadership, Learning Agility
In a world that seems to shift beneath our feet, Leading Through Uncertainty offers leaders a fresh perspective on how to thrive when the path ahead is anything but clear. This engaging and thought-provoking session invites you to step beyond outdated leadership habits and embrace a more fluid, resilient approach tailored for today’s volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) landscape. With real-world relevance and a practical mindset, this talk empowers you to let go of the illusion of control, unlock collective intelligence, and lead with clarity – no matter the chaos.
Key Takeaways:
1. A New Leadership Lens: Learn to recognize when traditional control-based leadership becomes a liability – and what to replace it with in high-uncertainty environments.
2. Practical Tools for Team Adaptability: Discover how to build psychological safety, support decentralized decision-making, and foster an organizational culture that moves with change rather than resists it.
3. A Systems-Aware Mindset: Explore how to use systems thinking to navigate complexity, anticipate ripple effects, and lead beyond silos for more sustainable, whole-system results.
Note: This talk can be tailored to fit your needs, ranging from concise 30-, 45-, or 60-minute keynotes to deep-dive interactive 2- or 3-hour workshops.
Focal Areas:
Emotional Self-Awareness, Empathy, Reality Testing, Stress Tolerance and Resilience, Adaptability, Visionary Framing
In a world where complexity, disruption, and human dynamics collide daily, today’s leaders must evolve beyond technical expertise. Leading with Intelligence is an energizing and eye-opening session that explores how Emotional Intelligence (EQ) and Systems Thinking – two often separate disciplines – can be fused to elevate leadership effectiveness. Using the EQ-i 2.0 framework and real-world mini case studies, this talk equips HR leaders and executives with immediately applicable strategies to increase self-awareness, improve relational intelligence, and lead with clarity in complex systems. Expect to leave with a renewed sense of purpose, practical tools you can use right away, and a deeper understanding of how to shape culture by leading from the inside out.
Key Takeaways:
1. An Integrated Framework for Human-Centered Leadership: Learn how Emotional Intelligence and Systems Thinking together provide a practical, adaptive approach to navigating complex organizational dynamics.
2. Actionable EQ Strategies Backed by the EQ-i 2.0: Walk away with tested techniques – like the 10/10/10 decision tool, empathy mapping, and pre-meeting self-regulation rituals – that can be applied immediately to improve leadership presence and influence.
3. Mini Case Studies That Bring It All to Life: Discover how real leaders used emotional intelligence to create system-wide impact – from reducing turnover and unlocking innovation to transforming reactive cultures into resilient, high-trust environments.
Note: This talk can be tailored to fit your needs, ranging from concise 30-, 45-, or 60-minute keynotes to deep-dive interactive 2- or 3-hour workshops.