Rocco Vallerand - Inclusion and Leadership Speaker

When you hire me, you receive more than a one-size-fits-all motivational speech. Before the event, I learn about your organization, audience, goals, and challenges so I can tailor the presentation to the people in the room.

Audiences can expect a warm, engaging, and honest presentation combining personal storytelling, professional insight, practical strategies, and appropriate humor. I create a respectful environment where people can think differently, participate without feeling pressured, and leave with ideas they can use immediately.

Programs can be delivered as a 45–60-minute keynote, a 60–90-minute interactive workshop, or up to two hours of facilitated training. Topics may include LGBTQIA+ inclusion and belonging, courageous leadership, resilience through change, workplace communication and conflict resolution, employee morale and well-being, and creating cultures where people feel seen, respected, and valued.

Depending on the format, sessions may include guided discussion, reflection questions, real-world scenarios, audience interaction, and a practical action plan. Every program is customized, whether I am speaking to a small leadership team, employees, educators, volunteers, community members, or a large conference audience.

Clients can expect clear communication, professional preparation, inclusive language, and a speaker who approaches sensitive subjects with compassion, candor, and care. My goal is for attendees to leave encouraged, better informed, and equipped to take meaningful action—not simply inspired for the afternoon.

I’m Rocco Vallerand, an author, motivational speaker, LGBTQIA+ advocate, and founder of Vallerand Inclusion Consulting. For more than 25 years, I have helped individuals and organizations navigate change, strengthen communication, and create environments where people can thrive.

My professional background includes more than a decade in mental health counseling, 13 years in addiction counseling, and extensive experience in human services, conflict resolution, leadership, customer service, and professional development. As a transgender man, I also bring lived experience to conversations about identity, resilience, belonging, and courageous leadership.

I founded Vallerand Inclusion Consulting to help businesses, schools, organizations, and community groups turn good intentions into practical, meaningful action. I am also the Founder and Executive Director of SAFETY—Support Alliance for Fairness and Equity for Transgender Youth—where I advocate for transgender and gender-diverse young people and the adults who support them.

My presentations combine personal storytelling, professional insight, warmth, and humor. Audiences leave with more than inspiration—they gain practical ways to communicate effectively, lead courageously, strengthen organizational culture, and help others feel seen, respected, and valued.

My technical requirements are simple and can be adapted to the venue and audience size.

For larger rooms, please provide a wireless lavalier, headset, or handheld microphone connected to the venue’s sound system. If slides are included, I will need access to a projector or large display, screen, and compatible computer connection. Presentation files can be supplied in advance when preferred.

A small table or podium and bottled water are appreciated. For interactive workshops, seating with a writing surface is helpful. A whiteboard, flip chart, or easel may also be requested depending on the program.

Please allow access to the presentation space approximately 30–45 minutes before the event for setup and a brief sound or equipment check. Final technical and room-layout needs will be confirmed with the client before the event.

Virtual presentations can also be accommodated using the client’s preferred meeting platform, with screen-sharing access provided when slides are used.