Perspectives from members and industry partners who have experienced the Village53 community firsthand.

  • “Village53 has far exceeded my expectations. I have gained valuable insights in a wide array of areas of my business including marketing, use of AI, positioning, navigating bureau relationships, industry specific nuances, and becoming a better speaker. The ultimate value however, has been in the people. It is a specifically curated group of amazing humans that all operate as an open book and are there to support one another personally and professionally. Everyone truly embodies the idea that you have to be a villager to be a part of a village.”

    — Connor Fields, Motivational Speaker, Olympic BMX Racer

  • “It’s rare to find a room full of people who are genuinely willing to collaborate, think with an open mind, and imagine something bigger together. Jenny is a unique industry leader who knows how to build intentional community around the belief that someone else’s success does not diminish your own, and that we are stronger when we help create opportunity for one another. Village53 feels like a room full of unlit wicks, already filled with potential, with the leadership, direction, and environment needed to help them catch fire. It’s one of the most energizing communities I’ve experienced, where people come not simply to burn brighter as individuals, but to light one another up and ultimately set the world on fire together.”

    — Drew Sullivan, Senior VP, APB Speakers

  • “Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.There is nothing like being in community with other highly motivated, deeply caring human beings who want to learn and grow together. I am forever grateful for Village53 and the opportunity to connect with brilliant minds - we can challenge each other, share best practices and continue to develop our craft and skills. The gift of being a speaker is not taken for granted and having this community to lean on and receive support is nothing short of amazing! It is always a highlight of my week and something I look forward to in my week.

    — Jessica Janzen, Keynote Speaker, Bestselling Author, Philanthropist

  • "I think one of the things that feels so good about Villages53 is knowing I don’t just have friends scattered around this industry—I have people I’m actually journeying with. We have the consistency and structure to stay connected, share what we’re learning, ask for help, offer support, celebrate each other, and keep growing together. That’s a pretty rare gift."

    — Shasta Nelson, Friendship Expert, Keynote Speaker, Author

  • "Village53 is the place you come to in order to im-prove yourself, not prove yourself. I’ve learned more about the business of speaking on and off stage in six months here than in my previous 10 years combined."

    — Amer Kaissi

    Professor of Leadership

    Village53 Member

Perspectives from members and industry partners who have experienced the Village53 community firsthand.

There’s no single right way to become a successful keynote speaker. You have to find your own way. Nothing has contributed more to my growth than the diversity of mentors I’ve found at Village53. These are exceptional speakers and generous people, each building a successful speaking business in their own way. Learning from their different approaches helps me choose what works for me while staying authentic to who I am. I would not be the speaker I am today without the mentors, partners, and friends I’ve found at Village53.

Dan Chuparkoff

AI & Innovation Expert

Village53 Member

Village53 brings connection and community to an industry that often feels like you’re on an island. Jenny has created a space where speakers can learn and grow alongside one another and industry colleagues. Grateful to have a place where everyone understands the work, the challenges, and the opportunities that come with it.

Rachel Mahoney

Human Connection Expert

Village53 Member

Village53 has created something every speaker needs.... a safe, transparent space to celebrate, learn, grow, ask honest questions, and develop new ideas for business development. I love that I get to learn from speakers who have already been there and done it and are at a place I aspire to be, while growing alongside others navigating the same season I am. Everyone is humble, honest, generous, and genuinely supportive. In a business that can sometimes feel lonely, Village53 reminds us that we are not alone. It proves what I have always believed, the right relationships do not just support your growth. They accelerate it.

Barb Betts

Relationship Expert

Village53 Member

Perspectives from members and industry partners who have experienced the Village53 community firsthand.

  • “Village53 has created something every speaker needs.... a safe, transparent space to celebrate, learn, grow, ask honest questions, and develop new ideas for business development. I love that I get to learn from speakers who have already been there and done it and are at a place I aspire to be, while growing alongside others navigating the same season I am. Everyone is humble, honest, generous, and genuinely supportive. In a business that can sometimes feel lonely, Village53 reminds us that we are not alone. It proves what I have always believed, the right relationships do not just support your growth. They accelerate it.”

    Barb Betts

    Relationship Expert

    Village53 Member

  • “I love being a part of Village53! Jenny is amazing and it is wonderful to be in community with so many other speakers who are committed to growth, connection, generosity, and excellence. I’ve been in the speaking business for more than 25 years, and it is exciting, humbling, and inspiring to learn from and be challenged by a diverse group of speakers who are operating at a high level. Being a part of Village53 has helped me enhance my marketing and positioning, as well as my bureau partnerships. It has and continues to have a positive impact on the success of my business, as well as on me as a speaker and human.”

    Mike Robbins

    Village53 Member

  • “When I learn that a speaker is part of the Village 53 community, it immediately gives me an added level of confidence. I know they’re surrounded by people who challenge each other, share best practices and are committed to continually getting better. As an agent, that matters. I know I’m working with speakers who are evolving their keynotes, are great to work with behind the scenes and, most importantly, consistently deliver on stage.”

    Brittanny Kreutzer

    Speaker Exchange Agency

  • “As a bureau agent, Village53 isn't just where I meet incredible keynote speakers - though I have, plenty. At its core, it's where the real work happens: honest conversations, bookings that turn into friendships, and spaces to workshop ideas that make our industry a little more connected. It's where relationships form that push all of us forward, elevating the quality of live events one keynote at at time.
    Thank you, Jenny, for building something this rare. Yes, it takes a village, but it's even better when the village feels like home.”

    Melissa Mann

    SpeakInc

  • “Running a speaking business is a strange kind of lonely. You're the only person who fully understands your own numbers, your own calendar, your own doubts. Village53 is the one room where that stops being true. I share what I am really doing, and challenges I'm really facing, and get real feedback and solutions from peers who actually get it, because they're living it too.”

    David Burkus

    Village53 Member