Meet Lu Ann Cahn
8-Time Emmy Award-Winning Investigative Journalist, Author, and Keynote Speaker.
In a world that never stops changing, willingness to try new things may be one of life's greatest assets.
That's the message behind eight-time Emmy award winner Lu Ann Cahnn's signature keynote, The Experiential Advantage. Lu Ann shows audiences how trying new things helps to become more adaptable and how leaders can create workplaces where people feel safer doing exactly that.
Lu Ann knows something about change. After nearly 40 years as an investigative journalist, surviving cancer twice, and navigating more than a few unexpected turns in life, you'd think she'd be pretty good at it.
But when the newsroom began changing around her, she resisted. Big time.
That resistance led Lu Ann to challenge herself to do something new every day for a year. What started as a way to get unstuck changed my life and career, inspired her book, I Dare Me, and connected her with readers and audiences around the world.
Audiences leave energized, more confident in their ability to adapt, and ready to lead by going first.
Adaptability Is Built, Not Born.
See The Experiential Advantage in action.
What happens when hundreds of HR leaders try something for the very first time? A lot of laughter. High engagement. And a firsthand lesson in adaptability.
Watch a 90-second highlight from my keynote at SHRM New Jersey.
The Experiential Advantage
Why Trying New Things Builds More Adaptable Organizations
For organizations to adapt, survive, and thrive through disruptive change, they need people willing to try new things.
The problem? Most of us are wired to resist the unfamiliar.
In this interactive keynote, I introduce Try → Adapt → Innovate, a framework that shows how trying new things can build adaptability—and how leaders can create workplaces where people feel safer doing just that.
TRUSTED BY ORGANIZATIONS AND CONFERENCES NATIONWIDE
What Event Organizers Are Saying
"I’ve overseen conferences of all sizes, and Lu Ann Cahn’s keynote was one of the most impactful I’ve seen. Her ability to connect with our group was incredible. She brought real energy, motivation, and inspiration. Her message to "Do the New" challenged our franchisees in the best way and left everyone feeling empowered. The feedback from our attendees was outstanding."
"Lu Ann customized her presentation to align with our theme and it resonated with all 500+ colleagues in the audience! We felt so lucky to have her part of our day!"
"In my 20 years with this organization I do not remember a monthly speaker receiving a standing ovation, that is, until Lu Ann's presentation. Her storytelling, interactions and ability to connect with the audience are a rare gift. It is my pleasure to wholeheartedly recommend Lu Ann for any speaking engagement."
"I had the absolute pleasure of welcoming Lu Ann Cahn as our opening keynote speaker at the Pennsylvania Workforce Development Association’s 41st Annual Conference, and she delivered in every sense of the word.
Lu Ann brought energy, humor, authenticity, and real impact to the stage. Her message about resilience, reinvention, and saying “yes” in a world that often says “no” resonated deeply with our audience of workforce professionals. She made us laugh, reflect, and re-engage with our own sense of purpose. It was exactly what we needed to kick off our event.
She’s not just a dynamic speaker; she’s a storyteller who connects with people in a way that lasts long after the applause ends. I would enthusiastically recommend Lu Ann for any organization looking to inspire action, motivate change, or simply remind people of the power they hold in their own story."
Let's Do Something New Together.
Planning a conference, leadership event, or company gathering?
Let's talk about how I can help your audience build the confidence and adaptability to try what's next.