Keynote Speakers News-Motivational Speaker Blog

Devon Harris will speak for a Medical Service Company’s All Employee Meeting in California. The audience will consist of 400 employees. Furthermore, the theme for this conference is diversity. During Devon’s 60 minute presentation, he will bring his “captivating message of inspiration and hope to the audience.”

“From the slums of Kingston, Jamaica to the Royal Military Academy at Sandhurst, England; from a barefoot boy’s dream of winning a track race to a young man’s membership on his country’s first Olympic bobsled team, Devon’s inspiring tale of personal triumph over adversity and the uplifting story behind Jamaica’s first Winter Olympic team will captivate your audience.”

“So engaging was the story of the misfit band of athletes from the tropical island of Jamaica at the 1988 Winter Olympic Games, that it served as the basis for the hit Disney movie, “Cool Runnings.” While the movie captured the heart and soul of a team that didn’t know the meaning of the word “impossible,” the personal story of Devon Harris is a testament of one man’s refusal to accept the limitations placed on him by birth or society.”

“Born on Christmas Day 1964, the greatest gift Devon ever received was the belief that a positive attitude and a “never−say−die” philosophy would carry him farther than a sense of injustice and a heart filled with anger. Devon also learned at an early age that one can either spill tears of laughter or tears of rage when faced with life’s many obstacles.”

“When not bringing his captivating message of inspiration and hope to audiences across the globe, Devon serves as an ambassador for Right to Play, an athlete−driven, humanitarian nonprofit organization using sport and play to enhance child development and build community capacity for youth in refugee camps and disadvantaged communities throughout the world.”

For more information on Devon Harris contact Brooks International at 303-825-8700.

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Rick Reilly will give a 60 minute keynote in California for a Software User’s Group 2009 Conference. There will be 5,000 people in attendance. Much of the audience is comprised of over three hundred universities. Rick Reilly has delighted hundreds of conventions, conferences and meetings with his hilarious tales of his 30 years in the world of sports. Everyone involved is looking forward to Rick’s unique, entertaining, and hilarious keynote address.

“RICK REILLY, 50, has been voted National Sportswriter of the Year 11 times. For nearly 23 years—from 1985 until 2007—his unique, breezy, hilarious style graced the pages of Sports Illustrated. For the last 10 there he wrote the popular “Life of Reilly” column, which ran on the last page. It was the first signed weekly opinion column in the magazine’s long history.

Beginning June 1, 2008, Reilly will begin writing for ESPN the Magazine, ESPN.com, and delivering essays for ESPN SportsCenter and ABC-TV’s golf coverage. He will also host an interview show.”

“Reilly is also the founder of the anti-malaria effort Nothing But Nets, which has raised millions of dollars to hang mosquito nets over kids in Africa, where 3,000 children die every day of the disease. A partnership with the United Nations Foundation, every dollar goes to buying the nets. At last count, it’s raised nearly $18 million.”

“Reilly is co-author of the screenplay “Leatherheads,” a comic romance centered on the 1924 Duluth Eskimos of the fledgling NFL. George Clooney will star and direct (Universal), along with Renee Zellweger and John Krasinski. It hits theaters April 4, 2008.”

“As for his writing, the New York Daily News called him “one of the funniest humans on the planet.” Publishers Weekly called him, “an indescribable amalgam of Dave Barry, Jim Murray, and Lewis Grizzard, with the timing of Jay Leno and the wit of Johnny Carson.”

“His latest book is a collection of 100 of his best SI columns—”Hate Mail from Cheerleaders.” The forward is by Lance Armstrong. It became a New York Times bestseller in its first week.

His current novel “Shanks for Nothing” (Doubleday) is a madcap golf novel that cracked the New York Times bestseller list. It’s the sequel to Reilly’s cult classic “Missing Links” (Doubleday), which was made into a sitcom on ABC-TV. Both books revolve around regulars at the worst public course in America—Ponkaquogue Municipal Golf Links and Deli — and the insane bets, pranks and camaraderie that goes on there. The New York Times hailed “Missing Links” as “three laughs per page.”

“In Reilly’s previous book—“Who’s Your Caddy?” (Doubleday)—he caddies for everyone from Jack Nicklaus to Donald Trump to a $50,000-a-hole gambler. It rose to No. 3 on the New York Times best-seller list.

“His first collection of columns—The Life of Reilly: The Best of Sports Illustrated’s Rick Reilly” — also was a New York Times bestseller.

“He also wrote, “Slo-Mo: My Untrue Story,” (Doubleday) a farce on the NBA, which the Denver Post called, “a romp that could have been written only by someone who has seen the game form the inside.”

“He has written about everything from ice skater Katarina Witt behind the Iron Curtain to actor Jack Nicholson in the front row, from wrestling priests in Mexico City to mushers at the Iditarod, from playing golf with President Clinton to playing golf with O.J. Simpson and back again. He has five times had the disagreeable task of accompanying the models on the annual Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue. He was once featured in a Miller Lite ad with swimsuit cover girl Rebecca Romijn.”

“Probably too curious for his own good, Reilly has flown upside down at 600 miles per hour in an F-14, faced fastballs from Nolan Ryan, jumped from 14,000 feet with the U.S. Army Parachute Team, driven a stock car 142 miles per hour, piloted the Goodbyear blimp, competed against 107 women for a spot in the WNBA, worked three innings of play-by-play for the Colorado Rockies, bicycled with Lance Armstrong, anchored a half hour of ESPN NEWS, driven a monster truck over six parked cars, worked as a rodeo bullfighter, competed in the World Sauna Championships, tried his hand at women’s pro football and played 108 holes of golf in one day.”

“Reilly has won numerous awards in his 30-year writing career, including the prestigious New York Newspaper Guild’s Page One Award for Best Magazine Story. He is the co-author of “The Boz,” the best-selling autobiography of bad-boy Oklahoma linebacker Brian Bosworth; “Gretzky,” with hockey superstar Wayne Gretzky of the Los Angeles Kings; “I’d Love to but I Have a Game” with NBC announcer Marv Albert, and the “The Wit and Wisdom of Charles Barkley.”

“Reilly began his career in 1979 taking phoned-in high school volleyball scores for his hometown Boulder (Colo.) Daily Camera while a sophomore at the University of Colorado, from which he was graduated in 1981. He wrote for two years at the Camera, two more at the Denver Post and two more at the Los Angeles Times, before moving to Sports Illustrated in 1985.”

For more information on Rick Reilly contact Brooks International at 303-825-8700.

Discover more Sports Speakers from Brooks International.

Cliff Meidl will speak for a Utility Company’s Annual Health and Safety Symposium in New Jersey. Cliff will give a 90 minute presentation and the presentation topic is “Keep climbing toward culture change…taking the next steps!” The audience will consist of Employees and Safety Professionals, CEO’s and Business Leaders. The client is excited for Mr. Meidl to share his inspirational and motivational story during his keynote address.

“When American kayaker Cliff Meidl led his United States Olympian teammates onto the field at the Opening Ceremonies of the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games, nearly two billion viewers around the world were watching this young man from Manhattan Beach, California. Many of these viewers learned of Meidl’s courageous rehabilitation and recovery from a tragic construction accident that occurred in 1986.”

“Meidl had jackhammered into three buried power lines that sent approximately 30,000 volts of electricity shooting through him. Meidl suffered three cardiac arrest episodes in the aftermath and was “gone” for more than two minutes before medics revived him. That powerful jolt was enough to kill several men, but somehow Cliff Meidl clung to life. “I guess I just had more to do in my life” he recalls.”

“Meidl endured a total of 15 surgical procedures in five years and spent more than six years on crutches while he worked toward rebuilding his life. The accident disintegrated one-third of both knee joints and severely burned his back and skull. In addition, the accident nearly forced the amputation of his legs. However, Meidl was able to save his legs through an innovative surgical procedure that removed portions of his calf muscles for attachment onto the remaining knee joints. After Meidl’s knees had sufficiently healed, he used physical therapy to overcome his injuries.”

“At first, Meidl turned to canoeing and kayaking for the therapeutic value. However, he quickly excelled in these sports and thrived on his ability to compete with others in an equal setting. As a result, he threw himself into an aggressive weight lifting and conditioning regimen that enabled him to compete at the highest level. After years of hard work and dedication to his new sport of flatwater kayaking, Cliff began to make his dream of becoming an Olympian a reality.”

“In 1995, Meidl won a gold, silver and bronze medal in his kayaking events at the U.S. Olympic Festival in Denver. As they say, the rest is history. Meidl made two U.S. Olympic teams, a feat that only fifteen percent of all Olympians accomplish and, more importantly, he has inspired a nation in the process. Today, the 41-year-old financial analyst is enjoying his latest challenge–inspiring audiences. He is now sharing his inspirational story with diverse audiences all across the U.S.”

“Meidl has served as the national spokesperson for the Construction Safety Council and has recorded several national public service announcements and videos featured on television & radio stations across the United States. In addition, Meidl also served as national media spokesperson for the Electrical Safety Foundation International.”

“Finally, Meidl is the proud recipient of a number of prestigious awards for courage. He received the ARETE Award, the Philadelphia Sportswriters’ Courage in Sports Award and the “Patsy Choco Award” from the Los Angeles Marathon. In 2003, Cliff was selected as an initial Olympian honoree of the Olympian Heroes series that features 20 of the most inspirational U.S. Olympians. Meidl is also involved with his community as a Board Member at El Camino Community College Foundation and the USA Canoe & Kayak Team as Sprint Athlete Director & Treasurer. Meidl has an MBA Degree from the University of Southern California. This year, Cliff will represent the 2008 Olympic Team as Team Leader for the Sprint Canoe & Kayak Team.”

For more information on Cliff Meidl contact Brooks International at 303-825-8700.

Brooks International has booked Bob Wells for the Annual Training Conference for a Health Care Association. The audience will consist of 400 health care workers and the presentation topic is called “NEW PATHS in Anaheim: Something for Everyone.” This training conference is designed to assist in providing attendees an opportunity to learn about the various public assistance programs, network with peers from around the nation and promote professionalism within the human services field. Also, the client wants to convey the message “laugh as if your life depends on it.” That is where Bob Wells and his wonderful message comes into the picture.

Bob Wells’ presentations offers a basic lesson he has learned: “that humor can be a surprisingly successful tool in developing a spirit of creativity in a company. Moreover, he says, humor can be indispensable in achieving successful communication, stress control, presentation skills, motivation, and just about every other aspect of business life.”

“Bob is founder and president of the World Humor Organization, Chicken Lips Entertainment, and owner of the Avenue Theater in Denver, Colorado. He is a director, actor, writer and teacher, having taught at university and secondary levels. He has worked with Denver’s major performing arts organizations – the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, the Colorado Symphony, Central City Opera and the Colorado Children’s Chorale — for over three decades.”

“Bob is currently the director and a performer with Chicken Lips, Denver’s original and acclaimed improv-based theater, now in its 28th year. He also co-hosts “Radio Avenue” a monthly comedy radio show, heard the first Monday of each month on KGNU radio.”

For more information on Bob Wells contact Brooks International at 303-825-8700.

Cokie Roberts, respected news correspondent, compelling and engaging author, and dynamic keynote speaker will be speaking for a Financial Service Firm’s Luncheon in Houston, Texas. Ms. Roberts will give a 60 minute keynote presentation, followed by a Q&A and then a book signing. Everyone involved is very excited about Cokie Robert’s upcoming speech.

“Cokie Roberts has covered Congress, politics and public policy for nearly 20 years at ABC News. In addition to her responsibilities at ABC, Ms. Roberts serves as Senior News Analyst for National Public Radio, where she was the Congressional Correspondent for more than ten years. She is the recipient of numerous broadcasting awards, including three Emmys. She has been inducted into the Broadcasting and Cable Hall of Fame, and was cited by the American Women in Radio and Television as “One of the 50 Greatest Women in the History of Broadcasting.” Ms. Roberts, along with her husband, Steven V. Roberts, writes a weekly column syndicated in newspapers around the country by United Media.”

“In a follow up to her most recent bestselling book Founding Mothers, Cokie Roberts examines the lives and times of the incredible women who have helped shape America, in her new book Ladies of Liberty (On Sale April 8, 2008, Morrow). Drawing on personal correspondence, private journals and other primary sources, and peppered with entertaining gossip from the early days of the capital, this second installment captures the great shift that occurred in American history as the country continued its expansion. Throughout, Ms. Roberts captures the heart and soul of the American spirit and offers new insights on the women who have helped make our nation great. Other bestsellers include, From this Day Forward (2001), a book she co-authored with her husband Steve Roberts, about their more than 40-year marriage and other marriages in American history and We Are Our Mothers’ Daughters (1998)”

For more information on Cokie Roberts contact Brooks International at 303-825-8700.

Frank Maguire gave an exceptional 90 minute speech for a Major Communication Company’s Executive Staff Meeting in Washinton, D.C. The audience consisted of high-level executives and the theme of the meeting was change management, overcoming obstacles, and dealing with adversity. Frank received all positive reviews from the client and the audience and addressed the crucial issues and goals of the company.

“A master of communication and an inspirational force both on and off the podium, Frank Maguire is widely-acclaimed as a business and organization guru, and one of the leading public speakers in the world.”

“Frank graduated from Fordham University with a B.S. in Philosophy and Communications, and served as Director of Program Development for ABC in New York for three years. He then took a job in the White House, serving Presidents Kennedy and Johnson as a special assistant in public affairs.”

“Later he worked as Director of Marketing and Public Relations Programs for American Airlines, in New York, and then as Vice President for Marketing and Communications for Kentucky Fried Chicken, in Louisville.”

“Several years later, Frank became the original Senior Vice President of Industrial Relations and served as the Chief Personnel Officer for FedEx, in Memphis. At FedEx, Frank was the creator of the communications and employee relations programs that helped make the company a multi-billion dollar success story. He helped turn the phrase “absolutely, positively overnight” from a hope to a guarantee. He was also instrumental in creating the organizational culture and the success that earned FedEx the honor of being named the “Top Corporation of the Decade” by Fortune.”

“Frank Maguire is one of corporate America’s most knowledgeable authorities on organizational culture, marketing, branding and communications. For the last 25 years, Frank has been a professional keynote speaker, author and consultant, delighting, teaching and inspiring the leaders and staff of most of America’s top companies and organizations.”

For more information on Frank Maguire contact Brooks International at 303-825-8700.

Brooks International helped bring keynote speaker Scott Hamilton to the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas, NV for a Software User’s Group Annual Conference. There were 5,000 individuals in the audience eager to hear Scott’s presentation. All attendees were from colleges and universities who use PeopleSoft/Oracle software products for Financials, Human Resources and Student Administration systems. Attendees were from many levels-both technical and functional: Applications Developers, database managers, functional analysts, directors of finance, student development, human resources and up to Vice Presidents, CEO, and CTO of the institutions.

In the client’s words, “Scott Hamilton was truly amazing, the easiest person to work with, and wowed everyone with his presentation.” The feedback from the audience was that Scott’s keynote was nothing short of moving, inspiring, and motivational.

For more information on Scott Hamilton please call Brooks International at 303-825-8700.

Sam Geist will give a 60-75 minute keynote presentation in New York, NY for a Textiles Manufacturing Association’s Industry Sales and Marketing Event. The audience will consist of marketing and sales people from the textiles industry. Sam Geist’s presentation will infuse enthusiasm, professionalism, and insight into the changing business environment. The goal is for the audience to walk away from the speech with greater knowledge due to the applicable and customized information Mr. Geist will provide.

“Sam Geist has worked as a professional speaker, consultant, and facilitator for organizations across the world for the last thirteen years.”

“His “ideas” programs are not just sizzle, they offer substance-they include tangible solutions. They provide a wealth of information and the impetus to act on it. Sam informs. He stimulates. He re-focuses participants. He provides actionable strategies for the obstacles faced by so many of today’s organizations.”

“Before each presentation he conducts industry-related and company-specific research, including distributing his “What Hurts” questionnaire to program organizers. The information he receives enables him to customize his presentations and handout material to the interests and concerns of participants and organizers.”

“By program’s end, participants have so much more than “just stuff” to think about. They have the ammunition, know-how & incentive to prepare a viable action plan… and DO IT!”

“As a facilitator during discussions and brainstorming workshops, he uses the Socratic method to encourage participants to think about their business in new ways, to adopt different vantage points for decision making than they held before-in order to change, to improve, to grow.”

“He insists that asking tough questions-and answering them honestly is crucial to the well being of every organization.”

“Utilizing his years of experience in both the retail industry and the marketing arena, Sam Geist is able to prepare and present a variety of customized programs including advertising workshops, merchandising sessions and operations how-to presentations.”

“Sam also has extensive experience consulting to companies involved in restructuring.”

“Sam will assist to capitalize your resources and use your knowledge more profitably than you ever did before.”

“To create a hard copy of his ideas, suggestions and how-to’s, Sam has written two fact-filled business books. “Why Should Someone Do Business With You…Rather Than Someone Else?” explores new perspectives and differentiating strategies to get and keep customers, to increase staff productivity and to enhance business profitability. “Would You Work For You” encourages leaders to look at themselves in the mirror and be accountable for who they see. It clearly differentiates a leader from a boss, offering them the tools to maximize their potential to be a better leader - a better person.”

For more information on Sam Geist please call Brooks International at 303-825-8700.

Brooks International has booked Roy Firestone to give two 60 minute presentations to the top producers of an International Furnishing Company. Mr. Firestone will give his first keynote address in Hawaii and his second keynote address on a cruise that will travel from Ft. Lauderdale to Mexico. The purpose of these two events featuring Roy is for an incentive trip for the company’s top producers. Roy Firestone, the multi-faceted speaker and entertainer, will give two motivational, entertaining, feel-good,and inspirational speeches that will leave everyone in the audience feeling invigorated and excited about work and life in general.

“Critically acclaimed for his work in broadcast journalism, Firestone has won seven Emmy® Awards and seven Cable ACE Awards; he has interviewed more than 5,000 people, including nearly every major sports figure. The late Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist Jim Murray called Firestone, “the best interviewer I’ve ever seen. That’s not the best interviewer in sports, that’s the best interviewer period.”

“Curiosity and passion drive Firestone to interview people beyond the realm of sports and in the world of art, music, politics and popular entertainment. His interview subjects are an eclectic mix including seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong; former president Richard Nixon; legendary actor James Stewart; jazz great Miles Davis; TV’s Ray Romano; and pop icon Madonna.”

“Firestone performs his multi-media review before audiences in Las Vegas, at major sporting events, meetings, formal events and conventions throughout the world. The accomplished singer, impressionist, and humorist has shared the bill with notables such as Frank Sinatra, Michael McDonald, country superstar Wynonna, Gladys Knight, the Four Tops, and Frankie Valli. Appearances include Late Night with David Letterman, Later with Bob Costas, Nightline, and Larry King Live.”

“Firestone has performed for hundreds of corporate clients including: AT&T, Cadillac, Quaker Oats, Pepsi, Nike, Toyota, Avia, General Foods, Delta Airlines, Mayflower Movers, Sun Computers, Prudential, Thrifty Car Rental, Northwest Airlines, Russell Athletic, Fujitsu, Anheuser Busch, The Sports Authority, OfficeMax, Chevron, Transamerica, Sara Lee, Frito-Lay, Pontiac, and Quaker State.”

“In his home town of Miami Beach, Florida, Firestone began his career as a sports reporter and anchor before moving to Los Angeles as a sports anchor for KCBS-TV (1977-85). He was host of ESPN’s SportsLook (1980-90) and Up Close Prime Time, as well as AOL’s Time Out With Roy Firestone and Mark Cuban’s HDNet Face To Face With Roy Firestone. Roy currently lives in Los Angeles.”

For more information on Roy Firestone please call Brooks International at 303-825-8700.

Greg Schwem gave a motivational and entertaining 60 minute keynote address for a company’s Retail Systems User Conference. This particular company is the leading supplier of integrated fuel control, site management, and support services for petroleum marketers and commercial fueling enterprises worldwide. At this conference, the audience consisted of the company’s key point of sale/systems customers (major oil companies and other retail fuel operators) for learning and networking. Furthermore, Greg received wonderful reviews from the audience and the client was extremely pleased with Greg’s keynote address. The feedback was that Greg’s unique and exceptional presentation added fun and laughter to the conference.

“Unlike many humorous speakers, Greg researches every audience and customizes material so no two shows are alike! Combining inoffensive comedy with lightning fast ad-lib skills, Greg takes his audiences on hilarious tours through their work environments.”

For more information please call Brooks International at 303-825-8700.