Heidi Floyd Speaker & Booking Information

I was diagnosed with breast cancer just weeks after learning about my pregnancy. That journey – one of extremes – would edit the trajectory of my future. Not just my life as a mom and wife, but also my career; and ultimately, my life’s mission. This is #MyLinkedInStory.
Finding an oncologist willing to treat me while pregnant was the first hurdle. Months of chemotherapy, surgeries and just daily life as a bald woman in the winter was a tricky thing. Navigating the tumultuous waters of working full time, reams of insurance paperwork and the sheer magnitude of the fear that found its way into my daily existence caused inconceivable stress. HOWEVER: I prayed (and continue to pray) that there might just be a bigger purpose to my life and that of my child.

My doctor told me after my treatments, after the birth of my son (he’s safe, strong and healthy) that most patients fall into one of two categories. They either want to resume their lives quietly and stay in the shadows, or they see this journey as fuel to a previously unknown fire. He told me I fall into the latter group, and that I should absolutely tell my story – often, and loudly. Thus began my speaking career…right there, with a glamorous paper gown, missing several body parts and hairless. Yes, I was ready for that spotlight.

Years later, I found myself crossing the country to do keynotes and inspirational talks to corporations, medical conventions and churches nationwide. One flight found me sitting next to a man who shared with me an incredible concern. He, a pharma exec, had just learned that a fellow employee had a son with a difficult diagnosis. This employee’s wife and son had to travel to Texas from Indiana regularly for treatment. Many people wanted to help, but didn’t know how – and all were concerned about violating HR rules and regulations.

Since I’ve spent years working with companies to find their philanthropic voice, he asked for my ideas. Then he told me this incredible piece of pivotal wisdom: Get on LinkedIn. Stay on LinkedIn. Use it daily. He told me that he’d connect with other execs from his company to brainstorm this dilemma, and he would use it to promulgate my ideas with peers across the globe. He did, and we did. I pointed out that as the employee with the sick son worked in the warehouse, the cost of flying his family down to Texas on a regular basis might be cost prohibitive. Airline miles to share? Hotel points? Sales reps in TX, could participate by making sure mom had gift baskets with toys, movies, gift cards, etc. Dad was taking on extra shifts to cover costs. Might someone mow his lawn, leave meals, shovel his drive? After a year of this interaction, I received another message. At the company picnic, something extraordinary had happened. Each department had connected to embrace this family. It cost the company nothing, and no rules were broken. This voluntary participation changed the very fabric of morale – nationwide. Finally, we crafted a new position - ‘Compassion Ombudsman’…continuing the work that started on that plane ride.