Minna Taylor
Minna Taylor is International speaker and the Founder of Energize Your Voice, a global communication coaching and training firm | Author of The Confident Body| Influential thought leader in the theory and application of PLAY.
Biography
Minna Taylor is the Founder of Energize Your Voice, a global communication coaching and training firm, author of The Confident Body, international speaker, and influential thought leader in the theory and application of PLAY. She is committed to helping visionary leaders and their teams transform the world. Her work has spread over three continents, 15+ years, and impacted over 5,000 individuals.
She has devoted her career to supporting thousands of leaders and their teams experience deeper connection and belonging through play. Play is an access point for risk taking, pathway for authenticity, and framework for moments of challenge and change. You can book her for keynotes and workshop/ training sessions. She lives and works from Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Minna Taylor began as a struggling actress with an MFA who cleaned houses to make ends meet and consistently felt ridiculous for bringing play to serious people in suits, when those serious people in suits were still convinced that communication needed to be information first and inspiration last and that bringing authenticity and storytelling into work was a sign of weakness. 15 years later, the tables have turned and play has become their secret ingredient to success.
With an experiential approach, rooted in the principles of play and performance, Minna supports organizations, individuals, and entrepreneurs to explore their full potential in speaking, storytelling, and leadership communication.
CLIENTS MINNA TAYLOR
Notable clients include TikTok, Red Bull, UBER, and EY. Minna earned her BFA from NYU Tisch School of the Arts and went on to earn her MFA in Performance with a concentration in speech and vocal production from Brooklyn College, CUNY. Beginning her career as an accent reduction specialist, Minna went on to transfer her theater training to developing an innovative approach for professional development. She has a deep passion for supporting individuals to play, fail, and tell powerful stories.
Employability
Speaker
TOPICS MINNA TAYLOR AS SPEAKER
KEYNOTES
The infinite game of work
Minna Taylor delivers a dynamic and engaging keynote that redefines our approach to work. She challenges the traditional "finite game" mindset, focused on short-term wins and relentless competition, and introduces the transformative concept of the "infinite game." This approach prioritizes creativity, collaboration, and sustained confidence, leading to a more fulfilling and productive work experience. Through interactive exercises and thought-provoking insights, Taylor guides participants to rediscover their innate playfulness and unlock their creative potential. She provides actionable strategies to foster a workplace culture where ease, collaboration, and collective accomplishment thrive. This keynote is ideal for organizations seeking to inspire their employees, enhance creativity, and build a sustainable and human-centric workplace culture.
Risk is Play - Embracing Vulnerability to Unlock Your Potential
Do you hesitate to speak up in meetings, fear public speaking, or struggle to set boundaries? These are all signs of risk aversion - and you're not alone. In this engaging keynote, Minna Taylor, an experienced actress and communication expert, redefines risk as "play." Drawing on her unique background in theatre and corporate training, Minna will explore why we resist risk, the benefits of embracing it, and how to reframe risk as play to build resilience and unlock your potential. Through interactive exercises and real-world examples, you'll learn how to: * Identify and overcome your fears * Develop a playful mindset to navigate uncertainty * Practice risk-taking in a safe and supportive environment * Speak up, stand out, and take action with confidence Don't let fear hold you back. Discover the power of play and step into a life of courage, authenticity, and growth.
How to be heard
This presentation offers a fresh perspective on effective communication, revealing that true connection begins with listening. We'll explore research and real-world scenarios that illustrate the transformative power of listening in building trust, fostering collaboration, and navigating difficult conversations. By reimagining communication as a two-way street, you'll unlock the potential to create a more fulfilling and productive workplace. Join us to discover actionable insights and practical tools that will empower you to make your voice heard and inspire positive change.
WORKSHOPS
Unleash Your Voice, Unleash Your Leadership: An Empowered Play Workshop
This isn't your typical leadership seminar. Empowered Play is a high-energy, interactive workshop that uses proven performance techniques to transform your communication and leadership skills. Through experiential exercises and guided reflection, you'll break free from self-imposed barriers, tap into your authentic voice, and discover your full potential. What Sets This Apart: * Embodied Learning: We go beyond theory and engage your whole self in the learning process. * Play with Purpose: Our innovative approach leverages improv and play to cultivate presence, agility, and authenticity. * Data-Driven Results: Our customized programs deliver measurable outcomes, ensuring you leave with actionable skills and a renewed sense of purpose. Key Takeaways: * Master the art of confident communication, even in challenging situations. * Cultivate self-compassion and speak up with courage and conviction. * Unleash your dynamic expression and engage any audience with ease. * Navigate uncertainty and fear with unwavering self-assurance. * Foster collaborative dialogue and build strong, authentic connections. Elevate your leadership. Transform your organization. Unleash the power of Empowered Play.
Make your voice heard
This workshop explores the power of voice and communication, providing practical techniques to unlock your authentic voice and make it heard. We'll delve into the core elements of Listening, Connecting, and Expressing to enhance your communication skills and presence. Through interactive exercises and guided discussions, you'll learn how to: Listen actively and stay present to foster trust and safety in your interactions. Connect authentically with others by finding common ground and seeking understanding. Express yourself confidently by embracing your unique voice and overcoming communication barriers. Key Takeaways: * Develop effective listening skills to build strong relationships * Enhance your ability to connect with others on a deeper level * Communicate your ideas with confidence and clarity * Discover the power of your authentic voice to make an impact * Overcome fears and anxieties related to public speaking This workshop is ideal for anyone who wants to improve their communication skills and unlock the power of their voice, from professionals and leaders to individuals seeking personal growth.
Literature
The Confident Body: A Functional Approach To Unlocking Your Full Potential
In Minna Taylor's book The Confident Body: A Functional Approach to Unlocking Your Full Potential, she defines confidence not as a predetermined trait, but rather as a series of behaviors that can be developed and nurtured. Using specialized techniques from her years as a communication coach and extensive acting training, Taylor lays out the foundation of what allows someone to embody confidence, which includes:
- Honesty
- Vulnerability
- Personal discomfort
- Awareness of one’s circumstances
- And most importantly, play.
