Welcome to our list of the top resilience speakers of 2024. Resilience speakers play a pivotal role in empowering individuals and organizations to navigate challenges, adapt to change, and emerge stronger from adversity. These experts share actionable strategies and inspiring stories to help audiences develop mental toughness and confidence.
Hiring resilience speakers for your event can spark transformation, foster motivation, and equip your team with tools to face future challenges head-on. Whether you’re looking to build resilient teams, inspire leadership, or tackle personal growth, these experts have the skills and experiences to make a lasting impact. Below, we’ve curated 17 extraordinary resilience speakers renowned for their expertise and adaptability.
Top 17 Resilience Speakers
Speaker Profiles
1. Jody Carrington
A clinical psychologist and bestselling author, Jody Carrington specializes in helping individuals and organizations build resilience through connection. Known for her relatable and humorous style, she stands out among resilience speakers for her ability to translate complex emotional concepts into actionable advice. Carrington’s extensive work with first responders and families offers invaluable lessons on fostering resilience in both personal and professional settings.
2. Eric Termuende
Eric Termuende is a workplace culture and future of work expert who empowers audiences to embrace adaptability and innovation. As one of the top resilience speakers, Termuende offers actionable strategies to help teams thrive amid change and uncertainty. With insights from his best-selling book, Rethink Work, he equips leaders with tools to build cohesive, resilient teams.
3. Carey Lohrenz
Carey Lohrenz’s groundbreaking career as the first female F-14 Tomcat fighter pilot in the U.S. Navy makes her one of the most extraordinary resilience speakers. Her ability to excel under pressure and lead in male-dominated environments provides audiences with actionable insights on focus, courage, and determination. Lohrenz inspires individuals and teams to turn challenges into opportunities for success.
4. Errol Doebler
Errol Doebler brings a unique perspective to resilience as a former Navy SEAL and FBI Special Agent. His keynote speeches equip audiences with tools for overcoming fear, building self-discipline, and achieving personal and professional growth. Resilience speakers like Doebler inspire individuals to thrive in adversity, drawing from years of experience in high-stakes roles.
5. Laura Gassner Otting
Laura Gassner Otting is a motivational powerhouse who helps audiences break through limiting beliefs and unlock their full potential. As a bestselling author and former Presidential Appointee, she draws on a wealth of experience in navigating change and uncertainty. Her talks inspire resilience by challenging audiences to redefine success and align their ambitions with purpose. Gassner-Otting’s expertise makes her a standout among resilience speakers for fostering empowerment and adaptability.
6. Kevin Reilly
Kevin Reilly is a former NFL linebacker whose career was redefined by resilience after surviving cancer and undergoing a life-altering surgery. As one of the most impactful resilience speakers, Reilly shares his journey with vulnerability and humor, inspiring audiences to overcome their own challenges and find strength in adversity.
7. Mandy Rennehan
Known as the Blue-Collar CEO™, Mandy Rennehan is a trailblazer in the trades industry and a dynamic resilience speaker. As the founder of Freshco and host of HGTV’s Trading Up with Mandy Rennehan, she challenges industry stereotypes and advocates for respect and inclusion in the skilled trades. Rennehan’s journey from a self-taught entrepreneur to a celebrated leader exemplifies resilience and determination.
8. Chris Waddell
A Paralympic champion and Hall of Fame athlete, Chris Waddell epitomizes resilience. His remarkable story of triumph after a skiing accident left him paralyzed makes him one of the most sought-after resilience speakers for audiences seeking inspiration and actionable strategies. Through his foundation, One Revolution, Waddell continues to empower individuals to persevere and adapt.
9. Jon Dorenbos
Jon Dorenbos is a former NFL player turned magician and resilience expert. Overcoming a challenging childhood and personal loss, he uses magic as a metaphor for resilience and adaptability. His captivating presentations make him a favorite among resilience speakers for his ability to entertain and inspire simultaneously.
10. Rob Paylor
Rob Paylor’s story of resilience is nothing short of extraordinary. After a catastrophic spinal injury left him paralyzed, he defied all odds by regaining mobility through relentless determination and hard work. Today, Paylor inspires audiences with his journey of overcoming adversity and redefining possibilities. His talks emphasize grit, gratitude, and a never-quit attitude, making him a powerful resilience speaker for corporate and educational events alike.
11. Henna Pryor
Henna Pryor combines wit, wisdom, and practical insights in her talks about navigating uncertainty and embracing resilience. Her unique approach, blending interactive storytelling with actionable strategies, places her among the most innovative resilience speakers today. With a background in executive coaching, Pryor offers a fresh perspective on overcoming workplace challenges and shifting mindsets for success.
12. John Foley
A former U.S. Navy Blue Angel, John Foley inspires audiences with his high-performance mindset and principles of gratitude. Known for his powerful lessons on collaboration and resilience, Foley delivers actionable strategies for overcoming obstacles in high-pressure environments. As one of the top resilience speakers in the industry, he motivates teams to embrace challenges with positivity and determination.
13. Matthew S. Newman
Matthew S. Newman’s journey of facing brain cancer head-on makes him one of the most inspiring resilience speakers. His talks focus on living with purpose and resilience, empowering audiences to take control of their lives even in the face of overwhelming obstacles. In his book, Starting at the Finish Line, Newman shares heartfelt lessons that resonate deeply with individuals and organizations alike.
14. Alisha De Lorenzo
Alisha De Lorenzo, a licensed therapist and wellness expert, inspires audiences to cultivate resilience by focusing on mental health and emotional well-being. As one of today’s most impactful resilience speakers, she combines her expertise in holistic healing with practical strategies for personal and professional growth. De Lorenzo’s workshops and keynotes help individuals embrace change with mindfulness and confidence.
15. Nicole Malachowski
Nicole Malachowski is a trailblazer and advocate for resilience, leadership, and adaptability. As the first female pilot to fly with the USAF Thunderbirds, she brings unparalleled insights into overcoming adversity in high-stakes environments. Her personal journey, including battling a debilitating illness, showcases her courage and determination. Malachowski captivates audiences with her inspiring story of perseverance and transformation.
16. Leslie Maxie
Leslie Maxie is an Olympic athlete and broadcaster whose life embodies resilience. As a standout among resilience speakers, she blends her athletic achievements and media career to deliver captivating lessons on perseverance and adaptability. Maxie’s inspiring journey from breaking barriers in track and field to succeeding in television serves as a testament to the power of resilience in achieving greatness.
17. Dan Harris
Dan Harris, a journalist and mindfulness advocate, has become a leading voice among resilience speakers for his work on emotional resilience. After a public on-air panic attack, Harris turned to meditation, documenting his journey in 10% Happier. His keynote talks empower audiences to cultivate inner resilience through mindfulness, transforming stress into growth opportunities.
Hire the Best Resilience Speakers for Your Next Event
Choosing the right resilience speaker can transform your event, equipping your audience with tools to tackle challenges head-on and inspiring them to embrace change with confidence. At the Mollie Plotkin Group, we simplify the speaker selection process by leveraging our extensive industry knowledge and connections to deliver tailored recommendations that align with your event’s objectives.
Contact us today to start planning your next inspiring event. Remember, the right speaker has the power to turn an ordinary gathering into an extraordinary experience.
