You Don’t Need a Crisis to Change Everything
How to build clarity, courage, and resilience—without waiting for life to force a wake up call.
Real-life lessons and practical tools for thriving at work, in leadership, and in life.
I wasn’t supposed to be here this long.
In 2019, I was at the end of life—literally. My lungs were failing, my body was shutting down, and time was running out. Then, at the last possible moment, a breakthrough drug called Trikafta was approved. It saved my life.
That moment marked a line in the sand. Everything since then? I call them my bonus years.
But the truth is, I’ve always lived like time was running out. I was born with cystic fibrosis and raised with the knowledge that my future was uncertain. I learned early on that you can’t wait for life to hand you perfect timing. You have to move, even when it’s messy.
Today, I speak to audiences about what it means to lead, live, and grow before life forces you to. My talks are built around real-world challenges, personal breakthroughs, and science-backed strategies for building resilience, making bold decisions, and showing up fully, at work and in life.
These aren’t just lessons from survival. They’re tools for transformation.
Talks That Inspire Change -Before Life Forces It
All talks are customizable based on your audience, whether it’s a leadership team, a wellness retreat, a women’s summit, or a corporate conference. Here are a few of my most requested keynotes:
🎤 Thriving on Borrowed Time
What Facing Mortality Taught Me About Resilience, Leadership, and What Actually Matters
Born with cystic fibrosis and once told her time was limited, Erin shares the mindset shifts that helped her survive—and how they can help others lead and live more fully, starting now. This talk weaves story, science, and strategy into an unforgettable message about resilience, urgency, and showing up with purpose.
Perfect for: company retreats, leadership development, employee engagement
Themes: resilience, mindset, prioritization, purpose-driven living
🎤 The No-Regrets Mindset
Making Bold Decisions in Life and Work—Before You’re Forced To
Too many people wait for a crisis before they make a change. Erin didn’t have that luxury, and now she helps others stop waiting, too. This keynote empowers audiences to lead with courage, act with intention, and let go of fear-driven hesitation before life forces their hand.
Perfect for: leadership teams, corporate events, decision-makers, entrepreneurs
Themes: bold leadership, action-taking, intentional growth, fearless decision-making
🎤 The Power of Perspective
How the way you see a challenge changes the way you move through it
From hospital rooms to high-stress workplaces, Erin’s story shows how reframing adversity can change everything. Audiences will learn practical tools to shift their mindset, build emotional resilience, and create clarity even in times of uncertainty.
Perfect for: wellness events, HR programs, mindset workshops, team offsites
Themes: reframing, resilience, emotional intelligence, adaptability
First-Year Medical Student, Albany Medical College
“I was so nervous on my first day of med school, but Erin’s talk put me at ease and reminded me why I came here in the first place. I wrote down one of her quotes, ‘Fear is the biggest liar,’ in huge letters on my notebook, and I know I’ll carry it with me. Her story was eye-opening, but it was the way she told it with honesty, humor, and so much heart that made it unforgettable. I left feeling more grounded, more informed, and more inspired than I ever expected.”
Supporter, Donna M. Crandall Foundation Event
“Erin’s story left a mark on every single person in the room. Hearing her talk about life before and after Trikafta and what it meant to finally exhale was nothing short of powerful. But it wasn’t just about the science or survival. It was about perspective, gratitude, and what it means to live with intention. Her words will stay with me forever.”
Team Lead, Enterprise Sales Division
“As a sales team we’re constantly navigating rejection, pressure, and the challenge of staying motivated. Erin’s talk reframed the way we think about all of it. Her personal story gave our team a whole new lens on resilience and how to keep showing up even when the outcome isn’t guaranteed. We’ve already started using her techniques to shift our mindset during tough conversations and bounce back faster from setbacks.”
Attendee, Lemon Classic Golf Tournament