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- Frank Supovitz
President & Chief Experience Officer Frank Supovitz President & Chief Experience Officer Frank Supovitz has been at the helm of some of the world’s most prestigious and most widely viewed sports and entertainment events for more than 35 years. As the Senior Vice President of Events for the NFL from 2005 to 2014, he oversaw the management of events including the Super Bowl and the NFL Draft, among many other marquee events. Frank also led the NHL’s event team for 13 years, responsible for the NHL All-Star Weekend, Stanley Cup, and international competitions in Europe and Japan. He co-developed the NHL’s first outdoor stadium game with the Edmonton Oilers in 2003, the predecessor of the league’s highly-successful NHL Winter Classic. Supovitz founded Fast Traffic in 2014, an event management and consulting company with clients that have included the Indy 500, Pro Football Hall of Fame, Major League Baseball, Major League Soccer, the National Rugby League (Australia), and the South Street Seaport in New York City. Frank is an adjunct professor at Adelphi University and the author of five books, including What to Do When Things Go Wrong: A 5-Step Guide to Planning for and Surviving the Inevitable – and Coming Out Ahead (2019) and The Sports Event Management & Marketing Playbook, 3rd edition (2024). He received an honorary doctorate in Sports, Event, and Entertainment Management from Johnson & Wales University in 2003, and appeared as “The Boss” in the truTV series NFL Full Contact in 2010, as well as in a cameo role as himself in Ivan Reitman’s 2014 film Draft Day. TOPICS What To Do When Things Go Wrong: The 10 Mega-Truths of Crisis Management BOOKS What To Do When Things Go Wrong The Sports Event Management & Marketing Playbook, 3rd ed. PAST CLIENTS T.I.AA Payward, Inc. Liberty Mutual Time Warner Howard Hughes Corporation Pennybacker Capital Continuity Insights Management Conference C.I.O/C.I.S.O Perspectives Conference Vancouver Board of Trade BizBash Sports Summit Boston Celtics Pharmacy Guild of Australia
- Colonel Gregory D. Gadson, USA (retired)
Co-author of Finding Waypoints: A Warrior’s Journey Toward Peace and Purpose Colonel Gregory D. Gadson, USA (retired) Co-author of Finding Waypoints: A Warrior’s Journey Toward Peace and Purpose Colonel Gregory D. Gadson is a Chesapeake, Virginia native who served in the United States Army for over 26 years. His distinguished military career culminated in his role as Garrison Commander of Fort Belvoir, where he oversaw the daily operations of a strategic base supporting more than 50,000 military personnel and employees across 140+ commands and agencies for the Department of Defense. A 25-year Army officer, Colonel Gadson's life is a testament to courage and perseverance in the face of adversity. In May 2007, while commanding the 2nd Battalion, 32nd Field Artillery in Iraq, an IED attack resulted in the loss of both his legs above the knees and the partial loss of use of his right arm and hand. Despite these life-altering injuries, he remained on active duty, continuing to serve his country and inspiring others with his message of resilience, determination, and teamwork. Colonel Gadson's impact extended beyond the military. In 2007, he was invited by Tom Coughlin, head coach of the New York Giants, to speak to the struggling team. Drawing from his own experiences of overcoming adversity, Gadson’s words about service, teamwork, duty, and perseverance resonated deeply with the players, who went on to defeat the previously undefeated New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLII. In 2012, Gadson made his silver screen debut in Battleship, where he portrayed a war-injured veteran who helps save the world from an alien invasion. He later appeared in NCIS: Los Angeles in 2022, further expanding his influence as an actor and role model. Commissioned as a 2nd lieutenant of Field Artillery in 1989 from the United States Military Academy at West Point, Colonel Gadson served in every major conflict of the past two decades, including Operations Desert Shield/Storm, Joint Forge, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom. His leadership was characterized by his unwavering commitment to the Army values of loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, and personal courage. As a passionate advocate for wounded warriors, veterans, and individuals with disabilities, Colonel Gadson actively contributes to several veteran service boards, including the Gary Sinise Foundation. He is also the managing partner of Patriot Strategies, LLC, a government services company that continues to serve veterans and military families. In addition to his professional pursuits, Colonel Gadson is an accomplished photographer, artist, and enjoys an active lifestyle that includes cycling, skiing, skydiving, and scuba diving. His military honors include the Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit (2), Bronze Star (3), Purple Heart, and Meritorious Service Medal (3), among others. He is a graduate of Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth and holds master's degrees in Information Systems from Webster University and Policy Management from Georgetown University. He also holds an honorary Doctorate of Laws from Webster University. BOOKS Co-author of Finding Waypoints: A Warrior’s Journey Toward Peace and Purpose by Terese Schlachter and Colonel Gregory Gadson, (Ret.)
- Shelley Paxton
Keynote Speaker, Badass Advisor, and Simon & Schuster Author Shelley Paxton Keynote Speaker, Badass Advisor, and Simon & Schuster Author Shelley is a 26-year advertising and marketing veteran whose legacy is imprinted on iconic global brands like McDonald’s, Visa, and Harley-Davidson. At the pinnacle of her career, as Chief Marketing Officer of Harley-Davidson, she was shocked to find herself feeling success-empty instead of success-full. That awakening led her on a profound journey that became her mission, business, and bestselling book, Soulbbatical: A Corporate Rebel’s Guide to Finding Your Best Life. Now Chief Soul Officer, she works with leaders and teams to redefine success and reshape cultures in ways that celebrate humanity, wellbeing, and soul. Her influential work is an empowering antidote to corporate burnout, attrition, and disengagement. It’s gained recognition on platforms like NBC, CBS, Forbes, Inc., and Thrive Global, making her a respected thought leader, advisor, and sought-after keynote speaker who’s been called “the next Brené Brown.” Her energizing and actionable keynotes are creating Ripples of Impact (ROI) in lives, businesses, and culture. Shelley is on a mission to liberate a billion souls from success-empty to success-full. She’s based in Chicago and obsessed with mental health advocacy and the color orange. For more info: www.shelleypaxton.com TOPICS FOR LEADERS: I Quit So You Don't Have To: Flipping the Script from Success-EMPTY to Success-FULL FOR ORGANIZATIONS: Ripples of Impact: Creative Cultures That Have Impact IN the World, Not ON Our Wellbeing FOR ENTREPRENEURS: What Are You Rebelling For? A Rally Cry and Roadmap to Success-FULL BOOKS Soulbbatical: A Corporate Rebel's Guide to Finding Your Best Life (Simon & Schuster) PAST CLIENTS ASA (American Staffing Association) NAED (Nat'l Association of Electrical Distributors) Roc (Global Search Firm) MEA (Modern Elder Academy) Fidelity Cap Strat Loyola Marymount University Northwestern University Chief
- 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
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
- Joe Mull, CSP
Commitment comes from better bosses Joe Mull, CSP Commitment comes from better bosses Joe Mull, M.Ed, CSP is a dynamic speaker, author, and expert on fostering commitment and engagement in the workplace. He is the founder of the #bossbetter movement, which empowers leaders to create more vibrant, productive, and committed teams. Known for his high-energy, humorous, and evidence-based keynote programs, Joe combines actionable strategies with a fun, engaging delivery to help organizations enhance employee engagement, leadership, teamwork, and retention. Audiences consistently describe Joe’s presentations with four key words: energy, substance, takeaways, and funny. Whether he's leading a keynote or delivering training, Joe's ability to connect with audiences and provide practical, memorable insights sets him apart. Joe is the author of two books: “No More Team Drama” and “Cure for the Common Leader” , both of which offer invaluable lessons for leaders seeking to inspire and motivate their teams. He is also the host of the popular Boss Better Now podcast, where he shares strategies for improving leadership and workplace culture. Before becoming a sought-after speaker, Joe served as the manager of training at one of the largest and most highly ranked healthcare systems in the United States, where he honed his expertise in leadership and employee development. Outside of work, Joe lives in the Pittsburgh area with his wife, three children, and a Dalmatian named Flash. TOPICS No More Team Drama: Ending the Gossip, Cliques, & Other Crap That Damage Workplace Teams The Commitment Competency: What Leaders Must Say & Do to Get Employees to Care & Try Help Wanted: The New Rules for Finding & Keeping Devoted Employees BOOKS No More Team Drama: Ending the Gossip, Cliques, & Other Crap That Damage Workplace Teams Cure for the Common Leader: What Physicians & Managers Must Do to Engage & Inspire Healthcare Teams PAST CLIENTS Siemens Kaiser Permanente Blue Cross Blue Shield SHRM American Society of Ophthalmic Administrators (ASOA) Virtuoso Travel Dignity Health Leading Age Nextech UPMC UVA Healthcare MGMA
- 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.
- Scott Steinberg
World's Leading Business Strategist Scott Steinberg World's Leading Business Strategist Scott Steinberg, hailed by Fortune Magazine as The Master of Innovation and by the BBC as one of America's top futurists, is an award-winning strategic consultant, business strategist, and professional speaker. He is recognized as a world-leading expert on leadership, change, and innovation, with expertise across a range of industries including technology, business, and generational trends. A bestselling author of Make Change Work For You and Millennial Marketing , Scott is frequently called a defining figure in business and technology by the Fortune 500 and one of today’s top trendsetters. His work has made him a go-to advisor for C-level executives, four-star generals, and leading organizations like IBM, PwC, and the US Department of Defense, where he provides critical insights into emerging trends and growth strategies. As the CEO of BIZDEV: The International Association for Business Development and Strategic Partnerships and the management consulting firm FutureProof Strategies, Scott helps clients understand and leverage industry trends to accelerate growth. He is widely recognized as one of the world’s 150 most influential keynote speakers and #1 expert on generations and technology (according to Google). A seasoned content strategy, social media, and communications expert, Scott has provided consulting services to over 600 media outlets, including CNN, The Today Show, and brands like Dell and MTV. His work spans industries, from sales and media training to executive summits and strategic advisement. Scott’s work has also earned him recognition as an expert witness and a board member advising top executives, attorneys, and investors. What Others Say: “One of the best gurus on innovation and competitive advantage strategies to accelerate growth.” – European Commission “If you really want to know about business, you should refer to Scott Steinberg.” – Richard Branson, Founder of Virgin TOPICS Leading with Innovation: How to Future-Proof Yourself, Fearlessly Innovate, and Succeed Despite Disruption Change Management: Creating a Culture of Innovation FAST >> FORWARD: How to Turbo-Charge Business, Career, and Sales Growth Defending Against Disruption: Maintaining Cyber Security in the Age of Digital Transformation BOOKS Think Like a Futurist Make Change Work for You Lead with Your Heart PAST CLIENTS IBM Deloitte PwC Ford Microsoft Sony Procter & Gamble US Dept. of Defense National Golf Course Owners’ Association American Association of Orthodontists Berkshire Hathaway US Navy
- John Livesay
Tell Stories Win Sales John Livesay Tell Stories Win Sales John Livesay, also known as The Pitch Whisperer , is a sales keynote speaker who helps companies’ sales teams transform mundane case studies into compelling case stories to win more new business. Drawing from his award-winning career at Condé Nast, John shares the lessons he learned that turn sales teams into revenue rockstars. His TEDx talk, “Be The Lifeguard of Your Own Life” , has garnered over 1,000,000 views. Clients love working with John not only because of his engaging talks but also due to his ongoing support afterward, which includes helping them implement the storytelling skills from his best-selling book, Better Selling Through Storytelling , and his online course, Revenue Rockstar Mastery . His book, The Sale Is in the Tale , is a business fable set in Austin, TX, about a sales representative whose old ways of selling are no longer effective. The reader follows the rep on his journey and learns how to use storytelling and strengthen soft skills to improve both professional and personal relationships. John is also a guest lecturer on leveraging the power of storytelling in sales at multiple universities, including the University of Texas at Austin (UTLA), Pepperdine Graziadio Business School, and the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. His book is now required reading for the UTLA course on Entertainment and Media Studies. TOPICS Tell Stories Win Sales – Turn boring case studies into compelling case stories Become a revenue rockstar Tell Stories Recruit Top Talent Become the irresistible choice to attract ideal top producers BOOKS The Sale Is in the Tale Better Selling Through Storytelling The Successful Pitch PAST CLIENTS Coca Cola Olympus Medical Bausch & Lomb Honeywell Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Anthem Insurance Nikken Gensler Alzheimer Association Venetian Hotel Las Vegas Redfin HUB International
- Joe Calloway
Joe Calloway helps companies create cultures that drive results Joe Calloway Joe Calloway helps companies create cultures that drive results Joe Calloway is a performance expert who helps companies align people, culture, and strategy to drive results. He is the author of four groundbreaking business books including the best-selling Becoming A Category of One, which received rave reviews from The New York Times, Retailing Today, Publishers Weekly, and many others. Joe is a guest lecturer at the Scarlett Leadership Institute and has served on the faculty of the Center for Professional Development at Belmont University. Although Joe has been inducted into the Speakers Hall of Fame , he doesn’t do traditional “speeches.” Instead, Joe actively engages people in highly interactive keynotes and workshops that challenge assumptions and create new ways of thinking. TOPICS Be the Best at What Matters Most: The Only Strategy You’ll Ever Need Becoming A Category of One: How Extraordinary Companies Transcend Commodity and Defy Comparison Magnetic: The Art of Attracting Business BOOKS Becoming a Category of One Never By Chance 1ndispensable Work Like You’re Showing Off! Be The Best At What Matters Most Magnetic PAST CLIENTS Riverside Bank Delta Hotels Canada Casella Systems Atlantic Coast Expo Tractor Supply Company CCC Information Services Freeman Creative Cassidy Turley Goddard Systems TD Canada Trust
- Michael J. Gelb
Your Next Great Idea Could BE 20 Minutes Away! Michael J. Gelb Your Next Great Idea Could BE 20 Minutes Away! Michael J. Gelb is the world’s leading authority on applying genius thinking to both personal and organizational development. A pioneer in the fields of creative thinking, accelerated learning, and innovative leadership, Gelb has worked with organizations such as DuPont, Merck, Microsoft, Nike, Roche, and YPO. He brings over 35 years of experience as a professional speaker, seminar leader, and organizational consultant to a diverse, international clientele. Gelb is the author of 14 books on creativity and innovation, including the international bestseller How to Think Like Leonardo da Vinci: Seven Steps to Genius Every Day (1998). Translated into 25 languages, the book has appeared on the Washington Post, Amazon, and New York Times bestseller lists. In 2007, Gelb released Innovate Like Edison: The Five-Step System for Breakthrough Business Success , co-authored with Sarah Miller Caldicott, the great-grandniece of Thomas Edison. Praised by experts like Professor Vijay Govindarajan of Dartmouth’s Tuck School of Business, the book offers practical insights into turning creative ideas into profitable realities. Gelb's work has earned recognition from prestigious organizations: in 1999, he won the Brain Trust Charity’s "Brain of the Year" Award, alongside luminaries like Stephen Hawking and Bill Gates. He was also awarded the Batten Fellowship by the University of Virginia’s Darden Graduate School of Business in 2003, and co-directs the acclaimed Leading Innovation Seminar at Darden. In addition to his writing and consulting, Gelb served as the Director of Creativity and Innovation Leadership at the Conscious Capitalism Institute from 2008 to 2012. Gelb's multifaceted background includes a unique past as a former professional juggler who performed with the Rolling Stones and Bob Dylan. He introduced the use of juggling for accelerated learning and team-building and authored The 5 Keys to High Performance: Juggling Your Way to Success . As a fifth-degree black belt in Aikido, Gelb co-authored Samurai Chess: Mastering Strategic Thinking Through the Martial Art of the Mind with International Grandmaster Raymond Keene. He is also a certified teacher of the Alexander Technique, which helps cultivate stage presence and leadership communication skills. Gelb has created several best-selling audio programs, including Mind Mapping: How to Liberate Your Natural Genius, Work Like Da Vinci: Gaining the Creative Advantage in Your Business and Career , and The Spirit of Leonardo . His 2002 release Discover Your Genius: How to Think Like History’s Ten Most Revolutionary Minds explores the genius of figures like Einstein and Shakespeare. In 2010, he published Wine Drinking for Inspired Thinking: Uncork Your Creative Juices , offering a novel and enjoyable approach to team-building. His latest works include Brain Power: Improve Your Mind As You Age (2012) and Creativity On Demand: Ignite and Sustain the Fire of Genius (published by Sounds True). TOPICS How to Think Like Leonardo da Vinci Innovate Like Edison Creativity On Demand Juggle Your Way to Success (Team Building) Wine Drinking for Inspired Thinking (Teambuilding) BOOKS How to Think Like Leonardo da Vinci Innovate Like Edison Creativity on Demand Discover Your Genius Brain Power; Improve Your Mind as You Age Wine Drinking for Inspired Thinking Present Yourself: Captivate Your Audience with Great Presentations PAST CLIENTS Merck IBM Microsoft YPO Genentech KPMG DuPont Emerson Electric Raytheon Nike Danaher Pfizer
- Danny White
Key Dallas Cowboys' Player in the 1980s Golden Era Danny White Key Dallas Cowboys' Player in the 1980s Golden Era Danny White was born February 9, 1952 in Mesa, Arizona. A graduate of Mesa Westwood High School, White had a stellar career as a Quarterback and Punter at Arizona State University where he was an All-American in 1973. Throughout his career as a player at Arizona State University, White set seven NCAA passing records. In 1973 his passing and running placed him second in the Nation in total offense. Sports Illustrated named White as the second-highest rated Quarterback of all time behind only Steve Young. The National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame honored White in 1997 as the first player inductee ever from ASU and the State of Arizona. After 2 years with the Memphis Southmen of the World Football League, White joined the Dallas Cowboys and the NFL. White’s leadership skills as a Quarterback were evident when he broke the Dallas Cowboys single-season passing record (29 TD’s) in his first year as a starter (1980). The Cowboys went to the playoffs 5 times and won the NFC East title three times in White’s 6 years as a starter. He ended his career as the Cowboys most accurate passer, setting team single-season records for completions (334) and touchdown passes (29). He still holds 8 Cowboys records and holds the record for the most TD passes thrown in Texas Stadium. Tom Landry, the legendary Head Coach of the Cowboys said,”Danny White was probably as fine a winner as we have had in football”. After retiring as a player, White, a living legend of football in Arizona, served as the first Head Coach and General Manager of the Arizona Rattlers until 2004. In 13 seasons White led the Rattlers to Arena Bowl berths in 1994, 1997, 2002, 2003, and 2004 emerging as Arena Bowl Champions in 1994 and 1997. White finished his career with the Rattlers with an overall record of 141-65 and became an inductee into the Arena Football Hall of Fame in 2002. In addition to the AFL Hall of Fame and the NCAA Hall of Fame, White has been inducted into the Mesa Arizona Sports Hall of Fame, the State of Arizona Sports Hall of Fame and the Arizona State University Hall of Fame where his jersey number 11 was retired. White was also named the Arizona Athlete of the Century by the Arizona Republic in 2000. After retiring from the game, White provided analyst commentary for the Fox Sports Pac-10 Game of the Week and traveled around the country as an inspirational public speaker. He currently is the analyst for Compass Media broadcasting all Dallas Cowboy games over their national syndicated network. White enjoys spending time with his wife Linda, their 9 children and 31 grandchildren. Danny also stays actively involved in the community, donating his time and efforts to various charities. BOOKS Danny White: A Quarterback's Life Danny White: Spotlights & Shadows PAST CLIENTS The Wingman Group Compass Media WalkMe Corporation Salvation Army El Paso American Utilities Service Association (AUSA) Bill Shaffer Anniversary Dinner Event Committee Circle K Crowne Dallas Area Compliance Association Heinrich Marketing KTVT CBS Fox 24 – KPEJ & Estrella TV Land Title Association of Arizona Shermco The Widow’s Journey River Spirit Casino
- Jonathan Sprinkles
Jonathan is on a mission Jonathan Sprinkles Jonathan is on a mission Jonathan Sprinkles is the author of 14 books, including two international bestsellers, a TV personality, celebrity business coach, and an award-winning keynote speaker. He is the founder of The Connection Lab, an award-winning company dedicated to helping people live bigger and lead better through the power of human connection. With a unique blend of personal experience and professional insight, Jonathan knows firsthand the difference between what looks good on paper and what truly works in the real world. Drawing from his background as a tech salesman and over 20 years of leadership experience as an entrepreneur, Jonathan brings a wealth of knowledge and best practices to the stage. His ability to connect with any audience—relating to them on a personal level—empowers people to unlock their full potential and inspire those around them to do the same. TOPICS The Power of Connection The Connection Code Creating A Culture of Connection BOOKS The Power Of Connection The Reconnect Journal Be The One PAST CLIENTS Disney Verizon HP Cisco US Army WBENC YMCA AT&T
- Mike Muhney
Co-Inventor of ACT! Software, Created the entire CRM Multi-Billion Industry Mike Muhney Co-Inventor of ACT! Software, Created the entire CRM Multi-Billion Industry Not many people can claim to have literally created not only an entire software category but as a result also a global multi-billion dollar industry. Mike is only one of two guys that did, the other being his past business partner. But it wasn’t their original plan, that’s for sure! Failure led them to invent ACT!. Mike started and had a sustained successful career at IBM in the mainframe era upon graduating from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. He went on to have an extremely successful entrepreneurial career that began with utter failure that lead to pivoting resulting in unheralded global success. Mike Co-Founded and Co-Invented ACT! software, which created the Contact Management software category and is recognized as the catalyst that started today's multi-billion dollar CRM industry. ACT! is still on the market 37 years after its release with having had over 40 million global users. After Mike and his business partner sold their company to Symantec in 1993, Mike was years later recruited by Deloitte Consulting to be one of their 3 global CRM spokesmen for their CRM practice built around Siebel and other lesser CRM players but while there was recruited to be the EVP & GM of Int'l Operations for Saleslogix, maker of the mid-market CRM product Saleslogix, which was eventually sold to Sage out of the UK. Today Mike is focusing on helping companies and individuals understand how to better connect, construct and cultivate real relationships essential for success. Mike is recognized as a gifted storyteller sharing earned insight along with personal vulnerability from his uniquely storied career. Major themes of his talks include the topic of and issues surrounding CRM, effective business relationship and reputation management, and street-smart contrarian views toward the nature and manner of human dynamics in the business world with a first-hand view of the birth and unfolding momentum that ACT! produced in helping others derive greater relationship-centric value in both their personal and business relationships. Principles taught along with real-world examples provide help illuminating what's involved in distinguishing yourself and your company in an increasingly fast-paced yet increasingly superficial world and gaining that all-important competitive edge. Lastly, tremendous global experience including having lived in Europe for 4 years and having spoken to over 250,000 people spanning 27 countries during his high-tech entrepreneurial career. Not bad for a guy who grew up as a blue-collar kid and the first one in his family to graduate from college. In January 2015 Mike was recognized in a FORBES article as one of the “25 Professional Networking Experts to Watch in 2015” along with such notables as Tim Ferriss and Keith Ferrazzi. Mike lives in the Fort Worth, TX area and enjoys family, friends, golfing and working out. Don't ask him about his golf handicap, though. TOPICS The Principles & Heart That Unleash Your Greatest Value, Impact and Achievement! Framework Principles to Becoming a S.T.A.R.! The Art of Connection – The Best Way to Find, Keep and Satisfy Your Customers! Forget Mission Statements, your Company Needs a Relationship Statement PAST CLIENTS General Motors Headquarters, Television speaker to all of their US Dealerships via satellite TV California Women Conference, Speaker New Yorker Club Conference, Speaker Headquarters invited speaker to entire sales staffs of the following companies: GRiD Computer, Compaq, Toshiba, NEC, Zenith, IBM Canada, Sharp, AT&T TSMA (Transportation Sales & Marketing Association) Conference, Speaker Microsoft Dallas CRM Conference, Speaker ETRE (European Technology Roundtable Exposition) in Cannes France, Keynote, Panel Member Hewlett Packard European Conference in Monaco, Speaker Successful Salesmanship Conference in Cape Town South Africa, Speaker Macworld Conference, San Francisco, Speaker Small Business Computing, both NYC and Los Angeles, Conference Speaker Professional Development Sales & Marketing Conference in Toronto Canada, Keynote Speaker
- Daryl "Moose" Johnston
3x Super Bowl Champion, Analyst for the Fox Sports NFL, UFL EVP Pro Football Executive Daryl "Moose" Johnston 3x Super Bowl Champion, Analyst for the Fox Sports NFL, UFL EVP Pro Football Executive Daryl "Moose" Johnston is a seasoned football analyst, three-time Super Bowl champion, and two-time Dallas Cowboys Pro Bowl fullback. Currently, he serves as an analyst in the FOX NFL broadcast booth, partnering with play-by-play announcer Joe Davis and veteran reporter Pam Oliver. Johnston's insights and commentary bring depth and expertise to the NFL coverage, blending his years of experience as a player with his sharp broadcasting skills. In addition to his broadcasting career, Johnston continues to make significant contributions to the football world. In 2021, he was named Executive Vice President of Football Operations for the USFL, playing a key role in the league’s successful launch. Following the USFL’s merger with the XFL to form the UFL, Johnston continues in his leadership role as EVP of Football Operations for the newly formed league, overseeing its growth and development. A Storied Football Career Johnston’s broadcasting career began in 2001 when he joined the FOX NFL booth full-time after spending a year as a game analyst for NFL on CBS. Over the years, he has worked with various play-by-play announcers, including Dick Stockton, Kenny Albert, and Kevin Burkhardt, and has teamed up with legendary personalities like Tony Siragusa. In 2008, he had the opportunity to call the BCS Orange Bowl, and in 2009, he was in the booth for the BCS Sugar Bowl between Alabama and Utah. Johnston’s football analysis and deep knowledge of the game have made him a respected voice on both NFL Network’s "Total Access" and his various media appearances, including his radio show, "The Moose Call" , and hosting duties on local TV shows like “Inside the Huddle” . Johnston’s nickname, “Moose,” was given to him by former teammate Babe Laufenberg, and it became a fitting moniker for the durable, powerhouse fullback. His NFL career began in 1989 when he was drafted in the second round by the Dallas Cowboys after a standout college career at Syracuse University. There, he was named an All-American and earned All-Big East honors in 1988 while earning a degree in economics. Johnston was a key contributor to the Cowboys' dominant Super Bowl victories in 1993, 1994, and 1996, cementing his legacy as one of the most dependable and versatile players in franchise history. A two-time Pro Bowl selection, Johnston was known for his ability to block, catch, and rush the ball, finishing his career with 294 receptions for 2,227 yards and 14 touchdowns, as well as 232 rushes for 753 yards and 8 touchdowns. His career-high of 50 receptions in 1993 remains a testament to his all-around skill set. Despite a career-threatening neck injury in 1997, Johnston played in 149 consecutive games, including the postseason. He made an impressive recovery and continued to play through the 1999 season, but injuries ultimately ended his playing career. Leadership Beyond the Field In 2018, Johnston was named the General Manager of the San Antonio Commanders in the Alliance of American Football League, further showcasing his leadership and football acumen. His role in shaping the team’s roster and operations reflected his vast understanding of the game and his ability to transition into the management side of football. Johnston's legacy is not only defined by his athletic achievements but also by his tireless commitment to giving back to the community. He has dedicated much of his time to charity work, supporting causes such as the Special Olympics, Children's Cancer Fund, Cystic Fibrosis, Muscular Dystrophy Association's Aisles for Smiles, and Literacy Instruction for Texas (LIFT). His philanthropic efforts led to his nomination for the prestigious Whizzer White Humanitarian Award in 1999. A resident of Dallas with his wife Diane, and their children Aidan and Evan, Johnston continues to inspire both on and off the field, proving that his influence in the football world extends far beyond his playing career. BOOKS Watching Football: Discovering the Game Within the Game PAST CLIENTS Overhead Door Christ Family Clinic Angus Measurement AON Panini Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX) Splunk Allianz Global Investors Symantec Informatica Engie Telecom Brokerage Inc NFL Network NTTData Courmed Digital
- Amanda Gore
Wake Up To What Really Matters Amanda Gore Wake Up To What Really Matters Amanda Gore is one of Australia’s and the USA's most sought-after conference keynote speakers, known for her ability to inspire and engage audiences both live and virtually. She is the CEO of The Joy Project, a best-selling author, Huffington Post columnist, and a successful businesswoman. Amanda has also earned the prestigious honor of being one of only four Australians inducted into the USA Speaker Hall of Fame. For over two decades, Amanda has worked with leading organizations such as Google, McDonald's, Wells Fargo, Disney, Hilton, and many others to help them create cultures of joy and engagement. She specializes in bringing the humanity back into business by fostering environments where people thrive, resulting in increased productivity, sales, and innovation. With mental health issues on the rise, Amanda believes that joy is the antidote, citing research showing that joy can increase productivity by 31%, sales by 37%, and reduce burnout by 125%. As she emphasizes, creating joyful workplaces is not only a moral imperative but a strategic business decision. In today’s rapidly changing world, Amanda has adapted to the shifting landscape, particularly during the pandemic. Her ability to pivot from live presentations to virtual events has allowed her to stay connected with audiences in meaningful ways, even through the screen. With a professional quality studio and an expertise in quantum physics and virtual engagement, Amanda brings her sessions to life, ensuring participants feel personally connected despite the physical distance. As a communications and performance expert, Amanda focuses on the emotional and psychological drivers that influence business success. She combines the latest research in neuroscience, positive psychology, quantum physics, epigenetics, and emotional intelligence to help leaders drive engagement, alignment, and ultimately, results. Through her work, she teaches that true business success is not only about data analysis but also about tapping into the energy and emotional layers that fuel creativity, collaboration, and innovation. Amanda’s sessions, whether virtual or in-person, are designed to break down barriers, energize teams, and spark lasting change. Her approach is both scientifically grounded and deeply human, providing practical strategies to help organizations thrive in today's ever-evolving world. With her infectious humor and powerful storytelling, Amanda captivates audiences and transforms the tone of any event, whether she’s kicking off a conference with a burst of energy or leaving attendees inspired and emotionally uplifted. Amanda is the author of five books and several online, DVD, and audio training programs. Each year, she dedicates two months to research, ensuring her content is always cutting-edge and relevant. Holding a Bachelor's degree in Physical Therapy, with a major in Psychology, and expertise in neuroscience, ergonomics, positive psychology, group dynamics, stress management, and emotional intelligence, Amanda combines her diverse skill set to help people and organizations reach their full potential. TOPICS THE BIG RE-SET – How to Re-Inspire, Re-Focus and Re-Store meaning THE POWER OF JOY – How Joy Transforms Cultures, Performance and Mental Wellness NEUROSCIENCE OF SALES – How to Develop a Buyers Mindset THE JOYFUL TEAM – How a Growth Mindset, Engages, Motivates and Changes Cultures THE JOY FORMULA – 7 Ways to Build Resilience, Joyful Hearts and Restore Work Life Balance. It is Possible! THE JOY OF MINDSETS – 3 Must-Have Skills for Change BOOKS Joy is an Inside Job The Gospel of Joy The Gift of Gratitude You Can be happy The office Athlete (co-Authored) PAST CLIENTS Direct Selling Association Wells Fargo PepsiCo Million Dollar Round Table Subway Hilton Hotels McDonalds Association of Business Managers Silpada Designs Youngevity Qantas Allianz DISNEY Google
- Tsedal Neeley
Award Winning Author, Harvard Business School Professor and Keynote Speaker on Globalization and Digital Transformation Tsedal Neeley Award Winning Author, Harvard Business School Professor and Keynote Speaker on Globalization and Digital Transformation Tsedal Neeley (@tsedal) is the Naylor Fitzhugh Professor of Business Administration, Senior Associate Dean of Faculty Development and Research Strategy, and Faculty Chair of the Christensen Center for Teaching and Learning at Harvard Business School. Recognized as a Top Voice on LinkedIn in remote work and one of Business Insider's 100 people transforming business, Tsedal is a leading expert in helping organizations scale through global and digital strategies. She regularly advises top executives navigating virtual work, digital transformation, and global expansion, driving agile leadership at scale. Tsedal is the co-author of "The Digital Mindset: What It Really Takes to Thrive in the Age of Data, Algorithms, and AI" , which introduces the “30% rule”, a groundbreaking concept that provides leaders with the digital literacy needed to leverage the growing digital threads in today’s world. Her acclaimed book "Remote Work Revolution: Succeeding from Anywhere" offers remote workers and leaders actionable best practices to excel in a decentralized workplace. In "The Language of Global Success: How a Common Tongue Transforms Multinational Organizations", Tsedal chronicles the five-year journey of a company’s globalization process. A sought-after speaker and media commentator, Tsedal’s work has been widely covered by outlets such as CNBC, Bloomberg, BBC, CNN, Financial Times, NPR, The Wall Street Journal, and The Economist. Her scholarly work is published in top journals like the Academy of Management Journal, Strategic Management Journal, and Harvard Business Review. Her Harvard Business School case study Managing a Global Team: Greg James at Sun Microsystems remains one of the most used worldwide on virtual teams. Tsedal has designed popular online courses including Remote Work Revolution for Everyone and Leading in a Remote Environment (with Ronald Heifetz). She co-chairs the executive program Leading Global Businesses , which helps leaders navigate the complexities of the global and digital economy. Tsedal also teaches in several prestigious executive programs, including the Harvard Business Analytics Program, and has previously served as the course head for Harvard’s MBA program’s Leadership and Organizational Behavior course. Before academia, Tsedal worked at Lucent Technologies and The Forum Corporation, where she specialized in global customer experience strategies, sales force management development, and performance systems for telecommunications infrastructures. She is also fluent in four languages and holds a patent for her software simulation on global collaboration. Tsedal is a recipient of multiple prestigious awards, including the Charles M. Williams Award for Outstanding Teaching in Executive Education and the Greenhill Award for her outstanding contributions to Harvard Business School. She serves on the Boards of Brightcove, Brown Capital Management, Harvard Business Publishing, and The Partnership Inc.. Named one of the Top Management Thinkers in the World by Thinkers50, Tsedal also earned a Ph.D. in Management Science and Engineering from Stanford University, specializing in Work, Technology, and Organizations. She is a Stanford Distinguished Alumnus Scholar and has received the Lieberman Award for excellence in teaching and research.
- Calvin Stovall
Deliver iconic customer experiences Calvin Stovall Deliver iconic customer experiences Calvin Stovall is the CEO and Chief Experience Officer of ICONIC Presentations, LLC, where he specializes in delivering high-energy, customized keynote presentations that help organizations achieve or maintain ICONIC status. With over 25 years of experience in hospitality and non-profit services, Calvin blends business concepts, storytelling, and music themes to create impactful messages that resonate with audiences both intellectually and emotionally. Calvin developed The ICONIC Framework™, a practical system designed to help organizations build and sustain iconic brands based on real-world leadership principles. This framework was shaped by nearly two decades of branding experience and extensive research on iconic companies. Previously, Calvin served as CEO of the Soulsville Foundation, preserving the legacy of Stax Records, and as a marketing strategist at ALSAC, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. His hospitality career culminated as VP of Brand Marketing for Hilton Worldwide, where he led marketing efforts for Homewood Suites by Hilton, helping the brand win multiple accolades, including recognition by J.D. Power for its commitment to customer service. Raised in Chicago's Cabrini Green projects during the Soul Train era, Calvin’s passion for music is a driving force in his work. He leverages his unique experiences to connect with audiences, infusing his presentations with humor, energy, and insight. Calvin holds a Business Administration degree from Chicago State University and a Master’s in Hospitality Management from Cornell University. He currently lives in Charlotte, NC with his wife Taisha and their two sons, Caden and Carson. TOPICS Be! Iconic or Be! Gone Bars and Brands and Raving Fans How to Become an Iconic Brand Your Customers Love Success Principles of Iconic Leadership BOOKS Fanatically Relentless Customer Service — The Insider’s Guide: How to Rescue Your Customers from a World of Crappy Service PAST CLIENTS 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
- Robert Griffin III
Heisman Trophy Winner Robert Griffin III Heisman Trophy Winner Robert Griffin III, better known as RG3, is a former American football quarterback who captivated audiences with his electrifying play and dual-threat abilities. Here's a glimpse into his career: College Star: A standout athlete at Baylor University, Griffin III became the school's all-time leading passer and won the prestigious Heisman Trophy in 2011. He was also a world-class hurdler, showcasing his exceptional athleticism. NFL Journey: Drafted second overall by the Washington Redskins in 2012, Griffin III burst onto the scene with a record-breaking rookie season. However, injuries hampered his progress in subsequent years. He also played for the Cleveland Browns (2016) and Baltimore Ravens (2018). Beyond the Field: After stepping away from playing, Griffin III transitioned into sports media. He joined ESPN in 2021 as a college football and NFL analyst, offering insightful commentary on the game he loves. More Than Football: Griffin III graduated with a bachelor's degree in political science, demonstrating his intellectual side. He's also a dedicated husband and father, actively involved in his family life. RG3's legacy extends beyond statistics. He was a dynamic player who inspired a generation of young athletes with his exciting style. Now, he brings his unique perspective to the analyst booth, shaping the conversation around the sport.
- Jerry Rice
NFL All-Time Leading Receiver San Fransisco 49ers and NFL Hall of Famer Jerry Rice NFL All-Time Leading Receiver San Fransisco 49ers and NFL Hall of Famer The San Francisco 49ers used their first-round draft pick in 1985 on wide receiver Jerry Rice from little known Mississippi Valley State. It did not take long for that decision to pay huge dividends. Rice gave a glimpse of what was to come when he averaged 18.9 yards per catch on 49 receptions for 927 yards and 3 TDs as a rookie. He also rushed six times and scored one touchdown on the ground. In 1986, Rice recorded a season that began perhaps the finest stretch by any receiver in NFL history. That year, he caught 86 passes for a league-leading 1,570 yards. He also led the NFL in touchdown catches with 15. It marked the first of 11 straight 1,000-yard seasons for Rice who also recorded double-digit receiving touchdown totals in nine of the next 10 seasons. The following year, Rice set the NFL record for touchdown receptions in a season with 22. His first of four seasons with 100 catches came in 1990 when he had an even 100 receptions to lead the NFL in that category. It marked the first of two receiving titles for Rice. He led the NFL in receiving yards six times including an NFL record 1,848 yards in 1995. Rice also led the NFL in touchdown receptions six times. No wide receiver in NFL history played more than Rice’s 20 seasons. By the time he retired after finishing his career with Oakland and Seattle, he was the most prolific wide receiver in NFL history with staggering career totals. He owns virtually every significant receiving mark. Some of the more notable career records include receptions (1,549); receiving yards (22,895 yards); most 1,000-yard receiving seasons (14); total touchdowns (208); and combined net yards (23,546). Rice has a hold on multiple NFL playoff and Super Bowl records. He played in eight conference championships and four Super Bowls. He earned three Super Bowl rings with the 49ers and was named the Most Valuable Player of San Francisco’s Super Bowl XXIII win over the Cincinnati Bengals. Rice, who was named first-team All-Pro 11 consecutive seasons and voted to 13 Pro Bowls, is also a member of the NFL’s All-Decade Teams of the 1980s and 1990s and NFL’s 75th Anniversary Team. BOOKS America’s Game Go Long!: My Journey Beyond the Game and the Fame Rice 50 Years, 50 Moments: The Most
- Mike Abrashoff
Former Commander, USS Benfold and Author, It's Your Ship Mike Abrashoff Former Commander, USS Benfold and Author, It's Your Ship At the age of 36, the Navy selected Abrashoff to become Commander of USS Benfold – at the time, the most junior commanding officer in the Pacific Fleet. The immediate challenges that faced him on this underperforming naval warship were staggering: exceptionally low morale, high turnover and unacceptably low performance evaluations. Few thought that this ship could improve. In many ways, the USS Benfold was actually an extreme example of the same problems facing many organizations today. The solution was to establish a system of management techniques that Abrashoff calls The Leadership Roadmap. At the core of his leadership approach on Benfold was a process of replacing command and control with commitment and cohesion, and by engaging the hearts, minds, and loyalties of workers – with conviction and humility. “The most important thing that a captain can do is to see the ship through the eyes of the crew.” According to Abrashoff, The Leadership Roadmap is a practice that empowers every individual to share the responsibility of achieving excellence. “It’s your ship,” he was known to say. His former sailors to this day still remind him of it. By every measure, these principles were able to achieve breakthrough results. Personnel turnover decreased to an unprecedented 1 percent. The rate of military promotions tripled, and the crew slashed operating expenses by 25 percent. Regarded as the finest ship in the Pacific Fleet, Benfold won the prestigious Spokane Trophy for having the highest degree of combat readiness. Most important – this transformation took place with the same crew. What had changed was the ship’s culture and Abrashoff’s leadership style. Abrashoff recounted the leadership lessons from the turnaround of USS Benfold in It’s Your Ship, a New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestseller, with over 800,000 copies sold to date. This extraordinary interest in Abrashoff’s leadership journey and Benfold’s organizational lessons led to two follow-up books – Get Your Ship Together and It’s Our Ship. Those books took readers deeper into ways these principles have been put into action by business leaders in their own organizations. Prior to commanding USS Benfold, Abrashoff served as the Military Assistant to Secretary of Defense William J. Perry. He also helped draft the air defense plan for naval forces in the Persian Gulf in 1990, coinciding with Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait; and served as the Executive Officer of the Cruiser Shiloh, where he deployed to the Persian Gulf in support of United Nations sanctions against Iraq. Mike Abrashoff is the founder of GLS Worldwide, a consulting firm which works with and supports leaders as they address leadership, talent and business challenges within their organization. The firm challenges leaders at all levels to re-imagine their leadership thinking and create new ways to elevate individual, team and organizational performance. TOPICS It’s Your Ship – Achieving Breakthrough Performance It’s Our Ship – Putting the Leadership Roadmap to Work BOOKS It’s Your Ship Get Your Ship Together It’s Our Ship
- James 'Iron Cowboy' Lawrence
The Iron Cowboy James 'Iron Cowboy' Lawrence The Iron Cowboy James Lawrence is known as the Iron Cowboy. This is the nickname he received from the public after he started wearing a cowboy hat during races to be recognized by his children. Originally from Calgary, Canada, he now lives in Utah with his wife, Sunny, and their five children. With two Guinness world records under his belt, James and his family attempted to do something every person deemed impossible, the 50/50/50. But that didn’t fulfill him. So, as of June 8, 2021, James completed what the team likes to call the Conquer 100. One hundred consecutive full-distance triathlons. This journey was created to empower people worldwide to do their own hard. Sports Illustrated ranked James in the top 50 fittest freaks with Lebron James and Connor McGregor, 2 of James' favorite athletes. RedBull declares that 'when it comes to endurance, he is unstoppable' and Success magazine named him 'The Most Enduring Man In The World.' He has redefined the definition of impossible, defied logic, and is here today to share his journey with you: ladies and gentlemen, James Lawrence, The Iron Cowboy. TOPICS Going all in. Breaking through mental and physical barriers. Be uniquely you. Belief and conviction on your journey. Mind over matter. Teamwork > One man's feat Get your priorities straight. What's your why? No goal is too big - you just need the proper steps. BOOKS Redefine Impossible PAST CLIENTS Dell Google Microsoft McDonalds Visa Johnson & Johnson Proctor and Gamble Farmers Insurance Coke National Football League (NFL) Nike Toyota
- Jon Gordon
World renown speaker & consultant Jon Gordon World renown speaker & consultant Jon Gordon is a best-selling author and highly sought-after speaker whose principles have inspired readers and audiences worldwide. His work has been embraced by countless NFL, NBA, and college teams, along with Fortune 500 companies, schools, hospitals, and non-profits. Known for his unique ability to foster positive leadership, team culture, and personal growth, Jon has become a trusted resource for organizations seeking to build stronger, more resilient teams. Jon is the author of several best-selling books, including the Wall Street Journal bestseller The Energy Bus, The No Complaining Rule, Training Camp, The Shark and The Goldfish, Soup: A Recipe to Nourish Your Team and Culture, and his latest release, The Seed: Finding Purpose and Happiness in Life and Work . His books provide practical strategies for improving performance, boosting morale, and cultivating purpose-driven success both in life and at work. His principles have been featured on major media outlets like The Today Show, CNN, and Fox and Friends, as well as in a wide range of magazines and newspapers. Jon’s clients include some of the most recognized names in business and sports, including the Atlanta Falcons, Campbell Soup, Wells Fargo, State Farm, Novartis, and Bayer, among many others. Outside of his professional life, Jon enjoys staying active with his family—playing tennis and lacrosse with his wife and two "high-energy" children. His enthusiasm and commitment to spreading positivity are reflected not only in his work but also in his personal life, where he leads by example. TOPICS The Energy Bus The Seed The Shark and the Goldfish: Positive Ways to Thrive During Waves of Change SOUP: A Recipe to Nourish Your Team and Culture Training Camp: What the Best do Better than Everyone Else BOOKS The Energy Bus Training Camp SOUP The Seed The No Complaining Rule The Shark and The Goldfish PAST CLIENTS Chubb Insurance Northwestern Mutual Bank of America Burger King Sonic Drive In Dell Blue Cross Blue Shield YMCA United Way National Association of Secondary School Principles FBI The Jacksonville Jaguars PGA Tour New York Life State Farm Insurance Young Presidents Organization Wells Fargo Pennsylvania Governors Conference for Women Sprint SHRM ASTD Moes Southwest Grill Atlanta Falcons Campbell Soup Pepperidge Farm Citizens Bank
- Tony Dorsett
Heisman Winner, Super Bowl Champion, Hall of Famer, Tony Dorsett – A Legacy of Greatness On and Off the Field Tony Dorsett Heisman Winner, Super Bowl Champion, Hall of Famer, Tony Dorsett – A Legacy of Greatness On and Off the Field Anthony Drew was born to Wes and Myrtle Dorsett on April 7, 1954, in Rochester, Pennsylvania. When his parents moved to be near the Jones and Laughlin Steel Mill in Aliquippa when Tony was young, they hoped at least one of their seven children would reach beyond the town's limits. Tony was the one who did. He had visions that went beyond the steel gray hue of the Western Pennsylvania projects that he called home. While Tony was still attending Hopewell High School in Aliquippa, his coach made a wise decision to switch him from linebacker to running back. Dorsett gained 1,034 yards as a junior in high school, and his record of excellence continued unabated when he moved up a step to the University of Pittsburgh. Dorsett's record with the Panthers was legendary. He was named to an All-America team as a freshman and again as a junior and senior. Playing under Coach Johnny Majors, Dorsett became the first college back to run for 1,000 or more yards four seasons and the first to gain more than 1,500 yards for three years. His best season as a senior saw him running for 1,948 yards and 21 touchdowns. He crowned a brilliant collegiate career by being named All-American four times and winning the coveted Heisman Trophy in 1976. He is considered one of the greatest running backs in college football history. In the 1977 draft, the Dallas Cowboys were quick to select Tony in the first round. He won consensus rookie of the year honors in helping Dallas win Super Bowl XII. Tony is one of the top ten all-time leading rushers in the NFL. In 1982, Tony captured his first NFC rushing title and established an unbreakable NFL record by racing 99 yards from scrimmage for a touchdown. Tony served as team captain in '81, '82 and '84. He was voted to the Pro Bowl in '78, '81, '82 and '83. In 1981 he earned consensus All-Pro honors and was named NFC Player of the Year by UPI. In a 1979 Gallup Youth Survey of American teenagers' favorite sports personalities, Tony finished second to Roger Staubach. 1994 was a banner year for Tony. He was inducted into the prestigious Dallas Cowboys’ Ring of Honor, the College Football Hall of Fame and the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Today, Tony lives with wife Janet in the Dallas area and has three beautiful daughters and a son, Anthony, who also played in the NFL. Tony is involved in many community activities and charities in Dallas, including ALS, March of Dimes, Minnie’s Food Pantry, and the Tony Evans Ministry. Tony also supports the McGuire Memorial Foundation in Pittsburgh. HONORS Four Time NCAA All America First Player in NCAA History with 4 - 1,000 Yard Seasons and 3 - 1,500 Yard Seasons 1976 Heisman Trophy NFL Rookie of the Year 1977 NFL All Pro Four Time Pro Bowl Player Holds NFL record for longest run from the line of scrimmage 99 yards in ‘83 against Minnesota Two NFL Super Bowl Championships XII-1978; XIII-1979 5 NFC Championship Games Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor 1994 College Football Hall of Fame 1994 NFL Pro Football Hall of Fame 1994 TOPICS Overall Sports Leadership and Teamwork Overcoming Adversity and Resilience Life Beyond Football BOOKS Running Tough: Memoirs of a Football Maverick PAST CLIENTS Legends Hospitality AT&T Pro Football Hall of Fame Gamebreaker Panini America Fidelity National Agency Solutions Verizon Nissan North America Main Event Sandia Resort and Casino Habitat for Humanity Hard Rock Café Tampa Ford Midwest National Life Charles Schwab Celanese Mastercard Jack Henry and Associates Football Greats Alliance New Era Cap Company WSS Midwestern State University IBM The City of Carlsbad Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival Joey’s Dream Builders Dairy Management Inc. US REO Partners Marriott Bonvoy Jagermeister River Spirit Casino Champion Management Fanatics Little Rock Touchdown Club Ultimate Ventures TurnPoint Services Uber Freight Gypsum Stirista Telesystem Hudson Financial Bar Louie The Zellman Group Netflix ESPN Championship Auto Shows National Child ID Tom Drake Roofing Company Tri-State Enterprises
- Mel Robbins
Discover the Courage, Clarity and Confidence To Be You Mel Robbins Discover the Courage, Clarity and Confidence To Be You Mel Robbins is a serial entrepreneur, best-selling author, internationally recognized social media influencer, and one of the most sought-after motivational speakers in the world. With over 20 million people engaging with her transformative content each month, Mel has become a powerful voice in the world of personal development. Her latest book, The 5 Second Rule , has been translated into 29 languages, was the #1 audiobook globally last year, and ranks among the top five most read books on Amazon. Mel’s TEDx talk on change has amassed over 13 million views, and she is the host of Kick Ass with Mel Robbins , a new advice show on Audible. As the founder of The Confidence Project, Inc., Mel’s media company produces personal development programs and online courses taken by more than 50,000 students annually, including individuals and corporate clients. Her content—rooted in positive psychology—empowers people worldwide to make lasting, positive changes in their lives. On stage, Mel is known for being a riveting, fun, and unforgettable speaker, using science-backed strategies to create life-changing impact. She has delivered powerful talks to executives at leading companies such as Microsoft, JP Morgan Chase, Cisco, and AT&T. Mel is a former award-winning opinion columnist and legal analyst for CNN and a Dr. Oz Healthline Expert. A graduate of Dartmouth College and Boston College Law School, Mel is married, a mother of three, and lives in the Boston area, but remains a proud Midwesterner at heart. TOPICS The Five Second rule – achieving breakthrough performance in your career & life BOOKS The Five-Second Rule Stop Saying You’re Fine PAST CLIENTS Microsoft Remax Optum Cisco AT&T JP MORGAN CHASE MARRIOTT
- Eric O'Neill
Cybersecurity Speaker, Tech Futurist, Author, Former FBI Operative, Inspiration for *Breach* Eric O'Neill Cybersecurity Speaker, Tech Futurist, Author, Former FBI Operative, Inspiration for *Breach* Eric O'Neill is a highly regarded author, attorney, security consultant, and motivational speaker. In 2001, he played a pivotal role in capturing Robert Hanssen, one of the most notorious spies in U.S. history. Hanssen, a 25-year veteran of the FBI, was responsible for the greatest security breach in American intelligence. The dramatic story of his capture is the inspiration for the critically acclaimed thriller Breach , in which Ryan Philippe portrays O'Neill. Eric began his career with the FBI as a "Ghost"—an undercover operative tasked with surveilling foreign, national, and domestic terrorists and spies. During the Hanssen investigation, he worked directly within the FBI’s Information Assurance Division, which was responsible for safeguarding classified intelligence. His work with the division was critical in exposing Hanssen's espionage activities. Today, Eric is the founder of The Georgetown Group, a leading investigative and security consultancy based in Washington, D.C. He also serves as the National Security Strategist for Carbon Black, a top provider of next-generation endpoint protection. In addition to his consulting work, Eric is the author of Gray Day, a gripping account of how he helped expose Robert Hanssen, the first Russian cyber spy in the U.S. government. Eric is also a sought-after motivational speaker, known for blending his real-life experiences with practical, actionable insights. His presentations resonate with audiences from a wide range of industries, providing them with valuable lessons on security, integrity, and perseverance.
- 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.
- Kim Nelson
Surviving Shark Tank! Living the American Dream Kim Nelson Surviving Shark Tank! Living the American Dream Kim Nelson became one of America’s most recognized entrepreneurs after her breakthrough appearance on the hit reality TV show Shark Tank . Standing at 5’4”, Kim packs a giant-sized message about resilience, determination, and achieving the American Dream. In her dynamic and fast-paced keynote presentations, Kim shares her inspiring journey, showing audiences that with tenacity and the right mindset, they too can overcome challenges and ignite their own entrepreneurial power. A true frontrunner, Kim’s entrepreneurial journey has been nothing short of remarkable. "Entrepreneurship is an attitude that requires the belief you can conquer anything," says Kim. Her unyielding drive and resilience led her to Shark Tank, where her company, Daisy Cakes, skyrocketed to national recognition. Kim’s appearance on the show caught the attention of Barbara Corcoran, who invested $50,000 for a 25% stake in the company. In a deal that became iconic, Corcoran asked Kim to pay her $1 per cake until she repaid the $50,000 investment. Kim not only paid back every penny, but her company saw explosive growth—from sales of $27,000 to more than $3.1 million today. Kim, hailing from Pauline, South Carolina, is the CEO of Daisy Cakes, a company that’s now a household name. Her success story has been featured on national media outlets, including The Today Show, CNN, and ABC World News Tonight. Currently, Kim is preparing for her national speaking tour, titled “Surviving Shark Tank! Living the American Dream” , where she’ll continue to inspire others to take bold steps toward their dreams. TOPICS Surviving the Shark Tank: Living the American Dream Most Important Sales Pitch of Your Life Goal Setting for Securing Your Dreams