Keynote Speaker | Reinvention & Second Chances

What to Expect When You Book Connie Paglianiti

✅ Real stories, real impact – No sugar-coating and no tired clichés. Connie draws on lived experience to explore reinvention, stigma, gambling harm, reintegration and what genuine second chances require.

✅ Practical insight, not empty inspiration – Audiences leave with useful questions, fresh perspectives and practical tools they can apply in their workplaces and lives.

✅ Engagement, not a lecture – Connie doesn’t simply speak at an audience. She creates connection and encourages people to think, feel, reflect and respond.

✅ Empowerment with edge – Tough subjects such as accountability, outdated labels, risk and redemption are handled with honesty, humanity and hope, without losing their impact.

✅ A conversation that continues – People leave questioning assumptions, recognising untapped human potential and understanding that a person’s past does not have to determine their future.

A/V and Setup Requirements

Microphone: Wireless lapel or headset microphone preferred. A handheld microphone is also suitable. For smaller rooms, I can present without amplification where acoustics allow.

Screen and slides: Screen or projector with HDMI connection. I bring my own laptop, USB-C adapter and presentation clicker. A no-slides presentation can also be arranged.

Audio: Required only when the presentation includes video clips or audio. This will be confirmed in advance.

Stage setup: Lectern optional. Please provide a clear presentation area with room to move comfortably.

Workshops: Flip chart or whiteboard with markers preferred. Tables arranged in pods or cabaret style are more suitable than theatre-style seating.

Virtual or hybrid events: Stable internet, screen-sharing capability and appropriate audio. I can self-manage Zoom or Microsoft Teams if an event host is unavailable.

Pre-event check: A brief technical check will be arranged with the organiser or venue contact before the event to confirm the available setup.

Red Flags in Plain Sight™: How to Spot Risk Before It Blows Up
A practical keynote helping leaders recognise early warning signs, ask better questions and respond before workplace problems become crises.

Second Chances: The Case for Hiring Beyond the Checkbox
A compelling challenge to outdated recruitment practices, exploring how organisations can employ justice-impacted people without compromising standards, safety or accountability.

Stigma at Work: When Language, Policy and Culture Do Harm
How everyday language, rigid policies and outdated labels can prevent recovery, damage trust and cause organisations to overlook capable people.

Leadership with Backbone and Heart
How leaders can combine compassion with clarity, hold people accountable and navigate difficult conversations without losing their humanity.

Your Story Is Your Superpower
How to transform lived experience into credible advocacy, meaningful influence and a message that creates genuine impact.

From Shadows to Success
Connie’s powerful signature keynote tracing her journey from gambling addiction, public downfall and prison at 61 to university graduate, bestselling author and TEDx speaker. Honest, confronting and ultimately hopeful.

Experience Does Not Expire: The Untapped Value of Older Workers
A fresh look at age, reinvention and the experience organisations overlook when capable people are judged by their age, career gaps or past.

Inclusion Beyond Diversity
How to create workplaces that genuinely support people affected by addiction, stigma, trauma and reintegration, rather than merely talking about inclusion.

Speaking Packages

From $2,500 | Community Keynote
A 30–45-minute presentation in metropolitan Melbourne, including a short Q&A. Suitable for councils, libraries, schools and community events.

$3,500–$4,500 | Signature Keynote
A 45–60-minute keynote for corporate, government, education and conference audiences. Includes a preparation call, tailored content, presentation slides and relevant attendee resources.

$5,500–$7,500 | Premium Keynote Experience
A highly customised keynote for conferences, leadership events and larger organisations. Includes stakeholder consultation, event run-sheet review, customised presentation content and an attendee resource bundle.

Not-for-profit and community organisations: A limited number of reduced-fee dates may be available. Please enquire.

Included with Every Keynote
Discovery call and agenda alignment
Tailored presentation content and slides
Promotional copy for event marketing
Relevant attendee resources
Brief post-event debrief
Optional Add-ons
Same-day 90–120-minute workshop: from $1,500
Panel moderation or facilitated Q&A: from $750
Signed books and customised book bundles: price on application
Travel and Accommodation

Speaking fees exclude travel, accommodation and related expenses unless otherwise agreed.

For engagements outside metropolitan Melbourne, the client covers:

Return economy airfares or reasonable ground travel
Accommodation when an overnight stay is required
Airport transfers, taxis, rideshares, parking and tolls
Reasonable meal expenses while travelling

Overnight accommodation may be required for early starts, late finishes or where same-day travel is impractical.

Travel arrangements and costs will be agreed upon before the booking is confirmed. The client may book travel directly, or Connie can arrange it and invoice the agreed expenses.

Travel, accommodation and related expenses outside metropolitan Melbourne are additional to the speaking fee and agreed in advance.

Public Liability Insurance can be supplied upon confirmed booking.
Current Working With Children Check (WWCC) - cleared and active in Victoria