At 42, Jackie Connelly (she/her) experienced two strokes that disrupted her brain’s language center, fundamentally reshaping her relationship with work and life. Previously a high-achiever working 80-hour weeks in pursuit of promotions and climbing that ladder, this medical crisis sparked deeper questions about identity, values, and belonging. Jackie brings her story to conferences, team retreats, and leadership gatherings designed around vulnerability, courage, and meaningful connection.
What audiences say:
- Average ranking of 4.08 out of 5 from 125 attendees at the 63rd Annual CPHR Conference & Expo, “Unlocking Neurodiverse Talent”
- 100% presenter rating from 87 attendees at Canadian Mental Health Association presentation, “Building Belonging by Viewing DEI Through a Neuroinclusive Lens”,
- “Inspiring, engaging and actionable.” — Joanna
- “Jackie was referred to our organization…she has the ability to make others feel safe, valued, seen and heard.” — Anar Amlani, Chief People Culture and Inclusion Officer, Immigrant Services Society of BC
- “From the start with pre-planning meetings, she communicated concisely…tools were useful, and memorable.” — Louise Elsey, Chief Operating Officer, Devon Properties
- “Practical, thought-provoking and mind opening. Deeply real and accurate.” — ICF 2025 Conference attendee
Jackie is a neuroinclusive leadership consultant, speaker, certified organizational coach and stroke survivor with over 11 years of HR and DEI leadership experience across public, private, and non-profit organizations. Please find more information about Jackie, including her signature talks and recent speaking engagements, on her speaking page: