VenueConnect 2019

Elisa Hays
Speaker | Author | Consultant
Connecting Dots, LLC


Sometimes life hits you like a truck...sometimes there's an actual truck. For 15 years, Elisa Hays served as the Founder and Chief Daydreamer of an award-winning entertainment company that helped over 30,000 children a year strengthen confidence in the value of their creativity. Her company presented at fairs, festivals, arenas, and concert venues across North America and halfway around the globe. In her own words she, “served on boards, won awards, and drove big Fords!” Until her really bad day. After jackknifing a truck and trailer on a two-lane Oklahoma highway during an ice-storm and safely evacuating two of her staff in the face of oncoming traffic, an 18-wheeler semi-truck going 65 miles-per-hour hit Elisa’s body…outside of a vehicle. It took seven hospitals in four states, spanning the continent, and her brother’s kidney in order to survive her catastrophic injuries. Learning to go on living took a bit more. Meanwhile, as she battled massive internal injuries, crushed bones, sepsis, and a traumatic brain injury, her business continued to operate without the captain on deck. After selling her company in 2014, Elisa dedicated her life to helping others thrive amidst disabling circumstances. She speaks at conferences internationally and consults with organizations on issues of leadership, resilience, and inclusion. Whenever possible, she volunteers to visit with people coping with critical injuries and illnesses. As a Certified Speaking Professional and 30-year professional entertainer, Elisa inspires audiences with unforgettable stories, interactivity, and humor. She shares profound leadership lessons from her difficult road and audiences come away with an experience of a lifetime...but without all the messy bother of actually getting hit by a truck.

Sessions :