Keynote Speaker on Change, Resilience & Radical Adaptability

Choose Your Ending™

Every breakthrough begins with an ending.

Yet in times of transition, most organizations focus on what to start—new strategies, new systems, new goals—without addressing what still needs to end. The result? Resistance, fatigue, and stalled momentum.

That’s why Shawn Ellis created the Choose Your Ending™ keynote: to help leaders and teams release what’s holding them back and fully embrace what’s next.

You weren’t meant to live in reaction mode.

But most leaders and teams are stuck in survival—exhausted by change, unsure of what to do next, and overwhelmed by the pace of it all.

This keynote delivers a transformational mindset shift—backed by story, neuroscience, and practical tools your audience will actually use.

Whether you’re facing change fatigue, a growth plateau, or a full-scale transformation, this session sparks lasting momentum—one Brave Choice at a time.

“Thank you so much for an awesome job presenting at our Symposium. As the opening speaker you set the tone for the rest of the day and all I can say is WOW!”

Corcentric

Vice President of Events Services

Trusted by leading organizations around the globe including

Why this message matters— right now.

The pace of change isn’t slowing down. To the contrary, it’s accelerating.

Yet most organizations are still trying to “do more” without addressing what’s weighing them down. The data makes it clear:

84% of leaders admit their organizations are unprepared for future disruptions (World Economic Forum)
Only 16% invest in adaptability training (McKinsey)

That gap leaves teams reactive instead of proactive, burned out instead of resilient, and stalled instead of growing.

The Choose Your Ending™ keynote closes that gap. By helping leaders and teams let go of what no longer serves them, Shawn equips them with the clarity, courage, and confidence to move forward—and thrive in what’s next.

Grateful for the trust of organizations including

What makes Shawn different?

This is not just another change management talk.

Most keynotes on change focus on what to start.

Start new habits.
Start new goals.
Start new initiatives.

But when your team is already overwhelmed, burned out, and stuck in survival mode, starting more just adds pressure.

Shawn Ellis brings a rare message leaders haven’t heard—but deeply need:

It’s not about what you start.

It’s about what you’re willing to end.

Through his Choose Your Ending™ keynote, Shawn doesn’t just deliver inspiration—he gives your audience permission to let go, to clear space, and to step boldly into what’s next.

What Clients Are Saying About Shawn

Shawn’s keynote was a hit and a great way to kick off our event! His message resonated and I was impressed by how much time he spent getting to know his audience ahead of time. A genuine and powerful speaker.

Your discussion set the perfect tone... I heard nothing but positive feedback from your session. You have a real gift for connecting with people, relating in a very authentic way.

Shawn is the consummate storyteller philosopher. He brings his life lessons together in a way that makes them so relatable to his audience. While he entertains, you learn from his experiences. I could have spent the whole day listening to him.

SHAWN’S SIGNATURE KEYNOTE ON Leadership, Change & RADICAL ADAPTABILITY

Choose Your Ending™

DISCOVER THE 5 C’s of Radical Adaptability AND UNLIMITED GROWTH

The highest-performing leaders and teams don’t just react to change— they create it by choosing what to end.

In this unforgettable keynote, Shawn Ellis helps your audience stop spinning their wheels and start making brave, intentional decisions about what to let go of—so they can move forward with clarity, courage, and confidence.

Through his 5 C’s Framework—Calm, Clarity, Courage, Confidence, and Community—Shawn equips leaders to shift from survival to reinvention, one Brave Choice at a time.

While the message is deep, the delivery is energizing and uplifting—and attendees walk out feeling empowered, not overwhelmed.

Tools Delivered in the Keynote:

Shawn doesn’t just speak—he equips your audience with simple, powerful tools they can apply immediately:

The Brave Choice Worksheet – A decision-making tool to clarify endings and next steps
The 5 C’s of Radical Adaptability – A proven framework for navigating change
The Adaptability Archetypes – A self-awareness model to uncover strengths, blind spots, and growth opportunities.

These tools are introduced during the keynote and can be deepened through follow-up experiences.

Perfect for Audiences Who Are:

Facing change fatigue or transition
Scaling, restructuring, or reinventing
Craving more clarity, purpose, or momentum

Audience Outcomes:

Reframe endings as a courageous act that unlocks growth
Identify and release outdated habits, beliefs, or processes
Apply the 3 Steps to End Well and Begin Better™—Claim the Choice, Create Closure, Anchor in Growth
Use the 5 C’s of Radical Adaptability (Calm, Clarity, Courage, Confidence, Community) to navigate change with confidence and resilience

Format:

45–75 minute keynote (in-person or virtual)
Optional follow-up workshop or team activation available

Why Event Planners Book Shawn Ellis

Unique message: Change doesn’t start with adding more—it starts with choosing what to end
Actionable tools: The Brave Choice Worksheet, 5 C’s Framework, Four Adaptability Archetypes
Deep customization: Every keynote is tailored to your audience’s context
High energy + heartfelt delivery that connects with every level of the organization
20+ years of experience with Fortune 500s, healthcare, finance, associations, and more

KEYNOTE Follow-Up: Bring the Message to Life

Choose Your Ending™

ACTIVATION Workshop

Deepen the experience. Anchor the mindset. Activate the shift.

This follow-up session takes the Choose Your Ending™ keynote and makes it personal. Using Shawn’s “Brave Choice” worksheet, reflection tools, and interactive storytelling, participants identify what they’re ready to end—and what’s possible on the other side.

By the end of the session, your team will walk away with:

A specific Brave Choice they’re ready to make
A clear action plan to follow through
A renewed sense of energy and commitment

Format:

30–90 minute interactive workshop
In-person or virtual
Up to 500 attendees

Recent Keynote Highlights

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Combat Chronic Stress and Energize Your Leadership Presence

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Harnessing the Power of Choices: How to Create Your Ideal Life

0:50

Find Clarity Amid Chaos and Unlock Your Leadership Potential

0:27

Finding Joy: A Journey to Personal Meaning

1:16

Embrace Change and Take Your First Step Forward!

1:26

How It Works—A Simple 3-Step Process

Book the Keynote

“Choose Your Ending” is the perfect opening or closing keynote at your next event.

Spark the Shift

Empower and equip your team to recognize what’s holding them back... and END it.

Adapt & Thrive

Watch with joy as your attendees walk out inspired to lead with clarity, courage, and confidence.

THE BOOK THAT INSPIRED THE KEYNOTE

Mastering the Moments

The perfect gift for every event attendee, Shawn’s personal journey is the foundation behind Choose Your Ending™.

In it, he shares how navigating endings—bankruptcy, divorce, business transitions—led to unexpected growth, resilience, and peace.

“...a heartfelt authentic battle cry to embrace change and live fully present in each moment. a clear outline to overcome any self-imposed limiting mindset and master the moments of your destiny.”

erik wahl
globally renonwned artist, TED speaker, bestselling author

This isn’t just a motivational speech.

It’s a reset for your people and your culture. Because every new beginning requires a courageous ending.

Got Questions? We’ve Got Answers!

What types of events does Shawn speak at?

Shawn speaks at conferences, corporate events, retreats, and more for leaders, teams, and organizations across industries.

What topics does Shawn cover?

Shawn’s keynotes focus on resilience, adaptability, and thriving in change, all with the objective of equipping people and organizations to become the best versions of themselves.

What is Shawn’s speaking fee?

Shawn offers a variety of packages with the goal of being able to accommodate your event budget. Specific fees will be discussed during your inquiry, once we have a better understanding of what you’re looking for.

Does Shawn offer workshops in addition to keynotes?

Yes! Shawn can lead interactive workshops to deepen the impact of his message and engage your audience further.

Is Shawn available for virtual programs?

Absolutely! Shawn has a home studio setup where he can create a dynamic experience for virtual attendees—i.e., not “just another Zoom session.”

What should I do with my life?

Okay, so we don’t have the answer for that one. If you’re looking for some extra support on the journey, though, we’d be remiss not to plug Shawn’s book or course. 😉