Helaine Knapp Biography

Helaine Knapp is the electrifying founder and CEO of CITYROW, bestselling author of "Making Waves," and one of today's most sought-after business transformation speakers. With a decade of experience navigating the extreme highs and lows of entrepreneurship -- from raising over $15 million in venture capital to pivoting through pandemic devastation and an acquisition with an unexpected ending -- Knapp delivers battle-tested frameworks for resilient leadership that have captivated audiences and teams nationwide.

Drawing from her journey pioneering omnichannel fitness by integrating brick-and-mortar, digital platforms, and connected hardware, Knapp's magnetic energy and tactical advice transform how organizations approach strategic pivots, fundraising, leadership through crises, and redefining success when traditional metrics fail. Her raw, unfiltered perspective has been featured on "TODAY," "Good Morning America," CNBC, Bloomberg, and in publications including Forbes, Vogue, Shape, Women's Health, and much more. A former tech executive at Buddy Media (acquired by Salesforce), Knapp now advises high-growth companies while delivering transformational speaking experiences that combine tactical business strategy with the psychological tools leaders need to navigate uncertainty with confidence and clarity.

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Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 07/18/2025.

Helaine Knapp Speaking Topics

  • THE CONNECTION ADVANTAGE: Building High-Performance Teams Through Authentic Communication

    In today's fragmented work environment, the ability to foster genuine connection has become the ultimate competitive advantage. Whether leading remote teams, managing through transitions, or driving sales performance, authentic communication creates the psychological safety required for breakthrough performance. Through Helaine Knapp's electrifying storytelling and proven frameworks, audiences discover how communication transcends mere information exchange to become the cornerstone of organizational resilience. Drawing from her experience leading teams through impossible challenges at CITYROW, Helaine reveals how connection transforms anxious teams into cohesive units capable of navigating any business challenge.

    Attendee Results:

    • Implement the 3-tier communication framework that builds psychological safety in any team
    • Master the art of transparency without triggering anxiety during organizational transition
    • Develop communication strategies that maintain culture during hybrid/remote work
    • Learn how authentic vulnerability creates trust between leadership and teams
    • Understand how connection transforms sales relationships from transactional to transformational

  • MAKING WAVES: Resilient Leadership Through Business Tsunamis

    In a world where business upheaval has become the norm, resilient leadership separates those who merely survive from those who genuinely thrive through crisis. Drawing from her decade-long journey building CITYROW through fundraising failures, pandemic devastation, and market collapses, Helaine delivers counterintuitive leadership strategies that transform how organizations approach high-stakes transitions. Unlike typical leadership talks, Helaine Knapp's raw, unfiltered approach reveals both the tactical frameworks and psychological tools required to lead teams through existential threats. Audiences learn how to maintain strategic clarity while navigating crushing uncertainty, build authentic team cohesion during crisis, and redefine success when traditional metrics fail.

    Attendee Results:

    • Master the counterintuitive leadership tactics that create stability during chaotic market shifts
    • Develop psychological resilience tools that prevent burnout during extended crisis periods
    • Learn frameworks for maintaining team engagement when facing existential business threats
    • Understand how to convert vulnerability into strategic strength
    • Discover how to recalibrate success metrics when traditional paths become impossible

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Helaine Knapp Videos

Helaine Knapp - 2022 Leading Entrepreneurs of the World Conference

Helaine Knapp - 2022 Leading Entrepreneurs of the World Conference

Helaine Knapp - Bustle

Helaine Knapp - Bustle

Helaine Knapp founder and CEO of CityRow shares her personal frustrations with trying to find the right workout for herself that wouldn't leave her...

  • How do I book Helaine Knapp to speak at my event?

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  • What topics does Helaine Knapp speak about?

  • Where does Helaine Knapp travel from?

    Helaine Knapp generally travels from New York, NY, USA, but can be booked for private corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. For more details, please contact an AAE Booking agent.
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Helaine Knapp is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as THE CONNECTION ADVANTAGE: Building High-Performance Teams Through Authentic Communication, MAKING WAVES: Resilient Leadership Through Business Tsunamis, BEYOND SURVIVAL: The Art of Strategic Pivoting When Everything Changes, THE RESILIENCE REVOLUTION: Building Unshakeable Teams That Thrive Through Adversity and TRANSFORMATION SELLING: Building Unbreakable Client Relationships Through Authentic Connection. The estimated speaking fee range to book Helaine Knapp for your event is $20,000 - $30,000. Helaine Knapp generally travels from New York, NY, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Cheryl Cran, Dr. Jackie Freiberg, Josh Linkner, Libby Gill and Barbara Corcoran. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Helaine Knapp for an upcoming live or virtual event.

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