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Best Keynote Speakers in Indianapolis
Indianapolis Keynote Speaker Services
Indianapolis is known as the Crossroads of America, but it’s also becoming a crossroads of people, ideas, and innovation. While the city has long been celebrated for its racing culture, thriving sports teams, and Midwestern spirit, it’s also home to a growing professional ecosystem where HR leaders, executives, and consultants shape the culture of work. From downtown firms to Carmel startups to nonprofit organizations across the metro, Indianapolis is building a reputation as a people-first city where talent development and organizational culture are just as important as strategy and revenue.
That’s where keynote speakers and consultants come in. They help companies ignite culture change, train leaders to think differently, and equip HR teams with strategies that stick. At Digital Reference, we believe that selecting the right keynote speaker means going beyond popularity. We curate lists like this through in-depth research, conversations with professionals, and evaluation of each person’s body of work.
If you’re an Indianapolis HR leader planning your next conference, retreat, or organizational workshop, you want someone who resonates with your people. That’s why we’re excited to share this list of Indianapolis keynote speakers: some are freelancers, others run their own firms, and some lead established organizations. All of them bring something unique to the table.
Our Methodology - Keynote Speakers in Indy
Before we dive into the professionals, here’s how Digital Reference builds these lists:
- Local relevance—We highlight speakers with strong Indianapolis ties or an active presence in Central Indiana.
- HR applicability—Each professional must offer value to HR leaders, talent strategists, and organizational teams.
- Credibility—We review their track record, media features, speaking engagements, and professional recognition.
- Digital Reference Alignment—We choose consultants who embody our themes: human-centered design, diverse perspectives, curiosity, reflection, and future-ready thinking.
- Practicality—Beyond inspiration, we value consultants who offer actionable strategies for HR leaders.
This blend ensures that our Indianapolis list isn’t generic—it’s highly practical and people-first.
🌟 Meet Sacramento's Keynote Speakers Making things Happen
♦️ Melissa St. John
Keynote Speaker at Melissa St John Speaks
Melissa St. John is CEO of Relocation Strategies, a consulting firm that supports organizations through workplace transitions: from office moves to redesigns to cultural transformations.
✨ Highlights:
🟢 Deep expertise in change management during physical transitions, which are often some of the most stressful moments for HR teams.
🟢 As a certified interior designer (NCIDQ, RID), Melissa bridges the gap between physical workspace and people strategy.
🟢 Known in Indianapolis for philanthropic leadership and mentoring women in business.
For HR teams, Melissa offers insights into how the workspace itself becomes a driver of culture and performance.
♦️ Angie Nuttle
Keynote Speaker• Business Coach for Entrepreneurial and Corporate Women
Angie Nuttle is a leadership consultant, speaker, and coach with a passion for helping professionals, especially women, step into leadership roles with confidence.
✨ Highlights:
🟢 Founder of Corporate Talent Institute, focusing on leadership development and diversity.
🟢 Author of several books, including works on career growth and women’s empowerment.
🟢 Known for her ability to mix corporate experience with personal coaching, making her relatable to HR and leadership audiences alike.
Her sessions help HR leaders and executives break down barriers for underrepresented groups and create inclusive pathways for growth.
♦️ Kevin Eikenberry
Keynote Speaker, Experienced Leadership and Remote/Hybrid Work Specialist
Kevin Eikenberry is one of the most recognized leadership consultants in Indiana. He’s CEO of The Kevin Eikenberry Group and co-founder of The Remote Leadership Institute.
✨ Highlights:
🟢 Internationally recognized author of books on leadership and remote work, including The Long-Distance Leader.
🟢 Helps organizations adapt to hybrid and remote models, one of HR’s most pressing challenges.
🟢 Known for blending research with highly practical tools for managers.
For Indianapolis HR leaders, Kevin is a go-to for leadership in the hybrid era, perfectly aligned with Digital Reference’s focus on future-ready workplaces.
♦️ Robert Vane
Keynote Speaker and President at Veteran Strategies, Inc.
Robert is a communications strategist with a background in politics and public affairs.
✨ Highlights:
🟢 Co-founder of Veteran Strategies, where he helps organizations communicate with authenticity and impact.
🟢 Former Deputy Mayor of Indianapolis, giving him deep insight into civic leadership.
🟢 Known for his ability to craft narratives during times of crisis or change.
For HR leaders, Robert’s experience is invaluable in navigating organizational change and reputation management.
♦️ Nicholas Lawrence, SHRM-CP
Keynote Speaker | Leadership Coach | Workshop Facilitator | Elevating HR & Customer Service with Purpose
Nicholas Lawrence is an HR practitioner and consultant who specializes in HR compliance, organizational design, and employee engagement.
✨ Highlights:
🟢 Certified SHRM-CP, demonstrating deep technical HR expertise
🟢 Focus on HR systems, compliance, and process improvement.
🟢 Active in Indianapolis HR networks and professional associations.
His value to HR teams lies in bridging the gap between regulatory compliance and people-centered culture.
♦️ Eric Jones Jr.
Youth author program creator | Speaker | Mentor
Eric Jones Jr. is a motivational speaker, author, and advocate who inspires audiences through personal resilience and leadership lessons.
✨ Highlights:
🟢 Author of Tries, Sighs, and Hi Fives, a motivational book about overcoming obstacles.
🟢 Founder of Undefeated Motivation, which delivers workshops and speaking sessions.
🟢 Known for empowering young professionals and diverse communities in Indianapolis.
For HR and leadership audiences, Eric’s story-driven sessions emphasize resilience, belonging, and growth.
Wrapping Up: Why These Speakers Matter to Indianapolis
Indianapolis is thriving because it’s a city of connections. From startups to nonprofits to major firms, people are recognizing that culture and HR strategy are central to long-term success. The consultants and keynote speakers we’ve profiled here are shaping Indianapolis workplaces with new perspectives, from empathy to remote leadership to inclusive design.
At Digital Reference, radical authenticity means cutting through the noise to spotlight those who lead with integrity, courage, and clarity. It’s about recognizing professionals who don’t just talk transformation; they embody it. By spotlighting these voices, we’re showing what’s possible when HR leaders invest in the right expertise.
👉 Uncover additional insights and perspectives with Digital Reference:
🧑 How to Hire a Human Resource Consultant: A Complete Guide for Growing Businesses
🌈 Best Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Consulting Services in the USA
💸 Best Compensation & Benefits Consulting Services in the USA
🗽 Best Recruitment Consulting Services in the USA
If you’re ready to elevate your Indianapolis event or HR initiative, Digital Reference can help you identify the perfect speaker and align it with your organizational goals. We’re here to connect people, insights, and transformation because great organizations are built at the crossroads of ideas and human connection.
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