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Speaking

Keynotes · Panels · Workshops · Team Events · Virtually or In-Person

I was born with one hand, and growing up that always made me feel less than and not enough. I struggled with that feeling especially as I got older, like I needed to prove I belonged. What I've learned through all of it is that you do belong, you are enough just as you are, and I want my story to remind you of that.

Book me to speak See talk topics
Philadelphia, PA Virtual & in-person

I've spent the last decade building communities for Square, Sprout Social, and CreativeMornings, and coaching people through burnout, career pivots, and that feeling that everyone else has it figured out except them. Being born with one hand and growing up in financial scarcity isn't the footnote to my story. It's the whole reason I do this work.

Past stages

CreativeMornings Community Club Led by Community Talkbase Bettermode Community Rebellion Conference LinkedIn Live
🎤 Featured Talks

Three core talks I'm currently pitching. Each can be adapted as a keynote, breakout, or panel contribution.

Talk 01
Enough: What Comparison Actually Costs You
A talk about ambition, scorecards, and the only metric that matters.
We live in an age of public achievement. LinkedIn milestones, follower counts, someone always further ahead. Most of us are quietly measuring ourselves against everyone else's highlight reel. It's exhausting. I grew up with financial scarcity and a physical disability, and spent years overcompensating, chasing proof that I was enough. This talk is about what that cost me, and the simple reframe that changed everything: your scoreboard only has one name on it.
Best for Leadership offsites, HR & culture conferences, creator events, company all-hands
Format 30–60 min keynote or breakout
Takeaway A concrete framework for redirecting comparison energy into forward motion
Talk 02
The Belonging Problem: Why People Feel Invisible in Connected Spaces
Visibility isn't the same as belonging. Here's the difference, and why it matters.
You can have thousands of members, a Slack with 50 channels, and a community that still feels hollow. I've built programs for Square, Sprout Social, and CreativeMornings. What I've learned is that most organizations confuse activity for connection. The result: people show up, but never feel like they belong. This talk breaks down the real psychology of belonging, what makes people feel seen, and the specific shifts that change everything.
Best for Community conferences, HR & people teams, SaaS companies with community programs
Format 30–45 min keynote or interactive workshop
Takeaway Three belonging levers that change how people feel in any space you build
Talk 03
Post and Log Off: Building a Sustainable Practice in an Always-On World
What hypervigilance costs us, and how to stop letting anxiety dress itself up as dedication.
There's a quiet epidemic among people who work online: the compulsion to monitor, respond, stay ahead. Notifications. Metrics. The fear of missing something. I lived it as a community manager, creator, and coach. Eventually I realized it wasn't dedication. It was anxiety wearing a productive mask. This talk is about naming that pattern, understanding what drives it, and building a relationship with your work that doesn't require your constant presence.
Best for Community builders, creators, remote teams, mental wellness at work conferences
Format 30–45 min talk or panel
Takeaway A personal audit framework for identifying compulsion triggers and building a calmer practice
🧠

Want to bring this to your team? The Stay Human workshop goes deeper, helping your people own their story, find their voice, and show up as themselves in a way no tool can replicate.

Learn about the workshop
🗂️ Past Talks & Podcasts

Talks

TalkCreative Mornings: Pattern TalkCrafting a Portfolio to Showcase Your Work as a Community Pro TalkImproving Retention and ROI as a Community Manager TalkCareer Growth: 10 Lessons from 1 Year as a Community Manager TalkHealthy Community, Healthy You: Protecting Your Mental Health as a Community Manager TalkWhat's the ROI of Community?

Podcasts

PodCommunity Codebreakers: Max Pete on Rebuilding B2B Community at Scale PodHow to Be Yourself Online (and Still Build Real Community) PodBe the Same Person in Every Room PodThe Power of Community: Fostering Connection and Retention with Max Pete PodCommunity Life #13 with Max Pete PodBuilding the SuperHi Community, Why and How
🙋 Your Questions, Answered
How long are your talks?

Most run 30 to 45 minutes with time for Q&A. I can do shorter keynotes around 20 minutes or longer workshops up to 90 minutes. Tell me what slot you have and I'll make it work.

What group sizes work best?

I've spoken to rooms of 10 and rooms of 500. The content holds at any size. For workshops where I want real back-and-forth, under 100 is the sweet spot.

Are these available virtually?

Yes. I've done a lot of virtual sessions and I know how to make them feel like an actual conversation, not a webinar. Good energy, good setup, same content.

Do you travel for in-person events?

I'm based in Philadelphia and I travel for the right stages. Reach out and let's figure out if it's a good fit.

Can the content be customized for my audience?

Always. I tailor every talk to your audience and what you want them to walk away with. I don't have a canned presentation I run on repeat.

What do you need from us?

A clear brief on your audience and goals, a time slot, and decent AV. I'm easy to work with and I'll handle everything on my end.

📧 Book Me to Speak

I'm actively looking for the right stages. If your event is a good fit, reach out and let's figure it out.

Emailmax.a.pete@gmail.com
Based inPhiladelphia, PA, available virtually and in-person
FormatsKeynote, breakout session, panel, workshop, podcast
RateAvailable upon request. Community organizations and nonprofits: let's talk.
Reach out about speaking Book a discovery call