Inspiring Stories
About
Jeremy Poincenot is an extraordinary figure, not just as a renowned keynote speaker but also as a world champion in blind golf. Jeremy’s speaking topics often revolve around turning trauma into triumph, the power of interdependence, and seeing challenges as opportunities for growth.
At the age of 19, Jeremy’s life took an unexpected turn when he was diagnosed with Leber’s Hereditary Optic Neuropathy (LHON), a rare genetic disorder that led to the loss of his central vision. Initially viewing this as a life-limiting setback, Jeremy soon realized that every challenge comes with an opportunity for growth. With determination and the support of his family and friends, he not only adapted to his new reality but also excelled in it.
Jeremy’s prowess in golf, a sport he loved, took on a new dimension as he began to compete as a blind golfer. With his father as his guide, he won the 2010 World Blind Golf Championship, a victory that marked the beginning of an illustrious career in the sport. He has since won three World Championships, nine National Championships, an Australian Blind Open, and an Italian Blind Open. His remarkable achievements in golf led CNN to call him the World’s best blind golfer. In 2011, he was honored as the San Diego Hall of Champions Challenged Athlete of the Year.
As a speaker, Jeremy Poincenot travels the world sharing his story, encouraging audiences to take control of their lives and view obstacles as opportunities. His approach is not just about promoting independence but highlighting the greater power of interdependence. His personal narrative, combined with wit and a strong inspirational message, has resonated with many.
Jeremy’s impact has been recognized widely. He has been featured on ABC’s 20/20, ESPN.com, CNN’s “Great Big Story,” and MTV’s True Life. His ability to connect with people has led him to speak for prestigious companies such as Aflac, Honda, John Hancock, Kaiser Permanente, and Wells Fargo.
About
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Michelle talks about her journey towards overcoming her fears over the course of 100 days and challenges audience members to do the same by stepping outside of their comfort zones to tap into their true potential.
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Audiences leave inspired by Michelle's story of dealing with the unknown, seeking growth, embracing authenticity and daring to fail.
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Michelle is the Founder of Hello Fears, a social movement empowering millions to step outside of the comfort zone and tap into their full potential. She has spoken at TEDx, Google, INBOUND, Facebook, ESPN, Netflix, Procter and Gamble, Microsoft, Toyota, World Domination Summit, Festival of Media Global, and many more.
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Past clients include: Netflix, Amazon, Coca Cola, Whirlpool, YouTube, P&G and Yum!
Born and raised in Caracas-Venezuela, Michelle Poler is a creative and passionate social entrepreneur, keynote speaker, fear facer, and branding strategist.
She is the Founder of Hello Fears, a social movement empowering millions to step outside of the comfort zone and tap into their full potential. She has spoken at TEDx, Google, INBOUND, Facebook, ESPN, Netflix, Procter and Gamble, Microsoft, Toyota, World Domination Summit, Festival of Media Global, and many more.
In April 2015, Michelle embarked on a 100-day project that would change the course of her life. Born to a family of Holocaust survivors, Michelle was accustomed to living with fear. But when she moved to New York, she quickly realized that the “big apple” was not for the fearful. In order to rewrite her definition of fear and change her approach to life, Michelle decided to face 100 of her fears in a period of 100 days, uploading every experience to YouTube sharing them with the world.
At around day 40, the project was discovered by the media, becoming a viral phenomenon. Her work has been featured on CBS, CNN, Huffington Post, Buzzfeed, Fox News, Telemundo, Glamour, Elle, The Rachael Ray Show, Refinery29, and Daily Mail among many others. Celebrities such as Ashton Kutcher, Sofia Vergara, Zoey Deschanel, Lil Wayne and George Takei also shared Michelle’s project, generating millions of views.
In 2017 Michelle started speaking to the younger generation. Since then, she has empowered over 20,000 students at schools and universities around the world to live with courage, find their authenticity and embrace their growth paths.
About
Cheryl Pounder brings her high energy and effervescent personality to each and every event, large or small. With her warmth and friendliness, Cheryl immediately makes guests feel like they have a new friend. For fundraising events, Cheryl encourages giving and supports the cause with inspirational personal stories. With galas and award presentations, Cheryl is professional, yet down to earth. There’s never a dull moment with Cheryl. With her experience as a sports commentator, radio host and motivational keynote speaker, Cheryl keeps the energy moving while focusing on the goal of the event she’s at.
Success in one field doesn’t necessarily translate to another area. In the case of former Canadian Women’s hockey player, Cheryl Pounder, who has made the transition from ice to stage, the move has been a triumph.
In the sports world where accomplishments are measured by medals and titles, there aren’t many who can claim a list of achievements as glowing as Cheryl’s.
Her run of success began early in the 1990s when her ice hockey team won the Under-18 Canadian National championship. In 1994, she won Gold for the first time at the 1994 IIHF World Women’s Hockey Championship, and during her illustrious career with the National Women’s team, Cheryl won two Olympic Gold medals (2002 and 2006) and was crowned IIHF World Champion six times.
The shining on-ice achievements aside, it’s been Cheryl’s varied experiences on international stages that have made her an in-demand speaker, with keynote clients such as Tim Hortons, Maple Leaf Foods, CIBC, TD Bank, Manulife, Women in Leadership Groups, Girl Guides of Canada, Western-Ivey-Executive MBA and the City of Toronto, to name a few. She believes that her approach, one that is interactive, passionate and positive, has a lot to do with her ability to cross over to diverse audiences.
“When I speak to people, I want them to connect with material that they can identify with, that stimulates a thought process,” she says.
For Cheryl, everything is rooted in self-confidence, something that was instilled in her as a child. ”My family had a huge impact on my personal goals as an athlete. My grandfather was the GM of the Montreal Junior Canadiens and my grandmother was a prominent softball player in the 1940’s. Along with my parents, they taught me to ‘believe’, ‘finish something you start’, and persevere through adversity.” Adversity can be a learning experience and according to Cheryl, “It is important that we learn not only from our successes but also from our failures. Change is the key to ultimately staying on the path toward excellence.”
It is all part of a journey that we must be willing to take – a journey that must be inspired to take for ourselves and those we work with...our TEAM. To this point, she adds, “When the team goal is met, the individual goals take care of themselves. Seize the opportunities, get outside your comfort zone, trust yourself, and engage in your life, don’t just participate. Most importantly, listen to your strong side, even when your weak side is louder.”
The journey continues for Cheryl – her varied background and knowledge were major factors for TSN & CBC choosing her as a colour commentator for the coverage of the women's hockey tournament at the 2014 and 2018 Winter Olympics. In her sporting life and in her life off the ice, Cheryl continues to motivate with a passion that comes across in all her worlds.
Cheryl’s keynotes are perfect for: non-profits, corporations, youth, women.
Dr. Sian Proctor
Space Artist, Afrofuturist, Commercial Astronaut, and Motivational speaker
About
Dr. Sian Leo Proctor is a Visionary Artist, Futurist, and Explorer who made history as the first artist officially selected to go to space with the SpaceX Inspiration4 mission, also becoming the first African-American woman to pilot a spaceship.
Born on Guam to a father who worked at NASA's tracking station during the Apollo missions, Proctor's artistic vision has been shaped by a lifelong connection to space and Earth sciences. Today, her work bridges the worlds of science, space exploration, humanity, and creative expression. With advanced degrees in Environmental Science, Geology, and Science Education, Proctor's art is deeply informed by her scientific background. As a geoscience professor at Maricopa Community College, she honed her ability to communicate complex ideas through creative expression, laying the groundwork for her unique artistic style.
Proctor's journey as a space artist gained momentum through her experiences as an analog astronaut, participating in multiple simulated space missions, including a NASA-funded four-month Mars simulation. These experiences profoundly influenced her artistic themes, exploring human adaptation, isolation, and discovery.
In 2021, Proctor made history as the mission pilot for SpaceX Inspiration4, becoming the first African-American woman to pilot a spacecraft and the first Black commercial astronaut. More significantly for her art, this mission allowed Proctor to experience the Overview Effect firsthand, transforming her perspective and artistic vision.
As the first African-American to paint in space, Proctor's post-Inspiration4 work offers a rare blend of scientific accuracy and cosmic inspiration. Her art captures the fragility and interconnectedness of Earth as seen from orbit, inviting viewers to experience our planet from this unique vantage point.
Through her company Space2inspire, Proctor creates Afrofuturist art that not only celebrates space exploration but also advocates for a just, equitable, diverse, and inclusive (J.E.D.I.) approach to space and STEM fields. Her work challenges us to consider humanity's future among the stars while also addressing humanity’s most pressing issues on Earth, from ecological stewardship to inclusion and diversity.
Proctor's contributions have earned her numerous accolades, including being named one of The Explorer's Club 50: Fifty People Changing the World. She serves on the National Space Council Users' Advisory Group under Vice President Harris, where she brings her artistic perspective to discussions on STEM workforce development and climate change.
As an international speaker and educator, Proctor uses her art to inspire global audiences, encouraging people to view our planet and our future from a truly cosmic perspective. Her unique combination of scientific expertise, space experience, and artistic acumen makes her a powerful voice in both the art world and the space exploration community.
Dr. Proctor's journey from a child of the Space Age to a pioneering space artist and astronaut embodies the intersection of science, exploration, and creativity. Her work continues to push boundaries, offering a visionary artistic lens through which to view our planet and humanity's relationship with the cosmos.
Johnny Quinn
Former Pro Football Wide Receiver, U.S. Bobsled Olympian, and Inspirational Speaker on Change
About
Johnny Quinn is a dynamic keynote speaker, U.S. Olympian, and former pro football player who helps organizations Push What's Possible by turning great teams into unstoppable ultra performers who stay ready for what’s next.
As the third person in history to play pro football and compete in the Winter Olympics, Johnny brings a rare perspective on what it takes to perform under pressure. His journey from the gridiron to the Olympic track gives him a unique perspective on what it takes to turn setbacks into comebacks and challenges into the best opportunities you never saw coming.
His P.U.S.H. framework has equipped thousands at organizations like Toyota, Southwest Airlines, and Verizon to collaborate more effectively, stay agile during disruption, and build momentum—no matter the season. By helping audiences push past what's holding them back, he helps them discover untapped potential they didn't know they had.
Recognized by major media outlets including ESPN, CNN, USA Today, and The Wall Street Journal, and the author of PUSH: Breaking Through Barriers, Johnny delivers proven strategies teams can implement the very next day. He lives in Texas with his wife, Amanda, and two small children.
Dr. Howard Rocket
Inspiring speaker with remarkable story of overcoming adversity. Author of A Stroke of Luck.
About
In the last 2 years Dr. Howard Rocket has started four new businesses. That is an amazing accomplishment in itself but even more amazing when you realize that a few years ago a stroke nearly killed him. For Dr. Rocket passionately believes that your attitude is everything especially in these challenging times. Howard was a successful dentist-turned-entrepreneur when he suffered a massive stroke on the morning of October 27, 1995. By that evening Howard was a dying man, a blood clot lodged deep in his brain, his body barely responding to medical intervention. There had been warning signs for days prior, but he did not understand their cause, nor the crisis that they foreshadowed.
With valiant medical attention and good fortune Howard survived and made a stunning recovery, but the experience changed his life forever both in body and in attitude. He has since co-authored A Stroke of Luck, his personal story of how recovery from a stroke changed his life and his outlook. A powerful speaker, Dr. Rocket helps people understand that they can overcome any obstacle.
Sebastien Sasseville
Best-selling Author, Leadership and teamwork expert, Motivational keynote speaker, Endurance athlete
About
One of the most accomplished endurance athletes on the planet, Sébastien’s long list of athletic accomplishments is made even more impressive by the fact that he lives with type 1 diabetes. Sébastien’s story embodies resilience, determination, and purpose. Today, he inspires leaders to galvanize teams around a mission and helps organizations boost engagement with his awe-inspiring stories.
An author, speaker, and athlete, he is a frequent guest on radio and TV shows, and has been featured in countless newspapers and magazines. Sébastien is a world-class communicator, and is well known for his inspiring stories, humor, and dynamic speeches. His greatest strength is his ability to build relevant parallels between athletic endurance and the corporate world.
Sébastien spent the first ten years of his career in sales roles for Fortune 1,000 companies. Transformed by his achievements and already a veteran speaker with over 1,000 keynotes delivered in North America, Europe and Asia, including a TEDx talk, Sébastien speaks on leadership, teamwork, and change.
Mark Schulman
World-Renowned Drummer; Author; Motivator; Expert, The Secrets of Rockstar Performance
About
Mark Schulman is a monster drummer who’s toured the world with some of the greatest rock and pop performers – before crowds as big as 225,000. He’s played with P!NK, Billy Idol, Cher, Stevie Nicks, Foreigner, Simple Minds, and others over his 32-year touring career. Mark is also amazing on another stage – as a speaker, where he delivers a rock show disguised as a keynote. “I’ve learned about the importance of attitude as part of the touring family with these great performers,” Mark says as he unpacks the secrets of rockstar performance. His presentations translate lessons learned during a remarkable career into valuable tips for organizations, teams, leaders, and those who want to be their absolute best.
Mark Schulman is a brilliant storyteller and performer who inspires audiences to engage and unleash their inner rockstar. Mark's first book, Conquering Life’s Stage Fright, shows people how to harness doubt, fear, and anxiety to perform at their best when it matters most. His next book, The Attitude Equation, is slated for early 2024 release. Mark is also a judge and coach on an all-new original music competition television show called BANDED on AXS TV.
Mark Schulman grew up in Los Angeles and is a classically trained cellist. As a teen, he played with the Los Angeles Junior Philharmonic. He later even played cello on the 2009/2010 P!NK tour. During his unprecedented career over the last 32 years, Mark has been a first-call drummer for world-class rock and pop artists. He was voted “Top 3 Pop-Rock Drummers” in the Modern Drummer Readers Poll in 2014 and was the featured cover
artist in the May 2019 issue of Modern Drummer. Mark did four record-breaking world tours with P!NK over 15 years.
Mark’s resume reads like a “Who’s Who” of international rock ‘n’ roll royalty, including acts such as Cher, Billy Idol, Foreigner, Sheryl Crow, Stevie Nicks, Beyonce, and so many other world-class artists. He has drummed with Velvet Revolver at Ozzfest and for a crowd of 225,000 at Glastonbury Festival with Simple Minds. Mark has appeared on nearly every American, European, and Australian variety show including the Grammy Awards, Late Night with David Letterman, The Tonight Show, Late Night with Conan O'Brien, The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, American Idol, The Paul O'Grady Show, The X Factor, Wetten, dass..?, the ARIA Awards, and more.
Mark’s fan base extends way beyond the rock ‘n’ roll stage. Fans of his other career, as a top motivational speaker, exist at companies and organizations he’s spoken for, including American Express, Microsoft, IBM, DELL Cisco, Aveda, Kaiser, NCAA, SAP, and more. To date, Mark has performed over 2,000 keynotes, 1,000 music clinics, and for over a billion people.
Offstage, Mark is passionate about teaching and helping others. He was the chairman of Create Now!, a non-profit organization founded in 1996 to help change troubled children's lives through creative arts mentoring. A cancer survivor himself, Mark has also motivated children and teens through his work doing seminars with the Ronald McDonald House and benefits for the Teenage Cancer Trust in the U.K.
An active educator, Mark taught at the Los Angeles Music Academy and is one of the world’s most sought-after drum clinicians, hosting clinics around the world. Mark produced his first instructional DVD in his studio, A Day in the Recording Studio; A Do-It-Yourself Guide to Recording Great Drum Tracks for Drummers and All Musicians distributed by Hudson Music. The Mark Schulman Signature Snare Drum is one of the best-selling signature products in the history of GRETSCH.
In May 2023, Mark became a judge and coach for an all-new original music competition television show called BANDED. The show redefines the “build-a-band” concept and pairs up-and-coming artists with top coaches. Besides judging, Mark will coach one of the rock outfits.
Mark is also a music producer, trained audio engineer, and studio co-owner of West Triad Recording Studio in Venice, California.
Debra Searle
British Adventurer, Television Presenter, Author and Motivational Speaker
About
Debra Searle: Motivational Keynote Speaker on Resilience, Mindset & Change | Solo Atlantic Rower | Entrepreneur | Author
Choose Your Attitude. Change Your Outcome.
What happens when the plan falls apart, circumstances change and giving up feels like the easiest option?
Debra Searle is an entrepreneur, adventurer and inspiring keynote speaker on resilience, mindset, change and overcoming adversity.
Why Book Debra Searle?
Debra's story immediately captures an audience—but the real power of her keynote is how easily people can apply its lessons to their own challenges.
Alone on the Atlantic, Debra couldn't control the weather, the waves or many of the obstacles she encountered. She could control how she responded.
That distinction became central to her approach to resilience and performance.
Debra helps audiences understand how their mindset, language and daily choices can influence the way they navigate uncertainty, change and setbacks. Her keynote is inspiring without being simply motivational—it gives people practical ideas they can use long after the event.
What Makes Debra Searle Different?
- Extraordinary Atlantic rowing story — a powerful real-world example of resilience
- Authentic experience with adversity — lessons developed when quitting would have been understandable
- Practical mindset strategies — turns an incredible adventure into useful workplace lessons
- Change focused — highly relevant for organizations navigating uncertainty and disruption
- Personal accountability — emphasizes taking ownership of what you can control
- Engaging storyteller — combines vulnerability, humor and inspiration
- Business relevant — connects resilience directly to leadership and performance
- Broad audience appeal — resonates with leaders, sales teams and employees at every level
Why Is Debra Right for Your Audience?
Debra is an outstanding choice when you need your audience to build resilience, take greater ownership and maintain momentum when circumstances become difficult.
She is particularly effective for leadership conferences, sales kickoffs, corporate meetings, association conferences and organizations experiencing significant change.
Book Debra when your audience needs to:
- Build greater resilience during uncertainty
- Adapt positively when plans change
- Focus on what they can control
- Maintain motivation during difficult periods
- Take greater responsibility for their attitude
- Recover more quickly from setbacks
- Keep moving toward long-term goals
- Approach change with greater confidence
Audience Takeaways
Attendees will leave:
- Understanding how attitude influences their response to challenges
- Better able to separate what they can control from what they can't
- Equipped with practical strategies for maintaining resilience
- More aware of how internal dialogue influences performance
- Ready to take greater ownership of their response to change
- Better prepared to maintain momentum when progress feels difficult
- Inspired to make small choices that create meaningful results
Debra Searle Keynote Programs
Choose Your Attitude. You can't always choose what happens to you. You can choose how you respond.
Drawing from her extraordinary Atlantic journey, Debra demonstrates how consciously choosing your attitude can influence resilience, decision-making and performance.
She gives audiences practical strategies for managing their mindset when circumstances are difficult, uncertain or outside their control.
Ideal for: Leadership conferences, corporate meetings, sales kickoffs and organizations navigating uncertainty.
Resilience: Keep Moving Forward. How do you keep going when the destination feels impossibly far away?
Debra shares the strategies that helped her continue rowing day after day despite isolation, setbacks and constantly changing conditions.
She connects those lessons to the workplace, helping audiences understand how small actions, clear goals and the right mindset can create momentum during challenging periods.
Ideal for: Sales teams, high-performance organizations, leadership events and employee conferences.
Navigating Change. When the conditions change, the original plan may no longer be the right plan.
Debra uses lessons from the Atlantic to show audiences how to adapt when circumstances shift unexpectedly.
Rather than wasting energy fighting realities they can't change, people learn how to refocus on what they can influence and continue making progress.
Ideal for: Organizational transformation, leadership development and companies experiencing significant change.
Why Book Debra Searle Through The Sweeney Agency?
Debra Searle has an extraordinary story of resilience, courage and determination—but the real value comes from connecting those experiences directly to the challenges your audience is facing.
The Sweeney Agency can help you:
- Confirm Debra Searle's availability and current speaking fee
- Determine which Debra Searle keynote best fits your audience
- Discuss customization around your organization's objectives
- Coordinate format, timing and event logistics
- Compare Debra with other leading resilience, change and motivational speakers
Is Debra Searle Right for Your Event?
Tell us the challenge, change or uncertainty your people are navigating.
We'll help you determine whether Debra is the right fit, confirm availability and fees, and make the booking process simple.
Planning a leadership conference, sales kickoff or corporate event? Contact The Sweeney Agency today [email protected] to discuss booking Debra Searle as your keynote speaker.
About
Meet Jay Shetty the British-born, former monk & award-winning digital strategist turned captivating host, storyteller and viral trend content creator. Since launching his video channel in 2016, Jay’s viral wisdom videos have garnered over 4 billion views and he has gained over 25 million social media followers globally.
Jay was named in the Forbes 30 Under 30 Class of 2017 for being a game-changer and influencer in the world of Media. Jay aims to deliver educational and insightful content in an entertaining, uplifting format -- with the mission of making wisdom go viral. His inspirational video reach is known to skyrocket upwards of 100 million views within days of launch. He has created content for and partnered with the likes of Snapchat & Facebook and serves on the National Geographic Chasing Genius Council.
After meeting a monk at the age of 18, Jay sought to redefine personal success. He was inspired by a life of service, impact and passion as opposed to money, fame and power. After graduating with a first-class BSc (Hons) Degree in Behavioral Science from Cass Business School, he turned down lucrative job offers from prestigious companies, moved to India and lived as a monk. He traded his suits for robes, shaved his head, slept on the floor and lived out of a gym locker. Jay meditated for 4-8 hours a day and studied ancient philosophy. Half the day was spent on personal growth and the other on helping others. This included everything from personal and collective meditation, study and reflection to teaching and philanthropy. For three years, Jay helped build sustainable villages, food programs distributing over one million meals per day and coached Millennials throughout India and Europe.
Jay received a proposal from his guru who believed he could share what he had learnt if he left the path. Jay moved back to London with his parents, in massive debt with no recognizable skills on his resume. Fortunately, his friends, now working for the largest organizations in the world yet experiencing tremendous stress and pressure, invited Jay to coach them on well-being, purpose and mindfulness. Jay began sharing his experiences as a monk in the world's largest corporations including EY and Nasdaq.
Driven by a desire to share his learnings with as many people as possible, he re-engaged with the world and dove head first into learning about the tools and techniques that might allow knowledge to spread as fast as entertainment. He joined Accenture, helping them build their digital division while learning about the forces shaping the new digital landscape. He quickly became their #1 social media influencer, having advised over 150 executives on their personal brands, which provided a very broad base with which to test theories. He leveraged his findings to launch his own Facebook page in 2016.
Jay’s videos were spotted by Arianna Huffington, who asked him to create a series for HuffPost. His first four videos hit over 50 million views -- the highest HuffPost had ever received. Arianna invited Jay to New York to be a Senior Host & Producer for HuffPost Live where he created #FollowTheReader. The Facebook Live Daily Talk Show, featuring authors and life changing ideas, became #1 for audience engagement -- with themes that include passion, purpose, mindfulness, resilience, failure and communication.
These days, Jay continues to expand his brand through his viral video agency, group coaching & workshops. He's also been diligently working on his forthcoming book Think Like a Monk: Train Your Mind for Peace and Purpose Every Day (Simon & Schuster) to be released on 14-April-2020. Mark your calendars for this highly anticipated work.
Nina Sossamon-Pogue
USA Gymnast, Sought-after Motivational Speaker on Resilience & Change Management
About
Nina Sossamon-Pogue is an inspirational thought leader who reframes resilience and empowers audiences to create successful futures.
With a diverse background as a former USA gymnast, Emmy-winning television news anchor, tech executive, and now a sought after speaker and author, Nina shares a unique framework for resilience and emboldens audiences to envision their futures in new and innovative ways.
Nina left her role as a Vice President at a publicly traded SaaS company to embark on a mission to empower hardworking individuals to keep raising the bar, and thrive through challenges.
Drawing from her own experiences at the highest levels of sport, television, and corporate America, Nina focused her research on other high achievers to understand why some businesses and individuals thrive during adversity while others get stuck or fail.
Her findings culminated in her first book, "THIS is Not The End," in 2019 and then the creation of her science-based, stoic philosophy-infused resilience framework.
Nina now dedicates herself full-time to writing, speaking, and sharing her message of resilience. Her dynamic blend of science, stoicism, and storytelling is igniting people around the globe to achieve new levels of success.
Dr. Natalie Stavas
Harvard Physician, Mentor, Runner, International Humanitarian; Runner Turned First Responder in the 2013 Boston Marathon Bombing
About
Dr. Natalie Stavas serves as the Program Director for Child Protection Pediatrics at the University of California, San Diego. She specializes in work with vulnerable children, victims of abuse, and decreasing youth violence. Described as a healer, educator, and Boston community leader she received the 2012 Change Maker award from The Boston Foundation.
On April 15, 2013, Dr. Stavas approached the finish line of her fifth Boston marathon. Just blocks away, she heard explosions and ran towards them. Arriving at the scene she went to work administering CPR, applying tourniquets, and triaging the wounded.
Following this event, President Barack Obama, Katie Couric, and Anderson Cooper honored her for her actions. Improper Bostonian magazine named Dr. Stavas one of “Boston’s Best” and The Boston Globe awarded her with “2013 Bostonian of the Year” – an honor bestowed upon those that shape the biggest story of the year in a remarkable way.
After the bombings, Dr. Stavas increased her efforts in preventing childhood violence. She became a weekly medical contributor for Boston’s Fox 25- discussing issues affecting children and young adults, a mentor for Sole Train- a non-profit guiding inner-city youth on a path towards their full potential through running. In early 2014 she helped partner Prescription for the Outdoors with Boston Medical Center’s pediatric team.
This advocacy goes beyond borders- traveling to Haiti throughout the year Dr. Stavas provided medical care to children and helped strengthen their fragile medical infrastructure. A documentary featuring this work as a medical pioneer premiered at the 2014 South by Southwest film festival.
Dr. Stavas is currently a leader in education and research. She serves as the Program Director for Child Protection Pediatrics at the University of California, San Diego. In this role she mentors medical students, residents, and fellows towards a path of fulfillment in medicine. Her research on caring for vulnerable children has won awards and been highlighted on multiple media outlets.
Dr. Stavas has been featured in Runner’s World, The New York Times, LA Times, The Boston Globe, The New Yorker, Time, and People magazine.
Robert Swan
Renowned Polar Explorer & Transformational Leader in Sustainability
About
With his presence and integrity, accomplishments and reflections, Robert Swan has an extraordinary ability to inspire and motivate audiences worldwide. Having experienced leadership and team cooperation in some of the world’s most hostile environments, Robert applies the leadership lessons he has learned to inspire bold management practices and effective communication styles. Robert’s talks are thrilling, uplifting and stimulating – all while fostering courage, vision and teamwork. His core themes are inspiration, leadership and future thinking for business, society and the environment.
30 years ago, French ocean explorer Jacques Cousteau gave Robert Swan a 50-year mission to save Antarctica from the realities of climate change. The 2041 Foundation was founded and through perseverance and dedication, Robert has helped inspire the next generation of leaders to take responsibility for their life paths.
As the founder of the 2041 Foundation, Robert has dedicated his life to the preservation of Antarctica and the planet through promoting renewable energy and sustainability to combat the effects of climate change.
Robert Swan has been working side-by-side with his son Barney for the past 5 years. On January 15th 2018 at the South Geographic Pole, the baton was passed onto Barney Swan, who, on that day, became the first person in history to journey to the South Pole powered entirely by renewable energy. This incredible feat marked the launch of CLIMATEFORCE, a 7 year campaign to remove 326 million tonnes of CO2 out of the atmosphere through effective solutions and education to encourage personal leadership in our carbon neutral future. CLIMATEFORCE continues to build on the 2041 legacy through action and personal leadership today and in the future.
This is not only an incredible story about a father and son, it is a legacy story of Robert Swan and the 2041 Foundation and their unstoppable commitment and leadership to preserve this earth for generations to come.
Sebastian Terry
Inspirational Keynote Speaker, Best Selling Author, TV Host, & Founder of the 100things Movement
About
Sebastian Terry: Keynote Speaker on Purpose, Leadership & Human Connection | Founder of 100 Things | Author | Inspirational Adventurer
Turn Purpose Into Action. What happens when people stop simply going through the motions and start pursuing what truly matters?
Best known for his journey to complete a list of 100 Things he wanted to achieve in his lifetime, Sebastian transformed a personal challenge into a global movement. His experiences reveal powerful lessons about setting meaningful goals, overcoming fear, helping others and creating cultures where people feel inspired to take action.
Why Book Sebastian Terry?
Sebastian doesn't just talk about living with purpose. He built his life around it.
What began as a list of 100 personal goals became an extraordinary journey filled with adventure, setbacks, human connection and unexpected opportunities to help others achieve their own dreams.
Sebastian brings those lessons into the workplace, challenging audiences to think differently about purpose, goals, connection and what motivates people to perform at their best.
His keynote is inspiring, entertaining and highly interactive—leaving audiences not only motivated but asking an important question: What's on my list?
What Makes Sebastian Terry Different?
- Creator of 100 Things — transformed a personal bucket list into a global movement
- Extraordinary storytelling — memorable stories of adventure, risk and human connection
- Purpose-driven message — helps people reconnect with what genuinely matters
- Highly interactive — creates an experience rather than simply delivering a speech
- Universal appeal — resonates across roles, generations and industries
- Workplace relevance — connects personal purpose with engagement, culture and performance
- Action oriented — inspires audiences to turn intentions into meaningful goals
- Feel-good impact — creates energy and connection that can continue long after the event
Why Is Sebastian Right for Your Audience?
Sebastian is an outstanding choice when you want your audience to reconnect with purpose, think bigger and take meaningful action.
He is particularly effective for leadership conferences, corporate meetings, sales kickoffs, association conferences, employee events and organizations focused on culture and engagement.
Book Sebastian when your audience needs to:
- Reconnect with what motivates them
- Turn meaningful goals into action
- Think beyond perceived limitations
- Build stronger human connections
- Increase engagement and personal ownership
- Create a greater sense of purpose at work
- Support and inspire the people around them
- Bring renewed energy to their personal and professional goals
Audience Takeaways
Attendees will leave:
- Thinking more intentionally about what matters most
- Inspired to identify meaningful personal and professional goals
- More willing to take action despite fear or uncertainty
- Understanding the importance of helping others succeed
- Better connected with colleagues and teammates
- Energized about what's possible
- Ready to turn ideas and intentions into action
Sebastian Terry Keynote Programs
100 Things: What's on Your List?
If you knew your time was limited, what would you do differently?
Sebastian shares the remarkable story behind his journey to complete 100 goals and the lessons he discovered along the way.
Through entertaining stories and powerful insights, he challenges audiences to identify what genuinely matters, overcome the fears that keep them stuck and begin taking meaningful action.
Ideal for: Corporate conferences, association meetings, employee events and organizations looking for an inspirational closing or opening keynote.
Purpose at Work: People perform differently when they feel connected to something that matters.
Sebastian explores how personal purpose, meaningful goals and human connection can influence engagement and performance.
He challenges organizations to create environments where people feel seen, supported and encouraged to pursue goals that matter—both professionally and personally.
Ideal for: Leadership, culture, employee engagement and workplace wellbeing events.
Building Cultures of Connection: What happens when people stop focusing only on their own goals and start helping others achieve theirs?
Sebastian shares lessons from the 100 Things journey to demonstrate the extraordinary impact people can have when they support one another.
Audiences discover how greater empathy, connection and generosity can strengthen relationships, teamwork and organizational culture.
Ideal for: Leadership conferences, team events, culture initiatives and organizations focused on collaboration.
Why Book Sebastian Terry Through The Sweeney Agency?
Sebastian Terry delivers much more than an inspirational story. The real opportunity is connecting his message about purpose, goals and human connection to what you want your audience to think, feel and do differently.
The Sweeney Agency can help you:
- Confirm Sebastian Terry's availability and current speaking fee
- Determine which Sebastian Terry keynote best fits your audience
- Discuss customization around your organization's objectives
- Coordinate format, timing and event logistics
- Compare Sebastian with other leading motivational, purpose and workplace-culture speakers
Is Sebastian Terry Right for Your Event?
Tell us what you want your audience to think differently about—or what you want to inspire them to do next.
We'll help you determine whether Sebastian is the right fit, confirm availability and fees, and make the booking process simple.
Planning a corporate conference, leadership meeting or sales kickoff? Contact The Sweeney Agency today [email protected] to discuss booking Sebastian Terry as your keynote speaker.
About
Jason Tharp is an inspiration expert, best-selling author, and illustrator who inspires audiences to embrace their authentic selves and collaborate towards success. With a focus on leadership and self-leadership, Jason's dynamic speeches share his personal journey of overcoming impossibles, such as brain cancer, obesity, negative self-talk, and self-doubt. His books, including "The Best You!" and "It's Okay To Be A Unicorn!", promote self-leadership, inclusivity, creativity, and self-acceptance.
Renowned for his interactive speaking style and impactful leadership advice, Jason has delivered numerous keynotes since 2015, providing audiences with a blueprint to break their own impossibles. His speeches emphasize teamwork and self-leadership, creating a bridge of empathy through vulnerability. Jason has worked with successful organizations like Better Business Bureau, Novocure, Sonova, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, NRG, Best Buddies, and MacMillan, and has been featured on major media outlets such as CNN, MSNBC, USA Today, Washington Post, The Hill, HuffPost, CBC, and The Independent. Jason has also written many op-ed pieces for numerous media outlets.
Alex Weber
American Ninja Warrior, Inspirational Speaker on Leadership & Peak Performance
About
Alex Weber: American Ninja Warrior Host and Competitor | Award-Winning Speaker | Speaker on Leadership and Peak Performance
Why Book Alex Weber?
Alex brings energy, humor, and openness to the stage. He uses his own failures and achievements to give audiences practical ways to build confidence, support one another, and keep making progress when the next step feels difficult.
Why Is Alex Weber Right for Your Audience?
Alex is a strong fit for leadership conferences, company meetings, team events, and opening or closing keynotes. He is especially relevant when an organization wants people to approach ambitious goals with renewed confidence and work together through change.
Book Alex when your audience needs to:
- Overcome hesitation after setbacks
- Build confidence in high-pressure moments
- Strengthen trust and connection across teams
- Align personal goals with a shared mission
- Lead with a positive and resilient example
- Take action toward its next level of performance
Audience Takeaways
Attendees will leave:
- More willing to act despite self-doubt
- Equipped to reframe setbacks as opportunities to learn
- Clearer on the strengths they can bring to a goal
- Ready to build stronger relationships within their teams
- Energized to follow through on a meaningful next step
Keynote Programs
Unstoppable
Alex shares a system for leaders and top performers facing critical moments. He explores how to respond to stress and doubt with confidence, resourcefulness, and action. Ideal for leadership and performance audiences.
The Unstoppable You
Alex helps individuals challenge internal limits, recognize their strengths, and pursue goals that may feel out of reach. Ideal for company-wide and professional development events.
Unstoppable Leadership
Drawing on his coaching experience, Alex focuses on shared vision, trust, and the example leaders set for others. Ideal for managers and leaders at any career stage.
Unstoppable Teams
Alex examines how teams can build genuine connection and align individual goals with collective success. Ideal for organizations seeking stronger collaboration and a more united culture.
Is Alex Weber Right for Your Event?
Tell us about your audience, the obstacles it faces, and the goals you want it to pursue after the event. We can help select Alex’s most relevant keynote, discuss customization, and confirm his availability and fee.
Contact The Sweeney Agency 1-866-727-7555 or [email protected] for more information on this speaker.
About
About Marc Woods - Paralympian, Author and Cancer Ambassador:
Marc Woods competed internationally as a swimmer for 17 years; winning 12 Paralympic medals from 5 Games and a further 21 from either World or European Championships. In the past he has held world records for 200m, 400m, 1500m Freestyle and as well as being part of the team that held the world record for 4 x 100m Freestyle. At the London 2012 Paralympic Games worked for the BBC as a commentator and presenter, as well as performing in the opening ceremony.
Marc now spends his time presenting at business conference around the world. His speech takes you on an inspirational journey - giving insights into personal responsibility, leadership, teamwork and motivation. It is a journey that took him from cancer patient to multiple Gold medallist. Along with some of the personnel now working with British Cycling he was a pioneer of the
notion of marginal gains.
Marc has written three books. Most notably Personal Best, a combination of his inspirational life story and personal development advice, and more recently Beyond the Call, which supported by research from New York University, looks at how to create conditions within an organisation that make discretionary effort more likely.
Amongst other things he is an ambassador of Teenage Cancer Trust, a director of the Youth Sport Trust and ambassador for CANSA (South Africa's Cancer Charity) and patron for Bone Cancer Research Trust. His clients come from all business sectors and include IBM, Pfizer, Sainsbury, O2 and Santander.
Steve Wozniak
“The Woz” – Co-Founder of Apple Computer, Inc., Chief Scientist at Primary Data
About
A Silicon Valley icon and philanthropist for more than thirty years, Steve Wozniak has helped shape the computing industry with his design of Apple’s first line of products the Apple I and II and influenced the popular Macintosh. In 1976, Wozniak and Steve Jobs founded Apple Computer Inc. with Wozniak’s Apple I personal computer. The following year, he introduced his Apple II personal computer, featuring a central processing unit, a keyboard, color graphics, and a floppy disk drive. The Apple II was integral in launching the personal computer industry.
In 1981, he went back to UC Berkeley and finished his degree in electrical engineering/computer science. For his achievements at Apple, Wozniak was awarded the National Medal of Technology by the President of the United States in 1985, the highest honor bestowed on America’s leading innovators.
In 2000, he was inducted into the Inventors Hall of Fame and was awarded the prestigious Heinz Award for Technology, The Economy and Employment for single-handedly designing the first personal computer and for then redirecting his lifelong passion for mathematics and electronics toward lighting the fires of excitement for education in grade school students and their teachers.
Through the years, Wozniak has been involved in various business and philanthropic ventures, focusing primarily on computer capabilities in schools and stressing hands-on learning and encouraging creativity for students. Making significant investments of both his time and resources in education, he adopted the Los Gatos School District, providing students and teachers with hands-on teaching and donations of state-of-the-art technology equipment. He founded the Electronic Frontier Foundation, and was the founding sponsor of the Tech Museum, Silicon Valley Ballet and Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose.
Wozniak is Chief Scientist at Primary Data and is a published author with the release of his New York Times best selling autobiography, iWoz: From Computer Geek to Cult Icon by Norton Publishing. His television appearances include reality shows Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List, ABC’s Dancing with the Stars and The Big Bang Theory. In 2014, he was awarded the Hoover Medal, a prestigious honor given for “outstanding extra-career services by engineers to humanity,” and was inducted into the IndustryWeek Manufacturing Hall of Fame.