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Keynote speaker, Leadership Coach, and Philanthropic Partner

In Person and Virtual Speaker

MARKED BY PURPOSE

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Marked By Purpose

More than a keynote— a transformational experience that leaves a mark on you, your organization and your community

This transformational keynote was born from a near impossible challenge: to ignite lasting transformation in his community with the promise of unlimited resources. For three years, nearly every effort fell short. Change seemed out of reach—until Chris turned to the wisdom of his indigenous heritage.

From that breakthrough came the Culture of One and the 7 Conditions of Transformation—a framework that moves leaders and organizations beyond transactional culture into true transformation. At its foundation lies PURPOSE.

Through story, ritual, and reflection, Chris invites participants to uncover their deeper WHY, mark themselves with a symbol, and memorialize it with a professional portrait—a lasting reminder of their commitment.

Audiences leave not just inspired, but marked by purpose—equipped with clarity and ready to spark transformation in their organizations and communities.

- Leadership conferences & company retreats
- Education and nonprofit summits
- Faith-based and community leadership events
- Corporate culture and team development gatherings
- Gain clarity of purpose with a powerful “why” statement.
- Experience a purpose-marking activity rooted in indigenous tradition.
- Memorialize commitment with a professional portrait.
- Move from transactional culture to transformational leadership.
- Leave equipped to unite communities and spark real transformation.

Dr Chris Pineda Speaker Packet

Professional Photography Experience

Event Planner Need to Know Guide

“Inspirational Storyteller”

“Dynamic & Funny”

“Transformational!”

Chris brings you in and makes you feel comfortable, even though he knows WAY more than we do on these topics. He is inclusive and allows exploration of thought.

Tom Hoffert Executive Director, Salem Chamber of Commerce
This leadership curriculum completely rewired my way of thinking about how to be a leader. With his "rooted in" approach, he navigates you thorugh every day interactions and how you can show up in those interactions as a more genuine, empathetic and outward person. We've seen tremendous success in our community in organizations that are using his framework and this is just the beginning. I'd recommend to anyone in an organizational leadership role to reach out to Chris.

Zackary L. Reitan Co-Founder & Managing Director at Commonground
Having been to a lot of conferences, seminars, formal and informal training sessions, I have seen a lot of speakers discussing a myriad of topics. As a professional trainer, I often find myself picking apart speakers and looking for both holes in their approach and ways I can improve my own speaking engagements. One thing I have found with Chris is that he not only has a command of the material he is teaching but also the humility that allows for his delivery to come across in a more engaging and genuine manner. Chris’s delivery has a way of leaving the listener on the edge of their seat, only to come through with what almost feels like a tangible item in your hand to be put to use. Chris has a ton of energy and positivity and even during some drier areas of instruction, I never felt “drug through the mud” as he has a way of making things feel upbeat, useful and connected to other topic areas. In a world full of negativity and cynicism listening to and learning from Chris has been a breath of fresh air. It has been quite a thing to witness and one I am very fortunate to have been a part of. Hassan Hassan Firearms Training Coordinator, Department of Public Safety

Hassan Hassan Firearms Training Coordinator, Department of Public Safety
I would recommend Chris as a speaker because of his vast knowledge, life experience, and ability to captivate a room with his story. Chris cares deeply for others and his authenticity shines through. I have had the pleasure of working with Chris for 5+ years and have been grateful for his expertise surrounding leadership and conflict resolution. He has done a wonderful job every single time and has helped my teams reach new heights. Chris is someone I recommend highly and can guarantee he will bring value to your organization.

Whitney Pitalo Assistant Women’s Soccer Coach, Boston College
I highly recommend Chris Pineda as an incredible speaker. He brings enthusiasm, motivation and passion to his presentations drawing from his life experiences. Chris' ability to speak from the heart with authenticity and wisdom resonates deeply with his listeners inspiring them to understand their potential. What really sets Chris apart is his skill in weaving analogies from his family heritage into his teachings. He leaves his audience with impact, empowering them to move forward in their lives with purpose and determination to put his teachings into practice personally, professionally and within their community.

Brooke Goldsby Executive Director, Salem Angels
Chris consistently exhibits humility and gritty determination in finding and discerning solutions. It’s these moments where you really learn what someone is made of and Chris stood tall and shined each and every time despite uncertainty and associated fear of the unknown.

Jason Tokarski Vice President, Mt Wes Philanthropies

Meet Your Instructor

Chris Pineda, PhD, has seen this truth proven again and again: in classrooms, boardrooms, and entire communities. From serving as CEO in healthcare, to guiding executives and educators, to partnering with philanthropic leaders on multi-year community initiatives, every step of his journey has carried the same charge: helping people uncover purpose and create lasting change.

Chris believes transformation is caught, not taught—it spreads through lived example, authentic connection, and the environments leaders create. This conviction led him to create the Marked By Purpose™ and the 7 Conditions of Transformation™, frameworks that equip leaders to build trust, align teams, and move beyond transactional culture into impact that endures.

Today, as a transformative speaker, organizational psychologist, and the founder of Groundwork Leadership and The Rooted Institute, Chris continues to walk alongside leaders and organizations, cultivating the conditions where both people and communities can thrive.

Watch Chris Speak

What are you doing to help your organization and your people catch transformation?

I’m Dr. Chris Pineda, and I don’t just teach leadership—I help organizations live it. Through a research-backed, systematized approach, I empower leaders to cultivate a truly transformational work culture—one where connection drives performance and people don’t just work for an organization, but with it.

By integrating indigenous wisdom with modern leadership strategies, I guide teams in shifting from transactional interactions to a Culture of One™—where inclusion, trust, and collective purpose fuel lasting change.

True transformation isn’t taught—it’s caught.

Are the 7 Conditions of Transformation at work in your culture—or are you leaving transformation to chance? Let’s make it intentional.

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Culture of One™

The Culture of One™ blends timeless indigenous wisdom with organizational psychology to transform workplace cultures—honoring the past, grounding in the present, and uniting for a better future.

This systematic approach equips organizations with age-old truths and practical tools to create a thriving, unified culture where employees and businesses flourish.

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