Cheryl Knowlton, CSP, CDEI
Knowlton
Cheryl Knowlton, CSP, CDEI
Risk Management
Compliance
Negotiations
Virtual
Ignite the Fire of Learning
Speaking Fees: Keynote and 1/2 Day:$4250, Full Day: $6000 + Expenses

Cheryl Knowlton, CSP (Certified Speaking Professional), aka “The Compliance Queen,” is on a mission to empower real estate and mortgage professionals to thrive without burning out, protect their licenses, and build lasting legacies. With over 25 years of industry experience, Cheryl brings unmatched energy, heart, and humor to the stage, classroom, and podcast mic. Whether you need to master compliance, develop authentic leadership skills, or just stay out of jail, Cheryl's got you covered!

As the creator of two Utah pre-licensing schools and an internationally recognized speaker, Cheryl has trained tens of thousands of real estate agents and brokers across the U.S. and internationally. She’s the go-to expert on compliance, risk management, ethical leadership, and burnout prevention, helping professionals navigate the ever-changing real estate world with clarity, confidence, and a little bit of fun.

Cheryl's passion doesn't stop at compliance. As the host of the Top 10% "Real Estate Power Playbook" podcast, she shares candid insights and interviews with industry thought leaders on topics like compliance hacks, authentic leadership, team-building, and personal growth.  Her show helps listeners stay ahead of industry trends and avoid costly mistakes, all while staying grounded and building careers with meaning. 

On the live stage, Cheryl brings high-energy presentations that leave audiences laughing, learning, and ready to take action. She’s a Certified ICF coach who helps leaders unlock their potential and align their careers with who they really are. From national conferences to workshops and corporate trainings, Cheryl delivers actionable takeaways and real-world strategies that empower professionals to lead with integrity and impact.

More Than a Speaker—A Leader with Heart

Cheryl's work is deeply rooted in her own personal journey as an adoptee who overcame a challenging childhood to become a force for resilience, self-awareness, and authenticity. Through her Elite Power Producers Retreat, coaching programs, and speaking engagements, Cheryl shows others how to lead authentically and create careers they love—without losing themselves along the way.

When she’s not on stage or behind the mic, Cheryl is a three-time author who writes about leadership, resilience, and achieving sustainable success. Her books inspire professionals to stay grounded in their values while growing their businesses.

On the Personal Side

Cheryl is joyfully married to her Prince Charming, Rick, and together they have 14 grandchildren who keep life exciting. A Disney enthusiast at heart, Cheryl has completed 31 half-marathons and finds joy in skiing, hiking, and traveling. She’s also a dedicated football fan, cheering loudly for her favorite teams, with her loyal dog Scooby always by her side. 

Speaker Topics

CHERYL KNOWLTON: lawsuits, Commissions, and Realtors – Oh My!

Dive into the up-to-the-minute things you must know to successful navigate the many changes in the real estate national landscape including anti-trust, THE class action lawsuits, compensation discussions with clients, and how all of these changes will affect your clients - and you. Learn to navigate all of the legal pitfalls, negotiate commissions effectively, and uphold ethical standards to enhance your professional integrity and client trust. Session options: 3-6 hours

CHERYL KNOWLTON: Chat GPT 101 for Real Estate Professionals

In todays’ digital age, it is essential for real estate professionals to know and leverage the power of AI technology to remain competitive. AND – sometimes these technology tools can get real estate agents into trouble! In this high-octane course, agents will learn how to correctly harness the power of Chat GPT and gain the skills and confidence to take their real estate game to the next level – ethically and correctly. Session Options: 2-4 hours

CHERYL KNOWLTON: The 6 Federal Laws Every Agent Must Know

This course covers the six federal laws that every real estate professional must know: TRID, Anti-Trust, Lead-Based Paint, Do-Not-Call, ADA, and Fair Housing. Participants will learn practical strategies for ensuring compliance with federal regulations and how to apply them to real estate transactions. By the end of the course, real estate agents will have a deep understanding of these federal laws and the strategies necessary to ensure compliance, protecting their clients’ interests and avoiding potential legal issues that could harm their reputation and financial stability. Session options: 1-4 hours

CHERYL KNOWLTON: Legal Landmines in Real Estate: Navigating Through the Top 10 Lawsuit Triggers

This high energy is designed to arm real estate professionals with the knowledge to identify and navigate the most common legal pitfalls in our industry, with a particular focus on understanding and managing the intricacies of dual (or limited agency) relationships. Participants will learn practical ways to mitigate risks, adhere to best practices, and uphold their professional integrity, while significantly reducing the likelihood of facing legal action. Session options: 1-4 hours

CHERYL KNOWLTON: Staying Power: Unlocking the Secrets to Retaining Top Talent"

Retention is the lifeblood of a successful brokerage, yet many brokers unknowingly create environments that drive agents away. **"Staying Power: Unlocking the Secrets to Retaining Top Talent"** dives into the real reasons agents leave—unresponsive leadership, unkept promises, toxic culture, lack of support, and more—and provides actionable solutions to address these challenges.   In this course, you’ll uncover the hidden retention killers that sabotage loyalty and learn how to create a thriving, supportive culture that agents don’t want to leave. From delivering on promises to fostering meaningful communication, providing quality leads, and staying ahead of industry trends, this session equips you with the tools to keep your team inspired, productive, and loyal.   By the end of this course, you’ll have a clear roadmap for reducing turnover, fostering trust, and building a brokerage where agents love to stay and grow.  

CHERYL KNOWLTON: Unlocking Fair Housing: Keys to Best Practices for Every Agent

This course is designed to deepen Realtors' understanding of Fair Housing laws and their critical role in ensuring equality in the housing market. Through engaging case studies, interactive discussions, and practical exercises, participants will explore legal frameworks, recognize discrimination, and learn inclusive practices. This course empowers agents with strategies for ethical decision-making and advocacy, ensuring compliance and promoting a culture of inclusivity in real estate. Session options: 1-4 hours

CHERYL KNOWLTON: Spectacular Failure: 10 Ways to Lose Your License

Have you ever felt afraid of what you didn’t know? Avoid being relocated to a federally gated community. Protect your license, serve your clients at the highest level, stay out of the Realtor® jail, and off regulatory officials’ radar by knowing, understanding and implementing critical federal laws into your best practices. This course will help agents effectively assist their customers and clients with the highest level of professionalism. Session Options: 1-4 hours

CHERYL KNOWLTON: The Bozo Explosion: Raising the Professionalism Bar (Also taught as “Step Up or Step Aside: Raising the Bar of Professionalism”)

While the National Association of REALTORS® Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice establishes objective, enforceable ethical behavior governing the professional conduct of REALTORS®, it does not address issues of courtesy or etiquette. Problem solved! The Professional Conduct Working Group of the Professional Standards Committee has developed a thorough list of professional courtesies that can be used by REALTORS®. Unlock the keys of enhanced professionalism through understanding how respect for the public, property and their peers is not only a right, but ensures relationships built upon insight and trust. Session Length: 3 hours

CHERYL KNOWLTON: To Protect and to Serve: Understanding State and Federal Law

Protect your license and stay out of the regulatory official’s radar by understanding and implementing critical strategies into your business. We will explore specifics relating to: 1) State statutes and regulations including 25 Ways to Lose Your License, federal laws and RESPA as it relates to fair housing advertising guidelines, truth in lending and Lead Based Paint Disclosure. This information will help you effectively assist your customers and clients and retain a high level of professionalism in your real estate careers. Session Length: 3 hours

CHERYL KNOWLTON: Prison Orange isn’t my Color (and Other Reasons to Avoid Mortgage Fraud)

(Also taught as “Smoke and Mirrors”) Approved for GRI in Montana Stay on top of your professional game by staying on top of schemes that are actually mortgage fraud. Can you tell the difference between “creative financing” and fraud? Keep yourself out of jail by learning all of the latest and greatest schemes to watch out for with this lively program. *(Also taught as “Smoke and Mirrors”) Approved for GRI in Montana Session Options: 1-4 hours