top of page

271 results found with an empty search

  • Dan Jansen

    American Speedskater, 1994 Winter Olympics Gold Medalist Dan Jansen American Speedskater, 1994 Winter Olympics Gold Medalist Dan Jansen is an iconic figure in the world of speed skating, known not only for his incredible athleticism but also for his resilience and determination in the face of adversity. By the time of the 1994 Olympic Winter Games in Lillehammer, Jansen had already established himself as one of the sport's greatest competitors, with seven overall World Cup titles and seven world records to his name. However, his Olympic journey had been marked by heartbreak and disappointment. Jansen’s first Olympic appearance came in 1984, where he finished a heartbreaking fourth place in the 500m. He returned in 1988 as one of the favorites, but tragedy struck on the morning of the 500m event when his sister, Jane, passed away from leukemia. Despite the personal loss, Jansen attempted to race but fell in both the 500m and the 1,000m, leaving him empty-handed. In 1992, Jansen once again entered the Olympics as a favorite, but despite his skill, he could do no better than fourth place in the 500m and 26th in the 1,000m, further deepening his Olympic frustration. As he entered the 1994 Winter Olympics in Lillehammer, Jansen was the overwhelming favorite in the 500m event. However, in a cruel twist of fate, he slipped during his race and finished eighth, yet again falling short of an Olympic medal. At that point, Jansen had competed in seven Olympic events over the span of a decade without securing a single medal. But Jansen's story was far from over. His final chance for Olympic glory came in the 1,000m event, where six of his opponents had better times. Despite the odds, Jansen skated with remarkable focus and determination. He was on world-record pace when he stumbled during the penultimate turn. With incredible composure, he steadied himself and surged forward, ultimately crossing the finish line in 1:12.43, setting a new world record and winning his first-ever Olympic gold medal. Jansen’s triumph in Lillehammer was not just a victory in speed skating but a testament to the power of perseverance, turning years of heartbreak into an unforgettable moment of redemption.

  • Shelley Paxton

    Keynote Speaker, Advisor, and Simon & Schuster Author Shelley Paxton Keynote Speaker, Advisor, and Simon & Schuster Author Shelley is a 26-year advertising and marketing veteran whose legacy is imprinted on iconic global brands like McDonald’s, Visa, and Harley-Davidson. At the pinnacle of her career, as Chief Marketing Officer of Harley-Davidson, she was shocked to find herself feeling success-empty instead of success-full. That awakening led her on a profound journey that became her mission, business, and bestselling book, Soulbbatical: A Corporate Rebel’s Guide to Finding Your Best Life. Now Chief Soul Officer, she works with leaders and teams to redefine success and reshape cultures in ways that celebrate humanity, wellbeing, and soul. Her influential work is an empowering antidote to corporate burnout, attrition, and disengagement. It’s gained recognition on platforms like NBC, CBS, Forbes, Inc., and Thrive Global, making her a respected thought leader, advisor, and sought-after keynote speaker who’s been called “the next Brené Brown.” Her energizing and actionable keynotes are creating Ripples of Impact (ROI) in lives, businesses, and culture. Shelley is on a mission to liberate a billion souls from success-empty to success-full. She’s based in Chicago and obsessed with mental health advocacy and the color orange. For more info: www.shelleypaxton.com TOPICS FOR LEADERS: I Quit So You Don't Have To: Flipping the Script from Success-EMPTY to Success-FULL FOR ORGANIZATIONS: Ripples of Impact: Creative Cultures That Have Impact IN the World, Not ON Our Wellbeing FOR ENTREPRENEURS: What Are You Rebelling For? A Rally Cry and Roadmap to Success-FULL BOOKS Soulbbatical: A Corporate Rebel's Guide to Finding Your Best Life (Simon & Schuster) PAST CLIENTS ASA (American Staffing Association) NAED (Nat'l Association of Electrical Distributors) Roc (Global Search Firm) MEA (Modern Elder Academy) Fidelity Cap Strat Loyola Marymount University Northwestern University Chief

  • Richard Harding

    Global Partnerships Strategist | International Media Executive | Cross-Border Deal Architect Richard Harding Global Partnerships Strategist | International Media Executive | Cross-Border Deal Architect Richard Harding is a global partnerships strategist and cross-border deal architect who helps organizations navigate complex decision environments where alignment, credibility, and timing determine outcomes long before formal agreements are signed. Drawing on experience structuring collaboration frameworks across the United States, Europe, Africa, and South America, he works with leaders to strengthen positioning inside layered decision networks and expand influence where progress depends on consensus rather than authority alone. Across his career, Richard has worked inside decision environments where outcomes depended on aligning institutions that did not share reporting structures, incentives, or timelines. His experience spans collaboration with studios, investors, ministries, global brands, and international distribution partners operating across four continents. The Architect of Complex Alignment Richard has spent his career building collaboration frameworks that connect global brands, investors, governments, creators, and institutions across multiple regions. His work focuses on helping initiatives move from international concepts to successful execution in the United States by aligning organizations with different priorities around a shared objective. Strategic Deal Orchestration Directed $27M in multi-national financing alignment and co-production structures involving BBC Films and National Geographic, coordinating investors, institutions, and distribution stakeholders to secure top-tier U.S. market access for titles including Hotel Rwanda and The First Grader. Large-Scale Operational Leadership Led international humanitarian initiatives delivering more than 500,000 malaria prevention and education support kits across Africa through coordination with sovereign governments, ministries of health, regional education systems, and private-sector partners operating without a single chain of command. Global Perspective Raised in a diplomatic family across the United States, Europe, and Africa, Richard brings practical insight into how organizations reduce uncertainty and move initiatives forward inside decision ecosystems where progress rarely follows a linear path. TOPICS The Partnership Advantage Why the highest value opportunities take shape before formal negotiations begin and how top performers position themselves earlier in decision pathways than their competitors. Expanding Influence Inside Complex Organizations How professionals move initiatives forward across departments, regions, and leadership layers when authority is distributed and decisions develop across networks rather than reporting lines. Turning Relationships into Growth Engines How trusted connections become repeat opportunity pipelines that expand access, shorten decision cycles, and strengthen long-term positioning inside strategic environments. Winning Without Authority How professionals shape outcomes in environments where budgets, priorities, and timelines sit outside their control yet progress still depends on their ability to create alignment. Thinking Globally to Perform Locally How international collaboration environments strengthen judgment, adaptability, and positioning inside organizations navigating growth across markets.

  • 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.

  • Joe Theismann

    NFL Quarterback, Entrepreneur, Broadcaster and Author Joe Theismann NFL Quarterback, Entrepreneur, Broadcaster and Author Joe Theismann is a 12-year NFL veteran who played in 163 consecutive games from 1974 to 1985 for the Washington Redskins. He holds several Redskins records, including passing yardage (25,206), completions (2,044), and attempts (3,602). Joe was a two-time Pro Bowl selection and Pro Bowl MVP, leading the Washington Redskins to a 27-17 victory over the Miami Dolphins in Super Bowl XVII. In 1982, Joe was named the NFL’s Man of the Year for his community service and dedication to the health and welfare of children. The following year, he won the NFL's Most Valuable Player Award, leading the Redskins to a second consecutive Super Bowl appearance. Joe's career came to an abrupt end in 1985 when he suffered a severely broken leg during a Monday Night Football game against the New York Giants, which was broadcast nationally. In 2003, Joe was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame, and in 2013, he received the Walter Camp Football Foundation “Distinguished American” Award. Joe was selected in the fourth round of the 1971 NFL Draft by the Miami Dolphins and in the 39th round of the 1971 Major League Baseball Draft by the Minnesota Twins. After negotiations with the Dolphins fell through, Joe chose to sign with the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League (CFL). In his rookie year, he quarterbacked the Argonauts to a 1-4 record, led the league's Eastern Conference in passing statistics, and helped the team secure a berth in the Grey Cup championship game in Vancouver, British Columbia, against the Calgary Stampeders (59th Grey Cup). During the 1971 season, Joe completed 148 of 278 passes for 2,440 yards and 17 touchdowns. His 1972 season was shortened by injury, but he still completed 77 of 127 passes for 1,157 yards and 10 touchdowns. In his final CFL season in 1973, Joe completed 157 of 247 passes for 2,496 yards, along with 13 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. He was named an All-Star in both 1971 and 1973. In 1974, the Washington Redskins acquired Joe’s rights from the Dolphins in exchange for the team's first-round draft pick in 1976. Joe left the CFL and joined the Redskins, initially serving as the team’s punt returner. In 1978, he became the Redskins' starting quarterback, succeeding Billy Kilmer. In 1982, Joe led the Redskins to their first championship in 40 years, defeating the Dolphins in Super Bowl XVII. In 1985, Joe broadcasted Super Bowl XIX alongside Frank Gifford and Don Meredith, becoming only the second player to do commentary on a Super Bowl telecast while still an active player. He then worked as a color commentator for regional CBS NFL coverage in 1986 and 1987. From 1988 to 2005, Joe provided commentary for ESPN's Sunday Night Football, and in 2006, he joined ESPN's Monday Night Football coverage. In 2009, Joe analyzed game films on NFL Network’s Playbook. On January 9, 2010, he served as color commentator, alongside former head coach Joe Gibbs, for the AFC Wild Card Game between the New York Jets and the Cincinnati Bengals. Joe also co-hosted NFL games on NBC in 2010 and co-hosted NFL Network’s No Huddle in 2011. Joe’s popularity and charisma have led to numerous TV and movie opportunities. His acting credits include B.J. and the Bear (1981), Cannonball Run II (1984), The Man from Left Field (1993), and Hallmark’s Love on the Sidelines (2015). BOOKS The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Understanding Football Like a Pro The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Football Theismann How to Be a Champion Every Day: Timeless Keys to Success Quarterbacking The Official Illustrated History of Fighting Irish Football

  • Bonnie Blair

    Speed Skater Gold Medalist Bonnie Blair Speed Skater Gold Medalist Success under pressure is the measure of a true champion. There are numerous winners in the world of sports, but the celebrated athletes are the few who meet the challenge of pressure time after time. Bonnie Blair is undoubtedly celebrated as the speed skater who produces her best performances when it counts the most. Blair made her Olympic debut at the 1984 Sarajevo Games, finishing eighth in the 500 meters. At the time, Blair trained in both short-track and long-track speedskating. She won the 1986 short-track world championship. Blair returned to the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary, competing in long-track. There she won her first Olympic gold medal in the 500 meters in World Record time and a bronze medal in the 1,000 meters. Blair then won two gold medals in the 1992 Winter Olympics in Albertville and her final two Olympic gold medals at the 1994 Lillehammer games. This made her the first American to win back-to-back-to-back gold medals in a Winter Olympic event. Blair continued competing through 1995 when the World Championships were held in Milwaukee. She finally retired in March 1995, on her 31st birthday, by setting an American Record in the 1,000 meters. After retiring from speed skating, Blair became a motivational speaker. She has been inducted into the United States Olympic Hall of Fame, Chicagoland Sports Hall of Fame, the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame, and the US Speedskating Hall of Fame. BOOKS A Winning Edge

  • Darren Woodson

    Dallas Cowboys’ All-time Leading Tackler, 3X Super Bowl Champion, Real Estate Mogul Darren Woodson Dallas Cowboys’ All-time Leading Tackler, 3X Super Bowl Champion, Real Estate Mogul A three-time Super Bowl champion and five-time Pro Bowl selection, Darren Woodson is often recognized as one of the greatest players to wear a Dallas Cowboys uniform. A native of Phoenix, Woodson played football at Maryvale High School as a running back and linebacker. He attended Arizona State University, where he was a converted linebacker for the Sun Devils and earned his Bachelor of Science in Justice Studies. In the 1992 NFL Draft, the Dallas Cowboys selected Woodson in the second-round (37th overall). Throughout his 12 seasons (1992-2004) with the Cowboys, he earned a reputation as one of the hardest hitters and most ferocious safeties in the NFL. Woodson retired in 2004 as the Cowboys’ All-Time Leading Tackler with 1,350 career stops and registering career totals of 11 sacks and 23 interceptions. Throughout his NFL career, his dependability, athleticism and aggressiveness helped lead the Cowboys to three Super Bowl Championships (Super Bowl XXVII, XXVIII and XXX) – securing him an elite position in the club’s history. In 2015, Woodson was inducted into the prestigious Cowboys “Ring of Honor.” He was also named to the Arizona Sports Hall of Fame (2009) and the Texas Sports Hall of Fame (2017). Upon retiring from the NFL, Woodson joined ESPN as an NFL analyst in 2005. He appeared on “NFL Live” and “SportsCenter” and also participated on the network’s coverage of the Super Bowl, NFL Draft and NFL training camp specials. After 14 years with the network and commuting weekly to Bristol, Connecticut, Woodson announced his retirement in 2019. Transitioning from the NFL to a post-playing career is not easy for most athletes —but Woodson has found consistent success. Woodson joined ESRP Advisory Dallas, LLC, “esrp”, in 2017 and bridged his storied football career and entrepreneurial spirit with commercial real estate. In May of 2022, esrp merged with Cresa, the world’s only global commercial real estate advisory firm that exclusively represents occupiers and specializes in the delivery of fully integrated real estate solutions operating from over 380 offices in 15 territories. Woodson offices at the Dallas Cowboy World Headquarters – The Star, Cresa’s primary office in the Dallas-Fort Worth region as a Managing Principal and is an active Board member where he is directly involved with the firm’s overall vision, growth, and strategy. Woodson focuses on locating, developing, and defining business relationships across a variety of industries and markets. He brings his innate leadership skills and passion for creating winning strategies to meet clients’ real estate needs, while delivering a high-level of service. Clients include NTT DATA, Argo Data, ExamSoft and MTX Group. Beyond his remarkable talents and dedicated leadership, Woodson has made significant contributions to his community and is an active board member at C5 Youth Foundation of Texas. C5 Youth Foundation helps high potential youth with limited resources become successful and responsible leaders in their communities. Since its inception, over 600 Texas youth have experienced C5 Texas’ life-changing program and leadership experiences. Darren is married to Tiffany and has four beautiful children. BOOKS If These Walls Could Talk: Dallas Cowboys: Stories from the Dallas Cowboys Sideline, Locker Room, and Press Box

  • Scott Steinberg

    World's Leading Business Strategist Scott Steinberg World's Leading Business Strategist Scott Steinberg, hailed by Fortune Magazine as The Master of Innovation and by the BBC as one of America's top futurists, is an award-winning strategic consultant, business strategist, and professional speaker. He is recognized as a world-leading expert on leadership, change, and innovation, with expertise across a range of industries including technology, business, and generational trends. A bestselling author of Make Change Work For You and Millennial Marketing , Scott is frequently called a defining figure in business and technology by the Fortune 500 and one of today’s top trendsetters. His work has made him a go-to advisor for C-level executives, four-star generals, and leading organizations like IBM, PwC, and the US Department of Defense, where he provides critical insights into emerging trends and growth strategies. As the CEO of BIZDEV: The International Association for Business Development and Strategic Partnerships and the management consulting firm FutureProof Strategies, Scott helps clients understand and leverage industry trends to accelerate growth. He is widely recognized as one of the world’s 150 most influential keynote speakers and #1 expert on generations and technology (according to Google). A seasoned content strategy, social media, and communications expert, Scott has provided consulting services to over 600 media outlets, including CNN, The Today Show, and brands like Dell and MTV. His work spans industries, from sales and media training to executive summits and strategic advisement. Scott’s work has also earned him recognition as an expert witness and a board member advising top executives, attorneys, and investors. What Others Say: “One of the best gurus on innovation and competitive advantage strategies to accelerate growth.” – European Commission “If you really want to know about business, you should refer to Scott Steinberg.” – Richard Branson, Founder of Virgin TOPICS Leading with Innovation: How to Future-Proof Yourself, Fearlessly Innovate, and Succeed Despite Disruption Change Management: Creating a Culture of Innovation FAST >> FORWARD: How to Turbo-Charge Business, Career, and Sales Growth Defending Against Disruption: Maintaining Cyber Security in the Age of Digital Transformation BOOKS Think Like a Futurist Make Change Work for You Lead with Your Heart PAST CLIENTS IBM Deloitte PwC Ford Microsoft Sony Procter & Gamble US Dept. of Defense National Golf Course Owners’ Association American Association of Orthodontists Berkshire Hathaway US Navy

  • Brant Menswar

    Extraordinary Performance At Work And Home Brant Menswar Extraordinary Performance At Work And Home Brant Menswar is a best-selling author, performance coach, and one of the country’s Top 10 motivational speakers. He is widely recognized for his values-based leadership approach, described as “disarmingly simple and incredibly powerful,” and expands on this work through his books and the popular Top 200 podcast, Thoughts That Rock . Brant has helped transform what’s possible for leading organizations like Netflix, Verizon, Anthem, SunTrust, Microsoft, ESPN, Hilton, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and many more. Known for his passion and engaging style, Brant inspires audiences to discover their Black Sheep Values® and move forward with deliberate intention. Through interactive and entertaining methods, he equips audiences with the tools to perform at the highest level and define what truly matters most. TOPICS Building Bridges: The Fastest Path To High Performance BOOKS Black Sheep: Unleash The Extraordinary, Awe-Inspiring, Undiscovered You (Sept 2020) Rock ’N’ Roll With It: Overcoming The Challenge Of Change (Jan 2018) PAST CLIENTS Netflix Verizon Anthem Berkshire Hathaway Nothing Bundt Cakes SHRM Suntrust Bank GE St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital ESPN Microsoft Sony Pictures

  • TIffani Bova

    Global Growth Evangelist TIffani Bova Global Growth Evangelist Tiffani Bova is the chief growth evangelist at Salesforce and the author of the Wall Street Journal bestselling book GROWTH IQ: Get Smarter About the Choices that Will Make or Break Your Business. Bova has been named to the latest Thinkers50’s list of the world’s top management thinkers and is a welcomed guest on Bloomberg, BNN, Cheddar, MSNBC, and Yahoo Finance, among others. She also contributes her thinking to publications including Harvard Business Review, Forbes, Entrepreneur, Diginomica, Quora, Thrive, Rotman School of Management and Duke Dialogue Review. She is a change-maker whose thought-provoking and forward-thinking insights have made her a frequent guest on a variety of industry-leading podcasts and live broadcasts. As host of What’s Next! with Tiffani Bova, an iTunes’ all-time business and management bestseller and a top sales podcast according to Top Sales Magazine, Bova has interviewed a growing number of exceptional individuals including Arianna Huffington, Chester Elton, Dan Pink, Ginger Hardage, Bonin Bough, Mark Victor Hansen, Seth Godin, and Tom Peters. Some of Tiffani’s engagements include Fortune 1000 and strategic clients such as AT&T, MassMutual, and Panasonic. Bova is a top Twitter influencer in Business Growth, Customer Experience, Digital Transformation, the Future of Work, and Sales. She was named one of Inc. Magazine’s 37 Sales Experts You Need to Follow on Twitter, a LinkedIn Top Sales Expert to follow in 2018, 2019 and 2020, a Top 100 Woman in Tech, a Brand Quarterly Magazine Top 50 Marketing Thought Leader, and one of the most Powerful and Influential Women in California according to the National Diversity Council. Her book Growth IQ was one of 800-CEO-READ’s top 5 strategy and leadership books of 2018, the #1 Salesforce, Dreamforce Bookstore seller in 2018, and continues to be a monthly bestseller on Porchlight (formerly 800-CEO-Read) in 2019 and 2020. Having delivered over 700 keynote presentations (150 of them virtual) on sales transformation and business model innovation to over half a million people on six continents, Bova is highly sought-after keynote speaker. Prior to working with Salesforce, she was a sales, marketing and customer service executive for startups as well as Fortune 500 companies where she was recognized as being one of the first to develop a robust go-to-market model for cloud-based solutions, and indirect channel strategies to accommodate changes in buying behavior. She left the corporate world and joined Gartner, becoming a Distinguished Analyst and Research Fellow where she won the Thought Leadership award and earned accolades from the best leaders in the technology world for her cutting-edge analysis and her skill at architecting bold new strategies for sales and growth. Bova’s time on the front lines of sales, marketing and innovation, combined with her insightful candor, has resulted in a unique perspective that continues to inspire businesses and individuals to get smarter about the choices they make, think forward and increase their Growth IQ. TOPICS Future-Proof Your Business For Revenue Growth Revolutionize Your Sales: Harness AI For Business Growth The Experience Mindset: The Flywheel Of Growth

  • 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

  • Mike Singletary

    Pro Football Hall of Famer, Chicago Bear Legend, Author Mike Singletary Pro Football Hall of Famer, Chicago Bear Legend, Author Mike Singletary is a Hall of Fame linebacker, legendary NFL player, coach, and influential motivational speaker. After a standout high school career, Mike earned a scholarship to play football at Baylor University under the legendary Coach Grant Teaff. During his time at Baylor, Mike earned All-America honors in both his junior and senior years, and twice won the prestigious Davey O’Brien Award. In the 1981 NFL Draft, he was selected by the Chicago Bears as a second-round pick, beginning a 12-year career that would cement him as one of the most dominant and respected players in NFL history. Known for his unmatched work ethic and intensity, Mike became an All-Rookie selection and went on to start 172 games for the Bears. He was selected to 10 Pro Bowls, named All-Pro eight times, and earned All-NFC honors every year from 1983 to 1991. As the cornerstone of the Bears’ legendary 46-defense, Mike played a key role in one of the most dominant defensive seasons in NFL history, allowing fewer than 11 points per game in 1985. That year, the Bears posted a 15-1 record and triumphed in Super Bowl XX with a decisive 46-10 victory over the New England Patriots. Mike’s career was defined by numerous accolades, including being named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 1985 and 1988. He also received the NFLPA Alan Page Community Award, the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award, the Bart Starr Award, and was honored with a spot on the NFL All-Decade Team. In 1998, Mike was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility, cementing his place among the greatest players in NFL history. After retiring from football in 1992, Mike continued his impact on the game as a coach in the NFL from 2003 to 2013 and again in 2016. His leadership and coaching philosophy have inspired countless players and teams. In addition to his coaching career, Mike has worked as a consultant and motivational speaker for top Fortune 500 companies, sharing his insights on leadership, teamwork, and overcoming adversity. Through his Changing Our Perspective Foundation, Mike is committed to bridging gaps in underserved communities by improving access to affordable health and mental wellness services, education, career opportunities, and nutritious food. His work continues to inspire change and provide hope to those who need it most. FEATURES CBS’s Beyond the Edge – Reality Survivor series – 2022 NFL Network’s – A Football Life featuring his life story HBO’s – Hard Knocks: Training Camp with the Los Angeles Rams ESPN’s – 30 for 30 – The 80’s Bears Beyond the Glory’s – America’s Game: The Super Bowl Champions Syndicated TV series – Kids Unlimited BOOKS (co-authored) Calling the Shots: Mike Singletary (with Armen Keteyian), McGraw-Hill Contemporary Singletary on Singletary (with Jerry B. Jenkins), Thomas Nelson Inc. Daddy’s Home at Last What It Takes for Dads to Put Families First(with Russ Pate), Zondervan Singletary One-on-One (with Jay Carty), Regal Books

  • Amanda Gore

    Wake Up To What Really Matters Amanda Gore Wake Up To What Really Matters Amanda Gore is one of Australia’s and the USA's most sought-after conference keynote speakers, known for her ability to inspire and engage audiences both live and virtually. She is the CEO of The Joy Project, a best-selling author, Huffington Post columnist, and a successful businesswoman. Amanda has also earned the prestigious honor of being one of only four Australians inducted into the USA Speaker Hall of Fame. For over two decades, Amanda has worked with leading organizations such as Google, McDonald's, Wells Fargo, Disney, Hilton, and many others to help them create cultures of joy and engagement. She specializes in bringing the humanity back into business by fostering environments where people thrive, resulting in increased productivity, sales, and innovation. With mental health issues on the rise, Amanda believes that joy is the antidote, citing research showing that joy can increase productivity by 31%, sales by 37%, and reduce burnout by 125%. As she emphasizes, creating joyful workplaces is not only a moral imperative but a strategic business decision. In today’s rapidly changing world, Amanda has adapted to the shifting landscape, particularly during the pandemic. Her ability to pivot from live presentations to virtual events has allowed her to stay connected with audiences in meaningful ways, even through the screen. With a professional quality studio and an expertise in quantum physics and virtual engagement, Amanda brings her sessions to life, ensuring participants feel personally connected despite the physical distance. As a communications and performance expert, Amanda focuses on the emotional and psychological drivers that influence business success. She combines the latest research in neuroscience, positive psychology, quantum physics, epigenetics, and emotional intelligence to help leaders drive engagement, alignment, and ultimately, results. Through her work, she teaches that true business success is not only about data analysis but also about tapping into the energy and emotional layers that fuel creativity, collaboration, and innovation. Amanda’s sessions, whether virtual or in-person, are designed to break down barriers, energize teams, and spark lasting change. Her approach is both scientifically grounded and deeply human, providing practical strategies to help organizations thrive in today's ever-evolving world. With her infectious humor and powerful storytelling, Amanda captivates audiences and transforms the tone of any event, whether she’s kicking off a conference with a burst of energy or leaving attendees inspired and emotionally uplifted. Amanda is the author of five books and several online, DVD, and audio training programs. Each year, she dedicates two months to research, ensuring her content is always cutting-edge and relevant. Holding a Bachelor's degree in Physical Therapy, with a major in Psychology, and expertise in neuroscience, ergonomics, positive psychology, group dynamics, stress management, and emotional intelligence, Amanda combines her diverse skill set to help people and organizations reach their full potential. TOPICS THE BIG RE-SET – How to Re-Inspire, Re-Focus and Re-Store meaning THE POWER OF JOY – How Joy Transforms Cultures, Performance and Mental Wellness NEUROSCIENCE OF SALES – How to Develop a Buyers Mindset THE JOYFUL TEAM – How a Growth Mindset, Engages, Motivates and Changes Cultures THE JOY FORMULA – 7 Ways to Build Resilience, Joyful Hearts and Restore Work Life Balance. It is Possible! THE JOY OF MINDSETS – 3 Must-Have Skills for Change BOOKS Joy is an Inside Job The Gospel of Joy The Gift of Gratitude You Can be happy The office Athlete (co-Authored) PAST CLIENTS Direct Selling Association Wells Fargo PepsiCo Million Dollar Round Table Subway Hilton Hotels McDonalds Association of Business Managers Silpada Designs Youngevity Qantas Allianz DISNEY Google

  • Sarah Quinlan

    It Is Always About the Consumer! Sarah Quinlan It Is Always About the Consumer! Sarah Quinlan is the Managing Director and Founder of SAQ Economic Advisory LLC. Sarah has over 25 years of macro-economic asset management experience utilizing all asset classes. She also has been a macro economic advisor to C-Suite executives from financial institutions, merchants and governments across over 50 countries. She creates custom actionable insights to direct strategic and digital objectives and evaluate historical results. Sarah also delivers global economic forecasting to advise on expansion for companies within multiple countries. She focuses on digital and technological evolution and expansion with key clients globally. As a highly rated and experienced keynote speaker for industry conferences with multiple media appearances as an economic specialist, she continues to speak globally. Specifically, Sarah spent six years as the Senior Vice President for Global Market Insights at Mastercard. Prior to that she was a Partner and Strategic Advisor at Matrix Advisors, working with corporations in industries ranging from insurance to glycol recycling. She previously was the CIO of a Family Office managing liquid and illiquid investments. She began her career in Commercial Real Estate Investment Banking at Salomon Brothers. Sarah has a B.A. and MBA from the University of Chicago and is known for taking complex topics and simplifying them. Additionally, she infuses humor into her speeches along with relatable anecdotes, often noted by those who attend her talks. TOPICS The U.S. Economy: What's Next? Will the U.S. Retain its Economic Exceptionalism? It's the Journey, Not the Path: A Person's Life Journey in Finance Past Clients StorePoint Retail NRF Target Corporation The Schottenstein Companies World Retail Congress Walmart Mastercard Mortgage Bankers Association

  • 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

  • Victoria Arlen

    TV Host, Gold Medalist, Author, Speaker, Founder Victoria Arlen TV Host, Gold Medalist, Author, Speaker, Founder Victoria Arlen’s life drastically changed in 2006 at the tender age of eleven when she developed two rare conditions known as Transverse Myelitis and Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis. This was an incredibly rare scenario, and Victoria quickly lost the ability to speak, eat, walk, and move. She slipped into a vegetative state, in which doctors had written her off as a lost cause. Victoria spent nearly four years “locked” inside her own body, completely aware of what was going on but unable to move or communicate. Doctors believed there was little hope of survival and recovery was unlikely. Victoria, however was not ready to give up. Instead of writing her obituary, she wrote a bucket list of the things she would achieve when she survived. In 2010, after almost four years she began the nearly impossible fight back to life - learning how to speak, eat and move all over again. Victoria went on to defy the odds and not only recovered but has since become an accomplished Motivational Speaker, Television Host, Philanthropist, Writer and Swimmer. Her swimming resume includes three silvers and one gold medal from the London 2012 Games, as well as multiple World, American, and Pan American Records. In April 2015, Victoria made the transition from professional athlete to sportscaster and joined ESPN at the age of twenty, becoming one of the youngest on-air talents hired by the company. She reports and hosts across all platforms including Sportscenter , First Take , NFL Live , This Just In , X Games , College Football Live , Sportscenter on Snapchat , Sportscenter Global , College Gameday All Access , and Special Olympics to name a few. In the Spring of 2016, Victoria defied yet another odd and after spending a decade in a wheelchair paralyzed from the waist down was able to learn how to take one step after another and eventually not only did she learn how to walk but within a year and a half in the Fall of 2017, she learned to dance as a contestant on Season 25 of Dancing with the Stars placing in the top five. Victoria is also the founder and co- chair of Victoria’s Victory Foundation, a nonprofit that assists those with mobility challenges. Since 2017, VVF has given out over half a million dollars in scholarship funds to those who need it most. Victoria’s book titled Locked In hit stores worldwide in August of 2018 as well as her 30 for 30 titled Locked In , which Victoria narrated and produced. Victoria continues to share her story on various speaking tours throughout the world. TOPICS Restoring from Rock Bottom The Power of Gratitude All it takes is a Blink Face it, Embrace it, Defy it, Conquer it BOOKS Locked In

  • Omar Johnson

    Speaker on Culture, Diversity, Marketing, and Branding; Former Beats CMO, Apple VP, and Top 100 Black Thought Leader. Omar Johnson Speaker on Culture, Diversity, Marketing, and Branding; Former Beats CMO, Apple VP, and Top 100 Black Thought Leader. Omar Johnson is a marketing innovator known for building world-class brands and driving transformative growth for some of the biggest names in business. As the former Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) of Beats by Dre and VP of Marketing at Apple, Johnson has led groundbreaking marketing strategies across brand development, positioning, advertising, and global digital marketing. During his tenure at Beats by Dre, Johnson played a pivotal role in growing the brand from a small startup with $20 million in revenue to a $2 billion category leader. Under his leadership, Beats became the #1 premium headphone brand in over 25 countries, a remarkable achievement that ultimately led to the company’s acquisition by Apple for $3 billion in 2014. Johnson’s strategic vision and marketing expertise were integral to the brand’s success, earning him widespread recognition in the industry. In 2016, Adweek honored Johnson as a “Brand Genius,” and Business Insider named him one of the “Most Innovative CMOs.” His work at Beats and beyond has consistently demonstrated his ability to create lasting impact and drive brand loyalty in competitive markets. Prior to his time at Beats, Johnson worked on some of the most influential marketing campaigns for global brands like Nike, Coca-Cola, Kraft Foods, and Campbell Soup. He was instrumental in producing iconic commercials for Nike, including the powerful “Rise” ad starring LeBron James, the memorable “All Together Now” campaign featuring Kobe Bryant, and the creative “The Most Valuable Puppets” series. Johnson’s work with these brands showcased his ability to craft compelling narratives that resonate with audiences on a deep emotional level, helping to elevate them from products to cultural touchstones. After his success at Apple, Johnson founded ØPUS United, a modern brand management company that brings together a diverse collective of award-winning executives, strategists, creatives, athletes, and musicians. Through ØPUS United, Johnson continues to push the boundaries of brand strategy, collaborating with top-tier talent to understand the anatomy of world-class brands and deliver groundbreaking work for clients. In addition to his work with ØPUS United, Johnson has spearheaded initiatives such as We The People and We Got Next, aimed at empowering underrepresented voices and creating positive social change. He is also the author of Dear White Corporate America, a thought-provoking work that sparks conversations about racial equity and representation in business and government. Through these initiatives, Johnson has sought to inspire younger generations to take action in areas like voting, polling, and increasing representation within politics. A native of Brooklyn, NY, Johnson earned a BS in Biology and Chemistry from Georgia State University and went on to receive an MBA from the Goizueta Business School at Emory University. His academic background, combined with his diverse career experiences, has shaped his approach to marketing and leadership, allowing him to see opportunities from both a scientific and creative perspective.

  • Paul Epstein

    Former NFL & NBA Executive Paul Epstein Former NFL & NBA Executive Paul Epstein is a former top executive for multiple NFL and NBA teams, a bestselling author, and one of the most sought-after leadership speakers and culture transformation experts. In 2022, he was recognized by SUCCESS Magazine as one of the top thought leaders who get results, alongside industry giants like Tony Robbins, Brené Brown, Gary Vaynerchuk, and Mel Robbins. With nearly 15 years of experience in professional sports, Paul’s leadership helped drive massive growth and success. He played a pivotal role in taking NBA teams from the bottom of the league in revenue to the top two, set Super Bowl revenue records during his time at the NFL league office, and opened a billion-dollar stadium. Paul is also the founder of the San Francisco 49ers Talent Academy, where he earned the nickname “Why Coach” for his ability to help teams and individuals discover and align with their deepest purpose and motivations. As an award-winning keynote speaker, Paul continues to make an impact off stage, delivering leadership development and culture transformation programs to organizations such as Amazon, Disney, Johnson & Johnson, NASA, the Los Angeles Lakers, and the Dallas Cowboys. In addition to his speaking and consulting work, Paul is the founder of the Win Monday community, an elite network focused on personal and professional development. He also hosts the Win Monday Podcast, where he interviews high-profile guests, unpacking their strategies for confidence, work-life mastery, and decision-making. When not on stage or hosting his podcast, Paul serves as Chief Impact Officer for PurposePoint and as a Senior Advisor for the Why Institute. His mission is to help individuals and teams perform at their best and achieve their highest potential. Paul is set to release his second book, Better Decisions Faster: Unshakable Confidence when You Need It Most in 2023, continuing to inspire and equip others with the tools to make confident, high-stakes decisions in both their personal and professional lives. TOPICS Playing Offense in Defensive Environments How to Lead with Courage while Navigating Uncertainty How to Make Better Decisions Faster Unshakable Confidence when you Need it Most Building a WHY Centered Culture The 9 WHYs of Building Trust, Collaboration, and Winning Teams Closing the Confidence Gap in Sales The Mindset and Game Plan Required to WIN BOOKS The Power of Playing Offense A Leader’s Playbook for Personal and Team Transformation Better Decisions Faster Unshakable Confidence When You Need it Most PAST CLIENTS Zoom NFL Amazon NBA Pepsi Cardinal Health ADP Johnson & Johnson Google Fairmont Hotels SHRM YPO

  • Eric O'Neill

    Cybersecurity Speaker, Tech Futurist, Author, Former FBI Operative, Inspiration for *Breach* Eric O'Neill Cybersecurity Speaker, Tech Futurist, Author, Former FBI Operative, Inspiration for *Breach* Eric O'Neill is a highly regarded author, attorney, security consultant, and motivational speaker. In 2001, he played a pivotal role in capturing Robert Hanssen, one of the most notorious spies in U.S. history. Hanssen, a 25-year veteran of the FBI, was responsible for the greatest security breach in American intelligence. The dramatic story of his capture is the inspiration for the critically acclaimed thriller Breach , in which Ryan Philippe portrays O'Neill. Eric began his career with the FBI as a "Ghost"—an undercover operative tasked with surveilling foreign, national, and domestic terrorists and spies. During the Hanssen investigation, he worked directly within the FBI’s Information Assurance Division, which was responsible for safeguarding classified intelligence. His work with the division was critical in exposing Hanssen's espionage activities. Today, Eric is the founder of The Georgetown Group, a leading investigative and security consultancy based in Washington, D.C. He also serves as the National Security Strategist for Carbon Black, a top provider of next-generation endpoint protection. In addition to his consulting work, Eric is the author of Gray Day, a gripping account of how he helped expose Robert Hanssen, the first Russian cyber spy in the U.S. government. Eric is also a sought-after motivational speaker, known for blending his real-life experiences with practical, actionable insights. His presentations resonate with audiences from a wide range of industries, providing them with valuable lessons on security, integrity, and perseverance.

  • Lisa Bodell

    Simplify. Innovate. Collaborate Lisa Bodell Simplify. Innovate. Collaborate FutureThink CEO Lisa Bodell ranks among the Top 50 Speakers Worldwide and is the bestselling author of Kill the Company and Why Simple Wins . She’s a global expert on simplification and innovation, who inspires audiences to stop their old ways of working so they can do more work that truly matters. A thought leader and serial entrepreneur, Bodell’s transformational message has inspired executives at top-ranked organizations such as Google, Novartis, Citigroup, LinkedIn, and CVS/Aetna. Her provocative yet practical approach enables leaders and their teams to eliminate the unnecessary complexity and time-sucks that hold them back and make simplicity their competitive advantage. Bodell is a monthly contributor to Forbes and has frequently appeared in Fast Company, WIRED, The New York Times, Harvard Business Review , and more. She’s been featured in many major books such as Warren Berger’s A More Beautiful Question, Adam Grant’s Originals, and After Shock, the 50-year celebration of futurist Alvin Toffler’s Future Shock. Bodell has taught at both American University and Fordham University, and has a TED Talk on the topic of simplification. She’s served on the board of advisors of several organizations, including the Global Agenda Council for the World Economic Forum, the United States National Security Agency, the Association of Professional Futurists, and the Novartis board of Culture, Diversity & Inclusion. TOPICS Unleash Innovation Killing Complexity The Great Reset Curiosity As Your Next Competitive Advantage BOOKS Kill the Company and Why Simple Wins PAST CLIENTS Delta Airlines Accenture Google Deloitte Kraft Merck Dell Fidelity AllState AT&T Adobe NYSE Euronet

  • Allison Massari

    Extraordinary Triumph After Burning Alive Allison Massari Extraordinary Triumph After Burning Alive Allison Massari is recognized as one of North America's Top 10 Best Motivational Speakers by Meetings & Conventions Magazine for three consecutive years. She was also honored as a main platform speaker at the Million Dollar Round Table conference, presenting to an audience of 8,600. As an international keynote speaker, executive coach, and visual artist, Allison has made it her mission to ignite vitality, boost morale, and inspire confidence across the globe. Her clients describe her as “riveting,” “heartwarming,” “thought-provoking,” “bold,” and “life-changing.” Allison's path to success was forged through overcoming extraordinary personal tragedies. In 1998, she survived a near-fatal car crash at 60 mph, leaving her trapped and severely burned. Just three years later, she was struck again by another high-speed collision, which resulted in a traumatic brain injury. Her long journey from these devastating events to healing and self-mastery has shaped her unique approach to resilience and recovery. Today, she lives a life beyond anything she ever imagined—and she’s committed to sharing her story to inspire change in others and in the organizations that support them. Through the power of storytelling, Allison weaves humor, surprise, and raw, heart-wrenching experiences to engage audiences. Her transformative journey allows listeners to understand the answers to some of life’s most profound questions and provides them with practical tools to manage change and adversity. Her deeply moving talks equip audiences with a new vision for overcoming challenges and thriving in the face of difficulty. As Allison shares, “The same internal fire and ‘command of self’ that I needed to heal my life is exactly what has fueled my professional success. Science shows that our resilience and sense of well-being are directly linked to the bottom line. This is the type of personal and professional development I embrace fully and love to teach.” In addition to her work as a speaker and coach, Allison is an accomplished visual artist, having created, placed, and sold fine art to international collectors and Fortune 500 companies like General Mills and Lockheed Martin for over 25 years. Her artwork is featured in the Museum of Fine Arts in St. Petersburg, Florida, and serves as a backdrop to her keynotes, adding a powerful and unique visual element to her presentations. Allison’s presentations offer practical takeaways that empower audiences to: Revive hope and confidence through a powerful story of overcoming adversity and the indomitable power of the human spirit. Navigate challenging situations and foster understanding with even the most difficult people. Raise the bar for a healthier, more peaceful work environment. Enhance team-building by recognizing the impact of human connection and the life-saving power of community. Leverage the transformative power of humor to manage stress and tension. Shift perspective to build a positive outlook despite seemingly impossible outcomes. Cultivate resilience with a simple, effective tool to overcome feelings of defeat, grief, and sorrow. Bring kindness and humanity to others in an instant, fostering stronger relationships. Stay determined in “impossible situations,” proving that resilience and tenacity can lead to success. Master self-control by maintaining integrity even when faced with betrayal or adversity. Take powerful actions when addressing everyday human challenges. Demystify myths preventing true well-being and success. Shift mindset using the power of the mind to change perspective instantly. TOPICS Ignite the Fire Within – The Art of Exceptional Self-Leadership Triumph over Tragedy – Success through Change, Adversity, and Tough Times The Survival Guide to Being Human and the Art of Happiness BOOKS “Ignited” – (Audio Book) PAST CLIENTS Million Dollar Round Table Siemens Healthcare Eli Lilly & Company Onyx Pharmaceuticals GE Healthcare IT HIMSS and CHIME Teva Pharmaceutical Industries LTD. LPL Finacial CA Bankers Association ARMA International Community Health Accreditation Program (CHAP) MADD Canada

  • Dat Nguyen

    All-American, Cowboy Legend, and Trailblazer - Defying Odds, Defining Greatness , First Vietnamese American All-Pro in the NFL, Chick-fil-A Franchise Owner Dat Nguyen 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

  • LST Speakers & Talent | Speaker & Talent Bureau

    At LST Speakers and Talent, a trusted speaker and talent bureau, we provide top keynote speakers, celebrities, entertainers, influencers, and athletes to create impactful events and campaigns. With 50+ years of expertise and industry connections, we save you time and money while ensuring a perfect match for your budget and goals. From B2B to B2C and B2G initiatives, our strategic approach drives measurable results and elevates your events. Discover unmatched talent solutions with us. EXCEPTIONAL VOICES UNMATCHED TALENT INSPIRATION DELIVERED At LST Speakers and Talent, we specialize in delivering the RIGHT solution to create the greatest impact for your event or campaign. Whether it’s finding a powerful keynote speaker, sports legend, celebrity, entertainer or influencer, our team leverages 50+ years of industry expertise and cultivated relationships to save you time and money. Our detailed approach to understanding your needs and budget ensures a strategic fit for your B2B, B2C, or B2G initiatives, elevating your events and campaigns while driving measurable results. SPEAKERS + TALENT SPOTLIGHT Robyn Benincasa World Champion Adventure Racer and Firefighter, Keynote Speaker Daryl "Moose" Johnston 3x Super Bowl Champion, Analyst for Fox Sports NFL Jason Garrett Analyst, Football Night in America, Former Dallas Cowboys Head Coach Alex Weber The Leadership Ninja Melissa Majors CEO, Innovator & Expert in Optimizing Learning, Inclusion, and Leadership Strategies

  • LST Speakers & Talent

    At LST Speakers, we produce the best speakers for your event. Our difference from other speaker bureaus is our innate ability (the sixth sense) to find the RIGHT speaker who will have the greatest impact on your meeting. LST Talent saves you time and money by finding the ideal celebrity, influencer, or athlete to elevate your B2B, B2C, and B2G initiatives. INSPIRING TALENT & ATHLETES UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCES BOOK YOUR NEXT TALENT/ATHLETE Looking to elevate your upcoming event? Bring in a sports legend or star to inspire, entertain, and engage your attendees like never before! Whether it's a powerful motivational keynote, an engaging fireside chat, an unforgettable meet-and-greet, or an exciting autograph session, our sports icons will create an experience that your audience will be talking about long after the event is over. From iconic athletes to rising stars, we’ll work with you to handpick the perfect fit for your event based on your theme, initiatives, and location. Ready to take your event to the next level? Let’s make it unforgettable! Reach out today, and we’ll create a personalized lineup that will leave a lasting impact. BOOK NOW OUR EXPERTISE With 80+ years of combined experience, LST Talent can book any talent or athlete to fit your needs. We partner with clients to find the right fit for their specific talent needs and budgets. We've booked and worked with multiple NFL, MLB, NHL, NBA, OLYMPIC, NASCAR, F1, PGA athletes and more. We deliver Hall of Famers, elite athletes, and exceptional talent for conferences, appearances, tradeshows, commercials and corporate events. We facilitate keynote speeches, endorsements, and media tours for top-tier talent creating impactful interactions and strong relationships. MEETINGS & EVENTS ENDORSEMENTS & PROMOTIONS KEYNOTES & FIRESIDE CHATS CORPORATE OUTINGS TRADE SHOWS EXECUTIVE HOSPITALITY TALENT SPOTLIGHT Terry Bradshaw Four-time Super Bowl champion, sports analyst, and TV star. Tim Tebow Heisman Trophy winner, sports analyst, and motivational speaker. Bonnie Blair Olympic gold medalist speed skater and motivational speaker. Pudge Rodriguez Hall of Fame catcher, baseball legend, and analyst. Mike Singletary Hall of Fame linebacker, coach, and inspirational speaker. SAMPLE BOOKINGS & PROJECTS Our diverse range of talent is perfect for your next event. Our extensive roster ensures we can find the perfect fit for your event's theme and objectives. From captivating keynote addresses to insightful panel discussions, our talent bring a wealth of knowledge and experience, creating memorable and impactful experiences for your attendees. Ivan "Pudge" Rodriguez Tony Dorsett Demarcus Ware Drew Pearson Roger Staubach Jason Witten Mike Singletary Archie Manning Howie Long Cal Ripken Jr. Emmitt Smith Ed "Too Tall" Jones Danny White Daryl Johnston Dan Marino Richard Petty Julius Erving "Dr. J" QB Icons Roger Staubach & Tony Romo Tony Dorsett Cooking with Legends Randy White "The Manster" Nissan Heisman TV Shoot Darren Woodson Dallas Cowboy Legends - Novacek. White. Pearson. White Jay Novacek Tony Dorsett, Terry Bradshaw, and Dr. J.

  • CONNECT | LST Speakers Talent

    Looking to book a speaker or talent for your next event? Whether you have a specific individual in mind or need guidance finding the perfect match, we’re here to help. Fill out the form below with your details, and our team will promptly reach out to discuss your event’s goals, audience, and budget. Together, we’ll identify the ideal speaker or talent to inspire, entertain, and make your event truly unforgettable. ​​​Let us take the guesswork out of planning and bring your vision to life! CONNECT WITH US Looking to book a speaker or talent for your next event? Whether you have a specific individual in mind or need guidance finding the perfect match, we’re here to help. Fill out the form below with your details, and our team will promptly reach out to discuss your event’s goals, audience, and budget. Together, we’ll identify the ideal speaker or talent to inspire, entertain, and make your event truly unforgettable. Let us take the guesswork out of planning and bring your vision to life! If you’re looking for a quick response or need immediate assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact us directly. We’re here to help and will prioritize your inquiry to ensure a prompt reply. Mary Knox VP, Speakers & Talent 214-734-9119 mary.knox@LSTMarketing.com Celeste Madden Senior Manager, Speakers & Talent 817-366-3358 celeste.madden@LSTMarketing.com If you’d like to provide more in-depth details about your inquiry, please take a moment to fill out the form below. This will help us better understand your needs and provide a more tailored response. First name* Last name* Organization* Position* Email* Phone* Booking Type* Choose one Budget Range Choose one Event Name or Type Date of Event Event Location Speaker/Athlete/Celebrity Name(s) of Interest Topics of Interest How did you hear about us? Additional Information Request Booking LST Speakers & Talent 4514 Travis Street Suite 350 Dallas, TX 75205

  • ABOUT US | LST Speakers Talent

    The LST Companies are a forward-thinking group of businesses with offices in Dallas, Indianapolis, and London operating across North America, Europe, and Southeast Asia. Our talented team leverages a wealth of experience to create meaningful connections for our clients. Congratulations, Sondra! Sondra Ulin, VP of LST Speakers, has made the decision to retire after nearly twenty years in the industry and three years of leadership and dedication to our team, clients, and the many speakers she supported. Reflecting on her time at LST, she shared, “I truly enjoyed working alongside this team and am so grateful for the experience and lifelong relationships I built at LST. Celeste is a true professional and I leave knowing that LST Speakers and its clients are in good hands.” We will miss Sondra and wish her all the best in this next chapter of her life. As we move forward, Celeste Madden will now serve as the lead of LST Speakers, continuing to support our clients and speakers with the same dedication and professionalism they have become accustomed to. LST SPEAKERS & TALENT At LST Speakers & Talent, we are dedicated to delivering the ultimate speaker and talent experience, tailored to your unique event needs. Our expert team will guide you through every step of the process, from selecting the perfect speaker or talent to ensuring everything runs seamlessly on the big day. With a deep understanding of your event’s goals and audience, we make personalized recommendations that bring your vision to life. Whether you're looking for an inspiring keynote, an interactive session, or an unforgettable celebrity appearance, we’ve got you covered. From start to finish, we’re here to ensure your event not only meets but exceeds expectations. Let us handle the details while you focus on creating lasting memories for your attendees! MEET OUR TEAM Mary Knox VP, Speakers & Talent Mary has extensive experience working with pro athletes and celebrity speakers, including more than 30 years of scheduling sports speakers for some of the top brands in the U.S. and abroad. From corporate keynotes to fireside chats and moderated panels, she has utilized her wide network and ability to form long-lasting relationships to book legends from every major sport (NFL, MLB, NBA, NFL, PGA TOUR, USSF, Olympics, NASCAR, and IndyCar). A preferred vendor for AT&T Stadium and The Ford Star Center, Mary’s priority is finding the perfect speaker to fit her client’s goals and objectives. A native of South Carolina, Mary moved to Dallas after graduating with a B.A. from her beloved Clemson University, so she could be closer to her favorite pro team – the Dallas Cowboys! 214-734-9119 mary.knox@LSTMarketing.com CONNECT ON LINKEDIN Celeste Madden Senior Manager, Speakers & Talent Over the past four years, Celeste has worked alongside industry leaders Mary Knox and Sondra Ulin, building and managing a diverse portfolio of clients while overseeing contract negotiations, logistics, research, and data-driven insights that streamline booking processes and maximize value. She has partnered with top brands, speakers, athletes, influencers, and celebrities, earning a reputation for being both highly organized behind the scenes and confidently client-facing on-site. Within the Talent division, Celeste has supported and worked with former professional athletes including Hall of Famers Tony Dorsett, Drew Pearson, Iván Rodríguez, and many more. In the Speakers division, she has collaborated with notable speakers such as James Marsden, Molly Bloom, and James Lawrence. A graduate of the University of Texas at Arlington with a B.A. in Business Marketing, Celeste brings a lifelong passion for sports to her work. A former elite gymnast with eight years of competitive experience, she understands the mindset and discipline of high-performing individual, a perspective that helps her advocate effectively for both clients and speakers. Celeste is committed to delivering thoughtful matches between organizations and talent, ensuring every partnership creates lasting impact. 817-366-3358 celeste.madden@LSTMarketing.com CONNECT ON LINKEDIN Carson Burt Accounting & Financial Analysis Manager Molly Mehle Account Manager, Brand Experience & Social

  • Speakers

    BRINGING THE BEST VOICES TO YOUR STAGE BOOK YOUR NEXT SPEAKER At LST Speakers & Talent, we specialize in finding the right speaker, entertainer, or influencer to make the biggest impact on your event or campaign. Whether you're looking for a powerful keynote speaker, a sports icon, a celebrity, or an industry thought leader, our team leverages 50+ years of experience and trusted relationships to deliver top-tier speakers —while saving you time and money. Let us help you select the perfect speaker for your next event! BOOK NOW SAMPLE SPEAKERS BOOKINGS Rachel DeAlto Glenn Morshower James Lawrence Robin Farmanfarmaian Eric M. Bailey Sean Astin Darren Woodson Terry Bradshaw Rachel DeAlto Glenn Morshower James Lawrence Robin Farmanfarmaian Eric M. Bailey Sean Astin Darren Woodson Terry Bradshaw Rachel DeAlto Glenn Morshower James Lawrence Robin Farmanfarmaian Eric M. Bailey Sean Astin Darren Woodson Terry Bradshaw Rachel DeAlto Glenn Morshower James Lawrence Robin Farmanfarmaian Eric M. Bailey Sean Astin Darren Woodson Terry Bradshaw Up

  • 404 | LST Speakers Talent

    There’s Nothing Here... We can’t find the page you’re looking for. Check the URL, or head back home. Go Home

  • Profile | LST Speakers Talent

    We can’t find the page you’re looking for This page doesn’t exist. Go to Home and keep exploring. Go to Home

LST Speakers and Talent

4514 Travis St #350

Dallas, TX 75205
CONNECT

A Member of the LST Companies

Dallas  |  Indianapolis  |  London

© 2025 by LST Companies. All rights reserved.

A Veteran-Owned Company

bottom of page