Overcoming Adversity Speakers

We all face adversity in life—but what matters is how you overcome it. WSB connects event planners with inspiring speakers who have amazing stories of triumph that will keep your attendees on the edge of their seats. Head coaches, military veterans, psychologists, and astronauts are available to share real-world stories of overcoming adversity. Available for in-person or virtual events and meetings.

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WSB Exclusive Speaker

Adam Grant

Organizational Psychologist, The Wharton School of Business; Bestselling Author; Host: WorkLife, a TED Original Podcast

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WSB Exclusive Speaker

George W. Bush

43rd President of the United States and Founder of the George W. Bush Presidential Center

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WSB Exclusive Speaker

William McRaven

Commander of U.S. Special Operations Command (2011-2014) and of U.S. Joint Special Operations Command (2008-2011); Chancellor of the University of Texas System (2015-2018); Best-selling Author

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WSB Exclusive Speaker

Liz Murray

Inspirational Speaker and Best-Selling Author

Under $25,000
WSB Exclusive Speaker

Kat Cole

Advisor, Investor, COO and President, Athletic Greens

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WSB Exclusive Speaker

Mike Krzyzewski

Head Men's Basketball Coach, Duke University (1980 – 2022)

Over $70,000
WSB Exclusive Speaker

José Andrés

Chef, Restaurateur, Humanitarian

Over $70,000
WSB Exclusive Speaker

Liz Cheney

Former US Representative (2017-2023)

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WSB Exclusive Speaker

Dan Rooney

Motivational Speaker, Fighter Pilot, Patriotic Philanthropist, PGA Professional, Golf Course Developer, and Author, A Patriot's Calling: Living Life Between Fear and Faith and Fly Into the Wind, How to Harness Faith and Fearlessness On Your Ascent to Greatness

$40K - $70K
WSB Exclusive Speaker

Tony Dungy

Former Head Coach, 2007 Super Bowl Champion Indianapolis Colts, Football Television Analyst

Over $70,000
WSB Exclusive Speaker

Jill Ellis

All-Time Winningest Coach in U.S. Soccer History; Legendary Head Coach, U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team and President, National Women’s Soccer League San Diego

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WSB Exclusive Speaker

Kevin Carroll

Best-Selling Author, Expert on Creativity and Innovation, Agent for Social Change

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WSB Exclusive Speaker

James Stavridis

16th Supreme Allied Commander, NATO; Partner and Vice Chair, Global Affairs of The Carlyle Group; New York Times Bestselling Author

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WSB Exclusive Speaker

Kyle Carpenter

Medal of Honor Recipient and Author

Under $25,000
WSB Exclusive Speaker

Theresa May

Prime Minister of the United Kingdom (2016-2019)

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WSB Exclusive Speaker

Terry Bradshaw

Co-host and Analyst, FOX NFL Sunday and NFL Legend

$40K - $70K
WSB Exclusive Speaker

Bonnie St. John

Paralympic Ski Medalist, Fortune 500 Business Consultant, Rhodes Scholar, Former White House Official and Best-Selling Author

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WSB Exclusive Speaker

James Mattis

U.S. Secretary of Defense (2017-2018)

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WSB Exclusive Speaker

Bear Grylls

Host of Man vs. Wild, Running Wild with Bear Grylls, and YOU vs Wild; Adventurer; Author; Philanthropist

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WSB Exclusive Speaker

Eugene Robinson

Pulitzer Prize-winning Columnist, The Washington Post and Political Analyst, MSNBC

Under $25,000
WSB Exclusive Speaker

Richard Montañez

Former Vice President, Multicultural Sales and Community Activation for PepsiCo North America, Author, Philanthropist, Creator of Flamin’ Hot Cheetos brand

$25K - $40K
WSB Exclusive Speaker

Ben Bernanke

Chair, The Federal Reserve System (2006-2014)

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WSB Exclusive Speaker

Lou Holtz

Legendary Football Coach and Analyst, ESPN (2004-2015)

$40K - $70K

Didn’t find the overcoming adversity speaker you were looking for? WSB works with many of the industry’s top speakers each year. Our team of experienced speaker agents is committed to helping you find the perfect speaker for your event. Please contact us for a custom proposal.