Melissa Fors Shackelford
Keynote Speaker: Award-Winning Marketing Strategist; Author of "Harnessing Purpose: A Marketer's Guide to Inspiring Connection"
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Melissa Fors Shackelford Biography
Melissa Fors Shackelford is a nationally recognized marketing strategist, author, and speaker with over two decades of experience leading transformational brand and growth initiatives in the healthcare, nonprofit and tech sectors. As the founder of Shackelford Strategies, she advises mission-driven organizations and startups on how to scale with integrity, tell more inclusive stories, and lead with purpose.
Shackelford is a sought-after speaker known for her engaging, insight-rich sessions on purpose-driven marketing, brand strategy, inclusive communication and ethical leadership. Her keynotes and workshops consistently draw praise for blending big-picture inspiration with actionable tools.
She has presented at some of the nation’s most respected conferences and institutions, including The American Marketing Association, The Society for Healthcare Strategy & Market Development of the American Hospital Association, The Forum for Healthcare Strategists, The University of Minnesota Women’s Leadership Conference, The Mid-Atlantic Society for Healthcare Strategy and The National Association on Addiction.
As the author of "Harnessing Purpose: A Marketer’s Guide to Inspiring Connection," Shackelford equips leaders with practical strategies to align brand, culture and communication—fostering stronger connections with customers, teams and communities.
Throughout her career, she has held executive roles at leading organizations such as Optum, Cigna’s Evernorth, Hazelden Betty Ford and LetsGetChecked. Shackelford has been honored as Nonprofit Marketer of the Year by the American Marketing Association, received the Women’s Health Leadership TRUST Award and was named one of the Top 50 Women in Healthcare. Driven by a deep belief that marketing can be a force for good, Shackelford helps leaders and teams turn purpose into performance—and vision into action.
Contact a speaker booking agent to check availability on Melissa Fors Shackelford and other top speakers and celebrities.
Melissa Fors Shackelford Speaking Topics
In an era defined by rapid change, rising disconnection, and growing distrust in institutions, one force is quietly reshaping the future of work, leadership, and business: purpose.
Drawing from over two decades of healthcare marketing leadership -- and insights from her book "Harnessing Purpose" -- Melissa Fors Shackelford reveals why organizations and individuals who anchor themselves in deeper meaning are not only more resilient, but more innovative, impactful, and trusted.
This talk challenges traditional notions of success rooted solely in profit and growth. Instead, Melissa illustrates how purpose-driven leadership transforms brands, teams, and industries — and why connecting to authentic purpose isn’t just good for business, but essential for thriving in the next economy.
Blending real-world experience, research-backed insights, and human-centered storytelling, Melissa offers a roadmap for leaders, marketers, and changemakers who want to build more meaningful, sustainable futures.
In an era of growing distrust and information fatigue, purpose isn’t just a branding tool—it’s a business imperative. Healthcare organizations that lead with clarity, connection, and purpose create more resilient brands, more engaged teams, and more loyal patients. This session explores how to build marketing strategies rooted in purpose, equity, and real-world impact.
In an era of increased social awareness, fractured trust, and rapid brand accountability, inclusive marketing isn’t optional—it’s expected.
But true inclusion goes deeper than casting choices and diverse stock imagery. It requires confronting bias, addressing stigma, and intentionally designing messaging that resonates with—and respects—every audience you serve.
This high-impact session unpacks how brand and marketing leaders can operationalize inclusion as a core business strategy, not a siloed initiative. Drawing from real-world campaigns and decades of experience leading healthcare and mission-driven brands, Melissa Fors Shackelford explores how inclusive communication not only drives engagement and loyalty—it also dismantles stigma and opens new paths to connection and growth.
In today’s hyper-connected world, people don’t just engage with brands—they evaluate them. Every message, every campaign, and every silence tells a story. And in that noise, authenticity is the signal.
In this powerful and practical session, Melissa Fors Shackelford makes the case that authentic communication is not a soft skill—it’s a strategic advantage. Rooted in over two decades of experience leading marketing and brand strategy across healthcare, tech, and mission-driven sectors, she shares how aligned, transparent, and values-based messaging can fuel connection, rebuild trust, and sustain brand credibility through change.
From navigating crises to crafting purpose-led campaigns, this talk explores how teams can build internal alignment, avoid performative missteps, and lead with communication that resonates—inside and out.
How do I book Melissa Fors Shackelford to speak at my event?
Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Melissa Fors Shackelford for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for Melissa Fors Shackelford, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for Melissa Fors Shackelford or any other speaker of your choice.
How much does it cost to book Melissa Fors Shackelford for a speaking engagement?
Speaking fees for Melissa Fors Shackelford, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Melissa Fors Shackelford are Below $10,000 for live events and Below $10,000 for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Melissa Fors Shackelford, click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.
What topics does Melissa Fors Shackelford speak about?
Melissa Fors Shackelford is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Author, Marketing, Healthcare, Workshop, Business Growth, DEI, Communication, Personal Growth, Entrepreneurship, Leadership and Female Leadership.
Where does Melissa Fors Shackelford travel from?
Melissa Fors Shackelford generally travels from Minneapolis, MN, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances.
Who is the agent for Melissa Fors Shackelford?
AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully secured keynote speakers like Melissa Fors Shackelford for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Melissa Fors Shackelford for your next private or corporate function.
What is a full-service speaker booking agency?
AAE Speakers Bureau is a full-service speaker booking agency, meaning we can completely manage the speaker’s or celebrity’s engagement with your organization from the time of booking your speaker through the event’s completion. We provide all of the services you need to host Melissa Fors Shackelford or any other speaker of your choice, including offer negotiation, contractual assistance, accounting and billing, and event speaker travel and logistics services. When you book a speaker with us, we manage the process of hosting a speaker for you as an extension of your team. Our goal is to give our clients peace of mind and a best-in-class service experience when booking a speaker with us.
Why is AAE Speakers Bureau different from other booking agencies?
If you’re looking for the best speaker recommendations, paired with a top-notch customer service experience, you’re in the right place. At AAE Speakers Bureau, we exclusively represent the interests of our clients - professional organizations, companies, universities, and associations. We intentionally do not represent the speakers we feature or book. That is so we can present our clients with the broadest and best performing set of speaker options in the market today, and we can make these recommendations without any obligation to promote a specific speaker over another. This is why when our agents suggest a speaker for your event, you can be assured that they are of the highest quality with a history of proven success with our other clients.
Melissa Fors Shackelford is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics including Author, Marketing and Healthcare. The estimated speaking fee range to book Melissa Fors Shackelford for live events is Below $10,000, and for virtual events Below $10,000. Melissa Fors Shackelford generally travels from Minneapolis, MN, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Don Peppers, Dr. Jackie Freiberg and Scott Deming. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Melissa Fors Shackelford for an upcoming event.
SPEAKING TOPICS
Melissa Fors Shackelford Speaking Topics
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The Hidden Power of Purpose: Why Meaning, Not Money, Will Shape the Future
In an era defined by rapid change, rising disconnection, and growing distrust in institutions, one force is quietly reshaping the future of work, leadership, and business: purpose.
Drawing from over two decades of healthcare marketing leadership -- and insights from her book "Harnessing Purpose" -- Melissa Fors Shackelford reveals why organizations and individuals who anchor themselves in deeper meaning are not only more resilient, but more innovative, impactful, and trusted.
This talk challenges traditional notions of success rooted solely in profit and growth. Instead, Melissa illustrates how purpose-driven leadership transforms brands, teams, and industries — and why connecting to authentic purpose isn’t just good for business, but essential for thriving in the next economy.
Blending real-world experience, research-backed insights, and human-centered storytelling, Melissa offers a roadmap for leaders, marketers, and changemakers who want to build more meaningful, sustainable futures.
-
Harnessing Purpose: How Purpose-Driven Marketing Builds Trust, Connection, and Impact in Healthcare
In an era of growing distrust and information fatigue, purpose isn’t just a branding tool—it’s a business imperative. Healthcare organizations that lead with clarity, connection, and purpose create more resilient brands, more engaged teams, and more loyal patients. This session explores how to build marketing strategies rooted in purpose, equity, and real-world impact.
-
From Stigma to Strategy: How Inclusive Marketing Builds Trust, Breaks Bias, and Drives Brand Growth
In an era of increased social awareness, fractured trust, and rapid brand accountability, inclusive marketing isn’t optional—it’s expected.
But true inclusion goes deeper than casting choices and diverse stock imagery. It requires confronting bias, addressing stigma, and intentionally designing messaging that resonates with—and respects—every audience you serve.
This high-impact session unpacks how brand and marketing leaders can operationalize inclusion as a core business strategy, not a siloed initiative. Drawing from real-world campaigns and decades of experience leading healthcare and mission-driven brands, Melissa Fors Shackelford explores how inclusive communication not only drives engagement and loyalty—it also dismantles stigma and opens new paths to connection and growth.
-
Speak with Purpose: How Authentic Communication Builds Trust, Loyalty, and Brand Integrity
In today’s hyper-connected world, people don’t just engage with brands—they evaluate them. Every message, every campaign, and every silence tells a story. And in that noise, authenticity is the signal.
In this powerful and practical session, Melissa Fors Shackelford makes the case that authentic communication is not a soft skill—it’s a strategic advantage. Rooted in over two decades of experience leading marketing and brand strategy across healthcare, tech, and mission-driven sectors, she shares how aligned, transparent, and values-based messaging can fuel connection, rebuild trust, and sustain brand credibility through change.
From navigating crises to crafting purpose-led campaigns, this talk explores how teams can build internal alignment, avoid performative missteps, and lead with communication that resonates—inside and out.
VIDEO
Melissa Fors Shackelford Videos
REVIEWS
Melissa Fors Shackelford Reviews
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University of North Dakota - Nov 10 2025
FAQS
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How do I book Melissa Fors Shackelford to speak at my event?
Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Melissa Fors Shackelford for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for Melissa Fors Shackelford, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for Melissa Fors Shackelford or any other speaker of your choice. -
How much does it cost to book Melissa Fors Shackelford for a speaking engagement?
Speaking fees for Melissa Fors Shackelford, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Melissa Fors Shackelford are Below $10,000 for live events and Below $10,000 for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Melissa Fors Shackelford, click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent. -
What topics does Melissa Fors Shackelford speak about?
Melissa Fors Shackelford is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Author, Marketing, Healthcare, Workshop, Business Growth, DEI, Communication, Personal Growth, Entrepreneurship, Leadership and Female Leadership. -
Where does Melissa Fors Shackelford travel from?
Melissa Fors Shackelford generally travels from Minneapolis, MN, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. -
Who is the agent for Melissa Fors Shackelford?
AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully secured keynote speakers like Melissa Fors Shackelford for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Melissa Fors Shackelford for your next private or corporate function. -
What is a full-service speaker booking agency?
AAE Speakers Bureau is a full-service speaker booking agency, meaning we can completely manage the speaker’s or celebrity’s engagement with your organization from the time of booking your speaker through the event’s completion. We provide all of the services you need to host Melissa Fors Shackelford or any other speaker of your choice, including offer negotiation, contractual assistance, accounting and billing, and event speaker travel and logistics services. When you book a speaker with us, we manage the process of hosting a speaker for you as an extension of your team. Our goal is to give our clients peace of mind and a best-in-class service experience when booking a speaker with us. -
Why is AAE Speakers Bureau different from other booking agencies?
If you’re looking for the best speaker recommendations, paired with a top-notch customer service experience, you’re in the right place. At AAE Speakers Bureau, we exclusively represent the interests of our clients - professional organizations, companies, universities, and associations. We intentionally do not represent the speakers we feature or book. That is so we can present our clients with the broadest and best performing set of speaker options in the market today, and we can make these recommendations without any obligation to promote a specific speaker over another. This is why when our agents suggest a speaker for your event, you can be assured that they are of the highest quality with a history of proven success with our other clients.
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All American Entertainment (AAE) exclusively represents the interests of talent buyers, and does not claim to be the agency or management for any speaker or artist on this site. AAE is a talent booking agency for paid events only. We do not handle requests for donation of time or media requests for interviews, and cannot provide celebrity contact information.
