Erik Peterson sits at the intersection of global economics, geopolitical changes, and future trends. His riveting presentations are eye-opening glimpses into how we can and should address some of the most challenging global issues of our time. He maps the key long-range trends transforming the opportunities and risks and traces the simultaneous and significant global shifts in the areas of population, resources, technology, economy, security, and geopolitics. He untangles these complex trends for audiences and examines the real-world implications—both present and future.

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.

Revered as a uniquely-skilled “warrior-diplomat,” General John Nicholson retired in September 2018 from his post as Commander of U.S. Forces – Afghanistan and NATO’s Resolute Support mission. In this role, Gen. Nicholson led a 41-nation coalition war effort. The longest serving Commander of the Afghan war, he oversaw a $46.3 billion budget and roughly 14,000 international troops. A combat-seasoned military legend, he discusses coalition building, strengthening culture through collaboration, leadership, geopolitics, and organizational success in the 21st century.

Former Marine Platoon Commander Jake Harriman is the founder and former CEO of Nuru International, a U.S.-based social venture that empowers poor individuals in remote, rural areas to end extreme poverty in their communities. Inspired to act by the poverty and tragedy he witnessed during four operational deployments throughout Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, Bronze Star winner Harriman retired from active duty and enrolled at Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business before founding Nuru in 2008 and then living in 3rd world countries to put systems and models in place that save innocent families in war torn regions by teaching and building structure for leadership, agriculture, education, and survival. Harriman has now turned his attention to helping protect the American Democratic experiment. In 2020, he founded More Perfect Union to disrupt and reform the current political system, heal our divided nation, and give the government back to the American people.

A Pulitzer Prize-winning author, Daniel Yergin has executives rethinking their organizations' place in the world economy. His work on energy security and his perspective on globalization highlight the trends and challenges global businesses will face in the future.

Former Senator John Breaux (D-LA), the deputy minority whip until his retirement, held key Senate committee positions. He was a senior member of the Finance Committee, chairman of the Subcommittee on Social Security and Family Policy, and Co-Chairman of the President's Tax Reform Commission. He also held positions on the Subcommittees of Health Care and Taxation and IRS Oversight. Breaux addresses politics, health care, energy, bipartisanship, and lessons learned from Hurricane Katrina and the oil spill.

Ambassador Michael Froman is the president of the Council on Foreign Relations, dedicated to elevating Americans’ participation in matters related to trade and foreign policy decisions. He formerly served as the 17th United States Trade Representative, sworn in under President Obama in 2013. In this capacity, he served in the Cabinet as President Obama’s principal advisor, negotiator, and spokesperson on international trade and investment issues. He also led the Office of the United States Trade Representative in its work to open global markets for U.S. goods and services, enforcing America’s rights in the global trading system and fostering development through trade.

Tim Pawlenty, one of the leading voices in the Republican Party, was a two-term governor of Minnesota serving from 2003 until 2011, a candidate for the 2012 Republican nomination for President, and the co-chair of Mitt Romney for President. Tim was a solutions-oriented politician who was well-respected on both sides of the aisle. His education, healthcare, and energy initiatives were widely viewed as among the most innovative in the nation. Tim previously served as president and CEO of the Financial Services Roundtable, which represents leading financial service companies in protecting the security, integrity, and success of our nation’s financial system. The author of the book, Courage to Stand, Pawlenty offers audiences candid and entertaining presentations on politics, the future of the GOP, the economy, and issues important to the financial services industry.

Business leaders call on Ian Altman to accelerate revenue growth with integrity. Ian's approach helps companies significantly grow sales by aligning their goals with current and emerging trends in buyer behavior. Ian is a multi best-selling author, strategic advisor, and internationally sought-out keynote speaker. A successful services and technology CEO for two decades, Ian draws on years of success and research on how customers make decisions. He shares how his clients have more than doubled their businesses following the same methods that he used to build his former company from zero to more than $1 billion in value. You can find Ian's weekly articles on Inc.com and Forbes.com. He is also the host of the weekly podcast called, "Grow My Revenue Business Cast," showcasing business, innovation, leadership, and growth success stories from other subject matter experts and industry leaders.

Retired Colonel Greg Gadson is a 25-year career United States Army officer. Although a bilateral above-the-knee amputee, he has not been defeated by unfortunate circumstances, instead, his life is a portrait of courage in the face of great adversity. Greg communicates his passion for service, teamwork, and leadership in his moving and inspirational message made relevant for individuals, teams, and organizations of all sizes. He applies the poignant lessons of pride, poise, and team that he learned as a West Point football player to every aspect of his life and credits those same lessons as the underlying principles that saved his life when he was serving as a battalion commander in Iraq.

Billy Tauzin, a former U.S. Congressman (R-LA) and the former president and CEO of PhRMA, is the only member of Congress to have held leadership positions in both political parties, including key committee chairmanships. Tauzin left his mark on issues ranging from deregulation to environmental policy, and, after battling cancer, he left his seat in Congress to start work at PhRMA. There, he was a key player in the 2009 health care reform negotiations that produced pharmaceutical industry support for the legislation. Tauzin addresses politics, health care, and telecommunications.

Senator Byron Dorgan (D-ND) is a recognized leader in energy policy, economic issues, trade policy, and taxes. He served six terms in the House and three terms in the Senate, where he was a leader for 16 years – first as assistant democratic floor leader and then as chairman of the Democratic Policy Committee. Dorgan is the best-selling author of three books, including Blowout and Take This Job and Ship It and addresses energy, politics, and the economy.