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  • Carly Patterson

    USA Gymnastics All-Around 2004 Olympic Gold Medalist, singer, and mom Carly Patterson USA Gymnastics All-Around 2004 Olympic Gold Medalist, singer, and mom Carly Patterson is an Olympic gold medalist, motivational speaker, proud wife, and mother of three. Her journey to Olympic gold began with a deep passion for gymnastics and countless hours of dedication. Despite injuries and setbacks, she remained focused on her dream. At the 2004 Athens Olympics, she made history as the first American woman to win all-around gold in a fully attended Olympic Games, a life-changing achievement that shaped her future. After stepping out of the Olympic spotlight, Carly transitioned into a career as a motivational speaker, using her experiences to inspire others to chase their dreams. She shares powerful lessons on resilience, navigating change, passion, and perseverance, helping individuals and organizations awaken their potential, transform limiting mindsets, and triumph through setbacks. In her corporate keynote speeches, she draws from her Olympic journey to inspire resilience, teamwork, and peak performance. Through relatable stories and actionable insights, she empowers teams to embrace challenges, set ambitious goals, and achieve success in all aspects, leaving audiences motivated to excel both personally and professionally. Beyond her career, Carly finds immense fulfillment in motherhood, navigating the joys and challenges of raising three children. Balancing family life while continuing to inspire others has strengthened her understanding of determination and the importance of finding joy in everyday moments. Her journey—from Olympic champion to motivational leader—serves as a testament to the power of hard work, discipline, adaptability, and embracing life’s transitions. TOPICS From Best to Better Tenacity, Grace & Grit Faith BOOKS Carly Patterson: Be Strong PAST CLIENTS Coca-Cola Capital One Globe Life NBC Universal Takeda Pharmaceuticals Patterson Dental CoreNet Salt River Project WedSociety IFAI Florida Future Business Leaders of America RoofConnect Dallas Institute of Internal Auditors Integrity Doctors Ellevate Network Terri Savelle Foy Ministries

  • Dan Clark

    Hall of Fame Speaker Dan Clark delivers his “A.R.T. of Significance” Playbook to elevate sales morale, leadership, and team culture. Dan Clark Hall of Fame Speaker Dan Clark delivers his “A.R.T. of Significance” Playbook to elevate sales morale, leadership, and team culture. Dan Clark is the founder and CEO of an international leadership development company, a high-performance business coach, New York Times bestselling author of 35 books, university professor, a primary contributing author to the Chicken Soup for the Soul series, international podcaster, gold record songwriter, and an award-winning athlete who fought his way back from a paralyzing injury that cut short his football career. Dan was inducted into the National Speakers Hall of Fame and has been named one of the Top Ten Motivational Speakers in the world. Dan has spoken to over 6 million people, in all 50 states, in 71 countries, on 6 continents, to more than 6,000 audiences, including most of the Fortune 500 companies, Super Bowl Champions, NASA, and to our Combat Troops in Iraq, Afghanistan, Asia and Africa. Dan has appeared on over 500 television and radio shows including Oprah and Glenn Beck , PBS and NPR, and has been featured in the Mayo Clinic Journal, Forbes, Inc., Success, Entrepreneur, Thought Masters and Millionaire Magazines. Dan’s extraordinary life includes soaring to the edge of space in a U-2 spy plane, flying fighter jets with the Air Force Thunderbirds, racing automobiles at Nürburgring and sailboats in Australia, serving on the Olympic Committee, carrying the Olympic torch in the Winter Games, and keynoting the United Nations World Congress. Dan was named an Outstanding Young Man of America and has since received the United States Presidential Medal presented by President Ronald Reagan, the United States Distinguished Service Medal presented by the U.S. Department of Defense, the prestigious Air Force American Spirit Award, and was named Utah Father of the Year! TOPICS “PERSPECTIVE LEADERSHIP”Unlocking Cultural Excellence through the Power of Perspective! “THE ABC’S OF SAFETY”a refresher course on Attitude, Burnout, Complacency & Distractions! “STORY SELLING”Unleash the Power of Storytelling and Unleash Your Communication Skills! “THE A.R.T. OF SIGNIFICANCE”Achieving a Level Beyond Success! BOOKS Story Selling The A.R.T. of Significance The A.R.T. of Significant Leadership Chicken Soup for the College Soul Speak Like a Pro PAST CLIENTS Kings Hawaiian Krispy Kreme Miracle Ear UBS Financial GE Capital Wells Fargo Charles Schwab Honeywell 3M Big-O Tires Coldwell Banker Keller Williams

  • Crystal Washington

    Technology Strategist and Futurist Crystal Washington Technology Strategist and Futurist Crystal Washington, CSP, works with organizations that want to leverage technology to boost profits and productivity. As a technology strategist and certified futurist, Crystal simplifies complex topics related to social media, apps, and web technologies, making them easy to understand and accessible to everyone. Crystal’s clients include Fortune 500 companies such as Google, Microsoft, and GE. As a sought-after keynote speaker, she has educated and inspired audiences around the world. Named one of Forbes' 50 Leading Female Futurists, Crystal appears weekly on season two of the Emmy-nominated show Life 2.0. She has also been featured in numerous publications, including Entrepreneur and Bloomberg Businessweek, and is frequently called upon by major television networks as a tech expert. Crystal is the author of One Tech Action and The Social Media Why . TOPICS Futureproof Yourself: Innovate and Thrive in Times of Uncertainty The Future is NOW: Technology & Trends That Will Revolutionize The Future of Work is Here NextGen Relationships for Sales: Technology & Tactics for Business Growth BOOKS The Social Media Why One Tech Action

  • Doyin Richards

    Mental Health and Equity in Today’s America Doyin Richards Mental Health and Equity in Today’s America Doyin (pronounced “doe-ween”) Richards is a highly respected consultant, TEDx speaker, keynote speaker, and workshop facilitator who inspires people to openly discuss mental health and mental illness, while advocating for equity in the workplace and beyond. He is also candid about his own mental health struggles, having survived a suicide attempt a few years ago. Today, Doyin is committed to ensuring that no one experiences the pain he did, offering tangible, actionable solutions that deliver results for clients across the United States, including companies such as Procter & Gamble, LEGO, The New York Times, Amgen, Freddie Mac, Workhuman, and Michigan State University. Mainstream media values his message, and he is frequently called upon for appearances on NPR, HLN, and other major outlets. Doyin has been interviewed by The TODAY Show, ABC News, Essence Magazine, Cosmopolitan, USA Today, CNN, Parents Magazine, Yahoo!, Sunrise Australia, and many more. Doyin’s message extends beyond adults. He is the best-selling author of three children’s picture books, published by Feiwel & Friends (an imprint of Macmillan). His latest book, YOU MATTER TO ME , is told from the perspective of his puppy, Biscuit, as he watches Doyin navigate through a neighborhood where no one looks like him. WATCH ME shares the inspirational story of Doyin’s immigration to America from a third-world country, overcoming racism and intense obstacles along the way. WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE? tackles the important topic of introducing children to positive race relations without raising them to be “colorblind.” All three of his books were #1 new releases in their categories on Amazon. Through his books, recent TEDx talk, keynote speeches, media appearances, and critically acclaimed workshops, Doyin has established himself as a leader in mental health, equity, and healthy masculinity. When he’s not working, you’ll find him in a Southern California city cheering on his two daughters as they play travel basketball. TOPICS Leading in a Divided America Being an Effective Working Parent From a Dad’s Perspective Real Talk About Equity and Mental Health RemindingYOU: A Leader’s Guide to Positive Mental Health at Work BOOKS You Matter To Me What’s The Difference? Watch Me I Wonder PAST CLIENTS Proctor & Gamble Michigan State University Workhuman The LEGO Corporation The New York Times 2K Games Freddie Mac Cisco Amgen Activison LinkedIn LexisNexis

  • Derrick Brooks

    A Hall of Fame Linebacker, on and off the field—Leadership, Heart, and Integrity Derrick Brooks A Hall of Fame Linebacker, on and off the field—Leadership, Heart, and Integrity Derrick Brooks is a former professional football linebacker renowned for his exceptional career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the National Football League (NFL). He played his entire 14-year professional career with the Buccaneers, becoming a cornerstone of their defense. Early Life and Education Brooks attended Booker T. Washington High School in Pensacola, where he excelled in football, earning recognition as the USA Today Defensive Player of the Year in 1990. He then attended Florida State University (FSU), where he was a member of the 1993 Seminoles National Championship team. He was also a four-year letterman, a consensus first-team All-American his junior and senior years, and a three-time first-team All-Atlantic Coast Conference selection from 1992 to 1994. Brooks received his B.S. degree in business communications from FSU in 1995. NFL Career Selected 28th overall in the first round of the 1995 NFL Draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Brooks quickly became a defensive stalwart. He was an 11-time Pro Bowl selection and a nine-time All-Pro. In 2002, he was named the AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year and led the Buccaneers to their first Super Bowl victory in Super Bowl XXXVII. Post-Football Endeavors After retiring from professional football, Brooks remained active in various capacities. He served as co-owner and president of the Tampa Bay Storm in the Arena Football League from 2011 to 2017. He has also been involved in numerous charitable activities, particularly through Derrick Brooks Charities, focusing on education and mentorship for underserved youth. Honors and Legacy Brooks’ contributions to football have been widely recognized. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2014 and the College Football Hall of Fame in 2016. His legacy is further honored by his inclusion in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Ring of Honor. Derrick Brooks’ career is a testament to his skill, leadership, and dedication to the sport, leaving an indelible mark on both college and professional football. TOPICS Overall Sports Leadership and Teamwork Overcoming Adversity and Resilience BOOKS Playbook for Success

  • 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

  • Catherine Crier

    Former judge, Broadcast journalist, bestselling author Catherine Crier Former judge, Broadcast journalist, bestselling author Catherine Crier is an Emmy Award and duPont-Columbia Award-winning journalist, best known for her work as a television anchor, political and legal talk show host, and author. Throughout her career, she has been a key figure at CNN, ABC News, Fox News, and Court TV, where she has anchored major news programs, hosted high-profile talk shows, and provided in-depth analysis on a wide range of topics. In addition to her journalism career, Crier is a New York Times best-selling author of five books, including The Case Against Lawyers, A Deadly Game, Contempt, Final Analysis, and Patriot Acts. Crier’s extensive legal career includes serving as an Assistant District Attorney, Felony Chief Prosecutor for Dallas County, Texas, and as a State Judge for the 162nd District Court in Dallas County—where she became the youngest state district judge ever elected in Texas. Her time on the bench included presiding over significant civil cases, such as historic S&L litigation, and leading efforts to shape legal and legislative reforms as Administrative Judge for the Civil District Courts. After a successful reelection to a second term as a state judge, a serendipitous meeting with a television news executive led to a dramatic shift in her career path. In 1989, Crier was hired to co-anchor CNN's premiere evening newscast. She went on to co-anchor Inside Politics, cover major election events, and host Crier & Company, a talk show that addressed news, politics, and international affairs. Crier joined ABC News in 1993, where she served as a correspondent and substitute anchor for Peter Jennings on World News Tonight and as a fill-in host for Ted Koppel’s Nightline. She also reported for the network’s 20/20 program. In 1996, Crier won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Investigative Journalism for her work on the segment “The Predators,” which exposed widespread nursing home abuses across the U.S. In 1996, Crier became one of the founding anchors for Fox News Channel, hosting The Crier Report, a live, hour-long nightly program where she interviewed top newsmakers. She also co-anchored the evening news, election coverage, and Fox Files, a news magazine show. In 1999, she joined Court TV, where she served as Executive Editor for Legal News Specials and hosted Catherine Crier Live, a fast-paced daily series covering the day’s top legal stories. Her investigative reporting on the U.S. juvenile justice system earned her the prestigious duPont-Columbia Award. In 2007, Crier transitioned from television news to become a founding partner at Cajole Entertainment, where she develops television, film, and documentary projects. Crier’s career has earned her numerous accolades, including recognition as one of Moves Magazine’s Power Women of New York in 2013. A Dallas native, Crier holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and International Affairs from the University of Texas and a Juris Doctor from Southern Methodist University School of Law. She began her legal career in 1978 as an Assistant District Attorney and later became the Felony Chief Prosecutor for the Dallas County District Attorney’s office. From 1982 to 1984, she worked as a civil litigation attorney with Riddle & Brown, handling complex business and corporate matters before being elected as a judge in 1984. BOOKS The Case Against Lawyers—How the Lawyers, Lobbyists and Legislators have turned the Rule of Law into an instrument of Tyranny and What Citizens have to do about it A Deadly Game-the untold story of the Scott Peterson Investigation Contempt-How the Right is Wronging American Justice Final Analysis-the Untold Story of the Susan Polk murder Case Patriot acts-What Americans Must Do to Save the Republic

  • Jim Carroll

    Futurist, Trends & Innovation Expert. Author, columnist, nice guy Jim Carroll Futurist, Trends & Innovation Expert. Author, columnist, nice guy Acknowledged as one of the world’s leading global futurists, trends, and innovation experts with a massive global blue-chip client list, Jim Carroll helps transform growth-oriented organizations into high-velocity innovation heroes! He is recognized worldwide as a “thought leader” and authority on global trends, rapid business model change, business transformation in a period of economic uncertainty, and the necessity for fast-paced innovation. Jim has a track record of inspiring organizations to reframe the opportunity for innovation in the context of significant, transformative change. When the Walt Disney Corporation needed to inspire senior staff on the topics of innovation and creativity, they brought in Jim. The U.S. National Recreation and Parks Association had Jim open a conference for 4,000 recreation professionals to inspire them to reframe the context of recreation in the 21st century. The Swiss Innovation Forum featured Jim as their closing keynote speaker, delivering a message of the hope and opportunity that can come from being relentlessly focused on innovation. Even NASA has had Jim in to address a group that included several astronauts, directors of launch operations, flight engineers, and program managers, on the concept of “transformational leadership.” Jim Carroll is an author, columnist, media commentator, and consultant, with a focus on linking future trends to innovation and creativity. He has a 20-year track record in providing direct, independent guidance to a huge, diverse global client base, combined with a previous professional financial background, including 12 years with the world’s largest professional services firm. Jim provides high-energy keynotes for audiences of 5,000, or intimate, detailed, customized, strategic planning sessions for CEO/board/senior management meetings. He has researched key innovation success factors for dozens of associations, professions, companies, individuals, and industries including life sciences, health care, insurance, automotive, manufacturing, agriculture, technology, education, government, consumer products, retail, banking and countless others. His insight has been recently covered in the UK Telegraph, Dubai’s Capital Magazine and South Africa’s The Star newspaper. BusinessWeek named Jim as one of four leading sources for insight on innovation and creativity; he was a featured expert on the prime time CNBC series The Business of Innovation , hosted by Maria Bartiromo. Credit Suisse profiled Jim in their global customer publication Bulletin , noting that he provides “unique insight on growth.” Jim is also an author, with books including The Future Belongs To Those Who Are Fast, Ready, Set, Done: How to Innovate When Faster is the New Fast, and What I Learned From Frogs in Texas: Saving Your Skin with Forward Thinking Innovation . Jim is a graduate of the University of Toronto – Rotman Business School Directors Education Program, as his career path increasingly includes strategic guidance at the corporate Board level. TOPICS The Opportunity Horizon: Decoding Critical Trends to Future-Proof Your Business The AI Advantage: Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for Unprecedented Growth Leadership in the Era of Acceleration: Think Big, Start Small, Scale Fast The Innovator’s Playbook: How to Drive Growth in Any Economic Climate BOOKS The Future Belongs to Those Who Are Fast What I Learned From Frogs in Texas: Saving Your Skin With Forward Thinking Innovation Ready, Set, Done: How to Innovate When Faster is the New Fast PAST CLIENTS Professional Golf Association of America National Australian Bank Lockheed Martin Yum! Brands Texas Credit Union League American Agriwoman Society Walt Disney Corporation Diners Club Worldwide Pfizer McKesson US Department of Defense World Congress on Quality

  • 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

  • Dean Wegner

    Veteran, Entrepreneur, Keynote Speaker, Founder & CEO at Authentically American Dean Wegner Veteran, Entrepreneur, Keynote Speaker, Founder & CEO at Authentically American Dean Wegner is a veteran and an entrepreneur. He graduated from West Point in 1993 and served seven years in the Army as a helicopter pilot and Army Ranger. After leaving the Army, Dean spent the majority of his business career in business development, marketing, and strategy with Procter & Gamble and Mars. In 2017, Dean founded Authentically American, a veteran-owned, American-made premium apparel brand. Authentically American is a brand that celebrates patriotism, supports the American worker, and honors American heroes. As a former Division I ice hockey player, Dean is highly competitive, possesses a tireless work ethic, and continues to play in a men’s “beer league” every week. He is also active in his church and serves on the board of several for-profit and non-profit companies and organizations. Dean and Authentically American have gained national media exposure, having been featured in Forbes, Inc. Magazine, FOX News, MSNBC, Nasdaq, Newsmax TV, and SiriusXM Radio. In 2024, Authentically American was selected by the Small Business Administration (SBA) as the Veteran-Owned Business of the Year in Tennessee, chosen from over 8,000 businesses. What drives Dean most is his insatiable desire to make a difference. TOPICS 'Make a Difference!' Sing Second PAST CLIENTS America’s Future (AF) Keurig Dr. Pepper Belmont University Made in America Conference Bunker Labs Raytheon/RTX Dog Tag Bakery Rotary Club Founders Live University of Tulsa Georgia State University Wiser Solutions Johnson & Johnson CACI

  • Dat Nyugen

    All-American, Cowboy Legend, and Trailblazer - Defying Odds, Defining Greatness , First Vietnamese American All-Pro in the NFL, Chick-fil-A Franchise Owner Dat Nyugen All-American, Cowboy Legend, and Trailblazer - Defying Odds, Defining Greatness , First Vietnamese American All-Pro in the NFL, Chick-fil-A Franchise Owner (Born September 25, 1975) is a former football player, who was a linebacker in the National Football League (NFL) for seven seasons. He played college football for Texas A&M University and earned All-American honors. He played professionally for the NFL's Dallas Cowboys and became the first Vietnamese American to be drafted, play, and be recognized as an All-Pro in the NFL. In 2017, he was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame. Early Years Nguyen's family left South Vietnam during the fall of Saigon at the end of the Vietnam War, and he was born in a refugee center at Fort Chaffee in Fort Smith, Arkansas. He lived most of his childhood in the Gulf Coast town of Rockport, Texas. At Rockport-Fulton High School, Nguyen played middle linebacker and handled punting duties. Nguyen earned All-State honors as a punter. Nguyen was recruited and received scholarship offers from Michigan, UCLA, Notre Dame, Texas, and Florida. Nguyen eventually decided to play closer to home and chose Texas A&M University. College Career Nguyen attended Texas A&M University, where he played for the Texas A&M Aggies football team from 1995 to 1998. He battled the perception that he was too small to play linebacker for as long as he was involved in the game, despite his muscular 5'11", 238-pound frame. Proving critics wrong at an early stage, he finished his college career as the Aggies' career record holder with 51 consecutive starts, 517 career tackles, and a 10.7 tackles-per-game average. His 517 career tackles are a Texas A&M record. He is the only Aggie to ever lead the school in tackles for four consecutive years. It is widely acknowledged that Nguyen was the undisputed on-field leader of the famous "Wrecking Crew" defense, as well as being its most famous and decorated player. In 1995, he was named Southwest Conference Defensive Newcomer of the Year. From 1996 to 1998, he earned first-team All-Big 12 honors three consecutive times. In 1997, he was named Aggies MVP. In 1998, he was named a consensus All-American by every awarding publication, won the Bednarik Award for College Defensive Player of the Year, and the Lombardi Award for Outstanding College Lineman. Nguyen was also selected as a finalist for the Butkus Award, eventually becoming first runner-up. Nguyen missed winning the Butkus Award by a single vote out of more than 45 votes cast. It remains to date the closest vote in Butkus Award history. He was named Defensive Player of the Game for the 1998 Cotton Bowl after recording a bowl-record 12 tackles, including three tackles for a loss, and an interception, which he lateraled to a teammate for a touchdown. The Dallas Morning News named him Big 12 Male Athlete of the Year in 1998, and he earned Defensive Player of the Year honors in the Big 12 Conference. He also won the Jack Lambert Award in 1998. That same year, Texas A&M won the Big 12 championship game against Kansas State which is to date their last conference title. In 2005, he was named to the Big 12 Conference's 10th Anniversary Team. In 2010, he was voted on to the AP All-Time Big 12 Team tying with former University of Texas player Derrick Johnson for most votes at linebacker (19 out of 20.) Nguyen is generally acknowledged as the best defensive player in Texas A&M football history and one of the greatest defensive players of all time in the history of the Big 12 Conference. In 2004, Nguyen was inducted in the Texas A&M Athletics Hall of Fame. In April 2007, Nguyen was also inducted into the Texas Sports Hall of Fame and the AT&T Cotton Bowl Hall of Fame. On January 9, 2017, the National Football Foundation announced Nguyen was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame, an impressive class that included Peyton Manning, Adrian N. Peterson, Marshall Faulk, Steve Spurrier, and Brian Urlacher. Professional Career - Dallas Cowboys The Dallas Cowboys drafted Nguyen in the third round (85th overall) of the 1999 NFL draft, after his status dropped because he was considered small and slow for an NFL linebacker. Nguyen made an impact with the Cowboys from the beginning, leading the team in special team’s tackles (18) as a rookie and becoming the Cowboys' starting middle linebacker in his second season, after Randall Godfrey left via free agency. In 2000, he played 10 games (five starts) and registered 64 tackles, after missing six contests with a sprained knee and losing his starting job to Barron Wortham. The next year, he completed his first full season as a starter and finished with a team-leading 172 tackles. In 2002, while playing against the Houston Texans in the season opener, he suffered a broken wrist that forced him to miss the next eight games. Despite the serious injury, he finished the Texans game with a team-high 11 tackles (one for a loss) and one sack. When head coach Bill Parcells arrived in 2003, he was critical of the linebackers in the Cowboys roster, joking publicly: "If this were the circus, we could fit them all into one of those Volkswagens that 10 clowns climb out of." The next season, he would pay Nguyen a compliment when he said: "He's a football playing dude, that guy. ... You bet he could have played for any of my teams". In 2003, with Nguyen leading the team in tackles, the Cowboys were the second-most effective defense in the NFL and he was selected second-team All-Pro by the Associated Press. In 2004, Parcells implemented his preferred 3–4 defense and Nguyen repeated as the team's leading tackler, but the additional hits he received in this scheme started to affect his health. In 2005, he started the first four games before suffering a neck injury that sidelined him for three games. He returned as a nickel linebacker and played in four more games, before being placed on the injured reserve list on November 28, after the Thanksgiving Day overtime loss against the Denver Broncos. He finished the season with 31 tackles and one sack in eight appearances. Nguyen officially retired from the NFL on March 3, 2006, after a neck injury and knee problems, which hindered his performance, failed to improve. He led the team in tackles three times, in 2001, 2003, and 2004, and amassed 516 tackles in seven seasons, despite missing half of two separate seasons to injury. For his NFL career, he was named to the 2013 class of Texas Gridiron Legends. Coaching Career - Dallas Cowboys In February 2007, Cowboys head coach Wade Phillips announced the hiring of Nguyen as assistant linebackers coach and defensive quality control coach. Along with Phillips' son Wes, Nguyen was the first assistant hired under Phillips. Nguyen left the Cowboys on January 27, 2010. Coaching Career - Texas A&M Nguyen was named the inside linebackers coach at Texas A&M University on February 12, 2010. In Nguyen's first year as the A&M inside linebackers coach, the Aggies went 9–3 in the regular season with wins over nationally ranked Oklahoma and Nebraska, as well as wins over Texas and Texas Tech. This marked the first time in school history that A&M had beaten all four of those teams in a single season. The resurgence of the Texas A&M defense to its former glory as the "Wrecking Crew" and particularly the outstanding play of the linebacker corps has been cited as a major reason for the team's 2010 season success. Nguyen helped cement linebacker Von Miller's status in Texas A&M history by coaching him in the 2010 season, which led to Miller being awarded the 2010 Butkus Award. At the conclusion of the 2011 season, Nguyen retired from coaching at Texas A&M. Personal life Nguyen married his college sweetheart, Becky, and they have three daughters and twin boys. In May 2004, Nguyen was awarded a Golden Torch Award at the Vietnamese American National Gala in Washington, D.C. He was also featured in HBO's Hard Knocks. In 2012, he became cohost with Jason Minnix of an afternoon sports talk program on ESPN in San Antonio. In March 2016, Nguyen accepted an opportunity to become an Owner/Operator of a Chick Fil-A franchise located at Montgomery Plaza in Fort Worth, Texas. TOPICS Sports Overcoming Adversity & Resilience Leadership & Teamwork Cultural Diversity & Inclusion Personal Development & Success BOOKS Dat: Tackling Life and the NFL 100 Things Texas A&M Fans Should Know & Do Before They Die – Co-Author

  • 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.

  • Kathy Gruver

    Stress and Communication Expert Kathy Gruver Stress and Communication Expert Kathy Gruver, PhD, is an accomplished speaker, author, and stress management expert who has inspired audiences across four continents, including appearances at two TEDx events, three cruise ships, and multiple islands. Known for her unique blend of humor, performance background, and real-life experience, Kathy delivers engaging and impactful presentations that resonate with audiences of all kinds. Dr. Gruver is the award-winning author of seven books, including Conquer Your Stress, Workplace Wellness, Conquer Your Stress at Work, and Journey of Healing . As a twelve-time award winner, her books offer practical tools and insights into managing stress and improving overall well-being. She also hosts the TV show based on her first book, The Alternative Medicine Cabinet , where she shares her knowledge and expertise in a relatable and accessible way. With a PhD in Natural Health, Kathy’s educational background is complemented by years of hands-on experience in mind-body medicine. She studied at the Benson-Henry Institute for Mind-Body Medicine at Harvard University, where she deepened her understanding of the mind-body connection and its role in health and healing. Dr. Gruver has been featured as an expert in renowned publications such as Glamour, Fitness, Time, WebMD, Prevention, and the Huffington Post. She has also appeared on over 250 radio and TV shows, including broadcasts on Lifetime, NPR, CBS Radio, and SkyNews London. In 2015, she had the honor of creating a stress reduction program for the U.S. Military, underscoring her expertise in helping individuals and organizations manage stress in high-pressure environments. She’s also the co-host of the Fire and Earth Podcast , where she continues to share her knowledge and engage with thought leaders on topics related to stress management, personal growth, and holistic health. Outside of her professional achievements, Kathy believes in the power of fun and stress relief. She enjoys hip hop dancing and the thrill of flying trapeze, embracing the importance of play and physical activity for a balanced, healthy life. TOPICS Five Keys to Conquer Stress: Go from Worrier to Warrior Say What?! How to Communicate Anything to Anyone Work/Life Balance The Power of Presence Go For It BOOKS The Alternative Medicine Cabinet Conquer your Stress Journey of Healing Conquer your Stress at Work Workplace Wellness Body/Mind Therapies for the Bodyworker Market my Practice Say What?! (coming soon!) PAST CLIENTS CA Human Resources National Emergency Number Association American Vetrinary Medical Association TEDx USPS Raytheon CA Headstart The KYA Group Southland Industries American Heart Association Cassling (Siemens) NOSHCON Raytheon Corporation

  • Matthew Luhn

    Top Creativity Keynote Speaker, Award Winning Filmmaker, Director, Former Lead Storyteller and Animator at Pixar Studio Matthew Luhn Top Creativity Keynote Speaker, Award Winning Filmmaker, Director, Former Lead Storyteller and Animator at Pixar Studio Matthew Luhn is an accomplished storyteller, instructor, motivational keynote speaker, and story consultant with over 20 years of experience creating stories and characters at Pixar Animation Studios. Alongside his story work in Hollywood, Matthew collaborates with Fortune 500 companies, entrepreneurs, and professionals to craft and tell stories that bridge the gap between business and heart, helping to build stronger brands and enhance business communication. Matthew’s recent clients include Adidas, Target, Coca-Cola, Procter & Gamble, Facebook, Warner Brothers, Sony, and Google. Matthew’s story credits include Toy Story, Toy Story 2, Toy Story 3, Monsters, Inc., Monsters University, Finding Nemo, Up, Cars, Ratatouille, and other films currently in development. With over 20 years of experience creating and developing dozens of films, TV shows, and video games at Pixar, The Simpsons, ILM, and other studios, Matthew Luhn knows what it takes to create memorable stories with enduring characters. From filmmaking to business, Matthew’s storytelling insights are invaluable to anyone wanting to improve their story skills or master the art of persuasive storytelling. In Matthew’s seminars, he shares his process for generating new ideas and characters, developing compelling stories and story structures, and bringing story concepts to life from script to storyboard to finished product. TOPICS AI and Storytelling Storytelling for Business Inspiring Creativity in the Workplace To Innovation and Beyond Storytelling For Leaders: Creating Memorable And Emotional Connections To Inspire And Motivate Your Team

  • Dr. Jennifer Ashton

    ABC News Chief Medical Correspondent Dr. Jennifer Ashton ABC News Chief Medical Correspondent Dr. Jennifer Ashton is Board-Certified Ob-Gyn and is also Board-Certified in Obesity Medicine. She is a graduate of Columbia College, Columbia University. She then received her medical degree from Columbia University, College of Physicians and Surgeons, where she was elected Class President for four consecutive years. Upon graduation, she was awarded the prestigious Bartlestone Award in Pharmacology. Dr. Ashton received her post-graduate training in women’s health and surgery at St. Luke’s-Roosevelt Hospital Center in NYC, an affiliate of Columbia University’s College of Physicians and Surgeons. She served as Administrative Chief Resident and was awarded Chief Resident of the Year upon completing her residency. She received a Master’s of Science degree in Nutrition from the Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons Institute of Human Nutrition in 2016, making Dr. Ashton one of the only M.D.’s with a national media platform who also has a degree in Nutrition. Dr. Ashton is a Fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. She has presented abstracts and posters at national clinical meetings in the fields of General Surgery, Critical Care, and Gynecologic Oncology. Dr. Ashton is on the attending staff of Englewood Hospital and Medical Center in Englewood, NJ, an affiliate of Mt. Sinai School of Medicine. One of the few physicians with media platforms who still sees patients, she has an active medical practice, where she treats women of all ages for medical and surgical gynecologic conditions. In addition, using her credentials in Obesity Medicine and Nutrition, Dr. Ashton treats obesity/overweight, and manages weight-loss medications, recommends dietary approaches, and often uncovers a major cause for struggles with weight that had gone undiagnosed. In October 2017, Dr. Ashton was named Chief Medical Correspondent for ABC News. In 2013, CBS Paramount Television announced that Dr. Ashton had been signed as co-host of the daytime medical tv show, The Doctors . Since 2012, she has also been the Senior Medical Contributor for Good Morning America and World News Tonight , ABC News. From 2009 to 2011, Dr. Ashton was the Medical Correspondent for CBS News Network, where she received the prestigious Columbia Alfred DuPont Award for Excellence in Journalism for her work. Dr. Ashton is the bestselling author of five books: The Self Care Solution and Life After Suicide , as well as, Eat This Not That When Expecting , The Body Scoop for Girls , and Your Body Beautiful . Dr. Ashton is also the author of the monthly feature column, “Ask Dr. Ashton,” in Cosmopolitan Magazine. In January, 2010, Dr. Ashton traveled to Haiti with a medical team where she treated victims of the earthquake for 8 days. Dr. Ashton is the country’s leading voice of women’s health, as the only Board-certified Ob-Gyn with two national media platforms. She is a frequent keynote speaker and moderator for national events regarding Health and Wellness. She is committed to improving the lives of girls and women through increasing health literacy and busting myths that have been propagated via folklore with little medical or scientific basis. She has a ‘girlfriend’s’ approachable demeanor with Ivy League credentials that combine to make her the definitive voice for women’s health in the modern age. As a mom of two teenagers, Dr. Ashton not only ‘talks the talk’ but ‘walks the walk’, proving that commitment to good nutrition, fitness, sleep and stress reduction are the cornerstones to health and wellness. With her MD, and credentials in Nutrition, along with her accomplishments as a triathlete, cyclist and fitness enthusiast, Dr. Ashton is as comfortable discussing the latest workout or diet trend, as she is counseling on cancer screening or reproductive health issues facing women. TOPICS Mental Health: Healing After Tragedy Women’s Health in the Media The Self Care Solution: How to Improve Your Health One Month at a Time How to Achieve a Work/Life Balance in a Non-Stop World Books The Body Scoop for Girls Your Body Beautiful Eat This, Not That Life After Suicide The Self Care Solution PAST CLIENTS American Heart Association Citibank Blue Cross Blue Shield First Dignity Health Fox Trail Living Woman’s Day Red Dress Award Aspen Ideas Festival Urban Zen Foundation Women in the World Summit American Health Lawyers Association

  • Garrison Wynn, CSP

    Action and Adaptability create opportunity Garrison Wynn, CSP Action and Adaptability create opportunity Garrison Wynn, CSP, is a Fortune 500 leader and professional stand-up comedian who blends comic timing with business expertise to deliver powerful motivational presentations. For over 20 years, he has been a sought-after keynote speaker for clients like American Express, Wells Fargo, Oracle, and NASA at corporate and association events. Garrison is the author of the Amazon bestsellers The Real Truth About Success and The Cowbell Principle. He has also contributed weekly to the Washington Post and has been featured in Forbes and Inc. magazines. Garrison’s career began in his teens, when he debuted the world’s first video gaming system (the Odyssey) alongside baseball legend Hank Aaron. As a young man, he spent six years touring comedy clubs with some of the biggest names in the business. He later became the youngest department head in Fortune 500 company history, where he researched and designed processes for 38 company locations nationwide. Garrison also developed and marketed products that are still being sold in 30 countries today. TOPICS Making the Most of Difficult Situations: Changing Markets, Changing Times The Truth About Success: Being the Best vs. Being Consistently Chosen Getting Great Results: Turning Talent Into Performance Generations Working Better Together The Real Truth About Success: What the Top 1% Do Differently and Why They Won’t Tell You How to Win an Unfair Fight: Influencing People You Have No Authority Over Influence in Action: How to Consistently Hold People Accountable BOOKS The Real Truth about Success: What the Top 1% Do Differently, Why They Won’t Tell You, and How You Can Do It Anyway! PAST CLIENTS Oracle Verizon Fast Company Magazine Subway Department of Defense Wells fargo Chevron O’Reilly Auto Parts Kraft Dish Network NASA Pepsi

  • Alex Sheen

    Because I Said I Would Alex Sheen Because I Said I Would Alex Sheen is the founder of Because I Said I Would, a global social movement and nonprofit dedicated to making the world a better place through the power of promises made and kept. Inspired by the loss of his father, Alex’s organization sends promise cards—free of charge—to anyone, anywhere in the world. Known for his unwavering commitment, Alex once walked 240 miles across Ohio in just 10 days to fulfill a personal promise. In only two years, Because I Said I Would has distributed over 3.15 million promise cards to more than 153 countries. The impact of these promises has captured global attention, making headlines worldwide. Alex’s work has been featured in prominent media outlets, including ABC World News with Diane Sawyer, CNN, The Today Show, NPR, and The Los Angeles Times, among others. TOPICS Power of a Promise Importance of a Promise PAST CLIENTS M.O.R.T. National Apartment Association American Association of Critical Care Nurses Johnson & Johnson Southwest Airlines Montana State Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development

  • Eric M. Bailey

    Making Brain Science Engaging Eric M. Bailey Making Brain Science Engaging Eric M. Bailey is the bestselling author of The Cure for Stupidity: Using Brain Science to Explain Irrational Behavior and President of Bailey Strategic Innovation Group, one of the fastest-growing human communication consulting firms in the United States. Eric has a diverse set of experiences that includes helping NFL All-Pro Larry Fitzgerald pet a rhinoceros, doing barrel rolls in an F-16, and chatting with LL Cool J on the campus of Harvard University. Honored as Diversity Leader of the Year, Eric is the creator of the Principles of Human Understanding™, a leadership and communication methodology based in brain science and psychology. Eric’s unique style blends fact and emotion and finds ways to appeal to the analytical thinkers, the emotional feelers, and everyone in between. Eric has a unique ability to communicate seemingly complex concepts in practical, easy-to-comprehend ways, aiding in self-awareness and knowledge retention. As a honoree of the prestigious 40 Under 40 award, Eric has been featured on CNN, The Wall Street Journal, Fox Soul, Huffington Post, Forbes, the Consciously Unbiased Podcast, and has helped leaders and teams across the world see common problems from new and different perspectives. Eric works with Google Inc, the US Air Force, Los Angeles County, the City of St. Louis, MO, Phoenix Police Department, and many more. Eric also runs a YouTube series of 2-minute executive lessons called The Walking Meeting ( www.thewalkingmeeting.com ). Eric has a Master’s degree in Leadership and Organizational Psychology from Saint Louis University and is a lifetime learner of human and organizational behavior. When not working or researching, you can find Eric and his wife Jamie racing on their road bikes, being cheered on by their three children. TOPICS Wholly Shift: Completely Changing the Conversation on Diversity, Inclusion, and Priviliege Using Brain Science The Cure for Stupidity: Using Brain Science to Explain Irrational Behavior Not Another Teambuilding! Exploring the Brain Science of Collaboration, Communication, and Culture BOOKS The Cure for Stupidity: Using Brain Science to Explain Irrational Behavior at Work PAST CLIENTS Google Inc. US Air Force Zelle (Early Warning Services) City of Phoenix Police Department Great Rivers Greenway (STL) The Bank & Trust CMG Financial Portland Audubon Society SHRM (AZ, CA, NJ, MO, FL, CT, MA, ME, RI) Workhuman TigerRisk National Conference of State Legislators

  • John Sileo, CSP, CPAE

    Cybersecurity Expert & Hall of Fame Keynote Speaker John Sileo, CSP, CPAE Cybersecurity Expert & Hall of Fame Keynote Speaker John Sileo is a renowned cybersecurity expert, award-winning author, and keynote speaker whose personal journey from successful entrepreneur to victim of cybercrime has made him a leading voice on protecting personal and organizational data. After leaving a high-tech consulting career to start a software startup during the early days of cloud computing, John built a multimillion-dollar business. However, his success was shattered when a company insider committed cybercrimes using John’s identity, ultimately destroying his business and wealth. Not only was John held legally and financially responsible for the crimes, but he also spent two years fighting to stay out of jail while rebuilding his life. Now, as CEO & President of The Sileo Group, a Denver-based technology think tank, John uses his hard-earned lessons to help organizations understand and defend against the human element of cybersecurity. His powerful keynote addresses—delivered to the Pentagon, Schwab, and thousands of audiences worldwide—are a blend of humor, audience interaction, and cutting-edge research designed to engage and educate on the importance of cybersecurity in today’s digital age. A graduate of Harvard University, John is also a member of the National Speakers Hall of Fame and has appeared on 60 Minutes. When he’s not on stage, he enjoys hiking in the Rocky Mountains with his family, reading psychological thrillers, and training in Taekwondo, where he proudly holds a 3rd-degree black belt—despite being regularly outmatched by teenagers half his size. TOPICS UN-HACKABLE: 5 Power Mindsets for Defending Your Data The Art of Human Hacking: Social Engineering Self Defense Building a Bulletproof Culture of Security The Surveillance Economy: Privacy Protection in a Data-Obsessed Word BOOKS Your Data is Showing: 12 Privacy Tools for the Surveillance Economy Privacy Means Profit Prevent Identity Theft and Secure You and Your Bottom Line Identity Theft Recovery Guide PAST CLIENTS US Department of Homeland Security Pfizer US Department of Defense FDIC Share/IBM User Group VISA Blue Cross/Blue Shield Experian Blackberry University of Massachusetts National Association of Federal Credit Unions International Security Summit

  • Tucker Bryant

    Poet & Former Googler Tucker Bryant Poet & Former Googler Tucker Bryant is a nationally renowned poet and former technology leader. After nurturing his craft at Stanford University, Tucker became a lead Product Marketing Manager at Google where he discovered the potential of the creative tools poets have relied on for millennia to drive innovative leadership in the corporate world. After a decade in Silicon Valley, Tucker left Google to challenge leaders to Turn the Page™ to unlock innovative leadership, competitive advantage, and sustainable growth. His performances, which have garnered millions of views online, have featured at TEDx, The New York Times, and dozens of other organizations across the globe. He has had the privilege of sharing on stages alongside Mark Cuban, Malcolm Gladwell, Gary Vaynerchuk, Earvin “Magic” Johnson, and Mel Robbins as well as governors and executives from scores of Fortune 500 companies. TOPICS Turn the Page: Innovative Thinking for Better Results Turn the Page: From Comfort to Calling Turn the Page: Leading the Charge for Change PAST CLIENTS Google New York Times Coca-Cola TD Bank Bristol Myers Squibb Active International Swiss Re Resideo BDO Compeer Financial YPO

  • Manley Feinberg

    More Focus, Courage, and Commitment Manley Feinberg More Focus, Courage, and Commitment Manley is an award-winning international speaker, best-selling author, and business leader with a passion for inspiring others to embrace both leadership and adventure. As a published outdoor adventure photographer and professional musician, Manley brings a unique and engaging perspective to his work, blending business insights with life-changing lessons drawn from his personal and professional experiences. A seasoned leader, Manley served two terms as President of the National Speakers Association (St. Louis chapter) and is an active member of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) Leadership Training Staff. His remarkable career includes 11 years with Build-A-Bear Workshop, where his leadership played a pivotal role in growing the company from 40 stores to over 400 worldwide. Under his direction, Build-A-Bear saw revenues soar from $55 million to over $474 million, and achieved a successful IPO on the NYSE. Manley’s leadership also helped Build-A-Bear earn a place on the FORTUNE 100 Best Companies to Work For® List for four consecutive years. Manley’s approach to leadership combines humor, practicality, and personal experience. He delivers actionable content that empowers organizations to develop their most valuable asset—their employees—by maximizing opportunities and driving measurable results. His engaging and relatable speaking style leaves a lasting impact on audiences, ensuring that the lessons learned will have enduring effects far beyond the presentation. In his inspirational keynotes, Manley blends National Geographic-quality photography with powerful storytelling, sharing captivating lessons from his lifetime of adventure across 25 countries and 400+ outdoor destinations. Whether he’s sharing survival stories from the Himalayas or overcoming communication barriers in Uzbekistan, Manley provides valuable insights that audiences can directly apply to their own challenges and endeavors. His stories inspire individuals and organizations alike to overcome obstacles, embrace change, and move forward with confidence and courage. TOPICS Vertical Leadership in Action: 6 Strategies and 1 Essential Question to Build Trust Beyond Title, Leadership Beyond Position and Commitment Beyond Circumstance Leaving Your Legacy: 5 Principles to Transform Your Customer Experience The Culture Crux: 4 Steps to Increased Engagement, Innovation and Accountability Chaos and Momentum: How to Gain Clarity and Get What’s Important Done Everyday BOOKS World class speaking in action (co-author. #1 amazon Best seller 4x) Reaching your next summit – 7 Vertical Principles for Leading with Impact (forthcoming fall 2015) PAST CLIENTS Energizer State Farm Menards Hdi Ubm Tech Moneta Wealth Management Netlelligent Master Card Cherwell Costco National Geospatial Agency Small Business Monthly Magazine Ceva Animal Health

  • James Pogue, Ph.D.

    The RIGHT Kind of Uncomfortable… James Pogue, Ph.D. The RIGHT Kind of Uncomfortable… Dr. Pogue is a leadership expert and trainer committed to equipping executives and professionals with the tools and insights they need to communicate and manage effectively. Drawing from his military service and overseas deployment in the Middle East, Dr. Pogue has firsthand experience in understanding the delicate balance between leaders and followers on high-performing teams. With nearly a decade in higher education as a Researcher, Professor, and Administrator, Dr. Pogue focused extensively on Unconscious Bias, Diversity and Inclusion, and the dynamics of Multigenerational Leadership. His work now spans across companies and colleges, where he helps organizations navigate the challenges of preparing, recruiting, and retaining talent from Baby Boomers, Millennials, and the emerging Generation Z. As an expert keynote speaker, workshop facilitator, and executive coach, Dr. Pogue provides well-researched, data-driven insights that empower leaders to make impactful decisions that attract, engage, and retain talent at all levels. He frequently travels to deliver his thought-provoking sessions to professionals across diverse industries including food, high-tech, travel, leisure, medical, and legal fields. Outside of his professional work, Dr. Pogue is a competitive martial artist with five national titles, along with Silver and Bronze medals from the World Championships. He enjoys spending time with his two daughters and six granddaughters. TOPICS Unconscious Bias: What it is (not) and Its Power in the Workplace Diversity, Inclusion and Bias (DIBs): Measuring Progress. Improving Performance. Increase Productivity Multi-Generational Intelligence (MGI): Use MGI to Improve Your Communication, Leadership and Team The Connection Quotient The RIGHT Kind of Uncomfortable Deep Connections Matter More PAST CLIENTS American Academy of Sleep Medicine AMD (Advanced Micro Devices) Vetted Solutions Transplace DFW Airport SmithBucklin American College of Prosthodontists WFF (Women’s Foodservice Forum) Cornerstone Credit Union League Connectiv Texas Roadhouse TDN2K

  • Leslie Ehm

    Bestselling Author & Swagger Coach Leslie Ehm Bestselling Author & Swagger Coach Leslie Ehm knows what it takes to unlock the swagger within. With over 20 years of experience in people development, leadership, communication, and authenticity, Leslie has built a reputation for transforming corporate cultures, supercharging employee engagement, and helping individuals and teams unleash their full potential. Formerly a TV host and advertising Creative Director, Leslie now coaches executives, teams, and leaders around the world on how to develop their swagger—the unapologetic confidence to own who they are and bring their best selves to every situation. Leslie is the Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Amazon #1 bestselling author of Swagger: Unleash Everything You Are and Become Everything You Want , a book hailed as “the must-read book of 2021,” “a game-changer,” and “life-changing.” It’s been described as brilliant, empowering, and the modern self-help book for anyone ready to embrace their true potential. Through her award-winning training company, Combustion, Leslie has worked with executives and teams from top Fortune 500 companies like Google, Disney, PepsiCo, Uber, and HBO, helping them break out of their comfort zones and become creative forces, storytellers, and super-connectors. She’s brought a serious dose of badass-ness to boardrooms across industries. As a dynamic speaker, Leslie’s mission is to help individuals tap into their unapologetic, authentic selves, infusing each session with high energy and a rebellious spirit. She’s wowed audiences at global organizations like Volkswagen, StubHub, TD Bank, Danone, and Jack Daniels—to name just a few. Her work and insights have been featured on Thrive Global, W2.0, Popsugar, and various podcasts and radio shows worldwide. Leslie’s energy, enthusiasm, and insights have earned her the reputation of being “better than therapy,” “a rock star,” “butt-kicking,” “a force of nature,” and yes—even “a witch.” TOPICS The Swagger Gap – How to Unleash All of Your True Potential in the Workplace Creative Swagger – How to Unleash Your True Creative and Innovation Potential in the Workplace Closing the Swagger Gap – How Leaders Can Amplify Performance & Culture By Unleashing Authentic Human Potential Selling With Swagger – The Power of Authenticity to Persuade and Profit BOOKS Swagger – Unleash Everything You Are and Become Everything You Want (Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Amazon #1 bestseller) PAST CLIENTS Google Danone Pepsico Lenovo TD Bank Volkswagon Stubhub ATD (Association for Talent Development) HBO IABC (International Association of Business Communicators) Honda Brown-Forman

  • Walter Bond

    “Mr. Accountability” Walter Bond “Mr. Accountability” Like you, Walter Bond knows what it’s like to be discounted by everyone around you. To run up against seemingly insurmountable challenges, and to have moments when it felt like those challenges were winning. But Walter recognized a single truth that changed everything: Peak performers have no excuses for failure, only reasons for success. After several stellar high school seasons, Walter earned a scholarship to play for the University of Minnesota basketball team. As an average college player who was overlooked by the NBA, Walter tapped into a peak performance mindset, changed his work ethic, and found himself a professional NBA basketball player for the Dallas Mavericks. Now retired from the NBA, Walter Bond shares stories, lessons, and motivation that spark superstars to success, move middle players into action, and excite attendees to come back for more. When Walter is on the platform, you will have the knowledge and skills you need to take the proven path away from the pack and into the Peak performer’s spotlight. Make your goals a reality. Motivate your team with powerful content from a power speaker—Walter Bond. 7 Reasons Walter is Right For Your Next Event: 1 – Your audience will be instantly engaged by Walter’s big personality and infectious enthusiasm 2 – You feel good knowing that Walter has delivered keynotes to millions of attendees around the world 3 – When you need action, power, and motivation all rolled up into one – Walter’s got your covered. 4 – Your audience will laugh, learn, and be instantly excited by Walter’s compelling stories and powerful points. 5 – You feel confident in your choice when you discover that Walter has wowed the media as the host of Food Network’s – Giving You The Business. 6 – Your attendees will benefit from a high-powered speaker with over 25 years of teamwork and professional experience when Walter is on the platform. 7 – When you want your “been there done that” attendees to say, “WOW! What an experience”, then Walter is your only choice. TOPICS Bigger. Faster. Stronger. The Proven Path to Break Away from the Pack. When Gold Ain’t Good Enough How Top Performers become Epic Achievers Suck it up. Get Tough. What Peak Performers do that Others Don’t All Buts StinkThere are No Excuses for Success Team Chemistry Trumps Individual Talent How Exceptional Leaders Deliver Unprecedented Wins BOOKS All Buts Stink! The Off-Season for Financial Advisors PAST CLIENTS 3M Administaff Aegon Allianz Life Ameriprise American Car Care Centers American Family Insurance American Farm Bureau Association of Legal Administrators Athena Health Baxter Pharmaceuticals BF&M Insurance Blue Cross/Blue Shield Bridgestone/ Firestone Cargill Carlson Wagonlit Travel Cayman National Bank Cellmark Paper Coldwell Banker Burnet Continental Tires Continental Tires Country Financial DirectBuy Dow AgriSciences DEA Express Employment Professionals Fairview Health Systems Farm Bureau Federation Farm Bureau Insurance Fifth Third Bank Fish and Richardson, PC Gilead Sciences GlaxoSmithKline Growmark GSA HSBC IHC Health Solutions Integrasys IRS Knife River LaFarge Construction Medica Medtronic Mosaic NAHRO NASA NBA National Assn of Realtors Northwestern Energy Prudential Realtors Questar Capital Re/Max RiverSource RSM McGladrey Skyward State Farm Insurance Sterling Jewelers TDS Telecom Thorp Reed Armstrong, PC Transamerica Capital TrusWall ULine Unitrin US Oil Company Wellcare Wells Fargo Zurich

  • Clark Beckham

    Singer-Songwriter Clark Beckham Singer-Songwriter Clark Beckham’s talent is indisputable. It’s as simple as that. Growing up just outside of Nashville, Tennessee, Clark discovered an undeniable love for music through church and later on as a street performer where his bluesy vocals could be heard throughout the streets of Music City. After graduating from Lee University, the multi-instrumentalist traded in the bustling streets of downtown Nashville for the bright lights of Hollywood. In 2015, Clark received his golden ticket for Season 14 of American Idol, where he captivated millions across the globe and was voted the runner-up of the season. Clark’s live performances dominated the top 10 most-viewed videos on American Idol’s YouTube channel. In 2018, Clark released his Year One EP, which debuted at #6 on iTunes’ Alternative chart and #22 on Billboard’s R&B Sales chart. Since then, Clark has performed with the famous Nashville Symphony, opened up for platinum-selling recording artists Jon Bellion and Allen Stone, and was nominated for a Teen Choice Award. Clark is currently gearing up to resume his tour to promote the release of his album, Light Year , which infuses elements of Soul/R&B with pop melodies. The latest release from the album, “Luckiest Man,” is a lyrically beautiful, stripped-down track with a deeply personal meaning. Inspired by musical icons from Stevie Wonder and Ray Charles to Marvin Gaye and Al Green, Clark combines his love of timeless Soul/R&B music with pop sounds and melodies to create a sound uniquely his own. From growing up singing in a gospel trio to performing on the streets of Broadway all the way to an illustrious stage in Hollywood, Clark has achieved a magnitude of success thus far. With a captivating and dynamic energy, complemented by his effortless vocal range, Clark’s musical journey is just getting started.

  • Charles Haley

    Five-Time Super Bowl Champion, and the Ultimate Game Changer Charles Haley Five-Time Super Bowl Champion, and the Ultimate Game Changer Charles Haley is a former professional football player known for his dominance as a pass rusher and his unique accomplishment of being the first player to win five Super Bowl championships—a record he held until Tom Brady surpassed it. Haley played for the San Francisco 49ers (1986–1991, 1998–1999) and the Dallas Cowboys (1992–1996), making a significant impact on both franchises. A versatile defender, Haley excelled as both a defensive end and an outside linebacker. He was a two-time NFC Defensive Player of the Year (1990, 1994) and earned five Pro Bowl selections. His ability to disrupt offenses helped define the dominant Cowboys and 49ers defenses of the 1990s. Off the Field, through his Tackle Tomorrow Foundation, Charles has focused on giving back to the community by providing young students with the resources and technology they need to eradicate literacy challenges that persist in underserved communities. Raised in a low-income household, he struggled with education, reading three grade levels behind his peers before his admittance to James Madison University on a football scholarship. With the help of football coaches and professors throughout his career, his reading levels and confidence soared, and he came to realize the true value of education as a catalyst for success. Additionally, Haley has been open about his struggles with bipolar disorder and has become an advocate for mental health awareness. In 2015, he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest defensive players in NFL history. His philanthropic endeavors have continued to impact communities, further cementing his legacy as not only a football legend but also a compassionate and influential humanitarian. BOOKS "Fear No Evil: Tackling Quarterbacks and Demons on My Way to The Hall of Fame" In this book, Haley shares his journey from his rise in the NFL to his struggles with mental health, including his battle with bipolar disorder. He provides an honest and raw look at his career, personal life, and the lessons he learned along the way. It’s both an inspiring and insightful read for football fans and those interested in overcoming personal struggles.

  • Jeff Saturday

    NFL Analyst Jeff Saturday NFL Analyst Super Bowl champion and six-time Pro Bowl center Jeff Saturday joined ESPN in July 2013. The 14-year NFL veteran regularly appears on NFL Live, Get Up, SportsCenter and contributes to other ESPN platforms. In November 2022, Saturday was named interim head coach of the Indianapolis Colts, a position he held for the remainder of the 2022-23 NFL season. Saturday returned to ESPN at the beginning of the 2023-24 season. Saturday’s NFL career spanned 13 years with the Indianapolis Colts (1999-2011) and one year with the Green Bay Packers (2012). Though he entered the league as an undrafted free agent, Saturday was a fixture on the Colts teams that won Super Bowl XLI and represented the AFC in Super Bowl XLIV. The Sporting News named him to the NFL All-Decade Team (2000-09) and he achieved first-team All-Pro honors twice (2005, 2007). Over a decade-long period with the Colts, Saturday anchored an offensive line that allowed the fewest sacks in the league (242), and his 132 career wins as a Colt are second only to Peyton Manning (141) in franchise history. Together, Saturday and Manning started an NFL record 172 games as a center-quarterback duo. In addition to teaming with the four-time NFL MVP quarterback in Indianapolis, Saturday played his final season under center with 2011 NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers in Green Bay. He earned his sixth Pro Bowl appearance there and helped the Packers win the NFC North. Following the 2012 season, Saturday signed a one-day contract with Indianapolis to officially retire as a Colt. He was inducted into the Colts Ring of Honor in 2015. Saturday was a member of the Executive Committee of the National Football League Players’ Association as a player. In 2011, he was instrumental in negotiating the long-term Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) between the NFL and NFLPA that ended the NFL lockout. A native of Atlanta, Ga., Saturday attended the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill where he earned a degree in business. The two-year captain and four-year letterman (1994-97) was named to the All-ACC first-team at center in 1996 and 1997, as well as the conference’s All-Academic team in 1997. An active member of his community and a contributor to numerous charitable endeavors, Saturday supports Kids’ Voice of Indiana, People’s Burn Foundation of Indiana, the Riley Hospital for Children and Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Saturday and his wife, Karen, have three children: Jeffrey, Savannah and Joshua.

  • Sam Silverstein

    Innovate Your Culture. Live Your Core Values. Inspire Accountability Sam Silverstein Innovate Your Culture. Live Your Core Values. Inspire Accountability Sam Silverstein is a leading expert in accountability, dedicated to empowering individuals and organizations to transform their lives and businesses through the power of personal and collective accountability. By helping companies cultivate cultures where accountability is prioritized and celebrated, Sam is on a mission to create a more accountable world. As a former executive and successful business owner, Sam’s manufacturing and distribution companies generated over $100 million in products and services, culminating in the successful sale of one of his businesses to a Fortune 500 company. Drawing on his extensive experience, Sam now works as a consultant, speaker, and author, helping organizations and their leaders think differently, challenge the status quo, and achieve better results through accountability. Sam’s work with entrepreneurs, multi-national corporations, and government agencies has helped transform organizational cultures, driving increased engagement, productivity, and commitment. He is the author of several books, including Making Accountable Decisions, No More Excuses, and his latest work, Non-Negotiable. Founder of The Accountability Movement™, Sam is committed to building powerful communities and organizations that live by their values, keep their promises, and consistently deliver results. Through his Accountability Roundtables™, Sam addresses the barriers preventing organizations and communities from fully embracing an accountable culture and helps them break through to achieve greater success. A graduate of the University of Georgia with a Bachelor's degree in business, Sam also holds an MBA from Washington University. He is a former President of the National Speakers Association and currently resides in St. Louis, Missouri, with his wife and four children. TOPICS No More Excuses The Accountable Leader’s Guide to Change BOOKS Non-Negotiable No More Excuses Making Accountable Decisions PAST CLIENTS Harvard Law Association for Financial Professionals Jefferson County Growth & Development Association First National Bank Society for Human Resources Association Executive Women International National Management Association American Trucking Association Pfizer Inc Certified Contractors Network Prudential Insurance Company NY Office of the State Comptroller Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International

  • Richard Petty

    "The King" of NASCAR Richard Petty "The King" of NASCAR Richard Petty, known as "The King" of NASCAR, hails from a legendary racing family. His father, Lee Petty, was a three-time Grand National Cup winner and the founder of Petty Enterprises, a renowned NASCAR racing team. Richard followed in his father's footsteps, joining NASCAR as a driver in 1958, and quickly made a name for himself. In 1959, he earned Rookie of the Year honors after securing nine top-10 finishes, and in 1960, he captured his first victory in Charlotte, North Carolina. Richard’s career reached iconic status after winning his first Daytona 500 in 1964, one of NASCAR's most prestigious events, and claiming his first Grand National Cup. Racing in his signature number 43 blue-and-red car with the STP logo, Petty dominated the 1970s, securing Winston Cup titles in 1971, 1972, 1974, 1975, and 1979. With a career spanning 35 years, Petty holds several NASCAR records, including the most poles and over 700 top-10 finishes in 1,184 career starts. His streak of 513 consecutive starts from 1971 to 1989 remains unmatched. Petty made history as the first driver to win on his 500th race start in 2013. He was inducted into the inaugural class of the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2010, solidifying his legacy as one of the sport's greatest drivers. Today, Petty continues to be a vital figure in motorsports, overseeing the operations of Petty GMS, a race team competing at NASCAR’s highest level, as well as Petty’s Garage, a high-performance speed shop. Beyond the track, Richard Petty’s cultural influence spans generations. He is famously featured as "The King" in Disney’s Cars and Cars 3, where the character is loosely based on his own racing career. BOOKS NASCAR Cooks with TABASCO Brand Pepper Sauce King Richard I: The Autobiography of America’s Greatest Auto Racer King of the Road “King Richard”: The Richard Petty story

  • Diana Damron

    Unleash Civility to Unleash Trust! Diana Damron Unleash Civility to Unleash Trust! Diana Damron is a speaker, author, and coach dedicated to helping organizations eliminate workplace drama and toxic behavior. Having experienced firsthand the impact of a toxic environment, Diana is passionate about fostering civility and trust in the workplace, believing that by unleashing civility, organizations can unlock trust and create healthier, more productive environments. With a background as a television news anchor, Diana has engaged in thousands of conversations with a diverse range of individuals—from the famous and infamous to ordinary people with compelling stories. This experience, combined with her personal journey and professional training, gives Diana the unique ability to inspire, motivate, and drive meaningful change. Diana’s approach centers around “The 3 C’s”: Civility, Communication, and Character. She helps leaders and teams identify the toxic behaviors that undermine trust, cause stress, and generate fear in the workplace. Then, she provides actionable strategies to replace those behaviors with practices that cultivate trust, collaboration, and respect. In addition to her work in leadership and organizational culture, Diana has an eclectic range of experiences: Former National Television Model of the Year, where she made a memorable entrance by walking off the runway at the Waldorf Astoria directly into the laps of the audience. Produced a documentary on sharks, which included Diana swimming with sharks—the real thing, not the TV show! Graduated Magna Cum Laude from Auburn University, though her diploma states Summa Cum Laude. Sent copies of her book, Civility Unleashed, to both the Trump and Clinton campaigns during the 2016 presidential election—yes, they both received them. Rode in the refueling pod of a KC-135A for a CBS news report. Diana’s work is driven by a commitment to transforming organizational culture and empowering individuals to create environments built on trust and mutual respect. TOPICS The Fearless Formula for Trust BOOKS Civility Unleashed: Using Civility to Survive and Thrive in the Workplace The Civility Workbook: Your Personal Guide to Unleashing Civility in the Workplace PAST CLIENTS Glacier Bank Mann Mortgage Agency on Aging ImagineIF Library Park Side Federal Credit Union Glacier National Park Schellinger Construction Flathead Chapter of Montana Association of Certified Public Accountants Kalispell Regional Medical Center Child Bridge Montana Woman Foundation Crevier’s Academy of Cosmetology Arts Amore Salons and Spa

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