General Stanley McChrystal is a four-star general, the former commander of U.S. and international forces in Afghanistan and the former leader of Joint Special Operations Command, which oversees the most sensitive counter-terrorism units. He is widely praised for revolutionizing warfare by fusing intelligence and operations and is credited with the capture of Saddam Hussein and the location and killing al-Qaeda’s leader in Iraq. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates called McChrystal “one of America’s greatest warriors.” McChrystal addresses leadership, teambuilding, and geopolitics.

Amy Walter is the publisher and editor-in-chief of the Cook Political Report with Amy Walter, where she provides analysis of the issues, trends, and events that shape the political environment. A contributor to the PBS NewsHour, she provides weekly political analysis for the popular “Politics Monday” segment. She is also a regular Sunday panelist on NBC’s Meet the Press and CNN’s Inside Politics, and appears frequently on Special Report with Bret Baier on Fox News Channel. From 2017 until early 2021, Walter was the host of the weekly nationally syndicated program “Politics with Amy Walter” on The Takeaway from WNYC and PRX. She is the former political director at ABC News and known as one of the best political journalists in Washington. For more than 20 years, she has built a reputation as an accurate, objective, and insightful analyst with unparalleled access to campaign insiders and decision-makers. Her analysis has earned her numerous accolades, including the Washington Post’s Crystal Ball Award and being named one of the top 50 journalists by Washingtonian. Walter addresses the electoral process, congressional culture, and the Washington political scene. “Amy was fantastic at our event on Friday. She was engaging and personable and our clients really enjoyed hearing from her. She absolutely set the right tone and was a highlight of the event.” - Banking Company “She was terrific; authentic, engaging and informative. And a very nice person! I would be happy to recommend her to any of my colleagues.” - Association

David Wasserman is the Senior Editor & Elections Analyst for the nonpartisan newsletter, The Cook Political Report with Amy Walter, and a contributor to NBC News. A prominent election analyst respected and trusted by Republicans and Democrats as accurate and impartial, David's expert commentary regularly appears on TV outlets and in major publications. Called “whip smart” and “scrupulously nonpartisan” by The Los Angeles Times, he analyzes the current political environment, looking at both national and local politics, what the future holds for both political parties, the three critical trends that affect voting, and the 12 clusters of voters that affect voting. Incorporating up-to-date examples from the past week of news and fascinating political facts, Wasserman’s presentations are lively, entertaining, and interesting, and he uses relevant analogies that are as smart as they are memorable. “Fabulous!!!! Our members enjoyed his presentation. And he is easy to work with, very flexible; adjusts easily to all situations. So easy going.” - Association “David Wasserman is a “keeper”. He was both informative as well as entertaining. The audience response was overwhelmingly positive and he networked well with the attendees.” - Manufacturing Company

Charlie Cook is widely regarded as one of the nation’s leading authorities on U.S. elections and political trends. In 1984, at the age of 30, he started The Cook Political Report, an independent, nonpartisan newsletter that The New York Times once referred to as “being regarded as authoritative by both parties,” while legendary CBS Evening News anchor Bob Schieffer has called it “the bible of the political community.” In addition to lecturing, Charlie continues to write his weekly column for National Journal, while also serving as a political analyst for the publication. He is also a co-author of the 2020, 2022, and 2024 editions of The Almanac of American Politics. Al Hunt, in the Wall Street Journal, referred to Cook as “the Picasso of election analysis.” The late David Broder of The Washington Post, long considered "the Dean of the Washington political press corps," once wrote that Charlie Cook is “perhaps the best nonpartisan tracker of Congressional races.” “Our event with Charlie was outstanding! We exceeded our attendee expectations and had more Q&A than we had time for. All feedback received thus far has been overwhelmingly positive. Charlie is such a pro and did a fantastic job teeing up his remarks with a reminder of the importance of advocacy and political involvement. We will definitely be inviting him back to speak to our group.” - Pharmaceutical Company “Rave reviews! I truly appreciate his joining us for the dinner portion and for his interaction with our guests during dinner and after his speech. Thank you for a terrific speaker and a smooth process.” - Trade Association

Paul Ryan served ten terms in the U.S. House of Representative and as Speaker of the House from 2015 to 2019. Known for his meteoric rise in politics and often praised for his seriousness and honesty, Ryan is a committed conservative and public servant who has spent his life advocating for real solutions that expand opportunity for Americans. Before serving as Speaker of the House, he was Chair of the House Budget Committee, Chair of the House Ways and Means Committee, and a U.S. Vice Presidential candidate. He is exclusively represented by Leading Authorities speakers bureau. “Paul Ryan was a major hit with our attendees. He was refreshingly candid, insightful, thought-provoking and, at times, funny. I would wholeheartedly recommend him as a keynote speaker for any group that cares deeply about American public policy.” - Electrical Company “Speaker Ryan was fantastic! The conversation with him and Willy was fantastic and loved by our clients and staff. Speaker Ryan was also gracious and giving of his time. He was able to bike with the team as well as attend our dinner Tuesday evening. He spent lots of time chatting with our clients, taking pictures, and just connecting with everyone.” - Financial Services Company

Dr. Hakeem Oluseyi has three degrees, 8 U.S. patents, four E.U. patents and has hosted shows on the Science Channel and on Discovery. But more impressive is his life story. Oluseyi grew up in the roughest neighborhoods of America, learned to survive on the street, and still taught himself Einstein’s theory of relativity from an old set of encyclopedias. At every turn he was presented with a compelling option to quit and yet he persevered. Today, he is a NASA astrophysicist, a global educator, and the author of the highly-anticipated memoir A Quantum Life: My Unlikely Journey from the Streets to the Stars where he recounts his journey from the streets to the stars. Dr. Oluseyi is exclusively represented by Leading Authorities. “Hakeem was phenomenal!! He was engaging, interesting, insightful, and HILARIOUS!! Our members really enjoyed hearing him speak. Many stood in line to get a selfie with him before he left for the airport.” - Association “Hakeem Oluseyi was a big hit with our housers! He received a standing ovation at the conclusion of his address, the crowd bought out the books, and the book signing line to meet him was the longest I’ve ever seen at one of our events. Hakeem connected with each person in that line, jumped up and greeted them warmly, engaged personally, and took photos. It was amazing to be a part of.“ - Nonprofit

Jonathan Capehart is a journalist and television personality who has worked as a policy advisor to Michael Bloomberg’s campaign, a national affairs columnist, and was a member of the Daily News editorial board which won the 1999 Pulitzer Prize for Editorial Writing. He is currently associate editor for The Washington Post, host of the podcast "Capehart," and is an MSNBC contributor and anchor for "The Sunday Show with Jonathan Capehart." "Jonathan’s opening keynote presentation during yesterday’s conference was absolutely fantastic, and the perfect tee up for the sessions that followed. He came prepared, was fully engaged, and really met the moment. We couldn’t have asked for a better speaker!" - Insurance Company

Mike Allen is one of Washington’s most influential and well-connected journalists. He is the co-founder and executive editor of Axios, a disruptive media company delivering news and insights on politics, business, media, and tech. The company, whose name means “worthy” in Greek, specializes in high-quality news and analysis easily shared among the country’s influential readers and across social platforms. Axios has been recognized for its forward-thinking approach to the way people consume news in the 21st century. The approach is chronicled in Allen’s book Smart Brevity: Saying More with Less, which he co-authored alongside Axios co-founder, Jim VandeHei. In addition to starting Axios, Allen was a co-founder at POLITICO, the digital media company that upended and revolutionized political and policy journalism in Washington, New York, and Europe. He not only reported on but also drove the day’s conversations in and around the Beltway. His sharp journalistic experience and coveted insider status make him an ideal choice to discuss the latest political happenings. In presentations, he offers his nonpartisan, energetic and up-to-the-minute insider perspective on the political issues of the day, the current administration, Congress, and building a business in an unsteady economy. “It was fantastic! Our guests were so impressed with the discussion and our ability to plan such a timely and relevant discussion. Personally I have to say Mike Allen is the nicest speaker I have ever met. In the few minutes I spoke with him, I could tell he is such a wonderful person! He is so kind and thoughtful! Now to work on next year and try to meet the level of expectation we have created!” - Private Equity Company “Mike was terrific. Everyone appreciated him. Perfect dinner speaker for our group!" - Investment Firm

Jim VandeHei is one of the most celebrated media and political thinkers of his generation. He is the co-founder and CEO of Axios, a media company designed to get people smarter, faster on politics, technology, media, and business. A longtime White House reporter before creating and running both Politico and now Axios, VandeHei offers a clinical, insider’s view on politics, AI, starting and running companies, and the modern media ecosystem. He has co-moderated two presidential debates, wrote two bestselling books, and won numerous accolades, including the industry’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2024. "Grand slam. Crushed it, both sessions! We want to book him for another event next year." - Consulting Company “Everyone loved Jim today. I have had many people say that he was the best speaker we have ever had! Seriously. And guess what - I agree! Please thank him for me and pass along my quick comment.” -Nonprofit

CNN anchor and chief Washington correspondent, Jake Tapper, joined the network in January 2013. His one-hour weekday program The Lead with Jake Tapper debuted in March 2013. The program seeks to examine and advance stories that demonstrate Tapper's own curiosities and interests with headlines from around the country and the globe, from politics to money, and sports to popular culture. “Jake Tapper was actually kind of funny! He covered a lot and actually did research on our group, probably more than any speaker I have ever seen. Made calls to Capitol Hill to see what the status of legislation was that was related to us, etc. that was impressive.” - Engineering Company

Chuck Todd was NBC News’ chief political analyst and previously hosted the network's Sunday news show Meet the Press from 2014-2023. He is regarded as one of Washington’s foremost experts on political campaigns at all levels. With what the Washingtonian calls a “savant-like knowledge of politics,” his up-to-the-minute analysis and nonpartisan commentary has made him a sought-after voice in American political coverage. Previously the network’s chief White House correspondent and host of The Daily Rundown, he has the unique ability to deliver an all-consuming passion for politics with razor-sharp analysis as he looks at politics, campaigns, and elections. “Very low-key and very low maintenance. Easiest speaker we’ve ever had to deal with. Got to chat with CEO and they had a great time talking politics. Funny. Engaging….Went over great with audience: related well to industry and knew issues and how they were being affected politically.” - Biomanufacturing Company “Chuck Todd was absolutely dynamite last night. Our group was so pleased with his presentation, and he gave us so much to think about, we’re all poring over the news today and digesting all of the interesting insights he gave us." - Association

Margaret Brennan is the moderator of CBS News' Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan and the network's senior foreign affairs correspondent based in Washington, DC. Brennan has reported on politics, international affairs, foreign relations, the economy, and global markets since she joined CBS News in 2012 and was named the White House and senior foreign affairs in 2017. Prior to joining CBS News, Brennan spent a decade covering global finance, anchoring a weekday show on Bloomberg Television called "InBusiness with Margaret Brennan."