Deborah Deras is an international speaker, author, consultant, and expert in organizational leadership. Currently pursuing her doctoral degree in Organizational Leadership at the University of San Diego, she brings over two decades of experience empowering corporations, associations, and educational institutions to elevate leadership, engagement, and workplace well-being.

With a dynamic presence on global stages, Deborah has delivered transformative keynotes and training for top organizations, including Verizon, Netflix, Google, Viacom, NASA, JPMorgan, and State Farm, along with hundreds of associations and colleges. She specializes in team building, adapting to change, overcoming burnout, increasing employee engagement, and tackling imposter syndrome—helping professionals break through self-sabotage and step into their full leadership potential.

Her signature approach—rooted in research-backed strategies—focuses on identifying and overcoming the “Ego That is Not Your Amigo”—the internal roadblocks that limit growth, create energy-draining workplace dynamics, and hinder leadership advancement. By addressing issues such as difficult workplace relationships, leadership confidence, and personal limitations, Deborah’s programs drive measurable results, including:

✔ Increased employee engagement and productivity

✔ Enhanced workplace fulfillment and well-being

✔ Higher retention and leadership advancement

✔ Reduced burnout and workplace stress

In addition to her corporate training and speaking, Deborah is an adjunct professor at Santa Barbara City College, where she teaches courses on team building, leadership, overcoming burnout, and adapting to change. She is also at the forefront of AI innovation, currently developing a Generative AI certificate program that will provide students with a LinkedIn badge certifying their AI expertise upon completion. As a thought leader in AI technology, she has taught AI-related courses at institutions such as the Arkansas Technology and Small Business Center, Pasadena City College, Long Beach City College, Women’s Economic Ventures, and the Economic Development Collaborative.

Deborah is passionate about helping organizations realign for success by equipping their teams with the mindset and tools to thrive, lead, and create a culture of excellence. Through her engaging, high-energy presentations and consulting, she empowers professionals to maximize their potential and achieve sustainable success with ease and grace.