Published on 7 March 2026 by Inspire to Change

Speaking

Nora Murphy Johnson, PhD, our co-founder, co-owner, and president, is a sought-after speaker. Dr. Murphy Johnson, an esteemed authority in evaluation and transformative change, offers enlightening talks on topics such as changemaking, the impact of alignment on organizational and personal growth, and the application of restorative practices.

Her dynamic speaking style, coupled with her extensive understanding of these topics, positions Dr. Murphy Johnson as an ideal speaker for conferences, workshops, and seminars. Reach out with the form below to learn more about booking her for your event!

Why Bring Dr. Murphy Johnson to Your Event

Organizations and communities today face complex challenges that demand more than technical fixes. They require shifts in mindset, culture, and relationships. Dr. Nora Murphy Johnson brings a rare combination of rigorous evaluation expertise and deep experience in restorative practices, enabling her to speak not just about change, but from the heart of it. Her keynotes and workshops are designed to move audiences from insight to action, leaving them with practical tools they can apply immediately.

Her approach is grounded in the belief that meaningful change happens when people align their values, structures, and daily behaviors. Whether she is addressing a room of nonprofit leaders, educators, funders, or community organizers, she tailors her content to the specific context and goals of the group. Participants consistently report leaving with a renewed sense of purpose and a clearer roadmap for their work.

Dr. Murphy Johnson is also known for her ability to create a safe and brave space for difficult conversations. She models the restorative principles she teaches, ensuring that every session is interactive, respectful, and transformative. Her speaking engagements are not passive lectures; they are collaborative learning experiences that honor the wisdom already present in the room.

Signature Speaking Topics

Dr. Murphy Johnson offers a range of talks and workshops that can be adapted for keynotes, breakout sessions, panel discussions, or multi-day trainings. Below are some of her most requested topics. Each can be customized to your audience and desired outcomes.

• Changemaking as a Practice: How individuals and organizations can cultivate the mindset and habits needed to drive sustainable social change, even in the face of uncertainty and resistance.
• The Power of Alignment: Why alignment between mission, values, strategy, and daily operations is the key to unlocking organizational and personal growth—and how to achieve it without losing authenticity.
• Restorative Practices in Action: Practical applications of restorative principles to build trust, repair harm, and foster accountability in schools, workplaces, and communities.
• Evaluation as a Tool for Liberation: Moving beyond compliance-driven evaluation to approaches that center equity, learning, and community voice.
• Leading Through Complexity: Strategies for navigating adaptive challenges with courage, humility, and creativity.

If your event has a specific theme or challenge, Dr. Murphy Johnson can also develop a custom talk that integrates multiple topics or addresses a unique context. She enjoys collaborating with event organizers to ensure the content resonates deeply with attendees.

What to Expect When Booking

Booking Dr. Murphy Johnson for your event is a straightforward and collaborative process. The first step is to reach out using the form below. Our team will respond promptly to discuss your event goals, audience, logistics, and any specific topics you have in mind. We believe in clear communication from the start, so you will know exactly what to expect.

Once the details are agreed upon, Dr. Murphy Johnson will work with you to tailor her presentation to your context. This may include a pre-event call to understand your organization's culture, challenges, and desired outcomes. She often provides handouts, reflection guides, or follow-up resources to extend the learning beyond the session itself.

For virtual events, she is experienced in delivering engaging online keynotes and workshops using interactive tools and breakout rooms. For in-person events, she is available for travel and can accommodate a range of formats, from intimate team retreats to large conference stages. We are committed to making the experience seamless for you and impactful for your audience.

Audiences That Benefit Most

Dr. Murphy Johnson's speaking is particularly valuable for organizations and groups that are ready to move beyond surface-level change. Her content resonates with:

• Nonprofit leaders and staff seeking to align their work with their values and increase their impact.
• Educators and school administrators interested in restorative practices and equitable evaluation.
• Foundations and funders wanting to shift their grantmaking and evaluation approaches toward more participatory and learning-oriented models.
• Community organizers and advocates working on systemic change and needing tools for sustainable collaboration.
• Corporate teams and leadership groups looking to build more authentic, aligned, and resilient cultures.

No matter the sector, her talks are designed to meet people where they are and challenge them to grow. She speaks with both head and heart, making complex ideas accessible without oversimplifying them.

Continuing the Conversation

A single talk can spark important conversations, but lasting change requires ongoing support. After your event, you may want to explore deeper engagement through our Consulting services, which offer tailored guidance for evaluation, strategic planning, and restorative implementation. Dr. Murphy Johnson and our team can help you turn the ideas from her talk into sustained practice.

You can also find resources and tools in our Shop to support your learning journey. From reflection guides to evaluation frameworks, these materials are designed to complement her speaking topics and help you apply the concepts in your own context.

"The most powerful talks don't just inform—they invite us to see ourselves and our work differently. That's the kind of speaking I strive to offer." — Dr. Nora Murphy Johnson

We invite you to reach out with any questions or to begin planning your event. Use the form below to start the conversation. We look forward to hearing from you and exploring how Dr. Murphy Johnson can contribute to your next gathering.

Written by Inspire to Change