Inspiring speakers connect audiences with themes of teamwork, resilience, and determination. In times of adversity their powerful lessons inspire, motivate, and drive performance across corporate, nonprofit, and association events.
Don Yaeger
<p>Don Yaeger is a nationally acclaimed inspirational speaker, longtime Associate Editor of <i>Sports Illustrated</i>, author of over 30 books, eleven of which have become <i>New York Times</i> Best-sellers, and host of <i>Corporate Competitor Podcast</i>. He began his career at the <i>San Antonio Light</i> in Texas, and also worked at the <i>Dallas Morning News</i> and the <i>Florida Times-Union</i> in Jacksonville before going to work for <i>Sports Illustrated</i>.
Shaquem Griffin
<p>Shaquem Griffin, the first one-handed former NFL linebacker in history, played four seasons with the Seattle Seahawks and Miami Dolphins before retiring in 2022.</p><p> Now a sought-after motivational speaker, he has inspired D1 Power 4 programs, pro teams, Fortune 500 companies, and more, around the world. He serves as an Advisor for a Venture Capitol, BIG12 Alumni Counsel Member, and startup advisor. Co-founder of Consumer Launch Pad and Y.O.U.
Kuda Biza
<p>Kuda Biza is a serial entrepreneur who builds profitable companies to solve the world’s biggest problems: education and hunger. </p><p>He started his first company when he was just nine years old in Zimbabwe. Kuda moved to the U.S. with only $40 in his pocket to study at Lynn University, he started his second company, a socially conscious apparel brand, before graduating as valedictorian of his class.
Erin King
<p>Erin King is a researcher, bestselling author, global keynote speaker, and the world’s leading energy management expert.</p><p> Erin King started her first two ventures, Jump Digital Media and PMS.com, before the age of 30. Her third venture, Socialite Agency, was acquired in 2021 by Strikepoint (Named 2x to the Inc.
Ryan Leak
<p>Ryan Leak is a dynamic speaker, <em>New York Times</em> best-selling author, and strategic advisor renowned for his ability to inspire and transform individuals and organizations.</p><p> As the CEO of a leadership development firm based in Dallas, Ryan and his team train over 30,000 leaders annually — from Fortune 500 companies to professional sports teams.
Shailee Basnet
<p>With infectious humor and riveting anecdotes from her extraordinary journeys, Shailee Basnet shares inspiring lessons in courage, leadership, teamwork, and the importance of diversity for success.</p><p>In spite of their proximity to Mt. Everest, not many women in Nepal climb mountains. Shailee Basnet is an exception. After she completed her first summit of the world’s highest mountain, she led the Seven Summits Women Team.
Ginger Kerrick
<p>Ginger Kerrick is Chief Strategy Officer for Barrios Technology, a small woman-owned human spaceflight company in Houston, Texas. </p><p>Prior to joining the Barrios executive team, Ginger served in multiple senior leadership roles at NASA’s Johnson Space Center (JSC) before retiring in 2021 including Deputy Director of the Exploration Integration and Science Directorate and JSC Assistant Center Director for Vision and Strategy. She spent the majority of her 30-year NASA career supporting JSC’s Flight Operations Directorate (FOD) in leadership roles, including Assistan
Elizabeth Lombardo
<p>Dr. Elizabeth Lombardo brings an unparalleled energy to stages around the globe by actively engaging audiences. Her knowledge in cutting-edge research, relatability, storytelling and humor provides entertainment and actionable strategies for attendees to create sustainable change.</p><p>Known as America’s most-trusted celebrity psychologist, Dr.
Travis Mills
<p>Travis Mills’ keynote speech teaches and inspires audiences nationwide to “Never give up. Never quit.” no matter the obstacles or circumstances. Mills’ larger-than-life personality, sense of humor and incredible spirit for life engages audiences from the moment he takes center stage.</p><p>On April 10, 2012, United States Army Staff Sergeant Travis Mills of the 82nd Airborne was critically injured on his third tour of duty in Afghanistan by an IED (improvised explosive device) while on patrol, losing portions of both legs and both arms.
Dominique Dawes
<p>Owner of the Dominique Dawes Gymnastics & Ninja Academies, Dominique opened the gyms to continue her commitment to developing a healthy and compassionate culture in the sport of gymnastics. Her first academy opened in the midst of a global pandemic, in July 2020, her second location opened in 2023, and she will be opening her third Academy in 2024 located in Columbia, MD. Dawes holds minority ownership of the Washington Spirit of the National Women's Soccer League, and she also became part of the Atlanta Falcons ownership group as a Limited Partner in 2024.