Courage & Heroism Keynote Speakers
Browse Courage & Heroism Speakers
Courage & Heroism keynote speakers share extraordinary stories of bravery, sacrifice, and strength in the face of adversity. Whether drawn from acts of service, personal survival, or standing up for what’s right, their experiences inspire audiences to lead with conviction, take bold action, and find resilience in life’s most challenging moments. Their message honors the human spirit and empowers others to rise with courage.
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.
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.
Keynotes: 2 Books: 3 Videos: 5
Judi Holler Featured
Self-Expression, Self-Leadership, Confidence, and Discovering How to Bring Our Best, Most Creative, and Most Engaged Selves to Work | Bestselling Author | Improviser
Judi's keynotes are a call to action, helping leaders and teams align organizational accountability with individual authenticity. Judi is on a mission to wake up the potential that’s been lying dormant in leaders so they can bring thier best, most authentic, creative, and engaged selves to work.
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.
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.
Keynotes: 2 Books: 1 Videos: 17
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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'.
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
Keynotes: 4 Books: 1 Videos: 2
Amanda Lindhout
New York Times Bestselling Author, Expert on Transformation & Extraordinary Mindset
Amanda is an unparalleled voice on the topics of resilience, extraordinary mindset, and transformation. As the award-winning author of the NYT bestselling memoir "A House in the Sky," Amanda shares lessons learned after enduring 460 days as a hostage in Somalia that resonate across cultures and industries.
Keynotes: 4 Books: 1 Videos: 3
Martha McSally
Pioneer. Leader. Servant. Fighter.
Colonel (ret) Martha E. McSally is a former combat fighter pilot and served four years in the U.S. House of Representatives and two years as a U.S. Senator. She is a force of nature who inspires you to find your courage and fly!
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.
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.
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.
Keynotes: 3 Books: 1 Videos: 3
Liz Scott
Co-Executive Director and mother to founder of Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation
Liz is the mother of the founder of Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, a childhood cancer charity dedicated to changing the lives of children with cancer and their families. Her daughter Alex lived the saying "when life gives you lemons, make lemonade" and in her short life inspired a movement.
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!
Keynotes: 3 Books: 0 Videos: 2
John Wayne Walding
Green Beret Sniper, Silver Star & Purple Heart Recipient
SFC (R) John Wayne Walding, a decorated Green Beret and combat veteran, served 12 years in the U.S. Army, including 7 years in 3rd Special Forces Group. After losing his leg in the Battle of Shok Valley, he became the first amputee Green Beret sniper, inspiring others through his resilience.
Keynotes: 3 Books: 1 Videos: 5
Justin Wren
Humanitarian, UFC Fighter, Non-profit Founder, Mental Health Advocate, Author
A prominent UFC fighter, Justin emerged from a near death experience, found purpose through service, and now stands as an international humanitarian leader. The visionary Founder of Fight For The Forgotten, his organization has provided life-changing water, housing, healthcare, farming and freedom from slavery for thousands of disadvantaged people.
Topic Index
Browse topics in this category
- 15 Accountability
- 22 Courage & Heroism
- 24 Goal Setting
- 167 Inspiration & Achievement
- 105 Motivation
- 103 Overcoming Adversity
- 96 Peak Performance
- 80 Personal Growth
- 1 Resilience
- 33 Storytelling