Non-Profit Institutions
Mission-Driven Leadership That Sustains
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Non-profit leaders carry the weight of urgent missions, limited resources, and the expectation to do more with less - all while genuinely caring about the communities they serve. Women in non-profit leadership face particular challenges: being undervalued despite doing society's most critical work, managing boards and donors who may not understand operational realities, and sustaining passion for the mission while navigating funding pressures and staff turnover. Jen Pestikas understands the heart of non-profit work and the toll it takes on leaders who give everything. Her keynotes help non-profit professionals reconnect with their purpose, advocate for resources and respect, and build sustainable leadership practices that honor both mission and self-care.

TOP SPEAKING TOPICS
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Brave Women at Work: How to Advocate for Yourself and Get Paid What You're Worth
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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
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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
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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
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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 Non-Profit Leaders Hire Jen Pestikas
- Speaks directly to the passion and pressure of mission-driven work
- Addresses the emotional labor and martyrdom expectations placed on non-profit leaders
- Provides frameworks for advocating with boards, donors, and funders
- Helps women build credibility as strategic leaders, not just passionate advocates
- Equips leaders to sustain themselves while serving urgent community needs
Book Jen To Speak!
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