Mindie Barnett is a woman who has worn many hats – TV news anchor, powerhouse publicist, bestselling author, and even clinical psychotherapist – and through it all, she’s become an extraordinary speaker on resilience, reinvention, and female empowerment. Mindie is the very definition of a “woman of influence.” She first made her mark delivering breaking news on-camera, then built one of the East Coast’s most influential PR firms from scratch. Along the way, she navigated major personal and professional transitions – including a high-profile divorce and a career pivot – emerging each time stronger and more purpose-driven. For event planners seeking a speaker who can energize a room and offer hard-earned wisdom on bouncing back and thriving through change, Mindie Barnett is a perfect fit.
With her background in media, Mindie has a dynamic stage presence that immediately grabs attention. She exudes the polish and charisma of a television personality, combined with the empathy and insight of a trained therapist. (Yes, Mindie didn’t stop at PR success; she went back to school to earn a Master’s in Psychology from Pepperdine University, and she actively works with clients on issues like burnout and life transitions.) This unique blend of skills means Mindie can connect with audiences on both an intellectual and emotional level – she offers authoritative strategies and she really understands what people are feeling. Her mission, as she often says, is to help others “find the strength to start over” and rise in their lives and careers. Expect Mindie to leave your audience not only inspired – but changed.
Career & Credentials
Mindie Barnett’s professional journey is nothing short of impressive. She spent a decade in front of the camera as a television news reporter and anchor, working in major markets including Philadelphia, New York, Louisiana, and Illinois. During her time in broadcast journalism, Mindie gained recognition for her compelling storytelling and on-air presence. She knows how to distill a message to its core and deliver it with clarity – a talent that serves her and her audiences well in speaking engagements.
In 2003, armed with her insider knowledge of the media and a fearless entrepreneurial spirit, Mindie founded MB and Associates Public Relations. She swiftly turned her one-woman venture into a PR powerhouse, attracting a roster of celebrity, healthcare, legal, and corporate clients nationwide. Thanks to Mindie’s expertise and hustle, her clients have landed features on The Today Show, Good Morning America, in People Magazine, The New York Times, and many other top outlets. She essentially became the secret weapon behind countless successful publicity campaigns – which means she understands how to craft a narrative that captures attention and influences people. Under her leadership, MB and Associates grew into one of the most influential PR firms on the East Coast. Mindie’s success in the PR world also saw her recognized for revolutionizing personal branding strategies in the digital age, proving she’s always ahead of the curve.
As her PR career flourished, Mindie became a sought-after expert commentator. She’s a frequent guest on national television – you may have seen her offering advice or commentary on NBC News, Inside Edition, The Today Show, Dr. Oz, or even sparring playfully on Fox News Channel panels. This media exposure has made her a familiar face and trusted voice on topics ranging from professional development to pop culture to emotional wellness. Additionally, Mindie hosts her own popular podcast, “The Race for the Ring,” where she interviews high achievers and thought leaders about the intersection of personal and professional success. (It’s a hit among listeners interested in how successful people balance ambition and love – a testament to Mindie’s ability to engage and enlighten.)
Education-wise, Mindie’s credentials are just as strong. She holds a Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University, which she pursued to deepen her ability to help people on a one-on-one level. Today, alongside her speaking and PR endeavors, she is a practicing psychotherapist who works with men and women dealing with burnout, anxiety, depression, and major life changes. She also has a B.A. in Broadcast Journalism from Hofstra University, laying the foundation for her communication expertise. This rare combo – of high-level communication chops and clinical psychology training – means Mindie speaks not only with charisma, but with true psychological insight into human behavior and motivation.
On top of all that, Mindie is a two-time bestselling author. Her first book, You Don’t Need to Be a Bitch to Be a Boss, is a bold leadership guide for women that challenges toxic workplace norms and advocates for leading with authenticity and empathy. (The title itself grabs attention, and the content delivers – it’s filled with actionable advice for women to excel in business without sacrificing kindness or integrity.) Her second book, Intermission, is a powerful memoir where Mindie chronicles her personal journey through divorce, heartbreak, and ultimately reinvention. It’s a deeply vulnerable account that has resonated with many readers (making it a top seller) and positioned Mindie as a voice of encouragement for anyone facing the pain of starting over. These books reinforce Mindie’s expertise in her speaking topics: one on leadership and empathy, the other on personal resilience. They also demonstrate that Mindie doesn’t just speak about these topics – she’s lived them.
In summary, Mindie’s resume sparkles: media executive, PR guru, advanced degrees, published author, and practicing therapist. But what truly sets her apart is how she weaves all these threads into her speaking. She has the credibility (from her achievements) to impress any audience and the relatability (from her personal struggles and approachable demeanor) to truly connect with them. That’s a potent combination for an event speaker.
Speaking Topics & Programs
Mindie Barnett speaks on a variety of topics that center around personal and professional empowerment. Her talks are particularly popular with audiences looking for inspiration on overcoming adversity, avoiding burnout, cultivating authentic leadership (especially for women), and embracing change. Here are some of Mindie’s signature speaking topics:
The Burnout Epidemic: Showing Up as Your Best Self (Before It’s Too Late)
Burnout has become a widespread challenge in today’s high-pressure world. In this timely talk, Mindie addresses the “burnout epidemic” head-on, drawing from both her own experience in a fast-paced PR career and her expertise as a psychotherapist treating burnout in clients. She helps audiences recognize the warning signs of burnout and shares effective strategies to prevent hitting that breaking point. Mindie’s approach isn’t just theoretical – it’s practical and compassionate. She talks about setting boundaries in a demanding work culture, the importance of saying no (without guilt), and techniques for self-care that go beyond bubble baths (think mental and emotional self-maintenance). Using relatable stories (like the time she realized her “always on” work routine was unsustainable and what she did to change it), Mindie reassures high-achievers that taking care of themselves is not a luxury, but a necessity. Attendees learn how to recharge their batteries regularly so they can “show up as their best self” consistently, rather than run themselves into the ground. Mindie’s mix of clinical insight and personal narrative on this topic leaves audiences feeling understood and armed with tools to create a healthier, more balanced approach to success.
Lead with Empathy: The New Superpower for Success
In an era when traditional, authoritarian leadership is fading, Mindie champions empathy as a leadership superpower. This topic, closely aligned with her book You Don’t Need to Be a Bitch to Be a Boss, is especially empowering for women in business, though its principles apply to all leaders. Mindie challenges the outdated notion that one must be harsh or “bossy” to be effective. She shares how leading with kindness, understanding, and authenticity can actually garner greater loyalty and respect from teams. Through anecdotes from her PR career – for example, how showing genuine concern for an employee’s personal crisis built a stronger, more dedicated team – Mindie illustrates the tangible benefits of empathetic leadership. She provides guidance on active listening, emotionally intelligent communication, and building an inclusive workplace culture. One key takeaway is learning that empathy in leadership doesn’t mean being a pushover; it means creating an environment where people feel valued and motivated to give their best. This talk often sparks lightbulb moments for those who have felt they need to adopt an overly tough persona to lead; Mindie gives them permission and tools to lead in a way that’s both strong and compassionate. The result? Audiences, especially women, feel validated that they can be themselves and still be highly effective leaders – in fact, more effective because of it.
Healthy Competition: Lifting Others as You Climb
When competition is mentioned, especially among women in the workplace, it often carries a negative connotation. Mindie flips that script in “Healthy Competition.” Having thrived in cutthroat industries, Mindie knows what unhealthy rivalry looks like – and she advocates for a better way. In this talk, she encourages a culture of collaboration over sabotage. She speaks about how women (and men) can support each other’s ambitions, celebrate one another’s wins, and still be driven to excel personally. Mindie often shares her experiences from the newsroom or PR world, where early in her career she saw colleagues undercut each other, and contrasts it with later experiences where building a supportive network actually propelled everyone further. She provides tips on how to create allies, mentors, and peer support in any professional setting, and how to channel competitive energy into self-improvement instead of comparison. Importantly, Mindie addresses the internal competition we all face – that is, becoming the best version of ourselves. She emphasizes that the real race is with yourself: improving your skills, expanding your mindset, and achieving your personal goals, rather than tearing others down. Audiences come away with a refreshed perspective that competition can be positive and even uplifting when approached collaboratively, and they’re inspired to foster a culture of “winning together” in their own workplaces.
Reinventing Your Life: Finding the Strength to Start Over
Few people understand the challenges of starting over better than Mindie Barnett. In this deeply personal talk (inspired by her memoir Intermission), Mindie addresses the fear and uncertainty that come with major life transitions – be it changing careers, ending a marriage, or any bold step into the unknown. She shares her own story of reinventing herself after divorce and how she transformed what could have been a setback into a launching pad for a new chapter of success. Mindie’s key message is that it’s never too late to rewrite your narrative. She offers encouragement and practical advice on embracing change: from overcoming the paralysis of fear to rebuilding self-confidence and purpose. Mindie discusses strategies for “rewriting your script,” such as identifying transferable strengths, seeking support networks, and practicing self-compassion during the transition. Her authenticity shines as she admits it wasn’t easy – she talks about moments of doubt and how she conquered them one step at a time. Audiences find her candor comforting and her outcome motivating: Mindie emerged from her “intermission” not only as a successful entrepreneur and author, but as a happier, more authentic version of herself. This talk resonates with anyone who’s at a crossroads or contemplating a big change. Mindie equips them with the mental tools to navigate uncertainty with confidence and courage. After hearing her story and guidance, attendees feel a newfound empowerment to begin their own next chapter, knowing that, as Mindie says, “finding the strength to start over” can lead to some of life’s most rewarding successes.
No matter which program Mindie delivers, she always infuses her content with humor, real-world examples, and interactive moments (she loves a good Q&A or on-the-spot coaching exchange). From burnout prevention and life transitions to female leadership and personal branding, Mindie can tailor her focus to your event’s theme. What’s consistent is her emphasis on authenticity, resilience, and uplifting others – core values that have defined her own journey.
Notable Achievements
Mindie’s achievements underscore why she’s such an authority on her topics. A snapshot of her accolades and experiences:
- National Media Personality: Former television news anchor/reporter for major NBC and CBS affiliates, where she built a reputation for engaging storytelling and on-camera poise. She continues to appear frequently on national TV as an expert commentator on lifestyle and success topics.
- PR Powerhouse Entrepreneur: Founder & CEO of MB and Associates Public Relations, a top-ranked PR firm she built from the ground up. Under her leadership, MB&A became one of the East Coast’s most influential firms, with clients regularly featured in People, Good Morning America, The New York Times, and beyond. Mindie has been credited with revolutionizing personal branding and reputation management in the digital age.
- Bestselling Author: Two-time bestselling author of You Don’t Need to Be a Bitch to Be a Boss (empowering women to lead with empathy) and Intermission (her memoir of reinvention). Both books have touched thousands and established Mindie as a thought leader in women’s leadership and personal growth.
- Clinical Psychotherapist (M.A.): Earned a Master’s in Psychology from Pepperdine University and practices as a therapist specializing in burnout, life transitions, and anxiety management. This advanced training gives her evidence-based insights into mental wellness that enrich her talks.
- Podcast Host & Advice Columnist: Host of The Race for the Ring podcast, where she interviews high achievers about balancing ambition and personal life. She’s also an advice columnist (e.g., for New York Lifestyles Magazine), extending her influence as a mentor to a broad audience.
- Women’s Advocate & Mentor: Honored as a “Woman of Influence” (Philadelphia Business Journal, 2023) and known for mentoring emerging women leaders and entrepreneurs. Mindie is celebrated for her transparent sharing of personal struggles, which makes her a relatable and powerful voice for change.
These accomplishments illustrate why Mindie Barnett is a sought-after expert in the fields of communications, personal development, and women’s empowerment. She’s been at the top of her game in multiple industries, and she’s devoted to helping others achieve their own success while maintaining wellness and integrity.
Why Book Mindie Barnett?
Booking Mindie Barnett means bringing energy, expertise, and empathy to your event stage. She offers the total package as a speaker:
- High Energy, High Impact: Mindie’s vibrant personality and broadcast-honed delivery style can light up a room. Her enthusiasm is contagious – she knows how to keep an audience hooked from the first word to the last. She expertly balances entertainment with substance, ensuring the crowd is having fun while absorbing meaningful insights. No one will be checking their phones during Mindie’s talk!
- Authenticity & Relatability: Audiences immediately connect with Mindie because she’s refreshingly real. She speaks candidly about her own ups and downs – from crying on her closet floor during her divorce to the stress of nearly burning out as a single mom running a business. By showing vulnerability, Mindie creates a safe space for attendees to reflect on their own challenges. Listeners see themselves in her stories, which makes her messages land all the more powerfully.
- Actionable Takeaways: Mindie ensures that everyone leaves with practical tools or steps, not just feel-good inspiration (though there’s plenty of that too!). She draws on her diverse background – media, PR, psychology – to provide concrete strategies, whether it’s a technique to manage stress, a networking tip to build support, or a communication hack to resolve conflict. Mindie’s advice is down-to-earth and proven (often tested in her own life or those of her high-profile clients). Attendees often remark on how they started implementing her tips the very next day, which is exactly the outcome Mindie aims for.
- Cross-Audience Appeal: Mindie resonates with various audiences. She’s as effective speaking to corporate executives as she is to young professionals or women entrepreneurs. Because her content spans professional development and personal well-being, she can adjust the angle to fit the group. Her media background makes her adept at reading the room and adapting on the fly. She can serve as a keynote speaker, panel moderator, or workshop facilitator with flair – even as Master of Ceremonies.
- Lasting Inspiration: Mindie’s core passion is, in her own words, “helping others rise.” Event attendees often report a lasting boost of confidence and motivation after hearing her. She instills a genuine belief that change is possible and that challenges can be catalysts for growth. And she shows exactly how to make that happen. It’s no exaggeration to say that with every talk, Mindie leaves her audience not only inspired, but changed. That’s the kind of impact that reflects positively on your event long after it’s over.
Client testimonials and organizers praise Mindie’s professionalism (easy to work with, tailored content) and the positive feedback attendees share. Her sessions spark conversations that continue well after the event, extending its buzz and impact.
In short, Mindie Barnett is a home-run choice if you want a speaker who delivers substance with style, credibility with charisma. She embodies the resilience and empowerment she talks about, and she has a magnetic way of imparting that strength to her audience.
Call to Action: Ready to inject your event with fresh inspiration and actionable strategies? Book Mindie Barnett for your next conference or corporate gathering through Talent Concierge Artists Agency. Watch your audience light up as Mindie helps them laugh, learn, and launch themselves to new heights of success and fulfillment. With Mindie on stage, your attendees won’t just be taking notes – they’ll be ignited to make positive changes in their work and lives, long after the applause has ended. Don’t miss the chance to let this media maven and motivational dynamo transform your event into an unforgettable experience of empowerment and reinvention!itive changes in their work and lives, long after the applause has ended. Don’t miss the chance to let this media maven and motivational dynamo transform your event into an unforgettable experience of empowerment and reinvention!
