Featured Keynote Speakers

Mikhail Gorbachev

One of the 20th century's most pivotal leaders, Pres. Mikhail Gorbachev was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his extraordinary leadership and the democratic reforms that ended the Cold War. As a keynote speaker he continues to inspire the rest of us to lead the way towards peace, a better environment, and global democracy.

Mary Robinson

As first female President of Ireland, Robinson increased the status of the nation. Formerly the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, she now advises businesses worldwide on ethical practices and management. In addition to her role as Executive Director of the Ethical Globalization Initiative, she is one of five members ...

Sir Richard Branson

A global entrepreneur known for his unique vision, creative management style, and brilliant ability to motivate employees, Richard Branson is the branding guru behind Virgin Group, Ltd. - an empire he has built of over 360 companies in areas of entertainment, travel, and lifestyle. With his signature wit and down-to-earth ...

Jane Seymour

Truly a modern Renaissance woman, award-winning actress Seymour has found success in all aspects of her rich life. Recently a hit on Dancing with the Stars, she has gone from leading roles in films, on Broadway and on television in Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman to tapping into her talent as accomplished artist, ...

Wes Moore

Wes Moore is a youth advocate, keynote speaker, Army combat veteran, promising business leader and the best-selling author of The Other Wes Moore: One Name, Two Fates - contrasting his childhood choices against another Wes Moore's who was eventually imprisoned.

Michael Douglas

One of the most prominent actors, directors and producers in Hollywood, Michael Douglas has repeatedly chosen to work on politically influential and controversial motion pictures. As a celebrity keynote speaker, long-time champion of social and environmental causes and UN Messenger of Peace he speaks out for human rights ...

President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf

Internationally known as Africa’s “Iron Lady,” President of Liberia Ellen Johnson Sirleaf became the first woman to lead an African nation. A Harvard-educated former World Bank economist, she is a leading promoter of peace, justice, and democratic rule who was recently honored with a Nobel Peace Prize for her work in ...

Geoffrey Canada

Profiled on 60 Minutes, Canada has achieved great success as President and CEO of the Harlem Children’s Zone, an agency that fuses community building with academic achievement to improve the futures of inner city youth. Recently, President Obama launched an initiative to create “Promise Neighborhoods” around ...

Diane Ravitch

Diane Ravitch is Research Professor of Education at New York University and a historian of education. In addition, she is a nonresident senior fellow at the Brookings Institution in Washington, DC.

Chris Hughes

A technology superstar whose business is people, Hughes has helped create two of the most successful startups in modern history: Facebook and MyBarackObama.com, the campaign apparatus that helped elect a US President. With an instinct for building technology that networks the commonality of real people and real ...

Lee Woodruff

After her husband, ABC News anchor Bob Woodruff, sustained a critical brain injury in Iraq, they together penned In an Instant: A Family’s Journey of Love and Healing, The New York Times best-selling book about their family’s difficult journey through Bob’s recovery. Now, in her latest book, ...

Jeff Taylor

As founder of Monster and Eons, Jeff Taylor is recognized as an innovator and visionary business leader in the Internet and careers industries. As an inspirational and enthusiastic keynote speaker, Taylor zeroes in on what lies ahead by drawing on his experience as a big picture entrepreneur and expert at technology, ...

Archbishop Desmond Tutu

A Nobel Peace Laureate, Archbishop Desmond Tutu served as South Africa's voice of conscience during its long struggle against apartheid, soothing the spirits and rallying the hearts of his people as head of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. As a highly regarded and inspirational keynote speaker, he continues to ...

Robin Meade

The anchor of Morning Express with Robin Meade, airing on CNN's spinoff news channel HLN, Robin Meade has reported on many of today's most pressing issues – from politics and world events to momentous pop culture occurrences. Meade draws on her extensive knowledge of world affairs and experience as an anchor and ...

Joseph P. Kennedy II

The founder of Citizens Energy Corporation, Joseph P. Kennedy II has served as Chairman and President of the company since 1998, following 12 years of service in the US House of Representatives. Establishing the nonprofit company to provide low-cost heating oil to the poor and elderly, Kennedy grew the organization to ...

Juan Williams

A prize-winning columnist and former editorial writer for The Washington Post, Juan Williams is also a Fox News correspondent and a keynote speaker on issues including diversity, ethics, leadership, media and national issues. There are few voices as clear and intelligent on the power of diversity within today's ...

Anne-Marie Slaughter

As Director of Policy Planning for the US State Department, Anne-Marie Slaughter touched on nearly every foreign policy issue. She was named a Top 100 Global Thinker by Foreign Policy.

Gail Sheehy

As the best-selling author of over a dozen books, including Passages, Gail Sheehy has rocked the culture and changed the way millions of women and men look at the stages of their lives. A Library of Congress survey named Passages one of the ten most influential books of our time. In her latest book, ...

Daymond John

Credited with creating the urban apparel market, Daymond John is the founder of FUBU & the branding guru on ABC's Shark Tank. His message draws on his experience as an entrepreneur & consultant.

Dan Rather

For decades, Rather was the face of the news as CBS News anchorman and reporter, delivering audiences the most defining moments in our recent history. He continues to call them as he sees them as a keynote speaker on media and national issues, and as the host of Dan Rather Reports on HD Net. As a speaker, his ...