Speaking
Thank you for considering me for your event. While I am always interested in sharing my enthusiasm for all things related to strategy, leadership, and success, the most important aspect of speaking engagements for me is connecting with my audience. I enjoy sitting side-by-side with leaders, unpacking complex problems and designing solutions. No matter what industry you’re in or situation you’re facing, my goal is to inspire you to embrace change, challenge traditional thinking, and strive for excellence in your work.
I am available as guest speaker/seminar leader for events ranging from conference keynotes, executive education sessions, leadership retreats, workshops, and podcasts and interviews. Working from my experience as a founder/CEO/board member/advisor, I speak on the strategies that foster innovation, adaptability, and continuous improvement. When applicable, my goal is to make these topics come to life through thought-provoking conversation.
Speaking Topics
Sample keynotes, lectures, seminars and webinars I’ve given:
Leading Small, High-Growth Enterprises
Using Agile Principles to Manage Strategy in an Age of Complexity
Making the Transition from Manager to Leader
The Business of Higher Education
Effective Integration of Technology for the Next Generation
Intercollegiate Athletics in an Era of Commercialization
Leadership Challenges in Higher Education
Financial Sustainability of and Competition Among Independent Schools
Upcoming Events
December 9, 2026
“From Vision to Execution: How a Leader Develops an Effective Team”
Leaders in higher education cannot succeed alone. In this second webinar with NAPAHE, I'll use research, case studies, and my own experience to look at how effective leaders recruit, retain, and motivate high-performing teams while navigating complex stakeholder environments. I'm especially interested in the role chiefs of staff, executive assistants, and other key team members play in driving strategy, building networks, and advancing institutional success.
November 10, 2026
“Plan to Pivot: Creating Agility and Flexibility for Higher Ed Leaders”
Higher education leaders are navigating a level of complexity we haven't seen before — AI, tightening resources, competitive pressure, and shifting demographics. In this webinar for the National Association of Presidential Assistants in Higher Education, I'll draw on Plan to Pivot to explore how colleges and universities can take a more agile, strategic approach to planning, decision-making, and change. My goal is to send participants back to campus with practical ways to lead in ambiguity and help their institutions adapt faster.
April 29, 2026
“Survival to Success: The Leader’s Shifting Mindset”
This interactive session with Virginia-based corporate CEOs will explore the unique challenges faced by founders and small business and unit leaders as the shift from survival mode to growth and sustainability.
June 1, 2026
“Agile Organizational Strategy in an Age of Complexity”
This discussion and case-based Master Class will be part of the International Association of Strategy Professionals 2026 Conference. “Momentum” is the overall theme for the conference; this session will explore the intersection of agile planning, management, and leadership, how these are combined to guide organizations through uncertainty to periods of prosperity.
Testimonials
“Gerry’s expertise in strategy and adaptability consistently keeps our executive team focused and looking for new opportunities. When he talks with us, he is prepared, clear, and concise with his messages and directives. I would recommend him to any of your clients without hesitation.”
“Gerry has led webinars, training sessions, and been a keynote speaker at our annual meeting. With a deep knowledge of what it is like to be the #2, he brings actual experience and examples to each meeting that the members relate to and appreciate.”
“My investment advisory practice engaged Dr. Gerry Starsia to present on the state of higher education. Our teammates and clients were blown away by Gerry’s level of subject matter expertise AND skills as a presenter, and after his presentation, when bombarded with questions and comments, he responded with a high degree of conviction and clarity. Afterwards, we received a number of client compliments to be passed on to him. Given his background of executive business management and teaching at one of the top universities in the country, we probably should have known that he was going to be the real deal, but in any case, I would recommend Gerry to present to any group of any size.”
“Starsia is a model of balance between teaching, research and administrative leadership. Having over 15 years of teaching experience with a wide variety of audiences, Gerry brings a lifetime of experience, and a collection of stories, into every speaking event and assignment.”
