Navigating Workplace Stumbling Blocks
An engaging, interactive keynote about communication, conflict, stress—and a practical way to move forward when things don’t go according to plan.
Face what’s true. Feel what’s real. Fix what you can.
In the room
A keynote people become part of.
Barbara tells stories, gets people talking and invites them to think about their own stumbling blocks and what gets in the way at work.
Depending on the room, that might mean turning to someone beside them, getting up and meeting someone new, or joining Barbara onstage for a demonstration.
There’s laughter. There are some serious moments. And there are usually a few surprises along the way.
By the end of the keynote, Face it. Feel it. Fix it. isn’t just something people have heard.
They understand what it means.
for conference planners
Navigating Workplace Stumbling Blocks
Navigating Workplace Stumbling Blocks is an engaging, interactive keynote that helps audiences think differently about communication, conflict, stress and the challenges that get in the way at work.
Through powerful personal stories, humour, audience participation and practical workplace examples, Barbara May brings the Stumbling Blocks Philosophy to life: Face what’s true. Feel what’s real. Fix what you can.
Audiences laugh, reflect, connect with one another and leave with a memorable framework they can use when things don’t go according to plan.
About Barbara
Barbara May is a speaker, facilitator and creator of the Stumbling Blocks Philosophy. For more than 30 years, she has worked with audiences in conference rooms, classrooms, workplaces and on stages, helping people communicate better, work through conflict and manage the challenges that get in the way.
Known for her powerful storytelling, openness and ability to connect with a room, Barbara combines real-life experience, humour and audience interaction to create presentations that are practical, personal and memorable.
Conference planners are welcome to use this description and bio in event materials.
the heart of the keynote
Everyone stumbles. Getting back up can change everything.
Barbara’s keynote is grounded in two deeply personal experiences that shaped the way she thinks about challenges.
One began on a balance beam.
The other began in a hospital, after she nearly died from massive pulmonary embolisms.
Those experiences eventually led to the Stumbling Blocks Philosophy:
Face what’s true. Feel what’s real. Fix what you can.
Onstage, Barbara brings those stories to life with honesty, humour and perspective, helping audiences think about their own stumbling blocks—at work and beyond.
mEGAN MALTMAN
HR Manager, Primary Care Network
From the Audience
What people are saying after the keynote.
“Sometimes we get stuck in the things that trip us up, our stumbling blocks, and this was a great opportunity to hear that somebody else has experienced those issues too.”
President, Grande Prairie & District Chamber of Commerce
SHAWNA mILLER
“Barbara provided our group a personalized, dynamic and intriguing presentation! She was funny and thoughtful! Such a rare package for a presenter and a fabulous end to our Retreat!”
JOELLE BROWN
Executive Director, St. Albert Victim Services
“Thank you for overcoming all those stumbling blocks years ago so you could be here today to educate, engage & inspire us!”
ready to move forward?
Bring Navigating Workplace Stumbling Blocks to your audience.
Barbara creates an engaging, interactive keynote built around powerful stories, real connection and a practical philosophy people can take with them long after the event is over.
She'll customize the keynote to address the stumbling blocks your audience is navigating.
