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Case Kenny
Leadership and Culture

Case Kenny Listed

Helps people and organizations harness the power of their words and optimism to think bigger and embrace change.

Keynote speaker, workshop leader, and subject-matter expert · Author of The Language of Optimism

Leadership and CultureResilience and Mental WellbeingPeak Performance and Mindset
+2 moreHappiness and FulfillmentSelf-Awareness and Emotional Intelligence

Sending an inquiry is free. You confirm the date, fee, and terms with Case before anything is booked.

Speaking fees
$25,000
2 sessions below
Formats
Keynote
In person or virtual
Based in
Chicago, IL
Based in Chicago/Miami.
Organizer feedback
None collected yet
Reviews appear on Verified profiles. How we collect feedback

Sessions and fees

Every fee below is published by Case.

The Language of Optimism

$25,000
Keynote1 to 2 hoursIn person or virtual
For entrepreneurs and business owners, CEOs and senior executives, executive peer groups, spouses and partners, next-generation leaders, general corporate audiences, and boards and nonprofit leaders.

In this powerful and practical keynote, Case teaches optimism as a learnable method built on the most accessible tool we have: language. Drawing from formal study in languages and linguistics he reveals how the words we use directly shape expectation, motivation, resilience, and performance.

Case teaches “The Language of Optimism Framework” - a structure for transforming self-talk into movement.

This keynote pairs linguistic teachings with real-time exercises. Through a guided writing experience, attendees craft their own personal mantras - statements of optimism that reinforce ownership, clarity, and momentum.

  • You will learn:
  • How to conduct a “language audit” and prioritize optimistic language and framing
  • How to use negative emotions to propel you forward, not back
  • Five science-backed language shifts that drive performance
  • How to replace self-limiting narratives with forward-moving explanations
  • How to create a personal mantra rooted in optimism
Session details and terms
Promotion: None proposed. Required purchases: None. Attendee follow-up: None.

That's Bold of You

$25,000
Keynote1 to 2 hoursIn person or virtual
For entrepreneurs and business owners, CEOs and senior executives, executive peer groups, spouses and partners, next-generation leaders, general corporate audiences, and boards and nonprofit leaders.

Case teaches boldness as a learnable skill, powered by language. Boldness is the courage to take action when the outcome isn’t guaranteed.

Drawing from research in self-perception, linguistics, and behavioral science, he reveals how language determines whether people move boldly or hesitate. The phrases repeated in moments of uncertainty and risk, train the brain on what’s “allowed.” Do we speak in ownership or disclaimers? Do we frame action as learning or threat? Do we reward movement or caution?

He teaches The Identity Audacity Principle - a practical approach for turning bold vision into language that encourages action.

  • You will learn:
  • The Two-Word Decision Rule that reduces hesitation and encourages action
  • Simple language shifts that replace doubt with ownership
  • How to reframe risk as learning so you keep moving
  • How to re-interpret judgment and embarrassment
  • A concrete “bold move plan” that transforms vision into visible action
Session details and terms
Promotion: None proposed. Required purchases: None. Attendee follow-up: None.

About Case

Case Kenny is an author, keynote speaker, and Chief Optimist at optimism.com. He is recognized as one of today’s leading voices on the language and psychology of optimism.

Drawing on 15+ years studying and teaching how language shapes psychology, Case offers a simple, repeatable formula to reframe setbacks and move forward using the simplest tool we have - our words.

His core academic expertise lies at the intersection of linguistics, neuroscience, and mindfulness - how the brain responds to language and how self-talk shapes motivation and resilience.

Case (1.5MM followers) has inspired millions to live more optimistically through his top 25 podcast and viral writings on social media.

Media and books

Cover of The Language of Optimism
The Language of Optimism
Coming February 2027. Author. Hardcover, ebook, and audiobook. Copies $16 per person. Signed copies available.
Related books, services, and programs
Consulting or advisory

Learn more at casekenny.com (opens in a new tab)

Organizer feedback

No organizer feedback collected yet. Reviews appear on Verified profiles, collected by Short List Speakers from organizers who booked the speaker and published regardless of sentiment. How we collect feedback