Most Requested Topics
- The Upside of Change in a Downsized Economy: Learning to Rock ‘n’ Roll with Life’s Twists ‘n’ Turns (Change, Diversity, Inspiration, Motivation, Humor)
- The Power of Words: Common Communications to Achieve Uncommon Goals (Communications, Attitude, Motivation, Humor)
- Entertainment: Emcee awards, Host/facilitate corporate event, Musical program for special occasion
About This Speaker
Australian born Theresa Behenna is an award winning speaker, internationally acclaimed piano entertainer and totally unrelated to Olivia Newton John. Laid off from her office job and describing herself as “young, fearless and a diva wannabe”, Theresa left her native homeland to pursue a musical career that began on a cruise ship for two weeks and resulted in touring the world on a piano bench for several years. Armed with a positive attitude and thirty one evening dresses, Theresa managed her own marketing and business negotiations in twelve countries performing and encountering celebrities such as Andrew Lloyd Webber, Matt Lauer, Elton John, Princess Grace, Donald Sutherland, ‘James Bond’ and Andrea Bocelli. With her outgoing personality and musical mastery, global doors opened for Theresa to appear in some of the world’s most prestigious venues from Tahiti to Tokyo, from Singapore to Switzerland. In 2006 her extraordinary career was highlighted when Coca Cola hired her to perform at the Winter Olympics in Italy where she became the only world class piano entertainer to bring back a gold medal. (Minor matter it’s of the candy kind.)
A former bank clerk, waitress, actress, secretary and TV talk show host, Theresa moved to the United States in 1982 as a small business investor and there after began combining popular songs with Aussie humor, original stories and a motivational message that launched her into the speaking industry. Theresa’s inspirational, entertaining keynotes have been in demand by associations, corporations and non profit organizations largely because the music sets her apart from most other professional speakers in the country. Her unique style of playing the piano to emphasize relevant points has resulted in a universal appeal that energizes and uplifts a wide range of audiences. ExxonMobil wrote: “Theresa's music and humor significantly increased the impact of her message and really delivered the results we were looking for. Our employees said this was the best meeting they’ve attended in 20 years!” Her extensive international experience, customized content, humorous speaking style and outstanding musical talent connects her to diverse cultures and all generations in today’s global society.
Theresa is a professional member of the National Speakers Association where she won the John Wolfe Award for speaking excellence from her local chapter in 2007. She is a founding member of the Australian-American Chamber of Commerce and former President of the Piano Entertainers Guild. She is a contributing author to the anthology "Rekindling the Human Spirit” (Liberty Publishing) and writes numerous articles, newsletters and blogs for a large number of internet subscribers. Her top selling piano CD “Songs for Friends” was recorded in 2001 with her second album soon to be released.
Theresa resides in Houston where she has yet to sound like a native Texan.
What Clients Are Saying
“Your evaluations rated the highest points possible! Some comments I received from our members: EXCELLENT speaker!...Invite her again…She is SO FUNNY!...Loved the music mingled in with the message… REALLY DIFFERENT!...Her message was great and super entertaining!...AWESOME program!”
- Houston Society of Association Executives
“DYNAMIC opening speaker! She really set the tone and raised the bar…Her message on Change made me feel she was talking specifically to me because it felt like she was one of us. Message was RELEVANT to us as writers…Fabulous inspirational high energy program!…She played an AMAZING piano!....Super start to the conference!”
- Attendees at Romance Writers of America international conference
“As with most companies we have a real challenge in keeping our meetings fresh and interesting. From the feedback we received after your presentation the group really appreciated the change of pace and UNIQUE STYLE you brought to us. I was amazed at how accurately you were able to weave our corporate culture into your program!”
- ExxonMobil
“This year’s kickoff speaker Theresa Behenna was fantastic as evidenced by the STANDING OVATION at the end of her presentation! I was particularly impressed with how she CONNECTED to our diverse group by including several of our members in her program. Emphasizing her points with music definitely ranks her as being one of the MOST MEMORABLE and entertaining speakers we’ve ever had!
- American Business Women’s Association
Recent Clients
- Texas A & M University
- Associated Builders & Contractors
- Helms Briscoe
- Five Star Quality Care
- Women’s Council of Realtors
- Romance Writers of America
- Metro National Corporation
- Memorial Hermann Hospital
- Communicators Federal Credit Union
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