Biography

Rebecca has over 19 years of experience improving processes, managing projects, and helping people connect. She founded Peopleside in 2014 to work with clients to help them get stuff done in a way that meets their culture and meets them where they’re at. As an educator and coach at Peopleside, Rebecca partners with organizations to help solve complex business problems through:

  • Determining organizational goals and defining projects that will meet them
  • Defining and measuring success throughout the life of a project
  • Gaining buy-in throughout your organization
  • Leveraging ambiguity in your project messaging
  • Getting projects to stick after they go live
  • Identifying waste in the organization in order to create structures for effective use of resources (e.g., time, people, money)

A dynamic speaker who draws energy from being in front of groups, Rebecca learned from an early age that the stage was her happy place and she spent much of her childhood and young adult years in theater productions. She pulls from her lived experience as a granddaughter of Mexican immigrants, cancer survivor, female small-business owner, and #FibroWarrior to bring a unique perspective to her keynotes and workshops. Prioritizing audience connection and involvement in all her presentations – whether in-person or virtual – Rebeccas’s belief is that you’re not just here to listen to her; you’re here to learn something about YOU. Audiences leave with action items and next steps they can implement in their own lives!

Rebecca studied Human Resource and Change Leadership at University of St. Thomas and Business Education at the University of Minnesota. Rebecca is PMP, CSM, CCMP, and Prosci certified.

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Videos

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One Powerful Way to Reduce the Negative Effects of Stress

In "One Powerful Way to Reduce the Negative Effects of Stress," I share a deeply personal story about navigating stress as a cancer survivor. Over the years, I’ve found a method I turn to whenever the fear of recurrence or medical anxiety takes hold, and it works every time. During a recent stressful period in my life—facing the possibility of a cancer recurrence, navigating a parent’s health crisis, and managing multiple new projects at work—I relied on this method and maintained balance. In this session, I not only share how shifting our emotional response to stress can profoundly impact our wellbeing, but I also guide participants through the transformative Freeze Frame® Technique, empowering them to take immediate action towards the emotional shifts they desire. This is more than just a talk—it's a practical, actionable experience that leaves audiences with a powerful tool to manage stress effectively.

Stop and Celebrate! Gifting Yourself the Path to Goal Achievement

In "Stop and Celebrate! Gifting Yourself the Path to Goal Achievement," I take audiences on a journey that underscores the often-overlooked importance of celebration in achieving success. After nine intense years as an entrepreneur (read: workaholic), I gifted myself a 2-month European sabbatical—a once-in-a-lifetime experience that was both bucket-list-worthy and deeply fulfilling. This trip was more than just a break; it was a celebration of my accomplishments and a reward I had planned for myself. In this session, I share how most people miss the critical step of defining a reward at the start of a project, and how this simple act can enhance motivation and wellbeing. I delve into the science behind renewing emotions, showing how celebration triggers positive physiological responses that reduce stress and promote a more positive outlook on life. Attendees will walk away with practical guidance on asking six essential questions at the beginning of any project, so they not only achieve their goals but also take time to celebrate their successes.

Retreat and Reflect: Creating Space for Big Aha Moments!

In “Retreat and Reflect: Creating Space for Big Aha Moments!" I invite audiences to explore creating space for reflection. Drawing from my own experience, I share how, after wrapping up three major projects in a single day, I embarked on a solo road trip—a much-needed pause that allowed me to reconnect with myself and gain clarity for the future. During this retreat, I stumbled upon the Karmapa Stupa, a spiritual monument that deepened my understanding of the importance of reflection. The experience reinforced the lesson that in our fast-paced lives, taking deliberate pauses is crucial for inspiration, validation, and innovation. I guide participants on how to integrate regular retreats into their routines, encouraging them to ask reflective questions that can lead to unexpected rewards. This session isn’t to convince you to take time off (although, yes, do that!); it’s a gentle invitation to create intentional spaces that foster growth, clarity, and renewed purpose.

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Blog Posts

An Astronaut’s Guide on Leadership and Innovation Lessons on Earth

Explore how former NASA astronaut Dr. Leroy Chiao’s experiences in space unlock insights on leadership, innovation, and resilience for teams on Earth.

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The Future of Event Keynotes: Personalization, AI, and Interactive Storytelling

Find out how event personalization, AI-driven insights, and interactive storytelling are revolutionizing keynote speeches with business futurist Greg Verdino.

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The Power of Play: Why Entertainment Is Essential for Engagement

“Entertainment is the emotional glue that connects people to ideas.”—Robert McKee, storytelling expert There’s a shift that happens the moment someone laughs. Shoulders loosen. The room lightens. The noise of the outside world fades just...

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Designing Events That Spark Lasting Connections

Discover Wendy Porter’s proven WPE Planning Process for crafting live, virtual, and hybrid events that foster genuine connections, boost engagement, and drive ROI.

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The Best Diversity and Inclusion Speakers

Why are diversity and inclusion speakers some of the most transformative voices on stage? Because inclusion is no longer a box to check; it’s a culture to create. From boardrooms to classrooms, arenas to virtual...

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AI, Brain Science, and Resilience with Sarah Baldeo

Expand your mind on how AI, neuroscience, and emotional intelligence converge to rewire resilience and drive growth with TED speaker Sarah Baldeo.

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Blog Posts

 

An Astronaut’s Guide on Leadership and Innovation Lessons on Earth

In the boundless vacuum of space, leaders face challenges that dwarf anything encountered on Earth....

Read More

The Future of Event Keynotes: Personalization, AI, and Interactive Storytelling

Imagine a keynote at your next event that feels designed just for your audience—where every...

Read More

The Power of Play: Why Entertainment Is Essential for Engagement

“Entertainment is the emotional glue that connects people to ideas.”—Robert McKee, storytelling expert There’s a...

Read More

Designing Events That Spark Lasting Connections

Imagine stepping into an event where every detail is designed to foster genuine human connection—from...

Read More

The Best Diversity and Inclusion Speakers

Why are diversity and inclusion speakers some of the most transformative voices on stage? Because...

Read More

AI, Brain Science, and Resilience with Sarah Baldeo

Imagine harnessing the power of AI (artificial intelligence) together with cutting-edge insights from technology and...

Read More