The quality of your decisions shapes the quality of your life.
Vanessa Stoykov is an international award-winning storyteller, bestselling author, media producer and one of Australia's leading voices on financial wellbeing and decision-making.
For more than 25 years, she has helped organisations and individuals navigate life's most important decisions through the power of storytelling. Vanessa is the founder and CEO of Evolution Media Group, creator of the Channel 9 series Secrets of the Money Masters, a weekly columnist for the Daily Mail, and the author of two bestselling books.
Drawing on a unique blend of behavioural science, storytelling and deep financial services experience, Vanessa transforms complex ideas into memorable stories that inspire action. Her presentations give audiences practical frameworks to communicate more effectively, make better decisions and build greater confidence in times of change.
Vanessa has worked with some of Australia's most respected organisations, including Vanguard, AMP North, Zurich, HSBC, Glencore and Boston Scientific, consistently earning outstanding audience feedback for her engaging, practical and thought-provoking presentations.
Whether she's speaking about storytelling, financial wellbeing or navigating life's biggest transitions, Vanessa believes every great decision starts with the right conversation. Her mission is to help people avoid future regrets by making better decisions today.
Talking Points
Storytelling: Your Competitive Advantage in an AI World
In a world where AI can generate content in seconds, the ability to tell authentic, compelling stories has become one of the most valuable human skills. Storytelling is no longer just a communication technique—it's a competitive advantage that builds trust, influences decisions and inspires action.Storytelling: Your Competitive Advantage in an AI World
Drawing on more than 25 years creating television, producing media and helping leaders communicate complex ideas, Vanessa Stoykov reveals why stories are remembered long after facts are forgotten. Audiences discover the science behind why stories change behaviour, how to communicate with greater impact, and practical techniques to make every presentation, conversation and pitch more engaging.
Whether you're leading a team, winning clients, influencing stakeholders or building your personal brand, this keynote provides a practical framework to help you communicate with confidence in a world increasingly dominated by AI-generated content.
Audience Takeaways
Understand why storytelling is becoming the most valuable human skill in the AI era.
Learn a practical framework for creating memorable, persuasive stories.
Communicate complex ideas with clarity and confidence.
Build trust and influence through authentic storytelling.
Inspire action by making every conversation more meaningful.
Financial Wellbeing: The Foundation for Better Decisions
Every day, we make decisions that shape our future—about money, work, family and life. Yet financial stress and uncertainty often undermine our confidence, influence our behaviour and impact our performance in ways we don't even realise.Financial Wellbeing: The Foundation for Better Decisions
In this engaging and inspiring keynote, international award-winning storyteller Vanessa Stoykov reveals why financial wellbeing is the foundation for better decisions. Drawing on more than 25 years' experience in financial services, media and behavioural change, Vanessa combines powerful storytelling with practical insights to help audiences build financial confidence and take meaningful action.
Rather than focusing on numbers and financial jargon, Vanessa explores the human side of money—why we make the decisions we do, how financial stress affects our relationships, wellbeing and work, and how small changes in thinking and behaviour can transform our future.
Audiences leave inspired, empowered and equipped with practical strategies to reduce financial stress, improve financial confidence and make better decisions. Most importantly, they leave with the courage to have the conversations that can change the course of their lives.
### Audience Takeaways
* Understand why financial wellbeing is the foundation for better decisions.
* Recognise how financial stress impacts confidence, performance and relationships.
* Learn practical strategies to build financial confidence and reduce money stress.
* Gain the confidence to have important money conversations.
* Walk away inspired to make better decisions for a stronger financial future.
The Five Conversations About Money That Will Change Your Life
Most people don't struggle with money because they lack knowledge—they struggle because they avoid the conversations that matter.The Five Conversations About Money That Will Change Your Life
Based on her bestselling book, *The Five Conversations About Money That Will Radically Change Your Life*, Vanessa Stoykov shares the five essential conversations that can transform the way we think about money, relationships and our future. Through powerful storytelling, real-life examples and practical insights, she helps audiences overcome the fear, shame and uncertainty that often surround financial decisions.
From talking with a partner about shared goals, to discussing inheritance, retirement, ageing parents and adult children, Vanessa shows why the conversations we avoid are often the ones with the greatest power to change our lives.
This keynote gives audiences the confidence to start meaningful conversations, make better financial decisions and build a future with greater clarity, connection and purpose.
### **Audience Takeaways**
* Discover the five conversations that have the greatest impact on your financial future.
* Learn how to overcome the fear and emotion that often surrounds money.
* Build confidence to have open, honest and productive financial conversations.
* Strengthen relationships through better communication about money.
* Walk away with practical strategies to make better financial decisions and avoid future regrets.
Video
Vanessa Stoykov | Money, Mindset & Financial Wellbeing | Saxton Speakers
Vanessa Stoykov | Unforgettable: Storytelling as Your Competitive Edge | Saxton Speakers
Vanessa Stoykov’s new Keynote explores how storytelling is the most powerful tool we have to cut through noise, build trust, and create meaningful connections. Whether you're leading a team, driving sales, or influencing change, stories help people see themselves in the journey, believe in the outcome, and choose to act.We wanted a keynote speaker with energy and charisma who could demonstrate how storytelling can transform the way advisers communicate with clients. Vanessa exceeded our expectations and was ... keep reading AMP
Vanessa's financial wellbeing sessions were among the most highly attended of the year. She has an exceptional ability to simplify complex financial topics and inspire people to take action. – John Mirostis, Zurich Australia
The impact of Vanessa's program was life-changing. Our people booked appointments with financial planners, reviewed their retirement savings and had conversations they had been putting off for years. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive. – Amy Voss, Boston Scientific
Vanessa delivered engaging and practical financial wellbeing sessions that gave our team real strategies to take control, plan ahead and reduce money stress. She made what can be a difficult topic approachable and even enjoyable. – Chloe Groves, Glencore
What a refreshing presentation, clear, direct, funny, and yes, she's talking about financial wellbeing! Vanessa's practical tips and mindset coaching were a highly valuable gift for the AAP team. – Lisa Davies, CEO, Australian Associated Press (AAP)
She makes finance feel approachable and real. The perfect mix of storytelling, humour, and practical advice,
When Vanessa presents, her obvious enthusiasm to help people achieve financial literacy is engaging, entertaining and at times provocative.
It was such a great presentation—I’ve already had some conversations sparked from it.
One of the most practical and thought-provoking presentations we’ve had. Our members walked away with real strategies to improve financial wellbeing.
It was great having Vanessa as part of our panel. I think guests related to and enjoyed her thoughts about personal finance!”
Vanessa was the opening speaker at our wealth symposium and provided a powerful start to the event. Working with her was seamless.
Vanessa doesn’t just talk about money—she changes the way you think about it. Her session was practical, engaging, and full of insights we could apply immediately.
All feedback has been that you gave us inspiration and real ways to change. The best breakfast yet!
Vanessa is a natural storyteller. Strong. Relatable. Purpose driven. Our most engaging event of the year.
You inspire and lead with honesty, passion and great wit in storytelling… such a privilege to share the day with you.
Great session and really useful to hear practical ways for us all to increase our financial literacy.
