Broadway Performer | Glinda in National Tour of Wicked | Tammy in Hairspray, on Broadway, and in the motion picture—alongside John Travolta, Queen Latifah and Michelle Pfeiffer.
Hayley Podschun is a Broadway powerhouse performer, screen actor, and in-demand keynote speaker who has spent her life in the spotlight—learning how to perform, pivot, and thrive under pressure. She brings high-voltage energy, heart, and humor to every stage she steps on—whether it’s Times Square or a corporate ballroom.
Key Speech Themes
Inspirational/Motivational
Resilience
Overcoming Adversity
Thrive through Change
Peak Performance
Speaking Topics
Whatever It Takes: The Broadway Attitude To Achieve Your Biggest Dreams And Overcome The Unexpected With Ease
Hayley Podschun has been a professional actor since the age of 10 and on Broadway since the age of 12. With eight Broadway shows including starring as Glinda in Wicked, two national tours, and film & television credits, Hayley knows what it takes to adapt and thrive through constant change. She has mastered the "Whatever It Takes" attitude that is crucial to succeeding in one of the most competitive industries in the world.
In her keynote, Hayley shares the mindset and strategies that helped her achieve her dream of performing on Broadway, a feat few can attain. Drawing from her experiences in high-pressure, ever-changing environments, she reveals how embracing this powerful attitude allows you to overcome obstacles, tackle challenges head-on, and make your biggest dreams a reality.
Hayley’s insights will empower your team to take on adversity with confidence and ease, unlocking the tools needed to navigate obstacles and transform challenges into stepping stones toward success. Whether striving for a personal or professional goal, this inspiring and high-energy talk will ignite audiences to adopt the Broadway attitude and achieve greatness no matter what it takes.
And yes - just like when she took flight as Glinda - Hayley believes everyone deserves the chance to fly!
What Attendees Will Learn from Hayley Podschun’s Keynote:
How to mentally prepare for high-stakes moments before they happen: Hayley shares that big opportunities often arrive without warning no script, no rehearsal, just go. Attendees will learn how to recognize those “one second” moments and step in with intention instead of hesitation.
How to respond with resilience when everything goes wrong: Hayley shares behind-the-scenes stories from her Broadway career, including what it’s like to perform live when things go off-script and unplanned. Attendees will learn how to stay composed, recover quickly, and keep moving forward when the unexpected threatens to derail their performance onstage or at work.
How to apply “The Show Must Go On” as a mindset for navigating uncertainty: Hayley reframes this iconic phrase as more than a saying - it’s a way of operating under pressure. Attendees will learn how to trust their preparation, stay present, and show up consistently even when things aren’t perfect.
How to keep showing up after rejection again and again: Hayley tells the story of auditioning six times over six years for her dream role of Glinda in Wicked despite being told she’d never get it. Audiences will learn how to process discouragement without giving up, and how to keep moving forward with grit and purpose.
How to adopt a “Whatever It Takes” approach to achieving big goals: Hayley introduces the phrase she uses to power through challenges - “Whatever It Takes”. Attendees will learn how to stay committed, flexible, and open to growth even when the path forward doesn’t look how they expected.
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Testimonials
“It’s not every day you get to say that Glinda the Good Witch from Wicked was your keynote speaker… but we did. And Hayley Podschun was pure magic. A Broadway and screen powerhouse, Hayley brought charm, energy, and wisdom to the stage—but what truly resonated was her story of determination. She auditioned for the role of Glinda six times over several years. She didn’t give up. She knew the role was meant for her—and on the sixth try, she got the call. Her message? Do whatever it takes. Whether you’re onstage, backstage, or navigating your own career path—show up, stay ready, and keep going. Hayley reminded us that resilience isn’t about avoiding rejection or setbacks—it’s about pushing through them. It’s about hard work, heart, and believing in yourself even when the answer is “not yet.” Thank you, Hayley, for your honesty, humour, and for reminding us that with grit and grace, we really can step into the roles we were born to play.”
“It’s not every day you get to say that Glinda the Good Witch from Wicked was your keynote speaker… but we did. And Hayley Podschun was pure magic. A Broadway and screen powerhouse, Hayley brought charm, energy, and wisdom to the stage—but what truly resonated was her story of determination. She auditioned for the role of Glinda six times over several years. She didn’t give up. She knew the role was meant for her—and on the sixth try, she got the call. Her message? Do whatever it takes. Whether you’re onstage, backstage, or navigating your own career path—show up, stay ready, and keep going. Hayley reminded us that resilience isn’t about avoiding rejection or setbacks—it’s about pushing through them. It’s about hard work, heart, and believing in yourself even when the answer is “not yet.” Thank you, Hayley, for your honesty, humour, and for reminding us that with grit and grace, we really can step into the roles we were born to play.”
Joanne Henry, Account Executive, Conference Direct
Joanne Henry, Account Executive, Conference Direct
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“It’s not every day you get to say that Glinda the Good Witch from Wicked was your keynote speaker… but we did. And Hayley Podschun was pure magic. A Broadway and screen powerhouse, Hayley brought charm, energy, and wisdom to the stage—but what truly resonated was her story of determination. She auditioned for the role of Glinda six times over several years. She didn’t give up. She knew the role was meant for her—and on the sixth try, she got the call. Her message? Do whatever it takes. Whether you’re onstage, backstage, or navigating your own career path—show up, stay ready, and keep going. Hayley reminded us that resilience isn’t about avoiding rejection or setbacks—it’s about pushing through them. It’s about hard work, heart, and believing in yourself even when the answer is “not yet.” Thank you, Hayley, for your honesty, humour, and for reminding us that with grit and grace, we really can step into the roles we were born to play.”
“It’s not every day you get to say that Glinda the Good Witch from Wicked was your keynote speaker… but we did. And Hayley Podschun was pure magic. A Broadway and screen powerhouse, Hayley brought charm, energy, and wisdom to the stage—but what truly resonated was her story of determination. She auditioned for the role of Glinda six times over several years. She didn’t give up. She knew the role was meant for her—and on the sixth try, she got the call. Her message? Do whatever it takes. Whether you’re onstage, backstage, or navigating your own career path—show up, stay ready, and keep going. Hayley reminded us that resilience isn’t about avoiding rejection or setbacks—it’s about pushing through them. It’s about hard work, heart, and believing in yourself even when the answer is “not yet.” Thank you, Hayley, for your honesty, humour, and for reminding us that with grit and grace, we really can step into the roles we were born to play.”