262 results found with an empty search
- Glenn Morshower
Actor/Star of 24 and The Transformers/Producer/Keynote Speaker Glenn Morshower Actor/Star of 24 and The Transformers/Producer/Keynote Speaker Glenn Morshower is an accomplished actor with a career spanning over five decades, appearing in more than 250 films and television shows. His career began in 1975 with the feature film Drive-In and has since evolved into one of the most recognizable faces in Hollywood. Glenn is best known for his iconic role as Agent Aaron Pierce on the hit FOX series 24 , which he played for seven seasons. He is also widely recognized for his portrayal of General Morshower in the Transformers films, Wayne Lowry on the Netflix original series Bloodline, and Marshall Winthrop on FOX's The Resident . Recently, Glenn had a recurring role in the final season of Netflix's Ozark . Currently, Glenn is a series regular on Roku’s Panhandle and Apple TV’s Manhunt , where he plays President Andrew Johnson. In addition to his extensive television and film career, Glenn has ventured into the world of video games, completing his third Call of Duty game, which was just released. He has voiced prominent roles in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, Call of Duty: Black Ops 2, 24: The Game , and starred as Agent Gordon in Battlefield 3 . On the big screen, Glenn’s impressive credits include The Little Things alongside Denzel Washington, Under the Stadium Lights with Laurence Fishburne, Bomb City, Transformers: The Last Knight, Aftermath, Curvature, and When the Bough Breaks . Other notable films include Moneyball, After Earth, Parkland, X-Men: First Class, Men Who Stare at Goats, All the King’s Men, Good Night & Good Luck, The Island, Hostage, Black Hawk Down, Pearl Harbor, Godzilla, Air Force One, The River Wild, Star Trek: Generations, and FLUTTER , which he also produced. Glenn won the Best Actor Award at the Monaco Film Festival for his performance in The Doo Dah Man. His television credits are equally extensive, including appearances on Women of the Movement, Madam Secretary, Every Other Holiday, Grey’s Anatomy, Electric Dreams, I’m Dying Up Here, Preacher, Narcos, Supergirl, Code Black, Scandal, Manhattan, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., Law and Order SVU, Dallas, NCIS, Castle, Eli Stone, Friday Night Lights, Shark, Bones, The Closer, Walker: Texas Ranger, Charmed, Monk, ER, Alias, Deadwood, CSI , and The West Wing , among others. In 2007, Glenn was nominated for a SAG Award for his portrayal of Agent Aaron Pierce on 24. Glenn is also known for his work in the video game industry, having voiced characters in several high-profile games. He was chosen by director Michael Bay to be the virtual host of the Transformers Ride at Universal Studios Hollywood, Orlando, and Singapore, and had the honor of declaring the ride open at the opening ceremonies at Universal Studios Hollywood in 2012 and Universal Studios Orlando in 2013. In addition to his acting career, Glenn is a professional speaker with 38 years of experience. His talks focus on the power of living an aligned life and making dreams come true. TOPICS Listen to the Whisper The toxic Twelve Your Winning Nature BOOKS The Diamond from Within Rockstar Success Stories Persistence, Pivots, and Game Changers PAST CLIENTS Platt College Craig Duswalt Michael Stevenson Ken Walls Loral Langmeir Kris Murray Kyle Cease James Malenchak
- Jia Jiang
Top Inspirational Speaker, Toastmasters Golden Gavel Winner, TED Talk: 100 Days of Rejection Jia Jiang Top Inspirational Speaker, Toastmasters Golden Gavel Winner, TED Talk: 100 Days of Rejection Jia Jiang is the founder of Rejection Therapy, a platform dedicated to helping individuals and organizations overcome their fear of rejection. Through inspiration, training, and practical products, Jia empowers people to confront and conquer rejection, transforming fear into an opportunity for growth. In 2015, Jia authored the Amazon bestselling book Rejection Proof: How I Beat Fear and Became Invincible Through 100 Days of Rejection , which became a transformative guide for thousands seeking to break free from the chains of fear. His insightful approach to overcoming rejection also led to one of the most viewed TED Talks of 2017, reaching millions globally. Jia’s journey into the world of rejection began several years after he transitioned from the corporate world to pursue entrepreneurship. His leap of faith, however, met with an expected yet devastating consequence: rejection. This painful but pivotal moment sparked a personal quest to understand rejection, not as a setback, but as a stepping stone. Thus, the 100 Days of Rejection Therapy blog was born, where Jia embarked on a radical challenge: to intentionally seek out rejection every day for 100 days. His experiences shattered the myths surrounding rejection and unveiled a surprising truth: the world is far kinder than we think, and the fear of rejection is often more damaging than the rejection itself. Born and raised in Beijing, China, Jia moved to the United States at the age of 16. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from Brigham Young University and a Master of Business Administration from Duke University. His unique blend of entrepreneurial spirit and emotional resilience has made him a sought-after speaker and trainer, helping people and organizations develop a fearless mindset to achieve their goals. TOPICS What I Learned From 100 Days of Rejection The Art of Achieving Ambitious Things BOOKS Full Circle: An Olympic Champion Shares His Breakthrough Story
- Randy Pennington
Positive Results in a World of Uncertainty and Change Randy Pennington Positive Results in a World of Uncertainty and Change Randy Pennington helps leaders achieve positive, lasting results in a world of constant uncertainty and change. With a blend of solid research and hands-on experience, Randy works with leaders and organizations across industries to implement strategies that drive success and sustainable growth. His clients include top companies, associations, universities, and government agencies at local, state, national, and international levels. A best-selling author, Randy has written the award-winning books Results Rule! and Make Change Work , providing invaluable insights on leadership, organizational transformation, and navigating change. His work has been featured in prestigious publications such as Fast Company, Entrepreneur, the New York Times, and numerous professional journals. He’s also contributed to Huffington Post and CIO.com and has appeared as a guest commentator on CNN, PBS, Fox News, ABC Radio Network, and the BBC. Randy’s diverse background spans line, staff, and consulting roles, ranging from hourly employee to senior management. He holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Psychology and has completed post-graduate work in organizational administration and management. Over the course of his career, Randy has served as: Senior Executive at a start-up mental health facility HR Professional in a 25,000-employee government agency CFO of a multi-million-dollar professional services firm Chairman of the Board for a $17 million non-profit and a multi-million-dollar foundation Entrepreneur and Adjunct Professor at Southern Methodist University’s Edwin L. Cox Business Leadership Center, where he has received 25 Teaching Excellence Awards Randy’s unique combination of strategic thinking, hands-on leadership, and academic expertise makes him a sought-after consultant and speaker who helps organizations navigate change and achieve extraordinary results. TOPICS Built to Flourish®: Winning in a World of Upheaval and Uncertainty Make Change Work®: Stay Nimble, Relevant, and Engaged in a World of Constant Change Results Rule!®: Be a Hero in a Changing World Integrity-Driven® Leadership BOOKS Make Change Work: Stay Nimble, Relevant, and Engaged in a World of Constant Change Results Rule! Build a Culture that Blows the Competition Away On My Honor, I Will: The Journey to Integrity-Driven Leadership PAST CLIENTS International Monetary Fund Texas Farm Credit Bank International Right of Way Association Produce Marketing Association DSW Shoes Alabama Power Company Taylor Farms Deli Christus Health System Overhead Door Corporation National Assoc. of Federal Credit Unions Association of General Contractors Ingersoll-Randy
- Joey Green
Singer, song writer, performer Joey Green Singer, song writer, performer Joey Green, a Texas native now based in Nashville, has become a household name for his rock ‘n’ roll to soul country rollercoaster ride of a live show, following his breakout success on NBC’s The Voice . Known for his post-Americana sound—a blend of Americana, rock, and country—Joey describes his style as "Americana with a pop sensibility, story songs with banger hooks." His unique genre has earned him a devoted following, especially in Texas, where he has been a mainstay in the live music scene. Joey's musical journey began at an early age, with his first performance at a sixth-grade talent show singing “Duke of Earl.” By his senior year of high school, he had already formed his own band and was performing live around his hometown. Fast forward to today, and Joey has eight albums to his name, with his latest release, "Puttin' It Out There," a 6-song EP that hit the airwaves in May 2022. Other notable projects include "The War" (2015), "Outside the Circle" (2010), and "Vinyl Destination" (2008), alongside several other EPs and live recordings, including “Lo 5” (2013) and "Live at the Whiskey Girl Saloon" (2013). Throughout his career, Joey has had the privilege of sharing the stage with some of country music's most renowned acts, including Eli Young Band, Randy Rogers, Stoney LaRue, Kevin Fowler, Sean McConnell, and Giovannie & the Hired Guns. His Texas Music Takeover international tours have brought him to London, Australia, and Mexico, alongside other celebrated Texas artists such as Pat Green, Cody Canada, Wade Bowen, Koe Wetzel, and Parker McCollum. This year, Joey has been celebrating a major milestone with his #1 hit on the Texas Regional Radio Charts, “Old Timers,” co-written with George Ducas. His EP, "Puttin’ It Out There," has also gained traction with Spotify playlists like ‘New Music Nashville,’ ‘Fresh Finds Country,’ and ‘LA Pop Tunes.’ His music video for “This House Ain’t Big Enough” has garnered national attention, premiering on CMT, Country Rebel, Heartland, and Nashville Country TV, while steadily climbing the "Taste of Country" Top 10 Country Music Video Countdown. Additionally, both of his singles, “Saturday’s Are for the Boys” and “This House Ain’t Big Enough,” continue to chart in the Top 100 on the Texas Regional Radio Charts.
- Janine Shepard
A Broken Body is not a Broken Person Janine Shepard A Broken Body is not a Broken Person Janine Shepherd, AM, is an inspiring author, speaker, and aerobatic pilot whose extraordinary life story has touched millions around the world. Her powerful TEDx talk, “A Broken Body Is Not a Broken Person”, has garnered over 2 million views and continues to inspire audiences worldwide. Janine’s remarkable journey began as an Australian national champion skier preparing for the Olympics. In a tragic accident, she was struck by a truck while cycling, suffering multiple life-threatening injuries. Doctors warned that, even if she survived, she would never walk again. After extensive spinal surgery and five months in the hospital, Janine faced a long and uncertain road to recovery. Determined not to be defined by her disabilities, Janine found her defiant spirit when a plane flew overhead during her rehabilitation. She declared, “If I can’t walk, I’ll fly!” She went on to become a commercial pilot, aerobatic flight instructor, and author of six best-selling books, including her memoir, Defiant, which details her journey from athlete to spinal cord patient to soaring aerobatic pilot. Janine’s life story is so compelling it was made into a feature film. Alongside her professional accomplishments, she raised three children and earned a university degree. In recognition of her courage and achievements, Janine has been featured on 60 Minutes, This Is Your Life, and honored with The Order of Australia, the nation’s highest honor. TOPICS The Power of the Defiant Human Spirit Never Tell Me Never A Patients Journey BOOKS DEFIANT, A Broken Body isn’t a Broken Person Never Tell Me Never Dare To Fly On My Own Two Feet The Gift Of Acceptance Reaching for Stars PAST CLIENTS Dell Morgan Stanley Amazon Web services Ivanti Cisco BP McDonalds Nutrimetics AMP Siemens Caltex Perceptive Softward
- Calvin Stovall
Deliver iconic customer experiences Calvin Stovall Deliver iconic customer experiences Calvin Stovall is the Chief Experience Officer of ICONIC Presentations, LLC. He specializes in delivering dynamic customer experience and leadership keynote presentations and workshops for organizations nationwide. He has nearly 30 years of experience in the hospitality and non-profit service industries. Today, he leverages his life experiences as a business leader and passion for music to engage and connect with his audiences nationwide. Calvin is a native Chicagoan and began his hospitality career as a front desk clerk at the Holiday Inn City Centre. During his hospitality career as vice president of brand marketing with Hilton Worldwide, he was responsible for the marketing and public relations efforts for more than 150 Homewood Suites hotels. While under his leadership, the Homewood Suites brand was recognized four times by J.D. Power and Associates. Calvin formerly served as CEO of The Soulsville Foundation, a non-profit based in Memphis, TN. He also worked as a brand marketing strategist with ALSAC, the brand awareness and fundraising arm for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. For two consecutive years, Calvin was voted one of the 50 Most Inspirational People in Travel/Hospitality by the International Hospitality Institute. Calvin is also the author of the forthcoming book, “Hidden Hospitality: Untold Stories of Black Hotel, Motel, and Resort Owners from the Pioneer Days to the Civil Rights Era” scheduled for a fall 2025 release. Calvin resides in Mooresville, NC, with his two teenage sons, Caden, 18, and Carson, 16. TOPICS/PROGRAMS ICONIC CUSTOMER SERVICE ICONIC brands like Disney, Starbucks and Nordstrom understand that consistently delivering memorable customer service is the pathway to increased market share, profitability and earning the loyalty of customers. There’s a common myth that becoming iconic is reserved for Fortune 500 companies with fancy logos and huge budgets. But that couldn’t be farthest from the truth! There’s an iconic energy hidden inside of every company regardless of size and location. You just need to know the steps to get there. Take your company’s customer service delivery to the next level with this high-energy program. One of the most content-rich and entertaining presentations your attendees will ever experience. During this session attendees will get real-life, practical lessons on how to deliver ICONIC Customer Service and how embracing a “customer-centric” philosophy can set your company apart from the competition. Customer service success stories are shared and you will learn how these impactful solutions can be applied to your organization for immediate results today. BE! ICONIC OR BE! GONE What do brands like Starbucks, The Beatles and Al’s Breakfast have in common? They all have successfully achieved iconic status. Iconic brands have a purpose beyond money and provide a brand experience that stands out from the crowd and serves as a shining symbol of excellence to which other brands aspire. There’s a common myth that becoming an iconic brand is reserved for Fortune 500 companies with large marketing budgets. But that assumption is wrong! Even if you’re a 14-seat, diner/institution in Dinkytown (Minneapolis) any company, regardless of size and location, can achieve iconic status. Create competitive advantage by leveraging the four components of The ICONIC Framework™. During this session, attendees will not only be introduced to strategies and tactics that can help transition companies into iconic status, but also address the criticality of employee engagement and customer experience in building a brand that stands the test of time. BARS AND BRANDS AND RAVING FANS What is it about a great song that makes you want to hear it over and over again? Why do we crave a hook that loops within the same song? And how does a song end up getting stuck in your head? Research shows that more than 90 percent of the time spent listening to music people are actually hearing tracks they’ve listened to before. Repetition is an astounding prevalent feature of music, and it’s the same for business. Purchase repetition and sharing experiences is prevalent to the success of any iconic brand. How does your brand hit all the right notes and get stuck in the minds of customers so that they want to buy from you repeatedly and share their experience with others? During this session, attendees will learn how iconic brands like Disney, The Rolling Stones and Amoeba Music, the iconic Hollywood record store have mastered the power of repetition and hooks by continually delivering a consistent customer experience to drive repetitious purchase behavior amongst its fan base for decades. HOW TO BECOME AN ICONIC BRAND YOUR CUSTOMERS LOVE Harley-Davidson, Soul Train and Mitchell & Ness, a Philadelphia sporting goods store that has been stitching and repairing jerseys since 1904 — the list of iconic brands is large but not when you consider the millions of businesses worldwide that never reach that special status. Ultimately, the power of your brand lies in your ability to make an emotional connection with your customers. Research shows that 80% of buyers will pay more for a better customer experience. Even as companies have spent millions of dollars introducing new brands and protecting established ones, customers have become less loyal. The world’s throwaway mindset is why many brands rise and fall so quickly. When customers aren’t given anything meaningful to invest in, they don’t. What can businesses today learn from some of the world’s most iconic brands to make your customers love you more? During this presentation, attendees will learn how to leverage the strategies and tactics iconic brands have known for decades to win the hearts and minds of their customers for a lifetime. SUCCESS PRINCIPLES OF ICONIC LEADERSHIP Leaders of iconic brands like Virgin, Chick-fil-a and Story, a permanent retail shop in Chelsea NY which completely changes every 4-6 weeks, relentlessly focus on, and understand the vital link between inspired leadership and customer experience. The experience economy we live in today requires an authentic leader who can promote a customer-centered culture and paint a vivid and real picture of the brand vision for employees and customers alike. This includes the benefits your brand delivers, the promises you make, and how you follow-through after delivering upon those promises. Research shows that 70% of a brand’s perception is driven by its employees. Leaders of iconic brands understand words and actions matter more than ever before. As remarkable as these iconic leaders’ achievements may appear, the underpinnings of their successes can be modeled by any organization. During this presentation, attendees will learn BOOKS Fanatically Relentless Customer Service — The Insider’s Guide: How to Rescue Your Customers from a World of Crappy Service PAST CLIENTS Southeast Tourism Society Arkansas Governor's Conference Cleveland Clinic 30A Escapes Vacation Rentals Wharf Management Mission Health Communities Association Executives of North Carolina National Equipment Finance Association The Bainbridge Companies Avion Hospitality Advenir Living Inside Self Storage at Informa Exhibitions Choice Hotels International Home2 Suites / Homewood Suites by Hilton MCR Development Wells Fargo Bank Radio City Music Hall Ameren Illinois AmericInn International, LLC Association of Legal Administrators Blue Cross Blue Shield – Michigan McKibbon Hotel Management Lang-Nelson Associates Dominium Development Colwen Hotel Management Great Clips, Inc
- Omar Johnson
Speaker on Culture, Diversity, Marketing, and Branding; Former Beats CMO, Apple VP, and Top 100 Black Thought Leader. Omar Johnson Speaker on Culture, Diversity, Marketing, and Branding; Former Beats CMO, Apple VP, and Top 100 Black Thought Leader. Omar Johnson is a marketing innovator known for building world-class brands and driving transformative growth for some of the biggest names in business. As the former Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) of Beats by Dre and VP of Marketing at Apple, Johnson has led groundbreaking marketing strategies across brand development, positioning, advertising, and global digital marketing. During his tenure at Beats by Dre, Johnson played a pivotal role in growing the brand from a small startup with $20 million in revenue to a $2 billion category leader. Under his leadership, Beats became the #1 premium headphone brand in over 25 countries, a remarkable achievement that ultimately led to the company’s acquisition by Apple for $3 billion in 2014. Johnson’s strategic vision and marketing expertise were integral to the brand’s success, earning him widespread recognition in the industry. In 2016, Adweek honored Johnson as a “Brand Genius,” and Business Insider named him one of the “Most Innovative CMOs.” His work at Beats and beyond has consistently demonstrated his ability to create lasting impact and drive brand loyalty in competitive markets. Prior to his time at Beats, Johnson worked on some of the most influential marketing campaigns for global brands like Nike, Coca-Cola, Kraft Foods, and Campbell Soup. He was instrumental in producing iconic commercials for Nike, including the powerful “Rise” ad starring LeBron James, the memorable “All Together Now” campaign featuring Kobe Bryant, and the creative “The Most Valuable Puppets” series. Johnson’s work with these brands showcased his ability to craft compelling narratives that resonate with audiences on a deep emotional level, helping to elevate them from products to cultural touchstones. After his success at Apple, Johnson founded ØPUS United, a modern brand management company that brings together a diverse collective of award-winning executives, strategists, creatives, athletes, and musicians. Through ØPUS United, Johnson continues to push the boundaries of brand strategy, collaborating with top-tier talent to understand the anatomy of world-class brands and deliver groundbreaking work for clients. In addition to his work with ØPUS United, Johnson has spearheaded initiatives such as We The People and We Got Next, aimed at empowering underrepresented voices and creating positive social change. He is also the author of Dear White Corporate America, a thought-provoking work that sparks conversations about racial equity and representation in business and government. Through these initiatives, Johnson has sought to inspire younger generations to take action in areas like voting, polling, and increasing representation within politics. A native of Brooklyn, NY, Johnson earned a BS in Biology and Chemistry from Georgia State University and went on to receive an MBA from the Goizueta Business School at Emory University. His academic background, combined with his diverse career experiences, has shaped his approach to marketing and leadership, allowing him to see opportunities from both a scientific and creative perspective.
- Mike Modano
NHL Hockey Player, Hall of Famer, and Olympic Medalist Mike Modano NHL Hockey Player, Hall of Famer, and Olympic Medalist Mike Modano is a legendary NHL player whose career has left an indelible mark on the sport of hockey. A high school graduate in 1988, Mike’s passion for the game became a reality when he was selected by the Minnesota North Stars as their #1 pick in the first round of the NHL Entry Draft. At that time, Mike became only the second American-born player to be chosen first overall, joining Brian Lawton (1983). Mike’s NHL career spanned 21 years, starting with the Minnesota North Stars and later continuing with the Dallas Stars after the franchise relocated in 1993. His presence in Dallas helped transform the city into a hockey hotbed, elevating the Stars to national prominence in the heart of what was traditionally a football town. During his illustrious career with the Dallas Stars, Mike achieved both team and individual success. Most notably, he led the team to their first Stanley Cup victory in 1999. Over the course of his career, Mike helped guide the Stars to the playoffs every year from 2002 to 2011. In 2003, Mike was honored with the title of Captain of the Dallas Stars, a role he held until 2006. Today, he holds all major Dallas Stars offensive records, including career points, goals, assists, and games played. Additionally, his playoff records include the most playoff points, goals, assists, and games played in franchise history. A dynamic and electrifying player, Mike’s speed, aggressive skating, and offensive power made him a favorite among fans. He was selected as a 7-time NHL All-Star. Mike’s talent and commitment to international competition were integral to his development as an elite hockey player. He represented Team USA in multiple international tournaments, including the 1996 World Cup, where the U.S. won the inaugural gold medal, and the 1998 and 2002 Olympic Games, where he helped lead Team USA to a silver medal. Mike was also the captain of Team USA at the 2004 World Cup in Torino, Italy. In recognition of his contributions to international hockey, he was awarded the prestigious USA Hockey Bob Johnson Award in 2002. After 21 years in the NHL, Mike retired from hockey and shifted his focus to philanthropy. He founded The Mike Modano Foundation, which provides resources and support to at-risk children in the Dallas area, particularly those who have suffered from abuse, abandonment, and neglect. One of his proudest accomplishments is the establishment of the Mike Modano Infant and Toddler Cottage in 2002 at Jonathan’s Place, a safe haven for at-risk children. Mike continues to contribute funding and support to organizations focused on educating and empowering children and families, working to break the cycle of child abuse and neglect. BOOKS Mo: The Mike Modano Story
- Meridith Elliott Powell
Business Keynote Speaker & Business Growth Expert Meridith Elliott Powell Business Keynote Speaker & Business Growth Expert Meridith Elliott Powell is a powerhouse in the world of business growth and leadership, named among the Top 15 Business Growth Experts, Top 100 Sales Influencers by LinkedIn, and Top 41 Motivational Speakers. She is an award-winning author, highly sought-after keynote speaker, and a business strategist who has made a lasting impact across industries such as banking, healthcare, and finance. With an impressive career trajectory that took her from entry-level to the C-suite, Meridith understands the challenges leaders face firsthand. As a Vice-Chair of the National Speakers Association, Master Certified Business Growth Strategist, Certified Executive Coach, and Certified Speaking Professional, Meridith brings deep expertise and practical experience to everything she does. She’s also an invitation-only author for LinkedIn, where her courses have reached over 600,000 learners worldwide. Meridith’s passion is helping businesses turn uncertainty into a competitive advantage. With a cutting-edge message based on real-world knowledge, her presentations and strategies empower leaders to thrive in a constantly changing environment. Her book, THRIVE: Turning Uncertainty into Competitive Advantage , was named a Top Sales Book, and her leadership-focused book, Who Comes Next? Leadership Succession Planning Made Easy (co-authored with Dr. Mary Kelly), has been recognized with Benjamin Franklin Independent Book Sellers Awards, one of the highest honors in business publishing. Meridith is regularly featured in top publications such as Forbes, Fast Company, Inc., Investment News, and American Banker, providing practical insights and strategies on leading in uncertain times. Her podcasts, Sales Logic and THRIVE , bring listeners valuable interviews and advice from leaders, sales professionals, and business owners who have turned challenges into success. In her highly interactive keynote sessions, Meridith shows how to navigate uncertainty, attract more business, and retain top talent—essential skills to thrive in today’s competitive, fast-shifting marketplace. She provides actionable strategies that audiences can apply immediately, with no gimmicks—just real-life solutions that make a tangible impact from day one. Meridith’s approach is straightforward: no gimmicks, no walking on coals, just practical strategies that are relevant, actionable, and designed to drive real-world results. When she’s not speaking or coaching, Meridith is likely hiking, mountain biking, or chasing golf balls across courses nationwide. TOPICS THRIVE: Turning uncertainty To Competitive Advantage Leadership Redefined: Ownership, Engagement, Results! Sales Redefined: Dominate, Differentiate, Deliver Defy: Strategies to Succeed No Matter What This Economy Does Succession Planning Redefined: Who Comes Next? Leadership Succession Made Easy Success Redefined: Confidence, Hustle, Drive BOOKS 30 Days To Sales Success The Confidence Plan The Confidence Plan: A Guided Journal Thrive: Strategies to Turn Uncertainty to Competitive Advantage 30 Days to Sales Success: Build More Profitable Relationships, Close More Sales, Drive More Business Who Comes Next? Leadership Succession Planning Made Easy The Best Sales Book Ever/The Best Sales Leadership Ever Own It: Redefining Responsibility PAST CLIENTS American Association of General Contractors American Association of Healthcare Administrators BOSCH IBM Caterpillar Clopay Blue Ridge Community College Cal State University Electrical Cooperative Federal Credit Union Farm Credit Advisory Group City of Greensboro City of High Point Mental Health Systems Park Ridge Health
- Thomas A. Kolditz
Leadership Keynote Speaker, retired Brigadier General, Author, and Executive Director of the Doerr Institute for New Leaders Thomas A. Kolditz Leadership Keynote Speaker, retired Brigadier General, Author, and Executive Director of the Doerr Institute for New Leaders Tom Kolditz is the founding Executive Director of the Doerr Institute for New Leaders at Rice University. He designed and directed the core Leader Development Program at the Yale School of Management, served as the chairman of the Department of Behavioral Sciences and Leadership at West Point, and was the founding director of the West Point Leadership Center. A highly experienced leader, Brigadier General (retired) Kolditz has more than 26 years of P&L-level supervisory experience, serving on four continents during his 34 years of military service. He is a Fellow of the American Psychological Association and a member of the Academy of Management. He also serves as a senior advisor to the Future of Executive Development Forum. His most recent book, In Extremis Leadership: Leading as if Your Life Depended on It, is based on more than 175 interviews conducted on the ground in Iraq during combat operations. General Kolditz has been recognized as a leadership Thought Leader by the Leader to Leader Institute and as a Top Leader Development Professional by Leadership Excellence. He holds a BA from Vanderbilt University, three master’s degrees, and a Ph.D. in social psychology from the University of Missouri. In 2009, he was appointed to the Council of Senior Advisors for the Future of Executive Development Forum. A skydiving instructor since 1980, General Kolditz also served as the senior instructor for the West Point Sport Parachute Team. He integrates his personal experiences as a soldier, skydiver, and scholar into the study and practice of leadership in extreme circumstances—in extremis leadership—and how such leadership principles can inform the practice of leading in more ordinary settings. General Kolditz has presented leadership content to more than 150 audiences across governmental, corporate, and social sectors worldwide. As a professor, he has led seminars or delivered lectures at Babson College, Wellesley College, Olin College, the University of Missouri, Columbia University, Duke University, Yale University, the Military Psychology Center of the Israel Defense Forces, Peking University, the Beijing International MBA Program, Harvard’s Center for Public Leadership, seven national and international service academies, and more than ten major metropolitan law enforcement, firefighting, and public service academies. He has appeared on ABC World News, ABC 20/20, Al Jazeera, MSNBC, CBS, NPR, Calgary Today, Morning Ireland, and has conducted interviews with The New York Times, the Associated Press, Time, Discovery, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the Washington Post, La Razón , and more than a dozen national and international news agencies. General Kolditz holds numerous degrees, including a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Sociology from Vanderbilt University, as well as master’s and Ph.D. degrees in Social Psychology, a Master of Military Arts and Science, and a Master’s in Strategic Studies.
- Michael Spehn
Unforgettable Keynotes That Empower, Entertain, and Educate Your Audience Michael Spehn Unforgettable Keynotes That Empower, Entertain, and Educate Your Audience Michael is the author of the NY Times Bestselling book, The Color of Rain , which was adapted into the highest-rated Hallmark movie in history. He is also the co-founder of the New Day Foundation for Families, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting families battling cancer. In 2023, Michael delivered a TEDx talk on the powerful topic of agape love. A seasoned media personality, Michael was a contributing editor for Home Life Magazine and co-host of the Your Family Matters radio show on the Salem Broadcasting Network. He has made numerous appearances on major media outlets, including The Today Show, ABC World News, Huckabee, Fox News, Home and Family, the Hugh Hewitt Show, and various radio programs. Before transitioning to his current roles, Michael honed his creative and business skills at The Second City Theater in Chicago, where he trained under comedy legends such as Del Close, Martin DeMaat, and Jo Forsberg. There, he learned how to cultivate a “Yes, and” mindset—a principle that continues to influence his business approach. Michael spent the majority of his professional career in consulting and finance, partnering with prominent organizations like Anheuser-Busch, The Dwyer Group, Nordick Franchising, Thrivent, Allstate, and Equitable Advisors. An avid golfer and a reluctant pickleball player, Michael believes that March Madness and any game at Wrigley Field are the pinnacle of sports. He also dedicated over 30 years to coaching high school basketball in both California and Michigan. Michael and his wife Gina are the proud parents of five grown children. TOPICS Live Generously Trophy Case The Fairness Metric BOOKS The Color of Rain (Harper Collins/Zondervan) The Little Book of Generosity (coming 2024) PAST CLIENTS United States Army Edward Jones Advisors Bsp Law Healthquest Shift Digital Rochester Community Schools Thrivent Financial Open Table University Of Pennsylvania Equitable Advisors Allstate Man-up Leadership Retreat
- Marilyn Sherman
How Top Performers Never Settle for Balcony Seats Marilyn Sherman How Top Performers Never Settle for Balcony Seats Marilyn Sherman is a Hall of Fame Business Speaker known for delivering powerful leadership lessons and tools that help people achieve top performance. With over 25 years of experience, Marilyn inspires audiences to move from the “balcony” of passive observation to the “front row” of active, engaged leadership. More than just a motivational speaker, Marilyn combines humor, engagement, and practical strategies to help individuals and teams drive greater results. Whether she’s speaking virtually, in-person, or in a hybrid format, her impactful messages are tailored to create lasting change. Marilyn's sessions are not only inspiring but are packed with actionable insights that audiences can immediately apply to improve performance. Before becoming a sought-after speaker, Marilyn spent years as a corporate trainer and crisis manager, where she honed her ability to assess complex situations and deliver practical tools for success. With her unique blend of leadership expertise and relatable storytelling, Marilyn is a top choice for organizations seeking to elevate their teams and inspire transformation. TOPICS Front-Row Leadership™ How Top Performers Never Settle for Balcony Seats Communicating for Results: From Conflict to Cooperation Which V are You? Managing Change Like a Volunteer Instead of a Victim Vacationer Is There A Hole In Your Bucket List?: How To Overcome Obstacles That Keep You From Achieving Your Goals BOOKS Is There A Hole In Your Bucket List? How To Overcome Obstacles That Keep You From Achieving Your Goals Whose Comfort Zone Are You In? Front-Row Service Why Settle for the Balcony? How to get a Front-Row Seat in Life PAST CLIENTS Coca Cola Women’s Foodservice Forum Ecolab Association of Continuing Legal Education of America International Association of Administrative Professionals AutoPro Mechanical McDonald’s Boeing (Rocketdyne) City of Las Vegas Ford Motor Co. Fuddruckers First Premier Bank
- Allyson Felix
11-time Olympic medalist Allyson Felix 11-time Olympic medalist Allyson Felix is the most decorated female track and field athlete in Olympic history, a true icon of the sport. With an impressive career spanning over two decades, she has earned seven Olympic medals, including six golds, and is widely regarded as one of the greatest sprinters of all time. Her Olympic journey began at the age of just 18 when she competed in the 2004 Summer Games in Athens. There, she made an immediate impact, earning the silver medal in the 200-meter race. This marked the beginning of a career full of groundbreaking achievements. In 2005, Felix made history again by becoming the youngest champion at the World Championships. Two years later, she cemented her place in track and field history, becoming only the second female athlete to win three gold medals at a single World Championships. Felix’s success continued at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, where she ran a personal best of 21.93 seconds in the 200 meters, earning another silver medal. She also claimed gold in the 4x400-meter relay, further showcasing her versatility and strength in high-pressure competitions. In the 2012 London Olympics, Felix finally clinched the gold medal in the 200 meters with a stunning performance of 21.88 seconds, securing her place as one of the all-time greats in the event. That year, she also played a pivotal role in the 4x100-meter relay, where her team set a new world record with a time of 40.82 seconds, breaking the previous record held by East Germany since 1985. Over the course of her legendary career, Felix has become synonymous with excellence and perseverance, continuing to break records and inspire athletes around the world. Her ability to excel under pressure, her work ethic, and her dedication to her sport make her not just an Olympic champion, but also a global icon and role model.
- Nate Sassaman
Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.) Nate Sassaman Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.) Nate Sassaman is a 1985 West Point graduate and a decorated combat veteran whose leadership skills have spanned from the battlefield to the boardroom. A West Point All-American QB, Army Airborne Ranger, and bestselling author, Nate led over 1,000 soldiers as a Combined Arms Infantry Battalion Commander in the heart of the Sunni Triangle during the Iraq War from 2003 to 2004. Drawing on both his West Point training and hard-won battlefield experiences, he now develops leaders at some of the largest companies and government agencies in the U.S. Over the past decade, Nate has coached and mentored thousands of leaders, including executives, managers, teachers, and coaches. His high-energy, hands-on leadership workshops focus on team dynamics and the leader-coach concept, transforming groups into high-performing teams. Nate’s approach is renowned for its challenging facilitation and focused determination to help leaders and their teams thrive. Nate’s book, Warrior King , published by St. Martin’s Press, has sold over 100,000 copies and was a regional bestseller. He delivers leadership workshops and keynote addresses for top companies like Home Depot, State Farm, and Northwestern Mutual, as well as public agencies in California. Nate’s combat leadership experiences were featured in the BBC’s 2020 award-winning documentary Once Upon a Time in Iraq. TOPICS Victory Loves Preparation Leading in 2024 and Beyond The Warrior Way Winners Win BOOKS The Warrior King PAST CLIENTS Home Depot Western Municipal Water District Civic Financial Crawford & Company State Farm Northwestern Mutual Oregon Association Chiefs of Police Santa Barbara Public Works LBK Roofing Company Charles Schwab Fort Carson Officers
- Michael Treacy
Bestselling Author, Researcher, Entrepreneur and Business Adviser Michael Treacy Bestselling Author, Researcher, Entrepreneur and Business Adviser Michael Treacy is the President and founder of Treacy & Company, bringing over 30 years of experience in helping companies achieve market leadership. His ideas on customer value propositions and growth disciplines have been utilized by companies around the world to reshape strategies, strengthen competitive positions, and dramatically improve both top- and bottom-line performance. Mr. Treacy’s insights are shaped by his rich experiences as an academic at MIT, an advisor to some of the most successful firms of the past decade, and an entrepreneur who has founded and led several successful companies. Throughout his career, he has overcome nearly every obstacle to achieving exceptional company performance and building extraordinary firms. Michael Treacy’s books have earned international recognition. In the 1990s, he introduced the concept of gaining a competitive advantage through value leadership in The Discipline of Market Leaders , a New York Times bestseller. This book outlines the principles of leadership in a competitive marketplace, emphasizing an unmatched customer value proposition delivered through a unique operating model design. These principles have been adopted by many companies, large and small, to drive their business strategies and create competitive advantages. A decade later, in Double Digit Growth , a Business Week bestseller, he demonstrated how rapid, steady, and profitable growth can be intentionally achieved. Now, Mr. Treacy’s radically different thinking continues to lead the way, helping leaders assess global opportunities and navigate an unprecedented globalizing marketplace. This market landscape presents an assault from upstart competitors who are smart, motivated, and take the long view. With the size of the global middle class set to triple, driven by rising standards of living across the globe, this demographic represents the opportunity of a lifetime. Companies that embrace the future and focus strategically will dominate, increasing scale, scope, and power. Those that fail to adapt risk falling behind. Michael Treacy’s clear strategies help leaders in both large and small businesses, showing them how to rethink competition, customers, people, finance, and markets. He outlines pathways for global growth and market leadership. Mr. Treacy also applies his own advice through the venturing arm of his consulting and research firm, Treacy & Company, which applies his strategies to a portfolio of seven fast-growing companies with extraordinary results. Each year, they fund and launch at least one new start-up with the potential to be a game-changer in its respective market. A former professor of management at the Sloan School of Management at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Michael Treacy has published numerous articles in leading magazines and journals over the past two decades and is a frequent contributor to the Harvard Business Review . He is also currently engaged in a major research study focused on the performance discipline that enables certain companies to routinely achieve high performance—whether in growth, cost control, safety, or other important goals—while other firms struggle with inconsistent results. Mr. Treacy holds a PhD from MIT and an engineering degree from the University of Toronto. He has served as a board member for several leveraged buyouts and new ventures. Mr. Treacy resides in Needham, Massachusetts, with his wife and three children. TOPICS Growth – No Matter What Competing in an Age of Globalizing Markets Tuning the Innovation Machine Leading Growth – Obsessed Organization National Policy for a Globalizing Economy BOOKS Double-Digit Growth: How Great Companies Achieve it – No Matter What The Discipline of Market Leaders PAST CLIENTS Adidas Comerica Duke University General Mills Land O’Lakes Novartis Raytheon Sprint Nextel Virgin Atlantic At&T ConAgra Foods Experian Hilton McKesson PepsiCo Siemens Medical Sun Microsystems YUM Brands
- Marc Wayshack
America's Sale Coach Marc Wayshack America's Sale Coach Marc Wayshak, author of Game Plan Selling: The Definitive Rulebook for Closing the Sale in the 21st Century and Breaking All Barriers: Insider Secrets to a Limitless Life , combines his extensive experience, research, and years of training organizations with his deep understanding of sports achievement as an All-American athlete. This unique combination has enabled him to create a revolutionary system for salespeople, entrepreneurs, and companies. While studying for his undergraduate degree at Harvard University, Marc suddenly lost all of his college savings in a stock market crash. Faced with the need to contribute to his college expenses, Marc started a small marketing company. What he didn’t realize at the time was that he would need to sell his services in order to survive. This challenge set the stage for his journey into the world of sales. Marc quickly learned the ropes of sales through the inevitable ups and downs, making tens of thousands of cold calls each year, learning how to speak to sell, ask for introductions, and master the essential behaviors needed for success. Initially, he struggled, but over the next few years, he began to discover what worked and what didn’t. He eventually found powerful mentors who taught him to view sales from a completely different angle. Under their guidance, Marc began experimenting with his own techniques, which later evolved into the Game Plan Selling System . With his newfound sales knowledge, Marc was able to create exponential growth for his marketing business, which quickly became one of the fastest-growing event marketing companies in New England. His clients included major companies like Subway Sandwich Shops, ExxonMobil, and Getty Oil. At the same time, Marc served as Captain of the Harvard Rugby team and was selected as an All-American. After selling his business at just 23 years old, Marc transitioned to teaching sales to organizations of all sizes. Today, Marc Wayshak is recognized as America’s Sales Coach for Game Plan Selling . Through his writing, training, and coaching, he travels the world, helping organizations and entrepreneurs transform their sales strategies. Marc holds a Master’s degree from the University of Oxford and a Bachelor’s degree from Harvard University. TOPICS Championship Selling in the New Economy Breaking All Barriers! How to Double Sales in the New Economy BOOKS Game Plan Selling: The Definitive Rulebook for Closing the Sale in the 21st Century Breaking All Barriers: Insider Secrets to a Limitless Life PAST CLIENTS Bayer Pharmaceuticals Maui Jim / Zeal Optical iParty Interim Healthcare ACI Payments Systems Worldwide Panera Bread Cherry Creek Mortgage Company Soundbite Communications Marketing Agencies Association Worldwide Explorica Student Travels Copier Dealers Association National Long-Term Care Network
- Jackie Joyner Kersee
Track and Field Legend and Olympic God Medalist Jackie Joyner Kersee Track and Field Legend and Olympic God Medalist Jackie Joyner-Kersee is widely considered one of the greatest female all-around athletes in history, with a career that includes three Olympic gold medals, four World Outdoor Championships gold medals, and the still-standing world record of 7,291 points in the women’s heptathlon. A four-time Olympian, Jackie won the gold medal in the long jump in 1988, and bronze medals in 1992 and 1996. In the heptathlon, she secured the silver medal in 1984 and gold medals in 1988 and 1992. Jackie was also a four-time member of the World Outdoor Championships team, where she won gold medals in the long jump in 1987 and 1991, and in the heptathlon in 1987 and 1993. In addition, she was the USA 100m hurdles champion in 1994, and claimed national titles in the long jump nine times and the heptathlon eight times. Throughout her career at the USA Indoor Championships, Jackie won the 60m hurdles title in 1992 and the long jump national crown in 1992, 1994, and 1995. As a collegiate athlete at UCLA, she won the NCAA heptathlon title in 1982 and 1983. Jackie was also the former long jump world record holder and set the heptathlon world record three times. A two-time U.S. record holder in the 100m hurdles, she was also a four-time U.S. long jump record holder, a two-time U.S. 60m hurdles record holder, and the six-time and current U.S. indoor long jump record holder. Additionally, she holds the U.S. indoor records for the 50mH, 55mH, and 60mH. Jackie was the first woman ever to break 7,000 points in the heptathlon, and was world-ranked three times in the 100m hurdles, 11 times in the long jump (three times as #1 ), and 11 times in the heptathlon (six times as #1 ). Among her many accolades, Jackie won the 1986 James E. Sullivan Award as the nation’s top amateur athlete, and was honored with USA Track & Field’s Jesse Owens Award in 1986 and 1987. In 1999, she was named the greatest female athlete of the 20th century by Sports Illustrated for Women. Since retiring, Jackie has devoted herself to community work, founding the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Youth Center Foundation to encourage underprivileged youth in her hometown to engage in sports. In 2007, she co-founded Athletes for Hope with fellow champions such as Andre Agassi, Muhammad Ali, and Mia Hamm. The organization’s mission is to educate, encourage, and assist athletes in contributing to charitable causes and their communities. BOOKS A Kind of Grace: The Autobiography of the World’s Greatest Female Athlete A Woman’s Place Is Everywhere: Inspirational Profiles of Female Leaders Who Are Expanding the Roles of American Women
- Erik Wahl
Artist Erik Wahl Artist Erik Wahl is an internationally recognized artist, TED speaker, and No. 1 bestselling author. His breakthrough experience as both an artist and entrepreneur has made him one of the most sought-after corporate speakers today. On stage, Erik’s keynote presentations create a dynamic, multidimensional metaphor for how to systematically embrace innovation and risk. His message is clear: disruption is the new normal, and businesses must embrace creativity on a large scale—or risk being left behind. Erik inspires organizations to become more agile and shows how to use disruption as a competitive advantage. Some companies will be disrupted; others will choose to be the disruptors. Choose wisely. Erik’s latest book, The Spark and the Grind , highlights the essential components of translating ideas into action. His breakthrough thinking has earned praise from top influencers in both the art and business worlds. His previous book, the bestseller Unthink , was hailed by Forbes as “The blueprint to actionable creativity” and by Fast Company as “provocative with a purpose.” As Forbes put it, Erik is “The Warhol of Wall Street, the Renoir of ROI, the Picasso of Productivity, and the Jobs of … Well, Jobs.” Erik discovered an alarming truth early in his career as a partner in a corporate firm: organizations that embraced the mental discipline of creativity outperformed those that did not prioritize innovation. Motivated by this insight, he set out to challenge companies to rethink their approach to creativity. Along the way, inspired by street art, he became an acclaimed graffiti artist. Although he no longer sells his work for personal gain, Erik uses his art to raise money for charitable causes. His keynote presentations merge his passion for business growth and art into a fascinating performance. TOPICS The Art of Vision Discovering your untapped potential BOOKS I Am Artist Story UNCHAIN THE ELEPHANT: Reframe Your Thinking to Unleash Your Potential The Spark and the Grind PAST CLIENTS AT&T Disney London School of Business Microsoft FedEx Exxon Mobil Ernst & Young XPrize
- Carey Lohrenz
Accelerate performance and achieve business excellence Carey Lohrenz Accelerate performance and achieve business excellence Carey Lohrenz knows what it takes to win in one of the highest-pressure, most extreme environments imaginable: the cockpit at Mach 2. As the first female F-14 Tomcat fighter pilot in the U.S. Navy, having flown combat-ready missions worldwide, Carey is accustomed to working in fast-paced, dynamic environments where inconsistent execution can lead to catastrophic results. The same challenges exist in business: markets change, customer needs evolve, and if you don’t adapt quickly, your company is at risk. In her motivating and engaging keynote presentations, Carey shares her fascinating experiences operating in one of the world’s most challenging environments—an aircraft carrier. She is uniquely qualified in the fundamentals of winning under pressure, reducing errors, and overcoming obstacles. Her mastery of these principles can help your team triumph in today’s high-risk, time-crunched world. Carey’s timely message on High-Performing Teams and developing a Culture of Learning is rooted in the best practices of high-reliability organizations. Her Prepare, Perform, Prevail process helps businesses manage risk while becoming a High-Performing Organization. This message resonates with diverse audiences at every level of the company. Carey has been personally requested by name by some of the top Fortune 100 companies. Her ability to connect both with audiences and on a one-on-one level, coupled with her experience leading high-performing, diverse teams, has made her a highly sought-after business consultant and speaker. Carey is a powerhouse in delivering engaging leadership, high-performing organization, and diversity training that directly impacts a company’s ROI and bottom line. Her experience in the all-male environment of fighter aviation, along with her ability to pass on the lessons learned from her career, allows her to offer valuable insights on Women’s Leadership from a credible platform. Carey graduated from the University of Wisconsin, where she was a varsity rower and trained at the pre-Olympic level. After graduation, she attended the Navy’s Aviation Officer Candidate School before beginning flight training and her naval career. She is currently pursuing a Master’s in Business Administration with a focus on Strategic Leadership. TOPICS Lessons in Leadership Remaining Relevant Lessons in Partnership High-Risk, High Reward Striking a Balance BOOKS Fearless Leadership PAST CLIENTS Verizon PayPal Cisco Dell Deloitte United Healthcare Women’s Foodservice Forum Expedia HCA Dixon Hughes Goodman Toyota SHRM
- Chip Eichelberger, CSP
Peak Performance, Motivation & Sales Strategist Chip Eichelberger, CSP Peak Performance, Motivation & Sales Strategist Chip believes that today’s audiences crave engagement, not just another speech. With over 1,300 presentations under his belt as the international point man for world-renowned business leader Tony Robbins, Chip honed a unique, high-energy, humorous, and persuasive style that consistently gets results. For 5½ years, Chip traveled the world speaking in front of audiences across the US, UK, and Australia, refining his ability to connect, engage, and inspire. His presentations are anything but ordinary—Chip promises to be THE energy source at your event, creating lasting impressions and motivating action. Chip’s track record speaks for itself: he has delivered over 1,000 successful events for top-tier clients like Genentech, Ford, Hyatt, AXA, Harley-Davidson, Procter & Gamble, Exxon, State Farm, Dun & Bradstreet, RE/MAX, and more than 100 diverse associations. Chip doesn’t just show up—he does his homework on your organization and industry, conducting phone interviews to tailor his message and ensure it resonates with your specific goals. He’s also one of only 7% of National Speakers Association members to achieve the prestigious Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) designation, a mark of excellence in the speaking industry. In addition to his speaking career, Chip has created numerous audio, video, and printed products. His latest book, The Smart Guide to Accomplishing Your Goals , is packed with actionable insights to help individuals and organizations achieve success. Chip specializes in high-energy, interactive, and customized presentations designed to energize, engage, and motivate. Whether it’s the opening session, post-lunch slump, or closing keynote, Chip knows how to bring life and vitality to any event. Opening Sessions: Chip sets the tone for the day, ensuring the energy, spirit of interaction, and engagement are immediately felt, creating a strong foundation for the rest of the event. After-lunch Sessions: Chip knows the crucial importance of keeping the energy up after lunch, making sure the audience stays engaged for the remainder of the day. Closing Sessions: The final impression is critical, and Chip excels at delivering high-energy, impactful closings. His Board Break Experience—a dynamic team-building activity—is legendary for breaking barriers and leaving a lasting, action-oriented impression. Clients consistently tell Chip that, unlike many speakers who are considered a “rental,” he is a true partner in making their event a success, ensuring that his message sticks and motivates real change. When he’s not transforming corporate events, Chip is a proud father of three and a community leader based in Knoxville, TN. He’s also an avid golfer, traveler, reader, and dancer—always striving to make a difference in both his professional and personal life. TOPICS Own It! Breaking Barriers – The Board Break Experience Switch on Your Sales! Get Switched ON! Switch on Your Persuasion! BOOKS The Smart Guide to Accomplishing Your Goals PAST CLIENTS Bank of America Prudential Tommy Hilfiger IBM Century 21 ADP Sun Microsystems American Dental Association Procter & Gamble GlaxoSmithKline Castrol On the Border Grill & Cantina Chicago Title Ameriprise Financial Services PriceWaterhouseCoopers American Bankers Association RE/MAX Culligan Toyota Ford Nokia Century 21 Rogers Media Bechtel BellSouth Cingular CVS Washington Hospital Center NADA Association of Operating Room Nurses National Court Reporters Association
- Sherene McHenry
The People IQ Expert Sherene McHenry The People IQ Expert Dr. Sherene McHenry, known as The People IQ Expert, is a dynamic speaker, author, and former graduate professor. With a Bachelor’s in Business Management from Wingate University, a Master’s of Education from The University of South Carolina, and a Ph.D. in Counselor Education from the University of Wyoming, Dr. McHenry empowers audiences to enhance engagement, productivity, and purpose in both personal and professional settings. Dr. McHenry has spoken extensively across North America, as well as in South America and Asia, delivering transformative insights to diverse groups. As an author, she has written several impactful books, including Navigate: Understanding the Five Types of People, Pick: Choose to Create A Life You Love, 7 Ways to Get Your Team Fully Empowered and Engaged , and The Busy Student’s Guide to College and Career Success . She has also contributed to multiple journal articles and a syndicated magazine column focused on leadership and interpersonal issues in the workplace. A Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) and a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Dr. McHenry is an active member of the National Speakers Association and served as past president of the Michigan chapter. Through her expertise and engaging presentations, Dr. McHenry helps individuals and teams increase collaboration, empowerment, and effectiveness, fostering environments where people thrive and succeed. TOPICS Rock Your Engagement: Leading the 5 Types of People Super Size Your Success Generate Exceptional Motivation and Success Stop Walking On Egg Shells: Address Issues. Resolve Conflict. Protect Relationships BOOKS Navigate: Understanding the Five Types of People (2nd ed.) Pick Choose to Create A Life You Love (has been utilized in multiple college’s advanced communications courses as it addresses conflict resolution and other skills for advocating for oneself and others) The Busy Student’s Guide to College and Career Success (3rd ed.) (Text book that is out of print) PAST CLIENTS PricewaterhouseCoopers Novolex Accenture National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies Plante Moran Insurance Accounting and Systems Association YPO American Counseling Association American Bankers Association Association of General Contractors National Association of Residential Property Owners True Value
- Jeff DeGraff
Top Innovation Speaker, Business Professor, Bestselling Author, and “Dean of Innovation” Jeff DeGraff Top Innovation Speaker, Business Professor, Bestselling Author, and “Dean of Innovation” Dr. Jeff DeGraff, widely regarded as the “Dean of Innovation,” is an expert in leading innovation and fostering creativity. With a life mission to democratize innovation, Jeff has made a profound impact on the field through his teaching, research, and writing. He is the co-author of several influential books and has written syndicated columns for top magazines. Jeff has also hosted a national PBS program and a popular NPR segment. As a sought-after consultant, he has worked with hundreds of the world’s most prominent organizations, advising senior leadership on how to successfully build innovation competencies, develop thriving cultures, and establish dynamic innovation ecosystems. Dr. DeGraff is the founder of Innovatrium, a leading innovation institute, where he works with businesses and organizations to implement strategies that foster sustainable creativity and growth. To learn more about Jeff, visit jeffdegraff.com . TOPICS Leading Innovation: How to Jumpstart Your Organization’s Growth Engine Business Design in the New Tech Centric World The Power of Diversity and Teams Connecting the Dots of Innovation: Making Collaborative Innovation Work Where You Work Doing the Creative Work the Company Can’t Innovation You: Four Steps to Becoming New and Improved BOOKS The Creative Mindset The Innovation Code CPI Workbook The Enlivened Self Making Stone Soup Innovation You Leading Innovation Competing Values Leadership Creativity at Work PAST CLIENTS Google CocaCola Honeywell Lenovo Mercedes Benz Pfizer Procter&Gable Toyota VISA
- Jay Novacek
3 Time Super Bowl Champion, cutting horse competitor, competed in '84 Olympic trials as a decathlete, dog & horse enthusiast Jay Novacek 3 Time Super Bowl Champion, cutting horse competitor, competed in '84 Olympic trials as a decathlete, dog & horse enthusiast Jay was an all-state track and field, basketball and football star at Gothenburg, Nebraska, High School where his father Pat coached him. An All-America at Wyoming, Novacek averaged 22.5 yards per catch on 33 receptions as a senior in 1984. He finished his collegiate career with 83 catches for 1,536 yards and four touchdowns, including an 83-yarder. The University of Wyoming record holder in the decathlon and pole vault, Novacek won the Western Athletic Conference championship in the decathlon in 1984. He also competed in the decathlon at the 1984 US Olympic Trials. In 1985 Novacek was a sixth-round draft pick by the Cardinals and played mainly on special teams as a rookie. Dallas signed him as a Plan B free agent from Phoenix in 1990 after he caught 81 passes for 1,048 yards and eight touchdowns with the Cardinals from 1987-1989. Jay Novacek is considered the most prolific pass catching tight end in Cowboys history. His career with the Cowboys spanned from 1990 to 1996. Between 1990 and 1995 no other National Football League tight end caught more passes (339) and only two had more yards receiving (3,576) than the Cowboys’ Jay Novacek. During that time, he made five consecutive trips to the Pro Bowl, the only tight end in club history to achieve that, and in 1993 was named Tight End of the Year by the NFL Alumni Association. Jay ended his career with four 100-yard receiving games as a Cowboy. His reliable hands also served Dallas kickers well as the holder for field goals and extra points. Jay was also a member of the Cowboy’s teams that won Super Bowl XXVII in 1992, Super Bowl XXVIII in 1993 and Super Bowl XXX in 1995. A Dallas Cowboy on the field and a real cowboy off the field, in 1991 Jay won the team event and had the highest individual score in the NFL National Cutting Horse Association Super Stakes, which matched a top cutting horse professional with an NFL player. He followed that with a third place showing in the 1992 competition before coming back to win the 1994 title. He also participated in a celebrity cutting horse competition to benefit the Texas A&M’s Children Therapeutic Program. Jay founded The Nova Center, a non-profit Christian Ministry of Christ the King Covenant Church which is dedicated to helping individuals and their families who are battling clinical depression, other debilitating conditions, and funding the building of the Nova Wellness Center. Jay and his wife Amy reside on their ranch in North Texas. TOPICS Overall Sports Leadership Teamwork Life beyond football PAST CLIENTS Discovery District SafeBreach Speaking Rock 7x24 Lone Star Chapter Angus Measurement Hitachi Vantara AON Toyota Supreme Lending Catalyst Boys & Girls Club Lake Point Advisory Group Midwestern State University Service Now Alamo Title
- Josh Linkner
a New York Times bestselling author – is a rare blend of business, art, and science Josh Linkner a New York Times bestselling author – is a rare blend of business, art, and science On the business front, Josh has been the founder and CEO of five tech companies, which created over 10,000 jobs and sold for a combined value of more than $200 million. He is the co-founder and Managing Partner of Muditā (moo-DEE-tah) Venture Partners, an early-stage venture capital firm investing in groundbreaking technologies. Over the last 30 years, Josh has helped launch and scale more than 100 startups, creating over $1 billion in investor returns. He has been named EY Entrepreneur of the Year twice and is the recipient of the United States Presidential Champion of Change Award. While proud of his business success, Josh's roots lie in the dangerous world of jazz music. He has been playing guitar in smoky jazz clubs for 40 years, studied at the prestigious Berklee College of Music, and has performed in over 1,000 concerts around the world. His experiences in both business and music have made him one of the world’s foremost experts on innovation. Josh is the co-founder and Chairman of Platypus Labs, a global research, training, and consulting firm. Today, he is on a mission to help leaders Find A Way™ through creative problem-solving, inventive thinking, and ingenuity. TOPICS Find A Way™ Big Little Breakthroughs The Music of Business™ The Innovative Leader Disciplined Dreaming™ Rethink. Reboot. Reinvent BOOKS Disciplined Dreaming: A Proven System to Drive Break Through Creativity Big Little Breakthroughs The Road to Reinvention Hacking Innovation PAST CLIENTS The Coca-Cola Company Visa Inc. Heineken Frito-lay Ford Motor Company Mercedes Benz ABC Television Sony Blue Cross Blue Shield The Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) Deloitte
- Cheryl Cran
Leading change in a fast paced and technological workplace Cheryl Cran Leading change in a fast paced and technological workplace Cheryl Cran believes that everyone is a leader and that the future of work demands leaders just like you. Cheryl is honored to work with global brands like AT&T, Kaiser Permanente, Gartner, TEDx, Bell, MassMutual, Manulife, and more. She also collaborates with small and mid-sized firms, including professional practices, tech companies, and others. As a sought-after change leadership expert, Cheryl provides leaders and teams with the tools and skills to lead with 2020 vision, equipping them to shape the future workplace today. Her research into the future of work, change leadership, technology innovation, and the impact of generational shifts equips leaders with actionable strategies to drive transformation in a fast-paced world. Cheryl’s insights help organizations create the future workplace today. An internationally recognized consultant and keynote speaker for over 20 years, Cheryl has worked with a wide range of industries across dozens of countries, inspiring thousands of audiences worldwide. She helps leaders effectively navigate rapid change, boost innovation capabilities, and foster agility to build adaptive, iconic organizations within their industries. In her 20s, Cheryl was a high-performing senior leader in the banking and insurance industries. Her rapid success in these fields led her to become an intern at a major consulting firm before venturing out on her own to establish her consulting business in the late ‘90s. Today, Cheryl leads a thriving practice, helping esteemed clients achieve breakthrough success through her leadership guidance. Cheryl is the author of six books, including The Art of Change Leadership: Driving Transformation in a Fast-Paced World (Wiley), released in Fall 2015. Her best-seller 101 Ways to Make Generations X, Y, and Zoomers Happy at Work has achieved global success, along with Leadership Mastery in the Digital Age. Cheryl was named Global Consultant of the Year in 2014 by TMI Global and served as the Past President of the Global Speakers Federation. In 2012, she was inducted into the Canadian Speaker Hall of Fame. She is also recognized as one of North America's top female keynote speakers by an American speakers bureau. Cheryl’s work has been featured at prestigious universities, including UBC, the University of Victoria, Duke University Singapore, the University of Hawaii, Douglas College, and more. TOPICS The Art of Change Leadership Evolutionary Leadership Generations: Maximizing Collaboration and Innovation in Multi-Generational Teams (R)evolutionary Future Skills Recruiting Top Talent Personal High Performance BOOKS 101 Ways to make Generation X, Y and Zoomers Happy at Work The Control Freak Revolution Say What You Mean 50 Ways to Lead & Love It Art Change Leadership Leadership Mastery in the Digital Age PAST CLIENTS 3m Mcdonalds Price waterhouse ING Mosaic Iasb MPi Imex Gartner Johnson & Johnson Raytheon Chevron Imperial oil
- Katty Kay
Lead Anchor, BBC World News America and Co-author, Womenomics Katty Kay Lead Anchor, BBC World News America and Co-author, Womenomics Katty Kay is the lead anchor of BBC World News America. Before assuming this role, she served as the BBC’s Washington Correspondent beginning in 2002. Kay’s career with the BBC started in 1990 in Zimbabwe, where she began filing radio reports for BBC World Service. She also covered the end of apartheid in South Africa. She later worked as a BBC correspondent in London and Tokyo, where she reported on significant events such as the Kobe earthquake and the Japanese economic recession. In 1996, Kay moved to Washington, DC, initially stepping away from broadcast journalism to join The Times' Washington bureau, before returning to the BBC in 2002. From Washington, Kay has covered a wide range of American and global issues, including U.S. elections, the White House, Congress, Wall Street, global economies, and world conflicts. One of her most poignant memories as a journalist was reporting on the aftermath of the September 11 attacks. She was at the Pentagon just 20 minutes after a hijacked plane struck the building, and she vividly remembers interviewing soldiers who were visibly shaken by the attack. Kay is a frequent guest commentator on NBC’s Meet the Press, The Chris Matthews Show, MSNBC’s Morning Joe, and other platforms. She co-authored the New York Times bestseller Womenomics: Write Your Own Rules for Success with Claire Shipman, which explores how women can create a professional life that meets their personal needs and contributes to more profitable companies and happier employees. Kay grew up in various parts of the Middle East, where her father served as a British diplomat. She studied modern languages at Oxford and briefly worked for the Bank of England before embarking on her journalism career. Fluent in French and Italian, she also speaks what she describes as “rusty Japanese.” She is married to Tom Carver, a strategic risk consultant, and they live in Washington, DC with their four children. TOPICS Washington and Your Future: A Political Primer for Business Leaders Womenomics – A New Path to Business Success American in the Global Century BOOKS Womenomics PAST CLIENTS American Association for Justice Deloitte Goldman, Sachs & Co. Microsoft Corporation Red Hat, Inc. Trinity University BAE Systems, Inc. Deutsche Bank JP Morgan National Business Travel Association Retail Industry Leaders Association Women in Public Finance
- Alex Weber
The Leadership Ninja Alex Weber The Leadership Ninja “Be The Unstoppable You” With his contagious positive energy, Alex Weber immediately impacts audiences, inspiring record-breaking achievements. Alex is an International Keynote Speaker, Award-Winning Host for NBC, and a competitor on American Ninja Warrior . He helps leaders, individuals, and organizations become relentless, gain a competitive edge, and unlock new levels of achievement. Alex connects with audiences because of his genuine openness about the challenges, self-doubt, and uncertainty that we all face—and how to overcome them. As a professional entertainer, US Lacrosse Coach of the Year, and acclaimed author, Alex is highly sought after for his unique ability to engage, transform, and empower. He has positively impacted over 3.5 million people worldwide, working with major companies like ABC, Apple, Amazon, Under Armour, LinkedIn, the Los Angeles Lakers, Stanford Business, and many more. Alex is also the only person ever to host and compete on NBC’s American Ninja Warrior . Through riveting storytelling, uplifting humor, and captivating energy, Alex empowers you to become a positive leader, overcome challenges, and accomplish your highest goals in your career, relationships, and life. TOPICS UNSTOPPABLE The Perfect Keynote For Leaders And Top Performers THE UNSTOPPABLE YOU The perfect Keynote for Professionals, Individuals, and Organization-wide UNSTOPPABLE LEADERSHIP The perfect Keynote for Leaders UNSTOPPABLE TEAMS The perfect Keynote for Teams and Organization-Wide PAST CLIENTS NBC Xerox Leadership Association Amazon LinkedIn Center for Financial Training Apple Medical Management Association Under Armour Farm Bureau Financial Services The Los Angeles Lakers North Carolina Bankers Association The Association of Manufactured Technologies The National Management Association Stanford Graduate School of Business The Automotive Training Institute LocumTenens.com
- Anusha Wijeyakumar
Compassionate Leadership Expert, Best selling Author, Professor and Woman in STEM Anusha Wijeyakumar Compassionate Leadership Expert, Best selling Author, Professor and Woman in STEM Anusha is the Wellness Consultant for Hoag Hospital, one of the top-rated hospitals in the USA, where she leads integrative medicine initiatives and implements mindfulness, meditation, and sleep hygiene practices in various programs. These include maternal mental health, early risk assessment for breast and ovarian cancer prevention, breast cancer survivorship, and behavioral sleep medicine. Anusha is particularly passionate about her work in STEM and is one of the first to create a meditation program used in clinical research at Hoag Hospital. Anusha is also an Adjunct Professor and Inclusive Excellence Faculty Fellow at San Diego State University, where she teaches at the Weber Honors College on the intersection of wellness and social justice. DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging) and collective care are central to her work, and she serves on the SDSU HSI Campus Advisory Committee, focusing on student success and academic outcomes for the Latinx/e student population. A sought-after motivational speaker and thought leader on compassionate leadership, Anusha is an official SXSW speaker. She has delivered keynotes at health and wellness conferences, universities, Fortune 500 companies, and corporate events across North America and the UK. With over 15 years of international senior management experience, she has worked with Fortune 50, 100, and 500 global corporations, social justice non-profits, and private companies on three continents. Anusha holds a BA, MA, a Diploma in Mentoring, a Certified Professional Life Coach qualification, and is an E-RYT Yoga Teacher and Chopra Certified Ayurvedic Health Coach. Her first book, Meditation with Intention: Quick & Easy Ways to Create Lasting Peace, was released in January 2021 by Llewellyn Worldwide. TOPICS Mindful Resilience From Chaos to Calmness Quiet Quitting to Quiet Thriving Beyond the Checkbox in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Leading with Purpose BOOKS Meditation with Intention released Jan 2021 PAST CLIENTS Fairmont Hotels Ayco Luxury Real Estate Companies of the World YPO University of California, Irvine Pursue Healthcare California School Public Relations Hoag Hospital Chopra Global Pacific Life Cigna Healthcare Living Beyond Breast Cancer
- Dan Jansen
American Speedskater, 1994 Winter Olympics Gold Medalist Dan Jansen American Speedskater, 1994 Winter Olympics Gold Medalist Dan Jansen is an iconic figure in the world of speed skating, known not only for his incredible athleticism but also for his resilience and determination in the face of adversity. By the time of the 1994 Olympic Winter Games in Lillehammer, Jansen had already established himself as one of the sport's greatest competitors, with seven overall World Cup titles and seven world records to his name. However, his Olympic journey had been marked by heartbreak and disappointment. Jansen’s first Olympic appearance came in 1984, where he finished a heartbreaking fourth place in the 500m. He returned in 1988 as one of the favorites, but tragedy struck on the morning of the 500m event when his sister, Jane, passed away from leukemia. Despite the personal loss, Jansen attempted to race but fell in both the 500m and the 1,000m, leaving him empty-handed. In 1992, Jansen once again entered the Olympics as a favorite, but despite his skill, he could do no better than fourth place in the 500m and 26th in the 1,000m, further deepening his Olympic frustration. As he entered the 1994 Winter Olympics in Lillehammer, Jansen was the overwhelming favorite in the 500m event. However, in a cruel twist of fate, he slipped during his race and finished eighth, yet again falling short of an Olympic medal. At that point, Jansen had competed in seven Olympic events over the span of a decade without securing a single medal. But Jansen's story was far from over. His final chance for Olympic glory came in the 1,000m event, where six of his opponents had better times. Despite the odds, Jansen skated with remarkable focus and determination. He was on world-record pace when he stumbled during the penultimate turn. With incredible composure, he steadied himself and surged forward, ultimately crossing the finish line in 1:12.43, setting a new world record and winning his first-ever Olympic gold medal. Jansen’s triumph in Lillehammer was not just a victory in speed skating but a testament to the power of perseverance, turning years of heartbreak into an unforgettable moment of redemption.
- Dr. Mary Kelly, CSP, Commander, US Navy
Improve profit growth Dr. Mary Kelly, CSP, Commander, US Navy Improve profit growth Dr. Mary C. Kelly has built an unforgettable career in leadership, beginning as a naval intelligence officer and continuing as one of today’s most influential economists. With a diverse background that includes roles as a former chief of police, professor, realtor, and HR director, Mary has dedicated over 25 years to teaching and training more than 40,000 military and civilian personnel. She is now on a mission to spread her message of success, sharing the secrets to effective leadership in today’s workplace with audiences around the world. As a high-energy keynote speaker, Mary combines research, humor, and personal experience to inspire professionals to excel. Her relatable, no-nonsense approach encourages individuals to embrace their roles, exceed their goals, and plan for the future. In addition to her speaking engagements, Mary is the author of 13 books on business growth, leadership, and the modern economy. She has worked with hundreds of organizations and companies globally, offering coaching, training, and expertise to help leaders thrive in their respective fields. TOPICS Master Your World: 10 Executive Strategies to improve productivity, profits, and communication 10 military secrets for building teams that work Survive and thrive during changing times 15 ways to grow your business in every economy The good, the bad and the ugly: an economic update to grow your business Stop the barking: Communicate effectively at work BOOKS In Case of Emergency Break Glass! Why Leaders Fail and the 7 Prescriptions for Success Who Comes Next? Leadership Succession Planning Made Easy Checklist for Starting a Successful Business Kindle Edition 5 Minutes Per Week – 52 Weeks to a Better Business 12-Month Business Accountability and Success Planner The Five Minute Leadersh ip Guide PAST CLIENTS State Farm Air Force Academy Health One American Cheese Society Holmes Murphy Clarke Power Sources National Association of Realtors Remax Homeland Security Blue Ocean Enterprises Steel and Pipe Supply AMC Institute LPL Financial Snow College Valley Health Novel iron Works Century 21 MMIC Bryant University AAMSE Mountain Credit Union NetVU SMU ULINE TrueValue