In a world where education and climate change are two of the most pressing global issues, Adam Braun stands out as a leader who has made it his life’s purpose to create positive change in the world. Through his remarkable ventures, including founding Pencils of Promise and MissionU, and serving as the CEO of Climate Club, Braun has shown himself to be an inspirational powerhouse, driving innovation across industries and empowering individuals to make an extraordinary difference in the world. His unique journey, passion, and unwavering commitment to finding and pursuing one’s purpose offer immense value to audiences worldwide.

Pencils of Promise: Breaking the Poverty Cycle

Adam Braun's journey as a changemaker began during a life-changing backpacking trip at the age of 21. While traveling in India, he came across a young boy, begging in the streets just to get by. When asked what he wanted most in the world, Braun expected to hear the typical answers: toys, games, or a car. The boy’s response was simple: a pencil. This pivotal encounter helped Braun realize the transformative potential of education and how something as basic as a pencil could hold the power to change the lives of people from all around the world.

Upon his return home, Braun founded Pencils of Promise (PoP) in 2008. PoP is an organization dedicated to providing quality education to children in developing countries. What started as a single school in Laos, Vietnam has now grown into a global movement, with schools built across the developing world. To date, PoP has impacted the lives of thousands of students, equipping them with the tools and resources they need to break the cycle of poverty through education. The secret to the organization's meteoric success? Combining the heart and mission of a non-profit with the business savvy of a for-profit corporation. Braun refers to this third way of doing business as a business “For Purpose,” a revolutionary approach with results that speak for themselves and continue to provide education to children the world over.

MissionU: Revolutionizing Higher Education

Springboarding from PoP’s success, Braun next turned his attention to the need for reform in higher education. In response to the mounting student debt crisis and the misalignment between traditional college curriculums and job market demands, Braun co-founded MissionU in 2016 with the goal of disrupting the traditional higher education model by offering students a debt-free, one-year program focused on relevant skills and real-world experience.

The program was designed in collaboration with leading companies to ensure that students gain the skills and knowledge necessary for success in the modern job market. MissionU's emphasis on high-demand fields like data science and business analytics makes it an attractive option for aspiring professionals looking to launch their careers without the burden of crippling student debt. Many of the groundbreaking approaches pioneered by MissionU have since been adopted by institutions across the U.S., particularly in response to the disruption created by Covid-19.

Climate Club: Making sustainable business attainable

As the urgency of climate change became increasingly evident, Adam Braun recognized the need to address this global crisis head-on and leave a liveable world for the next generation. In his role as CEO of Climate Club, Braun spearheaded a unique initiative that brings together businesses, non-profits, governments, and individuals with a shared mission to combat climate change and provide a roadmap for organizations that want to develop sustainable business practices.

Climate Club's approach is rooted in the belief that collaboration and collective action are paramount in the fight against climate change. Through partnerships and impactful projects, Climate Club works towards sustainable solutions, renewable energy adoption, reforestation efforts, and more. This organization continues to leave a positive impact on the planet.

Adam Braun as a Motivational Business Keynote Speaker

Adam Braun's journey from a young traveler to a visionary leader and social entrepreneur serves as a beacon of inspiration for audiences worldwide. As a keynote speaker, Braun's storytelling prowess and profound insights captivate and motivate listeners, leaving them with a renewed sense of purpose and a distinct call to action.

1. Passion and Purpose:

Braun's unwavering passion for education and climate change shines through every word he speaks. His personal story of how a chance encounter ignited a lifelong commitment to improving education is a testament to the power of purpose. Audiences are moved by his combination of vulnerability, authenticity, and passion to find their own purpose and start working towards it one step at a time.

2. Entrepreneurial Vision:

As the founder of successful organizations like Pencils of Promise and MissionU, Braun offers valuable insights into entrepreneurship, leadership, and social impact. His experiences navigating challenges, building teams, and scaling organizations provide valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs and established business leaders alike who are aware of the difficulties of navigating the 21st-century world of business and looking to scale.

3. Climate Action:

Climate change is the defining challenge of our time, and Braun's leadership in the fight offers a fresh perspective on how individuals and organizations can collaborate for a sustainable future. His insights on climate solutions and the power of collective action resonate deeply with environmentally conscious audiences seeking ways to make a positive impact on the planet.

4. Transformational Education:

MissionU challenged the status quo of higher education and emphasized the importance of relevant skills and experiential learning. Braun's vision for a more accessible and practical education system inspires educators, students, and policymakers to rethink traditional approaches and embrace innovative models to address the evolving needs of the workforce.

Adam Braun's incredible journey from an idealistic traveler to a global changemaker exemplifies the power of passion, determination, and belief that extraordinary change can come from one small act. As a keynote speaker, Braun's compelling storytelling and commitment to making a difference offer immense value to audiences seeking inspiration, motivation, and actionable insights to create a better world. Whether it's education, entrepreneurship, climate action, or social impact, Braun's talks leave a lasting impression, urging individuals to join the movement and be part of something greater than themselves.