Journalism / Literary / Author Keynote Speakers
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Journalism, Literary and Author keynote speakers are masters of the written word. They have an uncanny gift of using depth and detail and they weave together a visually striking and complex story for an audience. GDA is knowledgeable about the most compelling journalism, literary, and author keynote speakers to provide an unforgettable experience.
Keynotes: 4 Books: 5 Videos: 13
Mike Abrashoff Featured
Former US Navy Commander of USS Benfold, Author, Leadership Consultant
Mike Abrashoff took command of the Navy’s near-worst performing ship. In twelve months it became the Navy’s best ship – using the same crew. “I created a culture where people felt safe, empowered, and supported. My crew did the rest.” Mike’s book, It’s Your Ship, sold over 1.3 million copies.
Keynotes: 3 Books: 8 Videos: 11
David Ahearn Featured
Keynote Speaker, Host/Emcee
David Ahearn is a best-selling author of the book “Happy Accidents: The Transformative Power of “Yes, and” at Work and in Life." He is also a co-founder of Four Day Weekend Comedy, the longest running show in the Southwest and the co-host of Yes & Yoga on Amazon Prime Video.
Keynotes: 2 Books: 1 Videos: 11
Mariana Atencio Featured
Peabody Award-winning Journalist, Bestselling Author, Entrepreneur, Inspiring Storyteller, and Host/Moderator
Mariana Atencio is an expert who helps leaders in organizations create a culture that is more authentic – where people can be themselves and contribute to the max. Bring her dynamic presence as a speaker, moderator, or host to elevate your program with her award-winning insights and infectious energy.
Keynotes: 4 Books: 1 Videos: 5
Molly Bloom Featured
Inspirational Keynote Speaker, Entrepreneur, and Bestselling Author of Molly's Game (adapted for Oscar nominated film)
Top Booked Inspirational Speaker, Subject of the Oscar-nominated film, “Molly’s Game”, Bestselling Author, U.S. Ski Team Alum, and Host of Award-Winning Podcast, “Torched”
Keynotes: 1 Books: 2 Videos: 2
Jeff Bush Featured
Principal of The Washington Update; Authority on Nonpartisan Politics, Tax and Legal Policy, Finance and Economy
Jeff Bush’s unique insights help investors and financial advisors navigate the ever-changing landscape emanating from Washington. His presentation combines political and economic analysis with specific investment, wealth transfer, and retirement planning strategies.
Keynotes: 5 Books: 13 Videos: 2
Gary Chapman, Ph.D. Featured
Author of #1 New York Times Best-Seller; The 5 Love Languages®; Family Counselor
He is just the man to turn to for help on improving or healing our most important relationships. His own life experiences, plus over thirty-five years of pastoring and marriage counseling, led him to publish his #1 New York Times bestseller, The 5 Love Languages®.
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: 3 Books: 1 Videos: 9
Daryl Davis Featured
Renowned Rock/Blues Musician, Conflict Navigator, Unifier, and Author
Daryl Davis, a Black man, befriended members of the Ku Klux Klan and changed their lives. Over 200 of them gave him their robes and hoods to prove it. Daryl offers communication lessons from that experience. When we talk to our adversaries, fears that drive hate and misunderstanding melt away.
Keynotes: 4 Books: 1 Videos: 5
Michelle Gielan Featured
Founder of The Institute for Applied Positive Research
Michelle Gielan is the bestselling author of Broadcasting Happiness: The Science of Igniting and Sustaining Positive Change and was named one of the Top 10 authors on resilience by the Harvard Business Review. She is now an Executive Producer of “The Happiness Advantage” on PBS.
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: 1 Videos: 3
Kyle Maynard Featured
Inspirational Athlete, Entrepreneur & Author of No Excuses
Despite being born with arms ending at the elbows and legs near the knees, Kyle wrestled for one of the best teams in the Southeast, set records in weightlifting, fought in mixed martial arts, and became the first man to crawl on his own to the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro.
Keynotes: 5 Books: 1 Videos: 8
Alison McCauley Featured
AI Keynote Speaker and Best-Selling Author; Artificial Intelligence Top Voice
Alison is the CEO of Unblocked Future and a best-selling author with a decade at the front edge of AI. Her latest AI book hits the market in January 2025. Alison speaks to the human dimensions of AI: what it means to us, and what to do about it.
Keynotes: 6 Books: 2 Videos: 5
Heather Monahan Featured
The Confidence Creator; Best-Selling Author; Entrepreneur; Former C-Suite Executive
Heather Monahan is one of the few women to break the glass ceiling and claim her spot in the C-suite as a Chief Revenue Officer in Media. She is a well-respected thought leader who shares real life experiences and tools to help lift others to a place of empowerment.
Keynotes: 9 Books: 2 Videos: 1
Dr. Rick Stevenson Featured
Filmmaker. Philosopher. Listener.
Rick’s own story is one of diverging experiences and constant change. Yes, he is first a filmmaker, philosopher, author, and listener but he is also a proud imperfectionist and a committed “authentician.” He believes that we own nothing more valuable than our own stories.
Keynotes: 7 Books: 9 Videos: 5
Jon Acuff
One of INC's Top 100 Leadership Speakers, New York Times Bestselling Author of Soundtracks, Finish and Do Over
Jon Acuff is the New York Times best-selling author of nine books, including All it Takes is a Goal, Soundtracks, and Finish. Published in more than twenty languages, his work is both critically acclaimed and adored by readers.
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: 11 Books: 0 Videos: 5
Ricardo Baca
The Denver Post's first-ever marijuana editor and founder of news vertical The Cannabist
Ricardo Baca is a 20-year veteran journalist, keynote speaker, TEDx veteran and thought leader in modern media and drug-policy circles.
Keynotes: 5 Books: 4 Videos: 6
Carl Bernstein
Pulitzer Prize Winning Journalist/Author & Political Analyst
Few journalists in America’s history have had the impact on history and their craft as Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative reporter Carl Bernstein. Drawing parallels between the past and the events of today, Bernstein provides invaluable context for our tumultuous times—colored with captivating stories from his legendary career.
Keynotes: 3 Books: 10 Videos: 3
Rohit Bhargava
A Non-Obvious Keynote Speaker on Marketing, Trends, Innovation and Diversity
Rohit Bhargava is on a mission to inspire more non-obvious thinking in the world. He is a 3-time Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author of ten books and is widely considered one of the most entertaining and original speakers on trends, innovation and marketing in the world.
Keynotes: 6 Books: 1 Videos: 3
Bonin Bough
TV Host, Marketing Exec, Investor and Author
Bonin Bough is one of the foremost-awarded marketing executives, the host of The Cleveland Hustles, and the author of Txt Me (646) 759-1837. He was one of the youngest C-suite executives in a Fortune 50 company, Bonin has spearheaded some of the industry’s largest global marketing campaigns.
Keynotes: 4 Books: 2 Videos: 1
Tiffani Bova
Global Growth Evangelist; Salesforce Business Strategist; Author
Tiffani Bova is a business growth keynote speaker, innovation, growth evangelist, and the author of Growth IQ. A top influencer in Customer Experience, Digital Transformation, the Future of Work, and Sales, is a regular contributor to Forbes, Harvard Business Review, Marketing Matters on Wharton Business Radio – SiriusXM and Huffington Post.
Keynotes: 6 Books: 4 Videos: 9
Harry Broadman
Navigating Global Markets to Capitalize on Growth Opportunities and Fend Off Risks
Dr. Broadman has been at the forefront of global business and policy decisions over the past three decades. He shares a compelling perspective on opportunities and risks shaping our economic future. Harry has a deep understanding of the global marketplace and its complex spectrum of business, policy and consumer environments.
Keynotes: 3 Books: 5 Videos: 4
Dan Buettner
Best Selling Author of The Blue Zones
Dan Buettner is ready to wow audiences with secrets from around the world to live longer, better, healthier and happier lives.
Keynotes: 9 Books: 0 Videos: 1
Ken Burns
Historian and Filmmaker
Ken Burns has been making documentary films for almost forty years. Since the Academy Award nominated Brooklyn Bridge in 1981, Ken has gone on to direct and produce some of the most acclaimed historical documentaries ever made.
Keynotes: 3 Books: 1 Videos: 3
Majora Carter
American Urban Revitalization Strategist; Environmental Justice Solutions
Majora Carter is a real estate developer, urban revitalization strategy consultant, MacArthur Fellow and Peabody Award winning broadcaster. She's responsible for the creation of numerous economic development, technology inclusion & green-infrastructure projects, policies and job training & placement systems. She is also a lecturer at Princeton University's Keller Center.
Keynotes: 5 Books: 1 Videos: 5
Boris Cherniak
Celebrity Hypnotist, Team Building, Motivational Expert, Mental Health Speaker
Unforgettable interactive presentation to energize and empower. Boris Cherniak will keep your group in stitches, while providing valuable tools and information to improve well being and bottom line.
Keynotes: 1 Books: 1 Videos: 3
James Clear
#1 New York Times Bestselling Author of Atomic Habits, Top Booked Keynote Speaker and Founder of Habits Academy
James Clear is a leading expert on habits and decision-making. As the bestselling author of Atomic Habits, he helps audiences harness small changes for remarkable results—boosting productivity, performance, and personal growth. His talks inspire practical, science-backed strategies to transform behaviors and create lasting success.
Keynotes: 6 Books: 4 Videos: 17
Geoff Colvin
Senior Editor-at-Large, Fortune Magazine, and Bestselling Author Arming Leaders to Confront Disruptive Change and Win
Experience counts! Fortune veteran Geoff Colvin gives audiences critical information and insights they need to win. The rules have changed. Winning demands courage to confront reality faster than the competition. Transformation, innovation, and reinvention are on every leader’s mind. Colvin identifies what top companies and leaders are doing to adapt.
Keynotes: 6 Books: 6 Videos: 1
David Cottrell
Leadership Lessons You Can't Afford to Miss
David’s leadership lessons provide solid solutions and practical strategies every leader can use to succeed back on the job. They are grounded in the real world and reinforced with compelling examples, stories and creative exercises. He is the author of 30+ books, including the best-selling Monday Morning Leadership.
Keynotes: 2 Books: 1 Videos: 11
Susan David
Management Thought Leader; Award-Winning Harvard Medical School Psychologist; Emotional Intelligence Expert
An award-winning Harvard Medical School psychologist, Susan has been named one of the world’s most influential management thinkers. She offers unique expertise on cultivating more agile, healthy, resilient, and authentically happy people, families, workplaces, and communities.
Keynotes: 7 Books: 2 Videos: 9
Tiffany Dufu
Leadership Luminary, Founder & CEO The Cru, Author of DROP THE BALL
Named to Entrepreneur’s 100 Powerful Women and Fast Company’s League of Extraordinary Women, Tiffany is founder of The Cru. Launch team member to Lean In, CLO to Levo, and Former President of The White House Project. Featured in The New York Times, ESSENCE, O, The Oprah Magazine, and on NPR.
Keynotes: 5 Books: 1 Videos: 8
Dima Ghawi
Developing Leaders To Meet The Demands Of the Global Workforce And Helping Organizations Engage Diverse Teams
Dima helps individuals globally advance their careers and expand their potential by sharing inspiring, emotional stories and relatable messages that draw from her global leadership experience. She motivates audience members to dare to thrive personally and professionally by taking courageous, life-changing actions unburdened by fear.
Keynotes: 3 Books: 1 Videos: 6
Haben Girma, Esq.
Human Rights Lawyer, Author, First Deafblind Graduate of Harvard Law School
The first Deafblind person to graduate from Harvard Law School, Haben Girma advocates for equal opportunities for people with disabilities. President Obama named her a White House Champion of Change.
Keynotes: 3 Books: 4 Videos: 2
Jonathan Haidt
Professor of Ethical Leadership, New York University—Stern School of Business and Author of New York Times Best Seller
Jonathan Haidt is a social psychologist who is widely considered to be one of the world’s leading experts on the psychology of morality. His early research radically transformed the field, pulling it away from its earlier focus on moral reasoning.
Keynotes: 0 Books: 1 Videos: 3
Ron Hall
Author of Same Kind of Different As Me
Ron Hall is an international art dealer whose long list of regular clients includes many celebrity personalities. He is the author of the book Same Kind of Different As Me, as well as the writer and producer of the Paramount Pictures film by the same name.
Keynotes: 5 Books: 1 Videos: 1
John Harwood
Award-Winning Political Journalist; White House Correspondent
For more than three decades, John Harwood has covered the White House, Congress, national politics and the economy for America’s most prestigious news organizations. Interviewing every president from George H.W. Bush to Joe Biden, he received an Emmy nomination for his live CNBC town hall with President Barack Obama.
Keynotes: 12 Books: 5 Videos: 1
Lee Hausner, Ph.D.
Lee Hausner Consultant
Dr. Hausner, an internationally recognized clinical psychologist and business consultant, provides family consulting services. These services include assisting families in learning effective communication and conflict resolution skills, facilitating family retreats, resolving generational issues and increasing personal effectiveness.
Keynotes: 6 Books: 4 Videos: 5
Ron Insana
CNBC Senior Analyst and Commentator, Trailblazing Financial Journalist, Bestselling Author, and CEO of iFi AI
A regular CNBC and NBC News contributor, Ron Insana analyzes the forces driving the economy and how they impact your business, industry, and investments. Author of four bestsellers, Insana translates market signals and political maneuvers into actionable information audiences can use to protect what they have and uncover fresh opportunities.
Keynotes: 5 Books: 6 Videos: 7
Katty Kay
Veteran Political Reporter; BBC Special Correspondent; Popular Podcaster; Bestselling Author
Award-winning journalist and anchor Katty Kay broadcasts to a global audience from Washington with a fresh perspective on American politics and world affairs. She speaks on current events as well as self-assurance in women and girls, helping them turn thoughts into action. Katty co-authored four NYT bestsellers on the subject.
Keynotes: 9 Books: 7 Videos: 9
Thomas Koulopoulos
FUTURIST. AUTHOR. VISIONARY. INVENTOR. INC500 LEADER.
Tom Koulopoulos is a leading futurist, author of fourteen books including Gigatrends, Reimagining Healthcare, Revealing the Invisible; The Gen Z Effect; Cloud Surfing; and The Innovation Zone, and founder of Delphi Group, a Boston-based think tank named one of the fastest growing private companies in the US by Inc. Magazine.
Keynotes: 9 Books: 2 Videos: 9
Jessica Kriegel
Data Scientist Driving Business Results Through Insights on Strategy and Workplace Culture
Jessica guides global, national, Fortune 100 and other organizations across finance, technology, real estate and healthcare industries on creating intentional cultures that accelerate performance. Her Culture Equation - a tested model where strategy combined with 8 tangible and measurable ‘Culture Dynamic Drivers’ empowers your people to deliver consistent results.
Keynotes: 3 Books: 1 Videos: 3
Amberly Lago
Turning Tragedy Into Triumph
Amberly’s life story of astounding resilience has inspired a revolutionary lesson she offers to the world. She brings unique strategies developed to teach others how to tap into their superpower of resilience and persevere through any challenge.
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: 7 Books: 10 Videos: 7
Joan Lunden
Award-Winning Broadcast Journalist and Women's Health Advocate
An award-winning journalist, bestselling author, motivational speaker, and women's health & wellness advocate, Joan Lunden has been a trusted voice in American homes for more than 30 years. Lunden continues to be one of America’s most recognized, trusted personalities and a sought after speaker throughout the country.
Keynotes: 8 Books: 1 Videos: 1
Shahir Masri
Environmental Scientist, Author, and Speaker
Shahir Masri is author of the book, Beyond Debate: Answers to 50 Misconceptions on Climate Change and a contributing writer for The Hill. He co-founded the National Outreach Project "On The Road For Climate Action," empowering everyday people to help solve the climate crisis through community outreach and education.
Keynotes: 5 Books: 3 Videos: 9
Heather E. McGowan
Future-of-Work Strategist
As one of Forbes' Top Futurists, Heather E. McGowan is a future-of-work strategist who equips organizations to navigate relentless change by activating their most critical resource: their people. By teaching audiences to ask better questions, they can adapt at the speed of possibility to Solve Tomorrow's Problems™.
Keynotes: 4 Books: 1 Videos: 4
Danny Meyer
CEO - Union Square Hospitality Group
Danny Meyer is the CEO of Union Square Hospitality Group and the founder of Shake Shack. Union Square Hospitality Group comprises some of New York’s most beloved restaurants, including Union Square Cafe, Gramercy Tavern, The Modern, and more.
Keynotes: 8 Books: 3 Videos: 4
Blake Michelle Morgan
Customer Experience Futurist, Keynote Speaker, Author
Blake Morgan was called “The Queen of CX” by Meta. She is a customer experience futurist and author of three books on customer experience. Her new book is called The 8 Laws of Customer-Focused Leadership.
Keynotes: 0 Books: 3 Videos: 0
Tsedal Neeley
Award Winning Author, Harvard Business School Professor and Keynote Speaker on Globalization and Digital Transformation
Tsedal Neeley is a virtual work and organizational change expert, business thought leader, and a Professor at the Harvard Business School. Her 2022 co-authored book, The Digital Mindset helps companies and leaders see, think, and act in new ways.
Keynotes: 4 Books: 3 Videos: 3
Kevin O'Leary
Star of ABC's 'Shark Tank,' Top Business Speaker, Serial Entrepreneur, Venture Capitalist and Investor, Featured in Harvard Business Review Case Study in 2023
Kevin O’Leary’s impressive reputation has been built upon his entrepreneurial vision, investment smarts and drives to succeed. In addition to being one of the Dragons, O’Leary is the co-host of BNN’s SqueezePlay, the host of BNN’s O’Leary Live, and a ‘Shark’ on the ABC show, Shark Tank.
Keynotes: 20 Books: 3 Videos: 8
Edgar Perez
Technology and Business Author and Strategy Consultant: AI, Web3, Metaverse and Quantum
Global executives have come to appreciate Edgar for his wide-ranging insights on how they can spark continuous innovation and harness disruptive technologies. From AI to Quantum Computing, from 5G to the Metaverse, Edgar shows you how to leverage the power of these game-changing trends to transform your organization.
Keynotes: 5 Books: 3 Videos: 3
Christine Porath
Author of "Mastering Community" and "Mastering Civility"
Christine Porath is a Visiting Faculty at Kenan-Flagler Business School at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She is also a consultant working with leading organizations to help them create a thriving workplace.
Keynotes: 6 Books: 2 Videos: 12
Jason Redman
Former Navy SEAL Officer, Author of Orange Wounded Warrior Sign at Bethesda Naval Hospital
Jason Redman joined the Navy on September 11, 1992 and spent eleven years as an enlisted SEAL. On September 13, 2007, outside of Fallujah, Iraq, Lieutenant Redman’s Assault Team came under heavy machine gun and small arms fire and he was severely wounded in the ensuing firefight.
Keynotes: 4 Books: 1 Videos: 4
Rick Rigsby
Motivational Keynote Speaker
Dr. Rigsby’s primary mission is to inspire greatness, encourage excellence and motivate you to impact your world! Learn how Rick Rigsby will empower you to live your dreams!
Keynotes: 8 Books: 1 Videos: 4
Angela M. Sánchez
Formerly Homeless, Writer, Cartoonist, Magician, Education Advocate, First Generation Latino College Graduate
Angela M. Sánchez came of age in the Great Recession of the late 2000s and her work is informed by her experiences as a homeless high school student with aspirations to go to college.
Keynotes: 2 Books: 1 Videos: 8
Ken Schmidt
Customer Loyalty Expert; Reputation and Brand-building Authority; Senior Role in Harley-Davidson Turnaround; and Author, Make Some Noise: The Unconventional Road to Dominance
A key player in Harley Davidson's turnaround, Ken inspires companies and individuals to shift their thinking and ride a path to success by becoming memorable – not for what they do or what they make, but for how they connect with people.
Keynotes: 1 Books: 5 Videos: 5
Patrick Schwerdtfeger
Futurist Leading Authority on Technology Trends
As a leading expert in technology trends and a recognized authority on global business trends, Patrick Schwerdtfeger's work focuses on providing insights into the technological forces driving the transformation of businesses around the world.
Keynotes: 5 Books: 1 Videos: 4
Lynn Smith
Media & Communications Strategist, Former News Anchor TODAY/NBC/MSNBC/CNN, Podcast Host
As a transformative communications coach and former news anchor, I empower individuals to overcome limiting beliefs and transform their presence through exceptional communication skills. I provide a proven formula for building confidence and communicating effectively, enabling you to become an influential leader who is known for greatness.
Keynotes: 1 Books: 1 Videos: 1
Brad Snyder
U.S. Paralympic Athlete; Retired U.S. Navy Officer
Brad is blind. As a part of his rehabilitation process Brad returned to the pool, and after a few months of training earned a spot on the US Paralympic National Team for swimming. At the 2012 Paralympics, he competed in seven events, earning two Gold medals and one Silver medal.
Keynotes: 2 Books: 0 Videos: 1
Natasha Verma
News Anchor, Cancer Survivor & Founder of the Verma Foundation
Natasha Verma, who is the weekday morning anchor for NBC’s 9NEWS in Denver. In 2017, Verma was diagnosed with Stage 2 Hodgkin’s lymphoma. During her chemotherapy, Verma designed cap wigs made of 100-percent human hair attached to cotton or velvet.
Keynotes: 4 Books: 5 Videos: 10
Bryan K. Williams
Purpose-Driven Customer Service Excellence
Dr. Bryan K. Williams is a keynote speaker, consultant, and author, who is a noted authority on service excellence and leadership effectiveness. His passion is to serve others so they may better serve the world.
Keynotes: 1 Books: 21 Videos: 4
Bob Woodward
Legendary Pulitzer Prize-Winning Investigative Journalist; Associate Editor, The Washington Post; and Author, 23 Bestsellers
The most influential investigative reporter of our time, BOB WOODWARD gained international attention when he and Carl Bernstein uncovered the Watergate scandal. Woodward doesn’t take sides – he's firmly non-partisan. His tough-but-fair reporting seeks to shine a light on the inner-workings of Washington because democracies die in darkness.
Topic Index
Browse topics in this category
- 16 Broadcast / Media
- 15 Celebrity
- 1 Chef
- 24 Comedian/Funny
- 28 Emcee
- 28 Entertainment
- 13 Film
- 62 Journalism / Literary / Author
- 14 Musicians / Bands
- 17 Television
- 2 Theatre Arts