Jenn Donahue

Veterans Day honors the people who answered the call to serve and the commitment they carry beyond the uniform. Their experiences offer enduring lessons in courage, trust, and building teams that stand together when circumstances change.

In this engaging and story-driven keynote, retired Navy Captain Jenn Donahue draws on 27 years of military service, engineering, and leadership experience to bring those lessons to life. From leading teams in combat to navigating complex engineering challenges, Jenn shows how to build the trust people need to rely on one another under pressure.

Those lessons take on particular meaning after organizational restructuring, when people are adjusting to new roles, relationships, and expectations. Using practical frameworks from her Unshakable Method, Jenn equips attendees with tools to strengthen trust and build teams that work together under pressure. Through candid stories, humor, and actionable strategies, she connects the commitment at the heart of military service to a shared sense of purpose, helping people understand how their individual contributions support the team’s success.

As we honor those who served, we can carry their example into our workplaces and communities. By sharing experience with the next generation, serving others, and staying committed when the way forward is difficult, each of us can help shape a legacy that lasts.

Key Takeaways:

 Build trust by applying the Five R’s of Trust to strengthen relationships and help teams work together through change.

 Recognize early signs of strain in communication, behavior, and morale so teams can address challenges before they undermine trust and performance.

 Draw on courage and shared purpose to navigate uncertainty, adapt when the path changes, and keep moving forward together.