Rusty Shields | SpeakerHub

Personal Details

Bio

Rusty Shields is an International Speaker, Master Facilitator, Author, and CEO of Develefy Consulting—known for turning ordinary sessions into unforgettable, spark-filled experiences that fuel engagement, ignite transformation, and drive real-world results.

With over 19 years in Learning & Development, Rusty empowers facilitators and instructional designers to move beyond passive content delivery and embrace experiential, learner-centered design. As the creator of The Spark Effect, he teaches professionals how to spark curiosity, activate retention, and kindle meaningful connection through inclusive, emotionally intelligent facilitation.

Rusty also works closely with emerging and experienced leaders to help them shift from transactional to human-centered leadership—grounded in empathy, emotional intelligence, and purposeful connection. His leadership programs challenge leaders to stop managing and start igniting: people, purpose, and performance.

As a high-performance team strategist, Rusty helps organizations spark stronger collaboration, trust, and cohesion. His team-building sessions aren’t just icebreakers—they’re accelerants for psychological safety, authentic communication, and results-driven synergy.

A recognized thought leader in neurodiversity and inclusive learning, Rusty’s signature style blends research-backed frameworks with dynamic storytelling and powerful group facilitation. His programs span topics such as adult learning, facilitation mastery, leadership development, team dynamics, emotional intelligence, and transformational connection.

Holding two master’s degrees in music—vocal performance and choral conducting—from Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music, Rusty brings stage presence and soul to every space he enters. When not lighting up learning rooms, he performs in musicals and operas across the U.S., sings the national anthem at major events, and travels internationally to cross off his bucket list.

Whether in the classroom, boardroom, or spotlight, Rusty’s mission is clear:

Ignite passion. Inspire people. And help others set their learning, leadership, and teams on fire.

Current position (1)

Owner/CEO

Develefy Consulting

Degrees (2)

Opera Performance & Choral Conducting

Indiana University

2009 to 2012

Opera Performance & Choral Conducting

Arkansas State University

2000 to 2009

Presentations

Presentations (2)

Stop Smothering, Start Sparking! 3 Engagement Techniques to Captivate Any Audience

As a training professional, have you ever…
• Completed an event and did not finish all the material?
• Experienced low engagement or deafening silence from your learners?
We don't learn through content alone. We learn through experience, engagement, and connection, supported by content. Learning professionals are pressured to create learning environments that smother participants with information, missing the opportunity to spark something deeper due to various constraints. If you’re ready to ditch the data dumps and ignite real engagement, this session is your catalyst.
In this high-impact session, you’ll explore three research-backed techniques that spark attention, unlock participation, and make learning stick no matter your audience. Rooted in experiential learning, reflection, and infused with inclusive, human-centered strategies, these techniques work whether you’re leading i n person, virtually, or hybrid modalities. By the end of the sessi

The SPARK Effect: A Human-centered Approach to Connection.

In today’s fast-paced world, meaningful connection is often the missing ingredient in learning, leadership, and team dynamics. The SPARK Effect introduces a transformative, human-centered approach designed to ignite engagement, build trust, and strengthen collaboration—whether you're in the classroom, the boardroom, or anywhere in between.

Grounded in the belief that connection is a catalyst for performance and belonging, this session breaks down the SPARK Framework - five essential elements that fuel deeper interactions and lasting impact. Through experiential activities, reflection, and real-world application, you’ll walk away with tools to elevate how you facilitate, lead, and relate to others. If you’re ready to stop going through the motions and start sparking true connection, this session is your invitation to reignite your influence.

Let me know if you'd like this tailored to facilitators, leaders, or team development spec