Ken Hartley
Ken Hartley
Ken Hartley is an inspirational keynote speaker and a belief architect who empowers you to see past the illusions of leadership and communication so you can become the leader others actually want to follow.
He has been in top level leadership in organizations ranging in size from 90 to 13,000 people. He is a CSP® (Certified Speaking Professional™) with the National Speakers Association. He also carries certifications in leadership from the John Maxwell Team and is a recognized expert in the DISC model of human behavior. Additionally, he was given the Merlin Award from the International Magician's Society for "Corporate Inspirational Magician of the Year" for 2024.
His presentations combine powerful principles in belief, leadership, personal growth, and communication, with a lot of fun which he likes to call "ed-u-tain-ment!"
Most Requested Programs
The Magic of Connections
Connect with yourself and with others like never before and watch your productivity go through the roof! True connection is magic!
Bottom line: if you cannot connect with people, you cannot lead them. According to a 2024 Gallup poll, the number one thing that holds organizations back is a lack of communication. Everyone is talking, but very few people actually connect. Drawing from his Amazon best-selling book, DISCover Your Team’s Potential, using the DISC model of human behavior, as well as some jaw- dropping illusions, Ken will show everyone how to understand themselves in a way they never have before. But more importantly, he will show everyone how to understand the people who are around them every day and how to connect with them in a meaningful way.
True Leadership is Magic
Embrace true leadership principles and overcome the obstacles that hold us back. True leadership is magic!
We live in a world that says if you can’t see it then it isn’t real. Ken blows that philosophy out of the water visually with some mind-blowing illusions and educationally with some extremely powerful leadership lessons. Drawing from his book, Leadership Illusion, 21 Things People Believe About Leadership That Are Not True, this presentation combines the truths of leadership with some entertaining illusions from Ken’s illusion show that he’s been doing for the last 30 years. Believe the lies and you’ll live them; embrace the truth and you’ll thrive in your leadership journey.
Leading Yourself- How to Overcome When You’re Overwhelmed.
Learning to lead yourself is the magic of personal growth and leadership.
The toughest person you’ll ever lead is yourself. In this poignant, transparent, and engaging workshop, Ken will give you specific and actionable steps to overcome obstacles (like burnout and stress) that have held you back and move into the life you’ve always wanted.
The Magic of Mindset
If you can believe what you cannot see, it can become your reality.
Our minds are the most powerful computer ever created, but it only obeys our inputs. In this powerful keynote, Ken incorporates jaw-dropping illusions and ""mind-reading"" effects to illustrate how easily our eyes and minds can deceive us. He will explain how our brains work for and against us and how we can rewire it to achieve what we previously could not even conceive. This is a deep dive into mindset that is entertaining, informative, and ultimately transformational. Unlock the power of your mind!
Testimonials
"“Our team was enthralled by Ken Hartley’s message. His ability to expose erroneous thought paths of the past and refocus our thinking was uncanny. Many of us have been asking the wrong questions. Ken exposed the myths many of us had believed and offered a path to redefine your legacy. What an amazing message articulating, a clear path to change and ultimately a true deliverable. Highly recommended! He was a true professional who made my job as the meeting planner a breeze. You need to engage Ken and glean his insights for true and quantitative success!” - David Sherlin, President, PROcure Advantage
“Ken was truly a pleasure to work with. Always communicative and on-top of everything-- a true professional. His presentation was entertaining and incredibly personalized to our audience members. Ken came prepared and clearly put a lot of thought into presenting in a memorable fashion, as well as providing the attendees actionable takeaways on leadership best-practices. Ken also made sure to communicate his AV needs and work with our onsite team to ensure that everything came together flawlessly.” - Fiona Vetter, Senior Education Specialist, American Hospital Association
“Ken Hartley brought tremendous value to our hospital leadership by emphasizing the critical importance of recognizing and understanding the diverse ways people communicate. His message underscored that to be a high-reliability organization and truly effective leaders, we must adapt our approach to meet others where they are—listening deeply, communicating clearly, and valuing differences. What set Ken apart was his dynamic and engaging style; he masterfully combined powerful speaking, music, and even magic to drive his points home in unforgettable ways. His presentations didn’t just inform—they inspired. It’s no surprise that after each session, staff were eager to have him return for more insight, growth, and practical leadership instruction.” - Dr. Michael Rosen, Marketing Chief Medical Officer, Havasu Regional Medical Center and Valley View Medical Center, Lake Havasu City, Arizona
“Ken Hartley is an absolute standout in the world of public speaking. From the moment he takes the stage, he captivates the audience with his incredibly engaging and entertaining style. It’s clear he has a natural talent for connecting with people, weaving humor and personal anecdotes seamlessly into his delivery.
What truly sets Ken apart is his great presentation. Every aspect, from his vocal delivery to his body language and visual aids, is meticulously crafted and executed. He commands attention without effort, making even complex topics accessible and enjoyable.
Beyond his captivating delivery, Ken provides great material. His content is insightful, relevant, and delivered in a way that resonates long after the presentation is over. You’ll leave not just entertained but also enriched with valuable takeaways. If you have the opportunity to hear Ken Hartley speak, do not miss it. He is speaker who delivers an exceptional experience every single time.” - Eli Glick, Meeting Planner, Summit- Day of Growth Conference, Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Ken Hartley delivered exactly what our team needed, and more. His keynote at the Inclusive Leadership Academy was a powerful blend of insight, engagement, and practical takeaways. Ken has a rare ability to connect with diverse audiences and make leadership personal, actionable, and memorable. What stood out most was how he took a familiar topic and brought new energy and perspective, making it feel fresh and relevant. Our team left feeling inspired and equipped with tools they could use right away. We’d bring him back in a heartbeat. - Dr. Towanna Burrous, President, The Institute for Coaching Innovation (formerly CoachDiversity Institute) with Tucker Construction
