Courage / Heroism Keynote Speakers

Browse Courage / Heroism Speakers

Courage and Heroism keynote speakers are legendary in commanding a room with hope and resiliency. They live beyond their own limits which inspire others how to rethink how to live an optimal life. Courage and Heroism keynote speakers are adventurers, paraplegic athletes, entrepreneurs, and global activists.


Keynotes: 2 Books: 4 Videos: 8

Kathryn Childers Featured

Women's History Trailblazer: One of First Five Women Special Agents in United States Secret Service

Kathryn Childers was one of the first five women hired into the Secret Service in 1971 protecting Presidents, dignitaries, as well as Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and her children. Journalist, philanthropist, and author/publisher followed. Through it all, she became an expert at being scared fearless and shares that courageous journey.  

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Keynotes: 2 Books: 3 Videos: 8

José Hernandez Featured

Former NASA Astronaut; Inspiration for Amazon Prime Movie "A Million Miles Away"; Entrepreneur; Farmer; Vintner; Author

José Hernandez, born into a Mexican migrant farmworker family, shares his remarkable journey from humble beginnings to making history as the first migrant farmworker to travel to space. He shares how he overcame numerous obstacles to achieve his dream - exemplifying the power of determination and hard work. 

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Keynotes: 2 Books: 2 Videos: 6

Judi Holler Featured

Energetic, Entertaining, Self-Leadership Expert | Second City Conservatory Alum | Reframing Fear into Confidence | Bestselling Author | Poetic Voice

Judi is best known for her ability to open and close conferences with her inspiring and entertaining keynote speeches. Her keynotes are a call to action, igniting self-leadership in every employee and empowering them to overcome personal and professional obstacles through conscious confidence building.

 

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Keynotes: 6 Books: 1 Videos: 4

Janine Latus Featured

Speaker on Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence

Her NYT bestseller, If I Am Missing or Dead, is both a love letter to her sister and a call to break the cycle of abuse. Her talks are built on their story, and full of practical action items that help listeners save lives -- maybe even their own.

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Keynotes: 1 Books: 2 Videos: 2

Scott O'Grady Featured

An American Hero and Survivor

Scott O’Grady is a former United States Air Force Captain and Air Force fighter pilot who gained prominence after the June 2, 1995 Mrkonjic Grad incident, in which he ejected over Bosnia when his F-16C was shot down by a Bosnian Serb SA-6 while he was patrolling the no-fly zone.

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Keynotes: 2 Books: 1 Videos: 16

Nando Parrado Featured

Survivor & Hero of Uruguayan Air Force Flight 571; NYT Best-Selling Author; Portrayed in Oscar-Nominated Film "Society of the Snow" and "Alive"

His is a story that many will recognize, but few have an opportunity to hear first hand. Nando Parrado recounts the extraordinary tale of how he and 15 of his teammates survived for 72 brutal days after their plane crashed into the frozen Andes Mountains 50 years ago.

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Keynotes: 3 Books: 3 Videos: 8

Justin Skeesuck and Patrick Gray Featured

I'll Push You — 500 Miles, Two Best Friends, and One Wheelchair

Push Inc. founders Justin Skeesuck, and Patrick Gray guide organizations and individuals toward their full potential through the power of relationships. Overcoming life's challenges requires acknowledging our weaknesses, inviting others into our story, and embracing the fact that we cannot do it all on our own.

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Keynotes: 1 Books: 1 Videos: 1

Mike Schlappi Featured

Motivational Speaker, Gold Medalist, Author

When Mike Schlappi takes the floor, a dazzling smile greets you. Then, you notice the wheelchair. Mike is defined by what he can do, instead of what he cannot do. Following a tragic accident, Mike has proven that just because “you can’t stand up, doesn’t mean you can’t stand out”!

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Keynotes: 1 Books: 0 Videos: 6

Melissa Stockwell Featured

American War Hero; U.S. Paralympian; 3x World Champion Triathlete

Melissa Stockwell is an American war hero who has triumphed over personal tragedy to achieve greatness and World Champion status. She has dedicated her life to chasing remarkable accomplishments while giving back to others as a U.S. Paralympian and 3x World Champion triathlete.

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Keynotes: 4 Books: 1 Videos: 2

Michele Rigby Assad

Former CIA Intelligence Officer; Counterterrorism & Security Expert

Michele Rigby Assad is a former undercover officer in the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency’s Directorate of Operations. Trained as a counterterrorism specialist, Michele served her country for ten years, working in Iraq and other secret Middle Eastern locations.

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Keynotes: 4 Books: 3 Videos: 5

Joan Brock

Subject of Lifetime Film "More Than Meets the Eye: the Joan Brock Story" and Author of "More Than Meets the Eye"

Joan, the subject of a Lifetime film, shares her inspiring story of the sudden loss of her sight then her husband to cancer. She captivates audiences sharing the importance of making positive and productive choices in this world of change and challenge. Joan is currently accepting limited speaking engagements.

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Keynotes: 1 Books: 0 Videos: 5

Stephanie Decker

Inspiring Mom: Lost Both Legs Saving Children From Tornado, Founder of the Stephanie Decker Foundation

Stephanie Decker is the inspiring mother who lost both legs saving her children during a tornado. She also founded the Stephanie Decker Foundation which helps children with missing limbs take part in sports camps.

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Keynotes: 2 Books: 2 Videos: 19

Lovern J. Gordon

Author of The Legacy He Left Me and President of Love Life Now Foundation

Lovern is author of The Legacy He Left Me and Founder of Love Life Now, which promotes year-round awareness around DV. She is also a child witness and adult survivor. She has appeared on CBS This Morning and Boston Celtics recognized her as one of their 'Heroes Among Us'. 

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Keynotes: 4 Books: 1 Videos: 3

Shari Karney

"Roar as One" Founder Social Innovator on Resilience, Change, Adversity and Triumph–Speaker for Women's Empowerment

Shari specializes in helping people transform their lives to feel happier, inspired, listened to, respected and understood. You will experience profound results. Devloped a campaign, #Menwithyoutoo  - #MeToo Campaign  is not slowing down anytime soon. Time for good men to stand with your wives, sisters, daughters, co-Wworkers, and friends

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Keynotes: 4 Books: 3 Videos: 1

Erica Miller

International Best-Selling Author; Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology; Entrepreneur; Holocaust Survivor

When Dr. Erica Miller shares her stories and wisdom, people can’t help but listen and take them to heart. A five-foot tall dynamo with an effervescent spirit, she has overcome challenges through her life that are difficult to fathom.

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Keynotes: 9 Books: 0 Videos: 7

Garrett Reisman

Former NASA Astronaut & SpaceX Director of Space Operations; Professor at USC

A NASA astronaut who flew on all three Space Shuttles and then became an executive at Elon Musk’s SpaceX, Dr. Garrett Reisman offers a unique first-hand glimpse into both the past and future of human spaceflight. Garrett entertains audiences with humorous astronaut stories that are unexpectedly down-to-earth.

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Keynotes: 1 Books: 1 Videos: 3

Dave Sanderson

Survivor of Miracle on the Hudson; Author, Former Sales Executive

As the last passenger off the Miracle on the Hudson I lived, and your team will learn specifically how being resourceful is the key skill to move from being just good in anything to outstanding.

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Keynotes: 1 Books: 1 Videos: 2

Dr. Natalie Stavas

Harvard Doctor; Boston Marathon Hero; Mentor; Mother; Runner; International Humanitarian; Speaker

Dr. Stavas is Program Director for Child Protection Pediatrics at UC San Diego where she mentors medical students, residents, and fellows towards a path of fulfillment in medicine. Dr. Stavas has focused her research on how COVID-19 is affecting children’s health and physical wellbeing. She's a real super hero!

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Keynotes: 2 Books: 1 Videos: 5

Justin Wren

Humanitarian; Author; MMA Fighter; Mental Health Advocate; Podcast Host

Justin "The Big Pygmy" Wren is a national champion wrestler, UFC veteran, and humanitarian passionate about serving the Batwa Pygmy people of Uganda. Justin's transformative storytelling ignites a fire in the human soul inspiring and empowering audiences to take action that leads deeper purpose, high performance, and long lasting change.

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