KRISTI PIEHL

Emmy Award-winning journalist, CEO,

speaker, author and public relations expert

Speaking

Kristi delivers two signature keynotes for executive teams, associations and conferences. AI Search and Your Reputation: Leverage Social Media to Grow Your Business uses data, storytelling and proven practices to help leaders build an authentic, accurate and valuable online presence that connects with audiences and influences stakeholders. Life & Leadership Unscripted is a candid, story-driven talk about the unscripted moments that shape great leaders and create meaningful impact. Both keynotes are available in person or virtually, with options ranging from 60-minute keynotes to half-day workshops.

Book Kristi

Book

In Flip Your Script: Own Your Story & Unlock the Positive Power of Social Media, Kristi helps leaders, executives and changemakers take ownership of their stories and embrace the power of their digital legacy. Drawing on research, proven strategies and her family’s experiences, the book offers practical guidance for sharing stories with intention, building trust and using social media to grow influence and impact. Kristi challenges readers to see social media as an opportunity to shape how they are known, remembered and experienced. All book proceeds are donated to the Cancer and Blood Disorders Program at Children’s Minnesota.

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Podcast

On the Flip Your Script podcast, Kristi interviews guests who use social media for positivity, purpose, connection and real-world change. Launched in 2020, the podcast has become a platform to amplify the stories of people who have challenged the traditional narrative around social media and are using it as a force for good. Through candid conversations and inspiring stories, each episode explores what it means to show up authentically, use your voice with intention and make a meaningful impact. The podcast reinforces Kristi’s belief that your story has value, and how you tell it shapes your digital legacy.

Listen Here

Subscribe to my Substack, Life & Leadership Unscripted. It’s a collection of personal stories, leadership lessons and reflections from the moments that have challenged, changed and shaped me most. I hope you’ll feel inspired to find your voice and share your unique stories to make an impact.

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“It had all the hallmarks of the perfect keynote: timely, practical and inspiring. What we could not have foreseen was that about a quarter of the way through Kristi’s keynote, the power went out! For some, that might have been a disaster, but for Kristi, it was the perfect opportunity to show her own content in action. She handled a very “unscripted” moment with grace and strength, receiving a standing ovation from the audience!”
LANI BASA, OWNER + CO-FOUNDER, THE BUSINESS WOMEN’S CIRCLE

“Kristi brought incredible energy, real-world insight and a robust framework for how leaders can use social media to drive brand visibility, recruitment and business growth. The feedback from the group was fantastic; we all walked away with practical ideas to take back to our teams.
LEADERSHIP COACH

“The focus on gradual, practical ways that our Executive Team can use social media to positively impact our corporate brand, our employees and further amplify our messaging was an excellent roadmap for us as individuals to apply on a daily basis. The session’s content was relevant, focused and it’s already making an impact for us.”
SVP OF MARKETING AND DEVELOPMENT

“She [Kristi Piehl] is a master of her craft. I would strongly recommend her to anyone. Since her presentation, my views have changed on social media and I have increased my online presence. First class.”
C-SUITE EXECUTIVE

“Kristi is a great host. She knows how to get her guests to open up to her by truly listening to them. Great part of my week when the show drops!”
PODCAST GUEST

“Kristi Piehl is the real deal. It is so encouraging to hear inspirational stories. I am grateful for the chance to learn from her guests and she leads by example.”
PODCAST LISTENER
“When I first heard founder Kristi Piehl speak to my Vistage group, I was intrigued but unsure. The Media Minefield team helped me find an approach that feels genuine and aligned with who I am. Their expertise, encouragement and structure have expanded the reach of my message and connected me with leaders I never would have met otherwise.”
MARK PETERS, CEO, BUTTERBALL FARMS
“In an interactive and practical session, Kristi shared how today’s CEOs can become Social CEOs and Digital Leaders who communicate with purpose, strengthen their culture and shape a digital legacy their families will be proud of. The value to our members was significant. Kristi’s real-world examples and current research offered a clear path forward — and every leader left with a framework to take the next step.”
MICHAEL TETREAU, EXECUTIVE COACH & VISTAGE CHAIR

“Anyone can grab a mic and say they’re hosting a podcast but I think very few are doing it really well. You’re doing this really really well and it’s making a difference and I love how you’re using your platform. This was the best interview I’ve had.”
JESSICA JANZEN, PODCAST GUEST

About Kristi Piehl

Kristi Piehl is an Emmy Award-winning journalist, entrepreneur and CEO, author, speaker, podcast host and public relations expert. 

She launched Media Minefield in 2010 following a 12-year career as an Emmy Award-winning television news reporter. Media Minefield is a national award-winning public relations firm specializing in media relations, executive social media and reputation management, crisis communication and training.

Kristi won the PRSA Women of Impact Award of Commendation in 2026, the PRNEWS Top Women Award in 2026 and 2024, the PRNEWS People of the Year Award two years in a row and has been named one of Minnesota’s 500 Most Powerful Business Leaders. Under Kristi’s leadership, Media Minefield has won numerous local and national awards for client work and culture, including Best Place to Work and Best Public Relations Firm.

Kristi earned her Master of Science in Management and Leadership from Pepperdine University’s Graziadio Business School. She is an experienced speaker for keynotes and executive teams, a best-selling author of Flip Your Script, is frequently interviewed in local and national news outlets and is a Forbes Councils contributor.

Kristi is a passionate believer in the power of sharing stories and a champion for women in business. She is a mom to two young men, and she enjoys reading, golfing, traveling, spending time with her family and raising awareness and money for childhood cancer.