Speaker Sister Spotlight: Hannah Abbott

Meet Hannah Abbott, a Speaker Sister who helps audiences turn life’s hardest moments into powerful breakthroughs.

With warmth, wit, and a belief in the healing power of stories, Hannah creates space for people to find their footing—especially when life feels like salsa dancing in slippers. Whether she’s speaking about grief, burnout, or big life changes, audiences walk away with more clarity, courage, and practical tools to rise stronger. Her message is rooted in authenticity, joy, and the power of reclaiming your worth.

What inspired you to pursue public speaking? 

Ever since I was a little girl, I sat in the front row, feet dangling, eyes wide, watching my dad—Pastor John Abbott—light up a room with nothing but a microphone, a story, and a heart on fire. His blend of stand-up comedy and soul-deep truth made every message unforgettable. It wasn’t just preaching—it was transformation wrapped in laughter and love. As I grew, I didn’t just admire it—I absorbed it. Every time the microphone is passed to me now, I feel the invitation to continue that legacy. I speak to echo the same light, love, and laughter I see in him—only now, it carries my voice, my story, and my calling to help others rise from the rubble and rebuild with joy.

As a public speaker, who is your main audience?

Women’s events, colleges, YPNs, Christian conferences, high schools

What is a struggle you’ve encountered as a thought leader and how did you overcome it?

One of my greatest struggles as a thought leader was feeling the pressure to have it all together while still healing. I’ve cried in my car right after speaking on stage—grieving, burned out, and wondering if my pain disqualified me. But I’ve come to believe the opposite: our scars don’t disqualify us—they commission us. People don’t need polished; they need permission to be real. That’s what I offer—truth, hope, and the courage to rise.

What is one of your proudest accomplishments so far in your public speaking career?

One of my proudest moments as a keynote speaker took place at a resilience retreat in the rolling hills of California. The sun was warm, and the room was filled with women from all walks of life—each carrying invisible stories, silent battles, and a sparkling hope that maybe this time, something would shift. I spoke on a message close to my heart: “When Your Rome Turns to Ruins: How to Construct a Legacy of Light, Laughter, and Love.” It’s a talk rooted in my lived experiences—navigating loss, rebuilding after divorce, healing from brain injury—and the universal truth that while we can’t change the scenes in our story, we can change what our character says about them. As I wrapped up, a woman approached me, nodding her head. She paused for a moment, then said, “Hannah, you didn’t just come here like many speakers do with a message. You’re anointed—and what you spoke was meant for me.” That moment stayed with me—not because of the compliment, but because it confirmed what I believe at my core: when we lead with authenticity, we give others permission to be real too. That connection—that shared humanity—is what I’m most proud of. It’s not just about delivering a talk. It’s about creating sacred space where people feel seen, heard, and ready to rebuild.

What is a speaking career goal are you currently working towards and how is it going?

I’m currently building a transformational speaking and content platform based in Hawaiʻi that reaches people both on and off the stage. My goal is to blend personal storytelling, clinical insight, and mindset strategies that equip people for real, lasting change—whether they hear me at a keynote, read my words in a book, or join a course online. It’s a growing process that’s teaching me to lead with clarity, create sustainably, and honor the quiet work happening behind the scenes. At the end of the day, I’m not simply creating content—I’m cultivating clarity, helping people live a legacy of light, laughter, and love.

What is something you love about speaking?

What I love most about speaking is the way it creates real connection—a moment when stories meet hearts and something shifts. It’s those powerful seconds when a room full of people suddenly gets it—when laughter softens into tears, and tears turn into determination. I love sparking those aha moments where folks realize, “I am stronger than my story.” And if I can sprinkle in a clever joke or two along the way, well—that’s a little extra joy fueling the journey.

What tip do you have for people who want to write or speak?

Tell your story in a way that transports others into reframing their own—helping them see not only what happened, but what their character says about it. When it comes to speaking, watch video recordings of yourself and notice areas for growth—like replacing filler words such as “um” with meaningful pauses, using body language to deepen connection, and truly engaging with your listeners. This intentional practice sharpens your voice and presence because storytelling isn’t only about words—it’s about creating space for transformation.

What advice would you give your 10-year-old self?

A message for my 10-year-old self: Keep shining in those speeches at schools, churches, and events—only next time, don’t forget the beauty of an email list sign-up (aloha, future community!). And seriously, start those dance lessons sooner—because nothing tells your story like salsa moves and a little rhythm to your step. Trust me, it’s a game-changer for connecting with people!

Book Hannah to speak here.