Personal Growth Keynote Speakers
Browse Personal Growth Speakers
Personal Growth keynote speakers move us beyond our comfort zones. Personal growth speakers inspire us to shift mindset, take the necessary steps to execute on exactly how we want to successfully live our lives. GDA Speakers can point your group to the perfect keynote speaker to embrace necessary changes.
Keynotes: 5 Books: 6 Videos: 5
Shawn Achor Featured
New York Times Bestselling Author and Positive Psychology Expert
Shawn Achor is the world’s leading expert on happiness and success topic. His acclaimed TED Talk, The Happy Secret to Better Work, has been seen by more than 20 million people around the world, and he’s shared his insight in his two books, The Happiness Advantage and Before Happiness.
Keynotes: 6 Books: 1 Videos: 5
Molly Bloom Featured
Inspirational Keynote Speaker, Entrepreneur, and Bestselling Author of Molly's Game (adapted for Oscar nominated film)
Inspirational keynote speaker, entrepreneur, and bestselling author of Molly’s Game (later adapted into an award-winning film of the same name by Aaron Sorkin). Bloom’s memoir chronicles her journey from college student to LA waitress to building and operating the largest and most notorious private poker game in the world.
Keynotes: 5 Books: 1 Videos: 2
Gary Brackett Featured
High Performance Coach| Speaker| Mentor
Gary Brackett was a walk-on student athlete, to becoming an NFL Super Bowl champion and team captain, to owning multiple brands as a successful entrepreneur, Gary has a proven track record for translating championship-level success across multiple playing fields, teams, and individuals.
Keynotes: 5 Books: 1 Videos: 1
Bill Eckstrom Featured
President & Founder, EcSell Institute; International Keynote Speaker; Author, "The Coaching Effect"
Bill Eckstrom's primary passion is growth - especially how coaches and leaders impact the growth and performance of individuals and teams. This passion inspired Bill to launch EcSell Institute, a research-based organization that works with leaders internationally to help them better understand, measure, and elevate coaching’s impact on performance.
Keynotes: 3 Books: 1 Videos: 2
Jack Garcia Featured
New York Times bestselling author of “Making Jack Falcone” and Undercover FBI Agent
In his 26 years of service with the FBI and as an Undercover FBI Agent in over 100 major Undercover operations, Jack Garcia is best known for his Undercover role as "Jack Falcone," who infiltrated the Gambino crime family in New York for nearly three years.
Keynotes: 4 Books: 1 Videos: 2
Risha Grant Featured
Diversity Done Differently
Risha Grant is diversity personified. From her race, gender and lifestyle choices, to being a young, small business owner and tackling economic issues, every area of her life intersects diversity. She is also the founder & CEO of Risha Grant LLC, an award-winning diversity consulting and communications firm.
Keynotes: 1 Books: 0 Videos: 13
Kai Kight Featured
Innovative Keynote Speaker & Composer
As a classical violinist turned innovative composer, Kai Kight uses music as a metaphor to inspire individuals and organizations across the world to compose paths of imagination and fulfillment.
Keynotes: 6 Books: 2 Videos: 2
Nataly Kogan Featured
Happiness Expert, Venture Capitalist & Successful Tech Entrepreneur; Author of Happier Now
Nataly found that after reaching the highest corporate levels, she still wasn’t happy. Chasing achievement left her proud but unfulfilled, so she became inspired to figure out how to live a fuller, happier life. In the process, she found the answers each person needs to unlock maximum potential.
Keynotes: 5 Books: 1 Videos: 4
Heather Monahan Featured
Best-selling Author, Entrepreneur and Former C-Suite Executive
Confidence is the one thing that will change everything for you. Confidence is not given it's created. After a 20-year climb in Corporate America and claiming her spot in the C-suite, Heather Monahan knows how to create confidence and she will teach you and your team how too.
Keynotes: 7 Books: 1 Videos: 3
Pauline Nguyen Featured
From Extreme Adversity to Success
Pauline is a best-selling author and award-winning businesswoman and her achievements are even more impressive for her having escaped Vietnam on a boat and survived a Thai refugee camp. She overcame by transforming her approach by re-engineering her beliefs, questioning the status quo and hacking cultural norms.
Keynotes: 19 Books: 5 Videos: 3
Jessica O'Reilly Featured
Sex and Relationship Expert
Jess has worked with thousands of couples from all corners of the globe to transform their relationships via her wildly successful Marriage As A Business program.
Keynotes: 5 Books: 0 Videos: 7
Jeremy Poincenot Featured
World Blind Golf Champion
Jeremy advises organizations on making key shifts with overcoming adversity. Jeremy inspires audiences all over the country, spreading his story of overcoming adversity and encouraging others to gain perspective in their own lives. Through losing his eyesight, Jeremy learned the importance of interdependence.
Keynotes: 10 Books: 2 Videos: 10
Carly Pollack Featured
Owner of Nutritional Wisdom, Author of Feed Your Soul, Functional Nutrition Practitioner
There are countless diets and 30-day challenges geared to help people lose weight, heal digestion, and feel more energy. Yet, these temporary protocols fall short when it comes to true transformation. Carly blends an understanding of body science, brain wiring, and self-development to facilitate real and permanent change.
Keynotes: 3 Books: 1 Videos: 7
John Register Featured
U.S. Paralympian; U.S. Army Combat Veteran; Author
John won the Paralympic long jump silver medal just 6 years after having his left leg amputated. For over 20 years, John has been delivering powerful and impactful presentations that captivate, motivate and teach audiences techniques to overcome any challenge thereby creating a new normal in their own lives.
Keynotes: 3 Books: 2 Videos: 6
Anthony Trucks Featured
Foster Child, Former NFL Player, American Ninja Warrior, Entrepreneur, and Motivational Speaker
Former Foster Child, NFL Player, Competitor on American Ninja Warrior, Author, Life Coach and Entrepreneur, Anthony says, you have a VAST amount of potential inside of you but you'll never reach it until you close your identity gap by making an identity shift so you can Make "Shift" Happen.
Keynotes: 4 Books: 0 Videos: 1
Paul Allen
Ancestry.com Founder, Tech Entrepreneur, and Global Strengths Evangelist
Paul Allen is known for founding Ancestry.com. His bigger mark is Soar.
Soar is building an AI global platform to help individuals reach their full potential by discovering and developing their strengths, creating positive relationships and productive partnerships, and boasting natural talent with tools and technology.
Keynotes: 3 Books: 2 Videos: 4
Minaa B.
Writer, Wellness Coach, Therapist, Mental Health Educator
Minaa B. specializes in trainings, lectures and workshops geared toward the overall development of employee health and wellness to decrease stress and burn-out and promote personal well-being.
Keynotes: 3 Books: 1 Videos: 2
JJ Birden
Former NFL Pro Turned Motivational Keynote Speaker
JJ Birden helps individuals seize their opportunities in life. JJ was not the biggest, strongest, or fastest guy on the field, but he knew how to seize his once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and maximize his success through dedication and hard work.
Keynotes: 5 Books: 1 Videos: 7
Tony Brigmon
Ambassador of FUN: Live and Virtual Presentations
Tony Brigmon was the face of Southwest Airlines as their "Ambassador of Fun" both internally to employees, and externally to civic groups. Southwest focused on fun because fun created serious results, and Tony brings those proven best-practices and ideas to every event that he speaks to live and virtual.
Keynotes: 4 Books: 0 Videos: 6
Alison Canavan
Ellevate the Mind, Body, and Spirit Connection
Alison Canavan is a UCLA-trained Mindfulness Facilitator from The Semel Institute of Neuroscience and Human Behavior. She runs a successful practice as a Health and Wellness coach; delivers motivational talks on health and well-being, all over the world, specializing in behavior change, mental health, addiction and improving mindset.
Keynotes: 9 Books: 2 Videos: 2
Kerry Max Cook
A story of self-empowerment, hope, faith, determination, and never giving up
Kerry Cook is the best-selling author of "Chasing Justice," a facilitator & an expert teaching others overcoming intolerance, hate, and coping and adapting to challenging surroundings and circumstances.
Keynotes: 2 Books: 5 Videos: 2
David L. Cook, PhD
Top Sports Psychology, Consultant, and Best-Selling Author on the Mental Advantage.
Dr. David L. Cook, top sport and performance psychology expert, best selling author, and award winning film producer. Dr. Cook served as the mental training coach for the San Antonio Spurs for eight years that included their two World Championships.
Keynotes: 13 Books: 1 Videos: 3
Ben Cort
Advocate for Marijuana Policy, Addiction, Prevention, and Recovery
Sober since 1996, Ben has worked with various campaigns relating to recovery and public policy. He has a deep understanding of the issues and a personal motivation to see the harmful effects of drug and alcohol abuse minimized.
Keynotes: 4 Books: 2 Videos: 3
Michael Crossland
Childhood Cancer Survivor and Author
He has defied the odds of not only life-threatening cancer as a baby but was the only survivor of a horrific drug trial. He continues the battle to this very day and spending nearly a quarter of his life in hospital, he is a true fighter.
Keynotes: 4 Books: 1 Videos: 8
Dave Davlin
Energizing Events … Inspiring Individuals
Dave injects corporate and association conferences with energy and engagement while delivering a motivating and inspiring keynote presentation.
Keynotes: 6 Books: 0 Videos: 4
Keren Eldad
Founder, With Enthusiasm Coaching
If you're looking for a speaker who can command a room, infect every single member of the audience with energy and enthusiasm, and empower each and every person listening to grab their superhero cape and charge at success - Keren Eldad - is it.
Keynotes: 4 Books: 0 Videos: 2
Dr. Paul Fedak
Heart Surgeon and Innovator
Dr. Paul Fedak is a cardiac surgeon, innovator, mentor, and academic leader. He is an engaging speaker who uses reflection into the rigorous training and unique challenges faced by performing open-heart surgery and developing novel biomedical innovations to provide useful insights into technical mastery, peak performance, and self-discovery.
Keynotes: 2 Books: 0 Videos: 5
Captain Chad Fleming
Retired U.S. Army Captain, Highly Decorated War Hero, Amputee
Captain Fleming has been deployed overseas six times with the U.S. Army’s elite 75th Ranger Regiment in support of both Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. During his TEN deployments overseas Captain Fleming has been wounded in combat on THREE separate occasions (Gun shot wounds and hand grenades).
Keynotes: 5 Books: 2 Videos: 1
Carol Frohlinger
Author, Trainer, Consultant, Advancing Women
Co-author of Her Place at the Table and Nice Girls Just Don’t Get It, Carol Frohlinger is an internationally known speaker on the ways women can negotiate with authenticity to achieve their maximum personal and professional potential.
Keynotes: 4 Books: 1 Videos: 4
Rocky Garza
You Deserve to be KNOWN
Rocky has walked alongside thousands at Sky Ranch Camp, counseled hundreds as a pastor at Chase Oaks and taken thousands through Identity Mapping™. He guides people to find clarity in who they are, ignites confidence to believe in themselves and helps them find the courage to live it out.
Keynotes: 4 Books: 2 Videos: 8
Yossi Ghinsberg
The Power to Survive, Inspiration for the Movie 'Jungle'
Yossi is a master storyteller with an epic story. Lost and alone in the midst of the Amazon rainforest for three weeks, he not only survived, he found new meaning for his life and work. He brings Amazon survival skills to business, igniting the human spirit to overcome rising challenges.
Keynotes: 3 Books: 13 Videos: 2
Ridgely Goldsborough
Founder of the Avatar Formula
Market domination is about two things: grabbing market share and holding onto it despite attacks by the competition. To achieve it, you need leadership and you need weapons that give you an edge. There are however weapons that your competition has never seen. It’s time for the WHY Advantage.
Keynotes: 6 Books: 4 Videos: 1
Darren Hardy
Master of Influence
Each month in the pages of SUCCESS magazine, on his social media platforms and before live audiences of entrepreneurs across the country, Darren Hardy distills the best of the best information and strategies available, mixing in his own street-tested principles of success.
Keynotes: 4 Books: 0 Videos: 6
Sterling Hawkins
Innovation, Transformational Leadership, and Exponential Growth Thought Leader
Sterling is an internationally-recognized thought leader and top-rated keynote speaker on innovation, transformational leadership and exponential growth. His keynotes share meaningful strategies to drivechange delivered with the inspiration to leave attendees in action
Keynotes: 4 Books: 0 Videos: 2
Laura Heck
Couples and Certified Gottman Therapist
Laura Heck is a licensed marriage and family therapist with a private practice. She has her M.A. in Clinical Psychology and is a Certified Gottman Therapist (one of less than 300 in the world). She co-developed The Gottman Seven Principles Program, a tool for couples.
Keynotes: 1 Books: 2 Videos: 3
David Horsager, MA, CSP, CPAE
CEO, Trust Edge Leadership Institute
The #1 question everyone is thinking about you and your company is, "Can I trust you?" A lack of trust is your biggest expense because for the trusted brand, people pay more, come back and tell others. Learn how to create a high-performing, high-trust culture.
Keynotes: 4 Books: 2 Videos: 2
AmyK Hutchens
Speaker. Author. Facilitator. Business Strategist.
AmyK teaches executives, biz owners, influences and go-getters how to confidently lead their toughest conversations at work and at home without saying something they regret, giving their power away or damaging their relationships.
Keynotes: 5 Books: 0 Videos: 3
Charlie Rocket Jabaley
Influencer, Hip-Hop Mogul, Motivational Speaker, Athlete and Dreamer
Charlie Rocket inspires those around him. He’s lost 135 pounds. Became vegan. Ran 3 marathons. Reversed the growth of his brain tumor. Became an Ironman. Recently finished his nationally-known Dream Machine bike tour across America. He also made the cover of Runner’s World and secured a partnership with Nike.
Keynotes: 5 Books: 5 Videos: 10
Dr. Willie Jolley
Award-winning speaker and singer, best-selling author and media personality
There are many motivational speakers, and then there is the one, the only, the incomparable Dr. Willie Jolley. He has been described simultaneously as a world-class, award-winning speaker and singer, best-selling author and media personality.
Keynotes: 1 Books: 2 Videos: 3
Sandra Joseph
History-making Broadway star, a #1 International Amazon Bestselling Author, and Speaker.
Sandra Joseph is a history-making Broadway star, bestselling author, and TEDx speaker. Her legendary run as Christine Daaé in The Phantom of the Opera spanned more than 1,300 performances, and earned her the record as the longest-running leading lady in the longest-running Broadway show of all time.
Keynotes: 2 Books: 3 Videos: 2
Maggie Kline, LMFT
School Psychologist & Therapist
Maggie Kline has been a marriage, family, and child therapist for almost 30 years, and is a retired school psychologist. Maggie is a senior faculty member for the SE Trauma Institute. She has co-authored two books (listed below) with Peter A. Levine.
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: 8 Books: 0 Videos: 1
Laurie MacCaskill
Cancer Survivor, Speaker, Motivator
Laurie MacCaskill motivates and inspires audiences by sharing her life-changing experience with one of the deadliest forms of cancer.
Keynotes: 7 Books: 2 Videos: 1
Heather E. McGowan
Future-of-Work Strategist
Future-of-work strategist Heather E. McGowan helps leaders prepare their people and organizations for the Fourth Industrial Revolution. McGowan is the co-editor and author of the book Disrupt Together: How Teams Consistently Innovate and a Forbes contributor. Her book, The Adaptation Advantage, was published in 2020.
Keynotes: 2 Books: 0 Videos: 4
Tessa Morgan
Mindfulness Expert, Accredited Trainer in Emotional Intelligence & Personal Growth Coach
Tessa Todd Morgan is a professional speaker, certified yoga instructor, personal growth coach and accredited trainer in Emotional Intelligence. As the Founder of TRIESSENCE, Tessa has coached hundreds of individuals and organizations to achieve a balance of physical, mental and spiritual wellness.
Keynotes: 6 Books: 12 Videos: 3
Tom Morris
World's Top Public Philosophers and Pioneering Business Thinkers
Philosopher Tom Morris has become one of the most popular keynote speakers in our time on topics of success, motivation, leadership, and change management. He brings the wisdom of the ages to bear on all our most pressing contemporary challenges with deep thought, high energy, and surprisingly great humor.
Keynotes: 13 Books: 0 Videos: 4
David Nico
Author, Leadership Catalyst, Wellbeing Authority
David Nico DBA, PhD, is the Catalyst to Equip Leaders with Dynamic Strategies to Enhance Well-Being, Professional Effectiveness, and Organizational Profitability.
Keynotes: 1 Books: 2 Videos: 3
Chad Oppenheim
Principal/Lead Designer at Oppenheim Architecture
Chad Oppenheim is a Miami-based international architect whose work encompasses all realms of design, ranging from large-scale urban architecture, hotels and resorts, luxury homes to interiors and furnishings. Founded in 1999, Oppenheim Architecture + Design has garnered global recognition for socially and environmentally conscious architecture.
Keynotes: 8 Books: 0 Videos: 1
Mark Pollock
Explorer, Innovator, and Collaboration Catalyst
Mark helps people to build resilience and collaborate with others so that they achieve more than they thought possible.
Keynotes: 2 Books: 7 Videos: 3
Mike Riera
Educator and One of the Country's Foremost Authorities on Understanding Children and Teenagers
Mike Riera, Ph.D., is one of the country's foremost authorities on understanding children and teenagers. The cornerstone of his philosophy is the essential shift for parents, from managers in their teenagers' lives to consultants.
Keynotes: 8 Books: 1 Videos: 1
Steve Rizzo
The World's Funniest Motivational Business Speaker…But Don't Let The Laughter Fool You!
What Steve brings to the table is his captivating ability to engage the attendees with laughter as he challenges them to SHIFT their focus and way of thinking to discover greater enthusiasm, increased productivity and new levels of success.
Keynotes: 8 Books: 5 Videos: 3
Mike Robbins
An Expert in Teamwork, Emotional Intelligence and The Powers of Appreciation and Authenticity
He has inspired tens of thousands of people around the world to reach new levels of awareness and productivity, both personally and professionally. Mike teaches people important techniques that allow them to be more grateful, appreciative, and authentic with others and themselves.
Keynotes: 3 Books: 1 Videos: 5
Dr. Michelle Rozen
The Change Doctor
Dr. Michelle Rozen, PhD is a game-changing, revenue- building, performance-boosting change expert, keynote speaker, and highly respected authority on the psychology of change. She is an author, a Huffington Post contributor, and a frequent guest on media outlets such as NBC, ABC, FOX News, CNN and many more media outlets.
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: 6 Books: 1 Videos: 2
Dandapani
Hindu Priest; Entrepreneur; Former Monk
Dandapani is an internationally renowned and highly sought-after speaker who is revolutionizing the business world with his practical and simple systematic approach to balancing work/life challenges. His talks offer attendees understanding of how the mind works so they can create sustainable changes in their personal and professional lives.
Keynotes: 4 Books: 3 Videos: 1
Mark Schaefer
Keynote Speaker, Consultant, Bestselling Author of "Known"
Mark Schaefer is a globally-recognized keynote speaker, educator, business consultant, and author. Mark has worked in global sales, PR, and marketing positions for more than 30 years and provides consulting services as Executive Director of Schaefer Marketing Solutions.
Keynotes: 9 Books: 1 Videos: 7
Jay Shetty
#1 New York Times Bestselling Author, Award-winning Storyteller, Podcaster and Former Monk
Jay is on a mission to share timeless wisdom of the world in an accessible, relevant and practical way. He has produced over 400 viral videos which have surpassed more than 8 billion views. His book, Think Like a Monk, sold over 1 million copies in the first few months.
Keynotes: 4 Books: 1 Videos: 4
Lynn Smith
Media Expert, Anchor Alum NBC/MSNBC/CNN, Podcast Host
I help CEOs/Thought Leaders/ Experts articulate their vision to gain credibility and visibility through the media and video to significantly increase business. My 20 years as a journalist at TODAY, NBC News, MSNBC, and CNN has allowed me to help thousands to get their story told in a powerful way.
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: 5 Books: 1 Videos: 2
Alan Stein, Jr.
Performance Coach, Consultant, Speaker and Author
Alan delivers high-energy keynotes and interactive workshops to improve performance, cohesion and accountability. He inspires and empowers everyone he works with to take immediate action and improve mindset, habits and productivity.
Keynotes: 5 Books: 3 Videos: 5
Sean Swarner
First Cancer Survivor to Summit Everest, Author, Performance Coach Adventurer, World Record Holder
With only one functioning lung, a prognosis of fourteen days to live, and being in a medically-induced coma for a year, Sean Swarner is the first cancer survivor to stand on top of Mt. Everest. Sean has broken through defined human limitation to redefine the way the world views success.
Keynotes: 5 Books: 2 Videos: 5
Dan Thurmon
Off-Balance On Purpose
Dan Thurmon believes the reason that people struggle with change is they think they have to compartmentalize their life and keep everything in balance. What if instead of resisting uncertainty, we leaned into it?
Keynotes: 4 Books: 1 Videos: 2
Rocky (Rock-T) Turner
Author, Speaker, Radio-TV Personality, Former Professional Baseball Player
Professional baseball player turned DJ and radio personality, Rock-T aka Rocky Turner, has a heart to motivate people to stop making excuses and get it done.
Keynotes: 4 Books: 1 Videos: 1
Lynne Twist
Global Visionary Committed to Social Justice
From working with Mother Teresa in Calcutta to the refugee camps in Ethiopia and the threatened rainforests of the Amazon, as well as guiding the philanthropy of some of the worlds wealthiest families, Lynne’s on-the-ground work has brought her a deep understanding of people’s relationship with money.
Keynotes: 3 Books: 1 Videos: 6
Mark Valenziano
Helping individuals and organizations achieve their Unimaginable Potential!
Mark’s experiential programs will be remembered for a lifetime. Whether you’re looking for a motivating keynote, thought-provoking workshop, or the most unique networking session, Mark will have your group leaning in and engaged. He works closely with planners to assure no detail is missed and to exceed all expectations.
Keynotes: 6 Books: 1 Videos: 2
Deirdre Van Nest
Deirdre helps financial advisors improve business & build their brands.
Deirdre Van Nest is the go-to expert for financial advisors, leaders, and anyone in a client-facing role, on improving communication skills (one-one-one or with a group). She's a Certified World Class Speaking™ Coach, Certified Fearless Living Coach, and bestselling author of “Fire Your Fear™.”
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: 5 Books: 1 Videos: 3
Stosh Walsh
Inviting Individuals and Organizations to Greater Courage
Most people and organizations see the world as it is and react. This impactful presentation redefines courage as an invitation to envision the world as it could be, then create it Stosh's presentations invite individuals and organizations to live with greater courage and create the best world they can envision.
Keynotes: 4 Books: 2 Videos: 7
Heather R Younger
Caring Leadership & DEI Strategist; Best-Selling Author; Forbes & LinkedIn Contributor
Heather R Younger is the Founder and CEO of Employee Fanatix, a leading employee engagement and consulting firm. She is a sought-after keynote speaker who brings revealing insights to the stage from over 25,000 employee experiences.
Topic Index
Browse topics in this category
- 12 Accountability
- 7 Compassion
- 18 Courage / Heroism
- 31 Goal Setting
- 142 Inspiration / Achievement
- 87 Motivation
- 83 Overcoming Adversity
- 66 Peak Performance
- 69 Personal Growth
- 27 Storytelling