• Jim talks about how individuals must adapt and mold themselves to meet the obstacles of change.

• Audiences leave inspired by Jim's story of how he used his ADAPT framework to become a professional athlete.

• Born without a right hand, Jim Abbott is a former MLB pitcher who led Team USA to a Gold Medal in the 1988 Olympics. 

• Past clients include: Toshiba, Lucent Technologies, Fosters Freeze, Lason Inc., and Prudential.

Born without a right hand, Jim Abbott is a former MLB pitcher who led Team USA to a Gold Medal in the 1988 Olympics. He was an All-America hurler at Michigan and won the Sullivan Award in 1987. Jim threw a 4-0 no-hitter for the New York Yankees versus Cleveland on September 4, 1993. He played for 10 seasons on 4 different teams and ended his big league playing career in 1999.

Abbott has worked with The Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) on several initiatives encouraging businesses to hire people with disabilities.

Today, in addition to often being a Guest Pitching Instructor during Spring Training for the Los Angeles Angels, Jim Abbott is a motivational speaker who shares his incredible story of overcoming adversity and achieving ultimate goal.

• Real-life Leadership advice from the former captain of the best ship in the U.S. Navy—the U.S.S. Benfold

• First book, It’s Your Ship, has sold over 1.1 million copies to date

• Fresh ways to build trust, harness people’s passion and achieve extraordinary results; common-sense ideas to stay focused only on the things you can control/influence

• Past clients include: Cox Communications, Disney, Exxon Mobil, JP Morgan, Microsoft, Starwood Hotels, Toyota

Click Here to Watch Mike's Virtual Presentation

Mike Abrashoff was the most-junior officer in the Pacific Fleet when he took command of the near-worst performing ship. Twelve months later, the USS Benfold was the best ship in the entire Navy –using the same crew. The story of that stunning transformation has lessons for every organization: leadership matters –and culture is everything. Mike’s written three books –his first, It’s Your Ship, has sold over 1.3million copies. His Leadership Roadmap offers clear, battle-tested, and actionable steps. Mike shows people at every level of the organization how to engage and take incremental steps toward change that can make a dramatic difference at work. Mike is clear, “I didn’t turn the ship around –my crew did that. What I did was to create an environment where they feltsafe, empowered and supported. When you do that, anything is possible.”

In many ways, what Mike was able to do with the USS Benfold was an extreme example of the same problems facing many organizations today. That’s why dozens of publications including The Wall Street Journal, Harvard Business Review, and Fast Company have cited Mike’s story as an inspiring lesson for business. Leaders especially identify with Mike’s being accountable for the results in an environment where he couldn’t make the rules.

“When my crew came to me with a problem, I’d say ‘It’s your ship –how would you fix it?’.” Mike focused on the one thing he could influence: his crew’s attitude, because culture is the ultimate competitive weapon for any organization.

Mike’s established a set of management principles that he calls The Leadership Roadmap. At the core of his leadership approach on Benfoldwas a process of replacing command and control with commitment and cohesion, and engaging the hearts, minds, and loyalties of workers with conviction and humility. “The most important thing that a captain can do is to see the ship through the eyes of the crew. The idea is to empower every individual to share the responsibility of achieving excellence.”

By every measure, these principles achieved breakthrough results: turnover decreased to an unprecedented 1%; the rate of promotions tripled; and the crew slashed operating expenses by 25%. Regarded as the finest ship in the Pacific Fleet, Benfoldwon the prestigious Spokane Trophy for havingthe highest degree of combat readiness. This remarkable turnaround was accomplished by the very same crew that had performed so poorly just months before.

Mike is author of three books. His first, It’s Your Ship, has a timeless message: don’t use outside forces that stand in your way as excuses –control the things you can influence and amazing results will happen. His next books, It’s Our Ship and Get Your Ship Together, showed how these principles have been put into action by business leaders in their own organizations.

A popular keynote speaker for audiences looking to ramp up organizational performance, Mike has spoken to every industry and kind of audience –from board retreats to front line personnel; from sales groups to universities; from Fortune 500s to startups. He inspires audiences to rethink their beliefs about leadership and organizational culture and tailors the message to focus on engagement, execution, change, safety, diversity, leadership, teamwork, innovation, accountability and more. Prior to commanding USS Benfold, Mike served as the Military Assistant to Secretary of Defense William J. Perry. He also helped draft the air defense plan for naval forces in the Persian Gulf in 1990, coinciding with Iraq's invasion of Kuwait; and served as the executive officer of the Cruiser Shiloh, where he deployed to the Persian Gulf in support of United Nations sanctions against Iraq.

Mike Abrashoff is the founder of Aegis Performance Group, a consulting firm which works with and supports leaders as they address leadership, talent and performance challenges within their organizations. Mike and his team prompt leaders at all levels to re-imagine their leadership thinking and create new ways to elevate individual,team and organizational performance.

• Talks about making and celebrating incredible moments comes from facing failure and adapting to change

• Audiences are inspired by Jeff's story of becoming a Paralympian and entrepreneur despite facing numerous hurdles

• Jeff is a gold medal winning Paralympian, as well as being the co-founder of design, engineering and manufacturing company focused on Category II medical devices, and most recently a graduate of Osgoode Hall Law School.

• Jeff is a member of the Order of Ontario, and has been inducted into the Terry Fox Hall of Fame, Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame, the Athletics Ontario Sports Hall of Fame, and the Brampton Sports Hall of Fame.

Jeff Adams is a graduate of Osgoode Hall Law School, a Paralympian, and six-time world champion in wheelchair racing. After a distinguished athletic career that included winning three Paralympic gold medals, he retired from competition in 2008 and was inducted into the Sports Hall of Fame in 2018.

In 2010, Jeff co-founded a design, engineering and manufacturing company focused on Category II medical devices. After seven years as President and CEO, and managing the acquisition of the intellectual property by a US company, Jeff decided to pursue a life-long dream of a career in law.

Jeff’s work experience includes serving as the Executive Director for the International Arts Games Foundation where he instructed counsel on the incorporation of a federal not-for-profit corporation, established an inaugural board of directors and created the charter and by-laws. He was also the President, CEO and Founding Partner of Icon Wheelchairs Inc. and President of Marvel Wheelchairs Inc.

At Osgoode Hall Law School, Jeff worked at the Business Clinic and interned at ARCH legal clinic.

Jeff is a member of the Order of Ontario, and has been inducted into the Terry Fox Hall of Fame, Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame, the Athletics Ontario Sports Hall of Fame, and the Brampton Sports Hall of Fame.

Vernice “FlyGirl” Armour:  Keynote Speaker on Leadership, Courage & High Performance | America’s First Black Female Combat Pilot | Former U.S. Marine | Author

Break Through Barriers. Take the Gutsy Move. What could your people accomplish if they stopped letting fear, uncertainty and obstacles determine what was possible?

As America’s first Black female combat pilot, Vernice knows what it takes to break through barriers, perform under pressure and take decisive action when the stakes are high. Her dynamic keynotes challenge audiences to move beyond excuses, embrace bold action and develop the mindset needed to accomplish ambitious goals.

Why Book Vernice “FlyGirl” Armour?

Vernice doesn't simply talk about courage and performance. She has lived them in one of the world's most demanding environments.

From breaking barriers in military aviation to flying combat missions, Vernice learned that success requires more than talent. It requires preparation, confidence, teamwork and the willingness to act when circumstances are uncertain.

She translates those lessons into a powerful business message that helps audiences move from thinking about what they should do to actually doing it.

Her combination of extraordinary stories, practical strategies and contagious energy makes Vernice especially effective when you want to energize a room and inspire immediate action.

What Makes Vernice Different?

• Barrier-breaking combat pilot — America's first Black female combat pilot
• Battle-tested leadership — lessons developed in demanding, high-pressure environments
• High-energy delivery — brings exceptional enthusiasm and presence to the stage
• Action-oriented message — challenges audiences to move from ideas to execution
• Powerful business relevance — connects aviation lessons to leadership, sales and performance
• Courage under pressure — helps people act confidently despite fear and uncertainty
• Broad audience appeal — connects with executives, leaders, sales teams and employees
• Memorable storytelling — combines inspiration, humor and practical lessons

Why Is Vernice Right for Your Audience?

Vernice is an outstanding choice when you need your audience to raise their energy, take greater ownership and act more decisively.

She is particularly effective for leadership conferences, sales kickoffs, corporate meetings, women's leadership events and organizations pursuing ambitious growth or transformation.

Book Vernice when your audience needs to:

• Take bold action instead of waiting for perfect conditions
• Break through barriers and limiting beliefs
• Perform confidently under pressure
• Strengthen accountability and personal ownership
• Turn strategy into execution
• Navigate uncertainty with courage
• Build stronger teamwork and trust
• Raise expectations for what's possible

Audience Takeaways

Attendees will leave:

• More confident taking action despite uncertainty
• Better prepared to push through obstacles and setbacks
• Understanding why courage is essential to leadership
• More willing to take ownership of results
• Equipped with a stronger mindset for high-pressure situations
• Ready to turn intentions into action
• Energized to make their own “gutsy moves”

Vernice “FlyGirl” Armour Keynote Programs

Get Gutsy: Make the Gutsy Move. What happens when you stop waiting for circumstances to be perfect and start taking action?

Vernice challenges audiences to identify the barriers standing between where they are and where they want to go—and then make the courageous moves necessary to break through them.

Drawing from her experiences as a combat pilot, she shows how preparation, mindset and decisive action can help people move forward even when uncertainty is high.

Ideal for: Leadership conferences, corporate meetings, transformation events and organizations pursuing ambitious goals.

Zero to Breakthrough. Breakthrough performance starts when people take ownership of creating a different result.

Vernice helps audiences move beyond excuses, obstacles and limiting assumptions and focus on the actions that can move them forward.

Her message encourages people to clarify their goals, identify what's holding them back and take practical steps toward achieving meaningful results.

Ideal for: Sales kickoffs, high-performance teams, leadership meetings and organizations focused on execution.

Leading From the Cockpit. When the pressure rises, leadership becomes visible.

Drawing on lessons from military aviation, Vernice explores how effective leaders build trust, communicate clearly, make decisions and keep teams focused on the mission.

She translates the discipline and teamwork of the cockpit into practical leadership lessons audiences can apply in their own organizations.

Ideal for: Executive meetings, leadership development, teamwork and high-performance audiences.

Is Vernice Armour Right for Your Event?

Tell us the breakthrough you need your people to make—and what's standing in their way.

We'll help you determine whether Vernice 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 Vernice “FlyGirl” Armour as your keynote speaker.

Mariana Atencio is on a mission to help people supercharge their careers, their workplace cultures, and their happiness by embracing the power of authenticity. Coming to America from Venezuela as a young girl, Mariana learned first-hand how feeling self-conscious about being different kept her from engaging. After graduating Columbia University, Mariana wanted to take that experience into her journalism career and tell stories that build bridges and foster understanding.

She became a national news anchor and correspondent, earning a Peabody Award for reporting which took her from Haiti to Hong Kong to the Syrian border. The success of her TEDx talk, “What Makes YOU Special?”, viewed over 23 million times, catapulted Mariana into a new storytelling outlet: speaking.

Her first book, Perfectly You: Embracing the Power of Being Real, is a bestselling call to action to unleash the magic of personal and professional authenticity to find purpose and break barriers. Currently head of her own media production company, Mariana pursues stories that capture her curiosity. She also continues to deliver inspiring keynotes and moderate/host at major events.

Cam Awesome: Motivational Keynote Speaker on Resilience, Mindset & High Performance | Champion Boxer | Team USA Captain

Get Comfortable Being Uncomfortable

What could your people accomplish if setbacks stopped being reasons to quit and became reasons to grow?

Cam Awesome is a champion boxer, former Team USA captain and dynamic motivational keynote speaker on resilience, mindset, overcoming adversity and high performance.

Why Book Cam Awesome?

Cam delivers something every event planner wants: a motivational keynote that's inspiring, entertaining and genuinely useful.

His story isn't about winning every time. It's about learning how to respond when you don't.

Cam shows audiences that resilience isn't something you're born with—it's something you develop by changing the way you interpret setbacks, failure and discomfort.

His energetic and often hilarious delivery gets audiences laughing while challenging them to take greater ownership, become more resilient and stop allowing fear of failure to limit their potential.

What Makes Cam Awesome Different?

• Champion athlete — brings real lessons from elite-level competition
• Former Team USA captain — understands leadership, accountability and teamwork
• Powerful resilience story — demonstrates how setbacks can become catalysts for growth
• Exceptionally entertaining — uses humor to make serious lessons memorable
• Authentic and vulnerable — openly shares both victories and failures
• High-energy delivery — immediately engages and energizes a room
• Practical mindset strategies — gives audiences ideas they can apply immediately
• Broad audience appeal — particularly effective for sales, leadership and employee events

Why Is Cam Right for Your Audience?

Cam is an outstanding choice when you want your audience to increase their resilience, become more comfortable with discomfort and take action despite the possibility of failure.

He is particularly effective for sales kickoffs, leadership conferences, corporate meetings, association events and teams working in competitive or rapidly changing environments.

Book Cam when your audience needs to:

• Bounce back faster from setbacks
• Become more comfortable taking risks
• Stop allowing fear of failure to limit performance
• Build greater confidence and resilience
• Maintain motivation when results don't come immediately
• Take greater ownership of their attitude
• Approach challenges with a stronger mindset
• Bring more energy and optimism to their work

Audience Takeaways

Attendees will leave:

• Thinking differently about failure and setbacks
• Better prepared to respond when things don't go according to plan
• More willing to step outside their comfort zone
• Equipped with practical strategies for strengthening resilience
• Understanding how mindset influences performance
• More confident taking action despite uncertainty
• Energized and ready to approach their next challenge differently

Cam Awesome Keynote Programs

Getting Comfortable Being Uncomfortable. Growth rarely happens inside your comfort zone.

Cam shares the lessons he learned from years of elite competition and the setbacks that threatened to derail his ambitions.

He challenges audiences to rethink their relationship with discomfort and recognize that difficult experiences can become opportunities to learn, adapt and improve.

Ideal for: Sales kickoffs, leadership conferences, corporate meetings and organizations navigating change.

The Awesome Mindset. You can't control everything that happens. You can control what you do next.

Cam shows audiences how changing their perspective can change the way they respond to pressure, disappointment and adversity.

Using humor, personal stories and lessons from competitive boxing, he demonstrates how people can develop a mindset that helps them recover faster and continue moving toward their goals.

Ideal for: High-performance teams, sales organizations, leadership events and employee meetings.

Turning Failure Into Fuel. What if failure wasn't the opposite of success—but part of the process required to achieve it?

Cam challenges the fear of failure that often prevents people from taking risks, pursuing opportunities and reaching their potential.

His experiences demonstrate how setbacks can provide the lessons, perspective and motivation needed to come back stronger.

Ideal for: Sales teams, emerging leaders, high-performance cultures and organizations pursuing ambitious goals.

Why Book Cam Awesome Through The Sweeney Agency?

Cam Awesome combines championship-level experience, powerful resilience lessons and exceptional humor—but the real value comes from connecting his message directly to the challenges your audience is facing.

The Sweeney Agency can help you:

• Confirm Cam Awesome's availability and current speaking fee
• Determine which Cam Awesome keynote best fits your audience
• Discuss customization around your event objectives
• Coordinate format, timing and event logistics
• Compare Cam with other leading motivational, resilience and high-performance speakers

Is Cam Awesome Right for Your Event?

Tell us where your people need greater resilience, confidence or motivation.

We'll help you determine whether Cam is the right fit, confirm availability and fees, and make the booking process simple.

Planning a sales kickoff, leadership conference or corporate event? Contact The Sweeney Agency today [email protected] to discuss booking Cam Awesome as your motivational keynote speaker.

Best known for his 1985 discovery of the TITANIC, Dr. Robert Ballard has succeeded in tracking down numerous other significant shipwrecks, including the German battleship BISMARCK, the lost fleet of Guadalcanal, the U.S. aircraft carrier YORKTOWN (sunk in the World War II Battle of Midway), and John F. Kennedy boat, PT-109.

While those discoveries have captured the imagination of the public, Dr. Ballard believes his most important discoveries were of hydrothermal vents and black smokers in the Galapagos Rift and East Pacific Rise in 1977 and 1979 along with their exotic life forms living off the energy of the Earth through a process now called chemosynthesis.

In addition to being a National Geographic Society Explorer-In-Residence and a commissioner on the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy, Dr. Ballard is the president of the Ocean Exploration Trust (OET).

Ballard was born June 30, 1942, in Wichita, KS but moved to California at a very young age and grew up exploring the shore in San Diego. Dr. Ballard has a Ph.D. in marine geology and geophysics from the University of Rhode Island. He spent 30 years at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, where he helped develop telecommunications technology to create "tele-presence" for his education initiative, which allows hundreds of thousands of schoolchildren to accompany him from afar on undersea explorations around the globe each year. In 2001, he returned to the Graduate School of Oceanography at the University of Rhode Island where he is presently a tenured Professor of Oceanography and Director of the Center for Ocean Exploration.

Dr. Ballard has 21 honorary degrees and six military awards. He was also a Commander in the U.S. Naval Reserve, serving in the Navy from 1967 to 1997. He received the National Geographic Society's prestigious Hubbard Medal in 1996 for extraordinary accomplishments in coaxing secrets from the world's oceans and engaging students in the wonder of science. In 2014, he was elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Dr. Ballard has published numerous books, scientific papers, and a dozen articles in National Geographic magazine. Dr. Ballard also has been featured in several National Geographic television programs, including the record-breaking Secrets of the TITANIC.

His discoveries also include sunken remains of ships along ancient trade routes in the Mediterranean Sea; two ancient Phoenician ships off Israel, the oldest shipwrecks ever found in deep water; and four 1,500-year-old wooden ships, one almost perfectly preserved in the Black Sea. Dr. Ballard's Black Sea project seeks evidence of a great flood that may have struck the region thousands of years ago.

His 1997 best-selling book, Lost Liners, tells the story of the great transatlantic liners through memorable wrecks he has visited. Dr. Ballard was also a special advisor on Steven Spielberg's futuristic Sea Quest, DSV television show.

An explorer, discoverer and historian, Dr. Ballard's fascinating journeys can teach us a great deal about our past, and they have encouraged others to take tremendous strides in the survey of the undiscovered mysteries of the deep sea.

Chris Barton: Keynote Speaker on Innovation, AI & Disruptive Thinking | Founder & First CEO of Shazam | Inventor | Tech Entrepreneur

Bring Impossible Ideas to Life. What if the idea everyone says is impossible is actually your biggest opportunity?

When Chris conceived the idea for Shazam, experts told him it couldn't be done. He refused to accept the assumptions defining what was possible. The result became one of the world's most recognizable technology platforms, with more than 2 billion downloads before being acquired by Apple.

Today, Chris shows organizations how to challenge conventional thinking, break through barriers and turn seemingly impossible ideas into reality.

Why Book Chris Barton?

Chris doesn't simply talk about innovation. He built something the experts said couldn't be built.

Shazam was conceived before smartphones and app stores existed. Creating it required Chris and his team to solve enormous technological, commercial and operational challenges while repeatedly finding ways around obstacles that could have ended the company.

Those experiences shaped Chris's “Start from Zero” approach to innovation—a way of challenging assumptions and returning to basic truths instead of automatically accepting how things have always been done.

His keynote combines a remarkable entrepreneurial story with practical thinking audiences can use to challenge the status quo and create breakthrough ideas of their own.

What Makes Chris Barton Different?

• Founder & first CEO of Shazam — created one of the world's most recognizable technology platforms
• AI pioneer — Shazam was an early mass-consumer application of artificial intelligence
• 2+ billion downloads — transformed an impossible-sounding idea into a global product
• Apple acquisition — Shazam was acquired by Apple in 2018
• 12 patents — inventor across Shazam, Google and Dropbox
• Google experience — was Google's first employee focused on mobile partnerships
• Dropbox experience — joined when it was still a rapidly growing startup
• Start from Zero thinking — gives audiences a practical framework for challenging assumptions
• Creative Persistence — demonstrates how imagination and tenacity combine to overcome barriers

Why Is Chris Right for Your Audience?

Chris is an outstanding choice when you want your audience to challenge conventional thinking, become more innovative and stop allowing assumptions to determine what's possible.

He is particularly effective for leadership conferences, AI and technology events, innovation summits, sales kickoffs and organizations navigating disruption.

Book Chris when your audience needs to:

• Challenge assumptions and conventional thinking
• Generate more innovative ideas
• Understand the possibilities created by AI and technology
• Turn ambitious ideas into action
• Overcome barriers without compromising the original vision
• Develop greater creative persistence
• Eliminate friction for customers and employees
• Become more comfortable pursuing ideas others don't immediately understand

Audience Takeaways

Attendees will leave:

• Thinking differently about what is possible
• Better equipped to challenge assumptions
• Understanding how first-principles thinking can unlock innovation
• More willing to pursue unconventional ideas
• Better prepared to creatively overcome obstacles
• Recognizing how unnecessary friction limits growth
• Inspired to combine persistence with imagination
• Ready to bring their own “impossible” ideas to life

Chris Barton Keynote Programs

Bring Impossible Ideas to Life. How do you create something that experts insist can't be done?

Technology and AI are rapidly changing the boundaries of what's possible. Chris takes audiences inside the remarkable creation of Shazam and the challenges involved in developing an idea years ahead of the technology ecosystem required to support it.

He shows audiences how questioning assumptions, thinking from basic truths and approaching obstacles differently can unlock entirely new possibilities.

Ideal for: AI conferences, innovation summits, leadership meetings and organizations pursuing breakthrough ideas.

Overcome Obstacles with Imagination. Persistence matters—but simply trying the same thing harder isn't enough.

Chris calls his approach Creative Persistence: combining determination with the imagination required to find another path when the obvious route is blocked.

Using extraordinary stories from Shazam's journey, he shows audiences how to challenge barriers, question conventional solutions and keep moving toward ambitious goals.

Ideal for: Leadership conferences, sales kickoffs, entrepreneurial events and organizations navigating difficult challenges.

Eliminate Effort to Unlock Explosive Growth. Where is unnecessary friction making it harder for customers, employees or partners to say yes?

Shazam succeeded by making something incredibly complex feel effortless: hear a song, press a button and discover what it is.

Drawing on his experiences with Shazam, Google and Dropbox, Chris shows audiences how identifying and removing friction can create dramatically better customer and employee experiences.

Ideal for: Customer experience, sales, innovation, technology and growth-focused events.

Build the Vision You See, But Others Don't. What do you see that others can't see yet?

Breakthrough ideas often face resistance precisely because they're unfamiliar.

Chris shares the entrepreneurial lessons behind transforming Shazam from an idea many considered impossible into a product used by billions of people.

He challenges entrepreneurs and innovators to strengthen their conviction, prioritize what matters and find creative ways to turn vision into reality.

Ideal for: Entrepreneurs, founders, innovation teams and organizations building new products or businesses.

Why Book Chris Barton Through The Sweeney Agency?

Chris Barton combines an extraordinary entrepreneurial success story with practical frameworks for innovation, AI and breakthrough thinking—but the real value comes from connecting those lessons to the barriers and opportunities facing your organization.

The Sweeney Agency can help you:

• Confirm Chris Barton's availability and current speaking fee
• Determine which Chris Barton keynote best fits your audience
• Discuss customization around your industry and event objectives
• Coordinate format, timing and event logistics
• Compare Chris with other leading innovation, AI and technology keynote speakers

Is Chris Barton Right for Your Event?

Tell us the impossible idea, stubborn barrier or innovation challenge your organization is facing.

We'll help you determine whether Chris is the right fit, confirm availability and fees, and make the booking process simple.

Planning an innovation summit, AI conference, leadership meeting or corporate event? Contact The Sweeney Agency today [email protected] to discuss booking Chris Barton as your keynote speaker.

• National Geographic Explorer with experience in 40+ countries, helping organizations drive sales and reignite employee inspiration through global insights and storytelling.

• Actor on The Sopranos (HBO) & Arab-American from NYC, using the iconic “Stoop” as a powerful metaphor to spark authentic connection and belonging.

• Happiness and Mental Wellness advocate, drawing on 20+ years of deep mindfulness and meditation practice to champion resilience, focus, and well-being in the workplace.

“We need more people like Chris in the world,” says Dr. Jane Goodall.

Chris Bashinelli, National Geographic Explorer, TV host, and celebrated speaker on human connection, travels the globe researching what drives happiness, purpose, and belonging in life and business. Drawing from immersive experiences in over 40 countries, Chris—known affectionately as “Bash”—helps organizations boost sales, reignite employee inspiration, and build cultures of genuine connection.

Born in Brooklyn, New York to Lebanese and Italian-American parents, Bash’s worldview was shaped on his childhood “Stoop”, where his friends shared more than 13 nationalities. After a decade-long acting career, including a role on the hit HBO TV series The Sopranos, Bash traded the red carpet for the road, launching Bridge the Gap, a global documentary series featured on PBS and National Geographic Channel.

Bash’s adventures have taken him from living with nomads in Mongolia, to harvesting tea in China, to Sumo wrestling the heaviest Japanese human in recorded history. He fully embeds himself in different worlds as a modern-day Cultural Anthropologist- learning from Ugandan mystics, Mongolian herdsmen, Lakota suicide prevention activists, and some of TIME Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People on the Planet.

A passionate advocate for mental wellness and happiness, Bash has studied mindfulness and meditation for over 20 years. Following the loss of his father to cancer when he was 20 years old, he began a lifelong mission to understand the human condition. Through his service work, he has brought mindfulness to inmates across federal and state prisons and to veterans of nearly every major conflict since WWII.

As a keynote speaker, Bash brings stories of adventure, interactive exercises, and exclusive content from his travels to create powerful, customized experiences for every audience. His authenticity and curiosity spark something rare and unforgettable—an alchemy of trust, laughter, and transformation. Bash has headlined events for AT&T, American Express, Coca-Cola, Deloitte, the Federal Reserve Bank, the Million Dollar Round Table, and many more.

Bash has shared the stage with luminaries like Stevie Wonder and Michael Douglas, and at just 24, became the youngest person ever to moderate the United Nations International Day of Peace. His most recent film explores the power of friendship with his adoptive grandfather, actor Dominic Chianese (Uncle Junior on The Sopranos). His work has been featured in Delta Sky Magazine, Lonely Planet, Huffington Post, and The Daily News Zimbabwe. He’s also an Eagle Scout and guest host on the Be Here Now podcast network. In a world hungry for meaning and connection, Chris Bashinelli delivers – with heart, humor, and an unwavering belief in our shared humanity.

Click Here to Watch Chris' Virtual Presentation

Jack Becker: Keynote Speaker on Leadership, Accountability & High Performance | Former U.S. Navy Fighter Pilot | Founder of Supersonic Success

Bring Fighter-Pilot Precision to Business Performance

What could your team accomplish if they prepared, communicated and executed with the discipline of elite fighter pilots?

Jack Becker is a former U.S. Navy fighter pilot and dynamic keynote speaker on leadership, accountability, teamwork and high performance.

Why Book Jack Becker?

Jack doesn't simply tell exciting fighter-pilot stories. He translates the disciplines of military aviation into practical strategies business teams can use.

His message focuses on the behaviors that drive consistent performance: preparation, accountability, communication, execution and learning from every experience.

For organizations looking to improve performance rather than simply motivate people for an hour, Jack delivers a keynote designed to help audiences turn lessons into action and action into better results.

What Makes Jack Becker Different?

• Former U.S. Navy fighter pilot — brings lessons from an elite performance environment
• Business-focused message — translates aviation principles into workplace strategies
• Accountability driven — encourages people to take ownership of their performance
• Execution focused — helps close the gap between strategy and results
• Practical debriefing approach — emphasizes learning and continuous improvement
• Team performance — demonstrates why trust and communication matter under pressure
• High-energy delivery — engages audiences with compelling aviation experiences
• Actionable takeaways — gives teams concepts they can apply immediately

Why Is Jack Right for Your Audience?

Jack is an outstanding choice when you want your audience to improve execution, strengthen accountability and work together more effectively.

He is particularly effective for leadership conferences, sales kickoffs, corporate meetings, management events and organizations focused on operational excellence.

Book Jack when your audience needs to:

• Turn strategy into consistent execution
• Strengthen personal accountability
• Improve communication across teams
• Build greater trust and collaboration
• Prepare more effectively for important opportunities
• Learn quickly from wins and mistakes
• Perform more consistently under pressure
• Create a culture of continuous improvement

Audience Takeaways

Attendees will leave:

• Understanding how preparation improves execution
• More willing to take ownership of results
• Better equipped to communicate when the stakes are high
• Recognizing the importance of effective debriefing
• More focused on learning rather than assigning blame
• Better prepared to collaborate across teams
• Ready to apply continuous improvement to everyday performance

Jack Becker Keynote Programs

Supersonic Success: What can business teams learn from the way fighter pilots prepare, execute and improve?

Jack takes audiences inside the world of military aviation to demonstrate how high-performing teams prepare for demanding missions and execute when the pressure is on.

He then translates those lessons into practical business strategies that can help organizations improve communication, accountability and performance.

Ideal for: Leadership conferences, corporate meetings, management teams and organizations focused on execution.

The Fighter Pilot Mindset: High performance doesn't happen by accident.

Jack explores the habits and disciplines that help elite performers stay focused, make decisions and deliver results in demanding environments.

Audiences learn how stronger preparation, clearer expectations and personal accountability can improve performance across an organization.

Ideal for: Sales kickoffs, leadership meetings and high-performance teams.

Debrief to Win: What happens after the mission may be just as important as what happens during it.

Jack demonstrates how effective debriefing can help teams identify what worked, understand what didn't and continuously improve without creating a culture of blame.

Applied to business, this approach can strengthen communication, accelerate learning and help teams perform better on the next mission.

Ideal for: Leadership teams, sales organizations, project teams and companies building a culture of continuous improvement.

Why Book Jack Becker Through The Sweeney Agency?

Jack Becker combines fighter-pilot experience with practical business strategies for improving execution, accountability and teamwork—but the real value comes from connecting those lessons to the performance challenges facing your organization.

The Sweeney Agency can help you:

• Confirm Jack Becker's availability and current speaking fee
• Determine which Jack Becker keynote best fits your audience
• Discuss customization around your event objectives
• Coordinate format, timing and event logistics
• Compare Jack with other leading leadership, teamwork and high-performance speakers

Is Jack Becker Right for Your Event?

Tell us where your team needs to improve execution, accountability or collaboration.

We'll help you determine whether Jack 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 Jack Becker as your keynote speaker.

• Ross talks about why certain teams are SUCCESSFUL whereas others aren’t, based on his research of over 1,000 professional athletes and coaches in this highly personalized presentation.

• Audiences leave motivated by the 100 unique characteristics and traits that are common among champions, told through poignant life lessons and inspirational stories.

• Ross Bernstein is a best-selling author of nearly 50 sports books, and an award-winning business speaker.

• Past clients include: Tempurpedic, Anytime Fitness, Chatham Steel, Milk Specialties Industries, Allianz Life Financial Services and Levi Strauss & Co.

Ever wonder why certain teams win consistently, whereas others come up short? Ross Bernstein explains why - in an engaging and visually entertaining style that's designed to improve your organization's productivity, morale and bottom-line profitability...

The best-selling author of nearly 50 sports books, Ross Bernstein is an award-winning business speaker who helps companies and organizations perform more like champions. Ross and his books have been featured on thousands of television and radio programs over the past 20 years, including CNN, MSNBC, CBS This Morning, FOX News, Bloomberg, ESPN, Sports Illustrated and the CBC, as well as in the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, L.A. Times, USA Today, and Maxim Magazine.

Ross' signature program, The Champion's Code: Life Lessons of Ethics & Accountability from the Sports World to the Business World, is based on more than six years of research that resulted in two critically acclaimed series of sports-business books. The first examines how and why certain teams win world championships; while the other chronicles the unwritten and unspoken rules in the world of sports, or codes as they are known, which explores the fine line between cheating and gamesmanship - and the consequences involved when that line is crossed.

Ross interviewed more than 1,000 professional athletes and coaches for the six books and along the way he saw some fascinating patterns, metrics and trends develop among certain individuals who possessed a very unique DNA. For these unique individuals, or champions, it wasn't always about winning, it was about following their moral compass in order to play the game the right way - with respect and integrity - in order to achieve success. In his presentation, Ross identifies upwards of 100 unique characteristics and traits that are common among champions, which he then ties into poignant life lessons and inspirational stories that relate back to his client's event theme and desired learner outcomes.

Based largely on the Good to Great ideology of how the best companies are able to separate them- selves from the rest of the pack through dynamic leadership and extraordinary customer service, Ross' program reinforces the concept that individuals win games, but TEAMS win championships. Momentum, roles, buy-in, motivation, consistency, sacrifice, trust, chemistry, work-ethic, innovation, karma, and being humble - they're all a part of what it takes to become the best of the best - a champion both on and off the field.

So... who are the champions in your organization? Ross speaks about 100 dates a year and he'd love to customize a keynote (from one to six hours) for your next annual conference, corporate event, or sales meeting - his passion and energy is contagious and he'd be honored to be a member of YOUR team for the day!

• Inspirational Keynote Speaker, Entrepreneur & Bestselling Author

• Talks about: Molly's Game: The True Story of the Woman Behind the Most Exclusive, High Stakes Underground Poker Game in the World, Overcoming Setbacks & Building your Brand

• Molly’s Game was adapted into an award-winning film of the same name by renowned director, Aaron Sorkin.

• Appeared on numerous shows and in media outlets such as Ellen, Vice, The Los Angeles Times, NPR, Vulture, and has been asked to speak at Fortune’s Most Powerful Women, for companies like Blackrock Financial, SiriusXM Radio, and delivered the 2018 commencement speech at Colorado State University

Molly Bloom is an inspirational keynote speaker, entrepreneur, and bestselling author of Molly’s Game. She is best known for her memoir, Molly’s Game, which was adapted into an award-winning film of the same name by Aaron Sorkin. Bloom’s memoir chronicles her journey from college student to LA waitress to building and operating the largest and most notorious private poker game in the world. Her games featured hundreds of millions of dollars and players like Leonardo DiCaprio, Tobey Maguire, A-Rod, and Ben Affleck.

Bloom began her career as a world-class skier. While training as a pre-teen she was diagnosed with severe scoliosis and had to undergo surgery that the doctors said would end her athletic career. A year later, fully recovered, she was back on the slopes. She later joined the U.S. Ski Team and at 21 years old was ranked No. 3 in North America in moguls, but her Olympic dreams would go unrealized as she left the team to pursue other projects. This led her to what she thought would be a year sabbatical in LA.

Bloom was finishing her degree in Political Science from the University of Colorado – Boulder, and was in the process of applying to top tier Law Schools, when her assistant job turned her into an accidental entrepreneur, running one of  the most exclusive, high-stakes underground poker games in the world, pulling in as much as $4 million per year. What happened next is where her story truly begins.

The film Molly’s Game, written and directed by Aaron Sorkin, stars Jessica Chastain (as Molly), Idris Elba, Kevin Costner, Michael Cera, Brian d’Arcy James, and Chris O’Dowd. Bloom has appeared on numerous shows and in media outlets such as Ellen, Vice, The Los Angeles Times, NPR, Vulture, and has been asked to speak at Fortune’s Most Powerful Women, for companies like Blackrock Financial, SiriusXM Radio, and delivered the 2018 commencement speech at Colorado State University.

Liz Bohannon is the Founder and CEO of socially conscious fashion brand Sseko Designs, which she founded in 2008 as a way to provide educational and economic opportunities for women in East Africa. Liz shares the lessons learned from her 10-year journey growing Sseko from three women under a mango tree, into a successful international fashion brand that provides employment, educational and entrepreneurial opportunities to thousands of women across the globe.

Her story is filled with lessons for success that are grounded in the principle of having a beginner’s mind, which Liz sums up in her new book, Beginner’s Pluck: Build Your Life of Purpose and Impact Now. In it, as in her presentations, she shares uncommon ideas toward success like, Own Your Average, Stop Trying to Find Your Passion…Create It, and Dream Small so you can do big things. Liz continues to channel her inner beginner as she manages 100s of employees across multiple continents, and her mindset sets her apart as a courageous, creative and effective leader.

The Sseko story has been featured in dozens of publications including, Vogue Magazine, Redbook Magazine, O Magazine, Inc., Fortune and others. Sseko has appeared on national broadcasts including ABC's Shark Tank and Good Morning America.

Among other notable honors, Liz was named a Top Three Transformation Leader by John Maxwell, Forbes listed her as a top 20 public speaker in the U.S. and Bloomberg Businessweek named Sseko as a top social enterprise to watch.
Liz now splits her time between Uganda and Portland, Oregon, where she and her husband Ben run Sseko Designs and raise their two young sons.

Did last year's speaker knock your socks off? Not sure where to go next? Let our team of experienced professionals help you find your next great speaker. 

Here's a quick guide to help you get started:

Find A Theme

Decide on a theme or topic for your event.

Going through a period of transition? Looking to shake up your creative? Building trust within your teams? We have great speakers on all of those topics.

Having trouble? Check out our IDEA GENERATOR for inspiration.

Get in Touch

Get in touch with your Event Date & Theme.

We will ask you some key questions to find the perfect speaker for your live or virtual event.

We pride ourselves on our personal touch. We are small team of dedicated professionals with over 20 years experience. When you call us, you speak to us directly... and quickly.

Shortlist

By now, we have a great idea of what you are looking for and will send you a shortlist of exceptional speakers.

Each speaker will be vetted with YOUR event in mind, along with our personal thoughts on how that speaker can inspire your attendees.

Let's talk

From the shortlist, you've narrowed it down to two great speakers. Let's discuss your needs to help make the final decision.

With over 20 years experience, you can trust us to provide all of the information you need to choose the right speaker.

We work with you to find the best format for your presentation, including live streams, Q&A sessions and even follow up programs to ensure maximum engagement for your key stakeholders.

The Details

We will facilitate a call with your leadership team & our speaker to do a deep dive into your business to make sure their presentation really hits home.

As trusted experts, you can rest easy knowing our experience will guide you every step of the way.

get in touch

Get in touch to book your next great speaker.

Blake Brewer is a visionary leader and founder of Legacy Letter Challenge, an organization with a mission to help 1 million people write at least one Legacy Letter.

Blake's powerful story and mission have touched the hearts of many, and he continues to share it with organizations, businesses, and communities across the country. Most recently, he was featured on the "Dads Got This" segment on NBC's Today Show.

As a renowned author, speaker, television and radio personality, Les Brown has risen to national prominence by inspiring others to shake off mediocrity and live up to their full potential. With no formal education beyond high school, Les has distinguished himself as an international authority on harnessing human potential.

Born a twin in low-income Liberty City in Miami, Florida, Les and his twin brother were adopted when they were six weeks old by Miss Mamie Brown. As a single woman with a big heart, Miss Brown had very little education or financial means. With young Les' inattention to school work, his restless energy, and the failure of his teachers to recognize his potential, Les was misdiagnosed as educable mentally retarded. Suffering for years by the label and the stigma, Les was nevertheless driven by his passion to learn and his hunger to achieve his goal as a radio disc jockey.

In a humorous twist of fate and cunning, Les rose from a hip-talkin' morning DJ to a broadcast manager; from voracious reader to author; from community activist to community leader; from political commentator to three-term state legislator; from a banquet and nightclub emcee to a premier keynote speaker for Fortune 100 companies.

In 1986, Les entered the public speaking arena on a full-time basis and formed his own company, Les Brown Enterprises Inc., aimed at individuals and organizations, the company provides motivational products, personal development programs, speaker development workshops, keynote presentations and interactive business trainings.

In 1989, Les received the National Speakers Association's highest honor: The Council of Peers Award for Excellence (CPAE). In addition, he was selected one of the World's Top Five Speakers in 1992 by Toastmasters International and became the recipient of the Golden Gavel Award.

Commencing in 1990 and recording the first in a series of six PBS specials, Les launched You Deserve which was awarded a Chicago-area Emmy. It became the leading fundraiser for pledges to PBS stations nationwide.

In 1993, Les became the host of his own nationally syndicated daily television talk show, The Les Brown Show, in which he focused on solutions to the day's challenges rather than the problems.

Recognized internationally, Les is the author of three bestselling books: Up Thoughts for Down Times, Live Your Dreams, and It's Not Over Until You Win. With his Sunday morning radio talk show, Chicago Speaks with Les Brown, Les' outreach embraces the homeless and the world's most powerful leaders.

A leading authority in understanding and stimulating human potential, Les' electric and powerful delivery, stage presence and personal insights have built his international brand of "What's Possible". Les' customized presentation is driven by his approach to each unique audience. Before he gives a speech, he builds a speech. The end result is that Les teaches and inspires each audience to new levels of awareness and achievement.

Dan Buettner is a National Geographic Fellow, an inspirational speaker, and multiple New York Times best-selling author. He has discovered, through multiple expeditions with teams of research scientists specializing in population studies, the five places in the world - dubbed Blue Zones - where people live the longest, and are healthiest and happiest. His New York Times Sunday Magazine article about these places, “The Island Where People Forget to Die,” was one of the Times’ most popular - as was his National Geographic cover story on longevity, “The Secrets of Living Longer.” A chord was struck, and thus subsequent books and a company which seeks to share the distilled wisdom of Blue Zones cultures with American cities and corporations were born.

Blue Zones, LLC, puts the world’s best practices of longevity and well-being to work in people’s lives at the community level. Buettner works in partnership with Healthways, municipal governments, and various insurance companies to implement the program in more than 20 cities so far - and has dramatically improved the health of more than 5 million Americans to date. Their strategy focuses on optimizing the local environment: walkability for citizens and kids, availability of healthy food options, social connectivity, pursuit of life purpose - and ongoing coaching and support for creating homes which effortlessly bring forth wellness and happiness.

Writing in Newsweek, Harvard University’s Walter Willet called the results “stunning.” In one project alone, Buettner and his then partner, AARP - applied principles of Blue Zones to Albert Lea, Minnesota, and lowered health care costs by 40%.

His books The Blue Zones: Lessons for Living Longer from the People Who’ve Lived the Longest and Thrive: Finding Happiness the Blue Zones Way - have remained best-sellers, along with The Blue Zones Solution: Eating and Living Like the World’s Healthiest People. Be sure to mark 03-December on your calendars - the release date of Dan's latest book The Blue Zones Kitchen: 100 Recipes to Reach 100. Likely to be his next best-seller, The Blue Zones Kitchen fuses scientific reporting, National Geographic photography and 100 recipes that may help you live to 100. It captures the way of eating that yielded the statistically longest-lived people - and explains, in some detail, why that food has enabled populations to elude the chronic disease scourge that has befallen Americans.

Dan has appeared on The Today Show, NBC Nightly News, Good Morning America, Dr. Oz, NPR, and Oprah. Voted a Top 50 Influencer in Aging by PBS, Dan also holds three Guinness Book of world records in distance cycling (and is possibly the only person to have cycled through the Sahara desert without sunscreen!) - and has won an Emmy Award for television production. He resides in Minneapolis, Minnesota and is particularly proud to be the father of three (nearly) grown children.

Scott Burrows is a top inspirational speaker and bestselling author who is a living testament to the power of perseverance, determination, and adaptability in the face of adversity. His unwavering belief in our ability to overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges has touched countless lives and continues to inspire transformation on a global scale.

An accomplished athlete who excelled in both football and martial arts, Scott was just 19-years-old when his life took a tragic turn. Paralyzed from the chest down after a devastating car accident, doctors diagnosed him with quadriplegia and told him he would spend the rest of his life confined to a wheelchair. Despite this, Scott became relentless in pursuit of his goal to stand again.

Drawing on his athletic background and a profound desire to overcome, he found a way to rebuild his life and defy the odds. To help him navigate his challenges, he focused on three foundational principles: Vision, Mindset, and Grit. Along the way, he proved that no circumstances can ever destroy the power of the human spirit.

Today, Scott uses his personal journey to inspire audiences all over the world to take charge when presented with unexpected obstacles. A captivating storyteller, he shares actionable strategies to help audiences embrace change, build resilience, and push past their perceived limitations to achieve remarkable success.

In a world where setbacks are inevitable, Scott stands as an embodiment of the possibilities that emerge when we choose to reshape our perspectives. His bestselling book, Vision Mindset Grit, chronicles his unforgettable journey and serves as a reminder of the incredible strength that resides within us all. With determination, adaptability, and a positive mindset, we CAN stand up to any challenge.

A pioneer in the frontier of commercial space sector, former astronaut and International Space Station commander Leroy Chiao captivates audience with his amazing stories on space exploration and brings unparalleled insights on leadership, innovation and technology trends .

A veteran of four space missions and a fifteen-year career with NASA, Dr. Chiao most recently served as Commander and NASA Science Officer of Expedition 10 aboard the International Space Station. He has logged over 229 days in space – over 36 hours of which were spent in Extra-Vehicular Activity (EVA, or spacewalks). From June through September 2009, he served as a member of the White House appointed Review of U.S. Human Spaceflight Plans Committee, and currently serves on the NASA Advisory Council.

Leroy holds appointments at Rice University and the Baylor College of Medicine, and is the special advisor for human spaceflight to the Space Foundation. He has worked extensively in both government and commercial space programs, and has held leadership positions in commercial ventures and NASA. Chiao has extensive experience as a NASA Astronaut and prior to that, as a Research Engineer. Dr. Chiao is a fellow of the Explorers Club, and a member of the International Academy of Astronautics and the Committee of 100. Chiao also serves in various capacities to further space education,

A native English speaker, Dr. Chiao also speaks Mandarin Chinese and Russian. He has flown space missions and worked closely with Russian, Japanese and European Astronauts and their affiliated space agencies. Dr. Chiao is uniquely qualified to speak about the United States, Russian, Japanese, European and Chinese Space Programs. A Space Station Commander and Space Shuttle Mission Specialist, Dr. Chiao was also a certified Co-Pilot of the Russian Soyuz spacecraft. He is an expert in all facets of U.S. and Russian EVA hardware and operations and is EVA certified in U.S. and Russian spacesuits, tools, and training programs. In September 2006, Chiao became the first American to visit the Astronaut Research and Training Center of China. There, he met the first two national Chinese astronauts, Yang Liwei and Fei Junlong.

Dr. Chiao studied Chemical Engineering, earning a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of California at Berkeley in 1983. He continued his studies at the University of California at Santa Barbara, earning his Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in 1985 and 1987. Prior to joining NASA in 1990, he worked as a Research Engineer at Hexcel Corporation. and then at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory.

James Clear is a writer and keynote speaker focused on habits, decision making, and continuous improvement. His book, Atomic Habits, has sold over 20 million copies worldwide, has been translated into more than 60 languages and was the #1 best-selling book of 2021 and 2023 on Amazon and #1 audiobook on Audible. Clear is a regular speaker at Fortune 500 companies and his work has been featured in publications such as Time magazine, the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal and on CBS This Morning and Today Show Australia. He is a MasterClass instructor, alongside the world’s top experts such as Serena Williams, Neil Gaiman and Gordon Ramsay. His popular “3-2-1” email newsletter is sent out each week to more than 3 million subscribers.

James doesn’t merely report the research of others. He tries out the concepts for himself as he experiments with building better habits as an entrepreneur, writer, and weightlifter. In the end, his talks end up being one-part storytelling, one-part academic research, and one-part personal experiment, forming a colorful blend of inspirational stories, academic science, and hard-earned wisdom.

Some of James’ engagements include Fortune 1000 and strategic clients such as Amazon, KPMG, Microsoft, A&T, Bristol-Myers Squibb, DellTechnologies, Facebook, Google, Liberty Mutual, Pfizer, JP Morgan Chase & Co., Procter & Gamble, Adobe, Cisco, Lockheed Martin, and Wells Fargo.

James Clear, one of the world’s leading experts on habit formation, is known for his ability to distill complex topics into simple behaviors that can be easily applied to daily life and work. In his book Atomic Habits, he draws on the most proven ideas from biology, psychology, and neuroscience to create an easy-to-understand guide for making good habits inevitable and bad habits impossible.

Click Here to Receive Your Customized List of Speaker Ideas

Virtual Events can:

1. Reach a wider audience
2. Offer a great experience at a much lower cost
3. Create long term impact with recorded elements that allow for content to be watched over a period of time
4. Have an increased impact over time, as viewers re-watch, discuss and connect over social media and other channels

And, most importantly: offer the ability for inspiring and impactful presentations to connect in a one-on-one way, directly to the attendee.

WHO is your audience?

Who are your virtual event attendees? Are they across a specific group within your organization, or are you serving clients across a wide range of levels? Determining who you are speaking to will help you determine a format for your event that will captivate your audience.

WHAT is your key message?

Are you focusing on change? Innovation? Leadership?

Creating a single focus or mission will allow you to hone in on the type of speaker(s) you need to engage your audience and help event producers to format the event into a dynamic program that balances inspiration with information and audience interaction.

WHAT type of event suits your audience?

• Virtual Conference
• Webinar
• Hybrid Event

Virtual event technology has come a long way over the last few months, offering a huge range of different options from pre-recorded webinars, to multi-day virtual conferences, to hybrid events with some attendees in the audience while the event is live streamed.

OUR ADVICE

A COMBINATION of live and pre-recorded elements will allow your virtual event to run smoothly and stay on time.

Many of our clients are also opting for multi-day virtual conferences with shorter segments spaced over a few days.

This allows some flexibility for attendees in different time zones and accommodates different teleworking situations for attendees, allowing them to tune in when it is convenient.

WHERE? It’s all about Tech.

Virtual meeting technology has exploded over the last few months as teleworking became the norm.

Consider your needs:

• Interactive elements like breakout rooms, polls & Q&A
• Seamless blend of live & pre-recorded elements
• Ability to replay segments
• Live tech support

If you plan for rain, it’s likely the sun will shine…

Tech isn’t perfect so don’t forget to test, rehearse and have a back up plan ready to go for your virtual event.

Pro Tip: Think of a virtual presentation like a podcast. Viewers can view the content multiple times and refer back to it.

  WHEN? A Date… or Dates?

As we have all noticed, our attention spans for meeting in real life versus meeting online are a lot longer.

When deciding on a date, consider spreading your virtual event out over a few days, with a variety of speakers, interactive elements and information.

The benefits of a multi-day format:

• Viewers watch content fresh for a short period every day
• Allows attendees in different time zones to stay on top of the content
• Attendees can review & re-engage with content

Virtual Event Checklist:

Is your event?

• Interactive?
• Informative?
• Able to be rewatched?

WHY? Pandemic 2020

Just because you are online instead of in person, it doesn’t mean you are missing out on connection.

Using the technology that we have become so accustomed to over the last few months, our keynote speakers have the ability to connect to your viewers one-on-one, in a way that was impossible in live events.

FIND YOUR WHY…

What do you want the audience to leave thinking at the end of the presentation?

Apply this question to all the presentations and segments in your event to create a cohesive, impactful virtual event.

  HOW? Virtual Event Checklist

To wrap it all up

• TECH: Find the right tech platform & don’t forget to test drive before your event
• AGENDA: Use a mix of live and pre-recorded segments, mixed with interactive elements, to ensure a smooth flow of events & audience engagement
• ANTICIPATION: Build up your event with emails, teasers and sneak peeks into what content will be offered
• NETWORKING: Create and encourage online chat functions, an event specific hashtag or even a dedicated event page to allow attendees to network virtually. Maximize the networking opportunities offered by your tech platform.
• EXTEND YOUR IMPACT: A dedicated social media page is a great place for attendees to connect after an event to discuss ideas and implement some of the learnings from the event.

Offer a password protected, limited time recording of keynote presentations to continue the conversation long after the virtual event has ended.

Continue the conversation with post-event touch points like emails or questions based on the key presentations.

To find a GREAT Speaker for your Virtual event, get in touch.

Jim Craig is best known as the backbone of the 1980 Olympic Gold Medal Hockey Team, whose ‘Miracle’ win was voted by Sports Illustrated as the greatest moment in sports history of the 21^st century. Craig, who started every game in goal, was a leading figure in the team’s success. One of the enduring images of the 1980 Games was of Craig, wrapped in an American flag, searching the stands for his widowed father in order to share the gold-medal-winning victory.

Before the Olympics, Jim was an All-American goalie at Boston University, leading his team to a NCAA national championship. After the ‘Miracle’ game, Jim went on to play professionally for three NHL teams, where he sustained a career-ending injury while playing for the Minnesota North Stars. He is enshrined in the Boston University Hall of Fame, the International Ice Hockey Federation Hall of Fame, the United States Hockey Hall of Fame, and the United States Olympic Hall of Fame and is a co-recipient of both the Lester Patrick award and the Sports Illustrated "Sportsman of the Year" award. He is also a graduate of Boston University and earned his doctorate in humane letters from Mercy College.

Following Jim’s professional hockey career, he transitioned his success into the corporate world as a motivational speaker, powerful salesman and corporate consultant. He has been inducted into the Sales Halls of Fame for two different companies, having increased a sales territory from $300,000 to $50 million in annual sales. Following this role, Jim moved on to become the Vice President of a promotional marketing agency. Under his guidance, the agency increased annual dollar sales by 80 percent and its number of clients by 30 percent in just two short years.

For more than 35 years, Jim has inspired, instructed and provided strategic and winning direction to some of the most prestigious companies across the world, including Kellogg's, Bayer, Deloitte, Bank of America, Coca-Cola, Procter & Gamble, and Disney, as the successful owner and president of his company, Gold Medal Strategies. Jim has been selected three times as one of the top five speakers on team building in the United States, and has evolved to not only deliver motivational speeches, but host immersive corporate training programs that teach participants how to think differently and believe in their possibilities. Jim is the co-author of the highly acclaimed business book, Gold Medal Strategies: Business Lessons from America's Miracle Team and recently released his newest book and legacy piece, We Win! Lessons on Life, Business & Building Your Own Miracle Team. In addition to his role with Gold Medal Strategies, Jim serves as a board member of the Special Operations Warrior Foundation, and he has a passion for leveraging his athletic and business success to help others achieve their full potential and lives in integrity with his mission every day!

• Mindful Leadership Expert, Motivational Speaker

• Talks about: Creating a Mindful and Positive Workplace Culture

• Author of the memoir, Urban Monk

• Past clients include: Google, Citibank, IBM, State Farm, SAP, Intel, WeWork, Novartis, Comcast, JPMorgan Chase

Pandit Dasa is a keynote speaker on leadership, organizational culture, and navigating change with resilience and clarity. A former monk of 15 years and accomplished author, he has advised Fortune 500 companies and some of the world’s most recognized organizations on strengthening performance without compromising well-being.

In an era of constant transition, Pandit helps leaders shape cultures that remain steady under pressure. His keynotes and workshops provide practical tools to reduce stress, strengthen trust, and sustain engagement — especially in hybrid and high-demand environments. He addresses challenges such as retention, disengagement, and workplace burnout by showing how culture forms daily through behavior, communication, and example.

Pandit challenges leaders and teams to model composure, practice intentional appreciation, and build environments rooted in accountability and collaboration. Drawing from his transformative 15-year monastic experience in New York City, he offers rare insight into focus, emotional regulation, and leading through change with credibility and calm.

He has spoken to organizations including Google, NASA, London Stock Exchange, U.S. Navy, Citi, IBM, Toyota, AT&T, State Farm, Federal Reserve Bank, Kellogg’s, HP, ADP, Nationwide, Whirlpool, Pinterest, SAP, Bank of America, Morgan Stanley, AMC Theatres, Intel, Royal Bank of Canada, AMC Networks, Novartis, Comcast, JPMorgan Chase, The World Bank, World Government Summit, SHRM, Oracle, and many others.

Click Here to Watch Pandit's Virtual Presentation

IMPROVISE...ADAPT...OVERCOME... These three words – a mantra Paul de Gelder learned in the Australian Army as a young Paratrooper – resonated with him the first time he heard them. Paul de Gelder chased adventure wherever he could find it, from his wild ride as a teen and his whirlwind lifestyle working in clubs and the music industry to hauling his way up to the elite echelons of the Australian Defense Forces as an Army paratrooper and then Navy bomb disposal diver.

In February 2009, Paul's adventurous life took a dramatic turn when a 10-foot bull shark attacked him during a routine Navy dive, severing his hand and leg. Rather than succumbing to despair, Paul channeled his indomitable spirit, fought through excruciating pain, and reclaimed his life. Drawing on everything his eventful life had taught him, Paul left nothing to chance, conducting his own rehabilitation. He fought through excruciating pain, smashing challenge after challenge whilst excellent the medical staff and the public with his will to succeed, and returned to full-time Navy service after only six months.

His journey from trauma to triumph is extraordinary, marked by resilience and determination. His inspiring story, vividly chronicled in his autobiography "Uncaged," takes "Never Say Die" to a new level.

In the years since the shark attack, Paul's life has changed in every aspect. Having left full-time Navy service in August 2012, after continuing to instruct Navy Divers for a further three years, Paul has traveled the world as a top motivational speaker, passionate environmentalist, adventurer, and mentor to school kids. He has spoken at venues across the globe, from the United Nations in New York to conferences across the U.S., China, London, Vietnam, and New Zealand.

Paul has also been a guest on major TV talk shows and starred as a guest trainer twice on the Biggest Loser Australia. He has hosted over 25 documentaries for Discovery Channel’s Shark Week, where he learned to hand-feed bull sharks, hammerheads, and blue sharks and dive with tiger sharks and even Great Whites without the protection of a cage. Megastar Will Smith featured Paul in his Facebook series “Bucket List” as his shark diving mentor, UFC Hall of Famer Ronda Rousey was taught how to hand-feed bull sharks by Paul, and most recently, Iron Mike Tyson became Paul’s shark diving student. Paul also became part of an anti-poaching team in Africa to film the excellent work the Rangers did for FEARLESS, which aired on NatGeo.

Paul has been touted as one of the top 15 inspirational Australians and top 10 speakers, and now, based in Los Angeles, he is preparing to film yet more documentaries. Looking to expand his repertoire, Paul completed a lead acting role for a six-part miniseries for a major cable network and has since appeared in several commercials and short films.

An incredible life and an incredible story.

Mick Ebeling: Keynote Speaker on Innovation, Leadership & Possibility | Founder of Not Impossible Labs | Author | Entrepreneur

Make the Impossible, Not Impossible

What could your organization accomplish if your people stopped asking “Can we?” and started asking “How can we?”

Mick Ebeling is an entrepreneur, author, innovator and inspiring keynote speaker on innovation, leadership, problem-solving and purpose-driven business.

His message challenges audiences to stop accepting limitations, take action before they have every answer and use technology, creativity and collaboration to solve problems that truly matter.

Why Book Mick Ebeling?

Mick doesn't just talk about innovation. He shows audiences what innovation looks like when people actually do something.

His projects begin with seemingly impossible human problems. Instead of waiting for someone else to solve them, Mick brings together diverse teams, technology and an intense determination to find a way forward.

The result is a powerful business lesson: innovation doesn't always begin with having the answer. It begins with refusing to accept that a problem can't be solved.

Mick's combination of extraordinary stories, optimism and practical thinking makes his keynote inspiring while giving audiences a fresh perspective on innovation and action.

What Makes Mick Ebeling Different?

• Founder of Not Impossible Labs — an organization built around solving real-world problems
• Innovation with purpose — demonstrates how technology can create meaningful human impact
• Action-oriented mindset — encourages people to stop overthinking and start experimenting
• Extraordinary storytelling — brings innovation to life through compelling real-world projects
• Human-centered approach — starts with people and problems rather than technology
• Collaboration focused — shows how diverse expertise can accelerate breakthroughs
• Relevant to AI and technology conversations — keeps the focus on what technology can enable for people
• Highly inspirational — challenges audiences to rethink what they believe is possible

Why Is Mick Right for Your Audience?

Mick is an outstanding choice when you want your audience to challenge assumptions, solve problems differently and turn ambitious ideas into action.

He is particularly effective for leadership conferences, innovation summits, technology events, corporate meetings and organizations undergoing transformation.

Book Mick when your audience needs to:

• Challenge assumptions about what is possible
• Turn ideas into action
• Approach difficult problems with greater creativity
• Innovate with the customer or end user at the center
• Use technology to create meaningful solutions
• Break through organizational silos
• Collaborate across different disciplines
• Become more comfortable experimenting and learning

Audience Takeaways

Attendees will leave:

• More willing to challenge “that's impossible” thinking
• Inspired to take action before every answer is known
• Better prepared to approach problems from the user's perspective
• Understanding how collaboration can accelerate innovation
• More focused on solving meaningful problems rather than chasing technology
• Ready to experiment, learn and adapt
• Asking a powerful question: What impossible problem should we solve next?

Mick Ebeling Keynote Programs

Making the Impossible, Not Impossible. What if “impossible” simply means nobody has solved the problem yet?

Mick takes audiences behind the scenes of Not Impossible Labs and the remarkable projects created by teams willing to tackle challenges others had accepted as unsolvable.

Through compelling stories of innovation and human impact, he demonstrates how commitment, collaboration and experimentation can turn seemingly impossible ideas into real solutions.

Ideal for: Innovation conferences, leadership events, corporate meetings and organizations looking to inspire bold thinking.

Innovation for the Sake of Humanity. The most powerful innovation doesn't begin with technology. It begins with a human problem worth solving.

Mick challenges audiences to put people at the center of innovation and focus technology on creating meaningful outcomes.

His stories demonstrate how empathy, creativity and diverse perspectives can uncover solutions that traditional approaches may overlook.

Ideal for: Technology, AI, innovation, healthcare and purpose-driven business events.

The Fallacy of “Impossible”. How many opportunities disappear because someone decides an idea can't be done before anyone actually tries?

Mick challenges audiences to question the assumptions, processes and conventional thinking that can prevent innovation.

He shows how experimentation, collaboration and a willingness to begin without knowing every step can create breakthroughs.

Ideal for: Leadership teams, transformation initiatives, innovation summits and organizations navigating disruption.

Why Book Mick Ebeling Through The Sweeney Agency?

Mick Ebeling brings together innovation, technology, purpose and extraordinary human stories—but the real value comes from connecting his message to the problems and opportunities your organization needs people to approach differently.

The Sweeney Agency can help you:

• Confirm Mick Ebeling's availability and current speaking fee
• Determine which Mick Ebeling keynote best fits your audience
• Discuss customization around your organization's innovation objectives
• Coordinate format, timing and event logistics
• Compare Mick with other leading innovation, technology and leadership speakers

Is Mick Ebeling Right for Your Event?

Tell us the challenge your organization is trying to solve—or the “impossible” idea you want your people to start believing is possible.

We'll help you determine whether Mick is the right fit, confirm availability and fees, and make the booking process simple.

Planning an innovation conference, leadership meeting or technology event? Contact The Sweeney Agency today [email protected] to discuss booking Mick Ebeling as your keynote speaker.

Connor Fields is a three-time Olympian, a two-time World Champion, and the only American to win a Gold Medal for the United States in BMX Racing. He is also the only Olympic athlete who has both won the Olympics… and nearly died while competing during the games.

As one of the world's all-time greatest BMX racers, Connor has represented the United States over 50 times in more than 25 countries across the globe. In 2016, he reached the pinnacle of success for an Olympic athlete, coming home with a Gold Medal to show for his unrelenting dedication.

At the 2021 Tokyo Games, Connor was the number one seed in his semi-final when a mid-race collision sent him into the track at 40 miles per hour, recounted as one of the worst accidents in Olympic history. Instead of defending his title, he found himself fighting for his life. He laid unconscious in a hospital bed for 5 days, ultimately diagnosed with a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) including life-threatening hemorrhages to four different parts of his brain, along with broken ribs, a collapsed lung, and torn shoulder and bicep ligaments.

After a grueling year of rehabilitation, Connor jumped on his bike the very first day he was cleared to ride, determined to go out on his own terms.

Since retiring, Connor has become the Emmy Nominated host of PBS's Outdoor Nevada and provided commentary for the Emmy-Winning NBC broadcasts during the 2024 Summer Olympics. He serves on the boards of USA Cycling and USABMX, coaches the next generation of riders, and travels the country presenting his keynote, "Now What?" inspiring others to keep moving forward after wins, losses, and even a brush with death.

Watch Connor's Speech Demo

Chris Gardner is an Entrepreneur, Author, Philanthropist, and single parent whose work has been recognized by many esteemed organization.

Gardner is the author of the 2006 autobiography, The Pursuit of Happyness, a New York Times and Washington Post #1 bestseller that has been translated into over forty languages. Gardner is also the inspiration for the acclaimed movie The Pursuit of Happyness for which Will Smith, starring as Gardner, received Golden Globe, Screen Actors Guild and Academy Award nominations for his performance. Gardner’s second bestselling book, Start Where You Are: Life Lessons in Getting from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be, was published in May 2009.

In the fall of 2010, Gardner was named the Ambassador of Pursuit and Happyness for AARP, which has nearly 40 million members worldwide. Always hard working and tenacious, a series of adverse circumstances in the early 1980’s left Gardner homeless in San Francisco and the sole guardian of his toddler son. Unwilling to give up Chris Jr. or his dreams of success, Gardner climbed the financial industry ladder from the very bottom. He worked at Dean Witter Reynolds and Bear Stearns & Co before founding the brokerage firm Gardner Rich in Chicago in 1987.

Chris Gardner’s aim, through his speaking engagements and media projects, is to help others achieve their full potential. He is a passionate philanthropist committed to organizations combating violence against women, homelessness, financial illiteracy and providing access to medical care and treatment; issues of the utmost importance to Gardner.

Chris Gardner resides in Chicago.

Laura Gassner Otting inspires people to push past the doubt and indecision that keep great ideas in limbo by helping audiences think bigger and accept greater challenges that reach beyond their current, limited scope of belief.

She delivers strategic thinking, well-honed wisdom, and perspective generated by decades of navigating change across the start-up, corporate, nonprofit, political, as well as philanthropic landscapes. Laura dares audiences to find their voice and generate the confidence needed to tackle larger-than-life challenges by helping them to seek new ways of leading, managing, and mentoring others.

Laura’s rebellious and entrepreneurial edge has been well-honed over a 25-year career that started when she dropped out of law school to join an unknown southern governor’s presidential campaign and ended up as a Presidential Appointee in Bill Clinton’s White House, where she helped shape AmeriCorps.

She left a leadership role as the youngest Vice President at a nationally respected search firm when she realized that her boss’s definition of success didn’t align with hers and, instead, founded and ran one of the fastest-growing search firms in the country, partnering with the full gamut of mission-driven executives, from start-up dreamers to scaling social entrepreneurs to global philanthropists. In 2015, Laura sold that firm to the team who helped her build it, both because she was hungry for the next chapter and because she held an audacious dream of electing our nation’s first female president. (Whomp whomp.)

Since that time, Laura has appeared regularly on Good Morning America and the TODAY Show, and her writing has been seen in Harvard Business Review, Forbes, HR Magazine. She is the Wall Street Journal bestselling author of three books, including Wonderhell: Why Success Doesn’t Feel Like It Should… and What to Do About It, Limitless: How to Ignore Everybody, Carve Your Own Path, and Live Your Best Life, and Mission-Drive: Moving from Profit to Purpose. Her books have been translated into five languages.

Through her own commitment to give back, Laura has helped build a local Montessori school, co-founded a women’s philanthropic initiative, advised a start-up national women’s PAC, grew a citizen-leadership development program, and completed five charity-inspired marathons, projects emblematic of her passions and values. She’s turned on by the audacity of The Big Idea and that larger-than-life goal you just can’t seem to shake. She’s an instigator, a motivator, and a provocateur, and she’s never met a revolution she didn’t like, just ask her enduringly patient husband, two almost-grown sons, and troublesome puppy with whom she lives outside of Boston, MA.

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