Becoming a professional athlete takes more than just physical strength and agility. Dedication, mental toughness, and a competitive spirit contribute to the success of these athletes as much as their physical training does. Professional athletes are conditioned to never give up, practice problem-solving, and trust in their teammates to achieve greatness as a unit. 

There are countless lessons learned from sports that can guide everyday activities and apply to business functions. In a competitive world, companies must invest in their employees and truly value their customers to set themselves up for success. From beyond the court, field, or track, these seven sports professionals and keynote speakers have fine-tuned skills developed over their athletic careers to share inspiring, captivating, and memorable stories with audiences all over the world. 

Mark Denton: Round the world Sailor, Leadership Expert and International award-winning speaker

Looking for a speaker who focuses on the 3 factors that when applied consistently can lead to a 50%+ improvement in productivity and well-being? Mark Denton is the answer, sharing his experience from leading a diverse amateur team to success in the 'world’s toughest' round-the-world yacht race.

Entitled, “Navigate the Storm,” audiences are immersed in this gripping journey and will master how to create a culture that’s Safe, Happy, and Fast. Safe explores why psychological safety is the foundation for collaboration, innovation, and motivation with a focus on ensuring team members, stakeholders, and customers are happy. And learning how to do that fast is the key to competitive advantage. As "slow boats never win”. This methodology allows any team to power through adversity and change and deliver breakthrough results.

Mark's wisdom gained from the sea is combined with over 20 year's experience consulting for some of the world's greatest organizations. And his methodology is grounded in the work of Amy Edmondson’s 'Fearless Organization’, the number one authority on building Psychological Safety, with Mark being a recognized partner.

Marcus Allen: Heisman Trophy Winner, Super Bowl MVP, and NFL Player of the Year

Hall-of-Famer, Marcus Allen, is revered as one of the greatest running backs of all time. Famed for his quick feet and effortless execution of plays, Allen is an undisputed leader on and off the football field. Since his retirement in 1997, he has remained an iconic favorite of fans and audiences everywhere. 

An unstoppable player with limitless potential, Allen broke numerous records with over 10,000 yards rushing and 5,000 yards receiving. Today, as a motivational keynote speaker, Allen shares priceless advice, a winning mentality, and inspiration to reach your maximum potential.

Robyn Benincasa: Adventure Racing World Champion, CNN Hero, and Motivational Expert

World Champion Adventure Racer, Robyn Benincasa, has traveled all over the world competing in every landscape that you can imagine, from vast deserts to the dense jungle. Rich with life lessons to share, she is a natural born motivator who will invigorate audiences to get a little messy and challenge themselves to try the impossible. 

As an extreme endurance athlete, Benincasa trusts her well-assembled team wholeheartedly and demonstrates how leaders can successfully cultivate “human synergy.” During her award-winning keynotes, Benincasa recounts eight leadership lessons and team building strategies from some of the toughest challenges faced by some of the best teams on Earth. 

Chris Singleton: Former Minor League Baseball Player, Author, and Inspirational Speaker

Chris Singleton is the personification of resilience, forgiveness, and strength. After his mother tragically passed away, Singleton found the courage to use this pain to find his true purpose. His speaking career centers around themes like unity and empathy. Singleton inspires audiences to exude more love and positivity by using his voice to speak out against hatred and racism.

Although he has transitioned away from his athletic career in baseball, he quickly found a new calling as an author. As a pillar in his community, Singleton seeks to empower his neighbors and spread his message: love is stronger than hate.

Joe Theismann: ESPN Broadcaster, Former NFL Super Bowl Champ, and Entrepreneur

Joe Theismann was at the top of his game and in a league of his own before his career was abruptly ended by an injury at just 35 years old. Using his years as a championship NFL quarterback as a foundation, his following careers as an ESPN Broadcaster, philanthropist, and motivational speaker allowed Theismann’s big personality to shine. 

His positive energy and applicable tips will resonate with those facing adversity and overcoming unforeseen challenges. In his keynote speeches, leaders, teammates, and individuals alike can expect to learn proven strategies for harnessing momentum and thriving under pressure.

Jim Morris: Former High School Teacher turned MLB Pitcher and Author

Next time you think you are too old or too stuck in your ways to change your life, remember Jim Morris is living proof that you can do anything you set your mind to. This true story about a high school science teacher becoming a pitcher in the MLB at 35 years old, inspired Disney's heartwarming story, “The Rookie.”

Morris’ relatable real-world success story is hilarious, unexpected, and inspiring. In his keynotes, Morris stresses the importance of integrity and surrounding yourself with “dream makers” who will help you realize even your wildest dreams. 

Eric Alexander: Professional Mountaineer, Director of Adventures Beyond Limits, and Advocate for People with Disabilities

Eric Alexander and his partner Erik completed an arduous summit of the world’s tallest peak, Mount Everest. If that statement alone was not impressive enough, Erik is blind and Alexander extraordinarily led him from base to peak safe and sound, earning them the title of “greatest team in history to climb Everest” by Time magazine.  

Alexander’s thrilling expeditions have taught him so much about fear, facing your “summits,'' and helping others conquer their own. After experiencing his own serious health struggles, including a near-death fall, his objective is to motivate others to see past their doubts and uncertainty to reach new heights and live their lives to the fullest. 

Get your head in the game and contact the Executive Speakers Bureau to bring one of these amazing sports professionals to your next event.