Speaking, Keynotes & Talks
~ Grounded, high-impact talks for moments of change ~
Some moments call for inspiration.
Others call for courage, clarity, and a steadier sense of what comes next.
I deliver keynotes and talks that help professionals, leaders, and communities navigate change—without hype, and without losing momentum.
My speaking blends:
compelling storytelling
practical frameworks
moments of reflection and audience engagement
so people don’t just feel inspired—they feel seen, grounded, and ready to act.
Whether on a conference stage, in a professional association setting, or with an organizational team, my goal is the same: to help people reconnect with their confidence, their voice, and their capacity to move forward with intention.
What Audiences Experience
Participants often arrive feeling:
-- stretched thin or burned out
-- uncertain about what’s next
-- disconnected from confidence or purpose
-- tired of constant performance without space to reflect
They leave feeling:
-- steadier and more grounded
-- clearer about what they bring
-- more confident in their choices and voice
-- less alone in their experience
My work creates spaces that feel emotionally safe and forward-moving—where insight can emerge without pressure, and action feels aligned rather than forced.
🎤 Signature Keynotes & Talks 🎤
Beyond the 18-Month Mark:
Reclaiming Confidence and Sustainability in Fundraising Work
The average tenure of a development professional is just 18 months.
This reality affects not only individuals questioning their next move—but also leaders managing constant turnover, fatigue, and disruption within their teams.
This keynote explores what sits beneath that cycle—not as a failure of commitment or competence, but as a signal of burnout, misalignment, and eroded self-trust in a demanding, relational profession.
Audiences explore:
how confidence quietly erodes over time
the emotional cost of constant performance and metrics
how to reconnect with value beyond titles or outcomes
how to make intentional, sustainable choices—whether staying, leading, or transitioning
Available as a keynote or extended workshop format.
Well-suited for:
AFP chapters • development teams • advancement departments • leadership retreats • professional development programs
From Fear to Forward:
Courage, Confidence, and Saying Yes to What’s Next
Change often brings fear—especially when identity, confidence, or connection feel uncertain.
Drawing from my course, From Setback to Comeback, this talk helps audiences:
understand and right-size fear
rebuild confidence through small, courageous actions
practice meaningful conversation and connection
recognize and say yes to aligned opportunities
This keynote is especially resonant for:
professionals navigating transition or burnout
women in midlife re-imagining their next chapter
communities seeking confidence without pressure or hype
Available as a keynote or interactive talk.
Relational Courage:
Building Confidence Through Real Conversation
Confidence isn’t something we summon alone.
It’s something we practice—in relationship with others.
This talk explores:
how confidence grows through connection
why conversation matters more than networking tactics
how talking to strangers builds courage and opportunity
how small acts of bravery create momentum over time
Audiences leave with renewed confidence in their ability to engage, connect, and move forward—one conversation at a time.
Additional Topics & Custom Talks
In addition to the signature talks above, I offer keynotes and talks on themes such as:
-- Confidence and self-trust after burnout or transition
-- Navigating caregiving, leadership, and professional identity
-- Sustainable leadership in people-centered organizations
-- Re-entry after change: reconnecting to purpose, people, and possibility
-- Building confidence through conversation, not performance
Each talk is customized to the audience, culture, and context of the group.
Speaking & Facilitation Style
My background as a fundraiser, consultant, coach, and former performing artist shapes how I take the stage.
Audiences often describe my style as:
-- calm and grounding
-- confident without being performative
-- thoughtful, structured, and practical
-- relational, human-centered, and engaging
My keynotes often include brief moments of reflection or audience engagement—not to slow momentum, but to deepen impact and ensure the message stays with people long after the room clears.
About Julia
Julia Foster is a speaker, coach, and consultant who helps nonprofit professionals and midlife women navigate change with courage, clarity, and connection.
With more than 20 years of experience leading multimillion-dollar fundraising initiatives, mentoring development teams, and partnering with boards, Julia understands the emotional and relational realities behind professional success.
Her speaking is informed by lived experience navigating caregiving, loss, leadership transitions, and reinvention—and by a deep belief that confidence grows when people feel seen, supported, and equipped.
Let’s Talk About Your Event
If you’re interested in a keynote, talk, or extended workshop for your organization or professional community, I’d love to explore what would be most supportive.
