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Dave Delaney

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Dave Delaney is a motivational speaker, communication skills expert, and host of the "ADHD Wise Squirrels podcast." He is also the published author of New Business Networking, a comprehensive guide to building and nurturing professional relationships. Known for his engaging blend of humor, storytelling, and actionable insights, Dave inspires audiences to unlock their potential, embrace their unique strengths, and build meaningful connections at work and home.
 

As the creator of The Root Down, Dave’s signature keynote presentation, he empowers audiences to better know, respect, and connect with themselves and others. Using his own late ADHD diagnosis as a lens, he delivers transformative lessons on self-discovery, resilience, and embracing neurodiversity. Dave’s work with globally recognized clients like Google, LinkedIn, UPS, and FedEx demonstrates his ability to inspire change in organizations across industries.


Dave’s expertise and insights have been featured in prominent media outlets, including USA Today, CBC, BBC, Entrepreneur, Inc., Forbes, and Billboard Magazine. He has been recognized as a Power Leader of Technology by the Nashville Business Journal and received the Digital Media Champion AIM Award from the American Marketing Association in Nashville. Additionally, Dave has been featured in acclaimed books like Content Rules by Ann Handley and C.C. Chapman, Branding Yourself by Erik Deckers, and The Successful Speaker by Grant Baldwin and Jeff Goins.

 

In addition to The Root Down, Dave delivers presentations on topics such as communication, networking, and employee retention, including The Master Communicator's Secret Weapon, Networking for Nice People, and Radical Retention. Dave’s background in improv comedy, marketing communications, and content creation adds depth and energy to his presentations. He trained with Second City in Toronto and has performed improv comedy across the US, Canada, UK, and Ireland. His experience spans marketing, podcasting, and leading workshops on storytelling and humor in communication. Whether you’re seeking a keynote speaker or workshop facilitator, Dave Delaney brings the expertise, inspiration, and energy to help your audience grow and connect. Discover the power of The Root Down and take the first step toward transformation.

Speaking Topics

The Root Down: An ADHD-Inspired Presentation And Process To Know, Respect, And Connect Yourself

The Root Down teaches your audience about neurodiversity, identifying and tapping into their strengths, practicing self-acceptance, and building sustaining relationships at work, home, and your event. Don’t miss this impactful presentation about self-discovery, self-embrace, and collective unity. It will leave your audience feeling inspired, whether wired conventionally or divergently. They will be enlightened, empowered, and entertained.


Approximately one in sixteen Americans has ADHD, but less than 20% of adults know they have it. While ADHD presents challenges, individuals with ADHD often possess unique strengths and abilities. These include creativity, out-of-the-box thinking, high energy levels, and resilience. Many successful entrepreneurs, artists, athletes, and leaders credit their ADHD traits for their accomplishments, emphasizing the potential for success and achievement.


The Root Down was created by former Google speaker, published author, acclaimed keynote speaker, and communication expert Dave Delaney, who shares his personal story of being diagnosed with ADHD at fifty, giving audiences a fresh perspective and tools to use regardless of whether they are neurotypical or neurodivergent. There’s something here for everyone, from saplings to mighty oaks.


Companies should not overlook neurodiversity if they care about inclusion and culture. The Root Down will inspire your team or audience to connect and embrace each person’s strengths in fresh ways while learning new skills to improve their work and lives.


Key Takeaways:

  • Know yourself: Unleash your hidden superpowers through a unique technique designed to reveal your true potential. Gain the confidence to recognize, embrace, and leverage these extraordinary abilities to achieve unparalleled success.
  • Respect yourself: Harness the power of pen and paper, mind and breath. Witness the transformation as self-respect blooms, paving the way for deep self-love and acceptance. Embrace a newfound sense of worth and grow outward, inspiring those around you.
  • Connect yourself: Discover the staggering impact of social disconnection and the perils of loneliness. Arm yourself with the essential steps to connect with a supportive community, banishing isolation and forging deep and lasting relationships at work, your conference, and beyond. Forests connect by roots; we do, too.

The Communication Revolution: AI, Hybrid Work, And Human Connection In 2025 And Beyond

Change is in the air—and the cloud. Embrace the communication revolution to unlock new opportunities for your business. In a world shaped by artificial intelligence, hybrid work, neurodiversity, and shifting generational dynamics, effective communication and trust-building are more critical than ever.


Learning Obectives:

  1. Harness AI and Hybrid Work for Human-Centered Success: Learn to leverage artificial intelligence and navigate hybrid work environments while maintaining human connection and fostering collaboration. Drive productivity, adapt to change, and lead your team effectively in a tech-driven world.
  2. Bridge Generational and Neurodiverse Gaps: Discover actionable strategies to build trust and authentic relationships across multigenerational and neurodiverse teams. Create an inclusive culture that sparks innovation and strengthens teamwork.
  3. Boost Business Outcomes with Communication Excellence: Improve communication, empathy, and relationship-building to enhance how your organization sells, markets, promotes, attracts, and retains top talent. Build a strong employer brand and achieve success in today’s dynamic marketplace.


Dave Delaney’s keynote explores how fostering collaboration, building authentic relationships, and cultivating trust can transform workplace dynamics and outcomes. Packed with compelling insights, practical tools, and plenty of laughs, this presentation will empower your team to:

  • Adapt to technological change.
  • Resolve conflicts with empathy.
  • Build an inclusive culture where innovation thrives.

The Master Communicator’s Secret Weapon: Lead With Acceptance, Improve Listening, And Overcome The Fear Of Failure.

Discover the secrets to improving communication and company culture with a funny twist! Learn Dave's secret weapon's three core concepts to apply instantly in your interactions with your team, clients, prospects, and fellow attendees. Bid farewell to communication breakdowns and welcome enhanced relationships and a strong culture.


Learning objectives:

  1. Lead with acceptance and empathy to make people feel empowered.
  2. Use active listening to communicate effectively and strengthen your listening skills.
  3. Overcome a fear of failure to embrace change, take risks, and innovate.

Radical Retention: Build A Reputable Culture, Attract And Retain Talent, And Improve Leadership Skills.

According to SHRM, it costs 6-9 months of a person's salary to replace them when they quit. Radical Retention teaches you how to prevent this from happening. Say goodbye to costly replacement and retraining efforts and hello to a thriving workplace where everyone feels valued and appreciated virtually and in person.


Learning objectives:

  1. Avoid the wrecks caused by miscommunication and fear to become a likable leader. People don't quit jobs, they quit bad bosses.
  2. Improve listening skills with the L.I.S.T.E.N. acronym to empower your people.
  3. Celebrate life outside the walls of your organization by building relationships using local and global philanthropy.

Networking For Nice People: Build Long-Lasting Professional Relationships That Convert To New Clients And Opportunities

Discover the ‘3 Ups’ of networking nicely: show up, follow up, and catch up. This popular keynote presentation is based on Dave's book, New Business Networking. Dave provides attendees with the skills to break the ice, remember names, and listen effectively and how to use social networks like LinkedIn and Instagram to connect. New relationships born during your conference will always be attributed to you. Happy conference-goers become loyal attendees who return each year and tell their friends and colleagues. Networking effectively is a win-win for everyone involved. Dave will teach them how to have fun doing it.


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Testimonials

“Dave exceeded our expectations… Being a business owner, he was able to empathize with the audience and offer them real tips and advice they can use. His speech was authentic, informative and very well received by our audience.”

“…Dave blew me away (as well as the audience). His engaging personality and ability to connect with his listeners make him an amazing speaker. Dave drove attendees to connect with one and other and drove further engagement of our members. On top of being an amazing and connected speaker, he is an amazing individual. I would encourage individuals and groups to reach out to Dave to have him speak at an event. You won't be sorry! ”

“…people love his workshop facilitation. He knows his stuff... If you have an opportunity to work together, it will be worth it.”

"Highly recommend Dave and his ROI of Nice session with our leaders (current and emerging)! He touches on such a relevant topic with doses of humor and easy to understand techniques. It pays better to be a Nicer boss and a kinder human and Dave shows you a way to easily incorporate these in your day to day interactions. You know the sessions are effective when your own team uses it on you! 🙂

"He was a true professional joy to work with throughout it all. The delivery itself was fantastic, by my own opinion plus rave reviews from our audience and members. Dave has a unique ability to captivate a crowd in a way that keeps them engaged, pondering, and eager to learn more. His speaking topics, like the ROI of Nice, really garner a lot of appeal and attention. Personally, I think it's because he resonates with our feelings as human beings FIRST, then applies the leadership and business lessons second. He just gets it."

“If you are looking for an engaging, educational and humorous speaker to share how to communicate better and build lasting relationships, I highly recommend Dave! Attendees loved his presentation style, his energy (& humor!) & ideas/tools that he shared. I am so grateful we had the opportunity to work together, and I look forward to working together again in the future. Dave, thank you for your time, your awesome energy and kindness, and for sharing your message at our recent program!”

“I booked Dave to speak at the 31st annual Professional BusinessWomen of California's conference for his Master Communicator's Secret Weapon presentation. Our conference was set for April 2020 but when the pandemic hit, we had to adjust and shift. Dave was not only flexible, but adaptable as the organization adjusted format and content framing and timing to deliver the best possible virtual experience. Dave's content is approachable and he made sure to leave our audience of 6,000+ attendees with key takeaways for how to be a Master Communicator! Bonus: he's hilarious, and will bring his improv skills to your group in all the best ways!”

“….he was awesome. We had record attendance and the membership really received some great nuggets of information to enhance their communication within business and in their personal lives. His relaxed style was great and he delivered his message with lots of humor. I have since heard several members say they are trying his techniques and having fun enhancing their personal communication with success. We are very happy we were able to work with Dave, you can book him with confidence.”

“Dave was the keynote speaker at our BBB Big Blue Bash at the Wildhorse Saloon in Nashville, and he did a pheromonal job. He presented to 200+ attendees and his information was timely, fun and thought provoking. Dave is relatable and he was a hit with our diverse audience of business owners. I would recommend Dave to anyone looking for an informative, energetic speaker!”

“Dave delivered the closing keynote and workshop at the 2024 LeadingAge Colorado Annual Conference and Exhibition. We were looking for someone who could end our conference on a high note with energy and humor and Dave did just that. Our attendees were highly satisfied with his sessions. The only complaint was that we didn't begin our conference with Dave so they could have utilized the skills they learned in his sessions throughout the conference. Would highly recommend!”

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