Widely respected as an innovator in unlocking high performance in teams and individuals, Dr. Wendy Borlabi possesses expert-level understanding of the mental aspects of peak performance and works alongside the world’s top athletes to help them reframe their mindsets to reach their full potential. She is the director of performance and mental health for the Chicago Bulls where her mindset-centered philosophy to mastering your field is embedded in the team’s success and prevalent at all levels of the organization and its culture. A leading sports psychologists and performance coach, Dr. Borlabi is also an independent consultant with the NBA and is the founder of performance psychology firm Borlabi Consulting, through which she advises organizations in any industry on teamwork, elevating mental toughness, and inspiring unwavering confidence in their teams. Previously, she served as senior sports psychologist for the United States Olympic Committee (USOC), preparing the country’s top athletes for dominant performances at two Winter Olympics and one Summer Olympics.

Combat veteran Michelle “MACE” Curran led an impressive career as an F-16 fighter pilot during her 13 years in the United States Air Force. From 2019-2021, she flew as the only female pilot for the Air Force Thunderbirds and performed for millions across the country and internationally. Flying under the callsign “MACE,” she was the second woman ever to fly in the lead solo position for the Thunderbirds since the team’s founding in 1953. Before joining the Thunderbirds, Curran completed high-impact combat missions across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, where the challenges were tough, but the rewards were greater. Always a thrill seeker at heart, she has a passion for pushing her limits and changing lives.

Conquering grave challenges to become a successful entrepreneur, Chris Gardner is an avid motivational and inspirational speaker, addressing the keys to overcoming obstacles and breaking cycles. He is great for groups looking for a speaker who has “walked the walk” and accomplished things that no one else thought they would be able to do. He is also a passionate philanthropist whose work has been recognized by many esteemed organizations and discusses commitment and fatherhood.

Michael J. Durant is the best-selling author of In the Company of Heroes and the inspiration for the movie Black Hawk Down. He was the sole survivor of the helicopter crash caused by a Somali-fired grenade and held as a prisoner of war for 11 days. Prior to his time in Somalia, Durant had participated in combat operations in the Persian Gulf, Panama, and Kuwait. A highly-decorated soldier, his awards include the Purple Heart and the Distinguished Service Medal. He addresses leadership, teambuilding, growth, and his experience as a soldier and as a hostage.

Alex Honnold is an American big wall free solo climber. He has broken a number of speed records, most notably including the only known solo of the Yosemite Triple crown, an 18 hour 50 minute link up of Mt. Watkins, The Nose (El Capitan), and The Regular Northwest Face of Half Dome. He and Hans Florine are the current record holders for the Nose with a time of 2:23:51. Alex’s keynote will explore unexpected paths to greatness, mastering your craft, and living a life that celebrates our planet and sustainability. You’ll hear how Honnold’s focus and work ethic propelled him to achieve greatness beyond what anyone thought was possible.

Ever since 2002, as chairman and CEO of Johnson Publishing Company — where she became the first African American woman CEO among the top five of the Black Enterprise 100s largest black-owned companies — Linda Johnson Rice has shone a ray of positivity on the black community with her strong and resilient leadership.

Born and raised in Monterey, California, it was only natural that Alpana Singh would develop a deep-rooted interest in wine. At 26, she passed the final level of the Master Sommelier exam—a feat achieved by only 269 people in the world. She's the first Indian woman and the youngest female ever to do so. She went on to serve as a Sommelier for highly-acclaimed restaurants in Chicago before opening three of her own. In lively, fun, and informative talks, Alpana shares her inspiring story of rising from the daughter of Fijian immigrants to becoming a successful entrepreneur and TV personality all while navigating a male-dominated profession. She give audiences a glimpse into the life as a Sommelier as she teaches them how to taste wines “blind,” purchase bottles like a professional, and pair with meals for any occasion.

As a child growing up in rough inner city neighborhoods, Chef Jeff Henderson never imagined he would one day become the inspirational success story he is today. Raised in a struggling single-parent household, Jeff didn't go to school to learn--he went for the free lunches which quelled his everyday hunger. At the age of 19, success came exclusively from his $35,000 a week drug business. But when he turned 24, he was arrested, and spent the next ten years of his life in prison.

Mike uses his astounding guitar creations, uproarious songs, and veteran presentation skills to encourage, challenge and inspire his audiences to leap beyond their perceived limitations.

Kristel Bauer is a corporate wellness expert and TEDx speaker with a mission of supporting companies and Individuals on their journeys for more happiness, success & well-being. With Kristel's unique background in Integrative Psychiatry, business and media, she provides invaluable strategies to empower, inspire and motivate companies, groups and organizations. Using a blend of authenticity, Psychology & Science, Kristel provides insights to excel in sales and thrive as a team leader.

Max Major is a world-renowned mentalist living in Los Angeles, CA. His performances, which combine Magic, Mentalism, and Hypnosis, are featured at corporate events across the country. In addition to his studies as a magician, Major relies heavily on his skills at reading body language, which he has honed over the course of 2000 live shows. His clients include Facebook, Microsoft, Deloitte, CSX, Costco, Lockheed Martin, Booz Allen and a command performance at the residence of Redskins owner Dan Snyder. In the last 5 years he has been called before two Department of Defense Agencies to demonstrate his innovative techniques in hypnosis, body language and influence! In 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014 he was named “DC’s Best Performance Artist” by the Washington City Paper, recognizing him as the premier entertainer in the region. In 2015 he bowed out of the race to give someone else a chance and focus on the category that really matters “Best Girls Night Out”.