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Speech Description
For program books and event marketing
Untangle the Mess of Stress. Reclaim Capacity to Lead.
Days are a blur. Pressure is intensifying, change is accelerating, and the systems that worked before are failing you now. Even when you implement the most obvious stress-management advice, you're not finding relief.
And yet, through it all, you still love your work; you just hate the stress.
This is not a ‘you’ problem; it's a math problem. There's just too much to do, too few resources, and only one you. That's your capacity equation, and it's fixable.
In this keynote, capacity design consultant Allison Graham reframes the conversation around stress, resilience, and what it really takes to right-size your capacity equation. You'll leave with simple techniques to free bandwidth, so stress less, do more of what matters most, and are happier while you're doing it.
You'll discover:
The Capacity Equation: A clear understanding of your personal capacity. Discover what steals it, how to reclaim it, and the truth behind fixing the math.
The Challenge Continuum: A framework to untangle the three types of challenges that impact your capacity, and the best way to deal with each.
The Reframe Effect: A powerful approach to use in real-time to quickly reclaim capacity and lead with more breathing room in your days.
Short Bio
For bylines and event listings
Allison Graham is a capacity design consultant, keynote speaker, and author who works with experienced professionals to untangle the mess of stress and reclaim capacity to lead. You may have seen Allison on stages across North America, in Chicken Soup for the Soup, and featured by media outlets such as CTV's Your Morning, Breakfast Television, the Financial Post, and SUCCESS Magazine. AllisonGraham.com
Longer Bio
For program books and detailed features
Allison Graham is a capacity design consultant, keynote speaker, and four-time author who works with experienced professionals to untangle the mess of stress and reclaim capacity to lead.
Prior to opening her consulting and speaking practice, Allison worked as a newspaper columnist and ran a small organization that provided mental health support services.
A life-altering medical condition forced her to confront her own overloaded life. She didn’t want to slow down or be less ambitious; she wanted success despite her personal limitations.
Frustrated by traditional advice, Allison became obsessed with understanding the truth behind human capacity: what drains it, what protects it, and how to get it back. The insights she discovered became the foundation for her work that has transformed the way thousands of professionals approach their toughest days.
You may have seen Allison on stages across North America, in Chicken Soup for the Soul, and featured by media outlets such as CTV's Your Morning, Breakfast Television, the Financial Post, and SUCCESS Magazine.
Based in Southwestern Ontario, Canada, Allison delivers systems, not platitudes, for leadership teams ready to dig deeper and fix their capacity equation. Connect with Allison at AllisonGraham.com
Social Links
LinkedIn, YouTube, X, Website
Allison Graham headshot
Allison Graham casual
Allison Graham laughing on stage
Allison Graham at a desk
All Events
- wireless lapel microphone
- projector with HDMI input
- slide clicker with fresh batteries
- small table on stage for laptop and water
Extras for Small Groups
- 2 flip charts or large whiteboard
- markers (that work!) in a minimum of two colors
Please Note:
- Allison does not use a podium. If one is present on stage, please ensure it's moved so it doesn't obstruct the audience's view.
- Allison travels with her Mac, HDMI dongle, timer, and extension cords. All sessions are recorded for internal review purposes.
- Photography and video recording are welcome during the event. Please provide high-resolution copies to Allison following the event. Confirm this with your photographers and A/V professionals in advance.
- Distribution of session recordings beyond the live event requires a separate licensing agreement.
- Upon request, keynote slides are available up to 48 hours in advance of the event. The preference is to load slides directly the day of the event when possible.
Intro for Allison Graham
Allison Graham is a capacity design consultant and the author of four books including Take Back Your Weekends: Stress Less, Do More, Be Happier.
She works with professionals to untangle the mess of stress and reclaim capacity to lead. You may recognize Allison from Chicken Soup for the Soul, SUCCESS Magazine, the Financial Post, or Breakfast Television.
Today, Allison will share a fresh approach to stress, resilience, and what it takes to succeed in a demanding career without burning out.
Please welcome to the stage…Allison Graham.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is your ideal audience?
I work best with experienced professionals who are ready for a deeper solution. They love their work, but are feeling the weight of it. Think senior leaders, management teams, partners, and business owners. These are professionals with autonomy over their days and real influence over others. They don't need to be told to work harder and they definitely don't need another pep talk with platitudes. My most engaged clients are open to challenging the status quo of stress management and need an approach that respects the complexity of the load they're carrying. If your audience leads, decides, and influences and is quick to say, “been there, done that,” then we're likely a great fit.
Do you customize your content for our audience?
Yes. Before your event, I'll learn about your organization and the challenges your people face. The frameworks are proven as is, so I tailor the message to use your language and examples. That way, your audience sees their reality in the content, not a generic keynote.
How long is your keynote?
My sweet spot is 60 to 75 minutes. That's long enough to go deep, short enough to keep every minute earning its place. I can work within 45 to 90 minutes depending on your agenda. Anything under 45 doesn't give your audience the full experience, so I'll always be honest if the time slot isn't a fit.
Do I hire you through a speakers bureau?
The decision is yours to make. I have the systems in place to serve you directly and I love working with speakers bureaus, too. My engagement fees are the same either way. If you have a favorite agent, please let me know. If you require additional speakers for your event, I have strong bureau relationships and am happy to introduce you.
How do you handle travel expenses?
Travel is kept simple. I charge a flat travel fee that covers flights, ground transportation, and incidentals. No surprise receipts, no expense reports to process on your end.
You secure the hotel directly and send me a confirmation number. Expect to cover one or two nights depending on the event location, my travel commitments, and stage time.
I'm based in Southwestern Ontario, Canada.
What is your booking process?
If you require a specific date, please check availability ASAP to avoid disappointment. Next, we have a conversation to ensure my message is the right fit for your audience. After that, I'll hold your preferred date for 10 business days while you finalize details internally. Once confirmed, we lock it in with a signed agreement and a booking deposit. Upon receipt, the date is secured. If the hold period passes without confirmation, the date is released. This honors both our calendars and keeps things moving for everyone. The whole process is designed to be stress-free, so you can focus on the hundred other tasks on your list. Check availability here and hold a date by clicking here.