- Emotional intelligence keynote speaker and Brand Ambassador for TalentSmartEQ
- Author of Shiftward, helping people embrace and sustain change
- National touring DJ and event emcee
Rich Bracken is a keynote speaker, executive coach, and emcee specializing in emotional intelligence, executive presence, and communication. He helps leaders and organizations build the confidence, influence, and performance habits needed to thrive in today's fast-moving business environment.
As Brand Ambassador for TalentSmartEQ, the world's leading emotional intelligence research and training organization, Rich delivers data-backed insights and practical strategies that create real, lasting behavior change. His work draws on decades of research showing that organizations leveraging emotional intelligence can perform at dramatically higher levels, and he makes that science immediately applicable for any industry.
What sets Rich apart is a background that no other speaker brings to the stage. After two decades as a national touring DJ, he developed an instinctive understanding of how to read a room, build momentum, and keep audiences fully engaged. He channels that experience into interactive keynotes that combine music, storytelling, and humor to create an experience that lands emotionally and sticks professionally.
Rich partners with Fortune 100 companies, professional sports organizations, and global associations. He is a regular television media personality and has been named a National Top Speaker by Smart Meetings and Real Leaders magazines. He also works as a trusted communication and public speaking coach to executives and public figures across the country.
Described by audiences and event planners around the world as "a category of one," Rich can deliver three capabilities in a single engagement — keynote speaker, emcee, and DJ — providing clients with consistency of message, ease of logistics, and an event experience that stands apart.
Book Rich Bracken for your next leadership conference, sales meeting, association event, or company kickoff.
Rich's showreel and videos
Topics, sessions and talks
EQ + Music: Soundtrack For Success
Emotional intelligence is one of the strongest predictors of leadership success, yet most professionals have little insight into how their emotions shape their decisions, relationships, and performance. Drawing on data from TalentSmartEQ, Rich Bracken helps audiences build genuine self-awareness and practical emotional regulation skills they can apply immediately. Using live music as a tool to create real-time emotional connection, Rich makes the science of EQ tangible, memorable, and impossible to ignore.
Change Management And Sustainment: The Momentum Effect
Up to 70% of change initiatives fail, not because of poor strategy, but because momentum stalls and people disengage. The Momentum Effect shows leaders how to build forward motion that lasts. Rich Bracken combines emotional intelligence research with practical behavioral tools to help teams stay focused, resilient, and accountable through change, growth, and uncertainty. Participants leave with clear strategies to turn one-time motivation into consistent, compounding progress.
The EQ Edge: How Emotionally Intelligent Leaders Win
As AI reshapes the workplace, the leaders who stand out are those who lead with empathy, build trust, and navigate human complexity with confidence. This interactive keynote helps leaders develop stronger emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and emotional regulation for today's fast-moving environment. Rich Bracken draws on TalentSmartEQ research and real-world experience to deliver practical strategies that improve communication, decision-making, and culture. Live music creates emotional engagement in real time, making the learning stick.
Motivation And Sales: How To Become Unstoppable
The way leaders think, respond to pressure, and approach challenges directly shapes their performance and results. This motivational keynote breaks down the mindset shifts used by high performers to navigate change, overcome obstacles, and sustain momentum. Rich Bracken delivers practical strategies to build mental resilience, set clear goals, and develop daily habits that improve productivity, confidence, and wellbeing. Audiences leave with tools to perform at a higher level and move forward with clarity.
Why we recommend booking Rich
Rich Bracken brings something rare: the science of emotional intelligence delivered with the energy of a performer. His TalentSmartEQ expertise gives organizations a credible, research-backed foundation, while his background as a national touring DJ means audiences are genuinely engaged throughout. He's also one of the easiest speakers to work with; experienced, low-maintenance, and committed to making every event a success.
Your presentation was amazing today and exactly what I needed! I loved learning more about emotional intelligence and how it helps me control my happiness and stress levels, while singing and dancing in my seat!
Austin Bagwell
Director of Global Sales, MGM Resorts International
He was an amazing keynote speaker and his energy is unmatched.
Crystal Shipps
Meeting Professionals International
I’m not sure if I was at a comedy show, a sermon, or an educational session—it's all of the above! His energy and passion are unmatched, and it's clear that he brings something special to the stage. I want that from every keynote and don't feel it enough. When Rich Bracken steps up, I feel it.
