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James H. Pogue, PhD

Main Stage Keynote Speaker | Executive Facilitator | Emcee

Keynote 1: The Connection Quotient™ — Leading When the Room Gets Quiet

Disruption doesn’t just change strategy—it shakes the very foundation of trust within teams. Whether it’s organizational change, shifting expectations, or cultural divides, leaders are often left facing silence, disengagement, and fractured collaboration. In this powerful keynote, Dr. Pogue introduces The Connection Quotient™ (CQ)—a practical framework for identifying and closing the leadership gaps that cause disconnection. Through storytelling, audience interaction, and proven tools, participants will learn how to recognize when teams are quietly pulling away and how to rebuild engagement, trust, and momentum by focusing on authentic reconnection.

Learning Outcomes:

  • Enhanced ability to treat “connection” as a measurable leadership lever not just a soft skill tightly linking team unity to business outcomes.
  • Uncover the leadership blind-spots that fracture team trust during disruption and gain clarity on how to redirect them toward alignment.
  • Gain exclusive insight into the (CQ Framework) five themes and sixteen variables driving disconnection across industries and discover how high-performing organizations are turning that data into measurable connection and performance gains.

Keynote 2: The RIGHT Kind of Uncomfortable — Turning Friction into Forward Momentum

Conflict. Awkward silence. Disagreement. Most leaders see these as problems to avoid—but they’re actually opportunities for progress. In this engaging session, Dr. Pogue reframes discomfort as a sign that growth is trying to happen. Attendees will discover The RIGHT Kind of Uncomfortable™ model—a structured approach to using tension and resistance as fuel for innovation, clarity, and trust. This keynote empowers leaders to create environments where difficult conversations lead to breakthroughs, not breakdowns.

Learning Outcomes:

  • A shifted mindset to see productive discomfort rather than avoidance as the fuel for innovation, trust and team performance.
  • Introduction to a repeatable leadership model that converts silent tension, generational divides or “surface agreement” into meaningful alignment and forward motion.
  • Gain concrete tools and strategies to build a culture that uses friction as a competitive advantage.

Keynote 3: Lonely at the Top — The Hidden Disruptor in Leadership

Leadership is often portrayed as powerful, but behind the title can lie one of its most dangerous challenges: isolation. When leaders become disconnected from peers, teams, or purpose, judgment falters, engagement drops, and performance suffers. In this keynote, Dr. Pogue explores the psychological and organizational costs of isolation—and how intentional connection can restore energy, clarity, and confidence. Through insights, stories, and actionable tools, leaders will leave with a renewed sense of purpose and a plan to lead from connection rather than solitude.

Learning Outcomes:

  • Recognize that isolation often unseen and unspoken is one of the greatest threats to executive effectiveness and team alignment.
  • Build intentional leadership connections without oversharing; converting isolation into strategic collaboration and resilience.
  • Renewed understanding of how authentic connection re-energizes teams, strengthens culture, and restores clarity and confidence.

Why Book Dr. James Pogue