Find the right speaker for your next event
Butch Reynolds is a former elite 400‐meter runner whose achievements on the track have left an enduring mark on the sport. He represented the United States at the 1988 and 1996 Olympic Games—winning a silver medal in the 400 meters and a gold medal in the 4×400‑meter relay in 1988. At the World Championships, Reynolds helped secure three gold medals in the 4×400‑meter relay (1987, 1993, and 1995) while also earning individual medals—a bronze in 1987, silver medals in 1993 and 1995, and a gold in the 400 at the 1993 World Indoor Championships. In August 1988, Reynolds set a world record in the 400 meters with a time of 43.29 seconds, a record that stood for more than 11 years and surpassed Lee Evans’ mark from the 1968 Mexico City Olympics. In 1990, however, he faced suspension by the IAAF over allegations of drug use. Reynolds engaged in a lengthy legal battle—including a case that reached the U.S. Supreme Court, which ultimately declared him eligible for the 1992 Olympic Trials. Although he made the relay team for the 1992 Games, the IAAF barred him from competing, and a later libel suit he won in U.S. courts was eventually overturned on appeal. A graduate of Ohio State University, Reynolds set a school and meet record of 44.10 seconds in the 400 meters at the Jesse Owens Invitational. He also contributed his expertise as a trainer and speed coach for the Ohio State Buckeyes football team during the 2005–2006 seasons under Head Coach Jim Tressel, helping the team advance to the National Championship game. Today, Reynolds remains a dynamic force in the athletic community. He passionately advocates for fair treatment of athletes, mentors competitors to reach their peak performance, and leads his foundation, Butch Reynolds Care for Kids, which is devoted to empowering youth. All the while, he continues his determined battle to vindicate his name from the tainted testing allegations.
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Mick Thornton was born to build things. Mick has been a pastor, radio producer, writer, app designer, trauma consultant, grant writer, program designer, economic and community developer, full-time RV-er, and counting. All of these pursuits are united by his passion to build things and help people. A next level communicator and serial creative, Mick envisions a world designed to bring out the best in us all and creatively care for our deepest struggles.
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Dr. Nacy Tai Ryerson is an educator, and school founder focused on building , personalized, strengths-based education systems that meet the needs of all learners. With a background in psychology, special education, and a doctorate in educational leadership, she brings both practical experience and academic insight to her work. As a leader, Dr. Ryerson brings a unique lens to designing learning environments that prioritize equity, innovation, and whole-person support. She has developed and led professional learning initiatives praised by educators across sectors, regularly guest lectures at area universities, and is passionate about training the next generation of teachers. Her work emphasizes collaboration between public and private institutions, and she actively supports nonprofit and school-based teams in building more equitable systems. In 2025, she was honored with the Virginia Fry Rising Star Award from the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce, and in 2024, she was named one of Springfield Business Journal’s Most Influential Women. Her doctoral research, A Qualitative Exploration of the Leadership Qualities that Contribute to the Opening and Management of a Successful Private School Serving Marginalized Student Populations, reflects her commitment to educational innovation with a public purpose.
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“Leadership Larry” Mietus — Chief Excuse Obliterator Founder, Speaking of Strategy If you're looking for a speaker who will engage your audience, challenge their thinking, and inspire action long after the event ends, Leadership Larry Mietus delivers. Larry is an energetic keynote speaker, trusted business consultant, and author who specializes in obliterating the excuses that sabotage business success. As Founder of Speaking of Strategy, he brings real-world insight and experience to topics like leadership development, organizational effectiveness, employee engagement, and strategic sales and marketing. Larry’s audiences range from frontline teams to C-suite leaders at companies of every size — from mom-and-pop shops to global brands. He has been quoted in HR Magazine, the most respected publication in the human resources field. His book, “We Tried That Once” And Other Popular Excuses That Sabotage Business Success! is available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble and serves as a powerful resource for individuals and organizations ready to stop making excuses and start getting results. Larry is also a frequent contributor on LinkedIn, where he continues to share fresh perspectives on strategy and leadership that spark conversation and action.
$5,001 - $10,000
Dr. Cynthia “Cindy” J. Young is the Founder/CEO of CJ Young Consulting, LLC, a knowledge management consulting firm, as Career and Leadership Strategist and Knowledge Management Consultant, as well as the Tomahawk Mission Planning Center Certification and Training Lead with Leidos in Virginia Beach, VA. She is a Navy veteran, retiring as a Surface Warfare Officer after 23 years in the U.S. Navy. She holds professional certifications as a Project Management Professional (PMP), a Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt (LSSMBB), and an ASQ-Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence (CMQ/OE). Cindy served as the ASQ Tidewater Section 1128 secretary, Vice Chair, and Chair, using knowledge management practices to better support the volunteer section leaders and members. She is a member of ASQ, PMI, and IISE. Cindy is a Forbes.com contributor for Careers and Knowledge Management and a quarterly management columnist for the Industrial Systems Engineering (ISE) at Work Magazine. She has also written for Harvard Business Review and other outlets. In September 2020, she gave a TEDx Talk called “A Knowledge Mindset: What You Know Comes from Where You Sit,” which provides actions organizations can take to improve trust and retention using knowledge management practices. In February 2023, her book, The Knowledge Management Memory Jogger, was published by Goal/QPC to provide methods and insight for individuals to increase their professional growth through knowledge management practices and organizations to build trust, inclusion, collaboration, and engagement within their organization through better knowledge management practices. Her book became an International Book Awards finalist, an American Book Awards finalist, a Nonfiction Book Awards Silver Winner, a Book Fest Third Place Business Leadership – Professional Growth awardee, and a Winner in the Business and Management categories in the International Impact Book Awards in 2024. Contact her at cjyoung@cjyoungconsulting.com and find her offerings at https://www.cjyoungconsulting.com.
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Jeff Peterson is a seasoned entrepreneur and real estate investor based in North Carolina. With over three decades of experience, he has successfully founded and operated multiple thriving businesses across various sectors, including Commercial & Residential Real Estate acquisition and management, Land Development and Construction, Retail & service businesses including Re-upholstery, Salons & Bars/Restaurants among others.
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Unignorable. Unapologetic. Unrepeatable. Emma Sargsyan is not just a speaker — she is a force. A globally recognized PR strategist, personal branding expert, and elite event host, Emma empowers leaders, brands, and changemakers to rise above the noise and dominate their industries with magnetic visibility. As the CEO of Saege International — a top-tier PR and events agency with offices across the U.S., UAE, and Armenia — Emma has redefined the future of public relations, proving that in today’s world, people are the brands. She has orchestrated breakthrough campaigns for Fortune 500 executives, political figures, and visionary entrepreneurs, helping them become the faces the world can’t ignore. A frequent host of high-level global events such as AIM Congress and the WHO , Emma has shared stages with ministers, world leaders, and business titans — bringing unmatched energy, precision, and mastery to every session she leads. Her signature speaking topics include: • Visibility Is Power — But Only If You Know What to Say • PR Is Dead: Why People, Not Products, Are the Future of Branding • The Art of Unignorable Influence in a Crowded World Emma’s approach is bold, honest, and deeply strategic — blending profound industry insights with razor-sharp storytelling. If you’re looking for a speaker or host who captivates, challenges, and catalyzes action, Emma Sargsyan is the name you want on your stage.
$5,001 - $10,000
motivational speaker
I am a young woman with cerebral palsy quadriplegia who has a great passion for helping people overcome limitations as well as connecting to a higher power, especially with a Christian context. I am an ally of the LGBTQ+ community and support all faith paths that are in love and light. I have a bachelors degree in Women and Gender studies with distinction, and a certificate in Counselling Women. I have a deep faith in God and the importance of believing in the unseen aspects of life. I love being outside and enjoy skiing and hiking with my family in Canada. With my presentations, I hope to show people that they are always supported by divine love and grace. I look forward to helping you and your audience live your best lives.
$251 - $1,500
Creative • Author • Speaker A serial entrepreneur since 1988, she is skilled in leadership, brand development and management, building relationships across communities, publishing, and delivering for clients. Liz is the best-selling author of sixteen books the most recent ones, "African American Western Legends: Today" and “Author Adventure: 5 Secrets to Success.” She is also the host of the Author Adventure and Wild West Diversity Livestream/Podcast. For 33 years, she has served as Publicist/Historian for Cowboys of Color Rodeos, the largest multicultural rodeo in the world. She has taught at Southern Methodist University, Dallas College and presented at corporate, employee, PreK-12th grade teacher training and classrooms across North Texas, and at Library, Social Studies and Geography conferences across the United States. Liz speaks about "Creative Leadership." "Leveraging Publishing for Authority," and “The Economic Impact of Black Cowboys: Yesterday & Today.”
$5,001 - $10,000
Lisa Sims is a trailblazer in technology, education, and entrepreneurship with over two decades of experience in software and web development. As an Assistant Professor at the University of Arizona Global Campus, she empowers the next generation of tech leaders through courses in business information systems, digital marketing, and mobile/web development. A champion for women in STEM and digital innovation, Lisa blends real-world expertise with a deep commitment to closing opportunity gaps for women and underrepresented communities in tech. She has held roles in software development across industries such as healthcare, manufacturing, and telecommunications, and has also led her own technology consulting firm. Lisa is currently pursuing a Doctor of Business Administration in Information Systems at Liberty University, focusing on the intersection of artificial intelligence, business strategy, and digital transformation. She frequently speaks on topics such as AI adoption, the future of women in technology, and building authentic digital brands. She is also the author of eight books and the creator of The Stretching a Dollar for Entrepreneurs Podcast, where she offers money-saving insights for solopreneurs and small business owners. Lisa’s talks are packed with practical takeaways, inspiring stories, and actionable strategies—whether she's speaking on stage, hosting webinars, or mentoring aspiring technologists.
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Originally from Denver, Colorado, he attended Regis Jesuit High School and Regis University. From a young age, he harbored a passion for storytelling, crafting short stories, and dreaming of writing a novel. His time in the United States Navy, where he served as a missile technician aboard the USS Lafayette (SSBN 616), stationed in New London, Connecticut, and Virginia Beach, Virginia, played a key role in shaping some of the complex characters and themes in his writing. Now based in Tucson, Arizona, with his wife, Sisto has also been a dedicated volunteer volleyball coach at the YMCA and various other organizations. Beyond his military service and coaching, he has actively contributed to community service projects, earning respect and recognition among his peers for his commitment to his craft and community. Sisto's military experiences have instilled a deep sense of discipline and resilience, which is reflected in his writing. Drawing from his life journey, his novels often explore themes of courage, loyalty, and the complexities of human nature. The inspiration for his novel Slave Trade came unexpectedly when Sisto saw a highway sign warning of a white van suspected of human trafficking. The weight of the topic led him to conduct extensive research, which was at times overwhelming, but ultimately, he was proud to see the novel through to publication. J. Anthony Sisto is working on his next novel, a thrilling adventure shaped by his time in the Navy and vivid imagination.
$1,501 - $5,000
Michelle Francine is a curriculum strategist, voice actor, and creative educator with a passion for empowering others through structured, soulful learning experiences. With a background in instructional design, technical training, and digital storytelling, she partners with global brands to deliver impactful, human-centered content. As the founder of Seen. Heard. Imagined., Michelle blends insight and inspiration to help audiences feel spiritually informed, connected, and transformed.
$251 - $1,500