In the quiet of the training ring, Maria Alessandri stands face to face with a horse, not speaking, not commanding, just waiting. The air is still, and the horse gazes at her, its posture open yet discerning. There are no commands, no distractions, just the quiet exchange of energy between the two. Contrast this with the typical scene in a boardroom or a home kitchen, where presence is expected but rarely practiced. In these spaces, we often rush to perform, whether leading a team or managing family dynamics, believing that action, not presence, is the answer. Maria has learned that you can’t fake it with a horse, and, as she shares, “We can all learn not to fear being authentic.” The clarity and presence required in the ring are the same qualities that make a leader effective and a parent deeply connected. This is the message that Maria now shares with audiences around the world. Maria’s path to leadership and parenting wisdom was not conventional. Once a corporate project manager navigating the high-stakes world of business, she is now a mother of five who has built a life based on the lessons horses taught her about communication and presence. Her journey from corporate boardrooms to farm pastures has given her a unique perspective on leadership and life. Now, as a sought-after keynote speaker, Maria is sharing the lessons she learned from horses to help others lead with intention. She draws from her personal experiences, managing a busy career, raising five children, and navigating the emotional challenges of leadership, and uses them to connect with her audience. Maria’s story resonates deeply with HR professionals, conference organizers, and working parents who are looking for ways to lead with emotional intelligence and authenticity. So, why horses? Maria explains that horses are the ultimate teachers of presence and clarity. “Horses respond to clarity,” she says. “They reflect the emotional and energetic signals we send, whether we realize it or not.” Horses are prey animals, and their instinct is to seek safety and clarity. When a person is clear in their intentions and grounded in their presence, the horse will respond in kind. This is where Maria finds her most significant insights into leadership and communication. The lessons learned from horses can be applied to leadership and parenting in a way that feels fresh and honest. Maria teaches that leadership is not about performing or projecting confidence; it’s about having the emotional clarity and presence to guide others. In her words, “Clarity starts within” and “You lead better when you listen deeper.” For Maria, “Presence over performance” is the foundation of meaningful leadership. In today’s fast-paced world, communication is often the first casualty, both at work and at home. Many leaders and parents are burned out from trying to meet the expectations of perfection. They long for more meaningful connections but are caught in the cycle of performance. Maria’s work offers a solution to this crisis. She doesn’t provide quick fixes or generic formulas. Instead, she offers clarity, the kind of clarity that comes from understanding the emotional dynamics at play and leading with authenticity. Her upcoming book, Ask Like You Mean It, will provide further insight into how this clarity can transform both leadership and parenting. Maria is not just another keynote speaker with a slide deck. She doesn’t rely on abstract theories about leadership. Instead, she brings her personal experience and practical wisdom to every talk. Maria’s style is poetic yet grounded, offering a unique blend of storytelling and actionable insights. What Maria offers includes: story-driven keynotes that merge personal experience with leadership lessons, and tools to change how people show up at work and home, enhancing emotional intelligence and improving communication. Maria’s talks help audiences connect with their own emotions and lead from a place of presence, not performance. Her work empowers leaders to foster relationships that are not just functional but deeply meaningful. Maria is now focused on reaching an even broader audience. Speaking is her primary focus, and while farm sessions are still available for select groups, they are no longer the centerpiece of her work. Maria’s mission is clear: she wants to reach those who are seeking honest guidance about leadership, communication, and parenting. Her future speaking engagements will be centered on topics like emotional intelligence in leadership, clarity as a performance tool, and how the principles of presence apply both at work and at home. She is ready to bring her message to the stage, empowering visionaries and parents to lead with authenticity, emotional intelligence, and courage. Maria’s approach is more than just a new way to lead or parent; it’s a new way to live. Her teachings help people reconnect with themselves, their leadership potential, and their families. If you’re ready to transform how you communicate and lead, connect with Maria to book her for your next event or follow her journey on LinkedIn. “Maria doesn’t just give talks, she challenges people to rethink how they communicate and how they show up for their relationships, from the backyard to the boardroom.”