Resilience Keynote Speakers

Browse Resilience Speakers

Resilience keynote speakers share powerful stories of perseverance, grit, and emotional strength. Whether navigating personal trials or professional setbacks, they offer strategies to rebound, adapt, and thrive in the face of adversity. Their insights empower audiences to build mental toughness and lead with courage through change and challenge. GDA Speakers features resilience keynote speakers who share powerful lessons in grit, adaptability, and mental toughness—helping teams thrive through challenge, change, and uncertainty.


Keynotes: 3 Books: 12 Videos: 5

Simon T. Bailey Featured

Leading Expert on Brilliant Resilience, Keynote Speaker, Author, and Executive Coach

Simon T. Bailey is a transformational speaker with a global impact - 91 millions video views, 125 LinkedIn recommendations, and trusted by Fortune 500 leaders. Since leaving Disney, he has worked with 2,400 organizations in 54 countries, delivering timeless wisdom and tangible results that resonate long after the event. 

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Keynotes: 5 Books: 0 Videos: 5

Kim Becking Featured

NYT Best-selling Author, Empowering Leaders and Teams to Ignite Unstoppable Momentum in a Rapidly Changing World that Never Slows Down.

Kim Becking is a NYT bestselling author, globally recognized change and leadership expert, international keynote speaker, human behavior expert, cancer thriver, recovering attorney, and serial entrepreneur. As the founder of the Unstoppable Momentum™ Movement, her mission is to empower us with the insights to be more adaptable and resilient. 

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Keynotes: 3 Books: 3 Videos: 5

Ty Bennett Featured

Entrepreneur, Partnership is the New Leadership

As a young entrepreneur, Ty continues to engage his team's focus to grow sales. In his talks, Ty uses the power of influence and storytelling to provide audiences with tangible techniques that will increase their influence and their impact as leaders and as salespeople.

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Keynotes: 1 Books: 1 Videos: 3

Ryan Campbell Featured

Youngest Solo Pilot to Circumnavigate the Globe; One of Australia's 50 Great Explorers; Plane Crash Survivor

A leading speaker on burnout, resilience, and mental health, Ryan helps leaders create JoyFueled teams. Despite the highs of a Guinness World Record solo flight around the world and the lows of a plane crash and paraplegic diagnosis, Ryan’s greatest lesson was parked in his driveway - a 1960 Pink Cadillac.

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Keynotes: 5 Books: 0 Videos: 3

Colette Carlson Featured

Business Communication & Human Behavior Expert

Colette Carlson is a human behavior expert and CPAE Hall of Fame motivational keynote speaker who is renowned for her expertise in cultivating human-centric workplaces that turbocharge business results. Audiences connect with Colette through her relevant, inspiring content, laugh-out-loud humor, and extensive customization.

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Keynotes: 4 Books: 2 Videos: 9

Erica Dhawan Featured

Leading Authority on 21st Century Teamwork, Collaboration, and Innovation; WSJ Best-Selling Author; Named “Oprah of Management Thinkers”; Ranked #1 of Top Women Keynote Speakers

Erica Dhawan is the world’s leading authority on Connectional Intelligence and the Founder & CEO of Cotential. Through speaking, training and consulting, she teaches business leaders innovative strategies that increase value for clients, deliver results and ensure competitiveness.

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Keynotes: 4 Books: 1 Videos: 2

Chad Foster Featured

Harvard-Educated Executive Dealmaker; Billion-Dollar Generator; Job Creator

As the first blind executive to complete the Harvard leadership program, Chad Foster teaches teams how to pursue success with blind ambition. He understands the anatomy of resilience at a practical level,  providing tried and tested tools that empower people to emerge from setbacks stronger, sleeker, and resolute to succeed.

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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.

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Keynotes: 4 Books: 1 Videos: 6

April Hernandez Castillo Featured

Actress; Author; Survivor and Advocate for Intimate Partner Violence; Tedx Speaker

April is an actress, author, and speaker. As a survivor of Intimate Partner Violence, April now serves as a role model. Her mission is to educate her audiences about the power of their voice, the effects of abuse, and understanding the components of a healthy relationship. 

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Keynotes: 5 Books: 2 Videos: 6

Jason Jones, PH.D. Featured

Organizational Psychologist; International Keynote Speaker; Two-Time Best-Selling Author

Dr. Jones helps leaders upgrade their brain’s operating system to thrive in the age of AI and constant change. Through NeuroAdaptive Leadership, he teaches how to build cognitive, emotional, and behavioral agility—so leaders can engage people, drive performance, and succeed without burning out or backing off.

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Keynotes: 4 Books: 1 Videos: 13

Polly LaBarre Featured

Authority on Leading Organizational Change; Co-founder, Management Lab; Founding Team, Fast Company; and Co-author, Mavericks at Work

Polly LaBarre helps leaders create change-ready cultures that learn almost as fast as change itself. She arms audiences with a maverick manual – tools to break rules, harnessing the human element by inspiring, unleashing, and amplifying creativity, passion, and resourcefulness. Polly unpacks real-life lessons from her research and consulting.

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Keynotes: 3 Books: 5 Videos: 11

Ryan Leak Featured

Inspiring Workplace Cultures Rooted in Values, Passion and Risk-Taking

Ryan is a bestselling author and strategic advisor renowned for his ability to transform individuals and organizations. His unique talent for turning setbacks into opportunities, emphasizing the importance of resilience and the value of learning from failure, makes his teachings impactful and actionable with a splash of humor.

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Keynotes: 4 Books: 1 Videos: 2

Amanda Lindhout Featured

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.

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Keynotes: 3 Books: 1 Videos: 9

Paul J Long Featured

Maximize fulfillment, change perspective and manifest more of “What's GOOD!”

Paul J Long thrives in creating energy and genuine connection. His concept of Fundamism helps attendees create more meaningful interactions while providing tactical behaviors to maximize fulfillment, change perspective, and manifest more of "What's GOOD!"

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Keynotes: 15 Books: 3 Videos: 28

Mike Massimino Featured

Former NASA Astronaut, Columbia University Professor, New York Times Bestselling Author, Media Personality

Mike is a former NASA astronaut, bestselling author, Columbia University professor, and frequent guest on morning shows and news programs.

Mike uses humor and his unique storytelling ability to inspire audiences on teamwork, innovation, embracing change, leadership in the face of adversity, and perseverance when pursuing a goal.

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Keynotes: 10 Books: 4 Videos: 13

Seth Mattison Featured

Leadership, Culture and Future of Work Strategist

Seth Mattison is an International expert on workforce trends and generational dynamics. As founder and CEO of Futuresight Labs and Strategic Partner at BridgeWorks, LLC. Seth advises many of the world’s leading brands and corporations on the key shifts happening around talent management, change, leadership, and the future of work.

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Keynotes: 6 Books: 6 Videos: 6

Dr. Mildred D Muhammad, D.Hum Featured

Award-Winning Global Keynote Speaker, Maryland State Board of Victim Services, Speaker/US Dept of State & Author

Dr. Mildred D Muhammad, D.Hum, speaker and advocate for domestic abuse survivors, offers profound insights on resilience, mental well-being, and navigating hidden abuse. A survivor and former wife of the D.C. sniper, she uses her story to inspire change, empowering individuals and communities to create safer, more compassionate environments.

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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.

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Keynotes: 5 Books: 0 Videos: 8

Jeremy Poincenot Featured

World Blind Golf Champion

Jeremy's journey of losing his sight at 19 due to Leber hereditary optic neuropathy is both heartrending and inspiring. He learned the transformative power of interdependence, embracing his new reality to turn tragedy into opportunity. His story showcases resilience and the profound impact of relying on others for support.

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Keynotes: 4 Books: 7 Videos: 4

Vince Poscente Featured

Breakthrough Presentations, Olympian, NY Times Bestselling Author

Vince Poscente is a blast of energy, a wellspring of innovative content and flat-out funny. He is an expert in helping people speed through uncertainty towards extraordinary outcomes, while delivering an unforgettable experience with his engaging stories, practical takeways and videos.

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Keynotes: 1 Books: 1 Videos: 10

Aron Ralston Featured

Fearless Adventurer & Subject of the Film, 127 Hours

Aron Ralston's extraordinary story of survival, as told in the New York Times bestseller, Between a Rock and a Hard Place and the film, 127 Hours, captured headlines around the world when he freed himself from being trapped between two boulders in a remote canyon by severing his own arm.

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Keynotes: 3 Books: 1 Videos: 11

John Register Featured

U.S. Paralympian; U.S. Army Combat Veteran; Author

John Register is a two-time Paralympian, a Paralympic Games Silver Medalist, a Persian Gulf War veteran, and a TEDx motivational speaker who inspires people to live healthier, wealthier, more fulfilling, passionate, and purposeful life. 

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Keynotes: 4 Books: 1 Videos: 6

Sara Ross Featured

Leadership & Workplace Expert; Chief Vitality Officer at BrainAmped; Bestselling Author; Global Gurus Top 30 Motivational Speakers

Sara Ross is a Speaker and the Chief Vitality Officer at BrainAMPED, a research and strategy firm dedicated to redefining how we succeed at work and thrive in life by sharing brain-based, vitality-enhancing strategies to create healthier, happier, high performing leaders and workplaces.

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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: 4 Books: 1 Videos: 5

Lauren Sisler Featured

Emmy Winning ESPN Sportscaster; Addiction Prevention & Mental Health Advocate

Lauren Sisler is a national award-winning sports broadcaster who has been captivating audiences with her insightful coverage on ESPN since 2016. Through her grief of unexpectedly losing both parents to their hidden drug addiction, Lauren emerged from the shadows of shame and found renewed hope.

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Keynotes: 3 Books: 1 Videos: 5

Cassandra Worthy Featured

Founder & CEO of Change Enthusiasm®; Author; Consultant

With contagious energy that radiates throughout every room she steps into, Cassandra Worthy is the world’s truly DISRUPTIVE thought-leader on CHANGE that companies need to build organizational resilience and adaptability. 

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Keynotes: 6 Books: 0 Videos: 9

Rashmi Airan

Empowering People to Rise Through Challenges through Courage and Conviction

Rashmi Airan is a powerhouse speaker who challenges leaders to confront blind spots, own their choices, and turn uncertainty into growth and innovation through her Rise Through It™ framework—because you don’t rise above struggle, you rise by going through it.

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Keynotes: 4 Books: 2 Videos: 5

Simon Anderson

Futurist | International Keynote Speaker & Advisor | Award-Winning Author

Simon Anderson uses his Future Ready Formula™ to help leaders and organizations move beyond resilient - to become Future Ready. He shows them how to pay Attention to the "edges," Anticipate the possibilities these changes might create, and most importantly, how to take Action to turn those possibilities into opportunities.

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Keynotes: 5 Books: 2 Videos: 3

Sandy Asch

Learn From The Expert Who Taught The San Diego Zoo to ROAR

Sandy Asch has inspired 45,000+ leaders in 50 countries and 6 languages to navigate change, manage work-life balance and be more RESILIENT! She inspires audiences to UNLEASH their ROAR and bring purpose and passion to their work.

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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.

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Keynotes: 13 Books: 8 Videos: 6

Valorie Burton

Best-Selling Author, Speaker, and Life-Strategist

Valorie Burton is a pioneering voice in positive psychology and resilience. As founder of the CaPP Institute and author of 13+ books, she helps people thrive through research-backed tools. A top-ranked executive coach, she’s trained leaders at NASA, Google, and the military to lead with clarity, courage, and purpose.

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Keynotes: 7 Books: 2 Videos: 9

Regina Calcaterra

New York Times Best-Selling Author, Advocate for Foster Youth and Children in Need

Regina is a best-selling author who shares how she grew up abused, abandoned and neglected in and out of the child welfare system. She is a powerful public speaker who relies upon her story to reinforce the positive impact that we can all have upon those in need.

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Keynotes: 3 Books: 0 Videos: 5

Johnny Crowder

Mental Health, Resilience, and Company Culture Expert; Founder & CEO of Cope Notes

After overcoming debilitating mental health challenges, Johnny Crowder has emerged as one of America’s exciting new voices on self-care, company culture, and people-first leadership. He is a suicide/abuse survivor, TEDx speaker, Billboard-charing heavy metal musician, and Founder & CEO of Cope Notes, the global mental health company.

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Keynotes: 4 Books: 5 Videos: 3

Dr. Kevin Daley

Former Harlem Globetrotter; Leadership & Mindset Expert

Kevin's presentations are a dynamic blend of humor, energy, and actionable insights. His background as an international athlete and corporate consultant, combined with his engaging storytelling ability, ensures a memorable and impactful experience.

 

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Keynotes: 4 Books: 2 Videos: 2

Pandit Dasa

Former Monk, Mindful Leadership Expert, and Author

Pandit presents the research on Mindfulness and explains the importance of leading by example, appreciation, communicating mindfully and managing one’s emotions. He also engages the audiences in various breathing and focusing exercises that individuals will be able to implement at work and at home.

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Keynotes: 3 Books: 2 Videos: 14

Jim Davidson

Resilience Expert; Expedition Leader; Everest Summiteer; NYT Best-Selling Author; Survivor of Two Mountain Disasters, including the Deadliest Day on Mt. Everest

Jim Davidson is a resilience expert who has survived not just one epic mountain disaster, but two. From his real-world survival experiences, he distills hard-won lessons about forging the resilience to overcome change, challenge, and uncertainty.

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Keynotes: 4 Books: 0 Videos: 4

Mark Denton

Captain in the ‘World's Toughest' Around-The-World Yacht Race, Leadership, Team and Resilience Expert, Multi-award winning keynote speaker

Mark is a Leadership, Team, Resilience and Navigating Change Expert and multi-award winning keynote speaker. He was the Captain of an amateur team in the 'worlds toughest' around-the-world yacht race, and shares his learning of how to achieve the extraordinary by 'Mastering the Waves of Change'

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Keynotes: 5 Books: 2 Videos: 4

Dr. Mark DeVolder

Top Change and Transformation Expert, Award Winning Top 10 Speaker, Transition Thought-Leader

Dr. Mark DeVolder is recognized as one of today's original thinkers and motivators on transitions. His high-energy, content-rich and humor-filled presentations teach people how to be bold, flexible and innovative in face of constant change.

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Keynotes: 4 Books: 4 Videos: 5

Chester Elton

#1 New York Times Bestselling Author, Executive Coach, Keynote Speaker

Chester's most requested keynote on culture and leading through change is based on his #1 bestselling book All In. He also frequently speaks on employee engagement, leadership, high performing teams, how leaders and managers can lower uncertainty and overwhelm, as well as leading with gratitude for extraordinary business results.

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Keynotes: 11 Books: 1 Videos: 14

Mike Evans

Leading Authority on Artificial Intelligence Impact, Change & Disruption, Culture Shaping, Exemplary Leadership and Accountability & Resilience

As a leading authority on artificial intelligence impact, change and disruption, Mike's mission is to help individuals, teams and organizations accelerate their ability to achieve more than they ever believed possible. He uses his unique insights, passion, experience, and humor to positively affect individuals, teams and organizations around the world.

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Keynotes: 2 Books: 0 Videos: 7

Justin Forsett

9-year NFL Veteran Pro Bowl Player, Co-Founder and CEO of Hustle Clean, Entrepreneurial Trailblazer, Ethical Leadership & Team Dynamics Expert

Known for his speed and agility on the field, Justin is now a respected leader and businessman off the field. He shares his stories of sacrifice, setbacks, and success and helps teams and leaders push through hard things and level up to grow through opposition and succeed despite adversity. 

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Keynotes: 7 Books: 2 Videos: 3

Lawana Gladney, PhD

Media Personality; Trainer; Best-Selling Author; Powerful Success and Wellness Expert

Dr. Gladney is a leading expert in the field of success psychology and emotional management. She is a best-selling author that has reached millions internationally helping people to shift their brain for success. She is passionate about helping others create amazing lives. 

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Keynotes: 3 Books: 2 Videos: 11

Suneel Gupta

Expert on Connecting Well-Being and Performance; Healthcare Entrepreneur; Bestselling Author; Host of American Express Business Class Docuseries; Visiting Scholar at Harvard Medical School

Suneel Gupta is a bestselling author, Harvard Medical School visiting scholar, and host of the “Business Class” docuseries & podcast. Suneel shows leaders and teams how to avoid burnout and increase creativity, resilience, innovation, and performance.

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Keynotes: 5 Books: 0 Videos: 3

Wesley Hamilton

ADA & DEI Consultant; Inclusive Training Specialist and Founder of Disabled But Not Really

Wesley's story starts in the heart of Kansas City, where he's not just another entrepreneur. He's a beacon of resilience, a testament to the power of the human spirit, and an everyday man turned global speaker and change-maker as the Founder/CEO of 'The Disabled But Not Really Foundation.'

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Keynotes: 4 Books: 2 Videos: 4

Dr. Robyne Hanley-Dafoe

Educational Behaviorist; Globally Recognized Speaker and Scholar

Dr Robyne embodies her teachings by seamlessly blending real-world realities, rigorous research, and profound wisdom with her own personal journey. Her life story exemplifies her unwavering dedication of spreading resilience. Dr Robyne proves that it is not just a theory, but a transformative skill set.

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Keynotes: 10 Books: 3 Videos: 8

Rahaf Harfoush

Digital Anthropologist; New York Times Best-Selling Author; Member of the UN's Advisory Body on AI

Rahaf Harfoush is a strategist, digital anthropologist and author who focuses on the intersections of emerging technology, innovation and digital culture.

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Keynotes: 4 Books: 1 Videos: 5

Jia Jiang

Entrepreneur, Blogger and “Rejection Proof” Author

Jia Jiang (pronounced Jah Jahng) is an entrepreneur, blogger, TED speaker and an author. is the owner of Rejection Therapy and author. After he left a career in the corporate world to pursue life as an entrepreneur, he was soon confronted with everyone's biggest fear – rejection.

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Keynotes: 1 Books: 2 Videos: 4

James Lawrence

The Iron Cowboy; Endurance Athlete; World-Renowned Speaker; Best Selling Author

James Lawrence, The Iron Cowboy, conveys rousing and influencing keynote presentations that embolden meaningful outcomes and improvements globally. Lawrence is a Guinness World Record Holder, endurance athlete, successful entrepreneur, husband, father, and renowned speaker.

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Keynotes: 6 Books: 1 Videos: 1

Justin "Hasard" Lee

Fighter Pilot, International Bestselling Author, Authority on Leadership and Decision-Making

"Hasard Lee, a Wall Street Journal bestselling author and former fighter pilot, delivers combat-tested leadership, strategic thinking, and battle-tested strategies to help leaders navigate today's business challenges." -Forbes

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Keynotes: 1 Books: 0 Videos: 5

Monica Lewinsky

Social Activist

Monica Lewinsky is a social activist, a global public speaker, a contributing editor to Vanity Fair and a consultant. She advocates for a safer social media environment and addresses such topics as digital resilience, reputation, privacy, cultivating compassion, overcoming shame and equality. 

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Keynotes: 5 Books: 3 Videos: 5

Adam Markel

Resilience Researcher, AI, Future of Work and Change Management Expert; #1 WSJ Bestselling Author of "PIVOT" and "Change Proof: Leveraging Uncertainty to Build Long-Term Resilience

Adam is a transformational teacher who inspires and empowers people to live authentically and purposefully. He is the CEO of Peak Potentials, one of the largest personal/business success training companies in the world. He is also an attorney and entrepreneur who bridges the worlds of business, psychology, and spirituality.

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Keynotes: 5 Books: 0 Videos: 7

Allison Massari

Iconic Storytelling℠ for Leaders and Changemakers—Resilience, Empowerment, Work Culture & Mindset Expert—Celebrated Artist, Burn Survivor, Entrepreneur, Encourager

Allison is a Top Keynote Speaker on Adversity, Mindset, Empowerment, Healthcare, and Company Culture—Reaching audiences in more than 75 countries. She has unforgettable stories packed with takeaways. Allison takes you on a journey with jaw-dropping stories infused with wisdom, boldness, and heart. Your audience will be forever changed.

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Keynotes: 6 Books: 3 Videos: 2

Shasta Nelson

Social Relationships Expert, Author, Media Resource, and Keynote Speaker

For over 15 years, Shasta Nelson has been translating the science of human connection into actionable practices that lead to greater belonging in communities and workplaces. Her expertise activates organizations to intentionally create and accelerate high-trust and resilient relationships that lead to higher employee retention, engagement, and collaboration.

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Keynotes: 8 Books: 1 Videos: 4

Kendal Netmaker

Award-Winning Indigenous Entrepreneur, Author & Keynote Speaker

Kendal Netmaker is an Indigenous award-winning entrepreneur, author, and gifted keynote speaker who is on a mission to empower and motivate people worldwide by sharing his story that regardless of where you come from and what challenges you face, you have the power to enact change.

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Keynotes: 7 Books: 1 Videos: 3

Pauline Nguyen

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.

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Keynotes: 5 Books: 1 Videos: 7

David Nico

Leading Expert in Whole Leader Health™, Author, Futurist, Harvard Visiting Fellow

Dr. David Nico is the leading expert on Whole Leader Health™, a strategic framework that helps organizations develop resilient, high-performing leaders by aligning personal well-being with leadership effectiveness.

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Keynotes: 2 Books: 2 Videos: 5

Chris Norton

Motivational Speaker & Former Defensive Back

After a life changing spinal cord injury during a college football game, Chris was given a 3% chance to ever move anything below his neck. He turned that 3% chance into opportunity that led to walking across the stage at graduation and 7 yards down the aisle at his wedding.

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Keynotes: 5 Books: 5 Videos: 11

Neil Pasricha

Bestselling author of The Happiness Equation and Two-Minute Mornings

Pasricha is one of the 10 Most Inspiring TED speakers of all-time and he delivers a blend of positive psychology research with simple 2-minute takeaways. He draws on his bestselling books (including 'The Happiness Equation' and 'Two-Minute Mornings') as well as his work as Director of Leadership at Walmart.

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Keynotes: 4 Books: 1 Videos: 6

Carly Patterson

Olympic Gold Medalist, 3X Gymnastics Hall of Fame Inductee, Expert on Skillfully Managing Change and the Pursuit of Excellence

A true expert on success, fulfillment, overcoming setbacks, facing fear and taking risks, Carly has inspired thousands of people by sharing her unique story of dedication and hard work. Carly shares in her keynotes how she redefined success through principles she learned as a championship-level gymnast, and in the tumultuous years that followed.

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Keynotes: 3 Books: 1 Videos: 9

Aric A. Prather, PhD

Sleep Scientist. Clinician. Author.

Dr. Aric A. Prather is a UCSF sleep scientist, clinical psychologist, and acclaimed speaker who explores how sleep impacts stress, immunity, and overall health. Featured on NPR and The New York Times, he shares practical, research-backed strategies to help organizations improve sleep, resilience, and well-being from the inside out.

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Keynotes: 2 Books: 1 Videos: 6

Amy Purdy

Survivor, 3x Paralympic Medalist, NY Times Best Selling Author

Featured TEDx speaker, survivor, World Class snowboarder, Best-selling author, Dancing With The Stars Finalist, Toured with Oprah, Superbowl Commercial, Founder of Adaptive Action Sports

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Keynotes: 4 Books: 1 Videos: 4

U.S. Olympian Johnny Quinn

From Bobsled to Keynotes – Helping move people and performance forward. 3rd person to play pro football 𝘢𝘯𝘥 compete in the Winter Olympics.

Olympic bobsledder Johnny Quinn is known for thought-provoking and action-packed content and is a trusted voice on resilience and change management. Johnny has been featured on: ABC, CNN, ESPN, FOX, NBC, TIME, USA Today and the Wall Street Journal.

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Keynotes: 6 Books: 3 Videos: 4

Kristen Race, Ph.D.

World-Renowned Mindfulness Expert; 2x TEDx Speaker; Host of the Train Your Brain Radio Show

As a world-renowned expert in the field of mindfulness, Kristen’s programs are rooted in neuroscience and designed to build resilience to modern-day stress and create a mindset that helps us live our lives better. Her work focuses on making mindfulness practices accessible and easily incorporated into daily life.

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Keynotes: 4 Books: 0 Videos: 3

Jeff Salzenstein

Performance Coach; World-Class Athlete; Seasoned Entrepreneur

Jeff is passionate about helping organizations redefine success and elevate performance. He brings insights from years of elite competition and leadership to transform how teams operate under pressure. Partnering with Jeff is an opportunity to inspire change, foster well-being, and achieve sustainable success.

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Keynotes: 1 Books: 0 Videos: 1

Chris Singleton

Love Your Neighbor: Inspirational Speaker; Author; Entrepreneur; Former Pro Athlete

Chris Singleton is a former professional athlete drafted by the Chicago Cubs in 2017. Following the loss of his mother in a racially motivated mass shooting, Chris has now become an inspirational speaker and best-selling author who shares his message of unity and racial reconciliation.

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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.

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Keynotes: 11 Books: 1 Videos: 3

Barb Stegemann

Author & Social Business Innovator

Barb Stegemann is an incredible female founder, social entrepreneur, and author. Her company, The 7 Virtues Beauty, is now the #1 New Clean at Sephora perfume brand in the USA and Canada.

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Keynotes: 5 Books: 3 Videos: 5

Sean Swarner

Top 8 most inspiring people ever. Everest, 7-Summits, Both Poles, Hawaii Ironman, 7 marathons in 7 days on 7 continents. Keynote, author, film subject.

Sean Swarner, ranked among the top 8 most inspiring people in history, defied two terminal cancers to conquer Everest, all Seven Summits, both Poles, and the Hawaii Ironman. Featured in an Emmy-nominated film, his global keynotes inspire millions, unlocking purpose, passion, and limitless possibilities through resilience, courage, and transformation.

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Keynotes: 3 Books: 1 Videos: 6

Lt. Col. Rob "Waldo" Waldman

Combat veteran, New York Times Bestselling Author, Hall of Fame Speaker

Waldo Waldman is a Hall of Fame Speaker, decorated fighter pilot, executive coach, and author of the New York Times & Wall Street Journal Bestseller Never Fly Solo. He helps organizations build collaborative cultures of trust, courage and resilience in order to adapt to change, break performance barriers, and overcome adversity.

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Keynotes: 4 Books: 0 Videos: 4

Sarah Wells

Olympian; Keynote Speaker; Bolt of Energy

Sarah is an Olympian and leader in the field of cultivating excellence. With more than a decade of competition at the highest level, along with a master’s degree in leadership & innovation from the Smith School of Business, Sarah delivers powerful, research-backed insights that unlock potential both personally and professionally.

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Keynotes: 5 Books: 1 Videos: 2

Charlene Wheeless

Powerhouse Communications Leader Providing a Keen Understanding of the Challenges Faced by Businesses and Corporate Leadership

With over three decades of experience in leadership, corporate affairs, communications, and operations, Charlene Wheeless is a trusted advisor to executives and teams seeking to inspire, transform cultures, and strengthen leadership capability. She helps drive leadership development, communications and executive presence coaching, and organizational transformation in organizations worldwide.

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Keynotes: 4 Books: 4 Videos: 7

Keith Wyche

Practicing C-Suite Executive; Author; Change and Transformation Thought Leader

Practicing C-Suite executive, speaker & author who helps companies successfully navigate transition, rapid growth & change. Over his career, Keith has been recognized as one of the highest ranking African-American executives in the U.S. and a Board Member of the prestigious Executive Leadership Council.  

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Keynotes: 8 Books: 3 Videos: 11

Denise Lee Yohn

Brand Leadership Expert

Denise Lee Yohn is the go-to expert on brand leadership for national media outlets, an in-demand keynote speaker and consultant, and an influential writer.   She is the author of the bestsellers What Great Brands Do and FUSION: How Integrating Brand and Culture Powers the World's Greatest Companies.

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Keynotes: 2 Books: 4 Videos: 6

Heather R. Younger

Founder & CEO of Employee Fanatix; 2x Tedx Speaker; Consultant; Bestselling Author

Heather is a leading expert on Caring Leadership® and active listening at work and the Founder and CEO of Employee Fanatix, a preeminent employee engagement and workplace culture consulting firm. Heather’s strategies yield tangible business results, including heightened employee engagement, unwavering loyalty, seamless collaboration, and robust connectivity.

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Resilience keynote speakers share powerful stories of perseverance, grit, and emotional strength. Whether navigating personal trials or professional setbacks, they offer strategies to rebound, adapt, and thrive in the face of adversity. Their insights empower audiences to build mental toughness and lead with courage through change and challenge. GDA Speakers features resilience keynote speakers who share powerful lessons in grit, adaptability, and mental toughness—helping teams thrive through challenge, change, and uncertainty.