Discover the transformative power of resilience and triumph over adversity with our distinguished speaker bureau. We curate an exceptional roster of keynote speakers renowned for their expertise in navigating challenges and emerging stronger. From overcoming personal setbacks to thriving in turbulent environments, our speakers inspire audiences to embrace resilience as a catalyst for growth and success.
Rashmi Airan is a captivating speaker, transformation expert, and Ivy League-educated attorney. As a former Wall Street investment banker and independent law practitioner, she faced a federal prison sentence that reshaped her life. Now, she inspires leaders to embrace vulnerability and resilience through her RISE THROUGH IT™ framework. With her story of overcoming unimaginable challenges and over 30 years of experience, Rashmi has collaborated with Fortune 100 companies, empowering others how to break free from fear and turn setbacks into success.
Shari Alyse, known as America’s Joy Magnet, is a 2x TEDx speaker, bestselling author, and host of the top-rated TV talk show Good Morning Joy. With two decades in entertainment and wellness, she fearlessly champions joy after overcoming adversity. She shares her story through inspiring keynotes and guides others on their transformative journey. Featured on major networks and in top publications, Shari's mission is to ignite joy and connection worldwide.
Sekou Andrews is a dynamic spoken word poet and CEO of SekouWorld, Inc. His innovative "poetic voice" seamlessly melds inspirational speaking with spoken word poetry, making him a sought-after speaker for Fortune 500 companies and global brands like Google, Nike, and Paypal. With two National Poetry Slam championships and a GRAMMY nomination, Sekou is a fearless disruptor of the speaking industry and a coach to leaders seeking to become more dynamic communicators.
Kwame Anku is the CEO and Chairman of the Black Star Fund, an early-stage innovation fund. Kwame has worked extensively in business development and media marketing for over two decades, entering into the tech industry after being personally recruited by the late legendary rock star Prince to develop his mobile app, overseeing business and development teams on Africa, Asia, and the US.
A sought after voice of inspiration, Mandy is a columnist, founder, and prolific influencer. Her breadth of work in mind+body connection and unwavering optimism has earned her global attention and positioning alongside elite social leaders and sports figures around the world. Mandy now travels the globe inspiring resilience through her recent and personal triumph in mental and physical wellness.
Vernice "FlyGirl" Armour is America's first Black female combat pilot, a diversity liaison officer, entrepreneur, and author. As a top keynote speaker and consultant, she helps individuals and organizations achieve breakthrough results using her "Zero to Breakthrough" success model. Vernice is also a member of the Forbes School of Business & Technology Board of Advisors and COMCAST/ NBCUniversal Joint Diversity Council. Her story has been featured on CNN, MSNBC, and Oprah Winfrey.
One of the most iconic athletes and recognizable names in the world, Lance Armstong’s incredible journey has a massive impact with audiences. Learn what it takes to be the best, to win at all costs (and then pay the cost). Lance’s story of grit, tenacity and overcoming Stage 3 testicular cancer to win 7 consecutive Tour de France races is fascinating. His story of redemption and reinvention is powerful and he shares with the audience what happened, how it happened and that he is 100% accountable for his journey.
Investigating homicides, leading international teams into scenes of crisis and disaster is not your normal path to global keynote speaker and business consultant. It was this unique path that provided insights into leadership which are so different yet offer relevant reflections and learnings to businesses facing change, growth or challenges of their own.
Chris Bertish is a professional speaker, big wave surfing Mavericks champion, stand up paddle board Guinness World Record holder, best-selling author, award-winning film director, philanthropist, conservationist, ocean pioneer and entrepreneur.
He was recently recognized as one of the Top 5 Speakers in South Africa and selected as one of the Genius 100-Global Visionaries for the future, by the Einstein Institute, both for excellence in his disciplines and universal global positive influence. Together, Chris and his fellow visionaries, Deepak Chopra, Sir Ken Robinson, Ruth Bader Ginsberg and Shimon Peres are collaborating with the intent to inspire the next generation of geniuses.
Legendary for running the world’s most exclusive high-stakes poker game frequented by A-List Hollywood celebrities and sports figures, Molly Bloom is an entrepreneur, bestselling author, and one of Fortune’s Most Powerful Women. She shares a life journey of triumph, ruin, and reinvention—from Olympic dreams crushed by a career-ending accident to seeing her multi-million-dollar business threatened by organized crime and shut down by the FBI. Her story of grit, resilience, and self-determination inspires corporate audiences and earns stellar reviews.
Dr. Froswa Booker-Drew is the President and CEO of Soulstice Consultancy, providing guidance on philanthropy, community engagement, leadership development, and organizational culture support. She founded the Reconciliation and Restoration Foundation and is an adjunct faculty member at Tulane University. She authored four books, including Empowering Charity. She also co-founded HERitage Giving Circle, Power in Action-Dallas, and the South Dallas Employment Project.
Dr. V Boykin is a keynote speaker, published researcher, and leader in the organizational leadership and equity space. Dr. V’s expertise is creating equitable work experiences for women and people of color. Dr. V established clear evidence to illustrate the importance of social support systems in tackling workplace equity through shifts in the social environment.
Madison Butler is a Black, queer woman, and a survivor. Her work is focused around designing spaces and creating scalable strategies to achieve psychological safety. An outspoken advocate for mental health, she is passionate about facilitating hard conversations through storytelling, data, and tough empathy, removing stigma around trauma, and advisor for being “human at work”.
A Trauma-Informed Leadership Coach to self-aware visionaries, Kelly L. Campbell’s work exists at the cross section of trauma integration and conscious leadership. They are an inspiring keynote speaker and host a popular podcast on conscious leadership. Kelly writes for Entrepreneur, has written for Forbes, and has been featured in Woman Entrepreneur and The Startup on Medium.
Cheryl Campos is a serial maverick, aligning her passions to achieve success across multiple arenas. As the CEO of a leading financial nonprofit and a professional model and actress, Cheryl possesses a unique and powerful dual perspective that bridges the analytical and creative worlds. Her dynamic career embodies innovation, resilience, and the limitless potential of following one's diverse passions.
Jennifer Cassetta is a nationally recognized speaker, empowerment coach, and self-defense expert. She has worked with tens of thousands of professional women around the country to help them unleash their inner badass. Equipped with her 3rd-degree black belt in HapKiDo, Master’s degree in Nutrition, and health coaching certification, she develops programming that helps women feel strong, safe, and powerful from the streets to the boardroom.
Dr. Chiao began his professional career as a chemical engineer, and his passion for space exploration led him to NASA. Following a stellar 15-year astronaut career, he moved on to leadership positions in entrepreneurial startups, applying his space experience to the business world.
Zion Clark is an All-American wrestler, an MMA fighter, a Guinness World Record holder, the subject of an EMMY Award winning Netflix documentary, an author, and an internationally acclaimed speaker who infuses humor, wit, powerful life lessons, and infectious energy into each and every presentation that he gives—allowing him to connect with audiences on a level that is undeniably unparalleled.
Dan Cnossen is a decorated Navy SEAL veteran and Paralympic athlete who turned personal tragedy into triumph. After losing his legs in Afghanistan, he pushed his physical and mental limits to become a world-class skier. Now a sought-after speaker, Dan shares his experiences in leadership, overcoming adversity, and mental resilience. His message encourages audiences to pursue excellence regardless of the obstacles they face, offering a fresh perspective on personal growth and success.
Heidi Connal is a seasoned technology executive with over twenty years of experience building collaborative, compassionate, and high performing individuals and teams. She works with visionary leaders to identify new opportunities within themselves for growth, learning, and contributions. Her techniques cultivate emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and courageous introspection.
Dr. Magie specializes in sharing the power of mindfulness in the workplace. She uses research-backed strategies to optimize performance & improve employee happiness and transform workplace cultures into more equitable, creative environments for leaders to grow. She delivers high-energy keynotes that integrate data and inspirational storytelling, offering a pragmatic approach to tackle work and life challenges. Her charismatic humor, vulnerability, and practical mindset shift inspire audiences to realize their potential for success.
Erika Cramer, also known as The Queen of Confidence, is a renowned international speaker, confidence coach, and bestselling author. Overcoming a turbulent past marked by trauma and adversity, she has empowered millions of women worldwide to reclaim their confidence and transform their lives. With an award-winning podcast boasting over 2 million downloads and a Bachelor’s degree in psychotherapy underway, Erika is a dynamic and inspiring force, dedicated to helping people everywhere create the lives they dream of.
Heather J Crider is a certified neuroperformance coach and leading expert in high-performance growth and thought transformation. She empowers overwhelmed professionals to beat burnout, unleash brain-powered breakthroughs, and unlock unstoppable performance and boundless energy. Heather combines deep financial expertise with neuroscience insights to drive transformative results. She also hosts the Go Reflect Yourself Podcast and has been featured in Forbes, Yahoo Finance, Brainz Magazine, and Thrive Global.
Three-time Top 25 Speaker Award recipient, change-consultant for the NASA Space Shuttle Program and transition-advisor for a $42 billion merger, Mark DeVolder distinguishes himself as a change management specialist and is one of today’s original thinkers on transitions.
Britteny Floyd-Mayo, affectionately known as “Yoga Bae”, is the mastermind behind one of the most diverse and inclusive wellness spaces across the globe. In her untouchable lane, she’s curated an innovative yoga experience designed to affirm lifestyles of wellness and total self-care.
Teresa Goines is a visionary entrepreneur and social activist who founded Old Skool Cafe, a 1940s-style supper club in San Francisco that empowers at-risk youth through employment. Inspired by her work as a corrections officer, Teresa launched the cafe in 2004 to help young people break the cycle of poverty and violence. Her innovative efforts have earned her recognition as a CNN Hero and features in outlets like Forbes and The Huffington Post. As a speaker, Teresa shares her story and offers practical insights on social justice and community change, making her a powerful voice on youth empowerment and restorative justice.
Arlan Hamilton is a remarkable entrepreneur who built a venture capital fund from the ground up, while homeless. She is the Founder and Managing Partner of Backstage Capital, a VC firm dedicated to minimizing funding disparities in tech by investing in high-potential founders who are people of color, women, and/or LGBT.
Jia Jiang, the world’s leading expert on rejection, rose to fame with his popular TED Talk What I Learned from 100 Days of Rejection, inspiring his bestselling book Rejection Proof. Known for empowering confidence and resilience, Jia helps people overcome rejection fears and live bolder lives. His upcoming book, The One Action Goal, introduces his breakthrough system for achieving big goals through focused action. A former teenage exchange student turned entrepreneur and personal development guru, Jia has captivated Fortune 500 audiences like Google, Dell, and Visa, receiving rave reviews for his transformative impact.
Maja Kazazic is a Bosnian genocide survivor, certified empathy coach & trainer, and an acclaimed inspirational speaker who shares her remarkable journey of resilience and triumph. As a Bosnian war survivor and an amputee, Maja's journey of overcoming adversity has inspired audiences worldwide. Her powerful messages of resilience, determination, and finding hope in the face of challenges resonate deeply with listeners. Maja's story of resilience and triumph has been featured in numerous publications and media outlets worldwide.
Jonas is a New York Times bestselling author, entrepreneur, and storyteller, and an award-winning writer & producer of books, documentaries, and branded entertainment at storytelling boutique Koffler Pictures. Jonas regularly presents at conferences, organizations, and events on topics spanning personal innovation and unconventional thinking, the future of work, creativity and learning, community building, wellness, and resilience.
Thomas Kolditz, a retired Brigadier General and renowned leadership expert with over 30 years of experience, has led organizations and directed leadership programs at prestigious institutions such as Yale School of Management and West Point. As the author of "In Extremis Leadership: Leading As If Your Life Depended On It," he is a sought-after speaker known for sharing practical insights and captivating stories from his extensive career, offering actionable takeaways for effective leadership in challenging environments.
James is originally From Calgary, Alberta Canada. He grew up a wrestler and later in life came to love endurance racing to escape the hectic routine of Corporate America. After losing everything in 2008, James turned to his new found passion for triathlon racing and went on to break two world records within three years. In 2015 James accomplished the unthinkable despite everyone saying his end goal was impossible. He completed 50 Ironman distance triathlons, in 50 days, in each of the 50 United States.
Recognized as one of the most influential women in technology, top NeuroGeneration and innovation speaker, Tan Le, is the founder and CEO of Silicon Valley-based EMOTIV, the leader in EEG-Brain Computer Interface (BCI) technology. Her work on non-invasive 'brainwear' offers groundbreaking potential to transform various aspects of human life, shedding light on current and future transformative technologies. Her talks provide unique insights into how these advancements will redefine our existence and work.
Mike Lee is a globally recognized keynote speaker, #1 best-selling author, and coach who shares high-performance leadership lessons from inside the hearts and minds of NBA’s elite. Through his work, he supports individual contributors, leaders, and organizations in elevating engagement, winning the war for talent, and creating cultures of belonging in a world of disruption.
Chaunté Lowe is the story of determination, perseverance, and strength. Not only is Lowe a mother of 3, a wife, and a business owner; she is also a professional athlete, an American Record Holder, a 4-time Olympian, a 3-Time World Championship medalist, and 12 times US National Champion. She has been in high demand since she decided to train for the Tokyo 2021 Olympics while undergoing chemotherapy and a double mastectomy for breast cancer.
Col. Nicole Malachowski (USAF, Ret.) defies stereotypes. She was a jet fighter pilot, a combat veteran, and the first woman pilot on the Thunderbirds Air Demonstration Squadron. But her distinguished 21-year Air Force career came to an end when a devastating tick-borne illness left her unable to speak or walk for ten months leaving Nicole’s indomitable spirit to fight back against overwhelming odds and prevail.
Matt Mayberry, a former NFL linebacker for the Chicago Bears, is currently one of the most-read columnists for Entrepreneur Magazine, as well as an acclaimed keynote speaker, author, and peak-performance strategist. Using a real-world approach, He specializes in maximizing the performance of organizations, teams, and individuals all over the world.
Hollie McKay is a renowned foreign correspondent, war crimes investigator, and keynote speaker. With 14+ years of experience as an investigative journalist for Fox News Digital, she focused on warfare, terrorism, and crimes against humanity. Her work covers global war zones, terrorism, and humanitarian crises. As a best-selling author and founder of McKay Global, she shapes geopolitical risk and social responsibility. Awarded and respected, she's a leading authority in her field.
Dr. Miller has a long history as an inspirational speaker and engaging conversationalist. In all presentations, she shares her unique philosophy that encourages people to abandon their self-imposed limitations and pursue the lives they desire, leaving her audiences laughing, crying and full of hope. She shares five core beliefs that help people navigate life’s challenges and seize opportunities as they seek to realize their dreams.
Muta’Ali is an award-winning director renowned for his documentaries like MoviePass and Cassius X. Nominated for an NAACP Image Award for Yusuf Hawkins: Storm Over Brooklyn, he also produced notable TV work and entertainment segments. His storytelling, centered on "Love, Art & Activism," has garnered widespread media coverage. Currently, he’s directing a new documentary on an Oscar-nominated artist.
Having spoken in over 40 countries on six continents, rock and roll roadie turned entrepreneur Rich Mulholland knows first-hand the impact that eloquent and persuasive leadership can make. That’s why he and his team work with executives and speakers around the world, helping them be more confident, more compelling, and more authoritative. He’s the founder of persuasion powerhouse Missing Link and has written three books; Legacide, Boredom Slayer, and his latest; Here Be Dragons.
Aimée Mullins has excelled in multiple fields, inspiring people around the world as an athlete, actor, model, and speaker. As the first double amputee in history to compete in Division 1 NCAA track and field and for Team USA in the 1996 Paralympic Games. Over the past decade, she has acted in film and television shows, including the Netflix mega-hit Stranger Things, and has multiple feature films in development as a producer.
Pauline Nguyen is the owner of Red Lantern, the most awarded Vietnamese restaurant in the world. Pauline has achieved outstanding success as an entrepreneur, author, businesswoman, and acclaimed speaker with the unique ability to connect with her audience in a profound way, empowering them to change their story for a better future. She speaks and teaches from direct experience with a unique, dramatic cadence that literally has the audience hanging on every word.
Eric O'Neill is a renowned cybersecurity expert and former FBI operative who played a pivotal role in apprehending Robert Hanssen, the most damaging spy in US history. As the founder of The Georgetown Group, a leading security consultancy, he leverages his extensive experience in counterintelligence and cyber warfare to protect organizations from emerging threats.
A survivor, entrepreneur, and international keynote speaker – Norliza is a force globally recognised for her achievements and accolades. She is Founder of Mind Hub Directory, improving mental health is a passion and commitment for Norliza and her team. She is a qualified psychotherapist, transformation executive coach, entrepreneur, storyteller, and keynote speaker, inspiring individuals to live their best possible life. Norliza presents an impassioned and compelling story of true grit and resounding resilience. A story of overcoming impossible adversities, triumphing against all odds, and becoming a self-made, highly successful entrepreneur.
Yemi Penn is a courageous, powerful, kind and compassionate thought leader. With over two decades working on the field and in corporate environments in the U.K, USA and Australia; her drive for excellence through energetic brilliance is a rare find. She invites teams, senior leaders and executives to ignite their Rebellious Curiosity. This allows them to achieve superior results in their business functions, providing a point of difference. Yemi shares ways to do this in a sustainable way to ensure wellness in the people and the profits.
Hanli Prinsloo is a multiple South African freediving record holder and Founder of I AM WATER Ocean Conservation. Growing up on a horse farm in rural South Africa her love of nature and the need for wilderness experiences were instilled at an early age. With a background in social-political documentary filmmaking, Hanli has traveled the world seeking and telling stories of transformation, hope, and inspiration.
TEDx Speaker, writer, and life coach Ranbir Puar helps adults and children break free of their limiting beliefs by providing the tools to tap into their inner strength and silence their inner critics.
Amy Michelle Purdy is an American actress, model, para-snowboarder, motivational speaker, fashion designer and author. Purdy is a 2014 Paralympic bronze medalist, 2018 Paralympics silver medalist, and co-founder of Adaptive Action Sports.
Olympic bobsledder Johnny Quinn is a highly sought-after speaker for businesses and organizations of all sizes. Known for his thought-provoking and action-packed speeches, Johnny has been featured on: ABC, BBC, CBS, CNN, ESPN, FOX, NBC, TIME, USA Today and the Wall Street Journal. Johnny’s newest book, “PUSH: Breaking Through The Barriers” ushers readers through the valleys of life to the thrills of rocketing down icy mountains at 80+ mph with no seat belts.
Best-known as the turnaround leader of the James Webb Space Telescope (Webb), 33-year NASA veteran Gregory Robinson is credited with transforming a program that was billions over budget and years behind schedule into one of NASA’s greatest achievements of the 21st century. Robinson’s renowned leadership skills and soft-spoken management and communication style have earned him numerous awards and honors, including being named one of TIME Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People of 2022 (alongside Apple CEO Tim Cook and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky) and receiving the TIME100 Impact Award, which credited Robinson’s leadership on Webb as bringing us closer to understanding the universe.
Krista Ryan, PCC, is a highly sought-after business coach, facilitator, speaker, and Workplace Performance expert known for helping clients effectively navigate uncertainty and promoting collaboration, communication, and confidence. Her global clients include C-suite executives, startup entrepreneurs, individual contributors, elite athletes, and performers. With nearly two decades of experience as a human resources director, Krista is the CEO and founder of KfG Coaching, LLC.
Mark’s journey from a classically trained cellist to the first-call drummer for the world’s top artists showcases the immense power of attitude, transformation, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. With over 32 years of experience, he brings energy to music and motivational speaking. His presentations offer valuable tips for organizations, teams, and leaders. His speaking style resonates deeply with corporate audiences, offering inspiration and practical tools for development.
As one of the world’s foremost experts on accountability and commitment, Alex is a five-time TEDxTalk speaker, author, podcast host, internationally-recognized humanitarian, social entrepreneur & innovator, author, and Founder of the because I said I would movement. His work, featured on shows like The Today Show, Good Morning America, The Steve Harvey Show, CNN, Fox News, and many other programs, inspires people to honor their commitments.
Janine Shepherd is an inspirational speaker and writer whose books have become classics in the survivor genre. A champion cross-country skier in training for the 1988 winter Olympics, Janine’s life changed forever when she was hit by a truck during a bicycle training ride in the Blue Mountains of Australia.
Jill Sinclair is an executive coach, author, TEDx & international keynote speaker who changes people's lives by challenging their limits. Jill crafts her language and her message so she's speaking to the core of what her audience needs. She Helps her audience to UNCOVER and OVERCOME their success blockers. Jill is the founder of Hustler Sophisticate Speaker Series and Business Bootcamps.
Daniela, Karen, and Stephanie Carvajalino, better known as the Carvajalino sisters, are renowned entrepreneurs, speakers, and distinguished figures in the fields of entrepreneurship and education with a community of over a million followers. They founded Biz Nation, dedicated to enhancing Latino small businesses and advancing workforce development by providing online educational programs to over 100,000 students.
Dr. Natalie Stavas, a healer and educator, leads as Program Director for Child Protection Pediatrics at UC San Diego. Her heroic response during the 2013 Boston Marathon bombings earned recognition from President Obama and media outlets. She's committed to preventing childhood violence and providing medical care in Haiti. Dr. Stavas conducts research on vulnerable children and COVID-19's impact. Featured in Runner's World and NY Times, she inspires with her remarkable journey.
Melissa Stockwell is an American war hero. She lost a limb in active combat in Iraq and has been awarded the US Army Purple Heart and The Bronze Star Medal. Melissa used sports to overcome her accident and become a Paralympic Bronze Medalist in 2016 & three-time World Champion in Paratriathlon. She Inspires her audiences to embrace change and find motivation in adversity while sharing her remarkable journey of leadership, perseverance, gratitude, and competitive success.
Rebecca Weaver, Founder and CEO at HRuprise, is an influential figure in human resources with over twenty years of experience. She is known for her strategic leadership and innovative HR solutions. Rebecca is a celebrated author, speaker, and cancer survivor. Her keynotes integrate personal resilience with professional insights, offering strategies for adaptive leadership and empathic culture. Her work has been featured in major publications and conferences.
Justin Wren, also known as "The Big Pygmy," is a former MMA fighter, national champion wrestler, UFC veteran, and bestselling author. After battling depression, addiction, and finding his purpose living among the Mbuti Pygmy people, he founded Fight for the Forgotten, a non-profit dedicated to providing clean water and support to marginalized communities. Armed with transformative storytelling, he empowers people to find purpose, attain peak performance, and create lasting change.
Ramona Wright, a TEDx speaker, author, tech investor, producer, tech investor, and philanthropist, has more than 15 years of strategic communication expertise. She’s a trailblazer who taught public relations and social media marketing to more than 200. Ramona is an accomplished speaker who has spoken on behalf of the American Heart Association, Google, and Microsoft. She worked with Emmy, Grammy, and Oscar Award-winning talent.