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.
Captain Jim Lovell
<p>NASA astronaut Captain Jim Lovell delivers an exhilarating firsthand account of one of the most famous and harrowing ordeals in space-program history, while sharing the leadership skills necessary to make any mission successful.</p><p>As leader of the Apollo 13 mission, Captain Jim Lovell uttered the famous phrase “Houston, we have a problem,” after an oxygen tank exploded inside the spacecraft. Under Capt. Lovell’s leadership, the crew returned safely to earth.</p><p>For his courageous spirit, Capt.
John Walsh
<p>John Walsh shares moving tales about ordinary people who make an extraordinary impact to illustrate that anyone can make a difference if they direct their passion toward a lifelong cause. </p><p>A renowned victims’ rights advocate, John was a leading force behind the founding of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children before serving as host of the long-running television show <i>America’s Most Wanted</i>.
Erik Wahl
<p>Erik Wahl is an internationally recognized artist, TED speaker, and No. 1 bestselling author. His breakthrough experience as an artist and entrepreneur has translated into making him into one of the most sought-after corporate speakers on the circuit today.</p><p> On stage, Erik's keynote experience creates a dynamic multidimensional metaphor for how to systematically embrace innovation and risk. His message: disruption is the new normal and businesses must embrace creativity in a wholesale fashion, or risk being left behind.
Jeannette Walls
From the pages of her #1 New York Times best-selling book and the critically-acclaimed recently released film, Jeannette Walls moves you to realize the power of the human spirit as she inspires courage in the face of new and longstanding fears, and reveals how our weaknesses can be our greatest strengths.
Dan Thurmon
<p>A teacher of peak performance, an author of impactful books and presentations, and a lifelong student of success, happiness, and achievement, Dan Thurmon is on a mission. To encourage attendees’ uniqueness and contributions. To discover a sense of purpose and greatness. To have meaning at work, and in their lives.</p><p>At an early age, Dan learned the power of performance, on stage and in the various parts of our life.
Richard Picciotto
<p>Chief Richard Picciotto delivers a gripping, firsthand account of the day that altered history, underscoring the significance of courage, preparation and effective leadership when confronted with enormous adversity.</p><p>The FDNY battalion commander in lower Manhattan when it was the target of terrorist attacks on 9/11, Richard and his fellow firefighters selflessly rushed inside the World Trade Center towers to rescue those trapped inside.
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.