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CMG Speaks presents our Motivational Speakers
Motivational Speakers
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Former Naval Aviator, Pilot, and Author
Tammie Jo Shults is a retired commercial airline captain, author, and former naval aviator.
Tammie Jo Shults is a retired commercial airline captain, author, and former naval aviator. Known for being one of the first female fighter pilots to serve in the United States Navy, following active duty she became a pilot for Southwest Airlines. On April 17, 2018, as captain of Southwest Airlines Flight 1380, Shults safely landed a Boeing 737-700, saving 148 passengers, after the aircraft suffered an uncontained engine failure with debris causing rapid decompression of the aircraft. She retired from Southwest Airlines in 2020.
Travels From: Boerne, TX
Keynote Topics
Author, Aviation, Inspirational Women, Leadership, Diversity, Faith
Former USAF Lieutenant, Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Defense Policy Expert
Most widely recognized for her service on September 11, Heather “Lucky” Penney was part of the first wave of women who went directly into fighters from pilot training.
Most widely recognized for her service on September 11, Heather “Lucky” Penney was part of the first wave of women who went directly into fighters from pilot training. The first and only woman in the 121st Fighter Squadron, Heather deployed to Operation Iraqi Freedom for initial combat operations as a night-time SCUD Hunter in the western deserts of Iraq, also supporting Special Operations Forces. She flew the F-16 for ten years before having to make the difficult decision to leave fighter aviation as a single mother. She then flew the special airlift mission and retired out of the Pentagon. For over ten years, Heather was a Director of various Air Force programs for Lockheed Martin, specializing in capture management, government relations, and strategic business development. She now is a Senior Resident Fellow for the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies at the Air Force Association, where she is an expert on defense policy issues related to airpower and the Air Force.
Travels From: Fort Lauderdale, FL
Global Human Rights Activist, President of Harvey Milk Foundation, US President Obama’s LGBTQ surrogate and advisor
Stuart Milk is an international human rights activist, LGBT rights speaker, government relations consultant, and youth advocate.
Stuart Milk is an international human rights activist, LGBT rights speaker, government relations consultant, and youth advocate. He is the co founder and Board President of the all volunteer Harvey Milk Foundation. As the nephew of Harvey Milk, the iconic civil rights leader, Stuart has taken his uncle message of authenticity, example of courage and the power of collaboration onto the global stage supporting local, regional and national human rights struggles and emerging LGBT communities on five continents.
Travels From: Alexandria, VA
Actor, Author, Stem Cell Ambassador
A natural storyteller, Colin shares his personal insight with humor and humility regarding what it takes to stay resilient, empowered, and motivated in pursuit of the things that matter most in life.
A natural storyteller, Colin shares his personal insight with humor and humility regarding what it takes to stay resilient, empowered, and motivated in pursuit of the things that matter most in life. For Colin, this has meant going on over 2,000 auditions in his career (failing 98% of the time), surviving first-hand the events of the World Trade Center incident that left him homeless, and overcoming two bouts of life-threatening cancer while working on one of the longest-running and most-watched television shows in history. Colin reveals the tools that actors, film directors and producers use to leverage the power of human connection to inspire the multiple departments and personalities to work together towards a common vision. This highly motivating and inspiring keynote will equip your organization with simple actionable tools that they can apply the very same day to improve execution and drive better results as individuals and as a team.
Travels From: Arizona
Keynote Topics
Celebrity Motivational Speaker, Overcoming Obstacles, Leadership, Audition Tools
First USAF Female Fighter Pilot; First USAF Female Fighter Wing Commander; Combat Veteran
Maj. Gen. Jeannie M. Leavitt served as the Department of the Air Force Chief of Safety, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Arlington, Virginia, and Commander, Air Force Safety Center, Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico.
Maj. Gen. Jeannie M. Leavitt served as the Department of the Air Force Chief of Safety, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Arlington, Virginia, and Commander, Air Force Safety Center, Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico. In this position, she developed, executed and evaluated all Air Force and Space Force aviation, ground, weapons, space and system mishap prevention and nuclear surety programs to preserve combat capability. Additionally, she directed research to promote safety awareness and mishap prevention, oversaw mishap investigations, evaluated corrective actions and ensured implementation. Finally, she managed, developed and directed all safety and risk management courses.
Travels From: Arizona
55th Governor of New York and Author of “Black, Blind, and In Charge”
David A. Paterson was the 55th Governor of the State of New York.
David Paterson was the 55th Governor of the State of New York. His best selling book “Black, Blind, and In Charge'' held top of the charts for many months. While in office, David reduced New York’s fiscal deficit by nearly $40 billion and has been an advocate for protecting the rights of the disabled, LGBTQ+ communities, and relentlessly fights against hate crimes and all racial inequality.
Travels From: New York, NY
Keynote Topics
Political, Diversity & Disability, Leadership, Overcoming Obstacles, Motivational, LGTBQ+ & Allies
Author & the Great-Grandson og Mahatma Gandhi and Kasturba Gandhi
Born on a train between Mumbai and Kolkata, Tushar Gandhi was raised in Mumbai and holds a printing diploma from the Government Institute of Printing Technology.
Born on a train between Mumbai and Kolkata, Tushar Gandhi was raised in Mumbai and holds a printing diploma from the Government Institute of Printing Technology. He founded the Mahatma Gandhi Foundation in 1998 and has been President of the Lok Seva Trust since 1996. Tushar appeared in the films "Hey Ram" and "Road to Sangam," and his book Let's Kill Gandhi was a bestseller in 2007. He chaired the Australian Indian Rural Development Foundation in 2008, led the 75th-anniversary Dandi March reenactment in 2005, and served as Goodwill Ambassador of CISRI-ISP from 2007 to 2012. In 2018, he petitioned the Supreme Court to curb cow-vigilante lynch mobs, became a Director of the Gandhi Research Foundation in 2019, and was appointed Ambassador for “Return to Palestine” in 2023.
Travels From: New York, NY
Former MLB and Cleveland Indians Player, Roberto Clemente Award Recipient, CEO of ASW Global Inc.
André Thornton is a motivational and faith-based speaker, a twenty-one year veteran of the MLB and recipient of the coveted Roberto Clemente Award, acclaimed author of Triumph Born of Tragedy, and the CEO of ASW Global Inc.
André Thornton is a motivational and faith-based speaker, a twenty-one year veteran of the MLB and recipient of the coveted Roberto Clemente Award, acclaimed author of Triumph Born of Tragedy, and the CEO of ASW Global Inc. Drawing on his faith and life experiences, Mr. Thornton educates and inspires audiences about Executive Leadership, Organizational Change, Overcoming Adversity, and Diversity. Mr. Thornton is a remarkable speaker, having honed his craft over the course of more than one thousand professional engagements.
Travels From: Mogadore, OH
Keynote Topics
Team Building, Leadership, Diversity, Overcoming Adversity, Faith
Agent to the Stars, CEO & Chairman
In his 44th year of representing the world’s most famous personalities, CMG Worldwide Founder and Chairman, Mark Roesler, has successfully positioned his marketing and management company as the dominant force in the evolving intellectual property arena.
In his 44th year of representing the world’s most famous personalities, CMG Worldwide Founder and Chairman, Mark Roesler, has successfully positioned his marketing and management company as the dominant force in the evolving intellectual property arena. “Before we started working in this area, deceased celebrities or their estates had limited rights to their name or images,” Roesler said.
Travels From: Beverly Hills, CA
Futurist, Innovator, Producer, Professor, CEO, and Entertainment Executive
Travis Cloyd is an accomplished futurist, innovator, producer, professor, CEO, and entertainment executive with a focus on creating, managing and financing immersive state-of-the-art technology companies.
Travis Cloyd is an accomplished futurist, innovator, producer, professor, CEO, and entertainment executive with a focus on creating, managing and financing immersive state-of-the-art technology companies. He is an award-winning producer, XR visionary and Metaverse educator that operates a portfolio of cutting-edge businesses with a focus on trending innovation. Most recently, recognized by Forbes on the 2021 top ‘Next Entrepreneur’ list.
Travels From: Los Angeles, CA
Daughter and Spokeswoman for the Legacy of Malcolm X
Ilyasah Shabazz is an educator and motivational speaker focusing on the preservation and growth of the legacy of her late father, Malcolm X.
Ilyasah Shabazz is an educator and motivational speaker focusing on the preservation and growth of the legacy of her late father, Malcolm X. Ms. Shabazz is the acclaimed author of Growing Up X: A Coming-of-Age Memoir, serves as President of The Malcolm X & Dr. Betty Shabazz Memorial and Educational Center, and leads a youth empowerment movement, The WAKE-UP Tour™ . Drawing on her remarkable upbringing and diverse life experiences, Ms. Shabazz speaks on Diversity, Overcoming Adversity, and her journey to preserve and promote her family’s legacy.
Travels From: New Rochelle, NY
All-Star Major League Baseball Player, World Series Champion, Sports Broadcaster
Nick Swisher is a MLB World Series Champion and All-Star.
Nick Swisher is a MLB World Series Champion and All-Star. He was an outfielder and first baseman known for switch hitting. He is currently a baseball analyst for CBS & Peacock and a special advisor to Brian Cashman for the New York Yankees, where he is still heavily involved in Spring training and developing the next generation of All Stars.
Travels From: Tampa, FL
Keynote Topics
Motivational, Leadership, Team Building, Overcoming Adversity, Faith, Sports, Entertainment
Philanthropist, CEO, Former Broadcaster & Professional Baseball Player
Roberto Clemente, Jr. is a universally respected philanthropist, humanitarian, entrepreneur, producer, former broadcaster, and professional baseball player.
Roberto Clemente, Jr. is a universally respected philanthropist, humanitarian, entrepreneur, producer, former broadcaster, and professional baseball player. Roberto’s father, Roberto Clemente Sr. was the first Latin American player to compile 3,000 hits in MLB history and the first Latino to enter into the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Roberto Sr. used his platform and immense athletic gift to serve others and devote his short life to helping make the world a better place, something Roberto Jr. has duplicated and taken very seriously. Roberto Jr. utilizes his experiences not only as an Afro-Latino but beyond to leverage his platform to help thousands of others on an intensely diverse array of subjects and today’s challenges.
Travels From: Puerto Rico
Business Strategist & Sales Coach | Author, “Same Game New Rules,” Host of The Advanced Selling Podcast
Bill Caskey has been training and coaching sales professionals and leaders for 30 years.
Bill Caskey has been training and coaching sales professionals and leaders for 30 years. He has given over 10,000 lectures, training events and coaching sessions helping his clients with radical skill Improvement to increase results in their marketplace. His philosophies are counterintuitive and draw from ancient wisdom, developmental psychology, and personal brand building.
Travels From: Indianapolis, IN
Keynote Topics
The Self-Image Dilemma, “Everyone Sells. Everyone Influences”, “Avoid The Commodity Dungeon”
U.S. Air Force Veteran & Co-Pilot for Southwest Flight 1380
Darren Ellisor is a U.S. Air Force Veteran and First Officer for Southwest Airlines.
Darren Ellisor is a U.S. Air Force Veteran and First Officer for Southwest Airlines. Ellisor was the First Officer on the April 17, 2018, Southwest Airlines Flight 1380 which made an emergency landing in Philadelphia after a piece of the engine smashed a window. He safely landed the plane with 149 passengers onboard.
Travels From: League City, TX
Daughter of legendary boxer Archie Moore, Former Professional Boxer, Author, and Coach
J’Marie Moore is the first daughter of a famous boxer to fight professionally.
J’Marie Moore is the first daughter of a famous boxer to fight professionally. J’Marie is a woman of faith and the daughter of legendary boxer Archie Moore. Archie was the longest reigning World Light Heavyweight Champion. J’Marie, better known in the ring as THE LADY MONGOOSE went 2-0 as a pro between 1997 and 2000
Travels From: Baja California, Mexico
Keynote Topics
Inspirational Women, Faith, Leadership, Diversity & Disability, Motivational
Social Activist and President of the Gilbert Baker Foundation
Charley Beal has conducted readings of the Gilbert Baker memoir Rainbow Warrior in cities across America including New York City, San Francisco, Provincetown, MA and Rochester, NY.
Beal has conducted readings of the Gilbert Baker memoir Rainbow Warrior in cities across America including New York City, San Francisco, Provincetown, MA and Rochester, NY. He has also made presentations about Baker and the Rainbow Flag to various organizations including Citibank, New York University Stern Business School, Spectrum Retirement Group, Johnson & Johnson, The Philadelphia Art Museum and the New York City Council.
Travels From: New York, NY
Keynote Topics
LGBTQ+ rights and history, Rainbow Flag history, Global impact
American Acrobat, Aerialist, and Author
Jennifer Bricker is an American acrobat, aerialist, and was born without legs.
Jennifer Bricker is an American acrobat, aerialist, and was born without legs. She was a featured performer on Britney Spears' Circus Tour which traveled internationally and as the headliner at the prestigious Palazzo hotel in Las Vegas, New York’s Lincoln Center, and the Shangri La Hotel in Dubai. She was the first disabled high school tumbling champion in the state of Illinois.
Travels From: New York, NY
Keynote Topics
Leadership, Diversity & Disability, Motivational, Overcoming Adversity, Author
TV Personality, Actor, Former NFL Defensive End & Radio Host
John Frederick Dryer is an American actor, radio host, screenwriter and former professional football player.
John Frederick Dryer is an American actor, radio host, screenwriter and former professional football player. John, best known as Fred, was a defensive end in the NFL for 13 years. He recorded 103 career sacks with the New York Giants and Los Angeles Rams. Participating in 176 games starting in 1969 until his retirement in 1981. Following his retirement from football, Dryer had a successful career as a film and television actor, notably starring in the series Hunter.
Travels From: Los Angeles, CA
Keynote Topics
Motivational, Leadership, Team Building, Overcoming Adversity, Sports Motivation, Mental Health
Son and spokesman for the Estate of Charlie Daniels, President of Charlie Daniels Brand, Inc and CDB Music, LLC, Host of The Charlie Daniels Podcast
Charlie Daniels, Jr. had the unique opportunity to grow up as the only child of entertainer phenomenon and legend, Charlie Daniels.
Charlie Daniels, Jr. had the unique opportunity to grow up as the only child of entertainer phenomenon and legend, Charlie Daniels. He runs the Charlie Daniels Brand, CDB Music, as well as maintains his father’s social media accounts and Podcast. He’s working on a book about his life experiences growing up as his father’s only child and an in depth history of Volunteer Jam similar to a music festival headlined by the Charlie Daniels Band with a wide variety of big time musical artists.
Travels From: Nashville, TN
Keynote Topics
Current Events, Veterans, Faith, Politics, Music Business, Grief
Spokesperson for the Amelia Earhart Family, CEO of Danforth Pewter, Member of Vermont Climate Council (VCC), and Board Member at Tuttle Printing and Promotional Products
Bram Kleppner is the great-nephew of Amelia Earhart.
Bram Kleppner is the great-nephew of Amelia Earhart. He is CEO of Danforth Pewter, which designs, handcrafts, and sells home and personal accessories, and has led the company from declining sales and losses to growth and profitability through two recessions and the pandemic. At Danforth, Bram has instituted company-wide profit sharing and partially paid maternity leave, has gotten the company to 100% renewable electricity, and has put the company on the path to both zero fossil fuel use and employee ownership. He previously led International Marketing at Ben & Jerry's; and served as Board Chair at the Population Media Center; Co-Chair of Vermont’s Medicaid & Exchange Advisory Board; Member of the Governor's Advisory Council on Health Care Financing; and Member of the Vermont Tax Structure Commission. He holds an MBA from the Grossman School of Business at the University of Vermont, where he served as President of the MBA Association, and a BA with high honors from Middlebury College. He was the 2019 recipient of the Terry Ehrich Award for Lifetime Achievement in Socially Responsible Business.
Travels From: Burlington, VT
Keynote Topics
Amelia Earhart’s Feminist Activism, Climate Change Policy, Social Responsibility Business
Artist
Olivia de Berardinis has been working as an artist since the mid-70s.
Olivia de Berardinis has been working as an artist since the mid-70s. She is best known for her erotica and pinup illustrations. Since 1985 Olivia has been a contributor to Playboy Magazine, where her art was often accompanied with captions written by Hugh Hefner.
Travels From: Burlington, VT
Former Footballer, World Cup Champion, and FIFA World Player of the Year
Lothar is a World Cup Champion. As captain of West Germany, he led them to victory in the 1990 FIFA World Cup.
Lothar is a World Cup Champion. As captain of West Germany, he led them to victory in the 1990 FIFA World Cup. The only German to ever win the FIFA World Player of the Year. Matthäus held the record of having played in five FIFA World Cups (1982, 1986, 1990, 1994 and 1998); more than any other outfield player in men's football, until the 2018 World Cup, in which Mexico's Rafael Márquez equalled his record.
Travels From: Burlington, VT
Award-Winning Voice Actor, Comedian, Motivational Speaker
Dave Dugan is an award-winning writer.
Dave Dugan is an award-winning writer. He will customize his performance to best fit each audience, group or corporation, and has started his performance as an imposter to lighten the mood right off the bat
Travels From: Carmel, IN