We all face things that make us doubt our abilities from time to time. Whether your\u00a0organisation\u00a0is facing a difficult operating environment, a tricky restructuring, or is simply stuck in a rut, setting aside time to come together as a team and hear from someone who has been there and come out on the other side can make all the difference. The following speakers move audiences to leapfrog hurdles in their own lives. Their\u00a0storeys\u00a0have the power to lift your team up and spark real change.<\/p>\n\n
We all face things that make us doubt our abilities from time to time. Whether your\u00a0organisation\u00a0is facing a difficult operating environment, a tricky restructuring, or is simply stuck in a rut, setting aside time to come together as a team and hear from someone who has been there and come out on the other side can make all the difference. The following speakers move audiences to leapfrog hurdles in their own lives. Their\u00a0stories\u00a0have the power to lift your team up and spark real change.
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Keep reading for more information about each of these individuals below and click on the links below to check out each of their speaker profile pages for more specifics about their background, their areas of specialty, and get a preview of them speaking to a large audience on stage at a recent event.<\/p>\n\n
World-Record Breaking Polar Explorer & Repeat TED Speaker<\/strong><\/p>\n\n Ben Saunders\u2019s incredible feats of endurance challenge conventional wisdom and prove what can be accomplished through ambition, passion, and a refusal to quit. Best known for leading one of the most ambitious polar expeditions in a century, he was the first to successfully complete an epic, 105-day, 1,800-mile trek on foot to the South Pole. A speaker at three TED conferences, Ben uses stories and stunning visuals to illustrate and justify his beliefs that \u201cNo one else is the authority on your potential\u201d and \u201cImpossible is just someone\u2019s opinion.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n\n NASA Astrophysicist & Author of the Upcoming Book, Hacking the Stars: My Unlikely Journey Through Space and Time<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n Born into deep poverty in Mississippi, Dr. Hakeem Oluseyi grew up in some of the roughest neighborhoods in the country. He realized a love of science and space at a young age and, despite near constant discouragement, went on to obtain three degrees, 12 patents for inventions in modern computer chips, and to work on Nobel Prize-winning research projects. Funny, warm, honest, and inspiring, Hakeem moves audiences to never give up. A leading astrophysicist, educator, and humanitarian TED Fellow, Oluseyi trounced race and class to become an important contributor to computer technology and space research. Back on Earth, he’s doing all he can to give young and underfunded scientists a chance to reach for the stars.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n Adventurer & First Woman to Kayak the Amazon River<\/strong><\/p>\n\n An adventurer, record-setter, and boundary-breaker, Darcy Gaechter is best known as the first woman to kayak the Amazon River from source to sea. Her three-person team\u00a0also became the first team to kayak the entire river, where all previous expeditions had either hiked around or rafted portions of the whitewater in the Amazon River\u2019s headwaters. The journey required her crew to paddle over 4,000 miles across the widest part of South America, a voyage that took 148 days to complete. The successful traverse of the entire Amazonian watershed relied on Gaechter\u2019s team\u2019s ability to balance many factors: physical endurance, an ability to work with the locals to assuage their fears of outsiders, patience for interpersonal conflicts arising from three people spending every waking moment together for five months, and a mental toughness that allowed no room for quitting to be an option. Without a doubt, the Amazon was as much an intellectual and emotional undertaking as it was a physical challenge.<\/p>\n\n Retired NASA Astronaut, Electrical Engineer, & Third African American Woman in Space<\/strong><\/p>\n\n A former NASA astronaut, Joan Higginbotham is a trailblazing electrical engineer who, in December 2006, flew aboard Space Shuttle Discovery mission STS-116 to become the third African American woman to travel into space. Over the nearly 13-day mission, she joined the seven-member crew to continue construction of the International Space Station (ISS), embarking on four space walks and operating the station\u2019s robotic arm.<\/p>\n\n CEO of Flywheel Sports, Former President of Equinox Fitness, and Former President of Gatorade<\/strong><\/p>\n\n Sarah Robb O\u2019Hagan is one of the most powerful and successful women in sports today. But, in her late 20s, she was fired twice\u2014back to back. High-energy and known for shaking up conferences, Sarah shares stories from her own life to illustrate why turning failure into fuel for success is the most powerful skill to have in business and in life and why taking risks and \u201ccrashing\u201d more is what led to her vital personal development.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n Former Navy SEAL Team Six Leader & New York Times<\/em> Best-Selling Author of The Operator: Firing the Shots that Killed Osama bin Laden and My Years as a SEAL Team Warrior<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n One of the most popular speakers on the circuit, this former US Navy SEAL continues to receive rave reviews. In fact, one client said, \u201cI\u2019ve been doing this for 20 years and Rob is the best public speaker I\u2019ve ever seen. Ever!\u201d With his captivating storytelling and motivating messages, as well as his humor and charisma, this comes as no surprise. Rob\u2019s mottos\u2014\u201cNever quit,\u201d \u201cComplacency kills,\u201d and \u201cDon\u2019t let your fears give way to panic\u201d\u2014resonate with any audience facing a big goal or a desire to be better.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n Founder & Creative Director, Jo Loves<\/strong><\/p>\n\n Jo Malone CBE has been described as an ‘English scent maverick and the woman responsible for creating some of the world’s most loved fragrances. Originally a facial therapist, Jo fell in love with fragrance while working from her discreet skin care clinic which she set up from her London home. Discovering an instinctual talent for creating scented products by hand in her kitchen, word of her exceptional potions quickly spread and soon Jo was unable to keep up with demand. From these artisan beginnings Jo launched her first brand, Jo Malone London, which gained cult status around the world.<\/p>\n\n World-Class Blind Adventurer<\/strong><\/p>\n\n Despite losing his vision at age 14, Erik Weihenmayer is an accomplished climber, paraglider, skier, and kayaker who never allows blindness interfere with his passion for pursuing an exhilarating and fulfilling life. Weihenmayer sees his lack of sight as an opportunity, and he has managed to push past the anger, frustration, and fear. After making friends with other blind individuals who went rock climbing, he continued working on his craft and, at age 33, he became the first blind person to reach the summit of Mount Everest. His incredible story of determination and perseverance has been featured on The Today Show, Oprah, Good Morning America, and many more major media outlets. This year, an Award-Winning documentary about Erik and his latest adventure kayaking the Grand Canyon, entitled The Weight of Water was released. In speeches, he teaches audiences to follow his path and lead a “No Barriers” life, or a life without self-imposed limitations.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n <\/p>\n\n Author, TV Host, and Founder of 100 Things Philanthropic Movement<\/strong><\/p>\n\n Known worldwide for pursuing an incredible list of 100 Things that he wants to achieve before he dies, Sebastian Terry\u2019s story is surprisingly not about a bucket list. It\u2019s about something more far reaching; permission, choice, growth, and connection.<\/p>\n\n Former President and COO of Nintendo of America Inc.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n An award-winning innovator and disruptor, Reggie Fils-Aim\u00e9 is a proven expert on transforming companies, re-vitalizing brands, and reshaping industries to solve daunting challenges and achieve \u2018the impossible.\u2019 Most recently, he was the president and chief operating officer of Nintendo of America \u2013 the first American and African-American to hold this position.<\/p>\n\n Former SEAL Team Six warrior, the first openly transgender Navy SEAL, and Civil Rights Activist<\/strong><\/p>\n\n For decades, Kristin Beck hid her true self from her brothers in arms, family, and friends. Now, as the nation\u2019s first openly transgender Navy SEAL, Kristin reflects on her years of honorable service and her many accolades, as well as her life beyond the Navy, including her journey to human rights activist and motivational speaker. Kristin shares the incredible story of her life with audiences across the country, and touches upon themes of courage, leadership, and standing up for what\u2019s right.<\/p>\n\n Founder of BoomChickaPop<\/strong><\/p>\n\n A business phenom and women\u2019s advocate, Angie Bastian launched her namesake popcorn brand out of her garage in 2001 and created one of the fastest-growing snack brands in the country. So, how did she create a novel product with a fanatic fanbase in a crowded industry full of well-known brands? In down-to-earth, optimistic keynotes, she shares the secrets to her success, plus how to build a corporate culture that spurs innovation.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n Medal of Honor Recipient and\u00a0New York Times<\/em>\u00a0Best-selling Author of\u00a0<\/strong>Into the Fire<\/em><\/p>\n\n After risking his own life to provide cover for more than 30 soldiers during a battle in Afghanistan, Dakota was the first living Marine to receive the Medal of Honor since 1973. His motivational talk draws on incredible stories and visuals that move audiences to reexamine their own lives and fight for accountability and achievement.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n Former NASA Chief Scientist, Head of Strategic Planning for the Mars Rover Mission<\/strong><\/p>\n\n Grotzinger oversaw a team of more than 450 scientists working together to launch the Curiosity rover, which remains the most complex spacecraft to ever land and operate on the surface of another planet. His talk is filled with lessons about teamwork, ambition, and leadership, and is accompanied by images, video, and stories straight out of a Hollywood movie.<\/p>\n\n Former CIA Officer and FBI Special Agent, Educator, and Author<\/strong><\/p>\n\n When Tracy Walder enrolled at the University of Southern California, she never thought that one day she would offer her pink beanbag chair in the Delta Gamma house to a CIA recruiter, or that she\u2019d fly to the Middle East under an alias identity. Graduating with a history degree, she would spend the next four years as a covert operative for CIA\u2019s Counterterrorism Center, assuming aliases, thwarting terrorist attacks, and debriefing terrorists at black sites. In speeches,\u00a0Walder shares her riveting story with audiences, and according to Publishers Weekly<\/em> \u201copens a window into life in two of America\u2019s major intelligence agencies.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n\n World-Class Boxing Champion, Elite Athlete, Beauty & Lifestyle Brand CEO, & Motivational Speaker<\/strong><\/p>\n\n As the daughter of famed boxing champion Muhammad Ali, Laila Ali grew up wanting to box. But her dreams were always confronted by naysayers who told her things like, “Women don’t box,” or “It will be too hard.” Ali admits that her own father told her she shouldn’t take up boxing. Regardless, Ali not only began boxing but went on to become\u00a0a four-time undefeated boxing world champion. Her stellar record includes 24 wins (21 of which were “knockouts”) and zero losses. Laila is heralded as the most successful female in the history of women\u2019s boxing. In speeches, she talks about tapping into your personal power to defy any odds and how to be a champion in all that you do.<\/p>\n\n First African American Female Combat Pilot<\/strong><\/p>\n\n It\u2019s incredible to hear charismatic Amour talk about how, after the Combat Exclusion Policy was overturned by the Pentagon in 1994, she came across a female pilot at an ROTC career day and a dream was born. She went on to become a Captain, serve two tours in Iraq, and wrote the book,\u00a0Zero to Breakthrough: The 7-Step Battle-tested Method for Accomplishing Goals That Matter<\/em>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n <\/p>\n\n 3-Time Olympic Gymnast and Olympic Gold Medalist<\/strong><\/p>\n\n Three-time Olympic gymnast Dominique Dawes is well-known for her incredible success at the 1996 Atlanta Games and four Olympic medals. What\u2019s less known is Dominique\u2019s difficult childhood and personal journey to overcome negative thoughts and develop strong, supportive relationships with her teammates. Her story is moving and packed with takeaways that will have your attendees feeling motivated to stop procrastinating, face failure head on, and build stronger relationships and skills at work and at home.<\/p>\n\n <\/p>\n\n Navy Diver, Shark Attack Survivor, & Author<\/strong><\/p>\n\n A long-time co-host of Discovery Channel\u2019s Shark Week<\/em>, Paul de Gelder is an Australian-born Navy diver who lost two limbs in a shark attack in 2009. Attacked while diving for the Navy in Sydney Harbor, Paul was pulled out of the water barely alive. In the years that followed, he took the saying \u201cNever say die\u201d to a whole new level, fighting through pain to meet and exceed each new rehabilitation obstacle. He authored the best-selling autobiography No Time for Fear<\/em> and embraced a gift for public speaking.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n First British Astronaut to the International Space Station<\/strong><\/p>\n\n Tim Peake was the first British ESA astronaut to visit the International Space Station, where his work during mission Principia captured the hearts and minds of millions. He has a background as a test pilot and a British Army Air Corps officer and he is also a STEM ambassador and best-selling author. At age 13, Tim\u2019s dream of becoming a pilot became a reality when he took control of an aircraft for the first time. By the time he was 18, he had already flown numerous solo sorties and been awarded a coveted position to join the British Army Air Corps.<\/p>\n\n Former Elite Military Unit Commander; Leadership and Resilience Expert<\/strong><\/p>\n\n Ash Alexander-Cooper OBE is a former specialist military unit colonel in the British Armed Forces, world-championship athlete and award-winning international musician. During a 22-year career, Ash became one of the most operationally experienced officers of his generation, spending 82 months deployed leading some of the world\u2019s most elite forces in complex and hostile environments, including the Balkans, the Middle East, and Central Asia. Recognising that companies today experience parallels to what he and his colleagues faced in combat, Ash now helps businesses and leaders develop the skills, mindset, and behaviours necessary to adapt and win.<\/p>\n\n The Man who Rowed Across the Pacific Ocean from Japan to San Francisco<\/strong><\/p>\n\n Mick Dawson delivers presentations that are unique, awe inspiring and inspirational in equal measure. Tailoring stories of his incredible ocean rowing adventures specifically to have relevance in today\u2019s business work place. Mick emphasises the key issues to success not least; resilience and the fundamental ethos of great teamwork, and its essential value to any organisation or company.<\/p>\n\n Expert on Leadership and Decision-Making in High-Pressure Environments<\/strong><\/p>\n\n Having summited Everest, been one of the youngest ever to be \u201cbadged” into the SAS (UK Special Forces) and one of the top Duathletes in the world, Daniel knows what it is to exist on the edge of human endurance. He ascribes to the belief that; no book can prepare you for your mental and physical limits and once conquered, you can completely reset your boundaries of what you believed possible. As an active 787 Dreamliner pilot and entrepreneur, blue chip companies now send their senior executives to be coached in leadership and decision making in high pressure situations by Daniel.<\/p>\n\n <\/p>\n\n Former Professional Poker Player and Decision-Making Strategist<\/strong><\/p>\n\n For two decades, Annie Duke was one of the top poker players in the world\u2014and usually the only woman at the table. Duke talks to audiences about her surprising rise to the top and the lessons on risk, fear, and smart decision making she\u2019s learned along the way. Her new book,\u00a0Thinking in Bets: Making Smarter Decisions When You Don\u2019t Have All the Facts<\/em>, was published in February.<\/p>\n\n Inspiration for the Film, The Pursuit of Happyness<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n If you\u2019ve seen the Golden Globe and Academy Award-nominated movie,\u00a0The Pursuit of Happyness<\/em>, starring Will Smith, then you\u2019re familiar with Gardner\u2019s story of going from homelessness to Wall Street. But what you may not know is that in person, he is one of the most warm and impressive speakers I\u2019ve seen in a while. He came by our office a week ago and talked about the 3 most important decisions he ever made, why Plan B \u201csucks,\u201d and his belief that you can always turn things around. The team left feeling excited and inspired.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n Double Olympic Gold Medalist & Motivational Speaker<\/strong><\/p>\n\nDR. HAKEEM\u00a0OLUSEYI<\/a><\/h2>\n\n
<\/a>DARCY GAECTHER<\/a><\/h2>\n\n
<\/a>JOAN HIGGINBOTHAM<\/a><\/h2>\n\n
SARAH ROBB O’HAGAN<\/a><\/h2>\n\n
ROBERT O’NEILL<\/a><\/h2>\n\n
<\/a>JO MALONE<\/a><\/h2>\n\n
ERIK WEIHENMAYER<\/strong><\/a><\/h2>\n\n
SEBASTIAN TERRY<\/a><\/h2>\n\n
REGGIE FILS-AIM\u00c9<\/a><\/h2>\n\n
KRISTIN BECK<\/strong><\/a><\/h2>\n\n
ANGIE BASTIAN<\/a><\/h2>\n\n
DAKOTA MEYER<\/a><\/h2>\n\n
JOHN GROTZINGER<\/a><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n
TRACY WALDER<\/a><\/h2>\n\n
LAILA ALI<\/a><\/h2>\n\n
VERNICE ARMOUR<\/a><\/h2>\n\n
DOMINIQUE DAWES<\/a><\/h2>\n\n
PAUL DE GELDER<\/a><\/h2>\n\n
<\/a>\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200bTIM PEAKE<\/a><\/h2>\n\n
<\/a>ASH ALEXANDER-COOPER<\/a><\/h2>\n\n
<\/a>MICK DAWSON<\/a><\/h2>\n\n
<\/a>DANIEL HUGHES<\/a><\/h2>\n\n
ANNIE DUKE<\/a><\/h2>\n\n
CHRIS GARDNER<\/a><\/h2>\n\n
ALEX GREGORY<\/a><\/h2>\n\n