Frequently Asked Questions

What topics does Matt speak about?

Matt delivers wholly nonpartisan keynotes, workshops, and facilitated conversations that spark collaborative leadership, strengthen civic trust, and support meaningful community engagement. His topics focus on how leaders and community members can navigate disagreement, foster connection, and shape a future rooted in shared purpose.

His current signature offerings include:

• From Conflict to Conversation
• A practical, non-partisan communication framework for turning disagreement into trust, connection, and progress.
• The Future We Shape Together
• A fully participatory keynote that reconnects people to their communities, values, and each other — and inspires them to imagine and work toward a better future.
• A Community of Possibilities
• An original framework (Ideastructure) for building bold, shared visions through authentic engagement and lasting commitment.
• Leading Through Complexity
• A values-based model (Compass for Complexity™) to guide clear, steady leadership when stakes are high and paths are unclear.

Each topic is thoughtfully tailored to the needs of your audience—whether elected officials, government staff, nonprofit teams, or civic-minded community members.

You’ll also find many of these themes in Matt’s Community Catalysts podcast, where he interviews local leaders from across the country about the real challenges—and real possibilities—of civic leadership today.

Are Matt’s presentations truly nonpartisan?

Yes—absolutely and intentionally. Matt’s work is rooted in foundational American principles: freedom of expression, equal protection under the law, individual dignity, and civic responsibility. These are not partisan ideas—they are the bedrock of our democracy, enshrined in the Constitution and shared across political and ideological lines.

Matt does not promote political parties, policies, or candidates. Instead, he creates space where people of all perspectives feel respected, connected, and heard—with the clarity and confidence to lead with purpose. His sessions invite dialogue, not division, and focus on the shared responsibility we all carry to strengthen our communities.

At a time when public trust is strained and polarization threatens progress, Matt’s focus is clear: to foster constructive conversation, principled leadership, and civic togetherness. His work isn’t about taking sides—it’s about helping people move forward, together, with courage, clarity, and care.

Who is Matt’s ideal audience?

Matt’s message is designed for people who shape their communities — whether through public leadership, professional roles, or personal commitment. He speaks to elected officials, government staff, nonprofit leaders, and board members; professionals in business, law, real estate, finance, and education; and anyone active in civic life whose work connects them to the betterment of their communities.

His message resonates across local governments, school boards, foundations, health systems, professional and civic associations, higher education, and regional gatherings — adapting to each setting to inspire purposeful leadership, strengthen community connection, and spark collaboration that lasts.

Can Matt customize a talk for our organization or event?

Absolutely! Every presentation is crafted in close collaboration with your team to reflect your goals, challenges, and audience. Matt begins with discovery calls to understand what matters most—and then builds a session that’s timely, relevant, and resonant.

As part of the preparation, Matt also offers to host a brief pre-event Zoom conversation with a small group of likely attendees. Using his facilitation skills, he helps surface late-breaking questions, concerns, and needs—insights that often emerge outside of advance planning. This “temperature check” ensures the session connects with the real-time realities of your audience.

And the customization doesn’t stop there. Matt adapts in real time, responding to the room’s energy and the substance of participants’ engagement. His presentations aren’t rigid—they’re dynamic, responsive experiences designed to meet your audience where they are and help them move forward—together.

Does Matt offer virtual presentations?

Yes, though in-person delivery is strongly preferred. Matt’s programs rely on real-time engagement and group interaction, and they tend to be most impactful when participants are present together. Virtual delivery may be available for select purposes—and Matt’s open to exploring what best serves your audience.

What’s included in a speaking engagement?

Every keynote with Matt is more than a presentation — it’s an opportunity to create lasting impact.

• Complimentary “Let’s Talk” breakout session
• Subject to schedule and travel, Matt routinely offers a complimentary “Let’s Talk” breakout session immediately following his keynote. This fully participatory follow-up gives attendees space to reflect, ask questions, and apply the keynote’s insights to their own priorities and challenges. Just as importantly, it helps them connect with one another — surfacing shared values, sparking ideas, and setting a collaborative tone that can carry through the rest of your event.
• It’s a powerful way to turn inspiration into interaction — and a roomful of individuals into a learning community.

• Your engagement also includes:
• Pre-event planning and discovery calls
  
• A customized slide deck or discussion prompt
  
• An optional post-event debrief or leadership wrap-up for conference organizers or leadership teams

How far in advance should we book Matt?

As early as you can is always appreciated—especially during busy conference seasons in the spring and fall. Early booking allows time for thoughtful planning and increases the likelihood of your preferred date being available.

That said, don’t hesitate to reach out on short notice. Matt regularly accommodates last-minute opportunities, especially when there’s a timely issue or sensitive topic to address. Often, the most powerful conversations happen when the moment demands it.

What does it cost to bring Matt in as a speaker?

Every event is different, so Matt’s speaking fees depend on the format (keynote, workshop, or conversation), the level of customization, the location, and the type of organization — for example:

• Corporate & Private Sector – Companies, industry groups, and business leadership events.
• Nonprofits, Professional Associations & Civic Networks – Mission-driven organizations, membership associations, and coalitions that support local government, school boards, or community leadership.
• Colleges, Universities & Public-Sector Institutions – Higher education, public agencies, and other publicly funded or community-serving institutions (such as state and regional agencies, public health and transportation authorities, utility commissions, park services, and arts or cultural councils).

Reduced rates are also available for virtual-only programs.

How are rates confirmed and dates reserved?

When you request a written proposal, your preferred date is placed on temporary hold, and you’ll have the first right of refusal if another inquiry comes in for that same date during your consideration period. Once the engagement agreement is signed, the date is confirmed.

For travel, you can choose either an all-inclusive fee or a fixed-rate travel buyout, whichever makes budgeting easier.

Does Matt ever adjust his fee for worthy organizations or causes?

Yes — Matt is always interested in opportunities to contribute to something worthwhile, impactful, and capable of making a real difference. If your event aligns with his mission to strengthen civic trust, he invites you to reach out and make your case — the more compelling your vision, the better.

Does Matt work with speakers' bureaus?

Yes. Matt works on a non-exclusive basis and welcomes opportunities from any speakers’ bureau. Bureaus are invited to contact him directly for specific availability, pricing, and prompt support in presenting him to clients. Event organizers are also welcome to reach out to Matt directly for inquiries.

How do we book Matt?
Schedule a Meeting or email Matt@MattLehrman.com. A short call will help us understand your goals and determine the best format for your audience.

Can we see Matt in action?

Yes! View Matt’s speaker reel here.

What services does Matt offer beyond delivering keynotes, workshops, and facilitated conversations?

As a civic facilitator, Matt works nationally to design and conduct all sorts of strategic planning, governance consulting, mediation, and public engagement projects through Social Prosperity Partners.