Hayley Podschun
Whatever It Takes – The Broadway Attitude to Achieve Your Biggest Dreams and Overcome the Unexpected with Ease
Broadway Performer | Glinda in National Tour of Wicked |Tammy in Hairspray, on Broadway, and in the motion picture - alongside John Travolta, Queen Latifah and Michelle Pfeiffer.
Hayley Podschun is a Broadway powerhouse performer, screen actor, and who has spent her life in the spotlight—learning how to perform, pivot, and thrive under pressure
She brings high-voltage energy, heart, and humor to every stage she steps on - whether it’s Times Square or a corporate ballroom.
Fee: $10,000 plus $1,500 travel and hotel
Key Speech Themes:
Inspirational/Motivational
Thrive through Change
Peak Performance
Resilience
Overcoming Adversity
Meet Hayley
Hayley Podschun is a Broadway star, screen actor, and in-demand keynote speaker who brings infectious energy, humor, and heart to every stage she steps on. From playing Glinda in Wicked, Tammy in Hairspray on Broadway and in the movie alongside John Travolta, to guest hosting on QVC, Hayley has spent her life in the spotlight—learning how to perform, pivot, and thrive under pressure.
A Kansas native who started working professionally at age 10, Hayley’s career spans eight Broadway shows, national tours, film and TV appearances, and acclaimed regional performances. Today, she shares the "Whatever It Takes" mindset that helped her succeed in one of the most competitive industries in the world—empowering audiences to embrace change, lead with confidence, and go after their biggest dreams with grit and grace.
Whether she’s sharing stories from backstage or lessons learned under the lights, Hayley leaves audiences energized, inspired, and ready to fly.
Topics & Descriptions
Signature Motivational & Inspirational Keynote:
Whatever It Takes: The Broadway Attitude to Achieve Your Biggest Dreams and Overcome the Unexpected with Ease
Hayley Podschun has been a professional actor since the age of 10 and on Broadway since the age of 12. With eight Broadway shows including starring as Glinda in Wicked, two national tours, and film & television credits, Hayley knows what it takes to adapt and thrive through constant change.
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She has mastered the "Whatever It Takes" attitude that is crucial to succeeding in one of the most competitive industries in the world.
In her keynote, Hayley shares the mindset and strategies that helped her achieve her dream of performing on Broadway, a feat few can attain. Drawing from her experiences in high-pressure, ever-changing environments, she reveals how embracing this powerful attitude allows you to overcome obstacles, tackle challenges head-on, and make your biggest dreams a reality.
Hayley’s insights will empower your team to take on adversity with confidence and ease, unlocking the tools needed to navigate obstacles and transform challenges into stepping stones toward success.
Whether striving for a personal or professional goal, this inspiring and high-energy talk will ignite audiences to adopt the Broadway attitude and achieve greatness no matter what it takes.
And yes - just like when she took flight as Glinda - Hayley believes everyone deserves the chance to fly!
What Attendees Will Learn from Hayley Podschun’s Keynote:
1. How to mentally prepare for high-stakes moments before they happen
Hayley shares that big opportunities often arrive without warning - no script, no rehearsal, just go. Attendees will learn how to recognize those “one second” moments and step in with intention instead of hesitation.2. How to respond with resilience when everything goes wrong
Hayley shares behind-the-scenes stories from her Broadway career, including what it’s like to perform live when things go off-script and unplanned. Attendees will learn how to stay composed, recover quickly, and keep moving forward when the unexpected threatens to derail their performance onstage or at work.3. How to apply “The Show Must Go On” as a mindset for navigating uncertainty
Hayley reframes this iconic phrase as more than a saying - it’s a way of operating under pressure. Attendees will learn how to trust their preparation, stay present, and show up consistently even when things aren’t perfect.4. How to keep showing up after rejection again and again
Hayley tells the story of auditioning six times over six years for her dream role of Glinda in Wicked - despite being told she’d never get it. Audiences will learn how to process discouragement without giving up, and how to keep moving forward with grit and purpose.5. How to adopt a “Whatever It Takes” approach to achieving big goals
Hayley introduces the phrase she uses to power through challenges “Whatever It Takes”. Attendees will learn how to stay committed, flexible, and open to growth even when the path forward doesn’t look how they expected.
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What Attendees Will Learn from Hayley Podschun’s Keynote:
1. How to mentally prepare for high-stakes moments before they happen
Hayley shares that big opportunities often arrive without warning - no script, no rehearsal, just go. Attendees will learn how to recognize those “one second” moments and step in with intention instead of hesitation.2. How to respond with resilience when everything goes wrong
Hayley shares behind-the-scenes stories from her Broadway career, including what it’s like to perform live when things go off-script and unplanned. Attendees will learn how to stay composed, recover quickly, and keep moving forward when the unexpected threatens to derail their performance onstage or at work.3. How to apply “The Show Must Go On” as a mindset for navigating uncertainty
Hayley reframes this iconic phrase as more than a saying it’s a way of operating under pressure. Attendees will learn how to trust their preparation, stay present, and show up consistently even when things aren’t perfect.4. How to keep showing up after rejection again and again
Hayley tells the story of auditioning six times over six years for her dream role of Glinda in Wicked despite being told she’d never get it. Audiences will learn how to process discouragement without giving up, and how to keep moving forward with grit and purpose.5. How to adopt a “Whatever It Takes” approach to achieving big goals
Hayley introduces the phrase she uses to power through challenges “Whatever It Takes”. Attendees will learn how to stay committed, flexible, and open to growth even when the path forward doesn’t look how they expected.
Videos
Full Bio
Hayley Podschun is a Broadway powerhouse performer, screen actor, and sought-after speaker who brings high-voltage energy, heart, and humor to every stage she steps on - whether it’s Times Square or a corporate ballroom.
Originally from Overland Park, Kansas, Hayley began working professionally at age 10 and has spent her career lighting up audiences with her charm, grit, and signature sparkle. With a résumé that spans stage, screen, and beyond, she’s known not just for her standout performances—but for her ability to inspire people to embrace change, face uncertainty, and step into their boldest, most authentic selves.
On Broadway, Hayley has starred in audience favorites like Hello, Dolly!, Something Rotten!, Hairspray, Chaplin, Anything Goes, Sunday in the Park with George, Pal Joey, The Sound of Music, and played the iconic Glinda in the National Tour of Wicked.
In New York, she originated the title role in Freckleface Strawberry Off-Broadway, and appeared in acclaimed productions with Encores!, Classic Stage Company, and The York Theatre.
Her on-screen credits include Hairspray (New Line Cinema), Fleishman Is in Trouble (Hulu), Girls5Eva (Peacock), Louie(FX), The Blacklist (NBC), and more. Regionally, she earned a Helen Hayes Award nomination and has led shows across the country—from Elle Woods in Legally Blonde to Maria in The Sound of Music.
Beyond performing, Hayley is a dynamic Guest Host on QVC, an event emcee for national corporations, and a passionate mentor and coach for the next generation of performers.
Today, she brings her 360-degree experience to conferences and corporate events nationwide—sharing the “backstage secrets” that help people lead with confidence, pivot with grace, and perform at their highest level, even when the spotlight’s on.
Rave Reviews
“It’s not every day you get to say that Glinda the Good Witch from Wicked was your keynote speaker… but we did. And Hayley Podschun was pure magic.
A Broadway and screen powerhouse, Hayley brought charm, energy, and wisdom to the stage - but what truly resonated was her story of determination.
She auditioned for the role of Glinda six times over several years. She didn’t give up. She knew the role was meant for her—and on the sixth try, she got the call.
Her message? Do whatever it takes.
Whether you’re onstage, backstage, or navigating your own career path - show up, stay ready, and keep going.
Hayley reminded us that resilience isn’t about avoiding rejection or setbacks - it’s about pushing through them. It’s about hard work, heart, and believing in yourself even when the answer is “not yet.”
Thank you, Hayley, for your honesty, humour, and for reminding us that with grit and grace, we really can step into the roles we were born to play..” - Joanne Henry, Account Executive, Conference Direct