SPEAKING TOPIC
Whatever It Takes: The Broadway Attitude to Achieve Your Biggest Dreams and Overcome the Unexpected with Ease
Hayley Podschun has been a professional actor since the age of 10 and on Broadway since the age of 12. With eight Broadway shows—including starring as Glinda in Wicked—two national tours, and film & television credits, Hayley knows what it takes to adapt and thrive through constant change.
She has mastered the "Whatever It Takes" attitude that is crucial to succeeding in one of the most competitive industries in the world.
In her keynote, Hayley shares the mindset and strategies that helped her achieve her dream of performing on Broadway, a feat few can attain. Drawing from her experiences in high-pressure, ever-changing environments, she reveals how embracing this powerful attitude allows you to overcome obstacles, tackle challenges head-on, and make your biggest dreams a reality.
Hayley’s insights will empower your team to take on adversity with confidence and ease, unlocking the tools needed to navigate obstacles and transform challenges into stepping stones toward success.
Whether striving for a personal or professional goal, this inspiring and high-energy talk will ignite audiences to adopt the Broadway attitude and achieve greatness—no matter what it takes. And yes—just like when she took flight as Glinda—Hayley believes everyone deserves the chance to fly!
What Attendees Will Learn from Hayley Podschun’s Keynote:
1. How to mentally prepare for high-stakes moments before they happen
Hayley shares that big opportunities often arrive without warning no script, no rehearsal, just go. Attendees will learn how to recognize those “one second” moments and step in with intention instead of hesitation.
2. How to respond with resilience when everything goes wrong
Hayley shares behind-the-scenes stories from her Broadway career, including what it’s like to perform live when things go off-script and unplanned. Attendees will learn how to stay composed, recover quickly, and keep moving forward when the unexpected threatens to derail their performance onstage or at work.
3. How to apply “The Show Must Go On” as a mindset for navigating uncertainty
Hayley reframes this iconic phrase as more than a saying - it’s a way of operating under pressure. Attendees will learn how to trust their preparation, stay present, and show up consistently even when things aren’t perfect.
4. How to keep showing up after rejection again and again
Hayley tells the story of auditioning six times over six years for her dream role of Glinda in Wicked despite being told she’d never get it. Audiences will learn how to process discouragement without giving up, and how to keep moving forward with grit and purpose.
5. How to adopt a “Whatever It Takes” approach to achieving big goals
Hayley introduces the phrase she uses to power through challenges - “Whatever It Takes”. Attendees will learn how to stay committed, flexible, and open to growth even when the path forward doesn’t look how they expected.
To have Hayley speak at your event, or for questions and availability, please reach out to Kelly Bjorseth at Upside Speakers. Kelly@upsidespeakers.com 913.766.3965
