ABOUT ME
I am the author of 26+ works, including the Eat Your Peas Collection, which has
encouraged more than 1.5 million lives. Along the way, I've learned a few things about creating a brand that has tendrils that reach deep into the heart of humanity.
As a speaker and storyteller, I weave words into reminders that our stories matter and our gifts have purpose.
I’m a farmer and a fireman's daughter—rooted in love, grounded in faith, and inspired by the beauty and
possibilities of everyday life.
From boardrooms to women’s gatherings,
Cheryl's message resonates wherever people long to feel
seen, valued, and inspired.
What's your Secret INGREDIENT?
Every great recipe—and every successful team—has a secret ingredient that fuels success and sets them apart. For some, it’s resilience. For others, creativity, grit, or compassion. In this interactive keynote, bestselling author Cheryl Karpen helps participants uncover and celebrate the qualities that power their best work and strongest connections.
With humor, heartfelt stories, and real-world examples, Cheryl shows how small, intentional actions can transform culture, strengthen collaboration, and inspire performance. Attendees leave with practical takeaways and a renewed sense of purpose—ready to stir their own “secret ingredient” into everything they do.
Key Takeaways:
- Discover and apply your unique “secret ingredient”
- Recognize and celebrate the strengths of others
- Harness small, consistent actions to create lasting impact
- Discover your “secret ingredient” and learn how small actions fuel success, strengthen teams, ignite possibilities, and inspire lasting impact.
What's your Secret ingredient?
She rises and shines
Every recipe has a secret ingredient—and so does every person. In this lively and down-to-earth program, bestselling author Cheryl Karpen helps individuals name, claim, and celebrate the qualities that make them shine. With laughter, stories, and plenty of aha-moments, Cheryl shows how your secret ingredient can renew one's purpose, spark confidence, and add flavor to everyday life. You’ll walk away inspired to stir a little more of you into everything you do. This presentation is rich, although not necessary, for interactive participation.
Key Takeaways:
- Identify your personal “secret ingredient” and why it matters
- Discover how to use it to add joy, courage, and meaning to your days
- Learn simple ways to share your ingredient and inspire others
Groups & Associations
Corporate & Entreprenuerial
Because life's best recipe always includes YOU.
The strongest businesses aren’t powered by money—they’re powered by meaning. Cheryl Karpen grew her Eat Your Peas brand that has touched over 1.5 million lives, not by chasing transactions but by cultivating relationships. In this keynote, Cheryl reveals how to build a business that matters—one heart, one hug, one story at a time. Through her entrepreneurial journey, she shows leaders and entrepreneurs how to align products and services with purpose, creating not just customers but communities who feel seen, valued, and inspired.
Audience Takeaways:
- How to build loyal customers through authentic connection and storytelling.
- Why purpose-driven products outlast transactional ones.
- Practical ways to weave humanity, joy, and significance into everyday business.
Bootstrap Brilliance: When Capital Is Scarce and Dreams Are Big
She Rises and Shines is a life-giving gathering where women rest, renew, and embrace their unique gifts in a circle of sisterhood.
Rooted in faith, family, and friendship, it’s a sacred space to discover clarity, overcome doubt, and welcome new beginnings.
With heartfelt stories and practical wisdom, Cheryl helps women uncover blind spots, release limiting beliefs, and step boldly into the life God created them to live. Growth isn’t about perfection—it’s about rising with confidence, purpose, and joy.
Audience Takeaways:
- Clarity – See beyond doubt and step into fresh possibilities.
- Courage – Break through barriers holding you back.
- Community – Rise stronger through sisterhood.
CAPTIVATING...
"It is rare to find a speaker who shares a message that is captivating, compelling, and compassionate all wrapped up in a single presentation. Count me a fan, and yourself lucky if you can be in one of Cheryl’s audiences. She plays at the intersection of passion and potential and will elevate your audience members. Your people will walk away with a renewed spirit and a sense of possibility when it comes to being a better version of themselves. I dare say, they will never be the same!"
-MARK LE BLANC, CSP, Hall of Fame Speaker, and Author of Growing Your Business and Never Be the Same, Edina, MN
GLOWING...
"A gifted speaker, Cheryl will be invited back before the word gets out about this best-kept secret!"
-MARK E BATTIATO, CEO
Growth Into Greatness Institute - Medford, OR
RELATABLE...
"Cheryl blew me away. She was delightful! She made me laugh. She made me cry. She is a fantastic speaker who’s engaging and relatable to everyone in the room. She spoke to us as humans and nurses and interjected real-life things that promoted thought and self-reflection for us. I would love to hear her speak again. I had the chance to realize how often I have stood in the gap for family, friends, and patients, yet I never
realized the impact I was making."
ALLINA HOSPITAL SYSTEM
Grand Itasca State Nursing Conference
INSPIRATIONAL...
"Your words were an inspiration for our youth and their
potential in this crazy world of ours. We have rarely
seen them listen with such rapt attention to anyone!"
REBECCA SICOLI, YOUTH COORDINATOR
Anoka Technical College, MN
AUTHENTIC...
"Cheryl has a knack for putting the heart back
into business. If you ever have a chance,
get a front row seat! "
TOM HILL, SPEAKER & AUTHOR
Eagle Institute - St. Louis, MO
