Speaking Engagements

Are you searching for a captivating and inspiring speaker to energize your next event or conference? Look no further. I’m Dr. Brenda S. Kays, Origins of Success CEO, a long-time community college educator, certified professional coach, and licensed professional counselor and I’m currently available for public speaking engagements. More importantly, I stand ready to ignite the spark of motivation and personal growth in your audience.

As CEO and Founder of Origins of Success, LLC I understand the power of transformation, and believe in the potential that resides within every individual. I bring a wealth of experience, expertise, and a passion for guiding individuals towards their highest aspirations in both their professional and personal lives.

Whether you’re organizing a corporate conference, an educational workshop, a women’s leadership summit, or any event aimed at personal and professional development, I am poised to deliver an impactful and thought-provoking presentation that will leave your audience inspired and equipped with valuable insights and actionable strategies.

With a deep understanding of the challenges individuals face in today’s ever-evolving world, Origins of Success presentations are tailored to address pressing topics in career advancement, leadership development, resilience in the face of adversity, and personal growth. My engaging and interactive speaking style ensures that audiences are not just passive observers but active participants in their own journeys of self-improvement.

My ability to connect with diverse audiences and convey practical wisdom in an approachable and relatable manner sets me apart as a sought-after speaker. I bring real-world experience, a commitment to fostering positive change, and a dedication to empowering individuals to reach their full potential.

Whether your audience consists of aspiring professionals, seasoned leaders, students, or anyone in between, as an experienced speaker I can tailor my presentation to meet the specific needs and interests of your event attendees. The insights, strategies, and inspirational stories that are hallmarks in my presentations will leave a lasting impact, motivating individuals to take bold steps toward their personal and professional goals.

Don’t miss the opportunity to elevate your event with a speaker who has a proven track record of inspiring and empowering audiences. Contact me at Origins of Success today to explore how I can be the catalyst for transformation at your next gathering. Together, we’ll unlock the potential that lies within each participant, setting them on a path to success and fulfillment!

Pressing Topics

Select a topic in the text box below and a brief description of current in-demand topics will appear directly under the text box.

Note If you don’t see a topic you deem relevant to your group or organization please indicate your request for an alternate topic in the fillable form accessible when you select the "Yes" selection below.

Select a Pressing Topic

Exploring strategies for building personal and professional resilience in challenging times, including techniques for managing stress and maintaining mental well-being.

Providing tips and best practices for individuals and teams to excel in remote work environments, focusing on time management, productivity, and work-life balance.

Discussing the importance of emotional intelligence (EQ) in leadership roles, and how it can improve communication, teamwork, and decision-making.

Exploring the benefits of mindfulness practices in personal and professional life, emphasizing how mindfulness can enhance decision-making, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being.

Discussing the qualities and skills required for leaders to adapt to rapidly changing circumstances, such as technology advancements, global crises, and evolving workplace dynamics.

Addressing the challenges and opportunities associated with career transitions, including strategies for reskilling, upskilling, and navigating changes in employment.

Providing insights into the importance of networking, both in-person and online, and offering practical advice on how to build and maintain meaningful professional relationships.

Highlighting the importance of self-care and exploring strategies for achieving a healthy work-life balance while pursuing personal and professional goals.

Examining innovative leadership approaches and styles that empower individuals and teams to thrive in the ever-changing landscape of work.

Providing guidance on enhancing communication skills, including active listening, public speaking, and giving and receiving feedback.

Examining that as the world of technology continues to evolve how to leverage this new co-worker while enhancing those workplace qualities unique to humans.

Exploring strategies for promoting mental health awareness and creating supportive workplaces that prioritize the well-being of employees.

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Complimentary Consult

Get a 60 minute consultation

Contact us to recieve a complimentary no-obligations consultation where we will identify the correct path to take to get you confidently to that next level.

Career Coaching

Finding Joy & Meaning in your work

At Origins of Success, we believe you possess everything you need for a successful career and life. The origin of your success originates within you. Our unique services empower you to unlock your true potential and purpose and realize the life you’ve always dreamed of having. Take charge of your destiny today!

The secret of getting ahead is getting started.

- Mark Twain

Don't be pushed around by the fears in your mind. Be led by the dreams in your heart.

- Roy T. Bennett

The future belongs to those who believe in themselves.

- Unknown

The biggest adventure you can take is to live the life of your dreams.

- Oprah Winfrey

Success is not the absence of failure; it's the persistence through failure.

- Aisha Tyler

The best way to predict the future is to create it.

- Peter Drucker

Your time is limited, don't waste it living someone else's life.

- Steve Jobs

Believe you can and you're halfway there.

- Theodore Roosevelt

The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today.

- Franklin D. Roosevelt

The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.

- Eleanor Roosevelt

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Privacy Policy

The Origins of Success logo depicts a nautilus. Nautiluses have been in existence for hundreds of millions of years. They have survived five mass extinctions—all unfazed. While the nautilus cephalopod and humans are vastly different organisms, I selected the nautilus shell as a logo because I believe that there are comparisons between the nautilus’s remarkable ability to thrive by continuing its growth and how we, as humans, also thrive through continual growth, adaptability, learning from our past, self-development, and balance.

Continual Growth

– Nautilus: Nautiluses are known for their unique method of growth. They have a spiral shell with internal chambers. As the nautilus grows, it creates new, larger chambers, leaving the smaller, older ones behind. This adaptation allows them to maintain buoyancy at different stages of their life.

– Humans: Like the nautilus, humans also have the capacity for continual growth throughout their lives. Whether it’s acquiring new skills, gaining knowledge, or developing emotionally, humans can adapt and expand their capabilities over time.

Adaptability

– Nautilus: The nautilus adjusts to its changing needs by creating new chambers in its shell. This adaptability is crucial for its survival, allowing it to navigate different depths in the ocean.

– Humans: Personal growth often involves adapting to changing circumstances. Humans who seek improvement must be adaptable, open to learning new things, and adjusting their perspectives to overcome challenges.

Learning from the Past

– Nautilus: The abandoned chambers in the nautilus shell serve as a record of its past growth. Each chamber represents a stage in its life, and the nautilus can learn from its history.

– Humans: Reflecting on past experiences is integral to personal growth. Learning from successes and failures helps humans make informed decisions and improve their future outcomes.

Self-Development

– Nautilus: The nautilus doesn’t stop growing until the end of its life. It actively engages in self-development by creating new chambers, allowing it to remain buoyant and survive in different environments.

– Humans: Similarly, individuals who seek personal growth are on a continuous journey of self-development. Whether through education, skill-building, or personal experiences, humans strive to become better versions of themselves throughout their lives.

Balance

– Nautilus: The nautilus maintains buoyancy and balance by adjusting its shell’s structure. This equilibrium is crucial for its survival.

– Humans: Achieving balance in various aspects of life, such as work and personal life, is a common goal for those seeking personal growth. Balancing different facets contributes to overall well-being and success.

Like the nautilus, you, too, can change, evolve, and thrive. Your origin of success already lies within you. Like the nautilus, you can take charge of your destiny today and move from the old to the new!

Dr. Kays CV

Education

2001 Ed.D., University of North Texas-Denton, TX

Major: Applied Technology, Training & Development

Minor: Computer Education & Cognitive Systems, Distance LearningEmphasis

Dissertation Title: The Effect of Psychological Type, Economic Status, and Minority Classification on the Pass/Fail Rates of Vocational Nursing Students

1989 M.Ed., Midwestern State University-Wichita Falls, TX

Major: Counseling

1984 B.A., Midwestern State University-Wichita Falls, TX

Major: Psychology

Minor: Sociology

Professional Licensure and Certification

Licensed Professional Counselor

Certified Professional Life Coach

Professional Experience

2016-Present President, Kilgore College (KC), TX

2022-2023 Special Advisor to the Commissioner of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board(THECB), TX

2011-2016 President, Stanly Community College (SCC), NC

2008-2011 Vice-President of Student Learning and Success, Guilford Technical Community College(GTCC), NC

Teaching Experience

2013-2021 Wingate University, Ballantyne, NC-Ed.D. Program in Community College Leadership,

Teaching/Learning & Student Success and Student Services

2009-2011 Guilford Technical Community College, NC–Introduction to Human Service Technology

2008 Midwestern State University, Wichita Falls, TX-Graduate, Communication Skills for HumanResource Development

2003-2004 University of North Texas, Denton, TX-Graduate and Undergraduate-Curriculum Design,Advanced

Facilitation Strategies and Leadership

Awards/Honors/Appointments

2022 Phi Theta Kappa Shirley B. Gordon Award of Distinction

2021 Commission on Community College Finance-Appointee of Texas Speaker Dade Phelan

2018 Arthur F. Beyer Distinguished Alumnus, Midwestern State University

2016 Stanly Community College-Faculty Innovation Center Naming Dedication

2006 Tom Natale’ Distinguished Leadership Award

2006 Distinguished Alumna West College of Education, Midwestern State University

1999 Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society

Select Professional Activities

2004-Present Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC); Appeals Committee Member 2023-2025; Board of Directors Executive Committee 2018-2020; Boardof Directors 2015-2020; Served as peer evaluator on 12 Onsite Committees (Chaired 5) and 1 OffsiteCommittee

2016-Present Texas Association of Community Colleges (TACC) Chair, Chair Elect, Legislative Committee Chair

2020-2023 National Center for Inquiry and Improvement Rural Leader Learning Community

2022–Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board College Needs & Opportunities Steering Committee

2021-2022 Texas 2036 Higher Education Finance Simulator Advisory Group

2017-2020 Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board Community and Technical College Leadership Council

Select Workshop/Conference Presentations/Briefs

2023 American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) Annual Conference-Panelist-Texas Commission on Community College Finance-Denver, CO

2023 American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) Annual Conference-Presenter-Scaling 8-Week

Terms for Institutional Transformation-Denver, CO

2023 Texas Association of Community Colleges (TACC) Board of Trustee Institute-Presentation-8-Week

Course Journey-Lakeway, TX

2022 Texas Lyceum-Panelist-Educating a Well-Rounded and Reliable Workforce-Longview, TX

2022 Educate Texas Fall Policy Convening-Panelist-Regional Workforce Alignment: Report from Members of the Texas Community College Finance Commission-Houston, TX

2022 Kilgore Chamber of Commerce Women in Business-Panelist-Lessons Learned from Women

Who Have Broken the Glass Ceiling-Kilgore, TX

2022 Community College Association of Texas Trustees Annual Meeting-Panelist-K-12 Partnerships and Pathways, Houston, TX

2022 Texas Association of Community Colleges (TACC) Board of Trustees Institute-Panelist-Texas Commission on Community College Finance-San Antonio, TX

2021 National Center for Inquiry and Improvement-Rural Community College Leader Series

Acting Boldly to Build Financial Solvency View the PDF

2021 Texas Guided Pathways Conference Presentation–Expanding Horizons to Support Students Who

Never Knew They Had a Choice-Dallas, TX

2021 Texas Economic Development Connection–Panelist-Developing Your Texas Workforce-Webinar

2021 Grantmakers for Education Conference Panelist–New Insights to Advance an Equity Agenda in Higher Education and Postsecondary Pathways-Webinar

2021 Aspen Institute College Excellence Program National Symposium Panelist–Guided Pathways-Webinar

2023, 2021, 2017 E4 Leadership Kilgore Presenter-Myers Briggs Type Indicator Workshop-Gilmer, TX

2021 Grantmakers for Education Panelist–Supporting Rural Communities: Emerging Lessons Learned & Opportunities for the Future Webinar