About Krista Walsh
Krista Walsh was a failure.At twenty years old she had been fired three times in six months from her career as a dental assistant. As she had to re-evaluate her career path (and face unemployment), Krista moved back home with her parents to work in her family’s home heating business. Driven by the fear of failure, she studied and researched account receivable strategies and policies.Walsh became the first Canadian graduate of the International Center for Collection Professionals which aided her when she opened the doors of her own credit and resource company "KC Collect!", the first and only woman-owned collection agency in Atlantic Canada.Today, Krista is a multifaceted entrepreneur, author and speaker with businesses spanning from debt collection to fitness. She has been named an Emerging Leader for Atlantic Canada (twice), her local Chamber of Commerce’s Entrepreneur of the Year, and the Canadian Association of Professional Speakers’s Rising Star and has developed into one of Canada’s leading young entrepreneurs.Krista is focused on providing professional development and training services for businesses, with the highest levels of customer satisfaction. Krista will meet and go beyond your expectations. With a variety of programs to choose from, we are confident you will not be disappointed.She is an Amazon #1 Best Selling Author of her book Stories from a Debt Collector: Chasing Dollars, Delinquents and Durangos, and has also written and self-published another book 20 Tricks, Tips & Techniques: on Successful Debt Collection.
Speaking
Why Choose Between Insight and Inspiration
When You Can Experience Both?
Whether you’re booking me for a high-energy keynote (typically 45 to 60 minutes) or an interactive half or full-day workshop, delivered in person or virtually, my goal is to spark leadership transformation that lasts long after the applause ends.I know what it means to start from the bottom, literally. I built my first business sitting on milk crates after failing more than once. Through perseverance, continuous learning, and an unshakable belief in personal accountability, I transformed those early struggles into an award-winning company and a career dedicated to helping others lead with clarity, courage, and conviction.My presentations blend real-world stories, practical leadership strategies, and a touch of humour to create experiences that are both engaging and impactful. I don’t just talk about leadership, I live it.My mission is to show others that great leadership isn’t about titles or talent; it’s about mindset, perseverance, and the willingness to rise every time you fall.
Humble Beginnings: Building a Business from Milk Crates
“Because every great business starts with a bold idea and the courage to build, even when all you have is a milk crate.”This presentation can be delivered as:
Every successful business starts somewhere, but few begin with milk crates as office furniture. In Building a Business from Milk Crates, Krista Walsh shares her journey from launching a company in a small bedroom at her family home to leading one of Atlantic Canada’s most respected firms. Through engaging stories and sharp humour, Krista illustrates the realities of entrepreneurship: the risks, the resilience, and the relationships that shape every leader’s path.This keynote delivers a powerful blend of authenticity and insight, revealing what it truly takes to build something lasting from the ground up. Attendees will gain practical strategies for navigating uncertainty, leading with confidence, and transforming challenges into opportunities for growth.
Learning OutcomesTry Everything Once: Taking Smart Risks
Understand how embracing curiosity and experimentation drives innovation, adaptability, and business growth.Asking for Help: The Strength in Collaboration
Learn why great leaders and entrepreneurs know when—and how—to seek guidance, partnership, and mentorship.Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: Confidence in the Climb
Discover tools to turn self-doubt into self-awareness and lead with authenticity and presence.Enhancing Leadership Skills: Building from the Inside Out
Gain actionable approaches to strengthen communication, decision-making, and resilience in leadership.
Krista's books associated with the topic:
Stories from a Debt Collector: Leadership Lessons You Can’t Learn in a Boardroom
“Because leadership isn’t about titles, it’s about tenacity, trust, and the courage to keep showing up.”This presentation can be delivered as:
What can the world of debt collection teach us about leadership? More than you might imagine.In Stories from a Debt Collector, Krista Walsh shares engaging, real-world lessons from her journey building a nationally respected company from humble beginnings in her family’s spare bedroom.Through smart humour and candid storytelling, she explores how the challenges of entrepreneurship mirror the complexities of leadership, where persistence, emotional intelligence, and authenticity are the real differentiators.This keynote offers a unique perspective on leadership development, resilience, and strategic growth. Attendees will gain practical insights into how leaders can turn uncertainty into opportunity, communicate with greater impact, and foster trust under pressure.
Learning OutcomesTry Everything Once: The Power of Calculated Risk
Understand how embracing measured risk and curiosity fuels innovation, adaptability, and long-term success.Asking for Help: The Strength in Strategic Collaboration
Recognize how effective leaders leverage mentorship, partnership, and shared expertise to achieve collective goals.Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: Leading with Authentic Confidence
Explore strategies to transform self-doubt into self-awareness and lead with clarity, composure, and credibility.From Milk Crates to Milestones: Resilience as a Leadership Advantage
Learn actionable ways to navigate adversity, inspire confidence, and build cultures of accountability and growth.
Krista's books associated with the topic:
Best Practices for Collections & Accounts Receivable
“Because effective collections are built on communication, confidence, and consistency.”This presentation can be delivered as:
Effectively managing collections and accounts receivable requires a careful balance between enforcing financial obligations and maintaining positive client relationships. In this interactive training session, participants will explore proven strategies for achieving that balance while building the confidence and professionalism needed to succeed in today’s business environment.Led by Krista Walsh, an award-winning entrepreneur and industry expert with over two decades of experience, this program provides hands-on tools and techniques to handle challenging scenarios, overcome objections, and strengthen client communication. Whether you are new to the field or a seasoned professional, you will gain actionable insights to improve your results and enhance your organization’s financial performance.
Learning OutcomesCredit Management Strategies
Understand the key principles of effective credit management and how to minimize financial risk.Creating Cash Flow
Learn strategies to accelerate payments and maintain steady cash flow while preserving client relationships.Building Open and Long-Term Communication with Clients
Develop communication techniques that encourage transparency, trust, and ongoing business success.Techniques for Collecting Overdue Accounts
Gain practical approaches to handle overdue accounts tactfully and efficiently while maintaining professionalism.Dealing with Excuses and Difficult Customers
Master the skills to confidently navigate challenging conversations and turn conflict into constructive outcomes.
Krista's books associated with the topic:
Enhancing Your Network to Grow Your Business
“Because the right connections don’t just grow your business, they transform it.”This presentation can be delivered as:
Every business professional understands the value of networking, but few know how to do it with purpose, strategy, and authenticity. In Enhancing Your Network to Grow Your Business, Krista Walsh guides audiences through practical, proven methods for expanding professional connections and turning relationships into results.Drawing from her entrepreneurial journey and years of building trusted partnerships, Krista shares actionable insights on how to connect more effectively, nurture existing relationships, and position your network as a true business asset. Attendees will leave with a personalized plan to strengthen their professional influence and drive sustainable growth.
Learning OutcomesIdentify and Apply Strategic Networking Techniques
Learn how to develop meaningful connections, approach networking opportunities with confidence, and engage in ways that add value.Strengthen and Nurture Existing Business Relationships
Discover how to transform casual contacts into long-term partnerships built on trust, consistency, and credibility.Create a Personalized Networking Action Plan
Walk away with a tailored roadmap to expand your professional reach and support ongoing business success.
Krista's books associated with the topic:
Media Kit
See Krista's comprehensive media kit and other information for meeting professionals and planners.
Testimonials
Below are testimonials from past clients of Krista Walsh ranging from a wide variety of businesses and industries
“Krista is a smart, dedicated, and passionate woman. Krista is an engaging and practical presenter who adds tremendous value to any audience.”- Andrew Oland, CEO of Moosehead Breweries
“Krista Walsh effortlessly blends humor, creativity, determination, and fervor, infusing her talks with infectious energy and passion for business. Her ability to build a thriving enterprise from scratch is commendable, and she generously imparts invaluable real-world insights and experiences from her entrepreneurial journey.”- David Dunphy, Business Development Director, Eastlink
“Krista lit up the stage, engaging, relatable, and packed with golden takeaways for entrepreneurs. Her message resonated deeply, and her quick improv had the room laughing out loud. Her energy is contagious and her insight priceless.”- Tanya Doucet, Empower Atlantic Conference
“Krista captivated our staff with humorous tales of her business-building journey and the inevitable mishaps along the way. Through her anecdotes, Krista showcased her courage, determination, and resilience. A born storyteller, she effortlessly held the attention of our entire team.”- Manny Cabral, EVP, D&A Group Services
"Krista's presentation was a perfect blend of theory and practical application. She shared real-world examples and actionable strategies that small businesses could immediately implement. Her ability to infuse humor into what can often be a dry subject matter kept the audience captivated and made the learning experience enjoyable."- Adam Grant, Fixed Operations Manager, Centennial Mazda
"Krista has the adept ability to connect instantly with her audiences. The content leaves you thinking of how you can improve, and it motivates you to start implementing new ideas."- Mike Cassidy, President, Coach Atlantic & Maritime Bus
“Krista offers invaluable insights drawn from her own experiences to those aspiring to replicate her success in business. Her delivery is captivating and lively, ensuring you remain engaged the whole time.”- Joel Ives, Owner & Broker, Century 21 Colonial Realty Inc.
“Krista’s seminar was impressively structured and engaging. Her dynamic speaking style truly captivated the audience. The anecdotes that she shared were both insightful and captivating, demonstrating pure expertise in the cash flow and collection management.”-Paula Price, Operations Manager, ServiceMaster
"I absolutely loved working with Krista. She’s flexible, approachable, and brings such a genuine energy to her presentations that you can’t help but feel inspired. Our members loved her practical insights and relatable stories, and we appreciated how she customized her session to truly connect with our audience."-Gilles Beaulieu, CEO. Grand Falls Valley Chamber of Commerce
Past Clients
Several past clients in speaking and professional development include:
Books
Krista has written and self-published two books on her expertise in collections management and accounts receivable.Click below to view and purchase her books.
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Stories of a Debt Collector
direct from the Best-Selling Author?
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