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Commander Mary Kelly
Renowned Economist and Leadership Expert
Mary Kelly, PhD, CDR, US Navy (retired) is a retired Navy Commander, and economist who helps organizations build stronger leaders and more profitable teams. Drawing from military and industry experience, she delivers practical, no-nonsense strategies that inspire audiences to embrace change, excel at work, and plan for the future.
Bio
Mary Kelly, PhD is a leadership economist, keynote speaker, and former U.S. Navy commander who helps business leaders make smart decisions in uncertain economic times. She translates complex economic trends, workforce data, and market uncertainty into clear, practical leadership actions leaders can use immediately.
Mary speaks to CEOs, executives, boards, and association leaders on the intersection of economics, leadership, productivity, workforce strategy, succession planning, and organizational performance. Her presentations blend real-world economics, leadership research, and decades of experience leading people through high-stakes environments.
She is frequently selected as an opening keynote speaker because she sets the strategic tone for conferences—helping audiences understand what is happening in the economy, why it matters to their organization, and what leaders must do next to stay competitive. Her programs are insightful, engaging, and grounded in reality, making complex issues accessible without oversimplifying them.
A Hall of Fame professional speaker, best-selling author of more than 20 books, and a recognized authority on leadership and economic trends, Mary is known for delivering high-content, high-energy keynotes that challenge leaders to think differently, plan strategically, and lead with confidence in times of change.
Keynotes
Featured Keynote
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Leadership is Tough: What Great Leaders Do Differently
Based on new my 2026 book, Leadership is Tough: Skills. Decisions. Disciplines. What Great Leaders Do Differently, this program focuses on the real skills, decisions, and disciplines strong leaders must make, especially when the stakes are high. It resonates strongly with executives, board members, emerging leaders, and leadership teams who want to elevate performance and accountability.
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Futurenomics: The Economic Snapshot You Need to See Today
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Leading Yourself and Your Teams Through Crisis, Challenge, and Change
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Master Your World: Unleashing Leaders' Productivity for Maximum Profits, Peak Efficiency, and Superior Communication
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Who Comes Next? Leadership Succession Planning Made Easy
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P.I.V.O.T.: How to Lead Teams through Crisis, Challenge, and Change
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Why Leaders Fail and the 7 Prescriptions for Success
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A.R.M.E.D.: How To Attract, Recruit/Retain, Mentor/Manage, Evolve, and Develop Your Current and Future Leaders
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15 Ways to Grow Your Business in 2025 and Beyond In Every Economy
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In Case of Emergency, Break Glass! A systematic and humorous program to organize important life documents.
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