Lessons of teamwork, resilience, and determination in the face of adversity—these have always been among the themes that audiences respond to most—and they are the themes that motivate and inspire now, more than ever.
Mike Schlappi
<p>Keynote speaker Mike Schlappi has an inspiring message for every American, young or old: “Just because you can’t stand up, doesn’t mean you can’t stand out.” </p><p>As president of Mike Schlappi Communications, and confined to a wheelchair, he is spreading that word to audiences ranging from students to chief executive officers, from rookies to Olympic champions, and from small gatherings to major conventions.</p><p>At the age of 14, Schlappi was student body president, had been awarded his Eagle Scout and was a competitive athlete when he was involved in a
Robert Ballard
<p>With life experiences mirroring the adventures in his favorite childhood book, <i>20,000 Leagues Under the Sea</i>, Robert Ballard is among the world's most accomplished oceanographers. A pioneer in the development of deep-sea submersibles, he has taken part in more than 140 deep-sea expeditions and is most renowned for his discovery of the RMS <i>TITANIC </i>and underwater explorations of the Bismarck, Lusitania, and Britannic.</p><p>Ballard served in the U.S.
Dr. Beck Weathers
<p>Dr. Beck Weathers moves audiences with his emotional tale of survival against all odds, encouraging you to appreciate the perseverance of the human spirit and the strength of loved ones to conquer even the most daunting challenges.</p><p>It was spring 1996. An accomplished pathologist and amateur climber on an expedition to summit the world’s tallest peak, Dr. Weathers was caught in one of the most devastating storms in Mt. Everest’s history and presumed dead.
Walter Bond
<p>From the basketball court to the board room, former NBA star Walter Bond motivates audiences by sharing his life story of trials and triumphs. Growing up in Chicago, he always dreamed of playing in the NBA but lacked the natural athletic gifts of many of his peers.
Jimmy Wayne
<p>Former foster kid turned award-winning country music recording artist Jimmy Wayne takes audiences on an unforgettable and inspiring journey.</p><p>Country music recording artist Jimmy Wayne is known for hits such as “Stay Gone,” “Paper Angels,” “I Love You This Much,” and the single that the earned BMI’s Mission-Air Award for getting more than one million radio spins in the U.S., “Do You Believe Me Now?” A musician who has performed on the Grand Ole Opry 224 times, toured with Brad Paisley and recorded “Sara Smile” with the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame duo Daryl Hall and
Fredi Lajvardi
<p>As the real-life high school robotics coach played by actor and comedian George Lopez in the movie Spare Parts, Fredi Lajvardi is one of the nation’s leading STEM educators and a thought leader on the power of diverse teams to fuel creativity, innovation, and resilience in any organization. </p><p>Fredi Lajvardi captivated the country when he led his team of disadvantaged Latino teens in a university-level underwater robotics competition where they defeated leading schools, including top-ranked MIT.
Amy Purdy
<p>Oprah Winfrey calls Amy Purdy her inspiration. As a young girl, Purdy dreamed of sailing through fresh powder restrained only by a snowboard attached to two feet. Above all, she dreamed of freedom, of the chance to craft a personal narrative of her own choosing.
Dr. Natalie Stavas
<p>An expert on chaos, Dr. Natalie Stavas faces every obstacle with the same attitude she had when she ran into a terrorist attack to help victims of the Boston Marathon bombing: “You run towards that which you fear, that which challenges you, that which is oppositional.” </p><p>On April 15, 2013, Dr. Stavas approached the finish line of her fifth Boston marathon. Just blocks away she heard explosions, and she ran toward them.
Brandon Stanton
<p>Brandon Stanton shares his journey of personal growth and discovery, and uncovers the stories behind the stories featured on <i>Humans of New York</i>, powerfully illustrating the value of sharing your experiences. </p><p>As the founder of the street portrait blog, <i>Humans of New York</i>, Brandon has emerged as a worldwide Internet phenomenon and one of today’s most influential storytellers.
Florent Groberg
<p>From the battlefield to the boardroom, Florent “Flo” Groberg inspires audiences to thrive in challenging environments and to find the strength to complete any mission. </p><p>Florent “Flo” Groberg’s career combines military valor with corporate leadership and strategic influence. More than a Medal of Honor recipient, Groberg is a transformative leader who has demonstrated resilience and decisiveness in the toughest environments.