262 results found with an empty search
- Penny Zenker, The Focusologist
Own Your Focus Penny Zenker, The Focusologist Own Your Focus Penny Zenker is The Focusologist , an international speaker, business strategy coach, and best-selling author. Penny founded, developed, and sold her first multi-million-dollar business while living in Zurich, Switzerland. Later, at the world’s fourth-largest market research company, she managed business unit turnarounds and served as a Tony Robbins business coach, helping leaders and entrepreneurs globally build strong leadership, foster a culture of ownership, and scale their businesses. Her clients often tell her that her gift is cutting through the clutter and helping them focus on the most valuable and relevant areas to sustainably grow their businesses. TOPICS Own Your Focus: One Reset Moment at a Time Own Your Focus: Break The Addiction to Distraction Own Your Focus: Reset Leadership Perspectives Own Your Focus: Reset The Future of Work BOOKS The Productivity Zone: Stop the Tug of War with Time Contributor: HeadTrash Future: Working title “Reset Moments: How to Lead with Focus in a Distracted World” PAST CLIENTS SAP American Red Cross Pfizer Virginia National Guard Family Programs LabCorp Howmet Aerospace Keller Williams BlackRock, Inc. IRMI Tyson Foods, Inc. Texas A&M University Curaleaf
- Tim Durkin
Working with clinical and non-clinical staff for better patient outcomes Tim Durkin Working with clinical and non-clinical staff for better patient outcomes Tim Durkin is a leadership expert dedicated to helping organizations develop alpha-level leaders who can go beyond potential and deliver exceptional performance, especially during times of uncertainty and volatility. As Gartner—one of the world’s leading technology and advisory firms—forecasts, 75% of organizations will face a crisis in the next 18-24 months, with 80% of them potentially going out of business within two years. This sobering reality highlights the importance of not just training leaders, but developing them to thrive in an unpredictable, high-pressure environment. Tim’s Alpha-Level Leadership programs have empowered thousands of leaders to perform and lead with confidence in today’s rapidly evolving business landscape. These programs focus on building mental management capabilities to help leaders perform under pressure, make quick decisions, and drive results, even when facing uncertainty. As organizations face increasing complexity and unpredictability, Tim’s expertise equips leaders with the skills and mindset needed to navigate the future and not just survive, but thrive, in challenging times. TOPICS Moving From Promise to Performance Thriving on Change Healthcare Need Not Be a Stress Rehearsal BOOKS Moving From Promise to Performance PAST CLIENTS GE Ford UT Southwestern Medical Texas Health Resources Adventist Hospital Baxter Abbot Alcon American Otolaryngology Association American Association of Orthopedic Executives Case Management Society of America (CMSA) Medical Group Management Association MGMA
- Heidi Hanna, PhD
Recharge Your Brain to Recharge Your Business/Life Heidi Hanna, PhD Recharge Your Brain to Recharge Your Business/Life Heidi is a NY Times best-selling author and renowned expert in stress management and mental fitness. With over 20 years of research into the impact of stress on the brain, she has become a sought-after speaker and trainer, delivering strategies for improving mental resilience across the globe. Heidi has authored seven books on stress and mental fitness, sharing her insights with audiences around the world. She also offers four courses on LinkedIn Learning, which have reached over 1 million students internationally. In addition, Heidi has served as an instructor at Harvard Extension, helping students build tools for mental well-being, and as a fellow with the American Institute of Stress, further solidifying her expertise in the field. Heidi’s unique approach to mental fitness is grounded in her understanding of how humor can play a critical role in stress reduction. As a certified humor professional, Heidi brings a light-hearted touch to her work, although, she humbly insists that she won’t claim to be funny herself. TOPICS Recharge Your Brain and Your Business Beyond Funny: Using Strategic Humor for Success Using Stress to Fuel Positive Change Stress Mastery Energy for Performance BOOKS Recharge: 5 Simple Shifts to Energize Your Life Stressaholic: 5 Steps to Transform Your Relationship with Stress The Sharp Solution: A Brain Based Approach for Optimal Performance PAST CLIENTS Microsoft Wells Fargo Google WD40 Principal Insurance National Football Association Morgan Stanley Professional Golf Association Goldman Sachs Fortune Magazine Ameriprise ESPN
- Greg Shaffer
Greg Shaffer Greg Shaffer is the best-selling author of Stay Safe – Security Secrets for Today’s Dangerous World and the host of Investigation Discovery Channel’s Body Cam – Behind the Badge . With a distinguished 20-year career in the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Greg’s expertise in national security and counterterrorism has made him a leading voice on personal and organizational safety. As a member of the FBI’s elite Hostage Rescue Team, Greg led high-stakes tactical operations worldwide, earning a reputation for his skill in crisis management and security operations. In addition to his operational experience, Greg served as the FBI Legal Attaché in Budapest, Hungary, where he spearheaded international efforts to combat national security threats and transnational crime. His work has made him a globally recognized expert on active shooter events and domestic terrorism prevention. Greg’s responsibilities in the FBI included overseeing security for major events such as the NFL Super Bowl, NBA Finals, NBA All-Star Game, and MLB World Series, ensuring the safety of attendees at some of the world’s most high-profile, high-risk venues. Now, as the founder of Shaffer Security Group, Greg applies his extensive experience to enhance the security of organizations, government agencies, and individuals across the globe. He tailors each keynote address to meet the specific needs of his audience, drawing on his real-world knowledge of crisis management, terrorism prevention, and personal safety. Greg’s expert insights have been featured in leading media outlets, including NBC, ABC, CBS, FOX, Newsmax, i24, Town & Country, SELF Magazine, the Washington Post, BBC, and more. With global bookings, Greg continues to be a sought-after speaker, delivering tailored, impactful messages on security, preparedness, and resilience. TOPICS Stay Safe – Secrets When the Unthinkable Happens Shots Fired – Survival for Active Shooter Events BOOKS STAY SAFE – Security Secrets for Today’s Dangerous World PAST CLIENTS Cowlitz Tribal Gaming Authority Trend Micro International Association of Drilling Contractors Farmer Bros. Coffee Turning Point USA Microsoft
- Betsy Allen-Manning
DNA of High Achievers & Effective Leaders Betsy Allen-Manning DNA of High Achievers & Effective Leaders Featured on FOX, CBS, ABC, NBC & TEDx, Betsy Allen-Manning is an internationally recognized keynote speaker & success strategist, for high-performing leaders & teams. Betsy’s specialty is helping leaders develop both foundational & critical skills to improve performance & productivity, while building a ‘great place to work’ culture. As an author of 3 published books, as well as a high energy, motivational speaker in Dallas, Betsy inspires people with her story of how she went from failure, to professional singer, to global impactor, and will challenge you to think outside the box and make your mark on the world. Through her dedicated research, her expertise in human behavior, her experience working as a manager for 5-star hotels, and her involvement with the John Maxwell Team, she is honored to have trained over 7,500 leaders & teams for small businesses, franchises & associations, to multi-billion dollar corporations; such as Toshiba, Aflac, Fidelity & the US Department of Defense. With her firm, Motiv8u Enterprises, being known as one of the top leadership training companies in Dallas, Texas, Betsy is committed to her mission of developing high achievers, effective leaders, & value-driven cultures, so people at every level feel they are living a more successful & significant life. TOPICS Indispensable Leaders: Stand Out By Building Vital Leadership Skills, Improving Productivity & Building a Values-Based Culture Great Leaders Pivot Not Panic: 6 Keys To Lead Through Change, Adapt Quickly & Innovate For Future Success DNA of High Achievers: Develop The Mindset, Discipline, Habits & Game Plan Required For Your Next Level Up-Level Your Communication: 4 Keys To Build Trust, Captivate Listeners, Reduce Conflict & Win With People Reset & Recharge: Handle Stress With a Positive Mindset, Build Resilience, Improve Productivity & Become a Super Achiever People Savvy: Develop ‘People Skills’ To Improve Communication, Build Better Relationships & Deal With Difficult People Effectively The Hybrid Leader: Crucial Skills Needed For Leading Remote Teams BOOKS Win With People- 52 Keys To Communicate, Connect, Influence & Resolve Conflict The Triumph Method- 7 Ways Great Leaders Gain Commitment & Develop Highly Motivated Teams Life in The Fast Lane- Your Dreams Are Closer Than They Appear PAST CLIENTS Atmos Energy Aflac Bed, Bath and Beyond BMW Blue Cross, Blue Shield Discover Farmers Insurance FDA TMobile Salvation Army Toshiba FEMA Verizon Walgreens Wells Fargo
- Leslie Ehm
Bestselling Author & Swagger Coach Leslie Ehm Bestselling Author & Swagger Coach Leslie Ehm knows what it takes to unlock the swagger within. With over 20 years of experience in people development, leadership, communication, and authenticity, Leslie has built a reputation for transforming corporate cultures, supercharging employee engagement, and helping individuals and teams unleash their full potential. Formerly a TV host and advertising Creative Director, Leslie now coaches executives, teams, and leaders around the world on how to develop their swagger—the unapologetic confidence to own who they are and bring their best selves to every situation. Leslie is the Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Amazon #1 bestselling author of Swagger: Unleash Everything You Are and Become Everything You Want , a book hailed as “the must-read book of 2021,” “a game-changer,” and “life-changing.” It’s been described as brilliant, empowering, and the modern self-help book for anyone ready to embrace their true potential. Through her award-winning training company, Combustion, Leslie has worked with executives and teams from top Fortune 500 companies like Google, Disney, PepsiCo, Uber, and HBO, helping them break out of their comfort zones and become creative forces, storytellers, and super-connectors. She’s brought a serious dose of badass-ness to boardrooms across industries. As a dynamic speaker, Leslie’s mission is to help individuals tap into their unapologetic, authentic selves, infusing each session with high energy and a rebellious spirit. She’s wowed audiences at global organizations like Volkswagen, StubHub, TD Bank, Danone, and Jack Daniels—to name just a few. Her work and insights have been featured on Thrive Global, W2.0, Popsugar, and various podcasts and radio shows worldwide. Leslie’s energy, enthusiasm, and insights have earned her the reputation of being “better than therapy,” “a rock star,” “butt-kicking,” “a force of nature,” and yes—even “a witch.” TOPICS The Swagger Gap – How to Unleash All of Your True Potential in the Workplace Creative Swagger – How to Unleash Your True Creative and Innovation Potential in the Workplace Closing the Swagger Gap – How Leaders Can Amplify Performance & Culture By Unleashing Authentic Human Potential Selling With Swagger – The Power of Authenticity to Persuade and Profit BOOKS Swagger – Unleash Everything You Are and Become Everything You Want (Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Amazon #1 bestseller) PAST CLIENTS Google Danone Pepsico Lenovo TD Bank Volkswagon Stubhub ATD (Association for Talent Development) HBO IABC (International Association of Business Communicators) Honda Brown-Forman
- Sarah Quinlan
It Is Always About the Consumer! Sarah Quinlan It Is Always About the Consumer! Sarah Quinlan is the Managing Director and Founder of SAQ Economic Advisory LLC. Sarah has over 25 years of macro-economic asset management experience utilizing all asset classes. She also has been a macro economic advisor to C-Suite executives from financial institutions, merchants and governments across over 50 countries. She creates custom actionable insights to direct strategic and digital objectives and evaluate historical results. Sarah also delivers global economic forecasting to advise on expansion for companies within multiple countries. She focuses on digital and technological evolution and expansion with key clients globally. As a highly rated and experienced keynote speaker for industry conferences with multiple media appearances as an economic specialist, she continues to speak globally. Specifically, Sarah spent six years as the Senior Vice President for Global Market Insights at Mastercard. Prior to that she was a Partner and Strategic Advisor at Matrix Advisors, working with corporations in industries ranging from insurance to glycol recycling. She previously was the CIO of a Family Office managing liquid and illiquid investments. She began her career in Commercial Real Estate Investment Banking at Salomon Brothers. Sarah has a B.A. and MBA from the University of Chicago and is known for taking complex topics and simplifying them. Additionally, she infuses humor into her speeches along with relatable anecdotes, often noted by those who attend her talks. TOPICS The U.S. Economy: What's Next? Will the U.S. Retain its Economic Exceptionalism? It's the Journey, Not the Path: A Person's Life Journey in Finance Past Clients StorePoint Retail NRF Target Corporation The Schottenstein Companies World Retail Congress Walmart Mastercard Mortgage Bankers Association
- Jeff McKissack
I help you spot trouble *BEFORE* trouble spots you Jeff McKissack I help you spot trouble *BEFORE* trouble spots you Jeff McKissack has been educating audiences on criminal profiling, threat assessment, documentation, and prevention since 1987. Over the years, he has spoken to hundreds of thousands in live events and has made numerous appearances on radio and television, sharing his expertise on these crucial topics. A contributing writer to several state and national trade publications, Jeff is also the author of the book, Power Proverbs for Personal Defense. His presentations often qualify for continuing education credits across various professions, including medical, legal, financial, human resource, risk management, insurance, event planning, and real estate. As a sought-after speaker, Jeff is regularly engaged for conference and convention keynotes, onsite employee training, and corporate value-add events. Jeff’s mission can be summed up simply: “My goal is to help you spot trouble BEFORE trouble spots you.” In today’s world, whether at work or home, this message resonates with all of us, offering practical strategies for prevention and safety. TOPICS Predicting Violent Behavior Sell Like A Criminal! Safety, Security & Social Engineering Luring New Business Caught on Camera! Hook, Line & Sinker BOOKS Power Proverbs for Personal Defense CLIENTS National Restaurant Association Exhibition Services & Contractors Association U.S. Department of Agriculture Florida Society of Association Executives Int’l Association of Exhibitions & Events Sales & Marketing Executives Assoc. Greater Baton Rouge CityWire (UK) Building Owners & Managers Association Charter Property Casualty Underwriters Assoc. Institute of Real Estate Management Cornerstone Credit Union League DFW Association of Executives Texas Restaurant Association
- Laura Gasner Otting
I help people get un-stuck Laura Gasner Otting I help people get un-stuck Laura’s secret superpower is seeing your greatness and reflecting it back on you, so that you can get “unstuck” — and achieve extraordinary results. A regular contributor to Good Morning America, the TODAY Show, Harvard Business Review, and Oprah Daily, Laura is the Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author of three books, Wonderhell, Limitless, and Mission-Driven. Laura’s 30-year resume is defined by her entrepreneurial edge. She served as a Presidential Appointee in Bill Clinton’s White House, helping shape AmeriCorps; left a leadership role at respected national search firm to expand a tech start-up; and founded, ran, and sold her own global search firm, partnering with the full gamut of mission driven corporate and nonprofit executives. Laura is turned on by the audacity of The Big Idea and that larger-than-life goal you just can’t seem to shake. She’s an instigator, motivator, and provocateur, and she’s never met a revolution she didn’t like. Just ask her enduringly patient husband, two almost-grown sons, and two troublesome pups with whom she lives outside of Boston, MA. TOPICS Invitations, Not Limitations: Embracing Your Wonderhell Limitless Sales Live Limitlessly Limitless Leadership BOOKS Limitless: How to Ignore Everybody and Carve Your Own Path Wonderhell: Why Success Doesn’t Feel Like it Should and What To Do About It PAST CLIENTS Beachbody Bose General Electric Harvard University Houston Texans IBM JPMorgan Chase & Co Le-Vel MGM Grand QSP SumoLogic TransUnion ViiV Healthcare
- Diana Damron
Unleash Civility to Unleash Trust! Diana Damron Unleash Civility to Unleash Trust! Diana Damron is a speaker, author, and coach dedicated to helping organizations eliminate workplace drama and toxic behavior. Having experienced firsthand the impact of a toxic environment, Diana is passionate about fostering civility and trust in the workplace, believing that by unleashing civility, organizations can unlock trust and create healthier, more productive environments. With a background as a television news anchor, Diana has engaged in thousands of conversations with a diverse range of individuals—from the famous and infamous to ordinary people with compelling stories. This experience, combined with her personal journey and professional training, gives Diana the unique ability to inspire, motivate, and drive meaningful change. Diana’s approach centers around “The 3 C’s”: Civility, Communication, and Character. She helps leaders and teams identify the toxic behaviors that undermine trust, cause stress, and generate fear in the workplace. Then, she provides actionable strategies to replace those behaviors with practices that cultivate trust, collaboration, and respect. In addition to her work in leadership and organizational culture, Diana has an eclectic range of experiences: Former National Television Model of the Year, where she made a memorable entrance by walking off the runway at the Waldorf Astoria directly into the laps of the audience. Produced a documentary on sharks, which included Diana swimming with sharks—the real thing, not the TV show! Graduated Magna Cum Laude from Auburn University, though her diploma states Summa Cum Laude. Sent copies of her book, Civility Unleashed, to both the Trump and Clinton campaigns during the 2016 presidential election—yes, they both received them. Rode in the refueling pod of a KC-135A for a CBS news report. Diana’s work is driven by a commitment to transforming organizational culture and empowering individuals to create environments built on trust and mutual respect. TOPICS The Fearless Formula for Trust BOOKS Civility Unleashed: Using Civility to Survive and Thrive in the Workplace The Civility Workbook: Your Personal Guide to Unleashing Civility in the Workplace PAST CLIENTS Glacier Bank Mann Mortgage Agency on Aging ImagineIF Library Park Side Federal Credit Union Glacier National Park Schellinger Construction Flathead Chapter of Montana Association of Certified Public Accountants Kalispell Regional Medical Center Child Bridge Montana Woman Foundation Crevier’s Academy of Cosmetology Arts Amore Salons and Spa
- Vince Poscente
Olympian, NY Times Bestselling Author, Hall of Fame Speaker Vince Poscente Olympian, NY Times Bestselling Author, Hall of Fame Speaker Vince Poscente is a renowned keynote speaker and expert on achieving extraordinary goals, resilience, and overcoming obstacles. His insights are particularly relevant in today's business world, especially when it comes to attracting and retaining top talent. Vince’s journey from recreational skier to Olympic athlete in just four years offers a unique perspective on achieving remarkable results under pressure. As an award-winning sales and marketing executive in real estate investment, he understands the demands of high-performance organizations striving to be their best. With a Master’s in Organizational Management and extensive entrepreneurial experience, Vince is a serial entrepreneur and the youngest person inducted into both the USA and Canadian Speaker Halls of Fame. His expertise lies in innovation, persistence, and fearlessness in reaching ambitious goals. He’s also a New York Times bestselling author of nine non-fiction books on self-help and business growth. Additionally, Vince has participated in six Himalayan expeditions, solidifying his reputation as a leader in high performance. Vince empowers teams to overcome challenges and achieve success by cultivating resilience and a mindset of perseverance. His expertise has made a significant impact on organizations looking to build cultures of success and drive results. Professional Background Vince Poscente is a trailblazer in the world of achievement. He made an incredible leap from recreational skier to Olympic athlete in just four years, and now serves as an award-winning motivational speaker and peak performance expert. With his electrifying energy, Vince inspires audiences worldwide, igniting their drive to achieve personal and professional success. A New York Times bestselling author, Vince is currently working on his 10th book, which aims to boost readers' confidence and empower them to reach their potential. His expertise in human optimization has earned him the title of trusted advisor to numerous Fortune 500 companies. As one of the youngest inductees into the USA and Canadian Speaker Halls of Fame, Vince has mastered the art of innovation, persistence, and fearlessness in goal setting. Vince is also the President of Board Developer, a consultancy that provides “Sound Advice” to high-growth companies. He is the Founder of Rapid Professional Development, a company that accelerates corporate learning systems. Personal Background Vince’s narrative is one of personal triumphs and continuous growth. From giving a valedictorian speech in high school to earning a Master’s in Organizational Management, he has always been driven to succeed. Beyond academics, Vince has conquered Himalayan peaks, competed internationally in Adventure Racing, and played recreational hockey in his hometown of Dallas. Vince’s story inspires others to embrace challenges and achieve greatness. His resilience, determination, and passion for growth have made him a visionary leader who motivates others to reach their full potential. Credentials Olympic Competitor – Albertville, France (Speed Skiing, 135 mph National Record) New York Times, #1 Wall Street Journal, #1 USA Today Bestselling Author (endorsed by The Dalai Lama and LeBron James) Hall of Fame Speaker (Alongside Zig Ziglar, Og Mandino, and Jim Rohn) Expedition Leader for Unclimbed Peaks (Six Himalayan Summits) PBS Host (Perspectives Matter on KERA TV Dallas) Cofounder of Global Leaders Organization (A CEO peer-to-peer organization) President – Board Developer (Delivering “Sound Advice”) Founder – Rapid Professional Development (Accelerate Learning Anywhere) International Olympic Committee’s Developing Countries Liaison (Jamaica and Bulgaria) TOPICS Full Speed Ahead Confidence on Call Winning Mindset Peak Performance Safety BOOKS The Earthquake – Your Journey from Setback to Breakthrough The Age of Speed, Learning the Thrive in a More, Faster, Now World The Ant and the Elephant, A 5 Step Plan to Transform Individual Performance Silver Bullets, 77 Straightforward Tips to Take you to the Top Invincible Principles, Essential Tools for Life Mastery PAST CLIENTS American Society for Training and Development (ASTD) AT&T Nokia Budgetext Corporation Concorde Career Colleges Cargill Kellogg Company 1st Global GAMA / LAMP Atlas Van Lines A&W Canadian Child & Family Services Government Services Association (GSA) Hampton Inns Milestone Management Crown Council Essilor Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America HM Insurance Group 3M Adhesives Avery Dennison Aspen Marketing Services Buxton Accuray AmerisourceBergen Specialty Group (ABSG) Ace Hardware American Greetings Hewlett-Packard GmbH Intuit
- David Burkus
Helping teams do their best work ever David Burkus Helping teams do their best work ever One of the world’s leading business thinkers, David Burkus’ forward-thinking ideas and bestselling books are helping leaders and teams do their best work ever. He is the best-selling author of four books about business and leadership. His books have won multiple awards and have been translated into dozens of languages. His insights on leadership and teamwork have been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Harvard Business Review, USA Today, Fast Company, the Financial Times, Bloomberg BusinessWeek, CNN, the BBC, NPR , and CBS This Morning . Since 2017, Burkus has been ranked multiple times as one of the world’s top business thought leaders. A sought-after international speaker, his TED Talk has been viewed over 2 million times. He’s worked with leaders from organizations across all industries, including Google, Ernst & Young, Fidelity, Viacom, and even NASA. A former business school professor, Burkus holds a master’s degree in organizational psychology from the University of Oklahoma and a doctorate in strategic leadership from Regent University. He lives outside of Tulsa with his wife and their two boys. TOPICS Best Team Ever: The Surprising Science Of High-Performing Teams Click: Why Some Teams Collaborate Fast And Others Just Collapse The Trust Loop: The Hidden Pattern That Builds (Or Breaks) Your Team BOOKS Best Team Ever: The Surprising Science of High-Performing Teams Leading From Anywhere: The Essential Guide to Managing Remote Teams Friend of a Friend: Understanding the Hidden Networks That Can Transform Your Life and Your Career Under New Management: How Leading Organizations Are Upending Business As Usual The Myths of Creativity: The Truth About How Innovative Companies and People Generate Great Ideas PAST CLIENTS Ernst & Young NASA Fidelity Viacom Rocket Mortgage Allianz PepsiCo Sage Lockheed Martin TD Bank Adobe Johnson & Johnson
- 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