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Joe Moglia Speaker

Joe Moglia

Former CEO & Chairman of the Board, TD Ameritrade, Former Head Football Coach, Coastal Carolina University, Speaker on Leadership

 About

  • Joe talks about the four pillars of success that have always guided him, and shows audiences how to look at challenges with a new perspective.
  • Audiences leave with practical strategies for success from Joe's long career as in finance and as an award winning football coach.
  • Joe Moglia is the former Chairman of the Board and former CEO at TD Ameritrade and the former head football coach of Coastal Carolina University, and is the only author in the world to have written books on finance AND football.
  • Past clients include: Wells Fargo, US Coast Guard Academy, Fordham University, Dallas Cowboys, and Fox News.

As the former Chairman of the Board and former CEO at TD Ameritrade and the former head football coach of Coastal Carolina University, Joe Moglia has one of the most "unique resumes in modern business," according to Forbes, and his tremendous success from the locker room to the board room provide invaluable lessons on strategic risk-taking, how to look at challenge with new perspective, and leadership. Having honed his message of the four-pillars of success through his own trials as a business leader and football coach, Moglia is an in-demand executive leadership speaker heralded as "incredibly gifted" (Brasfield & Gorrie, LLC); "raw and remarkable" (Collegiate Sports Summit); and "pitch-perfect" (Bentley University).

He was the chairman of the board at TD Ameritrade, and is the chairman of Fundamental Global Investors and Capital Wealth Advisors, and chair of athletics and executive advisor to the president at Coastal Carolina University.

In 1984, Joe entered the MBA Training Program at Merrill Lynch, where there were 26 people—25 MBAs and one football coach. By 1988, he was Merrill Lynch's No. 1 producer in the world. By the time he left, he had been a member of both the Institutional and Private Client Executive Committees, and his final responsibilities were all Investment Products, the Insurance Company, the 401(k) Business and the Middle Market Business.

Joe became the CEO of TD Ameritrade in 2001, and when he stepped down in 2008, shareholders had enjoyed a 500% return. In 2009, he became chairman of the board. TD Ameritrade recently announced that they would be acquired by Charles Schwab. The combined company will be worth $100 billion and have client assets of approximately $5 trillion. When Joe arrived, these numbers were $700 million and $24 billion.

Joe has also been a football coach for 25 years, but it’s not been a traditional 25 years. He began his career as a coach for 16 years, moved to the business world for over 20, and back to coaching in 2009. In his last 11 years of college coaching, he has been a part of eight championship teams, and as a head coach, has a winning percentage of .718. He has also received multiple Coach of the Year honors, including the Eddie Robinson National Coach of the Year Award, was the recipient of the Vince Lombardi Award and inducted into the Lombardi Hall of Fame.

He has received the Ellis Island Medal of Honor and the Sharp Trophy for Leadership. He has been honored by the National Italian American Foundation, the Columbus Citizens Foundation, the American Institute for Stuttering and the Stuttering Association for the Young. Joe has been inducted into seven halls of fame, is a member of the National Economics Society and is the recipient of three honorary doctorates. Joe has already had a book written about his life, and is the only author in the world to have written books on both investing and football.

Dr. Nick Morgan Speaker

Dr. Nick Morgan

One of America’s Top Communication Theorists and Coaches

 About

Click Here to Watch Nick's "How to Connect in a Virtual World" Video

Dr. Nick Morgan is one of America’s top communication speakers, theorists and coaches. A passionate teacher, he is committed to helping people find clarity in their thinking and ideas – and then delivering them with panache. He has been commissioned by Fortune 50 companies to write for many CEOs and presidents. He has coached people to give Congressional testimony, to appear on the Today Show, and to deliver an unforgettable TED talk. He has worked widely with political and educational leaders. And he has himself spoken, led conferences, and moderated panels at venues around the world.

Nick’s methods, which are well-known for challenging conventional thinking, have been published worldwide. His acclaimed book on public speaking, Working the Room: How to Move People to Action through Audience-Centered Speaking, was published by Harvard in 2003 - and reprinted in paperback in 2005 as Give Your Speech, Change the World: How to Move Your Audience to Action. His book on authentic communications, Trust Me, was published by Jossey-Bass in January 2009. His new book on communications and brain science, Power Cues: The Subtle Science of Leading Groups, Persuading Others, and Maximizing Your Personal Impact, was published by Harvard in May 2014. His latest book Can You Hear Me? How to Connect with People in a Virtual World was published by Harvard in October 2018.

Nick served as editor of the Harvard Management Communication Letter from 1998 – 2003. He has written hundreds of articles for local and national publications, and appears frequently on radio and TV. Nick is a former Fellow at the Center for Public Leadership at Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government.

After earning his Ph.D. in literature and rhetoric, Nick spent a number of years teaching Shakespeare and Public Speaking at the University of Virginia, Lehigh University, and Princeton University. He first started writing speeches for Virginia Governor Charles S. Robb and went on to found his own communications consulting organization, Public Words, in 1997.

Nick attributes his success to his honest and direct approach that challenges even the most confident orators to rethink how they communicate.

Jacob Morgan Speaker

Jacob Morgan

4x Best-selling Author, Keynote Speaker, Futurist, and Co-founder of The Future of Work University

 About

  • Jacob talks about why employee experience is the next big area of investment, what the top companies are doing – and how you can go about creating an Experiential Organization.
  • Audiences leave understanding what some of the world’s most forward thinking organizations are doing and how leaders can create strategies to design and create employee experiences based around three environments: culture, technology, and the physical workspace.
  • Jacob Morgan is a trained futurist and one of the world’s leading authorities on the leadership, employee experience - and the future of work. He is a best selling author of 4 books on leadership.
  • Past clients include: Unilever, Cisco, MasterCard, Nestle, Best Buy, SAP, KPMG, T-Mobile, and Schneider Electric.

Jacob Morgan is a trained futurist and one of the world’s leading authorities on the leadership, employee experience - and the future of work. He speaks in front of tens of thousands of people each year and his content is seen over a million times a year.

After graduating with honours in business management economics and psychology from the University of California Santa Cruz, Jacob was excited to join the corporate world. At his first job he was told that he’d be travelling the country, meeting with executives and entrepreneurs - and doing all sorts of exciting work. A few months in, he was stuck doing data entry, cold calling - and PowerPoint presentations. One day the CEO came out of his nice corner office, handed Jacob a $10 bill and said “I’m late for a meeting, go grab me a cup of coffee - and get something for yourself as well.” That was the last corporate job he ever had.

Jacob is the best-selling author of four books: The Future Leader (2020), The Employee Experience Advantage (2017), The Future of Work (2014), and The Collaborative Organization (2012). He speaks at over 50 conferences a year including TED Academy - which is one of the largest TED events in the world. In addition, Jacob provides advisory and thought leadership services to various organizations around the world.

Jacob created “The Future If” a global community of business leaders, authors and futurists - who explore what our future can look like IF certain technologies, ideas, approaches and trends actually happen. The community looks at everything from AI and automation to leadership and management practices to augmented reality and virtual reality, the 4th industrial revolution - and everything in between.

His work has been endorsed by the CEOs of: Unilever, Cisco, MasterCard, Nestle, Best Buy, SAP, KPMG, T-Mobile, Schneider Electric - and many others.

In addition, Jacob hosts The Future of Work Podcast - a weekly show where he speaks with senior executives, authors, and business leaders about how the world of work is changing. His Youtube channel explores the latest concepts and ideas around the future of work - with inspiring and educational 2-3 minute videos.

He has also contributed to - and been cited in publications such as Cosmopolitan, The Wall Street Journal, NPR, CNN, Glamour, the MIT Sloan Management Review, USA Today - and The Harvard Business Review.

Mike Mullane Speaker

Mike Mullane

Keynote Safety Speaker, Former NASA Astronaut, Author

 About

Colonel Mike Mullane was born September 10, 1945 in Wichita Falls, Texas but spent much of his youth in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where he currently resides. Upon his graduation from West Point in 1967, he was commissioned in the United States Air Force. As a Weapon Systems Operator aboard RF-4C Phantom aircraft, he completed 134 combat missions in Vietnam. He holds a master of science degree in aeronautical engineering from the Air Force Institute of Technology and is also a graduate of the Air Force Flight Test Engineer School at Edwards Air Force Base, California.

Mullane was selected as a Mission Specialist in 1978 in the first group of Space Shuttle Astronauts. He completed three space missions aboard the Shuttles Discovery (STS-41D) and Atlantis (STS-27 & 36) before retiring from NASA and the Air Force in 1990.

Mullane has been inducted into the International Space Hall of Fame and is the recipient of many awards, including the Air Force Distinguished Flying Cross, Legion of Merit and the NASA Space Flight Medal.

Since his retirement from NASA, Colonel Mullane has written an award-winning children's book, Liftoff! An Astronaut's Dream, and a popular space-fact book, Do Your Ears Pop In Space? His memoir, Riding Rockets: The Outrageous Tales of a Space Shuttle Astronaut, has been reviewed in the New York Times and on the Jon Stewart Daily Show. It has also been featured on Barnes and Noble’s 2010 recommended summer reading list.

Mullane has held a lifelong passion for hiking and summited Africa’s highest peak, Mt. Kilimanjaro, on July 23, 2010.

Colonel Mullane has established himself as an acclaimed professional speaker on the topics of teamwork, leadership and safety. He has educated, entertained, inspired and thrilled tens of thousands of people from every walk of business and government with his incredibly unique programs.

Gaby Natale Speaker

Gaby Natale

Transformative Motivational Speaker, Triple Daytime EMMY-Winning Journalist, Bestselling Author & Entrepreneur

 About

Gaby Natale is a triple Emmy® Award-winning journalist, top motivational speaker, bestselling author, and television host. Known for her high-energy, approachable style, Gaby inspires audiences to embrace the pioneer spirit, break barriers, and drive meaningful change in their personal and professional lives.

As the first Latina to win three Daytime Emmys® back-to-back, Gaby has consistently demonstrated her ability to innovate and lead across industries. Her proprietary frameworks equip individuals and teams with actionable takeaways that foster innovation, build resilience, and cultivate a sense of belonging.

Gaby delivers customized keynotes, talent development programs, leadership content, and consulting for corporate events both in-person and virtually. Her clients include global organizations such as Google, Microsoft, P&G, Johnson & Johnson, JPMorgan Chase, Estee Lauder, Dell, and the United Nations.

A bestselling author, her book The Virtuous Circle, published by HarperCollins Leadership, topped Amazon’s New Releases in Business, Inspiration, and Self-Help. It reflects her commitment to empowering indiv iduals to achieve personal and professional growth.

Gaby’s entrepreneurial ventures include founding AGANARmedia, a marketing company that has served Fortune 500 companies like Hilton Worldwide, Sprint, and Amazon. Her global perspective is shaped by her triple citizenship (United States, Argentina, and Italy) and her experience living in London, Mexico, Washington D.C., and Buenos Aires.

Recognized by media outlets such as Forbes, CNN, NBC, and Univision, Gaby has received numerous accolades, including being named one of the “25 Most Powerful Latinas” by People, a “Woman of Influence” by SUCCESS Magazine, and an “Exceptional Woman of Excellence” by the Women Economic Forum. Her advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights earned her a GLAAD Media Award nomination.

In 2024, after surviving breast cancer, Gaby became an official Susan G. Komen ambassador, sharing her story to raise awareness about the importance of early detection.

With a bachelor’s degree in international relations and a master’s in journalism, Gaby began her career teaching at the University of Texas. Today, with over 52 million YouTube views, she continues to inspire global audiences with her message of innovation, resilience, and leadership.

Ben Nemtin Speaker

Ben Nemtin

#1 New York Times Best-selling Author & Member of MTV’s Hit Show, The Buried Life

 About

  • Talks about how leaders and individuals can make the impossible possible by creating a people first culture that focuses on how to set and achieve big goals.
  • Audiences leave inspired with a system for achieving impossible goals through action and accountability.
  • Ben Nemtin is the best selling author of What Do You Want to Do Before You Die? and is the co-founder of The Buried Life movement, Ben’s message of radical possibility has been featured in major media including The Oprah Winfrey Show, The Today Show, CNN, NBC, FOX, ABC, CBS, and more. Former President Obama called Ben the "inspiration for a new generation." He is the Co-Founder of "The Buried Life" Movement
  • Past clients include: Home Depot, Cisco, Principal, Fedex, Siemens, WellsFargo, Stanford University, Levi's and Engel & Volkers.

Ben Nemtin is the #1 New York Times best-selling author of What Do You Want to Do Before You Die? - and a star of MTV’s highest rated show ever on iTunes and Amazon called The Buried Life. As co-founder of `The Buried Life` movement, Ben’s message of radical possibility has been featured on The Today Show, The Oprah Winfrey Show, CNN, FOX, and NBC News. President Obama called Ben and The Buried Life “ inspiration for a new generation” - and Oprah declared their mission “truly inspiring.” An acclaimed keynote speaker, Ben has headlined business conferences and Fortune 100 leadership teams around the world, offering motivational strategies and garnering standing ovations from AIG, Anthem, Amazon, FedEx, Harvard, Microsoft, Verizon, and more. Global Gurus ranked Ben in the Top 30 Best Organizational Culture Thought Leaders in the World in 2019.

In his first year of university, Ben was unexpectedly hit with a depression that forced him to drop out. In an attempt to feel more alive, he created the world’s greatest bucket list with his three best friends. They borrowed a rickety old RV and crisscrossed North America - achieving the unthinkable. And most importantly, every time they accomplished a dream - they helped a complete stranger cross something off their bucket list. From playing basketball with President Obama to having a beer with Prince Harry, from reuniting a father and son after seventeen years to surprising a young girl with a much-needed bionic arm - Ben’s bucket list quest has inspired millions to thrive personally and professionally.

Richard Newman Speaker

Richard Newman

Best-selling Author, Speaker on Communication and Leadership

 About

Richard Newman is an award-winning expert in Leadership Communication, Storytelling and Influence, working in advanced communication since 1995. Richard specialises in showing leaders how to speak with greater impact and influence. He is regularly featured on BBC London Radio and is the author of the best selling book You were Born to Speak and the recently launched Lift Your Impact.

Richard’s clients include CEOs, Vice-Presidents and leadership teams across many industries, including Virgin, Expedia, EE, AXA, Microsoft and 3M.

In 2014 he won the Cicero Grand Award, the most coveted award in the world for speechwriting. In December 2018 he published his book ‘You were Born to Speak’ which on launch day ranked with Amazon as #1 best-seller on both kindle and hardcover editions.

Richard began by ‘Teaching English as a Foreign Language’ living in a Tibetan monastery in India. He then studied professional acting in London for three years. Richard worked as an actor on stage and screen, whilst continuing to study communication skills. Richard has been featured on Sky TV, Channel 5 News, in the Daily Telegraph, The Guardian, Forbes Magazine and many appearances on BBC London Radio and BBC Breakfast TV.

Richard founded Body Talk in 2000 and began working with a well-known Formula 1 team. His team at Body Talk have now worked with over 120,000 clients from 46 countries around the world. Recently they helped one client win over £1.2 Billion in new business by improving the way they communicate.

Natalie Nixon Speaker

Natalie Nixon

Strategy, Foresight, and Innovation Expert, Award-winning Author

 About

Natalie Nixon, PhD is "the creativity whisperer to the C-Suite". She is a creativity strategist who advises leaders on achieving transformative business results by applying wonder & rigor. She is a highly sought after global keynote speaker, valued for her accessible expertise on creativity, the future of work and innovation.

Natalie was selected for Thinkers50 Radar Class of 2024; Real Leaders' "Top 50 Keynote Speakers in the World for 2022" list; and has been featured in Forbes, Fast Company and INC. She is the author of the award-winning The Creativity Leap—an honoree in the creativity category of Fast Company's 2021 World Changing Ideas Awards. Her firm, Figure 8 Thinking, was named among the top 20 women-led innovation firms in 2021 by Core 77. Clients have included Microsoft, Salesforce, Comcast, Citrix, Morrison & Foerster, Living Cities, VaynerMedia and Bloomberg.

A hybrid thinker, Natalie consistently applies her background in cultural anthropology, fashion, design thinking and dance. She is an early-stage investor at two social impact ventures, valued for her ability to work at the intersection of commercial value and stakeholder equity.

Natalie is a trustee of the Smithsonian's Cooper Hewitt Design Museum; and a former trustee of Vassar College and Leadership+Design. She has lived in Germany, Brazil, Portugal, Israel, and Sri Lanka and is proficient in Portuguese and Spanish. She is certified as a Foresight Practitioner by the Institute for the Future. She received her BA (honors) from Vassar College, and her PhD from the University of Westminster in London.

When she's not dancing up a storm in hip-hop class, Natalie is fine-tuning her salsa, foxtrot and tango on the ballroom floor. She lives in her hometown of Philadelphia with her husband, John Nixon, and is the proud stepmother of Sydney.

David Nour Speaker

David Nour

Growth Strategist, Thought Leader and Global Keynote Speaker on the Concept of the Quantifiable Value of Business Relationships

 About

David Nour is a growth strategist, thought leader and internationally recognized as the leading expert on strategic business relationships. Through his best-selling books, compelling speeches and valuable consulting - Nour demonstrates how relationships are the greatest balance-sheet asset any organization possesses, large or small, public or private. He is a popular speaker and delivers over 50 global keynotes a year explaining the hidden assets of relationships, and the art and science of investing in them.

He is CEO of The Nour Group, Inc., a consulting firm that advises top global leaders and boards of corporations, associations and academic forums - on disruptive innovations to fuel their growth. The Nour Group, Inc., has worked with leading global companies such as Disney, Cisco Systems, Deloitte Consulting, Hilton Worldwide, HP, IBM and more.

Nour is the author of 10 books, including best-sellers CO-CREATE (St. Martin’s Press) and Relationship Economics® (Wiley) - as well as the upcoming Curve Benders.

In addition to speaking and writing, Nour serves as a trusted advisor to global clients - and coaches corporate leaders and rising entrepreneurs. He is an adjunct professor at the Goizueta Business School at Emory University and Vanderbilt University’s Owen School of Management, was named to the Global Gurus Top 30 Leadership Professionals list and is honoured to be one of Marshall Goldsmith’s 100 Global Coaches.

A Forbes Leadership contributor on the Future of Work, Nour’s unique insights have been featured in a variety of prominent publications, including The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Fast Company, Huffington Post Business, Entrepreneur, and Knowledge@Wharton.

Born in Iran, Nour immigrated to the U.S. as a teenager with $100, limited family ties - and no fluency in English. He graduated from Georgia State University with a bachelor’s degree in business management and went on to earn an Executive MBA from the Goizueta Business School at Emory University. He resides in Atlanta, GA, with his family.

Kevin O’Leary Speaker

Kevin O’Leary

Shark Tank’s “Mr. Wonderful”, Entrepreneur & TV Personality

 About

  • Kevin shares lessons from his life as an entrepreneur, Shark and business leader.
  • Audiences learn the O'Leary Fundamentals that have been instrumental in Kevin's success in business and life taking him from modest beginnings to incredible success.
  • Kevin O'Leary is an entrepeneur in a variety of industries, beginning with his first software business. As a Shark and television personality, he is uniquely suited to share how to turn challenges into triumphs.
  • Past clients include: Pitney Bowes, Straumann, and SME Entertainment Group.

Kevin O’Leary was born to a middle class family in 1954. The combination of Kevin’s mother’s family heritage as merchants and his father’s Irish charisma truly meant that O’Leary was born for business. Kevin learned most of his business intuition from his mother. She taught him key business and financial insights from an early age. These became Kevin’s core philosophies, and the pillars upon which he would one day build his empire.

Kevin’s approach to business went through major changes as a teenager. During his second day on the job at a local ice cream shop, his boss came into the front of the store where Kevin was scooping ice cream. She looked at Kevin and asked him to perform a task that he wasn’t expecting. What happened next had a profound effect on Kevin – one that stayed with him for the rest of his life.

As a university student, Kevin’s innate business sense led him along several different paths – including some very unusual, very entrepreneurial ways of making a profit.

Not long after he finished his MBA, Kevin had a meeting that changed his life forever. He met a man who had a strange idea for a software product – an idea with huge, high-profit potential that Kevin immediately recognized.

After years of ups, downs, sacrifices, challenges, and lessons learned — not to mention a critical phone call that nearly cost him everything — the opportunity that Kevin saw eventually turned into a computer software giant that was acquired for more than $4 billion dollars.

After his extraordinary success at the software company he founded – and a difficult period of obstacles and legal disputes – Kevin eventually found himself on television, quickly becoming a sought-after host and personality on a range of shows – including Discovery’s Project Earth, CBC’s Dragons’ Den, and ABC’s Shark Tank.

Kevin has since launched O’Leary Funds, an investment fund company; O’Leary Fine Wines; and a best-selling book series on financial literacy.

In 2014, Kevin founded O’Leary Financial Group – a group of brands and services that share Kevin’s guiding principles of honesty, directness, convenience, and above all, great value.

Dr. Roch Parayre Speaker

Dr. Roch Parayre

Speaker and Expert on Innovation, Decision-Making, Scenario Planning and Blue Ocean Strategy

 About

Dr. Roch Parayre is a partner in Heidrick & Struggles’ Philadelphia office and a member of Heidrick Consulting. He was previously a senior partner at Decision Strategies International, a global strategy and leadership development advisory firm acquired by Heidrick & Struggles in 2016, where he also led the Blue Ocean Strategy Practice.

A strategist and master teacher, Dr. Parayre has advised organizations on five continents across a broad spectrum of industries, helping them grow and transform their businesses. He is an expert and conducts executive education seminars on the topics of decision-making, scenario planning, innovation, and strategy. Roch teaches in executive education programs at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business, at CEDEP and INSEAD in France, for Duke Corporate Education, and at the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College.

Dr. Parayre was previously a senior fellow at the Mack Center for Technological Innovation at the Wharton School and a faculty member at the Cox School of Business at SMU, where he won numerous MBA teaching awards. His published works are in a variety of academic journals, industry reports, and trade publications.

Neil Pasricha Speaker

Neil Pasricha

Leadership Keynote Speaker, Bestselling Author, Positive Psychology Researcher

 About

Neil Pasricha helps people live happy lives.

He is a top-rated leadership keynote speaker, New York Times bestselling author, and positive psychology researcher focused on the relationship between happiness and leadership in business.

Neil is one of the most popular TED speakers with his first TED Talk “The 3 A’s of Awesome” (2010) ranked as one of the ten most inspiring of all time and his second “How will you maximize your tiny, short life?” (2016) the world’s first ever TED Listen, composed entirely of questions. As a leadership keynote speaker Neil has spoken to hundreds of thousands of people around the world including Fortune 100 companies, Ivy League schools, and Royal Families in the Middle East.

Neil has written five New York Times and #1 International Bestsellers including: The Book of Awesome, a catalog of simple pleasures based on his 50-million hit, award-winning blog, Awesome is Everywhere, an interactive introduction to meditation, and The Happiness Equation, a nine step guidebook to happiness based on new research. His books have been on bestseller lists for over 200 weeks and sold millions of copies.

Before leading The Institute for Global Happiness and keynote speaking, Neil spent a decade running Leadership Development and working directly for two CEOs at Walmart, the world’s largest company. He was responsible for CEO onboarding, executive development, and talent management across all levels of the organization.

His work has been featured in hundreds of outlets including CNN, BBC, The Today Show, The Early Show, The Oprah Winfrey Network, Harvard Business Review, Fast Company, Fortune, and Forbes.

Neil has degrees from Queen’s University and Harvard Business School.

Matt Phillips Speaker

Matt Phillips

Serial Entrepreneur, Leading Expert & Keynote Speaker on Innovation and Creativity

 About

Matt Phillips is a leading expert on innovation and breakthrough thinking. For over 20 years, Matt has been an in-demand advisor to the Fortune 500, large nonprofits and rapidly growing mid-sized companies.

As the founder of Phillips & Co., a Chicago-based innovation think tank, Matt leads a team of researchers, strategists and inventors who help organizations invent new products, services and businesses. Their clients include Paramount Pictures, Dell, Verizon, Purina, Pella, the National Science Foundation, the TSA, and the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation.

Matt holds an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University and is a graduate of the Conservatory Program in Improv at The Second City.

Connie Podesta Speaker

Connie Podesta

Powerful Motivator and Humourist, Author, Educator, Licensed Counselor and Consultant.

 About

Connie Podesta is a game-changing, idea-generating ball of fire whose rare blend of humour, substance, style and personality have made her one of the most memorable, in-demand speakers in the world today. Topics on sales, leadership, change, life balance and success. And (what we all probably could use now and then) - a Comedienne.

Twenty-five years. Two million people. 1,000 organizations. Hall of Fame speaker. Award-winning author. Seven books. Former Radio/TV personality. Comedienne. Human Relations Expert. Therapist for 30 years - all of this wrapped up in one amazing woman, Connie Podesta!

Dr. Sian Proctor Speaker

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.

Clint Pulver Speaker

Clint Pulver

The Ultimate Experience to Engage, Retain, and Inspire Your People

 About

Click Here to Watch Clint's Virtual Presentation

Known as the leading authority on employee retention, Clint Pulver helps organizations retain, engage, and inspire their team members from the front desk to the board rooms and everyone in between. He expertly helps audiences navigate generational complexities, communication challenges, leadership missteps, and culture cues.

As the president and founder of The Center for Retention, Clint has transformed how corporations like Keller Williams, AT&T, and Hewlett Packard create lasting loyalty through his research and work as “The Undercover Millennial”. A self-motivated entrepreneur, he is well versed in business start-up, leadership, sales management, management training, and helping teams grow multi-million-dollar accounts. He uses that experience to create teachable relationship and business strategies based on trust, service, support, connection, and consistent follow-through.

Clint strongly believes that a single moment in time can change a person’s life. He has traveled the world speaking to a wide spectrum of diverse audiences, challenging them to dream, excel, connect, and believe--both in themselves and in the power of others. His mantra? “It’s not about being the best in the world…it's about being the best FOR the world.”

Erik Qualman Speaker

Erik Qualman

Author of Socialnomics and Speaker on Digital Leadership

 About

  • Erik talks about how organizations can leverage the must learn the new rules of social, mobile, and video marketing to earn customers’ loyalty and drive long-term success.
  • Audiences learn the latest shifts that technology has brought to the world of branding and marketing and how they can use those tools to develop loyalty.
  • Erik Qualman is a top technology keynote speaker and best selling author who helps clients leverage the power of focus to engage clients on every level.
  • Past clients include: Sony Playstation, Stern School of Business, Nokia, Zappos, ADP, Starbucks, FBI and Disney.

#1 Best Selling Author and Keynote Speaker Erik Qualman has performed in 55 countries and reached 50 million people.

His Socialnomics work has been on 60 Minutes to the Wall Street Journal and used by the National Guard to NASA. His book Digital Leader propelled him to be voted the 2nd Most Likeable Author in the World behind Harry Potter's J.K. Rowling.

What Happens in Vegas Stays on YouTube helped Qualman be listed by Forbes and Fortune as a Top100 Digital Influencer. His business books are used in over 200 universities and he has received an honorary doctorate for his groundbreaking work.

How to Sell on LinkedIn is becoming mandatory reading for sales teams. Qualman was formerly a sitting professor at Harvard & MIT’s edX labs.

Johnny Quinn Speaker

Johnny Quinn

Former Pro Football Wide Receiver, U.S. Bobsled Olympian, and Inspirational Speaker on Change

 About

Johnny Quinn is a professional speaker who travels the globe to inspire audiences by delivering thought-provoking and action-packed messages to businesses, teams and organizations. He digs-in deep on the lessons learned in pro football and what it took to become a U.S. Olympian. He dives-in to the knowledge shared by mentors of uber successful businesses and the daily decision making of leaders and winners. Johnny equips us to embrace change, accept risk to live life on purpose.

Johnny has an athletic background which opened the door to many opportunities. He is a U.S. Olympian in the sport of bobsled and competed at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia. He traveled the world with Team USA and competition took him to Austria, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Russia and Switzerland. Competing, living and interacting within different cultures around the world has provided a unique perspective, and ability, to connect with today’s diverse workforce.

Johnny declared for the NFL Draft in 2007 and was ranked in the Top 10 at the wide receiver position in career receptions, career yards and career touchdowns at the collegiate level. Thirty-five wide receivers went on to be selected in the 2007 NFL Draft, and Johnny was not one of them. Shortly after the draft concluded, he signed his first free-agent contract with the Buffalo Bills. In 2008 he signed his second free-agent contract with the Green Bay Packers. After bouncing around the NFL for two years, Johnny went on to play in the Canadian Football League (CFL) in 2009 as a member of the Saskatchewan Roughriders. He played the Montreal Alouettes in the 97th Grey Cup and lost 28-27 on a 33-yard field goal as time ran out.

Johnny was cut three times, lost $2.6 million in NFL contracts and blew out his knee. He then became a U.S. Olympian. From an NFL failure to a U.S. Olympian, his “what’s next” attitude led to success he never imagined.

It was a long-time goal of Johnny's to write and publish a book. His dream came true as his first book was released in February 2018, PUSH: Breaking through the Barriers. After the first 12 hours on Amazon.com, the book was temporarily out of stock which was a pleasant surprise to see as a first time author.

He has been featured on ABC, CNN, CBS, Good Morning America, NBC Olympics, Fox Sports, TIME, USA Today and many other media and news outlets around the world. He even earned a spot to compete on the popular TV show, American Ninja Warrior!

Johnny graduated with a Pre-Law degree in 2006. In 2011, he was inducted into the University of North Texas Hall of Fame as a first ballot candidate. In 2013, he was selected as one of two receivers to the University of North Texas All-Century Team. When not globe-trotting for speaking engagements, he lives north of Dallas with his lovely wife Amanda and beautiful baby daughter Amelia Rose.

Click Here to Watch Johnny's Virtual Presentation

Marc Randolph Speaker

Marc Randolph

About Marc Randolph – Netflix Cofounder, Bestselling Author, Executive Mentor

 About

  • Talks about a small Silicon Valley start up disrupted the entire home entertainment industry.
  • Audiences are inspired story filled presentation that shows the values of innovation, persistence and optimism. Marc shares some of the many lessons he learned, including the value of analytics and testing, corporate culture and focus.
  • Marc Randolph is a top entrepreneur and innovation keynote speaker, Netflix co-founder, angel investor, and an Amazon #1 bestselling author and podcast host of That Will Never Work.
  • He is a frequent speaker at industry events, works extensively with young entrepreneur programs, sits on the board of the environmental advocacy group 1% for the Planet.

Marc Randolph is a veteran Silicon Valley entrepreneur, advisor and investor. Marc was co-founder of Netflix, serving as their founding CEO, as the executive producer of their web site, and as a member of their board of directors. Although best known for starting Netflix, Marc’s career as an entrepreneur spans more than four decades.  He's founded or co-founded more than half a dozen other successful start-ups, mentored rising entrepreneurs including the co-founders of Looker Data which was recently sold to Google for $2.6B, and invested in numerous successful tech ventures. He is a frequent speaker at industry events, works extensively with young entrepreneur programs, sits on the board of the environmental advocacy group 1% for the Planet, and chairs the National Outdoor Leadership School’s Board of Trustees.

Freddie Ravel Speaker

Freddie Ravel

Celebrated Performer, International Expert and Keynote Speaker on Business & Communication

 About

  • Freddie talks about how leaders can challenge and inspire organizations to discover their untapped potential through the power of Active Listening & The Music of Leadership, using music focused stories to help leaders build stronger teams.
  • Audiences learn how to enhance interpersonal and professional leadership skills, amplify engagement and clarify their desired goals and outcomes.
  • Bilingual Speaker (English & Spanish) Freddie Ravel is a GRAMMY nominated maestro & performer, Founder of "Life in Tune," and Business Success Expert. His clients have described his keynotes & emcee services as the "ideal balance of entertainment and content."
  • Past clients include: IBM, Toyota, Red Bull, NASA, Apple, Blue Cross, Prudential, Google and Citi.

Click Here to Watch Freddie's Virtual Video

Freddie Ravel is the GRAMMY-nominated Keynote Maestro - who combines his expertise for business breakthroughs and virtuoso piano performances with a clear and concise application of music’s communicative and scientific powers to inspire, ignite and lift the minds, hearts and potential of audiences around the world.

Backed by number one hits and collaborative successes with Madonna, Earth, Wind and Fire, Prince and Carlos Santana to leading the teams of J Lo, Jimmy Kimmel and Lady Gaga - the #1 chart-topping composer is the Founder of “LIFE IN TUNE," a worldwide program that delivers customized peak performance experiences - to reveal how the structure of music enhances leadership, innovation and productivity for entrepreneurs to major corporations alike. Dubbed the “Keynote Maestro” by the City of Los Angeles, Ravel received the city’s Award of Recognition for creating a music-based system to “renew the national and international economy” - while his film, TV, radio and recording credits include CBS, FOX, CW, Universal, iHeart and XM Sirius. Straddling sectors across Media, Tech, Healthcare and Wellness, Diversity and Inclusion, Communications, Social Impact and Financial Services - clients refer to him as “The ideal balance of Entertainment and Content”.

These include IBM, Toyota, Red Bull, NASA, Apple, Blue Cross, Prudential, Google and Citi where he continues to serve as a captivating access point through which to transform corporations, education, entertainment and the human condition. Based on decades of entrepreneurial and corporate training, scientific research and directing and performing with many of the music legends of our time - conference planners often engage Freddie and his team in the program planning process to help design and incorporate their meeting objectives into a rich, harmonious and rewarding experience. Having performed in over eighty countries, Freddie is in tune with cultural nuances and sensitivities delivering the universal language in both English and Spanish - as well as collaborating with translators to uplift your audience to success.

Michelle Ray Speaker

Michelle Ray

Sought-After Keynote Speaker on Change, Communication and Leadership.

 About

  • Michelle talks about how you can embrace, manage. and anticipate change with renewed confidence
  • Audiences learn to lead themselves and their teams with greater effectiveness in the new world of work
  • Michelle Ray is a Leadership & Change expert with more than 25 years of experience helping people build outstanding workplace relationships and cultures. Author of Leading in Real Time: How to Drive Success in a Radically Changing World and Lead Yourself First! Indispensable Lessons in Business and in Life.
  • Past clients include: Microsoft, Dell, Proctor & Gamble, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Shell, Xerox, Paypal, Qantas Airways, Price Waterhouse Coopers, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation

Click Here to Watch Michelle's Virtual Presentation

With more than twenty-five years of experience researching leadership, accountability, change and workforce trends, Michelle Ray has a deep understanding of new realities demanding the attention of leaders. Specifically: A dramatic shift in where and how we work, generational change, employee voices rising on a host of social issues, post- pandemic talent shortages and ongoing digital transformation impacting every industry. Michelle advises leaders on how to lead in real time; to remain ready, responsive, and relevant against the backdrop of a world forever changed.

How do we answer the call? How do we reset? The answers can be found through Michelle’s powerful content and real-time leadership solutions.

Michelle Ray is a Hall of Fame business keynote speaker, leadership and change expert, author and educator who has worked with renowned brands that include Microsoft, Dell, PayPal, McDonalds, Xerox, and Shell. Originally from Australia and now residing in Vancouver, Canada, Michelle is the CEO and Founder of the Real Time Leadership Academy. Michelle has taught leadership skills to the Australian Army, the FBI, and C-Suite executives in an array of industries, including financial institutions on the list of the world’s top 50 banks.

Michelle is as an unstoppable, inspiring force on stage, creating memorable experiences for her audiences, utilizing her masterful methods of audience engagement, storytelling, and dynamic stage presence to instantly build rapport. She a frequent guest on podcasts and current affairs programs and is the author of two books; her latest, Leading in Real Time: How to Drive Success in a Radically Changing World, was released to rave reviews.

Why Michelle Ray can add value to your conference:

  • Proven track record as a seasoned presenter at corporate and association meetings throughout North America as well as internationally since 1995
  • Renowned business motivational speaker for numerous annual conferences and professional development events
  • Qualified as a “Certified Speaking Professional”, the National Speakers Association’s highest – earned designation held by less than 10% of members
  • From thousands of entries received, Michelle Ray reached the Top Ten Finals of “North America’s Next Greatest Speaker” Contest.
  • Undertakes due diligence with in-depth research prior to every engagement
  • Consistently engages audiences with humor, passion and a powerful message
  • Delivers a return on investment with solid content; tailored for each client

Tara Renze Speaker

Tara Renze

About Tara Renze – Emotional Intelligence Expert, Keynote Speaker on Leadership: Tara Renze is an author, keynote speaker, emotional intelligence & positive intelligence practitioner, podcaster, thought-leader, wife and mother and is redefining how …

 About

Tara Renze is an author, keynote speaker, emotional intelligence & positive intelligence practitioner, podcaster, thought-leader, wife and mother and is redefining how we unleash purpose, level up our success and create sustainable happiness and fulfillment in all aspects of our lives. After two decades of success in corporate leadership and social selling, she started writing and keynote speaking to empower others to "be who they came to be" and create, own and live the life they desire, envision and deserve. Tara has a true passion and talent for guiding others to harness and realize their full potential.

Tara Renze's journey to empowerment and inspiration began in the competitive arena of corporate America. At CareerBuilder.com, her exceptional leadership and sales acumen were quickly recognized, earning her the coveted "Sales Leader of the Year" accolade. Tara's impact expanded as she took the helm of the national new hire sales training program and served as a national sales manager consultant, shaping the future of sales leadership with her innovative approaches and insights.

Building on her corporate success, Tara ventured into the world of social selling with Stella & Dot. Here, she founded a nationwide, multi-million-dollar business, blending her corporate expertise with entrepreneurial spirit. This phase of her career not only showcased her business acumen but also her ability to connect with and inspire a new generation of women entrepreneurs.

Today, Tara Renze is a beacon for those seeking to "be who they came to be." Her grandmother's transformative note to her son in 2007 became the cornerstone of Tara's mission. As an author, keynote speaker, and emotional intelligence practitioner, Tara has dedicated her life to empowering others. Her work is supported by her impressive educational background, with a degree from the University of Kansas and leadership studies at the Wharton School and Kellogg Graduate School of Management.

Tara's influence extends through her books, such as "Be Who You Came To Be" and the collaborative children's book "Be Who You Came To Bee," along with her eagerly awaited "Perfectly Flawed." Her "Be Who You Came To Be" merchandise line further embodies the spirit of her empowering message.

Tara's credibility is underscored by her collaborations with renowned brands such as Aflac, T-Mobile, Amazon, American Century Investments, Baxter, the Women's Foodservice Forum (WFF), Farmasi, and many more. These partnerships reflect the trust and value placed in her expertise and the universal appeal of her empowering message.

April Rinne Speaker

April Rinne

Global Authority on the New Economy, Future of Work, and Navigating Constant Change, Humanistic Futurist

 About

  • Change navigator and guide to help you embrace uncertainty and the unknown
  • Top-ranked global futurist with immersive work and travels in 100+ countries
  • Bestselling author of Flux: 8 Superpowers for Thriving in Constant Change

Change defines the present and uncertainty permeates the future. What are the skills, practices, and superpowers that this world in flux demands – and how can you cultivate them with purpose and joy?

In 2024, humans’ ability to embrace all kinds of change, uncertainty, and not-knowing isn’t exceptional, but rather table stakes. It’s at the heart of responsible leadership, thriving culture, and effective communication. Put another way, tolerance of uncertainty is the #1 skill we’ll need this year – and beyond.

April Rinne – change navigator, speaker, investor, and adventurer – has been obsessed with these questions for more than 25 years. Her work and travels in more than 100 countries have given her a front-row seat to a world in flux, as well as a world of wisdom to navigate the unknown. Not only is she your guide to developing a “flux mindset,” she’s also ranked one of the 50 Leading Female Futurists in the world by Forbes and is a Harvard Law School graduate, a Young Global Leader at the World Economic Forum, a member of the Silicon Guild and Thinkers50 Radar, a Fulbright Scholar, and the author of the international bestseller Flux: 8 Superpowers for Thriving in Constant Change.

April is a trusted advisor to well-known startups, companies, financial institutions, nonprofits, think tanks, and governments worldwide, including Airbnb, Nike, Intuit, the World Bank, the Inter-American Development Bank, AnyRoad, and Unsettled as well as governments ranging from Singapore to South Africa, Canada to Colombia, and Italy to India. For more than two decades, she’s been known for seeing emerging trends early, understanding their potential, and helping others do the same. April is a bridge-builder between stakeholders, priorities, business models, markets, and those excited about change and those resistant to it. Most recently, she’s been part of Finland’s inaugural “masterclass of happiness,” combining her Finnish heritage and “fluxiness” to reach audiences around the world.

Earlier in life April was a global development executive, an international microfinance lawyer, and a hiking guide. Before that, she spent the better part of four years traveling solo, with an insatiable desire to better understand how the rest of the world lives. (One lesson: Change is universal. How we deal with it is not.) She is as comfortable at Davos as she is talking with microfinance borrowers in an urban slum. A certified yoga teacher, she can often be found upside-down, doing handstands around the world.

The following is also shared, depending on audience and context: April also harnesses her very personal experiences with flux, including the death of both of her parents in a car accident when she was 20.

Mel Robbins Speaker

Mel Robbins

Best-Selling Author, and Life-Changing Change and Motivational Speaker

 About

Mel Robbins is the creator and host of the award-winning The Mel Robbins Podcast, one of the most successful podcasts in the world, and a #1 New York Times bestselling author. She has amassed 25 million followers online and is considered the most sought after expert in life improvement, mindset, and behavior change. The Wall Street Journal calls her a “billion-view podcaster” and TIME Magazine says she gives millions of listeners around the globe “a reason to believe in themselves.”

Her books have been translated into 50 languages and include the #1 New York Times, #1 Amazon, #1 Audible, and #1 Sunday Times bestselling The Let Them Theory, which is the most successful non-fiction book launch in history, with over 1.2 million copies sold within a month of its release date. She is also the author of the multimillion-copy-selling The 5 Second Rule, The High Five Habit, and seven #1 audiobook releases on Audible.

USA Today calls Mel “a force to be reckoned with.” She is a global phenomenon in the publishing industry and podcasting. Her Boston-based media production company, 143 Studios, produces award-winning content, podcasts, events, audio series, online courses, journals, and books, along with professional development education for partners like Starbucks, Ulta Beauty, JP Morgan Chase, LinkedIn, Headspace, and Audible.

The Mel Robbins Podcast has won some of the most prestigious awards given to podcasts, including Webby, Signal Awards, and more. It was also recognized as one of Apple Podcasts' Top Shared and Followed Shows of 2024 and 2023 and Spotify Top Global Shows of 2024. Notable accolades for Robbins include being a Forbes 50 Over 50 Honoree, USA Today Top 5 Mindset & Performance Coaches in the World, and one of the fifty most influential influencers on The Hollywood Reporter’s Creator A-List in 2024.

David Rock Speaker

David Rock

Neuroleadership and performance speaker.

 About

David Rock is a keynote speaker and the founder and CEO of Results Coaching Systems (RCS), which has operations in 15 countries across the globe. In his capacity as CEO, David works with Fortune 500 clients specializing in embedding internal coaching capacity within organizations to develop leadership, retain talent, turn managers into coaches, improve performance, and change culture.

David is one of the thought leaders in the global coaching profession. The integrated coaching system he developed in the mid-90's has been taught to over 10,000 professionals in more than fifteen countries.

He is the author of Personal Best, Quiet Leadership and Coaching with the Brain in Mind and Your Brain at Work released in October 2009.

In 2004, David founded the brain-based approach to coaching, which has gathered momentum as a theory base for coaching ever since. In collaboration with several leading neuroscientists, David is working to explain the neural basis of issues like self-awareness, reflection, insight and accountability.

In 2006 he co-authored a feature article in strategy business magazine with neuroscientist Dr Jeffrey Schwartz, called 'The Neuroscience of Leadership', the most downloaded article of the year at the magazine. In September 2006 CIO magazine ran a cover story featuring David and Jeff's work called 'The new science of change'. His paper 'Managing with the Brain in Mind' was the most downloaded of 2009 at Strategy & Business.

In late 2006, David founded the NeuroLeadership Institute and Summit, a global initiative bringing neuroscientists and leadership experts together to build a new science of leadership development. The Institute is now a worldwide network of researchers and practitioners building a new body of knowledge.

David is on the advisory board at CIMBA business school, and a guest lecturer at universities in 5 countries including at Oxford University Said Business School.

Sara Ross Speaker

Sara Ross

Speaker on Science-based Leadership & the Future of Work

 About

In an increasingly uncertain, AI-accelerated world, the numbers tell a troubling story: 61% of leaders feel unprepared to navigate today's complexity, 62% are disengaged, and nearly half the workforce is running on fumes. To address these pressing challenges, organizations like Microsoft, Deloitte, PepsiCo, Wells Fargo, the American Medical Association, and the U.S. Navy turn to leadership and workplace expert, Sara Ross and her LeadFULL™ framework— a vitality-powering, human-centered approach to leadership excellence.

Grounded in research but geared for real life, Sara works at the intersection of organizational culture, emotional intelligence, and energy management. Her pioneering multi-year study on workplace vitality formed the foundation of her bestselling book, 'Dear Work, Something Has to Change.' Known for her trademark energy and status-quo-challenging style, Sara Ross embodies her title of Chief Vitality Officer. Her conviction to reigniting a sense of aliveness in a world seemingly designed to smother it out has earned her recognition as a 2023 Women of Influence by SUCCESS magazine and the Global Gurus Top 30 Motivational Speakers list for 2025.

Click Here to Watch Sara's Virtual Presentation

Robert Safian Speaker

Robert Safian

Editor-in-Chief of Fast Company & Inspiring Speaker on the Future of Business

 About

Robert Safian is one of the most sought-after speakers, moderators, and interviewers in modern business. From leadership positions at Fast Company, Time, Fortune and Money, to incisive analysis across multiple TV networks, podcasts and digital platforms, Safian has been lauded as an unparalleled source of insight on the future of the global enterprise. He is not only among the most acclaimed publishing executives in history but has deep relationships across the C-suite in multiple industries, accessing the cutting-edge developments that are reshaping our world.

For decades Safian has chronicled thousands of odds-defying organizations and leaders, uncovering their secrets of success. He synthesizes their lessons into eye-opening and thoroughly entertaining presentations filled with compelling storytelling. Whether assessing a startup in Detroit, the tech scene in Palo Alto or an iconoclast in Shanghai, Safian is constantly translating what is next and new to the mainstream. By presenting stories of the people behind innovative business thinking, he provides hope to millions of talented professionals, entrepreneurs and leaders that meaningful change is possible.

Safian has been propelled by a reputation for near-clairvoyant prediction. He was the first editor to put Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg on a magazine cover and covered Airbnb, Netflix and Uber long before they were household names. For nearly twelve years he led the influential, award-winning business magazine Fast Company, turning it into the world's leading progressive business media brand. He was named Editor of the Year by Adweek, and earned the highly coveted National Magazine Award for Magazine of the Year in 2014, beating out rivals including The New Yorker, The Atlantic, The New York Times Magazine and more.

Prior to Fast Company, Safian was the executive editor for Time and Fortune and headed Money as its chief editor for six years. He is a frequent guest on CBS, CNN, CNBC, MSNBC and other TV networks.

His latest projects include The Flux Group, an advisory firm that is driving awareness of new business practices to both individual companies and mass-market audiences; The Flux Network, a special invitation-only community of leading thinkers, creative collaborators and idea generators; and a highly-anticipated forthcoming book on the reinvention of business that is identifying how leaders at all levels can best adapt and thrive in today’s high-flux environments and turn disruption to their advantage.

Safian has also built a reputation as one of today’s top interviewers, conducting onstage dialogues with many of the world's most intriguing leaders including the CEOs of Starbucks, Nike, Target, Ford, Pepsico, Pixar, Walmart.com, Chobani, Under Armour, J Crew, Soulcycle, Casper, Pinterest, Warby Parker and more, plus celebrities including Kate Hudson, Serena Williams, Chelsea Clinton, Princess Reema Bint Bandar of Saudi Arabia, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, Sarah Jessica Parker, Jordan Spieth, Jared Leto, Alicia Keys and more. He has been a keynote presenter at events ranging from SxSW Interactive to the United Nation's Global Accelerators Council, the National Retail Federation's "Big Show" to the Cannes Lions Advertising Festival, HSM Brazil to The World Congress on Intelligent Transport.

In addition to all of Safian's wide experiences, pool of knowledge, and deft storytelling skills, he is also warm, approachable, and an expert at working with event organizers to personalize his presentations for each audience.

Mark Sanborn Speaker

Mark Sanborn

International Speaker and Best-selling Author of 8 Books on Leadership Development and Team Building.

 About

  • Mark talks about how leaders can lead best with clarity, intention and consistent action.
  • Audiences leave with specific advice on three essential areas of focus for leaders in today's world - culture, inspiration and emotion - and the tools to create powerful changes within their organizations.
  • Mark Sanborn has been called one of the top leadership experts by GlobalGurus.org. He is also a best-selling author and a member of the the Speakers Hall of Fame.
  • Past clients include: Costco, Enterprise Rent-a-Car, FedEx, Harley-Davidson, Cisco, KPMG, Morton’s of Chicago, New York Life, RE/MAX, ServiceMaster, ESPN, GM, IBM, Avnet, Sandvik and John Deere.

Mark Sanborn is the president of Sanborn & Associates, Inc., an idea lab for leadership development and turning the ordinary into the extraordinary. Mark is an international best-selling author and noted expert on leadership, team building, customer service and change. GlobalGurus.org lists Mark as one of the top leadership experts in the world.

Mark has given over 2,600 presentations in every state and 14 countries. He has authored eight books and more than two dozen videos and audio training programs. His programs are taught by Crestcom International in 90 countries and he is an adjunct professor at the University of Memphis.

Mark’s book, The Fred Factor: How Passion in Your Work and Life Can Turn the Ordinary Into the Extraordinary is an international best-seller and was on the New York Times, Business Week and Wall Street Journal best-seller lists. His other books include 1) You Don’t Need a Title to be a Leader: How Anyone, Anywhere Can Make a Positive Difference, 2) The Encore Effect: How to Achieve Remarkable Performance in Anything You Do, 3) Up, Down or Sideways: How to Succeed When Times are Good, Bad or In Between, 4) Fred 2.0: New Ideas on How to Keep Delivering Extraordinary Results and 5) The Potential Principle: A Proven System for Closing the Gap Between How Good You Are and How Good You Could Be and his newest 6) The Intention Imperative: 3 Essential Changes That Will Make You a Successful Leader Today (anticipated release, Oct 2019).

Mark is a member of the Speaker Hall of Fame, a member of the exclusive Speakers Roundtable representing 20 of the top speakers in the country today and a past president of the National Speakers Association.

Mark’s list of clients includes Costco, Enterprise Rent-a-Car, FedEx, Harley-Davidson, Cisco, KPMG, Morton’s of Chicago, New York Life, RE/MAX, ServiceMaster, ESPN, GM, IBM, Avnet, Sandvik and John Deere.

“We each know how good we have become,” Mark says, “but none of us knows how good we can be. One of the most exciting opportunities we get each day is to pursue our potential.” Mark Sanborn challenges his audiences with this message and provides insights for extraordinary living.

He lives in Highlands Ranch, Colorado with his wife Darla and sons Hunter and Jackson.

Tim Sanders Speaker

Tim Sanders

Renowned Communication and Leadership Speaker, Author of The Likeability Factor

 About

Tim Sanders leads client strategy at Upwork where he helps businesses implement better ways of working through the adoption of on demand talent solutions. He has more than 25 years of experience working with companies on innovation and change management. In 2024, he was appointed Executive Fellow at the Digital Data Design Institute at Harvard Business School. In that role, his focus is on delivering insights on the “Return on AI” for business leaders.

Tim began his career as an early-stage member of Mark Cuban's broadcast.com and, once acquired, he became the Chief Solutions Officer at Yahoo!. He is also the author of five books, including the New York Times bestseller, Love is the Killer App: How to Win Business and Influence Friends.

John Sanei Speaker

John Sanei

Best-selling Author, Futurist & Keynote Speaker with a passion for psychology & technology

 About

John Sanei is a world-renowned keynote speaker, futures strategist, lecturer, best-selling author, and your guide to future trends and visionary leadership.

With a knack for sharing knowledge and creating connections, John’s path lies at the intersection of human science, neuroscience, quantum technology, futurism, and business strategy. He decodes future trends, ignites ideas, connects with crowds and leaves a  empowering perspective that lasts long after he’s left the stage.

John’s keynote talks and masterclasses have taken him around the world and earned global recognition. He is Africa’s first Singularity University Faculty Member, a lecturer
at Duke Corporate Education, and an Associate Partner at the Copenhagen Institute or Futures Studies.

John stays on top of future trends by publishing a new book every year and his fifth book, Who Do We Become? was published in July 2022. When he’s not inspiring audiences, John’s convincing his friends, family and fans to adopt abandoned dogs. You can find John on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, or tune in to his critically acclaimed podcast - The Expansive Podcast.