Exclusive Speakers
Leading Authorities' exclusive roster of speakers includes former Fortune 1000 CEO's, high-profile figures from political life, military leaders, and some of today's greatest stories from everyday life.
Let us know if you are interested in one of our exclusive speakers for your event.
Robert O'Neill
Former SEAL Team Six Leader, Naval Special Warfare Development Group, & New York Times Best-Selling Author
Fees
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Robert O'Neill
Rob O’Neill is one of the most highly-decorated combat veterans of our time. He was a team leader and operator with the Naval Special Warfare Development Group (SEAL Team Six). He has held combat leadership roles in more than 400 missions, but with most of his career shrouded in a classified cloak, O’Neill served his remarkable career in the shadows. Through incredible stories drawn from lessons learned during some of the country’s most headline-stealing conflicts, he shows audiences how to approach strategic planning when mission failure is not an option.
Stanley McChrystal
Former Commander of US and International Forces in Afghanistan, Best-Selling Author, & Co-Founder of the McChrystal Group
Fees
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Stanley McChrystal
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.
Sarah Robb O'Hagan
Legendary Business Leader, Fmr. CEO of Flywheel Sports, & Fmr. President of Nike, Gatorade, & Equinox
Fees
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Sarah Robb O'Hagan
Executive, activist, and entrepreneur, Sarah Robb O’Hagan is described by the media as everything from “Superwoman undercover” to the “Queen of the Jocks” to the ultimate example of where fierce business woman, mother, and fitness fanatic combine. Named among Forbes “Most Powerful Women in Sports” and recognized as one of Fast Company’s “Most Creative People in Business,” Sarah's career includes leadership roles at some of the world’s most iconic brands. She is the former CEO of Flywheel Sports, former President of Gatorade, former Director at Nike, and an internationally recognized re-inventor of brands. She is the founder of Extreme Living, a consultancy focused on bringing the best out of individuals and organizations.
Dana Perino
Former White House Press Secretary, Fox News Host, Political Commentator, & Best-Selling Author
Fees
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Dana Perino
Dana Perino was the White House’s first female Republican press secretary and one of the most widely-respected members of President George W. Bush’s senior cabinet. She is currently a popular political commentator and a co-host—and the breakout star—of Fox’s The Five, a ratings phenomenon and the top show in the timeslot. She is also the host of Fox's The Daily Briefing with Dana Perino. Her commentary is also regularly found in major publications. Perino analyzes politics, the upcoming election, and current events in the same energetic style that has made her so popular on TV. Small in stature but big on personality, she consistently gets rave reviews.
James Clapper
Former Director of National Intelligence James Clapper is one of the finest intelligence minds of the 21st century. In the midst of shifting national security policies and varying threats to American interests at home and abroad, Clapper illuminates a broad array of intelligence-related issues.
Ben Saunders
Record-Breaking Explorer & Repeat TED Speaker
Fees
- Local: Under $10,000*
- US East: $35,001 - $55,000*
- US West: $35,001 - $55,000*
- Europe: $10,001 - $20,000*
- Asia: $35,001 - $55,000*
Ben Saunders
Polar explorer, TED speaker, and record-breaking long-distance skier Ben Saunders fuses the spirit of adventure with impressive technical ingenuity. He has five North Pole expeditions under his belt and is best known for leading one of the most ambitious expeditions in a century. Humble and self-effacing, he is an explorer of limits and his message is one of inspiration, empowerment, and boundless potential. He explores the dichotomy between ideas and action and urges audiences to consider carefully how to spend the “tiny amount of time we each have on this planet.”
Greg Williams
Editor-in-Chief, WIRED Magazine
Fees
- Local: $10,001 - $20,000*
- US East: $20,001 - $35,000*
- US West: $20,001 - $35,000*
- Europe: $10,001 - $20,000*
- Asia: $20,001 - $35,000*
Greg Williams
Greg Williams is a leading authority on technology trends and how those impact business and society. As Editor-in-Chief of WIRED, Greg meets the innovators, thinkers, scientists, entrepreneurs and creatives who are changing the world and writes on a variety of subjects, including innovation, technology, business, creativity and ideas. As a journalist and author of five novels, Greg possesses a unique combination of storytelling expertise and an in-depth knowledge of the future of technology and entrepreneurship. This enables him to transform complex information into entertaining and accessible insights that prepare audiences for what’s coming next.
Michael Steep
Executive Director, Stanford Engineering Center for Disruptive Technology and Digital Cities, and Former SVP of Global Business Operations at PARC Xerox
Fees
- Local: $20,001 - $35,000*
- US East: $35,001 - $55,000*
- US West: $35,001 - $55,000*
- Europe: $20,001 - $35,000*
- Asia: $35,001 - $55,000*
Michael Steep
Michael (Mike) Steep is the executive director of Stanford Engineering School's Center for Disruptive Technology and Digital Cities and the former senior vice president of global business operations at innovation mega-hub, PARC Xerox. He draws on first-hand experience and anecdotes from time spent with the biggest names in Silicon Valley to instruct audiences on how to get ahead of disruptive innovation. Viewing new technology as opportunity, Mike highlights the importance of allowing innovation to trump company culture and legacies—and not the other way around.
Steve Schmidt
Renowned Political Strategist & MSNBC Political Analyst
Fees
- Local: $20,001 - $35,000*
- US East: $20,001 - $35,000*
- US West: $20,001 - $35,000*
- Europe: $35,001 - $55,000*
- Asia: $35,001 - $55,000*
Steve Schmidt
Steve Schmidt, a renowned political analyst and former Vice Chairman of Edelman, is one of America's most prominent communications, public affairs, and political strategists best known for strategic roles on Republican political campaigns including those of President George W. Bush, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, and US Senator John McCain. Steve specializes in "political message development and strategy." He is one of the nation’s most plugged-in political operatives who offers a candid look at today’s headlines and breaks down what the latest political news means for stakeholders on Main Street, Wall Street, Capitol Hill, and beyond.
Amy Walter
National Editor of Cook Political Report and Election Analyst
Fees
- Local: $10,001 - $20,000*
- US East: $10,001 - $20,000*
- US West: $20,001 - $35,000*
- Europe: $20,001 - $35,000*
- Asia: $35,001 - $55,000*
Amy Walter
Amy Walter is the national editor of the Cook Political Report and host of WNYC's nationally-syndicated public radio news program, "Politics With Amy Walter" on The Takeaway. She is the former political director at ABC News and known as one of the best political journalists in Washington. Over the past 19 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.
Susan O'Malley
Fmr. Pres. of the Washington Capitals and the Washington Wizards, First Female Pres. of a Professional Sports Franchise
Fees
- Local: $20,001 - $35,000*
- US East: $20,001 - $35,000*
- US West: $20,001 - $35,000*
- Europe: $35,001 - $55,000*
- Asia: $35,001 - $55,000*
Susan O'Malley
As the first female president of a professional sports franchise, Susan O’Malley, the former president of Washington Sports and Entertainment, is a pioneer in sports and business. Under her guidance, her company improved its bottom line, as well as its winning percentage, and the Washington Wizards experienced the largest ticket revenue increase and the highest renewal rate in the history of an NBA franchise to date. O’Malley’s illustrious career also included the creation of the MCI Center, which helped revitalize downtown DC. She addresses management, leadership, and marketing.
Marci Rossell
Fmr Chief Economist for CNBC
Fees
- Local: $20,001 - $35,000*
- US East: $20,001 - $35,000*
- US West: $20,001 - $35,000*
- Europe: $35,001 - $55,000*
- Asia: $55,001 - $75,000*
Marci Rossell
Marci Rossell is a world-renowned economist and financial expert known for her ability to take complex economic issues, often dull in the button-down press, and make them relevant to people’s lives, families, and careers. Her animated style was honed when she served as the popular and lively Chief Economist for CNBC and Co-Host of Squawk Box, where she became a household name and a must-watch source of financial news. An expert on investing, globalization, and trade, she uses her media and courtroom experience coupled with her expertise in business and government to address the current state of our economy, including economic recovery, restructuring, and revitalization.
Jim Donald
Chairman of Albertson’s, Former CEO of Starbucks, & Former CEO of Extended Stay Hotels, and Former CEO of Pathmark Supermarkets
Fees
- Local: $35,001 - $55,000*
- US East: $35,001 - $55,000*
- US West: $35,001 - $55,000*
- Europe: $55,001 - $75,000*
- Asia: $75,001 and up*
Jim Donald
Jim Donald – the current co-chairman and former CEO of Albertson's, and the former CEO of Starbucks, Haggen Food & Pharmacy, and Extended Stay Hotels – focuses on innovation, quality, and service. He started his career as a grocer; he was handpicked by Sam Walton to build a supermarket presence for Wal-Mart. He helped Starbucks enjoy record growth and performance and increase its social responsibility commitment. At Extended Stay Hotels, Donald utilizing his reputation for turning around ailing companies. Named one of the “Top 25 CEOs in the World,” he addresses leadership, management, the power of one customer.
Scott Moore
Rear Admiral Scott Moore is the former deputy commander of Naval Special Warfare. From the mountains of Afghanistan to briefings in the Oval Office, he is the man our nation’s leaders trust when failure is not an option. Whether leading a group of men or interfacing with Pakistani military leaders, he directed more than 2,000 missions and was involved in the marquee moments of our nation’s history. His presentations are a nail-biting, adrenaline-pumping glimpse into what it takes to create and lead high-performing teams.
Nicolle Wallace
Political Analyst, NYT Best-Seller, & Frmr. White House Dir. of Comm
Fees
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Nicolle Wallace
Nicolle Wallace is host of Deadline: White House, chief political analyst for MSNBC and NBC News, a best-selling author, and the former White House director of communications under President George W. Bush. Her West Wing colleague, presidential political adviser Mark McKinnon, called her a “rare talent in politics.” Funny and charming, she shares insights on the biggest issues of the day paired with stories from her time in the White House and on the campaign trail. Wallace is a master storyteller as she offers audiences the rundown they need to stay in the know.
Erik Weihenmayer
World-Class Blind Adventurer
Fees
- Local: $55,001 - $75,000*
- US East: $55,001 - $75,000*
- US West: $55,001 - $75,000*
- Europe: $75,001 and up*
- Asia: $75,001 and up*
Erik Weihenmayer
Erik Weihenmayer is a world-class adventurer, the first blind man to summit Mount Everest, and one of only 150 mountaineers to climb the Seven Summits. His latest and most demanding adventure is kayaking the 277 miles of the Grand Canyon. One of the most exciting and well-known athletes in the world, he never let his lack of vision interfere with his quality of life. Weihenmayer’s feats have earned him incredible press coverage and dozens of awards. He is also the author of two books and addresses leadership, teamwork, overcoming adversity, motivation, and inspiration.
Charlie Cook
Election Handicapper
Fees
- Local: $10,001 - $20,000*
- US East: $10,001 - $20,000*
- US West: $10,001 - $20,000*
- Europe: $20,001 - $35,000*
- Asia: $35,001 - $55,000*
Charlie Cook
Charlie Cook is a political analyst and commentator, the publisher of the Cook Political Report, and a columnist for the National Journal. For more than two decades he has been a trusted and accurate voice on all things political. Once deemed “the Picasso of election analysis” by the Wall Street Journal, Cook’s expertise and encyclopedic knowledge of American politics has been featured on myriad news outlets. Using poll numbers, economic indicators, and historical data, Cook discusses today’s political and legislative environments in a balanced, non-partisan way.
Dawn Hudson
Former CMO of the NFL & Former CEO of Pepsi Cola North America
Fees
- Local: $35,001 - $55,000*
- US East: $35,001 - $55,000*
- US West: $35,001 - $55,000*
- Europe: $55,001 - $75,000*
- Asia: $75,001 and up*
Dawn Hudson
Dawn Hudson is the former chief marketing officer of the NFL and the former president and CEO of Pepsi-Cola North America. A veteran marketing and advertising executive, she has more than 20 years of strategic brand-building experience behind some of the world’s best-known brands. Listed as one of Fortune’s “50 Most Powerful Women in Business,” Hudson speaks with electricity about marketing for 21st century business needs, innovation, leadership, branding, and more.
Ronald Brownstein
Journalist & Sr. CNN Political Analyst
Fees
- Local: $10,001 - $20,000*
- US East: $10,001 - $20,000*
- US West: $10,001 - $20,000*
- Europe: $55,001 - $75,000*
- Asia: $20,001 - $35,000*
Ronald Brownstein
Part journalist, part historian, and all shrewd political observer, Ronald (Ron) Brownstein explains the complexities of American politics with lucid precision. As a CNN Senior Political Analyst, Senior Editor for the Atlantic, and Contributing Editor for National Journal, he produces sharp analysis on politics, policy, the electorate, media, healthcare, energy, the press' impact on Americans, and the range of issues informed by his strong sense of American political and national history. Brownstein provides an insider’s look into politics and the media and has twice been a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize. He is also the author of six best-selling books, and his articles on politics, public policy, and culture have appeared in myriad of major publications and on many broadcast news outlets.
Jonah Berger
Have you ever wondered why more salespeople buy BMWs than other cars? Or why a name’s popularity grows after a hurricane of that name hits? Jonah Berger has the answers. A marketing professor at the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and the New York Times best-selling author of the books "Contagious: Why Things Catch On" and "Invisible Influence: The Hidden Forces That Shape Behavior," Berger has spent the last decade studying how social influence works, why certain ideas and products catch on, and what we can do to make ourselves more influential. He shares with audiences the keys to harnessing this “influence” to forge great partnerships, sell slow-moving products, and be more intentional with business strategies. His work is regularly published in top-tier journals, he consults for a variety of Fortune 500 companies, and popular outlets like Harvard Business Review often cover his work.