MEET DEBBIE PETERSON, CSP®

The Voice of Leadership Readiness

As an award-winning keynote speaker and creator of The Readiness Reset™, Debbie helps organizations keep and grow the leaders they are counting on next by delivering clarity that drives confidence, meaningful action, and results that last. 

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MEET DEBBIE PETERSON, CSP®

The Voice of Leadership Readiness

As an award-winning keynote speaker and creator of The Readiness Reset™, Debbie helps organizations keep and grow the leaders they are counting on next by delivering clarity that drives confidence, meaningful action, and results that last.

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Debbie’s Philosophy

Why Readiness Has to Come First

Leadership readiness isn’t a skill set. It’s a decision point.

Debbie believes leaders don’t walk out the door because they lack capability; they leave because they lose connection: to purpose, to people, or to what matters most.

Her philosophy is simple: clarity creates momentum. And momentum creates leaders who don’t just stay but stay engaged, aligned, and ready for what’s next.

That’s why her work isn’t about inspiring the room. It’s about activating the leader.

Through mindset principles, strategic frameworks, and real-world experience, Debbie helps leaders reset how they lead so they can reconnect to what matters, and recommit to becoming the leader their team needs next.

 

Reset: Cut Through the Noise

Every leadership shift starts with clarity: about what matters, what doesn’t, and where energy truly belongs. Resetting clears the noise, so leaders can stop running on autopilot and start leading with intention and focus.

Reconnect: To Meaning and What Matters Most

When leaders lose connection to purpose or people, they drift. Reconnecting restores direction, so they lead from purpose, not pressure, and focus on what matters most.

Recommit: Build Authentic Momentum

Recommitment is where clarity becomes action. It’s the moment leaders take full ownership of how they lead and who they’re becoming, and with the confidence to move forward on purpose.

Debbie earned her

Certified Speaking Professional

Debbie Peterson is a Certified Speaking Professional (CSP)—a distinction earned by fewer than 20% of speakers worldwide. Awarded by the National Speakers Association, the CSP is the highest global benchmark of speaking excellence, recognizing speakers who consistently deliver transformational experiences, exceptional audience impact, and flawless client partnerships.

For decision-makers, the CSP signals what Debbie is known for: depth of insight, ease of collaboration, and a readiness experience that leaves leaders activated, not just inspired.

“It was startling to discover that I was the one most in my way. That single realization changed everything.”

Before I became a leadership readiness expert and keynote speaker, I was living what a lot of high performers feel but rarely say out loud: I looked successful on the outside, but I was quietly stuck on the inside.

I had the title. The responsibilities. The track record.
But I was drained. Disconnected. Unsure of what came next. I didn’t lack ambition; I lacked clarity. And without clarity, I drifted. I thought the problem was that I wasn’t doing enough.
But the truth was, it wasn’t what I was doing—it was how I was thinking.

That was the shift. That was the reset. And once I got clear on what mattered, what I stood for, and what I was actually here to do, I stopped performing leadership and started living it.

Since then, I’ve helped thousands of leaders do the same.
Not by giving them answers, but by helping them reconnect to their own.

Because when you know what matters, you stop chasing everything.
You get ready—and you make your next clear move.

“It was startling to discover that I was the one most in my way. That single realization changed everything.”

Before I became a leadership readiness expert and keynote speaker, I was living what a lot of high performers feel but rarely say out loud: I looked successful on the outside—but I was quietly stuck on the inside.

I had the title. The responsibilities. The track record.
But I was drained. Disconnected. Unsure of what came next. I didn’t lack ambition; I lacked clarity. And without clarity, I drifted.

I thought the problem was that I wasn’t doing enough.
But the truth was, it wasn’t what I was doing—it was how I was thinking.

That was the shift. That was the reset.
And once I got clear on what mattered, what I stood for, and what I was actually here to do, I stopped performing leadership—and started living it.

Since then, I’ve helped thousands of leaders do the same.
Not by giving them answers, but by helping them reconnect to their own.

Because when you know what matters, you stop chasing everything.
You get ready—and you make your next clear move.

The Top 5 Reasons to

Work with Debbie

She doesn’t just inspire the room, she activates the audience.

Debbie delivers more than motivation. She delivers clarity-fueled momentum that gets leaders unstuck and back in motion—fast.

Attendees leave with mindset shifts and a clear next move they can take within 48 hours, not just a feel-good moment.

Her keynote is customized, not canned.

Every experience begins with a Clarity Kickoff Call, so your audience gets relevant insights, real-world examples, and tools that feel made for them.

She speaks in your language, to your people, about what they’re really facing—because that’s what drives meaningful engagement.

She solves for retention – by building readiness.

Debbie helps organizations keep and grow the leaders they’re counting on next. Readiness isn’t just her topic; it’s your strategy.

Her framework addresses the internal gaps that cause high-potential leaders to drift, disengage, or leave before they’re fully ready.

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She’s a CSP®, which means less risk to you, more results for them.

Only 20% of speakers worldwide earn this designation. It’s your signal that Debbie brings consistency, professionalism, and proven excellence to every stage.

You can trust her to show up prepared, on message, and on mission—making the planning process smooth and the delivery seamless.

A true professional and partner.

From pre-event planning to post-event resources, Debbie is a true partner to planners, always focused on delivering extra value that lasts long after the applause.

She’s the speaker clients remember for her depth, ease, and ability to connect; before, during, and after your event.

TESTIMONIALS

See what Debbie’s clients are saying

{I had the privilege and opportunity to attend a virtual presentation Debbie gave for the “Women Lead Change” group in my area and was immediately struck by how relevant her material was to my life. She displays an amazing passion for the work she is doing and connected with her audience in a way that ensured her message resonated. She (and her message) left a lasting and positive impression on me and I highly recommend her (virtual) presentation!
Tracy LaBarr
5
Tracy LaBarr
Data Consultant
{Debbie was such a well-received speaker at the Ohio Bankers League’s Women in Banking Conference that we made it a priority to leverage her in additional ways. We are so pleased at the contribution Debbie has made this year with our premier leadership program. I look forward to seeing fellow association execs so I can encourage them to put Debbie’s coaching and mentoring skills to work for their own professional development as well as their members!
Michael Adelman
5
Michael Adelman
Ohio Bankers League
{It was an absolute joy getting to learn from Debbie Peterson! Her strategies for finding clarity and living and leading as our authentic selves were timely and important lessons. "Becoming a great leader is not about adding to who you are... it's about eliminating what is covering you up." From eliminating blind spots to shuffling your burners, from eliminating confusion to finding your super power - Debbie Peterson coaches you to clarity with enlightened leadership training!
Heather Martell
5
Heather Martell
Peoples State Bank
{Debbie provided a fantastic training “The Road Map to Your Career”. It was a great exercise in truly understanding what is important to us in both our personal and professional lives and how to remember to prioritize. I highly recommended any opportunity to listen to Debbie speak. It was an amazing learning opportunity where I took away many ideas for prioritizing and finding the clarity for what’s important to me in my career.
Darcy Friesen
5
Darcy Friesen
Chief Compliance Officer
{Debbie provides such an engaging keynote that resonates so well with so many who are feeling overwhelmed. Through wit and humor she leads the room to focus on clarity. I have had the pleasure of hearing her speak several times and would do so again.
Amy Golomb Harris
5
Amy Golomb Harris
Professional Styling Services

GET YOUR FREE GUIDE

Are you a busy professional feeling overwhelmed by the demands of your career and personal life? It’s a common struggle to balance professional success with personal fulfillment, often leading to sacrifices in health, relationships, and happiness. But what if you didn’t have to choose?

Unlock Your Potential: Download Debbie’s Guide to a Clarity-Driven Career Today!

Download The Clarity Driven Career Document

GET YOUR FREE GUIDE

Are you a busy professional feeling overwhelmed by the demands of your career and personal life? It’s a common struggle to balance professional success with personal fulfillment, often leading to sacrifices in health, relationships, and happiness. But what if you didn’t have to choose?

Unlock Your Potential: Download Debbie’s Guide to a Clarity-Driven Career Today!

Leadership Readiness Expert - Debbie Peterson
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