Every single act of courage — no matter how small —
chips away at the darkness.
let’s MEET NANCY
I don’t just talk about resilience—I’ve lived it.
My journey has taken me from working cattle in Texas to caring for others in a nursing home, from inspiring creativity as an art teacher to supporting diverse learners in special education, and ultimately to leading as a high school administrator. Along the way, I’ve faced real-life setbacks—divorce, learning to physically walk again, losing a job—and each experience has reinforced one truth: setbacks don’t define us—how we rise from them does.
Off the stage, I bring that same authenticity and energy to everything I do—whether I’m riding my Harley-Davidson, volunteering with the Animal Rescue League, or adding humor through practical jokes and even ghost hunting. That realness is what makes my message connect.
In my presentations, I combine honest storytelling, humor that disarms, and powerful, practical strategies that stick. I guide audiences through a step-by-step approach to building resilience—helping them reframe failure, strengthen coping skills, and move forward with confidence and purpose.
If you’re looking for a speaker who is relatable, engaging, and leaves people not just inspired—but equipped to grow—my message delivers.
You have to have fun
I talk about failure the way most people avoid it. The messy parts. The uncomfortable parts. The moments that knock the wind out of you—mistakes, loss, self-doubt—and what it actually takes to get back up and go again.
I challenge people to stop making excuses, stop playing it safe, and start using their setbacks as fuel. Because the reality is this: the life you want is on the other side of the failure you’ve been trying to avoid.
My style is bold, honest, and unapologetically real—with humor woven in to break the tension and keep people leaning in. People laugh, people reflect, and most importantly—people leave ready to do something different.
This isn’t a talk you sit through. It’s one you feel—and one that stays with you.
“Nancy McCarville’s remarks to the students at Denison High School were hard hitting and impactful, effectively delivering her message in a way that captivated her audience.”
Iowa State representative steven holt
“Your setback isn’t the end of your story—it’s the beginning of your growth.”
After an hour with Nancy, your audience will have the tools they need to:
1. Make The Goal Concrete
2. Identify the Requirements
3. Set Aside Time
4. Personalize Your Approach
5. Find Motivation
Nancy in ACTION
My favorite speech in front of students and Veterans, my son from the Air Force surprising me.
Interested in working with me?
NANCY’S KEYNOTE TAKEAWAYS
Learning from Failure — Finding Strength in Starting Over
I used to believe that failure was something you buried.
Something you survived quietly — and never spoke of again.
BUT I WAS DEAD WRONG!!
Each lesson that has brought personal and career success came from setting sights after making mistakes (failures)
There is a process and I want to teach it.
Every single act of courage — no matter how small —
chips away at the darkness.
Change is very scary. When something goes wrong due to a decision made by yourself, it can get you angry, depressed, or even wanting to give up. That is not abnormal, I am sorry, but it is human.
There is a biological reason these feelings happen.
The “No‑Help” Feeling — A Signal, Not a Reality
When people get thrown down in life — whether by abuse, loss, or career setbacks —
let yourself feel bad for a day.
Cry. Complain.
Then, set a limit.
5 MINUTES
Because that “no one cares” feeling?
It’s not real.
It’s a signal — a reminder to seek connection.
Let’s Get Started
BOOK Nancy to be a SPEAKER at YOUR EVENT
