Chambers & Associations
Leadership That Serves Communities and Members
![]()
Chambers of commerce and professional associations exist to strengthen communities and support member success. Women leading these organizations face unique pressures: serving diverse stakeholders, advocating for business and economic development, and building influence across political and organizational boundaries. Jen Pestikas brings strategic leadership experience and a deep understanding of what it takes to lead mission-driven organizations. Her keynotes help association leaders develop strategic vision, build coalitions, and create impact while managing the complex dynamics of membership organizations.

TOP SPEAKING TOPICS
![]()
Brave Women at Work: How to Advocate for Yourself and Get Paid What You're Worth
![]()
Women need more than general negotiation advice - they need industry-specific strategies. This keynote teaches healthcare professionals how to quantify their client impact, prepare for compensation reviews, and negotiate confidently for the raises and bonuses they've earned. Women learn to overcome imposter syndrome and advocate for themselves with the same confidence they bring to client negotiations.
Key Audience Takeaways:
- Quantify your client relationships and portfolio performance in terms decision-makers value
- Navigate compensation conversations in commission-based and relationship-driven roles
- Prepare for annual reviews with evidence-based cases for advancement
- Overcome the discomfort of talking about money
- Develop confidence in advocating for yourself
Stop Playing Small: Building the Confidence to Speak Up and Lead
![]()
Women who wait to be noticed often get passed over for leadership opportunities and high-value client relationships. This keynote addresses the specific challenges women face: speaking up in meetings, positioning themselves for management roles, and claiming space in male-dominated leadership conversations. Attendees learn how to silence self-doubt and step into leadership visibility.
Key Audience Takeaways:
- Build confidence in sharing your perspective in high-stakes discussions
- Position yourself for leadership opportunities before you feel "completely ready"
- Navigate the politics of advancement in tough work environments
- Develop strategies to increase your visibility with senior leaders and key clients
- Create a personal brand that positions you as a leader in your organization
The Price of Silence: Why Women Need to Negotiate for More Than Money
![]()
For women, negotiation often focuses exclusively on compensation - but there's so much more at stake. This keynote teaches professionals to negotiate for the full package: top-tier client assignments, leadership development opportunities, flexible work arrangements, and support resources that prevent burnout. Women learn to advocate for the conditions they need to succeed without sacrificing their personal lives.
Key Audience Takeaways:
- Negotiate for high-value client relationships and portfolio assignments
- Ask for leadership development and mentorship that accelerates your career
- Set boundaries that protect your wellbeing in a demanding, always-on industry
- Advocate for flexible arrangements that support work-life integration
- Build confidence in asking for what you need - not just what you think they'll approve
From Imposter to Advocate: Owning Your Value in the Workplace
![]()
Even top-performing women struggle with imposter syndrome - wondering if they truly deserve their success or if they've just been lucky. This transformative keynote helps women recognize their unique value, reframe their self-doubt, and learn to articulate their worth with confidence. Women walk away ready to advocate for themselves in performance reviews, promotion conversations, and client pitches.
Key Audience Takeaways:
- Recognize and overcome imposter syndrome patterns
- Learn to own your client wins and portfolio performance without minimizing your role
- Master the language of self-advocacy in an industry that values humility
- Build a compelling case for your advancement that resonates with decision-makers
- Create a 30-day action plan for advocating for your next career move
What Your Audience Will Walk Away With:
- The Confidence to Ask - Practical strategies to overcome fear and negotiate for raises, promotions, and better benefits.
- Scripts That Work - Proven language and frameworks for advocating for themselves in any workplace conversation.
- Permission to Be Brave - The mindset shift needed to stop apologizing, start owning their value, and take up space.
- A Plan of Action - Specific next steps they can implement immediately to advocate for themselves and advance their careers.
Why Chambers & Associations Hire Jen Pestikas
- Understands the unique challenges of leading membership organizations
- Provides frameworks for building stakeholder relationships and influence
- Addresses the mission-driven nature of association work
- Helps women navigate political and community dynamics with confidence
- Equips leaders to advocate for their organizations and themselves
Book Jen To Speak!
![]()
