Keynotes & Breakout Sessions
Keynote Speaker on Change Management
Rick Maurer doesn’t just talk about change—he makes it come alive.
Your people will be engaged from the moment the session begins. I make it interactive, weaving in real stories of changes that worked — and ones that didn’t. I often send out a short three-question anonymous survey to the people attending. I may ask to talk with a few individuals as well. Your organization needs to know that I have done my homework and designed something especially for you.
Audiences often tell me, “This is exactly what we needed.” They walk away with practical insights, renewed energy, and ideas they can put to use right away.
If you’ve watched one or two of the videos on my homepage, you already know the heart of my work: helping leaders build real support for change.
If you’re planning a conference, leadership retreat, or team meeting and think this approach could make a difference, let’s talk. And I’ll be glad to share sample clips of past keynotes and breakout sessions so you can see me in action.
Just send me a note – and we can explore if I might be a good fit for your group.
I look forward to our conversation. – Rick
Watch Rick in Action
How To Melt Away Resistance in 20-minutes for 99 cents
Discover how one leader identified the root cause of resistance and, in a single meeting, turned that energy into support.
Why Marco Polo Just Might Save Your Company
A fascinating alternative to the typical top-down approach to large organizational change—by heading out into the field.
Why Don’t People #$%^ Get It?
Why leaders feel unheard, how to fix it, and what you can do to avoid this challenge altogether.
Stop Selling Change and Start Building Change Readiness
An alternative to selling change at the high cost of lost opportunity, poor performance, turnover, and growing cynicism.
Ideas for Meeting Planners
How to Stir Curiosity, Change Opinions, and Influence Behavior
If people aren’t engaged during an event and taking action after then it has been a waste of everyone’s time. Here are strategies that work.
What Separates a Great Presentation from One That Is Quickly Forgotten
There are three things that you can do to make an event a talked about, unforgettable success. It is really easy to inadvertently miss two of them.
Breakouts or Deep-Dive Sessions
Perfect for concurrent sessions, workshops, or follow-up sessions:
- 9Getting a Change Unstuck: Practical Tools for Moving Forward
- 9Working with the Three Levels of Resistance: Seeing What’s Really Going On Beneath the Surface
- 9Avoiding the Planning–Implementation Drop-Off: Keeping Energy Alive Through Execution
- 9Building Commitment to a Big Change: From Compliance to Genuine Support
- 9Reading the Room: How to Gauge Energy and Momentum During Change
- 9Making Support Contagious: How Energy Spreads (or Dies) in Organizations
My goal isn’t just to hold your audience’s attention — it’s to make sure they walk away with something they can use immediately. To do that well, I like to get to know the people I’m speaking to. Before the event, I’ll often talk with leaders and staff, and sometimes send a quick five-minute anonymous survey. It helps me tailor the talk so your audience feels I really understand their challenges and opportunities.
Signature Talks
Change Without Migraines: Why Some Changes Get Stuck — and Others Take Off
Why do some initiatives flow naturally while others grind to a halt? In this talk, Rick reveals what’s really going on beneath the surface when people resist change — and how to turn that insight into smoother, faster transitions that actually stick. This is especially helpful for leaders who want to understand the real dynamics of support and resistance.
Key Takeaways
- 9Learn the hidden forces that make or break momentum in any change effort.
- 9Spot early warning signs of resistance before they turn into full-blown obstacles.
- 9Discover how to align people’s energy with the change — instead of fighting against it.
Beyond Buy-In: Building the Kind of Support Change Really Needs
“Communication” isn’t just telling people what’s happening — it’s creating connection and shared purpose. Rick explores what real support looks like, and how to move past superficial buy-in to authentic, lasting commitment. This is especially good when people have been complaining that no one ever tells them what’s going on.
Key Takeaways
- 9Understand the difference between compliance and genuine commitment.
- 9Identify what people truly need to feel included and valued during change.
- 9Build communication loops that create clarity, confidence, and trust.
Why Smart People Resist Change — and What Wise Leaders Do About It
Even the most intelligent, capable people resist change — but not for the reasons you might think. This talk unpacks the psychology behind resistance and shows how wise leaders engage hearts and minds to move forward together.
Key Takeaways
- 9Reveal the cognitive and emotional triggers that fuel resistance.
- 9Apply strategies that invite curiosity instead of defensiveness.
- 9Lead change that honors people’s intelligence and their humanity.
The Secret Life of Resistance: How to Turn Pushback into Forward Energy
Resistance isn’t the enemy — it’s feedback in disguise. This session reframes pushback as a powerful signal that can help leaders build trust, improve communication, and channel tension into progress.
Key Takeaways
- 9Recognize the deeper meaning behind “no” — and use it to strengthen engagement.
- 9Turn skeptics into allies by addressing the emotional side of change.
- 9Transform resistance from a threat into a resource for innovation and buy-in.
Trusted by Leaders & Change Agents
Beyond Change Management... Teaches How to Lead Change Successfully Without Resistance!
“Change is inevitable. Maurer goes beyond the philosophy of change management to actually help people identify resistance to change and then teach them tools to overcome it. His tools have been used extensively by Lockheed Martin to drive change successfully across a multitude of processes and products with tangible savings…”
S.K. GUPTA, VP OPERATIONS (RET.), LOCKHEED MARTIN
Epitomized How to Lead Change Successfully!
“Rick’s work epitomizes creativity and integrity. His deep expertise is a given but what makes him stand out or his thoughtful and creative approaches to Consulting and teaching. He clearly cares about people and their change efforts.”
JACQUELINE MCLEMORE, FACULTY, GESTALT INSTITUTE OF CLEVELAND
A Fresh Perspective on Leading Change
“Rick has the ability to bring a refreshing New Perspective when we seem the most stuck. He is able to honor the difficult and organizational change, but respect the fact that change must occur. I find it a true joy to work with Rick.”
MICHAEL MATTHEWS, CEO CENTRAL VIRGINIA HEALTH NETWORKS
