Kubesch & Associates, LLC

Engaging keynote speaker who turns audiences into active participants. Leila blends storytelling, humor, and practical strategy to help teams mobilize support, communicate clearly, and build real collaboration. Easy to work with and highly responsive, she partners with event planners to deliver a seamless experience. Audiences leave with actionable tools they can use immediately, while clients often add her optional workshops and event photography to extend the impact long after the event ends.

Leila Kubesch is an international keynote speaker, educator, and community mobilizer known for turning ideas into action. A National Teacher Hall of Fame inductee and former Ohio Teacher of the Year, she brings decades of experience in education, leadership, and storytelling to every stage.

Leila is the creator of The Art of the Ask, a practical framework that helps leaders move from doing everything alone to building partnerships that get results. Her work is rooted in real-world experience, from building programs with no budget to leading initiatives that engaged families, communities, and organizations in meaningful ways.

She has spoken across the United States and internationally, including at TEDx, and is known for blending humor, audience participation, and clear strategy. Her sessions leave people with language they can use immediately and the confidence to take their next step.

Beyond the stage, Leila is also a photographer who often captures events to help teams see themselves as part of something bigger. Whether speaking to educators, leaders, or organizations, she creates spaces where people connect, collaborate, and move forward together.

Leila is a storyteller and highly interactive speaker. She does not stand behind a lectern and does not read from notes, so she needs the freedom to move throughout the space and engage directly with the audience.

A wireless lapel microphone is strongly preferred to allow for movement and audience interaction. If a lapel mic is not available, a wireless handheld microphone is the next best option.

If slides are used, a projector and screen with HDMI connection are appreciated. Slides are simple and used to support the message, not drive it.

A well-lit stage or speaking area is helpful, especially for larger audiences. No special staging is required, but clear visibility and good sound are important.

Leila typically arrives early, tests all equipment in advance, and works closely with the event team to ensure everything runs smoothly.