Keynote speaker · Leadership through change
Everyone else tells you what’s changing. Let's start talking about what won’t.
Dr. Marshall speaks to leaders who carry change for others: why so much change doesn’t hold, and what does.
Organizations Aaron has led and advised
Signature keynote
Keel: Why Change Doesn’t Hold, and What Does
Most organizations are asked to change faster than they can absorb it. Gartner reports that only about a third of leaders see healthy change adoption, and that making change routine works better than inspiring it.
Drawing on research into how practical wisdom forms under difficulty, and on years running institutions through transition, Aaron shows why change slides back, and what keeps people steady: their rhythms, their people, and a plain standard of good work.
Leaders leave with three practices to start on Monday and one question to take back to their teams.
Knowledge can be downloaded.
Wisdom can’t.
Who it’s for
Some carry change for everyone else
Managers, senior leaders, executive directors and people leaders who are asked to steady a team while the ground moves.
Conferences and association meetings, leadership summits, all-staff gatherings, HR and L&D programs, nonprofit and mission-driven sectors
45–60 minutes · in person or virtual
Keynote
The full talk for a conference, summit or all-staff gathering. Stories from the deck of a tall ship and the inside of a changing institution, with practices people can use the next week.
2–3 hours · in person or virtual
Workshop
The keynote plus a working session. Teams name what’s moving in their own organization and decide what stays fixed while everything else changes.
Full day · with a leadership team
Keel Day
A facilitated day for one leadership team: the rhythms to keep, who is learning judgment from whom, and what “good” looks like here, stated plainly.
About Aaron
Operator and scholar
Aaron Marshall studies how practical wisdom forms, and has spent his career running institutions through change. His doctoral research at the University of Edinburgh followed Class Afloat tall-ship alumni from 1985 to 2012. It suggests that difficulty turned into lasting growth when three things were present: steady routine, reflection, and shared life.
He has held director, president and COO roles at organizations with budgets up to $55M and more than 400 staff, including COO of the Denver Zoo and seven years leading the Santa Barbara Zoo. He is the author of Habits for Leaders, teaches two LinkedIn Learning courses, and writes the weekly newsletter Everyday Formation. He lives in Santa Barbara and speaks across California and virtually.
PhD
University of Edinburgh, research on practical wisdom
$55M
budgets of organizations he has led as COO and president
400+
staff in organizations he has helped lead
2
LinkedIn Learning courses on leadership & culture
From workshop and advisory clients
“Aaron led our leadership team on an awesome day at the Valley of Fire, kicking off our three-day strategic planning. If your team is looking for a first-class facilitator, reach out to Aaron.”
Alex Gertsburg
Managing Partner, Gertsburg Licata
"In just a few sessions, we walked away equipped and motivated. Aaron helped my co-founder and I navigate our friendship and our business. He gave us the clarity and confidence to move forward."
Becky Asselin
Co-Founder, Everoot
“As a first-time manager, Aaron helped me hone my instincts into tangible tools. The experience was humbling and empowering.”
Daisy Weber
Manager, MadeCraft
"I've worked at a few places with poor company culture - poor communication, focus on profit, micromanaging, and no concern about employees. Aaron creates healthy culture naturally."
Ingrid Schneider
CEO & Founder, Stay In Your Lane
“Aaron has a great feel for people, knows his stuff, and can adjust on the fly. Very impressive.”
Amir Kahana
Managing Partner, Kahana & Feld
"Each habit is a standalone chapter making for easy reading, easy review, & easy reference. They build on one another - easy to digest but profound in application. This book will stay within arm's reach."
Dave Burton
Managing Director, FICO
Books, courses and writing
Start with the work
Below the waterline
What are your systems actually forming?
Tell me about your event and the people in the room. I’ll reply with availability, a fee range, and a few questions so the talk fits your audience.
