In the male-dominated world of keynote speaking, Shama Hyder has shattered barriers and risen to the top. As the CEO of Zen Media, Hyder has made it her mission to educate and inspire others from the stage, proving that success knows no gender.

Breaking Barriers and Inspiring Others

Hyder’s presence on stage is a powerful statement in itself. “It’s not rare for someone to say to me – It’s so refreshing to see someone who looks like me on stage and I’ve worked at this company for 10 plus years!” she shares. Her visibility as a successful woman of color in the speaking industry serves as an inspiration to countless others.

A Message for the AI Age

But Hyder’s success isn’t just about representation; it’s about the timeliness and relevance of her message. Her keynote, “The New Rules of Influence: How to Compete and Win in the Age of AI,” addresses the critical challenges facing organizations in an era of rapid change.

Hyder argues that traditional strategies for attracting customers, engaging talent, and driving innovation are no longer enough. Leaders at every level must adapt to the new landscape or risk being left behind.

The Consequences of Inaction

“The consequences of inaction are severe,” Hyder warns. “Those who hesitate will be outpaced by competitors who are quicker to adapt and more adept at influencing in the new landscape.”

Through real-world case studies, captivating stories, and industry research, Hyder reveals the three converging forces shaping the future of business:

  1. The rise of AI
  2. Generational shifts
  3. The transformation of social engagement

Equipping Leaders for Success

Hyder’s keynote equips leaders with the tools and strategies they need to thrive in this new era. Through her dynamic and actionable presentation, Hyder helps leaders:

  • Discover what it really means to compete with AI
  • Gain insights into the evolving expectations of a multi-generational workplace
  • Learn to influence customers in a drastically changed landscape
  • Understand how to spot timely opportunities and act with urgency

Whether you’re a seasoned executive or an emerging leader, Hyder’s message is essential for anyone seeking to navigate the challenges of the AI age. The cost of inaction is too high, and the rewards of mastering the new rules of influence are too great to ignore.

Hyder’s Golden Rules for Success

Hyder’s success as a keynote speaker is rooted in her three golden rules:

  1. Have true empathy for planners. “Event planners have a challenging job, juggling countless variables and striving to create a seamless experience for attendees,” Hyder explains. “As a speaker, you should be the one thing they never have to worry about. It’s the ONE HOMERUN they can guarantee – even if other things go wrong – like the ballroom they’d originally booked was double booked by the hotel.”
  1. Be in the trenches. “Too many speakers these days speak but it’s theory. Very few know what it’s LIKE to lead, to make payroll, to deal with changing customers,” Hyder says. “Being CEO of Zen constantly puts me in those seats. I can share stories from the trenches.” By drawing from her real-world experiences as a CEO, Hyder creates a deep connection with her audience and provides practical, actionable advice that resonates with leaders at every level.
  1. Deep dive into your audience. “I take the time to really get to know the industry/audience I am speaking to and it makes a world of difference,” Hyder shares. She doesn’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach to speaking. Instead, she takes the time to thoroughly research and understand the unique needs, challenges, and opportunities facing each industry and audience she addresses. By tailoring her message and examples to the specific context of her listeners, Hyder creates a powerful sense of relevance and value, leaving attendees with insights and strategies they can immediately apply in their own work.

A Powerful Voice for Change

In a world where the rules of business are being rewritten by the day, Shama Hyder stands out as a powerful voice for change. Through her dynamic keynotes, she is equipping leaders with the tools and mindsets they need to thrive in the age of AI, empowering them to embrace urgency, adapt to new challenges, and seize the opportunities of the future.

But Hyder’s impact goes beyond the business world. As a woman of color who has shattered barriers and risen to the top of a male-dominated industry, she is a living testament to the power of diversity and inclusion. By using her platform to educate, inspire, and empower others, Hyder is helping to create a more equitable and inclusive future for all.

As the business landscape continues to evolve at a breakneck pace, one thing is clear: the leaders who will thrive in the years to come are those who are willing to embrace change, challenge the status quo, and learn from visionary voices like Shama Hyder. With her unique blend of expertise, empathy, and entrepreneurial spirit, Hyder is a keynote speaker who is not just shaping the future of business, but inspiring a new generation of leaders to rise to the challenge and make their mark on the world.