Inspiration

<p>Through his Cinderella story as a small town high school teacher-turned-major league baseball player, Jim “The Rookie” Morris inspires others to never give up on a dream.</p><p>Jim was a minor-league baseball player whose major-league ambitions were dashed by arm injuries – or so he thought. He went on to coach a high school baseball team in West Texas, and made a bet with his last-place team: If they won the championship, he would try out for the majors. The team won. At his tryout, he threw 98 mph fastballs, and eventually made it to the majors at age 35.

<p>One of the biggest national abduction news stories of our time, the kidnapping and recovery of Elizabeth Smart captured the nation’s attention from June 5, 2002, when she was taken at knifepoint, to when the police safely returned her back to her family on March 12, 2003. Held prisoner for 9 grueling months, repeatedly threatened and tormented, Smart emerged a symbol of perseverance and strength when she triumphantly testified before her captor and the world about her very private nightmare.</p>

<p>True survivor of extreme challenge, and business leader, Lauren Manning shares experiences that help organizations thrive even in the most difficult of times.</p><p>“It was my moment. my choice. Keep fighting or surrender and die. I made the choice. I decided to live.”</p><p>The most catastrophically wounded survivor in the September 11th attacks, Lauren battled against all odds to emerge from the fires. A world-renowned role model for her resilience and fortitude surmounting personal and professional challenges.

<p>In 2003 Doc Hendley dreamed up the concept of Wine To Water while bartending and playing music in nightclubs around Raleigh, North Carolina. In January of 2004 he held his first fundraiser and by August was living in Darfur, Sudan installing water systems for victims of the government-supported genocide.</p>

<p>Hailed as “life-changing” “riveting” “completely unique” “bold” and “profound,” Allison Massari’s keynotes are unforgettable—uplifting and energizing teams and leaders, alleviating burnout, and activating empathy, creativity and empowerment. </p><p>Working with Allison unleashes an inner strength and professional enthusiasm that transforms work culture and attracts and retains top talent. Her potent message has reached audiences in more than 75 countries and is a testament to hope, relentless perseverance, and radical compassion.

<p>One of the best female goalkeepers of all time, Hall of Famer and ESPY Award-winner Briana Scurry shares stories from her trailblazing journey, empowering audiences to strive for excellence and stay resilient, no matter the obstacles.</p><p>Briana Scurry is widely recognized as one of the world’s most talented and influential goalkeepers. Scurry’s 173 international appearances as one of the first African American and openly gay professional athletes championed equality and diversified professional soccer.

<p>When the most important work isn’t getting done, it’s not the people that need to be fixed – it’s the work. Lisa Bodell, a global leader on simplification, collaboration, and innovation, helps organizations transform performance by reimagining the work. By trading complexity for simplicity, organizations find new ways to unleash creativity and spark the energy so essential to innovate and compete. It also lifts morale, increases engagement, and improves employee well-being and retention.

<p>Business IS an adventure—and mountain-climber and entrepreneur Jamie Clarke walks audiences through how to succeed in reaching their own unique Everest.</p><p>From world-renowned adventurer to CEO to sought-after performance coach, Jamie Clarke has built and led strong teams, navigated high-pressure landscapes, and overcome setbacks in order to achieve success.