About Us - motivationalleaders.org

Karen J Manthey

Karen Manthey is a seasoned improvisational comedian, public speaker, and coach with over two decades of experience in the entertainment and corporate sectors. Since 2003, she has been a dynamic force in improvisational comedy and coaching, serving as the media spokesperson for Brighton Development and Vice President of Marketing.

With a passion for experiential learning and team building, Karen specializes in helping individuals and organizations enhance their communication and collaboration skills through improvisational techniques. She has had the honor of keynoting events such as the Savvy Women and Money Conference, where she engaged 800 attendees with humor and insightful connections.

Karen’s commitment to professional development extends to her role as a trainer and coach, where she empowers clients to improve their public speaking abilities and foster a culture of innovation within their teams. Her workshops, such as the “Lunch & Learn: Improv to Improve Your Game” hosted by the Boise Chamber of Commerce, exemplify her dedication to making learning both enjoyable and impactful.

Through her unique blend of humor, expertise, and personalized coaching, Karen Manthey continues to inspire and equip individuals and organizations to embrace the principles of improvisation for personal and professional growth.

Trevor J Manthey, LMSW, Ph.D., CEBP

Dr. Trevor J. Manthey is a highly effective presenter and seasoned trainer, known for his expertise in Motivational Interviewing (MI). With a Ph.D. from the University of Kansas and a Master of Social Work from Eastern Washington University, Dr. Manthey has dedicated over 20 years to refining and teaching MI, influencing positive behavioral changes across various professional contexts.

As a member of the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT), Dr. Manthey consistently delivers engaging and impactful training sessions, fostering agency cultural shifts that foster empathetic, strengths-based communication strategies. His ability to translate complex MI concepts into practical, actionable techniques has empowered thousands of professionals in mental health, vocational rehabilitation, healthcare, and correctional settings.

Dr. Manthey’s dynamic presentation style, combined with his deep commitment to evidence-based practice, positions him as an influential voice in the field, significantly enhancing client engagement and therapeutic outcomes through his training and consultation.

HOW WE CAN HELP YOU

1. Authentic Communication: Whether it’s through motivational interviewing, improv, or public speaking, the core of all three approaches is effective, real, and empathetic communication. The brand can emphasize the importance of open dialogue, emotional intelligence, and listening skills in driving results.
2. Adaptability & Creativity: Improv is all about thinking on your feet, adapting to situations, and being flexible. Motivational interviewing and public speaking both require the ability to engage people and pivot as needed. The theme of adaptability can be highlighted as essential for modern leadership and teamwork.
3. Collaboration & Teamwork: Improv is based on the “yes, and” principle, which emphasizes collaboration. Motivational interviewing fosters collaboration through empathetic listening and engagement. Public speaking, especially when it involves team-based presentations or shared ownership of ideas, also thrives on collaboration.
4. Empowerment & Leadership: Empowering individuals and teams to lead confidently, whether in a conversation, on a stage, or through quick thinking, can be the foundation of your messaging. Leaders need to inspire and influence others with authenticity, creativity, and clarity.
5. Engagement: Engaging an audience or a team is at the heart of each of these practices—whether it’s motivating employees, making a presentation more captivating, or building trust through conversation. Engagement is the throughline.