Inspiring Leaders to Show Up Intentionally
Keith Lewis is a leadership coach, keynote speaker, and author of Sparking Your Inner Leader. A former NCAA mascot turned executive coach, Keith brings unmatched energy and insight to every stage and session. Through decades of coaching and facilitation, he’s helped leaders across industries show up with authenticity, clarity, and purpose. As founder of VeraSpark, he delivers keynote talks and custom programs, and coaches leaders that spark lasting effectiveness and impact.
Invite Keith
Speaking Topics
Sparking Your Inner Leader
In this complex, ever-changing and sometimes incomprehensible world, how do we lead through chaos? One answer is this: know thyself… in detail. Keith passionately explores the importance of creating and consistently applying your own Guiding Principles. The power of being grounded in how you want to show up in all contexts is a key mechanism to your success.
Blind Spots and What To Do About Them
Mascots have blind spots when they put on their “head”. Leaders also have blind spots, unaware of their actions or inactions that are less effective. Mascots deal with their blindspots via guides who give them feedback. Leaders can also benefit from understanding and practicing the skills of giving and receiving feedback.
Is It Hot in There?
Mascots sweat… a LOT. Leaders are also feeling the heat in this VUCA (volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous) and BANI (brittle, anxious, nonlinear and incomprehensible) world. A variety of tools can help, including: preparation, listening, knowing your audiences and resources, and a process for learning.
The above topics can be customized to your needs and target audiences. Engagements can be from 45 minutes up to 2 hours, and longer if you are looking for a workshop. Target audiences include leaders at all levels of organization, especially 1st level through director level. Our content works well across corporate industries as well as government and non-profit. We can deliver both in-person and virtual engagements.
Invite KeithWhat People Say About Keith
“If you’re looking for someone to bring enthusiasm and leadership principles to a group of your colleagues, look no further than Keith Lewis and his team at VeraSpark.”
Eric Kressin
Analytics Engineer
“Keith was a pleasure to work with, professional and always seeking feedback regarding how we would be able to work better together. He is extremely capable.”
Kris Mills
HSE Manager
“His genuineness, passion and ease in front of the room are well received as he guides the class of emerging community leaders through a learning experience that is unparalleled.”
Julie Smith
People Developer. Community Builder
“Keith is an exceptional motivator and delivers results. He connects with his participants which enable the information to be absorbed as intended. I recommend Keith very highly for anyone who wants results!”
Adi Wilk
Senior Director, Experiential Marketing and Production
“His high energy engaging style provides a creative and reflective learning environment at the beginning of our program which pays consistent dividends.”
Paula Hill
Director, MBA Business Leadership Center and BBA Leadership Institute, Cox Adjunct Faculty, Executive Education Faculty
“Your energy and enthusiasm are very infectious, and your style of facilitation is both caring and challenging.”
Kris Downing
Counselor Therapist at Just Mind
“You were masterful!! What a pro! WOW!”
Phil Geldart
Founder & CEO at Eagle’s Flight
FAQs
Absolutely! We pride ourselves in knowing our audiences and doing our homework in advance to understand the business, the current context, ties to the rest of your meeting agenda and how we fit in. We see you as our partners and work with you to enhance the meeting experience.
Keith Lewis is a seasoned leadership coach, keynote speaker, and founder of VeraSpark, a leadership development company dedicated to helping leaders align who they are with how they lead. Drawing on more than 30 years of experience, Keith has worked with leaders at every level—from emerging managers to C-suite executives—across industries including healthcare, energy, tech, finance, defense, higher ed, hospitality, construction and nonprofit.
Known for his warm, engaging style and practical wisdom, Keith is a sought-after speaker and workshop facilitator who brings stories to life with humor, clarity, and insight. His signature keynote—based on his book Sparking Your Inner Leader—explores how lessons from the mascot suit can illuminate the heart of authentic leadership. He delivers high-impact, engaging and customized keynotes and facilitated interactive workshops for organizations that value application, practice, accountability, and lasting growth in their leadership culture.
Keith’s journey began at Northwestern University, where he earned a degree in Human Development and Social Policy and served as mascot Willie the Wildcat. He later completed his MBA in Management at The University of Texas at Austin and became a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) through the International Coach Federation.
Today, Keith combines executive coaching, keynote speaking, and team facilitation to help leaders connect with their purpose, engage their teams, and lead with greater presence and intention. He lives in Austin, Texas, with his wife, Mary, and their cat, Boo. And he is extremely proud of their three grown children.
Our fees are customized to our client’s needs, outcomes and budgets. We endeavor to simplify the fee structure and billing. Often, we include planning, pre-work, delivery, post-session support and accountability all as one fee. Travel and shipping expenses are typically additional and will be billed at cost, or can be included to the overall flat fee pending your desire. Add on’s may include books (signed or unsigned) for participants, additional travel days, workshops, and more.
Absolutely! We have tailored our speaking to virtual sessions and continue to provide engaging and potentially interactive programs for our clients. We can work within a variety of platforms and can provide producers or work with one of your own.
