Overcoming Adversity Speakers

Heralded by The New York Times as "a latter-day Houdini," David Blaine has redefined magic around the world with his unique, intimate, close-up style and his challenges that have set new boundaries of human endurance.

After suffering catastrophic injuries as the result of a landmine in Afghanistan, Israel “DT” Del Toro was given a 15 percent chance of survival. Then his doctors told him he was going to be in the hospital for another year, that he...

As a combatant Commander, General Lori Robinson was the most senior military woman to serve in the United States Department of Defense and draws on her unique challenges as a powerful woman in a world dominated by men...

In a very engaging and humorous presentation, Bob Costas shares with audiences his insight into today's current events and his experiences in the sports and broadcasting worlds.

Recently recognized in Meetings & Conventions Magazine as "one of the best keynote speakers seen or heard", Ryan Estis blends interaction, energy, and actionable content designed to elevate business outcomes.

From a tragic childhood, Dottie turned her life around and became the quintessential New York success story. With under $1000 in the bank, Dottie borrowed $7 million dollars to purchase Prudential Long Island Realty. She expanded the company...

The Major League Baseball pitcher who was born with only one hand, Jim Abbott shares with audiences the keys to adapting, persevering and removing obstacles to success.

Bold, forward-thinking executive leading organizational transformation in the NFL. Sam Rapoport shares actionable takeaways for how to drive seemingly insurmountable progress in organizations that are slow to change. 

An international authority on workplace culture, Jennifer's passion and energy engage audiences with relatable storytelling, data, and research, confirming that healthy and happy workforces are higher-performing ones. Attendees leave inspired and motivated to act on what they've learned.

"Balance and happiness bring you more success and not the other way around." – Nicole Lapin

After losing his eyesight while serving in Iraq, Scotty Smiley's life is proof that hope in the face of adversity can conquer all obstacles. He went on to become the first blind active duty officer in the military, the author of the...

The only person to ever compete in four Winter Olympics each in a different decade, Ruben Gonzalez takes people's excuses away and inspires them to produce more than ever before.

Discussing motivation, leadership, and faith in the face of adversity, Chad Williams shares a message audiences need right now.

Because I said I would is a social movement and nonprofit dedicated to the betterment of humanity through promises made and kept. Alex Sheen's goal is to build a community of people who are driven to help others...

Col. Nicole Malachowski, USAF (Ret.) defies stereotypes. A leader, a combat veteran, the first woman pilot on the Thunderbirds Air Demonstration Squadron, a White House Fellow, a member of both the National Women's Hall of Fame and the...

Chairman and CEO of Johnson Publishing Company and former Chairman Emeritus of Ebony Media Operations. Linda Johnson Rice has not only chronicled much of American history, she has lived it and shaped it.

Where will you be on the other side of fear, on the other side of your mountain, on the other side of your breakthrough? When we amputate limitations and elevate expectations, we can overcome any obstacle. John Register...

A gutsy trailblazer, Vernice "FlyGirl" Armour's resume is an impressive collection of "firsts" including America's first black female combat pilot. She served two tours of duty in Iraq as a Marine and was a Diversity Liaison Officer to...

Former Treasurer Rosie Rios became an Accidental Educator, Historian and Feminist as one of the longest serving senior Treasury officials in the Obama Administration starting with her time on the Treasury/Federal Reserve Transition Team at the height of...

Shawn Achor shares the recent scientific breakthroughs in the study of happiness and inspires audiences to become lightning rods for change.

One of the most successful coaches in NBA history, Pat Riley understands the keys to gaining a competitive advantage—and winning.

As someone who works with today’s most dynamic and cutting-edge organizations, Mike Robbins blends storytelling from his own life, his background as a professional baseball player and his experience working with some of the top companies in Silicon...

Historically the most senior woman on Wall Street, Sallie Krawcheck has a record of turning around financial services businesses, even during the financial crisis, by employing an intense and unique client focus that earned her the title “The...

Scott Harrison is the founder and CEO of charity: water Through radical transparency and innovative digital practices, charity: water has mobilized 1M+ supporters from 105 countries, raised over $400M, and funded clean water projects in 28 countries for...