Smiley is one of the top workplace culture keynote speakers in the world for the financial services, banking, and insurance industry.
Financial Services Keynotes
↓ INDUSTRY CLIENTS ↓
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“Your presentation on belonging in the workforce was phenomenal, thought-provoking, and will guide us as we move forward in equipping employees and leaders with the skills of today—and tomorrow—here at MetLife.”
-Head of Global Technology and Operations, MetLife -
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“Energetic. Amazing.”
- Associate Manager, Prudential Financial -
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“Smiley knocked it out of the park.”
-Diversity & Inclusion Manager, Charles Schwab
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“This was one of my best career days. So many employees felt extremely seen and inspired today. The message aligned perfectly with our strategy and values, and we had over 500 lines dialed in.”
- Mass Mutual -
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“Wonderful job today! I just jumped into my staff meeting and the team is raving about you. One member of the team said, "He was faaaaantastic! He shared so much and was able to keep my attention the entire time!" The rest of the team agreed!”
-Product Area Leader, Digital Workplace at Fidelity Investments -
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"We really enjoyed Smiley's strong and enthusiastic delivery in his session on Engaging the Multigenerational Workforce and appreciated the time he took to understand our organization and make the content as relevant as possible."
- Morgan Stanley -
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“Thank you so much for delivering an exceptional session on Monday evening – it was everything I had hoped for.”
- Vice President, RBC Wealth Management Canada
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“Extraordinary. Full stop.”
- Investment Advisor, RBC Wealth Management Canada
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"I LOVED your talk!"
- Workforce Development, SEI Investments
↑ INDUSTRY TESTIMONIALS ↑
Top Keynote Speaker for the Financial Services Industry Specializing in Workplace Culture, Belonging, Teamwork, and Team Collaboration in the Future of Work
The Future of Financial Services is Human Connection.
The financial services industry in 2026 is characterized by a complex environment of regulatory changes, technological disruption, market volatility, industry consolidation, and evolving consumer behaviors. AI is expected to become integral to banking, potentially increasing profits by $170 billion to $340 billion by 2028.
But employees need time to learn new skills and training, specifically as it relates to consumer engagement and building deeper relationships and trust with teams, clients, and customers. In high-pressure environments and challenging times, employees and customers need to feel cared for and supported.
With AI-driven financial tools and banking solutions, human connection is our moat, relationships are our true competitive advantage to win the future.
In a nonstop, disengaged, overwhelmed workplace; with wall-to-wall Zoom meetings, 24/7 Teams messages, AI agents, and the rapid adoption of GenAI & ChatGPT; the value of meaningful human connection increases exponentially and business is about building belonging for your people, your customers, and your community. High-levels of employee belonging create a 56% increase in job performance, lead to a 50% drop in turnover risk, and can save a company $52 million a year.
Smiley’s practical keynotes provide an actionable toolkit for financial services leaders to attract + retain top talent across generations, lead culture transformation, increase employee engagement + retention, build high-performing super-connected teams, build a culture of trust, psychological safety, and belonging, and drive growth in the future of work.
Speaking Reels
2026 Keynote Preview
2026 Speaker Reel
Smiley’s Keynote Outcomes:
Learn 5 ways to increase human connection in financial services
Foster higher levels of psychological safety on your team
Deepen trust + build high-value relationships
Navigate uncertainty, drive massive business growth in the age of AI
Lead through change + build culture transformation
Keynote Topics.
How Leaders Can Increase Engagement + Retention, Motivate High-Performing Teams, Build High-Value Relationships, and Create Human Connection in the Age of AI
Building a High-Performing Teams to Supercharge Collaboration, Embrace Culture Change, and Drive a New Era of Growth in the Face of Uncertainty
How to Be a Future-Ready Organization and Attract, Retain, and Engage Top Talent and Communicate Across Generations
Building Belonging + Leading Team Engagement and Performance, Connection and Culture Transformation in the Future of Work
Building a Care Mindset to Develop Human-Centered Leaders, Build Trusting Relationships, Empower Well-Being, and Thrive in the Future of Work
All programs are fully customized for the client; available as a 30-60 minute Keynote, 60-90 minute Interactive Keynote, or 90-120 minute Workshop.
Client Value Cycle
Pre-Keynote
Exploratory call to align on client vision and event goals
Deep dive pre-event call
Smiley customizes his presentation to meet your audience’s unique needs and priorities; interviews 3-4 leaders, team members, clients or partners to customize for your event
Customize through connection
Smiley delivers a high-energy, inspiring, interactive and practical keynote
Smiley models connection+ belonging in how he shows up, whenever possible, he’ll stay for client dinners, attend post-event cocktail receptions, moderate Q&As or breakout discussions, sign books, do video interviews or podcasts, and make cross-promotional social media posts.
Post-Keynote
All attendees receive Smiley’s hand-designed practical resources and guides:
Custom Slides
1-pager with key takeaways
Belonging Toolkit (70 pages)
Connect at Work Guide (30 pages)
Optional book bulk buy discount
Thank you video from Smiley
Access to 6 short videos to keep doing the work and implement Smiley’s culture of connection tips
30-days later 20-minute After Care Debrief Call with Smiley to discuss post-event progress and explore future collaboration options (including ongoing masterclass and Virtual Q&A/ Focus Group Series)
Keynote
Deliver exceptional keynote experience that models connection
After care resources to implement tools and take action post-event
Speaking Video Clips
The Power of Making the Ask
Being Human in the Age of AI
Human Connection in the Age of AI
Audience Customization Example
Create a Sense of Belonging
Communicate Across Generations
Flexibility at Work
Team Psychological Safety at Work
Culture of Care
Employee Engagement
From Hustle to Human Connection
Culture Transformation
From Hustle to Human Connection
The Myth About Workplace Belonging
Hybrid is How We Connect
Empowering World-Class Leaders, Teams, and Organizations to Thrive Through Uncertainty
“One of the Top Human Resources Keynote Speakers.”
“One of the Top 12 Speakers who will inspire you.”
