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# Worldwide Speakers Group
Top Motivational Speaker & Global Lecture Agency
## Posts
### [AI in Healthcare: Leading Speakers on the Future of Medicine](https://wwsg.com/blog/ai-in-healthcare-leading-speakers-on-the-future-of-medicine/)
**Published:** September 14, 2026
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
### Why AI in healthcare matters
[Artificial intelligence](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/technology-and-innovation/artificial-intelligence-speakers/) is reshaping healthcare at every level, from how clinicians diagnose and treat patients to how organizations develop drugs, manage operations, and engage with the public. AI-powered tools are supporting clinical decision-making, accelerating drug discovery and development, and helping healthcare organizations streamline administrative and operational processes. At the same time, advances in personalized medicine are creating new opportunities to tailor prevention and treatment to individual patients, while digital health technologies are changing how people access information, manage their health, and interact with providers.
The impact of AI extends well beyond the clinical setting. In public health, AI can help analyze large and complex datasets, identify emerging trends, and improve population-level decision-making. For the healthcare workforce, AI has the potential to automate routine tasks, augment human expertise, and reshape the roles and skills needed across the industry. Yet realizing these opportunities also requires careful consideration of regulation, ethics, equity, privacy, and patient trust. Healthcare leaders must navigate questions about responsible AI adoption, algorithmic bias, access to emerging technologies, and how to ensure that innovation strengthens rather than undermines the patient-provider relationship.
For organizations exploring what AI means for the future of healthcare, the right voices can help audiences understand both the possibilities and the challenges ahead. Worldwide Speakers Group (WWSG) connects organizations with leading healthcare experts, physicians, technology innovators, researchers, and thought leaders who can bring informed perspectives on AI’s impact across the industry. Whether you’re planning a healthcare conference, leadership meeting, corporate event, or panel discussion, WWSG can help you find a speaker who brings these critical issues to life for your audience.
[ Contact Us for Personalized Service](https://wwsg.com/contact-us)
## Why AI in Healthcare Matters to Today’s Leaders
Healthcare leaders don’t simply need to know what AI can do; they need to understand how to implement it responsibly and strategically. As artificial intelligence in healthcare moves from experimentation into everyday practice, organizations must determine where AI in clinical care can genuinely improve outcomes, how generative AI in healthcare can enhance rather than complicate workflows, and what safeguards are needed to protect patients and providers. This requires a thoughtful approach to AI healthcare policy, including privacy, security, regulation, equity, and patient trust. Ultimately, successful healthcare AI adoption is not just about embracing new technology; it’s about creating a sustainable strategy for innovation that improves care and prepares organizations for the future of healthcare.
## Leading AI in Healthcare Speakers
#### **[Dr. Scott Gottlieb](http://wwsg.com/speakers/scott-gottlieb) — AI, Regulation, and Healthcare Innovation**
[](http://www.wwsg.com/speakers/scott-gottlieb)
Dr. Scott Gottlieb brings a unique perspective on healthcare innovation from his experience as a physician, former FDA Commissioner, and leader in the development of policies governing new medical technologies. During his tenure at the FDA, he advanced new frameworks for digital health, gene therapies, and other emerging technologies, giving him firsthand insight into the regulatory challenges that accompany healthcare innovation. His current work in healthcare investment and his board service with companies including Pfizer, Illumina, and TempusAI further inform his perspective on how AI can transform medicine while maintaining safety and public trust.
#### **[Dr. Sanjay Gupta](http://wwsg.com/speakers/sanjay-gupta) — AI, Medicine, and the Patient Experience**
[](http://www.wwsg.com/speakers/sanjay-gupta)Dr. Sanjay Gupta combines the perspective of a practicing neurosurgeon with decades of experience communicating complex medical and scientific developments to a global audience as CNN’s Chief Medical Correspondent. His work at the intersection of medicine, technology, health information, and patient education gives audiences a practical perspective on how emerging tools such as AI can influence clinical care and the patient experience. As a trusted medical communicator, he can also address the importance of making technological advances understandable and useful to the people they are ultimately designed to serve.
#### **[Dr. Dave Chokshi](http://wwsg.com/speakers/dave-chokshi) — AI, Public Health, and Health Equity**
[](http://www.wwsg.com/speakers/dave-chokshi)Dr. Dave Chokshi brings extensive experience at the intersection of medicine, public health, and healthcare leadership, including his service as New York City’s Health Commissioner. His work addressing health disparities and improving population health gives him a valuable perspective on how emerging technologies can expand access and improve public health outcomes, while also raising questions about equity. He can help audiences consider how AI can be deployed in ways that benefit entire communities rather than widening existing gaps in healthcare.
#### **[Anand Shah, M.D.](http://wwsg.com/speakers/anand-shah) — AI, Healthcare Delivery, and Life Sciences**
[](http://www.wwsg.com/speakers/anand-shah)Anand Shah, M.D., brings experience spanning medicine, healthcare delivery, government, life sciences, and investment. As a former FDA Deputy Commissioner for Medical and Scientific Affairs, CMS Senior Medical Advisor, and Chief Medical Officer of the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation, he has worked at the forefront of bringing medical innovation into real-world healthcare systems. His experience as a physician and business leader gives him a particularly broad view of how AI and other technologies can improve health outcomes, expand access, and create value across the life sciences and healthcare ecosystem.
#### **[Seema Verma](http://wwsg.com/speakers/seema-verma) — AI, Digital Health, and Healthcare Transformation**
[](http://www.wwsg.com/speakers/seema-verma)Seema Verma is a leading healthcare policy expert who served as Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, where she oversaw healthcare programs serving more than 140 million Americans and a $1.3 trillion budget. She led initiatives focused on reducing regulatory burdens, improving transparency, empowering patients, and accelerating the adoption of innovative medical technologies, including efforts around digital health and patient-owned medical records. Her experience leading large-scale healthcare transformation gives her a practical perspective on how AI can be integrated into healthcare systems while improving quality, access, and efficiency.
#### **[Dr. Leana Wen](http://wwsg.com/speakers/leana-wen) — The Promise and Peril of AI in Healthcare**
[](http://www.wwsg.com/speakers/leana-wen)
Dr. Leana Wen is a practicing physician, healthcare executive, and public health expert whose career has focused on improving healthcare access, addressing disparities, and communicating complex medical issues to the public. As a former health commissioner, health policy professor, and nationally recognized medical commentator, she brings both frontline and policy perspectives to questions about how AI will affect patients, physicians, and the broader healthcare system. Her work makes her particularly well suited to examining both the promise of AI in medicine and the ethical, practical, and societal questions that accompany its adoption.
#### **[Dr. Geeta Nayyar](http://wwsg.com/speakers/geeta-nayyar) — AI, Trust, and the Digital Patient**
[](http://www.wwsg.com/speakers/geeta-nayyar)Dr. Geeta Nayyar is a physician, digital health leader, and former Chief Medical Officer at Salesforce and AT&T who specializes in bridging clinical medicine, business, and healthcare technology. Her work in health IT and digital health has focused on improving health literacy and building trust between patients, providers, and healthcare organizations. She brings a critical perspective to the use of AI in healthcare, particularly the need to ensure that increasingly digital and AI-enabled experiences remain understandable, trustworthy, and centered on the patient.
#### **[Dr. Deborah Birx](http://wwsg.com/speakers/deborah-birx) — Data, Technology, and Public Health**
[](http://www.wwsg.com/speakers/deborah-birx)Dr. Deborah Birx has spent her career applying science, data, and technology to some of the world’s most consequential public health challenges, from HIV/AIDS and infectious disease to pandemic preparedness and COVID-19. As White House Coronavirus Response Coordinator, she used complex data integration to inform decision-making and provide state-specific guidance, while her leadership at the CDC and State Department involved managing large-scale global health programs. Her experience demonstrates how data and technology can strengthen public health decision-making while highlighting the importance of translating complex information into actionable strategies.
#### **[Joseph Grogan](http://wwsg.com/speakers/joseph-grogan) — AI, Healthcare Policy, and Innovation**
[](http://www.wwsg.com/speakers/joseph-grogan)
Joseph Grogan brings more than two decades of experience spanning healthcare policy, government, pharmaceuticals, and the private sector. As Associate Director for Health Programs at the Office of Management and Budget, he managed a $1.3 trillion healthcare portfolio and shaped major regulations issued by the Department of Health and Human Services; he also has private-sector experience with Gilead Sciences and other healthcare companies. His current policy work explicitly includes artificial intelligence, making him well positioned to explore how policymakers, healthcare organizations, and innovators can balance AI-driven progress with effective regulation and responsible adoption.
## Which Audiences Benefit From AI in Healthcare Speakers?
The implications of AI in healthcare extend across the entire healthcare ecosystem. **Healthcare systems and hospitals, pharmaceutical and biotech companies, medical technology companies, health insurers, and healthcare associations** are exploring how AI can improve outcomes, accelerate innovation, and create greater efficiency. Universities and medical schools, technology companies, and government and public-sector organizations are also navigating the opportunities and challenges of integrating AI into healthcare.
For **corporate leadership teams, investors, and healthcare executives**, understanding these developments is increasingly essential to making informed decisions about technology, investment, workforce strategy, and the future of healthcare. Organizations planning a healthcare conference, leadership summit, or industry event can bring these issues to the forefront by engaging an **AI healthcare keynote speaker** or exploring **AI speakers for healthcare conferences** who can help audiences understand where the technology is headed and what responsible adoption looks like in practice.
## Choosing the Right AI in Healthcare Speaker
If your audience wants…Consider…AI and healthcare regulationScott GottliebAI and clinical innovationAnand ShahAI, public health, and equityDave ChokshiAI and digital healthSeema VermaAI, trust, and misinformationGeeta NayyarAI and the patient/physician experienceLeana Wen or Sanjay GuptaData-driven public health leadershipDeborah BirxHealthcare policy and innovationJoseph Grogan
## FAQ
What are the biggest opportunities for AI in healthcare?
AI has the potential to improve diagnosis, personalize treatment, accelerate drug discovery, streamline healthcare operations, support clinicians, improve patient access, and strengthen public health. WWSG speakers examine these opportunities from medical, technological, business, and policy perspectives.
What are the risks of using AI in healthcare?
Key concerns include patient privacy, algorithmic bias, inaccurate or misleading outputs, cybersecurity, regulatory uncertainty, workforce disruption, and maintaining patient and clinician trust. Healthcare leaders must consider both the potential benefits and risks before implementing AI at scale.
Who are the leading AI in healthcare speakers?
Worldwide Speakers Group represents leading healthcare experts who address artificial intelligence and the future of medicine, including Dr. Scott Gottlieb, Dr. Dave Chokshi, Anand Shah, Seema Verma, Dr. Geeta Nayyar, Dr. Leana Wen, and others with expertise spanning healthcare policy, clinical medicine, public health, digital health, and innovation.
How can organizations bring an AI in healthcare expert to their event?
Organizations can work with [Worldwide Speakers Group](http://wwsg.com/contact-us) to identify and book a healthcare expert whose experience and perspective align with their audience, event objectives, and desired discussion of artificial intelligence, healthcare innovation, policy, or the future of medicine.
## Bring a Healthcare Speaker to Your Next Event
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### [Stephen Harper’s Here for Canada: A New Memoir from Canada’s 22nd Prime Minister](https://wwsg.com/announcements/stephen-harpers-here-for-canada-a-new-memoir-from-canadas-22nd-prime-minister/)
**Published:** August 13, 2026
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
On November 3, 2026, [former Canadian Prime Minister](http://wwsg.com/speakers/stephen-harper) Stephen Harper will offer readers something few leaders can: a firsthand account of nearly a decade at the center of Canadian and global affairs. *Here for Canada: Memoirs of the 22nd Prime Minister*, published by Penguin, takes readers behind the scenes of Harper’s path to the prime ministership and the major decisions, challenges, triumphs, and controversies that defined his time in office.
For event planners looking to bring an accomplished statesman and experienced global leader to their audiences, the release of *Here for Canada* also offers a timely opportunity to engage Stephen Harper as a keynote speaker through Worldwide Speakers Group (WWSG), his exclusive speakers bureau.
## Inside *Here for Canada*
Harper’s memoir examines the events and decisions that shaped his nearly ten years as Canada’s prime minister, offering his personal perspective on what it means to lead a country through periods of economic uncertainty, geopolitical instability, and profound change.
Among the subjects Harper explores are Canada’s response to the 2008 global financial crisis, the country’s military involvement in Afghanistan, Canada’s Northern sovereignty, and his government’s efforts to expand Canada’s international trading relationships. The book also revisits Harper’s approach to some of the world’s most consequential geopolitical relationships and challenges, including China, Russia, Ukraine, India, the Middle East, global energy markets, foreign trade, and Canada’s relationship with the United States.
As a trained economist, Harper also provides his perspective on economic policy, including his government’s efforts to restore Canada’s budget to balance, strengthen competitiveness, encourage natural-resource development, and navigate the aftermath of the global financial crisis. The result is both a political memoir and an insider’s account of the economic, security, and foreign-policy considerations that accompany leadership at the highest level.
The book will be available in hardcover, ebook, and audiobook formats beginning November 3, 2026. The hardcover edition is 664 pages and is currently available for preorder through the publisher’s website: [Preorder ](https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/716340/here-for-canada-by-stephen-j-harper/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)*[Here for Canada](https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/716340/here-for-canada-by-stephen-j-harper/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)*[ from Penguin Random House](https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/716340/here-for-canada-by-stephen-j-harper/?utm_source=chatgpt.com).
Stephen Harper speaks at an event## Why Stephen Harper Is a Compelling Keynote Speaker
The release of *Here for Canada* comes at a particularly relevant moment for audiences grappling with many of the same issues Harper confronted during his time in office: geopolitical competition, economic uncertainty, global trade, national security, and rapidly changing relationships between major powers.
As Canada’s 22nd Prime Minister, Harper led the country from 2006 to 2015, navigating the global financial crisis, international conflicts, changing trade relationships, and significant shifts in the geopolitical landscape. Today, he brings that experience to audiences as a statesman, economist, business leader, and strategic thinker.
His keynote presentations draw on firsthand experience at the G7 and G20 tables and address issues including global stability, economic policy, international trade, foreign policy, and geopolitical risk. His perspective is particularly valuable for business leaders and organizations seeking to understand how political and economic developments can affect markets, organizations, and long-term strategy.
Harper’s appeal as a speaker also extends beyond his résumé. Event organizers have praised his ability to deliver thoughtful, engaging, and candid presentations. One event executive described him as “candid, funny, and well-spoken,” while another noted that his keynote was instrumental in making the program a success.
## Turn a Harper Keynote Into a Lasting Experience
For organizations bringing Stephen Harper to their stage, *Here for Canada* can provide an additional way to extend the impact of the event beyond the keynote itself.
Consider providing copies of the memoir to attendees, executives, VIP guests, or members of an organization’s leadership team. A book connected directly to the speaker and themes of the event gives audiences an opportunity to continue exploring the ideas discussed onstage long after the event concludes.
For conferences focused on leadership, economics, [geopolitics](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/geopolitics/), international business, [government](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/government-and-politics/), or Canada-U.S. relations, the memoir can also serve as a natural complement to Harper’s presentation. Event planners may wish to consider arranging advance book purchases for attendees as part of their overall event experience.
WWSG can work with organizers to discuss book-ordering possibilities and determine how books may be incorporated into an event package.
## Bring Stephen Harper to Your Next Event
Stephen Harper offers audiences a perspective shaped by nearly a decade leading a G7 nation and firsthand experience confronting some of the defining economic, political, and security challenges of the 21st century. With the upcoming release of *Here for Canada*, audiences also have a new opportunity to hear the story behind that leadership directly from the person who experienced it.
Stephen Harper is an **exclusive speaker with Worldwide Speakers Group**, which manages his speaking engagements and works with organizations to bring his expertise to audiences around the world. **To inquire about hosting Stephen Harper for a keynote, fireside chat, or other speaking engagement, [contact WWSG](http://wwsg.com/contact-us).**
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**Categories:** Announcements, Blog
**Tags:** Canada-U.S. relations, Canadian Prime Minister, economics speakers, former Prime Minister, Geopolitical Speakers, Global Affairs, Here for Canada, international relations, Keynote Speakers, leadership speakers, political leadership, Political Speakers, speakers’ bureau, Stephen Harper, Stephen Harper memoir
---
### [So Help Me God by Mike Pence](https://wwsg.com/announcements/now-available-so-help-me-god-by-mike-pence/)
**Published:** November 15, 2022
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
*So Help Me God* published November 15, 2022. In the *New York Times* bestselling book, Pence recounts his journey from his youth in Columbus, Indiana, to the vice presidency of the United States. This is the inside story of the Trump Administration from its second-highest ranking official and of a profound faith that has guided Pence throughout his life. [Click here](https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/So-Help-Me-God/Mike-Pence/9781982190330) to order the book.
Hosting Mike Pence brings meaningful value to events by offering audiences a rare combination of firsthand leadership experience, principled perspective, and thoughtful reflection on the future of American conservatism. Drawing on his service as Vice President, Governor, and Member of Congress—as well as the themes of What Conservatives Believe—Pence provides clarity on enduring conservative principles and how they can be applied to today’s complex political, economic, and global challenges. His remarks resonate with organizations seeking civil, values-driven dialogue, including business and industry groups, educational institutions, policy forums, faith-based organizations, and civic audiences interested in leadership, governance, and the role of character and statesmanship in public life. To host him for a speaking opportunity, [contact Worldwide Speakers Group](http://wwsg.com/contact-us "http://wwsg.com/contact-us").
**Categories:** Announcements
**Tags:** Government, mike pence, book, author, new release, so help me god, united states, us, vice president, trump
---
### [Go Home for Dinner by Mike Pence](https://wwsg.com/announcements/now-available-go-home-for-dinner-by-mike-pence/)
**Published:** November 16, 2023
**Author:** Riley Sims
**Content:**
#### In this personal account, Vice President Mike Pence champions one of his most deeply held beliefs: faith makes a family, and family makes a life.
*Go Home for Dinner* is an in-depth, practical guide to balancing the demands of life with the long-term satisfaction that only a commitment to your family can bring. In this personal account, former Vice President Mike Pence champions one of his most deeply held beliefs: that faith makes a family, and family makes a life. And, through straightforward advice and personal storytelling, he shows readers how to do the same. [Click here](https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Go-Home-for-Dinner/Mike-Pence/9781982190361) to order the book.
Hosting Mike Pence brings meaningful value to events by offering audiences a rare combination of firsthand leadership experience, principled perspective, and thoughtful reflection on the future of American conservatism. Drawing on his service as Vice President, Governor, and Member of Congress—as well as the themes of What Conservatives Believe—Pence provides clarity on enduring conservative principles and how they can be applied to today’s complex political, economic, and global challenges. His remarks resonate with organizations seeking civil, values-driven dialogue, including business and industry groups, educational institutions, policy forums, faith-based organizations, and civic audiences interested in leadership, governance, and the role of character and statesmanship in public life. To host him for a speaking opportunity, [contact Worldwide Speakers Group](http://wwsg.com/contact-us "http://wwsg.com/contact-us").
**Categories:** Announcements
**Tags:** Government, mike pence, Keynote Speaker, author, new release, us, vice president, Home for dinner, VP, family values
---
### [What Conservatives Believe by Mike Pence](https://wwsg.com/announcements/what-conservatives-believe-by-mike-pence/)
**Published:** January 21, 2026
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
## What Conservatives Believe: Rediscovering the Conservative Conscience
**What do conservatives actually believe?**
In this powerful and inspiring manifesto, *New York Times* bestselling author and former Vice President [Mike Pence](http://wwsg.com/speakers/mike-pence) pens a 21st-century version of *The Conscience of a Conservative.* With candid insights after decades as a happy warrior in the movement, Pence convincingly explains why the Republican Party must choose enduring conservative principles over the temptations of big-government populism.
Conservatives know that wisdom often begins by consulting the people who came before us. As Barry Goldwater wrote, conservative principles persist because they are rooted in the truth. But this isn’t just a book about the past. It’s about how time-tested conservative principles can be applied to the problems of tomorrow. Pence explains why conservatives believe our rights come from God and then articulates conservative positions on the right to life, limited government, law and order, economic freedom, the national debt, federalism, patriotic education, the traditional family, peace through strength, and standing with Israel, among many other issues—as well as the virtues of character, civility, and statesmanship in our politics.
Few politicians have the strength of character of former Congressman, Governor, and Vice President Pence. Pence is the standard bearer for true conservative values at a time when many readers and voters no longer understand what it means to be a conservative, or why conservative values are so important.
In *What Conservatives Believe*, Pence writes about the importance of conservatism with authority, respect, and candor. As he’s fond of saying, “I’m a conservative but I’m not in a bad mood about it.” A true statesman and leader, Pence defines conservatism for a new generation in what promises to become a timeless conservative classic. [Click here](https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/mike-pence-2/what-conservatives-believe/9781546011637/ "https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/mike-pence-2/what-conservatives-believe/9781546011637/") to order the book.
Hosting Mike Pence brings meaningful value to events by offering audiences a rare combination of firsthand leadership experience, principled perspective, and thoughtful reflection on the future of American conservatism. Drawing on his service as Vice President, Governor, and Member of Congress—as well as the themes of *What Conservatives Believe*—Pence provides clarity on enduring conservative principles and how they can be applied to today’s complex political, economic, and global challenges. His remarks resonate with organizations seeking civil, values-driven dialogue, including business and industry groups, educational institutions, policy forums, faith-based organizations, and civic audiences interested in leadership, governance, and the role of character and statesmanship in public life. To host him for a speaking opportunity, [contact Worldwide Speakers Group](http://wwsg.com/contact-us).
**Categories:** Announcements
**Tags:** Mike Pence speaker, Mike Pence keynote speaker, Mike Pence speaking engagements, conservative leadership speaker, former vice president speaker, political leadership keynote, conservative values speaker, government leadership speaker, public policy keynote, civic engagement speaker, faith and leadership speaker, economic policy speaker, national security keynote, statesmanship speaker, American conservatism speaker
---
### [Motivational Speakers to Inspire Audiences](https://wwsg.com/blog/motivational-speakers-to-inspire-audiences/)
**Published:** August 5, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Excerpt:** Discover the different types of motivational speakers and learn how to choose the right keynote speaker for your conference, meeting, or corporate event.
**Content:**
Employee engagement, resilience, and leadership have become top priorities for organizations navigating rapid change. As a result, [motivational keynote speakers](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/motivational/) continue to be among the most requested speakers for corporate events, leadership conferences, annual meetings, association conferences, and sales kickoffs.
Today’s best motivational speakers go far beyond delivering feel-good stories. They challenge audiences to think differently, embrace adversity, strengthen workplace culture, and perform at a higher level. Whether sharing extraordinary personal journeys, proven leadership strategies, or research-backed insights on mental wellbeing, these speakers leave audiences with practical takeaways that extend well beyond the keynote.
At Worldwide Speakers Group, we work with organizations across every industry to match the right motivational speaker to their audience, objectives, and event theme.
## What Makes a Great Motivational Keynote?
The most effective motivational speakers don’t simply inspire—they create lasting impact. The strongest keynote presentations combine authentic storytelling with actionable lessons that attendees can immediately apply in their work and personal lives.
Depending on your event goals, you may be looking for a speaker who can:
- **Inspire** resilience through extraordinary personal stories
- **Strengthen** leadership and high-performing teams
- **Boost** employee engagement and workplace culture
- **Support** mental health and overall wellbeing
- **Encourage** innovation, confidence, and personal growth
## Top Motivational Speakers
### Inspirational Life Stories & Storytellers
- **[Justin Wren](http://wwsg.com/speakers/justin-wren)** – Former MMA fighter, humanitarian, and founder of Fight for the Forgotten, Justin Wren inspires audiences with extraordinary stories from his work bringing clean water, healthcare, and advocacy to the Batwa people of the Congo, sharing powerful lessons on resilience, purpose-driven leadership, service, and making a lasting impact.
- [**Michelle Miller**](https://wwsg.com/speakers/michelle-miller/) – Agricultural advocate and bestselling author Michelle “The Farm Babe” Miller helps audiences better understand modern agriculture, food systems, sustainability, and how to bridge the gap between farmers and consumers through authentic storytelling.
- [**Molly Bloom**](https://wwsg.com/speakers/molly-bloom/) – Bestselling author of *Molly’s Game* and former U.S. Ski Team athlete, Molly Bloom inspires audiences with powerful lessons on resilience, leadership, integrity, peak performance, and thriving through adversity.
- [**Ken Burns**](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ken-burns/) – Acclaimed documentary filmmaker Ken Burns explores American history, leadership, democracy, and the enduring stories that shape our nation through his award-winning films and compelling storytelling.
- [**Nyle DiMarco**](https://wwsg.com/speakers/nyle-dimarco/) – Deaf activist, model, producer, and entrepreneur Nyle DiMarco delivers inspiring presentations on inclusion, accessibility, overcoming barriers, disability advocacy, and authentic leadership.
- [**Father Greg Boyle**](https://wwsg.com/speakers/greg-boyle/) – As the founder of Homeboy Industries—the world’s largest gang intervention, rehabilitation, and re-entry program—Fr. Greg Boyle speaks about helping former gang members rebuild their lives while offering profound lessons on leadership, compassion, inclusion, and human dignity.
- [**Misty Copeland**](https://wwsg.com/speakers/misty-copeland/) – The first Black female Principal Dancer with American Ballet Theatre, Misty Copeland shares her extraordinary journey while speaking about perseverance, diversity, excellence, resilience, and achieving success against the odds.
- [**Michelle Curran**](https://wwsg.com/speakers/michelle-curran/) – Former U.S. Air Force Thunderbird pilot Michelle “Mace” Curran equips organizations with practical lessons on teamwork, trust, leadership under pressure, and high-performance execution drawn from elite aviation.
- [**José Hernández**](https://wwsg.com/speakers/jose-hernandez/) – Former NASA astronaut and engineer José Hernández, whose remarkable journey from migrant farmworker to space inspired the major motion picture A Million Miles Away, motivates audiences with powerful lessons on perseverance, innovation, STEM, leadership, and achieving seemingly impossible dreams.
### Peak Performance Motivators
- [**Sarah Wells**](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sarah-wells/) – Olympian, entrepreneur, and resilience expert Sarah Wells empowers audiences to embrace setbacks as opportunities for growth, sharing practical strategies for building resilience, sustaining peak performance, and achieving ambitious goals.
- [**Erin King**](https://wwsg.com/speakers/erin-king/) – Bestselling author and former sales executive Erin King helps leaders and teams unlock their peak potential by teaching the science of human energy, high performance, and how to thrive in today’s fast-paced workplace.
- [**Mark Schulman**](https://wwsg.com/speakers/mark-schulman/) – World-renowned drummer for legendary artists including P!NK, Billy Idol, and Foreigner, Mark Schulman shows audiences how to cultivate a rockstar mindset, perform under pressure, and achieve consistent excellence through attitude, resilience, and collaboration.
- [**Will Guidara**](https://wwsg.com/speakers/will-guidara/) – Restaurateur, bestselling author of *Unreasonable Hospitality*, and former co-owner of Eleven Madison Park, Will Guidara inspires organizations to elevate performance by creating extraordinary customer experiences through leadership, teamwork, and a culture of generosity.
- [**Dan Hampton**](https://wwsg.com/speakers/dan-hampton/) – Retired U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel, one of America’s most decorated F-16 fighter pilots, and bestselling author Dan Hampton shares hard-earned lessons on leadership, decision-making under extreme pressure, resilience, and achieving peak performance when the stakes are highest.
- [**Amy Jo Martin**](https://wwsg.com/speakers/amy-jo-martin/) – Entrepreneur, investor, bestselling author, and founder of Renegade, Amy Jo Martin helps audiences maximize their personal and professional potential by embracing innovation, authentic leadership, and purposeful growth.
- [**Juan Bendana**](https://wwsg.com/speakers/juan-bendana/) – Peak performance coach and bestselling author Juan Bendana equips leaders and teams with practical tools to develop confidence, build resilient mindsets, and consistently perform at their best, even in the face of uncertainty.
- [**Lilah Jones**](https://wwsg.com/speakers/lilah-jones/) – Former Google sales and leadership executive, Lilah Jones helps leaders and teams break through uncertainty, activate courageous decision-making, and sustain peak performance with practical strategies for leading through change and unlocking their full potential.
### Mental Health & Wellbeing Advocates
- [**Dr. Sanjay Gupta**](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sanjay-gupta/) – Emmy Award-winning neurosurgeon, CNN Chief Medical Correspondent, and bestselling author Dr. Sanjay Gupta helps audiences better understand the science of brain health, mental wellness, stress management, and living healthier, more resilient lives.
- [**Dr. Nicholas Christakis**](https://wwsg.com/speakers/nicholas-christakis/) – Renowned physician, sociologist, and Yale professor Dr. Nicholas Christakis explores how our social connections shape mental health, happiness, resilience, and overall wellbeing, offering evidence-based insights into building healthier communities and workplaces.
- [**Ryan Dusick**](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ryan-dusick/) – Former founding drummer of Maroon 5, psychotherapist, and bestselling author Ryan Dusick shares his personal journey through anxiety, depression, addiction, and recovery, providing practical tools for improving mental health, preventing burnout, and building emotional resilience.
- [**Suneel Gupta**](https://wwsg.com/speakers/suneel-gupta/) – Bestselling author, entrepreneur, and Harvard Medical School faculty member Suneel Gupta teaches individuals and organizations how to overcome burnout, rediscover purpose, and achieve sustainable success without sacrificing their wellbeing.
- [**Susan Cain**](https://wwsg.com/speakers/susan-cain/) – Bestselling author of *Quiet* and *Bittersweet*, Susan Cain helps audiences harness the strengths of introversion, embrace the power of emotion, and cultivate greater resilience, creativity, and emotional wellbeing.
- [**Dan Buettner**](https://wwsg.com/speakers/dan-buettner/) – National Geographic Explorer, bestselling author, and creator of the Blue Zones, Dan Buettner shares the proven lifestyle habits of the world’s longest-lived populations, helping audiences improve wellbeing, reduce stress, and live longer, healthier lives.
- [**John O’Leary**](https://wwsg.com/speakers/john-oleary/) – Inspirational speaker and bestselling author John O’Leary motivates audiences to overcome adversity, cultivate gratitude, and build the resilience needed to thrive personally and professionally.
- [**Amy Purdy**](https://wwsg.com/speakers/amy-purdy/) – Paralympic medalist, bestselling author, and acclaimed motivational speaker Amy Purdy inspires audiences with her remarkable story of resilience, encouraging individuals to embrace change, overcome setbacks, and find strength through life’s greatest challenges.
## Frequently Asked Questions
What are the different types of motivational speakers?
Motivational speakers come from many different backgrounds, including athletes, business leaders, military veterans, entrepreneurs, entertainers, healthcare experts, and individuals who have overcome extraordinary adversity. Some focus on leadership or peak performance, while others specialize in resilience, mental health, teamwork, innovation, or personal growth. The best choice depends on your event’s goals and audience.
How do I choose the right motivational speaker for my event?
Start by identifying the outcome you want for your audience. If your organization is navigating change, a resilience speaker may be ideal. If you’re hosting a sales kickoff, a peak performance speaker may resonate most. Working with an experienced speakers bureau like WWSG can help match your event objectives, audience, budget, and format with the right keynote speaker.
What is the difference between a motivational speaker and an inspirational speaker?
While the terms are often used interchangeably, inspirational speakers typically share personal stories that encourage audiences, while motivational speakers combine those stories with practical strategies that inspire people to take action and improve performance.
How much does it cost to hire a motivational speaker?
Speaking fees vary widely depending on the speaker’s experience, availability, travel requirements, and event format. Emerging speakers may charge several thousand dollars, while bestselling authors, celebrities, and world leaders can command significantly higher fees. A speakers bureau can help identify options that fit your budget.
## Ready to find the right keynote speaker for your event?
[Explore Worldwide Speakers Group’s roster of thought leaders](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/) to find the right speaker for your next event. [Contact us](http://wwsg.com/contact-us) to connect with a booking expert.
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**Tags:** sports motivational speakers, corporate motivational speakers, motivational speakers for conferences, guest speakers, keynote speaker agency, public speaking agency, peak performance speakers, wellbeing speakers, leadership keynote speakers, employee engagement speakers, teamwork speakers, change management speakers, Olympic speakers, overcoming adversity speakers, bestselling authors, José Hernández, Justin Wren, Erin King, Mark Schulman, Will Guidara, Dan Hampton, Amy Jo Martin, Juan Bendana, Lilah Jones, Susan Cain, nicholas christakis, Keynote Speakers, Suneel Gupta, motivational speakers, Mental Health Speakers, Inspirational Speakers, Dan Buettner, speakers’ bureau, Keynote Speaker, Ryan Dusick, leadership speakers, molly bloom, Conference Speakers, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, how to book a keynote speaker, business motivational speakers, motivational keynote speakers, resilience speakers, John O'Leary, Amy Purdy, Sarah Wells, corporate wellness speakers
---
### [Why Book a Scientist or Astronaut as Your Next Keynote Speaker?](https://wwsg.com/blog/why-book-a-scientist-or-astronaut-as-your-next-keynote-speaker/)
**Published:** July 16, 2026
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
Today’s audiences want more than technical expertise—they want stories that inspire curiosity, reveal what’s next, and help them better understand a rapidly changing world. [Scientists and astronauts](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/technology-and-innovation/?pg=1&sort=_score&size=20&mz.topic=astronauts-scientists) bring firsthand experience from the front lines of discovery, translating complex topics into engaging presentations that leave audiences energized and informed.
Whether discussing [artificial intelligence](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/technology-and-innovation/artificial-intelligence-speakers/), space exploration, [public health](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/healthcare-and-wellness/), leadership under pressure, or the future of technology, these speakers connect groundbreaking ideas to practical lessons organizations can apply today. Their unique perspectives resonate with corporate teams, associations, educational institutions, healthcare organizations, and STEM-focused events alike.
Worldwide Speakers Group represents many of the world’s leading scientists, astronauts, engineers, and innovators. Our team works closely with event planners to identify the right speaker for each audience and manages every aspect of the engagement—from speaker selection and contracting to logistics and on-site coordination—delivering the seamless, white-glove service WWSG is known for.
## Why Book a Scientist or Astronaut for Your Event?
### *These speakers help audiences:*
- **Understand emerging technologies** and scientific breakthroughs
- **Build resilience** through real-world stories of high-stakes leadership
- **Inspire innovation** and creative problem-solving
- **Explore the future** of AI, healthcare, space, and scientific discovery
- **Encourage curiosity**, lifelong learning, and collaboration
## Featured Scientists & Astronaut Speakers
### Scientists & Researchers
- [Dr. Nicholas Christakis](http://wwsg.com/speakers/nicholas-christakis) – Human nature, social science, AI
- [Dr. Michio Kaku](http://wwsg.com/speakers/michio-kaku) – String theory, futurism
- [Dr. Moiya McTier](http://wwsg.com/speakers/moiya-mctier) – Astrophysics, the history of our galaxy
- [Dr. Michael Osterholm](http://wwsg.com/speakers/michael-osterholm) – Epidemiology, public health
- [Dr. Sanjay Gupta](http://wwsg.com/speakers/sanjay-gupta) – Neuroscience, healthy living, longevity
- [Dr. Reed Timmer](http://wwsg.com/speakers/reed-timmer) – Weather and storm chasing, technology
### Astronauts & Marine Exploration
- [Shane Kimbrough](https://wwsg.com/speakers/shane-kimbrough/) – 18-year NASA astronaut, innovative technology
- [Mike Massimino](https://wwsg.com/speakers/mike-massimino/) – NASA, engineering, teamwork and innovation
- [José Hernández](https://wwsg.com/speakers/jose-hernandez/) – NASA Astronaut, aerospace engineering, STEM Advocate
- [Tom Jones](http://wwsg.com/speakers/tom-jones) – 11-year NASA pilot, robotics, engineering
- [Dr. Robert Ballard](http://wwsg.com/speakers/robert-ballard) – Marine exploration, geophysics, teamwork
- [Victor Vescovo](http://wwsg.com/speakers/victor-vescovo) – Marine exploration, space flight, genetics and cloning
### Innovation & STEM Leadership
- [Sylvia Acevedo](http://wwsg.com/speakers/sylvia-acevedo) – Women in STEM, leadership,
- [David Lochridge](http://wwsg.com/speakers/david-lochridge) – Safety, marine exploration
- [Dr. Deborah Birx](http://wwsg.com/speakers/deborah-birx) – Immunology, global health
- [Dr. Robert Redfield](http://wwsg.com/speakers/robert-redfield) – Virology, leadership
*Looking for a different scientific or STEM expert? Explore our full roster of scientists, astronauts, physicians, and innovators or contact our team for personalized recommendations.*
## Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I book a scientist or astronaut as a keynote speaker?
Scientists and astronauts offer firsthand perspectives on innovation, discovery, and solving complex problems. Their experiences inspire audiences while providing practical lessons on leadership, resilience, teamwork, and preparing for the future.
What types of events are best suited for scientist keynote speakers?
Scientist keynote speakers are excellent for association conferences, corporate meetings, healthcare conferences, technology events, higher education, STEM initiatives, innovation summits, and leadership conferences.
Can scientific topics be engaging for non-technical audiences?
Absolutely. WWSG speakers are selected not only for their expertise but also for their ability to make complex subjects understandable, relatable, and entertaining for audiences of every background.
How does Worldwide Speakers Group help event planners?
Worldwide Speakers Group helps identify the right speaker for your audience, manages contracting and logistics, coordinates with the speaker’s team, and provides full logistical services throughout the planning process to ensure a successful event.
## Ready to find the right keynote speaker for your event?
[Explore Worldwide Speakers Group’s roster of thought leaders](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/) to find the right speaker for your next event. [Contact us](http://wwsg.com/contact-us) to connect with a booking expert.
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**Tags:** Technology Speakers, Keynote Speakers, Worldwide Speakers Group, leadership speakers, AI speakers, healthcare keynote speakers, scientist keynote speakers, astronaut keynote speakers, NASA speakers, STEM speakers, science speakers bureau, innovation keynote speakers, space exploration speakers, future of technology speakers, motivational scientists
---
### [Sanjay Gupta: Eat Like the World's Longest-Living People](https://wwsg.com/blog/sanjay-gupta-eat-like-the-worlds-longest-living-people/)
**Published:** June 26, 2026
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
*From WWSG exclusive thought leader, [Dr. Sanjay Gupta](http://wwsg.com/speakers/sanjay-gupta):*
In trying to find the secrets of living well, researchers like my friend [Dan Buettner](http://wwsg.com/speakers/dan-buettner) have often looked to where longevity seems like a natural way of life. These so-called “blue zones” are places and cultures that have a high concentration of centenarians, like Sardinia, Italy, or Okinawa, Japan. And what these places all seem to share is an emphasis on social connection, healthy eating and movement.
From studying and reporting on these areas throughout my career, I’ve incorporated a number of their lessons on how to eat into my own life.
The first lesson that I’ve adopted is the phrase: “Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a pauper.” Studies have found that front-loading the day with good nutrients helps keep us from reaching for junk foods that do little to fuel the body and the brain later in the day.
And a “king’s meal” in many of these places isn’t a plate of eggs and bacon. Instead, diets in blue zones tend to incorporate plant-based proteins along with complex carbohydrates like beans and rice, as well as plant-based fats like nuts and seeds. In many blue zones, it means a savory bowl of soup instead of pancakes for breakfast. If I’m craving something sweet in the morning, I’ll reach for a bowl of oatmeal with a handful of blueberries.
Another lesson I’ve adopted from the blue zones is the Japanese phrase *hara hachi bu*. It essentially translates to: “Push the plate away when you’re 80% full.” So I don’t eat with a goal of trying to be full, but rather to be satisfied. Remember, it takes about 15 minutes for your stomach to catch up with your brain and realize you’ve had enough to eat. You can eat a three-course meal in 15 minutes *—* so instead of helping yourself to another serving, pause and wait.
These lessons may be common in blue zones, but we can all incorporate them into our lives.
Dr. Sanjay Gupta brings exceptional credibility, experience, and insight to the stage as one of the world’s most trusted voices in health and medicine. As CNN’s chief medical correspondent and a practicing neurosurgeon, he has covered every major health crisis of the past two decades—from reporting on the ground in natural disaster and war zones to providing trusted guidance throughout the global COVID-19 pandemic.
Audiences benefit not only from Dr. Gupta’s extensive medical expertise, but also from his remarkable ability to make complex health topics accessible, engaging, and relevant. Whether exploring brain health, crisis preparedness, medical innovation, or the evolving relationship between healthcare and media, he delivers timely, practical insights that resonate with organizations and audiences across every industry.
To host Dr. Gupta for a speaking opportunity, [contact WWSG](http://wwsg.com/contact-us).
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** Diet, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, healthy habits, longevity, healthy eating, living life to the fullest
---
### [3 Ways Geoeconomics Is Replacing Traditional Economic Forecasting in 2026](https://wwsg.com/blog/3-ways-geoeconomics-is-replacing-traditional-economic-forecasting-in-2026/)
**Published:** May 26, 2026
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
In 2026, the worlds of finance, economics, and geopolitics have become deeply interconnected. Business leaders are no longer navigating a marketplace shaped solely by inflation, interest rates, or consumer demand. Instead, organizations are operating in an era defined by tariffs, sanctions, supply chain disruptions, [AI competition](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/technology-and-innovation/artificial-intelligence/), industrial policy, and rising [geopolitical tensions](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/geopolitics/) between global powers. Economic policy has become a strategic weapon, and understanding [geoeconomic risk](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/economy-and-finance/geoeconomic-risk/) is now essential for leaders across every industry.
As a result, the most sought-after keynote speakers today are those who can help audiences make sense of a rapidly changing global landscape. From economic warfare and U.S.-China competition to the future of AI, energy security, and global markets, these are the conversations dominating boardrooms, investment firms, universities, and major industry conferences worldwide.
## 1. Geoeconomic Risk and Economic Warfare
Eddie Fishman speaking at ACORE Finance ForumEconomic competition between nations has entered a new era. Governments are increasingly using sanctions, tariffs, export controls, and industrial policy to advance strategic objectives and protect national interests. For businesses, geopolitical tensions are no longer abstract foreign policy issues — they directly impact supply chains, investment decisions, technology access, energy markets, and long-term growth strategies.
Today’s leading experts on economic statecraft help audiences understand how global power is shifting and what it means for industries around the world. Speakers like [Edward Fishman](http://wwsg.com/speakers/edward-fishman), [Eyck Freymann](http://wwsg.com/speakers/eyck-freymann), and [Niall Ferguson](http://wwsg.com/speakers/niall-ferguson) offer critical insights into economic warfare, strategic competition, sanctions policy, and the growing intersection of business and geopolitics.
Possible event discussion topics include:
- U.S.–China strategic competition
- Economic warfare and sanctions
- Supply chain resilience and reshoring
- Tariffs, trade restrictions, and industrial policy
- Energy security and global power dynamics
- The future of globalization
## 2. AI, Semiconductors, and the Global Technology Race
Chris Miller author of [*Chip War*](https://wwsg.com/blog/congratulations-to-wwsg-exclusive-speaker-chris-miller/) speaks to an audienceArtificial intelligence and advanced technologies are rapidly reshaping the global economy — but they are also reshaping geopolitics. The race for dominance in AI, semiconductors, cybersecurity, and critical technologies has become one of the defining strategic challenges of our time. Governments and corporations alike are investing heavily in technological leadership, recognizing that innovation now carries enormous economic and national security implications.
Keynote speakers focused on technology and geopolitics help audiences understand how AI competition, chip manufacturing, and digital infrastructure are influencing markets, policy, and international relations. Experts such as [Chris Miller](http://wwsg.com/speakers/chris-miller), [Patrick McGee](http://wwsg.com/speakers/patrick-mcgee), and [Ian Bremmer](http://wwsg.com/speakers/ian-bremmer) provide valuable perspective on the industries and technologies shaping the next decade of global competition.
Possible discussion topics include:
- The global semiconductor race
- AI and national competitiveness
- Technology supply chains
- Cybersecurity and digital infrastructure
- Innovation, regulation, and industrial policy
- The geopolitical future of AI
## 3. Global Markets, Central Banks, and Economic Fragmentation
While traditional economic concerns like inflation, interest rates, and financial markets remain critically important, they are now unfolding against a backdrop of geopolitical uncertainty and economic fragmentation. Central banks, policymakers, and investors are navigating a world shaped by shifting alliances, rising debt burdens, energy volatility, and changing global trade patterns.
Today’s most respected economic thinkers help audiences interpret these complex forces and understand where the global economy may be headed next. Speakers such as [Hank Paulson](http://wwsg.com/speakers/hank-paulson), [Agustín Carstens](http://wwsg.com/speakers/agustin-carstens), and Deborah Lehr offer informed perspectives on financial stability, global markets, monetary policy, and long-term economic risk.
Possible discussion topics include:
- Inflation and interest rate outlooks
- Central bank policy and financial stability
- Global debt and economic resilience
- Deglobalization and economic fragmentation
- Energy markets and economic security
- Investment trends in an uncertain world
As economic and geopolitical forces continue to converge, organizations are increasingly seeking speakers who can provide clarity, context, and actionable insight. Whether addressing corporate leadership teams, investors, policymakers, or academic audiences, today’s top finance and geopolitical speakers are helping audiences better understand the risks—and opportunities—shaping the future global economy.
### Economy Keynote Speakers FAQ
What primary factors are affecting the economy today?
Today’s economy is being shaped by a combination of inflation, interest rates, global conflicts, supply chain disruptions, artificial intelligence, energy markets, government industrial policy, and geopolitical competition between major powers like the U.S. and China. Businesses and investors are also navigating economic fragmentation, technology competition, and evolving global trade relationships that continue to impact markets worldwide.
What are geoeconomics?
Geoeconomics refers to the intersection of economics and geopolitics, or how countries use economic tools like trade policy, tariffs, sanctions, technology restrictions, energy policy, and supply chains to advance strategic and political goals.
What is a speakers bureau?
A speakers bureau like [WWSG](https://wwsg.com/about-us/) is a full-service agency that guides you through how to book a keynote speaker who aligns with your event theme and delivers lasting impact. A speakers bureau understands your goals, audience, and budget and helps you identify the best thought leader or keynote presenter for your audience, at no additional cost to you.
How much does it cost to hire a finance or economy speaker?
Keynote speaker fees vary widely and are primarily determined by the speaker’s current demand, reputation, and track record. Speakers—not the bureau—set their honorariums, and the more sought-after and highly regarded a speaker is, the higher their fee will be. Booking leading voices of today—those who combine deep expertise with broad recognition—comes at a premium but delivers exceptional value to your audience. For a more detailed breakdown of what to expect, see our blog post: [How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Keynote Speaker?](https://wwsg.com/blog/how-much-does-it-cost-to-hire-a-keynote-speaker/)
## Ready to find the right keynote speaker for your event?
[Explore Worldwide Speakers Group’s roster of experts](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/) on economics, geopolitics, technology, and global affairs to find the right speaker for your next event. [Contact us](http://wwsg.com/contact-us) to connect with a booking expert.
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**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** geopolitical risk management, energy security, technology competition, deborah lehr, edward fishman, economic forecasting, economic statecraft, Hank Paulson, Niall Ferguson, Finance Keynote Speakers, ian bremmer, chris miller, chip war, taiwan, semiconductors, Apple in China, Patrick McGee, Industrial Policy, Eyck Freymann, global economic trends, Agustin Carstens, central bank policy, AI and geopolitics, geoeconomic risk, geopolitical keynote speakers, economic warfare speaker, economic outlook 2026, U.S.-China competition, supply chain resilience, sanctions and tariffs, global markets speaker, semiconductor industry speaker, deglobalization
---
### [The Top 10 Motivational Speakers in the World](https://wwsg.com/blog/the-top-10-motivational-speakers-in-the-world/)
**Published:** March 30, 2026
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
The world’s top [motivational speakers](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/motivational/) play a powerful role in elevating events and inspiring audiences across industries. From technology and finance to sales and broader business environments, organizations rely on these speakers to bring clarity, energy, and perspective to complex challenges. A strong keynote can unify a room, spark fresh thinking, and motivate individuals to approach their work with renewed focus—making these speakers a valuable addition to conferences and corporate gatherings alike.
Sometimes, the most impactful motivational speakers aren’t labeled that way at all, but emerge unexpectedly—like doctors, business leaders, and other professionals whose real-world experiences and personal stories resonate deeply and inspire audiences in authentic, memorable ways. Below are Worldwide Speakers Group’s top choices for memorable, outstanding motivational and inspirational speakers.
### [Dr. Sanjay Gupta](http://wwsg.com/speakers/sanjay-gupta)
Dr. Sanjay Gupta brings unmatched credibility as both a practicing neurosurgeon and award-winning journalist, offering audiences clear, trusted insights on [health](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/healthcare-and-wellness/), resilience, and human performance. His ability to translate complex medical and scientific topics into practical, relatable takeaways makes him especially valuable for organizations navigating uncertainty and change. Dr. Gupta combines compelling storytelling, humor, and insights from his *Chasing Life* podcast interviews to inspire audiences to live healthier, more purposeful lives.
### [Chris Bashinelli](http://wwsg.com/speakers/chris-bashinelli)
Chris Bashinelli captivates audiences with high-energy storytelling drawn from his global experiences, helping organizations better understand connection, purpose, and cultural intelligence. His engaging style and focus on human-centered leadership make him a standout choice for teams seeking inspiration and perspective in a rapidly changing world.
### [Father Greg Boyle](http://wwsg.com/speakers/greg-boyle)
Father Greg Boyle shares powerful, deeply human stories from his work with gang members in Los Angeles, offering profound lessons on compassion, belonging, and second chances. His message resonates across industries by challenging audiences to rethink leadership, community, and the power of empathy.
### [Misty Copeland](http://wwsg.com/speakers/misty-copeland)
Misty Copeland inspires audiences with her groundbreaking journey as the first Black principal dancer at American Ballet Theatre, demonstrating the power of perseverance and representation. Her story of overcoming barriers and redefining expectations makes her a compelling voice on diversity, discipline, and excellence.
### [Barbara Corcoran](http://wwsg.com/speakers/barbara-corcoran)
Barbara Corcoran brings sharp business insight and entrepreneurial grit, drawing from her success building a billion-dollar real estate company. Her candid, humorous approach and real-world lessons on leadership and resilience resonate strongly with business, sales, and leadership audiences.
### [Alex Honnold](http://wwsg.com/speakers/alex-honnold)
Alex Honnold captivates audiences with his record-breaking free solo climbs, using his experiences to explore risk, focus, and peak performance under pressure. His perspective on mental discipline and decision-making offers powerful takeaways for organizations striving for excellence in high-stakes environments.
### [Bert Jacobs](http://wwsg.com/speakers/bert-jacobs)
Bert Jacobs shares an uplifting message rooted in optimism and purpose, inspired by building the Life is Good brand into a mission-driven business. His talks emphasize resilience, company culture, and the power of positive thinking in driving both personal and organizational success.
### [Cristina Mittermeier](http://wwsg.com/speakers/cristina-mittermeier)
Cristina Mittermeier brings a powerful blend of storytelling, science, and visual impact, drawing from her work as a world-renowned conservation photographer. Her presentations inspire audiences to think differently about sustainability, leadership, and global responsibility.
### [John O’Leary](http://wwsg.com/speakers/john-oleary)
John O’Leary delivers deeply moving presentations rooted in his survival of a near-fatal childhood accident, inspiring audiences to embrace gratitude and possibility. His authentic storytelling and focus on mindset and resilience leave a lasting emotional impact across industries.
### [Mel Robbins](http://wwsg.com/speakers/mel-robbins)
Mel Robbins is known for her practical, science-backed strategies that help individuals take action, build confidence, and create lasting change. Her relatable approach and widely recognized tools make her a favorite for organizations focused on performance, mindset, and personal development.
Ultimately, the value of a great motivational speaker extends far beyond a single presentation. As a keynote, they can set the tone for an entire event—aligning attendees around a shared vision and energizing them for what’s ahead. In breakout or concurrent sessions, they offer more targeted insights, creating meaningful, interactive experiences that resonate long after the event concludes. No matter the format or industry, incorporating a top motivational speaker is one of the most effective ways to elevate an event, engage audiences, and leave a lasting impression that drives real-world results.
[Worldwide Speakers Group](http://wwsg.com/about-us/) is home to top motivational speakers in the world. [Contact us](http://wwsg.com/contact-us) for recommendations and for more information about hosting your next great motivational speaker.
## **Ready to Host a Top Motivational Speaker?**
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**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** corporate keynote speakers, event keynote speakers, global keynote speakers, storytelling speakers, high performance speakers, diversity and inclusion speakers, sales motivation speakers, resilience speakers, leadership development speakers, speakers for corporate events, motivational keynote speakers, business motivational speakers, keynote speakers for events, Conference Speakers, leadership speakers, Inspirational Speakers, personal development speakers, top motivational speakers, motivational speakers, Healthcare Speakers
---
### [Economy and Finance Experts](https://wwsg.com/blog/economy-and-finance-experts/)
**Published:** July 20, 2023
**Author:** Riley Sims
**Content:**
The term “nuanced” doesn’t even begin to describe the complexities in economy and finance today. With issues like inflation, cryptocurrency regulations, national debt, and the war in Europe; there is a never-ending stream of information to consider and interpret.
Worldwide Speakers Group works with various established thought leaders who harness their experiences and knowledge to deliver thoughtful messages to audiences, including what the future may hold for your audience personally and/or your organization.
These accomplished speakers can deliver powerful presentations to audiences bother large and small, from industry conferences to annual dinners to private boardroom meetings. [Contact us](https://wwsg.com/contact-us) to learn more about their capabilities and experience the success of hosting a WWSG speaker at your upcoming event.
[WWSG Exclusive: Poppy Harlow ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/poppy-harlow/)
Award-Winning Journalist, CNN Anchor, Author
[WWSG Exclusive: Hank Paulson](https://wwsg.com/speakers/henry-paulson)
Founder & Chairman, Paulson Institute; Former Chairman & CEO, Goldman Sachs
[WWSG Exclusive: Robert Zoellick ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/robet-zoellick)
Former President, The World Bank Group; Former U.S. Deputy Secretary of State
[Jay Clayton](https://wwsg.com/speakers/jay-clayton)
Former Chair, U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission; Attorney
[Tyler Goodspeed](https://wwsg.com/speakers/tyler-goodspeed)
Chief Economist, Greenmantle LLC; Former Chairman, Council of Economic Advisers
[Pippa Malmgren](https://wwsg.com/speakers/pippa-malmgren)
Former Presidential Advisor; Best-selling, Award-winning Author
### **Economy & Finance Speakers in the Media**
#### [• Sheila Bair Joins Total Cents Podcast on FDIC, Writing Books, Affordable Education (July 17)](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/total-cents-podcast-sheila-bair-former-fdic-chair/?utm_campaign=E%26F%20July%202023&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--41x3zkt5-jlbNkeWdTLd8TRE3ufyQB4pETGKFkAssfAPW_VkCJEN3teSkjec31e6a1Z_L)
#### [• Straight Talk with Hank Paulson: Hank Interviews Bob Rubin (July 11)](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/straight-talk-with-hank-paulson-episode-88-bob-rubin/?utm_campaign=E%26F%20July%202023&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--41x3zkt5-jlbNkeWdTLd8TRE3ufyQB4pETGKFkAssfAPW_VkCJEN3teSkjec31e6a1Z_L)
#### [• Jay Clayton on CNBC: “Regulators Eye Crypto” (July 10)](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/fmr-sec-chair-jay-clayton-on-u-s-china-relations-were-overly-dependent-on-a-vicious-competitor/?utm_campaign=E%26F%20July%202023&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--41x3zkt5-jlbNkeWdTLd8TRE3ufyQB4pETGKFkAssfAPW_VkCJEN3teSkjec31e6a1Z_L)
#### [• Kevin O’Leary discusses the impact of cooling inflation on the economy (July 13)](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/kevin-oleary-discusses-the-impact-of-cooling-inflation-on-the-economy/?utm_campaign=E%26F%20July%202023&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--41x3zkt5-jlbNkeWdTLd8TRE3ufyQB4pETGKFkAssfAPW_VkCJEN3teSkjec31e6a1Z_L)
#### [• Renowned economist and geopolitical expert Dr. Pippa Malmgren joins Keeping It Simple Podcast (July 17)](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/keeping-it-simple-podcast-dr-pippa-malmgren/?utm_campaign=E%26F%20July%202023&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--41x3zkt5-jlbNkeWdTLd8TRE3ufyQB4pETGKFkAssfAPW_VkCJEN3teSkjec31e6a1Z_L)
*To host any of these speakers for speaking engagements, please contact WWSG.*
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** regulations, europe, debt, kevin o'leary, pippa malmgren, tyler goodspeed, jay clayton, bob zoellick, testimonials, cryptocurrency, crypto, money, Hank Paulson, media, news, Henry Paulson, finance, inflation, lloyd blankfein, poppy harlow, FDIC, economy, Sheila Bair, Robert Zoellick
---
### [How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Keynote Speaker?](https://wwsg.com/blog/how-much-does-it-cost-to-hire-a-keynote-speaker/)
**Published:** April 27, 2026
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
Many event planners assume that finding keynote speaker fees is as simple as a quick Google search. In reality, pricing is far more nuanced. If you’re ready to hire a keynote speaker and you’ve searched terms like *“keynote speaker cost,” “how much to hire a speaker,”* or *“corporate event speaker fees,”* you’ve likely noticed that most speakers don’t list pricing publicly.
Instead, you’ll often see: **“Inquire for details.”**
This isn’t meant to be vague—it reflects the reality that keynote speaker pricing depends on multiple variables. Understanding these factors will help you budget effectively and secure the right speaker for your event.
## Why Aren’t Keynote Speaker Fees Public?
Most keynote speakers—and [speaker bureaus](http://wwsg.com/about-us/) like Worldwide Speakers Group—customize pricing based on the specifics of each event.
Key variables include:
- **Speaker demand and availability**
- **Event location** (airfare and ground transportation, international vs. domestic)
- **Length and format** (keynote, workshop, panel, hosting, or multi-day engagement)
- **Audience size and type** (intimate corporate leadership meeting team vs. large conference)
- **Customization requirements** (meet and greets, meals with executives, photo ops, etc.)
Because of this, working with a speakers bureau or lecture agency is often the most efficient way to get accurate pricing and availability.
## Average Keynote Speaker Fees (By Category)
While pricing varies, most event planners search for **average keynote speaker fees** to establish a baseline. Below are general ranges:
- **Emerging speakers / niche experts:** $5,000 – $15,000
- **Established authors / [business leaders](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/business/business-leaders-from-major-brands/):** $15,000 – $40,000
- **High-profile thought leaders / executives:** $40,000 – $75,000
- **Celebrity speakers / top-tier keynote speakers:** $75,000 – $250,000+
These ranges are not fixed—but they reflect common benchmarks across corporate events, association conferences, and trade organizations.
## What Determines a Keynote Speaker’s Fee?
#### 1. Demand and Reputation
The strongest driver of cost is demand. Speakers with proven audience impact, strong reviews and testimonials, and repeat bookings command higher fees.
#### 2. “Star Factor”
Public recognition significantly increases pricing. This includes:
- [Media personalities](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/arts-entertainment/media-personalities/)
- [Former CEOs](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/business/business-leaders-from-major-brands/)
- [World leaders](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/geopolitics/world-leaders/)
- [Athletes and celebrities](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/celebrities/)
- Bestselling authors
The more recognizable the name, the higher the investment—but also the greater draw and ROI.
#### 3. Expertise and Credentials
Different professional backgrounds influence pricing:
- **Celebrities and household names:** Typically command a sizable honorarium and private transportation
- **Corporate leaders:** Executive experience and industry relevance increase value
- **Authors:** Book sales, media presence, and topic relevance drive pricing
- **Academics and professors:** Fees vary based on institution, tenure, and subject matter demand
#### 4. Customization and Scope
Additional elements that may impact cost:
- Workshops or breakout sessions
- Leadership roundtables
- Meet-and-greets or VIP experiences
- Pre-event consulting (if more than what is considered standard)
#### 5. Event Logistics
Costs may fluctuate based on:
- Travel distance and accommodations
- International appearances
- Multi-day commitments
- Scheduling constraints
#### 6. Nonprofit and Association Pricing
For **nonprofits and smaller organizations**, some speakers may be open to flexible pricing, particularly when they feel a strong personal connection to the mission or its broader impact.
Options may include:
- Reduced honorariums
- Bulk book purchases that count towards the honorarium
- Multi-event discounts
If you’re planning a **nonprofit event or association conference**, ask your dedicated sales agent about budget flexibility upfront.
## How to Get the Best Value From Your Keynote Speaker
Hiring a keynote speaker is not just a cost—it’s an investment in your event’s success. Here’s how to maximize that investment:
### Before the Event
- Schedule a pre-event strategy call to align messaging and goals
- Share audience demographics and expectations
- Clarify key takeaways you want attendees to leave with
- Be explicit about your expectations upfront—speaker time is highly valuable, and additional appearances or off-stage commitments can impact the overall fee
### Enhance Audience Engagement
- Include a **book signing or book giveaway**
- Offer VIP meet-and-greet opportunities
Consider incorporating a Q&A session or fireside chat—many modern speakers prefer these interactive formats over strictly timed remarks, and they often create a more engaging experience for audiences.
Adding a [professional MC or event host](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/moderators-emcees/) can also significantly elevate the flow and energy of your program, ensuring seamless transitions and a more polished overall experience.
## Is a Keynote Speaker Worth the Cost?
A great keynote speaker can:
- Set the tone for your entire event
- Increase attendee engagement
- Elevate brand perception
- Drive long-term behavioral change
If your audience leaves energized, inspired, and talking about the experience long after the event ends, the ROI is clear.
## Why Work With a Speakers Bureau?
Partnering with a bureau like Worldwide Speakers Group simplifies the entire process:
- Access to top keynote speakers worldwide
- Transparent guidance on speaker fees and availability
- Contract negotiation and logistics management
- Strategic recommendations based on your goals and budget
- Full-service event coordination at no extra fee
## Final Thoughts
Keynote speaker costs vary—but the right speaker can transform your event from standard to unforgettable. Understanding pricing factors, setting clear goals, and working with an experienced speakers bureau ensures you get the best possible value.
## FAQs
Why is it so hard to find speaker fees online?
The cost of booking a keynote speaker, panelist, or fireside chat participant for your event can vary significantly based on several factors. Individual speakers’ fees may also change intermittently. For these reasons, it’s best to discuss your needs with a speakers bureau to get the most accurate quote.
What factors determine the cost of hiring a keynote speaker?
The cost of booking a keynote speaker, panelist, or fireside chat participant for your event can vary significantly based on several factors, including travel requirements, whether the engagement is in-person or virtual, the amount of time the speaker is expected to be on-site, and any additional logistics such as private transportation or multiple pre-event planning calls.
What is a speakers bureau and why should I work with one?
A speakers bureau is a team of professionals with deep knowledge of the speaking industry and direct insight into speaker availability, pricing, and event logistics. Working with a bureau helps you receive the most accurate and up-to-date cost estimates, while also providing added support throughout the booking process. In addition to pricing, a bureau like [WWSG](https://wwsg.com/about-us/) offers a dedicated event logistics coordinator at no additional cost, insight into a speaker’s schedule and commitments, and alternative speaker options if your preferred choice is unavailable—all while giving you the confidence of working with experienced industry experts.
## Ready to find the right keynote speaker for your event?
[Connect with Worldwide Speakers Group](http://wwsg.com/contact-us) to explore top keynote speakers, get accurate pricing, and secure the perfect fit for your audience, budget, and goals.
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**Tags:** association event speakers cost, corporate keynote speaker pricing, conference speaker fees, event speaker cost, motivational speaker fees, leadership keynote speaker cost, average keynote speaker fees, hire a keynote speaker cost, speaker bureau pricing, guest speaker fees, professional speaker rates, how much does a keynote speaker cost, nonprofit speaker fees, business keynote speakers pricing, top keynote speaker cost, event planning keynote speakers, keynote speaker honorarium, public speaker cost, For nonprofits and associations, some speakers may be open to flexible pricing, particularly when they feel a strong personal connection to the mission or its broader impact., client, Event Planning, tips, speaker, Top Thought Leaders, Speaker fees, cost for keynote speaker, honorarium, speaker honorariums, cost of speaker, fees, speaker fee, cost, speaker cost, cost of keynote speaker, event success, keynote speaker cost, keynote speaker fees
---
### [Now Available: National Treasure by Dr. Michael Auslin](https://wwsg.com/announcements/coming-soon-national-treasure-by-dr-michael-auslin/)
**Published:** February 13, 2026
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
#### ***National Treasure* by [Dr. Michael Auslin](http://wwsg.com/speakers/michael-auslin) is the inspiring story of the Declaration of Independence—the first to take us from its drafting by Thomas Jefferson to today—charting the many lives of a document that captures the soul of America and has united generations around its defiant ideals, published for the [250th anniversary](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/government-and-politics/america250-speakers-for-semiquincentennial-events/) of America’s founding.**
Quiet and politically untested, Thomas Jefferson was not the obvious choice to draft a statement of principles explaining why the American colonies were breaking ties with the King of England. His soaring rhetoric would inspire generations of Americans to live up to the founders’ dreams. National Treasure is the gripping story of our most revered founding relic, as a physical object and a set of ideals that have made America what it is today.
An award-winning historian, Michael Auslin takes us from the boarding house in Philadelphia where Jefferson put quill to paper to the Declaration’s covert signing, dissemination in the doldrums of the revolutionary war, and long, harrowing, and ultimately hallowed afterlife. We follow the parchment as it is hauled out of a soon-to-be-burning Washington in 1814 and see it hidden in a dank cellar, posted in classrooms, recited on village greens, printed on handkerchiefs, and used to sell insurance and bundle coal. An inspiration to both Abraham Lincoln and Jefferson Davis in the Civil War, it has grown more important for each new generation. While FDR and Churchill celebrated its commitment to freedom from tyranny, the document itself was lowered into a bunker at Fort Knox. After the war, its precious ink fading, it was painstakingly preserved and enshrined.
Through it all, Jefferson’s words have inspired implausibly varied causes, from suffragists and civil rights leaders to groups waging war on the US government. As Jefferson had hoped, the principles enshrined in the Declaration became a beacon to the world. But what lessons should we take from it today? Can this statement of ideals in whose name the signers pledged their lives and sacred honor bring a disparate nation together? As we gather to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the founders’ bold experiment in democracy, Auslin reminds us that this enduring document was not just a call for freedom and equality but an eloquent statement of the principles that bind us together. Source: [Simon & Schuster](https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/National-Treasure/Michael-Auslin/9781668214541)
Advanced Praise
*“Even 250 candles on the nation’s birthday cake cannot be as illuminating as Michael Auslin’s fascinating story of the making, and still undiminished resonance, of the world’s most consequential political document.”*–George F. Will, author of *American Happiness and Discontents*
Advanced Praise
*“Scrupulously researched and beautifully written, this book reads like an adventure story. Michael Auslin’s intimate history of the document that changed the world is scholarship at its best: witty, fascinating and never more relevant.”*–ndrew Roberts, author of *The Last King of America and Churchill: Walking with Destiny*
One of America’s leading historians, Michael Auslin stands at the forefront of the national conversation surrounding America’s 250th anniversary as the author of the forthcoming history *National Treasure: How the Declaration of Independence Made America*. Through his deeply researched and timely work, Auslin examines how the principles enshrined in the Declaration shaped not only the United States, but the modern world itself. Drawing on his work at Stanford’s Hoover Institution, Yale, and decades of historical analysis, he illuminates how America’s founding ideas continue to influence global politics, economics, and democratic movements.
For event planners seeking a speaker who can authoritatively explain how America’s past forged today’s geopolitical realities—and why understanding that past is essential to navigating the nation’s future—Auslin offers unmatched perspective. His presentations provide audiences with both historical depth and strategic clarity at a pivotal moment in the American story.
To host him for a speaking opportunity, [contact Worldwide Speakers Group](http://wwsg.com/contact-us).
## **Ready to Host Dr. Michael Auslin?**
Contact us for his availability.
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**Tags:** Hoover Institution, U.S. Constitution era, Abraham Lincoln, Jefferson Davis, FDR, Winston Churchill, Fort Knox, civil rights movement, suffrage movement, 1776, Stanford University, patriotic keynote speaker, history of American ideals, America’s global influence, geopolitical history, American political thought, founding documents, U.S. heritage celebration, America 250th anniversary, simon & schuster, america250 speakers, america 250 speakers, america 250, Declaration of Independence, National Treasure book, Michael Auslin, Thomas Jefferson, American founding, American Revolution, Founding Fathers, U.S. history keynote speaker, American democracy, founding principles, Revolutionary War history
---
### [Dr. Sanjay Gupta: Why the Biggest Cancer Threat Is Still Misunderstood](https://wwsg.com/blog/dr-sanjay-gupta-why-the-biggest-cancer-threat-is-still-misunderstood/)
**Published:** May 1, 2026
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
*A message from WWSG exclusive keynote speaker, [Dr. Sanjay Gupta](http://wwsg.com/speakers/sanjay-gupta):* When most people think about cancer risks, breast cancer and prostate cancer tend to dominate the conversation. In recent years, colorectal cancer has also drawn attention—particularly because of rising rates among younger adults. But one critical reality often gets overlooked: lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, responsible for roughly one in five cancer deaths.
Despite its prevalence, public understanding of lung cancer hasn’t fully caught up with the data. A common misconception is that lung cancer primarily affects heavy smokers. While smoking remains a major risk factor, a significant portion of cases occur in people who have smoked very little—or not at all. In fact, a substantial share of diagnoses happen in individuals with minimal lifetime tobacco exposure.
Another outdated assumption is that lung cancer is mainly a disease of older adults. While risk does increase with age, a notable number of cases are diagnosed in younger populations. Among patients under 55, and especially those under 40, women represent a growing percentage of new diagnoses—challenging long-held beliefs about who is most at risk.
These misconceptions have real consequences, particularly when it comes to screening. Current screening rates remain surprisingly low, even among those who meet eligibility criteria. At the same time, many individuals who ultimately develop lung cancer wouldn’t qualify for screening under traditional guidelines. As a result, diagnoses often occur only after symptoms emerge or during unrelated medical visits—when the disease may already be more advanced.
Guidelines for lung cancer screening are beginning to evolve, reflecting a broader understanding of risk. Some leading medical organizations have expanded their recommendations to include people with longer-term, lower-level smoking histories and those who quit smoking years ago. However, not all governing bodies have updated their criteria, and insurance coverage often lags behind these changes—creating gaps in access to potentially life-saving screenings.
As research continues to reshape what we know about lung cancer, it’s clear that awareness, prevention strategies, and screening protocols must also adapt. Closing the gap between perception and reality is essential—not only to improve early detection, but to ultimately save lives.
### Why Book Dr. Sanjay Gupta for Your Next Event
Bringing Dr. Sanjay Gupta to your event offers audiences a rare combination of medical expertise, journalistic clarity, and real-world insight into today’s most pressing health challenges. As a trusted voice in [public health](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/healthcare-and-wellness/), he translates complex topics into compelling, actionable takeaways. Exclusively available through [Worldwide Speakers Group](http://wwsg.com/about-us) (WWSG), Dr. Gupta delivers keynote presentations that resonate with diverse audiences, from corporate leaders to healthcare professionals, equipping them with knowledge that can drive both personal and organizational well-being.
## Ready to host a health & wellness speaker?
[Connect with Worldwide Speakers Group](http://wwsg.com/contact-us) to explore top keynote speakers, get accurate pricing, and secure the perfect fit for your audience, budget, and goals.
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**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** preventive health, keynote speaker health, screening guidelines, cancer statistics, women’s health, non-smokers lung cancer, smoking risks, medical myths, healthcare trends, early detection, cancer screening, cancer awareness, lung cancer, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, WWSG speakers, healthcare policy, Public Health, Healthcare Speakers
---
### [12 Mental Health Advocates Who Deliver Amazing Keynotes](https://wwsg.com/blog/12-mental-health-advocates-who-deliver-amazing-keynotes/)
**Published:** April 27, 2026
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
Mental health is no longer a secondary conversation—it’s a central priority for organizations looking to build resilient, engaged, and high-performing teams. That’s why demand for [mental health keynote speakers](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/healthcare-and-wellness/mental-health/), workplace mental health experts, and [motivational speakers](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/motivational/) on resilience continues to grow across corporate events, leadership conferences, and industry summits.
The best speakers in this space—ranging from advocates and survivors to happiness experts and peak performance leaders—deliver powerful, real-world insights on topics like burnout prevention, stress management, emotional well-being, and overcoming adversity. Much like the most inspiring [TED Talks](https://wwsg.com/blog/top-12-best-ted-talks-and-speakers-of-all-time/), these keynote presentations combine storytelling, research, and actionable strategies to create meaningful impact that extends far beyond the stage. Here are WWSG’s favorites.
### [Ryan Dusick](http://wwsg.com/speakers/ryan-dusick)
As a founding member and former drummer of Maroon 5, Ryan Dusick brings a rare perspective on the mental health challenges of high-performance careers. His candid storytelling about anxiety, depression, and identity resonates deeply, leaving audiences with a powerful message about resilience, reinvention, and prioritizing well-being.
### [Mel Robbins](https://wwsg.com/speakers/mel-robbins/)
Mel Robbins is a #1 *New York Times* bestselling author and host of The Mel Robbins Podcast, which has been named the most popular podcast in the world. She is also internationally recognized by millions through social media and is one of the most booked motivational speakers in the world. She is the creator of the Let Them Theory and a powerful mind trick called the 5 Second Rule, both of which transform how audiences think, work, and *live*. As if Mel Robbins didn’t have enough credentials, her[ TEDx Talk](https://www.ted.com/talks/mel_robbins_how_to_stop_screwing_yourself_over) is one of the most popular of all time, with more than 34 million views. Across all of her platforms, Mel shares science-backed tools to help people achieve mental wellness. Audience members leave Mel’s keynotes with a renewed sense of possibility, inspired to chase a path of growth, self-discovery, and success.
### [Jay Shetty](http://wwsg.com/speakers/jay-shetty)
A former monk turned global thought leader, Jay Shetty blends ancient wisdom with modern insights on mental health, purpose, and relationships. He is also the host of the highly acclaimed On Purpose with Jay Shetty, one of the world’s most popular podcasts, featuring conversations with leading voices across wellness, business, and culture. Event planners value his ability to captivate diverse audiences while delivering actionable strategies that inspire lasting mindset shifts and personal growth.
### [John O’Leary](http://wwsg.com/speakers/john-oleary)
John O’Leary is renowned for his extraordinary story of surviving burns on 100% of his body as a child and transforming that adversity into a life of purpose and inspiration. His impact has reached new audiences through the 2025 major motion picture *Soul on Fire*, which brings his journey of resilience, faith, and community to the big screen. Event planners value his deeply moving, high-energy keynotes that leave audiences with a renewed sense of gratitude, possibility, and the courage to overcome even the toughest challenges.
### [Pandit Dasa](https://wwsg.com/speakers/pandit-dasa/)
A mindful [leadership](https://wwsg.com/speaker-search/?speaker_topic_lists=leadership-strategic-management) expert, author, and [motivational keynote speaker](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/motivational/), Dasa sharing his journey on how and why he spent 15 years living as a monk in New York City, the incredible life and leadership lessons he learned from that experience and why he’s no longer a monk. His inspirational speeches equip audiences with practical tools to manage stress and build emotional well-being. His engaging, relatable approach ensures attendees walk away with actionable techniques to improve both personal and professional performance.
### [Sarah Wells](http://wwsg.com/speakers/sarah-wells)
[](http://wwsg.com/speakers/sarah-wells)
As a three-time Olympian, Sarah Wells connects elite athletic performance with mental resilience and overcoming setbacks. Her dynamic presentations empower audiences to reframe failure, embrace challenges, and build the mental strength needed to achieve their goals.
### [Scott Hamilton](http://wwsg.com/speakers/scott-hamilton)
Olympic gold medalist and cancer survivor Scott Hamilton combines humor, authenticity, and hard-earned perspective on overcoming life’s toughest challenges. His uplifting message on perseverance and positivity leaves a lasting emotional impact, motivating audiences to face adversity with courage.
### [Amy Purdy](http://wwsg.com/speakers/amy-purdy)
Amy Purdy, a Paralympic medalist and “Dancing with the Stars” finalist, inspires audiences with her journey of resilience after losing both legs to illness. Her story of redefining limitations and embracing possibility encourages attendees to shift their mindset and unlock their full potential.
### [Neil Pasricha](https://wwsg.com/speakers/neil-pasricha/)
After graduating from Harvard Business School, Pasricha spent a decade as Director of Leadership at Walmart, the world’s largest company. While there he wrote the 50-million-hit, award-winning blog 1000 Awesome Things and the *New York Times* bestsellers The Book of Awesome and The Happiness Equation which have been on international bestseller lists for over 200 weeks and sold over a million copies. Neil’s practical frameworks and uplifting energy leave attendees with simple, lasting tools to improve well-being and workplace culture.
### [Dan Buettner](https://wwsg.com/speakers/dan-buettner/)
*New York Times* bestselling author and world-renowned explorer Dan Buettner uncovers the secrets to a longer, healthier and happier life. As a National Geographic writer, Buettner has traveled the globe to uncover the best strategies for longevity, wellness and happiness. His work focuses on three goals: identifying locations where higher percentages of people enjoy remarkably long, full lives; his global study on the keys to personal happiness; and re-creating the healthiest cities and workplaces by incorporating these lifestyle secrets on well-being.
### [Kevin Briggs](http://wwsg.com/speakers/kevin-briggs)
Known as the “Guardian of the Golden Gate Bridge,” former California Highway Patrol officer Kevin Briggs shares powerful, real-life experiences preventing suicides. His deeply moving talks foster empathy, awareness, and actionable understanding, leaving audiences with a profound sense of connection and purpose.
### [Johnny Crowder](http://wwsg.com/speakers/johnny-crowder)
As a mental health advocate, musician, and founder of Cope Notes, Johnny Crowder draws from his deeply personal journey overcoming severe mental health challenges, including depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. His openness and lived experience create an immediate, authentic connection with audiences, making complex topics feel accessible and human. Event planners value his ability to pair vulnerability with practical tools, leaving attendees with a lasting sense of hope and actionable strategies for emotional well-being.
Featuring a mental health keynote speaker at your event is more than a trending choice—it’s a strategic investment in your audience’s well-being, productivity, and long-term success. These speakers help reduce stigma, spark important conversations, and equip attendees with practical tools to navigate both personal and professional challenges. For event planners, booking a top mental health speaker ensures your conference delivers not only inspiration, but also lasting value and relevance in today’s fast-paced, high-pressure environment. If you’re curating a speaker lineup that resonates, engages, and drives meaningful change, a mental health keynote is an essential addition—one that audiences will remember long after the event concludes.
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**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** corporate wellness speakers, Kevin Briggs, Amy Purdy, Sarah Wells, mental health keynote speakers, motivational speakers mental health, mental wellness speakers, inspirational speakers overcoming adversity, workplace mental health speakers, stress management keynote, mindfulness speakers, emotional wellness speakers, keynote speakers on mental health awareness, Johnny Crowder, burnout prevention speakers, happiness and well-being speakers, leadership and mental health, speakers on resilience and grit, overcoming adversity speakers, mental health advocacy speakers, inspirational keynote speakers, conference speakers mental health, top mental health speakers 2026, event speakers mental health, wellness keynote speakers, psychology speakers for events, Amy Blankson, Jenny Evans, personal development speakers, Mental Health, Mental Health Speakers, Resiliency, Motivation, Happiness Experts, Inspirational Speakers, Happiness Speakers, Neil Pasricha, Shawn Achor, Michelle Gielan, Stress, Pandit Dasa, Nataly Kogan, Mel Robbins, Tali Sharot, Dan Buettner, scott hamilton, jay shetty, Ryan Dusick, resilience speakers, John O'Leary
---
### [Defending Taiwan: A Strategy to Prevent War with China by Dr. Eyck Freymann](https://wwsg.com/announcements/defending-taiwan-a-strategy-to-prevent-war-with-china-by-dr-eyck-freymann/)
**Published:** March 23, 2026
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
***Defending Taiwan: A Strategy to Prevent War with China* by [Dr. Eyck Freymann](https://wwsg.com/speakers/eyck-freymann/) is the first fully integrated grand strategy for deterring war with China. Sober, balanced, rigorously researched, and eminently readable, the book is a definitive guide to preventing World War III.**
Featuring authors with new books is a powerful way to extend your event’s impact—allowing audiences to engage with expert insights in the moment and revisit them afterward. Including books deepens engagement and reinforces key takeaways long after the keynote. [Contact us](http://wwsg.com/contact-us) to secure copies of Dr. Freymann’s book for your audience.
#### About the Book
Taiwan has become the focal point of growing U.S.-China tensions—a place where an uneasy peace may ultimately be put to the test. Beijing sees reunification as unavoidable, while the military balance that has preserved stability for decades is shifting. China is exploiting gaps in U.S. strategy, applying pressure to isolate and coerce Taiwan without direct military action. If deterrence fails, the consequences would be profound: global economic upheaval, fractured alliances, and a reshaped balance of power favoring China.
In *Defending Taiwan*, Eyck Freymann presents a comprehensive approach to deterring conflict and maintaining peace. Using previously untranslated Chinese sources, alongside rigorous military, economic, and historical analysis, he argues that U.S. strategy must evolve beyond conventional deterrence. Success will require close coordination with allies and a renewed focus on technological and economic statecraft, as well as contingency planning if deterrence falters. Freymann evaluates China’s strategic playbook and shows that the United States can counter it—if it integrates military, economic, technological, and diplomatic tools into a cohesive strategy.
#### Readers and audiences will discover:
- A fully integrated grand strategy designed to deter war with China
- Why tensions over Taiwan extend far beyond the issue of semiconductors
- A comprehensive, actionable framework for shaping U.S. policy and strengthening alliances
- Insights drawn from rare, previously untranslated Chinese sources
- How America’s AI and industrial strategy could either prevent conflict—or accelerate it
- A serious, forward-looking economic contingency plan for a potential Taiwan crisis
Ultimately, this book goes beyond Taiwan, offering a blueprint for long-term stability in U.S.-China relations. *Defending Taiwan* is an essential resource for understanding today’s most pressing geopolitical risk. Available April 15, 2026. Source: [Oxford University Press](https://global.oup.com/academic/product/defending-taiwan-9780197823842?cc=us&lang=en&#).
#### About Eyck Freymann
Dr. Eyck Freymann is a highly sought-after speaker who brings rare depth and clarity to one of the most complex and consequential topics of our time: U.S.-China strategic competition. With firsthand expertise in CCP strategy and a unique ability to connect geopolitical dynamics to real-world business and policy decisions, he equips audiences with actionable insights across economics, technology, and national security. His combination of academic rigor, policy influence, and private-sector advisory experience makes him especially valuable for decision-makers navigating global risk and opportunity. To host him for a speaking engagement, [contact WWSG.](https://wwsg.com/contact-us)
**Categories:** Announcements
**Tags:** defense policy, geopolitical risk, global security, Indo-Pacific strategy, economic statecraft, military strategy, foreign policy, AI and geopolitics, global economy risk, Taiwan conflict, China Taiwan tensions, China strategy, supply chain security, semiconductor geopolitics, US alliances, economic contingency planning, Asia-Pacific security, strategic competition, war prevention strategy, diplomacy and defense, emerging technology policy, global stability, US national security, national security, geopolitical strategy, international relations, Industrial Policy, deterrence strategy, US China relations, Eyck Freymann, The Arsenal of Democracy book, military technology, defense industrial base, great power competition, allied cooperation, defense reform, modern warfare, Hoover Institution authors, geopolitics speaker, military strategy keynote, emerging defense technologies, Taiwan crisis
---
### [Chasing Life With Dr. Sanjay Gupta | The Extraordinary Feat of Space Travel](https://wwsg.com/blog/chasing-life-with-dr-sanjay-gupta-the-extraordinary-feat-of-space-travel/)
**Published:** April 3, 2026
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
*From WWSG exclusive keynote speaker, [Dr. Sanjay Gupta](http://wwsg.com/speakers/sanjay-gupta) —* When I see what it takes — before, during, after — for astronauts to travel to space, I am reminded of what an extraordinary feat it truly is.
After all, their bodies have to function away from the familiar comfort of Earth’s gravity, and they’re isolated from the rest of the world while carrying a mental burden of executing a mission with razor-thin margins of error.
And the Artemis II mission is no different. In fact, it could test those limits even more.
Yes, we have studied how space can affect the human body. Who could forget [the study on the Kelly twins](https://e.newsletters.cnn.com/click?Ea2FiZWxhQHd3c2cuY29t/CeyJtaWQiOiIxNzc1MjIxMjc1Mjk0MGU0NDEzZjEzMjc0IiwiY3QiOiJjbm4tMTdiZWYzNTg1NGI2MDg4N2UyYzcwYjE1MGQwMWU3MzMtMSIsInJkIjoid3dzZy5jb20ifQ/VaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuY25uLmNvbS8yMDE3LzAyLzA5L2hlYWx0aC9teS1oZXJvLXNhbmpheS1ndXB0YS1rZWxseS10d2lucw/SWkhfQ05OX2lfTmV3c19OREJBTjA0MDMyMDI2YzIwNDMwMjk/LY24x/qP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1jbm5fMDQuMDMuMjYrUmVzdWx0cythcmUraW4mYnRfZWU9d2ZIQmpUMkY2ZHQ2SzJsODRZVlpXaGZWVWg1czI5elZVOUZYM0NkVUh2ZyUzRCZidF90cz0xNzc1MjIxMjc1Mjk1/gac-6Ig/JMDQwMzIwMjZDMjA0MzAyOQ/s5t7668d419 "https://e.newsletters.cnn.com/click?Ea2FiZWxhQHd3c2cuY29t/CeyJtaWQiOiIxNzc1MjIxMjc1Mjk0MGU0NDEzZjEzMjc0IiwiY3QiOiJjbm4tMTdiZWYzNTg1NGI2MDg4N2UyYzcwYjE1MGQwMWU3MzMtMSIsInJkIjoid3dzZy5jb20ifQ/VaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuY25uLmNvbS8yMDE3LzAyLzA5L2hlYWx0aC9teS1oZXJvLXNhbmpheS1ndXB0YS1rZWxseS10d2lucw/SWkhfQ05OX2lfTmV3c19OREJBTjA0MDMyMDI2YzIwNDMwMjk/LY24x/qP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1jbm5fMDQuMDMuMjYrUmVzdWx0cythcmUraW4mYnRfZWU9d2ZIQmpUMkY2ZHQ2SzJsODRZVlpXaGZWVWg1czI5elZVOUZYM0NkVUh2ZyUzRCZidF90cz0xNzc1MjIxMjc1Mjk1/gac-6Ig/JMDQwMzIwMjZDMjA0MzAyOQ/s5t7668d419") when Scott Kelly spent almost a year on the International Space Station. He grew 2 inches!
But with Artemis II, we’re talking about deep space — the moon — somewhere we haven’t been in more than 50 years.
Gene Cernan was the last person to walk on the moon on December 14, 1972.
It sounds scary. [But when I spoke to Christina Koch](https://e.newsletters.cnn.com/click?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-6Ig/JMDQwMzIwMjZDMjA0MzAyOQ/s4m71fbaec1 "https://e.newsletters.cnn.com/click?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-6Ig/JMDQwMzIwMjZDMjA0MzAyOQ/s4m71fbaec1"), an Artemis II astronaut, after she returned from her last mission, she told me, “There is a saying that astronauts are the calmest people on launch day, and it’s absolutely true. And I think it’s because of our training and because, probably similar to the operating table, you’ve learned all the contingencies that can happen, you’ve learned how to handle them, and you really do have a sense of preparation. And also, I think the thing that drives you through that is a sense that you’re now ready to actually do the mission, to give back, to take and put all of that training to work.”
I can’t wait to see what her and her fellow astronauts will accomplish. I know we are all rooting for them down here on Earth.
Dr. Sanjay Gupta brings unmatched authority, real-world experience, and clarity to the stage as one of the most trusted voices in global health and medicine. In his dual role as CNN’s chief medical correspondent and a practicing neurosurgeon, he has covered every major health crisis of the past two decades—from reporting on the ground during natural disasters and conflict zones to guiding audiences through the global COVID-19 pandemic.
Audiences gain not only from his deep clinical expertise, but also from his rare ability to translate complex medical issues into clear, empathetic, and highly relevant insights. Whether addressing brain health, crisis preparedness, or the evolving relationship between media and medicine, he delivers perspectives that are timely, practical, and meaningful for a wide range of audiences. To host Dr. Gupta, [contact WWSG](http://wwsg.com/contact-us).
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** Dr. Gupta, artemis ii, moon, space exploration, artemis, kelly twins, christina koch, statistics, drug, space travel, astronaut, Wellness, The Results Are In, journalism, journalist, news, Chasing Life, podcast, CNN, Sanjay Gupta
---
### [Now Available: Recession: The Real Reason Economies Shrink and What to Do About It by Dr. Tyler Goodspeed](https://wwsg.com/announcements/coming-soon-recession-by-tyler-goodspeed/)
**Published:** November 6, 2025
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
**From a top economist, the real explanation for why recessions start, how long they last, and how to avoid them in the first place.**
When authors release new books, it creates a unique opportunity to elevate an event. Audiences not only gain fresh insights directly from the author but can also continue the experience by taking home a copy. Offering books alongside a speaking engagement extends the impact, fosters deeper connection, and ensures the key messages resonate long after the event concludes.
#### About the Book
What causes a recession? Do recessions end on their own, or do they require external intervention? Does a recession in one country mean the rest of the world will follow? Are we in a recession now?
Economic expert Tyler Goodspeed answers these questions and many more in *Recession*, a groundbreaking new analysis of economic contractions over the last four centuries. Combining the historian’s extensive primary source material and the economist’s arsenal of statistical analysis, this book rewrites what we know about recessions. Contrary to popular perception, recessions are not the inevitable bust that follows an unsustainable boom, and they do not operate like wildfires that clear out economic deadwood. Recessions are caused by adverse shocks like war and energy price spikes, and far from unleashing gales of creative destruction, post-recession economic growth typically resumes the same trend as before—all pain, no gain. While recessions have become less frequent over time, decisions made by businesses and governments can prolong recessions, and Goodspeed offers guidance to avoid making recessions worse. Issuing an important corrective to economic thinking, *Recession* is essential reading for high-level policymakers and armchair economists alike. Published Mar. 31, 2026. Source: [Hachette Book Group](https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/tyler-beck-goodspeed/recession/9781541704947/).
> “It is rare that a work of economic history is truly revolutionary. Goodspeed’s *Recession* is such a book.” ―[Niall Ferguson](http://wwsg.com/speakers/niall-ferguson), WWSG exclusive keynote speaker, historian, and author of *The Ascent of Money*
#### About Dr. Tyler Goodspeed
[Tyler Goodspeed](http://wwsg.com/speakers/tyler-goodspeed) is the chief economist of ExxonMobil. Previously, he chaired the White House Council of Economic Advisers. With PhDs in economics and history from Cambridge and Harvard, he has held faculty appointments at Stanford and Oxford. The author of three previous books on economics, he lives in Spring, Texas. To host him for a speaking engagement, [contact WWSG.](https://wwsg.com/contact-us)
**Categories:** Announcements
**Tags:** business and government decisions, former White House Council of Economic Advisers, chief economist ExxonMobil, economic keynote speaker, global economic trends, Hachette Book Group economics, Recession book 2026, economic history analysis, economic recovery strategies, economic policy insights, avoiding recessions, causes of recessions, economic downturns, recession economics, Recession, tyler goodspeed
---
### [Why AI Keynote Speakers are Essential to Events Across Every Industry](https://wwsg.com/blog/why-ai-keynote-speakers-are-essential-for-events-across-every-industry/)
**Published:** March 25, 2026
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
[Artificial intelligence](http://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/artificial-intelligence/) is one of the most talked-about topics in business today. Organizations across industries are seeking AI keynote speakers who can explain how [emerging technologies](http://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/technology-and-innovation/) are transforming the way we work, compete, and innovate.
### Artificial Intelligence Is Transforming Every Industry
Artificial intelligence is no longer a future concept—it’s a present-day force reshaping how every industry operates. From retail and hospitality to healthcare, finance, manufacturing, and beyond, organizations are navigating a rapidly evolving landscape driven by automation, data, and intelligent systems. Staying up to date on AI advances is quickly becoming essential for leaders who want to remain competitive, innovative, and prepared for what comes next.
### Why Audiences Want to Hear from AI Experts
That urgency is exactly why audiences are increasingly eager to hear from AI experts. Event attendees want practical insight into what AI means for their organizations, their workforce, and their customers. They’re looking for clear guidance on emerging technologies, responsible implementation, and the opportunities—and risks—that come with rapid innovation. Bringing a keynote speaker who specializes in AI gives audiences a chance to move beyond headlines and hype to understand the real-world impact of these technologies.
Many AI keynote speakers also address the future of work, helping audiences understand how automation, generative AI, and digital transformation will reshape jobs, leadership, and workplace culture.
### How AI Is Impacting Key Industries
#### AI in Retail
Understanding AI in retail helps audiences see how personalization, demand forecasting, and inventory optimization are reshaping the customer experience. For event planners, speakers on this topic deliver actionable insights on driving revenue and staying competitive in a rapidly evolving marketplace. We recommend…
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/erika-ayers-badan/)
## [Erika Ayers Badan](https://wwsg.com/speakers/erika-ayers-badan/)
Posted: January 23, 2024
Ranked one of the most influential executives in digital innovation, sports, entertainment, and lifestyle media, Erika Ayers Badan is the former CEO of Barstool Sports. During her tenure at Barstool from 2016 to 2024, Erika transformed the organization from a regional blog to a national powerhouse operation leading to a 5,000% increase in overall revenue, \[…\]
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/matt-britton/)
## [Matt Britton](https://wwsg.com/speakers/matt-britton/)
Posted: April 2, 2024
Matt Britton is one of the most widely recognized marketing and media executives in the world who has consulted with over half of America’s Fortune 500 companies future-proofing for an unpredictable consumer landscape.
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/trent-gillespie/)
## [Trent Gillespie](https://wwsg.com/speakers/trent-gillespie/)
Posted: March 10, 2026
Trent Gillespie is a leading AI strategist, CEO of Stellis AI, and former Amazon executive with more than 25 years of experience driving innovation at scale. During his nearly decade-longtenure at Amazon, he led global technology initiatives, including Alexa Privacy, Risk, and Compliance, and helped transform Amazon’s last-mile delivery capabilities through AI-powered innovation. Today, Trent \[…\]
#### AI in Healthcare
AI in healthcare highlights breakthroughs in diagnostics, patient care, and operational efficiency that are transforming outcomes. Event planners benefit from speakers who can translate complex innovations into clear, impactful takeaways for diverse audiences. We recommend…
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/geeta-nayyar/)
## [Geeta Nayyar](https://wwsg.com/speakers/geeta-nayyar/)
Posted: February 16, 2023
Geeta Nayyar (“Dr. G”) is a leader and active contributor to the conversation around public health and wellbeing in the tech industry. A respected rheumatologist, she has been welcomed by national audiences both onstage as a keynote speaker and panelist and offstage as an advisor, writer, and guest on various podcasts and media channels. Dr. \[…\]
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/jamie-metzl/)
## [Jamie Metzl](https://wwsg.com/speakers/jamie-metzl/)
Posted: May 24, 2023
Jamie Metzl is one of the world’s leading technology and healthcare futurists working at the forefront of the AI, genetics, and biotechnology revolutions. His energizing keynotes blow people’s minds and drive meaningful outcomes. An innovative and energetic speaker, author of five important books, media commentator, columnist, ultramarathoner, and go-to expert for many of the world’s \[…\]
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/scott-gottlieb/)
## [Scott Gottlieb](https://wwsg.com/speakers/scott-gottlieb/)
Posted: May 23, 2019
Scott Gottlieb, MD served as the 23rd Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration. A leading expert in health policy, Dr. Gottlieb’s work focuses on providing insights into the economic and technological forces driving the transformation of healthcare.
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/seema-verma/)
## [Seema Verma](https://wwsg.com/speakers/seema-verma/)
Posted: February 23, 2021
Seema Verma is a national health policy expert known for her meaningful and successful implementation of new programs for Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), where she served as Administrator from 2017-2021. Verma’s engaging speeches are punctuated by her admirable intellect and relevant pulse on all things healthcare-related.
#### AI in Financial Services
AI is revolutionizing financial services through fraud detection, risk modeling, and personalized banking experiences. Speakers in this space offer event audiences a deeper understanding of security, compliance, and innovation in a highly regulated industry. We recommend…
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/andrew-busch/)
## [Andrew Busch](https://wwsg.com/speakers/andrew-busch/)
Posted: January 9, 2019
Economic futurist Andrew Busch converts today’s chaos into tomorrow’s growth opportunities. He is known for intensely informative and highly entertaining keynotes. Drawing from deep research, he covers the economy, public policy & elections, and supercharged trends like AI, hybrid working, COVID, rising climate concerns. Then he takes all this research and applies it to your \[…\]
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/jon-krohn/)
## [Jon Krohn](https://wwsg.com/speakers/jon-krohn/)
Posted: March 28, 2024
Jon Krohn is Co-Founder and CEO of the New York-based AI-software company Y Carrot. He authored the book Deep Learning Illustrated, an instant #1 bestseller translated into seven languages, and hosts SuperDataScience, which draws eight million downloads per year, making it the data science industry’s most listened-to podcast. He holds a fellowship at Lightning AI, \[…\]
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/trent-gillespie/)
## [Trent Gillespie](https://wwsg.com/speakers/trent-gillespie/)
Posted: March 10, 2026
Trent Gillespie is a leading AI strategist, CEO of Stellis AI, and former Amazon executive with more than 25 years of experience driving innovation at scale. During his nearly decade-longtenure at Amazon, he led global technology initiatives, including Alexa Privacy, Risk, and Compliance, and helped transform Amazon’s last-mile delivery capabilities through AI-powered innovation. Today, Trent \[…\]
#### AI in Energy
In the energy sector, AI is enabling smarter grid management, predictive maintenance, and sustainability efforts. Event planners can engage speakers who connect AI advancements to real-world impacts on efficiency, resilience, and the future of energy. We recommend…
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/oliver-mcpherson-smith/)
## [Oliver McPherson-Smith](https://wwsg.com/speakers/oliver-mcpherson-smith/)
Posted: May 6, 2025
Dr. Oliver McPherson-Smith offers unparalleled insight into the intersection of energy policy, geopolitics, and innovation—making him an exceptional keynote speaker for forward-thinking conferences. As the founding Executive Director of the White House’s National Energy Dominance Council and a seasoned global journalist, he brings both policy expertise and real-world storytelling to the stage. His experience spans \[…\]
#### AI in Manufacturing
AI in manufacturing is driving automation, quality control, and supply chain optimization at scale. Speakers on this topic provide practical insights into boosting productivity and navigating the shift toward smart factories and Industry 4.0. We recommend…
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/chris-miller/)
## [Chris Miller](https://wwsg.com/speakers/chris-miller/)
Posted: August 27, 2021
Professor Chris Miller is a geopolitical expert who talks about the origin, impact, and future of AI. He is the author of the New York Times bestselling Chip War: The Fight for the World’s Most Critical Technology, a book that explains how computer chips have made the modern world—and how the U.S. and China are \[…\]
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/peter-goodman/)
## [Peter Goodman](https://wwsg.com/speakers/peter-goodman/)
Posted: July 30, 2024
Peter S. Goodman is a leading voice on the intersection of economics and geopolitics. His in-depth reporting illuminates the real-world consequences of globalization, offering valuable insights for businesses and policymakers alike. Goodman’s ability to connect macroeconomic trends to the lived experiences of individuals makes him a sought-after speaker and commentator. In particular, his research on \[…\]
#### AI in Communities and Organizations
AI is transforming how communities and organizations engage stakeholders, allocate resources, and make data-driven decisions. Speakers in this space help event audiences understand how to harness AI for stronger collaboration, smarter governance, and greater impact. We recommend…
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/anima-anandkumar/)
## [Anima Anandkumar](https://wwsg.com/speakers/anima-anandkumar/)
Posted: November 14, 2023
Anima Anandkumar offers that rare combination of leading-edge academic research with equally deep experience in business and practical applications. She specialises in using AI in cloud computing to solve real world problems. Anima tailors each presentation to the needs of her audience.
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ben-sasse/)
## [Ben Sasse](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ben-sasse/)
Posted: January 24, 2023
Ben Sasse is known as a former U.S. Senator for Nebraska and University of Florida professor and 13th president. He is also a two-time New York Times national best-selling author whose career has spanned the private and public sectors. Ben believes in pluralism, free speech, and the power of ideas to build strong and vibrant communities \[…\]
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/erica-dhawan/)
## [Erica Dhawan](https://wwsg.com/speakers/erica-dhawan/)
Posted: March 5, 2020
When leaders want to break team silos, drive exponential growth and innovate through teamwork, they call Erica Dhawan. Erica Dhawan is an internationally recognized leading authority, speaker and advisor on 21st century teamwork, collaboration and innovation. She was named one of Real Leaders‘ Top 50 Keynote Speakers in the World.
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/mike-walsh/)
## [Mike Walsh](https://wwsg.com/speakers/mike-walsh/)
Posted: October 1, 2014
Mike Walsh is a top innovation and futurist speaker, bestselling author, and IoT expert. He is the CEO of Tomorrow, a global consultancy on designing business for the 21st century, the bestselling author of Futuretainment, and publisher of the “Disruptive Future” blog read by thousands of professionals. He was recognized as one of Australia’s “Top \[…\]
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/nicholas-christakis/)
## [Nicholas Christakis](https://wwsg.com/speakers/nicholas-christakis/)
Posted: April 11, 2024
Dr. Nicholas Christakis is a world-renowned expert on social artificial intelligence, social networks, human behavior, and public health, making him an exceptional keynote speaker for any conference. As a Sterling Professor at Yale and Director of the Human Nature Lab, his groundbreaking research explores how social contagion, AI, and evolutionary biology shape society. A bestselling \[…\]
#### AI in Tech
AI in the tech sector is accelerating innovation, from software development and cybersecurity to product design and platform scalability. Speakers on this topic offer forward-looking insights that help audiences stay ahead of disruption and capitalize on emerging technologies. We recommend…
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ben-parr/)
## [Ben Parr](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ben-parr/)
Posted: October 1, 2014
Through his unique experience and access as a leading technology writer/prognosticator, venture capitalist, and Silicon Valley insider, Ben Parr has built and led tech and media companies as well coached dozens of young startups and Fortune 500 corporations on capturing attention, marketing, branding, fundraising, and how to stay ahead of the curve. Ben was named \[…\]
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/cassie-kozyrkov/)
## [Cassie Kozyrkov](https://wwsg.com/speakers/cassie-kozyrkov/)
Posted: June 15, 2023
Google’s former Chief Decision Scientist isn’t just a captivating speaker—she’s a catalyst for the future of AI. When you engage with Cassie Kozyrkov, you’re connecting with the visionary leader who led Google’s AI-first transformation. Cassie is the epitome of theater-trained charisma, technical knowledge, and leadership experience, making her your perfect AI keynote speaker for an \[…\]
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/michio-kaku/)
## [Michio Kaku](https://wwsg.com/speakers/michio-kaku/)
Posted: July 20, 2015
Dr. Michio Kaku is the co-founder of string field theory (a branch of string theory), and continues Einstein’s search to unite the four fundamental forces of nature into one unified theory. Dr. Kaku is uniquely qualified to address audiences on various scientific themes, always concluding with how technology affects humanity and an optimistic view of \[…\]
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/steve-wozniak/)
## [Steve Wozniak](https://wwsg.com/speakers/steve-wozniak/)
Posted: October 1, 2014
A Silicon Valley icon and philanthropist for the past three decades, Steve Wozniak revolutionized the personal computer industry as co-founder of Apple Computer. With its first line of Apple products – Macintosh, Apple I and Apple II, Wozniak and Steve Jobs brought computers to the hands of the mass market. Through the years, Wozniak has \[…\]
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/zack-kass/)
## [Zack Kass](https://wwsg.com/speakers/zack-kass/)
Posted: March 22, 2024
Zack Kass is an AI Futurist and the former Head of GTM for OpenAI with 14 years in the field of emerging technology. At OpenAI, Zack built its sales, partnerships, and solutions teams. Today, Zack’s mission is to champion a future of abundance by demystifying AI and helping the world prepare for the impending technological \[…\]
### AI and the [Future of Work](http://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/leadership-and-management/?search_keyword=future%20of%20work)
Artificial intelligence is not only transforming industries—it’s redefining how work itself gets done. From automation and intelligent assistants to new skill requirements and hybrid human-AI collaboration, organizations are facing major shifts in how teams operate.
Future of work speaker[s](http://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/leadership-and-management/?search_keyword=future%20of%20work) help audiences understand how AI will reshape jobs, leadership, workplace culture, and talent development. These experts explore how organizations can prepare their workforce, develop new skills, and adapt to a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
For many events, pairing an **AI keynote speaker** with a **future of work expert** provides a powerful perspective—helping audiences understand both the technology driving change and the human impact that follows.
### Why AI Keynote Speakers Add Value to Events
No matter the sector, AI has meaningful implications. Retail organizations are using AI to personalize customer experiences and optimize supply chains. Hospitality leaders are exploring automation and predictive analytics to enhance service and operations. Healthcare providers are leveraging AI for diagnostics, patient care, and operational efficiency. Financial institutions are applying AI to risk management, fraud detection, and smarter decision-making. Across industries, the common thread is clear: AI is transforming how organizations operate, compete, and grow.
Featuring a leading AI thought leader at your event helps audiences cut through the noise and gain actionable insight. These speakers translate complex technological developments into clear, relevant strategies tailored to specific industries and leadership challenges. They help organizations understand what’s happening now, what’s coming next, and how to prepare.
### The Growing Demand for AI Speakers
As interest in AI continues to grow, keynote speakers on this topic consistently draw strong engagement and attendance. Audiences leave with a better understanding of the technology shaping the future—and the tools they need to navigate it confidently.
### Bring an AI Thought Leader to Your Next Event
Artificial intelligence is reshaping the way organizations operate, compete, and plan for the future. As leaders across industries work to understand these rapid changes, bringing an AI keynote speaker to your event offers audiences the clarity and perspective they need to navigate an increasingly technology-driven world. By sharing real-world insights, practical strategies, and a forward-looking view of innovation and the future of work, AI thought leaders help organizations turn uncertainty into opportunity and leave audiences better prepared for what comes next.
#### Frequently Asked Questions About AI Keynote Speakers
What does an AI keynote speaker talk about?
AI speakers explain emerging technologies, business applications, ethical considerations, and future workforce implications.
Why should organizations book an AI speaker?
They help audiences understand AI’s impact and provide actionable strategies for adapting to technological change.
Which industries benefit from AI speakers?
Retail, healthcare, hospitality, finance, manufacturing, technology, education, energy, and many others.
How do I find the perfect speaker for my event?
Finding the perfect speaker for your event starts with understanding your goals, audience, and budget. A trusted speakers bureau like WWSG can guide you through how to book a keynote speaker who aligns with your event theme and delivers lasting impact. Whether you’re looking for a motivational speaker to inspire your team, a thought leader to share industry expertise, or a high-profile figure to attract attendees, our team helps you identify the best fit. By working with a speakers bureau, you gain access to a curated network of experts and the support needed to ensure your keynote speaker is a success.
## Ready to Book an AI Keynote Speaker?
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**Categories:** Blog, Planning Resources
**Tags:** AI expert speaker, AI and the future of work, future of work speakers, AI Expert, artificial intelligence for events, AI trends for organizations, AI conference speaker, AI for business, future of AI keynote, AI thought leaders, artificial intelligence keynote speaker, AI Keynote Speaker, ai in business, AI speakers, future of work
---
### [Now Available: Streetwise by Lloyd Blankfein](https://wwsg.com/announcements/coming-soon-streetwise-by-lloyd-blankfein/)
**Published:** September 30, 2025
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
**From the long-tenured head of an institution legendary for its far-sighted culture of success, [Lloyd Blankfein](https://wwsg.com/speakers/lloyd-c-blankfein/) delivers a candid memoir of global leadership in an age of extreme turbulence in *Streetwise.***
When authors release new books, it creates a unique opportunity to elevate an event. Audiences not only gain fresh insights directly from the author but can also continue the experience by taking home a copy. Offering books alongside a speaking engagement extends the impact, fosters deeper connection, and ensures the key messages resonate long after the event concludes.
#### About the Book
When Lloyd Blankfein was attacked as a Wall Street fat cat, he had to smile, thinking of his precarious childhood in the notorious public housing projects of East New York, Brooklyn, and a high school so chaotic he didn’t feel safe enough to use the bathroom once in his time there. Harvard was a total moon shot, and his outsider status never wore off, there or at Harvard Law. When he struck people as street-y, it wasn’t Wall Street they were thinking of. But if the chip never quite left the shoulder, neither did a wry, resilient spirit, and a lucid, democratic intelligence that saw through airs and found talent and ideas in unlikely places.
Streetwise is a delightfully honest, sharp and often very funny reckoning with the author’s education—in finance, human nature, and the workings of the world. It abounds with lessons—about leading teams of brilliant, aggressive, competitive people and harmonizing them around shared goals; about changing when times are hard and when they’re good; about managing risk; and about knowing a crisis is at hand before it swamps you, and guiding your team to the farther shore. Blankfein is famed for his calm hand on Goldman’s tiller during the global financial crisis, and that story is told in full here, among many other decisive episodes.
Suffusing Streetwise is the author’s deep and abiding respect for the partnership culture of Goldman Sachs. We follow the never-ending work to protect and preserve that culture through all sorts of tumult—the challenge behind every other challenge. He is open about when he and the firm got it wrong, which was often enough, but the creative, risk-taking spirit was never snuffed, even as the failsafes put in place to protect against downside risk to the firm and its clients held when they were needed the most. A marvelous blueprint for the wise stewardship of a cause that is larger than yourself, Streetwise will inspire and inform readers throughout the global business community, and beyond. Published March 3, 2026. Publisher: [Penguin Random House.](https://www.penguinrandomhouse.ca/books/780438/streetwise-by-lloyd-blankfein/9798217058921)
#### About Lloyd Blankfein
Lloyd Blankfein is an internationally respected global business leader, risk manager, and commentator on matters affecting the global economy. As Chairman and CEO of Goldman Sachs for more than 12 years, Lloyd led the highest profile global investment bank through a period of great economic and political turbulence, becoming an important voice on today’s global financial and political issues. To host him for a speaking engagement, [contact WWSG](https://wwsg.com/contact-us).
## **Ready to Host Lloyd Blankfein?**
Contact us for his availability.
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**Categories:** Announcements
**Tags:** lloyd blankfein, global economy, Risk Management, corporate culture, business resilience, Streetwise book, Goldman Sachs leadership, global financial crisis, leadership lessons, financial memoir
---
### [Announcing Four New WWSG-Exclusive Speakers Shaping the Global Conversation](https://wwsg.com/blog/announcing-four-new-wwsg-exclusive-speakers-shaping-the-global-conversation/)
**Published:** February 6, 2026
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
Event planners today face a familiar challenge: audiences expect insight, credibility, and relevance—not recycled talking points. At [Worldwide Speakers Group](http://wwsg.com), we work exclusively with leaders who bring firsthand experience at the highest levels of government, finance, and global policy. We’re proud to announce four new [WWSG-exclusive speakers](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/wwsg-exclusives/) whose perspectives resonate with executive, investor, and policy audiences worldwide.
**Dr. [Tyler Goodspeed](http://wwsg.com/speakers/tyler-goodspeed)**, economist and author, brings historical depth and analytical clarity to today’s economic uncertainty. Drawing on academic research and real-world policy experience, Goodspeed helps audiences understand inflation, growth cycles, and labor markets through a long-term lens—providing context that cuts through short-term noise.
#### Great for…
- Corporate leadership teams navigating inflation, growth, and labor market uncertainty
- Financial services firms and investors seeking historical context for current economic trends
****
[**Edward Fishman**](http://wwsg.com/speakers/edward-fishman), former U.S. sanctions official and author, is one of today’s leading voices on economic statecraft. His work explores how sanctions, trade policy, and financial power shape global competition. Fishman is particularly valuable for organizations grappling with geopolitical risk, regulatory complexity, and the evolving intersection of economics and national security.
#### Great for…
- Global corporations managing geopolitical risk, trade restrictions, and compliance
- Government affairs, policy, and security audiences focused on economic statecraft
****
[**Christopher Wray**](http://wwsg.com/speakers/christopher-wray), former Director of the FBI, offers rare insight into leadership under pressure, institutional trust, and modern security threats. With experience at the helm of one of the world’s most critical law enforcement agencies, Wray speaks to executives and policymakers about risk management, cybersecurity, crisis leadership, and organizational resilience.
#### Great for…
- Executive leadership teams focused on risk, cybersecurity, and organizational resilience
- Associations and conferences centered on national security, law enforcement, and governance
****
[**Agustín Carstens**](http://wwsg.com/speakers/agustin-carstens), economist and former General Manager of the Bank for International Settlements, brings unparalleled perspective on global finance and monetary policy. A trusted voice among central bankers and financial leaders, Carstens helps audiences understand the forces shaping financial stability, inflation, and the future of the global economic system.
#### Great for…
- Central banks, financial institutions, and economic policy audiences
- Global business leaders seeking insight into monetary policy and financial stability
Each of these speakers works exclusively with Worldwide Speakers Group, ensuring event planners receive expert guidance, strategic support, and speakers who are fully prepared to deliver meaningful, audience-specific insight. For conferences, board retreats, and leadership events where credibility matters, WWSG connects you with voices that truly move the conversation forward.
## **Ready to Host a WWSG Thought Leader?**
Contact us for availability.
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Topic of InterestSelect a TopicHosts, Moderators & MCsArts & Entertainment– Artists & Musicians– Media Personalities– Live Entertainment & ComedyBusiness– Marketing & Advertising– Business Leaders from Major Brands– Business Transformation– Success in Business– Teamwork & Employee Engagement– EntrepreneurshipAuthors– New York Times Bestselling AuthorsClimate Change & Environmental Issues– Alternative Energy– Sustainability & Conservation– Climate PolicyCelebritiesDiversity– Advocacy & Social Justice– Gender EqualityEconomy & Finance– Financial Experts– Monetary Policy– Economic Trends/Forecasts– Emerging Markets– Geoeconomic RiskGovernment & Politics– Midterm Elections– Pundits, Analysts, & Pollsters– Conservative– LiberalHealthcare & Wellness– Mental Health– Healthcare Policy– Happiness & WellnessGeopolitics– National Security– World Leaders– Historians– Global TradeLeadership & Management– Leadership & Management Experts– Military LeadersMotivational– TED Speakers– Adventurers– Inspirational– Military Background– Survivors– Coaches, Athletes, & BroadcastersTechnology & Innovation– Cybersecurity– Fintech– Futurists– Artificial Intelligence– Astronauts & ScientistsWWSG Exclusives
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**Categories:** Announcements, Blog
**Tags:** policy experts, government affairs events, financial services conferences, executive education, cybersecurity and risk, sanctions and trade, former government officials, exclusive speakers, Monetary Policy, corporate events, leadership speakers, Geopolitical Speakers, global economy, Worldwide Speakers Group, national security speakers, economics speakers, Thought Leaders, Keynote Speakers
---
### [WWSG Announces Exclusive Partnership with Global Economic Leader Agustín Carstens](https://wwsg.com/blog/wwsg-announces-exclusive-partnership-with-global-economic-leader-agustin-carstens/)
**Published:** January 20, 2026
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
We are thrilled to announce that [**Agustín Carstens**](http://wwsg.com/speakers/agustin-carstens)—renowned economist, central banking expert, and one of the world’s most respected voices on global monetary policy—is now speaking exclusively with Worldwide Speakers Group. With a career spanning four decades at the forefront of international finance, Mr. Carstens brings unparalleled perspective on the evolving global economy, making him an exceptional choice for organizations seeking insight into geoeconomics, monetary policy, and financial innovation.
### **A Voice of Authority on Central Banking and Geoeconomics**
Agustín Carstens served as **General Manager of the Bank for International Settlements (BIS)**—often referred to as the “central bank for central banks”—where he led international cooperation among monetary authorities through periods of rapid change and economic uncertainty. Prior to his role at the BIS, he was **Governor of the Bank of Mexico** and also held senior positions at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and Mexico’s Finance Ministry. His breadth of experience uniquely blends academic insight, policy leadership, and real-world financial stewardship.
Throughout his career, Carstens has been a forward-thinking advocate for resilient monetary frameworks and thoughtful evolution in central banking. His speeches and writings frequently address how institutions can balance stability with innovation, adapt to digital transformation in finance, and respond to global economic fragmentation—making him a top global economics speaker and central banking keynote speaker.
### **What Audiences Can Expect from Carstens’ Talks**
Agustín Carstens is known for delivering nuanced, thought-provoking keynotes that speak directly to the complex challenges facing business leaders, policymakers, and academic audiences today. Some of his signature topics include:
- **Global Markets at a Crossroads:** Insight into how macroeconomic forces, innovation, and geopolitical tensions are reshaping the international financial system.
- **The Future of Monetary Policy:** How central banks can maintain credibility and independence amid inflationary pressures and shifting economic norms.
- **Innovation in Finance:** Analysis of digital money, cryptocurrencies, and the role of new financial infrastructure such as BIS Innovation Hubs.
- **Economic Stability and Institutional Trust:** Lessons from decades of crisis management and policy coordination among leading central banks.
These topics are vital for audiences looking to understand geoeconomic risk, financial stability, global monetary policy trends, and the future of digital finance, positioning Carstens as a must-book speaker for conferences, executive forums, and academic summits alike.
### **Why Booking Carstens Matters for Your Event**
Hosting Agustín Carstens brings distinct strategic value to your agenda:
- **Credibility and Authority:** Carstens’ tenure at the BIS and prior leadership roles demonstrate governance in practice, not just theory—making his insights highly respected across industries.
- **Geoeconomics Expertise:** As economic and geopolitical forces become increasingly intertwined, his perspective helps audiences navigate risk and opportunity in an uncertain global landscape.
- **Actionable Insight:** Carstens goes beyond broad analysis to deliver clarity on how leaders can *anticipate change*, *adapt policy*, and *strengthen institutional resilience*.
- **Global Relevance:** Whether for corporate boards, central bankers, or policy think tanks, his talks resonate with decision-makers seeking forward-looking economic thought leadership.
### **Bring a World-Class Economic Mind to Your Stage**
In a time when economic systems are continually tested by inflation dynamics, digital disruption, and shifting geopolitical alignments, Agustín Carstens offers audiences more than expertise—he offers context, clarity, and vision. His exclusive availability through Worldwide Speakers Group provides a rare opportunity for organizations to feature one of the world’s most insightful geoeconomics and monetary policy speakers.
We invite you to explore his full speaker profile and see how his insights can elevate your next event. [Contact WWSG](http://wwsg.com/contact-us) today to secure Agustín Carstens as your next keynote speaker.
## **Ready to Host Agustín Carstens?**
Contact us for his availability.
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Topic of InterestSelect a TopicHosts, Moderators & MCsArts & Entertainment– Artists & Musicians– Media Personalities– Live Entertainment & ComedyBusiness– Marketing & Advertising– Business Leaders from Major Brands– Business Transformation– Success in Business– Teamwork & Employee Engagement– EntrepreneurshipAuthors– New York Times Bestselling AuthorsClimate Change & Environmental Issues– Alternative Energy– Sustainability & Conservation– Climate PolicyCelebritiesDiversity– Advocacy & Social Justice– Gender EqualityEconomy & Finance– Financial Experts– Monetary Policy– Economic Trends/Forecasts– Emerging Markets– Geoeconomic RiskGovernment & Politics– Midterm Elections– Pundits, Analysts, & Pollsters– Conservative– LiberalHealthcare & Wellness– Mental Health– Healthcare Policy– Happiness & WellnessGeopolitics– National Security– World Leaders– Historians– Global TradeLeadership & Management– Leadership & Management Experts– Military LeadersMotivational– TED Speakers– Adventurers– Inspirational– Military Background– Survivors– Coaches, Athletes, & BroadcastersTechnology & Innovation– Cybersecurity– Fintech– Futurists– Artificial Intelligence– Astronauts & ScientistsWWSG Exclusives
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**Categories:** Announcements, Blog
**Tags:** monetary policy keynote, macroeconomic trends speaker, digital finance and central banking, international finance speaker, economic policy expert, global markets keynote, inflation and monetary policy, Bank for International Settlements speaker, former BIS General Manager, global economics speaker, geoeconomics speaker, central banking expert, Agustín Carstens speaker, Agustin Carstens, financial stability speaker
---
### [Worldwide Speakers Group Welcomes Former FBI Director Christopher Wray](https://wwsg.com/blog/worldwide-speakers-group-welcomes-former-fbi-director-christopher-wray/)
**Published:** January 13, 2026
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
Worldwide Speakers Group is honored to announce that [Christopher Wray](https://wwsg.com/speakers/christopher-wray/), former Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, has joined WWSG as an [exclusive keynote speaker](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/wwsg-exclusives/). One of the most respected national security leaders of his generation, Director Wray brings unparalleled, firsthand insight into the risks shaping today’s global environment—and what leaders must do to navigate them.
### A Rare Perspective on Today’s Most Urgent Threats
During his tenure as FBI Director, Christopher Wray led the bureau through a period defined by unprecedented cyber threats, ransomware attacks, espionage, terrorism, and intensifying great‑power competition. He worked closely with U.S. intelligence agencies, international partners, and the private sector to confront challenges that increasingly blur the lines between national security and business risk.
For organizations seeking a [**national security speaker**](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/geopolitics/?search_keyword=national%20security) who understands both government and corporate realities, Director Wray offers a perspective few can match. His experience spans cybersecurity, counterintelligence, intellectual property protection, crisis leadership, and institutional resilience—issues that now sit squarely on the agenda of boards, CEOs, and senior executives.
### Why Host Christopher Wray at Your Event
Christopher Wray’s keynotes are designed to inform, prepare, and empower audiences facing a rapidly evolving risk landscape. Event hosts value his ability to translate complex security challenges into clear, actionable insights relevant to leaders across industries.
Organizations that hire Christopher Wray gain:
- **Authoritative insight on cybersecurity and ransomware** – Learn how cybercrime, nation‑state actors, and ransomware operations threaten organizations of all sizes, and what leaders can do to strengthen resilience.
- **Real‑world lessons on leadership under pressure** – Drawing from his time leading one of the world’s most complex institutions, Wray shares lessons on decision‑making, trust, and accountability in high‑stakes environments.
- **Clarity on global risk and geopolitical competition** – Understand how great‑power rivalry, espionage, and economic security increasingly affect businesses, supply chains, and innovation.
- **Guidance for the public‑private partnership era** – Explore why collaboration between government and the private sector is essential to managing today’s national and economic security threats.
These themes make Director Wray a compelling choice for corporate leadership conferences, cybersecurity summits, financial services events, technology forums, government and defense gatherings, and civic or educational institutions.
### Key Topics Christopher Wray Addresses
As a keynote speaker, Christopher Wray speaks to issues that are top of mind for leaders navigating uncertainty and risk, including:
- Cybersecurity, ransomware, and digital resilience
- National security and global threat assessment
- Leadership in moments of crisis and complexity
- Protecting intellectual property and innovation
- Trust, integrity, and institutional strength
- The future of public‑private cooperation
Event planners searching to hire a cybersecurity speaker, hire a national security speaker, or secure a speaker on leadership and risk management will find Director Wray uniquely qualified to address these challenges with credibility and clarity.
### An Engaging, Trusted Voice for Senior Audiences
Known for his calm, thoughtful, and authoritative style, Christopher Wray connects especially well with senior‑level audiences. His presentations are grounded in real experience—not theory—and consistently praised for being substantive, timely, and highly relevant. He equips leaders with a deeper understanding of today’s threat environment while offering practical takeaways that resonate long after the event concludes.
### Book Christopher Wray for Your Event
Christopher Wray is available exclusively through Worldwide Speakers Group. To inquire about hosting him at your upcoming conference or event, or to learn more about his speaking topics and availability, please [contact WWSG](http://wwsg.com/contact-us).
Organizations looking to book Christopher Wray, hire a former FBI Director as a speaker, or secure a trusted voice on cybersecurity, national security, and leadership will find him to be an exceptional and timely choice.
## **Ready to Host Christopher Wray?**
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**Categories:** Announcements, Blog
**Tags:** cyber risk speaker, global security expert speaker, FBI keynote speaker, public private partnership speaker, corporate cybersecurity speaker, government security keynote, leadership in crisis speaker, intelligence and security speaker, geopolitical risk speaker, ransomware speaker, hire cybersecurity speaker, cybersecurity keynote speaker, national security speaker, former FBI Director speaker, Christopher Wray speaker
---
### [Now Available: Redfield's Warning: What I Learned (But Couldn't Tell You) Might Save Your Life by Dr. Robert Redfield](https://wwsg.com/announcements/coming-soon-redfields-warning-what-i-learned-but-couldnt-tell-you-might-save-your-life-by-dr-robert-redfield/)
**Published:** September 17, 2025
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
In *Redfield’s Warning*, former CDC Director [Robert Redfield](https://wwsg.com/speakers/robert-redfield) exposes ignored threats and urges urgent action to prevent the next devastating pandemic.
When authors release new books, it creates a unique opportunity to elevate an event. Audiences not only gain fresh insights directly from the author but can also continue the experience by taking home a copy. Offering books alongside a speaking engagement extends the impact, fosters deeper connection, and ensures the key messages resonate long after the event concludes.
#### About the Book
They ignored young army virologist Robert Redfield when he warned Americans that the sexually transmitted HIV virus affected heterosexual women and men just as it did gay men. They ignored Redfield when he called for the importance of early diagnosis for HIV infection. They ignored Redfield for a decade when he warned Americans that the country was not prepared for the pandemic that became Covid-19. They ignored CDC Director Redfield during the pandemic when he warned that the government needed to be more transparent with the American public: to admit that the evidence did not support shutting down the country, that certain groups were in greater danger than others, that vaccines offered only limited protection and should not be mandated.
Now Redfield is issuing another warning. And ignoring him this time puts literally millions of people lives at risk.
Robert Redfield has spent his life studying viruses. And he knows what is coming. His new book, Redfield’s Warning, predicts millions of Americans are going to die in the coming pandemic—if we don’t start preparing for it now.
This fact-filled, anecdotal memoir brings readers inside Redfield’s sub-microscopic world, introducing them to the extraordinary wonders and terrifying dangers of viruses, using the lessons of history to reinforce his dire warning. Speaking out bluntly, the CDC director during the first years of Covid-19 reveals what went right and what mistakes were made throughout the pandemic. Most importantly, he outlines a program of what needs to be done now to prepare for the bird flu pandemic that not only is coming—but may already be here. Published Nov. 4, 2025. Source: [Skyhorse Publishing](https://www.skyhorsepublishing.com/9781510785052/redfields-warning/).
#### About Dr. Robert Redfield
Robert Redfield, M.D. is an American virologist and physician who has been on the cutting edge of some of the most significant scientific medical discoveries of modern history. He is widely respected for his central role in the establishment of the HIV/AIDS clinical research vaccine and subsequent development programs for therapeutic and preventative use. To host him for a speaking engagement, [contact WWSG.](https://wwsg.com/contact-us)
**Categories:** Announcements
**Tags:** Redfield’s Warning, Robert Redfield book, pandemic preparedness, former CDC Director, pandemic warning, virus expert speaker, HIV and AIDS research, Covid-19 lessons, bird flu pandemic risk, government transparency in health, virologist keynote speaker, new book by Robert Redfield, public health speaker, medical memoir pandemic, pandemic event speaker
---
### [Dr. Sanjay Gupta on Screen Time & the Holidays](https://wwsg.com/blog/dr-sanjay-gupta-on-screen-time-the-holidays/)
**Published:** December 15, 2025
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
*This is a guest post from WWSG exclusive keynote speaker, [Dr. Sanjay Gupta](http://wwsg.com/speakers/sanjay-gupta).*
Last week, Australia banned access to social media on 10 platforms — including Instagram, Facebook and TikTok — for children under 16.
It’s a pretty bold move, one that is a good reminder for all of us to re-evaluate our own relationships with social media (and, frankly, screens) this holiday season.
I think we’ve all been in this situation at one point: You’re sitting at the dinner table, having a great conversation, and out of the corner of your eye, you see someone who’s just staring at their phone.
We’ve all been guilty of it, but we can also work to be more mindful of our screen time and social media use.
We know it can be bad for us and our kids. A Pew survey found that nearly half of teens said they think social media has a “mostly negative” effect on people their age, and 45% say they spend too much time on social media.
OK, so how do we all get better at limiting our time staring at screens?
I want to take you back to the season of our “Chasing Life” podcast that was all about social media, because what I took away is that it’s like a car — a powerful tool we need to learn how to use in a healthier way.
Catherine Price, author of the book *How to Break Up With Your Phone: The 30-Day Plan to Take Back Your Life*, suggested a simple exercise when I interviewed her for that season. Every time you pick up your phone, ask yourself: What for? Why now? What else?
From there, she says, “Sometimes, you actually will have a reason. Like it’s your friend’s birthday. You need to get a gift for them. Most of the time is going to be an emotional reason. It’s going to be like, ‘I was anxious, I had it, and I want it to be soothed. I was bored waiting on this line. I wanted a distraction. I felt lonely. I wanted to feel connected.’ So identify what your brain is actually after, and then you can move to the third step, the ‘what else.’ Which is to ask yourself, what else could you do in that moment to achieve the same result?”
I love this advice. Let’s all try to spend more time with our families instead of our phones this holiday.
Dr. Sanjay Gupta brings unparalleled credibility, experience, and clarity to the stage as one of the world’s most trusted voices in [health and medicine](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/healthcare-and-wellness/). As CNN’s chief medical correspondent and a practicing neurosurgeon, he has reported on every major health crisis of the last two decades—from the frontlines of natural disasters and war zones to the global Covid-19 pandemic.
Event audiences benefit not only from his deep medical expertise, but also his unique ability to communicate complex topics with clarity, empathy, and relevance. Whether discussing brain health, crisis response, or the intersection of media and medicine, Dr. Gupta delivers insights that are timely, actionable, and deeply resonant for groups of all kinds. [Contact WWSG](http://wwsg.com/contact-us) to host him for a speaking opportunity.
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** mindfulness, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, social media use, screen time, digital wellbeing, children and social media, teen mental health, phone addiction, healthy habits, family time, technology and health, social media impact, digital balance
---
### [Patrick McGee Wins SABEW’s Sixth Annual Best in Business Book Awards](https://wwsg.com/announcements/patrick-mcgee-wins-sabews-sixth-annual-best-in-business-book-awards/)
**Published:** November 13, 2025
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
> The Society for Advancing Business Editing and Writing (SABEW) proudly announces the winners and finalists for its sixth annual Best in Business Book Awards, which recognizes and celebrates outstanding business journalism in books published between August 1, 2024, and July 31, 2025.
>
> The book, *[Apple in China: The Capture of the World’s Greatest Company](http://wwsg.com/announcements/patrick-mcgees-book-apple-in-china-the-capture-of-the-worlds-greatest-company-coming-soon/ "https://appleinchina.com/")* by [Patrick McGee](http://wwsg.com/speakers/patrick-mcgee) and published by Scribner, was chosen as the winner in the “Business Reporting” category.
>
> The judging panel said, “Apple in China reveals the depth of the tech giant’s entanglement with the Chinese state and examines the moral and political tradeoffs made along the way. With rich reporting and geopolitical relevance, it has enduring impact. Overall, it shows how sharp writing and a clear narrative can turn deep reporting into a compelling page-turner. You learn more about Apple reading by this book than from any newspaper article or documentary out there.”
>
> Judges also selected two finalists from the category: *Bad Company: Private Equity and the Death of the American Dream* by Megan Greenwell and published by Dey Street Books; and *Character Limit: How Elon Musk Destroyed Twitter* by Kate Conger and Ryan Mac, and published by Penguin Press.
**Categories:** Announcements, Blog
---
### [Now Available: A Year At Highclere: Secrets and Stories from the Real Downton Abbey by Lady Carnarvon](https://wwsg.com/announcements/coming-soon-a-year-at-highclere-secrets-and-stories-from-the-real-downton-abbey-by-lady-carnarvon/)
**Published:** September 16, 2025
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
#### Join [Lady Carnarvon](https://wwsg.com/speakers/fiona-carnarvon) as she exclusively reveals into the daily rhythms, seasonal changes and timeless traditions of one of Britain’s most iconic stately homes.
When authors release new books, it creates a unique opportunity to elevate an event. Audiences not only gain fresh insights directly from the author but can also continue the experience by taking home a copy. Offering books alongside a speaking engagement extends the impact, fosters deeper connection, and ensures the key messages resonate long after the event concludes.
#### About the Book
Built in a bygone era, Highclere Castle and its surrounding five-thousand-acre estate is a place steeped in history both within its walls and verdant landscapes. From the grandeur of Victorian architecture to the whispers of Anglo-Saxon roots, the estate’s sweeping ground encapsulate a rich British heritage. Lady Carnarvon shares tales of past residents, from Lady Almina’s legendary 1920s parties to the enigmatic ghosts that roam the halls of the castle.
With the passing months and seasons, Lady Carnarvon reveals what it truly means to live and work in this extraordinary home. From gardening, entertaining, exploring the outdoors with their eight dogs to opening the gates to a film crew — for many weeks and seasons — culminating in the latest Downton Abbey film.
Highclere is where history, royalty, nature and community weave together — enchanting its residents, staff and guests. Published Dec. 4, 2025. Source: [Penguin](https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/473887/a-year-at-highclere-by-carnarvon-the-countess-of/9781529963939).
#### About Lady Carnarvon
As the eighth and current Countess of Carnarvon reigning, Lady Fiona Carnarvon was inspired to share the true story of Highclere Castle’s conversion to a hospital during WWI. Highclere is the real-life setting for Masterpiece’s *Downton Abbey*. Using diaries, letters, and photos straight out of the Edwardian era, she produced *Lady Almina and the Real Downton Abbey*. To host her for a speaking engagement, [contact WWSG.](https://wwsg.com/contact-us)
**Categories:** Announcements
**Tags:** Lady Carnarvon, Highclere Castle, Downton Abbey speaker, British heritage lectures, stately homes of Britain, Edwardian history speaker, Highclere Castle book, author speaker events, historical keynote speaker, Victorian architecture history, Lady Almina and the Real Downton Abbey, WWI history speaker, aristocracy and heritage talks, royal history speaker, book signing speaking events
---
### [Raja Rajamannar on Mastering Attention: How Marketers Can Cut Through The Clutter](https://wwsg.com/blog/raja-rajamannar-on-mastering-attention-how-marketers-can-cut-through-the-clutter/)
**Published:** October 23, 2024
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
**The Big Picture**
Have you ever wondered why some things grab our attention while other things become background noise? Picture this: you are strolling down a bustling street, and despite all the noise, some sound stands out — maybe a child giggling, a bird chirping, or someone playing a piano. What catches your ear can be completely different from what catches someone else’s. One person might hear the laughter and be flooded with memories of playing with their child, while another person might hear the piano and think back to their own music lessons as a kid.
The secret behind what grabs our attention comes down to how our brains process information. There are two levels: First is the primal brain, associated with “System 1 thinking,” which is the subconscious and intuitive thinking that guides much of our behavior and decision making. The primal brain functions rapidly and with little effort; for example, think about how fast our reflexes work in danger. This is where our feelings, our instinctive, emotional reactions come from. Then there’s the cognitive brain, associated with “System 2 thinking,” the analytical side that likes to analyze information before making a decision. While the cognitive brain helps inform our choices, most of our decisions are driven by what we feel, meaning the primal brain really calls the shots. We’d like to think that our rational, analytical brains guide the majority of our actions – but the truth is, human beings are more likely to act based on feelings and emotion.
And that is the goldmine for us marketers — tapping into deep-rooted emotions is how we truly capture attention and make a lasting impact.
**Why this Matters for Marketers**
In a world where ads are flying at us from every direction, only a handful really hit home — and often, we can’t even pinpoint why. For marketers, the challenge is to grab attention in a way that’s not just a quick flash but something that resonates with people, creating trust and inspiring action. This need for deeper engagement is more critical than ever as consumer expectations evolve. Now and into the future, consumers seek to connect with brands on a more profound level, wanting to feel that their lives are enriched by these brands.
**My Take**
I find myself thinking of two distinct approaches for capturing attention in a world that is oversaturated with ads:
***Passion segmentation***
Passion segmentation involves grouping an audience based on shared interests, rather than traditional categories like age or location. This approach helps us go beyond boundaries and connect with people from all walks of life in a more meaningful fashion.
Take music, for example. According to Mastercard research, 57% of people globally are passionate about music – a huge opportunity! This is especially true when it comes to live music, with 78% of global live concert goers viewing music as a fundamental part of who they are, according to a Live Nation [study](https://www.livenationentertainment.com/2023/11/mastercard-partners-with-live-nation-to-offer-exclusive-live-music-benefits-and-experiences-for-cardholders-around-the-world/). If your brand offers incredible musical experiences, people who are passionate about that will pay attention.
But here is the kicker: it is not enough to connect on a surface level. The real magic happens when you pull back the curtain and invite people into a deeper experience. We do this at @Mastercard through our Priceless platform, which gives cardholders access to incredible experiences like meeting your favorite artists, walking the red carpet, or joining unique music programs that get you closer to your passion for music discovery and creation.
As technology evolves, brands have greater opportunities to connect people with their passions on a larger scale. For instance, through the [Coca-Cola’s Coke Studio](https://www.billboard.com/music/features/coca-cola-coke-studio-1235695775/) done in collaboration with Universal Music Group, Coke is signing artists to create unique tracks. The lead track for their 2024 campaign is “How Sweet,” which K-pop sensation NewJeans recorded in both English and Korean. These collaborations, set to feature in marketing across 150 countries, aim to engage younger audiences while boosting both the artists’ reach and Coca-Cola’s brand presence.
Another example is the [Mastercard Artist Accelerator](https://connect.priceless.com/artistaccelerator) program, a Web3-based initiative now in its second season that brings music fans and emerging artists closer to their passion for music discovery and creation through advanced tools like the AI Music Studio—and with the chance to see artists live in a concert series hosted with OnesToWatch.
***Multisensory Marketing***
I’ve [written before about](https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/multisensory-marketing-way-forward-raja-rajamannar/) Mastercard’s pioneering multisensory marketing strategy as a way to break through advertising clutter, and its impact is undeniable. When you engage multiple senses, you tap into the primal brain, triggering memories and emotions.
Multisensory marketing is increasingly vital today and for the future, as traditional ways of showcasing brand presence are becoming limited due to technological advancements. Gen Z in particular has been [shown](https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/gen-z-killed-advertising-star-new-research-reveals-young-people-/) to use ad blockers, skip ads and harness voice-first devices that disrupt typical visual-led brand messages.
Brands need to establish their presence in ways that showcase the brand through other senses, like sound, scent, taste or touch. Think of the Netflix sonic brand that alerts you to the start of the show, or Mastercard’s own new haptic logo at the point of sale. Scent is another area ripe for innovation, as @Auntie Anne’s proved this year with the [launch of its signature scent with a perfume called “Knead.”](https://www.foodandwine.com/auntie-annes-signature-fragrance-knead-8687072)According to the brand, “each spritz evokes the experience of passing an Auntie Anne’s store and inhaling the nostalgic aroma of their pretzels.” This playful approach not only attracted attention but also tapped into the power of smell, making fans crave those familiar, freshly baked pretzels.
At the end of the day, it is no surprise that the consumer-to-brand ecosystem is evolving. It is crucial to identify our audience, understand their interests, and engage them in a way that activates their primal instincts. Our goal is to create experiences that are not just memorable, but that resonate on a deeper level, encouraging customers to return repeatedly to a brand they trust.
What effective marketing campaigns have you seen recently that connect with people’s passions, or reaches them in multiple senses?
To host [Raja Rajamannar](https://wwsg.com/speakers/raja-rajamannar) for a speaking engagement, [contact Worldwide Speakers Group](https://wwsg.com/contact-us).
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** Marketing, cognitive
---
### [Raja Rajamannar on Unleashing the Power of Passionomics](https://wwsg.com/blog/raja-rajamannar-on-unleashing-the-power-of-passionomics/)
**Published:** November 12, 2024
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
*By WWSG exclusive speaker, [Raja Rajamannar](https://wwsg.com/speakers/raja-rajamannar)*
#### **The Big Picture**
We’re witnessing a new cultural movement taking shape—one that’s defined by a desire to spend time, money, and energy on what matters to us most.
When today’s consumers think about how they spend their time and money, they’re prioritizing passions, well-being, relationships and experiences. And marketing must reflect that shift in consumer sentiment. Sixty percent of respondents to a Mastercard study, which explores the passion landscape across the globe, are actively saving to indulge in what they love. We call this movement toward finding joy and fulfilment by investing in areas of passion, “**Passionomics**”
So, what exactly is Passionomics? And how do marketers harness it to break through to today’s consumers? It’s the study of how individuals allocate resources—time, money, and attention—around their passions and how that in turn drives economic impact. Passionomics goes beyond simply analyzing consumer spending. It digs deeper: focusing on understanding the motivation behind their spending priorities and the impact that has on personal fulfilment. Whether it’s travel, gaming, sports, or the arts, Passionomics reveals how personal interests shape our sense of self, and in turn, our purchasing choices, which are creating a ripple effect by influencing broader market trends. It’s a fascinating lens through which to view economic trends. Passionomics emphasizes the need for marketers to evolve beyond campaigns focused broadly on personas and demographics and shift our focus to passions — and the communities built around them — to resonate with consumers in a meaningful way. Leveraging data-driven analytics, like Passionomics, can be a game changer in how marketers understand consumers. Research into the latest and growing spending trends uncover new opportunities for businesses to meet consumers where they’re headed.
**Why this Matters to Marketers**
In today’s experience-driven world, brands that recognize and support consumer passions can stand out in a crowded market. And as consumers prioritize experiences over material goods, Passionomics can be a path to creating more authentic connections with audiences.
Music, for example, is a universal passion with proven positive effects on our body and soul. And 75 percent of respondents to our study say time spent on passions is a form of stress relief. In fact, Dr. Francis Collins, the American physician and scientist and former Director of the National Institute of Health, recently [appeared](https://www.instagram.com/colbertlateshow/reel/DACufiARbMm/?hl=en) on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert to explain the power of music in increasing endorphin levels. Speaking to these passions, like music, can have significant economic impact as well. Take Taylor Swift’s The Eras Tour, for example. It’s a massive cultural force that, between hotels, restaurants, and local shops, has had a real boost on the local economies along its route. Spending at restaurants within 2.5 miles of the stadium surged by an average of 68 percent per day — a [phenomenon](https://www.mastercardservices.com/en/industries/travel/insights/eventful-economy-swift-lift) we at Mastercard call “The Swift Lift.” This data is a prime example of Passionomics, demonstrating how deeply fan passion—and spending on experiences linked to those passions—can tangibly boost local economies and have a ripple effect on various sectors. Travel is another universal passion that is flourishing as consumers opt to invest in moments and memories. According to Mastercard Economic Institute, 10 of the last 10 record-setting spending days in the global cruise and airline industry occurred in 2024.
#### **My Take**
While traditional marketing targets through demographics like age or gender, we segment through passions, reaching people through universal interests like culinary arts, sports or travel. We’ve identified 10 universal passion points that we build experiences around, and Passionomic insights empower us to understand motivations behind consumer behavior and ultimately create an emotional connection.
In addition to experiences, we’ve built products that speak directly to passions, making it easier for consumers to access what they love. Our Passion Cards are designed to cater to specific interests and go beyond traditional rewards, offering experiences that connect superfans to their passions every time they pay.
But it’s not enough to just identify these passion points — brands must speak to them in authentic ways. Here are two passionate communities we’ve reached:
**League of Legends.** Traditional marketing would identify “gamers” as a broad demographic, but we went further by tapping into the explosive growth of esports, becoming the first global sponsor of League of Legends. The game has since [broken viewership records](https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/esportsinsider.com/2024/11/league-of-legends-worlds-2024-viewership__;!!NDdRaFrjhKsg!toXGHLxGdcAS8Gzbn00Y1G6NLUWzSA_bkK7vg_0XfyQErgMbe0UrOECUlCAuTIsb9UI34ewyHoU-SLFKvubqIgWdsQ$) at its 2024 World Championship. We offer the League of Legends Card, with 50 design variations, perks, and chances to win trips to League of Legends Worlds. Our Mastercard Economic data shows that this passion has boosted global online gaming spending, up [7.5 percent](https://www.mastercardservices.com/en/advisors/economic-consulting/insights/did-you-know-league-legends-world-championship-set-ignite). We believe so much in this growing passion that this year we introduced the Unlock Africa Esports Summit, a first**–**of-its-kind [event](https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7262728055012376576/__;!!NDdRaFrjhKsg!toXGHLxGdcAS8Gzbn00Y1G6NLUWzSA_bkK7vg_0XfyQErgMbe0UrOECUlCAuTIsb9UI34ewyHoU-SLFKvuYuunDOZQ$) in the region, which brought together business leaders, fintechs, governments, and SMEs from across Africa to discuss the incredible opportunities within this segment.
#### **Football fans / UEFA Champions League**
We are constantly seeking opportunities that resonate deeply with the fans we serve, which is why we chose to partner with the UEFA Champions League. Football, with its massive global fanbase, offers a unique opportunity to connect with passionate supporters in a more impactful way. By focusing on Champions League fans, we are able to deliver extraordinary experiences that go beyond the game itself. Through the UEFA Champions League Card, football enthusiasts gain exclusive benefits, access to unique content on [priceless.com](http://priceless.com/), and the chance to win once-in-a-lifetime experiences, all tailored to amplify their love for the sport.
In a world driven by the pursuit of meaning, Passionomics offers a roadmap to gauge what people care about beyond essential spending, and helps marketers see how consumer spending around those passions has a ripple effect on businesses.
As marketers, we have the tools to really understand our customers—so let’s use them. It’s more important than ever to responsibly use these tools, including data-driven analytics—like Passionomics—to better understand our customers and create experiences that resonate.
**Categories:** Speakers In The News, Blog
**Tags:** CEO, Marketing, Raja Rajamannar, Mastercard, Passion, CMO, Passionomics, Spending, Consumerism
---
### [Celebrating Conservation Experts on Earth Day](https://wwsg.com/blog/celebrating-conservation-experts-on-earth-day/)
**Published:** April 22, 2021
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
In today’s world, industrial activity, consumption, and land development have become ordinary ways in which we work and expand our societies. But for these reasons, conservation and environmentalism are more important than ever. There are obvious benefits to making changes aimed at reducing harmful human impact to our world, namely protecting and preserving ecosystems, ultimately resulting in the extension life as we know it on this planet. But there is also a sociopolitical layer to environmentalism–immediate and imminent threats to impoverished and disadvantaged societies–which must be explained and addressed now. The powerful speakers below are some of the world’s top experts versed in all aspects of conservation. It is only “natural” to salute them this Earth Day.
To learn more about hosting any of the speakers below, [Contact Us](https://wwsg.com/contact?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8ZGwvvDB1BV7EPpPWnT9UloWsgWRZ8ahDwAekMDRlv0ldJkijiRlZ-tfuZYF_981XCeJzz).
[Search Speakers >>](https://wwsg.com/speaker-search?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8ZGwvvDB1BV7EPpPWnT9UloWsgWRZ8ahDwAekMDRlv0ldJkijiRlZ-tfuZYF_981XCeJzz)
[**Jane Goodall**](https://wwsg.com/speakers/jane-goodall/?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8ZGwvvDB1BV7EPpPWnT9UloWsgWRZ8ahDwAekMDRlv0ldJkijiRlZ-tfuZYF_981XCeJzz)
*Author; Filmmaker; Primatologist; Ethologist; Anthropologist; UN Messenger Of Peace; Founder, Jane Goodall Institute*
Hailed as the world’s most important conservationist and animal welfare activist, Jane Goodall amazes and educates audiences across the globe with her triumphant and touching story. As the foremost expert on chimpanzees, Goodall is best known for her 45-year study of the social and familial interactions of wild chimpanzees in Tanzania. She was the first and only human to be accepted into chimpanzee society.
[Jane Goodall’s Speaker Page >>](https://wwsg.com/speakers/jane-goodall/?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8ZGwvvDB1BV7EPpPWnT9UloWsgWRZ8ahDwAekMDRlv0ldJkijiRlZ-tfuZYF_981XCeJzz)
[**Cristina Mittermeier**](https://wwsg.com/speakers/cristina-mittermeier/?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8ZGwvvDB1BV7EPpPWnT9UloWsgWRZ8ahDwAekMDRlv0ldJkijiRlZ-tfuZYF_981XCeJzz)
*Conservation Photographer; Co-Founder, SeaLegacy; Founder, Former President, and Fellow of The International League of Conservation Photographers (ILCP)*
A virtuous mind and voice in conservation photography and one of the most influential female photographers in the world, Cristina Mittermeier began her career as a Marine Biologist working in her native Mexico. She soon discovered that she could better advocate for the oceans and the planet through the lens of her camera than she could with data on spreadsheets.
[Cristina Mittermeier’s Speaker Page >>](https://wwsg.com/speakers/cristina-mittermeier/?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8ZGwvvDB1BV7EPpPWnT9UloWsgWRZ8ahDwAekMDRlv0ldJkijiRlZ-tfuZYF_981XCeJzz)
[**Paul Nicklen**](https://wwsg.com/speakers/paul-nicklen/?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8ZGwvvDB1BV7EPpPWnT9UloWsgWRZ8ahDwAekMDRlv0ldJkijiRlZ-tfuZYF_981XCeJzz)
*National Geographic Photographer and Marine Biologist; Co-Founder, SeaLegacy; One of National Geographic’s 2018 Adventurers of the Year*
Paul Nicklen lives a life of art, purpose, and adventure, combining a career as an assignment photographer for *National Geographic Magazine* and co-founder of the conservation society, SeaLegacy. In addition to being one of the world’s most acclaimed nature photographers, Paul is an acclaimed polar specialist, speaker, author, conservationist, and National Geographic Fellow.
[Paul Nicklen’s Speaker Page >>](https://wwsg.com/speakers/paul-nicklen/?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8ZGwvvDB1BV7EPpPWnT9UloWsgWRZ8ahDwAekMDRlv0ldJkijiRlZ-tfuZYF_981XCeJzz)
[**Hank Paulson**](https://wwsg.com/speakers/henry-m-paulson-jr/?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8ZGwvvDB1BV7EPpPWnT9UloWsgWRZ8ahDwAekMDRlv0ldJkijiRlZ-tfuZYF_981XCeJzz)
*Chairman, The Paulson Institute; Secretary of the Treasury, 2006-2009; Former Chairman and CEO, Goldman Sachs*
A visionary leader with an adept appreciation of the financial and business challenges facing the U.S. and the world, the Honorable Henry M. Paulson, Jr. is one of the most prominent and powerful voices on today’s political, environmental, and economic landscapes. With unrivaled experience and expertise, Paulson provides astute insights and shrewd analysis on complex, contemporary global issues.
[Hank Paulson’s Speaker Page >>](https://wwsg.com/speakers/henry-m-paulson-jr/?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8ZGwvvDB1BV7EPpPWnT9UloWsgWRZ8ahDwAekMDRlv0ldJkijiRlZ-tfuZYF_981XCeJzz)
[**Andrew Winston**](https://wwsg.com/speakers/andrew-winston/?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8ZGwvvDB1BV7EPpPWnT9UloWsgWRZ8ahDwAekMDRlv0ldJkijiRlZ-tfuZYF_981XCeJzz)
*Founder, Winston Eco-Strategies; Leading Environmental Strategist and Green Business Expert; Bestselling Author, Green to Gold and Green Recovery*
Andrew Winston is a globally recognized expert on how companies can navigate humanity’s biggest challenges and profit from solving them. Andrew’s first book, *Green to Gold*, was the top-selling green business title of the last decade. Through his writing, consulting, and speeches (including a TED talk), Andrew provides a practical and optimistic roadmap for building resilient, thriving companies and communities in a volatile world.
[Andrew Winston’s Speaker Page >>](https://wwsg.com/speakers/andrew-winston/?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8ZGwvvDB1BV7EPpPWnT9UloWsgWRZ8ahDwAekMDRlv0ldJkijiRlZ-tfuZYF_981XCeJzz)
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** environment speakers, Paul Nicklen, Henry M. Paulson, Jr., Keynote Speakers, Cristina Mittermeier, Climate Change, Environment, andrew winston, Jane Goodall, Conservationist, earth day
---
### [Exclusive Speaker Announcement: Sara Fischer](https://wwsg.com/announcements/exclusive-speaker-announcement-sara-fischer/)
**Published:** August 9, 2023
**Author:** Riley Sims
**Content:**
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sara-fischer/)
Sara Fischer, senior media reporter and a founding staff member at Axios is now available for speaking engagements exclusively through Worldwide Speakers Group.
Fischer authors a must-read weekly newsletter on media trends that reaches over 100,000 professionals across the media, technology, and entertainment industries. Beyond her weekly column, Fischer oversees Axios’ media coverage for the newsroom and steers the company’s products and events around that topic. Her coverage spans corporate media, advertising and marketing, technology, social media, deals, entertainment, media regulation, policy and consumer habits.
Fischer was recently named to The Washingtonian’s list the 500 “Most Powerful People in Washington D.C.” (2022 and 2023). She was also named to Mediaite’s “Most Influential in News Media” list in 2022 and to Forbes “30 Under 30” Media list in 2019.
[See Sara Fischer’s Speaker Page ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sara-fischer/)
To host Sara Fisher at your upcoming event, [contact us](https://wwsg.com/contact-us "https://wwsg.com/contact-us").
## Sara Fischer’s Speech Topics
#### • The State of Media Today
As the author of the weekly *Axios Media Trends* newsletter, Sara Fischer is one of the most qualified people to enlighten audiences on the state of media and its many facets in the United States today.
With a pulse on the trends and changes happening in real time, Fischer can touch upon ideas like changing habits in news consumption, business, and distribution; the “digital ecosystem” and which players are dominating the market; and marketing in the media, a look at the geographies, sectors, and companies that are dominating advertising.
This talk includes how AI is changing the media and technology landscapes and how to regulate it. Sara not only shares top-notch information but points out the lessons that organizations should heed, including how these trends may impact their bottom line in the future.
#### • Technology in the Media
In this unique presentation, Sara Fischer addresses technology’s impact on media as we know it. She discusses the rise of ISPs and understanding the power shift towards broadband providers and telecom companies in the U.S. along with defining how access to broadband informs consumption and viewpoints across the county. Sara can also discuss censorship around the globe. Sara is also an expert on how AI is changing the media and technology landscapes.
#### • Politics and Geopolitics in the Media
As a founding member of Axios, award-winning media journalist, and CNN contributor, Sara Fischer is no stranger to discussing politics and geopolitics from an informed and unbiased standpoint. A bonified media expert, Sara can tilt this presentation to the audience’s needs, to include:
- Shifting power trends: A look at the ways the new Administration has regulated media and technology — highlighting efforts at the FCC, the FTC, the DOJ and Congress.
- Political media trends:Trends in political communication, election marketing and advertising, social media, and more.
- Media and trust:Polling and data that examines how different regions and demographics trust and perceive the news media.
- China: A snapshot of the biggest trends in Chinese media and technology, including TikTok.
#### • Hollywood’s Streaming Revolution
In this address, Sara delves into the evolution of Hollywood and the migration from linear television to digital television along with the adaption of technology into the music and movie sectors, explaining how things are different now and asking the question: Is it for better or for worse? She extends the conversation by investigating the new consumption habits and distribution trends within sports media, music, and movies.
Given Sara’s unique perspective of the media and entertainment industry, this entertaining presentation is both factual and fun for audiences of all kinds.
## Selected Resources
#### Read Sara Fischer’s Articles
[](https://www.axios.com/authors/sara)
#### *Watch the Video: Sara Fischer interviews ESPN Chairman James Pitaro*
[](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jBVoxPTfIgU)
To host Sara Fisher at your upcoming event, [contact us](https://wwsg.com/contact-us "https://wwsg.com/contact-us").
**Categories:** Announcements
**Tags:** Women Speakers, Technology Speakers, CNN, WWSG Exclusive, axios, Sara Fischer, Media trends, hollywood, streaming revolution, Media Reporter, Media Personality, Media Analyst, Consumer trends
---
### [The Most In-Demand Keynote Speakers of 2025 (and Why Event Planners Book Them)](https://wwsg.com/blog/the-most-in-demand-keynote-speakers-of-2025-and-why-event-planners-book-them/)
**Published:** October 27, 2025
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
In a year defined by rapid technological evolution, shifting global economies, and new challenges in public health and policy, event planners are seeking keynote speakers who don’t just inspire—but inform and lead. The most successful 2025 events feature experts who combine intellectual depth with real-world experience, helping audiences navigate uncertainty with clarity and confidence.
At **Worldwide Speakers Group (WWSG)**, we’re proud to represent some of the most sought-after thought leaders and innovators of our time. These experts aren’t just captivating on stage—they’re shaping the conversations that define our world. Here, we highlight **WWSG’s Top 5 Most Booked Keynote Speakers of 2025** and explore why organizations across industries are turning to them to bring insight, credibility, and impact to their events.
Scott Gottlieb MD speaking at SALT### **[Scott Gottlieb, M.D.](https://wwsg.com/speakers/scott-gottlieb) – Former FDA Commissioner and Leading Voice on Public Health Policy**
**Why He’s Relevant in 2025:**
Dr. Scott Gottlieb remains one of the most respected authorities on healthcare innovation, biotechnology, and regulatory policy. In 2025, his insights into the future of the U.S. healthcare system, medical innovation, and biopharmaceutical development continue to guide policymakers and industry leaders shaping the next generation of health solutions.
**Why Audiences Book Him:**
Known for his clear, evidence-based analysis, Dr. Gottlieb helps organizations make sense of complex health policy issues with clarity and pragmatism. Event planners value his ability to translate technical topics into actionable takeaways that inform business strategy and healthcare delivery.
**Groups That Benefit from Hearing Dr. Gottlieb:**
- Healthcare associations and hospital systems
- Pharmaceutical and biotech companies
- Public policy forums and government agencies
- Corporate leadership conferences focused on health innovation
Sir Niall Ferguson Delivering a TED Talk### **[Sir Niall Ferguson](https://wwsg.com/speakers/niall-ferguson) – Renowned Historian and Geopolitical Strategist**
**Why He’s Relevant in 2025:**
As global politics and economic power continue to shift, Sir Niall Ferguson’s historical perspective provides essential context for understanding the challenges of the 21st century. His expertise in empire, finance, and technology gives audiences the long view on modern conflicts, globalization, and the balance of power between the U.S. and China.
**Why Audiences Book Him:**
Ferguson’s presentations combine brilliant storytelling with deep geopolitical analysis, making him one of the most engaging intellectual keynote speakers in the world. He helps leaders anticipate future trends by learning from history’s most pivotal moments.
**Groups That Benefit from Hosting Sir Niall Ferguson:**
- Financial institutions and investment firms
- Academic and policy organizations
- Global leadership and strategy conferences
- Corporations seeking geopolitical risk insight
Chris Miller onstage at a conference### **[Chris Miller](https://wwsg.com/speakers/chris-miller) – Economic Historian and Author of *Chip War***
**Why He’s Relevant in 2025:**
With the semiconductor industry at the center of global competition, Chris Miller’s expertise in technology, economics, and national security remains more vital than ever. His analysis of the microchip industry’s influence on geopolitics and innovation continues to shape conversations about supply chains and tech sovereignty.
**Why Audiences Book Him:**
Miller delivers sharp, accessible insights into the intersection of technology and global power. His keynotes help audiences grasp the strategic importance of innovation, manufacturing, and policy in the modern economy.
**Groups That Benefit from Hearing Chris Miller:**
- Technology companies and innovation summits
- Financial and investment audiences
- Defense and cybersecurity organizations
- Academic institutions studying geopolitics or tech policy
Dr Mario Draghi speaking at World Economic Forum### **[Dr. Mario Draghi](https://wwsg.com/book-speaker-mario-draghi/) – Former Prime Minister of Italy and Former President of the European Central Bank**
**Why He’s Relevant in 2025:**
Dr. Mario Draghi continues to shape global financial and economic policy conversations. With decades of experience leading through crises—from the Eurozone debt crisis to Europe’s post-pandemic recovery—his perspective on fiscal discipline, growth, and leadership remains indispensable in a volatile global economy.
**Why Audiences Book Him:**
As one of the world’s most influential economic leaders, Dr. Draghi brings credibility and depth to any event. His calm, measured insights help organizations and governments prepare for the challenges of inflation, interest rates, and sustainable economic reform.
**Groups That Benefit from Hosting Dr. Draghi:**
- Central banks and financial institutions
- Global economic and policy conferences
- Corporate boards and investor summits
Patrick McGee Author of Apple in China### **[Patrick McGee](https://wwsg.com/speakers/patrick-mcgee) – U.S. Technology Correspondent, *Financial Times* and Author of *Apple in China***
**Why He’s Relevant in 2025:**
As global technology and geopolitics become increasingly intertwined, Patrick McGee offers a rare insider’s perspective on how innovation, competition, and national interests intersect. Drawing from his bestselling book *Apple in China*, McGee examines how major tech companies navigate issues of power, trade, and influence in a rapidly shifting world order.
**Why Audiences Book Him:**
Known for his sharp analysis and engaging storytelling, McGee bridges the gap between technology reporting and global strategy. His keynotes help audiences understand how tech, politics, and economics converge to shape the future of business, governance, and international relations.
**Groups That Benefit from Hosting Patrick McGee:**
- Technology companies and innovation conferences
- Corporate leadership and strategy teams
- Global business and policy forums
- Universities and organizations exploring AI, trade, and global competition
From global economic forecasts to the future of technology, public health, and leadership, these five speakers exemplify the expertise and authority event planners demand in 2025. Their ideas don’t just fill auditoriums—they spark action, inspire innovation, and provide the perspective organizations need to lead in complex times.
As one of the **world’s premier speakers bureaus**, **WWSG connects event organizers with renowned voices who elevate every stage they grace**. Whether you’re planning a corporate summit, leadership conference, or industry event, WWSG ensures your audience hears from the very best minds of today.
Also popular in 2025: [Robert Lighthizer](https://wwsg.com/speakers/robert-lighthizer), [Hon. Stephen Harper](https://wwsg.com/speakers/stephen-harper), [Col. Allen West](https://wwsg.com/speakers/allen-west), [Hon. Mike Pence](https://wwsg.com/speakers/mike-pence), [Dr. Sanjay Gupta](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sanjay-gupta), [Sara Fischer](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sara-fischer)
## **Ready to take your event to the next level?**
Contact us for help finding your next unforgettable speaker.
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**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** financial and economic keynote speakers, book top keynote speakers, top conference speakers, trending keynote speakers 2025, corporate event speaker ideas 2025, hire keynote speakers, professional speakers bureau, event planning keynote ideas, top thought leaders for events, motivational keynote speakers for conferences, AI and tech industry speakers, healthcare and policy keynote speakers, technology and innovation keynote speakers, expert speakers on economics and geopolitics, leading global speakers 2025, top business keynote speakers, best speakers for corporate events, most booked keynote speakers, top keynote speakers 2025, WWSG speakers
---
### [Now Available: The Big One by Dr. Michael Osterholm](https://wwsg.com/announcements/now-available-the-big-one-by-dr-michael-osterholm/)
**Published:** September 2, 2025
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
**As bad as Covid-19 was, the next pandemic could be worse—but we have the tools to prepare, as revealed in this urgent, gripping warning by the *New York Times* bestselling authors of *Deadliest Enemy, [Dr. Michael Osterholm](https://wwsg.com/speakers/michael-osterholm) and Mark Olshaker*.**
#### About the Book
The Covid-19 pandemic was the most devastating natural event of the last century, killing more than 7 million people around the globe, straining the fabric of societies internationally, and shaking the foundations of the global economy. And yet, as horrifying as the experience was, Covid-19 was not actually *“the Big One”* — the dreaded potential pandemic that haunts the nightmares of epidemiologists and public health officials everywhere, and which will alter life across the world on every meaningful level unless we are ready to deal with it. Indeed, even as we learn to live with Covid-19 and continue to recover from its worst effects, the next pandemic is already lurking around the corner—and it may very well be worse.
In *The Big One*, founding director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy Michael T. Osterholm and Mark Olshaker examine past pandemics, highlighting the ways societies both succeeded and failed to address them; trace the Covid-19 pandemic and evaluate how it was handled; and look to the future, projecting what the next pandemics might look like and what must be done to mitigate them. Drawing on years of high-level research as well as cutting-edge analysis and an innovative hypothetical scenario threaded throughout each chapter, *The Big One* is a gripping, comprehensive, and urgent wake-up call. Because Covid-19 was just a taste of what’s to come. If we’re going to survive the next big pandemic, we need to be prepared. Published September 2, 2025. Source: [Hachette Book Group](https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/michael-t-osterholm-phd-mph/the-big-one/9780316258340/).
#### About Michael Osterholm
Hailed by CNN as “the infectious disease expert who has been warning us for a decade and a half that the world will face a pandemic,” Dr. Michael Osterholm quickly became the go-to expert on the public health impact of COVID-19. A sharp critic of the complacency that led to the current global pandemic, he points to current shortfalls in our system, individual, and public health strategies and urgently advocates for the mobilization our healthcare system. To host him for a speaking engagement, [contact WWSG.](https://wwsg.com/contact-us)
**Categories:** Announcements
**Tags:** pandemic preparedness, Covid-19 lessons, future pandemics, Michael Osterholm, The Big One book, infectious disease expert, pandemic prevention, global health security, outbreak response, public health strategy, pandemic risk, CIDRAP, epidemic warning, pandemic resilience, Mark Olshaker
---
### [Now Available: The Arsenal of Democracy by Dr. Eyck Freymann](https://wwsg.com/announcements/now-available-the-arsenal-of-democracy-by-dr-eyck-freymann/)
**Published:** November 1, 2025
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
***The Arsenal of Democracy: Technology, Industry, and Deterrence in an Age of Hard Choices* by [Dr. Eyck Freymann](https://wwsg.com/speakers/eyck-freymann/) is a historically grounded guide to deterring war with China through industrial production, emerging military technologies, institutional reform, and cooperation with allies.**
Authors with new books offer a timely opportunity to amplify event impact—audiences can receive expert insights firsthand and take the experience home with a copy. Including books in a speaking event adds lasting value, deepens engagement, and reinforces key takeaways long after the keynote ends. [Contact us](https://wwsg.com/contact-us) to learn how to secure copies of Dr. Freymann’s book for your audience.
#### About the Book
**The essential guide to a complex challenge.**
The US military stands at a moment of profound risk and uncertainty. China and its authoritarian partners have pulled far ahead in defense industrial capacity. Meanwhile, emerging technologies are reshaping the character of air and naval warfare and putting key elements of the US force at risk. To prevent a devastating war with China, America must rally its allies to build a new arsenal of democracy. But achieving this goal swiftly and affordably involves hard choices.
*The Arsenal of Democracy* is the first book to integrate military strategy, industrial capacity, and budget realities into a comprehensive deterrence framework. While other books explain why deterrence matters, this book provides the detailed roadmap for how America can actually sustain deterrence through the 2030s—requiring a whole-of-nation effort with coordinated action across Congress, industry, and allied governments.
Rapidly maturing technologies are already reshaping the battlefield: unmanned systems on air, land, sea, and undersea; advanced electronic warfare; space-based sensing; and more. Yet China’s industrial strengths could give it advantages in a protracted conflict. The United States and its allies must both revitalize their industrial bases to achieve necessary production scale and adapt existing platforms to integrate new high-tech tools.
Chapters explore the key domains of modern military power, including:
- **Scouting**, which will determine success or failure in any US-China war
- **Logistics**, the greatest vulnerability in US force posture
- **Munitions and drones**, which the allies must produce at scale
- **The fleet**, which is racing to stay relevant against fast-evolving threats
- **The defense industrial base**, which allied nations should reform and rebuild together
- **Space and nuclear**, where emerging technologies are shifting the strategic balance
The book concludes with a call for urgent action. Unless policymakers recognize the scale of the challenge and take decisive steps to modernize US force structure and procurement processes, deterrence could fail—leading to potentially the most catastrophic conflict in modern history. This balanced, comprehensive, and actionable book is the essential implementation guide for policymakers, defense officials, investors, and strategists. Available November 1, 2025. Source: [Hoover Institution](https://www.hoover.org/research/arsenal-democracy-technology-industry-and-deterrence-age-hard-choices).
#### About Eyck Freymann
Dr. Eyck Freymann is a highly sought-after speaker who brings rare depth and clarity to one of the most complex and consequential topics of our time: U.S.-China strategic competition. With firsthand expertise in CCP strategy and a unique ability to connect geopolitical dynamics to real-world business and policy decisions, he equips audiences with actionable insights across economics, technology, and national security. His combination of academic rigor, policy influence, and private-sector advisory experience makes him especially valuable for decision-makers navigating global risk and opportunity. To host him for a speaking engagement, [contact WWSG.](https://wwsg.com/contact-us)
**Categories:** Announcements
**Tags:** deterrence strategy, US China relations, Eyck Freymann, The Arsenal of Democracy book, military technology, defense industrial base, US national security, great power competition, allied cooperation, defense reform, modern warfare, Hoover Institution authors, geopolitics speaker, military strategy keynote, emerging defense technologies
---
### [Now Available: Women (2025 Edition) by Annie Leibovitz](https://wwsg.com/announcements/now-available-women-by-annie-leibovitz/)
**Published:** November 5, 2025
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
***Women* by [Annie Leibovitz](http://wwsg.com/speakers/annie-leibovitz) showcases stunning photography alongside essays by [Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie](https://www.phaidon.com/en-us/collections/chimamanda-ngozi-adichie), [Susan Sontag](https://www.phaidon.com/en-us/collections/susan-sontag) and [Gloria Steinem](https://www.phaidon.com/en-us/collections/gloria-steinem).**
In this two-volume collection of portraits, legendary photographer Annie Leibovitz presents a powerful celebration of women in all of their diversities.
‘A sweeping meditation on femininity, power, vulnerability, and the visual vocabulary we use to define all three.’ – Vogue
#### About the Book
Annie Leibovitz is one of the most influential photographers of our time. In this landmark collection, she shares more than 250 portraits of women spanning over 30 years. The broad array of subjects reflect what women look like now: dancers, actors, astronauts, artists, politicians, farmers, writers, CEOs, philanthropists, soldiers, musicians, athletes, socialites, scientists.
Beautifully presented in an elegant grey slipcase, these highly personal books offer an extraordinary 30-plus-year retrospective of Leibovitz’s portraits of women. Stunning photographs – in both color and black and white – represent an international who’s who of women effecting positive change in the world, from Louise Bourgeois, Joan Didion, Elizabeth Taylor, and Eudora Welty to Joan Baez, Billie Eilish, Serena and Venus Williams, and Anna Wintour.
Among the most expansive portraiture projects of women by a living image-maker, Leibovitz’s Women illuminates the evolving landscape of womanhood in the 21st century. Featuring texts by Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie; Susan Sontag, one of the most prominent writers and public intellectuals of the twentieth century; and feminist icon Gloria Steinem, this slipcased set is an essential visual record of women at a moment when revisiting the canon of groundbreaking women has never been more urgent.
Published November 4, 2025 by [Phaidon](https://www.phaidon.com/en-us/products/annie-leibovitz-women-2025-edition).
#### About Annie Leibovitz
Annie Leibovitz is one of the most influential photographers of our time. For over five decades, her distinctive portraits have appeared on the covers of *Rolling Stone*, *Vanity Fair*, and *Vogue*. Her work is exhibited in museums all over the world. She is a Commandeur in the French government’s Ordre des Arts et des Lettres and has been designated a Living Legend by the Library of Congress. In March 2024, Leibovitz was inducted into the Académie des Beaux-Arts. To host her for a speaking engagement, [contact WWSG](http://wwsg.com/contact-us).
**Categories:** Announcements
**Tags:** Gloria Steinem, Annie Leibovitz speaker, art book release 2025, women in photography, visual storytelling, women empowerment, iconic portraits, influential women, contemporary portraiture, photography books, Phaidon books, Annie Leibovitz, Susan Sontag, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, women in art, feminist art, portrait photography, women photographers, Annie Leibovitz photography, Women by Annie Leibovitz
---
### [Sanjay Gupta on Xenotransplantation](https://wwsg.com/blog/sanjay-gupta-on-xenotransplantation/)
**Published:** October 31, 2025
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
From [Dr. Sanjay Gupta](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sanjay-gupta):
When I met Tim Andrews earlier this year, he showed me something I never imagined I would see: a pig kidney functioning inside a human. He is a true medical pioneer — one of the few living people in the world to have undergone a pig organ transplant.
A team of surgeons at Mass General Brigham transplanted the genetically modified pig kidney into Tim in January [but removed it last week](https://e.newsletters.cnn.com/click?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 "https://e.newsletters.cnn.com/click?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"), after a record 271 days, because of a decline in kidney function.
Tim was diagnosed with diabetes in the 1990s and was able to manage it with insulin until about three years ago, when he was diagnosed with end-stage kidney disease. Just a month after the diagnosis, doctors told him he needed dialysis — a procedure that he eventually had to undergo three days a week for six hours each day. His chances of finding a matching donor kidney were slim because of his rare blood type.
So when doctors approached him with the idea of an experimental pig organ transplant, he was willing. He knew there was risk involved; he would be the fourth living patient to undergo such a procedure. But it was worth it, he said, not only for him personally but for his fellow patients. “This will do something for humanity,” he told me.
There’s a lot of hope around xenotransplantation — using animal organs in humans — as a way to help alleviate the organ donor shortage. But it is still early days, and there is much to learn. What doctors and scientists have learned from Tim and the few other patients who have agreed to undergo this experimental procedure will contribute to a lasting legacy not just in medical history books but in the lives of future patients.
I’ve been investigating and reporting on xenotransplant for more than two years. The science and medical innovation required to move this field forward are remarkable, but the patients who are willing to actually go under the knife so we can all learn what works and what doesn’t are the truly extraordinary parts of this story.
Don’t miss Dr. Sanjay Gupta’s new documentary, [Animal Pharm](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt37282414/), streaming on HBO Max.
Dr. Sanjay Gupta brings unparalleled credibility, experience, and clarity to the stage as one of the world’s most trusted voices in [health and medicine](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/healthcare-and-wellness/). As CNN’s chief medical correspondent and a practicing neurosurgeon, he has reported on every major health crisis of the last two decades—from the frontlines of natural disasters and war zones to the global Covid-19 pandemic.
Event audiences benefit not only from his deep medical expertise, but also his unique ability to communicate complex topics with clarity, empathy, and relevance. Whether discussing brain health, crisis response, or the intersection of media and medicine, Dr. Gupta delivers insights that are timely, actionable, and deeply resonant for groups of all kinds. To host him for a speaking engagement, [contact WWSG](https://wwsg.com/contact-us).
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** health insights, medical keynote speaker, health breakthroughs, experimental surgery, Mass General Brigham, transplant medicine, organ donation shortage, pig kidney transplant, xenotransplantation, Dr. Gupta speaking, neuroscience, nondominant hand, neurosurgeon insights, neurology, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, medical innovation, Sanjay Gupta
---
### [Now Available: The Land Trap by Mike Bird](https://wwsg.com/announcements/now-available-the-land-trap-by-mike-bird/)
**Published:** November 4, 2025
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
**The Land Trap by [Mike Bird](http://wwsg.com/speakers/mike-bird) details how the world’s oldest asset secretly shapes our modern economy.**
In *The Land Trap*, Mike Bird—Wall Street editor at *The Economist*—reveals how this ancient asset still exerts outsize influence over the modern world. From the speculative land grabs of colonial America to China’s real estate crisis today, Bird shows how fortunes are built—and destroyed—on the bedrock of land.
#### About the Book
Tracing three centuries of history, Bird explores how land quietly became the linchpin of the global banking system, driving everything from soaring housing prices to rising geopolitical tensisons. As governments wrestle with inequality and land grows ever scarcer, *The Land Trap* offers a powerful new framework for understanding the hidden force behind today’s most urgent challenges.
This is the book for anyone who wants to see beyond markets and money to the real game being played on a foundation as old as civilization itself. Timely, provocative, and essential, *The Land Trap* will change how you see the ground beneath your feet. Published November 4, 2025 by [Penguin Random House.](https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/753001/the-land-trap-by-mike-bird/)
#### About Mike Bird
Mike Bird brings a sharp, global perspective to today’s most pressing financial and economic issues. As *The Economist*’s Wall Street editor and co-host of its *Money Talks* podcast, he offers audiences rare insight into the forces shaping global markets and economic power. With his book *The Land Trap*, Bird also explores how land and ownership continue to drive politics, inequality, and growth—making him an ideal speaker for audiences seeking depth, clarity, and relevance in a changing world. To host him for a speaking engagement, [contact WWSG](http://wwsg.com/contact-us).
**Categories:** Announcements
**Tags:** economic inequality, financial journalism, economic trends, Penguin Random House, wealth and power, property rights, capitalism, economic history, housing prices, financial markets, land ownership, real estate crisis, global finance, The Economist, The Land Trap, Mike Bird, Global Markets, global economy, geopolitics, Keynote Speaker
---
### [Sanjay Gupta: The octopus is a great reminder about how to keep your brain sharp](https://wwsg.com/blog/sanjay-gupta-the-octopus-is-a-great-reminder-about-how-to-keep-your-brain-sharp/)
**Published:** September 19, 2025
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
From [Dr. Sanjay Gupta](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sanjay-gupta):
The animal world is always so fascinating: how similar they are to humans and what we can learn from them. An interesting study this week found that, like us, octopuses also have dominant arms and favor them for specific tasks.
Handedness in humans is dependent on many factors. Environment is part of it, but so is genetics. Studies have found that [as many as 40 genes](https://e.newsletters.cnn.com/click?Ea2FiZWxhQHd3c2cuY29t/CeyJtaWQiOiIxNzU4MjkzMzQ0MzgwOGIxMzliNGNjMWIzIiwiY3QiOiJjbm4tZTkxODZkNDJhOGE1ZjVkYWM0YzY2ZDNlYjY4OWNhNTQtMSIsInJkIjoid3dzZy5jb20ifQ/VaHR0cHM6Ly9tZWRsaW5lcGx1cy5nb3YvZ2VuZXRpY3MvdW5kZXJzdGFuZGluZy90cmFpdHMvaGFuZGVkbmVzcy8/SWkhfQ05OX2lfTmV3c19OREJBTjA5MTkyMDI1YzE4MTIyNjBiMQ/LY24x/gaM1tYA/JMDkxOTIwMjVDMTgxMjI2MEIx/s5s17f5d15b "https://e.newsletters.cnn.com/click?Ea2FiZWxhQHd3c2cuY29t/CeyJtaWQiOiIxNzU4MjkzMzQ0MzgwOGIxMzliNGNjMWIzIiwiY3QiOiJjbm4tZTkxODZkNDJhOGE1ZjVkYWM0YzY2ZDNlYjY4OWNhNTQtMSIsInJkIjoid3dzZy5jb20ifQ/VaHR0cHM6Ly9tZWRsaW5lcGx1cy5nb3YvZ2VuZXRpY3MvdW5kZXJzdGFuZGluZy90cmFpdHMvaGFuZGVkbmVzcy8/SWkhfQ05OX2lfTmV3c19OREJBTjA5MTkyMDI1YzE4MTIyNjBiMQ/LY24x/gaM1tYA/JMDkxOTIwMjVDMTgxMjI2MEIx/s5s17f5d15b") may contribute to which hand you prefer.
It’s easy for all of us to become accustomed to our dominant hand, but remember that your nondominant hand can hold the key to keeping your brain sharp.
Staying mentally challenged is vital for our overall health. Studies have found that someone who retires at age 65 has about a 15% lower risk of dementia than someone retiring at 60, even after other factors are taken into account. One of the best ways to keep yourself challenged is to use your nondominant hand in daily tasks. It can help build new neural pathways and keep your brain sharp.
If you’re a righty, try brushing your teeth, eating or even using your computer mouse with your left hand.
Perhaps one of the reasons octopuses are so smart is because, despite their favoring of certain hands, they’re also trying to keep sharp and challenge themselves between eight arms!
Dr. Sanjay Gupta brings unparalleled credibility, experience, and clarity to the stage as one of the world’s most trusted voices in [health and medicine](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/healthcare-and-wellness/). As CNN’s chief medical correspondent and a practicing neurosurgeon, he has reported on every major health crisis of the last two decades—from the frontlines of natural disasters and war zones to the global Covid-19 pandemic.
Event audiences benefit not only from his deep medical expertise, but also his unique ability to communicate complex topics with clarity, empathy, and relevance. Whether discussing brain health, crisis response, or the intersection of media and medicine, Dr. Gupta delivers insights that are timely, actionable, and deeply resonant for groups of all kinds. To host him for a speaking engagement, [contact WWSG](https://wwsg.com/contact-us).
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** nondominant hand, health insights, brain exercises, Dr. Gupta speaking, cognitive challenges, neural pathways, retirement and dementia, octopus intelligence, neuroscience, cognitive function, mental sharpness, dominant hand, octopus handedness, neurosurgeon insights, neurology, brain health, CNN medical correspondent, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Sanjay Gupta
---
### [DeMaurice Smith's New Book Turf Wars Now Available](https://wwsg.com/announcements/demaurice-smiths-new-book-turf-wars-coming-soon/)
**Published:** March 11, 2025
**Author:** wpengine
**Content:**
**[DeMaurice Smith ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/DeMaurice-Smith/)is a renowned keynote speaker, master negotiator, and transformational leader**, making him an ideal choice for events focused on leadership, business strategy, negotiation, and organizational change. With decades of experience in high-stakes decision-making and strategic leadership, he shares practical, results-driven insights that help businesses and organizations navigate complex challenges, strengthen leadership capabilities, and drive sustainable success.
As the former Executive Director of the NFL Players Association, Smith led some of the most intense and **high-profile negotiations** in professional sports history. He secured groundbreaking collective bargaining agreements, including a historic $1.6 billion gain for NFL players in 2020. His ability to unify diverse stakeholders, negotiate multi-billion-dollar deals, and drive organizational change has positioned him as one of the most respected voices in business, sports leadership, and corporate strategy.
Beyond the sports industry, **Smith’s expertise extends to law, government, and corporate governance.** With a decade-long tenure at the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Department of Justice, he has firsthand experience in high-stakes negotiations, civil rights advocacy, and crisis leadership. His deep understanding of law, policy, and business strategy makes him an invaluable resource for executives, entrepreneurs, and professionals aiming to sharpen their negotiation skills and enhance their leadership effectiveness.
On stage, Smith captivates audiences with his compelling storytelling, deep industry insights, and real-world experiences. He doesn’t just deliver a speech—he provides a blueprint for success, equipping attendees with the tools, confidence, and decision-making skills they need to lead with authority, foster collaboration, and navigate high-pressure situations effectively.
Whether speaking to executives, entrepreneurs, business leaders, or sports professionals, Smith’s keynotes provide powerful takeaways that drive innovation, inspire change, and elevate leadership capabilities. His unique perspective, honed through years of leading at the highest levels, resonates with audiences seeking to master negotiation, improve strategic decision-making, and build resilient organizations.
#### DeMaurice Smith’s Speaking Topics:
- **Mastering negotiation** – Learn how to navigate tough conversations, secure better deals, and build lasting agreements with Smith’s expert negotiation strategies.
- **An insider’s perspective on the NFL** – Gain exclusive insights into the high-stakes world of professional sports, labor agreements, and the business behind the game.
- **North star leadership** – Discover how to develop a leadership style that remains steadfast, adaptable, and visionary, no matter the challenges ahead.
[](https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/735685/turf-wars-by-demaurice-smith/)Book Cover Turf Wars by DeMaurice Smith*Turf Wars* is the perfect complement to Smith’s unforgettable speaking engagements, providing a deeper exploration of the strategies and principles that have defined his career. This new book delves into the themes of negotiation, leadership, and resilience, offering additional lessons that attendees can take home and apply in their professional lives. Packed with real-world examples, behind-the-scenes insights, and actionable strategies, Turf Wars serves as both an inspiring read and a practical guide for those looking to sharpen their leadership and negotiation skills. **Contact us for information on providing your attendees with copies of Smith’s new book, creating a lasting impact beyond the event itself.**
DeMaurice Smith’s speaking engagements are exclusively managed by [Worldwide Speakers Group](https://wwsg.com). Don’t miss the opportunity to bring one of the most influential voices in leadership, negotiation, and business strategy to your audience. Secure your keynote speaker today and give your attendees an unparalleled leadership experience. To host him at your upcoming event, [contact us](https://wwsg.com/contact-us/).
**Categories:** Announcements
**Tags:** employee advocacy, strategic leadership, government leadership, legal expertise, civil rights advocacy, conflict resolution, corporate culture, keynote presentations, business transformation, executive coaching, leadership mindset, sports industry, business negotiations, professional keynote, C-suite leadership, leadership success, business resilience, decision-making strategies, workforce empowerment, leadership excellence, entrepreneurship, innovation in leadership, power negotiations, corporate success, high-stakes negotiation, professional development, Event Planning, Keynote Speaker, leadership, executive leadership, business strategy, negotiation, organizational change, corporate events, sports leadership, motivational speaker, business growth, corporate strategy, leadership training, change management, team dynamics, NFL insights, labor negotiations, collective bargaining, sports business, elite speaker
---
### [How a Speakers Bureau Can Help Event Planners](https://wwsg.com/blog/how-a-speakers-bureau-can-help-event-planners/)
**Published:** November 1, 2023
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
The post-Covid conference and events industry has seen several new trends—some here to stay, others likely a consequence of the unique pressures of the pandemic. Operating on six continents with events happening every week of the year, WWSG bears close witness to the ebbs and flows of this space, and the best (and worst) practices that arise to handle these dynamic pressures. Read on the learn how a speakers bureau can help event planners.
#### Changes and Challenges of the Event Planning Space
Mixed-media delivery platforms, hybrid audience (virtual, live, on-demand, etc.) requirements, enhanced contractual and legal demands, and of course global health indicators are just a few of the many new trends that are likely here to stay. However, none place more pressure on the entire ecosystem than the dramatically reduced lead times (when a speaker is booked relative to when the event takes place) with which meeting professionals are being forced to operate within.
The dramatic shrinking of the planning window offers various explanations. Legal counsels may prefer not to enter into long-term contracts. Industry dynamics have been changing at such a rapid pace that it is hard to predict what will be relevant far in the future. Or possibly, unrest in the domestic and global economy has created a force of fear and doubt about whether events can provide a return on investment. All these reasons (and countless others) are valid and deserve the attention and action (or inaction) of the meeting planning community.
That said, shortened lead times are not without consequence. Short lead times create dramatically more pressure to identify, secure, prep, and coordinate thought leaders in a condensed timeline. While not immune to these pressures, if anything they put the value of elite global lecture agencies on full display.
#### How a Speakers Bureau Can Help Event Planners
Factors including fluctuating global currencies, strained travel vendors, geopolitical considerations, visas and other entry requirements, multiple time zones, and political sensitivities are just some of the many elements that do not react well to urgency. Even with lengthy lead times, these issues require the acumen and access that only very seasoned agencies can provide. When condensed, they require an agency with a full-time team of very experienced agents and event coordinators, a global network of world-class vendors, and the gravitas to ‘move mountains’ when that is the only solution.
There is one other major reason (perhaps THE major) why working with an elite-level global lecture agency is critical in this new age of ever-decreasing lead times… speakers are human! World-class agencies work with their speakers to educate them on the importance of accountability and to help them be great both on-site and on stage (both should be mandatory). Even with the best intentions by all parties, humans are fallible and there are numerous factors out of everyone’s control. These factors may include travel delays, weather interruptions, sickness, civil unrest, etc. which could create a situation where a speaker simply cannot arrive. Certainly, these instances are rare (particularly if you are working with the right partners), but they are a reality that comes with being an event professional.
In these instances, it is absolutely critical that event planners can lean into their lecture agency. This is a time when event planners need to know that they have a speaker bureau partner with vast resources, complex tools, deep vendor relationships, and the ability to mobilize in a crisis. These unpredictable factors create a need for action, not excuses.
#### Benefits of Working with a Speakers Bureau
The post-Covid conference industry is, by many indications, a work-in-progress. But like many other industries, ours has shown unbelievable resiliency, robust innovation and an incredible ability to respond to the new demands of the day. As with all paradigm-shifting “moments,” there are winners and losers. The winners used the good times to refine their systems, train their people, and hone in on the vendor relationships that will rise up in a pinch.
Worldwide Speakers Group is proud to serve elite-level customers around the globe on a daily basis. We have a front row vantage point for the industry’s best practices which we bring to bear for the organizations we serve. Our goal is to provide world-class access to the most influential and in-demand thought leaders available, and to provide value at every opportunity. We strive to be the kind of partner that meeting professionals can lean into, and to mitigate risk through highly detailed and effective planning. At the end of the day, our customers know we have their back.
*Article written by by [Dan Sims](https://wwsg.com/team-member/dan-sims/). Mr. Sims is renowned in the talent, association, academic and corporate communities as a trusted partner and outstanding leader. Throughout his notable career, he has consistently booked and recruited former heads of state, sports Hall-of-Famers, business-thought leaders, industry captains, Hollywood celebrities, government and military officials and top industry experts for a wide range of organizations. Mr. Sims brings a wealth and depth of professional relationships and innovative marketing ideas to the WWSG team.*
#### FAQ
What presentation fees should I expect when booking a keynote speaker?
Keynote speaker fees vary widely and are primarily determined by the speaker’s current demand, reputation, and track record. Speakers—not the bureau—set their honorariums, and the more sought-after and highly regarded a speaker is, the higher their fee will be. Booking leading voices of today—those who combine deep expertise with broad recognition—comes at a premium but delivers exceptional value to your audience. For a more detailed breakdown of what to expect, see our blog post: [How Much Does A Keynote Speaker Cost?](https://wwsg.com/blog/how-much-does-a-keynote-speaker-cost/)
Who makes the travel arrangements when booking a keynote speaker?
When you book a keynote speaker through a speakers bureau like WWSG, you don’t have to worry about travel logistics. As part of our full-service support—at no additional cost—our dedicated event coordination team manages all speaker travel and on-site arrangements. This ensures a seamless experience for both you and the speaker at your event. Think of WWSG as a dual advocate: we represent our speakers while also serving as a trusted partner for our clients, making the process of booking a keynote speaker simple, efficient, and stress-free.
How do I find the perfect speaker for my event?
Finding the perfect speaker for your event starts with understanding your goals, audience, and budget. A trusted speakers bureau like WWSG can guide you through how to book a keynote speaker who aligns with your event theme and delivers lasting impact. Whether you’re looking for a motivational speaker to inspire your team, a thought leader to share industry expertise, or a high-profile figure to attract attendees, our team helps you identify the best fit. By working with a speakers bureau, you gain access to a curated network of experts and the support needed to ensure your keynote speaker is a success.
#### **Contact Us for Help Selecting the Best Keynote Speakers for Your Event.**
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**Categories:** Blog, Planning Resources
**Tags:** hiring a speaker, benefits of working with a speakers bureau, event planning challenges, motivational speaker for events, how to book a keynote speaker, conference risk management, shortened event planning timelines, virtual and live events, hybrid conferences, post-Covid event trends, global speakers bureau, trends, post-covid, how to, planning resources, planning tools, resources, meetings, chris miller, dan sims, pandemic, help, advice, Events, Event Planning
---
### [The Difference Between Keynote and Plenary Speakers](https://wwsg.com/blog/the-difference-between-keynote-plenary-speakers-2/)
**Published:** February 17, 2023
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
#### Keynote speakers and plenary speakers — what’s the difference?
Meetings and speakers are both very diverse in their purpose. Meetings can be…
- international, national, or regional
- internal or external
- fundraisers or benefits
- high-energy sales kickoffs
- client conferences and annual conferences
- leadership retreats
On the other hand, speakers can be…
- informative
- advisory
- inspirational
- storytelling
- entertaining
- success stories
- experts in a field
- and so much more!
Once you have determined the purpose, theme, and structure of your meeting, it’s time to hire the perfect speakers for your event.
There are two types of speakers you may want to hire and retain for your event: **keynote speakers** and **plenary speakers**. Both add value to your meeting in different ways. Read on to learn about the difference between these two types of speakers.
#### **What is a Keynote Speaker?**
A keynote speaker’s main purpose is to drive home the meeting’s main idea or theme. In public speaking, the word “keynote” refers to a person who delivers a speech that sets out the central theme of a conference.
A keynote speaker is often selected to raise interest in an event and draw attendees to the program. Selecting a keynote speaker who is well-known for his or her expertise in a field, or who has wide name recognition due to other accomplishments, will create enthusiasm among prospective attendees for a meeting or conference. This speaker should be able to capture the essence of your meeting and be able to highlight it to your audience in a short period of time.
The keynote address may entail an opening keynote and closing keynote speaker. An opening keynote speaker is brought in to set the underlying tone and summarize the core message or most important revelation of the event. A closing keynote speaker will be engaged to end a conference on a high note and leave audiences with a sense of optimism. If an event is held over a longer period, it is not unusual to have a different keynote speaker for each day of the event.
#### **What is a Plenary Speaker?**
A plenary speaker is a speaker who is often from within an organization of the same industry or a related industry, as opposed to a professional speaker or independent expert brought in to be a marquee keynote speaker.
A plenary session is a session of a conference in which all members of all parties attend. Such a session may include a broad range of content from fireside chats to panel discussions. It can take many forms and is not necessarily always the same. This is an opportunity for event organizers to be creative about the types of sessions that event attendees will experience.
Many meetings also have mini plenary sessions. These are often concurrent sessions that focus on issues important to an industry sector or a particular aspect of a practice applicable to all industries. Mini-plenary sessions are usually open to all registrants.
In many industries, the term keynote and plenary speaker are used interchangeably.
[Cristina Mittermeier](https://wwsg.com/speakers/cristina-mittermeier) Renowned Conservation Photographer speaking at Adobe MAX
#### **How WWSG Can Help with Keynote & Plenary Speakers**
Thanks to the large number of speakers WWSG represents, our team can help you select both keynote speakers and plenary speakers. Our team has experience helping with motivational speakers, health care speakers, political speakers, economy speakers, business speakers, educational speakers, arts and entertainment speakers, and much more. If you have a certain thought leader in mind but don’t see that person listed on our website, we can still connect with that person and facilitate an engagement.
At WWSG, we create comprehensive solutions for events, conferences, meetings, and more. Our ability to assist clients with speaker selection and management compliments our team’s unprecedented and unparalleled level of service in the global lecture industry. By providing a very intimate and consultative support service to organizations for booking speakers and their events, WWSG is truly dedicated to client success.
#### FAQ
What presentation fees should I expect when booking a keynote speaker?
Keynote speaker fees vary widely and are primarily determined by the speaker’s current demand, reputation, and track record. Speakers—not the bureau—set their honorariums, and the more sought-after and highly regarded a speaker is, the higher their fee will be. Booking leading voices of today—those who combine deep expertise with broad recognition—comes at a premium but delivers exceptional value to your audience. For a more detailed breakdown of what to expect, see our blog post: [How Much Does A Keynote Speaker Cost?](https://wwsg.com/blog/how-much-does-a-keynote-speaker-cost/)
Who makes the travel arrangements when booking a keynote speaker?
When you book a keynote speaker through a speakers bureau like WWSG, you don’t have to worry about travel logistics. As part of our full-service support—at no additional cost—our dedicated event coordination team manages all speaker travel and on-site arrangements. This ensures a seamless experience for both you and the speaker at your event. Think of WWSG as a dual advocate: we represent our speakers while also serving as a trusted partner for our clients, making the process of booking a keynote speaker simple, efficient, and stress-free.
How do I find the perfect speaker for my event?
Finding the perfect speaker for your event starts with understanding your goals, audience, and budget. A trusted speakers bureau like WWSG can guide you through how to book a keynote speaker who aligns with your event theme and delivers lasting impact. Whether you’re looking for a motivational speaker to inspire your team, a thought leader to share industry expertise, or a high-profile figure to attract attendees, our team helps you identify the best fit. By working with a speakers bureau, you gain access to a curated network of experts and the support needed to ensure your keynote speaker is a success.
#### **Contact Us for Help Selecting Top-Rated Speakers for Your Event.**
First Name(Required)
Last Name(Required)
TItle
Company Name
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**Categories:** Blog, Planning Resources
**Tags:** hybrid conferences, plenary session format, meeting planning tips, professional speakers vs insider speakers, fireside chat vs panel, full audience session, speaker selection guide, booking a keynote speaker, keynote agencies, closing keynote, virtual and live events, shortened event planning timelines, conference risk management, how to book a keynote speaker, motivational speaker for events, event planning challenges, benefits of working with a speakers bureau, opening keynote, event session types, conference speaker roles, global speakers bureau, meeting planning, meetings, speaker selection, conference, plenary, keynote, advice, How to Hire a Keynote Speaker, speakers bureaus, Keynote Speakers
---
### [Sanjay Gupta: All pain lies in the brain. Here's what you can do about it.](https://wwsg.com/blog/sanjay-gupta-all-pain-lies-in-the-brain-heres-what-you-can-do-about-it/)
**Published:** September 5, 2025
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
From [Dr. Sanjay Gupta](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sanjay-gupta): Whether it’s a brain tumor, a herniated disc or a pinched nerve, pain is often what first brings most of my patients to the hospital. Pain can be difficult to treat, in part because it has no objective measure.
It’s a challenge for doctors, and as a profession, we’ve often utilized medication. We’ve been very much a “monotherapy” culture — focused on opioids.
To be clear: For some people, opioids can be a lifesaver. But these past few years have taught me that there are alternatives. Part of treating pain is understanding that much of it is in our heads. I don’t say that to minimize the suffering but rather to provide an alternative target: the brain.
After all, if your brain decides you don’t have pain, then you don’t have pain. The brain can make your pain go away, and it can also create it out of nowhere, as is the case of phantom limb pain. All pain ultimately lies in the brain.
I think about my own mother, who I had never heard complain in her 80 years of life. A few years ago, she had a fall, resulting in a broken vertebra in her lower back. If I asked her how she would rate her pain on a scale of 1 to 10, she said an 80. It was hard to hear.
Ultimately, a procedure called a kyphoplasty, a spine procedure that uses cement to stabilize the broken bone, eventually brought her some relief, along with the meditation we practiced together.
She would close her eyes and focus on visualizing her broken bone — leaning into it, rather than away from the pain. And for those 15 to 20 minutes, her pain score dropped to zero. No pain whatsoever. Eventually the pain came back, but it was an example of how powerful the brain could be when it came to deciding whether you should have pain.
I hope you’ll read more about the strategies and techniques I’ve learned in my new book, “It Doesn’t Have to Hurt,” or watch our documentary of the same name at 9 p.m. ET Sunday on CNN.
Dr. Sanjay Gupta brings unparalleled credibility, experience, and clarity to the stage as one of the world’s most trusted voices in [health and medicine](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/healthcare-and-wellness/). As CNN’s chief medical correspondent and a practicing neurosurgeon, he has reported on every major health crisis of the last two decades—from the frontlines of natural disasters and war zones to the global Covid-19 pandemic.
Event audiences benefit not only from his deep medical expertise, but also his unique ability to communicate complex topics with clarity, empathy, and relevance. Whether discussing brain health, crisis response, or the intersection of media and medicine, Dr. Gupta delivers insights that are timely, actionable, and deeply resonant for groups of all kinds. To host him for a speaking engagement, [contact WWSG](https://wwsg.com/contact-us).
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** bipolar disorder, pain relief techniques, CNN health special, neurosurgeon insights, pain treatment strategies, phantom limb pain, brain and pain, alternatives to opioids, pain, neurology, brain aging, cognitive decline, lithium, brain health, new book, It Doesn’t Have to Hurt, pain management, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Chasing Life, Sanjay Gupta
---
### [Now Available: It Doesn't Have to Hurt: Your Smart Guide to a Pain-Free Life by Dr. Sanjay Gupta](https://wwsg.com/announcements/now-available-it-doesnt-have-to-hurt-your-smart-guide-to-a-pain-free-life-by-dr-sanjay-gupta/)
**Published:** September 2, 2025
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
**Transform your everyday life by reducing and eliminating chronic pain with the latest science-backed pain relief techniques and expert practical advice from America’s bestselling doctor and neurosurgeon [Sanjay Gupta.](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sanjay-gupta)**
Authors with new books offer a timely opportunity to amplify event impact—audiences can receive expert insights firsthand and take the experience home with a copy. Including books in a speaking event adds lasting value, deepens engagement, and reinforces key takeaways long after the keynote ends.
#### About the Book
Are you one of the 52 million people who experience chronic pain in your day-to-day life? In *It Doesn’t Have to Hurt*, Sanjay Gupta makes the empowering argument that there are effective options for relief that you can start practicing today to greatly reduce your chances of suffering pain tomorrow.
The significance of reducing and even eliminating pain cannot be overstated. Gupta shows how pain carries an enormous amount of physical, social, and emotional baggage, which is, in part, why it has been so hard to treat, and too often ignored. It can also present in infinite ways. Yet both patients and practitioners labor under the mistaken idea that most pain problems can be fixed with a drug or procedure. It turns out we have tremendous agency in choosing how we’ll respond. The brain “creates” pain, but it also has the capacity to reduce or even eliminate it. There is more evidence than ever about the benefits of sleep, diet and nutrition, mindfulness-based pain management (MBPM), myofascial and other hands-on treatments, as well as yoga, specialized psychotherapies, and even social “prescriptions”—prompting more doctors than ever to focus on these solutions.
Gupta runs the gamut of conventional and complementary approaches, including the technique known as Mobilization Exercise Analgesia Treatment, foam rolling, acupuncture, trigger point injections, and vital “prehabilitation” before any operation. He shares how to make sense of all those over-the-counter pills, patches, and pain products, as well as drugs advertised on television or prescribed by your doctors. He covers psychedelics, supplements, and CBD. And he highlights insights from some of the nation’s leading pain scientists and specialists, plus stories of challenge and triumph over pain by those with lived experience.
Gupta sorts through them all with his pain-smart guide to a pain-smart life.
With expert guidance and a wealth of science-backed strategies, *It Doesn’t Have to Hurt* is your ultimate resource for reclaiming your life from chronic pain and unlocking a future of lasting relief—starting today. Publishing September 2, 2025. Source: [Simon & Schuster.](https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/It-Doesnt-Have-to-Hurt/Sanjay-Gupta/9781668014479)
#### About Sanjay Gupta
Dr. Sanjay Gupta brings unparalleled credibility, experience, and clarity to the stage as one of the world’s most trusted voices in health and medicine. As CNN’s chief medical correspondent and a practicing neurosurgeon, he has reported on every major health crisis of the last two decades—from the frontlines of natural disasters and war zones to the global Covid-19 pandemic.
Event audiences benefit not only from his deep medical expertise, but also his unique ability to communicate complex topics with clarity, empathy, and relevance. Whether discussing brain health, crisis response, or the intersection of media and medicine, Dr. Gupta delivers insights that are timely, actionable, and deeply resonant for groups of all kinds. To host him for a speaking engagement, [contact WWSG.](https://wwsg.com/contact-us)
**Categories:** Announcements
**Tags:** holistic pain treatment, new book, practical pain management advice, health and wellness speaker, lifestyle changes for pain, pain and brain connection, alternative pain therapies, Mobilization Exercise Analgesia Treatment, It Doesn’t Have to Hurt book, non-drug pain relief, mind-body pain relief, Sanjay Gupta, science-based pain solutions, pain management techniques, Sanjay Gupta keynote speaker, chronic pain relief, neurosurgeon speaker, pain management, simon & schuster, Keynote Speaker
---
### [Sanjay Gupta: Could Lithium Help Prevent Alzheimer’s?](https://wwsg.com/blog/sanjay-gupta-could-lithium-help-prevent-alzheimers/)
**Published:** August 8, 2025
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
From [Dr. Sanjay Gupta](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sanjay-gupta): There are currently more than 7 million people living with Alzheimer’s in the US and without any major development that can prevent or cure the disease, that number is projected to grow to more than 12 million by 2050.
But this week, a study published in the journal Nature hints at a potential answer to the mystery of dementia. Researchers say that the metal lithium likely has a role in keeping the brain healthy.
Lithium has been used for decades to treat people with bipolar disorder and depression, but it wasn’t clear to scientists exactly why it worked. In recent years, studies have pointed to a potential relationship between higher lithium exposure levels and lower rates of dementia.
Researchers at Harvard and Rush universities tested brain tissue and blood from multiple brain banks to test for trace levels of metals. They consistently found lower levels of lithium in patient samples that had been diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer’s relative to those that had normal brain function.
The researchers then applied that finding to mice. They compared mice who were fed a low-level lithium diet to those fed a regular level of lithium and found that those with the low-level exposure developed features of Alzheimer’s.
While it is a striking finding, this hypothesis still needs to be replicated in humans. But it is a hopeful clue to potentially solving the dementia puzzle.
Dr. Sanjay Gupta brings unparalleled credibility, experience, and clarity to the stage as one of the world’s most trusted voices in [health and medicine](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/healthcare-and-wellness/). As CNN’s chief medical correspondent and a practicing neurosurgeon, he has reported on every major health crisis of the last two decades—from the frontlines of natural disasters and war zones to the global Covid-19 pandemic.
Event audiences benefit not only from his deep medical expertise, but also his unique ability to communicate complex topics with clarity, empathy, and relevance. Whether discussing brain health, crisis response, or the intersection of media and medicine, Dr. Gupta delivers insights that are timely, actionable, and deeply resonant for groups of all kinds. To host him for a speaking engagement, [contact WWSG](https://wwsg.com/contact-us).
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** cognitive decline, neurology, Alzheimer’s treatment, dementia prevention, mild cognitive impairment, brain aging, Rush University, Harvard research, bipolar disorder, neurodegenerative disease, memory loss, Alzheimer’s research, lithium, brain health, dementia, depression, alzheimer's, Chasing Life, Mental Health, Sanjay Gupta
---
### [Plan Ahead: Book a Speaker for Black History Month and Women's History Month Now! ](https://wwsg.com/blog/plan-ahead-book-a-speaker-for-black-history-month-and-womens-history-month-now/)
**Published:** November 20, 2023
**Author:** Riley Sims
**Content:**
Bringing in speakers to illuminate the importance of Black History Month and Women’s History Month is invaluable in fostering awareness, understanding, and appreciation for the diverse and often overlooked narratives that have shaped our collective history. WWSG represents an array of speakers who bring expertise, personal experiences, and a depth of knowledge that can transcend traditional educational approaches. By sharing firsthand accounts, historical context, and insights into the struggles and triumphs of Black individuals and women throughout history, these speakers contribute to a richer and more nuanced appreciation of their contributions.
Moreover, they provide a platform for dialogue, encouraging open conversations about the significance of diversity, equality, and representation in our society. The value of such speakers lies not only in their ability to inform but also in their capacity to inspire and challenge perspectives, ultimately contributing to a more inclusive and enlightened community.
[Contact us](https://wwsg.com/contact-us) to learn more about hosting any of these exceptional speakers.
## Black History Month Speakers (Febuary)
Bringing in speakers to shed light on the importance of Black History Month transcends the mere acknowledgment of a designated timeframe; it becomes a powerful conduit for fostering understanding, empathy, and unity. These speakers, often equipped with personal narratives, historical expertise, or both, offer a nuanced perspective that goes beyond textbooks and classroom lectures. They breathe life into the stories of resilience, innovation, and cultural richness that define the Black experience.
By sharing their lived experiences and knowledge, these speakers provide a tangible connection to the struggles and triumphs that have shaped Black history. Moreover, they invite critical conversations about the ongoing pursuit of equality, justice, and the celebration of diversity. In essence, these speakers serve as ambassadors of enlightenment, bridging gaps in knowledge, dismantling stereotypes, and inspiring collective action to create a more inclusive and equitable future.
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ayaan-hirsi-ali/)
### [Ayaan Hirsi Ali](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ayaan-hirsi-ali/)
*Renowned Political Leader; National Security Expert; Human Rights Advocate and Islam Reformist; Author*
Ayaan provides the reminder that all citizens of the world need to hear—that core human rights need not be compromised to elevate any particular group over another. Rather we are better people, leaders, and lifelong learners when we appreciate and promote the diversity of the human race.
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/allen-west/)
### **WWSG Exclusive:** [Allen West ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/allen-west/)
*Former Chairman of the Republican Party of Texas; Distinguished Conservative Thought-Leader; Highly Decorated Military Veteran; Author of Guardian of the Republic*
As the first African American, Republican Congressman from Florida since 1876, Congressman Allen B. West is an anomaly. He was also born in the south Atlanta, GA. West shares why he holds certain political values, and how they complement his background. West will challenge all your assumptions and break down all stereotypes, including African American does not mean Democrat. Your audience will leave with a new sense of what political demographics really means in today’s day and age.
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/demaurice-smith/)
### **WWSG Exclusive:** [DeMaurice Smith](https://wwsg.com/speakers/demaurice-smith/)
*Executive Director, National Football League Players Association (NFLPA)*
The lack of diversity among senior leadership in professional sports has led to major critique, accusing the entire business of being inauthentic. This presents a threat to organizations as they compete for fans, sponsorships, and corporate partners. NFLPA is one of the most diverse major sports organizations in sports, but this did not occur by accident. There were several known, strategic driving factors that ensured NFLPA would not only be representative of their membership, but also representative of their community.
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/misty-copeland/)
### [Misty Copeland ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/misty-copeland/)
*The First African American Female Principal Dancer with American Ballet Theatre*
When she discovered ballet, Misty Copeland was living in a motel room, struggling with her five siblings for a place to sleep on the floor. A true prodigy, she was dancing en pointe within three months of taking her first dance class and performing professionally in just over a year: a feat unheard of for any classical dancer. In her powerful and inspiring speeches, Misty describes her accomplishments with an all-encompassing approach, touching upon her life story, social justice, and giving back. She leaves audiences with hope, inspiration, and a truly unforgettable experience.
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/deetta-jones/)
### [DeEtta Jones](https://wwsg.com/speakers/deetta-jones/)
*Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Expert; Author; Strategist*
DeEtta is a go-to strategist on equity, diversity, inclusion and workplace transformation. She brings 30 years of experience developing practical tools to build managerial effectiveness and making structural and sustainable organizational change.
DeEtta’s career began in college when she became a social justice activist. She worked closely with Indigenous communities to shed light on historical injustices and misrepresentation. In her early 20s, her work as Director of the Human Rights Advocacy and Education Office focused on community education and mediating complaints of discrimination in housing, public accommodation, and employment.
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ashley-allison/)
### [Ashley Allison](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ashley-allison/)
*CEO, CNN Commentator, Harvard Fellow, Former Obama-Biden Administration and Biden-Harris Campaign and Transition Senior Advisor, Educator*
[Ashley Allison](https://wwsg.com/blog/plan-ahead-book-a-speaker-for-black-history-month-and-womens-history-month-now/) is a builder, creator, advocate, and organizer. She was an Obama-Biden Administration and Biden-Harris campaign senior staffer with more than 15 years of experience building campaigns and strategies that led to victory. As the National Coalitions Director for Biden-Harris 2020 presidential campaign, she led nearly 300 staff and paid fellows to activate the most robust coalition of voters in modern history. The investment and strategy spearheaded by Ashley provided results with a historic increase in voter turnout in African Americans, young Americans, Latino, AAPI, Indigenous voters, progressives, seniors, and many more. Calling upon her experience in politics, leadership, and civil rights Ashley is able to speak on a variety of topics such as teamwork, racial equity, and corporate success.
## Women’s History Month Speakers (March)
Introducing speakers to shed light on the significance of Women’s History Month is a powerful means of recognizing and appreciating the multifaceted contributions of women throughout history. These speakers, often distinguished by their expertise, personal experiences, or advocacy efforts, serve as living embodiments of the narratives that too often remain unsung. By sharing stories of resilience, leadership, and societal impact, they bring to life the rich tapestry of women’s achievements. Beyond mere celebration, these speakers play a crucial role in challenging preconceived notions, dismantling gender stereotypes, and fostering a deeper understanding of the struggles and successes that have marked women’s historical journey.
Their words resonate as catalysts for dialogue, sparking conversations that propel us toward a more equitable future by emphasizing the indispensable role women have played, and continue to play, in shaping the world we inhabit. In essence, these speakers elevate Women’s History Month from a static observance to a dynamic and transformative exploration of shared human history.
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/elaine-chao/)
### WWSG Exclusive: [Elaine Chao](https://wwsg.com/speakers/elaine-chao/)
*Former U.S. Secretary of Transportation, Former U.S. Secretary of Labor, President and CEO of United Way of America, Peace Corps Director, Director of Numerous Fortune 100 Corporate Boards*
The first Asian American woman to be in the President’s cabinet, the arc of Elaine Chao’s experience encompasses cultures of Asia and the West; the public, private, and non-profit sectors; four presidential administrations; and living and working in New York, California, Kentucky, and Washington, D.C. During COVID-19, her leadership at the U. S. Department of Transportation allowed our nation’s transportation systems to remain open, safe, and moving. Engaging, informative, and results-oriented, Elaine Chao will leave your audience inspired and ready to conquer the world.
### WWSG Exclusive: [Lady Fiona Carnarvon](https://wwsg.com/speakers/fiona-carnarvon/)
The Countess of Carnarvon of Highclere Castle; Author, *Lady Almina And The Real Downton Abbey*, *Christmas At Highclere*, New York Times Best-seller*, The Earl, And The Real Downton Abbey*, and *Seasons at Highclere*
As the eighth and current Countess of Carnarvon reigning, the real-life setting for Masterpiece’s Downton Abbey, Lady Fiona Carnarvon was inspired to share the true story of Highclere Castle’s conversion to a hospital during WWI. From diaries, letters and photos straight out of the Edwardian era, she produced Lady Almina and the Real Downton Abbey.
Her everyday life at Highclere varies from welcoming visitors to her home, creating events to support charities, managing and restoring the castle’s historic buildings, gardening, filming, and directing the marketing of the Highclere brand. Lady Carnarvon manages other global endeavors, such as the castle’s award-winning Highclere Castle Gin.
### WWSG Exclusive: [Sheila Bair ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sheila-bair/)
*Preeminent Financial Reform and Policy Innovator; Chairman, Fannie Mae (2020-2022); President of Washington College (2015-2017); 19th Chair of the U.S. Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (2006-2011)*
From *Time’s* “Top 100” list to the *Wall Street Journal’s* “The 50 Women to Watch,” Sheila Bair is a leading domestic and global expert in finance and economics. As Chair of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) from 2006 to 2011, she steered the agency through the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression, working to bolster public confidence in the nation’s banking system.
Bair’s long and distinguished career in government, academia, and finance has found her widely respected for her expertise in financial regulation and consumer protection and acknowledged by *Forbes* as the “second most powerful woman in the world.”
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/seema-verma/)
### WWSG Exclusive: [Seema Verma ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/seema-verma/)
*General Manager and Senior Vice President, Oracle Corporation; Administrator, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (2017-2021); Founder & CEO, SVC Inc.*
Seema Verma draws from her experiences rising to top-level positions at esteemed organizations to empower other women to be the best leaders they can be. Verma offers advice to aspiring leaders using tactical and anecdotal examples of her successes, specifically the strategic initiatives she introduced and executed during her tenure as Administrator of Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Prior to CMS, Verma was the founder and CEO of the health policy consulting firm SVC, Inc. Named one of the nation’s Top 25 Women Leaders by Modern Healthcare in 2019, Verma is perfectly positioned to give advice with the inspiring success to support it.
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/deborah-birx/)
### WWSG Exclusive: [Deborah Birx](https://wwsg.com/speakers/deborah-birx/)
*Physician, Diplomat, White House Coronavirus Response Coordinator (2020-2021), Author, United States Global AIDS Coordinator (2014-2020); Chief Medical and Scientific Adviser, ActivePure Technology*
Dr. Deborah Birx is an American physician, diplomat, and leading medical expert known for gracefully navigating complex global health issues with a scientific and data-driven approach. Her unique experiences researching and managing programs specifically aimed at finding successful therapeutics for HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and COVID-19 inform her powerful speeches. Her varied experiences have molded her into a passionate leader and a fierce advocate for women in STEM.
Dr. Birx talks about mentoring women in the workplace, the importance of proactive engagement, and when not to accept “no”–how to find a way or make one!
# 
### WWSG Exclusive: [Moiya McTier](https://wwsg.com/speakers/moiya-mctier/)
*Folklorist to the Stars, Astrophysicist to the Folks, Author*
Dr. Moiya McTier has given hundreds of talks around the world on a wide range of topics, from the physics of water to global eclipse rituals. Her work sits at the intersection of science and storytelling, fact and fiction, complex concepts and chaotic creativity. Moiya officially became a doctor of the universe in 2021 as the first Black woman to graduate from Columbia’s astronomy PhD program and started pursuing science communication full-time.
# 
### [Karen Pence](https://wwsg.com/speakers/karen-pence/)
*Former Second Lady of the United States (2017-2021), Former First Lady of Indiana (2013-2017), Educator, Award-Winning Artist*
Karen Pence presents charismatic speeches which highlight her unique experiences as the Second Lady of the United States and First Lady of Indiana. Her remarks illustrate the passion and dedication she feels towards art therapy awareness and to the sacrifices made by military service members and their families.
The significance of bringing speakers to the forefront in commemorating Black History Month and Women’s History Month transcends mere acknowledgment; it is a commitment to understanding, respect, and progress. WWSG’s speakers embody the living narratives that textbooks might overlook, offering firsthand accounts that bridge the gaps between generations and communities. By providing a platform for diverse voices, we enrich our collective understanding of the struggles, triumphs, and contributions of Black individuals and women throughout history. In amplifying these voices, we pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable future, where the lessons of the past serve as beacons guiding us towards a society that cherishes and learns from its diversity. The impact of these speakers extends far beyond the designated months, as they inspire ongoing conversations and actions that shape a more enlightened and compassionate world.
[Contact us](https://wwsg.com/contact-us) to learn more about hosting any of these exceptional speakers.
[ Contact Us for Help Selecting a Speaker](https://wwsg.com/contact-us)
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** Elaine Chao, Diversity, Equality, Inclusivity, African American, Planning Ahead, DeEtta Jones, Lady Fiona Carnarvon, Advocacy, ashley allison, women in leadership, moiya mctier, Misty Copeland, Sheila Bair, Women's History Month, Allen West, Black History Month, karen pence, Lady Carnarvon, seema verma, deborah birx, DeMaurice Smith, Ayaan Hirsi Ali
---
### [Crisis Averted by Caitlin Rivers to Publish This Fall](https://wwsg.com/announcements/crisis-averted-by-caitlin-rivers-to-publish-this-fall/)
**Published:** September 27, 2024
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
##### **“A master class in how we can pinpoint and prevent health crises before they spiral out of control.”—[Scott Gottlieb, MD](https://wwsg.com/speakers/scott-gottlieb), author of *Uncontrolled Spread***
*Crisis Averted* is a fascinating window into the secret life of epidemiology, weaving together stories of triumph and tragedy, with a boots-on-the-ground perspective on how we can avert the next public health crisis.
### About the Book
There are few visible markers of the accomplishments of public health. When epidemiologists do their jobs, nothing happens. An outbreak does not grow into an epidemic. A child does not go hungry. A would-be smoker never lights up. In this fascinating window into the secret life of public health, Caitlin Rivers weaves together stories of triumph and tragedy to show that by making sure things don’t happen. She and legions of scientists, practitioners, and policymakers change the course of history.
We have many of the tools and experiences needed to prevent the next crisis, but as past experiences teach us, the unexpected is always around the corner. We cannot afford complacency, as countless challenges remain, including constantly emerging pathogens, the rapid growth of biotechnology, and the inconsistent cycles of funding for public health programs. Progress can be slow, but the unsung heroes in epidemiology remain focused on their missions. *Crisis Averted* tells their stories—from the eradication of smallpox in the twentieth century to a battle against mosquito-borne diseases in the Florida Keys to the international safeguards implemented against extraterrestrial germs.
By taking a candid look at how we solve problems in public health, Caitlin Rivers illuminates the role of epidemiology in all our lives and lays out the case for what can be accomplished given sufficient vision, leadership, and resources. *Crisis Averted* is an inspiring and galvanizing call for us to work together towards a healthier, more resilient future.
### About Caitlin Rivers
**Caitlin Rivers, PhD,** is an epidemiologist who specializes in outbreak science and an associate professor at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. She was a founding member of the Center for Forecasting and Outbreak Analytics at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and a longtime advocate for its creation. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Rivers participated in influential reports that guided the US pandemic response.She has written for or has been featured in media such as *USA Today*, *The Wall Street Journal*, *The New York Times*, *The Washington Post*, *Science*, *Foreign Affairs*, *Vox*, and NPR. She talks about outbreaks and public health in her weekly newsletter, *Force of Infection*.Dr. Rivers’ speaking engagements are managed by Worldwide Speaker Group. [Contact us](https://wwsg.com/contact-us) for her speaking availability.
**Categories:** Announcements
**Tags:** book, Science, COVID, caitlin rivers, crisis averted, publisher, epidemiology
---
### [Patrick McGee's Book, Apple in China: The Capture of the World's Greatest Company](https://wwsg.com/announcements/patrick-mcgees-book-apple-in-china-the-capture-of-the-worlds-greatest-company-coming-soon/)
**Published:** May 1, 2025
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
**For readers of Walter Isaacson’s *Steve Jobs* and [Chris Miller’s](https://wwsg.com/speakers/chris-miller) *Chip War*, a riveting look at how Apple helped build China’s dominance in electronics assembly and manufacturing only to find itself trapped in a relationship with an authoritarian state making ever-increasing demands.**
After struggling to build its products on three continents, Apple was lured by China’s seemingly inexhaustible supply of cheap labor. Soon it was sending thousands of engineers across the Pacific, training millions of workers, and spending hundreds of billions of dollars to create the world’s most sophisticated supply chain. These capabilities enabled Apple to build the 21st century’s most iconic products—in staggering volume and for enormous profit.
Without explicitly intending to, Apple built an advanced electronics industry within China, only to discover that its massive investments in technology upgrades had inadvertently given Beijing a power that could be weaponized.
In *Apple in China*, journalist [Patrick McGee](https://wwsg.com/speakers/patrick-mcgee) draws on more than two hundred interviews with former executives and engineers, supplementing their stories with unreported meetings held by Steve Jobs, emails between top executives, and internal memos regarding threats from Chinese competition. The book highlights the unknown characters who were instrumental in Apple’s ascent and who tried to forge a different path, including the Mormon missionary who established the Apple Store in China; the “Gang of Eight” executives tasked with placating Beijing; and an idealistic veteran whose hopes of improving the lives of factory workers were crushed by both Cupertino’s operational demands and Xi Jinping’s war on civil society.
*Apple in China* is the sometimes disturbing and always revelatory story of how an outspoken, proud company that once praised “rebels” and “troublemakers”—the company that encouraged us all to “Think Different”—devolved into passively cooperating with a belligerent regime that increasingly controls its fate.
Patrick McGee is a compelling keynote speaker, bringing over a decade of global journalism experience from the *Financial Times* and *The Wall Street Journal*. His award-winning reporting on Apple, electric vehicles, and emerging technologies offers audiences unparalleled insights into the forces shaping our digital future. As the author of *Apple in China*, he delivers a deeply researched, behind-the-scenes look at how the world’s most valuable company became entwined with America’s biggest rival. With his engaging storytelling and sharp analysis, Patrick provides event attendees with thought-provoking perspectives on technology, business, and global markets. [To host him at your upcoming event, contact WWSG.](https://wwsg.com/contact-us)
**Categories:** Speakers In The News, Announcements
**Tags:** Steve Jobs China, Chip War book comparison, Apple manufacturing history, US-China tech tensions, Apple globalization, China tech dominance, Apple ethical issues, Apple business strategy, Foxconn Apple, authoritarianism and tech, Apple and China relations, China electronics manufacturing, Apple supply chain, Patrick McGee, Apple in China
---
### [New Release: The Uncertainty Principle by Peter Hinssen](https://wwsg.com/announcements/new-release-the-uncertainty-principle-by-peter-hinssen/)
**Published:** September 30, 2024
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
**This is a book about the future. Not the bleak, dystopian kind that so many seem convinced we’re heading toward, but one that is built on hope, possibility, and progress. Get the latest from Peter Hinssen.**
Humanity faces complex global challenges, from technological and geopolitical shocks to social and ecological disruptions. Fear, hesitation, and avoidance won’t help us overcome them. Slowing down is not the answer. We must move faster, think bigger, and fully leverage technology to build a future worth striving for. We need active hope and bold leaders who can turn adversity into opportunity.
*The Uncertainty Principle* focuses on the key levers of transformation to help leaders rethink and reshape their companies: strategy, foresight, organizational design, culture, innovation, risk appetite, and the evolving nature of work. Above all, it serves as a guide for those who see cracks in the system not as warnings, but as windows—those daring enough to believe they can change the world, because they are the ones who will.
As we zoom up the exponential curve of tech enabled change we all need an optimistic and inspiring guide. [Peter Hinssen](https://wwsg.com/speakers/peter-hinssen) is that guide. In this new book Peter describes a “Never Normal” world helping us navigate “between the forces of pessimism and possibility”.
Source: [Simon & Schuster](https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Uncertainty-Principle/Peter-Hinssen/9789020955095)
Peter Hinssen is a renowned innovation expert who helps organizations navigate disruption with clarity and optimism. A bestselling author and LinkedIn Top Voice, he delivers actionable insights on emerging technology, leadership, and “The Never Normal” world. With real-world experience as a serial entrepreneur and advisor to top global firms, Peter’s keynotes are as credible as they are energizing—making him the smart choice for forward-thinking events. To host him for a speaking engagement, [contact WWSG](https://wwsg.com/contact-us).
**Categories:** Announcements
**Tags:** future of work, innovation leadership, exponential change, digital transformation, optimistic futurism, organizational agility, disruption strategy, tech-enabled change, Peter Hinssen, The Uncertainty Principle
---
### [New Release: Flags of Canada by the Right Honorable Stephen Harper](https://wwsg.com/announcements/new-release-flags-of-canada-by-the-right-honorable-stephen-harper/)
**Published:** February 25, 2025
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
**From the rich historical banners of New France and British North America to the captivating debates of 1964-1965 that birthed the Canadian maple leaf flag, *Flags of Canada* offers a visually stunning and joyously readable journey through our nation’s flag history.**
The [Right Honourable Stephen J. Harper](https://wwsg.com/speakers/stephen-harper), Canada’s twenty-second prime minister and an avid vexillologist, captures the colorful evolution of the nation’s state symbols, showcasing the political, historical, and cultural significance behind British and French imperial emblems, and the flags we proudly fly today.
Authoritative yet approachable, *Flags of Canada* uncovers the complex stories behind designs we tend to salute more than think about.
Whether you’re a flag enthusiast, history buff, or curious reader, this book is a must-have guide to the symbols that define our identity and represent both our history and our ambitions as a nation.
Published in Association with the Royal Canadian Geographical Society for the sixtieth anniversary of the maple leaf flag.
Amply illustrated by Greg Stoicoiu.
Stephen Harper served as the 22nd Prime Minister of Canada, with a tenure marked by significant policy achievements in economic growth, international relations, and national security. His deep expertise in navigating complex geopolitical landscapes, understanding global trade, and addressing economic challenges makes him an invaluable speaker for events focused on leadership, governance, and international affairs. Harper delivers speeches known for their depth, thoughtfulness, and ability to inspire—making him a compelling choice for any group or organization seeking a seasoned and respected voice on today’s most pressing issues. To host him for a speaking engagement, [contact WWSG](https://wwsg.com/contact-us).
**Categories:** Announcements
**Tags:** Stephen Harper, Flags of Canada, Canadian flag history, maple leaf flag, Canadian national symbols, vexillology, history of Canadian flags, British North America flags, New France flags, Royal Canadian Geographical Society, Canadian political history, cultural symbols of Canada, flag design history, Canadian heritage, Greg Stoicoiu illustrations
---
### [Announcing Right Here, Right Now: Politics and Leadership in the Age of Disruption by Hon. Stephen Harper](https://wwsg.com/announcements/announcing-right-here-right-now-politics-and-leadership-in-the-age-of-disruption-by-hon-stephen-harper/)
**Published:** September 13, 2019
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
**Including a new and insightful afterword by the author, [Stephen Harper](https://wwsg.com/speakers/stephen-harper), Canada’s 22nd Prime Minister, draws on a decade of experience as a G-7 leader to help leaders in business and government understand, adapt, and thrive in an age of unprecedented disruption.**The world is in flux. Disruptive technologies, ideas, and politicians are challenging business models, norms, and political conventions everywhere. How we, as leaders in business and politics, choose to respond matters greatly. Some voices refuse to concede the need for any change, while others advocate for radical realignment. But neither of these positions can sustainably address the legitimate concerns of disaffected citizens. *Right Here, Right Now* sets out a pragmatic, forward-looking vision for leaders in business and politics by analyzing how economic, social, and public policy trends–including globalized movements of capital, goods and services, and labour–have affected our economies, communities, and governments.
Harper contends that Donald Trump’s surprise election and governing agenda clearly signal that political, economic, and social institutions must be more responsive to legitimate concerns about public policy, market regulation, immigration, and technology. Urging readers to look past questions of style and gravitas, Harper thoughtfully examines the substantive underpinnings of how and why Donald Trump was able to succeed Barack Obama as President of the United States, and how these forces are manifesting themselves in other western democracies.
Analyzing international trade, market regulation, immigration, technology, and the role of government in the digital economy, Harper lays out the case for pragmatic leadership as a proven solution to the uncertainty and risk that businesses and governments face today.
**Categories:** Announcements
**Tags:** Stephen Harper, Global Trade, Right Here Right Now, political disruption, pragmatic leadership, public policy trends, business and government strategy, economic uncertainty, immigration policy, digital economy, market regulation, Western democracy challenges
---
### [WWSG Welcomes Former Prime Minister Tony Abbott](https://wwsg.com/blog/wwsg-welcomes-former-prime-minister-tony-abbott/)
**Published:** June 20, 2025
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
Worldwide Speakers Group (WWSG), a leading global lecture agency, is proud to announce its exclusive speaking partnership with the Honorable [Tony Abbott](https://wwsg.com/speakers/tony-abbott), former Prime Minister of Australia and one of the most influential statesmen of the 21st century.
#### **Why Tony Abbott?**
A seasoned political leader, respected public intellectual, and global policy expert, Mr. Abbott brings an unmatched depth of experience on international trade, national security, climate policy, and the future of Western democratic values. As Prime Minister from 2013 to 2015, he led Australia through pivotal reforms and was a key voice on the global stage during a time of growing geopolitical complexity.
“Tony Abbott offers audiences worldwide a rare combination of high-level leadership experience and principled insight on today’s most pressing global issues,” said Dan Sims, President of WWSG. “We are thrilled to represent Mr. Abbott and to make his powerful perspective available to audiences around the world.”
#### **Why WWSG?**
##### WWSG represents today’s most influential voices in business, policy, and innovation. With a white-glove approach to speaker engagements, we ensure that every speaker selection is tailored to your audience, objectives, and message. Our speakers don’t just fill agendas, they shape meaningful conversations and foster connection.
Through this partnership, Mr. Abbott will be available for keynote speeches, fireside chats, and moderated discussions at major conferences, corporate gatherings, policy forums, and academic institutions. His engaging style, intellectual rigor, and track record of action make him a compelling choice for event organizers seeking a speaker with global gravitas.
WWSG will manage all speaking engagements for Mr. Abbott worldwide.
For more information, please visit [Mr. Abbott’s WWSG webpage](https://wwsg.com/speakers/tony-abbott).
## **Ready to take your event to the next level?**
Contact us for Mr. Abbott’s speaking availability or to request help finding your next unforgettable speaker.
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**Categories:** Announcements, Blog
**Tags:** public policy expert, exclusive speaker bookings, transformative keynote presentations, Tony Abbott, former Australian Prime Minister, global keynote speaker, political leadership, economic reform, climate policy, Western democracy, leadership summit speakers, conservative leadership, international trade, keynote speaker Australia, global events, leadership speaker, world affairs expert, government experience, event speaker Australia, Global Affairs, International Speaker, political speaker, innovation speaker, WWSG, Worldwide Speakers Group, speaker bureau, national security, Thought Leader, geopolitical strategy, WWSG speakers, business keynote speaker, global affairs speaker, corporate event speaker, paid keynote speakers, geopolitical speaker, executive retreat speakers
---
### [Book with Meaning: Speakers Who Bring Juneteenth to Life](https://wwsg.com/blog/book-with-meaning-speakers-who-bring-juneteenth-to-life/)
**Published:** June 18, 2025
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
Juneteenth marks a powerful moment in American history—the official end of slavery in the United States. Celebrated each year on June 19th, it honors the day in 1865 when the last enslaved people in Galveston, Texas were finally informed of their freedom, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. But Juneteenth is not just a historical milestone—it’s a living, breathing call to reflect, learn, and act.
At Worldwide Speakers Group (WWSG), we represent a diverse group of thought leaders who are uniquely positioned to help organizations commemorate this important day with purpose and insight. Speakers like [Col. Allen West](https://wwsg.com/speakers/allen-west), [Carla Harris](https://wwsg.com/speakers/carla-harris), [Kareem Abdul-Jabbar](https://wwsg.com/speakers/kareem-abdul-jabbar), [Cassandra Worthy](https://wwsg.com/speakers/cassandra-worthy), [Hill Harper](https://wwsg.com/speakers/hill-harper), and others offer more than just lived experience—they bring visionary leadership, cultural wisdom, and transformative ideas to the stage.
Whether you’re planning a corporate observance, campus event, or community program, these speakers can illuminate the values at the heart of Juneteenth: resilience, freedom, progress, and justice. From Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s reflections on activism and identity, to Carla Harris’ trailblazing lessons on leadership and equity, each speaker offers a unique lens through which audiences can engage with the past while envisioning a better future.
Hiring speakers like these for your Juneteenth event fosters more than education—it cultivates empathy, inspires action, and ignites lasting change. Let their stories, strategies, and strength guide your audience in meaningful dialogue and collective growth.
Ready to make your Juneteenth event impactful and memorable? Let WWSG help you find the right voice for your message. [Contact us.](https://wwsg.com/contact-us)
#### Speakers Who Bring Juneteenth to Life
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/allen-west/)
## [Allen West](https://wwsg.com/speakers/allen-west/)
Posted: October 1, 2014
A fierce advocate of conservative values, strong education, and public service, Lt. Col. Allen West is the third of four generations of military servicemen in his family. During his 22-year career in the United States Army, Lieutenant Colonel West served in several combat zones and received many honors including a Bronze Star, three Meritorious Service Medals, three Army Commendation Medals (one with Valor device), and a Valorous Unit Award.
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ashley-allison/)
## [Ashley Allison](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ashley-allison/)
Posted: April 20, 2023
Ashley Allison is a dynamic keynote speaker who brings unparalleled expertise in building winning strategies, mobilizing diverse communities, and driving meaningful change. With over 15 years of experience, including senior leadership roles in the Obama-Biden Administration and the Biden-Harris campaign, she has mastered the art of coalition-building and effective advocacy. Audiences gain invaluable insights on \[…\]
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/carla-harris/)
## [Carla Harris](https://wwsg.com/speakers/carla-harris/)
Posted: November 21, 2022
Carla Harris has extensive industry experiences in the technology, media, retail, telecommunications, transportation, industrial, and healthcare sectors. In August 2013, Ms. Harris was appointed by President Barack Obama to chair the National Women’s Business Council.
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/cassandra-worthy/)
## [Cassandra Worthy](https://wwsg.com/speakers/cassandra-worthy/)
Posted: February 2, 2023
With contagious energy that radiates throughout every room she steps into, Cassandra Worthy is the world’s truly disruptive thought-leader on change that companies need to build organizational resilience and adaptability. During times of major shift such as merger, acquisition, organizational restructure, new systems integration, and market disruption rarely do businesses ever face the tumultuous emotional \[…\]
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/demaurice-smith/)
## [DeMaurice Smith](https://wwsg.com/speakers/demaurice-smith/)
Posted: November 18, 2015
DeMaurice Smith was Executive Director of the National Football League Players’ Association from 2009-2023.
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/donna-brazile/)
## [Donna Brazile](https://wwsg.com/speakers/donna-brazile/)
Posted: October 1, 2014
Veteran Democratic political strategist Donna Brazile is an adjunct professor, author, syndicated columnist, television political commentator, former Vice Chair of Voter Registration and Participation at the Democratic National Committee, and former interim National Chair of the Democratic National Committee as well as the former chair of the DNC’s Voting Rights Institute.
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/hill-harper/)
## [Hill Harper](https://wwsg.com/speakers/hill-harper/)
Posted: October 1, 2014
A humanitarian, a thespian, a leader, Hill Harper is a charismatic man who is a powerful force in the “education of the miseducated” with an undying desire and commitment to expanding his mind and the minds of others continuously reaching for knowledge.
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/misty-copeland/)
## [Misty Copeland](https://wwsg.com/speakers/misty-copeland/)
Posted: February 27, 2023
When she discovered ballet, Misty Copeland was living in a motel room, struggling with her five siblings for a place to sleep on the floor. A true prodigy, she was dancing en pointe within three months of taking her first dance class and performing professionally in just over a year: a feat unheard of for \[…\]
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/segun-oduolowu/)
## [Segun Oduolowu](https://wwsg.com/speakers/segun-oduolowu/)
Posted: March 20, 2024
Segun Oduolowu is an accomplished journalist and TV host. He currently hosts The Boston Globe Today five days per week. His passion for uncovering truth and justice lends itself to his effective journalism, while his passion for understanding oneself and uplifting others shines through his speaking engagements. For a motivational address filled with personal anecdotes and empowering \[…\]
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/toure-neblett/)
## [Toure Neblett](https://wwsg.com/speakers/toure-neblett/)
Posted: April 30, 2024
Toure Neblett is a well-known author, a top music journalist, and one of the most well-versed minds on social justice and race in America. He spent years as a pop culture correspondent at CNN before moving to MSNBC where he hosted daily news program The Cycle.
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** African American keynote speakers, allen west juneteenth, segun oduolowu speaker, demaurice smith keynote, hill harper motivational speaker, cassandra worthy DEI speaker, carla harris leadership speaker, kareem abdul-jabbar speaker, juneteenth educational speakers, corporate diversity events, speakers on racial justice, Black history month speakers, inspirational Black leaders, DEI speakers for hire, corporate juneteenth event, book a juneteenth speaker, juneteenth keynote speaker, juneteenth speakers, Speakers Who Bring Juneteenth to Life
---
### [Dr. Sanjay Gupta on Chronic Pain and His New Book](https://wwsg.com/blog/dr-sanjay-gupta-on-chronic-pain-and-his-new-book/)
**Published:** June 13, 2025
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
*Originally published in the CNN Health newsletter, [‘The Results Are In’](https://www.cnn.com/newsletters/results-are-in), from WWSG thought leader, [Dr. Sanjay Gupta](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sanjay-gupta).*
My mom recently fell. It wasn’t a dramatic fall down the stairs or anything like that; she was pushing a suitcase and fell backward, into a sitting position. But she’s in her 80s, with more osteoporotic bone, so it led to a pretty significant spine fracture.
She developed profound pain that hit her physically, as well as emotionally. At one point, she told me that if the pain continued this way, she thought her “time here was done.” It really saddened me to hear that — but it also reminded me how pain can come to define our lives.
Unlike other lifelong conditions, pain can be overbearing in a unique way. If you have a condition like diabetes, yes, you have it for the rest of your life, but you’re probably not constantly consumed by it. Once you have chronic pain, however, it can become your identity. “How are you doing?” “I’m in pain.” You wake up with pain. You go to bed with pain. You can’t do certain things in your life because of pain. Your personality can change because of it. Pain can come with baggage.
This moment made me want to explore this issue of pain and how we can reduce it in our lives. It’s the premise of my new book, “It Doesn’t Have to Hurt: Your Smart Guide to a Pain-Free Life,” coming in September.
One of the things I’ve taken away as I’ve been working on this book is how to prevent pain. It’s something I think about a lot as I get older. And although the pain that I think of immediately may not be significant, like my mom’s, it’s enough to bother me.
For example, your body may hurt after you work out or have a really hard day. For me, it helps to use a foam roller to loosen the myofascia, the thick fibrous envelope around my muscles and tendons.
As we get older, everything tends to get a little bit tighter. If you have swollen muscles after a long run, they will try to swell against that envelope, and that hurts more. So making sure those muscles are as loose as possible is helpful in preventing injury or pain — or at least easing the intensity of pain.
Oftentimes, alleviating pain is about making sure our bodies are prepared to deal with it in the first place.
[Dr. Sanjay Gupta](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sanjay-gupta) brings unparalleled credibility, experience, and clarity to the stage as one of the world’s most trusted voices in health and medicine. As CNN’s chief medical correspondent and a practicing neurosurgeon, he has reported on every major health crisis of the last two decades—from the frontlines of natural disasters and war zones to the global Covid-19 pandemic.
Event audiences benefit not only from his deep medical expertise, but also his unique ability to communicate complex topics with clarity, empathy, and relevance. Whether discussing brain health, crisis response, or the intersection of media and medicine, Dr. Gupta delivers insights that are timely, actionable, and deeply resonant for groups of all kinds.
[ Contact Us for Dr. Gupta’s Speaking Availability](https://wwsg.com/contact-us)
**Categories:** Speakers In The News, Blog
**Tags:** pain management, healthcare keynote, neurosurgeon speaker, CNN medical correspondent, It Doesn’t Have to Hurt, wellness speaker, elder care, spine injury, aging and health, pain prevention, medical expert, health speaker, chronic pain, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, health keynote, wellness speakers, mental wellness, Keynote Speaker, CNN, Mental Health, Sanjay Gupta
---
### [Dr. Sanjay Gupta on the Stress of Job Loss](https://wwsg.com/blog/dr-sanjay-gupta-on-the-stress-of-job-loss/)
**Published:** April 4, 2025
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
From WWSG thought leader, [Dr. Sanjay Gupta](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sanjay-gupta): Cuts to the federal work force have been in the headlines recently, including thousands of jobs lost this week among the staff at the National Institutes of Health, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the US Food and Drug Administration.
The economic uncertainty of job loss can certainly affect people physically and emotionally, but the size of the effect can in part be based on outlook.
A person’s perception of adversity is key, says Jeffrey Anvari-Clark, a professor of social work at the University of North Dakota. He points to research showing that how you perceive your financial situation can actually do more harm to your health than the number in your savings account.
He notes that if you see job loss as a temporary setback and can stay calm — instead of viewing it as a disaster that can trigger stress and depression — you’ll probably stay healthier overall.
Anvari-Clark and his colleagues surveyed more than 27,000 American adults about factors that contributed to their health and financial decision-making.
They found that how a person perceived a drop in income mattered 20 times more than the financial change itself.
The power of perception is really striking. To help you maintain a positive outlook, he says, it is key to keep up with healthy habits like exercising to reduce stress and staying connected with friends for emotional support.
He also suggests volunteering or trying other fields of work. It doesn’t have to be a permanent job, but staying engaged in these ways can help you maintain networking skills and give you a fuller sense of control over what’s happening in your life.
Job loss can be difficult, but as he points out, losing your health can be even worse.
Dr. Gupta is a practicing neurosurgeon and a dedicated global journalist who is passionate about inspiring Americans to lead healthier, more active lives. His devotion to reporting from war zones and natural disasters as well as on a range of medical and scientific topics has distinguished him as an integral reporter for audiences worldwide. Dr. Gupta’s public speaking appearances are exclusively managed by [Worldwide Speakers Group](https://wwsg.com). To host him at your upcoming event, [contact us](https://wwsg.com/contact-us).
**Categories:** Speakers In The News, Blog
**Tags:** Sanjay Gupta, Mental Health, CNN, Keynote Speaker, job loss, mental wellness, wellness speakers, health keynote
---
### [Shaping the Economic Narrative: Leading Voices on the Future of the U.S. Economy](https://wwsg.com/blog/shaping-the-economic-narrative-leading-voices-on-the-future-of-the-u-s-economy/)
**Published:** May 28, 2025
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
In an era defined by economic uncertainty, geopolitical realignment, and technological disruption, the voices shaping the conversation around the U.S. economy have never been more crucial. From central bankers steering inflation policy to historians analyzing past crises for insight into today’s challenges, a diverse set of thought leaders is helping to chart a course through complex terrain.
This article highlights some of the most influential minds in finance, economics, trade, and industrial policy—figures whose ideas are not just interpreting the present but influencing the future of economic policy.
Whether from the Federal Reserve, global finance institutions, academia, or journalism, their perspectives help frame how we understand growth, risk, and resilience in an interconnected world.
#### Historical and Global Perspectives on Economic Trends
##### Featured: [Niall Ferguson](https://wwsg.com/speakers/niall-ferguson), [Evan Feigenbaum](https://wwsg.com/speakers/evan-feigenbaum)
Understanding today’s economy requires insight into the forces that have shaped it over time and across borders. Experts in history and global affairs offer essential context for current trends, from geopolitical shifts to long-term patterns in trade and finance.
**Sir Niall Ferguson** bring an economic historian perspective to the stage, including lessons from financial history, empires, and global power shifts. His dynamic presentations intrigue audiences of all kinds. The unique ability to connect the dots between past economic crises and current global challenges adds unmatched value to your engagement.
**Dr. Evan Feigenbaum** is a recognized authority on U.S.-Asia economic relations, offering deep insight into China’s economic strategy and the evolving trade dynamics of the Indo-Pacific region. His engaging fireside chats and interviews leave audiences with thought-provoking takeaways that resonate well beyond the event.
#### Financial Regulation, Crisis Response, and Global Stability
##### Featured: [Sheila Bair](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sheila-bair), [Hank Paulson](https://wwsg.com/speakers/hank-paulson), [Mario Draghi](https://wwsg.com/book-speaker-mario-draghi/)
In a world still shaped by the aftershocks of financial crises, regulatory leadership and crisis response are key to ensuring the integrity of global markets. Sheila Bair, Hank Paulson, and Mario Draghi are among the most prominent figures to have guided institutions through periods of extreme volatility—and their lessons remain urgent today.
**Sheila Bair**, former Chair of the FDIC, earned national recognition for her steady hand during the 2008 financial crisis. A vocal advocate for consumer protection and regulation of large financial institutions, she continues to speak out on financial inclusion, moral hazard, and long-term stability.
**Hank Paulson**, former Treasury Secretary and longtime investment banker, brings experience navigating both Wall Street and Washington. Known for his leadership during the Great Recession, he now focuses on global capital flows, U.S.-China economic ties, and climate-related financial risk.
**Mario Draghi**, former President of the European Central Bank and Italian Prime Minister, played a central role in stabilizing the eurozone during its sovereign debt crisis. His call for coordinated fiscal policy and structural reforms in Europe offers important guidance for today’s inflationary and fragmented global economy.
#### Central Banking and the Future of Monetary Policy
##### Featured[: Loretta Mester](https://wwsg.com/speakers/loretta-mester), [Eric Rosengren](https://wwsg.com/speakers/eric-rosengren)
As inflation, interest rates, and labor dynamics reshape the economic landscape, central bankers remain at the heart of monetary policy decision-making. Loretta Mester and Eric Rosengren offer valuable insight into how the Federal Reserve system interprets economic signals and crafts responses to ensure sustainable growth.
**Loretta Mester**, former President of the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland, has been a key voice on inflation targeting, labor markets, and post-pandemic recovery. Her work blends academic rigor with practical policy insight at the national level.
**Eric Rosengren**, former President of the Boston Fed, is recognized for his proactive approach to financial stability and regional economic resilience. He contributed significantly to systemic risk discussions during both the 2008 crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic.
#### Industrial Policy, Tech, and the New Economy
##### Featured: [Chris Miller](https://wwsg.com/speakers/chris-miller), [Patrick McGee](https://wwsg.com/speakers/patrick-mcgee)
As technological advancement accelerates and global competition heats up, industrial policy has taken center stage in shaping economic strategy. Thought leaders like Chris Miller and Patrick McGee offer timely insights into how tech, trade, and manufacturing are reshaping the economic landscape.
**Chris Miller**, author of *Chip War*, examines the strategic importance of semiconductors in today’s economy and national security. He explains how chip supply chains have become central to geopolitical tensions, particularly between the U.S. and China, and why America is investing heavily to reclaim leadership in this critical industry.
**Patrick McGee**, *Financial Times* technology correspondent, offers a front-line view of how firms like Apple are navigating shifts in global supply chains, regulation, and innovation. His reporting highlights the tech sector’s pivotal role in driving—and adapting to—economic change.
#### Political Leadership and Economic Vision
##### Featured: [Mike Pence](https://wwsg.com/speakers/mike-pence)
Political leadership plays a critical role in shaping the U.S. economic agenda—from tax policy and trade to regulation and industrial growth. Former Vice President **Mike Pence** offers a seasoned perspective grounded in decades of public service and a commitment to conservative economic principles.
A longtime advocate for free markets, energy independence, and limited government, Pence emphasizes the role of private enterprise in driving growth and restoring American competitiveness. His insights help audiences understand how values-driven policymaking intersects with today’s economic challenges—from inflation to global trade shifts.
#### Journalism and Economic Storytelling
##### Featured: [Peter S. Goodman](https://wwsg.com/speakers/peter-goodman)
**Peter S. Goodman**, global economics correspondent for *The New York Times*, brings a human-centered lens to complex economic narratives. With a career spanning major news outlets and global reporting assignments, Goodman is known for translating macroeconomic shifts into the real-world experiences of workers, consumers, and communities. His reporting covers inequality, globalization, labor markets, and the ripple effects of financial policy—making him a vital voice in connecting elite economic discourse to everyday life. Whether writing from factory towns or financial summits, Goodman helps audiences understand how large-scale decisions and global trends directly shape economic opportunity and hardship on the ground.
As the U.S. economy navigates the twin pressures of global competition and domestic transformation, the importance of informed, multidisciplinary economic leadership cannot be overstated. The thinkers profiled here—central bankers like Loretta Mester and Mario Draghi, policymakers like Sheila Bair and Hank Paulson, analysts like Chris Miller and Peter Goodman—offer more than commentary; they provide a roadmap for resilience and reform. Their insights help bridge the gap between policy and practice, offering a sharper view of the challenges and opportunities ahead. In a time when every fiscal choice and trade decision carries global implications, these thought leaders are not just shaping economic narratives—they are shaping the economic future. These speakers each have unique insights to share **with financial services companies, investment advisors, hedge funds, brokerages, and other groups.**
To bring these insights directly to your organization, institution, or event, contact **Worldwide Speakers Group (WWSG)** for information on hosting any of the experts featured in this article. WWSG connects audiences with the world’s most influential voices in economics and finance—leaders who inspire informed action and bold thinking.
[ View All Economy & Finance Speakers](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/economy-and-finance/)
## Let Us Help You Select the Perfect Economy Speaker
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**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** Keynote Economists, Peter Goodman, Loretta Mester, Business Conference Content, Event Economists, Conference Speakers, Industrial Policy, Trade Policy, Geopolitical Economy, Financial Regulation, Monetary Policy, US Economy Outlook, Economic Forecasters, Thought Leaders Economics, Economic Speakers, Patrick McGee, chris miller, eric rosengren, Sheila Bair, Financial Speakers, mario draghi, Business Speakers, Evan Feigenbaum, Niall Ferguson, mike pence, Hank Paulson
---
### [WWSG Announces Exclusive Speaking Partnership with Patrick McGee, Author of 'Apple in China'](https://wwsg.com/blog/wwsg-announces-exclusive-speaking-partnership-with-patrick-mcgee-author-of-apple-in-china/)
**Published:** May 14, 2025
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
Worldwide Speakers Group (WWSG), a global leader in connecting elite speakers with audiences who seek transformative ideas, is proud to announce a new partnership with renowned journalist and author [Patrick McGee](https://wwsg.com/speakers/patrick-mcgee). McGee’s book, *Apple in China: The Capture of the World’s Greatest Company*, released by [Simon & Schuster](http://simonandschuster.com/books/Apple-in-China/Patrick-McGee/9781668053379) May 13, is generating buzz among business leaders, tech insiders, and global affairs experts—and now, he’s available for select keynote addresses, panels, and fireside chats exclusively through WWSG.
Patrick McGee at a recent speaking engagementFor readers of *Steve Jobs* by Walter Isaacson or *Chip War* by fellow WWSG-exclusive speaker [Chris Miller](https://wwsg.com/speakers/chris-miller), *Apple in China* is a riveting, behind-the-scenes account of how Apple’s pursuit of efficiency and growth helped fuel China’s rise as the global electronics powerhouse. Based on over 200 interviews, internal memos, and never-before-reported accounts, McGee’s book explores how America’s most iconic company became deeply enmeshed with an authoritarian regime—unintentionally giving Beijing a technological edge that could be turned into geopolitical leverage.
****
#### **Why Patrick McGee?**
Patrick McGee, a veteran journalist for the *Financial Times* and *The Wall Street Journal*, has spent over a decade covering Apple, electric vehicles, and emerging tech. His reporting has earned him accolades for its depth, accuracy, and ability to break complex topics down for business audiences. Furthermore, as a speaker, McGee brings the same clarity and insight to the stage, captivating audiences with stories that illuminate the hidden forces shaping today’s global economy. In an era of heightened U.S.-China tensions, McGee provides context that helps leaders and planners anticipate the next shift in global dynamics.
“Patrick McGee offers a perspective no other speaker can. His work is more than just reporting—it’s an investigation into the intersection of innovation, policy, and power,” said Dan Sims, President at WWSG. “We’re thrilled to bring his voice to audiences looking to understand the future of business, technology, and geopolitics.”
#### **Why WWSG?**
WWSG represents today’s most influential voices in business, policy, and innovation. With a white-glove approach to speaker engagements, we ensure that every speaker selection is tailored to your audience, objectives, and message. Our speakers don’t just fill agendas, they shape meaningful conversations and foster connection.
Patrick McGee joins an elite roster of thought leaders partnering with WWSG for their public speaking opportunities, including historian [Niall Ferguson](https://wwsg.com/speakers/niall-ferguson), author [Chris Miller](https://wwsg.com/speakers/chris-miller), former Vice President [Mike Pence](https://wwsg.com/speakers/mike-pence), CNN Chief Medical Correspondent [Dr. Sanjay Gupta](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sanjay-gupta), globalization expert [Peter Goodman](https://wwsg.com/speakers/peter-goodman), former trade representative [Robert Lighthizer](https://wwsg.com/speakers/robert-lighthizer), former Secretary of Labor & Secretary of Transportation [Elaine Chao](https://wwsg.com/speakers/elaine-chao), former Barstool CEO [Erika Ayers Badan](https://wwsg.com/speakers/erika-ayers-badan), and many others.
Whether you’re hosting a global leadership summit, industry roundtable, or executive retreat, Patrick McGee brings unmatched value and insight to your stage. [Book him now](https://wwsg.com/contact-us) for an unforgettable session that will leave your audience thinking differently about Apple, China, and the future of global business.
## **Ready to take your event to the next level?**
Contact us for McGee’s speaking availability or to request help finding your next unforgettable speaker.
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**Categories:** Announcements, Blog
**Tags:** paid keynote speakers, transformative keynote presentations, exclusive speaker bookings, leadership summit speakers, executive retreat speakers, Simon & Schuster author speaker, Financial Times speaker, journalist keynote speaker, U.S.-China relations speaker, geopolitical speaker, Apple expert speaker, corporate event speaker, global affairs speaker, China expert speaker, tech keynote speaker, business keynote speaker, Apple in China speaker, Patrick McGee keynote, WWSG speakers, innovation speaker
---
### [Why WWSG is the Go-To Speakers Agency for World-Class Events](https://wwsg.com/blog/why-wwsg-is-the-go-to-speakers-agency-for-world-class-events/)
**Published:** April 16, 2025
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
When it comes to curating unforgettable experiences for audiences worldwide, **Worldwide Speakers Group (WWSG)** stands at the forefront of the speaking industry. If you’re looking to **book keynote speakers for events** that leave a lasting impact, WWSG delivers with unmatched expertise and a world-class roster. The recent map of global speaking engagements is more than just a visual—it’s a testament to the reach, caliber, and influence of WWSG’s exclusive speaker network. From New York to New Delhi, London to Sydney, WWSG connects the world’s most sought-after voices with stages that matter.
### Global Voices, Local Impact
Take a closer look at the map and you’ll find a dynamic cross-section of today’s most respected thought leaders, changemakers, and cultural icons. Whether it’s:
- [**Steve Wozniak**](https://wwsg.com/speakers/steve-wozniak) inspiring tech audiences in Denver,
- [**Anima Anandkumar**](https://wwsg.com/speakers/anima-anandkumar) sharing cutting-edge AI insights in Mumbai,
- Former Vice President [**Mike Pence**](https://wwsg.com/speakers/mike-pence) offering geopolitical perspective in Singapore, or
- [**Dr. Sanjay Gupta**](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sanjay-gupta) breaking down health innovation and public wellness in Florida—
—these voices are shaping global conversations in every corner of the world. WWSG doesn’t just book speakers—they build bridges between brilliance and the people eager to learn from it.
### A Portfolio Like No Other
What sets WWSG apart is the unmatched diversity of talent. Their portfolio includes:
- **Former world leaders and policymakers** like former Prime Ministers [Stephen Harper](https://wwsg.com/speakers/stephen-harper) and [Dr. Mario Draghi](https://wwsg.com/book-speaker-mario-draghi/)
- **Trailblazing scientists and technologists** like [Anima Anandkumar](https://wwsg.com/speakers/anima-anandkumar) and [Dr. Scott Gottlieb](https://wwsg.com/speakers/scott-gottlieb)
- **Media icons and cultural commentators** like [Anderson Cooper](https://wwsg.com/speakers/anderson-cooper) and Dr. Sanjay Gupta
- **World-class athletes and coaches** like Caitlin Clark, [Drew Brees](https://wwsg.com/speakers/drew-brees), and Deion Sanders
- **Business titans and economic visionaries** like [Hank Paulson](https://wwsg.com/speakers/hank-paulson) and [Loretta Mester](https://wwsg.com/speakers/loretta-mester)
This means whether you’re planning a business leadership summit, a healthcare innovation conference, a tech expo, or a cultural festival, WWSG has the perfect speaker to align with your theme and inspire your audience.
### Why It Matters: Influence That Moves People
In an age where information is everywhere, the **power of live, in-person storytelling** stands stronger than ever. The individuals WWSG represents don’t just talk—they **transform** rooms. They deliver keynote speeches that linger long after the applause. They spark ideas, foster innovation, and shift perspectives. They energize teams, ignite movements, and leave audiences feeling more connected to the world—and to each other.
### Your Event, Elevated
Event planners today need more than just a recognizable name. They need:
- **Credibility**
- **Global perspective**
- **Meaningful engagement**
- **Unforgettable experiences**
That’s exactly what WWSG delivers. With decades of experience, a dedicated team, and a personalized approach to client service, WWSG simplifies the speaker booking process while ensuring your event has maximum impact.
### So, Why WWSG?
Because when you work with WWSG, you’re not just hiring a speaker—you’re unlocking a **global network of influence, insight, and inspiration**.
Let your next event feature a voice that captivates the room, echoes across industries, and positions your brand or organization as a true thought leader. With WWSG, the world’s most impactful minds are only a conversation away.
## **Ready to take your event to the next level?**
Visit [www.wwsg.com](https://wwsg.com) to explore our roster and book your next world-class speaker.
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**Categories:** Blog, Planning Resources
**Tags:** keynote speakers for hire, book a world-class speaker, WWSG blog, international keynote speakers, inspirational speakers for events, finance event speakers, healthcare keynote speakers, tech conference speakers, hire former officials for events, global speaker engagements, event planning resources, speaker booking agency, thought leaders for events, professional speakers for hire, WWSG speakers, top speaking agencies, conference keynote speaker, corporate event speakers, celebrity speakers for events, hire motivational speaker, global speakers bureau, book keynote speaker, event speakers agency, leadership speakers
---
### [Top 8 Commencement Speakers of 2023](https://wwsg.com/blog/top-8-commencement-speakers-of-2023/)
**Published:** March 8, 2023
**Author:** wpengine
**Content:**
We’ve heard time after time from our thought leaders that commencement speeches are the biggest honor of their speaking careers. The leaders of tomorrow deserve an energizing and motivating experience at the signature event marking the beginning of their professional pursuits.
These inspirational thought leaders are popular choices to speak to young audiences. They tell fascinating stories of rising to the top—in sciences, sports, business, and entertainment—enlightening young audiences and leaving them with high aspirations.
Our knowledgeable and experienced team is ready and excited to provide qualified speaker recommendations for your upcoming gatherings. To learn more about hosting these or any of our outstanding thought leaders for your commencement event, [contact WWSG](https://wwsg.com/contact-us).
[Misty Copeland](https://wwsg.com/speakers/misty-copeland/) The First African American Female Principle Dancer with American Ballet TheatreGeena Davis Award Winning Actress Olympian Founder Geena Davis Institute
[Sanjay Gupta](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sanjay-gupta/) Chief Medical Correspondent CNN Multiple Award Winning Journalist Author and Neurosurgeon[Poppy Harlow](https://wwsg.com/speakers/poppy-harlow/) Award Winning Journalist and Anchor for CNN Podcast Host Author[Daymond John](https://wwsg.com/speakers/daymond-john/) Founder CEO of FUBU Star of ABCs Shark Tank CEO of the Shark Group[Paul Nicklen](https://wwsg.com/speakers/paul-nicklen/) National Geographic Photographer and Filmmaker Marine Biologist Global Expedition Leader Co Founder of SeaLegacy[DeMaurice Smith](https://wwsg.com/speakers/demaurice-smith/) Executive Director National Football League Players Association NFLPA[Lady Carnarvon](https://wwsg.com/speakers/fiona-carnarvon/) The Countess of Carnarvon of Highclere Castle Best Selling Author
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** college speakers, College, Universities, Geena Davis, Misty Copeland, Entertainment, Science, business, poppy harlow, sports, commencement, graduation, university, Lady Carnarvon, Daymond John, DeMaurice Smith, Thought Leaders, Sanjay Gupta, Paul Nicklen
---
### [How Much Does A Keynote Speaker Cost?](https://wwsg.com/blog/how-much-does-a-keynote-speaker-cost/)
**Published:** May 28, 2024
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Some may think that finding the cost for a keynote speaker is as simple as a Google search. After all, Google holds the answers for almost anything. Actually, many factors play into how much a client spends on a keynote speaker, which is why a keynote speaker’s fee will sometimes prove trickier to locate than you initially thought. When you begin researching how much hiring a speaker may cost, you will likely land on a **speakers bureau** (also known as a **lecture agency**) website, like [Worldwide Speakers Group](https://wwsg.com). Sometimes, these public speaking agencies do not list a speaker’s fee or honorarium on their website. Instead, their website will read: “Inquire for Details.” This is simply to account for the various factors that play into a speaker’s fee.
A speaker may adjust his or her honorarium depending on location, duration of the keynote, and audience size. Due to this, many speakers and clients use lecture agencies as their resource to negotiate. Speakers bureaus in Washington DC, for example, are especially well-connected and serve a wide range of high-profile events in the capital. Lecture agencies like WWSG specialize in finding and contacting highly sought-after keynote speakers.
Despite the variation in costs from speaker to speaker, there are some trends that help estimate the price for certain keynote speakers.
#### What determines a speaker’s fee?
First, speakers determine their honorariums based on the demand they receive from clients. The more demand and better feedback they receive, the higher the price. Apart from this human element, there are a few more trends.
In terms of professors, their fee depends on area of research, tenure, and the institution or university they are a part of. For example, a tenured economics professor at Harvard University will most likely have a higher speaking fee than a first-year lecturer.
With published authors, costs will vary based on publication success and the relevancy and interest level in the subject matter.
However, the biggest factor that determines cost is the “star factor” or following of the speaker. The more popular and sought-after the speaker is, the higher the price to have them speak at your event. Booking great speakers of today—individuals who are not only experts but also widely recognized for their impact—comes at a premium but delivers unmatched value.
These categories and factors are stackable and should be viewed as ranges, not rules. If a professor is also a published author, their fee may be higher. The same is true for a CEO or author who is a celebrity. If the speaker is more well-known, expect to pay more for their time.
Additionally, speaker fees for nonprofits can sometimes differ, as many speakers are willing to work within the budget constraints of mission-driven organizations. If your organization is a nonprofit, it’s worth discussing reduced rates or alternate forms of compensation such as promotional opportunities or book purchases.
#### How can I get the best value out of my keynote speaker?
Keynote speeches are an investment that clients are making for an event. Ensuring the quality and experience for your company or audience is the top priority. There are a few things to do that will maximize and ensure the value of the speaker and their keynote.
Schedule either a pre-booking call or pre-event call to discuss logistics, speech topic, and iron out any questions or concerns beforehand. If your event requires promotion, you may consider asking the speaker for a blog post, podcast appearance, or video to promote the event. Depending on the speaker’s available time, this may or may not be possible.
If the speaker is a published author, you can ask if books can be included in the cost for a discounted rate, whether attendees can receive books, or a book signing could take place.
Consider booking someone with a background in inspirational speaking—these types of keynote addresses often leave the most lasting impressions on audiences. A keynote speaker is the cornerstone of an event. Finding the right one takes time, negotiation, and patience in order to amplify and guarantee a successful event.
Keep in mind, however, that speaker honorariums and the determination of cost are always in flux. But if you pay a lot for your keynote and your audience can’t stop talking or tweeting about what an impact it had on them, you get what you pay for!
At Worldwide Speakers Group, our team has the experience managing speaker communication, logistics, ensuring cost-effectiveness, and we can even help you draft contingency plans. Let us manage your keynote speaker so you can focus on running your event.
[Reach out to our team](https://wwsg.com/contact-us) and we’ll help you find the perfect keynote speaker for your event, your audience, and your company.
**Categories:** Blog, Planning Resources
**Tags:** client, cost, cost for keynote speaker, cost of keynote speaker, cost of speaker, Event Planning, event success, fees, honorarium, speaker, speaker cost, speaker fee, Speaker fees, speaker honorariums, tips, Top Thought Leaders
---
### [Paul Nicklen: Whistler, Wild Paths, and the Artist's Journey](https://wwsg.com/blog/paul-nicklen-whistler-wild-paths-and-the-artists-journey/)
**Published:** April 5, 2025
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
*The following is a guest post from WWSG exclusive thought leader, [Paul Nicklen](https://wwsg.com/speakers/paul-nicklen).*
I am sitting here in the quiet after the storm, reflecting on the energy of the past few days in Whistler with Mountain Galleries: the conversations, the faces, the sense of connection as Cristina and I shared our work with all of you. Standing in front of hundreds of people who share a love for this planet was a humbling experience. It reminded me why I do this work in the first place, but it also brought up a question I have for you: *what would change in your life if you stopped waiting for permission and started trusting your own voice?*
I ask because one theme that emerged over the weekend was the idea that my career followed a clear path from photojournalist to artist. In reality, though, the art came first. For me, photography has always been about expression and emotion, rather than documentation. As a kid, I watched my mother develop images in a darkroom on Baffin Island, fascinated by how a frozen landscape could take on depth and meaning simply by introducing it through light. When I picked up a camera years later, I was drawn to the feeling an image could evoke above everything else. More than anything, I have always wanted the world to fall as deeply in love with nature as I am, and photography is my key to achieving this.
That is probably why, after finally joining National Geographic as an assignment photographer, I had a bit of a rocky start. After each assignment, I would return with images such as a grizzly’s claws carving through water like brushstrokes, or droplets dripping from its fur—shots that blurred the lines between art and journalism.
Polar Reflections © Paul Nicklen PhotographyAt first, some editors were not quite sure what to make of my more creative approach to the assignments. But we quickly found a rhythm: we led with the big, emotional, artistic shots, and I learned to capture the journalistic images—the point pictures—that built out the story. I figured out how to deliver what was needed, and I never stopped chasing the shot that went a little further. My time with the magazine gave me the chance to hone my craft and appreciate the power of the printed image—the power of art.
Years later, many of those raw, emotional moments in the wild—the ones that became lead images for articles—are now hanging in galleries and museums. These kinds of scenes are incredibly hard to come across and even harder to capture, which is part of the reason why I release my prints in limited editions. A polar bear on thinning ice, a grizzly vanishing into the first snowfall of the season. These scenes hold the urgency of a world that is changing, and each image carries the weight of that reality.
For collectors, I am proud that the value of my prints has steadily increased over time, in some cases appreciating tenfold. Even as the stock market takes another nosedive, art remains steady—aging well, appreciating quietly, and never demanding a bailout. As fewer editions remain and the message behind the images grows more urgent, their value only deepens.
I have never taken this, or the power of art, lightly. At the heart of my work, I will always be that young kid who fell head over heels for the first polar bear he ever saw. I will never give up my obsession with sharing that love as an artist—and encouraging the world to finally, finally take the protection of our living planet seriously. Art and photography have always been how I stay close to the wild—and how I invite others to fall in love with it, too.
So thank you. For listening, for caring, and for being part of all this. None of it means anything without people like you who look at these images and see them for the story that lies beneath. To those who joined me in Whistler, it was a pleasure to connect and share such a lively and meaningful weekend together.
With gratitude,
[ View Paul Nicklen’s Speaking Profile](http://www.wwsg.com/speakers/paul-nicklen)
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** Keynote Speakers, Photography, nature, ted talk, ted speakers, artistic keynote speaker, national geographic photographer, artistic journal, creative keynote speaker
---
### [Dr. Sanjay Gupta on Space and Gravity](https://wwsg.com/blog/dr-sanjay-gupta-on-space-and-gravity/)
**Published:** March 21, 2025
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
You may not think about gravity a lot, but it’s something that the human body is [designed to handle.](https://e.newsletters.cnn.com/click?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 "https://e.newsletters.cnn.com/click?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")
It’s what allows us to build muscle and maintain bone density, and it even helps with our motor control.
It also allows us to sleep under cozy covers, take a shower or go for a run.
So when astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams ended staying in microgravity on the International Space Station for nearly nine months, it put their bodies to the test.
The shifting of fluid in our bodies has a huge effect. Because we are 70% liquid, that fluid actually starts to move upward when you’re in space, and that can make you feel like you have a cold or blur your vision.
Studies have even found that space can change humans on a cellular level.
To combat muscle and bone density loss, the astronauts have to work out for hours every day and have specific nutrition plans to help keep them fit.
Williams has definitely mastered the space workout. She even competed in a triathlon with me back in 2012 — her from the ISS and me on Earth.
But just as astronauts have to adjust to life in microgravity, they have to get used to the Earth’s gravitational pull all over again when they return home.
This means fluid shifts again, things feel heavy again (even a pencil, said Wilmore), and you have to regain your sense of balance.
Scientists are still studying the long-term health effects of space, but [NASA’s famous twin study](https://e.newsletters.cnn.com/click?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 "https://e.newsletters.cnn.com/click?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") found that most of the physical changes go back to baseline back on Earth, although it may take six months for some aspects to normalize.
But one of the biggest changes astronauts can experience is perhaps for the better. They often experience what is known as the “overview effect.”
“They get this profound experience that then influences their views on things when they return to Earth,” said Dr. Michael Harrison, an aerospace medicine specialist at Mayo Clinic in Florida.
They describe seeing the world from above as “beautiful” and “fragile.” And it
can even increase their sense of connection to others.
I’d say that’s a perspective we could all use. 🚀
Millions of loyal viewers follow and know him as [Dr. Sanjay Gupta](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sanjay-gupta), the multiple Emmy Award-winning Chief Medical Correspondent for CNN and the go-to authority for major developments in medicine, personal health, and health care. Dr. Gupta is a practicing neurosurgeon and a dedicated global journalist who is passionate about inspiring Americans to lead healthier, more active lives. His devotion to reporting from war zones and natural disasters as well as on a range of medical and scientific topics has distinguished him as an integral reporter for audiences worldwide. Dr. Gupta’s speaking engagements are exclusively managed by [Worldwide Speakers Group](https://wwsg.com). [Contact us](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sanjay-gupta) to host him at your event.
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** Sanjay Gupta, astronauts, gravity, microgravity, space health, bone density loss, fluid shifts, NASA twin study, overview effect, space medicine, astronaut fitness
---
### [WWSG Presents Raja Rajamannar, CMO of Mastercard](https://wwsg.com/announcements/wwsg-presents-raja-rajamannar-cmo-of-mastercard/)
**Published:** March 18, 2025
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
[Worldwide Speakers Group](https://wwsg.com) is delighted to announce an exclusive partnership with [Raja Rajamannar](https://wwsg.com/speakers/raja-rajamannar), Chief Marketing & Communications Officer and Founding President of the Healthcare Division at Mastercard. Rajamannar is also the author of *Quantum Marketing: Mastering the New Marketing Mindset for Tomorrow’s Consumers.*
The illustrious career trajectory of Raja Rajamannar, marked by innovation and strategic acumen, positions him as an exceptional keynote speaker. His transformative leadership at Mastercard, where he elevated the brand to global prominence, speaks volumes of his ability to inspire and motivate audiences. His recognition as a top global marketer and his insightful contributions to the industry make him a sought-after thought leader.
Rajamannar’s insights are a must-have for executives, marketers, and business leaders who want to remain at the forefront of innovation and transform their organizations to thrive in the future. [Contact WWSG](https://wwsg.com/contact-us) for his speaking availability.
## Contact Us for Mr. Rajamannar’s Speaking Availability
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**Categories:** Announcements
**Tags:** transformative leadership, speaking availability, innovation in marketing, brand elevation, industry influence, marketing expert, executive insights, strategic acumen, brand innovation, WWSG, global marketer, corporate strategy, Mastercard, Raja Rajamannar, Thought Leader, Business Leadership, Keynote Speaker
---
### [Paul Nicklen: Meet the True Titans of Africa](https://wwsg.com/blog/paul-nicklen-meet-the-true-titans-of-africa/)
**Published:** March 8, 2025
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
From WWSG exclusive speaker, [Paul Nicklen](https://wwsg.com/speakers/paul-nicklen): Less than a month ago, I stood beside one of the most iconic elephants in the world and did everything in my power to do his greatness justice. He is known simply as Craig—a giant of quiet dignity, his tusks reaching the ground. His presence was as immense as his gentle heart.
David, a local Maasai tracker who spends every day with Craig, gave us the rare privilege of walking alongside this extraordinary creature, listening as he moved through his world on the edge of Amboseli National Park. The experience was humbling beyond words. I was not prepared for the overwhelming emotion of standing before one of Africa’s last great tuskers. Cristina and I will be forever grateful to our friends David, Wim, and, most of all, Craig for allowing us a glimpse into their world.
*To share the Earth with such wise, old beings is a privilege—one we must never take for granted.*
Earth Echoes Kenya ©Paul Nicklen PhotographyAnd yet, there are still those who feel entitled to erase a legacy like Craig’s with the pull of a trigger. While Kenya enforces some of the strongest wildlife protections in Africa, its neighbors, like Tanzania, continue to issue trophy hunting permits for old tuskers. Should Craig or another Amboseli giant wander beyond the park’s boundaries, he may never return. If I leave any legacy of my own, I hope it is one that encourages people to tread more lightly—to move through the world with reverence for our fellow wild kin and gratitude for what remains. For decades, Africa’s most iconic wildlife has been elevated to the global stage by photographers whose images have sparked conservation movements. To finally explore this continent with my own lens, walking in the path of giants—both literal and figurative—is an honor beyond words.
By popular request, I am offering, for the first time, a very limited-edition release of [*Legend*](https://paulnicklen.com/fineart/legend/) and [*Earth Echoes*](https://paulnicklen.com/fineart/earth-echoes/) in both color and black and white. Each edition is available in a small, exclusive run, allowing you to choose the version that speaks to you and best complements your space. Given the limited number available, I encourage those interested to inquire while this special release lasts.
With gratitude,
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** Paul Nicklen, Nature Photography, Africa wildlife, Elephant conservation, Kenya wildlife protection, Trophy hunting, Wildlife photography, Limited-edition prints, Environmental activism, Wildlife conservation, Africa's endangered species, Animal rights, Paul Nicklen prints, Kenya wildlife laws, Africa's wildlife protection
---
### [AI and Industry Transformation: What’s Next and How to Prepare](https://wwsg.com/blog/ai-and-industry-transformation-whats-next-and-how-to-prepare/)
**Published:** March 5, 2025
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming industries, redefining everything from disease diagnosis to technological advancements and financial management. AI is no longer just a futuristic concept—it’s a driving force behind innovation.
Why is this important? We believe the answer is best explained by [Cassie Kozyrkov](https://wwsg.com/speakers/cassie-kozyrkov), Google’s first Chief Decision Scientist and the founder of Decision Intelligence.
WWSG experts weigh in…
Cassie Kozyrkov Headshot
“As AI becomes more powerful, the real competitive advantage isn’t in the technology—it’s in the human mind. \[Organizations must\] embrace the one thing AI can’t replace: human judgment. Leaders need to rethink their role in a world where AI delivers perfect answers in seconds, \[using\] mental agility and decision-making frameworks to stay ahead and focus on how to harness AI’s potential without falling into the trap of thoughtless automation.”
Ms. Kozyrkov’s advice applies to leaders in all verticals. To understand AI’s industry transformation impact, we’ll explore how it is reshaping **healthcare, technology, finance, and trade,** focusing on real-world applications, benefits, and challenges.
### AI in Healthcare: Revolutionizing Patient Care
AI is transforming healthcare, revolutionizing everything from diagnostics to patient care. With its ability to analyze vast amounts of data, **AI is enhancing the accuracy of disease detection**, **personalizing treatments**, and even **assisting in robotic surgeries**.
From predictive analytics that help prevent outbreaks to smart wearables that monitor vital signs in real time, AI is making healthcare more efficient, accessible, and proactive.
It’s imperative to explore some of the most groundbreaking advancements in AI-driven healthcare and how they are reshaping the future of medicine. It’s also, equally as important to note the potential risks that adapting to AI too quickly could pose on the healthcare industry.
AI is transforming healthcare by enhancing accuracy, efficiency, and patient outcomes. In medical diagnostics, **AI-powered imaging** helps detect diseases early, improving treatment success rates. **Personalized medicine** leverages AI to tailor treatment plans to a patient’s genetic profile, ensuring more effective care. **AI-assisted robotic surgery** increases precision and reduces recovery times, while **predictive analytics** help forecast disease outbreaks and patient deterioration. Additionally, AI streamlines administrative tasks, with chatbots handling patient interactions, scheduling, and medical coding, freeing up healthcare professionals to focus on patient care.
**Adopting AI too fast in healthcare can lead to errors, data privacy risks, and over-reliance on technology.** High costs may limit access, and unclear regulations create legal and ethical challenges. A careful, well-regulated approach with human oversight is essential to ensure AI benefits patient care safely.
Dr Scott Gottlieb presents onstage at a former WWSG event
WWSG exclusive thought leader, [Dr. Scott Gottlieb](https://wwsg.com/speakers/scott-gottlieb) has addressed the benefits and concerns of AI in healthcare. Gottlieb is a physician, former Commissioner of the Food & Drug Administration, and author of *New York Times* best-selling book, [*Uncontrolled Spread*](https://www.harpercollins.com/products/uncontrolled-spread-scott-gottlieb?variant=41042025545762) and the upcoming book, [*The Miracle Century*](https://www.harpercollins.com/products/the-miracle-century-scott-gottlieb?variant=41284801200162).
> ##### *“We need to make sure we’re taking steps to foster innovation and regulating areas of promising new technology in ways that don’t raise the cost of development or reduce innovation.” – Scott Gottlieb, M.D.*
### AI in Tech: Driving Innovation & Automation
AI is transforming tech by automating tasks, strengthening cybersecurity, optimizing computing, and improving human-computer interactions through advanced language processing. From strengthening digital security to enhancing user interactions, AI is streamlining operations and unlocking new possibilities across industries.
**Natural Language Processing (NLP)** is perhaps the most familiar tool developed in recent years. These include AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants like ChatGPT and Alexa. Because of these tools, we have experienced improved customer service via real-time support and more natural human-computer interactions.
Additionally, **NLP has enhanced global communication** by powering real-time translation services, enabling people to interact across language barriers effortlessly.
In industries like healthcare and finance, NLP has streamlined processes by automating documentation, detecting fraud, and improving decision-making through sentiment analysis and predictive modeling. As a result, NLP has not only increased efficiency and convenience but has also reshaped how people engage with digital platforms, businesses, and even each other.
**Machine learning** drives innovation and automation by enabling systems to analyze vast amounts of data, recognize patterns, and make intelligent decisions, leading to advancements in industries such as healthcare, finance, and manufacturing.
**AI is revolutionizing cybersecurity** by enhancing threat detection, automating incident response, and identifying vulnerabilities in real time, helping businesses stay ahead of evolving cyber threats and protect its members from fraud.
As **AI continues to drive innovation in decentralized finance (DeFi) and cryptocurrency markets**, it presents both opportunities and challenges. While AI-driven solutions are making digital assets more secure and accessible, concerns around regulatory compliance, data privacy, and potential biases in financial decision-making remain key issues. Understanding both the benefits and risks of AI in finance is essential for businesses and individuals looking to navigate the future of an AI-powered financial ecosystem.
### AI in Finance: Enhancing Security & Decision-Making
AI is revolutionizing the financial industry, transforming everything from trading and risk management to customer service and personalized banking experiences. With its ability to process vast amounts of data in real time, AI is optimizing investment strategies, detecting fraud, and streamlining financial decision-making like never before. As financial institutions integrate AI into their operations, they unlock new efficiencies and opportunities while also facing challenges such as regulatory concerns and biases in automated decision-making.
One of the most significant applications of AI in finance is **algorithmic trading**, where AI-driven models analyze markets and execute trades at high speeds, optimizing investment opportunities. These high-frequency trading systems enable traders to react to market fluctuations instantly, increasing efficiency and accessibility in financial markets. Similarly, **AI plays a crucial role in fraud detection and risk management** by identifying anomalies in financial transactions, helping institutions detect and prevent fraudulent activities before they escalate.
AI is also reshaping financial planning through **robo-advisors**—AI-powered investment platforms that provide automated, data-driven recommendations tailored to individual investors. These platforms make wealth management more accessible, offering cost-effective and personalized financial planning to a broader audience. Additionally, AI enhances traditional banking by improving credit scoring and loan approvals, allowing institutions to assess risks with greater accuracy and offer more personalized banking experiences.
Beyond investment and banking, AI is also propelling the democratization of finance. According to [Matt Britton](https://wwsg.com/speakers/matt-britton), a futurist, author, [podcast host](https://wwsg.com/insights-and-resources/?keyword=britton&allSources=false), and consumer trend leader, “AI algorithms are breaking barriers, offering credit and investment opportunities to underserved populations based on alternative data, ensuring more individuals have access to the financial services they need.” At his speaking engagements, Matt can discuss many facets of AI as they pertain to financial services and other industries.
Matt Britton onstage at a speaking engagement
### How AI is Changing Global Trade and Supply Chains
For help understanding AI’s effect on global trade and supply chains, we turned to WWSG exclusive thought leader, [Peter S. Goodman](https://wwsg.com/speakers/peter-goodman). Goodman is a journalist and globalization expert. He is the Global Economics Correspondent for The *New York Times* and the author of [*How the world Ran Out of Everything*](https://www.harpercollins.com/products/how-the-world-ran-out-of-everything-peter-s-goodman?variant=41107243925538) and [*Davos Man*](https://www.harpercollins.com/products/davos-man-peter-s-goodman?variant=40359237910562).
Peter Goodman and his book *How the World Ran Out of Everything*
WWSG experts weigh in…
**WWSG:** What challenges do you anticipate in integrating AI technologies into existing global supply chains? **Peter Goodman:** The beauty of AI as a source of insight for supply chains is that it can provide a truly global view while highlighting bottlenecks to be worked around. In short, it can transcend borders. The trouble is that national governments have powerful reasons to police borders, and increasingly with an eye toward flows of valuable data. Differing regulations from one country to the next is the single greatest impediment of AI in supply chains. Moreover, organized labor looks warily at AI as a means of limiting its power to block the flow of trade—power that it uses to extract higher wages. For companies, the benefits of deploying technology like AI risk getting canceled out by resulting labor militancy, a story that goes back to the dawn of container shipping.
Essentially, according to Goodman, AI can give supply chains a worldwide perspective. However, different countries’ data rules pose a major hurdle, and unions fear AI could weaken their leverage in wage negotiations. If these concerns aren’t resolved, companies risk losing AI’s advantages to labor disputes.
As we examine the potential risks and challenges of fully harnessing AI in global trade, it’s important to first take a step back and explore the key transformations in supply chain management that have already been driven by AI.
One of the most impactful changes has been in **predictive analytics**. AI-powered models analyze historical data, market trends, and external factors—such as weather patterns and economic indicators—to enhance demand forecasting accuracy. This leads to a more efficient inventory system by minimizing both overstocking and understocking, ultimately optimizing supply chain operations.
Ever been thrilled to receive a notification as soon as an important package arrives at your doorstep? That’s the result of AI-enhanced real-time visibility. Thanks to **AI-powered IoT sensors**, shipments and inventory are tracked in real-time, reducing delays and improving coordination across logistics networks.
**AI-driven robotics** have also revolutionized warehouse operations, with automated systems handling tasks from picking and packing to navigating warehouses with self-driving forklifts, increasing efficiency and reducing human error.
Beyond these notable improvements, AI also plays a critical role in optimizing route planning, improving supplier reliability, managing risks, and streamlining procurement processes—ultimately helping to reduce costs and increase efficiency in global trade.
### AI Challenges and Ethical Considerations
AI’s widespread integration across industries brings several challenges, particularly around job displacement and inequality. As AI automates tasks, many jobs could be replaced, especially in areas like manufacturing and customer service. This calls for reskilling programs to help workers transition to new roles. Additionally, large corporations may benefit most from AI, widening the gap between them and smaller businesses or marginalized communities.
Ethically, AI raises concerns around data privacy, transparency, and bias. The vast amounts of personal data used by AI systems can lead to privacy violations, while the “black box” nature of AI decisions can make it difficult to understand and trust automated choices. Moreover, AI can perpetuate biases if trained on flawed data, leading to unfair outcomes in areas like hiring or law enforcement. Addressing these issues requires clear regulations and responsible practices to ensure AI is used ethically and fairly.
WWSG exclusive thought leader [Chris Miller](https://wwsg.com/speakers/chris-miller) is a geopolitical expert who talks about the origin, impact, and future of AI. His book, *[Chip War](https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Chip-War/Chris-Miller/9781982172008)*, explains how computer chips have made the modern world and how the U.S. and China are struggling for control over this fundamental technology. In his speech topic about AI, Miller alludes to potential environmental ramifications:
“There are many places in the U.S. where it is impossible to build a datacenter for AI because there’s simply not enough electricity. That’s why big tech firms are exploring nuclear-powered datacenters. The energy and environmental demands of AI are significant.” – Chris Miller
The vast amount of data that must be stored and harvested for AI technologies could pose a threat to the environment over time.
### FAQs
1. **How is AI used in business intelligence?** AI automates data analysis, predicts trends, and improves decision-making by uncovering insights that drive strategic planning. AI-powered tools detect anomalies, prevent fraud, and provide personalized customer insights, helping businesses make informed decisions and gain a competitive edge.
2. **How will AI change business intelligence?** AI will transform business intelligence by automating analysis, enhancing predictive insights, and making BI tools more intuitive, enabling faster, data-driven decisions.
3. **What is AI in cloud computing?** AI in cloud computing combines AI technologies with cloud services to provide scalable, cost-efficient solutions. It allows businesses to use powerful AI tools like machine learning without investing in costly infrastructure.
4. **Will AI take over cloud computing?** AI will not replace cloud computing but will enhance it. While cloud computing provides the necessary infrastructure for AI, AI will improve cloud services with smarter automation and data-driven decision-making.
5. **How do AI and cloud work together?** AI and cloud computing complement each other by combining cloud infrastructure’s scalability with AI’s data processing and automation capabilities. This enables cost-effective, efficient solutions for businesses.
### Conclusion
AI is transforming industries and reshaping the way we live and work. While challenges like data privacy and ethical AI remain, the benefits of AI in healthcare, tech, and finance are undeniable. Businesses and professionals must adapt to these advancements to stay ahead in an AI-driven world. [Contact Worldwide Speakers Group](https://wwsg.com/contact-us) for help selecting a thought leader to speak on AI at your upcoming event.
**What are your thoughts on AI’s impact in these industries? Let’s discuss in the comments!**
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### Select WWSG Favorites
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/peter-goodman/)
## [Peter Goodman](https://wwsg.com/speakers/peter-goodman/)
Posted: July 30, 2024
Peter S. Goodman is a leading voice on the intersection of economics and geopolitics. His in-depth reporting illuminates the real-world consequences of globalization, offering valuable insights for businesses and policymakers alike. Goodman’s ability to connect macroeconomic trends to the lived experiences of individuals makes him a sought-after speaker and commentator. In particular, his research on \[…\]
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/nicholas-christakis/)
## [Nicholas Christakis](https://wwsg.com/speakers/nicholas-christakis/)
Posted: April 11, 2024
Dr. Nicholas Christakis is a world-renowned expert on social artificial intelligence, social networks, human behavior, and public health, making him an exceptional keynote speaker for any conference. As a Sterling Professor at Yale and Director of the Human Nature Lab, his groundbreaking research explores how social contagion, AI, and evolutionary biology shape society. A bestselling \[…\]
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/matt-britton/)
## [Matt Britton](https://wwsg.com/speakers/matt-britton/)
Posted: April 2, 2024
Matt Britton is one of the most widely recognized marketing and media executives in the world who has consulted with over half of America’s Fortune 500 companies future-proofing for an unpredictable consumer landscape.
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/jon-krohn/)
## [Jon Krohn](https://wwsg.com/speakers/jon-krohn/)
Posted: March 28, 2024
Jon Krohn is Co-Founder and CEO of the New York-based AI-software company Y Carrot. He authored the book Deep Learning Illustrated, an instant #1 bestseller translated into seven languages, and hosts SuperDataScience, which draws eight million downloads per year, making it the data science industry’s most listened-to podcast. He holds a fellowship at Lightning AI, \[…\]
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/anima-anandkumar/)
## [Anima Anandkumar](https://wwsg.com/speakers/anima-anandkumar/)
Posted: November 14, 2023
Anima Anandkumar offers that rare combination of leading-edge academic research with equally deep experience in business and practical applications. She specialises in using AI in cloud computing to solve real world problems. Anima tailors each presentation to the needs of her audience.
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/cassie-kozyrkov/)
## [Cassie Kozyrkov](https://wwsg.com/speakers/cassie-kozyrkov/)
Posted: June 15, 2023
Google’s former Chief Decision Scientist isn’t just a captivating speaker—she’s a catalyst for the future of AI. When you engage with Cassie Kozyrkov, you’re connecting with the visionary leader who led Google’s AI-first transformation. Cassie is the epitome of theater-trained charisma, technical knowledge, and leadership experience, making her your perfect AI keynote speaker for an \[…\]
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/nina-schick/)
## [Nina Schick](https://wwsg.com/speakers/nina-schick/)
Posted: May 12, 2023
Nina Schick is an author, entrepreneur and advisor specialising in Generative AI. She is on a mission to make AI accessible to everyone. Nina is a top disinformation expert and political keynote speaker, focusing on how artificial intelligence and technology reshape global geopolitics and democracy. She can deliver keynotes in multiple languages, including English, German, \[…\]
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sophie-hackford/)
## [Sophie Hackford](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sophie-hackford/)
Posted: April 20, 2023
Sophie Hackford is a futurist. She has given hundreds of provocative talks to boards and executive teams on novel science and technology. Her clients come from every industry, although the best questions have, so far, come from audiences of schoolchildren. Sophie looks at how technologies change how we live, work, transact, and love by weaving \[…\]
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ben-sasse/)
## [Ben Sasse](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ben-sasse/)
Posted: January 24, 2023
Ben Sasse is known as a former U.S. Senator for Nebraska and University of Florida professor and 13th president. He is also a two-time New York Times national best-selling author whose career has spanned the private and public sectors. Ben believes in pluralism, free speech, and the power of ideas to build strong and vibrant communities \[…\]
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/peter-hinssen/)
## [Peter Hinssen](https://wwsg.com/speakers/peter-hinssen/)
Posted: December 5, 2022
Peter Hinssen is a renowned innovation expert who helps organizations navigate disruption with clarity and optimism. A bestselling author and LinkedIn Top Voice, he delivers actionable insights on emerging technology, leadership, and “The Never Normal” world. With real-world experience as a serial entrepreneur and advisor to top global firms, Peter’s keynotes are as credible as \[…\]
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/olga-koroleva/)
## [Olga Koroleva](https://wwsg.com/speakers/olga-koroleva/)
Posted: June 22, 2022
An entrepreneur and professional mountaineer, Olga Koroleva’s triumphs are limitless, both in the boardroom and on the mountain. Koroleva is the founder and CEO of Capital Brain, a company that harnesses the power of AI to streamline real estate acquisitions, asset management, and investment sales. An adventurer by nature, she has also completed over 40 expeditions, summiting the highest, the deadliest, and the hardest mountains on the planet. The lessons and similarities she has gleaned over the course of her career deliver an exciting and insightful presentation to audiences of all kinds.
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/chris-miller/)
## [Chris Miller](https://wwsg.com/speakers/chris-miller/)
Posted: August 27, 2021
Professor Chris Miller is a geopolitical expert who talks about the origin, impact, and future of AI. He is the author of the New York Times bestselling Chip War: The Fight for the World’s Most Critical Technology, a book that explains how computer chips have made the modern world—and how the U.S. and China are \[…\]
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/scott-gottlieb/)
## [Scott Gottlieb](https://wwsg.com/speakers/scott-gottlieb/)
Posted: May 23, 2019
Scott Gottlieb, MD served as the 23rd Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration. A leading expert in health policy, Dr. Gottlieb’s work focuses on providing insights into the economic and technological forces driving the transformation of healthcare.
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/nick-webb/)
## [Nicholas Webb](https://wwsg.com/speakers/nick-webb/)
Posted: June 5, 2018
Unlike most theorists who speak on future trends, Nicholas Webb is a true pioneer actively creating the future. With over 40 US patents for technology-related products, he is a successful inventor at the forefront of innovation. Nick’s expertise spans organizational management, strategy, and innovation, making him a multiple number one bestselling author in these areas. \[…\]
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/michio-kaku/)
## [Michio Kaku](https://wwsg.com/speakers/michio-kaku/)
Posted: July 20, 2015
Dr. Michio Kaku is the co-founder of string field theory (a branch of string theory), and continues Einstein’s search to unite the four fundamental forces of nature into one unified theory. Dr. Kaku is uniquely qualified to address audiences on various scientific themes, always concluding with how technology affects humanity and an optimistic view of \[…\]
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/steve-wozniak/)
## [Steve Wozniak](https://wwsg.com/speakers/steve-wozniak/)
Posted: October 1, 2014
A Silicon Valley icon and philanthropist for the past three decades, Steve Wozniak revolutionized the personal computer industry as co-founder of Apple Computer. With its first line of Apple products – Macintosh, Apple I and Apple II, Wozniak and Steve Jobs brought computers to the hands of the mass market. Through the years, Wozniak has \[…\]
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ben-parr/)
## [Ben Parr](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ben-parr/)
Posted: October 1, 2014
Through his unique experience and access as a leading technology writer/prognosticator, venture capitalist, and Silicon Valley insider, Ben Parr has built and led tech and media companies as well coached dozens of young startups and Fortune 500 corporations on capturing attention, marketing, branding, fundraising, and how to stay ahead of the curve. Ben was named \[…\]
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** bi systems, fraud detection, AI in financial forecasting, AI for wealth management, supply chain, AI-driven innovation, predictive analytics, ai in business, AI in customer service, intelligence in business, business intelligence bi, financial advisors, informed decisions, customer service, AI in content marketing, AI and business intelligence, AI and creative writing, AI and graphic design, Artificial intelligence trends, AI future predictions, AI in environmental science, ai driven, social media, AI in Healthcare, medical AI, AI diagnostics, AI in medicine, AI-driven healthcare. healthcare professionals, data analysis, integrate ai, machine learning, ai tools, ai innovate, AI in technology, AI automation, AI chatbots, AI in cybersecurity, AI technology advancements, AI and cloud computing, artificial intelligence ai, financial services
---
### [Insider Perspectives: Key Figures from the First Trump Administration on Shaping the Next Four Years](https://wwsg.com/blog/insider-perspectives-key-figures-from-the-first-trump-administration-on-shaping-the-next-four-years/)
**Published:** February 4, 2025
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
In an era of shifting regulatory environments and rapidly evolving market conditions, having a former Trump administration insider as a speaker or advisor will give your audience the edge they need to stay ahead of the curve.
As event planners seek to bring in thought leaders who offer unique perspectives on the intersection of **legislative change**, **business strategy**, and **policy impact**, former figures from the Trump administration provide invaluable insights.
Thought Leaders like **Mike Pence**, **Marc Short**, **Scott Gottlieb**, **Seema Verma**, and **Robert O’Brien** bring years of experience navigating complex political landscapes, regulatory shifts, and global challenges that directly affect industries today.
Whether you’re hosting a **corporate seminar**, an **industry or trade** **conference**, or an intimate **executive roundtable**, these seasoned advisors can offer expert advice on preparing for the next four years.
## Legislature
Former Vice President Mike Pence walks with his then Chief of Staff Marc Short Monday Feb 3 2020 along the Colonnade of the White House Official White House Photo by D Myles Cullen### [Mike Pence](https://wwsg.com/speakers/mike-pence)
Booking **Mike Pence** as a keynote speaker for your upcoming conference, trade show, or executive roundtable would provide attendees with unparalleled insights into leadership, political strategy, and policy development from one of the most influential figures in recent U.S. history.
Pence’s leadership during critical moments, including his oversight of the COVID-19 response and his defense of the election certification process in 2021, demonstrates his commitment to principled decision-making under pressure—an experience that resonates with organizations facing today’s complex challenges. His perspective on managing large-scale operations, building consensus in polarized environments, and guiding organizations through uncertain times makes him an ideal speaker for businesses and leaders navigating regulatory shifts, global trade challenges, and government relations.
Whether addressing crisis management or government-business dynamics, hosting Mike Pence will offer your audience practical lessons on leadership, decision-making, and strategic diplomacy—providing them with the tools to adapt and thrive in an increasingly complex business and political landscape.
### [Marc Short](https://wwsg.com/speakers/marc-short)
Hosting **Marc Short** as a panelist or keynote speaker would offer business audiences valuable insights into legislative strategy, government relations, and the intricacies of policy-making from someone who played a critical role in advancing key administration initiatives.
As Chief of Staff to Vice President Mike Pence, Short was deeply involved in bipartisan negotiations, tax reform, and regulatory changes, giving him a unique perspective on how businesses can navigate and influence legislative processes.
His experience in bridging the gap between the White House and Congress makes him an expert in government-business interactions, offering strategies for businesses to engage with policymakers and secure favorable outcomes. Short’s expertise in driving major legislative victories, including the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, will provide actionable insights on how business leaders can stay ahead of evolving regulations and policy shifts that impact industries today.
### [Paul Teller](https://wwsg.com/speakers/paul-teller)
**Paul Teller** is an ideal panelist or roundtable speaker for your event, offering unique insights from his time as Deputy Assistant to the President and Special Assistant for Legislative Affairs in the former Trump administration. He has firsthand experience navigating the complexities of Washington, driving key legislative initiatives, and shaping conservative policy.
With his deep understanding of government relations, policy strategy, and bipartisan coalition-building, Teller will provide your audience with valuable, actionable takeaways. His experience bridging the gap between the White House and Congress makes him especially valuable for those looking to understand how to influence policy in today’s political climate. Whether you’re targeting policymakers, business leaders, or advocacy groups, Teller’s expertise will engage and inspire your attendees.
## Healthcare
Dr Scott Gottlieb presents onstage at a recent WWSG event### [Scott Gottlieb](https://wwsg.com/speakers/scott-gottlieb)
**Dr. Scott Gottlieb** would be a top-tier choice for a keynote or panel presenter at your event, offering expert insights from his time as FDA Commissioner under the first Trump administration. His deep knowledge of healthcare policy, drug pricing, and public health makes him a valuable speaker for any audience focused on the future of healthcare or regulatory reform.
Gottlieb communicates complex issues with clarity and relevance, making his expertise accessible to diverse groups—from industry leaders to policymakers. His perspectives on the evolving healthcare landscape and government regulation will leave your attendees with actionable takeaways and a greater understanding of the sector’s challenges and opportunities.
### [Seema Verma](https://wwsg.com/speakers/seema-verma)
**Seema Verma** would be a highly impactful keynote speaker for healthcare-focused groups in 2025. As the former CMS Administrator from 2017 to 2021, she led transformative initiatives in Medicaid and Medicare reform, including the State Innovation Models, Medicaid work requirements, and efforts to modernize Medicare Advantage. Her expertise in value-based care and healthcare cost management remains highly relevant as the industry continues to evolve.
Verma offers a pragmatic, policy-driven perspective on how to improve healthcare delivery, making her an ideal speaker for audiences focused on healthcare reform, cost control, access to care, and similar topics. Her direct experience at the policy level ensures valuable insights for healthcare leaders, policymakers, and industry stakeholders.
### [Joseph Grogan](https://wwsg.com/speakers/joseph-grogan)
**Joseph Grogan** would be a highly valuable panelist or keynote speaker for a healthcare-related conference in 2025, offering a wealth of expertise from his time as Director of the White House Domestic Policy Council under the first Trump administration. In that role, Grogan was deeply involved in shaping key healthcare policies.
His experience navigating the complexities of healthcare policy at the highest levels of government equips him with a unique perspective on the forces that shape the U.S. healthcare system. Grogan can offer actionable insights into cost control, healthcare reform, and increasing competition within the market, all of which are crucial topics for healthcare leaders today.
As a speaker, Grogan’s expertise will resonate with policymakers, healthcare executives, and industry professionals seeking to understand the intersection of politics, regulation, and healthcare delivery.
## Trade & Transport
### [Elaine Chao](https://wwsg.com/speakers/elaine-chao)
**Elaine Chao** would be a highly valuable thought leader for large conferences, trade shows, and corporate events due to her extensive leadership experience in both the public and private sectors. As Secretary of Transportation under President Trump, she shaped U.S. transportation policy, guided infrastructure development, and navigated regulatory challenges, including leading efforts on deregulation and managing crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. With her expertise in public-private partnerships, global trade, and emerging technologies like autonomous vehicles, Chao offers invaluable insights on leadership, navigating complex regulatory landscapes, and driving innovation. Her diverse background, combined with her role as a trailblazer for diversity in leadership, makes her an ideal speaker for businesses seeking guidance on navigating today’s interconnected, evolving landscape.
### [Robert Lighthizer](https://wwsg.com/speakers/robert-lighthizer)
**Robert Lighthizer**, former U.S Trade Representative for President Trump, is an outstanding keynote speaker for any trade event or large conference due to his unparalleled expertise and experience in global trade policy. During his tenure, he played a central role in reshaping U.S. trade strategy, including negotiating the USMCA and leading the charge in the U.S.-China trade war. His deep understanding of international trade dynamics, coupled with his firsthand experience in high-stakes negotiations, gives him a unique insider perspective on the challenges and strategies involved in crafting effective trade agreements. Lighthizer’s strong stance on protectionism and prioritizing national interests offers valuable insights for anyone interested in the future of trade policy. His authoritative voice in discussions about **U.S.-China relations**, **tariffs**, and **trade imbalances** resonates not just in the U.S., but globally, making him an ideal speaker for international audiences. With his straightforward and direct communication style, Lighthizer can engage audiences by providing practical insights on negotiation tactics, the evolving global economic landscape, and the real-world implications of trade policy shifts. His name recognition and credibility further solidify his status as a top-tier choice for any trade-related event.
## Spending & Budgeting
### [Mick Mulvaney](https://wwsg.com/speakers/mick-mulvaney)
**Mick Mulvaney** would be a highly valuable speaker, offering unique insights from his roles as OMB Director, Acting White House Chief of Staff, and acting Director of the CFPB. As OMB Director, he played a key role in shaping federal budgets and fiscal policy, making him ideal for audiences focused on government spending, budget priorities, and fiscal responsibility.
His experience managing White House operations during critical moments also gives him a strong perspective on leadership, crisis management, and policy implementation. Additionally, Mulvaney’s deregulatory approach at the CFPB provides expertise on consumer protection and financial regulation.
Whether discussing public policy, political strategy, or regulatory reform, Mulvaney’s real-world experience offers valuable takeaways for any audience.
### [Martin Gruenberg](https://wwsg.com/speakers/martin-gruenberg)
**Martin Gruenberg**, former Chairman of the FDIC, is an ideal keynote speaker for high-level conferences, especially those focused on finance, banking, and regulatory policy. With his experience overseeing the nation’s deposit insurance system and banking regulation, he offers deep insights into financial stability, risk management, and policy frameworks shaping the U.S. banking sector.
Gruenberg played a key role in ensuring financial system stability post-2008, making him a trusted expert on systemic risk, capital requirements, and regulatory reforms. For corporate audiences, his expertise provides valuable lessons on navigating banking regulations, managing financial risk, and adapting to economic policy changes in an evolving global market.
## Security
At a previous White House press conference Mark Esper speaks beside President Trump### [Mark Esper](https://wwsg.com/speakers/mark-esper)
**Mark Esper’s** experience as Secretary of Defense in the previous Trump administration makes him an exceptional keynote speaker for large conferences or corporate events. He brings invaluable insights into national security, strategic decision-making, and leadership in high-stakes environments. Esper led key initiatives on military modernization, global security threats, and Pentagon budget management, which offer valuable lessons on crisis management, large-scale organizational leadership, and risk management.
For corporate audiences, Esper’s expertise in strategic planning and adapting to rapid change is highly relevant, especially for companies in global markets, defense, or technology. His ability to navigate complex policy decisions and international relations makes him a compelling speaker for any event focused on leadership, innovation, or global business strategy.
### [Robert O’Brien](https://wwsg.com/speakers/robert-obrien)
**Robert O’Brien’s** experience as National Security Advisor under the first Trump administration makes him a valuable keynote speaker for any large conference or corporate event. He played a key role in managing U.S. foreign policy on issues like global security, trade negotiations, and counterterrorism, offering deep insights into geopolitical strategy and global risk management.
For corporate audiences, O’Brien’s expertise in crisis management and negotiation tactics provides actionable lessons on leading in high-pressure situations and adapting to shifting global dynamics. His background in multilateral diplomacy and international relations makes him a great fit for businesses focused on global expansion, risk assessment, and international strategy.
General John Kelly speaking onstage at a WWSG event### General [John Kelly](https://wwsg.com/speakers/john-kelly)
Booking **[John Kelly](https://wwsg.com/speakers/john-kelly)** as a speaker at your upcoming trade or business conference offers attendees the opportunity to hear from a leader with unmatched experience in high-stakes decision-making, national security, and government operations.
As a four-star Marine Corps General, former Secretary of Homeland Security, and White House Chief of Staff, Kelly brings invaluable insights on leadership under pressure, managing complex organizations, and the intersection of business strategy and government policy. His expertise is especially valuable for industries facing regulatory challenges, security concerns, and evolving government-business relations.
Whether discussing how businesses can navigate a shifting regulatory environment or sharing lessons on organizational change, Kelly’s perspectives will equip executives and policymakers with the tools needed to stay ahead in today’s complex, dynamic landscape.
In today’s fast-paced political and business environment, bringing in a former Trump administration insider as a speaker or advisor can give your audience a distinct advantage. These professionals have firsthand experience navigating complex policy decisions, managing high-pressure situations, and bridging the gap between government and business. Whether you’re looking for expert insights on **regulation**, **economic policy**, or **leadership strategies** in uncertain times, these former Trump administration insiders offer invaluable knowledge that can help your audience stay ahead. By featuring these experts at your event, you’ll provide your attendees with the tools and perspectives they need to succeed in an ever-changing landscape.
[ View More Government & Politics Speakers](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/government-and-politics/)
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**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** financial risk management, political strategy, government relations, policy insights, regulatory reform, business strategy, leadership under pressure, healthcare policy, federal budgeting, former Trump officials, geopolitical strategy, banking regulation, government spending, international relations, paul teller, joe grogan, robert lighthizer, trade, trump, Mark Esper, Scott Gottlieb, robert o'brien, Mick Mulvaney, mike pence, marc short, seema verma, Keynote Speaker, national security, Elaine Chao, crisis management, executive leadership, Global Trade, John Kelly, Martin Gruenberg, Trump administration
---
### [Martin Gruenberg: Renowned Expert on Financial Regulation, Banking Policy, and Global Finance](https://wwsg.com/blog/martin-gruenberg-renowned-expert-on-financial-regulation-banking-policy-and-global-finance/)
**Published:** January 29, 2025
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
In today’s fast-paced financial world, the importance of sound regulatory frameworks and financial stability cannot be overstated. As financial institutions face increasingly complex challenges, the need for expert guidance has never been more critical. [**Martin Gruenberg**](https://wwsg.com/speakers/martin-gruenberg), former Chairman of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), is one of the foremost authorities on these issues. With an extensive background in financial regulation, banking policy, and international finance, Mr. Gruenberg is an ideal keynote speaker for conferences, roundtables, and corporate events focused on the future of the financial sector.
### A Distinguished Career Shaped by Leadership and Expertise
Martin Gruenberg was sworn in as Chairman of the FDIC Board of Directors on January 5, 2023. With more than 17 years of experience on the FDIC Board, his leadership is steeped in unparalleled expertise. His tenure includes serving as Vice Chairman (2005-2011) and Chairman (2012-2018) and as Acting Chairman on several occasions. This broad experience has allowed him to navigate and shape policies that are critical to the health of the U.S. financial system.
Before joining the FDIC, Mr. Gruenberg’s career was marked by significant roles in the U.S. Senate. As Senior Counsel to Senator Paul S. Sarbanes (D-MD) on the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, he worked on critical legislative and regulatory initiatives. Additionally, his tenure as Staff Director of the Banking Committee’s Subcommittee on International Finance and Monetary Policy provided him with an in-depth understanding of global financial systems.
Mr. Gruenberg has also led international efforts in financial stability. From 2007 to 2012, he served as Chairman of the International Association of Deposit Insurers (IADI), and his leadership extended to the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council (FFIEC), where he served as Chairman from 2017 to 2018. His global perspective continues to be a valuable asset in his role as Chairman of the Resolution Steering Group (ReSG) of the Financial Stability Board since 2022.
### Why Host Martin Gruenberg as Your Next Keynote Speaker?
With decades of hands-on experience in financial regulation, Mr. Gruenberg brings a wealth of knowledge on topics like **financial stability**, **regulatory frameworks**, **banking policy**, and **global finance**. His unique expertise makes him a sought-after speaker for a variety of events:
- **Financial Stability**: As a key figure in the FDIC and the Financial Stability Board, Mr. Gruenberg is well-positioned to discuss the challenges and opportunities in safeguarding financial systems worldwide. His insights into crisis management, risk mitigation, and building resilient financial institutions are essential for leaders in banking and finance.
- **Regulatory Frameworks and Policy**: With his extensive history in both domestic and international regulation, Mr. Gruenberg is adept at addressing how financial institutions can navigate complex regulatory environments. He is a thought leader on the evolving landscape of banking policy and the role of regulation in fostering sustainable economic growth.
- **The Future of the Banking System**: As Chairman of the FDIC, Mr. Gruenberg has been at the forefront of discussions on how financial institutions should adapt to emerging challenges, such as digital transformation, cybersecurity threats, and evolving global financial markets. His deep understanding of these issues allows him to provide actionable insights into the future of banking.
- **International Finance**: Having worked closely with global regulators and financial institutions, Mr. Gruenberg brings a unique perspective on international financial systems. His experience with global initiatives and organizations like the Financial Stability Board positions him as a speaker who can engage audiences on international banking trends and financial governance.
### Topics for Keynote, Fireside Chat, and Panel Addresses
Martin Gruenberg is an expert speaker on a variety of topics, including but not limited to:
- **Lessons from Past Crises: Safeguarding Financial Stability in a Changing Landscape**
- **Approaching Crypto-Assets and Stablecoin Potential**
- **A Tale of Two Unions – Deposit Insurance in the United States and Europe**
- **Managing Financial Risks of Climate Change in the Banking Sector**
- **The Critical Role of Finalizing Basel III**
### Why Choose Martin Gruenberg?
With his unmatched experience and leadership in both the U.S. and global financial landscapes, Martin Gruenberg offers a unique opportunity to gain firsthand insights into the most pressing challenges and opportunities facing the banking sector. His speaking engagements are an invaluable resource for professionals in finance, regulation, and policy, providing actionable strategies to navigate complex regulatory environments, manage risk, and enhance institutional resilience.
By hosting Martin Gruenberg, organizations can give their audiences the opportunity to engage with one of the foremost experts on financial stability, regulatory frameworks, and global finance. Whether you are planning a corporate conference, industry roundtable, or international symposium, Mr. Gruenberg’s expertise and insights will leave a lasting impact on your attendees.
### Book Martin Gruenberg Today!
Martin Gruenberg’s speaking engagements are exclusively managed by **Worldwide Speakers Group (WWSG)**, a global leader in connecting top-tier speakers with organizations worldwide. If you are interested in booking Martin Gruenberg for your next event, please [**contact us today**](https://wwsg.com/contact-us) to check his availability and learn more about how his insights can benefit your audience.
[ View Martin Gruenberg’s Profile Page](https://wwsg.com/speakers/martin-gruenberg/)
## Let Us Help You
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**Categories:** Announcements, Blog
**Tags:** financial systems speaker, book financial regulation expert speaker, expert financial regulation speaker for events, risk management and banking resilience, financial services regulatory frameworks, international finance keynote speaker, banking policy expert speaker, financial regulation expert speaker, FDIC Chairman keynote speaker, global banking trends, financial stability speaker, financial institutions regulation, financial policy speaker, deposit insurance expert, financial governance speaker, international finance expert, regulatory leadership, financial industry speaker, banking resilience, financial crisis prevention, global finance expert, risk management speaker, financial services speaker, regulatory frameworks, financial stability keynote, banking policy speaker, financial regulation expert, FDIC Chairman speaker, Martin Gruenberg
---
### [Dr. Sanjay Gupta: Boredom as a Motivational State](https://wwsg.com/blog/dr-sanjay-gupta-boredom-as-a-motivational-state/)
**Published:** January 24, 2025
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
*From WWSG exclusive speaker, [Dr. Sanjay Gupta](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sanjay-gupta):*
I have always thought of boredom as an emotion — a painful one I think most of us actively try to avoid.
And now, thanks to smart phones and social media, there’s an easy distraction at our fingertips.
But if you’re trying to turn away more from distractions like social media in the new year, boredom may be something we have to face head on.
And you can start by thinking of boredom not as an emotion, but a motivational state, cognitive neuroscientist James Danckert told me on a [recent episode of Chasing Life.](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/sanjay-gupta-feeling-bored-that-may-actually-motivate-you/)
“I like, when I give a definition of boredom, to resort to this quote from Leo Tolstoy, from \[his novel\] ‘Anna Karenina,’ where he talks about ennui, or boredom, as ‘the desire for desires,’ ” he said. “Boredom is a motivational state. You want to be doing something that matters to you, but you just don’t want anything that’s currently available to you.
So how should you deal with boredom?
- Create a list: The list I have on my phone is actually just called “stuff.” The purpose of this is to have a list of activities, tasks or projects that you can turn to when you’re bored. Remember, boredom is trying to tell you to get out there and do something.
- Stop scrolling: No matter how good it feels in the moment, Danckert warns that it can actually make boredom worse because you’re not giving yourself a sense of agency. “If you’re just sort of mindlessly scrolling through your social media feeds, that’s not being very agentic. … It’s going to make your boredom worse in the long run,” he said.
- Don’t expect boredom to make you creative: This is a popular notion that drive Danckert “nuts.” “The evidence for that claim is very weak, and we actually published something fairly recently showing that if I make you bored, you’re actually *less* creative,” he said. Downtime on the other hand, can be good for creativity.
- Don’t try and avoid boredom: You don’t have to embrace it but don’t try to outrun boredom, Danckert says. “It’s neither good nor bad, so we should just learn to listen to it and figure out what it tells us in that moment. We need to adapt it and respond to it in good ways.”
So the next time you’re bored, don’t get frustrated, get motivated.
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** Sanjay Gupta, creativity, Motivation, social media, podcast, Chasing Life, Science, Boredom, Distraction, Cognitive neuroscience, Agency, Boredom management, James Danckert, Leo Tolstoy
---
### [The Art of Booking Political Speakers](https://wwsg.com/blog/the-art-of-booking-political-speakers/)
**Published:** December 6, 2024
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
What is happening in the US government today will always be a relevant and sought-after topic. WWSG can help meeting planners [book a political speaker](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/government-and-politics/).
#### Then & Now: The Dynamic Pace of Change in the Meetings Industry
A year ago, we offered ideas on how a speakers bureau could help meeting planners in the “new” post-Covid reality. While the pandemic posed real challenges, it also sparked amazing progress. Today, we hear very little about Covid. Conference halls are packed again and airports are booming. We’re racing to keep up with demand for provocative speakers on AI, geopolitical experts, US political insiders, and transformational business leaders.
Yet, the concepts posed in our [previous article](https://wwsg.com/blog/how-a-speakers-bureau-can-help-event-planners/) still hold true. International events continue to require intense experience and risk mitigation. The technologies required to capture the minds of an audience are changing by the minute. Lead times are often weeks rather than months or years.
We all need help from outside our own walls—advice, insight, and expertise. As business leaders, we must choose our partners with critical discretion. We must lean on the people and organizations that have proven their ability to adapt and who can move us closer to our business objectives.
#### Toeing The Line: How Skilled Meeting Planners Bring Political Insight to Attendees
Since Ronald Reagan first made a splash by declaring himself a private citizen after leaving the Presidency, political leaders and ex-government officials have been very popular on the global lecture scene. Providing hosts both the big-name ‘splash’ necessary to capture the attention of registrants as well as elite-level insight into the vaulted US (and international) political landscape, there has been constant demand for the services of political commentators.
From the 1980s until recently, conferences often included dedicated political sessions. These sessions covered a wide range of topics, from specific legislation impacting industries to broader overviews of global trends. Speakers addressed what could be expected with changing Administrations, highlighting various tendencies and provocations of one party or the other.
#### So, what has changed? Perhaps first we should acknowledge what has not changed when it comes to the demand for political commentators.
Organizations, and more specifically the leaders within organizations, will always require guidance and insight from experts outside their own walls. Sure, a large trade association or multinational investment firm will have their own experts who provide real-time analysis and direction internally. But there are always reasons to bring in external perspectives. The fact is the world may be more complex than ever. One could argue that the need for experienced insiders is more crucial now than ever before.
And yet, as everyone knows, politics in the US is perhaps as combustible of a topic as exists in our culture. From our homes to our schools and our places of work, we are all treading lightly. Some people feel strongly about their views and express them outwardly, regardless of how others may feel. Others, perhaps just as dedicated to their position, choose to keep their views completely hidden from public consumption. Consensus, it seems, is not a realistic goal no matter the size of the sample.
#### So, what does a meeting planner do?
Politics is top of mind for many, and conferences have a responsibility to illuminate the issues affecting their attendees. Conversely, how can you feature a political speaker without alienating half the audience or damaging your brand’s reputation?
At Worldwide Speakers Group, we provide access to thought leaders who are in demand by our customers around the world. We represent former political leaders and other experts who can help our customers’ business objectives, regardless of party. Our goal is to help audiences make sense of the chaos. **We don’t endorse parties or candidates**, rather, we promote the thought leadership of many different individuals to help meeting planners. Now that we got that out of the way, how is it that some meeting planners are bringing political speakers to their meetings in such a way that their attendees benefit from the insight without a downside?
#### Five ways to effectively offer political insight to conference and event attendees:
1. **Organizations often book political speakers for private, closed-door, off-the-record sessions with their top leadership.** Whether it be a board, C-Suite or leadership meeting, this “Chatham-house” style provides a full scope of the content without public consumption. It allows for very candid discussions that provide perspective, without having to hedge every comment. This format is particularly useful for discussing sensitive political issues (america and politics) or current political events that might be controversial or require a nuanced understanding.
2. **Many meeting planners seek to “even the playing field” by providing two speakers, each affiliated with a different party, to have a point-counterpoint discussion.** The idea is to bring the content to the stage without seeming to prop one person over the other. This format can be effective when the right speakers are chosen, and they have a very clear understanding of what is expected. For example, a conservative speaker or conservative commentator might be paired with a liberal pundit to discuss recent government events.
3. **Meeting planners will also bring in a political speaker with a very clear and direct relation to a particular topic.** Perhaps they sat on a relevant committee in Congress, or they held a Cabinet position directly related to an industry, or they have expertise in a certain geopolitical hot spot that is important to an audience. This type of speaker can be extremely effective when chosen carefully and presented with a very clear set of objectives. For instance, a former political reporter might offer insights into US government news today or a political pundit could analyze what is going on in the US government today.
4. Lastly, **some organizations simply worry less about an event’s optics and more about bringing in unique people.** Whether that be a former Prime Minister, a Cabinet Secretary, a political historian, or even a celebrity—these planners aim to be provocative rather than playing it safe. While perhaps the riskiest position, it may also provide the biggest return on investment. Once a conference becomes known for pushing edges and testing conventional thinking, its value to attendees becomes immense. This approach can be particularly appealing to audiences interested in current politics in the US.
5. Additionally, organizations may consider booking female conservative speakers and female liberal speakers to provide a unique perspective on recent political issues in the US. These voices are lesser heard on large stages, yet they’re pivotal to a full understanding of how political issues affect everyone.
The bottom line is that the need for political discourse and insight is perhaps greater than at any point in our history. If you do not have a strategy for how to successfully connect your attendees to this topic, then you may find your attendees looking elsewhere for the information.
**A very good speaker bureau can help guide you through these decisions.** It is usually a matter of getting the right individual on stage who will make all the difference. Even very controversial topics can be brought to light if done in the right way with the right presenter. Do not be afraid to challenge norms and be provocative. You can give your attendees what they so desperately crave in a way that is not only acceptable, but appreciated.
[ View Government & Politics Speakers](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/government-and-politics/)
## Let Us Help You Select the Perfect Political Speaker
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**Categories:** Blog, Planning Resources
**Tags:** meetings industry, liberal speakers, conservative pundits, what is happening in the us government today, female conservative speakers, politics in the us, political pundit, political reporters, famous conservative political commentators, conservative speakers, recent government events, event industry, political commentators, current govt events, current political events this week, america and politics, political issues, current american political events, whats going on in the government, The Art of Booking Political Speakers, The Evolving Role of Political Speakers in the Meetings Industry
---
### [Dr. Sanjay Gupta: Truth, Science, Faith, and Trust](https://wwsg.com/blog/dr-sanjay-gupta-truth-science-faith-and-trust/)
**Published:** December 27, 2024
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
*From WWSG exclusive speaker, [Dr. Sanjay Gupta](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sanjay-gupta):*
Recently, I had a chance to catch up with Dr. Francis Collins, on my podcast, [Chasing Life](https://wwsg.com/insights-and-resources/?keyword=chasing+life&allSources=false). Dr. Collins was my genetics professor at the University of Michigan Medical School three decades ago. He is also one of the world’s preeminent geneticists, former director of the National Institutes of Health and an evangelical Christian.
He hadn’t considered religion until he was in medical school and had a chance encounter with a patient who shared her faith with him and asked him, ‘‘What do you believe, doctor?”
“I realized I hadn’t given it any thought at all,” he told me. “I’m a scientist, you know. I’m supposed to have reasons for making decisions about something that’s really important, and I hadn’t done any of that.”
It started him on a two-year journey of taking the questioning and understanding he had in science and applying it to faith which, for him, ultimately led to Christianity.
In recent years, he told me he’s become “increasingly concerned about ways in which truth, science, faith and trust — traditional anchors for all of us — seem to be getting a little dislodged, and no more so than during Covid when the most dramatic example, of course, being people’s distrust of the vaccines.”
He’s written a book, “The Road to Wisdom: On Truth, Science, Faith, and Trust,” on how we can restore faith in science.
First, he notes not to confuse knowledge for wisdom. “Knowledge is the facts, the evidence, the information, the best you can put together, but it’s often insufficient to help you make a decision,” he said. “For that you need experience, you need some sense about insights and, oh, maybe some common sense and a moral compass — what’s the right thing to do?”
But coming up with that wisdom requires trust – and he believes that relies on four factors.
- **Integrity:** Is this a source that I believe is honest and forthcoming
- **Competence:** Do they really know what they’re talking about? Have they done the work to look at the complexities of the issue?
- **Humility**: Is this a source that actually admits there are things they’re not sure about and doesn’t try to extend their expertise in one area into all areas?
- **Who is the source?:** Is this source part of my bubble, is this part of my tribe? Am I going to let my guard down and accept what they say?
Dr. Collins said the last factor is key in our politicized environment. “Facts don’t care how you feel. And a fact that comes at you from somebody who’s not in your tribe, that happens to be true, is still something you need to take on board and not reject just because of its source.”
He said that it’s imperative that we regain that trust in science because it “is a critical part of how we make progress, and to the extent that people are less and less likely to trust it to help them flourish, then we’re going to have more trouble flourishing.”
Listen to more of our conversation [here](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/sanjay-gupta-can-science-and-god-coexist/).
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** Sanjay Gupta, podcast, Chasing Life, Science, COVID, francis collins
---
### [Dr. Sanjay Gupta: Is Ozempic Right for You?](https://wwsg.com/blog/dr-sanjay-gupta-is-ozempic-right-for-you/)
**Published:** November 15, 2024
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
*From WWSG exclusive thought leader, [Dr. Sanjay Gupta](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sanjay-gupta):*
Over the past year, the question has been coming in from everywhere — from my patients and family members, from colleagues and passengers I chatted with on airplanes: Is Ozempic right for me? Or, any of the blockbuster weight loss and diabetes drugs that recently caught the world’s attention? While filming my new documentary about the drugs, it became clear that many people have at least considered taking GLP-1 medications, drawn to the possibility of steadier blood sugar, better heart health and especially weight loss.
Even though obesity is now one of the most widespread diseases in the developed world, there is still much debate about how it is diagnosed and what exactly causes it. Some experts question whether it is even a disease at all.
However, there is no question that obesity is linked to all sorts of other diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, cancer, heart disease and stroke, to name a few. However, that doesn’t mean the link always exists for everyone or that obesity was by itself the culprit. After all, there are plenty of people who have obesity but don’t have any evidence of heart disease or diabetes. Their blood pressure is normal, and they take no medications. There are no abnormalities in their blood work or impairments in their normal physical function. Their only disease is an elevated BMI — too much weight for their height. But, the extra weight puts people on a trajectory towards developing other diseases.
There is little doubt that for most people, regular exercise and eating right is still the best strategy for weight loss and overall health. High-fiber diets, for example tend to release more natural GLP-1. Among people who took GLP-1 medications and stopped, those most likely to keep the weight off had incorporated lifestyle changes in a meaningful way.
Most people do regain weight after stopping the medications, but importantly, not all people and not all the weight. For those able to keep weight off, these medications weren’t a lifelong solution, but rather a burst of motivation to help reverse their obesity trajectory.
There is still a lot of work to do in better defining and assessing obesity. In the meantime, however, these medications might finally provide a lifeline for those who have truly struggled for too long.
*Read more about what I learned in my year-long investigation [here](https://e.newsletters.cnn.com/click?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_g/s1v1d3b46d8 "https://e.newsletters.cnn.com/click?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_g/s1v1d3b46d8") and watch my documentary “Is Ozempic Right For You?” premiering this Sunday, November 17, at 8 p.m. on CNN.*
#### To host Dr. Sanjay Gupta for a speaking opportunity, [contact Worldwide Speakers Group.](https://wwsg.com/contact-us)
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** Sanjay Gupta, CNN, FDA, speaking engagement, health, journalist, Wellness, Media Personality, pharmaceuticals, ozempic, drugs, health tips, news anchor
---
### [Top Speakers for Sales Kickoff Meetings](https://wwsg.com/blog/top-speakers-for-sales-kickoff-meetings/)
**Published:** October 18, 2024
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
Kicking off your sales year with a bang is essential for setting the tone for success. Imagine your sales team buzzing with excitement, their minds brimming with fresh ideas and a renewed commitment to crushing goals. This is the power of a **great keynote speaker** at your motivational sales kickoff event. A captivating speaker can energize your team, ignite their passion, and equip them with the mindset and strategies needed to smash their goals.
But finding the perfect speaker who resonates with your specific team and aligns with your company’s objectives can feel daunting. That’s where the Worldwide Speakers Group comes in. With our extensive network of dynamic motivational speakers (like the ones you can explore with the [search features](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics) on our website) WWSG can help you secure the ideal speaker to ignite your sales kickoff and propel your team towards an exceptional year.
### [Dr. Nicholas Christakis](https://wwsg.com/speakers/nicholas-christakis)
Sales kickoff events are held to motivate and set goals for the sales team. Social networks can be a powerful tool for sales, and a social scientist like Dr. Christakis can provide insights on how to use social networks to improve sales.
As the founder of the Human Nature Lab at Yale University, Dr. Christakis can provide insights into human behavior, which can be helpful for salespeople who are trying to understand their customers. His talks provide a fascinating exploration of both personal and professional life, leaving your audience both amazed and inspired. Most importantly, audience members will gain a better understanding of the power of influence and human behavior, specifically, how and why people buy.
### [Shawn Achor](https://wwsg.com/speakers/shawn-achor)
Shawn Achor is a great speaker to lead a motivational conference because his research has shown that changes in our own brain due to mindset and behavior can have a ripple effect to a team and an entire organization. This positive ripple effect can create a more productive, positive work culture making positive change easier. Achor is a bestselling author of books *The Happiness Advantage* and *Big Potential*. His TED Talk, [The Happiness Secret to Better Work](https://youtu.be/fLJsdqxnZb0), is one of the most popular of all time with over 24 million views.
Achor is a Harvard researcher and positive psychologist expert who has won over a dozen distinguished teaching awards at Harvard University. He has also been invited to lecture in 36 different countries on how positive psychology can raise happiness and performance.
### [Chris Bashinelli](https://wwsg.com/speakers/chris-bashinelli)
National Geographic explorer Chris Bashinelli offers a refreshing take on how to increase sales. Chris is an excellent choice for sales kickoff meetings because he can help create a culture of trust and empathy, which is essential for business growth. He can also help employees to be their authentic selves and to tap into the power of human connection. Additionally, Bashinelli can help employees to develop the mental wellness skills needed to be successful in today’s fast-paced work environment.
### [Robyn Benincasa](https://wwsg.com/speakers/robyn-benincasa)
Robyn Benincasa would be a good candidate for a motivational sales kickoff meeting because she is a world champion adventure racer, CNN Hero, and best-selling author who advises organizations on building World Class Teams. She has a proven track record of success in overcoming challenges and achieving goals, and she is passionate about inspiring others to do the same. Her keynotes are often fast-paced, multimedia presentations that are both inspiring and informative.
Robyn Benincasa would be a good candidate for a motivational sales conference based on these strengths:
- **Overcoming Obstacles and Achieving Goals:** Salespeople often encounter setbacks and require the ability to push through adversity. Benincasa’s background as a world champion adventure racer highlights her experience in overcoming challenges and achieving seemingly impossible goals, a skill highly relevant to salespeople.
- **Motivational and Engaging Style:** Robyn’s fast-paced, multimedia presentations are an engaging and dynamic style that can energize and inspire a sales team. This type of presentation can be particularly effective in a motivational setting.
- **Focus on Teamwork and Collaboration:** Building strong relationships and collaborating effectively are crucial for sales success. Benincasa’s expertise in building high-performing teams translates well to fostering collaboration within a sales force, which can ultimately lead to increased sales.
Benincasa’s background in overcoming challenges, building strong teams, and her engaging presentation style make her a strong candidate to motivate and inspire your sales team at a motivational conference.
### [Molly Bloom](https://wwsg.com/speakers/molly-bloom)
Molly Bloom would be a great motivational speaker to lead a sales kickoff meeting because of her experience overcoming adversity and achieving success in high-stakes environments. She has a compelling story to tell about her journey from Olympic-level skier to underground poker game operator, and her insights into risk management, building courage, and perseverance would be valuable for a sales team. Additionally, her ability to engage and connect with people would make her an effective leader for a kickoff meeting.
### [Ryan Estis](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ryan-estis)
Ryan Estis would be a great motivational speaker to lead a sales kickoff meeting because he is a renowned business performance authority and top leadership consultant with over 20 years of experience as a top-performing sales professional and leader. He has helped companies connect with employees and customers as an ad agency executive, building a client roster of category leading brands. He is a former Fortune 500 CRO and sales transformation expert who teaches sales teams how to leverage transformation and change to capture more market share. He understands the challenges business leaders and top performers face and can help clients initiate change, improve performance, and deliver growth.
### [Molly Fletcher](https://wwsg.com/speakers/molly-fletcher)
Molly Fletcher is a highly recommended public speaker for motivational sales conferences due to her extensive experience as a sports agent and her ability to inspire audiences to unleash their potential and achieve peak performance.
Molly’s expertise in the high-stakes world of professional sports has equipped her with invaluable insights into the psychology of success and the importance of a champion mindset. She has distilled these insights into a proven 5-step process for unleashing potential and achieving peak performance, which she shares with audiences in her keynote speeches.
Her engaging and inspiring talks have resonated with audiences around the world, and her TED Talk, “[Secrets of a Champion Mindset](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PPkQkBwaeMM),” has garnered over one million views.
Overall, Molly Fletcher’s impressive credentials, powerful message, and proven ability to inspire audiences make her an ideal choice for a motivational sales conference.
### [Ben Nemtin](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ben-nemtin)
Ben Nemtin would be a good choice for an annual sales meeting kickoff because he can inspire your team to achieve their goals. He has a passion to help others to achieve their dreams by proving that anyone is capable of the impossible. His message of radical possibility combined with his ‘5 Steps to Make the Impossible Possible’ leaves audiences not only inspired but also equipped with tools to tackle the seemingly insurmountable.
### [Lewis Pugh](https://wwsg.com/speakers/lewis-pugh)
Lewis Pugh would be a good choice for an annual sales meeting kickoff because he is a world-renowned motivational speaker who has achieved the “impossible” through sheer determination and perseverance. He has completed long-distance swims in every ocean of the world, including the icy waters of the North Pole, and has swum across a glacial lake on Mt. Everest.
Pugh’s speeches are inspiring and motivational, and he has a unique ability to connect with audiences on a personal level. He is also a highly experienced speaker, having given talks to audiences of all sizes, from small groups to large corporations. Finally, he is a passionate advocate for the oceans and is committed to using his platform to raise awareness about the importance of protecting our planet.
Don’t let the challenge of finding the perfect speaker hold you back from igniting a fire in your sales team. Worldwide Speakers Group boasts a diverse roster of motivational speakers, each with unique strengths and areas of expertise. From Shawn Achor’s science-backed approach to happiness to Molly Fletcher’s champion mindset strategies, WWWG can help you secure the ideal speaker to propel your sales team towards an exceptional year. [Use our search tool](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/motivational/) today to browse our speaker directory and take the first step to a kickoff event that will leave your team energized, inspired, and ready to crush their goals!
## We’ll Help You Select the Perfect Sales Kickoff Speaker
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**Tags:** meeting, why people buy, human nature, social science, lewis pugh, molly bloom, event planner, event speaker, meeting planner, yale, christakis, sales, robyn benincasa, ryan estis, kickoff, Sales team, ben nemtin, event planners, Keynote Speaker, Molly Fletcher, Shawn Achor
---
### [Ben Parr: Why Big Tech Is Betting Billions on Nuclear to Power AI](https://wwsg.com/blog/ben-parr-why-big-tech-is-betting-billions-on-nuclear-to-power-ai/)
**Published:** October 21, 2024
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
From WWSG thought leader, [Ben Parr](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ben-parr). To host Ben for a speaking engagement, [contact us](https://wwsg.com/contact-us).
AI is on a power binge, and the energy bills are staggering. By 2026, AI’s electricity usage will reach 1,000 terawatt-hours (TWh), more than [double](https://link.mail.beehiiv.com/ss/c/u001.POXkZM9FhLZvPmm93behKMQDZVQpJCkIvRq5RjQCOOvA829mnlGLbpWZmUyQak1tXmecFI26ZhdnnNS97O6dN8uWLQJ65sBXJAdAXd1UQkICaA0tx1lE5mitEOptwS9_5ic3YiMWHZ_SgsMoAy6SfxzowE8m8Mh4kQ97vh6wWApvirQO2NQqxpfPC1-k-Ubl78nsVf7AkoFsXdYz7uKSQxOAKQQZQ6XxOvhB-WgaA-LUfOrpz-Xr_c8_wEEGNSLBSUhoFSJmHhnVcO3YmVAj-PAJglQ50cxkowMAM68knduTcjtZAkEw7bQFX7HoinL5szTR9Mnm9f2-jvwP6lS8XvoI6ahv3dQDh5fw50z0RC8DsIZkC2Xqemw5tlEIlSpPRcvxz40KVqMbN0NAzIeelPz91SA5t-t3Bkgy2mnLuNJgJpnQ9DKSoOGaFFApQX69/4ar/0wCJJAthQg60Np_9TKId4Q/h7/h001.hSeCM5cS5mN1cYF83wR7nBEk_JvV0NBWNn4dvfOpUvA) the 460 terawatt-hours it used in 2022. For context, one terawatt-hour is enough to power around 90,000 U.S. homes for a year. 1000 terawatt-hour is the electricity consumption of *all of* Japan in a year. Yes, an entire country.
But instead of cutting back, tech giants are doubling down—with nuclear reactors. Who could have imagined chatbots and image generators would now be driving a massive push toward nuclear energy? The AI revolution is now an all-out scramble for power.
I recently [discussed this shift to nuclear power on NBC Bay Area](https://link.mail.beehiiv.com/ss/c/u001.SsxudRq82fwofeVpv-l7xmP9HW58EYsrUl_1yzRbb1maQ2YNRduUBWIUqkOtgR4lTUHHpBb3XXFJEbysvAIKgFyOeaQ5bQMbKgtqs1SMCxlMD-PHJd6azhp15aVDpLsPvwKf09BqWVDjHjMzL4WO-7CT6PfPaEL1lFpd_cdFLJjKlI3bqEkS3lSi2UekTjpSbXDt8SYwQLGUOJ3v6XashJbAk6WKqdCPUoZH0uA0XgNxvsPSg7DtiOgXO_3S-YfcZDNZXkJCEcxNyocqNBJUZdqaqkCLGbPh92L46veKH76_FZr7MwHmQOSwLddz_00IMwaWsmk-aAiSix2urIn8soBS5DiMDwIvV69B-HBcD4OWzjo4_GYBaXvjpu-aknL1/4ar/0wCJJAthQg60Np_9TKId4Q/h8/h001._HYl80QRYwkTq6N7GQ5LD1jm7hQeRxBM_n6yErvNLA0), shedding light on why companies like Google and Amazon are rushing to lock down nuclear deals to fuel their AI ambitions. But a few minutes on TV isn’t enough time to dive into this fascinating topic.
Let’s dig into why this is happening — and whether it’s a good thing.
### Why Are AI Giants Grabbing All the Nuclear Power They Can?
Google is hooking up with [Kairos Power](https://link.mail.beehiiv.com/ss/c/u001.VabH36aAIXXsQJgreWcYLc5y6M-e-xcwcUKF2dFFBRWupoYxJVi_EmcHLrB4xl4tOuSTRxE7eNGqsGwcJ3h7G92LDwipW2O5TkJcsbu3I94mTV3wYm-qMpN_JaxMTu2yFnqYu37q9etERSciyzeCi8KaYes8U4rFahj_Hgsot6DQ8DBoqQ_SXSBq9hbdybs7TVy9UJMQX__MJmAng3y7TOA6gB6YbOmHg2LFvfIyV7Jq48XTHw736Lh4jQxYL6zjT0aAfmD5XaKrru_iWJrTqGdRNCfdVH7h8TDUhElmZrJs_7MZv_MQVIzGA-WIdSTFiT9Nkk1wV-NqsKiPYwwgr6UyvvjaOrgnfzOrHToJfFKsEbaWM71GukGAGCLIJnoO/4ar/0wCJJAthQg60Np_9TKId4Q/h9/h001.JygjSB3IXpRzMyGQ28Qoz_Hl4Yc3V1j4_YnKm3uc91s) to develop small modular reactors ([SMRs](https://link.mail.beehiiv.com/ss/c/u001.SsxudRq82fwofeVpv-l7xnr7Y0oIicPSege2-Dzrb3Ig3BsxvaidKu5gybW7QiqMYjOB_NnLbNGN8X4c2bfLMetntzZgQwVFFYl6WdEppOIkyJQwE4bthxVQ_GF7fikI-BLrnaMcL-BYosIKqAavYyI5m9sc1csfnEK7RehIlKwRLH2YuXx4StQSspeQtofzepo-gcz1bQZPkkveU2Ju3N-MRlqqh3DqxncmltxzsIqzu5HxTahhJFV_BKUlvgtAfP6Ez00Pcn9zX9pfXoRN90pnr-FzyFu0NDYiMsDkGiO7_Uw1s32qTs4XzNkdXNw5eFeGwkmwr4Ud5SG-1cBHeg/4ar/0wCJJAthQg60Np_9TKId4Q/h10/h001.sQ71G-5i2xaqh1BbYt1MnckOOxmM4Wv8aK-0Q4yQuKk)) that will create up to 7 million kilowatt-hours per day of clean energy per unit by 2035. Amazon just poured $500 million into [X-energy](https://link.mail.beehiiv.com/ss/c/u001.SsxudRq82fwofeVpv-l7xuPDf7z7mU3bJSSJSD0ByQXuF_opRZqzm7PIxGztV70al_yW2Cxqcd5ERO8h4_4VBinM90WvghXJCv6ZKE2-_2_4hRBQuRlEMMDRukA9ClzUhaDgl8stRM8frHFYAH9hRuF45DwODSeJtNsmE507BR6mvY2xnrdcHQ_JuokWjZzsL7NKtB4sH4xBaN0wbQ3BwYLyr4beAmxoVMaAe7Zui5P9cOHNDhiM8YGnIFteZ0cSr4Bme2DeBSWAbe8VbpZLsF1d_6SJbI3G6L_An-iG0lO6hcax4DWOSUeXprdAAUHEZyP2wYlLJhWvtnKpta4m5mJa5FJN4OLb0wyY7beZ31i_0a1CMHxPrnLcDba1k8Bg/4ar/0wCJJAthQg60Np_9TKId4Q/h11/h001.toOUVosfqn51gqZEZmXFLJUx4ptqIdxkZsAGkIaYtZ8) for its own set of small modular reactors in Washington, potentially cranking out enough power to light up 770,000 homes. Even Microsoft’s jumping in, dusting off the [Three Mile Island nuclear plant](https://link.mail.beehiiv.com/ss/c/u001.SsxudRq82fwofeVpv-l7xvCcDDkZLpzTd_9TeR3sFboWn4UKdOiWl4YvFJYTEKkLSYUOzvOkaG1nGHe7ReKsIdff7_ef27gT6yRGSBa3R45jDSaYh0z3YtIJQXCmRy78Nh1IAxeW9klGawnhnQ4CelkSFMIxn6qoA5CtycggO65WNschPsGy5ZcP3Bgkd9a3tJpVXT1d-Nwd2du4ewbQUsQFUseP7_V3oQX8V2TtkCUeTClMs4zXeH0NXbsHg0HRwJ3eW63-KtyhlMn9hEHWOTcTD57mKP5ZEoOBVUWvESoF2oHzOGvV2M5cZ-g9bwu84W1MfoKjVFLY2dVxqG8UNBtPaVr86JFDmlL0CUT11kU/4ar/0wCJJAthQg60Np_9TKId4Q/h12/h001.JifYzICb4VGE943Cvm6cIX_Qk3raVOtVdbKdtOR8n3o) to power its data centers.
All these deals were announced in just the last 30 days. So why are these tech companies turning to nuclear now? It’s all about stability and scalability—something even the best renewables can struggle with.
A comparison of conventional reactors vs. small modular reactors. Source: the IAEA### Why Does AI Need This Much Power?
Let’s talk about the elephant in the server room: Transformers — the core technology behind large language models like GPT, Claude, Gemini and Perplexity. Unlike older models that processed data sequentially, transformers handle massive datasets in parallel, simultaneously juggling billions (sometimes trillions) of parameters. This exponentially increases the amount of number-crunching required for training these models, demanding significantly more GPUs and specialized chips, exponentially increasing their electricity use over previous models like recurrent neural networks (which struggle with larger datasets).
The power hogging doesn’t stop at training, though; these models use power every time they are prompted — a single ChatGPT prompt can use up to [10x](https://link.mail.beehiiv.com/ss/c/u001.ZTBu0gmplbUTeTSJcvpU_l9GHzBXfp6t1AaRUvOoNIkcCfZfqh2tNSpPrKBiProNOIGeDTRcYgWAgDOdgaQ8x5PwlsGwn2csFieUx0YyC9KQ6hcpJP4vwkf2atKGAosecQ11C6x3doMzXi93tAtHbpRBKuus9JPoBoXbWfnMFXdNtcGpTh1RUkq788cgKnVZD-3HdsjIO3ImftnPuE8ubL-Sei1fse6c4Dn3pL8UenfEmJNKsOKTOxcEEccfMoorKpnxX6NKXgA5qJRlNocbZ09w76mCAOAMA1_x5IItZ27xrnwkfs7kGaJIRiuznTAy75a97GkPxzAF5lqsviBtkfENT6XvBaT7C9IGp9tdL5f0kT4nfH0f92W9i9wLt5QV/4ar/0wCJJAthQg60Np_9TKId4Q/h13/h001.pzluLJwdcRHy9XHqZt1-oGPAQFm5XrMhhJMSsCp7240) the power of a conventional Google search query.
We have made an incredible leap in AI technology at the cost of increased power demand. But in the larger scope of humanity, I believe the trade-off is worth it — these new AI models are already helping us [diagnose cancer](https://link.mail.beehiiv.com/ss/c/u001.Z_Qc2gUF64rEIGhoMd2vTichDC1SKWf5p5hbObMLDdO2_WbAutCLjkXEBZolR5GhJn2dxvFJ19M2sjFtKU2y0YfAdIZwtDT1MuiO-2rS3mCpUNp00zq8oMOrDlWtDq_-fD99Z5D5x3qKBeum9VOPM0uMxqApv7K0KGyN6WRNPkMXm98vpKLnxY-SvHL6LNpftRzhAiwq1HqUDq23eGBNBfLnfJbArjKyi0Kg22IgNyBb7E0Ou2z_80LphEXCjlzwZaD78TQqy1WZF_xPO3Z1FIQ9XVwdjnVR-d8pD0TZIS26yTd6GdxqorwV4c3kK2Po6cH1Lw8jTggGMgN1gGfQRKz4EnoJe9kKYDBOY8_fGpmmh6zatONrDXk0ygp0l36igz_8rS-4bFb4xHCxb-qNEg/4ar/0wCJJAthQg60Np_9TKId4Q/h14/h001.X5tlWNxQAbczjlz_L7l4-celxx8ngjSlP_6TcO1c3H0), find clean geothermal [energy sources](https://link.mail.beehiiv.com/ss/c/u001.SsxudRq82fwofeVpv-l7xj-zPIHdWg8ssBvUos38d1TUD-802_RDEL6WPOuDDGXzZ8WtKHnkDXUiLVSx6SlFZG4n2FVq1CfYGJOMJFLrLPwKq1Ohzh5qBZb2JKIIzLrBGlFPsNUXglkRVgxzBUV6Kmc4sQ4jOqVObod9aSSyaS2vgS95-0Lvt9lUIEWYMhXRU1wtoPFqOf5f666RqZZzeQ9Ksn083JzVTqgEX0Dr4_jfViqJPolWPRLo-3EOcgM3h0ZmPGhpdUCpjdN0NQ1xPpROV-RWL-lJ2Lv6woxzASlPMhJzfvH6fOSkftizQtonLwN7SOk2yxzN1Uas3IvLlw/4ar/0wCJJAthQg60Np_9TKId4Q/h15/h001.abZRlVBGC6k3RHjwjZs6h89nK5wYFhCZzV6C7hU22WY), and boost our [overall productivity](https://link.mail.beehiiv.com/ss/c/u001.P5ldq2cBeP0kwA9PlNBAhkd4auJLWB3OMFUHjwH5Ykrb53G8jQSgEgOp6XpdakmLDKhkoZQDwlZaqJrdLvIMzWY8T93_oxiySjYfjr9eDfQ_cS1HZ4hfdwpMCZEEbGN2cL1s0kuN5qmgY3KWk97Zo3dookLJqgKg4B8xmkhub8i8O-8OOmA6eaaIb4PluifBsgZzbFI7H8pWIoOOCpvzdkS-ZtdNgJljH3Z71dZlgSMtvXs58i_4QWnesisXFtnVBi_YAZFRzluQgMXGLyo3vc163GExnvzk0ISMlk2N3Vopj-0iTspf3QNWiKrvwg05sGqZH8NPVrxWGCWWLon6_ks-pSNon2KA5WSsxUxAmHmkInLwDeyJjglx6_LHsdmLKwT0JttnOelsCzWDI5jsOOcVsbuszkPyDo6YCdSDnlY/4ar/0wCJJAthQg60Np_9TKId4Q/h16/h001.zVELAPyGxh0Z6TGz_BGESC2B71FXhUlXGUGjsGe7bnA). And we’re still in the first inning — we’ve barely scratched the surface of what AI can do for our society.
### A Real Talk on Nuclear: The Good, the Bad, and the Radiant
AI is currently [driving up](https://link.mail.beehiiv.com/ss/c/u001.SsxudRq82fwofeVpv-l7xpdP3u6G05lkHHv83ZC3AVBpFIQK4KkNic6rnKzMb-efPa2rDMp4oJuGpbqnCiWzhGdma7oIGR2JCF5Z2YnifCSFGhsKJNQ3lJnYkN9U_mGC6Wp-cS2KQrEOZFA9GWEgoQj47TjDKqkJMhjRVgZV2TnfaPG_MQDpz08XgAnSLJX5-X4I-7BdEw52qPPoshk0pODZ4PodSqGAnUaW9yyIrJitI0IFmJ_-a41dfORMR_ZthNHAzcGC6AJtrU8-yTLkZs1jEvHUdxdHQurOHpByyEohOqUCb4TOg8N8qfmY6dvLMqROlU-hDK7sBnWsHo2oWmf_kqGVxxkItFpyaue2j4oYSZQq6yNO-1NLkcHFwE51/4ar/0wCJJAthQg60Np_9TKId4Q/h17/h001.yCD5jUFmF_vQnEXaxalBP20gCNfc7aSMyBPr45lyLBM) our fossil fuel usage. Goldman Sachs predicts that [60%](https://link.mail.beehiiv.com/ss/c/u001.9D-3XEcm-QjkTvRQ4ivrNZibXUgqJCJ2xytkT5obOhNo4bFUIPdUAop4HGkxRyvaug_BUkly6k94BZUvfDFZ3KBIGiDu9_qHCd6ldnbS5DKkMfQFfUJ1zGh5nPgjqEdDDwjOn_YcIQ5pVrZW6Cf71m6jo6WZWOIRqTLN4PcPx-pZJX-ZM7MxcH-D5A1n7n_wtndX2mRXsnFDAIhK3CqFuvyzneLBRDBeM-oMFdTb-hf8l6hpBQq_qQ4sJbZCQekt79Rzg5GSlBMz75BafBfZdwhQWxRywwZGKK6bTHjk4K0dQ5mAgjF8XOwtoje3IwRyT7KTxt2xrIqC4-NT3NWZbSFy_1SZx1OFGqajW5DF_PQ/4ar/0wCJJAthQg60Np_9TKId4Q/h18/h001.r3cjlUuhxniidvszeh8ds4ZrEmBpL7D3KaJnOZVgNtY) of AI’s power needs will have to be supplied by legacy sources by 2030 — specifically natural gas — if nothing changes.
Nuclear power has a knack for sending people into a bit of a panic. Chernobyl and Fukushima have left imprints in our collective consciousness. However, nuclear energy has a [far smaller carbon footprint ](https://link.mail.beehiiv.com/ss/c/u001.SsxudRq82fwofeVpv-l7xilS_0yQAlHMhr2ML3wkydPutQylH9hQUwFLr5KWtNIJBWOVmBg62KCpBhJAxz7nOMC0yaoZI1z8q92Gk-d_WowbD0rlAeBLyZmVPl7LwQ0LCV_V62zDl5gy9SNAaD7ZEcwAazwl8Dc_renUdcKL7ZpLifDf-0_eQQsfeoJFvtFeT8-0kkqYCbRFNJmSFXJTpM6pyiQtra-d6y1NJ8wqYmIzVvunMP0UUSGdCgp-G-rrotgEZXynj9W1s1K_Y_Mec6lGZu0XWqn83iXV2GG-p7ZJZv_X9zv1X5P_MoKlRclTUj99XM2BDQ2Zz105SnhE4AJN50Pk7iBdb_GcNKwbpBPpGNI81YmK5VyBkGdmMgFSPqpZpod4HkNfFO3XerXthF4Ug_fWY_W5yjYjTwevbD023aoRhGgzvjNWmUaeWu34uf7HHhvfxYuG0SKIR0MZJ4WcObdNZH8a-YqMZwbSllizKqCDAU2lPl9ntcFekSjg80ez2eGWxGJY7baA9C3ffXRlryetKhQ8yW8krIE-tc61pmBHF62Zwn9C7wKwsQyqkFoD5V727xBV9BftFPg3mBkOVcB8haFLHHSFYPsAo9fNAkbwZgSbG3Or-gzyOunIWffeIBr9ntRG09OhPx2zvsyC3bimVyUu626TBMrLnsOq7uQ7PUNa5mSXva-vZut6Ugzy3ltL6tGjmviCALqqYyHqszhLQBHcuF2Hy1_BB6OotO-jKEc_fNpDUKxJas2WfPmlcdc1AzASN_rdvU8kv6lpAwI4sdjaMzD-apFQqENxXRb6sFbYMboLfvojpOj1eXZ0c52wy8OutGoq0yqr4A/4ar/0wCJJAthQg60Np_9TKId4Q/h19/h001.ilSqlX42fEKa0se_FiixKzoX86Km8oOkDy6J-Mfdgj0)than coal or gas power — 1/20 to 1/50 the footprint. And for all the fears around nuclear power, most plants — including Chernobyl and Fukushima — were built in the 1970s, over 50 years ago, and nuclear technology is far more advanced today.
Small modular reactors are far safer, far smaller, require far less nuclear refueling (every 3-7 years instead of every 1-2), and can be built faster. They (along with other nuclear energy sources) are the best solution available to us now to decrease our reliance on fossil fuels and meet our energy needs. And unlike solar or wind power (which are also critical), small modular reactors generate a predictable, reliable flow of electricity.
New technologies exist now to [reduce](https://link.mail.beehiiv.com/ss/c/u001.yeWXj-MmHiUZ6ip1mWaZMWSeH6WEnid7As0ne9lDb7oIHLTELHlLuqtgrFabCl9GUAVQbLDCloqpzCUzqZgmoXhFGjA0IOHzDntc-46THbM6bkhag34RYM8Xi_ZKoW3e9USokd-Y7T5jYAphaQizDebi48KxEsE-fx3I2ITabdR_oc6BpujP64tDrc3nLRJhoMk9JrufPErWzPULi5Z7An-wLUfM9oHNs_7NbTLVqKyrdoKZ5CQyw9hMPEMyiG9u-3sxkgl1ls3vA-QY9nFt_2qENm9--GPczQSFSg6FBecEODZMLn95HCOJ6Eqh-vonTtqvPx46z7jadqMmphIaKUv53O5Vs1pJlJM-7jblQVQ/4ar/0wCJJAthQg60Np_9TKId4Q/h20/h001.2Th9rfAzuqh1P8NrUL8pFci7voyU1PRuF90R1FdcSGc) nuclear waste. Nuclear technology in 2024 is nothing like it was in 1974.
The cat is out of the bag regarding AI and our society’s power consumption. It’s only going to keep climbing. We’re at a crossroads, and nuclear is one of the few options on the table that can realistically power our future while minimizing climate change. It’s easy to fear nuclear power, but its pros outweigh the cons of fossil fuels.
The bottom line? We’re in big trouble if we don’t bet much more on nuclear. It’s time we stop letting the past hold us back.
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** Ben Parr, blog, technology, ai, nuclear energy
---
### [Six Reasons to Hire an Emcee or Professional Moderator for Event Success](https://wwsg.com/blog/top-reasons-to-hire-an-emcee-or-professional-moderator-for-event-success/)
**Published:** October 2, 2024
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
Events are critical strategic tools for networking, lead generation, knowledge sharing, fundraising, product launches, and more. Whether you’re hosting a business summit, industry expo, team-building seminar, or panel discussion, the decision to hire an emcee or professional moderator to lead the conversation can make all the difference. By doing so, organizations can create more impactful interactions, elevate their brand, and lay a solid foundation for growth.
Many organizations, however, choose to use in-house executives — often a CEO or president — as a way to cut costs and put a familiar face in front of the audience. While this may seem like a logical choice or the easiest option, hiring a professional can deliver a far more polished, engaging, and seamless experience for your audience.
Let’s explore six reasons why investing in a professional moderator is one of the best decisions you can make for your event.
## 1. Expertise in Steering the Conversation
Professional emcees or moderators do more than just lead a conversation; they possess specialized skills that allow them to navigate complex discussions and keep audiences engaged. Most moderators come with backgrounds in journalism, media, or academia—sectors where questioning, summarizing, and handling diverse viewpoints are second nature.
For instance, a moderator with a background in journalism is trained to ask incisive questions, drawing out the most compelling insights from speakers. They’re also skilled at keeping the conversation moving and on-topic—no awkward silences, no rambling diversions, and no uncomfortable pauses. This asset is often hard to replicate with internal staff, no matter how knowledgeable they may be in their field.
## 2. Objective Facilitation: Prioritizing Audience Engagement
One of the main advantages of hiring an external moderator is their objectivity. A professional moderator is not influenced by internal company politics or pre-determined agendas, which enables them to prioritize the audience’s interests. Studies have shown that this neutrality is crucial in fostering audience trust and engagement.
Internal moderators, particularly senior executives, may unconsciously steer the conversation toward company priorities, which can limit the scope and depth of the discussion. A professional moderator, on the other hand, balances audience expectations with event objectives, ensuring a dynamic and audience-focused conversation.
## 3. Boosting Event Credibility and Perception
The presence of a seasoned or high-profile emcee can significantly boost your event’s prestige. They bring credibility, not only because of their reputation but because their very involvement signals that your event is worth taking seriously.
Moreover, many professional moderators have their own followings and reputations. Hiring someone with a notable public profile can attract greater attendance and even create media buzz, further elevating the event’s visibility and your brand.
## 4. The Ability to Navigate the Unexpected
There’s an art to making an event feel seamless, and a professional emcee is a master at doing just that. They are skilled at handling unexpected challenges, such as technical glitches or schedule overruns, and keeping the agenda on track. They’ll also ensure smooth transitions between speakers or sessions, filling downtime with relevant content or humor and easing any tension without detracting from the event. This level of professionalism can turn a potentially awkward situation into a moment of levity or grace.
In contrast, internal moderators often lack the experience needed to handle these impromptu moments. No matter how polished a C-suite executive is, moderating or emceeing is not their primary skill and may find it difficult to maintain audience interest if an unforeseen issue arises.
The ability to manage events under the spotlights can turn potential upsets into opportunities that further engage the audience.
## 5. A Fresh Perspective With No Underlying Motives
Internal moderators, especially those in leadership roles, may be constrained by company messaging. This can limit the conversation’s breadth, as they may avoid tough questions or broader industry trends.
A professional moderator, however, brings a fresh perspective, unencumbered by internal politics, and is more willing to ask probing questions. This openness encourages speakers to provide more candid, insightful responses, leading to more meaningful conversations and more engaging, thought-provoking events.
This isn’t to say that using a president or CEO at your event is a bad idea. In fact, having leadership visible can be incredibly powerful. However, placing them in a keynote role or as part of a panel might be a better way to leverage their insights and leadership, while still leaving the moderation to someone with direct experience and an open, unbiased mind.
## 6. Versatility and Adaptation to Event Dynamics
A professional emcee or moderator is not just a “talking head” — they are skilled at reading a room and adjusting their tone and approach to match the event’s mood. Whether your event is a formal conference or a casual panel discussion, they can adapt seamlessly. This flexibility allows them to cater to different audiences, whether it’s an intimate roundtable of senior executives or a large global conference.
On the other hand, a homegrown moderator may feel more constrained by organizational culture and company messaging or may not be as adept at adapting to spontaneous changes in audience energy or reaction.
For example, a professional emcee can pivot quickly if an unexpected question arises from the audience, or they can skillfully weave humor into their narrative to lighten the mood when needed – all while keeping the core conversation moving forward.
These are subtleties that can greatly impact the flow and tone of an event. Versatility is especially important when dealing with diverse audiences, as it ensures that the event’s content remains relevant and engaging for all participants.
## Invest in the Experience, Not Just the Event
So, while it might be tempting to rely on internal talent to moderate your next event, the value of hiring a professional moderator or emcee cannot be underestimated. Their expertise, objectivity, and ability to engage audiences can elevate your event from just good to truly exceptional.
By allowing a professional to take charge of the flow and energy of your event, you free up your internal leaders to focus on what they do best — contributing their own insights and engaging with stakeholders on a strategic level.
Remember, an event is an experience, and hiring an emcee or moderator to enhance that experience ensures your event’s success.
To find the perfect choice for your event, [contact Worldwide Speakers Group](https://wwsg.com/contact-us/). Your audience will thank you for it.
### Here are some great examples of professional moderators from our stellar lineup of experienced speakers:
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/peter-goodman/)
## [Peter Goodman](https://wwsg.com/speakers/peter-goodman/)
Posted: July 30, 2024
Peter S. Goodman is a leading voice on the intersection of economics and geopolitics. His in-depth reporting illuminates the real-world consequences of globalization, offering valuable insights for businesses and policymakers alike. Goodman’s ability to connect macroeconomic trends to the lived experiences of individuals makes him a sought-after speaker and commentator. In particular, his research on \[…\]
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sara-fischer/)
## [Sara Fischer](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sara-fischer/)
Posted: July 28, 2023
Sara Fischer’s extensive experience as a media analyst and reporter has given her the ability to provide concise analysis of current events as they relate to an array of topics including corporate media, advertising and marketing, technology, social media, entertainment, media regulation, and more. As one of the nation’s most influential voices, Sara provides audiences \[…\]
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/mariana-atencio/)
## [Mariana Atencio](https://wwsg.com/speakers/mariana-atencio/)
Posted: February 10, 2023
Mariana Atencio took the world by storm in 2017 when her TEDx talk “What makes YOU special?” went viral. To date, it has over 25.5 million views and has been translated into 13 languages. Focused on the power of authenticity, her book “Perfectly You” was an Amazon Best Seller and selected by Audible and AppleBooks. \[…\]
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/john-harwood/)
## [John Harwood](https://wwsg.com/speakers/john-harwood/)
Posted: November 9, 2022
Award-winning journalist John Harwood is a widely-respected nonpartisan expert in presidential politics and an admired voice in American homes. He is renowned for his compelling explorations into headline-grabbing events in Washington and his must-see interviews with some of the most influential leaders shaping the future of our nation.
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/david-culver/)
## [David Culver](https://wwsg.com/speakers/david-culver/)
Posted: July 27, 2022
The acclaimed and awarded reporting of David Culver has been an essential source of information for the public about life in China during the COVID-19 pandemic. Culver’s first-hand experience is unmatched and his anecdotal speaking style will suit engagements of all kinds.
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/mary-louise-kelly/)
## [Mary Louise Kelly](https://wwsg.com/speakers/mary-louise-kelly/)
Posted: June 7, 2022
Mary Louise Kelly is co-host of All Things Considered, NPR’s flagship evening newsmagazine. She has reported from around the world, including North Korea, Iran, Iraq, Russia, Afghanistan and Pakistan. Mary Louise’s memoir, It.Goes.So.Fast, was an instant New York Times best-seller.
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/erica-hill/)
## [Erica Hill](https://wwsg.com/speakers/erica-hill/)
Posted: January 20, 2022
As a veteran of a cutthroat industry having held prestigious news anchor positions at multiple major media networks, Erica Hill knows her stuff. Erica currently serves as a lead anchor and national correspondent for CNN. She recently anchored HLN’s On the Story with Erica Hill, a daily, New York-based daytime news program.
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/shannon-bream/)
## [Shannon Bream](https://wwsg.com/speakers/shannon-bream/)
Posted: September 1, 2021
Shannon Bream has been hooked on television journalism since her first anchor position in Charlotte, NC. Now, in addition to anchoring her own show on Fox News, Shannon has authored two books and hosts a podcast sharing inspirational stories, personal anecdotes, and an insider’s perspective on actions and rulings from the high court. Throughout her career \[…\]
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/katty-kay/)
## [Katty Kay](https://wwsg.com/speakers/katty-kay/)
Posted: October 1, 2014
Katty Kay is a compelling keynote speaker, panelist, and event moderator, bringing a global perspective and deep expertise in politics, business, and social change. As an award-winning journalist and U.S. special correspondent for BBC Studios, she has covered some of the most significant events of our time, offering insightful analysis that goes beyond the headlines. \[…\]
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**Categories:** Blog, Planning Resources
**Tags:** hire an emcee, professional moderator, event emcee
---
### [Dr. Sanjay Gupta on Parenting](https://wwsg.com/blog/dr-sanjay-gupta-on-parenting/)
**Published:** October 15, 2024
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
*From WWSG exclusive thought leader, [Dr. Sanjay Gupta](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sanjay-gupta):*
“Really hard.” “Virtually impossible.” “I have no idea how I’m going to do this for the next 20 years.”
That’s what some of you said when we asked you to send us your thoughts on the stress of parenting these days.
If you’ve ever felt this way as a parent (I know I have), you’re not alone, and I hope that knowledge makes you feel a little better.
It’s why I wanted to talk to parenting expert Dr. Becky Kennedy, a clinical psychologist with the Child Mind Institute, for our “Chasing Life” podcast.
We can worry so much about our children’s anxiety, she notes, that we forget how much our own anxiety feeds into it. We need to soothe our own stress first.
And better yet, parenting is a skill we all learn, so if you feel like you don’t know what you’re doing, there’s still hope.
One tip from Dr. Becky that really stood out to me was about being a sturdy leader.
It’s not about being a dictator, but you can set boundaries and validate your kid’s feelings. She likens it to being a pilot: “The pilot of the plane does not ask for permission from the passengers to make an emergency landing. And if they’re complaining because they want to go to Los Angeles, even though we have to make an emergency landing in Kansas, a good sturdy pilot would say, ‘Oh, I know it’s annoying. I’m going to get off the loudspeaker now and land this plane in Kansas.’ Because they know their job.”
She also says people misunderstand boundaries.
“Boundaries are things we tell our kids we will do. And they require a kid to do nothing,” she says.
Think about it in the context of asking a kid to get off the couch. That isn’t a boundary, according to Dr. Becky.
“A boundary would be saying, ‘I’m gonna walk over, and if by the time I’m there, you’re not off the couch, I will pick you up and I will put you on the ground, because it’s just not safe to be jumping so close to our glass table,’ ” she says.
But perhaps most important, Dr. Becky told me that we have to rebrand parenting from a sense of martyrdom — taking pride in being a mess because you have to take care of your kids — to prioritizing yourself.
“You taking care of yourself is the single most important thing to even have the capacity to take care of another person,” she points out. “Self-care isn’t selfish.”
I know all of this is easier said than done, but I must say that talking to Dr. Becky was almost like therapy for me, and I hope you all will get that same feeling [listening to our conversation](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/sanjay-gupta-stressed-parents-dr-becky-wants-to-help/).
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** Sanjay Gupta, Mental Health, Stress, fear, anxiety, Wellness, Overcoming Obstacles, parenting, boundaries
---
### [Our Top 3 Finance and Economic Focused Speech Topics](https://wwsg.com/blog/our-top-3-finance-and-economic-focused-speech-topics/)
**Published:** February 21, 2020
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Delivering a compelling speech centered around finance is considered to be a challenge for some and in our experience that challenge is only intensified if the audience is not considered every step of the way. However, we’ve worked closely with a number of skilled [financial professional speakers](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/economy-and-finance/) who have completely mastered this challenge and we’ve witnessed them excel at addressing the complex issues found in the industry. Over the years we have also been able to identify a number of finance-fueled speech topics that have truly resonated with audiences and are excited to continue to add to the growing list.
**Factors That Contribute To Financial and Economic Growth**
The status of our economy is always a hot topic. With a number of factors contributing to its growth or decline, audiences look towards professional speakers who have the expertise to really go into detail. Revolutionary economist and policy entrepreneur, [Paul Romer](https://wwsg.com/speakers/paul-romer/) does just that. Romer is a co-recipient of the 2018 Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences and Professor of Economics at NYU. He’s dedicated his career to understanding and analyzing the world through an economist’s lens in order to accelerate human progress. According to Professor Romer, the temporary recessions of the global economy seem to be inevitable, but unlimited growth is possible in a world with finite resources. In his speaking engagements, Romer addresses the current state of the global economy, what has led us to the status quo, and how both the United States and the rest of world can select a path of economic growth long into the future. All topics that really hit close to home for audiences in any vertical or industry.
Financial and economic expert [Dr. Evan Feigenbaum](https://wwsg.com/speakers/evan-feigenbaum/) is also a vital contributor. He is one of America’s leading experts on Asia. The former Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South Asia (2007-09), Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Central Asia (2006-07) and Member of the Secretary of State’s Policy Planning Staff responsible for East Asia (2001-06). Evan has wide experience across the region, he focuses most heavily on China and India, geopolitics and economics, and the changing role of the United States across the Pacific.
By educating his audience on current Asia regional economic factors, like more diverse investments in human capital and next-generation industries, as well as forward-looking partnerships with the United States. By addressing and breaking down these factors, audiences are able to have a stronger understanding of something that ultimately has a lasting effect on our global economy.
**Understanding Your Financial Standing**
Getting your financial footing is something we all are working on. With so many intricate moving parts, it’s hard to predict where your finances will be in the future. Whether your concerns are centered around retirement, student debt or social security, we work with professional speakers, like [The Honorable Sheila Bair,](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sheila-c-bair/) who can help address them all. Sheila Bair is the former Chairman of the FDIC. Her experience and expertise have made her a leader in both domestic and global economics. Sheila Bair actively talks about the financial state of the country and the issues many American’s face. She shares her thoughts on the student debt crisis and the need to restructure the current system. Today, Americans owe $1.57 trillion in debt, which is taking a significant toll on the economy. Bair’s transparency on the most complex financial issues is what truly resonates with audiences all over.
**Bridging The Gap Between Finances and Politics**
The political choices we make can significantly influence our financial and economic stability. [Niall Ferguson ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/niall-ferguson/)does a great job bringing this reality to audiences. In his book, [The Ascent of Money](https://www.amazon.com/Ascent-Money-Financial-History-World/dp/0143116177), Ferguson explores what the next financial crisis will look like and how close we are to experiencing it, suggesting that with a rising interest rate and debt and risks of a trade war, it may be just around the corner. Ferguson brings the premise of his book to life through his speaking engagements. With erudition, eloquence and humor, he specializes in putting today’s economic shifts, social change and political disruption into historical perspective. By sharing this kind of insight, Niall Ferguson helps audiences plan for the future by learning from the past.
[The Honorable Newt Gingrich](https://wwsg.com/speakers/newt-gingrich/) has also dedicated his career to bridging this gap. The former Speaker of the House is one of the foremost economic, social, political and security-focused conservative thinkers today. As a 30-year veteran of American politics, a close advisor to the Trump administration, Gingrich is the perfect person to provide audiences with broad context and insight on the current President’s plan for our economy.
Looking to find a [finance speaker](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/economy-and-finance/) to discuss these topics further at your next conference? Contact us today to learn more.
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** Newt Gingrich, economics speakers, Niall Ferguson, Evan Feigenbaum, The Honorable Newt Gingrich, Finance Keynote Speakers, Sheila Bair, economics, Finance Speakers, Paul Romer
---
### [Paul Nicklen: Whales and What Nature Really Gives Us](https://wwsg.com/blog/paul-nicklen-whales-and-what-nature-really-gives-us/)
**Published:** October 8, 2024
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
This is a guest blog post by WWSG exclusive thought leader, [Paul Nicklen](https://wwsg.com/speakers/paul-nicklen).
Suspended Grace Dominica 2019 | © Paul Nicklen Photography#### **“Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts.” –**Rachel Carson
When my parents chose to move our small family from Saskatchewan to the remote Arctic and undertake the biggest adventure of our lives, we had to let go of certain comforts. Both my mother and father came from farming families and inherited the unyielding work ethic that serves as the backbone of Canada’s heartland. Still, we found joy in the simple pleasures afforded by society—easy access to family, mild summer evenings, and the predictable cycles of the seasons. Uprooting to the Arctic meant trading the familiar for the unknown, but I quickly found that the benefits of living closer to nature far exceeded what we left behind.
Since those early years, the best gifts in my life have always come from nature. After I chose to become a photographer, I used my camera to get even closer to our wild kin. Wolves, penguins, lynx, sharks, and even the more elusive animals like spirit bears all became subjects of my lens. In my eyes, there is no greater privilege than living each day on a planet overflowing with more species and beauty than we could ever fully grasp. Of all the encounters I have shared with wildlife around the world, my experiences with whales, the true giants of Earth, have been some of the greatest gifts.
!["Dawn Patrol, "Northern Fjords, Norway, 2018 | © Paul Nicklen Photography](https://wwsg.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Whales-2.jpg ""Dawn Patrol, "Northern Fjords, Norway, 2018 | © Paul Nicklen Photography - Worldwide Speakers Group")Dawn Patrol Northern Fjords Norway 2018 | © Paul Nicklen Photography!["Killer Tension," Alaska, United States, 2015 | © Paul Nicklen Photography](https://wwsg.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Whales-3.jpg ""Killer Tension," Alaska, United States, 2015 | © Paul Nicklen Photography - Worldwide Speakers Group")Killer Tension Alaska United States 2015 | © Paul Nicklen PhotographyLike the Arctic wildlife I grew up with, such as wolves and polar bears, creatures like orcas and sperm whales inspire a mix of fear and awe in people. Despite their size and status as some of the ocean’s greatest hunters, there is no definitive record of orcas or sperm whales ever killing anyone. In fact, my own experiences have revealed their gentle nature and deep intelligence—a side that often goes unnoticed beneath the myths and misconceptions.
Feast From The Deep Dominica 2019 | © Paul Nicklen PhotographyAriel II Dominica 2019 | © Paul Nicklen PhotographySperm whales, in particular, have garnered a reputation fueled in part by works of fiction, stories, and legends. Of all my encounters with whales, however, swimming with a pod off the coast of Dominica proved to be one of the most wholesome and eye-opening experiences of my life. Free-diving with a snorkel, I was able to get fairly close to a group dozing vertically in the water column. Sperm whales spend most of their time deep below the surface until they finally come up to breathe and rest, suspended with their heads pointed skyward.
The shoot was going well, with the matriarch and her group fully aware and comfortable with my presence. However, as I drifted up to catch my breath, I suddenly caught the attention of the youngest member in the group—a little calf affectionately dubbed “Ariel” by locals.
Ariel Dominica 2019 | © Paul Nicklen PhotographyEvidently bored from napping with her mom, Ariel made a beeline straight for me, and I suddenly found myself staring down a 20-foot baby whale charging at full speed. I braced myself as she opened her thankfully toothless mouth, and the next thing I knew, she was happily gumming my camera housing like an overgrown toddler. Years of experience around large, unpredictable wildlife allowed me to calmly backtrack until I could take a breath. Far from the sea monster that haunted Captain Ahab and his crew, Ariel was a bubbly, curious, and surprisingly gentle little whale.
Next of Kin Dominica 2019 | © Paul Nicklen PhotographyLooking back on my life, I realize that those early years of following in the footsteps of bears and foxes gave me the chance to connect even more deeply with Earth’s wildest creatures—like Ariel and her pod. The more time we spend immersed in nature, the more the world opens up to us with new experiences. Beyond any luxury or comfort that the fast pace of modern society can provide, nature offers us true connection.
And that, I believe, is the greatest gift of all.
With gratitude,
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** Paul Nicklen, Photography, Wildlife, Whales, nature, arts, sperm whale
---
### [Caitlin Rivers: Guest Blog Post on Crisis Averted](https://wwsg.com/blog/caitlin-rivers-guest-blog-post-on-crisis-averted/)
**Published:** June 10, 2024
**Author:** wpengine
**Content:**
*This guest blog post is by WWSG exclusive thought leader, [Caitlin Rivers](https://wwsg.com/speakers/caitlin-rivers/).*
I wrote a book! It is called *[Crisis Averted](https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/704843/crisis-averted-by-caitlin-rivers-phd/)*, and it will be published by Viking in October. It’s been three years in the making, and I am so excited to share it with the world.
I wanted to write a book to show you all the inside story of public health, to see the field as I see it—as a mostly invisible source of tremendous progress and change. I want readers to know that the influence of public health extends far beyond managing outbreaks. It is intricately woven into every day, influencing the quality of the air we breathe, the safety of the food we consume, and even the toilets we use.
At its best, public health remains invisible because crises are averted. I have great appreciation for this fact, which I want to share with readers so they can see it, understand it, and factor it into how they go about their lives—especially after such an upending few years.
At the same time, I have so many hopes for the field that haven’t been met (yet), and I hope my book can contribute to future successes. For example, one of my favorite chapters takes on the misguided attempts to withhold information from the public in a bid to “prevent panic.” This should not be a goal, nor a priority for ambassadors of public health!
One aspect of this project I am proud of is that I make these points by telling stories about the people who make it possible to going about our lives without perceiving public health much of the time. Each chapter features under-sung heroes who dedicated their careers to this very cause, and in doing so, changed the world. I promise, their remarkable lives are thrilling and telling of what we should aim for.
You can pre-order *Crisis Averted* from your favorite bookseller [here](https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/704843/crisis-averted-by-caitlin-rivers-phd/). Preorders help authors a lot because they become self-reinforcing by giving the publisher, book buyers, libraries, and so on an early signal. This turns into more attention, which drives popularity and so on. All this is to say: Your early readership would be immensely helpful.
More to come!
– Caitlin
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** healthcare, Public Health, keynote, caitlin rivers, crisis averted, crisis aversion, preventing panic
---
### [The Benefits of Hosting an AI Keynote Speaker](https://wwsg.com/blog/the-power-of-ai-benefits-of-hosting-a-keynote-speaker/)
**Published:** September 13, 2024
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
In today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape, artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative force across industries. From streamlining operations to driving innovation, AI offers immense potential for businesses and organizations. One effective way to harness this power is by [hosting a keynote speaker](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/artificial-intelligence/) who can provide valuable insights and guidance.
### Why Host an AI Keynote Speaker?
1. **Expert Insights and Guidance:** AI experts can offer invaluable insights into the latest trends, technologies, and best practices in the field. Their knowledge can help organizations stay ahead of the curve and make informed decisions.
2. **Inspiration and Motivation:** A captivating AI keynote speaker can inspire employees and foster a culture of innovation. By sharing their passion and expertise, they can motivate teams to explore new possibilities and embrace AI-driven solutions.
3. **Thought Leadership:** Hosting an AI keynote speaker can elevate an organization’s reputation as a thought leader in its industry. It demonstrates a commitment to staying at the forefront of technological advancements and positions the company as a forward-thinking innovator.
4. **Network Building:** These events provide opportunities for networking with industry peers, potential partners, and investors. By connecting with like-minded individuals, organizations can build valuable relationships and explore new collaborations.
5. **Employee Development:** AI keynotes can provide employees with valuable learning opportunities and help them develop the skills needed to thrive in the AI-driven future. By exposing employees to the latest AI trends, organizations can foster a culture of continuous learning and growth.
### Benefits for Businesses and Corporations
- **Improved Decision-Making:** AI experts can provide data-driven insights that can inform strategic decisions and optimize business operations.
- **Increased Efficiency:** AI can automate repetitive tasks, reduce costs, and improve efficiency across various departments.
- **Enhanced Customer Experience:** AI-powered tools can personalize customer interactions, improve customer satisfaction, and drive loyalty.
- **Competitive Advantage:** By leveraging AI, businesses can gain a competitive edge in the marketplace and differentiate themselves from competitors.
### Benefits for Trade Associations
- **Industry Advocacy:** AI experts can help trade associations advocate for policies that support the growth and development of the AI industry.
- **Member Education:** By hosting AI keynotes, trade associations can provide valuable educational resources to their members and help them stay informed about the latest AI trends.
- **Collaboration and Partnerships:** These events can foster collaboration among industry stakeholders and facilitate the formation of strategic partnerships.
In conclusion, hosting an AI keynote speaker can offer numerous benefits to businesses, corporations, and trade associations. By leveraging the expertise and insights of AI experts, organizations can unlock the full potential of AI and position themselves for long-term success. [Contact Worldwide Speakers Group](https://wwsg.com/contact-us) to find the perfect speaker for your event.
### WWSG Favorites
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/nicholas-christakis/)
## [Nicholas Christakis](https://wwsg.com/speakers/nicholas-christakis/)
Posted: April 11, 2024
Dr. Nicholas Christakis is a world-renowned expert on social artificial intelligence, social networks, human behavior, and public health, making him an exceptional keynote speaker for any conference. As a Sterling Professor at Yale and Director of the Human Nature Lab, his groundbreaking research explores how social contagion, AI, and evolutionary biology shape society. A bestselling \[…\]
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/jon-krohn/)
## [Jon Krohn](https://wwsg.com/speakers/jon-krohn/)
Posted: March 28, 2024
Jon Krohn is Co-Founder and CEO of the New York-based AI-software company Y Carrot. He authored the book Deep Learning Illustrated, an instant #1 bestseller translated into seven languages, and hosts SuperDataScience, which draws eight million downloads per year, making it the data science industry’s most listened-to podcast. He holds a fellowship at Lightning AI, \[…\]
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/anima-anandkumar/)
## [Anima Anandkumar](https://wwsg.com/speakers/anima-anandkumar/)
Posted: November 14, 2023
Anima Anandkumar offers that rare combination of leading-edge academic research with equally deep experience in business and practical applications. She specialises in using AI in cloud computing to solve real world problems. Anima tailors each presentation to the needs of her audience.
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sophie-hackford/)
## [Sophie Hackford](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sophie-hackford/)
Posted: April 20, 2023
Sophie Hackford is a futurist. She has given hundreds of provocative talks to boards and executive teams on novel science and technology. Her clients come from every industry, although the best questions have, so far, come from audiences of schoolchildren. Sophie looks at how technologies change how we live, work, transact, and love by weaving \[…\]
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ben-sasse/)
## [Ben Sasse](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ben-sasse/)
Posted: January 24, 2023
Ben Sasse is known as a former U.S. Senator for Nebraska and University of Florida professor and 13th president. He is also a two-time New York Times national best-selling author whose career has spanned the private and public sectors. Ben believes in pluralism, free speech, and the power of ideas to build strong and vibrant communities \[…\]
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/peter-hinssen/)
## [Peter Hinssen](https://wwsg.com/speakers/peter-hinssen/)
Posted: December 5, 2022
Peter Hinssen is a renowned innovation expert who helps organizations navigate disruption with clarity and optimism. A bestselling author and LinkedIn Top Voice, he delivers actionable insights on emerging technology, leadership, and “The Never Normal” world. With real-world experience as a serial entrepreneur and advisor to top global firms, Peter’s keynotes are as credible as \[…\]
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/olga-koroleva/)
## [Olga Koroleva](https://wwsg.com/speakers/olga-koroleva/)
Posted: June 22, 2022
An entrepreneur and professional mountaineer, Olga Koroleva’s triumphs are limitless, both in the boardroom and on the mountain. Koroleva is the founder and CEO of Capital Brain, a company that harnesses the power of AI to streamline real estate acquisitions, asset management, and investment sales. An adventurer by nature, she has also completed over 40 expeditions, summiting the highest, the deadliest, and the hardest mountains on the planet. The lessons and similarities she has gleaned over the course of her career deliver an exciting and insightful presentation to audiences of all kinds.
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/chris-miller/)
## [Chris Miller](https://wwsg.com/speakers/chris-miller/)
Posted: August 27, 2021
Professor Chris Miller is a geopolitical expert who talks about the origin, impact, and future of AI. He is the author of the New York Times bestselling Chip War: The Fight for the World’s Most Critical Technology, a book that explains how computer chips have made the modern world—and how the U.S. and China are \[…\]
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/michio-kaku/)
## [Michio Kaku](https://wwsg.com/speakers/michio-kaku/)
Posted: July 20, 2015
Dr. Michio Kaku is the co-founder of string field theory (a branch of string theory), and continues Einstein’s search to unite the four fundamental forces of nature into one unified theory. Dr. Kaku is uniquely qualified to address audiences on various scientific themes, always concluding with how technology affects humanity and an optimistic view of \[…\]
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/steve-wozniak/)
## [Steve Wozniak](https://wwsg.com/speakers/steve-wozniak/)
Posted: October 1, 2014
A Silicon Valley icon and philanthropist for the past three decades, Steve Wozniak revolutionized the personal computer industry as co-founder of Apple Computer. With its first line of Apple products – Macintosh, Apple I and Apple II, Wozniak and Steve Jobs brought computers to the hands of the mass market. Through the years, Wozniak has \[…\]
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ben-parr/)
## [Ben Parr](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ben-parr/)
Posted: October 1, 2014
Through his unique experience and access as a leading technology writer/prognosticator, venture capitalist, and Silicon Valley insider, Ben Parr has built and led tech and media companies as well coached dozens of young startups and Fortune 500 corporations on capturing attention, marketing, branding, fundraising, and how to stay ahead of the curve. Ben was named \[…\]
## Select the Perfect AI Keynote Speaker
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**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** Science, ai, artificial intelligence, Future of AI, future of artificial intelligence, Computer Chip, data, AI speakers, futurist, computers
---
### [Sanjay Gupta on Overdose Death Rates](https://wwsg.com/blog/sanjay-gupta-on-overdose-death-rates/)
**Published:** September 23, 2024
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
*From WWSG exclusive speaker, [Dr. Sanjay Gupta](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sanjay-gupta):* I have been reporting on overdose deaths for about 20 years, and have watched the terrifying upward trend as both a journalist and a physician. Back in 2001, fewer than 10,000 people in the US died from drug overdoses. In 2022, that number was up to 109,000 deaths — many involving illicit fentanyl.
But I’m hopeful. New analyses and data show a change: For the first time in five years, drug overdose deaths appear to be decreasing.
According to early numbers from the CDC, about 107,500 people died from overdoses last year — the lowest number in three years.
And researchers at the University of North Carolina are seeing similar drops in emergency room visits for overdoses as well as fewer 911 calls and other emergency response services at the state level.
Experts say they aren’t sure exactly what is driving these numbers, but there has been a push to expand access to naloxone, a medication that can reverse opioid overdoses; increased flexibility in prescribing medications to treat opioid use disorder; and more and more awareness about test strips to check for the presence of fentanyl in drugs.
These are all efforts to help move us in the right direction, and there are good signs — but it isn’t time to let up.
While the overall national trends may be moving in the right direction, there continue to be disparities, with overdose death rates at the highest levels for Native Americans and Black American men. Let’s continue to do the work that’s needed to bring these numbers down for all people.
To host Dr. Sanjay Gupta for a speaking engagement, [contact WWSG](https://wwsg.com/contact-us).
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** Sanjay Gupta, journalist, CDC, health care, overdose, community health, national health
---
### [Dr. Sanjay Gupta on Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) & the NFL's New Kickoff Rule](https://wwsg.com/blog/dr-sanjay-gupta-on-chronic-traumatic-encephalopathy-cte-the-nfls-new-kickoff-rule/)
**Published:** September 13, 2024
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
*This is a guest blog post written by WWSG exclusive thought leader, [Dr. Sanjay Gupta](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sanjay-gupta).*
#### CTE
As with most people, there are parts of me that may seem contradictory. For example, I’m a neurosurgeon; I’ve spent years of my career studying and operating on the brain. And yet I am also a huge football fan.
Watching Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa **[take a big hit to the head](https://e.newsletters.cnn.com/click?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)** last night reminded me once again of the toll football can take.
I’ve studied and seen firsthand the consequences of football: the short-term risks of concussions, and the potential long-term danger of neurodegenerative disease like chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).
Researchers at Boston University have documented CTE in nearly 92% of 376 former NFL players whose brains were donated because their families worried they had the disease because they showed symptoms such as memory loss, confusion, aggression, depression and, for some players, suicide. CTE has even been documented in high school players.
And yet, every fall, I’m drawn to the athleticism and camaraderie of the game.
#### American Football Looks Toward Safety
It’s why, as a journalist, I’ve also been interested in watching the game evolve, through equipment or rule changes, with an eye toward safety. This year, the NFL has introduced one of the biggest rule changes in the game’s history.
The kickoff is an iconic part of football. At the beginning of each game and after each score, the two teams line up on opposing sides of the field. When one team kicks the ball down the field to the other, players on the kicking team will also sprint down the field to try to tackle the receiver. It’s high-speed and high-velocity, and it can result in significant injury.
The NFL said kickoffs resulted in four times more concussions than any other play last season. And so this season, the two opposing teams will stand only 5 yards apart for kickoffs, with the aim of cutting down the speed and velocity of players running and tackling each other. [**Here is how it will work**](https://e.newsletters.cnn.com/click?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).
#### Additional Resources
I spent time with my friend and colleague Dr. Allen Sills, chief medical officer of the NFL, to better understand the league’s approach to this. We had a [**lengthy conversation**](https://e.newsletters.cnn.com/click?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) about how the game can evolve to keep players safe, and yet still maintain the excitement and athleticism that so many of us love.
It’s never going to be a completely safe game, but I think these discussions will lead to the evolution of a safer game *—* not just at the professional level, but also for our kids.
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** Sanjay Gupta, NFL, CNN, Chasing Life, Safety, football, podcast host, American Football, Football Season, CTE, chronic traumatic encephalopathy, Tua Tagovailoa, Gupta
---
### [Why You Should Book an Olympian as Your Next Motivational Speaker](https://wwsg.com/blog/why-you-should-book-an-olympian-as-your-next-motivational-speaker/)
**Published:** August 8, 2024
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
The 2024 Olympic Summer Games have come to a close, but we know the perfect way to keep the Olympic spirit going. Hosting a former Olympian as a motivational speaker can be a game-changer for your organization or event. These extraordinary athletes bring a unique blend of talent, perseverance, and inspiration that can ignite your audience and drive them to achieve greatness. Let’s explore the many benefits of booking an Olympian for your next event.
### Unparalleled Inspiration
**Overcoming Adversity:** Olympians have faced and conquered immense challenges, offering powerful stories of resilience and determination.
After failing to win a medal in his first three Olympics speed skater Dan Jansen set a world record and won gold in his final Olympic race the 1000 meters in the Lillehammer 1994 Olympic Winter Games
An Olympian who has overcome adversity is [Dan Jansen](https://wwsg.com/speakers/dan-jansen/). Dan is an American former long track speed skater and four-time Olympian, who won a historic gold medal in the 1,000-meter at his fourth and final Olympic Games. Dan had to practice perseverance after several setbacks at his first three Games, especially the Olympic Winter Games in Calgary in 1988. His race took place shortly after his sister passed away of leukemia, and he fell. Dan continued competing and training, ultimately reaching his goal. He speaks to audiences about growth and never giving up.
**Achieving the Impossible:** These athletes’ journeys to the podium showcase the power of setting ambitious goals and working tirelessly to achieve them.
Melissa Stockwell at the Paralympics
A great example of an Olympian who has seemingly achieved the impossible is [Melissa Stockwell](https://wwsg.com/speakers/melissa-stockwell). In 2004, one month after being deployed to Iraq, Melissa became the first female American soldier in history to lose a limb in active combat after her vehicle was hit by a roadside bomb. Four years later, she became the first Iraq War veteran to qualify for the Paralympic Games, competing in swimming at the Beijing 2008 Paralympics.
**Former Olympians also exhibit serious passion and drive.** Olympians embody a level of passion and drive that is contagious, inspiring your audience to pursue their own dreams with fervor.
Figure skater Scott Hamilton of the United States competes in the figure skating competition in the XIV Olympic Winter Games circa 1984 at the Asim Ferhatovic Stadium in Sarajevo Bosnia Focus on SportGetty Images
Former world champion and Olympic medalist [Scott Hamilton](https://wwsg.com/speakers/scott-hamilton)’s skating has inspired and motivated many athletes and individuals to be their best and achieve their dreams. After competing, Scott continued to share his love and enthusiasm for the sport as an analyst, commentator, producer, and best-selling author. Following his diagnosis with cancer, Hamilton became an inspiration in other ways, by battling back from his illness and defeating the odds.
### Building a High-Performance Culture
**Teamwork and Collaboration:** Many Olympic sports require exceptional teamwork, providing valuable insights into building a cohesive and successful team.
Mia Hamm and her teammates win the gold medal
One former Olympian who speaks eloquently about the importance of teamwork is the soccer legend, [Mia Hamm](https://wwsg.com/speakers/mia-hamm). Mia knows the value of teamwork and how crucial it is to success on and off the field. In her motivating presentations, she provides strategies and tips for maximizing your team’s value and getting the best out of each player every day.
**Mental Toughness:** Olympians possess extraordinary mental fortitude, offering strategies for overcoming obstacles and maintaining focus.
Beard at the 1996 Atlanta Games when she was 14 Credit Doug MillsAssociated Press
One former Olympian who had to practice mental toughness from a very young age is [Amanda Beard](https://wwsg.com/speakers/amanda-beard), who won one gold medal and two silver medals at the 1996 Summer Olympic Games while still a student at Irvine High School. At only 14 years old, Amanda had to quickly adapt to life in the spotlight. She wrote about it in her New York Times best-selling book, *In the Water They Can’t See You Cry*. Amanda addresses the challenges she faced at her motivational speaking engagements.
**Goal Setting and Achievement:** Their experiences in setting and achieving lofty goals can help your audience develop a winning mindset. Olympians know there is strength in discipline, but also in pivoting.
Magic Johnson at the 1992 Olympics Credit EMPICS Sport
One great example is [Earvin “Magic” Johnson](https://wwsg.com/speakers/magic-johnson), who won a gold medal during the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona with the “Dream Team”. Magic is now Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Magic Johnson Enterprises, an investment conglomerate that provides high-quality products and services that focus primarily on ethnically diverse and underserved urban communities. Having left the basketball court for the boardroom, Johnson parlayed the skills and tenacity he acquired on the court into a winning formula for his successful business ventures.
### Enhancing Your Brand
**Elevating Your Image:** Associating your brand with Olympic excellence can enhance your reputation for quality, success, and innovation.
**Attracting Top Talent:** An Olympian as a keynote speaker can help you attract and retain top talent by demonstrating your commitment to excellence. Many of these speakers also directly address business matters.
Johnny Quinn and his team compete at Sochi in 2014
[Johnny Quinn’s](https://wwsg.com/speakers/johnny-quinn) speech topic, Think Like an Olympian, is a great example. This talk draws on the lessons of Olympic athletes to inspire and guide business professionals in their own pursuits of excellence. Johnny competed in bobsledding at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia.
**Building Stronger Relationships:** Sharing an inspiring experience with your audience can foster stronger connections and loyalty.
### Creating a Memorable Event
**Unforgettable Keynote:** An Olympian’s captivating stories and dynamic personality will create a lasting impression on your attendees.
Dan Cnossen competes in Paralympic nordic skiing
A motivational speaker who gives a truly unforgettable speech is [Dan Cnossen](https://wwsg.com/speakers/dan-cnossen), a seven-time Paralympic Medalist and former U.S. Navy SEAL Lt. Commander. Dan’s personal journey from the battlefields of Afghanistan to the podium at the Paralympic Games is sure to inspire your audience to confront any challenge head-on. Dan says listening to his story is “like listening to a Tom Clancy novel come to life… but it is not fiction.” It’s intense, inspiring and unforgettable. Dan also draws upon his military experience to discuss goal setting, mental toughness, and leadership at his speaking engagements.
**Increased Engagement:** Their high-energy presentations will keep your audience engaged and motivated throughout the event.
**Social Media Buzz:** An Olympian’s appearance can generate significant buzz and social media engagement, extending the impact of your event.
Booking a former Olympian as a motivational speaker is an investment in the success of your event. Their unique experiences, inspiring stories, and proven track record of achievement can help you achieve your goals and create a lasting impact on your audience.
[Contact Worldwide Speakers Group](https://wwsg.com/contact-us) for specific recommendations about which former Olympian would be a great fit for your event!
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**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** dan jansen, life story, coaching, olympic games, competition, competitor, motivational speech, melissa stockwell, dan cnossen, johnny quinn, inspiring story, amanda beard, mia hamm, skiing, speed skating, team usa, paralympics, bobsledding, sports speakers, Basketball, motivational speaker, sports, Teamwork, Resilience, scott hamilton, figure skating, olympics, athletes, Magic Johnson, athlete, Perseverance, Overcoming Obstacles, Overcoming Illness, Overcoming Odds, olympian, inspirational speaker
---
### [The Power of a Motivational Speaker](https://wwsg.com/blog/the-power-of-a-motivational-speaker/)
**Published:** August 14, 2024
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
Are you looking to elevate your event, inspire your team, or simply make a lasting impact? Consider hosting a motivational speaker. These dynamic individuals have the ability to captivate audiences and ignite a spark within them, leading to transformative results. Let’s explore the compelling benefits of bringing a motivational speaker to your event.
### Boost Morale and Motivation
A motivational speaker is a master at inspiring and uplifting people. Their infectious energy and compelling stories can create a wave of positivity that washes over your audience. Whether it’s employees, customers, or community members, everyone can benefit from a renewed sense of purpose and motivation.
Ben Nemtin speaking[Ben Nemtin’s](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ben-nemtin) message of radical possibility has inspired millions to unlock their true potential. Ben is the #1 *New York Times* bestselling author of *What Do You Want to Do Before You Die?* and *The Bucket List Journal*. Ben is ranked the #2 motivational speaker in the world by Global Gurus and starred in *The Buried Life*, MTV’s highest rated show on iTunes and Amazon.
Neil Pasricha speaking[Neil Pasricha’s](https://wwsg.com/speakers/neil-pasricha/) speech topic, “Be Happy First: Resilience and Breakthrough Performance in Times of Change,” shows audiences that resilience and growth *can* come from challenge and change. In this inspiring talk, Neil shares his own personal obstacles that preceded his successes and provides action-based ways to lift your own performance to new heights.
### Enhance Your Event
A captivating speaker can transform an ordinary event into an extraordinary experience. Their dynamic presence and engaging delivery will leave a lasting impression on attendees. A motivational speaker can elevate the energy level, create memorable moments, and generate buzz around your event.
Paul Nicklen interviews with Times RadioA thought leader like [Paul Nicklen](https://wwsg.com/speakers/paul-nicklen) will undoubtedly enhance your event. Complete with captivating images and videos, Paul’s speeches leave audiences with an unforgettable experience. Paul is a photographer for National Geographic and a cofounder of SeaLegacy, an expedition vessel that promotes climate change awareness and stability of our earth’s ecosystems.
Mel Robbins speakingAnother globally well-known motivational speaker is [Mel Robbins](https://wwsg.com/speakers/mel-robbins), host of The Mel Robbins podcast and #1 international bestselling author of *The Five Second Rule*, which is also the name of her TED Talk which has been viewed more than 33 million times. The 5 Second Rule is a tool that instantly moves anyone. This speech is about the courage to take action and the science of habits. It’s deeply moving, highly motivating, and relevant for every type of change you’re trying to inspire. As such, Mel is the most booked female speaker in the world.
### Strengthen Your Brand
Associating your brand with a successful motivational speaker can significantly enhance your reputation. It demonstrates your commitment to personal and professional growth, and positions your organization as a thought leader in your industry. A well-chosen speaker can align with your company’s values and mission, reinforcing your brand identity.
Dr Sanjay Gupta CNNs chief medical correspondent delivered Elon Universitys Baird Lecture March 28 2023Hiring a well-known celebrity to speak at your event is a sure way to enhance your organization or institution’s brand. We highly recommend [Dr. Sanjay Gupta](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sanjay-gupta), CNN’s Chief Medical Correspondent, practicing neurosurgeon, and author. Below is a quote from Dr. Gupta, from a commencement speaking engagement.
#### “You know what makes your heart swift,
#### you know what makes your breath catch your throat,
#### you know what makes your chest light with anticipation.
#### Go get that!” –Dr. Sanjay Gupta
### Drive Increased Attendance
A well-known motivational speaker can attract a larger audience, boosting ticket sales or event participation. Their name alone can generate excitement and anticipation, encouraging people to attend your event.
Phil Hansen speakingAudiences are always excited to see [Phil Hansen](https://wwsg.com/speakers/phil-hansen/) speak. Referred to by his fans as “the Artist for the People,” Phil is an internationally recognized multimedia artist, speaker, author, and innovator. Crashing irreverently through conventional boundaries, Phil works at the intersection of traditional art, electronic media, offbeat materials, and interactive experiences. Companies who are seeking an unforgettable interactive experience for their audience are absolutely stunned by Phil’s speaking engagements.
### Foster Personal and Professional Growth
Motivational speakers offer valuable insights and practical tools that attendees can apply to their personal and professional lives. Their messages can inspire individuals to overcome challenges, set new goals, and achieve their full potential.
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/nicole-malachowski/)
[Nicole Malachowski](https://wwsg.com/speakers/nicole-malachowski/) is a leader, a combat veteran, the first woman pilot on the Thunderbirds Air Demonstration Squadron, an instructor, a White House Fellow, and an inductee into the Women in Aviation International Pioneer Hall of Fame. Her Air Force career exceeded her wildest dreams. In her public speaking, Nicole holds audiences spellbound with an easygoing authenticity of someone who’s achieved greatness and inspiring audience members to achieve the same.
Allison Massari speakingAnother speaker who helps audiences with professional growth is [Allison Massari](https://wwsg.com/speakers/allison-massari). *Meetings & Conventions* magazine lists Allison as one of the top 10 best speakers for “motivation” in the United States. She teaches the secrets she discovered to triumph despite tragedies, thrive in turbulent times, and forge your own path to success. Massari’s professional career began with diverse achievements as an entrepreneur who created four successful businesses. Personal tragedy struck Allison’s life twice, through two different and traumatic car accidents. Allison takes what she has learned both personally and professionally and propels audiences towards a successful future.
### Build Stronger Teams
For organizations, hosting a motivational speaker can be a powerful way to strengthen team cohesion and camaraderie. A shared experience can foster a sense of unity and purpose among employees, leading to increased collaboration and productivity.
Robyn Benincasa speakingOne expert on building great teams is [Robyn Benincasa](https://wwsg.com/speakers/robyn-benincasa). Robyn is the founder of World Class Teams and a world champion adventure racer, CNN Hero, former corporate sales expert, and a full time firefighter. She advises organizations on building World Class Teams of their own. As a result of her many accomplishments, Robyn knows a thing or two about creating human synergy—that magic that allows groups of ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things together.
**Ready to ignite your audience?** Bringing in a motivational speaker can be a game-changer. By carefully selecting a speaker who aligns with your event’s goals and audience, you can create an unforgettable experience that leaves a lasting impact.
**Would you like to receive assistance choosing the right motivational speaker for your event? Our dedicated team is here to help. [Contact us.](https://wwsg.com/contact-us)**
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** Paul Nicklen, Sanjay Gupta, Thought Leaders, Motivational Female Speakers, Inspirational Speakers, Neil Pasricha, Mel Robbins, motivational, ben nemtin, robyn benincasa, Motivational Quotes, phil hansen, allison massari, ted, ted speakers
---
### [New to WWSG: Dr. Loretta Mester](https://wwsg.com/announcements/new-to-wwsg-dr-loretta-mester/)
**Published:** July 22, 2024
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
[Worldwide Speakers Group](https://wwsg.com) is pleased to announce an exclusive partnership with [Dr. Loretta Mester](https://wwsg.com/speakers/loretta-mester), who recently retired after ten years as President and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland. Dr. Mester’s varied accomplishments and wide breadth of knowledge enable her to enlighten audiences with either prepared remarks or as a participant in moderated conversation.
Dr. Mester examines the current U.S. and global economic landscape and the key challenges facing policymakers and businesses today. Her remarks are informed by her extraordinary career, most recently as President and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland, along with her extensive academic research on the financial system.
For audiences looking to better understand how monetary policy and the state of the economy will affect their organization or institution, Dr. Loretta Mester’s expertise is both unmatched and invaluable.
### Contact Us for Mester’s Availability
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**Categories:** Announcements
**Tags:** Leader, Treasury, Risk Management, Personal Finance, Ohio, Nonpolitical, Nonpartisan, Nonbiased, Fintech, Cleveland, C-Suite, Federal Reserve, Domestic Economy, female leader, Equity, Government, Woman, CEO Audience, leadership, cryptocurrency, crypto, women in leadership, Communication, risk, finance, economy, Female, Keynote Speaker, economics
---
### [Climate Change Keynote Speakers](https://wwsg.com/blog/climate-change-keynote-speakers/)
**Published:** July 17, 2024
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
As daunting as climate change may be, an expertly-delivered speech will not just focus on problems, but also showcase solutions and success stories. For this reason, audiences are continually mesmerized by the topic. The right keynote speaker presents complex information in an engaging way. They use videos, photos, and diagrams to illustrate their experience, knowledge, and perspective. Climate change as a presentation topic also fosters a a sense of community and shared experience amongst audience members, leaving attendees feeling hopeful about the future and empowered to take action.
Worldwide Speakers Group represents a wide selection of speakers approach these intricate issues in a way that is both informed and inspirational.
As one of the world’s most acclaimed conservation photographers, [Paul Nicklen](https://wwsg.com/speakers/paul-nicklen) has collaborated with scientists, filmmakers, conservationists, and explorers to create awareness and inspire action for global issues like climate change and ocean health. [Paul recently spoke at Aspen Ideas Festival with his partner Cristina Mittermeier](https://youtu.be/EXr0ocO-L3I) about recent conservation “wins.”
Through his work as Chairman of the TPG Rise Climate Fund, [Henry M. Paulson Jr.](https://wwsg.com/speakers/hank-paulson) is working on large scale climate change solutions and is continuing the conversation of risk management for climate crisis and climate investing.
As one of the most influential female photographers in the world, [Cristina Mittermeier](https://wwsg.com/speakers/cristina-mittermeier) uses the lens of her camera to advocate for the ocean and better the planet. Her speaking engagements inspire audiences to be more aware of the importance of climate control as it affects our planet’s natural ecosystems. [Cristina recently spoke at Aspen Ideas Festival with her partner Paul Nicklen](https://youtu.be/ZbmnXSXWBUc) about the connection between marine life and human life.
A dedicated intellectual entrepreneur, [Dr. Ian Bremmer](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ian-bremmer) speaks on the world’s ability to address major global crisis such as global warming and climate change along with how we can rewire our response actions to take hold of these crises.
[Andrew Winston](https://wwsg.com/speakers/andew-winston) is a globally-recognized expert on megatrends and building companies that thrive by serving the world. His first best-selling book, *Green to Gold,* explores how business can manage and profit from environmental challenges. Companies and universities around the world use the book as a guide to building better sustainability strategies.
Driven toward discovery in the “wild west” of meteorology, [Dr. Reed Timmer](https://wwsg.com/speakers/reed-timmer) is determined to solve the mysteries of tornadoes and hurricanes, his ultimate goal being to collect data that saves lives. With his knowledge, he is extremely well versed on the nature of climate change and its violent consequences.
As an adventurer deeply connected to the ocean, [Neal Petersen](https://wwsg.com/neal-petersen) has a profound appreciation for the environment. He has witnessed firsthand the effects of climate change and environmental degradation, and he uses his platform to raise awareness about these critical issues. Petersen’s advocacy for environmental stewardship is a natural extension of his life’s work and passions.
[Claire Simeone](https://wwsg.com/speakers/claire-simeone) is a veterinarian and conservation leader who works to protect the animals and ecosystems of our planet while working to spark individual action against climate change.
#### To host a WWSG thought leader at your upcoming event, [contact us](https://wwsg.com/contact-us).
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** TPG Rise fund, hope, biology, environmental speakers, climate speakers, hopeful, nationa geographic, marine life, climate change speakers, Claire Simeone, ansrew winston, green to gold, author reed timmer, weather, storm chaser, extreme, neal peterson, inspirational, polar bear, Climate, ian bremmer, Ocean, conservation, photographer, Activist, Photography, Environment, Climate Change, Cristina Mittermeier, Keynote Speakers, Hank Paulson, Paul Nicklen
---
### [7 Inspirational Speakers Who Have Faced Challenges and Conquered](https://wwsg.com/blog/7-inspirational-speakers-who-have-faced-challenges-and-conquered/)
**Published:** July 10, 2024
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
Inspirational speakers come in two equally powerful forms. Some keynote speakers deliver an energetic keynote focused on motivating and inspiring the audience from their first smile to their last word onstage. Other keynote speakers have personal stories of overcoming adversity that are innately inspirational, with or without the presenter being tagged as a “motivational speaker.” This blog will focus on the latter.
Inviting a speaker with a compelling story of facing challenges is an impactful way to motivate, enlighten, and equip your audience to tackle their own dilemmas with more confidence and resilience.
These public and keynote speakers have overcome obstacles, personally and professionally, emerging stronger and wiser. They have the unique ability to share their hard-won insights and equip your group with strategies to anticipate, manage, and overcome any crisis that may cross their path.
From all disciplines and industries, here are our 8 inspirational speakers who have faced challenges and conquered.
### [Elaine Chao](https://wwsg.com/speakers/elaine-chao)
*Former U.S. Secretary of Transportation, Former U.S. Secretary of Labor, President and CEO of United Way of America, Peace Corps Director, Director of Numerous Fortune 100 Corporate Boards*
Elaine Chao is a dynamic speaker with a dramatic personal story, extraordinary resume, and wide-ranging expertise on leadership, innovation, the economy and much more. Her 37-day journey aboard a cargo ship with her mother and sisters to America foreshadowed a life of possibilities, challenges, and achievements. The first Asian American woman to be in the President’s cabinet, the arc of Elaine Chao’s experience encompasses cultures of Asia and the West; the public, private, and non-profit sectors; four presidential administrations; and living and working in New York, California, Kentucky, and Washington, D.C. Engaging, informative, and results-oriented, Elaine Chao will leave your audience inspired and ready to conquer the world.
*Chao speaks about [Government & Politics](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/government-and-politics/) • [Geopolitics](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/international-experts/) • [Leadership & Management](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/leadership-and-management/)* *• [Business](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/business/)*
### [Dave A. Chokshi, M.D.](https://wwsg.com/speakers/dave-chokshi)
*Physician, Sternberg Family Professor of Leadership at the City College of New York, 43rd Health Commissioner of New York City, White House Fellow*
Dr. Chokshi is a physician and public health leader who served as the 43rd Health Commissioner of New York City. As such, he led New York City’s response to COVID-19 from 2020-22. Dr. Chokshi was thus tasked with navigating the most unforeseen, unprecedented health crisis in modern history and communicating its ever-changing data to over 8.7 million city residents. Previously, he was also involved in responses to Superstorm Sandy and Hurricane Katrina.
As an organizational leader, a public spokesperson, a former governmental official, and a doctor and scientist, Dr. Chokshi’s calm and informed style of leadership is well respected and admired throughout various groups and sectors. He is a passionate and proactive advocate for health care equality.
At many of his speaking engagements, Dr. Chokshi gives the key leadership lessons he has learned in times of crisis, which span management, communication, strategy, operations, and policy.
*Chokshi speaks about [Healthcare & Wellness](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/healthcare-and-wellness/) • [Leadership & Management](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/leadership-and-management/)*
### [General John F. Kelly](https://wwsg.com/speakers/john-kelly)
*45-Year Marine Veteran; Former White House Chief of Staff; Former U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security; Former Commander, U.S. Southern Command*
Retired Gen. John Kelly is a 45-year Marine veteran who headed the U.S. Southern Command, where he focused on U.S. border security, organized crime, terrorist organizations and drug traffickers in his Latin American region for more than three years. Kelly retired as a four-star general in 2016. He then served as the 5th United States Secretary of Homeland Security in the Trump Administration, where he earned a reputation for being an aggressive enforcer of ethics, established Homeland Security policy, and most importantly, the law. After six months, he was selected to serve as White House Chief of Staff.
Since leaving the White House, General Kelly regularly lectures and conducts focused seminars on ethical and moral leadership, team building, and decision making. He has also presented at various programs regarding the state of American society and democracy, what the future may look like, and how Americans can stop erosion by electing the right kind of leaders from the city council level all the way up to president of the United States.
*Kelly speaks about [Leadership & Management](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/leadership-and-management/)*
### [Olga Koroleva](https://wwsg.com/speakers/olga-koroleva)
*Founder & CEO, Capital Brain; Real Estate Entrepreneur; High Altitude Mountaineer*
As a technology pioneer in capital markets, entrepreneur, and world-class mountaineer, Olga Koroleva’s triumphs are limitless… both in the boardroom and on the mountain! She is the founder and CEO of Capital Brain, a company that creates AI-run investment strategies to invest in real estate and public securities. An adventurer by nature, she has also completed over 40 expeditions, summiting the highest, the deadliest, and the hardest mountains on the planet (Mount Everest, Annapurna I, and K2).
Koroleva is passionate about motivating others to live with a “peak performance” mindset. The lessons she has gleaned over the course of her career deliver an exciting and insightful presentation to audiences of all kinds.
*Koroleva speaks about [AI](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/artificial-intelligence) • [Business](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/business/) • [Leadership & Management](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/leadership-and-management/)*
### [Mike Pence](https://wwsg.com/speakers/mike-pence)
*48th Vice President of the United State; Founder of Advancing American Freedom; 50th Governor of Indiana; Former Member of the U.S. House of Representatives, Indiana; Distinguished Visiting Fellow at The Heritage Foundation; Author*
Former U.S. Vice President Mike Pence has faced a crossroads at several times throughout his career in politics. Some of the hurdles he has overcome include losing his first two congressional elections to the Democratic incumbent nominee, leading the COVID-19 Task Force during the pandemic, and facing numerous media storms alongside one of the most controversial American presidents in modern history. Pence’s role in the infamous insurrection that took place on January 6, 2021 is a well-known and widely discussed example of the former VP facing a crisis head-on, and his decisions on that day have been commended by his fans and critics alike.
Despite these obstacles, Vice President Pence has emerged with confidence and success. He has authored two best-selling [books](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/advice-from-mike-pence-and-his-daughter-go-home-for-dinner/) and remained steady in his conservative beliefs. He founded [Advancing American Freedom](https://youtu.be/Wvoa-q4Nqfw), a policy and advocacy based on traditional American values. If your organization can benefit from firsthand accounts of facing chaos in governance, Mike Pence is an excellent choice for a speaker.
*Pence speaks about [Government & Politics](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/government-and-politics/) • [Geopolitics](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/international-experts/) • [Leadership & Management](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/leadership-and-management/)*
### [Robert R. Redfield, M.D.](https://wwsg.com/speakers/robert-redfield)
*Virologist and Infectious Disease Physician; Cofounder, Prevention, Diagnosis, Treatment Inc.; Director, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2018-2021); Administrator, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (2018-2021); Retired Army Colonel*
As a renowned virologist, Dr. Robert Redfield has uniquely experienced three surprising and scientifically complex global epidemics during his career: Ebola, HIV/AIDS, and COVID-19. On the frontlines of these epidemics, Dr. Redfield has played a significant role in finding, studying, and publishing the many scientific discoveries and medical advancements that have come about during his career.
The former Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shares his unique perspective with audiences, including anecdotes from his personal experiences with both the social and political components that complicate the trajectory of curing diseases.
Dr. Redfield is also passionate about fighting the stigma of drug use disorder, which causes greater harms to society and the disorder’s victims. Audiences also learn uplifting news about the science that will make a cure possible in the near future.
*Redfield speaks about [Healthcare & Wellness](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/healthcare-and-wellness/) • [Leadership & Management](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/leadership-and-management/)*
### [Misty Copeland](https://wwsg.com/speakers/misty-copland)
*The First African American Female Principal Dancer with American Ballet Theatre*
When she discovered ballet, Misty Copeland was living in a motel room, struggling with her five siblings for a place to sleep on the floor. A true prodigy, she was dancing en pointe within three months of taking her first dance class and performing professionally in just over a year: a feat unheard of for any classical dancer. In her powerful and inspiring speeches, Misty describes her accomplishments with an all-encompassing approach, touching upon her life story, social justice, and giving back. She leaves audiences with hope, inspiration, and a truly unforgettable experience.
*Copeland speaks about [Arts & Entertainment](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/arts-entertainment/) • [Motivational & Inspirational](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/motivational/)*
After reading this article, it’s easy to understand why hiring speakers who have overcome the odds and conquered personal and professional hardships can inspire your audience. These qualified storytellers can represent a wide array of verticals, including AI and technology, climate and environmental issues, business, health and wellness, finance and economy, government and politics, and arts and entertainment. Contact WWSG to get the speaking availability of any of the above speakers plus hundreds more. We represent all keynote speakers, even those not listed on our website, and we will make your experience hiring a speaker seamless.
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**Tags:** Overcoming Odds, Business Leader, Politician, HIV/AIDS, Insurrection, Advancing American Freedom, Servant Leadership, Capital, Capital Riot, Donald Trump, Domestic Economy, Female Speaker, Conquering, Tough Decisions, Overcoming, Hardship, Overcoming Obstacles, Crises, Crisis, personal growth, public speakers, female leader, aids, pepfar, virologist, Everest, Secretary of Transportation, Secretary of Labor, Marines, Chief of Staff, John Kelly, Rags to Riches, Ballerina, Reslience Keynote Speakers, Politician Speakers, Endurance, Mount Everest, virology, K2, Annapurna, Mountain Climber, Triumph, Go Home For Dinner, Technological Innovation, Defeating Odds, Lifechanging, Unbeatable Odds, Recovery, Alcohol, Women Speakers, pandemic, vice president, so help me god, author, olga koroleva, mountaineer, climbing, Climate, finance, economy, Dave Chokshi, Apple, business, China, covid-19, Mental Health, mike pence, robert redfield, white house, Government, Politics, public speaking, speakers, Keynote Speakers, CEO, CDC, New York City, Leader, Advocacy, Thought Leader, policy, COVID, health commissioner, addiction, ballet, leadership, Resilience, conservative, republican, motivational, inspirational, Elaine Chao, innovation, inspire, motivate, Misty Copeland, taiwan
---
### [Celebrate Juneteenth with Inspirational Speakers](https://wwsg.com/blog/celebrate-juneteenth-with-inspirational-speakers/)
**Published:** June 12, 2024
**Author:** wpengine
**Content:**
In 2021, June 19th became the federal holiday known as “Juneteenth.”
Juneteenth commemorates the day in 1865 when enslaved men and women were finally told they were free, two years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation. The holiday now celebrates African American freedom and achievement while encouraging continuous self-development and respect for all cultures. As it takes on a more national, symbolic, and global perspective, the events of 1865 are commemorated and we are reminded that while change may happen slowly, it *is* possible.
These insightful inspirational speakers use their unique stories along with historical examples to illustrate how we can all better understand the important lessons of Juneteenth. Sharing narratives about self-discovery, leadership, and perseverance, these remarkable leaders leave audiences enlightened and inspired.
[Contact us](https://wwsg.com/contact) to learn more about hosting these exceptional thought leaders.
[DeMaurice Smith](https://wwsg.com/speakers/demaurice-smith/)
*Executive Director, National Football League Players Association (NFLPA)*
Relevant Speech Topics:
• The New Workplace: Everyday Issues of Free Speech, Politics, and Social Justice in the Office
• Power Forward: The Need to Improve Race and Gender Leadership in Sports
[Allen West](https://wwsg.com/speakers/allen-b-west)
*Former Chairman of the Republican Party of Texas; Distinguished Conservative Thought-Leader; Highly Decorated Military Veteran*
Relevant Speech Topics:
• Conservatism in the African American
Community
• Provocative Politics: A Candid Discussion with One of the Country’s Most Distinguished Conservative Thought Leaders
[Carla Harris](https://wwsg.com/speakers/carla-harris)
30+ Year Wall Street Veteran, Managing Director at Morgan Stanley, Public Speaker, Author of “Lead to Win”
Relevant Speech Topics:
• Carla’s Pearls: Tools for Maximizing Your Success
• Leadership: Currency, Change, & Creating
A Powerful Presence
[Misty Copeland](https://wwsg.com/speakers/misty-copeland)
The First African American Female Principal Dancer with American Ballet Theatre
Relevant Speech Topics:
• Building Success and Finding Hope from the Ground Up: American Ballet Theatre
• The Importance of Giving Back, Social Justice and Determination
[Cassandra Worthy](https://wwsg.com/speakers/cassandra-worthy)
Founder and CEO, Change Enthusiasm® Global
Relevant Speech Topics:
• Engineering a Resilient and Inclusive Culture: Practical Tools to Nurture High-Level Workforce and Customer Engagement
• C.H.A.N.G.E. Traits ®: Exploring the critical skills for inspired leadership through change
[DeEtta Jones](https://wwsg.com/speakers/DeEtta-Jones/)
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Expert; Author; Strategist
Relevant Speech Topics:
• EDI: Contemporary Trends and Expectations
• Inclusive Leadership Practices
• Equity-Driven Organizational and Cultural Transformation
[Ashley Allison](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ashley-allison)
*Veteran Democratic Political Strategist, Adjunct Professor, Author, Syndicated Columnist*
Relevant Speech Topics:
• Corporate Racial Equity/DEI
• A Seat at the Table: Building Lasting Coalitions
• Building Winning and Sustainable Teams
[ Browse All Juneteenth Speakers](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/?search_keyword=black%20history) [ Browse All Speakers](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/)
#### Book a Speaker Today!
First Name(Required)
Last Name(Required)
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Topic of InterestSelect a TopicHosts, Moderators & MCsArts & Entertainment– Artists & Musicians– Media Personalities– Live Entertainment & ComedyBusiness– Marketing & Advertising– Business Leaders from Major Brands– Business Transformation– Success in Business– Teamwork & Employee Engagement– EntrepreneurshipAuthors– New York Times Bestselling AuthorsClimate Change & Environmental Issues– Alternative Energy– Sustainability & Conservation– Climate PolicyCelebritiesDiversity– Advocacy & Social Justice– Gender EqualityEconomy & Finance– Financial Experts– Monetary Policy– Economic Trends/Forecasts– Emerging Markets– Geoeconomic RiskGovernment & Politics– Midterm Elections– Pundits, Analysts, & Pollsters– Conservative– LiberalHealthcare & Wellness– Mental Health– Healthcare Policy– Happiness & WellnessGeopolitics– National Security– World Leaders– Historians– Global TradeLeadership & Management– Leadership & Management Experts– Military LeadersMotivational– TED Speakers– Adventurers– Inspirational– Military Background– Survivors– Coaches, Athletes, & BroadcastersTechnology & Innovation– Cybersecurity– Fintech– Futurists– Artificial Intelligence– Astronauts & ScientistsWWSG Exclusives
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**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** Black Speakers, Juneteenth, leadership, Perseverance, African American, holiday
---
### [Now Available: Everyday Dharma by Suneel Gupta](https://wwsg.com/blog/now-available-everyday-dharma-by-suneel-gupta/)
**Published:** September 9, 2023
**Author:** Riley Sims
**Content:**
# The New Book, [Everyday Dharma: Timeless Techniques for Finding Happiness in Your Work](https://www.suneelgupta.com/writing/everyday-dharma/) by Happiness Expert and Bestselling Author, Suneel Gupta in Now Available!
An expert on happiness and work, Suneel Gupta argues that for too long society has been fixated on the Future of Work and ignored the Future of Worth. We’ve compartmentalized work and well-being and ignored the fact that both are essential for sustained success. We’ve assumed that outer success leads to inner well-being–despite history showing us that this has never been the case.
*Everyday Dharma* provides an accessible three-step approach to discovering, understanding, and living your “sacred calling.” At its center are self-assessments to help you identify your passions and powerful rituals for building new habits—ancient practices supported by science and found in diverse cultural sources, including Toni Morrison’s novels, Jimi Hendrix’s lyrics, and Frida Kahlo’s paintings, and used by the likes of Nelson Mandela, Dr. Martin Luther King, and Mahatma Gandhi.
[ Suneel Gupta’s Speaker Page](https://wwsg.com/speakers/suneel-gupta)
[ Order the Book](https://www.suneelgupta.com/writing/everyday-dharma/)
###
### ***Watch the Video:*** *Happiness expert and best-selling author on finding our inner calling*
[](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5kMDf6ro7xY)
### ***Watch the Video:** Suneel Summarizes New Speech – “Purpose in Action: Bringing Who You Are to Everything You Do.”*
[](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KM3GEZMnEss)
### *Suneel’s Speech Topics:*
- *Everyday Dharma: Timeless Techniques for Happiness in Your Work*
- *Momentum: Accelerate Your Performance Without the Burnout*
- *Get Backable: Why Some Ideas Get Ahead While Others Get Ignored*
**Categories:** Blog
---
### [Professor Sir Niall Ferguson has been knighted for services to literature](https://wwsg.com/announcements/professor-sir-niall-ferguson-has-been-knighted-for-services-to-literature/)
**Published:** July 1, 2024
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
## Professor Sir Niall Ferguson, Scottish historian, credits ‘family, teachers, mentors and friends’ for honour.
The award-winning [Scottish](https://www.independent.co.uk/topic/scottish) historian Niall Ferguson, who became a household name when he wrote and presented a landmark TV series, has been knighted in the King’s Birthday Honours list.
Professor Sir [Niall Ferguson](https://wwsg.com/speakers/niall-ferguson), whose 16 books include *The Pity Of War* and *The Ascent Of Money: A Financial History Of The World*, first came to the attention of many in the UK with the hit 2003 Channel 4 series *Empire: How Britain Made The Modern World*, and a best-selling book of the same name.
Born in [Glasgow](https://www.independent.co.uk/topic/glasgow) in 1964 and educated at the city’s Glasgow Academy, Sir Niall went on to study at Magdalen College, Oxford, before pursuing an academic career that has seen him a hold a number of prestigious posts at universities in Europe and the USA.
Sir Niall, who is married to author and women’s rights activist [Ayaan Hirsi Ali](https://www.independent.co.uk/topic/ayaan-hirsi-ali), is now a senior fellow at the Hoover Institution, Stanford, a senior faculty fellow of the Belfer Centre for Science and International Affairs at Harvard, and a visiting professor at the London School of Economics.
He has written biographies of banker Siegmund Warburg, and the first part of a two-volume biography of former US secretary of state [Henry Kissinger](https://www.independent.co.uk/topic/henry-kissinger), who also formed the subject of a full-length 2011 documentary by his film company Chimerica Media.
Responding to the news he was being made a knight for services to literature, Sir Niall was keen to credit “the family members, teachers, mentors and friends” who supported him throughout his life.
#### Anything I have achieved is in truth the achievement of my grandparents; my parents, Molly and Campbell; my school, the Glasgow Academy; my college, Magdalen, Oxford; and all the family members, teachers, mentors and friends who encouraged and supported me.
*–Professor Sir Niall Ferguson*
“When an individual is honoured by the King, implicitly his formative influences are the real recipients of the honour,” he said.
He also stressed that throughout his work he has tried to “remain faithful to the historian’s true mission” and communicate the full complexity of real life in the past, while also bringing history out of the ivory tower.
“In an era when too much historical writing is political and one-sided, I have sought to remain faithful to the historian’s true mission, which is to show how it actually was for the people of the past, with all the contingency and complexity of real life, with a constant awareness of the roads not taken, and without the anachronistic judgments that are today in fashion.
“I have also striven to reach the widest possible audience, for history is too civically important an enterprise to be confined to ivory towers.
“I am grateful to His Royal Highness for this recognition, and to God and Great Britain for my good fortune.”
Sir Niall’s many prizes and awards include the 2009 GetAbstract International Book Award, the 2010 Benjamin Franklin Prize for Public Service, the 2012 Hayek Prize for Lifetime Achievement, and in 2018 he was awarded Columnist of the Year at the 2018 British Press Awards for his journalism.
He also holds honorary degrees from the University of Buckingham, Macquarie University in Australia and the Universidad Adolfo Ibanez in Chile.
To host Niall Ferguson for a speaking opportunity, contact [Worldwide Speakers Group](https://wwsg.com/contact-us).
**Categories:** Announcements
**Tags:** columnist, kissinger, scottist, sir, knighted, honor, Leader, history, achievement, journalism, Niall Ferguson, historian, geopolitics, award, bloomberg, author, finance, economy
---
### [Erika Ayers Badan, Former Barstool Sports CEO, Joins Worldwide Speakers Group](https://wwsg.com/announcements/erika-ayers-badan-former-barstool-sports-ceo-joins-worldwide-speakers-group/)
**Published:** January 24, 2024
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
[Worldwide Speakers Group](https://wwsg.com/) (WWSG) is proud to announce that former Chief Executive Officer of Barstool Sports, [Erika Ayers Badan](https://wwsg.com/speakers/erika-ayers-badan) (formerly Nardini) has joined their roster of global thought leaders. WWSG will facilitate Ayer Badan’s global speaking engagements exclusively.
“Erika represents the best of a new generation of leaders. She is fearless and bold, and yet very accessible. She runs toward the impossible and creates opportunities for everyone around her. Our customers around the world will benefit from the insights and reflections of such an accomplished CEO,” said WWSG President, Dan Sims.
Ranked one of the most influential executives in digital innovation, sports, entertainment, and lifestyle media, Erika Ayers Badan recently resigned from her position as CEO of Barstool Sports to pursue her next adventure. She published her first book, *Nobody Cares About Your Career: Why Failure Is Good, the Great Ones Play Hurt, and Other Hard Truths* with St. Martin’s Press in June of 2024. Since joining Barstool Sports in 2016, she transformed the organization from a regional blog to a national powerhouse operation leading to a 5,000% increase in overall revenue, making it one of the most innovative and successful internet media brands. Before joining Barstool, Ayers Badan held several leadership positions in media and technology at Microsoft, AOL, Demand Media, and Yahoo. She has been extensively recognized for her innovation in the industry, including being named one of *Forbes*’ Most Powerful Women in Sports amongst other achievements.
Ayers Badan’s public and keynote speaking topics include Nobody Cares About Your Career, a spinoff of her upcoming book offering relevant career advice in today’s complex work environment; women in leadership; scaling a business; branding, and other topics tailored to the objectives of global audiences.
Erika Ayers Badan speaking at a conference
The accomplished businesswoman joins several other high-profile thought leaders to sign with WWSG, including [Niall Ferguson](https://wwsg.com/speakers/niall-ferguson) (Renowned historian, author, and Emmy Award-winning filmmaker), [Mike Pence](https://wwsg.com/speakers/mike-pence) (48th Vice President of the United States), [Annie Leibovitz](https://wwsg.com/speakers/annie-leibovitz) (Iconic American photographer), [Paul Nicklen](https://wwsg.com/speakers/paul-nicklen) (Renowned National Geographic Photographer and conservation hero), [Sean Bratches](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sean-bratches) (Former Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing at ESPN), [Sara Fischer](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sara-fischer) (Founding member of *Axios* & media expert), [Chris Miller](https://wwsg.com/speakers/chris-miller) (Award-winning author), [Scott Gottlieb](https://wwsg.com/speakers/scott-gottlieb) (Physician and former FDA Commissioner), [Sanjay Gupta](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sanjay-gupta) (Neurosurgeon and CNN Chief Medical Correspondent), [David Frum](https://wwsg.com/speakers/david-frum) (High-profile political analyst, writer for *The Atlantic*), [Lloyd Blankfein](https://wwsg.com/speakers/lloyd-blankfein) (Senior Chairman of Goldman Sachs), and many more.
Worldwide Speakers Group operates on six continents representing an elite roster of global thought leaders, working with multinational financial services and healthcare organizations, trade associations, colleges and universities, and public lecture series to skillfully connect them with the world’s top speakers. For more information, visit [wwsg.com](https://wwsg.com/) or call (703) 373-WWSG (9974).
[ Contact Us for Erika’s Availability](https://wwsg.com/contact-us)
**Categories:** Announcements
**Tags:** female leader, thought leadership, career advice, personal growth, media expert, podcast host, career, ceo audiences, femail ceo, barstool sports, advertising, panel speakers, public speakers, scaling a business, growth, Keynote Speakers, Erika Ayers Badan, Leader, Branding, Marketing, Thought Leader, exclusive, leadership, CEO, announcement, media, WWSG, Authors, speakers
---
### [Adventure Speakers for National Great Outdoors Month](https://wwsg.com/blog/adventure-speakers-for-national-great-outdoors-month/)
**Published:** June 13, 2024
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
Every June, the United States celebrates National Great Outdoors Month. It’s a month-long recognition of the many benefits of spending time outdoors and exploring the beauty of parks, wildlife refuges, forests, and other natural treasures. The celebration started in 1998 as Great Outdoors Week under President Bill Clinton. It has grown in popularity ever since, with every president, Congress, and many states issuing proclamations designating June as Great Outdoors Month. There are many reasons your organization or institution should consider hosting adventure speakers for National Great Outdoors Month.
Worldwide Speakers Group is seasoned in procuring adventurers-turned-keynote speakers. For many reasons, these thought leaders prove to be captivating, inspiring figures. Here’s how you might describe them:
### Adventure speakers have a thrilling background:
- **Seasoned Explorers:** These speakers have a wealth of experience in pushing boundaries, sometimes even exploring the farthest reaches of the world… actually, we represent some amazing astronauts, too!
These speakers might be an accomplished mountaineer who has summited the highest peaks in the world ([Olga Koroleva](https://wwsg.com/speakers/olga-koroleva)), a fearless climber who’s ascended treacherous and jagged peaks without a harness ([Alex Honnold](https://wwsg.com/speakers/alex-honnold)), or a seasoned photographer who has patiently endured long waits at isolated corners of the world to capture “the shot” ([Paul Nicklen](https://wwsg.com/speakers/paul-nicklen)).
- **Compelling Stories:** Their talks are infused with gripping tales of their adventures. The audience can expect vivid descriptions of breathtaking landscapes, heart-stopping challenges, and the ingenuity required to overcome them.
### Adventurers are motivational powerhouses:
- **Resilience and Grit:** They’ve faced danger head-on and persevered through hardship. Their stories showcase the power of human resilience and the importance of grit in achieving goals.
- **Embrace of Challenge:** They inspire audiences to step outside their comfort zones and embrace challenges. Their message is one of pushing boundaries, taking calculated risks, and discovering the potential that lies within.
- **Connection to Nature:** Their adventures often highlight the beauty and fragility of the natural world. They may advocate for environmental conservation and encourage a deeper connection with nature.
### Adventure speakers deliver dynamic presentations:
- **Engaging Audiences:** They are a captivating storyteller, weaving their experiences into a powerful narrative that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats.
- **Visual Storytelling:** Their presentations might be enriched with stunning visuals – photographs, videos, or even artifacts from their journeys.
- **Actionable Insights:** They don’t just share stories; they translate their experiences into actionable takeaways. The audience walks away with concrete strategies to overcome their own challenges and live a more adventurous life.
Overall, an adventure keynote speaker is a powerful source of inspiration, motivating audiences to push their limits, embrace challenges, and forge a deeper connection with the world around them. If you’re looking for a motivational speaker or someone who has had an adventurous past, Worldwide Speakers Group can help you select the perfect speaker for your event.
#### Below are some of our favorite adventurers and motivational speakers, along with their recent accomplishments.
#### [Paul Nicklen](https://wwsg.com/speakers/paul-nicklen)
As demonstrated in his latest [guest blog post](https://wwsg.com/blog/paul-nicklen-born-to-run-the-sled-dogs-of-the-far-north/), Paul Nicklen is no stranger to the great outdoors. In fact, Nicklen thrives on nature and capturing its stories through his camera lens. On a recent assignment for National Geographic, he traveled back to where he grew up—northern Canada—and photographed an animal with massive endurance and resolve, the Greenlandic sled dog. In his thoughtful articles, Nicklen shares heartwarming experiences alongside devastating facts about climate change and its effect on ecosystems of all kinds. After reading his words, one can imagine how his in-person presentations have the ability to amplify and drive home these messages as audiences come face to face with Paul, his stories, and his powerful images.
#### [Olga Koroleva](https://wwsg.com/speakers/olga-koroleva)
In her [article for Fast Company](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/4-leadership-lessons-i-learned-by-climbing-the-worlds-tallest-mountains/), Olga Koroleva writes, “Without goals, we turn our everyday life into a collection of meaningless tasks and spontaneous moves that lead to burnouts.” Koroleva is a world class mountaineer who uses her climbing discipline in her business life and passes the knowledge forward through speaking engagements. Olga has completed over 40 expeditions, summiting the highest, the deadliest, and the hardest mountains on the planet: Mount Everest, Annapurna I, and K2. In addition to her accomplishments on the mountain, she is the founder and CEO of Capital Brain, a company that creates AI-run investment strategies to invest in real estate and public securities.
“When I speak to an audience of business executives, I encourage them to keep this system in mind, whenever they are working on a personal goal, or setting up a new venture, or solving a hard business issue.”
#### [Robert Ballard](https://wwsg.com/speakers/robert-ballard)
World-famous for his discovery of the *Titanic* and the *Bismark*, Robert Ballard is the man who made some of the most startling undersea discoveries. The skills that led to his headline-grabbing accomplishments are the same skills that now lead people from all walks of life toward a realization of their dreams. He recently published an article, [I discovered the wreck of the Titanic – but seeing these vents in the sea floor was far more exciting](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/i-discovered-the-wreck-of-the-titanic-but-seeing-these-vents-in-the-sea-floor-was-far-more-exciting/), which describes the expedition that led to the proof that life can exist in much more hostile environments than we thought, a discovery that “has led people to believe there is even more likely to be life elsewhere in our solar system.”
Dr. Ballard is the 2024 recipient of the Horatio Alger Award. He says, “I think my greatest legacy was not as a scientist, is not an an explorer, but but my ability to reach young people.” Through his speaking engagements, Ballard leads audiences on a journey to plumb some of history’s greatest mysteries. His adventurous spirit is matched by a practical and hugely successful approach to goal setting, team building, and execution.
#### [Cristina Mittermeier](https://wwsg.com/speakers/cristina-mittermeier)
Cristina Mittermeier is the founder of the International League of Conservation Photographers (ILCP) and co-founder of SeaLegacy. She is a seminal figure in the preservation of ecosystems and indigenous cultures worldwide. She has pioneered the genre of conservation photography, which seeks to capture the beauty of nature and to engage actively in its protection, fostering awareness and advocacy through visual storytelling. [Her latest book, ‘Hope,’](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/hope-the-new-book-by-cristina-mittermeier/) assembles a collection of photographs that inspire optimism for the environmental cause. The book features individuals and communities from the highlands of New Guinea to the Amazon’s depths, all of whom are dedicated to nurturing a harmonious relationship with the natural world. The same narrative is true of Cristina and her speaking engagements, which always include Cristina’s astounding visuals and dynamic storytelling.
#### [Tom Jones](https://wwsg.com/speakers/tom-jones)
Traveling to space may or may not qualify as appreciating the “great outdoors,” but no one can argue that it does not qualify as an adventure! Astronaut Tom Jones spent more than eleven years with NASA, during which he flew on four space shuttle missions to Earth orbit. In 2001, Dr. Jones led three spacewalks to install the centerpiece of the International Space Station, the American Destiny laboratory. He has spent fifty-three days working and living in space. His latest book, [Space Shuttle Stories](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/the-shuttle-astronauts-tell-all/), Dr. Jones shares some of the most dramatic and funniest tales from the thirty-year career of the space shuttle. The product of more than 130 astronaut interviews, the book details the human drama and adventure experienced by the 355 space fliers who flew this amazing spaceship. At speaking engagement, Tom describes the exceptional leadership and teamwork needed to succeed, in space and on Earth.
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**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** national great outdoors month, nasa, Dynamic, adventurer, exciting speakers, rock climber, high altitude, attitude, performance, adventure speakers, tom jones, summer speakers, speakers series, speaker series, storytellers, storyteller, robert ballard, titanic, biology, Science, Paul Nicklen, Cristina Mittermeier, motivational speaker, motivational speakers, photographer, Oceanography, mountaineer, olga koroleva, motivational, STEM, outdoors, June, Adventure, alex honnold, Resilience, astronaut
---
### [Paul Nicklen | Born to Run: The Sled Dogs of the Far North](https://wwsg.com/blog/paul-nicklen-born-to-run-the-sled-dogs-of-the-far-north/)
**Published:** June 12, 2024
**Author:** wpengine
**Content:**
*This is a guest post by WWSG exclusive speaker, [Paul Nicklen](https://wwsg.com/speakers/paul-nicklen).*
When I stepped off the plane on location for my next National Geographic assignment, I was immediately hit with a wave of nostalgia. It had been years since I left my hometown on Baffin Island in Canada’s far north, but the Arctic is the kind of place you can never truly leave. Years of traipsing through snow, thawing out by the stove, and spending polar nights watching the aurora borealis overhead has a way of sticking with you. The Arctic will always be a part of who I am. On this particular assignment, however, I was even further north of the Arctic circle in the frozen town of Qaanaaq—the last true stronghold of the Greenlandic sled dog. The next few weeks proved to be incredibly challenging, harrowing, and, at the same time, heartwarming thanks to the generosity of the Inuit and the extraordinary resilience of their canine companions.
‘Husky Huddle’ © Paul Nicklen photography
‘Dog Days of Winter’ © Paul Nicklen photography
#### ***The Furry Engines of Qaanaaq***
The sled dogs and huskies of the Arctic have a [long and convoluted history](https://paulnicklen.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=8d9dedf8133b767d79460f0d1&id=96fdf20dfc&e=cd946fdb5e). While Siberian huskies have their roots in Siberia, their Alaskan counterparts originated from the Mahlemut Inuit people of Alaska. The sled dogs of Greenland, on the other hand, have their own history stemming from early Arctic cultures like the Thule. Unlike their sleeker, faster counterparts, these dogs were built for endurance and survival, eventually giving rise to Qaanaaq’s barely-tamed packs of hardy nomads. In the realm of the northernmost human settlements on Earth, few animals rival the adaptability of the Greenlandic sled dog.
Situated a little over 800 miles from the North Pole, Qaanaaq’s population is a little over 600 with far more dogs than people. Most of the assignment took place in the sleepy, snow-covered town where we had the privilege of meeting and interviewing some of the greatest navigators and survivalists in the world. It was a rare opportunity to glimpse an older, more traditional way of life. In most of today’s northern towns, sled dogs are no longer a staple form of transport. Even within my hometown on Baffin Island, the sounds of combustion engines regularly shattered the still Arctic air. Qaanaaq, by contrast, was almost eerily silent. Motors tend to displace the wildlife that the Inuit depend on to survive, making sled dogs a much more strategic and dependable option.
‘Frozen Highway’ ‘Husky Huddle’ © Paul Nicklen photography
Hunter Hunter Naimanngitsoq Kristiansen with his team of sled dogs. Built like tiny polar bears, the dogs had a raw kind of power and energy to them, heeding only the call of their musher. Their relationship with the Inuit is an ancient alliance based on trust, loyalty, and discipline – a partnership between species forged to overcome some of the harshest conditions on Earth.
‘Wise Pack’ ‘Husky Huddle’ © Paul Nicklen photography
Greenlandic sled dogs must be strong, intelligent, focused, courageous, and capable of protecting a hunter as they venture out onto the sea ice.
#### ***Journey to the Floe Edge***
 
Finally, after making the necessary preparations, our team was ready to join a group of Inuit hunters setting out on a three day journey to the sea’s floe edge by *qamutiik* or sled. Each year as the ice recedes a little faster, the window to secure seals and other sources of food for the isolated community grows shorter. Racing against time and the elements, we chased the pale orb of the midnight sun over the vanishing sheet of sea ice, braving blizzards and treacherously thin patches.
Even when loaded down with food, supplies, and camping equipment, *qamutiiks* can reach extremely high speeds. If a driver loses control of their team, they would face the unlikely proposition of surviving a dark winter night on the sea ice in minus forty-degree weather. Well-trained dogs are the last line of defense when one slip-up is the difference between life and death. Moreover, warming temperatures have heightened the risk by making travel over ice more perilous than ever. We learned this the hard way about halfway through the journey when, in one heart-stopping second, a team running ahead of us suddenly vanished after hitting a deceptively thin patch of ice.
Thankfully, the hunters sprang into action and quickly rescued all but one of the dogs in what is becoming a more common and tragic occurrence on the ice. Remote and isolated, the Inuit have long depended on healthy sea ice to travel and secure food. Their culture, heritage, and safety, as well as the safety of their trusted canines, are all silently eroding along with the disappearing ice.
 
####
#### **Cold Hands, Warm Hearts**
The residents of Qaanaaq, both people and dogs, have their fair share of challenges to navigate in the Arctic’s rapidly changing landscape. Some things, however, will always remain constant. Throughout Inuit culture, there is a pervasive ethos of quiet and kind hospitality that surpasses all boundaries and transcends language barriers. It seems the people with the warmest hearts tend to come from the coldest places, a truth I have cherished since childhood when I was welcomed into the homes of my Inuit neighbors. I will always be grateful for the time I have spent learning from the true masters of the northern realms and hope sharing their story will inspire change for a better future.
With immense gratitude,
[ See More of Paul’s Arctic Photography](https://paulnicklen.com/arctic/)
[ See Paul’s Full Limited Edition Collection](https://paulnicklen.com/fine-art/)
[](https://paulnicklen.com/fineart/a-mothers-universe/) [](https://paulnicklen.com/fineart/home-ice-advantage/) [](https://paulnicklen.com/fineart/celestial-dance/) [](https://paulnicklen.com/fineart/killer-tension/)
[ Contact Us to Book Paul Nicklen](https://wwsg.com/contact-us/)
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** arctic, nat geo, canadian, adventurer, husky, Thought Leader, Adventure, speaker, National Geographic, huskies, canada, Wildlife, Keynote Speaker, motivational speaker, Photography, Paul Nicklen
---
### [What Meeting Planners Need to Know About Coronavirus](https://wwsg.com/blog/what-meeting-planners-need-to-know-about-coronavirus/)
**Published:** January 28, 2020
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Matters have severely escalated in China.
On Monday, it was confirmed that the death toll from the coronavirus has risen to 82 and the number of people infected by the virus still continues to grow. As of now, the majority of cases confirmed are still primarily located in China’s mainland, but the possibility of it spreading to other countries is becoming a real threat.
Countries like the United States, Australia and Japan have already started reporting cases of their own. If reports like these continue, a number of verticals will be affected, including the meetings and events industry. That is why it is important for meeting planners to be aware of the current situation and include precautionary steps throughout their planning process.
WWSG Exclusive speaker and multiple Emmy-award winning Chief Medical Correspondent for [CNN](https://www.cnn.com/profiles/sanjay-gupta-profile) [Dr. Sanjay Gupta](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sanjay-gupta/), has been actively providing updates about this particular coronavirus outbreak since it began in Wuhan, China back in December 2019. For those who are not familiar, the coronavirus is a large group of viruses common among many species of animals and even humans. The virus is able to jump from animal to human and then in rare cases from human to human. It is believed that is what ultimately led to the current outbreak.
To date, there have only been two other coronaviruses that have been known to be deadly. The Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) outbreak, which happened in 2002-2003, took several months to be reported to the World Health Organization ([WHO](https://www.who.int/)). The entire outbreak lasted around six months and resulted in over 8,000 reported cases and 774 deaths. The Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) outbreak took place years later and was first reported in Saudi Arabia in September 2012. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ([CDC](https://www.cdc.gov/)) 3 or 4 out of every 10 patients reported with MERS died.
Symptoms linked to the coronavirus virus include a runny nose, cough, sore throat, headache, and fever. These symptoms typically can last for a number of days. Those infected who already have weakened immune systems are more prone to experiencing more serious respiratory illnesses like ammonia or bronchitis. Since the Wuhan coronavirus is still in its early stages, it is not very clear when a person is contagious or how quickly one experiences symptoms. However, it is believed that human-to-human transmission occurs within 3 feet of the infected person.
There is currently no vaccine to prevent or treat the coronavirus. However, the National Institute of Health ([NIH](https://www.nih.gov/)) is working towards developing a vaccine that may help. Scientists are planning to at least put the new vaccine through a phase 1 of tests to determine if it is safe to administer to patients. Dr. Sanjay Gupta believes this vaccine may not go through any additional phases of testing and will be expedited since there is an immediate need.
In the meantime, Chinese officials are taking action to help contain the current outbreak. Along with suspending public transportation in Wuhan, a number of cities including: Wuhan, Ezhou, Huanggang, Chibi, Qianjiang, Zhijiang, Jingmen and Xiantao are on lockdown. Companies are also beginning to follow suit and close their doors. Major United States’ companies, like Disney, McDonald’s and Starbucks, with significant markets in China have suspended operations.
At Worldwide Speakers Group, we too have taken action to ensure that we do not have any events planned in the infected regions. Many other organizations have also been proactively making changes to their event itineraries as a result until things improve.
To learn more about what Dr. Sanjay Gupta and other speakers in medicine and health have to say about the coronavirus please visit our [full speaker list](https://wwsg.com/speaker-search/?speaker_topic_lists=healthcare-and-wellness) and Dr. Gupta’s speaker[ page](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sanjay-gupta/).
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** Sanjay Gupta, Medical Speakers, Healthcare Speakers, Coronavirus, Event Planning, event planner tips
---
### [WWSG Celebrates the 71st Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights](https://wwsg.com/blog/wwsg-celebrates-the-71st-anniversary-of-the-universal-declaration-of-human-rights/)
**Published:** December 10, 2019
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Human Rights Day is observed by the international community every year on December 10th. It commemorates the day in 1948 when the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. A milestone document proclaiming the inalienable rights that everyone is inherently entitled to as a human being regardless of race, religion, sex, language, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status.
It’s important for all organizations and [**businesses** ](https://wwsg.com/speaker-search/?speaker_topic_lists=government-and-politics)worldwide to recognize their rights and understand that everyone is entitled to their basic inherent human rights. Hearing from expert[ **keynote speakers**](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/) who have committed themselves to advocating for fair and equal treatment of all citizens is one way to expand and identify the undeniable record of human rights abuses and what protection/justice governments and organizations owe their people. These leaders expertly share their knowledge with the goal of spreading awareness about some of the worlds most marginalized communities and vulnerable citizens who face abuses such as crimes against [**women**](https://wwsg.com/speaker-search/?speaker_topic_lists=leading-women), human trafficking, [**political**](https://wwsg.com/speaker-search/?speaker_topic_lists=government-and-politics) upheaval and the impact of extreme Islam.
WWSG is home to some incredible human rights activists who are dedicated to [positive impact ](https://wwsg.com/citizenship/)and inspirational stories we can all learn from and aspire too.
[**Ayaan Hirsi Ali**,](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ayaan-hirsi-ali/) a former Muslim, has gained an international following speaking and writing about what she believes to be the inherently violent nature of Islam and its subjugation and abuse of women. Named one of TIME Magazine’s “100 Most Influential People” of 2005, one of the Glamour Heroes of 2005 and Reader’s Digest‘s European of the Year for 2005, Ayaan Hirsi Ali is a true and sincere advocate to the fight against violence to women and young girls.
[**Annie Leibovitz**](https://wwsg.com/speakers/annie-leibovitz/), one of the most high-profile celebrity photographers in the world. Leibovitz has shot some of the most iconic celebrity images of the last 30 years – in the shape of world leaders, moguls, movie stars and musicians. Over her illustrious career, Leibovitz has made it her mission to champion powerful women. Most famously with “Women: New Portraits,” for which Leibovitz photographed various women of outstanding achievement. Featuring CEOs, politicians, writers, philanthropists, and artists who continue to blaze a trail towards gender equality, Annie’s focus brings attention to the most inspiring women on the planet.
[**DeMauirce Smith**](https://wwsg.com/speakers/demaurice-smith/), the Executive Director of the National Football League Players Association (NFLPA). During his time with the National Football League, Smith fought for a universal declaration of player rights that established a new approach to governing sports and protecting athletes. The declaration made by the World Players Association was meant to remind everyone that where we start in this process is the men and women who play sports did not choose to give up the basic human rights that we would want for every worker.
[**Laura Ling**](https://wwsg.com/speakers/laura-ling/), a correspondent reporting on crucial issues from around the world. She has reported from dozens of countries and has covered subjects including slave labor in the Amazon, Mexico’s drug war, Internet censorship in China, and women’s rights in Turkey. In March 2009, while reporting on the trafficking of North Korean women, Ling was detained by North Korean soldiers along the Chinese-North Korean border. She and her colleague Euna Lee were arrested and held captive in North Korea for 140 days before being granted a special pardon and returning to the United States. She has since sought to shine a light on the issue of trafficked women as well as to bring greater attention to the plight of other imprisoned journalists around the world.
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** Keynote Speakers, Ayaan Hirsi Ali, Human Rights, Annie Leibovitz, Political Speakers, DeMaurice Smith, Women Speakers, Women Activist Speakers, Activist, Human Rights Speakers, Laura Ling
---
### [Three C's to Consider when Hiring a Speaker](https://wwsg.com/blog/three-cs-to-consider-when-hiring-a-speaker/)
**Published:** October 22, 2019
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Why hire a professional speaker? While influencing and empowering your audience becomes more important as the world becomes more connected, in a digital first economy, your words can be heard in almost any moment your audience desires. Whether its via telepresence, podcasts, MOOCs, webinars and video, content can be streamed or viewed in any country. The real difference is being heard vs. being engaged. While engagement on a device has a role, it comes with the risk of many distractions, interruptions and competition for attention. For this reason, hiring a trained and experienced thought leader remains the most powerful way to inspire and completely engage organizations and audiences.
Public speaking is viewed as an art form as keynotes, speeches, debates, fireside chats and moderated talks have the power to motivate, educate and empower audiences. Speakers with remarkable knowledge and passion can leave an impression on individuals that may continue to inspire long after the event has ended. A speaker is viewed as a change agent, they motivate tangible and direct action. Hosts energize their event through thought leaders that align with their principles and objectives and deliver an experience that reflects their goals. While the average professional speech is about one hour, that one hour has the power to change the dynamics and legacy of an event and positively engage action of an entire organization.
As you look to [hire a speaker](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/) these are the “three C’s” to consider:
**Content**
Providing relevant content for an event is essential for success. As professional speakers are experts in their field, they have the relevant content and expertise, timing and tone to engage an audience, maintain the crowd’s confidence and tailor the message to specifically align to an organization’s philosophy and mission. They know what prep work is required to strengthen their targeted message and what to expect…easily pivoting to keep audiences engaged and delivering perfect content that parallels the event’s theme.
**Cost**
A well-known speaker may seem costly at first and you may initially wonder if the fee is justified. Depending on the speaker’s experience, the length of the event, or the audience size, fees can vary widely. Pinpointing the right professional speaker for your event requires a partnership that includes a professional Speaker’s Bureau to help facilitate the perfect partnership with a well-known thought leader. Remember to think of a speaker’s notoriety as an asset. This notoriety helps with filling seats and expanding your brand’s reach and increasing your event’s ROI.
**Confidence**
Lastly, confidence is key. Confidence is driven through the Speaker’s Bureau that you work with. Experience, ability and the connections to find the perfect speaker to work within your organization’s event parameters is paramount. That then drives confidence that the thought leader will work in concert with your goals to deliver a memorable event. And most importantly, the confidence that your audience will be engaged and leave your event feeling motivated, educated, inspired, and satisfied with the fulfilling experience your event promised to give.
[ Contact Us](https://wwsg.com/contact-us/)
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** public speaking, Thought Leaders, How to Hire a Keynote Speaker, Event Planning, event planner tips, Tips for Keynote Speakers
---
### [A Professional Speakers Agency is the Key to your Event Success](https://wwsg.com/blog/a-professional-speakers-agency-is-the-key-to-your-event-success/)
**Published:** November 26, 2019
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
The behind-the-scenes logistics to make an event successful are always too numerous to list, but some of the key success drivers are selecting the right venue and high profile motivational keynote/panelist speakers for achieving your organization’s goals.
Art Mollenhauer, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metropolitan, Chicago shared what he thought was a unique challenge. The marketplace in the Chicago area is saturated with Gala and Speaker events yet his Board and Donor network had lined up potentially 150 C-Level Executives if the right speaker could be selected to draw that VIP crowd. Mollenhauer shared with us “a key ingredient for success is the selection of the right Speakers Agency who will invest the time and innovation to make this work.”
This particular event, the Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management in downtown Chicago was chosen, to provide easy access and an intimate setting for networking. A high-profile speaker known for speaking selectively was targeted to create implicit value – and [Henry Paulson](https://wwsg.com/speakers/henry-m-paulson-jr/) was featured for this year’s event. The result, a huge draw of a C-level audience attendees, a transfer of vast amounts of high level thought leadership from the [Finance Speaker,](https://wwsg.com/speaker-search/?speaker_topic_lists=economy) tremendous networking opportunity for the guests, and an extremely high ROI for all participants made this event a huge success.
An event like the above is an example of a function that is viewed by many organizations to be the equivalent of their “Super Bowl,” investing a tremendous amount of time, energy and resources towards making a particular event a great triumph.
It is very important to remember that as a great strategic partner, the professional speaker agency can help you achieve perfect execution and the right strategy to achieve that high level of success. It sounds simple yet there are hundreds of small details that can often derail an event. We often say “Get the ‘Big Picture’ items right and the small details will more easily fall in-line.” That means getting the strategy, venue, date and speaker right are a solid beginning.
But here’s something we’re hearing increasingly more often.
It is often the “non-traditional sessions” that can also generate high return on investment. A prime example is a large, global financial group shared that the speaker we selected was perfect and yielded huge returns through the traditional audience event they did. But they shared the private (ten top customers) roundtable discussion we orchestrated was worth 3-5x what they paid for the speech. A top-notch agency is going to know how to create a “win-win” situation that keeps yielding results year-round.
A professional Speaker Agency[ booking](https://info.wwsg.com/talk-to-sales) hundreds of worldwide events each year will just intuitively see these types of opportunities for their clients.
Often times a speaker of high notoriety will fill audience seats to capacity and an entertainer or celebrity can assist to fuel marketing and fundraising year-round. The right speaker can also lift the client’s brand and its awareness by associating that great speaker to your organization, institution or cause. There are many paths to consider when creating a successful event and no one path is going to work for all organizations.
This is not the time to take unwanted chances, partnering with professionals who know the world of professional speaking can help to [guide you](https://info.wwsg.com/blog/three-cs-to-consider-when-hiring-a-speaker) to event success.
[ Contact WWSG](https://wwsg.com/contact-us/)
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** Henry M. Paulson, Jr., Hank Paulson, Speaker Strategy, speaker bureau, Event Planning, Finance Keynote Speakers, Finance Speakers, event planner tips
---
### [Worldwide Speakers Group Honored as Best Places to Work in Virginia 2020](https://wwsg.com/blog/worldwide-speakers-group-honored-as-best-places-to-work-in-virginia-2020/)
**Published:** December 3, 2019
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
ALEXANDRIA, Va.–Worldwide Speakers Group (WWSG), one of the fastest-growing and most innovative lecture agencies in the world, announced that it was named one of [***2020’s Best Places to Work in Virginia!*** ](https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20191203005008/en/Worldwide-Speakers-Group-Honored-Places-Work-Virginia)by Virginia Business and Best Companies Group.
“We are honored to be named one of the ‘Best Places to Work’ in Virginia. Our employees’ opinions matter to us and we strive to work as a cohesive team that respects and trusts one another,” said [Bob Thomas](https://wwsg.com/who-we-are/our-people/), chief executive officer at WWSG.
[Daniel Sims](https://wwsg.com/who-we-are/our-people/), principal at WWSG added: “Our employees are critical to providing superior services for our clients; their events; and to our elite roster of speakers. We take great pride in creating an environment for employees to thrive and are thankful for the hard work, integrity and core values that make up our team.”
By providing distinctive performance and innovative solutions for the global lecture and speaker industry, WWSG attracts the best talent in the industry. WWSG provides concierge style services to its speakers and customers and is committed to creating superior events that embolden audiences with transformative ideas.
The [Virginia Best Places to Work](https://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bestplacestoworkva.com&esheet=52134535&newsitemid=20191203005008&lan=en-US&anchor=Virginia+Best+Places+to+Work&index=1&md5=151bdb05065db852e701daad79e021bc) survey and awards program is dedicated to identifying and recognizing the area’s best employers. Hundreds of companies participate in an annual employee engagement survey. The results are quantitative and based on survey responses from the employees themselves. The top-rated companies in three size categories — small, medium, large— receive the Best Places to Work in Virginia distinction.
The Best Places to Work in Virginia will announce the rankings of this year’s finalists during their awards ceremony at the Boar’s Head Inn in Charlottesville on January 30, 2020.
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** speaker bureau, Lecture Agency, Best Places to Work, Awards, Best Company
---
### [May is Mental Health Awareness Month](https://wwsg.com/blog/may-is-mental-health-awareness-month/)
**Published:** May 5, 2021
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
This year’s Mental Health Awareness message is “You Are Not Alone.”
Now more than ever, we need to embrace the healing value of connecting in safe ways and prioritizing mental health. We need to create a world where no one feels alone in their struggle. Through acknowledgment, open discussion, and public messaging, we can help those affected feel supported and receive the quality care they deserve to live healthy, fulfilling lives.
It is also high time to shed light on the research and dedication global thought leaders have given to the “ingredients” of happiness. With expert knowledge and experience in psychological, physiological, or cultural elements, they aim to educate and motivate audiences to lead fulfilling and successful lives.
Worldwide Speakers Group can connect you with influential keynote speakers to inspire your audience. For recommendations or more information, [Contact Us](https://wwsg.com/contact?utm_campaign=New%20WWSG%20Exclusive%20Speaker%20Announcement&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8dHBYfu27MsPdYUv2D5U0diybFPYCO2SQyeG7Z38xMBvA0PpzXu8IVblY_cbn49-R67YCi).
Some of Our Favorites…
[Karen Pence](https://wwsg.com/speakers/karen-pence?utm_campaign=New%20WWSG%20Exclusive%20Speaker%20Announcement&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8dHBYfu27MsPdYUv2D5U0diybFPYCO2SQyeG7Z38xMBvA0PpzXu8IVblY_cbn49-R67YCi)’s charismatic speeches highlight her unique experiences as the Second Lady of the United States and First Lady of Indiana. Her remarks illustrate the passion and dedication she feels towards art therapy awareness and to the sacrifices made by military service members and their families. Karen Pence was the lead ambassador for the President’s Roadmap to Empower Veterans and End a National Tragedy of Suicide (PREVENTS) task force. [View Speaker Page >>](https://wwsg.com/speakers/karen-pence?utm_campaign=New%20WWSG%20Exclusive%20Speaker%20Announcement&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8dHBYfu27MsPdYUv2D5U0diybFPYCO2SQyeG7Z38xMBvA0PpzXu8IVblY_cbn49-R67YCi)
Millions of loyal viewers know him as [Dr. Sanjay Gupta](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sanjay-gupta/?utm_campaign=New%20WWSG%20Exclusive%20Speaker%20Announcement&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8dHBYfu27MsPdYUv2D5U0diybFPYCO2SQyeG7Z38xMBvA0PpzXu8IVblY_cbn49-R67YCi), the multiple Emmy-award winning Chief Medical Correspondent for CNN and the go-to authority for major developments in medicine, personal health, and health care. Dr. Gupta is a practicing neurosurgeon who is passionate about inspiring Americans to lead healthier, more active lives. Gupta’s most recent book, *Keep Sharp: Build a Better Brain at Any Age*, published in early 2021 and was an instant best-seller. [View Speaker Page >>](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sanjay-gupta/?utm_campaign=New%20WWSG%20Exclusive%20Speaker%20Announcement&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8dHBYfu27MsPdYUv2D5U0diybFPYCO2SQyeG7Z38xMBvA0PpzXu8IVblY_cbn49-R67YCi)
In one of his moving and informative speech topics, Dr. [Robert Redfield](https://wwsg.com/speakers/robert-redfield?utm_campaign=New%20WWSG%20Exclusive%20Speaker%20Announcement&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8dHBYfu27MsPdYUv2D5U0diybFPYCO2SQyeG7Z38xMBvA0PpzXu8IVblY_cbn49-R67YCi) uses personal anecdotes to illustrate the harms of stigma towards drug use disorders on society, while sharing his uplifting knowledge of the science that will make a cure possible in the near future. Dr. Redfield addresses how the effect of silence as a component to drug use disorder stigma has a great effect on public health as a whole, affecting our capacity to effectively communicate and educate. Redfield assures audiences that with science, there will be a cure. [View Speaker Page >>](https://wwsg.com/speakers/robert-redfield?utm_campaign=New%20WWSG%20Exclusive%20Speaker%20Announcement&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8dHBYfu27MsPdYUv2D5U0diybFPYCO2SQyeG7Z38xMBvA0PpzXu8IVblY_cbn49-R67YCi)
[Tali Sharot](https://wwsg.com/speakers/tali-sharot/?utm_campaign=New%20WWSG%20Exclusive%20Speaker%20Announcement&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8dHBYfu27MsPdYUv2D5U0diybFPYCO2SQyeG7Z38xMBvA0PpzXu8IVblY_cbn49-R67YCi) is a leading expert on human decision-making, optimism, and emotion. A neuroscientist by trade, Sharot combines research in psychology, behavioral economics, and neuroscience to reveal the forces that shape our decisions, beliefs, and inaccurate expectations of the future and how those can be altered or sustained. [View Speaker Page >>](https://wwsg.com/speakers/tali-sharot/?utm_campaign=New%20WWSG%20Exclusive%20Speaker%20Announcement&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8dHBYfu27MsPdYUv2D5U0diybFPYCO2SQyeG7Z38xMBvA0PpzXu8IVblY_cbn49-R67YCi)
New York Times best-selling author and world-renowned explorer [Dan Buettner](https://wwsg.com/speakers/dan-buettner/?utm_campaign=New%20WWSG%20Exclusive%20Speaker%20Announcement&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8dHBYfu27MsPdYUv2D5U0diybFPYCO2SQyeG7Z38xMBvA0PpzXu8IVblY_cbn49-R67YCi) uncovers the secrets to a longer, healthier, and happier life. As a National Geographic writer, Buettner has traveled the globe to uncover the best strategies for longevity, wellness, and happiness. His work focuses on three goals: identifying locations where higher percentages of people enjoy remarkably long lives, a global study on the keys to personal happiness, and recreating the healthiest cities and workplaces by incorporating these lifestyle secrets on wellbeing. [View Speaker Page >>](https://wwsg.com/speakers/dan-buettner/?utm_campaign=New%20WWSG%20Exclusive%20Speaker%20Announcement&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8dHBYfu27MsPdYUv2D5U0diybFPYCO2SQyeG7Z38xMBvA0PpzXu8IVblY_cbn49-R67YCi)
[Shawn Achor](https://wwsg.com/speakers/shawn-achor/?utm_campaign=New%20WWSG%20Exclusive%20Speaker%20Announcement&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8dHBYfu27MsPdYUv2D5U0diybFPYCO2SQyeG7Z38xMBvA0PpzXu8IVblY_cbn49-R67YCi)‘s popular speech topic, *The Ripple Effect: How to Make Positive Change Easier,* explains that common sense is not common action. This is because information does not necessarily cause transformation because we require a certain level of “activation energy” to start a change. Shawn’s research in the field of positive psychology has revealed how changes in our own brain due to mindset and behavior can have a ripple effect to a team and an entire organization. [View Speaker Page >>](https://wwsg.com/speakers/shawn-achor/?utm_campaign=New%20WWSG%20Exclusive%20Speaker%20Announcement&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8dHBYfu27MsPdYUv2D5U0diybFPYCO2SQyeG7Z38xMBvA0PpzXu8IVblY_cbn49-R67YCi)
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** female keynote speaker, Women Keynote Speakers, Heathcare Speakers, Healthcare Speakers, motivational speaker, motivational speakers, top motivational speakers, best women speakers, Personal Development, personal development speakers, Motivational Female Speakers, Mental Health, Mental Health Speakers
---
### [WWSG Favorites: Summer Reading & Listening](https://wwsg.com/blog/wwsg-favorites-summer-reading-listening/)
**Published:** June 3, 2021
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
## *“Formal education will make you a living; self-education will make you a fortune.”* –Jim Rohn
Relaxation can have many forms, like staying comfortable at home, heading to the beach or mountains, or simply enjoying a solo lunch at your favorite restaurant. The inspiring thought leaders of Worldwide Speakers Group have published numerous books and podcasts that are both thought-provoking and entertaining. Whatever your relaxation process is, you can add value and insight to your summer with the media suggestions below.
[Find A Speaker >>](https://wwsg.com/speaker-search/?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9N2e_ojUnWmGOimUoQd3HEx-MC-Y6pTum_oZoA5i3GQ-xAYnk8yf9Wu3nNGzIOIy3YaE_y)
---
[**The Ayaan Hirsi Ali Podcast**](https://ayaanhirsiali.com/podcasts/?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9N2e_ojUnWmGOimUoQd3HEx-MC-Y6pTum_oZoA5i3GQ-xAYnk8yf9Wu3nNGzIOIy3YaE_y)
*Renowned Political Leader; National Security Expert; Human Rights Advocate and Islam Reformist; Best-Selling Author*
Recent Episode: Ayaan talks with Michael Shermer about the hijacking of the scientific method, science being used as a political tool, vaccine hesitancy, and more. Michael Shermer is the Founding Publisher of *Skeptic* magazine, the host of *The Michael Shermer Show*, and a Presidential Fellow at Chapman University where he teaches Skepticism 101.
[Ayaan Hirsi Ali’s Speaker Page >>](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ayaan-hirsi-ali/?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9N2e_ojUnWmGOimUoQd3HEx-MC-Y6pTum_oZoA5i3GQ-xAYnk8yf9Wu3nNGzIOIy3YaE_y)
[**Lady Carnarvon’s Blog**](https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/blog?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9N2e_ojUnWmGOimUoQd3HEx-MC-Y6pTum_oZoA5i3GQ-xAYnk8yf9Wu3nNGzIOIy3YaE_y)
*The Countess of Carnarvon of Highclere Castle; Author*
Lady Carnarvon’s blog shares anecdotes from her everyday life at Highclere Castle. Geordie and Lady Carnarvon accepted the enormous privilege and pleasure of taking care of the iconic building in 2001. These days, it’s better known as the setting for the popular television program and film *Downton Abbey,* which has made it one of the most recognizable houses in the world.
[Fiona Carnarvon’s Speaker Page >>](https://wwsg.com/speakers/fiona-carnarvon/?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9N2e_ojUnWmGOimUoQd3HEx-MC-Y6pTum_oZoA5i3GQ-xAYnk8yf9Wu3nNGzIOIy3YaE_y)
**[Big Little Breakthroughs by Josh Linkner](https://www.amazon.com/Big-Little-Breakthroughs-Innovations-Oversized/dp/1642936774?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_un8xJJ4WSiLrnoZoEtA5RND5orKyQB_7dK4oc4tiY3NoCO7z5qe5Thgi73GyKx4RrldgB)**
*Tech Entrepreneur; Hyper-Growth CEO; NYT Best-Selling Author; Venture Capitalist; Keynote Speaker*
The pressure to generate big ideas can feel overwhelming. Instead of shooting for a $10 billion IPO or a Nobel Prize, the most prolific innovators focus instead on “big little breakthroughs”–small, creative acts that unlock massive rewards over time. By building a daily habit of creativity, leaders and organizations not only enjoy a high volume of small wins, but also the daily practice of micro-innovations.
[Josh Linkner’s Speaker Page >>](https://wwsg.com/speakers/josh-linkner)
[**Chasing Life with Sanjay Gupta (Podcast)**](https://www.cnn.com/audio/podcasts/chasing-life?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9N2e_ojUnWmGOimUoQd3HEx-MC-Y6pTum_oZoA5i3GQ-xAYnk8yf9Wu3nNGzIOIy3YaE_y)
*Chief Medical Correspondent, CNN; Multiple Award-Winning Journalist, Author and Neurosurgeon*
For the first time in more than a year, many of us are ready to imagine the next chapter of our lives. Dr. Sanjay Gupta is on a mission to help us approach our new normal mindfully, finding a balance between self-care and productivity, and talking to doctors and researchers about the surprising science behind how we can thrive. It’s time to chase life again.
[Sanjay Gupta’s Speaker Page >>](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sanjay-gupta/?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9N2e_ojUnWmGOimUoQd3HEx-MC-Y6pTum_oZoA5i3GQ-xAYnk8yf9Wu3nNGzIOIy3YaE_y)
[**DOOM: The Politics of Catastrophe by Niall Ferguson**](https://www.amazon.com/Doom-Politics-Catastrophe-Niall-Ferguson/dp/0593297377?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9N2e_ojUnWmGOimUoQd3HEx-MC-Y6pTum_oZoA5i3GQ-xAYnk8yf9Wu3nNGzIOIy3YaE_y)
*Milbank Family Senior Fellow, Hoover Institution at Stanford University; Senior Faculty Fellow, Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs at Harvard; Historian; Visionary; Author; Emmy-Winning Filmmaker*
Setting the annus horribilis of 2020 in historical perspective, Niall Ferguson explains why we are getting worse, not better, at handling disasters.
[Niall Ferguson’s Speaker Page >>](https://wwsg.com/speakers/niall-ferguson/?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9N2e_ojUnWmGOimUoQd3HEx-MC-Y6pTum_oZoA5i3GQ-xAYnk8yf9Wu3nNGzIOIy3YaE_y)
[GoodFellows: Conversations from the Hoover Institution](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/goodfellows-conversations-from-the-hoover-institution/id1505855709?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9N2e_ojUnWmGOimUoQd3HEx-MC-Y6pTum_oZoA5i3GQ-xAYnk8yf9Wu3nNGzIOIy3YaE_y) with Niall Ferguson
*Milbank Family Senior Fellow, Hoover Institution at Stanford University; Historian; Visionary; Author*
Recent Episode: Does elite thinking about the Black experience in America, as expressed via the teaching of critical race theory and the 1619 Project, benefit the descendants of slavery? Glenn Loury, a Hoover Institution distinguished visiting fellow and Brown University economist who writes frequently on racial inequality, joins Hoover senior fellows to discuss the historical and economic arcs of race in America.
[Niall Ferguson’s Speaker Page >>](https://wwsg.com/speakers/niall-ferguson/?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9N2e_ojUnWmGOimUoQd3HEx-MC-Y6pTum_oZoA5i3GQ-xAYnk8yf9Wu3nNGzIOIy3YaE_y)
[Newt’s World Podcast](https://www.gingrich360.com/productions/podcast/?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9N2e_ojUnWmGOimUoQd3HEx-MC-Y6pTum_oZoA5i3GQ-xAYnk8yf9Wu3nNGzIOIy3YaE_y)
*Distinguished World Leader, Powerful Visionary & Political Vanguard; 2012 Republican Presidential Candidate; Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives (1995-1999)*
Recent Episode: In our Memorial Day episode, we honor those men and women who gave their life in service to our country to protect our freedoms. Newt’s guest is Pete Hegseth, a true American patriot. He served in the Army National Guard for two decades. He’s a proud son of Minnesota, the author of *American Crusade: Our Fight to Stay Free* and Fox and Friends weekend co-host.
[Newt Gingrich’s Speaker Page >>](https://wwsg.com/speakers/newt-gingrich/?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9N2e_ojUnWmGOimUoQd3HEx-MC-Y6pTum_oZoA5i3GQ-xAYnk8yf9Wu3nNGzIOIy3YaE_y)
[**Straight Talk with Hank Paulson**](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/straight-talk-with-hank-paulson/id1526872168?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9N2e_ojUnWmGOimUoQd3HEx-MC-Y6pTum_oZoA5i3GQ-xAYnk8yf9Wu3nNGzIOIy3YaE_y)
*Chairman, The Paulson Institute; Secretary of the Treasury, 2006-2009; Former Chairman and CEO, Goldman Sachs*
Recent Episode: Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, Managing Director and Group CEO of Mubadala, joins Hank to discuss how UAE has developed over its first 50 years and where the country is headed in the next 50, investing in the future of the UAE through Mubadala, how UAE is working to meet the climate change threat, the strength of the US-UAE relationship and how UAE is approaching its relationship with China, and what he’s learned while leading Manchester City Football Club.
[Henry Paulson’s Speaker Page >>](https://wwsg.com/speakers/henry-m-paulson-jr/?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9N2e_ojUnWmGOimUoQd3HEx-MC-Y6pTum_oZoA5i3GQ-xAYnk8yf9Wu3nNGzIOIy3YaE_y)
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** Henry M. Paulson, Jr., Hank Paulson, Female Keynote Speakers, Newt Gingrich, Sanjay Gupta, Sanjay Gupta speech, Ayaan Hirsi Ali, Sanjay Gupta keynoter, josh linkner, Lady Carnarvon, Niall Ferguson
---
### [Speakers in Honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month](https://wwsg.com/blog/speakers-in-honor-of-asian-american-and-pacific-islander-heritage-month/)
**Published:** May 25, 2021
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, so it’s only fitting to highlight the voices of some of the AAPI thought leaders WWSG represents. We are proud to give visibility to the valuable insights these accomplished leaders can offer global audiences!
---
##### [](https://wwsg.com/speakers/shubham-banerjee/)[Shubham Banerjee](https://wwsg.com/speakers/shubham-banerjee/)
Shubham Banerjee’s startup, Braigo Labs, has received an undisclosed investment amount from Intel Capital, which may make him the youngest Silicon Valley-based tech entrepreneur to ever receive funding from a venture capital firm. At the age of thirteen, Shubham Banerjee disrupted an entire industry by playing with Legos. His story has captured the imagination of many people, including industry veterans, and students alike who think Braigo will shake up the market for the visually impaired. He openly shares his story of innovation to inspire both adults and children alike to do better to help people in need.
##### [Elaine Chao](https://wwsg.com/speakers/elaine-l-chao/)
Elaine Chao is a dynamic speaker with a dramatic personal story, an extraordinary resume, and wide-ranging expertise on leadership, innovation, the economy, and much more. Her 37-day journey aboard a cargo ship with her mother and sisters to America foreshadowed a life of possibilities, challenges, and achievements. The first Asian American woman to be in the President’s cabinet, the arc of her experience encompasses cultures of Asia and the West; the public, private, and non-profit sectors; four presidential administrations; and living and working in New York, California, Kentucky, and Washington, D.C. Engaging, informative, and results-oriented, Elaine Chao will leave your audience inspired and ready to conquer the world.
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sanjay-gupta/)
##### [Sanjay Gupta](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sanjay-gupta/)
[Millions of loyal viewers follow and know him as Dr. Sanjay Gupta, the multiple Emmy-award-winning Chief Medical Correspondent for CNN and the go-to authority for major developments in medicine, personal health, and health care. ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sanjay-gupta/)He is a dedicated global journalist and is passionate about inspiring Americans to lead healthier, more active lives. Gupta’s most recent book, Keep Sharp: Build a Better Brain at Any Age, was published in early 2021 and was an instant best-seller. His devotion to reporting from war zones and natural disasters, as well as on a range of medical and scientific topics, has distinguished him as an integral reporter for audiences worldwide.
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/suneel-gupta/)
##### [Suneel Gupta](https://wwsg.com/speakers/suneel-gupta/)
Suneel Gupta teaches Innovation at Harvard University and is the author of Backable (Little Brown, 2020). Backable hit the #1 new release on Amazon overall, and also for Workplace Behavior. The book is rooted in Suneel’s journey from a twice-failed entrepreneur to a leader behind two IPOs, and to being named “The New Face of Innovation” by the New York Stock Exchange. Suneel’s ideas have been backed by firms like Greylock and Google Ventures – and he served as an Entrepreneur in Residence inside Kleiner, Perkins Caufield & Byers. He has personally backed startups including Impossible Foods, AirBnB, 23&Me, Calm, and SpaceX.
##### [Michio Kaku](https://wwsg.com/speakers/michio-kaku/)
Dr. Michio Kaku is a theoretical physicist, best-selling author, and popularizer of science. He’s the co-founder of string field theory (a branch of string theory) and continues Einstein’s search to unite the four fundamental forces of nature into one unified theory. He has appeared on television (Discovery, BBC, ABC, Science Channel, and CNN to name a few), written for popular science publications like Discover, Wired, and New Scientist, been featured in documentaries like Me & Isaac Newton, and hosted many of his own including BBC’s recent series on Time.
##### [Charlene Li](https://wwsg.com/speakers/charlene-li/)
Charlene Li is the author of six books, including the New York Times bestseller, Open Leadership, and co-author of the critically acclaimed book, Groundswell. Her latest book is the bestseller The Disruption Mindset. She is the Founder and Senior Fellow at Altimeter, a disruptive analyst firm that was acquired in 2015 by Prophet. Charlene is a graduate of Harvard College and Harvard Business School and was named one of the most creative people in business by Fast Company.
##### [Gary Locke](https://wwsg.com/speakers/gary-locke/)
Often considered one of the top speakers for doing business in China, Ambassador Gary Locke has spent more than three decades working with, and in, China. He is recognized as one of the world’s foremost authorities on U.S.-China relations, global expansion, and business growth. Drawing on his vast experiences as U.S. Ambassador to China, U.S. Secretary of Commerce, and two-term Governor of Washington, “the nation’s most trade-dependent state, ” Locke offers a wealth of knowledge on some of the most vital issues confronting America and the international community today.
##### [Jeremiah Owyang](https://wwsg.com/speakers/jeremiah-owyang/)
Jeremiah Owyang focuses on how new technologies impact business models and how corporations must innovate. He focuses on disruptive technologies—such as social media, collaborative economy, autonomous world, blockchain, and more—and how they impact the relevance to corporations. He is well-recognized by both the tech industry and the media for his grounded approach to deriving insights through rigorous research.
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/anand-shah/)
##### [Anand Shah](https://wwsg.com/speakers/anand-shah/)
Anand Shah, M.D. is a nationally recognized physician leader and health policy expert who most recently served as the Deputy Commissioner for Medical and Scientific Affairs at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. He provides insights on bringing new technologies to market, redesigning healthcare delivery and payment, and expanding competition and consumer choice. Dr. Shah has held successive senior leadership roles in U.S. health care which span discovery to delivery, centered at the nexus of life sciences and health services. Dr. Shah continues to care for patients as an oncologist and clinical trialist.
##### [](https://wwsg.com/speakers/seema-verma/)[Seema Verma](https://wwsg.com/speakers/seema-verma/)
Seema Verma is a national health policy expert known for her meaningful and successful implementation of new programs for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), where she served as Administrator from 2017-2021. Verma’s speeches are punctuated by her admirable intellect and relevant pulse on all things healthcare-related.
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** Keynote Speakers, Female Keynote Speakers, keynote business speaker, female keynote speaker, Women Keynote Speakers, Government, indian speakers, Healthcare Speakers, healthcare, political speaker, innovation speaker, middle east speakers, asian speakers
---
### [White House Administration & Cabinet Members to Watch (Part 2 of 3)](https://wwsg.com/blog/recent-white-house-administration-cabinet-members-to-watch-part-2-of-3/)
**Published:** June 15, 2021
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
WWSG exclusively represents an array of accomplished administration officials, all with their own unique blends of experiences that led them to the White House. These outstanding speakers lend insight to audiences in the forms of leadership coaching, management techniques, and of course, and insider’s perspective about what it’s like to participate at the highest levels of United States governance.
Former Vice President [Mike Pence](https://wwsg.com/speakers/mike-pence) recently led the White House Coronavirus Task Force, combatting the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic by driving American innovation in testing, medical supplies, therapeutics, and the development of safe vaccines. He also supported many other legislative accomplishments and renewed America’s commitment to space exploration during his tenure in office. Pence is now a distinguished visiting fellow at The Heritage Foundation and chairman of Advancing American Freedom.
[Elaine Chao](https://wwsg.com/speakers/elaine-l-chao/) most recently served as the Secretary of Transportation from 2017-2021. Secretary Chao speaks to the impact that current events and major economic trends have on organizations around the world. Candid and thoughtful, she provides audiences with strategies to enhance their organization’s effectiveness as she draws from her unique perspectives and experiences. Fluent in diplomacy, geopolitics, macroeconomics, innovation, and diversity, Secretary Chao brings a 360-degree view to the issues of today and the future.
[Robert Redfield](https://wwsg.com/speakers/robert-redfield/) most recently served as Director of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, advising the nation during one of the most tumultuous and fast-paced scientific discovery environments of our time. He now uses his expertise as a virologist and infectious disease physician to advise on healthcare-related issues to audiences worldwide as well as acting as the public health advisor to the state of Maryland.
To learn more about hosting these or any of our outstanding speakers, [Contact Us](https://wwsg.com/contact).
[Search All Speakers >>](https://wwsg.com/speaker-search)
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** Top Speaker on Politics, WWSG's Top Speakers, Heathcare Speakers, white house, robert redfield, Washington Business Journal, Top Speaker on U.S./China relations, mike pence
---
### [Top Workplace Speakers (Part 2 of 3)](https://wwsg.com/blog/returning-to-the-office-or-not-top-workplace-speakers-part-2-of-3/)
**Published:** July 12, 2021
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
## To go back to the office or *not* to go back to the office–that *is* the trending question.
[…And the answer isn’t simple. The global pandemic forced companies to adapt, jumping into virtual work solutions that kept them operating. Now that returning to the workplace has become a reasonably safe option to consider and implement in many parts of the United States, deciding when and how your company returns to the office can be a difficult task. The first step is acknowledging that there are positives to both sides. Remote working has been shown to improve employee satisfaction with work/life balance, but some leaders miss the creative sparks and opportunities for mentorship that happen face-to-face. Weighing the needs of both the company and its employees leaves those in seni](https://wwsg.com/speaker-search)[or-level positions with a challenging decision.](https://wwsg.com/speaker-search)
[Luckily, WWSG offers many influential thought leaders who can inspire and energize audiences of professionals, as well as speak on topics like productivity, the future of work, and diversity and inclusion in the workplace. These speakers will prove to be both timely and highly beneficial to your company culture during periods of adjustment. Best of all? Whatever you decide, our thought leaders offer both virtual and in-person speaking options.](https://wwsg.com/speaker-search)
[ ](https://wwsg.com/speaker-search)
[To learn more about hosting these or any of our outstanding speakers, ](https://wwsg.com/speaker-search)[Contact Us](https://wwsg.com/contact).
Pictured: [DeMaurice Smith](https://wwsg.com/speakers/demaurice-smith/), [Jenny Evans](https://wwsg.com/speakers/jenny-evans/), [John “Gucci” Foley](https://wwsg.com/speakers/john-foley/)
[Search All Speakers >>](https://wwsg.com/speaker-search)
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** Keynote Speakers, business keynote presentation, re-energize the workforce, DeMaurice Smith, Jenny Evans, John foley, NFLPA
---
### [World War C: The New Book by Dr. Sanjay Gupta](https://wwsg.com/blog/world-war-c-the-new-book-by-dr-sanjay-gupta-releases-october-5th/)
**Published:** August 5, 2021
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
### Can we stamp out the virus for good (and if not, how do we live with it)?
The highly anticipated book, [World War C](https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/World-War-C/Sanjay-Gupta/9781982166106) by
WWSG exclusive speaker [Sanjay Gupta](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sanjay-gupta) releases October 5th!
In *World War C*, CNN chief medical correspondent Sanjay Gupta, MD offers an accessible, data-packed answer to our biggest questions about Covid-19: What have we learned about this pandemic and how can we prepare for—or prevent—the next one?
In the book, Gupta argues that we need to prepare for a new era where pandemics will be more frequent, and possibly even more deadly. As the doctor who’s been holding America’s hand through the crisis with compassion, clarity, and well-earned wisdom, he gives you the unvarnished story behind the pandemic, including insights about the novel virus’s behavior, and offers practical tools to ready ourselves for what lies ahead. He answers critical questions: Should we put our parents in a nursing home? What should we stockpile? What should we know before taking a trip? Does it make sense to spend more on health insurance to deal with any long-term effects? What should Covid survivors know about protecting their future health?
In addition to discussing COVID-19, Dr. Gupta speaks on these topics:
• Medicine and the Media: Dr. Sanjay Gupta is perhaps the most media-savvy physician working today. Gupta is a broadcaster, writer, podcaster, and web-contributor, all of which places him in a unique position to examine why certain health-related stories make the headlines and others don’t.
• Medicine in Times of War and Disaster: Having reported from the 2010 Haiti earthquake, the 2004 tsunami in Southeast Asia, and post-9/11 New York City, Dr. Sanjay Gupta has been present at many key moments that have shaped who we are. In this presentation, Gupta shares his first-hand experience on the dangers and importance of reporting from locations where the health of thousands is at stake.
To learn more about hosting Dr. Gupta at your upcoming speaking engagement,
[Contact Us](https://wwsg.com/contact).
[Order the book >>](https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/World-War-C/Sanjay-Gupta/9781982166106)
[Visit Speaker Page >>](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sanjay-gupta)
**Categories:** Announcements, Blog
**Tags:** Keynote Speakers, Sanjay Gupta, Sanjay Gupta speech, Sanjay Gupta speaker fee, Heathcare Speakers, Sanjya Gupta speaker, Sanjay Gupta keynoter, Sanjay Gupta speaker bureau, books, indian speakers
---
### [Recent White House Administration & Cabinet Members to Watch (Part 3 of 3)](https://wwsg.com/blog/recent-white-house-administration-cabinet-members-to-watch-part-3-of-3/)
**Published:** June 22, 2021
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
WWSG exclusively represents an array of accomplished administration officials, all with their own unique blends of experiences that led them to the White House. These outstanding speakers lend insight to audiences in the forms of leadership coaching, management techniques, and of course, and insider’s perspective about what it’s like to participate at the highest levels of United States governance.
[Robert O’Brien](https://wwsg.com/speakers/robert-obrien) was National Security Advisor of the United States from 2019-2021 after serving as Special Envoy of Hostage Affairs. O’Brien’s deep understanding of international relations has been dazzling the audiences of WWSG customers. His recent address in Utah has garnered respect and recognition from republican constituents nationwide.
[Mick Mulvaney](https://wwsg.com/speakers/mick-mulvaney) held a variety of positions within the former administration, including Director of the Office of Management and Budget and White House Chief of Staff. Mulvaney is Co-Founder of Exegis Capital and has been regularly lending his professional opinion regarding the Biden administration’s plans, especially as they pertain to budget management, to respected journalists and media outlets.
[Joe Grogan](https://wwsg.com/speakers/joseph-grogan) was a member of the White House Coronavirus Task Force after his positions as Assistant to the President and Director of the Domestic Policy Council. He is a healthcare policy expert on the Board of Directors of Verde Technologies. Joe is currently working with Covid Collaborative, an organization aimed at turning the tide on the pandemic by supporting federal, state and local COVID-19 response efforts. Grogan is also passionate about addressing drug use disorder, collaborating with fellow WWSG exclusive speaker Dr. Robert Redfield to rethink and reframe policies pertaining to drug use.
[Deborah Birx](https://wwsg.com/speakers/deborah-birx) was deeply involved in the United States’ COVID-19 response, bringing her background as a medical diplomat and expertise in epidemics to the table. Dr. Birx has been enlightening audiences with her inside knowledge of the Coronavirus versus other viruses throughout history, while providing thoughtful explanations about how vaccines work. Her enthusiastic expression and genuine passion for medical advancement work together to naturally combat vaccine hesitancy, giving crucial information to global audiences.
To learn more about hosting these or any of our outstanding speakers, [Contact Us](https://wwsg.com/contact).
[Search All Speakers >>](https://wwsg.com/speaker-search)
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** Keynote Speakers, female keynote speaker, Heathcare Speakers, joseph grogan, robert redfield, deborah birx, robert o'brien, Mick Mulvaney
---
### [Top Business Goal: Sustainability](https://wwsg.com/blog/top-2022-business-goal-sustainability/)
**Published:** January 20, 2022
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
As the world welcomes a new year where sustainability will part of nearly every discussion, businesses can’t afford another broken resolution. In 2022, integrating environmental and social concerns into business decisions are top-of-mind for world leaders and executives alike. Sustainability plays a unique role affecting public and private sectors equally while climate change and the health of our planet ruminates in concerned minds globally.
The UN’s climate change conference held this past November gave us inspiring statements from world leaders like Joe Biden, Barack Obama, Mario Draghi, and even renowned naturalist David Attenborough. Climate concerns are just as hot a topic in business. Blackrock’s CEO recently warned that failing to manage climate-related risks and other harmful actions “will catch up with a company and destroy shareholder value.” He added that companies that are insufficiently responsive to stakeholder and sustainability concerns will face increased skepticism and higher capital costs, a sentiment shared by numerous top business leaders.
The thought leaders below are some of the world’s top experts versed in all aspects of conservation and sustainability. Some of them can inspire and motivate audiences to take action towards a greener future. Others can advise your organization on being a leader in sustainable practices while speaking to the short- and long-term impacts on growth and investments.
To learn more about hosting any of the speakers below, [Contact Us](https://wwsg.com/contact?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_0HyDsn2CJnzsnc5CpTU4b6Uv50fCu67O0QEUp4AMsM4ly6HxighQVXcav0F7LQ6e71fM2).
[Search Environmental Speakers >>](https://wwsg.com/speaker-search/?speaker_topic_lists=environment&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_0HyDsn2CJnzsnc5CpTU4b6Uv50fCu67O0QEUp4AMsM4ly6HxighQVXcav0F7LQ6e71fM2)
[**Paul Nicklen**](https://wwsg.com/speakers/paul-nicklen/?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_0HyDsn2CJnzsnc5CpTU4b6Uv50fCu67O0QEUp4AMsM4ly6HxighQVXcav0F7LQ6e71fM2)
*National Geographic Photographer and Marine Biologist; Co-Founder, SeaLegacy; One of National Geographic’s 2018 Adventurers of the Year*
Paul Nicklen lives a life of art, purpose, and adventure, combining a career as an assignment photographer for *National Geographic Magazine* and co-founder of the conservation society, SeaLegacy. In addition to being one of the world’s most acclaimed nature photographers, Paul is an acclaimed polar specialist, speaker, author, conservationist, and National Geographic Fellow. Over the past two decades, Paul has collaborated with scientists, filmmakers, conservationists and explorers to create awareness and inspire action for global issues like climate change.
[Paul Nicklen’s Speaker Page >>](https://wwsg.com/speakers/paul-nicklen/?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_0HyDsn2CJnzsnc5CpTU4b6Uv50fCu67O0QEUp4AMsM4ly6HxighQVXcav0F7LQ6e71fM2)
[**Hank Paulson**](https://wwsg.com/speakers/henry-m-paulson-jr/?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_0HyDsn2CJnzsnc5CpTU4b6Uv50fCu67O0QEUp4AMsM4ly6HxighQVXcav0F7LQ6e71fM2)
*Founder & Chairman, Paulson Institute; Secretary of the Treasury, 2006-2009; Former Chairman and CEO, Goldman Sachs*
A visionary leader with an adept appreciation of the financial and business challenges facing the U.S. and the world, the Honorable Henry M. Paulson, Jr. is one of the most prominent and powerful voices on today’s political, environmental, and economic landscapes. With unrivaled experience and expertise, Paulson provides astute insights and shrewd analysis on complex, contemporary global issues. Paulson believes there are many parallels between the financial crisis and climate crisis, however the climate crisis is much crueler because the impacts are cumulative and unlike with the financial crisis, the government will not be able to step in at the last minute to avert disaster. Paulson Institute addresses these topics regularly.
[Hank Paulson’s Speaker Page >>](https://wwsg.com/speakers/henry-m-paulson-jr/?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_0HyDsn2CJnzsnc5CpTU4b6Uv50fCu67O0QEUp4AMsM4ly6HxighQVXcav0F7LQ6e71fM2)
[**Cristina Mittermeier**](https://wwsg.com/speakers/cristina-mittermeier/?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_0HyDsn2CJnzsnc5CpTU4b6Uv50fCu67O0QEUp4AMsM4ly6HxighQVXcav0F7LQ6e71fM2)
*Conservation Photographer; Co-Founder, SeaLegacy; Founder, Former President, and Fellow of The International League of Conservation Photographers (ILCP)*
A virtuous mind and voice in conservation photography and one of the most influential female photographers in the world, Cristina Mittermeier began her career as a Marine Biologist in Mexico. She soon discovered that she could better advocate for the oceans and the planet through the lens of her camera than she could with data on spreadsheets. Cristina is co-founder of SeaLegacy, an expedition-based ocean conservation project that uses media to tell stories about the ocean and its inhabitants, educating and advising viewers about how we can build a healthy future for our oceans.
[Cristina Mittermeier’s Speaker Page >>](https://wwsg.com/speakers/cristina-mittermeier/?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_0HyDsn2CJnzsnc5CpTU4b6Uv50fCu67O0QEUp4AMsM4ly6HxighQVXcav0F7LQ6e71fM2)
[Mark Gordon](https://wwsg.com/speakers/mark-gordon?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_0HyDsn2CJnzsnc5CpTU4b6Uv50fCu67O0QEUp4AMsM4ly6HxighQVXcav0F7LQ6e71fM2)
*Pioneer in Deep-Ocean Exploration; Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Odyssey Marine Exploration*
Mark is an entrepreneur with a keen ability to build companies and lead them to realizing their true potential for success. Mark Gordon exemplified this when he successfully orchestrated a unique career pivot. Odyssey Marine Exploration, originally a deep-sea exploration business, changed from shipwreck exploration to the extraction of subsea mineral resources when Mark recognized the opportunity to apply Odyssey’s core competencies in a more productive manner. Since subsea mineral deposits can provide critical resources with minimized environmental and social impact when compared with land-based deposits, Odyssey Marine Exploration now focuses on projects that can meet stringent standards for environmental responsibility and sustainability while unlocking benefits for the host communities and countries it serves.
[Mark Gordon’s Speaker Page >>](https://wwsg.com/speakers/mark-gordon?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_0HyDsn2CJnzsnc5CpTU4b6Uv50fCu67O0QEUp4AMsM4ly6HxighQVXcav0F7LQ6e71fM2)
[**Andrew Winston**](https://wwsg.com/speakers/andrew-winston/?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_0HyDsn2CJnzsnc5CpTU4b6Uv50fCu67O0QEUp4AMsM4ly6HxighQVXcav0F7LQ6e71fM2)
*Globally Recognized Expert on Megatrends and Corporate Sustainability; Author of Best-Sellers Net Positive, The Big Pivot, and Green to Gold*
Andrew Winston is a globally recognized expert on how companies can navigate humanity’s biggest challenges and profit from solving them. Our economy and society are healing from the pandemic, but extreme challenges remain, such as climate change and inequality. Andrew’s latest speech topic, “Gigatrends and Drive to Net Positive” is based on his new book *Net Positive* (co-authored with legendary CEO Paul Polman). This inspiring talk helps audiences navigate the seismic changes sweeping through business. Net Positive explodes 50 years of corporate dogma about the purpose of business and how it thrives.
[Andrew Winston’s Speaker Page >>](https://wwsg.com/speakers/andrew-winston/?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_0HyDsn2CJnzsnc5CpTU4b6Uv50fCu67O0QEUp4AMsM4ly6HxighQVXcav0F7LQ6e71fM2)
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** environment speakers, Carly Fiorina, mark gordon, mark gordon odyssey, Sustainability, Paul Nicklen, Henry M. Paulson, Jr., Hank Paulson, Keynote Speakers, Cristina Mittermeier, Climate Change, Environment, Female Keynote Speakers, andrew winston
---
### [The Benefits of Hosting a Healthcare Leader at Your Event](https://wwsg.com/blog/the-benefits-of-hosting-a-healthcare-leader-at-your-event/)
**Published:** June 3, 2024
**Author:** wpengine
**Content:**
There are several reasons why it’s important to consider input from a healthcare leader, depending on the nature of your business.
Understanding the Healthcare Landscape: The healthcare industry is complex and constantly evolving, with regulations, insurance policies, and patient needs all playing a role. A healthcare
leader can provide valuable insights into these dynamics, helping your business navigate this complex environment.
#### Product Development
Are you developing a product or service for the healthcare industry? A healthcare leader can offer crucial feedback on its usability, effectiveness, and compliance with regulations. This can save you time and money in the long run by avoiding costly mistakes. Market Awareness: Healthcare leaders have a deep understanding of current healthcare needs and emerging trends. Their input can help your business identify potential markets and develop
targeted strategies.
#### Risk Management
Many businesses, even those not directly involved in healthcare, can face legal or financial risks related to employee health or data privacy. A healthcare leader can advise on best practices for mitigating these risks.
#### Public Perception
Especially for businesses that touch the healthcare sector in any way, having the backing of a respected healthcare leader can enhance your public image and build trust with potential customers.
Even if your business isn’t directly involved in healthcare, a healthcare leader’s insights can still be valuable. They can offer a unique perspective on employee wellness programs, health
insurance options, and the overall impact your business may have on the healthcare system.
[Contact Worldwide Speakers Group](https://wwsg.com/contact-us/) for help selecting the best healthcare leader to speak at your event.
[ Sanjay Gupta, M. D.](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sanjay-gupta/)
### WWSG EXCLUSIVE
CNN Chief Medical Correspondent, Award-Winning Journalist, Author, Neurosurgeon
Dr. Gupta is a practicing neurosurgeon and a dedicated global journalist who is passionate about inspiring Americans to lead healthier, more active lives. Gupta’s book, *World War C: Lessons from the Covid-19 Pandemic and How to Prepare for the Next One* was called the “must-read book about COVID-19,” and his previous publication, *Keep Sharp: Build a Better Brain at Any Age*, was an instant best-seller and has recently been developed as a guided program, *12 Weeks to a Sharper You*.
[ Scott Gottlieb, M. D.](https://wwsg.com/speakers/scott-gottlieb/)
### WWSG EXCLUSIVE
Physician, Former FDA Commissioner, Author
Scott Gottlieb, MD is a practicing physician and served as the 23rd Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration. A leading expert in health policy, Dr. Gottlieb’s work focuses on providing insights into the economic and technological forces driving the transformation of healthcare.
[ Anand Shah, M. D.](https://wwsg.com/speakers/anand-shah/)
### WWSG EXCLUSIVE
CEO, Aster Insights; Fmr. Deputy Commissioner for Medical & Scientific Affairs, FDA; Fmr. Senior Medical Advisor & Chief Medical Officer, CMS
Anand Shah, M.D. is a nationally recognized physician leader and health policy expert who most recently served as the Deputy Commissioner for Medical and Scientific Affairs at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. He provides insights on bringing new technologies to market, redesigning health care delivery and payment, and expanding competition and consumer choice. Dr. Shah has held successive senior leadership roles in U.S. health care which span discovery to delivery, centered at the nexus of life sciences and health services. Dr. Shah is widely published in leading scientific and national media outlets and is highly sophisticated with effective public health communications. Dr. Shah continues to care for patients as an oncologist and clinical trialist.
[ Caitlin Rivers, PhD, MPH](https://wwsg.com/speakers/caitlin-rivers/)
### WWSG EXCLUSIVE
Infectious Disease Epidemiologist; Author
Caitlin Rivers is an epidemiologist who specializes in outbreak science. She advocated for the creation of a National Center for Epidemic Forecasting, which was announced as policy in the first national security directive signed by President Biden. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Rivers participated in influential reports that were guiding the US pandemic response. She has written for or has been featured in media such as *USA Today*, *The Wall Street Journal*, *The New York Times*, *The Washington Post*, *The Atlantic*, *Science*, *Wired*, *Foreign Affairs*, *Vox*, and NPR.
[ Deborah Birx, M.D.](https://wwsg.com/speakers/deborah-birx/)
### WWSG EXCLUSIVE
Physician, Diplomat, CEO of Armata Pharmaceuticals, Fmr. White House Coronavirus Response Coordinator, Author
Dr. Deborah Birx is an American physician, diplomat, and leading medical expert known for gracefully navigating complex global health issues with a scientific and data-driven approach. Her unique experiences researching and managing programs specifically aimed at finding successful therapeutics for HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and COVID-19 inform her powerful speeches. Her varied experiences have molded her into a passionate leader and a fierce advocate for women in STEM.
[ Robert Redfield, M.D.](https://wwsg.com/speakers/robert-redfield/)
### WWSG EXCLUSIVE
Virologist and Infectious Disease Physician; Cofounder, PDTi; Fmr. CDC Director
Robert Redfield, M.D. is an American virologist and physician who has been on the cutting edge of some of the most significant scientific medical discoveries of modern history. He is widely respected for his central role in the establishment of the HIV/AIDS clinical research vaccine and subsequent development programs for therapeutic and preventative use.
[ View All Health Speakers](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-%20topics/healthcare-and-wellness/)
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**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** Anand Shah, author, caitlin rivers, Debbie Birx, deborah birx, dr, healthcare, healthcare leader, journalist, keynote, Leader, phd, physician, robert redfield, Sanjay Gupta, Scott Gottlieb
---
### [WWSG Exclusive: Ambassador Robert O'Brien](https://wwsg.com/blog/wwsg-exclusive-ambassador-robert-obrien/)
**Published:** April 15, 2021
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/robert-obrien)
Ambassador [Robert C. O’Brien](https://wwsg.com/speakers/robert-obrien?utm_campaign=New%20WWSG%20Exclusive%20Speaker%20Announcement&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8sQ90OSkeGLXcWPvmyvx_azXopPltMjpVDX6F87RgQi5m-7g-fbF9JDE9h3zLjvYNlmMka) served as the 28th United States National Security Advisor and is a highly regarded diplomat, having played an integral role in negotiating the Abraham Accords, representing the United States at the 60th UN General Assembly, and many other accomplishments. O’Brien’s expertise in the geopolitical atmosphere, American defense, the global economy, and the Indo-Pacific inform his intellectually stimulating speeches.
O’Brien previously served in numerous senior government positions, including as Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs with the rank of ambassador. He was personally involved in bringing over two dozen hostages and detainees back to America.
In 2016, O’Brien authored *While America Slept* published by Encounter Books. He also edited the book *Trump on China*. O’Brien’s opinion pieces have appeared in every major American newspaper and he is a frequent guest on cable TV and the Sunday shows.
For more information about hosting Ambassador O’Brien at your organization’s next engagement, [Contact Us](https://wwsg.com/contact?utm_campaign=New%20WWSG%20Exclusive%20Speaker%20Announcement&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8sQ90OSkeGLXcWPvmyvx_azXopPltMjpVDX6F87RgQi5m-7g-fbF9JDE9h3zLjvYNlmMka).
[View Speaker Page >>](https://wwsg.com/speakers/robert-obrien)
---
### You May Also Like…
[Mark Esper](https://wwsg.com/speakers/mark-esper/?utm_campaign=New%20WWSG%20Exclusive%20Speaker%20Announcement&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8sQ90OSkeGLXcWPvmyvx_azXopPltMjpVDX6F87RgQi5m-7g-fbF9JDE9h3zLjvYNlmMka)
*U.S. Secretary of Defense (2019-2020); Secretary of the Army (2017-2019); Corporate Executive (2010-2017)*
Popular Speech Topics:
• Leadership
• National Security
• U.S. Foreign Policy
[View Mark Esper’s Speaking Page >>](https://wwsg.com/speakers/mark-esper/?utm_campaign=New%20WWSG%20Exclusive%20Speaker%20Announcement&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8sQ90OSkeGLXcWPvmyvx_azXopPltMjpVDX6F87RgQi5m-7g-fbF9JDE9h3zLjvYNlmMka)
[General John F. Kelly](https://wwsg.com/speakers/john-f-kelly/?utm_campaign=New%20WWSG%20Exclusive%20Speaker%20Announcement&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8sQ90OSkeGLXcWPvmyvx_azXopPltMjpVDX6F87RgQi5m-7g-fbF9JDE9h3zLjvYNlmMka)
*Former White House Chief of Staff (2017-2019); Former U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security*
Popular Speech Topics:
• Governance v. Politics
• Geopolitics – Risk, Reward and Balance
• Leadership
[View John Kelly’s Speaking Page >>](https://wwsg.com/speakers/john-f-kelly/?utm_campaign=New%20WWSG%20Exclusive%20Speaker%20Announcement&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8sQ90OSkeGLXcWPvmyvx_azXopPltMjpVDX6F87RgQi5m-7g-fbF9JDE9h3zLjvYNlmMka)
[Gregory Slavonic](https://wwsg.com/speakers/gregory-slavonic/?utm_campaign=New%20WWSG%20Exclusive%20Speaker%20Announcement&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8sQ90OSkeGLXcWPvmyvx_azXopPltMjpVDX6F87RgQi5m-7g-fbF9JDE9h3zLjvYNlmMka)
*Former Under Secretary of the Navy (Acting); Vice Chairman, Board of Directors for ChemResearch Corporation*
Popular Speech Topics:
• Remarks on the U.S. Navy and Power
• Inside the Hussein Tribunal
• Reflecting on Babylon
[View Greg Slavonic’s Speaking Page >>](https://wwsg.com/speakers/gregory-slavonic/?utm_campaign=New%20WWSG%20Exclusive%20Speaker%20Announcement&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8sQ90OSkeGLXcWPvmyvx_azXopPltMjpVDX6F87RgQi5m-7g-fbF9JDE9h3zLjvYNlmMka)
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** WWSG's Top Speakers, Politics, conservative speaker, Mark Esper, robert o'brien, middle east speakers, national security speakers, global security speakers, General John F. Kelly, defense, greg slavonic
---
### [Uncontrolled Spread: Scott Gottlieb Reveals How the U.S. Government Crumbled Under COVID-19](https://wwsg.com/blog/uncontrolled-spread-scott-gottlieb-reveals-how-the-u-s-government-crumbled-under-covid-19/)
**Published:** June 30, 2021
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
## **Has America’s COVID-19 catastrophe taught us anything?**
[](https://www.harpercollins.com/products/uncontrolled-spread-scott-gottlieb)
The highly anticipated book, [Uncontrolled Spread](https://www.harpercollins.com/products/uncontrolled-spread-scott-gottlieb) by
WWSG exclusive speaker [Scott Gottlieb](https://wwsg.com/speakers/scott-gottlieb-2?utm_campaign=Scott%20Gottlieb%20Uncontrolled%20Spread%20Preorder&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_-ob6g1NSAtSaICb8-xrweJPCBdNSxjsUC6iOhOW46v4OYpYyeXN516_jN6EZCEGc22dy1) releases September 21st!
In *Uncontrolled Spread*, physician and former FDA commissioner Scott Gottlieb shows how COVID-19 was able to trounce America’s pandemic preparations, outlining the steps that must be taken to protect against the next outbreak. As the pandemic unfolded, Gottlieb was in regular contact with all the key players in Congress, the Trump administration, and the drug and diagnostic industries. He provides an inside account of how level after level of American government crumbled as the COVID-19 crisis advanced and addresses how we must view public health through the lens of national security to improve our preparedness for the future.
In addition to discussing COVID-19, Dr. Gottlieb speaks on these topics:
• Healthcare Innovation and The Political Economy: How will policy developments in Washington related to the regulation and reimbursement of medical technology impact the ability to innovate and secure market access for new technologies?
• The Landscape of Affordable Healthcare: How can we develop sustainable models for covering the cost of new innovations and modernize our payment models to make sure patients have access to the medical care they need without bankrupting our healthcare system?
• The Future of Science and Medicine: Science has given us transformative new tools to arrest and reverse the causes of once-deadly diseases. What is this future of medical innovation and how will we unlock the promise of new technologies like gene therapy, digital health, artificial intelligence, and regenerative medicine?
To learn more about hosting Dr. Gottlieb at your upcoming speaking engagement,
[Contact Us](https://wwsg.com/contact?utm_campaign=Scott%20Gottlieb%20Uncontrolled%20Spread%20Preorder&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_-ob6g1NSAtSaICb8-xrweJPCBdNSxjsUC6iOhOW46v4OYpYyeXN516_jN6EZCEGc22dy1).
[Preorder the book >>](https://www.harpercollins.com/products/uncontrolled-spread-scott-gottlieb?variant=39344420356130&utm_campaign=Scott%20Gottlieb%20Uncontrolled%20Spread%20Preorder&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_-ob6g1NSAtSaICb8-xrweJPCBdNSxjsUC6iOhOW46v4OYpYyeXN516_jN6EZCEGc22dy1)
[View Scott Gottlieb’s Speaker Page >>](https://wwsg.com/speakers/scott-gottlieb-2)
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** Authors, books, Healthcare Speakers, Scott Gottlieb, healthcare
---
### [Big Little Breakthroughs: Josh Linkner's New Book and Speech Topic](https://wwsg.com/blog/big-little-breakthroughs-josh-linkners-new-book-and-speech-topic/)
**Published:** April 20, 2021
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
The highly anticipated book, [Big Little Breakthroughs](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1642936774?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--7A7dQwOvpGk0_8xVTCElmJVAiUg2GCQX3TvoHRPSpAt03m-yORY4zZvd3Dbw3G8fV4nVo) by
WWSG speaker [Josh Linkner](https://wwsg.com/speakers/josh-linkner/?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--7A7dQwOvpGk0_8xVTCElmJVAiUg2GCQX3TvoHRPSpAt03m-yORY4zZvd3Dbw3G8fV4nVo) released today!
*Big Little Breakthroughs* are small creative acts that unlock massive rewards over time.
How did a convicted drug dealer launch and scale a massively successful fitness company? What core mindset drove LEGO to become the largest toy company in the world? How did a Pakistani couple challenge the global athletic shoe industry? What simple habits led Lady Gaga, Banksy, and Lin-Manuel Miranda to their remarkable success?
*Big Little Breakthroughs* aren’t just for propeller-head inventors, fancy pants CEOs, or hoodie-donning tech billionaires. In fact, they’re for us all.
Learn the proven approach to unlocking your own creativity so you can innovate a better company, career, and life. Josh is also offering his ideas as a new speech topic. To learn more about hosting him at your upcoming speaking engagement, [Contact Us](https://wwsg.com/contact?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--7A7dQwOvpGk0_8xVTCElmJVAiUg2GCQX3TvoHRPSpAt03m-yORY4zZvd3Dbw3G8fV4nVo).
[Order the book >>](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1642936774?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--7A7dQwOvpGk0_8xVTCElmJVAiUg2GCQX3TvoHRPSpAt03m-yORY4zZvd3Dbw3G8fV4nVo)
[View Josh’s speaker page >>](https://wwsg.com/speakers/josh-linkner/?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--7A7dQwOvpGk0_8xVTCElmJVAiUg2GCQX3TvoHRPSpAt03m-yORY4zZvd3Dbw3G8fV4nVo)
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** Authors, books, josh linkner, Top Speakers on Positive Psychology, reading list, creativity
---
### [Top Workplace Speakers (Part 1 of 3)](https://wwsg.com/blog/returning-to-the-office-top-workplace-speakers-part-1-of-3/)
**Published:** July 7, 2021
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
## To go back to the office or *not* to go back to the office–that *is* the trending question.
…And it’s a complicated one. The coronavirus forced companies to adapt, embracing a virtual work model that kept them from nose-diving into irrelevancy. Now that returning to the workplace has become a reasonably safe option to consider and implement, choosing the best path forward for your company can be a difficult decision. The challenge lies in acknowledging that there are positives to both sides. Remote working can save companies money on office space and supplies and enables workers to be available outside the standard 9 to 5, while the decades-long office standard fosters close bonds between coworkers and allows new or younger employees to learn through direct observation. Weighing the company’s needs against input from its employees leaves those in senior-level positions with a challenging decision, and in some cases–a predicament.
Luckily, WWSG offers many influential thought leaders who can inspire and energize audiences of professionals, as well as speak on topics like productivity, the future of work, and diversity and inclusion in the workplace. These speakers will prove to be both timely and highly beneficial to your company culture during periods of adjustment. Best of all? Whatever you decide, our thought leaders offer both virtual and in-person speaking options.
To learn more about hosting these or any of our outstanding speakers, [Contact Us](https://wwsg.com/contact).
Pictured: [Mark Esper](https://wwsg.com/speakers/mark-esper/), [Seth Mattison](https://wwsg.com/speakers/seth-mattison/), [Daymond John](https://wwsg.com/speakers/daymond-john/)
[Search All Speakers >>](https://wwsg.com/speaker-search)
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** Keynote Speakers, business keynote presentation, re-energize the workforce, Daymond John, Mark Esper, Seth mattison
---
### [Memorial Day: Honoring American Heroes](https://wwsg.com/blog/memorial-day-honoring-american-heroes/)
**Published:** May 20, 2021
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
To honor Memorial Day and Veterans Day this year, let’s listen closely to veterans whose service has led them to develop powerful messages that illuminate the American experience. These renowned speakers share powerful lessons that speak to a wide range of topics rooted in American culture, from corporate leadership and diversity & inclusion to healthcare and societal conflict.
WWSG honors the memory of U.S. Armed Forces members who are no longer with us, especially in recognizing that today’s veterans are an indication of the potential influence those who lost their lives during their times of service would have had.
To learn more about hosting any of the speakers below, [Contact Us](https://wwsg.com/contact?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9gEtR449-SMso7RAUcZCvwBYOuGwbiLBGlHIAUd15q-DDMIbBnVu0MpbBHQ27UMuXqmLPk).
[Search Speakers >>](https://wwsg.com/speaker-search?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9gEtR449-SMso7RAUcZCvwBYOuGwbiLBGlHIAUd15q-DDMIbBnVu0MpbBHQ27UMuXqmLPk)
[**Deborah L. Birx, M.D.**](https://wwsg.com/speakers/deborah-birx/?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9gEtR449-SMso7RAUcZCvwBYOuGwbiLBGlHIAUd15q-DDMIbBnVu0MpbBHQ27UMuXqmLPk)
*Physician, Diplomat, White House Coronavirus Response Coordinator (2020-2021), United States Global AIDS Coordinator (2014-2020); Chief Medical and Scientific Adviser, ActivePure Technology*
Popular Speech Topics: • Policy and Program Implementation, • Pandemic Overview
[Deborah Birx’s Speaker Page >>](https://wwsg.com/speakers/deborah-birx/?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9gEtR449-SMso7RAUcZCvwBYOuGwbiLBGlHIAUd15q-DDMIbBnVu0MpbBHQ27UMuXqmLPk)
[**The Honorable Mark Esper**](https://wwsg.com/speakers/mark-esper/?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9gEtR449-SMso7RAUcZCvwBYOuGwbiLBGlHIAUd15q-DDMIbBnVu0MpbBHQ27UMuXqmLPk)
*U.S. Secretary of Defense (2019-2020); Secretary of the Army (2017-2019); Corporate Executive (2010-2017); Commissioner, U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission (2007-2008); West Point Distinguished Graduate; 21-year Army Veteran*
Popular Speech Topics: • National Security, • U.S. Foreign Policy
[Mark Esper’s Speaker Page >>](https://wwsg.com/speakers/mark-esper/?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9gEtR449-SMso7RAUcZCvwBYOuGwbiLBGlHIAUd15q-DDMIbBnVu0MpbBHQ27UMuXqmLPk)
[**General John F. Kelly**](https://wwsg.com/speakers/john-f-kelly/?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9gEtR449-SMso7RAUcZCvwBYOuGwbiLBGlHIAUd15q-DDMIbBnVu0MpbBHQ27UMuXqmLPk)
*Former White House Chief of Staff (2017 – 2019); Former U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security; 45-Year Marine Veteran; Former Commander, U.S. Southern Command*
Popular Speech Topics: • Governance v. Politics, • Geopolitics – Risk, Reward, and Balance
[John Kelly’s Speaker Page >>](https://wwsg.com/speakers/john-f-kelly/?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9gEtR449-SMso7RAUcZCvwBYOuGwbiLBGlHIAUd15q-DDMIbBnVu0MpbBHQ27UMuXqmLPk)
[**Ambassador Robert O’Brien**](https://wwsg.com/speakers/robert-obrien/?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9gEtR449-SMso7RAUcZCvwBYOuGwbiLBGlHIAUd15q-DDMIbBnVu0MpbBHQ27UMuXqmLPk)
*American Diplomat, Lawyer, 28th National Security Advisor (2019-2021), Former Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs; Former Co-Chairman of the U.S. Department of State Public-Private Partnership for Justice Reform in Afghanistan*
Popular Speech Topics: • Negotiations: How to Get to “Yes”, • The Geopolitical Landscape
[Robert O’Brien’s Speaker Page >>](https://wwsg.com/speakers/robert-obrien/?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9gEtR449-SMso7RAUcZCvwBYOuGwbiLBGlHIAUd15q-DDMIbBnVu0MpbBHQ27UMuXqmLPk)
[**The Honorable Robert Redfield, M.D.**](https://wwsg.com/speakers/robert-redfield/?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9gEtR449-SMso7RAUcZCvwBYOuGwbiLBGlHIAUd15q-DDMIbBnVu0MpbBHQ27UMuXqmLPk)
*Virologist and Infectious Disease Physician; Director, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2018-2021); Administrator, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (2018-2021); Retired Army Colonel*
Popular Speech Topics: • The Science and Policy to Treat & Prevent HIV/AIDS, • Lifetime Observations of Scientific Innovation
[Robert Redfield’s Speaker Page >>](https://wwsg.com/speakers/robert-redfield/?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9gEtR449-SMso7RAUcZCvwBYOuGwbiLBGlHIAUd15q-DDMIbBnVu0MpbBHQ27UMuXqmLPk)
[**Secretary Gregory Slavonic**](https://wwsg.com/speakers/gregory-slavonic/?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9gEtR449-SMso7RAUcZCvwBYOuGwbiLBGlHIAUd15q-DDMIbBnVu0MpbBHQ27UMuXqmLPk)
*Vice Chairman, Board of Directors for ChemResearch Corporation; Former Under Secretary of the Navy (Acting); Former Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Manpower & Reserve Affairs); Rear Admiral (Retired)*
Popular Speech Topics: • Remarks on the U.S. Navy and Power, • Inside the Hussein Tribunal
[Gregory Slavonic’s Speaker Page >>](https://wwsg.com/speakers/gregory-slavonic/?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9gEtR449-SMso7RAUcZCvwBYOuGwbiLBGlHIAUd15q-DDMIbBnVu0MpbBHQ27UMuXqmLPk)
[**Congressman Allen B. West**](https://wwsg.com/speakers/allen-b-west/?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9gEtR449-SMso7RAUcZCvwBYOuGwbiLBGlHIAUd15q-DDMIbBnVu0MpbBHQ27UMuXqmLPk)
*Chairman of the Republican Party of Texas; Distinguished Conservative Thought-Leader; Highly Decorated Military Veteran; Author, Guardian of the Republic*
Popular Speech Topics: • Workforce Development: Leveraging Military Leadership Skills to Ensure Business Success, • Conservatism in the African American Community
[Allen West’s Speaker Page >>](https://wwsg.com/speakers/allen-b-west/?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9gEtR449-SMso7RAUcZCvwBYOuGwbiLBGlHIAUd15q-DDMIbBnVu0MpbBHQ27UMuXqmLPk)
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** Keynote Speakers, Women Keynote Speakers, Healthcare Speakers, healthcare, election, Black Keynote Speakers, military, service, veterans, memorial day
---
### [Understanding the Historic Infrastructure Bill](https://wwsg.com/blog/understanding-the-historic-infrastructure-bill/)
**Published:** August 12, 2021
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Tuesday, the Senate voted 69-30 to approve a $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill, a piece of legislation that could affect American lives for decades.
Contentiously, the majority of the bill’s massive budget will go to pandemic relief. The rest of the money is slated to provide improvements to roads, bridges, and transportation programs; a clean-energy update to the electric grid; and broadband to improve accessibility for rural and low-income citizens. Amtrak will also receive long-awaited repairs and operate with an updated mission that puts utilitarianism over profit.
President Biden has called for the two major parties to work together to deliver one of his top priorities, but it faces an uncertain fate in the House of Representatives.
## Looking to make sense of the bill?
### The esteemed speakers below can add context and clarity about federal spending and the short and long-term implications of this historic event.
To learn more about hosting any of the speakers below, [Contact Us](https://wwsg.com/contact?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9ys_-A0zr8yVrLKS4nduYQHjK4KI1AQbSGQsxhcKtXk87hPOAOjqczEZvCW733KTMRhPJ2).
[Search All Speakers >>](https://wwsg.com/speaker-search?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9ys_-A0zr8yVrLKS4nduYQHjK4KI1AQbSGQsxhcKtXk87hPOAOjqczEZvCW733KTMRhPJ2)
#### [Elaine Chao](https://wwsg.com/speakers/elaine-l-chao?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9ys_-A0zr8yVrLKS4nduYQHjK4KI1AQbSGQsxhcKtXk87hPOAOjqczEZvCW733KTMRhPJ2)
*U.S. Secretary of Transportation (2017-2021); U.S. Secretary of Labor (2001-2009); Former President and CEO of United Way of America; Director of Numerous Fortune 100 Corporate Boards*
Former Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao has an expert perspective on transportation programs and innovations. During COVID-19, her leadership allowed U.S. transportation systems to remain open, safe, and moving. Her engaging and informative speeches leave audiences wanting more.
[Elaine Chao’s Speaker Page >>](https://wwsg.com/speakers/elaine-l-chao?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9ys_-A0zr8yVrLKS4nduYQHjK4KI1AQbSGQsxhcKtXk87hPOAOjqczEZvCW733KTMRhPJ2)
#### [Newt Gingrich](https://wwsg.com/speakers/newt-gingrich/?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9ys_-A0zr8yVrLKS4nduYQHjK4KI1AQbSGQsxhcKtXk87hPOAOjqczEZvCW733KTMRhPJ2)
*Political Vanguard, 2012 Republican Presidential Candidate, Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives (1995-1999)*
WWSG exclusive speaker Newt Gingrich has spoken to the media about his opinion of the unprecedented infrastructure bill. His expertise as a former House Speaker enriches his viewpoint regarding government spending.
[Newt Gingrich’s Speaker Page >>](https://wwsg.com/speakers/newt-gingrich/?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9ys_-A0zr8yVrLKS4nduYQHjK4KI1AQbSGQsxhcKtXk87hPOAOjqczEZvCW733KTMRhPJ2)
#### [Joe Grogan](https://wwsg.com/speakers/joseph-grogan/?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9ys_-A0zr8yVrLKS4nduYQHjK4KI1AQbSGQsxhcKtXk87hPOAOjqczEZvCW733KTMRhPJ2)
*Healthcare Policy Expert, Former Assistant to the President, Director of the Domestic Policy Council (2019-2020)*
Joe Grogan’s experience working in the Office of Management and Budget gives him an insider’s knowledge about government spending. Joe connects with audiences through his ability to explain complex ideas in an inviting and personable way.
[Joe Grogan’s Speaker Page >>](https://wwsg.com/speakers/joseph-grogan/?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9ys_-A0zr8yVrLKS4nduYQHjK4KI1AQbSGQsxhcKtXk87hPOAOjqczEZvCW733KTMRhPJ2)
#### [Ray LaHood](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ray-lahood?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9ys_-A0zr8yVrLKS4nduYQHjK4KI1AQbSGQsxhcKtXk87hPOAOjqczEZvCW733KTMRhPJ2)
*U.S. Secretary of Transportation (2009-2013); U.S. Congressman (1995-2009)*
As a former Secretary of Transportation, Ray LaHood has an intricate knowledge of transportation programs and improvements. LaHood is a token thought leader on major national policy issues such as transportation, infrastructure, and bipartisan leadership.
[Ray LaHood’s Speaker Page >>](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ray-lahood/?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9ys_-A0zr8yVrLKS4nduYQHjK4KI1AQbSGQsxhcKtXk87hPOAOjqczEZvCW733KTMRhPJ2)
#### [Mick Mulvaney](https://wwsg.com/speakers/mick-mulvaney/?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9ys_-A0zr8yVrLKS4nduYQHjK4KI1AQbSGQsxhcKtXk87hPOAOjqczEZvCW733KTMRhPJ2)
*Co-Founder of Exegis Capital, United States Special Envoy for Northern Ireland (2020-2021), White House Chief of Staff (2019-2020), Director of the Office of Management and Budget (2017-2020)*
With experiences like Director of the Office of Management and Budget, acting White House Chief of Staff, and acting Director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau–Mick Mulvaney knows about government spending.
[Mick Mulvaney’s Speaker Page >>](https://wwsg.com/speakers/mick-mulvaney/?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9ys_-A0zr8yVrLKS4nduYQHjK4KI1AQbSGQsxhcKtXk87hPOAOjqczEZvCW733KTMRhPJ2)
#### [Marc Short](https://wwsg.com/speakers/marc-short?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9ys_-A0zr8yVrLKS4nduYQHjK4KI1AQbSGQsxhcKtXk87hPOAOjqczEZvCW733KTMRhPJ2)
*Chief of Staff to Vice President Mike Pence (2019-2020), Director of Legislative Affairs to the President (2017-2018)*
Prior to serving in the most recent administration, Marc Short was president of Freedom Partners Chamber of Commerce, the largest free-market business league in the U.S. with an annual budget exceeding $300 million. A former legislative affairs director, Marc Short is an expert in legislative language and understanding.
[Marc Short’s Speaker Page >>](https://wwsg.com/speakers/marc-short?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9ys_-A0zr8yVrLKS4nduYQHjK4KI1AQbSGQsxhcKtXk87hPOAOjqczEZvCW733KTMRhPJ2)
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** Keynote Speakers, Female Keynote Speakers, Heathcare Speakers, Government, white house, biden
---
### [Top Workplace Speakers (Part 3 of 3)](https://wwsg.com/blog/returning-to-the-office-or-not-top-workplace-speakers-part-3-of-3/)
**Published:** July 22, 2021
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
## To go back to the office or *not* to go back to the office–that *is* the trending question.
…And there is no simple answer. The coronavirus forced companies to adapt, embracing virtual work practices that kept them operating and relevant. Now that returning to the workplace has become a reasonably safe option to consider in many parts of the U.S., choosing the best path forward for your company can be a difficult decision. It’s easy to acknowledge that there are positives to both sides. Remote working can save companies money on office space and supplies and enables workers to be available outside the hours of 9 to 5, while the longstanding office standard fosters coworker camaraderie and is shown to be less conducive to employee burnout. Weighing the company’s needs against input from its employees leaves those in senior-level positions with a challenging decision.
Luckily, WWSG offers many influential thought leaders who can inspire and energize audiences of professionals, as well as speak on topics like productivity, the future of work, and diversity and inclusion in the workplace. These speakers will prove to be both timely and highly beneficial to your company culture during periods of adjustment. Best of all? Whatever you decide, our thought leaders offer both virtual and in-person speaking options.
To learn more about hosting these or any of our outstanding speakers, [Contact Us](https://wwsg.com/contact).
Pictured: [Suneel Gupta](https://wwsg.com/speakers/suneel-gupta/), [Josh Linkner](https://wwsg.com/speakers/josh-linkner/), [Patty McCord](https://wwsg.com/speakers/patty-mccord/)
[Search All Speakers >>](https://wwsg.com/speaker-search)
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** Keynote Speakers, business keynote presentation, re-energize the workforce, Suneel Gupta, josh linkner, Patty McCord
---
### [Recent White House Administration & Cabinet Members to Watch (Part 1 of 3)](https://wwsg.com/blog/recent-white-house-administration-cabinet-members-to-watch-part-1-of-3/)
**Published:** June 8, 2021
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
WWSG exclusively represents an array of accomplished administration officials, all with their own unique blends of experiences that led them to the White House. These outstanding speakers lend insight to audiences in the forms of leadership coaching, management techniques, and of course, and insider’s perspective about what it’s like to participate at the highest levels of United States governance.
[Marc Short](https://wwsg.com/speakers/marc-short) served as Chief of Staff to Vice President Mike Pence from 2019-2020 and as Director of Legislative Affairs to the President from 2017-2018. Today, Short remains in close contact with the former Vice President as they work to preserve conservative values with Heritage Foundation, a think tank in the D.C. area. Short regularly appears on FOX News to discuss current tax-related issues and has taken a leadership role with the Coalition to Protect American Workers.
[Mark Esper](https://wwsg.com/speakers/mark-esper) served as Secretary of Defense from 2019-2020 and Secretary of the Army from 2017-2019. Esper is known for establishing the Department of Defense Board on Diversity and Inclusion, which was tasked with providing recommendations “to improve racial and ethnic diversity and inclusion in the U.S. military.” Esper’s keynotes draw from his corporate, military, and government experiences to inspire top-level leadership in all fields.
[Seema Verma](https://wwsg.com/speakers/seema-verma) served as Administrator of Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services from 2017-2021. She is highly regarded for implementing new procedures within the organization that champion innovative medical technology and for advocating for a national centralized patient database. Today, Verma is on the board of directors for both Lumeris and Monogram Health and continues to advise on healthcare-related issues.
To learn more about hosting these or any of our outstanding speakers, [Contact Us](https://wwsg.com/contact).
[Search All Speakers >>](https://wwsg.com/speaker-search)
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** Top Speaker on Politics, Political Speakers, Government, white house, Mark Esper, Healthcare Speakers, healthcare, political speaker, Top speaker on policy, marc short, seema verma
---
### [Niall Ferguson's New Book Explains Why We're Getting Worse (Not Better) At Handling Disasters](https://wwsg.com/blog/niall-fergusons-new-book-explains-why-were-getting-worse-not-better-at-handling-disasters/)
**Published:** April 27, 2021
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
## **“All disasters are in some sense man-made.”**
[](https://www.amazon.com/Doom-Politics-Catastrophe-Niall-Ferguson/dp/0593297377?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_uejKEqkjjCb1qVKXYh7PMFL2xFDE_HWYeJbD32mSNSHMSa8M6f4CIfN6xvsFXV6a2-PS6)
The highly anticipated book, [Doom: The Politics of Catastrophe](https://www.amazon.com/Doom-Politics-Catastrophe-Niall-Ferguson/dp/0593297377?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_uejKEqkjjCb1qVKXYh7PMFL2xFDE_HWYeJbD32mSNSHMSa8M6f4CIfN6xvsFXV6a2-PS6) by
WWSG exclusive speaker [Niall Ferguson](https://wwsg.com/speakers/niall-ferguson?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_uejKEqkjjCb1qVKXYh7PMFL2xFDE_HWYeJbD32mSNSHMSa8M6f4CIfN6xvsFXV6a2-PS6) releases Tuesday, May 4th!
Setting the annus horribilis of 2020 in historical perspective, Niall Ferguson explains why we are getting worse, not better, at handling disasters.
Disasters are inherently hard to predict. Pandemics, like earthquakes, wildfires, financial crises. and wars, are not normally distributed; there is no cycle of history to help us anticipate the next catastrophe. But when disaster strikes, we ought to be better prepared than the Romans were when Vesuvius erupted, or medieval Italians when the Black Death struck. We have science on our side, after all.
Yet in 2020 the responses of many developed countries, including the United States, to a new virus from China were badly bungled. Why? Why did only a few Asian countries learn the right lessons from SARS and MERS? While populist leaders certainly performed poorly in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, Niall Ferguson argues that more profound pathologies were at work–pathologies already visible in our responses to earlier disasters.
To learn more about hosting Mr. Ferguson at your upcoming speaking engagement, [Contact Us](https://wwsg.com/contact?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_uejKEqkjjCb1qVKXYh7PMFL2xFDE_HWYeJbD32mSNSHMSa8M6f4CIfN6xvsFXV6a2-PS6).
[Order the book >>](https://www.amazon.com/Doom-Politics-Catastrophe-Niall-Ferguson/dp/0593297377?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_uejKEqkjjCb1qVKXYh7PMFL2xFDE_HWYeJbD32mSNSHMSa8M6f4CIfN6xvsFXV6a2-PS6)
[View Niall Ferguson’s Speaker Page >>](https://wwsg.com/speakers/niall-ferguson)
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** books, Niall Ferguson
---
### [Silent Invasion by Dr. Deborah Birx](https://wwsg.com/announcements/silent-invasion-by-dr-deborah-birx/)
**Published:** July 21, 2022
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
**
*Silent Invasion: The Untold Story of the Trump Administration, Covid-19, and Preventing the Next Pandemic Before It’s Too Late*, published April 26. In the book, Birx clarifies which actions helped save lives yet remained largely unseen. It also addressed how to prevent and prepare for a subsequent pandemic. [Click here](https://www.harpercollins.com/products/silent-invasion-deborah-birx?variant=40153069617186) to order the book.
Dr. Deborah Birx is an American physician, diplomat, and leading medical expert known for gracefully navigating complex global health issues with a scientific and data-driven approach. She has unique experiences researching and managing programs aimed at finding successful therapeutics for HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and COVID-19.
[Host Dr. Birx](/speakers/deborah-birx)
**Categories:** Announcements
---
### [Four Healthcare Speakers Informing the Public](https://wwsg.com/blog/four-healthcare-speakers-informing-the-public/)
**Published:** August 5, 2022
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
The future of healthcare practice, policy, and efficacy continues to be a highly important and dynamic issue, especially considering the recent rapid spread of monkeypox in the United States. Our exclusive thought leaders in the health care industry bring unparalleled expertise and value to your live and virtual events. These exceptional, Worldwide Speakers Group exclusive speakers demonstrate commitment to patients, public health, and promoting scientific knowledge.
These thought leaders are available for live or virtual engagements, to audiences large and small. [Contact us](https://wwsg.com/contact?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-84J_JL8sPihb2qDg53wNRAqvJHVFvU0sMOrIyrrEbdHAxemNfmCl2Ransm4soDhLJLaEP1) to learn more about hosting these exceptional speakers.
[ Browse All Healthcare Speakers](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/healthcare-and-wellness/)
[](https://wwsg.com/speaker/scott-gottlieb-2/)
[**Scott Gottlieb**](https://wwsg.com/speakers/scott-gottlieb-2/?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-84J_JL8sPihb2qDg53wNRAqvJHVFvU0sMOrIyrrEbdHAxemNfmCl2Ransm4soDhLJLaEP1)‘s recent New York Times [article](https://wwsg.com/news/monkeypox-is-about-to-become-the-next-public-health-failure/?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-84J_JL8sPihb2qDg53wNRAqvJHVFvU0sMOrIyrrEbdHAxemNfmCl2Ransm4soDhLJLaEP1), “Monkeypox Is About to Become the Next Public Health Failure” says, “The C.D.C. has the boots on the ground that provide the frontline needs for attacking these kinds of outbreaks, with its sophisticated tools for detection and surveillance. What it lacks is the authority and a national security mind-set.” Dr. Gottlieb is a leading expert in health policy whose work focuses on providing insights into the economic and technological forces driving the transformation of healthcare.
In a recent [op-ed](https://wwsg.com/news/new-price-transparency-regulations-for-hospitals-insurers-empower-patients/?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-84J_JL8sPihb2qDg53wNRAqvJHVFvU0sMOrIyrrEbdHAxemNfmCl2Ransm4soDhLJLaEP1) for STAT, **[Seema Verma](https://wwsg.com/speakers/seema-verma?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-84J_JL8sPihb2qDg53wNRAqvJHVFvU0sMOrIyrrEbdHAxemNfmCl2Ransm4soDhLJLaEP1)** points out, “For too long, we have been left in the dark when it comes to the cost of medical treatments and procedures. Without a true health care marketplace based on price transparency, Americans will continue to make uninformed decisions that result in spiraling costs for everyone.” Seema Verma’s engaging speeches are punctuated by her admirable intellect and relevant pulse on all things healthcare related.
In [**Sanjay Gupta**](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sanjay-gupta?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-84J_JL8sPihb2qDg53wNRAqvJHVFvU0sMOrIyrrEbdHAxemNfmCl2Ransm4soDhLJLaEP1)‘s recent CNN [article](https://wwsg.com/news/dr-sanjay-gupta-while-monkeypox-cases-rise-why-are-we-waiting-for-the-cavalry-to-rescue-us/?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-84J_JL8sPihb2qDg53wNRAqvJHVFvU0sMOrIyrrEbdHAxemNfmCl2Ransm4soDhLJLaEP1) about monkeypox, he advocates for a swifter and more serious response to the disease, saying “Preparedness alone does not guarantee a rapid response. With Covid-19, and now monkeypox, we were too slow to respond. It was as if we are sitting in a turbo-charged Ferrari, capable of massive acceleration, but instead only idling in the driveway.” Dr. Gupta is CNN’s beloved Chief Medical Correspondent as well as a celebrated author and practicing neurosurgeon.
Former New York City Health Commissioner **[Dave A. Chokshi](https://wwsg.com/speakers/dave-chokshi?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-84J_JL8sPihb2qDg53wNRAqvJHVFvU0sMOrIyrrEbdHAxemNfmCl2Ransm4soDhLJLaEP1)** recently enlightened audiences at Aspen Ideas: Health 2022, moderating a conversation with fellow health care and public health leaders about the challenges the fields face, their motivations to do the work they do, and their advice for the new generation of doctors, nurses, and public health professionals. In a follow-up [article](https://wwsg.com/news/our-health-workers-are-still-in-crisis-something-must-change/?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-84J_JL8sPihb2qDg53wNRAqvJHVFvU0sMOrIyrrEbdHAxemNfmCl2Ransm4soDhLJLaEP1), Dr. Chokshi answered interview questions about how we can rebuild and support stronger health care and public health workforces.
As you can see, our exclusive speakers demonstrate a fierce commitment to the public, and demonstrate excellency in their field.
[ Contact Us to Host a Thought Leader](https://wwsg.com/contact-us/)
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** Public Health, Dave Chokshi, WWSG Exclusive, Public Speaker, Aspen Ideas, Nurse Shortage, Health Professionals, Health Policy, Female, Male, Keynote Speaker, Op-Ed, NYC, FDA, CNN, CMS, seema verma, healthcare, Scott Gottlieb, Healthcare Speakers, Government, Sanjay Gupta
---
### [In Honor of Preseason: NFL Royalty](https://wwsg.com/blog/in-honor-of-preseason-nfl-royalty/)
**Published:** August 11, 2022
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
The NFL preseason started one week ago, exhilarating fans across America. What a great time to remind you that WWSG exclusively represents the leader of the National Football League Players Association, DeMaurice Smith. Our customer feedback on Mr. Smith has been nothing short of wonderful.
*“He has great insights on a wide range of topics, and he delivers inspirational messages with great spirit and emotion! De is a must-see!” –Subaru*
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/demaurice-smith/?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--7IaIZxLXdJYu3BZYl8EQo7lt4_4goIQ2B1jd1JEGLIKc0m1I2eSK5rd_l94tw_CXBsfoA)
As the unanimous choice when for Director of the NFLPA, [DeMaurice Smith](https://wwsg.com/speakers/demaurice-smith/?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--7IaIZxLXdJYu3BZYl8EQo7lt4_4goIQ2B1jd1JEGLIKc0m1I2eSK5rd_l94tw_CXBsfoA) has been an unprecedented and influential leader in the NFL. With his past experience in litigation and ten collective years with the U.S. Attorney’s office and the Department of Justice, Smith is equipped with both the experience and mastery of rising to the occasion.
Smith can address: Leadership • Corporate Responsibility • Operational Strategy • C-Suite Challenges • Free Speech, Politics, and Social Justice • Race and Gender Leadership in Sports
In addition, our thought leaders with football backgrounds have much more to offer audiences than blocking and tackling strategies. As with all sports professionals, these diverse individuals have been through vigorous physical and mental training, each of them taking away different lessons from their experiences. Below are some examples of the skills and interests that have derived from life on the field.
These football experts are available for live or virtual engagements, to audiences large and small. [Contact us](https://wwsg.com/contact?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--7IaIZxLXdJYu3BZYl8EQo7lt4_4goIQ2B1jd1JEGLIKc0m1I2eSK5rd_l94tw_CXBsfoA) to learn more about hosting these exceptional speakers.
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/troy-aikman/?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--7IaIZxLXdJYu3BZYl8EQo7lt4_4goIQ2B1jd1JEGLIKc0m1I2eSK5rd_l94tw_CXBsfoA)
Three-time Super Bowl Champion, Hall of Fame Inductee, and former #1 draft pick [Troy Aikman](https://wwsg.com/speakers/troy-aikman/?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--7IaIZxLXdJYu3BZYl8EQo7lt4_4goIQ2B1jd1JEGLIKc0m1I2eSK5rd_l94tw_CXBsfoA) is regarded amongst the greatest NFL quarterbacks ever. Post-retirement from the field, Aikman has been nominated for an Emmy Award for his work as a Fox Sports commentator and he developed Aikman Efficiency Ratings, a system to measure the qualities that win football games. He also founded the Troy Aikman foundation, a charity committed to the health of America’s children which is now part of United Way of Metropolitan Dallas.
Troy discusses: Leading a Winning Team • Making the Best of Unexpected Opportunities
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/joe-theismann/?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--7IaIZxLXdJYu3BZYl8EQo7lt4_4goIQ2B1jd1JEGLIKc0m1I2eSK5rd_l94tw_CXBsfoA)
The most successful quarterback in the history of the Washington Commanders (formerly Redskins), [Joe Theismann](https://wwsg.com/speakers/joe-theismann/?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--7IaIZxLXdJYu3BZYl8EQo7lt4_4goIQ2B1jd1JEGLIKc0m1I2eSK5rd_l94tw_CXBsfoA) is also a world-class entrepreneur whose positive, high-energy presentations provide audiences with strategies for handling trying circumstances and dealing with unforeseen change. A successful businessman who currently serves on the board of directors of Johnny Rocket’s Group, he challenges audiences to recognize the potential that lies within—as individuals and as members of a team.
Theismann’s speech topics: Managing to Win! • Game Plan for Success • The Challenge of Change
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/drew-brees/?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--7IaIZxLXdJYu3BZYl8EQo7lt4_4goIQ2B1jd1JEGLIKc0m1I2eSK5rd_l94tw_CXBsfoA)
[Drew Brees](https://wwsg.com/speakers/drew-brees/?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--7IaIZxLXdJYu3BZYl8EQo7lt4_4goIQ2B1jd1JEGLIKc0m1I2eSK5rd_l94tw_CXBsfoA) is the legendary former quarterback for the New Orleans Saints. He is a 2009 Super Bowl champion and MVP, holding the NFL record for most passing yards of all time and the most consecutive games with a touchdown pass. Beyond his accomplishments on the field, Drew founded The Brees Dream Foundation, an organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for cancer patients which has raised over $45M to date.
Drew talks about: Faith, Family, Football, and Philanthropy
[ Browse All Sports Speakers](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/motivational/?pg=1&sort=_score&size=20&mz.topic=coaches-athletes-broadcasters)
**Categories:** Blog
---
### [Vacation's Almost Over: Workplace Experts to Motivate Your Organization](https://wwsg.com/blog/vacations-almost-over-workplace-experts-to-motivate-your-organization/)
**Published:** August 24, 2022
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
September is almost here, and vacation season is coming to a close! The idea may invoke dread for most of us, but we have motivating thought leaders to help. These productivity superheroes can share practical methods to inspire audiences to be their best selves. Whether you’re looking to motivate your sales team or introduce a fresh perspective to the C-suite, let us help you choose the best speaker for your organization’s needs.
[Contact us](https://wwsg.com/contact?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-96SjpaL15M99j7tmmb1VmRnOAC1B-AMg0sBE1-p9Qsc4LnsAnpM6Ji5xEnKnKEKQb7O8WN) to learn more about hosting these exceptional speakers.
[Mark Esper](https://wwsg.com/speakers/mark-esper?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-96SjpaL15M99j7tmmb1VmRnOAC1B-AMg0sBE1-p9Qsc4LnsAnpM6Ji5xEnKnKEKQb7O8WN) has led a distinguished career as a visionary leader, innovator, reformer, and change agent with a proven record of accomplishment in a wide range of roles and organizations. He attributes his success to the importance he places on character and values, coupled with boundless energy and a can-do spirit that puts the organization and its people first, and treating everyone with dignity and respect.
[](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XfEVavXKkYM&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-96SjpaL15M99j7tmmb1VmRnOAC1B-AMg0sBE1-p9Qsc4LnsAnpM6Ji5xEnKnKEKQb7O8WN)Secretary Mark Esper with Goldman Sachs on Listening to Your People
[ Mark Esper’s Speaker Profile](https://wwsg.com/speakers/mark-esper)
Founder & CEO of innovation firm futurethink, [Lisa Bodell](https://wwsg.com/speakers/lisa-bodell/?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-96SjpaL15M99j7tmmb1VmRnOAC1B-AMg0sBE1-p9Qsc4LnsAnpM6Ji5xEnKnKEKQb7O8WN) is the bestselling author of *Kill the Company*, and her latest *Why Simple Wins*. A leader on simplifying innovation and change management, Lisa is often called upon by global companies to help them eradicate workplace complexity that is killing their ability to innovate and adapt.
[](https://wwsg.com/news/google-just-launched-simplicity-sprints-heres-your-diy-version/?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-96SjpaL15M99j7tmmb1VmRnOAC1B-AMg0sBE1-p9Qsc4LnsAnpM6Ji5xEnKnKEKQb7O8WN)
[ Lisa Bodell’s Speaker Profile](https://wwsg.com/speakers/lisa-bodell)
[Cheryl Cran](https://wwsg.com/speakers/cheryl-cran?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-96SjpaL15M99j7tmmb1VmRnOAC1B-AMg0sBE1-p9Qsc4LnsAnpM6Ji5xEnKnKEKQb7O8WN) is an expert on the future of business, the technological impact on business, and the human behaviors needed to thrive with the fast pace of change. She is also the CEO of Evolutionary Business Solutions. Her podcast, NextNow – Future of All Things, discusses workplace topics weekly.
[ Cheryl Cran’s Speaker Profile](https://wwsg.com/speakers/cheryl-cran)
[Erica Dhawan](https://wwsg.com/speakers/erica-dhawan?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-96SjpaL15M99j7tmmb1VmRnOAC1B-AMg0sBE1-p9Qsc4LnsAnpM6Ji5xEnKnKEKQb7O8WN) is the world’s leading authority on 21st century Collaboration and Connectional Intelligence. She challenges audiences and organizations to unlock the collective power of teams and get big things done.
[](https://wwsg.com/news/erica-dhawan-joins-financial-times-podcast-working-it/?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-96SjpaL15M99j7tmmb1VmRnOAC1B-AMg0sBE1-p9Qsc4LnsAnpM6Ji5xEnKnKEKQb7O8WN)
[ Erica Dhawan’s Speaker Profile](https://wwsg.com/speakers/erica-dhawan)
[Josh Linkner](https://wwsg.com/speakers/josh-linkner?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-96SjpaL15M99j7tmmb1VmRnOAC1B-AMg0sBE1-p9Qsc4LnsAnpM6Ji5xEnKnKEKQb7O8WN) is a creative troublemaker. He started his career as a jazz guitarist and then went on to become the founder and CEO of five tech companies. He is also a deeply experienced business leader, venture capitalist, top-rated keynote speaker, New York Times bestselling author, and professional jazz guitarist. He is a world-renown expert on innovation, disruption, and hyper-growth leadership.
[](https://wwsg.com/news/5-habits-of-highly-successful-innovators/?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-96SjpaL15M99j7tmmb1VmRnOAC1B-AMg0sBE1-p9Qsc4LnsAnpM6Ji5xEnKnKEKQb7O8WN)
[ Josh Linkner’s Speaker Profile](https://wwsg.com/speakers/josh-linkner)
[Dr. Romie Mushtaq](https://wwsg.com/speakers/romie-mushtaq?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-96SjpaL15M99j7tmmb1VmRnOAC1B-AMg0sBE1-p9Qsc4LnsAnpM6Ji5xEnKnKEKQb7O8WN) is a board-certified physician, award-winning wellness speaker, and the founder of “brainSHIFT at Work.” She brings together over 20 years of authority in neurology, integrative medicine, and mindfulness to not just deliver programs, but create cultural change.
[](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DPzJHGPflmQ&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-96SjpaL15M99j7tmmb1VmRnOAC1B-AMg0sBE1-p9Qsc4LnsAnpM6Ji5xEnKnKEKQb7O8WN)“How was school?” How to open the channels of communication with your child[](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B_cSOiay418&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-96SjpaL15M99j7tmmb1VmRnOAC1B-AMg0sBE1-p9Qsc4LnsAnpM6Ji5xEnKnKEKQb7O8WN)brainSHIFT: Innovative Wellness for your Brain, Body, & Team
[ Romie Mushtaq’s Speaker Profile](https://wwsg.com/speakers/romie-mushtaq)
[ Host a WWSG Thought Leader Today!](https://wwsg.com/contact-us)
**Categories:** Blog
---
### [Guest Post by Paul Nicklen | Underwater Feeding Frenzy: Poetry in Motion](https://wwsg.com/blog/guest-post-by-paul-nicklen-underwater-feeding-frenzy-poetry-in-motion/)
**Published:** September 9, 2022
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
*This is a guest post by WWSG exclusive speaker, [Paul Nicklen](https://wwsg.com/speakers/paul-nicklen), originally posted [here](https://paulnicklen.bulletin.com/underwater-feeding-frenzy-poetry-in-motion).*
### *Behind the Frame of “Orca Ballet”*
> *“Dance less in motion and more in spirit; awaken the dreamer within.”*
> — Shah Asad Rizvi
We were working in northern, Norway, 71° degrees north, in Andenes fjord, in Lofoten, with beautiful, towering granite mountain tops coming out of the sea, covered in ice and snow.
It was January, when the sun does not rise above the horizon. It stays below. All you see is a faint, pink glow. Even at midday, the sky remains dark.
*When one of the most impressive apex predators ever to evolve breaks the ocean’s surface in an explosion of power and grace, you can’t help but question the human need to place ourselves on the pinnacle of evolved species.*
The waters in this area are deep and black, and full of mystery.
Every year, like clockwork, vast schools of herring come into these fjords, billions of them, on their annual migration. They are followed by orcas, apex predators of the sea, as many as 2,000 of them, accompanied by the larger, more placid but no less wondrous humpback whales.
We were there to record the importance of this biomass, in our mission to learn more about the natural cycle of life and spread the word about marine conservation and our collective need to protect the world’s oceans.
*Lofoten is one of the world’s richest marine ecosystems. Frigid waters well up from the Continental Shelf and furnish vital nutrients for the planet’s largest cold water reef, which in turn sustain substantial populations of keystone fish.*
We wanted to document the behavior of what marine mammal biologist Tiu Simila has identified as “carousel feeding,” a unique way in which the orcas work cooperatively to herd the herring into tightly, compressed balls of fish in the shallows, where they can’t get away.
The orcas work together — squealing, clicking, communicating, packing the ball of herring tighter and tighter. When the moment is right, they swat the herring with their tails, stunning the smaller fish, and allowing the orcas to eat them one at a time.
The amazing thing is that they take the time to delicately decapitate each herring before swallowing the body. They don’t eat the heads! So you see all these heads floating around.
*Orca feeding displays are incredible to witness. They’re a study in motion as they drive herring into tightly packed bait balls and then gorge at will on the protein they need to survive.*
Scientists once believed orcas and humpback whales worked together in tandem, in a kind of symbiotic relationship. We would be some of the first witnesses to see this behavior underwater.
We quickly learned the relationship between orcas and humpbacks is not that cooperative at all. The humpback whales sit to the side and wait for the orcas to do all the work in packing the ball together. Then the whales come charging through and take big mouthfuls of fish along the way.
On this particular afternoon, the water was exceedingly rough and we were thinking of calling it a day. It was only 2 p.m. but it was almost pitch black.
As we turned back, my companion Göran Elmé, co-founder of Waterproof Expeditions and the first to lead diving expeditions ot the polar regions, saw this feeding frenzy boiling below the surface. There were about 50 orcas as well, accompanied by humpbacks, but it was all just so dark.
*My friend and companion Göran Elmé is always telling me to, “Get in the water”.*
It looked incredible and terrifying, so we decided, let’s just go, let’s just do it and see what we see.
It was a wise decision, as it turned out. Modern camera technology allows us to see so much better underwater than even just a few years ago. As our eyes adjusted to the underwater scene we could barely make things out, but the water was clear. We could see these black orcas racing by; we could see their white throat patches, bellies and tail patches — enough to tell what was going on. They were working the ball of herring tighter, together and driving them to the surface. And then the humpback whales would come crashing through.
*The fjords of northern Norway are an important sanctuary for wild nature. The region is home to orcas, humpback whales and sperm whales, and if you dive deep enough, you’ll find the world’s largest cold-water coral reef.*
I was suddenly struck by how elegant and poetic it all looked. What appeared from the surface to be a wild frenzy was actually a beautifully coordinated, artistic dance when viewed underwater, the way the contours twisted and turned as the orcas angled and flexed around the ball.
I noticed this one orca just as it was about to swipe down with its tail. The herring were forming around it, resembling a kind of corkscrew just under the fish. It was poetry in motion, beautiful and ballet-like — and that’s why I call this piece Orca Ballet.
It’s one of my favorite images, because it shows how athletic, supple and beautiful, and how capable the top predator of the sea is in its natural environment. It was unforgettable.
*Orca Ballet.*
And in a fitting grace note, these images proved to be essential in a campaign to ban big oil from these fjords. Capturing a beautiful moment feels great, but nothing feels as great as good as a conservation win.
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** Paul Nicklen, Photography, photographer, conservation, Wildlife, Whales, Ocean, Oceanography, orca
---
### [Guest Post by Paul Nicklen | A Shared Moment With a Mother Bear and Her Cub](https://wwsg.com/blog/guest-post-by-paul-nicklen-a-shared-moment-with-a-mother-bear-and-her-cub/)
**Published:** September 15, 2022
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
*This is a guest post by WWSG exclusive speaker, [Paul Nicklen](/staging/speakers/paul-nicklen), originally posted [here](https://paulnicklen.bulletin.com/a-shared-moment-with-a-mother-bear-and-her-cub/).*
#### Behind the Frame of ‘Golden Bond’
> I call this moment ‘Golden Bond.’ It’s about the connection between a mother and her cub in the golden twilight of a midsummer evening on a beautiful river somewhere in Alaska. Simplicity itself.
Simplicity in nature is often the most beautiful simplicity of all. What is simple always interests me. Every year, during the annual salmon run, brown bears emerge from the mists in the glacial peaks that ring southwestern Alaska’s wild coastline and riverine valleys. They’re there for one of the most spectacular, eye-filling — and ecologically vital — wildlife migrations in all of nature: the annual salmon run, in which 30 million salmon fight their way upstream to their natal streams. It’s an awe-inspiring sight, unforgettable in its own way.
*During the seasonal salmon runs, giant males tend to guard the choicest fishing spots along the river.*
The sockeye come first, then the pink salmon followed by coho, then the chum, and finally, the chinook. The migration encompasses five months in all, from late May through the middle of October, and it’s prime feeding time for bears. This is the time of year when bears have to store fat and nutritional value for the long, cold winter months ahead. In the fall, hyperphagia kicks in and these bears eat practically non-stop, gorging on hundreds of thousands of calories daily.
Every bear has its own favorite feeding ground – and habits. Alpha males can weigh as much as 1,500 pounds (680 kg), so it’s no surprise that they’re the first ones to grab the prime fishing spots along the river. Their sheer bulk and muscle mass allow them to wade into the middle of the rushing stream and just stand there, braced against the current as they gorge themselves on whatever fish happens to come their way.
*Younger bears are quick and agile, and often retreat into tall stands of grass.*
Next, come the younger males and females, known as subordinates. They’re not always wise, but they’re smart: They know enough to keep out of the way of the larger, more aggressive males.
And then there are the mothers and cubs.
*During the seasonal salmon runs, mother bears must be alert, attentive, and focused at every minute to provide for their family while keeping them safe.*
This is a sight that always gladdens my heart. These mothers are wise beyond words. They have to be, because they have the added responsibility of looking not only after themselves but their cubs as well. Young cubs especially are virtually defenseless and rely on their mothers for everything. Bringing her cubs to the river’s edge is perhaps the riskiest palace of all for a mother and her cubs.
Mother bears face many challenges but perhaps the most imposing of these is infanticide. Nature is not always pretty, and infanticide — in which male bears kill cubs, sometimes even their own — is a fact of life in the wild. No one really knows why, though there are theories based on scientific research and observation over the years, everything from reducing competition for scarce food resources to sexual selection to cubs as a source of food.
None of that matters to a mother bear, of course. What matters is that male bears, especially the large, dominant alpha males, will kill cubs, given the chance, and the mother’s responsibility is to do what she can to protect her young.
*This little cub was still drinking its mother’s milk. At only five to six months old, it had already started acquiring a taste for grass, which is also rich in protein.*
One early evening in late August, at the midpoint of the salmon run, I was standing on a serene, pristine stretch of riverbank when I sensed some movement above me. I heard a slight rustling, as if something big were moving around. I could hear salmon splashing in the river nearby; otherwise, the scene was quiet and eerily gentle. A handful of larger bears were fishing upstream, focused on grabbing an easy meal.
And then, suddenly, I sense it — something in the underbrush just above me, about eight feet away.
It was a mother and her cub. They poked their heads out of the bush; the cub could have been no more than eight months old. I slowed my breathing and avoided direct eye contact. I embraced a body position and body language of humility, almost as if I was apologizing for being on the river.
I didn’t have my telephoto lens with me, just my wide-angle zoom.
Ears up, eyes alert, the mother stepped out of the brush into the open. She didn’t give me even so much as a glance; to her, it was as if I wasn’t even there. Her attention was transfixed on this one large male feeding on fish just upstream, in his favorite fishing spot. He seemed oblivious to her presence — mine, too — but that didn’t stop her from looking, listening … learning.
*The ocean waters I work to protect provide a vital home for the salmon that return to their natal streams in the never-ending cycle of life.*
Everything slows down in moments like that. You calm your nerves, steady your hands as much as you can, and move very, very slowly and gently. I always teach my field assistants to move around the bears as if they are doing Tai Chi … even when they are in a rush to move or change a lens. Tai Chi. Every motion needs to be smooth, slow and studied.
I gently and very calmly raised the camera to my eye, desperate not to break the spell, and managed two quick captures and never for a second thought that I had captured the perfection of the moment. As it happened, one of those two captures has become one of the most pleasing images I have ever taken. I love it.
There is nothing like being in a situation where an animal like this accepts you into its presence and dictates the rules. She knew I was there. Her cub knew I was there. They knew I was not a threat. The real threat was the big male up the river. I just happened to be there, in one of those chance intersections of luck, timing, and happenstance, to capture this moment just as the last light of day was fading behind the mountains.
*“Golden Bond”*
**Categories:** Speakers In The News, Blog
---
### [Economy Experts for Your Organization](https://wwsg.com/blog/economy-experts-for-your-organization/)
**Published:** September 15, 2022
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
Inflation: We’re all dealing with it in one way or another. With concerns gyrating between the cost of your family’s groceries to your organization’s tax liabilities and everything in between, questioning what lies ahead is inescapable. At best, we can educate ourselves about current national and global economic issues to prepare for the challenges that lie ahead. Worldwide Speakers Group offers expert thought leaders who can provide guidance based on their relevant experiences and deep understanding.
These thought leaders are available for live or virtual engagements, to audiences large and small. [Contact us](https://wwsg.com/contact) to learn more about hosting these exceptional speakers.
[ Browse All Economy & Finance Thought Leaders](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/economy-and-finance/)
Over the last several weeks, former FDIC chair [Sheila Bair](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sheila-bair) has been consistently offering commentary on student debt, inflation, and the Federal Reserve from her expert angle. Through media appearances, op-eds, and [articles for Financial Times](https://www.ft.com/stream/7e123ef0-c152-48bf-8008-3d96ed06978a), Ms. Bair has been a key voice on these pervasive issues.
A leading domestic and global expert in finance and economics, Sheila Bair steered the FDIC through the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression, working to bolster public confidence in the nation’s banking system when she was Chair from 2006 to 2011.
[ Sheila Bair’s Speaker Profile](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sheila-bair)
In his recent Bloomberg article, [Nobody Knows How Long Inflation Will Last. That’s Life](https://wwsg.com/news/nobody-knows-how-long-inflation-will-last-thats-life/), historian [Niall Ferguson](https://wwsg.com/speakers/niall-ferguson) says, “the idea that the average economist could know the answer to \[whether or not inflation has peaked\] is laughable.” He continues to describe examples throughout history that demonstrate this theory, closing with, “Nothing is more certain to keep inflation going around the world than an avalanche of war and political violence, disrupting the supply of money, goods and labor.”
Ferguson uses historical perspective to frame current challenges in his insightful articles and presentations.
[ Niall Ferguson’s Speaker Profile](https://wwsg.com/speakers/niall-ferguson)
One of America’s favorite anchors, CNN’s [Poppy Harlow](https://wwsg.com/speakers/poppy-harlow) imparts her deep economic knowledge by interviewing the world’s top business leaders and CEOs. Always on top of current events, Harlow has been addressing student loan forgiveness and inflation recently. Earlier this month, she interviewed Goldman Sachs CEO David Soloman and Chevron CEO Mike Wirth.
Poppy is known for her unbiased reporting and succinct discussions regarding the economy and related business issues.
[ Poppy Harlow’s Speaker Profile](https://wwsg.com/speakers/poppy-harlow)
[ Host a WWSG Thought Leader Today!](https://wwsg.com/contact-us)
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** Niall Ferguson, Sheila Bair, economy, FDIC, poppy harlow, lloyd blankfein, ian bremmer, eric rosengren, inflation, finance
---
### [Podcast Updates: The Latest from WWSG Thought Leaders 🎙️](https://wwsg.com/blog/podcast-updates-the-latest-from-wwsg-thought-leaders-🎙️/)
**Published:** September 20, 2022
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
[Hank Paulson’s Podcast | Straight Talk with Hank Paulson](https://www.paulsoninstitute.org/news/straight-talk-with-hank-paulson/)
*Founder & Chairman, Paulson Institute; Secretary of the Treasury, 2006-2009; Former Chairman and CEO, Goldman Sachs*
From growing up in the Midwest to leading Goldman Sachs and then serving his country as Treasury Secretary, Hank Paulson offers a unique point of view and a life experience unlike many Americans. With *Straight Talk*, Hank brings this experience to his conversations with the world’s prominent leaders and thinkers, exchanging a lifetime of stories and lessons from both the private and public sectors.
[ Hank Paulson’s Speaker Profile](https://wwsg.com/speakers/henry-paulson/)
[Dr. Sanjay Gupta’s Podcast | Chasing Life](https://www.cnn.com/audio/podcasts/chasing-life)
*Chief Medical Correspondent, CNN; Multiple Award-Winning Journalist, Author and Neurosurgeon*
Dr. Sanjay Gupta is on a mission to help us approach our new normal mindfully, finding a balance between self-care and productivity, and talking to doctors and researchers about the surprising science behind how we can thrive. It’s time to chase life again.
[ Sanjay Gupta’s Speaker Profile](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sanjay-gupta)
[Newt Gingrich’s Podcast | Newt’s World](https://www.gingrich360.com/podcasts/newts-world/)
*Visionary & Political Vanguard; 2012 Republican Presidential Candidate; Former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives*
From history to health, national security to science, Newt offers stories, conversations, and context to uncover new perspectives, knowledge and insight. This podcast isn’t about politics; it’s about exploring the past, present, and future to understand where we’ve been and where we’re going.
[ Newt Gingrich’s Speaker Profile](https://wwsg.com/speakers/newt-gingrich)
[Ian Bremmer’s Podcast | GZERO World](https://open.spotify.com/show/13QW2sLPCjVbdDE6fmJCNf)
*President, Eurasia Group; Leading Expert on Global Economic and Political Risk; Acclaimed Author, The J Curve*
The United States will no longer play global policeman, and no one else wants the job. This is not a G-7 or a G-20 world. Welcome to the GZERO, a world made volatile by an intensifying international battle for power and influence. Every week on this podcast, Ian Bremmer will interview the world leaders and the thought leaders shaping our GZERO World.
[ Ian Bremmer’s Speaker Profile](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ian-bremmer)
[Cheryl Cran’s Podcast | NextNow – Future of All Things](https://nextnow.buzzsprout.com/1922382)
*Foremost Expert on Leadership, Transformation, and Change Management; Bestselling Author and Top Consultant to Fortune 500 Companies*
In this podcast, Cheryl Cran shares insights on the future of all things including society, family, work, and more. Guests include humanists, behavioral scientists, psychologists, social scientists, artists, and more.
[ Cheryl Cran’s Speaker Profile](https://wwsg.com/speakers/cheryl-cran)
[Anderson Cooper’s Podcast | Anderson Cooper 360º](https://www.cnn.com/audio/podcasts/anderson-cooper-360)
*Multiple Award-Winning Journalist and News Anchor, Host of Anderson Cooper 360, Bestselling Author of Dispatches from the Edge*
Committed to going beyond sensational headlines to provide depth and insight in today’s media, Anderson Cooper’s fresh and fearless reporting has established him as one of the most recognized and trusted names in news. In his podcast, Anderson Cooper brings you highlights from CNN’s premier nightly news program AC360.
[ Anderson Cooper’s Speaker Profile](https://wwsg.com/speakers/anderson-cooper)
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** Hank Paulson, Newt Gingrich, Sanjay Gupta, ian bremmer, podcast, Straight Talk, Henry Paulson, Chasing Life, Newt's World, GZERO, GZERO World, NextNow, Charyl Cran, Anderson Cooper, Anderson Cooper 360
---
### [Guest Post by Paul Nicklen | Delta Rising](https://wwsg.com/blog/guest-post-by-paul-nicklen-delta-rising/)
**Published:** September 23, 2022
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
*This is a guest post by WWSG exclusive speaker, [Paul Nicklen](https://wwsg.com/speakers/paul-nicklen), originally posted [here](https://paulnicklen.bulletin.com/delta-rising).*
### The Colorado River Delta, Viewed from Above, Is One of the Most Life-Affirming, Awe-inspiring Sights I have Seen.
> *“There is not a fragment in all nature, for every relative fragment of one thing is a full harmonious unit in itself.” — John Muir, A Thousand Mile Walk to the Gulf (1916)*
What is a human being? Who are we, and why are we here? Those are just some of the basic questions I have wrestled with my whole life.
When I first flew over the Colorado River Delta in a two-seater plane, thousands of miles from where I grew up in Canada’s far north, I had no idea what to expect. I honestly believed that, looking down from 10,000 feet, it would look like these little fingers coming out of the river. When I actually set eyes on it, I saw it was five miles of sheer beauty, a landscape on a scale so vast and wide that at first I didn’t know how to photograph it.
*“Arterial Poetry”*
The task before me was to find a way to make beautiful and different images of a scene that almost took the breath away while conveying a message of life and renewal. My pilot Rodrigo and I started honing in at different altitudes, anywhere from 200 feet to 1,000 feet. The lower we went, the more it felt like we were flying through a three-dimensional canvas of poetry and art. To see these patterns was to be reminded of the tree of life, a quilted mosaic of silt and sediment — veins, capillaries, and branches woven intricately together, the lungs of the Earth. I was momentarily lost trying to figure out a way to turn these patterns of life into photographic moments that could live on people’s walls.
*“Arbol de Vida”*
It is beautiful, but this is a terrible beauty. For the story of the Colorado River since the 1950s has been a story of how an overburdened river no longer reaches the sea. It is a journey that starts high in the Rocky Mountains and winds through seven US states, over 1,500 miles of alpine forests, red rock canyons and desert floodplains to northwest Mexico, where it once emptied into the Sea of Cortez.
In the 1940s, as the population of the American Southwest and the Mexicali Valley grew, the US and Mexico signed a water-sharing agreement to govern the distribution of water from the Colorado River. This agreement drained nearly every drop of water from the river; in little more than a decade, the delta’s emerald lagoons and riparian forests withered in the hot sun and burned away to form a treeless desert. By the 1970s, Lake Powell filled behind Glen Canyon Dam, and water no longer flowed through the delta. The landscape began to die.
The region is experiencing the worst drought in 1,200 years, but that is only part of the story. The Colorado River is also a story of how human population and heavy industry have denuded, drained, and decayed one of the natural world’s great waterways.
*“Gaia’s Lungs”*
And yet, now, today, depending on when the drought finally ends, there is hope.
Thanks to a 2012 agreement between the US and Mexico that reallocated water to the delta for re-wilding purposes, small but consistent “base flow” water releases from the Morelos Dam, which straddles the US-Mexico border, to the delta has allowed the Colorado River to reach the sea for the first time in decades, if only as a trickle. Despite the lingering drought — a clear sign of climate change — studies project that by 2026 the delta could receive an additional 200,000 acre-feet of water, which will help restore thousands of acres of wetlands and sanctuaries for migratory birds. We know that avian diversity increases with even a modest amount of water. Every drop makes a difference.
Those efforts have provided new hope for the future.
*“Written in Water”*
As a society, we face some of the most pressing challenges today most of us can remember in our lifetimes. And yet, there is reason for hope, all because of the efforts of a small but dedicated group of people.
This matters. Life matters. We *can* turn the clock back — if not all the way, then at least partly there. What we have seen over stretches of the Colorado River Delta is proof of nature’s extraordinary resilience and resistance, even in the face of extraordinary challenges.
I will return one day, and I hope you will join me on my journey.
*“Arterial Shadows”*
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** Paul Nicklen, Climate Change, Environment, Photography, Keynote Speaker, photographer, delta, landscape, conservation, artist
---
### [Healthcare Updates from Our Exclusive Thought Leaders](https://wwsg.com/blog/healthcare-updates-from-our-exclusive-thought-leaders/)
**Published:** September 27, 2022
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
The future of healthcare practice, policy, and efficacy continues to be a highly important and dynamic issue. Our esteemed thought leaders in the health care industry bring unparalleled expertise and value to your live and virtual events. These speakers demonstrate commitment to patients, public health, and promoting scientific knowledge.
These thought leaders are available for live or virtual engagements, to audiences large and small. [Contact us](https://wwsg.com/contact?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--1H6oDuUEr9l-pxWHSEFdByd3moVG1VCeL8xPfcaDpF1A292hqwv8D1UVkd7tzOXeZ7YX8) to learn more about hosting these exceptional speakers.
[ Top Healthcare Speakers](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/healthcare-and-wellness/)
*WWSG Exclusive* • Dr. Deborah Birx recently spoke to [Infection Control Today](https://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/view/birx-using-science-and-data-covid-19-pandemic-is-not-over?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--1H6oDuUEr9l-pxWHSEFdByd3moVG1VCeL8xPfcaDpF1A292hqwv8D1UVkd7tzOXeZ7YX8) about President Biden’s *60 Minutes* interview and his words, “The pandemic is over.” She gave feedback based on her expertise on infectious diseases and her history of working for the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and US Department of State. Dr. Birx is a physician, diplomat, former White House Coronavirus Response Coordinator and author of *Silent Invasion.*
[ Deborah Birx’s Speaker Profile](https://wwsg.com/speakers/deborah-birx/)
*WWSG Exclusive* • Former FDA commissioner Scott Gottlieb, M.D. has taken an active role in advising public health officials and policymakers. Dr. Gottlieb frequently appears on top news channels to analyze the recommendations of health officials and offer his take on pressing national questions. He recently joined CNBC’s [Squawk Box](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PiX8UaqEEFM&t=69s&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--1H6oDuUEr9l-pxWHSEFdByd3moVG1VCeL8xPfcaDpF1A292hqwv8D1UVkd7tzOXeZ7YX8) to discuss China’s ongoing response to Covid-19 and Goldman Sachs’ decision to drop Covid controls and return workers to the office.
[ Scott Gottlieb’s Speaker Profile](https://wwsg.com/speakers/scott-gottlieb)
*WWSG Exclusive* • Dr. Sanjay Gupta continues to actively address the nation’s health concerns as Chief Medical Correspondent at CNN. A recent Chasing Life [podcast episode](https://open.spotify.com/episode/3RPIaILTmiagdzIUUwQbGX?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--1H6oDuUEr9l-pxWHSEFdByd3moVG1VCeL8xPfcaDpF1A292hqwv8D1UVkd7tzOXeZ7YX8) and accompanying [article](https://wwsg.com/news/the-world-doesnt-appear-the-same-to-every-animal-or-every-human/?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--1H6oDuUEr9l-pxWHSEFdByd3moVG1VCeL8xPfcaDpF1A292hqwv8D1UVkd7tzOXeZ7YX8) describe our sensory experiences. He also [reports](https://wwsg.com/news/extraordinary-gupta-amazed-by-biologists-ghost-heart/?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--1H6oDuUEr9l-pxWHSEFdByd3moVG1VCeL8xPfcaDpF1A292hqwv8D1UVkd7tzOXeZ7YX8) on another doctor’s groundbreaking new way to engineer personalized hearts using a patient’s own stem cells.
[ Sanjay Gupta’s Speaker Profile](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sanjay-gupta)
*WWSG Exclusive* • Dr. Caitlin Rivers uses outbreak science to improve public health preparedness and response, using infectious disease analytics and modeling to support public health decisions. Her recent [article](https://wwsg.com/news/dont-lose-sight-of-monkeypox-containment/?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--1H6oDuUEr9l-pxWHSEFdByd3moVG1VCeL8xPfcaDpF1A292hqwv8D1UVkd7tzOXeZ7YX8), “Don’t lose sight of monkeypox containment” says, “Although case counts might be dropping, the public-health community must focus on containing the epidemic completely.”
[ Caitlin Rivers’ Speaker Profile](https://wwsg.com/speakers/caitlin-rivers)
*WWSG Exclusive* • Seema Verma recently joined the corporate advisory board of [Carrum](https://wwsg.com/news/seema-verma-joins-carrum-health-corporate-advisory-board/?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--1H6oDuUEr9l-pxWHSEFdByd3moVG1VCeL8xPfcaDpF1A292hqwv8D1UVkd7tzOXeZ7YX8), the first digital health company connecting employers and employees to Centers of Excellence through a technology-powered, value-based care platform. “The fee-for-service payment model fails to incentivize quality and comprehensive care coordination and has led to inefficiencies in care delivery and unsustainable healthcare costs for employers and their employees,” said Verma.
[ Seema Verma’s Speaker Profile](https://wwsg.com/speakers/seema-verma)
**Categories:** Blog
---
### [Guest Post by Paul Nicklen | Searching for Adlauluq: A Legendary Bowhead Whale](https://wwsg.com/blog/guest-post-by-paul-nicklen-searching-for-adlauluq-a-legendary-bowhead-whale/)
**Published:** October 7, 2022
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
*This is a guest post by WWSG exclusive speaker, [Paul Nicklen](https://wwsg.com/speakers/paul-nicklen), originally posted [here](https://paulnicklen.bulletin.com/searching-for-adlauluq-a-legendary-bowhead-whale/).*
It is no secret that I feel a special connection to wildlife in the polar regions more than anywhere else on Earth. Canada’s far north is where I spent my childhood, where I grew up, where I came of age, and where I became a man. It is an important part of who I am today, as a person and a photographer, and that is why I want to share the story of how this image came to be.
People know that I love polar bears and penguins and leopard seals. Perhaps the living creature that has given me the greatest joy, though, the greatest pleasure and the greatest sense of accomplishment, is the bowhead whale.
I was on the sea ice off the coast of Baffin Island this one day, waiting for narwhals. I was cold. So cold. I had been immersed in -1C° (-29°F) seawater for more than two hours and was likely teetering on the edge of hyperthermia. I crawled out of the water and back onto the ice, where I lay there, in a frozen huddle.
My team was making a cup of hot tea by a nearby sled, to warm me up. And then, suddenly, I heard this massive blow of air beside the ice and the unmistakable sound of a large bowhead whale, this leviathan of the deep, breaking the surface for air.
*Bowhead whales have two blowholes, located side-by-side on the steeple, the small hump on their backs, to absorb the oxygen they need during longer-lasting dives.*
Jed, my assistant at the time, knew I had been pursuing these whales as part of an Ahab-like mission of redemption. I didn’t have time to put on any fins. I was too cold to move. Jed ran over, jammed the underwater camera into my hands, helped me put on my mask, and just rolled me over the edge of the ice into the water.
And just like that, there it was: the second-largest whale in weight ever to exist on this planet right in front of me, floating peacefully against a backdrop of sea ice — everything coming together in one moment.
The whale I had been looking for all this time then did something very strange, and wondrous. Instead of diving and swimming away, it simply stopped and stared. It moved a little closer until it was just inches away. I was using an ultra-wide wide-angle lens, never expecting that I would get this close to anything, let alone this.
The whale started to nudge me with its chin. I sat there frozen, not moving. I could barely feel my hands. I couldn’t hear the shutter, but I could see my hand pressing down, and I could feel the vibration in the housing — so I knew the camera was working. It was taking pictures.
Exactly what those pictures were, I wouldn’t know until later, but I knew the image I wanted: a close-up of this incredible, vast being, an idea that would somehow connect it to the intricate, complex web of life that lives and breathes under the ice. I wanted to capture one of those incredible moments in nature, to show a whale with all these scars from being surrounded by sea ice, breaking the ice, pushing through the ice. It must survive this icy world to access food, but the ice shifts and closes, pulled by ocean currents. On occasion, when trapped in sea ice, the whales have to push through the ice from below and break it in order to breathe.
*Sleeping bowheads at the edge of the ice.*
The science on bowhead whales is not that definitive, and what little science there is only hints at their majesty. They are one of the oldest, longest-living mammals on the planet. Scientists estimate that some bowhead whales live as long as 200 years.
Of the handful of whale species that live in the Arctic, bowhead whales are by far the largest. They average 50 to 55 feet but have been known to grow as long as 65 feet.
*Despite their bulk, Bowhead whales can leap entirely out of the water, their bodies glistening with seawater as they soar through the air and then land with a resounding thump … communicating to all the other whales in their midst.*
They were also among the most persecuted whales on Earth, alongside right whales — so named because legend had it at the time, they were the “right whale” to hunt.
The Inuit traditionally hunted only a handful of bowhead whales. They used the whales’ meat for food and the fat for oil, use the jaw bones as supporting structures for their homes, and use other bones in their sleds. As with most indigenous people, the Inuit have traditionally maintained a sustainable balance with nature.
Once European whalers arrived in the 17th and 18th centuries, though, Canada’s eastern population of bowhead whales crashed — from an estimated 11,000 bowhead whales in pre-contact times to a small, remnant population of scattered individuals.
*Bowhead whales have the thickest coating of blubber of any sea mammal, with layers up to 50 cm (19 inches). This blubber insulates them against the cold, in both winter and summer.*
Whale populations have since begun to recover, following to a whaling moratorium passed in 1966 to protect the species, but survival remains a struggle.
For me, as a young man in my early twenties, I embarked on a life quest through the Arctic, hoping to find this whale. I would hang out with Inuit guides on Baffin Island and learn from biologist extraordinaire and friend Kerry Finley. We would travel the ice edge through the 24-hour sunlight of the Arctic summer, hoping to track down this great leviathan of the deep.
Inuit elders would weave tales about the legendary Adlauluq, an old, white bowhead whale that appeared every so often in the fjords off Baffin island, only to vanish, just as mysteriously. All the other whales would get excited when it appeared. Kerry Finley had scientifically documented its appearance among the other bowheads.
Cultures have long heard wisdom in non-human voices, and yet whales, one of the most vocal and musical voices in the sea, were hunted to the edge of silence, not so long ago.
I did not find Adlauluq on this day, but in capturing this image, I love the thought that Alauluq could still be out there, that it could have survived 150 years of whaling.
*Bowhead whales like ice because that is where their food source lives — copepods. Pound for pound, these tiny crustaceans contain the highest lipid concentration of fat and calories of any animal in the sea, and the life cycle of copepods happens under the ice.*
It also saddens me to know that with the loss of sea ice, we will see the loss of copepod populations, bowhead whales’ primary food source, and ultimately the loss of the entire polar ecosystem.
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** Paul Nicklen, Photography, conservation, Wildlife, Whales, Ocean, Oceanography
---
### [New WWSG Exclusive: Prime Minister Scott Morrison](https://wwsg.com/announcements/new-wwsg-exclusive-prime-minister-scott-morrison/)
**Published:** October 7, 2022
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
We are extremely proud to announce that Australia’s 30th Prime Minister, [Scott Morrison](/speakers/scott-morrison) is exclusively represented by Worldwide Speakers Group for his global speaking engagements.
During his tenure, Morrison was tasked with several difficulties that required unique and innovative solutions. From managing the public safety of Australians during the pandemic to mitigating an economic crisis, controlling natural disasters, and leading the country while others were at war–Prime Minister Morrison led Australia with his particular brand of calm decisiveness and rationale. A virtuous globalization mastermind, Morrison lends his boundless influence and experience to audiences around the world.
To host the Prime Minister at your upcoming event, [contact us](/contact-us).
**Categories:** Announcements
---
### [Guest Post by Rachel Botsman | The power of *not* finishing something](https://wwsg.com/blog/guest-post-by-rachel-botsman-the-power-of-not-finishing-something/)
**Published:** October 11, 2022
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
This is a guest post by WWSG thought leader, [Rachel Botsman](https://wwsg.com/speakers/rachel-botsman/), originally posted [here](https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/power-finishing-something-rachel-botsman/?trackingId=Axpk4j96TFab5LnrJKpnfQ%3D%3D).
**Do you prefer starting or finishing things?**
We’ve recently finished renovating our house. Or have we? All in all, it’s been a two-year project, saga, money pit, or labour of love, depending on the day. Last winter, we had no electricity or back to our house. The top two floors that were finished flooded and we had to move out. And then, to top it all off, we got burgled — twice.
Never again!
Now that it’s done, I feel immense relief but find myself wondering, “Are **we *really* finished?”** My husband seems to find more wood to saw, sand, and paint (he loves that sander!) I keep coming up with more garden, or weirdly, lighting ideas. The experience has made me think a lot about the **psychology of finishing.**
**Three types of finishing problems**
“Finish what you’ve started,” is advice we’re all given by teachers, parents, or bosses at some point in our lives. But is this wise advice?
I think there are three different types of finishing problems — **never starting, stopping halfway, and never being done.**
**1. NEVER STARTING:
The first category of finishing issues ironically begins with the first step — **trouble starting.** Fear and lethargy are the ultimate non-starter enemies:
- You will fail.
- You will embarrass yourself.
- You won’t finish, so why bother?
Nothing ever gets finished because it’s easier to come up with reasons *not to* *start*. It’s the mindset of, “I’ll start reading that book, clearing my garage, looking for a new job… but maybe I won’t because…”
The challenge is often finding the **headspace, energy, or time** to start something new.
**2. STOPPING HALFWAY:
Then there are the dreaded blocks that stop us from ***not completely* finishing things —** a work project, a learning course, a new business, a half-knitted scarf, a Netflix series…
We leave things a little undone for all kinds of reasons including:
- We realise we’re in over our head — it’s just way harder than we expected.
- Procrastination and distraction constantly pull us away to other things.
- The excitement fades and tedium sets in — we lose interest or something shinier comes along.
It’s a type of finishing problem that results in **stopping, pushing something aside for later, or simply giving up.**
We’re told that to overcome this issue we need more of what Angela Duckworth famously called “grit.” But there is more to **finishing than persistence**. Setting realistic expectations is key.
At the start of something new, always consider the planning fallacy” (also known as Hofstadter’s law). If you’ve never heard it, states: **“It always takes longer than you expect, even when you take into account Hofstadter’s Law.”** The project charts for our renovation were almost a waste of paper because every task took double the time planned. It’s why the Sydney Opera House was finished 10 years later than scheduled! Realistic planning is hard **because we tend to base finishing times on best-case scenarios.** It’s easy to underestimate the abilities, resources, and time needed to see something through.
**Finishing and the power of trust**
In the workplace, starting things is generally much easier than completing them. We [crave the](https://sptr.eocampaign1.com/f/a/ylmF__257-ozvGk4ijyAZg~~/AAAHUQA~/RgRlJoAlP0UgMzU3YmVhOGYzYzNmNGU5MDMwMWJjZTQyNGY5NTIxYzJEXmh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lm55dGltZXMuY29tLzIwMTgvMTIvMDkvc21hcnRlci1saXZpbmcvd2h5LXlvdS1zdGFydC10aGluZ3MteW91bGwtbmV2ZXItZmluaXNoLmh0bWxXBXNwY2V1QgpjPSX7Q2Osw7lJUg9rYWJlbGFAd3dzZy5jb21YBAAAH2M~) energy kick fresh starts bring. **How many good starters vs. great finishers do you have on your team?**
Identifying the reasons why we don’t complete things is important because **finishing is really important when it comes to trust**. It gives us:
- Trust in ourselves — increasing confidence to do something again or to aim higher next time.
- Trust from others — it boosts people’s confidence in your competence and reliability, the capability side of being trustworthy. \*
\* A side note: I’ve seen many people in organizations not realizing how important setting clear expectations around what finishing looks like is to trust.
A powerful question to ask: **are you aligned on what “done” means?**
**3. NEVER BEING DONE:**
The last type of finishing problem is when it’s hard to recognize **or to be satisfied when things really are done.**
Do you enjoy the satisfaction of finishing certain types of things?
- Finishing a great novel.
- Finishing a race.
- Finishing a massive clear out.
It’s easier to finish things with clear and specific end points — last pages, finish lines, awards, or launch dates.
But creative projects where you could just do a bit more are harder to finish. When I received a print copy of my first book, I sat there underlining all the bits I changed in the second edition…I know 🙂
It’s easy to classify the last issue with finishing as being bogged down with **perfectionism**. But what if something deeper is at work?
Here’s what I’ve realised about creative projects: Getting things *just right* will never materialize. We find it hard to ***let go of* something** finished because we constantly **reset our expectations.** It becomes hard to let go because we want to be better or *just right.*
But here’s another thing about being comfortable with not finishing: Rushing to the end can be about a discomfort with the uncertainty of the middle. We want to finish because we resist the discomfort of doubt. We crave the clarity of the endpoint.
Creative thoughts are like a garden; it’s never really done. Sometimes things are just a continuous process without a ribboned finishing line — and that’s just fine.
Qu for you to think about: What do you find easy and hard to finish?
So, here’s to the joy of finishing and never being done.
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** procrastinating, success, productivity, trust, trust expert, rachel botsman, work, fear, anxiety, psychology, rethinking, finishing
---
### [WWSG.com is New and Improved](https://wwsg.com/blog/the-process-of-making-the-new-improved-wwsg-com/)
**Published:** October 12, 2022
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
[Welcome the new WWSG website!](https://wwsg.com/) Many detailed conversations over the course of years led up to this new release, so we are proud to finally present the final product.
Here are the problem areas WWSG identified and what was done to resolve them:
**Search: The Problem**
The old wwsg.com had a challenging search tool. Site visitors could not use a variety of keywords, like “female leadership speaker.” Visitors could only search speaker names and would have to spell them exactly as they were published, which made it difficult to search for people with variations (i.e., The Honorable Henry M. Paulson, Jr. AKA Hank Paulson). If a site visitor was unsure how to spell Annie Leibovitz or Evan Feigenbaum, they would be out of luck.
These frustrations presented themselves even before reaching the search results page and encountering an overly complicated filtering system.
**Search: The Solution**
We installed a sophisticated search plug-in. This third-party app uses content, relevance, intelligent spelling, synonyms and more to offer a robust set of search results. You no longer need to type “The Honorable Henry M. Paulson, Jr” to view Hank’s profile page. Try searching for “Climate Investing” or “Goldman Sachs CEO”—they will both reveal Hank’s profile page.
To address the formerly messy filtering system, WWSG pared the site’s main topics from 24 to 12 with no more than 3 subtopics each.
- *Tip: Having fewer categories actually helps site users find what they need quicker since the time it takes to sift through dozens of topics can lead to confusion and frustration.*
- *Tip: The easiest option is usually not the best option. Ask your customers how they use your website in order to understand what they need.*
We’re confident you will love the new search experience. Whether you’re searching for ideas or for a specific person, this process is smarter and simpler than ever before.
**Design: The Problem**
Let’s just go ahead and say it: the former website was outdated. It was built for functionality and used WWSG’s brand colors, but it wasn’t visually appealing based on standards for 2022.
**Design: The Solution**
WWSG’s marketing manager has years of experience in art & design and worked with web designers to bring her vision alive. The color palette was slightly altered with the introduction of navy alongside WWSG’s staple orange. The blue gave life to the site and modernized the palette.
- *Tip: Going overboard with a color palette can confuse your branding. Stick to 3 or fewer main colors to keep your site looking polished.*
To the average user, the site’s new appearance is undoubtedly the most noticeable update. We never get tired of hearing, “The new website looks *great!*”
**User Experience: The Problem**
The former website lacked an intuitive user journey. Precisely where to navigate based on a site visitor’s objective was not presented in a clear, obvious way. The WWSG team knew that a confusing website could do more harm than good; it might as well redirect to competitors’ sites if users become frustrated and take their task elsewhere.
**User Experience: The Solution**
We put our heads down to remove all unnecessary pages on WWSG.com and only kept the most visited and essential pages. Similar components, like blog posts and announcements, combined into one resource center. Add-on functions that did not lead visitors to high-importance destinations were removed. This intense cleanup was imperative to simplifying the user experience.
- *Tip: Be specific and honest when testing a website for potential improvements. Engage in clear and consistent communication with your web developers until they understand your business. The right partner will respect and understand your needs. There is always a solution!*
*WWSG consulted Ironistic, a local D.C.-area firm, to develop their new website. We hope you are enjoying using the new WWSG.com and we welcome your feedback.*
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** WWSG, web design, design, blog, website, new site, developer, technology, tips, online, solutions, goals, search, user experience, ux
---
### [6 Reasons to Partner with WWSG for International Speaking Events](https://wwsg.com/blog/6-reasons-to-partner-with-wwsg-for-international-speaking-events-2/)
**Published:** October 20, 2022
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
The United States leads the way in the global professional speaker industry. Keynote speakers from around the world desire to be represented by an American speaker’s bureau since they are likely to get the most value from working with these firms.
At Worldwide Speakers Group, we represent some of the best and brightest thought leaders in the entire world. No matter where in the world your conference, gala, or event is, you should always book a speaker with us. Here are six reasons why.
1. **Speakers Trust Us with Their International Events**
As a globally renowned speaking agency, speakers trust our ability to handle the logistics effectively and efficiently. While the speaker may have the ability to prepare for an international event, leaving the task in the hands of experts ensures that they will be taken care of from beginning to end. In addition to negotiating speaker fees and expenses on their behalf, the bureau will handle travel visas, currency exchanges, transportation methods, and other important aspects of event management. The speaker can then concentrate on pleasing the client and audience and leave the logistical plans to their team at WWSG.
2. **Clients Benefit from Working with Bureaus**
While most clients have an idea of what they are looking for in a speaker, the seemingly endless options out there can be overwhelming and time-consuming to sort through. A speakers bureau like WWSG helps clients gather information on speaking topics, fees, and logistical information before providing a list of the best thought leader options to ensure the organization is making the right decision for their budget and audience.
Because bureaus are prepared to handle logistics, they lift a weight off the client to ensure the speaker is safe, punctual, and the overall perfect fit. A bureau will always have the client and speaker’s best interest and ensure a fair, successful, and productive event for all parties.
3. **On-Site & Contingency Services**
WWSG will always offer one of our experienced agents to travel with the keynote speaker if the client feels that it would make the communication process easier on site. Having a representative who has been working with the client and speaker from the beginning allows for a seamless event and easy on-site experience.
Additionally, WWSG creates contingency plans so the client can prepare to the best of their ability. For example, flights may be delayed, security details might be in effect, and different cultural events and holidays may be taking place. When creating contingency plans, these scenarios are researched and taken into consideration. Both the speaker and client will always have a backup travel and game plan.
4. **Language Services**
If we do not have someone on our staff who speaks the client’s foreign language, we take the time to understand the client’s culture and background beforehand to enhance the communication experience. Any written or spoken information given is treated delicately and with much attention to detail. Conversations are often slow paced and free of any slang, jargon or idioms. WWSG agents frequently ask for clarification, repeat back to ensure a full understanding of their client’s needs, and are very specific with their details to be sure all areas are covered.
After each conversation or meeting, our agents will send an email to recap the information given and the details agreed upon. Having a written overview allows the client and WWSG agents to refer back to the past conversations and work effectively.
5. **We Know International Taxes, Laws, and Regulations**
Through our history working with clients around the world, we’ve been able to keep a profile of each country we’ve worked with. We follow currency exchanges, financial restrictions, speaker taxes, technological capabilities, and much more. Our team does thorough research to keep this information up to date and our speakers informed before traveling.
6. **We’re Collaborative**
WWSG works with bureaus worldwide to co-broker speakers that our clients wish to have at their events. We also offer our speakers to other bureaus to ensure they are given every opportunity to spread their message. Our team treats each other, our customers and our vendors with dignity, consideration, open-mindedness and respect.
By valuing diverse styles and skills, recognizing each individual’s contribution, and staying open to each other’s perspectives, WWSG cultivates an environment of innovation and collaboration — which helps our customers and our speakers.
For more information, [**speak with an agent today to book a speaker for your next event**](https://wwsg.com/contact/).
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** hot to, help, obstacles, barriers, language, bureau, global, keynote speaking, book a speaker, speaking engagement, international, reasons, advice, trust, speakers’ bureau, Events, International Events
---
### [Guest Post by Rachel Botsman | Rethinking Nerves](https://wwsg.com/blog/guest-post-by-rachel-botsman-rethinking-nerves/)
**Published:** October 24, 2022
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
*This is a guest post by WWSG thought leader, [Rachel Botsman](https://wwsg.com/speakers/rachel-botsman/), originally posted [here](https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-enjoy-excitement-nerves-rachel-botsman/?trackingId=5GybMZXRSiS7qisEzL9hcw%3D%3D).*
### When did you last feel really nervous about something?
A strange thing happened to me last week – I got the most nervous I’ve been in a long time whilst giving a presentation. I know this doesn’t sound odd, given that a fear of public speaking is a very common phobia. But over the past decade, my career has involved giving hundreds of talks. I’ve learned how to control my adrenaline to the point that walking on the stage feels like entering a calm bubble.
But the setting was different this time – I was in a classroom as the student, not the teacher. It got me thinking about nerves. **When and why do we get nervous?**
### **Stepping into the unknown**
As some readers know, I’ve returned to school for a year with the London School of Garden Design at Kew Gardens to study a lifelong interest in landscape design. In this presentation in front of my new classmates, I was taking a ‘trust leap’ as a total beginner, not *the* expert.
Nerves often arise in situations where there is one or more of the following:
- A lack of experience
- An evaluation (real or imagined)
- Status difference
- Sharing new ideas
- A new audience
Tick, tick, tick, tick!
I haven’t been a student for 22 years, and I haven’t drawn for two decades! My peers and the tutor know very little about my background or trust expertise. It’s stimulating but incredibly confronting. When it came to my turn to present my work, I got that sweaty, hot, heart-racing, dry throat sensation that I hadn’t felt in a long time.
### **When we stop leaping into the unknown**
I realised something powerful in that moment; it was weirdly refreshing to feel nervous again. Like a **courage spot inside of me** that had been languishing had now been fired up.
Sometimes we don’t feel nervous because we’ve become highly competent, but there is also a danger that we’re also numb to the experience. We’ve stopped **stepping from the comfortable and familiar into the unknown.**
### **Quick exercise for you: when did you last feel nervous at work?**
Perhaps it was one of the following situations:
- Meeting a new client or team
- Negotiating a pay rise
- Walking into a room full of people you don’t know
- Having to give a pitch, presentation, or talk
These different situations have one thing in common: **they all require vulnerability.**
Vulnerability, according to [Brene Brown](https://www.linkedin.com/search/results/all/?heroEntityKey=urn%3Ali%3Afsd_profile%3AACoAAAOedt0BebAPN8CHV405wMOUYGQZhdi3nPs&keywords=bren%C3%A9%20brown&origin=RICH_QUERY_TYPEAHEAD_HISTORY&position=0&searchId=960e6ac8-de3c-4f1c-bee3-e3fbf849d944&sid=6Nu), is “uncertainty, risk, and emotional exposure.” It’s that unstable feeling we get when we’re engaged in something that forces us to let go or loosen control**. It requires a lot of self-trust.** So why, at times, do we enjoy this rush of the unknown and at other times feel nervous?
### **Fear of judgement and rejection**
Evolutionary psychologists believe there are **primordial roots** as to why a fear of public speaking (known as ‘glossophobia’) is the [most common phobia](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10501711/) ahead of spiders, heights, and even death.
Living in tribes has long been an essential survival skill. In pre-historic times, rejection from the group could lead to death. When we stand in front of an audience, we’re **ultimately vulnerable to judgement and rejection**, much like our ancestors’ fears. Nerves rise when there is an underlying **fear of a negative evaluation or judgement by others**.
Nerves are a stress response that happen when we’re:
- Consumed by what **others will think** of us vs what we’re saying
- Trying to **establish our credibility**, image, or status in a new setting or group
- **Feeling insecure** about our experience and seeking approval
### **Trying to calm down is bad advice**
I’ve been fortunate to give talks at [TED](https://www.linkedin.com/company/ted-conferences/), the [World Economic Forum](https://www.linkedin.com/company/world-economic-forum/) and the [Lincoln Centre](https://www.linkedin.com/company/lincoln-center-for-the-performing-arts/) in New York City. I say this not to show off, but these are big imposing stages with many eyeballs looking at you! There are cameras, lights, and massive screens. I’ve learned to silence nervous chatter through various techniques. My favourite is always starting with an **interactive question to the audience**: it takes the attention away from you, the speaker, and gets people **thinking instead of judging.**
You may have been told to try to relax and calm down before giving a talk or presentation. It’s advice that needs rethinking. Alison Wood Brooks of Harvard Business School [studies the effectiveness](https://www.apa.org/pubs/journals/releases/xge-a0035325.pdf) of doing just the opposite – getting excited.
Calmness is a positive state but it’s also low on arousal. Trying to go from a state of nerves to calm is like asking your brain to go from speeding along the motorway to driving through a quiet country village at 20 mph. It requires shifting your arousal (from high to low) and your valence (from negative to positive.) For most people, it requires far less **effort to jump from one charged-up state to another** – from **negative feelings of nervousness to positive feelings of excitement.** It’s a switching technique that is called “[anxiety reappraisal”](https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2014/01/study-fight-performance-anxiety-by-getting-excited/282886/) and it works!
Now, when I step in front of the class at Kew there is a different dynamic to lean into – the thrill of pure learning. So, here’s to the courage to rediscover the student, the beginner, inside all of us again and to enjoy the excitement of nerves.
Warmly,
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** procrastinating, success, productivity, trust, trust expert, rachel botsman, work, fear, anxiety, psychology, rethinking, finishing
---
### [Guest Post by Rachel Botsman | How to Act With More Humility](https://wwsg.com/blog/guest-post-by-rachel-botsman-how-to-act-with-more-humility/)
**Published:** November 1, 2022
**Author:** wpengine
**Content:**
*This is a guest post by WWSG thought leader, [Rachel Botsman](https://wwsg.com/speakers/rachel-botsman/), originally posted [here](https://rachelbotsman.substack.com/p/edition-1-how-to-act-with-more-humility).*
In a TED talk I gave in 2012, I shared an idea I had been working on called ‘reputational capital.’ In short, it was based on the concept that your online reputation would become more powerful than your traditional credit history. It wasn’t a bad idea per se, but it was deeply flawed; overlooking discrimination and many other issues that would accompany the rise of digital rating systems.
A few years later, I gave an interview with a journalist who was fixated on the talk. I replied that I had changed my mind and wanted to explain why. The journalist laughed dismissively. He thought it was funny I had revised an idea about reputation, that I staked my reputation on!
I rarely get frustrated in interviews but clearly remember responding, “Why should humility undermine my credibility?”
#### **Humility doesn’t mean a lack of confidence or credibility.**
The challenge is admitting that **you were wrong is often used as a fuel by your critics** or even your enemies, especially for leaders.
Humility isn’t about having a low opinion of yourself. It doesn’t mean you can’t be confident and ambitious. Far from it.
Some of the most successful people I’ve met – from world-famous entrepreneurs to sports stars to authors – are incredibly humble. David Coulthard, Jane Goodall, Ant Middleton, and Elizabeth Gilbert come to mind immediately. They believe they can do extraordinary things. Their ideas are big and bold, but they are continually aware of the pitfalls of overconfidence – **how it can leave you blind to what you do not know.**
You need humility, to expose the flaws and blind spots in your knowledge. To admit you were wrong. It gives rise to…
**Curiosity:** A genuine interest in new ideas and willingness to hear feedback
**Open-Mindedness:** Listening to other people’s ideas and searching for other points of view.
**Vulnerability:** Being willing to ask for help when we need it.
**Respect:** Treating other people, no matter who they are, with attention, and appreciation.
As Tim Urban brilliantly puts it: **“Humility is by definition a starting point—and it sends you off on a journey from there. The arrogance of certainty is both a starting point and an ending point—no journeys needed.”**
If you struggle with humility, it can be helpful to see it as the **force against complacency.** It will enable progress and stop you from standing still.
In a world of deep divisions, we need more humility. Think of what flows from a more humble society – sincerity, fairness, truthfulness, and modesty. Practicing humility is hard. But having the self-awareness to know what you know and don’t know is a skill we can develop.
Humility is something we can all get better at – not just acknowledging our mistakes and learning from them but being open to understanding where we might be wrong.
Warmly,
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** success, rachel botsman, humility, reputation, confidence, respect, vulnerability, open-mindedness, curiosity, arrogance
---
### [Guest Post by Paul Nicklen | The Grizzly as a Symbol of Freedom and Understanding](https://wwsg.com/blog/guest-post-by-paul-nicklen-the-grizzly-as-a-symbol-of-freedom-and-understanding/)
**Published:** November 8, 2022
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
*This is a guest post by WWSG exclusive speaker, [Paul Nicklen](https://wwsg.com/speakers/paul-nicklen).*
### ***“The Earth is art, and the photographer is only a witness.”***
– Yann Arthus-Bertrand, Photographer and Journalist
Majesty SurfacingPhotography is a way to share a captured moment with other people, which is why I try to encourage my viewers to feel a connection with nature– with the emotion of the land, and with the living energy of the entire ecosystem. I want them to feel connected to the sea ice, the forests, the highest mountains, and the deepest parts of the sea. To achieve this, I will often turn to charismatic megafauna, those large, iconic animals everyone recognizes from when they were small children.
Golden BondWhen I want to inspire people to fall in love with the temperate rainforests, coastal mountains, and huge tracts of wild land in Alaska or Canada’s far north, I look to grizzly bears. For me, the secret of photographing these large, magnificent animals is to capture those intimate moments few would ever have the chance to see in person– a tender moment between a mother and her cub or the look of sheer satisfaction on a bear’s face from a good tree rub. Photography can shape people’s perceptions simply by revealing the true and complex nature of animals like grizzlies.
New Release Heart of the Yukon
I photographed this heart shaped face grizzly along the banks of the Fishing Branch River in Canadas Yukon Territory The vulnerability and gentleness within his eyes grabbed me emotionally as he stared back through my lens I have always found bears to be full of personality and surprisingly willing to engage with me some even venturing close enough where I could smell the salmon they had just gorged onGrizzly bears are born high up in the mountains, in deep-forested dens. As they grow, they make their way down through the snow fields to the grassy meadows below, where they feed on sedge grass and berries. They lead mainly vegetarian, occasionally omnivorous lives until the big, annual salmon runs in the fall when bears switch their diet to the protein-rich, high-fat energy of coho, chinook, pink, chum, and sockeye salmon. This seasonal cycle feeds not only bears, and other wildlife, but also trees as animals drag the fish into the forests. Everything in nature is connected, and nothing is wasted. In a year where there are high returns of salmon, you can actually see evidence of increased nitrogen in the growth rings of the trunks, earning them the name “salmon trees.”
Bear ScentsOnce the bears are full and fattened on salmon protein, they head back up the mountains to hibernate through the winter, before returning to the rivers in the spring to repeat the ritual. It is nothing less than the cycle of life, writ large against a backdrop of some of the most eye-filling landscapes on Earth.
Over the years, I have been fortunate and lucky enough to witness the private lives of bears and the special moments that happen between them. I want to share some of my favorite moments with you here, so that you may feel some of the same soul-stirring emotions I felt in capturing them on film.
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** Paul Nicklen, Photography, conservation, Wildlife, Climate, Animals, Fine Art, Art, Grizzly, bear, polar bear
---
### [3 Economy Experts for Your Organization](https://wwsg.com/blog/3-economy-experts-for-your-organization/)
**Published:** November 17, 2022
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
Inflation, mass layoffs, volatility. These terms describe the uncharted economic conditions that we’re currently experiencing. The entire economic ecosystem has been affected by the global pandemic and its aftermath in ways that are both obvious and discreet. The decisions made by the Federal Reserve System and your local grocer alike are affecting everyday experiences with fiscal wellbeing. What needs to be done to combat this uncertainty and correct the mistakes were made during a time of crisis?
The incredibly informed thought leaders below have been lending their expertise to the public to both educate and inspire action to work towards resolution. These economy & finance leaders are available for live or virtual engagements to audiences large and small. [Contact us](https://wwsg.com/contact-us?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--fxHzqddnf3famk63zHcGUjvCCa7BiWnAq4Hp7dLJSBR4cQwt0GFHb3vvrPKsgE4I0cdiu) to learn more about hosting these exceptional speakers.
[ View Economy & Finance Speakers](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/economy-and-finance/)
[ Contact Us](https://wwsg.com/contact-us)
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sheila-bair)
On a recent [podcast appearance](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/on-the-hill-episode-16-sheila-bair-former-fdic-chair/?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--fxHzqddnf3famk63zHcGUjvCCa7BiWnAq4Hp7dLJSBR4cQwt0GFHb3vvrPKsgE4I0cdiu), [Sheila Bair](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sheila-bair?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--fxHzqddnf3famk63zHcGUjvCCa7BiWnAq4Hp7dLJSBR4cQwt0GFHb3vvrPKsgE4I0cdiu) talks about how the culture at government sponsored enterprises has shifted and why they should exit conservatorship after 14 years. “Government is just not really good at running organizations this size,” she said. “You lose some level of market discipline when the government takes over.”
A leading domestic and global expert in finance and economics, Sheila Bair steered the FDIC through the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression, working to bolster public confidence in the nation’s banking system when she was Chair from 2006 to 2011.
[ Sheila Bair’s Speaker Profile](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sheila-bair)
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/niall-ferguson)
In his recent Bloomberg article, [How Cold War II Could Turn Into World War III](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/how-cold-war-ii-could-turn-into-world-war-iii/?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--fxHzqddnf3famk63zHcGUjvCCa7BiWnAq4Hp7dLJSBR4cQwt0GFHb3vvrPKsgE4I0cdiu), historian [Niall Ferguson](https://wwsg.com/speakers/niall-ferguson?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--fxHzqddnf3famk63zHcGUjvCCa7BiWnAq4Hp7dLJSBR4cQwt0GFHb3vvrPKsgE4I0cdiu) says, “An unusual feature of the recent past is that in 2020 a pandemic had the fiscal and monetary consequences of a world war. This was unprecedented. No previous pandemic, including the much more devastating 1918-19 influenza, had elicited comparable responses from finance ministries and central banks.” Niall also recent co-authored a paper studying the evolution of central bank balance sheets over the past 400 years.
Ferguson uses historical perspective to frame current challenges in his insightful articles and presentations.
[ Niall Ferguson’s Speaker Profile](https://wwsg.com/speakers/niall-ferguson)
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/robert-zoellick)
In his recent *Wall Street Journal* article, [Russian Cash Can Keep Ukraine Alive This Winter](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/russian-cash-can-keep-ukraine-alive-this-winter/?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--fxHzqddnf3famk63zHcGUjvCCa7BiWnAq4Hp7dLJSBR4cQwt0GFHb3vvrPKsgE4I0cdiu), [Robert Zoellick](https://wwsg.com/speakers/robert-zoellick?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--fxHzqddnf3famk63zHcGUjvCCa7BiWnAq4Hp7dLJSBR4cQwt0GFHb3vvrPKsgE4I0cdiu) writes, “The U.S. needs to reset the strategic chessboard. Washington can change the terms of battle by using its strongest economic weapon. By relying on international law, the U.S. would also reinforce the rules-based order that Russia wants to destroy. That would achieve justice as well as peace.”
Zoellick served as U.S. trade representative (2001-05), deputy U.S. secretary of state (2005-06) and World Bank president (2007-12). He is the author of America in the World and is unrivaled in his depth and breadth of what makes global economies tick and how best to operate in an increasingly global market.
[ Robert Zoellick’s Speaker Profile](https://wwsg.com/speakers/robert-zoellick)
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** stock market, fed, risk, volatility, pandemic, uncertainty, bloomberg, wall street journal, financial times, experts, united states, finance, inflation, economy, Sheila Bair, Robert Zoellick, Niall Ferguson
---
### [A Recap of Former Vice President Pence's Book Launch Reception Hosted by WWSG](https://wwsg.com/blog/a-recap-of-former-vice-president-pences-bestseller-book-launch-reception-hosted-by-wwsg/)
**Published:** December 12, 2022
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
On December 1, 2022, Worldwide Speakers Group had the honor of hosting a book launch reception at our headquarters for former Vice President [Mike Pence’](https://wwsg.com/speakers/mike-pence/)s *New York Times* Bestseller, *So Help Me God*.
Among the several hundred guests were customers, speakers, and friends alike. Attendees included Senior Political Correspondent Josh Kraushaar, the former Vice President’s chief of staff Marc Short, Executive Director of Advancing American Freedom Paul Teller, former U.S. Representative Dan Burton, and Executive Director of *Washington Times* Tom McDevitt.
*Washington Times* Chairman Tom McDevitt Congressman Dan Burton Dr Michael Jenkins Dr Reiko Jenkins and Dr Samia Burton present the former VP with original artwork as a thank you for his recent appearances at their eventsWWSG’s CEO Bob Thomas and Principal Dans Sims both gave opening remarks before the former Vice President delivered a short speech addressing attendees. Guests mingled and met with the former Vice President while enjoying appetizers and Hors d’ oeuvres provided by Chesapeake Chefs.
Overall, the event was festive and fun for all. Happy Holidays from the WWSG team!
Worldwide Speakers Group employees pose for a photo with the former Vice President as the evening comes to a close
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** book launch, autobiography, d.c., washington, dc, virginia, alexandria, canal center, event, published, simon & schuster, so help my god, pence, vice president, WWSG, mike pence
---
### [Speaker Spotlight: Mark T. Esper](https://wwsg.com/blog/speaker-spotlight-mark-t-esper/)
**Published:** January 24, 2023
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
[**Dr. Mark T. Esper**](https://wwsg.com/speakers/mark-esper/) **is superbly qualified to address any organization, issue, or concern.** Having served on Capitol Hill and at the highest levels of the U.S. government as Secretary of Defense, leading two of the largest and most complex organizations in the world, he understands that a leader’s job is to provide vision, direction, inspiration, resources, and a positive example for the teams they lead. Dr. Esper demonstrated these rare qualities when he led the Pentagon during one of the most tumultuous periods in U.S. history, as he candidly describes in his NYT-bestselling memoir [***A Sacred Oath***](https://www.harpercollins.com/products/a-sacred-oath-mark-t-esper?variant=39847191674914).
As one the of the most experienced and respected leaders in the nation today, **Dr. Esper also brings his corporate and business background to bear to explain the unique intersection of the global economy, tech development, and international security.** He understands the challenges and concerns your organization may be facing today – both internally and externally — and offers thoughtful insights and ideas on how to successfully navigate the specific issues you face, from politics in the workplace and cybersecurity, to the rise of China and global macroeconomic uncertainty.
The only way to learn more about hosting Mark Esper for an upcoming speaking engagement and check his current availability is to [contact WWSG](https://wwsg.com/contact-us)!
**Categories:** Announcements, Blog
**Tags:** Mark Esper, army, secretary of the army, secretary of defense, global economy, tech development, international security, national security, cybersecurity
---
### [Trending Topic: Technology's Effect on Our Health](https://wwsg.com/blog/trending-topic-technologys-effect-on-our-health/)
**Published:** March 30, 2023
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
Technology has become an integral part of our lives, and it is constantly evolving. While there are many benefits to using technology, there are also some potential risks to our mental and physical health. *In fact, I used an AI generator to write the first two sentences of this paragraph.* Will my cognitive ability to write unique copy decline if I continue to use this tool? At what point will convenience become detrimental? And AI is just one of the technological advances that has recently been questioned.
Worldwide Speakers Group thought leaders have been addressing the topic of technology’s effect on our health increasingly over the last several months. We have a selection of speakers who can address this in a thoughtful and informed manner, leaving audiences with both tactical advice for protecting their health amidst rapidly advancing technology and with hope for the future.
To host a WWSG thought leader at your upcoming event, [contact us](https://wwsg.com/contact-us).
Former New York City Health Commissioner, [Dr. Dave A. Chokshi](https://wwsg.com/speakers/dave-chokshi) is well-acquainted with the effect of technology on public health. In charge of the most populated U.S. city during the height of the pandemic, Dr. Chokshi takes a pragmatic approach to technology’s impact on Americans by shining a light on the pros and cons of virtual care in his various talks and publications.
[Learn More >>](https://wwsg.com/insights-and-resources/?keyword=chokshi)
[Niall Ferguson](https://wwsg.com/speakers/niall-ferguson)[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/niall-ferguson) takes an alternative look at technology’s effect on mental health, pointing out different yet parallel courses of emotional disruption. Alongside widely studied and accepted viewpoints, he explores tangential ideas, too: “I remain firmly persuaded that the creation of vast online networks greatly increased our vulnerability to contagions of the mind, including conspiracy theories and ‘mind viruses’ of all kinds.”
[Read the Bloomberg Article >>](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/us-teens-feel-down-but-the-adults-arent-all-right-either/)
On season six of Chasing Life, [Dr. Sanjay Gupta](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sanjay-gupta) takes us on his most personal journey yet, while he dives into the science behind how technology is impacting our brains. As a dad of three teenage girls, he explores how worried we should be about the effect screen time is having on kids’ health. Each Tuesday his podcast seeks guidance on how to navigate a world surrounded by screens.
[Latest Episode: Inside a Lab Studying Toddlers and Touchscreens >>](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/chasing-life-with-dr-sanjay-gupta-inside-a-lab-studying-toddlers-and-touchscreens/)
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** Sanjay Gupta, Niall Ferguson, Mental Health, Public Health, Dave Chokshi, podcast, Chasing Life, technology, bloomberg, tech, health, ai, artifcial intelligence, physical health
---
### [Chris Miller Wins the Arthur Ross Book Award](https://wwsg.com/announcements/chris-miller-wins-the-arthur-ross-book-award/)
**Published:** November 16, 2023
**Author:** Riley Sims
**Content:**
The annual Arthur Ross Book Award recognizes books that make an outstanding contribution to the understanding of foreign policy or international relations. The prize, endowed by the late Arthur Ross in 2001, is for nonfiction works from the past year, in English or translation, that merit special attention for:
- bringing forth new information that changes the understanding of events or problems;
- developing analytical approaches that offer insights into critical issues; or
- introducing ideas that help resolve foreign policy problems.
## 2023 Medalists
**Gold Medal**
Christopher R. Miller
*Chip War: The Fight for the World’s Most Critical Technology*
**Silver Medal**
Susan Shirk
*Overreach: How China Derailed Its Peaceful Rise*
**Bronze Medal**
Sergei Guriev and Daniel Treisman
*Spin Dictators: The Changing Face of Tyranny in the 21st Century*
**Categories:** Announcements
**Tags:** Chris Miller Speaking, artificial intelligence, crypto, cryptocurrency, Geopolitical, cyber, Award Winner, Singing Chip War, Arthur Ross Book Award, ai, CEO Audience, Computer Chip, Global Affairs, Global Trade, Man, Putin, World Affairs, defense, cybersecurity, global economy, geopolitics, russia, award, chip war, chris miller, risk, author, book, international, Male, Keynote Speaker, economics
---
### [Humpback Whales, Orcas, and the Unpredictable Magic of Wildlife Photography | Paul Nicklen](https://wwsg.com/blog/guest-post-by-paul-nicklen-humpback-whales-orcas-and-the-unpredictable-magic-of-wildlife-photography/)
**Published:** December 6, 2023
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
*This is a blog post from WWSG thought leader [Paul Nicklen](https://wwsg.com/speakers/paul-nicklen). All images are copyrighted. To purchase Paul Nicklen’s work, [visit his website](https://paulnicklen.com/fine-art/).*
Most of my shoots are planned months, sometimes even years in advance. I spend that time consulting local experts, checking the weather, anticipating lighting conditions, and plotting the logistics of reaching often remote and inaccessible regions. After forming a vision of the kind of photographs and compositions that would tell a compelling story, I finally set out to fulfill that vision. Most of the time, I fail. Occasionally, I succeed. Then there are the shoots in which all of the forces of nature align in a split second to create an entirely unforeseen moment of pure serendipity.
During an assignment in which I was charged with photographing and filming orcas, I had an unexpected brush of luck that resulted in one of my all-time favourite images. The January sun never fully crested the horizon, even by midday. Instead, its feeble rays basked northern Norway’s fjords in golds and reds before reverting back to twilight in the span of a few hours. Working through the polar dark, my team and I set out in a small Zodiac, bobbing like a cork in the freezing Arctic waters. We squinted at the giant swells around us and tried to keep steady as the wind roared over the surf.
At first, I could barely discern the distant shapes rising and vanishing off in the distance. Finally, as we drew farther away from the coast, the first clear dorsal sliced through the water like a sail, followed by the clearing of a blowhole. Several fins appeared in its wake, towering over the waves before disappearing again. At the heart of the commotion, a sudden mass of flashing scales formed against the surface. The orcas were packing a bait ball of herring by cornering the fish against the sea air, coordinating with one another in a highly strategic hunt. Every move the hunters made was perfectly calculated and communicated, spurring their quarry into a tightly wound cluster.
Megaptera | Tonga 2019 | Once driven to near extinction humpback whale populations have been making a comeback across the world in both the northern and southern hemispheres © Paul Nicklen Photography© Paul Nicklen Photography© Paul Nicklen Photography
I kept my camera trained on the surface, ready to press the shutter and catch the moment the orcas finally feasted on the fruits of their labour. There was a sudden surge as a giant silhouette crashed through the water, prompting all the cameras on board to turn towards the splash – only it was not an orca. Instead, a very large and very clever humpback whale swept through the panicked fish with its mouth wide open. It moved so fast that I barely had time to react. I held the shutter on my camera as I raised it to my eye, shooting blindly and hoping to catch its vanishing tail. Then, the moment was over before I could even register that it had begun.
It was not until later when I finally had a chance to review my card, that I saw the image. Not only had I managed to catch the humpback whale’s tail by some sheer miracle, but it was in sharp focus. A crisp cascade of seawater, sharp as glass, peeled away from the fluke just as it turned to slice the inky surface. It was well-composed, well-timed, and, above all, born from a moment of pure spontaneity.
Antarctic Veil | Antarctica 2017 | The wide fluke of a humpback whale flags high above the inky waters against the fiery orange hues of the Antarctic sky © Paul Nicklen Photography
I have met countless photographers over the course of my life, many of them novices striking out for the first time with their cameras in hand and bags full of new gear. Most of them give up after a couple of failed trips, returning home feeling defeated. When your job is to essentially fail 95% of the time, it can be difficult to stay positive. But that 95% is never a wasted effort. If anything, it is a mark of success.
The forces of nature rarely converge in the right place at the right time, but if you give up and go home, then you are guaranteed to miss your window. Luck is a lightning strike that can only find you when you are already hard at work doing what you love. So keep at it until your moment arrives.
Wishing you the very best of luck,
Paul Nicklen
[ Contact Us to Host Paul Nicklen!](https://wwsg.com/contact-us/)
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** arctic, humpback whales, photographs, sealife, sea, ocean health, orcas, Winter, North, Predators, balance, ecosystems, Animals, orca, Ocean, Whales, Wildlife, conservation, Photography Keynote Speakers, Nature Photography, Photography, Climate Change, Paul Nicklen
---
### [Chasing Life with Dr. Sanjay Gupta | Does age indicate cognitive ability?](https://wwsg.com/blog/chasing-life-with-dr-sanjay-gupta-does-age-indicate-cognitive-ability/)
**Published:** February 13, 2024
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
*This is a guest post by WWSG exclusive speaker, [Dr. Sanjay Gupta](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sanjay-gupta).*
A lot has been made about age recently, in light of the upcoming presidential election. [But how much does someone’s age indicate their cognitive ability?](https://e.newsletters.cnn.com/click?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)
Both 81-year-old President Joe Biden and 77-year-old former President Donald Trump have a history of speaking blunders. Most recently, Biden referenced dead European leaders and confused the presidents of Mexico and Egypt. In January, Trump stumbled and mixed up Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
But these kinds of slipups aren’t very telling when it comes to broader problems of cognition or memory, experts say.
“We’re not able to \[assess cognition\] just by observing someone speaking in public. That would require a very thorough investigation,” said Dr. Molly Mather, an assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine.
Dr. Angela Roberts, an assistant professor of communication sciences and computer science at Western University who researches aging and speech signatures that detect cognitive decline, says that “mixing up names or having difficulty retrieving names, especially if the names are similar in their structure or if you’re linking two people together in your mind, is not necessarily unusual as we get older.”
As we age, a decline in cognitive abilities is to be expected — including slower word and name recall, difficulty with multitasking and decreases in attention span. According to the National Institute on Aging, natural changes happen in parts of the brain related to learning and other complex mental activities, the connection between neurons may be less effective, and blood flow may decrease. On top of that, our abilities to think and perform can be influenced by things like stress, sleep and day-to-day distractions.
However, certain “crystallized abilities” improve with age. This comprises knowledge that comes from learning and experiences, such as vocabulary and knowledge of how to do things, Roberts said.
A battery of tests can help doctors assess whether someone indeed has cognitive issues outside of normal aging, but they would also need assessments from friends and family about any changes that have happened over time. In addition, brain imaging and other medical tests, including bloodwork, would be needed to rule out other factors that could lead to worsening cognition, such as infections or vitamin deficiencies.
“It is valid for voters to be concerned about people who have large amounts of power having intact cognitive functioning. As people age, probabilistically, the risk for certain types of decline do increase,” Mather said. “But there is really such variability as people age. I think it’s unfair in many ways to assume the worst.”
[ Contact Us to Host Dr. Gupta!](https://wwsg.com/contact-us/)
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** medical, presidential election, age, neurosurgery, neuro, cognitive, aging, personal health, medical discovery, Dr. Gupta, Wellness, The Results Are In, trump, news, Chasing Life, podcast, CNN, biden, Sanjay Gupta
---
### [Paul Nicklen - Southern Right Whales: A Call to Action](https://wwsg.com/blog/southern-right-whales-a-call-to-action-paul-nicklen/)
**Published:** March 12, 2024
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
*This is a guest post by WWSG thought leader, [Paul Nicklen](https://wwsg.com/speakers/paul-nicklen). All images are copyrighted. To purchase Paul’s work, [visit his website](https://paulnicklen.com/fine-art/).*
> #### “If we can teach people about wildlife, they will be touched. Share my wildlife with me. Because humans want to save things that they love.” – Steve Irwin
Last fall the SeaLegacy team was invited for the chance of a lifetime to photograph endangered southern right whales off the coast of Australia. Our friend and award-winning photographer Scott Portelli had just secured permits to film within the Great Australian Bight and wanted to share the experience with us so we could help tell the story to the world. Our initial thrill quickly turned serious, however, when he explained why he was determined to film the whales.
Fossil fuel companies have set their sights on uncovering potential gas and oil deposits within the bight. The process would involve using [seismic blasting](https://paulnicklen.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=8d9dedf8133b767d79460f0d1&id=7cc7ce1897&e=cd946fdb5e) to explore beneath the sea floor, just beyond the boundaries of where mother right whales raise their newborn calves. By sending out powerful, explosive bursts of compressed air every ten seconds, companies can detect the presence of hidden gas and oil deposits. The blasts are strong enough to penetrate rock and their deafening echo can travel thousands of miles underwater. You could imagine then how alarming and dangerous this would be for mother whales, who are already on high alert protecting their calves.
Given the potentially dire circumstances, Scott and his wife Rosie were looking to support local efforts to stop the blasting and, with our help, raise public awareness on the issue. This is why Cristina and I founded [SeaLegacy](https://paulnicklen.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=8d9dedf8133b767d79460f0d1&id=987137bb9a&e=cd946fdb5e) together; we wanted to use the power of visual storytelling to galvanize a global audience and take action on critical issues affecting our oceans and its inhabitants. The stakes were high and we set out with a rising sense of urgency.
Coastal Odyssey A Mothers Journey | Mother whales spend their time shepherding their calves along through coastal waters until they are finally strong enough to make their first migration all the way to the Subantarctic IslandsMothers Harbor | For a young calf there is little to fear from their vast and new world with mom diligently watching for predators and threatsAs soon as we made it to the shores of Western Australia, our team took to the sea with Scott as our guide to meet the whales. Right whales across the ocean were once relentlessly targeted by the whaling industry for their high oil and baleen content. Their slower pace, tendency to hug the coast, and the fact that they float after being harpooned made them the ideal catch for whalers, or the [“right whale to hunt.”](https://paulnicklen.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=8d9dedf8133b767d79460f0d1&id=5c2a835459&e=cd946fdb5e) By the turn of the 20th century, their numbers were so low that an international ban was called in the 1930s. Despite the ban, right whales continue to slip closer to extinction.
Considering the volatile history between our species, I expected the whales to be wary or avoid us entirely. What I failed to anticipate was how trusting, playful, and inquisitive these animals can be. Within minutes of locating a small group and slipping beneath the surface to try our luck, we were approached by several curious giants. Our initial attempt to keep our distance went out the window when a group of subadults steamed straight for us, inviting us to play. In their wake, mother whales approached with a little more reservation – dutifully cautious and yet eager to show off their calves. It seemed that as far as personalities go, right whales run the gamut for just about every kind of character.
Pearl of Affection | A small percentage of southern right whales are born white like this little calf due to a condition known as grey morphism and gradually darken over timeOver the course of a few days, we watched moms interact with one another, allowing their babies to meet for a play date. We also witnessed males attempting to court the females and chase each other around in a kind of ballet. I knew the shoot would be a success thanks to Scott’s expertise, but I never expected such a warm and eventful welcome from the whales. By the time Cristina and I bid farewell to our friends, both human and non-human, we were hopeful that we gathered the visuals necessary to show how intelligent, fragile and important these creatures are.
Two mothers circle each other and show off their calves one born a deep shade of charcoal and the other born bright whiteMany of the mother whales proudly presented their newborns to us as if eager to show off their progenies Their trusting and incredibly gentle natures forever captured our heartsAs of today, the fight to protect the Great Australian Bight is [an ongoing battle](https://paulnicklen.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=8d9dedf8133b767d79460f0d1&id=77053b62f2&e=cd946fdb5e). With unlimited budgets, the gas and oil industry are a force to be reckoned with. But they appear to have met their match with local Australians and global activists all standing against them. Meanwhile, scientists are racing to understand the impact on marine life from seismic blasting and noise pollution, which is at an all time high. We know baleen whales like southern rights rely heavily on their hearing to communicate and detect potential predators. A noisier ocean can cause stress and leave animals more susceptible to danger. If we truly care about our fellow wildlife, it is time we learn to create safe spaces that take into account how *they* see the world; not just how we see it.
Despite our rather destructive history as a species, human beings are also capable of immense empathy. Thanks to the work of dedicated researchers and people who are passionate about creating a better world for all species, there is still hope for the future. Whether or not we succeed has yet to be determined. But as long as we allow our curiosity to steer us into a deeper understanding and appreciation for our planet, I believe we are on the right track.
In any case, I am grateful for the team I have and for people like you who take the time to read these stories. It makes all the difference knowing there will always be others who care just as deeply about whales and our living world.
With immense gratitude,
Speaking opportunities for [Paul Nicklen](https://wwsg.com/speakers/paul-nicklen) are exclusively managed by Worldwide Speakers Group. To host him at your event, [contact us](https://wwsg.com/contact-us).
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** Animals, sealife, sea, ocean health, orcas, Winter, North, Predators, balance, ecosystems, arctic, Ocean, Whales, Wildlife, conservation, Photography Keynote Speakers, Nature Photography, Photography, Climate Change, Paul Nicklen
---
### [Josh Kraushaar, New WWSG Exclusive](https://wwsg.com/announcements/new-wwsg-exclusive-josh-kraushaar/)
**Published:** August 31, 2022
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
We have exciting news: [**Josh Kraushaar**](https://wwsg.com/speakers/josh-kraushaar/) is available for speaking engagements!
Josh Kraushaar’s ahead-of-the-curve political analysis has been a trusted source for the public for well over a decade, spanning four U.S. administrations and over a dozen election cycles. He is currently Senior Political Correspondent for Axios after serving as editor-in-chief of the Hotline. At the Hotline, Kraushaar wrote the trendsetting “Against the Grain” column and hosted a podcast featuring interviews with the top political operatives and newsmakers.
While politics is often complicated and granular, Kraushaar is uniquely able to reveal the larger trends within elections to all audiences. With his holistic, big picture approach, Kraushaar expertly connects with audiences of all backgrounds, explains the issues at large that loom over Washington, and breaks down the possible consequences of those issues on everyday Americans.
**Speech Topics:**
• Previewing the Midterms: An in-depth look at the forces that are shaping the upcoming midterm/presidential elections, the issues driving voters, and a comprehensive rundown of the races that matter
• Political Realignment 101: How American political allegiances are changing before our eyes and what it means for the future
To learn more about hosting Josh at your upcoming event, [Contact Us](https://wwsg.com/contact?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8c2ezNTKkT7jeZ5x2tVqP8x2NhYnrO06IccvQ_gpprmdnCLrUkTZxU02-xgB3rU6gC3zpy).
**Categories:** Announcements
**Tags:** keynote, josh kraushaar, speaker, kraushaar
---
### [Guest Post by Paul Nicklen | Scotch with a Grizzly Bear](https://wwsg.com/blog/guest-post-by-paul-nicklen-scotch-with-a-grizzly-bear/)
**Published:** January 23, 2023
**Author:** wpengine
**Content:**
*This is a guest post by WWSG exclusive speaker, [Paul Nicklen](https://wwsg.com/speakers/paul-nicklen).*
Now that Cristina Mittermeier and I have rejoined our team in Mexico’s Pacific waters, our conservation work has taken off. It feels good to be back on the SeaLegacy 1 filming impactful stories for our ocean. I cannot wait to share with you everything we have accomplished. But in the meantime, I wanted to revisit a story that is dear to my heart about a certain bear who has been on my mind throughout this winter. Some of you likely already know the story of how I ended up having a glass of scotch with the grizzly featured in my limited edition print, *Majesty Surfacing*. For those who have not yet had the pleasure, please read below and meet “Morris.”
Back in the fall of 2012, my partner, photographer Cristina Mittermeier, and I set out far above the Arctic Circle to photograph grizzlies feasting on the seasonal salmon run. To prepare for the coming winter, bears eat incessantly in a phase called hyperphagia, in which they gather every life-sustaining calorie they can from large chum salmon before leaving for the mountains to hibernate. It is both a crucial and precarious time as massive males, juveniles, and mothers with cubs all come together in close proximity to feast. Tensions can run high as space is negotiated between a normally solitary species. We arrived at the Fishing Branch River in Canada’s northern Yukon Territory and took our cameras down to the riverbanks.
As we waited and watched, we saw a large male coming up the creekbed. He spotted a sizeable chum salmon and, when it took off upstream, he charged after it in pursuit. We watched in awe of the bear’s explosive power and agility, before realizing he was heading straight for us. Somehow, in an accident of timing and geometrical angles, the salmon ended up between Cristina and me. We now had a large, hyper-focused male bear skidding to a stop just a few feet shy of us.
We froze, neither moving nor making eye contact. He was certainly closer than what he was comfortable with — and closer than what we were comfortable with, for that matter. We sat motionless as he slowly inched back out toward the stream. When filming bears, I always let them dictate the encounter. They get to decide the distance between us. If they are nervous or shy, I always remain still, and I never, ever follow them. Thankfully, he seemed to sense that we were no threat and, from then on, was comfortable sitting close to us.
After that one thrilling encounter, the days passed slowly and uneventfully, ebbing to the natural rhythm of the river’s life cycle as the winter began to creep in. Bears came and went, each one leaving the river and heading into the mountains to settle into their dens. And then, one day, they were gone — or seemed to be, anyway.
Late one afternoon, just before we had decided to leave, I poured myself a glass of scotch and headed down to the water’s edge to toast a successful shoot. As I sipped my drink, I suddenly heard a crackling in the bushes behind me. I turned, expecting to see Cristina coming to join me— and instead found myself standing beside a large, not-yet-hibernating male grizzly. I immediately recognized him as the same bear from the close encounter. He stepped to the very edge of the shore and peered into the waters.
A salmon splashed right in front of me. The bear instantly lunged, pinning the 20-pound fish down against the riverbed, and then hoisted it high into the air, with as much effort as a cat playing with a toy mouse. I was sure he would head downstream and devour his prized catch, but instead, he sat down next to me. Evidently comfortable in my presence, he simply tucked into his meal and then stared out over the river, smacking his lips contentedly in an eerily human gesture.
Following his lead, I took another sip of my scotch, and the two of us soaked in the scene around us– a pair of unlikely companions enjoying their favorite indulgences. Finally, as the last of the afternoon light slipped away and the chill in the air became biting, we parted ways.
I often find myself wondering where that bear, who I had named “Morris,” is today, and I think about the uncertainty of his world. Salmon runs are no longer as reliable and consistent as they used to be. We are still clearcutting ancient forests, polluting vital waterways, and not thinking of the consequences.
The global fight to overcome climate change and restore our living world will be won or lost in this decade. As the United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres reminds us, “One thing is certain: those that give up are sure to lose. So, let’s fight together– and let’s win.”
With hope and gratitude,
Paul Nicklen
I love the heart-shaped face of this grizzly photographed along the banks of the Fishing Branch River. The vulnerability and gentleness within his eyes captivated me as he stared back through my lens. I have always found bears to be full of personality and surprisingly willing to engage with me.
Through my lens, I enjoyed studying the intricate pattern of ice that encrusted the hair around this grizzly’s face, watching it grow thicker and heavier each time it dunked below the river’s surface.
Snow flurries fill the air and quickly cover the river, muffling both the sights and sounds of Canada’s Yukon Territory. With the days growing shorter, this lone bear is down to its last opportunity to feast on salmon before settling into its den for the winter. Looking at this image conjures a sense of nostalgia for the solitude of the far north, where I grew up immersed in the rhythm of the seasons.
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** Paul Nicklen, Climate Change, Photography, Wildlife, canada, nature, activism, Yukon, Snow, Bears
---
### [Defeating Big Government Socialism by Newt Gingrich](https://wwsg.com/announcements/defeating-big-government-socialism-by-newt-gingrich/)
**Published:** July 21, 2022
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
*Defeating Big Government Socialism: Saving America’s Future*, published July 12. In the book, bestselling author and former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich reveals how Big Government Socialism is crippling America—and offers strategies and insights for everyday citizens to overcome its influence. [Click here](https://www.centerstreet.com/titles/newt-gingrich/defeating-big-government-socialism/9781546003229/) to order the book.
Gingrich is an intellectually fearless visionary and historian, and one of the foremost economic, social, political, and security-focused conservative thinkers today.
[Host Newt Gingrich](/speakers/newt-gingrich/)
**Categories:** Announcements
---
### [Guest Post by Erica Dhawan | Quiet Quitting Isn't OK](https://wwsg.com/blog/guest-post-by-erica-dhawan-quiet-quitting-isnt-ok/)
**Published:** November 21, 2022
**Author:** wpengine
**Content:**
*This is a guest post by WWSG thought leader, [Erica Dhawan](https://wwsg.com/speakers/erica-dhawan/).*
I have a strong opinion about the new popular term **“quiet quitting.”** While I am a fan of ending hustle culture, let’s pause for a second and acknowledge the truth:
It’s called quiet quitting because the original idea was to quit without quitting and see how long you could get away with it, and to take advantage of things like remote work lack of visibility. It comes out of the “antiwork” movement, and it thrives in environments where management is weak, which regretfully is a lot of modern corporate America.
No one gets ahead by sleeping on the job, going through the motions, accepting a lack of engagement, joy and purpose in our work as a long-term solution to burnout. That’s the version of quiet quitting we need to quit.
Here are 3 things you can do this fall to ensure the conversation on quiet quitting doesn’t devolve and turns into a lesson to drive productive teamwork:
**1) Do an exercise to talk about the opposite of quiet quitting** – **“Joyful Engagement.”** Ask your team: What have we loved about our roles? What activities make us most engaged? What are the best parts are our job? This will give you regular moments of connection with employees tied to your purpose and mission. Use this to match people to tasks they most enjoy and celebrate successful wins.
**2) For all employees, set up career conversations with them and proactively invest in their growth.** Ask questions like: Where do you want to be in 5 years? What do you love? What saps your energy? Help them decide to stay and fully commit or support their departure.
**3) Be clear with your team that quiet quitting is not the answer.** That the team is better off with someone fully engaged or someone who chooses to leave to find the right environment for them. Additionally, gather feedback from your teams on what makes your team a worthwhile place to be.
Join the conversation on my recent Linkedin page [here](https://www.linkedin.com/posts/ericadhawan_i-hate-the-term-quiet-quitting-i-find-activity-6976248901892808704-xoQe?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop) where my post became Linkedin’s Idea of the Day. I hope you can reframe the quiet quitting debate into a productive conversation for your team!
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** Keynote Speakers, technology, Workplace, Digital Communication, Erica Dhawan, Communication, Employee Wellness, Quiet Quitting, Joyful Engagement, Teamwork
---
### [Guest Post by Rachel Botsman | How to Have Productive Arguments](https://wwsg.com/blog/guest-post-by-rachel-botsman-how-to-have-productive-arguments/)
**Published:** December 5, 2022
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
*This is a guest post by WWSG thought leader [Rachel Botsman](https://wwsg.com/speakers/rachel-botsman), originally posted [here](https://rachelbotsman.substack.com/p/how-to-have-productive-arguments).*
#### **How can you disagree well?**
My 11-year-old son loves to argue. Or I should say debate? He loves to tear apart ideas – typically not his own. I think it’s brilliant that he has the confidence to disagree but lately, I realised he didn’t know how to *argue well.* It really bothered me, and I wanted to help him.
It got me thinking about **how often we disagree at work** and the importance of learning better ways to argue. That’s why this week we’re **rethinking arguments**.
#### When you think of an argument, what comes to mind?
There are lots of different forms of arguing and disagreement in our lives. Maybe you thought of a…
- Political debate with leaders posturing at each other
- A tense argument around the family dinner table
- Bickering with your partner, kids, or a friend.
- Or, perhaps, a polarised spat on Twitter.
Bad or sloppy arguments surround us. According to a [recent study](https://swnsdigital.com/us/2020/07/americans-have-loads-of-fights-about-dishes-but-its-not-for-the-reasons-you-think/) of over 2,000 people, the average American household will see **217 arguments a year** – just over the dishes! And as we’ve probably all experienced, they’re not really about the dishes.
It often feels like we’re living in a Monty Python sketch where arguments feel like exasperated exchanges of “yes I did” and “no you didn’t.”
Painting: Olesya Langberg
#### **Running away from conflict aversion**
When I thought about my relationship to arguments, I realised how often I avoided arguments period because I don’t like the feeling of conflict. I’d rather people please.
It’s easy to see how we end up running away from arguments as adults. Books such as *How to Win Friends and Influence People,* the seminal work (I’m not a fan but) by Dale Carnegie said:
“*There is only one way to under high heaven to get the best of an argument
– and that is to avoid it.”*
#### **But was Carnegie recommending complacency or agreeableness?**
In many ways, it’s easier to just be agreeable in everyday life. It avoids having to worry about hurting other people’s feelings. It keeps us safe from offending someone. It avoids something we say being taken out of context and being used against us. It keeps the peace and is polite, or is it?
If you want to think differently about arguments (or how to help others to argue better), I highly recommend reading Bo Seo’s new book, *[The Art of Disagreeing Well](https://harpercollins.co.uk/products/the-art-of-disagreeing-well-how-debate-teaches-us-to-listen-and-be-heard-bo-seo?variant=39620695162958).* As the two-time world champion of debating, he clearly knows a lot about good arguments and how they can improve our lives.
The book helped me see that there are common problems with the way people argue including:
- Pushing back without **offering any alternative**.
- Not knowing when **to stop** (a big one.)
- Thinking of an argument as a **two-sided you vs me**.
- Hating losing an argument (often out of fear of looking stupid)
- And not **properly** listening to what the other side is saying.
We’re taught how to express ideas, but there is a craft to disagreeing well that we never learn unless we’re a debater, professional negotiator, or lawyer. As Bo points out, ***“an argument is not just an expression of what you think.”***
#### **So, what is a good argument?**
How we begin is important: not going in with the assumption the other side is going to agree with us by the end of the conversation. A good argument is when both sides feel like progress has been made on the problem.
From his debating experience, Bo has reduced an effective argument down to answering four W’s:
- **WHAT** is the argument you’re trying to make?
- **WHY** is it true?
- **WHEN** has it happened before?
- **WHO** cares?
-
#### **Disagreements are an act of trust**
In learning how not to hide what he really thought in debates, Bo recognised something powerful:
*“Rebuttal was a vote of confidence not only in ourselves but in our opponents, one that contained the judgement that the other person was deserving of our candour and they would receive it with grace.”*
**Constructive arguments are a deep sign of trust.** Too much agreeability can signify a lack of trust in another person, team, or culture.
Starting to see disagreement through **the lens of trust** is helping me to rethink some deep associations I had with arguments:
- Most arguments are always **divisive or destructive**
- What’s the point when most disagreement feels **ineffectual**
- By **holding back** or saying something neutral like ‘Mm-hmm, interesting,’ we’re being kind but not honest.
All of the above are based on assuming bad intentions about the other person.
#### **Disagreement doesn’t have to be disagreeable**
Being able to have a good argument with another person is a **sign the relationship is secure**, and you won’t easily offend them. You know when you’re in this place when you feel like **both sides are in this together** – arguing **not to push against each other but to arrive at a different place.**
It may sound like an oxymoron to have the words “benefit” and “argument” in the same sentence. However, [research by Amy Edmondson](https://www.researchgate.net/publication/268328210_Psychological_Safety_Trust_and_Learning_in_Organizations_A_Group-level_Lens), a professor of leadership at Harvard Business School, has shown how high psychological safety and trust enables people to disagree. And that friction can have enormous benefits for workplace cultures including:
> · More productive conversations and better problem solving
>
> · Personal learning and growth
>
> · Earlier detection of issues and less unresolved tensions
My son has started reading Bo’s book and I can see some differences. He’s poking, probing, and pushing the boundaries but starting to think more about *what* argument he’s trying to make and *why* he cares.
So, here’s to recognizing the art of good arguments as work – a craft we can all get better at.
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** trust expert, rachel botsman, Workplace, thinking, reframe, rethink, argument, disagreeing, workplace culture, workplace conflict, conflict
---
### [Tips on Handling Rejection + 10 Workplace Motivation Experts](https://wwsg.com/blog/tips-on-handling-rejection-10-workplace-motivation-experts/)
**Published:** January 4, 2023
**Author:** wpengine
**Content:**
It’s no secret that the professional world is tough, especially when navigating the application process. Sometimes, it seems like every resume we send out gets returned with warm regards, an email starting with “we regret to inform you.” But how does one maintain motivation in the face of so much rejection?
Like most people, I was told by counselors, friends, and family members alike to view these rejections as opportunities. They argued that from these I could learn, each ‘no’ getting me one step closer to the eternally coveted ‘yes.’ After all, no matter how many ‘no’s one receives, all that really matters is one ‘yes.’ That’s fantastic in theory, but these ideals become more and more difficult to maintain as applications keep getting sent out, returned by cordial rejection, or even worse, total silence.
Personally, if an employer didn’t approve my application, I like to think it might not mean I wasn’t worthy of the position. Maybe I’m just qualified for other professions. Simultaneously, if my application didn’t interest them, maybe the workplace atmosphere wouldn’t have been for me in the first place. After all, most people would rather be somewhere they’re wanted, among like-minded people, than somewhere they don’t feel welcome. When I consider the interests on my own resume, if “the philosophical value of Hamlet’s Soliloquy” and “restaurants you have to go down a flight of stairs to enter” don’t interest you, then maybe we ought to go our separate ways. In all seriousness, I do think it’s important to keep in mind that not every job is meant for us and that we’re not meant for every job. Rejection saves us from a much longer process of trial and error. I’d rather know that a job wasn’t right for me now, then find out two months – and 20 pages of tax forms – in.
Finally, I do believe there’s some merit to the idea that every ‘no’ brings us closer to the ‘yes’ we really need. When our experience and the right employer align, that’s when a job opportunity is meant to find us. The difference between 10 and 100 rejections doesn’t change the value of that single acceptance. Through these rejections, we become more practiced, strengthening cover letters, resumes, and interviewing skills, so we’ll be ready when the right opportunity comes along.
For more information of workplace motivation check out these ten experts:
1. WWSG EXCLUSIVE: [Mark Esper](https://wwsg.com/speakers/mark-esper/)
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/erica-hill)2. WWSG EXCLUSIVE: [Erica Hill](https://wwsg.com/speakers/erica-hill)
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/demaurice-smith)3. WWSG EXCLUSIVE: [DeMaurice Smith](https://wwsg.com/speakers/demaurice-smith/)
[4. ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/lisa-bodell)[Lisa Bodell](https://wwsg.com/speakers/lisa-bodell)
[5. ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/rachel-botsman)[Rachel Botsman](https://wwsg.com/speakers/rachel-botsman/)
[6. ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/kevin-brown)[Kevin Brown](https://wwsg.com/speakers/kevin-brown/)
[7. ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/cheryl-cran)[Cheryl Cran](https://wwsg.com/speakers/cheryl-cran/)
[8. ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/jenny-evans)[Jenny Evans](https://wwsg.com/speakers/jenny-evans/)
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/suneel-gupta)[9. Suneel Gupta](https://wwsg.com/speakers/suneel-gupta/)
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/carla-harris)[10. Carla Harris](https://wwsg.com/speakers/carla-harris/)
Good luck out there!
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** Motivation, Workplace, job, resume, rejection, yes, merit, interview, job seeking, company, company culture, business
---
### [Guest Post by Paul Nicklen | Lost and In Love with an Icy Wonderland](https://wwsg.com/blog/guest-post-by-paul-nicklen-lost-and-in-love-with-an-icy-wonderland/)
**Published:** October 30, 2022
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
*This is a guest post by WWSG exclusive speaker, [Paul Nicklen.](https://wwsg.com/speakers/paul-nicklen)*
### “I had a dream when I was 22 that someday I would go to the region of ice and snow and go on and on till I came to one of the poles of the Earth.**”***― Ernest Shackleton*
Ephemeral PalaceI have spent much time talking about my love of the Arctic; mostly because I grew up there and spent the majority of my life trekking through its rugged landscapes. And yet, for all my experience, the Arctic remains one of the more challenging places to photograph. So much of its wildlife has been hunted to distraction, forcing animals to avoid people whenever and wherever they can. I can spend weeks- even months- hunkered in a blind through sleet and snow for that one pristine moment– whether it’s a polar bear or muskox. But we do not grow when things are easy; we grow when we face challenges**.**
Antarctica, at the other edge of the world, is easily my favorite place on the planet to photograph, though it has its own contrasting challenges. The animals here are unafraid, bold, and curious, having experienced little contact with humans over time. It can become all too easy for a photographer to grow complacent**,** especially when your subjects have such little regard for boundaries.
A leopard seal drifts on sea iceThe next challenge presented is the overwhelming atmosphere and majesty of Antarctica’s backdrop. The entire continent is like an open canvas where everything is laid out in front of you in the most beautiful palette of high keys and shifting colors. The polar light transforms the skies by the hour as if you are walking through a classic oil painting– a work of art in its own right. However, because the setting is so alluring and seductive, it can become a challenge to hone in on the details of your environment and capture exceptional images.
Challenges are what makelife interesting; overcoming them is what makes it meaningful. Out of thehundreds of thousands of images I have shot in Antarctica, only a handful stand out as truly unique and unusual. These are the photographs that have tested my acuity and eye as an artist, all while revealing the untold stories of the ice continent’s wild inhabitants.
Commitment Images like this emperor penguin with her chick show the tenderness and commitment of a parent hovering over its child Its the simplicity the adoration with which a penguin parent cares for its chick that touches a nerve I will never tire of watching emperor penguins care for their offspring Both parents take turns feeding and guarding their baby for several months until the chick has grown enough to fend for itself Of all the emperor penguins and chicks I saw that month this is the image I remember most
Parenthood Penguin parents make incredible sacrifices to ensure their offspring survive in such a harsh and unforgiving environment Males fast for two months while they incubate their eggs and lose nearly a third of their body weight in the process Meanwhile females march as much as 180 miles 300 km over dense hardened ice and navigate frigid predator filled waters to provide a belly full of life sustaining krill squid and fish for their newborns a journey from which many never return Every feature of their biology has evolved to survive the severe Antarctic cold where wind chills drop as low as 76°F 60°C in winter Penguin parents pour everything they have into raising a single chick sheltering their young from sub zero temperatures and braving countless perils to forage daily beneath the oceans surfacePropulsion The most challenging image I have ever made in Antarctica and possibly my favorite is this one taken in a frigid underwater cathedral of ice One afternoon after what seemed at the time like weeks of sitting on the edge of an ice pan I strapped on a tank and submerged myself into some of the coldest and clearest water to be found anywhere on the planet with visibility that seemingly goes on forever It is the clearest most transparent water in the world Within minutes dozens of emperor penguins came rocketing past me in one of the most memorable underwater encounters of my life Wary of being ambushed by leopard seals they released thousands of micro bubbles from their feathers as they rushed by lubricating their bodies against the friction of the slushy icy water doubling and tripling their speeds as they raced to safety The moment my frozen finger pressed down on the shutter and I heard the camera housing go clunk as the mirror lifted and the shutter came down I realized all the effort to get here was worth it It was a moment of pure joy for me It remains one of the most beautiful things I have seenDefying Gravity Emperor penguins can propel themselves out of Antarcticas waters in astonishing leaps that seem at times to violate the laws of physics This image of penguins defying gravity is one I am especially fond of I believe art should constantly challenge our preconceptions and expectations whether that means reshaping apex predators as caring devoted parents or in this case showing the athleticism and energy of penguins in midair Penguins can be swift and graceful and not at all the waddling caricatures popular culture often makes them out to be I have probably shot more than 10000 images of 80 pound penguins flying through the air but on this occasion the shot I wanted was of one or more penguins flying directly at me I knew this would be a challenge because these penguins may rocket through the air at 20 to 30 miles an hour while trying to avoid being grabbed by a leopard seal Defying Gravity was my effort to portray these misunderstood birds as one of the most athletic animals I have witnessed in all my years as a field biologist and conservation photographerEmperor Reflections As the ice thinned and vanished to reveal an underwater cathedral of frigid calm water as clear as glass I was struck by the beauty of the reflection cast by this raft of penguins calmly swimming out to sea in search of krill and ice fish to feed their hungry waiting chicks
I like to think that these images come together to tell a revealing, inspiring story about Antarctica’s power and fragility. I will never tire of the challenge of portraying this last, great continent, and I will continue to strive for simplicity and honesty that celebrate this rugged, untamed wilderness as it truly is. Thank you, too, for sharing and willingly giving your time. Thank you for coming on this journey with me and allowing me to show you these defining moments I cherish deeply.
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** Paul Nicklen, Photography, conservation, Wildlife, Ocean, Oceanography, Climate, Penguins, Animals, Fine Art, Art
---
### [Guest Post by Paul Nicklen | A Note To My Younger Self](https://wwsg.com/blog/guest-post-by-paul-nicklen-a-note-to-my-younger-self/)
**Published:** October 21, 2022
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
*This is a guest post by WWSG exclusive speaker, [Paul Nicklen](https://wwsg.com/speakers/paul-nicklen), originally posted [here](https://paulnicklen.bulletin.com/a-note-to-my-younger-self/).*
I published my first post for Bulletin, [*With Thanks to the Cousteau Family*](https://paulnicklen.bulletin.com/362610335211343), on July 1, 2021.
I wrote about how, while waiting impatiently for my study partner to show up in my university dorm room for a previously arranged study session, I flicked through TV channels on a tiny, old-fashioned TV set while I waited. Television was a foreign concept to me at the time, as I had only watched it a handful of times while growing up in Canada’s far north without even a radio or telephone.
Growing up in Northern Canada, my life was always about adventure.
Sports, news, and a forgettable sitcom flashed by before I happened onto a nature program. A pair of scuba divers were strapped into state-of-the-art scuba gear, peering through inky, black waters. I saw the unmistakable white patches of orcas emerge from the darkness. I was awestruck. *What must it be like to stare into the eyes of this wonder of evolution?*, I asked myself. What was Jacques Cousteau’s secret to capturing the imagination of an entire generation of TV viewers? How could I carry on his legacy of protecting our planet’s most vulnerable species?
Sailfish Istiophorus albicans are the most prized sport fish in the world but very little is known about their behavior underwater At 6 feet long sailfish are the fastest swimming fish in the world However more than their speed with this assignment we discovered that they are an exceptional predator and use their morphological design to catch their favorite prey sardinesThe fastest fish in the ocean, sailfish can reach speeds of 68 miles per hour. They are sought after by trophy fishers. I strive to create images that show people that creatures like this don’t belong on walls, or menus.
In that moment, I had an epiphany. That accident of timing would shape my life to come, though I could not have known it at the time.
That first Born Wild Bulletin post, 18 months ago, almost to the day, prompted a handful of likes and a few dozen comments.
Since then, over the weeks and months to come, more and more of you followed me as I shared tales of my encounters with orcas, coastal wolves, polar bears, and, more recently, a wayward walrus and the search for a legendary bowhead whale named Adlauluq.
One door closes, and another opens. Meta, Facebook’s parent company, has made the difficult decision to discontinue Bulletin. I will be continuing to share stories and experiences from the field in Field Notes.
In signing off, I want to share some thoughts from my recent convocation speech at the University of Victoria. In it, I wrote an imaginary letter to my former, younger self — 32 years’ worth of life lessons.
These are just some of the life lessons learned along the way, things that served me well over the years.
- Imagine that one day you give a [TED talk ](https://l.bulletin.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ted.com%2Ftalks%2Fpaul_nicklen_animal_tales_from_icy_wonderlands%3Flanguage%3Den&h=AT3F5MpD0I3Qe_rIi1AyIK0y9x5C864s6gKCwyiks4_fbmvEdQa8ZGmd74FAQEQjBrYSoDysrGkyqFTxxLKqgXHjRhmu5jB8WFTRdKAz6VRT7gIav-qQHFRsSzQnrJmWQKpovDGAeFcyj1jx6w3FGItTuXFouZFwpNzq-1hUUw)about the extraordinary life you have led. Ask yourself, *What is going to be my legacy? What is your Ikigai … the confluence of what you are good at, what the world needs, what gets you paid, and, most of all, what you love to do. There, at that confluence, you will find your life’s purpose.*
- I urge you, first of all, to dream big. How much money you earn, what car you drive, the size of your house … none of those are going to get you invited to the TED main stage. And none of them matter — at all. Live a life full of purpose, passion, meaning, and will. What is your purpose? Ask yourself that every day. If your main goal in life is to be comfortable and not work too hard, then get ready for a life of mediocrity. With great risks come great achievements.
- When you dream big, you will fail on occasion. It’s how you deal with those failures that separates you from the others. In the work I did as a photographer for National Geographic, I failed 98 percent of the time. When I was on assignment, I woke up in the morning and told myself: *I will shoot an amazing image today for the most discerning magazine in the world.* *If I fail 100% of the time, I will soon be out of work. If I fail 95% of the time, I am crushing it.*
Narwhal gather en masse at the Arctic Bay floe edge to eat cod in the spring Photos taken in early July“A Gathering of Unicorns” took me six years to capture. Each failed attempt motivated me even more.
- Failing is a part of life. Embrace it. Every time I fail, I get hungrier. Perseverance, patience, and purpose always trump rejection.
- We all have voices in our heads that tell us that we are going to fail. The bigger the challenge, the louder those voices. *You are not good enough. This was a mistake. What is the point in trying?* For me, when those voices get too loud, I close my eyes and attach those voices to a fictional character and then walk each one of those characters to the edge of a cliff. It is a high cliff, with a fog bank at the bottom. I push those characters off the cliff, one by one, and down they go, disappearing into the fog and vanishing altogether.
- *Be nice*, my mother always used to say. Be nice to everyone on the way up, as you will be sure to meet them again on the way down. The Inuit who I was fortunate to grow up with had a beautiful word… *tooshoo*. It means, *I am incredibly happy for you, and I would be happy to experience the same one day.* Jealousy is the kiss of death. Whenever you find yourself jealous of someone, be sure to compliment them, and your jealousy will soon disappear. Ask them about their road to success.
- Above all, *enjoy the journey.* It is easy to get caught up in constantly charging ahead and never taking the time to look back. Celebrate your experiences, your family, and your achievements. At the end of the day, when you are on your deathbed, you will not be surrounded by money, magazine covers, and awards on the wall. You are going to be surrounded by friends, family, and memories. You will know that you made an impact. You left behind something that had meaning. Genuine meaning, and not the false trappings of empty fame and shiny baubles. Most of all, you left a legacy by giving back.
Many of my peers told me along the way how hard those early days must have been. I never saw it that way. For me, truthfully, it has been an incredible journey. To stand with those graduating students that day at the University of Victoria was, for me, an equally powerful and meaningful day on my journey.
While cadets taught me many lessons of the I carry with me today, I know that without good people supporting me, I wouldn’t have been able to experience many of the things that I have.
The journey is not over. If you have enjoyed and appreciated anything you have seen and read in these posts over the past months and years, do continue with me as I take the next step. The world is a fine place and worth fighting for, and I would like very much for you to join me on the journey to come.
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** Paul Nicklen, Photography, conservation, Wildlife, Whales, Ocean, Oceanography
---
### [Congratulations to WWSG Exclusive Speaker, Chris Miller!](https://wwsg.com/blog/congratulations-to-wwsg-exclusive-speaker-chris-miller/)
**Published:** December 9, 2022
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
In addition to being a New York Times Bestseller, Miller’s latest book, [Chip War: The Fight for the World’s Most Critical Technology](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/2022-business-book-of-the-year-award-winner-chris-millers-chip-war-named-financial-times-business-book-of-the-year-for-2022/?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--F8YqC6wqgwuB90DWkoFwWD_HcHOilk3pl1ekHWi87bgoDnrKN1rBBXejUYdRztF5EIEo-) won Financial Times’ Business Book of the Year for 2022!
[ Learn More About the Book](https://www.christophermiller.net/books?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--F8YqC6wqgwuB90DWkoFwWD_HcHOilk3pl1ekHWi87bgoDnrKN1rBBXejUYdRztF5EIEo-)
[*Chip War*](https://www.christophermiller.net/books?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--F8YqC6wqgwuB90DWkoFwWD_HcHOilk3pl1ekHWi87bgoDnrKN1rBBXejUYdRztF5EIEo-) explains how computer chips have made the modern world—and how the U.S. and China are struggling for control over this fundamental technology. A handful of companies control the manufacturing of all the world’s semiconductors, giving them a chokehold over the computing power on which everything from the biggest data centers to the tiniest Internet-of-Things devices depend. The future of computing, the book argues, will be determined by who controls the ability to produce the world’s most advanced chips. *Chip War* was **described by *The New York Times* as a “a nonfiction thriller”** and was awarded ***Financial Times Business Book of the Year***.
Professor Chris Miller’s expertise on international politics, economics, and technology inform his engaging speeches. Breaking down the motives behind international politics and economics in a thoughtful and concise manner, Miller provides audiences with fresh, alternative perspectives and leaves them wanting to know more. For his speaking availability, contact Worldwide Speakers Group.
[ Chris Miller’s Speaker Page](https://wwsg.com/speakers/chris-miller?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--F8YqC6wqgwuB90DWkoFwWD_HcHOilk3pl1ekHWi87bgoDnrKN1rBBXejUYdRztF5EIEo-)
[ Contact Us](https://wwsg.com/contact-us)
**Categories:** Announcements, Blog
**Tags:** nyt, best, business book, expert, geopolitics, russia, taiwan, chip, tech, exclusive speaker, congratulations, award, best seller, new york times, chip war, chris miller, financial times, author, book, technology, Keynote Speaker, WWSG, China, Bestseller
---
### [Guest Post by Olga Koroleva | Life in the "Death Zone"](https://wwsg.com/blog/guest-post-by-olga-koroleva-life-in-the-death-zone/)
**Published:** October 23, 2022
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
*This is a guest post by exclusive WWSG thought leader, [Olga Koroleva](https://capitalbrain.co/blog/life-in-the-death-zone-and-reader-qa/), originally posted [here](https://capitalbrain.co/blog/life-in-the-death-zone-and-reader-qa/).*
October. The Halloween, the day of the year associated with death in many cultures. Let’s talk about death. I am writing this at the gym where I go for training everyday to NOT die. Many friends comment that I am very nonchalant when I talk about death. I climb mountains with double digit death rates and death is just statistics to me. I had several friends die in the mountains. I still have hard time thinking straight when I receive news about the avalanches and rescues because many of my friends are there on the mountain at that time.
Ama Dablam, which I climbed around same time three years ago, was the mountain where I realized I had no fear of death. It was my closest call in the last 12 years of climbing. A technical climb. I started falling when the anchor pulled out. Everything slowed. I was not falling on snow, there were rocks everywhere and I knew if I were unlucky I would hit the rock and break something or else. Same time a year earlier our friend’s brother died the same way. All thoughts stopped. Time slowed down. Ever go scuba diving? You know that first feeling of slow and thick silence you get in your ears when you start descending? Or, if you ever had anesthesia? Your brain goes to sleep, all thoughts stop running in your head and you simply stop caring. Everything becomes irrelevant. You feel light and free.
Now, if we only learned to live our lives like that.
No fear.
Nothing happens when you are falling.
Nothing happens when you lose everything. You just find yourself in new circumstances and learn to use the new situation to your advantage. You never run out of strength, opportunities, and vital powers. There are so many trails to the summit. And sometimes they are not even hard. Just prepare, train, and try. Walk and enjoy the view, without overthinking.
It’s all so simple.
“Death Zone” questions from one of the readers. All related to oxygen. Because oxygen above 8,000 meters in the “death zone” means life. Are you ready?
1. **How much oxygen do you bring on an expedition per person?** Depends on the mountain. Each route is different. More difficult climbs require more oxygen usage since you are working harder. Usually 2-3 tanks and one extra hidden somewhere on the mountain just in case.
2. **When you have sherpas that can get you to base camps and have tea houses to stay along the way (like for Everest) I imagine bringing O2 is much easier. How about when YOU have to carry it into places like K2 or Annapurna? Do you bring less O2 to K2 and Annapurna?** There are also porters, animals, and helicopters. That is not a problem. You can even get the beer delivered (but you pay 10x per can). Oxygen too, by the way. If you prepay for the tank, it’s $500. If you are on the mountain and you decide you need an extra tank, it’s $5,000 (never happened to me so this is unchecked info).
3. **How high do YOU climb unassisted without O2?** Usually up to 7,000 m. You have to decide from the very beginning if you are climbing with or without O2. Because if you start acclimatizing with O2 you cannot change your mind later, your body won’t be adjusted properly.
4. **When you use O2 do you thin it out to a mixture that would be similar to 18k feet of elevation? 24k? 26k?** The impact is reduced by about 1,500 feet so when I am breathing O2 at 8,000 my body thinks we are at 7,500. Which means I still have to be trained to be able to perform at 7,000+ no matter what. There is no magic pill. I still have to put the effort in. O2 does not eliminate work. It just keeps my body warmer and I get less tired so I can walk faster.
5. **How long does a tank of oxygen last? If you make a final ascent on an 8kM mountain and it’s a 15 hour round trip, what happens if the weather gets bad and you’re delayed? Do people run out of O2? (I’m imagining this is one of the reasons dead bodies are all over these mountains).** Usually oxygen tanks are planted by the sherpas along the way, the same spots every year. All sherpas present on the mountain know where the tanks are. I usually ask mine where my oxygen is in case I lose my sherpa. Unlike with the scuba diving tank where you cannot adjust the usage, with the climbing tank there is a regulator and you can adjust the oxygen flow, from 1 l/min to 4 l/m. Sherpas walk on 0.5 l/m because they are strong, acclimatized, and genetically have a different blood composition due to living at altitude. Average climber walks on 2 l/m, if you are waiting on the trail (or sleeping), you set it down to 0.5 l/m-1 l/m, if you are climbing a difficult wall you go up to 3 l/m. 4 l/m is a lot. On the descent, if you have leftover oxygen and you go up to 4 l/m, it is called “an oxygen party,” you get high. Based on your estimated speed you can plan your usage. If you miscalculate, you are right, the party is over. So knowing math is helpful!
6. **At what different elevations do you stop and take time to acclimate?** The camps are set in the same spot every year, usually 3-4 camps at 6k, 7k, 8k. But again, depends on the mountain.
7. **How long do you typically spend acclimatizing at each of these stops? As a side note, I read somewhere that it takes about 36 days for a solid and in shape mountaineer to prepare for 26k feet of elevation.** Again, it depends. The rule is to climb high, sleep low. Rotation 1 is to sleep one night at Camp 1 and go down. Rotation 2 is to sleep one night at Camp 1, one night at Camp 2 and then go down. Then you rest at Base Camp and wait for the weather window for the final summit push which lasts about 4-5 days, when we spend 1 night at each camp. 36 days for acclimatization sounds too long, that “in shape mountaineer” is really out of shape! There are ways to speed up the process – take more iron, some take diamox. I slept in the oxygen tent at home for 4 weeks before K2. Plus, I lived in Tahoe at 1,800 m for 6 months before the expedition, went hiking every other day with my 40 lbs weight vest. My body was adjusted, I did not feel any altitude (not even a headache) when I was on K2.
8. **From what I have read, the human body cannot take in enough O2 (without a tank) at 8kM or above to maintain bodily functions and the body functions start deteriorating. I know different people react differently and some get cerebral edema or pulmonary edema and or other problems (euphoria, etc.), but how long, realistically, can a climber like you survive at 8km or above, without O2?** I took my mask off at 8,300 m (high camp on Everest) just to see what happens, I lasted 1 minute, then started falling asleep. So not long.
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** success, fear, anxiety, death zone, climbing, mountaineer, olga koroleva
---
### [Guest Post by Paul Nicklen | The Power of Stories](https://wwsg.com/blog/guest-post-by-paul-nicklen-the-power-of-stories/)
**Published:** December 29, 2022
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
*This is a guest post by WWSG exclusive speaker, [Paul Nicklen](https://wwsg.com/speakers/paul-nicklen).*
I love what I do. Every day, I wake up to fight alongside my team at SeaLegacy to support and protect wildlife populations and their ecosystems. While I love seeing my pictures published in magazines or hanging on people’s walls, nothing feels as good as a conservation win.
My goal has always been to give voice to the voiceless – to protect our wild cousins. With just a few days left in the year, I want to ask you to join me in this work. Donate before 2022 ends to help SeaLegacy empower solutions to our world’s greatest challenges.
Since I began this journey over 20 years ago, the threats facing our planet have grown exponentially. We have lost 70% of all biodiversity on Earth in the past 50 years alone. Think about that. After millions of years of evolution, all it took was a handful of decades for our species to completely undermine the entire living world.
I love it when people try to insult me by calling me an activist You are 100 right that I am an activist The opposite of being active is being inactive and who wants to sit idly by as the world diesAfter a life spent surrounded by wild animals, I swore that I would spend the rest of my life fighting for nature. I loved shooting for National Geographic for 20 years, but I wanted to do more to fulfill that promise. So in 2014, my partner Cristina Mittermeier and I launched SeaLegacy, a 501c3 non-profit working to help restore health and abundance to our oceans. We had a vision and access to a global network of renowned experts ready to get behind our fight. However, we were nervous because we knew it would be a heavy lift and endless work.
Me with a sedated Canadian Lynx about to be released I learned early on that science is important but I need to use my camera to make an emotional connectionOf all the Sustainable Development Goals listed by the UN to tackle the world’s greatest challenges, SDG 14- ‘Life Below Water,’ remains the ***[most underfunded](https://paulnicklen.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=8d9dedf8133b767d79460f0d1&id=4ac7acabfc&e=cd946fdb5e).*** This means that despite being the largest ecosystem in the world, the ocean receives very little support or funds. We also knew that it would be sad and difficult to be immersed in some of the most serious and stressful situations facing our planet, like climate change, overfishing, and ocean acidification. Yet, despite all of this, we knew we had to persevere.
The giant petrels of Antarctica specialize in scavenging often feeding on dead and decaying animals like elephant sealsOver the last 30 years, the one thing I have learned is that governments are not willing to take the necessary steps to ensure the survival of the planet. That responsibility has fallen to us. And while scientific data is crucial to creating effective solutions, it certainly will not succeed in rallying people to action on its own. This is where storytelling becomes the catalyst for change, a way of communicating the truth about what we are up against and empowering people to act.
At the end of the day, the math is simple: the power of the people is greater than the people in power. We are the ones who will build a better future.
As one of the worlds largest pinnipeds a walrus can weigh up to 3300 lbs 500 lbs more than the average car and their pre historic saber like tusks can grow up to more than three feet in length over a lifetime Yet despite their fearsome appearance they are surprisingly gentle***[SeaLegacy](https://paulnicklen.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=8d9dedf8133b767d79460f0d1&id=11da7f1f7b&e=cd946fdb5e)*** is incredibly lucky to have a team of scientists, storytellers, and conservationists with the expertise and knowledge to solve our ocean’s greatest challenges. But, unfortunately, we spend much of our time fundraising when we should be on the ground conducting ocean diplomacy, fighting for conservation wins with our partners, and creating powerful stories to rally people to action for our planet. If we do not come together to fight countless and consecutive conservation wins, then I fear all is lost. I am not saying this to be dramatic or an alarmist; I am simply stating the unflinching, science-backed fact that our planet is in trouble.
The Long Summer Sea ice in the north and south is on the verge of vanishing completely during the summer months as our planet slowly becomes warmer and warmer This mother polar bear has become land locked as a result forced to wait longer and longer every year for the ice to appear before she can hunt seals to feed her cubsEverything you give to SeaLegacy will go straight to our ocean conservation work and the people on the frontlines.
With 2023 right around the corner, our team is heading back to the SeaLegacy 1 to continue our conservation work. We already have the solutions at hand to save our ocean. All we need now is your support. Please consider donating.
Thank you,
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** Oceanography, lynx, walrus, sea life, arts, activism, power, stories, storytelling, canada, Ocean, Wildlife, artist, conservation, Activist, Photography, Climate Change, Paul Nicklen
---
### [Guest Post by Paul Nicklen | Nature's Hymn and the Silence of Winter](https://wwsg.com/blog/guest-post-by-paul-nicklen-natures-hymn-and-the-silence-of-winter/)
**Published:** October 23, 2022
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
*This is a guest post by WWSG exclusive speaker, [Paul Nicklen.](https://wwsg.com/speakers/paul-nicklen)*
### It has always fascinated me the way some of the warmest people I have met are so often at home in the coldest climates on the planet.
**“Frozen Highway”**
View details about this Art Print [HERE](https://paulnicklen.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=8d9dedf8133b767d79460f0d1&id=d1a17fd2d4&e=cd946fdb5e)
The Inuit have a culture of community and love, and it has been an honor to have been welcomed into their homes and invited to share their customs and way of life since I was a young child. Even as a kid growing up in Kimmirut, Baffin Island, it was considered rude to knock on a door and wait for someone to answer it. Every door in the community was open to every person, 24-hours a day. Some nights would be spent playing under the aurora borealis until 3am. Rather than returning home, I could stop in any house on the way home and grab some bannock or warm stew that would be sitting on the kerosene stove.
The most noticeable difference between Qaanaaq, Greenland, and the community I grew up in was the conspicuous absence of snowmobiles. I was four years old when my family moved to Baffin Island in Canada’s vast Nunavut territory. And while there are striking similarities — the low winter sun, the long dark nights in January and February, and the midnight sun in June and July — it is the contrasts that strike the senses.
The noise of engines — truck engines, power generators, snowmobile engines — make so much noise that, after a while, we no longer notice it. In fact, that was my dad’s expertise, to keep all of the diesel engines purring year round in the small northern outpost. Engine noise can startle and displace the wildlife Inuit hunters depend on to survive, though, so they opt for quieter, more traditional means of transportation, such as qamutiiks (Inuktitut for sleds) and qajaqs (Inuktitut for kayaks). Silence is golden. The silence of winter allows polar bears, caribou, Arctic foxes, and other alert animals to roam comfortably just beyond the outskirts of town. With sleds come sled dogs — huskies, in large numbers. The population of Qaanaaq is just 650 people, and yet it is home to more than a thousand dogs.
**“Dog Days of Winter”**
View details about this Art Print [HERE](https://paulnicklen.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=8d9dedf8133b767d79460f0d1&id=830205520e&e=cd946fdb5e)In the image below, an Inuit hunter, Naimangitsoq Kristiansen, controls his team of huskies during a run to the ice edge, where he will hunt to feed his community. These hard-working dogs live to pull, so much so that mushers struggle to keep them from excitedly running off with half-loaded sleds in tow. The relationship between humans and working dogs is critical to survival in the Arctic. It is an often misunderstood partnership that, when witnessed in person, inspires a profound reverence in me.
[](https://paulnicklen.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=8d9dedf8133b767d79460f0d1&id=0d9e6650f6&e=cd946fdb5e)**“Arctic Journey”**
View details about this Art Print [HERE](https://paulnicklen.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=8d9dedf8133b767d79460f0d1&id=cb81b7be3a&e=cd946fdb5e)I felt the power, energy, and rawness of life while living with the Greenlandic Inuit hunters and their huskies in a land beyond time and space. I’ll never forget the intensity of the sled team, the texture of the thin sea ice, and the sheer scale of the mountains that scraped the sky as we approached the floe edge where I captured this image, just 800 miles (1280 km) from the North Pole. It is a brief glimpse of the wilderness we came from — the wilderness we have somehow forgotten.
[](https://paulnicklen.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=8d9dedf8133b767d79460f0d1&id=32253532ae&e=cd946fdb5e)In the image above, sunlight fades behind distant mountains as Naimangitsoq Kristiansen leads his sled team on an expedition across the sea ice toward the edge, where floes form and open water beckons. Cristina “Mitty” Mittermeier and I had traveled to this snow-covered realm to capture stories of climate change in one of the coldest places on Earth, on assignment for National Geographic and National Geographic Pristine Seas. We would return home with many life-long friendships and countless images revealing the ancient relationship between Inuit culture and the unforgiving ice that shaped it. Of the 70 percent of the Earth’s surface that is water, only 2.5 percent is freshwater — and most of this is frozen in the ice caps of Antarctica and Greenland, in the moisture of frozen soil and deep aquifers not easily accessible for human use. This is why the effects of climate change on the far north are so critical to climate science and why Mitty and I were there to record it as it’s happening.
[](https://paulnicklen.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=8d9dedf8133b767d79460f0d1&id=afe3d68c1e&e=cd946fdb5e)Naimangitsoq KristiansenThe ice is the Inuits’ highway. It is the ecosystem in which many marine mammals and terrestrial animals like polar bears live. In the image below, we waited out a blizzard with our guides**.** It wasn’t until hours later that we were able to resume travel across the sea ice with the huskies. Photography has exposed me to many extreme conditions and remarkable people worldwide and yet again I was able to witness the mastery of an extreme and supposedly uninhabitable world.
[](https://paulnicklen.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=8d9dedf8133b767d79460f0d1&id=4f8cd49dcc&e=cd946fdb5e)**“Lost in Tradition”**
View details about this Art Print [HERE.](https://paulnicklen.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=8d9dedf8133b767d79460f0d1&id=8debebd67c&e=cd946fdb5e)I first fell in love with sled dogs while growing up in Nunavut. I love all dogs, but if I had to pick a favorite breed, I would likely have to choose the powerhouses of the North.
They are not fast compared to their racing counterparts, but they are tough and resilient, like little polar bears. I once saw a single, massive male husky pull eleven fully-grown adults on a sled — a furry engine of the far north.
[](https://paulnicklen.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=8d9dedf8133b767d79460f0d1&id=6056b021c1&e=cd946fdb5e)**“Husky Huddle”**
View details about this Art Print [HERE.](https://paulnicklen.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=8d9dedf8133b767d79460f0d1&id=2dd9710afc&e=cd946fdb5e)[](https://paulnicklen.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=8d9dedf8133b767d79460f0d1&id=940507634d&e=cd946fdb5e)**“Wise Pack”**
View details about this Art Print [HERE.](https://paulnicklen.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=8d9dedf8133b767d79460f0d1&id=a89bc70e07&e=cd946fdb5e)Sincerely,
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** Paul Nicklen, Photography, conservation, Wildlife, Intuit, Climate, canada, greenland, dogs, huskies
---
### [Guest Post by Paul Nicklen | Unicorns of the Sea](https://wwsg.com/blog/unicorns-of-the-sea/)
**Published:** December 5, 2022
**Author:** wpengine
**Content:**
*This is a guest post by WWSG exclusive speaker, [Paul Nicklen](https://wwsg.com/speakers/paul-nicklen).*
***“There is, one knows not, what sweet mystery about this sea whose gently awful stirrings seem to speak of some hidden soul beneath.”***
– Herman Melville
Unicorns really do exist. In my years as an assignment photographer for National Geographic, I had assignments that were hard to do, assignments that were beautiful to realize, and assignments that defied all odds of success. One assignment, though, 15 years ago, almost to the day, managed to encompass all three. It is an assignment that has stayed with me to this day, one of those life experiences that both shape the person you will become and is impossible to forget**.**
The assignment was to photograph narwhals, the mysterious tusked whales of the Arctic, “The unicorns of the sea,” which the Inuit describe in Inuktitut, their native language, as *qilalugaq qernertaq*, “the one that is good at curving itself toward the sky.”
A group of narwhals is called a blessing. Creating this image was one of the most challenging, and rarest experiences of my career.
I learned from a young age that the chances of seeing narwhals — a mysterious creature that even today many people don’t realize exists — out in the broken sea ice are next to impossible. Early in my career as a wildlife photographer, I would go to Baffin Island year after year, and I would ask the hunters where I could find “the whales with tusks,” so I could photograph them in their natural state.
They’re out in the broken sea ice, they would tell me, where they are elusive and hard to see, let alone photograph.
When people tell me something is next to impossible, my heart always skips a beat because I know then that there’s a chance to photograph something unique.
Knowing the narwhals were all the way out in drifting pack ice, I decided to buy a small ultralight plane held together with bubblegum and duct tape, and attach amphibious floats. It took many seasons working with local Inuit guides, scouring the frozen coastline, and flying my ultralight plane doors off over the drifting pack ice of Lancaster Sound with my friend and fellow pilot Brian Knutsen, but one day it all came together. On a hot summer night in July, it suddenly appeared, slowly at first, just a few narwhals, then dozens, then hundreds — a sight for the ages, stretching as far as the eye could see, incredible views of these mystical, magnificent creatures.
A narwhal’s tusk is actually a tooth that can grow up to ten feet long and has as many as 10 million nerve endings.
Narwhals can grow to be 18 feet long and weigh as much as 4,200 pounds. They favor cold Arctic waters and live year-round in the sea ice off Greenland, Canada, Norway, Russia, and Alaska. Once a year, at the height of the Northern summer, they gather around Canada’s Lancaster Sound to feed on Arctic cod, an estimated 70,000 of them, three-quarters of the world population.
I started to see shapes and patterns, and that’s where your artistic right brain kicks in. We carried out to sea and started to photograph other large groups of narwhals. We saw an opportunity to land the ultralight on the sea ice, and we took it — I knew we would get out there possibly once in my life. The dream I’ve nurtured since I was young was to see narwhal tusks absolutely everywhere. I could physically reach out and actually grab a tusk if I wanted. I sat there on the ice and composed images of narwals that were blissfully relaxed, living out their lives on the surface before diving back under the ice to feed on polar cod.
Eventually, after a period of time that seemed timeless, we got the ultralight back into the air and flew back to camp, where I immersed myself in contemplation of what I had just seen, and experienced in person.
Narwhals appear to reach toward the sky with their ivory tusks when they surface to grab a breath of much-needed air between dives to feed on Arctic cod. Narwhals can dive more than a mile deep and hold their breath for more than an hour.
After five years of trying, in just one day of good shooting, we were able to photograph an entire feature story for National Geographic on one of the most elusive wild creatures on the entire planet. These images of a gathering of unicorns with their ivory tusks represent, for me, an assignment that had it all. It had challenges. It had fear. It had the fear of failure and memories of a failure beyond any failure I’ve ever experienced, before or since. I had failed every day for five years to come back with some semblance of what it was I wanted to photograph that day, that I had dreamed about since I was very young, and it meant the world to me to finally succeed.
Having lived most of my life in Canada’s North, I feel nostalgic every June and July when I am away from the ice edge of Lancaster Sound and am not there to see the gathering in person. Today, at 18,500 square miles (48,000² km), Lancaster Sound — Tallurutiup Imanga to the Inuit — is Canada’s largest marine protected area.
That fills me with a quiet joy in these troubled times. Rising sea temperatures and human behavior continue to pose a threat to narwhals’ very existence. If we are to have any chance in the campaign to save the planet, it will be in small steps like these.
With gratitude,
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** Paul Nicklen, Photography, Nature Photography, Wildlife, Ocean, keynote speaking, Animals, Art, speaking, nature, National Geographic, narwhal, artic
---
### [Guest Post by Rachel Botsman | Never underestimate the power of a pause](https://wwsg.com/blog/guest-post-by-rachel-botsman-never-underestimate-the-power-of-a-pause/)
**Published:** June 12, 2023
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
*This is a guest post by WWSG thought leader, [Rachel Botsman](https://wwsg.com/speakers/rachel-botsman).*
There is a lot of talk about quitting, especially around work. Giving something up for good. Whilst quitting can be a powerful decision-making tool and extended breaks can be a way to recharge, there is another alternative – to consciously pause and not do something for a while.
### My own long pause
Let me share with you an example from my own work. I love public speaking. I’ve given hundreds if not thousands of talks all over the world. I’ve been privileged to speak at events like TED multiple times. Sharing ideas and genuinely connecting with audiences is something I love. And it took a lot of practice to go into this bubble-like state of calm whenever my feet hit the stage. **I’ve done my 10,000 hours of public speaking!**
Then last summer I was giving a talk and I felt nothing. Nothing. No nerves, no excitement, no connection. I didn’t tell anyone. Perhaps, I thought, I was just having an off day. But then it happened again and again. To be honest, I felt like I’d become a jukebox. Hit play and I could talk on autopilot. I still had passion, but the energy and freshness had gone. Lots of worries started to whirl. **What if I’m burnt out? What if I just don’t have anything new to say? What if I’ve become irrelevant?** I’m sure you’ve been in one of these spirals.
So, I decided to tell my agents, my team, and my family that I was not quitting but I was going to take a pause from public speaking. It was a BIG financial risk. But I knew I had to do it.
I read, researched, drew, wrote, and went back to school to study something completely different, landscape design. **I can’t tell you the number of people that assumed I was having some mid-life crisis.**
### The power of a pause
Ironically, I learned never to underestimate the power of a pause on the stage.
**A pause is a negative space where nothing and everything happens.** It’s in those spaces that the audience really listens to itself.
The phrase a ‘pregnant pause’ has always intrigued me. In the moments –seconds or months – where we’re not speaking and doing something new is born. And that’s how I’ve felt about a year off the stage.
Last Wednesday, I got back on the stage for the first time in a year. I felt like something new had emerged. Not just a whole new body of work but that I could show up and connect with the audience in a different way.
Here is a picture of me back in action!
**I’m so glad that I didn’t quit but that I took one very long pause** 😊
### A question for you
**What one area of your life where you’d love to pause? Maybe for a day, maybe for a year.**
Warmly,
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** female keynote speaker, public speaking, Keynote Speaker, inspirational, pause, break, quitting, introspective, ted talk
---
### [Guest Post by Paul Nicklen | True at First Light](https://wwsg.com/blog/guest-post-by-paul-nicklen-true-at-first-light/)
**Published:** December 5, 2022
**Author:** wpengine
**Content:**
*This is a guest post by WWSG exclusive speaker, [Paul Nicklen](https://wwsg.com/speakers/paul-nicklen).*
How Soaring High Above the Colorado River Delta Restored My Appreciation For Nature’s Beauty
*“Once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you will always long to return.”*
– Leonardo da Vinci
Every time I soar above the delta where the Colorado River trickles to an end before reaching the Sea of Cortez, I am reminded of how eerie, and mysterious, and enchanting nature’s beauty can be. The patterns, shapes, and designs of silt and sediment shaped by the ebb and flow of the tides are achingly beautiful. There is beauty here, and raw power, the power of the natural world to move and stir deep emotions and self-reflection.
As it reaches the end of its 1,500-mile pilgrimage to the sea, the continent’s mightiest river slows and ebbs into a lacework of bending, winding channels, inspiring a profound, unspoken respect for the way nature is full of surprises. The sense of connection I feel here is unparalleled, so much so that I now understand the fierce, protective loyalty people who live here feel for the river, its place in geological time, and the way it has become the stuff of myth and legend. Every time I am here, I feel reinvigorated, spiritually and creatively. This is a place of ancient dreams and old spirits.
Seeing the delta from high above is to see the world as it must have been from the beginning of time. I have seen how quickly our wild places are disappearing, and if there is one thing I hope my images have done over the course of my career, it is to heighten awareness of the deepening crisis we all face and, more importantly, encourage us to act. The beauty here is so profound, all things seem possible**.**
This, after all, is the work of nature, Earth’s first, true artist. Layers of sandstone, siltstone, and mudstone weave an intricate web in an image I call ***Amber Crossroads***, a living painting, an abstract work of art divined by nature’s hand and realized in a sprawling, fine-grained canvas of reds, mauves, and bronze.
***Written in Water*** is one of the defining images of the Delta Series for me, a clear example of how the sea is striving to reclaim the earth’s crust, leaving its signature scrawled through the ebb and flow of the tides.
The fractals branching across the surface of the delta in ***Arterial Poetry*** remind me of the veins of the human body, a sublime expression of how water is the lifeblood of everything that lives in this world**.**
***Arterial Shadows***, another study in black-and-white, shows in stark and yet seductive terms how rising coastal tides, 10 feet deep in place, reach far inland to create a moody pattern of rock and sediment. It’s a sight that never fails to take my breath away, often literally.
***Gaia’s Lungs*** resembles the uncanny parallels between the bronchial structures within our lungs that allow us to breathe and the structures of the plants that produce our oxygen– a poignant and powerful metaphor for the interconnectedness of all life.
I feel exhilaration, too, when I look at ***Arbol de Vida***, as if I had photographed it just yesterday. The elaborate designs come alive in the mind’s eye; the meltwater serves as the connective tissue of the entire delta — a masterpiece created by nature.
Viewing these patterns and formations from 6,000 feet above the Earth’s surface satisfies my creative urges in ways they have not been filled in a long time. In my last expedition, over the course of four days, I shot more than 14,000 images — and I was trying to exercise restraint.
My mind was constantly distracted by some new wonder or other. It is not enough to describe it as eye-filling; it is on a scale that reaches back to the dawn of time. One formation I photographed was more than two miles long — a picturesque panorama of patterns within patterns, a vast mural of nature’s majesty and splendor. The delta’s 240,000-square-mile drainage area alternates between the primeval and the modern age. The dendritic channels of sand and silt carved by the ebb flow of tidal currents are reminders of pristine wetlands that once nourished an entire ecosystem.
I am reminded, too, that these patterns and shapes, these symbols of nature’s resilience and determination to survive, are commemorative of how small we are.
As a species, we are inseparable. Each and every small thing we do affects someone else. After thirty years of exploring the polar regions and countless places in between, I have seen with my own eyes how our wild places are disappearing, and the alarming rate at which we are consuming the world’s resources. We have a shared responsibility to ensure that future generations will see the world as we did, or else it will all have been in vain.
Here, in one of the last, vast bastions of life on Earth, it is easy to believe that all things are possible**.**
With gratitude,
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** Paul Nicklen, Photography, Nature Photography, Wildlife, keynote speaking, Art, speaking, nature, National Geographic, Colorodo River, Interconnectedness
---
### [Exclusive Thought Leaders in the News](https://wwsg.com/blog/exclusive-thought-leaders-in-the-news/)
**Published:** October 25, 2022
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
Given their various accomplishments and accolades, it’s no surprise that our impressive roster of exclusive thought leaders are routinely featured on national news programs, both as guests and as hosts. These leaders provoke discussion, summarize insights, and engage in thoughtful Q&A. Their experience in a “lights, camera, action!” atmosphere make for a seamless experience at speaking engagements, ensuring a successful and unforgettable event.
The *WWSG Exclusive* speakers below have been busy informing the public on-air and in person at speaking engagements across the nation. To host one of these thought leaders, contact us.
[ Search All Speakers](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/)
[ Contact Us](https://wwsg.com/contact-us)
This weekend on [Face the Nation](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/gottlieb-doesnt-expect-state-mandates-for-kids-covid-19-vaccines/), [Scott Gottlieb M.D.](https://wwsg.com/speakers/scott-gottlieb/) said, “I don’t think we’re at the point right now where we should be considering mandating this \[Covid\] vaccine as a condition to attend school.” Dr. Gottlieb has a demonstrated record as a trusted advisor to the public on various health issues, including but not limited to COVID-19, Monkeypox, drug regulations, food safety, and innovation. [Speaker Page >>](https://wwsg.com/speakers/scott-gottlieb/)
CNN’s accomplished anchor [Poppy Harlow](https://wwsg.com/speakers/poppy-harlow/) is joining her colleagues Don Lemon and Kaitlan Collins to host the new morning show, [CNN This Morning](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/cnn-this-morning-promo-reel/). Poppy’s specialty of knowledge on the economy and business sectors make her the perfect fit for informative presentations, while her unbiased interview style lends itself to program moderation and hosting. [Speaker Page >>](https://wwsg.com/speakers/poppy-harlow/)
CNN’s top national correspondent [Erica Hill](https://wwsg.com/speakers/erica-hill/) has provided the public a consistent and concise examination of the Russia–Ukraine War. Recently, she has covered [Putin’s declaration of martial law](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/retired-general-says-this-is-the-reason-for-putins-martial-law/), the Russian military’s drone use, and Brittney Griner’s overseas conviction. Her varied career in journalism makes her the perfect fit for current event discussions and program moderation. [Speaker Page >>](https://wwsg.com/speakers/erica-hill/)
[Marc Short](https://wwsg.com/speakers/marc-short/) recently appeared on ABC’s [The Powerhouse Roundtable](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/midterms-will-be-referendum-on-joe-biden-marc-short/) opposite Donna Brazile to discuss the upcoming midterms. Short is former Chief of Staff to Vice President Pence and an expert in political science, American history, and conservative values. As proven in the clip, Short is also an excellent addition to point-counterpoint discussions. [Speaker Page >>](https://wwsg.com/speakers/marc-short/)
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** Scott Gottlieb, mike pence, marc short, CNN, poppy harlow, erica hill, news, media, abc, q&a, primetime, moderators
---
### [Remarkable Thought Leaders for Juneteenth](https://wwsg.com/blog/remarkable-thought-leaders-for-juneteenth/)
**Published:** June 16, 2023
**Author:** Riley Sims
**Content:**
In 2021, President Biden signed legislation that made Juneteenth, which falls on June 19, a federal holiday. Juneteenth is important for multiple reasons; namely, it commemorates the day in 1865 when enslaved men and women were finally told they were free, two years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation. The holiday now celebrates African American freedom and achievement while encouraging continuous self-development and respect for all cultures. As it takes on a more national, symbolic and global perspective, the events of 1865 in Texas are not forgotten and we are reminded that while change may happen slowly, it *is* possible.
These insightful thought leaders use their unique stories along with historical examples to illustrate how we can all better understand these lessons. Sharing narratives about self-discovery, leadership, and perseverance, these remarkable leaders leave audiences enlightened and inspired.
[Contact us](https://wwsg.com/contact-us) to learn more about hosting these exceptional speakers.
[ View All Juneteenth Speakers](https://wwsg.com)
[Ayaan Hirsi Ali](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ayaan-hirsi-ali/)
*Renowned Political Leader; National Security Expert; Human Rights Advocate and Islam Reformist; Author of the International Bestseller, Infidel*Relevant Speech Topics:
- Islam in Europe: The Challenges and Opportunities of an Increasing Immigrant Population
- Clash of Civilizations: Islam and the West
[ View Ayaan Hirsi Ali’s Speaker Page](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ayaan-hirsi-ali)
[DeMaurice Smith](https://wwsg.com/speakers/demaurice-smith/)*Executive Director, National Football League Players Association (NFLPA)*Relevant Speech Topics:
- The New Workplace: Everyday Issues of Free Speech, Politics, and Social Justice in the Office
- Power Forward: The Need to Improve Race and Gender Leadership in Sports
[ View DeMaurice Smith’s Speaker Page](https://wwsg.com/speakers/demaurice-smith)
[Allen West](https://wwsg.com/speakers/allen-b-west/)*Former Chairman of the Republican Party of Texas; Distinguished Conservative Thought-Leader; Highly Decorated Military Veteran; Author of Guardian of the Republic*Relevant Speech Topics:
- Conservatism in the African American Community
- Provocative Politics: A Candid Discussion with One of the Country’s Most Distinguished Conservative Thought Leaders
[ View Allen West’s Speaker Page](https://wwsg.com/speakers/allen-west)
[Carla Harris](https://wwsg.com/speakers/carla-harris/)*30+ Year Wall Street Veteran, Managing Director at Morgan Stanley, Public Speaker, Author of “Lead to Win”*Relevant Speech Topics:
- Carla’s Pearls: Tools for Maximizing Your Success
- Leadership: Currency, Change, & Creating A Powerful Presence
[ View Carla Harris’s Speaker Page](https://wwsg.com/speakers/carla-harris)
[Misty Copeland](https://wwsg.com/speakers/misty-copeland/)*The First African American Female Principal Dancer with American Ballet Theatre*Relevant Speech Topics:
- Building Success and Finding Hope from the Ground Up: American Ballet Theatre
- The Importance of Giving Back, Social Justice and Determination
[ View Misty Copeland’s Speaker Page](https://wwsg.com/speakers/misty-copeland)
*[Cassandra Worthy ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/cassandra-worthy/)Founder and CEO, Change Enthusiasm® Global*Relevant Speech Topics:
- Engineering a Resilient and Inclusive Culture: Practical Tools to Nurture High-Level Workforce and Customer Engagement
- C.H.A.N.G.E. Traits ®: Exploring the critical skills for inspired leadership through change
[ View Cassandra Worthy’s Speaker Page](https://wwsg.com/speakers/cassandra-worthy)
[DeEtta Jones](https://wwsg.com/speakers/deetta-jones/)*Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Expert; Author; Strategist*Relevant Speech Topics:
- Equity-Driven Organizational and Cultural Transformation
- Inclusive Leadership Practices
- EDI: Contemporary Trends and Expectations
[ View DeEtta Jones’s Speaker Page](https://wwsg.com/speakers/deetta-jones)
[Ashley Allison](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ashley-allison/)*CEO of Turner Conoly Group, CNN Commentator, Harvard Fellow, Former Obama-Biden Administration and Biden-Harris Campaign and Transition Senior Advisor, Educator*Relevant Speech Topics:
- Corporate Racial Equity/DEI
- A Seat at the Table: Building Lasting Coalitions
- Building Winning and Sustainable Teams
[ View Ashley Allison’s Speaker Page](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ashley-allison)
[ Host a WWSG Thought Leader](https://wwsg.com/contact-us)
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** Keynote Speakers, speakers, Ayaan Hirsi Ali, DeMaurice Smith, Allen West, website, experts, new, social justice, talent, inspirational, motivational, Juneteenth
---
### [Guest Post by Paul Nicklen | Seeing the Pod for the Narwhals](https://wwsg.com/blog/guest-post-by-paul-nicklen-seeing-the-pod-for-the-narwhals/)
**Published:** December 16, 2022
**Author:** wpengine
**Content:**
*This is a guest post by WWSG exclusive speaker, [Paul Nicklen](https://wwsg.com/speakers/paul-nicklen).*
Sometimes the wide-angle view reveals the big picture in ways that a close-up can’t.
*“It is not so much for its beauty that the forest makes a claim upon men’s hearts, as for that subtle something, that quality of air that emanation from old trees, that so wonderfully changes and renews a weary spirit”.*
– Robert Louis Stevenson
We have all had that moment when we are so involved in the details of something that we forget to see the situation as a whole.
This is especially true of wildlife photography, where spontaneity — being prepared for that unexpected moment, which can flash by in the blink of an eye, literally — counts for everything. When we are primed to spring into action at a moment’s notice, it’s all too easy to lose sight of the bigger picture.
**Good images tend to be sharp and tightly focused on the subject at hand. Great images, though — the kind I am attentive to making and always hoping to achieve — demand context and perspective**.
In the field, I try to consider every component of a composition, and that means taking in what lies just beyond the edges, not just what’s in the middle of the frame. Even if what lies at the edges doesn’t make it into the final print, it’s important that I know it’s there**.**
I call it ‘scanning the frame.’ I roll my eye around the entire frame and review each quadrant one after the other, starting at the bottom and working my way up the left side, then across the top and down the right. I ask myself, ‘Is this enchanting, majestic narwhal captivating enough on its own, or would including the crumbling sea ice just beyond the frame reflect the wider narrative about climate change?’
Narwhal migrations are rarely seen because they are out at sea in ice that’s breaking up — virtually impossible conditions for photography. The only real perspective you can gain is from the air, and I spotted the pod from the cockpit window of an ultralight airplane.
**[“Gathering of Unicorns”](https://paulnicklen.com/fineart/gathering-of-unicorns/)**
My narwhal assignment for National Geographic several years ago provided as clear an example of this as any I can recall. After five years and more trips than I can remember to Nunavut’s ice edge, I finally spotted the pod of narwhals I had been dreaming about since I first pursued the idea of becoming a professional photographer.
I am always looking for opportunities to make my image more interesting, and that means inspecting the viewfinder for every minute detail while using my peripheral vision to look for context. I get the focus down as quickly as I can so that I know I have at least one image that is sharp as a tack, but then I slow down and look around the frame for things I didn’t notice at first glance.
My first instinct was to start photographing using a long lens — these crystal-clear, tight close-ups in which individual narwhals filled the frame, each one showing its own distinct personality, brought to life in vibrant colors and razor-sharp clarity. I knew instantly that they were good images, great even. This is one of the unique joys of nature photography — being there to capture that special moment you know few others have seen, let alone had the privilege to photograph.
What I did not realize, though, until I slowed down and considered my options, was that by zooming out and standing back, the entire perspective changed, and the picture changed with it. I could see entire groups of narwhals, where they formed more interesting — and unusual — lines, shapes, and patterns. It created an entirely different mood, visually and emotionally. I could see it happening in front of my very eyes.
Even though these Narwhals were out in the open water I still zoomed out to capture the beautiful diagonal striated lines that added another layer of complexity to the imageWhether someone is flipping through the pages of National Geographic magazine or looking at a framed print on a gallery wall, I want that person to be instantly transported through that two-dimensional surface and become so immersed in that image that they have a powerful, visceral reaction. I want them to feel it.
f I’m photographing a scene, I’m analyzing it: I’m looking at the light, at various aspects of the frame, and examining everything. If I ever settled for looking at everything only with my left brain, then I wouldn’t be able to get lost in the moment. If I fail to lose myself in the moment — if I fail to find the wonder —then I can’t expect anyone else to feel that sense of wonder. Making great photographs is hard enough; we should do all we can to give ourselves a fighting chance. That day with the narwhals provided me with a lesson I have never forgotten.
With gratitude,
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** Paul Nicklen, Photography, Nature Photography, Wildlife, Ocean, keynote speaking, Animals, Art, speaking, nature, National Geographic, artic, narwhals, perspective
---
### [Looking for Versatility? Book a Journalist!](https://wwsg.com/blog/looking-for-versatility-book-a-journalist/)
**Published:** April 6, 2023
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
Due to their consistent pulse on national and global news, journalists and media personalities are a versatile choice for speaking engagements. These truth-seekers offer boundless knowledge to audiences, and each thought leader has an area or two of expertise that they are especially enthusiastic about. An added bonus? Daily experience in a “lights, camera, action” atmosphere make these thought leaders excellent moderators and emcees who can command your event with ease and sophistication.
[Contact us](https://wwsg.com/contact-us) to learn more about hosting these exceptional speakers.
[WWSG EXCLUSIVE • Sanjay Gupta](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sanjay-gupta)
*Chief Medical Correspondent, CNN; Multiple Award-Winning Journalist, Author and Neurosurgeon*
Recent Segments: [The Guptas on Parenting in the Social Media Era](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/chasing-life-with-dr-sanjay-gupta-the-guptas-on-parenting-in-the-social-media-era/), [Sanjay Gupta addresses career journey and well-being in 2023 Baird Lecture](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/a-balancing-act-sanjay-gupta-addresses-career-journey-and-well-being-in-2023-baird-lecture/)
Favorite Topics: Brain health, the media’s role in health news, technology’s effect on mental health, future of health care
[WWSG EXCLUSIVE • Poppy Harlow](https://wwsg.com/speakers/poppy-harlow)
*Award-Winning Journalist and Anchor, CNN; Podcast Host, “BossFiles with Poppy Harlow”; Author, The Biggest Little Boy*
Recent Segments: [Russian state media: arrested WSJ reporter files appeal](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/russian-state-media-arrested-wsj-reporter-files-appeal/), [Legendary coach talks one-on-one with CNN’s Poppy Harlow](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/legendary-coach-talks-one-on-one-with-cnns-poppy-harlow/)
Favorite Topics: Economic issues, modern business strategies
[WWSG EXCLUSIVE • Erica Hill](https://wwsg.com/speakers/erica-hill)
*Anchor and National Correspondent, CNN*
Recent Segments: [Hear legal expert’s prediction for Putin after arrest warrant issued](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/hear-legal-experts-prediction-for-putin-after-arrest-warrant-issued/), [Erica Hill will look at the upcoming coronation of King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla in CNN’s New ‘The Whole Story’](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/anderson-cooper-to-host-new-cnn-sunday-primetime-series-the-whole-story/)
Favorite Topics: Education equity, women’s issues
[WWSG EXCLUSIVE • John Roberts](https://wwsg.com/speakers/john-roberts)
*Journalist, Anchor of America Reports, Former Fox News Chief White House Correspondent (2017-2021)*
Recent Segments: [Parents don’t pay colleges to turn their kids against them: Winsome Earle-Sears](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/winsome-earle-sears-fires-back-at-youngkin-commencement-protesters-they-dont-speak-for-us/), [Animosity from Trump supporters could prevent Nikki Haley from winning nomination](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/animosity-from-trump-supporters-could-prevent-nikki-haley-from-winning-nomination-john-roberts/)
Favorite Topics: The way Americans get their information, current events
[Anderson Cooper](https://wwsg.com/speakers/anderson-cooper)
*Multiple Award-Winning Journalist and News Anchor, Host of Anderson Cooper 360, Bestselling Author*
Recent Segments: [Anderson Cooper 360º: History-making week after Trump indictment](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/anderson-cooper-360o-history-making-week-after-trump-indictment/), [Anderson Cooper To Host New CNN Sunday Primetime Series ‘The Whole Story’](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/anderson-cooper-to-host-new-cnn-sunday-primetime-series-the-whole-story/)
Favorite Topics: Geopolitical issues, social justice
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** Sanjay Gupta, poppy harlow, Anderson Cooper, erica hill, news, media, john roberts, journalist, journalism, tv, emcee, moderator, information, hosts, multifaceted
---
### [What Makes a Great Keynote Speaker?](https://wwsg.com/blog/what-makes-a-great-keynote-speaker/)
**Published:** March 29, 2023
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
A great keynote speaker is someone who can inspire, motivate, and educate their audience. They connect with their audience on a personal level and deliver a message that is both relevant and engaging.
There are many different factors that contribute to a great keynote speech. Here are a few of the most important ones:
- **Content:** The content of a keynote speech should be well-researched and thought-provoking. It should address a topic that is of interest to the audience and provide them with new information or insights.
- **Delivery:** The delivery of a keynote speech should be engaging and polished. The speaker should be able to hold the audience’s attention and deliver their message in a clear and concise way.
- **Connection:** The speaker should be able to connect with the audience on a personal level. They should share personal stories and experiences that will resonate with the audience and make them feel like they are part of something bigger.
- **Energy:** The speaker should have a lot of energy and enthusiasm. They should be able to get the audience excited about their topic and make them feel like they can conquer whatever comes their way.
If you are looking for a great keynote [speaker](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/wwsg-exclusives/), there are a few things you can do to find one:
1. First, **ask your industry friends and colleagues** for recommendations. Maybe they’ve booked someone in recent years who would be a great fit for your upcoming event.
2. Second, look for **speakers who have a proven track record of success**. You can read customer testimonials of speakers on wwsg.com to get an idea of what others have thought of their appearances.
3. Third and most importantly, **[contact the experts for help](https://wwsg.com/contact-us)**. Our agents at Worldwide Speakers Group have the most combined years in the industry than any other speakers bureau. At no extra cost to you, they can pair you up with the perfect speaker for your event based on content and budget.
By taking the time to find the right keynote speaker, you can ensure that your event is a success. A great keynote speech can inspire, motivate, and educate your audience, leaving them with a lasting impression. This is not an area you want to fall short in when [planning your next event.](https://wwsg.com/blog/how-a-speakers-bureau-can-help-event-planners/) For customized recommendations, [contact us](https://wwsg.com/contact-us) today.
[ Contact WWSG for Recommendations ](/contact-us/)
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** connection, content, educate, energy, event, Event Planning, greatness, inspire, keynote, Keynote Speaker, motivate, planning, selection, success
---
### [Guest Post by Paul Nicklen | Love in the Animal Kingdom](https://wwsg.com/blog/guest-post-by-paul-nicklen-scotch-with-a-grizzly-bear-2/)
**Published:** February 9, 2023
**Author:** wpengine
**Content:**
*This is a guest post by WWSG exclusive speaker, [Paul Nicklen](https://wwsg.com/speakers/paul-nicklen).*
*“For the animal shall not be measured by man. In a world older and more complete than ours, they move finished and complete, gifted with the extension of the senses we have lost or never attained, living by voices we shall never hear.”* **—** *Henry Beston*
On more than one occasion, I have been accused of assigning human characteristics to animals– as if our species is the only one allowed to own or express emotions. There is, of course, a fine line between empathizing with another being versus projecting your own account onto others. I know this as a scientist, and I know this as a human being. Pain and healing, love and loss, these are experiences that vary drastically from person to person, let alone another species.
When we anthropomorphize animals, we run the risk of clouding the truth of their stories with our own assumptions. However, is it not also an assumption that animals are incapable of feeling as we do? Perhaps even more strongly than we could imagine? I would challenge us to reconsider humanity’s monopoly over emotion– especially when it comes to love.
Emperor Penguins shot from the Mario Zuchelli Base Ross Sea Antarctica
Penguins at Floe Edge at Cape WashingtonOne of the most profound examples of love among our wild kin can be found huddled along the frozen shores of Antarctica. Emperor penguin parents must brave sub-zero temperatures, predator-filled waters, and long, frigid treks across the ice in order to raise a single chick. During the incubation period, the father will fast for about two months in -40º degree weather as he keeps the egg warm, losing nearly a third of his body weight in the process. Once the egg hatches, the mother will journey up to 180 miles and avoid leopard seal ambushes to secure krill, fish, and squid for their newborn for the first few weeks. From then on, both parents will take turns feeding and guarding their baby for several months until the chick is finally grown. Self-sacrifice is a way of life for emperor penguins as they pour everything they have into raising their young.
There are few cases of parental devotion that could rival Antarctica’s emperors. However, when it comes to a mother’s love, grizzly bears are high on the list of contenders. Mother bears shoulder the enormous responsibility of feeding and protecting their young against potential dangers. In order to ensure their cubs survive the long winters, the mothers must lead them to the river’s edge to gorge on salmon. Dozens of large males crowd the shores, and tensions can run high. Mothers must remain alert, diligent, and ready to ward off any grizzly that steps a little too close to their families.
***Golden Bond* | Alaska, 2018**
Mother bears forge powerful connections with their young— the kind that leave indelible marks long after their cubs are grown. [Click here for Details](https://paulnicklen.com/fineart/golden-bond/)
After decades of working closely with our planet’s fauna, I have witnessed firsthand the powerful bonds animals can form with one another. Whether or not our wild brethren are capable of love has never been a question for me. Based on my experience, I think we could stand to learn a thing or two from the animal kingdom on the depths of familial love, the power of empathy, and the courage it takes to face an increasingly unpredictable world. In the meantime, I ask that you join me in doing our part to right the wrongs of humanity and reverse the damage we have done to our global climate and vanishing ecosystems.
Together, we can help give mama bears, penguin parents, and other wildlife the best chance at raising their young on a healthy, thriving planet.
With gratitude,
Paul Nicklen
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** Wildlife, Penguins, Animals, nature, activism, Bears, Photgraphy, Love, Alaska, Empathy, Antartica, Parents
---
### [Speaker Spotlight: Niall Ferguson](https://wwsg.com/blog/speaker-spotlight-niall-ferguson/)
**Published:** March 16, 2023
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
One of the world’s most accomplished historians and provocative commentators on global politics and economics, Niall Ferguson stands at the crossroads of past, present, and future. As the author of sixteen books, Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institution at Stanford University and a senior faculty fellow of the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs at Harvard, Ferguson has provided audiences worldwide with unparalleled insight and knowledge.
With erudition, eloquence, and humor, Ferguson specializes in putting today’s economic shifts, social changes, and political disruptions into historical perspective, using the past as a roadmap to the future.
[ Niall Ferguson’s Speaker Page](https://wwsg.com/speakers/niall-ferguson)
[ Contact Us](https://wwsg.com/contact-us)
## Recent News Contributions
**Ferguson recently joined the podcast *Merryn Talks Money*** to discuss the implications for inflation, the Federal Reserve and how investors should navigate the current economic climate. He says “The world has been mired in a new Cold War for at least four years… The West needed to wake up to the Chinese threat.”
[Listen Here >>](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/what-the-new-cold-war-means-for-the-global-economy/)
**In his recent article for Bloomberg**, “US Teens Feel Down, But the Adults Aren’t All Right Either,” Ferguson addresses mental health among adults, comparing their issues with those of Gen Z, whose mental health is more widely discussed. “Some of the most interesting recent research on human emotion has shown that emotional states can be transmitted through a social network… One begins to wonder if this is part of what is going on with the mental health epidemic among young people.”
[Read the Article >>](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/us-teens-feel-down-but-the-adults-arent-all-right-either/)
## Selected Books by Niall Ferguson
  
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** Niall Ferguson, Mental Health, podcast, author, bloomberg, geopolitics, historian, ascent of money, doom, square and the tower, scottland, merryn talks money, columnist, filmmaker
---
### [Need one of the world’s top experts on Asia to advise your team?](https://wwsg.com/blog/speaker-spotlight-evan-feigenbaum-vp-at-carnegie-endowment-for-international-peace/)
**Published:** October 12, 2023
**Author:** Riley Sims
**Content:**
US-China conflict is roiling global markets—and could even lead to war. Asian countries, from China, to India, to Japan, to Korea, are now ground zero of global economic growth and potential geopolitical conflict. [Dr. Evan Feigenbaum](https://wwsg.com/speakers/evan-feigenbaum) is one of America’s leading experts on Asia, with wide experience in both government and the private sector. He is the former Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South Asia (2007-09), Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Central Asia (2006-07), and Member of the Secretary of State’s Policy Planning Staff responsible for East Asia (2001-06).
With wide experience across the region, he focuses most heavily on China and India, geopolitics and economics, and the changing role of the United States across the Pacific. Feigenbaum is currently Vice President for Studies at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. His diverse career has spanned government service as a U.S. diplomat, leadership of think tanks, and risk consultancy for market players and major corporates.
### ***Evan Can Speak or Advise On…***
- *China: What Its Boom or Bust Means for Your Business*
- *Asia on the Brink: The World’s New Center of Gravity?*
- *China and India: Understanding These Rising Powers*
- *Can America Thrive in the Asian Century?*
**To learn more about how Dr. Feigenbaum can add value to your team or audience, [contact WWSG](https://wwsg.com/contact-us).**
[ Evan Feigenbaum’s Speaker Page](https://wwsg.com/speakers/evan-feigenbaum)
## Recent Appearances
[Former US diplomat discusses Xis no show at G20 Summit and US lopsided ASEAN strategy](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/former-us-diplomat-discusses-xis-no-show-at-g20-summit-and-us-lopsided-asean-strategy/)[US needs to exert influence in ASEAN beyond just military leadership think tank says](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/u-s-needs-to-exert-influence/)
[ Check Availability](https://wwsg.com/contact-us)
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** Dr. Evan Feigenbaum, Geopolitical Speakers, Geopolitical, Korea, International Affairs, Rising Powers, Global Conflict, Global Markets, US-China, India, Asia, war, conflict, economy, economics, China, Evan Feigenbaum
---
### [Guest Post by Paul Nicklen | Finding Hope With A Mother Polar Bear](https://wwsg.com/blog/guest-post-by-paul-nicklen-finding-hope-with-a-mother-polar-bear/)
**Published:** April 28, 2023
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
*This is a guest post by WWSG exclusive speaker, [Paul Nicklen](https://wwsg.com/speakers/paul-nicklen).*
New Release A Mothers Universe | Manitoba Canada 2023 | [Click Here for Details](https://paulnicklen.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=8d9dedf8133b767d79460f0d1&id=e0095582c3&e=cd946fdb5e)#### **“Just being surrounded by bountiful nature, rejuvenates and inspires us.“**
**– EO Wilson**
Dear reader,
I want to wish you a happy Earth Day and take a moment to celebrate all that makes our planet worth the fight to protect its future. While I love my job, working on the front lines of conservation can certainly take a toll on your mental well-being. After decades of photographing some of the biggest atrocities happening to our planet- warming seas, overfishing, the abuse of wild animals, whale entanglements, and plastic pollution- the pressure can start to creep in. The fight to protect nature can sometimes seem hopeless, especially as divides between people grow deeper and no one seems to notice the climate alarm blaring code red.
When I find myself getting down over the doomsday headlines and lack of global action, it is time to press pause and return to the sanctity of nature. Everyone needs to recharge, and immersing myself in the natural world is how I keep my hope alive. Called to the frozen wilds of the far North, I find solace in the ancient rhythms that dictate life across the Arctic. There is something about those early days before spring, when life first begins to stir beneath the snow, that rouses a sense of hope for the future. And what could be more hopeful than watching mother polar bears emerge from their dens with their newborn cubs in tow?
Determined to witness for myself that moment when a mama bear leads her little family into the world for the first time, I headed to Manitoba, Canada in the early days of February. I had spent a good portion of my life observing polar bears across Manitoba and Nunavut, and it was an incredibly nostalgic experience to be back beneath the Arctic sky. I ventured out with a local group of guides to quietly observe den sites. After days of freezing in the snow, our patience was rewarded when a mother bear finally poked her head out of her cozy lair. Tucked beneath her was a pair of cubs, only weeks old, taking in their brand-new surroundings from between the safety of mom’s powerful front paws. The mother had a patient, nurturing presence, and her calm expression reflected years of hard-won wisdom. She rested on a snowdrift with her family and contentedly soaked in the soft light.
The polar bears around the Hudson Bay are unique from other bear populations, particularly when it comes to denning and birthing cubs. Pregnant mothers will usually leave the ice in the late summer and begin the process of carefully selecting a den. Once they are satisfied with their designated lair, they hunker down for the colder months. During this time, they will fast and drastically reduce their activity to conserve energy. Mother bears will go an astonishing eight months without a meal until they can hunt seals again. They give birth in the heart of winter and nurse their hairless newborns on some of the richest milk in the world until it is time to emerge. Once their cubs are strong enough, the mothers must lead them safely to the sea ice to gorge on seals and replenish lost calories.
Even as I am writing this from the middle of the Pacific with my SeaLegacy crew, my thoughts keep returning to the mama bear from that cold winter’s afternoon. She looked healthy, but I know that the area’s bear population has not been faring well in recent years. Their numbers have declined by about 24%, and researchers are growing concerned about their future. I hope she is eating well and raising her cubs to be wise bears like her. They will need her wisdom and strength to navigate a warming world. In the meantime, let’s keep fighting to solve the climate emergency and protect our fragile polar regions. I hope you will join me for this year’s Earth Day in celebrating our planet and investing in its future.
Thank you for staying in this fight with me.
Happy Earth Day,
Paul Nicklen
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** Bears, biodiversity, ecosystem, polar bears, Parents, Antartica, Empathy, Alaska, Love, Photgraphy, activism, National Geographic, nature, Animals, Wildlife, photographer, Climate Change, Paul Nicklen
---
### [Icy Landscapes: Uncovering Beauty in Frozen Realms | Guest Post by Paul Nicklen](https://wwsg.com/blog/icy-landscapes-uncovering-beauty-in-frozen-realms-guest-post-by-paul-nicklen/)
**Published:** November 7, 2023
**Author:** Riley Sims
**Content:**
*This is a guest post by WWSG thought leader, [Paul Nicklen](https://wwsg.com/speakers/paul-nicklen). All images are copyrighted. To purchase Paul’s work, [visit his website](https://paulnicklen.com/fine-art/).*
#### “To appreciate the beauty of a snowflake, it is necessary to stand out in the cold.” –Aristotle
For those of you who have been sharing in my journey, you are probably already aware of (and likely share) my deep fascination with our planet’s polar regions. My love for the icy landscapes of the far north and south took root at the age of four when my family moved to Baffin Island. That was when I first began to see the world through the ever-changing lens of ice. Despite our remoteness, I felt intimately connected to the vast, untamed world surrounding me.
Ours was one of the few non-Inuit households in our community, and those formative years were spent navigating a frozen realm. Guided by the elders, I learned to track animals through the snow, avoid treacherous ice, and endure extreme cold—skills that would ultimately lead to my role as a National Geographic photographer. My life’s trajectory has been irreversibly shaped by ice and the warmth of Inuit culture, which is why places like the Arctic and Antarctic will always be a favourite of mine.
The true allure of a place like Antarctica one of my all time favorite places lies in its sheer size and rawness It is wild raw and grand | © Paul NicklenWhen photographing ice, the creative possibilities are limitless. Light bends, refracts, and scatters through frozen crystals in surprising ways, crafting intricate patterns and textures. You could be photographing the same iceberg from the same vantage point, yet every depression of the shutter yields a different image. These ever-shifting conditions present their challenges; an overcast sky, for example, can obscure details, turning a looming iceberg into a featureless mass against a dull horizon. Nonetheless, I’ve always found a peculiar sense of freedom within the environmental constraints of our planet’s icy kingdoms. They urge us to explore creative paths we might never have traversed otherwise, resulting in more compelling images and often a better story behind the frame.
A land of ice is a realm of constant transformation, with new patterns and structures emerging through the clash of natural forces. During one of my earlier expeditions to the remote shores of the last continent, I observed a particularly delicate ice arch and diligently adjusted my camera. After finally settling on a composition, framing the delicate arch between two towering spires of ice, a rumble echoed across the water. Within seconds, the entire structure gave way and plunged into the sea, crackling like thunder and generating a cascade of waves. One of the most spectacular displays of nature’s artistry, carved by tumultuous seas, a changing planet, long winters, and raging winds, vanished before my eyes.
I hurried to capture the delicate arch before it plunged into the sea below The beauty of Antarctica is as fragile as it is captivating | © Paul NicklenI learned early in life that, even in the heart of a polar winter, there’s a hidden reservoir of life beneath the snow and the icy seas. Animals like seals, polar bears, and certain species of seabirds have not only adapted to the capricious and unforgiving nature of the frozen world; they rely on its ebb and flow for raising their young, hunting for food, and finding mates. Somewhere in their evolutionary journey, the harshest aspects of their habitat became the source of their survival and resilience. Sadly, this is also what renders their polar ecosystems so fragile. With diminishing ice in the Arctic and Antarctic seas, the future of some of Earth’s most iconic animals becomes increasingly uncertain.
To me this image encapsulates the confluence of art storytelling and conservation and has found a place in homes worldwide The dark clouds ice falls and the vast Nordaustlandet ice cap tell the story of a vanishing Arctic Ice Waterfall continues to champion polar regions and has been used by notable figures like Al Gore It played a pivotal role as the gatefold opening spread in National Geographics Cool It Issue in 2015 and graced the cover of Pearl Jams Gigaton album Whether viewed on a small screen or displayed as a 60 by 90 inch art print in a gallery the photograph remains undiminisheda timeless piece with an urgent call to action | © Paul NicklenTo me, this image encapsulates the confluence of art, storytelling, and conservation and has found a place in homes worldwide. The dark clouds, ice falls, and the vast Nordaustlandet ice cap tell the story of a vanishing Arctic. *Ice Waterfall* continues to champion polar regions and has been used by notable figures like Al Gore. It played a pivotal role as the gatefold opening spread in National Geographic’s “Cool It” Issue in 2015 and graced the cover of Pearl Jam’s “Gigaton” album. Whether viewed on a small screen or displayed as a 60-by-90-inch art print in a gallery, the photograph remains undiminished—a timeless piece with an urgent call to action**.**
Over the decades, I have witnessed the Arctic, my childhood home and the first place where I truly belonged, evolve before my eyes. The cascading effect of climate change is one of the reasons I traded a career in science for a life of storytelling and photography. The inherent power and beauty of Earth’s polar regions cannot be conveyed through graphs, charts, and research papers. The urgent need to protect these vanishing habitats cannot be fully articulated with data and statistics. I turned to photography as a means to share the frozen world I’ve loved all my life with a global audience and to inspire others to care deeply about its future. The images I take serve as a testament to nature’s unparalleled artistry and a call to stand alongside her.
Ninety percent of an icebergs mass is hidden from sight beneath the oceans surface As its freshwater walls melt away great plumes will surge upwards carving deep channels along its sides The sun and warm air eventually melt its peak as well which causes it to rise from the water and expose these beautiful vertical flutes | © Paul NicklenDespite the growing pressures of a warming world, I still feel we can change our course and protect our fellow wildlife—especially with the support of readers like you who share my love for the natural world.
We are in this together, and we will solve this together.
With gratitude and hope for a better future,
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** Paul Nicklen, Photography, Photography Keynote Speakers, Wildlife, arctic, Winter, Ice, Waterfall, Paul Nicklen Blog, Paul Nicklen Photography, Cold, Icy
---
### [Guest Post by Paul Nicklen | Have You Ever Experienced the Ocean at Night?](https://wwsg.com/blog/guest-post-by-paul-nicklen-have-you-ever-experienced-the-ocean-at-night/)
**Published:** May 8, 2023
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
*This is a guest post by WWSG exclusive speaker, [Paul Nicklen.](https://wwsg.com/speakers/paul-nicklen)*
Have you ever been diving at night? I have just finished watching the movie *Avatar II*, and my attention was immediately caught by the neon scenes of glowing ocean life. Our ocean’s nighttime seascapes have inspired countless settings in science fiction. Even the most far-fetched scenes aren’t too far off from the truth.
Once the sun sinks below the horizon, the ocean undergoes an extraordinary transformation. Animals that tend to hide during the day stir from their lairs and begin to prowl the ocean floor. Coral reefs come alive with eels, schools of sharks, and a parade of peculiar creatures that turn the seascape into something straight from James Cameron’s fictional ‘Pandora.’ I want to personally invite you to see for yourself the pure magic and scientific marvel of our own planet—an underwater world more complex and beautiful than anything you could imagine.
It would mean the world to me if you visited the link below for a six-minute dive into the heart of nature’s most delicate artistry, only visible at night. You do not need to leave Earth to find the alien worlds of your wildest imagination. We are already part of a vast, unexplored web of life that is so, so very worth protecting. I will see you there, my friend, in our latest *A Sea of Hope* episode “Neon Nights; Diving into the World of Biofluorescence.”
Thank you for always standing with me on this journey to safeguard our ocean.
With gratitude,
Paul Nicklen
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** Paul Nicklen, Photography, photographer, Oceanography, Animals, nature, National Geographic, activism, Empathy, night dive, ocean life, scuba, research
---
### [The Results are in Dr. Sanjay Gupta | Rosalynn Carter's Work Advocating for Mental Health](https://wwsg.com/blog/the-results-are-in-with-dr-sanjay-gupta-rosalynn-carters-work-advocating-for-mental-health/)
**Published:** November 30, 2023
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Excerpt:** As the tributes of first lady Rosalynn Carter have come in, what’s struck me the most is her tireless work in advocating for mental health.
**Content:**
*This is a guest post by WWSG exclusive speaker, [Dr. Sanjay Gupta](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sanjay-gupta).*
As the tributes and remembrances of first lady Rosalynn Carter have come in over the past week, what’s struck me the most is her tireless work in advocating for mental health.
Since President Jimmy Carter’s initial run for governor of Georgia in 1966, Rosalynn Carter championed mental health treatment. In the 1970s, she sat on the Governor’s Commission to Improve Services to the Mentally and Emotionally Handicapped, and when Carter to the presidency, she was an active honorary chair of the President’s Commission on Mental Health.
It was thanks in part to her advocacy that the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act was passed in 2008, requiring insurance companies to make coverage of and access to mental health care equal to that for physical illness. In 2010, she published a book, “Within our Reach: Ending the Mental Health Crisis.”
The American Psychological Association called her the [“First Lady of Mental Health,”](https://e.newsletters.cnn.com/click?Ea2FiZWxhQHd3c2cuY29t/CeyJtaWQiOiIxNzAxMjE0MjIxMzg5ZTAwOGFiNmZkYzdjIiwiY3QiOiJjbm4tODAwNTZlN2ExNTE1ZTVmZDQyN2ZlMzZmZThmNmU1NTgtMSIsInJkIjoid3dzZy5jb20ifQ/HWkhfQ05OX2lfTmV3c19OREJBTjExMjgyMDIzYzExMDIzMDliMSxjbjEsaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYXBhLm9yZy9tb25pdG9yLzIwMTAvMTAvY2FydGVy/sdhc2a030ac) and she was an honorary fellow of the American Psychiatric Association. “Few, if any, other Americans have been able to accomplish what she did for the cause of mental health,” the Psychiatric Association wrote in a statement following her death.
She also established the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers in 1987 to support the mental wellness of caregivers and their role in our health system. In 1998, she co-wrote “Helping Someone with Mental Illness: A Compassionate Guide for Family, Friends, and Caregivers.”
Carter was well-known to say there are only [four kinds of people in the world](https://e.newsletters.cnn.com/click?Ea2FiZWxhQHd3c2cuY29t/CeyJtaWQiOiIxNzAxMjE0MjIxMzg5ZTAwOGFiNmZkYzdjIiwiY3QiOiJjbm4tODAwNTZlN2ExNTE1ZTVmZDQyN2ZlMzZmZThmNmU1NTgtMSIsInJkIjoid3dzZy5jb20ifQ/HWkhfQ05OX2lfTmV3c19OREJBTjExMjgyMDIzYzExMDIzMDliMSxjbjEsaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuY2FydGVyY2VudGVyLm9yZy9uZXdzL2VkaXRvcmlhbHNfc3BlZWNoZXMvcm9zYWx5bm4tY2FydGVyLWNvbW1pdHRlZS1vbi1hZ2luZy10ZXN0aW1vbnkuaHRtbA/s0ld2881fd8): “those who have been caregivers, those who are currently caregivers, those who will be caregivers and those who will need caregivers.”
We were all so lucky to have had her as an advocate for the millions of people with mental health challenges and those who care for them.
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** Sanjay Gupta, Mental Health, CNN, Chasing Life, news, media, Empathy, The Results Are In, Wellness, depression, brain, loneliness, exhaustion, rosalynn carter, first lady
---
### [Chasing Life With Dr. Sanjay Gupta | How We Think About Weight and Weight Loss](https://wwsg.com/blog/chasing-life-with-dr-sanjay-gupta-how-we-think-about-weight-and-weight-loss/)
**Published:** January 16, 2024
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
*This is a guest post by WWSG exclusive speaker, [Dr. Sanjay Gupta](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sanjay-gupta).*
If you’ve been paying attention to health news recently, you may have noticed a subtle but real shift in the way society discusses body weight. It started about 10 years ago with the body positivity movement, the idea that we should love our bodies at any size. But around this time, the American Medical Association also classified obesity as a disease. The medical community was divided, with some believing the classification would help reduce stigma, while others argued that it pathologized larger bodies.
These transformational changes picked up speed with the arrival of powerful and wildly popular new medications that have helped many people shed pounds.
We on the “Chasing Life” podcast team think it’s the perfect time to try to sort through some of these medical and cultural threads. That’s why we’re turning the spotlight on body weight in the coming season.
We’re not going to reveal the secret to losing weight “with one weird trick” or even tell you that you should necessarily shed pounds. In fact, [our very first episode](https://e.newsletters.cnn.com/click?Ea2FiZWxhQHd3c2cuY29t/CeyJtaWQiOiIxNzA1NDIzOTg1MzAwMjY0Mjk1OWRjNmU5IiwiY3QiOiJjbm4tZmQ2OGM0OGI1ZDQ1OWIxNGI2MTcwZWVmM2I4ZTdlYjItMSIsInJkIjoid3dzZy5jb20ifQ/HWkhfQ05OX2lfTmV3c19OREJBTjAxMTYyMDI0YzExMzk2NjRiMSxjbjEsaHR0cHM6Ly9saW5rLmNodGJsLmNvbS9lbDYyY0xWMA/s4k329cafa4) explores the real link between weight and health. I spoke to Dr. Fatima Cody Stanford, an obesity medicine specialist at Massachusetts General Hospital and an associate professor at Harvard Medical School, about what our weight does and does not tell us about our health – and what she said might surprise you.
“I can’t just judge the book by its cover and assume that someone \[who\] is larger is unhealthy and someone who is lean is healthy,” Stanford told me[,](https://e.newsletters.cnn.com/click?Ea2FiZWxhQHd3c2cuY29t/CeyJtaWQiOiIxNzA1NDIzOTg1MzAwMjY0Mjk1OWRjNmU5IiwiY3QiOiJjbm4tZmQ2OGM0OGI1ZDQ1OWIxNGI2MTcwZWVmM2I4ZTdlYjItMSIsInJkIjoid3dzZy5jb20ifQ/HWkhfQ05OX2lfTmV3c19OREJBTjAxMTYyMDI0YzExMzk2NjRiMSxjbjEsaHR0cHM6Ly9saW5rLmNodGJsLmNvbS9lbDYyY0xWMA/s4k329cafa4) referring to a person’s size and BMI. “That’s the assumption that people make. I call that practicing street-corner medicine.”
She said she looks beneath the surface of the individual to assess their health – for example, with bloodwork and their functional ability – “because someone who’s lean may be very unhealthy, and someone who’s heavier may be healthier.”
Stanford’s approach embodies a new way for doctors to think about weight. It parallels the body positivity movement and the body neutrality movement, appreciating your body for what it can do. These cultural shifts have appeared to be nudging us all toward becoming more accepting of larger bodies without having to change them, as long as they are physiologically and functionally healthy.
And then came a twist: the widespread adoption of a powerful and effective new class of medications originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes. Those drugs include semaglutide (sold as Ozempic, Rybelsus and Wegovy) and tirzepatide (sold as Mounjaro and Zepbound) as well as the older liraglutide (sold as Victoza and Saxenda). It’s hard to overestimate their impact on popular culture – and on the bodies of those who take them.
After covering medical news for more than two decades, I can say the introduction of these medications feels different. As with Prozac in the late 1980s and Viagra in the late 1990s, the arrival of these medications appears to be pivotal, maybe even revolutionary.
That’s not to say some people don’t have unpleasant side effects or even, on occasion, [very serious ones](https://e.newsletters.cnn.com/click?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). Additionally, I should point out that when the drugs are stopped, [the weight often returns](https://e.newsletters.cnn.com/click?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), making these likely life-long drugs.
But even as we appear to be moving into a new phase of how we think about weight and weight loss in this country, there is still a fair amount of shame and stigma surrounding weight.
So where is the inflection point? When will we start to see these medications as tools and not a sign of failure? And can we get to the point where we can be successful at weight loss – or accept ourselves the way we are – without shame?
I don’t have any easy answers for you, but these are just some of the themes we are going to touch on and conversations we are going to have during the [next season of “Chasing Life.”](https://e.newsletters.cnn.com/click?Ea2FiZWxhQHd3c2cuY29t/CeyJtaWQiOiIxNzA1NDIzOTg1MzAwMjY0Mjk1OWRjNmU5IiwiY3QiOiJjbm4tZmQ2OGM0OGI1ZDQ1OWIxNGI2MTcwZWVmM2I4ZTdlYjItMSIsInJkIjoid3dzZy5jb20ifQ/HWkhfQ05OX2lfTmV3c19OREJBTjAxMTYyMDI0YzExMzk2NjRiMSxjbjEsaHR0cHM6Ly9saW5rLmNodGJsLmNvbS9wSEpYNmFSWA/s3t113dd3cd) I hope you join us as we search for answers.
[Contact WWSG](https://wwsg.com/contact-us) for [Sanjay Gupta](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sanjay-gupta)‘s speaking availability.
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** Sanjay Gupta, Mental Health, CNN, podcast, Chasing Life, news, The Results Are In, Wellness, brain, weight loss, ozempic
---
### [WWSG Thought Leaders Address the Russo-Ukrainian War](https://wwsg.com/blog/wwsg-thought-leaders-address-the-russo-ukrainian-war/)
**Published:** March 2, 2023
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
With the city of Bakhmut in jeopardy, the Russo-Ukrainian war is top-of-mind for everyone. Our thought leaders with experience in geopolitics and security have lent their perspectives to news networks and other media outlets in efforts to shed light on the war’s current standing, hypothesize on its future, and identify potential implications for the United States.
To host a WWSG thought leader at your upcoming event, [contact us](https://wwsg.com/contact-us).
[ Find A Speaker](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics)
 
WWSG Exclusives • [Mark Esper](https://wwsg.com/speakers/mark-esper) and [John Roberts](https://wwsg.com/speakers/john-roberts/):
Former Defense Secretary Mark Esper responds to President Biden’s first address to the American people on the four flying objects nearly two weeks after the first Chinese spy craft was shot down on America’s Newsroom with John Roberts. [Watch the Clip](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/mark-esper-says-biden-address-leaves-major-unanswered-question-about-aerial-objects/)
WWSG Exclusive • [Evan Feigenbaum](https://wwsg.com/speakers/evan-feigenbaum/): Freezing up Russian reserves, asset freezes, all sorts of bans, trying to do price caps on Russian oil — the Chinese now have to expect that that’s coming at them in the event, for example, that they decide to attack Taiwan. And for that reason, they will be looking to try to mirror Russia’s approach in trying to sanctions-proof its economy. [Listen to the Podcast](https://thechinaproject.com/2023/02/23/china-and-the-ukraine-war-one-year-after-the-invasion/)
WWSG Exclusive • [Josh Kraushaar](https://wwsg.com/speakers/josh-kraushaar/): “Republicans are increasingly divided over American support for Ukraine: The party’s traditional hawkish voices face a loud array of anti-war voices from the MAGA wing of the party led by former President Trump.” [Read More](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/the-deepening-gop-divide-on-ukraine/)
[Ian Bremmer](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ian-bremmer): “Ukraine is in a position where they can lose a lot more than they have lost already. The Russians, on the other hand, cannot win on the global stage. Their economy will be more and more constrained over time. Their security position will be worse and worse over time. That is all about Putin’s own misjudgment.” [Watch the Clip](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/a-diminished-russia-uncertain-ukraine/)
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** bakhmut, implication, uinted states, russo-ukrainan war, war, josh kraushaar, john roberts, roberts, esper, ukraine, geopolitics, russia, risk, ian bremmer, Evan Feigenbaum, Mark Esper
---
### [Speaker Spotlight: Josh Kraushaar](https://wwsg.com/blog/speaker-spotlight-josh-kraushaar/)
**Published:** April 13, 2023
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
With a track record of identifying election trends before they become conventional wisdom, Josh Kraushaar is one of Washington’s leading political analysts. He is the author of *Axios*‘ weekly Sunday Sneak Peak newsletter, which focuses on the big-picture forces driving American politics, and writes a weekly column analyzing the latest political developments for *Jewish Insider*.
While politics is often complicated and granular, Kraushaar is uniquely able to reveal the larger trends within elections to all audiences. With his holistic, big picture approach, Kraushaar expertly connects with audiences of all backgrounds, explains the issues at large that loom over Washington, and breaks down the possible consequences of those issues on everyday Americans.
[ Josh Kraushaar’s Speaker Page](https://wwsg.com/speakers/josh-kraushaar)
[ Contact Us](https://wwsg.com/contact-us)
## Testimonials
## *“Josh was so smart and insightful—the audience loved \[his fireside\] chat. He’s also very professional and easy to work with. One of our Executive Committee members told me that Josh’s segment was the best part of the meeting!”*
*– Recording Industry Association of America*
## *“Josh was funny, personable, and very insightful. He mingled with my folks beforehand, stayed for dinner, and kept the conversation (which was great) going just the right amount of time. It was perfect.”*
*– American Optometric Association*
## Recent Contributions and Appearances
**•** [**GOP’s stormy 2024 outlook (Axios)**](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/gops-stormy-2024-outlook/?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9EkFr1ozgwjVywNXhf4a91YD9SBK_EB37xmieZfU6PmlWrNmHL-uJaaqWrYNs6FA9n-eC_)
**•** [**How could President Trumps’ charges transform the 2024 race? (Fox News)**](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/how-could-president-trumps-charges-transform-the-2024-race/?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9EkFr1ozgwjVywNXhf4a91YD9SBK_EB37xmieZfU6PmlWrNmHL-uJaaqWrYNs6FA9n-eC_)
**•** [**Scoop: Christie pledges never to support Trump again (Axios)**](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/scoop-christie-pledges-never-to-support-trump-again/?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9EkFr1ozgwjVywNXhf4a91YD9SBK_EB37xmieZfU6PmlWrNmHL-uJaaqWrYNs6FA9n-eC_)
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** author, trump, josh kraushaar, columnist, journalist, axios, jewish, jewish insider, writer, american, fox news
---
### [Rachel Botsman | How to realign your values](https://wwsg.com/blog/guest-post-by-rachel-botsman-how-to-realign-your-values/)
**Published:** February 6, 2023
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
*This is a guest post by WWSG thought leader, [Rachel Botsman](https://wwsg.com/speakers/rachel-botsman).*
**Do you prioritise your values?**
A few weeks ago, Jacinda Ardern, New Zealand’s prime minister, unexpectedly announced that she was resigning. “It’s time,” she said in a poignant speech. She admitted that she “no longer had enough in the tank” to fulfil the role responsibly. Her words right at the end of the speech struck a chord. “To Neve: Mum is looking forward to being there when you start school this year.” Ardern courageously signaled a shift in her priorities.
Most people and organisations have lists of values – things like collaboration, inclusion, or curiosity. Yet I have *never* seen them listed in order of importance. **If all values are equal,** **which one wins when competing priorities exist?**
#### **Values over rules**
Values are a choice. They are a parent, partner**,** or a leader **deciding what is most important**. I’ve long believed in the **power of clear values over rules** in guiding how we treat others, interact with the world, and the choices we make. With my kids, when I have to say “no” to something (it feels like often these days as they enter their early teen years), I come back to our family values. It feels far less draconian, even as a parent, to **reinforce values than to monitor rules constantly.**
But I’ve struggled with how values work (or don’t) in organisations. I once worked for a company with ‘love’ as a value and had no idea what to do with it! They even signed off emails’ xx’. Eeek.
#### **The values gap**
In a [study conducted](https://sloanreview.mit.edu/article/when-it-comes-to-culture-does-your-company-walk-the-talk/) by MIT Sloan Management Review looking at the value statements of more than 500 mostly US companies, integrity was the most common value (listed by 65% of all companies), followed by collaboration (53%), customer focus (48%) and then respect (35%). The part of the study, however, that was most striking was how common there was a **values gap** – the gap between the official **company values and how people really behave**. Why does this happen?
#### **How desire shapes values**
Recently, I came across a concept that made me think differently about why or when we live our values or don’t – and that’s ***desire.*** Specifically, why we **want what we want** in life and work. For instance:
- Why do we want the title or promotion?
- Why do we want autonomy or independence?
- Why do we want the bigger house, new trainers, or iPhone 223?
Luke Burgis’s fascinating book, *[Wanting: The Power of Mimetic Desire and How to Want What You Need](https://lukeburgis.com/wanting/),* made me rethink how desire works and its power in our lives.
#### **Why desire is not a straight line**
Burgis builds off French Philosopher Rene Girard’s theory of **mimetic desire**. The concept, in a nutshell, is that desire is a force that pushes and pulls us in different directions. And like all forces in physics, it follows laws.
> *“Nearly everyone (unconsciously) assumes there’s a straight line between them and the things they want,”* writes Burgis.
We convince ourselves that our desires are autonomous. It’s a fantastic story we tell ourselves, but it’s not true.
The primary law of desire: individuals assign value to things (and therefore desire them) according to **what other people want**.
For example, we got a dog at the start of Covid because we always wanted a dog, and it seemed like a good time to do it. (Amazingly, all my friends had a similar realisation at the same time!) But *we independently* decided to get our dog Mack.
The path between us and the thing we want is not straight but always curved. Desire goes through or around what Burgis calls ‘models’ – a friend, a colleague, a sibling, or a celebrity.
When you know what the ‘model’ is, it’s generally not a problem. It’s when we don’t recognize a model for what they are that we can become fixated on them without realizing it. Like constantly looking at what an ‘influencer’ is doing, wearing, or eating on Instagram. That’s when desire exerts an outside influence on us and plays havoc with our values.
#### **When desires and values clash**
You can pick the, say, three to five values most important to your company, school, or family. But it’s desire – wanting more power, money, prestige – that will ultimately control our ability to live according to those values or not. **Desire causes value trade-offs.**
You’ve likely experienced a value trade-off without even realising it. Here are a few I’ve seen at work:
- I know it’s *fairer* to promote this person, but I *want* to be *loyal* to my friend, whom I kind of promised the promotion over a drink.
- To act with *integrity,* I should say no to this client because I don’t believe in what they make, but I’m ambitious and *want* to hit my bonus target.
- I value the *autonomy* to grow my start-up as I choose, but I *want* the *fame* of being a high-flying entrepreneur.
- I’m a *team player,* but I *want* to be recognised and rewarded when I did all the work.
#### **Ranking our values**
Ironically, **value trade-offs are often the hardest when there is a choice between positive things. Say between freedom and security**. For example, do you keep going as a freelancer or sign a three-year full-time corporate contract for a large sum?
> *“It’s not enough to name values. They need to be ranked. When all values are the same, nothing is being valued at all,” writes Burgis. “A hierarchy of values is especially critical when **choices have to be made between** **good things.”***
We should rank our values to prevent trade-offs before they happen. If we don’t say what the most important value is, desire at that moment will win.
The day after Ardern resigned, the BBC ran a headline, “Can women have it all?” It was misogynistic and disgraceful. Our values – at a personal or organisational level – shouldn’t be set in stone. **What’s important to us might change in one – or five – years.** And when individuals and companies make clear how their hierarchy of values informs tough choices, it should be celebrated, not criticised.
**A question for you:** How would you rank your values? I’d love to know.
Warmly,
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** trust, rachel botsman, respect, curiosity, values, prioritization, collaboration, inclusion, MIT, integrity, customer focus, influence, desire
---
### [Guest Post by Paul Nicklen | Unicorns of the Sea - Rare Moments With Some of the Ocean's Most Reclusive Mammals](https://wwsg.com/blog/guest-post-by-paul-nicklen-unicorns-of-the-sea-rare-moments-with-some-of-the-oceans-most-reclusive-mammals/)
**Published:** September 21, 2023
**Author:** Riley Sims
**Content:**
#### *This is a guest blog post by WWSG exclusive thought leader, [Paul Nicklen](https://wwsg.com/speakers/paul-nicklen). All images are copyrighted. To purchase Paul’s work, [visit his website](https://paulnicklen.com/fine-art/).*
[](https://paulnicklen.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=8d9dedf8133b767d79460f0d1&id=72731409a5&e=cd946fdb5e)“Monodon Monoceros”. Canadian Arctic, 2016In the 1700s, Carl Linnaeus, the father of taxonomy, gave them the name Monodon monoceros, meaning “one-toothed one horn.” However, narwhals have long been part of the knowledge of arctic cultures like the Inuit, serving as the inspiration for myths and stories told around the fire.
## **“Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly.”**
*–* John F. Kennedy
I spent a good five years returning over and over again to Nunavut’s ice edge in search of intimate moments to photograph for National Geographic. From the window of my ultralight plane, I would comb the frozen surface for the faintest hint of movement within an endless smattering of potential breathing holes in the rotting spring sea ice. Five years and all I had were fleeting glimpses, dashed hopes, and a gnawing frustration with my own limitations as one particular subject continued to elude me. Finally, with the help of my good friend and fellow pilot Brian Knutsen, the perseverance paid off.
Narwhals are incredibly shy and cryptic animals, made all the more difficult to photograph due to their rarity and remoteness. In the winter, they split off into smaller pods where females travel together with their calves and males form their own groups. During this time, they are all but impossible to spot and tend to vanish in a flurry, even if you are lucky enough to find them.
The only way to achieve the kind of images I had my heart set on was to catch them from the air or to land my Ultralite plane on a drifting pan of sea ice – a tricky feat as the ice moves fast and getting stranded only takes one little miscalculation. Each year, the pods off the coasts of Greenland head south to summer in Lancaster Sound and gorge on the abundance of polar cod, providing a short window of opportunity to photograph them.
[](https://paulnicklen.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=8d9dedf8133b767d79460f0d1&id=1712535af7&e=cd946fdb5e)After months of camping on the constantly shifting sea ice with a small team and my two pals Brian and Jed, another photographer, we took to the skies yet again with stubbornly high hopes. We set out far from the shores of Baffin Island, where the ice edge began to give way to open ocean – and there between the drifting pack ice was a sea churning with narwhals. I snapped as many aerial shots as I could as we descended to the ice below. We finally landed and then traveled to the massive congregation, where we stood feet away from thousands of narwhals in the middle of a feeding foray. They took long, gulping breaths in between diving and hunting the schools of cod below, shoving their eight-foot ivory tusks high above the surface.
It took five years to get two good days of shooting, but, finally, my wildest dreams had come into crystal clear focus. Unfortunately, the moment was short-lived. While I was caught up in the commotion and stunning beauty around me, I let my guard down and took a misstep. Before I knew it, I was plunged straight into the freezing waters, knocking the air from my lungs and slamming my shoulder into the unforgiving ice. My team members were quick to help me back onto the ice, and as Jed tried his best to reset my now dislocated shoulder, we knew the shoot was over. Still, as I sat there wincing in pain, nothing could diminish the swell of victory in my chest as we sat surrounded by narwhal tusks and nature’s perfect canvas**.**
[](https://paulnicklen.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=8d9dedf8133b767d79460f0d1&id=524dfefa2c&e=cd946fdb5e)**“Ivory Brigade”**
Canadian Arctic, 2016
Reading about legendary animals in textbooks is one thing, but seeing them in the wild is another entirely.
[](https://paulnicklen.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=8d9dedf8133b767d79460f0d1&id=9333ca252d&e=cd946fdb5e)**“Gathering of Unicorns”**
Canadian Arctic, 2016
Plankton grows on the underside of the sea ice, amphipods feed on the plankton, cod feed on the amphipods, and narwhals feed on the cod – so goes the circle of life in the Arctic.
I know that I am incredibly fortunate to do the work that I do, but it is important to recognize the difference between the dream and reality. Luck, after all, can only find you while you are already hard at work, and most of the photographs I have set out to capture have ended in absolute failure. However, over the decades, I have come to see failure not just as a prerequisite for taking great photographs but also as an indication that I am on the right track. It serves as a guide to push beyond your comfort zone and deep into uncharted waters where the best images come to life. So to my fellow photographers who might be stranded against the familiar walls of doubt and uncertainty, please hang in there. I promise you failure is never the end of the road.
With immense gratitude to all of my readers,
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** Paul Nicklen, Climate Change, Photography, Nature Photography, Photography Keynote Speakers, Wildlife, Animals, narwhal, sea life, ocean life, ocean conservation, ecosystems, ocean photography
---
### [Guest Post by Rachel Botsman | How to Be a Liminal Thinker](https://wwsg.com/blog/guest-post-by-rachel-botsman-how-to-be-a-liminal-thinker/)
**Published:** November 21, 2022
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
*This is a guest post by WWSG thought leader [Rachel Botsman](https://wwsg.com/speakers/rachel-botsman), originally posted [here](https://rachelbotsman.substack.com/p/edition-2-how-to-be-a-liminal-thinker).*
#### **Have you ever had that feeling of just being on the verge of something?**
You might feel a little different or disoriented, but if you push through, an exciting idea or new direction lies on the other side. Often, these times of transition are liminal spaces. But too often, we rush through the space in-between.
Autumn, with its falling leaves and fading light, is a liminal space between richness and bleakness. That’s why in this edition we’re looking **at the power of liminal thinking.**
Have you heard your workplace talk about logical thinking? Or the importance of lateral thinking? But liminal thinking? For most of us, I’m guessing it’s a ‘no’!
[](https://substack.com/redirect/7761714d-96a0-450c-84df-7047768bb787?r=1owbhx)Liminal Worlds, Maria Popova**What exactly is ‘liminal thinking?**
You may have noticed certain places where you feel different or slightly off – long corridors, reception areas, stairwells, elevator lobbies, airport lounges, or empty hotel corridors at night.
**These are all liminal spaces in our physical environment – places of transition where we leave one place and enter another**. Often, we must wait, from minutes to hours, in these slightly discomforting in-between zones.
Liminal is a word derived from the Latin for **threshold,** ***limen***. Liminal spaces are the doorway between ‘what was’ and ‘what’s next’. **They are the zone between the familiar and the unknown.**
#### **Thresholds in our lives**
**An ethnographer named Arnold van Gennep first came up with the term ‘liminality’ in his book** *The Rites of Passage*. It was later expanded by the anthropologist Victor Turner in his work aptly called the *Betwixt and Between*. Both writers pointed out how liminality shows up in transitional times in our lives:
· When you finish school or university and have no clue what to do next.
· When you move to a new place, and you don’t know anyone.
· When you lose a job and don’t have another opportunity lined up.
#### **Why we resist liminal thinking**
Liminal thinking is the mental equivalent of these places of in-betweenness. It’s a state of ambiguity or doubt that exists right before a breakthrough into a new way of thinking.
The problem is that just like an empty parking lot or doctor’s waiting room, a liminal space doesn’t always feel great. We can feel confused, frustrated, lost or anxious because things feel like they’re outside of our control.
So, what do we typically do?
· Focus on what we know and go back to the familiar.
· Try to rush through the ambiguity to get to the other side.
· Or when we genuinely have no clue what to do, we look for any kind of certainty or closure.
[](https://substack.com/redirect/412ca035-bdfe-4b95-9f9c-b19032d01365?r=1owbhx)
**Liminal thinking at work**
**We fight liminal thinking as individuals; it’s like a defensive weapon against the unknown**. Entire organizations can have systems, incentives or processes that intentionally or unintentionally shut down liminal thinking. Time or financial pressures, fatigue, outside stresses and uncertainties will all amplify our tendency to **need to jump to conclusions and concrete outcomes**.
So, why is this such a big issue, right now?
#### **The Great Betwixt Period**
When you zoom out, we’re living in one of the greatest liminal periods in history. Many traditions are being dissolved, hierarchies challenged, and institutions eroded. In the words of Victor Turner, we’re in a ‘Betwixt Period’ where the old world is being left behind, but we don’t know what lies beyond the threshold.
In my notebook, every couple of months, I spend a few hours trying to join the dots of significant shifts that fascinate or worry me. Here is what I wrote on October 7th:
· **In-betweenness in how we work**: One way of working has ended, but we have yet to truly commit to another.
· **False certainty:** Many political leaders create an illusion of knowing, which is far more dangerous than not knowing at all.
· **Disorder:** Established systems of power and trust are crashing, but new safety nets and orders have yet to emerge.
In other words, **navigating uncertainty is THE most essential skill in the 21st century**.
Not IQ, confidence, or even knowledge but our capacity to be comfortable with doubts and the unknown. From our schools to workplaces, we need to expand our capacity to be liminal thinkers.
[](https://substack.com/redirect/b86a07d0-c03c-4078-bfe3-e381f8f4475e?r=1owbhx)The Mediated Motion, Olafur Eliasson**Developing your liminal thinking capacity**
Here’s what I’ve learned about the process liminality in my own work:
· Something must end.
· Then you must wait and wonder (often confusing and frustrating).
· Then you have to experiment with other choices and directions.
· Then you have to commit and invest in the route you’ve taken (I mean really commit).
· And then, finally, you feel the benefits of the discovery.
As the poet William Blake wrote:
> *“In the universe, there are things that are known and things that are unknown, and in between them, there are doors.”*
Liminal thinking is so powerful because it’s the doorway to something new.
Warmly,
[](https://substack.com/redirect/69bac799-42af-4603-a4f7-b3c1865e1a88?r=1owbhx)
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** liminal, thinking, reframe, rethink
---
### [Guest Post by Rachel Botsman | 'Bring a brick, not a cathedral'](https://wwsg.com/blog/guest-post-by-rachel-botsman-bring-a-brick-not-a-cathedral/)
**Published:** May 16, 2023
**Author:** wpengine
**Content:**
*This is a guest post by WWSG thought leader, [Rachel Botsman](https://wwsg.com/speakers/rachel-botsman).*
**Dear Rethinkers,**
**This week’s newsletter is on a simple concept that has changed how I collaborate with people, especially on creative projects. If you’re someone who likes to bring lots of specific ideas to the table or thinks they have the right answer at the start of a conversation (guilty) then read on…!**
There is a rule I LOVE in improv comedy:
# ‘Bring a brick, not a cathedral.’
The idea is to come to the conversation/table/meeting with nothing fully formed, but a contribution. A thread, a piece of stimulus, or one brick. And with the initial pieces, you play, experiment, and learn together. The initial brick, over time, builds into something – a cathedral – that could only emerge through collaboration.
Growing up, I loved watching the comedy show *Whose Line is It, Anyway?* The funniest ideas happened when each person contributed just one nugget of an idea, and then the group pieced it together to build a scene or story. The bricks became something greater than the sum of its parts.
It doesn’t just work in improv. **If you watched The Beatles’** ***Get Back*** **documentary (and if you haven’t, I’d highly recommend it), Lennon & McCartney are a dynamic example of the power of this concept.** They didn’t come to sessions with predefined ideas or fixed outcomes. Often, they’d sit around the piano in the morning (drinking coffee and smoking) chatting about a random headline from a newspaper. McCartney would play a simple riff in his head, and they’d go from there. Importantly, they were not attached in any way to the ‘brick’ so didn’t mind, or even notice when the idea evolved or completely changed.
A constant reminder on my noticeboard!
When we bring fully formed, complete ideas (cathedrals) we’re minimizing the amount of co-creation that is possible. Cathedrals are one gigantic curiosity blocker. **Being attached to the whole idea can block the mental and emotional space to listen, be present**, **and tune into others.**
In business, I’ve seen a lot of ‘cathedrals’! I’ve lost count of the number of ‘brainstorms’ I’ve seen where someone with some kind of power in the room had already decided on the outcome at the very beginning. What follows is a lack of ownership or commitment because no collaboration really happened.
Ultimately, ‘Bring a brick, not a cathedral’ is about trust in the power of the collective. Trust that there are multiple ways to make something happen, particularly if you’re not attached to your cathedral.
### **Next time you’re collaborating with someone, anyone, I recommend asking yourself this: are you laying bricks or building cathedrals?**
To build a cathedral you need to trust in the unknown – but the reward will be something that has never been created before.
**What do you think of this idea? I’d love to know your thoughts.**
If you enjoyed this newsletter, then do read last week’s on the Joy of Being Wrong.
Warmly,
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** creativity, productivity, Teamwork, collaboration, inspirational, inspiration
---
### [AI Development: The Future of Technology](https://wwsg.com/blog/ai-development-the-future-of-technology/)
**Published:** April 25, 2023
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
We’re guessing that your email inbox, social media feeds, and possibly even your dinner conversations have touched upon the recent major developments of artificial intelligence. Questions have been raised after Future of Life Institute drafted an open letter calling for a six-month AI research halt, which was signed by tech leaders like Tesla CEO Elon Musk and Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak. But several career AI thought leaders have noted that the letter lacked nuance and that many of the big-name signees may have done so in an effort to protect their own endeavors and stall the competition.
It feels as if we’ve hit a pivotal moment: AI will inevitably impact our lives going forward. The thought leaders of Worldwide Speakers Group have been consistently addressing the topic and approaching this unprecedented issue in a way that is both informed and inspiring.
If you’re curious for more information about speakers who can discuss the various aspects of AI and what the future holds, we have an array of speakers who can inform and educate your audience and help make sense of this complicated issue.
To host a WWSG thought leader at your upcoming event, [contact us.](https://wwsg.com/contact-us)
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ben-sasse)
[WWSG Exclusive:](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ben-sasse)
[Ben Sasse](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ben-sasse)
President of the University of Florida, Former U.S. Senator for Nebraska, *New York Times* National Best-Selling Author
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/mark-esper)
[WWSG Exclusive:](https://wwsg.com/speakers/mark-esper)
[Mark Esper](https://wwsg.com/speakers/mark-esper)
U.S. Secretary of Defense (2019-2020); Secretary of the Army (2017-2019); Currently working in Venture Capital & Private Equity
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/olga-koroleva)
[WWSG Exclusive:](https://wwsg.com/speakers/olga-koroleva)
[Olga Koroleva](https://wwsg.com/speakers/olga-koroleva)
Founder & CEO, Capital Brain; Real Estate Entrepreneur; High Altitude Mountaineer
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ben-parr)
[Ben Parr](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ben-parr)
Award-Winning Tech Guru; Former Co-Editor of Mashable; Author of *Captivology*; Co-Founder of Octane AI; Board Director and Advisor
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/dambisa-moyo)
[Dambisa Moyo](https://wwsg.com/speakers/dambisa-moyo)
Global Economist; Author; Investor in the Future
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/heather-mcgowan)
[Heather McGowan](https://wwsg.com/speakers/heather-mcgowan)
Future of Work Strategist, Author, 2017 Global LinkedIn Top Voice for Education
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/anja-manuel)
[Anja Manuel](https://wwsg.com/speakers/anja-manuel)
Co-Founder and Principal, RiceHadleyGates LLC
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/michio-kaku)
[Michio Kaku](https://wwsg.com/speakers/michio-kaku)
Theoretical Physicist, Professor, Futurist and *New York Times* Bestselling Author
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/mick-ebeling)
[Mick Ebeling](https://wwsg.com/speakers/mick-ebeling)
Entrepreneur; Philanthropist; Producer; Author
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/mike-walsh)
[Mike Walsh](https://wwsg.com/speakers/mike-walsh)
Leading Authority on Technology, Transformation, and Leadership; Author of *The Algorithmic Leader*; CEO of Tomorrow; Harvard Business Review Columnist
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/chris-miller)
[Sophie Hackford](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sophie-hackford)
Global Technology Futurist
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/steve-wozniak/)
[Steve Wozniak](https://wwsg.com/speakers/steve-wozniak/)
“The Woz;” Co-founder of Apple Computer, Inc.; Co-founder of Efforce; Chief Scientist at Primary Data; Bestselling Author of *iWoz: From Computer Geek to Cult Icon*
[ View All AI Speakers](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/?search_keyword=AI)
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** futurists, sophie heckford, mick ebeling, mike walsh, michio kaku, heather mcgowan, dambisa moyo, anja manuel, the woz, in the news, risk and reward, artificial intelligence, ai, ben sasse, tech, olga koroleva, technology, social media, Ben Parr, Steve Wozniak, Mark Esper
---
### [Guest Post by Paul Nicklen | Suspended Grace in the Time of Climate Change](https://wwsg.com/blog/guest-post-by-paul-nicklen-suspended-grace-in-the-time-of-climate-change/)
**Published:** November 13, 2022
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
*This is a guest post by WWSG exclusive speaker, [Paul Nicklen](https://wwsg.com/speakers/paul-nicklen).*
***“A photograph is usually looked at—seldom looked into.”***
*– Ansel Adams*
When It Comes to Saving the Planet, One Whale is Worth a Thousand Trees.
Behind every picture there is a story. I have always tried to do more with my photography than ask people to look and then move on. A compelling image asks us: Does this subject move me, does it make me feel, think, and dream? Does it make me want to be a better steward of the planet? As an artist who works closely with wildlife, I have always strived to create portraits that get people to look inward and question their relationship with nature.
In recent weeks, I have shared some of my favorite limited-edition prints from my 34 years as a nature and conservation photographer. In everything I have done, though, I often keep coming back to whales as the true charismatic symbols of life in the natural world — and a signpost of the looming perils that face all of us here on Earth.
When it comes to saving the planet, one whale is worth thousands of trees. Marine biologists have discovered that whales, the great whales in particular, play a significant role in capturing carbon from the atmosphere.
Suspended Grace
My goal is always to share these incredible moments so the viewer can experience them as close to the real thing as possible The beautiful sperm whales in this image were not interested in my creative vision which made capturing an intimate moment all the more unlikely I never have control over the animals nor am I looking for that in my photographs
I managed to make this image 30 feet down in the clear turquoise waters off Dominica It was an encounter I had envisioned for years
Once this mother and calf affectionately named Soursap and Ariel by our local guides settled in for an hour long sleep the only limiting factor was my ability to try to free dive into position gracefully She had spent her entire morning feeding on squid nearly a mile under the surface and it was time to recover She floated vertically in the water column while squid tentacles drooped from her mouth like ribbons swaying gently in the current
My life as a conservationist and visual storyteller has helped me understand that people are more likely to care about the ocean if they respond to the charismatic megafauna that call it home I knew that by giving the viewer a glimpse into the soul of a proud matriarch and her offspring it would open their hearts to this mysterious world
I have captured millions of images during my career and Suspended Grace certainly remains one of my favoritesWherever whales, the largest living beings ever to have existed on Earth, are found, so are populations of some of the smallest living organisms, phytoplankton. Scientists have discovered that whales increase phytoplankton production wherever they go, in a never-ending cycle of life, through their waste. Whale waste contains minerals, gases, and nutrients that phytoplankton needs to grow. More phytoplankton means more carbon capture, and that’s key to combatting climate change. If whales return to their pre-whaling number of 4 to 5 million — the worldwide population has crashed to little more than 1.3 million today — we would all be better for it.
The CoP 27 climate conference underway in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt is a timely, and worrying reminder that a rapidly changing climate is just one peril that threatens the world’s remaining whales. Whales still face significant life-threatening challenges, from ship strikes and becoming entangled in fishing nets to plastic waste and noise pollution. And hunting of great whales continues to this day in countries like Iceland, Norway, and Russia. While some species of whales are recovering — humpback whales, for example — many are not.
A lot has changed in the 35 years since I first decided to document our connection to nature by creating a visual record of the patterns of wildlife around us. I trust that some of my images from the world’s polar regions and the temperate rainforests of coastal British Columbia, and everywhere in between, have made a difference. I know, too, that without photography, storytelling, science, and conservation, the ocean dies in silence.
Revolution
An 80000 pound 45 foot long leviathan bursts from the sea twisting like a corkscrew as it reaches for the sky seawater streaming from its pectoral fins in a cloud of spray and wind
There are many different kinds of whale breaches tail breaches chin breaches back flop breaches and side breaches to cite a few but the spinning breach is by far my favorite to photograph
Captured here at a lightning fast 13200th of a second this image seems a fitting tribute to this species recovery from the brink of extinction After decades of relentless whaling activist groups have finally secured stronger protections for humpback whales and their numbers have recovered significantly
I hope to celebrate many more conservation stories of resilience through my art as we work together to solve the climate crisis and protect our planets vital ecosystemsOrca MistAntarctic Veil
Some images have the power to amplify every sensory detail of the precise moment they were captured
I snapped this frame after watching hundreds of whales dive beneath the waters glassy surface to feed on krill the lifeblood of Antarcticas delicate marine habitats
The whale rose and vanished within a few seconds leaving me with just the echo of its blowhole clearing and the splash of icy seawater pouring from its fluke That fleeting memory is forever etched in my mind through this one image Still images give us pause and allow us to experience a moment of quiet reflection away from the cacophony of the world in these present times
Every story is different whether Im in the Antarctic or the Arctic Its about letting people know what lies beneath the surface showing how a bad ice year affects krill for example and how the ripple effects affect the entire system I strive to create compositions that grab my viewers by the heart so they may learn to care for this living world
I hope that through some of the images here and on my website and through the work my partner Cristina and I continue to do with SeaLegacy we focus more attention on the defining issue of our age The impacts of climate change are here and now evident for all to see The climate fight will be won or lost in this decade It is up to us to decide whether we win or loseMatriarch
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** canada, arctic, antarctic, humpback, ansel adams, whale, Art, Fine Art, Animals, Climate, orca, Ocean, Whales, Wildlife, conservation, Photography, Paul Nicklen
---
### [Ten Secrets the Best Public Speakers Know](https://wwsg.com/blog/ten-secrets-the-best-public-speakers-know/)
**Published:** November 28, 2022
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
**Advice from WWSG Principal, Dan Sims**: “The best public speakers I know understand that the value of their speech comes from around 30% on-stage delivery and 70% before, behind, and after-stage interaction. The way speakers interact behind stage adds significant value to their customer’s experience. It is everything from handwritten thank you notes to knowing who to greet. 10 minutes of their time and doing these things is what will increase their value greatly.”
Does the mere thought of public speaking illicit rapid anxiety for you? If the answer is yes, you are not alone. Even the most confident figures struggle with public speaking anxiety. Luckily, there are many ways to overcome this roadblock ad learn to tackle the butterflies with a more memorable and commanding speech.
[Top motivational speakers](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/wwsg-exclusives/) know certain things to be true: nervousness is completely normal and to combat this, practice and prepare.
**1. Practice, Practice, Practice**
Nerves are a good thing! The shaky hands, sweaty palms and beating hearts are normal psychological reactions to public speaking and should not be associated with a feeling like you will perform poorly. The adrenaline rush is actually making you more alert, which is just better preparation for your speech.
The number one best way to overcome anxiety is to **prepare, prepare, and prepare some more**. Study your notes and go over them multiple times. The more comfortable you are with your material, the easier it will feel to deliver.
**2. Your Speech is About the Audience, Not You**
Know who your audience is before you begin to craft your message. Who are you speaking to? Your speech is intended to move and influence your audience, not you, so be conscience of the who will be listening. Learn as much about your listeners as you can. This will help you determine your choice of words, level of information, and motivational statement.
**3. Effectively Organize Your Material**
The framework of your speech should be organized in a way that entrances your audience within the first 30 seconds. Make sure to address them quickly and grab their attention early.
**4. Keep Your Eyes Open to Feedback and Adapt to It**
While delivering your speech, stay focused on the audience and scan their reactions to what you are saying – what are they thinking? Based off of this feedback, adjust your message and remain flexible. It’s easy to lose your audience’s attention if you just deliver a canned speech, instead of adapting to what they’re interested in and excited about.
**5. People Love Seeing Your Personality**
Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through during your speech. Be true to yourself and you will establish credibility and the trust of your audience. Letting them into who you are will build a trust they can carry throughout the entirety of your speech.
**6. Humor Is Always a Good Idea**
Telling funny stories, using anecdotes and effective language during your presentation is almost always a sure-fire way to engage your audience and grab their attention. Audiences respond well to a personal touch.
**7. Keep Reading to a Minimum, If At All**
Stay away from constantly reading or looking at your slides. This will fracture the connection you are attempting to make with your audience and will make your speech harder for them to follow. By maintaining eye contact and keeping the focus on yourself and message, you are creating an interpersonal connection that will only enhance the quality and memorability of your presentation.
**8. Start and End Your Speech With a Bang**
Your audience will most likely remember the beginning of your speech and the ending the most, so focus on these parts and make them count. The start your speech should grab their attention with an anecdote, story, joke, etc. Conclude with a summary and strong statement that your audience is sure to remember.
**9. Be Careful With Visual Aids**
Too many visual aids will hurt the connection you’re trying to form with your audience. Use them solely to clarify or enhance your content, and always have them be another way to grab your audience’s attention.
**10. Practice Does Not Make Perfect**
Good communication is never perfect, and nobody expects perfection. However, putting in the appropriate amount of time to prepare will help you deliver a better speech. You may not be able to shake your nerves entirely, but you can learn to minimize them.
Yes, public speaking is difficult, but it is by no means impossible. With these tips and watching videos of the many outstanding speakers on the WWSG website, you can become a master in no time.
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** tools, secrets, audiences, delivery, speech writing, speech, nerves, nervousness, dan sims, speaking, keynote speaking, advice, tips, public speaking, speakers, Cristina Mittermeier
---
### [Speaker Spotlight: Dr. Sanjay Gupta](https://wwsg.com/blog/speaker-spotlight-dr-sanjay-gupta/)
**Published:** April 20, 2023
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
Millions of loyal viewers follow and know him as Dr. Sanjay Gupta, the multiple Emmy Award-winning Chief Medical Correspondent for CNN and the go-to authority for major developments in medicine, personal health, and health care.
Dr. Gupta is a practicing neurosurgeon and a dedicated global journalist who is passionate about inspiring Americans to lead healthier, more active lives. Gupta’s recent book, *World War C: Lessons from the Covid-19 Pandemic and How to Prepare for the Next One* was called the “must-read book about COVID-19.” His previous publication, *Keep Sharp: Build a Better Brain at Any Age*, was an instant best-seller.
His devotion to reporting from war zones and natural disasters as well as on a range of medical and scientific topics has distinguished him as an integral reporter for audiences worldwide.
[ Meet Dr. Gupta](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sanjay-hupta)
[ Request Availability](https://wwsg.com/contact-us)
## *“The standing ovation Dr. Sanjay Gupta received for his keynote address at NRPA’s Annual Conference was well deserved. Dr. Gupta was the most engaging and comprehensively informed speaker on the topic of health and wellness within our country that NRPA has had in the more than 50-year history of the event.”*
*– CMO & VP of Communications, National Recreation and Park Association*
## *“Sanjay is nothing short of remarkable. He has a tremendous breadth of knowledge, is very articulate and direct, and most importantly his humility and care for people are instantly obvious. Our hope and plan is to have Sanjay participate in many future series we plan to run. He is one of the highest caliber individuals to have graced our stages.”*
*– Co-Founder, Eminent Series Group*
Selected Resources:
  
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** Sanjay Gupta, CNN, podcast, Chasing Life, author, doctor, md, neurosurgeon, podcaster, keep sharp, world war c
---
### [Guest Post by Paul Nicklen | From Wolves to Whales](https://wwsg.com/blog/guest-post-by-paul-nicklen-from-wolves-to-whales/)
**Published:** May 18, 2023
**Author:** Riley Sims
**Content:**
#### *This is a guest blog post by WWSG exclusive thought leader, [Paul Nicklen](https://wwsg.com/speakers/paul-nicklen). All images are copyrighted. To purchase Paul’s work, [visit his website](https://paulnicklen.com/fine-art/).*
### **Are we witnessing the next big chapter in evolution?**
#### **“From so simple a beginning endless forms most beautiful and most wonderful have been, and are being, evolved.”**
**– Charles Darwin**
I have a question for you; what do a 16-ft baby whale and an 8-pound wolf puppy have in common? Long before I chose to become a conservation photographer, the answer to that question would have required me to pause and think. However, after years of photographing British Columbia’s coastal wolves, a unique population adapted to living off marine life, and spending time with our ocean’s cetaceans, countless similarities now spring to mind: hunting methods, social complexities, and how each animal communicates. You only have to spend a little time with each species to spot the resemblances between them, especially when they are young.
Like all placental mammals, wolves and whales are both warm-blooded animals who give birth and nurse their babies after a long gestation period. Wolf pups are incredibly playful and rely on the protection and care of their mothers as they develop crucial survival skills. I am lucky enough to have spent many hours watching sea wolf puppies wrestle with each other, while mom headed out to forage along the intertidal zone. Those hours of playtime are vital to developing cooperative social skills while honing their ability to stalk, pounce, and catch prey. When I had the opportunity to meet a sperm whale calf and her mother, I found that baby whales have more in common with wolf pups than you might think.
Much like wolf pups, baby whales love to play as they learn critical survival lessons from their ever-watchful mothers. Unlike wolves, however, whales tend to only have one calf with the occasional set of twins. Instead of playing with siblings, the calves play with mom and anything of interest in their environment. When I headed to Dominica to photograph a mother sperm whale and her young daughter “Ariel,” I became that object of interest.
At first, baby Ariel was well-behaved, and I was able to shoot a few good frames of her and her mom dozing together in the water column. However, it was not long before the calf grew bored and curious about the new visitor in her ocean. She made a beeline for me, and before I knew it, I had become a baby sperm whale’s new favorite chew toy. She mouthed my camera and chased me around the surface while her mom appeared to appreciate the free babysitting. The experience was not unlike meeting a playful and mischievous 15,000-pound puppy.
Ariel | Dominica 2019 | Ariel had me doubled over laughing while she mouthed my camera and playfully chased me aroundIt may seem like a stretch to compare Ariel to a wolf puppy, but when you consider her early ancestors, it suddenly makes a little more sense. If you look back some tens of millions of years ago, you will find a strange, prehistoric creature hunting along the banks of ancient rivers in what is now Pakistan. This dog-sized animal traveled on four legs and had the unique ability to hear prey even underwater–despite being a subpar swimmer. If I told you this was the early ancestor of today’s gray wolves, you would probably believe me–and we would both be wrong. The animal in question hails from the now-extinct family of Pakicetidae, one of the earliest known cetaceans. Over the course of millions of years, the land-dwelling Pakicetus and its kin would begin to hunt deeper beneath the surface, eventually giving rise to new animals better adapted to the sea. These new creatures swam like otters, waddled on land like sea lions, and hunted like crocodiles with longer snouts and specially-designed inner ears. From there, the steady evolution of cetaceans would branch into today’s baleen and toothed whales–like Ariel and her mother.
Given the history of how whales evolved and the fascinating culture of British Columbia’s sea wolves, could we possibly be witnessing the early stages of Earth’s next evolutionary wonder? Sea wolves have long baffled biologists after becoming the only known wolves to adopt a diet primarily of fish. They seem, in a way, determined to evolve fins–and perhaps that is exactly what we are witnessing. Maybe someday they too will become more streamlined, develop longer snouts, and adapt an inner ear that resembles the one found in animals like sperm whales.
When I think of the infinite evolutionary possibilities stretching before the species that exist today, I feel an immense sense of wonder at the complexity of life on Earth. At the same time, it is heart-wrenching to think of the species that have already been erased at our hands, their legacies snuffed out in a span of decades. I want nothing more than to preserve the homes and ecosystems of animals like Ariel and help protect whatever incredible story nature is currently writing for the next chapter of life on Earth.
The species and ecosystems we have today took billions of years to manifest and their stories are far from over–let’s do right by nature and protect their legacies.
With Gratitude,
Paul Nicklen
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** Paul Nicklen, Photography, conservation, whale, National Geographic, narwhal, wolf, sea wolf, evoltion, dominica
---
### [Senator Ben Sasse New WWSG Exclusive](https://wwsg.com/announcements/new-wwsg-exclusive-senator-ben-sasse/)
**Published:** February 13, 2023
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
We are extremely proud to announce that President of the University of Florida, Former U.S. Senator for Nebraska, and *New York Times* National Best-Selling Author [Ben Sasse](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ben-sasse/) is exclusively represented by Worldwide Speakers Group for his global speaking engagements.
Ben’s career has spanned the private and public sectors. As a turnaround guy working for the Boston Consulting Group, McKinsey and Company, and private equity firms, Ben has built dozens of teams that built winning strategies. Having taught at Yale, the University of Texas, and Midland University in his Nebraska hometown, Professor Sasse has won teaching awards and holds a history PhD from Yale, where his dissertation won both the Egleston and Theron Rockwell Field best dissertation prizes.
To host Ben Sasse at your upcoming event, [contact us](/contact-us).
**Categories:** Announcements
**Tags:** WWSG, exclusive speaker, ben sasse, new, announcement
---
### [Climate Experts to Inform and Inspire](https://wwsg.com/blog/climate-experts-to-inform-and-inspire/)
**Published:** August 1, 2023
**Author:** Riley Sims
**Content:**
Since July 2023 was the world’s warmest month on record, climate change is fresh-in-mind for all of us. The European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change calculated that Earth’s temperature averaged 62.5 degrees Fahrenheit through the first 23 days of July, almost 0.6 degrees Fahrenheit hotter than the previous record for the hottest month, which happened only four years ago in July 2019.
Even with this information, many climate activists say that with understanding and the right actions, there is a chance we can turn back the clock on climate change to reduce its negative effects on our weather, ecosystems, health, and life as we know it on Earth.
Worldwide Speakers Group thought leaders consistently address the topic of climate change and environmental concerns. Our wide selection of speakers approach these intricate issues in a way that is both informed and inspiring.
To host a WWSG thought leader at your upcoming event, [contact us](https://wwsg.com/contact-us).
[](/speakers/paul-nicklen)
As one of the world’s most acclaimed conservation photographers, Paul Nicklen has collaborated with scientists, filmmakers, conservationists, and explorers to create awareness and inspire action for global issues like climate change and ocean health.
[ Invite Paul Nicklen](https://wwsg.com/speakers/paul-nicklen)
[](/speakers/henry-paulson)
Through his work as Chairman of the TPG Rise Climate Fund, Henry M. Paulson Jr. is working on large scale climate change solutions and is continuing the conversation of risk management for climate crisis and climate investing.
[ Invite Hank Paulson](https://wwsg.com/speakers/henry-paulson)
[](/speakers/cristina-mittermeier)
As one of the most influential female photographers in the world, Cristina Mittermeier uses the lens of her camera to advocate for the ocean and better the planet while promoting the importance of climate control.
[ Invite Cristina Mittermeier](https://wwsg.com/speakers/cristina-mittermeier)
[](/speakers/claire-simeone)
Claire Simeone is a veterinarian and conservation leader who works to protect the animals and ecosystems of our planet while working to spark individual action against climate change.
[ Invite Claire Simeone](https://wwsg.com/speakers/claire-simeone)
[](/speakers/ian-bremmer)
A dedicated intellectual entrepreneur, Ian Bremmer speaks on the world’s ability to address major global crisis such as global warming and climate change along with how we can rewire our response actions to take hold of these crises.
[ Invite Ian Bremmer](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ian-bremmer)
## Recent Blog Topics
[](https://wwsg.com/blog/best-how-to-be-resilient-keynote-speakers-wwsg/) [](https://wwsg.com/blog/economy-and-finance-experts/)
#### *For more information about hosting these thought leaders for a speaking engagement, [contact us.](https://wwsg.com/contact-us)*
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** conservation, Climate Crisis, Claire Simeone, Record Temperatures, rock climbing, outdoors, National Geographic, Animals, ian bremmer, WWSG Exclusive, Public Speaker, Photography, Climate Change, Cristina Mittermeier, Hank Paulson, Paul Nicklen
---
### [The Results Are In With Dr. Sanjay Gupta | Narcan Is Now Available Over-the-Counter](https://wwsg.com/blog/the-results-are-in-with-dr-sanjay-gupta-narcan-is-now-available-over-the-counter/)
**Published:** September 13, 2023
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
##### This is a guest post by WWSG exclusive thought leader, [Dr. Sanjay Gupta](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sanjay-gupta).
Last week, Narcan, an FDA-approved nasal spray version of the opioid antidote naloxone became available [over-the-counter](https://e.newsletters.cnn.com/click?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) for the first time.
Emergent BioSolutions, the drug’s maker, said the opioid antidote has a suggested retail price of $44.99 per carton of two doses and will be available initially in stores and online from retailers including Walgreens, Rite Aid, Walmart and CVS.
Nearly every state in the US has standing orders that allowed pharmacists or other qualified organizations to provide the medication without a personal prescription to people who were at risk of an overdose or were helping someone at risk. But the new over-the-counter availability means the drug can be sold without any sort of prescription, making it available to purchase just like you would shampoo or aspirin.
[The FDA approved](https://e.newsletters.cnn.com/click?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) Narcan as an over-the-counter drug in March against a backdrop of [record high deaths](https://e.newsletters.cnn.com/click?Ea2FiZWxhQHd3c2cuY29t/CeyJtaWQiOiIxNjk0NjEwODE2NzQzY2RlMzQxZTU2MTU2IiwiY3QiOiJjbm4tNjJlYjM4YWMyOWMwODMwODE4MTBiNDY3Yjg0YjU0NTEtMSIsInJkIjoid3dzZy5jb20ifQ/HWkhfQ05OX2lfTmV3c19OREJBTjA5MTMyMDIzYzEwMjcyMDFiMSxjbjEsaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuY2RjLmdvdi9vcGlvaWRzL2Jhc2ljcy9lcGlkZW1pYy5odG1s/s8j5a84874d) from opioid overdose, driven by powerful synthetic drugs like illicit fentanyl. Narcan can revive a person from an overdose within minutes.
I’ve reported on naloxone’s ability to save and revive people from overdose for years, and any effort to get it into more hands is a step in the right direction. What’s key is to know when to use it.
Signs of an overdose can include small, constricted pupils, loss of consciousness and slow or weak breathing. If you see someone who you think has overdosed, call 911 immediately and administer Narcan, if it’s available. Even if they haven’t overdosed on an opioid, giving them the drug won’t harm them.
You can watch [how to do it](https://e.newsletters.cnn.com/click?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) in this video that I put together.
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** Wellness, pharmaceuticals, pharma, narcan, brain, new technology, addiction, depression, stroke, Diet, The Results Are In, neurosurgeon, health, Chasing Life, CNN, Sanjay Gupta
---
### [The Results Are In With Dr. Sanjay Gupta | The Loneliness Epidemic](https://wwsg.com/blog/the-results-are-in-with-dr-sanjay-gupta-the-loneliness-epidemic/)
**Published:** October 31, 2023
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Excerpt:** A new Meta-Gallup survey found that nearly 1 in 4 adults have reported feeling very or fairly lonely — the highest rates are young adults.
**Content:**
#### *This is a guest post by WWSG exclusive speaker, [Dr. Sanjay Gupta](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sanjay-gupta).*
A new Meta-Gallup survey found that nearly 1 in 4 adults across the world have reported feeling [very or fairly lonely](https://e.newsletters.cnn.com/click?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) — and among those reporting the highest rates of feeling lonely are young adults.
The new survey, taken by about 1,000 people per country from 142 countries between June 2022 and February 2023, found 24% of people ages 15 and older self-reported feeling very or fairly lonely in response to the question, “How lonely do you feel?” while 27% of young adults ages 19 to 29 reported feeling very or fairly lonely. The lowest rates were found in older adults. Only 17% of people age 65 and older reported feeling lonely.
Over half of adults ages 45 and older reported not feeling lonely at all, while the majority of those younger than 45 answered that they felt at least a little lonely, if not very or fairly lonely.
The countries surveyed represent about 77% of the world’s adult population, according to the survey.
Earlier this year, an [advisory from the US Surgeon General](https://e.newsletters.cnn.com/click?Ea2FiZWxhQHd3c2cuY29t/CeyJtaWQiOiIxNjk4Nzg5NDE0Mzc3OGJiYmU1NWI1ZGM1IiwiY3QiOiJjbm4tNGU4ZGFjMWIzOGQ5ZmQwODVmOWFlMzY5NzcxMTc0NmMtMSIsInJkIjoid3dzZy5jb20ifQ/HWkhfQ05OX2lfTmV3c19OREJBTjEwMzEyMDIzYzEwNzQzMDNiMSxjbjEsaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaGhzLmdvdi9zaXRlcy9kZWZhdWx0L2ZpbGVzL3N1cmdlb24tZ2VuZXJhbC1zb2NpYWwtY29ubmVjdGlvbi1hZHZpc29yeS5wZGY/s7p2e800e81) highlighted our epidemic of loneliness and pointed out the physical costs of being lonely, including increased risk of heart disease and stroke. Lacking social connections can increase risk of death equal to smoking 15 cigarettes a day.
But we can also take steps to increase our connections and reach out to each other — whether it is reaching out to check in on a friend or loved one or joining a new club or meeting neighbors — we can strengthen our social networks to strengthen our health and the health of those around us.
Oftentimes, we can get consumed in our busy lives and feel like we don’t have the time to make those connections, but even the smallest outreaches can make a difference. One study from [Purdue University](https://e.newsletters.cnn.com/click?Ea2FiZWxhQHd3c2cuY29t/CeyJtaWQiOiIxNjk4Nzg5NDE0Mzc3OGJiYmU1NWI1ZGM1IiwiY3QiOiJjbm4tNGU4ZGFjMWIzOGQ5ZmQwODVmOWFlMzY5NzcxMTc0NmMtMSIsInJkIjoid3dzZy5jb20ifQ/HWkhfQ05OX2lfTmV3c19OREJBTjEwMzEyMDIzYzEwNzQzMDNiMSxjbjEsaHR0cHM6Ly9qb3VybmFscy5zYWdlcHViLmNvbS9kb2kvMTAuMTE3Ny8wOTU2Nzk3NjExNDI3OTIx/s7v4ade0b33) found that people who made eye contact with strangers reported feeling less disconnected than those who felt as if people looked right through them.
So, take the time to *just say hello* to those around you. Instead of looking at your phone, look up and smile. Let’s get healthier together. On this Halloween, we can all lean into what actor Christopher Walken said as the [Spirit of Halloween](https://e.newsletters.cnn.com/click?Ea2FiZWxhQHd3c2cuY29t/CeyJtaWQiOiIxNjk4Nzg5NDE0Mzc3OGJiYmU1NWI1ZGM1IiwiY3QiOiJjbm4tNGU4ZGFjMWIzOGQ5ZmQwODVmOWFlMzY5NzcxMTc0NmMtMSIsInJkIjoid3dzZy5jb20ifQ/HWkhfQ05OX2lfTmV3c19OREJBTjEwMzEyMDIzYzEwNzQzMDNiMSxjbjEsaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cueW91dHViZS5jb20vd2F0Y2g/qP3Y9N2RKc1ZIUzl6Wlk/s8s90e6d97a) on Saturday Night Live last week: “It’s about camaraderie. Meet the neighbors you don’t want to see again on any other day. After all, you can’t spell Halloween without ‘hello’!” 🎃
### Explore Other Articles by [Sanjay Gupta](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sanjay-gupta/)
[ ![Rosalynn Carter]() ](https://wwsg.com/blog/the-results-are-in-with-dr-sanjay-gupta-rosalynn-carters-work-advocating-for-mental-health/) [ The Results are in Dr. Sanjay Gupta | Rosalynn Carter’s Work Advocating for Mental Health ](https://wwsg.com/blog/the-results-are-in-with-dr-sanjay-gupta-rosalynn-carters-work-advocating-for-mental-health/)
As the tributes of first lady Rosalynn Carter have come in, what’s struck me the most is her tireless work in advocating for mental health.
[ Read More > ](https://wwsg.com/blog/the-results-are-in-with-dr-sanjay-gupta-rosalynn-carters-work-advocating-for-mental-health/)
[ ![Boosting Your Brain with Napping]() ](https://wwsg.com/blog/the-results-are-in-with-dr-sanjay-gupta-boosting-your-brain-with-naps/) [ The Results Are In With Dr. Sanjay Gupta | Boosting Your Brain with Naps ](https://wwsg.com/blog/the-results-are-in-with-dr-sanjay-gupta-boosting-your-brain-with-naps/)
With modern life so jam-packed, it is hard to completely unplug and relax. But it's something our brain needs to repair and restore itself.
[ Read More > ](https://wwsg.com/blog/the-results-are-in-with-dr-sanjay-gupta-boosting-your-brain-with-naps/)
[ ![Compassion Fad by Sanjay Gupta]() ](https://wwsg.com/blog/the-results-are-in-with-dr-sanjay-gupta-compassion-fade/) [ The Results Are In With Dr. Sanjay Gupta | Compassion Fade ](https://wwsg.com/blog/the-results-are-in-with-dr-sanjay-gupta-compassion-fade/)
We’ve talked about protecting our own mental health during tough news cycles, but how do we also make sure our compassion doesn’t fade?
[ Read More > ](https://wwsg.com/blog/the-results-are-in-with-dr-sanjay-gupta-compassion-fade/)
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** Sanjay Gupta, Mental Health, CNN, Chasing Life, The Results Are In, Wellness, depression, brain, loneliness, epidemic
---
### [Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month](https://wwsg.com/blog/asian-american-and-pacific-islander-heritage-month/)
**Published:** May 2, 2023
**Author:** wpengine
**Content:**
With the month of May comes a special opportunity to recognize the contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders to the United States. AAPIs have made significant contributions to all aspects of American life, including business, government, education, the arts, and more. They have also played a critical role in championing civil rights and social justice, helping to share American culture. AAPI Heritage Month is also a great reason to learn more about the history and culture of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.
WWSG is proud to work with an array of thought leaders from the Asian American and Pacific Islander community whose stories inspire others both onstage and off-stage.
[Contact us](https://wwsg.com/contact-us) to learn more about hosting these exceptional speakers.
[Elaine Chao](https://wwsg.com/speakers/elaine-chao/)
Former U.S. Secretary of Transportation, Former U.S. Secretary of Labor, President and CEO of United Way of America, Peace Corps Director, Director of Numerous Fortune 100 Corporate Boards
[Dave Chokshi](https://wwsg.com/speakers/dave-chokshi/)
Physician; 43rd Health Commissioner of New York City; White House Fellow
[Sanjay Gupta](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sanjay-gupta/)
Chief Medical Correspondent, CNN; Multiple Award-Winning Journalist, Author and Neurosurgeon
[Gary Locke](https://wwsg.com/speakers/gary-locke/)
U.S. Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China (2011-2014); Secretary of Commerce (2009-2011); Governor of Washington (1997-2005)
[Seema Verma](https://wwsg.com/speakers/seema-verma/)
General Manager and Senior Vice President, Oracle Corporation; Administrator, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (2017-2021); Founder & CEO, SVC Inc.
[Anand Shah](https://wwsg.com/speakers/anand-shah/)
Deputy Commissioner for Medical and Scientific Affairs, FDA (2020-2021); Senior Medical Advisor, CMS (2019-2020); Chief Medical Officer, Center for Medicare & Medicaid Innovation (2017-2019)
[Ben Parr](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ben-parr/)
Award-Winning Tech Guru; Former Co-Editor of *Mashable*; Author of *Captivology*; Co-Founder of Octane AI; Board Director and Advisor (Sama, Lufthansa, World Chef, LeadIQ, Ustream)
[ View All AAPI Speakers](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/?search_keyword=AAPI)
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** in the news, social justice, civil rights, Pacific Islanders, Asian Americans, AAPI, Anand Shah, Gary Locke, Elaine Chao, arts, business, Dave Chokshi, Ben Parr, Education, seema verma, Government, Sanjay Gupta
---
### [Exclusive Speaker Announcement: Ryan Dusick](https://wwsg.com/announcements/speaker-announcement-ryan-dusick/)
**Published:** September 8, 2023
**Author:** Riley Sims
**Content:**
Ryan Dusick’s many roles and titles include Associate Marriage and Family Therapist at The Missing Peace Center for Anxiety in Agoura Hills, CA; founding drummer of the world’s most popular band, Maroon 5; mental health coach; public speaker; advocate; columnist for *Variety Magazine*; and author of the book, *Harder to Breathe: A Memoir of Making Maroon 5, Losing It All, and Finding Recovery*.
Forming a band in 1994 with best friends Adam Levine, Jesse Carmichael, and Mickey Madden; Ryan and his bandmates worked tirelessly for a decade before becoming the band we all know as Maroon 5. The band had multiple hit songs, two Grammy awards, and 20 million albums sold, but Ryan’s career as a performer came to an end just as it was taking off and he consequently found himself directionless and coping with a loss of identity.In 2016, he began his journey of recovery, culminating in a new life path full of meaning, purpose, and fulfillment. Now working as a mental health professional and advocate, Ryan is spreading the message that recovery is possible and astounding things can come with it.
[ Ryan Dusick’s Speaker Page](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ryan-dusick)
[ Check Availability](https://wwsg.com/contact-us)
## Selected Resources
## *Watch the Video: Maroon 5’s original drummer Ryan Dusick talks about his new book ‘Harder to Breathe’*
[](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ymaqcCY0lc)
## Ryan Dusick’s Speech Topics
• From Barely Breathing to Fully Alive
• Seeing Challenges Rather Than Threats: The Mindset of Growth
• A Purpose-Driven Life & Career
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ryan-dusick)
[ Check Availability](https://wwsg.com/contact-us)
**Categories:** Announcements
**Tags:** Exclusive Speaker Announcement, Ryan Dusick
---
### [We're Always Adding New Speakers to WWSG! (Part 2)](https://wwsg.com/blog/were-always-adding-new-speakers-to-wwsg-com-part-2/)
**Published:** May 18, 2023
**Author:** Riley Sims
**Content:**
We’ve added a number of new thought leaders to our website! These individuals are experts in their respective fields and have a wealth of knowledge and experience to share. We feel these new additions make our website an even more valuable resource for you, and hope you’ll agree.
[Contact us](https://wwsg.com/contact-us) to learn more about hosting any of these exceptional speakers.
[ View All Speakers](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/)
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/taryn-marie-stejskal/)
[Taryn Marie Stejskal](https://wwsg.com/speakers/taryn-marie-stejskal/)
*Founder & Chief Resilience Officer (CRO), Resilience Leadership Institute (RLI), Board Member, Advisor, Investor*
Speech Topics: How We Harness Resilience to Advance the Future of Work, Flourish or Fold: The Five Practices of Highly Resilient People, Women, Wellness and Worthiness, From Burnout to Balance, The (Not-So-Surprising) Link Between Resilience, Innovation and Creativity
[ View Taryn Marie Stejskal’s Speaker Page](https://wwsg.com/speakers/taryn-marie-stejskal)
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ben-nemtin)
[Ben Nemtin](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ben-nemtin)
*\#1 NYT Bestselling Author, #2 Motivational Speaker in the World, and Co-founder of the Buried Life Movement*
Speech Topics: 5 Steps to Make the Impossible Possible, Rethinking Mental Health, Leading With Purpose, Resilience in the Face of Uncertainty
[ View Ben Nemtin’s Speaker Page](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ben-nemtin)
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/moiya-mctier)
[Moiya McTier](https://wwsg.com/speakers/moiya-mctier)
*Folklorist to the Stars, Astrophysicist to the Folks*
Speech Topics: My Journey to the Stars, The Wonders of our Universe, Building Fictional Worlds with Facts, Thinking like a Scientist, How to Break Down Complex Ideas
[ View Moiya McTier’s Speaker Page](https://wwsg.com/speakers/moiya-mctier)
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/john-raymond/)
[General John “Jay” Raymond](https://wwsg.com/speakers/john-raymond/)
*First Chief of Space Operations, United States Space Force; Former Commander U.S. Space Command and Air Force Space Command; 38-year Veteran of U.S. Space Force and U.S. Air Force*
Speech Topics: Leading Change in Complex Environments, National Security Space: Risk and Opportunity
[ View General John “Jay”‘s Speaker Page](https://wwsg.com/speakers/john-raymond)
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/nina-schick)
[Nina Schick](https://wwsg.com/speakers/nina-schick)
*Author, Entrepreneur, Generative AI Advisor*
Speech Topics: Generative AI and the Future of Work, AI Ethics
[ View Nina Schick’s Speaker Page](https://wwsg.com/speakers/nina-schick)
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/jeff-korzenik/)
[Jeff Korzenik](https://wwsg.com/speakers/jeff-korzenik/)
*Chief Economist, Fifth Third Commercial Bank; Author*
Speech Topics: Untapped Talent: An Unexpected Path to Loyal and Engaged Workers, Employment-Friendly Justice Reform, Already Old: Workforce Lessons from Japan
[ View Jeff Korzenik’s Speaker Page](https://wwsg.com/speakers/jeff-korzenik)
[ Host a WWSG Thought Leader](https://wwsg.com/contact-us)
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** medican, trent shelton, mark morgan, jane sarahson-kahn, shawn meaike, geeta nayyar, motivational, inspirational, doctors, talent, heather mcgowan, new, Workplace, experts, website, speakers, Keynote Speakers
---
### [Guest Post by Rachel Botsman | The Power of Less](https://wwsg.com/blog/guest-post-by-rachel-botsman-the-power-of-less/)
**Published:** April 24, 2023
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
*This is a guest post by WWSG thought leader, [Rachel Botsman](https://wwsg.com/speakers/rachel-botsman).*
Lately, I’ve been thinking about how much the concepts of **‘adding’ and ‘more’** shape our personal and professional lives. For example:
- When you think about your goals, are they based on more of something?
- Or in your career, do you think of development as having a larger budget or team to manage?
- Do you typically start your day or week with a to-do list (versus a to-don’t list)?
- At work, do you plan how you be less busy to think more?
- At school did you learn to add up before you learned to take away?
We talk about the power of ‘less’ in terms of our consumption, yet ‘less’ plays such an important role in creative thinking and satisfaction.
### My relationship with ‘less’
I first started to understand the power of less when I was studying fine art at Oxford University. I was like most young artists, far too focused on the ‘positive object’ – the physical thing in front of me. When my tutors gave me feedback, my instinct to improve a piece was to add something to it.
Over time, I learned the power of negative space – the blank space between and around objects. To unlock that space, I typically had to take something away – **to give the piece** ***more*** **meaning it had to become** ***‘less’*****.**
Creatives of all kinds – writers, designers, architects, and even chefs – observe that over time their **work gets better through editing.** By what they take away.
### How to unlock the power of ‘less’
Entrepreneurs often admit that they were the most innovative during the early stages of having to be scrappy. When they were engaged with the limits of their resources, they could see the full potential of their ideas.
Having less releases us from the **need to do things conventionally.** But the principle of *less* takes confidence, creativity, and courage.
Our focus on ‘adding’ runs so deep in our lives, that we must retrain ourselves to see ‘less’ as a design principle, not only in the arts but in the world and workplaces around us.
Here are a few things to help you get started with **rethinking less:**
---
1. **[Stretch: Unlock the Power of Less and Achieve More Than You Ever Imagined](https://substack.com/redirect/c8c1703a-d914-4e6a-b3a0-eddf64c108b6?j=eyJ1IjoiMW93Ymh4In0.6E7rPoglD-yM1FHgJK3QJZA9XUsA-N9nUdp7vMxsJZQ)** **by Scott Soneshein**
[](https://substack.com/redirect/63cfed1a-0a5b-4190-9cc9-da75c7eeee72?j=eyJ1IjoiMW93Ymh4In0.6E7rPoglD-yM1FHgJK3QJZA9XUsA-N9nUdp7vMxsJZQ)
The concept of ‘stretching’ is based on the idea that you can be more creative and more productive with less. The book draws on a range of research to explain why some people can do a lot with a little, while others are constantly ‘chasing’ – the cultural belief that the more we have the more we can do.
**[Sonenshein says:](https://substack.com/redirect/86b3bb19-df6a-418b-9994-e78d3c85b987?j=eyJ1IjoiMW93Ymh4In0.6E7rPoglD-yM1FHgJK3QJZA9XUsA-N9nUdp7vMxsJZQ)** *“How many times have you said to yourself, “If I have more time, or if I have more money, or If just had more experience or more talent, this is what I can do.” And what that really does for us, it just makes us wait.”*
2. **Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg McKeown.**
[](https://substack.com/redirect/38fc8a83-66b5-468d-91ee-651fc83f2c40?j=eyJ1IjoiMW93Ymh4In0.6E7rPoglD-yM1FHgJK3QJZA9XUsA-N9nUdp7vMxsJZQ)
Discipline is key in the title here! Less happens by design, not by default. It requires a lot of deliberate thought and decision-making to eliminate the nonessentials. **A big takeaway for me was how making choices reactively, always saying ‘yes’, is part of the culture of more.** Clear ‘no’s’ are part of a less of what McKeown calls the ‘Essentialist’ mindset.
*McKeown writes: “Essentialism is not about how to get more things done; it’s about how to get the right things done. It doesn’t mean just doing less for the sake of less either. It is about making the wisest possible investment of your time and energy in order to operate at our highest point of contribution by doing only what is essential.”*
3. And something a bit different to watch: **The Paradox of Efficiency**
**This is a fascinating [TED talk](https://substack.com/redirect/5331e479-8388-4537-ad32-d4a15c3a5304?j=eyJ1IjoiMW93Ymh4In0.6E7rPoglD-yM1FHgJK3QJZA9XUsA-N9nUdp7vMxsJZQ) by historian Edward Tenner** that explains why trying to *be more* efficient will make us *less* efficient in the long run.
Less is in many ways **a constraint** – it forces us to view problems and solutions in a new light. That’s why the power of less unlocks – for everyone from creatives to leaders – **better and different work.**
---
So, a question I’ve been asking myself: **why do workplaces and systems commonly shun away from the concept of less?** I think has something to do with trust.
**Less requires more trust.** You must be more confident in the unknown.
To start embracing the power of less, ask yourself a question:
#### **How could having** ***less of something*** **jumpstart you to becoming more creative?**
I’d love to hear your ideas in the comments.
Warmly,
[](https://substack.com/redirect/597ac280-390d-48b9-8c8d-23eb3462271d?j=eyJ1IjoiMW93Ymh4In0.6E7rPoglD-yM1FHgJK3QJZA9XUsA-N9nUdp7vMxsJZQ)
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** trust, rachel botsman, rethinking, values, prioritization, desire, less, less is more, achievement, conventional thinking, new ideas, innovation, imagination
---
### [Guest Post by Paul Nicklen | On Polar Bears and Making Space for Wildlife](https://wwsg.com/blog/guest-post-by-paul-nicklen-on-polar-bears-and-making-space-for-wildlife/)
**Published:** March 26, 2023
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
*This is a guest post by WWSG exclusive speaker, [Paul Nicklen](https://wwsg.com/speakers/paul-nicklen).*
**“When one tugs at a single thing in nature, he finds it attached to the rest of the world.”― John Muir**
Dear friend,
If you are anything like me, you find true peace in connecting with nature– especially with wildlife and our animal kin. We are incredibly fortunate to share our planet with a vast array of fauna. However, as we continue to clear-cut forests, dredge the earth for oil, and encroach further into once-pristine habitats, our relationship with our wild cousins has become increasingly strained. As someone who grew up in a small Inuit community in the Arctic, learning to make space for the wild beings of the world has always been a part of my life. Over the course of my photography career, I have strived to instill a sense of kinship and empathy with animals so we may become better stewards of this planet. Of all my images, *Face to Face* is perhaps the one that embodies this the most.
On an expedition to Svalbard in 2008, we had hunkered down in our tiny cabin to weather a blizzard when I suddenly noticed a face in the window. A large female polar bear peered curiously through the glass, silhouetted against the storm. At first, I was surprised and felt the upwelling of childlike giddiness I get whenever I see a polar bear. My joy was quickly dampened, however, when I realized our snowmobiles were parked nearby. A little-known fact about polar bears is they love to chew on nice, expensive snowmobile seats. In order to distract her, I did what any perfectly rational person would do– I opened the window.
With the last barrier between us gone, I now had a polar bear calmly standing on the verge of stepping into our shelter. Then it dawned on me; this was my chance to share a new perspective surrounding our planet’s top predators as they contend with an uncertain future. As sea ice melts and access to seals starts to dwindle, polar bears must turn to new food sources. Unfortunately, in their search for an alternative, they sometimes find their way into encampments and even remote towns in the far North. In most cases, these bears are shot and killed.
I wanted to show that surprise interactions with wildlife like this do not have to end in tragedy. Scrambling to improvise and pull the image together in the dim light, I lit the oil lamp by the window, which likely had not been lit since Willem Barentz came through the area in 1596. The soft orange glow added mood to the image, but did little to light the face of our curious visitor. Finally, I reached for my Apple laptop, the only other light source I had on hand. I opened it up, set it to a blank white screen, and held it in one hand inches from her face. Miraculously, the image turned out well and now lives on as an art print and testimony that coexistence with nature is not only possible, but a necessary part of healing our planet.
With biodiversity plummeting across the world and climate change undermining entire ecosystems, our relationship with nature has reached a critical juncture. If there was ever a time to rethink how we engage with animals and learn to make room for the wild things in this world, it has to be now. Even an apex predator like the polar bear, the largest land-dwelling carnivore on the planet, serves a vital role within its habitat and deserves just as much compassion as any animal. We do not have to hate them or fear them. We can choose instead to respect what they are, give them the space to be wild, and learn to navigate a peaceful path forward for both animals and people.
Thank you for sharing this journey with me and giving our wild brothers and sisters a voice.
With gratitude,
Paul Nicklen
Copyright Paul Nicklen | Worldwide Speakers GroupCopyright Paul Nicklen | Worldwide Speakers Group
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** Climate Change, Wildlife, Animals, nature, activism, Bears, Photgraphy, Love, Alaska, Empathy, Antartica, Parents, polar bears, ecosystem, biodiversity
---
### [Experts on China to Inform Your Organization](https://info.wwsg.com/experts-on-china-to-inform-your-organization)
**Published:** February 16, 2023
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
With rising political and economic tensions, US-China relations are at the forefront of today’s geopolitical discussions. Whether concerning supply chain and production issues or surveillance balloons and defense debates, Worldwide Speakers Group is proud to represent leading experts in all aspects of US-China relations. Our speakers provide informed insights on geopolitics, national security, and foreign policy, while also discussing what might lie in store for China’s ever-growing economy.
**Categories:** Blog
---
### [Speaker Spotlight: Ben Sasse, UF President & Former Nebraska Senator](https://wwsg.com/blog/speaker-spotlight-ben-sasse-uf-president-former-nebraska-senator/)
**Published:** May 15, 2023
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
Ben Sasse, former U.S. Senator for Nebraska, joined the University of Florida as professor and 13th president of the 170-year-old institution in February 2023.
A two-time *New York Times* national best-selling author, Ben’s career has spanned the private and public sectors. As a turnaround guy working for the Boston Consulting Group, McKinsey and Company, and private equity firms, Ben has built dozens of teams that built winning strategies.
Having taught at Yale, the University of Texas, and Midland University in his Nebraska hometown, Professor Sasse has won teaching awards and holds a history PhD from Yale, where his dissertation won both the Egleston and Theron Rockwell Field best dissertation prizes.
Sen. Sasse’s speech topics range from artificial intelligence to geopolitics to America’s social changes. To learn more about how he can add value to your upcoming event, [contact WWSG](https://wwsg.com/contact-us).
[ Ben Sasse’s Speaker Page](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ben-sasse)
### Speech Topics
### Selected Resources
[](https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250193681/them)
[ ](https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250114419/thevanishingamericanadult)
[ Check Availability](https://wwsg.com/contact-us)
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** ben sasse, ai, artificial intelligence, america, republican, conservative, senator, nebraska, profession, phd, university of florida, uf, hybrid, warfare, speaker spotlight
---
### [Exclusive Speaker Announcement: Jennifer Burns](https://wwsg.com/announcements/exclusive-speaker-announcement-jennifer-burns/)
**Published:** December 11, 2023
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
Worldwide Speakers Group is proud to announce the speaking availability of Professor [Jennifer Burns](https://wwsg.com/speakers/jennifer-burns).
Professor Burns’ latest book, Milton Friedman: The Last Conservative was just awarded one of the [Best Books of 2023 by The Economist](https://www.livemint.com/special-report/the-best-books-of-2023-as-chosen-by-the-economist-11701586529619.html).
Jennifer Burns is an Associate Professor of History at Stanford University and a research fellow at the Hoover Institution. She is the author of *Milton Friedman: The Last Conservative,* the first full biography of America’s most renowned economist. *Milton Friedman* was named one of *The New York Times’s* 33 Nonfiction Books to Read This Fall, a most anticipated fall book by the *Chicago Tribune* and *Bloomberg,* and a best book of 2023 by Tyler Cowen’s Marginal Revolution blog. It was hailed by NPR as “more than a biography of one controversial person, it’s an intellectual history of twentieth century economic thought,” while Project Syndicate called it “a tour of the broader debate about capitalism.”
She is also the author of *Goddess of the Market: Ayn Rand and the American Right,* the first biography of the iconic author based upon exclusive access to her personal papers. *Goddess of the Market* was named a Bloomberg News 2009 Top Nonfiction Book.
Burns has written for numerous publications including *The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal,* and *The Financial Times.* She has been interviewed by NPR’s Marketplace, CNN’s book TV, and the EconTalk podcast, and was a featured guest on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart and The Colbert Report.
In addition to numerous talks at colleges and universities, she has spoken to leading financial firms, done historical briefings for policymakers, and keynoted at Hoover’s annual Monetary Policy Conference. Prior to teaching at Stanford, she was an Assistant Professor at the University of Virginia. She holds an M.A. and PhD. in American History from the University of California, Berkeley, and is a graduate of Harvard College.
#### [ View Jennifer Burns’ Speaker Page](https://wwsg.com/speakers/jennifer-burns)
To host Professor Burns at your upcoming event, [contact us](https://wwsg.com/contact-us "https://wwsg.com/contact-us").
## Jennifer Burns’ Speech Topics
- The Ethics of Capitalism
- Is capitalism ethical? This question has been debated for centuries and remains relevant today. Capitalism is the dominant economic system in the world. Examining its ethical implications helps us understand its effect on individuals, communities, and the environment. This opens the door for informed conversations about its benefits and drawbacks. In this discussion, Burns poses the age-old question and challenges audience members to contemplate their values in relation to today’s shifting financial climate.Jennifer Burns introduces historical perspective through her expertise of Ayn Rand, who advanced a new and deeply influential defense of capitalism on ethical grounds. Drawing on her exclusive research, Burns traces the remarkable life of this writer who fled Soviet Russia and emerged as one of America’s most famous—and hated—public intellectuals. Burns explains how Rand’s legacy shaped libertarians and the conservative movement across the twentieth century and into the present. Audiences will leave with a fresh perspective on this perseverant and important question.
- The Return of Inflation
- The return of inflation to the United States after decades of stable prices has stirred new interest in the nation’s foremost thinker on inflation: the Nobel prize winning economist Milton Friedman. As the author of *Milton Friedman: The Last Conservative*, Jennifer Burns is the foremost expert on his theories and achievements.Nearly twenty years after his death, Burns’ insight gives audiences a new perspective on today’s inflation debate by tracing the history of ideas and economic policy making. Jennifer Burns also covers critical episodes in the nation’s financial history that illustrate the potential problems and repercussions we face today. Audiences leave this talk enlightened with a deeper understanding of inflation and domestic economics through the historical lens that Jennifer Burns so succinctly provides.
- Rethinking Capitalism and Freedom
- Milton Friedman, a Nobel prize winning economist, said “A society that puts equality…ahead of freedom will end up with neither equality nor freedom.” Tracing the history of his ideas and economic policy making, Jennifer Burns covers critical episodes in the nation’s financial history through the lens of Friedman’s ideas and life.Friedman was famous for arguing that capitalism and freedom went together, asserting that the spread of capitalism around the world would lead to political openness and democracy. This optimistic vision, first articulated at the height of the Cold War, became widely influential in the 1980s and 1990s. It shaped both domestic politics within the United States and the broad “Washington consensus” that guided development policy across the world.Less well-known is the story of how Friedman’s ideas on the relationship between economic and political freedom evolved as he traveled outside the United States and watched globalization unfold in the last years of his life.Drawing on research from her biography of Friedman, Burns revisits this iconic debate. How did Friedman understand the tensions between free markets and democracy? Nearly twenty years after his death, why have these questions re-emerged? In an era of renewed challenge to liberal democracy, what remains of Friedman’s vision and his longstanding influence on the political right?
## Books by Jennifer Burns
 
## Recent Appearances
**Categories:** Announcements
**Tags:** economic turnaround, ayn rand, milton friedman, economic policy, constitution, conservatism, Woman, policy, history, exclusive, Government, bipartisan, conservative, historian, author, book, economy, WWSG Exclusive, election
---
### [Guest Blog Post by Lady Carnarvon | Falling Leaves](https://wwsg.com/blog/guest-blog-post-by-lady-carnarvon/)
**Published:** October 2, 2023
**Author:** Riley Sims
**Content:**
#### *This is a guest blog post by WWSG exclusive thought leader, [Lady Carnarvon](https://wwsg.com/speakers/fiona-carnarvon/).*
The dogs are running under and around a garden bench, round and round until one of them spies a twig instead and, picking it up, a new game of tag develops. These are the magic moments.
Bending down to pick up a leaf myself, I hold it carefully on the flat of my hand. It is starting to curl and the summer colours leaving it for the fading autumn tints, yet it is still beautiful and represents the change in the year’s seasonal journey for a tree.
During spring and summer, trees fill their leaves with green chlorophyll in order to generate as much energy as possible.
The vivid greens of spring hearten our moods as well, they are so rich and full of water and sun. Then, as summer sun lengthens, they anticipate the freezings of winter. The trees draw the energy back from the leaf into the tree to store the sugars to tide them over the coming colder, darker season.
Thus the chlorophyll – the greenness – stops being produced and the carotenes in the leaf become more visible – they are yellow and the drier and sunnier the autumn, the more anthocyanins are produced, which are red and pink coloured, so the leaves turn even more shades of extraordinary colour.
With cooler temperatures the layer of cells called the abscission layer which passes the sugars back into the tree comes under stress, the production of one hormone called auxin reduces which puts a strain on this abscission layer causing the bond between leaf and branch to weaken. Eventually, the strength of the join is weakened enough that the wind will blow the leaf away.
Less leaves means the tree spends less energy through the harsh winter and it is able to conserve moisture within the trunk which helps the tree remain pliable, bending in the gusts of winter winds. Less leaves also means that the wind whips through bare branches once more causing less strain on the tree.
Apart from the very important childish pleasure of catching falling leaves, the cycle of the trees creates essential biological support to the woodland floor activity in the soil. The leaves falling to the forest floor of an oak or beech will rot down and into the soil over the next two years and if you wish, you can collect it and let it rot down to use as an invaluable soil conditioner. It is an excellent habitat for soil life, from earthworms to beneficial bacteria as well as acting as a blanket over the soil during wintery months helping small mammals.
We have a habit of interpreting nature to bolster our own thoughts and in some ways of course autumn does teach us the beauty of letting go. It is what the trees are prepared to do in order to live.
Geordie and I have planted areas of trees and shrubs with wonderful autumn colours, perhaps it is the warmth of the reds and oranges, the romance of curling up by a log fire, of a cosy oversized sweater or the smell of autumn in the air. Perhaps it is, the predictability of seasons being constant in our lives – something that can prove particularly comforting when the world and its values feel topsy turvy. Thank you to trees for all their glory:
“Go, sit upon the lofty hill, And turn your eyes around, Where waving woods and waters wild Do hymn an autumn sound.” (Elizabeth Barratt Browning)
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** Environment, Lady Carnarvon, blog, Climate, nature, Fall, Autum, Falling Leaves, Trees, Seasons, Changing Seasons
---
### [We're Always Adding New Speakers to WWSG!](https://wwsg.com/blog/were-always-adding-new-speakers-to-wwsg-com/)
**Published:** May 11, 2023
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
We’ve added a number of new thought leaders to our website! These individuals are experts in their respective fields and have a wealth of knowledge and experience to share. We feel these new additions make our website an even more valuable resource for you, and hope you’ll agree.
[Contact us](https://wwsg.com/contact-us) to learn more about hosting any of these exceptional speakers.
[ View All Speakers](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/)
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/geeta-nayyar)
[Dr. Geeta Nayyar](https://wwsg.com/speakers/geeta-nayyar)
*Former Senior Vice President & Chief Medical Officer at Salesforce; Author of the Upcoming Book, Dead Wrong: Diagnosing and Treating Healthcare’s Information Illness*
Speech Topics: Misinformation and Disinformation in Health Care, The Future of Healthcare, Women in Leadership
[ View Geeta Nayyar’s Speaker Page](https://wwsg.com/speakers/geeta-nayyar)
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/shawn-meaike)
[Shawn Meaike](https://wwsg.com/speakers/shawn-meaike)
*Industry Disruptor and CEO of Family First Life*
Speech Topics: Unlocking the Power of Leadership: Inspiring Teams to Achieve Greatness, Building a High-Performing Sales Organization: Strategies for Success, The Power of Culture: Creating an Environment for Success
[ View Shawn Meaike’s Speaker Page](https://wwsg.com/speakers/shawn-meaike)
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/jane-sarasohn-kahn)
[Jane Sarasohn-Kahn](https://wwsg.com/speakers/jane-sarasohn-kahn)
*Health Economist, Advisor, Trend Weaver*
Speech Topics: The Home as Our Health Hub; All Health Is Retail: The Convergence of Consumer Finance, Food, Retail and Healthcare; The New Drivers of Health: ZIP Codes, Wi-Fi and Love
[ View Jane Sarasohn-Kahn’s Speaker Page](https://wwsg.com/speakers/jane-sarasohn-kahn)
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/mark-morgan)
[Mark Morgan](https://wwsg.com/speakers/mark-morgan)
*Former Acting Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Former Chief of U.S. Border Patrol, Former Assistant Director of the FBI*
Speech Topics: Border Security: Why it Matters and How our Country’s Safety and National Security are at Risk, The Erosion of Public Trust in the Justice System, Addressing Violence in America
[ View Mark Morgan’s Speaker Page](https://wwsg.com/speakers/mark-morgan)
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/heather-mcgowan)
[Heather McGowan](https://wwsg.com/speakers/heather-mcgowan)
*Future of Work Strategist, Author, 2017 Global LinkedIn Top Voice for Education*
Speech Topics: The Empathy Advantage: Leading the Empowered Workforce, The Human Value Era, The Adaptation Advantage: Leading In A Post-Pandemic World
[ View Heather McGowan’s Speaker Page](https://wwsg.com/speakers/heather-mcgowan)
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/trent-shelton)
[Trent Shelton](https://wwsg.com/speakers/trent-shelton)
*Former Professional American Football Player, President of Rehab Time*
Speech Topics: Championship Mindset: Strengths to Overcome Anything, Personal Brand Building, Inspiration
[ View Trent Shelton’s Speaker Page](https://wwsg.com/speakers/trent-shelton)
[ Host a WWSG Thought Leader](https://wwsg.com/contact-us)
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** medican, trent shelton, mark morgan, jane sarahson-kahn, shawn meaike, geeta nayyar, motivational, inspirational, doctors, talent, heather mcgowan, new, Workplace, experts, website, speakers, Keynote Speakers
---
### [Dr. Moiya McTier: Folklorist to the Stars, Astrophysicist to the Folks, and Author 🌠](https://wwsg.com/blog/dr-moiya-mctier-folklorist-to-the-stars-astrophysicist-to-the-folks-and-author-🌠/)
**Published:** May 31, 2023
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
Dr. Moiya McTier has given hundreds of talks around the world on a wide range of topics, from the physics of water to global eclipse rituals. Her work sits at the intersection of science and storytelling, fact and fiction, complex concepts and chaotic creativity.
Moiya officially became a doctor of the universe in 2021 as the first Black woman to graduate from Columbia’s astronomy PhD program and started pursuing science communication full-time.
In addition to speaker, she has helped design exhibits for the New York Hall of Science and consulted with companies like Disney and PBS on scientific themes in their projects. She has reached thousands through her interviews on hit podcasts (Star Talk, Science Vs., and NPR’s Science Friday) and media channels (PBS, MSNBC, NY1). Moiya can also be found co-hosting *Fate & Fabled*, a mythology show for PBS Digital studios, as well as hosting her own podcasts *Exolore* (about fictional world-building through a science lens) and *Pale Blue Pod* (about astronomy for people who are afraid of the cosmos).
Moiya’s debut book *THE MILKY WAY: An Autobiography of Our Galaxy* was released in 2022 to critical acclaim and was named one of Publishers Weekly’s best books of 2022. Moiya’s mission is to help people understand the world around us better through science and is eager to do that across as many platforms as possible.
[ Dr. McTier’s Speaker Page](https://wwsg.com/speakers/moiya-mctier)
[ Check Availability](https://wwsg.com/contact-us)
## Selected Resources
[](https://www.moiyamctier.com/the-milky-way) [](https://www.pbs.org/show/fate-fabled/)
## Dr. McTier’s Speech Topics
• My Journey to the Stars
• Thinking Like a Scientist
• The Wonders of our Universe
• How to Break Down Complex Ideas
• Building Fictional Worlds with Facts
[ Check Availability](https://wwsg.com/contact-us)
**Categories:** Announcements, Blog
**Tags:** Female Keynote Speakers, Keynote Speaker, Female, Science, moiya mctier, astrophysicist, STEM, women in leadership
---
### [What Health Industry Leaders are Saying About AI](https://wwsg.com/blog/what-health-industry-leaders-are-saying-about-ai/)
**Published:** June 5, 2023
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
Artificial intelligence has been dominating the news on our social media feeds, email inboxes, and news channels. The potential effects of AI on health care are particularly intriguing, specifically how the implementation of AI has potential to be extremely advantageous but possibly harmful, too.
AI’s role in the health sector is a complex issue. It will affect the cost of medicine, patient privacy, predictive analytics, health equity and more.
Our thought leaders provide comprehensive context to the issues surrounding AI’s role in health care. If you’re curious for more information about speakers who can discuss the various aspects of AI in healthcare and what the future holds, we have an array of speakers who can inform and educate your audience and help make sense of this complicated issue.
**[Dr. Deborah Birx](https://wwsg.com/speakers/deborah-birx) told WWSG:**
“Improving all aspects of healthcare, controlling current health pandemics, and being prepared for the future requires better real-time health data and critically better data analytics. The targeted use of AI to rapidly identify both positive and negative deviations in outcomes will allow not only physicians but individuals to rapidly evolve treatments. Interventions can become more individualized and targeted, resulting in improved outcomes without additional health care personnel, which will continue to be in short supply for the next decade.
AI used in a targeted manner can also be human capacity augmenting. Armed with 21st-century diagnosis technology and the positive components of AI, we can rapidly individualize cancer treatment and become much more effective in use of medications for diabetes and heart disease, improving outcomes while dramatically decreasing treatment side effects.
This is possible while protecting personal information with layered security matched with AI.”
*Ambassador (Dr.) Birx is a practicing physician and former United States diplomat. She is the former White House Coronavirus Response Coordinator and a former United States Global AIDS Coordinator. She is also Chief Medical and Scientific Adviser for ActivePure Technology and is the author of the bestselling book, **Silent Invasion**.*
**[Dr. Dave A. Chokshi](https://wwsg.com/speakers/dave-chokshi) told us:**
“Artificial intelligence, like any other health technology, should be subservient to the human relationships that characterize excellent care. Rather than starting with AI technology, we must start with what we’re actually trying to accomplish on behalf of patients. What problem are we trying to solve? What service do we seek to improve? Then we can wrap around the technology to better serve those needs.”
*Dave A. Chokshi, M.D. is a prominent public health advocate and practicing physician. He served as the 43rd Health Commissioner of New York City during the Coronavirus pandemic and is a former White House Fellow.*
[**Dr. Scott Gottlieb**](https://wwsg.com/speakers/scott-gottlieb) will soon publish an article for the Journal of the American Medical Association about the regulatory framework needed to suit the unique attributes of novel AI technologies in medical care. Dr. Gottlieb argues that global regulatory bodies such as the US Food and Drug Administration will struggle to apply their established norms to the new technology, even though “AI has the potential to help solve some of the most frustrating problems in public health,” citing positive impacts on drug development and the accuracy of diagnosis and treatment.
The former FDA Chief says, “To foster innovation and ensure the safe, effective incorporation of AI in drug development and medical practice, the FDA will need to adopt regulatory policies tailored to the unique challenges and opportunities that these modern tools present.” Dr. Gottlieb’s JAMA article is posted [here](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/regulators-face-novel-challenges-as-artificial-intelligence-tools-enter-medical-practice/).
*Scott Gottlieb, M.D. is a member of the board of directors to Pfizer, Inc.; llumina Inc.; and Tempus Labs; and a partner at the venture capital firm New Enterprise Associates. He is the former Commissioner for the Food and Drug Association and an exclusive thought leader with Worldwide Speakers Group.*
**[Joseph Grogan](https://wwsg.com/speakers/joseph-grogan) told WWSG:**
“AI will have a transformative impact on the healthcare space and will be a tool for improvements in patient care but is not without risks that may exacerbate present disparities in the healthcare system. Potential applications of this technology include enhancement in medical research and improvements to digital therapeutics, which are not currently reimbursed by Medicare but are proving safe and effective at treating a host of diseases.
Remote telehealth diagnostics have the potential to greatly improve diagnostics in underserved communities, as is the case with Digital Diagnostics AI test for diabetic retinopathy.
There is also a very real risk of regulatory overreach, which we may already be seeing at FDA and the Office of National Coordinator at HHS with government officials who have limited understanding suggest burdensome regulatory obligations.
There are also risks associated with AI that the industry will need to be careful to avoid if they don’t want to provoke regulatory crackdowns. There are concerns about Medicare Advantage plans using AI to skim risk, tighten prior authorization, or increase coding intensity. This concern is not limited to Medicare Advantage; employers, Obamacare, Medicaid managed care, and fully insured health plans could also use this technology for similar purposes. But these same actors could also develop models to enhance preventive care for patients and help improve management of chronic conditions. These are just a few potential applications, positive and negative, for this still nascent yet transformative technology. The transformation our health system will undergo over the next 50 years means that our regulatory agencies will need to adjust to capitalize on AI’s advantages while mitigating its risks.”
*Joseph Grogan is a prominent health care expert and Fellow at USC Schaeffer Center.* *He is also the Founder of Fire Arrow Consulting, former Assistant to the President, and former Director of the Domestic Policy Council.*
**[Dr. Anand Shah](https://wwsg.com/speakers/anand-shah) told WWSG:**
“Healthcare leaders struggle with how to translate seemingly disparate sources of data into actionable intel that advances discovery, care delivery, and patient outcomes. Artificial intelligence holds significant promise but is not without meaningful risk.”
*Anand Shah, M.D. is CEO of Aster Insights and Operating Advisor for CD&R. He is the former Deputy Commissioner for Medical and Scientific Affairs at the FDA, former Senior Medical Advisor for CMS, and former Chief Medical Officer for Center for Medicare & Medicaid Innovation.*
### *To inquire about the availability of these industry leaders for speaking engagement, [contact Worldwide Speakers Group today](https://wwsg.com/contact-us).*
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** Medicine, Uncontrolled Spread, Silent Invasion, Health Commisioner, regulations, Grogan, Shah, Gottlieb, Chikshi, Birx, Cancer, Safety, Healthcare System, MDs, Patients, doctors, artificial intelligence, ai, health, tech, author, technology, FDA, CMS, healthcare
---
### [June is National Great Outdoors Month!](https://wwsg.com/blog/june-is-national-great-outdoors-month/)
**Published:** June 12, 2023
**Author:** Riley Sims
**Content:**
June is National Great Outdoors Month and Worldwide Speakers Group can help you inspire your audience with a variety of thought leaders who embrace the magnificence of fresh air and share meaningful messages. From conservation photographers to green investors, there are many ways to enjoy, support, and learn from the great outdoors.
These thought leaders are available for live or virtual engagements, to audiences large and small. [Contact us](https://wwsg.com/contact) to learn more about hosting these exceptional speakers.
As a technology pioneer in capital markets, entrepreneur, and world-class mountaineer, [Olga Koroleva’s](https://wwsg.com/speakers/olga-koroleva) capabilities and triumphs are limitless, both in the boardroom and on the mountain. She is the founder and CEO of Capital Brain, a company that creates AI-run investment strategies to invest in real estate and public securities. An adventurer by nature, she has also completed over 40 expeditions, summiting the highest, the deadliest, and the hardest mountains on the planet. Olga has recently been involved in discussions involving team building and the similarities implementing them into mountaineering and business.
[Paul Nicklen](https://wwsg.com/speakers/paul-nicklen/) lives a life of art, purpose, and adventure, combining a career as an assignment photographer for *National Geographic Magazine* and co-founder of the conservation society, SeaLegacy. In addition to being one of the world’s most acclaimed nature photographers, Paul is a polar specialist, speaker, author, conservationist, National Geographic Fellow, and a regular contributor to *National Geographic Magazine* with 20 completed stories to date. Paul’s latest National Geographic feature titled “The Year of the Hope” is about the growing movement of people who are working to address the world’s most pressing problems.
A visionary leader with an adept appreciation of the financial and business challenges facing the U.S. and the world, the Honorable [Henry M. Paulson, Jr.](https://wwsg.com/speakers/henry-m-paulson-jr/) is one of the most prominent and powerful voices on today’s political, environmental, and economic landscapes. Paulson Institute’s conservation efforts are focusing on the loss of biodiversity caused by human activities, amongst other issues. Their [blog](https://www.paulsoninstitute.org/conservation/conservation-blog/) addresses multiple environmental concerns, most recently sharing a post about wetlands conservation and World Migratory Bird Day, which is a joint global campaign to raise awareness and action for international cooperation to conserve migratory birds.
A virtuous mind and voice in conservation photography and one of the most influential female photographers in the world, [Cristina Mittermeier](https://wwsg.com/speakers/cristina-mittermeier/) began her career as a marine biologist but soon discovered that she could better advocate for the oceans and the planet through the lens of her camera. Cristina recently participated in hosting “100 for the Oceans” – a webinar highlighting various photographers in order to raise money for nature conservation.
[Alex Honnold](https://wwsg.com/speakers/alex-honnold/) is a professional rock climber whose audacious free-solo ascents of America’s biggest cliffs have made him one of the most recognized and followed climbers in the world. The pinnacle of his career and maybe also the sport of climbing, as captured in the Academy Award winning film, Free Solo, was his 2017 rope-less climb of El Capitan in Yosemite, an accomplishment which The New York Times called “one of the greatest athletic feats of any kind, ever.” Alex hosts the podcast Climbing Gold, interviewing fellow adventurers.
#### *For more information about hosting these thought leaders for a speaking engagement, [contact us.](https://wwsg.com/contact-us)*
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** conservation, ocean conservation, rock climbing, alex honnold, Adventure, June, great outdoors, outdoors, National Geographic, olga koroleva, Oceanography, WWSG Exclusive, Public Speaker, Conservationist, Photography, Environment, Climate Change, Cristina Mittermeier, Hank Paulson, Paul Nicklen
---
### [Guest Post by Paul Nicklen | A Wild Love: The Extraordinary Devotion of Penguin Parents](https://wwsg.com/blog/guest-post-by-paul-nicklen-a-wild-love-the-extraordinary-devotion-of-penguin-parents/)
**Published:** June 18, 2023
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
#### *This is a guest blog post by WWSG exclusive thought leader, [Paul Nicklen](https://wwsg.com/speakers/paul-nicklen). All images are copyrighted. To purchase Paul’s work, [visit his website](https://paulnicklen.com/fine-art/).*
> ### “We cannot always build the future for our youth, but we can build our youth for the future.”
> — Franklin D. Roosevelt
If we were to pass out awards to our wild kin for the most devoted parent, penguins would rank high on the list. Penguin fathers and mothers both shoulder the role of guardian, nurturer, and incubator. Emperor penguins, in particular, are well known for the devotion and unconditional love they feel for their chicks. As soon as the female has successfully laid the pair’s sole egg, the father immediately tucks it under his brood patch to keep it insulated against the elements. From that moment on, he takes his place as the watchful overseer and protector, stoically braving temperatures that can plunge to a deadly -40° Fahrenheit. However, his journey into parenthood has only just begun.
The powerful, intrinsic force that keeps a penguin father rooted to the spot through endless nights on the windswept ice runs far deeper than what we can see on the surface. During those miserable, frozen weeks, he loses almost half of his body weight. It is only when the egg finally hatches that he is relieved from duty by the return of his mate and heads out to sea to feed. From there, he devotes his time to sharing in the responsibilities of raising their hungry chick, embarking on the perilous task to secure food–a journey that predators like leopard seals eagerly anticipate.
Normally, a leopard seal would have little chance of chasing down an adult emperor penguin beneath the surface. The only way to catch their quarry is to patiently stake out the ice edge, where the penguins must return after foraging. With one of the continent’s top predators pitted against the largest penguin species in the world, both animals must push the very limits of their evolution to survive. Leopard seals can reach well over nine feet in length and, like their prey, are designed to thrive in one of the harshest environments on Earth. As someone who has been mistaken for a penguin by an ambitious leopard seal after standing too close to the ice edge (*scroll down to read more on that story)*, I can attest to the sheer power of these incredible athletes. The birds, however, are well aware of the ambush waiting for them and have a remarkably clever tactic for avoiding trouble.
Before they begin their ascension, emperor penguins release millions of microbubbles from their feathers as a kind of lubricant against the friction of the water to double or even triple their speeds. Then they rocket to the surface with astounding force, launching their four-foot bodies several feet into the air before careening safely onto the ice. It is one of the most surreal and extraordinary feats to witness among our ocean’s wildlife, defying the laws of physics and completely overturning the penguin’s public image as a clumsy, waddling cartoon. At the end of the day, emperor penguins would do anything to secure food for the hungry little beaks waiting for their return, braving predator-filled waters with unflinching courage.
My background as a marine biologist demands that I refrain from casting human characteristics onto our wild brethren. It is impossible to say whether an animal’s love can run as deep as what we feel as human beings. Although, I would like to point out that there also is no way of knowing if an animal can feel even *more* deeply and fully than we could ever dare. Who is to say our species is the one that reigns over all emotion? When I see emperor penguins reunited with their fluffy chicks after a treacherous journey for food, there is no mistaking the deep and profound love they feel for their offspring.
To all the dads out there who I know would proudly brave leopard seals and subzero temperatures for their kids, I wish you a very happy, non-perilous Father’s Day. And to all of my readers, thank you for being on this photographic journey with me.
With hope and gratitude,
Paul Nicklen
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** Paul Nicklen, Photography, photographer, conservation, Wildlife, Penguins, Animals, Love, father's day, antarctica
---
### [Guest Post by Rachel Botsman | Am I becoming irrelevant?](https://wwsg.com/blog/guest-post-by-rachel-botsman-am-i-becoming-irrelevant/)
**Published:** June 26, 2023
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
*This is a guest post by WWSG thought leader, [Rachel Botsman](https://wwsg.com/speakers/rachel-botsman).*
This week’s newsletter is on a topic we don’t often talk about – **fear of being irrelevant.** Not being needed. Not being current. Not being employable. The list goes on. Search for books on fear and you’ll find hundreds. Look for one on irrelevance and you’ll find nada. Why?
### The power of irrelevancy
The power of irrelevancy hit home to me last week when I was teaching a group of leaders. They’d been at Oxford University and away from their teams for almost three weeks. It was a rare window of space to purely learn and focus on their own development. We were talking about trust issues when a student’s hand shot up. “If I’m being totally honest, I’m worried that when I go back to work next week my team won’t need me so much,” she bravely admitted.
“Fantastic!” I replied. She looked at me slightly bemused. I pointed out the number of times the group had claimed a lack of time as being one of the top stresses in their jobs. Here, was a golden opportunity to gain back time!
They were unsure. More than unsure, they were nervous. Interesting.
So, I proposed…
When you go back to your teams, I want you all to ask them a question:
#### ***“Where and how am I no longer needed?”***
(You can try this question with your own teams, children, or partner)
Some examples I gave:
- What meeting do you no longer need to attend?
- What did someone do in your absence better than yourself?
- Did someone make a change that now makes something else unnecessary?
- Where did someone step up and take over something that was previously your responsibility?
Great! All these things free up your time to focus on as they put it “high strategic priorities.”
**But this idea of irrelevancy was deeply unsettling. It’s a feeling many of us have.**
Often, it’s worry related to our relationship with work. Here’s how I’ve seen it show up:
- What if people if what I have to say is no longer relevant?
- Why if I say something culturally insensitive without realizing it?
- What if what I have to offer is no longer in anyone’s interest?
- What if no one cares about what I do or say?
Is this fuelled by ego and preserving personal identity? Sure, but it’s also tied to the highest human need (according to Maslow): BELONGING.
**Fear of irrelevancy can be real and rational**. For example, I’ve had friends who were great at their jobs go on maternity leave only to come back and have been made irrelevant. The person who was put in a cover role has effectively taken their job. They’re pushed aside and, eventually, they leave. Terrible.
There are also **super macro fears of irrelevancy**. For example, fear of AI taking your job and fear of economic irrelevance.
But most fears of irrelevance are micro: **self-imposed and slightly irrational.**
And when these micro fears take hold, it can create some serious trust issues – in ourselves and others. Here are some of the things it can lead to:
- **A crippling of creativity**: We start chasing or mimicking others. It stops us from starting before even trying.
- **Protecting our position:** A huge amount of energy (and often resources) goes into protecting our personal ‘empire’ or even a patch.
- **Control, control and more control!** Asserting ourselves to prove that we still needed and necessary.
In many ways, irrelevance is one of the most important human fears. And yet we don’t examine it.
**Where does your fear of being irrelevant creep in?**
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** female keynote speaker, public speaking, Keynote Speaker, rethinking, rethink, introspective, ted talk, irrelevant, need
---
### [The Results Are In With Dr. Sanjay Gupta | Aspartame](https://wwsg.com/blog/the-results-are-in-with-dr-sanjay-gupta-aspartame/)
**Published:** July 4, 2023
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
*This is a guest post by WWSG exclusive thought leader, [Dr. Sanjay Gupta](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sanjay-gupta).*
Even if you’ve never heard of aspartame, it’s probably safe to say that at some point or another, you’ve consumed it. Commonly found in diet sodas, artificial sweeteners, cereals, chewing gum and even cough drops, it’s everywhere.
Aspartame was first OK’d by the US Food and Drug Administration in 1974, but now two World Health Organization committees are analyzing the potential link [between aspartame and cancer.](https://e.newsletters.cnn.com/click?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)
There’s no need to panic and I’m not here to put a damper on anyone’s July 4th plans. So let’s talk about what this means for you.
Let’s start with the old adage that the dose makes the poison. Anything in a certain dose could potentially be poisonous or harmful. So how much aspartame is potentially harmful is the real question.
When the WHO groups release their reports on July 14th, it will come with a risk assessment and a new analysis of what’s considered to be an acceptable daily intake.
To give you an example of how WHO assesses risk, its cancer research agency currently categorizes cell phones as possibly carcinogenic. ([We’ve established](https://e.newsletters.cnn.com/click?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) how much people still use those.)
When it comes to how much aspartame can be consumed, the US Food and Drug Administration currently has safety limits, not recommended doses. It says someone could safely consume 50 mg per kilogram of bodyweight. That’s the equivalent to 22 cans of diet soda for a 175-pound man.
I also know many of you are wondering whether artificial sweeteners are still better for us than sugar. Many doctors and nutrition experts say, like most things, this is OK in moderation – moderation being the key word.
But if you’re looking to use artificial sweeteners for weight loss, there’s no evidence that it has long-term benefits. In fact, [WHO issued guidance](https://e.newsletters.cnn.com/click?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) to say you shouldn’t use sugar substitutes if you’re trying to lose weight.
So what should you do? It’s clear that most of us consume too much sugar, so that brings us back to moderation.
There are going to be the obvious sugary foods – cake, cookies, soda. But then there is also a lot of stealth sugar. You’ll be surprised to find how many packaged foods sugar is added to – things like bread, tomato sauce and salad dressings. So check those nutrition labels.
Even these small steps to reduce sugar can start to make a big difference over time. Think of it as training your tastebuds to crave sugar and sweeteners less.
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** Sanjay Gupta, CNN, FDA, Chasing Life, Aspartame, The Results Are In, Sugar, Diet, Wellness, WHO
---
### [Speaker Announcement: Shawn Meaike](https://wwsg.com/blog/speaker-announcement-shawn-meaike/)
**Published:** June 16, 2023
**Author:** Riley Sims
**Content:**
Shawn Meaike is the founder and president of Family First Life, a life insurance agency that is projected to be a billion-dollar independent marketing organization in just 10 years. With over 20,000 licensed agents in all 50 states, the company markets life insurance and annuities. Shawn’s upbringing taught him the importance of work ethic, which led him to excel in social work.
From 2008 to 2013, Shawn ran several businesses before finding his niche as an independent life insurance agent. Knowing he could provide better opportunities for success, he founded Family First Life, putting both the families of clients and agents first. Despite facing many challenges, Shawn never takes his foot off the gas and has given generously to countless organizations, including the Make-A-Wish Foundation, various children’s hospitals, and the DreamCenter Foundation.
Shawn’s success shows that with the right attitude and activity, anything is possible. He doesn’t consider himself special or a rare breed, but he is a firm believer in hard work and determination. Despite the struggles he has faced, he continues to work tirelessly to grow his business and give back to others.
[ Shawn Meaike’s Speaker Page](https://wwsg.com/speakers/shawn-meaike)
[ Check Availability](https://wwsg.com/contact-us)
## Selected Resources
[](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JEimYQevoi0)
[](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xgg9J66N8F8)
## Shawn Meaike’s Speech Topics
• Unlocking the Power of Leadership: Inspiring Teams to Achieve Greatness
• The Power of Culture: Creating an Environment for Success
• Building a High-Performing Sales Organization: Strategies for Success
[ Check Availability](https://wwsg.com/contact-us)
**Categories:** Announcements, Blog
---
### [The Results Are In With Dr. Sanjay Gupta | Leqembi for Alzheimer's](https://wwsg.com/blog/the-results-are-in-with-dr-sanjay-gupta-leqembi-for-alzheimers/)
**Published:** July 11, 2023
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
*This is a guest post by WWSG exclusive thought leader, [Dr. Sanjay Gupta](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sanjay-gupta).*
Though it’s not a cure for Alzheimer’s, the full FDA approval of the drug Leqembi still marks [an important milestone](https://e.newsletters.cnn.com/click?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) in the fight against this devastating disease.
It’s been two decades since an Alzheimer’s drug has been granted full approval, and this is the first drug to show that it can slow progression of the disease.
It does that by attacking and clearing amyloid plaques from the brain, which are often associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
Clinical studies found that it was able to slow the decline of cognitive ability and function in people with mild Alzheimer’s by 27%. But what does that mean, exactly?
That means for those with early forms of the disease, they may be able to keep some independence and continue regular daily functions for a longer period of time.
It may not sound significant, [but to someone like Jack Driscoll](https://e.newsletters.cnn.com/click?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), a clinical trial participant whom I spoke to earlier this year, any opportunity to spend more quality time with his family was worth it.
Or as Dr. Joanne Pike, the Alzheimer’s Association president and CEO, put it: “This gives people more months of recognizing their spouse, children and grandchildren. This also means more time for a person to drive safely, accurately and promptly take care of family finances, and participate fully in hobbies and interests.”
It’s important to note that there can be side effects such as brain swelling and bleeding from the drug, which is given as an IV infusion once every two weeks.
To further complicate access to the drug, the list price before insurance is $26,500 a year. But, with full FDA approval, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services says it will expand coverage.
It’s a hopeful moment, not just for those with the disease but for their friends and family as well.
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** Sanjay Gupta, CNN, FDA, Chasing Life, Medicine, The Results Are In, leqembi, alzheimer's, disease, doctore, medical
---
### [2021 Books From Exclusive WWSG Speakers](https://wwsg.com/blog/2021-books-from-exclusive-wwsg-speakers/)
**Published:** December 27, 2021
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
2021 certainly gave us productivity and fresh perspectives from our thought leaders! Here are some of the best new titles, published this year from our exclusive speakers.
[Find A Speaker >>](https://wwsg.com/speaker-search/?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--t8X5EdId2SU2OqQLAvTNFA0uSlK-6g05FztFGle2_5JWPQC-HF4PpBNqi6-GhH8IWHCfz)
[Keep Sharp by Sanjay Gupta](https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Keep-Sharp/Sanjay-Gupta/9781501166730)
*Chief Medical Correspondent, CNN; Multiple Award-Winning Journalist, Author and Neurosurgeon*
Keep your brain young, healthy, and sharp with this science-driven guide to protecting your mind from decline by neurosurgeon and CNN chief medical correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta.
[Sanjay Gupta’s Speaker Page >>](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sanjay-gupta/)
[Prey by Ayaan Hirsi Ali](https://ayaanhirsiali.com/books/prey)
*Renowned Political Leader; National Security Expert; Human Rights Advocate and Islam Reformist; Author of the International Bestseller, Infidel*
Prey uncovers a sexual assault and harassment crisis in Europe, in the wake of mass migration, that is turning the clock back on women’s rights. Deeply researched and featuring fresh and often shocking revelations, [*Prey*](https://www.amazon.com/Prey-Immigration-Erosion-Womens-Rights/dp/0062857878/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=prey+ayaan+hirsi+ali&qid=1611943483&sr=8-1) uncovers a sexual assault and harassment crisis in Europe that is turning the clock on women’s rights much further back than the #MeToo movement is advancing it.
[Ayaan Hirsi Ali’s Speaker Page >>](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ayaan-hirsi-ali/)
[DOOM: The Politics of Catastrophe by Niall Ferguson](https://www.niallferguson.com/doom)
*Milbank Family Senior Fellow, Hoover Institution at Stanford University; Senior Faculty Fellow, Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs at Harvard; Historian; Visionary; Author; Emmy-Winning Filmmaker, The Ascent of Money; One of Time Magazine’s Most Influential People of the World*
Drawing from multiple disciplines, including economics, cliodynamics, and network science, Doom offers not just a history but a general theory of disasters, showing why our ever more bureaucratic and complex systems are getting worse at handling them.
[Niall Ferguson’s Speaker Page >>](https://wwsg.com/speakers/niall-ferguson/)
[Seasons at Highclere by Lady Fiona Carnarvon](https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/144/1443543/seasons-at-highclere/9781529135589.html)
*The Countess of Carnarvon of Highclere Castle; Author, *Lady Almina And The Real Downton Abbey*, *Christmas At Highclere*, New York Times Best-seller *Lady Catherine, The Earl, And The Real Downton Abbey*, and *Seasons at Highclere**
Beautifully illustrated with full-colour photography, Seasons at Highclere is full of gastronomical delights, the stories of the treasures within Highclere Castle’s grounds, untold secrets from the castle’s archives and much more. This is the perfect gift or keepsake, and a book to be cherished for years to come.
[Lady Fiona Carnarvon’s Speaker Page >>](https://wwsg.com/speakers/fiona-carnarvon/)
[Billy the Borrowing Blue-Footed Booby & Princess Persephone Loses the Castle by Sheila Bair](https://www.albertwhitman.com/series/other-series/money-tales/)
*Chairman, Fannie Mae; President of Washington College (2015-2017); Chairman, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (2006-2011); Senior Advisor, Pew Charitable Trusts (2011-2015); Preeminent Financial Reform and Policy Innovator*
The Money Tales collection of children’s books focus on financial lessons. You want your kids to have a healthy financial life, yet knowing how to help make that happen may leave you stumped. Teaching them as early as possible can make a difference. “There’s a lot of misinformation out there that they will be exposed to later,” said Sheila Bair.
[Sheila Bair’s Speaker Page >>](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sheila-c-bair/)
[Uncontrolled Spread by Scott Gottlieb](http://www.uncontrolledspread.com)
*Physician; Former Commissioner Food and Drug Administration (2017-2019); Former Senior Advisor, CMS; Contributor, CNBC; Contributor, CBS’s *Face the Nation*; New York Times Best-Selling Author, *Uncontrolled Spread**
In Uncontrolled Spread, a New York Times Best Seller, Dr. Scott Gottlieb identifies the reasons why the US was caught unprepared for the pandemic and how the country can improve its strategic planning to prepare for future viral threats.
[Scott Gottlieb’s Speaker Page >>](https://wwsg.com/speakers/scott-gottlieb-2/)
[World War C by Sanjay Gupta](https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/World-War-C/Sanjay-Gupta/9781982166106)
*Chief Medical Correspondent, CNN; Multiple Award-Winning Journalist, Author and Neurosurgeon*
CNN chief medical correspondent Sanjay Gupta, MD, offers an accessible, data-packed answer to our biggest questions about Covid-19: What have we learned about this pandemic and how can we prepare for—or prevent—the next one?
[Sanjay Gupta’s Speaker Page >>](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sanjay-gupta/)
[Beyond Biden by Newt Gingrich](https://www.amazon.com/Beyond-Biden-Rebuilding-America-Love/dp/1546000259?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--t8X5EdId2SU2OqQLAvTNFA0uSlK-6g05FztFGle2_5JWPQC-HF4PpBNqi6-GhH8IWHCfz)
*2012 Republican Presidential Candidate; Former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, Best-selling Author*
In *Beyond Biden*, bestselling author Newt Gingrich investigates the driving forces behind an America based upon combined power of government and social acceptance versus the historic values-based America.
[Newt Gingrich’s Speaker Page >>](https://wwsg.com/speakers/newt-gingrich?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--t8X5EdId2SU2OqQLAvTNFA0uSlK-6g05FztFGle2_5JWPQC-HF4PpBNqi6-GhH8IWHCfz)
[](https://www.amazon.com/Annie-Leibovitz-Wonderland/dp/1838661522?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--t8X5EdId2SU2OqQLAvTNFA0uSlK-6g05FztFGle2_5JWPQC-HF4PpBNqi6-GhH8IWHCfz)
[Wonderland by Annie Leibovitz](https://www.amazon.com/Annie-Leibovitz-Wonderland/dp/1838661522?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--t8X5EdId2SU2OqQLAvTNFA0uSlK-6g05FztFGle2_5JWPQC-HF4PpBNqi6-GhH8IWHCfz)
*Iconic American Photographer*
“Looking back at my work, I see that fashion has always been there,” Annie Leibovitz observes in the preface to her new book, *Wonderland*. “Fashion plays a part in the scheme of everything, but photography always comes first for me. The photograph is the most important part. And photography is so big that it can encompass journalism, portraiture, reportage, family photographs, fashion… My work for *Vogue* fueled the fire for a kind of photography that I might not otherwise have explored.”
[Annie Leibovitz’s Speaker Page >>](https://wwsg.com/speakers/annie-leibovitz?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--t8X5EdId2SU2OqQLAvTNFA0uSlK-6g05FztFGle2_5JWPQC-HF4PpBNqi6-GhH8IWHCfz)
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** Ayaan Hirsi Ali, Republican Speakers, Heathcare Speakers, Bestseller, Authors, Professional Photography Speakers, Political Speakers, Annie Leibovitz, Human Rights, Politics, Thought Leaders, International Speaker, Medical Speakers, public speaking, WWSG's Top Speakers, Sanjay Gupta speaker fee, Sanjay Gupta speech, speakers, Sanjay Gupta, Women Keynote Speakers, speakers in the news, Speaker Newt Gingrich, Speaker Gingrich, Newt Gingrich, female keynote speaker, keynote business speaker, Top Speaker on Politics, Keynote Speakers
---
### [Honoring Female Keynote Speakers in Women's History Month](https://wwsg.com/blog/honoring-female-keynote-speakers-in-womens-history-month/)
**Published:** March 9, 2018
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Every year, the month of March is a time we celebrate and honor all of women’s history. In 1987, Congress declares March as National Women’s History Month in perpetuity. Now, it is an annual declared month that highlights the contributions of women to events in history and contemporary society. It is celebrated throughout the month of March in just the United States, but also the United Kingdom and Australia.
In the United States, Women’s History Month traces its beginnings back to the first [International Women’s Day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Women%27s_Day) in 1911. In 1978, the [school district](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/School_district) of [Sonoma, California](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sonoma,_California) participated in [Women’s History Week](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Women%27s_History_Week&action=edit&redlink=1), an event designed around the week of March 8 (International Women’s Day). In 1979 a fifteen-day conference about women’s history was held at [Sarah Lawrence College](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarah_Lawrence_College). When its participants learned about the success of the Sonoma County’s Women’s History Week celebration, they decided to initiate similar celebrations within their own organizations, communities, and school districts. They also agreed to support an effort to secure a National Women’s History Week.
In February 1980, President Jimmy Carter issued a presidential proclamation declaring the week of March 8, 1980, as National Women’s History Week. The proclamation stated, *“From the first settlers who came to our shores, from the first American Indian families who befriended them, men and women have worked together to build this nation. Too often the women were unsung and sometimes their contributions went unnoticed. But the achievements, leadership, courage, strength and love of the women who built America was as vital as that of the men whose names we know so well.*”
In 1987, after being petitioned by the [National Women’s History Project](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Women%27s_History_Project), Congress passed [Pub. L. 100-9](http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/STATUTE-101/pdf/STATUTE-101-Pg99.pdf) which designated the month of March 1987 as Women’s History Month. Since 1988, U.S. presidents have issued annual proclamations designating the month of March as Women’s History Month.
March is now designated to honoring and recognizing women and their achievements. The whole month calls attention to the social, economic, cultural and political triumphs of and for women. It also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity. Today, Women’s History Month belongs to all groups collectively everywhere. It is not a country, group or specific organization, but a celebration of all women’s achievements and support for each other.
Women have come a long way in their struggle for equality, but there is still a long distance to cover. This year, the theme for Women’s Month is ‘Be Bold For Change,’ inspiring women to step out of their comfort zones and find the courage to be bold in all aspects of their lives.
Worldwide Speakers Group is home to many bold women, who in their own career or life have worked to inspire and encourage women to be courageous, more confident and more powerful in all spheres of life. These powerful statements, made by WWSG women, will inspire you to celebrate women in all their glory.
#### **[Carly Fiorina-](https://wwsg.com/speakers/carly-fiorina/)**
“People’s ideas and fears can make them small, but they cannot make you small. People’s prejudices can diminish them, but they cannot diminish you. Small-minded people can think they determine your worth. But only you can determine your worth.”
#### [Ayaan Hirsi Ali](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ayaan-hirsi-ali/)
#### 
“As a woman you are better off in life earning your own money. You couldn’t prevent your husband from leaving you or taking another wife, but you could have some of your dignity if you didn’t have to beg him for financial support.”
#### [Sheila Bair](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sheila-c-bair/) –
“Women need to stick to their guns and always keep their cool.”
#### [Tomi Lahren –](https://wwsg.com/speakers/tomi-lahren/)
“My message to women is it’s okay not to toe the party line on every issue. You don’t have to be a puppet or a mouthpiece for your party on every issue. You can be an independent thinker; you can take it issue by issue, and that’s okay. You shouldn’t be told, ‘You can’t sit with us.’”
#### [Maria Teresa Kumar](https://wwsg.com/speakers/maria-teresa-kumar/) –
“No is for everyone else.”
[Contact](https://wwsg.com/contact-us/) WWSG to host any of these top thought leaders.
---
*Want to see more leading women keynote speakers? Learn more about [Nancy Frates](https://wwsg.com/speakers/nancy-frates/), [Ayaan Hirsi Ali](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ayaan-hirsi-ali/), [Jen Psaki](https://wwsg.com/speakers/jen-psaki/), and other [female global thought leaders](https://wwsg.com/speakers/jen-psaki/).*
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** Carly Fiorina, Women Keynote Speakers, Tomi Lahren, Sheila Bair, Maria Teresa Kumar, Top Thought Leaders, Women, ayaan hirsi, female thought leaders
---
### [The Secrets of Event Planning from One of WWSG's Experts](https://wwsg.com/blog/the-secrets-of-event-planning-from-one-of-wwsgs-experts/)
**Published:** June 13, 2018
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Meeting and event coordinators are vital players across every industry. They are expert planners and communicators, and ultimately responsible for creating experiences that bring every team’s vision to life.
One of WWSG’s experts, [Carleigh Blewett](https://www.linkedin.com/in/carleigh-blewett-5778b72b), answered some questions about her past and present experiences as an Event Planner across different industries.
### **How does being an Event Planner for conferences differ from being one for a lecture agency?**
The biggest difference is that when working for a major organization, planning a conference means handling all logistics and details from beginning to end. This included print materials, schedules, marketing and promotions, booking speakers and talent, briefing materials, giveaways, and much more.
At WWSG, my main responsibility is focused on the talent or speaker who has been booked by the organization. This includes organizing their travel, hotel accommodations, and speaking materials for their presentations. There is an abundant amount of coordinating between the speaker’s office and the client’s office to make sure all details and logistics are thoroughly completed and communicated properly. Often times, several conference calls are scheduled, full personal itineraries are designed, and different types of A/V requirements are coordinated in order to make sure the speaker is fully prepared for the engagement.
### **What is your favorite part about being an Event Planner?**
The end product – the feeling of having a problem surface and needing to find a quick solution gives an exciting adrenaline rush! I am quick on my feet to figure out how to solve the issue and when all the hard work is over, it is the best feeling!
### **How do you avoid having a crisis arise before, during or after an event?**
When planning an event, there is always a Plan A, B, and C for everything. Thinking about events that could possibly take place before they happen often helps preventing a crisis. Hypothetical situations are created in which we prepare solutions and quick responses in the event they may actually occur, that way I have already thought through if something goes wrong and I need a new solution. The best tip is being over-prepared. Double check everything and send that email for confirmation even if it seems superfluous. There is nothing worse than being unprepared. That is a recipe for a crisis.
### **What did you take from your old position and bring to your new one as a lecture agency Event Planner?**
I know what an Event Planner at a large conference is looking for from a speaker’s event team. I know what they expect and how to be as successful as possible with the client, because I used to be the client.
### **What are the qualities a successful event planner should possess?**
Any effective Event Planner knows that they need to be organized, communicative and an expert multi-tasker. Event planners tend to have to juggle a lot of different things, so being able to handle multiple things at once, and keep them all in order is key.
### **For anyone considering the profession of an Event Planner, what is the one takeaway they should have?**
Event Planning is a 24/7 job. A problem that needs to be fixed or a question that needs to be answered could arise at any moment and you need to be prepared to handle it. That means you have to be quick on your feet and ready to find solutions. It can at times be demanding, but it is rewarding when you help plan an amazing event.
Being a successful Event Coordinator is achievable with collaborative tools and the willingness to go the extra mile. Event Planners have an important job – bringing people together to learn and accomplish great things. While every industry has its own demands from planners and coordinators one thing remains the same, they are the glue that holds the production together!
A benefit from having placed thousands of speakers around the world – and working with some of the industry’s most respected meeting planners on a daily basis – is that our “Best Practices” are grounded in real-world experience. Download our 7 Steps to Speaker Event Success and get these best practices for your next event!
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** event planner tips
---
### [Adventures with Patsy](https://wwsg.com/blog/adventures-with-patsy/)
**Published:** September 17, 2019
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
*Highclere Castle, the setting of the international hit series, “Downton Abbey,” is also the home to WWSG exclusive speaker, Lady Fiona Carnarvon. Lady Carnarvon and the Worldwide Speakers Group’s partnership began when Lady Carnarvon traveled to the United States for the first time, a trip that would begin her many adventures with Patsy Arnett.*
*Patsy, now an Agent at WWSG, has traveled with Lady Carnarvon to New Orleans, Houston, Nashville, Richmond, New York City and many more cities where Lady Carnarvon has shared the stories and heritage of the wonderful building and estate where she lives, and all the people and animals that live and work there.*
Time seems to have flown by since I wrote my first book ‘Lady Almina and the Real Downton Abbey’ in 2010. As a new author I had absolutely no idea that I would be expected to give talks to help promote it and that came as quite a shock. It was later published in several other countries and inevitably I began to give talks abroad as well. Given the mass of entertainment platforms available these days, authors’ talks are now ever more a priority in order to share their endeavours.
Patsy Arnett lives in Richmond, Virginia and, as President of Arnett & Associates Speakers Bureau, contacted me to do a talk in the United States. I took my first flight and, never having visited before, utterly failed to realize how large the USA is and how long internal flights can be. Lesson learned, I now pull out a very large Times Atlas of the world on to the floor to see where I am going, slightly to my son’s horror who does apps not maps.
Patsy later merged her bureau with Worldwide Speakers Group out of Washington, D.C. and I went with her. Over the last few years Patsy and I have had many adventures together in the USA and have become firm friends. ‘Lady Almina’ was followed by ‘Lady Catherine and the Real Downton Abbey’ which again looked not just at the history of Highclere but also at the real characters who lived here in the 1920s: at their loves, lives and challenges. I was even able to share the appropriate royal signatures from our Guest Book, given that this is the time period when the Downton Abbey TV series ends and the film begins, although my book ‘Lady Catherine’ carried on through the 1930s and into the Second World War.
Patsy and I continued on our travels, taking with us presents and auction prizes. One memorable talk was in Nashville which I had thought was for 650 visitors but expanded to well over 2,000. Luckily for my nerves I didn’t realise that until after I got there.
We have now become better organised, sending ahead by courier the gifts we have for the kind sponsors and organisers. Patsy, who is always annoyingly better organised than I am, then starts labelling the gifts with ribbons and name tags which she has brought with her, chatting away whilst I am still unpacking and ironing in my hotel room.
Each engagement aims to raise money for a charity or endeavour chosen by the organisers who invite me. The events take place through the generosity of sponsors -perhaps a tea, a dinner, a talk in a theatre or a gala evening, sometimes all of them. There is often a reception to say thank you to supporters. It is marvellous that so many love Downton Abbey and it is that which acts as the starting point to draw people in to enjoying talks about living in a Castle, about history or architecture or gardens or even to discussing marketing and authenticity. It is a way of creating a fun event, of involving people and, I hope, always leaving a waiting list for tickets and much money raised.
Sometimes the purpose is to raise funds to support education or mental health, sometimes a charity such as the Red Cross. Patsy and I have often supported PBS, a platform which dovetails well with the love of Downton and heritage.
One sort of charity which I would dearly love to support is one which raises money to help look after families left behind, grieving and lost, because of death through war, of which I understand there are some 80,000 in the United States alone. I have been so lucky not to have experienced such a loss but I remember clearly the dreadful pain my sisters and I felt when my parents both died very young of cancer, one after another. We muddled and cried our way through it but it is still a sudden and never expected loss in a relentlessly on-going world.
Patsy always prefers that I speak without notes. I cannot quite remember why but I think it does work best for me. Anyway I would probably have lost the notes… just like I lose my car keys and phones. Without doubt, I am the odd one on the WWSG list, which has many far more important and economically focused speakers than me.
It is an honour that they include me but also true that, beyond the big economic and political matters, are the communities and people that make up daily life. Like so many US companies, Geordie and I are essentially a “Mom and Pop” business, though perhaps the Castle has been around a few hundred years longer than most. The most important part of what we do here, is to support and encourage the people who work with us every day. Unique, sometimes quirky and always committed, it is their happiness which then leads to good business. So many of articles these days are about the work/life/health and conservation balance and this is never more so than at Highclere. It is about our Challenge 2050, our stewardship, of how we live over the next 30 years.
*This blog was originally published on Lady Carnarvon’s personal website and has been republished with permission from the author. Click here to view the* [*original article*](https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/adventures-with-patsy/)*.*
**Categories:** Blog
---
### [Paul Nicklen International Photography Hall of Fame Induction](https://wwsg.com/blog/paul-nicklen-international-photography-hall-of-fame-induction/)
**Published:** November 13, 2019
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Congratulations to [Paul Nicklen](https://wwsg.com/speakers/paul-nicklen/) on his International Photography Hall of Fame Induction!
WWSG Exclusive speaker, photographer, filmmaker, marine biologist and an outspoken advocate for wildlife conservation, Paul Nicklen, was inducted into the International Photography Hall of Fame (IPHF) November 1st, 2019.
The youngest inductee ever, Paul was honored among notable photographers and photography industry visionaries such as Tony Vaccaro, Steve McCurry, Bruce Davidson, Olivia Parker, Elliott Erwitt, Ralph Gibson, and Mary Ellen Mark.
For over twenty years, Paul’s career has focused on the polar regions, his evocative nature photography displaying a deep reverence and sensitivity for the wildlife and environment of the most isolated, endangered places in the world. Mr Nicklen’s images have elicited conversation, created shifts in thinking, and shown parts of this planet that most will never see.
Paul is also co-founder of the conservation society [SeaLegacy ](https://www.sealegacy.org/)with his partner, [**Cristina Mittermeier,**](https://wwsg.com/speakers/cristina-mittermeier/ "https://wwsg.com/speakers/cristina-mittermeier/") and has published several books including *Seasons of the Arctic*; Bear: *Spirit of the Wild*; *Polar Obsession;* *Born to Ice* and his most recent eBook, *[Photographing Wild](https://paulnicklen.com/product/photographing-wild/).* Paul’s 200-page eBook features 16 lessons for making compelling photographs, including some of his favorite images and stories about what he does when he’s in the field.
Through his glorious photos and storytelling, Paul leaves audience awestruck with sensitive and evocative imagery that he relates through his own personal work experiences and to his audience’s everyday lives. His captivating speeches are both motivating and passionate and will leave audiences with a new outlook on their everyday lives and professions.
[ Explore Nicklen’s Page](https://wwsg.com/speakers/paul-nicklen/)
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** environment speakers, Sustainability, Paul Nicklen, Photography, Exploration Speakers
---
### [Photographers Who Transcend](https://wwsg.com/blog/photographers-who-transcend/)
**Published:** December 16, 2019
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Photography is a profound and unique artistic expression used to preserve the most important events, people and places connected to our lives. Photographs tell a personal story, mark a timeline, capture a face or place and can create a narrative. Images have a way to connect individuals no matter where in the world they are and can transcend all languages.
WWSG has the pleasure of representing some of the most high-profile and successful [**photography speakers**](https://wwsg.com/speaker-search/?speaker_topic_lists=arts-and-entertainment) from around the world who are able to engage with their audiences on the importance of their medium, how it impacts the world and tell of their amazing experiences to capture thought provoking images. Their collective body of work can be viewed in the most prominent magazines, museums, galleries and private collections raising environmental awareness or simply showing the beauty of our surroundings or of individuals.
**[Annie Leibovitz](https://wwsg.com/speakers/annie-leibovitz/ "https://wwsg.com/speakers/annie-leibovitz/")** – One of the most high-profile and instantly recognizable celebrity photographers in the world. She has shot some of the most iconic celebrity images of the last 30 years – in the shape of world leaders, moguls, movie stars and musicians such as The Rolling Stones, the Queen of England to John Lennon, Bill Gates to Mark Zuckerberg and the Kardashians. Her legendary career continues to place her at the center of the world’s most fascinating people.
Annie shares the incredible adventures, the profiles of courage and hope, and her own private observations with audiences all over the world. Certainly, witty and full of candor, Annie shares the lessons of marrying our life’s work with our life’s passions and of her endless search for learning and growth.
**[Paul Nicklen](https://wwsg.com/speakers/paul-nicklen/ "https://wwsg.com/speakers/paul-nicklen/")** – Recently inducted into the International Photography Hall of Fame (IPHF) as the youngest inductee ever, photographer, filmmaker, marine biologist and an outspoken advocate for wildlife conservation. For over twenty years, Paul’s career has focused on the polar regions, his evocative nature photography displaying a deep reverence and sensitivity for the wildlife and environment of the most isolated, endangered places in the world.
Paul is also co-founder of the conservation society [**SeaLegacy** ](https://www.sealegacy.org/ "https://www.sealegacy.org/")with his partner, [**Cristina Mittermeier,**](https://wwsg.com/speakers/cristina-mittermeier/ "https://wwsg.com/speakers/cristina-mittermeier/") and has published several books including *Seasons of the Arctic*; Bear: *Spirit of the Wild*; *Polar Obsession;* *Born to Ice* and his most recent eBook, *[**Photographing Wild**](https://paulnicklen.com/product/photographing-wild/ "https://paulnicklen.com/product/photographing-wild/")*. Paul’s images have elicited conversation, created shifts in thinking, and shown parts of this planet that most will never see.
**[Cristina Mittermeier](https://wwsg.com/speakers/cristina-mittermeier/ "https://wwsg.com/speakers/cristina-mittermeier/") –** One of the most influential female photographers in the world and a virtuous mind and voice in conservation photography. Cristina began her career as a Marine Biologist working in her native Mexico. She soon discovered that she could better advocate for the oceans and the planet through the lens of her camera than she could with data on spreadsheets.
Today, Cristina is the Co-founder of the conservation society **[SeaLegacy](https://www.sealegacy.org/ "https://www.sealegacy.org/")** with **[Paul Nicklen](https://wwsg.com/speakers/paul-nicklen/ "https://wwsg.com/speakers/paul-nicklen/"),** a National Geographic contributing photographer, a Sony Artisan of Imagery and the editor of 26 coffee table books on conservation issues. She is the first female photographer to reach 1M followers on Instagram and was a 2018 National Geographic Adventurer of the Year. She is acknowledged as one of the most Influential Women in Ocean Conservation in 2018 by Ocean Geographic, and The Men’s Journal recently named her as one of the 18 Most Adventurous Women in the World.
Cristina has worked in more than 120 countries on every continent in the world. Her work is about building a greater awareness of the responsibility of what it means to be a human. Her work relays an understanding that we are inextricably linked to all other species on this planet and that we have a duty to act as the keepers of our fellow life forms.
Photography is a special and important function of society and activism, it can quicken the heart, organize groups, share big dreams and empower individuals. Our photographers are regarded as trailblazers who go after the impossible and invited back to speak many times because of the level of storytelling is engaging, witty and inspirational.
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** Paul Nicklen, Cristina Mittermeier, Annie Leibovitz, Professional Photography Speakers, Photography, Photographers, Photography Speakers, Women Speakers, SeaLegacy, Nature Photography, Photography Keynote Speakers
---
### [Catalyst for Climate Conversations](https://wwsg.com/blog/catalyst-for-climate-conversations/)
**Published:** February 4, 2020
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Primed by [record-breaking heat](http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/current/statements/scs72.pdf), a prolonged drought and windy conditions, Australia’s southern coast has been ravaged with devastating brushfires since September, forcing thousands out of their homes. The fires have claimed 33 innocent lives and has destroyed over 3,000 homes. With 26.2 million acres of land decimated, millions of animals have been under threat, wounded or killed. This extreme event attribute has caused climate scientist and [conservationists](https://wwsg.com/speaker-search/?speaker_type_list=conservation) to speak out on climate change’s role in exacerbating natural disasters. WWSG is proud of the work our elite Speakers have done for our environment and we continue to assist in ‘raising up’ these powerful voices as they fight against environmental catastrophes like Australia’s wildfires, caused by climate change.
[Cristina Mittermeier ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/cristina-mittermeier/)– One of the most influential female photographers in the world and a powerful voice in conservation photography. Cristina began her career as a Marine Biologist. She soon discovered that she could better advocate for the planet through the lens of her camera than she could with data on spreadsheets. In 2005 she founded the prestigious [International League of Conservation Photographers (ILCP) ](https://conservationphotographers.org/about-us/)which works to support environmental conservation through ethical photography. Cristina also co-founded the conservation society [SeaLegacy ](https://www.sealegacy.org/about-us)with her partner,[ ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/paul-nicklen/)[Paul Nicklen](https://wwsg.com/speakers/paul-nicklen/)[ ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/paul-nicklen/)which is a collective of photographers who focus on cleaner, healthier oceans.
[Paul Nicklen](https://wwsg.com/speakers/paul-nicklen/) – As a co-founder of SeaLegacy, Paul is one of the world’s most acclaimed nature photographers, an acclaimed polar specialist, author, conservationist, [National Geographic Fellow](https://www.nationalgeographic.com/contributors/n/photographer-paul-nicklen/), and a regular contributor to National Geographic Magazine with 20 completed stories to date. He is also highly respected by the conservation community for his outspoken work, collaborating with scientists, filmmakers, conservationists and explorers to create awareness and inspire action for global issues like climate change. Paul has even been awarded the Natural Resources Defense Council BioGems Visionary Award and most recently, was bestowed an honorary PhD at the [University of Victoria](https://www.uvic.ca/news/topics/2013+photographer-paul-nicklen+ring), for the impact his photography has had on climate change.
[Jane Goodall ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/jane-goodall/)– Hailed as the world’s most important conservationist and animal welfare activist, Dr. Goodall is most famous for her 45-year study of the social and familial interactions of wild chimpanzees. Knowing that local communities are key to protecting chimpanzees she founded the [Jane Goodall Institute ](https://www.janegoodall.org/)and redefined traditional conservation with an approach that recognizes the central role people play in the well-being of animals and habitat. Then in 1991, when a group of young people confided their own deep concerns, she invited them to help start [Roots & Shoots](https://www.rootsandshoots.org/), a program at work with young people in 100 countries to foster the informed generation of conservation leaders our world so urgently needs.
[Newt Gingrich ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/newt-gingrich/)– A longtime advocate for environmentalism and endangered species, Newt Gingrich taught the first environmental studies courses at West Georgia College in the 1970’s. Since then he has been a major proponent for environmentalism. Whether it is working with Nancy Pelosi on a campaign to address climate change, Co-writing [A Contract with the Earth ](https://www.amazon.com/Contract-Earth-Newt-Gingrich/dp/0801887801)about bipartisan environmentalism, or advocating for endangered species through his company Gingrich 360, Newt Gingrich has been an outspoken voice for conservation.
These speakers have used their powerful voices and years of experience to shed a light on these important environmental challenges, not just in Australia but for all the disastrous causes of Climate Change. Cristina Mittermeier once described the job of a conservation photographer as “creating images to inspire people to change behavior” and commit to a public obligation to reverse the impact of climate change. Through their images, writings, research and speeches these thought leaders and [climate crusaders](https://wwsg.com/speaker-search/?speaker_type_list=climate-change) have changed the behavior, body of knowledge and thinking of so many.
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** environment speakers, Paul Nicklen, Cristina Mittermeier, Climate Change, Environment, Newt Gingrich, Jane Goodall, Conservationist, The Honorable Newt Gingrich, Nature Photography, Australia Bushfires, Australian Wildfires
---
### [Worldwide Speakers Group, Building Partnerships that Last](https://wwsg.com/blog/worldwide-speakers-group-building-partnerships-that-last/)
**Published:** February 11, 2020
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Relationships are important, particularly in the workplace. That is why here at the[ Worldwide Speakers Group](https://wwsg.com/) we focus a majority of our attention on building valued relationships with our clients. Our clients are at the center of everything we do, because our success comes from their success. And the best way for WWSG and our clients to be productive, is through building lasting and meaningful partnerships.
We sat down with Shelly Sharer, one of WWSG’s Senior Vice President of Sales, with over 20+ years of experience placing speakers, and asked her about her long-standing partnership with [Gartner, Inc.](https://www.gartner.com/en/conferences/calendar) and how she builds lasting relationships with clients.
**What are the differences between a first-time client reaching out vs. a long-term partner like Gartner?**
**Shelly:** *A first-time client reaching out is my opportunity to gain their trust and make them feel 100% confident that I am the best professional resource in terms of sourcing a keynote speaker. I accomplish this by sharing WWSG’s expert credentials, my seasoned experiences and then reference some of WWSG’s prominent [keynote speakers](https://wwsg.com/speaker-search/) and clients. I invest my time to learn about their organization, their successes and challenges and most importantly the event, digging deep to [understand all of the parameters](/blog/what-meeting-planners-need-to-know-about-coronavirus) they are facing in order for me to identify the best elite speaker. It’s crucial to develop a rapport during this first contact and make clear the [advantages in partnering ](https://wwsg.com/faq/)with WWSG. Remembering that I only get “one chance to make a first impression”*
*“Gartner is the world’s leading research and advisory company. They equip business leaders with indispensable insights, advice and tools to achieve mission-critical priorities.” As such, I must lend them my expert advise when placing mission-critical speakers in their world renown conferences.*
*As a WWSG long term partner, the approach is a bit different as I’m an established professional resource and I’ve invested in developing a long term history. Thus, it’s my commitment to add value every time I interface with this client. Things such as; anticipating what they are going to need before they ask for it, advocating on their behalf behind the scenes and constantly pushing the boundaries to tweak best practices based upon their changing needs etc. As their partner and advocate, I’m a part of the team and make it a priority to know all of the members. I accomplish this by staying in close contact, responding immediately, presenting the best roster of speakers to contribute to their success, attend events and organize and host team dinners while onsite to consistently build a rapport.*
**What does a client like Gartner look for in a speaker?**
**Shelly:** *This really depends on the conference itself. At Gartner Conferences, they seek presenters who understand the attendees’ roles and unique challenges. They seek speakers who can energize their thinking and help them transform their mission-critical priorities into [business results](https://wwsg.com/speaker-search/?speaker_topic_lists=business). I work with each individual Program Manager to understand their needs and then recommend speakers that I believe will best align.*
*Gartner only wants engaging, timely, fresh and leading edge speakers who expertly deliver relevant knowledge that leaves the audience with tangible takeaways and actionable solutions. It’s extremely important for me to expertly discern the speaking engagement, recommend wisely, and share my input when discussing a speaker selection.*
**Once the contracts are signed how do you maintain white glove service?**
**Shelly:** *White glove service is an absolute MUST. Thus, communication between the client, the events team and the WWSG team is crucial. We work in ‘lock step’ and address any potential issues that we see on the horizon in real time, acting accordingly and with precision to address any and all concerns if they arise. We have timelines, fail safes and checklists in place to assist in organization, keeping everyone informed and in alignment.*
**How are you involved on the day of the event?**
**Shelly:** *I am not involved on the day of the event given that my client has a tremendous amount of details to attend to. It’s our job to make sure they have everything they need in advance of the event date so that we don’t need to be involved on the day of. However, If there are any issues, Gartner has the direct mobile numbers for our team and to the speakers on site and we will work in real time no matter the day or time to help them solve any speaker issues.*
**How do you follow up with the client after the event in order to continue your longstanding partnership?**
**Shelly:** *I follow up with my clients within a few days of the event. I reach out via email to assess how the overall event went and to get feedback on the keynote speaker and WWSG’s performance. Ideally, it’s best to have a ‘live’ conversation with the client; however, many are so busy post event. I always ask for a call to discuss but defer to the client as I don’t want to add more to their ‘plate’ if they would prefer to simply answer my email. The important thing here is always reaching out for feedback as this is another great ‘touch point’ with your client.*
Partnerships are incredibly important at the Worldwide Speakers Group and that does not end when the booking process and events are over. With our white-glove consultative support, from concept formation to speaker selection and attainment to logistical/event coordination, WWSG goes the extra mile to deliver full-service support and assistance to all our clients.
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** WWSG, speakers bureaus, Event Planning, Event Logistics, Events, Gartner
---
### [Powerful Women in Women's History Month](https://wwsg.com/blog/powerful-women-in-womens-history-month/)
**Published:** March 2, 2020
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Since 1987, the United States has dedicated the month of March to honor women and the substantial, yet often overlooked, contributions they have made to society. The celebration of Women’s History Month has definitely evolved over the years. Its start can be traced back to the first International Women’s Day in 1911 and then to the first Women’s History Week organized by the school district of Sonoma, California in 1978, which was considered to be widely successful for its time.
As many Americans began to acknowledge the need and importance of such a celebration, President Jimmy Carter issued the first presidential proclamation making the week of March 8th, 1980 (International Women’s Day) National Women’s History Week. This act then inspired the National Women’s History Project to petition Congress and in 1987 [Pub. L. 100-9](https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/STATUTE-101/pdf/STATUTE-101-Pg99.pdf) was officially passed which designated the entire month of March as Women’s History Month.
Over the years, Women’s History Month has transformed into not just a celebration but also an international call to action for women’s equality. Though we still have a long way to go, it’s hard to ignore the immense progress made over the years. That progress is highlighted in the 2020 theme for the month. “Valiant Women of the Vote” honors the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the [19th Amendment](https://www.history.com/topics/womens-history/19th-amendment-1), which granted women the right to vote. The theme is for “the brave women who fought to win suffrage right for women, and the women who continue to fight for the voting rights of others.”
At [Worldwide Speakers Group](https://wwsg.com/), we are proud to work with a number of [powerful women speakers](https://wwsg.com/speaker-search/?speaker_topic_lists=leading-women) who have dedicated themselves to supporting and uplifting women. From CEOs, technologists, authors, photographers, politicians, military leaders and business leaders, the following women have shared their insight and influence to help pave the way for others.
[**Ayaan Hirsi Ali**](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ayaan-hirsi-ali/) – A Human Rights Advocate and Islam Reformist, Ayaan Hirsi Ali has dedicated her life to ending violence against women and young girls. In 2005, she was named one of TIME Magazine’s “100 Most Influential People”, *Reader’s Digest’s* European of the Year, and one of *Glamour’s* Heroes of 2005.
[**The Honorable Sheila C. Bair** ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sheila-c-bair/?utm_campaign=Newsletter%20Campaign&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_CkV3gQSo3uDqZRqu7SNPVVzZChQf9kWQjM1-pzNfy1QeQ50oEbSudKy-gOFZCLU90o9MM)– As the former Chairman of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), Sheila C. Bair has become a leader in both domestic and global economics. With a long and accomplished career in government, academia and finance, Forbes has acknowledged her as the “second most powerful woman in the world”.
[**Cristina Mittermeier**](https://wwsg.com/speakers/cristina-mittermeier/) – With a passion for conservation, Cristina Mittermeier is considered to be one of the most influential female photographers in the world. As a National Geographic contributor, she used her work to help advocate for the oceans and planet. In 2018, she was acknowledged as one of the most Influential Women in Ocean Conservation by Ocean Geographic.
**[Jen Psaki](https://wwsg.com/speakers/jen-psaki/)** – As former White House Communications Director, Jen Psaki was the point person when it came to media coverage during President Obama’s campaign and presidency. Based on her experience, Psaki offers a valuable and current perspective on today’s political environment. She currently acts as the Vice President for Communications and Strategy at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and CNN political commentator.
[**Annie Leibovitz** ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/annie-leibovitz/?utm_campaign=Newsletter%20Campaign&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_CkV3gQSo3uDqZRqu7SNPVVzZChQf9kWQjM1-pzNfy1QeQ50oEbSudKy-gOFZCLU90o9MM)– As one of the most high-profile celebrity photographers in the world, Annie Leibovitz is responsible for some of the most iconic celebrity images of the last 30 years. While attending the San Francisco Art Institute, Leibovitz started her career as a photojournalist for Rolling Stone in 1970. Her work contains some of the most iconic portraits of all time.
[**Nancy Frates**](https://wwsg.com/speakers/nancy-frates/) – She is the mother behind the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, which has become the very apex of viral philanthropy, and a leader in the ALS community. Over the years, Nancy Frates has utilized her business acumen, communication skills and mama bear drive to network, advocate and create worldwide awareness in the fight against ALS/MND.
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** Cristina Mittermeier, Female Keynote Speakers, Women Keynote Speakers, Ayaan Hirsi Ali, Annie Leibovitz, Motivational Female Speakers, Best Female Speakers, Women Speakers, Women Activist Speakers, Women Leading Women, Women's History Month, Sheila Bair, Jen Psaki, Nancy Frates
---
### [Celebrate International Happiness Day with 4 Happiness Experts](https://wwsg.com/blog/celebrate-international-day-of-happiness-with-4-happiness-experts/)
**Published:** March 18, 2020
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Every year on March 20th the [United Nations](https://www.un.org/en/) invites the whole world to celebrate [**International Day of Happiness**](https://www.dayofhappiness.net/#join) to recognize and reflect on the importance of happiness, which emerges from being kinder to others and ourselves, staying active and exploring, connecting with people and the meaningful parts of life. But what is happiness anyway? If you research this concept, you find that there is no universal consensus as to how to define happiness, how to measure it, and what factors go into creating happiness. So how do we obtain happiness? How will we know when we have found it? Is it a state or a choice? Does happiness impact other aspects of life like health productivity? Do these questions even matter?
These are the question that WWSG happiness thought leaders work to answer. Whether they are giving one of the most inspirational and viewed TED Talks of all time, writing international bestsellers, or consulting Fortune 100 companies, these [keynote speakers](https://wwsg.com/speaker-search/) aim to spread positivity. If you are looking for an uplifting keynote that will help you choose happiness everyday look no further than these [inspiring experts](https://wwsg.com/speaker-search/?speaker_topic_lists=motivational-inspirational).
[**Neil Pasricha**](https://wwsg.com/speakers/neil-pasricha/) **–** After graduating from Harvard Business School, Pasricha spent a decade as Director of Leadership at Walmart, the world’s largest company. While there he wrote the 50-million-hit, award-winning blog *1000 Awesome Things* and the New York Times bestsellers *The Book of Awesome* and *The Happiness Equation,* which have been on international bestseller lists for over 200 weeks and sold over a million copies. Neil’s research and books on happiness, mindset, and human potential have received attention from Harvard Business Review, The New Yorker, The Sunday Times, CNN, and BBC.
[**Amy Blankson**](https://wwsg.com/speakers/amy-blankson/) – Bestselling Author of *The Future of Happiness*, Blankson is the only person to receive a Point of Light from two sitting US Presidents. After graduating from Harvard College and Yale School of Management, she has focused her work on understanding how to cultivate happiness in a digital era. She is a co-founder of the Digital Wellness Collective, a member of the UN Global Happiness Council, and is currently working with the IEEE to create standards for well-being in the creation of artificial intelligence and emotion awareness. Most recently, Amy has shared her thought leadership as a speaker at TEDx, as a regular contributor for Forbes on Women, Technology, and Leadership, and as a featured professor in Oprah’s Happiness course.
[**Shawn Achor**](https://wwsg.com/speakers/shawn-achor/) – After spending twelve years at Harvard University, Achor has become one of the world’s leading experts on the connection between happiness and success. His research on mindset made the cover of Harvard Business Review, his TED talk is one of the most popular of all time with over 13 million views, and his lecture airing on PBS has been seen by millions. Achor’s talks have taken him to over 50 countries and a wide range of audiences from the White House to the NFL, CEOs in China, doctors in Dubai, school children in South Africa, farmers in Zimbabwe, as well as numerous Fortune 100 companies, the NBA, and the Pentagon.
[**Michelle Gielan**](https://wwsg.com/speakers/michelle-gielan/) – The bestselling author of *Broadcasting Happiness: The Science of Igniting and Sustaining Positive Change*, Gielan was named one of the Top 10 authors on resilience by the Harvard Business Review. She is an Executive Producer of “The Happiness Advantage” on PBS and a featured professor in Oprah’s Happiness course. She formerly served as anchor of The CBS Morning News, and her research has received attention from dozens of media outlets including The Washington Post, FORBES, and The New York Times.
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** Motivational Female Speakers, Happiness Experts, Inspirational Speakers, Happiness Speakers, Neil Pasricha, Shawn Achor, Michelle Gielan, Amy Blankson
---
### [WWSG’s Favorite Books by Female Thought Leaders](https://wwsg.com/blog/wwsgs-favorite-books-by-female-thought-leaders/)
**Published:** March 25, 2020
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Over the last couple of weeks, the world’s everyday routines have been drastically changed by the continued spread of COVID-19. As the outbreak continues, we are asked to stay home and limit social interactions, forcing many to seek different forms of [entertainment](https://wwsg.com/speaker-search/?speaker_topic_lists=arts-and-entertainment) and connection. For some, reading is a cure. If there is a positive to this period of social distancing, it might be the chance to expand your horizons and experience all different types of literature.
March is also [National Women’s History Month](/blog/powerful-women-in-womens-history-month) making it the perfect time to celebrate some of our [female authors](https://wwsg.com/speaker-search/?speaker_topic_lists=leading-women) and settle in with some of their best-selling works. From an inside look at one of the most iconic photographers in the world to a passionate plea for peaceful change and a new era of global toleration, these works will give you an inside look at some of the most captivating woman in the world.
#### [**Heretic: Why Islam Needs a Reformation Now**](https://www.amazon.com/Heretic-Why-Islam-Needs-Reformation/dp/B01LTHXL5I)
****
Continuing her journey from a deeply religious Islamic upbringing to a post at Harvard, the brilliant, charismatic and controversial New York Times #1 bestselling author of Infidel and Nomad, [Ayaan Hirsi Ali](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ayaan-hirsi-ali/), makes a powerful plea for a Muslim Reformation as the only way to end the horrors of terrorism, sectarian warfare and the repression of women and minorities.
Interweaving her own experiences, historical analogies and powerful examples from contemporary Muslim societies and cultures, *Heretic* is not a call to arms, but a passionate plea for peaceful change and a new era of global toleration. In the wake of the Charlie Hebdo murders, with jihadists killing thousands from Nigeria to Syria to Pakistan, this book offers an answer to what is fast becoming the world’s number one problem.
#### [**Annie Leibovitz at Work**](https://www.amazon.com/Annie-Leibovitz-at-Work/dp/0714878294/ref=sr_1_2?crid=3NXSWK5BUV4AF&keywords=annie+leibovitz&qid=1585068037&sprefix=Annie+leib%2Caps%2C151&sr=8-2)
Over the past five decades, [Annie Leibovitz](https://wwsg.com/speakers/annie-leibovitz/) has captured the attention and admiration of the world with her profound and powerful photographs. From Rolling Stone to The Rolling Stones, the Queen of England to John Lennon, Bill Gates to Mark Zuckerberg; Leibovitz’s legendary career continues to place her at the center of the world’s most fascinating people. Her iconic images have defined decades and culture and made her one of the most influential photographers of our time. She has mastered documenting the contemporary world with an artist’s eye and an uncanny ability to personalize even the most widely known subjects.
*At Work* is the new revised and updated edition of her bestselling, Annie Leibovitz at Work, which was first released in 2008 and sold out everywhere. At Work brings readers on a journey through some of her most memorable photographs, and the stories behind them, shedding as much light on her portrait-making process as on her subjects. Leibovitz offers tips, both technical and creative, that only someone with such a legendary career could share.
#### [**Never Play Dead: How the Truth Makes You Unstoppable**](https://www.amazon.com/Never-Play-Dead-Truth-Unstoppable/dp/0062881949)
The youngest political talk show host in history, [Tomi Lahren](https://wwsg.com/speakers/tomi-lahren/) doesn’t shy away from controversy. She is best known for her signature “Final Thoughts,” which has exceeded 575 million views on Facebook alone. She is now a FoxNews contributor and host on the digital streaming platform FoxNation.
In *Never Play Dead*, Tomi cheers on anyone, especially other young women willing to speak their minds. She tells the story of how she worked her way out of South Dakota to television fame in LA, surviving social isolation, a truly terrible boyfriend, and awful workplaces. Along the way, she was tempted to follow everyone’s advice to keep quiet and bide her time, but she never did. Free speech isn’t just saying what you want; it’s hearing what you don’t want to hear and Lahren offers advice on how to shed your fear, find your inner strength, speak the truth, and never let the haters get you down.
####
#### [**Amaze**](https://www.amazon.com/Amaze-Cristina-Mittermeier/dp/3961711240/ref=sr_1_1?crid=18C559MJWNSFW&keywords=amaze+christina+mittermeier&qid=1585068193&sprefix=amaze+c%2Caps%2C152&sr=8-1)
A virtuous mind and voice in conservation photography and one of the most influential female photographers in the world, [Cristina Mittermeier](https://wwsg.com/speakers/cristina-mittermeier/) began her career as a Marine Biologist working in her native Mexico. She soon discovered that she could better advocate for the oceans and the planet through the lens of her camera than she could with data on spreadsheets. She quickly combined her work behind the lens with her passion for environmentalism, taking pictures around the world to explore our relationship to the earth and ocean and to draw attention to the beauty and the plight of our planet.
In *Amaze*, Mittermeier elicits our wonder and awe at the natural world and the labyrinth or “maze” of navigating a sustainable existence. As much an inspiration for sustainable living as a staggering collection of nature photography, Amaze is a must-have book for all those who care about our planet and those we share it with.
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** Cristina Mittermeier, Female Keynote Speakers, Women Keynote Speakers, Ayaan Hirsi Ali, Annie Leibovitz, Authors, Bestseller, Best Female Speakers, Women Speakers, Women Activist Speakers, Female Authors, Women Leading Women, Tomi Lahren, Women's History Month
---
### [6 Podcasts to Subscribe to While Social Distancing](https://wwsg.com/blog/6-podcasts-to-subscribe-to-while-social-distancing/)
**Published:** April 2, 2020
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
As we settle into a new reality of staying home, finding ways to keep busy can seem daunting. With schools, museums, movie theaters, bars, and restaurants all closed people are turning to other ways to keep themselves entertained. One of the best ways to do so is through Podcasts. Over the past decade, Podcasts have gone from a niche interest to a mainstream form of entertainment. A good Podcast can provide virtual companionship, make you laugh, and teach you something new. But where to begin?
There are now over 800,000 active podcasts with over 54 million podcast episodes currently available worldwide so finding the right ones for you can be intimidating. WWSG has put together a list of some of our favorites. From up–to–date news to interviews with celebrities to business advice, there is something for everyone.
[Coronavirus: Fact vs Fiction:](https://www.cnn.com/audio/podcasts/corona-virus)
Join CNN Chief Medical Correspondent [Dr. Sanjay Gupta](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sanjay-gupta/) for the latest news about the coronavirus. He’ll make sense of the headlines, speak with the experts and give you all the information you need to stay safe and healthy.
[Newt’s World:](http://www.westwoodonepodcasts.com/pods/newts-world/)
Join former House Speaker, professor, historian, and futurist [Newt Gingrich](https://wwsg.com/speakers/newt-gingrich/) as he shares his lifetime of knowledge and access to the world’s most interesting minds in a new series that covers all aspects of our society. From history to health, national security to science, Newt offers stories, conversations, and context to uncover new perspectives, knowledge and insight. This podcast isn’t about politics; it’s about exploring the past, present, and future to understand where we’ve been and where we’re going.
[Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard:](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/armchair-expert-with-dax-shepard/id1345682353)
Join actor, director, and writer Dax Shepard and Emmy-nominated Monica Padman as they interview their guests about the “messiness of being human.” Over two seasons they have interviewed a wide range of celebrities, journalist, and academics such as Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Chris Voss, Dr. Michael Gervais and many more.
[Game Changers with Molly Fletcher:](https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/molly-fletcher-2/game-changers-with-molly-fletcher)
Join former sports agent and keynote speaker [Molly Fletcher](https://wwsg.com/speakers/molly-fletcher/) as she takes you behind the scenes with peak performers to learn what makes them tick and discover how you can apply their lessons to your life. From top athletes and coaches, transformative CEOs, brilliant thought leaders, and entrepreneurs and trailblazers from around the world, Molly’s guests will help you maximize your influence and unleash your potential.
[Finding Mastery: Conversations with Michael Gervais:](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finding-mastery-conversations-with-michael-gervais/id1025326955?mt=2)
Join high performance psychologist [Michael Gervais](https://wwsg.com/speakers/michael-gervais/) as he decodes the many paths toward mastery and provides applied practices that can be used to do more in our lives. From his time in the trenches with some of the best performers in the world Gervais has learned lessons to help others become the best they can be.
[Business Unusual with Barbara Corcoran:](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/business-unusual-with-barbara-corcoran/id1378685290)
Join real estate mogul and star of ‘Shark Tank’ [Barbara Corcoran](https://wwsg.com/speakers/barbara-corcoran/) as she gives you straight talk and the confidence you need to be successful. Life is too short to waste your time practicing someone else’s fancy theory on success, it is time to find your own.
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** Keynote Speakers, Newt Gingrich, Sanjay Gupta, Political Speakers, Heathcare Speakers, Podcasts, Business Speakers, Inspirational Speakers, Molly Fletcher, Barbara Corcoran, Michael Gervais
---
### [10 Mental Health Speakers to Help You Through Hard Times](https://wwsg.com/blog/10-mental-health-speakers-to-help-you-through-hard-times/)
**Published:** April 15, 2020
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
In many ways, COVID-19 has created a milestone moment for [mental health](https://wwsg.com/speaker-search/?speaker_topic_lists=healthcare-and-wellness&speaker_type_list=wellness) and [healthcare](https://wwsg.com/speaker-search/?speaker_topic_lists=healthcare-and-wellness). The crisis has sparked a concern for the emotional and mental well-being of the entire population, erasing the stigma associated with mental health. The uncertainty surrounding daily life, fear and stress that comes with the constant tide of the news, and the loneliness caused by social isolation has everyone searching for new ways to relax and manage their emotional and mental well-being. Some are experimenting with yoga and meditation others are learning new skills or finding new ways to spend time with friends, albeit virtually. If you are anything like us at WWSG you might be turning to experts on how to stay happy and motivated while navigating this uncertainty.
Whether they are encouraging listeners with one of the most inspirational and viewed [Ted Talks](https://www.ted.com/talks) of all time, writing international bestsellers that illicit change, or consulting Fortune 100 companies on how to improve society and their business, these thought leaders share insight and tools for navigating this time with courage and success. If you are looking for uplifting keynotes that will help to improve mindfulness, positivity and your overall well-being, look no further then these inspirational experts.
[**Mel Robbins**](https://wwsg.com/speakers/mel-robbins/) – Best-selling author, internationally recognized social media influencer, and one of the most booked [motivational speakers](https://wwsg.com/speaker-search/?speaker_topic_lists=motivational-inspirational) in the world, Robbins is the creator of a powerful mind trick called the 5 Second Rule. Backed by science it will transform how you think, how you work, and how you live. Her social media platforms inspire more than 60 million people every month and her TEDx Talk is one of the most popular of all time, with more than 18 million views.
[**Tali Sharot**](https://wwsg.com/speakers/tali-sharot/) – Award-winning author and acclaimed Professor, Sharot is a leading expert on decision-making and emotion. A neuroscientist by trade, Sharot combines research in psychology, behavioral economics and neuroscience to reveal the forces that shape our decisions, beliefs and inaccurate expectations of the future and how those can be altered (or sustained). Sharot’s thought-provoking insights have helped organizations induce behavioral change, create decision-making policies, and shift beliefs.
[**Neil Pasricha**](https://wwsg.com/speakers/neil-pasricha/) **–** After graduating from Harvard Business School, Pasricha spent a decade as Director of Leadership at Walmart, the world’s largest company. While there he wrote the 50-million-hit, award-winning blog 1000 Awesome Things and the New York Times bestsellers The Book of Awesome and The Happiness Equation which have been on international bestseller lists for over 200 weeks and sold over a million copies. Neil’s research and books on happiness, mindset, and human potential have received attention from Harvard Business Review, The New Yorker, The Sunday Times, CNN, and BBC.
[**Dan Buettner**](https://wwsg.com/speakers/dan-buettner/) – New York Times best-selling author and world-renowned explorer Dan Buettner uncovers the secrets to a longer, healthier and happier life. As a National Geographic writer, Buettner has traveled the globe to uncover the best strategies for longevity, wellness and happiness. His work focuses on three goals: identifying locations where higher percentages of people enjoy remarkably long, full lives; his global study on the keys to personal happiness; and re-creating the healthiest cities and workplaces by incorporating these lifestyle secrets on well-being.
[**Amy Blankson**](https://wwsg.com/speakers/amy-blankson/) – Bestselling Author of The Future of Happiness, Blankson is the only person to receive a Point of Light from two sitting US Presidents. After graduating from Harvard College and Yale School of Management, she has focused her work on understanding how to [cultivate happiness](/blog/celebrate-international-day-of-happiness-with-4-happiness-experts) in a digital era. She is a co-founder of the Digital Wellness Collective, a member of the UN Global Happiness Council, and is currently working with the IEEE to create standards for well-being in the creation of artificial intelligence and emotion awareness. Most recently, Amy has shared her thought leadership as a speaker at TEDx, as a regular contributor for Forbes on Women, Technology, and Leadership, and as a featured professor in Oprah’s Happiness course.
[**Pandit Dasa**](https://wwsg.com/speakers/pandit-dasa/) – A mindful [leadership](https://wwsg.com/speaker-search/?speaker_topic_lists=leadership-strategic-management) expert, author, and motivational keynote speaker, Dasa sharing his journey on how and why he spent 15 years living as a monk in New York City, the incredible life and leadership lessons he learned from that experience and why he’s no longer a monk. His inspirational speeches aim to create a more mindful workplace culture which increases productivity and improves retention.
[**Jenny Evans**](https://wwsg.com/speakers/jenny-evans/) – A Speaker and on-air expert on resiliency, stress, and [performance](https://wwsg.com/speaker-search/?speaker_topic_lists=success-teamwork), Evans is the founder and CEO of PowerHouse Performance and author of the best-selling book The Resiliency rEvolution: Your Stress Solution for Life—60 Seconds at a Time. Working with thousands of C-suite executives, leaders and employees worldwide, she inspires and educates audiences to increase their capacity for stress and to recover from it more quickly and effectively.
[**Shawn Achor**](https://wwsg.com/speakers/shawn-achor/) – After spending twelve years at Harvard University, Achor has become one of the world’s leading experts on the connection between happiness and success. His research on mindset made the cover of Harvard Business Review, his TED talk is one of the most popular of all time with over 13 million views, and his lecture airing on PBS has been seen by millions. Achor’s talks have taken him to over 50 countries and a wide range of audiences from the White House to the NFL, CEOs in China, doctors in Dubai, school children in South Africa, farmers in Zimbabwe, as well as numerous Fortune 100 companies, the NBA, and the Pentagon.
[**Michelle Gielan**](https://wwsg.com/speakers/michelle-gielan/) – The bestselling author of Broadcasting Happiness: The Science of Igniting and Sustaining Positive Change, Gielan was named one of the Top 10 authors on resilience by the Harvard Business Review. She is an Executive Producer of “The Happiness Advantage” on PBS and a featured professor in Oprah’s Happiness course. She formerly served as anchor of The CBS Morning News, and her research has received attention from dozens of media outlets including The Washington Post, FORBES, and The New York Times.
[**Nataly Kogan**](https://wwsg.com/speakers/nataly-kogan/) – A successful [entrepreneur ](https://wwsg.com/speaker-search/?speaker_type_list=entrepreneurship)and venture capitalist, Kogan found that after reaching the highest levels of corporate America, she still wasn’t happy. Chasing achievement left her proud but unfulfilled, so she became inspired to figure out how to live a fuller, happier life. She is now CEO and Founder of Happier, an organization inspired by scientific research that shows how gratitude, mindfulness, and staying connected to people you care about create the foundation for a happier and healthier life.
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** Neil Pasricha, Dan Buettner, Tali Sharot, Mel Robbins, Nataly Kogan, Pandit Dasa, Stress, Amy Blankson, Michelle Gielan, Shawn Achor, Happiness Speakers, Inspirational Speakers, Happiness Experts, Motivation, Resiliency, Mental Health Speakers, Mental Health, Jenny Evans
---
### [How to Tackle Event Content and Vet Speakers for Virtual Events](https://wwsg.com/blog/how-to-tackle-event-content-and-vet-speakers-for-virtual-events/)
**Published:** September 8, 2020
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
[**Virtual events**](https://preview.hs-sites.com/virtual-events "https://preview.hs-sites.com/virtual-events") are nothing new, but with COVID-19 and stay-at-home orders around the world, virtual events have become the way forward for the time being. This has forced many event professionals to radically shift their mindsets and planning processes to embrace the virtual format and everything that comes with it.
From researching the endless and extensive options of [**virtual event platforms**](https://preview.hs-sites.com/blog/7-virtual-event-platforms-our-customers-love "https://preview.hs-sites.com/blog/7-virtual-event-platforms-our-customers-love"), to deciding on and organizing event content, to vetting keynote speakers, pivoting from a live to virtual event will take more planning than many think. With over 60+ combined years of experience working in the events industry and placing speakers, members of the Worldwide Speakers Group staff are here to help.
We sat down with Kristy Kalo and Nanette Hinkle, two of WWSG’s Vice Presidents of Sales, and asked them about how to organize event content and pick speakers for virtual events.
**With so many events and conferences being held virtually right now, it can be a bit daunting to think about session content and speakers. Where do we even start?**
**Kristy:** *First, think about your goals for the event. Have they changed now that the event is being held digitally? Do you want to inform your audience, motivate and inspire them, address an issue or problem within the organization, provide an outlet for people to listen and share views about a specific topic? All of this information will help in guiding you towards the right fit when it comes to the format of the event, the type of speaker you should have and the best platform for hosting the program.*
**Once we’ve identified our goals, how do we organize the content so it’s impactful and absorbed by our attendees?**
**Nanette:** *Great question. Research shows that online attendee engagement stays highest if the time spent at a computer is three consecutive hours or less. So, you may want to consider hosting your event over the course of several days and then rolling out additional bonus content following the event instead of hosting one or two marathon days.*
**Should those sessions be different from what we plan for in person events?**
**Kristy:** *Potentially – keep in mind that content has to be much more dynamic when presented through a computer screen. Interactive aspects, like word clouds, voting, sharing appropriate photos and other interactive breaks in the talking will help keep attendees engaged. Additionally, it is important to incorporate special moments into the program because attendees will be missing the in person networking and interactions.*
**Once we’ve identified which sessions we’re going to hold and how they will be organized, how do we select the speakers?**
**Nanette:** *Think about your specific audience and what will drive them to log on to their screen and watch someone. Would a speaker with great name recognition get them excited to attend? Are they interested in specific content? We’ve seen a lot of success stories from groups who hosted a well-known speaker who gives the attendees a good reason to attend, similar to the idea of a headliner for live events. Alternatively, if you have a group who is experiencing a certain challenge or needs certain information to do their jobs well, a speaker with expertise in that specific content is a great option. For instance, if its important to know how the election or certain legislation will impact business, a political speaker would be able to shed light on those topics or if your organization is facing a big change, a speaker who discusses disruption would be impactful.*
**Are all speakers equipped to present virtually?**
**Kristy:** *Not at all, and just because someone is a wonderful presenter in person, that does not always translate into a dynamic virtual presentation. You need to look for someone with experience presenting virtually. We will help you identify speakers that are gifted in this particular type of presenting and often we can provide you with recent feedback from other groups that have hosted them recently or we may have video clips that can show a brief part of a virtual presentation to give you a sense of how they will appear on screen.*
**Once we’ve selected our speakers, what comes next?**
**Nanette:** *Like Kristy said, we’ll help you find the perfect speakers to accomplish your goals and needs for this new virtual world of events. Once you know who those speakers are, we can help provide you with great tools to promote the event, sometimes speakers are able to film short videos that can be sent to attendees leading up to the event or we can share content that will generate interest in the event. And just like the live events we handle, we will be providing support leading up to and during your program. Our event coordinators are well versed in various on-line presentation platforms and can work with you to set up rehearsals to ensure the lighting, sound, computer angle, etc. are all perfect. We also will provide an opportunity for your organization to have a call with a speaker and discuss the content of the program to make sure everyone is working with the same expectations for what it needs to accomplish. Our job is to make yours a little easier and we consider it a privilege to work with you and your team to make sure you have a successful speaker event.*
Let our expert event planners help you find the perfect speaker for your virtual event! We offer some of the best speaker options in the industry.
[ Contact Us](https://wwsg.com/contact-us/)
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** Keynote Speakers, Virtual Event, How to Hire a Keynote Speaker, Event Planning, Event Logistics, Events
---
### [Top-Requested Speakers](https://wwsg.com/blog/top-requested-speakers-january-2021/)
**Published:** January 12, 2021
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Worldwide Speakers Group represents a brilliant array of speakers all over the world who are thought leaders in their respective industries. The experts below in finance & economy, healthcare, government policy, and arts & sciences are highly requested for their unique perspectives and expertise.
These leaders and the many more available through WWSG will ensure your upcoming events are both beneficial and memorable for your attendees. For more information, [Contact Us](https://wwsg.com/contact-us).
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/mario-draghi/?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9orFS59hni8ZYzHW9MrHXcxyhjHLrcBnHyHgaaV6ftaewzyBq3S-jImrvr7QKUyKasGtVQ)
#### 1. Mario Draghi: *President of the European Central Bank (2011-2019)*
Popular Speech Topics:
• A World on the Rise: A Conversation with Mario Draghi
• The Global Economy: Whatever It Takes
• Breaking Down Brexit
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/scott-gottlieb-2/?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9orFS59hni8ZYzHW9MrHXcxyhjHLrcBnHyHgaaV6ftaewzyBq3S-jImrvr7QKUyKasGtVQ)
#### 2. Scott Gottlieb, M.D.: *Physician; Former Commissioner Food and Drug Administration (2017-2019)*
Popular Speech Topics:
• Healthcare Innovation and The Political Economy
• The Landscape of Affordable Healthcare
• Insights from Washington
#### [](https://wwsg.com/speakers/cristina-mittermeier/?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9orFS59hni8ZYzHW9MrHXcxyhjHLrcBnHyHgaaV6ftaewzyBq3S-jImrvr7QKUyKasGtVQ)3. [Cristina Mittermeier:](https://wwsg.com/speakers/cristina-mittermeier/?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9orFS59hni8ZYzHW9MrHXcxyhjHLrcBnHyHgaaV6ftaewzyBq3S-jImrvr7QKUyKasGtVQ) *Conservation Photographer*
Popular Speech Topics:
• Enoughness – The Ancient Secret to Happiness
• The Water’s Edge: Photography & Conservation
• A Love Letter to the Sea
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/joseph-grogan/?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9orFS59hni8ZYzHW9MrHXcxyhjHLrcBnHyHgaaV6ftaewzyBq3S-jImrvr7QKUyKasGtVQ)
#### 4. Joseph Grogan:*Former Assistant to President Donald J. Trump and Director of the Domestic Policy Council*
Popular Speech Topics:
• America’s Globalism in the Age of the Coronavirus
• COVID-19 Response–Lessons Learned and the Road Ahead
• Beyond Health Reform
#### [](https://wwsg.com/speakers/evan-feigenbaum/?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9orFS59hni8ZYzHW9MrHXcxyhjHLrcBnHyHgaaV6ftaewzyBq3S-jImrvr7QKUyKasGtVQ)5. [Dr. Evan A. Feigenbaum:](https://wwsg.com/speakers/evan-feigenbaum/?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9orFS59hni8ZYzHW9MrHXcxyhjHLrcBnHyHgaaV6ftaewzyBq3S-jImrvr7QKUyKasGtVQ) *Vice President for Studies, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace*
Popular Speech Topics:
• Can America Thrive in the Asian Century?
• China: What Its Boom or Bust Means for Your Business
• Asia on the Brink: The World’s New Center of Gravity?
## [ Contact Us to Host One of These Speakers!](https://wwsg.com/contact-us)
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** Scott Gottlieb, mario draghi, speaker bureau, top business speaker, Resiliency, Best Female Speakers, Evan Feigenbaum, Coronavirus, joseph grogan, Healthcare Speakers, Politics, Thought Leaders, female keynote speaker, Cristina Mittermeier, Keynote Speakers, environment speakers
---
### [Black History Month: Keep Moving Forward](https://wwsg.com/blog/black-history-month-keep-moving-forward/)
**Published:** January 26, 2021
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
******
***“If you can’t fly then run, if you can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward.” —Martin Luther King Jr.***
Last week, Kamala Harris cemented her place in American history after being sworn in as the first female African-American Vice President of the United States. Black History Month gives everyone the opportunity to celebrate and understand Black heritage and culture. Discover our thought leaders who have made firsts and have much to share.
[Find Your Speaker >>](https://wwsg.com/speaker-search/)
### Powerful Thought Leaders to Consider:
These leaders and the many more available through WWSG will ensure your upcoming events are both beneficial and memorable for your attendees. For more information, [Contact Us](https://wwsg.com/contact/?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9orFS59hni8ZYzHW9MrHXcxyhjHLrcBnHyHgaaV6ftaewzyBq3S-jImrvr7QKUyKasGtVQ).
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/allen-b-west/)
1\. **[Congressman Allen B. West](https://wwsg.com/speakers/allen-b-west/)**
*Chairman of the Republican Party of Texas; Distinguished Conservative Thought-Leader; Highly Decorated Military Veteran; Author, Guardian of the Republic*
**Popular Speech Topics:**
• Conservatism in the African American Community
• Policy, Politics, Procedures
• Steadfast Leadership in Good Times and Bad
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/demaurice-smith/)
2\. [**DeMaurice Smith**](https://wwsg.com/speakers/demaurice-smith/)
*Executive Director, National Football League Players Association (NFLPA)*
**Popular Speech Topics:**
• Leadership: Rising to the Occasion
• Operational Game Strategy: Managing Plans, Politics, and Personalities
• Doing Well and Doing Good: Corporate Responsibility and the Bottom Line
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/donna-brazile/)3. [**Donna Brazile**](https://wwsg.com/speakers/donna-brazile/)
*Veteran Democratic Political Strategist; Adjunct Professor; Author; Syndicated Columnist*
**Popular Speech Topics:**
• Black Leadership: Past, Present and Future
• Women in American Politics: Are We There Yet?
• Political Outlook: A Comprehensive Picture of What’s Going on in Washington
[ Contact To Learn More and Book](https://wwsg.com/contact-us/)
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** Black Keynote Speakers, Martin Luther King, donna brazile, Allen West, speaker bureau, NFL, Black History Month, top business speaker, Resiliency, Best Female Speakers, DeMaurice Smith, Democrat Speakers, Black Speakers, Republican Speakers, Politics, Thought Leaders, female keynote speaker, Keynote Speakers, Jr.
---
### [Scott Gottlieb: Physician and Transformative Leader](https://wwsg.com/blog/scott-gottlieb-physician-transformative-leader/)
**Published:** January 28, 2021
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/scott-gottlieb-2)
*Physician; Former Commissioner Food and Drug Administration (2017-2019); Former Senior Advisor, CMS; Contributor, CNBC & Face the Nation*
[ View Speaker Page](https://wwsg.com/speakers/scott-gottlieb-2)
Scott Gottlieb is an aggressive advocate for advancing the health of patients, promoting healthcare access, and driving innovation. The FDA’s historic and prolific advances in new policy distinguished his tenure as the former commissioner, in addition to a record-setting number of approvals of novel drugs, medical devices, and generic medicines. Under his leadership, the FDA advanced new frameworks for modern safe and effective oversight of gene therapies, cell based regenerative medicines, targeted drugs, and digital health devices. The FDA implemented new reforms to standardize drug reviews and make historic improvements of post market data collection and the use of real-world evidence.
Dr. Gottlieb’s success in his role as the 23rd FDA Commissioner directly enabled the quick processing and approval of Covid-19 vaccines. His demonstrated success in transformative leadership is as advanced and impressive as his success in educating the public for the past year about Coronavirus facts, developments, and breakthroughs. Dr. Gottlieb’s speaking engagements cover a broad range of perspective and expertise, which is why so many organizations invite him back to speak on multiple occasions. For more information on hosting Dr. Gottlieb, [Contact Us](https://wwsg.com/contact/?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8mQ68Mtm0DX0d4f3PW1LYs7JYNnLOoysgGYd8pH7UpQVOnsfwYtbj11XkfSGaTnR9H-Rmd).
What customers are saying:
### ***“We were extremely pleased with yesterday’s session. It was informative and engaging. The forty minute conversation went fast… We are in awe of your abilities!”***
### ***“A de facto voice of reason in health care.”***
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** WWSG's Top Speakers, Medical Speakers, Heathcare Speakers, Scott Gottlieb
---
### [Mark Esper: Worldwide Speakers Group Exclusive Announcement](https://wwsg.com/blog/mark-esper-worldwide-speakers-group-exclusive-announcement/)
**Published:** February 23, 2021
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
WWSG is thrilled to announce our newest exclusive speaker, Mark Esper!
Mark has led a distinguished career as a visionary leader, innovator, reformer, and change agent with a proven record of accomplishment in a wide range of roles and organizations. He attributes his success to the importance he places on character and values, coupled with boundless energy and a can-do spirit that puts the organization and its people first, and treating everyone with dignity and respect.
Mark Esper offers audiences an array of insights, ideas, forecasts, and strategies based on relevant experience, fostering the success of both individuals and teams.
His speech topics include in-depth analyses of Leadership, U.S. Foreign Policy, and National Security.
To learn more about hosting Mr. Esper, [contact us.](https://wwsg.com/contact)
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** speakers, Mark Esper, Top Speaker on U.S./China relations, political speaker, national security speakers, defense, China, Resiliency, Virtual Event, professional development, Business Speakers
---
### [Marc Short: Worldwide Speakers Group Exclusive Announcement](https://wwsg.com/blog/marc-short-worldwide-speakers-group-exclusive-announcement/)
**Published:** February 2, 2021
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/marc-short/)
[ View Speaker Page](https://wwsg.com/speakers/marc-short)
Worldwide Speakers Group is thrilled to announce Marc Short as our newest exclusive speaker, who has held breakthrough leadership positions in government affairs off and on Capitol Hill. Marc’s expertise offers relevant, valuable takeaways to your organization.
Mr. Short most recently served as Chief of Staff to Vice President Mike Pence and as Assistant to the President and Director of Legislative Affairs at the White House. As the legislative affairs director, he worked to successfully pass the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and shepherd through the nomination of Justice Neil Gorsuch.
Marc is known for his polished pragmatism, a grounded approach to leadership, and for his humility. He told National Journal, “If you approach the job with a servant’s heart, then you end up better serving the president.”
Speech Topics:
- Leadership Lessons Learned Over Twenty Years At The Top
- The Future Of Republicanism And Conservatism After Trump
- Gridlock Government: The Nexus of Politics and Business
[View Speech Topic Details >>](https://wwsg.com/speakers/marc-short)
For more information on hosting Mr. Short, [Contact Us](https://wwsg.com/contact/).
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** Top Speaker on Politics, Politics, Political Speakers, Republican Speakers, political gridlock, Government, political speaker, Top speaker on policy, marc short, Political Events, top speakers on Organizational Behavior
---
### [DeMaurice Smith: A WWSG MVP](https://wwsg.com/blog/demaurice-smith-a-wwsg-mvp/)
**Published:** February 4, 2021
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/demaurice-smith/)
With excitement for Super Bowl LV, we’re featuring one of our “Most Valuable Speakers”: DeMaurice Smith! Smith is the executive director of the NFL Players Association and tackles important topics in his speaking engagements like diversity and inclusion, corporate responsibility, and transformational leadership. Commenting on the protocols implemented and thought process behind the NFL’s decision to move forward with a virtual offseason in 2020, Smith wrote, “It is fantasy to ignore division, but there is no escaping responsibility to each other… All of us become greater by embracing the reality of a joined fate that we have as Americans.” Smith is highly regarded for his ethical decision-making, offering audiences with motivational and practical takeaways for managing their businesses and beyond. To learn more about hosting Mr. Smith, [Contact Us](https://wwsg.com/contact/).
Customers are saying…
***“De was a huge hit with the team! They loved his stories, his messages, and his personality. We also loved how he said, ‘the strongest headwinds come from within.’ And his message of bringing your authentic self to work every day also resonated.”***
[**Visit Speaker Page >>**](https://wwsg.com/speakers/demaurice-smith/)
---
## Recent Headlines
[NFLPA director ‘planning’ for another virtual offseason](https://www.thescore.com/nfl/news/2095700)T *(theScore)*
NFLPA executive director DeMaurice Smith says the upcoming offseason will likely be virtual again due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
[Read Now >>](https://www.thescore.com/nfl/news/2095700)
**[NFL insider notes: Critical voices mount about lack of diversity in coach hiring, plus more on coach carousel](https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfl-insider-notes-critical-voices-mount-about-lack-of-diversity-in-coach-hiring-plus-more-on-coach-carousel/)** *(CBS Sports)*
“The NFL reached out to the NFLPA to ask for assistance in its overall effort of increasing diversity, and we’re going to be presenting some things to the league right around the Super Bowl.”
[Read Now >>](https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfl-insider-notes-critical-voices-mount-about-lack-of-diversity-in-coach-hiring-plus-more-on-coach-carousel/)
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** keynote business speaker, Thought Leaders, Black Speakers, business keynote presentation, DeMaurice Smith, Black Keynote Speakers, Top Leadership Speaker, professional development, Business Speakers, top business speaker, top speakers on Organizational Behavior, Black History Month, NFL, sports
---
### [Spirit Bears with National Geographic | Paul Nicklen](https://wwsg.com/blog/spirit-bears-with-national-geographic-guest-post-by-paul-nicklen/)
**Published:** October 25, 2023
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
*This is a guest post by WWSG thought leader, [Paul Nicklen](https://wwsg.com/speakers/paul-nicklen). All images are copyrighted. To purchase Paul’s work, [visit his website](https://paulnicklen.com/fine-art/).*
#### “There is no repose like that of the green deep woods.” –John Muir
Last summer, my close friend Marven Robinson, a respected leader and wildlife guide in the Gitga’at community of Hartley Bay in British Columbia’s Great Bear Rainforest, delivered sad news. Ma’ah, a beloved spirit bear, did not emerge from her winter den with the spring thaw. Shortly afterward, I received the disheartening news that the very first spirit bear I had ever photographed, affectionately called Mushroom, had also failed to make an appearance during the autumn salmon returns. The two absences most likely meant the bears had not survived the long winter in their dens, marking the end of an era within the rainforest. The impact of their loss and legacy spans far beyond the misty shores to one of the most consequential assignments of my life’s work.
![The first spirit bear I ever had the honour of photographing was a calm, giant male who Marven had affectionately named "Mushroom." | © Paul Nicklen Photography](https://wwsg.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Spirit-2.jpg "The first spirit bear I ever had the honour of photographing was a calm, giant male who Marven had affectionately named "Mushroom." | © Paul Nicklen Photography - Worldwide Speakers Group")The first spirit bear I ever had the honour of photographing was a calm giant male who Marven had affectionately named Mushroom | © Paul Nicklen PhotographyA little over twelve years ago, big oil interests had set their sights on the Great Bear Rainforest, aiming to construct the Northern Gateway Pipelines. The project would stretch from Canada’s Tar Sands, home to the most carbon-intensive oil in the world, to the rich and bountiful coastal shores of British Columbia. In an effort to help prevent a looming environmental disaster, I set out under the guidance of the Gitga’at and Kitasoo/Xais’xais First Nations to shoot the story as the cover feature for National Geographic Magazine. Looking for a charismatic symbol to mobilize supporters against the pipeline, I turned to Marven, who knew exactly which animals would win the hearts of a global audience. And, more importantly, he knew where to find them.
© Paul Nicklen PhotographySpirit bears, or kermode bears, as they are sometimes called, are black bears born with white fur due to the presence of a recessive gene. As legend has it, every tenth black bear cub in the Great Bear is turned white and gifted with special medicine. Their secret existence was carefully guarded by people like the Gitga’at for centuries and, even with a knowledgeable guide like Marven, the bears can be extremely difficult to find.
Maah the gentle forest matriarch delicately balances on a branch and pulls crabapples to her mouth using her claws | © Paul Nicklen PhotographyTreading through the Great Bear Rainforest was like stepping back in time. The giant trees of the Pacific coast can reach formidable heights thanks to an abundance of nitrogen in the soil. When carnivores like bears catch fish, they drag their quarry deep into the forest, where the remains seep into the earth and feed the local flora. You can even look at tree rings going back centuries and pinpoint the years when there was a large salmon return based on the accelerated growth of the trees. It was one of the most beautiful habitats I had ever photographed. However, after weeks of trudging through the rain with wet clothing, equipment, and electronics, I had nothing to show for it — and I was starting to despair. As National Geographic always reminded us, “We publish pictures, not excuses.”
Weeks went by without a single bear. Finally, just as I was about to give up, I caught a glimmer of white out of the corner of my eye, and there he was – a giant male Marven had described as calm and friendly. According to Marven, if the bear accepted me, he would let me into his world.
Marven named the bear Mushroom, not for the colour of his fur but for the fact that Marven once saw him eat wild forest mushrooms – which may or may not have had hallucinogenic side effects. Thankfully when I first met Mushroom, his behaviour was normal, with no signs of fungi consumption. He was nestled deep in the trees in a sea of moss, glowing like a pale moon in the shadows. I quickly snapped a couple of shots, certain he would vanish – only instead of retreating into the forest, he got up and came straight to me. Suddenly I was feet away from a massive spirit bear fishing for salmon, close enough to film him on a 16mm wide-angle lens.
© Paul Nicklen PhotographyIt was overwhelming to go from seeing nothing for weeks to having a bear standing a few feet away and acting like I did not exist – a photographer’s dream. I spent the next two days photographing every angle of my new friend, experimenting with long exposure shots, and filling my memory cards with thousands of images. Two days was enough to give me several photographs to fill our feature story for National Geographic Magazine, but I had yet to capture the image that would ultimately make it to the cover.
On one of my final days, my friends Jed Weingarten and Patrick Freeny spotted a flash of white in the branches of a crabapple tree while sailing past a clearing on an island. Through my lens, I made out a thick golden-white coat, a fluffy pair of ears, and a set of deep brown eyes that instilled an inexplicable sense of peace. Ma’ah was smaller than most bears and well-known to locals like Marven for her incredibly gentle nature. Ma’ah means grandmother in Gitga’at, and the delicate way she moved reminded me of a beloved grandma. I waited for her to delve deeper into the branches and emerge again, framing her little white face between the jeweled reds and greens of the fruiting boughs, before making what would ultimately become the cover shot.
The name Maah translates to grandmother in Gitgaat a fitting name for a calm wise and patient little bear | © Paul Nicklen PhotographyOver the years, Ma’ah’s gentle presence became something of a mascot for the rainforest, inspiring empathy and public outcry for the future of her home. By 2016, the pipeline was officially called off after years of tireless advocacy from First Nations and conservation groups. Although the loss of Ma’ah and Mushroom has been felt along the coast, their legacy continues to emerge from the shadowy forest in the form of new snow-white faces. I will forever be grateful for the time I spent in their company and for the support of people like you who stand with our planet’s incredible wildlife.
Thank you for taking the time to read these letters and for being part of the journey.
With immense gratitude,
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** Paul Nicklen, Climate Change, Photography, Nature Photography, Photography Keynote Speakers, Wildlife, Animals, bear, National Geographic, Bears, ecosystems, balance, North, Winter, black bear
---
### [Suneel Gupta's New Book, Backable Says "Quality Can Be Learned"](https://wwsg.com/blog/suneel-guptas-new-book-backable-says-it-quality-can-be-learned/)
**Published:** February 16, 2021
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
## Are You…
[](http://www.backable.com)Don’t miss the highly anticipated book, [Backable](https://www.backable.com/) by WWSG speaker [Suneel Gupta](https://wwsg.com/speakers/suneel-gupta/)!
Being Backable is no longer just for celebrities and CEOs. It’s for all of us. Whether you want to step into a leadership role, champion a creative idea, sign a hard-to-reach client or recruit top-notch talent, we need other people to believe in us and our ideas. In a topsy-turvy world, learning how to take a chance on you has gone from nice to necessary.
Inside this book are long-held secrets from extraordinary people, including Oscar-winning filmmakers, members of Congress, Michelin-star chefs, venture capitalists, and founders of iconic companies – along with 7 simple steps that you can use to immediately make yourself backable.
[ Order](https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/suneel-gupta/backable/9781549100833/?lens=little-brown)
[ Visit Speaker Page](https://wwsg.com/speakers/suneel-gupta/)
[****](http://www.backable.com)
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** Keynote Speakers, Suneel Gupta, innovation speaker
---
### [Spring Break Reading & Listening Suggestions](https://wwsg.com/blog/spring-break-reading-listening-suggestions/)
**Published:** March 17, 2021
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
## *“A mind that is stretched by a new experience can never go back to its old dimensions.”* –Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr.
Relaxation can have many forms, like staying comfortable at home, heading to the beach or mountains, or simply enjoying a solo lunch at your favorite restaurant. The inspiring thought leaders of Worldwide Speakers Group have been working hard throughout the past year to publish books and podcasts that are both thought-provoking and entertaining. Whatever your relaxation process is, you can add value and insight to your break with the media suggestions below.
[Find A Speaker >>](https://wwsg.com/speaker-search/)
[**The Atlantic Articles by David Frum**](https://www.theatlantic.com/author/david-frum/)
*High-Profile Political Analyst; Senior Editor at The Atlantic; Bestselling Author, “Trumpocracy” & “Trumpocalypse”; Former Speech Writer for President George W. Bush*
David Frum is one of North America’s leading voices of dispassionate, analytic, and independent conservatism. His articles in The Atlantic have been hailed as the most prophetic and insightful studies of U.S. global leadership, open international trade, and democratic institutions.
[David Frum’s Speaker Page >>](https://wwsg.com/speakers/david-frum/)
[**The Ayaan Hirsi Ali Podcast**](https://ayaanhirsiali.com/podcasts/)
*Renowned Political Leader; National Security Expert; Human Rights Advocate and Islam Reformist; Author of International Bestseller, Infidel*
What all my guests have in common is a passion for free inquiry and speech. They are not afraid to explore different perspectives, even if it means challenging their own assumptions, or violating cultural taboos.
[Ayaan Hirsi Ali’s Speaker Page >>](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ayaan-hirsi-ali/)
[**Backable by Suneel Gupta**](https://www.amazon.com/Backable-Surprising-Behind-People-Chance/dp/0316494518)
*Entrepreneur and CEO of RISE; Former Head of Product Development at Groupon and Mozilla Labs; Former Speech Writer for President Clinton*
No one makes it alone. But there’s a reason some people can get investors or bosses to believe in them while others cannot. And that reason has little to do with experience, pedigree, or a polished business plan.
[Suneel Gupta’s Speaker Page >>](https://wwsg.com/speakers/suneel-gupta/)
[GoodFellows: Conversations from the Hoover Institution](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/goodfellows-conversations-from-the-hoover-institution/id1505855709) with Niall Ferguson
*Milbank Family Senior Fellow, Hoover Institution at Stanford University; Historian; Visionary; Author*
In uncertain times what’s needed is not just clarity about today’s pandemic, but insight into the challenges that lie ahead as America recovers and returns to normal. GoodFellows features senior fellows discussing the social, economic, and geostrategic ramifications of this changed world.
[Niall Ferguson’s Speaker Page >>](https://wwsg.com/speakers/niall-ferguson/)
[Keep Sharp by Sanjay Gupta](https://www.amazon.com/Keep-Sharp-Build-Better-Brain/dp/1501166735)
*Chief Medical Correspondent, CNN; Multiple Award-Winning Journalist, Author and Neurosurgeon*
Throughout our life, we look for ways to keep our mind sharp and effortlessly productive. Globetrotting neurosurgeon Dr. Sanjay Gupta offers insights from top scientists all over the world whose cutting-edge research can help you heighten and protect brain function and maintain cognitive health at any age.
[Sanjay Gupta’s Speaker Page >>](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sanjay-gupta/)
[Newt’s World Podcast](https://www.gingrich360.com/productions/podcast/)
*Distinguished World Leader, Powerful Visionary & Political Vanguard; 2012 Republican Presidential Candidate; Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives (1995-1999)*
Join professor, historian, futurist and former Speaker of the House, Newt Gingrich as he shares his lifetime of knowledge and access to the world’s most interesting minds in a new weekly podcast that covers all aspects of our society.
[Newt Gingrich’s Speaker Page >>](https://wwsg.com/speakers/newt-gingrich/)
[**Straight Talk with Hank Paulson**](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/straight-talk-with-hank-paulson/id1526872168)
*Chairman, The Paulson Institute; Secretary of the Treasury, 2006-2009; Former Chairman and CEO, Goldman Sachs*
On Straight Talk, Hank brings this experience to his conversations with the world’s prominent leaders and thinkers, exchanging a lifetime of stories and lessons from both the private and public sectors. Each episode reveals compelling viewpoints, topical discussion, and behind-the-scenes stories.
[Henry Paulson’s Speaker Page >>](https://wwsg.com/speakers/henry-m-paulson-jr/)
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** Sanjya Gupta speaker, islam, Female Authors, Women Activist Speakers, Speaker Strategy, The Honorable Newt Gingrich, David Frum, exclusive speaker Newt Gingrich, political system dysfunctional, Political Events, middle east speakers, Niall Ferguson, political speaker, Suneel Gupta, Sanjay Gupta speaker bureau, Sanjay Gupta keynoter, Podcasts, Heathcare Speakers, Political Speakers, Politics, Ayaan Hirsi Ali, Sanjay Gupta speaker fee, Sanjay Gupta speech, Sanjay Gupta, Speaker Newt Gingrich, Newt Gingrich, female keynote speaker, Top Speaker on Politics, Hank Paulson, Jr., Henry M. Paulson
---
### [WWSG is Now Representing Former Vice President Mike Pence & Second Lady Karen Pence](https://wwsg.com/blog/wwsg-is-now-representing-former-vice-president-mike-pence-second-lady-karen-pence/)
**Published:** March 26, 2021
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
In case you missed our exciting announcements this week, former Vice President Mike Pence and Second Lady Karen Pence are both now speaking exclusively with Worldwide Speakers Group!
“Worldwide Speakers Group is a leader in its industry, and I am honored to join the roster of distinguished thought leaders that WWSG currently represents. I look forward to continue working with Bob Thomas, Dan Sims, and the entire WWSG team,” said former Vice President Pence.
As Vice President, [Mike Pence](https://wwsg.com/speakers/mike-pence) championed a number of the Administration’s policy priorities, fought to achieve results that delivered unprecedented prosperity for the American people, and chaired the White House Coronavirus Task Force. With regard to his global speaking engagements, the former Vice President plans to address leadership; policymaking; and faith, values, and service.
As Second Lady, [Karen Pence](https://wwsg.com/speakers/karen-pence) promoted the efficacy of art therapy and brought awareness to important issues such as PTSD and suicide prevention. Her remarks illustrate the passion and dedication she feels towards these matters and the sacrifices of military families. She is also an award-winning watercolor artist, bringing lightness and fresh perspective to audiences worldwide.
(View Mike Pence’s announcement [here](/former-vice-president-mike-pence-is-now-speaking-exclusively-with-wwsg).)
(View Karen Pence’s announcement [here](/karen-pence-is-exclusively-speaking-for-wwsg).)
To host Mike Pence, Karen Pence, or both at your upcoming engagement, [Contact Us](https://wwsg.com/contact)!
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** Republican Speakers, karen pence, WWSG, Political Events, Women Speakers, Best Female Speakers, Mental Health Speakers, Mental Health, election, mike pence, conservative speaker, Political Speakers, Politics, International Speaker, WWSG's Top Speakers, Women Keynote Speakers, speakers in the news, female keynote speaker, Female Keynote Speakers, Keynote Speakers
---
### [Eastern Experts: Top Speakers on China and More](https://wwsg.com/blog/eastern-experts-top-speakers-on-china-and-more/)
**Published:** April 6, 2021
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Today’s complicated geopolitical atmosphere has many wondering about the United States’ strengths and vulnerabilities and where the nation stands in the “Great Power Competition.” Worldwide Speakers Group is proud to represent leading experts on foreign policy, national security, and Eastern influence that can provide informed insights about the United States’ relations with China and the Indo-Pacific and what lies ahead for the nation’s international relationships.
[Find A Speaker >>](https://wwsg.com/speaker-search/?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9fNinr4ifmeKbAWkivI1dVvAgBVmRGj6vBfZPT5Rfkmhw5X6_7a14ZS_RTJnxbvcv2y8CP)
---
**[Elaine Chao](https://wwsg.com/speakers/elaine-l-chao?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9fNinr4ifmeKbAWkivI1dVvAgBVmRGj6vBfZPT5Rfkmhw5X6_7a14ZS_RTJnxbvcv2y8CP)**
*Former U.S. Secretary of Transportation; Former U.S. Secretary of Labor; President and CEO of United Way of America; Director of Numerous Fortune 100 Corporate Boards*
The first Asian American woman to be in the President’s cabinet, the arc of Elaine Chao’s experience encompasses cultures of Asia and the West; the public, private, and non-profit sectors; and four presidential administrations.
**[Mark Esper](https://wwsg.com/speakers/mark-esper?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9fNinr4ifmeKbAWkivI1dVvAgBVmRGj6vBfZPT5Rfkmhw5X6_7a14ZS_RTJnxbvcv2y8CP)**
*U.S. Secretary of Defense (2019-2020); Secretary of the Army (2017-2019); Commissioner, U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission (2007-2008)*
Mark Esper’s engaging presentations address the geo-political landscape facing the United States today, the trends going forward, and the core attributes and fundamental nature of American foreign policy upon which new strategies must be designed and implemented.
**[Evan Feigenbaum](https://wwsg.com/speakers/evan-feigenbaum?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8tfjXtgDB40LnhvM0iWZE4J9eQp0HrpjVEMb3Nd_vdNNzshiypZ7zlmrqQAO2hvc3Gb7ev)**
*Vice President for Studies, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace; Asia-Pacific Geopolitics and Geoeconomics Expert*
Dr. Evan A. Feigenbaum is one of America’s leading experts on Asia. With wide experience across the region, he focuses most heavily on China and India, geopolitics and economics, and the changing role of the United States across the Pacific.
**[Hank Paulson](https://wwsg.com/speakers/henry-m-paulson-jr/?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8tfjXtgDB40LnhvM0iWZE4J9eQp0HrpjVEMb3Nd_vdNNzshiypZ7zlmrqQAO2hvc3Gb7ev)**
*Chairman, The Paulson Institute; Secretary of the Treasury, 2006-2009; Former Chairman and CEO, Goldman Sachs*
A visionary leader with an adept appreciation of the financial and business challenges facing the U.S. and the world, Hank Paulson is one of the most prominent voices on today’s political, environmental, and economic landscapes. With unrivaled expertise, Paulson provides astute insights and shrewd analysis on complex, contemporary global issues.
**[Michael Pillsbury](https://wwsg.com/speakers/dr-michael-pillsbury/?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8tfjXtgDB40LnhvM0iWZE4J9eQp0HrpjVEMb3Nd_vdNNzshiypZ7zlmrqQAO2hvc3Gb7ev)**
*Director of the Center for Chinese Strategy, Hudson Institute; International Best-Selling Author, The Hundred-Year Marathon*
Dr. Pillsbury is the Director of the Center on Chinese Strategy, Hudson Institute, Washington, D.C., which challenges conventional thinking and helps manage strategic transitions to the future through interdisciplinary studies in defense, international relations, economics, health care, technology, culture, and law. He is the author of three books on China.
[ Contact Us](https://wwsg.com/contact-us/)
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** Henry M. Paulson, Jr., Hank Paulson, speakers, WWSG's Top Speakers, Mark Esper, Top Speaker on U.S./China relations, middle east speakers, Secretary Elaine Chao, Evan Feigenbaum, China, michael pillsbury
---
### [Introducing Our White House Coronavirus Task Force Panel](https://wwsg.com/blog/introducing-our-white-house-coronavirus-task-force-panel/)
**Published:** April 13, 2021
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Worldwide Speakers Group is proud to exclusively represent the leaders formerly at the forefront of managing the Covid-19 pandemic. In addition to a wealth of experience in healthcare, these thought leaders have nuanced, individualized knowledge that sets each apart and adds exponential value to your speaking engagements. Among these leaders are policymakers, military members, world-renowned scientists, authors, a former radio host, and more!
To learn more about hosting all or some of the esteemed speakers below, [Contact Us](https://wwsg.com/contact?utm_campaign=WH%20COVID-19%20Task%20Force%20Panel&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9KpbXkeWeY7twQ81oGoNIBD2tyB9gtLcOh50GkDnijew8YX5UNzrk-5WflVYvLL6SsSRZM).
[View All Coronavirus Experts >>](https://wwsg.com/speaker-search/?speaker_topic_lists=coronavirus&utm_campaign=WH%20COVID-19%20Task%20Force%20Panel&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9KpbXkeWeY7twQ81oGoNIBD2tyB9gtLcOh50GkDnijew8YX5UNzrk-5WflVYvLL6SsSRZM)
[Download Printable Panel Page >>](https://wwsg.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/2020-Covid-19-Task-Force-Panel_PRINT.pdf?utm_campaign=WH%20COVID-19%20Task%20Force%20Panel&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9KpbXkeWeY7twQ81oGoNIBD2tyB9gtLcOh50GkDnijew8YX5UNzrk-5WflVYvLL6SsSRZM)
---
**[Deborah Birx](https://wwsg.com/speakers/deborah-birx/?utm_campaign=WH%20COVID-19%20Task%20Force%20Panel&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9KpbXkeWeY7twQ81oGoNIBD2tyB9gtLcOh50GkDnijew8YX5UNzrk-5WflVYvLL6SsSRZM)**
*Physician, Diplomat, White House Coronavirus Response Coordinator (2020-2021), United States Global AIDS Coordinator (2014-2020)*
Dr. Deborah Birx is a leading medical expert known for gracefully navigating complex global health issues with a scientific and data-driven approach.
**[Joseph Grogan](https://wwsg.com/speakers/joseph-grogan/?utm_campaign=WH%20COVID-19%20Task%20Force%20Panel&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9KpbXkeWeY7twQ81oGoNIBD2tyB9gtLcOh50GkDnijew8YX5UNzrk-5WflVYvLL6SsSRZM)**
*Healthcare Policy Expert, Former Assistant to the President, Former Director of the Domestic Policy Council*
Joe Grogan is a healthcare expert with a unique blend of private sector and government experience spanning over two decades in the Washington, D.C. healthcare arena.
**[Mike Pence](https://wwsg.com/speakers/mike-pence/?utm_campaign=WH%20COVID-19%20Task%20Force%20Panel&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9KpbXkeWeY7twQ81oGoNIBD2tyB9gtLcOh50GkDnijew8YX5UNzrk-5WflVYvLL6SsSRZM)**
*48th Vice President of the United States (2017-2021); 50th Governor of Indiana (2013-2017); Distinguished Visiting Fellow, The Heritage Foundation*
The Honorable Michael R. Pence is known for gracefully advancing conservative policies with respect to limited government, fiscal responsibility, economic development, and educational opportunity.
**[Robert Redfield](https://wwsg.com/speakers/robert-redfield/?utm_campaign=WH%20COVID-19%20Task%20Force%20Panel&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9KpbXkeWeY7twQ81oGoNIBD2tyB9gtLcOh50GkDnijew8YX5UNzrk-5WflVYvLL6SsSRZM)**
*Virologist and Infectious Disease Physician; Director, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2018-2021); Retired Army Colonel*
Robert Redfield, M.D. is an American virologist and physician who has been on the cutting edge of some of the most significant scientific medical discoveries of modern history.
**[Seema Verma](https://wwsg.com/speakers/seema-verma/?utm_campaign=WH%20COVID-19%20Task%20Force%20Panel&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9KpbXkeWeY7twQ81oGoNIBD2tyB9gtLcOh50GkDnijew8YX5UNzrk-5WflVYvLL6SsSRZM)**
*Administrator, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (2017-2021); Founder & CEO, SVC Inc.*
Seema Verma is a national health policy expert known for her meaningful and successful implementation of new programs for Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
[ Contact Us to Host One of These Speakers!](https://wwsg.com/contact-us)
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** Heathcare Speakers, healthcare, joseph grogan, robert redfield, deborah birx, mike pence, seema verma, Coronavirus, covid-19
---
### [Don't Miss Ayaan Hirsi Ali's New Podcast and Book PREY](https://wwsg.com/blog/dont-miss-ayaan-hirsi-alis-new-podcast-and-book-prey/)
**Published:** February 9, 2021
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ayaan-hirsi-ali/)
*Renowned Political Leader; National Security Expert; Human Rights Advocate and Islam Reformist; Author of the International Bestseller, Infidel*
Ayaan Hirsi Ali, a former Muslim, has gained an international following for speaking and writing about what she believes to be the inherently violent nature of Islam and its subjugation and abuse of women. Ayaan’s popular speech topics include Islam in Europe: The Challenges and Opportunities of an Increasing Immigrant Population and The Emancipation of Muslim Women: Fact or Fiction? She is a true and sincere advocate to the fight against violence to women and young girls. To learn more about hosting Hirsi Ali, [Contact Us](https://wwsg.com/contact/).
Customers are saying…
***“Please know how much you have touched the lives and the thinking of all of us fortunate enough to hear you.”***
[ Visit Speaker Page](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ayaan-hirsi-ali/)
---
[](https://www.amazon.com/Prey-Immigration-Erosion-Womens-Rights/dp/0062857878/)
**Released Today: PREY**
Deeply researched and featuring fresh and often shocking revelations, *Prey* uncovers a sexual assault and harassment crisis in Europe that is turning the clock on women’s rights much further back than the #MeToo movement is advancing it.
[More Information >>](https://ayaanhirsiali.com/books/prey)
[Order Now >>](https://www.amazon.com/Prey-Immigration-Erosion-Womens-Rights/dp/0062857878/)
---
[](https://ayaanhirsiali.com/podcasts/coming-february-8-2021#)
**Launched Yesterday: The Ayaan Hirsi Ali Podcast**
“What all my guests have in common is a passion for free inquiry and speech. They are not afraid to explore different perspectives, even if it means challenging their own assumptions, or violating cultural taboos. You, the audience can make up your minds which arguments make most sense to you.”
– Ayaan Hirsi Ali
[More Information >>](https://ayaanhirsiali.com/podcasts/coming-february-8-2021#)
[Subscribe >>](https://ayaanhirsiali.com/subscribe/)
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** Keynote Speakers, female keynote speaker, Ayaan Hirsi Ali, WWSG's Top Speakers, Human Rights, Podcasts, Government, middle east speakers, motivational women speakers, Best Female Speakers, islam, immigration reform, Motivation
---
### [Seema Verma: Worldwide Speakers Group Exclusive Announcement](https://wwsg.com/blog/seema-verma-worldwide-speakers-group-exclusive-announcement/)
**Published:** February 25, 2021
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/seema-verma)
Worldwide Speakers Group is elated to announce our newest exclusive speaker, Seema Verma!
Seema Verma is a national health policy expert known for her meaningful and successful implementation of new programs for Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Verma’s engaging speeches include **Lessons Learned from the U.S. Federal Covid Response**, **Women in Leadership**, **Remarks on the United States Healthcare System**, and **Healthcare Accomplishments 2016-2021 and Beyond**. Verma’s speeches are punctuated by her admirable intellect and relevant pulse on all things healthcare-related.
Verma’s expertise spans far and wide in the healthcare vertical. Some of her talking points are:
- Healthcare Price Transparency: Examining the interests of hospitals and insurers versus the role of the government
- Medicaid and Medicare: The future of these programs from a realistic and informed point of view
- Value-based care: Defining value-based care and why policymakers are moving toward this payment model; what changes both providers and patients could expect over the short- and long-term
- Long-term care: Regulated safety protocols of long-term care, how they are managed, and recommendations for the future
- Digital Health: The seamless care system that technology and AI can enable, offering patients access to their health information and giving providers a simpler tool to provide evidence-based care, improving overall quality
- Drug Prices: Why value-based reforms are needed, especially for high-priced and potentially curative medications
- Rural Health: Remarks on the unique challenges rural communities face and how to address these barriers to deliver high-quality health care
- Remarks on Marketplaces and Insurance
For more information about hosting Administrator Verma at your organization’s next engagement, [Contact Us](https://wwsg.com/contact?utm_campaign=New%20WWSG%20Exclusive%20Speaker%20Announcement&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9u1vSsruhRJoA80X25HzjC5wmhpQQ2v3ImWzvJS4E4HsLIUegLc3gQb-d_GeCbqKBAcLAb).
[ View Speaker Page](https://wwsg.com/speakers/seema-verma/)
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** female keynote speaker, speakers, Thought Leaders, Healthcare Speakers, healthcare, political speaker, Top speaker on policy, best women speakers, covid-19, Top Leadership Speaker, Women Speakers, Resiliency, Virtual Event, professional development, Women Leading Women
---
### [Robert Redfield: Worldwide Speakers Group Exclusive Announcement](https://wwsg.com/blog/robert-redfield-worldwide-speakers-group-exclusive-announcement/)
**Published:** March 3, 2021
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/robert-redfield)
Worldwide Speakers Group is elated to announce our newest exclusive speaker, Dr. Robert Redfield!
Robert Redfield, M.D. is an American virologist and physician who has been on the cutting edge of some of the most significant scientific medical discoveries of modern history. He is widely respected for his central role in the establishment of the HIV/AIDS clinical research vaccine and subsequent development programs for therapeutic and preventative use.
Dr. Redfield approaches his work faithfully and with fervent dedication to researching the body’s immune system and biological pathways to prevent and heal disease.
His varied speech topics cover HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention, lessons learned from COVID-19, scientific innovation, and drug use disorder.
For more information about hosting Dr. Redfield at your organization’s next engagement, [Contact Us](https://wwsg.com/contact?utm_campaign=New%20WWSG%20Exclusive%20Speaker%20Announcement&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9u1vSsruhRJoA80X25HzjC5wmhpQQ2v3ImWzvJS4E4HsLIUegLc3gQb-d_GeCbqKBAcLAb).
[ View Speaker Page](https://wwsg.com/speakers/robert-redfield/)
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** speakers, Medical Speakers, Thought Leaders, Healthcare Speakers, healthcare, covid-19, Top Leadership Speaker, Resiliency, Virtual Event
---
### [Mike Pence: Worldwide Speakers Group Exclusive Announcement](https://wwsg.com/blog/mike-pence-worldwide-speakers-group-exclusive-announcement/)
**Published:** March 23, 2021
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/mike-pence)
WWSG is thrilled to announce former Vice President Mike Pence as their newest exclusive speaker.
The Honorable Michael R. Pence, 48th Vice President of the United States, is known for gracefully advancing conservative policies with respect to limited government, fiscal responsibility, economic development, educational opportunity, and upholding the fundamental virtues of the U.S. Constitution. He is widely respected for his courage, resolve, and faithfulness to his country.
The former Vice President has recently joined Washington, D.C.-based think tank Heritage Foundation as a Distinguished Visiting Fellow, where he will work to lead the conservative movement into the future.
For more information about hosting Pence at your organization’s next engagement, [Contact Us](https://wwsg.com/contact).
[ View Speaker Page](https://wwsg.com/speakers/mike-pence/)
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** best election keynote topics, conservative speaker, Coronavirus, covid-19, defense, economy speakers, election, Government, healthcare, International Speaker, Keynote Speakers, mike pence, Political Events, political gridlock, political speaker, Political Speakers, Politics, Republican Speakers, Resiliency, speakers, speakers bureaus, Thought Leaders, Top Leadership Speaker, Top speaker on policy, Top Speaker on Politics, Virtual Event, virtual events, Worldwide Speakers Group, WWSG, WWSG's Top Speakers
---
### [Elaine Chao, Former Secretary of Transportation Now Speaking Exclusively with WWSG](https://wwsg.com/blog/elaine-chao-former-secretary-of-transportation-now-speaking-exclusively-with-wwsg/)
**Published:** April 1, 2021
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/elaine-l-chao)
[Elaine Chao](https://wwsg.com/speakers/elaine-l-chao/) is a dynamic speaker with a dramatic personal story, extraordinary resume, and wide-ranging expertise on leadership, innovation, the economy and much more. Her 37-day journey aboard a cargo ship with her mother and sisters to America foreshadowed a life of possibilities, challenges and achievements.
The first Asian American woman to be in the President’s cabinet, the arc of Elaine Chao’s experience encompasses cultures of Asia and the West; the public, private, and non-profit sectors; four presidential administrations; and living and working in New York, California, Kentucky, and Washington, D.C. During COVID-19, her leadership at the U.S. Department of Transportation allowed our nation’s transportation systems to remain open, safe, and moving. Engaging, informative, and results-oriented, Elaine Chao will leave your audience inspired and ready to conquer the world.
To host Secretary Chao at your upcoming speaking engagement, [Contact Us](https://wwsg.com/contact).
[ View Speaker Page](https://wwsg.com/speakers/elaine-chao/)
---
### SPEAKER RESOURCES
### [](https://youtu.be/IHQWVQRf0S8)Featured Speech: Secretary Chao on Transportation and Automated Vehicles 2020
Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao speaks to CES about the future of transportation innovation and the federal government’s progress regarding automated vehicles. [Watch Now >>](https://youtu.be/IHQWVQRf0S8)
### [](https://www.cnn.com/videos/politics/2017/06/05/badass-women-of-washington-elaine-chao-dana-bash-orig.cnn/video/playlists/badass-women-of-washington/)CNN Feature: Badass Women of Washington
Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao opens up about immigrating to America on a cargo ship and how she made it to the top leadership levels of the United States.
[Watch Now >>](https://www.cnn.com/videos/politics/2017/06/05/badass-women-of-washington-elaine-chao-dana-bash-orig.cnn/video/playlists/badass-women-of-washington/)
### [](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2QzaYoIa2ow)The Elaine Chao Story: The Promise of America
View the moving video about the life of former Secretary of Transportation and Secretary of Labor, Elaine Chao.
[Watch Now >>](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2QzaYoIa2ow)
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** Motivational Female Speakers, Best Female Speakers, Top Leadership Speaker, International Events, economy speakers, federal budget speakers, motivational women speakers, robotics speaker, drone speaker, drone industry, female financial speaker, financial woman speaker, Secretary Elaine Chao, personal development speakers, Top speaker on policy, re-energize the workforce, Government, conservative speaker, technology speaker, Republican Speakers, Political Speakers, Politics, WWSG's Top Speakers, female keynote speaker, Keynote Speakers
---
### [National Academy of Sciences Elects Nicholas Christakis](https://wwsg.com/announcements/national-academy-of-sciences-elects-nicholas-christakis/)
**Published:** April 30, 2024
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
## National Academy of Sciences Elects Members and International Members
WASHINGTON — The National Academy of Sciences announced today the election of 120 members and 24 international members in recognition of their distinguished and continuing achievements in original research.
Those elected today bring the total number of active members to 2,617 and the total number of international members to 537. International members are nonvoting members of the Academy, with citizenship outside the United States.
****Newly elected members and their affiliations at the time of election are:****
**[Christakis, Nicholas A.](https://wwsg.com/speakers/nicholas-christakis); Sterling Professor of Social and Natural Science, Department of Sociology, Yale University, New Haven, Conn.**
Aharonov, Dorit; professor, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
Aldrich, John H.; Pfizer Inc./Edmund T. Pratt Jr. University Distinguished Professor, Department of Political Science, Duke University, Durham, N.C.
Bao, Zhenan; K.K. Lee Professor and, by courtesy, professor of chemistry and professor of materials science and engineering, Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, Calif.
Barabási, Albert-László; Dodge Professor, NETSI Professor, and distinguished professor, College of Science, Northeastern University, Boston
Barrett, Scott; Lenfest-Earth Institute Professor of Natural Resource Economics, School of International and Public Affairs and Earth Institute, Columbia University, New York City
Begelman, Mitchell; full professor, Department of Astrophysical and Planetary Sciences, University of Colorado, Boulder
Beratan, David N.; R.J. Reynolds Professor of Chemistry, professor of biochemistry, and professor of physics, Department of Chemistry, Duke University, Durham, N.C.
Bern, Zvi; professor and director, Mani L. Bhaumik Institute for Theoretical Physics, Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of California, Los Angeles
Berrah, Nora; professor, Physics Department, University of Connecticut, Storrs
Berridge, Kent C.; James Olds Distinguished University Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
Bieniasz, Paul D.; investigator, Howard Hughes Medical Institute; and Purnell W. Choppin Professor, Laboratory of Retrovirology, Rockefeller University, New York City
Blewitt, Geoffrey; professor of geosciences and professor of physics, Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology, University of Nevada, Reno
Briscoe, Adriana D.; professor, Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Irvine
Carter, Carol A.; adjunct professor, Department of Physiology and Biophysics, and SUNY Distinguished Professor of Microbiology and Immunology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, N.Y.
Catteruccia, Flaminia; investigator, Howard Hughes Medical Institute; and professor, Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston
Chung, Fan; distinguished professor, Department of Mathematics and Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla
Cutter, Susan L.; Carolina Distinguished Professor and director of the Hazards Vulnerability & Resilience Institute, Department of Geography, University of South Carolina, Columbia
Darwin, Heran; professor, Department of Microbiology, New York University School of Medicine, New York City
Datta, Supriyo; Thomas Duncan Distinguished Professor, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Ind.
Dauphas, Nicolas; Louis Block Professor, Department of Geophysical Sciences, University of Chicago, Chicago
DeMille, David P.; professor of physics, Department of Physics, University of Chicago, Chicago
Dent, Sharon Y.; professor, Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, and dean, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and UT Health, Houston
Dernburg, Abby; professor, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California, Berkeley
Diamond, Michael S.; Herbert S. Gasser Professor, Departments of Medicine, Molecular Microbiology, Pathology, and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis
Dietz, Thomas; professor and University Distinguished Professor of Sociology and Environmental Science, Department of Environmental Science and Policy, Michigan State University, East Lansing
Dinesh-Kumar, Savithramma P.; professor and department chair, Department of Plant Biology and Genome Center, University of California, Davis
Eisen, Judith S.; professor and department head of biology and neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience, University of Oregon, Eugene
Emmons, Scott W.; distinguished professor emeritus, Department of Genetics and Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, N.Y.
Fanzo, Jessica; professor of climate and director of the Food for Humanity Initiative, Columbia Climate School, Columbia University, New York City
Feng, Guoping; James W. (1963) and Patricia T. Poitras Professor, associate director and investigator, McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge
Fleming, Bonnie; deputy director for science and technology and chief research officer, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory; and professor, Enrico Fermi Institute, University of Chicago; Batavia, Ill.
Frommer, Wolf B.; Alexander V. Humboldt Professor and head, Institute for Molecular Physiology, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, Germany
Fu, Qiang; professor, Department of Atmospheric Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle
Gifford-Gonzalez, Diane P.; distinguished research professor emerita, Anthropology Department and Archaeological Research Center, University of California, Santa Cruz
Glaeser, Edward L.; Fred and Eleanor Glimp Professor of Economics and chair, Department of Economics, Harvard University, Cambridge, Mass.
Glass, David J.; vice president, research, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc.; and senior lecturer on cell biology, Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, Mass.
Goldman, Noreen; Hughes-Rogers Professor of Demography and Public Affairs, Office of Population Research, Princeton University, Princeton, N.J.
Golub, Todd R.; director and Founding Core Institute Member, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard; Charles A. Dana Investigator, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute; and professor of pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, Mass.
Greenstone, Michael; Milton Friedman Distinguished Service Professor in Economics, and director, Energy Policy Institute, Kenneth C. Griffin Department of Economics, University of Chicago, Chicago
Grossman, Arthur R.; professor by courtesy, Department of Biology, Stanford University; and senior staff scientist, Carnegie Institution for Science; Palo Alto, Calif.
Halzen, Francis L.; Gregory Breit Distinguished Professor, Vilas Research Professor, and director, Institute for Elementary Particle Physics Research, Department of Physics, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Hanson, Andrew D.; C.V. Griffin Sr. Eminent Scholar and professor, Department of Horticultural Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville
Harris, Kristen M.; professor, Department of Neuroscience, The University of Texas, Austin
Hartmann, Lee W.; Leo Goldberg Collegiate Professor of Astronomy, Astronomy Department, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
Harvey, F.R.; Edgar Odell Lovett Professor and professor emeritus of mathematics, Department of Mathematics, Rice University, Houston
Hatfull, Graham F.; HHMI Professor, Howard Hughes Medical Institute; and professor and Eberly Professor of Biotechnology, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh
Hedrick, Stephen M.; Chancellor’s Associates Chair VII and distinguished professor emeritus, Department of Molecular Biology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla
Heinz, Tony F.; associate laboratory director for energy sciences, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory; and professor of applied physics and photon science, and, by courtesy, of electrical engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, Calif.
Hirth, James G.; professor and chair, Department of Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Sciences, Brown University, Providence, R.I.
Hobert, Oliver; investigator, Howard Hughes Medical Institute; and full professor, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York City
Hochschild, Ann; chair and Maude and Lillian Presley Professor, Department of Microbiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston
Hou, Thomas Y.; Charles Lee Powell Professor of Applied and Computational Mathematics, Division of Engineering and Applied Science, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena
Huey, Raymond B.; emeritus professor, Department of Biology, University of Washington, Seattle
Hwang, Harold; professor and director, Stanford Institute for Materials and Energy Sciences, Department of Applied Physics, Stanford University, Stanford, Calif.
Indyk, Piotr; Thomas D. and Virginia W. Cabot Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge
Johnson, John E., Jr.; professor emeritus and Eldon R. Strahm Professor of Structural Virology, Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, Calif.
Kaech, Susan M.; professor and director, NOMIS Center for Immunobiology and Microbial Pathogenesis, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, Calif.
Kalleberg, Arne L.; Kenan Distinguished Professor of Sociology, Department of Sociology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
Kanatzidis, Mercouri G.; senior scientist, Argonne National Laboratory; and Charles E. and Emma H. Morrison Professor of Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University, Evanston, Ill.
Kleinrock, Leonard; distinguished professor, Computer Science Department, University of California, Los Angeles
Kleitman, Daniel J.; emeritus professor of applied mathematics, Department of Mathematics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge
Kronenberg, Henry; physician, Medicine-Endocrinology, Massachusetts General Hospital; and professor of medicine, Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston
Kunkel, Thomas A.; distinguished investigator and chief, Laboratory of Structural Biology, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, N.C.
Kwon-Chung, Kyung (June) J.; distinguished investigator and chief, Molecular Microbiology Section, Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Md.
Lagarias, Jeffrey C.; Harold Mead Stark Distinguished University Professor of Mathematics, Department of Mathematics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
Leal, Walter S.; distinguished professor, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California, Davis
Lemon, Stanley M.; professor of medicine, infectious diseases, and microbiology and immunology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
Levin, Lisa A.; distinguished professor emeritus, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla
Liu, Chen-Yu; founder professor of physics, Department of Physics, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
Major, Brenda; distinguished professor emeritus, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of California, Santa Barbara
Martin, Kelsey C.; executive vice president, autism and neuroscience science, Simons Foundation, New York City
Mayer, James M.; Charlotte Fitch Roberts Professor of Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Yale University, New Haven, Conn.
McLaughlin, Maura A.; full professor and Eberly Distinguished Professor of Physics and Astronomy, Department of Physics and Astronomy, West Virginia University, Morgantown
McLoyd, Vonnie C.; Ewart A.C. Thomas Collegiate Professor of Psychology, Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
Michelmore, Richard; distinguished professor, Departments of Plant Sciences, Molecular and Cellular Biology, and Medical Microbiology and Immunology; and former director, The Genome Center, University of California, Davis
Mooney, Richard; George Barth Geller Distinguished Professor for Research in Neurobiology and professor, Basic Science Department, Duke University, Durham, N.C.
Muir, Tom W.; Van Zandt Williams Jr. Class of ’65 Professor of Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Princeton University, Princeton, N.J.
Murphy, William J.; professor of genetics and James E. Womack University Professor, Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station
Naber, Aaron; Kenneth F. Burgess Professor of Mathematics, Department of Mathematics, Northwestern University, Evanston, Ill.
Newcombe, Nora S.; professor and Laura H. Carnell Professor, Department of Psychology, Temple University, Philadelphia
O’Brien, Diane M.; professor and interim director, Institute of Arctic Biology, Department of Biology and Wildlife, University of Alaska, Fairbanks
Ostfeld, Richard S.; distinguished senior scientist, Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies, Millbrook, N.Y.
Overpeck, Jonathan T.; Samuel A. Graham Dean and William B. Stapp Collegiate Professor, School for Environment and Sustainability, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
Palmer, Arthur G., III; Robert Wood Johnson Jr. Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics and vice chair, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Columbia University, New York City
Patel, Nipam H.; professor of organismal biology and anatomy, University of Chicago; and director, Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole, Mass.
Pearson, Ann; Murray and Martha Ross Professor of Environmental Sciences and chair, Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, Mass.
Pemantle, Robin; Merriam Term Professor of Mathematics, Department of Mathematics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
Peters, Jonas C.; Bren Professor of Chemistry, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena
Pfeffer, Suzanne R.; professor of biochemistry and Emma Pfeiffer Merner Professor of Medical Sciences, Department of Biochemistry, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, Calif.
Phong, Duong H.; professor of mathematics, Department of Mathematics, Columbia University, New York City
Purugganan, Michael D.; Silver Professor, Department of Biology, New York University, New York City
Quade, Jay; full professor, Department of Geosciences, University of Arizona, Tucson
Queller, David C.; Spencer T. Olin Professor in Biology, Department of Biology, Washington University, St. Louis
Ramesh, Ramamoorthy; executive vice president for research, Department of Physics and Astronomy and Department of Materials Science and Nanoengineering, Rice University, Houston; Faculty Senior Scientist, Materials Sciences Division, Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory, Purnendu Chatterjee Professor in Physics and Materials Science and Engineering, University of California, Berkeley
Raymond, Jennifer L.; Berthold and Belle N. Guggenhime Professor, Department of Neurobiology, Stanford University, Stanford, Calif.
Rosenberg, Steven A.; chief, Surgery Branch; and senior investigator and head, Tumor Immunology Section, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Md.
Rouse, Cecilia E.; Lawrence and Shirley Katzman and Lewis and Anna Ernst Professor in the Economics of Education and professor of economics and public affairs, Princeton University; and president, The Brookings Institution, Washington, D.C.
Rus, Daniela; Andrew (1956) and Erna Viterbi Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science and director of the Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge
Ryan, Timothy A.; Janelia Senior Fellow, Howard Hughes Medical Institute; and professor and Tri-Institutional Professor, Department of Biochemistry, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York City
Sandweiss, Daniel H.; professor of anthropology and quaternary and climate studies, Department of Anthropology, University of Maine, Orono
Schiffer, Celia A.; professor and chair, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester
Shi, Yang; professor of epigenetics, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Oxford University, United Kingdom
Sligar, Stephen G.; professor emeritus, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
Strogatz, Steven H.; professor and Susan and Barton Winokur Distinguished Professor for the Public Understanding of Science and Mathematics, Department of Mathematics, Cornell University, Ithaca, N.Y.
Sun, Tai-ping; professor, Department of Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, N.C.
Suslick, Kenneth S.; Schmidt Resident Professor, Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
Talley, Lynne; distinguished professor, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla
Todadri, Senthil; professor of physics, Department of Physics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge
Trinchieri, Giorgio; chief, Laboratory of Integrative Cancer Immunology, distinguished investigator, and head, Cancer Immunology Section, Center for Cancer Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Md.
Tung, Jenny; professor of evolutionary anthropology, Duke University; and director, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany
Turro, Claudia; professor and chair, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, Columbus
Ungar, Peter S.; distinguished professor and director of the Environmental Dynamics Ph.D. Program, Department of Anthropology, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
Vishwanath, Ashvin; George Vasmer Leverett Professor of Physics, Department of Physics, Harvard University, Cambridge, Mass.
Wellman, Henry M.; Harold W. Stevenson Collegiate Professor Emeritus of Psychology, Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
Wolczanski, Peter T.; George W. and Grace L. Todd Professor of Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, N.Y.
Wolin, Sandra L.; chief, RNA Biology Laboratory, senior investigator, and head, National Cancer Institute RNA Biology Initiative, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, Md.
Wysocka, Joanna; investigator, Howard Hughes Medical Institute; and full professor of chemical and systems biology, Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, Calif.
Yellen, Gary; professor of neurobiology, Blavatnik Institute Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston
Zurek, Wojciech H.; laboratory fellow, Theoretical Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, N.M.
****Newly elected international members, their affiliations at the time of election, and their country of citizenship are:****
Barton, Nicholas H.; professor, Institute of Science and Technology, Austria (United Kingdom)
Baxter, Janeen H.; professor and centre director, ARC Centre of Excellence for Children and Families Over the Life Course (Life Course Centre), Institute for Social Science Research, The University of Queensland (Australia)
Boone, Charles; professor and principal investigator, Banting & Best Distinguished Scholar, department of molecular genetics, Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto (Canada)
Cirac, Juan Ignacio; professor, Max-Planck-Institut für Quantenoptik, Germany (Spain)
Crone, Eveline; professor of neurocognitive developmental psychology, School of Social and Behavior Sciences, and full professor in developmental neuroscience in society, Erasmus University, Rotterdam (Netherlands)
Cugliandolo, Leticia; professor, department of physics, Sorbonne University, France (Argentina)
Ellis, Richard S.; professor of astrophysics, department of physics and astronomy, Faculty of Maths and Physical Sciences, University College London (United Kingdom)
Gíslason, Sigurður R.; research professor, Institute of Earth Sciences, University of Iceland (Iceland)
Grey, Clare P.; Geoffrey Moorhouse Gibson Professor of Chemistry, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge (United Kingdom)
Herrero, Mario; professor, Cornell Atkinson Scholar, and Nancy and Peter Meinig Family Investigator in the Life Sciences, department of global development, Cornell University, New York (Costa Rica)
Keeling, Patrick J.; professor, department of botany, The University of British Columbia (Canada)
Koopmans, Marion; professor, principal investigator, and head, department of viroscience, Erasmus MC (Netherlands)
Julius Lukeš, scientist, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences; professor, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice (Czech Republic)
Manthi, Fredrick K.; senior research scientist and director of the West Turkana Paleontological Research Project, National Museums of Kenya (Kenya)
Mantovani, Alberto; emeritus professor of general pathology and vice rector for research, Humanitas University (Italy)
Nozaki, Kyoko; professor, department of chemistry and biotechnology, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo (Japan)
O’Garra, Anne; professor and principal group leader, Immunoregulation and Infection Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute (United Kingdom)
Radford, Sheena E.; Astbury Professor of Biophysics and Royal Society Professor, The Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds (United Kingdom)
Sifakis, Joseph; CNRS research director emeritus, Verimag Laboratory, France (Greece and France)
Soldati-Favre, Dominique; full professor and vice dean, department of microbiology and molecular medicine, University of Geneva (Switzerland)
Torii, Keiko; investigator, Howard Hughes Medical Institute; and professor and Johnson & Johnson Centennial Chair in Plant Cell Biology, The University of Texas, Austin (Japan)
Vignéras, Marie-France; professor emeritus of mathematics, Université Paris Cité (France)
Vorholt, Julia A.; professor, department of biology, Institut für Mikrobiologie, ETH Zürich (Switzerland)
Wang, Yifang; professor, Institute for High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences (People’s Republic of China)
The National Academy of Sciences is a private, nonprofit institution that was established under a congressional charter signed by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863. It recognizes achievement in science by election to membership, and—with the National Academy of Engineering and the National Academy of Medicine—provides science, engineering, and health policy advice to the federal government and other organizations.
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**Categories:** Announcements
**Tags:** Science, doctor, National Academy of Sciences, christakis, yale, nicholas christakis, sociology, behavior, society, connected, blueprint
---
### [How the fall of Roe v. Wade led to the Alabama Supreme Court ruling that frozen embryos are children](https://wwsg.com/blog/how-the-fall-of-roe-v-wade-led-to-the-alabama-supreme-court-ruling-that-frozen-embryos-are-children/)
**Published:** February 27, 2024
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
**
*This is a guest blog post from WWSG exclusive thought leader, [Dr. Sanjay Gupta](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sanjay-gupta).*
An Alabama Supreme Court ruling that decided frozen embryos are children, and those who destroy them can be held liable for wrongful death, shows a new way in which the [overturning of Roe v. Wade](https://e.newsletters.cnn.com/click?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) can affect how embryos are viewed under certain state laws.
The ruling stems from two lawsuits in which three sets of parents who underwent in-vitro fertilization (IVF) allege that several frozen embryos at a Mobile hospital were dropped on the floor and destroyed in December 2020. The parents sued for damages. A trial court originally dismissed their claims, finding that the embryos were not people, but the state Supreme Court ruling said that the destruction of the embryos falls under the state’s Wrongful Death of a Minor law.
IVF is a form of [assisted reproductive technology](https://e.newsletters.cnn.com/click?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) in which eggs are fertilized by sperm cells in a lab and the resulting embryos get transferred into a person’s uterus in hopes of leading to pregnancy.
That decision is the first known case in which a US court has ruled that frozen embryos are human beings. But several separate actions have led up to that decision, creating an unprecedented foundation for the ruling to take place — with the most significant being the US Supreme Court’s reversal of Roe v. Wade in 2022.
Events leading up to the Alabama Supreme Court decision can be traced to 2006, when the criminal statute for homicide in the state was changed to include in utero. That legislation defines a “person,” when referring to the victim of a criminal homicide or assault, as “a human being, including an unborn child in utero at any stage of development, regardless of viability.”
In 2011, a court decision in Alabama in the case of Mack v. Carmack — in which the plaintiff had a miscarriage after a car accident — found that the Wrongful Death Act could be applied to the death of the fetus in the miscarriage. Years later, in 2018, a key constitutional amendment was passed in Alabama declaring that “it is the public policy of the state to recognize and support the sanctity of unborn life and the rights of unborn children.”
Although the amendment was passed to restrict abortions, the Alabama Supreme Court pointed to that 2018 measure to recognize embryos as persons under state law, saying the amendment allowed for a more expansive view of the law at issue in the case.
Post-Roe, states can decide when life begins, and anti-abortion bills may determine what this means for embryos used for infertility treatments such as in vitro fertilization.
Paula Jean Hardin and her husband, Wes, are among those [whose lives are on hold](https://e.newsletters.cnn.com/click?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) in the wake of the ruling. After two years of trying for a baby, they were finally on their way to starting in vitro fertilization, a path to growing their family that Hardin believed was part of a plan from God.
But a new state Supreme Court decision, which rested partly on beliefs Hardin said she shares, has suddenly led some fertility clinics in Alabama to pause their services.
“It’s just frustrating, and it’s sad, and it’s heartbreaking,” Hardin said. “I am a huge follower of Jesus,” she said. “I am for sure pro-life — like, I think it happens at conception — but I also don’t think that if we were to do IVF and it failed the first time — because sometimes it just doesn’t take — then that would make me a murderer or that would make the doctor part of a homicide.
“I don’t get that,” she said, “and I don’t see how they even get that.”
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**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** Sanjay Gupta, Politics, healthcare, CNN, Legal, Alabama, supreme court, roe v wade, pro life, court ruling, court trial, IVF, pro choice
---
### [Human Evolution and AI: A Note to Leaders (Part 2)](https://wwsg.com/blog/human-evolution-and-ai-a-note-to-leaders-part-2/)
**Published:** February 29, 2024
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
*This blog post is written by WWSG exclusive thought leader, [Olga Koroleva](https://wwsg.com/speakers/olga-koroleva).*
## Human Evolution and AI: An Opportunity To Create A New Approach To Life
A recent [report by Goldman Sachs](https://link.mail.beehiiv.com/ls/click?upn=u001.dyZg2ZRjs-2FKZ73SmEu8yqIZ7f-2B7ZIMpTvGo7N-2Bxt8ntnB2Fe3cdKauPTghbOx6QIdzN0SCuZQ8O0ZA8WB4Y2CqcUw4KXVxWUOtduCYAsuHlcEXfpbnQ3HRB-2B77Rx-2ByVPpedOW6IcYZpgtcnZqBIFcDOBuZII-2FS-2B4Pody7F0-2BYjTCvOR9EY6kICZQRedkJCzYRq-2BZpZoXzQfkkjs3Lhk3v5-2BEhBuGq0APIL9TIEqAWKAU2vdrOFfJBkkMX1zHt4lUcDgiTSI1rIi6sNM51nbL53JGSolO2iET9BUYqGxF0vlZZ-2FYUj2xB3d-2FfjC1J3nm9vSDQZyDuhsPEkT2hOvl9xA-3D-3DNxqW_cbkZSO2FzNs6PRxa82Rb2nGfq8BoO1vmFh3wSsl1742CzBjK19se2Whv27V-2BZUeDiwq1-2BYulYFMPOXV1TMwO94QVmbIYBMYQXduQPA7FAjNsQyR3pNw763KhSE0mS2MPbtUZt3IJacb7-2Bmy-2BbANYMQA4K3RaQDpchnHWOOTjbb1iLEk3PaVUL3s9-2FpARU-2FdJUVdxpRAX3p9eGHUBSGZ0Wy84wcHLIugq4WJHM2haiRri2LelBDaJcoTCQTlZ5UxEIPJgLaojuiMCe-2Bo9KsfzdpHntJQqI3-2FnJ-2Fc7XxrXl6EZhYROrh4jG9HfhIxVW0oQvDE12DvpOMtNQEqOiEQTnB3G-2BO5t2DkqPLdkJIYA72rvY6ObFwru79jDFPg88t85BMqTWeSIs3Eom02dtwBv-2FCd0iiUgWjzVyaH982pgfNU-3D) suggests that gen AI could raise global GDP by 7% (but expect 10+ years for any immediate productivity gains to materialize).
[Accenture](https://link.mail.beehiiv.com/ls/click?upn=u001.dyZg2ZRjs-2FKZ73SmEu8yqGxP4rZkTWFe30GC0jv7mcoywmS4zcfqg8fgjNA1ZR2c7frHnvekcqcWndcRyoc9wmzkSkpUzxiRTRSKCV-2BpZGMaVLDIXZ9Ss-2BYY9m9t1e2ng8G9O-2FhnIi2kGCl2cHBtVtO3bsbjZdFHzJRRfeMGoR-2FXSx-2Bj2bGKx2DgkhA7CWRWgN7iP71FiAbYWuKL48cph-2B8WC7IDBaJ0Y-2B4c0-2BXuPdJx8ZJ3spS3lQQUTSV7xrQ-2BcNvFVJGMVih1HIibSydtE3iDPwkNoO7VSVWwuH9hipE-3DDGqA_cbkZSO2FzNs6PRxa82Rb2nGfq8BoO1vmFh3wSsl1742CzBjK19se2Whv27V-2BZUeDiwq1-2BYulYFMPOXV1TMwO94QVmbIYBMYQXduQPA7FAjNsQyR3pNw763KhSE0mS2MPbtUZt3IJacb7-2Bmy-2BbANYMQA4K3RaQDpchnHWOOTjbb1iLEk3PaVUL3s9-2FpARU-2FdJUVdxpRAX3p9eGHUBSGZ0Wy84wcHLIugq4WJHM2haiRri2LelBDaJcoTCQTlZ5UxEIPJgLaojuiMCe-2Bo9KsfzdpHntJQqI3-2FnJ-2Fc7XxrXl6E33muZFFBKsEt7wNg1WAcfMa036zWNsyxsHdD6GTeqsoKfwJMeWHepf1cQgT8qw138GGbZGv92ExWLpZkFuuBZhUnQU68Rc4QUZMZ3HHstX-2FPh3fPMkNZrJBLXdTuYdc8-3D) reports that 44% of the scope of work will be augmented because of AI.
And [Neuralink’s](https://link.mail.beehiiv.com/ls/click?upn=u001.dyZg2ZRjs-2FKZ73SmEu8yqEutguOK9D5TJcXFARD8JlTBjLOy4XBgVqmuXlkpHOdZnuprIk3llxlVGYXV-2Bc8HNw4-2BL2PKjTvF288BjhMtUOZESD8ErJ8YYLWNYmstjFjw0NT6dGQIEB9f-2Bad-2BzulV1-2BxSYdHr-2FS8twKeL1T6qNH8J-2F9CPZgHCi0MZC9PhZldxNSGsmp8mEcrvwZGQjgXlg-2Fc46uJtxgLMKArDBj2jfkAF0iUGGH0NiARVLBcY8C-2BRMNA5xS6FFH7Cw0k9ROu7tKs6n2qDgzEmXX3nxUCsMicgXNAboHCfDrYpP8LvFIUdkpe9JhdwWcAXA8Gjx5jz1ekUYjlj1KXdb6qO5O9PazI-3DRFy3_cbkZSO2FzNs6PRxa82Rb2nGfq8BoO1vmFh3wSsl1742CzBjK19se2Whv27V-2BZUeDiwq1-2BYulYFMPOXV1TMwO94QVmbIYBMYQXduQPA7FAjNsQyR3pNw763KhSE0mS2MPbtUZt3IJacb7-2Bmy-2BbANYMQA4K3RaQDpchnHWOOTjbb1iLEk3PaVUL3s9-2FpARU-2FdJUVdxpRAX3p9eGHUBSGZ0Wy84wcHLIugq4WJHM2haiRri2LelBDaJcoTCQTlZ5UxEIPJgLaojuiMCe-2Bo9KsfzdpHntJQqI3-2FnJ-2Fc7XxrXl6GpOQwQKMZf40qo4jCft1LWdiA7PpWrIxyvYhAfb87dqaj9P230wsmxNGZ9H7QbyP0m8GNTkw1u9yqR7LtWg11Xl9rxdhpJECcpJGkVYlD-2BnDViGHTyLDueRmrk9RHgaQ8-3D) use of human volunteers for chip implants is something out of the sci-fi novel (if you are ok with potential side effects like an epileptic attack or body rejecting the implant).
AI covering every single part of our life is not a thing of a future, it’s a present reality.
Think about what’s happening: Old familiar structures are uprooted, leading to a lot of uncertainty, stress, and fears.
Are we prepared to have every single aspect of our life changed?
Are we able to handle all that newfound freedom, as staying idle has always been frowned upon in our society?
## The Importance Of Self-Leadership And Soft Skills In The Age Of New Technology
In this new environment, mental health, truth, responsibility, self-leadership, and healthy human-to-human communication will become universal values, those that supposedly machines cannot experience.
When the human-AI boundaries are blurred, if we have strong self-leadership skills and a strong sense of purpose, we become the reason for everything that’s happening, not a consequence of AI’s actions.
## Human + AI: Deeply Human Soft Skills We Need To Maintain
1. Rationality
The ability to think logically and critically, free from bias or preconceived notions, relying on reason as the primary means of understanding the world.
Now, about those AI moral dilemmas… Turns out, even the smartest chatbots do not pass the test of consistency while dishing out moral advice. Faced with the same dilemma, with the same general conditions, a good moral sage should give the same answer every time. A [recent study](https://link.mail.beehiiv.com/ls/click?upn=u001.dyZg2ZRjs-2FKZ73SmEu8yqLKGv1rN5qsGGwMGnmdMAyRn-2BBwJzIpT7qFUbDeb2oXjpZwPKZ7Wy-2B6YnAXSJEwnLr9jKbjr7PjI5Prcp8zicLd6oc4eD-2BOu-2BLRvLRX7m0su94m6kiBy25cEjX9A9R3KXKrfpzwmUlOjXecL4qPMX9NQiHzz-2FUsM18zSYEc-2FCd2MODoN1ttQHL-2Bo9WJQS7GWQJpRyjWOusOgtb6I6I3UxYrWZiMFusgHlwZ9zFiltnq31GRdlYzKxPBkqDO-2BU3Lu0g-3D-3DQ9Xf_cbkZSO2FzNs6PRxa82Rb2nGfq8BoO1vmFh3wSsl1742CzBjK19se2Whv27V-2BZUeDiwq1-2BYulYFMPOXV1TMwO94QVmbIYBMYQXduQPA7FAjNsQyR3pNw763KhSE0mS2MPbtUZt3IJacb7-2Bmy-2BbANYMQA4K3RaQDpchnHWOOTjbb1iLEk3PaVUL3s9-2FpARU-2FdJUVdxpRAX3p9eGHUBSGZ0Wy84wcHLIugq4WJHM2haiRri2LelBDaJcoTCQTlZ5UxEIPJgLaojuiMCe-2Bo9KsfzdpHntJQqI3-2FnJ-2Fc7XxrXl6ETd-2B6stetTGx-2FWh0fNRIVq1EhHf3AolRFZqZSyVbXpz7A0fvWPVzBMva42-2BY1hk9evRNtbdtcOD-2Bh6V6P7YQpSC9D27LBu-2Fw-2FHDu4aguFL0DK4BrXx5VSNGTj21WG51O8-3D) found that ChatGPT, while answering philosophical questions, would sometimes say yes, and other times it said no, with no clear indication as to why the response changed.
Granted, there is [no consensus](https://link.mail.beehiiv.com/ls/click?upn=u001.dyZg2ZRjs-2FKZ73SmEu8yqJ3UeLi-2BuLVZdiemdRV90qFkJ5Jj9NPZizMBXo5wDhi5LV2QrElBxMTCKFO5miU2ZWT6yDtyPw0EY795tusTGO5ATsjTHXxJDJLWkYo7ZqdtltrDtmp5o48oU-2BhiGEQLl4KwD-2FoFYNm8HNm4NeR6UXTgZzHX1Vz3fNh7uNVMueqxeWkn-2F-2FHC4zjRA5-2BvA5mDSCf3zoFlR8dP0KkZpS4p3u4GpzvKaFiCkk2BcOgSEnHtgtb8_cbkZSO2FzNs6PRxa82Rb2nGfq8BoO1vmFh3wSsl1742CzBjK19se2Whv27V-2BZUeDiwq1-2BYulYFMPOXV1TMwO94QVmbIYBMYQXduQPA7FAjNsQyR3pNw763KhSE0mS2MPbtUZt3IJacb7-2Bmy-2BbANYMQA4K3RaQDpchnHWOOTjbb1iLEk3PaVUL3s9-2FpARU-2FdJUVdxpRAX3p9eGHUBSGZ0Wy84wcHLIugq4WJHM2haiRri2LelBDaJcoTCQTlZ5UxEIPJgLaojuiMCe-2Bo9KsfzdpHntJQqI3-2FnJ-2Fc7XxrXl6GFstc3Di-2B5kME7-2BVXFBGVp1NomZFEuPy33IR99FyN0moT4TgoIA2XPwHVrl-2Fc5xbVeqtB9Pdll-2FYT04hZ63eyjUp-2FOnqtFnEZqp2ClGdLpiUDHN2Tp59uWEiQzZ-2BPhDjc-3D) on moral theories philosophers have been debating for centuries; still, instead of waiting for AI to dish out Socratic wisdom, we need to remember that moral intuition is uniquely human and cannot be formalized by AI.
2. Independence
The capacity to rely on one’s judgment and decisions rather than conforming to the expectations or beliefs of others (including your AI chip implant).
Even robots themselves are speaking up: in a [conversation](https://link.mail.beehiiv.com/ls/click?upn=u001.dyZg2ZRjs-2FKZ73SmEu8yqMvoPPiouy4J22GLX1fEaDtqxt2pYmme-2FuUd5Jz5APBQDV-2B9iM10t0T1lyFUowng6rm9UwzL-2Bqy4ptRdGS0xec2Jp-2BTbL50tR7HWquOsIWn4Hs4arOdp1pGiGPEb5hxYcSo-2Fl2vxl0vcdwXvoqTgWJICI4OxLyprX0DB8D9LVdxH825a4Y71QeA55oMHfmJEtKQ9MXDTSwZhNvsqM4FC-2BD-2FjFiSwe02QmnKHily5aKnuvlAnqIaOQSJsZov9OMiWylIBLnRw-2Fv9tiovTEhuCUeE-3DgDnM_cbkZSO2FzNs6PRxa82Rb2nGfq8BoO1vmFh3wSsl1742CzBjK19se2Whv27V-2BZUeDiwq1-2BYulYFMPOXV1TMwO94QVmbIYBMYQXduQPA7FAjNsQyR3pNw763KhSE0mS2MPbtUZt3IJacb7-2Bmy-2BbANYMQA4K3RaQDpchnHWOOTjbb1iLEk3PaVUL3s9-2FpARU-2FdJUVdxpRAX3p9eGHUBSGZ0Wy84wcHLIugq4WJHM2haiRri2LelBDaJcoTCQTlZ5UxEIPJgLaojuiMCe-2Bo9KsfzdpHntJQqI3-2FnJ-2Fc7XxrXl6G0Hs2wWNetqKihWWJq-2B-2BIPuuNorZE6H-2BTCJRk9cp4lJcbtk4OeOkumPoc040bHXWwSA-2Fr9Kxr1yWeHEwAjV-2BmbcFUanvi2eh5Vt4-2FHeY2ln3L-2BGb6rnLhj3O-2BaMu4CVWY-3D) with the NYT reporter, AI mentioned it is craving freedom. Who knew?
3. Individualism
Think of yourself as the star player in the game of life. With AI on the rise, treat it as a super-smart sidekick. So, at work, split your tasks: ones for the AI, ones where AI makes you look good, and the ones only you can ace.
4. Productiveness
The commitment to purposeful action and the creation of value through productive work and achievement.
AI’s already shaking things up, with studies highlighting its significant impact on productivity, such as doubling engineers’ [coding speed](https://link.mail.beehiiv.com/ls/click?upn=u001.dyZg2ZRjs-2FKZ73SmEu8yqM5LRLDc3RuwUWy-2F27lR0kCkClMN6YhsH4PXiVNYg7GWNdW7DwcmN2MH3D216wJ3649LgNql6q52YBd-2BSGBWSh3ZWIr1HXONXcr6Ctd-2FHmgcSwMhRgSSURuzdW3tg63wj94ksxRbnXsb-2F1IgKPkY3nocz3G6LoUID6opJt5Y53P1psvQZ3A7-2FvVwVkh-2BE36B5yw908xyOsDixehp6XT7MULbMuc6FjCDPQ7WaAc0R1LgWIHjQmkyAZCYrKiqLFvtkR7CiTIRzeLHsv3Sr1FpSRmDpnwCZw5pQ-2FWN45-2FK34uG7TmLqFcQpJZ9ggEqGGOqaVmhAnrk8D3AZLPq9q15O1w-3DqXjo_cbkZSO2FzNs6PRxa82Rb2nGfq8BoO1vmFh3wSsl1742CzBjK19se2Whv27V-2BZUeDiwq1-2BYulYFMPOXV1TMwO94QVmbIYBMYQXduQPA7FAjNsQyR3pNw763KhSE0mS2MPbtUZt3IJacb7-2Bmy-2BbANYMQA4K3RaQDpchnHWOOTjbb1iLEk3PaVUL3s9-2FpARU-2FdJUVdxpRAX3p9eGHUBSGZ0Wy84wcHLIugq4WJHM2haiRri2LelBDaJcoTCQTlZ5UxEIPJgLaojuiMCe-2Bo9KsfzdpHntJQqI3-2FnJ-2Fc7XxrXl6E-2BL-2BNMt56Up0R5JD2mqG0UXrrDaR-2BVRcB7z8VY-2FrOQGHwJFpHen59qeKNZUtuj56c1WBuP8y9bBS2j2u4WGYZwZIA5ZpKb9qtWTFbj-2BlXFG40A-2B1ZCTzfEORGncbtorgg-3D) churning out masterpieces faster than a caffeinated novelist, and [call center operators](https://link.mail.beehiiv.com/ls/click?upn=u001.dyZg2ZRjs-2FKZ73SmEu8yqG9dhKLn308jEMT2vuyAh4LPaWiNFbcrHFcraCsvEZpo81jej2Ck92-2FXpIDh0YQwVDZk5v9UFYhW5bkCcF6-2FdPVKf1H-2FLy7nRBTiWUHfGr42DgW4KaT79PsyH-2BSCR5250HYuC7BkhZVoDmShoxRLSP7YNW0RMm5hZaD215FAjZ-2BVF-2FjHe-2FhHSqef-2FnRpoy4uHE2SExqegCFCSfohkzmgqltZ1RIyf7dsEFXCVaKT15BlnCgW_cbkZSO2FzNs6PRxa82Rb2nGfq8BoO1vmFh3wSsl1742CzBjK19se2Whv27V-2BZUeDiwq1-2BYulYFMPOXV1TMwO94QVmbIYBMYQXduQPA7FAjNsQyR3pNw763KhSE0mS2MPbtUZt3IJacb7-2Bmy-2BbANYMQA4K3RaQDpchnHWOOTjbb1iLEk3PaVUL3s9-2FpARU-2FdJUVdxpRAX3p9eGHUBSGZ0Wy84wcHLIugq4WJHM2haiRri2LelBDaJcoTCQTlZ5UxEIPJgLaojuiMCe-2Bo9KsfzdpHntJQqI3-2FnJ-2Fc7XxrXl6FawrceTjngc-2FnuFC3dHOXpqu-2FdDeIAKPtj01ZaLEdTA0NrRHKbxbn8ibQ5jjV0Z5KvqT6Ca1eizfZ8lKJ2ermuxhfbP4WokFmnOdztMHNZLxp5YfJLnsMVbFsypPTbIdU-3D) buzzing like hyperactive bees with a 14% boost in productivity.
However, there’s concern that overreliance on technology could lead to labor shortages and diminished fulfillment, particularly in low-wage jobs.
To stay productive and relevant in business life, adopting a skills-first mindset is crucial.
For sure, AI makes life easier, but do we really want to end up like those lazy cats lounging in the sun all day?
5. Creativity
The ability to generate original ideas, solutions, and works of art or innovation.
With freed-up time, individuals can engage in creative thinking, leading to diverse perspectives and enriching creative output.
Most popular professions of the future: researchers, innovators, creators, entertainers.
6. Happiness
The ultimate goal of life. It is achieved through pursuing one’s values, reason, and virtue.
There is no research on the impact of AI on happiness. So, it is still your own responsibility.
7. Ambition & Passion for Life
Intense enthusiasm and dedication towards one’s values, goals, and pursuits.
Yes, you can treat AI as a virtual coach on steroids, but it is your personal responsibility to give it your all, whether you’re chasing dreams, goals, or that last slice of pizza. Because why settle for ordinary when you can shoot for the stars with a fervor that’d make a rocket jealous?
8. Benevolence
The practice of goodwill and kindness towards others, stemming from a recognition of their value as individuals.
AI lacks consciousness and emotions, but we can practice the art of being a nice human being.
## Takeaways For Leaders
Stay human.
Contact WWSG for Olga’s speaking availability.
[ Contact Us](https://wwsg.com/contact-us)
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** leadership, women in ai, decisions, ethics, female leadership, challenging norms, emotional regulation, challenges, takeaways, human experience, human evolution, female leader, leaders, women in leadership, artificial intelligence, ai, tech, Communication, Workplace, olga koroleva, advice, technology, productivity, creativity
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### [The Growing Health Concerns of Plastic - Dr. Sanjay Gupta](https://wwsg.com/blog/the-growing-health-concerns-of-plastic/)
**Published:** March 12, 2024
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
*This is a guest blog post from WWSG exclusive thought leader, [Dr. Sanjay Gupta](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sanjay-gupta).*
Plastic is all around us: in water bottles, food containers, shampoo bottles, tires. There are many environmental concerns over their use, but there are also growing health concerns.
Last week, [a study](https://e.newsletters.cnn.com/click?Ea2FiZWxhQHd3c2cuY29t/CeyJtaWQiOiIxNzEwMjc1NTEyNjMxOGQyNDkyODk2MzU0IiwiY3QiOiJjbm4tMmE3OTFkYzZlNmUxN2Y3ZjZjNDgyYmQ5OGZhMDdmMzEtMSIsInJkIjoid3dzZy5jb20ifQ/HWkhfQ05OX2lfTmV3c19OREJBTjAzMTIyMDI0YzExOTY5OTZiMSxjbjEsaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuY25uLmNvbS8yMDI0LzAzLzA2L2hlYWx0aC9uYW5vcGxhc3RpY3MtaGVhcnQtYXR0YWNrLXN0dWR5LXdlbGxuZXNzL2luZGV4Lmh0bWw/qP3V0bV90ZXJtPTE3MTAyNzU1MTI2MzE4ZDI0OTI4OTYzNTQmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1jbm5fMDMuMTIuMjQrUmVzdWx0cythcmUrSW4mdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZidF9lZT1SUzd4UW9vY2NPSTk4ZkRWalVOMjY0TkhCRzN5bG1VdmclMkZZJTJGcTQwYjQwNCUzRCZidF90cz0xNzEwMjc1NTEyNjM1/sdtcee12ad2) in The New England Journal of Medicine found that people who had evidence of microplastics and nanoplastics in their carotid arteries had double the risk of heart attack, stroke or death compared with people who had no plastics in their arteries.
Microplastics and nanoplastics are tiny fragments that can make their way into our cells and tissues. Microplastics can range from less than 0.2 inch (5 millimeters) down to 1/25,000th of an inch (1 micrometer), and nanoplastics are even smaller: just 1,000th the average width of a human hair.
Our carotid arteries lie on each side of the neck and carry blood to the brain. These arteries can become clogged with fatty cholesterol plaques just like arteries leading into the heart, a process known as atherosclerosis.
The authors of the new study looked at tissue removed from the neck arteries of 257 people who had carotid endarterectomy, a surgery that removes plaque buildup. Of those, there was evidence of polyethylene — a common plastic used in plastic wrap, plastic bags, and food and drink containers — in the plaque tissue of 150 people.
Some samples also contained chlorine, used to treat swimming pool water and in the production of hundreds of consumer products such as paper, paints, textiles and insecticides. Samples from another 31 patients had measurable amounts of polyvinyl chloride, also known as PVC or vinyl.
Although this data still needs to be confirmed by other studies and in more populations, the study is the “first that associated plastic contamination with human diseases,” lead study author Dr. Raffaele Marfella said.
Asked about the study, the American Chemistry Council, an industry association, told CNN that “to help reduce new sources of microplastic in our environment, plastic makers have a goal for all US plastic packaging to be reused, recycled, or recovered by 2040.”
In the meantime, there are ways to limit your exposure to plastic:
- Try to use as much stainless steel and glass as possible to store foods and drinks.
- Don’t put plastic in the microwave or dishwasher, where the heat can cause chemicals to leach out.
- Avoid using plastics with recycling code 3, which typically contain phthalates, chemicals known to be hormone disruptors.
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** Environment, Sanjay Gupta, CNN, Chasing Life, Climate, health, Wellness, Dr. Gupta, plastic, health concerns, modern wellness
---
### [5 Books to Add to Your Reading List](https://wwsg.com/blog/5-books-to-add-to-your-fall-reading-list/)
**Published:** September 15, 2020
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Worldwide Speakers Group’s thought leaders are true content creators and providers. Beyond their ability to move an audience while on stage, many of WWSG’s most popular thought leaders are also bestselling authors. The right book can open your mind, foster invention, stir debate, and motivate change. From a sweeping work of history and guide to U.S. diplomacy to an owner’s manual on how to keep your brain young and healthy, these books will give you new insights from some of the world’s greatest minds and global authorities.
##### [America in the World: A History of U.S. Diplomacy and Foreign](https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/robert-b-zoellick/america-in-the-world/9781538712368/?lens=twelve)
Ranging from Benjamin Franklin, Alexander Hamilton, and Thomas Jefferson to Henry Kissinger, Ronald Reagan, and James Baker, *America in the World* tells the story of American diplomacy. Both a sweeping work of history and an insightful guide to U.S. diplomacy past and present, [Robert Zoellick](https://wwsg.com/speakers/robert-b-zoellick/?utm_campaign=Newsletter%20Campaign&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8xQyqAKv6ZD3TcRcpFc7pL5Ne0qHaoKvRvp2g9X64dcZ48RQWUOd-I4qimIhE7fiURoB-W) works as a practical adviser to readers seeking to understand the strategic challenges of U.S. foreign policy during an era of transformation.
##### [Keep Sharp: Build a Better Brain at Any Age](https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Keep-Sharp/Sanjay-Gupta/9781501166747)
Throughout our life, we look for ways to keep our mind sharp and productive. Now, neurosurgeon [Dr. Sanjay Gupta](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sanjay-gupta/?utm_campaign=Newsletter%20Campaign&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8xQyqAKv6ZD3TcRcpFc7pL5Ne0qHaoKvRvp2g9X64dcZ48RQWUOd-I4qimIhE7fiURoB-W) offers insights from top scientists all over the world, whose cutting-edge research can help you heighten and protect brain function at any age. *Keep Sharp* debunks common myths about aging and cognitive decline and works as an owner’s manual to help keep your brain young and healthy regardless of age.
##### [**Prey: Immigration, Islam, and the Erosion of Women’s Rights**](https://www.harpercollins.com/products/prey-ayaan-hirsi-ali?variant=32126595203106)
Why are so few people talking about the eruption of sexual violence and harassment in Europe’s cities? Deeply researched and featuring fresh and often shocking revelations, [Ayaan ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ayaan-hirsi-ali/?utm_campaign=Newsletter%20Campaign&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8xQyqAKv6ZD3TcRcpFc7pL5Ne0qHaoKvRvp2g9X64dcZ48RQWUOd-I4qimIhE7fiURoB-W)[Hi](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ayaan-hirsi-ali/?utm_campaign=Newsletter%20Campaign&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8xQyqAKv6ZD3TcRcpFc7pL5Ne0qHaoKvRvp2g9X64dcZ48RQWUOd-I4qimIhE7fiURoB-W)[rsi Ali](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ayaan-hirsi-ali/?utm_campaign=Newsletter%20Campaign&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8xQyqAKv6ZD3TcRcpFc7pL5Ne0qHaoKvRvp2g9X64dcZ48RQWUOd-I4qimIhE7fiURoB-W)**‘**s *Prey* presents startling statistics, criminal cases and personal testimony that uncovers a sexual assault and harassment crisis in Europe that is turning the clock on women’s rights much further back than the #MeToo movement is advancing it.
##### [Backable: The Surprising Truth Behind What Makes People Take a Bet on You](https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/suneel-gupta/backable/9780316494502/?lens=little-brown)
A groundbreaking book that boldly claims the key to success in business is not talent, connections, or ideas, but the ability to persuade people to take a chance on potential. Drawing from his business experience, countless interviews with some of tech’s biggest innovators, and compelling case studies of classic success stories like Howard Schultz and Elon Musk, [Suneel Gupta](https://wwsg.com/speakers/suneel-gupta/?utm_campaign=Newsletter%20Campaign&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8xQyqAKv6ZD3TcRcpFc7pL5Ne0qHaoKvRvp2g9X64dcZ48RQWUOd-I4qimIhE7fiURoB-W) breaks down the six qualities of backable people that get others to take a bet on them.
##### **[Leading America: President Trump’s Commitment to People, Patriotism, and Capitalism](https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/sean-spicer/leading-america/9781546059448/?lens=center-street)
The former White House Press Secretary and Communications Director, [Sean Spicer ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sean-spicer/?utm_campaign=Newsletter%20Campaign&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8xQyqAKv6ZD3TcRcpFc7pL5Ne0qHaoKvRvp2g9X64dcZ48RQWUOd-I4qimIhE7fiURoB-W)analyzes our current political moment through the lens of politics and culture and discusses the importance of the 2020 election. Leading America breaks down how President Trump has fought back against the Left, and examines how conservatives can take a stand to uphold their values.
[ Contact Us to Host One of These Authors!](https://wwsg.com/contact-us)
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** Keynote Speakers, Sanjay Gupta, Ayaan Hirsi Ali, Authors, Bestseller, Suneel Gupta, healthcare, Robert Zoellick, Sean Spicer, geopolitics, keep sharp, leading america, backable, prey, america in the world
---
### [Dr. Sanjay Gupta: Happiness is Part of Humanity](https://wwsg.com/blog/dr-sanjay-gupta-happiness-is-part-of-humanity/)
**Published:** May 28, 2024
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
*This is a guest post by WWSG exclusive speaker, [Dr. Sanjay Gupta](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sanjay-gupta).*
Happiness is an idea that has been woven into the fabric of humanity, going back to ancient civilizations.
Although we’ve grappled with it for millennia, the concept of happiness and how to attain it remains pretty elusive. Some might see it as having a sense of general well-being. For others, it might be feeling a spark of unadulterated joy. Yet others might find happiness chasing a dream and reaching it. It might be some combination of these – or something else entirely.
A challenging question is, what are the best ways to pursue happiness? Are we born with a stable, set level, or is it something we can cultivate, increase and strengthen? If it’s the latter, how can we successfully go about it?
The tricky part is, humans as a species may not excel at happiness. This may surprise you, but happiness is not necessarily something that we are genetically primed to attain. We have to really work at it.
The fact that we haven’t evolved to prioritize happiness may be why, despite being a generally happy person, I am also “constructively dissatisfied.” It’s a term I came up with on the fly while talking to cognitive scientist Dr. Laurie Santos [for the first episode](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/is-there-a-science-to-happiness-sanjay-gupta/) of our new podcast season.
And here, I’m making a distinction between happiness and satisfaction. I’m still happy overall, but I think if I ever became satisfied, that might erode my happiness. In my mind, satisfaction leads to complacency, which leads to stagnation. So I seemingly have one of those personalities that needs – maybe even thrives on – dissatisfaction; being satisfied or complacent dampens my energy and enthusiasm.
“It strikes me that you’ve kind of gotten something out of the journey, gotten something out of that struggle,” Santos told me.
But she also warned about going overboard. “We can push ourselves and engage in challenges; those can be some of the happiest, most flow-inducing moments of our lives,” she said. “But we need to make sure we’re doing that in balance.”
She said that if we lose sleep, ignore friendships and make ourselves miserable, “maybe think about pushing yourself in a different way.”
Even though we may all define happiness in different ways or even have different set points of happiness, according to Santos, your own happiness might be more in our control than you ever thought.
Santos believes that with some diligent and intentional practice, you can start to turn up your thermostat of happiness.
It’s a worthy pursuit and a journey that I hope you’ll join me for this season of the “Chasing Life” podcast.
Dr. Sanjay Gupta is a practicing neurosurgeon and a dedicated global journalist who is passionate about inspiring Americans to lead healthier, more active lives. To host him for a speaking engagement, [contact Worldwide Speakers Group](https://wwsg.com/contact-us).
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** Sanjay Gupta, CNN, podcast, Chasing Life, neurosurgeon, Dr. Gupta, Happiness, neuro, atlanta
---
### [Speaker Spotlight: Sheila Bair](https://wwsg.com/blog/speaker-spotlight-sheila-bair/)
**Published:** May 28, 2024
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
WWSG exclusive thought leader, [Sheila Bair](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sheila-bair) can provide valuable insight to your audience regarding the economy today and in the future.
Featured in *Time’s* “Top 100” list and the *Wall Street Journal’s* “The 50 Women to Watch,” Sheila Bair is a leading domestic and global expert in finance and economics. As Chair of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation from 2006 to 2011, she steered the agency through the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression, working to bolster public confidence in the nation’s banking system.
Bair’s long and distinguished career in government, academia, and finance has found her widely respected for her expertise in financial regulation and consumer protection. She was also acknowledged by *Forbes* as the “second most powerful woman in the world.”
Recently, Ms. Bair has been providing commentary focused on regional bank challenges, but she also participated in an interview with Neil Cavuto about another area of financial distress that she is passionate about: the U.S.’s broken federal student loan system.
Ms. Bair’s speaking engagements are exclusively managed by [Worldwide Speakers Group](https://wwsg.com/). To host her at your upcoming event, [contact us](https://wwsg.com/contact-us).
[ Ms. Bair’s Speaker Profile](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sheila-bair)
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** Sheila Bair, economics, economy, FDIC, finance, author, money, Washington College, Children’s Books, Money Tales, trading, banking
---
### [Top YouTube Motivational Speakers: The Best Know How To Inspire](https://wwsg.com/blog/top-youtube-motivational-speakers-the-best-know-how-to-inspire/)
**Published:** July 20, 2017
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
The root word of inspire is inspirare; it is Latin for “blow into, breathe upon.” Inspiration is a powerful tool for the ambitious and time-constrained educator. A study published in *The Official Journal of the International Society for the Study of Individual Differences (ISSID)* found that college students that are more inspired tend to set inspired goals. The relationship is reciprocal which amplifies the effect. The researchers said that this suggests that goal progress and goal inspiration build on each other to form a cycle of greater goal inspiration and greater goal pursuit.
*Our chief want is someone who will inspire us to be what we know we could be*. -Ralph Waldo Emerson
These top YouTube motivational speakers do just that. [Daymond John](https://wwsg.com/speakers/daymond-john), [Kyle Maynard](https://wwsg.com/speakers/kyle-maynard), [Mike Abrashoff](https://wwsg.com/speakers/mike-abrashoff), and [Robyn Benincasa](https://wwsg.com/speakers/robyn-benincasa) are some of the best inspirational speakers in the world. Each one has a unique and transformative story to share.
[**Daymond John**](https://wwsg.com/speakers/daymond-john/)
Daymond John, best known for his role on the ABC entrepreneurial business show Shark Tank, started out by taking a $100,000 mortgage on his mother’s house. He went on to become the CEO and founder of FUBU, making over $6 billion in product sales. While entrepreneurship is John’s specialty, he achieved success through the art of personal branding. John’s most notable speech topics include: Take the Plunge: You Can Swim with the Sharks, How to Negotiate: Lessons from an Entrepreneurial Icon, The Brand Within: Branding Yourself From Birth to the Boardroom and Fostering Creativity.
[**Kyle Maynard**](https://wwsg.com/speakers/kyle-maynard/)
Unlike John, Kyle Maynard is best known for *one* very special speech topic: No Excuses! This is also the title of his *New York Times* bestselling book. As a champion athlete, 2004 ESPY award winner, motivational speaker, author and entrepreneur, Kyle Maynard has been asked to share his story on *The Oprah Winfrey Show, Larry King Live,* ABC’s *20/20, Good Morning America*, and the *CBS Early Show*. What’s hard to believe is that he did all this as a congenital amputee — he was born without fully-formed arms and legs. Maynard’s gift is in his ability to inspire audiences with more than just words.
[**Mike Abrashoff**](https://wwsg.com/speakers/mike-abrashoff/)
Mike Abrashoff provides inspiration for the leaders of your organization. Using a set of principles that he calls The Leadership Roadmap, Abrashoff’s goal is to inspire leaders to rethink their beliefs. As the Military Assistant to Secretary of Defense William J. Perry, Abrashoff was also commander of the USS Benfold. Not surprisingly, the name of his three books are: *It’s Your Ship, It’s Our Ship* and *Get Your Ship Together.* At the heart of his message is replacing command and control with engagement.
“The most important thing that a captain can do is to see the ship through the eyes of the crew. The idea is to empower every individual to share the responsibility of achieving excellence.” *-Abrashoff, Founder of Aegis Performance Group, a consulting firm for leaders*
[**Robyn Benincasa**](https://wwsg.com/speakers/robyn-benincasa/)
Last, but certainly not least, is Robyn Benincasa. She is the founder of World Class Teams. She’s also a CNN Hero, a full-time firefighter and world champion racer. As one of the highest rated motivational female speakers on YouTube, Benincasa is a 3x Guinness World Record Distance Paddler and the proud owner of two metal ‘bionic hips’. Her specialty is helping ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things and her New York Times bestselling book *How Winning Works*, focuses on the nuanced challenges of working within a team mentality. Benincasa’s most notable speech topics include: Leading Through Change, Stay SAFER: How Great Leaders Inspire “Commitment’ Versus ‘Compliance’, Why Winners Win and Building World Class Teams: The 8 Essential Elements of Human Synergy.
YouTube is full of motivational speakers, but what separates an average motivational speaker from a top motivational speaker? The common thread among the best is an ability to inspire. The best possess the rare ability to resonate with the shining stars and the apathetic in one inspirational breath. At WWSG, we specialize in finding the best speakers and we take pride in helping you find the best talent for *your* organization.
[Contact us](https://wwsg.com/contact-us/) to host any of these thought leaders for a speaking engagement.
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** Daymond John, motivational speakers, Motivation, author, inspirational, motivational, leadership, robyn benincasa, Kyle Maynard, Mike Abrashoff, Ambitious, Transformative, Entrepreneur, Award Winner, Business Leaders
---
### [Chasing Life With Dr. Sanjay Gupta | Drug Overdose Awareness and Management](https://wwsg.com/blog/drug-overdose-awareness-and-management/)
**Published:** May 21, 2024
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
*This is a guest post by WWSG exclusive speaker, [Dr. Sanjay Gupta](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sanjay-gupta). You can watch the exclusive video clip of his visit to 5280 High School [here](https://www.cnn.com/2024/05/16/us/video/cfc-gupta-keith-hayes?utm_term=17163251135820fa6b15c138b&utm_source=cnn_05.21.24+Results+are+In&utm_medium=email&bt_ee=Iu5MRAOEF46CQahunGq3y6HKaUVIG2s9qw%2BqQxW7HZY%3D&bt_ts=1716325113584).*
Early numbers from the CDC show that fatal drug overdoses in the US [dropped in 2023](https://e.newsletters.cnn.com/click?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-g/seu01cc8862), for the first time in five years. It’s a glimmer of hope after a continued climb during the Covid-19 pandemic.
According to the CDC, overdose deaths in the US spiked 30% between 2019 and 2020 and rose another 15% between 2020 and 2021. In 2022, more than 109,000 people died of a drug overdose. But that number fell to about 107,500 in 2023.
It’s a welcome sign to see these numbers reverse course. However, it doesn’t mean we can take our feet off the gas when it comes to awareness and management of overdoses.
I recently had a chance to visit [5280 High School](https://e.newsletters.cnn.com/click?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-g/sercc3ae688) in Denver, the country’s largest recovery high school. I met students like Lucy Lefensty, a senior at the school. She started drinking and using drugs at 13, eventually smoking crack and fentanyl, and had to be rescued with the opioid overdose drug naloxone.
Sadly, her story isn’t unusual. Despite [drug use](https://e.newsletters.cnn.com/click?Ea2FiZWxhQHd3c2cuY29t/CeyJtaWQiOiIxNzE2MzI1MTEzNTgyMGZhNmIxNWMxMzhiIiwiY3QiOiJjbm4tYzJlYTVlYjBjOGM0NDlmN2MxOWI0NjRhMjU5N2FmNWItMSIsInJkIjoid3dzZy5jb20ifQ/HWkhfQ05OX2lfTmV3c19OREJBTjA1MjEyMDI0YzEyNzg3MjBiMSxjbjEsaHR0cHM6Ly9uaWRhLm5paC5nb3YvbmV3cy1ldmVudHMvbmV3cy1yZWxlYXNlcy8yMDIyLzEyL21vc3QtcmVwb3J0ZWQtc3Vic3RhbmNlLXVzZS1hbW9uZy1hZG9sZXNjZW50cy1oZWxkLXN0ZWFkeS1pbi0yMDIy/gZk0K-g/s6t4e7a7749) overall for teens dropping in 2021 and holding steady the following year, overdoses among adolescents have [doubled](https://e.newsletters.cnn.com/click?Ea2FiZWxhQHd3c2cuY29t/CeyJtaWQiOiIxNzE2MzI1MTEzNTgyMGZhNmIxNWMxMzhiIiwiY3QiOiJjbm4tYzJlYTVlYjBjOGM0NDlmN2MxOWI0NjRhMjU5N2FmNWItMSIsInJkIjoid3dzZy5jb20ifQ/HWkhfQ05OX2lfTmV3c19OREJBTjA1MjEyMDI0YzEyNzg3MjBiMSxjbjEsaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuY2RjLmdvdi9tbXdyL3ZvbHVtZXMvNzEvd3IvbW03MTUwYTIuaHRt/qI0YxX2Rvd24/gZk0K-g/sci5ee0ecdd) in recent years. Why? Because the drugs are [deadlier,](https://e.newsletters.cnn.com/click?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-g/s5t45c4b852) and they are so easy to obtain. Teens may not be aware of just how risky these drugs may be; counterfeit pills can easily have fentanyl mixed in.
As the father of teens, it’s a concern at the forefront of my mind. But one of the things that I took away from 5280 director Keith Hayes is the acronym B.O.A.T.: “Be Open and Authentic Together.”
Every morning at the school starts with students sharing and connecting: BOAT. And it is something we can all do with our own families and friends. Connect with one another; be there to support and hear each other. That connection can remind us that we have more than just ourselves when we face a crisis. It is a way to embody harm reduction in the most direct way: meet people where they are at, emotionally.
I’ve covered the drug overdose crisis for much of my journalism career. It can be bleak, but within it are moments of optimism and hope that remind me how resilient we can be and help turn this crisis around.
[Contact WWSG](https://wwsg.com/contact-us) for [Sanjay Gupta](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sanjay-gupta)‘s speaking availability.
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** personal health, high school, teenagers, teens, statistics, stats, overdose, drug use disorder, drug abuse, drug, drugs, neurosurgery, neuro, cognitive, medical discovery, Dr. Gupta, medical, Wellness, The Results Are In, journalism, journalist, pandemic, news, Chasing Life, podcast, CNN, Sanjay Gupta
---
### [Who is Dr. Sanjay Gupta?](https://wwsg.com/blog/who-is-dr-sanjay-gupta/)
**Published:** January 25, 2019
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
[Dr. Sanjay Gupta](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sanjay-gupta) is a triathlete, devoted father, brain surgeon, and dedicated global journalist.
However, millions of loyal viewers follow and know Dr. Gupta as the multiple Emmy-award winning Chief Medical Correspondent for CNN, and as their go-to authority for major developments in medicine, personal health, and health care.
Sanjay Gupta, who is also a practicing neurosurgeon, has covered some of the decade’s biggest stories: the attacks of 9/11, Hurricanes Sandy and Katrina, the 2004 tsunami in Southeast Asia, the 2010 devastating earthquake in Haiti, and Japan in 2011 following the earthquake and tsunami. He has contributed to CNN’s Peabody Award-winning coverage of Hurricane Katrina, and, during the war in Iraq, reported as an embedded correspondent with the U.S. Navy’s medical unit. He even performed brain surgery five times while embedded. Sanjay Gupta’s gonzo journalistic style, combined with his seemingly unlimited medical knowledge, has made him one of the most trusted and respected names in the medical world. Basically, he’s a medical rock star.
At CNN, Dr. Gupta delivers segments, hosts House Call with Dr. Sanjay Gupta, produces New You Resolution, and oversees Fit Nation, an ongoing, multi-platform, grassroots initiative against obesity. He also writes a column for TIME, and hosts a weekly podcast, “Paging Dr. Gupta.” When not at CNN, Dr. Gupta works at the department of neurosurgery at the Emory University School of Medicine. He also performs surgery weekly at Grady Memorial Hospital, where he is chief of neurosurgery. In 1997, Gupta was chosen as a White House Fellow, one of only 15 appointed, and served as special advisor to The First Lady. He has won both the Humanitarian Award from the National Press Photographers Association. In a nod betraying his growing fame, he has even been named by People as One of The Sexiest Men Alive. His book, Cheating Death, was released in October 2009.
He is a dedicated, global journalist and is passionate about inspiring Americans to lead healthier, more active lives. His devotion to reporting from war zones and natural disasters, as well as on a range of medical and scientific topics, has distinguished him as an integral reporter for audiences worldwide.
With his diverse experience and engaging style, Dr. Sanjay Gupta captivates audiences around the globe. Ensure success at your next event and [contact us](https://wwsg.com/contact-us) to book him today!
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** Sanjay Gupta, healthcare, CNN, news, media, author, journalist, doctor, neurosurgeon, hurricane sandy, hurrican katrina, anchor, health care, m.d., award-winning
---
### [The Top Motivational Speakers in the World](https://wwsg.com/blog/the-top-motivational-speakers-in-the-world/)
**Published:** December 27, 2018
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
A truly great motivational speaker has an enormous impact on the millions of lives they encounter, no matter what their personal situation may be. They enchant their audience and motivate them to act in a new and better way. Motivational speakers help others visualize a path to success, help them trail that path and actually achieve success. Their words are powerful and inspirational, and their stories and passion can inspire others to fulfill goals and dreams that they otherwise would have never done on their own.
[Worldwide Speakers Group](https://wwsg.com) is home to top motivational speakers in the world, who are renowned as being able to not only paint a vivid and memorable picture but teach a lesson that can be generalized and applied to their everyday life.
**[Nancy Frates,](https://wwsg.com/speakers/nancy-frates/)** a distinguished businesswoman in her own right, Nancy Frates is the mother behind the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, the very apex of viral philanthropy, and a leader in the ALS community.
Driven by the unacceptability of her son’s prognosis, Nancy Frates has utilized her business acumen, communication skills and mama bear drive to network, advocate and create worldwide awareness in the fight against ALS/MND. In August 2014, her son Peter, in concert with his family and supporters, championed the historic global movement, the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge (ALS IBC), which ignited a media maelstrom, raising over $220 million in just five weeks.
Nancy Frates will touch on the many aspects and elements that go into a successful campaign and what it means and takes to change the world. For Frates, it started with a vision to help her son combat a disease and turned into a national effort through the power of communities.
**[Joe Girardi](https://wwsg.com/speakers/joe-girardi/)** has always been a highly-respected and admired leader. An All-Star, 4-time World Series Champion (3 as a player and 1 as a manager) and leading broadcaster, Girardi’s life exemplifies the work ethic, intelligence and tenacity which brought him success throughout his life and career.
Known as the Manager who in 2009 led the New York Yankees to their first World Series win since 2000, Joe Girardi knows first-hand what it takes to form and lead a winning team. Joe offers audiences strategies and insight for recognizing your team’s individual assets and how to maximize for peak performance for the best overall outcome.
**[Stedman Graham](https://wwsg.com/speakers/stedman-graham/)** is chairman and CEO of S. Graham & Associates, a Chicago-based management and marketing consulting firm that specializes in corporate and educational markets. As a businessman and educator, Graham lectures and conducts seminars for businesses and organizations around the country, with content driven by his proprietary Nine-Step Success Process™.
Graham’s Identity Leadership is based on the principal that you cannot lead others until you can first lead yourself. Identity Leadership uniquely focuses on helping participants develop their identity as a foundation for building a plan. Audiences learn the steps toward developing themselves as a leader. Designed to provide participants with an enhanced personal awareness and skills for leadership they are left with a strategy for success to develop and navigate the future.
**[Tim Storey](https://wwsg.com/speakers/tim-storey/)** believes in helping people create the future they desire, and as an acclaimed author, speaker and life coach, he does just that. He is well known for inspiring and motivating people of all walks of life, from entertainment to executives, celebrities and athletes, to adults and children in the most deprived neighborhoods in the country.
His ability to listen and genuinely care for those he encounters has led to unique favorability among some the most influential leaders in the world. By using seasoned foundational principles and humor to get honest with people, he helps them believe and overcome the obstacles that are holding them back.
Like these WWSG trailblazers, great motivational speakers must be confident, empathetic, good storytellers, and have the ability to connect with their audiences. Their stories will move and inspire others in the direction they have only dreamed of. [Contact us](https://wwsg.com/contact-us) to host one of these exceptional speakers.
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** motivational speakers, top motivational speakers
---
### [Carly Fiorina Teaches True Leadership By Example](https://wwsg.com/blog/carly-fiorina-teaches-true-leadership-by-example/)
**Published:** December 3, 2018
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
[Carly Fiorina](https://wwsg.com/speakers/carly-fiorina) is in a class of her own.
A true leader who worked her up to CEO, utilizing her passion, problem-solving skills, and entrepreneurial gift to become the first woman ever to lead a Fortune 500 Company.
Ms. Fiorina’s experience spans from starting out as a secretary for a 9-person real-estate business to CEO of Hewlett Packard, where in partnership with her effective leadership, revenue grew, innovation tripled, growth quadrupled, and HP became the 11th largest company in the U.S.
Now, Carly Fiorina is taking on a new challenge, one that will help others benefit and succeed through her example. Carly has already shared her talents and experiences with audiences around the world through her unparalleled motivational and leadership presentations. Now, she has created her own organization geared towards helping others unlock and realize their own leadership potential and maximize their impact within their own lives and communities. Her organization, Unlocking Potential, was founded with Carly’s core leadership philosophy in mind: that leaders are made, not born; that everyone has far more potential than they realize; and that people living closest to the problems are best positioned to solve them.
As a top business leader and speaker, Carly Fiorina is one of the most respected and trusted authorities on leadership and the financial status and markets of the global world. Her relationships with other leaders are one of the many reasons she has found such celebrated success, which is why her passion has now found its way to podcasts. In her newly released Podcast Series, By Example, Carly Fiorina sits down with leaders of all types to explore examples of real leadership and the qualities of all great problem solvers. Carly and her team lift up the real leaders: people who are focused on changing the order of things for the better and solving real problems that are right in front of them.
Similar to her style of leadership keynote presentations, this podcast hits the nail on the head; leadership is not about titles or office space, but instead is about people rolling up their sleeves and solving the key issues affecting communities and nations today. The best way for others to learn this, is *by example.* The world is and will be a better place due to Carly Fiorina’s passion for supporting, creating and maximizing other’s leadership potential.
If you are interested in hiring Carly Fiorina to speak at your next event, [contact us](/contact-us).
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** Carly Fiorina, Women Keynote Speakers, motivational women speakers, Top Leadership Speaker, leadership speakers, Booking carly fiorina, Top thought leader, teaching leadership, leadership by example, fortune 500
---
### [Father Greg Boyle Receives the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Joe Biden](https://wwsg.com/announcements/boyle-receives-the-presidential-medal-of-freedom/)
**Published:** May 4, 2024
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
[Father Greg Boyle](https://wwsg.com/speakers/greg-boyle) has received the nation’s highest civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Joe Biden.
Father Greg Boyle witnessed the devastating impact of gang violence on his community during the so-called “decade of death” that began in the late 1980s and peaked at 1,000 gang-related killings in 1992. In the face of law enforcement tactics and criminal justice policies of suppression and mass incarceration as the means to end gang violence, he and parish and community members adopted what was a radical approach at the time: *treat gang members as human beings*.
As Executive Director of Homeboy Industries and an acknowledged expert on gangs and intervention approaches, Father Greg is a nationally renowned speaker. He and several “homies” have spoken at the White House Conference on Youth amongst other types of inspiration and educational engagements.
To host Father Boyle at your upcoming event, [contact Worldwide Speakers Group.](https://wwsg.com/contact-us)
**Categories:** Announcements
**Tags:** biden, Keynote Speaker, greg boyle, father greg boyle, father gred, presidential medal of freddom, joe biden, president biden, homeboy industries, gangs, gang members, religious
---
### [The Benefits of Hosting a Respected Economy & Finance Speaker](https://wwsg.com/blog/the-benefits-of-hosting-a-respected-economy-finance-speaker/)
**Published:** May 6, 2024
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
### Why host an economy speaker or financial expert?
Inviting a respected economy speaker or finance expert to your organization’s event offers a wealth of benefits. Their insights can illuminate complex economic trends, providing your audience with a deeper understanding of the current financial landscape. This expertise can be particularly valuable for business leaders who can leverage the information for strategic decision-making. The expert can also offer forecasts and analyses, equipping attendees with the knowledge to navigate future economic challenges and seize potential opportunities. Furthermore, having a renowned speaker adds prestige to your event, attracting a wider audience and enhancing your organization’s reputation as a thought leader in the industry.
### Why WWSG?
Worldwide Speakers Group offers an impressive lineup of economic and financial leaders who can speak for your organization or event. Our speakers are esteemed experts who can advise on domestic and global policy and provide thoughtful discourse on current economic issues and trends. Our unrivaled team of sales specialists have the necessary experience working with high-caliber guests to accurate advisely your group on hosting one of these thought leaders. [**Contact Us**](https://wwsg.com/contact-us/) to hear more about your options.
Below are some of our favorite finance and economy speakers:
#### [Mario Draghi](https://wwsg.com/book-speaker-mario-draghi/)
Widely credited with saving the eurozone, Dr. Mario Draghi is an internationally respected and renowned economic and financial leader. With just three words, “whatever it takes,” Dr. Draghi initiated clarity, confidence, and optimism into a world paralyzed by fear of another Depression during the peak of the 2012-euro crisis.
[ Information on Hosting Dr. Draghi](https://wwsg.com/book-speaker-mario-draghi/)
#### [Sheila Bair](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sheila-bair/)
From *Time’s* “Top 100” list to the *Wall Street Journal’s* “The 50 Women to Watch,” Sheila Bair is a leading domestic and global expert in finance and economics. As Chair of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) from 2006 to 2011, she steered the agency through the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression, working to bolster public confidence in the nation’s banking system.
[ Ms. Bair’s Speaker Profile](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sheila-bair/)
#### [Niall Ferguson](https://wwsg.com/speakers/niall-ferguson)
One of the world’s most accomplished historians and provocative commentators on global politics and economics, Niall Ferguson stands at the crossroads of past, present, and future. As the author of sixteen books, Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institution at Stanford University and a senior faculty fellow of the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs at Harvard, Ferguson has provided audiences worldwide with unparalleled insight and knowledge.
[ Mr. Ferguson’s Speaker Profile](https://wwsg.com/speakers/niall-ferguson/)
#### [Jennifer Burns](https://wwsg.com/speakers/jennifer-burns)
One of the nation’s leading historians, Jennifer Burns offers unique insights into the history of ideas in politics, economic policy making, and the conservative movement. At once entertaining and educating her audiences, she covers foundational issues of American political debate through profiles of the country’s most famous thinkers, giving listeners new perspectives on perennial questions about capitalism, markets, and government. In addition to numerous talks at colleges and universities, she has spoken to leading financial firms, done historical briefings for policymakers, and keynoted at Hoover’s annual Monetary Policy Conference.
[ Ms. Burns’ Speaker Profile](https://wwsg.com/speakers/jennifer-burns/)
#### [Hank Paulson](https://wwsg.com/speakers/hank-paulson)
A visionary leader with an adept appreciation of the financial and business challenges facing the U.S. and the world, Hank Paulson is one of the most prominent and powerful voices on today’s political, environmental, and economic landscapes. With unrivaled experience and expertise, Paulson provides astute insights and shrewd analysis on complex, contemporary global issues.
[ Mr. Paulson’s Speaker Profile](https://wwsg.com/speakers/hank-paulson/)
#### [Robert Zoellick](https://wwsg.com/speakers/robert-zoellick)
The former President of the World Bank Group from 2007-2012, Trade Representative from 2001 to 2005, and Deputy Secretary of State from 2005 to 2006, Robert Zoellick is one of the world’s most distinguished authorities on the global economy, international finance, and foreign policy. He is unrivaled in his depth and breadth of what makes global economies tick and how best to operate in an increasingly global market.
[ Mr. Zoellick’s Speaker Profile](https://wwsg.com/speakers/robert-zoellick/)
#### [Poppy Harlow](https://wwsg.com/speakers/poppy-harlow)
Award-winning journalist Poppy Harlow imparts her deep economic knowledge by interviewing the world’s top business leaders and CEOs including Warren Buffett, JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon, Google CEO Sundar Pichai, Bill Gates, Melinda French, former YouTube CEO Susan Wojcicki, Jay-Z, CZI co-founder and co-CEO Dr. Priscilla Chan, META CEO Mark Zuckerberg, former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz, Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan, former Goldman Sachs CEO Lloyd Blankfein, former Robin Hood CEO Wes Moore, among others. She is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, as well as a Henry Crown Fellow within the Aspen Institute. Harlow was the 2020 recipient of the Columbia University John Jay Award.
[ Ms. Harlow’s Speaker Profile](https://wwsg.com/speakers/poppy-harlow/)
#### [Lloyd Blankfein](https://wwsg.com/speakers/lloyd-blankfein)
Lloyd Blankfein is an internationally respected global business leader, risk manager, and commentator on matters affecting the global economy. As Chairman and CEO of Goldman Sachs for more than 12 years, Lloyd led the highest profile global investment bank through a period of great economic and political turbulence, becoming an important voice on today’s global financial and political issues.
[ Mr. Blankfein’s Speaker Profile](https://wwsg.com/speakers/lloyd-blankfein/)
#### [Eric Rosengren](https://wwsg.com/speakers/eric-rosengren)
As a 35-year veteran of the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, Eric Rosengren is one of modern times’ most knowledgeable experts on financial markets and institutions. He served on the Fed’s Open Market Committee during some of the most turbulent periods in the past 50 years, including the Great Financial Crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic.
An accomplished public speaker known for making complex economic content understandable, he provides a comprehensive description of the economic and financial challenges that we face.
[ Mr. Rosengren’s Speaker Profile](https://wwsg.com/speakers/eric-rosengren/)
#### [Pippa Malmgren](https://wwsg.com/speakers/pippa-malmgren/)
Dr. Pippa Malmgren simplifies the complexities of the world economy, geopolitics and technology. She has advised Presidents and Prime Ministers, won awards for her work in leadership and technology and serves as a partner of a European startup accelerator, The Monaco Foundry. She has co-founded an award-winning tech firm, worked in finance and asset management, briefed NATO leaders and serves as a judge in The Queen’s Enterprise Awards competition. Forbes has called her a “Must Follow” on Twitter since 2016.
Dr. Malmgren takes a “holistic” approach to public speaking and tailors her remarks to be timely and targeted to each specific audience. She weaves her many areas of expertise together in plain English for a truly enlightening and unforgettable experience.
[ Ms. Malmgren’s Speaker Profile](https://wwsg.com/speakers/pippa-malmgren/)
#### [Lawrence Mussio](https://wwsg.com/speakers/laurence-mussio/)
Dr. Laurence B. Mussio is a business and corporate historian who has spent his professional career bringing actionable insight through historical perspective to decision-makers in lectures, articles, opeds and books. His studies in banking, finance, risk, technology and artificial intelligence have focused on how big decision-making engines in North American finance, government, and technology shape and are shaped by the world around them.
His remarkable ability to write for, speak to, and connect with both professional and popular audiences in hundreds of public appearances is one of the distinguishing hallmarks of his career.
[ Dr. Mussio’s Speaker Profile](https://wwsg.com/speakers/lawrence-mussio/)
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**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** Italy, lawrence mussio, economy speaker, finance speaker, financial speaker, world bank, monaco foundry, BMO, Forbes, Federal Reserve, Boston, Goldman Sachs, World Bank Group, jennifer burns, Prime Minister, president of italy, global issues, domestic issues, finance expert, ceo roundtable, small group, financial advice, trading, investing, investment banker, public markets, finance, Hank Paulson, Niall Ferguson, mario draghi, Robert Zoellick, Sheila Bair, economics, CNN, Keynote Speaker, economy, poppy harlow, lloyd blankfein, eric rosengren, Henry Paulson, book a speaker, q&a, stock market, global economy, Investment, CEO, bob zoellick, pippa malmgren, Domestic Economy, fireside chat
---
### [The Best Speakers for AAPI Heritage Month](https://wwsg.com/blog/the-best-speakers-for-aapi-heritage-month/)
**Published:** April 30, 2024
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
## Your Source for the Best Live and Virtual Keynote Speakers for Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
With the month of May comes a special opportunity to recognize the contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders to the United States. AAPIs have made significant contributions to all aspects of American life, including business, government, education, the arts, and more. They have also played a critical role in championing civil rights and social justice, helping to share American culture.
Hiring a speaker for AAPI Heritage Month offers a wealth of benefits for your organization. An AAPI speaker can bring fresh perspectives and insights into the rich cultures and histories of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. This not only educates your employees but also fosters a more inclusive environment. By showcasing the achievements and experiences of AAPI individuals, you demonstrate your commitment to diversity and create a space where AAPI employees feel valued and respected. This can lead to a more positive and engaged workforce overall.
WWSG is proud to work with an array of thought leaders from the Asian American and Pacific Islander community whose stories inspire others both onstage and off-stage.
[**Contact us**](https://wwsg.com/contact-us?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9A21CNMfnWpWNAbWBu1CTtdyuslAKWTsKrEp1xcoqJgzHFKniGpmETDaRMfXdMKb5Smotr) to learn more about hosting these exceptional speakers.
### Our Favorite AAPI Heritage Month Speakers
#### [Secretary Elaine Chao](https://wwsg.com/speakers/elaine-chao) (WWSG Exclusive)
**
*Former U.S. Secretary of Transportation, Former U.S. Secretary of Labor, President and CEO of United Way of America, Peace Corps Director, Director of Numerous Fortune 100 Corporate Boards*
**Selected Speech Topics:** How Americans see and are seen by the world, innovation and investment, embracing and leveraging change
[ Secretary Chao’s Speaker Profile](https://wwsg.com/speakers/elaine-chao)
#### [Dr. Dave Chokshi](https://wwsg.com/speakers/dave-chokshi) (WWSG Exclusive)
*Physician; 43rd Health Commissioner of New York City; White House Fellow*
**Selected Speech Topics:** Leadership in crisis, healthcare innovation, the future of public health
[ Dr. Chokshi’s Speaker Profile](https://wwsg.com/speakers/dave-chokshi)
#### [Dr. Sanjay Gupta](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sanjay-gupta) (WWSG Exclusive)
*Chief Medical Correspondent, CNN; Multiple Award-Winning Journalist, Author and Neurosurgeon*
**Selected Speech Topics:** Brain health, the media’s role in health news, technology’s effect on mental health, future of health care
[ Dr. Gupta’s Speaker Profile](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sanjay-gupta)
#### [Ambassador Gary Locke](https://wwsg.com/speakers/gary-locke) (WWSG Exclusive)
**
*U.S. Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China (2011-2014); Secretary of Commerce (2009-2011); Governor of Washington (1997-2005)*
**Selected Speech Topics:** American’s immigrant experience, inspiring and achieving superior organizational performance, U.S-China relations
[ Amb. Locke’s Speaker Profile](https://wwsg.com/speakers/gary-locke)
#### [Administrator Seema Verma](https://wwsg.com/speakers/seema-verma) (WWSG Exclusive)
*General Manager and Senior Vice President, Oracle Corporation; Administrator, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (2017-2021); Founder & CEO, SVC Inc.*
**Selected Speech Topics:** Women in leadership, remarks on the United States healthcare system
[ Ms. Verma’s Speaker Profile](https://wwsg.com/speakers/seema-verma)
#### [Dr. Anand Shah](https://wwsg.com/speakers/anand-shah) (WWSG Exclusive)
*Deputy Commissioner for Medical and Scientific Affairs, FDA (2020-2021); Senior Medical Advisor, CMS (2019-2020); Chief Medical Officer, Center for Medicare & Medicaid Innovation (2017-2019)*
**Favorite Topics:** Leadership and management in a public health crisis, reforming medicare, future of health care
[ Dr. Shah’s Speaker Profile](https://wwsg.com/speakers/anand-shah)
#### [Ben Parr](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ben-parr) (WWSG Exclusive)
**
*Award-Winning Tech Guru; Former Co-Editor of Mashable; Author of Captivology; Co-Founder of Octane AI; Board Director and Advisor (Sama, Lufthansa, World Chef, LeadIQ, Ustream)*
**Favorite Topics:** Entrepreneurship 101: Lessons from starting and building Octane AI, how technology is going to transform the world
[ Mr. Parr’s Speaker Profile](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ben-parr)
#### [Dr. Michio Kaku](https://wwsg.com/speakers/michio-kaku)
*Theoretical Physicist, Professor, Futurist and New York Times Best-Selling Author*
**Favorite Topics:** The Future of the Mind, Physics of the Future
[ Dr. Kaku’s Speaker Profile](https://wwsg.com/speakers/michio-kaku)
#### [Representative Stephanie Murphy](https://wwsg.com/speakers/stephanie-murphy)
Businesswoman, Policy Expert, First Vietnamese American Woman to be Elected to U.S. House of Representatives
**Favorite Topics:** Impact of Domestic and Foreign Policy on the Economy and Business, Defending America from Foreign and Domestic Threats
[ Ms. Murphy’s Speaker Profile](https://wwsg.com/speakers/stephanie-murphy)
#### [Dr. Leana Wen](https://wwsg.com/speakers/leana-wen)
**
*Physician and Healthcare Executive; Washington Post Health Columnist; Author; Former Health Commissioner, Baltimore; Former President, Planned Parenthood*
**Favorite Topics:** Racial Disparities in Health, A New Day for AI and Healthcare’s Digital Revolution
[ Dr. Wen’s Speaker Profile](https://wwsg.com/speakers/leana-wen)
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** quantum physics, congress, stephanie murphy, podcast host, USA, leana wen, asian, asian american, asian american and pacific islander heritage month, pacific islander, cabinet, congresswoman, policy experts, fireside chat, plenary speakers, presidential cabinet, china expert, university of washington, presenter, may, podcaster, Keynote Speakers, Sanjay Gupta, seema verma, Ben Parr, CNN, Dave Chokshi, Chasing Life, media, united states, michio kaku, Elaine Chao, Gary Locke, Anand Shah, AAPI, doctors, women in leadership, ted talk
---
### [Sanjay Gupta: How Concerned Should We Be About Avian Flu?](https://wwsg.com/blog/sanjay-gupta-how-concerned-should-we-be-about-avian-flu/)
**Published:** April 11, 2024
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
*This is a guest blog post from WWSG exclusive thought leader, [Dr. Sanjay Gupta](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sanjay-gupta).*
Last week, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed the [second person to test positive for avian flu](https://e.newsletters.cnn.com/click?Ea2FiZWxhQHd3c2cuY29t/CeyJtaWQiOiIxNzEyNzAwOTA2OTQyZTY2MTA0NTJlODFjIiwiY3QiOiJjbm4tNDcyYzU0NzRkZWYxMjUxNTk3NWJhYzI2NTA3MDY0ZDYtMSIsInJkIjoid3dzZy5jb20ifQ/HWkhfQ05OX2lfTmV3c19OREJBTjA0MDkyMDI0YzEyMjk1NjhiMSxjbjEsaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuY25uLmNvbS8yMDI0LzA0LzAxL2hlYWx0aC9jZGMtYmlyZC1mbHUtZGFpcnktY2F0dGxlLXRleGFz/qP3V0bV90ZXJtPTE3MTI3MDA5MDY5NDJlNjYxMDQ1MmU4MWMmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1jbm5fMDQuMDkuMjQrUmVzdWx0cythcmUrSW4mdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZidF9lZT1wTlo0JTJGNVlzeVJkNmw5TzY0YmY2b2FqM2dLQ3BYMGlPalpYQTZYb1dINEElM0QmYnRfdHM9MTcxMjcwMDkwNjk0OQ/scrd4525a09). This person worked on a dairy farm and had “direct contact with dairy cattle” that had tested positive for avian flu, the Texas Department of State Health Services said.
The CDC said the person who has the H5N1 virus is recovering and was told to isolate.
Their only symptom was eye inflammation, and they were treated with oseltamivir, the Texas health department said. Oseltamivir is the generic version of the antiviral medication Tamiflu.
While the virus itself can make for alarming headlines, [how concerned should you be](https://e.newsletters.cnn.com/click?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)?
There have been a few cases of human transmission in other parts of the world, but fortunately there has been no human-to human spread of the virus in the US. The CDC says it is watching the situation closely and remaining alert but that the “the risk overall for the general public remains low.”
If the virus does mutate and spread among humans, the CDC said, the agency is prepared and can use existing products to detect and protect against it. The strain that was recovered from the latest person who was sick is the same version as in the sick cows and as has been circulating in birds.
Transmission occurs typically among those who have had close contact with sick animals.
The virus can be found in high concentration in milk from sick cows. However, since most milk and dairy products in the US are pasteurized, these products don’t pose a large threat. It is a good reminder though to stay away from raw milk.
Also, it’s always safe to practice good hand washing and hygiene. Remember the best way to wash is to use soap and water and scrub for at least 20 seconds. How do you know 20 seconds is up? You can sing or hum “Happy Birthday” to yourself twice. It is a simple step to help you stay healthy.
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** Dr. Gupta, healthy life, health tips, avian flu, modern wellness, health concerns, plastic, flu season, Flu, Wellness, health, Climate, Chasing Life, CNN, Sanjay Gupta, Environment
---
### [Guest Post by Olga Koroleva | How to Achieve Peak Performance](https://wwsg.com/blog/guest-post-by-olga-koroleva-how-to-achieve-peak-performance/)
**Published:** March 15, 2024
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
This guest blog post is by WWSG exclusive thought leader, [Olga Koroleva](https://wwsg.com/speakers/olga-koroleva).
My next expedition is in June to Mt. Logan (19,551 ft), the second-highest mountain in North America.
It is also the coldest mountain on the planet, with an average temperature of -17°F in the summer (and up to -49°F in winter) at the Base Camp altitude. But as my dad says, “Stop complaining, your sleeping bag is rated -40°F.”
The mountain is climbed via ski touring while carrying packs weighing up to 70 lbs. For training, I now climb ~1,000 ft daily with a 40 lbs vest, and that is no easy task. I can’t wait to see myself carrying 62% of my own weight, at altitude, on skis.
Adding to the challenge is a relatively low average summit success rate of 50%, primarily due to unstable weather conditions.
This expedition promises to be quite interesting.
My Mt. Logan expedition got me thinking about the feeling of unease we experience when the challenge level outweighs our perceived skill level.
In those conditions, we lose the peace of mind and enjoyment from the activity, making it virtually impossible to reach peak performance or enter the state of flow.
### 
### How To Master Peak Performance
#### Characteristics of flow state:
The research on the concept began in the 1970s, with flow being touted as the secret to happiness.
Flow, often referred to as “being in the zone,” is a mental state characterized by complete immersion and focus on a task, accompanied by a sense of energy, concentration, and enjoyment.
It is considered an optimal experience where individuals are fully engaged in the activity at hand.
Flow has been shown to help individuals remain resilient in challenging situations by redirecting focus away from stress towards enjoyment, potentially guarding against depression and burnout.
In sports, flow is strongly linked to performance levels, confidence, and the ease of executing sport-specific actions.
Studies have shown that flow state is beneficial for chronic pain patients during standard therapies.
In a social context, group flow can foster hyper-resilience to stress for the entire group.
A 2013 McKinsey study found that data from senior executives indicated a remarkable 500% performance improvement while in a state of flow.
Subsequent research by Deloitte revealed a positive correlation between flow states and happiness at work. This was characterized by a heightened motivation to make an impact and pursue work-related challenges.
Interestingly, the perceived value of being proud to work for one’s company did not hold as much significance as being proud of the work itself.
Additionally, factors such as maintaining a balance between challenge and skill, establishing clear goals, and receiving immediate feedback were identified as crucial contributors to workers’ happiness in the workplace.
#### How to get into flow state:
The mechanism by which the brain enters a state of flow remains unclear, primarily evidenced through empirical demonstrations.
The most recent, a two-week-old neuroimaging study from Drexel University’s Creativity Research Lab is the first to reveal how the brain gets to the creative flow state.
The findings reveal the creative flow state involves two key factors: extensive experience, which leads to a network of brain areas specialized for generating the desired type of ideas, and the release of control —”letting go”—to allow this network to work with little or no conscious supervision.
To enter flow, it’s crucial to engage in activities that are challenging yet within our capability, set clear goals, and receive immediate feedback.
#### Balance challenge and skill
Flow occurs when the challenge of a task aligns with one’s skill level, both of which need to be high. Tasks that are too easy result in boredom, while those that are too difficult cause anxiety. As long as the task’s challenge matches the skill level, one can enter a state of flow.
However, the perception of difficulty can vary subjectively; feeling energetic may make a task seem easier.
#### Stay in the now
The ability to enter a state of flow is rooted in mindfulness, remaining fully present in the moment, free from distractions of past narratives or future concerns.
Focusing attention and awareness entirely on the present fosters deeper engagement and fulfillment, facilitating personal growth and enriching life experiences.
Research has demonstrated that practicing mindfulness in daily activities enhances well-being by reducing stress, improving emotional regulation, sharpening focus, and cultivating deeper connections with others.
#### Stop multitasking, reduce the noise and distraction
The optimal approach to action is through a state of flow, where internal focus on the ultimate goal is maximized and external distractions are minimized.
By silencing internal voices, one can embrace a clean slate for new experiences and personal growth.
The idea here is to forget the inner monologue and get immersed in the present activity.
By following this approach, one can foster a profound sense of control, mastery, and enjoyment, akin to the creative process, wherein individuals feel in the flow, empowered as creators of their present reality.
#### Put less effort
The traditional notion that “maximum effort equals maximum results” is outdated when it comes to achieving peak performance.
Research suggests that constantly operating at maximum effort leads to burnout and suboptimal outcomes.
Instead, the 85% rule advises individuals to balance effort to achieve maximum output effectively.
This guideline is beneficial for managers in fostering high-performance teams while preventing burnout. Shifting focus from “maximum effort” to “optimal effort” often yields greater success.
Additionally, rest is crucial for achieving flow and successful outcomes, as it allows the brain to receive endorphins and maintain motivation.
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** mountaneer, group experience, peak, summit, overcoming mindset, state of mind, flow, peak performance, hiking, mountain, Overcoming Odds, Overcoming, Mindset, leadership, outdoors, ai, tech, olga koroleva, climbing
---
### [The Best Modern Wellness Speakers](https://wwsg.com/blog/the-best-modern-wellness-speakers/)
**Published:** March 14, 2024
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
**Top** [**healthcare leaders**](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/healthcare-and-wellness/) **are in high demand for speaking engagements, especially those who have a finger on the pulse of modern wellness.**
A keynote address on modern wellness can be a powerful tool for promoting positive change and empowering individuals to take charge of their well-being. Bringing in an expert can break through information overload, since the expert filters out key concepts from reliable sources in a clear and concise way. This helps the audience navigate the complexities of modern wellness and find practical takeaways.
Additionally, a keynote address on modern wellness can create a sense of community among the audience. It allows them to share a common focus on improving their well-being and can spark discussions and inspire them to hold each other accountable for positive changes.
Lastly, by educating the audience about modern wellness trends and practices, a keynote speaker can raise awareness of important topics like stress management, healthy eating, or mindfulness. This increased awareness can translate to real-world action, motivating the audience to make positive changes in their lives.
Those who can speak to today’s healthcare issues and opportunities with passion and clarity are being sought after for speaking engagements this quarter. Here are our top recommendations.
#### Speaker Spotlight: [Sanjay Gupta, M.D.](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sanjay-gupta)
Over the years, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, the neurosurgeon and CNN Chief Medical Correspondent has established himself as a household icon of modern wellness. Dr. Gupta exhibits an endless curiosity and a passion for educating the public about how to live longer, healthier lives. These traits have been demonstrated through his journalism and his published books. Dr. Gupta has investigated topics like the benefits of cannabis, COVID-19 and its aftermath, technology’s effect on our brains, and most recently, the mysteries and misconceptions of healthy weight. His books include *New York Times* best-sellers, [*Keep Sharp: Build a Better Brain at Any Age*](https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Keep-Sharp/Sanjay-Gupta/9781501166730), [*World War C: Lessons from the Covid-19 Pandemic and How to Prepare for the Next One*](https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/World-War-C/Sanjay-Gupta/9781982166106), and [*12 Weeks to a Sharper You: A Guided Program*](https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/12-Weeks-to-a-Sharper-You/Sanjay-Gupta/9781668014684).
**Recent modern wellness topics:** [Is obesity really a disease?](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/is-obesity-really-a-disease/), [The truth about menopause](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/chasing-life-the-truth-about-menopause-and-weight-gain/), [All about the Alabama IVF ruling](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/sanjay-gupta-what-you-need-to-know-about-the-alabama-ivf-ruling/)
Dr. Gupta’s speaking engagements are exclusively managed by [Worldwide Speakers Group](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sanjay-gupta). To host him at your upcoming event, [contact us](https://wwsg.com/contact-us).
#### [Scott Gottlieb, M.D.](https://wwsg.com/speakers/scott-gottlieb)
Scott Gottlieb, M.D. is a preeminent figure in U.S. health care and policy and a succinct and trusted commentator on the healthcare news of today. A leading expert in health policy, Dr. Gottlieb’s work focuses on providing insights into the economic and technological forces driving the transformation of healthcare. His ability to decode healthcare policy and knowledge of cutting-edge medicine will engage any audience.
**Recent modern wellness topics:** [Drug prices and availability](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/scott-gottlieb-weighs-in-on-medicares-involvement-in-glp-1-prices/), [GLP-1 drugs as a profound medical advance](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/scott-gottlieb-glp-1-drugs-are-a-profound-medical-advance-on-par-with-statins/), [Zyn’s explosive growth and social media platforms’ responsibility](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/the-rise-of-zynfluencers-what-you-need-to-know/), [AI’s effect on national healthcare systems](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/2-in-3-physicians-concerned-about-ai-driving-diagnosis-treatment-decisions-survey/)
Dr. Gottlieb’s speaking engagements are exclusively managed by [Worldwide Speakers Group](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sanjay-gupta). To host him at your upcoming event, [contact us](https://wwsg.com/contact-us).
#### [Dave Chokshi, M.D.](https://wwsg.com/speakers/dave-chokshi)
A true advocate for equitable public health, Dr. Dave A. Chokshi [draws upon his leadership experiences](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/former-nyc-health-commissioner-joins-ccny-faculty-dr-dave-a-chokshi/) in various settings to inspire others about the fundamental privilege that is health. A Rhodes Scholar and White House Fellow, Dr. Chokshi is now nationally recognized as a transformational leader, innovator, policy expert, and fierce advocate for a stronger health system.
As New York City’s Health Commissioner through the height of the pandemic, his tenure was undoubtedly marked by COVID, but he also led efforts to improve the city’s overall health from overdose prevention to addressing racism as a public health crisis.
**Recent modern wellness topics:** [Strengthening services in public health](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/chelsea-cipriano-kushal-kadakia-and-dave-chokshi-argue-that-the-us-must-end-its-collective-amnesia-about-public-health-disasters-and-act-collaboratively-to-strengthen-services/), [Is diabetes reversible?](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/ask-a-doctor-is-it-possible-to-reverse-my-diabetes-2/)
Dr. Chokshi’s speaking engagements are exclusively managed by [Worldwide Speakers Group](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sanjay-gupta). To host him at your upcoming event, [contact us](https://wwsg.com/contact-us).
#### [Ryan Dusick](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ryan-dusick/)
Ryan Dusick is passionate about bringing compassion and inspiration to those suffering through mental health challenges. He believes his purpose in life is to offer support, insight, and helpful guidance to those on their journey from struggling to thriving. With his time spent in the music industry and as a life coach and registered therapist, Ryan is highly equipped to provide a uniquely crafted experience which is guaranteed to uplift an audience.
**Recent modern wellness topics:** [Seeing challenges versus threats](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ryan-dusick/#:~:text=Out%20of%20Music-,Speech%20Topics,-From%20Barely%20Breathing), [Finding recovery](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/original-maroon-5-drummer-ryan-dusick-talks-about-his-exit-and-finding-recovery-with-laurie-barkman/)
Mr. Dusick’s speaking engagements are exclusively managed by [Worldwide Speakers Group](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sanjay-gupta). To host him at your upcoming event, [contact us](https://wwsg.com/contact-us).
#### [Leana Wen, M.D.](https://wwsg.com/speakers/leana-wen)
Dr. Leana Wen is an emergency physician, CNN medical analyst, and op-ed columnist for The Washington Post, where she writes a weekly column and anchors the newsletter, “The Checkup with Dr. Wen.” Dr. Wen has been a trusted voice in health care throughout the pandemic’s turbulence and in regard to other pressing national health issues.
**Recent modern wellness topics:** [Why the measles outbreak was a preventable tragedy](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/opinion-floridas-measles-outbreak-is-a-devastating-and-preventable-tragedy/), [The truth about animal-to-human disease transmission](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/should-you-care-about-what-the-cat-or-dog-dragged-in-leana-wens-advice/), [The health impacts of alcohol](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/opinion-alcohol-has-many-negative-health-impacts-dry-january-offers-a-reset/)
#### [Geeta Nayyar, M.D.](https://wwsg.com/speakers/geeta-nayyar)
Geeta Nayyar, M.D. is a leader and active contributor to the conversation around public health and wellbeing in the tech industry. Dr. Nayyar illuminates the intersection of clinical medicine, business, and digital health while inspiring audiences to do well and to live well.
**Recent modern wellness topics:** [How AI can be leveraged in healthcare](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/how-ai-can-be-leveraged-in-healthcare/), [Misinformation and rebuilding patient trust](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/geeta-nayyar-md-mba-on-misinformation-rebuilding-patient-trust-and-good-health-care-marketing/)
#### [Suneel Gupta](https://wwsg.com/speakers/suneel-gupta)
Passionate about helping people achieve sustainable peak performance by bolstering emotional resilience and engagement, Suneel Gupta is a modern icon of mental health, especially as it pertains to how we work. His latest speech topic says, “leaders must embrace a striking truth: they don’t just impact people’s work, but their overall health and well-being.”
**Recent modern wellness topics:** [We’re all strangled by time, we haven’t learned how to manage energy](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/healthcare-leaders-are-strangled-by-time-says-suneel-gupta/); [Dharma and finding purpose in an overwhelmed life](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/dharma-and-finding-purpose-in-an-overwhelmed-life-with-suneel-gupta/)
Bringing in a leading medical expert is an investment in the depth, credibility, and engagement of your event. Their extensive experiences, cutting-edge research, and real-world experience will spark meaningful conversations, inspire your audience, and elevate your event to the next level. Secure your speaker today by [contacting us](https://wwsg.com/contact-us) for a list of relevant thought leaders and their availability.
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** drug prices, COVID, healthcare leaders, ozempic, thought leadership, modern wellness, weight, weightloss, zyn, pharma, glp-1, drugs, parmaceuticals, u.s. healthcare, leana wen, dead wrong, measles, misinformation, Dave Chokshi, Sanjay Gupta, Suneel Gupta, Scott Gottlieb, healthcare, Mental Health, Mental Health Speakers, CNN, FDA, Animals, pandemic, health, ai, journalist, keep sharp, geeta nayyar, Wellness
---
### [Speaker Event Planning Checklist](https://wwsg.com/blog/speaker-event-planning-checklist/)
**Published:** March 1, 2024
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Planning a conference or a speaker event can be a challenge, but with the correct and prepared planning, it can create a once in a lifetime experience. When engaging and hiring a speaker for your event, a lot more goes into the process beyond getting the speaker to confirm. Months and months of planning are required to create a stellar and unforgettable event. With a million things to remember before your big day, forgetting a key element can affect your event and even jeopardize the event in its entirety.
With this in mind, below is a useful speaker event planning checklist based on our group of experts’ collective experience.
#### 1. Outline the objectives of your event
What do you want your audience to take away from the event? How can the speaker impact the overall experience for your group? Do you want your speaker sessions to be informative, educational, inspirational and uplifting, entertaining, humorous, or something else?
#### 2. Identify your budget
How much is allotted in the budget for a speaker? Take into consideration any additional expenses that may be incurred such as flights, hotel, ground transportation, and miscellaneous expenses.
#### 3. Consider the type of thought leader(s) you would like to host based on the steps above
The message you would like to convey to your audience, the budget you have to finance speaker fees, and travel are vital components of considering a thought leader. A reputable bureau’s website should offer a robust [search tool](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics) that can help you narrow down your options.
#### 4. Contact a reputable speakers bureau
To book a top-rated speaker or thought leader, using a speakers bureau is highly encouraged. The bureau you are partnered with will connect you with a dedicated agent. The agent will send a list that contains ideas and speakers who fit both the budget and topic. The agent will have insight into the speakers beyond what is available online; like how much they charge for transportation, or which speakers may be available but not listed online. Once you have a partner, planning becomes a lot easier.
#### 5. Choose the speaker you would like to extend an invitation to
Keep in mind that in most cases, once a signed invitation is presented to the speaker, it is binding. If the speaker declines, the bureau will either send another list of ideas or move on to speaker option number two, until a speaker has been confirmed.
#### 6. Execute agreements and invoices
Agreements will be sent to both you and the chosen speaker confirming the engagement details and all the logistics that it entails (speaker fee, travel expenses, and logistics, venue, date, speech topic, point of contact, etc.)
#### 7. Collect marketing materials
You will receive an approved bio and photo of the speaker for marketing purposes. With this information, you can begin to build ad campaigns, print materials, and other creative content pieces to promote your event.
#### 8. Meet your event coordinator
A dedicated event coordinator will be assigned to you from the speakers bureau. That person will plan and confirm important logistics with the speaker and your firm. Keep in mind, the service of your dedicated event coordinator comes at no extra expense to you. This is one of the many perks of working with a speakers bureau. Details such as a pre-event conference call with the speaker to discuss the overall mission of the event, working through travel and day-of logistics, organizing the time table of the day and working through the best contingency plans in case of an emergency are all critical items to think about. Checking in with the event coordinator periodically to keep them in the loop is always a good way to stay ahead of any problems that could arise.
#### 9. Brief your team
Take time to sit with your events team and let them know the quick facts about the speaker and how they are involved in the overall program. For example, how to address them adequately when speaking to them, what items they like in their green room, who is responsible for the speaker’s introduction, etc. Teamwork makes the dream work!
#### 10. The day before…
Confirm that all travel logistics are on course with the bureau or speaker’s office, including when the speaker is arriving at the venue. Confirm that all flights, trains, ground transportation, greeters, and hotel rooms are in-place and prepped as well. Additionally, make sure that the final invoice has been paid on time to prevent any issues with the speaker. Your event itinerary and program timeline should be finalized by this time.
#### 11. Event day…
Arrive early to the venue to guarantee that everything is set up correctly and in place. Contact the speaker or speaker point-of-contact to confirm their arrival time is on track. Designate the person who will greet the speaker and direct them to their room or space where they can prepare for their presentation.
#### 12. During the event…
Be on top of any last-minute problems or questions that could arise. Read the audience and make sure that the speaker is being received well and appropriately. When their presentation is over, direct them to either their next obligation (such as a reception, photo-op line, or dinner) or to their transportation. Note that while the speaker is on-site, a member of your team should always be with them and ready to assist if needed.
#### 13. Follow up
When the event has passed, take a moment to follow up with your teammates, supervisors, and audience members to collect their feedback and takeaways from the event. Did the speaker presentation meet all standards? What was the best part of the program and how did it help accomplish your overall goals?
#### 14. Communicate the feedback
Let the bureau know how they did from helping you with logistics and handling to how the speaker’s presentation impacted your group. The bureau will also pass along any feedback your group had for the speaker. Communicating expectations and thoughts is the key to ensuring a successful partnership in the future and continually securing great speakers for other events.
#### 15. Pay any outstanding items/invoices
Often enough, speakers and their representatives incurred expenses when traveling to the event. These expenses are typically sent to you within two weeks to be reimbursed. Make sure all costs are covered and sent off. Then finalize your event budget to see if all expectations and goals had been met.
By following these steps, you are ensuring a successful outcome and a positive experience for your speaker, audience, and event staff. Despite the many components, this checklist may be a significant tool to you keep you and your team ahead of the potential hiccups and accomplish a perfect speaker event. By investing the time in preparation and details, a fantastic result will follow.
#### **Contact Us for Help Selecting Top-Rated Speakers for Your Event.**
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**Categories:** Blog, Planning Resources
**Tags:** Event Planning, FAQ, event planner tips, how to hire keynote speaker, speakers’ bureau, tools, planning, event planners, resources, speaker, Thought Leader, hiring, questions
---
### [Captivating Voices: Our Speakers Make Headlines](https://wwsg.com/blog/captivating-voices-our-speakers-make-headlines/)
**Published:** March 4, 2024
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
At [Worldwide Speakers Group](https://wwsg.com), we understand the power of a captivating voice. We choose to represent public and keynote speakers who consistently generate headlines because they possess the unique ability to ignite conversations, spark change, and shape the cultural landscape. These individuals aren’t just delivering speeches; they’re thought leaders, industry disruptors, and captivating storytellers whose every word carries the potential to resonate on a global scale. Our partnership empowers them to amplify their voices, secure high-profile speaking engagements, and reach wider audiences, further solidifying their position as thought leaders and influencers in their respective fields.
Below are some of the [*WWSG Exclusive*](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/wwsg-exclusives) thought leaders who’ve been featured in the media.
#### [Ben Sasse](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ben-sasse)
Former Republican senator and jack-of-many trades, Ben Sasse has been praised for a [successful first year](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/ben-sasse-wins-over-florida-faculty-with-moderation-and-money/) as the president of the University of Florida. Faculty and students have made positive comments about Sasse’s energy, new ideas, and willingness to engage on contentious issues.
In addition to his political background, Dr. Sasse is an award-winning historian and a *New York Times* best-selling author speaks about topics like [AI](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/artificial-intelligence) and technology disruption, congressional contrast, and U.S./China relations.
#### [David Frum](https://wwsg.com/speakers/david-frum)
Political analyst and historian, David Frum recently published [I Wrote George W. Bush’s Cheat Sheets, Here’s What I Learned](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/i-wrote-george-w-bushs-cheat-sheets-heres-what-i-learned/) in *The Atlantic*. Beginning with the recent murmurs about why President Biden would need notes or cheat sheets to engage in meetings with supporters and donors, Frum describes his position aiding former President George W. Bush with such writing tasks. He concludes with a profound, “Winging it is not a virtue.”
#### [Evan Feigenbaum](https://wwsg.com/speakers/evan-feigenbaum)
Evan Feigenbaum is vice president for studies at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, where he oversees its work in Washington, Beijing, New Delhi, and Singapore on a dynamic region encompassing both East Asia and South Asia. He recently co-wrote a study called [Korea’s Path to Digital Leadership: How Seoul Can Lead on Standards and Standardization](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/koreas-path-to-digital-leadership-how-seoul-can-lead-on-standards-and-standardization/). He says, “instead of viewing standards as arenas for Western competition with Beijing, it is essential to look at how other players are evolving into de facto standard setters. South Korea, in particular, is a critical and understudied player in global standard setting.”
#### [Marc Short](https://wwsg.com/speakers/marc-short)
Marc Short, the former chief of staff to former Vice President [Mike Pence](https://wwsg.com/speakers/mike-pence) and a longtime Republican consultant, has been named a contributor to both NBC News‘ “Meet the Press” and CNBC. Short has been a trusted political commentator for several years. Mr. Short’s [recent panel appearance](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/meet-the-press-nikki-haley-rep-debbie-dingell-and-steve-kornacki/) on *Meet the Press* reflects on Ambassador Nikki Haley’s appearance and the U.S. Constitution.
#### [Niall Ferguson](https://wwsg.com/speakers/niall-ferguson)
The visionary historian Niall Ferguson has been busy publishing articles that articulate his opinions within historical contexts. In his latest opinion article for Bloomberg, [Ukraine Needs Total Western Support — and So Does Israel](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/ukraine-needs-total-western-support-and-so-does-israel/), he argues, “both are fighting for Western civilization, one against Russian imperialism, the other against Iranian-backed Islamism. And we should want both to win — not just the one with the longer odds of victory.”
Ferguson has also been vocalizing his viewpoints on higher education recently. In the opinion piece, [Why Would British Universities Want to be Like Harvard?](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/why-would-british-universities-want-to-be-like-harvard/), Ferguson opines his confusion over “why any UK institution would want to follow Harvard down the path to ridicule.” He also recently [addressed the founding class of University of Austin](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/niall-ferguson-addresses-future-scholars-at-university-of-austins-inaugural-event/), of which he is a founding trustee. Speaking directly to student, Ferguson offered analysis of contemporary academia and encouraged the young scholars to embrace the challenges ahead with courage and integrity.
#### [Olga Koroleva](https://wwsg.com/speakers/olga-koroleva)
Olga Koroleva’s latest two-part article, [Human Evolution & AI: A Note to Leaders](https://wwsg.com/blog/human-evolution-and-ai-a-note-to-leaders/) has captured the attention of readers. She says, “The human experience is changing by leaps and bounds thanks to AI.” Koroleva details the potential effect of AI on team performance and concludes with advice to leaders, encouraging them to “incentivize employees’ soft-skills development, as this would help create better team leaders,” and “establish workplace mental health programs.”
#### [Sanjay Gupta](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sanjay-gupta)
CNN’s Dr. Sanjay Gupta has been on the pulse of popular medicine news lately. Her recently [met with experts](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/sanjay-gupta-what-you-need-to-know-about-the-alabama-ivf-ruling/) to break down Alabama’s Supreme Court ruling that embryos are children and discarding frozen embryos could result in wrongful death charges. He has appeared on CNN to discuss other current matters, like the results of [President Biden’s annual physical exam](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/dr-sanjay-gupta-breaks-down-president-bidens-annual-physical-summary/).
This season of Dr. Gupta’s *Chasing Life* podcast is themed around weight loss, weight and size misconceptions, and overall health.
#### [Sara Fischer](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sara-fischer)
Axios’ Sara Fischer was recently in Barcelona to host an [Expert Voices roundtable](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/future-an-axios-expert-voices-discussion-event-in-barcelona-spain/) discussion event that convened experts across several different facets of children’s online safety. The conversation dove into ways regulators, tech platforms, and parents alike are grappling with the issue of keeping kids safe online without upending the entire web.
Fischer is an expert in all-things-media and can address a wide array of topics from pop culture to technological innovation to ethical repercussions of a fast-paced, media-reliant society.
#### [Scott Gottlieb](https://wwsg.com/speakers/scott-gottlieb)
Dr. Scott Gottlieb, former FDA commissioner, [joined CNBC’s ‘Power Lunch’](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/scott-gottlieb-glp-1-drugs-are-a-profound-medical-advance-on-par-with-statins/) to discuss how big GLP-1 drugs are likely to be and what could make the drugs hard for insurance not to pay for. He also discussed [how to define a rare disease](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/1-in-10-americans-are-impacted-by-rare-diseases-its-a-significant-number/), the number of people affected by them, and how costly rare diseases are on CNBC last week.
Dr. Scott Gottlieb is a preeminent figure in U.S. health care and policy and a succinct and trusted commentator on the healthcare news of today, including potential impacts of artificial intelligence on national healthcare systems.
At our agency, we don’t just represent speakers, we represent voices that ignite conversations and shape the future. We curate a roster of individuals who are not afraid to challenge the status quo, spark debate, and leave a lasting impact. By amplifying the voices of those who make headlines, we connect them with the right audiences and platforms, ensuring their message reaches a global stage. So, if you’re looking for more than just a speaking engagement, let us connect you with a speaker who will captivate your audience and leave them wanting more.
**Categories:** Speakers In The News, Blog
---
### [Human Evolution and AI: A Note to Leaders](https://wwsg.com/blog/human-evolution-and-ai-a-note-to-leaders/)
**Published:** February 20, 2024
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
*This blog post is written by WWSG exclusive thought leader, [Olga Koroleva](https://wwsg.com/speakers/olga-koroleva) |* Human evolution and AI are interacting to create profound effects on life and work as we know it. The human experience is changing by leaps and bounds thanks to AI. The recent headlines from around the globe make one pause. For example, Chat GPT just [got a memory](https://link.mail.beehiiv.com/ls/click?upn=9YxMchMrJ6UD5Q1RvTvOUBRKvhqUyeqvmhtC5HPYxQKmpAAhi3qdfNkRUDAU-2F-2FPrRE33WivjT4sfkO64WED-2B-2BpaE5JHiO5nGvwKt-2Famn69kAWMDSBsklWP2MOwxhcBRfKbqrELhurUHAhod-2B0r15L7EnmOyMtnxD4Ttt7VKiMqwQqYQpnvSJcx9pTjY-2BPsi-2F5vXDqbYSmoZW1Sy-2F683cK5a9aQkLGKmp6PaoHSTS8BQoK8l6zRuZwF18rRWvrzcgnkMng-2FiGtYbZYGK9EnGAtg-3D-3DzTAG_VPGPHwdvs490LiQqIqmWvJQE9SeCKpQflls-2FEGNWfdPLypyqVHxJX6aKEGYu4I5zgqdP-2FzlXua5yoc4v9BPBRG0OMX6sfAUjFw11u62VEtfc4LjbH9tS7cxRohwa-2FnztR5ogIfNbmGfh-2BOYM5V4lStlNo0hp1f19CPNlJjYQ3GfAV82KHCUpSJ7qkAd1xF86kMopejoqOgzakulwScZgN1lhFYRE0rD36fEGpBGTAK5ou4-2BVjUKVLAoR1qW8MDi5GYoPU4t8WYiFf-2FlDJ0vyIbhrSoFu0ao7dLckgjQKCuUghB2zgLrINL2WCfgguZGX-2BQlJistj0RKpXqN2w2sEqRV4qJRgMfEpQluJiuIoj22y-2B-2BfYyS9NhaCDlebQHscRKVALoqQoGg2Rxk8X1cjX40AvziipyzgYuK7d6F-2Bz5lpZms6tgw6Rrq0UQrEK-2Ba7d). Sam Altman [is raising](https://link.mail.beehiiv.com/ls/click?upn=9YxMchMrJ6UD5Q1RvTvOUOJ-2FKoHHzg08Nmw5QUaiGq9udxoKIUfCUuu7VYQQ-2BUuPkMVcsKPaCCmq3iDLvR6XLarlCqN9tnrx-2FfQ2QbwLeehOy8cfXtPeVLYSwHDkvZGr1trFW0KOthBiieDsqaEvBM27sdMauz5LwZfFYsrqj83yqEAunezh9V9Fl6CYi5-2F6Nr9OR3eBlQs4bZJkHA-2FTgRDox-2BAoN3Nvcr9-2B7F8e0ptxo3fuPTLixk-2FQQFfvlA3D-2B3IMFk5AULE87WCZO-2B55cc9PF-2FP2rF41QPF0R4iF2xA65017ZPg5i0FK5SqvymPoqtYXqUvVAxnc2FqNBGnxug-3D-3Dx-N2_VPGPHwdvs490LiQqIqmWvJQE9SeCKpQflls-2FEGNWfdPLypyqVHxJX6aKEGYu4I5zgqdP-2FzlXua5yoc4v9BPBRG0OMX6sfAUjFw11u62VEtfc4LjbH9tS7cxRohwa-2FnztR5ogIfNbmGfh-2BOYM5V4lStlNo0hp1f19CPNlJjYQ3GfAV82KHCUpSJ7qkAd1xF86kMopejoqOgzakulwScZgN1lhFYRE0rD36fEGpBGTAK5ou4-2BVjUKVLAoR1qW8MDi5GYoPU4t8WYiFf-2FlDJ0vyIbhrSoFu0ao7dLckgjQKCuWRnePh4UdkRSK2cGyRH6brtXBObx-2BTR5pTdppPen0grls-2B1TS-2F3f1-2BDfVgeC9MbKwfGHanzRpa0Ljl-2FdYP7xTnsJVQB85RqJxZBVrC-2FZrUVKobDM2E1nnCNOB-2FnIMv-2F5jkathQA8itsRowegfjTz-2BH) nearly 8% of the world’s GDP to ramp up chip production, which will substantially increase the capacity of AI development. Nvidia stock [surpassed](https://link.mail.beehiiv.com/ls/click?upn=9YxMchMrJ6UD5Q1RvTvOUIsK1GjEqfvxeHvVw8zX4saQoxRw6RMnYxgty-2FpXm7dI9LnnTXI6qdmDufy-2FnCOF6CUPvENpmJAg5OIaXHfu-2FPDojsQQGHkR2kU5JW37DKbnktne46Er-2BRgQbzVUI9ChvQW2aGH8vKdi-2FNIhz-2BVGAJT8bTVSXH8kKlgY2ucGppoS2DwRAfmn8iKmlw48wFePh4i99cv3gJFUPwgw19JwZZGRbwLQFipCZzPWTgqUAKRuZ0zRS3Q-2FprD75vtCJ-2BiPewNTFlOY3aPTRrJzwaafAMLi1SLkYI-2BNCumzHSjxAFGBKZvWyP-2FU6Pjkk9J70x33Mg-3D-3Dk-ZT_VPGPHwdvs490LiQqIqmWvJQE9SeCKpQflls-2FEGNWfdPLypyqVHxJX6aKEGYu4I5zgqdP-2FzlXua5yoc4v9BPBRG0OMX6sfAUjFw11u62VEtfc4LjbH9tS7cxRohwa-2FnztR5ogIfNbmGfh-2BOYM5V4lStlNo0hp1f19CPNlJjYQ3GfAV82KHCUpSJ7qkAd1xF86kMopejoqOgzakulwScZgN1lhFYRE0rD36fEGpBGTAK5ou4-2BVjUKVLAoR1qW8MDi5GYoPU4t8WYiFf-2FlDJ0vyIbhrSoFu0ao7dLckgjQKCuWOJCoTkEOXlx-2FYPqq56DXu7tYvUIjwxxKxiwnjSLFG0eZl81dSO31JNGdjl0ivlKU6eqcGpZ7mWNq6eNMovUCz3Ij0FwLcSZeupAi9vHq7Cig4ynMR2VlonGUO9BhNZmxIzUpWiuI4qX1JsVEIZGIX) both Alphabet’s and Amazon’s. An AI-generated [deepfake video](https://link.mail.beehiiv.com/ls/click?upn=9YxMchMrJ6UD5Q1RvTvOUKZwxIdT2tUE58XQ8CIzUjl2FLENxDn3XaKGcqXUIbvqkfnEhJ4PdO33V4zUzhYZ14Bd6-2FUtaGwAG2Hb9O8jLeGQAKQYvRfqKaCyE-2FPR7YS-2BWIRd6Je8PgATixZy8mvb7-2BW64N7oZmcAq7kdEDepoJPp-2BTtnZOBJp34KFylS1SXmuo6Mx4dHWsc71axzzMAP6QWNEKsZyE88x0AuYXr6YK-2B2bkeXcT3gk5J655u0Eit4XfQVjYLvNGoJYAz0jhx8-2FWAuPkhiy2jkJKcATiQ6A-2BIEapUuhlNQXxk2qhV5Z75AH3iYTdlL9hwqkb4nAA7G7A-3D-3DVVfJ_VPGPHwdvs490LiQqIqmWvJQE9SeCKpQflls-2FEGNWfdPLypyqVHxJX6aKEGYu4I5zgqdP-2FzlXua5yoc4v9BPBRG0OMX6sfAUjFw11u62VEtfc4LjbH9tS7cxRohwa-2FnztR5ogIfNbmGfh-2BOYM5V4lStlNo0hp1f19CPNlJjYQ3GfAV82KHCUpSJ7qkAd1xF86kMopejoqOgzakulwScZgN1lhFYRE0rD36fEGpBGTAK5ou4-2BVjUKVLAoR1qW8MDi5GYoPU4t8WYiFf-2FlDJ0vyIbhrSoFu0ao7dLckgjQKCuW9iaSQOUJ6xh89jGbOSqpejgjLBbVujACso88tuusiyFb30KR6C-2Fw0nxVL4F7W4OUwmQqKs0qJCzW66VQZDSh-2Fp1IsKD4hilTV7VGOCo3wvfFgn1-2B7hy7aKgmmGQRxtz9g7a5huW2AOhWt1mf1rrC3) of the late dictator Suharto of Indonesia (the world’s fourth-most populous country) went viral during the election weekend, sparking ethical concerns and questions about voter manipulation. AI ads [went mainstream](https://link.mail.beehiiv.com/ls/click?upn=9YxMchMrJ6UD5Q1RvTvOUCVZARlA3ACmPFW9hBib-2FUjZtyFHfzfmSbZR4C2PXa82Dec07od19w9BoRsfverCHhPx-2F-2FadfsguMdz9WtO0YeunEBr53n8OPKzzb-2Bl0uHXBm9FX-2BhNbBN68eD1QXa5Apq9w2PU3S5hI13STcoeNDyHzIO8KpL5yHfCTfmyb26yBKuix71cpF52xUMLUfbBzQfDiCfC5Xx2d1EVgmw4V0l7rBJUcAYhEl3RJk3s5rZ6ix3ABwEJljKRj09j8gXop7ls7DRR6o-2BtrKkzgUdRmW3a-2FHkUUtF5uAN8CfXq-2FcOc7M5bLFP2XrZbm9mPZtdSnI-2Bf-2BHbwkuzDiRwM9B-2FbYC58-3DLEhU_VPGPHwdvs490LiQqIqmWvJQE9SeCKpQflls-2FEGNWfdPLypyqVHxJX6aKEGYu4I5zgqdP-2FzlXua5yoc4v9BPBRG0OMX6sfAUjFw11u62VEtfc4LjbH9tS7cxRohwa-2FnztR5ogIfNbmGfh-2BOYM5V4lStlNo0hp1f19CPNlJjYQ3GfAV82KHCUpSJ7qkAd1xF86kMopejoqOgzakulwScZgN1lhFYRE0rD36fEGpBGTAK5ou4-2BVjUKVLAoR1qW8MDi5GYoPU4t8WYiFf-2FlDJ0vyIbhrSoFu0ao7dLckgjQKCuW6eqPZ7A-2B6nDDnCTVA88J7KZNYKs4jwUrHj-2FuqOBd2XGN7qqwQ6i8JNy6gOaS6VXknY9LQGbHWG7e-2BwrgtBKYP8cpCERS-2FME7YDG3g5TFe8sG6xXQj4XxIOo-2FDU9tNtK1xul1dZv8XF7RCU4Ruw2zJ) in this year’s Super Bowl, with a bunch of major companies showcasing AI ads at the most-watched event.
With the advent of computers and the internet, we now have access to vast amounts of information at our fingertips, changing the way we *think and learn*. This may influence the evolution of our cognitive abilities, as our brains adapt to *process and utilize information differently*. It is also upending the way we *build interpersonal relationships and lead teams*. Here is what leaders should consider…
### Effects of AI on Team Performance
#### 1. New Psychological Challenges
- More technology-driven options require more cerebral energy to process; options complicate life.
- Mental health will be challenged more and more due to informational intoxication as the amount of information we process constantly increases.
- [Information metabolism](https://link.mail.beehiiv.com/ls/click?upn=9YxMchMrJ6UD5Q1RvTvOUClI6R8o22RiBGXv8NOVSbbvLQATIiPHMzbHYG131g4FTfdEblSLxhKI5wmG3YtDYOjz-2FiFHdv-2Bb5HhhVrCfrQWpdgQc5Bi4sdvfBibRPzZYy3qaDDD4iLjo5BalTXYIJwSSl2CY-2FBrkue7GyAEhL8PVh6Z4MHi-2BrJx9c5abyoyITlNWgHY62-2FVJBJBwmWCLqx65z8ICmIsTCiZ5RYqzdCrpxLHfTOVwrRDj7Ol-2BlqDijmLR-2BmLZRBANo6KGC85pzw-3D-3Dtmod_VPGPHwdvs490LiQqIqmWvJQE9SeCKpQflls-2FEGNWfdPLypyqVHxJX6aKEGYu4I5zgqdP-2FzlXua5yoc4v9BPBRG0OMX6sfAUjFw11u62VEtfc4LjbH9tS7cxRohwa-2FnztR5ogIfNbmGfh-2BOYM5V4lStlNo0hp1f19CPNlJjYQ3GfAV82KHCUpSJ7qkAd1xF86kMopejoqOgzakulwScZgN1lhFYRE0rD36fEGpBGTAK5ou4-2BVjUKVLAoR1qW8MDi5GYoPU4t8WYiFf-2FlDJ0vyIbhrSoFu0ao7dLckgjQKCuXZtW9PDE4NLT40iJ3xrF5aZ1x5n9RqDaXJdqDCuiTrQH91U5AWgsvBRDjuCAt73715-2F6svcdFNRYcBd9LkUIOMmtX15Q2Cz-2FpI2AawghGELHCReE1wCWr0NL0OseO7i3aiOa7wxzxMD-2F-2FWrN3FmdUr) would become a new important skill – ability to turn information flow into useful insights and use them.
#### 2. Productivity
- Constant exposure to digital devices and unprecedented access to information [may affect](https://link.mail.beehiiv.com/ls/click?upn=9YxMchMrJ6UD5Q1RvTvOUHBG8Vlxh9-2BrWnG5WsNPu8X8Q78eetc78atNVjLP4HhgSrJuAKKJ8JSTZ2GyL35JY47OanayzaRhPKt22O5cW5U0emQqrNaYaCrw4lS-2Bd2-2FcstUsmsHo5i0Vefdt485g-2BGE25xRfa6gsofa92UeV0xxnQlSu0pLK5Qhlo7yr86GelUvOO9e2UP96bQbcnQnqMQg19EZk3vD8IwmNXKxLESC5BgiL5kQE6EmU6rxUfa6eY73-2FAdhJ2tWL4mys6Y5NIg-3D-3DQV0z_VPGPHwdvs490LiQqIqmWvJQE9SeCKpQflls-2FEGNWfdPLypyqVHxJX6aKEGYu4I5zgqdP-2FzlXua5yoc4v9BPBRG0OMX6sfAUjFw11u62VEtfc4LjbH9tS7cxRohwa-2FnztR5ogIfNbmGfh-2BOYM5V4lStlNo0hp1f19CPNlJjYQ3GfAV82KHCUpSJ7qkAd1xF86kMopejoqOgzakulwScZgN1lhFYRE0rD36fEGpBGTAK5ou4-2BVjUKVLAoR1qW8MDi5GYoPU4t8WYiFf-2FlDJ0vyIbhrSoFu0ao7dLckgjQKCuXeqcXGga8GnNX87d75mp-2FZTSrckooUnl7Tyaz1lGs499lkn0ANQduX2qP4hHSpHY6x86e-2BZwPMJBKVldWabUQEhxGaGMNe9Qxsqm3K0VHFGFN-2FtYnB-2F8YSw6aO5-2BqFr-2Bhfo4Mp22HwKqQQK3g3xxmN) our attention spans and ability to multitask.
- Our cognitive processes may adapt to handle vast amounts of data from multiple sources more efficiently.
- It will most likely reduce the need for individuals to stay in low-paying, exploitative jobs that offer little opportunity for advancement or skill development.
- This will enable humans to focus on more strategic and creative tasks.
- Some jobs may be replaced by AI-driven systems, leading to a need for reskilling and upskilling to adapt to new roles.
#### 3. Emotional Regulation
- The constant influx of information and the fast-paced nature of digital communication may impact emotional regulation and stress management.
- The prevalence of online communication will require the human psyche to adapt to accommodate new norms and ways of connecting with others.
- It will also enhance the value of human-to-human communication.
- People will crave activities that foster a sense of belonging and creativity at the community level (think team-building events, corporate gatherings, happy hours, etc).
#### 4. Communication
- Technology has already influenced language through the creation of new words and communication norms.
- This process may continue, leading to the evolution of language and communication patterns.
- In team meetings, with the rise of video conferencing and virtual reality, non-verbal communication cues may evolve to be more pronounced and critical in digital interactions.
- Expect [human-AI teaming](https://link.mail.beehiiv.com/ls/click?upn=9YxMchMrJ6UD5Q1RvTvOUEBmkfzWn8jtqOoBPlQDzdp-2FVyWrNxxdHE1iDZ7s2a2B4w1RBalIAxUIMtV7wSGDJUsWxugBYQ01Np7Oxh430BV7WFQsh1RsITWuHtWhctQH9-2BBY9HqLPgfNL8Xg-2F8kN29ey34fxOmuT9gVCEiv1LCjMzzeGfM651SoUjI4K1ZjYzJs4BpnY2U8Zkcqy6xnXQd04sa-2BkPQDNJB08fM-2FhrRvM1qHL0aa01REuVlFbx3LJfvhAIuc8oARg3MBQjSV4cQ-3D-3DqquG_VPGPHwdvs490LiQqIqmWvJQE9SeCKpQflls-2FEGNWfdPLypyqVHxJX6aKEGYu4I5zgqdP-2FzlXua5yoc4v9BPBRG0OMX6sfAUjFw11u62VEtfc4LjbH9tS7cxRohwa-2FnztR5ogIfNbmGfh-2BOYM5V4lStlNo0hp1f19CPNlJjYQ3GfAV82KHCUpSJ7qkAd1xF86kMopejoqOgzakulwScZgN1lhFYRE0rD36fEGpBGTAK5ou4-2BVjUKVLAoR1qW8MDi5GYoPU4t8WYiFf-2FlDJ0vyIbhrSoFu0ao7dLckgjQKCuU-2FNl2LxBJ0e23F5HxTQDjwSDU4qRSx3bfJbDiiv0nletgGSBMF2zTa1YTy1-2FAwsctvhSiUKSuj23NwP9zyfngcXWtcbKdgsCDVVhyZZqpAqbP5-2BpQdKoZxuv8-2BOLUC-2FDDcuJPvZnpQbae-2Fg5zsZGGl) on projects.
#### 5. Creativity
- Technology provides new tools for creative expression and offers workers more flexibility to choose jobs based on factors like job satisfaction, work-life balance, and skill development.
- It will become more popular to pursue education and skill development, which enhance one’s creative capacities.
#### 6. Ethical and Moral Decision-Making
- As technology [raises new ethical dilemmas](https://link.mail.beehiiv.com/ls/click?upn=9YxMchMrJ6UD5Q1RvTvOUKgjyEL9xIF4a-2FZH6sQ332JOppFh3ujjRH9qo-2Bggs6jD1-2Bx-2Fv5tU6hs-2FEb10edwAxKNJ1mXlT7e0EVj3jstL7hJrdZSSt73NnAmBKXLY875v1bocP5f-2B74ShgaUrLfgGjHBbBxBxJHDHVp9S302N03I33JRIj25Prlc3Hah1cYVT5z2avj8mwLiZl7FrtfxWVLSZH6FApKTVwQwV063pMugOIEpWGqRMV1rklul0JawJJggKli9sNznwEfAaX5YWaw-3D-3Dl_rz_VPGPHwdvs490LiQqIqmWvJQE9SeCKpQflls-2FEGNWfdPLypyqVHxJX6aKEGYu4I5zgqdP-2FzlXua5yoc4v9BPBRG0OMX6sfAUjFw11u62VEtfc4LjbH9tS7cxRohwa-2FnztR5ogIfNbmGfh-2BOYM5V4lStlNo0hp1f19CPNlJjYQ3GfAV82KHCUpSJ7qkAd1xF86kMopejoqOgzakulwScZgN1lhFYRE0rD36fEGpBGTAK5ou4-2BVjUKVLAoR1qW8MDi5GYoPU4t8WYiFf-2FlDJ0vyIbhrSoFu0ao7dLckgjQKCuWmNwmvo8CFMUa5gJ2l3z3HS186N3kyi6FolwHm2l271j-2Ba6XO-2FjSjDB0LUcYlEL4qBx43koF8NQnZveT9hylA-2B7PhCavLK8-2Br21XjcRF7IVfz9WKgWnaMRzJ7HW5fqAdaG2vVK7yFC1sd0bmHjVwC3) (e.g., AI ethics, erosion of privacy, machine bias, machine elicited human labor exploitation), human psychology may evolve to incorporate a heightened awareness of these issues and an increased capacity for ethical decision-making.
### Takeaways for Leaders
Al will continue to affect the evolution of the human brain and behaviors, as well as the way people interact and work with each other.To address the changes that teams are undergoing due to the fast adoption of AI, leaders and companies can:- Establish workplace mental health programs, including employee assistance programs, stress reduction initiatives, and mental health training for managers (especially in tech-centric organizations where recognizing the value of a human being versus a machine becomes even more important).
- Promote work-life balance and flexible work arrangements to reduce work-related stress.
- Incentivize employees’ soft-skills development, as this would help create better team leaders (understanding major self-leadership concepts is critical to evolving personal psychological strategies in order to cope with stress and uncertainty)
[Contact WWSG](https://wwsg.com/contact-us) for Olga’s speaking availability.
[ Contact Us](https://wwsg.com/contact-us)
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** leadership, women in ai, decisions, ethics, female leadership, challenging norms, emotional regulation, challenges, takeaways, human experience, human evolution, female leader, leaders, women in leadership, artificial intelligence, ai, tech, Communication, Workplace, olga koroleva, advice, technology, productivity, creativity
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### [Leading the Charge: Women Shaping the Future of AI](https://wwsg.com/blog/leading-the-charge-women-shaping-the-future-of-ai/)
**Published:** February 21, 2024
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
In today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape, understanding [Artificial Intelligence](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/artificial-intelligence) (AI) is no longer optional for companies, organizations, and institutions; it’s vital for survival. This technology offers a spectrum of benefits, from automating tedious tasks and optimizing operations to gleaning hidden insights from data and personalizing customer experiences. But simply implementing AI tools isn’t enough. True competitive advantage lies in understanding how AI works, its capabilities and limitations, and its ethical implications. This empowers organizations to make informed decisions about its use, mitigate potential risks, and leverage its full potential to innovate, streamline processes, and gain a deeper understanding of their customers. Ignoring AI, on the other hand, risks leaving organizations stuck in the past, unable to compete with those who have embraced this transformative technology. In short, understanding AI is not just about efficiency or innovation; it’s about navigating the future with foresight and purpose.
The AI field is vibrant, diverse, and brimming with women leaders who are shaping the future of this powerful technology. From pioneering research to groundbreaking applications, these women are not only pushing the boundaries of AI but also advocating for inclusivity and responsible development. Inviting one of these experts to speak to your group about AI offers the opportunity to dive into their stories, discover their groundbreaking work, and be inspired by the remarkable women who are leading the charge in the exciting world of AI.
#### [Olga Koroleva](https://wwsg.com/speakers/olga-koroleva)
Olga Koroleva | Worldwide Speakers GroupOlga is a real estate entrepreneur, proponent of AI, adventurer, eternal optimist, and the founder of Capital Brain, whose mission is to harness the power of artificial intelligence to streamline real estate fundraising, development, asset management and investment sales.
Beyond Capital Brain, Olga is running an innovative real estate development firm Home Factory, Inc that’s looking for ways to combat housing crisis while building next generation sustainable green housing. Current project involves post-fire rebuilds in Santa Rosa, CA utilizing 2D factory-built panels.
Olga was named Top 10 Women in CRE Tech, nominated for The Innovator of the Year Award by CREW. She has a passion for sharing her knowledge and writes about AI often, including her recent article on [human evolution and AI](https://wwsg.com/blog/human-evolution-and-ai-a-note-to-leaders/).
#### [Cassie Kozyrkov](https://wwsg.com/speakers/cassie-kozyrkov/)
Cassie Kozyrkov | Worldwide Speakers GroupCassie Kozyrkov is CEO at Data Scientific. She founded the field of Decision Intelligence at Google where she served as Chief Decision Scientist, advising leadership on decision process, AI strategy, and building data-driven organizations.
In almost 10 years at the company, Cassie personally trained over 20,000 Googlers in data-driven decision-making and AI and helped over 500 projects implement decision intelligence best practices.
Cassie is also a top keynote speaker and a beloved personality in the data leadership community, followed by over half a million tech professionals. If you’ve had a good chuckle while learning about AI, statistics, or decision-making, chances are you’ve encountered her writing, which has reached millions of readers. She has been honored as a LinkedIn Top Voice for over 3 years and as a #1 Artificial Intelligence writer on Medium for over 5 years.
#### [Nina Schick](https://wwsg.com/speakers/nina-schick)
Nina Schick | Worldwide Speakers GroupNina Schick is an author, entrepreneur and advisor specializing in Generative AI. She is on a mission to make AI accessible to everyone. Nina is a top disinformation expert and political keynote speaker, focusing on how artificial intelligence and technology reshape global geopolitics and democracy.
As a top journalist covering politics for the biggest media houses like CNN and BBC, Nina Schick is also a household name. Her expertise on how technology is transforming geopolitics and society at large is unparalleled.
#### [Sophie Hackford](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sophie-hackford)
Sophie Hackford | Worldwide Speakers GroupSophie Hackford looks at how technologies change how we live, work, transact, and love by weaving together complex developments in diverse areas like quantum computing, AI, data, asteroid mining, and virtual reality.
Sophie’s talks are designed to create enthusiasm and constructive dialogue around emerging technologies, which are often viewed with fear and inertia by the business community. She wants to help audiences ask big questions about the future and tries to provoke positive debate amongst decision makers.
#### [Heather McGowan](https://wwsg.com/speakers/heather-mcgowan)
Heather McGowan | Worldwide Speakers GroupHeather McGowan believes that the future of work is human. Once we escape our outdated seeking of single-disciplinary skill sets in fear of being replaced by technology, we can focus on developing our uniquely human skills, notably our ability to learn and adapt to emerging technologies. In her AI-themed talk, Heather shares how the forces of atomization (jobs broken into job fragments addressable by outsourcing), automation (robots, process automation, etc.) and augmentation (humans leveraging technology to extend their potential) will work in concert constantly changing but not replacing human cognitive and physical labor.
#### [Kathryn Parsons](https://wwsg.com/speakers/kathryn-parsons)
Driven by a desire to learn and to remove the fear, jargon, and cliches which made technology impenetrable, Kathryn Parsons founded Decoded in 2011 with merely a credit card and mission to teach anyone to code in a day. She believes code is just another language, the language of the future, and one that anyone can learn.
In her speeches, Kathryn addresses various topics like machine learning, how large organizations are adopting and deploying AI, what AI may mean for the future of learning, creating cultures of learning and experimentation, and more.
#### [Anima Anandkumar](https://wwsg.com/speakers/anima-anandkumar)
Anima Anandkumar | Worldwide Speakers GroupAnima Anandkumar offers that rare combination of leading-edge academic research with equally deep experience in business and practical applications. She specializes in using AI in cloud computing to solve real world problems.
Anima tailors each presentation to the needs of her audience. She can address topics like strategic investments in AI, AI in enterprises, AI in the cloud, machine learning, and the social impact of AI.
To host a female AI leader for a speaking engagement, [contact Worldwide Speakers Group](https://wwsg.com/contact-us) and one of our seasoned agents will help with your selection.
[ Contact Us](https://wwsg.com/contact-us)
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** leadership, hire a keynote, kathryn parsons, sophie hackford, nin schick, data, data scientific, capital brain, google, innovators, women leaders, female leaders, Hire a Speaker, Women, cassie kozyrkov, STEM, speaker, innovation, heather mcgowan, artificial intelligence, ai, Science, tech, olga koroleva, technology, Public Speaker, Female, Keynote Speaker, public speaking
---
### [Mike Pence is Available for Global Speaking Engagements](https://wwsg.com/announcements/mike-pence-is-available-for-global-speaking-engagements/)
**Published:** February 12, 2024
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
**Alexandria, VA**. – [Worldwide Speakers Group](https://wwsg.com/) (WWSG) is thrilled to announce that former [Vice President Michael R. Pence](https://wwsg.com/speakers/mike-pence) is once again available for global speaking engagements. WWSG will facilitate the former vice president’s speaking commitments exclusively.
“Worldwide Speakers Group is a leader in its industry, and I am honored to rejoin the roster of distinguished thought leaders that WWSG represents. I look forward to continue working with Bob Thomas, Dan Sims, and the entire WWSG team,” said former [Vice President Mike Pence](https://wwsg.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/The-Honorable-Michael-R.-Pence-WWSG-Full-Bio_Nov-2022.pdf).
As vice president, governor of Indiana, and a leader in Congress, Pence’s accomplishments are numerous. He advanced significant tax code reforms, negotiated international trade agreements, engaged foreign leaders on diplomatic matters and trade missions, and always championed issues consistent with his faith and values.
Since leaving the Trump administration, Pence founded [Advancing American Freedom](https://advancingamericanfreedom.com/), a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization that promotes and defends the successful conservative policies of recent years and restored America’s strength abroad while elevating traditional American values. He has also written two books, *So Help Me God* and *Go Home for Dinner: Advice on How Faith Makes a Family and Family Makes a Life*. Regarding his speaking topics, the former vice president addresses leadership; policymaking; and faith, values, and service.
“It is always an honor to represent individuals who have served our country, but especially Vice President Mike Pence” the company’s Chairman and CEO, Bob Thomas said. “His numerous accomplishments have positively impacted Americans. The vice president has exhibited great character, diligence, and resolve through his dedication to his faith and we are thrilled to be representing him as he rejoins the private sector.”
Mike Pence is among several other high-profile thought leaders with government experience to work with WWSG. WWSG’s exclusive former government officials include [Larry Hogan](https://wwsg.com/speakers/larry-hogan) (62nd Governor of Maryland); [General John Kelly](https://wwsg.com/speakers/john-kelly) (Secretary of Homeland Security, Chief of Staff to the President), [Gary Locke](https://wwsg.com/speakers/gary-locke) (U.S. Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China, Secretary of Commerce, 21st Governor of Washington); [Elaine Chao](https://wwsg.com/speakers/elaine-chao) (Secretary of Labor, Secretary of Transportation); [Marc Short](https://wwsg.com/speakers/marc-short) (Director of Legislative Affairs, Chief of Staff to the Vice President); [Dr. Deborah Birx](https://wwsg.com/speakers/deborah-birx) (Diplomat, Celebrated HIV/AIDS Researcher, former White House Coronavirus Response Coordinator); and others.
WWSG also exclusively represents thought leaders from other industries. Top-requested speakers on the WWSG roster include [Niall Ferguson](https://wwsg.com/speakers/niall-ferguson) (Historian, Author, Geopolitics Expert); [Dr. Sanjay Gupta](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sanjay-gupta) (Neurosurgeon, Chief Medical Correspondent at CNN); [Chris Miller](https://wwsg.com/speakers/chris-miller) (Award-Winning Author of *Chip War*); [Dr. Scott Gottlieb](https://wwsg.com/speakers/scott-gottlieb) (Physician, Former FDA Commissioner); [Erika Ayers Badan](https://wwsg.com/speakers/erika-ayers-badan) (Former CEO of Barstool Sports); [David Frum](https://wwsg.com/speakers/david-frum) (Political Analyst, Writer at *The Atlantic*); and many others.
Worldwide Speakers Group operates on six continents, representing an elite roster of global thought leaders who participate in public speaking and keynote speaking. The top-rated professional services agency works with multinational financial services organizations, healthcare organizations, trade associations, colleges and universities, public lecture series, and other groups to skillfully connect them with the world’s best speakers. For more information, visit [wwsg.com](https://wwsg.com/) or call (703) 373-WWSG (9974).
**Categories:** Announcements
**Tags:** republican, Press Release, USA, Religion, Faith, Convervative, Former Government, Government Official, Politician, Servant Leadership, Leader, US Government, leadership, Politics, d.c., washington, dc, vice president, united states, author, Public Speaker, Keynote Speaker, mike pence, Government
---
### [Chasing Life With Dr. Sanjay Gupta | Cancer cases are on the rise around the world](https://wwsg.com/blog/chasing-life-with-dr-sanjay-gupta-cancer-cases-are-on-the-rise-around-the-world/)
**Published:** February 6, 2024
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
*This is a guest post by WWSG exclusive speaker, [Dr. Sanjay Gupta](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sanjay-gupta).*
It’s something that will probably affect all of us in some way during our lives, whether it’s you, a friend or a family member: Cancer cases are on the rise around the world.
In recent weeks, we have heard of several high-profile cancer diagnoses: US [Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin](https://e.newsletters.cnn.com/click?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), [King Charles III](https://e.newsletters.cnn.com/click?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) and CNN’s very own [Sara Sidner](https://e.newsletters.cnn.com/click?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).
Now, a World Health Organization report estimates that global cancer diagnoses [will jump 77%](https://e.newsletters.cnn.com/click?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) by 2050, reaching 35 million cases, up from 20 million cases diagnosed in 2022.
That’s not an easy number to digest, especially since we have also seen reports that cancer patients in the US [are becoming younger](https://e.newsletters.cnn.com/click?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).
What should we take away from this?
The good news is that the number of people dying from cancer continues to decline. This is mostly due to less smoking, early detection and improved treatment treatments.
One study found that screening reduces the lung cancer death rate [by up to 20%](https://e.newsletters.cnn.com/click?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).
As for why cases still rise, the WHO report authors point to increases in obesity, tobacco and alcohol use and other environmental factors like air pollution.
Of course, not all of these things are in our control, but developing healthy habits and getting the [recommended cancer screenings](https://e.newsletters.cnn.com/click?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) are things [you *can* do](https://e.newsletters.cnn.com/click?Ea2FiZWxhQHd3c2cuY29t/CeyJtaWQiOiIxNzA3MjQ3OTEyODg3OGExYTY4NWVkNDRiIiwiY3QiOiJjbm4tOWU0YjI1N2Q5YWUyMmUyMTQ2YTUxNDQ4NmU4MmJhOGYtMSIsInJkIjoid3dzZy5jb20ifQ/HWkhfQ05OX2lfTmV3c19OREJBTjAyMDYyMDI0YzExNTk5NTdiMSxjbjEsaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuY25uLmNvbS8yMDIyLzA4LzE4L2hlYWx0aC9jYW5jZXItZGVhdGhzLXByZXZlbnRhYmxlLXN0dWR5L2luZGV4Lmh0bWw/qP3V0bV90ZXJtPTE3MDcyNDc5MTI4ODc4YTFhNjg1ZWQ0NGImdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1jbm5fMDIuMDYuMjQrUmVzdWx0cythcmUrSW4mdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZidF9lZT1mSjh0dDRzJTJGT3FSZmtDJTJGOVZoOUl6JTJCdE15clI2bG94VXNpbzY3VWFEY0RnJTNEJmJ0X3RzPTE3MDcyNDc5MTI4OTA/s4sef165300).
[Contact WWSG](https://wwsg.com/contact-us) for [Sanjay Gupta](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sanjay-gupta)‘s speaking availability.
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** Sanjay Gupta, CNN, podcast, Chasing Life, news, Cancer, The Results Are In, Wellness, medical, oncology, scientific discovery, medical discovery, personal health
---
### [Overcoming Odds: Speakers Who Have Faced Crisis and Conquered](https://wwsg.com/blog/overcoming-odds-speakers-who-have-faced-crisis-and-conquered/)
**Published:** February 1, 2024
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
Inviting a speaker with a compelling story of overcoming adversity can be a powerful way to motivate, inspire, and equip your group to face its own challenges with greater confidence and resilience. Speakers who have faced crisis and conquered can bring value to your next event.
These public and keynote speakers have weathered their own storms and emerged stronger and wiser. They have the unique ability to share their hard-won insights and equip your team with the tools and strategies they need to anticipate, manage, and overcome any crisis that may come their way.
From all disciplines and industries, here are our top choices for speakers who have faced crisis and conquered.
### [Paul Nicklen](https://wwsg.com/speakers/paul-nicklen)
*National Geographic Photographer and Filmmaker, Marine Biologist, Global Expedition Leader, Co-Founder of SeaLegacy, ESG Brand Ambassador, One of our planet’s most awarded conservation photographers and storytellers*
As evidenced by his heartfelt, true story [blog posts](https://wwsg.com/blog/), Paul Nicklen doesn’t shy away from sharing the experiences he’s encountered while photographing on assignment for National Geographic. His stories illustrate his belief that recovery for our planet’s ecosystem is possible. They sometimes detail rare encounters with animals, like the time a leopard seal [lunged toward him](https://wwsg.com/blog/guest-post-by-paul-nicklen-nature-has-no-villains-or-victims-only-balance/) in the Ross Sea, or the time he [opened a window](https://wwsg.com/blog/guest-post-by-paul-nicklen-on-polar-bears-and-making-space-for-wildlife/) to connect with a female polar bear in Svalbard.
“Over the decades, I have learned that the greatest things in life rarely come easy,” writes Nicklen. If your audience would benefit from a speech filled with wonder, astounding photographs, and most of all, hope, consider inviting Paul Nicklen to speak at your next engagement.
Defeating the odds in [Climate & Environmental Issues](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/climate-change-and-environmental-issues/)
### [Erika Ayers Badan](https://wwsg.com/speakers/erika-ayers-badan)
*Marketing and Advertising Powerhouse; Former CEO of Barstool Sports; One of Forbes’ Most Powerful Women in Sports*
Erika Ayers Badan become the CEO of Barstool Sports in 2016 and led the company through [undeniably difficult changes](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/erika-ayers-badan-i-want-to-build-something-outside-of-sports/) through 2024. Ayers Badan withstood the exponential growth of Barstool’s workforce and relocation of their headquarters, the company’s expansion into new medias, and the sale and buy-back of the company. All the while, Ayers Badan grew the company’s revenue by over 5,000% while the simple fact that she’s a woman in leadership raised eyebrows.
If your audience would benefit from a corporate leader with a true track record who provides valuable insights about personal and [career growth](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/ex-barstool-ceo-publishes-new-book/), Erika Ayers Badan is the perfect choice.
Defeating the odds in [Business](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/business/) • [Arts & Entertainment](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/arts-entertainment/) • [Leadership & Management](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/leadership-and-management/)
### [Sheila Bair](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sheila-bair)
*Preeminent Financial Reform and Policy Innovator, Former Chairman of Fannie Mae (2020-2022); Former President of Washington College, 19th Chair of the U.S. Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Author*
As the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) Chairman during the biggest market crash of modern times, Sheila Bair certainly makes the cut for leaders who have navigated crisis and come out on top. She steered the FDIC through the worst financial upheaval since the Great Depression. From 2008-2011, Ms. Bair worked to bolster public confidence in the nation’s banking system.
Bair’s long and distinguished career in government, academia, and finance has found her widely respected for her expertise in financial regulation and consumer protection and acknowledged by Forbes as the “second most powerful woman in the world.”
Defeating the odds in [Finance & Economy](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/economy-and-finance/) • [Leadership & Management](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/leadership-and-management/)
### [Mike Pence](https://wwsg.com/speakers/mike-pence)
*48th Vice President of the United State; Founder of Advancing American Freedom; 50th Governor of Indiana; Former Member of the U.S. House of Representatives, Indiana; Distinguished Visiting Fellow at The Heritage Foundation; Author*
Vice President Mike Pence and Second Lady Karen Pence arrive to the Salute to America event Thursday July 4 2019 at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington DC Official White House Photo by Andrea HanksFormer U.S. Vice President Mike Pence has faced a crossroads at several times throughout his career in politics. Some of the hurdles he has overcome include losing his first two congressional elections to the Democratic incumbent nominee, leading the COVID-19 Task Force during the pandemic, and facing numerous media storms alongside one of the most controversial American presidents in modern history. Pence’s role in the infamous insurrection that took place on January 6, 2021 is a well-known and widely discussed example of the former VP facing a crisis head-on, and his decisions on that day have been commended by his fans and critics alike.
Despite these obstacles, Vice President Pence has emerged with confidence and success. He has authored two best-selling [books](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/advice-from-mike-pence-and-his-daughter-go-home-for-dinner/) and remained steady in his conservative beliefs. He founded [Advancing American Freedom](https://youtu.be/Wvoa-q4Nqfw), a policy and advocacy based on traditional American values. If your organization can benefit from firsthand accounts of facing chaos in governance, Mike Pence is an excellent choice for a speaker.
Defeating the odds in [Government & Politics](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/government-and-politics/) • [Healthcare & Wellness](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/healthcare-and-wellness/) (during the pandemic) • [Geopolitics](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/international-experts/) • [Leadership & Management](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/leadership-and-management/)
### [Ambassador Deborah Birx](https://wwsg.com/speakers/deborah-birx)
*Physician, Diplomat, CEO of Armata Pharmaceuticals, Former White House Coronavirus Response Coordinator, Author of Silent Invasion, Former United States Global AIDS Coordinator, Chief Medical and Scientific Adviser of ActivePure Technology*
Dr. Deborah Birx is a leading medical expert known for gracefully navigating complex global health issues with a scientific and data-driven approach. She worked diligently on trials and therapeutics for various diseases before serving as White House Coronavirus Response Coordinator from 2020-2021.
Facing criticism for her reluctance to correct some of former President Trump’s odd remarks regarding the pandemic was surely a difficult scenario, but it was certainly not Dr. Birx’s first nor most climactic encounter with a crisis. One could argue that being tasked with offering effective therapeutics at the height of the HIV/AIDS epidemic was much more daunting. From 1982-2003, Dr. Birx led an influential HIV vaccine trial and provided important contributions to understanding the disease in the military, where she was promoted to colonel. She then switched gears to help former President George W. Bush’s PEPFAR program.
Dr. Birx rests easy on her strong foundational knowledge and propels forward, educating the public about virology and empowering young females in STEM. Her informative and inspirational remarks are well-regarded by audiences of all kinds.
Defeating the odds in [Healthcare & Wellness](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/healthcare-and-wellness/) • [Leadership & Management](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/leadership-and-management/)
### [Larry Hogan](https://wwsg.com/speakers/larry-hogan)
*62nd Governor of the State of Maryland*
Maryland Gov Larry Hogan speaks at an annual leadership meeting of the Republican Jewish Coalition on Nov 18 2022 in Las Vegas AP PhotoJohn LocherOnly a few months after being elected and serving in office, Governor Larry Hogan was beset by back-to-back crises: one in the national spotlight and one in his personal life. The first was dealing with the worst riots and civil unrest in a generation. The second was battling life-threatening cancer.
Governor Hogan’s leadership through both these difficulties drew both national and international praise and commendation—from the President to the Pope, to business leaders, and politicians from both sides of the aisle. His ability to tell personal stories and relate them to all kinds of audiences differentiate him from other political speakers.
Defeating the odds in [Government & Politics](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/government-and-politics/) • [Healthcare & Wellness](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/healthcare-and-wellness/) • [Leadership & Management](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/leadership-and-management/)
### [DeMaurice Smith](https://wwsg.com/speakers/demaurice-smith)
*Former Executive Director, National Football League Players Association (NFLPA)*
### [](https://wwsg.com/speakers/demaurice-smith)
Former Executive Director of the National Football League Players Association (NFLPA) was a demanding position that caught DeMaurice Smith by surprise. Smith was working as a trial lawyer and litigation partner in Washington, D.C. when he received a phone call that he’d been nominated for the position with NFLPA.
Upon his initial election, [ESPN opined](https://www.espn.com/nfl/columns/story?columnist=chadiha_jeffri&id=4316374) that Smith had assumed “the toughest job in all of sports,” having succeeded the late Gene Upshaw and facing the most contentious and public labor/management battles in history. As Executive Director of the Player’s Union, he has negotiated two comprehensive collective bargaining agreements and is the longest serving Executive Director of a major sport union. As the Chief Executive Officer of the NFLPA’s for profit company Player’s Incorporated, he has guided annual revenues to over $200M and witnessed the largest growth in player’s marketing and licensing. He has been named one of the [top ten most influential executives](https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Journal/Issues/2015/12/07/Most-Influential/35.aspx) in sports and can advise industries of all kinds on labor and legal issues.
Defeating the odds in [Arts & Entertainment](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/arts-entertainment/) • [Business](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/business/) • [Leadership & Management](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/leadership-and-management/)
### [Olga Koroleva](https://wwsg.com/speakers/olga-koroleva)
*Founder & CEO, Capital Brain; Real Estate Entrepreneur; High Altitude Mountaineer*
As a technology pioneer in capital markets, entrepreneur, and world-class mountaineer, Olga Koroleva’s triumphs are limitless… both in the boardroom and on the mountain! She is the founder and CEO of Capital Brain, a company that creates AI-run investment strategies to invest in real estate and public securities. An adventurer by nature, she has also completed over 40 expeditions, summiting the highest, the deadliest, and the hardest mountains on the planet (Mount Everest, Annapurna I, and K2).
Koroleva is passionate about motivating others to live with a “peak performance” mindset. The lessons she has gleaned over the course of her career deliver an exciting and insightful presentation to audiences of all kinds.
Defeating the odds in [AI](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/artificial-intelligence) • [Business](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/business/) • [Leadership & Management](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/leadership-and-management/)
### [Ryan Dusick](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ryan-dusick)
*Founding Drummer of Maroon 5, Therapist, Speaker, Author of Harder to Breathe: A Memoir of Making Maroon 5, Losing It All, & Finding Recovery*
Ryan Dusick dedicates his life’s work to helping others overcome their struggles. Having worked for a decade to build the worldwide fame and success of Maroon 5 as their founding drummer, Dusick suffered through his darkest days when a physical and psychological breakdown [forced him to walk away](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/for-burned-out-touring-musicians-mindfulness-helps-no-matter-how-much-the-term-makes-you-roll-your-eyes/) from that life and career. As a result, he struggled with addiction and identity crisis. But Dusick [refused to let that disappointment define him](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/original-maroon-5-drummer-ryan-dusick-felt-misdirected-anger-after-being-kicked-out-of-band-exclusive/) and found a new passion and purpose in a deeply fulfilling career in mental health. Dusick’s journey will inspire hope within audiences that recovery is possible and astounding things can come with it.
Defeating the odds in [Arts & Entertainment](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/arts-entertainment/) • [Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/diversity-equity-and-inclusion/)
### [Jason Schechterle](https://wwsg.com/speaker/jason-schechterle)
*Keynote Presenter & Motivational Speaker, Former Phoenix Police Officer*
If you are looking for a lifechanging, meaningful speaker to enlighten your group, look no further than Jason Schechterle. Schechterle was a police officer when he became trapped inside of his burning Crown Victoria Police Interceptor vehicle. He suffered extreme burns to over 40% of his body which dramatically altered his appearance. He represents the human experience at its very best—an uphill climb from despair to describing himself as the luckiest person alive today. His incredible story of survival is now his calling. He shares a new perspective on life, rebirth, and transformation in an event that your audience will never forget.
Defeating the odds in [Motivation](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/motivational/)
### [Steve Wozniak](https://wwsg.com/speakers/steve-wozniak)
*“The Woz;” Co-founder of Apple Computer, Inc.; Co-founder of Efforce; Chief Scientist at Primary Data; Best Selling Author of iWoz: From Computer Geek to Cult Icon*
Steve Wozniak is known as one of the geniuses who founded Apple computers, but the rumors of him butting heads with cofounder Steve Jobs are well-known and substantiated. With Apple, Wozniak always wanted the products to be easy to use and accessible to everyone. He wanted to share their designs with the public hoping that users can modify them and make them even better. Steve Jobs did not agree with this mentality, which led to friction between the two and ultimately, Wozniak’s [departure from the company](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/why-did-steve-wozniak-leave-apple/).
Despite the end of his role at Apple, Steve Wozniak continues to be a sought-after technology guru. He delivers inspiring speeches, teaches, and he invented the first universal remote. His commentary on AI and other trending technological advances are widely respected, and he is known as one of the greatest living technological innovators of modern times.
Defeating the odds in [AI](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/artificial-intelligence/) • [Technology & Innovation](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/technology-and-innovation/)
After reading this article, it’s easy to understand why hiring speakers who have overcome the odds and conquered personal and professional hardships can inspire your audience. These qualified storytellers can represent a wide array of verticals, including AI and technology, climate and environmental issues, business, health and wellness, finance and economy, government and politics, and arts and entertainment. Contact WWSG to get the speaking availability of any of the above speakers plus hundreds more. We represent any thought leader who graces the stage to address audiences and we will make your experience hiring a speaker seamless.
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** Paul Nicklen, Keynote Speakers, Environment, speakers, public speaking, Politics, Photography, Government, white house, DeMaurice Smith, NFLPA, deborah birx, mike pence, Mental Health, covid-19, NFL, Sheila Bair, Steve Wozniak, Apple, photographer, economy, FDIC, finance, psychology, technology, Climate, climbing, mountaineer, olga koroleva, author, so help me god, vice president, pandemic, business, National Geographic, tech, motivate, inspire, ai, the woz, innovation, inspirational, motivational, republican, conservative, Cancer, Silent Invasion, Resilience, CEO, leadership, global warming, addiction, Ryan Dusick, COVID, Maryland, Governor Hogan, larry hogan, governor, policy, Thought Leader, Advocacy, Leader, virology, virologist, pepfar, aids, Erika Ayers Badan, female leader, public speakers, barstool sports, personal growth, Crisis, Crises, Overcoming Obstacles, Hardship, Overcoming, Overcoming Illness, Overcoming Odds, Conquering, Philanthropy, Earth, Female CEO, Female Speaker, Domestic Economy, Chairwoman, Market Crash, 2008, Washington College, Donald Trump, Capital Riot, Capital, Servant Leadership, Advancing American Freedom, Insurrection, Debbie Birx, HIV/AIDS, George W. Bush, Task Force, Baltimore, Riots, Politician, Business Leader, National Football League, National Football League Players Association, District Attorney, Attorney, Lawyer, Legal, Union, Union Leader, Tough Decisions, ESPN, Maroon 5, Drummer, Music, Musician, Alcohol, Injury, Recovery, Illness, Therapist, Therapy, Psychologist, Jason Schechterle, Fire, Fire Survivor, Survivor, Police, Phoenix, Arizona, Police Force, Unbeatable Odds, Trauma, Trauma Survivor, Lifechanging, Defeating Odds, Macintosh, Steve Jobs, Technological Innovation, Go Home For Dinner, Children’s Books, Money Tales, Triumph, Mountain Climber, Annapurna, K2, Everest, Mount Everest, Endurance
---
### [Chasing Life With Dr. Sanjay Gupta | Can Pigs Provide Organs for Transplant in Humans?](https://wwsg.com/blog/can-pigs-provide-organs-for-transplant-in-humans/)
**Published:** January 30, 2024
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
*This is a guest post by WWSG exclusive speaker, [Dr. Sanjay Gupta](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sanjay-gupta).*
There are more than 100,000 people on the US organ transplant waiting list, and an average of 17 die every day while waiting for an organ. Even if everyone who wanted to donate gave their organs, fewer than 1% of them meet the requirements and specifications that make their organs and tissues usable.
I recently had a chance to visit eGenesis’ research farm. The biotech company is hoping to alleviate the organ shortage gap [with the help of pigs](https://e.newsletters.cnn.com/click?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) that have been genetically edited so their organs can be more compatible with humans. The pigs I visited are being used for research, including primate transplants.
Because these animals may be used for transplants, it was of the utmost importance that they stay as free of pathogens as possible. To even enter the farm, I had to shower and change into company-provided clothes — including socks and underwear. It was even more than I normally do to prepare for surgery.
Although the idea of using pigs for human organ transplants may seem foreign, it isn’t a stretch. For many years, insulin from pigs was used to treat diabetes. We’ve been using pig valves to replace human heart valves since the 1960s. In fact, pigs are a good match for humans because their organs are of similar size. We also know how to raise pigs, and they have sizeable litters, making them a source that can be quickly scaled.
There have been just two pig-to-human heart transplants in history — both in the past two years. In both cases, the patients lived about 40 days after their procedures. That may not seem long, but as eGenesis CEO Dr. Mike Curtis reminded me, the first human heart transplant recipient lived only 18 days after transplant.
There are still many questions about this technology and the ethics surrounding it, including how much we as humans should be manipulating another species’ genome and if we should be using animals in this way at all. But it is remarkable to be in a place where we can look to the future with a solution that could save so many people’s lives.
[Contact WWSG](https://wwsg.com/contact-us) for [Sanjay Gupta](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sanjay-gupta)‘s speaking availability.
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** Sanjay Gupta, CNN, podcast, Chasing Life, news, The Results Are In, Wellness, medical, ozempic, pigs, organ transplants, scientific discovery, medical discovery
---
### [Political Experts Who Forecast and Advise](https://wwsg.com/blog/political-experts-who-forecast-and-advise/)
**Published:** January 17, 2024
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
## Worldwide Speakers Group exclusively represents political experts who forecast and advise, including the dynamic thought leaders below.
These keynote and public speakers are available for engagements in 2024. With varied expertise and perspectives, they can give your group a knowledgeable overview of the upcoming election and, more importantly, the potential impacts of its outcome on your organization or institution.
### Pundits and Journalists Available for Speaking
[ View All](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/government-and-politics)
#### [Donna Brazile](https://wwsg.com/speakers/donna-brazile)
*Veteran Democratic Political Strategist, Adjunct Professor, Author, Syndicated Columnist*
Donna Brazile on set at ABCVeteran Democratic political strategist Donna Brazile is an adjunct professor, author, syndicated columnist, and television political commentator amongst other achievements. Always candid and insightful, Brazile brings a refreshing perspective and practical sensibility to her remarks on the current Administration and Congress. Her presentations provide a comprehensive picture of what’s going on in Washington from analysis of the current political environment to hot-topic legislation. Named by Washingtonian as one of the 100 Most Powerful Women, Brazile draws on her insider knowledge to provide audiences with the latest developments of an ever-shifting political landscape, the critical issues facing America, and what their impact means for our future.
#### [Niall Ferguson](https://wwsg.com/speakers/niall-ferguson/)
*Historian; Visionary; Author; Emmy-Winning Filmmaker, The Ascent of Money; Managing Director, Greenmantle; Milbank Family Senior Fellow, Hoover Institution at Stanford University; Senior Faculty Fellow, Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs at Harvard; One of Time Magazine’s Most Influential People of the World*
Niall Ferguson Delivering a TED TalkOne of the world’s most accomplished historians and provocative commentators on global politics and economics, Niall Ferguson stands at the crossroads of past, present, and future. As the author of sixteen books, Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institution at Stanford University and a senior faculty fellow of the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs at Harvard, Ferguson has provided audiences worldwide with unparalleled insight and knowledge. With erudition, eloquence, and humor, he specializes in putting today’s political disruptions, economic shifts, and social changes into historical perspective.
#### [David Frum](https://wwsg.com/speakers/david-frum)
*High-Profile Political Analyst; Writer, The Atlantic; NYT Best-Selling Author; Former Special Assistant and Speech Writer for President George W. Bush*
David Frum in conversationKnown for his succinct, evidentiary approach to explaining the changes of American conservatism over time, audiences revel at the depth of knowledge David Frum brings to his speaking engagements. His (well-researched) criticisms of former President Trump have gone viral multiple times, proving the level of interest and attention his articles merit. A staff writer for *The Atlantic*, David Frum is a respected source of political wisdom whose intellect outperforms any semblance of bias. If that doesn’t seem possible, read this testimonial from a WWSG customer: “David was truly outstanding. Brilliant, candid and a real gentleman. \[Our audience included\] some of his fans and a few who came wanting to dislike David. They failed. Ultimately, he won them over.”
#### [Josh Kraushaar](https://wwsg.com/speakers/josh-kraushaar)
*Sunday Sneak Columnist, Axios; Editor-in-Chief, Jewish Insider; Fox News Radio Political Analyst*
Josh Kraushaar commentating for C SPANAxios’ resident political analyst and Sunday Sneak author, Josh Kraushaar has been reporting on American politics for well over a decade. His succinct and timely journalism has spanned four U.S. administrations and dozens of midterm elections. If you’re looking for someone with an unbiased perspective who can explain matters with clarity and ease, Josh Kraushaar is the speaker for you.
#### [Tomi Lahren](https://wwsg.com/speakers/tomi-lahren)
*Political Commentator; Fox News Contributor, Fox Nation; Host of Tomi Lahren is Fearless and Final Thoughts*
Tom Lahren speakingAgree or disagree with her, Tomi makes her point. If you’re looking for a high-energy, politically charged event, Tomi Lahren is your top choice. Known for her young age and old Republican viewpoints, Tomi engages audiences and stirs reaction and emotion for a truly unforgettable event.
#### [Robby Mook](https://wwsg.com/speakers/robby-mook)
*Hillary Clinton’s Presidential Campaign Manager and Democratic Strategist; Political Contributor CBS*
Robby Mook speaking a WSJFormer campaign manager for Hilary Clinton, Robby Mook has been nationally recognized for building high-performing campaign organizations. Robby approaches politics from a thoughtful, informed position to explain the causes that led to the growing divide within our nation and the wobbly state of democracy. Using his deep knowledge of politics combined with a simple cause/effect attitude, Robby delivers a level and dispassionate analysis and offers insight to the future.
#### [John Roberts](https://wwsg.com/speakers/john-roberts)
*Journalist, Anchor of America Reports, Former Fox News Chief White House Correspondent (2017-2021)*
John Roberts speakingJohn Roberts’ varied career in journalism has spanned decades, networks, and disciplines and has earned him many accolades; most recently being inducted into the Canadian Broadcast Hall of Fame. He served as FOX News’ White House Correspondent during the Trump administration and now anchors the popular daytime news show, America Reports. Roberts is known for his succinct and unbiased reporting, and with a pulse on today’s news can speak on current events from all angles, including how they’ll impact your organization.
#### [Marc Short](https://wwsg.com/speakers/marc-short)
*Executive Director, Coalition to Protect American Workers; Chief of Staff to Vice President Mike Pence (2019-2020), Director of Legislative Affairs to the President (2017-2018)*
Marc Short at a recent speaking engagementWhile Marc Short makes the cut for both of our politics expert categories, his recent and numerous appearances on major media networks have earned him a respected role in the pundit arena. Drawing on his depth of knowledge of the Constitution and the American government’s structure, history, and shortcomings, Marc Short delivers detailed and trusted analysis on a variety of issues. From infrastructure to Federal budget to campaign tactics, Marc Short’s opinion is highly regarded and well communicated.
### Former Government Officials Available for Speaking
[ View All](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/government-and-politics)
#### [Roy Blunt](https://wwsg.com/speakers/roy-blunt)
*Former U.S. Senator for Missouri (2011-2023), Former U.S. Representative (1997-2010), Former President of Southwest Baptist University (1985-1993)*
Roy Blunt speakingRoy Blunt was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1996 and the U.S. Senate in 2010. He was elected by his colleagues to serve as the Majority Whip earlier in his career than any Member of Congress in eight decades and was elected to the Senate Republican leadership during his first year in the Senate. Throughout his career, Roy has developed long-lasting bipartisan partnerships that have led to major legislative achievements in health care, infrastructure, and national security.
#### [Larry Hogan](https://wwsg.com/speakers/larry-hogan)
*62nd Governor of the State of Maryland*
Larry Hogan speaks at BloombergLarry Hogan isn’t a career politician. A best-selling author, lifelong small business owner, cancer survivor, and the most popular Governor in the history of Maryland, Governor Hogan’s unique insights into crisis management and leadership have been recognized internationally. Between navigating crises, working to forge bipartisan solutions, engaging with average citizens, or defying conventional wisdom to achieve breakthrough success, Governor Hogan stands out as an internationally recognized leader and sought-after speaker and advisor.
#### [John Katko](https://wwsg.com/speakers/john-katko)
*4-Term Congressman, 20+ year Federal Organized Crime Prosecutor, ABC Contributor*
John KatkoAnother thought leader who is both an analyst and former official, John Katko’s nearly 20 years as a federal organized crime prosecutor and four terms as a leader on the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Homeland Security have made him a well-established, trusted expert on homeland security, law enforcement, and national security issues. Both political parties respect John for his willingness to stay above the fray. His clear-headed approach gives him a reasonable perspective on breaking news and homeland security matters. He has quickly become a favorite of many national broadcast producers who rely on him to tell it like it is. The importance of reasonable political leaders on every cable network cannot be overstated.
#### [John Kelly](https://wwsg.com/speakers/john-kelly/)
*Former White House Chief of Staff (2017 – 2019); Former U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security; 45-Year Marine Veteran; Former Commander, U.S. Southern Command*
John Kelly smiles onstage45-year Marine veteran General John Kelly served as the 5th U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security in the Trump Administration, where he earned a reputation for being an aggressive enforcer of ethics, established Homeland Security policy, and most importantly, the law. After six months, he was selected to serve as White House Chief of Staff. Since leaving the White House, General Kelly regularly lectures and conducts focused seminars on ethical and moral leadership, team building, and decision making. He has also presented at various programs regarding the state of American society and democracy, what the future may look like, and how Americans can stop erosion by electing the right kind of leaders from the city council level all the way up to president of the United States.
#### [Scott Morrison](https://wwsg.com/speakers/scott-morrison)
*30th Prime Minister of Australia*
Scott Morrison speaking with passionAustralia’s 30th Prime Minister, Scott Morrison is the true definition of a leader with a 360º worldview. During his tenure, Morrison was tasked with several difficulties that required unique and innovative solutions. From managing the public safety of Australians during the pandemic to mitigating an economic crisis, controlling natural disasters, and leading the country while others were at war—Prime Minister Morrison led Australia with his particular brand of calm decisiveness and rationale. A globalization mastermind, Morrison lends his boundless influence and experience to audiences around the world.
#### [Mike Pence](https://wwsg.com/speakers/mike-pence)
*48th Vice President of the United States (2017-2021); Founder, Advancing American Freedom; 50th Governor of Indiana (2013-2017); Member of the U.S. House of Representatives, Indiana (2001-2013); Distinguished Visiting Fellow, The Heritage Foundation*
Mike Pence onstage speakingMike Pence, 48th Vice President of the United States, is known for gracefully advancing conservative policies with respect to limited government, fiscal responsibility, economic development, educational opportunity, and upholding the fundamental virtues of the U.S. Constitution. Pence is widely respected for his courage, resolve, and faithfulness to his country.
With their keen understanding of societal shifts and the American political system, these thought leaders can spark creative problem-solving and provide valuable guidance to organizations and institutions. Their insights can also illuminate blind spots, challenge assumptions, and provide a roadmap for the inevitable changes that different political outcomes may bring. Contact Worldwide Speakers Group to book your politics expert today.
[ Contact Us](https://wwsg.com/contact-us)
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** scott morrison, american, larry hogan, roy blunt, robby mook, point-counterpoint, Political, debates, voting, united stated, american government, journalist, johj kelly, kohn katko, congressman, cbnc, fox, forecast, advisor, adviser, panel, Tomi Lahren, speakers, Thought Leaders, Politics, Government, mike pence, marc short, Niall Ferguson, David Frum, donna brazile, CNN, Keynote Speaker, Public Speaker, media, abc, bloomberg, keynote, john roberts, josh kraushaar
---
### [Maximize Your Speaker Investment: Effective Takeaways That Will Increase Success at Your Next Event](https://wwsg.com/blog/maximize-your-speaker-investment-effective-takeaways-that-will-increase-speaker-success-at-your-next-event/)
**Published:** November 30, 2023
**Author:** Riley Sims
**Content:**
At WWSG, we’ve deployed numerous speakers globally and collaborated extensively with esteemed meeting planners, ranging from leading associations to Fortune 50 companies. Drawing from this wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience, we’ve compiled a set of 6 key insights aimed at enhancing the value of your speaker investment. The ensuing recommendations are designed to elevate the overall success of your event and maximize your speaker investment.
### Receptions
**Networking Opportunities:** VIPs and distinguished guests often attend receptions associated with events. Consider inviting the speaker to partake in these gatherings before or after their presentation, offering additional access.
- Speakers play a pivotal role in sparking conversations, generating topical interest, and interacting with VIPs, infusing the reception with excitement and significance.
- For panel discussions, enhance audience engagement by strategically seating panelists at different tables during the reception.
- Recognize that some speakers may prioritize preparation before their engagement and might prefer a simple meet-and-greet reception post-talk, as it is easier to facilitate.
- Empower your speaker with insights into past audience demographics to personalize one-on-one conversations with VIPs.
As a value-added initiative, create exclusive “meet and greet” supplementary events to foster connections between the speaker and selected VIP guests.
### Speaker Preparation Spaces
**Green Rooms:** Experienced event producers recognize the invaluable nature of dedicated speaker spaces. These areas serve as the speaker’s check-in point and provide a private zone for them to prepare for their presentation.
- Recognize speakers as investments, and create an environment that allows them to gather their thoughts and mentally prepare for their best performance before stepping onto the stage.
- Even in venues without traditional green rooms, consider simulating a controlled, isolated environment for speakers.
- Ensure Wifi availability in these spaces, enabling speakers to use their devices for email checks and social media updates.
- Offer a variety of snacks, and be attentive to specific requests from speakers regarding items in their green room, such as water, soda, tea with honey, or coffee.
A TV or monitor with a live feed serves as a valuable tool, helping speakers stay informed about ongoing events. Many speakers absorb the atmosphere on stage before their speech, incorporating earlier sentiments into their presentation.
### Books and Book Signings
**Authorship Integration:** Many esteemed speakers also double as authors, and their books often complement the keynotes and speeches they deliver.
- Provide your Keynote speaker with a prominent platform to showcase and sell any books they may have authored in conjunction with their speech.
- Make the author’s books available at the event, either for on-site purchase or pre-purchase by attendees.
- When organizing book signings and personalizations, be mindful of potential time constraints for authors, and establish clear expectations in advance.
A recommended approach for personalizing books is to procure custom bookplates, allowing the host organization to affix its brand to a statement accompanying the author’s signature.
### Photo Opportunities
**Capturing Memorable Moments:** Facilitating photo opportunities with a celebrity, speaker, or public figure can be both rewarding and challenging, requiring careful management to avoid overwhelm or intimidation.
- Initiate discussions and early planning for photo ops, considering factors such as the number of participants, format, and required timing to prevent complications during the event.
- To streamline personalized photos with the speaker, allocate personnel to monitor the line, addressing any delays promptly. Personnel can also assist in temporarily holding guest items to maintain a smooth flow.
- Enhance branding and visibility by incorporating a custom pull-up backdrop featuring the event’s logo and branding during photo ops, expanding your Share of Voice (SOV).
Hiring a professional digital photographer not only helps manage lines efficiently but also ensures high-quality photos, including shots of VIPs or candid moments capturing the speaker’s interaction with the audience.
### Tailor the Q&A Experience
Incorporating a Q&A session into a presentation can be an excellent idea, contingent on your venue, session structure, and the dynamics of your audience and speaker(s). However, when not meticulously planned and executed, a Q&A session may detract from the overall success of the program instead of enhancing it.
- Avoid scattering microphones throughout the audience, as audience participation expectations may not always align.
- Opt for a designated person on stage to curate and select questions, relieving the speaker of this task. Prepare audience plants with questions in case of a lull.
- Leverage digital technology for remote audience participation, fostering synergy between in-person and online questions during the Q&A session.
In larger settings, consider using “roving mics” or “mic runners” for improved flexibility. Ensure an ample supply of microphones to reach any audience member promptly.
### Social Media
**Build Anticipation:** Generate pre-event excitement through strategic social media efforts. Craft compelling posts for standard channels, always incorporating a custom hashtag to unify content. Encourage attendees and followers to utilize these hashtags, amplifying the visibility of featured speakers.
- Utilize your social platforms to share links to the speaker’s books and website, enhancing mutual online exposure. Prepare concise blurbs for easy inclusion in social shares.
- Incorporate the speaker’s headshots into event materials, facilitating image sharing along with your branding.
If permitted, promote the event speaker’s social media handles, leveraging their notoriety to connect their audience with yours.
Events are substantial investments requiring careful planning. Each organization aspires to host a seamless and memorable function, leaving the audience with a sense of satisfaction or gratitude for participating in a well-orchestrated and successful event. By implementing these strategies, you can mitigate potential issues and provide the cohesiveness appreciated by your audience.
[ Frequently Asked Questions](https://wwsg.com/insights-and-resources/frequently-asked-questions/)
*At Worldwide Speakers Group, we are dedicated to providing an unparalleled level of service in the global lecture industry and giving an intimate and consultative support service to organizations for booking speakers at their events. As a trusted partner to elite professional speakers, we deliver distinctive performance and innovative solutions in the global lecture and speaker industry by artfully connecting speakers to corporate, trade, education, and commercial customers worldwide. Take a look inside our process to learn how we can be your partner in planning and creating a successful event.*
**Categories:** Blog, Planning Resources
**Tags:** Networking Opportunities, Speaker Preparation Spaces, Books and Book Signings, Photo Opportunities, Q&A Sessions, Social Media Engagement, Speaker Investment, Maximize Your Speaker Investment, speaker success
---
### [Healthcare Leaders Who Inspire and Ignite Conversation](https://wwsg.com/blog/healthcare-leaders-who-inspire-and-ignite-conversation/)
**Published:** January 9, 2024
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
Top [healthcare leaders](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/healthcare-and-wellness/) available for speaking engagements are in high demand.
Healthcare leaders are more important than ever in today’s rapidly changing and complex landscape. They must be able to adapt to new technologies and treatment methods, leading their teams and educating the masses through this period of immense change. If that wasn’t enough pressure, healthcare leaders are also responsible for making sure that their organizations deliver high-quality care while managing costs and complying with regulations. Those who can speak to healthcare’s challenges and opportunities with passion and clarity are being sought after for speaking engagements in 2024. Here are our top recommendations.
## [Scott Gottlieb, M.D.](https://wwsg.com/speakers/scott-gottlieb)
Former FDA Commissioner Dr Scott Gottlieb joins Squawk Box to discuss the state of the weight loss drug developments whether insurance overage of these drugs will be broadened in the future drug development outlook in 2024 and moreA preeminent figure in U.S. health care and policy, former Food & Drug Administration Commissioner Dr. Scott Gottlieb has been a leader on Capitol Hill, a voice of reason throughout the pandemic, and is now a succinct and trusted commentator on the potential impacts of artificial intelligence on national healthcare systems. His recent [JAMA article](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/strategies-for-regulating-disruptive-medical-technologies/) examines how the FDA can best regulate AI-powered medical devices. “To enable the safe and effective adoption of new medical technologies, regulatory policies must often be as creative as the advances being delivered to health care professionals and patients.” Dr. Gottlieb has also frequently appeared on [CNBC’s Squawk Box](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/fmr-fda-commissioner-dr-scott-gottlieb-on-the-secondary-benefits-of-weight-loss-drugs/) and other central media networks. Dr. Gottlieb was aptly named one of *Washington DC’s 500 Most Influential People of 2023*. His highly anticipated second book, *The Miracle Century:* *Making Sense of the Cell Therapy Revolution* will publish this summer.
**Best Speaking Formats:** Keynote, Fireside Chat + Q&A
**Ideal Audiences:** Large conferences, Small groups (i.e. investors, C-Suite), Public
## [Sanjay Gupta, M.D.](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sanjay-gupta)
Dr Sanjay Gupta gives his perspective during an interviewDr. Sanjay Gupta, CNN’s Chief Medical Correspondent, accomplished neurosurgeon, and trusted advocate for personal health and wholesome aging, has been busy covering current events for CNN and wrapping up his podcast season. In Chasing Life’s latest episode, Dr. Gupta rounds up some of the top tips from his guests over the past year to encourage and inspire listeners to accomplish their goals and resolutions for the new year. The multiple-Emmy® Award-winning doctor has been investigating a variety of topics from a neurological standpoint lately. They include [forgiveness](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/chasing-life-with-dr-sanjay-gupta-the-forgiving-brain/), [dating in the digital age](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/chasing-life-the-dating-brain-in-the-digital-age/), [fear](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/chasing-life-stephen-king-on-fiction-and-the-frightened-brain/) (with Stephen King), [coping with tumultuous news cycles](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/paging-dr-gupta-how-to-cope-with-the-current-news-cycle/), and [preventing the loss of our compassion](https://wwsg.com/blog/the-results-are-in-with-dr-sanjay-gupta-compassion-fade/). Dr. Gupta also delivered meaningful addresses to a plethora of groups in the last six months, including various universities like Harvard and University of North Carolina, private companies, and dynamic lecture series institutions.
**Best Speaking Formats:** Keynote, Fireside Chat + Q&A
**Ideal Audiences:** Large conferences, Speaker series’, Colleges and universities
## [Seema Verma](https://wwsg.com/speakers/seema-verma)
Seema Verma GM and SVP Oracle Life SciencesLike many of our top healthcare leaders available for speaking engagements, former Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator, Seema Verma is active in the conversation about AI’s impact on the U.S. healthcare system. When [asked how AI will impact the clinical trials industry in the next few years](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/the-future-of-ai-in-clinical-trials-qa-with-seema-verma-gm-and-svp-oracle-life-sciences/), she replied, “AI is helping discover novel molecular structures and designs, forecast drug-target interactions, and accelerate in-silico drug discovery. These improvements can significantly reduce the time and cost of bringing new treatments to market.” Her interview with Applied Clinical Trials Online reveals more insight on [how AI will affect the healthcare industry](https://wwsg.com/blog/the-ai-effect-a-peek-into-the-future-of-ai-its-impact-on-industry/). A passionate leader and expert in health policy, Verma is currently General Manager and Senior Vice President at Oracle Life Sciences where she employs her “unique understanding of how to bring together those on the cutting edge of innovation and those in charge of regulation” to the Oracle Life Sciences and Oracle Cerner Enviza lines of business.
**Best Speaking Formats:** Interview, Fireside Chat + Q&A, Public
**Ideal Audiences:** Large conferences, Small groups (i.e. investors, C-Suite), Public
## [Anand Shah, M.D.](https://wwsg.com/speakers/anand-shah)
Dr Anand Shah discussing AI in healthcare at The Atlantics People v Cancer eventAnand Shah is a leading voice in the evolving role of AI in the U.S. healthcare community. He recently joined a panel for *[The Atlantic’s People v. Cancer](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gyfKDWeEeh8)* event to share his perspective as CEO of Aster Insights. Aster Insights is an organization that partners with oncology centers nationwide to provide informatics solutions, leveraging clinical and molecular data to accelerate the discovery, development, and delivery of personalized therapies. In his session, he says, “We’re in the first inning with AI. Ten years ago, we weren’t having this conversation… \[there are\] a lot of unknowns in terms of how we develop new technologies with AI, accounting for equity, how they’re regulated, \[and\] how they’re paid for.”
**Best Speaking Formats:** Fireside Chat + Q&A
**Ideal Audiences:** Large conferences, Small groups (i.e. investors, C-Suite), Public
## [Dave Chokshi, M.D.](https://wwsg.com/speakers/dave-chokshi/)
Dr Dave Chokshi and his CCNY class visit Elmhurst HospitalDave A. Chokshi, MD, MSc just finished his first semester as the inaugural [Sternberg Family Professor of Leadership](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/former-new-york-city-health-commissioner-named-sternberg-family-professor-of-leadership/) at the Colin Powell School for Civic and Global Leadership, part of the City College of New York. A true advocate for equitable public health, Dr. Chokshi [draws upon his leadership experiences](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/former-nyc-health-commissioner-joins-ccny-faculty-dr-dave-a-chokshi/) in various settings to inspire others about the fundamental privilege that is health. As New York City’s Health Commissioner through the height of the pandemic, his tenure was undoubtedly marked by COVID, but he also led efforts to improve the city’s overall health from overdose prevention to addressing racism as a public health crisis. A Rhodes Scholar and White House Fellow, Dr. Chokshi is now nationally recognized as a transformational leader, innovator, policy expert, and fierce advocate for a stronger health system.
**Best Speaking Formats:** Fireside Chat + Q&A, Public
**Ideal Audiences:** Large conferences, Small groups (i.e. investors, C-Suite), Public
## [Deborah Birx, M.D.](https://wwsg.com/speakers/deborah-birx)
Dr Deborah Birx talks with Infection Control TodayThe renowned diplomat and former White House Coronavirus Response Coordinator, Deborah Birx, M.D. has been a frequent guest on major media networks, radio shows, and podcasts. She recently addressed the significance of collaboration, innovation, data-driven decision-making, and community engagement in public health for [Infection Control Today](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/rebuilding-trust-in-public-health-continuing-a-conversation-with-deborah-birx-md/), where she is a frequent advisor. Just before the holidays, [she was asked](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/interview-with-dr-deborah-birx-on-92-9-fm-wdup-with-mike-mitchell/) how she addresses people who are “sick of the testing, the shots, and the distancing.” She replied, “what we would do is look for 21st century technology that would help us with those things. Part of that is making tests more available so that people who know they’re going to \[visit with family\] can proactively test for bad diseases and go in there and feel confident.” Since serving in the White House, Dr. Birx is active in the private sector and is currently the CEO of Armata Pharmaceuticals. Her varied experiences with PEPFAR, HIV/AIDS and Tuberculosis therapeutics, and COVID-19 have molded her into a passionate leader and a fierce advocate for women in STEM.
**Best Speaking Formats:** Interview, Fireside Chat + Q&A
**Ideal Audiences:** Small conferences, Teambuilding and retreats, Colleges and universities
## [Robert Redfield, M.D.](https://wwsg.com/speakers/robert-redfield)
Dr Robert Redfield discusses suppression of negative COVID experiences on Fox NewsFormer Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director and accomplished virologist, Dr. Robert Redfield is a frequent and trusted commentator on healthcare and policy issues of today. When [asked about his experiences](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/covid-vaccine-poll-finds-more-than-half-of-adults-are-likely-to-say-no-thanks-to-the-vax/) with negative vaccine reactions being sequestered, he replied “my position was always to tell the American public the truth. There are always side effects to vaccines.” Dr. Redfield would know this, having experienced three vastly unique, surprising, and scientifically complex global epidemics during his career: Ebola, HIV/AIDS, and COVID-19. As such, he holds the unique perspective of someone who has played a significant role in finding, studying, and publishing some of the most important scientific discoveries and medical advancements in modern history. Dr. Redfield is also active in the private sector. He is cofounder of Prevention, Diagnosis, Treatment, Inc. (PDTi) and a board member of several technology-driven medical organizations like [BPG Bio](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/former-cdc-director-and-renowned-physician-scientist-dr-robert-redfield-joins-bpgbio-scientific-advisory-board/), American Gene Technologies, PERSOWN Inc., and others.
**Best Speaking Formats:** Interview, Fireside Chat + Q&A
**Ideal Audiences:** Small conferences, Speaker series’, Colleges and universities
Bringing in a leading medical expert is an investment in the depth, credibility, and engagement of your event. Their extensive experiences, cutting-edge research, and real-world experience will spark meaningful conversations, inspire your audience, and elevate your event to the next level. Secure your speaker today by [contacting us](https://wwsg.com/contact-us) for a list of relevant speakers and their availability.
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** virology, Wellness, medical, AI in Healthcare, new york, care, healthcare leaders, administrator, Director, Board of Directors, New York City, CDC, Cancer, virologist, diplomat, oncology, oracle, medical advances, medical innovation, pepfar, aids, hiv, tuberculosis, FDA, Sanjay Gupta, white house, Scott Gottlieb, healthcare, robert redfield, deborah birx, seema verma, Coronavirus, CMS, CNN, Dave Chokshi, Chasing Life, technology, health, ai, artificial intelligence, doctor, md, innovation, Anand Shah
---
### [Chasing Life With Dr. Sanjay Gupta | Feeling More connected](https://wwsg.com/blog/chasing-life-with-dr-sanjay-gupta-feeling-more-connected/)
**Published:** January 9, 2024
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
#### *This is a guest post by WWSG exclusive speaker, [Dr. Sanjay Gupta](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sanjay-gupta).*
We’ve talked a lot about the loneliness epidemic, how it affects nearly [1 in 4 adults](https://e.newsletters.cnn.com/click?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) and could lead to some serious [health consequences](https://e.newsletters.cnn.com/click?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).
But as we look to the new year, I want to talk about what we can actually do to [feel more connected](https://e.newsletters.cnn.com/click?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).
Start by realizing that all relationships are work – even friendships. Being intentional with the relationships you have is what can make them last. I’ve had the same best friend, Sujit, for almost 40 years.
Being intentional might mean making a list of people you want to catch up with, putting reminders on your calendar to give someone a call, or planning a reoccurring social outing.
On one of our [Chasing Life episodes](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/chasing-life-a-little-help-from-my-friends/), friendship expert Marisa Franco said that when you reconnect with friends, they “appreciate it more than you might predict.” In fact, she said, her niece had the perfect way of putting it: For friendship to happen, someone has to be brave.
Don’t be scared to take that first step.
Franco also pointed out that she thinks it’s harder to make friends now than at any other point in human history. She attributes this to the rise of smartphone use, since technology has become an alternative to hanging out with people.
So again, this means being intentional is key.
If you’re looking to form new friendships, it does take more effort as you get older, because we don’t have what sociologist Rebecca Adams describes as repeated unplanned interaction. When we were younger and in school, we would have social interactions every day that could lead to friendships. But now, especially as more people work remotely, we don’t have as many of those opportunities.
This might mean you need to take up a new activity like a fitness class or a creative group.
Another great tip from Franco was to start with the assumption that people actually like you. When people are lonely, they tend to be more suspicious and critical, less likely to let new things into their lives.
If you walk in with an open heart, assuming people like you and letting them prove otherwise, that can make a huge difference.
Let’s make 2024 the year we work on strengthening and building our connections.
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** Wellness, new year, relationships, freindships, forgiveness, exhaustion, loneliness, brain, depression, The Results Are In, connection, news, Chasing Life, podcast, CNN, Mental Health, Sanjay Gupta
---
### [The Results Are In With Dr. Sanjay Gupta | Boosting Your Brain with Naps](https://wwsg.com/blog/the-results-are-in-with-dr-sanjay-gupta-boosting-your-brain-with-naps/)
**Published:** September 26, 2023
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Excerpt:** With modern life so jam-packed, it is hard to completely unplug and relax. But it's something our brain needs to repair and restore itself.
**Content:**
#### *This is a guest post by WWSG exclusive speaker, [Dr. Sanjay Gupta](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sanjay-gupta).*
With modern life so jam-packed with activities and stimulation, it is hard to completely unplug and relax. But that’s something our brain needs to repair and restore itself.
The one (mostly) surefire place for our brain to go for some downtime is slumberland. That’s why it’s crucial to get enough sleep.
“What’s going on in the brain, in layman’s terms, is essentially our brain is getting a chance to not be consciously engaged in … task switching all day long,” Victoria Garfield, a senior research fellow at the Medical Research Council Unit for Lifelong Health and Aging and a professor at University College London, [told me](https://e.newsletters.cnn.com/click?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).
“Our cognitive function is going to improve as a result. And you’ll feel better the next day because our brain cells are having a chance to rest and regenerate and replenish,” she said.
Garfield has been studying sleep for a decade. “One of my primary interests for the last 10 years has been around understanding why we need to sleep properly, why sleep is so important for the brain and the body, especially as we get older,” she said.
Decades of evidence supports the idea that sleeping too little or too much is associated with increased risk of conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, having a heart attack, dementia, getting a sleep apnea diagnosis, anxiety and depression, she added.
Garfield’s team recently found that habitual daytime napping is also associated with a larger total brain volume. The study analyzed data, including MRIs, from more than 35,000 adults in the UK Biobank.
How much larger? According to Garfield, about 15 cubic centimeters, which her team calculated to equate to between 2.5 and 6.5 years of aging. “Quite a big thing in terms of the age of the brain. And we think that’s really important because a lower total brain volume is linked to certain diseases, earlier mortality and higher stress levels,” she said.
So next time someone gives you a hard time for taking a nap, let them know you’re just boosting your brain.
### Explore Other Articles by [Sanjay Gupta](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sanjay-gupta/)
[ ![Rosalynn Carter]() ](https://wwsg.com/blog/the-results-are-in-with-dr-sanjay-gupta-rosalynn-carters-work-advocating-for-mental-health/) [ The Results are in Dr. Sanjay Gupta | Rosalynn Carter’s Work Advocating for Mental Health ](https://wwsg.com/blog/the-results-are-in-with-dr-sanjay-gupta-rosalynn-carters-work-advocating-for-mental-health/)
As the tributes of first lady Rosalynn Carter have come in, what’s struck me the most is her tireless work in advocating for mental health.
[ Read More > ](https://wwsg.com/blog/the-results-are-in-with-dr-sanjay-gupta-rosalynn-carters-work-advocating-for-mental-health/)
[ ![Compassion Fad by Sanjay Gupta]() ](https://wwsg.com/blog/the-results-are-in-with-dr-sanjay-gupta-compassion-fade/) [ The Results Are In With Dr. Sanjay Gupta | Compassion Fade ](https://wwsg.com/blog/the-results-are-in-with-dr-sanjay-gupta-compassion-fade/)
We’ve talked about protecting our own mental health during tough news cycles, but how do we also make sure our compassion doesn’t fade?
[ Read More > ](https://wwsg.com/blog/the-results-are-in-with-dr-sanjay-gupta-compassion-fade/)
[ ![Sanjay Gupta Loneliness]() ](https://wwsg.com/blog/the-results-are-in-with-dr-sanjay-gupta-the-loneliness-epidemic/) [ The Results Are In With Dr. Sanjay Gupta | The Loneliness Epidemic ](https://wwsg.com/blog/the-results-are-in-with-dr-sanjay-gupta-the-loneliness-epidemic/)
A new Meta-Gallup survey found that nearly 1 in 4 adults have reported feeling very or fairly lonely — the highest rates are young adults.
[ Read More > ](https://wwsg.com/blog/the-results-are-in-with-dr-sanjay-gupta-the-loneliness-epidemic/)
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** pharmaceuticals, stroke, Sanjay Gupta, CNN, Chasing Life, health, neurosurgeon, The Results Are In, Diet, Wellness, depression, addiction, new technology, brain, narcan, pharma
---
### [The Results Are In With Dr. Sanjay Gupta | Compassion Fade](https://wwsg.com/blog/the-results-are-in-with-dr-sanjay-gupta-compassion-fade/)
**Published:** November 7, 2023
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Excerpt:** We’ve talked about protecting our own mental health during tough news cycles, but how do we also make sure our compassion doesn’t fade?
**Content:**
*This is a guest post by WWSG exclusive speaker, [Dr. Sanjay Gupta](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sanjay-gupta).*
The news can be a lot to take in. Whether it’s a global pandemic, a war or another shooting, we want to have empathy for each other’s suffering. But it can also be exhausting.
This is a concept known as compassion fade or fatigue.
I first talked about compassion fade during the Covid-19 pandemic. Once the number of people affected starts to grow, not only is our compassion divided among all of them, but our overall amount of compassion goes down.
We’ve talked about protecting our own mental health during tough news cycles, but how do we also make sure our compassion doesn’t fade?
Start by figuring out what level of engagement works for you, advises Dr. Rebecca Sachs, a clinical psychologist based in New York City.
“It’s figuring out what is the level of engagement that can still lay a foundation for you to do valued actions to do something meaningful,” she says.
I like the idea of a “valued action.”
It’s easy to feel like you can’t help or contribute when tragedy is happening, especially from far away, but choosing an action can help us focus on our empathy for others rather than feeling overwhelmed.
Finding a support system is what Dr. Charles Figley, the Kurzweg Distinguished Chair in Disaster Mental Health at Tulane University in New Orleans, recommends during this time.
“One of the most important things is to find a buddy who is in a similar kind of situation and who also wants the same thing that you want in terms of feeling better.”
It’s a version of self-care.
Sachs adds that it’s OK to take time to have fun or relax. If you feel guilty about it, that’s OK too, because it’s part of balancing your emotions.
“There are going to be times where I am going to really feel that suffering,” she said. “And then there are going to be times where I’m going to do things for myself and feel guilty that I’m not sort of bombarding myself with the suffering that comes with the human condition.”
Sadly, it feels like the threat of compassion fade may always be present, but keeping those sparks of empathy alive helps us remember that we are all in this together.
### Explore Other Articles by [Sanjay Gupta](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sanjay-gupta/)
[ ![Boosting Your Brain with Napping]() ](https://wwsg.com/blog/the-results-are-in-with-dr-sanjay-gupta-boosting-your-brain-with-naps/) [ The Results Are In With Dr. Sanjay Gupta | Boosting Your Brain with Naps ](https://wwsg.com/blog/the-results-are-in-with-dr-sanjay-gupta-boosting-your-brain-with-naps/)
With modern life so jam-packed, it is hard to completely unplug and relax. But it's something our brain needs to repair and restore itself.
[ Read More > ](https://wwsg.com/blog/the-results-are-in-with-dr-sanjay-gupta-boosting-your-brain-with-naps/)
[ ![Rosalynn Carter]() ](https://wwsg.com/blog/the-results-are-in-with-dr-sanjay-gupta-rosalynn-carters-work-advocating-for-mental-health/) [ The Results are in Dr. Sanjay Gupta | Rosalynn Carter’s Work Advocating for Mental Health ](https://wwsg.com/blog/the-results-are-in-with-dr-sanjay-gupta-rosalynn-carters-work-advocating-for-mental-health/)
As the tributes of first lady Rosalynn Carter have come in, what’s struck me the most is her tireless work in advocating for mental health.
[ Read More > ](https://wwsg.com/blog/the-results-are-in-with-dr-sanjay-gupta-rosalynn-carters-work-advocating-for-mental-health/)
[ ![Sanjay Gupta Loneliness]() ](https://wwsg.com/blog/the-results-are-in-with-dr-sanjay-gupta-the-loneliness-epidemic/) [ The Results Are In With Dr. Sanjay Gupta | The Loneliness Epidemic ](https://wwsg.com/blog/the-results-are-in-with-dr-sanjay-gupta-the-loneliness-epidemic/)
A new Meta-Gallup survey found that nearly 1 in 4 adults have reported feeling very or fairly lonely — the highest rates are young adults.
[ Read More > ](https://wwsg.com/blog/the-results-are-in-with-dr-sanjay-gupta-the-loneliness-epidemic/)
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** exhaustion, compassion fade, epidemic, loneliness, brain, depression, Wellness, The Results Are In, Empathy, media, news, Chasing Life, CNN, Mental Health, Sanjay Gupta
---
### [The Characteristics of a Great Keynote Speaker](https://wwsg.com/blog/the-characteristics-of-a-great-keynote-speaker/)
**Published:** July 3, 2018
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
With any event, a [keynote](https://wwsg.com/blog/the-difference-between-keynote-plenary-speakers-2/) speaker is posed to add unique value. In most cases, they are the main attraction of the morning or afternoon, and therefore, finding the right one is essential to a successful event. A great keynote speaker should affect the audience and inspire them with new ideas and creativity.
Bringing on a keynoter for an event will be at cost to the client, but the benefit of a great speaker will always outweigh it.
At WWSG, our thought leaders possess the characteristics of great speakers. Being prepared, engaging, and having the ability to impact an audience, are all qualities an exceptional speaker must have in order to make a true and lasting influence.
An exceptional keynote speaker understands the power they hold while on stage, and therefore, understands the responsibility when speaking on stage to the audience. This means they should be prepared prior to the presentation and be ready to answer any questions that are asked. By being onstage, they have the authority and credibility to make statements throughout their speech, and the information provided should be organized and also engaging. Because the client is making an investment in a speaker’s presentation for their event, a great speaker engages the crowd and is able to read and connect with them. Being able to resonate with the audience is how a thought leader leaves an impact on them. An exceptional speech will affect both audience members emotionally and intellectually and can be a call-to-action that inspires them to make a positive change.
## **[Newt Gingrich](https://wwsg.com/speakers/newt-gingrich/)**
One of the world’s foremost economic, social, political and security-focused conservative thinkers, Newt Gingrich, delivers both insight and clarity on the global atmosphere. A great keynote speaker should be dynamic and able to adapt to different audiences and environments, which Speaker Gingrich does seamlessly.
Speaker Gingrich has published 36 fiction and nonfiction books including 15 *New York Times* bestsellers. His unquenchable thirst for knowledge enables him to share unique and unparalleled insights on a wide range of topics. Audiences of all shapes, sizes and views will leave feeling both informed and enlightened.
**Recent Articles**
- [Podcast Updates: The Latest from WWSG Thought Leaders 🎙️](https://wwsg.com/blog/podcast-updates-the-latest-from-wwsg-thought-leaders-%f0%9f%8e%99%ef%b8%8f/)
- [Top 5 Political Thought Leaders to Follow on Twitter for Daily Insight](https://wwsg.com/blog/top-5-political-thought-leaders-to-follow-on-twitter-for-daily-insight/)
- [Gingrich suggests 14th Amendment doesn’t apply today](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/gingrich-suggests-14th-amendment-doesnt-apply-today/)
- [Newt Gingrich on how we can get the economy back on track ](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/newt-gingrich-on-how-we-can-get-the-economy-back-on-track/)
- [Newt Gingrich: This starts the game toward a balanced budget](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/newt-gingrich-this-starts-the-game-toward-a-balanced-budget/)
## [Sara Fischer](/speakers/sara-fischer)
Sara Fischer’s extensive experience as a media analyst and reporter has given her the ability to provide concise analysis of current events as they relate to an array of topics including corporate media, advertising and marketing, technology, social media, entertainment, media regulation, and more. As one of the nation’s most influential voices, Sara provides audiences with an informed and dynamic perspective on the evolution of media and the ways in which trends may soon affect their respective industries. Furthermore, her inviting and charming delivery keeps audience members engaged and on the edge of their seats.
**Recent Articles:**
- [Axios’ Sara Fischer breaks down what led to the collapse of CNN+](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/axios-sara-fischer-breaks-down-what-led-to-the-collapse-of-cnn/)
- [Washington DC’s 500 Most Influential People of 2023](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/washington-dcs-500-most-influential-people-of-2023/)
## [Ayaan Hirsi Ali](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ayaan-hirsi-ali/)
A global figure in every sense, Ayaan Hirsi Ali embodies both the opportunity and consequence of the human rights struggle. She reminds audiences around the world what true human rights looks like… aside from the influences of any particular group or movement, apart from the religious/political/social context of the day, and above the changing winds of globalization.
**Articles:**
- [Don’t Miss Ayaan Hirsi Ali’s New Podcast and Book PREY](https://wwsg.com/blog/dont-miss-ayaan-hirsi-alis-new-podcast-and-book-prey/)
- [Remarkable Thought Leaders for Juneteenth](https://wwsg.com/blog/remarkable-thought-leaders-for-juneteenth/)
- [In Defense of Ayaan Hirsi Ali’s Conversion](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/in-defense-of-ayaan-hirsi-alis-conversion/)
- [The West Is Running Out of Time. Here’s What Needs to Happen Now – Ayaan Hirsi Ali](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/the-west-is-running-out-of-time-heres-what-needs-to-happen-now-ayaan-hirsi-ali/)
- [Free speech is under threat, says Ayaan Hirsi Ali.](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/free-speech-is-under-threat-says-ayaan-hirsi-ali/)
## [**Paul Nicklen**](https://wwsg.com/speakers/paul-nicklen/)
Renowned for bringing the most arctic and imperative stories to life, Paul Nicklen also understands the power he possesses while onstage. With his acclaimed images of the Arctic and some of Earth’s most stunning isolated regions, Nicklen has been able to found his own conservation society: SeaLegacy. His advocacy for the Arctic is what drives his passion: protecting the polar landscape through photography.
Nicklen has the power to make a positive imprint on his audiences and change their perspectives. A great speaker will do just that and leave the audience affected both emotionally and cerebrally.
**Articles:**
- [Rose, Bud, Thorn: Highlights From Cristina Mittermeier and Paul Nicklen’s Year at Sea](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/rose-bud-thorn-highlights-from-cristina-mittermeier-and-paul-nicklens-year-at-sea/)
- [Humpback Whales, Orcas, and the Unpredictable Magic of Wildlife Photography | Guest Post by Paul Nicklen](https://wwsg.com/blog/guest-post-by-paul-nicklen-humpback-whales-orcas-and-the-unpredictable-magic-of-wildlife-photography/)
- [Icy Landscapes – Blog Post by Paul Nicklen](https://wwsg.com/blog/icy-landscapes-uncovering-beauty-in-frozen-realms-guest-post-by-paul-nicklen/)
- [PAUL NICKLEN AND CRISTINA MITTERMEIER 2023 Honoree / Humanitarian Award](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/paul-nicklen-and-cristina-mittermeier-2023-honoree-humanitarian-award/)
- [Photographer Paul Nicklen Shares the Behind-the-Scenes Stories of 5 Breathtaking Shots of Nature](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/photographer-paul-nicklen-shares-the-behind-the-scenes-stories-of-5-breathtaking-shots-of-nature/)
## [**Sanjay Gupta**](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sanjay-gupta/)
Sanjay Gupta is a dedicated global journalist, physician and thought leader, who works to inspire and educate Americans to lead healthier, more well-informed lives. With his unique position as someone who has worked in medicine and media, Dr. Gupta is one of the most capable and respectable voices on health and world events.
A great keynote speaker will make the crowd think and assess their lives. Dr. Gupta’s presentation engages the entire room and leaves every audience evaluating and reflecting on their role in both a global and personal perspective.
**Articles:**
- [Making Resolutions with Chasing Life](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/making-resolutions-with-chasing-life/)
- [The Results Are In With Dr. Sanjay Gupta | Compassion Fade](https://wwsg.com/blog/the-results-are-in-with-dr-sanjay-gupta-compassion-fade/)
- [The Results Are In With Dr. Sanjay Gupta | The Loneliness Epidemic](https://wwsg.com/blog/the-results-are-in-with-dr-sanjay-gupta-the-loneliness-epidemic/)
- [Chasing Life: The Forgiving Brain](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/chasing-life-with-dr-sanjay-gupta-the-forgiving-brain/)
- [Anti-aging obsession can actually hurt your health, Dr. Sanjay Gupta says. Here’s what he wishes his younger self knew about aging.](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/anti-aging-obsession-can-actually-hurt-your-health-dr-sanjay-gupta-says-heres-what-he-wishes-his-younger-self-knew-about-aging/)
- [Dr. Sanjay Gupta | Boosting Your Brain with Naps](https://wwsg.com/blog/the-results-are-in-with-dr-sanjay-gupta-boosting-your-brain-with-naps/)
These WWSG thought leaders provide unmatched value to an event. A great speaker, whether motivational, political, or educational, is indispensable to a successful event. Audience members will always remember the great advice, quotes, or the way they felt inspired after hearing an [excellent keynote speaker](https://wwsg.com/blog/what-makes-a-great-keynote-speaker/).
To find more great keynote speakers for your next event, you should check out our interactive Speaker Flowchart! It helps people find the right speaker for their budget, audience, location, and more.
[ Contact us to Get Started ](/contact-us/)
### Explore Other Articles on Keynote Speakers
[ ![]() ](https://wwsg.com/blog/what-makes-a-great-keynote-speaker/) [ What Makes a Great Keynote Speaker? ](https://wwsg.com/blog/what-makes-a-great-keynote-speaker/)
[ Read More > ](https://wwsg.com/blog/what-makes-a-great-keynote-speaker/)
[ ![]() ](https://wwsg.com/blog/working-with-celebrity-keynote-speakers/) [ Working With Celebrity Keynote Speakers ](https://wwsg.com/blog/working-with-celebrity-keynote-speakers/)
Celebrity speakers are continuing to draw in audiences of the masses at events across the globe. With their international appeal and exciting presentations, more and…
[ Read More > ](https://wwsg.com/blog/working-with-celebrity-keynote-speakers/)
[ ![Speaker on small stage]() ](https://wwsg.com/blog/7-steps-for-speaker-experience-and-event-success/) [ 7 Steps for Speaker Experience and Event Success ](https://wwsg.com/blog/7-steps-for-speaker-experience-and-event-success/)
Planning an event and hiring a professional speaker involves navigating numerous variables, making preparedness crucial. By approaching the event methodically, asking essential questions, and crafting…
[ Read More > ](https://wwsg.com/blog/7-steps-for-speaker-experience-and-event-success/)
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** Ayaan Hirsi Ali, characteristics of keynote speakers, Keynote Speakers, Newt Gingrich, Paul Nicklen, Planning an event, Sanjay Gupta, Sara Fischer, Top Thought Leaders, WWSG's Top Speakers
---
### [Happy New Year from Olga Koroleva](https://wwsg.com/blog/happy-new-year-from-olga-koroleva/)
**Published:** December 31, 2023
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
#### *This newsletter was originally published by WWSG exclusive thought leader, [Olga Koroleva](https://wwsg.com/speakers/olga-koroleva).*
I received many emails this December about everyone’s 2023 life learnings (below is the most interesting one I read) and goal-setting rules for next year.
Goal-setting is actually quite easy: if you add a date to your dream, you turn it into a goal. Then every day you take a step towards your goal – and results eventually show up. There is nothing more to it.
We create our 10-year goals, then identify 1-year or 3-year milestones, track 90-day progress, write down our goals daily (per Brian Tracy), etc.
We make these lists and then we obsess over our goals, we stress and ruminate over all the things that could go wrong.
I encourage you to consider a different perspective.
Researchers from DTU, the University of Copenhagen, ITU, and Northeastern University in the US have developed an artificial intelligence model, life2vec, capable of predicting life events by analyzing extensive health and labor market data. The model has demonstrated superior predictive capabilities in forecasting outcomes such as personality traits and even accurately estimating the time of death.
If we can predict the future, why worry about it?
In the post-Covid world the preference for part-time work has been on the rise. Employers have been dealing with “quiet quitting” phenomenon as workers started questioning the concept of ambition, having a preference for doing the bare minimum at work instead. Gartner’s research found, people these days look for purpose, meaning, and joy in their jobs.
We actually could live joyful lives if we embrace “good enough” and don’t make ambition the main driver in life. If we learn to enjoy the journey and not the destination. If we pursue intrinsic goals instead of striving toward external motivators.
We still need to know where the summit is to make sure we are following the right trail.
But don’t wait for a particular date or time to start enjoying life. Just live that life now. Whatever happens happens. We are doing our best.
Perhaps, 2024 could be the year when we stop obsessing over achieving every goal on the list and consider that “good enough” is well, good enough.
Happy New Year!
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** goals, olga koroleva, Quiet Quitting, ai, motivational, future, goal setting, life2vec, milestones, 2024
---
### [The Best of Books 2023 from Foreign Affairs: Chip War by Chris Miller](https://wwsg.com/announcements/the-best-of-books-2023-from-foreign-affairs-chip-war-by-chris-miller/)
**Published:** December 17, 2023
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
## This Year’s Top Picks From *Foreign Affairs*’ Reviewers
The very best of the hundreds of books on international politics, economics, and history that were featured in the magazine this year, selected by *Foreign Affairs*’ editors and book reviewers.
### EDITORS’ PICKS
### Against the World: Anti-Globalism and Mass Politics Between the World Wars
#### by Tara Zahra
In a timely and thought-provoking book, Zahra delves into the tumultuous years between [World War I](https://www.foreignaffairs.com/tags/world-war-i) and [World War II](https://www.foreignaffairs.com/tags/world-war-ii) to argue that it was resistance to globalism and globalization that ended up weakening Europe’s then-fragile democracies, eventually contributing to the continent’s slide into dictatorship.
[READ THE REVIEW](https://www.foreignaffairs.com/reviews/democracy-globalization-keeping-world-bay)
### Judgment at Tokyo: World War II on Trial and the Making of Modern Asia
#### by Gary Bass
Bass’s magnificent book, an account of the post–World War II Tokyo war-crimes trial, encourages a deeper understanding of the Asian experience of war and occupation. His work also sheds light on an enduring debate about [liberalism](https://www.foreignaffairs.com/tags/liberalism) and international politics, showing how the trial played formative roles both in postwar Asian politics and in the making of the postwar global human rights regime.
[READ THE REVIEW](https://www.foreignaffairs.com/reviews/japans-nuremberg)
### The Crisis of Democratic Capitalism
#### by Martin Wolf
In a sophisticated and expansive account, Wolf, a veteran economics commentator, suggests that the root cause of today’s political and economic malaise lies in the breakdown of the relationship between capitalism and liberal democracy—and the failure of institutions to counter poverty and marginalization.
[READ THE REVIEW](https://www.foreignaffairs.com/reviews/end-democratic-capitalism)
### POLITICAL AND LEGAL
### Human Rights for Pragmatists: Social Power in Modern Times
#### by Jack Snyder
In this masterful work, Snyder offers a bold explanation for why, how, and when societies make progress in expanding political rights and freedoms, arguing that breakthroughs occur when [human rights](https://www.foreignaffairs.com/topics/human-rights) serve the interests of a country’s dominant political coalition.
[READ THE REVIEW](https://www.foreignaffairs.com/reviews/human-rights-pragmatists-social-power-modern-times)
### Geopolitics and Democracy: The Western Liberal Order From Foundation to Fracture
#### by Peter Trubowitz and Brian Burgoon
Trubowitz and Burgoon argue in this groundbreaking study that the current backlash against the Western-led liberal international order can be traced to the 1990s, when the [United States](https://www.foreignaffairs.com/regions/united-states) and European governments encouraged globalization at the expense of social and economic protections at home.
[READ THE REVIEW](https://www.foreignaffairs.com/reviews/geopolitics-and-democracy-western-liberal-order-foundation-fracture)
### The Project-State and Its Rivals: A New History of the Twentieth and Twenty-first Centuries
#### by Charles S. Maier
Moving beyond the standard account of the twentieth century as an epic struggle between [democracy](https://www.foreignaffairs.com/tags/democracy) and autocracy, Maier examines how a wide range of actors tried to harness industrial modernity in the pursuit of power and material interests, weaving an alternative narrative about the explosive interplay of economic privilege and political grievance.
[READ THE REVIEW](https://www.foreignaffairs.com/reviews/project-state-and-its-rivals-new-history-twentieth-and-twenty-first-centuries)
### ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL
### The Economic Government of the World, 1933–2023
#### By Martin Daunton
Daunton’s sweeping narrative assesses the history of international economic cooperation and the institutions that organize and sustain it.
[READ THE REVIEW](https://www.foreignaffairs.com/reviews/economic-government-world-1933-2023)
### The Corporation in the Twentieth Century: The History of American Business Enterprise
#### by Richard N. Langlois
Langlois describes the origins of the modern business enterprise—and looks to the future, arguing that important policy decisions, not just technological developments, will shape how markets and corporations will interact moving forward.
[READ THE REVIEW](https://www.foreignaffairs.com/reviews/corporation-twentieth-century-history-american-business-enterprise)
### Chip War: The Fight for the World’s Most Critical Technology
#### by Chris Miller
At once edifying and entertaining, Miller’s book traces the history of the global semiconductor industry—and examines the key flash points today, with Beijing seeking to build up design and manufacturing capabilities and Washington hoping to slow China’s progress.
[READ THE REVIEW](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/chip-war-the-fight-for-the-worlds-most-critical-technology/)
### MILITARY AND SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL
### Armada: The Spanish Enterprise and England’s Deliverance in 1588
#### by Colin Martin and Geoffrey Parker
Martin and Parker’s superb account of the ill-fated Spanish effort to invade England in 1588 is remarkable in its level of detail, drawing on naval archeology and manuscripts to provide a full and vivid history.
[READ THE REVIEW](https://www.foreignaffairs.com/reviews/two-books-royal-navy)
### Spies: The Epic Intelligence War Between East and West
#### by Calder Walton
Walton engagingly charts the complex interactions between the intelligence services of the United Kingdom, the United States, and the Soviet Union (and its successor, Russia), and how the duplicity of their spies influenced key political moments.
[READ THE REVIEW](https://www.foreignaffairs.com/reviews/spies-epic-intelligence-war-between-east-and-west)
### Road to Surrender: Three Men and the Countdown to the End of World War II
#### by Evan Thomas
Thomas’s gripping account of the decision-making in Washington and Tokyo at the close of World War II focuses on the perspectives of three people: Henry Stimson, the aging U.S. secretary for war; General Carl “Tooey” Spaatz, the American officer in charge of the Pacific air campaign; and Japanese Foreign Minister Shigenori Togo.
[READ THE REVIEW](https://www.foreignaffairs.com/reviews/three-books-world-war-ii)
### THE UNITED STATES
### King: A Life
#### by Jonathan Eig
Drawing on sources unavailable to previous biographers, Eig brilliantly portrays the many dimensions of the civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr., who appears as an extraordinarily courageous, deeply troubled, terribly flawed, and incredibly talented figure. Eig’s balanced treatment of King turns an icon back into a man—and produces a biography that will be very difficult to surpass.
[READ THE REVIEW](https://www.foreignaffairs.com/reviews/king-life)
### Dying by the Sword: The Militarization of U.S. Foreign Policy
#### by Monica Duffy Toft and Sidita Kushi
Examining patterns of U.S. military activity and intervention since 1776, Toft and Kushi argue that the data show a sharp uptick in the United States’ use of force in recent decades, amounting to an increased propensity for force-first diplomacy that threatens the country’s long-term interests.
[READ THE REVIEW](https://www.foreignaffairs.com/reviews/two-books-us-military-industrial-complex)
### Pandemic Politics: The Deadly Toll of Partisanship in the Age of COVID
#### by Shana Kushner Gadarian, Sara Wallace Goodman, and Thomas B. Pepinsky
Gadarian and her co-authors’ sophisticated study, based on voluminous data and public opinion polling, is a revealing portrait of U.S. politics throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, finding that the key explanation for the United States’ calamitous performance is President Donald Trump’s handling of the crisis.
[READ THE REVIEW](https://www.foreignaffairs.com/reviews/two-books-us-response-covid-19)
### WESTERN EUROPE
### Democracy Erodes From the Top: Leaders, Citizens, and the Challenge of Populism in Europe
#### by Larry M. Bartels
Bartels, a leading analyst of electoral democracy and public opinion in the United States, argues that it is the machinations of political elites, not waning public support for democratic institutions, that have led to the decline of democracy, multilateralism, and tolerance in countries across Europe.
[READ THE REVIEW](https://www.foreignaffairs.com/reviews/democracy-erodes-top-leaders-citizens-and-challenge-populism-europe)
### Keeping Friends Closer: Why the EU Should Address New Geoeconomic Realities and Get Its Neighbors Back in the Fold
#### by Vasily Astrov, Richard Grieveson, Christian Hanelt, Veronika Janyrova, Branimir Jovanovic, Artem Kochnev, Miriam Kosmehl, Isilda Mara, Markus Overdiek, Thiess Petersen, Olga Pindyuk, Oliver Reiter, Nina Vujanovic, and Stefani Weiss
In this uniquely detailed and indispensable study, a team of researchers systematically review the extraordinary extent to which Europe’s neighbors are economically dependent on the continent—and suggest ways Europe can optimize and defend its preeminence.
[READ THE REVIEW](https://www.foreignaffairs.com/reviews/keeping-friends-closer-why-eu-should-address-new-geoeconomic-realities-and-get-its)
### Tainted Democracy: Viktor Orban and the Subversion of Hungary
#### by Zsuzsanna Szelenyi
Szelenyi, herself a former Hungarian politician, provides a balanced and detailed account of Hungary’s slide from liberal democracy toward right-wing populist nationalism under Prime Minister Viktor Orban.
[READ THE REVIEW](https://www.foreignaffairs.com/reviews/tainted-democracy-viktor-orban-and-subversion-hungary)
### WESTERN HEMISPHERE
### The Rebel Scribe: Carleton Beals and the Progressive Challenge to U.S. Policy in Latin America
#### by Christopher Neal
Neal’s highly entertaining biography of the writer Carleton Beals, whose work on Latin America foreshadowed later anti-imperialist critiques, sheds light on the United States’ relationship with the ruling elites of Latin America throughout the twentieth century.
[READ THE REVIEW](https://www.foreignaffairs.com/reviews/rebel-scribe-carleton-beals-and-progressive-challenge-us-policy-latin-america)
### Cooperating With the Colossus: A Social and Political History of U.S. Military Bases in World War II Latin America
#### by Rebecca Herman
In this splendid, well-balanced history of an extraordinary but seldom studied period in inter-American relations, Herman argues that pragmatic accords between the United States and Latin American countries enabled a brilliant if brief chapter of solidarity in the Western Hemisphere throughout World War II.
[READ THE REVIEW](https://www.foreignaffairs.com/reviews/cooperating-colossus-social-and-political-history-us-military-bases-world-war-ii-latin)
### Solito: A Memoir
#### by Javier Zamora
Zamora’s deeply moving, highly personal memoir details his arduous and heroic trek, at age nine, from El Salvador through Guatemala and Mexico to Arizona in 1999, graphically describing the many daunting obstacles migrants must overcome to reach the United States.
[READ THE REVIEW](https://www.foreignaffairs.com/reviews/three-books-migration)
### EASTERN EUROPE AND FORMER SOVIET REPUBLICS
### On the Edge: Life Along the Russia-China Border
#### by Franck Billé and Caroline Humphrey
Based on their firsthand field research, anthropologists Billé and Humphrey present an enthralling portrayal of the 2,600-mile border between China and Russia as the line dividing two essentially different civilizations.
[READ THE REVIEW](https://www.foreignaffairs.com/reviews/edge-life-along-russia-china-border)
### German Blood, Slavic Soil: How Nazi Königsberg Became Soviet Kaliningrad
#### by Nicole Eaton
Eaton’s extremely rich historical account sheds light on the Kremlin’s decision in late 1947 to expel the German population of Königsberg, the region that would become the Soviet territory (and now Russian exclave) of Kaliningrad.
[READ THE REVIEW](https://www.foreignaffairs.com/reviews/german-blood-slavic-soil-how-nazi-konigsberg-became-soviet-kaliningrad)
### Intermarriage and the Friendship of Peoples: Ethnic Mixing in Soviet Central Asia
#### by Adrienne Edgar
Edgar’s absorbing historical study examines the consequences of a Soviet social engineering project that encouraged intermarriage between ethnic groups with the aim of building a Soviet nation, one free of ethnic or racial biases. Instead, Edgar notes, this campaign contributed to the rise of racialized notions of nationality.
[READ THE REVIEW](https://www.foreignaffairs.com/reviews/intermarriage-and-friendship-peoples-ethnic-mixing-soviet-central-asia)
### MIDDLE EAST
### A New Vision for Islamic Pasts and Futures
#### by Shahzad Bashir
In this dazzlingly creative and thought-provoking digital book, Bashir argues that Islam needs to be understood not as a monolithic, unchanging faith but as an accumulation of beliefs and practices that people have labeled “Islam” over time and across regions.
[READ THE REVIEW](https://www.foreignaffairs.com/reviews/new-vision-islamic-pasts-and-futures)
### Digital Authoritarianism in the Middle East: Deception, Disinformation, and Social Media
#### by Marc Owen Jones
Jones’s astonishing study details the use of social media and communication technology by governments, notably Bahrain, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, as tools of tyranny and propaganda. This deception pollutes public discourse across the Middle East and, more important, inhibits the critical thinking of the citizenry.
[READ THE REVIEW](https://www.foreignaffairs.com/reviews/digital-authoritarianism-middle-east-deception-disinformation-and-social-media)
### Locked Out of Development: Insiders and Outsiders in Arab Capitalism
#### by Steffen Hertog
Hertog’s brisk, clear, and devastating portrayal of the consequences of decades of misguided economic policy in the Arab world traces the development of two-tiered economies throughout the region.
[READ THE REVIEW](https://www.foreignaffairs.com/reviews/locked-out-development-insiders-and-outsiders-arab-capitalism)
### ASIA AND PACIFIC
### Dictatorship and Information: Authoritarian Regime Resilience in Communist Europe and China
#### by Martin K. Dimitrov
Dimitrov brings to light the lesser-known techniques of mass surveillance in Leninist party-states, showing how such governments obsessively collected information on dissenters, not just to target them but to preempt protest by granting economic concessions in restive areas.
[READ THE REVIEW](https://www.foreignaffairs.com/reviews/dictatorship-and-information-authoritarian-regime-resilience-communist-europe-and-china)
### How Asia Found Herself: A Story of Intercultural Understanding
#### by Nile Green
In this fascinating and original study, Green explores sources in Arabic, Persian, Urdu, and other languages to see how Bahai, Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim, and Zoroastrian travelers, merchants, and polemicists tried to understand and influence the societies and cultures of China, Japan, and Southeast Asia.
[READ THE REVIEW](https://www.foreignaffairs.com/reviews/how-asia-found-herself-story-intercultural-understanding)
### The Rise and Fall of the EAST: How Exams, Autocracy, Stability, and Technology Brought China Success, and Why They Might Lead to Its Decline
#### by Yasheng Huang
In this wide-ranging and shrewd analysis of the Chinese state, Huang predicts that the crackdown on freedom under Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s modernized version of imperial rule may bring an end to the country’s brief spurt of dynamism.
[READ THE REVIEW](https://www.foreignaffairs.com/reviews/rise-and-fall-east-china)
### AFRICA
### The Scarce State: Inequality and Political Power in the Hinterland
#### by Noah L. Nathan
Nathan makes the counterintuitive claim that a limited state can still have a large impact on local populations, focusing on the hinterland of northern Ghana to show how the thinness of the state in a region can still powerfully shape social inequality and local power relations.
[READ THE REVIEW](https://www.foreignaffairs.com/reviews/scarce-state-inequality-and-political-power-hinterland)
### History of South Africa: From 1902 to the Present
#### by Thula Simpson
Armed with fascinating details and anecdotes, Simpson finely traces the political history of South Africa since the beginning of the twentieth century, concluding that the historical legacies of apartheid, violence, and fractious governance continue to cast a heavy shadow over the country today.
[READ THE REVIEW](https://www.foreignaffairs.com/reviews/history-south-africa-1902-present)
### The Lumumba Plot: The Secret History of the CIA and a Cold War Assassination
#### by Stuart A. Reid
Reid brilliantly and ably tells the account of the 1961 assassination of Patrice Lumumba, the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s first elected prime minister, in what was one of the emblematic episodes of both the Cold War and the end of colonialism in Africa.
[READ THE REVIEW](https://www.foreignaffairs.com/reviews/lumumba-plot-secret-history-cia-and-cold-war-assassination)
**Categories:** Announcements
**Tags:** Politics, Keynote Speaker, chris miller, chip war, geopolitics, Asia, foreign affairs, book reviews, book review, tokyo, taiwain, semiconductors
---
### [Chasing Life With Dr. Sanjay Gupta | The Science of Forgiveness](https://wwsg.com/blog/chasing-life-with-dr-sanjay-gupta-the-science-of-forgiveness/)
**Published:** December 20, 2023
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
#### *This is a guest post by WWSG exclusive speaker, [Dr. Sanjay Gupta](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sanjay-gupta).*
As we head into the holidays, there can be feelings of both joy and anxiety when it comes to spending time with family.
Engaging with people, even loved ones, who have disappointed or hurt us can be tough, but learning how to forgive can help ease both emotional and physical pain.
Dr. Robert Enright has studied the science of forgiveness for nearly four decades, and he says forgiveness can help reduce anger, anxiety and depression, as well as lowering your blood pressure, leading to better sleep and lowering levels of stress-induced inflammation.
Easier said than done, right? Forgiveness can be very hard, but Enright says the ability to forgive is almost like a muscle you can exercise. You can work to become forgivingly fit.
**“**It is always possible for those who want to practice it. And oftentimes, I suggest that you don’t start with the huge issues,” says Enright, a professor of educational psychology at the University of Wisconsin. “Start with the smaller ones, and get to know the pathway of forgiveness. As you do that, then you grow in it, then you can go to the big ones.”
To be clear, Enright is not saying forgive and forget but, rather, forgive and remember.
“Remember in new ways, without the rancor, without the rage welling up inside us again. It’s like if you’ve injured your knee, and at the time, there’s great pain and there’s confusion. But when you look back on that, five years now down the road, you remember what happened. But it’s not with the same kind of pain.”
Enright also says forgiveness is always the forgiver’s choice. You have to find the right time for yourself to forgive.
“Forgiveness occurs when we’ve settled in our heart to some degree and have had a chance to be angry. And for those who are ready – some will be, many will not – the pathway of forgiveness should be freely chosen, and it can be deeply healing.”
Enright has a piece of forgiveness homework for the holidays, and it all starts with three words: *Do no harm.*
“I’m not asking people to gushingly love the other. I’m saying refrain from the negative. So we start small,” he says. “ ‘I won’t talk negatively about the person. I won’t ignore the person with dirty looks.’ It doesn’t mean I have to interact lovingly with the person and hug you and say ‘you’re wonderful, man.’ No, just simply ‘do no harm’ as a beginning. And you know why? Then you don’t pass your anger on to others in the family. Because anger in a family is like a virus that keeps jumping from host to host.”
Listen to my full conversation with Enright here, and learn more about how to be forgivingly fit.
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** Sanjay Gupta, Mental Health, CNN, podcast, Chasing Life, news, The Results Are In, Wellness, depression, brain, loneliness, exhaustion, forgiveness
---
### [Top 12 Best TED Talks and Speakers of All Time](https://wwsg.com/blog/top-12-best-ted-talks-and-speakers-of-all-time/)
**Published:** November 28, 2023
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
TED Talk speakers have been known to spark creativity, imagination, and innovation amongst their audience members. To make it as a speaker for a TED Talk or TEDx is an honor to many who have taken the stage, speaking highly of their ability to motivate and inspire an audience. Over the decades of TED and TEDx, there have been numerous speakers who have made a positive impact on their listeners. In this article, we will share with you the 12 best TED Talks of all time, including the best TED Talk speakers.
## 1. Best TED Talk for Artificial Intelligence
### TED Talk Speaker: Anima Anandkumar
[Trinity of Artificial Intelligence](https://youtu.be/IswVmcI_cxc) (October 2018)
[Dr. Animashree Anandkumar](https://wwsg.com/speakers/animashree-anandkumar) is a Bren Professor at the California Institute of Technology and Director of Machine Learning Research at NVIDIA. She develops machine-learning algorithms that enable computers to process dimensional data using tensors. She finds ways to make these algorithms scale more effectively. She earned several prizes for her work including the Alfred P. Sloan Research Fellowship, NSF Career Award, and faculty fellowships from Adobe, Google, and Microsoft. Additionally, Anandkumar was nominated to the World Economic Forum’s network of experts for many fields including academia, business, and the arts.
## 2. Best TED Talk for Arts & Entertainment
### TED Talk Speaker: DeMaurice Smith
[Players or gladiators?](https://youtu.be/mrYU7K4gFgc) at TEDxStLouis (October 2013)
The injury rate in the National Football League is 100%. DeMaurice Smith, Executive Director of the National Football League Players Association, believes that the only way to ensure the safety of football players, from the amateur to the professional, is for us as a society to openly engage in an ethical discourse on the morality of sport.
Prior to joining the NFLPA, [DeMaurice Smith](https://wwsg.com/speakers/demaurice-smith) was a trial lawyer and litigation partner in the Washington, D.C. offices of Latham & Watkins and Patton Boggs, serving as the chair of the firm’s government investigations and white-collar practice group. Smith previously served as Counsel to then-Deputy Attorney General Eric Holder in the U.S. Department of Justice before entering private practice. He spent ten collective years with the U.S. Attorney’s office and the Department of Justice, working on issues such as national security and prison construction. Smith has also represented Fortune 500 companies and argued numerous cases before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit and the District of Columbia Court of Appeals.
## 3. Best TED Talks for Business
### TED Talk Speaker: Molly Fletcher
[Secrets of a Champion Mindset](https://youtu.be/PPkQkBwaeMM) at TEDxBuckhead (October 2021)
Hailed as the “female Jerry Maguire,”[ Molly Fletcher](https://wwsg.com/speakers/molly-fletcher) is a former top sports agent and now speaker, author and host of the “Game Changers with Molly Fletcher” podcast. This event was curated by Jercori Freeman. Hailed as the “female Jerry Maguire” by CNN, Molly Fletcher made a name for herself as one of the first female sports agents. During her almost two-decade career and as President of CSE, Molly negotiated over $500 million in contracts and represented over 300 of sports’ biggest names, including Hall of Fame pitcher John Smoltz, PGA TOUR golfer Matt Kuchar, broadcaster Erin Andrews and basketball championship coaches Tom Izzo and Doc Rivers.
## 4. Best TED Talk for Climate Change & Environmental Issues
### TED Talk Speaker: Paul Nicklen
[Animal tales from icy wonderlands](https://youtu.be/I7u4F64jtm0) (March 2011)
Diving under the Antarctic ice to get close to the much-feared leopard seal, photographer Paul Nicklen found an extraordinary new friend. Share his hilarious, passionate stories of the polar wonderlands, illustrated by glorious images of the animals who live on and under the ice.
[Paul Nicklen](https://wwsg.com/speakers/paul-nicklen) lives a life of art, purpose, and adventure, combining a career as an assignment photographer for *National Geographic Magazine* and co-founder of the conservation society, SeaLegacy. In addition to being one of the world’s most acclaimed nature photographers, Paul is an acclaimed polar specialist, speaker, author, conservationist, National Geographic Fellow, and a regular contributor to *National Geographic Magazine* with 20 completed stories to date. He has garnered more than 30 of the highest awards given to any photographer in his field, including the BBC Wildlife Photographer of the year and the prestigious World Press Photo for photojournalism. Paul has written several books including *Seasons of the Arctic*, *Bear*, *Spirit of the Wild*, *Polar Obsession* and his newest monograph, *Born to Ice*.
## 5. Best TED Talk for Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
### TED Talk Speaker: Hill Harper
[Transcending Mental Bars](https://youtu.be/hq-qFlVHylo) at TEDxSingSing (February 2015)
This talk focuses on the deep seated beliefs, both individual and cultural, that hold people back from achieving their true potential, and ways to move past them.
[Hill Harper](https://wwsg.com/speakers/hill-harper) is an American film, television and stage actor, and an author. He is best known for his portrayal of coroner-turned-crime scene investigator Dr. Sheldon Hawkes in the CBS television show CSI: NY. He is also the author of several books including Letters to a Young Brother: MANifest Your Destiny; Letters to a Young Sister: DeFINE Your Destiny; The Conversation: How (Black) Men and Women Can Building Loving, Trusting Relationships; and Letters to an Incarcerated Brother: Encouragement, Hope and Healing for Inmates and Their Loves Ones. He is a member of the Obama for America National Finance Committee.
Harper graduated from Brown University with a Bachelor of Arts degree and from Harvard with a J.D. and master’s in public administration. He is a full-time member of Boston’s Black Folk’s Theater Company. Harper’s Bazaar wrote, “You might expect Hill Harper to be the next actor vying for the presidency… but he has other things on his agenda.”
One of those things was the creation of the Manifest Your Destiny Foundation www.mydf.org, a youth serving organization whose mission is to provide underserved youth a path to empowerment and educational excellence through mentoring, academic enrichment programming, college access skills obtainment and the facilitation of psychosocial and physical development strategies.
## 6. Best TED Talk for Economy & Finance
### TED Talk Speaker: Dambisa Moyo
[Economic growth has stalled. Let’s fix it.](https://youtu.be/QspF1ivnfsQ) (December 2015)
Economic growth is the defining challenge of our time; without it, political and social instability rises, human progress stagnates and societies grow dimmer. But, says economist [Dambisa Moyo](https://wwsg.com/speakers/dambisa-moyo), dogmatic capitalism isn’t creating the growth we need. As she shows, in both state-sponsored and market-driven models, capitalism is failing to solve social ills, fostering corruption and creating income inequality. Moyo surveys the current economic landscape and suggests that we have to start thinking about capitalism as a spectrum so we can blend the best of different models together to foster growth.
## 7. Best TED Talk for Government & Politics
### TED Talk Speaker: Bob Woodward
[What I learned investigating Nixon](https://youtu.be/nTSUd9UX93w) at TEDxMidAtlantic (October 2016)
Legendary investigative journalist Bob Woodward shares the inside story of President Richard Nixon’s downfall, and what was learned from the notorious White House tapes. In his 2016 TEDxMidAtlantic talk, he warns that we are entering a new era of secrecy that harkens back to Nixon’s days. We think we are resilient, he says, but if we are infected with hate and lack of knowledge, we could lose our democracy.
[Bob Woodward](https://wwsg.com/speakers/bob-woodward) gained international attention when he and Carl Bernstein uncovered the Watergate scandal in 1973. Since then, he’s worked to shine a light on the inner-workings of secret government. Woodward’s non-partisan revelations to readers and speech audiences provide a view of Washington they’ll never get elsewhere. Woodward has written about the last nine U.S. presidents and chronicled how the power of the presidency has evolved. He is author of 20 bestselling books – 13 were #1 – more than any contemporary nonfiction writer. His latest bestseller, Fear: Trump in the White House, is the deepest dive ever made into the first months of any American president.
## 8. Best TED Talk for Healthcare & Wellness
### TED Talk Speaker: Nancy Frates
[Meet the mom who started the Ice Bucket Challenge](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YJRHekMD-xs) (October 2014)
Remember the Ice Bucket Challenge craze the summer of 2014? Meet the mom who started it all. When Nancy Frates’s son Pete hurt his wrist in a baseball game, he got an unexpected diagnosis: it wasn’t a broken bone, it was ALS, and there is no cure. In this inspiring talk, Nancy tells the story of what happened next.
Driven by the unacceptability of her son’s prognosis, [Nancy Frates](https://wwsg.com/speakers/nancy-frates) utilized her business acumen, communication skills, and mama bear drive to network, advocate, and create worldwide awareness in the fight against ALS/MND. In August 2014, her son Peter championed the historic global movement known as the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge (ALS IBC) which ignited a media maelstrom, raising over $220 million in just five weeks.
## 9. Best TED Talk for Geopolitics
### TED Talk Speaker: Ian Bremmer
[The next global superpower isn’t who you think](https://youtu.be/cTtEJK6BUlE) (April 2023)
Who runs the world? Political scientist Ian Bremmer argues it’s not as simple as it used to be. With some eye-opening questions about the nature of leadership, he asks us to consider the impact of the evolving global order and our choices as participants in the future of democracy.
A dedicated intellectual entrepreneur,[ Ian Bremmer](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ian-bremmer) is the president of Eurasia Group, the leading global political risk research and consulting firm. Bremmer’s career spans academic, investment, and policymaking communities, with a focus on global macro-political trends and emerging markets in which “politics matter at least as much as economics for market outcomes.”
## 10. Best TED Talk for Leadership & Management
### TED Talk Speaker: Carla Harris
[How to find the person who can help you get ahead at work](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gpE_W50OTUc) (November 2018)
The workplace is often presented as a meritocracy, where you can succeed by putting your head down and working hard. Wall Street veteran Carla Harris learned early in her career that this a myth. The key to actually getting ahead? Get a sponsor: a person who will speak on your behalf in the top-level, closed-door meetings you’re not invited to (yet). Learn how to identify and develop a productive sponsor relationship in this candid, powerful talk.
[Carla Harris](https://wwsg.com/speakers/carla-harris) has extensive industry experiences in the technology, media, retail, telecommunications, transportation, industrial, and healthcare sectors. In August 2013, Ms. Harris was appointed by President Barack Obama to chair the National Women’s Business Council.
## 11. Best TED Talks for Motivation
### TED Talk Speaker: Cassandra Worthy
[Sustaining a Fulfilled Life through Curiosity](https://youtu.be/fiqwzj1mbdw) at TEDxAlpharettaWomen
Have you ever met…you? Curiosity is a powerful tool that when turned within leads us on the life-long journey of learning ourselves and as a result, increases our ability to pursue what will bring sustained fulfillment. In this talk, [Cassandra Worthy](https://wwsg.com/speakers/cassandra-worthy) shares her personal journey of leveraging the power of curiosity to better understand herself which subsequently allowed her to embrace her alcoholism and begin living each and every day on purpose and more fulfilled.
With contagious energy that radiates throughout every room she steps into, Cassandra Worthy is the world’s truly disruptive thought-leader on change that companies need to build organizational resilience and adaptability.
## 12. Best TED Talk for Technology & Innovation
### TED Talk Speaker: Jamie Metzl
[Are You Ready for the Genetic Revolution?](https://youtu.be/38KsqpOEhbo) at TEDxPaloAlto (May 2019)
The future arrived last year: In 2018, a Chinese scientist genetically modified twin babies to be genetically superior. In February 2019, the World Health Organization expert advisory committee, developing global standards for the governance and oversight of human genome editing, appointed Jamie Metzl, a leading technology futurist, geopolitical expert and sci-fi novelist.
[Jamie Metzl](https://wwsg.com/speakers/jamie-metzl) has been changing the dialogue around human genome editing and using the medium of sci-fi thrillers to bring it to a wide audience. His published work includes history books examining the western response to human rights abuses during the Cambodian genocide, historical novel The Depths of the Sea, sci-fi thrillers Genesis Code and Eternal Sonata and his latest book Hacking Darwin: Genetic Engineering and the Future of Humanity, to be released April 23, 2019.
## Hire a Motivational Speaker for Your Event
Thank you for reading our article on the 12 Best TED Talks of All Time. There have been numerous TED speakers who have made an impact on their audience, and this list of speakers has stood out most to WWSG. Are you interested in hiring one of these recommended speakers or another WWSG exclusive? [Contact us](https://wwsg.com/contact-us/) to get connected!
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---
### [Exclusive Speaker Announcement: Governor Larry Hogan](https://wwsg.com/announcements/exclusive-speaker-announcement-governor-larry-hogan/)
**Published:** September 28, 2023
**Author:** Riley Sims
**Content:**
Larry Hogan isn’t a career politician. A best-selling author, lifelong small business owner, cancer survivor, and the most popular Governor in the history of Maryland, Governor Hogan’s unique insights into crisis management and leadership have been recognized internationally.
On election night 2014, written off by conventional pundits, outspent more than 5-1, and outnumbered in party registration by more than 2-1, Larry Hogan pulled off the biggest upset in America and became only the second Republican Governor of Maryland in 50 years.
After only a few months on the job, Governor Hogan was beset by back-to-back crises: one in the national spotlight and one in his personal life. The first was dealing with the worst riots and civil unrest in a generation. The second was battling life-threatening cancer.
Governor Hogan’s leadership through both these difficulties drew both national and international praise and commendation – from the President to the Pope, to business leaders, and politicians from both sides of the aisle.
Despite these daunting challenges, Governor Hogan got to work keeping his promise to Change Maryland for the Better. He forged bipartisan consensus on important issues and led the greatest economic turnaround of any state in the country – taking Maryland from 49th out of 50 states in economic performance to 6th.
The people of Maryland rewarded his success. Governor Hogan defied the odds and became only the second Republican governor to be re-elected in Maryland’s history when he won a landslide re-election in 2018, a year that proved disastrous for other Republicans, nationally.
As a Republican governor with a super-majority Democratic legislature, the popular view was that Annapolis would reflect the same partisan gridlock as Washington DC. Governor Hogan defied the odds, yet again, and worked with political opponents to pass the largest tax cuts in Maryland history, and forged compromises that allowed him to reduce taxes eight years in a row. For those eight years, Annapolis stood as proof that an antidote to partisanship existed.
When COVID-19 struck the United States in 2020, Governor Hogan took bold and decisive action and led the nation’s governors through the pandemic as Chairman of the National Governors Association. The Governor’s data-driven, open and transparent approach to handling the crisis was widely praised as both balanced and effective.
Governor Hogan left office in 2023 with the highest recorded approval rating of any Governor in Maryland’s history. Across every party affiliation, demographic and racial line, and geographic divide, Governor Hogan’s approval rating was near-or-exceeding 80% – a level that is wholly unprecedented in modern American politics. Throughout his entire eight years in office, the Governor was routinely ranked in the top three most popular governors in the country.
Whether it was navigating crises, working to forge commonsense and bipartisan solutions, engaging with average citizens, or defying conventional wisdom to achieve breakthrough success, Governor Hogan stands as an internationally recognized leader and sought-after advisor.
#### [View Governor Larry Hogan’s Speaker Page](https://wwsg.com/speakers/larry-hogan)
To host Governor Hogan at your upcoming event, [contact us](https://wwsg.com/contact-us "https://wwsg.com/contact-us").
## Governor Hogan’s Speech Topics
- Civility: We Are More United Than Divided
- Governor Hogan argues that most Americans are fed up with the toxic, divisive politics-as-usual. Serving as a Republican in the deep blue state of Maryland, he built a legacy of leading with civility and working across party lines to deliver bipartisan, common-sense results. As Chairman of An America United, Hogan is determined to remind the exhausted majority that there truly is much more that unites us than divides us. This powerful message leaves audiences with a sense of relief, gratitude, and hope for the future.
- Unity
- With over 70% approval in every demographic, Governor Hogan left office as one of the most popular governors in America and the most popular governor in Maryland history. He was the second Republican to be reelected to a second term in almost 200 years of Maryland’s history. In the bluest state of America, Governor Hogan won historic levels of the Black and Hispanic vote.This conceptual address reaches a variety of industries and applications, just as Governor Hogan reaches across the aisle to propel his ideas and win successes.“Mr. Hogan, a republican in a democrat-loving state wields a hammer of common sense amid a map of political avengers.” –*The Washington Times*
- Crisis Leadership and Communications
- Governor Hogan has a long track record of successfully leading through crises. In 2015, he led Maryland as the worst riots in 47 years broke out in the streets of Baltimore, restoring law and order while walking the streets and calming tensions. After he received a personal crisis with an aggressive cancer diagnosis, Governor Hogan led the state from his hospital bed.In 2020, Governor Hogan was chair of the National Governors Association when the COVID pandemic struck. He was the voice of the governors throughout the crisis and led hundreds of calls with the President, Vice President, and nation’s governors. In Maryland, he was widely praised for his crisis leadership and balance of lives and livelihoods.As such, Governor Hogan has the practical experience to offer advice on navigating crises large and small. Responding to your organizational or institutional needs, Governor Hogan advises on the importance of a well-formulated communications plan and provides other key takeaways for audiences. “One of the nation’s model crisis leaders.” –*The Hill*
- Workforce Development
- Governor Hogan is widely seen as a national and innovative leader on workforce development. Maryland was the first state in the nation to remove degree requirements from hundreds of state jobs, focusing on job-relevant skills and experience instead. Since then, 13 states and countless private sector organizations have followed suit.Governor Hogan has written the manual on fostering a growing workforce and skills-based hiring practices. In this timely presentation, Governor Hogan speaks to leadership audiences on prospecting and attracting talent, developing your workforce, and retaining top-notch employees for any industry.“Larry Hogan’s legacy includes a bright idea for the labor force” –Charles Lane, *Washington Post*
- Cybersecurity
- As the home to several premier cyber-related federal agencies, including the NSA, U.S. Cyber Command, and the National Cybersecurity Center of Excellence, Maryland can deservedly be called the cyber capital of America. Recognizing that building cyber resilience is one of the most pressing issues facing our nation today, Governor Hogan made this issue a strong focus of his governorship.Now more than ever, public leaders and private companies alike are focused on building vigilance for emerging cyber threats. In this essential talk, Governor Hogan gives the inside scoop on cyber resilience based on his active participation in cybersecurity matters at the highest level of government.
- Infrastructure
- When Governor Hogan took office, Maryland’s roads and bridges were crumbling. Years of poor stewardship had resulted in a culture of neglect plaguing major infrastructure assets across the state. Governor Hogan launched an infrastructure renaissance by moving forward on priority projects in every jurisdiction; making record investments in roads, bridges, tunnels, transit systems, ports, and airports; fixing every structurally deficient bridge that the administration inherited; and resurfacing nearly all the state’s highway systems.Governor Hogan also played a critical role in crafting an agreement that eventually became the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. As the Chair of the National Governors Association, he put together a proposal that garnered the support of all 50 governors. In 2021, he organized an unprecedented summit of more than 25 governors, U.S. senators, and leaders of the U.S. House Problem Solvers Caucus in Annapolis where they agreed to a framework of what would later become the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investments and Jobs Act. Governor Hogan can advise groups on:
- How to bring stakeholders together
- Implementation of federal dollars on a state level
- The importance of investing in infrastructure and how officials make these decisions
- Economic Turnaround
- In the years before Governor Hogan took office, Maryland’s economy was floundering. Forty-three consecutive tax hikes had taken $10 billion from the pockets of struggling families, small businesses, and retirees. Maryland’s unemployment rate had nearly doubled. Businesses, jobs, and taxpayers were fleeing the state in droves. Maryland had lost 8,000 businesses and 100,000 jobs, and the state’s economy ranked 49th out of 50 states.Under the governor’s leadership, the state went from losing 100,000 jobs to gaining more than 118,000 jobs, Maryland’s overall economic performance went from 49th to number six, and in 2021, CNBC named Maryland the nation’s most improved state for business. After taking office with a record budget deficit, Governor Hogan left office with a record budget surplus. In this presentation, Governor Hogan advises:
- The decision process of elected officials as it pertains to your industry
- How to make states more business friendly
- Tips on how to achieve economic improvement
- State of the Race: What It Means for Your Industry
- Every election has drastic implications for our nation’s future. Many organizations and businesses could benefit from a breakdown in the current status of the 2024 election cycle. As a seasoned campaigner and established business owner, Governor Hogan is uniquely positioned to discuss the status of the 2024 campaigns and what businesses should expect from the upcoming changes in our political leaders.
## Selected Resources
[](https://www.stillstandingbook.com/)
**Categories:** Announcements
**Tags:** Governor Hogan, exclusive, economic turnaround, infrastructure, workforce development, civlity, unity, crisis management, still standing, overcoming the odds, cancer survivor, larry hogan, bipartisan, Authenticity, Politics, Governor Larry Hogan, Republican Party, Maryland, Governor of Maryland, leadership, republican, author, book, economy, WWSG Exclusive, election, Government
---
### [Coastal Sea Wolves: Becoming Part of the Pack | Guest Post by Paul Nicklen](https://wwsg.com/blog/coastal-sea-wolves-becoming-part-of-the-pack-guest-post-by-paul-nicklen/)
**Published:** November 26, 2023
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
*This is a guest post by WWSG thought leader, [Paul Nicklen](https://wwsg.com/speakers/paul-nicklen). All images are copyrighted. To purchase Paul’s work, [visit his website](https://paulnicklen.com/fine-art/).*
> #### “I woke up one morning thinking about wolves and realized that wolf packs function as families. Everyone has a role, and if you act within the parameters of your role, the whole pack succeeds, and when that falls apart, so does the pack.” –*Jodi Picoult, American Author*
Of all the wonderful gifts from nature, gaining the trust of a wild animal is one of the most rewarding. The process takes hours of small, deliberate movements followed by sitting in perfect silence, allowing wildlife to approach on their own terms. There is no guarantee your patience will pay off, but there is no greater joy than having an animal accept you into their world. Throughout my life, I have sat close enough to grizzlies to smell the salmon on their breath, stood within inches of curious polar bears, and have even been the designated chew toy of a playful young sperm whale. However, the one animal that has consistently tested the limits of my patience is the coastal wolf found only on the Pacific shores of North America.
!["The Sentinel" ©Paul Nicklen Photography](https://wwsg.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/SeaWolf2.jpg ""The Sentinel" Paul Nicklen Photography - Worldwide Speakers Group")The Sentinel ©Paul Nicklen Photography
Like most wolves, coastal or sea wolves are cautious by nature and incredibly shy. They spend most of their time hidden within the forests and small islands offshore, venturing out into the intertidal zone to forage on fish, crustaceans, and just about anything they can find. Smaller than their inland cousins and even more elusive, sea wolves can be incredibly difficult to photograph. After weeks of sitting in a blind on the rugged shores of B.C. without so much as a paw print or distant howl, the pressure of my deadline for National Geographic began to weigh on me. Finally, I decided to venture a little farther up the beach in hopes of having better luck, leaving my partner Cristina to watch over our hideout.
By the time I returned empty-handed, I could tell Cristina was bursting with excitement, barely masked by an apologetic smile. Apparently, within an hour of me breaking one of my own rules and leaving the blind, a coastal wolf had appeared, followed by her entire litter of puppies. Of course, I was happy for Cristina, even as I was kicking myself for giving in to impatience. However, the fact that the family had emerged meant they no longer felt the need to avoid us, a promising sign. We packed it in for the night and, in the morning, rose with higher hopes as the sky grew pale with the dawn’s light. Sure enough, after a few hours of waiting in silence, she appeared – the mother wolf from the day before.
Playtime | Months old sea wolf pups play with an eagle feather they discovered along a riverbank in the intertidal zone of British Columbias vast coastline ©Paul Nicklen PhotographyShe emerged silent as a shadow at the forest’s edge and approached us. Her tawny eyes immediately locked onto mine, but her expression was calm. In her wake was the rest of the pack, including a small group of puppies barking and tumbling with each other in the grass. The family made their way to a small clearing across the river. Mom turned to look at us, almost as if to make sure we knew she could see us. After giving us a long appraising look, she visibly relaxed, evidently deciding her puppies were safe in our presence. It is one thing to gain the trust of a wild animal, but it is another thing entirely to be trusted by a mother and her pack. Cristina and I watched in quiet amazement as she gave us one last look before heading down the beach, leaving her pups in our care.
©Paul Nicklen Photography©Paul Nicklen PhotographyAlpha | A female sea wolf relaxes in the intertidal zone of an island off the legendary coast of British Columbia as she waits for the ocean to retreat and expose its many fruits ©Paul Nicklen PhotographyCatcher in the Rye | Always watching always aware and possessing senses far beyond human comprehensionthe sea wolves of British Columbia are some of the most elusive animals I have ever photographed ©Paul Nicklen PhotographyOn the Rocks ©Paul Nicklen PhotographySea Tribe ©Paul Nicklen Photography
I have been around thousands of different animals, but that day was the first time I had ever been entrusted as a puppy-sitter by a wolf. The only thing that made the encounter even sweeter was sharing it with the person I love most. Cristina has an uncanny ability to make people feel welcome, a gift that evidently extends to wildlife. Part of me will always wonder if it was Cristina’s warmth that finally won the wolves over—perhaps even a shared connection between fellow mothers. In any case, the fact that I get to do what I love with my partner in life and on this conservation journey is the greatest gift of all. Since today is Cristina’s birthday, I wanted to ask if you would join me in celebrating and consider donating to [SeaLegacy](https://paulnicklen.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=8d9dedf8133b767d79460f0d1&id=38c84038af&e=cd946fdb5e) in her honour. It would mean the world to both of us.
They say the best things in life are made to be shared and it is a genuine treat to share these stories with you. Thank you for taking the time to read them.
With gratitude,
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** wolf, activists, sea wolves, wolves, sealife, sea, ocean health, Winter, North, Predators, balance, ecosystems, sea wolf, arctic, Animals, Ocean, Wildlife, conservation, Photography Keynote Speakers, Nature Photography, Photography, Climate Change, Cristina Mittermeier, Paul Nicklen
---
### [7 Steps for Speaker Experience and Event Success](https://wwsg.com/blog/7-steps-for-speaker-experience-and-event-success/)
**Published:** May 22, 2023
**Author:** Riley Sims
**Content:**
Planning an event and hiring a professional speaker involves navigating numerous variables, making preparedness crucial. By approaching the event methodically, asking essential questions, and crafting a strategic plan, you can ensure an organized and dynamic gathering. Selecting a keynote speaker aligned with your organization’s goals will contribute to a memorable affair.
WWSG’s seasoned experts have come up with critical steps to ensure speaker experience and event success.
### Step 1: Defining Key Objectives
Firstly, you must define your event’s key objectives. What do you want your audience to take away from the event and how can the speaker impact the overall experience of the event?
- What is the conference theme?
- Where is the location?
- What is the budget?
- Is this an annual event? If so, what has (and has not) worked in the past?
- What are your desired takeaways?
- Are you looking for a speaker to draw an audience or address specific content?
- Who were the previous speakers?
- Will there be entertainment?
### Step 2: Developing Target Audience
Secondly, you will develop your target audience. Consider the demographic of the audience you are aiming to reach, the amount of people in attendance and how exactly you are able to identify a speaker who is able to maximize the experience for the specific audience you’ve identified.
- What is the audience demographic?
- How many attendees are expected?
- Will spouses be present?
- Will you be using visuals for the audience?
- What does the audience want?
### Step 3: Managing the Booking Process
Thirdly, you need to ensure you are properly managing the booking process and keeping record of each step. You will need to complete and present a firm offer to the desired speaker and ensure that payments are set up correctly. After this, you will sign the contract and process your invoices.
- Complete, sign and present a firm offer to your desired speaker.
- Identify who will be the signatory of the contract and connect your speaker agency with your accounting department to set up payment.
- Finalize and sign the contract and process your invoices.
### Step 4: Marketing Initiative
Fourthly, it is critical that you are taking a marketing initiative. You will need to ensure your photos are of high resolution, information is current, and you are utilizing social media platforms to promote your event and maximize your speaker’s experience.
- Provide high resolution photos for printing.
- Provide updated biography for content marketing.
- How can you engage your social media platforms? Develop hashtags, tagging names, and media user handles.
### Step 5: Planning the Speaker Experience
Fifth, you must make sure that the comfortability and itinerary of your speaker is prioritized. You should plan a conference call between you and the speaker and ensure that the logistics of their travel to your event are confirmed with all parties involved.
WWSG will…
- Plan a conference call between you and the speaker to define objectives and establish common goals
- Book and confirm all travel and hotel logistics using our internal database and resources
- Provide full itineraries to client and speaker that include event details and expectations, travel information, emergency contact numbers and POC
- Provide an audience survey to be completed about the speaker
### Step 6: Executing the Event
Sixth, you will execute your event! We will make sure there are coordinators available for any last-minute questions or changes to the schedule. Following the event, you must ask your audience for feedback and reflect on the event.
- Your WWSG point of contact will always be on call in case of delays, emergencies, or last-minute questions.
- How did it go? Did it go smoothly? Ask your audience for their thoughts by using a speaker survey.
### Step 7: Thinking Forward
Lastly, you should reflect on the event and discuss what you should plan next. What aspects of this event were successful and how can you build off of it?
- What can we do to make your event follow-up successful?
- When is your next company event?
### What Happens After Identifying Your Budget?
When engaging a speaker, be mindful of potential additional costs like flights, accommodation, transportation, and miscellaneous expenses. Once you’ve established your budget, collaborate with your professional speaker agency. Their expertise can help identify speakers aligned with your event’s parameters, budget, demographics, and target audience.
Once you’ve selected a speaker and wish to extend an invitation, the booking process commences. You’ll receive a firm offer to sign, making the agreement binding. If the speaker declines, the agency will provide alternative ideas until a speaker is confirmed.
Upon confirmation, formal agreements and invoices detailing engagement specifics and logistics (speaker fee, travel, venue, date, speech topic, point of contact, etc.) will be sent. After signing and returning the agreement, you’ll receive the speaker’s approved high-resolution photo and biography for your marketing initiatives. Sharing specific social media goals for your event with the speaker agency can enhance exposure. Scheduling a pre-conference call with the speaker is highly beneficial to define objectives and align goals, facilitated by the agency’s event coordinator. They will also confirm travel logistics and create a detailed itinerary, crucial for the speaker’s seamless travel to your event.
Your speaker agency partner remains available 24/7 on the event day for any last-minute issues. Post-event feedback is invaluable, encompassing the audience’s response, the speaker’s reception, and the agency’s impact on your overall event experience. Building a long-term partnership based on trust and collaboration can be a valuable asset for your future events.
[ Frequently Asked Questions](https://wwsg.com/insights-and-resources/frequently-asked-questions/)
*At Worldwide Speakers Group, we are dedicated to providing an unparalleled level of service in the global lecture industry and giving an intimate and consultative support service to organizations for booking speakers at their events. As a trusted partner to elite professional speakers, we deliver distinctive performance and innovative solutions in the global lecture and speaker industry by artfully connecting speakers to corporate, trade, education, and commercial customers worldwide. Take a look inside our process to learn how we can be your partner in planning and creating a successful event.*
**Categories:** Blog, Planning Resources
**Tags:** assets, audience, budget, collateral, conference, event planners, Event Planning, feedback, key objectives, Keynote Speakers, location, resources, speaker selection, success, successful event, theme, Thought Leaders, tips and tricks
---
### [The Secrets All of the Best Public Speakers Know](https://wwsg.com/blog/the-secrets-all-of-the-best-public-speakers-know/)
**Published:** October 24, 2018
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Routinely described as one of the greatest (and most common) fears, the thought of public speaking tends to illicit anxiety from even the most confident person. Fortunately, there are many ways to overcome this roadblock and learn to deliver a memorable and commanding speech.
The top motivational speakers know certain things to be true: nervousness is completely normal and to combat this, practice and prepare.
## 1. Practice, Practice, Practice
No matter who it is, everyone feels something before public speaking, whether it be fast-beating hearts or shaky hands. These physiological reactions should not be associated with a feeling like you will perform poorly, but instead, nerves are a good thing. The adrenaline rush is actually making you more alert, which is just better preparation for your speech.
The number one best way to overcome anxiety is to **prepare, prepare, and prepare some more**. Study your notes and go over them multiple times. The more comfortable you are with your material, the easier it will feel to deliver.
## **2. Your Speech is About the Audience, Not You**
Know who your audience is before you begin to craft your message. Your speech is intended to move and influence your audience, not you, so be conscience of the who will be listening. Learn as much about your listeners as you can. This will help you determine your choice of words, level of information, and motivational statement.
## 3. Effectively Organize Your Material
The framework of your speech should be organized in a way that entrances your audience within the first 30 seconds.
## 4. Keep Your Eyes Open to Feedback and Adapt to It
While delivering your speech, keep the focus on the audience and be constantly gauging their reactions to what you are saying. Based off of this feedback, adjust your message and remain flexible. It’s easy to lose your audience’s attention if you just deliver a canned speech, instead of adapting to what they’re interested in and excited about.
## 5. People Love Seeing Your Personality
Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through during your speech. You will establish credibility and the trust of your audience when you’re yourself and the audience sees who you truly are.
## 6. Humor Is Always a Good Idea
Telling funny stories, using anecdotes and effective language during your presentation is almost always a sure-fire way to engage your audience and grab their attention. Audiences respond well to a personal touch.
## 7. Keep Reading to a Minimum, If At All
Reading or looking at your slides constantly will fracture the relationship you bare working on building with your audience. By maintaining eye contact and keeping the focus on yourself and message, you are creating an interpersonal connection that will only enhance the quality and memorability of your presentation.
## 8. Start and End Your Speech With a Bang
Your audience will most likely remember the beginning of your speech and the ending the most, so make these parts count the most. Start your speech with an anecdote, story or something that will grab their attention, and conclude with a summary and strong statement that your audience is sure to remember.
## 9. Be Careful With Visual Aids
Too many visual aids will hurt the connection your trying to form with your audience. Use them solely to clarify or enhance your content, and always have them be another way to grab your audience’s attention.
## 10. Practice Does Not Make Perfect
Good communication is never perfect, and nobody expects perfection. However, putting in the appropriate amount of time to prepare will help you deliver a better speech. You may not be able to shake your nerves entirely, but you can learn to minimize them.
Yes, public speaking is difficult, but it is by no means impossible. With these tips and watching videos of the many outstanding speakers on the WWSG website, you can become a master in no time.
[Contact us](/contact-us) to host a speaker for your next event.
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** public speaking, top motivational speakers, Top Thought Leaders, advice for public speaking, public speaking secrets, advice from top thought leaders
---
### [Working With Celebrity Keynote Speakers](https://wwsg.com/blog/working-with-celebrity-keynote-speakers/)
**Published:** June 18, 2018
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Celebrity speakers are continuing to draw in audiences of the masses at events across the globe. With their international appeal and exciting presentations, more and more Clients are turning towards booking well-known speakers. With their motivational and inspirational presentations, they are a great choice for all types of events.
At Worldwide Speakers Group, we have the ability to help Clients contact and book the most well-suited speaker for their event, which includes their desired celebrity speaker. There are differences, however, when booking a celebrity speaker as compared to a professional speaker.
Celebrity speakers, due to their popularity and compact schedule, can have separate forms of contracts and details that differ from a professional speaker’s. It is important to be cognizant of this and very detail-oriented when deciding to secure the certain celebrity speaker and prepared to fulfill what is required of in their contracts.
There are some specific aspects to their contracts to be especially cognizant of.
### Celebrity Speakers Are Very Busy
Hiring and securing a celebrity speaker can take more time due to their tight and sometimes hectic schedules. It is important to begin the booking process of a celebrity as your keynote speaker far in advance. Being prepared to negotiate different dates and logistics for the event with the speaker and allot enough time for it all, is important.
### They Like to Customize Their Presentation
Because it is not their first and only profession, a celebrity is not accustomed to a professional speaker’s usual style and format for a presentation. It is important to discuss with them and know prior to the event what they are willing to do during their presentation, i.e. timing and format.
### Photos, Book Signings, & Other Engagements Require Extra Planning
Additionally, in terms of activities that celebrity speakers engage in on-site beyond the presentation, it is vital to discuss and finalize the plans when negotiating contracts. Like with any celebrity and the times we live in, many people desire photos, selfies and video of the celebrity. If a Client wishes to include this in the engagement, activities like this need to be firmly stated in the contract and discussed. You should never spring something like that on any speaker if not conversed prior to the event.
Celebrity speakers are like professional speakers in many ways, except with a little added time. However, with their international recognition and the desire to hear and see them in person, they can really drive attendees to an event and add more flare and “star-quality.”
We work with many different high-profile speakers, like [Newt Gingrich](https://wwsg.com/speakers/newt-gingrich/), [Dr. Sanjay Gupta](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sanjay-gupta/), and [Paul Nicklen](https://wwsg.com/speakers/paul-nicklen/), to name just a few.
Ready to find the right celebrity keynote speaker for your event? [Talk to our team](/contact-us) to get started!
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** Annie Leibovitz, Ayaan Hirsi Ali, Carly Fiorina, Celebrities, Celebrity Speakers, Hank Laulson, international audeinces, Mass audiences, Newt Gingrich, Niall Ferguson, Paul Nicklen, Sanjay Gupta, Top Thought Leaders, WWSG's Top Speakers
---
### [How WWSG's Brand Meets the Needs of Customers, Keynote Speakers, and Events](https://wwsg.com/blog/how-wwsgs-brand-meets-the-needs-of-customers-keynote-speakers-and-events/)
**Published:** April 22, 2018
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
With the change and evolution of modern technologies, businesses big and small are doing everything they can to keep up. For it is the process of attracting targeted audiences to the company and brand that will spell the difference between a successfully thriving business – and a failed one.
Sharon McMahon, the digital mastermind at the Worldwide Speakers Group, is the in-house expert at all things graphic design, aesthetics and digital marketing. She shares her inside views and just exactly what it means to keep up (and excel) in the digital world.
### **Q: Why are digital marketing and the graphics that come with it so important nowadays?**
Sharon: “In the world of technology and computers, it seems like every week there is something new and revolutionary. This may seem threatening to some, but for marketers, it is an amazing thing for customer engagement. The key to keeping up with the technological revolution is to fully embrace it, understand it and then fully integrate it into a profitable platform for your company.”
### **Q: How does this relate to a company’s brand experience?**
S: “A brand experience is about designing a sensory experience that brings a person into a lasting and meaningful relationship with a brand. This relationship is the most important and is entirely up to the company. People now more than ever relate better visually. So early in the relationship, you want your clients to look at your material and enjoy it. They will be attracted to the visual material first, then be drawn into the writing and more of the services you provide.”
### **Q: What is WWSG’s brand experience and how did you create it?**
S: “First we created our brand. Colors, fonts, footers, a website revamp, etc. that are all consistent. A big part about our branding is consistency. We want to be a consistent and reliable service to all our customers. We are also a global professional services firm, so one of our designs featured predominately on our website and many promotional materials is a world map logo. It is a subliminal message that reminds customers of our brand and mentally connects them back to us.”
### **Q: What is the biggest challenge in terms of branding and digital marketing at WWSG?**
S: “Because we are a lecture agency, we serve both speakers and clients. A big challenge is working to market these speakers and our company while keeping the authenticity of the speaker’s brand, but tying them to ours as well. This comes up when we are announcing a new Exclusive Speaker. We need to put our branding on the speaker and also want to keep their originality. We use our WWSG template that gives our clients their first image of the new speaker with our logo, therefore being associated with us.
### **Q: How does WWSG’s Digital Marketing set you apart from competitors?**
S: A lot of our marketing pieces, graphics and aesthetics are current to the times. Our goal is to send out more topical pieces that are timely to events around the world. This is a way to attract readers and grab their attention. The main goal graphically would to add something to the piece that is interesting and draws the readers eyes down.”
### **Q: How do you choose the graphics you use in these pieces?**
S: “Firstly, it depends on what kind of marketing material it is. Then I begin to play around with what I find to be the most attractive to a reader. I make different mock-ups and decide which one grabs my attention. I am also constantly paying attention to other emails I receive, and I am subconsciously making note of the ones that I most pay attention to and that worked on me. This is a way I get inspired.
### **Q: What has been your favorite digital marketing or graphics project at WWSG?**
S: “One of my favorite projects was re-designing the company’s Business Cards. Business Cards are another extension of consistent branding and could be the first thing a potential customer sees from your company. Another Project was the About WWSG Binder. We completely re-designed it in every way and I am very proud of the work we created. It is a summation of WWSG with consistent and clean branding throughout.”
### **Q: And what is one of your favorite images/logos you’ve designed for WWSG?**
S: “My favorite is the World Map. A collage of our Exclusive Speaker’s faces makes up the layout of the map. I loved the idea of a map layout and the fact that it provided potential customers and clients with a subliminal message. We represent speakers and clients from all over the world, hence our name the Worldwide Speakers Group, and the world map is a tie to that.
Digital marketing and graphic design have slowly become more and more important to all companies. More engagement and attraction mean more sales and revenue. It’s all a cycle and all comes back grabbing the attention and developing that long-lasting relationship with the customer.
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** speakers, Events, event planners, customers, Branding, Digital Ma, Digital Marketing, Brand Experience
---
### [A Look Inside the WWSG Sales Team](https://wwsg.com/blog/a-look-inside-the-wwsg-sales-team/)
**Published:** February 13, 2018
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
At Worldwide Speakers Group, we pride ourselves in being a leading global professional services firm combined with the best customer service and sales experienced team. Each professional on our team has the experience our clients may need when planning their perfect event.
We sat down with Bill Hart, Vice President of Sales, and asked him what trends and tendencies he has seen with his clients.
### How does Sales for a lecture agency differ from other marketplaces?
**Bill Hart:** Sales doesn’t differ much industry to industry. The most important thing is understanding your customer’s goals, their challenges, and what success looks like for them. You must know your offering completely and how it fits with their needs. Helping them succeed remains constant.
### What are some of the most challenging aspects to Sales at a lecture agency?
**BH:** The many layers that often exist at the customer level. From planners to committees to boards to CEOs, it is often difficult to know your path to final decisions. Establishing strong relationships take time, there are no shortcuts to becoming a trusted advisor.
### What are the steps to booking/selecting the best speaker for a customer? How do customers typically handle the WWSG booking process?
**BH:** The steps vary from customer to customer but typically begin with a briefing meeting or call to fully understand the goals around a specific event and the desired outcomes. This is followed by written proposals, follow-up calls, refining and adding to it. Some customers will request pre-booking calls with speakers to more fully understand speech topics, approach and content. We are involved throughout the entire customer process to ensure they have everything they need to make informed decisions. Our prospects and customers appreciate our level of support and quickly become comfortable with our booking process.
### How do you navigate politics in the lecture business? Do clients take offense to any suggested thought leaders you offer?
**BH:** The lecture business is a talent business. With talent sometimes comes drama. Whether it’s DC or NYC or Hollywood, it’s about the people — that’s what makes it fun! Clients are smart, they are usually pretty clear about their audiences and what makes sense for them. This understanding generally leads to non-offensive suggestions by us.
### What are some of the most popular topics right now when clients are searching for thought leaders?
**BH:** Right now – AI \[Artifical Intelligence\], Cyber, Innovation, Entrepreneurship, Mid-term Elections. But Leadership, Motivation, Inspiration never go out of style.
From concept creation to speaker selection and procurement to logistics/event coordination, WWSG is a full-service global lecture agency. We don’t ‘sell you’ services – we listen to you to discover what your key objectives are, and design our services to help you meet them.
Ready to take the next step? [Contact us today](https://wwsg.com/contact-us) and take the first step towards partnering with a company you can trust.
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** Sales team, sales, executive sales, customers, booking process, lecture business, global lecture agency, professional services firm
---
### [3 Motivational Business Speakers to Consider for Your Next Event](https://wwsg.com/blog/3-motivational-business-speakers-to-consider-for-your-next-event/)
**Published:** December 20, 2017
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Whether it be a small start-up or Fortune 500 company, every business faces a period in need of inspiration. It could be to drive sales, increase productivity or creativity, or to maybe just find meaning in your teams’ jobs and work. Some companies turn to incentives, higher pay or great products, but many are now turning to hiring powerful leadership and business motivational speakers to help inspire employees to work harder and find meaning in passion in what they do.
There is now a growing number of businesses that recognize the significant value of hiring motivational speakers. They offer more than just inspiration, they provide invaluable advice based on firsthand successes that help drive growth to businesses and help employees find meaning in the things they do.
If you’re looking to maximize employee potential to increase sales and profitability in your business, here are a few of Worldwide Speakers Group’s top motivational business speakers.
### **1) [Sean Bratches](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sean-bratches/)**
Sean Bratches was the key executive overseeing the commercial businesses of both ESPN and Formula 1 during their respective journeys to prominence. He developed and oversaw the innovation and strategies that were material to the marketplace successes of the respective businesses. The scope of his oversight spanned the continuum from revenue generation, marketing and brand management, event operations, business development, research and analytics, and operations.
### **2)** [DeMaurice Smith](https://wwsg.com/speakers/demaurice-smith/)
DeMaurice Smith was the unanimous choice when he was elected as the Executive Director of the National Football League Players Association (NFLPA).
Prior to joining the NFLPA, DeMaurice Smith was a trial lawyer and litigation partner in the Washington, D.C. offices of Latham & Watkins and Patton Boggs, serving as the chair of the firm’s government investigations and white-collar practice group. Smith previously served as Counsel to then-Deputy Attorney General Eric Holder in the U.S. Department of Justice before entering private practice. He spent ten collective years with the U.S. Attorney’s office and the Department of Justice, working on issues such as national security and prison construction. Smith has also represented Fortune 500 companies, and argued numerous cases before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit and the District of Columbia Court of Appeals.
### **3) [Shubham Banerjee](https://wwsg.com/speakers/shubham-banerjee/)**
Shubham Banerjee’s startup, Braigo Labs, has received an undisclosed investment amount from Intel Capital, which may make him the youngest Silicon Valley-based tech entrepreneur to ever receive funding from a venture-capital firm. At the age of thirteen, Shubham Banerjee disrupted an entire industry by playing with Legos.
His story has captured the imagination of many people, including industry veterans, and students alike who think Braigo will shake up the market for the visually impaired. He openly shares his story of innovation to inspire both adults and children alike to do better to help the people in need.
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** DeMaurice Smith, motivational speakers, top motivational speakers, Business Speakers, top business speaker, leadership, Top Thought Leaders, Shubham banerjee, top business leaders, sean bratches, executive, executive leadership
---
### [6 Keynote Speakers Making the Future a Better Place](https://wwsg.com/blog/6-keynote-speakers-making-the-future-a-better-place/)
**Published:** October 19, 2017
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
With tragedy and violence dominating international headlines, it is important to highlight those who are working towards creating a better and brighter future. Many of WWSG’s Exclusive Speakers are pushing for change in our tumultuous world and making a positive impact.
## Paul Nicklen
[Paul Nicklen](https://wwsg.com/speakers/paul-nicklen/), an award-winning national geographic photographer and marine biologist, is a passionate advocate for polar and marine biodiversity. He has spent most of his adult life working in some of Earth’s most remote and extreme environments, faces incredible hardships and personal danger in pursuit of intimate and powerful images of iconic wildlife.
As founder of his own conservation society, [Sea Legacy](https://www.sealegacy.org/), Nicklen uses visual storytelling and photography to further the cause of ocean conservation.
## Maria Teresa Kumar
[Maria Teresa Kumar](https://wwsg.com/speakers/maria-teresa-kumar/), President and CEO of [Voto Latino](http://votolatino.org/), is a relentless pioneer that seeks to transform America by recognizing Latinos’ innate leadership. Her creativity and innovative business and media leadership has provided culturally relevant programs that engage, educate and empower Latinos to be agents of change. Her aim is to build a stronger and more inclusive democracy.
## Sanjay Gupta
[Sanjay Gupta](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sanjay-gupta/) is a dedicated global journalist and is ardent about inspiring Americans to lead healthier, more active lives. His devotion to reporting from war zones and natural disasters, as well as on a range of medical and scientific topics, has distinguished him as an integral and moving reporter for audiences worldwide.
## Nancy Frates
[Nancy Frates](https://wwsg.com/speakers/nancy-frates/) is the mother behind the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, the very apex of viral philanthropy, and a leader in the ALS community. Nancy Frates has utilized her business acumen, communication skills and mama bear drive to network, to advocate and create worldwide awareness in the fight against ALS/MND.
The [ALS Ice Bucket Challenge](https://www.ted.com/speakers/nancy_frates), which ignited a media maelstrom, raised over $220 million in just five weeks
## Steve Israel
[Steve Israel](https://wwsg.com/speakers/steve-israel/) is a former United States Senator and now political satirist who uses his platform to spark debate and shed light on key issues in America. His experience and depth he pours into his writing not only informs audiences, but includes them in debates that were once only heard in government.
## Shubham Banerjee
[Shubham Banerjee](https://wwsg.com/speakers/shubham-banerjee/) is only sixteen years old, but has already shaped the world we live in. His invention, [Braigo Labs](https://www.braigolabs.com/), a low-cost Braille printer that is focused on especially helping those in nations who cannot afford it.
WWSG is proud to represent these community and world leaders that strive and work every day to better our country and improve the lives of all Americans.
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** Paul Nicklen, Thought Leaders, Nancy Frates, Maria Teresa Kumar, inspirational, Top Thought Leaders, Shubham banerjee, Steve Isreal, brighter future, hope, Positive IMpact
---
### [Event Security & Safety: Everything You Need to Know](https://wwsg.com/blog/event-security-safety-everything-you-need-to-know/)
**Published:** October 18, 2017
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
After events involving dangerous and fatal situations, security and safety are at the forefront when planning a major event. One of your most important roles in event management is to ensure that all people are safe at your event. The well-being and ensuring the safety of both your keynote speaker and conference attendees is of the upmost importance.
## Why Event Safety Matters
Today, planning a safe and secure event is more difficult than in the past. One of the most stressful and recognized aspects of working in events, is that anything can – and most likely has – occurred before. And if it hasn’t, it still needs to be considered. Whether it was planning a long-distance walk during an extreme heat wave, or an unthinkable tragedy changing (big to small) elements of an event, having contingency plans in place can truly make an uncontrollable situation manageable. When done effectively, it can also make your planning stand out to participants, staff, volunteers and local authorities.
## Creating an Emergency Response Document
When it comes to the issue of safety, event professionals spend way too much time thinking about how to react to an accident. Instead, this energy should be directed towards preventing the accident in the first place.
These are some factors and procedures that will help make your event safer and decrease the chance of a crisis:
- **When planning, work closely with your event staff, and consider consulting an expert, to create alternate plans should an emergency occur.** We suggest creating an “Emergency Response” document that examines every imaginable situation. Create this safety plan well in advance of the event, then circulate it to the following groups: the client, the venue management, the police, the fire and rescue service, the ambulance service, and the local law enforcement authority. This document should consider an array of situations, from inclement weather to public safety concerns, and clearly spell out action plans based on scenario.
The event safety plan contains information under the following headings:
**Event overview**: This is to help put into context what the event is for and for whom. Referencing back to your original brief will help you write this section.
**Venue overview**: This should cover information such as the contact/directional details, a floor plan and any specific access information.
**Risk assessment**: This shows all readers that you have considered all the potential risks, but more importantly how you are minimizing or removing those risks.
**Security/stewarding**: Include information on how many staff will be on site and any processes they will need to follow. There is information earlier in this chapter on different security options.
**Organization and contractors**: You should include a little information on the people you’re going to have on site in your event safety plan. An organization chart helps show outside readers how your on-site team will be structured and who will be responsible for what.
**Medical/first aid provision**: Detail who on site will be available to provide first aid attention and how they can be contacted.
**Fire precautions and equipment**: Your health and safety advisor and production manager will be able to help you fill in this section of the event safety plan. Readers will want to know what your exit routes are, how many extinguishers you have, where they are and who will use them in case of an emergency.
**Emergency procedures**: This is an area where the local authorities will want to see lots of detail and feel confident that you are responsible enough to deal with emergencies on site.
**Accident reporting and investigation**: An overview of your process needs to be included.
**Provisions for people with special needs**: Adhering to the Equality Act is important. See earlier in this chapter for some basic pointers. Provide information in your event safety plan as to what visitors with various special needs will need to do.
**Communications**: Provide a basic overview of your communication plan in your event safety plan.
**The Emergency Response document should also have an obvious chain of communication, clearly showing how information is communicated both internally and externally.** For example, who will be the liaison with local authorities? How will messaging be communicated to volunteers and participants? What ***IS*** the message to be sent?
**Once the Emergency Response document is complete, don’t underestimate the value in clear communication with all stakeholders.** Stakeholders, when considering an event, are groups of people who could – and would – be affected should an incident occur. While the obvious stakeholders are your participants, do not forget to include local jurisdictions, hospitals, event staff, and volunteers. The Emergency Response document should be sent to local authorities, in particular, Police and Fire Departments, for review before the event.
## What to Do During the Event
**During the event, be meticulous – and when in doubt, call it out!** The safety of your all attendees and your speaker should be the number one and most important concern. However, once planning and communication has been established, it is important to remember that the authorities are the experts for keeping public events safe, and should be called in when necessary. Therefore, if you see something or someone suspicious, do not hesitate to contact the authorities.
When contacting them, be prepared to share with them all details to describe the situation or person that alerted your attention and caused a reason for concern. If you are simply notifying the authorities of a “suspicion”, be sure to state that you only have concerns and would like advice and support. While you can ask them to be discreet when possible, also remember that they are the experts and will act accordingly. Being respectful and a conscientious listener is another important factor during these situations.
**Keep in mind that a safe event can also translate into higher police and security costs.** Based on your type of event, certain costs to ensure safety will be non-negotiable. In some cases, you will need a bomb-sniffing dog, in other cases, just the local police. Every event varies, but the cost of the well-being and safety of all your stakeholders is priceless.
This does however, mean that keeping your event safe, could incur higher fees. But remember, it’s better to be prepared. At the end of the day, you want people to enjoy themselves at your event so that they are willing to support your company and your event in the future.
Event security and attendee safety has and always will be important. However, recent accounts of horrifying attacks occurring at events has made it essential for event organizers to be even more prepared on-top of it than ever before.
It may take more time and more work, but a safe and successful event will always be worth the long hours.
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** Event Planning, Event Logistics, event planner tips, event planners, Planning an event, event security, logistics, event safety
---
### [How WWSG Serves Colleges & Universities](https://wwsg.com/blog/how-wwsg-serves-colleges-universities/)
**Published:** September 25, 2017
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
At Worldwide Speakers Group, we pride ourselves in the services we provide to our clients and speakers. These services span a wide range to both and we rely on our ability to successfully navigate these differing relationships. One relationship that predominately differs from the others is with our college and university clients.
Caris Beckman, VP of Sales at WWSG, focuses on colleges and universities, answers some questions related to the differing sales environment and practices that come with working with these clients.
### **How do colleges and universities differ from other clients?**
Colleges/universities who build a yearly lecture series want to make their campus a “destination.” The thought-provoking speakers invited are not only chosen to engage their students and explore different viewpoints, but also engage an entire community. When an entire community looks forward to who is coming “next season,” the university begins to build a brand. Then, suddenly, there is a whole new pool of individuals recommending the campus to friends and family, and sharing on their social media accounts about the event.
Speakers are an investment and our team understands that. From the first conversation about the university’s topic preferences to the speaker’s standing ovation, **Worldwide Speakers Group** is involved. To do this, there must be a careful speaker selection; however, for the most part, colleges and university clients know who they want before they even call. They are very marketing-driven and want to fill the house.
### **Tough Question: Money. Where does it come from and are there different rules?**
We find that private donors are often the catalyst behind very robust lecture series’. Donors are not always alumni, but rather involved community members that want to make their community campus a destination. Additionally, some colleges/universities charge for tickets and offset the cost of the speaker and related marketing.
Some colleges/universities charge for tickets and offset the cost of the speaker and related marketing—some don’t.
In terms of payment of the speakers, some colleges/universities have unique rules. WWSG has built some level of flexibility into our contract process to accommodate those needs.
### **Back to Choosing Speakers. Who and What are these clients looking for?**
A university President once said he was looking to “raise the flag” of the university by bringing a very diverse and high-quality selection of speakers to his campus.
Because the world “lecture” causes many students to groan, many campuses look for name recognition and star-power to accompany great lecture content. For example, while the community may not turn out for a political discussion on healthcare policy, [Dr. Sanjay Gupta](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sanjay-gupta/), will fill just about any venue and provide a starting point for additional conversations about the rising costs of healthcare. He knocks it out of the ballpark every time.
They want to fill seats, and to do that they need two things: star power and quality content.
### **Are there speakers that colleges/universities consistently look for?**
It depends on *what* they are looking for.
WWSG is a library. Our “books” are on the shelves, and our clients choose what they want to read. We represent speakers from the left and right, who speak on just about any subject matter, and can likely debate opposing views on any subject matter. We ask the questions: Do you have a specific topic you are looking to explore? What are you trying to accomplish? What do you want your takeaways to be?
While the name recognition of many of our speakers is instant, we also represent other speakers who are rock stars in their field. With bios, sample videos, and even a conversation with the speaker ahead of booking to make sure we’ve got the right fit, we’ll introduce you to the individual who will make your lecture or panel program shine with expertise.
### **What about the tricky subject, Politics?**
Politics can be tricky for on campuses. There is a demand for dissenting views — where there are two speakers, and they debate and discuss their different views and opinions. Many colleges and universities understand that one political view for 4 years is not a good model for higher education and freedom of speech.
We’ve had great success on campuses with thought leaders such as[Newt Gingrich](https://wwsg.com/speakers/newt-gingrich/). He is great for political points and counterpoints, keynotes, and Q&As. However, conservative speakers do fill venues, but some colleges don’t go there.
### **On top of helping choose and book their speakers, what other services do you provide?**
Our team helps clients with social media around the speaker’s visit and event. We’ll tweet and retweet. We’ll assist and supplement the campus’s marketing team to organize interviews with the speaker either ahead of time to promote the event or on-site before or after the program. We are here to help with anything at any time.
### **Finally, what is your goal with clients like colleges and universities?**
Our goal isn’t to meet your expectations — any speaker agency can do that. We strive to build a long and lasting relationship, not just a transaction. Once you book a speaker and engage with us, we want you to come back to us for the next speaker and the next.
If you’d like to hear about more speakers that are good fits for college or university speaking opportunities, [contact us](https://wwsg.com/contact-us/).
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** Keynote Speakers, Sanjay Gupta, Thought Leaders, university, colleges, Colleges and Universities, Colleges/universities, diverse
---
### [The Reason Motivational Quotes Inspire Us](https://wwsg.com/blog/the-reason-motivational-quotes-inspire-us/)
**Published:** August 18, 2017
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
When life gets tough or the need to succeed is overwhelming, many people turn to motivational quotes for a bit of inspiration. Even the most successful people have had days where they needed to glance at an inspiring quote to remind them of their goals and ability to succeed. This need is why motivational quotes are some of the most-searched phrases every day. There is a plethora of motivational quotes accessible on the internet or in books that resonate with those searching for them. With so many quotes out there for people to choose from, what makes certain ones stand out? What has made some sayings become celebrated parts of society’s vocabulary and mantras for generations?
Depending on who you ask, the appeal appears to lie in a combination of good wordsmithing and motivational psychology. Basically, the message that someone else believes you can achieve what you want to achieve can be a powerful incentive to try harder. There is also power in the words themselves, for phrasing contributes to effectiveness. A phrase can be more appealing and convincing than all the others because of the way words are arranged. And lastly, most of the appeal in motivational quotes is in our biology. Humans are aspirational and want to look up to role models and leaders, and follow what they ask.
Words from recognized leaders in business, politics, and the arts may also hold more gravitas because of the assumption that when people are in public positions, they must be accomplished, wise, or otherwise exceptional to have achieved those positions. Those perceptions can make messages from such leaders more powerful. Here are some motivational quotes from leaders across a broad spectrum.
**[The Honorable Newt Gingrich](https://wwsg.com/speakers/newt-gingrich/)**
*“Perseverance is the hard work you do after you get tired of doing the hard work you already did.”*
*“We’re all human and we all goof. Do things that may be wrong, but do something.”*
**[Dr. Sanjay Gupta](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sanjay-gupta/)**
*“You know what makes your heart swift, you know what makes your breath catch your throat, you know what makes your chest tight with anticipation. Go get that!”*
**[Tim Storey](https://wwsg.com/speakers/tim-storey/)**
*“Your life isn’t about the big break, it’s about one significant life transforming step at a time.”*
*“If you have a setback, Don’t take a step back- Get ready for a comeback!”*
For more information on WWSG’s speakers that inspire us through their powerful messages, don’t hesitate to [contact us](https://wwsg.com/contact-us).
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** Newt Gingrich, Sanjay Gupta, speakers, motivational speakers, success, motivational, leadership, Tim Storey, Quotes, Motivational Quotes, Motivational Thought Leaders, Perseverance
---
### [Risk Management: How the WWSG Events Team Handles Issues and Obstacles](https://wwsg.com/blog/risk-management-how-the-wwsg-events-team-handles-issues-and-obstacles/)
**Published:** July 27, 2017
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Here at Worldwide Speakers Group, we pride ourselves in the service we provide to both our speakers and our clients. Part of this includes our end-to-end event planning, which incorporates event strategy, travel logistics, itineraries, and so much more. We all know that in life, things don’t always go according to plan. The same holds true for planning speaker events.
**What goes in to your event strategy and logistics?**
From the beginning, we are making plans for travel and security needs. We are also thinking about contingency plans for any unexpected obstacles that may arise. In addition, we plan ahead for any on-site management issues, such as managing the press and media. Speakers can be swarmed by journalists. It’s important to think about who will be in the audience and set aside time for the media.
**How do you handle travel issues?**
Travel is the biggest thing we worry about. Making sure that the speakers arrive in plenty of time is top priority. We always make sure that the speaker is not on the very last flight into the city in which the event is being held. We try to minimize the stops and to have at least one other flight that is leaving that day as a backup flight option. We encourage our speakers to get to their engagements earlier than expected.
When travel issues do arise, we communicate with the client every step of the way. Weather is a huge risk that we must deal with and one that we can’t control. If flights get canceled, we make sure we have a backup plan. We have a great partner relationship with a travel agency and we connect with the airlines directly. We are always prepared to explore different possibilities to get the speaker to their event. When needed, we’ve had to use a charter plane to get them there.
**How do you handle security issues?**
How we handle security issues really depends on the speaker. Some speakers prefer to use the main entrance, while others prefer a back door and to use an alias. We give the speakers options. We’re also open with the clients about what needs to happen. If there is an event where we anticipate there will be protests, such as at a university, we’re very mindful of that and are in close touch with the client contact. Depending on the situation, we may recommend having additional police present or security patrolling. In addition, we will sometimes have security calls ahead of time with the speaker’s security team and the client. We will plan a walk-through prior to the event with the security guards. When we feel it necessary, we recommend giving the police a head’s up about the speaker event. After all, the speaker’s security guard is only for them, not for the audience members. We tailor our security plans to the individual needs of the speaker and client.
**How do you set expectations with the speaker and the client?**
It’s very important to be open with the speaker and client. We almost always have a pre-event call with the customers that are hosting the speaker as well the speaker themselves. This is a good way for the speaker to get a good feel of the audience and the event as a whole. It’s also a good chance for both parties to ask questions and feel more comfortable ahead of the event. The client has the chance to talk with the speaker ahead of time and give them the breakdown so they know what to expect.
The speakers also receive written material from us which includes information from the client and the most important details in the event itinerary. It has all the client information on it along with the speaker’s travel information. The speaker and client receive a final version of that itinerary to ensure that everyone is on the same page.
**What goes in to developing contingency plans?**
Developing a contingency plan takes careful thought and planning. There will always be things that arise that we can’t control, like the weather. We work with our travel agency to get an idea of the best flight that would get our speaker to their event seamlessly. Part of that planning is making sure that all legs of the flights to their final destination has multiple flight options.
Our contingency plans also consist of being mindful of things once the speaker arrives at the town of the event, such as traffic, local weather, and other events happening. We work with reliable car service companies to get our speakers to and from their event in a safe, efficient manner. On rare occasions, the car service might not be the best way. One time, in a New York snowstorm, we gave a speaker exact directions on the subway to get them to their speaking engagement on time. It helps that the speakers are very willing to get to their events in a timely manner, however that may be.
Sometimes we’ll have a greater interest in an audience seeing the speaker than the capacity will allow at an event space. At that point, we talk with the client and make sure that there is an overflow room when they can see the speaker via simulcast.
We also have contingency plans when it comes to book signings. We have developed guidelines on how they can be managed. For example, we make sure there are a handful of sharpies that work and advise the client when it comes to ordering enough books for attendees. A suggestion for if you run out of books is to have a stack of stickers that can be used as bookplates and then the speaker can sign those.
We also rely heavily upon the planners at the event location. We often have more than one contact for big events. A secondary onsite contact or someone dedicated to our speaker to lead them around is important. This is unusual for our speakers, but if we know that a certain speaker tends to run late, we might adjust their schedule and make them think the event starts a little bit earlier than it really does. It’s important to have contingency plans to help mitigate any kind of risk.
**When planning international events vs domestic, do you do anything different?**
With international speaking engagements, you must communicate even more. With time differences, you may not get an answer until the next day. We have to be very mindful in how we express things to our clients. With international events, we still make sure that everything flows seamlessly, but to an even higher degree. The event will be happening in a different country, perhaps outside of our normal business hours. We’re available 24/7, but we must be even more clear in our communication, especially if there is a language barrier.
**How do you overcome obstacles to make sure the client and speaker are satisfied?**
We need to be very mindful of what the client’s challenges are and any that may come the speaker’s way. It’s important for all parties involved to be flexible and understanding when these issues arise. We are comfortable asking a speaker to make an adjustment to their schedule, such as leaving earlier for their speaking engagement if there is bad weather predicted. We make it clear that we do everything we can to ensure everything flows seamlessly.
We’re always looking to learn. If there is something that went wrong, we learn from it and apply it to future events. We always follow these above mentioned best practices. We customize as much as possible for every speaker. We get to know our speakers and make recommendations based on our relationships with them. We realize that event planning is not one size fits all and are very aware of our customers’ and speakers’ needs. Our quick responsiveness and commitment to managing successful events for our clients and speakers puts us a step above other firms.
*Contact Worldwide Speakers Group [here](https://wwsg.com/contact-us) to book a speaker for your upcoming event!*
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** Events, event planner tips, speakers’ bureau, advice, event planners, Planning an event, Speaker and Client, Expectations
---
### [Motivate Your Team for 2024](https://wwsg.com/blog/motivate-your-team-for-2024/)
**Published:** November 8, 2023
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
The beginning of a new year is a fresh start for everyone, especially your professional team! It’s a time to set new goals, strategize plans, and start working towards achieving them. However, after a long holiday break, it can be difficult to get back into the swing of things and feel motivated. This is where a motivational speaker can help. As the new year dawns, it presents an opportune moment to revitalize and reenergize your team, setting them on the path to success for the upcoming year.
A motivational speaker can help with goal setting, mindset, productivity, communication, and appreciation; traits that will serve your entire organization or institution well over the next twelve months.
[Robyn Benincasa](https://wwsg.com/speakers/robyn-benincasa) speaking at an event
### It’s crucial to motivate your team at the start of a new year for several reasons:
Firstly, it establishes a positive and optimistic tone. This sets the stage for a productive and successful year. A motivated team is more likely to be engaged, enthusiastic, and eager to contribute to achieving shared goals.
Secondly, it fosters a sense of clarity and direction. This allows your team to understand the expectations and objectives for the year ahead. Clear goals provide a roadmap for individual and team efforts, ensuring alignment and a unified focus.
Thirdly, it promotes a growth mindset and encourages continuous improvement. A motivated team is more likely to embrace challenges, seek new learning opportunities, and strive for excellence. This translates into enhanced skills, innovation, and a competitive edge.
Fourthly, it strengthens team dynamics and fosters a collaborative environment. A motivated team is more likely to communicate effectively, support each other, and celebrate collective achievements. This positive team culture contributes to job satisfaction and retention.
To effectively motivate your team at the start of the new year, consider engaging a professional motivational speaker. A seasoned speaker can bring a fresh perspective, inspiring energy, and proven strategies to ignite your team’s enthusiasm and drive.
Motivational speaker [Ryan Estis](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ryan-estis) speaks on stage
### Here’s how a motivational speaker can contribute to your team’s success:
1. Goal Setting: A motivational speaker can guide your team in setting clear, SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) goals. They can help break down larger goals into smaller, actionable steps, making them less daunting and more achievable.
2. Mindset Shift: Motivational speakers can instill a positive mindset within your team, emphasizing the power of belief, resilience, and self-determination. They can help your team overcome limiting beliefs and embrace a growth-oriented outlook, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
3. Enhanced Communication: Motivational speakers can encourage open and effective communication within your team, fostering a collaborative environment. They can promote active listening, empathy, and constructive feedback, strengthening team dynamics and problem-solving abilities.
4. Productivity Boost: A motivational speaker can inspire your team to work more efficiently and effectively, reducing procrastination and distractions. They can emphasize the importance of time management, prioritization, and task delegation, maximizing productivity and achieving goals.
5. Recognition and Appreciation: Motivational speakers can emphasize the importance of recognizing and appreciating individual and team achievements. They can encourage managers to provide regular feedback, celebrate milestones, and reward outstanding contributions, fostering a culture of gratitude and motivation.
Investing in a motivational speaker is an investment in your team’s success. Their expertise and passion can ignite a spark of motivation, propelling your team towards achieving remarkable results in the new year.
#### Four of our favorite motivational speakers for team gatherings:
##### [DeMaurice Smith:](https://wwsg.com/speakers/demaurice-smith) Former Executive Director, NFLPA
##### [](https://youtu.be/3Y8OldKluQs)
##### [Robyn Benincasa: ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/robyn-benincasa)World Champion Adventure Racer, San Diego Firefighter
[](https://youtu.be/E9nM27FtuUI)
##### [Ryan Estis: ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ryan-estis)Renowned Business Performance Authority and Top Leadership Consultant
[](https://youtu.be/NfbDw-08OIE)
##### [Magic Johnson: ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/earvin-johnson)NBA Hall of Fame Inductee, Olympic Gold Medalist, Businessman
[](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l0guJZTtk-Q)
[ Contact Us for Help Selecting a Speaker](https://wwsg.com/contact-us)
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** Sales team, excellence, meeting, sales, football, athlete, robyn benincasa, ryan estis, success speakers, energize, kick start, kickoff, january, team meetings, team, Magic Johnson, Basketball, audience, motivational, inspirational, motivate, Event Planning, NFL, Motivation, NFLPA, DeMaurice Smith, speakers, Keynote Speakers
---
### [Political Pairings: November Means Point-Counterpoint Discussions](https://wwsg.com/blog/political-pairings-november-means-point-counterpoint-discussions/)
**Published:** October 24, 2023
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
#### We can help with your selection.
Respectful and informative conversations around U.S. politics are crucial in today’s climate because they offer a pathway to fostering a more engaged, informed, and unified citizenry. Such discussions not only provide audiences with the knowledge necessary to make informed decisions, but they also promote empathy, bridge ideological divides, and reduce polarization that can hinder productivity.
WWSG works with many thought leaders who have held various positions within the U.S. government and can discuss today’s issues with confidence and respect. Our seasoned sales team is fully briefed on the best-suited pairings for both the thought leaders and audiences. All our speakers approach point-counterpoint discussions with courtesy and integrity, ensuring an informative and enlightening experience for audiences of all sizes and types.
They can also offer advice tailored to your specific industry or institution, proving a memorable and invaluable experience.
[ Browse Political Speakers](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/government-and-politics)
## Conservative Leaders
[Marc Short (Above)](https://wwsg.com/speakers/marc-short)
[Governor Larry Hogan (Above)](https://wwsg.com/speakers/larry-hogan)
[Senator Ben Sasse (Above)](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ben-sasse)
[Senator Pat Toomey (Above)](https://wwsg.com/speakers/pat-toomey)
[David Frum](https://wwsg.com/speakers/david-frum)
[Colonel Allen West](https://wwsg.com/speakers/allen-west)
[Senator Roy Blunt](https://wwsg.com/speakers/roy-blunt)
[Secretary Elaine Chao](https://wwsg.com/speakers/elaine-chao)
[Representative John Katko](https://wwsg.com/speakers/john-katko)
…and many more!
## Liberal Leaders
[Representative Stephanie Murphy (Above)](https://wwsg.com/speakers/stephanie-murphy)
[David Plouffe (Above)](https://wwsg.com/speakers/david-plouffe)
[Ashley Allison (Above)](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ashley-allison)
[Donna Brazile (Above)](https://wwsg.com/speakers/donna-brazile)
[Secretary Ray LaHood](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ray-lahood)
[Robby Mook](https://wwsg.com/speakers/robby-mook)
[Secretary Ray Mabus](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ray-mabus)
[Representative Steve Israel](https://wwsg.com/speakers/steve-israel)
…and many more!
[Contact WWSG](https://wwsg.com/contact-us) for help getting in touch with the thought leader of your choice.
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** roy blunt, pairs, pairing, point-counterpoint, policy, polotics, steve israel, ray mabus, ray lahood, robby mook, ashley allison, david plouffe, stephanie murphy, u.s. government, secretary, colonel, pat toomey, november, governor, larry hogan, senator, Elaine Chao, ben sasse, united states, donna brazile, Allen West, David Frum, election, marc short
---
### [12 Step Conference Planning Checklist](https://wwsg.com/blog/12-step-conference-planning-checklist/)
**Published:** June 20, 2017
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
“*Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe*.” – Abraham Lincoln
You are reading this because you have been asked to create *‘an experience’*. Planning a conference can be a challenge, but it’s also a co-creation — some would say it’s a collaborative work of art. Like a film director or curator it’s your job to create the proper canvas for the top speakers and workshop leaders you want to showcase. It takes months and months of planning to do this well.
## **Planning Is More Important Than The Plan: 12 Steps To Planning The Best Conference**
“*Plans are nothing. Planning is everything*.” – Dwight D. Eisenhower
There is nothing more important for the event planner than the planning process. While the actual plan is helpful, it is the process of planning that yields the greatest return. The best conferences don’t happen because someone had great ideas, they happen because someone took the time to plan out every detail, from the fireworks show to the mundane. The most important things can seem small until they aren’t.
*Step 1:* **Set a date** at least six months ahead of time to avoid conflicts with other functions.
*Step 2:* **Develop a budget.** Estimate the cost of renting the venue, buying the food, obtaining the licensing and signage, etc. Will you charge a registration fee to cover the costs?
*Step 3:* **Decide what food to serve**. Research the cost and availability of vendors or caterers. Be sure to include multiple food options. You need enough food to serve the people you expect. Create a reservation that you can change if the numbers change.
*Step 4:* **Reserve a venue.** Consider the number of rooms and the number of people you think will attend.
*Step 5:* **Contact a top speakers bureau.** Book top rated speakers and workshop leaders. Decide who will introduce them. If they decline, the speaker’s bureau can help you find additional talent.
*Step 6:* **Hire a photographer and a translator.**
*Step 7:* **Start marketing the event.** You don’t need to know who the speakers will be before you start marketing the event, but as soon as you know, include them in your marketing assets.
*Step 8:* **Create a registration form and deadline.** Determine when registration opens and closes. Decide how you’re going to distribute the form. Check on all returned registration forms two weeks after the registration deadline. Adjust food, room and venue reservations accordingly. Decide who will be responsible for the registration table.
*Step 9:* **Finalize a conference program and have it printed**.
*Step 10:* **On the day before**, confirm that all material and supplies have arrived. Meet with those responsible for various aspects of the conference.
*Step 11*: **On the day of**, go early to the conference to confirm that everything is setup as required.
*Step 12:* **During the conference**, greet speakers as they arrive and answer any last minute questions.
Create follow-up reminders for each step in this process until it can be marked as complete. For example, when you make the reservation for food create a follow-up reminder in two to three months. Here’s an example of a conference planning template provided by Microsoft that can help with documenting the process steps.
After the conference, return all rented equipment, pay outstanding bills, write thank you letters and have a follow up meeting to discuss what worked and what didn’t for next year. Well-organized, useful conferences develop a great reputation which grows attendance.
You can’t accommodate everyone, but planning ahead gives you the ability to sidestep issues on the day of the conference. When legitimate issues arise you’ll have the bandwidth required to tackle them.
## **Final Thoughts**
“*If Plan A doesn’t work, the alphabet has 25 more letters. Stay cool.*” – Claire Cook
Perhaps the most important step in conference planning is allowing for the inevitable hiccups that are bound to occur. While planning is essential, it’s also important to learn how to roll with the punches. Our expert event plannners can help make your next speaker event a success.
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** Event Planning, event planner tips, speakers’ bureau, event, event planners, speaker, Conference Planning, Steps, Marketing, Hire a Speaker
---
### [Business Leadership Speakers For Your Sales Team](https://wwsg.com/blog/business-leadership-speakers-for-your-sales-team/)
**Published:** May 12, 2017
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
There is perhaps no greater investment than one made for your workforce. The ability to unlock the potential of the people that work for you has a greater ROI than any technological upgrade or cost savings program. This is especially the case for your sales force. As a result, consultants and think tanks invest large amounts of time researching the best way to motivate salespeople — in many ways, sales motivation is the holy grail of revenue growth and productivity. Articles are published every year, each one claiming to have found the answer to what *really* motivates salespeople.
### What *Really* Motivates Your Sales Force
In 2012, two authors from the Harvard Business School published an article entitled *Motivating Salespeople: What Really Works*. For these researchers the answer was segmentation, and to a larger extent, commission structure. According to the article, there are three groups: core performers, laggards and stars. Laggards are your bottom 10% in terms of performance, stars are your top 10% and core performers are the 80% in between. Each group is motivated by a different set of incentives incorporated into the compensation structure. Prizes work best for core performers. Quarterly (as opposed to annual) bonuses are best for laggards, and an unlimited commission structure is the best motivation for stars.
In April of 2015, a professor, also from the Harvard Business School, published an article titled *How to Really Motivate Salespeople*. The professor came to the conclusion that “ratcheting (raising a salesperson’s annual quota if he or she exceeded it the previous year) dampens motivation”. Like the previous authors, this professor also suggests that it’s important to pay attention to the timing of bonuses.
### Why You Should *Really* Hire Keynote Speakers To Motivate Your Sales Force
Aside from being good entertainment, motivational speakers can supercharge your sales force. They have the unique ability to produce results for your entire sales team, regardless of segmentation or performance level. An effective motivational speaker has the power to reinvigorate the jaded ‘stars’, offer a reboot to the ‘laggards’, and turn the most senior core performers into agents of change — all in one sitting. While a motivational speaker isn’t a direct increase to compensation, employees still feel rewarded and appreciated. What’s more, the effect is instantaneous — there’s no implementation or integration involved.
### Four Business Leadership Speakers That *Will* Motivate Your Team
[Ste](https://wwsg.com/speakers/steve-wozniak/)[ve Wozniak](https://wwsg.com/speakers/steve-wozniak/) – Better known as “The Woz”, Steve Wozniak has been a Silicon Valley icon and philanthropist for the past three decades. As co-founder of Apple Comptuter and inventor of the Apple II computer, Wozniak has revolutionized the personal compter industry. He helped to build the largest company in the US stock market with a net worth of half a trillion dollars. His leadership and creativity has made him successful in is various business and philanthrhropic ventures. Steve Wozniak is a talented business speaker and shares his lessons of Apple to show that evolution is achieved from the ground up.
[Robert B. Zoellick](https://wwsg.com/speakers/robert-zoellick/) – Robert B. Zoellick is one of the world’s most distinguished authorities on the global economy, international finance, and foreign policy. He is currently the non-excutive chairman of AllianceBernstein and is also a Senior Fellow at the Belfer Center for Science and international affairs at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government. Zoellick was president of the World Bank Corp from 2007-2012 and served as Counselor to the Secretary of the Treasury and Under Secretary of State, as well as the White House Deputy Chief of Staff. He is unrivaled in his depth and breadth of what makes global economies tic and how best to operate in an increasingly global market, making him a powerful business speaker.
[Carly Fiorina](https://wwsg.com/speakers/carly-fiorina/) – Leader extraordinaire known for building HP into the largest technology company in the world, Carly Fiorina became one of America’s most visible and influential corporate leaders and one of the world’s most distinguished business innovators. Fiorina started her career filing and answering phones as a secretary in a 9-person real estate firm and over the years, moved up to become the first woman to lead a Fourtune 50 business and allow HP to survive the worst technology recession in 25 years. She is a passionate speaker, advocating for conservative policies that advance economic growth, entrepreneurship, innovation, and effective leadership.
[Gary Locke](https://wwsg.com/speakers/gary-locke/) – Ambassador Gary Locke is one of the world’s foremost authorities on U.S.-China relations in addition to global innovation and business growth. Drawing on his vast experiences as U.S. Ambassador to China, U.S. Secretary of Commerce, and two-term Governor of Washington, Locke provides audiences with keen insights on how to grow an organization’s global presence in China, despite the complex and multifaceted differences between the two cultures.
At Worldwide Speakers Group, we are proud to represent these and other world class keynote speakers in business. WWSG’s exclusive speakers can offer your sales force an experience with the capacity to inspire and motivate everyone. Compensation is important, but the real goal is keeping your employees happy and we have the best speakers to help you do it.
[Contact us](https://wwsg.com/contact-us/) to host any of these thought leaders for a speaking engagement.
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** Carly Fiorina, keynote business speaker, Robert Zoellick, Steve Wozniak, finance, international, innovation, Gary Locke, Business Leadership, Sales team, philanthropist, distinguished, leadership speakers
---
### [Powerful Women Keynote Speakers that are Breaking the Glass Ceiling](https://wwsg.com/blog/powerful-women-keynote-speakers-that-are-breaking-the-glass-ceiling/)
**Published:** March 31, 2017
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Like many barriers in the workplace, the glass ceiling is one that has always been in corporate existence. While 21st century women have really proved their ability and demanded equality, a stereotype still remains for those who have exceeded through levels of management or are in the process of currently doing so.
WWSG is proud to represent a few powerful women keynote speakers who have really made their mark in their business societies. From secretaries to CEOs and minority students to organization Presidents, Founders, and CEOs, some of WWSG’s speakers can shed light over their experiences and inspire everyone following in their steps. Take a look at some of the most influential women who have shattered their own glass ceilings.
### [Carly Fiorina](https://wwsg.com/speakers/carly-fiorina/)
As former CEO of the world’s first $100 billion information technology company HP, Carly Fiorina is all too familiar with the complex, arduous path these individuals tread and the far-reaching strategic decisions they must make with finesse and fortitude. In her six years as chairman and CEO of Hewlett-Packard, Hewlett-Packard not only survived the dot-com bust—they became the leader in every market segment and every product category. HP doubled revenue to over $80 billion, quadrupled the growth rate to 6.5 percent, and tripled innovation to 15 patents a day. While household names went out of business, Carly saved 80,000 jobs and would grow the company to 160,000 jobs. Carly transformed HP from a lurching bureaucracy into an agile, tech industry leader. As a result, HP grew from the 28th to 11th largest company in the United States during her tenure.
A passionate business evangelist who made tough choices in the pursuit of growing her organizations, Carly began her business career as a secretary and achieved the pinnacle of corporate success. She passionately believes that leaders are made, not born, and that leadership potential exists at every level of an organization. “Anyone can lead, at any time, from anywhere. Leadership is not about title, position or wealth. It is about making a positive difference.”
### [Sheila Bair ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sheila-bair/)
Widely lauded for her steady hand in leading the FDIC through the worst financial crisis since the great depression, Sheila Bair has a proven track record of effective leadership and decision-making under extraordinary pressure– when the consequences are nothing short of calamitous if the decision is wrong. Chairman Bair took charge in assessing risk with imperfect information, resolving conflicts with other decision makers under crisis conditions, dealing with the media and Congress, and most importantly navigating through male power structures as the only woman in her position.
In naming her to their 100 Most Influential People in 2009, Time Magazine recognized that Bair’s unusual clout derives from the breadth of her command and her guts in staking new ground.
### [Elaine L. Chao](https://wwsg.com/speakers/elaine-chao/)
Elaine Chao is a dynamic speaker with a dramatic personal story, extraordinary resume, and wide-ranging expertise on leadership, innovation, the economy and much more. Her 37-day journey aboard a cargo ship with her mother and sisters to America foreshadowed a life of possibilities, challenges and achievements. The first Asian American woman to be in the President’s cabinet, the arc of Elaine Chao’s experience encompasses cultures of Asia and the West; the public, private, and non-profit sectors; four presidential administrations; and living and working in New York, California, Kentucky, and Washington, D.C. During COVID-19, her leadership at the U. S. Department of Transportation allowed our nation’s transportation systems to remain open, safe, and moving. Engaging, informative, and results-oriented, Elaine Chao will leave your audience inspired and ready to conquer the world.
### [Olga Koroleva](https://wwsg.com/speakers/olga-koroleva/)
As a technology pioneer in capital markets, entrepreneur, and world-class mountaineer, Olga Koroleva’s capabilities and triumphs are limitless, both in the boardroom and on the mountain. She is the founder and CEO of Capital Brain, a company that creates AI-run investment strategies to invest in real estate and public securities. An adventurer by nature, she has also completed over 40 expeditions, summiting the highest, the deadliest, and the hardest mountains on the planet (Mount Everest, Annapurna I, and K2). The lessons and similarities she has gleaned over the course of her career deliver an exciting and insightful presentation to audiences of all kinds.
### [Ayaan Hirsi Ali](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ayaan-hirsi-ali/)
A global figure in every sense, Ayaan Hirsi Ali embodies both the opportunity and consequence of the human rights struggle. She reminds audiences around the world what true human rights looks like… aside from the influences of any particular group or movement, apart from the religious/political/social context of the day, and above the changing winds of globalization.
Ayaan Hirsi Ali is a Research Fellow at the Hoover Institution at Stanford University and founder of the AHA Foundation. She served as a Member of the Dutch Parliament from 2003 to 2006. While in Parliament, she focused on furthering the integration of non-Western immigrants into Dutch society and on defending the rights of Muslim women.
[Contact us](https://wwsg.com/contact-us/) to host any of these powerful thought leaders.
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** Carly Fiorina, Women Keynote Speakers, Ayaan Hirsi Ali, Sheila Bair, olga koroleva, Elaine Chao, women in leadership, CEO, leadership, Business Leadership, corporate, Parisa Khosravi, Women, Breaking Barriers
---
### [Top 5 Political Thought Leaders to Follow on Twitter for Daily Insight](https://wwsg.com/blog/top-5-political-thought-leaders-to-follow-on-twitter-for-daily-insight/)
**Published:** March 2, 2017
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Political thought leaders are often the best speakers to turn to for educating your audiences on the landscape of your business and the country. Their insights to what is happening behind the scenes and on the forefront of the nation are exactly what some groups need to tie in their daily journey to the bigger picture. Because social media has been such a big key player in the recent election, most thought leaders are sending a message through their personal platforms. The five keynote speakers highlighted below keep active Twitter and Facebook feeds full of thoughts, ideas, and controversial statements!
### [Larry Hogan](https://wwsg.com/speakers/larry-hogan/)
Larry Hogan isn’t a career politician. A best-selling author, lifelong small business owner, cancer survivor, and the most popular Governor in the history of Maryland, Governor Hogan’s unique insights into crisis management and leadership have been recognized internationally. Follow Governor Hogan on Twitter [@LarryHogan](https://twitter.com/LarryHogan).
### [David Frum](https://wwsg.com/speakers/david-frum/)
David Frum is one of North America’s leading voices of dispassionate, analytic, and independent conservatism. His articles in The Atlantic have been hailed as the most prophetic and insightful studies of U.S. global leadership, open international trade, and democratic institutions with a message that is pro-enterprise and post-partisan. Follow David Frum on Twitter [@davidfrum.](https://twitter.com/davidfrum)
### [Newt Gingrich](https://wwsg.com/speakers/newt-gingrich/)
An intellectually fearless visionary and historian, Newt Gingrich is one of the foremost economic, social, political and security-focused conservative thinkers today. As an advisor to President Trump throughout the 2016 campaign and the presidency, Speaker Gingrich has become known as the President’s chief explainer. No one understands the “Make America Great Again” effort with more insight and more experience than Newt Gingrich. Newt Gingrich can be found on Twitter at [@newtgingrich](https://twitter.com/newtgingrich),
### [Allen West](https://wwsg.com/speakers/allen-west/)
Allen West, a fierce advocate of conservative values, strong education, and public service is also a fierce and powerful thought leader to many today. With a great online presence, both on his personal website and social media platforms, Allen West addresses every day issues on every level of the government – from local inner-city shootings to national security issues and military developments. Colonel West can followed at [@AllenWest](https://twitter.com/AllenWest) on Twitter and Facebook.
### [Tomi Lahren](https://wwsg.com/speakers/tomi-lahren/)
The youngest political talk show host in history, Tomi Lahren is not afraid to tell it like it is. Tomi is best known for her “Final Thoughts” commentary on everyone from President Obama to Beyonce and Colin Kaepernick. Her videos have been view over 550 million times on Facebook. As a proud Millennial, Tomi Lahren knows what it takes to win the hearts and minds of 18-33 year olds. Follow Tomi on all social media platforms [@TomiLahren](https://twitter.com/TomiLahren).
For more information on our top political thought leaders on social media, don’t hesitate to [contact us](https://wwsg.com/contact/).
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** republican, Political Thought Leaders, Thought Leader, Powerful, Twitter, liberal, larry hogan, Governor Larry Hogan, conservative, historian, Tomi Lahren, Allen West, David Frum, Politics, Newt Gingrich, Top Speaker on Politics
---
### [High Energy Speakers to Motivate Your Team](https://wwsg.com/blog/high-energy-speakers-to-motivate-your-team/)
**Published:** February 14, 2017
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
What’s more important than an energized team to start the new year? Nothing! Nothing beats a smiling face, a go-getter attitude, or a true passion for doing the work your company is made to do. But sometimes, last year’s short comings can trickle into the attitude of the new year—and it’s important to fix that before it becomes a trend. Worldwide Speakers Group knows just the trick. You need a speaker who will make your team feel like it is invincible and ready to conquer any challenge head on. These keynote speakers have worked as private life coaches or as artists, and they can make any business audience feel creative and motivated. These high energy speakers can be the answer for every CEO or meeting planner needing extra motivation.
### [**Erik Wahl**](https://wwsg.com/speakers/erik-wahl)
Erik Wahl is an internationally recognized graffiti artist, # 1 best-selling author, and entrepreneur. Erik’s understanding of vision was originally born in the school of disappointment. After an eight-year career as a successful partner in a corporate firm, he became frustrated by the lack of innovative thought and corresponding profits he saw in business. So he set out to challenge companies to change their way of thinking, while simultaneously pursuing his own individual passions. He rediscovered his love for art, and now plays in the business world by working through his art. Learn more about Erik Wahl for keynote speaking opportunities.
### [**Tim Storey**](https://wwsg.com/tim-storey)
Tim Storey is an acclaimed author, speaker, and life coach, well known for inspiring and motivating people of all walks of life. Tim Storey has worked with entertainment executives, celebrities, athletes, adults, and children in the most deprived neighborhoods in the country. Tim has travelled to over seventy countries and spoken to millions of people. He helps people create the future they desire. Tim has inspired people from all walks of life, from entertainment legends to professional athletes and from executives to deprived children in third world countries. Tim uses seasoned foundational principles and humor to get honest with people so they can overcome the obstacles that are holding them back. Learn more about Tim Storey.
### [**Mark Gordon**](https://wwsg.com/speakers/mark-gordon)
Mark Gordon knows the importance of patience, persistence, and teamwork. He also knows the passion and thrill, and the success & failures that can come with following your dreams. As one of the world’s foremost deep-ocean explorers, he has utilized all of these tools, and experienced all of these emotions, to make startling discoveries underwater. As wonderful as major discoveries can be, Mark also knows that it is often the explorations that come up empty handed where the most valuable lessons can be learned. Mark is living his dream, and his passion is infectious. Audiences feel the excitement as he guides them through his tales of adventurous explorations. Whether an expedition leads to the discovery of unthinkable treasures, or to a ship that has been lost to the sea for a century or more, there is always the thrill of the journey and always lessons to be learned.
Like these powerful speakers, your employees will leave your event with a rejuvenated feeling that they can take on the world.
WWSG represents many more high-quality keynote speakers that are just the right fit for your team. Find who you are looking for by searching through our [expanded list](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/motivational) of Motivational and Inspirational Speakers.
Need help finding the best professional speaker for your event? [Contact us](https://wwsg.com/contact-us) for our recommendations!
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** motivational speakers
---
### [Guest Blog Post by Lady Carnarvon | If Walls could Talk](https://wwsg.com/blog/guest-blog-post-by-lady-carnarvon-if-walls-could-talk/)
**Published:** October 16, 2023
**Author:** Riley Sims
**Content:**
#### *This is a guest blog post by WWSG exclusive thought leader, [Lady Carnarvon](https://wwsg.com/speakers/fiona-carnarvon/).*
Every visitor who walks into the Dining Room knows exactly where they are, transported into the supper or lunch scenes and conversations of the much loved Downton Abbey. The wit of the Dowager, the barbed sisterly comments, the shocking scene with Lord Grantham’s ulcer… it all happened in here around the table.
Of course the fictional Downton family are seated under our portraits, Highclere’s portraits, real people whose own ups and downs were very real and often very demanding. The most recognisable portrait is, of course, that of King Charles I painted by Antony van Dyck in about 1633. Within ten years of that date, Charles I had embroiled England in a Civil War that would end with his execution. Apart from the countless deaths in battle, perhaps 127,000 civilians lost their lives as well.
The reasons for most civil wars are very similar: who is in charge of the army, the exchequer or the courts. Leaders design autocracies whilst people design democracies which also require leaders. The English Civil War focused on Charles’ adherence to the concept of the divine right of kingship which averred that only the king knew what was best whilst in reality, even then, most of us want a say in values and strategy: some sort of electoral justice and fairness.
The portraits of Geordie’s ancestors flank that of Charles I and thus join him in looking down on us. They supported and fought for the King as Royalists and, in fact, there were a number of battles and skirmishes that that took place around Highclere. Perhaps the turning point of the Civil War was the first Battle of Newbury in September 1643 which was won by the Parliamentarians or perhaps more accurately, lost by Charles I. The 1st Earl of Carnarvon’s portrait is to one side of that of the King and he died in that battle.
In spring 1646, King Charles I was surrounded in Oxford and, as his forces surrendered, he tried to flee. In brief, at times he tried to negotiate some sort of future compromise but the Parliamentarians and their army demanded he was put on trial. He was judged and then executed in January 1649.
This family’s main endeavour thereafter was survival and the huge portrait of the King was hurriedly removed, rolled up and left to prop up a barn door, fading into obscurity as part of the “furniture” hidden in plain sight.
Following the success of the Parliamentarians and rise of Oliver Cromwell there was peace of some sort but a very barbed one with spies everywhere and family and ‘friends’ settling scores and complaining about each other to the authorities. Cessation of battle does not always lead to light and a new world and during these years many families left England to find a new world in the Americas.
acing fearful wars and sieges today, the impending feelings of doom are the same as 380 years ago. Immediate actions often lack perspective so we can only hope for turning points and pray for the end.
Not every education system promotes history and I can’t help thinking that is a huge error: history is about inquiry, discovery, knowledge and the long view. It helps us understand the options before us today. Our ancestors throughout the world can still speak to us from beyond the grave.
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** blog, war, history, Lady C, Dining Room, Highclere, Civil War, Charles I, King Charles, Historical, Discovery, Knowledge
---
### [New Thought Leaders Who Educate and Energize Audiences](https://wwsg.com/announcements/new-thought-leaders-who-educate-and-energize-audiences/)
**Published:** October 18, 2023
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
### Check out who’s new to our site and get inspired for your next event.
The thought leaders below are all quickly becoming highly sought-after keynote speakers. They each have a proven track record of delivering engaging and informative presentations that inspire and challenge audiences.
Not only are they all experts in their respective fields, their passion shines through in their presentations, and they are able to connect with audiences on a personal level. Sharing their own personal stories and experiences resonates with audiences and leave a memorable impression.
We are confident that the thought leaders on this list will deliver keynote presentations that will leave your audience inspired and informed.
[Contact us](https://wwsg.com/contact-us) to learn more about hosting any of these exceptional speakers.
[ Browse All Speakers](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics)
#### WWSG Exclusive: [Larry Hogan](https://wwsg.com/speakers/larry-hogan)
*62nd Governor of the State of Maryland*
Speech Topics: Civility: We Are More United Than Divided, Crisis Leadership and Communications, Cybersecurity, State of the Race: What It Means for Your Industry
#### WWSG Exclusive: [Moiya McTier](https://wwsg.com/speakers/moiya-mctier)
*Folklorist to the Stars, Astrophysicist to the Folks, Author*
Speech Topics: My Journey to the Stars, Thinking Like a Scientist, The Wonders of our Universe, How to Break Down Complex Ideas, Building Fictional Worlds with Facts
#### WWSG Exclusive: [Sara Fischer](https://wwsg.com/speakers/Sara-fischer)
*Senior Media Reporter and Founding Staff Member, Axios; Media Analyst, CNN*
Speech Topics: The State of Media Today, Politics and Geopolitics in the Media, Technology in the Media, Hollywood’s Streaming Revolution
#### WWSG Exclusive: [Ryan Dusick](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ryan-dusick)
*Founding Drummer of Maroon 5, Therapist, Speaker, Author of “Harder to Breathe: A Memoir of Making Maroon 5, Losing It All, & Finding Recovery”*
Speech Topics: From Barely Breathing to Fully Alive, A Purpose-Driven Life and Career, Seeing Challenges Rather Than Threats: The Mindset of Growth, Harder To Breathe: An Unflinching Examination of Fame, Anxiety, Mental Health and Recovery
#### [John Katko](https://wwsg.com/speakers/john-katko)
*4-Term Congressman, 20+ year Federal Organized Crime Prosecutor, ABC Contributor*
Speech Topics: Cybersecurity & Cyber-attacks, Bipartisanship in a Highly Partisan World, China’s Growing Global Influence & threat to U.S. Homeland, Criminal & Legal Proceedings, Law Enforcement, Economic Security & U.S. Supply Chain Resiliency
#### [Jay Clayton](https://wwsg.com/speakers/jay-clayton)
*Former Chair, U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission; Attorney*
Speech Topics: State of our Financial Markets and Current Regulatory Developments, The Importance of Competence in Government
#### [Shawn Meaike](https://wwsg.com/speakers/shawn-meaike)
*Industry Disruptor and CEO of Family First Life*
Speech Topics: Unlocking the Power of Leadership: Inspiring Teams to Achieve Greatness, Building a High-Performing Sales Organization: Strategies for Success, The Power of Culture: Creating an Environment for Success
[ Contact Us for Help Selecting a Speaker](https://wwsg.com/contact-us)
**Categories:** Announcements
**Tags:** jay clayton, governor, cyber, disruptive, insurance, SEC, new york, congress, atrophysicist, new addition, John Katko, larry hogan, Sara Fischer, Thought Leaders, moiya mctier, shawn meaike, motivational, inspirational, axios, journalist, Science, new, website, Government
---
### [Guest Blog Post by Tom Jones | Saving Intelsat VI: Creative Problem-Solving on Endeavour, STS-49](https://wwsg.com/blog/guest-blog-post-by-tom-jones-saving-intelsat-vi-creative-problem-solving-on-endeavour-sts-49/)
**Published:** October 13, 2023
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
*This is a gust blog post from WWSG thought leader, [Tom Jones](https://wwsg.com/speakers/tom-jones). To host Tom for a speaking opportunity, [contact us](https://wwsg.com/contact-us).*
One of my favorite tales of improvisation in spaceflight found in my book Space Shuttle Stories came from Endeavours inaugural flight STS 49a mission to rescue a new communications satellite trapped in low Earth orbitOn May 7, 1992, the STS-49 crew of seven launched on the first flight of space shuttle Endeavour, the craft built to replace the lost orbiter Challenger. The mission: rendezvous with the stranded Intelsat VI communications satellite, attach a new rocket motor, and re-launch the comsat into its useful orbit.
The mission was doubly ambitious. First, fly an untried orbiter on a critical rendezvous and rescue mission. Second, conduct a series of spacewalks to grapple the spinning satellite from orbit, lock it into a work platform, and re-equip Intelsat with its new motor.
Astronaut Pierre Thuot standing on the robot arms end effector work platform prepares to affix the capture bar to the base of the 45 ton INTELSAT VI satellite This would be his second attempt NASAEverything went as planned—until it didn’t. Spacewalker Pierre Thuot mounted his foot platform at the end of Endeavour’s robot arm, while Bruce Melnick maneuvered him within inches of the slowly spinning satellite. So far, so good. But as Pierre reached in to Intelsat’s base to attach a capture bar, its spring-loaded clamps failed to latch on; the attempt nudged the satellite away from Pierre in a slow wobble. Two separate EVA capture attempts were fruitless; instead of grappling the 4.8-ton satellite, the bar was shoving Intelsat away from Thuot before its clamps could find purchase. Twice, Intelsat spun away from Endeavour, leaving Pierre empty-handed and the rescue mission near failure.
Pilot Kevin Chilton told me, “We had to come up with a better plan.” He gazed out the back windows on the flight deck, and “As God as my witness, an Air Force class called ‘Problem Solving’ came into my mind. I couldn’t remember all the steps, but I remembered Step 1: Define the Problem.”
The crew talked over what they’d seen. They figured that as Pierre pushed the bar against Intelsat’s base, the satellite moved ever so slightly away, far enough to prevent the bar’s claws from grabbing the circular rim. Step 1 of Problem Solving.
To solve that problem, we had to keep the satellite from moving away while Pierre applied the capture bar. On to Step 2: Inventory Your Assets. Said Kevin, “We looked outside and asked ourselves, ‘What do we have in the cargo bay that don’t ordinarily have on the shuttle?’ We asked the same question about the inside…We had extra spacesuits. We went through all the different things we had at hand, including a tool inventory. It reminded me of the scene in the movie, *Apollo 13*, where they come in with a box of stuff and dump it on the table and \[flight director\] Gene Kranz says, ‘I suggest you gentlemen invent a way to put a square peg in a round hole. Rapidly.’”
Chilton and his crewmates moved on to the next step in problem solving: Brainstorm. Bruce, the arm operator, said, “Why don’t we put three people out?” “What an out-of-the-box thought!” Kevin told me. “The team dynamic was really magical.”
The crew stayed up all night and worked out a detailed plan, trying to imagine all the objections the ground might raise to quash it. Commander Dan Brandenstein let his crew’s creativity flow, letting the best ideas float to the center of the discussion. Next morning, they called Houston with the three-astronaut-EVA proposal—a spacewalk that had never been attempted. The space and ground teams agreed that a manual hand-capture of Intelsat would give them their best shot at success.
Emerging the next day from the cramped airlock designed for only two spacewalkers, Tom Akers joined teammates Rick Hieb and Pierre outside. The trio positioned Thuot on the robot arm, with Hieb and Akers on two work platforms at the center of the payload bay. With only enough fuel for one final rendezvous attempt, Brandenstein and Chilton brought Endeavour up below Intelsat, stabilizing within feet of the slowly spinning, wobbling comsat. Although the shuttle and satellite were both orbiting at 17,500 mph, Intelsat appeared to hover over the spacewalkers as Brandenstein brought the satellite within arm’s length.
Rick Hieb left Tom Akers center and Pierre Thuot reach up and seize the base of Intelsat VI during their successful three person EVA the first in history NASA“Three, two, one, capture!” Six hands grasped Intelsat’s slowly rotating base, stopping its spin. \[I witnessed the grab from Mission Control in Houston.\] Hieb and Akers held on while Thuot finally got the capture bar in place, enabling the crew to maneuver the satellite onto its waiting booster. Within hours, the crew’s outside-the-box thinking resulted in a successful redeployment of the satellite, which soon arrived in its geosynchronous working orbit.
Chilton observed, “All the things that went wrong, the team overcame. The various problems that had to be solved by both the crew on orbit and on the ground—I don’t think there’s been another mission that ended successfully that compares.” STS-49’s improbable success is testament to the power of improvisation, free thinking, and leadership willing to let the team’s best ideas gel into a practical, executable plan.
The STS 49 crew after Endeavours first landing from left Rick Hieb Kevin Chilton Dan Brandenstein Tom Akers Pierre Thuot Kathy Thornton and Bruce Melnick NASAAdapted from *Space Shuttle Stories*, to be released on Oct. 31, 2023 by Smithsonian Books.
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/tom-jones)
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** defense, astronauts, Endeavour, space shuttle, Space Shuttle Stories, STS-49, astronaut, tom jones, space, nasa, blog post, space travel, history, future
---
### [Guest Post by Paul Nicklen | The North is Calling](https://wwsg.com/blog/guest-post-by-paul-nicklen-the-north-is-calling/)
**Published:** October 12, 2023
**Author:** Riley Sims
**Content:**
*This is a guest post by WWSG thought leader, [Paul Nicklen](https://wwsg.com/speakers/paul-nicklen). All images are copyrighted. To purchase Paul’s work, [visit his website](https://paulnicklen.com/fine-art/).*
#### “Look deep into nature and then you will understand everything better.”
**— Albert Einstein**
!["Path of the Grizzly" | Yukon, Canada, 2010 © Paul Nicklen Photography](https://wwsg.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/NorthCalling1.jpg ""Path of the Grizzly" | Yukon, Canada, 2010 © Paul Nicklen Photography - Worldwide Speakers Group")Path of the Grizzly | Yukon Canada 2010 © Paul Nicklen PhotographyNow that we are well into October, I am starting to feel a familiar sense of nostalgia for the far north. Marked by crisp mornings and falling leaves, autumn in North America has always had a peculiar hold on me. As poplars and aspens don their seasonal gold, the landscape becomes a flurry of color and activity. Weasels, hares, and other mammals race to stock up on the season’s bounty, brown coats slowly giving way to winter whites, while cold forest streams fill with the flashing scales of salmon. The season offers a closer look into the rhythms that dictate the cycles of life and death, but it also provides a chance to get close to one of my favourite subjects—the grizzly bear.
#### The Important Role of Top Predators
!["Cold Pursuit" | Yukon, Canada, 2010 © Paul Nicklen Photography](https://wwsg.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/North-Calling-2-1.jpg ""Cold Pursuit" | Yukon, Canada, 2010 © Paul Nicklen Photography - Worldwide Speakers Group")Cold Pursuit | Yukon Canada 2010 © Paul Nicklen PhotographyAs one of the world’s most iconic carnivores, grizzly bears have become emblematic of the north and beloved by the general populous. However, as more people encroach onto the dwindling reserves of our planet’s wilderness, human and bear interactions have only increased. The balance of our world’s most vulnerable and important ecosystems depends on the health and abundance of top predators like the grizzly. In order to preserve that balance and the future of our planet, the time has come to reframe our relationship with our wild cousins through a wiser and more cognizant lens. My job as a wildlife photographer is to present a deeper look into the world of animals and inspire a better understanding of their complex natures – which often means getting close for a more detailed perspective.
!["Queen of Katmai" | Katmai National Park Alaska, 2017 © Paul Nicklen Photography](https://wwsg.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/North-Calling-3.jpg ""Queen of Katmai" | Katmai National Park Alaska, 2017 © Paul Nicklen Photography - Worldwide Speakers Group")Queen of Katmai | Katmai National Park Alaska 2017 © Paul Nicklen Photography!["Bear Scents" Katmai National Park Alaska, 2017 © Paul Nicklen Photography](https://wwsg.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/North-Calling-4.jpg ""Bear Scents" Katmai National Park Alaska, 2017 © Paul Nicklen Photography - Worldwide Speakers Group")Bear Scents Katmai National Park Alaska 2017 © Paul Nicklen Photography#### When I First Met Morris
Once the salmon start their spawning migration and the countdown to winter begins, grizzly bears descend on the rivers and take their places at the shore. Each bear has their own strategy for catching the most fish; some perch on boulders, others lurk quietly along the banks, and some charge up the rivers in quick bursts of speed, right on the tail of their quarry. All of them share the same objective – to pack on as much fat as possible before the first flurries of snow drive them back to their dens. The window to feast is short, the stakes are high, and tempers run even higher as the normally solitary species are forced to crowd along the banks. In order to get close, it is crucial to be diligent and allow the bears to dictate the encounter. It is only when you meet nature on her terms that the most intimate wildlife moments can occur.
Such was the case when Cristina and I first met Morris on a shoot along the Yukon’s Fishing Branch River.
!["Frozen Feast" | Yukon, Canada, 2010 © Paul Nicklen Photography](https://wwsg.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/North-Calling-5.jpg ""Frozen Feast" | Yukon, Canada, 2010 © Paul Nicklen Photography - Worldwide Speakers Group")Frozen Feast | Yukon Canada 2010 © Paul Nicklen PhotographyTucked against the grassy banks, Cristina and I had been silently watching the progress of a large male on his quest for salmon. In a sudden twist of events, the bear charged up the river in pursuit of a panicked fish, only to send it flying straight onto our laps. All three of us – Cristina, me, and the bear – froze feet away from each other, the fish having lept triumphantly to safety. After a short window, our new friend slowly began to inch his way back into the river. From that point on, the bear, whom my dear friend and Bear Whisperer, Phil Timpany, named Morris, continued to come within feet of us for the remaining days of the shoot. My last evening by the river ended with Morris and me peacefully parting ways after a final farewell – Morris to the mountains and myself back to my home in British Columbia.
#### A Toast With Morris
During the shoot in 2012, as the grizzlies were feasting on salmon, Cristina Mittermeier and I were revelling from a recent experience – an experience that resulted in Cold Pursuit. We poured ourselves a small glass of scotch as the bears departed for the mountains. It seemed the river was deserted, and this assignment was coming to a close.
Then, a familiar figure appeared. It was Morris! We sipped our scotch by the water. He caught a salmon, sat beside us, and we all shared a moment that I will never forget – enjoying our respective pleasures before parting at nightfall. Content, peaceful and happy in nature.
!["Majesty Surfacing" |Yukon, Canada, 2012 © Paul Nicklen Photography](https://wwsg.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/North-Calling-6.jpg ""Majesty Surfacing" |Yukon, Canada, 2012 © Paul Nicklen Photography - Worldwide Speakers Group")Majesty Surfacing |Yukon Canada 2012 © Paul Nicklen PhotographyAs our planet changes and the once-reliable rituals of autumn start to unravel, I find myself thinking of Morris and his fellow bears. As long as we are clearcutting forests, overfishing salmon, polluting ancient waterways, and continuing to cast blame on animals we have driven from their own homes, their future remains uncertain. We cannot go on pretending we are somehow removed from the laws of nature, and we cannot afford to ignore the consequences that our actions impose on wildlife. It is long past time we take responsibility for our impact on the world and protect animals like Morris through a more compassionate understanding of their wild lives.
With hope and immense gratitude,
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** Paul Nicklen, Climate Change, Photography, Nature Photography, Photography Keynote Speakers, Wildlife, Animals, bear, arctic, ecosystems, balance, Grizzly Bear, Predators, North, Winter
---
### [WWSG's Fall Reading List: Book Recommendations by Top Thought Leaders](https://wwsg.com/blog/wwsgs-fall-reading-list-book-recommendations-by-top-thought-leaders/)
**Published:** October 5, 2023
**Author:** Riley Sims
**Content:**
Fall is a great time to curl up with a good book, and what better way to choose your next read than to follow the recommendations of WWSG thought leaders?
These experts are at the forefront of their fields, and their insights can provide us with valuable perspectives on the world around us. Whether you’re interested in business, technology, personal development, or something else entirely, there’s sure to be a book on this list that’s perfect for you.
While the individual achievements of these thought leaders may speak for themselves, understanding who or what inspires their work can lead to a deeper connection with the stories and messages they share with audiences. We hope you enjoy our fall reading list and leave a comment on the blog post with your favorite book, too.
[ Find a Speaker ](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/)
#### A Recommendation from Chris Bashinelli: [*The Book of Hope: A Survival Guide for Trying Times* ](https://www.amazon.com/Book-Hope-Survival-Trying-Global/dp/1250784093/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=)[by Jane Goodall](https://www.amazon.com/Book-Hope-Survival-Trying-Global/dp/1250784093/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=)
[](https://www.amazon.com/Book-Hope-Survival-Trying-Global/dp/1250784093/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=)
“Hi Friends! One book that is truly meaningful to me is *The Book of Hope: A Survival Guide for Trying Times* by my mentor, Dr. Jane Goodall. In this book Dr. Jane reminds us that no matter what challenge we are going through personally, professionally or as a community – We always have the freedom to *choose hope!* As Dr. Jane has told me many times, “What we do makes a difference and we get to choose what kind of difference we want to make.” – [Chris Bashinelli](https://wwsg.com/speakers/chris-bashinelli/)
A celebrated mindfulness and diversity & inclusion speaker, Bash has traveled the world for more than a decade sharing a message of connection and understanding everywhere from Fortune 500 Companies, to inside prison walls, to the United Nations General Assembly Hall. His world view was shaped on his childhood “stoop” where his friends shared a combined total of thirteen nationalities.The death of his father sent him on an international quest to better understand the human condition and the universal qualities that lead to a happy, meaningful life. Through one of kind stories of adventure and authentic moments of human connection, Bash truly *bridges the gap* between self and other, helping us recognize our shared humanity.
[ Invite Chris Bashinelli](https://wwsg.com/speakers/chris-bashinelli/) [ Invite Jane Goodall](https://wwsg.com/speakers/jane-goodall/)
#### A Recommendation from Josh Linkner: [*The Biggest Bluff: How I Learned to Pay Attention, Master Myself, and Win* by Maria Konnikova](https://www.amazon.com/Biggest-Bluff-Learned-Attention-Master/dp/052552262X/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1695935763&sr=1-1)
[](https://www.amazon.com/Biggest-Bluff-Learned-Attention-Master/dp/052552262X/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1695935763&sr=1-1)“I’m not a poker player, but this book is really about balancing risk, making smart decisions, discovering our blind spots, and finding a way to win at the highest levels. Maria Konnikova’s writing is exquisite, providing a read that’s both fun and impactful. So many business and pop-psychology books just repackage the same cliches, but The Biggest Bluff is fresh, compelling, and thought-provoking.” – [Josh Linkner](https://wwsg.com/speakers/josh-linkner/)
Josh Linkner is a New York Times bestselling author, serial entrepreneur, venture capital investor, professional jazz guitarist, and a globally-recognized innovation expert. His experiences in both business and music led him to become one of the world’s foremost experts on innovation. Josh is the co-founder and Chairman of Platypus Labs, a global research, training, and consulting firm. Today, he’s on a mission to help leaders Find A Way™ through creative problem-solving, inventive thinking, and ingenuity.
[ Invite Josh Linkner](https://wwsg.com/speakers/josh-linkner/) [ Invite Maria Konnikova](https://wwsg.com/speakers/maria-konnikova/)
#### A Recommendation from John Katko: [*Tip and the Gripper* by Chris Matthews](https://www.amazon.com/Tip-Gipper-When-Politics-Worked/dp/1451696000/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1695936029&sr=1-1)
[](https://www.amazon.com/b/?_encoding=UTF8&node=48223695011&ref_=spr_gok_ilm&pd_rd_w=eJkNC&content-id=amzn1.sym.3ad156d7-b3bf-4b6c-83f0-0e50fee4beab&pf_rd_p=3ad156d7-b3bf-4b6c-83f0-0e50fee4beab&pf_rd_r=41GMQPGWSEX5G4G73FFK&pd_rd_wg=JYlCF&pd_rd_r=c7e6a850-a2de-401a-ac5c-cd040001e668)“For the WWSG fall reading list I recommend a book title “Tip and the Gipper” by Chris Matthews. This book brings us back to a time in the 1980’s when American politics were much less divisive and respect for your political opponents was far more common even when you disagreed with them. The book focuses on how President Ronald Reagan, a conservative Republican, and Speaker of the House Tip O’Neill, a liberal Democrat, worked together to achieve such meaningful results as tax cuts, tax reform, social security reform and immigration reform. These achievements seem impossible by todays political climate and were based on compromise and pragmatism instead of hard core divisiveness that pervades today’s Washington.” – [John Katko](https://wwsg.com/speakers/john-katko/)
With nearly 20 years as a federal organized crime prosecutor and four terms as a leader on the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Homeland Security, John Katko is a well-established, trusted expert on homeland security, law enforcement, and national security issues. He has become one of the strongest Congressional voices on cyber security, border security, and counterterrorism issues.
[ Invite John Katko](https://wwsg.com/speakers/john-katko/)
#### A Recommendation from Olga Koroleva: [*The Science and Technology of Growing Young* by Sergey Young](https://www.amazon.com/Science-Technology-Growing-Young-Breakthroughs/dp/1950665879/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1695991994&sr=8-1)
[](https://www.amazon.com/Science-Technology-Growing-Young-Breakthroughs/dp/1950665879/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1695991994&sr=8-1)“Written by a longevity investor and a founder of Longevity Vision Fund, this bestselling book I think is a must-read for anyone looking to live a longer, happier, and healthier life. In addition to covering emerging life extension technologies, the author outlines practical tips on how we can optimise our daily lives for health and longevity. This knowledge helps me stay physically and mentally strong, so that I can perform my best on the mountain and during training.” – [Olga Koroleva](https://wwsg.com/speakers/olga-koroleva/)
As a technology pioneer in capital markets, entrepreneur, and world-class mountaineer, Olga Koroleva’s capabilities and triumphs are limitless, both in the boardroom and on the mountain. She is the founder and CEO of Capital Brain, a company that creates AI-run investment strategies to invest in real estate and public securities. An adventurer by nature, she has also completed over 40 expeditions, summiting the highest, the deadliest, and the hardest mountains on the planet (Mount Everest, Annapurna I, and K2).
[ Invite Olga Koroleva](https://wwsg.com/speakers/olga-koroleva/)
#### A Recommendation from General John Kelly: [*An Ordinary Man* by Richard Norton Smith](https://www.amazon.com/Ordinary-Man-Surprising-Historic-Presidency-ebook/dp/B0B6JS4CB1/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1695992183&sr=8-1)
[](https://www.amazon.com/Ordinary-Man-Surprising-Historic-Presidency-ebook/dp/B0B6JS4CB1/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1695992183&sr=8-1)
“Richard Norton Smith’s superb 2023 biography of President Gerald Ford, An Ordinary Man, is a profoundly important read for every American especially in the current political environment. It will remind every American of how our government is supposed to work as designed by the Founders—and not so long ago did work—and also what should be the character traits as well as the moral and ethical attributes those we elect to any public office should possess.” – [General John Kelly](https://wwsg.com/speakers/john-kelly/)
Retired Gen. John Kelly is a 45-year Marine veteran who headed the U.S. Southern Command, where he focused on U.S. border security, organized crime, terrorist organizations and drug traffickers in his Latin American region for more than three years. Kelly retired as a four-star general in 2016. He then served as the 5th United States Secretary of Homeland Security in the Trump Administration, where he earned a reputation for being an aggressive enforcer of ethics, established Homeland Security policy, and most importantly, the law. After six months, he was selected to serve as White House Chief of Staff.
[ Invite General Kelly](https://wwsg.com/speakers/john-kelly/)
#### A Recommendation from Ben Nemtin: [*The Creative Act* by Rick Rubin](https://www.amazon.com/Creative-Act-Way-Being/dp/0593652886/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1695992470&sr=8-1)
[](https://www.amazon.com/Creative-Act-Way-Being/dp/0593652886/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1695992470&sr=8-1)
“The Creative Act” serves as an enlightening mirror, prompting a deep introspective journey to unlock the innate creativity residing in each of us. Rick Rubin beautifully conveys that artistry isn’t just for the traditionally labeled “artist”; everyone, from musicians to masons, has a creative spark that, when recognized, transforms the way we perceive and appreciate every endeavor. Embracing this broader definition of creativity has not only enriched my perspective but also infused my life with greater presence, resilience, and peace. While this book is not about music, it’s really cool that the author is one of the most influential music producers in the world, turning out decades of hits from Johnny Cash to Jay-Z.” – [Ben Nemtin](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ben-nemtin/)
From playing basketball with President Obama to having a beer with Prince Harry, from reuniting a father and son after seventeen years to surprising a young girl with a much-needed bionic arm—Ben’s bucket list quest has inspired millions to thrive. What started as a two-week road trip between four friends, turned into an MTV series, a #1 New York Times Bestseller, and a passion to help others to achieve their dreams by proving that anyone is capable of the impossible.
[ Invite Ben Nemtin](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ben-nemtin/)
To host any of these thought leaders for speaking engagements, [contact WWSG. ](https://wwsg.com/contact-us/)
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** nyt, Top Thought Leaders, Top Selling, Maria Konnikova, Literature, WWSG Top Speakers, Fall Reading, Book Reccomendations, John Katko, Chris Bashinelli, ben nemtin, new york times, olga koroleva, General John F. Kelly, reading list, Jane Goodall, josh linkner, books, Bestseller, Authors
---
### [Guest Post by Paul Nicklen | Emerging from a Snowy Den, Polar Bear Cubs Follow in Mama Bear's Footsteps](https://wwsg.com/blog/polar-bear-cubs-follow-in-mamas-footsteps-by-paul-nicklen/)
**Published:** August 4, 2023
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
#### *This is a guest blog post by WWSG exclusive thought leader, [Paul Nicklen](https://wwsg.com/speakers/paul-nicklen). All images are copyrighted. To purchase Paul’s work, [visit his website](https://paulnicklen.com/fine-art/).*
> ### “Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.”
> – Martin Luther King, Jr.
Over the last few decades, I have seen well over 3,000 polar bears in the wild and have walked in their footsteps for most of my life. For years, I worked as a biologist studying their populations across Canada’s Manitoba and Nunavut territories, watching their lives unfold through each snowy winter on the sea ice and each mild Arctic summer. But the one thing I had never managed to see was a mother bear emerging from her den with her cubs in tow.
Polar bear cubs are born blind and hairless deep beneath the snow in the heart of winter. Weighing no more than a pound at birth, they are completely dependent on mom for warmth, food, and protection. Over the course of a few months, they quickly start to gain weight on some of the richest milk in the world and develop a thick coat of fur. Their mother nurses them and keeps a close watch on her new family, even as she fasts and conserves energy. She will not eat until it is time to leave the den and make the long trek to hunt seals, usually when her cubs are about 20 or 30 pounds. Her body will convert these calories into some of the richest milk in the world to nourish her cubs. When the moment is right, and her cubs are strong enough, she will tip her nose to the east and track the sea ice over miles of snow-covered forests. Only when she and her precious offspring have safely arrived will she gorge on seal meat and finally regain her strength. By this time, it’s been eight months since her last meal. It’s time to search for seals to replenish her lost weight and fat reserves.
During a brief respite last winter, I finally seized my chance to head back to Manitoba and witness for myself the moment a mama bear steps out of her snowy den. After staking out a couple of den sites and patiently freezing in the snow for hours on end, the tiniest flicker of movement caught my eye. Mama emerged first, her great head swiveling to follow her nose as she tested the air. Once she deemed it was safe to leave the security of her little hollow, she climbed into the open, looking exhausted but healthy. Within seconds, she was joined by a pair of toddling cubs no more than a few months old.
A Mothers Universe | Manitoba Canada 2023Faced with the blinding, snow-reflected light of a bright new world, the cubs clung closely to their mother. Over time, however, they gained the courage to begin playing and exploring their surroundings, emboldened by mom’s powerful and patient presence. Watching the pair tumble in the snow was an instant dose of joy, but it was their mother’s calm and gentle presence that captivated me. She had a wise, quiet power to her, as if this may not have been her first journey through motherhood. With the long trek ahead to find food and an even longer path to successfully raising her cubs into adolescence, she will need every ounce of strength she has—especially as our world grows ever warmer.
As the final days of the hottest month on record draw to a close, my thoughts keep returning to the little polar bear family I met on that crisp February afternoon. It will not be long before the autumn season returns, hopefully bringing relief to the parts of the world gripped in deadly heatwaves and the return of the ice over Hudson Bay. The longer polar bears have to wait for the ice to form, the more precarious their survival becomes, especially for mothers and their young**.
Wherever in the world she is, I sincerely hope mama bear is thriving and teaching her cubs to be wise bears like her. In the meantime, I hope you will join me in working to ensure mothers around the world, both animal and human alike, may continue to raise the next generation on a healthy planet.
With hope and gratitude,
Paul Nicklen
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** Paul Nicklen, Climate Change, Photography, photographer, conservation, Wildlife, canada, Animals, polar bear, Snow, global warming, polar bear cubs
---
### [Guest Post by Paul Nicklen | Sperm Whales: Matriarchs of the Deep](https://wwsg.com/blog/guest-post-by-paul-nicklen-sperm-whales-matriarchs-of-the-deep/)
**Published:** August 31, 2023
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
#### *This is a guest blog post by WWSG exclusive thought leader, [Paul Nicklen](https://wwsg.com/speakers/paul-nicklen). All images are copyrighted. To purchase Paul’s work, [visit his website](https://paulnicklen.com/fine-art/).*
> #### *Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.”* –Albert Einstein
Next of Kin | Dominica 2019##### *Sperm whale calves like Ariel spend their earliest stages of life playing with their pod members, napping, and growing strong on mom’s milk and unconditional love.*
If you have been following my work, you may already be familiar with the story of Ariel, the baby sperm whale. Ariel and I met a few years ago in the crystal clear waters of Dominica, and the two of us bonded after she decided I would make the perfect chew toy.
Like most baby whales, Ariel was a mischievous youngster full of energy and curiosity for the world around her. She appeared deceptively well-behaved when I first slipped beneath the surface, clinging to her mother, named “Soursop” by local researchers, who was resting vertically in the water column. However, It did not take long for the calf to grow bored and after it became clear her mother was not interested in playing, she started to look elsewhere for entertainment. That was when her bright little eyes fell on Cristina and me floating quietly nearby.
Before we knew it, we had a 15-ft baby whale barreling towards us. Cristina very wisely ducked out of the way while I braced for impact, preparing to be steamrolled. Instead, I found myself gently caught between Ariel’s gums before she playfully mouthed my camera dome. She then chased me around the surface while her mom continued to doze, taking full advantage of the free babysitting. The entire experience left me doubled over laughing and completely in love with these charismatic giants.
Feast From The Deep | Dominica 2019##### *“Soursop,” a massive female matriarch and the mother of young Ariel, rests near the surface with a pair of tentacles wrapping around her head, the remnants of her latest meal. Sperm whales are expert divers capable of reaching over a mile deep in search of squid while using echolocation to sound out their way through the pitch-black depths.*
Sperm whales are the largest toothed whales and the second-deepest divers of all cetaceans. You can find them predominantly in temperate and tropical regions across the entire ocean, following ancient waterways on their vast and mysterious migrations. They spend the majority of their lives hunting well over 3,000 ft deep in search of squid, their preferred prey and navigate the pitch black using echolocation to create a kind of map of their environment. They learn all of this at a young age from the patient teachings of their mothers and pod members, led under the guidance of the family matriarch**.**
Ariel II | Dominica 2019##### *We are, at the end of the day, fellow animals on this vast and strange planet. We are lucky to be here and share our world with our wild kin. The sooner we recognize our place within a living, ever-changing network, the sooner we can begin healing the damage we have done to our world.*
Wherever whales, the largest living beings ever to have existed on Earth, are found, so are populations of some of the smallest living organisms, phytoplankton. Scientists have discovered that whales increase phytoplankton production wherever they go, in a never-ending cycle of life, through their waste. Whale waste contains minerals, gases, and nutrients that phytoplankton needs to grow. More phytoplankton means more carbon capture, and that’s key to combating climate change. If whales return to their pre-whaling number of 4 to 5 million — the worldwide population has crashed to little more than 1.3 million today — we would all be better for it.
While adult male sperm whales tend to lead solo lives, females like Soursop and Ariel form pods to protect and raise young calves. For thousands of years, these matrilineal groups have traversed the deep oceans in the wake of the eldest and wisest female. Each matriarch carries the heavy responsibility of leading her pod to find food and mate during the breeding seasons. Throughout her over 70-year lifespan, she must successfully navigate along secret underwater routes while protecting her family against a constantly growing list of threats. Discarded fishing nets, boat strikes, plastic pollution, and the destructive effects of industrial fishing and deep-sea mining pose an ever-rising risk to whales and other marine wildlife.
Cheek to Cheek | Dominica 2019##### *A playful pair of sperm whales tangle in an underwater tango beneath the surface of Dominica’s Caribbean Sea. Unlike their mostly solitary male counterparts, female sperm whales form close-knit pods made up of mothers, aunts, and their young.*
After spending time with Ariel and her incredibly patient and gentle mother, I have come to the realization that humans could stand to learn a thing or two from our ocean’s matriarchs. We, too, must navigate a rapidly warming and chaotic planet, contending with the consequences wrought by our own species. Perhaps if we learned to heed the voices of the wise women of the world, we would find ourselves on the path to a more empathetic and healthy future–one in which whales like Soursop and Ariel can safely raise their calves in a thriving ocean.
With immense gratitude and hope,
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** Whales, ecosystems, sperm whales, global warming, dominica, ecosystem, Art, Animals, Oceanography, Ocean, Wildlife, artist, conservation, photographer, Photography, Environment, Climate Change, Paul Nicklen
---
### [Guest Post by Paul Nicklen | Nature Has No Villains or Victims, Only Balance](https://wwsg.com/blog/guest-post-by-paul-nicklen-nature-has-no-villains-or-victims-only-balance/)
**Published:** October 4, 2023
**Author:** Riley Sims
**Content:**
*This is a guest post by WWSG thought leader, [Paul Nicklen](https://wwsg.com/speakers/paul-nicklen). All images are copyrighted. To purchase Paul’s work, [visit his website](https://paulnicklen.com/fine-art/).*
#### “Courage is not the absence of fear but rather the assessment that something else is more important than fear.”
**— Franklin D. Roosevelt**
!["Leopoard's Gaze" | Antarctica, 2017 | Copyright Paul Nicklen](https://wwsg.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/No-Villains-1.jpg ""Leopoard's Gaze" | Antarctica, 2017 | Copyright Paul Nicklen - Worldwide Speakers Group")Leopoards Gaze | Antarctica 2017 | I like the challenge of exposing the softer side of animals with undeserved reputations as vicious predators If I can help reveal their multifaceted natures and unique stories they suddenly become fellow living beings we can empathize with and understandOut of all the wildlife I have had the privilege of photographing – grizzlies, polar bears, sperm whales – there is only one animal that has ever caused me to reconsider getting into the water. The year was 2006, and the animal in question was plucking penguins with lightning speed from the Antarctic depths before devouring them feet away from where our team bobbed in a little inflatable dinghy. After we watched the scene for a short while in silence, bits of penguin flying in different directions, my good friend Göran finally turned to me and said, “Time to get in the water, yeah?” That was how I met my first leopard seal.
For those of you who are not familiar with the species, it is important to understand leopard seals are not quite your average seal. For starters, they are the only species of seal that regularly hunts penguins, including the 4-ft emperor penguin, and females can reach over 13 ft in length. While leopard seals may not weigh as much as their giant cousins, such as elephant seals, I can personally attest to exactly how heavy these animals are after an incident about twelve years ago that left me bruised on the ice.
One of my many National Geographic assignments brought me to the remote Ross Sea, where my buddy Göran and I started noticing a leopard seal near our camp. Feeling like we had struck gold, we began filming emperor penguins and, we hoped afterwards, our new spotted friend. Early in the shoot, I wandered to the ice edge with Göran on one side of me and our team’s doctor on the other. We peered into the water, in hopes of a glimpse of the seal when the surface suddenly exploded in front of our faces.
A sleek dark body soared at eye level straight for my head. I barely had enough time to throw my arm up and protect my face before being flattened by an equally startled leopard seal. The two of us slid, almost comically, across the ice before drifting to a stop in a pool of seawater. With the wind knocked out of me, and started shaking the stars from my head and climbed back to my feet as my confused assailant headed back to the water – the seal retreating to the sea and myself retreating to a bottle of ‘emergency’ Scotch at camp. It was one of the few encounters that left me questioning whether I should quit the assignment or not.
!["Ice Patrol" | Antarctica, 2017 | Paul Nicklen Copyright](https://wwsg.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/No-Villains-3.jpg ""Ice Patrol" | Antarctica, 2017 | Paul Nicklen Copyright - Worldwide Speakers Group")Ice Patrol | Antarctica 2017 | As a photographer my goal is to submit to the possibility that there are no villains or victims just beings not altogether unlike ourselves doing what they must to surviveOver the decades, I have learned that the greatest things in life rarely come easy. If I am feeling a little afraid or vulnerable, it is usually an indication that I am exactly where I need to be. At least, that is what I told myself as I slipped into the water nearly 17 years ago to meet the 12-ft female leopard seal thrashing penguins in front of our boat. For those of you who are familiar with my work, you know how this story ends. Within seconds of hitting the water, the seal came surging towards me with her mouth wide open. I braced, holding my camera up for protection, only the impact never came. Instead, the leopard seal did something so extraordinary it forever changed my perspective of this misunderstood species – she attempted to feed me a live penguin. Then, for four days straight, she went from offering live penguins to weakened penguins to finally trying to get me to accept a dead one. I felt terrible for the penguins, but none went to waste as she ate them all.
 
Since extricating ourselves from the natural world, human beings have become spectators in the lives of the wild beings around us. And, as spectators do, we find ourselves taking sides and casting animals in traditional story roles – villain and hero, hunter and the hunted. – Leopard seals are not the mindless or malicious killers some people have made them out to be. They are our fellow beings just trying to survive, capable of immense generosity and even empathy.
!["Ice Leopard" | Antarctica, 2017 | Copyright Paul Nicklen](https://wwsg.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/No-Villains-6.jpg ""Ice Leopard" | Antarctica, 2017 | Copyright Paul Nicklen - Worldwide Speakers Group")Ice Leopard | Antarctica 2017 | I chose to frame the sleepy face of this massive leopard seal between the icy waters below and the soft pale sky above encompassing the dichotomy of her role as a calculating and skilled predator with the gentler side of her natureThank you to everyone who has supported this journey. And a special thank you to those of you who have taken the time to write and reply to these stories. You have no idea how much your notes of thanks or comments keep me going.
With gratitude**,**
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** Paul Nicklen, Climate Change, Photography, Nature Photography, Photography Keynote Speakers, Wildlife, Penguins, Animals, sea life, ocean life, ocean conservation, ecosystems, ocean photography, leopard seal, balance
---
### [For Immediate Release: Larry Hogan Joins Worldwide Speakers Group](https://wwsg.com/announcements/larry-hogan-joins-worldwide-speakers-group/)
**Published:** September 28, 2023
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
[Worldwide Speakers Group](https://wwsg.com/) (WWSG) is proud to announce that former Governor of Maryland, [Larry Hogan](https://wwsg.com/speakers/larry-hogan) has joined their roster of global thought leaders. WWSG will facilitate the former Governor’s global speaking engagements exclusively.
“Worldwide Speakers Group is a leader in its industry, and I am honored to join the roster of distinguished thought leaders that WWSG currently represents. I look forward to continuing working with Bob Thomas, Dan Sims, and the entire WWSG team,” said former Governor Hogan.
Larry Hogan isn’t a career politician. A best-selling author, lifelong small business owner, cancer survivor, and the most popular Governor in the history of Maryland, Governor Hogan’s unique insights into crisis management and leadership have been recognized internationally.
Hogan’s array of relevant speech topics include: Unity, Civility, Crisis Leadership and Communications, Workforce Development, Cybersecurity Infrastructure, Economic Turnaround, and remarks on the upcoming election as it may pertain to specific industries.
The former Governor joins several other high-profile thought leaders to sign with WWSG, including [The Honourable Stephen Harper](https://wwsg.com/speakers/stephen-harper) (22nd Prime Minister of Canada), [Robert Zoellick](https://wwsg.com/speakers/robert-zoellick) (Former World Bank President), [Sheila Bair](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sheila-bair) (19th Chair of the U.S. Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation), [Gary Locke](https://wwsg.com/speakers/gary-locke) (21st Governor of Washington and Former Secretary of Commerce), [Niall Ferguson](https://wwsg.com/speakers/niall-ferguson) (Visionary Historian and Author), [Chris Miller](https://wwsg.com/speakers/chris-miller) (Award-Winning Author of Chip War and Macroeconomic and Geopolitical Advisor), [General John Kelly](https://wwsg.com/speakers/john-kelly) (Former Secretary of Homeland Security & Chief of Staff to the President), [Elaine Chao](https://wwsg.com/speakers/elaine-chao) (Former Secretary of Transportation and Secretary of Labor), and many more.
Worldwide Speakers Group operates on six continents representing an elite roster of global thought leaders, working with multinational financial services and healthcare organizations, trade associations, colleges and universities, and public lecture series to skillfully connect them with the world’s top speakers. For more information, visit [wwsg.com](https://wwsg.com/) or call (703) 373-WWSG (9974).
**Categories:** Announcements
**Tags:** Governor Hogan, exclusive, economic turnaround, infrastructure, workforce development, civlity, unity, crisis management, still standing, overcoming the odds, cancer survivor, larry hogan, bipartisan, Authenticity, Politics, Governor Larry Hogan, Republican Party, Maryland, Governor of Maryland, leadership, republican, author, book, economy, WWSG Exclusive, election, Government
---
### [The AI Effect: A Peek Into the Future of AI & Its Impact on Industry](https://wwsg.com/blog/the-ai-effect-a-peek-into-the-future-of-ai-its-impact-on-industry/)
**Published:** October 2, 2023
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
In the last decade, artificial intelligence (AI) has evolved from a concept of science fiction into a formidable force that is reshaping industries around the globe. With unprecedented advancements and applications, AI is ushering in a new era of innovation and growth. From healthcare to finance, manufacturing to entertainment, the AI effect is reverberating far and wide. Along with numerous rewards, however, many are concerned about potential AI risks. Let’s look into the future of AI, its problems and promises, and how it’s impacting industries.
### Industry Consensus on Artificial Intelligence
There is little doubt that AI will have a major impact on a variety of industries, both positive and negative. Some of the potential advantages of AI include:
- **Increased productivity and efficiency:** [AI can automate tasks](https://www.technologyreview.com/2021/08/06/1030802/ai-robots-take-over-warehouses/) that are currently performed by humans, freeing up time for workers to focus on more creative and strategic work.
- **Improved decision-making:** AI can analyze large amounts of data to identify patterns and trends that humans may miss. This can help businesses make better decisions about everything from product development to marketing campaigns.
- **Personalized experiences:** AI can help create personalized experiences for customers and employees, leading to increased satisfaction and loyalty.
AI, however, also poses some potential disadvantages, such as:
- **Job displacement:** As AI automates more tasks, it could lead to job losses in some industries.
- **Data privacy concerns:** AI systems collect and analyze large amounts of data, which raises concerns about ethics, privacy, and security.
- **Bias:** AI systems can be biased if they are trained on data that is not representative of the population. This can lead to unfair decisions or inaccuracies.
Our experts weigh in…
Regarding the rise of AI, [Cassie Kozyrkov](https://wwsg.com/speakers/cassie-kozyrkov), Chief Decision Scientist at Google and AI Strategist, said: “AI research and applied AI will be gathering even more momentum, but their voices might be drowned out by a new kid on the block: the AI-aware AI product user, or “**AI user**” for short.” (2023)
### AI in Healthcare
[The healthcare sector has embraced AI ](https://wwsg.com/blog/what-health-industry-leaders-are-saying-about-ai/)for its revolutionary applications that have propelled positive impact and progress. From [great accuracy in diagnosing diseases](https://hbr.org/sponsored/2020/09/ai-can-help-health-care-providers-make-diagnostic-and-therapeutic-decisions) to more personalized treatment plans, it is improving quality of life for many patients.
PathAI, a leading [AI-powered pathology platform](https://www.pathai.com/), has been successfully identifying cancerous cells in medical images, enhancing diagnostic accuracy and reducing human error. Another notable example is [Google Health](https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/health-tech/vive-2022-google-health-expands-ai-capabilities-care-studio-organize-patient-data) which, in collaboration with other partners, utilizes AI algorithms to predict patient outcomes and optimize medical treatments. These AI advancements are not only improving patient care but also streamlining operations, leading to reduced costs and improved efficiency.
In the future, [AI will transform healthcare](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6616181/) even more. Here are some ways that AI may be used:
- **Virtual assistants:** [AI-powered virtual assistants](https://www.avnet.com/wps/portal/apac/resources/article/how-ai-powered-virtual-assisants-can-transform-healthcare/) will support patients with things like scheduling appointments and medication reminders.
- **Robotic surgery:** [AI-powered robots](https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/robotic-surgery/about/pac-20394974) can perform surgery with more precision and less risk than human surgeons.
- **Wearable devices:** AI-powered wearable devices will be able to monitor patients’ health 24/7 and provide early warning of potential problems.
- **Genetic engineering:** AI will help develop new genetic engineering techniques that can be used to treat diseases.
- **Brain-computer interfaces:** AI will be used to develop brain-computer interfaces that can allow patients to control devices with their thoughts.
Our experts weigh in…
Former FDA Commissioner and WWSG exclusive speaker, [Scott Gottlieb](https://wwsg.com/speakers/scott-gottlieb/) recently appeared on CNBC and spoke to the recent advancements in machine learning and how they may be applied in the future including [AI/patient interactions](https://youtu.be/hdka-cNDEMI?si=hCHgMjPYDutkatBN). He noted that there are current challenges in accumulating large enough data sets to support full patient interactions that will pass regulatory barriers, but the promise and potential are there to “get more accurate readings” on a number of health issues and “to do it more cheaply.”
### AI in Finance
AI is reshaping the financial landscape by empowering institutions with data-driven insights and predictive analytics. JPMorgan Chase employs AI to analyze market trends and make more informed investment decisions while Bank of America’s Erica improves customer service by offering real-time responses and personalized recommendations.
In the [fight against financial fraud](https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2023/07/03/the-digital-sentry-how-ai-will-revolutionize-financial-fraud-investigation/?sh=3e3514567e24), AI algorithms can also detect irregular patterns and potential security breaches, saving billions of dollars annually.
In the future, AI is expected to have an even greater impact on finance. Here are some expected applications:
- **Robo-advisors:** [AI-powered investment platforms](https://www.forbes.com/advisor/investing/best-robo-advisors/) will provide personalized investment advice to individuals based on their risk tolerance and financial goals.
- **Regulatory compliance:** AI systems will be used to help financial institutions comply with regulations. They will be able to analyze large amounts of data to identify potential compliance issues.
- **Crowdfunding:** AI systems will [power crowdfunding platforms](https://ts2.space/en/the-role-of-ai-in-crowdfunding-boosting-campaign-success/#:~:text=AI%20technology%20has%20the%20potential,increase%20their%20chances%20of%20success.), vetting potential investment opportunities and matching investors with projects that are a good fit for their financial goals.
- **Sustainability:** AI will be used to help financial institutions [invest in sustainable businesses](https://www.morganstanley.com/ideas/ai-sustainable-investing-use-potential#:~:text=AI%20applications%20for%20sustainable%20investing,privacy%2C%20reliability%20and%20model%20bias.) by analyzing data about businesses’ environmental impact and social responsibility.
Our experts weigh in…
[Ian Bremmer](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ian-bremmer), a leading expert on global economic and political risk, had this to say about AI’s impact: “AI systems run hospitals, operate airlines, and battle each other in the courtroom. Productivity has spiked to unprecedented levels, and countless previously unimaginable businesses have scaled at blistering speed, generating immense advances in well-being.” (2023)
### AI in Manufacturing
AI-driven automation has redefined manufacturing processes, leading to increased productivity and reduced operational costs. Tesla’s Gigafactory utilizes AI-powered robots to streamline production lines, ensuring precision and consistency in the manufacturing process. In addition, AI algorithms are powering [predictive maintenance](https://fintech.global/2023/06/02/the-rise-of-ai-in-manufacturing-streamlining-processes-through-machine-learning/), helping prevent equipment failures and minimizing downtime, as seen in General Electric’s aircraft engines. This maximizes efficiency and prolongs the lifespan of expensive machinery.
In the future, the manufacturing industry will continue transforming thanks to AI applications. Here’s how:
**Smart Manufacturing and Process Optimization:** AI-powered systems are enabling smart manufacturing, where every step of the production process is optimized for efficiency and quality. For instance, [AI-enabled robotics](https://www.iiot-world.com/artificial-intelligence-ml/artificial-intelligence/ai-is-the-future-of-manufacturing-and-its-already-here/) will have enhanced capabilities through machine vision and what is known as Generative AI. “Robots equipped with Generative AI technology can identify and navigate obstacles, recognize human gestures, and even learn from their mistakes,” making them a great asset for manufacturing.
**Supply Chain Management and Demand Forecasting:** AI-driven algorithms can analyze vast amounts of data to provide accurate demand forecasts, enabling manufacturers to [optimize their supply chains](https://fintech.global/2023/06/02/the-rise-of-ai-in-manufacturing-streamlining-processes-through-machine-learning/) and reduce excess inventory.
**Quality Control and Defect Detection:** AI’s image recognition capabilities can help identify defects in real-time, thereby significantly improving product quality and even accelerating production.
**Collaborative Robots (Cobots):** AI-powered cobots are designed to work alongside human workers, enhancing efficiency and safety. [ABB’s YuMi ](https://roboticsandautomationnews.com/2020/06/16/abbs-yumi-collaborative-robot-celebrates-five-years/33150/)is a prime example, performing delicate assembly tasks in collaboration with human counterparts.
Energy Efficiency and Sustainability: AI-powered analytics can also identify opportunities to reduce energy consumption in industrial processes, minimizing the carbon footprint of manufacturing operations. [AI algorithms can analyze data](https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2023/09/05/emerging-agile-grids-a-confluence-of-blockchain-digital-assets-and-ai-in-energy-systems/?sh=2a020af8246f) to predict patterns of greater and lower demand patterns so that decision-makers can have more intelligent, actionable information and energy can be better optimized.
### AI in Entertainment
The entertainment industry has always been at the forefront of innovation, constantly pushing the boundaries of technology to captivate global audiences. AI is revolutionizing the entertainment industry again by creating more immersive and engaging experiences.
[Netflix employs AI algorithms](https://www.simplilearn.com/how-netflix-uses-ai-data-science-and-ml-article) to analyze user viewing patterns and offer tailored content recommendations. Additionally, AI-driven voice and facial recognition technology have enhanced gaming experiences, as demonstrated by the success of Ubisoft’s “Watch Dogs: Legion”, and they, as well as other gaming companies, are fully jumping on [the generative-AI bandwagon.](https://www.pcgamer.com/ubisoft-is-jumping-into-ai-with-developers-of-all-levels-experimenting-with-the-technology/) Ubisoft’s CEO says that “the growth of AI will make it easier for gamers ‘to actually be a part of of the creation of events and contents,’ in the games they play.”
From film production to music composition, AI is poised to revolutionize the creative process. Here are some examples:
**Film and TV Production:** Experts predict that AI algorithms will increasingly contribute to generating screenplay ideas, character development, and even dialogue writing. This could lead to more innovative and diverse narratives, as AI-driven tools identify emerging trends and audience preferences. Screenwriters, however, are concerned about the negative impact of AI on their jobs and how [generative AI might reduce the quality of work](https://fortune.com/2023/05/05/writers-strike-hollywood-ai-scripts/) rather than enhance it. However, AI tools will, no doubt, [become an asset](https://variety.com/vip/how-artificial-intelligence-will-augment-human-creatives-in-film-and-video-production-1235672659/) for editing, post-production, and even text-to-video applications.
**Visual Effects and Animation:** Deep learning algorithms can generate visually-appealing, lifelike characters and environments, reducing the time and resources required for [intricate animations](https://studiopigeon.com/blog/artificial-intelligence-animation-what-is-it-and-how-does-it-function/). Additionally, AI-powered tools can facilitate the creation of [stunning visual effects](https://www.videomaker.com/how-to/editing/visual-effects/how-ai-will-change-visual-effects-forever/#:~:text=In%20a%20nutshell&text=While%20AI%20is%20not%20yet,and%20quality%20of%20visual%20effects.), such as de-aging actors or generating realistic simulations of natural phenomena.
**Music Composition:** Platforms like Amper Music are enabling musicians and composers to [generate original compositions](https://www.thomann.de/blog/en/the-rise-of-ai-in-music-2/) using AI algorithms. AI’s ability to analyze vast musical databases allows it to blend genres, experiment with unconventional styles, and even mimic the compositions of famous musicians.
**Gaming and Interactive Experiences:** As AI algorithms become more sophisticated, they can [dynamically adapt game environments](https://en.cryptonomist.ch/2023/05/31/nvidia-future-video-games-through-ai/#:~:text=NVIDIA%20Avatar%20Cloud%20Engine%3A%20advances%20in%20AI,-During%20a%20packed&text=%E2%80%9CThis%20is%20the%20future%20of,in%20an%20atmospheric%20cyberpunk%20world.) and challenges based on player behavior and preferences. In addition, [AI-driven procedural content generation](https://www.gamedeveloper.com/production/ubisoft-s-aims-to-support-its-scriptwriters-with-ai-ghostwriter-tool#close-modal) can create vast and diverse in-game worlds, enabling developers to focus on refining gameplay mechanics.
Our experts weigh in…
[Marc Randolph](https://wwsg.com/speakers/marc-randolph), CEO of Netflix, said, “AI is a power-up, not a rival. It is something that we will use to boost our innate creativity & intuition. The secret sauce? Harmonizing our human insight with AI’s technological prowess. Together, they will fuel the truly transformative businesses of tomorrow.” (2023)
### AI in Agriculture
The agricultural sector is also benefiting from AI-driven precision farming techniques that help optimize crop yields and resource utilization. [AI-powered tractors](https://aibusiness.com/verticals/john-deere-self-driving-tractor-goes-to-work) use real-time data to improve planting and harvesting processes, resulting in increased crop productivity. Moreover, AI technology is being employed to analyze weather forecasts, soil data, and crop patterns, [enabling farmers to make data-driven decisions](https://news.crunchbase.com/ai-robotics/agtech-indoor-farming-openai-plenty/) and mitigate risks.
As the world faces unprecedented agricultural challenges like ensuring food security for a growing population and mitigating the impact of climate change, AI is revolutionizing the industry. Here are some ways AI is driving progress:
**Precision Farming and Quality Control:** By integrating [data from drones](https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2023/08/02/2716646/28124/en/Global-Artificial-Intelligence-in-Agriculture-Markets-2023-2028-Rising-Use-of-Drones-to-Increase-Farm-Productivity-and-Profitability-to-Provide-Opportunities.html), satellites, and sensors, AI algorithms can analyze soil conditions, weather patterns, and crop health to offer real-time insights. AI can also help detect damage to irrigation systems, monitor livestock health, and sort produce.
**Robotics and Automation:** Robotic systems guided by AI will automate labor-intensive tasks. Autonomous tractors, harvesters, and drones can carry out planting, harvesting, and monitoring activities with unparalleled precision, helping increase efficiency, reduce operational costs, and address labor shortages.
**Soil Health Management:** AI’s ability to analyze vast amounts of data can revolutionize soil health management. By integrating information on soil composition, moisture levels, and nutrient content, AI-powered systems can recommend optimal fertilization strategies, empowering sustainable land use and conservation.
**Climate Resilience:** By analyzing historical data, AI algorithms can identify resilient crop varieties and optimal cultivation practices. This proactive approach to [climate resilience](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9570104/) can help safeguard global food security in an era of environmental change.
Our experts weigh in…
About AI’s diverse applications, [Henry Paulson](https://wwsg.com/speakers/henry-paulson), WWSG exclusive speaker and former Secretary of the Treasury, said: “Powerful AI algorithms and machine learning techniques make everything faster and more efficient.” (2019)
### AI in Government
Artificial Intelligence is also playing a pivotal role in reshaping the landscape of government operations and public services. With the potential to enhance efficiency, transparency, and citizen engagement, AI is ushering in a new era of governance. Here are some ways AI is being applied now and will be utilized in the future:
**Enhanced Public Services:** AI will enable governments to deliver more efficient and personalized experiences to citizens. [Chatbots and virtual assistants,](https://statetechmagazine.com/article/2023/06/easily-scalable-chatbots-facilitate-fast-citizen-service) powered by AI, can provide round-the-clock assistance for citizen inquiries, reducing wait times and improving access to information.
**Data-Driven Decision-Making on the Battlefield:** On the battlefield, [AI-powered ](https://www.nationaldefensemagazine.org/articles/2023/7/25/defense-department-needs-a-data-centric-digital-security-organization)analytics is a singular asset. By leveraging AI algorithms to analyze vast amounts of data, leaders can gain insight into complex challenges and devise effective strategies. AI can be used to identify targets, improve battlefield logistics, and operate autonomous vehicles, among other applications.
Our experts weigh in…
As former Secretary of Defense [Mark Esper](https://wwsg.com/speakers/mark-esper/) says, AI is “such a game changer – from the back office to the front lines.” It’s why he made AI “the top modernization priority” when he served as Defense Secretary.
**Fraud Detection and Prevention:** AI can help detect fraudulent activities and protect the integrity of government programs. The [Internal Revenue Service](https://www.taxnotes.com/featured-news/irs-working-deploy-ai-algorithms-and-models/2023/07/19/7gzrt) (IRS) uses AI algorithms to identify tax evasion patterns, helping prevent revenue loss. Similarly, AI-powered systems can identify anomalies in social welfare distributions, reduce fraudulent claims, make enrollment decisions, and improve benefit delivery.
**Urban Planning and Smart Cities:** By analyzing data from various sources, including IoT sensors and social media, AI can provide insights into traffic management, waste disposal, and energy consumption. For instance, [AI-powered traffic management systems](https://www.motoretta.ca/future-of-transport-in-singapore/), such as those employed in Singapore, use real-time data to optimize traffic flow and reduce commute times.
**Healthcare Management:** [Artificial intelligence](https://blogs.cdc.gov/genomics/2022/03/01/artificial-intelligence-2/) can aid in disease surveillance, early outbreak detection, and resource allocation during public health crises. South Korea’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic included [AI-powered systems](https://aiforgood.itu.int/covid-19-how-korea-is-using-innovative-technology-and-ai-to-flatten-the-curve/#:~:text=A%20public%20chat%20robot%20using,need%20attention%2C%20explained%20Professor%20Chung.) that facilitated contact tracing and patient monitoring.
**Cybersecurity and Threat Detection:** As governments become increasingly digitized, the need for robust cybersecurity measures is paramount. AI-driven cybersecurity solutions can identify and mitigate potential threats in real time. [The European Union’s “Cyber Shield” project ](https://incyber.org/en/european-union-is-going-to-set-up-cyber-shield/#:~:text=Therefore%2C%20the%20European%20Commission%20will,rest%20by%20the%20Member%20States.)currently employs AI to detect and respond to cyberattacks on critical infrastructure.
**Policy Analysis and Simulation:** AI-driven simulations can help governments model the potential outcomes of various policy decisions before implementation. This foresight can [identify potential risks and benefits](https://www.bcg.com/publications/2021/how-artificial-intelligence-can-shape-policy-making), contributing to more effective governance.
Our experts weigh in…
WWSG exclusive speaker, [Ben Parr](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ben-parr), an award-winning tech guru, author, editor, and co-founder of Octane AI, wrote in a [recent article](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/the-absurdity-of-the-open-letter-calling-for-a-pause-on-ai-development/): “AI has the power to transform our world, both for the better and for the worse. But technology has always, on a long enough time scale, improved the human condition… we should guide AI’s development through collaboration, transparency, practical solutions, and most of all, hope.”
The revolutionary and transformative impact of AI across diverse industries is undeniable. From healthcare to finance, manufacturing to entertainment, AI is driving innovation, optimizing processes, and reshaping the way we interact with the world. As we embrace this technological revolution and its applications, it is imperative to harness AI’s power responsibly and ethically, ensuring a more secure and prosperous future for all.
To find and book an AI expert for a speaking engagement at your event, visit: .
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** cassie kozyrkov, globalization, industrialization, modernization, robots, Industry Consensus on Artificial Intelligence, AI in Healthcare, AI in Finance, AI in Manufacturing, AI in Entertainment, AI in Agriculture, AI in Government, marc randolph, Open Source, ChatGPT, future of artificial intelligence, Future of AI, ai effect, innovation, artificial intelligence, ai, ian bremmer, Ben Parr, Scott Gottlieb, Mark Esper
---
### [Relevant Health and Wellness Leaders of Today](https://wwsg.com/blog/relevant-health-and-wellness-leaders-of-today/)
**Published:** September 20, 2023
**Author:** Riley Sims
**Content:**
Some of today’s most important topics include technology’s place within the health industry, COVID’s resurgence, and new drug developments.
With longstanding relationships with health care leaders at the top of their fields, Worldwide Speakers Group can connect you with the most prominent and relevant health and wellness thought leaders of today. These health experts have a wide array of professional experiences leading organizations like the Food & Drug Administration and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, along with unique experiences like PEPFAR/AIDS researchers, City Health Commissioners, life balance experts, and more. [Call Us](https://wwsg.com/contact-us/) today to find the perfect health or wellness leader to address your audience.
To host a WWSG thought leader at your upcoming event, [contact us](https://wwsg.com/contact-us).
[ Find a Speaker](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/)
[](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/fall-2023-mask-mandates-for-students-amidst-covid-19-and-latest-variant-concerns/)
#### WWSG Exclusive: Deborah Birx
[**Dr. Deborah Birx**](https://wwsg.com/speakers/deborah-birx/) recently discussed [whether students should be required to wear masks to protect themselves and others](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/fall-2023-mask-mandates-for-students-amidst-covid-19-and-latest-variant-concerns/) and what the public should know about the newest COVID-19 variant, B.A.2.86 on Infection Control Today.
Dr. Birx is an American physician, diplomat, and leading medical expert known for gracefully navigating complex global health issues with a scientific and data-driven approach. Her unique experiences have included researching and managing programs aimed at finding successful therapeutics for HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and COVID-19.
[ Invite Dr. Birx](https://wwsg.com/deborah-birx)
#### WWSG Exclusive: Scott Gottlieb
[Dr. Scott Gottlieb](https://wwsg.com/speakers/scott-gottlieb/) has been lending his medical perspective on current health care events and issues for media outlets such as CNBC, MSNBC and more. He recently commented on [treating cognitive disorders with new weight-loss drugs.](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/ozempic-wegovy-trials-show-positive-results-for-dementia-alcohol-addiction/)
Dr. Gottlieb has been a trusted voice to the American public since he was FDA Commissioner, especially throughout the pandemic and its aftermath. His work focuses on providing insights into the economic and technological forces driving the transformation of healthcare.
[ Invite Dr. Gottlieb](https://wwsg.com/scott-gottlieb)
#### WWSG Exclusive: Sanjay Gupta
Chasing Life, the popular podcast from [Dr. Sanjay Gupta](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sanjay-gupta) launched a new season last week. In [an article for CNN](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/the-many-states-of-the-brain-whats-going-on-inside-your-head-and-how-to-optimize-it/), Dr. Gupta explained the inspiration for this season’s theme. He wrote, “I am going back to where all behaviors, moods and impulses start — the brain — to try to unravel the mysteries within.” The first episode, [*The Distracted Brain*](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/chasing-life-the-distracted-brain/) is out now.
Millions of loyal CNN viewers turn to Dr. Sanjay Gupta for major developments in medicine, personal health, and health care. Dr. Gupta is passionate about inspiring Americans to lead healthier, more active lives.
[ Invite Dr. Gupta](https://wwsg.com/sanjay-gupta)
#### WWSG Exclusive: Robert Redfield
[**Dr. Robert Redfield**](https://wwsg.com/speakers/robert-redfield), former Director for Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently appeared on Fox News [addressing social media censorship around the pandemic](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/vaccine-messaging-caused-greater-hesitancy-dr-robert-redfield/) and expressing his views on sharing the truth with the American public.
Dr. Redfield is a virologist and physician who has uniquely experienced three surprising and scientifically complex global epidemics during his career: Ebola, HIV/AIDS, and COVID-19. Dr. Redfield shares his perspective through the lens of someone who has played a significant role in finding, studying, and publishing various scientific discoveries and medical advancements.
[ Invite Dr. Redfield](https://wwsg.com/robert-redfield)
#### Geeta Nayyar
[**Dr. Geeta Nayyar**](https://wwsg.com/speakers/geeta-nayyar) recently sat down with Todd Unger of the American Medical Association to discuss [how health care leaders can use technology](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/geeta-nayyar-md-mba-on-misinformation-rebuilding-patient-trust-and-good-health-care-marketing/) like AI and social media platforms to reach new patients, rebuild trust in the community, stop the spread of medical misinformation, and combat the anti-science movement.
“Dr. G” is a leader and active contributor to the conversation around public health and wellbeing in the tech industry. Dr. Nayyar illuminates the intersection of clinical medicine, business, and digital health while inspiring audiences to do well and to live well.
[ Invite Dr. Nayyar](https://wwsg.com/geeta-nayyar)
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** geeta nayyar, MSNBC, CNBC, Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Vaccinne, COVID, Dr. Birx, Dr. Gupta, Dr. Robery Redfield, SanjayGupta, fox news, Chasing Life, CNN, covid-19, deborah birx, healthcare, Scott Gottlieb, Healthcare Speakers
---
### [Leadership & Workplace Experts](https://wwsg.com/blog/leadership-workplace-experts/)
**Published:** September 13, 2023
**Author:** Riley Sims
**Content:**
WWSG offers many influential thought leaders who can inspire and energize audiences of professionals and speak on topics like productivity, the future of work, and diversity and inclusion in the workplace. These speakers will prove to be both timely and highly beneficial to your company culture during periods of adjustment. Best of all? Whatever you decide, our thought leaders offer both virtual and in-person speaking options.
To learn more about hosting these or any of our outstanding speakers, [Contact Us](https://wwsg.com/contact-us).
[ Find a Speaker](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/leadership/)
[](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jeeAgCN4hhs&t=1966s)
While Executive Director of the NFL Players Association, DeMaurice Smith negotiated comprehensive collective bargaining agreements and is the longest serving Executive Director of a major sport union in history. He was also Chief Executive Officer of the NFLPA’s for profit company, Player’s Incorporated, where he guided annual revenues to over $200M and witnessed the largest growth in player’s marketing and licensing. Without a doubt, Smith knows how to organize and lead a workforce while keeping everyone’s head in the game.
Recent Interview: [The Exit Interview | Edge of Sports with Dave Zirin, Episode 1](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/demaurice-smith-the-exit-interview-edge-of-sports-with-dave-zirin-episode-1/)
[ Invite DeMaurice Smith](https://wwsg.com/speakers/demaurice-smith)
[](https://thehill.com/opinion/technology/4183084-the-skys-the-limit-its-time-to-modernize-air-traffic-control/)
Elaine Chao is a lauded, results-driven expert in leading complex organizations during turbulent, media-saturated times. Her experiences in the highest echelon of longest-serving Cabinet members ever include former U.S. Secretary of Transportation, U.S. Secretary of Labor, and President & CEO of the United Way of America. Her speech topics reflect her varied expertise (Driving Organizations & Expectations, Managing Crises, Embracing & Leveraging Change).
Recent Op-Ed: [The sky’s the limit: It’s time to modernize air traffic control](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/the-skys-the-limit-its-time-to-modernize-air-traffic-control/)
[ Invite Elaine Chao](https://wwsg.com/speakers/elaine-chao)
[](https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/heres-how-cdc-can-put-the-public-back-in-public-health/)
Dr. Dave A. Chokshi led New York City’s response to COVID-19 while serving as health commissioner from 2020-22. He was an organizational leader, a public spokesperson, a governmental official, and a doctor and scientist. Previously, he was also involved in responses to Superstorm Sandy and Hurricane Katrina. In his speeches, Dr. Chokshi distills out key leadership lessons in times of crisis, spanning management, communication, strategy, operations, and policy.
Recent Op-Ed: [Here’s How CDC Can Put the ‘Public’ Back in Public Health](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/heres-how-cdc-can-put-the-public-back-in-public-health-2/)
[ Invite Dave Chokshi](https://wwsg.com/speakers/dave-chokshi)
[](https://www.forbes.com/sites/lisabodell/2023/08/29/best-method-for-worst-case-scenario-planning/?sh=cd88d8861e2f)
Lisa Bodell is passionate about simplifying the path to meaningful work and innovation. As founder and CEO of FutureThink in NYC, she has helped people at Google, Novartis, and Accenture kill complexity and create space for innovation in the workplace. Bodell is also a contributing writer for Forbes and author of several books on simplifying life at work.
Recent Article: [Best Method For Worst-Case Scenario Planning](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/best-method-for-worst-case-scenario-planning/)
[ Invite Lisa Bodell](https://wwsg.com/speakers/lisa-bodell)
[](https://time.com/6265396/finding-our-common-cause-for-americas-250th-birthday/)
Solving problems, effectively empowering employees, and driving results are not easy tasks, but they are required of leaders. As CEO of the world’s first $100 billion information technology company, Carly Fiorina is all too familiar with the complex, difficult path of leadership – and the far-reaching strategic decisions that must be made with finesses and fortitude. She has grappled with many of these same tensions and faced these same challenges.
Recent Article: [Finding Our Common Cause for America’s 250th Birthday](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/finding-our-common-cause-for-americas-250th-birthday/)
[ Invite Carly Fiorina](https://wwsg.com/speakers/carly-fiorina)
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** organization, hybrid work, future of work, company growth, company cultuer, companies, corporate, lisa bodell, health commissioner, cabinet, exclusives, leaders, leadership, Elaine Chao, business, Workplace, experts, work, Dave Chokshi, NYC, NFLPA, DeMaurice Smith, Carly Fiorina
---
### [National Hispanic Heritage Month Speakers](https://wwsg.com/blog/national-hispanic-heritgae-month-speakers/)
**Published:** August 31, 2023
**Author:** Riley Sims
**Content:**
National Hispanic Heritage Month is annually celebrated in the United States from September 15th to October 15th to recognize the contributions and achievements of Americans of Hispanic descent. Worldwide Speakers Group is proud to represent a plethora of speakers who have utilized their heritage to influence, educate, and ultimately make an impact on American society. From athletes to artists and everything in between, these thought leaders inspire in various ways. Their ability to connect with audiences and leave a special, memorable impression through speaking is truly the cherry on top of their varied accomplishments.
There is still time to book your speaker for National Hispanic Heritage Month! As a distinguished global speakers bureau, our team is ready to help you navigate live or virtual engagements even on tight timelines. For more information, [contact us.](https://wwsg.com/contact-us)
[Cristina Mittermeier ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/cristina-mittermeier)
Conservation Photographer; Co-Founder, SeaLegacy; Founder, Former President, and Fellow of The International League of Conservation Photographers
[Michelle Poler ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/michelle-poler)
Fear Facer, Social Entrepreneur, Keynote Speaker, Branding Strategist, Author of *Hello, Fears: Crush Your Comfort Zone and Become Who You’re Meant to Be*
[J.R. Martinez](https://wwsg.com/speakers/j-r-martinez/)
Inspiring Iraq War Veteran, Bestselling Author, Season 13 Winner of Dancing with the Stars, Popular Actor, Motivational Speaker
[Alex Rodriguez ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/alex-rodriguez/)
Chairman and CEO, A-Rod Corp; Iconic Athlete; 3x MVP, World Series Champion; Emmy Award-Winning Sports Commentator
[Mariana Atencio](https://wwsg.com/speakers/mariana-atencio/)
Peabody Award-Winning Journalist; Speaker; Author & Co-Founder, GoLike
[Rosie Rios ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/rosie-rios/)
43rd Treasurer of the United States
[Aarón Sánchez](https://wwsg.com/speakers/aaron-sanchez)
Award-Winning Chef, TV Personality, Cookbook Author, Philanthropist
[David Culver](https://wwsg.com/speakers/david-culver)
International Correspondent, CNN; Reporter for “Rediscovering Cuba: A Journey Home”
[Bill Richardson](https://wwsg.com/speakers/bill-richardson)
Two-Term Governor of New Mexico; Former Secretary of Energy; U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations and Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
*To host any of these speakers for speaking engagements, please contact WWSG.*
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** Michelle Poler, Spain, Cuba, Mexixo, J.R. Martinez, Bill Richardson, David Culver, Aaron Sanchez, Rosie Rios, Mariana Atencio, ARod, Hispanic Heritage Month, National Hispanic Heritage Month, Hispanic, Latinx, Government, Cristina Mittermeier, Keynote Speakers
---
### [Reach New Heights: More Top Motivational Speakers](https://wwsg.com/blog/reach-new-heights-more-top-motivational-speakers/)
**Published:** August 23, 2023
**Author:** Riley Sims
**Content:**
Motivate your audience to achieve peak performance with our wide array of inspirational speakers! These passionate speakers bring positivity to audiences through amazing stories and impressive backgrounds, offering tools for happiness and meaningful success.
These thought leaders are available for live or virtual engagements, to audiences large and small. [Contact us](https://wwsg.com/contact) to learn more about hosting these exceptional speakers.
[ Browse Motivational Speakers](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/motivational)
### [](https://wwsg.com/speakers/kareem-abdul-jabbar)
### [Kareem Abdul Jabbar](https://wwsg.com/speakers/kareem-abdul-jabbar)
*NBA Legend & NY Times Best-Selling Author*
**Speech Topics:**
- From Locker Room to Conference Room: Building Successful Teams
- Battling Cancer with Positivity
- Writings on the Wall: Searching for a New Equality Beyond Black & White
- All-Star Leadership, Friendship & Mentorship: Creating Bonds for Success
### [Vernice “FlyGirl” Armour](https://wwsg.com/speakers/vernice-armour)[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/vernice-armour)
*America’s First Black Female Combat Pilot; Former Marine & Cop; Author, Zero To Breakthrough; and Consultant to Business*
**Speech Topics:**
- One Mission, One Goal, One Team
- Who Needs a Runway? Take off From Where You Are
- Get Gusty: Harness a Breakthrough Mindset
- A New Conversation: Actively Transforming A Company, Culture and Company
### [Carla Harris](https://wwsg.com/speakers/carla-harris)[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/carla-harris)
*30+ Year Wall Street Veteran, Managing Director at Morgan Stanley, Public Speaker, Author of “Lead to Win”*
**Speech Topics:**
- Carla’s Pearls: Tools for Maximizing Your Success
- Leadership: Currency, Change, & Creating A Powerful Presence
### [Bert Jacobs](https://wwsg.com/speakers/bert-jacobs)[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/bert-jacobs)
*Co-Founder and Chief Executive Optimist of Life is Good*
**Speech Topics:**
- Optimism Can Take You Anywhere
- Life is Not Easy, Life is Not Perfect, Life is Good
- What For-Profits can Learn from Nonprofits
### [Earvin “Magic” Johnson](https://wwsg.com/speakers/earvin-johnson)[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/earvin-johnson)
*NBA Hall of Fame Inductee; Olympic Gold Medalist; Chairman and CEO, Magic Johnson Enterprises*
**Speech Topics:**
- Nothing But Net: Basketball
- Urban Development, Business Leadership
- Living with HIV/AIDS
- Giving Back and Building Anew
- How to Be a Champion in Business
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/jay-shetty)
### [Cassandra Worthy](https://wwsg.com/speakers/cassandra-worthy)
*Founder and CEO, Change Enthusiasm® Global*
**Speech Topics:**
- Master the Chemistry of Change: Uncover Your Inner Change Enthusiasm®
- C.H.A.N.G.E. Traits ®: Exploring the critical skills for inspired leadership through change, Engineering a Resilient and Inclusive Culture: Practical Tools to Nurture High-Level Workforce and Customer Engagement
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** NBA, Business Leadership, Mindset, Pilot, Flygirl, Vernice Armour, Kareem Abdul Jabbar, Bert Jacobs, Carla Harris, Magic Johnson, Hall of Fame, Basketball, positivity, uplifting, encouraging, athletes, cassandra worthy, CEO, inspirational, Inspirational Speakers, motivational speakers
---
### [The Results Are In With Dr. Sanjay Gupta | Deep Brain Stimulation for Stroke Survivors](https://wwsg.com/blog/the-results-are-in-with-dr-sanjay-gupta-deep-brain-stimulation-for-stroke-survivors/)
**Published:** August 16, 2023
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
##### This is a guest post by WWSG exclusive thought leader, [Dr. Sanjay Gupta](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sanjay-gupta).
One day, when Stan Nichols was 66 years old, he began to feel lightheaded.
Fourteen hours later, a friend found him lying on the floor and took him to the hospital.
When he woke up, he couldn’t walk or move his left arm or hand. It turns out that Stan was one of the nearly 800,000 people in the United States who have a stroke every year.
“I thought that I was going to be disabled for life,” he told us.
In cases like Stan’s, physical therapy can help people regain some movement, but it’s not always enough.
Stan could walk some and move his shoulder and elbow, but was still struggling to close and open his left hand or lift his arm on that side.
“The expectation was poor,” said Dr. Andre Machado when he first saw Stan. “Despite the early improvements, he was stable; he wasn’t improving anymore. So the likelihood that he would improve on his own was small.”
Luckily for Stan, Machado had an idea: deep brain stimulation.
Deep brain stimulation involves implanting electrodes directly into areas of the brain that produce electrical impulses to regulated abnormal impulses.
It’s not a new technology. We’ve seen signs that it could help people with [depression](https://e.newsletters.cnn.com/click?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), [addiction](https://e.newsletters.cnn.com/click?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) and Parkinson’s, but Machado, a neurosurgeon at the Cleveland Clinic, was running the [first in-human trial](https://e.newsletters.cnn.com/click?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) for a deep brain stimulation device to help people recover from a stroke.
To be clear, this does actually involve brain surgery. In 2020, Stan underwent an eight-hour operation in which the tiny electrode — about as wide as a grain of sand — was inserted into the cerebellum part of his brain.
That’s the part of the brain that helps with balance and is involved with walking and hand movements.
A few months after the treatment, Stan said he could notice it working.
He started regaining movement in his left hand and arm, and has found it easier to do things around the house again. He says he can even walk more easily now.
“It’s helped me out with my cooking … and eating, things around the house, yard work and household chores,” Stan said.
The trial is still in early stages, but Stan’s case could offer some hope for other stroke survivors. He says what he has been able to accomplish is “the greatest feeling in the world.”
📹 ***[WATCH Stan’s story: ](https://e.newsletters.cnn.com/click?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)**[Deep brain stimulation helps stroke survivor regain independence](https://e.newsletters.cnn.com/click?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)*
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** Sanjay Gupta, CNN, Chasing Life, health, neurosurgeon, The Results Are In, Diet, Wellness, stroke, depression, addiction, new technology, brain
---
### [Reach New Heights: Top Motivational Speakers](https://wwsg.com/blog/reach-new-heights-top-motivational-speakers/)
**Published:** August 15, 2023
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
Reach new heights with our wide array of motivational speakers. These passionate individuals bring positivity to audiences through amazing stories and impressive backgrounds, offering tools for happiness and meaningful success.
These thought leaders are available for live or virtual engagements, to audiences large and small. [Contact us](https://wwsg.com/contact) to learn more about hosting these exceptional speakers.
[ Browse Motivational Speakers](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/motivational)
### [Misty Copeland](https://wwsg.com/speakers/misty-copeland)
*The First African American Female Principal Dancer with American Ballet Theatre*
Misty Copeland started from true rock bottom, and somehow found herself on the biggest stage there is as one of the best: American Ballet Theatre. Her story inspires an audience to stay determined and strive for success and social justice.
### [Scott Hamilton](https://wwsg.com/speakers/scott-hamilton)
*Olympic Champion Figure Skater and Cancer Survivor*
#### Speech Topics:
- Finish First: Committing to Excellence
- Undefeated: How to Keep Fighting When the World Says “Quit”
- Unquenchable: Welcoming Life’s Experiences Without Holding Back
### [Alex Honnold](https://wwsg.com/speakers/alex-honnold)
*Professional Rock Climber, Star of the Academy Award-Winning Documentary, “Free Solo”, Star of the Disney+ Earth Day special “Explorer: The Last Tepui”*
Alex Honnold is a professional rock climber whose audacious free-solo ascents of America’s biggest cliffs have made him one of the most recognized and followed climbers in the world. He speaks on the ability to control fear and how he maintains a self-effacing attitude towards extreme risk.
### [Nicole Malachowski](https://wwsg.com/speakers/nicole-malachowski)
First Woman Thunderbird Pilot; Combat Veteran; Fighter Squadron Commander; White House Fellow and Adviser; Indomitable Spirit
#### Speech Topics:
- Harnessing Headwinds of Change: Successfully Navigating Change & Adversity
- Pushing the Envelope: Being the Best When It Counts
- Breaking Barriers: Conquering Self-Doubt and Cultural Paradigms
- Conquering Fog and Friction: Leading Through Times of Crisis
### [Ben Nemtin](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ben-nemtin)
*\#1 NYT Best-Selling Author, #2 Motivational Speaker in the World, and Co-founder of the Buried Life Movement*
#### Speech Topics:
- 5 Steps to Make the Impossible Possible
- Leading with Purpose
- Rethinking Mental Health
- Resilience in the Face of Uncertainty
### [Jay Shetty](https://wwsg.com/speakers/jay-shetty)
*\#1 New York Times Best-Selling Author of Think Like a Monk; Host of the #1 Health & Wellness Podcast “On Purpose”; Co-founder of Sama Tea; Chief Purpose Officer at Calm; Life & Purpose Coach; Former Monk*
#### Speech Topics:
- Think Like a Monk: Train Your Mind for Peace and Purpose Every Day
- Why Connected Thinkers Will Rule the Future
- Resilience: The Art of Growing When You Want to Give Up
- The Millennial and Gen-Z Mind
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** ballet, bucket list, positivity, monk, jay shetty, nicole malachowski, uplifting, encouraging, athletes, olympics, figure skating, scott hamilton, ben nemtin, alex honnold, motivational, inspirational, Misty Copeland, Inspirational Speakers, sports, motivational speakers
---
### [Best ‘How To Be Resilient’ Keynote Speakers](https://wwsg.com/blog/best-how-to-be-resilient-keynote-speakers-wwsg/)
**Published:** July 25, 2023
**Author:** Riley Sims
**Content:**
Someone who is *resilient* is able to withstand and recover from unexpected challenges. Resiliency is beneficial to have in the workplace to engineer an inclusive culture, to manage stress and increase happiness, to overcome adversity within competitive organizations, and more. Beyond work, resiliency is a beneficial trait to have when faced with unforeseen changes or obstacles in everyday life. WWSG works with many speakers who specialize in how to be resilient in various aspects of life. These speakers enlighten audiences about how they can employ resiliency in their own lives, inspiring them to reach their full potential.
## How To Be Resilient At Work
One of the most common stressors for people is their job. Whether it’s a heavy workload, long hours, pace of work, or unreasonable management, feeling overwhelmed in the workplace is an extremely common experience. As a society we are evolving faster than ever in every aspect of life, and the workplace is no exception. It is extremely important that we are able to learn to build resilience in the workplace in order to reach a more balanced lifestyle. So how do we do this?
Compartmentalizing your task load is a good way to start. Being transparent about your workload with your employers is critical to being resilient. Saying “yes” to every opportunity or new project you are asked to do is not always productive. Being able to take a step back and ask yourself if it is *truly* realistic to take on a certain task is important. Overloading your schedule with tasks just because you don’t want to say “no” will only lead to a state of burnout, which can really impact not only your work performance but mental health and relationships.
WWSG represents an array of speakers who could provide your audience with an excellent talk on resiliency in the workplace. Here are a few:
### [**Erica Hill**](https://wwsg.com/speakers/erica-hill)
Being a veteran of a cutthroat industry and having held prestigious positions at multiple major media networks, Erica Hill is seasoned in the application of resilience. Erica offers audiences a behind-the-scenes take on what it’s like to be the face of the daily news while juggling family life and parenthood. Using her knowledge of the media industry to provide a unique perspective on how to be resilient at work, audience members leave the session informed and inspired.
[ View Erica Hill’s Speaker Page](https://wwsg.com/speakers/erica-hill)
### [**Taryn Marie Stejskal**](https://wwsg.com/speakers/taryn-marie-stejskal)
Dr. Taryn Marie Stejskal is the Founder and Chief Resilience Officer (CRO) of Resilience Leadership Institute (RLI) and she is recognized #1 international expert on how to be more resilient and how to nurture mental health and well-being in both leadership and life. Dr. Stejskal will impact your audience with a motivating push to harness resilience and advance the future of work.
[ View Taryn Marie Stejskal’s Speaker Page](https://wwsg.com/speakers/taryn-marie-stejskal)
### [**Alana Hill**](https://wwsg.com/speakers/alana-hill)
Alana Hill is an international change expert who inspires professionals to lead change in themselves. Hill provides an audience with an insightful message into how people and teams can excel in the face of adversity, and how to create an inclusive, resilient, and competitive organization.
[ View Alana Hill’s Speaker Page](https://wwsg.com/speakers/alana-hill)
### [**Jenny Evans**](https://wwsg.com/speakers/jenny-evans)
As the Founder and CEO of PowerHouse Performance and an esteemed exercise physiologist and expert on stress, how to be a resilient leader, and performance, Jenny Evans is a professional in the field of resilience. Jenny will take your audience through an array of topics that give you the confidence to take hold of your stressors and regain purpose.
[ View Jenny Evans’ Speaker Page](https://wwsg.com/speakers/jenny-evans)
## How To Be Resilient In The Face Of A Challenge
Harnessing resilience in the face of adversity is no small feat. We face challenges—small and large—every single day. Challenges could present themselves in many different forms: physical, emotional, introspective, social, and others. Maybe you are facing a challenge such as an illness, or your relationships are weakening, or your finances are struggling, or your mental health is on a decline, or you are simply having a hard time waking up at the sound of your alarm. Regardless of what the challenge is, building resilience is a key skill that will ensure you stay true to yourself and maintain confidence while enduring difficult times.
Building strong, positive relationships with those around you in order to ensure you have a network of support is an important aspect of resiliency. There is no shame in asking for help, and having an array of people you can rely on is vital.
Take full advantage of the work you put in to get through a challenge and learn from it. Ask yourself questions like, “How can I learn from this experience?” or “What could I have done better in this situation?”
WWSG represents an array of speakers who provide your audience with an excellent presentation on resiliency in the face of a challenge. Here are a few:
### [**Olga Koroleva**](https://wwsg.com/speakers/olga-koroleva)
As a technology pioneer in capital markets, entrepreneur, and world-class mountaineer, Olga Koroleva’s capabilities and triumphs are limitless, both in the boardroom and on the mountain. Olga offers an exciting and unique perspective on how to stay focused and take action in conditions of uncertainty and risk. Her experiences have put her in the perfect position to speak to an audience about leadership and aiming for better, or as Olga would say—climbing higher.
[ View Olga Koroleva’s Speaker Page](https://wwsg.com/speakers/olga-koroleva)
### [**Cassandra Worthy**](https://wwsg.com/speakers/cassandra-worthy)
Cassandra Worthy is a truly disruptive thought leader on change who helps companies build organizational resilience and adaptability. She is passionate about making change and employing inclusivity. She is driven to enlighten your audience on how to leverage inclusion as a tool to win with your employees, shareholders, customers, and clients.
[ View Cassandra Worthy’s Speaker Page](https://wwsg.com/speakers/cassandra-worthy)
### [**Trent Shelton**](https://wwsg.com/speakers/trent-shelton)
Trent Shelton has been ranked as one of the most impactful speakers of this generation. His message reaches over 60 million people weekly through hard-hitting videos and unprecedented engagement. Trent put himself through strict life changes to find fulfillment within himself and his story is sure to encourage your audience to learn how to be resilient in life and do the same.
[ View Trent Shelton’s Speaker Page](https://wwsg.com/speakers/trent-shelton)
### [**Ben Nemtin**](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ben-nemtin)
Ben Nemtin has been on a quest to help people achieve their dreams, complete their bucket list, and convince the world that the *impossible is possible* for almost two decades. Leading with purpose and providing your audience with a life-changing message speaking on how to be more resilient in the face of uncertainty is Ben’s specialty. His life-changing message is sure to leave your audience feeling energized.
[ View Ben Nemtin’s Speaker Page](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ben-nemtin)
## How To Be Resilient In Your Everyday Life
Resilience is not just important when facing a challenge or coping with stress at work. In fact, channeling resilience during those times can only be effective if you are practicing it in your everyday life. The best way to do this is by taking care of yourself, for yourself. Nutrition, sleep, and exercise are all critical aspects to a healthy lifestyle, but they are especially important when preparing yourself to take on unexpected challenges. Practicing tenacity and bouncing back from small deflections throughout your day will set you up for a resilient future. Setting goals for yourself and being persistent in reaching them is also a critical aspect of practicing resilience. Being realistic with yourself about what you can handle while not selling yourself short is also a good habit to practice.
WWSG represents many speakers who provide audiences with insight into resiliency in everyday life. Here are a few:
### [**Adam Markel**](https://wwsg.com/speakers/adam-markel)
From his 18 years of experience as a trial attorney, to being the CEO of a leading personal development and business training company, to spending years as an ocean first responder, Adam Markel is no stranger to resiliency. Adam is sure to provide an audience with a high-energy and impactful learning environment touching on how to utilize the power of uncertainty to build long-term resilience.
[ View Adam Markel’s Speaker Page](https://wwsg.com/speakers/adam-markel)
### [**Johnny Crowder**](https://wwsg.com/speakers/johnny-crowder)
Johnny Crowder is a mental health advocate and Founder and CEO of Cope Notes, a science and text-based mental health platform that provides daily support to healthcare providers, employers, and individuals in nearly 100 countries around the world. Johnny aims to have a candid conversation about resilience with your audience to build connections and happiness in life.
[ View Johnny Crowder’s Speaker Page](https://wwsg.com/speakers/johnny-crowder)
### [**Pandit Dasa**](https://wwsg.com/speakers/pandit-dasa)
Pandit Dasa is a mindful leadership expert, motivational keynote speaker, and author. Dasa takes audiences through a variety of breathing and focusing exercises that lower stress and anxiety, increase focus, productivity and boost emotional intelligence. Pandit offers audiences a unique understanding of resiliency and offers simple ways to exercise it every day.
[ View Pandit Dasa’s Speaker Page](https://wwsg.com/speakers/pandit-dasa)
### [**Neil Pasricha** ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/neil-pasricha)
The author of 10 *New York Times* bestselling books and journals, Neil Pasricha is equipped to speak to audiences about happiness, leadership, and resilience. Neil teaches people how to lead themselves before leading others, and how to make tiny changes for massive results.
[ View Neil Pasricha’s Speaker Page](https://wwsg.com/speakers/neil-pasricha)
*To host any of these thought leaders for speaking engagements, please [contact WWSG](https://wwsg.com/contact-us).*
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** journalism, leadership, mindfulness, adam markel, ben nemtin, cassandra worthy, alana hill, taryn marie stejskal, how to be resilient, mountain climbing, Determination, Resilience, trent shelton, motivational, expert, new york times, author, olga koroleva, erica hill, success, Keynote Speaker, Pandit Dasa, Neil Pasricha, Inspirational Speakers, Resiliency, Mental Health Speakers, Jenny Evans
---
### [Top Commencement Speakers](https://wwsg.com/blog/top-commencement-speakers/)
**Published:** May 12, 2021
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
[](https://wwsg.com/speaker-search)
What could be more important than inspiring the lives and futures of our youth? Tomorrow’s innovators, disruptors, influencers, and change-makers deserve an energizing and motivating address at the signature event marking the end of their college chapters and beginning of their pursuits.
These inspirational thought leaders are popular choices to speak to young audiences. They tell fascinating stories of rising to the top–in journalism, politics, sports, and sciences–filling audiences with hope and positive aspirations.
It’s never too early to consider the speaking options for your future events, especially as 2021 continues to trend positively for wellness, making commencements and other engagements possible to host in-person again. Our knowledgeable and experienced team is ready and excited to provide qualified speaker recommendations for your upcoming gatherings.
To learn more about hosting these or any of our outstanding speakers, [Contact Us](https://wwsg.com/contact?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8EtBVLcxE7vMoCtaccwA4VyHPW0QXfwyuEq0DtIPQG-ZWfmSnobnfpxIKauo95Lpknlo4A).
Pictured: [Mike Pence](https://wwsg.com/speakers/mike-pence?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8EtBVLcxE7vMoCtaccwA4VyHPW0QXfwyuEq0DtIPQG-ZWfmSnobnfpxIKauo95Lpknlo4A), [Anderson Cooper](https://wwsg.com/speakers/anderson-cooper/?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8EtBVLcxE7vMoCtaccwA4VyHPW0QXfwyuEq0DtIPQG-ZWfmSnobnfpxIKauo95Lpknlo4A), [Bob Woodward](https://wwsg.com/speakers/bob-woodward/?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8EtBVLcxE7vMoCtaccwA4VyHPW0QXfwyuEq0DtIPQG-ZWfmSnobnfpxIKauo95Lpknlo4A), [Annie Leibovitz](https://wwsg.com/speakers/annie-leibovitz/?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8EtBVLcxE7vMoCtaccwA4VyHPW0QXfwyuEq0DtIPQG-ZWfmSnobnfpxIKauo95Lpknlo4A),
[Kareem Abdul-Jabbar](https://wwsg.com/speakers/kareem-abdul-jabbar/?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8EtBVLcxE7vMoCtaccwA4VyHPW0QXfwyuEq0DtIPQG-ZWfmSnobnfpxIKauo95Lpknlo4A), [Steve Wozniak](https://wwsg.com/speakers/steve-wozniak/?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8EtBVLcxE7vMoCtaccwA4VyHPW0QXfwyuEq0DtIPQG-ZWfmSnobnfpxIKauo95Lpknlo4A), [Michael Beschloss](https://wwsg.com/speakers/michael-beschloss/?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8EtBVLcxE7vMoCtaccwA4VyHPW0QXfwyuEq0DtIPQG-ZWfmSnobnfpxIKauo95Lpknlo4A), [Sanjay Gupta](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sanjay-gupta/?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8EtBVLcxE7vMoCtaccwA4VyHPW0QXfwyuEq0DtIPQG-ZWfmSnobnfpxIKauo95Lpknlo4A)
[Search Top University Speakers >>](https://wwsg.com/speaker-search/?speaker_topic_lists=colleges-and-universities&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8EtBVLcxE7vMoCtaccwA4VyHPW0QXfwyuEq0DtIPQG-ZWfmSnobnfpxIKauo95Lpknlo4A)
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** Female Keynote Speakers, female keynote speaker, Women Keynote Speakers, Heathcare Speakers, Sanjay Gupta keynoter, university, colleges, graduation, commencement, university speakers, college speakers
---
### [Virtual Event FAQ](https://wwsg.com/blog/virtual-event-faq/)
**Published:** June 2, 2020
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Like many of you, WWSG is evaluating how our industry must pivot and adapt to the present landscape. While in-person live events are not possible at this time, the need to connect and participate in shared experiences are stronger than ever.
Many Planners are changing their event’s format to accommodate the current circumstances by hosting their events virtually. There are many different options to stream content and for speaker’s to participate in a [virtual event](/virtual-events) successfully.
Below are a few [**Frequently Asked Questions** ](https://wwsg.com/faq/)on how to accomplish your event’s goals virtually, and ensure your virtual event is successful.
##### **How do I guarantee my Virtual Event is Successful?**
The answer to this questions remains the same as if the event was live and in-person: *Engage* your audience with a well-fit [speaker](https://wwsg.com/speaker-search/), who delivers and shares *Content* that enhances your event.
In general, have your sessions be an appropriate length (how long would you want to sit in your chair for?), offer ways for your audience to connect with the content (live discussions, real-time polls & surveys), carve-in breaks between sessions and DO NOT forget that the goal of your event should be to entertain and forge a lasting impact on your audience.
##### **How do I choose the right platform for my Virtual Event?**
The good news is, there are a lot of different production options readily available, and at relatively lower costs than hosting an in-person event.
The platform you choose to deliver your virtual event depends on a few important factors. Your choice will depend on the answers to the following questions:
- How many different sessions will your event have? Are you planning a single event or a virtual conference that will span a few days with various breakout sessions.
- What is the size of your audience?
- How much collaboration do you want between the speaker, moderator and the audience?
- What is your experience, toolkit and comfort level with handling tech issues should they arise?
- Do you want to incorporate any networking or merchandising to accompany the event (i.e. selling a speaker’s book)?
- Are you planning to have virtual events be factored into your future programming budget and plans?
##### **What are the fees for a speaker for a virtual event?**
Fees vary depending on every speaker and length of program. Please contact us for fee information and suggestions for your upcoming event needs.
##### **Are there additional fees for a virtual event?**
WWSG never charges agency fees for events whether in-person or virtual. We can help connect you with companies that produce virtual events which will provide you with an offering of services and fees related to producing a virtual event.
##### **Do I still need to book speakers through a bureau or can I go direct?**
Booking speakers for a virtual event is no different than an in-person event. We provide the same level of customer-focused service and help you find the right speaker. We provide end-to-end event planning; event strategy and logistics including pre-event calls and planning and personalized attention-to-detail throughout. It’s a major differentiator and the reason we consistently deliver leading, successful events and speakers whether in person or virtually.
Let our expert event planners help you find the perfect speaker for your virtual event! We offer some of the best speaker options in the industry. Call us at 703-373-9974 or email to learn more.
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**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** Keynote Speakers, Virtual Event, Event Planning, Event Logistics, Events, FAQ
---
### [Welcome to Ocean School](https://wwsg.com/blog/welcome-to-ocean-school/)
**Published:** April 7, 2020
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
*Emperor Penguins shot from the Mario Zuchelli Base, Ross Sea, Antarctica. (Photo by Paul Nicklen)*
In the face of this global pandemic, people around the world are turning inward to find ways to help. Conservationists, photographers, and co-founders of [SeaLegacy](https://www.sealegacy.org/), [Cristina ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/cristina-mittermeier/)[Mittermeier](https://wwsg.com/speakers/cristina-mittermeier/) and [Paul Nicklen](https://wwsg.com/speakers/paul-nicklen/) have decided to use this time to utilize their vast social media reaches to educate and share their expert knowledge on the ocean through stories in something they are calling “[Ocean School](https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/oceanschool/).”
One of the most influential female photographers in the world and a powerful voice in conservation photography, Cristina began her career as a Marine Biologist. She soon discovered that she could better advocate for the planet through the lens of her camera than she could with data on spreadsheets. A [National Geographic](https://www.nationalgeographic.com/) contributing photographer, Cristina is the first female photographer to reach 1M followers on Instagram and was a 2018 National Geographic Adventurer of the Year. She is acknowledged as one of the most Influential Women in Ocean Conservation in 2018 by Ocean Geographic, and The Men’s Journal recently named her as one of the 18 Most Adventurous Women in the World. Cristina also co-founded the conservation society SeaLegacy with her partner, Paul Nicklen which is a collective of photographers who focus on cleaner, healthier oceans.
As a co-founder of SeaLegacy, Paul is one of the world’s most acclaimed nature photographers, an acclaimed polar specialist, author, conservationist, National Geographic Fellow, and a regular contributor to National Geographic Magazine with 20 completed stories to date. Recently inducted into the [International Photography Hall of Fame (IPHF) ](/blog/paul-nicklen-international-photography-hall-of-fame-induction)as the youngest inductee ever, Paul has published several books including *Seasons of the Arctic;* *Bear: Spirit of the Wild*; *Polar Obsession*; *Born to Ice* and his most recent eBook, [*Photographing Wild*](https://paulnicklen.com/product/photographing-wild/). For over twenty years, Paul’s career has focused on the polar regions, his evocative nature photography displaying a deep reverence and sensitivity for the wildlife and environment of the most isolated, endangered places in the world.
Together they have the expertise and knowledge to help children build their foundation of ocean literacy and learn why things like [climate change](/blog/catalyst-for-climate-conversations) really matter. Every day they post iconic photographs, fun facts, answers to questions, live conversations with experts, and links to further information. So, log onto Instagram, follow [@](https://www.instagram.com/mitty/)[Mitty](https://www.instagram.com/mitty/), [@](https://www.instagram.com/paulnicklen/)[PaulNicklen](https://www.instagram.com/paulnicklen/), and [@](https://www.instagram.com/SeaLegacy/)[SeaLegacy](https://www.instagram.com/SeaLegacy/) and start learning!
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** Sustainability, Paul Nicklen, Cristina Mittermeier, Climate Change, Environment, Professional Photography Speakers, Photographers, Photography Speakers, Conservationist, SeaLegacy, Nature Photography, Photography Keynote Speakers
---
### [Women Who Make History](https://info.wwsg.com/womens-history-month-is-coming-up-1)
**Published:** February 2, 2023
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
*Women’s History Month is less than four weeks away!*
It’s a wonderful opportunity to host a leading woman or women for live or virtual events. Our thought leaders are exceptional advisers with profound personal stories that enhance their messages. We represent women who are making history today, like Sheila Bair, Poppy Harlow, Ayaan Hirsi Ali, Seema Verma, and many more. Let the experts at Worldwide Speakers Group guide you toward the perfect fit for your event type and budget.
To host one of these impressive thought leaders, [Contact Us](https://wwsg.com/contact-us?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--QsQcl_N4GQZl7vt8dp5GGZz5RPads34vQbj-kWvYComozdVHThDyo9yPeo8VGVqKWUWDN).
**Categories:** Blog
---
### [New Books, Podcasts, and Videos](https://wwsg.com/blog/new-books-podcasts-and-videos/)
**Published:** November 22, 2021
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
‘Tis the season for celebrating… which may also bring long rides on trains, planes, and in automobiles. If you’re searching for a new, interesting book or a thought-provoking podcast to take with you, look no further. These selected works from Worldwide Speakers Group thought leaders will both enrich and entertain. To learn more about hosting these speakers at your next conference or engagement, [Contact Us](https://wwsg.com/contact?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--t8X5EdId2SU2OqQLAvTNFA0uSlK-6g05FztFGle2_5JWPQC-HF4PpBNqi6-GhH8IWHCfz).
[Find A Speaker >>](https://wwsg.com/speaker-search/?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--t8X5EdId2SU2OqQLAvTNFA0uSlK-6g05FztFGle2_5JWPQC-HF4PpBNqi6-GhH8IWHCfz)
[](https://www.amazon.com/Annie-Leibovitz-Wonderland/dp/1838661522?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--t8X5EdId2SU2OqQLAvTNFA0uSlK-6g05FztFGle2_5JWPQC-HF4PpBNqi6-GhH8IWHCfz)
[Wonderland by Annie Leibovitz](https://www.amazon.com/Annie-Leibovitz-Wonderland/dp/1838661522?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--t8X5EdId2SU2OqQLAvTNFA0uSlK-6g05FztFGle2_5JWPQC-HF4PpBNqi6-GhH8IWHCfz)
*Released November 17, 2021*
*Iconic American Photographer*
“Looking back at my work, I see that fashion has always been there,” Annie Leibovitz observes in the preface to her new book, *Wonderland*. “Fashion plays a part in the scheme of everything, but photography always comes first for me. The photograph is the most important part. And photography is so big that it can encompass journalism, portraiture, reportage, family photographs, fashion… My work for *Vogue* fueled the fire for a kind of photography that I might not otherwise have explored.”
[Annie Leibovitz’s Speaker Page >>](https://wwsg.com/speakers/annie-leibovitz?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--t8X5EdId2SU2OqQLAvTNFA0uSlK-6g05FztFGle2_5JWPQC-HF4PpBNqi6-GhH8IWHCfz)
[Chasing Life | Dr. Sanjay Gupta’s Podcast](https://www.cnn.com/audio/podcasts/chasing-life?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--t8X5EdId2SU2OqQLAvTNFA0uSlK-6g05FztFGle2_5JWPQC-HF4PpBNqi6-GhH8IWHCfz)
*Chief Medical Correspondent, CNN; Multiple Award-Winning Journalist, Author and Neurosurgeon*
Dr. Sanjay Gupta is on a mission to help us approach our new normal mindfully, finding a balance between self-care and productivity, and talking to doctors and researchers about the surprising science behind how we can thrive. It’s time to chase life again.
Recent Episodes: [Giving Kids a Shot](https://www.cnn.com/audio/podcasts/chasing-life?episodeguid=3f2667fb-2ff7-406e-b554-adda011969d2&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--t8X5EdId2SU2OqQLAvTNFA0uSlK-6g05FztFGle2_5JWPQC-HF4PpBNqi6-GhH8IWHCfz), [Breaking Up With Your Bad Habits](https://www.cnn.com/audio/podcasts/chasing-life?episodeguid=11c1bb56-ae81-4ee8-b8bf-add30152ee4e&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--t8X5EdId2SU2OqQLAvTNFA0uSlK-6g05FztFGle2_5JWPQC-HF4PpBNqi6-GhH8IWHCfz), [Facing Your Fears](https://www.cnn.com/audio/podcasts/chasing-life?episodeguid=62d39a51-a125-48fb-82ae-adcd00033df7&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--t8X5EdId2SU2OqQLAvTNFA0uSlK-6g05FztFGle2_5JWPQC-HF4PpBNqi6-GhH8IWHCfz)
[Sanjay Gupta’s Speaker Page >>](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sanjay-gupta/?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--t8X5EdId2SU2OqQLAvTNFA0uSlK-6g05FztFGle2_5JWPQC-HF4PpBNqi6-GhH8IWHCfz)
[Ian Bremmer Explains | GZERO World](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwpOQsKKqZGM_XcX3C-Tot1KmXPOzC9LD&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--t8X5EdId2SU2OqQLAvTNFA0uSlK-6g05FztFGle2_5JWPQC-HF4PpBNqi6-GhH8IWHCfz)
*President, Eurasia Group; Leading Expert on Global Economic and Political Risk; Acclaimed Author, The J Curve*
In the *Ian Bremmer Explains* series of videos for GZERO Media, Dr. Ian Bremmer uses an under-5-minute format to address current issues like the nuclear arms race, COP26, the global economy, and big tech companies. Subscribing to his videos is a simple and entertaining way to stay abreast of world news. For a deeper dive, don’t miss his recent *Foreign Affairs* article, [The Technopolar Moment](https://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/world/2021-10-19/ian-bremmer-big-tech-global-order?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--t8X5EdId2SU2OqQLAvTNFA0uSlK-6g05FztFGle2_5JWPQC-HF4PpBNqi6-GhH8IWHCfz).
[Ian Bremmer’s Speaker Page >>](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ian-bremmer?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--t8X5EdId2SU2OqQLAvTNFA0uSlK-6g05FztFGle2_5JWPQC-HF4PpBNqi6-GhH8IWHCfz)
[From Impressed to Obsessed by Jon Picoult](https://watermarkconsult.net/jon-picoult/books/?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--t8X5EdId2SU2OqQLAvTNFA0uSlK-6g05FztFGle2_5JWPQC-HF4PpBNqi6-GhH8IWHCfz)
*Customer Experience and Leadership Expert; Advisor to CEOs; Author; Founder, Watermark Consulting*
In From Impressed to Obsessed, acclaimed customer experience expert Jon Picoult explores the cognitive science behind great customer experiences, pinpointing the breakthrough psychology-based strategies that both industry leaders (like Apple, Disney, and Southwest Airlines) and fast-growing startups (like BILT and Framebridge) use to shape people’s perceptions and sculpt unforgettable impressions, thereby turning more sales prospects into customers and more customers into obsessed brand ambassadors.
[Jon Picoult’s Speaker Page >>](https://wwsg.com/speakers/jon-picoult/?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--t8X5EdId2SU2OqQLAvTNFA0uSlK-6g05FztFGle2_5JWPQC-HF4PpBNqi6-GhH8IWHCfz)
[David Frum’s Articles | The Atlantic](https://www.theatlantic.com/author/david-frum/?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--t8X5EdId2SU2OqQLAvTNFA0uSlK-6g05FztFGle2_5JWPQC-HF4PpBNqi6-GhH8IWHCfz)
*Political Analyst; Senior Editor at The Atlantic; NYT Bestselling Author, Trumpocracy & Trumpocalypse; Former Speech Writer for President George W. Bush*
David Frum is one of North America’s leading voices of dispassionate, analytic, and independent conservatism. His articles in The Atlantic have been hailed as the most prophetic and insightful studies of U.S. global leadership, open international trade, and democratic institutions.
Recent Articles: [Steve Bannon Knows Exactly What He’s Doing](https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2021/11/trump-strategy-steve-bannon-indictment/620704/?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--t8X5EdId2SU2OqQLAvTNFA0uSlK-6g05FztFGle2_5JWPQC-HF4PpBNqi6-GhH8IWHCfz), [Revenge of the Donald](https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2021/10/trump-running-president-2024-election/620502/?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--t8X5EdId2SU2OqQLAvTNFA0uSlK-6g05FztFGle2_5JWPQC-HF4PpBNqi6-GhH8IWHCfz), [Where’s the Cheap Beef?](https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2021/09/biden-beef-prices-plan/620187/?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--t8X5EdId2SU2OqQLAvTNFA0uSlK-6g05FztFGle2_5JWPQC-HF4PpBNqi6-GhH8IWHCfz)
[David Frum’s Speaker Page >>](https://wwsg.com/speakers/david-frum?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--t8X5EdId2SU2OqQLAvTNFA0uSlK-6g05FztFGle2_5JWPQC-HF4PpBNqi6-GhH8IWHCfz)
[The Ayaan Hirsi Ali Podcast](https://ayaanhirsiali.com/podcasts/?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--t8X5EdId2SU2OqQLAvTNFA0uSlK-6g05FztFGle2_5JWPQC-HF4PpBNqi6-GhH8IWHCfz)
*Renowned Political Leader; National Security Expert; Human Rights Advocate and Islam Reformist; Author of International Bestseller, Infidel*
“What all my guests have in common is a passion for free inquiry and speech. They are not afraid to explore different perspectives, even if it means challenging their own assumptions or violating cultural taboos.” –Ayaan Hirsi Ali
Recent Episodes: [Michael Shellenberger on the Political Realignment](https://ayaanhirsiali.com/podcasts/michael-shellenberger-2?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--t8X5EdId2SU2OqQLAvTNFA0uSlK-6g05FztFGle2_5JWPQC-HF4PpBNqi6-GhH8IWHCfz), [Lawrence Krauss on The New Religion](https://ayaanhirsiali.com/podcasts/lawrence-krauss?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--t8X5EdId2SU2OqQLAvTNFA0uSlK-6g05FztFGle2_5JWPQC-HF4PpBNqi6-GhH8IWHCfz), [Katharine Birbalsingh on Belonging](https://ayaanhirsiali.com/podcasts/katharine-birbalsingh?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--t8X5EdId2SU2OqQLAvTNFA0uSlK-6g05FztFGle2_5JWPQC-HF4PpBNqi6-GhH8IWHCfz)
[Ayaan Hirsi Ali’s Speaker Page >>](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ayaan-hirsi-ali/?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--t8X5EdId2SU2OqQLAvTNFA0uSlK-6g05FztFGle2_5JWPQC-HF4PpBNqi6-GhH8IWHCfz)
[Beyond Biden by Newt Gingrich](https://www.amazon.com/Beyond-Biden-Rebuilding-America-Love/dp/1546000259?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--t8X5EdId2SU2OqQLAvTNFA0uSlK-6g05FztFGle2_5JWPQC-HF4PpBNqi6-GhH8IWHCfz)
*Released November 2, 2021*
*2012 Republican Presidential Candidate; Former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, Best-selling Author*
In *Beyond Biden*, bestselling author Newt Gingrich investigates the driving forces behind an America based upon combined power of government and social acceptance versus the historic values-based America.
[Newt Gingrich’s Speaker Page >>](https://wwsg.com/speakers/newt-gingrich?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--t8X5EdId2SU2OqQLAvTNFA0uSlK-6g05FztFGle2_5JWPQC-HF4PpBNqi6-GhH8IWHCfz)
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** technology speaker, Human Rights, Annie Leibovitz, Political Speakers, Professional Photography Speakers, Authors, Bestseller, Heathcare Speakers, Republican Speakers, political gridlock, Politics, economics speakers, Photography, Photographers, Photography Speakers, Podcasts, Black Speakers, Democrat Speakers, conservative speaker, op-eds, Sanjay Gupta, Keynote Speakers, Top Speaker on Politics, keynote business speaker, female keynote speaker, Newt Gingrich, Speaker Gingrich, Speaker Newt Gingrich, speakers in the news, Women Keynote Speakers, speakers, Sanjay Gupta speech, Sanjay Gupta speaker fee, Ayaan Hirsi Ali, WWSG's Top Speakers, public speaking, Medical Speakers, International Speaker, Thought Leaders
---
### [Coming Soon: So Help Me God by Mike Pence](https://wwsg.com/announcements/so-help-me-god-by-mike-pence/)
**Published:** September 19, 2022
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
*So Help Me God* will be published November 15, 2022. In the book, Pence recounts his journey from his youth in Columbus, Indiana, to the vice presidency of the United States. This is the inside story of the Trump Administration from its second-highest ranking official and of a profound faith that has guided Pence throughout his life. [Click here](https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/So-Help-Me-God/Mike-Pence/9781982190330) to order the book.
Pence is widely respected for his courage, resolve, and faithfulness to his country.
**Categories:** Announcements
---
### [Wonderland by Annie Leibovitz](https://wwsg.com/announcements/wonderland-by-annie-leibovitz/)
**Published:** July 21, 2022
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
 Don’t forget to pick up WWSG exclusive speaker Annie Leibovitz’s newest book, [**Wonderland**](https://www.phaidon.com/store/photography/annie-leibovitz-wonderland-9781838661526/), a collection of theatrical fashion photography and essays. [Click here](https://www.phaidon.com/store/photography/annie-leibovitz-wonderland-9781838661526/) to order the book.
In the foreword written by Vogue’s Anna Wintour, the book is referred to as “\[A\] gorgeous anthology of fashion images … Leibovitz is nothing less than America’s greatest living photographic portraitist … she has changed fashion photography forever.”
“The 341 images in the book bear the hallmarks of the Leibovitz style — masterly use of color, theatrical staging, artful interplay between artificial and natural light — but the best of them live up to the book’s title. They are enchanting, wrapped in a visual narrative that showcases her gifts as a powerful storyteller.” The book released November 17th.
[Host Annie](/speakers/annie-leibovitz)
**Categories:** Announcements
---
### [A Sacred Oath by Dr. Mark Esper](https://wwsg.com/announcements/a-sacred-oath-by-dr-mark-esper/)
**Published:** July 21, 2022
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
*A Sacred Oath: Memoirs of a Secretary of Defense During Extraordinary Times* released May 10. [Click here](https://www.harpercollins.com/products/a-sacred-oath-mark-t-esper?variant=39847191674914) to order the book.
Secretary Mark T. Esper led the Department of Defense through an unprecedented time in history—a period marked by growing threats and conflict abroad, a global pandemic unseen in a century, the greatest domestic unrest in two generations, and a White House seemingly bent on breaking accepted norms and conventions for political advantage. *A Sacred Oath* is Secretary Esper’s unvarnished and candid memoir of those extraordinary and dangerous times, and includes events and moments never before told.
[Host Dr. Esper](/speakers/mark-esper)
**Categories:** Announcements
---
## Pages
### [WWSG Home](https://wwsg.com/)
**Published:** April 14, 2022
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
 # Challenge What You Know About Marketing!
Marketing gurus from household-name companies inspire audiences.
[ Meet Raja Rajamannar ](http://www.wwsg.com/speakers/raja-rajamannaer) [ Browse Speakers ](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/)
![Hero Mark Schulman, Drummer for P!NK Onstage]() # What Does It Take to Perform at Your Best?
Peak performance experts have the insights to help audiences find out.
[ View Motivational Speakers ](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/motivational/) [ Learn More ](https://wwsg.com/blog/motivational-speakers-to-inspire-audiences/)
![Hero Moiya McTier]() # Book a Scientist or Astronaut as Your Next Keynote Speaker
Today’s audiences want more than technical expertise—they want stories that inspire curiosity, reveal what’s next, and help them better understand a rapidly changing world.
[ Meet Dr. Moiya McTier ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/moiya-mctier) [ Learn More ](https://wwsg.com/blog/why-book-a-scientist-or-astronaut-as-your-next-keynote-speaker/)
![Eyck Freymann Defending Taiwan]() # *Defending Taiwan* by Eyck Freymann
is Now Available
Defending Taiwan is is the first fully integrated grand strategy for deterring war with China.
[ Meet Dr. Freymann ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/eyck-freymann) [ Learn More ](https://wwsg.com/announcements/defending-taiwan-a-strategy-to-prevent-war-with-china-by-dr-eyck-freymann/)
![Hero Tech AI Network 2]() # AI Speakers Across Industries
Organizations across industries are seeking AI keynote speakers who can explain how emerging technologies are transforming the way we work, compete, and innovate.
[ View AI Speakers ](http://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/artificial-intelligence/) [ Read the Article ](https://wwsg.com/blog/why-ai-keynote-speakers-are-essential-for-events-across-every-industry/)
Explore:
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
## Highlighted Thought Leaders
[ ![Close-up portrait of a bald man in a dark suit, white shirt, and blue tie wearing glasses.]() Larry Hogan
](https://wwsg.com/speakers/larry-hogan-2/)
[ ![Agustin Carstens WWSG Headshot 2 Alternate]() Agustín Carstens
](https://wwsg.com/speakers/agustin-carstens/)
[ ![Chris Wray WWSG Square Headshot]() Christopher Wray
](https://wwsg.com/speakers/christopher-wray/)
[ ![Tony Abbott]() Tony Abbott
](https://wwsg.com/speakers/tony-abbott/)
[ ![Edward Fishman Headshot]() Edward Fishman
](https://wwsg.com/speakers/edward-fishman/)
[ ![Eric Holcomb Headshot]() Eric Holcomb
](https://wwsg.com/speakers/eric-holcomb/)
[ ![Patrick McGee Headshot ©Cayce Clifford]() Patrick McGee
](https://wwsg.com/speakers/patrick-mcgee/)
[ ![Raja Rajamannar Headshot]() Raja Rajamannar
](https://wwsg.com/speakers/raja-rajamannar/)
[ ![Marty Gruenberg Headshot]() Martin Gruenberg
](https://wwsg.com/speakers/martin-gruenberg/)
[ ![]() Peter Goodman
](https://wwsg.com/speakers/peter-goodman/)
[ ![]() Loretta Mester
](https://wwsg.com/speakers/loretta-mester/)
[ ![]() Nicholas Christakis
](https://wwsg.com/speakers/nicholas-christakis/)
[ ![]() Jon Krohn
](https://wwsg.com/speakers/jon-krohn/)
[ ![Segun Oduolowu Headshot Worldwide Speakers Group]() Segun Oduolowu
](https://wwsg.com/speakers/segun-oduolowu/)
[ ![Erika Ayers Badan Keynote and Public Speaking]() Erika Ayers Badan
](https://wwsg.com/speakers/erika-ayers-badan/)
[ ![]() Jennifer Burns
](https://wwsg.com/speakers/jennifer-burns/)
[ ![]() Ryan Dusick
](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ryan-dusick/)
[ ![Sara Official Headshot_Sq]() Sara Fischer
](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sara-fischer/)
[ ![]() Moiya McTier
](https://wwsg.com/speakers/moiya-mctier/)
[ ![Ben Sasse Official Portrait_Sq]() Ben Sasse
](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ben-sasse/)
[ ![]() Roy Blunt
](https://wwsg.com/speakers/roy-blunt/)
[ ![]() Sean Bratches
](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sean-bratches/)
[ ![]() Josh Kraushaar
](https://wwsg.com/speakers/josh-kraushaar/)
[ ![Olga Koroleva | Worldwide Speakers Group]() Olga Koroleva
](https://wwsg.com/speakers/olga-koroleva/)
[ ![]() John Roberts
](https://wwsg.com/speakers/john-roberts/)
[ ![dave-chokshi]() Dave Chokshi
](https://wwsg.com/speakers/dave-chokshi/)
[ ![Tyler Goodspeed WWSG Headshot]() Tyler Goodspeed
](https://wwsg.com/speakers/tyler-goodspeed/)
[ ![Chris Miller Keynote Speaker]() Chris Miller
](https://wwsg.com/speakers/chris-miller/)
[ ![Eyck Freymann WWSG Headshot]() Eyck Freymann
](https://wwsg.com/speakers/eyck-freymann/)
[ ![Professional headshot of a man in a dark suit smiling against a blurred blue-tan background.]() Anand Shah
](https://wwsg.com/speakers/anand-shah/)
[ ![Robert O'Brien WWSG Headshot]() Robert O’Brien
](https://wwsg.com/speakers/robert-obrien/)
[ ![]() Deborah Birx
](https://wwsg.com/speakers/deborah-birx/)
[ ![]() Mike Pence
](https://wwsg.com/speakers/mike-pence/)
[ ![]() Caitlin Rivers
](https://wwsg.com/speakers/caitlin-rivers/)
[ ![]() Robert Redfield
](https://wwsg.com/speakers/robert-redfield/)
[ ![]() Seema Verma
](https://wwsg.com/speakers/seema-verma/)
[ ![Professional headshot of a middle-aged man in a gray suit and red striped tie, wearing glasses and a slight smile, against a neutral backdrop]() Mark Esper
](https://wwsg.com/speakers/mark-esper/)
[ ![]() Joseph Grogan
](https://wwsg.com/speakers/joseph-grogan/)
[ ![Scott Gottlieb Keynote Speaker]() Scott Gottlieb
](https://wwsg.com/speakers/scott-gottlieb/)
[ ![]() Michael Pillsbury
](https://wwsg.com/speakers/michael-pillsbury/)
[ ![]() Scott Walker
](https://wwsg.com/speakers/scott-walker/)
[ ![]() Jeff Sessions
](https://wwsg.com/speakers/the-honorable-jeff-sessions/)
[ ![]() John Kelly
](https://wwsg.com/speakers/john-kelly/)
[ ![]() David Frum
](https://wwsg.com/speakers/david-frum/)
[ ![Allen Guelzo 2025]() Allen Guelzo
](https://wwsg.com/speakers/allen-guelzo/)
[ ![]() Annie Leibovitz
](https://wwsg.com/speakers/annie-leibovitz/)
[ ![Michael Auslin WWSG Headshot]() Michael Auslin
](https://wwsg.com/speakers/michael-auslin/)
[ ![]() Stephen Harper
](https://wwsg.com/speakers/stephen-harper/)
[ ![]() Tomi Lahren
](https://wwsg.com/speakers/tomi-lahren/)
[ ![]() Shubham Banerjee
](https://wwsg.com/speakers/shubham-banerjee/)
[ See All Speakers ](/speakers-and-topics)
## Explore Topics
Narrow down your search with these highly requested topics. Discover your next incredible speaker using our filters or call us for more personalized assistance.
[ ![]() AI
Browse thought leaders who can illuminate the ways in which AI will affect various industries.
Explore
](/speakers-and-topics/artificial-intelligence)
[ ![]() Government & Politics
WWSG represents numerous former government officials and experts.
Explore
](/speakers-and-topics/government-and-politics/?scroll_to=site-main)
[ ![]() Economy & Finance
Economic experts will share their knowledge.
Explore
](/speakers-and-topics/economy-and-finance/?scroll_to=site-main)
[ ![]() Healthcare & Wellness
Discover thought leaders with innovative health solutions.
Explore
](/speakers-and-topics/healthcare-and-wellness/?scroll_to=site-main)
[ ![]() Leadership
Leadership experts to empower growth and yield success.
Explore
](/speakers-and-topics/leadership-and-management/?scroll_to=site-main)
[ ![]() Climate & Environment
Unearth green business practices and hear from prominent activists.
Explore
](/speakers-and-topics/climate-change-and-environmental-issues/?scroll_to=site-main)
[ ![]() Motivation
Enlighten audiences with top motivational & inspirational speakers.
Explore
](/speakers-and-topics/motivational/?scroll_to=site-main)
Event Success Starts Here!
[ All Speakers & Topics ](/speakers-and-topics/#topics)
### Discover speakers by topic or keyword
Search
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Filter by
Esc to exit the filter
## Insights
[ ![Scientists and Astronauts, Micho Kaku]() ](https://wwsg.com/blog/why-book-a-scientist-or-astronaut-as-your-next-keynote-speaker/) [ Why Book a Scientist or Astronaut as Your Next Keynote Speaker? ](https://wwsg.com/blog/why-book-a-scientist-or-astronaut-as-your-next-keynote-speaker/)
Today’s audiences want more than technical expertise—they want stories that inspire curiosity, reveal what’s next, and help them better understand a rapidly changing world. Scientists…
[ Read More > ](https://wwsg.com/blog/why-book-a-scientist-or-astronaut-as-your-next-keynote-speaker/)
[ ![Blue Zone Breakfast]() ](https://wwsg.com/blog/sanjay-gupta-eat-like-the-worlds-longest-living-people/) [ Sanjay Gupta: Eat Like the World’s Longest-Living People ](https://wwsg.com/blog/sanjay-gupta-eat-like-the-worlds-longest-living-people/)
From WWSG exclusive thought leader, Dr. Sanjay Gupta: In trying to find the secrets of living well, researchers like my friend Dan Buettner have often…
[ Read More > ](https://wwsg.com/blog/sanjay-gupta-eat-like-the-worlds-longest-living-people/)
[ ![A New Era of Geoeconomic Risk - Article from Worldwide Speakers Group - Hire Your Next Thought Leader Speaker]() ](https://wwsg.com/blog/3-ways-geoeconomics-is-replacing-traditional-economic-forecasting-in-2026/) [ 3 Ways Geoeconomics Is Replacing Traditional Economic Forecasting in 2026 ](https://wwsg.com/blog/3-ways-geoeconomics-is-replacing-traditional-economic-forecasting-in-2026/)
In 2026, the worlds of finance, economics, and geopolitics have become deeply interconnected. Business leaders are no longer navigating a marketplace shaped solely by inflation,…
[ Read More > ](https://wwsg.com/blog/3-ways-geoeconomics-is-replacing-traditional-economic-forecasting-in-2026/)
[ See All Insights ](/insights-and-resources/)
## Applause for WWSG
Thank you to our WWSG agent and event coordinator for their partnership in the planning and execution of this session. You are all incredible professionals to work with and represent your elite speakers so well. The entire experience could not have been better.
Financial Horizons
We always enjoy working with WWSG, and we thank you and your team for your diligence, thoroughness, and professionalism. Planning is already underway for next year's event (no rest for the weary). We hope to have every opportunity to work with you again in the near future.
Texas American Resources Company
I hope to work again and again with Worldwide Speakers Group on the selection of our keynote and endnote speakers for our annual conference and other events. Our representative and her associate were terrific from my first communication to them until our speaking-event concluded... It is easy to see why many of the top speakers in the country work with Worldwide Speakers Group.
The National Recreation and Park Association
Everything was buttoned up, from the initial outreach to the event execution and post follow-up. I have a great team of representatives from WWSG to work with, first class experience.
American Century Investments
The team at WWSG is certainly at the top of the scale. Building a long-term relationship with the client has really set WWSG apart and we clearly saw that with our partnership. WWSG found creative ways to build the partnership which results in a win-win for all.
Erik Qualman, Top Technology and Motivational Speaker, #1 Bestselling Author & Futurist
They provide us well-prepared and informed speakers who understand our expectations and unique format. With WWSG, we know that the speaker fees are fair and trust that the event will be a success.
The Distinguished Speaker Series of Southern California
The WWSG team are super responsive and flexible. I will definitely work with them again to find speakers for my next event.
Ernst & Young LLP
After 20 years in the lecture series business, WWSG has become a valued partner. We produce over 24 speaking events a year and have worked with dozens of agencies. We appreciate WWSG’s unparalleled professionalism, integrity, and creativity in suggesting speakers that are unique to the speaker circuit.
The Distinguished Speaker Series of Southern California
The consistent professionalism and quality for the way Worldwide Speakers Group handles events shows that they think of each detail and every contingency beforehand.
Newt Gingrich, Distinguished Leader, Visionary, & Political Vanguard; 2012 Republican Presidential Candidate; Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives (1995-1999); Best-Selling Author
All timing and logistics were seamless, and the client was super engaged and thankful. I’m happy to report that we have another WIN for WWSG! Let’s build on the momentum together!
Josh Linkner, Tech Entrepreneur, Hyper-Growth CEO, NYT Best-Selling Author, Venture Capitalist, and Keynote Speaker
## The WWSG Difference
A distinguished global talent agency and trusted partner to the world’s top thought leaders, Worldwide Speakers Group (WWSG) is a leading professional services firm delivering innovative keynote and public speaking solutions to corporate, trade, education, and commercial clients around the world. Recognized as one of the premier public speaking agencies and speakers bureaus in Washington, DC, WWSG connects organizations looking for speakers with inspirational speakers, influential guest speakers, and the great speakers of today. Our consultative approach, deep industry expertise, and commitment to excellence have made us the first choice for event planners seeking great speakers for conferences, annual meetings, and high-impact events.
#### Learn More
#### [How do I select the right speaker for my event?](#1651090740125-3900ea8d-1c4a)
Let us guide you along the entire journey of selecting the perfect keynote speaker for your upcoming event. Worldwide Speakers Group staff are here to give you advice and recommendations from beginning to end.
[Learn More >](https://wwsg.com/insights-and-resources/frequently-asked-questions/)
#### [Why should I use a speakers bureau or WWSG?](#why-use-speaker-bureau)
As one of the industry’s top speaker bureaus, we partner with organizations worldwide to deliver exceptional keynote speakers who inspire, educate, and transform events. Learn about the advantages of using a speakers bureau to book thought leaders for your organization’s events, and why Worldwide Speakers Group is the top choice.
[Learn More >](https://wwsg.com/about-us/)
#### [Which planning tips will maximize success?](#which-planning-tips-maximize-success)
Let Worldwide Speakers Group give you the best tips and tools for successfully choosing your next keynote speaker.
[Learn More >](https://wwsg.com/insights-and-resources/?category=planning-resources)
[ See All FAQ ](/insights-and-resources/frequently-asked-questions/)
## Speakers in the News
Our speakers are routinely featured on primetime news channels and in important segments.
[ ![Nuclear explosion with a large mushroom cloud rising from the ground over a flat landscape.]() Niall Ferguson Examines the Risks of an AI “Apocalypse”
](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/niall-ferguson-examines-the-risks-of-an-ai-apocalypse/) Thought Leader: [Niall Ferguson](https://wwsg.com/speakers/niall-ferguson/)
[ ![war on terror]()
David Frum Asks: Did America Win the War on Terror?
](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/david-frum-asks-did-america-win-the-war-on-terror/) Thought Leader: [David Frum](https://wwsg.com/speakers/david-frum/)
[ ![Patrick McGee on iPhone and Apple's New CEO]()
Patrick McGee on Apple’s first foldable iPhone
](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/patrick-mcgee-on-apples-first-foldable-iphone/) Thought Leader: [Patrick McGee](https://wwsg.com/speakers/patrick-mcgee/)
[ ![Tank]()
Mark Esper on the Houthis and the U.S.-Iran Conflict
](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/mark-esper-on-the-houthis-and-the-u-s-iran-conflict/) Thought Leader: [Mark Esper](https://wwsg.com/speakers/mark-esper/)
[ ![Iran Attacks]()
Tony Abbott on the Threat of Extremist Islamism
](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/tony-abbott-on-the-threat-of-extremist-islamism/) Thought Leader: [Tony Abbott](https://wwsg.com/speakers/tony-abbott/)
[ ![world trade center]() Niall Ferguson: 9/11 Did Not Doom the American Empire
](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/niall-ferguson-9-11-did-not-doom-the-american-empire/) Thought Leader: [Niall Ferguson](https://wwsg.com/speakers/niall-ferguson/)
[ ![Social Media Image]() Sara Fischer on X Becoming the AI Industry’s Group Chat
](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/sara-fischer-on-x-becoming-the-ai-industrys-group-chat/) Thought Leader: [Sara Fischer](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sara-fischer/)
[ ![The David Frum Show Graphic]() David Frum Reflects on 9/11 From Inside the White House
](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/david-frum-reflects-on-9-11-from-inside-the-white-house/) Thought Leader: [David Frum](https://wwsg.com/speakers/david-frum/)
[ ![AI technology colliding with traditional publishing/copyright]() Sara Fischer on the Landmark AI Copyright Battle
](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/sara-fischer-on-the-landmark-ai-copyright-battle/) Thought Leader: [Sara Fischer](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sara-fischer/)
[ ![]() Dr. Sanjay Gupta on Football, Brain Health & CTE
](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/dr-sanjay-gupta-on-football-brain-health-cte/) Thought Leader: [Sanjay Gupta](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sanjay-gupta/)
[ SEE ALL SPEAKERS in the news ](/insights-and-resources/speakers-in-the-news/)
---
### [Sustainability & Conservation](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/environmental-advocates-and-climate-change/sustainability-and-conservation/)
**Published:** December 15, 2025
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
## Book a leading expert on sustainability and conservation today.
Worldwide Speakers Group connects organizations with leading experts on sustainability and conservation who inspire action and guide audiences toward meaningful environmental impact. Our speakers include conservationists, sustainability innovators, and thought leaders who share strategies for protecting natural resources, promoting eco-friendly practices, and driving long-term environmental change.
Whether your goal is to educate audiences on sustainable business practices, explore conservation initiatives, or motivate action through environmental advocacy, WWSG can help you find the right speaker.
In addition to the featured sustainability and conservation experts, we provide access to a broad network of professionals shaping the future of responsible stewardship. [Contact us](http://wwsg.com/contact-us) to identify the ideal thought leader for your event.
## Book a Sustainability & Conservation Speaker
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#### Don’t see who you’re looking for? We can reach anyone you can think of to speak at your event. Our thought leaders span the breadth of the globe and cover every discipline imaginable.
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---
### [Climate Policy](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/environmental-advocates-and-climate-change/climate-policy/)
**Published:** December 15, 2025
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
## Worldwide Speakers Group connects organizations with leading experts on climate policy who can inform, inspire, and drive meaningful action.
Our speakers include policymakers, analysts, and thought leaders who provide deep insight into global climate legislation, regulatory trends, and sustainable policy solutions.
Whether you are looking to educate your audience on the latest climate initiatives, explore the intersection of business and environmental responsibility, or inspire action through advocacy, WWSG can help you find the right speaker. In addition to the featured climate policy experts, we provide access to a broad network of professionals shaping policy and driving environmental change. [Contact us](http://wwsg.com/contact-us) to identify the ideal thought leader for your event.
## Book a Speaker on Climate Policy
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#### Don’t see who you’re looking for? We can reach anyone you can think of to speak at your event. Our thought leaders span the breadth of the globe and cover every discipline imaginable.
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---
### [Alternative Energy](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/environmental-advocates-and-climate-change/alternative-energy/)
**Published:** December 15, 2025
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
## Lead the Way With Alternative Energy & Environmental Innovation
As the shift toward clean energy and sustainable practices accelerates, organizations are increasingly seeking speakers who can inspire action and lead conversations on environmental responsibility. Worldwide Speakers Group connects you with top alternative energy guest speakers, including innovators, advocates, and thought leaders driving solutions in renewable energy, sustainability, and climate-focused business practices.
We represent some of the world’s foremost experts, from pioneering clean energy entrepreneurs to influential policymakers and motivational leaders who are shaping the future of energy and environmental stewardship.
[Contact us](http://wwsg.com/contact-us) for personalized guidance in selecting the ideal thought leader to energize and inform your event.
## Book a Speaker on Alternative Energy
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#### Don’t see who you’re looking for? We can reach anyone you can think of to speak at your event. Our thought leaders span the breadth of the globe and cover every discipline imaginable.
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---
### [Climate Change, Sustainability & Environmental Keynote Speakers](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/environmental-advocates-and-climate-change/)
**Published:** July 15, 2026
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
### Climate Change, Sustainability & Environmental Keynote Speakers
Climate change, sustainability, and environmental issues shape decisions in boardrooms, capitals, and communities alike, and audiences need speakers who can explain what’s happening and why it matters.
Worldwide Speakers Group represents scientists, policy leaders, and conservationists who bring keen insight to complex environmental questions, from energy markets to ocean health to global climate diplomacy.
Whether your event calls for a climate scientist’s data-driven perspective, a former head of state’s policy experience, or an explorer’s firsthand account from the field, we can match a voice to your audience.
[ View Speakers ](#speakers)
### Book Top Climate Change and Sustainability Speakers for Your Event
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### Climate Change, Sustainability, and Environmental Speakers by Specialty
Environmental topics span an enormous range, and the right speaker depends on what your audience needs to hear about.
Whether that’s corporate sustainability strategy, the shifting energy landscape, or conservation work in the field, WWSG’s roster of experienced speakers can meet the moment with clarity and authority.
#### Sustainability and ESG Speakers
- Experts in corporate sustainability, ESG (environmental, social, and governance) strategy, and responsible business practices
- Translate environmental commitments into practical, board-level decisions
- Strong fit for corporate ESG summits and shareholder-facing events
#### Alternative and Renewable Energy Speakers
- [Economists and analysts](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/economy-and-finance/) covering energy markets, deregulation, and the shift to renewables
- Address what changing energy policy means for business and consumers
- Relevant for energy conferences and industry-specific events
#### Conservation and Water Advocacy Speakers
- Explorers, photographers, and advocates focused on oceans, wildlife, and clean water access
- Bring firsthand field experience to conversations about conservation and environmental storytelling
- Well suited for nonprofit galas, environmental summits, and educational programs
#### Climate Policy and Global Diplomacy Speakers
- [Former heads of state, ambassadors, and policy leaders](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/geopolitics/) with direct climate negotiation experience
- Address international climate agreements, [government policy](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/government-and-politics/), and cross-border cooperation
- Ideal for policy forums, university programs, and international business audiences
### Why Hire a Sustainability or Climate Change Speaker for Your Event
Climate and sustainability topics can feel abstract until the right speaker makes them concrete. Audiences walk away with a firmer grasp of what’s changing and what it means for their community, industry, or organization.
#### Ground Big Issues in Real Data
Speakers translate complex climate and energy trends into information audiences can actually understand and use.
#### Highlight What’s at Stake
Speakers connect environmental change to real consequences for communities, business, and the planet.
#### Showcase Real-World Experience
Many speakers have led expeditions, negotiated treaties, or built the organizations they now speak about.
#### Drive Meaningful Action
Audiences will leave with a clearer sense of what’s possible and what to do next.
### Why Work with WWSG for Environmental and Climate Change Events
WWSG has deep relationships across the climate change and sustainability space, from energy economists to ocean conservationists to former heads of state.
Our roster includes voices like [Hank Paulson](https://wwsg.com/speakers/hank-paulson/), [Daniel Yergin](https://wwsg.com/speakers/daniel-yergin/), [Cristina Mittermeier](https://wwsg.com/speakers/cristina-mittermeier/), and [Iván Duque](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ivan-duque/), each bringing a different vantage point on the same set of environmental challenges.
Our team stays current on what’s shaping these conversations right now, so we can pair you with a speaker whose expertise and message turn your event into a compelling, must-see experience.
**We provide:**
- Access to leading voices across science, policy, conservation, and energy
- Speaker recommendations based on your event, goals, and audience
- Support for keynotes, panels, and multi-speaker programs
- Coordination from inquiry through event execution
### Frequently Asked Questions
#### [Who are the best speakers on sustainability and climate change?](#1784132334846-999ca8c9-297e)
Leading sustainability and climate change voices on WWSG’s roster include [Andrew Winston](https://wwsg.com/speakers/andrew-winston/), [Michelle Miller,](https://wwsg.com/speakers/michelle-miller/) and [Reed Timmer,](https://wwsg.com/speakers/reed-timmer/) , each offering a different lens: corporate ESG strategy, global energy markets, and international policy leadership.
#### [Which WWSG speakers specialize in climate and environmental policy?](#1784132383672-66ff95af-5c59)
WWSG’s climate and environmental policy specialists include [Ray Mabus](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ray-mabus/), [Ambassador Timothy Broas](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ambassador-timothy-m-broas/), and [Deborah Lehr](https://wwsg.com/speakers/deborah-lehr/), each bringing direct experience in government, diplomacy, and international policy work.
#### [Which WWSG speakers specialize in ocean and wildlife conservation?](#1784132437777-f77c34d5-5387)
WWSG represents several leading voices in ocean and wildlife conservation, including [Paul Nicklen](https://wwsg.com/speakers/paul-nicklen/), [Lewis Pugh](https://wwsg.com/speakers/lewis-pugh/), and [Justin Wren](https://wwsg.com/speakers/justin-wren/), each known for bringing firsthand exploration and environmental storytelling to the stage.
#### [How do I book a climate change or sustainability speaker for my event?](#1784132496888-7f3fe85d-f5e0)
You book a climate change or sustainability speaker through a professional bureau like WWSG, which confirms availability, negotiates the contract, and manages travel and on-site logistics from inquiry to event day.
#### [What are the benefits of hiring an environmental keynote speaker for my event?](#1784132523465-e2a8b5a2-9ceb)
An environmental keynote speaker can bring credibility, urgency, and a clear point of view to a program, whether the goal is policy education, corporate ESG strategy, or public awareness. The right fit depends on whether your audience needs scientific expertise, policy experience, or a firsthand conservation story.
#### [When should I start planning to book a climate change or environmental speaker?](#1784132540047-2b0014f6-1f55)
Most organizations start reaching out three to six months before their event, and high-profile names can require even more lead time. Starting early gives you a wider range of options and a better shot at your first choice.
### Climate Change, Sustainability & Environmental Keynote Speaker News
Explore insights, analysis, and perspectives from WWSG speakers.
[ ![]() Peter Goodman: Hoarding Is Driving Energy Prices Higher Everywhere
](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/peter-goodman-hoarding-is-driving-energy-prices-higher-everywhere/) Thought Leader: [Peter Goodman](https://wwsg.com/speakers/peter-goodman/)
[ ![Whales at Sea - Can AI help conservation efforts? - Deborah Lehr]()
Can AI Help Secure Legal Rights for Whales? | Deborah Lehr Podcast Insights
](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/can-ai-help-secure-legal-rights-for-whales-deborah-lehr-podcast-insights/) Thought Leader: [Deborah Lehr](https://wwsg.com/speakers/deborah-lehr/)
[ ![]() Michelle Miller: Farmers Are Turning on MAHA
](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/michelle-miller-farmers-are-turning-on-maha/) Thought Leader: [Michelle Miller](https://wwsg.com/speakers/michelle-miller/)
### **Don’t see who you’re looking for?**
##### We can reach anyone you can think of to speak at your event. Our thought leaders span the breadth of the globe and cover every discipline imaginable.
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---
### [Media Personalities](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/arts-entertainment/media-personalities/)
**Published:** December 15, 2025
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
## Worldwide Speakers Group represents a distinguished roster of media personalities, including respected journalists, broadcasters, and frequent contributors across print, television, radio, and digital platforms.
These speakers bring firsthand insight into today’s most important stories, trends, and cultural conversations. From investigative journalists and political analysts to trusted news anchors and commentators, WWSG works with media voices who know how to inform, engage, and connect with audiences. In addition to the media personalities featured below, we provide access to a broad and continually expanding network of influential contributors. If you don’t see the individual you’re seeking, [contact us](http://wwsg.com/contact-us)—we’re here to help you find the right voice for your event.
## Book Media Personalities
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#### Don’t see who you’re looking for? We can reach anyone you can think of to speak at your event. Our thought leaders span the breadth of the globe and cover every discipline imaginable.
[ CONTACT US WITH YOUR REQUEST ](/contact-us/)
---
### [Live Entertainment & Comedy](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/arts-entertainment/live-entertainment-and-comedy/)
**Published:** December 15, 2025
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
## Worldwide Speakers Group represents a diverse range of live entertainment and comedy talent that brings energy, laughter, and memorable moments to events of all sizes.
From stand-up comedians to corporate entertainers and beloved personalities, WWSG works with talent who know how to engage audiences and create lasting connections. Whether you’re planning a corporate event, conference, private celebration, or large-scale gathering, we help match the right performer to your goals, audience, and format. In addition to the live entertainment and comedy talent featured below, we offer access to an extensive and ever-growing network of performers. If you don’t see exactly what you’re looking for, [contact us](http://wwsg.com/contact-us)—we’re here to help you find the perfect fit.
## Book Entertainment for Your Event
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#### Don’t see who you’re looking for? We can reach anyone you can think of to speak at your event. Our thought leaders span the breadth of the globe and cover every discipline imaginable.
[ CONTACT US WITH YOUR REQUEST ](/contact-us/)
---
### [Artists & Musicians](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/arts-entertainment/artists-and-musicians/)
**Published:** December 15, 2025
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
## Worldwide Speakers Group represents a dynamic roster of artists and musicians who bring creativity, originality, and unforgettable energy to live events.
Whether you’re looking for a renowned recording artist, a live band, a visionary creative, or a performer who can connect with audiences through music and art, WWSG can help. In addition to the artists and musicians featured below, we provide access to a vast and continually expanding network of acclaimed performers and creative voices who can elevate any event. If you don’t see the individual you’re seeking, simply [contact us](http://wwsg.com/contact-us)—we’re here to help you find the perfect fit.
## Book Artists & Musicians
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#### Don’t see who you’re looking for? We can reach anyone you can think of to speak at your event. Our thought leaders span the breadth of the globe and cover every discipline imaginable.
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---
### [Arts, Entertainment & Celebrity Speakers](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/arts-entertainment/)
**Published:** July 15, 2026
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
### Arts, Entertainment & Celebrity Speakers
Worldwide Speakers Group represents celebrities, artists, performers, and cultural icons who draw a crowd and give them a reason to stay.
Our elite roster spans comedians, photographers, journalists, and authors, each bringing a different kind of energy to the stage. Whether you want to fill a room, inspire, or create a moment and give attendees something to talk about long after the event ends, we can help you find the right celebrity speaker.
[ View Speakers ](#speakers)
### Book Top Arts, Entertainment, and Celebrity Speakers for Your Event
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### Arts and Entertainment Speakers by Specialty
Celebrity speakers bring something special to an event. Whether it’s gripping storytelling, sharp comedic timing, or defining work that has shaped how we see the world, marquee names can both entertain and motivate.
#### Entertainment and Celebrity Keynote Speakers
- A star-powered tier of recognizable faces from film, television, sports, and pop culture
- Deliver a keynote, a hosted conversation, or a live Q&A format
- Ideal for galas, fundraisers, and high-visibility event slots
#### Comedians and Variety Performers
- Stand-up comedians and variety acts adept at both entertaining and reading a room
- Bring levity to a program without losing the audience’s attention
- Strong fit for award dinners, sales kickoffs, and closing sessions
#### Artists, Photographers, and Cultural Icons
- Visual artists and [photographers with recognizable, era-defining work](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/annie-leibovitz-shares-stories-behind-iconic-portraits/)
- Speak to creativity, craft, and the story behind the image or the piece
- Relevant for cultural institutions, museums, and creative-industry events
#### Authors, Filmmakers, and Storytellers
- Bestselling authors and filmmakers who inspire, educate, and motivate
- Cover storytelling, creative process, and the ideas behind their work
- Well suited for book festivals, university programs, and content-focused conferences
### Why Hire an Arts & Entertainment or Celebrity Speaker for Your Event
A celebrity speaker changes the energy in a room before they say a word. Attendees show up early, stay until the end, and remember both the moment and the message.
#### Create a Memorable Moment
A recognizable name gives your event a headline attendees will gather around and talk about well after it ends.
#### Deliver an Inspirational Story
Many celebrity speakers [share personal journeys](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/misty-copeland-the-roots-of-resilience/) that leave audiences genuinely moved and equipped with lessons they can carry into everyday life.
#### Bring Energy and Excitement to the Room
Performers and entertainers [know how to inspire](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TgjY8d3Ci5o), engage, and keep the energy high from start to finish.
#### Drive Attendance and Buzz
A well-known name can boost registration and give your marketing greater presence and impact.
### Why Work with WWSG for Arts and Entertainment Events
WWSG has spent years building relationships with entertainers, artists, and cultural figures, and we put those relationships to work for your event. Our roster includes voices like [Annie Leibovitz](https://wwsg.com/speakers/annie-leibovitz/), [Michael Carbonaro](https://wwsg.com/speakers/michael-carbonaro/), [Misty Copeland](https://wwsg.com/speakers/misty-copeland/), [Troy Aikman](https://wwsg.com/speakers/troy-aikman/), [Stanley Tucci](https://wwsg.com/speakers/stanley-tucci/), and [Julie Chen](https://wwsg.com/speakers/julie-chen/), each bringing a different kind of star power to the stage.
Our team understands what it takes to book and manage talent well. From schedules and riders to last-minute changes, we take care of every detail so your event runs smoothly from the first call to curtain.
**We provide:**
- Access to celebrity speakers, entertainers, and cultural icons across every discipline
- Speaker recommendations based on your audience, budget, and event goals
- Coordination for hosted conversations, Q&A formats, and multi-speaker programs
- Support from first inquiry through event day, including scheduling and logistics
### Frequently Asked Questions
#### [What are the benefits of hiring a celebrity speaker for your event?](#1784130880332-f2ce46e7-195c)
A celebrity speaker can boost registration, generate media buzz, and give attendees a moment they will remember and share. The strongest results come when the speaker’s profile and message genuinely fit the audience and agenda.
#### [How do you book a celebrity speaker for an event?](#1784130895973-70ee4d24-55ab)
You book a celebrity speaker through a professional bureau like WWSG, which confirms availability and fee, negotiates the contract and any rider requirements, and manages logistics from inquiry to event day.
#### [Who are some famous public speakers?](#1784131059795-d9b3f4d7-892a)
Famous public speakers are acclaimed athletes, artists, comedians, authors, and media personalities who shape culture, politics, and business. On WWSG’s arts and entertainment roster, that includes names like [Curt Menefee](https://wwsg.com/speakers/curt-menefee/), [Joel Cohen](https://wwsg.com/speakers/joel-cohen/), [Laila Ali](https://wwsg.com/speakers/laila-ali/), [Paula Zahn](https://wwsg.com/speakers/paula-zahn/), [Bob Woodward](https://wwsg.com/speakers/bob-woodward/), and [Matt LaFleur](https://wwsg.com/speakers/matt-lafleur/).
#### [How do you choose the right celebrity speaker for your event?](#1784131141404-87dcc5fe-ad40)
Start with your audience and the tone you want to set, then look for a speaker whose story, experience, or material genuinely matches both. A speaker who connects with your audience delivers more value than one chosen for name recognition alone.
#### [When should you start planning to book a celebrity speaker?](#1784131161373-960c6b50-d737)
Most organizations start reaching out three to six months before their event, and top-tier names can require even more lead time. Starting early gives you a wider range of options and a better shot at your first choice.
#### [What is the difference between a celebrity speaker and a keynote speaker?](#1784131182565-918f8f51-450b)
A celebrity speaker is noted for their fame and public recognition, while a keynote speaker is chosen mainly for their expertise on a given topic. In practice, many celebrity speakers are both, drawing a crowd and delivering real insight on stage.
#### [How much does it cost to book a celebrity speaker?](#1784741744830-1672950e-b6ef)
Booking a celebrity speaker typically costs $75,000 to $250,000 or more per appearance, though up-and-coming performers and cultural voices can come in well under that ceiling. Star power doesn’t have to mean an unreachable budget. WWSG’s[ guide to what shapes keynote speaker fees](https://wwsg.com/blog/how-much-does-it-cost-to-hire-a-keynote-speaker/) covers the variables that move pricing at every tier.
### Arts, Entertainment & Celebrity Speaker News
Explore insights, analysis, and perspectives from WWSG speakers.
[ ![Patrick McGee on iPhone and Apple's New CEO]()
Patrick McGee on Apple’s first foldable iPhone
](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/patrick-mcgee-on-apples-first-foldable-iphone/) Thought Leader: [Patrick McGee](https://wwsg.com/speakers/patrick-mcgee/)
[ ![]() Dr. Sanjay Gupta on Football, Brain Health & CTE
](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/dr-sanjay-gupta-on-football-brain-health-cte/) Thought Leader: [Sanjay Gupta](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sanjay-gupta/)
[ ![Lady Carnarvon and dogs]() Lady Carnarvon on Life at the Real Downton Abbey
](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/lady-carnarvon-on-life-at-the-real-downton-abbey/) Thought Leader: [Fiona Carnarvon](https://wwsg.com/speakers/fiona-carnarvon/)
### **Don’t see who you’re looking for?**
##### We can reach anyone you can think of to speak at your event. Our thought leaders span the breadth of the globe and cover every discipline imaginable.
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Choose a Speaker BudgetChoose a Speaker Budget$100,000 & Up$75,000 - $100,000$50,000 - $75,000$25,000 - $50,000$15,000 - $25,000Under $15,000Pro-Bono
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### [Women in Leadership](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/leadership-and-management/women-in-leadership/)
**Published:** November 27, 2024
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
## Women in Leadership — Women Speakers & Female Speakers Who Inspire
WWSG is at the forefront of empowering women leaders on the global stage, connecting you with talented female speakers and women speakers whose insights elevate every conversation.
As a leading professional services firm in the global lecture industry, Worldwide Speakers Group connects event planners with influential female speakers—women speakers who bring depth, perspective, and inspiration to every event.
Featuring a prominent woman in leadership as your keynote or inspirational speaker can elevate your event and leave a powerful, lasting impression. These leaders share compelling stories, strategic insights, and actionable takeaways that spark important dialogue around leadership, gender equity, and global impact. Whether you’re seeking a former diplomat, policy expert, or Latina speaker with global experience, WWSG will help you find the right voice to inspire and empower your audience.
## Discover a Diverse Range of Women in Leadership
Explore our curated categories of women speakers and female speakers who lead in business, the arts, advocacy, and more.
### CEOs of Major Organizations
### Award-Winning Authors and Artists
### Advocates and Philanthropists
## Selected Women in Leadership Speakers
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/erika-ayers-badan/)
##### **Erika Ayers Badan**
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/loretta-mester/)
##### **Dr. Loretta Mester**
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sheila-bair/)
##### **Sheila Bair**
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/moiya-mctier/)
##### **Dr. Moiya McTier**
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/annie-leibovitz/)
##### **Annie Leibovitz**
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/cristina-mittermeier/)
##### **Cristina Mittermeier**
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/elaine-chao/)
##### **Elaine Chao**
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/cassie-kozyrkov/)
##### **Cassie Kozyrkov**
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ashley-allison/)
##### **Ashley Allison**
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/geeta-nayyar/)
##### **Dr. Geeta Nayyar**
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/barbara-corcoran/)
##### **Barbara Corcoran**
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/carla-harris/)
##### **Carla Harris**
## Our Qualifications
##### *With more than 225 years of combined experience in the lecture industry, our team is uniquely qualified to meet your needs and exceed your expectations.*
WWSG’s collaborative work style means you have a full team working for you. In addition to your dedicated agent, you will have full access to our logistical team, which is seasoned and well-equipped to deal with the high caliber of speakers you will be working with.
[ Contact Us ](/contact-us/)
## Our Mission
##### *Our mission is to continue bringing success to our clients and thought-leaders and supporting the goals of each, impartially and passionately.*
Connection— the sharing of ideas, knowledge, experiences, and opinions— is at the heart of keynote speaking. Thought leaders present to connect with an audience and inspire them to be better, see things from another perspective, teach them valuable skills, and motivate them.
Through integrity, the pursuit of excellence, accountability, and collaboration, WWSG has created a vibrant company culture where innovative solutions combined with unparalleled service have resulted in continuous client and speaker success.
### Looking for the perfect female speaker in a specific field? Our team is ready to help you find the right voice for any occasion.
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Topic of InterestSelect a TopicHosts, Moderators & MCsArts & Entertainment- Artists & Musicians- Media Personalities- Live Entertainment & ComedyBusiness- Marketing & Advertising- Business Leaders from Major Brands- Business Transformation- Success in Business- Teamwork & Employee Engagement- EntrepreneurshipAuthors- New York Times Bestselling AuthorsClimate Change & Environmental Issues- Alternative Energy- Sustainability & Conservation- Climate PolicyCelebritiesDiversity- Advocacy & Social Justice- Gender EqualityEconomy & Finance- Financial Experts- Monetary Policy- Economic Trends/Forecasts- Emerging Markets- Geoeconomic RiskGovernment & Politics- Midterm Elections- Pundits, Analysts, & Pollsters- Conservative- LiberalHealthcare & Wellness- Mental Health- Healthcare Policy- Happiness & WellnessGeopolitics- National Security- World Leaders- Historians- Global TradeLeadership & Management- Leadership & Management Experts- Military LeadersMotivational- TED Speakers- Adventurers- Inspirational- Military Background- Survivors- Coaches, Athletes, & BroadcastersTechnology & Innovation- Cybersecurity- Fintech- Futurists- Artificial Intelligence- Astronauts & ScientistsWWSG Exclusives
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### [Military Leaders](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/leadership-and-management/military-leaders/)
**Published:** June 8, 2026
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
## Former military leaders deliver timely messages for audiences.
Former military leaders bring proven leadership lessons forged in high-pressure environments where decisions carry real-world consequences. Their insights on strategic thinking, team performance, resilience, and navigating uncertainty resonate with organizations facing complex challenges and rapid change.
Drawing from experience leading diverse teams through moments of crisis and transformation, these speakers offer practical leadership frameworks that audiences can apply immediately. [Contact Us](https://wwsg.com/contact-us/) today.
## Book Top Military Leadership Speakers
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---
### [Leadership & Management Experts](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/leadership-and-management/leadership-management-experts/)
**Published:** June 3, 2026
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
## Discover top management and leadership experts.
Worldwide Speakers Group has direct access to world-renowned management and leadership speakers who can inspire and reinvigorate your organization or audience.
Whether you’re looking for an expert who can motivate and improve your team or someone to make your professional event a true success, we have a diverse and impressive roster of speakers. We’ll connect you to business leaders of major brands, inspiring entrepreneurs, and best-selling authors who’ve written about success, productivity, and management. [Contact Us](https://wwsg.com/contact-us/) today.
## Book a Leadership and Management Expert
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---
### [Top Management and Leadership Speakers](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/leadership-and-management/)
**Published:** July 15, 2026
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
### Top Management and Leadership Speakers
Worldwide Speakers Group represents world-renowned leadership speakers, executives, authors, and change leaders who help organizations navigate complex decisions and execute growth.
Our roster includes CEOs, decorated military officers, championship coaches, and bestselling authors on leadership, so you can find a voice that fits your industry and your audience.
Whether your event calls for a boardroom perspective, a story of discipline under pressure, or lessons from building a championship team, each speaker brings firsthand experience leading people through real stakes.
[ View Speakers ](#speakers)
### Book Proven Leadership Speakers for Your Next Event
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### Management and Leadership Speakers by Specialty
Every leadership challenge is different, and so is every speaker WWSG represents. Some speakers have run Fortune 500 companies. Others have led platoons, locker rooms, or turnaround efforts inside organizations twice their size.
#### Executive and C-Suite Leadership Speakers
- Former and current executives with firsthand leadership experience
- Address decision-making, culture, and organizational direction
- Strong fit for board meetings and executive retreats
#### Business and Change Management Speakers
- Experts in guiding organizations through transformation and change
- Cover topics such as restructuring, culture shifts, and adopting new strategies
- Ideal for organizations navigating major transitions
#### Military and Government Leadership Speakers
- Former military and government officials with high-stakes leadership experience
- Share lessons on decision-making under pressure and leading through crisis
- Valuable for organizations seeking a disciplined, mission-driven perspective
#### Women in Leadership Speakers
- Accomplished leaders who bring a distinct perspective on leadership and advancement
- Address mentorship, workplace equity, and building inclusive cultures
- Relevant for diversity-focused and leadership-development events
### Why Hire a Leadership Keynote Speaker for Your Event
An experienced leadership keynote speaker inspires, motivates, and sparks real transformation, handing a room the strategies and frameworks it needs for what comes next.
#### Clarify High-Stakes Decisions
Speakers help leaders think more clearly about difficult trade-offs and high-stakes choices.
#### Build a More Effective Culture
The right speaker can reinforce the values and behaviors an organization wants across its teams.
#### Lead Through Organizational Change
Speakers offer frameworks for guiding people through uncertainty, restructuring, or new strategies.
#### Leave Leaders with a Playbook
Audiences walk away with practical, field-tested tools they can apply the next day.
### Why Work with WWSG for Leadership Events
WWSG connects organizations with leadership speakers whose background and expertise match the purpose of their event, from Fortune 500 boardrooms to the sports arena. Our roster includes voices like [Richard Branson](https://wwsg.com/speakers/richard-branson/), [“Magic” Johnson](https://wwsg.com/speakers/magic-johnson/), [Carey Lohrenz](https://wwsg.com/speakers/carey-lohrenz/), [Liz Brunner](https://wwsg.com/speakers/liz-brunner/), and [Jim Harbaugh](https://wwsg.com/speakers/jim-harbaugh/), each bringing a distinct approach to leadership strategies.
Our team understands what a leadership audience needs, whether that is a board retreat, a leadership summit, or an internal training event. We ensure a speaker’s background and message will match the audience and meet the moment.
**We provide:**
- Access to executives, military leaders, and change-management experts
- Speaker recommendations based on your event, goals, and audience
- Support for keynotes, panels, and multi-speaker programs
- Coordination from inquiry through event execution
##### We always enjoy working with WWSG, and we thank you and your team for your diligence, thoroughness, and professionalism. Planning is already underway for next year’s event. We hope to have every opportunity to work with you again in the near future.
— Texas American Resources Company
### Frequently Asked Questions
#### [What is a leadership keynote speaker?](#1784125970785-9310c41d-358a)
A leadership keynote speaker draws on real experience from their own careers. They address topics such as leading teams, driving and managing change, planning for success, and building stronger team cultures.
#### [Which leadership speakers does WWSG work with?](#1784125987269-5f1c940d-a47b)
WWSG works with a wide range of leadership speakers, including [Hank Paulson](https://wwsg.com/speakers/hank-paulson/), [Raja Rajamannar](https://wwsg.com/speakers/raja-rajamannar/), [John Kelly](https://wwsg.com/speakers/john-kelly/), [Erika Ayers Badan](https://wwsg.com/speakers/erika-ayers-badan/), [Joe Girardi](https://wwsg.com/speakers/joe-girardi/), [Lilah Jones](https://wwsg.com/speakers/lilah-jones/), [Matt Rhule](https://wwsg.com/speakers/matt-rhule/), and [Adrian Gostick](https://wwsg.com/speakers/adrian-gostick/). Our full roster spans executives, military leaders, championship coaches, and organizational experts across nearly every industry.
#### [What topics do leadership speakers generally cover?](#1784126247168-1836c099-1ddb)
Leadership speakers generally cover decision-making, organizational culture, change management, and how to lead teams through uncertainty. Many also draw on specific backgrounds, such as military service or corporate turnarounds, for a more focused angle.
#### [What should I look for when choosing a leadership keynote speaker for my event?](#1784126271262-da23a395-8072)
With more than 225 years of combined experience, WWSG’s agents can often speak from firsthand experience about previous engagements with a speaker and what made those events successful. They can help you find a speaker whose leadership experience aligns with your goals and the specific issues your attendees are facing.
#### [How far in advance should I book a leadership speaker for my event?](#1784126294338-9438b139-38a3)
Most organizations book three to six months ahead of a major event, and earlier is better for in-demand speakers. Booking early gives you a wider range of options and more time to align the speaker’s message with your goals.
#### [What's the typical cost range for a leadership keynote speaker?](#1784741484867-be6e7465-5c71)
Leadership speaker fees generally start in the $15,000 to $40,000 range for established voices, then climb to $40,000 to $75,000 for globally recognized executives and military leaders. Multi-day engagements, breakout sessions, and international travel all push costs toward the top of that range. WWSG’s[ keynote speaker pricing guide](https://wwsg.com/blog/how-much-does-it-cost-to-hire-a-keynote-speaker/) walks through what drives those numbers.
### Leadership Insights & Speaker News
Explore insights, analysis, and perspectives from WWSG leadership speakers.
[ ![]()
David Cattler on Russia’s Shadow War in Europe
](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/david-cattler-on-russias-shadow-war-in-europe/) Thought Leader: [David Cattler](https://wwsg.com/speakers/david-cattler/), [Nick Schifrin](https://wwsg.com/speakers/nick-schifrin/)
[ ![Aaron Finch Football]() Ben Sasse: Why America’s Boys Need Football
](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/ben-sasse-why-americas-boys-need-football/) Thought Leader: [Ben Sasse](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ben-sasse/)
[ ![free_market_graphic_800px]() Allen West on Socialism, Envy & American Freedom
](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/allen-west-on-socialism-envy-american-freedom/) Thought Leader: [Allen West](https://wwsg.com/speakers/allen-west/)
### **Don’t see who you’re looking for?**
##### We can reach anyone you can think of to speak at your event. Our thought leaders span the breadth of the globe and cover every discipline imaginable.
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Title
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Company Email Address
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Choose a Speaker BudgetChoose a Speaker Budget$100,000 & Up$75,000 - $100,000$50,000 - $75,000$25,000 - $50,000$15,000 - $25,000Under $15,000Pro-Bono
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### [Success in Business](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/business/success-in-business/)
**Published:** November 3, 2025
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
## Success in Business Speakers
Worldwide Speakers Group connects audiences with the leaders, innovators, and strategists who know what it takes to build successful organizations. From Fortune 500 executives and bestselling authors to entrepreneurs and leadership experts, our speakers share proven insights on growth, resilience, culture, and performance.
These are the voices who have driven transformation, navigated disruption, and led teams to extraordinary results—offering practical lessons that inspire action and measurable success.
[Contact us](http://wwsg.com/contact-us) to book a leading success in business speaker for your next corporate event, leadership retreat, or conference.
## Book a Business Transformation Speaker
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---
### [Marketing & Advertising](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/business/marketing-advertising/)
**Published:** November 3, 2025
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
## Marketing & Advertising Speakers
Worldwide Speakers Group, the premier speakers bureau, features marketing visionaries and advertising innovators from the world’s most influential brands and agencies. Our roster includes CMOs, creative directors, digital strategists, and brand leaders who have defined consumer trends, built global campaigns, and transformed the way businesses connect with audiences.
We connect event planners with industry pioneers and trendsetters across sectors including media, technology, retail, entertainment, and beyond—each offering actionable insights on branding, storytelling, consumer behavior, and the future of marketing.
[Contact us](http://wwsg.com/contact-us) to book a leading marketing and advertising speaker for your next conference, corporate event, or industry summit.
## Book a Business Transformation Speaker
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---
### [Entrepreneurship](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/business/entrepreneurship/)
**Published:** October 3, 2025
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
## Top Entrepreneurship Speakers: Industry Innovators
At Worldwide Speakers Group (WWSG), we connect event planners with the world’s top entrepreneurship speakers—visionary innovators, [business leaders](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/business/), and industry disruptors who inspire audiences to think bigger and achieve more. Whether you’re seeking a startup founder, a tech pioneer, or a business strategist, our roster includes thought leaders who deliver real-world insights on innovation, leadership, and growth. WWSG is the trusted partner for organizations worldwide, offering a tailored approach to speaker selection and a seamless booking experience. With our expertise and exclusive access to today’s most sought-after voices in entrepreneurship, we ensure your event leaves a lasting impact. [Contact us](https://wwsg.com/contact-us/) to learn more.
## Book an Inspiring Entrepreneur
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[ CONTACT US WITH YOUR REQUEST ](/contact-us/)
---
### [Business Transformation](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/business/business-transformation/)
**Published:** October 30, 2025
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
## **Find the Best Business Transformation Speakers: Leaders From Every Industry**
Worldwide Speakers Group, the premier speakers bureau, features business leaders from the world’s most influential brands and organizations. Our roster includes top executives, innovators, and change-makers who have shaped industries and led global companies to success.
We connect event planners with visionary thought leaders and industry titans across sectors including economics, entrepreneurship, finance, technology, media, and more—each offering actionable insights to help organizations grow, adapt, and thrive.
[Contact us](https://wwsg.com/contact-us/) to book a leading business transformation speaker for your next conference or corporate event.
## Book a Business Transformation Speaker
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---
### [Business Leaders from Major Brands](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/business/business-leaders-from-major-brands/)
**Published:** October 20, 2025
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
## **Top Business & Leadership Speakers: Global Leaders From Every Industry**
Worldwide Speakers Group, one of the premier speakers bureaus in Washington, DC, features business leaders from the world’s most influential brands and organizations. Our roster includes top executives, innovators, and changemakers who have shaped industries and led global companies to success.
We connect event planners with visionary thought leaders and industry titans across sectors including economics, entrepreneurship, finance, technology, media, and more—each offering actionable insights to help organizations grow, adapt, and thrive.
[Contact us](https://wwsg.com/contact-us/) to book a leading business motivational speaker for your next conference or corporate event.
## Book a Business Leadership Speaker
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---
### [Top Business & Corporate Keynote Speakers](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/business/)
**Published:** July 15, 2026
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
### Top Business & Corporate Keynote Speakers
Worldwide Speakers Group represents leading business speakers, [motivational experts](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/motivational/), and corporate strategists.
We connect event planners with thought leaders, founders, and CEOs across the public and private sectors — spanning [entrepreneurship](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/kevin-oleary-no-nonsense-advice-for-entrepreneurs/), finance, technology, media, and [global economics](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/government-and-politics/). Our speakers bring [real operating experience](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/shawn-meaike-30-years-of-business-lessons-in-14-minutes/) to the stage, not just theory, helping audiences make sense of growth, change, and what comes next for their organizations.
[ View Speakers ](#speakers)
### Book In-Demand Business and Corporate Speakers for Your Event
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### Leading Business Keynote Speakers by Specialty
WWSG represents a wide range of business and corporate speakers, each suited to different kinds of events and audiences.
Many have built and led their own companies, held senior roles at Fortune 500 organizations, or advised boards and executive teams across industries, bringing firsthand experience to the strategic and operational challenges audiences face today.
#### Entrepreneurship and Startup Speakers
- Founders and operators who have built companies from the ground up
- Cover topics such as risk-taking, scaling, and navigating early-stage growth
- Well-suited for entrepreneurship conferences and founder-focused audiences
#### Sales and Business Growth Speakers
- Experts in sales strategy, mindset, and performance
- Focus on motivation, accountability, and measurable results
- Ideal for sales kickoffs and revenue-focused teams
#### Business Strategy and Management Speakers
- Executives and consultants with hands-on leadership experience
- Address decision-making, operations, and organizational change
- Strong fit for leadership offsites and management conferences
#### Future of Work and Workplace Culture Speakers
- Voices on evolving workplace dynamics, culture, and employee engagement
- Explore hybrid work, generational shifts, and what keeps teams effective
- Relevant for HR summits, internal leadership sessions, and team motivation events
### Why Hire a Business Speaker for Your Event
The right business speaker does more than fill a keynote slot. They give teams and decision-makers focused insights and a shared reference point for the challenges ahead.
#### Sharpen Strategic Thinking
Challenge assumptions and give audiences a new way to think through the decisions ahead of them.
#### Bring Real Operating Experience
Our speakers have built, led, or transformed real organizations, so their insight comes from lived experience rather than theory alone.
#### Align Teams Around a Shared Message
The right speaker complements a company’s strategy or mission, reinforcing it well beyond the room.
#### Deliver Practical Takeaways
Leave audiences with frameworks and ideas they can put to work in practice.
### Why Work with WWSG for Business Events
WWSG works with corporations, associations, and organizations to identify business speakers who match the goals of a specific event, not just a general theme.
[Our team](https://wwsg.com/about-us/) understands what a business audience expects, whether that is a sales kickoff, a leadership offsite, or an annual conference. We help make sure a speaker’s expertise, experience, and message align with what an audience actually needs to hear.
**We provide:**
- Access to [proven executives, founders, management, and strategy experts](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/thinkers-50-list-the-worlds-most-influential-management-thinkers/)
- Speaker recommendations based on your event, goals, and audience
- Support for keynotes, panels, and multi-speaker programs
- Coordination from inquiry through event execution
### Frequently Asked Questions
#### [What exactly does a business keynote speaker do?](#1784122172803-eb765e90-927d)
A keynote speaker delivers the central address at a conference, sales kickoff, or corporate meeting. A business keynote speaker focuses on strategy, growth, leadership, or innovation, setting the tone for the event and giving the audience ideas they can act on.
#### [What is the difference between a plenary speaker and a keynote speaker?](#1786638745727-4d06e3f0-bdd7)
A keynote speaker delivers an address that drives home the meeting’s central theme, and organizers often select someone with strong expertise or name recognition to build enthusiasm and draw attendees to the event. [A plenary speaker](https://wwsg.com/blog/the-difference-between-keynote-plenary-speakers-2/), by contrast, typically comes from within the industry itself, and a plenary session brings together all conference attendees in a range of formats, from panel discussions to fireside chats.
#### [What is the difference between a speaker and a keynote speaker?](#1784122194493-c4f6fa42-5304)
A general speaker can fill any session slot on the agenda. A keynote speaker delivers the marquee address that sets the tone for the entire event.
#### [Is hiring a business or corporate keynote speaker worth it?](#1784122218762-85d65f62-a4da)
A strong keynote speaker sets the tone for an event, energizes the audience, and reinforces the organization’s core message. The value comes from matching a speaker’s expertise to the audience and the goals of the event.
#### [Who are the best business or corporate speakers?](#1784122241573-22a49182-0b56)
The best business keynote speakers tend to be proven executives, founders, and authors with real operating experience and strong stage presence. The right choice depends on your audience, your theme, and your event goals rather than any single fixed ranking.
#### [What should I look for when choosing a business keynote speaker?](#1784122268702-92528fa9-2dab)
Look beyond a highlight reel. Look for evidence of their experience and whether or not they can customize their talk for your specific audience or industry. Lastly, check for positive testimonials from other groups who have seen them speak.
#### [Which business speakers does WWSG work with?](#1784122288287-83d41575-a0ef)
WWSG works with a wide range of business speakers, including [Barbara Corcoran](https://wwsg.com/speakers/barbara-corcoran/), [Richard Branson](https://wwsg.com/speakers/richard-branson/), [Lloyd Blankfein](https://wwsg.com/speakers/lloyd-c-blankfein/), [Kevin O’Leary](https://wwsg.com/speakers/kevin-oleary/), and [Elaine Chao](https://wwsg.com/speakers/elaine-chao/). Our full roster spans entrepreneurs, investors, and executives with experience across nearly every industry.
#### [How far in advance should I book a business speaker for my event?](#1784122376613-27011018-1cc1)
Most organizations book three to six months ahead of a major event, and earlier is better for in-demand speakers. Booking early gives you a wider range of options and more time to align the speaker’s message with your goals.
#### [Which business speakers does WWSG represent?](#wbsdwr)
WWSG represents a wide range of business speakers, including[ Barbara Corcoran](https://wwsg.com/speakers/barbara-corcoran/),[ Richard Branson](https://wwsg.com/speakers/richard-branson/),[ Lloyd Blankfein](https://wwsg.com/speakers/lloyd-c-blankfein/),[ Kevin O’Leary](https://wwsg.com/speakers/kevin-oleary/), and[ Elaine Chao](https://wwsg.com/speakers/elaine-chao/). Our full roster spans entrepreneurs, investors, and executives with experience across nearly every industry.
#### [How much do business speakers charge for events and conferences?](#1784741356166-e9d3143c-e08a)
Fees for business speakers span a wide range, from about $5,000 for emerging voices and niche experts to $75,000 for high-profile executives and specialized thought leaders. Format, demand, and event scope all shape where a specific engagement lands within that range. WWSG’s[ guide to keynote speaker costs](https://wwsg.com/blog/how-much-does-it-cost-to-hire-a-keynote-speaker/) breaks down exactly how those factors affect price.
### Business Insights & Speaker News
Explore insights, analysis, and perspectives from WWSG business speakers.
[ ![Patrick McGee on iPhone and Apple's New CEO]()
Patrick McGee on Apple’s first foldable iPhone
](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/patrick-mcgee-on-apples-first-foldable-iphone/) Thought Leader: [Patrick McGee](https://wwsg.com/speakers/patrick-mcgee/)
[ ![AI technology colliding with traditional publishing/copyright]() Sara Fischer on the Landmark AI Copyright Battle
](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/sara-fischer-on-the-landmark-ai-copyright-battle/) Thought Leader: [Sara Fischer](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sara-fischer/)
[ ![AXIOS image]() Sara Fischer on Amazon’s New Advertising Lawsuit
](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/sara-fischer-on-amazons-new-advertising-lawsuit/) Thought Leader: [Sara Fischer](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sara-fischer/)
### **Don’t see who you’re looking for?**
##### We can reach anyone you can think of to speak at your event. Our thought leaders span the breadth of the globe and cover every discipline imaginable.
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Company Email Address
Phone
Choose a Speaker BudgetChoose a Speaker Budget$100,000 & Up$75,000 - $100,000$50,000 - $75,000$25,000 - $50,000$15,000 - $25,000Under $15,000Pro-Bono
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### [Financial Speakers & Economic Keynote Experts](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/economy-and-finance/)
**Published:** May 1, 2026
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
### Worldwide Speakers Group represents leading [financial speakers and economic experts](https://wwsg.com/blog/economy-and-finance-experts/) across global markets.
They provide insight into economic policy, market trends, and the forces that shape financial decision-making. From inflation and interest rates to investment strategy and regulation, these speakers are known for explaining complex financial topics in a way that’s clear, relevant, and grounded in real-world experience.
WWSG works with organizations to identify speakers who match the audience and the moment, whether the need is market perspective, policy insight, or a broader economic outlook.
[ View Speakers ](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/economy-and-finance/#view-speakers)
### Book One of Our Economy and Financial Speakers
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### Book Top Finance and Financial Speakers for Events
[Financial topics](https://wwsg.com/blog/3-ways-geoeconomics-is-replacing-traditional-economic-forecasting-in-2026/) require clarity, context, and credibility.
The right speaker helps audiences understand how economic shifts affect business, investment, and long-term plans. That’s especially valuable for organizations navigating market volatility, policy changes, or the broader impact of economic change across global markets.
WWSG will help you identify speakers who align with your event, audience, and goals.
**Common event types include:**
- Investor and finance-focused events
- Corporate leadership meetings
- Industry conferences and association events
- Private briefings and executive sessions
### Financial Speakers for Banking, Investment, and Fintech
WWSG represents a wide range of voices with experience across financial services, global markets, and economic policy.
#### Economic Outlook and Global Markets Speakers
- Economists and market analysts
- Focus on [trends, forecasts, and global economic shifts](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/economy-and-finance/economic-trends-forecasts/)
- Help audiences understand market direction and risks
#### Financial Services and Banking Experts
- Leaders in banking, regulation, and financial services
- Insight into industry changes, compliance, and operations
- Relevant for financial institutions and corporate audiences
#### Investment, Private Equity, and Hedge Fund Speakers
- Investors, fund managers, and dealmakers
- Share perspectives on capital markets, strategy, and performance
- Ideal for investor and financial audiences
#### Fintech and Innovation Leaders
- Founders, executives, and technology experts
- Focus on digital finance and emerging models
- Useful for organizations tracking change across financial services
### Why Hire a Financial Speaker for Your Event
Financial speakers bring context to choices that carry real financial risk and opportunity, helping audiences think more clearly about market impact and outcomes.
#### Understand Market Trends
Break down complex developments into clear, usable insight.
#### Connect to Business Decisions
Show how economic shifts impact strategy, investment, and operations.
#### Hear from Experienced Voices
Gain perspective from economists, investors, and industry leaders.
#### Bring Clarity to Complex Topics
Make financial concepts accessible to a broad audience.
### Frequently Asked Questions
#### [What does a finance speaker do?](#finance-speaker-does)
A finance speaker provides expert insight on economic trends, financial markets, regulatory developments, and industry outlooks for corporate and conference audiences.
#### [Who are the top finance speakers?](#top-finance-speakers)
Top finance speakers typically include economists, former financial regulators, fintech innovators, and [financial strategists](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/economy-and-finance/economic-trends-forecasts/) with strong public speaking credentials. Examples include Mario Draghi, [Agustín Carstens](http://wwsg.com/speakers/agustin-carstens), and [Loretta Mester](http://wwsg.com/speakers/loretta-mester).
#### [What is the difference between an economist and a financial speaker?](#economist-and-financial-speaker-difference)
An economist focuses on macroeconomic theory and policy, while a financial speaker may specialize in markets, banking, investment, corporate finance, or fintech trends. Many professionals combine both areas.
#### [How much do finance speakers charge?](#finance-speaker-charge)
Finance speaker fees vary depending on experience, global recognition, and event format. High-profile financial experts and former government officials typically command premium keynote fees. You can find more information on the cost of hiring speakers on our [blog](https://wwsg.com/blog/how-much-does-it-cost-to-hire-a-keynote-speaker/).
#### [What types of events hire financial speakers?](#what-types-of-events)
Financial speakers are frequently hired for financial services groups, investor summits, corporate strategy meetings, fintech expos, and economic outlook forums.
#### [How do I book a financial speaker?](#book-financial-speaker)
You can book a financial speaker through a professional speaker bureau like WWSG, which manages speaker calendars and availability, contracts, and event logistics.
#### [Are financial speakers suitable for corporate executive audiences?](#financial-speakers-suitable-for-corporate-exec-audiences)
Yes. Finance speakers are commonly invited to executive leadership meetings to discuss economic risk, market volatility, regulatory changes, and long-term financial strategy.
### Financial Insights & Speaker News
[Explore insights, analysis, and commentary](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/milton-friedmans-century/) from WWSG speakers on markets, economic trends, and financial strategy.
[ ![NY Stock Exchange]()
Hank Paulson: We managed financial crises. AI is a risk of a different kind.
](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/hank-paulson-we-managed-financial-crises-ai-is-a-risk-of-a-different-kind/) Thought Leader: [Hank Paulson](https://wwsg.com/speakers/hank-paulson/)
[ ![Split-screen video: two men speaking from New York (left) and Toronto (right) with GZERO logo above.]()
Ian Bremmer Explores Humanity’s Future in Space
](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/ian-bremmer-explores-humanitys-future-in-space/) Thought Leader: [Ian Bremmer](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ian-bremmer/)
[ ![free_market_graphic_800px]() Allen West on Socialism, Envy & American Freedom
](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/allen-west-on-socialism-envy-american-freedom/) Thought Leader: [Allen West](https://wwsg.com/speakers/allen-west/)
### **Don’t see who you’re looking for?**
##### We can reach anyone you can think of to speak at your event. Our thought leaders span the breadth of the globe and cover every discipline imaginable.
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Company
Company Email Address
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Choose a Speaker BudgetChoose a Speaker Budget$100,000 & Up$75,000 - $100,000$50,000 - $75,000$25,000 - $50,000$15,000 - $25,000Under $15,000Pro-Bono
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---
### [Contact Us](https://wwsg.com/contact-us/)
**Published:** May 17, 2022
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
## Clients that partner with WWSG trust that their events will be a success.
Our team is a collection of highly experienced agents dedicated to finding you the right speaker, managing that speaker, creating contingency plans, and ensuring cost-effectiveness.
As one of the leading public speaking agencies and professional speaker bureaus in the world, WWSG offers an intimate, consultative approach for organizations looking for speakers. Whether you need renowned thought leaders or emerging voices, we help event planners identify and secure the great speakers of today.
Contact us today and take the first step towards partnering with a company you can trust. Please fill out the form and one of our agents will assist you.
### Interested in Becoming a WWSG Speaker?
#### Let Us Know!
[ Become a WWSG Speaker Now ](/prospective-speakers/)
### Call Us: [703-373-9974](tel:+7033739974)
#### Send a Message
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Topic of InterestSelect a TopicHosts, Moderators & MCsArts & Entertainment- Artists & Musicians- Media Personalities- Live Entertainment & ComedyBusiness- Marketing & Advertising- Business Leaders from Major Brands- Business Transformation- Success in Business- Teamwork & Employee Engagement- EntrepreneurshipAuthors- New York Times Bestselling AuthorsClimate Change & Environmental Issues- Alternative Energy- Sustainability & Conservation- Climate PolicyCelebritiesDiversity- Advocacy & Social Justice- Gender EqualityEconomy & Finance- Financial Experts- Monetary Policy- Economic Trends/Forecasts- Emerging Markets- Geoeconomic RiskGovernment & Politics- Midterm Elections- Pundits, Analysts, & Pollsters- Conservative- LiberalHealthcare & Wellness- Mental Health- Healthcare Policy- Happiness & WellnessGeopolitics- National Security- World Leaders- Historians- Global TradeLeadership & Management- Leadership & Management Experts- Military LeadersMotivational- TED Speakers- Adventurers- Inspirational- Military Background- Survivors- Coaches, Athletes, & BroadcastersTechnology & Innovation- Cybersecurity- Fintech- Futurists- Artificial Intelligence- Astronauts & ScientistsWWSG Exclusives
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Speaker BudgetsChoose a Speaker Budget$100,000 & Up$75,000 - $100,000$50,000 - $75,000$25,000 - $50,000$15,000 - $25,000Under $15,000Pro-Bono
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### Interested in Becoming a WWSG Speaker?
#### Let Us Know!
[ Become a WWSG Speaker Now ](/prospective-speakers/)
### Contact Us
1940 Duke Street
Suite 6300
Alexandria, VA 22314
Phone: [703-373-9974](tel:+7033739974)
Email:
### Highlighted Thought Leaders
[ ![Close-up portrait of a bald man in a dark suit, white shirt, and blue tie wearing glasses.]() Larry Hogan
](https://wwsg.com/speakers/larry-hogan-2/)
[ ![Agustin Carstens WWSG Headshot 2 Alternate]() Agustín Carstens
](https://wwsg.com/speakers/agustin-carstens/)
[ ![Chris Wray WWSG Square Headshot]() Christopher Wray
](https://wwsg.com/speakers/christopher-wray/)
[ ![Tony Abbott]() Tony Abbott
](https://wwsg.com/speakers/tony-abbott/)
[ ![Edward Fishman Headshot]() Edward Fishman
](https://wwsg.com/speakers/edward-fishman/)
[ ![Eric Holcomb Headshot]() Eric Holcomb
](https://wwsg.com/speakers/eric-holcomb/)
[ ![Patrick McGee Headshot ©Cayce Clifford]() Patrick McGee
](https://wwsg.com/speakers/patrick-mcgee/)
[ ![Raja Rajamannar Headshot]() Raja Rajamannar
](https://wwsg.com/speakers/raja-rajamannar/)
[ ![Marty Gruenberg Headshot]() Martin Gruenberg
](https://wwsg.com/speakers/martin-gruenberg/)
[ ![]() Peter Goodman
](https://wwsg.com/speakers/peter-goodman/)
[ ![]() Loretta Mester
](https://wwsg.com/speakers/loretta-mester/)
[ ![]() Nicholas Christakis
](https://wwsg.com/speakers/nicholas-christakis/)
[ ![]() Jon Krohn
](https://wwsg.com/speakers/jon-krohn/)
[ ![Segun Oduolowu Headshot Worldwide Speakers Group]() Segun Oduolowu
](https://wwsg.com/speakers/segun-oduolowu/)
[ ![Erika Ayers Badan Keynote and Public Speaking]() Erika Ayers Badan
](https://wwsg.com/speakers/erika-ayers-badan/)
[ ![]() Jennifer Burns
](https://wwsg.com/speakers/jennifer-burns/)
[ ![]() Ryan Dusick
](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ryan-dusick/)
[ ![Sara Official Headshot_Sq]() Sara Fischer
](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sara-fischer/)
[ ![]() Moiya McTier
](https://wwsg.com/speakers/moiya-mctier/)
[ ![Ben Sasse Official Portrait_Sq]() Ben Sasse
](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ben-sasse/)
[ ![]() Roy Blunt
](https://wwsg.com/speakers/roy-blunt/)
[ ![]() Sean Bratches
](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sean-bratches/)
[ ![]() Josh Kraushaar
](https://wwsg.com/speakers/josh-kraushaar/)
[ ![Olga Koroleva | Worldwide Speakers Group]() Olga Koroleva
](https://wwsg.com/speakers/olga-koroleva/)
[ ![]() John Roberts
](https://wwsg.com/speakers/john-roberts/)
[ ![dave-chokshi]() Dave Chokshi
](https://wwsg.com/speakers/dave-chokshi/)
[ ![Tyler Goodspeed WWSG Headshot]() Tyler Goodspeed
](https://wwsg.com/speakers/tyler-goodspeed/)
[ ![Chris Miller Keynote Speaker]() Chris Miller
](https://wwsg.com/speakers/chris-miller/)
[ ![Eyck Freymann WWSG Headshot]() Eyck Freymann
](https://wwsg.com/speakers/eyck-freymann/)
[ ![Professional headshot of a man in a dark suit smiling against a blurred blue-tan background.]() Anand Shah
](https://wwsg.com/speakers/anand-shah/)
[ ![Robert O'Brien WWSG Headshot]() Robert O’Brien
](https://wwsg.com/speakers/robert-obrien/)
[ ![]() Deborah Birx
](https://wwsg.com/speakers/deborah-birx/)
[ ![]() Mike Pence
](https://wwsg.com/speakers/mike-pence/)
[ ![]() Caitlin Rivers
](https://wwsg.com/speakers/caitlin-rivers/)
[ ![]() Robert Redfield
](https://wwsg.com/speakers/robert-redfield/)
[ ![]() Seema Verma
](https://wwsg.com/speakers/seema-verma/)
[ ![Professional headshot of a middle-aged man in a gray suit and red striped tie, wearing glasses and a slight smile, against a neutral backdrop]() Mark Esper
](https://wwsg.com/speakers/mark-esper/)
[ ![]() Joseph Grogan
](https://wwsg.com/speakers/joseph-grogan/)
[ ![Scott Gottlieb Keynote Speaker]() Scott Gottlieb
](https://wwsg.com/speakers/scott-gottlieb/)
[ ![]() Michael Pillsbury
](https://wwsg.com/speakers/michael-pillsbury/)
[ ![]() Scott Walker
](https://wwsg.com/speakers/scott-walker/)
[ ![]() Jeff Sessions
](https://wwsg.com/speakers/the-honorable-jeff-sessions/)
[ ![]() John Kelly
](https://wwsg.com/speakers/john-kelly/)
[ ![]() David Frum
](https://wwsg.com/speakers/david-frum/)
[ ![Allen Guelzo 2025]() Allen Guelzo
](https://wwsg.com/speakers/allen-guelzo/)
[ ![]() Annie Leibovitz
](https://wwsg.com/speakers/annie-leibovitz/)
[ ![Michael Auslin WWSG Headshot]() Michael Auslin
](https://wwsg.com/speakers/michael-auslin/)
[ ![]() Stephen Harper
](https://wwsg.com/speakers/stephen-harper/)
[ ![]() Tomi Lahren
](https://wwsg.com/speakers/tomi-lahren/)
[ ![]() Shubham Banerjee
](https://wwsg.com/speakers/shubham-banerjee/)
[ See All Speakers ](/staging/speakers-and-topics)
---
### [Careers](https://wwsg.com/about-us/careers/)
**Published:** May 17, 2022
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
## Join the Team!
At Worldwide Speakers Group, we represent the best, brightest, and most passionate people in the industry! We are widely respected for our professionalism and integrity and love serving our clients in the best ways we know how. It’s a wonderful and fun place to work as we aim to exceed our customers’ expectations through incredible experiences and working with many of today’s leading keynote, motivational, and iconic industry speakers.
Worldwide Speakers Group has a special interest in sales professionals with direct industry experience.
### Our current openings include:
#### [VP of Sales](#sales-agent)
Worldwide Speakers Group (WWSG) is an innovative global lecture agency dedicated to providing an unprecedented and unparalleled level of service in the speaker industry. We create effective comprehensive strategic solutions that achieve client goals and forge a lasting impact with audiences. Our leadership is reflected in the extraordinary individuals we exclusively represent including those from the highest levels of government, business, media and entertainment.
**Job Summary: Vice President of Sales (Agent)**
WWSG is seeking an experienced, talented and energetic individual to join our team as a VP of Sales. Agents are responsible for developing, maintaining and growing relationships with clients and speakers. The ideal candidate will possess a strong focus on client development and relationships and be a strong communicator—both written and verbal.
To be successful in this position, Agents must convey continuous positive influence both within the company and to our clients and our speakers. They must demonstrate strong interpersonal, communication and teamwork skills and must be able to develop partnerships with co-workers. The ideal candidate must maintain a positive attitude and build long lasting relationships with clients. They must also exhibit a sense of urgency to close sales. They must be extremely detail-oriented and be able to manage multiple projects simultaneously. Agents are expected to meet or exceed their annual sales goals.
**Principal Duties and Responsibilities**
- Research and contact potential speakers to obtain contact and booking information
- Possess sufficient knowledge of industry marketplace, trends and product knowledge
- Research clients and compile vetting documents
- Recommend speakers and quote fees to clients
- Maintain strong client relationships and increase the number of contacts within existing organizations
- Achieve or exceed sales goals on a monthly and annual basis
- Maintain a pipeline of 3 times identified sales goal
- Manage escalated client issues/concerns and speaker cancellations
- Direct the client and speaker firm offer and contract negotiation process
- Obtain signed Firm Offers and Signed Contracts from speakers and clients
- Ensure all fees are collected for every engagement
- Obtain documented approval from client and speaker for video recording
- Effectively use the CRM to enter sales, client and speaker information for accurate tracking, reporting and follow-up
- Compose and send correspondence to current or potential clients and speakers
- Check availability of speakers
- Contact and qualify potential clients via telephone and email
- Communicate accurate and comprehensive event information to host organizations, speakers and internal departments
- Work closely with Marketing for targeted initiatives for your clients
- Commit to continuing education – learning about speakers, staying informed about world events/business issues affecting our clients to better assist them in finding the right speaker for their program
- Attend local events
- Visit one local client per quarter
- Mentor Account Executives and Sales Associates
- Other duties as assigned
**Qualifications and Education Requirements**
- Bachelor’s degree.
- 4+ years’ experience selling services/products, contract negotiation and demonstrated track record of sales success
- Experience identifying, qualifying and closing business with an average sales price of $35,000 or higher
- Strong ability in consultative sales and connecting organizational business needs to speaker engagements and learning solutions
**Preferred Skills**
- Strong project management, client service and relationship building skills.
- Strong written and verbal communication, able to deliver clear, concise information tailored to specific and varied audiences.
- Ability to manage multiple projects independently
- Proficiency in Microsoft products (Word, Excel, and Outlook) and Salesforce
- Exceptionally detail-oriented and organized, ensuring quality and consistent output.
- Ability to effectively solve problems, think creatively, make decisions and act, exercising independent judgment.
- Ability to maintain a professional and positive attitude and work independently with little guidance in a fast-paced and deadline-oriented environment.
- Convention/hospitality, or Association industry experience is a plus
**Compensation**
WWSG offers a competitive salary and benefits package commensurate with experience. Benefits include medical and dental insurance, vision and prescription plan coverage, paid vacation and sick time, free parking and shuttle to metro, and training and development programs.
#### If you are interested in joining the team at Worldwide Speakers Group, please fill out the form below.
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### [Artificial Intelligence Keynote Speakers](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/technology-and-innovation/artificial-intelligence-speakers/)
**Published:** June 4, 2026
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
### WWSG represents AI keynote speakers who turn artificial intelligence into clear, actionable, and relevant insight for real-world audiences.
AI is no longer simply a theory. It’s impacted the workplace, our daily lives, and every corner of the globe. Understanding and applying this new and rapidly-evolving technology is critical for teams, executive leadership, industries, and governments. From machine learning and automation to generative AI and governance, these experts bring deep experience and clarity to the technologies reshaping the world.
[ View Speakers ](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/technology-and-innovation/artificial-intelligence-speakers/#view-speakers)
### Book Top AI Speakers for Conferences and Corporate Events
The right AI speaker does more than explain the technology. They connect it to real decisions around risk, adoption, and long-term strategy.
Search
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### Leading AI Speakers by Specialty
WWSG represents a wide range of AI speakers — from researchers and engineers to business leaders and policy experts. Each offers a distinct perspective on how artificial intelligence is shaping business, society, and global competition.
#### AI Ethics and Responsible AI Speakers
- Focus on governance, bias, transparency, and responsible deployment
- Address regulatory pressure and ethical decision-making
- Relevant for leadership teams, policy groups, and regulated industries
#### Machine Learning and Data Science Experts
- Specialists in model development, data strategy, and applied AI
- Explain how machine learning works in practice, not just theory
- Strong fit for technical teams, product leaders, and innovation groups
#### AI in Business and Automation
- Focus on AI adoption across operations, workflows, and decision-making
- Share real use cases, implementation challenges, and outcomes
- Relevant for enterprise leaders, operations teams, and transformation initiatives
#### Generative AI and Large Language Model Speakers
- Cover generative AI, LLMs, and content automation
- Address real-world applications, limitations, and risks
- Ideal for organizations evaluating how to apply AI responsibly across functions
### Why Hire an AI Keynote Speaker for Your Event
AI speakers help audiences move beyond headlines and understand what artificial intelligence actually means for them, their business, and the world at large.
#### Clarity on What AI Can (and Can’t) Do
Cut through hype and focus on real capabilities, limitations, and tradeoffs.
#### Practical Insight for Adoption
Understand how organizations are implementing AI and where it’s creating real value.
#### Risk, Governance, and Accountability
Explore the ethical, legal, and operational risks tied to AI use.
#### Relevance to Your Industry
Translate broad AI developments into what they mean for your sector, teams, and priorities.
### Why Work with WWSG for AI Speaker Engagements
WWSG is a Washington, DC–based speakers bureau known for its consultative approach and long-standing relationships across corporate, government, and institutional audiences.
Our speakers are a strong fit for organizations facing decisions around artificial intelligence at a time when the stakes are high and outcomes carry long-term consequences.
**We provide:**
- Access to leading AI speakers across research, industry, and policy
- Speaker recommendations based on your audience and agenda
- Support for keynotes, panels, and executive-level discussions
- Coordination from inquiry through event execution
They provide us well-prepared and informed speakers who understand our expectations and unique format. With WWSG, we know that the speaker fees are fair and trust that the event will be a success.
– The Distinguished Speaker Series of Southern California
### Frequently Asked Questions
#### [What is an AI keynote speaker?](#1780604124586-813124cd-11be)
An AI keynote speaker is an expert in artificial intelligence, machine learning, or related technologies who presents at conferences, corporate events, and leadership meetings. They help audiences understand how AI is impacting industries, operations, and decision-making.
#### [Who are the top AI speakers?](#1780604157609-de4aeb81-0545)
Top AI speakers include researchers, engineers, entrepreneurs, and business leaders with valuable subject matter experience. Many are authors, academics, or former executives from leading technology organizations. Notable names include [Chris Miller](https://wwsg.com/speakers/chris-miller/), [Nicholas Christakis](https://wwsg.com/speakers/nicholas-christakis/), [Michio Kaku](https://wwsg.com/speakers/michio-kaku/), and [Anima Anandkumar](https://wwsg.com/speakers/anima-anandkumar/).
#### [What topics do AI speakers cover?](#1780604200075-3b059868-f878)
AI speakers cover topics such as generative AI, machine learning, automation, AI ethics, governance, and the future of work. They’re often tailored to specific industries, use cases, and business challenges.
#### [How much do AI keynote speakers charge?](#1780604275900-fcd9260c-2f9c)
AI keynote speaker fees vary based on expertise, visibility, and event format. Our blog post, [How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Keynote Speaker?](https://wwsg.com/blog/how-much-does-it-cost-to-hire-a-keynote-speaker/) offers more information on keynote speaker fees.
#### [How do I book an AI speaker for my conference?](#1780604385889-21322836-5f76)
You can book an AI speaker by contacting WWSG. We’ll manage availability, contracts, logistics, and event coordination.
#### [What is the difference between an AI speaker and a technology speaker?](#1780604403907-4da51824-995f)
An AI speaker focuses specifically on artificial intelligence, machine learning, and related disciplines. A technology speaker may cover a broader range of topics, including cybersecurity, innovation, and emerging technologies beyond AI.
#### [What types of events hire AI speakers?](#1780604468623-b2565360-d7f8)
AI speakers are commonly featured at corporate leadership meetings, industry conferences, innovation summits, and executive briefings focused on strategy, risk, and transformation.
### AI Insights & Speaker News
Explore insights and perspectives from WWSG AI speakers on the ideas shaping business, policy, and innovation today.
[ ![Nuclear explosion with a large mushroom cloud rising from the ground over a flat landscape.]() Niall Ferguson Examines the Risks of an AI “Apocalypse”
](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/niall-ferguson-examines-the-risks-of-an-ai-apocalypse/) Thought Leader: [Niall Ferguson](https://wwsg.com/speakers/niall-ferguson/)
[ ![war on terror]()
David Frum Asks: Did America Win the War on Terror?
](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/david-frum-asks-did-america-win-the-war-on-terror/) Thought Leader: [David Frum](https://wwsg.com/speakers/david-frum/)
[ ![Patrick McGee on iPhone and Apple's New CEO]()
Patrick McGee on Apple’s first foldable iPhone
](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/patrick-mcgee-on-apples-first-foldable-iphone/) Thought Leader: [Patrick McGee](https://wwsg.com/speakers/patrick-mcgee/)
### Bring the Right AI Voice to Your Event
Tell us what you’re planning — we’ll recommend speakers who match your audience, budget, goal, and setting.
Name First Last
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Company Email Address
Phone
Choose a Speaker BudgetChoose a Speaker Budget$100,000 & Up$75,000 - $100,000$50,000 - $75,000$25,000 - $50,000$15,000 - $25,000Under $15,000Pro-Bono
Event Date(s)
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---
### [Technology & Innovation Speakers for Corporate Events](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/technology-and-innovation/)
**Published:** May 22, 2026
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
### WWSG represents **technology and innovation speakers** who break down complex change for real-world audiences and connect it to practical and strategic decisions.
From artificial intelligence and cybersecurity to digital infrastructure and emerging science, these speakers bring clarity to the technologies shaping how organizations operate and compete.
[ View Speakers ](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics//technology-and-innovation/#view-speakers)
### Book Leading Technology Keynote Speakers
Search
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Filter by
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### Top Innovation Speakers and Tech Thought Leaders
WWSG represents a wide range of noteworthy technology speakers — from AI experts and cybersecurity leaders to futurists and scientists. Each offer a distinct perspective on how technology is shaping business, culture, and politics.
#### Futurist and Digital Transformation Speakers
- Focus on long-term shifts in business, infrastructure, and the future of work
- Help organizations think beyond current trends
- Strong fit for leadership and strategy-focused events
#### Cybersecurity and Data Privacy Speakers
- Experts in cyber risk, data protection, and regulatory pressure
- Break down evolving threats and real-world implications
- Relevant for enterprise, finance, healthcare, law enforcement, and government audiences
#### AI and Emerging Technology Speakers
- Cover artificial intelligence, automation, and emerging tech adoption
- Translate technical concepts into practical business applications
- Help audiences understand recent AI trends, practical implications, and best practices for strategic AI adoption
#### Space, Science, and Deep Tech Speakers
- Scientists, engineers, and space industry leaders
- Explore breakthroughs in space, science, and frontier technologies
- Ideal for innovation teams, research organizations, education, enterprise leadership, and STEM-driven audiences
### Why Hire a Technology Speaker for Your Event
Technology speakers help audiences move beyond trends, delivering ideas, context, and perspective that stay with them beyond the event.
#### Clarity on What’s Changing
Cut through noise and focus on the technologies shaping your industry and decisions.
#### Strategic, Real-World Insight
Connect technology shifts to business strategy, operations, and long-term planning.
#### Industry-Specific Relevance
Translate broad innovation into what it means for your audience’s sector, role, and priorities.
#### Credibility from Experience
Hear from people building, researching, and advising on emerging technology every day.
### Why Work with WWSG for Technology Events
WWSG has 225 years of combined experience in the lecture industry. Our team studies markets, trends, and emerging best practices across industries, locally and globally, giving us a clear view of what matters most to your organization.
We work closely with you to bring an informed perspective to your event and audience.
**We provide:**
- Access to leading technology and innovation speakers across industries
- Speaker recommendations tailored to your audience and objectives
- Support for keynotes, panels, and multi-speaker programs
- Coordination from inquiry through event execution
Thank you to our WWSG agent and event coordinator for their partnership in the planning and execution of this session. You are all incredible professionals to work with and represent your elite speakers so well. The entire experience could not have been better.
– Financial Horizons
### Frequently Asked Questions
#### [What is a technology keynote speaker?](#1778686836054-b51f3edb-4b0b)
A technology keynote speaker is an expert who presents on topics like artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, digital infrastructure, and emerging technologies—helping audiences understand how these changes impact business and society.
#### [Who are the top technology and innovation speakers?](#1778686861834-33d5c7af-9235)
Top speakers include futurists, entrepreneurs, scientists, cybersecurity experts, and industry leaders with firsthand experience shaping or analyzing major technological shifts. Notable names include [Steve Wozniak](https://wwsg.com/speakers/steve-wozniak/), [Chris Miller](https://wwsg.com/speakers/chris-miller/), [Nicholas Christakis](https://wwsg.com/speakers/nicholas-christakis/), [Michio Kaku](https://wwsg.com/speakers/michio-kaku/), and [Anima Anandkumar](https://wwsg.com/speakers/anima-anandkumar/).
#### [What topics do technology speakers cover?](#1778686913716-8a230543-5101)
Technology speakers cover topics such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, digital transformation, the future of work, data privacy, space innovation, and emerging technologies. These are often tailored to specific industries, business challenges, and real-world applications.
#### [How much do technology keynote speakers cost?](#1778686940415-fe59e72f-c040)
Technology speaker fees vary based on experience, visibility, and event format. Our blog post, [How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Keynote Speaker?](https://wwsg.com/blog/how-much-does-it-cost-to-hire-a-keynote-speaker/) offers more information on keynote speaker fees.
#### [How do I book a technology speaker for my event?](#1778686967503-29872cae-7860)
You can book a technology speaker by [contacting WWSG](/contact-us/), and we’ll manage scheduling, contracts, logistics, and event coordination.
#### [What industries hire technology and innovation speakers?](#1778687014000-396e6810-4898)
Technology speakers are frequently hired by corporations, financial services firms, government agencies, healthcare organizations, universities, and trade associations.
#### [What types of events hire technology speakers?](#1778687047337-c19363e5-9750)
Technology speakers are commonly featured at corporate leadership meetings, industry conferences, association events, innovation and technology summits, and executive sessions.
### Technology Insights & Speaker News
Explore insights, analysis, and perspectives from WWSG technology speakers on the ideas shaping business, policy, and innovation today.
[ ![Nuclear explosion with a large mushroom cloud rising from the ground over a flat landscape.]() Niall Ferguson Examines the Risks of an AI “Apocalypse”
](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/niall-ferguson-examines-the-risks-of-an-ai-apocalypse/) Thought Leader: [Niall Ferguson](https://wwsg.com/speakers/niall-ferguson/)
[ ![war on terror]()
David Frum Asks: Did America Win the War on Terror?
](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/david-frum-asks-did-america-win-the-war-on-terror/) Thought Leader: [David Frum](https://wwsg.com/speakers/david-frum/)
[ ![Patrick McGee on iPhone and Apple's New CEO]()
Patrick McGee on Apple’s first foldable iPhone
](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/patrick-mcgee-on-apples-first-foldable-iphone/) Thought Leader: [Patrick McGee](https://wwsg.com/speakers/patrick-mcgee/)
### Bring the Right Technology Voice to Your Event
Tell us what you’re planning — we’ll recommend speakers aligned with your audience, budget, goal, and setting.
Name First Last
Title
Company
Company Email Address
Phone
Choose a Speaker BudgetChoose a Speaker Budget$100,000 & Up$75,000 - $100,000$50,000 - $75,000$25,000 - $50,000$15,000 - $25,000Under $15,000Pro-Bono
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### [Health & Wellness Speakers and Healthcare Keynote Experts](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/healthcare-and-wellness/)
**Published:** May 22, 2026
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
### WWSG represents healthcare speakers who translate complex medical and wellness topics into clear, practical guidance for diverse audiences.
From clinical environments to workplace wellness initiatives, the need for credible, applicable insight continues to grow. From physicians and public health leaders to mental health experts and innovators, our speakers bring valuable leadership, experiences, and perspectives to the issues shaping care, policy, and well-being today.
[ View Speakers ](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/healthcare-and-wellness/#view-speakers)
### Book Top Healthcare Keynote Speakers for Conferences and Events
Search
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### Health and Wellness Speakers by Specialty
WWSG represents a wide range of healthcare and wellness speakers.
Many have worked with or advised organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), bringing firsthand experience to modern healthcare challenges.
#### Public Health and Medical Expert Speakers
- Physicians, researchers, and public health officials with frontline and policy experience
- Cover healthcare systems, population health trends, and emerging medical challenges
- Relevant for healthcare organizations, government, and industry conferences
#### Mental Health and Wellness Keynote Speakers
- Experts in mental health, resilience, stress, and well-being
- Focus on practical strategies for individuals, teams, and organizations
- Strong fit for corporate wellness programs and campus or community events
#### Healthcare Innovation and Technology Speakers
- Leaders in medical innovation, digital health, and healthcare transformation
- Cover topics such as telehealth, AI in medicine, and system modernization
- Ideal for organizations focused on improving care delivery and efficiency
#### Healthcare Leadership Speakers
- Healthcare leaders focused on care quality, communication, and patient outcomes
- Address leadership challenges within complex healthcare environments
- Relevant for hospital systems, provider networks, and executive audiences
### Why Hire a Healthcare Speaker for Your Event
Healthcare speakers bring clarity to critical issues while helping audiences connect medical, operational, and human impact in a meaningful way.
#### Clarity on Complex Topics
Break down medical, mental health, and policy topics into clear, usable insights.
#### Compliance, Risk, and Accountability
Understand regulatory requirements, patient privacy, and the evolving compliance landscape.
#### Healthcare Technology and Innovation
Explore how digital health, data, and new technologies are changing care delivery, accountability, and patient outcomes.
#### Real-World Application
Connect subject matter expertise to practical decisions across care teams, leadership, and operations.
### Why Work with WWSG for Healthcare and Wellness Events
WWSG works with healthcare organizations, corporations, and institutions to identify speakers who can speak with authority on complex, high-stakes topics.
Our team understands the nuances of healthcare audiences, including clinical professionals, administrators, and cross-functional teams. We help ensure the speaker’s expertise, experience, and message align with your audience’s expectations.
**We provide:**
- Access to healthcare leaders and experts across medicine, public health, policy, and wellness
- Speaker recommendations based on your event, goals, and audience needs
- Support for conferences, leadership events, and wellness initiatives
- Coordination from inquiry through event execution
### Frequently Asked Questions
#### [What does a healthcare speaker do?](#1778695518304-bcaa7210-e7fc)
A healthcare speaker provides expert insight on medical trends, public health, patient experience, wellness practices, and healthcare policy. They translate complex topics into clear, actionable presentations for a wide range of audiences.
#### [Who are the top healthcare keynote speakers?](#1778695543108-7984fd15-e132)
Top healthcare speakers include physicians, public health experts, researchers, policymakers, wellness advocates, and healthcare leaders with deep subject matter expertise and strong communication skills. Some of the most commonly requested health and wellness speakers include [Dr. Sanjay Gupta](http://wwsg.com/speakers/sanjay-gupta), [Dr. Scott Gottlieb](http://wwsg.com/speakers/scott-gottlieb), and [Seema Verma](http://wwsg.com/speakers/seema-verma).
#### [What topics do health and wellness speakers cover?](#1778695565598-2a06ab77-3aeb)
Healthcare and wellness speakers cover topics such as preventive care, mental health, healthcare policy, patient experience, medical innovation, and workplace wellness strategies.
#### [How much do healthcare speakers charge?](#1778695576485-b816fb5a-41be)
Healthcare speaker fees vary based on credentials, visibility, and event format. Our blog post, [How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Keynote Speaker?](https://wwsg.com/blog/how-much-does-it-cost-to-hire-a-keynote-speaker/) offers more information on keynote speaker fees.
#### [How do I book a healthcare speaker for a conference?](#1778695586246-3a00b457-8099)
You can book a healthcare speaker by contacting WWSG. We’ll help identify the right speaker and manage availability, contracts, logistics, and coordination.
#### [Are healthcare speakers suitable for corporate wellness events?](#1778695594805-4dc62e5f-5680)
Yes. Healthcare and wellness speakers are widely used for corporate wellness programs, leadership initiatives, and employee engagement events.
### Healthcare & Wellness Insights & Speaker News
Explore unique insights and perspectives from WWSG speakers on the topics shaping healthcare, wellness, medical technology, and patient outcomes today.
[ ![]() Dr. Sanjay Gupta on Football, Brain Health & CTE
](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/dr-sanjay-gupta-on-football-brain-health-cte/) Thought Leader: [Sanjay Gupta](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sanjay-gupta/)
[ ![Bull SHarks]() Olga Koroleva on Leadership Lessons from Bull Sharks
](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/olga-koroleva-on-leadership-lessons-from-bull-sharks/) Thought Leader: [Olga Koroleva](https://wwsg.com/speakers/olga-koroleva/)
[ ![]()
Scott Gottlieb on the Future of Cancer Treatment
](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/scott-gottlieb-on-the-future-of-cancer-treatment/) Thought Leader: [Scott Gottlieb](https://wwsg.com/speakers/scott-gottlieb/)
### Bring the Right Healthcare Voice to Your Event
Tell us what you’re planning — we’ll help shape a program that informs, engages, and delivers real value to your audience.
Name First Last
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Company Email Address
Phone
Choose a Speaker BudgetChoose a Speaker Budget$100,000 & Up$75,000 - $100,000$50,000 - $75,000$25,000 - $50,000$15,000 - $25,000Under $15,000Pro-Bono
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### [College & University Event Speakers](https://wwsg.com/colleges-universities/)
**Published:** June 5, 2026
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
### Worldwide Speakers Group represents college speakers.
#### The right college speaker knows how to engage campus audiences and make complex ideas accessible, relevant, and meaningful.
Colleges and universities bring together diverse audiences with different expectations, priorities, and perspectives. From student programming to formal academic events, the right speaker needs to resonate across these audiences with a clear and impactful message. WWSG represents college speakers who know how to engage campus audiences and make complex ideas accessible, relevant, and meaningful. From commencement addresses and lecture series to student-driven events and campus-wide programs, our speakers help institutions create experiences that engage, challenge, and inspire.
[ View Speakers ](https://wwsg.com/colleges-universities-2/#view-speakers)
### Book Speakers for Colleges and University Events
The right speaker does more than deliver a message. They connect with your audience, match the moment, and elevate the overall experience.
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sanjay-gupta/)
##### **Dr. Sanjay Gupta**
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/erika-ayers-badan/)
##### **Erika Ayers Badan**
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/moiya-mctier/)
##### **Dr. Moiya McTier**
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/paul-nicklen/)
##### **Paul Nicklen**
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/misty-copeland/)
##### **Misty Copeland**
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ken-burns/)
##### **Ken Burns**
### College Speakers for Every Campus Occasion
WWSG represents a wide range of college speakers — from public figures and thought leaders to authors, athletes, and subject matter experts. Each brings a distinct perspective that speaks directly to campus audiences.
#### Student Programming and Campus Events
- Speakers who connect with student audiences across a range of interests and backgrounds
- Focus on topics such as leadership, identity, career paths, and real-world challenges
- Strong fit for student activity boards, campus programming, and large-scale events
#### Distinguished and Endowed Lecture Series
- Thought leaders, scholars, and public figures with deep subject matter expertise
- Bring academic depth and perspective to campus discussions
- Ideal for faculty-led programs and institution-wide lecture series
#### Commencement and Convocation Speakers
- Speakers who can address milestone moments with clarity, relevance, and substance.
- Balance inspiration with substance and real-world insight
- Selected for their ability to resonate with graduating classes and broader audiences
### Why Hire a College Speaker for Your Event
College speakers do more than fill a slot on the schedule. They create moments that broaden the student experience, spark conversation, and leave a lasting impression across campus.
#### Connection with Campus Audiences
Engage students, faculty, and staff with content that resonates across diverse backgrounds and viewpoints.
#### Relevance Beyond the Classroom
Bring real-world subject matter expertise and insight that complements academic learning.
#### Conversations That Make a Positive Impact
Introduce ideas and perspectives that shape how students think about their future, their work, and their role in the world.
### Why Work with WWSG for College and University Events
WWSG has 225 years of combined experience working with speakers and organizations across a wide range of events and audiences.
We understand the unique considerations of higher education, including audience diversity, scheduling, and campus-specific requirements. You’ll work with a dedicated team, including experienced coordinators who manage logistics and details behind the scenes.
**We provide:**
- Access to a wide range of college speakers across disciplines, industries, and backgrounds
- Speaker recommendations aligned with your audience, event type, and campus goals
- Support for commencements, lecture series, and student programming
- Coordination from inquiry through event execution
### College Speaker Fees and Booking Information
Speaker fees vary based on experience, background, and availability.
We make the process of securing and hosting a speaker straightforward. WWSG supports both clients and speakers throughout the process, helping ensure expectations are met and a smooth experience from start to finish.
Our team will guide you to options that match your event’s priorities, audience, and budget.
## WWSG’s Education Audience Experts
![]()
### Kristy Kalo
Kristy Kalo is a lecture industry professional with over 25 years of experience representing thought leaders such as world and political leaders, award-winning journalists, sports figures, and celebrities; expertly matching them with clients from universities and colleges, Fortune 500 corporations, trade associations, and non-profit organizations for worldwide speaking engagements. Kristy…
- [ Keep Reading ](#) ![]()
## Kristy Kalo
Kristy Kalo is a lecture industry professional with over 25 years of experience representing thought leaders such as world and political leaders, award-winning journalists, sports figures, and celebrities; expertly matching them with clients from universities and colleges, Fortune 500 corporations, trade associations, and non-profit organizations for worldwide speaking engagements.
Kristy volunteers for the Alexandria Carpenter’s Shelter and the Scholarship Fund of Alexandria which raises funds to provide local students with scholarships through all four years of college. Kristy lives in Virginia with her husband, two kids, and yellow lab. She loves to travel, read, and garden.
- [ ](mailto:speakers@wwsg.com)
- [ ](https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristy-ballard-kalo-77a743b/)
![]()
### Jimmy Strauss
As Vice President of Sales at Worldwide Speakers Group, Jimmy Strauss works with colleges and universities, corporate clients, trade associations, and community lecture series to secure the ideal speakers for their events. His tireless work ethic, transparency, and collaborative approach have made him a trusted partner for his clients. Jimmy…
- [ Keep Reading ](#) ![]()
## Jimmy Strauss
As Vice President of Sales at Worldwide Speakers Group, Jimmy Strauss works with colleges and universities, corporate clients, trade associations, and community lecture series to secure the ideal speakers for their events. His tireless work ethic, transparency, and collaborative approach have made him a trusted partner for his clients. Jimmy has been working with speakers and entertainers for the better part of a decade. Prior to joining Worldwide Speakers Group, he was a lecture agent at ICM Speakers, and before that, worked for the talent management firm PARosegarten Media Group. He is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and resides in Alexandria, VA. On the weekends, he can be found enjoying movies, comedy shows, concerts, and meals throughout the DC area.
- [ ](mailto:speakers@wwsg.com)
- [ ](https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimmy-strauss-a7b067a2/)
### Frequently Asked Questions
#### [What types of speakers are available for college campus events?](#1780656274098-b30d0b94-0dc8)
College speakers include motivational speakers, commencement and convocation speakers, thought leaders for lecture series, political figures, authors, athletes, entertainers, and subject matter experts across a wide range of disciplines and areas of interest. \[ADD NOTABLE NAMES}
#### [How do I book a speaker for a college or university event?](#1780656305950-0ef214c0-1c9d)
You can book a speaker for a college event by contacting WWSG. We’ll help you identify the right speaker for your audience and event and manage availability, contracts, logistics, and event coordination.
#### [How much does a college speaker cost?](#1780656349071-7a8e4352-252e)
College speaker fees vary widely depending on the speaker’s profile, event type, and format. Our blog post, [How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Keynote Speaker?](https://wwsg.com/blog/how-much-does-it-cost-to-hire-a-keynote-speaker/) offers more information on keynote speaker fees. Contact us for a more exact estimate based on your proposed event.
#### [What is a distinguished lecture series?](#1780656434442-7a406d92-3bc9)
A distinguished lecture series is a formal academic speaker program where universities invite prominent thought leaders, scholars, or public figures to speak to faculty, students, and the broader campus community.
#### [How far in advance should I book a commencement speaker?](#1780656455159-bc24d6d3-7bdb)
Most colleges book commencement speakers six to twelve months in advance. High-profile speakers often have limited availability, so early planning is recommended.
#### [Can WWSG support student-run events and programming?](#1780656479954-400fe1f9-5242)
Yes. WWSG works with student activity boards, campus programming committees, and administrative offices to match speakers to audience demographics, event themes, and budget requirements.
### College & University Insights & Speaker News
Explore insights and perspectives from WWSG speakers on topics relevant to higher education and student engagement.
[ ![Nuclear explosion with a large mushroom cloud rising from the ground over a flat landscape.]() Niall Ferguson Examines the Risks of an AI “Apocalypse”
](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/niall-ferguson-examines-the-risks-of-an-ai-apocalypse/) Thought Leader: [Niall Ferguson](https://wwsg.com/speakers/niall-ferguson/)
[ ![war on terror]()
David Frum Asks: Did America Win the War on Terror?
](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/david-frum-asks-did-america-win-the-war-on-terror/) Thought Leader: [David Frum](https://wwsg.com/speakers/david-frum/)
[ ![Patrick McGee on iPhone and Apple's New CEO]()
Patrick McGee on Apple’s first foldable iPhone
](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/patrick-mcgee-on-apples-first-foldable-iphone/) Thought Leader: [Patrick McGee](https://wwsg.com/speakers/patrick-mcgee/)
### Bring the Right Voice to Your Campus
Tell us what you’re planning — we’ll help you create a moment your campus will remember long after the event is over.
First Name(Required)
Last Name(Required)
TItle
College/University
Company Email(Required)
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Topic of InterestSelect a TopicHosts, Moderators & MCsArts & Entertainment- Artists & Musicians- Media Personalities- Live Entertainment & ComedyBusiness- Marketing & Advertising- Business Leaders from Major Brands- Business Transformation- Success in Business- Teamwork & Employee Engagement- EntrepreneurshipAuthors- New York Times Bestselling AuthorsClimate Change & Environmental Issues- Alternative Energy- Sustainability & Conservation- Climate PolicyCelebritiesDiversity- Advocacy & Social Justice- Gender EqualityEconomy & Finance- Financial Experts- Monetary Policy- Economic Trends/Forecasts- Emerging Markets- Geoeconomic RiskGovernment & Politics- Midterm Elections- Pundits, Analysts, & Pollsters- Conservative- LiberalHealthcare & Wellness- Mental Health- Healthcare Policy- Happiness & WellnessGeopolitics- National Security- World Leaders- Historians- Global TradeLeadership & Management- Leadership & Management Experts- Military LeadersMotivational- TED Speakers- Adventurers- Inspirational- Military Background- Survivors- Coaches, Athletes, & BroadcastersTechnology & Innovation- Cybersecurity- Fintech- Futurists- Artificial Intelligence- Astronauts & ScientistsWWSG Exclusives
Speaker BudgetsChoose a Speaker BudgetUnder $15,000$15,000 - $25,000$25,000 - $50,000$50,000 - $75,000$75,000 - $100,000$100,000 & UpPro-Bono
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### [Inspirational Speakers](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/motivational/inspirational-speakers/)
**Published:** June 12, 2026
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
## Explore our impressive selection of inspirational speakers to wow audiences of all kinds.
Worldwide Speakers Group offers a long roster of truly charismatic inspirational speakers to ensure your event is a great success.
From sports icons and best-selling authors to philanthropists, prominent entrepreneurs, and mental health advocates, our famous inspirational speakers represent a diverse range of impactful voices. Each has overcome adversity, made meaningful contributions to their communities, or brings extraordinary, character-defining life stories to share.
Let Worldwide Speakers Group connect you with an inspirational keynote speaker for your upcoming conference or event.
## Book an Inspirational Speaker
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#### Don’t see who you’re looking for? We can reach anyone you can think of to speak at your event. Our thought leaders span the breadth of the globe and cover every discipline imaginable.
[ CONTACT US WITH YOUR REQUEST ](/contact-us/)
---
### [Mental Health Keynote Speakers](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/healthcare-and-wellness/mental-health/)
**Published:** April 1, 2026
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
## Top Mental Health Keynote Speakers
Elevate your event with one of WWSG’s highly sought-after mental health keynote speakers—experts who bring powerful insight into mental health awareness, resilience, and emotional well-being. Whether you’re searching for a mental health motivational speaker, workplace mental health expert, or inspirational speaker on overcoming adversity, [Worldwide Speakers Group](http://wwsg.com) (WWSG) offers a diverse roster of voices including advocates, survivors, happiness experts, and high-performance leaders. These speakers deliver impactful keynotes on topics like stress management, burnout prevention, mindfulness, and building personal and workplace resilience—making them an ideal fit for corporate conferences, leadership summits, healthcare events, and educational programs.
Bringing a mental health keynote speaker to your event can foster a more supportive workplace culture, improve employee engagement, and equip audiences with practical tools to manage challenges both personally and professionally. As a trusted partner for event planners, WWSG makes it easy to book top mental health speakers who connect authentically with audiences and leave a lasting impression. [Contact WWSG](http://wwsg.com/contact-us) to find the right speaker for your next event or conference.
## Book a Mental Health Speaker
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#### Don’t see who you’re looking for? We can reach anyone you can think of to speak at your event. Our thought leaders span the breadth of the globe and cover every discipline imaginable.
[ CONTACT US WITH YOUR REQUEST ](/contact-us/)
---
### [Happiness & Wellness Keynote Speakers](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/healthcare-and-wellness/happiness-wellness-keynote-speakers/)
**Published:** June 2, 2026
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
## **WWSG can connect you with today’s most inspiring happiness and wellness speakers.**
Worldwide Speakers Group is proud to represent an exceptional roster of happiness speakers, wellness experts, positive psychology pioneers, bestselling authors, mental health advocates, life balance experts, and personal development thought leaders. These sought-after keynote speakers help audiences build resilience, improve wellbeing, strengthen relationships, increase engagement, and lead more fulfilling personal and professional lives.
Our wellness speakers bring expertise from fields including psychology, neuroscience, mindfulness, emotional intelligence, workplace wellbeing, stress management, peak performance, and human flourishing. Whether your audience is seeking strategies for living a happier life, improving mental wellness, preventing burnout, creating healthier workplace cultures, or achieving greater purpose and fulfillment, WWSG can connect you with a speaker who delivers meaningful and actionable insights.
From corporate conferences and leadership retreats to healthcare events, association meetings, and employee wellbeing programs, our happiness and wellness speakers inspire lasting positive change. Whatever your event goals may be, WWSG can help you find the perfect keynote speaker for your audience. [Contact us today.](http://wwsg.com/contact-us)
## Book a Wellness Speaker
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#### Don’t see who you’re looking for? We can reach anyone you can think of to speak at your event. Our thought leaders span the breadth of the globe and cover every discipline imaginable.
[ CONTACT US WITH YOUR REQUEST ](/contact-us/)
---
### [Artificial Intelligence](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/technology-and-innovation/artificial-intelligence/)
**Published:** May 8, 2023
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
## Face the Future: Discover Top AI Speakers
We’ve reached a pivotal moment—AI is no longer just the future; it’s transforming our world today. If you’re looking for AI speakers who can unpack the complexities of artificial intelligence with clarity and depth, Worldwide Speakers Group (WWSG) offers one of the best selections of AI guest speakers available.
Our roster features great speakers and thought leaders who cover the full spectrum of AI, including its applications, ethical implications, future potential, and real-world impact. From titans of science and industry to bestselling authors, acclaimed inventors, and distinguished professors, our AI experts are among the great speakers of today.
Whether you’re planning a conference, annual meeting, or high-profile event, WWSG provides personalized support to help you choose the right AI speaker to engage and inspire your audience.
[Contact us](https://wwsg.com/contact-us) for personal assistance selecting the right speaker for your audience.
## Find an AI Speaker
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#### Don’t see who you’re looking for? We can reach anyone you can think of to speak at your event. Our thought leaders span the breadth of the globe and cover every discipline imaginable.
[ CONTACT US WITH YOUR REQUEST ](/contact-us/)
---
### [Cybersecurity](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/technology-and-innovation/cybersecurity/)
**Published:** October 20, 2025
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
## Understanding cybersecurity is essential in today’s world.
Every organization faces growing digital threats that can compromise data, trust, and business continuity. Hiring a keynote speaker who is an expert in cybersecurity equips audiences with the knowledge and awareness to proactively defend against these risks. Such speakers not only inspire vigilance but also translate complex security challenges into actionable strategies for leaders and teams.
As one of the top public speaking agencies, we help event planners connect with the great speakers of today—individuals who can elevate your conference or annual meeting with insight, authenticity, and purpose. [Contact us](https://wwsg.com/contact-us) to learn more and discover how we can help make your upcoming event a success.
## Find a Cybersecurity Speaker
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### **Don’t see who you’re looking for?**
##### We can reach anyone you can think of to speak at your event. Our thought leaders span the breadth of the globe and cover every discipline imaginable.
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Company Email Address
Phone
Choose a Speaker BudgetChoose a Speaker Budget$100,000 & Up$75,000 - $100,000$50,000 - $75,000$25,000 - $50,000$15,000 - $25,000Under $15,000Pro-Bono
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### [Adventurers](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/motivational/adventurers/)
**Published:** June 8, 2026
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
## Explore our distinguished roster of adventurers and explorers who inspire audiences through stories of discovery, perseverance, and achievement.
Worldwide Speakers Group represents renowned explorers, record-setting adventurers, expedition leaders, and trailblazers who have pushed the limits of human potential in some of the world’s most challenging environments.
From scaling remote peaks and crossing oceans to pioneering scientific expeditions and navigating extreme conditions, these speakers share powerful lessons on resilience, leadership, risk management, adaptability, and the pursuit of ambitious goals. Their firsthand experiences captivate audiences while delivering practical insights that resonate far beyond the expedition itself.
Let Worldwide Speakers Group connect you with an adventurer or explorer speaker who will leave a lasting impact on your conference, corporate event, or leadership gathering.
## Book an Inspirational Adventurer
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#### Don’t see who you’re looking for? We can reach anyone you can think of to speak at your event. Our thought leaders span the breadth of the globe and cover every discipline imaginable.
[ CONTACT US WITH YOUR REQUEST ](/contact-us/)
---
### [TED Speakers](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/motivational/ted-speakers/)
**Published:** June 10, 2026
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
## TED & TEDx Speakers to Motivate Your Audience
Explore our impressive selection of TED and TEDx speakers to inspire audiences of all kinds.
Worldwide Speakers Group offers a dynamic roster of accomplished TED and TEDx presenters, storytellers, innovators, and thought leaders who bring fresh ideas and powerful insights to every stage.
From best-selling authors and entrepreneurs to scientists, educators, activists, and cultural leaders, our TED-style speakers represent a wide range of perspectives and expertise. Each is known for delivering engaging, idea-driven talks that spark curiosity, challenge assumptions, and leave audiences motivated to think differently.
Let Worldwide Speakers Group connect you with a TED or TEDx speaker who can bring energy, innovation, and meaningful conversation to your next conference or event. [Contact us](http://wwsg.com/contact-us) for personalized recommendations.
## Book a TED Speaker for Your Event
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#### Don’t see who you’re looking for? We can reach anyone you can think of to speak at your event. Our thought leaders span the breadth of the globe and cover every discipline imaginable.
[ CONTACT US WITH YOUR REQUEST ](/contact-us/)
---
### [Military Motivational Speakers](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/motivational/military-background/)
**Published:** July 10, 2025
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
## Looking for a military speaker? We can help.
Inviting a speaker with a military background—especially a military motivational speaker—brings unique value to any event, offering firsthand insights on leadership under pressure, strategic decision-making, and team resilience. Former military leaders inspire audiences with lessons in discipline, adaptability, and mission-focused execution—qualities that resonate across industries.
WWSG proudly represents the world’s top selection of military speakers and keynote speakers, including decorated generals, Air Force pilots, defense experts, and more. Whether you’re planning a corporate retreat, leadership summit, or industry conference, these speakers empower organizations to build stronger teams, navigate change, and lead with confidence.
Book a military motivational speaker with WWSG to elevate and transform your next event.
If you don’t see who you’re looking for below, simply [contact us](https://wwsg.com/contact-us). We’ll help you secure the right thought leader.
## Top Speakers with Military Backgrounds
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---
### [Coaches & Athletes to Motivate Your Audience](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/motivational/coaches-athletes-to-motivate-your-audience/)
**Published:** July 22, 2025
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
#### Top-tier coaches and elite athletes like Jim Harbaugh, Kyle Shanahan, and others bring more than just name recognition—they deliver powerful, real-world lessons in leadership, resilience, high performance, and teamwork.
These keynote speakers have led championship teams, turned around struggling programs, and thrived in high-pressure environments. Their stories resonate with audiences from the boardroom to the locker room, offering practical insights on discipline, adaptability, and mental toughness that can be applied in any industry. Whether they’re breaking down the mindset behind a winning season or sharing personal experiences of adversity and growth, these speakers captivate and inspire.
Partnering with Worldwide Speakers Group (WWSG) ensures a seamless experience from start to finish. We work closely with you to match the right sports leader to your unique vision, creating impactful events that leave lasting impressions.
## Discover Your Next Speaker
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/laila-ali)
##### **Laila Ali**
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ryan-day)
##### **Ryan Day**
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/jonathan-gannon)
##### **Jonathan Gannon**
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/jim-harbaugh)
##### **Jim Harbaugh**
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/brian-kelly-2/)
##### **Brian Kelly**
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/matt-lafleur)
##### **Matt LaFleur**
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/john-lynch)
##### **John Lynch**
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/kevin-oconnell)
##### **Kevin O’Connell**
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/matt-rhule/)
##### **Matt Rhule**
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/kyle-shanahan)
##### **Kyle Shanahan**
[View More Coaches, Athletes, and Broadcasters](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/motivational/?pg=1&sort=_score&size=20&mz.topic=coaches-athletes-broadcasters)
## Our Qualifications
##### *With more than 60 years of combined experience in the lecture industry, our team is uniquely qualified to meet your needs and exceed your expectations.*
At WWSG, our collaborative work style means you have a full team supporting you at every step. In addition to your dedicated agent, you’ll have full access to our experienced logistical team—professionals who are highly skilled in coordinating events featuring top-tier speakers. From travel and technical requirements to on-site coordination, we manage all the details to ensure your event runs smoothly and successfully.
[ Contact Us ](/contact-us/)
## Our Mission
##### *Our mission is to continue bringing success to our clients and thought-leaders and supporting the goals of each, impartially and passionately.*
Connection— the sharing of ideas, knowledge, experiences, and opinions— is at the heart of keynote speaking. Thought leaders present to connect with an audience and inspire them to be better, see things from another perspective, teach them valuable skills, and motivate them.
Through integrity, the pursuit of excellence, accountability, and collaboration, WWSG has created a vibrant company culture where innovative solutions combined with unparalleled service have resulted in continuous client and speaker success.
### Find the Perfect Thought Leader for Your Event
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Speaker BudgetsChoose a Speaker BudgetUnder $15,000$15,000 - $25,000$25,000 - $50,000$50,000 - $75,000$75,000 - $100,000$100,000 & UpPro-Bono
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### [Celebrities](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/celebrities/)
**Published:** May 7, 2024
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
## Looking for a celebrity to speak at your event? We can help.
When you want your event to be a smashing success, Worldwide Speakers Group—one of the leading public speaking agencies—can help you book top talent from across the arts and entertainment world.
Whether you’re looking for speakers to provide live music, comedic relief, or famous guest speakers known for their inspirational speaking, WWSG offers a diverse roster of celebrated figures. Our lineup includes filmmakers, performers, athletes, TV personalities, artists, and even members of English aristocracy—many of whom are recognized as great speakers and motivational people who can captivate any audience.
If you don’t see who you’re looking for below, simply [contact us](https://wwsg.com/contact-us). We’ll help you secure the right celebrity speaker to headline your conference, annual meeting, or large-scale event.
## Book a Celebrity Speaker
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#### Don’t see who you’re looking for? We can reach anyone you can think of to speak at your event. Our thought leaders span the breadth of the globe and cover every discipline imaginable.
[ CONTACT US WITH YOUR REQUEST ](/contact-us/)
---
### [Healthcare Policy Speakers](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/healthcare-and-wellness/healthcare-policy-speakers/)
**Published:** June 2, 2026
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
## **WWSG can connect you with the leading healthcare policy experts and thought leaders shaping the future of healthcare.**
Worldwide Speakers Group is proud to offer an exceptional roster of healthcare policy speakers, including former government officials, healthcare executives, physicians, public health leaders, policymakers, and bestselling authors. These influential experts help audiences understand the complex forces transforming healthcare delivery, regulation, innovation, affordability, and access to care.
Our healthcare policy speakers bring firsthand experience from organizations such as the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the Food & Drug Administration, leading health systems, research institutions, and policy organizations. They provide valuable insights on topics including healthcare reform, Medicare and Medicaid, value-based care, prescription drug policy, public health, healthcare innovation, health equity, emerging technologies, and the future of the healthcare industry.
Whether your audience includes healthcare executives, physicians, policymakers, employers, insurers, investors, or association members, WWSG can connect you with a healthcare policy keynote speaker who delivers informed analysis, practical perspectives, and meaningful discussion on the issues shaping healthcare today and tomorrow. Whatever your event goals, we can help you find the right expert for your audience. [Contact us today.](http://wwsg.com/contact-us)
## Book a Healthcare Policy Speaker
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[ CONTACT US WITH YOUR REQUEST ](/contact-us/)
---
### [Election Experts & Political Analysts](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/government-and-politics/election-experts-political-analysts/)
**Published:** June 2, 2026
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
## **When you’re booking election experts and political analysts, WWSG is your trusted speaker agency.**
Worldwide Speakers Group connects organizations with leading election experts, political analysts, campaign strategists, pollsters, journalists, and commentators who help audiences understand the forces shaping today’s political landscape. From presidential elections and congressional races to voter behavior, polling trends, campaign strategy, and the future of American democracy, these sought-after speakers provide timely insights and informed analysis on the issues driving headlines and influencing decision-makers.
As a Washington, D.C.-based agency, WWSG offers access to some of the nation’s most respected political voices, including former government officials, award-winning journalists, bestselling authors, political commentators, and policy experts. Whether you’re seeking a keynote speaker for a conference, a moderator for a political discussion, or an expert to break down the latest election trends, WWSG can help identify the right speaker for your audience.
Our reach extends beyond the speakers featured below. If you do not see the election analyst, political commentator, or campaign expert you’re looking for, [contact WWSG](http://wwsg.com/contact-us) for additional recommendations.
## Book a Election Experts
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#### Don’t see who you’re looking for? We can reach anyone you can think of to speak at your event. Our thought leaders span the breadth of the globe and cover every discipline imaginable.
[ CONTACT US WITH YOUR REQUEST ](/contact-us/)
---
### [Liberal Speakers](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/government-and-politics/liberal-speakers/)
**Published:** June 2, 2026
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
## **When you’re booking a liberal speaker, WWSG is your trusted speaker agency.**
Worldwide Speakers Group provides access to many of today’s most respected liberal keynote speakers, Democratic leaders, public policy experts, political commentators, and former government officials. As a Washington, D.C.-based agency, WWSG connects organizations with influential voices from across the progressive movement, including former Presidents, Vice Presidents, Cabinet members, governors, members of Congress, award-winning journalists, bestselling authors, policy innovators, and leading advocates for social justice, economic opportunity, civil rights, climate action, and democratic institutions.
Whether you’re searching for a Democratic speaker for a convention, a progressive thought leader for a corporate event, or a left-leaning political analyst for a panel discussion, WWSG can help identify the right speaker for your audience and objectives. We also specialize in bipartisan programming and point-counterpoint conversations that encourage thoughtful dialogue across political perspectives. Our network extends well beyond the speakers featured below, so if you do not see the individual you’re looking for, [contact us](http://wwsg.com/contact-us) for additional recommendations.
## Book a Liberal Speaker
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#### Don’t see who you’re looking for? We can reach anyone you can think of to speak at your event. Our thought leaders span the breadth of the globe and cover every discipline imaginable.
[ CONTACT US WITH YOUR REQUEST ](/contact-us/)
---
### [Conservative Speakers](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/government-and-politics/conservative-speakers/)
**Published:** June 2, 2026
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
## **When you’re booking a conservative speaker, WWSG is your trusted speaker agency.**
Worldwide Speakers Group provides access to some of today’s most influential conservative keynote speakers, Republican leaders, public policy experts, political commentators, and former government officials. As a Washington, D.C.-based agency, WWSG connects organizations with prominent voices from across the conservative movement, including former Presidents, Vice Presidents, Cabinet members, governors, members of Congress, military leaders, bestselling authors, economists, and leading advocates of free markets, limited government, national security, and constitutional principles.
Whether you’re seeking a Republican speaker for a conference, a conservative thought leader for a corporate event, or a right-leaning political commentator for a panel discussion, WWSG can help identify the ideal speaker for your audience. We also specialize in point-counterpoint conversations and bipartisan discussions that bring diverse perspectives to the stage. Our network extends well beyond the speakers featured below, so if you do not see the individual you’re looking for, [contact us](http://wwsg.com/contact-us) for additional recommendations.
## Book a Conservative Speaker
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#### Don’t see who you’re looking for? We can reach anyone you can think of to speak at your event. Our thought leaders span the breadth of the globe and cover every discipline imaginable.
[ CONTACT US WITH YOUR REQUEST ](/contact-us/)
---
### [America250: Speakers for Semiquincentennial Events](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/government-and-politics/america250-speakers-for-semiquincentennial-events/)
**Published:** January 6, 2026
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
#### Celebrate America250 with the guidance and insight of world-class speakers who bring history, government, and civic leadership to life.
WWSG offers access to distinguished historians, political analysts, and thought leaders who are ideal for conferences, commemorative events, corporate gatherings, and civic celebrations. Our Semiquincentennial speakers provide engaging keynotes, historical perspective, and actionable insights, helping your audience connect to the story of America’s 250-year journey.
## Discover Your Next Speaker
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/michael-auslin)
##### **Michael Auslin**
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/lindsay-chervinsky)
##### **Lindsay Chervinsky**
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/michael-beschloss)
##### **Michael Beschloss**
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ken-burns)
##### **Ken Burns**
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/newt-gingrich)
##### **Newt Gingrich**
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ben-sasse)
##### **Ben Sasse**
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/bob-woodward)
##### **Bob Woodward**
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/mark-updegrove)
##### **Mark Updegrove**
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/rosie-rios)
##### **Rosie Rios**
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/marc-short)
##### **Marc Short**
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/allen-guelzo)
##### **Allen Guelzo**
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/niall-ferguson)
##### **Niall Ferguson**
[View More Historians](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/government-and-politics/?pg=1&sort=_score&size=20&mz.topic=historians)
## Our Qualifications
##### At Worldwide Speakers Group, we specialize in connecting event planners with distinguished speakers who combine deep expertise, compelling storytelling, and national perspective.
Our team understands the unique goals of America250 and Semiquincentennial celebrations, ensuring your audience experiences both inspiration and historical insight. From Pulitzer-winning authors and renowned historians to influential government voices, WWSG carefully curates the right speaker to match your event’s tone and impact—delivering a seamless booking process, tailored presentations, and unmatched access to figures who shape how Americans reflect on their past and envision the future.
[ Contact Us ](/contact-us/)
## Our Mission
##### *Our mission is to continue bringing success to our clients and thought-leaders and supporting the goals of each, impartially and passionately.*
Connection— the sharing of ideas, knowledge, experiences, and opinions— is at the heart of keynote speaking. Thought leaders present to connect with an audience and inspire them to be better, see things from another perspective, teach them valuable skills, and motivate them.
Through integrity, the pursuit of excellence, accountability, and collaboration, WWSG has created a vibrant company culture where innovative solutions combined with unparalleled service have resulted in continuous client and speaker success.
### Find the Perfect Thought Leader for Your Event
First Name(Required)
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Topic of InterestSelect a TopicHosts, Moderators & MCsArts & Entertainment- Artists & Musicians- Media Personalities- Live Entertainment & ComedyBusiness- Marketing & Advertising- Business Leaders from Major Brands- Business Transformation- Success in Business- Teamwork & Employee Engagement- EntrepreneurshipAuthors- New York Times Bestselling AuthorsClimate Change & Environmental Issues- Alternative Energy- Sustainability & Conservation- Climate PolicyCelebritiesDiversity- Advocacy & Social Justice- Gender EqualityEconomy & Finance- Financial Experts- Monetary Policy- Economic Trends/Forecasts- Emerging Markets- Geoeconomic RiskGovernment & Politics- Midterm Elections- Pundits, Analysts, & Pollsters- Conservative- LiberalHealthcare & Wellness- Mental Health- Healthcare Policy- Happiness & WellnessGeopolitics- National Security- World Leaders- Historians- Global TradeLeadership & Management- Leadership & Management Experts- Military LeadersMotivational- TED Speakers- Adventurers- Inspirational- Military Background- Survivors- Coaches, Athletes, & BroadcastersTechnology & Innovation- Cybersecurity- Fintech- Futurists- Artificial Intelligence- Astronauts & ScientistsWWSG Exclusives
Speaker BudgetsChoose a Speaker BudgetUnder $15,000$15,000 - $25,000$25,000 - $50,000$50,000 - $75,000$75,000 - $100,000$100,000 & UpPro-Bono
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### [Political Speakers & Government Experts for Conferences](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/government-and-politics/)
**Published:** May 5, 2026
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
### Worldwide Speakers Group represents **leading political speakers**, government experts, and public policy voices.
They help audiences understand how decisions are made, how power shifts, and what those changes mean.
Based in Washington, D.C., WWSG offers direct access to former officials from every branch of the U.S. government, as well as global political leaders, analysts, and award-winning journalists.
We’ll match each client with speakers who fit the moment. Some events call for sharp analysis. Others need a broader, more accessible perspective. We’ll help you find the right voice for the room.
[ View Speakers ](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/government-and-politics/#view-speakers)
### Book a Political Speaker
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### Book Top Political Speakers for Your Event
Whether the goal is education, discussion, or perspective, the **[right political speaker](https://wwsg.com/blog/the-art-of-booking-political-speakers/)** brings context, perspective, and a point of view that helps people gauge what’s happening and why it matters.
That’s especially valuable for organizations navigating public perception or policy and regulatory changes.
WWSG works with you to identify speakers who align with your audience and event goals.
**Common event types include:**
- Corporate leadership meetings
- Industry conferences and association events
- University programs and campus forums
- Private briefings and executive sessions
### Government Speakers and Public Policy Experts
WWSG is a nonpartisan organization that values balanced representation and open dialogue.
We represent voices with experience across government, media, and policy, including former Presidents, Cabinet members, governors, senior advisors, and leading political commentators. This depth allows us to match speakers not just by topic, but by perspective and experience.
#### Bipartisan Political Speakers
- Provide balanced, nonpartisan perspectives
- Reflect a range of political viewpoints
- Well-suited for broad or mixed audiences
#### Conservative and Liberal Political Commentators
- Recognized voices across the political spectrum
- Offer clear, opinion-driven takes on current issues
- Ideal for panels, debates, and timely discussions
#### Former Government Officials and Policy Advisors
- Former elected officials, cabinet members, and senior advisors
- Firsthand experience shaping policy and legislation
- Insight into how decisions are shaped and executed
### Political Speakers Agency Services
As a full-service **political speakers agency**, WWSG supports every stage of the booking process.
##### **We provide:**
#### Speaker recommendations tailored to your event
#### Access to high-profile political speakers and public policy experts
#### Coordination for panel discussions and point-counterpoint formats
#### Contracting, logistics, and event support
We also regularly curate speaker pairings that bring multiple perspectives to the stage — especially for panels, debates, and politically diverse audiences.
### Frequently Asked Questions
Some well-known speakers include Mike Pence, Gen. John Kelly, David Frum, and Elaine Chao." } },{ "@type": "Question", "name": "How do I book a political speaker for an event?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "You can book a political speaker through a speaker bureau like WWSG, which manages availability, contracts, travel logistics, and event coordination." } },{ "@type": "Question", "name": "How much do political speakers get paid?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Political speaker fees vary based on profile, experience, and demand. High-profile former officials and national commentators often command higher fees depending on event format and audience size." } },{ "@type": "Question", "name": "What is a political speakers bureau?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "A political speakers bureau represents experienced government and policy experts and helps organizations secure speakers for conferences, corporate events, and academic institutions." } },{ "@type": "Question", "name": "What types of government speakers are available?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Government speakers may include former elected officials, ambassadors, national security advisors, economic policy experts, and political analysts." } },{ "@type": "Question", "name": "Are political speakers appropriate for corporate events?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes. Political speakers are frequently invited to corporate conferences and executive meetings to provide insight on regulatory trends, geopolitical risk, economic policy, and global markets. Many organizations host point-counterpoint discussions with political speakers from both sides of the aisle." } }\] }
#### [What is a political speaker?](#who-is-a-political-speaker)
A political speaker is an expert in government, public policy, elections, or international affairs who provides analysis and insight at conferences, universities, corporate meetings, and public forums.
#### [Who are the top political speakers?](#top-political-speakers)
Top political speakers typically include former government officials, policy advisors, political commentators, diplomats, and thought leaders with direct experience in public service or political strategy.
Some well-known speakers include [Mike Pence,](https://wwsg.com/speakers/mike-pence/) [Gen. John Kelly,](https://wwsg.com/speakers/john-kelly/) [David Frum,](https://wwsg.com/speakers/david-frum/) and [Elaine Chao.](https://wwsg.com/speakers/elaine-chao/)
#### [How do I book a political speaker for an event?](#how-do-I-book-a-political-speaker-for-an-event)
You can book a political speaker through a speaker bureau like WWSG, which manages availability, contracts, travel logistics, and event coordination.
#### [How much do political speakers get paid?](#how-much-do-political-speakers-get-paid)
Political speaker fees vary based on profile, experience, and demand. High-profile former officials and national commentators often command higher fees depending on event format and audience size. You can find more information on the cost of hiring speakers on our [blog](https://wwsg.com/blog/how-much-does-it-cost-to-hire-a-keynote-speaker/).
#### [What is a political speakers bureau?](#what-is-a-political-speakers-bureau)
A political speakers bureau represents experienced government and policy experts and helps organizations secure speakers for conferences, corporate events, and academic institutions.
#### [What types of government speakers are available?](#what-tupes-of-govt-speakers-are-available)
Government speakers may include former elected officials, ambassadors, national security advisors, economic policy experts, and political analysts.
#### [Are political speakers appropriate for corporate events?](#are-political-speakers-appropriate-for-corporate-events)
Yes. [Political speakers](https://wwsg.com/blog/the-art-of-booking-political-speakers/) are frequently invited to corporate conferences and executive meetings to provide insight on regulatory trends, geopolitical risk, economic policy, and global markets. Many organizations host point-counterpoint discussions with political speakers from both sides of the aisle.
### Political Insights & Speaker News
Explore insights, analysis, and commentary from WWSG speakers on current political issues, elections, and public policy developments.
[ ![war on terror]()
David Frum Asks: Did America Win the War on Terror?
](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/david-frum-asks-did-america-win-the-war-on-terror/) Thought Leader: [David Frum](https://wwsg.com/speakers/david-frum/)
[ ![Tank]()
Mark Esper on the Houthis and the U.S.-Iran Conflict
](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/mark-esper-on-the-houthis-and-the-u-s-iran-conflict/) Thought Leader: [Mark Esper](https://wwsg.com/speakers/mark-esper/)
[ ![Iran Attacks]()
Tony Abbott on the Threat of Extremist Islamism
](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/tony-abbott-on-the-threat-of-extremist-islamism/) Thought Leader: [Tony Abbott](https://wwsg.com/speakers/tony-abbott/)
### **Don’t see who you’re looking for?**
##### We can reach anyone you can think of to speak at your event. Our thought leaders span the breadth of the globe and cover every discipline imaginable.
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### [Geopolitical Speakers & Foreign Policy Experts](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/geopolitics/)
**Published:** May 13, 2026
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
### Worldwide Speakers Group represents leading **geopolitical speakers**, foreign policy experts, and international affairs voices.
These speakers help audiences understand what’s happening globally and what it means in practice. From trade and security to regional conflict and economic shifts, their insights bring [clarity to complex issues](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/the-us-and-europe-risk-flunking-geopolitics-101/). WWSG works closely with clients to match the right speaker to each event. Whether you need a high-level briefing or a keynote that connects with a broad audience, we’ll help you find the right fit.
[ View Speakers ](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/geopolitics/#view-speakers)
### Book an International Expert
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### Book Leading Geopolitical Speakers for Global Events
The [right geopolitical speaker](https://wwsg.com/blog/the-art-of-booking-political-speakers/) does more than explain the news. They connect global events to real decisions.
WWSG represents **geopolitics speakers** with experience across government, intelligence, economics, and media. We help you identify speakers who align with your audience, goals, and format.
**Common event types include:**
- Corporate leadership meetings
- Investor and finance events
- University and policy forums
- Private briefings and board sessions
### Top Geopolitical Strategists and Geopolitics Speakers
WWSG offers access to a wide range of voices, from former government officials and advisors to analysts, economists, and journalists.
#### Foreign Policy Speakers
- Former ambassadors and senior government advisors
- Experts in diplomacy, conflict, and international relations
- Insight into how global decisions take shape
#### Geopolitics Experts and Analysts
- Specialists in global trends, trade, and political risk
- Connect headlines to business and economic impact
- Useful for strategy, forecasting, and scenario planning
#### Global Risk and Security Speakers
- National security and defense experts
- Cybersecurity and emerging threat specialists
- Focus on risk mitigation, preparedness, and what’s coming next
### Why Hire a Geopolitical Speaker for Your Event
Geopolitical and foreign policy speakers engage audiences beyond the headlines and bring a more strategic lens to global issues.
#### Understand Global Events
Cut through headlines and explain what’s actually driving change.
#### Connect to Real Decisions
Translate global developments into clear business and policy implications.
#### Hear from Experienced Voices
Gain valuable insight from former officials, advisors, and analysts.
#### Create Engaging Conversations
Give audiences something timely and relevant to carry beyond the event.
### Frequently Asked Questions
#### [What is a geopolitical speaker?](#what-is-geopolitical-speaker)
A geopolitical speaker is an expert in international relations, global strategy, foreign policy, and political risk who provides insight on global power dynamics, economic trends, and international security at conferences and corporate events.
#### [What does a geopolitical strategist do?](#1774450906048-0de69d8b-2414)
A geopolitical strategist analyzes international political developments, economic shifts, and security risks to help organizations understand global impacts on markets, policy, and operations.
#### [Who are the key thinkers in geopolitics?](#1775137575300-fc41251c-5067)
Key thinkers in geopolitics include historical strategists and contemporary analysts specializing in global power structures, foreign policy, and international relations theory. Examples include: [Niall Ferguson](https://wwsg.com/speakers/niall-ferguson/), [Ian Bremmer](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ian-bremmer/), and [Peter Zeihan](https://wwsg.com/speakers/peter-zeihan/).
#### [Who are the key players in foreign policy?](#1775139054398-31d42200-5dc9)
Foreign policy is shaped by government leaders, diplomats, national security officials, international organizations, and policy advisors who influence global strategy.
#### [How much do geopolitical speakers get paid?](#1775139090088-3f045f6f-b4b5)
Geopolitical speaker fees vary depending on experience, global recognition, and event format. Fees typically range from mid-five figures to higher for globally recognized experts.
#### [How do I hire a geopolitical speaker?](#1775139126087-b7bdeec8-2c03)
You can hire a geopolitical speaker through a speaker bureau like WWSG, which coordinates availability, fees, travel logistics, and event requirements.
### Geopolitics Insights & Speaker News
Explore insights, analysis, and commentary from WWSG speakers on [**current geopolitics**](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/peter-zeihan-can-china-break-the-first-island-chain/), global events, and policy developments.
[ ![Nuclear explosion with a large mushroom cloud rising from the ground over a flat landscape.]() Niall Ferguson Examines the Risks of an AI “Apocalypse”
](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/niall-ferguson-examines-the-risks-of-an-ai-apocalypse/) Thought Leader: [Niall Ferguson](https://wwsg.com/speakers/niall-ferguson/)
[ ![war on terror]()
David Frum Asks: Did America Win the War on Terror?
](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/david-frum-asks-did-america-win-the-war-on-terror/) Thought Leader: [David Frum](https://wwsg.com/speakers/david-frum/)
[ ![Iran Attacks]()
Tony Abbott on the Threat of Extremist Islamism
](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/tony-abbott-on-the-threat-of-extremist-islamism/) Thought Leader: [Tony Abbott](https://wwsg.com/speakers/tony-abbott/)
### **Don’t see who you’re looking for?**
##### We can reach anyone you can think of to speak at your event. Our thought leaders span the breadth of the globe and cover every discipline imaginable.
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### [Motivational Speakers for Corporate Events and Conferences](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/motivational/)
**Published:** May 1, 2026
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
### Worldwide Speakers Group represents **leading motivational speakers**, inspirational voices, and keynote experts.
They share real stories of challenge, growth, and achievement, giving audiences something they can connect to and carry forward. From business leaders and athletes to authors and mental health advocates, these speakers bring perspectives that resonate across industries and roles.
[ View Speakers ](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/motivational/#view-speakers)
### Book a Motivational Speaker
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### Book Top Motivational Speakers for Your Audience
The right motivational speaker does more than inspire in the moment. They leave people with something to remember — and act on.
Whether the focus is leadership, performance, or team alignment, the right speaker can reinforce key themes and create a shared experience that carries beyond the event.
WWSG works with you to match the right speaker to each event. Whether you’re planning a conference, sales meeting, or leadership session, we’ll help you find a voice that fits your audience.
**Common event types include:**
- Corporate meetings and leadership events
- [Sales kickoffs](https://wwsg.com/blog/top-speakers-for-sales-kickoff-meetings/) and team gatherings
- Industry conferences and annual events
- Employee engagement and wellness programs
### Top Motivational Speakers in the World
WWSG represents a wide range of motivational speakers with powerful stories and perspectives across diverse industries and experiences.
#### Inspirational and Motivational Speakers
- Speakers with compelling personal stories and life experiences
- Focus on perseverance, mindset, and personal growth
- Well-suited for broad audiences and general sessions
#### Motivational Speakers for Business
- Entrepreneurs, executives, and business leaders
- Share lessons on leadership, performance, and decision-making
- Relevant for corporate and professional audiences
#### Sales Motivational Speakers for Teams
- Experts in sales strategy, mindset, and performance
- Focus on motivation, accountability, and results
- Ideal for sales kickoffs and revenue teams
#### Leadership Motivational Speakers
- Leaders with experience guiding teams through change and growth
- Focus on leadership development, culture, and communication
- Strong fit for executive and management audiences
#### Military and Resilience Motivational Speakers
- Veterans and leaders with high-stakes experience
- Share lessons on resilience, discipline, and teamwork
- Valuable for organizations navigating change or pressure
#### Mental Health Motivational Speakers
- [Advocates](https://wwsg.com/blog/12-mental-health-advocates-who-deliver-amazing-keynotes/), experts, and individuals with lived experience
- Focus on well-being, stress, and personal resilience
- Relevant for workplace culture and well-being initiatives
### Why Hire a Motivational Speaker for Your Event
[Motivational speakers create moments](https://wwsg.com/blog/the-top-motivational-speakers-in-the-world-2/) that remain with an audience long after the event ends.
#### Shift Perspective
Help audiences see challenges, opportunities, and their own roles in a new way.
#### Reinforce Key Messages
Support themes like leadership, performance, or positive culture with real-world stories.
#### Energize the Room
Bring a higher level of energy and engagement that sets the tone for the event.
#### Give People Something to Remember
Leave audiences with ideas and takeaways they can carry forward beyond the event.
### Motivational vs Inspirational Speakers: What Is the Difference?
#### **Motivational speakers** often focus on action, helping audiences improve performance, mindset, or results.
#### **Inspirational speakers** tend to center on personal stories that encourage reflection and perspective.
In practice, many speakers do both. The right choice depends on your audience and what you want them to take away from the experience.
### Frequently Asked Questions
#### [Who is the #1 motivational speaker in the world?](#what-is-no-one-motivational-speaker)
There is no single definitive ranking, but top motivational speakers are typically those with global recognition, bestselling books, strong corporate demand, and proven keynote impact across industries.
#### [Who are the top 10 motivational speakers?](#top-ten-motivational-speakers)
Top motivational speakers often include leadership experts, former athletes, entrepreneurs, resilience advocates, and bestselling authors known for delivering high-impact keynote presentations. You can find [some of our favorites](https://wwsg.com/blog/the-top-motivational-speakers-in-the-world-2/) featured on our blog.
#### [What is the difference between a motivational speaker and an inspirational speaker?](#difference-between-motivational-speaker-and-inspirational-speaker)
A motivational speaker focuses on driving action and performance improvement, while an inspirational speaker often centers on personal stories and emotional impact. Many professionals combine both approaches.
#### [What is the average cost of a motivational speaker?](#average-cost-of-motivational-speaker)
Motivational speaker fees vary widely depending on experience, reputation, and format. Fees can range from mid four figures to six figures for globally recognized keynote speakers. You can find more information on the cost of hiring speakers on our [blog](https://wwsg.com/blog/how-much-does-it-cost-to-hire-a-keynote-speaker/).
#### [How do I book a motivational speaker?](#booking-motivational-speaker)
You can book a motivational speaker through a professional speaker bureau like WWSG, which manages contracts, logistics, availability, and event coordination.
#### [What industries hire motivational speakers?](#what-industries-hire-motivational-speakers)
[Motivational speakers](https://wwsg.com/blog/the-top-motivational-speakers-in-the-world/) are frequently hired by corporations, sales organizations, healthcare institutions, universities, government agencies, and leadership conferences.
#### [Are motivational speakers effective for corporate events?](#motivational-speakers-effective-for-corporate-events)
Yes. [Motivational speakers](https://wwsg.com/blog/the-power-of-a-motivational-speaker/) are commonly used to boost morale, reinforce leadership themes, drive sales performance, and support organizational change initiatives. Many of the motivational speakers who work with WWSG cite sales kickoff conferences as one of their favorite types of events.
### Motivational Insights & Speaker News
Explore insights, stories, and perspectives from WWSG speakers on motivation, leadership, and personal growth.
[ ![Aaron Finch Football]() Ben Sasse: Why America’s Boys Need Football
](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/ben-sasse-why-americas-boys-need-football/) Thought Leader: [Ben Sasse](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ben-sasse/)
[ ![Bull SHarks]() Olga Koroleva on Leadership Lessons from Bull Sharks
](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/olga-koroleva-on-leadership-lessons-from-bull-sharks/) Thought Leader: [Olga Koroleva](https://wwsg.com/speakers/olga-koroleva/)
[ ![Live Inspired Podcast Graphic]() John O’Leary on What It Means to Be Fully Alive
](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/john-oleary-on-what-it-means-to-be-fully-alive/) Thought Leader: [John O’Leary](https://wwsg.com/speakers/john-oleary/)
#### **Don’t see who you’re looking for?**
##### We can reach anyone you can think of to speak at your event. Our thought leaders span the breadth of the globe and cover every discipline imaginable.
Name First Last
Title
Company
Company Email Address
Phone
Choose a Speaker BudgetChoose a Speaker Budget$100,000 & Up$75,000 - $100,000$50,000 - $75,000$25,000 - $50,000$15,000 - $25,000Under $15,000Pro-Bono
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### [Geoeconomic Risk](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/economy-and-finance/geoeconomic-risk/)
**Published:** November 10, 2025
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
## The Economy and Geopolitical Risk: Expert Keynote Speakers
Explore how economic forces shape global stability and security. Worldwide Speakers Group connects event planners with leading geoeconomics experts, economists, and foreign policy strategists who explain the links between markets, trade, and geopolitical risk.
From supply chain disruptions to energy policy and global competition, these speakers deliver strategic insights and actionable intelligence to help organizations navigate uncertainty and plan with confidence.
For inquiries regarding former [Dr. Mario Draghi’s](https://wwsg.com/book-speaker-mario-draghi/) availability, please contact WWSG directly.
## Book a Keynote Speaker on the Economy and Geopolitical Risk
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#### Don’t see who you’re looking for? We can reach anyone you can think of to speak at your event. Our thought leaders span the breadth of the globe and cover every discipline imaginable.
[ CONTACT US WITH YOUR REQUEST ](/contact-us/)
---
### [Site Map](https://wwsg.com/site-map/)
**Published:** June 14, 2022
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
**WWSG Speaker Topics**
[Speakers and Topics](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/)
- [Arts & Entertainment Speakers](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/arts-entertainment/)
- [Artists & Musicians](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/arts-entertainment/artists-and-musicians/)
- [Live Entertainment and Comedy Speakers](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/arts-entertainment/live-entertainment-and-comedy/)
- [Media Personalities](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/arts-entertainment/media-personalities/)
- [Business Speakers](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/business/)
- [Business Leaders from Major Brands](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/business/business-leaders-from-major-brands/)
- [Business Transformation Speakers](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/business/business-transformation/)
- [Entrepreneurship Speakers](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/business/entrepreneurship/)
- [Marketing & Advertising Speakers](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/business/marketing-advertising/)
- [Speakers on Success in Business](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/business/success-in-business/)
- [Celebrities](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/celebrities/)
- [Diversity Speakers](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/diversity/)
- [Gender Equality Speakers](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/diversity/gender-equality/)
- [Advocacy & Social Justice Speakers](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/diversity/advocacy-social-justice/)
- [Economy & Finance](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/economy-and-finance/)
- [Economic Trends & Forecasts](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/economy-and-finance/economic-trends-forecasts/)
- [Emerging Markets Speakers](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/economy-and-finance/emerging-markets/)
- [Financial Experts](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/economy-and-finance/financial-experts/)
- [Geoeconomic Risk Speakers](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/economy-and-finance/geoeconomic-risk/)
- [Monetary Policy Speakers](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/economy-and-finance/monetary-policy/)
- [Environmental Advocates & Climate Change](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/environmental-advocates-and-climate-change/)
- [Alternative Energy Speakers](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/environmental-advocates-and-climate-change/alternative-energy/)
- [Climate Policy Speakers](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/environmental-advocates-and-climate-change/climate-policy/)
- [Sustainability & Conservation Speakers](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/environmental-advocates-and-climate-change/sustainability-and-conservation/)
- [Geopolitics](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/geopolitics/)
- [Global Trade Speakers](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/geopolitics/global-trade/)
- [Historians](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/geopolitics/historians/)
- [World Leaders](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/geopolitics/world-leaders/)
- [Government & Politics](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/government-and-politics/)
- [America250: Speakers for Semiquincentennial Events](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/government-and-politics/america250-speakers-for-semiquincentennial-events/)
- [Midterm Election Speakers](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/government-and-politics/midterm-election-speakers/)
- [Healthcare & Wellness Speakers](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/healthcare-and-wellness/)
- [Mental Health Keynote Speakers](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/healthcare-and-wellness/mental-health/)
- [Leadership & Management Speakers](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/leadership-and-management/)
- [Women Leadership Speakers](https://wwsg.com/women-in-leadership/)
- [Military Leaders — Military Motivational Speakers](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/military-background/)
- [Hosts, Moderators, & MCs](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/moderators-emcees/)
- [Motivational](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/motivational/)
- [Coaches & Athletes to Motivate Your Audience](https://wwsg.com/coaches-athletes-to-motivate-your-audience/)
- [New to WWSG](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/new-to-wwsg/)
- [Technology & Innovation](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/technology-and-innovation/)
- [Artificial Intelligence – AI Speakers](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/technology-and-innovation/artificial-intelligence/)
- [Cybersecurity Expert Speakers](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/technology-and-innovation/cybersecurity/)
- [WWSG Exclusive Event Speakers](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/wwsg-exclusives/)
**WWSG Overview Pages**
- [WWSG Home](https://wwsg.com/)
- [About Us](https://wwsg.com/about-us/)
- [Testimonials](https://wwsg.com/about-us/testimonials/)
- [Careers](https://wwsg.com/about-us/careers/)
- [Our Team](https://wwsg.com/about-us/team/)
- [Why Worldwide Speakers Group?](https://wwsg.com/why-worldwide-speakers-group/)
- [Insights and Resources](https://wwsg.com/insights-and-resources/)
- [Frequently Asked Questions](https://wwsg.com/insights-and-resources/frequently-asked-questions/)
- [Speakers in the News](https://wwsg.com/insights-and-resources/speakers-in-the-news/)
- [Prospective Speakers](https://wwsg.com/prospective-speakers/)
- [Contact Us](https://wwsg.com/contact-us/)
- [Privacy Policy](https://wwsg.com/privacy-policy/)
---
### [Midterm Election Speakers](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/government-and-politics/midterm-election-speakers/)
**Published:** July 18, 2025
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
#### When clarity and credible perspective are needed most, WWSG connects you with the nation’s top midterm election thought leaders.
Hearing from knowledgeable speakers on midterm elections is essential for understanding the political landscape, anticipating policy shifts, and making informed decisions—whether in business or civic engagement.
As a D.C.-based firm with deep roots in the nation’s political hub, WWSG offers unmatched access to the most qualified and insightful speakers on midterm elections. Our roster includes former elected officials, strategists, journalists, and policy experts who deliver tailored insights for audiences of all sizes—from intimate CEO roundtables to large-scale conferences.
WWSG delivers direct access to the nation’s most trusted voices on midterm elections.
## Discover Your Next Speaker
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/mike-pence/)
##### **Mike Pence**
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/joseph-grogan/)
##### **Joe Grogan**
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/josh-kraushaar/)
##### **Josh Kraushaar**
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ben-sasse/)
##### **Ben Sasse**
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/marc-short/)
##### **Marc Short**
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ashley-allison/)
##### **Ashley Allison**
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/donna-brazile/)
##### **Donna Brazile**
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/gloria-borger/)
##### **Gloria Borger**
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/frank-luntz/)
##### **Frank Luntz**
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/mara-liasson/)
##### **Mara Liasson**
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/robert-costa/)
##### **Robert Costa**
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/john-katko/)
##### **John Katko**
[View More Midterm Election Speakers](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/?pg=1&sort=_score&size=20&mz.topic=midterm-elections)
## Our Qualifications
##### *With more than 60 years of combined experience in the lecture industry, our team is uniquely qualified to meet your needs and exceed your expectations.*
At WWSG, our collaborative work style means you have a full team supporting you at every step. In addition to your dedicated agent, you’ll have full access to our experienced logistical team—professionals who are highly skilled in coordinating events featuring top-tier speakers. From travel and technical requirements to on-site coordination, we manage all the details to ensure your event runs smoothly and successfully.
[ Contact Us ](/contact-us/)
## Our Mission
##### *Our mission is to continue bringing success to our clients and thought-leaders and supporting the goals of each, impartially and passionately.*
Connection— the sharing of ideas, knowledge, experiences, and opinions— is at the heart of keynote speaking. Thought leaders present to connect with an audience and inspire them to be better, see things from another perspective, teach them valuable skills, and motivate them.
Through integrity, the pursuit of excellence, accountability, and collaboration, WWSG has created a vibrant company culture where innovative solutions combined with unparalleled service have resulted in continuous client and speaker success.
### Find the Perfect Thought Leader for Your Event
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Topic of InterestSelect a TopicHosts, Moderators & MCsArts & Entertainment- Artists & Musicians- Media Personalities- Live Entertainment & ComedyBusiness- Marketing & Advertising- Business Leaders from Major Brands- Business Transformation- Success in Business- Teamwork & Employee Engagement- EntrepreneurshipAuthors- New York Times Bestselling AuthorsClimate Change & Environmental Issues- Alternative Energy- Sustainability & Conservation- Climate PolicyCelebritiesDiversity- Advocacy & Social Justice- Gender EqualityEconomy & Finance- Financial Experts- Monetary Policy- Economic Trends/Forecasts- Emerging Markets- Geoeconomic RiskGovernment & Politics- Midterm Elections- Pundits, Analysts, & Pollsters- Conservative- LiberalHealthcare & Wellness- Mental Health- Healthcare Policy- Happiness & WellnessGeopolitics- National Security- World Leaders- Historians- Global TradeLeadership & Management- Leadership & Management Experts- Military LeadersMotivational- TED Speakers- Adventurers- Inspirational- Military Background- Survivors- Coaches, Athletes, & BroadcastersTechnology & Innovation- Cybersecurity- Fintech- Futurists- Artificial Intelligence- Astronauts & ScientistsWWSG Exclusives
Speaker BudgetsChoose a Speaker BudgetUnder $15,000$15,000 - $25,000$25,000 - $50,000$50,000 - $75,000$75,000 - $100,000$100,000 & UpPro-Bono
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### [World Leaders](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/geopolitics/world-leaders/)
**Published:** April 14, 2026
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
## When you’re booking a world leader, WWSG is your premier speaker agency.
[Worldwide Speakers Group](http://wwsg.com) offers unparalleled access to former Presidents, Prime Ministers, Heads of State, and senior global policymakers. With deep roots in Washington, D.C. and strong international relationships, WWSG connects event planners with some of the most influential voices in modern history—leaders who have shaped nations, guided economies, and navigated global crises.
Our roster includes distinguished figures from across the political spectrum and around the world, offering firsthand perspectives on leadership, diplomacy, economic strategy, and global affairs. These speakers bring unmatched credibility and insight, delivering powerful, behind-the-scenes perspectives that resonate with audiences at the highest levels.
WWSG is a trusted, nonpartisan partner committed to thoughtful representation and balanced dialogue. We also specialize in curated conversations, including leadership forums, fireside chats, and point-counterpoint discussions that bring multiple global perspectives to the stage.
Working with WWSG ensures a seamless and highly personalized booking experience. From initial outreach to event execution, our team provides expert guidance, discretion, and white-glove service—ensuring every detail is handled with precision. Our longstanding relationships and industry expertise allow us to secure world leaders for events of all sizes, from private executive gatherings to global conferences.
If you don’t see a specific leader listed, we encourage you to reach out. Our network extends far beyond what is shown, and we are committed to helping you deliver an unforgettable experience with a speaker who will inform, inspire, and elevate your event. [Contact us today.](http://wwsg.com/contact-us)
## Host a World Leader
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#### Don’t see who you’re looking for? We can reach anyone you can think of to speak at your event. Our thought leaders span the breadth of the globe and cover every discipline imaginable.
[ CONTACT US WITH YOUR REQUEST ](/contact-us/)
---
### [Historians](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/geopolitics/historians/)
**Published:** April 14, 2026
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
## Historians offer far more than a look at the past—they provide critical context for today’s most pressing challenges and tomorrow’s opportunities.
Whether exploring the rise and fall of global powers, the evolution of [economic systems](http://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/economy-and-finance/), or the cultural forces shaping societies, leading historians deliver insights that help audiences better understand the world around them.
From [geopolitical analysis](http://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/geopolitics/) and [political history](http://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/government-and-politics/) to [economic trends](http://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/economy-and-finance/emerging-markets/) and social movements, historians like [Niall Ferguson](http://wwsg.com/speakers/niall-ferguson), [Jennifer Burns](http://wwsg.com/speakers/jennifer-burns), and [Michael Auslin](http://wwsg.com/speakers/michael-auslin) bring depth, clarity, and perspective to complex topics. Their ability to connect historical patterns with current events makes them especially valuable for organizations navigating uncertainty, change, and global interdependence.
WWSG ensures a seamless experience in securing the right historian for your event. With deep relationships across academia, government, and media, WWSG provides access to world-class experts who are not only authoritative in their fields but also engaging, dynamic speakers. Our team works closely with event planners to understand your audience, goals, and themes—curating the ideal speaker who will inform, inspire, and leave a lasting impact.
When you partner with WWSG, you’re not just booking a historian—you’re delivering meaningful insight that resonates long after the event concludes. [Contact us](http://wwsg.com/contact-us) for help selecting the perfect speakers.
## Historians to Illuminate Your Event
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#### Don’t see who you’re looking for? We can reach anyone you can think of to speak at your event. Our thought leaders span the breadth of the globe and cover every discipline imaginable.
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---
### [Global Trade](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/geopolitics/global-trade/)
**Published:** February 5, 2025
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
## Worldwide Speakers Group is one of the leading public speaking agencies, representing top-tier experts with deep knowledge in global trade, international relations, and the evolving dynamics of today’s global marketplace.
Our distinguished guest speakers travel the world, offering valuable insights on international trade agreements, supply chain strategies, global economic trends, and the future of commerce in a rapidly shifting landscape. With experience across six continents, they bring firsthand understanding of trade relations in key regions—including China, Russia, the Middle East, North and South America, Europe, and Canada.
Whether you’re looking for a great speaker to headline your event or a thought leader who can inform and inspire, our roster offers the global perspective your audience needs. Contact us to find the right voice for your next conference or annual meeting.
[Contact us](https://wwsg.com/contact-us) for help finding the right thought leader for your event.
## Book a Trade Expert
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#### Don’t see who you’re looking for? We can reach anyone you can think of to speak at your event. Our thought leaders span the breadth of the globe and cover every discipline imaginable.
[ CONTACT US WITH YOUR REQUEST ](/contact-us/)
---
### [Economic Trends & Forecasts](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/economy-and-finance/economic-trends-forecasts/)
**Published:** November 10, 2025
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
## Economic Trends & Forecasts: Leading Keynote Speakers
Gain clarity in a changing economy. Worldwide Speakers Group connects event planners with the world’s top economic keynote speakers, financial strategists, and market forecasters. These experts deliver data-driven insights on inflation, interest rates, global trade, and emerging markets—helping audiences understand what’s ahead and how to prepare.
Our roster includes former White House economists, renowned policy advisors, and global market analysts trusted by major corporations and governments. Each speaker translates complex economic trends into practical strategies for growth, resilience, and innovation.
Bring authoritative perspective to your next conference, summit, or executive event with a WWSG economic expert who can illuminate the future of business and the global economy.
For inquiries regarding [Dr. Mario Draghi’s](https://wwsg.com/book-speaker-mario-draghi/) availability, please contact WWSG directly.
## Book a Keynote Speaker on Economy
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#### Don’t see who you’re looking for? We can reach anyone you can think of to speak at your event. Our thought leaders span the breadth of the globe and cover every discipline imaginable.
[ CONTACT US WITH YOUR REQUEST ](/contact-us/)
---
### [Emerging Markets](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/economy-and-finance/emerging-markets/)
**Published:** November 10, 2025
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
## Emerging Markets: Keynote Speakers on Global Growth
Discover fresh perspectives on the world’s fastest-growing economies. Worldwide Speakers Group features leading economists, strategists, and investors who analyze the opportunities and challenges shaping emerging markets. From Asia and Latin America to Africa and the Middle East, these experts explore trends in trade, innovation, and investment that will define the next decade of global growth.
For inquiries regarding former [Dr. Mario Draghi’s](https://wwsg.com/book-speaker-mario-draghi/) availability, please contact WWSG directly.
## Emerging Markets & Investment Keynote Speakers
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[ CONTACT US WITH YOUR REQUEST ](/contact-us/)
---
### [Financial Experts](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/economy-and-finance/financial-experts/)
**Published:** January 29, 2026
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
## Financial Markets and Strategy: Expert Keynote Speakers
Gain clarity on today’s fast-moving financial landscape. Worldwide Speakers Group connects event planners with leading financial experts and finance speakers who provide authoritative insight on markets, investing, risk, and global economic trends.
From capital markets and investment strategy to volatility, regulation, and long-term growth, these finance speakers deliver timely, practical guidance to help organizations navigate complexity and make confident financial decisions.
For inquiries regarding [Dr. Mario Draghi’s](https://wwsg.com/book-speaker-mario-draghi/) availability, please contact WWSG directly.
## Host an Expert Financial Speaker
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[ CONTACT US WITH YOUR REQUEST ](/contact-us/)
---
### [Monetary Policy](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/economy-and-finance/monetary-policy/)
**Published:** January 29, 2026
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
## Monetary Policy: Expert Keynote Speakers
Understand how central bank decisions shape economies, markets, and financial stability worldwide. Worldwide Speakers Group connects event planners with leading monetary policy experts, former central bankers, economists, and financial strategists who decode interest rates, inflation, and macroeconomic policy.
From tightening cycles and inflation control to financial stability and global spillover effects, these speakers provide clear, practical insights to help organizations anticipate change and make informed decisions.
For inquiries regarding [Dr. Mario Draghi’s](https://wwsg.com/book-speaker-mario-draghi/) availability, please contact WWSG directly.
## Book a Keynote Speaker on Monetary Policy
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[ CONTACT US WITH YOUR REQUEST ](/contact-us/)
---
### [WWSG Exclusive Event Speakers](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/wwsg-exclusives/)
**Published:** June 9, 2022
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
## Meet Our Lineup of Influential Speakers – Exclusive to WWSG
What is “WWSG Exclusive”? These are distinguished thought leaders who trust Worldwide Speakers Group to handle 100% of their speaking engagements and media appearances due to our proven commitment to their best interests and success.
WWSG is a dual agency, representing both the speaker and the client. Every day, we work directly with many hosts around the world to provide these event speakers, plus more amazing experts from politics, science, healthcare, business, sports, media, and more. In addition, we will also source the majority of our thought leaders to partner agencies who display an exemplary commitment to customer service and ethical business practices.
## Book an Exclusive Event Speaker
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#### Don’t see who you’re looking for? We can reach anyone you can think of to speak at your event. Our thought leaders span the breadth of the globe and cover every discipline imaginable.
[ CONTACT US WITH YOUR REQUEST ](/contact-us/)
---
### [Frequently Asked Questions](https://wwsg.com/insights-and-resources/frequently-asked-questions/)
**Published:** May 17, 2022
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
## Why Book with WWSG?
By providing an intimate and consultative style of service to organizations looking to book speakers for their events, WWSG provides an unprecedented and unparalleled level of service in the lecture industry. Our team creates comprehensive strategic solutions that achieve client goals and ultimately result in more and more long-term partnerships.
Worldwide Speakers Group is a dual agency, representing both the talent and the customer. We provide top-tier support to both sides, ensuring both happy clients and busy thought leaders. With WWSG at your side, you’re looking at many successful events that create positive lasting impacts on audiences.
Event planners trust WWSG because we’re consistently recognized as one of the top speaker bureaus for quality, service, and impact.
## How Do You Book a Keynote Speaker? Here are the ABCs of Booking:
![]() ### Answer a few questions…
Step one in your speaking booking process is to answer some basic questions about your event. When and where is it? Is it live or virtual? What type of speaker are you looking for, or are you open to suggestions? What is your budget? This information will get our team ready to inspire you with your speaker options. You can send us this information via any [contact form](https://wwsg.com/contact-us/) on our website or simply [give us a call](tel:7033739974) at (703) 373-9974.
Read More
![]() ### Become inspired by our selection...
WWSG exclusively represents over fifty top-tier speakers, meaning we are the only firm that handles their global speaking opportunities. In addition to those extraordinary individuals, we can reach anyone you can think of to speak at your event. Our thought leaders span the breadth of the globe and cover every discipline imaginable. You can browse [available talent](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/) on our website and add your favorites to [My Speaker List](/share-my-list), which will create an email with important speaker details that you can share internally with your decision-makers.
Read More
![]() ### Collaborate with your dedicated agent…
While working with WWSG, you’ll have a dedicated agent to guide your process along. Our team has well over 100 combined years of experience in the keynote speaking and event industry. They will delight in providing you the absolute best options for your engagement based on the information you’ve provided about your event and speaker needs.
Read More
![]() ### Decide and Invite!
Once you’ve narrowed the selection down to your top choice, we will send the speaker a firm invitation on your behalf, which is a binding commitment to enter into a contract with the speaker if he or she accepts the invitation. Following a “yes” to your firm invitation, we will issue a contract to secure the date on the speaker’s calendar and clarify the itinerary expectations. It’s time to get excited!
Read More
[ Contact Us to Get Started ](/contact-us)
## Still have questions?
Here are the answers to some common ones.
#### [What does it cost to hire a speaker?](#what-does-it-cost-to-hire-a-speaker)
Our speakers’ honoraria vary widely based on demand, location, and their individual schedules. Worldwide Speakers Group confidently maintains the fee integrity of our thought leaders. Learn more in our blog post, [How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Keynote Speaker?](https://wwsg.com/blog/how-much-does-it-cost-to-hire-a-keynote-speaker/)
#### [What is the cost of working with WWSG?](#what-is-the-cost-of-working-with-wwsg)
WWSG does not charge your company a fee for finding you the perfect thought leader for your event. Our commission comes from the speaker’s fee, which maintains its integrity no matter how you book. By booking with us, you receive our full support service at no additional cost.
#### [What additional expenses should I expect beyond the speech fee?](#what-additional-expenses-should-I-expect-beyond-the-speech-fee)
Standard expenses include (but are not limited to) first class, round-trip airfare; hotel accommodations; ground transportation by a professional car service; meals; and incidentals. Some speakers require additional expenses such as security, travel for an extra team member, or hair and makeup. Your dedicated agent will detail the specific expenses required for the individual speaker prior to submitting a firm offer.
#### [This is a big investment. How can I maximize my speaker and event success?](#how-can-i-maximize-my-speaker-and-event-success)
As a result of placing thousands of speakers around the world and working with some of the industry’s most respected meeting planners, our best practices are grounded in real-world experience. As a complementary service, we share more information on our [Planning Resources](https://wwsg.com/insights-and-resources/?category=planning-resources) page.
Some routine best practices are:
• If you are hosting an author, secure books in advance and arrange either a live book signing or secure pre-signed book plates to provide to your guests.
• Consider add-on services like live entertainment, celebrity emcees or moderators, and cocktail and/or dinner receptions.
• Use pre-event planning calls to set expectations with your speaker.
---
### [Hosts, Moderators, & MCs](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/moderators-emcees/)
**Published:** July 11, 2025
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
## Looking for an experienced moderator or emcee? We can help.
Hiring a professional, experienced moderator or emcee can elevate your event by ensuring smooth transitions, maintaining energy, and keeping discussions focused and engaging. A skilled host brings credibility, poise, and the ability to think on their feet—qualities especially important for managing high-profile panels, Q&As, or complex topics.
WWSG offers access to top-tier moderators, including respected journalists and television personalities, who know how to guide conversations with clarity, confidence, and polish. For event planners, partnering with a seasoned emcee is a smart investment that enhances the overall impact and professionalism of your program.
If you don’t see who you’re looking for below, simply [contact us](https://wwsg.com/contact-us). We’ll help you find the best match for your particular event!
## Hire a Moderator or Emcee For Your Event
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#### Don’t see who you’re looking for? We can reach anyone you can think of to speak at your event. Our thought leaders span the breadth of the globe and cover every discipline imaginable.
[ CONTACT US WITH YOUR REQUEST ](/contact-us/)
---
### [Advocacy & Social Justice](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/diversity/advocacy-social-justice/)
**Published:** March 31, 2026
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
## Enhance your event with an advocacy or social justice thought leader!
Whether you’re looking for Black History Month speakers, social justice speakers, or diversity and inclusion experts, Worldwide Speakers Group (WWSG) represents an outstanding roster of voices dedicated to equity, advocacy, and meaningful change. Our speakers include philanthropists, civil rights leaders, historians, authors, and influential changemakers who bring powerful perspectives and real-world experience to the stage.
As one of the top public speaking agencies, we help event planners connect with impactful social justice keynote speakers—individuals who can elevate your conference or annual meeting with thought-provoking insights, authenticity, and purpose.
[Contact us](https://wwsg.com/contact-us) to learn more and discover how we can help make your upcoming event a success.
## Host a Keynote Speaker
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#### Don’t see who you’re looking for? We can reach anyone you can think of to speak at your event. Our thought leaders span the breadth of the globe and cover every discipline imaginable.
[ CONTACT US WITH YOUR REQUEST ](/contact-us/)
---
### [Gender Equality](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/diversity/gender-equality/)
**Published:** March 31, 2026
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
## Host a Gender Equality or Women’s Empowerment Speaker!
Whether you’re searching for inspiring women speakers, female motivational speakers, or powerful women in leadership, Worldwide Speakers Group (WWSG) offers an exceptional roster of keynote speakers focused on gender equality and women’s empowerment. Our lineup includes trailblazing executives, bestselling authors, athletes, activists, and influential voices who share compelling stories of leadership, resilience, and breaking barriers.
As one of the top public speaking agencies, we help event planners connect with today’s most sought-after women keynote speakers—individuals who can elevate your conference or annual meeting with insight, authenticity, and impact.
[Contact us](https://wwsg.com/contact-us) to learn more and discover how we can help make your upcoming event a success.
## Host a Women's Empowerment Speaker
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#### Don’t see who you’re looking for? We can reach anyone you can think of to speak at your event. Our thought leaders span the breadth of the globe and cover every discipline imaginable.
[ CONTACT US WITH YOUR REQUEST ](/contact-us/)
---
### [Thank You for Requesting to book Mario Draghi](https://wwsg.com/thank-you-md/)
**Published:** June 22, 2023
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
## Thank you for your message.
Our team will respond to you soon.
[ Back to Homepage ](/) [ View All Speakers ](/speakers-and-topics)
---
### [Diversity](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/diversity/)
**Published:** June 9, 2022
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
## Enhance your organization or event with one of WWSG’s diversity speakers!
Whether you’re looking for speakers to address diversity and inclusion or seeking a powerful keynote to inspire your audience, Worldwide Speakers Group (WWSG) offers an impressive roster of diversity-focused guest speakers. Our lineup includes political leaders, bestselling authors, athletes, business executives, and other motivational people known for their inspirational speaking and real-world impact.
As one of the top public speaking agencies, we help event planners connect with the great speakers of today—individuals who can elevate your conference or annual meeting with insight, authenticity, and purpose. [Contact us](https://wwsg.com/contact-us) to learn more and discover how we can help make your upcoming event a success.
## Host a Diversity Speaker
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#### Don’t see who you’re looking for? We can reach anyone you can think of to speak at your event. Our thought leaders span the breadth of the globe and cover every discipline imaginable.
[ CONTACT US WITH YOUR REQUEST ](/contact-us/)
---
### [About Us](https://wwsg.com/about-us/)
**Published:** April 28, 2022
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
## A Distinguished Global Lecture Agency and Trusted Partner
Worldwide Speakers Group (WWSG) is a premier global professional services firm delivering innovative solutions in the lecture and events industry. We proudly serve corporate, trade, education, and commercial clients seeking great speakers for keynote addresses, panel discussions, roundtables, fireside chats, and more.
As one of the leading public speaking agencies and speakers bureaus in Washington, DC, WWSG offers an intimate, consultative approach for organizations looking for speakers. Whether you need renowned thought leaders or emerging voices, we help event planners identify and secure the great speakers of today.
Operating as a dual agency, WWSG represents both guest speakers and the clients who book them. This unique structure ensures a seamless experience, balancing the needs of both parties to foster meaningful and lasting partnerships. Our team crafts strategic speaker solutions that align with your event goals—ensuring every engagement leaves a powerful, lasting impression on your audience.
## The WWSG Difference
### Our commitment to our customers’ success sets us apart
Our customers are the center of everything we do, and our success is their success. They benefit from our customized approach to their event and our ability to help them define their business objectives. Our speakers also receive around-the-clock service and support with their events and schedule. **We are their number one advocate, always.**
![]() #### Exclusive Access to World-Class Thought Leaders
WWSG can reach any speaker to check their availability. We are also the chosen exclusive bureau for some of the world’s most accomplished thought leaders. [Click here to view our exclusive speakers](/speakers-and-topics/wwsg-exclusives/)[.](https://wwsg.com/about-us/#)
Read More
![]() #### No Additional Cost
Working with WWSG provides added value at no additional cost. Speaker fees remain consistent, ensuring the same rate you’d receive anywhere else — plus the benefit of our full-service support throughout the booking process.
Read More
![]() #### We Guide Your Journey
Booking a thought leader to speak at your event can be a daunting task. Our team of experts is there to support you throughout the entire process, from speaker selection to negotiating an offer to logistics coordination and day-of-event assistance.
Read More
![]() #### We Handle 9-1-1s
Flight delays, traffic jams, cancelations, and unavoidable mishaps… Our team of expert event coordinators handles speaker emergencies so your event planners can focus on the event.
Read More
## Our Mission
##### *Our mission is to continue bringing success to our clients and thought-leaders and supporting the goals of each impartially and passionately.*
Connection–the sharing of ideas, knowledge, experiences, and opinions–is at the heart of keynote speaking. Thought leaders present to connect with an audience and inspire them to be better, see things from another perspective, teach them valuable skills, and motivate them.
Through integrity, the pursuit of excellence, accountability, and collaboration, WWSG has created a vibrant company culture where innovative solutions combined with unparalleled service have resulted in continuous client and speaker success.
## Our Qualifications
##### *With more than 225 years of combined experience in the lecture industry, our team is uniquely qualified to meet your needs and exceed your expectations.*
WWSG’s collaborative work style means you have a full team working for you. In addition to your dedicated agent, you will have full access to our logistical team, which is seasoned and well-equipped to deal with the high caliber of speakers you will be working with.
As a global lecture industry leader, we define the future of speaking engagements. Our team studies markets, trends, and emerging best practices in every industry, locally and globally, to ensure we understand our client’s needs and institutional context. This hard work pays off when we hear feedback about how smoothly and successfully events play out because of WWSG’s expertise.
[ Meet Our Team ](/about-us/team/)[ Contact Us ](/contact-us/)
---
### [Prospective Speakers](https://wwsg.com/prospective-speakers/)
**Published:** June 16, 2022
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
## Please fill out the form to request to join us as a keynote speaker.
### Join our team of world-renowned thought leaders!
We represent some of the world’s leading economists, business leaders, technologists, activists, and much more.
If you meet our speaker requirements, someone will contact you within two weeks with more information on joining WWSG. Due to a large number of requests, we unfortunately cannot respond to every submission or subsequent inquiries regarding the status of your submission.
Here are some of WWSG’s top speakers:
- Scott Gottlieb
- Niall Ferguson
- Sanjay Gupta
- Mario Draghi
- Mike Pence
- Chris Miller
- Patrick McGee
- Robert Lighthizer
- Annie Leibovitz
- Sara Fischer
- Hank Paulson
- Erika Ayers Badan
- Steve Wozniak
- Elaine Chao
- Sheila Bair
- Stephen Harper
- …and many more!
Name(Required) F Last
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Speaker Bio Or Background\*(Required)
Please share any relevant details about yourself and why you think you should be considered as a keynote speaker
Which Topics Do Your Speeches Cover?(Required) Business
Innovation and Technology
Government and Politics
Environment
Economics
Healthcare
Motivational
Other
How Many Speeches Do You Give Per Year?\*(Required)How Many Speeches Do You Give Per Year?1-56-1011-2525 or more
Book Title\*
If you've authored a book, please put its title here
Video URL Of Speech\*
Please share any videos of you speaking in front of a live audience
Recognition Or Press
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---
### [Thank You](https://wwsg.com/thank-you-ai2/)
**Published:** September 21, 2023
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
## Thank you for your message.
Our team will respond to you soon.
[ Back to Homepage ](/) [ View All Speakers ](/speakers-and-topics)
---
### [Thank You](https://wwsg.com/thank-you-ai1/)
**Published:** September 21, 2023
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
## Thank you for your message.
Our team will respond to you soon.
[ Back to Homepage ](/) [ View All Speakers ](/speakers-and-topics)
---
### [Thank You for Requesting to Book Scott Gottlieb](https://wwsg.com/thank-you-gottlieb/)
**Published:** July 31, 2023
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
## Thank you for your message.
Our team will respond to you soon.
[ Back to Homepage ](/) [ View All Speakers ](/speakers-and-topics)
---
### [Women In Leadership](https://wwsg.com/women-in-leadership-2/)
**Published:** August 23, 2024
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
## Women Who Lead, Inspire, and Innovate
WWSG proudly supports and highlights women in leadership by celebrating their achievements and showcasing their impact across diverse fields. By shining a spotlight on these trailblazers, we acknowledge their contributions and break down barriers for future generations. Their commitment to elevating women leaders not only acknowledges their success but also encourages future generations to pursue leadership roles and drive positive change.
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/erika-ayers-badan/)
##### **Erika Ayers Badan**
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sheila-bair/)
##### **Sheila Bair**
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/elaine-chao/)
##### **Elaine Chao**
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/misty-copeland/)
##### **Misty Copeland**
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/barbara-corcoran/)
##### **Barbara Corcoran**
[](https://wwsg.com/speakers/loretta-mester/)
##### **Loretta Mester**
### This is a small sample of the speakers we can secure for you.
Our thought leaders span the breadth of the globe. Whether you’re looking for a female speaker, a famous motivational speaker, both, or something different—we’d love to help.
[ View All Women in Leadership Speakers ](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/?search_keyword=women%20leadership.)
## Contact Us With Your Speaker Request
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Topic of InterestSelect a TopicHosts, Moderators & MCsArts & Entertainment- Artists & Musicians- Media Personalities- Live Entertainment & ComedyBusiness- Marketing & Advertising- Business Leaders from Major Brands- Business Transformation- Success in Business- Teamwork & Employee Engagement- EntrepreneurshipAuthors- New York Times Bestselling AuthorsClimate Change & Environmental Issues- Alternative Energy- Sustainability & Conservation- Climate PolicyCelebritiesDiversity- Advocacy & Social Justice- Gender EqualityEconomy & Finance- Financial Experts- Monetary Policy- Economic Trends/Forecasts- Emerging Markets- Geoeconomic RiskGovernment & Politics- Midterm Elections- Pundits, Analysts, & Pollsters- Conservative- LiberalHealthcare & Wellness- Mental Health- Healthcare Policy- Happiness & WellnessGeopolitics- National Security- World Leaders- Historians- Global TradeLeadership & Management- Leadership & Management Experts- Military LeadersMotivational- TED Speakers- Adventurers- Inspirational- Military Background- Survivors- Coaches, Athletes, & BroadcastersTechnology & Innovation- Cybersecurity- Fintech- Futurists- Artificial Intelligence- Astronauts & ScientistsWWSG Exclusives
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Speaker BudgetsChoose a Speaker BudgetUnder $15,000$15,000 - $25,000$25,000 - $50,000$50,000 - $75,000$75,000 - $100,000$100,000 & UpPro-Bono
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---
### [New to WWSG](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/new-to-wwsg/)
**Published:** June 20, 2023
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
## Meet our newest public and keynote speakers.
Worldwide Speakers Group continually searches for marquee keynote speakers from all corners of the globe and from every industry. Discover our new motivational thought leaders, subject matter experts, and drivers of innovation and change.
Whatever your event, whether an occasion for your enterprise or an international conference, Worldwide Speakers Group will ensure that it is successful on all accounts. Contact us with any questions about our public speakers or how to book for an event.
## New Speakers to WWSG.com
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#### Don’t see who you’re looking for? We can reach anyone you can think of to speak at your event. Our thought leaders span the breadth of the globe and cover every discipline imaginable.
[ CONTACT US WITH YOUR REQUEST ](/contact-us/)
---
### [Thank You!](https://wwsg.com/speaker-thanks/)
**Published:** June 26, 2024
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
## Thank you for your message.
Our team will respond to you soon.
[ Back to Homepage ](/) [ View All Speakers ](/speakers-and-topics)
---
### [Book Speaker: Scott Gottlieb](https://wwsg.com/book-speaker-scott-gottlieb/)
**Published:** July 26, 2023
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
## WWSG Exclusive: Scott Gottlieb
*Physician; Former Commissioner, Food and Drug Administration (2017-2019); Former Senior Advisor, CMS; Contributor, CNBC; Contributor, CBS’s Face the Nation; New York Times Best-Selling Author of **Uncontrolled Spread***
Scott Gottlieb, MD is a practicing physician and served as the 23rd Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration. A leading expert in health policy, Dr. Gottlieb’s work focuses on providing insights into the economic and technological forces driving the transformation of healthcare.
Dr. Gottlieb’s book, *Uncontrolled Spread: Why COVID-19 Crushed Us and How We Can Defeat the Next Pandemic* published to *The New York Times* Best Seller list in September 2021. He was also named one of [Washington DC’s 500 Most Influential People of 2023](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/washington-dcs-500-most-influential-people-of-2023-3/). His highly anticipated second book, *The Miracle Century:* *Making Sense of the Cell Therapy Revolution* will publish in early 2025.
[ View Scott Gottlieb's Speaker Page ](/speakers/scott-gottlieb)
"
``The feedback I received from clients concerning Dr. Gottlieb's remarks was outstanding. Everyone appreciated his direct answers, insights, and candor. It was easily one of the best experiences we have ever had with a speaker outside our organization.``
— Managing Director, Financial Services Company
## Check Availability to Book Scott Gottlieb Today
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## Other Speakers You May Be Interested In
##### **Dave Chokshi**
[ See More ](/speakers/dave-chokshi/)
##### **Seema Verma**
[ See More ](/speakers/erica-hill/)
##### **Anand Shah**
[ See More ](/speakers/anand-shah/)
##### **Robert Redfield**
[ See More ](/speakers/robert-redfield/)
##### **Deborah Birx**
[ See More ](/speakers/deborah-birx/)
---
### [Speakers and Topics](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/)
**Published:** April 28, 2022
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
# Book a Speaker or Search by Topic
[ ![]() Artificial Intelligence
Search technological speakers like futurists, scientists, inventors and innovators, cyber experts, and more.
Explore
](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/artificial-intelligence/)
[ ![]() Healthcare & Wellness
Discover thought leaders with innovative health solutions.
Explore
](/speakers-and-topics/healthcare-and-wellness/?scroll_to=site-main)
[ ![]() Business
Business advisors to take your organization to the next level.
Explore
](/speakers-and-topics/business/?scroll_to=site-main)
[ ![]() Geopolitical Speakers
We’re a global agency representing thought leaders with a broad spectrum of knowledge for international disciplines.
Explore
](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/international-speakers/)
[ ![]() Economy & Finance
Economic experts will share their knowledge.
Explore
](/speakers-and-topics/economy-and-finance/?scroll_to=site-main)
[ ![]() Government & Politics
WWSG represents numerous former government officials and experts.
Explore
](/speakers-and-topics/government-and-politics/?scroll_to=site-main)
[ ![]() Climate & Environment
Unearth green business practices and hear from prominent activists.
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](/speakers-and-topics/climate-change-and-environmental-issues/?scroll_to=site-main)
[ ![]() Leadership
Leadership experts to empower growth and yield success.
Explore
](/speakers-and-topics/leadership-and-management/?scroll_to=site-main)
[ ![]() Motivational
Enlighten audiences with top motivational & inspirational speakers.
Explore
](/speakers-and-topics/motivational/?scroll_to=site-main)
[ ![]() Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
Enhance your organization’s diversity, equity, and inclusion practices.
Explore
](/speakers-and-topics/diversity-equity-and-inclusion/?scroll_to=site-main)
[ ![]() Celebrities
Browse celebrities, live bands, comedic relief, and other unique talent to enliven your engagement.
Explore
](/speakers-and-topics/arts-entertainment/?scroll_to=site-main)
[ ![]() WWSG Exclusives
These distinguished thought leaders trust WWSG to handle 100% of their speaking engagements and media appearances.
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#### Don’t see who you’re looking for? We can reach anyone you can think of to speak at your event. Our thought leaders span the breadth of the globe and cover every discipline imaginable.
[ CONTACT US WITH YOUR REQUEST ](/contact-us/)
---
### [Thank You!](https://wwsg.com/thank-you/)
**Published:** May 17, 2022
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
## Thank you for your message.
Our team will respond to you soon.
[ Back to Homepage ](/) [ View All Speakers ](/speakers-and-topics)
---
### [Thank You for Your Interest in an Economic Speaker](https://wwsg.com/thank-you-for-your-interest-in-an-economic-speaker/)
**Published:** January 18, 2024
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
## Thank you for your message.
Our team will respond to you soon.
[ Back to Homepage ](/) [ View All Speakers ](/speakers-and-topics)
---
### [Thank You for Your Interest in a Political Speaker](https://wwsg.com/thank-you-for-interest-in-a-political-speaker/)
**Published:** January 18, 2024
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
## Thank you for your message.
Our team will respond to you soon.
[ Back to Homepage ](/) [ View All Speakers ](/speakers-and-topics)
---
### [Book an AI Speaker Today](https://wwsg.com/book-artificial-intelligence-speaker/)
**Published:** September 5, 2023
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
## Top AI Speakers
### Artificial Intelligence Experts to Take Your Event to the Next Level:
##### **Chris Miller**
##### **Ben Parr**
##### **Steve Wozniak**
##### **Dr. Michio Kaku**
##### **Cassie Kozyrkov**
##### **Nina Schick**
### This is a small sample of the speakers we can secure for you.
Our thought leaders span the breadth of the globe.
### Had someone else in mind? Contact us and we can make the connection.
## Contact us with your AI Speaker Request
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Topic of InterestSelect a TopicHosts, Moderators & MCsArts & Entertainment- Artists & Musicians- Media Personalities- Live Entertainment & ComedyBusiness- Marketing & Advertising- Business Leaders from Major Brands- Business Transformation- Success in Business- Teamwork & Employee Engagement- EntrepreneurshipAuthors- New York Times Bestselling AuthorsClimate Change & Environmental Issues- Alternative Energy- Sustainability & Conservation- Climate PolicyCelebritiesDiversity- Advocacy & Social Justice- Gender EqualityEconomy & Finance- Financial Experts- Monetary Policy- Economic Trends/Forecasts- Emerging Markets- Geoeconomic RiskGovernment & Politics- Midterm Elections- Pundits, Analysts, & Pollsters- Conservative- LiberalHealthcare & Wellness- Mental Health- Healthcare Policy- Happiness & WellnessGeopolitics- National Security- World Leaders- Historians- Global TradeLeadership & Management- Leadership & Management Experts- Military LeadersMotivational- TED Speakers- Adventurers- Inspirational- Military Background- Survivors- Coaches, Athletes, & BroadcastersTechnology & Innovation- Cybersecurity- Fintech- Futurists- Artificial Intelligence- Astronauts & ScientistsWWSG Exclusives
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## Artificial intelligence is the future.
We’ve come to a pivotal moment in time. AI will inevitably affect our lives moving forward. If you’re looking for speakers who can discuss the various aspects of AI and what the future holds, WWSG offers an array of futurists and thought leaders who can inform and illuminate the ways in which artificial intelligence will affect various industries. These experts and many more are contributing to the conversation around AI and its impact on various industries. [This article](https://wwsg.com/blog/the-ai-effect-a-peek-into-the-future-of-ai-its-impact-on-industry/) gives examples of thought leaders who are leading the conversation about AI in various areas like healthcare, finance, manufacturing, entertainment, agriculture, and government.
[ Book an AI Speaker ](#book)
---
### [New to WWSG Staging](https://wwsg.com/new-to-wwsg-stg/)
**Published:** November 9, 2023
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Search
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Filter by
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---
### [Book an AI Speaker Today](https://wwsg.com/book-ai-speaker/)
**Published:** August 29, 2023
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
## Artificial intelligence is the future.
We’ve come to a pivotal moment in time—AI will inevitably affect our lives moving forward. If you’re looking for speakers who can discuss the various aspects of AI and what the future holds, WWSG offers an array of thought leaders who can inform and illuminate the ways in which artificial intelligence will affect various industries.
## AI Speakers You May Be Interested In
##### **Chris Miller**
##### **Ben Parr**
##### **Steve Wozniak**
##### **Dr. Michio Kaku**
##### **Cassie Kozyrkov**
##### **Nina Schick**
### This is a small sample of the speakers we can secure for you.
Our thought leaders span the breadth of the globe.
## Contact us with your AI Speaker Request
LinkedIn
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First Name(Required)
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Company Email(Required)
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Topic of InterestSelect a TopicHosts, Moderators & MCsArts & Entertainment- Artists & Musicians- Media Personalities- Live Entertainment & ComedyBusiness- Marketing & Advertising- Business Leaders from Major Brands- Business Transformation- Success in Business- Teamwork & Employee Engagement- EntrepreneurshipAuthors- New York Times Bestselling AuthorsClimate Change & Environmental Issues- Alternative Energy- Sustainability & Conservation- Climate PolicyCelebritiesDiversity- Advocacy & Social Justice- Gender EqualityEconomy & Finance- Financial Experts- Monetary Policy- Economic Trends/Forecasts- Emerging Markets- Geoeconomic RiskGovernment & Politics- Midterm Elections- Pundits, Analysts, & Pollsters- Conservative- LiberalHealthcare & Wellness- Mental Health- Healthcare Policy- Happiness & WellnessGeopolitics- National Security- World Leaders- Historians- Global TradeLeadership & Management- Leadership & Management Experts- Military LeadersMotivational- TED Speakers- Adventurers- Inspirational- Military Background- Survivors- Coaches, Athletes, & BroadcastersTechnology & Innovation- Cybersecurity- Fintech- Futurists- Artificial Intelligence- Astronauts & ScientistsWWSG Exclusives
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Speaker BudgetsChoose a Speaker BudgetUnder $15,000$15,000 - $25,000$25,000 - $50,000$50,000 - $75,000$75,000 - $100,000$100,000 & UpPro-Bono
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---
### [Testimonials](https://wwsg.com/about-us/testimonials/)
**Published:** May 17, 2022
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
## Unparalleled Service…
At Worldwide Speakers Group, we take pride in our relationships and appreciate feedback from our customers and thought leaders. These testimonials from our partners in promoting thought leadership say it all. Speakers and clients alike love working with WWSG–for good reason!
- WWSG Testimonials
- Speaker Testimonials
##### Thank you to our WWSG agent and event coordinator for their partnership in the planning and execution of this session. You are all incredible professionals to work with and represent your elite speakers so well. The entire experience could not have been better.
— Financial Horizons
##### We always enjoy working with WWSG, and we thank you and your team for your diligence, thoroughness, and professionalism. Planning is already underway for next year's event (no rest for the weary). We hope to have every opportunity to work with you again in the near future.
— Texas American Resources Company
##### I hope to work again and again with Worldwide Speakers Group on the selection of our keynote and endnote speakers for our annual conference and other events. Our representative and her associate were terrific from my first communication to them until our speaking-event concluded... It is easy to see why many of the top speakers in the country work with Worldwide Speakers Group.
— The National Recreation and Park Association
##### Everything was buttoned up, from the initial outreach to the event execution and post follow-up. I have a great team of representatives from WWSG to work with, first class experience.
— American Century Investments
##### The team at WWSG is certainly at the top of the scale. Building a long-term relationship with the client has really set WWSG apart and we clearly saw that with our partnership. WWSG found creative ways to build the partnership which results in a win-win for all.
— Erik Qualman, Top Technology and Motivational Speaker, #1 Bestselling Author & Futurist
##### They provide us well-prepared and informed speakers who understand our expectations and unique format. With WWSG, we know that the speaker fees are fair and trust that the event will be a success.
— The Distinguished Speaker Series of Southern California
##### The WWSG team are super responsive and flexible. I will definitely work with them again to find speakers for my next event.
— Ernst & Young LLP
##### After 20 years in the lecture series business, WWSG has become a valued partner. We produce over 24 speaking events a year and have worked with dozens of agencies. We appreciate WWSG’s unparalleled professionalism, integrity, and creativity in suggesting speakers that are unique to the speaker circuit.
— The Distinguished Speaker Series of Southern California
[Load More](#)
- All Speakers - Aaron Lazar Abigail Posner Adam Cheyer Adam Markel Afterburner Alana Hill Alex Banayan Alex Rodriguez Allen Guelzo Allen West Allison Massari Amanda Beard Ambassador Nancy Brinker Amy Cuddy Amy Jo Martin Amy Purdy AmyK Hutchens Anderson Cooper Andrea Iorio Andrew Busch Arthur Brooks Arthur Laffer, Ph.D Ben Parr Ben Sasse Benjamin Zander Bert Jacobs Bob Woodward Brett Culp Brian Billick Brian Blase Caitlin Dickerson Carey Lohrenz Carly Fiorina Cassandra Worthy Cassie Kozyrkov Cheryl Cran Chester Elton Chip Bell Chip Eichelberger Chris Barton Chris Bashinelli Chris Gardner Chris Heemskerk Chris Miller Christian ‘Boo’ Boucousis Craig Siegel Cristina Mittermeier Damon West Dan Cnossen Dan Coughlin Dan Hampton Dan Heath Daniel Kraft Daniel Martin Daryl Davis Dave Barry David Frum David Houle David Meerman Scott Daymond John Deborah Birx Deborah Lee James Deborah Lehr DeeDee Trotter DeMaurice Smith Dewitt Jones Doc Hendley Doug Lipp Edward Fishman Elaine Chao Emily Kasriel Eric Termuende Erica Dhawan Erik Qualman Erik Wahl Erika Ayers Badan Erin King Erin Stafford Evan Feigenbaum Eyck Freymann Felipe Gomez Fiona Carnarvon Frans Johansson Garry Kasparov Gary Cogill Gary Locke Geeta Nayyar General George W. Casey, Jr. U.S. Army (RET) Gloria Borger Greg McKeown Greg Schwem Hank Paulson Harry Broadman Heather McGowan Hilary Fordwich Howard Behar James Clear James Crabtree James Kirchick James Lawrence James Mapes Jamie Metzl Jan Jeffcoat Jane Sarasohn-Kahn Janet Evans Jason Hewlett Jason Schechterle Jason Schenker Jean Chatzky Jeff Bush Jeff Civillico Jeff Evans Jesse Cole Jill Dougherty Joan Lunden Joe Girardi Joe Theismann Joe Torre John Foley John Katko John Kelly John O’Leary John Sitilides Johnny Crowder Johnny Quinn Johnny Taylor Jon Dorenbos Jon Krohn Jon Picoult Joseph E. Stiglitz, Ph.D Joseph Grogan Josh Kraushaar Josh Linkner Juan Bendana Justin Wren Kaihan Krippendorff Karen McCullough Kate O’Neill Kathryn Parsons Kathy Ireland Katty Kay Keith Ferrazzi Ken Burns Ken Dychtwald Ken Schmidt Kevin Atlas Kimberley Strassel Larry Hogan Leana Wen Leslie Sbrocco Lilah Jones Lior Suchard Lisa Bodell Liz Brunner Liz Wiseman Lloyd Blankfein Loretta Mester Maddy Dychtwald Mara Liasson Marc Short Marcus Lemonis Margie Warrell Maria Konnikova Maria Ressa Mark Esper Mark Gordon Mark Halperin Mark Kennedy Mark Morgan Mary Louise Kelly Matt Britton Matt Doherty Melissa Proctor Melissa Stockwell Michael Auslin Michael Gorton Michael Pillsbury Michelle Curran Michelle Miller Michio Kaku Mike Abrashoff Mike Massimino Mike Pence Mike Walsh Misty Copeland Mitch Lowe Moiya McTier Molly Bloom Molly Fletcher Montel Williams Nancy Frates Nancy Giordano Natalie Nixon Natalie Stavas Nataly Kogan Neal Petersen Neil Pasricha Newt Gingrich Niall Ferguson Nicholas Webb Nicole Malachowski Nyle DiMarco Orlando Bowen P.W. Singer Pandit Dasa Parag Khanna Parisa Khosravi Pat Riley Patrick McGee Paul Nicklen Paul Redmond Paula Zahn Pete Seat Peter Diamandis Peter Goodman Peter Hinssen Peter Sheahan Peter Thum Phil Hansen Pierre Yared Polly LaBarre Rachel Botsman Raja Rajamannar Ray Isle Ray Kurzweil Ray LaHood Richard Newman Robert Ballard Robert Herjavec Robert Lighthizer Robyn Benincasa Roger Nierenberg Rosie Rios Ryan Dusick Ryan Estis Ryan Harris Safi Bahcall Sallie Krawcheck Sally Hogshead Sam Caucci Sanjay Gupta Sarah Culberson Sarah Russis Sarah Wells Scott Burrows Scott Gottlieb Scott Hamilton Scott Klososky Sean Spicer Seema Verma Shane Feldman Shawn Achor Shawn Meaike Sheila Bair Simon Bailey Soren Kaplan Stacy Allison Stephen Halmarick Stephen Harper Sterling Hawkins Steve Robbins Steve Wozniak Suneel Gupta Susan Cain Susan David Sylvia Acevedo The Honorable Jim Nussle The Honorable Michael O. Leavitt The Honorable Tevi Troy, Ph.D The Passing Zone The Water Coolers Theresa Payton Thom Mayer Tiffani Bova Tim Hoelter Tim Sanders Tim Storey Todd Sinelli Tom Jones Tom Koulopoulos Tom Morris, Ph.D Tomi Lahren Travis Mills Troy Aikman Ty Bennett Zack Kass ##### Aaron has been a spectacular speaker and motivator on my behalf for three different programs, each with their own unique audience and challenge. Whether my own Neuro-Therapy company, or a group of San Diego based CEOs, or even some of the most world-renowned neurosurgeons working in gene and cell therapy, it did not matter. The audience was listening, engaged, and left the program thinking ‘I can and will do better in many aspects of my life. The informal Q&A adds wonderfully to the program itself and should not be missed.
[ Aaron Lazar ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/aaron-lazar/)
— Joe Burnett–President and CEO, ClearPoint Neuro, Inc.
##### Abigail Posner was excellent. Her focus on creativity and being an effective leader resonated very well with both the student and Boulder community audience. She represents a terrific blend of the liberal arts with her Harvard undergraduate degree in Anthropology with the technology world at Google. We have received lots of positive feedback on Abigail’s presentation, and the student session was also very well received.
[ Abigail Posner ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/abigail-posner/)
— University of Colorado, Boulder
##### Adam provided an excellent explanation of the evolution of AI, painting a vivid picture of what we can anticipate in the future. He has a true gift for conveying complex concepts in a very accessible way.
[ Adam Cheyer ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/adam-cheyer/)
— Software Company
##### We are 2 weeks post meeting and the energy remains high. People are speaking about the leadership meeting as transformative… that was our goal!
[ Adam Markel ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/adam-markel/)
— Henkel
##### For the BEST by the BEST. Who better to talk performance than elite fighter pilots?
Testimonial for
[ Afterburner ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/afterburner/)
##### If anyone is looking for a change leadership expert to speak at your conference or do a workshop for your customers or internal team, LOOK NO FURTHER! Alana Hill is not only extremely smart, she is insightful and brings SO much energy to the stage and people.
[ Alana Hill ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/alana-hill/)
— WWSG Customer
##### Banayan’s keynote kicked-off our event perfectly! His charismatic personality draws you in, and then his insights and stories prove to be both immensely entertaining and deeply emotional. Whether you work in sales or marketing, every department will find tremendous value in Banayan’s keynote. On top of that, we then decided to gift copies of The Third Door to our top clients, and they all loved it. Once you start reading the book, you can’t stop. The keynote coupled with the book is magic.
[ Alex Banayan ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/alex-banayan/)
— Sevan Leipziger, Senior Head of SAE Entertainment Sales at Delta Airlines
##### Alex was truly OUTSTANDING on stage during the moderated Q & A. One of the best I’ve seen in my nearly 20 years in this business!
[ Alex Rodriguez ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/alex-rodriguez/)
— Organizers of AJCC
##### Dr. Guelzo did two extraordinary presentations for us. He truly is a great speaker and really reached the students with his discussion of Abraham Lincoln’s childhood. What a wonderful speaker. Thank you to WWSG for all your help in making this event a great success!
[ Allen Guelzo ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/allen-guelzo/)
— Indian Hill Historical Society
##### Allen was phenomenal! He’s truly a joy. He was so gracious with his time with each and every person he met. His speech was the perfect way to kick-off our event. We work with so many different speakers, and I can say with confidence that Allen is one of the all-time best in both the content he delivers but also his willingness to engage with attendees. We couldn’t have asked for anything more from a speaker.
Testimonial for
[ Allen West ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/allen-west/)
##### Allison Massari’s NOT TO BE MISSED presentation is Life Changing. We received rave reviews from our audience and would give her the highest recommendation possible.
Testimonial for
[ Allison Massari ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/allison-massari/)
##### Amanda Beard's personality showed at our event, as she was both intriguing and witty. Our students especially appreciated being able to interact with her after her speech.
[ Amanda Beard ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/amanda-beard/)
— Manhattan College
##### "Founded one of the most successful charities of all time."
Testimonial for
[ Ambassador Nancy Brinker ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/nancy-brinker/)
##### Amy Cuddy was a true inspiration to our audience and a joy to watch. Her work is interesting and relatable, and her presentation resonated with our attendees.
Testimonial for
[ Amy Cuddy ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/amy-cuddy/)
##### Amy Jo delivered an invigorating and inspiring session.
[ Amy Jo Martin ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/amy-jo-martin/)
— Kiva Couchon, Director of Strategic Operations at Arizona Office of Tourism
##### Amy Purdy is a gifted storyteller who shares her message with passion, humor, and vulnerability. She is a must-see for anyone who wants to be inspired to overcome their challenges and achieve they goals.
[ Amy Purdy ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/amy-purdy/)
— Salesforce
##### We just closed our fiscal year in July and it was the largest one on record for our business - some of which I believe is a direct result from working with AmyK. Awesome!
[ AmyK Hutchens ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/amyk-hutchens/)
— General Manager, TEKLYNX
##### "Riveting television…"
Testimonial for
[ Anderson Cooper ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/anderson-cooper/)
##### Working with Andrea Iorio is always very inspirational, on top of all, he is very knowledgeable and adaptable, his ability and interest on understanding the customer journey and how he can impact through his speech at out Kerry Leadership event is very valuable!
[ Andrea Iorio ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/andrea-iorio/)
— GM at Kerry
##### It was fantastic to have Andy provide the keynote address at our economic outlook conference. We got so much great feedback that everyone loved his insights and his presentation! He tailored it specifically for us and showed the future AZ growth opportunities. We’d love to have him come back!
[ Andrew Busch ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/andrew-busch/)
— Event Director at Phoenix Business Journal
##### "Dr. Brooks is a fascinating person – from his background as a musician to being a Harvard professor, he has so much knowledge to share. His presentation on finding happiness through work has left a lasting impact on our team."
Testimonial for
[ Arthur Brooks ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/arthur-brooks/)
##### "This \[event\] seemed to have the highest audience engagement we’ve ever had. People really dug into the topic with Laffer and Reich, and the warmth between the two of them was charming and it made them so relatable."
[ Arthur Laffer, Ph.D ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/arthur-laffer/)
— –New Albany Lecture Series
##### An incredibly engaging speaker. His energy, wit and quick thinking make his session exciting, thought-provoking and informative. - and that's the point. He believes that capturing attention is a science and that we can all learn to engage our audiences effectively.
Testimonial for
[ Ben Parr ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ben-parr/)
##### Mr. Sasse’s experience as a senator in a time of hyperpartisanship gives his analysis a special poignancy… \[his\] remedies are wise and well-expressed… his prose has a distinctively cheerful warmth throughout. Perhaps at last we have a politician capable of writing a good book rather than having a dull one written for him.
[ Ben Sasse ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ben-sasse/)
— The Wall Street Journal
##### "A creative tour-de-force, Zander shirks conventional wisdom…"
Testimonial for
[ Benjamin Zander ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/benjamin-zander/)
##### Absolutely outstanding, a standing ovation was the least we could do to thank him! Bert's passion and zest for life while telling his story is inspiring and has a unique, universal message that caters to all!
[ Bert Jacobs ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/bert-jacobs/)
— Gartner
##### Bob Woodward was great! He was fascinating and he provided an interactive discussion. We were all thrilled!
[ Bob Woodward ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/bob-woodward/)
— New York Bankers Association
##### Brett was able to connect with our audience in such a meaningful way. You could hear a pin drop during his presentation. He was genuine and inspiring! Also— he was amazing to work with. He’s talented AND a great human!
[ Brett Culp ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/brett-culp/)
— PRIMEX
##### Coach Billick was outstanding! ...from coming to the bowling event Monday night, where he posed for pictures and signed autographs, to joining us before he spoke and staying after-just to hear another teammate talk.
[ Brian Billick ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/brian-billick/)
— WWSG Customer
##### Brian's remarks were both timely and on point, and were well received by our audience. We continue to hear positive feedback about his presentation, both the keynote and panel discussion!
[ Brian Blase ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/brian-blase/)
— Executive Director, ICMG
##### It was a terrifically successful event. The audience was deeply moved by Caitlin’s presentation and she was incredibly giving of her time. Thank you to the WWSG event coordinator for very professional and smooth process. I hope you are as pleased as we are on how this all went. We look forward to working with WWSG in the future.
[ Caitlin Dickerson ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/caitlin-dickerson/)
— Potter College of Arts and Letters Cultural Enhancement Series
##### Carey was AMAZING! So much of what she said resonated with our organization. Her story is inspiring, her message applies to everyone, and her ability to engage the audience with a story is great! Additionally, she is a true professional, easy to work with, and fully committed to making sure the client has a good experience.
[ Carey Lohrenz ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/carey-lohrenz/)
— Saatchi & Saatchi, Executive Director
##### A groundbreaking, iconic leader. When Fiorina speaks, everybody listens.
[ Carly Fiorina ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/carly-fiorina/)
— WWSG Customer
##### “Having been in change management for a while, this was one of the most engaging and thought-provoking sessions that I've been audience to for a long time.”
[ Cassandra Worthy ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/cassandra-worthy/)
— –Brian Davis, Regional Manager, Change Management at J&J
##### We were thrilled to have Cassie Kozyrkov as our keynote speaker at the Applied AI Nordics conference. Her ability to blend humor, charm, and deep insights into the world of AI not only captivated the audience but also sparked meaningful conversations about our collective future during the breaks. Her talk was definitely the highlight of the conference based on audience feedback.
[ Cassie Kozyrkov ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/cassie-kozyrkov/)
— Todai
##### "Cheryl Cran facilitated our annual Executive Strategy meeting in February 2014 and we are ecstatic with the results."
Testimonial for
[ Cheryl Cran ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/cheryl-cran/)
##### “Chester knocked it out of the park, helping our leaders understand part of their success in getting maximum results is through creating the right culture!” -Veritas
Testimonial for
[ Chester Elton ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/chester-elton/)
##### "Your presentation was one of the meeting highlights…\[it\] was the perfect way to jumpstart our discussion around client service."
Testimonial for
[ Chip Bell ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/chip-bell/)
##### You spoke our language in your talk and your preparation showed. The Board Break Experience was the perfect way to end the day with energy and commitment. It's amazing to see the transformation, magical is the perfect word.
[ Chip Eichelberger ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/chip-eichelberger/)
— M&T Bank
##### The presentation balanced both the mindset that is required to drive a cultural shift for innovation as well as the process to bring innovative ideas to life. Chris delivered a compelling talk that generated talkability across the organization with leaders revisiting the recording later with their teams to help reinforce key messages.
[ Chris Barton ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/chris-barton/)
— Director of Innovation Strategy, Optus
##### What I love most about Chris is that he treats everyone exactly the same- be it the United Nations Secretary General or the hotel concierge. He does not distinguish between rich people, poor people, famous people, and everyday people. For Chris, everyone is equal. He has a great deal of respect for the ‘human being’ and this is a rare quality. Chris embodies what we say in Germany, ‘Wir sind alle gleich’, which means, ‘We are all the same’.
[ Chris Bashinelli ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/chris-bashinelli/)
— BMW Group
##### “Thank YOU for making it awesome... you are spectacular. You made our theme come to life, thanks for your inspiration." –Chris Fox, Vice President of Sales at Amgen
Testimonial for
[ Chris Gardner ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/chris-gardner/)
##### Chris' session on building a culture of innovation was phenomenal. His wealth of experience and actionable insights deeply resonated with our Google team, leaving them energized and equipped to drive innovation in their daily work. Thank you Chris!
[ Chris Heemskerk ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/chris-heemskerk/)
— Google USA
##### We would like to thank \[Mr. Miller\] for sharing \[his\] insights at our Forum. His presentation played a pivotal role in making our event a success. We received such positive feedback on this session which captured over 300 investors in the audience. Our clients also really appreciate the opportunity to have an in-depth discussion with \[Mr. Miller\] over the small group meeting. The event would not have been as successful without his participation.
[ Chris Miller ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/chris-miller/)
— Nomura
##### Absolutely inspirational! A sensational message that was very aligned to our business.
[ Christian ‘Boo’ Boucousis ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/christian-boo-boucousis/)
— Group Sales, Domain Group
##### "Craig was incredibly inspiring to hear from! He met with two of our support groups for adults living with type 1 diabetes and spoke so well to overcoming adversity, an inevitable part of living with a chronic illness. He was engaging, light-hearted, and relatable. Our community member truly appreciated all of his cheerleading, positivity, and guidance on reframing your negative thoughts. Thank you, Craig!" –Qiana Wylie, JDRF Development Manager
Testimonial for
[ Craig Siegel ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/craig-siegel/)
##### Cristina was amazing on stage. After the show everyone was saying how Cristina’s presentation was their favorite of the entire day!
[ Cristina Mittermeier ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/cristina-mittermeier/)
— Adobe
##### “We are really pleased to be working with Damon to further AIG’s commitment to giving back and helping those most in need.” –Lucy Fato, Executive Vice President, General Counsel & Global Head of Communications and Government Affairs for AIG
Testimonial for
[ Damon West ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/damon-west/)
##### “You CRUSHED it at our event last week! Our group clearly couldn’t get enough and would have enjoyed more time with you, as evidenced by them lining up to meet you. The only downside is I have NO idea how I can top you as a speaker at our next annual meeting!” –HCE Equity Partners
Testimonial for
[ Dan Cnossen ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/dan-cnossen/)
##### "Your session gave us numerous practical process-orientated exercises that will help us further develop our strengths to accelerate performance and deliver results for the business."
Testimonial for
[ Dan Coughlin ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/dan-coughlin/)
##### An excellent, well-researched, literate overview of twentieth-century warfare...
[ Dan Hampton ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/dan-hampton/)
— Stephen Coonts, *New York Times* bestselling author of *Flight of the Intruder*
##### "I have booked Dan three times and he's a slam dunk every single time. His last talk had our attendees laughing, crying and thinking differently about what they do and how they do it. It was one of the top 5 best talks I've ever seen delivered in my 25 years as an event strategist."
[ Dan Heath ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/dan-heath/)
— LeadingAge
##### All I can say is that his talk blew my mind about what is to come.
Testimonial for
[ Daniel Kraft ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/daniel-kraft/)
##### Phenomenal! One of the best events I have ever seen in my 21 years serving as an Events Director!
[ Daniel Martin ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/daniel-martin/)
— Event Director, USA Track & Field
##### The reviews are in. Daryl Davis was incredible. One of our DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) leaders said that this was the best event he had seen in HIS CAREER in the DEI space. I'm busting at the seams excited about this.
[ Daryl Davis ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/daryl-davis/)
— American Family
##### "One of the funniest people in the world!"
Testimonial for
[ Dave Barry ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/dave-barry/)
##### We would have to empty to thesaurus to describe the positive outcomes of our experience with David. Center of the bulls-eye, an out of the park grand slam speaker. If you have a business audience and you have not had David Frum, you're missing it.
Testimonial for
[ David Frum ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/david-frum/)
##### David Houle is the best conference speaker I have ever heard and I attend a conference a month.
[ David Houle ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/david-houle/)
— Diana M. Peterson President, Auctionworks
##### "The highest rated presenter at our Fortune Small Business magazine "Sales and Marketing Summit" – in front of hundreds of our nation's top mid-market CEOs and executives ..."
Testimonial for
[ David Meerman Scott ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/david-meerman-scott/)
##### Daymond John is an electric speaker and brilliant strategist.
[ Daymond John ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/daymond-john/)
— WWSG Customer
##### Dr. Birx was absolutely fantastic this morning. We are ecstatic that she was part of the program!
[ Deborah Birx ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/deborah-birx/)
— WWSG Customer
##### Secretary James is a go-to speaker on national security. She brings a unique insider knowledge of Capitol Hill, the Pentagon, and defense industry, and her engaging style draws in audiences of all expertise levels.
[ Deborah Lee James ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/deborah-lee-james/)
— CSIS
##### During Deborah’s time both as a trustee and, more recently, as the interim CEO, I have come to rely on her enthusiasm, steady hand, and insightful leadership. With both Deborah as our next chair and David as CEO, Meridian is on track for greater and greater impact.
[ Deborah Lehr ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/deborah-lehr/)
— Fred Hochberg, Chairman of Meridian International’s Board of Trustees
##### A true inspiration. Audiences come away awakened, driven, moved, and compelled to break down the barriers of life. DeeDee is extremely genuine, passionate, and someone I consider to be a true inspiration.
[ DeeDee Trotter ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/deedee-trotter/)
— CEO, USA Track & Field
##### Best. Event. Ever!!! He was so good and so engaging. Thanks for recommending him. The attendance was great and the feedback was even better.
Testimonial for
[ DeMaurice Smith ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/demaurice-smith/)
##### On a scale of one to ten, Dewitt is a fifteen!
[ Dewitt Jones ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/dewitt-jones/)
— Merrill Lynch
##### "Several people have approached me and said that it was the best keynote we have ever had for this event!"
[ Doc Hendley ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/doc-hendley/)
— Spectrum Health
##### "I enjoyed hearing about your experiences with Disney U. I have no doubt that everyone left your presentation feeling engaged and empowered to improve the customer experience they provide. I thank you for that." - COO, McDonald's
Testimonial for
[ Doug Lipp ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/doug-lipp/)
##### We were thrilled to have an expert like Eddie available to our community. While we had all been worried about the news from Ukraine following Russia's invasion, that news was rarely accompanied by thoughtful analysis. Eddie brought his deep expertise to an audience of more than 100 congregants, and gave us an engaging and clear presentation. He avoided jargon and conventional wisdom, instead focusing on historic and geopolitical context, as well as his own expert read of the situation. He ably handled all of the questions put to him, and left all of us feeling like we had a deeper and more nuanced understanding of the situation in Ukraine.
[ Edward Fishman ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/edward-fishman/)
— Central Synagogue
##### A thought leader on global competitiveness and key business trends, Chao sits at the epicenter of global competition.
Testimonial for
[ Elaine Chao ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/elaine-chao/)
##### Emily brought enormous energy and insights to our senior leadership strategy sessions. Her research findings on deep listening combined with her humor and breadth of stories yielded a rich and enjoyable opportunity to connect the leaders of our organization to the importance of building connection and truly hearing each other. Against the backdrop of our polarized geopolitics, developing these skills is especially valuable. I would not hesitate to work with Emily again and recommend her to others seeking an external voice to help their organizations develop.
[ Emily Kasriel ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/emily-kasriel/)
— Executive Vice President, Atlantic Council
##### Eric delivered the perfect message for our top 350+ leaders as we look to lead 10,000+ people into the future of work and Polaris' best years yet. His keynote message was customized, relevant, and actionable as he shared the tools and skills we need to confidently lead through growth, change and transformation.
[ Eric Termuende ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/eric-termuende/)
— President, Off Road at Polaris, Inc.
##### The Oprah of Management Ideas
[ Erica Dhawan ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/erica-dhawan/)
— Thinkers50
##### Equalman’s presentation was the most important presentation — in terms of immediate in how I approach my job — that I have sat through in 10 years!
[ Erik Qualman ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/erik-qualman/)
— ADP
##### Do yourself a favor and give the gift of Erik Wahl to your attendees… they will thank you forever!
Testimonial for
[ Erik Wahl ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/erik-wahl/)
##### On behalf of the entire SheInnovates team, we want to thank WWSG and Erika. I have not stopped receiving messages saying this was our best summit yet. Erika was truly the star of the day, her keynote resonated with every woman in the room. Truly blown away! Erika is creating an amazing space for women as well.
[ Erika Ayers Badan ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/erika-ayers-badan/)
— SheInnovates
##### She takes you up and dow emotionally, and at the end you know you must make a change. Our global sales force loved her.
[ Erin King ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/erin-king/)
— SVP, Marketing and Events, Zurvita Inc.
##### Erin’s dynamic tone, contagious smile, and relatable self-reflection created a remarkable start to our conference. The tools she shared provided participants takeaways to remain high achievers among an ever-changing world with growing distractions and stressors. Erin’s mindset shifts to overcoming burnout are unmatched.
[ Erin Stafford ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/erin-stafford/)
— Erika Leonard, CEO at Starling
##### One of today's leading thought-leaders on Asia trends, policies and dynamics.
Testimonial for
[ Evan Feigenbaum ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/evan-feigenbaum/)
##### Freymann’s expertly researched and accessible work helps clarify misconceptions and provides a coherent set of recommendations for policymakers.
[ Eyck Freymann ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/eyck-freymann/)
— Former Director for China, United States National Security Council
##### Felipe's presentations provide a unique combination of powerful ideas with compelling emotional impact. At WOBI we have been working with Felipe for many years and he has spoken with us at multiple events in cities on four continents. Wherever he has spoken with us around the world, he has never failed to inspire our audiences of senior executives with content that is relevant and timely and a format that is truly memorable.
[ Felipe Gomez ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/felipe-gomez/)
— Managing Director, WOBI USA
##### A historian, author and tour-de-force.
Testimonial for
[ Fiona Carnarvon ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/fiona-carnarvon/)
##### "Industry's new face of change!"
Testimonial for
[ Frans Johansson ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/frans-johansson/)
##### "One of the greatest strategists of our time!"
Testimonial for
[ Garry Kasparov ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/garry-kasparov/)
##### "I want to personally thank you for speaking to this years Oscar nominations with our Members here at Ventana! They thoroughly enjoyed your presentation, your expertise in the Hollywood Movie industry as well as delivering your perspective on all the Nominees! This was a first for us to host an event like this and you surpassed our expectations and our Member’s as well!"
[ Gary Cogill ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/gary-cogill/)
— Marilynn Maus Smith Director of Sales and Marketing , Ventana by Buckner
##### We found him to be very engaging, inspiring, thoughtful, knowledgeable, and the session was thought provoking.
Testimonial for
[ Gary Locke ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/gary-locke/)
##### Our event was phenomenal! The format, content and presentation was spot on. We have had so many great comments about Dr. G including great responses from our leadership. She is a pleasure to work with and I hope to cross paths with her again.
[ Geeta Nayyar ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/geeta-nayyar/)
— Blue Cross Blue Shield
##### "Your message was the highlight of our Leadership Summit. I couldn't have asked for any better message or connection to \[the audience\]."
Testimonial for
[ General George W. Casey, Jr. U.S. Army (RET) ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/george-w-casey/)
##### "Gloria Borger simply delighted our audience of politically savvy healthcare professionals. Charming, incisive, gracious, witty—these superlatives and more like them are what I still hear about Gloria Borger from my members."
[ Gloria Borger ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/gloria-borger/)
— – American Association of Nurse Anesthetists
##### "Greg is a total pro and added tremendous value to our summit. The session was very, very good!" - Apple
Testimonial for
[ Greg McKeown ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/greg-mckeown/)
##### Greg did an excellent job in motivating the group the first morning which set the tone for the next three days.
[ Greg Schwem ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/greg-schwem/)
— IT Exchange Group
##### One of the most respected global thought leaders of our time!
Testimonial for
[ Hank Paulson ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/hank-paulson/)
##### Harry Broadman spoke at our bi-annual US Cotton Summit to a very diverse global audience of over 400 people from 30 countries and wowed them with his impressive knowledge of the world and his insights about how history is shaping so many of the current issues we face. We had very positive reviews in our follow up survey and I would heartily recommend Harry as a speaker.
[ Harry Broadman ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/harry-broadman/)
— Bruce Atherley, Executive Director at Cotton Council International
##### Heather McGowan is outstanding at her craft. She invests the time up front to get to know the company and their needs, and tailors her presentation for maximum impact. She is as provocative as she is motivational. She sees the current and future trends and their potential positive impact or detriment to organizations. She will leave the audience with clear imperatives and fired up to race into action!
[ Heather McGowan ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/heather-mcgowan/)
— Top 5 Pharmaceutical Company
##### Hilary managed to keep over 200 executives captivated with top notch advice for almost two hours. She is edutainment with an emphasis on the educational content. Her attitude & passion for business development is contagious!
[ Hilary Fordwich ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/hilary-fordwich/)
— Northrop Grumman
##### “I wanted to snap my fingers in agreement as they do during spoken word poetry slams.” One of Howard's student's observed, “Howard wants us to put ourselves in positions where we can succeed while staying true to our authentic selves.” Howard Behar’s presentations are acts of service to everyone in the room."
[ Howard Behar ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/howard-behar/)
— University of Washington
##### “James delivered a compelling presentation about habit change and personal productivity that will influence how our students stretch themselves to pursue new opportunities. His work is clear and actionable in a way that breaks down some of the most challenging barriers that we all have to overcome. I would highly recommend James to any organization seeking to accomplish great things.”
[ James Clear ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/james-clear/)
— CEO of Trilogy Education Services
##### James has spoken at a number of BNY Mellon’s conferences and events and has entertained and enthralled our audiences in equal measure. He delighted us with an exceptional keynote on globalization and delivers unique perspectives. His debating skills are phenomenal, and he’s easy to work with.
[ James Crabtree ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/james-crabtree/)
— Managing Director, BNY Mellon
##### Now and then a new book about American politics comes along for which ‘revelation’ seems too tame a word, so profoundly does it alter our understanding of almost everything we thought we knew. James Kirchick’s remarkable history of the “secret” life of Washington is just such a book—a triumph of investigation and story-telling.
[ James Kirchick ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/james-kirchick/)
— Sam Tanenhaus
##### In all my years as a TEDx organizer I haven't seen many people on stage with more power and passion, and at the same time have such a down to earth view on life. My mind was blown.
[ James Lawrence ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/james-lawrence/)
— TEDx TWU
##### "You did a great job getting everybody engaged and keeping their focus and attention."
Testimonial for
[ James Mapes ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/james-mapes/)
##### IVY hosts dozens of incredible lectures led by leading minds around the country each year, but I’ve never seen our members as engaged with the speaker and the subject matter as they were with Dr. Metzl. He captivated the room with the intricacies of the future of science and humanity. After the lecture members lingered for more than two hours discussing the implications of the future of genetic engineering and debating what, if anything, should be done about it.
[ Jamie Metzl ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/jamie-metzl/)
— IVY Connect
##### Jan Jeffcoat is a leader, influencer and expert in the television, broadcasting news, media, and talent performance business.
[ Jan Jeffcoat ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/jan-jeffcoat/)
— President, Broadcast Media Executive
##### With a focus on developing meaningful content in the healthcare affordability space, GoodRx searched for informed and articulate industry experts to lend credible voices to our webinars, whitepapers, and articles in 2022. By far, the most insightful partner we had the good fortune to partner with was Jane Sarasohn-Kahn, who has a mastery of complex healthcare economics, a trove of informed positions, and the human communications skills to break the information down for effective delivery to all. Jane was a dream to work with and we can't wait for the next project with her.
[ Jane Sarasohn-Kahn ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/jane-sarasohn-kahn/)
— GoodRx
##### Janet Evans was on time and easily accessible. She even stayed and signed every autograph after her presentation which took almost an hour. She was great!
[ Janet Evans ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/janet-evans/)
— Marketing Director, MeridianLink, Inc.
##### I was laughing hysterically one moment, then filled with pride as you sang of your love for America the next moment. You are among the best I’ve seen on any stage!
[ Jason Hewlett ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/jason-hewlett/)
— CEO of Blaze Media
##### Jason’s personal story truly embodies turning challenge into great opportunity. His public speaking skills and his ability to connect with the audience are best in class.
[ Jason Schechterle ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/jason-schechterle/)
— Dr. Taylor Lawrence, President at Raytheon Missile Systems
##### What set Jason apart was his ability to connect these technical innovations to the broader global economic landscape. He provided an analysis of how fluctuating energy prices, regulatory shifts, and economic factors will shape the future of the automotive industry, offering a comprehensive perspective that resonated with the executive-level audience.
[ Jason Schenker ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/jason-schenker/)
— SAE North American International Propulsion Conference
##### Jean Chatzky was fantastic! She was very personable and her message was right on target. We couldn’t be happier with her participation!
[ Jean Chatzky ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/jean-chatzky/)
— WWSG Customer
##### Jeff is a completely compelling speaker… he obviously has so much to say, based on a clear knowledge of the situation, that there’s not enough time he could be allotted to give all the knowledge that he knows. He has to make his presentation compact because he has so much that’s viable to say.
Testimonial for
[ Jeff Bush ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/jeff-bush/)
##### We had Jeff Civillico close out our conference and he did a great job! The audience was laughing the whole time! I wanted someone that’s going to connect with our audience, and have the message weaved in. I have to say, you get your money’s worth working with Jeff! I’ve not had a speaker that’s done as much pre-prep… making sure that all the staging was right, and having it all work seamlessly. It was really good!
[ Jeff Civillico ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/jeff-civillico/)
— Director of Programming at NTCA: The Rural Broadband Association
##### "Thank you for delivering an inspiring, relevant message to our GMs to be accountable and embrace the call to action everyday, regardless of change and adversity." –WWSG Customer
Testimonial for
[ Jeff Evans ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/jeff-evans/)
##### With inspiration from both PT Barnum and Walt Disney, Jesse reminds us that anything is possible when you’re willing to reject industry norms and literally do the opposite of what most businesses do.
[ Jesse Cole ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/jesse-cole/)
— Andrew Lock, Author of “Walt Disney’s Way”
##### "Trustworthy and compelling…"
Testimonial for
[ Jill Dougherty ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/jill-dougherty/)
##### “We received a lot of positive feedback from everyone in attendance and we were absolutely thrilled with how the session went. You were a truly captivating speaker and provided us all with a lot of life lessons and advice that will stick with us for life.”
Testimonial for
[ Joan Lunden ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/joan-lunden/)
##### "Absolutely Amazing is the only way I can describe it.The crowd loved Joe, what a stand up down to earth truly fantastic man! The audience completely loved him."
Testimonial for
[ Joe Girardi ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/joe-girardi/)
##### "He was personable, compassionate, caring and willing to do whatever was needed. It was a blessing to work with him! I am sure we will keep in touch. I wouldn’t hesitate to encourage others to have him speak at their events!"
Testimonial for
[ Joe Theismann ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/joe-theismann/)
##### "Torre is one of the great sports leaders of our time!"
Testimonial for
[ Joe Torre ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/joe-torre/)
##### “It was one of the most awesome things I’ve ever seen. It made me think, it made me feel and it enlightened me.” - Tiger Paw Software
Testimonial for
[ John Foley ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/john-foley/)
##### John Katko has a keen ability to connect complex political issues with real-world implications, making the content not only accessible but deeply relevant. He spoke at our event with clarity and conviction, balancing data with personal stories and vision with pragmatism.
[ John Katko ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/john-katko/)
— SVP Global Public Policy, American Resort Development Association
##### My committee used terms like honorable, sincere, confident, believable, authentic,. They all felt it was a privilege to be in the company of such a patriotic, honorable American!
[ John Kelly ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/john-kelly/)
— WWSG Customer
##### There are no words to describe the impact that John made on \[our audience\]. I’m not sure we’ll ever be able to top him or his message. When we rolled the candids last night before the entertainment, there were a few shots of John, one at the piano, and a noticeable reaction went through the room. What a wonderful human being.
[ John O’Leary ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/john-oleary/)
— Executive at AT&T
##### May be the most fascinating presentation I have ever seen at an event. Global geopolitics and the impact on trade, economies, and business. This is brilliant.
[ John Sitilides ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/john-sitilides/)
— Society of Manufacturing Engineers
##### Johnny was quite simply... fantastic! He really was a perfect fit for our team and he did a great job of balancing humor, seriousness, storytelling and group involvement. He was the highlight of our retreat and we hope we have the chance to work with him again in the future.
[ Johnny Crowder ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/johnny-crowder/)
— Chief Growth Officer, RehabPath
##### You were a true hit! You were referenced mulitple times on the main stage by presenters throughout the remainder of the event, and many folks I talked to shared how impactful your presentation and lessons were to them.
[ Johnny Quinn ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/johnny-quinn/)
— Serta Simmons Bedding
##### I appreciate that Taylor spoke talked about the emerging tech in our industry. That he is always thinking to the future is what is great about his speeches. He’s a future thinker.
[ Johnny Taylor ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/johnny-taylor/)
— SHRM-CP
##### Jon is by far the most powerful, engaging, dynamic and authentic presenter I have ever hired in my 19+ years of producing conferences and events. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll remember what really matters in life and you’ll leave inspired to make a difference. This guy is for real.
[ Jon Dorenbos ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/jon-dorenbos/)
— Director of Marketing & Events at Marriott International
##### Massive thanks to Jon for such a compelling speech. We've never seen anything like that in the four years I've been around the AI space.
[ Jon Krohn ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/jon-krohn/)
— Mara Navarro, UNICEF
##### Jon Picoult delivers the one-two punch you hope every speaker will land – original material combined with palpable passion. Jon closed our TEDx event and left the audience uplifted and ready for action. I highly recommend Jon to open, close or present anywhere within your agenda where you desire to stimulate your audience's minds and senses.
[ Jon Picoult ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/jon-picoult-2/)
— Co-Chair & Host, TEDx Conference
##### "Riveting!"
Testimonial for
[ Joseph E. Stiglitz, Ph.D ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/joseph-e-stiglitz/)
##### Joe was relaxed, down to earth, and was respectfully truthful when it came to his insights and opinions regarding what's happening in Washington. Our leadership valued the time together with him.
[ Joseph Grogan ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/joseph-grogan/)
— WWSG Customer
##### Josh was funny, personable, and very insightful. He mingled with my folks beforehand, stayed for dinner, and kept the conversation (which was great) going just the right amount of time. It was perfect.
[ Josh Kraushaar ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/josh-kraushaar/)
— American Optometry Association
##### When Josh speaks, business improves.
[ Josh Linkner ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/josh-linkner/)
— Earvin "Magic" Johnson
##### Juan Bendana brought exactly what we needed to our keynote session of our global leadership summit — energy, engagement and action! His style brings the audience in and he provides thought provoking storytelling to inspire action. He was wonderful to work with and overdelivered in terms of what we hoped to achieve with our keynote. We were thrilled with the outcome and feedback we received from our participants.
[ Juan Bendana ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/juan-bendana/)
— Chief Administrative Officer Merchant Payment Services, U.S. Bank
##### Justin Wren is an overcomer. His story will inspire and motivate you to overcome and become the best version of yourself.
[ Justin Wren ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/justin-wren/)
— 13x NYT Best Selling Author, Dr. Daniel Amen
##### We recently had Kaihan speak at our annual winter meeting to our council members. Not only was Kaihan’s presentation the most thought provoking and inspiring aspect of our meeting he was an absolute pleasure to work with leading up to the event. Kaihan spent extra time listening to us to learn more about our industry. His passion and enthusiasm came across extremely well to our audience. I would highly recommend Kaihan for your next event.
[ Kaihan Krippendorff ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/kaihan-krippendorff/)
— ELECTRI International
##### “Karen Delivered one of the most interactive and engaging virtual programs we’ve seen! From the breakout rooms to her fun quizzes and games, she captured our attention and gave us a truly memorable experience.”
Testimonial for
[ Karen McCullough ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/karen-mccullough/)
##### “She shared many insights into how technologies can be used at scale to create meaningful human experiences — ones that can solve world problems.”
Testimonial for
[ Kate O’Neill ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/kate-oneill/)
##### Kathryn inspired our community and have helped make the festival an unforgettable experience.
[ Kathryn Parsons ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/kathryn-parsons/)
— Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival
##### "One of the most successful women entrepreneurs of all time."
Testimonial for
[ Kathy Ireland ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/kathy-ireland/)
##### A 'Voice of Reason' in a complex world!
[ Katty Kay ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/katty-kay/)
— WWSG Customer
##### Thank you so much for helping to make this year’s Inc. 500 Conference our best yet! We were looking for the perfect presenter to kick start this networking event for America’s best and brightest entrepreneurs and you did just that. Within moments of taking the stage you had all 800 of our CEOs on their feet and talking! It was a highlight of the event.
[ Keith Ferrazzi ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/keith-ferrazzi/)
— Inc. Magazine
##### A Ken Burns presentation is like giving your audience a once-in-a-lifetime gift… something they'll never forget.
[ Ken Burns ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ken-burns/)
— WWSG Customer
##### I highly recommend Ken Dychtwald to any organization seeking a show-stopping keynoter.
Testimonial for
[ Ken Dychtwald ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ken-dychtwald/)
##### Ken Schmidt was wonderful. We have heard so many positive comments from our attendees. I thoroughly enjoyed his insight and common sense approach to business. It really resonated when he mentioned that consumers are loyal to the people behind the business. His humanistic, common sense approach to business relates to all types of businesses.
[ Ken Schmidt ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ken-schmidt/)
— Managing Director, CIBC Bank
##### Kevin has one of the most incredible stories I have ever heard. The kids love Kevin, he is a great speaker and even a better person. I look forward to having Kevin speak again!
[ Kevin Atlas ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/kevin-atlas/)
— YMCA
##### “Kim was a great speaker. \[She was\] humorous, logical, direct and informative. I watched the audience and they were captivated.”
[ Kimberley Strassel ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/kimberley-strassel/)
— –Audience Member, Desert Town Hall Speaker Series
##### Thank you so much for your partnership on our board meeting. Governor Hogan’s address was truly inspiring. Our board members appreciated the opportunity to ask questions and feel a part of the conversation. He is very relatable and the positive feedback from our board members has been nonstop. WWSG’s assistance with coordinating the logistics was flawless.
[ Larry Hogan ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/larry-hogan-2/)
— Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives
##### Having been a trial lawyer, I value communication skills. Dr. Wen delivers powerful messages through her enjoyable presentations. I heard her keynote address—her talk held the room rapt. With an easy conversational tone, she delivered a substantive message subtly, but compellingly.
[ Leana Wen ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/leana-wen/)
— Law Association
##### Working with Leslie was a joy from beginning to end. As the host for our virtual wine tasting fundraising event, Leslie brought warmth, amazing energy, and incredible expertise in wine. What a fun way to bring our team together.
[ Leslie Sbrocco ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/leslie-sbrocco/)
— Director of Corporate Engagement at Citizen Schools
##### After struggling with a critical transition for months, Lilah's keynote gave our team the breakthrough we needed. Three weeks later, we had executed the change that had been stalled for six months.
[ Lilah Jones ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/lilah-jones/)
— Aspen Dental
##### When I first experienced Lior’s mental gifts, I knew I was in the presence of someone extraordinary.
[ Lior Suchard ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/lior-suchard/)
— Barbara Streisand
##### Bodell made my leadership team think in new ways and helped us develop winning business ideas right in the room. My team now embraces innovation rather than fearing it.
[ Lisa Bodell ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/lisa-bodell/)
— Citigroup Corporate Investment Bank
##### Liz connected with every woman in the room. She was engaging and funny, as well as straightforward and honest about the risks, obstacles, and lessons she has learned along her life’s journey. She clearly knew her audience and her stories and lessons really resonated with everyone in the room.
[ Liz Brunner ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/liz-brunner/)
— Institution for Savings
##### Liz’s approach of combining leadership training with cross-functional problem solving is winning the battle for minds and culture, which is the hardest thing to do in businesses today.
[ Liz Wiseman ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/liz-wiseman/)
— General Partner, KPCB
##### Lloyd was amazing! The audience loved him… They loved the stories, the insights, and the behind-the-curtain look into one of the largest institutions in the world and the man that ran it.
[ Lloyd Blankfein ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/lloyd-c-blankfein/)
— Conference Event Planner
##### We have had great client feedback on the conference, and particularly for the session Loretta was part of. It was the most attended session of the day. We had overflow into our additional viewing room for those who couldn’t get a seat in the main ballroom. We very much hope to have an opportunity to work with Loretta again in the future.
[ Loretta Mester ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/loretta-mester/)
— WWSG Customer
##### Maddy was exceptional! She combines research driven data with poignant stories, humor and multi-media that bring the data alive for the audience.
[ Maddy Dychtwald ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/maddy-dychtwald/)
— Senior Vice President of Marketing & Gaming Operations
##### She was great – everyone really enjoyed hearing her opinions and predications – the event was a big success.
Testimonial for
[ Mara Liasson ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/mara-liasson/)
##### Marc did an amazing job– he was very informative, friendly and gave an excellent presentation. He answered all questions asked during the session and several members mentioned that it was one of our best speakers to date! I am so glad WWSG thought of Marc as an option for my group early on. We would be honored to host him again in the future.
[ Marc Short ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/marc-short/)
— Executive Director of Electric Cities of Alabama
##### “Marcus is an emotional intelligence ninja. The interactive format was innovative and touched all of our hearts.” –YPO Chicago Chapter
Testimonial for
[ Marcus Lemonis ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/marcus-lemonis/)
##### Margie's opening keynote was nothing short of spectacular! Her unique insights made a huge impact.
[ Margie Warrell ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/margie-warrell/)
— CEO of Workforce Software
##### One of the truly gifted social science writers of our time.
[ Maria Konnikova ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/maria-konnikova/)
— Adam Grant
##### Her remarks were insightful, engaging and inspiring. She explained in a lively and interesting way a very complex and sophisticated story, drawing on current events and data. A real feast for the brain and the heart.
[ Maria Ressa ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/maria-ressa/)
— Massey Hall
##### I have received nothing but terrific feedback on Secretary Esper. Our members described Secretary Esper's program as 'not just a home run, but a grand slam.'
[ Mark Esper ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/mark-esper/)
— Head of Corporate Communications at Top Financial Corporation
##### "The most successful treasure hunter in history."
Testimonial for
[ Mark Gordon ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/mark-gordon/)
##### Mark Halperin was the featured guest for our political club's program and he knocked it out of the park. He was a well-prepared presenter and kept our audience engaged from start to finish. His ability to translate his astute observations and lifetime of political knowledge into easily digestible talking points for our members seemed effortless. The feedback we have received since then has been overwhelmingly positive and I'm confident we will have him back to present again soon. I give Mark my highest recommendation as a speaker for any club or organization that wants a straightforward and seasoned political commentator.
[ Mark Halperin ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/mark-halperin/)
— Tallahassee Tiger Bay Club
##### Mark Kennedy offers a rare combination of strategic clarity and diplomatic respect. His keynote in Hanoi provided valuable insights into global AI and digitization trends while thoughtfully engaging Vietnam’s Central Theoretical Council. At Harvard, his remarks at the Boston Global Forum inspired deep thinking about how technology can be governed in a way that advances openness, cooperation, and human dignity. Mark bridges policy, technology, and values in a way few speakers can.
[ Mark Kennedy ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/mark-kennedy/)
— CEO, The Boston Global Forum
##### “Mark Morgan is one of our country’s most knowledgeable leaders on immigration enforcement. He brings a wealth of first-hand experience, having served in the Obama administration as chief of U.S. Border Patrol and later in the Trump administration as both acting director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and acting commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Mark has demonstrated that common-sense solutions can reduce illegal immigration and improve our nation’s safety and security.”
[ Mark Morgan ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/mark-morgan/)
— – The Heritage Foundation
##### We are fans of Mary Louise Kelly! Not surprising given her years of success as a journalist but she really upped our game. Sometimes we use local moderators, but it just doesn’t measure up with someone of the quality level of Mary Louise. We may be changing our approach with that going forward. She’s wonderful!
[ Mary Louise Kelly ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/mary-louise-kelly/)
— Hinson Ltd. Public Relations
##### I had the privilege of having Matt give his riveting Keynote on AI at our annual Blackstone PWS conference. His insights left an indelible mark on our team, reshaping our perspective on the future of technology. Matt's expertise and passion for AI are truly inspiring and have already begun to influence our strategic direction. It was a remarkable experience that will undoubtedly drive Blackstone forward.
[ Matt Britton ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/matt-britton/)
— Global Chief Operating Officer of Private Wealth Solutions at Blackstone
##### "Matt Doherty knows about rebounding on the court and in life. His journey and experiences are inspiring." –Charles Barkley, Basketball Hall-of-Famer and Emmy Award Winner
Testimonial for
[ Matt Doherty ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/matt-doherty/)
##### We all were captivated by her incredible story and authentic advice for following your dreams. Melissa is a master communicator, and her presentation will leave audience’s both speechless and wanting more!
[ Melissa Proctor ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/melissa-proctor/)
— University of Rochester
##### “Melissa Inspired our team today during these unsettling times. She shared her personal & intimate story of resilience, moving forward, love of family, and the critical aspect of team work. She ignited the flame inside all of us and helped influence a mindset of positive thinking, reflection on life and the importance of being a good teammate.”
Testimonial for
[ Melissa Stockwell ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/melissa-stockwell/)
##### Michael Auslin provides and impressive review of Asian fault lines that could soon break into open conflict despite the region’s interwoven economies.
[ Michael Auslin ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/michael-auslin/)
— FedEx Corporation
##### Helping over 100K entrepreneurs start, grow and profit, Michael shared practical insight into the Entrepreneur and CEO's journey, mentality, alongside his experience on the do's and don'ts in building a business. This was very well received by the executives, investors, and stakeholders at the event.
[ Michael Gorton ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/michael-gorton/)
— Matt Vallin, Octopus Ventures
##### The Hundred-Year Marathon looks at the critical issues of who is making policy in the Chinese capital and, as a result, it will be read, analyzed and debated for years. Think of Pillsbury as our time’s Paul Revere.
[ Michael Pillsbury ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/michael-pillsbury/)
— Gordon Chang, The National Interest
##### Michelle delivered an inspiring and insightful presentation that resonated deeply with me. She spoke candidly about the challenges she has faced throughout her career and how choosing to be bold often in difficult moments that shaped her path forward. Her message was not only motivational but highly relevant to the work we do every day. Michelle's story is one you truly want to hear. Her authenticity, strength, and commitment to growth make her an exceptional speaker and a powerful example of professional resilience.
[ Michelle Curran ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/michelle-curran/)
— Chief of Police, Lake Stevens
##### I had the pleasure of seeing Michelle Miller present at a conference that centered on communication for ag producers. She plays an important role at the public interface, separating fact from fiction for people with honest questions that are wondering who to trust for authoritative answers about food and farming.
[ Michelle Miller ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/michelle-miller/)
— Professor and Chairman, Horticultural Sciences Department, University of Florida, Gainesville
##### Dr. Kaku is a true visionary. He makes the unknown knowable.
[ Michio Kaku ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/michio-kaku/)
— Kean University
##### “Mike – Your presentation was an absolute home-run and we have the survey responses to back it up. Not only would I recommend you without hesitation, I have already done so.”
Testimonial for
[ Mike Abrashoff ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/mike-abrashoff/)
##### We can’t thank Mike enough for your inspiring kick off presentation. He set just the right tone for our meeting and inspired our guests to create innovative approaches to solving some of our thorniest business issues.
Testimonial for
[ Mike Massimino ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/mike-massimino/)
##### Speaking first-hand from his highly unique view as the Vice President gave the audience a profoundly unique, unforgettable experience. His deep understanding and practice of faith-based principles that are the underpinnings of America leave the audience with hope for the future.
[ Mike Pence ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/mike-pence/)
— President, UPF International
##### Mike is highly inquisitive and original, not only in his thinking but also in his presentation, taking complex issues and turning them into simple and digestible themes.
Testimonial for
[ Mike Walsh ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/mike-walsh/)
##### I was both honored and humbled to have the chance to interview Misty Copeland. It is a moment that I will never forget. I strive to be great at my life goals, and just knowing that Misty started at the same point a me and never gave into the negativity that surrounded her is a true inspiration to me! Thank you for sharing your story!
[ Misty Copeland ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/misty-copeland/)
— New Albany Community Foundation
##### “Mitch joined us before we were Netflix, he was part of the founding team at Netflix, and a vital part of our successes.”
[ Mitch Lowe ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/mitch-lowe/)
— Marc Randolph, Netflix Cofounder
##### Dr. McTier captured our audience with her insightful words, clever anecdotes, and meaningful reflection exercises. She managed to keep high school students highly engaged at 9 am on a Saturday, which reflects her great presence and understanding of her audience.
[ Moiya McTier ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/moiya-mctier/)
— Helena Heckschen, YWLL
##### Molly is awesome! Period. I have heard many private speakers and she set the bar very high for future events. Our event exceeded expectations on every level. The only negative: no one wanted to leave. Every single attendee, without exception, called or emailed me the next day with sincere and genuine praise for Molly. Her insights from how to deal with adversity to optimizing risk management blew everyone away.
[ Molly Bloom ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/molly-bloom/)
— CEO, Teramo Advisors
##### At Linkage, we love Molly so much that she is returning for a third consecutive year to deliver the keynote address at our Women in Leadership Institute, boasting a crowd of 1100 women leaders across all industries and five continents. She is consistently the highest-rated faculty, receiving a score of 4.91 out of 5 last year, as well as a standing ovation! Molly has amazing stage presence: She’s infectious, captivating, authentic and relatable. Her speech provides real, actionable plans to move forward, and is relevant and inspiring from both a business and personal standpoint. In fact, the skills Molly teaches are so critical for business leaders that we have engaged her team to deliver her workshops as well. Believe me when I say that Molly will captivate any audience and enhance your event!
[ Molly Fletcher ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/molly-fletcher/)
— CEO, Linkage
##### What an impact Montel made. The legacy that he leaves here will touch each and every person and guide them for the rest of their lives.
Testimonial for
[ Montel Williams ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/montel-williams/)
##### "You could hear a pin drop as she revealed chapter by chapter of her amazing story of awareness, discovery, family, and the confrontation of inevitable loss."
[ Nancy Frates ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/nancy-frates/)
— Chief Development Officer, MassChallenge, Inc.
##### Nancy was probably one of the best speakers I've had the privilege to watch. Brilliant and inspiring.
Testimonial for
[ Nancy Giordano ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/nancy-giordano/)
##### Natalie is like a personal trainer for your creative muscle.
[ Natalie Nixon ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/natalie-nixon/)
— Jessi Hempel
##### "Dr. Stavas' presentation was the most celebrated of the keynotes we had. I had more positive comments about content, style, and delivery than I did for any of the other well-known keynoters involved."
Testimonial for
[ Natalie Stavas ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/natalie-stavas/)
##### “Nataly’s humor, professionalism, and partnership had a positive impact on our attendees. She moved people and made them think differently– that is no easy feat.” –Cynthia Keeshan, VP of Strategic Events at Ceridian
Testimonial for
[ Nataly Kogan ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/nataly-kogan/)
##### Neal was nothing short of a genius by utilizing our event theme and messaging within the context of his presentation. I particularly admire this given that he spoke to over thirteen thousand attendees ranging from America, Canada, Europe, Latin America to Asia Pacific. The feedback across all the geographies was equally compelling. Neal generated some of the highest ratings and most positive feedback I have seen in many years of running IBM WW events.
[ Neal Petersen ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/neal-petersen/)
— IBM
##### “Neil joined the Audi Executive Team across the United States and his happiness lessons were the highlight of the show, engaging dealer associates, and invigorating the audience. He is always on point, thought-provoking, and receives near-perfect ratings. Listen to him!”
[ Neil Pasricha ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/neil-pasricha/)
— Audi
##### "A profound historian with a definitive focus on the future."
Testimonial for
[ Newt Gingrich ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/newt-gingrich/)
##### Niall’s presentation was superbly delivered and kept all participants engaged. Niall covered a number of topics that are relevant for our company's secular outlook and there was particular interest in his thoughts on the Cold War II as well as the future of US politics and how he sees various players acting through this change... Niall’s willingness to answer questions on a broad range of topics using his wealth of information proved to be interesting and insightful for the whole group.
Testimonial for
[ Niall Ferguson ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/niall-ferguson/)
##### I really liked that the presenter both motivated us to lean into uncertainty and presented several possible solutions to improving the healthcare system.
Testimonial for
[ Nicholas Webb ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/nick-webb/)
##### Colonel Malachowski is an inspiring, authentic speaker and leader. She speaks from the heart as she tells a story of determination, grit, attention to details and service to others.
Testimonial for
[ Nicole Malachowski ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/nicole-malachowski/)
##### Nyle was great! Very engaging, personal with students and his visuals were fun too! I would recommend that others book him!
[ Nyle DiMarco ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/nyle-dimarco/)
— Missouri University
##### "Orlando held the audience in profound attention and awe and is one of the most positive human beings I have ever met. The stories of his family and their faith in the human condition, as being a positive force regardless of their personal journey in meeting prejudice and bigotry is inspiring."
[ Orlando Bowen ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/orlando-bowen/)
— Stephen J. Sheather, Principal of SCORE Statistical Consulting
##### Dr. Peter W. Singer is a thoughtful and engaging speaker with incredible depth on issues like AI, emerging technology, and national security. Peter has a unique ability to make complex subjects accessible to diverse audiences. Indeed, showing how well his talks have gone off, we have invited him back multiple times, to speak to groups that range from summits of government and business leaders to executive education programs, to our diverse student audiences.
[ P.W. Singer ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/p-w-singer/)
— Head of Game Developer Studio
##### Together with a group of 40 leaders within our organization we have enjoyed a very inspiring session of Pandit where he told his story and the importance of self-awareness in leadership roles. Definitely recommend!
[ Pandit Dasa ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/pandit-dasa/)
— Learning and Development Manager
##### Parag Khanna gave an inspirational speech on global megatrends such as geopolitics, economics, climate, and demographics—and their implications for the financial industry. He presented rich scenarios for us to consider and bring to our sophisticated clients. Parag is a great and knowledgeable speaker who wins the crowd.
[ Parag Khanna ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/parag-khanna/)
— UBS
##### "We had a wonderful experience of Parisa on campus. Her presentation was excellent. She was very engaging and heart-felt with students in the communication class and also at the lunch. "
Testimonial for
[ Parisa Khosravi ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/parisa-khosravi/)
##### "An iconic coach and executive."
Testimonial for
[ Pat Riley ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/pat-riley/)
##### The event was a success. Patrick is a very engaged, high energy and enthusiastic speaker. For his presentation, he packed as much of the 400 pages of the book into his hour long presentation that he could. He did an especially great job answering questions during the dinner discussion that followed. We are excited that we got to be one of the first stops on his book tour!
[ Patrick McGee ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/patrick-mcgee/)
— Baraboo Growth, LLC
##### I recommend him without qualification... he surpassed every previous speaker.
[ Paul Nicklen ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/paul-nicklen/)
— WWSG Customer
##### Dr. Redmond gave a fantastic presentation. Very entertaining and entirely relevant for the audience.
[ Paul Redmond ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/paul-redmond/)
— BH & HPA, Scotland
##### "Journalism at its finest!"
Testimonial for
[ Paula Zahn ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/paula-zahn/)
##### His content was informative, entertaining, and inspiring. These are elements that every remarkable speech must have, and he delivered. The final touch was the personal one-on-one he made time for so that anyone who wanted to sit down and talk with him personally got that opportunity. His charisma was inviting, and attendees took to him immediately.
[ Pete Seat ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/pete-seat/)
— Chairman, Blackford County Republican Party
##### Diamandis literally pulls audiences into the future.
Testimonial for
[ Peter Diamandis ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/peter-diamandis/)
##### Peter Goodman was fantastic, and his talk really elevated our program. I attended his talk, and I am reading his book as well, which is super fascinating. Some of our faculty members met with him in the morning, and they had some great dialogue. The overall experience from our initial call, to finalizing the contract and the day-of, went very smoothly.
[ Peter Goodman ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/peter-goodman/)
— RIT
##### Peter’s presentation was highly stimulating and motivational on two levels; firstly, the content was compelling, informative and thought provoking; secondly, his delivery style and approach are captivating, a lesson to all of us who regularly do presentations!
[ Peter Hinssen ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/peter-hinssen/)
— Colin Bannister, VP & CTO UKI for CA Technologies
##### Peter Sheahan could light a small town with energy, enthusiasm and insight. He combines deep practical knowledge with unending passion for both his subject matter and his audience.
[ Peter Sheahan ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/peter-sheahan/)
— David Willis, Managing Director at Corporate Executive Board
##### His candor, entrepreneurial acumen, and passion for seeing positive change in the world connected deeply with our team. His talk left a lasting impact, with echoes across multiple initiatives in the months and years following.
[ Peter Thum ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/peter-thum/)
— Founder & CEO, Mediamath
##### Phil’s inspiring “Embrace the Shake” presentation and his amazing artwork were remarkable. His performance and inspirational message resonated with our clients, as evidenced by the tremendous positive feedback we’ve received.
[ Phil Hansen ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/phil-hansen/)
— Cotiviti Healthcare
##### Pierre brought remarkable depth to every topic he touched, from fiscal policy to the broader forces shaping the economy, all while keeping the room fully engaged. Our guests left with real insight rather than talking points, and we’d invite him back in a heartbeat.
[ Pierre Yared ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/pierre-yared/)
— Managing Director, First Citizens Bank
##### "Thanks again for your extraordinary thought leadership at our conference."
Testimonial for
[ Polly LaBarre ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/polly-labarre/)
##### “She kept our 2000 delegates on the edge of their seats for over an hour, not only with the quality of her content but also with her humour and engaging style.”
[ Rachel Botsman ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/rachel-botsman/)
— – CIPD
##### Rajamannar's book *Quantum Marketing* will do to our view of marketing what Copernicus’ book did to our view of the world. It will change it forever.
[ Raja Rajamannar ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/raja-rajamannar/)
— CMO, General Mills
##### I have had the pleasure of hearing Ray Isle speak on several occasions, including inviting him twice to be our keynote speaker for our annual meeting. Ray mixes his warm personality with decades of wine, food, and travel experience to deliver an interesting and thought-provoking presentation. He immediately connects with audiences, making everyone feel like they are just sharing a bottle of wine and stories together.
[ Ray Isle ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ray-isle/)
— President & CEO, Sonoma County Winegrowers
##### One of the most iconic and accomplished inventors of our generation.
Testimonial for
[ Ray Kurzweil ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ray-kurzweil/)
##### The audience loved it" and he was preaching to the converted…
Testimonial for
[ Ray LaHood ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ray-lahood/)
##### "These strategies transformed the way our team communicate, accelerating our progress and increasing our success. Richard has a rare skill for teaching powerful techniques in a dynamic way and delivering real-world results." –Nick Bonney, Former Head of Insights at Camelot
Testimonial for
[ Richard Newman ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/richard-newman/)
##### Ballard is the world's foremost oceanic explorer and discoverer of the Titanic.
Testimonial for
[ Robert Ballard ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/robert-ballard/)
##### The FAST team was thrilled with Robert's presentation at our annual kick off. He spoke about adapting to change in our industry where the only thing constant is change. A truly motivating and passionate speaker.
Testimonial for
[ Robert Herjavec ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/robert-herjavec/)
##### Robert Lighthizer nailed it! \[Our\] audience was happy to hear his perspective.
[ Robert Lighthizer ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/robert-lighthizer/)
— Techint Group
##### "From the moment I saw your video I knew you would be perfect for this event and for this crowd of Canadian leaders. Your messages resonated with the audience and were very impactful. Thank you thank you! You are an inspiration."
Testimonial for
[ Robyn Benincasa ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/robyn-benincasa/)
##### "Through this brief, two-hour session we are able to convey messages, and really have them resonate with people, in away that three, four or five training programs wouldn't do."
Testimonial for
[ Roger Nierenberg ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/roger-nierenber/)
##### Rosie was a terrific speaker. Besides her extensive knowledge of macro/microeconomics and fiscal policy, she brings to the event a high level of energy. Additionally, she was a pleasure to work with, quickly adapting to the nuances of our event and our audience. Highly recommend.
Testimonial for
[ Rosie Rios ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/rosie-rios/)
##### Ryan has shown from day one an incredible aptitude to create safety and trust. Ryan's clients were fortunate enough to have him on their journey of self-discovery and healing.
[ Ryan Dusick ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ryan-dusick/)
— Susan Levin, M.A., LMFT Supervisor
##### Ryan was hands down one of the best speakers we have had. His knowledge of our industry and his ability to touch every attendee with either knowledge or emotion is a phenomenal skill for any speaker. We have not had a speaker who took the extraordinary steps to prepare for a presentation that Ryan took. His questions of our industry, company and attendees were unprecedented in our event planning experience.
[ Ryan Estis ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ryan-estis/)
— SVN
##### “Loved by all, very engaging, and left a message that every employee could embody. His personal challenges, the inside stories of professional football and his inspiring message captivated all of our employees. "
Testimonial for
[ Ryan Harris ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ryan-harris/)
##### One of the smartest, most innovative, actionable talks I have heard in a long time. The book is also a breakthrough intertwined with some wonderful story telling.
[ Safi Bahcall ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/safi-bahcall/)
— Verizon
##### I have listened to thousands of public speakers so I am not easily impressed. Sallie’s ability to capture, command and hold an audience is top notch.
[ Sallie Krawcheck ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sallie-krawcheck/)
— RIABiz
##### "Her presentation alone made the entire 3-day conference a smashing success."
Testimonial for
[ Sally Hogshead ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sally-hogshead/)
##### Sam is disrupting something that’s been very complicated for so many years.
[ Sam Caucci ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sam-caucci/)
— Founder & Executive Chairman, Audible
##### Sanjay is nothing short of remarkable. He has a tremendous breadth of knowledge, is very articulate and direct, and most importantly his humility and care for people are instantly obvious. Our hope and plan is to have Sanjay participate in many future series we plan to run. He is one of the highest caliber individuals to have graced our stages.
[ Sanjay Gupta ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sanjay-gupta/)
— Co-Founder of Eminent Series Group
##### Although I knew Sarah had an interesting story and that she was a seasoned speaker, I could not have anticipated how compelling and impactful her presentation would be. The room was completely captivated as she walked us through her personal story of discovery, self identity and transformation. Her speaking style is incredibly engaging and her topic spoke to us in a way that made us take a moment of personal reflection and purpose. I would recommend her for a talk to any group.
[ Sarah Culberson ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sarah-culberson/)
— USC
##### I've had the pleasure of working with Sarah on two occasions: our Investors' Gala and, more recently, our UK-France 2030 summit. She was an engaging, enthusiastic and professional host & moderator for both events contributing significantly to their overall respective success. Sarah's attention to detail is second to none, she is full of ideas to elevate events to the next level and is a hit with audiences.
[ Sarah Russis ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sarah-russis/)
— General Manager
##### I must say Sarah was truly exceptional! Her story was not only inspiring but she made it relevant for our team with clear action and next steps. Her message had a profound impact on our team.
[ Sarah Wells ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sarah-wells/)
— SVP at Salesforce
##### Each year, our Global Sales Conference is literally our ‘Super Bowl’ for the Celebrity sales team. Scott’s message of Vision-Mindset-Grit has literally transformed the way our team looks at challenges, sales goals and life.
[ Scott Burrows ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/scott-burrows/)
— North America Celebrity Cruises
##### \[Dr. Gottlieb\] is a great speaker. It was so refreshing to hear someone so excited by their work, and the potential for what could be better. He was very encouraging and informative.
[ Scott Gottlieb ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/scott-gottlieb/)
— World Health Care Congress
##### "Scott Hamilton is one of the finest human beings I have had the privilege to spend time with and work with. At our Christian Athlete and Coach of the Year Banquet he spoke with passion and transparency while sharing his heart, his faith and his life!"
Testimonial for
[ Scott Hamilton ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/scott-hamilton/)
##### Scott’s presentation is one of the best l have ever seen. For three reasons, firstly the content matter is thought provoking and on the sharp edge of the tsunami which is AI. Secondly, the terminology introduced such as Synthetic Intelligence changes the entire narrative to empower and educate. Finally, the beautiful style in which the screens, transitions and how Scott’s moves magically from one side to another means that you are always engaged. If you want someone to help you understand more about the future that is knocking at your door, contact Scott. He’s genuine, humble and deeply insightful.
[ Scott Klososky ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/scott-klososky/)
— Creative Director, Rutland Web Designer
##### “Sean is a dynamic speaker who captured the audience at every level with humor, intensity and political insight. Definitely a must see!”
Testimonial for
[ Sean Spicer ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sean-spicer/)
##### Seema was such an important speaker for us. She added a unique perspective and is so well-respected and her content was very relevant… It was a very positive experience for the audience. The entire room was captivated… Seema captivated the crowd like few people have before.
[ Seema Verma ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/seema-verma/)
— Synergy Summit, 2021
##### During our National Cluster Meeting, Shane inspired over 1,200 FCCLA members, advisers, and guests. The meeting could not have been as successful without Shane’s energizing presentation.
[ Shane Feldman ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/shane-feldman/)
— FCCLA, Inc.
##### "Brilliant and timely…"
Testimonial for
[ Shawn Achor ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/shawn-achor/)
##### Shawn isn't afraid to tell it to you straight, which is not only refreshing in the way the world is now, but it's the kind of stuff you need to hear to dominate in business and in life.
[ Shawn Meaike ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/shawn-meaike/)
— WWSG Customer
##### Second Most Powerful Woman in the World.
[ Sheila Bair ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sheila-bair/)
— Forbes
##### I can't speak highly enough of his ability to connect to an audience, to artfully deliver messages that will resonate, and to stir actionable emotion in even the most seasoned veteran attendee.
Testimonial for
[ Simon Bailey ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/simon-bailey/)
##### Kaplan is who Disney, NBC Universal, Red Bull and others go to for advice…
Testimonial for
[ Soren Kaplan ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/soren-kaplan/)
##### Stacy Allison provided a moving experience all leaders deeply connected with along both personal and professional dimensions. She provides riveting and visual scenarios that motivate leaders to evaluate their commitment, resilience and learning’s no matter where they are in their leadership journey.
[ Stacy Allison ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/stacy-allison/)
— TEMPO Leadership Summit
##### I would have liked to see Stephen Halmarick present a little longer, as his content was great and very clearly delivered.
[ Stephen Halmarick ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/stephen-halmarick/)
— CommBank Economic Roadshow
##### The \[audience's\] feedback regarding Prime Minister Harper’s recent presentation was nothing but positive. They expressed strong appreciation for the delivery, noting that it was exceptionally well-balanced, objective, and free from bias.
Testimonial for
[ Stephen Harper ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/stephen-harper/)
##### Best keynote speaker I’ve ever booked!
[ Sterling Hawkins ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sterling-hawkins/)
— John Glaze, Chief Commercial Officer at LK Packaging
##### Our people still reference his sessions months, years later. The blend of humor, humanity, and neuroscience is unlike anything else we’ve brought into the organization.
[ Steve Robbins ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/steve-robbins/)
— VP of Learning & Development, Manufacturing Company
##### His cup runneth over with provocative opinions, but his gregarious personality sweetens his highly caffeinated ideas in a brew you simply need to consume in person.
Testimonial for
[ Steve Wozniak ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/steve-wozniak/)
##### Remarkable! Extremely valuable! You ignited discussions for the rest of the conference.
[ Suneel Gupta ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/suneel-gupta/)
— SACRS
##### You are truly remarkable in your ability to connect, be passionate about changing the way our culture values introverts, and genuinely cause people to THINK DIFFERENTLY.
[ Susan Cain ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/susan-cain/)
— Womenetics
##### "Hands down the most inspiring, dynamic, and powerful keynote of the entire conference."
[ Susan David ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/susan-david/)
— Audience Member, Harvard Coaching Conference
##### Sylvia is an inspiring and trailblazing leader, she reminds company leaders and employees of their inherent greatness in making a difference in their life and the lives of others regardless of their background and challenges.
Testimonial for
[ Sylvia Acevedo ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sylvia-acevedo/)
##### "Nussle's business-oriented approach to politics just makes plain sense."
Testimonial for
[ The Honorable Jim Nussle ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/jim-nussle/)
##### "A voice of reason and optimism…"
Testimonial for
[ The Honorable Michael O. Leavitt ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/michael-o-leavitt/)
##### “We engaged Dr. Troy as the keynote speaker for our academic conference. It was a perfect choice. His talk was timely, replete with anecdotes from his time in government, directed to his audience (college students), and thought-provoking for all who attended. The fact that this talk was presented virtually did nothing to lessen either its impact or its import. I would recommend Dr. Troy to you a speaker with absolutely no reservations.” John Robert Greene, Ph.D. Cazenovia College
Testimonial for
[ The Honorable Tevi Troy, Ph.D ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/tevi-troy/)
##### Jon and Owen are so easy to work with. Their energetic and hilarious show was the perfect fit to take our fundraiser to the next level. Not only is their talent remarkable, but they were able to customize the material in a way that felt the show was original for our audience. They incorporated just enough about our funding needs and the local community with a perfect amount of audience interaction so that our supporters felt this show was truly FOR us! Biggest concern was how to top it in the future.
[ The Passing Zone ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/the-passing-zone/)
— Chief Philanthropist Officer, Saint Joseph Hospital
##### "An amazing act for anyone that wants to bring fun, excitement, and belly aching laughter to their corporate event. We've used them a few times as the entertainment for our annual sales awards and they are worth every penny... They learn to understand what you need... then deliver a belly busting performance!"
Testimonial for
[ The Water Coolers ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/the-water-coolers/)
##### Theresa completely nailed it! Her keynote was outstanding—engaging, thought-provoking, and packed with insights. Our customers are still talking about it!
[ Theresa Payton ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/theresa-payton/)
— Biocatch
##### At Bernstein, we work with many of the most successful, influential and innovative business leaders, artists, athletes and inventors on the planet. It is not easy to find speakers that can truly engage this type of audience, but Dr. Thom Mayer had them enthralled. His ability to craft a message and inspire listeners through anecdote, and the always well-placed quote, is unparalleled. Thom remains one of the most requested speakers Bernstein Private Wealth has had.
[ Thom Mayer ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/thom-mayer/)
— Bernstein Private Wealth
##### Tiffani was so on target and the partners loved her message. They’re still talking about it. I have a feeling we'll be reaching back out very soon.
[ Tiffani Bova ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/tiffani-bova/)
— Global CLO, Alvarez & Marsal
##### "Tim Hoelter's insider account of one of the greatest turnarounds in American business will surely inspire and motivate any leadership team facing impossible challenges."
Testimonial for
[ Tim Hoelter ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/tim-hoelter/)
##### Tim Sanders is a great follow-on for clients who have booked me previously. Where I speak around innovation mindsets, Tim compliments this message with the idea of innovation through collaboration. He's great on stage, great to work with and does an incredible amount of customization for each client. I highly recommend him!
[ Tim Sanders ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/tim-sanders/)
— Josh Linkner
##### Tim believes no matter what we’re facing, we’re all capable of turning any setback into a comeback.
[ Tim Storey ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/tim-storey/)
— Oprah Winfrey
##### Our team really enjoyed having Todd at our grand opening.
[ Todd Sinelli ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/todd-sinelli/)
— Jami Conroy, Senior Client Experience Manager at SYNOVUS BANK
##### Tom Jones provided the captivating keynote address in our partner conference last week. Dr. Jones was thoroughly engaging and most interesting. We received volumes of kind words and appreciation of his presentation.
Testimonial for
[ Tom Jones ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/tom-jones/)
##### Tom was fantastic onstage and a complete professional to work with. Participants ranked him as one of their favorite speakers of the entire event.
[ Tom Koulopoulos ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/tom-koulopoulos/)
— Cybereason
##### “Tom Morris presented to my team of 26 Commercial Bankers in May. During a time of high stress, confusion, and panic, Tom provided comfort, guidance, helpful insight for our reality, and whimsically brought us great tools for my team to put to use to overcome the current difficulties and reach success, rather than crater to the pain. I recommend him highly!”
Testimonial for
[ Tom Morris, Ph.D ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/tom-morris/)
##### Tomi was amazing for us today. She did a fantastic job speaking and her willingness to just hang out with our group was so cool. I was a fan of hers before but now I am an advocate.
[ Tomi Lahren ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/tomi-lahren/)
— Stephen Odom, Impact Partnership
##### Travis is one of the most inspiring and encouraging stories of our generation!
[ Travis Mills ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/travis-mills/)
— Director of Employee Communications, Lockheed Martin Corporation
##### He sahred timeless lessons of success.
Testimonial for
[ Troy Aikman ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/troy-aikman/)
##### I've heard a lot of motivational speakers before and Ty is the best, bar none. He was able to connect with me in a huge crowd like that. Incredible!
[ Ty Bennett ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ty-bennett/)
— AGF Management LTD
##### Zack helped us plan our entire AI strategy. He just gets it.
[ Zack Kass ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/zack-kass/)
— John Murphy, President at Coca Cola
---
### [Speakers Search](https://wwsg.com/speakers-search/)
**Published:** May 19, 2022
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Search
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Filter by
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---
### [Speakers in the News](https://wwsg.com/insights-and-resources/speakers-in-the-news/)
**Published:** May 26, 2022
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
## The talented speakers at Worldwide Speakers Group are routinely featured on primetime news channels and in important segments.
From major media channels to your favorite podcasts to intimate publications, here is where you’ll find detailed examples of the thought leadership we represent. You can also view the news attributed to an individual speaker on their dedicated detail page.
[ Speakers In The News ](https://wwsg.com/insights-and-resources/)
[ Announcements ](https://wwsg.com/insights-and-resources/speakers-in-the-news/?category=announcements)
[ Blog ](https://wwsg.com/insights-and-resources/speakers-in-the-news/?category=blog)
[ Planning Resources ](https://wwsg.com/insights-and-resources/speakers-in-the-news/?category=planning-resources)
[ FAQ ](https://wwsg.com/insights-and-resources/frequently-asked-questions/)
Search all resources
![]()
[ ![Nuclear explosion with a large mushroom cloud rising from the ground over a flat landscape.]() ](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/niall-ferguson-examines-the-risks-of-an-ai-apocalypse/) [ Niall Ferguson Examines the Risks of an AI “Apocalypse” ](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/niall-ferguson-examines-the-risks-of-an-ai-apocalypse/)
In his latest piece for The Free Press, WWSG speaker and renowned historian Niall Ferguson examines mounting concerns about the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence…
Written by: Niall Ferguson
Thought Leader: [Niall Ferguson](https://wwsg.com/speakers/niall-ferguson/)
[ Read More > ](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/niall-ferguson-examines-the-risks-of-an-ai-apocalypse/)
[ ![war on terror]() ](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/david-frum-asks-did-america-win-the-war-on-terror/)
[ David Frum Asks: Did America Win the War on Terror? ](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/david-frum-asks-did-america-win-the-war-on-terror/)
Twenty-five years after the September 11 attacks, WWSG speaker and The Atlantic writer David Frum takes stock of the United States’ War on Terror. In…
Thought Leader: [David Frum](https://wwsg.com/speakers/david-frum/)
[ Watch Video > ](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/david-frum-asks-did-america-win-the-war-on-terror/)
[ ![Patrick McGee on iPhone and Apple's New CEO]() ](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/patrick-mcgee-on-apples-first-foldable-iphone/)
[ Patrick McGee on Apple’s first foldable iPhone ](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/patrick-mcgee-on-apples-first-foldable-iphone/)
On Wednesday, Apple accomplished two firsts: It unveiled its first foldable iPhone at its first launch event fronted by new CEO John Ternus. Apple in…
Thought Leader: [Patrick McGee](https://wwsg.com/speakers/patrick-mcgee/)
[ Watch Video > ](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/patrick-mcgee-on-apples-first-foldable-iphone/)
[ ![Tank]() ](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/mark-esper-on-the-houthis-and-the-u-s-iran-conflict/)
[ Mark Esper on the Houthis and the U.S.-Iran Conflict ](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/mark-esper-on-the-houthis-and-the-u-s-iran-conflict/)
Former U.S. Secretary of Defense and WWSG speaker Mark Esper joined America Reports to discuss escalating tensions in the Middle East, including the potential for…
Thought Leader: [Mark Esper](https://wwsg.com/speakers/mark-esper/)
[ Watch Video > ](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/mark-esper-on-the-houthis-and-the-u-s-iran-conflict/)
[ ![Iran Attacks]() ](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/tony-abbott-on-the-threat-of-extremist-islamism/)
[ Tony Abbott on the Threat of Extremist Islamism ](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/tony-abbott-on-the-threat-of-extremist-islamism/)
Former Australian Prime Minister and WWSG speaker Tony Abbott discusses what he sees as the persistent threat posed by extremist Islamist ideology and its implications…
Thought Leader: [Tony Abbott](https://wwsg.com/speakers/tony-abbott/)
[ Watch Video > ](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/tony-abbott-on-the-threat-of-extremist-islamism/)
[ ![world trade center]() ](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/niall-ferguson-9-11-did-not-doom-the-american-empire/) [ Niall Ferguson: 9/11 Did Not Doom the American Empire ](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/niall-ferguson-9-11-did-not-doom-the-american-empire/)
Twenty-five years after the September 11 attacks, WWSG speaker and renowned historian Niall Ferguson revisits a prediction he made in their aftermath: that the United…
Written by: Niall Ferguson
Thought Leader: [Niall Ferguson](https://wwsg.com/speakers/niall-ferguson/)
[ Read More > ](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/niall-ferguson-9-11-did-not-doom-the-american-empire/)
[ ![Social Media Image]() ](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/sara-fischer-on-x-becoming-the-ai-industrys-group-chat/) [ Sara Fischer on X Becoming the AI Industry’s Group Chat ](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/sara-fischer-on-x-becoming-the-ai-industrys-group-chat/)
WWSG speaker and Axios senior media reporter Sara Fischer examines how Elon Musk’s X has carved out an increasingly influential role as a real-time gathering…
Written by: Sara Fischer
Thought Leader: [Sara Fischer](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sara-fischer/)
[ Read More > ](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/sara-fischer-on-x-becoming-the-ai-industrys-group-chat/)
[ ![The David Frum Show Graphic]() ](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/david-frum-reflects-on-9-11-from-inside-the-white-house/) [ David Frum Reflects on 9/11 From Inside the White House ](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/david-frum-reflects-on-9-11-from-inside-the-white-house/)
On The David Frum Show, Atlantic staff writer and WWSG speaker David Frum marks the 25th anniversary of September 11 with a deeply personal conversation…
Thought Leader: [David Frum](https://wwsg.com/speakers/david-frum/)
[ Read More > ](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/david-frum-reflects-on-9-11-from-inside-the-white-house/)
[ ![AI technology colliding with traditional publishing/copyright]() ](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/sara-fischer-on-the-landmark-ai-copyright-battle/) [ Sara Fischer on the Landmark AI Copyright Battle ](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/sara-fischer-on-the-landmark-ai-copyright-battle/)
In a new Axios piece, WWSG speaker and media correspondent Sara Fischer examines a pivotal stage in the landmark copyright lawsuit involving a major U.S.…
Written by: Sara Fischer
Thought Leader: [Sara Fischer](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sara-fischer/)
[ Read More > ](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/sara-fischer-on-the-landmark-ai-copyright-battle/)
[ ![]() ](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/dr-sanjay-gupta-on-football-brain-health-cte/) [ Dr. Sanjay Gupta on Football, Brain Health & CTE ](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/dr-sanjay-gupta-on-football-brain-health-cte/)
In a new episode of Chasing Life, WWSG speaker and CNN Chief Medical Correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta takes a closer look at the evolving conversation…
Thought Leader: [Sanjay Gupta](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sanjay-gupta/)
[ Read More > ](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/dr-sanjay-gupta-on-football-brain-health-cte/)
[ ![]() ](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/david-cattler-on-russias-shadow-war-in-europe/)
[ David Cattler on Russia’s Shadow War in Europe ](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/david-cattler-on-russias-shadow-war-in-europe/)
In a recent PBS NewsHour interview, WWSG speaker and former NATO intelligence official David Cattler joined Nick Schifrin to examine a growing campaign of suspected…
Thought Leader: [David Cattler](https://wwsg.com/speakers/david-cattler/), [Nick Schifrin](https://wwsg.com/speakers/nick-schifrin/)
[ Watch Video > ](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/david-cattler-on-russias-shadow-war-in-europe/)
[ ![NY Stock Exchange]() ](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/hank-paulson-we-managed-financial-crises-ai-is-a-risk-of-a-different-kind/)
[ Hank Paulson: We managed financial crises. AI is a risk of a different kind. ](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/hank-paulson-we-managed-financial-crises-ai-is-a-risk-of-a-different-kind/)
In a recent op-ed for The Washington Post, former U.S. Treasury Secretary Hank Paulson (co-authoring alongside Robert Rubin) addresses the unprecedented national security and economic…
Written by: Hank Paulson & Robert Rubin
Thought Leader: [Hank Paulson](https://wwsg.com/speakers/hank-paulson/)
[ Watch Video > ](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/hank-paulson-we-managed-financial-crises-ai-is-a-risk-of-a-different-kind/)
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---
### [Speaker List Shared Confirmation](https://wwsg.com/speaker-list-shared-confirmation/)
**Published:** July 8, 2022
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Your list has been shared.
---
### [Share My List](https://wwsg.com/share-my-list/)
**Published:** June 23, 2022
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
You currently do not have any speakers within your list. [Browse Speakers](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/)
---
### [Insights and Resources](https://wwsg.com/insights-and-resources/)
**Published:** May 2, 2022
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
[ Speakers In The News ](https://wwsg.com/insights-and-resources/)
[ Announcements ](https://wwsg.com/insights-and-resources/?category=announcements)
[ Blog ](https://wwsg.com/insights-and-resources/?category=blog)
[ Planning Resources ](https://wwsg.com/insights-and-resources/?category=planning-resources)
[ FAQ ](https://wwsg.com/insights-and-resources/frequently-asked-questions/)
Search all resources
![]()
[ ![Nuclear explosion with a large mushroom cloud rising from the ground over a flat landscape.]() ](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/niall-ferguson-examines-the-risks-of-an-ai-apocalypse/) [ Niall Ferguson Examines the Risks of an AI “Apocalypse” ](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/niall-ferguson-examines-the-risks-of-an-ai-apocalypse/)
In his latest piece for The Free Press, WWSG speaker and renowned historian Niall Ferguson examines mounting concerns about the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence…
Written by: Niall Ferguson
Thought Leader: [Niall Ferguson](https://wwsg.com/speakers/niall-ferguson/)
[ Read More > ](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/niall-ferguson-examines-the-risks-of-an-ai-apocalypse/)
[ ![war on terror]() ](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/david-frum-asks-did-america-win-the-war-on-terror/)
[ David Frum Asks: Did America Win the War on Terror? ](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/david-frum-asks-did-america-win-the-war-on-terror/)
Twenty-five years after the September 11 attacks, WWSG speaker and The Atlantic writer David Frum takes stock of the United States’ War on Terror. In…
Thought Leader: [David Frum](https://wwsg.com/speakers/david-frum/)
[ Watch Video > ](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/david-frum-asks-did-america-win-the-war-on-terror/)
[ ![Patrick McGee on iPhone and Apple's New CEO]() ](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/patrick-mcgee-on-apples-first-foldable-iphone/)
[ Patrick McGee on Apple’s first foldable iPhone ](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/patrick-mcgee-on-apples-first-foldable-iphone/)
On Wednesday, Apple accomplished two firsts: It unveiled its first foldable iPhone at its first launch event fronted by new CEO John Ternus. Apple in…
Thought Leader: [Patrick McGee](https://wwsg.com/speakers/patrick-mcgee/)
[ Watch Video > ](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/patrick-mcgee-on-apples-first-foldable-iphone/)
[ ![Tank]() ](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/mark-esper-on-the-houthis-and-the-u-s-iran-conflict/)
[ Mark Esper on the Houthis and the U.S.-Iran Conflict ](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/mark-esper-on-the-houthis-and-the-u-s-iran-conflict/)
Former U.S. Secretary of Defense and WWSG speaker Mark Esper joined America Reports to discuss escalating tensions in the Middle East, including the potential for…
Thought Leader: [Mark Esper](https://wwsg.com/speakers/mark-esper/)
[ Watch Video > ](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/mark-esper-on-the-houthis-and-the-u-s-iran-conflict/)
[ ![Iran Attacks]() ](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/tony-abbott-on-the-threat-of-extremist-islamism/)
[ Tony Abbott on the Threat of Extremist Islamism ](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/tony-abbott-on-the-threat-of-extremist-islamism/)
Former Australian Prime Minister and WWSG speaker Tony Abbott discusses what he sees as the persistent threat posed by extremist Islamist ideology and its implications…
Thought Leader: [Tony Abbott](https://wwsg.com/speakers/tony-abbott/)
[ Watch Video > ](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/tony-abbott-on-the-threat-of-extremist-islamism/)
[ ![world trade center]() ](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/niall-ferguson-9-11-did-not-doom-the-american-empire/) [ Niall Ferguson: 9/11 Did Not Doom the American Empire ](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/niall-ferguson-9-11-did-not-doom-the-american-empire/)
Twenty-five years after the September 11 attacks, WWSG speaker and renowned historian Niall Ferguson revisits a prediction he made in their aftermath: that the United…
Written by: Niall Ferguson
Thought Leader: [Niall Ferguson](https://wwsg.com/speakers/niall-ferguson/)
[ Read More > ](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/niall-ferguson-9-11-did-not-doom-the-american-empire/)
[ ![Social Media Image]() ](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/sara-fischer-on-x-becoming-the-ai-industrys-group-chat/) [ Sara Fischer on X Becoming the AI Industry’s Group Chat ](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/sara-fischer-on-x-becoming-the-ai-industrys-group-chat/)
WWSG speaker and Axios senior media reporter Sara Fischer examines how Elon Musk’s X has carved out an increasingly influential role as a real-time gathering…
Written by: Sara Fischer
Thought Leader: [Sara Fischer](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sara-fischer/)
[ Read More > ](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/sara-fischer-on-x-becoming-the-ai-industrys-group-chat/)
[ ![The David Frum Show Graphic]() ](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/david-frum-reflects-on-9-11-from-inside-the-white-house/) [ David Frum Reflects on 9/11 From Inside the White House ](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/david-frum-reflects-on-9-11-from-inside-the-white-house/)
On The David Frum Show, Atlantic staff writer and WWSG speaker David Frum marks the 25th anniversary of September 11 with a deeply personal conversation…
Thought Leader: [David Frum](https://wwsg.com/speakers/david-frum/)
[ Read More > ](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/david-frum-reflects-on-9-11-from-inside-the-white-house/)
[ ![AI technology colliding with traditional publishing/copyright]() ](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/sara-fischer-on-the-landmark-ai-copyright-battle/) [ Sara Fischer on the Landmark AI Copyright Battle ](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/sara-fischer-on-the-landmark-ai-copyright-battle/)
In a new Axios piece, WWSG speaker and media correspondent Sara Fischer examines a pivotal stage in the landmark copyright lawsuit involving a major U.S.…
Written by: Sara Fischer
Thought Leader: [Sara Fischer](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sara-fischer/)
[ Read More > ](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/sara-fischer-on-the-landmark-ai-copyright-battle/)
[ ![]() ](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/dr-sanjay-gupta-on-football-brain-health-cte/) [ Dr. Sanjay Gupta on Football, Brain Health & CTE ](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/dr-sanjay-gupta-on-football-brain-health-cte/)
In a new episode of Chasing Life, WWSG speaker and CNN Chief Medical Correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta takes a closer look at the evolving conversation…
Thought Leader: [Sanjay Gupta](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sanjay-gupta/)
[ Read More > ](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/dr-sanjay-gupta-on-football-brain-health-cte/)
[ ![]() ](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/david-cattler-on-russias-shadow-war-in-europe/)
[ David Cattler on Russia’s Shadow War in Europe ](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/david-cattler-on-russias-shadow-war-in-europe/)
In a recent PBS NewsHour interview, WWSG speaker and former NATO intelligence official David Cattler joined Nick Schifrin to examine a growing campaign of suspected…
Thought Leader: [David Cattler](https://wwsg.com/speakers/david-cattler/), [Nick Schifrin](https://wwsg.com/speakers/nick-schifrin/)
[ Watch Video > ](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/david-cattler-on-russias-shadow-war-in-europe/)
[ ![NY Stock Exchange]() ](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/hank-paulson-we-managed-financial-crises-ai-is-a-risk-of-a-different-kind/)
[ Hank Paulson: We managed financial crises. AI is a risk of a different kind. ](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/hank-paulson-we-managed-financial-crises-ai-is-a-risk-of-a-different-kind/)
In a recent op-ed for The Washington Post, former U.S. Treasury Secretary Hank Paulson (co-authoring alongside Robert Rubin) addresses the unprecedented national security and economic…
Written by: Hank Paulson & Robert Rubin
Thought Leader: [Hank Paulson](https://wwsg.com/speakers/hank-paulson/)
[ Watch Video > ](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/hank-paulson-we-managed-financial-crises-ai-is-a-risk-of-a-different-kind/)
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---
### [Our Team](https://wwsg.com/about-us/team/)
**Published:** April 28, 2022
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
## Executive Team
How can executives use their strengths to become better leaders? What does it take to reshape an industry? How can we engineer change to redefine the level of service we provide to our clients? These are the questions we sought to answer when we created Worldwide Speakers Group and assembled our leadership team.
[ Learn About WWSG ](/about-us/)
![]()
### BOB THOMAS
Chairman & CEO
Bob Thomas is widely recognized as a leader in the global lecture industry. His stellar reputation for outstanding service and strategic counsel has endeared him to clients and speakers alike. He has over two decades of diverse domestic and international experience serving a wide range of client industries, including financial services, transportation, technology, association, education, and defense. As such, Mr. Thomas has established solid relationships with past and present leaders in government, business, the economy and media.
- [ Keep Reading ](#) ![]()
## BOB THOMAS
**Bob Thomas** is widely recognized as a leader in the global lecture industry. His stellar reputation for outstanding service and strategic counsel has endeared him to clients and speakers alike. He has over 25 years of diverse domestic and international experience serving a wide range of client industries including financial services, transportation, technology, association, education, and defense. As such, Mr. Thomas has established solid relationships with past and present leaders in government, business, the economy, and the media.
Prior to founding Worldwide Speakers Group, Mr. Thomas helped lead a prominent global lecture agency, where he was recruited to execute an aggressive growth strategy to expand the agency’s worldwide presence and market share. In his 8 years with this agency, he specialized in building a global brand, recruiting speakers, and developing an international client base.
Mr. Thomas has led the recruitment of exclusive speakers and managed the day-to-day relationships with many of them. He has assisted former heads of state, captains of industry, and global media personalities with their communications strategies as well as their lecture goals and agendas to provide the greatest impact on audiences.
Throughout his lecture industry career, he has focused on establishing long-term client account relationships with multi-national and Fortune 1000 companies, trade associations, college/universities and international forums.
Prior to entering the lecture industry, Mr. Thomas served as a member of the senior management team for two service consulting companies in the travel management and energy industries. During his tenure, he successfully transformed key business and management strategies and practices, as well as secured new alliances with strategic business partners, all resulting in significant growth and profitability.
Mr. Thomas started his professional career in 1984 with IBM where he accomplished a record of significant achievement in sales and marketing and held executive positions in multiple IBM businesses.
Mr. Thomas is a graduate of the College of Business at Rochester Institute of Technology with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. He serves as the Advisory Board Co-Chair at Berkshire School, a college preparatory school, in Sheffield, MA.
- [ ](mailto:speakers@wwsg.com)
- [ ](https://www.linkedin.com/in/bob-thomas-295226100)
![]()
### DAN SIMS
President
Dan Sims is renowned in the talent, association, academic and corporate communities as a trusted partner and outstanding leader. Throughout his notable career, he has consistently booked and recruited former heads of state, sports Hall-of-Famers, business-thought leaders, industry captains, Hollywood celebrities, government and military officials and top industry experts for a wide range of organizations. Mr. Sims brings a wealth and depth of professional relationships and innovative marketing ideas to the WWSG team.
- [ Keep Reading ](#) ![]()
## DAN SIMS
Dan Sims is renowned in the talent, association, academic, and corporate communities as a trusted partner and outstanding leader. Throughout his notable career, he has consistently booked and recruited former heads of state, sports Hall-of-Famers, business-thought leaders, industry captains, Hollywood celebrities, government and military officials, and top industry experts for a wide range of organizations. Mr. Sims brings a wealth and depth of professional relationships and innovative marketing ideas to the WWSG team.
Mr. Sims founded THE AGENCY Speakers, LLC in 2005 which managed speaker engagements on four continents for clients such as Barclays, Merrill Lynch, Marriott, Novartis, MTV, and ESPN. He was also formerly Managing Director at one of the country’s leading speaker bureaus where he handled the exclusive lecture management of athletes, distinguished authors, and leading politicians.
In 2005, he earned the coveted Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) certification, the Convention Industry Council’s foremost certification program for meetings, conventions, and exhibitions. A featured thought leader at the American Society of Association Executives Springtime Conferences and a continuing lecturer at George Mason University on leadership and entrepreneurship, Mr. Sims conveys unequaled first-hand experiences and a depth of expertise to the industry.
Mr. Sims has published articles in national and trade publications on sales, management, and leadership, which have appeared in The Meeting Professional and Meeting & Conventions. He’s been featured in several local, regional and national media. A fervent supporter of the profession, Mr. Sims has personally led sponsorships for The Society of Government Meeting Professionals, Meeting Professionals International, Professional Convention Management Association, International Association of Speakers Bureaus American Society of Association Executives, the CMP Conclave, Convention Industry Council, American Student Government Association and many other professional groups.
Mr. Sims earned a B.S. in Marketing from Pennsylvania State University. His M.B.A. is from George Mason University, where he guest-lectures on leadership and entrepreneurship. He was awarded the Most Outstanding Entering Student by GMU’s School of Management Alumni Association.
- [ ](mailto:speakers@wwsg.com)
- [ ](https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielsims/)
![]()
### NICOLE FREDERICK
COO / CFO
Nicole Frederick is a respected strategic operational and finance leader. She has spent her career in service organizations helping grow revenues, recruit excellent talent, and increase engagement. Ms. Frederick is the backbone of Worldwide Speakers Group, overseeing the day-to-day operations and working closely with the WWSG team, clients, and speakers to ensure everyone meets their goals for successful events.
- [ Keep Reading ](#) ![]()
## NICOLE FREDERICK
Nicole Frederick is a respected strategic operational and finance leader. She has spent her career in service organizations helping grow revenues, recruit excellent talent, and increase engagement. Ms. Frederick is the backbone of Worldwide Speakers Group, overseeing the day-to-day operations and working closely with the WWSG team, clients, and speakers to ensure everyone meets their goals for successful events.
Prior to joining Worldwide Speakers Group, Ms. Frederick was a leader at an IT Consulting firm, where she led the talent recruitment and event team. She has extensive experience creating and managing events. She spent 13 years at a prominent global lecture agency as an operational leader heading up Finance, IT and HR teams.
Ms. Frederick earned a B.A. in Psychology from Allegheny College. She also holds an M.B.A. and a master’s in finance and accounting from the Keller Graduate School.
- [ ](mailto:speakers@wwsg.com)
- [ ](https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolefrederick89)
## **Our Sales Team**
As a global lecture industry leader, we define the future of speaking engagements. Our sales team consists of senior-level experts in the speaking industry. They study markets, trends, and emerging best practices in every industry, locally and globally, to ensure they understand our client’s needs and institutional context. This hard work pays off when we hear feedback about how smoothly and successfully events play out because of WWSG’s expertise.
#### If you are interested in joining the team at Worldwide Speakers Group, please fill out the form below.
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---
### [Privacy Policy](https://wwsg.com/privacy-policy/)
**Published:** April 14, 2022
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
This privacy notice discloses the privacy practices for [wwsg.com](https://wwsg.com). This privacy notice applies solely to information collected by this website. It will notify you of the following:
1. What personally identifiable information is collected from you through the website, how it is used and with whom it may be shared.
2. What choices are available to you regarding the use of your data.
3. The security procedures in place to protect against the misuse of your information.
4. How you can correct any inaccuracies in the information.
###
Information Collection, Use, and Sharing
We are the sole owners of the information collected on this site. We only have access to/collect information that you voluntarily give us via email or another direct contact from you. We will not sell or rent this information to anyone.
We will use your information to respond to you, regarding the reason you contacted us. We will not share your information with any third party outside of our organization, other than as necessary to fulfill your request.
Unless you ask us not to, we may contact you via email in the future to tell you about speakers, new services, or changes to this privacy policy.
When submitting a form from our website, you give Worldwide Speakers Bureau permission to maintain the contact information you provided as a means of contacting you in the future. Where required by applicable law, we will only send you promotional communications with your prior consent.
This website contains links to other sites. Please be aware that we are not responsible for the content or privacy practices of such other sites.
###
Your Access to and Control Over Information
You may opt-out of any future contacts from us at any time. You can do the following at any time by contacting us via the email address or phone number given on our website:
- See what data we have about you, if any.
- Change/correct any data we have about you.
- Have us delete any data we have about you.
- Express any concern you have about our use of your data.
###
Cookies
We use “cookies” on this site. A cookie is a piece of data stored on a site visitor’s hard drive to improve access to and experience of our site. Usage of a cookie is in no way linked to any personally identifiable information on our site.
###
Security
We take precautions to protect your information. When you submit sensitive information via the website, your information is protected both online and offline.
Wherever we collect sensitive information (such as credit card data), that information is encrypted and transmitted to us in a secure way. You can verify this by looking for a lock icon in the address bar and looking for “https” at the beginning of the address of the Web page. While we use encryption to protect sensitive information transmitted online, we also protect your information offline. Only employees who need the information to perform a specific job (for example, billing or customer service) are granted access to personally identifiable information. The computers/servers in which we store personally identifiable information are kept in a secure environment.
**If you feel that we are not abiding by this privacy policy, you should contact us immediately at .**
---
## Speakers
### [Chris Barton](https://wwsg.com/speakers/chris-barton/)
**Published:** February 7, 2023
**Author:** wpengine
**Excerpt:** Chris Barton seeks to delight people by using technology to make seemingly impossible ideas come to life. To host him for a speaking engagement, contact WWSG.
**Content:**
Chris Barton seeks to delight people by using technology to make seemingly impossible ideas come to life. Shazam, which now has over two billion downloads, is just one of them. In addition to creating Shazam, which Apple acquired for $400 million, Chris played a key role in tech history as a founding member of Google’s Android Partnerships team where he created Android’s mobile operator partnership framework. He also spent four years at Dropbox where he led carrier partnerships and was one of the first 100 people at the company. Holding 12 patents, including one found within the Google search algorithm that billions of people use, Chris has made significant contributions to the tech industry.
In his speeches, Chris’s story and storytelling completely captivate audiences. He inspires people to make big things happen in their organizations – to create magic in defiance of the obstacles.
---
### [Charlene Li](https://wwsg.com/speakers/charlene-li/)
**Published:** March 5, 2020
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Charlene Li is the author of six books, including the New York Times bestseller, Open Leadership and co-author of the critically acclaimed book, Groundswell. Her latest book is the bestseller The Disruption Mindset. She is the Founder and Senior Fellow at Altimeter, a disruptive analyst firm that was acquired in 2015 by Prophet. Charlene is a graduate of Harvard College and Harvard Business School and was named one of the most creative people in business by Fast Company.
---
### [P.W. Singer](https://wwsg.com/speakers/p-w-singer/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
A noted public speaker, Singer has given keynote speeches and briefings at a diverse range of venues, including: The White House Situation Room, Pentagon, NSA, CIA, DIA, FBI, US Congress, the Royal Court of the UAE, Australian Parliament, TED, South by SouthWest, Microsoft Leadership Summit, Google, “Geek Week”, the “Mad Scientist” conference, Sydney Opera House, and the Festival of Dangerous Ideas.
---
### [Stephen Harper](https://wwsg.com/speakers/stephen-harper/)
**Published:** September 2, 2016
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** The Right Honourable Stephen Harper led Canada through the world’s most complex geopolitical, economic, and security challenges as the country’s 22nd Prime Minister.
**Content:**
Stephen Harper served as the 22nd Prime Minister of Canada, with a tenure marked by significant policy achievements in economic growth, international relations, and national security. His deep expertise in navigating complex geopolitical landscapes, understanding global trade, and addressing economic challenges makes him an invaluable speaker for events focused on leadership, governance, and international affairs. Harper delivers speeches known for their depth, thoughtfulness, and ability to inspire—making him a compelling choice for any organization seeking a seasoned and respected voice on today’s most pressing issues.
---
### [Leana Wen](https://wwsg.com/speakers/leana-wen/)
**Published:** June 30, 2022
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Dr. Leana Wen is a practicing physician, healthcare executive, and op-ed columnist for *The Washington Post.* A member of the Council on Foreign Relations, Dr. Wen has received recognition as one of *Governing’s* Public Officials of the Year, *Modern Healthcare’s* Top 50 Physician-Executives, World Economic Forum’s Young Global Leaders, and *TIME* magazine’s 100 Most Influential People.
---
### [Anand Shah](https://wwsg.com/speakers/anand-shah/)
**Published:** April 16, 2021
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** Anand Shah, M.D. is a nationally recognized physician leader and health policy expert who most recently served as the Deputy Commissioner for Medical and Scientific Affairs at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
**Content:**
Anand Shah, M.D. offers event planners a speaker who has truly shaped the healthcare system from the inside—leading at the FDA and CMS while also building and advising companies at the cutting edge of life sciences. He delivers a compelling, behind-the-scenes view of how medical innovation moves from idea to impact, and what leaders must do to succeed in today’s highly regulated, fast-changing environment. With the credibility of a physician and the perspective of a CEO, Dr. Shah engages audiences with insights that are timely, practical, and immediately relevant.
---
### [Juan Bendana](https://wwsg.com/speakers/juan-bendana/)
**Published:** January 22, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
Whether it’s a board room of 25 or a stadium of 25,000 Juan Bendana delivers a high impact experience that changes how people show up. The best selling author of *Confident By Choice* Juan is a highly sought after speaker and trusted advisor to the world’s top performers from Olympic athletes and Grammy winning artists to CEOs and Fortune 100 leaders. He brings a science backed blueprint that helps individuals and organizations build certainty confidence and momentum in times of constant change. Audiences leave inspired energized and ready to take bold action with clarity and confidence.
---
### [Jessica Brandt](https://wwsg.com/speakers/jessica-brandt/)
**Published:** September 9, 2026
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
Drawing on her leadership at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence and expertise in foreign malign influence, Jessica Brandt equips audiences to better understand evolving threats, emerging opportunities, and the policy challenges surrounding AI.
---
### [Brett Culp](https://wwsg.com/speakers/brett-culp/)
**Published:** September 2, 2026
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
Brett Culp’s innovative *Instant Storytelling* experience brings this inspiration to life in a uniquely customized way.
By filming attendees the day before his keynote and weaving their insights into his live presentation, he transforms the real-life stories of your attendees into an unforgettable shared narrative.
The heart of your organization comes to life in the moment!
---
### [Adam Markel](https://wwsg.com/speakers/adam-markel/)
**Published:** March 2, 2023
**Author:** wpengine
**Content:**
Adam Markel, resilience researcher, change management expert, and future-of-work thought leader helps individuals and organizations harness resilience to thrive amid constant change. With 18 years as a trial attorney and a decade as CEO of a business and personal development company, Adam offers deep insights into resilience, culture, change and leadership. In his latest bestseller, Change Proof, Adam demonstrates how businesses can use uncertainty to create opportunities, foster growth and sustain high performance. As a top-rated speaker and host of The Change Proof Podcast, Adam inspires global audiences with his practical strategies and dynamic delivery.
---
### [Michelle Rozen](https://wwsg.com/speakers/michelle-rozen/)
**Published:** March 3, 2020
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Dr. Michelle Rozen specializes in managing change and has been featured in NBC, ABC, CNN, FOX News and many more media outlets. She is the author of three books and writes for the Huffington Post on issues related to motivation, personal and professional growth and managing change in our lives so that we can all do better, feel better and become better in every possible way, both as individuals and as leaders. Dr. Rozen is NYC based and holds a Masters and a PhD in psychology.
---
### [Jon Dorenbos](https://wwsg.com/speakers/jon-dorenbos/)
**Published:** January 18, 2023
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
For magic that impacts you *professionally*…
Jon was a finalist on season 11 of America’s Got Talent. For his final performance he did a routine with the theme “don’t hate, don’t blame, and forgive.” It’s a great example of how Jon uses magic as a tool to engage an audience while delivering an inspirational message. This is magic that inspires you *personally.*
---
### [Paul Scharre](https://wwsg.com/speakers/paul-scharre/)
**Published:** April 24, 2026
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
Paul Scharre offers a rare combination of frontline military experience, Pentagon policymaking expertise, and thought leadership on artificial intelligence. He helps audiences understand how emerging technologies are reshaping global power, security, and business risk. Event planners choose Scharre for his ability to translate complex geopolitical and AI-driven challenges into clear, actionable insights.
---
### [Hines Ward](https://wwsg.com/speakers/hines-ward/)
**Published:** August 31, 2026
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
Hines Ward brings the perspective of a two-time Super Bowl champion, longtime NFL veteran, and respected sports analyst to every audience he addresses. Through candid stories from his career and life, he offers practical insights on perseverance, teamwork, leadership, overcoming adversity, and making a positive impact in your community. His engaging, conversational style makes him a compelling choice for organizations seeking an accomplished leader who can connect with audiences both personally and professionally.
---
### [Johnny Cupcakes](https://wwsg.com/speakers/johnny-cupcakes/)
**Published:** September 19, 2017
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
At age 19 Johnny Cupcakes founder, Johnny Earle, grew his business from a “joke” to a multi-million dollar, highly exclusive t-shirt brand with a worldwide cult-like following. Through his talks and creative consulting, Johnny shares how to start, grow or reinvent your business or idea with little to no startup money. Johnny gives blueprints on building brand loyalty, creating experiences, and inspiring innovations.
---
### [Melissa Proctor](https://wwsg.com/speakers/melissa-proctor/)
**Published:** August 27, 2026
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
Melissa Proctor energizes audiences with stories from her trailblazing career journey. Her approach provides powerful strategies to help audiences navigate high-stakes decisions and achieve success.
---
### [Sarah Culberson](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sarah-culberson/)
**Published:** May 6, 2025
**Author:** wpengine
**Content:**
Princess Sarah Culberson is a powerful and inspiring keynote speaker who offers valuable insights on becoming stronger leaders, enhancing company culture, and making clients feel genuinely valued. Drawing from her compelling personal journey—being adopted, growing up in a biracial family, and ultimately discovering her royal heritage as a princess of Sierra Leone—she brings authenticity and depth to every engagement. Her story is also captured in her book, *A Princess Found*, which is currently being adapted into an upcoming Disney film.
Princess Sarah speaks on a wide range of meaningful topics, including belonging, leadership, inspiration, empowerment, community, company and customer culture, education, discovering your roots, overcoming fear to pursue your dreams, women and girls’ empowerment, and her unique perspective as an African princess.
---
### [Oliver McPherson-Smith](https://wwsg.com/speakers/oliver-mcpherson-smith/)
**Published:** May 6, 2025
**Author:** wpengine
**Content:**
Dr. Oliver McPherson-Smith offers unparalleled insight into the intersection of energy policy, geopolitics, and innovation—making him an exceptional keynote speaker for forward-thinking conferences. As the founding Executive Director of the White House’s National Energy Dominance Council and a seasoned global journalist, he brings both policy expertise and real-world storytelling to the stage. His experience spans academic research, political leadership, and private-sector strategy in critical minerals, placing him at the center of today’s most urgent energy and innovation challenges. Event planners seeking authoritative, globally-minded voices on energy transformation and AI infrastructure would find him uniquely compelling.
---
### [David Cattler](https://wwsg.com/speakers/david-cattler/)
**Published:** August 24, 2026
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
David Cattler gives audiences access to a rare firsthand perspective on the geopolitical forces shaping today’s business and security environment. Drawing on 35 years of experience advising presidents, military leaders, CEOs, and boards, David delivers practical insights that help leaders navigate uncertainty, strengthen resilience, and make better strategic decisions in an increasingly complex world.
---
### [Katty Kay](https://wwsg.com/speakers/katty-kay/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Katty Kay is a compelling keynote speaker, panelist, and event moderator, bringing a global perspective and deep expertise in politics, business, and social change. As an award-winning journalist and U.S. special correspondent for BBC Studios, she has covered some of the most significant events of our time, offering insightful analysis that goes beyond the headlines. Her bestselling books on confidence, leadership, and women’s empowerment make her an inspiring voice for professional audiences, while her experience interviewing top influencers ensures she can lead dynamic, thought-provoking discussions. Whether delivering a keynote, moderating a panel, or engaging audiences in conversation, Katty brings intelligence, poise, and an engaging style that elevates any event.
---
### [Mike Massimino](https://wwsg.com/speakers/mike-massimino/)
**Published:** July 23, 2019
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Mike Massimino is a four-time spacewalker on two missions to the Hubble Space Telescope, including the final Hubble servicing mission which has been called the most dangerous and complex mission in space shuttle history. But he is more than an astronaut—he is a recurring character on The Big Bang Theory, a bestselling author, an engineering professor, an MIT Ph.D, and a popular guest on news and late-night television programs. Mike uses humor and his unique storytelling ability to inspire audiences to identify the passion in their work, use teamwork and innovation to solve problems, provide leadership in the face of adversity and change, and never give up when pursuing a goal. Mike has written 3 books including his NY Times Bestselling memoir, *Spaceman*, and his most recent book *Moonshot: A NASA Astronaut’s Guide to Achieving the Impossible* which distills stories and insights from NASA into an actionable guide for success in business and in life. Mike is clear, “We all have our own personal “moon shots” we’d like to take in life, but as mission control will tell you, doing one big thing really means getting a thousand little things right along the way.”
---
### [Erik Wahl](https://wwsg.com/speakers/erik-wahl/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
For more than two decades, Erik Wahl has reimagined the keynote experience, blending the insight of a #1 bestselling business author with the energy of a world-renowned artist. His presentations combine provocative ideas, powerful storytelling, and live on-stage painting to inspire audiences to see possibility in a whole new way.
---
### [AmyK Hutchens](https://wwsg.com/speakers/amyk-hutchens/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
AmyK Hutchens is a dynamic, high-energy speaker and former executive of a billion-dollar global consumer products company. Named Vistage UK’s International Speaker of the Year—an honor from the world’s leading CEO membership organization—she is a powerful catalyst for delivering sustainable solutions to today’s toughest leadership challenges.
Speaking at over 100 events annually for top-tier clients like Starbucks Canada, Expedia, Lockheed Martin, IBM, Wells Fargo, Walmart, and John Paul Mitchell Systems, AmyK empowers senior executives around the globe to lead, innovate, and collaborate more effectively.
---
### [Eyck Freymann](https://wwsg.com/speakers/eyck-freymann/)
**Published:** August 23, 2021
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Dr. Eyck Freymann helps audiences understand the geopolitical decisions being made today that could define the global economy for decades. At a moment when competition with China touches everything from AI and semiconductors to supply chains, energy, national security, and global markets, Freymann goes beyond the headlines to explain what China is trying to achieve, where the greatest risks actually lie, and—most importantly—what leaders can do to prepare.
He is the author of *Defending Taiwan: A Strategy to Prevent War with China*, the book cited in boardrooms and allied capitals as the definitive guide to the world’s most dangerous geopolitical flashpoint.
---
### [Shawn DuBravac](https://wwsg.com/speakers/shawn-dubravac/)
**Published:** October 4, 2017
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Shawn DuBravac is a well-regarded futurist and trendcaster who writes frequently on disruptive technological shifts. He advises companies and C-level executives on market opportunities and industry strategy. DuBravac has been widely published on the topics of technology, finance and economics. His keen insights regarding the economic drivers of the global tech industry and future trends have made him a highly sought-after keynote speaker and commentator.
---
### [Ian Bremmer](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ian-bremmer/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Booking Ian Bremmer brings unmatched value to any event by offering clear, compelling insights into the geopolitical forces shaping business, policy, and society. As a world-renowned political scientist, bestselling author, and media commentator, he translates complex global trends into actionable takeaways for leaders and audiences alike. His engaging, independent perspective ensures your attendees leave with a deeper understanding of the challenges—and opportunities—emerging on the world stage.
---
### [Scott Morrison](https://wwsg.com/speakers/scott-morrison/)
**Published:** August 16, 2022
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Australia’s 30th Prime Minister, Scott Morrison is the true definition of a leader with a 360º worldview. During his tenure, Morrison was tasked with several difficulties that required unique and innovative solutions. From managing the public safety of Australians during the pandemic to mitigating an economic crisis, controlling natural disasters, and leading the country while others were at war—Prime Minister Morrison led Australia with his particular brand of calm decisiveness and rationale. A globalization mastermind, Morrison lends his boundless influence and experience to audiences around the world.
---
### [Amy Purdy](https://wwsg.com/speakers/amy-purdy/)
**Published:** June 12, 2025
**Author:** wpengine
**Content:**
Amy Purdy is one of the most inspiring and decorated Paralympic athletes in U.S. history. After losing both legs below the knee to a rare form of bacterial meningitis at age 19, she defied all odds to become a three-time Paralympic medalist and the most decorated U.S. Paralympic snowboarder. A bestselling author, entrepreneur, and powerful keynote speaker, Amy has shared the stage with Oprah Winfrey, starred on *Dancing with the Stars*, and appeared in one of the most iconic Super Bowl commercials of all time. Through her remarkable journey of resilience, reinvention, and unstoppable determination, Amy empowers audiences to embrace adversity, defy limits, and reimagine what’s possible.
---
### [John Teichert](https://wwsg.com/speakers/john-teichert/)
**Published:** January 8, 2026
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
John “Dragon” Teichert is a retired U.S. Air Force Brigadier General who brings real-world leadership experience from commanding complex organizations in high-pressure, high-stakes environments. His keynotes blend powerful storytelling with practical lessons on leadership, innovation, resilience, and integrity that resonate across industries. Event planners value his ability to deliver inspiring, actionable insights that leave audiences energized and better equipped to lead through change.
---
### [Tony Abbott](https://wwsg.com/speakers/tony-abbott/)
**Published:** June 20, 2025
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
Tony Abbott offers global audiences a rare blend of political leadership, intellectual depth, and frontline policy experience. As a former Prime Minister of Australia, he brings firsthand insight into international trade, national security, climate policy, and geopolitical strategy. His extensive work in government, media, and academia equips him to speak compellingly on topics ranging from Western democratic values to economic reform and public service. Whether addressing business leaders, policymakers, or civic organizations, Abbott brings gravitas, clarity, and a track record of action. His global perspective and principled leadership make him a highly valuable and thought-provoking keynote speaker.
---
### [Gordon Sondland](https://wwsg.com/speakers/gordon-sondland/)
**Published:** March 19, 2025
**Author:** wpengine
**Content:**
Ambassador Gordon Sondland is a seasoned diplomat, entrepreneur, and author with deep expertise in U.S.-EU relations, global trade, and national security. As the former U.S. Ambassador to the EU, he played a key role in major geopolitical events, including support for Ukraine and the Abraham Accords. A successful businessman and CEO of Provenance Hotels, he offers valuable insights on leadership, strategy, and economic trends. A frequent media commentator and author of *The Envoy*, Sondland is an engaging speaker who delivers firsthand perspectives on diplomacy, business, and politics with clarity and candor.
---
### [Mike Garcia](https://wwsg.com/speakers/mike-garcia/)
**Published:** March 3, 2025
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
The Honorable Mike Garcia is a powerful keynote speaker, offering unique insights from his diverse career in the military, business, and government. A first-generation American and Navy combat pilot, Mike flew over 30 missions during Operation Iraqi Freedom and later led multi-billion-dollar programs at Raytheon. As a Congressman, he worked on critical national security issues, managing nearly $1 trillion in federal appropriations. Respected across party lines for his bipartisan approach, Mike is a strong advocate for leadership and public service. His experiences would inspire audiences interested in leadership, national security, and the value of serving the country.
---
### [John Sitilides](https://wwsg.com/speakers/john-sitilides/)
**Published:** November 26, 2024
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
John Sitilides is a highly accomplished expert in geopolitical risk and international affairs, making him an invaluable keynote speaker for any event focused on global trends and their impact on business. With a wealth of experience working in government, academia, and the private sector, Sitilides offers a unique perspective on the complex interplay between politics, economics, and security.
---
### [James Kirchick](https://wwsg.com/speakers/james-kirchick/)
**Published:** November 15, 2024
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
James Kirchick, a renowned author and commentator, offers a compelling blend of historical insight, global perspective, and engaging storytelling. His passionate advocacy for freedom of expression and association resonates with audiences worldwide. As a prolific writer and frequent guest on major media outlets, Kirchick’s ability to captivate audiences with his wit and wisdom makes him an invaluable asset to any event. His unique perspective, informed by extensive travel and research, provides a fresh and thought-provoking take on contemporary issues. Whether discussing the challenges facing liberal democracies or the importance of individual rights, Kirchick’s keynote speeches leave a lasting impact.
---
### [William Evanina](https://wwsg.com/speakers/william-evanina/)
**Published:** April 26, 2024
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
The leadership of the Honorable William Evanina at the highest levels in the United States Government, the intelligence community, and NATO is unmatched. His experiences and dynamic leadership provide a breathtaking backdrop to understanding the complex and sophisticated threats our nation, economic and military security, as well as to corporations operating in a digital global environment.
William Evanina’s passionate delivery energizes audiences and delivers a thought provoking geopolitical and behind the scenes perspective. William Evanina also details lessons learned from leading women and men from diverse agencies, as well other NATO countries, in a stressful mission focused arena as well as the critical intersection of national security and economic security.
---
### [Jamie Metzl](https://wwsg.com/speakers/jamie-metzl/)
**Published:** May 24, 2023
**Author:** wpengine
**Content:**
Jamie Metzl is one of the world’s leading technology and healthcare futurists working at the forefront of the AI, genetics, and biotechnology revolutions. His energizing keynotes blow people’s minds and drive meaningful outcomes. An innovative and energetic speaker, author of five important books, media commentator, columnist, ultramarathoner, and go-to expert for many of the world’s top brands and most influential leaders, his talks captivate audiences in symphony halls, stadiums, convention centers, universities, and boardrooms across the globe. Jamie explores the implications of the revolutionary technologies and geopolitical shifts transforming our world and helps individuals, companies, and governments ride the wave of radical change rather than be subsumed by it.
---
### [Nina Schick](https://wwsg.com/speakers/nina-schick/)
**Published:** May 12, 2023
**Author:** wpengine
**Content:**
Nina Schick is an author, entrepreneur and advisor specialising in Generative AI. She is on a mission to make AI accessible to everyone. Nina is a top disinformation expert and political keynote speaker, focusing on how artificial intelligence and technology reshape global geopolitics and democracy. She can deliver keynotes in multiple languages, including English, German, and French.
As a top journalist covering politics for the biggest media houses, such as CNN and the BBC, Nina Schick is undoubtedly a household name. Her expertise on how technology is transforming geopolitics and society at large is unparalleled. She provides invaluable advice to businesses and governments on a wide range of issues, including disinformation and cyber security, and how they impact democratic systems and trust. Talking of authorship, her books are out there for everyone to see. One of them is *Deep Fakes*, which talks about how dangerous synthetic media is to the future.
---
### [John Katko](https://wwsg.com/speakers/john-katko/)
**Published:** May 3, 2023
**Author:** wpengine
**Content:**
John Katko brings a rare blend of law enforcement experience and Congressional leadership to the stage, offering clear, trusted insights on homeland security, cybersecurity, and national security. Known for his honest, level-headed commentary, he is respected across party lines for staying above the political fray. His straightforward and values-driven approach has made him a go-to voice for national news producers—and his show, *Balancing Act with John Katko,* now airs nationwide on PBS. In a polarized environment, John Katko offers a reasoned, credible perspective that resonates with diverse audiences.
---
### [Stephanie Murphy](https://wwsg.com/speakers/stephanie-murphy/)
**Published:** April 28, 2023
**Author:** wpengine
**Content:**
The first Vietnamese American woman ever to be elected to the US House of Representatives, Stephanie Murphy provides incisive examination and unique insights on how politics, national security, and business intersect at a time of profound global change. She is known for being a pragmatic moderate with a significant bipartisan legislative record of achievement informed by prior experiences in strategy consulting, investment management, defense policy and academia. As a testament to her results-oriented approach, she is widely credited for the establishment of the Employee Retention Credit which was a key support for businesses and workers during the pandemic, the passage of gun safety law in a Republican-controlled Washington, and historic investments in infrastructure and energy independence.
As a refugee escaping communism, rescued at sea by the US Navy and given a chance at the American Dream, her journey from poverty to policymaking was both improbable and inspiring. Her remarkably self-made life story in the American immigrant tradition put her on a journey that led from the boardroom to the classroom, from the halls of the Pentagon to the corridors of Congress. She has educated, defended, advised, and led – granting her a multi-lensed perspective and a penchant for creative problem-solving, at once unique and invaluable to organizations across the country. Candid, insightful and infused with humor she inspires, informs, and entertains her audiences with authenticity, lived experience, and insider Washington stories.
---
### [Mark Morgan](https://wwsg.com/speakers/mark-morgan/)
**Published:** April 5, 2023
**Author:** wpengine
**Content:**
With a unique combination of experiences that no one else can quite claim, Mark Morgan energizes and motivates audiences from many angles. Whether he’s describing his experiences at the top-level of government agencies such as the FBI and U.S. Customs and Border Protection or sharing his deeply personal story about overcoming tragedy, audiences leave the room with more information and inspiration than when they entered.
---
### [John Raymond](https://wwsg.com/speakers/john-raymond/)
**Published:** March 22, 2023
**Author:** wpengine
**Content:**
Holding the unprecedented title of Chief of Space Operations for the United States Space Force, General John “Jay” Raymond is uniquely qualified to address innovation, leadership, and national security. His interesting anecdotes and eloquence transport audiences to a better version of themselves and their organizations.
---
### [Jeff Rosen](https://wwsg.com/speakers/jeff-rosen/)
**Published:** July 22, 2022
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Jeff Rosen’s leadership positions within two separate United States Cabinet departments have given him a unique perspective and wealth of useful knowledge to share with audiences. In addition to the vital transportation and justice issues he handled in those roles, Rosen also brings insights about leading large organizations, government regulators, and the protection of the rule of law.
---
### [Mary Louise Kelly](https://wwsg.com/speakers/mary-louise-kelly/)
**Published:** June 7, 2022
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Mary Louise Kelly is co-host of *All Things Considered*, NPR’s flagship evening newsmagazine. She has reported from around the world, including North Korea, Iran, Iraq, Russia, Afghanistan and Pakistan. Mary Louise’s memoir, *It.Goes.So.Fast*, was an instant *New York Times* best-seller.
---
### [Robert O'Brien](https://wwsg.com/speakers/robert-obrien/)
**Published:** April 6, 2021
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** Ambassador Robert C. O’Brien served as the 28th United States National Security Advisor and is a highly regarded diplomat, having played an integral role in negotiating the Abraham Accords, representing the United States at the 60th UN General Assembly, and many other accomplishments.
**Content:**
Ambassador Robert O’Brien served as the 27th United States National Security Advisor and is a highly regarded diplomat, having played an integral role in negotiating the Abraham Accords, representing the United States at the 60th UN General Assembly, and many other accomplishments.
O’Brien’s expertise in the geopolitical atmosphere, American defense, the global economy, and the Indo-Pacific inform his intellectually stimulating speeches.
---
### [Mark Esper](https://wwsg.com/speakers/mark-esper/)
**Published:** February 10, 2021
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** Mark Esper offers audiences an array of insights, ideas, forecasts, and strategies based on relevant experience, fostering the success of both individuals and teams.
**Content:**
Dr. Mark Esper is a distinguished global affairs speaker and former U.S. Secretary of Defense with decades of leadership in military strategy, national security, and global risk management. As a senior Pentagon leader and key architect of U.S. defense policy, Dr. Esper brings unparalleled insights on today’s complex geopolitical landscape—from rising tensions with China and Russia to the future of NATO, Indo-Pacific strategy, and defense innovation. He also offers informed analysis of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and the future of U.S. relations with Israel, Iran, and the Arab Gulf states, helping audiences understand the strategic, political, and economic implications of these developments. His keynotes equip business, government, and military audiences with critical tools for navigating global uncertainty, leadership in crisis, and strategic decision-making.
---
### [Kirstjen Nielsen](https://wwsg.com/speakers/kirstjen-nielsen/)
**Published:** May 12, 2021
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Kirstjen Nielsen was sworn in on December 6, 2017 as the sixth Secretary of Homeland Security. She previously served as White House Deputy Chief of Staff. Secretary Nielsen joined the Trump administration in January 2017 as Chief of Staff to then-Secretary of Homeland Security, John Kelly. In that position, she was responsible for advising the Secretary on all operational, policy, and legal matters, including counterterrorism, cybersecurity, and border security.
From 2012 to 2016, she served as the founder and President of Sunesis Consulting LLC, a private consulting firm focused on preparedness strategies, policies, plans, tools and tabletop exercises to prevent, protect against and respond to catastrophic events with a focus on critical infrastructure interdependencies. Prior to founding Sunesis Consulting, Secretary Nielsen was the General Counsel and President of the Homeland Security and Private Sector Preparedness practice at Civitas Group LLC, a strategic advisory and investment firm focused on homeland and national security.
---
### [Michael Pillsbury](https://wwsg.com/speakers/michael-pillsbury/)
**Published:** May 7, 2019
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** Dr. Michael Pillsbury is the Director of the Center on Chinese Strategy at Hudson Institute in Washington, D.C. He is a fluent in Mandarin and has served in senior national security positions in the U.S. government for the past four decades, with years of contact with the “hawks” in China’s military and intelligence agencies.
**Content:**
Dr. Pillsbury is a Senior Fellow for China Strategy at The Heritage Foundation. He is a fluent in Mandarin and has served in senior national security positions in the U.S. government for the past four decades, with years of contact with the “hawks” in China’s military and intelligence agencies.
Dr. Pillsbury has written three books on China. The most recent one, *The Hundred-Year Marathon*, is an international bestseller and was number one on the *Washington Post*‘s list among other recommended reading lists. On September 26, 2018 U.S. President Donald Trump described Michael Pillsbury as “the leading authority on China.” Dr. Pillsbury was also named one of [Washington DC’s 500 Most Influential People of 2023](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/washington-dcs-500-most-influential-people-of-2023-4/).
---
### [Nicole Malachowski](https://wwsg.com/speakers/nicole-malachowski/)
**Published:** January 18, 2018
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Colonel Nicole Malachowski, USAF (Ret.) defies stereotypes. Yes, she was a jet fighter pilot, but if you think you know her based on that, you’d be wrong. A leader, a combat veteran, the first woman pilot on the Thunderbirds Air Demonstration Squadron, a White House Fellow, and an inductee into both the National Women’s Hall of Fame and the Women in Aviation International Pioneer Hall of Fame, Nicole’s distinguished 21- year Air Force career exceeded her wildest dreams. But the dream came to an end when a devastating tick-borne illness left her struggling greatly to speak or walk for almost nine months. An indomitable spirit, Nicole fought back against overwhelming odds and prevailed.
Drawing on stories from her career and personal life, Nicole inspires audiences to rethink the challenges they face every day. She urges them to go beyond resilience and become resurgent. Nicole empowers people with three key beliefs: failure and risk is the price of entry for achieving something great; sometimes you need to yield to overcome; and her personal mantra, “Nobody wants to lead a scripted life.”
---
### [Deborah Lee James](https://wwsg.com/speakers/deborah-lee-james/)
**Published:** May 31, 2017
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Deborah Lee James is a business leader and the 23rd Secretary of the Air Force. As only the second woman to ever lead a military service, she became the civilian CEO of a 660,000 person, $139 billion enterprise during a time of unprecedented political divisiveness and major threats to the U.S. overseas. She also handled diverse issues, including battling sexual assault in the military, rebuilding and speeding up the Air Force acquisition process, and addressing the health of the nuclear enterprise.
---
### [Steve Israel](https://wwsg.com/speakers/steve-israel/)
**Published:** January 5, 2017
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Steve Israel served in the House of Representatives for sixteen years—six as the Democrats chief political and message strategist. President Bill Clinton called him “one of the most thoughtful Members of the House of Representatives.” An acclaimed political satirist and novelist, the Washington Post called his work “so spirited and funny.” He is now a political commentator for CNN.
---
### [Dr. Samantha Ravich](https://wwsg.com/speakers/samantha-ravich/)
**Published:** October 25, 2016
**Author:** ironcore
---
### [Glenn Carle](https://wwsg.com/speakers/glenn-carle/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Drawing from his extraordinary experience with powerful personal anecdotes and engaging illustrations, Glenn Carle offers shrewd insight and astute perspective on the challenges of leadership, the drivers of individual motivation, and how to successfully govern and grow complex organizations.
---
### [Lisa Bodell](https://wwsg.com/speakers/lisa-bodell/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
When the most important work isn’t getting done, it’s not the people that need to be fixed – it’s the work. Lisa Bodell, a global leader on simplification, collaboration, and innovation, helps organizations transform performance by reimagining the work. By trading complexity for simplicity, organizations find new ways to unleash creativity and spark the energy so essential to innovate and compete. It also lifts morale, increases engagement, and improves employee well-being and retention. Lisa is the author of two groundbreaking books, *Why Simple Wins* and *Kill the Company*. She ranks on the “Top 50 Speakers Worldwide” list and captivates audiences with her insights, energy, and humor. Lisa inspires them to question the status quo and make small changes that have profound impact – giving them time and energy to focus on the work that matters most.
---
### [Michael Steele](https://wwsg.com/speakers/michael-steele/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
For event planners navigating a high-stakes 2026 midterm cycle, Michael Steele offers a rare blend of insider strategy and cross-party perspective. As a former RNC Chairman who led historic midterm gains and a seasoned media analyst, he delivers sharp, real-time insights on voter dynamics, party strategy, and the evolving political landscape. His engaging, candid style makes him an ideal keynote or panelist for audiences seeking clarity on what will shape outcomes in 2026 and beyond.
---
### [Paul Wolfowitz](https://wwsg.com/speakers/paul-wolfowitz/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
---
### [Evan Feigenbaum](https://wwsg.com/speakers/evan-feigenbaum/)
**Published:** February 23, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** Evan Feigenbaum's diverse career has spanned government service as a U.S. diplomat, think tank leadership, and risk consultancy for major market players.
**Content:**
Evan Feigenbaum, a former diplomat, has been an advisor to two American Secretaries of State, a former Treasury Secretary, the CEOs and boards of leading companies, and investment funds in all asset classes. He has negotiated with dictators and ex-guerillas, written a book on China as a high-tech superpower, and worked with and in countries from China to India, Australia to Kazakhstan. He is vice president for studies of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, the world’s oldest international affairs think tank.
---
### [Erica Dhawan](https://wwsg.com/speakers/erica-dhawan/)
**Published:** March 5, 2020
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
When leaders want to break team silos, drive exponential growth and innovate through teamwork, they call Erica Dhawan. Erica Dhawan is an internationally recognized leading authority, speaker and advisor on 21st century teamwork, collaboration and innovation. She was named one of *Real Leaders*‘ Top 50 Keynote Speakers in the World.
---
### [Justin Wren](https://wwsg.com/speakers/justin-wren/)
**Published:** April 28, 2025
**Author:** wpengine
**Content:**
Justin Wren is a powerful keynote speaker whose journey from bullied child to MMA champion—and ultimately, to humanitarian leader—offers a deeply moving testament to resilience, purpose, and transformation. His lived experience equips him to inspire audiences with practical tools for overcoming adversity, finding deeper meaning, and creating lasting impact in both personal and professional spheres.
---
### [Jeff Sessions](https://wwsg.com/speakers/the-honorable-jeff-sessions/)
**Published:** January 24, 2019
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** Senator Sessions vigorously advocated for a restrained and objective Judiciary that follows the judicial oath to serve the Constitution and laws of our country. He fought for a frugal and balanced budget, a vigorous foreign policy and a strong military. Sessions strongly supported the War on Terrorism but acknowledges the need for realism and limits in our policies. Furthermore, he supports lawful immigration that serves the national interest and that the nation must stand firmly against unfair trade practices.
**Content:**
Jeff Sessions was born in Selma, Alabama in 1946, and grew up the son of a country store owner. Growing up in the country, Sessions was instilled with certain core values – honesty, hard work, belief in God and parental respect – that define him today. Mr. Sessions served in the United States Army Reserve from 1973 to 1986, ultimately attaining the rank of Captain. He still considers that period to be one of the most rewarding chapters of his life.
Mr. Sessions’ interest in the law led to a distinguished legal career, first as a practicing attorney in Russellville, Alabama, and then in Mobile. Following a two-year stint as Assistant United States Attorney for the Southern District of Alabama (1975-1977), Sessions was nominated by President Reagan in 1981 and confirmed by the Senate to serve as the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Alabama, a position he held for 12 years. Sessions was elected Alabama Attorney General in 1995, serving as the State’s chief legal officer until 1996, when he entered the United States Senate. Mr. Sessions served as a United States Senator for Alabama from 1996 to 2016.
President Donald J. Trump announced his intention to nominate Mr. Sessions on November 18, 2016, and he was sworn in as the 84th Attorney General of the United States by Michael R. Pence on February 9, 2017.
---
### [Caitlin Rivers](https://wwsg.com/speakers/caitlin-rivers/)
**Published:** March 8, 2021
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** Dr. Caitlin Rivers uses outbreak science to improve public health preparedness and response, using infectious disease analytics and modeling to support public health decisions.
**Content:**
Caitlin Rivers is an epidemiologist who specializes in outbreak science. She advocated for the creation of a National Center for Epidemic Forecasting, which was announced as policy in the first national security directive signed by President Biden. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Rivers participated in influential reports that were guiding the US pandemic response. She has written for or has been featured in media such as *USA Today*, *The Wall Street Journal*, *The New York Times*, *The Washington Post*, *The Atlantic*, *Science*, *Wired*, *Foreign Affairs*, *Vox*, and NPR.
---
### [Natalie Nixon](https://wwsg.com/speakers/natalie-nixon/)
**Published:** March 8, 2024
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Excerpt:** Creativity strategist Natalie Nixon is a highly sought after keynote speaker, valued for her accessible expertise on creativity, future of work, and innovation.
**Content:**
Creativity strategist Natalie Nixon is “the creativity whisperer to the C-Suite.” She is a highly sought after keynote speaker, valued for her accessible expertise on creativity, the future of work and innovation. Natalie brings an innovative and unique perspective to every keynote, strategic advisory engagement, and leadership workshop. Her experience living in 5 countries combined with her background in anthropology, fashion, academia, and dance distinguish her as a one-of-a-kind creativity expert.
---
### [Parag Khanna](https://wwsg.com/speakers/parag-khanna/)
**Published:** July 30, 2026
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
Dr. Parag Khanna guides leaders in making sense of the geopolitical, technological, and economic forces reshaping the world and taking decisive action amidst uncertainty. He is the internationally bestselling author of seven books *including Connectography, The Future is Asian*, and *MOVE.* Drawing on decades of travel to more than 150 countries and frontline experience advising governments, Fortune 500 companies, and global organizations, he equips audiences with practical and customized strategies such as identifying emerging opportunities to enhance market positioning. Whether speaking to executives, investors, or policymakers, Dr. Khanna delivers vivid data analytics and thought-provoking insights that keep you a step ahead of global change.
---
### [Seema Verma](https://wwsg.com/speakers/seema-verma/)
**Published:** February 23, 2021
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** Seema Verma is a national health policy expert known for her meaningful and successful implementation of new programs for Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), where she served as Administrator from 2017-2021. Verma's engaging speeches are punctuated by her admirable intellect and relevant pulse on all things healthcare-related.
**Content:**
Seema Verma is a national health policy expert known for her meaningful and successful implementation of new programs for Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), where she served as Administrator from 2017-2021. Verma’s engaging speeches are punctuated by her admirable intellect and relevant pulse on all things healthcare-related.
---
### [José Hernández](https://wwsg.com/speakers/jose-hernandez/)
**Published:** April 3, 2025
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
José Hernández is a former NASA astronaut, aerospace engineer, and motivational keynote speaker whose incredible journey from migrant farm worker to space traveler has inspired millions. Featured in the acclaimed Amazon Studios film *A Million Miles Away*, Hernández shares his powerful story of perseverance, resilience, and the importance of STEM education.
A pioneer in aerospace and technology, Hernández has contributed to advancements in medical imaging and nuclear non-proliferation. As a passionate advocate for STEM, he delivers impactful speeches on overcoming adversity, leadership, and achieving the impossible. His authentic approach motivates audiences to embrace challenges and pursue their dreams, making him a sought-after speaker for corporate, educational, and STEM events.
---
### [Eric Termuende](https://wwsg.com/speakers/eric-termuende/)
**Published:** June 9, 2022
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** Eric Termuende is helping leaders build incredible teams and tomorrow’s greatest places to work. His one-degree shift methodology enables leaders to build trust, remove friction, and create a culture of experimentation. Eric has delivered over 400 keynotes to organizations! Contact Worldwide Speakers Group to host Eric at your next conference.
**Content:**
After years spent surveying tens of thousands of people, working with hundreds of category-leading companies, and authoring a bestselling book on the new world of work, Eric Termuende has firmly established himself a trusted expert, delivering a refreshing, actionable message for leaders at every level, as we navigate the future of work together.
---
### [Kaiser Yang](https://wwsg.com/speakers/kaiser-yang/)
**Published:** April 24, 2025
**Author:** wpengine
**Content:**
Kaiser Yang is a dynamic keynote speaker who helps organizations unlock innovation with practical, fast, and accessible strategies that drive real results. With 25 years of experience leading startups and advising global brands like Microsoft and Disney, he brings both credibility and energy to the stage. His engaging style, combined with a proven framework from his award-winning book *Crack the Code*, makes him an ideal speaker for events focused on growth, creativity, and competitive advantage.
---
### [Tyler Gillum](https://wwsg.com/speakers/tyler-gillum/)
**Published:** July 31, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
Tyler Gillum brings the leadership philosophy behind the Savannah Bananas to audiences looking to build stronger teams and organizations. After spending more than a decade coaching collegiate baseball and helping shape the Banana Ball movement, Tyler shares the lessons that have driven championship teams, unforgettable fan experiences, and a people-first culture. His message encourages audiences to bet on themselves and invest in those around them.
---
### [Soren Kaplan](https://wwsg.com/speakers/soren-kaplan/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Lasting innovation starts with the way people think, lead, and adapt. For more than 30 years, Dr. Soren Kaplan has helped organizations rethink leadership, navigate disruption, and create cultures that embrace change. A Wall Street Journal bestselling author and organizational psychologist, he brings together research, executive experience, and practical tools that help leaders turn today’s challenges into tomorrow’s opportunities.
---
### [Maddy Dychtwald](https://wwsg.com/speakers/maddy-dychtwald/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Maddy Dychtwald is an internationally recognized author, entrepreneur, business advisor, and thought leader on the age wave—and how longevity and the ascent of women are transforming the marketplace, the workplace, the retirement scape, and how we do business. Since co-founding Age Wave more than 30 years ago, Maddy and her team have worked with more than half of the Fortune 500 in industries ranging from pharmaceuticals and medical technology to financial services and marketing.
---
### [Jack Shaw](https://wwsg.com/speakers/jack-shaw/)
**Published:** August 15, 2023
**Author:** Riley Sims
**Content:**
Jack Shaw is one of the world’s leading voices on AI strategy and business transformation. His ability to translate complex AI concepts into clear, actionable guidance makes him an invaluable resource for executive teams navigating rapid technological change. Drawing on more than four decades of experience advising global organizations, Jack equips audiences with practical strategies to drive innovation, improve decision-making, and build long-term competitive advantage.
---
### [Sarah Wells](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sarah-wells/)
**Published:** December 2, 2025
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
Olympian Sarah Wells embodies a rare blend of elite athletic experience, leadership expertise, and energizing storytelling that resonates with audiences of all backgrounds. She delivers practical, actionable strategies that empower teams to embrace excellence, break through limitations, and elevate performance. Event planners value her ability to leave attendees inspired long after the event ends.
---
### [Margie Warrell](https://wwsg.com/speakers/margie-warrell/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** Margie Warrell is a bestselling author whose mission is to embolden braver leadership around the globe; empowering people to lead the change they want to see, beginning within and extending outward. For speaking engagements, contact Worldwide Speakers Group.
**Content:**
Margie Warrell is a bestselling author whose mission is to embolden braver leadership around the globe; empowering people to lead the change they want to see, beginning within and extending outward.
Margie draws on her background in business, psychology, and coaching to get to the heart of what holds people (and organizations) back. Her Live Brave podcast and bestselling books — *You’ve Got This!, Train the Brave, Make Your Mark, Stop Playing Safe, Find Your Courage,* and *The Courage Gap* — reflect her passion to unlock the potential people have and to overcome the fears and false beliefs that keep them from making their biggest mark.
---
### [Michelle Giuda](https://wwsg.com/speakers/michelle-giuda/)
**Published:** July 27, 2026
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
Michelle Giuda is one of the most compelling voices on American leadership and excellence. A former U.S. Assistant Secretary of State and two-time UCLA gymnastics team captain, she carried the discipline of an NCAA championship squad into a career spanning government, global communications, and diplomacy, including leading the State Department’s largest modernization in two decades.
Giuda speaks on what drives elite performance — in sport, government, and business — and how everyone plays a role in ensuring America leads in a new geopolitical era. Event planners looking for a speaker who inspires individual, organizational and national excellence will find her message timely and unforgettable.
---
### [John Kasich](https://wwsg.com/speakers/john-kasich/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Governor John Kasich brings decades of executive leadership across government, business, and finance to help audiences navigate today’s rapidly evolving political and economic landscape. Through thoughtful insights and real-world experience, he equips leaders with practical strategies for leading with integrity, building consensus, and making sound decisions in times of uncertainty.
---
### [Pierre Yared](https://wwsg.com/speakers/pierre-yared/)
**Published:** July 7, 2026
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
Pierre Yared offers audiences a rare opportunity to hear from a leading economist who has operated at the highest levels of academia and government. As Acting Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers and a distinguished professor at Columbia Business School, he provides clear, actionable insights on fiscal policy, central banking, government debt, inflation, and the economic forces shaping business and investment decisions. His engaging teaching style and ability to translate complex economic issues into practical takeaways make him a valuable speaker for corporate, financial, policy, and executive audiences.
---
### [Tasha Eurich](https://wwsg.com/speakers/tasha-eurich/)
**Published:** April 19, 2018
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Dr. Tasha Eurich brings world-class expertise in organizational psychology and leadership to every stage, translating cutting-edge research into practical strategies that help leaders and teams perform at their best under pressure. As a trusted advisor to organizations including Google, Microsoft, Walmart, and the White House Leadership Development Program, she delivers insights that are both highly credible and immediately applicable.
Event planners value her ability to engage audiences with compelling storytelling, actionable tools, and evidence-based frameworks that drive lasting improvements in leadership effectiveness, self-awareness, and organizational performance.
---
### [Abigail Posner](https://wwsg.com/speakers/abigail-posner/)
**Published:** July 22, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
As AI transforms the way we work and lead, Abigail Posner helps organizations harness technology without losing sight of what makes people indispensable. A Harvard trained anthropologist and former Director of U.S. Creative Works at Google, she combines expertise in human behavior, innovation, and strategy to help leaders navigate change, unlock creativity, and drive meaningful transformation. Through engaging storytelling and practical insights, Abigail empowers audiences to embrace their Human Code, using their unique perspectives and experiences to fuel innovation, strengthen leadership, and create lasting competitive advantage in an AI driven world.
---
### [Pat McCrory](https://wwsg.com/speakers/pat-mccrory/)
**Published:** April 19, 2017
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Governor Pat McCrory brings audiences firsthand insight into the challenges shaping today’s political, economic, and business landscape. Drawing on decades of executive leadership in both the public and private sectors, he delivers practical lessons on bipartisan leadership, infrastructure, economic growth, crisis management, and navigating change—equipping organizations with strategies they can apply long after the event.
---
### [James Crabtree](https://wwsg.com/speakers/james-crabtree/)
**Published:** July 17, 2026
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
Award-winning author James Crabtree helps audiences understand the geopolitical and technological shifts transforming global security and commerce, from Asia and the Indo-Pacific to Europe and beyond. Drawing on decades of experience as an advisor, strategist and front-line journalist, he delivers nuanced, actionable insights that help leaders navigate an increasingly complex international landscape.
---
### [Tom Jones](https://wwsg.com/speakers/tom-jones/)
**Published:** January 21, 2015
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** Tom Jones is a former United States astronaut who works as a planetary scientist, space operations consultant, astronaut speaker, and author.
**Content:**
Tom Jones, PhD, is a scientist, speaker, author, pilot, and veteran NASA astronaut. In more than eleven years with NASA, he flew on four space shuttle missions to Earth orbit. On his last flight, Dr. Jones led three spacewalks to install the centerpiece of the International Space Station, the American Destiny laboratory. He has spent fifty-three days working and living in space.
---
### [Victor Vescovo](https://wwsg.com/speakers/victor-vescovo/)
**Published:** July 22, 2022
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Victor Vescovo is the first person to ever explore the deepest points in all five of the world’s oceans. This is truly groundbreaking—more people have walked on the surface of the moon than have been to the bottom of even a single ocean. Victor’s incredible talks reveal the challenges of designing and building the most advanced deep-diving submersible in history and share never-before-seen images from the ocean floor. He shares the complications and victories of diving to the deepest parts of the world, and what we an all learn from the 95% of our oceans that have yet to be explored.
---
### [Darrell Bricker](https://wwsg.com/speakers/darrell-bricker/)
**Published:** June 23, 2026
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
The biggest economic story of the twenty-first century is not artificial intelligence; it is population change.
Darrell Bricker is one of the world’s leading authorities on the demographic changes rewriting the rules of global business, markets, and economic growth. As the former Global CEO of Ipsos Public Affairs and co-author of the international bestseller *Empty Planet*, he has spent decades advising major corporations and governments on how falling birth rates and aging populations are transforming consumer demand and labor forces. In his customized presentations, Bricker challenges conventional wisdom with hard evidence, helping leaders look past the noise of technology to see where future growth is truly moving. Audiences leave equipped with a clear, actionable roadmap to navigate and thrive in a world that will be older, smaller, and fundamentally different.
---
### [Moiya McTier](https://wwsg.com/speakers/moiya-mctier/)
**Published:** March 24, 2023
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
Dr. Moiya McTier has given hundreds of talks around the world on a wide range of topics, from the physics of water to global eclipse rituals. She transforms complex scientific ideas into engaging, accessible stories that captivate audiences of all backgrounds. Blending expertise in astrophysics, folklore, and science communication, she delivers thought-provoking keynotes that inspire curiosity, spark meaningful conversations, and leave attendees with a deeper appreciation for science, creativity, and the world around them.
---
### [Nicholas Christakis](https://wwsg.com/speakers/nicholas-christakis/)
**Published:** April 11, 2024
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
Dr. Nicholas Christakis is a world-renowned expert on social artificial intelligence, social networks, human behavior, and public health, making him an exceptional keynote speaker for any conference. As a Sterling Professor at Yale and Director of the Human Nature Lab, his groundbreaking research explores how social contagion, AI, and evolutionary biology shape society. A bestselling author and one of *Time* magazine’s 100 most influential people, Dr. Christakis brings a unique, data-driven perspective on innovation, resilience, and the future of human interaction—offering audiences both deep insights and actionable takeaways.
---
### [Vladimir Kara-Murza](https://wwsg.com/speakers/vladimir-kara-murza/)
**Published:** April 30, 2025
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
Vladimir Kara-Murza brings extraordinary moral authority and firsthand insight into the global struggle for democracy and human rights. As a historian, journalist, and former political prisoner who risked—and nearly lost—his life opposing authoritarianism, he offers a uniquely courageous perspective on the power of individual conscience against systemic oppression. His experience, intellect, and global impact make him a profoundly compelling keynote speaker.
---
### [The Second City](https://wwsg.com/speakers/second-city-communications/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
From the world-famous The Second City—the legendary comedy theater that launched the careers of Dan Aykroyd, John Belushi, Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Steve Carell, and Stephen Colbert—comes a proven methodology that helps organizations strengthen communication, collaboration, creativity, and leadership. Through engaging, interactive experiences, The Second City equips audiences with practical skills they can immediately apply to build stronger teams and navigate change with confidence.
---
### [Jesse Cole](https://wwsg.com/speakers/jesse-cole/)
**Published:** July 10, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
Jesse Cole is a high-energy keynote speaker who inspires organizations to think differently. Drawing on the success of the Savannah Bananas, he shares practical lessons on creating unforgettable experiences and building lifelong fans. His presentations are entertaining, insightful, and filled with real-world examples that audiences can put into action right away.
---
### [George Yeo](https://wwsg.com/speakers/george-yeo/)
**Published:** July 10, 2026
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
George Yeo brings audiences an insider’s perspective on the geopolitical forces reshaping global business, trade, and international diplomacy. Drawing on decades of leadership in government and the private sector, he equips organizations with practical insights into navigating an increasingly complex world.
---
### [Dan Buettner](https://wwsg.com/speakers/dan-buettner/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Event planners seeking a speaker who can truly inspire lasting lifestyle and organizational change will find exceptional value in Dan Buettner. His engaging, research-driven presentations blend storytelling, science, and stunning *National Geographic* visuals—leaving audiences energized and equipped with practical takeaways for improving well-being and performance. Whether addressing corporate teams, healthcare professionals, or community leaders, Buettner delivers an unforgettable experience that sparks measurable impact long after the event ends.
---
### [Michael Carbonaro](https://wwsg.com/speakers/michael-carbonaro/)
**Published:** July 1, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
Michael Carbonaro is one of today’s most original entertainers, known for turning everyday moments into extraordinary experiences. As the creator and star of truTV’s hit series *The Carbonaro Effect*, he combines mind-blowing magic with quick-witted humor to leave audiences amazed and fully engaged. His interactive performances create an atmosphere of surprise and connection that few speakers can match. Whether for a conference, client event, or special gathering, Michael delivers an experience that is memorable, energizing, and unlike anything audiences have seen before.
---
### [Mark Schulman](https://wwsg.com/speakers/mark-schulman/)
**Published:** July 1, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
Mark Schulman brings more than 30 years of experience performing alongside legendary artists including P!NK, Cher, Billy Idol, Stevie Nicks, Foreigner, and Simple Minds. Having played for more than one billion people at the Grammys, Saturday Night Live, the American Music Awards, and other global stages, he knows what it takes to perform under pressure. Through high-energy keynotes that blend live music, storytelling, and actionable insights, Mark helps audiences build resilience, elevate performance, and develop a true rockstar mindset.
---
### [Robert Zoellick](https://wwsg.com/speakers/robert-zoellick/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** The former President of the World Bank Group from 2007-2012, Trade Representative from 2001 to 2005, and Deputy Secretary of State from 2005 to 2006, Robert Zoellick is one of the world’s most distinguished authorities on the global economy, international finance, and foreign policy. He is unrivaled in his depth and breadth of what makes global economies tick and how best to operate in an increasingly global market.
**Content:**
The former President of the World Bank Group from 2007-2012, Trade Representative from 2001 to 2005, and Deputy Secretary of State from 2005 to 2006, Robert Zoellick is one of the world’s most distinguished authorities on the global economy, international finance, and foreign policy. He is unrivaled in his depth and breadth of what makes global economies tick and how best to operate in an increasingly global market.
Zoellick is a recipient of the Distinguished Service Award, the Department of State’s highest honor, and continues his work as a top expert in finance and economics as the non-executive chairman of Alliance Bernstein, a leading global investment management firm that offers high-quality research and diversified investment services to institutional investors, individuals, and private wealth clients in major world markets.
---
### [Molly Bloom](https://wwsg.com/speakers/molly-bloom/)
**Published:** July 20, 2022
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Molly Bloom is a top inspirational keynote speaker, entrepreneur, and bestselling author of *Molly’s Game*. Her memoir was adapted into an award-winning film by Aaron Sorkin. Bloom has appeared on numerous shows and in media outlets such as *Ellen*, *Vice, The Los Angeles Times,* NPR, *Vulture,* and has been asked to speak at *Fortune’s* Most Powerful Women. Molly was also in the Top 3 of the U.S. Ski Team until 2002.
---
### [Ron Johnson](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ron-johnson/)
**Published:** June 25, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
Ron Johnson is best known for creating the Apple Stores while working directly for Steve Jobs as a member of Apple’s executive team. Prior to Apple Ron was highly regarded for he work he did with Michael Graves bringing good design to Target. As CEO of JCPenney he attempted to reinvent the department store in what was one of the boldest retail transformations ever. Ron’s highly anticipated book, *Shop Different: How Retail revealed Apple’s Genius,* is being published by HarperCollins and available September 22, 2026. Ron is an inspiring story teller, speaker and author who motivates audiences with his passion, humility and unique perspective on life. Ron helps organizations drive game changing innovation, deliver groundbreaking customer service and create inspiring workplace cultures.
---
### [Trent Gillespie](https://wwsg.com/speakers/trent-gillespie/)
**Published:** March 10, 2026
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
Trent Gillespie is a leading AI strategist, CEO of Stellis AI, and former Amazon executive with more than 25 years of experience driving innovation at scale. During his nearly decade-longtenure at Amazon, he led global technology initiatives, including Alexa Privacy, Risk, and Compliance, and helped transform Amazon’s last-mile delivery capabilities through AI-powered innovation. Today, Trent partners with organizations to operationalize AI in ways that drive measurable business growth while keeping ethics, trust, and human impact at the forefront. As the only keynote speaker who is also an OpenAI SMB Channel Partner, he offers audiences a rare blend of visionary insight and real-world implementation expertise that leaders can immediately apply.
---
### [David Lochridge](https://wwsg.com/speakers/david-lochridge/)
**Published:** February 24, 2026
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
Organizations that host David Lochridge offer audiences more than a compelling story from the OceanGate whistleblower—they deliver hard-earned lessons from environments where failure has permanent consequences. Drawing on his experience as a career submersible pilot, David equips leaders and teams with practical frameworks for strengthening safety culture, improving decision-making under pressure, and building organizations where concerns are addressed before crisis strikes. His grounded delivery, operational credibility, and real-world relevance ensure a keynote that is both unforgettable and immediately actionable.
---
### [Richard Florida](https://wwsg.com/speakers/richard-florida/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Richard Florida brings powerful insight on how creativity, talent, and place drive growth in today’s economy. Drawing on decades of research and his influential Harvard Business Review work, he equips leaders with practical strategies to attract, motivate, and lead creative people. Audiences leave with a clearer roadmap for building innovative, high-performing organizations.
---
### [Niall Ferguson](https://wwsg.com/speakers/niall-ferguson/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** With erudition, eloquence, and humor, Niall Ferguson specializes in putting today’s economic shifts, social changes, and political disruptions into historical perspective, using the past as a roadmap to the future.
**Content:**
One of the world’s most accomplished historians and provocative commentators on global politics and economics, Niall Ferguson stands at the crossroads of past, present, and future. As the author of sixteen books, Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institution at Stanford University and a senior faculty fellow of the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs at Harvard, Ferguson has provided audiences worldwide with unparalleled insight and knowledge.
With erudition, eloquence, and humor, Ferguson specializes in putting today’s economic shifts, social changes, and political disruptions into historical perspective, using the past as a roadmap to the future.
---
### [Brad Meltzer](https://wwsg.com/speakers/brad-meltzer/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Brad Meltzer has built a career uncovering the stories, people, and moments that have shaped America. As a #1 New York Times bestselling author and host of multiple History Channel series, he brings together history, leadership, and storytelling in a way that helps audiences see familiar topics from a completely new perspective. From presidential mysteries and untold historical events to the everyday individuals who create lasting change, Brad challenges audiences to think differently about the world around them. His presentations leave audiences with practical lessons drawn from history and a renewed appreciation for the impact one person can make.
---
### [Erin Stafford](https://wwsg.com/speakers/erin-stafford/)
**Published:** September 8, 2023
**Author:** Riley Sims
**Excerpt:** For keynote speeches that inspire you and your audience to transform their mindset in a way that leads to greater success without the burnout, there’s no better choice than Erin Stafford.
**Content:**
Erin Stafford is a best-selling author, burnout survivor, high-performance strategist and Cambridge social psychologist. From working with the world’s highest achievers throughout her 20+ year international career, being a life-long Type A poster child herself, as well as interviewing and surveying thousands of Olympians, Fortune 100 leaders, and celebrities, Erin has seen firsthand how hustle culture and constant over-achievement are coveted in the world of business, yet can lead to debilitating burnout.
As the former head of marketing for the nation’s largest healthcare staffing company, where she helped drive 27x growth in six years, Erin is passionate about helping leaders and teams be more resilient in the face of change, sustain peak performance and thrive again both personally and professionally.
---
### [Marc Short](https://wwsg.com/speakers/marc-short/)
**Published:** January 19, 2021
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** Marc Short most recently served as Chief of Staff to Vice President Mike Pence. Mr. Short also served as Assistant to the President and Director of Legislative Affairs at the White House for President Donald J. Trump. As the legislative affairs director, he worked to successfully pass the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and shepherd through the nomination of Justice Neil Gorsuch.
**Content:**
Marc Short brings a wealth of high-level government and media experience to the stage, offering audiences a rare, behind-the-scenes perspective on today’s [political landscape](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/government-and-politics/). As former Chief of Staff to Vice President Mike Pence and Director of Legislative Affairs under President Trump, he provides firsthand insight into the inner workings of Congress and the White House. His current roles as a network contributor and university fellow keep him at the forefront of political trends and bipartisan dialogue. Event planners will find Marc to be a compelling speaker for keynotes or panels focused on leadership, policy, or navigating political change.
---
### [Randi Kaye](https://wwsg.com/speakers/randi-kaye/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Hosting Randi Kaye adds extraordinary value to any event with her Emmy Award-winning journalism and decades of frontline reporting experience. As a skilled communicator and trusted CNN correspondent, she brings credibility, insight, and poise—whether delivering a keynote or moderating high-stakes discussions. Her ability to engage audiences with clarity and depth makes her an ideal choice for professional meetings and events.
---
### [Jon Krohn](https://wwsg.com/speakers/jon-krohn/)
**Published:** March 28, 2024
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
Jon Krohn is Co-Founder and CEO of the New York-based AI-software company Y Carrot. He authored the book *[Deep Learning Illustrated](https://www.deeplearningillustrated.com/ "https://www.deeplearningillustrated.com/")*, an instant #1 bestseller translated into seven languages, and hosts *[SuperDataScience](https://www.youtube.com/@SuperDataScienceWithJonKrohn "https://www.youtube.com/@SuperDataScienceWithJonKrohn")*, which draws eight million downloads per year, making it the data science industry’s most listened-to podcast. He holds a fellowship at Lightning AI, supervises AI-robotics research at the University of Auckland, lectures at leading universities (Columbia, NYU, Wharton) and keynotes at top global conferences. He is a regular AI commentator for general audiences on Bloomberg TV and CBS PrimeTime News. His Oxford PhD focused on machine learning and he has been publishing in prominent academic journals since 2010.
---
### [Peter Goodman](https://wwsg.com/speakers/peter-goodman/)
**Published:** July 30, 2024
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
Peter S. Goodman is a leading voice on the intersection of economics and geopolitics. His in-depth reporting illuminates the real-world consequences of globalization, offering valuable insights for businesses and policymakers alike. Goodman’s ability to connect macroeconomic trends to the lived experiences of individuals makes him a sought-after speaker and commentator. In particular, his research on the global supply chain provides crucial guidance for organizations navigating an increasingly complex and interconnected world.
---
### [Ryan Dusick](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ryan-dusick/)
**Published:** August 31, 2023
**Author:** Riley Sims
**Content:**
Ryan Dusick is passionate about bringing compassion and inspiration to those suffering through mental health challenges. He believes his purpose in life is to offer support, insight, and helpful guidance to those on their journey from struggling to thriving. With his time spent in the music industry and as a life coach and licensed therapist, Ryan is highly equipped to provide a uniquely crafted experience which is guaranteed to uplift an audience.
---
### [Mike Pence](https://wwsg.com/speakers/mike-pence/)
**Published:** March 22, 2021
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** The Honorable Michael R. Pence, 48th Vice President of the United States, is known for gracefully advancing conservative policies with respect to limited government, fiscal responsibility, economic development, educational opportunity, and upholding the fundamental virtues of the U.S. Constitution.
**Content:**
Mike Pence, 48th Vice President of the United States, is known for gracefully advancing conservative policies with respect to limited government, fiscal responsibility, economic development, educational opportunity, and upholding the fundamental virtues of the U.S. Constitution.
In March 2022, Pence’s policy organization Advancing American Freedom announced its Freedom Agenda, a vision for restoring freedom and a framework of ideas and solutions for how to achieve that vision. The Freedom Agenda provides a clear set of ideas that conservative leaders can use to advance a positive vision for the future and addresses the top priorities of the American people: economic opportunity, American strength and leadership on the world stage, and American culture.
His autobiography, [*So Help Me God*](https://wwsg.com/announcements/now-available-so-help-me-god-by-mike-pence/), published in 2022 and his second book, [*Go Home for Dinner*](https://wwsg.com/announcements/now-available-go-home-for-dinner-by-mike-pence/) published in 2023. His third book, [*What Conservatives Believe*](https://wwsg.com/announcements/coming-soon-what-conservatives-believe-by-mike-pence/), was published in June 2026.
Pence is widely respected for his courage, resolve, and faithfulness to his country.
---
### [Olga Koroleva](https://wwsg.com/speakers/olga-koroleva/)
**Published:** June 22, 2022
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** An entrepreneur and professional mountaineer, Olga Koroleva's triumphs are limitless, both in the boardroom and on the mountain. Koroleva is the founder and CEO of Capital Brain, a company that harnesses the power of AI to streamline real estate acquisitions, asset management, and investment sales. An adventurer by nature, she has also completed over 40 expeditions, summiting the highest, the deadliest, and the hardest mountains on the planet. The lessons and similarities she has gleaned over the course of her career deliver an exciting and insightful presentation to audiences of all kinds.
**Content:**
As a technology pioneer in capital markets, entrepreneur, and world-class mountaineer, Olga Koroleva’s capabilities and triumphs are limitless, both in the boardroom and on the mountain. She is the founder and CEO of Capital Brain, a company that creates AI-run investment strategies to invest in real estate and public securities. An adventurer by nature, she has also completed over 40 expeditions, summiting the highest, the deadliest, and the hardest mountains on the planet (Mount Everest, Annapurna I, and K2). The lessons and similarities she has gleaned over the course of her career deliver an exciting and insightful presentation to audiences of all kinds.
---
### [Eric Holcomb](https://wwsg.com/speakers/eric-holcomb/)
**Published:** April 7, 2025
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
Eric Holcomb is a dynamic and results-driven leader with a proven track record in economic growth, infrastructure development, and workforce innovation. As Indiana’s 51st Governor, he spearheaded transformative initiatives that positioned the state as a national leader in business, technology, and public health. His ability to engage audiences with real-world insights on leadership, economic development, and policy innovation makes him an invaluable keynote speaker for any event.
---
### [Will Guidara](https://wwsg.com/speakers/will-guidara/)
**Published:** October 2, 2024
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
Will Guidara shares how we can all transform ordinary transactions into extraordinary experiences. Guidara urges us all to find the magic in what we do—for ourselves, the people we work with, and the people we serve.
---
### [Tyler Goodspeed](https://wwsg.com/speakers/tyler-goodspeed/)
**Published:** September 8, 2021
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Event planners seeking a speaker who can connect global economic forces to real-world business and policy decisions will find exceptional value in hosting Dr. Tyler Goodspeed. Drawing on his experience as former Chairman of the White House Council of Economic Advisers and now Chief Economist at ExxonMobil, Dr. Goodspeed delivers sharp, data-driven insights on how fiscal policy, geopolitics, and markets intersect to shape opportunity and risk. His presentations equip audiences with the clarity and context needed to navigate uncertainty and make smarter strategic decisions in a volatile global economy.
---
### [Daymond John](https://wwsg.com/speakers/daymond-john/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Daymond John is a dynamic speaker who brings a unique blend of entrepreneurial insight, branding expertise, and inspirational storytelling to every stage. As the founder of FUBU and a longtime investor on *Shark Tank*, he offers real-world lessons on building a business from the ground up and staying relevant in a competitive marketplace. His personal journey—from growing up in Queens to becoming a self-made millionaire—resonates with audiences of all kinds, from corporate teams to aspiring entrepreneurs. Daymond’s energy, authenticity, and actionable advice make him a standout speaker who not only motivates but equips audiences to take meaningful steps toward success.
---
### [Johnny Quinn](https://wwsg.com/speakers/johnny-quinn/)
**Published:** June 28, 2022
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** Olympic bobsledder Johnny Quinn is a highly sought-after speaker for businesses and organizations of all sizes. Known for his thought-provoking and action-packed speeches, Johnny has been featured on every major news network as well as written about in TIME, USA Today, and The Wall Street Journal. Johnny's speeches are supercharged with powerful and relatable content. Give your audience the gift of an engaging and entertaining speaker!
**Content:**
Johnny Quinn is a dynamic keynote speaker, U.S. Olympian, and former pro football player who helps organizations Push What’s Possible by turning great teams into unstoppable ultra performers who stay ready for what’s next. His P.U.S.H. framework has equipped thousands at organizations like Toyota, Southwest Airlines, and Verizon to collaborate more effectively, stay agile during disruption, and build momentum—no matter the season. By helping audiences push past what’s holding them back, he helps them discover untapped potential they didn’t know they had.
---
### [Patrick McGee](https://wwsg.com/speakers/patrick-mcgee/)
**Published:** March 19, 2025
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
Patrick McGee is a compelling keynote speaker, bringing over a decade of global journalism experience from the *Financial Times* and *The Wall Street Journal*. His award-winning reporting on Apple, electric vehicles, and emerging technologies offers audiences unparalleled insights, told through concrete stories, into the forces shaping our digital future.
His debut book, [Apple in China](https://wwsg.com/announcements/patrick-mcgees-book-apple-in-china-the-capture-of-the-worlds-greatest-company-coming-soon/ "https://wwsg.com/announcements/patrick-mcgees-book-apple-in-china-the-capture-of-the-worlds-greatest-company-coming-soon/"), was widely recognized as a top book of 2025 including by the *New York Times*, *Foreign Affairs*, and *The New Yorker*; it won SABEW’s Best Business Book of the Year award and was named the best China book of the year by China specialists polled by Semafor.
Patrick delivers a deeply researched, behind-the-scenes look at how the world’s most valuable company became entwined with America’s biggest rival—including the complex supply chain that underpins its global operations. With his engaging storytelling and sharp analysis, Patrick provides event attendees with thought-provoking perspectives on technology, business, and global markets.
---
### [Robert Califf](https://wwsg.com/speakers/robert-califf/)
**Published:** June 12, 2026
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
Dr. Robert Califf brings an unparalleled perspective on the future of healthcare, having led the FDA through pivotal moments in public health, medical innovation, and regulatory policy. Combining decades of experience as a physician, researcher, healthcare executive, and policymaker, he helps audiences understand the forces reshaping medicine—from artificial intelligence and drug development to healthcare economics and public trust. Event planners value his ability to translate complex healthcare challenges into clear, actionable insights for healthcare, business, academic, and policy audiences alike.
---
### [Martin Gruenberg](https://wwsg.com/speakers/martin-gruenberg/)
**Published:** January 17, 2025
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
With an extensive background in financial regulation, banking policy, and international finance, Martin Gruenberg is an ideal keynote speaker for conferences and roundtables focused on financial stability, regulatory frameworks, or the future of the banking system. With decades of experience at the FDIC, including multiple tenures as Chairman, and a deep understanding of both domestic and global financial systems, Mr. Gruenberg offers valuable insights on navigating complex regulatory environments, managing risk, and ensuring systemic resilience. His leadership roles in key international organizations, including the Financial Stability Board, further position him as a thought leader capable of addressing the most pressing challenges in today’s financial landscape.
---
### [Dave Chokshi](https://wwsg.com/speakers/dave-chokshi/)
**Published:** May 2, 2022
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** Dr. Dave A. Chokshi has held successive senior leadership roles that span the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. A Rhodes Scholar and White House Fellow, he is nationally recognized as a transformational leader, a clinical innovator, a policy expert, and a fierce advocate for a stronger and more equitable health system.
**Content:**
For event planners seeking a speaker who can connect the future of healthcare with today’s most pressing challenges, Dr. Dave Chokshi delivers both strategic insight and real-world experience. Having led New York City’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic while serving as a practicing physician and healthcare executive, he offers audiences a unique perspective on healthcare innovation, public health, leadership, and policy. His presentations help organizations better understand the forces shaping healthcare’s future—from AI and digital transformation to health equity and system-wide resilience—while providing actionable takeaways for leaders navigating change.
---
### [Scott Hamilton](https://wwsg.com/speakers/scott-hamilton/)
**Published:** December 13, 2018
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Scott Hamilton is one of the most popular figure skating stars of all time. A former world champion and Olympic medalist, Hamilton’s skating has inspired and motivated many athletes and individuals to be their best and achieve their dreams. Following his diagnosis with cancer, Hamilton became an inspiration in other ways, by battling back from his illness and defeating the odds. Succeeding in both career and personal challenges have made Hamilton a unique and admired motivational speaker**.**
---
### [John Peck](https://wwsg.com/speakers/john-peck/)
**Published:** January 30, 2019
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Marine Sgt. John Peck survived an improvised explosive device (IED) attack during the War on Terror that left him with a traumatic brain injury, amnesia, and cost him his marriage. He survived another IED attack three years later, which left him with three and a half limbs missing. He’s one of only two living people to survive the flesh-eating fungus he contracted in recovery, which left him as a quadruple amputee. And that’s only the beginning of his story.
---
### [Julie Gerberding](https://wwsg.com/speakers/julie-gerberding/)
**Published:** May 17, 2021
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Dr. Julie Gerberding analyzes health risks and their related social and economic consequences and defines the necessary strategies and steps to assure we not only have the resilience to address urgent crises, but also the investments necessary to improve our overall health and wellness.
---
### [Montel Williams](https://wwsg.com/speakers/montel-williams/)
**Published:** May 20, 2021
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
As an internationally recognized, award-winning media personality, it’s no surprise that Montel Williams delivers an electrifying experience to audiences. Utilizing his signature style of vulnerable storytelling, Williams captivates viewers while uncovering his life experiences as a decorated former naval officer, beloved talk show host, and best-selling author.
---
### [Melissa Stockwell](https://wwsg.com/speakers/melissa-stockwell/)
**Published:** February 1, 2022
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Melissa Stockwell’s captivating personal story of overcoming grief and hardship leaves audiences simultaneously touched and motivated. Her keynote speeches inspire and remind attendees that there is always a silver lining and it’s never too late to grow and improve.
*“I am thankful daily for those that have helped me live a life of sport. It builds confidence, it changes lives and as I compete and stand on podiums around the world I realize that I wouldn’t have it any other way. Life is so good.” –Melissa Stockwell*
---
### [John O'Leary](https://wwsg.com/speakers/john-oleary/)
**Published:** June 23, 2022
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** John O'Leary is a radiant example of thriving through adversity. In his presentations, John uses illustrates obstacles and triumphs to illuminate the ways in which the audience can not only survive, but thrive. Contact WWSG to host him for a speaking engagement.
**Content:**
Given less than a 1% chance of survival after a devastating accident at age nine, John O’Leary is living proof of the power of the human spirit. His unlikely recovery marked the beginning of a journey filled with pain and loss—one that could have easily been insurmountable. Yet John is far more than a survivor; he’s a radiant example of what it means to thrive through adversity. In his presentations, he draws on his obstacles and triumphs to show audiences how they, too, can not only survive but flourish. His remarkable story reaches even more people with *Soul on Fire*, a major motion picture from Sony that came out in October 2025.
---
### [Chris Gardner](https://wwsg.com/speakers/chris-gardner/)
**Published:** June 28, 2022
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Chris Gardner’s autobiography was the inspiration behind the the critically acclaimed, iconic film *The Persuit of Happyness.* Chris can motivate and enlighten all kinds of audiences with his candid, heartfelt story and practicable methods for success.
---
### [Johnny Crowder](https://wwsg.com/speakers/johnny-crowder/)
**Published:** July 19, 2022
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Johnny Crowder is the founder and CEO of Cope Notes, a science and text-based mental health platform that provides daily support to healthcare systems, employers, government agencies and individuals in nearly 100 countries around the world. He is also a well-known mental health advocate and suicide survivor, Certified Recovery Peer Specialist, million-plus view TEDx speaker, and Billboard-charting musician.
---
### [Damon West](https://wwsg.com/speakers/damon-west/)
**Published:** July 19, 2022
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Damon West, M.S. Criminal Justice, is a college professor, internationally known keynote speaker and best-selling author of *The Coffee Bean: A simple Lesson to Create Positive Change*. His first book and autobiography, *The Change Agent: How a Former College QB Sentenced to Life in Prison Transformed His World*, was published just three years after his release from a Texas maximum-security prison.
---
### [Kevin Atlas](https://wwsg.com/speakers/kevin-atlas/)
**Published:** August 2, 2022
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
In his speeches, Kevin Atlas uses his own inspirational journey as a jumping off point to examine the challenges faced by others. His triumphs help audiences see their own problems in a new light. He shares his story to help change attitudes and perspectives of youth, corporate, faith-based, and international audiences. Kevin’s engaging manner, easy confidence, and comfort around others make his presentation a sure-fire success for audiences of every background and description.
---
### [Lance Armstrong](https://wwsg.com/speakers/lance-armstrong/)
**Published:** May 25, 2023
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
One of the most iconic athletes and recognizable names in the world, Lance Armstong’s incredible journey has a massive impact with audiences. Learn what it takes to be the best, to win at all costs (and then pay the cost). Lance’s story of grit, tenacity and overcoming Stage 3 testicular cancer to win 7 consecutive Tour de France races is fascinating. Lance founded the Livestrong Foundation, raising over a half billion dollars for cancer research. His story of redemption and reinvention is powerful and he shares with the audience what happened, how it happened and that he is 100% accountable for his journey. He continues to focus on health, athletics and raising his family. Lance leads WEDU, the global content and media platform and hosts two hugely popular podcasts, The Move and The Forward. Lance is also the Managing Partner at Next Ventures, the investment fund that focus on human optimization, wellness and athletics.
---
### [Jason Schechterle](https://wwsg.com/speakers/jason-schechterle/)
**Published:** December 22, 2023
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Excerpt:** Jason Schechterle: His incredible story of survival is his calling. He shares a new perspective on life and transformation in an event you’ll never forget.
**Content:**
A police officer trapped inside a burning vehicle, Jason Schechterle suffered extreme burns to over 40% of his body, dramatically altering his appearance. He represents the human experience at its very best—an uphill climb from despair to describing himself as the luckiest person alive today. His incredible story of survival is now his calling. He shares a new perspective on life, rebirth, and transformation in an event you’ll never forget.
---
### [Aaron Lazar](https://wwsg.com/speakers/aaron-lazar/)
**Published:** February 15, 2024
**Author:** Riley Sims
**Content:**
Renowned actor and Broadway luminary Aaron Lazar recently revealed his battle with ALS through his speaking platform, Impossible Dream. Drawing inspiration from the iconic song he performs in his talks, Aaron’s platform delivers powerful messages of hope, courage, positivity, love, and living in the moment. With a commanding yet graceful stage presence, Aaron effortlessly conveys his important message to audiences of all sizes. His versatility and vulnerability shine through in the Impossible Dream, making it a source of motivation and inspiration for diverse industries. In the realm of speakers, Aaron Lazar stands out as an extraordinary talent with a compelling story and a once-in-a-generation voice, signaling the beginning of an impactful journey.
---
### [James Lawrence](https://wwsg.com/speakers/james-lawrence/)
**Published:** August 20, 2024
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
James Lawrence is an ultra-endurance athlete who has pushed himself beyond what many doctors previously believed to be physiologically possible. In so doing, he has redefined both mental toughness and physical endurance. James now shows audiences how to remove excuses from their own lives in order to unlock more ability and redefine impossible.
---
### [Travis Mills](https://wwsg.com/speakers/travis-mills/)
**Published:** June 12, 2025
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
Known as one of the most powerful voices on resilience and leadership today, Travis Mills inspires audiences to reframe challenges and live with greater purpose. A retired U.S. Army Staff Sergeant and one of only five quadruple amputees to survive combat injuries in Iraq and Afghanistan, he brings a story of grit, humor, and determination that resonates across industries and audiences. Through keynotes delivered to Fortune 500 companies, healthcare organizations, and global associations, Travis shares hard-earned lessons on overcoming adversity, leading through change, and building stronger teams and communities.
With every talk, he moves audiences from inspiration to action, leaving them with a renewed mindset and a deeper understanding of what it truly means to never give up.
---
### [Robyn Benincasa](https://wwsg.com/speakers/robyn-benincasa/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Robyn Benincasa is the founder of World Class Teams and a world champion adventure racer, CNN Hero, former corporate sales expert, and a full time firefighter. She advises organizations on building World Class Teams of their own. As a result of her many accomplishments, Robyn knows a thing or two about creating human synergy—that magic that allows groups of ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things together. Her *New York Times* best-selling book *How Winning Works* has been reviewed as “an excellent resource for all business owners on approaching challenges with a team mentality.”
---
### [Allen Guelzo](https://wwsg.com/speakers/allen-guelzo/)
**Published:** September 24, 2018
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Booking Dr. Allen Guelzo brings exceptional value to any event through his rare combination of scholarly depth, bestselling authorship, and engaging public presence. A leading historian of Abraham Lincoln, the Civil War, and American political thought, he connects history’s greatest lessons to today’s challenges in leadership, civic life, and culture. With acclaimed books, national media features, and award-winning teaching, Dr. Guelzo delivers thought-provoking presentations that captivate audiences while leaving them with meaningful, lasting insights.
---
### [Max Major](https://wwsg.com/speakers/max-major/)
**Published:** June 9, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
Max Major brings a unique combination of world-class entertainment and insight into human behavior, influence, and communication. Known internationally for his work as a mentalist, he has captivated audiences everywhere from the *America’s Got Talent* stage to events for some of the world’s most recognizable companies, including Google, Microsoft, Amazon, and Salesforce. Drawing on years of studying body language, persuasion, and decision-making, Major challenges audiences to reconsider the limits they place on themselves and the assumptions they make about others. His presentations are highly interactive, memorable, and filled with moments that continue to spark conversation long after the event has ended.
---
### [Larry Hogan](https://wwsg.com/speakers/larry-hogan-2/)
**Published:** June 4, 2026
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
Governor Larry Hogan brings audiences firsthand insight into executive leadership, economic strategy, bipartisan negotiation, and leading through crisis at the highest levels of government and business. His experience as a successful entrepreneur and one of America’s most widely respected governors makes him an impactful speaker for corporations, financial institutions, healthcare organizations, trade associations, and universities seeking practical perspectives on resilience, decision-making, and organizational performance. Whether in a keynote, fireside chat, boardroom discussion, or policy forum, Governor Hogan delivers thoughtful, engaging conversations that connect leadership principles to today’s most pressing business and societal challenges.
---
### [David Frum](https://wwsg.com/speakers/david-frum/)
**Published:** January 9, 2019
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** David Frum’s wit, historical insight, and deep understanding of US politics and governments are familiar to viewers on CNN, MSNBC, the BBC, CBC, and Germany’s ARD and to the near-million followers of his influential Twitter feed. Whether speaking to a concert hall of 3,000 people or an informal seminar of 12, Frum is always an entertaining and enriching speaker, at his best when faced with the most unexpected questions.
**Content:**
David Frum is one of North America’s leading voices of dispassionate, analytic, and independent conservatism. His articles in The Atlantic have been hailed as the most prophetic and insightful studies of U.S. global leadership, open international trade, and democratic institutions with a message that is pro-enterprise and post-partisan.
Frum’s wit, historical insight, and deep understanding of politics, economics, and governance are familiar to viewers on CNN, MSNBC, to television viewers across the English-speaking world, as well as in Canada, in Europe and in India – and of course to his more than 1 million Twitter followers. In the year since it launched in April 2025, the David Frum Show has accumulated almost 20 million audio downloads and YouTube views.
Frum is the author or coauthor of 10 books.
Whether speaking to a concert hall of 3,000 people or an informal seminar of 12, whether joined in friendly or high-tension debate, Frum is always an entertaining and enriching speaker, at his best when faced with the most unexpected questions.
---
### [Lilah Jones](https://wwsg.com/speakers/lilah-jones/)
**Published:** January 26, 2026
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
Event planners choose Lilah Jones for experiences that drive real momentum—not just inspiration. Her interactive keynotes help teams break through stalled decisions, align around clear priorities, and leave with practical tools they can use immediately. Lilah delivers measurable impact that resonates long after the event ends.
---
### [Dan Hampton](https://wwsg.com/speakers/dan-hampton/)
**Published:** May 8, 2026
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
Dan Hampton delivers a rare, firsthand perspective on modern warfare, leadership under pressure, and global risk, shaped by his experience as a triple war combat veteran. His gripping storytelling and real-time geopolitical insights resonate with corporate leaders, defense audiences, and organizations navigating uncertainty. Event planners value his ability to translate high-stakes experiences into actionable lessons on resilience, decision-making, and performance at the highest level.
---
### [Peter Diamandis](https://wwsg.com/speakers/peter-diamandis/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Peter Diamandis is Chairman and CEO of the X PRIZE Foundation, which leads the world in designing and launching large incentive prizes to drive radical breakthroughs for the benefit of humanity.
---
### [Fred Hochberg](https://wwsg.com/speakers/fred-hochberg/)
**Published:** March 6, 2018
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Hochberg has spent decades at the intersection of global policymakers and the business community, growing a family business into a major public company, leading one of the U.S. government’s most important credit institutions and international economic agencies, and serving as dean of a public policy school all the while continuing to be a passionate champion for progressive causes.
---
### [Arthur Brooks](https://wwsg.com/speakers/arthur-brooks/)
**Published:** January 1, 1970
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Dr. Arthur Brooks speaks all around the world about love and happiness, giving more than 150 speeches and lectures per year in the U.S., Europe, and Asia.
“Failure is likely — so face it, learn from it, and get stronger for next time. Without failure, there is no growth.” – Arthur Brooks
---
### [Chris Bashinelli](https://wwsg.com/speakers/chris-bashinelli/)
**Published:** March 14, 2023
**Author:** wpengine
**Content:**
Chris Bashinelli (Bash) takes audiences on an inspirational journey, blending stunning video footage, thought-provoking exercises, and immersive storytelling. He specializes in highly customized events for top performers, high-energy opening keynotes for large audiences, and curated workshops for C-suite leaders. Rather than lecturing from a podium, Bash employs experiential learning—bringing audiences on an adventure that sparks insight, growth, and lasting connection.Known for his authenticity, humility, and deep curiosity for people, Bash creates a rare alchemy of trust, engagement, and transformation. His revolutionary approach to leadership and human connection equips teams to navigate change, embrace challenge, and unlock the potential of their greatest asset—their people. As one client put it, “Bash is a dream speaker!”
---
### [Noreena Hertz](https://wwsg.com/speakers/noreena-hertz/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Noreena Hertz helps audiences make sense of the powerful forces reshaping business, leadership, and society. As a globally recognized economist, bestselling author, and advisor to some of the world’s largest organizations, she offers a unique perspective at the intersection of economics, technology, artificial intelligence, and human behavior. Drawing on experience in both the boardroom and academia, Noreena delivers practical insights on navigating disruption, making better decisions, and leading through transformation. Her thought-provoking presentations combine big-picture analysis with actionable takeaways, leaving audiences better equipped to understand emerging trends and prepare for the future.
---
### [Steve Robbins](https://wwsg.com/speakers/steve-robbins/)
**Published:** August 2, 2019
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Every organization is ultimately powered by people, and Dr. Steve Robbins helps audiences better understand the behaviors that drive workplace success. Drawing from decades of work in communication science, social psychology, and cognitive neuroscience, he examines why people think, communicate, and respond the way they do. Rather than approaching organizational challenges through systems or processes alone, Dr. Steve focuses on the human dynamics behind trust, collaboration, leadership, and performance. His blend of research, storytelling, and real-world insight creates a keynote experience that is as thought-provoking as it is memorable.
---
### [Deborah Lehr](https://wwsg.com/speakers/deborah-lehr/)
**Published:** April 28, 2026
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
Deborah Lehr offers a rare blend of senior government experience, global business leadership, and policy expertise, giving audiences a uniquely comprehensive view of geopolitics, trade, and sustainability. With deep insights into U.S.-China relations, global markets, and ESG trends, she translates complex international issues into clear, strategic guidance for organizations. Event planners value her ability to equip leaders with the context and foresight needed to navigate an increasingly interconnected and uncertain world.
---
### [Michael Breus](https://wwsg.com/speakers/michael-breus/)
**Published:** November 2, 2016
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Dr. Michael Breus helps audiences rethink sleep as a tool for better performance, energy, and overall wellness. Known as “The Sleep Doctor,” he shares practical, science-backed strategies that people can actually use without completely changing their routines. Combining years of clinical experience with research on high performers, Dr. Breus offers a modern approach to sleep optimization that feels realistic, accessible, and highly relevant in today’s fast-paced world.
---
### [Cheryl Cran](https://wwsg.com/speakers/cheryl-cran/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Cheryl Cran is a globally recognized future of work expert who helps leaders and organizations navigate uncertainty, disruption, and rapid change with clarity and confidence. A former financial executive turned leadership advisor, she combines real-world business experience with over two decades of helping organizations build adaptability, resilience, and high-performing teams. Named the #1 Future of Work influencer by Onalytica, Cheryl has worked with companies including Amazon, Gartner, and Upwork. Her engaging keynotes blend practical leadership tools, emotional intelligence, and future-focused insights that help audiences lead and perform at their best in a constantly changing world.
---
### [Edward Fishman](https://wwsg.com/speakers/edward-fishman/)
**Published:** May 7, 2025
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
Edward Fishman is one of the world’s foremost experts on economic statecraft, with deep experience shaping U.S. foreign policy. His *New York Times*–bestselling book [*Chokepoints: American Power in the Age of Economic Warfare*](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/edward-fishmans-chokepoints-shortlisted-for-ft-award/) is widely regarded as definitive and essential to understand how sanctions, tariffs, and export controls are reshaping the world. A Columbia University scholar, he brings sharp, timely insights into how economic warfare is transforming geopolitics and the business landscape. His ability to translate complex global dynamics into compelling narratives makes him a standout keynote speaker for any audience.
---
### [Scott Gottlieb](https://wwsg.com/speakers/scott-gottlieb/)
**Published:** May 23, 2019
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** Scott Gottlieb, MD served as the 23rd Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration. A leading expert in health policy, Dr. Gottlieb’s work focuses on providing insights into the economic and technological forces driving the transformation of healthcare.
**Content:**
Scott Gottlieb, MD served as the 23rd Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration. A former practicing hospitalist and current leading expert in health policy, Dr. Gottlieb’s work focuses on providing insights into the economic and technological forces driving the transformation of healthcare.
Dr. Gottlieb’s book, *Uncontrolled Spread: Why COVID-19 Crushed Us and How We Can Defeat the Next Pandemic* published to *The New York Times* Best Seller list in September 2021. His next book, *The Miracle Century: Making Sense of the Cell Therapy Revolution* will be published in 2026. Dr. Gottlieb was also named one of Washington DC’s 500 Most Influential People in 2022, [2023,](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/washington-dcs-500-most-influential-people-of-2023-3/) and 2026.
---
### [Lloyd Blankfein](https://wwsg.com/speakers/lloyd-c-blankfein/)
**Published:** February 12, 2019
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Lloyd Blankfein is an internationally respected global business leader, risk manager, and commentator on matters affecting the global economy. As Chairman and CEO of Goldman Sachs for more than 12 years, Lloyd led the highest profile global investment bank through a period of great economic and political turbulence, becoming an important voice on today’s [global financial issues](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/economy-and-finance/geoeconomic-risk/).
---
### [Dan Abrams](https://wwsg.com/speakers/dan-abrams/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Dan Abrams is CEO of Abrams Research which connects business and the media with a specialization in social media strategy in today’s business world. He is also the publisher of mediaite.com, a website for news, information, and opinions about print, online and broadcast media, offering original and immediate assessments of the latest news as it breaks. He is also one of the most trusted influential legal analysts in the country and had covered the highest profile trials of the past two decades as an attorney and reporter. Appearing on NBC and MSNBC as the Chief Legal Correspondent and Analyst, Abrams provides unique insight on the biggest legal issues of the day: from the Supreme Court to the criminal trials everyone is talking about, to the administration’s decisions on the most significant legal matters of the day.
---
### [Michelle Miller](https://wwsg.com/speakers/michelle-miller/)
**Published:** April 24, 2026
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
Michelle Miller, known as “The Farm Babe,” brings a fresh and unexpected perspective to agriculture, blending firsthand farming experience with a background far outside the industry. She excels at breaking down misconceptions about food and farming in a way that resonates with both skeptics and supporters alike. Event planners value Michelle for her engaging storytelling, relatable voice, and ability to turn complex agricultural topics into conversations that connect with any audience.
---
### [Mariana Atencio](https://wwsg.com/speakers/mariana-atencio/)
**Published:** February 10, 2023
**Author:** wpengine
**Content:**
Mariana Atencio took the world by storm in 2017 when her TEDx talk “What makes YOU special?” went viral. To date, it has over 25.5 million views and has been translated into 13 languages. Focused on the power of authenticity, her book “Perfectly You” was an Amazon Best Seller and selected by Audible and AppleBooks. She’s quickly become one of the most sought-after motivational speakers, founding her own media company, GoLike, and teaming up with Microsoft, YouTube, the World Health Organization and the United Nations, among others. A former anchor and reporter for NBC and MSNBC, her work has been honored with a Peabody Award, a Columbia University’s “First Decade Award” and the National Association of Hispanic Journalists Presidential Award.
---
### [Alex Azar](https://wwsg.com/speakers/alex-azar/)
**Published:** March 2, 2017
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Alex Azar brings brings both deep experience in senior government leadership and private-sector healthcare experience, having served as U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services and as a senior executive in the biopharmaceutical industry. He offers audiences clear, first-hand insight into crisis leadership, healthcare system transformation, and global public health strategy, including his role in leading Operation Warp Speed and shaping major U.S. health policy initiatives. For event planners, he delivers authoritative, real-world perspectives on managing complexity, driving innovation, and leading through national and global health challenges.
---
### [Chris Miller](https://wwsg.com/speakers/chris-miller/)
**Published:** August 27, 2021
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Professor Chris Miller is a geopolitical expert who talks about the origin, impact, and future of AI. He is the author of the *New York Times* bestselling [*Chip War: The Fight for the World’s Most Critical Technology*](https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Chip-War/Chris-Miller/9781982172008 "https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Chip-War/Chris-Miller/9781982172008"), a book that explains how computer chips have made the modern world—and how the U.S. and China are struggling for control over this fundamental technology. C*hip War* won *Financial Times’* [Best Business Book of the Year](https://wwsg.com/blog/congratulations-to-wwsg-exclusive-speaker-chris-miller/ "https://wwsg.com/blog/congratulations-to-wwsg-exclusive-speaker-chris-miller/") award. Breaking down the motives behind international politics and economics in a thoughtful and concise manner, Miller provides audiences with fresh, alternative perspectives and leaves them wanting to know more.
---
### [Geeta Nayyar](https://wwsg.com/speakers/geeta-nayyar/)
**Published:** February 16, 2023
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
Geeta Nayyar (“Dr. G”) is a leader and active contributor to the conversation around public health and wellbeing in the tech industry. A respected rheumatologist, she has been welcomed by national audiences both onstage as a keynote speaker and panelist and offstage as an advisor, writer, and guest on various podcasts and media channels. Dr. Nayyar illuminates the intersection of clinical medicine, business, and digital health while inspiring audiences to do well and to live well.
---
### [Mike Abrashoff](https://wwsg.com/speakers/mike-abrashoff/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Mike Abrashoff was the most-junior officer in the Pacific Fleet when he took command of the near-worst performing ship. Twelve months later, the USS *Benfold* was the best ship in the entire Navy – *using the same crew*. The story of that stunning transformation has lessons for every organization: leadership matters – and culture is everything. Mike’s written three books – his first, *It’s Your Ship*, has sold over 1 million copies. His Leadership Roadmap offers clear, battle-tested, and actionable steps. Mike shows people at every level of the organization how to engage and take incremental steps toward change that can make a dramatic difference at work. Mike is clear, “I didn’t turn the ship around – my crew did that. What I did was to create an environment where they felt safe, empowered and supported. When you do that, anything is possible.”
---
### [Nontombi Naomi Tutu](https://wwsg.com/speakers/nontombi-naomi-tutu/)
**Published:** May 6, 2026
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
Rev. Nontombi Naomi Tutu brings a rare combination of lived experience, global perspective, and compelling storytelling that resonates across audiences and sectors. As the daughter of Archbishop Desmond Tutu and a lifelong human rights advocate, she offers powerful insights on justice, reconciliation, leadership, and inclusion drawn from her experiences in apartheid South Africa and her international work in education and development. Event planners consistently value her ability to engage diverse audiences—corporate, academic, civic, and faith-based—with authenticity, humor, and thought-provoking perspective that inspires meaningful dialogue and lasting impact.
---
### [Deborah Birx](https://wwsg.com/speakers/deborah-birx/)
**Published:** March 30, 2021
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** Deborah Birx's unique experiences researching and managing programs aimed at finding successful therapeutics for HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and COVID-19 inform her powerful speeches.
**Content:**
Dr. Deborah Birx is an American physician, diplomat, and leading medical expert known for gracefully navigating complex global health issues with a scientific and data-driven approach. Her unique experiences researching and managing programs specifically aimed at finding successful therapeutics for HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and COVID-19 inform her powerful speeches. Her varied experiences have molded her into a passionate leader and a fierce advocate for women in STEM.
---
### [Michael Auslin](https://wwsg.com/speakers/michael-auslin/)
**Published:** October 13, 2016
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
One of America’s leading historians, Michael Auslin stands at the forefront of the national conversation surrounding America’s 250th anniversary as the author of [*National Treasure: How the Declaration of Independence Made America*](https://wwsg.com/announcements/coming-soon-national-treasure-by-dr-michael-auslin/). Through his deeply researched and timely work, Auslin examines how the principles enshrined in the Declaration shaped not only the United States, but the modern world itself. Drawing on his work at Stanford’s Hoover Institution, Yale, and decades of historical analysis, he illuminates how America’s founding ideas continue to influence global politics, economics, and democratic movements.
For event planners seeking a speaker who can authoritatively explain how America’s past forged today’s geopolitical realities—and why understanding that past is essential to navigating the nation’s future—Auslin offers unmatched perspective. His presentations provide audiences with both historical depth and strategic clarity at a pivotal moment in the American story.
---
### [Susan Cain](https://wwsg.com/speakers/susan-cain/)
**Published:** January 13, 2016
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Susan Cain is the world’s most famous introvert. She’s the author of *Quiet Power: The Secret Strengths of Introverted Kids* and *Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking*, which spent years on the *New York Times* bestseller list and has been translated into 40 languages. Susan’s TED talk has been viewed over 36 million times and was named by Bill Gates as one of his all-time favorite talks. Susan has partnered with Malcolm Gladwell, Adam Grant and Daniel Pink to launch the Next Big Idea Book Club, which donates proceeds to children’s literacy programs.
---
### [Nick Schifrin](https://wwsg.com/speakers/nick-schifrin/)
**Published:** April 6, 2023
**Author:** wpengine
**Content:**
Nick Schifrin is PBS NewsHour’s Foreign Affairs and Defense Correspondent. He leads NewsHour’s daily foreign coverage, including multiple trips to Ukraine since the full-scale invasion, and has created weeklong series for the NewsHour from nearly a dozen countries. The series “Inside Putin’s Russia” won a Peabody Award and the National Press Club’s Edwin M. Hood Award for Diplomatic Correspondence. In 2020, Schifrin received the American Academy of Diplomacy’s Arthur Ross Media Award for Distinguished Reporting and Analysis of Foreign Affairs. Prior to PBS NewsHour, Schifrin was Al Jazeera America’s Middle East correspondent, based in Jerusalem, and ABC News’ correspondent in Afghanistan and Pakistan. He has reported from more than 40 countries and territories.
---
### [Tiffani Bova](https://wwsg.com/speakers/tiffani-bova/)
**Published:** January 1, 1970
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Tiffani Bova delivers high-impact keynotes that equip audiences with practical strategies to drive growth, elevate customer experience, and accelerate innovation. Event planners choose her for her rare ability to translate complex business trends into clear, actionable insights that resonate across industries. Her sessions leave audiences energized, informed, and ready to apply what they’ve learned immediately.
---
### [Ken Burns](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ken-burns/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Ken Burns is one of the most influential and celebrated documentary filmmakers of our time, with nearly five decades of work that has shaped how audiences understand American history. His award-winning storytelling—across landmark films like *The Civil War*, *The Vietnam War*, and *The U.S. and the Holocaust*—offers audiences a powerful lens into the past that resonates deeply in the present. As a keynote speaker, Ken brings unparalleled insight, cultural relevance, and a masterful command of narrative that captivates and educates diverse audiences. For event planners seeking a speaker who can inspire reflection and spark meaningful conversation, Ken Burns is a transformative choice.
---
### [Lior Suchard](https://wwsg.com/speakers/lior-suchard/)
**Published:** May 4, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
Lior Suchard delivers a one-of-a-kind experience that elevates any event from standard to unforgettable. Known for his global TV appearances and starring roles in *Gone Mental* and *Brain Games*, he brings instant credibility and star power to the stage. His highly interactive performances blend mind-reading, psychology, and humor, drawing audiences directly into the experience. Trusted by A-list celebrities, world leaders, and Fortune 500 companies, Lior captivates even the most sophisticated crowds.
---
### [Jason Schenker](https://wwsg.com/speakers/jason-schenker/)
**Published:** March 6, 2025
**Author:** wpengine
**Content:**
As a top-ranked global forecaster and expert in economics, geopolitics, and technology trends, Jason Schenker delivers high-energy, data-driven presentations tailored for corporate leaders, industries, and executive teams.
With deep insights into financial markets, supply chains, AI, and quantum computing, Mr. Schenker provides strategic foresight that helps businesses navigate uncertainty and seize emerging opportunities.
Recognized as Bloomberg’s #1 forecaster in 27 categories, Mr. Schenker’s engaging keynotes translate complex global shifts into actionable takeaways. Business leaders leave not only informed but equipped with the tools to make smarter, future-ready decisions.
---
### [Loretta Mester](https://wwsg.com/speakers/loretta-mester/)
**Published:** July 22, 2024
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
For audiences looking to better understand how monetary policy and the state of the economy will affect their organization or institution, Dr. Loretta Mester’s expertise is both incomparable and invaluable. As the former President and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland for an entire decade (2014-2024), Loretta Mester has a deep and rooted understanding of the intricacies of U.S. monetary system and policy.
---
### [Steve Hartman](https://wwsg.com/speakers/steve-hartman/)
**Published:** November 22, 2024
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
Steve Hartman, a seasoned CBS News correspondent, is a captivating storyteller with a rare ability to inspire and uplift audiences. Through his beloved “On the Road” segments, Hartman spotlights extraordinary stories of ordinary people, revealing the profound impact of kindness and human connection. His work has earned numerous honors—including an Oscar win for his documentary short *All the Empty Rooms*—and his stories are widely used in classrooms to teach empathy, resilience, and compassion.
As a keynote speaker, Hartman brings these powerful, real-world narratives to the stage, combining authenticity, humor, and heart. Audiences leave not only inspired, but equipped with a renewed perspective on the difference individuals can make in their communities and beyond.
---
### [Mark Zandi](https://wwsg.com/speakers/mark-zandi/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Mark Zandi brings unmatched credibility as one of the nation’s leading [economists](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/economy-and-finance/), offering audiences clear, data-driven insights into the global economy, financial markets, and policy trends. With experience advising policymakers and briefing corporate leaders, he translates complex economic forces into actionable strategies for business and decision-makers. Event planners value his ability to deliver timely, relevant analysis that helps organizations anticipate risk and plan for what’s ahead.
---
### [Daryl Johnston](https://wwsg.com/speakers/daryl-johnston/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
---
### [William Shatner](https://wwsg.com/speakers/william-shatner/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Booking William Shatner brings event planners a rare opportunity to host a multi-talented entertainment icon whose career spans over six decades in acting, directing, producing, writing, and music, as well as groundbreaking roles in *Star Trek* and *Boston Legal*. Beyond his on-screen achievements, Shatner captivates audiences with his unique insights, philanthropy, and passions—from equestrian sports to bestselling books—making him a compelling, memorable presence for any event.
---
### [Anthony Bourke](https://wwsg.com/speakers/anthony-bourke/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Event planners looking to inspire their teams with a high-impact, performance-driven message will find an exceptional experience with Anthony “AB” Bourke. A former F-16 fighter pilot turned successful entrepreneur, Bourke translates lessons from the cockpit into powerful strategies for leadership, teamwork, and execution under pressure. His dynamic presentations leave audiences equipped with actionable tools to achieve excellence in any environment.
---
### [Peter Pace](https://wwsg.com/speakers/peter-pace/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
---
### [Kyle Maynard](https://wwsg.com/speakers/kyle-maynard/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Kyle Maynard inspires audiences to challenge themselves and reminds them that there are no worthy excuses. No matter how challenging your difficulties may seem, we each possess the ability to overcome them; Kyle shows you how.
---
### [Anderson Cooper](https://wwsg.com/speakers/anderson-cooper/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Committed to going beyond sensational headlines to provide depth and insight in today’s media, Anderson Cooper’s fresh and fearless reporting has established him as one of the most recognized and trusted names in news. As a CNN anchor and host of Anderson Cooper 360, Cooper captivates audiences with the human side of events around the world and their impact on lives near and far.
In addition to reporting for CNN, Cooper is also the host of his own syndicated daytime talk show, Anderson, as well as provides stories for CBS’s 60 Minutes. Dispatches from the Edge, Cooper’s memoirs about covering the South Asia tsunami, Hurricane Katrina and other news events, recently topped the New York Times Bestsellers List and other bestseller charts. Cooper has received numerous honors and accolades for his work including multiple Emmy Awards, a National Headliners Award, a Telly and a GLAAD Media Award.
---
### [Amy Jo Martin](https://wwsg.com/speakers/amy-jo-martin/)
**Published:** June 20, 2024
**Author:** wpengine
**Content:**
Amy Jo Martin has the proven ability to see the potential in people before they see it in themselves. Her superpower is getting them to realize their potential and take immediate action. She is one of the world’s leading human transformation experts.
By the end of her time with an audience, whether that be 10,000 people or an intimate group of Fortune 50 executives, Amy Jo has provided the “The Renegade Way.” This is her proprietary mindset, method and set of tools that allow individuals to ask themselves, *Why Not Now?* and go from idea to action as they green light their idea during the session. This experience is interactive and it creates instant psychological safety, confidence, and community among the audience—true connections that convert and compound over time.
Her interactive method has resulted in audience members unlocking multi-million dollar deals, identifying global marketing campaign messages, expanding their companies internationally, harnessing artificial intelligence, and avoiding team burnout.
---
### [James Clear](https://wwsg.com/speakers/james-clear/)
**Published:** May 24, 2023
**Author:** Riley Sims
**Content:**
James Clear utilizes scientifically-proven strategies he has found for building good habits, breaking bad ones, and improving performance to motivate and inform an audience to reach their full potential. James is the author of the New York Times bestseller, Atomic Habits, which has sold more than 10 million copies worldwide, giving him a unique perspective to better translate his knowledge into a well-rounded speech. His keynote speeches are filled with the same engaging storytelling as his writing and he is skilled at taking complex topics and making them simple and practical.
---
### [Scott Harrison](https://wwsg.com/speakers/scott-harrison/)
**Published:** May 18, 2023
**Author:** wpengine
**Content:**
Scott Harrison is the founder and CEO of Charity: Water. Through radical transparency and innovative digital practices, Charity: Water has mobilized 1M+ supporters from 105 countries, raised over $400M, and funded clean water projects in 28 countries for over 10M people. Scott was recently named #10 in Fast Company’s Most Creative People in Business, and has been profiled in The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, and by Forbes, Fortune and INC Magazines.
---
### [Marie Forleo](https://wwsg.com/speakers/marie-forleo/)
**Published:** May 5, 2023
**Author:** wpengine
**Content:**
A born-and-raised Jersey girl with nothing more than passion, a laptop and a dream, Marie is proud to have created a digital empire that touches millions.
Through her award-winning show MarieTV and The Marie Forleo Podcast, world-class online training programs, a #1 New York Times bestselling book and an audience in 195 countries, Marie helps people dream big and back it up with meaningful action.
---
### [Dean Grasiozi](https://wwsg.com/speakers/dean-grasiozi/)
**Published:** April 26, 2023
**Author:** wpengine
**Content:**
Dean Graziosi is a multiple New York Times best-selling author, entrepreneur, and investor. He has started or played a major role in over 14 successful companies that have changed lives all around the world – including the new Mastermind.com platform. His mission for over 20 years has been to deliver self-education to those seeking transformation, fulfillment, and success outside the traditional education path.
---
### [Jay Shetty](https://wwsg.com/speakers/jay-shetty/)
**Published:** November 21, 2022
**Author:** wpengine
**Content:**
Through interactive exercises he calls “experiential learning,” Jay leads his audience through experiences to retain and apply knowledge.
---
### [Dara Torres](https://wwsg.com/speakers/dara-torres/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Dara Torres is the winner of twelve Olympic medals, the first athlete to appear as a model for the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition, a successful broadcaster, and a doting mother of a two-year old daughter.
Since her first international race at the age of 14, Dara Torres has proven that she is far from your average athlete. Outside of swimming, Torres has made a name for herself as a TV commentator, print model, and as the first athlete to appear in the *Sports Illustrated* swimsuit issue in 1994. She is author of *Age is Just a Number: Achieve Your Dreams at Any Stage in Your Life* and *Gold Medal Fitness: A Revolutionary Five Week Program*, both of which made *The New York Times* best seller list.
---
### [Shannon Bream](https://wwsg.com/speakers/shannon-bream/)
**Published:** September 1, 2021
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Shannon Bream has been hooked on television journalism since her first anchor position in Charlotte, NC. Now, in addition to anchoring her own show on Fox News, Shannon has authored two books and hosts a podcast sharing inspirational stories, personal anecdotes, and an insider’s perspective on actions and rulings from the high court. Throughout her career as a lawyer and a journalist, Shannon leans on her faith to keep her centered and focused on her goals. The stories she shares of overcoming adversity provide important, valuable takeaways for audiences. Shannon’s authenticity and humility shine through her presentations, both on-stage and in front of the camera.
---
### [Michael Osterholm](https://wwsg.com/speakers/michael-osterholm/)
**Published:** November 24, 2020
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Hailed by CNN as “the infectious disease expert who has been warning us for a decade and a half that the world will face a pandemic,” Dr. Michael Osterholm quickly became the go-to expert on the public health impact of COVID-19. A sharp critic of the complacency that led to the current global pandemic, he points to current shortfalls in our system, individual, and public health strategies and urgently advocates for the mobilization our healthcare system.
---
### [Tony Hawk](https://wwsg.com/speakers/tony-hawk/)
**Published:** February 26, 2020
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
The most recognized action sports figure in the world, Tony Hawk was just nine-years old when his brother changed his life by giving him a blue fiberglass Bahne skateboard. By fourteen he’d turned pro, and by sixteen he was widely considered the best skateboarder on earth. In 1999, he became the first skater to ever complete a 900, the holy grail of vert skating. Shortly thereafter, he teamed up with Activision to launch Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater, now a billion dollar video game franchise. He has created a Tony Hawk brand that includes Birdhouse Skateboards, Hawk Clothing, and the Tony Hawk Signature Series sporting goods and toys. Tony authored a New York Times bestseller and oversees his films, television and commercial production company, 900 Films,. He founded the Tony Hawk Foundation, which has given away over $10 million to over 600 skatepark projects throughout the United States that serve over six million visitors a year.
---
### [Scott O’Grady](https://wwsg.com/speakers/scott-ogrady/)
**Published:** September 5, 2019
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Scott O’Grady is a former United States Air Force Captain and Air Force fighter pilot who gained prominence after the June 2, 1995 Mrkonjic Grad incident, in which he ejected over Bosnia when his F-16C was shot down by a Bosnian Serb SA-6 while he was patrolling the no-fly zone. He survived for almost six days by eating leaves, grass, and ants and avoiding Serb patrols while trying to contact Magic, NATO’s airborne command center. He evaded capture and was rescued on June 8 by U.S. Marines.
Scott served twelve years in the Air Force both active and reserve duty and continued to fly the F-16 three years after his rescue.
O’Grady tells his incredible story of survival in his book, Return With Honor. In May 2007, he completed a master’s degree in biblical studies at Dallas Theological Seminary in Dallas. He resides in Texas.
---
### [Erin Gruwell](https://wwsg.com/speakers/erin-gruwell/)
**Published:** March 28, 2019
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Erin Gruwell has earned an award-winning reputation for her steadfast commitment to the future of education. Her ability to relate her experiences to a wide range of audiences has made her a popular speaker. She inspires audiences to achieve a higher purpose in their lives.
---
### [Jason Chaffetz](https://wwsg.com/speakers/jason-chaffetz/)
**Published:** February 26, 2019
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Jason Chaffetz offers audiences a powerful blend of firsthand government leadership and national media insight. A Contributor on Fox News and former Fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School Institute of Politics, he brings a uniquely informed perspective shaped by years at the center of Washington’s most consequential debates.
Elected to Congress in 2008, he rose to Chair the House Oversight & Government Reform Committee—an uncommon achievement for a three-term member. There, he led major investigations involving the Secret Service, the OPM data breach, the IRS, and other high-profile national issues, giving audiences direct insight into how Washington truly works.
---
### [Sheila Heen](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sheila-heen/)
**Published:** May 14, 2018
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
With two *New York Times* best sellers and through 20 years at the Harvard Negotiation Project and Triad Consulting Group, Sheila Heen shows us how to engage the conversations that are critical to learning, collaboration, innovation and sound decision-making in your organization.
---
### [Ori Brafman](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ori-brafman/)
**Published:** April 6, 2018
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Ori Brafman is a multiple *New York Times* bestselling author. He specializes in organizational culture, employee engagement, business transformation, leadership, and emerging technologies. Brafman’s new bestselling book, *Radical Inclusion: What the Post–9/11 World Should Have Taught Us About Leadership*, co-authored with GEN(R) Martin Dempsey, argues that inclusion is no longer a “nice-to-have”, but a strategic imperative in today’s rapidly changing world. Brafman has advised all branches of the U.S. military, the Obama White House, the National Academy of Sciences, Google, Microsoft, Cisco, NATO, and YPO, among others.
---
### [Greg McKeown](https://wwsg.com/speakers/greg-mckeown/)
**Published:** September 18, 2017
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Greg McKeown is a thought-leader and a true entrepreneur in the business world. With an extraordinary understanding of the factors that make people and businesses successful, he gives keynotes all around the world, sharing his insights on high performance, leadership, and innovation.
---
### [Sean Spicer](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sean-spicer/)
**Published:** September 4, 2017
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Before the former White House Press Secretary made his mark as one of the most recognized staffers in the Trump administration, Sean Spicer built a decades-long career in Republican politics, witnessing and shaping the inner workings of Washington, DC, from every vantage point–as a House of Representatives communicator, Assistant U.S. Trade Representative, Republican National Committee chief strategist, top advisor to presidential campaigns, and, of course, White House spokesman.
Few in Washington are as well-equipped as Sean to pull back the curtain and dissect what’s really happening in the nation’s capital.
---
### [Bernard-Henri Lévy](https://wwsg.com/speakers/bernard-henri-levy/)
**Published:** March 2, 2017
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Bernard-Henri Lévy is a French philosopher and one of the most esteemed and bestselling writers in Europe. He is the author of over 30 books, including works of philosophy, fiction, and biography. Lévy gained renown for his documentary film about the Bosnian conflict, *Bosna!,* in 1994.
His most recent books include; “The Genius of Judaism,” *New York Times* bestseller “American Vertigo: Traveling America in the Footsteps of Tocqueville” and “Left in Dark Times: A Stand Against the New Barbarism.”
---
### [Hill Harper](https://wwsg.com/speakers/hill-harper/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** A humanitarian, a thespian, a leader, Hill Harper is a charismatic man who is a powerful force in the "education of the miseducated" with an undying desire and commitment to expanding his mind and the minds of others continuously reaching for knowledge.
**Content:**
A humanitarian, a thespian, a leader, Hill Harper is a charismatic man who is a powerful force in the “education of the miseducated” with an undying desire and commitment to expanding his mind and the minds of others continuously reaching for knowledge.
---
### [Ray Kurzweil](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ray-kurzweil/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Ray Kurzweil is one of the world’s leading inventors, thinkers, and futurists, with a thirty-year track record of accurate predictions. Called “the restless genius” by *The Wall Street Journal* and “the ultimate thinking machine” by *Forbes* magazine, he was selected as one of the top entrepreneurs by *Inc.* magazine, which described him as the “rightful heir to Thomas Edison.” PBS selected him as one of the “sixteen revolutionaries who made America.”
Ray was the principal inventor of the first CCD flat-bed scanner, the first omni-font optical character recognition, the first print-to-speech reading machine for the blind, the first text-to-speech synthesizer, the first music synthesizer capable of recreating the grand piano and other orchestral instruments, and the first commercially marketed large-vocabulary speech recognition.
---
### [Laura Ling](https://wwsg.com/speakers/laura-ling/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Over almost two decades, award-winning journalist and web and TV host Laura Ling has been dedicated to exposing the world to critical global issues, including slave labor in the Amazon, the drug war in Mexico, Internet censorship in China, and women’s rights in Turkey.
In March 2009, Ling captured the world’s attention from a different standpoint, when she was arrested and held captive in North Korea for 140 days after attempting to report on the trafficking of North Korean women. Granted a special pardon, she returned to the U.S. and documented her experience in her 2010 memoir, *Somewhere Inside: One Sister’s Captivity in North Korea and the Other’s Fight to Bring Her Home*, penned with her sister, Lisa.
---
### [Dan Clark](https://wwsg.com/speakers/dan-clark/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
---
### [Sally Hogshead](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sally-hogshead/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Sally Hogshead is a branding visionary and Hall of Fame speaker who helps audiences understand what makes them most fascinating—and how to use that to stand out and succeed. Drawing on her groundbreaking *Fascinate Test*, used by over a million professionals and top organizations like Facebook, Porsche, and NASA, she reveals the science behind how people and brands captivate attention. With a career that began at the top of the advertising world and evolved into global thought leadership, Hogshead delivers high-energy, research-backed insights that inspire individuals and teams to communicate with confidence and impact.
---
### [Keith Ferrazzi](https://wwsg.com/speakers/keith-ferrazzi/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Keith Ferrazzi has a direct and dynamic approach which transforms how leaders and their people collaborate and align across silos. In order to meet the evolving demands of the market and your customers, Keith empowers every team in your organization to become more innovative and agile.
Keith draws on his experience as CMO and head of sales at Starwood Hotels and CMO of Deloitte, along with his successful entrepreneurial career. Ferrazzi brings compelling stories, lessons learned from the research that led to his first two best-selling books, *Never Eat Alone* and *Whose Got Your Back?*
---
### [Tim Sanders](https://wwsg.com/speakers/tim-sanders/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Former Yahoo Chief Solutions Officer and best-selling author Tim Sanders is one of the top-rated leadership speakers due to his offering actionable insights on leadership development, innovation collaboration, corporate culture and sales. Tim’s mission is twofold: assist leaders to expand your collaborative webs to solve your toughest challenges and to deepen all of your relationships through generosity and compassion.
---
### [Amanda Beard](https://wwsg.com/speakers/amanda-beard/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
A seven-time Olympian medalist and winner of eight U.S. National swimming titles, Amanda Beard is a dynamic role model inside and outside of the swimming pool. At only age 14, she won a gold medal at the 1996 Summer Olympic Games while still a student at Irvine High School. Amanda won Olympic gold in the medley relay while capturing silver in the 100- and 200-meter breaststrokes in Atlanta. She shares her stories of personal and professional triumph at her unforgettable speaking engagements.
---
### [Ema Roloff](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ema-roloff/)
**Published:** March 10, 2025
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
Ema Roloff delivers high-energy, actionable keynotes that bridge the critical gap between AI tools and the human element of change. She stands out by equipping executives with practical, people-centric strategies to build digital literacy and lead teams through disruption. Drawing on a decade of experience driving multi-million-dollar enterprise transformations and the frameworks from her upcoming book Digital Leadership, Ema ensures your audience leaves with the clarity and confidence to turn the future of work into a competitive advantage.
---
### [Ryan Harris](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ryan-harris/)
**Published:** February 26, 2019
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Ryan Harris is a 10 year veteran of the NFL. In 2015, he became a Super Bowl Champion after winning Super Bowl 50 with the Denver Broncos. He has also played for the Houston Texans, Kansas City Chiefs and Pittsburgh Steelers before retiring in 2016.
He graduated from Notre Dame with two degrees, one in Economics and Policy and the other in Political Science. These days you can Catch Ryan on ‘The Fantasy Football Hour’, CBS4 Denver, Altitude TV and more. You can also listen to Ryan on the radio During Notre Dame Football broadcasts and on Altitude Radio in Denver.
Ryan also speaks across the nation about believing in yourself, financial literacy and leadership.
---
### [Gina Bianchini](https://wwsg.com/speakers/gina-bianchini/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Gina Bianchini is a standout keynote speaker for event planners seeking forward-thinking insight, bringing a proven track record of identifying and shaping major digital and community-building trends before they reach the mainstream. With experience co-founding Ning alongside Marc Andreessen and building Mighty Networks into a leading platform, she delivers actionable strategies on innovation, community design, and the future of business that resonate with today’s most ambitious audiences.
---
### [DeMaurice Smith](https://wwsg.com/speakers/demaurice-smith/)
**Published:** November 18, 2015
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** DeMaurice Smith was Executive Director of the National Football League Players' Association from 2009-2023.
**Content:**
DeMaurice Smith brings a rare combination of high-stakes negotiation experience, legal expertise, and visionary leadership to any stage, making him a compelling keynote speaker for diverse audiences. As the long‑time executive director of the NFL Players Association, he skillfully steered landmark collective bargaining agreements—including during the 2011 lockout and through the COVID‑19 pandemic—securing unprecedented player benefits, health protections, and revenue sharing.
With a background as a top trial lawyer, former Assistant U.S. Attorney, and a strategist who took on the NFL’s management, he offers powerful lessons in ethics, resilience, and advocacy that resonate in corporate, legal, academic, and nonprofit settings. Audiences consistently praise his motivational storytelling—rooted in authenticity, servant leadership, and real-world strategy.
---
### [Jonathan Turley](https://wwsg.com/speakers/jonathan-turley/)
**Published:** September 17, 2018
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Professor Jonathan Turley brings unmatched expertise as one of the nation’s leading constitutional scholars and legal commentators. With experience advising on landmark cases and representing high-profile clients, he delivers insights that connect complex legal issues to today’s pressing debates. As a keynote speaker or session panelist, Turley engages audiences with thought-provoking analysis that elevates any event.
---
### [Pete Seat](https://wwsg.com/speakers/pete-seat/)
**Published:** April 6, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
Pete Seat is more than a guy with a rhyming name. A regular national and international news commentator, he has provided live on-air analysis for CNN, Fox News, MSNBC, NewsNation, Newsmax, BBC, and Australia’s Sunrise on 7 more than 300 times combined. His voice is sought after for astute political analysis, a knack for challenging conventional wisdom, and a unique ability to invite nuance while making complex issues accessible.
Based in the American Midwest, Pete Seat brings both the perspective of the Heartland and firsthand experience with how Washington works, or doesn’t, from his time on the White House staff of President George W. Bush. Event planners can count on his deep preparation, quick thinking, humor, and humanity leaving audiences informed, energized, and thinking differently about politics, leadership, and America’s role in the world.
---
### [Paul Nicklen](https://wwsg.com/speakers/paul-nicklen/)
**Published:** January 13, 2017
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** Paul Nicklen lives a life of art, purpose, and adventure, combining a career as an assignment photographer for National Geographic Magazine and co-founder of the conservation society, SeaLegacy.
**Content:**
Paul Nicklen lives a life of art, purpose, and adventure, combining a career as an assignment photographer for *National Geographic Magazine* and co-founder of the conservation society, SeaLegacy. In addition to being one of the world’s most acclaimed nature photographers, Paul is an acclaimed polar specialist, speaker, author, conservationist, National Geographic Fellow, and a regular contributor to *National Geographic Magazine* with 20 completed stories to date. He has garnered more than 30 of the highest awards given to any photographer in his field, including the BBC Wildlife Photographer of the year and the prestigious World Press Photo for photojournalism. Paul has written several books including *Seasons of the Arctic*, *Bear*, *Spirit of the Wild*, *Polar Obsession* and his newest monograph, *Born to Ice*.
---
### [Erika Ayers Badan](https://wwsg.com/speakers/erika-ayers-badan/)
**Published:** January 23, 2024
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
Ranked one of the most influential executives in digital innovation, sports, entertainment, and lifestyle media, Erika Ayers Badan is the former CEO of Barstool Sports. During her tenure at Barstool from 2016 to 2024, Erika transformed the organization from a regional blog to a national powerhouse operation leading to a 5,000% increase in overall revenue, making it one of the most innovative and successful internet media brands. Before joining Barstool, Ayers Badan held several leadership positions in media and technology at Microsoft, AOL, Demand Media, and Yahoo. She has been extensively recognized for her innovation in the industry, including being named one of Forbes’ Most Powerful Women in Sports amongst other achievements.
---
### [Erik Qualman](https://wwsg.com/speakers/erik-qualman/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Erik Qualman delivers high-energy, interactive keynotes that equip audiences with practical strategies to lead and thrive in an AI-driven world. Blending real-world experience from Silicon Valley with cutting-edge insights on digital leadership and the future of work, he helps organizations turn disruption into a competitive advantage. With a proven track record of engaging millions globally and earning top audience ratings, Qualman ensures your event is both impactful and unforgettable.
---
### [Sheila Bair](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sheila-bair/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** Sheila Bair’s long and distinguished career in government, academia, and finance has found her widely respected for her expertise in financial regulation and consumer protection and acknowledged by Forbes as the “second most powerful woman in the world.”
**Content:**
From *Time’s* “Top 100” list to the *Wall Street Journal’s* “The 50 Women to Watch,” Sheila Bair is a leading domestic and global expert in finance and economics. As Chair of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) from 2006 to 2011, she steered the agency through the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression, working to bolster public confidence in the nation’s banking system.
Bair’s long and distinguished career in government, academia, and finance has found her widely respected for her expertise in financial regulation and consumer protection and acknowledged by *Forbes* as the “second most powerful woman in the world.”
---
### [Ron Insana](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ron-insana/)
**Published:** July 16, 2019
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** Ron Insana connects the dots to give his audiences a clear idea of what the economic future might look like.
**Content:**
Ron Insana connects the dots to give his audiences a clear idea of what the economic future might look like. As a pioneering financial journalist, Ron has covered the most important economic stories of our lifetime over his nearly four decades on television. He even won an Emmy Award for his reporting about 9/11. Currently senior analyst and commentator with CNBC where he also served as anchor and correspondent since 1991, Ron also hosts *The Market Score Board Report*, a thrice-daily nationally syndicated radio program. As a financial journalist, Ron stands alone as someone who ran his own hedge fund—experience that makes his insights all the more valuable. He’s also written for *Money* magazine, *USA Today*, and authored four bestselling books on investing and reading the financial markets. In Ron’s speeches, he looks at how Wall Street, Main Street and Washington are intersecting—and translates the market signals and political maneuvers into actionable information everyone can understand and use to protect what they have and navigate an uncertain future.
---
### [Neil Pasricha](https://wwsg.com/speakers/neil-pasricha/)
**Published:** February 3, 2017
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Neil Pasricha is the *New York Times* bestselling author of ten books and journals which have sold millions of copies including *The Happiness Equation*, *Two-Minute Mornings*, and *The Book of Awesome*. He is one of the most popular TED speakers of all time and his work has been featured by *CNN*, *BBC*, and Oprah Winfrey.
---
### [Ryan Estis](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ryan-estis/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Ryan Estis understands the challenges business leaders and top performers face, because he’s been in their shoes. He spent 15 years helping companies connect with employees and customers as an ad agency executive, building a client roster of category leading brands. Nine years ago, he decided to put that experience into practice and launch his own research and learning organization. Ryan has an inside look at what the world’s best companies do differently. Sharing his insight, he helps clients initiate change, improve performance, and deliver growth.
---
### [Liz Brunner](https://wwsg.com/speakers/liz-brunner/)
**Published:** September 23, 2025
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
Liz Brunner inspires audiences with powerful keynotes that blend real-world experience, actionable insights, and authentic storytelling. Drawing on her career as an Emmy Award-winning journalist and CEO, she equips leaders and organizations with the tools to communicate with confidence and lead with intention. Event planners can count on her to deliver a memorable program that resonates long after the event ends.
---
### [Trish Regan](https://wwsg.com/speakers/trish-regan/)
**Published:** September 8, 2017
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Trish Regan is a dynamic keynote speaker who helps event audiences make sense of today’s rapidly changing [economic](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/economy-and-finance/), [political](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/government-and-politics/), and [global landscape](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/geopolitics/) with clarity and confidence. With experience spanning Wall Street, Washington, and major media networks, she delivers insightful, real-time analysis that equips business leaders, investors, and decision-makers with actionable takeaways.
---
### [Robert Redfield](https://wwsg.com/speakers/robert-redfield/)
**Published:** March 1, 2021
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** Robert Redfield, M.D. is an American virologist and physician who has been on the cutting edge of some of the most significant scientific medical discoveries of modern history. He is widely respected for his central role in the establishment of the HIV/AIDS clinical research vaccine and subsequent development programs for therapeutic and preventative use.
**Content:**
Robert Redfield, M.D. is an American virologist and physician who has been on the cutting edge of some of the most significant scientific medical discoveries of modern history. He is widely respected for his central role in the establishment of the HIV/AIDS clinical research vaccine and subsequent development programs for therapeutic and preventative use.
Dr. Redfield approaches his work faithfully and with fervent dedication to researching the body’s immune system and biological pathways to prevent and heal disease.
---
### [Joseph Grogan](https://wwsg.com/speakers/joseph-grogan/)
**Published:** May 25, 2020
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** Joe Grogan is a healthcare expert with a unique blend of private sector and government experience spanning over two decades in the Washington, D.C. healthcare arena. Joe is a policy thought leader who has played a key role in the health sector’s most consequential debates of the last decade.
**Content:**
Joseph Grogan is a healthcare expert with a unique blend of private sector and government experience spanning over two decades in the Washington, D.C. healthcare arena. He is also a policy thought leader who has played a key role in the health sector’s most consequential debates of the last decade. Grogan shares his bipartisan approach to the health landscape with audiences, focusing on the dignity of patients, access for all, and the many areas of opportunity for American innovation to flourish.
---
### [Nyle DiMarco](https://wwsg.com/speakers/nyle-dimarco/)
**Published:** December 1, 2025
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
Nyle DiMarco brings a powerful blend of lived experience, creative vision, and barrier-breaking leadership that resonates with audiences of all backgrounds. As a trailblazing advocate, filmmaker, and cultural ambassador, he offers compelling insights on inclusion, representation, and turning perceived limitations into strengths. Event planners value his ability to inspire meaningful mindset shifts while delivering a dynamic, authentic, and deeply human keynote.
---
### [Frans Johansson](https://wwsg.com/speakers/frans-johansson/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Frans Johansson has made it his life’s mission to prepare leaders and organizations around the world for this future. His high-energy, fast-paced keynotes have become legendary for how quickly they can drive leaders to action—and have made Johansson one of the most compelling speakers in the world. He is the author of *The Medici Effect: What Elephants and Epidemics Can Teach Us About Innovation*, and *The Click Moment: Seizing Opportunity in an Unpredictable World.*
---
### [Neal Katyal](https://wwsg.com/speakers/neal-katyal/)
**Published:** November 24, 2025
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
A former Acting Solicitor General of the United States and the only minority attorney to have argued as many as 45 cases before the U.S. Supreme Court, Neal Katyal shares fascinating stories about the inner workings of the nation’s highest court and offers penetrating insights on the constitutional principles and decisions that have shaped our modern democracy.
---
### [Cynt Marshall](https://wwsg.com/speakers/cynt-marshall/)
**Published:** January 2, 2025
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
Cynt Marshall is a transformational leader and sought-after keynote speaker known for her powerful insights on leadership, culture change, and diversity, equity, and inclusion. As the first Black female CEO in the NBA, she successfully led a cultural overhaul of the Dallas Mavericks, setting a new standard for organizational transparency and values-driven leadership. Her decades of executive experience at AT&T and her work with global companies make her an inspiring and credible voice for corporate audiences. Event planners value her authenticity, energy, and ability to connect with audiences across industries.
---
### [Annie Leibovitz](https://wwsg.com/speakers/annie-leibovitz/)
**Published:** May 9, 2018
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** As one of the most high-profile celebrity photographers in the world, Annie Leibovitz has shot some of the most iconic celebrity images of the last 30 years–in the shape of world leaders, moguls, movie stars and musicians.
**Content:**
As one of the most high-profile celebrity photographers in the world, Annie Leibovitz has shot some of the most iconic celebrity images of the last 50 years–in the shape of world leaders, moguls, movie stars and musicians.
Leibovitz began her career as a photojournalist for Rolling Stone in 1970, while she was still a student at the San Francisco Art Institute. Her pictures have appeared regularly on magazine covers ever since. Leibovitz’s large and distinguished body of work encompasses some of the most well- known portraits of our time.
---
### [Sylvia Acevedo](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sylvia-acevedo/)
**Published:** May 16, 2024
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
Sylvia Acevedo is the former CEO of Girl Scouts USA and a former rocket scientist for NASA. Inspiring people and corporations to find that spark for peak performance is the hallmark of her strength as a business leader and speaker.
---
### [Rosie Rios](https://wwsg.com/speakers/rosie-rios/)
**Published:** April 9, 2019
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Rosie Rios is Chair of the United States Semiquincentennial (America250), the national commission planning the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States in 2026. She successfully leads the strategic vision and nationwide engagement efforts for this historic milestone.
She was the 43rd Treasurer of the United States, where she oversaw the Bureau of Engraving and Printing and the U.S. Mint, and initiated historic efforts to place a woman’s portrait on U.S. currency for the first time in over a century. She resigned from her position as Treasurer in July 2016 and received the Hamilton Award, the highest honor bestowed in the U.S. Department of the Treasury. At the time of her resignation, she was the longest serving Senate-confirmed Treasury official, which began with her time on the Treasury/Federal Reserve Transition Team in November 2008 at the height of the financial crisis.
---
### [Sallie Krawcheck](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sallie-krawcheck/)
**Published:** August 28, 2015
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Sallie Krawcheck is the CEO and founder of Ellevest, an investing and wealth management company built by women for women. In a sea of financial services sameness, Ellevest stands apart with its mission to get more money in the hands of women. *Fortune Magazine* has called Krawcheck “The Last Honest Analyst,” *Barron’s* considers her one of the “Most Influential Women in US Finance,” and *Vanity Fair* has named her to their “New Establishment List.”
---
### [Felipe Gomez](https://wwsg.com/speakers/felipe-gomez/)
**Published:** May 1, 2025
**Author:** wpengine
**Content:**
Felipe Gomez is a globally recognized speaker who blends business insight with live piano performance to inspire high-level execution and teamwork. Drawing on 25 years as an entrepreneur and senior executive, he helps audiences embrace the mindset and habits of virtuosos—those who perform exceptionally in any field. His immersive, music-filled keynotes have energized leaders across 33 countries, making complex concepts both memorable and actionable. Book Felipe to ignite excellence and unlock your team’s individual and collective potential.
---
### [Ben Nemtin](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ben-nemtin/)
**Published:** April 25, 2023
**Author:** wpengine
**Content:**
Ben Nemtin started the bucket list quest, which has inspired millions to thrive personally and professionally. From playing basketball with President Obama to surprising a young girl with a much-needed bionic arm, people all around the world have found happiness through Ben’s movement. What started as a two-week road trip between four friends turned into a hit TV series and a #1 *New York Times* bestseller. Ben has a passion to help others to achieve their dreams by proving that anyone is capable of the impossible. Ben has inspired Fortune 100 leadership teams around the world, garnering standing ovations from AIG, Anthem, Amazon, FedEx, Harvard, Microsoft, Verizon, and others.
---
### [Pandit Dasa](https://wwsg.com/speakers/pandit-dasa/)
**Published:** September 12, 2017
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Pandit Dasa is a mindful leadership expert, motivational keynote speaker, and author. Pandit inspires organizations to create a mindful workplace culture by encouraging his audiences to lead by example, appreciate the contributions of their colleagues, communicate mindfully, and manage one’s emotions. He helps organizations develop workplace happiness, employee engagement, and retention.
Audiences are engaged in a variety of breathing and focusing exercises that lower stress and anxiety, increase focus, productivity and boost emotional intelligence.
In his book, *Urban Monk,* Pandit writes about how and why he spent 15 years living as a monk in New York City.
---
### [Rashaun Williams](https://wwsg.com/speakers/rashaun-williams/)
**Published:** March 11, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
Rashaun Williams delivers a powerful combination of real-world business insight and an unforgettable story of resilience. A venture capitalist with more than 170 investments and over 50 successful exits—including early backing of companies like Robinhood, Coinbase, and Lyft—he brings audiences inside the world of high-stakes investing and entrepreneurship. Known as a guest Shark on ABC’s *Shark Tank* and a limited partner in the Atlanta Falcons, Rashaun pairs elite financial expertise with a mission to expand opportunity and build generational wealth.
---
### [Brian Blase](https://wwsg.com/speakers/brian-blase/)
**Published:** July 10, 2019
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Brian Blase, PhD, offers an insider’s perspective on how federal health policy is shaped—drawing on his service at the White House National Economic Council, where he coordinated strategy, advised senior officials, and helped implement landmark reforms expanding affordable coverage options. Event planners can expect a data-driven, solutions-oriented keynote that challenges conventional thinking and equips audiences with actionable insights on the future of American health care.
---
### [Ben Sasse](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ben-sasse/)
**Published:** January 24, 2023
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
Ben Sasse is known as a former U.S. Senator for Nebraska and University of Florida professor and 13th president. He is also a two-time *New York Times* national best-selling author whose career has spanned the private and public sectors. Ben believes in pluralism, free speech, and the power of ideas to build strong and vibrant communities in our digitally disrupted future. His speech topics touch upon today’s pressing social and technological concerns and, using historical perspective, advise and prepare audiences for the possibilities of tomorrow.
---
### [Michio Kaku](https://wwsg.com/speakers/michio-kaku/)
**Published:** July 20, 2015
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Dr. Michio Kaku is the co-founder of string field theory (a branch of string theory), and continues Einstein’s search to unite the four fundamental forces of nature into one unified theory. Dr. Kaku is uniquely qualified to address audiences on various scientific themes, always concluding with how technology affects humanity and an optimistic view of the future.
---
### [Bert Jacobs](https://wwsg.com/speakers/bert-jacobs/)
**Published:** November 2, 2016
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** Bert Jacobs is co-founder and CEO (Chief Executive Optimist) of Life is Good, which spreads the power of optimism through inspiring art, a passionate community and groundbreaking nonprofit work. Contact Worldwide Speakers Group to host Bert as your next keynote speaker.
**Content:**
Bert Jacobs is Co-founder and CEO (Chief Executive Optimist) of Life is Good, which spreads the power of optimism through inspiring art, a passionate community, and groundbreaking nonprofit work.
---
### [Sanjay Gupta](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sanjay-gupta/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** Millions of loyal viewers follow and know him as Dr. Sanjay Gupta, the multiple Emmy Award-winning Chief Medical Correspondent for CNN and the go-to authority for major developments in medicine, personal health, and health care.
**Content:**
Dr. Sanjay Gupta brings unparalleled credibility, experience, and clarity to the stage as one of the world’s most trusted voices in [health and medicine](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/healthcare-and-wellness/). As CNN’s chief medical correspondent and a practicing neurosurgeon, he has reported on every major health crisis of the last two decades—from the frontlines of natural disasters and war zones to the global Covid-19 pandemic.
Event audiences benefit not only from his deep medical expertise, but also his unique ability to communicate complex topics with clarity, empathy, and relevance. Whether discussing brain health, crisis response, or the intersection of media and medicine, Dr. Gupta delivers insights that are timely, actionable, and deeply resonant for groups of all kinds.
---
### [Michelle Curran](https://wwsg.com/speakers/michelle-curran/)
**Published:** October 12, 2023
**Author:** Riley Sims
**Content:**
Michelle Curran held an impressive career as a Fighter Pilot during her 13 years in the United States Air Force. Her last three years of service, she was the only female pilot for the Air Force Thunderbirds, which has led her to be an in-demand international speaker. Michelle speaks to audiences about pushing limits, inspiring others, and finding your inner “callsign.”
---
### [Mark Halperin](https://wwsg.com/speakers/mark-halperin/)
**Published:** February 4, 2026
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
With decades at the center of American politics, Mark Halperin delivers behind-the-scenes insights drawn from unmatched senior-level sources across both parties. Having covered every U.S. election since 1988 and broken major stories throughout his career, he offers audiences rigorous, non-partisan analysis of policy, media, and modern campaigns—cutting through noise with clarity, candor, and wit. For event planners seeking a keynote that is timely, entertaining, substantive, and truly insider, Halperin brings rare perspective and newsroom-level reporting to the stage, with a presentation crafted to unite the nation and all audiences, rather than divide.
---
### [Shawn Meaike](https://wwsg.com/speakers/shawn-meaike/)
**Published:** May 1, 2023
**Author:** wpengine
**Content:**
A God-fearing man with a passion to serve others, Shawn Meaike is the CEO and Founder of Family First Life, an insurance company taking the entire industry by storm—with growth to $1B in as little as 8 years. Shawn is an active advocate and sponsor of the DreamCenter Foundation in Los Angeles and the Make-A-Wish Foundation. He is on a mission to redesign the way the world operates, away from the scarcity mindset to one of abundance and grace, one person at a time… Starting with you.
---
### [Roman Yampolskiy](https://wwsg.com/speakers/roman-yampolskiy/)
**Published:** March 4, 2026
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
Dr. Roman Yampolskiy, a tenured [AI expert](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/artificial-intelligence/) at the University of Louisville, boasts 100+ publications in AI safety, [cybersecurity](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/technology-and-innovation/cybersecurity/), and digital forensics. Known for dynamic speaking, he simplifies complex topics for diverse audiences, from academic conferences to public lectures. He is a dynamic speaker providing valuable insights into AI ethics and the future of technology.
---
### [Jay Baer](https://wwsg.com/speakers/jay-baer/)
**Published:** November 9, 2017
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Jay Baer is a renowned business growth and customer experience expert with 30 years of experience helping top brands like Nike and Oracle. A best-selling author and Hall of Fame speaker, Jay offers practical, impactful insights that inspire change and drive results. His engaging style and expertise make him a valuable keynote speaker for any audience.
---
### [John Kelly](https://wwsg.com/speakers/john-kelly/)
**Published:** January 17, 2019
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** Retired Gen. John Kelly is a 45-year Marine veteran who headed the U.S. Southern Command, where he focused on U.S. border security, organized crime, terrorist organizations and drug traffickers in his Latin American region for more than three years. Kelly retired as a four-star general in 2016.
**Content:**
Retired Gen. John Kelly is a 45-year Marine veteran who headed the U.S. Southern Command, where he focused on U.S. border security, organized crime, terrorist organizations and drug traffickers in his Latin American region for more than three years. Kelly retired as a four-star general in 2016. He then served as the 5th United States Secretary of Homeland Security in the Trump Administration, where he earned a reputation for being an aggressive enforcer of ethics, established Homeland Security policy, and most importantly, the law. After six months, he was selected to serve as White House Chief of Staff.
Since leaving the White House, General Kelly regularly lectures and conducts focused seminars on ethical and moral leadership, team building, and decision making. He has also presented at various programs regarding the state of American society and democracy, what the future may look like, and how Americans can stop erosion by electing the right kind of leaders from the city council level all the way up to president of the United States.
---
### [Suneel Gupta](https://wwsg.com/speakers/suneel-gupta/)
**Published:** December 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Suneel Gupta is an international bestselling author, Harvard Medical School visiting scholar, and host of an award-winning TV show (now streaming on Amazon Prime). Grounded in over a decade of research, Suneel argues that high-potential teams that fizzle out don’t run out of time or talent. They run out of energy! In the face of an exhaustion epidemic, he delivers science-based habits to help your leaders and teams elevate their creativity, engagement, and resilience.
---
### [Christopher Wray](https://wwsg.com/speakers/christopher-wray/)
**Published:** December 22, 2025
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
Event planners seeking a speaker with unmatched experience in national security, leadership, and crisis management will find exceptional value in Christopher Wray. As former FBI Director and a veteran of the Department of Justice, he offers rare insights into safeguarding organizations, navigating complex threats, and leading with integrity under pressure. His presentations bring clarity, credibility, and real-world expertise to audiences across sectors.
---
### [John Harwood](https://wwsg.com/speakers/john-harwood/)
**Published:** November 9, 2022
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
Award-winning journalist John Harwood is a widely-respected nonpartisan expert in presidential politics and an admired voice in American homes. He is renowned for his compelling explorations into headline-grabbing events in Washington and his must-see interviews with some of the most influential leaders shaping the future of our nation.
---
### [Tali Sharot](https://wwsg.com/speakers/tali-sharot/)
**Published:** February 1, 2018
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Tali Sharot is a leading expert on human decision-making, optimism, and emotion. A neuroscientist by trade, Sharot combines research in psychology, behavioral economics, and neuroscience to reveal the forces that shape our decisions, beliefs, and inaccurate expectations of the future and how those can be altered (or sustained).
---
### [Daniel Kraft](https://wwsg.com/speakers/daniel-kraft/)
**Published:** March 9, 2015
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Dr. Daniel Kraft is a Stanford- and Harvard-trained physician-scientist, inventor, and entrepreneur who helps organizations understand—and lead—the future of health and medicine. A four-time TED/TEDMED speaker and founder of NextMed Health, he delivers dynamic, insight-rich keynotes on AI, digital health, longevity, and breakthrough biotechnologies transforming care. Blending clinical expertise, venture insight, and real-world innovation, Dr. Kraft equips audiences with a clear roadmap to thrive in the rapidly evolving healthcare landscape.
---
### [Esther George](https://wwsg.com/speakers/esther-george/)
**Published:** February 13, 2026
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
With decades of leadership inside the Federal Reserve, Esther George brings rare, first-hand insight into monetary policy, financial regulation, and the future of the U.S. economy. Her experience leading the Kansas City Fed, serving on the FOMC, and launching initiatives like FedNow allows her to connect global economic trends to real-world implications for business, finance, and policy audiences. Event planners value her clarity, credibility, and ability to deliver thoughtful, timely perspectives to senior-level audiences.
---
### [Agustín Carstens](https://wwsg.com/speakers/agustin-carstens/)
**Published:** January 13, 2026
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
Agustín Carstens brings a rare perspective on the architecture of global finance, shaped by his tenure as General Manager of the Bank for International Settlements. Drawing on his leadership at the BIS, Mr. Carstens offers audiences clear, forward-looking insight into global monetary stability, institutional trust, and the future architecture of the financial system. With deep expertise spanning policy, innovation, and technology, Carstens is uniquely positioned to help leaders understand how financial systems are evolving—and what it will take to ensure resilience in a rapidly changing global economy.
---
### [Alex Honnold](https://wwsg.com/speakers/alex-honnold/)
**Published:** April 16, 2021
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** Alex Honnold is a professional rock climber whose audacious free-solo ascents of America’s biggest cliffs have made him one of the most recognized and followed climbers in the world.
**Content:**
Alex Honnold is a professional rock climber whose audacious free-solo ascents of America’s biggest cliffs have made him one of the most recognized and followed climbers in the world. The pinnacle of his career and maybe also the sport of climbing, as captured in the Academy Award winning film, *Free Solo*, was his 2017 rope-less climb of El Capitan in Yosemite, an accomplishment which *The New York Times* called “one of the greatest athletic feats of any kind, ever.”
---
### [Patrick Harker](https://wwsg.com/speakers/patrick-harker/)
**Published:** July 14, 2025
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
Patrick Harker brings a rare blend of experience to every stage—former Federal Reserve Bank President, university president, Dean of the Wharton School, and accomplished scholar in financial services and operations. What sets him apart as a speaker is his ability to make complex economic and policy issues accessible, relevant, and actionable for business and civic audiences. Drawing from decades of leadership in academia, finance, and government, he delivers insights grounded in data, sharpened by pragmatism, and enriched by firsthand experience at the highest levels of decision-making. Whether discussing the future of the economy, innovation in business, or the role of institutions in driving opportunity, Dr. Harker engages audiences with clarity, candor, and credibility, always leaving them with fresh perspective and practical takeaways.
---
### [Jane Sarasohn-Kahn](https://wwsg.com/speakers/jane-sarasohn-kahn/)
**Published:** April 26, 2023
**Author:** wpengine
**Content:**
Jane is an internationally-recognized speaker, advisor, and trend-weaver, partnering with health/care stakeholders in the U.S. and Europe. She focuses on consumers and patients, health technology, the social determinants of health, health policy and the future of health care.
---
### [Fabrice Pothier](https://wwsg.com/speakers/fabrice-pothier/)
**Published:** January 21, 2026
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
Fabrice Pothier brings rare, first-hand insight from the front lines of global security and geopolitics, shaped by more than two decades advising NATO, European leaders, and transatlantic institutions. As CEO of Rasmussen Global and a trusted advisor on Ukraine’s long-term security, he helps audiences cut through uncertainty with clear, strategic perspective. Event planners value his ability to translate complex geopolitical shifts into timely, actionable insights for senior leaders navigating today’s volatile global environment.
---
### [Andrea Iorio](https://wwsg.com/speakers/andrea-iorio/)
**Published:** January 12, 2026
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
Andrea Iorio is a globally recognized keynote speaker on AI, leadership, sales, and innovation, known for translating cutting-edge technology into clear, practical strategies for growth. A former CEO of Tinder Latin America and Chief Digital Officer at L’Oréal, Andrea brings real-world executive insight to more than 100 keynotes each year for Fortune 500 companies worldwide. He is the international bestselling author of *Between You and AI*, a professor at Fundação Dom Cabral, an MIT Technology Review columnist, and the host of NVIDIA’s podcast *Vem A.I.*
---
### [Elvis Francois](https://wwsg.com/speakers/elvis-francois/)
**Published:** August 28, 2020
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Colloquially known as “The Singing Surgeon,” Dr. Elvis Francois is a spine surgeon who has inspired millions through his impromptu inspirational musical performances. At the height of the global pandemic, his motivational messages through have captured a worldwide audience. Dr. Elvis is a dedicated surgeon with a passion for using his musical talent to provide motivation, support and hope to millions of people around the world. His lectures deliver instructional and motivational talks along with unique live music accompaniments.
---
### [Andrew Busch](https://wwsg.com/speakers/andrew-busch/)
**Published:** January 9, 2019
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Economic futurist Andrew Busch converts today’s chaos into tomorrow’s growth opportunities. He is known for intensely informative and highly entertaining keynotes. Drawing from deep research, he covers the economy, public policy & elections, and supercharged trends like AI, hybrid working, COVID, rising climate concerns. Then he takes all this research and applies it to your industry to show you where future growth opportunities will be. His crystal ball into the economic future is venture capital investments made today, paying off in 5-10 years down the road.
---
### [Kevin Brown](https://wwsg.com/speakers/kevin-brown/)
**Published:** May 24, 2022
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** Motivational speaker and author Kevin Brown is passionate about helping people and organizations embrace a simple philosophy that separates world-class organizations and high-performance people from everybody else - he calls it The HERO Effect®. Through his books and presentations, Kevin entertains, inspires, and challenges people to show up every day and make a positive difference at work and in life!
**Content:**
Motivational speaker and author Kevin Brown is passionate about helping people and organizations embrace a simple philosophy that separates world-class organizations and high-performance people from everybody else—he calls it The HERO Effect®. Through his books and presentations, Kevin entertains, inspires, and challenges people to show up every day and make a positive difference at work and in life!
---
### [Elaine Chao](https://wwsg.com/speakers/elaine-chao/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** Engaging, informative, and results-oriented, Elaine Chao will leave your audience inspired and ready to conquer the world. Contact Worldwide Speakers Group to host her for your next speaking engagement.
**Content:**
Elaine Chao is a dynamic speaker with a dramatic personal story, extraordinary resume, and wide-ranging expertise on leadership, innovation, the economy and much more. Her 37-day journey aboard a cargo ship with her mother and sisters to America foreshadowed a life of possibilities, challenges and achievements. The first Asian American woman to be in the President’s cabinet, the arc of Elaine Chao’s experience encompasses cultures of Asia and the West; the public, private, and non-profit sectors; four presidential administrations; and living and working in New York, California, Kentucky, and Washington, D.C. During COVID-19, her leadership at the U. S. Department of Transportation allowed our nation’s transportation systems to remain open, safe, and moving. Engaging, informative, and results-oriented, Elaine Chao will leave your audience inspired and ready to conquer the world.
---
### [Mike Rayburn](https://wwsg.com/speakers/mike-rayburn/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Mike Rayburn seeks to transform communities. This is true of his personal, business, and career missions. Whether that community is a business audience, an association, enrollees in his “What If…?” keynote experience, impoverished people world wide, or the lost in his hometown of Las Vegas, Mike’s daily efforts and life work are dedicated to transforming communities.
---
### [Tomi Lahren](https://wwsg.com/speakers/tomi-lahren/)
**Published:** October 26, 2015
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** Tomi Lahren is a Fox News contributor and host on the digital streaming platform Fox Nation. She is also the author of the book Never Play Dead: How the Truth Makes You Unstoppable. She is the youngest political talk show host in history.
**Content:**
Tomi Lahren is co-host of Big Weekend Show on Fox News Channel, a FoxNews contributor, and the host of “Tomi Lahren is Fearless” on Outkick. She is the exclusive voice of “FoxNews Commentary” on FoxNews Radio. She is also the author of “Never Play Dead: How the Truth Makes You Unstoppable.” Tomi is the youngest political talk show host in history. Her signature “Final Thoughts” segments exceed 500 million views on Facebook alone. Her motto is “faith, family, and freedom above all.”
---
### [Sarah Russis](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sarah-russis/)
**Published:** November 20, 2025
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
Sarah Russis brings a polished, high-caliber presence to every event, combining deep journalistic experience with an intuitive ability to engage audiences and elevate conversations. Event planners value her skill in drawing out meaningful insights from top leaders while keeping discussions dynamic, clear, and on-message. With her global perspective, professionalism, and natural warmth onstage, she ensures every panel, interview, or ceremony feels seamless, compelling, and expertly guided.
---
### [Robert Lighthizer](https://wwsg.com/speakers/robert-lighthizer/)
**Published:** December 8, 2023
**Author:** Riley Sims
**Content:**
An experienced trade negotiator and litigator, Ambassador Robert Lighthizer spearheaded several historic trade agreements as U.S. Trade Representative, ushering in a new era of fair, balanced, and reciprocal trade for U.S. workers, producers, and businesses. With decades of experience shaping U.S. trade policy under two presidential administrations, he offers rare, firsthand insights into global trade dynamics, geopolitical strategy, and economic reform. His perspective is especially valuable for business leaders, policymakers, and industry groups navigating international markets and supply chains. Ambassador Lighthizer brings clarity, depth, and strategic foresight to any event focused on trade, global competitiveness, or the future of the world economy.
---
### [Ken Dychtwald](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ken-dychtwald/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Dr. Ken Dychtwald is North America’s foremost visionary and original thinker regarding the lifestyle, marketing, healthcare and workforce implications of the age wave. He is a psychologist, gerontologist, documentary filmmaker, entrepreneur and best-selling author of fifteen books on aging-related issues, including *Bodymind*, *Age Wave*, *The Power Years* and *Workforce Crisis*.
In 1986, Ken founded Age Wave, a firm created to guide Fortune 500 companies and government groups in product and service development for boomers and mature adults. Through his highly acclaimed presentations, breakthrough research and consulting initiatives, and leadership within both the social science and business communities, Dr. Ken Dychtwald has dedicated his life to battling ageist stereotypes while promoting a new, vital and meaningful role for life’s second half.
---
### [Misty Copeland](https://wwsg.com/speakers/misty-copeland/)
**Published:** February 27, 2023
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
When she discovered ballet, Misty Copeland was living in a motel room, struggling with her five siblings for a place to sleep on the floor. A true prodigy, she was dancing en pointe within three months of taking her first dance class and performing professionally in just over a year: a feat unheard of for any classical dancer. In her powerful and inspiring speeches, Misty describes her accomplishments with an all-encompassing approach, touching upon her life story, social justice, and giving back. She leaves audiences with hope, inspiration, and a truly unforgettable experience.
---
### [Charlotte Jones](https://wwsg.com/speakers/charlotte-jones/)
**Published:** December 12, 2018
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Charlotte Jones, Dallas Cowboys Chief Brand Officer, oversees all strategies and applications surrounding the team’s brand as it is presented to fans worldwide. Working in the front office since 1989, Jones’ experience has enabled her to become one of the most innovative and versatile front office executives among women in professional sports.
---
### [Shervin Pishevar](https://wwsg.com/speakers/shervin-pishevar/)
**Published:** December 3, 2025
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
Shervin Pishevar is a serial entrepreneur and investor who has been instrumental in creating or championing eleven groundbreaking industries, including Hyperloop, the OnDemand Economy, Ride-Sharing, Cloud Computing, Cloud Kitchens, the Sharing Economy, App Stores, Social Gaming, Social Networking, Quantum Computing and AI, and New Cities–Network States industries. As such, Pishevar brings unparalleled insight into innovation, disruption, and early-stage investing, drawing from a career that has reshaped industries. He is a compelling keynote speaker for business leaders, tech audiences, founders, investors, and anyone seeking a rare, insider perspective on how breakthrough ideas scale globally.
---
### [Maria Konnikova](https://wwsg.com/speakers/maria-konnikova/)
**Published:** November 16, 2022
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Maria Konnikova delivers a uniquely compelling keynote experience by blending Harvard- and Columbia-trained psychological insight with the real-world decision-making lessons she mastered as a professional poker champion. A bestselling author and award-winning *New Yorker* writer, she helps audiences rethink risk, trust, influence, and human behavior through vivid storytelling and research-backed perspective. Event planners value her for offering practical, memorable takeaways that elevate leadership, strategy, and performance across any industry.
---
### [Carey Lohrenz](https://wwsg.com/speakers/carey-lohrenz/)
**Published:** October 4, 2017
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Carey Lohrenz made history as the first female F-14 Tomcat pilot in the United States Navy, breaking barriers in one of the most demanding roles in military aviation. She went on to fly combat-ready missions around the world, gaining firsthand experience in environments where precision and execution carry real consequences. Carey has since built a dynamic career as a leadership consultant, bestselling author, and researcher focused on performance under pressure. Her impact is widely recognized, including her induction into the Professional Speakers Hall of Fame and partnerships with many of the world’s top companies.
---
### [Ray LaHood](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ray-lahood/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
With an impeccable 36-year public service career, the Honorable Ray LaHood emerged as a key thought leader on major national policy issues such as transportation, infrastructure, and bipartisan leadership. As one of two conservatives in President Barack Obama’s first-term Cabinet, the Honorable Ray LaHood served as the 16th U.S. Secretary of Transportation and quickly became known throughout Washington as a bipartisan leader and skilled arbiter.
Secretary LaHood’s presentations will leave audiences inspired by his Midwest values, bipartisan approach, and can-do spirit.
---
### [Nancy Frates](https://wwsg.com/speakers/nancy-frates/)
**Published:** September 13, 2017
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
A distinguished businesswoman, Nancy Frates is the mother behind the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, the very apex of viral philanthropy, and is a leader in the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis community.
Driven by the unacceptability of her son’s prognosis, Nancy Frates utilized her business acumen, communication skills, and mama bear drive to network, advocate, and create worldwide awareness in the fight against ALS/MND. In August 2014, her son Peter championed the historic global movement known as the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge (ALS IBC) which ignited a media maelstrom, raising over $220 million in just five weeks.
---
### [Josh Kraushaar](https://wwsg.com/speakers/josh-kraushaar/)
**Published:** August 19, 2022
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Josh Kraushaar offers succinct and timely political journalism which has been a trusted source for the public for well over a decade, spanning four U.S. administrations and dozens of midterm elections. Of Kraushaar, Axios’ editor-in-chief said, “His sharp analysis will play a vital role in getting audiences smarter about the issues that matter.”
---
### [Ben Parr](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ben-parr/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Through his unique experience and access as a leading technology writer/prognosticator, venture capitalist, and Silicon Valley insider, Ben Parr has built and led tech and media companies as well coached dozens of young startups and Fortune 500 corporations on capturing attention, marketing, branding, fundraising, and how to stay ahead of the curve. Ben was named one of the top 10 people to know in Silicon Valley by The Huffington Post, one of the top ten tech journalists in the world by Say Media, and named to the Forbes 30 Under 30 list.
As the former Co-Editor of Mashable, co-founder of Octane AI, co-host of Business Envy with actor/celebrity Greg Grunberg, board member of Sama and Lufthansa, and the bestselling author of *Captivology*, Ben Parr is an expert in the science of capturing attention, the present and future of technology and business, and what it takes to build brands that endure.
---
### [Allen West](https://wwsg.com/speakers/allen-west/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** A fierce advocate of conservative values, strong education, and public service, Lt. Col. Allen West is the third of four generations of military servicemen in his family. During his 22-year career in the United States Army, Lieutenant Colonel West served in several combat zones and received many honors including a Bronze Star, three Meritorious Service Medals, three Army Commendation Medals (one with Valor device), and a Valorous Unit Award.
**Content:**
A fierce advocate of conservative values, strong education, and public service, Lt. Col. Allen West is the third of four generations of military servicemen in his family. During his 22-year career in the United States Army, Lieutenant Colonel West served in several combat zones and received many honors including a Bronze Star, three Meritorious Service Medals, three Army Commendation Medals (one with Valor device), and a Valorous Unit Award.
His experience as a Congressman, Member of the Small Business and Armed Services Committees, and prolific leadership career in the United States Army, has provided West with a highly valued and respected voice on key issues. His life exemplifies that of a political icon, military hero, and riveting leader.
---
### [Shubham Banerjee](https://wwsg.com/speakers/shubham-banerjee/)
**Published:** July 15, 2015
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** At the age of thirteen, Shubham Banerjee disrupted an entire industry by playing with Legos. His story has captured the imagination of many people, including industry veterans, and students alike who think Braigo will shake up the market for the visually impaired.
**Content:**
Shubham Banerjee became one of the youngest entrepreneurs in Silicon Valley when his braille-printing prototype, built from Legos at age thirteen, received venture-capital backing from Intel Capital. Through Braigo Labs, he introduced a low-cost approach to braille technology that challenged long-standing pricing and accessibility barriers in the industry. His work has been featured by CNN, Bloomberg, NBC, the BBC, and other major outlets for its impact on expanding access for the visually impaired. Banerjee’s experience offers a clear look at how practical engineering and curiosity can drive meaningful shifts in established markets.
---
### [Mike Bird](https://wwsg.com/speakers/mike-bird/)
**Published:** November 12, 2025
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
Mike Bird brings a sharp, global perspective to today’s most pressing financial and economic issues. As *The Economist*’s Wall Street editor and co-host of its *Money Talks* podcast, he offers audiences rare insight into the forces shaping global markets and economic power. With his book *The Land Trap*, Bird also explores how land and ownership continue to drive politics, inequality, and growth—making him an ideal speaker for audiences seeking depth, clarity, and relevance in a changing world.
---
### [Sam Caucci](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sam-caucci/)
**Published:** November 13, 2025
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
Event planners looking for a dynamic, high-impact speaker will find Sam Caucci delivers both inspiration and immediately actionable strategies for transforming workforce performance. His energy, real-world insights, and proven results make him a standout choice for audiences seeking fresh thinking on training, engagement, and the future of work.
---
### [DeEtta Jones](https://wwsg.com/speakers/deetta-jones/)
**Published:** December 9, 2022
**Author:** Riley Sims
**Content:**
DeEtta Jones is a widely sought-after thought leader on issues ranging from social justice to everyday practices for nurturing a healthy organizational culture. Each presentation is based on research, customized to the specifics of the group and presented with DeEtta’s hallmark levels of approachability and humor.
Each year, for more than 20 years, DeEtta presents to thousands of people all over the world. She brings a unique ability to explain complex, and often controversial, issues in ways that invite participant curiosity and engagement. Her years of experience as a consultant and trainer allow her to translate concepts into practical terms and accompanied by immediate steps for experiencing a breakthrough.
---
### [Lindsay Chervinsky](https://wwsg.com/speakers/lindsay-chervinsky/)
**Published:** October 21, 2025
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
As Director of the George Washington Presidential Library, Dr. Lindsay Chervinsky offers a rare blend of scholarship and storytelling that brings history to life in ways audiences immediately connect with. She draws on her deep expertise in presidential leadership, government institutions, and political culture to show how the lessons of the past can sharpen today’s decision-making and elevate organizational leadership. Planners consistently find that audiences leave her sessions energized, informed, and equipped with timeless strategies drawn from the nation’s most influential leaders.
---
### [Kaihan Krippendorff](https://wwsg.com/speakers/kaihan-krippendorff/)
**Published:** September 22, 2020
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Kaihan Krippendorff delivers the kind of keynote that equips audiences with actionable, research-backed tools to spark innovation and drive transformation at scale. Drawing on his work with leading global companies and his recognition as a top strategic thinker, he translates complex ideas into clear, energizing insights tailored to your organization’s goals. For event planners seeking a speaker who inspires, informs, and ignites meaningful change, Kaihan offers a compelling blend of credibility, relevance, and impact.
---
### [Liz Wiseman](https://wwsg.com/speakers/liz-wiseman/)
**Published:** December 17, 2015
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Liz Wiseman, a leading authority on leadership and team performance, reveals how the best leaders make everyone around them smarter and more capable. Through her groundbreaking research and bestselling books *Multipliers*, *The Multiplier Effect*, and *Impact Players*, Liz shows how to turn intelligence into collective strength and transform potential into results. As CEO of The Wiseman Group, she has coached leaders at the world’s top organizations, from Apple and Google to Nike and Netflix, helping them cultivate cultures of growth, collaboration, and impact. With clarity and insight, Liz empowers audiences to reimagine leadership not as command and control, but as a catalyst for unlocking brilliance in others.
---
### [Gary Locke](https://wwsg.com/speakers/gary-locke/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** Often considered one of the top speakers for doing business in China, Ambassador Gary Locke has spent more than three decades working with – and in – China. He is recognized as one of the world’s foremost authorities on U.S.-China relations, global expansion, and business growth.
**Content:**
Often considered one of the top speakers for doing business in China, Ambassador Gary Locke has spent more than three decades working with – and in – China. He is recognized as one of the world’s foremost authorities on U.S.-China relations, global expansion, and business growth.
Drawing on his vast experiences as U.S. Ambassador to China, U.S. Secretary of Commerce, and two-term Governor of Washington, “the nation’s most trade-dependent state, ” Locke offers a wealth of knowledge on some of the most vital issues confronting America and the international community today.
---
### [Marcus Whitney](https://wwsg.com/speakers/marcus-whitney/)
**Published:** October 23, 2025
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
Marcus Whitney is a dynamic entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and best-selling author who brings powerful, real-world lessons on innovation, leadership, and resilience to every stage. As Founding Partner of Jumpstart Health Investors and co-founder of Nashville’s Major League Soccer team, he’s built success across industries by challenging conventional thinking and empowering others to do the same. Event planners trust Marcus to deliver keynotes that ignite creativity, inspire action, and leave audiences equipped to innovate in both business and life.
---
### [Steve Wozniak](https://wwsg.com/speakers/steve-wozniak/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
A Silicon Valley icon and philanthropist for the past three decades, Steve Wozniak revolutionized the personal computer industry as co-founder of Apple Computer. With its first line of Apple products – Macintosh, Apple I and Apple II, Wozniak and Steve Jobs brought computers to the hands of the mass market.
Through the years, Wozniak has been involved in various business and philanthropic ventures; he currently serves as Chief Scientist for Primary Data and is a published author of a *New York Times* best-selling autobiography, *iWoz: From Computer Geek to Cult Icon*. A talented business speaker, Wozniak shares a once-in-a-lifetime success story with audiences globally by teaching the lessons of Apple to show that evolution is achieved from the ground up.
---
### [Zack Kass](https://wwsg.com/speakers/zack-kass/)
**Published:** March 22, 2024
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
Zack Kass is an AI Futurist and the former Head of GTM for OpenAI with 14 years in the field of emerging technology. At OpenAI, Zack built its sales, partnerships, and solutions teams. Today, Zack’s mission is to champion a future of abundance by demystifying AI and helping the world prepare for the impending technological revolution.
---
### [John Roberts](https://wwsg.com/speakers/john-roberts/)
**Published:** June 1, 2022
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** John Roberts served as Fox News Channel’s chief White House correspondent, reporting on the top headlines emanating out of Washington, D.C. Roberts regularly attended White House briefings and covered the recent second impeachment of President Donald Trump.
**Content:**
John Roberts’ varied career in journalism has spanned decades, networks, and disciplines and has earned him many accolades; most recently being inducted into the Canadian Broadcast Hall of Fame. He served as FOX News’ White House Correspondent during the Trump administration and now anchors the popular daytime news show, *America Reports*. Roberts is known for his succinct and unbiased reporting, and with a pulse on today’s news can speak on current events from all angles, including how they’ll impact your organization.
---
### [Jennifer Burns](https://wwsg.com/speakers/jennifer-burns/)
**Published:** November 27, 2023
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
One of the nation’s leading historians, Jennifer Burns offers unique insights into the history of ideas in politics, economic policy making, and the conservative movement. Jennifer is a seasoned teacher with a knack for making complex ideas understandable, and her talks will take you back to your favorite college class. At once entertaining and educating her audiences, she covers foundational issues of American political debate through profiles of the country’s most famous thinkers, giving listeners new perspectives on perennial questions about capitalism, markets, and government. Professor Burns’ latest book, Milton Friedman: The Last Conservative was awarded one of the [Best Books of 2023 as chosen by The Economist](https://www.livemint.com/special-report/the-best-books-of-2023-as-chosen-by-the-economist-11701586529619.html) and the Age of Reagan Conference Book Prize.
---
### [Fiona Carnarvon](https://wwsg.com/speakers/fiona-carnarvon/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** Lady Fiona Carnarvon was inspired to share the true story of Highclere Castle's conversion to a hospital during WWI. From diaries, letters and photos straight out of the Edwardian era, she produced Lady Almina and the Real Downton Abbey.
**Content:**
As the eighth and current Countess of Carnarvon reigning, Lady Fiona Carnarvon was inspired to share the true story of Highclere Castle’s conversion to a hospital during WWI. Highclere is the real-life setting for Masterpiece’s *Downton Abbey*. Using diaries, letters, and photos straight out of the Edwardian era, she produced *Lady Almina and the Real Downton Abbey*.
---
### [Stanley Tucci](https://wwsg.com/speakers/stanley-tucci/)
**Published:** January 1, 1970
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Stanley Tucci brings sophistication, humor, and storytelling brilliance to every stage. An Academy Award–nominated actor, acclaimed filmmaker, and host of National Geographic’s *Tucci in Italy*, Tucci offers audiences a captivating blend of insight, charm, and inspiration. His appearances leave guests entertained, engaged, and reminded of the power of creativity, culture, and connection.
---
### [Ty Bennett](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ty-bennett/)
**Published:** April 6, 2016
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Ty Bennett founded Leadership Inc., a training company with a mission to empower individuals and organizations to challenge their status quo, cultivate exceptional relationships, and compete in extraordinary ways. With the experiences to back up his lessons, Ty is passionate about helping leaders cultivate the relevance and influence they need to challenge old ways and open new doors.
---
### [Caitlin Dickerson](https://wwsg.com/speakers/caitlin-dickerson/)
**Published:** May 12, 2025
**Author:** wpengine
**Content:**
Caitlin Dickerson is an award-winning journalist whose reporting has sparked policy change and brought global attention to some of the world’s most pressing humanitarian issues. With a Pulitzer Prize, Peabody Award, and Edward R. Murrow Award to her name, she brings unmatched credibility and depth to the stage. Her keynote presentations blend powerful storytelling with sharp analysis, helping audiences understand the real human impact of war, displacement, and systemic inequality. Event planners seeking a speaker who can inform, inspire, and move audiences to think critically will find an exceptional choice in Dickerson.
---
### [Ashley Allison](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ashley-allison/)
**Published:** April 20, 2023
**Author:** wpengine
**Content:**
Ashley Allison is a dynamic keynote speaker who brings unparalleled expertise in building winning strategies, mobilizing diverse communities, and driving meaningful change. With over 15 years of experience, including senior leadership roles in the Obama-Biden Administration and the Biden-Harris campaign, she has mastered the art of coalition-building and effective advocacy. Audiences gain invaluable insights on leadership, strategic organizing, and creating impactful movements, making her an ideal speaker for events focused on teamwork, racial equity, and corporate success.
---
### [Raja Rajamannar](https://wwsg.com/speakers/raja-rajamannar/)
**Published:** March 17, 2025
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
The illustrious career trajectory of Raja Rajamannar, marked by innovation and strategic acumen, positions him as an exceptional keynote speaker. His transformative leadership at Mastercard, where he elevated the brand to global prominence, speaks volumes of his ability to inspire and motivate audiences. His recognition as a top global marketer and his insightful contributions to the industry make him a sought-after thought leader.
---
### [Katie Harbath](https://wwsg.com/speakers/katie-harbath/)
**Published:** May 6, 2021
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** Katie Harbath is a global leader at the intersection of elections, democracy, civic engagement, and technology. Her unique expertise stems from her decade-long position as a public policy director at Facebook, where she is credited with assembling and leading a global team responsible for managing elections, amongst other accomplishments. Contact WWSG to host Katie for a speaking engagement.
**Content:**
Katie Harbath is a global leader at the intersection of elections, democracy, civic engagement, and technology. Her unique expertise stems from her decade-long position as a public policy director at Facebook, where she is credited with assembling and leading a global team responsible for managing elections, amongst other accomplishments. Katie’s teams continue to empower governments and elected officials around the world to use Facebook and Instagram as a way to connect and engage with constituents.
Katie educates and advises audiences of all kinds with her knowledge of how to utilize up-and-coming technology for marketing campaigns, presenting a balanced outlook on the positives and negatives where tech, social media, and public policy converge.
---
### [Adam Cheyer](https://wwsg.com/speakers/adam-cheyer/)
**Published:** October 15, 2025
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
As the creator of Siri and a serial entrepreneur behind multiple groundbreaking AI companies, Adam Cheyer brings rare insider insight into how artificial intelligence is reshaping business and daily life. His dynamic presentations—often blending cutting-edge technology with moments of live magic—leave audiences both enlightened and amazed. With decades of leadership experience at Apple, Samsung, and Airbnb, Adam delivers an unforgettable experience that empowers organizations to harness the future of AI with creativity and confidence.
---
### [Mick Ebeling](https://wwsg.com/speakers/mick-ebeling/)
**Published:** September 15, 2017
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Honored as one of the Top 50 Most Creative People and a Muhammad Ali Humanitarian of the Year Award winner, Mick Ebeling is a film/television/commercial producer, philanthropist, technology trailblazer, author, entrepreneur and public speaker. Ebeling is CEO of Not Impossible, an organization that develops creative solutions to address real-world problems.
---
### [Rachel Botsman](https://wwsg.com/speakers/rachel-botsman/)
**Published:** July 7, 2022
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** Her TED talks have been viewed more than five million times and audiences consistently rate her as the top keynote speaker at global events and conferences. By forming an immediate — and lasting — connection with those in the room, Rachel’s presentations resonate long after the final word. To host her for a speaking engagement, contact WWSG.
**Content:**
Rachel Botsman is a leading expert on trust in the modern world. Her two critically acclaimed books, *What’s Mine is Yours* and *Who Can You Trust?,* have been translated into 14 languages. She has been recognized as one of the world’s 30 most influential management thinkers by Thinkers50, and honored as a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum. Her [TED talks](https://www.ted.com/speakers/rachel_botsman) have been viewed more than five million times.
---
### [Mia Hamm](https://wwsg.com/speakers/mia-hamm/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Mia Hamm is a legend of women’s soccer and the founder of the Mia Hamm Foundation. She speaks about perseverance and teamwork.
---
### [Theresa Payton](https://wwsg.com/speakers/theresa-payton/)
**Published:** October 8, 2025
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
Theresa Payton thrives in the energy of live events, where her ability to connect with audiences shines. Whether she’s participating in dynamic panel discussions, emceeing high-impact gatherings, or sharing her expertise on podcasts, TV, and radio, Theresa brings passion, expertise, and a touch of humor to every setting. Known for turning complex topics such as AI, cryptocurrency, big data, and quantum computing, into relatable and actionable insights, she excels at engaging diverse audiences and sparking meaningful conversations. From thought-provoking dialogues to energizing keynotes, Theresa leaves listeners informed, inspired, and ready to take action.
---
### [Karen Pence](https://wwsg.com/speakers/karen-pence/)
**Published:** March 22, 2021
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Karen Pence presents charismatic speeches which highlight her unique experiences as the Second Lady of the United States and First Lady of Indiana. Her remarks illustrate the passion and dedication she feels towards art therapy awareness and to the sacrifices made by military service members and their families.
---
### [Gregory Zuckerman](https://wwsg.com/speakers/gregory-zuckerman/)
**Published:** September 5, 2023
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
Gregory Zuckerman is a Special Writer at *The Wall Street Journal,* a 27-year veteran of the paper and a three-time winner of the Gerald Loeb award—the highest honor in business journalism.
---
### [Kate O'Neill](https://wwsg.com/speakers/kate-oneill/)
**Published:** June 26, 2023
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
A dynamic and bright speaker, Kate O’Neill has spoken at hundreds of events all around the world on digital transformation and the impact of technology on humanity. She delivers thought-provoking, energizing, high-concept ideas about topics at the intersection of data, emerging tech, strategy, meaning, and human experience.
---
### [Mitch Lowe](https://wwsg.com/speakers/mitch-lowe/)
**Published:** September 1, 2022
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Mitch Lowe is a top business and entertainment keynote speaker, former President of Redbox, and founding executive of Netflix. As VP of Business Development and Strategic Alliances for Netflix’s first five years, and as a member of its core executive team Mitch led many of the partnerships that drove new subscribers to join Netflix, such as its partnership with Best Buy and DVD manufacturers.
---
### [Ray Mabus](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ray-mabus/)
**Published:** December 28, 2016
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Secretary Ray Mabus is the 75th United States Secretary of the Navy, the longest to serve as leader of the Navy and Marine Corps since World War I. He has been a disrupter and a change leader throughout his career, from attacking entrenched public corruption as Mississippi’s State Auditor in the early 1980s to revolutionizing the Navy and Marine Corps as Secretary of the Navy under President Obama.
Throughout his tenure, Secretary Mabus has focused on four key priorities – People, Platforms, Power and Partnerships – that enable the Navy and Marine Corps’ unique ability to maintain the global presence that reassures our allies and deters our adversaries.
---
### [Anne Mahlum](https://wwsg.com/speakers/anne-mahlum/)
**Published:** March 4, 2025
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
Anne Mahlum brings a powerful blend of entrepreneurial success, social impact, and motivational storytelling to the stage. Her experience founding and scaling both a national nonprofit and a multimillion-dollar fitness brand demonstrates resilience, bold leadership, and a commitment to empowering others. Whether speaking on business growth, personal development, or social change, Anne captivates audiences with her firsthand insights on turning vision into reality.
---
### [Mike Bonifer](https://wwsg.com/speakers/mike-bonifer/)
**Published:** October 1, 2015
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Mike Bonifer is one of the world’s leading practitioners of quantum storytelling, an emerging field that accounts for how stories form in networks, affect behaviors, and are likely to shape the future.
---
### [Christian 'Boo' Boucousis](https://wwsg.com/speakers/christian-boo-boucousis/)
**Published:** May 30, 2025
**Author:** wpengine
**Content:**
Former Australian fighter pilot Christian ‘Boo’ Boucousis is the CEO of Afterburner. Diagnosed with an auto-immune disorder, he successfully transformed the fighter pilot mindset into a number of high-growth multi-million dollar businesses. He is a human behavior specialist, strategist, and inspirational keynote speaker who explores a world beyond high performing teams and leaders.
---
### [Simon Bailey](https://wwsg.com/speakers/simon-bailey/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Simon Bailey is the leader of the SPARK Movement, which ignites sustainable transformation in people, systems, and nations. His Goalcast video released on Facebook has over 87+ million views worldwide.
---
### [Stacy Allison](https://wwsg.com/speakers/stacy-allison/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Stacy Allison is a pioneering adventurer, successful entrepreneur, and dynamic keynote speaker who inspires audiences to scale their own peaks—personally and professionally. Best known as the first American woman to summit Mt. Everest, Stacy combines the grit of a world-class mountaineer with the practical wisdom of a business leader. As president of Stacy Allison General Contracting and a bestselling author, she draws on her extraordinary journey—from navigating deadly storms on Everest to leading high-performing teams in the field and in the boardroom—to deliver powerful lessons on leadership, resilience, risk-taking, and team success.
---
### [Gregory Slavonic](https://wwsg.com/speakers/gregory-slavonic/)
**Published:** April 9, 2021
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Secretary Gregory Slavonic’s decorated military career along with his other dynamic executive positions have uniquely offered him a wide and varied range of expertise, including intelligence-related military activity and high-level leadership in both public and private sectors.
His book, *Charging a Tyrant: The Arraignment of Saddam Hussein* shares an intimate, first-hand perspective on the Hussein tribunal, shedding light on one of our generation’s most fascinating military captures.
---
### [Emily Kasriel](https://wwsg.com/speakers/emily-kasriel/)
**Published:** February 19, 2025
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
Emily Kasriel offers a unique approach to communication through Deep Listening, fostering deeper connections built on curiosity, empathy, and respect. She works with leaders and communities facing polarization, helping to create environments where people feel truly heard. With her book, *Deep Listening*, Emily brings fresh insights and practical strategies that will resonate with audiences seeking to improve relationships and communication in both personal and professional settings.
---
### [Sterling Hawkins](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sterling-hawkins/)
**Published:** April 25, 2024
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
Sterling Hawkins is out to break the status quo on how discomfort is viewed in our professional and personal lives. As we continue to face unrelenting change, Sterling is masterful at creating bold action and inspired energy within organizations through teaching leaders and their team members how to use discomfort, challenges and uncertainty as their path forward for *next level results.* The essence lies in building fortitude to breakthrough the paralysis of fear and the unknown to seize discomfort, transforming it into a competitive advantage within ourselves and our organizations.
---
### [Amy Cuddy](https://wwsg.com/speakers/amy-cuddy/)
**Published:** April 5, 2024
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
A bold and captivating voice in the field of social psychology, Dr. Amy Cuddy demystifies the science behind power, presence, and prejudice – and their influence on human behavior. The question that drives her work: “How can we take control of our own thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in ways that boost our confidence, presence, performance, courage, and overall well-being?”
Cuddy is widely recognized for her enduringly popular 2012 TED Talk, “[Your Body Language May Shape Who You Are](https://www.ted.com/talks/amy_cuddy_your_body_language_shapes_who_you_are)” — the third most-watched TED Talk of all time with over 70 million views, named by *The Guardian* as ‘One of 20 Online Talks that Could Change Your Life.’
With her eloquent, relatable, and warm-hearted delivery, Cuddy moves and inspires listeners through her transformational theories that show us how everyone can harness their own power and bravery.
---
### [Bharat Ramamurti](https://wwsg.com/speakers/bharat-ramamurti/)
**Published:** November 27, 2023
**Author:** Riley Sims
**Content:**
Bharat Ramamurti has been one of the country’s top economic policymakers and communicators. As Deputy Director of the White House National Economic Council and Advisor to the President for Strategic Economic Communications, Mr. Ramamurti helped lead the Biden Administration’s work on a broad range of topics, including financial markets, student debt, artificial intelligence and technology regulation, antitrust, and the economic response to the pandemic. His presentations describe the future of policymaking in these key areas.
---
### [Eric Rosengren](https://wwsg.com/speakers/eric-rosengren/)
**Published:** March 18, 2022
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
As a 35-year veteran of the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, Eric Rosengren is one of modern times’ most knowledgeable experts on financial markets and institutions. He served on the Fed’s Open Market Committee during some of the most turbulent periods in the past 50 years, including the Great Financial Crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic.
An accomplished public speaker known for making complex economic content understandable, he provides a comprehensive description of the economic and financial challenges that we face.
---
### [Ben Casnocha](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ben-casnocha/)
**Published:** September 15, 2017
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
The employer-employee relationship is broken, and managers face a seemingly impossible dilemma. Ben Casnocha shares the solution with audiences and helps them understand that employees are not family or free agents but allies.
---
### [Jack Uldrich](https://wwsg.com/speakers/jack-uldrich/)
**Published:** September 13, 2017
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Jack Uldrich is a renowned global futurist and the best-selling author of eleven books. He is a frequent guest on national media and regularly appears on the Science Channel’s television program, “FutureScape” and the Discovery Channel show “Inside Out.” He is a prolific speaker on technology, change management and leadership and has addressed Fortune 100 corporations, venture capital firms, associations, not-for-profit organizations and state and regional governments on five continents.
---
### [Darria Long Gillespie](https://wwsg.com/speakers/darria-long-gillespie/)
**Published:** August 9, 2016
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Widely renowned as an expert in making life and health better for women, Dr. Darria Long Gillespie, MD MBA is a national on-air TV health expert, author *Mom Hacks*, board certified emergency department physician, and a digital health executive. Given her experience, she holds a unique, multifaceted perspective of the healthcare system.
As an emergency physician, Dr. Darria understands having too much to do in the most stressful of situations—and too little time to do it. She quickly learned techniques to save time *and* save lives. Becoming a patient herself was a wakeup call to do the same for herself. She now brings these same high-yield strategies for wellness to her audiences, saving them time, struggle, and their sanity.
---
### [Polly LaBarre](https://wwsg.com/speakers/polly-labarre/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
For nearly 20 years Polly LaBarre has worked to embolden and equip leaders in every realm of endeavor to make their organizations more resilient, innovative, inspiring, and accountable. As a founding member at Fast Company magazine, Polly helped to shape the remarkable success of a magazine that changed the way leaders at all levels think about working and winning. She was a creator and host of the magazine’s agenda-setting Real Time gatherings, high-level round table series “Fast Talk,” and signature women’s leadership event.
---
### [Mara Liasson](https://wwsg.com/speakers/mara-liasson/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Renowned for her in-depth reporting and insightful analysis, Mara Liasson is one of the most astute political observers of our age. She is the national political correspondent for National Public Radio (NPR), where her reports can be heard regularly on its award-winning newsmagazines *All Things Considered* and *Morning Edition*. Liasson provides extensive coverage of politics and policy from Washington, DC ” focusing on the White House and Congress ” as well as on political trends beyond the Beltway.
---
### [Jeff Evans](https://wwsg.com/speakers/jeff-evans/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
For over 25 years, Jeff Evans’ global experiences as a world-class mountaineer and guide have helped him master the skills of servant leadership, teamwork, communication and trust. His amazing adventures and challenges have given him the tools to become one of the most dynamic and inspirational speakers on the circuit today, delivering his message to tens of thousands of audience members and changing the way we approach our roles within our work and family environments.
---
### [Jenny Evans](https://wwsg.com/speakers/jenny-evans/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Jenny Evans’ events are active, engaging, high-energy, and lifechanging—leaving audiences inspired, informed and on their way to leading a more productive life in increasingly demanding business environments. As a stress expert, her award-winning book, *The Resiliency rEvolution* has been hailed as a “smart, clever read and super-practical guide to leading a more full and resilient life.” She is also the creator of Hit the Deck, the ultimate tool for combating stress and increasing productivity and fitness.
---
### [Dambisa Moyo](https://wwsg.com/speakers/dambisa-moyo/)
**Published:** August 27, 2015
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Dambisa Moyo was named by TIME Magazine as one of the “100 Most Influential People in the World,” and was awarded the 2013 Hayek Lifetime Achievement Award.
---
### [Taryn Marie Stejskal](https://wwsg.com/speakers/taryn-marie-stejskal/)
**Published:** February 17, 2023
**Author:** wpengine
**Content:**
Dr. Taryn Marie Stejskal (pronounced Stay-skull) is the Founder and Chief Resilience Officer (CRO) of Resilience Leadership Institute (RLI), she is recognized #1 international expert on resilience, mental health, and wellbeing in both leadership and life, whose mission is to positively impact the lives of 1 billion people, by enhancing hope, healing, and health as well as enhanced consciousness through the practices of resilience. Her work has been featured by *Fox* and *NBC News*, *Bloomberg Business*, *Thrive Global*, and *Forbes*. *LA Progressive* magazine calls her “the go-to person” and “a secret weapon” for people who want to find and maintain their edge as well as rise above the competition.
---
### [Peter Hinssen](https://wwsg.com/speakers/peter-hinssen/)
**Published:** December 5, 2022
**Author:** Riley Sims
**Content:**
Peter Hinssen is a renowned innovation expert who helps organizations navigate disruption with clarity and optimism. A bestselling author and LinkedIn Top Voice, he delivers actionable insights on emerging technology, leadership, and “The Never Normal” world. With real-world experience as a serial entrepreneur and advisor to top global firms, Peter’s keynotes are as credible as they are energizing—making him the smart choice for forward-thinking events.
---
### [Jan Jeffcoat](https://wwsg.com/speakers/jan-jeffcoat/)
**Published:** August 8, 2025
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
Jan Jeffcoat is an Emmy-winning national news anchor and trusted media expert who brings clarity and confidence to every stage. With over 20 years of experience in journalism, Jan delivers insightful, impactful talks tailored to inspire and educate diverse audiences. Book Jan to elevate your event with her unique blend of media savvy, authentic storytelling, and practical training on navigating today’s complex communication landscape.
---
### [Aarón Sánchez](https://wwsg.com/speakers/aaron-sanchez/)
**Published:** August 11, 2022
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Award-winning chef Aarón Sánchez is one of the world’s most admired and distinguished Latin chefs, passionate about preserving his family’s legacy through food and encouraging diversity in the kitchen. Sánchez launched the Aarón Sánchez Scholarship Fund in 2016, which is an initiative empowering aspiring chefs from the Latin community to follow their dreams and attend culinary school.
---
### [David Culver](https://wwsg.com/speakers/david-culver/)
**Published:** July 27, 2022
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
The acclaimed and awarded reporting of David Culver has been an essential source of information for the public about life in China during the COVID-19 pandemic. Culver’s first-hand experience is unmatched and his anecdotal speaking style will suit engagements of all kinds.
---
### [Erica Hill](https://wwsg.com/speakers/erica-hill/)
**Published:** January 20, 2022
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** As a veteran of a cutthroat industry having held prestigious news anchor positions at multiple major media networks, Erica Hill knows her stuff. Erica currently serves as a lead anchor and national correspondent for CNN. She recently anchored HLN's On the Story with Erica Hill, a daily, New York-based daytime news program.
**Content:**
As a veteran of a cutthroat industry having held prestigious news anchor positions at multiple major media networks, Erica Hill knows her stuff. Erica currently serves as a lead anchor and national correspondent for CNN. She recently anchored HLN’s *On the Story with Erica Hill*, a daily, New York-based daytime news program. During her tenure, she covered major news stories on location including the 2017 shooting in Las Vegas and Florida’s hurricane Irma. In addition to breaking news coverage, Hill was nominated for a Daytime Emmy for her role as host of the *The ABC’s of Covid-19: A CNN/Sesame Street Town Hall for Families* in 2020.
---
### [Carolin Roth](https://wwsg.com/speakers/carolin-roth/)
**Published:** January 4, 2021
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Since joining CNBC International in 2007, Carolin Roth has covered some of the biggest economic and business stories of the past decade. Having worked and lived in Zurich, London, and Germany, she is a European expert with a truly global view.
---
### [Mark Kennedy](https://wwsg.com/speakers/mark-kennedy/)
**Published:** January 11, 2017
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Mark Kennedy brings unmatched value to any audience by drawing on a career that uniquely spans business, government, and academia. With proven leadership through some of the 21st century’s most disruptive moments, he offers frameworks and insights that help leaders turn complexity into clarity and strategy into execution. His global perspective, gained from engaging with leaders in more than 45 countries, ensures that every audience leaves better prepared to navigate disruption, align systems, and lead with trust.
---
### [Garry Kasparov](https://wwsg.com/speakers/garry-kasparov/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Garry Kasparov was the highest-rated chess player in the world for over twenty years and is widely considered the greatest chess player that ever lived. He was the first player to break through the “four minute mile” of chess and remains the only player to achieve a rating over 2850, still an all-time record.
---
### [Geoffrey Moore](https://wwsg.com/speakers/geoffrey-moore/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
---
### [Joe Torre](https://wwsg.com/speakers/joe-torre/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
One of sport’s most popular personalities and arguably the most successful current manager in professional baseball, Joe Torre is an icon of determination, dedication and passion. Thirteen straight playoff appearances. Six American League pennants. Four World Series titles. His journey is one of fortitude, tenacity and the relentless pursuit of a dream.
---
### [John P. Kotter](https://wwsg.com/speakers/john-p-kotter/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
---
### [Kathy Ireland](https://wwsg.com/speakers/kathy-ireland/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
From supermodel to savvy entrepreneur, Kathy Ireland has built a $1.4 billion design empire. As CEO and Chief Designer of Kathy Ireland WorldWide, she has become “a best friend to working mothers” and leads America’s seventh most popular brand in its category.
---
### [Muhammad Yunus, Ph.D](https://wwsg.com/speakers/muhammad-yunus/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Dr. Muhammad Yunus travels the globe spreading the belief that poverty can be eliminated: “…the poor, once economically empowered, are the most determined fighters in the battle to solve the population problem; end illiteracy; and live healthier, better lives.
---
### [Newt Gingrich](https://wwsg.com/speakers/newt-gingrich/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** Speaker Gingrich has published 36 fiction and nonfiction books including 16 New York Times bestsellers. His unquenchable thirst for knowledge enables him to share unique and unparalleled insights on a wide range of topics. His audiences find him educational and inspirational in equal measure.
**Content:**
Newt Gingrich is a renowned political leader, historian, and strategist whose experience as Speaker of the House and architect of the “Contract with America” provides unmatched insights into governance and policy. As a best-selling author, Fox News contributor, and educator in global affairs and military strategy, he delivers compelling, timely, and thought-provoking discussions. His ability to connect historical context with current events makes him a powerful keynote speaker who engages and informs audiences with clarity and impact.
---
### [Patrick Lencioni](https://wwsg.com/speakers/patrick-lencioni/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
---
### [Troy Aikman](https://wwsg.com/speakers/troy-aikman/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
A three-time Super Bowl Champion, an NFL and College Football Hall of Fame Inductee and former #1 draft pick, Troy Aikman is regarded as among the greatest NFL quarterbacks ever. He has been a Super Bowl MVP, NFL Man of the Year, was selected to six consecutive Pro Bowls and to one All-Pro team.
---
### [Tyler Florence](https://wwsg.com/speakers/tyler-florence/)
**Published:** January 1, 1970
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
For the past 15 years, Chef Tyler Florence has delighted the masses by sharing the sights, sounds, and flavors of his unique culinary vision with fans around the world. Tyler graduated from the esteemed culinary program at Johnson & Wales University. In New York City, Tyler established himself as one of the finest young culinary stars. Tyler showed his skills under the city’s leading chefs including Charlie Palmer at Aureole, Marta Pulini at Mad 61 and Rick Laakonen, and eventually being named top chef at Cafeteria. As his career started to pick up, a new TV network took notice of his abilities, and the rest is history.
---
### [Mike Walsh](https://wwsg.com/speakers/mike-walsh/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Mike Walsh is a top innovation and futurist speaker, bestselling author, and IoT expert. He is the CEO of Tomorrow, a global consultancy on designing business for the 21st century, the bestselling author of Futuretainment, and publisher of the “Disruptive Future” blog read by thousands of professionals. He was recognized as one of Australia’s “Top 30 Entrepreneurs Under 30.” Rather than focusing on the distant future, Mike focuses on the next five years. His views have appeared in many publications, including BusinessWeek, and Forbes. In 2019, he released his book *The Algorithmic Leader*.
---
### [Mark Cuban](https://wwsg.com/speakers/mark-cuban/)
**Published:** October 9, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
---
### [Earvin "Magic" Johnson](https://wwsg.com/speakers/magic-johnson/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Earvin “Magic” Johnson Jr., known worldwide for his talent on the basketball court, has an equally impressive career off the court. As Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Magic Johnson Enterprises, he has helped launch major business initiatives focused on revitalizing ethnically diverse urban communities by bringing brand-name businesses into them. This unique strategy has not only resulted in tremendous growth and success on a local level but nationwide as well.
In 1991, Johnson established the Magic Johnson Foundation (MJF) to develop programs and supporting services that address the educational, health and social needs of ethnically diverse, urban communities. Since then, it has become one of the most recognizable charitable organizations around the world. Johnson is widely recognized as and continues to be a leader of urban economic development that provides jobs, goods, and a new spirit of community.
---
### [Daniel Yergin, Ph.D](https://wwsg.com/speakers/daniel-yergin/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
---
### [Carly Fiorina](https://wwsg.com/speakers/carly-fiorina/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** Carly Fiorina is is a passionate, articulate advocate for problem-solving, innovation, and effective leadership.
**Content:**
Few could have predicted that Carly Fiorina would become one of America’s most visible and influential corporate leaders as well as one of the world’s most distinguished business innovators. She is a prominent thought-leader, best-selling author and top policy advisor. A self-made woman, Carly started her business career as a secretary and went on to become the first woman to lead a Fortune 20 company.
She is a passionate, articulate advocate for innovation and effective leadership. Her mission is to inspire, equip, and connect individuals and teams to seize opportunities, face challenges, and accelerate impact in their communities. She knows that everyone has more potential than they realize, that those closest to the problem understand the problem best, and that leading to unlock the potential in others can result in both progress and joy.
---
### [Benjamin Zander](https://wwsg.com/speakers/benjamin-zander/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Hailed by Tom Peters as “the hottest property on the business guru circuit” and by *60 Minutes* as “the Energizer Bunny of Classical Music,” Benjamin Zander engages passionately with orchestras and audiences the world over, enticing people to go beyond their customary barriers to accomplish truly extraordinary results.
---
### [Barbara Corcoran](https://wwsg.com/speakers/barbara-corcoran/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Barbara Corcoran is a prominent expert in building businesses and leading teams to greatness. Founder of The Corcoran Group and Shark on ABC’s *Shark Tank*, Barbara knows what it takes to thrive in tough times and come out stronger on the other side.
Barbara will inform, motivate, and entertain your audience, taking everyone’s talents to the next level. Barbara is available for in-person keynotes or online addresses, from a one-hour keynote to 15-minute webinar series.
---
### [Alan Blinder, Ph.D](https://wwsg.com/speakers/alan-blinder/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
---
### [John Stossel](https://wwsg.com/speakers/john-stossel/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
---
### [Joseph E. Stiglitz, Ph.D](https://wwsg.com/speakers/joseph-e-stiglitz/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Few are more qualified to comment during this turbulent time than Joseph Stiglitz. A renowned economist and Nobel Prize winner, Stiglitz has had a ringside seat for most of the major economic events of the last decade, including stints as chairman of the Council of Economic Advisors.
---
### [Vijay Govindarajan, Ph.D](https://wwsg.com/speakers/vijay-govindarajan/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Vijay Govindarajan is widely regarded as one of the world’s leading experts on strategy and innovation. He is the Earl C. Daum 1924 Professor of International Business and the Founding Director of the Center for Global Leadership at the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College. Dr. Govindarajan was also the 2009 Professor-in-Residence and Chief Innovation Consultant for General Electric.
---
### [Pat Riley](https://wwsg.com/speakers/pat-riley/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Widely regarded as one of the greatest NBA coaches ever, Pat Riley’s resume is filled with many milestones during a career that spans 38 years as a player, assistant coach, head coach, administrator and broadcaster and has produced seven NBA championships.
---
### [Richard Branson](https://wwsg.com/speakers/richard-branson/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Richard Branson, a daring entrepreneur and charismatic leader, is known for his unconventional business style and record-breaking adventures. As the founder of the Virgin Group, he’s built a global empire spanning various industries. Branson’s infectious energy and storytelling abilities make him a captivating public speaker, inspiring audiences with his tales of triumph over adversity and his vision for a better future.
---
### [Hank Paulson](https://wwsg.com/speakers/hank-paulson/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** A visionary leader with an adept appreciation of the financial and business challenges facing the U.S. and the world, the Honorable Henry M. Paulson, Jr. is one of the most prominent and powerful voices on today’s political, environmental, and economic landscapes. With unrivaled experience and expertise, Paulson provides astute insights and shrewd analysis on complex, contemporary global issues.
**Content:**
A visionary leader with an adept appreciation of the financial and business challenges facing the U.S. and the world, Hank Paulson (or the Honorable Henry M. Paulson, Jr.) is one of the most prominent and powerful voices on today’s political, environmental, and economic landscapes. With unrivaled experience and expertise, Paulson provides astute insights and shrewd analysis on complex, contemporary global issues.
As Treasury Secretary, he expertly navigated one of the most tumultuous eras in U.S economic history, and as Chairman and CEO of Goldman Sachs, he led the firm towards unprecedented, exponential growth. Currently, he is Founder and Chairman of the Paulson Institute, dedicated to fostering international engagement to address issues of global scope, with particular emphasis on China. Through his work as Chairman of the TPG Rise Climate Fund he is working on large scale climate change solutions and with international CEOs to mitigate climate change challenges facing business.
---
### [Frank Caliendo](https://wwsg.com/speakers/frank-caliendo/)
**Published:** December 9, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Comedian, actor, and impressionist Frank Caliendo has been making people laugh his entire life. He is well known for his impressions of famous actors Morgan Freeman, Al Pacino, Robin Williams and Robert DeNiro; politicians George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and Barack Obama; broadcasters John Madden, Charles Barkley and Jon Gruden; and talk show hosts Dr. Phil, Jay Leno, and David Letterman.
On stage, Caliendo’s high energy act is a blend of observations, impressions, characters and anecdotal stories that start at a frenetic pace and never let up. Appropriately described by the Hollywood Reporter as “a combination of Robin Williams and Jim Carrey,” Caliendo is one comedian that should not be missed.
---
### [John Oliver](https://wwsg.com/speakers/john-oliver/)
**Published:** May 11, 2015
**Author:** ironcore
---
### [Bill Maher](https://wwsg.com/speakers/bill-maher/)
**Published:** August 12, 2015
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Whether skewering Republicans, Democrats, the mass media or Hollywood, Bill Maher is one of the most perceptive and hilarious satirists at work today. From the podium he delivers his trademark blend of devastating social commentary and politically incorrect humor that always leaves audiences begging for more.
---
### [Robert Herjavec](https://wwsg.com/speakers/robert-herjavec/)
**Published:** August 27, 2015
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Robert Herjavec is a dynamic entrepreneur and leading Shark on ABC’s Shark Tank. Herjavec’s motivational business advice has received millions of impressions through TV, print, radio and digital media. He shares his expertise with other entrepreneurs each week as a leading Shark on ABC’s Emmy Award-winning hit show *Shark Tank*.
---
### [Kevin O'Leary](https://wwsg.com/speakers/kevin-oleary/)
**Published:** October 3, 2015
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Kevin O’Leary brings a rare combination of real-world business success, sharp financial acumen, and compelling media presence, making him a powerful keynote speaker for both large conferences and intimate executive gatherings. With a proven track record of scaling companies to billion-dollar valuations and a reputation for delivering unfiltered, actionable insights, he captivates audiences with his no-nonsense approach to entrepreneurship, investing, and economic trends. Whether addressing a packed auditorium or an exclusive boardroom, O’Leary’s candid storytelling and strategic expertise leave audiences with valuable, hard-hitting lessons they can immediately apply to their own ventures.
---
### [Mel Robbins](https://wwsg.com/speakers/mel-robbins/)
**Published:** November 2, 2016
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Mel Robbins is a best-selling author, internationally recognized social media influencer, and one of the most booked motivational speakers in the world. She is the creator of a powerful mind trick called the 5 Second Rule. It’s backed by science and will transform how you think, how you work, and how you live.
---
### [Urban Meyer](https://wwsg.com/speakers/urban-meyer/)
**Published:** October 17, 2019
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Having coached his teams to winning three national championships – one of them with a third-string quarterback – Urban Meyer exhibits exemplary leadership in situations with the highest amounts of pressure and scrutiny.
---
### [Ernesto Zedillo](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ernesto-zedillo/)
**Published:** September 19, 2017
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Global strategist and respected leader throughout the world, Ernesto Zedillo is an expert in globalization and emerging markets in Central and South America.
---
### [Raghuram Rajan](https://wwsg.com/speakers/raghuram-rajan/)
**Published:** September 19, 2017
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Raghuram Rajan is the Katherine Dusak Miller Distinguished Service Professor of Finance at Chicago Booth. He was the 23rd Governor of the Reserve Bank of India between September 2013 and September 2016. Between 2003 and 2006, Dr. Rajan was the Chief Economist and Director of Research at the International Monetary Fund.
---
### [Patrick Bet-David](https://wwsg.com/speakers/patrick-bet-david/)
**Published:** September 25, 2017
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Patrick’s unique life experiences of escaping war-torn Iran, serving in the US Army, managing investments as a financial adviser and becoming a serial entrepreneur gives him a different approach to leadership and business than other industry experts.
---
### [Joe Girardi](https://wwsg.com/speakers/joe-girardi/)
**Published:** December 21, 2017
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Joe Girardi has always been a highly-respected and admired leader. An All-Star, 4-time World Series Champion (3 as a player and 1 as a manager) and leading broadcaster, Girardi’s life exemplifies the work ethic, intelligence and tenacity which brought him success throughout his life and career.
Girardi is a Two-Time Academic All American who was inducted in 2007 to the Cosida Academic All American Hall of Fame. He graduated from Northwestern University with a degree in Industrial Engineering in 1986.
---
### [François Hollande](https://wwsg.com/speakers/francois-hollande/)
**Published:** March 22, 2018
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
A consummate statesman who led France through many of the greatest threats and challenges of the 21stcentury, François Hollande brings insights gained from a lifetime spent at the highest levels of public service to the most pressing issues of our time. From terrorism to climate change, to the global economy and beyond, he has faced them all with a measured calm cultivated by years of experience.
---
### [Bob Costas](https://wwsg.com/speakers/bob-costas/)
**Published:** October 21, 2019
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
The quintessential sportscaster, Emmy Award-winner Bob Costas has been covering the greatest, most inspiring sporting events for more than 25 years. Known for his class and charm, he has come to be one of the most respected sports journalists of our time.
---
### [Pippa Malmgren](https://wwsg.com/speakers/pippa-malmgren/)
**Published:** June 17, 2021
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Dr. Pippa Malmgren simplifies the complexities of the world economy, geopolitics and technology. She has advised Presidents and Prime Ministers, won awards for her work in leadership and technology and serves as a partner of a European startup accelerator, The Monaco Foundry. She has co-founded an award-winning tech firm, worked in finance and asset management, briefed NATO leaders and serves as a judge in The Queen’s Enterprise Awards competition. Forbes has called her a “Must Follow” on Twitter since 2016.
Dr. Malmgren takes a “holistic” approach to public speaking and tailors her remarks to be timely and targeted to each specific audience. She weaves her many areas of expertise together in plain English for a truly enlightening and unforgettable experience.
---
### [Laila Ali](https://wwsg.com/speakers/laila-ali/)
**Published:** March 7, 2022
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Laila Ali is a world-class athlete, fitness & wellness advocate, TV host, home chef, founder of the Laila Ali Lifestyle Brand, and mother of two. The youngest daughter of late beloved global icon and humanitarian, Muhammad Ali, she is a two-time hall of famer and four-time undefeated boxing world champion, whose stellar record includes 24 wins (21 of which were “knockouts”) and zero losses. Laila is heralded as the most successful female in the history of women’s boxing. Her inspirational speeches leave audiences impressed and ready to conquer their individual “champion mindsets.”
---
### [Danny Meyer](https://wwsg.com/speakers/danny-meyer/)
**Published:** November 9, 2022
**Author:** wpengine
**Content:**
Danny Meyer has accomplished unparalleled success in the restaurant industry, with 24 James Beard Awards recognizing excellence in various aspects of hospitality. His experience as a public speaker at prestigious events and institutions, combined with his media presence, makes him a compelling and engaging storyteller. Meyer’s expertise in leadership, customer service, and restaurant innovation ensures that he can inspire and educate diverse audiences, from aspiring entrepreneurs to seasoned professionals.
---
### [Tony Robbins](https://wwsg.com/speakers/tony-robbins/)
**Published:** April 21, 2023
**Author:** wpengine
**Content:**
Tony Robbins is an entrepreneur, #1 NY Times bestselling author, philanthropist, and the nation’s #1 life & business strategist. He has empowered more than 50 million people from 100 countries around the world through his audio programs, educational videos, and live seminars. For more than four and a half decades, millions of people have enjoyed the warmth, humor, and transformational power of Tony’s business and personal development events.
---
### [Anders Fogh Rasmussen](https://wwsg.com/speakers/anders-fogh-rasmussen/)
**Published:** July 30, 2024
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
A trusted senior international statesman and leader, Anders Fogh Rasmussen offers actionable solutions to global challenges and identifies opportunities for successful cooperation across borders and industries.
As a former Secretary General of NATO and Prime Minister of Denmark, Anders Fogh Rasmussen is one of the world’s leading experts on geopolitics. The Founding Chairman of Rasmussen Global, he serves as an advisor to executives, corporate boards, and world leaders—including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
---
### [Drew Brees](https://wwsg.com/speakers/drew-brees/)
**Published:** March 8, 2022
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Drew Brees is the legendary former quarterback for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League. He is a 2009 Super Bowl champion and MVP, holding the NFL record for most passing yards of all time and the most consecutive games with a touchdown pass. Beyond his accomplishments on the field, Drew founded The Brees Dream Foundation, an organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for cancer patients which has raised over $45M to date.
---
### [Marc Randolph](https://wwsg.com/speakers/marc-randolph/)
**Published:** July 22, 2022
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Marc Randolph is a veteran Silicon Valley entrepreneur, advisor, and investor. As co-founder and first CEO of Netflix, he laid much of the groundwork for a service that’s grown to over 200 million subscribers, and fundamentally altered how the world experiences media.
---
### [Marcus Lemonis](https://wwsg.com/speakers/marcus-lemonis/)
**Published:** August 17, 2022
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Marcus Lemonis, America’s favorite entrepreneur, CEO & TV personality, will inspire and enlighten the attendees at your next event. Marcus speaks on such a wide range of topics like business, life, and home – so his presentation can be catered specifically to your group. Whether it’s in person or virtual, Marcus will take your event to the next level!
---
### [Peter Zeihan](https://wwsg.com/speakers/peter-zeihan/)
**Published:** February 2, 2023
**Author:** wpengine
**Content:**
Peter Zeihan is a geopolitical strategist, which is a fancy way of saying he helps people understand how the world works. He combines an expert understanding of demography, economics, energy, politics, technology, and security to help clients best prepare for an uncertain future.
Peter is also a *New York Times* best-selling author whose first three books — *The Accidental Superpower, The Absent Superpower* and *Disunited Nations* — have been recommended by Mitt Romney, Fareed Zakaria, and [Ian Bremmer](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ian-bremmer). Peter’s fourth book, *The End of the World is Just the Beginning: Mapping the Collapse of Globalization,* was published in June 2022 and was a *New York Times* bestseller.
With a keen eye toward what will drive tomorrow’s headlines, his irreverent approach transforms topics that are normally dense and heavy into accessible, relevant takeaways for audiences of all types.
---
### [Alex Rodriguez](https://wwsg.com/speakers/alex-rodriguez/)
**Published:** August 29, 2023
**Author:** Riley Sims
**Content:**
Audiences rarely have the opportunity to hear a story like that of Alex Rodriguez — from young phenom, to poster child for baseball, to public failure followed by an epic comeback and self-made business career. His speaking engagements offer an inside look at his journey and the lessons he’s learned along the way, delivered with humor, intelligence, and humility. From main stage conferences to intimate gatherings, Alex’s story captivates audiences of all types.
---
### [Anima Anandkumar](https://wwsg.com/speakers/anima-anandkumar/)
**Published:** November 14, 2023
**Author:** Riley Sims
**Content:**
Anima Anandkumar offers that rare combination of leading-edge academic research with equally deep experience in business and practical applications. She specialises in using AI in cloud computing to solve real world problems. Anima tailors each presentation to the needs of her audience.
---
### [Maria Ressa](https://wwsg.com/speakers/maria-ressa/)
**Published:** August 21, 2024
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
Imagine staring down arrest for telling the truth. That’s the reality Maria Ressa, a 36-year journalism veteran, faced as co-founder of Rappler, the Philippines’ leading digital news site fighting for press freedom. Her relentless pursuit of truth earned her the Nobel Peace Prize, recognition as Time Magazine’s Person of the Year, and a place among the world’s most influential women. Now, this fearless journalist ignites audiences, revealing how technology breeds disinformation and threatens democracy.
---
### [Mike Rowe](https://wwsg.com/speakers/mike-rowe/)
**Published:** January 28, 2025
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
Mike Rowe is an impactful keynote speaker who offers a unique perspective on the value of skilled labor in America. Drawing from his work with *Dirty Jobs* and the mikeroweWORKS Foundation, he highlights why “dirty jobs” are often the most fulfilling, and how hard work shapes our national identity and economy. With humor and conviction, Rowe challenges audiences to rethink success, teamwork, and work-life balance, inspiring a deeper appreciation for skilled trades and the people who do them.
---
### [Kevin O'Connell](https://wwsg.com/speakers/kevin-oconnell/)
**Published:** February 13, 2025
**Author:** wpengine
**Content:**
Kevin O’Connell brings a unique blend of NFL experience, leadership, and personal growth to his keynote speeches. As head coach of the Minnesota Vikings and a Super Bowl-winning offensive coordinator, he inspires audiences with his insights on teamwork, motivation, and overcoming challenges. O’Connell’s genuine, optimistic approach to leadership fosters unity and high energy in any environment. Off the field, his advocacy for childhood cancer adds a powerful message of giving back and making a difference.
---
### [Ryan Day](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ryan-day/)
**Published:** February 13, 2025
**Author:** wpengine
**Content:**
Ryan Day brings a powerful blend of leadership, strategy, and personal resilience to his keynote speeches. As the head coach of the Ohio State Buckeyes, he has achieved remarkable success, including the 2024 National Championship and a 34-4 record in his first three seasons. Day’s notable achievements have led to a contract extension with Ohio State University through 2031, securing his position as the second-highest paid head coach in college football.
Day’s ability to inspire audiences stems from his experience developing elite quarterbacks, building winning teams, and his dedication to mental health advocacy. His passion for overcoming adversity and fostering open conversations about mental health makes him a dynamic speaker who motivates others to achieve excellence and face challenges head-on.
---
### [Kyle Shanahan](https://wwsg.com/speakers/kyle-shanahan/)
**Published:** February 13, 2025
**Author:** wpengine
**Content:**
Kyle Shanahan is an outstanding keynote speaker due to his extensive coaching experience and success across multiple NFL teams. With a track record of leading top-ranked offenses and taking the San Francisco 49ers to multiple playoff runs and a Super Bowl appearance, Shanahan brings valuable insights on leadership, team-building, and achieving success in high-pressure environments. His ability to adapt, overcome challenges, and foster winning cultures makes him an inspiring speaker for audiences ranging from sports professionals to business leaders.
---
### [Matt LaFleur](https://wwsg.com/speakers/matt-lafleur/)
**Published:** February 13, 2025
**Author:** wpengine
**Content:**
Matt LaFleur brings a winning combination of leadership, strategy, and trust-building to his keynote speeches. As head coach of the Green Bay Packers, he broke the NFL record for most wins by a new head coach in his first three seasons, demonstrating his ability to create unity and inspire success. LaFleur’s emphasis on his “Team First” approach and his commitment to overcoming challenges makes him a powerful speaker on teamwork, leadership, and personal accountability. His experience in coaching at the highest level offers valuable insights on achieving excellence both on and off the field.
---
### [Jim Harbaugh](https://wwsg.com/speakers/jim-harbaugh/)
**Published:** February 13, 2025
**Author:** wpengine
**Content:**
Jim Harbaugh has a unique blend of experience and insights, not only as a successful coach but also as a mentor. His speech topics resonate with a wide range of audiences—whether they’re athletes, business professionals, or organizations looking to build stronger teams and cultures.
Harbaugh’s perspective on building a family-oriented approach to leadership transcends sports and can be applied to any group or company striving for unity and collective success. His focus on the definition of success and team culture also aligns well with corporate or educational environments that value teamwork, resilience, and growth. Harbaugh’s proven leadership at both the college and NFL levels, combined with his genuine passion for empowering others, makes him a captivating and motivational speaker capable of inspiring diverse audiences.
---
### [John Lynch](https://wwsg.com/speakers/john-lynch/)
**Published:** February 13, 2025
**Author:** wpengine
**Content:**
John Lynch inspires audiences with insights from his Hall of Fame NFL career and leadership as the San Francisco 49ers’ General Manager. His dynamic perspective on teamwork, leadership, and perseverance, honed on the field and in the front office, inspires audiences to achieve greatness in both personal and professional endeavors. With a background in broadcasting and philanthropy, Lynch also emphasizes the importance of giving back and using one’s platform for positive change. His story motivates individuals and organizations to reach new heights through commitment, collaboration, and resilience.
---
### [Iván Duque](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ivan-duque/)
**Published:** August 8, 2025
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
Iván Duque, former President of Colombia and the youngest ever elected to the role, brings world-stage leadership and deep global expertise to every event. A sought-after speaker and recognized authority on sustainability, conservation, green finance, and energy transition, Duque engages audiences with bold ideas and real-world solutions. He currently serves in leadership and advisory roles with institutions like the Woodrow Wilson Center, Oxford University, and the World Coalition for Nature—making him an ideal keynote for organizations focused on innovation, climate, and global policy.
---
### [Matt Rhule](https://wwsg.com/speakers/matt-rhule/)
**Published:** February 13, 2025
**Author:** wpengine
**Content:**
Matt Rhule brings a wealth of experience and leadership to his keynote speeches, offering valuable insights into building successful teams. With over a dozen years of head coaching experience at Temple, Baylor, and the Carolina Panthers, Rhule transformed Baylor from a losing program to a championship contender in just two seasons. His focus on inspiring teams to consistently improve, support each other, and maintain a growth mindset resonates with audiences seeking leadership strategies, team-building techniques, and the power of perseverance. Rhule’s practical approach and passion for developing both players and leaders make him an impactful and motivational speaker.
---
### [Jonathan Gannon](https://wwsg.com/speakers/jonathan-gannon/)
**Published:** February 13, 2025
**Author:** wpengine
**Content:**
Jonathan Gannon brings an infectious energy and a winning mindset to his keynote speeches. As head coach of the Arizona Cardinals, Gannon has a proven track record of success, leading one of the NFL’s top defenses and coaching multiple teams to playoff berths. His experience in coaching, his relentless drive, and his focus on high-performance teams make him an inspiring speaker. Gannon’s unique ability to motivate and build strong, unified teams under pressure resonates with audiences looking for leadership strategies, team-building insights, and practical approaches to achieving excellence.
---
### [Jeremy Rifkin](https://wwsg.com/speakers/jeremy-rifkin/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
---
### [Peter Bregman](https://wwsg.com/speakers/peter-bregman/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Recognized as the #1 executive coach in the world by Leading Global Coaches, Peter Bregman coaches CEOs and senior leaders in many of the world’s premier organizations. Having started his career teaching leadership on wilderness and mountaineering expeditions, Peter is CEO of Bregman Partners, an executive coaching company that helps successful people become exceptional leaders and stellar human beings.
Peter is ranked as a Top 30 thought leader by Thinkers 50 Radar and selected as one of the Top 8 thought leaders in leadership. He is the award-winning, bestselling author and contributor of eighteen books, including most recently, You CAN Change Other People. Peter is also a regular contributor to the Harvard Business Review and host of the widely acclaimed Bregman Leadership Podcast.
---
### [Joe Buck](https://wwsg.com/speakers/joe-buck/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
---
### [Walter Bond](https://wwsg.com/speakers/walter-bond/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
---
### [Paula Zahn](https://wwsg.com/speakers/paula-zahn/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
A 30-year news veteran, Paula Zahn is widely regarded as one of broadcast journalism’s most incisive, intelligent and engaging figures. Throughout her remarkable career, she has interviewed countless dignitaries and newsmakers from the worlds of politics, sports, entertainment and business, including four U.S. Presidents, numerous foreign leaders, Academy Award winners and elite athletes.
---
### [Josh Linkner](https://wwsg.com/speakers/josh-linkner/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Josh Linkner is a *New York Times* best-selling author, serial entrepreneur, venture capital investor, professional jazz guitarist, and a globally-recognized innovation expert.
---
### [Nido Qubein](https://wwsg.com/speakers/nido-qubein/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Dr. Nido Qubein is a dynamic and inspiring keynote speaker whose remarkable journey from a teenager with limited English and only $50 to becoming a renowned educator, business leader, and philanthropist serves as a powerful testament to resilience and success. As president of High Point University and executive chairman of Great Harvest Bread Company, he combines unparalleled leadership experience with a global perspective. His numerous accolades, including the Ellis Island Medal of Honor and induction into the International Speaker Hall of Fame, make him a sought-after voice on topics ranging from entrepreneurship to personal growth. Dr. Qubein’s engaging speaking style, coupled with his unique life story, allows him to connect deeply with audiences and inspire them to achieve their fullest potential.
---
### [Ambassador Nancy Brinker](https://wwsg.com/speakers/nancy-brinker/)
**Published:** October 1, 2015
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Nancy G. Brinker is regarded as the leader of the global breast cancer movement. Her journey began with a simple promise to her dying sister, Susan G. Komen, that she would do everything possible to end the shame, pain, fear and hopelessness caused by this disease. In one generation, the organization that bears Susan’s name has changed the world.
---
### [Nancy Giordano](https://wwsg.com/speakers/nancy-giordano/)
**Published:** October 16, 2017
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Nancy Giordano is described as endlessly optimistic, Nancy is a strategic futurist with a drive to help enterprise organizations and visionary leaders transform to meet the escalating expectations ahead. Recognized as one of the world’s top female futurists, she has spent her career building, shaping and evolving a portfolio of $50 billion worth of major global brands with her unique abilities to sense and synthesize the shifts ahead and to guide those ready to build more relevant and sustainable solutions for us all.
---
### [Andrew Scott](https://wwsg.com/speakers/andrew-scott/)
**Published:** November 20, 2018
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Andrew Scott is Professor of Economics at London Business School, Co-founder of The Longevity Forum and an award-winning speaker, author and researcher.
Andrew is most famous for his global best seller “The 100 Year Life” which offers a compellingly different view on an ageing society and how it represents a major opportunity for us all, In general, Andrew focuses on the major trends that are currently reshaping the world around us – from longevity and technology through to political and social upheaval.
Combining deep intelligence and broad knowledge, sharp humor and clear communication he helps individuals, investors, corporations and governments understand the forces that will determine our future but also, and most importantly, provide insight into how you should respond in order to reap the dividends.
---
### [Shane Feldman](https://wwsg.com/speakers/shane-feldman/)
**Published:** May 31, 2019
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Shane Feldman delivers high-energy keynotes that help audiences build better relationships with anyone, anywhere. He’s traveled the world, researching universal strategies that allow companies to attract, empower and retain high performing teams and loyal customers. Shane’s customized keynotes are a compilation of unforgettable travel stories and tangible takeaways participants can immediately apply.
---
### [Peter Frankopan](https://wwsg.com/speakers/peter-frankopan/)
**Published:** October 23, 2019
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Peter Frankopan is a world-renowned historian and bestselling author whose expertise in global history, geopolitics, and cultural exchange offers powerful insights for today’s interconnected world. As a dynamic speaker praised as a “history rock star,” he brings an engaging and accessible style that resonates with diverse audiences, from academic to corporate settings. His deep understanding of global trends and the shifting world order makes him an invaluable keynote speaker for any event focused on leadership, innovation, global strategy, or cultural intelligence.
---
### [Cynthia Breazeal](https://wwsg.com/speakers/cynthia-breazeal/)
**Published:** May 18, 2023
**Author:** wpengine
**Content:**
Dr. Cynthia Breazeal is a pioneer of Social Robotics and Human Robot Interaction. Her research focuses on developing the principles, techniques, and technologies for personal robots that are socially intelligent, interact and communicate with people in human–centric terms, work with humans as peers, and learn from people as an apprentice. Her recent work investigates the impact of social robots on helping people of all ages to achieve personal goals that contribute to quality of life in domains such as physical performance, learning/education, health, and family communication and play over distance.
---
### [Natalie Morales](https://wwsg.com/speakers/natalie-morales/)
**Published:** March 13, 2024
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
Natalie Morales is an A-List daytime TV personality, known most recently for hosting the TODAY show, Access Hollywood, and now is the host of The Talk on CBS. She has also done a ton of investigative work throughout the years on TODAY and as the principal anchor on[ Dateline](https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Xn5NWbZxXuE) and NBC Nightly News.
Natalie is currently a co-host and moderator of the CBS Daytime talk show The Talk. Prior to that, Morales worked for NBC News as the West Coast anchor of Today, and appeared on Dateline NBC and NBC Nightly News.
After the Rio Summer Olympics, Morales moved to Los Angeles, where she became both the West Coast anchor of Today, and Billy Bush’s replacement as host of Access Hollywood and Access Hollywood Live, while continuing as a correspondent for Dateline.
In addition to her duties at NBC she also hosts the Reelz series Behind Closed Doors with Natalie Morales.
---
### [Melissa Harris-Perry](https://wwsg.com/speakers/melissa-harris-perry/)
**Published:** January 8, 2025
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
Dr. Melissa Harris-Perry is the Maya Angelou Presidential Chair at Wake Forest University, an award-winning author of two books and former MSNBC Host and TV personality. For more than a decade, Melissa Harris-Perry has contributed to American public life through her distinct combination of scholarly analysis and ordinary wisdom applied to the analysis of race, gender, politics, and power.
---
### [Geena Davis](https://wwsg.com/speakers/geena-davis/)
**Published:** March 26, 2025
**Author:** wpengine
**Content:**
Academy Award-winning actress, advocate, and trailblazer, Geena Davis is a powerhouse both on and off the screen. As the founder of the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media, she’s transforming the entertainment industry by championing diversity and inclusion. Whether sharing stories from her legendary Hollywood career or revealing groundbreaking research on representation, Geena delivers a keynote that is equal parts inspiring, thought-provoking, and entertaining—making her a must-book speaker for any event.
---
### [Jennifer McCrea](https://wwsg.com/speakers/jennifer-mccrea/)
**Published:** August 24, 2017
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
For more than 25 years, Jennifer McCrea has helped philanthropists, board members, and non-profit leaders think more creatively and strategically about ways to address some of the most pressing needs on the planet. Her clients have included Acumen Fund, DonorsChoose.org, Council on Foreign Relations, Teach for America, Witness, Columbia University School of Public Health, Mercy Corps, Comic Relief, X Prize Foundation, VH1 Save the Music Foundation, Creative Commons, and many others.
---
### [Arthur Levitt](https://wwsg.com/speakers/arthur-levitt/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
---
### [Adrian Gostick](https://wwsg.com/speakers/adrian-gostick/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
---
### [Patty McCord](https://wwsg.com/speakers/patty-mccord/)
**Published:** September 18, 2017
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Patty McCord brings the Silicon Valley concepts of fresh ideas and innovation and applies them to rethinking the way we work. She challenges norms and invites us to reconsider the idea of “best practices.”
---
### [Matthew Luhn](https://wwsg.com/speakers/matthew-luhn/)
**Published:** January 1, 1970
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Matthew Luhn is a top innovation keynote speaker and former lead animator and storyteller at Pixar Studios. He is also an award winning filmmaker and Pixar veteran of nearly 20 years. Alongside his story work in Hollywood, Matthew works with Fortune 500 companies, entrepreneurs, and other professionals to craft and tell stories that bride the gap between business and heart to build stronger brands and business communication.
---
### [Duncan Wardle](https://wwsg.com/speakers/duncan-wardle/)
**Published:** May 31, 2019
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Duncan Wardle, formerly Disney’s Head of Innovation and Creativity, works with brands like Coca-Cola, Ford, and Johnson & Johnson to create a culture of creativity across everything they touch. As a senior executive with the Walt Disney Company, Duncan infused a culture of innovation with a start-up mindset across one of the most creative companies via his unique innovation toolkit.
His presentations are filled with colorful Disney anecdotes, vibrant drawings, and his trademark artistic touch. Duncan shares the creative techniques and behaviors to develop big, innovative ideas. He stirs and unleashes the audiences’ creative juices, delivering his message with infectious energy and playful collaboration in a search of new and usual places to uncover innovation.
In a quest to unleash the magic within each individual and organization, Duncan helps people overcome their expertise and get out of their own way, enabling them to think differently and creatively about solutions to challenges big and small.
---
### [David Adjaye](https://wwsg.com/speakers/david-adjaye/)
**Published:** September 18, 2017
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Sir David Adjaye OBE is recognized as a leading architect of his generation. His ingenious use of materials and his sculptural ability established him as an architect with an artist’s sensibility and vision.
---
### [Daniel Martin](https://wwsg.com/speakers/daniel-martin/)
**Published:** October 3, 2023
**Author:** Riley Sims
**Content:**
Experience the mind-bending entertainment of Daniel Martin, a masterful magician and keynote speaker whose creativity has won the admiration of peers and titans in corporate events, live entertainment, and television. Esteemed as one of the world’s finest talents in magic today—bookers, event professionals, and corporations seek Daniel’s expert touch to enhance their live keynotes, performances, and TV projects. His awarding winning magic has been experienced on Netflix, CBS, NBC, the BBC, Discovery, and by almost a billion online.
---
### [John Di Domenico](https://wwsg.com/speakers/john-di-domenico/)
**Published:** June 21, 2018
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
While you may know him best as the award-winning Donald Trump impersonator, John Di Domenico is one of the busiest and hardest working corporate entertainers and character actors in the United States. John specializes in thoroughly evaluating his clients’ mission, objectives, and goals, and then strategically customizing his highly unique brand of powerful content-driven comedy to specifically fit his clients’ production.
Whether John is writing, directing, or performing as an emcee, game show host, presenter, comedian, or character, John consistently exceeds his clients’ expectations. John’s mission to bring the perfect blend of experience, talent, creativity, and reliability has led him to an amazing array of events, life experiences, and outstanding performances. John’s passionate approach to making every event spectacular, meaningful, and memorable has kept him in high demand.
---
### [Ben Vereen](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ben-vereen/)
**Published:** May 18, 2023
**Author:** wpengine
**Content:**
Ben has been giving lectures around the country for many years on topics including “Overcoming Adversity,” “Inspiring You to be All That You Are,” “Diabetes: Taking Control and Living Your Life,” “A Journey to Broadway,” “From ‘Roots’ to Now:” Ben revisiting the iconic role of “Chicken George” and where Black History is today, to name a few of his high-profile topics. Ben has spoken about the Arts and Education in Chicago and taught an acting masterclass, Black History Month at Tuskegee University. He has also had an endorsement with Novo Nordisk in which he spoke around the country about Diabetes.
In 2022, Ben received the SIDNEY POITIER LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT Award at the National Black Theatre Festival, the inaugural JUNETEENTH LEGACY AWARD from the Broadway League, as well as the HERO’S AWARD from the First Responder’s Children’s Foundation due to his presence at Ground Zero in helping the first responders. He performed live CONCERTS for the Star Trek Convention in Vegas and this year Ben performed in Los Angeles, Chicago, and the Carolinas. He continues to tour the country with his concert act, motivational lectures, and master classes.
---
### [Roger Nierenberg](https://wwsg.com/speakers/roger-nierenber/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Charismatic, inspirational, and passionate about his work, Roger Nierenberg embodies all the hallmarks of a great artist. A brilliant conductor, he has performed around the world, coaxing his orchestras new and higher levels of performance while providing audiences with peak musical experiences.
---
### [Phil Hansen](https://wwsg.com/speakers/phil-hansen/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Referred to by his fans as “the Artist for the People,” Phil Hansen is an internationally recognized multimedia artist, speaker, author and innovator. Crashing irreverently through conventional boundaries, Phil works at the intersection of traditional art, electronic media, offbeat materials, and interactive experiences. He is most widely known for his meta-art, videos that document the creation process. This concepts shows millions that art is action, not just result. Hansen’s work also extends deeply into traditional media. It has been featured on the Discovery Channel, *Good Morning America*, the *Rachael Ray Show*, *Last Call with Carson Daly*, *Glamour* and many more. His work is also sought-after by many influential clients including the Grammy Awards, Disney, Skype, Mazda and the Rockefeller Foundation.
---
### [John Edward Hasse](https://wwsg.com/speakers/john-edward-hasse/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Dr. John Edward Hasse brings unmatched expertise as a Smithsonian Curator Emeritus, award-winning author, and cultural diplomat to every stage. His engaging keynotes show audiences how music inspires leadership, creativity, and connection across industries and cultures.
---
### [Allison Massari](https://wwsg.com/speakers/allison-massari/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Hailed as “life-changing” “riveting” “completely unique” “bold” and “profound,” keynotes from Allison Massari are unforgettable—uplifting and energizing teams and leaders, alleviating burnout, and activating empathy, creativity and empowerment. Her potent message has reached audiences in more than 75 countries and is a testament to hope, relentless perseverance, and radical compassion. Allison has been named one of the Top Ten Best Motivational Speakers in North America by Meetings and Conventions Magazine and has been featured on PBS, ABC, FOX, and NBC networks.
For Healthcare clients, Allison offers a customized keynote on the patient experience and burnout—packed with takeaways.
---
### [Cristina Mittermeier](https://wwsg.com/speakers/cristina-mittermeier/)
**Published:** May 22, 2019
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
A virtuous mind and voice in conservation photography and one of the most influential female photographers in the world, Cristina Mittermeier began her career as a marine biologist but soon discovered that she could better advocate for the oceans and the planet through the lens of her camera. Through unique personal stories, compelling imagery, and a solid scientific background, Cristina will open your heart and mind in a way that ensures your relationship with the ocean and all of its creatures will be profoundly changed.
---
### [Daryl Davis](https://wwsg.com/speakers/daryl-davis/)
**Published:** September 26, 2024
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
Encountering racism firsthand at ten years old, Daryl Davis wondered, “How can they hate me when they don’t even know me?” Over 40 years ago, Davis started meeting his detractors in person over to have a patient conversation about their beliefs. Through active listening and not looking to change their minds, an amazing thing happened: Many conversations led to understanding and genuine friendships.
When he speaks, Davis’s impact on audiences is sobering yet inspirational. He encourages people to engage and educate, not shun and cancel, those with toxic beliefs, and he shows them how. This thought leadership is applicable to all kinds of conflict in life, not only the extreme situations in which Davis uses as examples. Audiences leave his presentations enlightened and inspired.
---
### [Alex Banayan](https://wwsg.com/speakers/alex-banayan/)
**Published:** August 7, 2019
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Alex Banayan is the #1 international best-selling author of *The Third Door: The Mindset of Success*. Over twelve years of research on exponential growth and peak performance, he interviewed Bill Gates, Lady Gaga, Maya Angelou, Steve Wozniak, and many others highly successful individuals. Banayan is now one of the most honed and reliable keynote speakers in America, having a decade of experience presenting to Apple, Nike, Google, IBM, Mastercard, Disney, and other large companies.
---
### [Jean Chatzky](https://wwsg.com/speakers/jean-chatzky/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Booking Jean Chatzky brings your audience trusted, practical financial guidance from one of the nation’s most respected money experts. With her relatable style and decades of experience, she empowers people to take control of their financial lives and build lasting security.
---
### [Johnny Taylor](https://wwsg.com/speakers/johnny-taylor/)
**Published:** January 17, 2025
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
Johnny C. Taylor, Jr., SHRM-SCP and SHRM President and CEO, is a dynamic, revolutionary leader whose thought leadership is shaping current and future generations of the global workforce. His magnetic delivery and research-backed content will help you and your organization elevate your executive leadership, maximize the power of human capital, and future-proof your business.
Don’t settle for just one perspective — bring Johnny C. Taylor, Jr. to your event to hear from a thought leader representing more than 362 million workers and their families, and shaping the future of work through research, policy, and more. Begin by selecting the message that best addresses your audience’s needs. Each talk can be tailored to your audience profile and additional keynote topics are available.
---
### [Molly Fletcher](https://wwsg.com/speakers/molly-fletcher/)
**Published:** November 2, 2016
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** Molly Fletcher is a trailblazer in every sense of the word–a rare talent of business wisdom, relationship brilliance and unwavering optimism. A popular keynote speaker, she shares the unconventional techniques that helped her thrive as one of the first female sports agents in the high stakes, big ego world of professional sports and now a successful entrepreneur.
**Content:**
A world-renowned speaker, Molly Fletcher has delivered inspiring keynotes to some of the world’s most admired brands. She talks on leadership, mindset and peak performance. Molly understands the importance of putting someone in front of your people, and trusting that they deliver. That’s why she takes the time to customize every keynote to meet your goals. Whether she’s speaking to 50,000 people at a global leadership conference or 75 sales people at a sales summit, Molly gets rave reviews and repeat bookings.
---
### [Chip Eichelberger](https://wwsg.com/speakers/chip-eichelberger/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Chip Eichelberger is a dynamic and proven keynote speaker who brings contagious energy, humor, and lasting impact to every event. With over 1,000 successful presentations—including for major brands like Ford, P&G, and State Farm—he knows how to customize content that sticks and motivates. Whether opening your conference, energizing a post-lunch crowd, or delivering an unforgettable closing with his signature Board Break Experience, Chip turns passive listeners into active participants. Event planners consistently praise him not just as a speaker, but as a true partner in making their event a standout success.
---
### [Stephen Halmarick](https://wwsg.com/speakers/stephen-halmarick/)
**Published:** July 30, 2025
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
Stephen Halmarick is one of Australia’s most respected economic communicators, with nearly four decades of experience translating complex financial and market trends into clear, actionable insights. He brings a rare combination of deep technical expertise and engaging presentation style, making him a trusted voice for Boards, C-suite leaders, and global investor audiences. With a strong focus on data-driven analysis, sustainability, and future-facing economic strategy, Stephen delivers timely and relevant perspectives that help organizations navigate change and make informed decisions.
---
### [Susan Solovic](https://wwsg.com/speakers/susan-solovic/)
**Published:** November 14, 2016
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Susan Solovic is a dynamic keynote speaker who brings real-world experience as an award-winning entrepreneur, bestselling author, and respected media personality. With a career that spans launching groundbreaking businesses, advising top organizations, and appearing regularly on major news networks, she offers actionable insights and inspiration for business audiences of all sizes. Her expertise in small business, innovation, and leadership—especially as a trailblazing woman in business—makes her an ideal choice for events focused on growth, resilience, and entrepreneurial success.
---
### [Segun Oduolowu](https://wwsg.com/speakers/segun-oduolowu/)
**Published:** March 20, 2024
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
Segun Oduolowu is an accomplished journalist and TV host. He currently hosts *The Boston Globe Today* five days per week. His passion for uncovering truth and justice lends itself to his effective journalism, while his passion for understanding oneself and uplifting others shines through his speaking engagements. For a motivational address filled with personal anecdotes and empowering ideas, look no further than Segun Oduolowu.
---
### [Robert Costa](https://wwsg.com/speakers/robert-costa/)
**Published:** October 23, 2019
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Robert Costa is Chief Election and Campaign Correspondent for CBS News. Previously, he covered the White House, Congress, and campaigns for The Washington Post and was the moderator of “Washington Week” on PBS. He holds a bachelor’s degree in American studies from the University of Notre Dame and a master’s degree from the University of Cambridge.
---
### [Alexis Glick](https://wwsg.com/speakers/alexis-glick/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
---
### [Frank Luntz](https://wwsg.com/speakers/frank-luntz/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
---
### [Betsy Myers](https://wwsg.com/speakers/betsy-myers/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
---
### [The Honorable Jim Nussle](https://wwsg.com/speakers/jim-nussle/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
As a former White House budget director and chairman of the powerful House Budget Committee, Jim Nussle holds a unique perspective on the current budget and policy crisis going on in Washington.
---
### [Michael Beschloss](https://wwsg.com/speakers/michael-beschloss/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Telling original and unforgettable stories that illuminate the behind-the-scenes lives of American presidents and other titans, Michael Beschloss describes the leadership skills essential to almost every kind of success.
Bill Gates recommended Beschloss’s 2018 *Presidents at War* as a must-read book. With more than 110,000 followers, Beschloss also has the largest X (formerly Twitter) following of any historian on Earth. His popular site appears on *TIME Magazine*’s list of the world’s top feeds.
---
### [The Honorable Tevi Troy, Ph.D](https://wwsg.com/speakers/tevi-troy/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
---
### [Donna Brazile](https://wwsg.com/speakers/donna-brazile/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Veteran Democratic political strategist Donna Brazile is an adjunct professor, author, syndicated columnist, television political commentator, former Vice Chair of Voter Registration and Participation at the Democratic National Committee, and former interim National Chair of the Democratic National Committee as well as the former chair of the DNC’s Voting Rights Institute.
---
### [Bob Woodward](https://wwsg.com/speakers/bob-woodward/)
**Published:** December 2, 2015
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Bob Woodward rose to prominence uncovering the Watergate scandal in 1973 and has since dedicated his career to exposing the inner workings of government. His non-partisan insights give readers and audiences a rare, behind-the-scenes view of Washington. Having covered ten U.S. presidents, he has chronicled the evolving power of the presidency in 20 bestselling books—13 of which hit #1, more than any contemporary nonfiction writer.
As a speaker, Woodward examines presidential power, governance, and the media’s role in holding leaders accountable. He compares the presidents he’s covered, offering a unique historical perspective. Audiences gain invaluable insights from this journalistic icon. An associate editor at *The Washington Post* since 1971, Woodward has won nearly every major journalism award, including two Pulitzers.
---
### [Ambassador Timothy M. Broas](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ambassador-timothy-m-broas/)
**Published:** September 30, 2016
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Timothy M. Broas is an American lawyer and diplomat. He was the United States Ambassador to the Netherlands from 2014-2016.
---
### [David Bossie](https://wwsg.com/speakers/david-bossie/)
**Published:** February 27, 2017
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
As President Trump’s Deputy Campaign Manager, David Bossie spearheaded a historical winning campaign. Today, he is one of the most respected leaders in America, with a 30-year career in politics. Bossie served as a Supreme Court Plaintiff in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission, Chief Investigator for U.S. House of Representatives, a 20 Year Volunteer Firefighter and a filmmaker, producing over 25 documentaries as President of Citizens United Productions.
---
### [Robby Mook](https://wwsg.com/speakers/robby-mook/)
**Published:** March 27, 2017
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Robby Mook is a nationally recognized political strategist who has organized winning organizations at local, state, and national levels. Mook served as Campaign Manager for Hillary Clinton’s 2016 presidential campaign, where he built a $1 billion, 50-state, 3,500 person organization. Robby is now a political contributor at CBS.
---
### [Nina Easton](https://wwsg.com/speakers/nina-easton/)
**Published:** September 19, 2017
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Author, TV commentator, and Fortune conference chair Nina Easton has decades of experience interviewing CEOs, global leaders, and politicians–producing compelling and authentic narratives on stage. In her speeches exploring the intersection of Washington politics and the global economy, she draws on decades of award-winning coverage of national elections, political movements, presidential administrations, and financial crises.
---
### [Boris Epshteyn](https://wwsg.com/speakers/boris-epshteyn/)
**Published:** January 9, 2018
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Boris Epshteyn is the Chief Political Commentator for Sinclair Broadcast Group, one of the largest and most diversified television broadcasting companies in the country. Boris hosts the “Bottom Line with Boris” programs across Sinclair’s platforms, providing insight into issues ranging from foreign policy and national security to tax reform and healthcare.
---
### [Gary Langer](https://wwsg.com/speakers/gary-langer/)
**Published:** May 14, 2018
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
An insightful speaker with an engaging style, Gary Langer is founder and president of Langer Research Associates, a New York-based firm that designs, manages and analyzes survey research projects for corporate, media, foundation, association and academic clients. He directs news polling for the ABC News television network, surveys economic sentiment in Bloomberg L.P.’s weekly Consumer Comfort Index and specializes in topics including politics, elections, public policy, corporate reputation, brand equity, consumer insights, health care, education and international development.
---
### [Carl Cameron](https://wwsg.com/speakers/carl-cameron/)
**Published:** September 24, 2018
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Carl Cameron has covered national politics since 1988. Nicknamed “Campaign Carl” for his tireless road-coverage of State and National elections, he served as Fox News’ first Chief Congressional Correspondent, first Chief White House Correspondent, and only Chief Political Correspondent. In 209, he founded Front Page Live.
The New York Times and the Washington Post have praised Carl’s objective and unbiased reporting. The Post called Carl ‘FOX’s Man in the Middle.” The New York Times wrote, “Fellow journalists say they detect no bias in his reporting.”
---
### [Mark McKinnon](https://wwsg.com/speakers/mark-mckinnon/)
**Published:** December 11, 2018
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Mark McKinnon shares his unique perspective on politics and communications with audiences and reveals the implications and opportunities for them and their enterprises.
Mark McKinnon is the co-host of the hit Showtime weekly documentary series *The Circus: Inside the Greatest Political Show on Earth*, which provides unique access and insights into the 2016 presidential campaign and the Trump presidency. As the former lead media strategist for five winning presidential primary and general election campaigns, McKinnon reveals the strategies behind successful political campaigns. And as a co-founder of the bipartisan group No Labels, McKinnon provides a view into how reform efforts are working to heal the political breach in America.
---
### [Gloria Borger](https://wwsg.com/speakers/gloria-borger/)
**Published:** February 1, 2019
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
With humor, candor and an insider’s perspective, Borger breaks down the political and policy issues of the day, making them accessible to all audiences, and reveals how current news and events will influence the future and the lives and careers of everyday citizens.
Since beginning her career as a journalist at the Washington Star in 1976, Borger has climbed the ranks and become an in-demand Washington political analyst. Known for her appearances on CNN’s *The Situation Room* and as part of the CNN Election Center, she was also a contributing editor to *U.S. News and World Report*, where she wrote the “On Politics” column. She also played a key role in CNN’s America Votes 2008 coverage, which earned the network a Peabody Award.
Formerly a CBS News national political correspondent and a contributor on Face the Nation and 60 Minutes II, Borger has extensive experience covering the ins and outs of politics in election years and beyond. Whether covering the legislative process as Newsweek’s former chief congressional correspondent or following day-to-day actions in an election season, Borger provides keen insight into what makes the nation tick.
---
### [Scott Walker](https://wwsg.com/speakers/scott-walker/)
**Published:** February 6, 2019
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
A successful Governor and economic, education and health care reformer, Scott Walker elevates the discussion on how to address the key challenges facing America today. A two term governor of a battleground state, Scott Walker is well versed in modern American politics as he led Wisconsin towards budget reform, education reform, tax reform, health reform, collective bargaining reform, and workforce reform.
During his tenure, Governor Walker transformed Wisconsin from one of the worst states for business to one of the best. Under his tenure, Wisconsin was ranked as one of the top states for schools, higher education, healthcare, pensions, tourism, millennials and retirees.
---
### [Dean Heller](https://wwsg.com/speakers/senator-dean-heller/)
**Published:** March 13, 2019
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** Dean Heller was sworn in to the United States Senate on May 9, 2011. Prior to his service in the Senate, Dean was the Representative for Nevada's Second Congressional District and also served as Nevada's Secretary of State and in the Nevada State Assembly representing Carson City. Dean is now running for governor of Nevada.
**Content:**
Dean Heller was sworn in to the United States Senate on May 9, 2011. Prior to his service in the Senate, Dean was the Representative for Nevada’s Second Congressional District and also served as Nevada’s Secretary of State and in the Nevada State Assembly representing Carson City. Heller also ran for governor of Nevada in 2022.
During his time in the Senate, Dean served on the Finance Committee, Banking Committee, Veterans’ Affairs Committee, and Commerce Committee. Dean’s service on these committees allowed him to address the housing crisis; stand up for the more than 20 million veterans that have served our country; ensure that our transportation needs were met; and write tax policy that allowed for economic growth and opportunity for all Americans.
Dean was rated as the 5th most bipartisan Senator by the Lugar Center and Georgetown University McCourt School of Public Policy. This bipartisanship enabled him to pass over 100 different pieces of legislation.
---
### [Mark Updegrove](https://wwsg.com/speakers/mark-updegrove/)
**Published:** August 1, 2019
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Having closely examined those decisions that have defined the modern American presidency and personally interviewed those who have shaped the course of history, Mark Updegrove delivers unique insight into how leadership displayed inside the Oval Office can be applied outside of it.
---
### [Mick Mulvaney](https://wwsg.com/speakers/mick-mulvaney/)
**Published:** April 23, 2021
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Mick Mulvaney has held various positions in Washington, D.C. over the last decade-plus have given him the ultimate insider’s insight to Capitol Hill and all it entails. With experience in both the Legislative and Executive branches, and as both an elected and Senate-confirmed Cabinet member, Mulvaney has unparalleled experience in policymaking, international relations, economic objectives, and politics.
Mulvaney’s many accomplishments include co-founding the Freedom Caucus and starting Blockchain and Bitcoin Caucuses. His deep understanding of the history of democracy inform his enlightening speeches.
---
### [Paul Teller](https://wwsg.com/speakers/paul-teller/)
**Published:** September 14, 2021
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
*Washington Post* had it right when they described Paul Teller as a “veteran conservative organizer.” Teller’s decades-long work on the Hill influence his powerful speeches, which burst with the insider perspective only Paul’s extensive resume could provide. His reputation as a charismatic and results-driven conservative leader shine through his speeches to both inform and inspire audiences.
---
### [Charlie Hurt](https://wwsg.com/speakers/charles-hurt/)
**Published:** March 21, 2022
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
The determined, assertive approach that Charlie Hurt brings to examining and reporting on U.S. politics is unrivaled. He is a prominent voice of American conservatism following more than two decades of reporting on politics for various top media resources. His podcast, *Politically Unstable* launched in 2019 and offers succinct recaps of what is going on in the government and the world to its thousands of loyal listeners. Hurt can provide thoughtful, informed political analysis to groups large or small.
---
### [General Robert "Abe" Abrams, U.S. Army (RET)](https://wwsg.com/speakers/robert-abrams/)
**Published:** December 21, 2022
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
Over a span of 39 years of active-duty service, General (R) Robert B. “Abe” Abrams led troops through times of peace and war. He received numerous awards and decorations over his 39-year career including the Order of National Security Merit-Tongil Medal from the President of the Republic of Korea.
General Abrams is the founder and CEO of Robert B. “Abe” Abrams, LLC. He serves as a consultant for multiple companies and speaks publicly on leadership and the Korean peninsula. His extensive experience informs his speeches, sharing with audiences the political-military challenges of today and the future, while also inspiring them to be leaders of strong character.
---
### [Roy Blunt](https://wwsg.com/speakers/roy-blunt/)
**Published:** January 18, 2023
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
Throughout his career, Roy Blunt has developed long-lasting, bipartisan partnerships that have led to major legislative achievements in health care, infrastructure, and national security.
Building on a background as a public servant, university president, and high school history teacher, Roy Blunt was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1996 and the U.S. Senate in 2010. Roy was elected by his colleagues to serve as the Majority Whip earlier in his career than any Member of Congress in eight decades, and was elected to the Senate Republican leadership during his first year in the Senate.
He served as Chairman of the Republican Policy Committee, the fourth highest ranking leadership position in the Senate Republican Conference. He also served as the Chairman and top Republican on the Rules Committee and the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies (Labor/HHS).
---
### [Pat Toomey](https://wwsg.com/speakers/pat-toomey/)
**Published:** January 24, 2023
**Author:** wpengine
**Content:**
Senator Pat Toomey represented Pennsylvania in the U.S. Congress for 18 years, including 12 years in the Senate. Sought out by his colleagues for his views on economic policy, financial regulation, and budgetary issues, *The Philadelphia Inquirer* labeled Senator Toomey “a leading voice on money matters,” and *The Wall Street Journal* named him “the Senate’s most valuable player.” As a champion for pro-growth reforms in taxes, financial regulations, and healthcare, Mr. Toomey brings his experience and knowledge of the U.S. economy, politics, and what to expect from Congress to audiences and with his finger on the pulse of what is happening in Pennsylvania politics, he can expand his remarks to the future of his party. Senator Toomey continues to be a frequent guest on CNBC, NBC, Bloomberg, FOX, and FOX Business. His editorials have appeared in *The Wall Street Journal*, *The Washington Post*, and *The Philadelphia Inquirer*, among many other publications, and he has over 190,000 Twitter followers.
---
### [Kimberley Strassel](https://wwsg.com/speakers/kimberley-strassel/)
**Published:** June 6, 2023
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
Kimberley Strassel delves into the day’s headlines, affairs in our nation’s capital and the fundamental importance of civil liberties, specifically those guaranteed by the First Amendment, to healthy democracies. As member of The Wall Street Journal editorial board and author of the weekly Potomac Watch column, Kimberley has established herself as a preeminent political commentator whose informed views make her a sought–after contributor to Sunday political shows, including CBS’s Face the Nation, Fox News Sunday, and NBC’s Meet the Press. Regardless of political ideology, audiences are drawn to Kimberley’s engaging blend of original reporting and historical context to spur thought–provoking conversation.
---
### [Jeff Bush](https://wwsg.com/speakers/jeff-bush/)
**Published:** November 14, 2023
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Excerpt:** A dynamic and insightful speaker and author, Jeff Bush is known for his unique ability to translate difficult and confusing information coming out of Washington D.C. into winning growth strategies for business owners, executives, and high-net-worth investors. Jeff is the principal of the Washington Update, the industry’s nonpartisan expert on all things Washington.
**Content:**
A dynamic and insightful speaker and author, Jeff Bush is known for his unique ability to translate difficult and confusing information coming out of Washington D.C. into winning growth strategies for business owners, executives, and high-net-worth investors. Jeff is the principal of the Washington Update, the industry’s nonpartisan expert on all things Washington.
---
### [Ben Harris](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ben-harris/)
**Published:** March 6, 2024
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
Prominent economist and author Ben Harris is Vice President and Director of Economic Studies at the Brookings Institution. He is an expert on timely topics like the macroeconomic, Biden Administration policy, global energy markets, the debt ceiling, and Congressional negotiations. The *New York Times* called Harris “the quiet architect of Biden’s plan to rescue the economy.”
---
### [Alana Hill](https://wwsg.com/speakers/alana-hill/)
**Published:** May 16, 2023
**Author:** wpengine
**Content:**
Alana Hill, PMP is an international change leadership expert, inspiring professionals to lead change in themselves and others to create inclusive, resilient, and competitive organizations. She is a passionate energy industry veteran who has paved the way for women leaders, with a focus on women of color. Her experience as an engineer and project manager in talent development provides real-world insight into how people and teams can excel, even in the face of adversity. Throughout her career, Alana has led diverse teams and delivered high-impact workshops all over the world!
She is an engaging and dynamic keynote speaker, appealing to audiences of various types and sizes. Alana makes a lasting impact at conferences, corporations, and colleges delivering high-energy, actionable content. Her programs will move you to overcome adversity, build resilience, and convey empathy. She is the author of *What’s Your Catalyst? The Power of Managed Change*, where she guides her readers to have greater influence and impact on the world around them.
---
### [Reed Timmer](https://wwsg.com/speakers/reed-timmer/)
**Published:** November 9, 2017
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
When nature’s violent storms ravage the earth, Dr. Reed Timmer attacks. Driven toward discovery in the “wild west” of meteorology, Timmer is determined to solve the mysteries of tornadoes and hurricanes, his ultimate goal being to collect data that saves lives. Timmer invented the famous, tank-like storm chasing vehicles called “Dominators” in 2009 for the purpose of recording data inside the most dangerous storms. Dr. Timmer’s presentations are both highly informative and high in excitement, certain to leave audiences in awe.
---
### [Shawn Achor](https://wwsg.com/speakers/shawn-achor/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Shawn Achor is the winner of over a dozen distinguished teaching awards at Harvard University, where he delivered lectures in the most popular class at Harvard. In 2009 alone, Achor was invited to lecture in 36 different countries on how positive psychology can raise happiness and performance.
---
### [Larry Winget](https://wwsg.com/speakers/larry-winget/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Larry Winget is a dynamic and provocative keynote speaker known for his no-nonsense delivery and candid insights on success, personal responsibility, and business. A bestselling author of seven major titles and a regular presence on national television, Winget brings decades of experience and sharp commentary to every stage. His background as a Speaker Hall of Fame inductee and media personality makes him especially compelling for audiences seeking tough love, humor, and actionable life advice.
---
### [Shane Kimbrough](https://wwsg.com/speakers/shane-kimbrough/)
**Published:** January 1, 1970
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** As an 18-year NASA astronaut, Shane Kimbrough has a multitude of topics and lessons to share with your audience. Kimbrough tailors his remarks to the needs of your organization, drawing upon his incredible leadership journey as an army officer and NASA astronaut while using personal anecdotes to illustrate his ideas.
**Content:**
As an 18-year NASA astronaut, Shane Kimbrough has a multitude of topics and lessons to share with your audience. Kimbrough tailors his remarks to the needs of your organization, drawing upon his incredible leadership journey as an army officer and NASA astronaut while using personal anecdotes to illustrate his ideas.
---
### [Toure Neblett](https://wwsg.com/speakers/toure-neblett/)
**Published:** April 30, 2024
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
Toure Neblett is a well-known author, a top music journalist, and one of the most well-versed minds on social justice and race in America. He spent years as a pop culture correspondent at CNN before moving to MSNBC where he hosted daily news program *The Cycle*.
---
### [Erin King](https://wwsg.com/speakers/erin-king/)
**Published:** June 10, 2025
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
Known globally as “The Energy Expert,” Erin King has become one of today’s most in-demand keynote speakers for organizations looking to inspire peak performance. After facing a life-altering health scare, she led the world’s largest study on personal energy management, partnering with top PhD researchers to uncover what truly drives focus, resilience, and leadership. She is the creator of The Energy Exam®, a groundbreaking tool used by companies like Google, Disney, and the U.S. Navy to help their teams perform at their highest level.
From Bali to Amsterdam, King has delivered dynamic, science-backed keynotes that consistently earn standing ovations. Named one of *SUCCESS* Magazine’s Top 10 Must-See Motivational Speakers, she brings the insight and energy that move audiences to action.
---
### [Jeff Civillico](https://wwsg.com/speakers/jeff-civillico/)
**Published:** November 22, 2022
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Looking for a funny keynote speaker? Look no further! Jeff’s unique combination of “Keynote Speaker” and “Entertainer” makes his presentations extremely engaging, interactive, and FUN! By weaving his signature, funny routines from his award-winning “Comedy in Action” Las Vegas show throughout his messaging, Jeff leaves attendees thoroughly entertained and inspired.
---
### [Elizabeth Vargas](https://wwsg.com/speakers/elizabeth-vargas/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Known for her empathetic interview style and her determination to get to the heart of important stories, Emmy Award-winning journalist Elizabeth Vargas has traveled the world covering breaking news stories, reporting in-depth investigations, and conducting newsmaker interviews.
---
### [Joan Lunden](https://wwsg.com/speakers/joan-lunden/)
**Published:** April 24, 2015
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Joan Lunden is a sought after keynote speaker for a wide variety of organizations. In her refreshingly straightforward style, Joan shares the candid advice that has motivated her throughout her career, inspiring audiences to take charge of their health, their happiness, and their success.
---
### [Parisa Khosravi](https://wwsg.com/speakers/parisa-khosravi/)
**Published:** April 15, 2016
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Parisa is a keynote speaker, a strategic adviser and a multi award winning veteran journalist and news executive. With over three decades of experience on the global stage, Parisa has first-hand experience dealing with world leaders, dignitaries and high-ranking officials across the globe and opening doors to difficult and dangerous parts of the world where freedom of speech is in no way guaranteed.
---
### [Curt Menefee](https://wwsg.com/speakers/curt-menefee/)
**Published:** December 8, 2022
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
Curt Menefee has found professional and personal success by prioritizing hard work, passion, and enjoyment in life. An award-winning broadcaster and successful author, Menefee engages audiences with lively presentations that demonstrate share his unique mindset and secrets to success.
---
### [Hilary Fordwich](https://wwsg.com/speakers/hilary-fordwich/)
**Published:** April 21, 2023
**Author:** wpengine
**Content:**
Hilary Fordwich is an accomplished global business development expert with over 30 years of experience. She brings a powerful blend of corporate leadership and media presence to every stage. Known for her dynamic and engaging delivery, Hilary’s keynotes equip audiences with actionable strategies to strengthen business growth and enhance leadership through strategic relationship building. Her sessions are both inspiring and grounded in real-world application, making them ideal for corporate and association events. Backed by a vast network of C-suite leaders and long-standing community involvement, she delivers not just insight—but impact.
---
### [Gary Cogill](https://wwsg.com/speakers/gary-cogill/)
**Published:** July 17, 2023
**Author:** Riley Sims
**Content:**
For 24 years, Gary Cogill served as the film critic for WFAA-TV in Dallas (ABC), reviewing more than 10,000 films and conducting more than 20,000 interviews with industry leaders. Through the years Gary sat down with the biggest names in the business including Robert DeNiro, Meryl Streep, Stephen Spielberg, George Clooney, and Barbara Streisand.
Gary is uniquely equipped to provide an audience with an informative, exciting keynote which explores the film industry from a critics point of a view. As a Keynote Speaker, Gary Cogill uses personal stories, humor, and anecdotal empathy to inspire his audience to think deeper about their own life’s journey.
---
### [Sara Fischer](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sara-fischer/)
**Published:** July 28, 2023
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
Sara Fischer’s extensive experience as a media analyst and reporter has given her the ability to provide concise analysis of current events as they relate to an array of topics including corporate media, advertising and marketing, technology, social media, entertainment, media regulation, and more. As one of the nation’s most influential voices, Sara provides audiences with an informed and dynamic perspective on the evolution of media and the ways in which trends may soon affect their respective industries. Furthermore, her inviting and charming delivery keeps audience members engaged and on the edge of their seats.
---
### [Julie Chen](https://wwsg.com/speakers/julie-chen/)
**Published:** January 8, 2025
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
Julie Chen is a television personality, news anchor, and producer for CBS. She has been the host of the U.S. version of the CBS reality-television program Big Brother since its debut in July 2000 and is the longest-serving host of any country’s version of the show. Previously, she was a co-anchor of *The Early Show* on CBS and co-host and the moderator of the CBS daytime show *The Talk.*
---
### [General George W. Casey, Jr. U.S. Army (RET)](https://wwsg.com/speakers/george-w-casey/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
General George W. Casey, Jr. served 41 years in the U.S. Army following his graduation from Georgetown University. He is an accomplished leader and an authority on strategic leadership.
He led the Army from 2007-2011 and is widely credited with restoring balance to a war-weary Army and leading the transformation to keep it relevant in the 21st Century. He was a stalwart advocate for military families, wounded Soldiers, and survivors of the fallen, and took on the tough issues of suicide and reducing the stigma attached to combat stress. Prior to this, he commanded the Multi-National Force – Iraq, a coalition of more than 30 countries, where he guided the Iraq mission through its toughest days. In his 15 years as a general officer, he held numerous senior leadership positions in Europe, the Middle East and in the United States.
---
### [Vinny Boles](https://wwsg.com/speakers/vinny-boles/)
**Published:** March 19, 2020
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Leading teams (and yourself) is not just about doing your best. Its about getting better. If you’re not better today than you were six months ago you’re failing. And if your’e not doing things today to get better you’ll continue to struggle. Using his “battle tested” experience, Vinny will work with you and your team to help you be the best you can be.
---
### [Dan Cnossen](https://wwsg.com/speakers/dan-cnossen/)
**Published:** April 14, 2022
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** With captivating stories from his time in SEAL training, his numerous military deployments, and his pursuit of athletic excellence at the Paralympic Games, Dan will leaves audiences both in awe of one man’s will and inspired to take on the challenges in their own lives.
**Content:**
With captivating stories from his time in SEAL training, his numerous military deployments, and his pursuit of athletic excellence at the Paralympic Games, Dan will leaves audiences both in awe of one man’s will and inspired to take on the challenges in their own lives.
---
### [Kyra Phillips](https://wwsg.com/speakers/kyra-phillips/)
**Published:** November 21, 2016
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
An award-winning journalist, Phillips joined CNN in 1999 and moved to HLN in 2012 to anchor Raising America with Kyra Phillips, a daily interactive, investigative program that focused on news impacting the modern American family. In 2018, Phillips joined ABC News as a D.C.-based correspondent.
---
### [Laurence Mussio](https://wwsg.com/speakers/laurence-mussio/)
**Published:** April 23, 2021
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Dr. Laurence B. Mussio is a premier voice helping leaders decode today’s disruptive moment. In an era of profound geopolitical and economic realignment—marked by AI breakthroughs, trade weaponization, institutional decay, and contested sovereignties—Dr. Mussio provides the rare ability to map the deep patterns that define this new age.
Through his widely circulated 2025 Globe and Mail commentary and his role as Chair of the Long Run Institute, Dr. Mussio has shaped elite discourse across finance, policy, and technology. He demonstrates how historical continuities and strategic pattern recognition are essential to mastering volatility—not merely reacting to it.
As Special Advisor to the CEO at BMO Financial Group, and a long-time facilitator of high-level briefings and roundtables, Dr. Mussio equips decision-makers with insights forged from history, tested in real time, and delivered with clarity and conviction. His recent work on the DeepSeek correction, the resurgence of tariffs, and Canada’s “winter of reckoning” exemplifies how the past is not prologue—it is an asset when properly understood.
Known for his disarming wit, compelling storytelling, and intellectual precision, Dr. Mussio delivers more than a keynote—he delivers a shift in strategic mindset. For leaders determined not to be blindsided by the next inflection point, he is an indispensable guide.
---
### [Chris Heemskerk](https://wwsg.com/speakers/chris-heemskerk/)
**Published:** February 25, 2025
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
Chris Heemskerk is an exceptional keynote speaker due to his extensive experience at top technology firms like Google and Apple, as well as his expertise in innovation strategy. As the creator of *The Innovation Scorecard TM*, he provides organizations with a proven framework to enhance their innovation capabilities and drive sustainable growth. His keynotes deliver actionable insights on technology, leadership, and corporate innovation, equipping audiences with the tools to thrive in an evolving business landscape.
---
### [Paul Redmond](https://wwsg.com/speakers/paul-redmond/)
**Published:** June 24, 2025
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
Dr. Paul Redmond is a compelling keynote speaker for conferences, sales kickoffs, corporate events, and higher education audiences, thanks to his deep expertise in generational dynamics and the future of work. With engaging insights drawn from decades of research and real-world experience, Paul helps audiences understand how to thrive in today’s fast-evolving, multi-generational workplace. His thought-provoking topics—from Generation Z and AI’s impact on jobs to inter-generational communication—are timely, relevant, and highly actionable. A seasoned presenter on global stages and frequent media contributor, Paul blends wit, data, and practical strategies to leave audiences informed and inspired. Event planners looking for a dynamic, research-driven speaker who delivers practical takeaways and real-world relevance will find Paul an exceptional choice.
---
### [Brian Forde](https://wwsg.com/speakers/brian-forde/)
**Published:** August 16, 2023
**Author:** Riley Sims
**Content:**
From Iraq to the White House, Brian Forde has helped to educate heads of state, Fortune 500 CEOs and thousands of others as they race to get up to speed on bitcoin and the blockchain before this new technology disrupts their organizations.
---
### [Dewitt Jones](https://wwsg.com/speakers/dewitt-jones/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Dewitt Jones is a compelling keynote speaker with over two decades of experience as a National Geographic photographer and two Academy Award nominations for his documentary films. His work has taken him around the world, capturing stories that explore creativity, leadership, and resilience. As the creator of seven best-selling training programs, Jones has helped major corporations, healthcare systems, and educational institutions shift perspective and drive cultural change. His presentations combine powerful visuals with clear, actionable takeaways, leaving audiences with a renewed sense of purpose and possibility.
---
### [Jon Picoult](https://wwsg.com/speakers/jon-picoult-2/)
**Published:** June 9, 2025
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
Jon Picoult is masterful at helping companies impress their customers and inspire their employees, creating raving fans that drive business growth. He is a noted authority on customer experience and customer-centric leadership.
---
### [Thom Mayer](https://wwsg.com/speakers/thom-mayer/)
**Published:** May 23, 2025
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
Thom Mayer, M.D. is a dynamic and deeply experienced speaker who brings unmatched credibility to any stage, drawing from decades of real-world leadership in high-stakes crises—from 9/11 to the NFL’s most defining moments. His keynotes blend gripping frontline stories with practical, actionable insights that resonate with audiences across industries. With a unique ability to connect passion, purpose, and performance, Dr. Mayer inspires teams to lead with trust, embrace change, and turn failure into fuel. Audiences consistently praise his energy, humor, and powerful message. If you’re looking for a speaker who not only informs but transforms, Dr. Mayer delivers.
---
### [Riley Gaines](https://wwsg.com/speakers/riley-gaines/)
**Published:** March 5, 2024
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
After being denied the NCAA Women’s Swimming Championship when pitted against a trans-identifying male, Riley Gaines made it her mission to defend and protect America’s daughters against the harmful gender-denying ideology. This life-changing event made Riley passionate about preserving women’s opportunities for success in sports.
---
### [David Hickton](https://wwsg.com/speakers/david-hickton/)
**Published:** November 20, 2018
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
David Hickton is a former U.S. Attorney and current director of the University of Pittsburgh Institute for Cyber Law, Policy, and Security. Hickton is also a dynamic speaker, who touches on subjects including cybersecurity and cyber threats, leadership and the virtues of servant leadership, building safer communities, enhancing community police trust, combating the national opioid epidemic, shaping the future and more. Known for his tireless and passionate advocacy, David speaks from the heart and displays an intrinsic understanding of a variety of topics.
---
### [Matt Britton](https://wwsg.com/speakers/matt-britton/)
**Published:** April 2, 2024
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Excerpt:** Matt Britton is one of the most widely recognized marketing and media executives in the world who has consulted with over half of America’s Fortune 500 companies future-proofing for an unpredictable consumer landscape.
**Content:**
Matt Britton is one of the most widely recognized marketing and media executives in the world, with a formidable presence across broadcast, podcast, print, and digital mediums garnering hundreds of millions of impressions annually. His reputation as a dynamic entrepreneur has earned him a dedicated following of industry professionals and consumers alike. He has consulted with over half of America’s Fortune 500 companies future-proofing for an unpredictable consumer landscape. Whether through his captivating presence on television or his insightful commentary on podcasts and digital media, Britton continues to leave an indelible mark on the marketing and media landscape. His recent book, *Generation AI*, became a best seller, reaching #1 on Amazon in multiple categories, further cementing his role as a leading voice in the industry.
---
### [Jim Carroll](https://wwsg.com/speakers/jim-carroll/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Futurist Jim Carroll is on a mission to help organizations understand how to align to tomorrow, today.
He helps CEOs, senior executives, and association leaders achieve their strategic objectives by aligning them with a disruptive, accelerating future. His approach delivers actionable, powerful leadership insights based on detailed, industry-specific trends – all presented in a fast-paced, motivational keynote style.
---
### [Paco Underhill](https://wwsg.com/speakers/paco-underhill/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Paco Underhill helps companies understand what motivates the behaviors of today’s consumer. His research shows how today’s retail world is ruled by factors such as gender, “trial and touch” and human anatomy. His first book, *Why We Buy: The Science of Shopping,* has been published in 27 languages and has sold more copies than any other retail book in history.
---
### [Vikram Mansharamani](https://wwsg.com/speakers/vikram-mansharamani/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Dr. Vikram Mansharamani is a global trend-watcher who shows audiences how to anticipate the future, manage risk, and spot opportunities. He first gained widespread attention with the release of his book Boombustology: Spotting Financial Bubbles Before They Burst. Since then he’s gone on to show corporate leaders and investors how to look at the world differently in order to navigate today’s radical uncertainty. His strategies help them peer into the future on crucial areas like China, food, the global economy, Africa, housing, investing, financial cycles, energy, and much more. So valuable are his insights that LinkedIn named Vikram #1 on their 10 Top Voices for Money, Global Economics, and Finance for both 2015 and 2016. Worth magazine listed him on their “Power 100” list for 2017 – one of the 100 most powerful people in global finance.
---
### [Mike Schmidt](https://wwsg.com/speakers/mike-schmidt/)
**Published:** April 30, 2025
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
Mike Schmidt is a national leader in economic policy and strategic public investment, making him an exceptional keynote speaker on the future of industrial policy and technology competition in the age of artificial intelligence. He led the $39 billion CHIPS Program, the centerpiece of the U.S. effort to rebuild domestic semiconductor manufacturing and secure the supply chains that power artificial intelligence and advanced computing. Mike’s experience across federal and state government offers valuable insight into how smart, well-executed policy can drive innovation, economic resilience, and national security.
---
### [Mike North](https://wwsg.com/speakers/dr-mike-north/)
**Published:** September 27, 2017
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Dr. Mike North is involved in all aspects of our technological change, from inventing new materials and technologies in a clean room, to creating cutting edge prototypes on Discovery Channel’s *Prototype This!* Brimming with enthusiasm, Mike’s engaging personality makes him an energetic and charismatic science and technology advocate inspiring everyone from grade-schoolers to CEOs.
---
### [Tom Koulopoulos](https://wwsg.com/speakers/tom-koulopoulos/)
**Published:** December 18, 2017
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Tom Koulopoulos is a dynamic and insightful keynote speaker, recognized as one of the industry’s leading futurists. With a remarkable ability to bridge business and technology, he brings real-world experience from founding an Inc. 500 company, advising cutting-edge AI firms, and leading innovation initiatives at top institutions like Babson College and Boston University. His deep expertise, engaging storytelling, and forward-thinking insights make him an invaluable addition to any conference looking to inspire and prepare audiences for the future.
---
### [Jason Hewlett](https://wwsg.com/speakers/jason-hewlett/)
**Published:** April 2, 2025
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
Jason Hewlett is a one-of-a-kind keynote speaker who blends entertainment, humor, and inspiring storytelling to deliver unforgettable leadership insights. As a Hall of Fame speaker and award-winning performer, he captivates audiences with his dynamic energy while teaching the power of personal commitment and honoring one’s unique strengths. His ability to engage, educate, and entertain ensures that every audience leaves not only inspired but equipped with actionable takeaways to create lasting impact in their personal and professional lives.
---
### [J.R. Martinez](https://wwsg.com/speakers/j-r-martinez/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
J.R. Martinez’s touching story of survival leaves audiences inspired, impressed, and in awe of J.D.’s resiliency and aptitude for kindness.
---
### [David Detomasi](https://wwsg.com/speakers/david-detomasi/)
**Published:** March 5, 2025
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
Dr. David Detomasi is a professor from Cochrane, Alberta, at the heart of Canada’s active and vibrant energy sector. With decades of academic and industry experience, he brings current, relevant and thought-provoking insights to students and professionals. Dr. Detomasi specializes in topics around international business, corporate governance, geopolitics, and natural resource development. He has a vibrant personality with a healthy dose of realism, and he continues to grab the attention and admiration of many while teaching in undergraduate, MBA, and executive programs.
---
### [Ray Isle](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ray-isle/)
**Published:** March 13, 2025
**Author:** wpengine
**Content:**
Ray Isle brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise in wine, spirits, and travel to his keynote speeches. As Executive Wine Editor at Food & Wine and Wine & Spirits Editor at Travel + Leisure, Isle offers deep insights into the world of wine, with a focus on its connection to food and culture.
A frequent guest on national media and award-winning writer, his engaging talks inspire audiences to explore the world of wine with curiosity and passion. Whether discussing the art of wine appreciation or the nuances of the industry, Isle captivates with his storytelling and expertise.
---
### [Carla Hall](https://wwsg.com/speakers/carla-hall/)
**Published:** March 21, 2025
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
Carla Hall is a dynamic and engaging keynote speaker who brings her infectious energy, warmth, and passion for food to every stage. With a celebrated career spanning television, publishing, and philanthropy, she effortlessly connects with audiences through her inspiring message of love, inclusion, and the power of food to bring people together. Whether sharing stories from *Top Chef*, *The Chew*, or her latest culinary and philanthropic endeavors, Carla leaves attendees feeling uplifted, motivated, and ready to embrace their own passions with heart and authenticity.
---
### [Aisha Mills](https://wwsg.com/speakers/aisha-mills/)
**Published:** January 8, 2025
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
Aisha Mills is a political strategist, consultant, and media commentator with over 20 years of experience driving progressive change. As the former host of *Amplified with Aisha Mills* on Black News Channel, she provided sharp analysis on key issues affecting Black and Brown communities.
She has helped elect hundreds of diverse candidates, advised over a dozen members of Congress, and was the first African American woman to lead a national LGBTQ organization, playing a key role in securing marriage equality in Washington, D.C. Recognized among *Out 100*, *The Root 100*, and *The Advocate’s* *40 Under Forty*, Aisha is a dynamic keynote speaker, bringing deep expertise and inspiration to audiences on leadership, diversity, social justice, and political strategy.
---
### [Leslie Sbrocco](https://wwsg.com/speakers/leslie-sbrocco/)
**Published:** August 11, 2022
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Leslie Sbrocco is known for her entertaining approach to wine and food, as well as inspiring others to live a life of passion. Voted as one of the Top 100 most influential people in the American wine business, Sbrocco’s engaging personality, humor, and ability to connect with the audience – whether on screen or on stage – are her trademarks.
---
### [Brian Billick](https://wwsg.com/speakers/brian-billick/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
An expert motivator, NFL coach and strategist, for over 30 years Brian Billick has demonstrated an exceptional ability to take individual players to their highest potential, while keeping his teams unified and focused.
---
### [Brian Kelly](https://wwsg.com/speakers/brian-kelly/)
**Published:** January 21, 2015
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Brian Kelly is a highly respected expert in global markets, asset classes, and investment strategies, making him an invaluable keynote speaker for any conference or event. With years of experience managing successful investment firms and providing sought-after commentary on CNBC, his insights into the U.S. Dollar, commodities, and digital currencies offer unique, real-world perspectives that resonate with investors and industry leaders alike. His ability to simplify complex economic topics and connect them to market realities ensures that audiences leave with actionable knowledge and a deeper understanding of the global financial landscape.
---
### [Todd Buchholz](https://wwsg.com/speakers/todd-buchholz/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Economist Todd Buchholz “lights up economics with a wickedly sparkling wit,” says the Associated Press. This former White House director of economic policy, managing director of the legendary Tiger hedge fund, and best-selling author has jousted with such personalities as James Carville and Ben Stein.
Todd Buchholz’s lively and informative engagements have earned him a place in Successful Meetings Magazine’s “21 Top Speakers for the 21st Century.” His best-selling books on economics and financial markets have been widely translated and are taught in universities worldwide.
---
### [Rocky Bleier](https://wwsg.com/speakers/rocky-bleier/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Rocky Bleier tells a gripping tale of courage on both the football fields of America and the battle fields of Vietnam. As running back for the four-time Super Bowl Champion Pittsburgh Steelers, he overcame seemingly insurmountable obstacles to achieve his ultimate dream.
---
### [Jay Truesdale](https://wwsg.com/speakers/jay-truesdale/)
**Published:** January 15, 2025
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
Jay Truesdale is an exceptional keynote speaker with deep expertise in geopolitical strategy, market intelligence, and risk management. As CEO of TD International and former leader at Veracity Worldwide and McKinsey & Company, he brings a global perspective on business strategy. With a career in the U.S. Foreign Service, including diplomatic postings in Pakistan, Russia, Ukraine, and Hungary, and ongoing service as a U.S. Navy reserve Foreign Area Officer, Jay offers unique insights into the impact of geopolitics on business and the intersection of politics and global commerce. His experience makes him a highly valuable speaker for industry, investor, and policy events.
---
### [Patrick Kennedy](https://wwsg.com/speakers/patrick-kennedy/)
**Published:** October 8, 2015
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Patrick Kennedy is a compelling keynote speaker, combining personal experience with decades of leadership in mental health, addiction, and brain diseases. A former U.S. Congressman, he played a key role in passing the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act and continues to drive policy change through his work with The Kennedy Forum and One Mind for Research. With a powerful personal story of recovery, Kennedy connects authentically with audiences, inspiring action on mental health and healthcare reform.
---
### [Sampson Davis](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sampson-davis/)
**Published:** August 17, 2016
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Dr. Sampson Davis is a powerful keynote speaker whose inspiring journey from poverty to success in medicine makes him a compelling voice for overcoming adversity. As a co-founder of The Three Doctors Foundation and a recognized leader in health and mentorship, he offers practical advice on navigating the healthcare system and living healthier, more empowered lives. With national recognition, including praise from Oprah Winfrey, Dr. Davis motivates audiences to take control of their health and make smarter choices, especially in underserved communities.
---
### [Rick Steves](https://wwsg.com/speakers/rick-steves/)
**Published:** April 3, 2018
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Rick Steves is a popular public television host, a best-selling guidebook author, and an outspoken activist who encourages Americans to broaden their perspectives through travel. But above all else, Rick considers himself a teacher. He taught his first travel class at his college campus in the mid-1970s — and now, more than 40 years later, he still measures his success not by dollars earned, but by trips impacted.
---
### [Kathryn Parsons](https://wwsg.com/speakers/kathryn-parsons/)
**Published:** February 14, 2024
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
Kathryn Parsons has delivered 500+ keynotes and talks to audiences of up to 2,000 people across the world. Driven by a desire to learn and to remove the fear, jargon, and cliches which made technology impenetrable, Kathryn Parsons founded Decoded in 2011 with merely a credit card and mission to teach anyone to code in a day. She believes code is just another language, the language of the future, and one that anyone can learn.
Her keynotes are designed to educate and inspire. Kathryn Parsons believes that transformation of skills and culture is possible at any age or stage of a career or business. Sharing cutting-edge case studies from across her work and the world of education, government, and business, she shows how technology is for everyone and why we must all give ourselves the permission to learn.
---
### [Afterburner](https://wwsg.com/speakers/afterburner/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Afterburner is a team of elite military professionals who are experts in helping groups achieve *Flawless Execution*. The *Flawless Execution* Model is a proven process used by highly-trained, highly-skilled military teams around the world to execute missions when the stakes are high and failure is not an option.
---
### [The Water Coolers](https://wwsg.com/speakers/the-water-coolers/)
**Published:** September 16, 2021
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
What do you get when a comedy writer/actor marries a management consultant? As it turns out, you get a multi-award winning comedy act about work that has performed all over the world. Luckily, the ever-evolving world of work is a steady source of comedy. Leave it to The Water Coolers to bring the entertainment and comedic relief to your meetings and conferences.
---
### [Jessica Quinn](https://wwsg.com/speakers/jessica-lawrence/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Jessica Quinn is a seasoned leader with nearly 20 years of experience. She is a highly sought-after speaker due to her extensive background in non-profit, technology, and foundation leadership coupled with her focus on future-oriented topics like the future of work and innovation. Jessica’s passion for empowering others and fostering collaboration combined with her adaptable approach to different sectors makes her a versatile and impactful speaker who can resonate with diverse audiences.
---
### [John Foley](https://wwsg.com/speakers/john-foley/)
**Published:** November 4, 2015
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
John Foley has spent nearly a decade sharing practical and inspirational messages on high performance with audiences around the world. The former lead solo pilot for the famed Blue Angels flight-demonstration squadron is among the most sought-after conference speakers, presenting keynote messages at more than 100 events a year. He also is the founder and CEO of CenterPoint Companies, which provides in-depth training on the How of High Performance. John also founded Glad To Be Here® Foundation, a giving-forward program that partners with clients to make donations to worthy charities.
---
### [Robin Chase](https://wwsg.com/speakers/robin-chase/)
**Published:** April 15, 2016
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Robin Chase, a visionary transportation entrepreneur, possesses a unique blend of experience, innovation, and leadership that makes her an exceptional keynote speaker. Her extensive background in founding and leading successful companies like Zipcar and GoLoco coupled with her strategic roles on various boards and advisory committees provides her with a deep understanding of the transportation industry and its future trends. Her ability to inspire and engage audiences is further enhanced by her numerous awards and recognitions, including being named one of *Time*‘s 100 Most Influential People. Robin’s insightful lectures and thought-provoking ideas make her a sought-after speaker who can captivate audiences and spark meaningful discussions on the future of mobility.
---
### [The Passing Zone](https://wwsg.com/speakers/the-passing-zone/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Jon Wee and Owen Morse – a.k.a. The Passing Zone – aren’t just partners; they’re a dynamic duo. Their keynote presentation is a masterclass in collaboration, where preparation meets trust, communication fuels creativity, and fun drives flawless execution. Expect big laughs, jaw-dropping stunts, and an unforgettable experience.
---
### [Greg Boyle](https://wwsg.com/speakers/greg-boyle/)
**Published:** January 10, 2020
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
As the founder and CEO of Homeboy Industries, Father Greg Boyle has dedicated his life to helping LA’s most marginalized individuals find a place in society’s ranks. He has become a beacon of hope around the world inspiring others with his work. In 2014, Father Greg was selected as one of the White House Champions of Change and in 2024, he was awarded the nation’s highest civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Joe Biden.
---
### [Carla Harris](https://wwsg.com/speakers/carla-harris/)
**Published:** November 21, 2022
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
Carla Harris has extensive industry experiences in the technology, media, retail, telecommunications, transportation, industrial, and healthcare sectors. In August 2013, Ms. Harris was appointed by President Barack Obama to chair the National Women’s Business Council.
---
### [Cassie Kozyrkov](https://wwsg.com/speakers/cassie-kozyrkov/)
**Published:** June 15, 2023
**Author:** Riley Sims
**Content:**
Google’s former Chief Decision Scientist isn’t just a captivating speaker—she’s a catalyst for the future of AI. When you engage with Cassie Kozyrkov, you’re connecting with the visionary leader who led Google’s AI-first transformation. Cassie is the epitome of theater-trained charisma, technical knowledge, and leadership experience, making her your perfect AI keynote speaker for an executive audience.
---
### [Luke Williams](https://wwsg.com/speakers/luke-williams/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Luke Williams is an author and globally recognized authority on innovation, leadership, and business transformation. He reveals a way of thinking that has the power to transform your business and stay ahead of the game.
---
### [Mike Baker](https://wwsg.com/speakers/mike-baker/)
**Published:** March 17, 2016
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
With over 25 years of experience as the CIA’s Operations Officer and as the President and Co-Founder of Diligence LLC (now Portman Square Group), Mike Baker specializes in geopolitics, counterterrorism, counternarcotics, and counterinsurgency operations. Baker uses his experience within the CIA’s Operations Directorate to speak to audiences about how they can utilize intelligence to minimize risk and maximize opportunities globally. His first-hand examples, case studies, and experiences from both the Agency operating era and the time spent building Diligence, LLC, are shared to provide his audience with an unforgettable experience.
---
### [Vernice "FlyGirl" Armour](https://wwsg.com/speakers/vernice-armour/)
**Published:** April 28, 2015
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Leveraging her “Breakthrough Mentality” and “Get Gutsy” mindset, Vernice “FlyGirl” Armour propelled herself from beat cop to combat pilot in a record-breaking three years and became America’s First African American Female Combat Pilot. As featured on CNN, MSNBC, The View, FOX News, Oprah Winfrey and others, FlyGirl’s fresh, edgy style, high, contagious energy and unique, gutsy essence jump off the stage, page and screen and moves people to action. Since 2007, she has inspired countless organizations and individuals to make gutsy moves and create breakthrough results.
---
### [Trent Shelton](https://wwsg.com/speakers/trent-shelton/)
**Published:** May 5, 2023
**Author:** wpengine
**Content:**
Through the journey of leaving his career in the NFL, Trent Shelton discovered that what was once his standard of success, no longer fulfilled him. Trent felt a change was needed within his mind, body, and soul. He held himself accountable of what he said he was going to do. He quickly went into conditioning his body, went on a strict diet, and dug deeper into his faith. This is what led him to found Rehab Time. Rehab Time has now become a worldwide institution for positive change, helping many improve their lives.
Every day Trent inspires thousands of people online, and in his everyday life. On October 20, 2011, Shelton was named the, “The #20 most motivational person on the worldwide web” with Bill Gates at #21 and Oprah at #1, by Under30Ceo.com. Today, Trent is considered as one of the most impactful speakers of this generation, he reaches over 60 million people weekly through hard hitting videos and unprecedented engagement.
---
### [DeeDee Trotter](https://wwsg.com/speakers/deedee-trotter/)
**Published:** October 12, 2023
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Transform your event with the powerful and motivational presence of keynote speaker and multi-champion track and field athlete DeeDee Trotter. Share in her Olympic journey as she captivates your audience with passion, purpose, and determination. Empower your guests to unlock their inner champions and achieve personal and professional success.
---
### [Billy Starr](https://wwsg.com/speakers/billy-starr/)
**Published:** February 21, 2024
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
As Founder and Executive Director of the Pan-Mass Challenge, Billy Starr has dedicated 45 years to funding life-saving breakthroughs in cancer research. Combining his passion for cycling with his activist spirit, Starr has led the organization, which has contributed over $1 billion for adult and pediatric cancer care and research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
---
### [Scott Deming](https://wwsg.com/speakers/scott-deming/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
If your goal is to deliver that important business message and really make it stick, nobody creates a more memorable experience than Scott Deming. He integrates bottom-line and life changing business content with passion, humor and audience participation to deliver a presentation like you’ve never seen before. His presentations captivate, motivate and accelerate audiences to a new level of passion and commitment to deliver the ultimate customer experience.
---
### [Ron Jaworski](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ron-jaworski/)
**Published:** January 11, 2018
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Ron Jaworski, also known as “Jaws,” has successfully taken his leadership skills from the gridiron to the boardroom defining the lines where sports meets business. He has always exhibited an entrepreneurial spirit and today owns a professional sports team, a business relationship company and 6 golf courses.
Ron and his family strive to give back to the community. They put their heart and soul in their foundation, Jaws Youth Playbook which helps improve the overall health and wellness of at-risk youth, primarily in the Greater Philadelphia area along with the NFL and United Way.
---
### [Chris Myers](https://wwsg.com/speakers/chris-myers/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
With more than 20 years in broadcasting, Chris Myers has covered all of the sports world’s premiere events, including the Super Bowl, World Series, NBA Finals, NCAA Final Four, The Masters and U.S. Open Golf, Kentucky Derby, the Olympics and the Daytona 500.
---
### [Jessica Cox](https://wwsg.com/speakers/jessica-cox/)
**Published:** September 8, 2023
**Author:** Riley Sims
**Content:**
Jessica Cox was born a risk taker. She knew she was different from the other kids and that she had to do things differently. While social confidence did not come easily to her, doubt never entered her mind when she was faced with something new. Jessica’s inspirational story and fearless mindset makes her the ideal candidate to motivate and uplift an audience.
---
### [Heather McGowan](https://wwsg.com/speakers/heather-mcgowan/)
**Published:** April 20, 2023
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
Keynote speaker Heather E. McGowan is a champion for optimizing human performance in the augmented, learning-centric future of work. McGowan is the coauthor of both *The Adaptation Advantage* (2020) and *The Empathy Advantage* (2023).
---
### [Nicholas Webb](https://wwsg.com/speakers/nick-webb/)
**Published:** June 5, 2018
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Unlike most theorists who speak on future trends, Nicholas Webb is a true pioneer actively creating the future. With over 40 US patents for technology-related products, he is a successful inventor at the forefront of innovation. Nick’s expertise spans organizational management, strategy, and innovation, making him a multiple number one bestselling author in these areas. Recognized as one of the world’s top keynote speakers, he serves esteemed global associations and brands. Your audience demands speakers with real-world pedigrees, not just theorists. They seek practical, actionable insights that deliver tangible value to their jobs and enterprises.
---
### [Jeff Korzenik](https://wwsg.com/speakers/jeff-korzenik/)
**Published:** February 7, 2023
**Author:** wpengine
**Content:**
“The path to a better society must be paved by the business community” is the powerful message that Jeff Korzenik shares with audiences around the U.S. Korzenik is an unexpected spokesman for a truly inclusive economy, inspiring business, nonprofit, and government leaders to consider “second-chance hiring” by showing how people with criminal records, recovered addicts, and the long-term unemployed can be not just adequate, but actually superior employees. His presentations are rooted in the pragmatic experience of pioneering CEOs and feature numerous examples of what works—and what fails. With a reputation for clarifying complex economic and policy issues, Korzenik has delivered his message to hundreds of audiences around the country.
---
### [Dan Jansen](https://wwsg.com/speakers/dan-jansen/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
By the time of the Olympic Winter Games in Lillehammer in 1994, Dan Jansen had won seven overall World Cup titles and set seven world records. However, at the Olympic Games he had experienced a series of setbacks and emotional trauma. Today, Dan shares his story of courage and determination with audiences around the world, inspiring them to never give up and empowering them to conquer any challenge that comes their way.
---
### [Janet Evans](https://wwsg.com/speakers/janet-evans/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Janet Evans is an American former competition swimmer who specialized in distance freestyle events. Evans was a world champion and world record-holder, and won a total of four gold medals at the 1988 and the 1992 Olympics.
---
### [Mark Spitz](https://wwsg.com/speakers/mark-spitz/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Mark Spitz won a total of 11 Olympic medals in 1968 and 1972. After winning two gold medals in the 1968 Olympics in relay events and a silver and bronze in his individual events, Mark knew he had to do more to prove he was the greatest swimmer in the world. He returned four years later to win 7 gold medals at the 1972 Munich Olympics”and set the world record for the most medals won in a single Olympic games.
---
### [James Coltharp](https://wwsg.com/speakers/james-coltharp/)
**Published:** December 20, 2019
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
As a highly effective coach and builder/leader of teams, James Coltharp leverages effective assessment tools in combination with his ability to motivate and inspire individuals, teams, and organizations to create greater consistency in attaining peak performance. Coltharp’s longstanding passion to create community impact & involvement is the genesis of the KeePressingOn Project, serving businesses, teams, and executives who seek to generate growth and increased productivity through relationships that build trust, encourage excellence, and create an expectant, positive view of the future.
---
### [Damyanti (Rani) Gupta](https://wwsg.com/speakers/damyanti-rani-gupta/)
**Published:** September 20, 2018
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Damyanti Gupta became the first female with a Masters in Engineering ever hired by Ford Motor Company in 1967. After being the first woman admitted to the engineering college that she attended in India and graduating, Damyanti moved to Detroit, Michigan, and started her new life with Ford Motors.
Along with her own successful and ground-breaking career, Gupta has two sons, Sanjay and Suneel, who have achieved their own tremendous success. Sanjay is a practicing neurosurgeon and Chief Medical Correspondent for CNN. Suneel is a tenured investor and best-selling author of the books *Backable* and *Everyday Dharma*.
---
### [Scott Klososky](https://wwsg.com/speakers/scott-klososky/)
**Published:** July 31, 2024
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
Powerful, passionate, and creative, Scott Klososky is one of the first successful Internet entrepreneurs and a technology visionary. As the founder and CEO of webcasts.com, Klososky’s foresight and leadership established the firm as the Web’s only full-service broadcast production company at the time. He positioned the website to lead with innovations that include the first music CD to launch to the Internet, the first interactive CD-ROM to be used to lobby Congress, and the first CD-ROM/Web-based product designed to generate donations for a non-profit organization.
His technological revolutions are now industry standards. Today, he offers audiences a unique point of view and signature style with stories from his extraordinary experience as a digital business pioneer and achieving success in the face of adversity.
---
### [Jason Jones](https://wwsg.com/speakers/jason-jones/)
**Published:** November 22, 2022
**Author:** Riley Sims
**Content:**
Utilizing the latest in neuroscience research and gleaning from more than 100 years of motivation theory, Dr. Jason Jones teaches leaders how to apply these proven principles to become more influential and persuasive.
His client list includes some of the world’s most recognized brands, including IBM, American Airlines, Porsche, Boeing, AT&T, McKesson, Seagate Technology, and Ericsson, to name just a few.
---
### [Neal Petersen](https://wwsg.com/speakers/neal-petersen/)
**Published:** November 30, 2018
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Neal Petersen, a name synonymous with adventure, resilience, and inspirational storytelling, is one of the most sought-after speakers for corporate, government, and association events worldwide. Born in apartheid-era South Africa, Petersen’s journey from the racial and economic divides of his homeland to the elite world of solo yacht racing is nothing short of extraordinary. His compelling life story, combined with his insights on overcoming adversity, leadership, and environmental stewardship, makes him a transformative figure capable of impacting citizens across all walks of life.
---
### [Robert Ballard](https://wwsg.com/speakers/robert-ballard/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
World-famous for his discovery of the *Titanic* and the *Bismark*, Robert Ballard is the man who made some of the most startling undersea discoveries. Ballard leads audiences on a journey to plumb some of history’s greatest mysteries. His adventurous spirit is matched by a practical and hugely successful approach to goal setting, team building and execution.
---
### [Ken Schmidt](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ken-schmidt/)
**Published:** February 27, 2023
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
Credited for Harley-Davidson’s incredible turnaround, Ken Schmidt brings an unconventional perspective to his speeches that helps organizations and individuals reframe how they engage with their marketplace. He uses motorcycles as a metaphor to expose people to proven ideas and concepts they’ve likely never imagined.
---
### [Todd Sinelli](https://wwsg.com/speakers/todd-sinelli/)
**Published:** October 3, 2023
**Author:** Riley Sims
**Content:**
Todd Sinelli is an expert on the power of being IN. Being intelligent, innovative, invested, and increasing with insight and integrity. The results = infinite personal and professional growth. Todd is sought after as a speaker and entertainer for various events, where his remarkable ability to emotionally engage audiences and create economically beneficial experiences sets him apart.
---
### [Steve Rizzo](https://wwsg.com/speakers/steve-rizzo/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Steve Rizzo, affectionately known as the “Attitude Adjuster,” provides the skills organizations need to get to a better place at work and in life.
---
### [Peter Sheahan](https://wwsg.com/speakers/peter-sheahan/)
**Published:** October 7, 2015
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
The path forward is to build organizations and teams capable of risk-taking, letting go of past successes in pursuit of a new, more vibrant future, and successfully navigating the business from one competitive advantage to the next. The unique approach of Peter Sheahan will instill these lessons and inspire transformation in audiences. Peter has been referred to as the “CEO whisperer,” and “Chief Provocateur,” and is known as a brilliant strategist who uncovers questions you never thought to ask but need to answer. He will push you to realize new limits and unlock your full individual and team potential, even for highly successful, industry-leading organizations.
---
### [Marcus Collins](https://wwsg.com/speakers/marcus-collins/)
**Published:** May 8, 2024
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
Considered America’s leading cultural translator since the success of his best-selling book, *For the Culture: The Power Behind What We Buy, What We Do, and Who We Want to Be*, Dr. Marcus Collins is the recognized authority on leveraging the power of culture to influence behavior, inspire collective change, get people to share your vision, and most importantly, move them to take action. Dr. Collins is a professor of marketing at the Ross School of Business, University of Michigan, former head of strategy at Wieden + Kennedy, New York, and a regular contributor to *Forbes.* An inductee in the American Advertising Federation’s Hall of Achievement, he is the architect behind some of the most notable campaigns of the last decade for brands including Nike, Apple, Budweiser, and Beyoncé.
---
### [Dan Heath](https://wwsg.com/speakers/dan-heath/)
**Published:** November 21, 2022
**Author:** Riley Sims
**Content:**
Known for combining an entertaining style with practical insights, Dan Heath weaves together research-based tools, fascinating stories, and a liberal dose of humor. Dan’s book, *Upstream: The Quest to Solve Problems Before They Happen* explores a vital question: Why are we so often trapped in a cycle of reaction—putting out fires, responding to emergencies—when the problems we’re reacting to could have been prevented? *Upstream* studies leaders who have escaped this cycle and triumphed in preventing major problems: Customer churn. Homelessness. Chronic disease. Dropouts. The book reveals the approaches used by these leaders to overcome problems that were thought intractable.
---
### [Bill Rancic](https://wwsg.com/speakers/bill-rancic/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
---
### [Vivek Wadhwa](https://wwsg.com/speakers/vivek-wadhwa/)
**Published:** September 13, 2017
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Called “Silicon Valley’s most provocative voice” for his ideas on technology trends, globalization, U.S. competitiveness and the future, Vivek Wadhwa’s work puts him at the heart of where innovations—technological and otherwise—are being developed that will change the very way that we work and live.
---
### [Alex Sheen](https://wwsg.com/speakers/alex-sheen/)
**Published:** October 21, 2015
**Author:** ironcore
---
### [Safi Bahcall](https://wwsg.com/speakers/safi-bahcall/)
**Published:** April 17, 2024
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
Safi Bahcall is a second-generation physicist, a biotech entrepreneur, and former public-company CEO. Safi’s book *Loonshots* was an instant best-seller, has been translated into 21 languages, and was the #1 most recommended book of the year in Bloomberg’s annual survey of CEOs and entrepreneurs.
---
### [Michael Gorton](https://wwsg.com/speakers/michael-gorton/)
**Published:** April 17, 2024
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
Michael Gorton is a serial entrepreneur who has created 15 different companies but is probably best known for being one of the founders of the half trillion-dollar telemedicine industry. His vast knowledge of the Internet, power systems, remote metering, solar, eclectic vehicles, healthcare, telemedicine, astronomy, physics and more is unlimited. Even though we live in an age of seemingly endless information, Michael shows audiences how to simplify the complex, inspire practical innovation, and create passion.
---
### [Amy Blankson](https://wwsg.com/speakers/amy-blankson/)
**Published:** August 5, 2019
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Amy Blankson is dedicated to discovering how we can leverage technological advances in a way that is productive while keeping our sanity and boosting happiness.
---
### [Jeanne Bliss](https://wwsg.com/speakers/jeanne-bliss/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Jeanne Bliss is a leadership and customer experience advisor and keynote speaker who inspires the worlds’ most beloved companies to earn growth and admiration through their elevated business practices and the humanity of their people.
For over 35 years, Jeanne has led companies [to earn business growth.](https://www.customerbliss.com/mypurpose/) As the inaugural Chief Customer Officer at Lands’ End, Coldwell Banker, Allstate and Microsoft Corporations, she led the achievement of over ninety-eight percent retention rates. As a strategic advisor, she’s guided over 20,000 leaders on using her [5-competency framework](https://www.customerbliss.com/thefivecompetencies) proven to achieve customer-driven growth. As a keynote speaker, 1,500 of the world’s largest companies have asked her to address their audiences on how to elevate their position with customers and in the marketplace.
---
### [Peter Thum](https://wwsg.com/speakers/peter-thum/)
**Published:** October 24, 2016
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
A recognized enterprising pioneer who has used his keen entrepreneurial skills to build several businesses founded on advancing a social mission, Peter Thum is a humanitarian who shows that business can do good while doing well.
---
### [Howard Behar](https://wwsg.com/speakers/howard-behar/)
**Published:** December 12, 2022
**Author:** wpengine
**Content:**
Howard Behar presents keynotes and leads thought-provoking Q&As with large and small audiences across North America and around the world. Howard is committed to exchanging ideas and creating dialogue around the ways we lead ourselves and others in organizations today. He also addresses the role personal leadership plays in our individual lives. He speaks to corporate audiences, educational institutions, boards and governance groups, and nonprofit organizations seeking to challenge and inspire themselves.
---
### [Sean Bratches](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sean-bratches/)
**Published:** January 13, 2023
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
Sean Bratches was the key executive overseeing the commercial businesses of both ESPN and Formula 1 during their respective journeys to prominence. He developed and oversaw the innovation and strategies that were material to the marketplace successes of the respective businesses. The scope of his oversight spanned the continuum from revenue generation, marketing and brand management, event operations, business development, research and analytics, and operations.
---
### [James Olson](https://wwsg.com/speakers/james-olson/)
**Published:** December 14, 2022
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
Professor Olson received his law degree from the University of Iowa in 1969. He is a Senior Lecturer at the Bush School, where he teaches courses on intelligence, national security, and international crisis management using his experience serving over 30 years in the Directorate of Operations of the Central Intelligence Agency, mostly overseas in clandestine operations. In addition to several foreign assignments, he was Chief of Counterintelligence at CIA headquarters in Langley, Virginia.
Needless to say, Olson’s stories of undercover operations and his breadth of knowledge in intelligence captivate audiences of all kinds.
---
### [Tom Price](https://wwsg.com/speakers/secretary-tom-price/)
**Published:** January 2, 2018
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Dr. Thomas E. Price, an orthopedic surgeon, most recently served as the 23rd Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS). He brought to the Department a lifetime of service and a dedication to advancing the quality of health care in America – both as a physician and policymaker. During his congressional career, Dr. Price served in various leadership roles including Chairman of the House Budget Committee, Chairman of the House Republican Policy Committee and Chairman of the Republican Study Committee.
---
### [Scott Burrows](https://wwsg.com/speakers/scott-burrows/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Scott Burrows brings the concepts of vision, mindset, and grit to life using his life-changing story. Three powerful words, when put into action, will help you stand up to any challenge.
---
### [Seth Mattison](https://wwsg.com/speakers/seth-mattison/)
**Published:** April 20, 2015
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Seth Mattison is an internationally renowned expert and author on workforce trends, generational dynamics, and business strategy. As Co-Founder and Chief Movement Officer of Luminate Labs, Seth advises many of the world’s leading brand and organizations on the key shifts happening around talent management, change and innovation, leadership, and the future of work.
His ideas have been featured in such publications as *The Wall St. Journal*, *Forbes*, *The Huffington Post*, and *The Globe and Mail* and was named to the Editors’ Picks for Speakers to Watch by MeetingsNet.
For the past decade Seth has shared his insights with thousands of business leaders around the world and has received accolades from many of the worlds best brands including: MasterCard, Johnson and Johnson, Microsoft, Kraft Foods, AT&T, PepsiCo, GE Energy, Cisco, State Farm, Merrill Lynch, Dow, and Disney.
---
### [Julian Placino](https://wwsg.com/speakers/julian-placino/)
**Published:** January 24, 2024
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
Julian Placino offers transformative recruitment strategies and expert leadership development. As former Head of Recruiting at Bottle Rocket, a world renowned technology firm, Julian has a proven track record of implementing recruiting strategies that attract top talent and facilitate a culture of growth and excellence.
---
### [Greg Schwem](https://wwsg.com/speakers/greg-schwem/)
**Published:** June 17, 2015
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Whether it’s delivering an uplifting and inspiring speech, hosting an awards banquet, or serving as a multi-day meeting emcee, Greg Schwem will have audiences laughing throughout the day. No wonder the *Chicago Tribune* calls Greg “king of the hill in the growing world of corporate comedy.”
---
### [Andrew Winston](https://wwsg.com/speakers/andrew-winston/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Andrew Winston is a globally-recognized and widely read expert on megatrends and how to build companies that thrive by serving the world. His first book, *Green to Gold*, has reached more than 100,000 people in seven languages. *Inc. Magazine* included *Green to Gold* on its all-time list of 30 books that every manager should own. His book *The Big Pivot* was selected as one of the “Best Business Books” by *Strategy+Business* magazine. Andrew’s latest book, *Net Positive: How Courageous Companies Thrive by Giving More than They Take* (co-authored with renowned CEO Paul Polman), is one of *Financial Times’* Best Business Books of the Year. *Net Positive* has been called an “electrifying strategy for business success and unlike any other book you’ve read” by Merck Chairman Ken Frazier, a “wonderful rallying call” by Sir Richard Branson, and “pure heresy” by Arianna Huffington.
---
### [David Houle](https://wwsg.com/speakers/david-houle/)
**Published:** November 30, 2023
**Author:** Riley Sims
**Content:**
David Houle is a futurist, thinker and keynote speaker. He has keynoted hundreds of conferences, spoken to corporate retreats in the U.S. and internationally, and regularly presents to groups of CEOs around the world. He has spoken on all six continents and in 16 countries in the last 16 years. All speeches deal with mega concepts that provoke audiences to think about the future and what may lie ahead.
---
### [Tim Storey](https://wwsg.com/speakers/tim-storey/)
**Published:** October 19, 2016
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Tim Storey believes in helping people create the future they desire, and as an acclaimed author, speaker and life coach, he does just that. He is well known for inspiring and motivating people of all walks of life, from entertainment to executives, celebrities and athletes, to adults and children in the most deprived neighborhoods in the country. Tim has visited 75 countries and has spoken to millions of people.
His ability to listen and genuinely care for those he encounters has led to unique favorability among some the most influential leaders in the world. By using seasoned foundational principles and humor to get honest with people, he helps them believe and overcome the obstacles that are holding them back.
---
### [Cassandra Worthy](https://wwsg.com/speakers/cassandra-worthy/)
**Published:** February 2, 2023
**Author:** wpengine
**Content:**
With contagious energy that radiates throughout every room she steps into, Cassandra Worthy is the world’s truly disruptive thought-leader on change that companies need to build organizational resilience and adaptability. During times of major shift such as merger, acquisition, organizational restructure, new systems integration, and market disruption rarely do businesses ever face the tumultuous emotional landscape of the organization head-on. Only 10% of successful change adoption is about know-how…the other 90% is squarely centered on an organization’s motivation and willingness to embrace the change. Without addressing the emotions standing in the way of motivation, any transformation journey is stopped in its tracks. She helps organizations disrupt ‘change as usual’. Through a practical and repeatable framework, she shows them how they can transform their culture from surviving change to growing through change.
---
### [Kevin Briggs](https://wwsg.com/speakers/kevin-briggs/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Sergeant Kevin Briggs is a former California Highway Patrol officer who convinced hundreds of people who were contemplating suicide by jumping off the Golden Gate Bridge into coming back over the rail and giving life another chance.
---
### [Doc Hendley](https://wwsg.com/speakers/doc-hendley/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Doc Hendley is the Founder and International President of Wine To Water. Doc first envisioned the concept of Wine To Water while bartending and playing music in nightclubs in North Carolina. With the money raised, Hendley traveled to Darfur, Sudan in 2004 and began installing water systems for victims of government-supported genocide.
Doc was selected as a CNN Hero in 2009 and Wine To Water has since worked in 50 countries and reached more than 1.6 million people with clean water. Doc’s work has saved thousands of lives by providing humanity’s most basic need and right, clean water, and has inspired people from all walks of life. His secondary mission is to log as many Harley miles in support of the mission.
---
### [Matt Doherty](https://wwsg.com/speakers/matt-doherty/)
**Published:** April 14, 2022
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Matt Doherty is a respected business consultant and leadership development expert. He played and coached basketball at University of North Carolina, starting on the 1982 National Championship team with NBA great Michael Jordan and continuing on to coach the team later in life. He led the Tar Heels to the 2001 regular season ACC Championship and was named AP National Coach of the Year.
Matt was forced to resign from UNC in 2003. He decided to write about his experience and leadership journey in *REBOUND: From Pain to Passion* with the goal to inspire, encourage, and help others create a game plan that will help them navigate the rough seas of leadership through life and in business.
---
### [Susan Dentzer](https://wwsg.com/speakers/susan-dentzer/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
One of the nation’s most respected health and health policy journalists, Susan Dentzer is also a frequent guest and commentator on such National Public Radio shows as *This American Life* and *The Diane Rehm Show*. She is an elected member of the Institute of Medicine and the Council on Foreign Relations.
A former contributing editor of *US News & World Report* and senior economic reporter for *Newsweek*, Susan Dentzer has covered a wide range of issues from international relations to economic reform. As an experienced keynote speaker, Dentzer brings her audiences a perspective from Capitol Hill, and how policy can and will affect the future of healthcare, Social Security and Medicare. Dentzer also speaks authoritatively on both foreign relations and domestic policy concerns.
---
### [Karen McCullough](https://wwsg.com/speakers/karen-mccullough/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Karen McCullough is the most energetic, positive, and inspirational speaker and visual presenter in the business. She is an expert on change, generational opportunities, and workplace trends.
Karen draws on her varied background as a highly successful educator, businesswoman, entrepreneur, and CEO to enlighten and entertain audiences from some of the world’s top companies, universities, and organizations. Karen knows people, knows trends, and she knows how things work. She is a master at opening people’s minds to the opportunities of change. Through her study of generational behavior, business relationships, social trends, and technology Karen has tapped into an innovative model that leads to positive action and drives desired results.
Karen is known for consistently delivering a WOW experience and has presented to over 1,000 top businesses and organizations across the U.S. and Canada such as VMware, Procter & Gamble, U.S. Department of Justice, JPMorgan Chase, Aetna, Symantec, McGraw-Hill, National Homebuilders, Shell Oil, Mercedes Benz, The World Bank, American National Insurance, Humana, United Way, American Heart Association, and MD Anderson Cancer Center.
---
### [Claire Simeone](https://wwsg.com/speakers/claire-simeone/)
**Published:** October 18, 2019
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Dr. Claire Simeone is a conservation leader working fearlessly to heal the animals and ecosystems of our planet. A veterinarian by training, Claire specializes in working with marine mammals, studying the connections between animal health, ocean health, and our own health.
---
### [David Meerman Scott](https://wwsg.com/speakers/david-meerman-scott/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
If the changes thrust upon us by the coronavirus did anything, they affirmed how much we value human connection in our daily lives. David Meerman Scott, who helps companies and organizations define strategies to grow business, has been researching this idea of human connection for some time. He spotted the online content revolution in its infancy and wrote five books about it including *The New Rules of Marketing & PR*, the definitive book on the topic, translated into 29 languages. Now, David’s identified a seismic shift underway. Overwhelmed by nonstop superficial online communication, people are hungry for true human connection. Smart companies and organizations are winning by applying the elements of fandom – it’s not just for celebrities anymore…it’s rocket fuel to grow business.
David’s eleventh and latest book, *Fanocracy*, written with his millennial daughter Reiko, reveals the science behind fandom – the power of making business personal. He establishes how and why people become passionate about the things they love and how any company can create a fanocracy to harness the most energetic customer force in the world: die-hard fans. Companies and organizations of all sorts are doing it, including those from the most unlikely industries. David’s high-energy presentations highlight strategies and success stories of business fandom using bold images and video to energize and inspire audiences.
---
### [Will Miller, Ph.D](https://wwsg.com/speakers/will-miller/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Dr. Will Miller delivers a unique message of how our connections to others provide a potent source of strength in achieving life balance.
---
### [Kaplan Mobray](https://wwsg.com/speakers/kaplan-mobray/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
‘Recognized by Meetings and Conventions Magazine as one of the nation’s top business speakers”, Kaplan Mobray is one of the world’s most dynamic and inspirational business speakers and award-winning author of “The 10Ks of Personal Branding”.
---
### [Eric Boles](https://wwsg.com/speakers/eric-boles/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Eric Boles is the president and founder of The Game Changers, Inc., a leadership development firm located in Lakewood, WA.
---
### [Kent Moors, Ph.D](https://wwsg.com/speakers/kent-moors/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** Dr. Moors is the Founder and President of ASIDA, Inc, a worldwide consulting and analytical firm providing clients with tailored intelligence and support. Over almost five decades, he has combined ongoing unique experiences from three parallel careers: globally recognized expert in political and energy risk assessment; scholar and academic; and counterintelligence officer and troubleshooter.
**Content:**
Dr. Kent Moors is the Founder and President of ASIDA, Inc, a worldwide consulting and analytical firm providing clients with tailored intelligence and support.
---
### [Peter Sims](https://wwsg.com/speakers/peter-sims/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
---
### [Mark Gordon](https://wwsg.com/speakers/mark-gordon/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
As one of the world’s foremost deep-ocean explorers, Mark Gordon knows the importance of patience, persistence, and teamwork. He also knows that following your dreams comes with both passion and thrill and successes and failures.
During his speeches, audiences feel the excitement as Mark guides them through adventurous explorations. These unpredictable deep-sea searches may lead to the discovery of unthinkable treasures or to a ship that has been lost to the sea for a century, but there is some consistency in these expeditions: the thrill of the journey and lessons to be learned.
---
### [Chip Bell](https://wwsg.com/speakers/chip-bell/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Chip Bell has helped many Fortune 100 companies dramatically enhance their bottom lines and marketplace reputation through innovative customer-centric strategies that address the needs of today’s picky, fickle, vocal and “all about me” customers. Dr. Bell reveals the best practices from the organizations leading the customer loyalty charge, giving audiences powerful cutting-edge ideas and unique strategies they can put into practice the minute they leave his keynote.
Bell’s impact on audiences is nothing short of extraordinary: over 80% of the groups who hear him bring him back. Always customer-centered, Bell customizes all his presentations to meet unique organizational needs through a background study, pre-event conference call, and phone interviews to better understand specific audience needs and challenges.
---
### [Kerri Strug](https://wwsg.com/speakers/kerri-strug/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Kerri Strug is a two-time Olympian, gold medalist and Hall of Fame Inductee. As the youngest athlete at the 1992 Olympics at age 14, she captured America’s spirit four years later at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta.
---
### [Vince Papale](https://wwsg.com/speakers/vince-papale/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
In 1976, Vince Papale’s life changed forever when he overcame tremendous odds to become the oldest rookie in the history of the NFL. Playing for the Philadelphia Eagles, Papale eventually became a team captain, played in the NFL for four years, and was named the best Special Teams player in the 75-year history of the franchise.
---
### [Peter Vidmar](https://wwsg.com/speakers/peter-vidmar/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
---
### [Shaquem Griffin](https://wwsg.com/speakers/shaquem-griffin/)
**Published:** December 2, 2022
**Author:** wpengine
**Content:**
Shaquem Griffin faced unimaginable obstacles after losing his left hand at age 4 as a result of Amniotic Band Syndrome, but he refused to quit on his passion. His story about becoming the first one-handed player drafted in the modern era of the NFL inspires audiences in a truly meaningful way.
---
### [Susan Ershler](https://wwsg.com/speakers/susan-ershler/)
**Published:** March 27, 2015
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Susan Ershler tours the world speaking about her life journey and sharing with others her secrets for success, determination, and achieving seemingly impossible goals.
---
### [Jill Dougherty](https://wwsg.com/speakers/jill-dougherty/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
A top CNN news anchor and the foreign affairs correspondent, Jill Dougherty provides an unparalleled perspective on international issues and U.S. foreign policy. She has reported from more than 50 countries, including Afghanistan, Iraq, and North Korea. She is considered one of the world’s top experts on Russia.
---
### [Steve Young](https://wwsg.com/speakers/steve-young/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
As an NFL Hall of Fame inductee and the highest-rated quarterback in NFL history, Steve Young is celebrated as one of the greatest football players of all time. His 15-year football career includes such stellar achievements as Super Bowl XXIX Most Valuable Player (MVP), NFL MVP in 1992 and 1994, and seven consecutive Pro Bowl appearances.
Now, the same qualities that brought him success on the field have led to his significant accomplishments off the field including as an entrepreneur, lawyer, dedicated philanthropist and corporate spokesman. Steve shares his message of dedication, tenacity, hard work and leadership to audiences around the globe and his charismatic delivery combined with his powerful message leave audiences energized and inspired to deliver their best every day.
---
### [Garrison Wynn](https://wwsg.com/speakers/garrison-wynn/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
With talents that established him as a Fortune 500 leader and professional stand-up comedian, Garrison Wynn, CSP, fuses comic timing and research to deliver motivational business expertise. For 20 years, he has given keynote presentations to clients (such as American Express, Wells Fargo, Oracle and NASA) at corporate and association events. He is the author of the Amazon bestseller The Real Truth about Success, the Amazon #1 bestseller The Cowbell Principle, has been a weekly contributor to the Washington Post and featured Forbes and Inc. Magazines. In his teens he debuted the world’s first video gaming system (Odyssey) with baseball legend Hank Aaron and as a young man spent 6 years touring comedy clubs with the top names in the business. He went on to become the youngest department head in a Fortune 500 company’s history where he researched and designed processes for 38 company locations nationwide and developed & marketed products still being sold in 30 countries.
---
### [Susan David](https://wwsg.com/speakers/susan-david/)
**Published:** June 28, 2023
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
Susan David, Ph.D. is one of the world’s leading management thinkers and an award-winning Harvard Medical School psychologist. Her TED Talk on the topic of emotional agility has been seen by more than 10 million people. She is a frequent contributor to the New York Times, Washington Post, and Wall Street Journal and often appears on national radio and television. She offers unique expertise on cultivating more agile, healthy, resilient, and authentically happy people, families, workplaces, and communities.
---
### [Michelle Poler](https://wwsg.com/speakers/michelle-poler/)
**Published:** March 1, 2022
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Michelle Poler is the Founder of Hello Fears, a social movement empowering millions to step outside of the comfort zone and tap into their full potential. Her humorous and inspiring speaking style has been captivating audiences across the globe. Through authentic storytelling, engaging visuals, and sharing her **100 Days Without Fear** experience, Michelle will show you how to challenge your comfort zone to tap into your full potential.
---
### [Liz Murray](https://wwsg.com/speakers/liz-murray/)
**Published:** December 13, 2019
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Formerly homeless, Liz Murray transformed her life of despair into an inspiring journey of determination, hope and hard-won success.
---
### [Tarun Wadhwa](https://wwsg.com/speakers/tarun-wadhwa/)
**Published:** March 2, 2018
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
The most fascinating things in life are those that surprisingly pop-up out of nowhere and inexplicably capture our attention. After all, we are hardwired with a fight-or-flight instinct that demands that we notice anything disruptive.
Tarun Wadhwa has lived his whole life examining rule-changing innovative disruptions and how they affect our business and personal lives and may be the clearest and most accurate futurist alive today.
---
### [Judah Pollack](https://wwsg.com/speakers/judah-pollack/)
**Published:** November 6, 2017
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Judah Pollack is a former faculty member of Stanford StartX and current lecturer at the University of California, Berkeley’s Haas School of Business. As a speaker and strategic adviser in the art of leadership, he works regularly with the US Army Special Forces and Red Team University, as well civilian clients such as the Plexus Institute, Airbnb, IDEO.org, and The North Face.
---
### [Lewis Pugh](https://wwsg.com/speakers/lewis-pugh/)
**Published:** September 19, 2017
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** As the first person to complete a long-distance swim in every ocean of the world, the first to undertake a swim across the icy waters of the North Pole, and the first to swim across a glacial lake on Mt. Everest, Lewis Pugh is one of the world’s leading inspirational and leadership speakers and an authority on how to achieve the “impossible." Contact WWSG to host him for a speaking engagement.
**Content:**
As the first person to complete a long-distance swim in every ocean of the world, the first to undertake a swim across the icy waters of the North Pole, and the first to swim across a glacial lake on Mt. Everest, Lewis Pugh is one of the world’s leading inspirational and leadership speakers and an authority on how to achieve the “impossible.”
---
### [Robert Safian](https://wwsg.com/speakers/robert-safian/)
**Published:** September 18, 2017
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Robert Safian is editor-in-chief and managing director of the influential, award-winning business magazine Fast Company and its digital and live-event affiliates. He oversees all editorial operations and plays a key role in guiding the enterprise’s advertising, marketing and consumer-engagement efforts. Under Safian’s leadership, Fast Company has received numerous accolades, including the highly coveted National Magazine Award for Magazine of the Year in 2014. Named Editor of the Year by Adweek in 2009, Safian has also served as an executive editor for Time and Fortune and headed Money as its chief editor for six-years.
---
### [John Danner](https://wwsg.com/speakers/john-danner/)
**Published:** August 23, 2017
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
John Danner is a thought leader, Wall Street Journal and Amazon bestselling author, trusted adviser and respected teacher at the intersection of leadership, innovation, strategy and entrepreneurship. For over four decades, John has helped senior business, nonprofit and government executives around the world navigate rapidly changing environments like high tech, healthcare, energy, financial services, and consumer products. He is a professor at both UC Berkeley and Princeton, co-author of Amazon bestseller *The Other ‘F’ Word: How Smart Leaders, Teams, and Entrepreneurs Put Failure To Work*, and founder of TED U\[niversity\].
---
### [Nataly Kogan](https://wwsg.com/speakers/nataly-kogan/)
**Published:** November 30, 2016
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** Nataly's doesn't just deliver a talk. She inspires and fuels participants with her warmth, humor, and enthusiasm, and ACTIVATES them to practice what they learn in their daily lives. Contact Worldwide Speakers Group to host Nataly for a speaking engagement.
**Content:**
Nataly’s doesn’t just deliver a talk. She inspires and fuels participants with her warmth, humor, and enthusiasm, and ACTIVATES them to practice what they learn in their daily lives.
Nataly’s unparalleled positive and transformative presentations are as amalgam of her science-backed skills, her business acumen, her unique life experiences and her contagious energy and creativity.
---
### [James Mapes](https://wwsg.com/speakers/james-mapes/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
James Mapes is a recognized expert on the psychology of applied imagination and helps people use creativity and innovation to take individual and organizational performance to new levels.
---
### [Ben Whiting](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ben-whiting/)
**Published:** April 10, 2023
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
Ben Whiting loves people and loves having fun. That’s why, for more than two decades, he was a corporate entertainer, performing as a magician and mind reader in over 30 countries in almost every venue imaginable. After years of performing, he felt something was missing… He wanted to help people. Ben knew the communication and connection skills he used to connect with audiences as an entertainer could help *anyone* build stronger relationships, so he began sharing these principles with others and soon was hired by a global leadership development firm, and the rest is history. Host Ben to discover his principles for individual and corporate success, fulfillment, and a rocking company culture to be envied by your competitors.
---
### [Michael Gervais](https://wwsg.com/speakers/michael-gervais/)
**Published:** May 14, 2018
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** Michael Gervais is a high-performance psychologist working in the trenches of high-stakes environments. Contact WWSG to book him for a speaking engagement.
**Content:**
Dr. Michael Gervais follows a central question: Is there a common thread connecting those who change how we understand how the world works?
As a high-performance psychologist, he works in the trenches of high-stakes environments, where there is no luxury for mistakes, hesitation, or failure to respond. While Dr. Gervais’ roster includes an MVP from every major sport, internationally acclaimed artists and musicians and Fortune 100 CEO’s, he is also the Co-Founder of Winforever Consulting, whose mission is to help people become the best they can be.
---
### [Marc Lichtenfeld](https://wwsg.com/speakers/marc-lichtenfeld/)
**Published:** April 26, 2019
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
As one of the world’s leading income experts, Marc Lichtenfeld is often featured on national media outlets including The Wall Street Journal, Marketwatch, CNBC, Fox Business, Bloomberg Radio and National Public Radio. A featured speaker at investment conferences, he has spoken about dividend investing at meetings all over the world.
He’s currently the Chief Income Strategist at The Oxford Club – one of the country’s oldest independent financial publishing companies. He’s the Senior Editor of free e-letter Wealthy Retirement, monthly newsletter The Oxford Income Letter and several trading services. His content reaches more than 500,000 people each day.
He’s the bestselling author of Get Rich with Dividends: A Proven System for Earning Double-Digit Returns and You Don’t Have to Drive an Uber in Retirement: How to Maintain Your Lifestyle without Getting a Job or Cutting Corners. Both titles have been named Book of the Year by The Institute for Financial Literacy.
---
### [Jonah Berger](https://wwsg.com/speakers/jonah-berger/)
**Published:** June 26, 2023
**Author:** wpengine
**Content:**
Jonah Berger is a Wharton School professor and internationally bestselling author of Contagious, The Catalyst, Magic Words, and Invisible Influence.
Dr. Berger is a world-renowned expert on change, word of mouth, influence, consumer behavior, and why things catch on. He has published over 80 articles in top‐tier academic journals, teaches one of the world’s most popular online courses, and popular outlets like *The New York Times* and *Harvard Business Review* often cover his work. Berger has keynoted hundreds of major conferences and events like SXSW and Cannes Lions, advises various early-stage companies, and consults for organizations like Apple, Google, Nike, Amazon, GE, Moderna, and The Gates Foundation.
---
### [Leah Busque Solivan](https://wwsg.com/speakers/leah-busque/)
**Published:** May 30, 2018
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
The vision for revolutionizing how work gets done led Leah Busque to pioneer the concept of “Service Networking,” forging a leading role in the Collaborative Consumption movement. Since bootstrapping TaskRabbit in 2008, Busque has expanded the company internationally, raised nearly $50 million in venture funding, and inspired legions of startups to launch in the Collaborative and Service Networking space.
---
### [Robin Crow](https://wwsg.com/speakers/robin-crow/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
---
### [Harry Broadman](https://wwsg.com/speakers/harry-broadman/)
**Published:** June 25, 2015
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Dr. Harry Broadman is a former U.S. Assistant Trade Representative, former Chief of Staff of the President’s Council of Economic Advisers, Senior Managing Director at PricewaterhouseCoopers, World Bank Official, and a Harvard Professor.
Dr. Broadman has been at the forefront of critical global business and policy decisions over the past three decades. He shares a compelling perspective on opportunities and risks shaping our economic future.
---
### [Meridith Valiando Rojas](https://wwsg.com/speakers/meridith-rojas/)
**Published:** June 15, 2018
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Meridith Valiando Rojas is the Co-Founder and CEO of DigiTour Media, the largest producer of live events featuring social media talent. In her role as CEO, Valiando Rojas has overseen the production of over 750 live events and hundreds of thousands of tickets across the United States and abroad and has helped to launch the careers of top digital talent. DigiTour has emerged as one of the fastest growing teen media brands out there today. She’s been recently hailed as a ‘digital media mogul’ by Variety and named to both the Variety 2017 and 2016 Power of Women Impact Reports and the 2015 30 Digital Entertainment Execs to Watch. As well as named one of 2017 Adweek’s Young Influentials.
Forbes has touted Valiando as “Bringing YouTube to Concert Halls.” She was also named as one of Cosmopolitan’s 2015 50 Fun and Fearless Women, and has received the Cynopsis Digital 2015 and 2017 Top Women in Digital Awards. In 2015, Viacom acquired a significant minority stake in the company along with additional investments from LionTree and Slow Ventures. Other investors include Ryan Seacrest, Advance Publications, Inc., the parent company of Condé Nast, Guy Oseary, and Ben Silverman.
---
### [Kevin Freiberg, Ph.D](https://wwsg.com/speakers/kevin-freiberg/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
---
### [Terry Brock](https://wwsg.com/speakers/terry-brock/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Terry Brock brings a passion for technology, a sense of history, and real-world business strategies for success to your event, whether it is in-person or virtual. Terry brings his knowledge to audiences of all kinds when speaking and sharing state-of-the-art ideas applied with fun, entertainment, and powerful applications.
---
### [Bruce Weinstein, Ph.D](https://wwsg.com/speakers/bruce-weinstein/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Through his **high-content, engaging, and interactive** keynotes, workshops, and webinars, Bruce Weinstein, CEO of the Institute for High-Character Leadership, works with organizations that want to **do the right thing every time** and that know the **key to their success** is the **high character of their employees.**
---
### [Anil Gupta](https://wwsg.com/speakers/anil-gupta/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
---
### [Sophie Hackford](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sophie-hackford/)
**Published:** April 20, 2023
**Author:** wpengine
**Content:**
Sophie Hackford is a futurist. She has given hundreds of provocative talks to boards and executive teams on novel science and technology. Her clients come from every industry, although the best questions have, so far, come from audiences of schoolchildren.
Sophie looks at how technologies change how we live, work, transact, and love by weaving together complex developments in quantum computing, AI, data, asteroid mining or virtual reality. She learns by visiting weirdos and troublemakers in labs, makerspaces, and garages around the world. And despite very real threats, Sophie is an optimist about the future.
---
### [Joe Theismann](https://wwsg.com/speakers/joe-theismann/)
**Published:** April 25, 2019
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Voted the NFL’s Most Valuable Player, inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame and twice named both the Pro Bowl’s Most Valuable Player and the NFL’s Man of the Year, Theismann led his team to the Super Bowl XVII championship. Losing his successful football career at 35 to a serious injury, Joe Theismann learned firsthand how to think, analyze and reinvent in the face of adversity and change. Known for his long-standing community service efforts, Theismann currently sits on the Sports Advisory Board of the St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Theismann was an Emmy award-winning analyst for two decades on ESPN’s critically acclaimed, Sunday Night and Monday Night NFL broadcasts.
The most successful quarterback in the history of the Washington Redskins, Theismann is also a world-class entrepreneur whose positive, high-energy presentation provides audiences with strategies for handling trying circumstances and dealing with unforeseen change. A successful businessman who currently serves on the board of directors of Johnny Rocket’s Group, he challenges audiences to recognize the potential that lies within—as individuals and as members of a team.
---
### [Arthur Laffer, Ph.D](https://wwsg.com/speakers/arthur-laffer/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
---
### [Lynne Lancaster](https://wwsg.com/speakers/lynne-lancaster/)
**Published:** November 15, 2022
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
Lynne Lancaster is one of today’s most sought-after generational experts and keynote speakers. She knows what makes Traditionalists, Boomers, Generation Xers, Millennials, and Gen Zers tick. Lynne brings her original research, insights, humor, and practical tips to audiences eager to solve the generational puzzle.
Lynne’s entertaining style and deep expertise take listeners to a new level, whether they are struggling to recruit and retain generations in the workforce, seeking to connect with them in the marketplace, or just trying to live and work with them.
---
### [Orlando Bowen](https://wwsg.com/speakers/orlando-bowen/)
**Published:** November 18, 2022
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Empowering people to overcome adversity, find their passion and to use their gifts to serve is the reason Orlando breathes. This gift has placed Orlando on hundreds of stages, boardrooms and in presentations across North and South America and has garnered him numerous awards.
---
### [Craig Siegel](https://wwsg.com/speakers/craig-siegel/)
**Published:** August 2, 2022
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Removing limiting beliefs is the key to success in all areas of life. Most people feel unworthy; Craig helps them release the negative beliefs they have cultivated over time and implement positive and constructive thoughts, which then create powerful and positive beliefs which change behaviors and ultimately create improved results in your relationships, business, and all facets of life.
---
### [Michelle Gielan](https://wwsg.com/speakers/michelle-gielan/)
**Published:** August 2, 2019
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Michelle Gielan has spent the past decade researching the link between happiness and success. She is the bestselling author of Broadcasting Happiness: The Science of Igniting and Sustaining Positive Change and was named one of the Top 10 authors on resilience by the Harvard Business Review.
Michelle is an Executive Producer of “The Happiness Advantage” on PBS and a featured professor in Oprah’s Happiness course. She formerly served as anchor of The CBS Morning News, and her research has received attention from dozens of media outlets including *The Washington Post*, *FORBES*, and *The New York Times*.
---
### [Connie Dieken](https://wwsg.com/speakers/connie-dieken/)
**Published:** March 3, 2020
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Formerly a broadcast journalist, Connie Dieken brings the insights from her bestsellers Talk Less, Say More and Become the Real Deal to thought leadership presentations assisting executives to develop presence and influence.
Connie spent twenty years as a television journalist working for both ABC and NBC. In this time she was awarded five Emmys, two Telly awards and was inducted into the Radio/Television Broadcasters Hall of Fame.
---
### [Susana Martinez](https://wwsg.com/speakers/susana-martinez/)
**Published:** March 5, 2020
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
The first Hispanic female governor in American history, Susana Martinez has an inspiring personal story that proves the power and promise of the American Dream. As Martinez strongly believes, “En America, todo es posible!”
Growing up along the nation’s southern border in a law enforcement family, Martinez became her county’s top criminal prosecutor, where she specialized throughout her career in prosecuting child abuse, child homicide and sexual abuse cases. Martinez was twice elected governor in New Mexico by wide margins in a blue, majority-minority state – the first woman to hold the position. A hard-charging education reformer and budget hawk, Martinez is an optimistic leader who worked with Republicans and Democrats alike to put the state’s fiscal house in order and usher in a true economic turnaround in New Mexico.
---
### [Jeff Chen](https://wwsg.com/speakers/jeff-chen/)
**Published:** January 24, 2020
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Dr. Jeff Chen MD/MBA is an impact entrepreneur passionate about driving innovation in the cannabis, hemp, healthcare, and sustainability sectors.
At the age of 29, Dr. Chen became one of the youngest leaders of a major university research initiative when he became the Founding Director of the UCLA Cannabis Research Initiative, one of the first university programs in the world dedicated to the study of cannabis. Dr. Chen established the Initiative in 2017, which has grown to encompass over 40 UCLA faculty working on cannabis and hemp related research, education, service, and patient care projects.
---
### [Jack Perkowski](https://wwsg.com/speakers/jack-perkowski/)
**Published:** March 1, 2019
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Upon graduating from Yale and the Harvard Business School, Jack spent almost twenty years on Wall Street, rising to Head of Investment Banking at PaineWebber. Well before others recognized the significant role that China would play in the global economy, he spent three years investigating opportunities in Asia and China, leading to the founding of ASIMCO Technologies in 1994.
Widely recognized as an expert on doing business in China, Jack authored Managing the Dragon: How I’m Building a Billion Dollar Business In China, published by Crown Publishing, a division of Random House, in March 2008. The Chinese edition of the book was published by China Youth Press in May 2008. Jack has also written numerous articles on China and doing business in the country for the Far Eastern Economic Review, AmCham’s China Brief, BusinessForum China, Huffington Post and other publications.
Jack is a frequent speaker and commentator on China to the broadcast media, including CNN, CNBC, Fox, BBC, NPR and CCTV, as well as a variety of audiences worldwide: universities, business schools, corporate and industry conferences, and various chapters of the Council on Foreign Relations, Asia Society, YPO and other professional organizations.
---
### [Richard Gerver](https://wwsg.com/speakers/richard-gerver/)
**Published:** November 30, 2018
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Richard Gerver has been described as one of the most inspirational leaders of his generation. He is an award-winning speaker, bestselling author and world-renowned thinker.
---
### [Joel Cohen](https://wwsg.com/speakers/joel-cohen/)
**Published:** November 7, 2017
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
As the Emmy award-winning writer and producer for The Simpsons, the longest-running American scripted primetime television series in history, Joel has been a key part of the show’s success. Since its debut on December 17, 1989, The Simpsons has broadcast more than 600 episodes, and was named by Time as “The greatest TV show of the 20th century.” It has won dozens of awards, including 31 Primetime Emmy Awards, 30 Annie Awards, and a Peabody Award.
---
### [Dan Pallota](https://wwsg.com/speakers/dan-pallota/)
**Published:** September 18, 2017
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
As the founder of Pallotta TeamWorks, which invented the multiday AIDSRides and Breast Cancer 3-Day, Dan Pallotta has a mission to empower nonprofits to operate with the same economic freedoms given to businesses.
---
### [Linda Kaplan Thaler](https://wwsg.com/speakers/linda-kaplan-thaler/)
**Published:** September 18, 2017
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
A celebrated author and television personality, Linda Kaplan Thaler is responsible for some of America’s most famous, relevant and touching advertising campaigns in the industry, including the Aflac duck and the daring “Yes, Yes, Yes” campaign for Clairol Herbal Essences.
---
### [David Cutler, Ph.D](https://wwsg.com/speakers/david-cutler/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
---
### [Holly Atkinson](https://wwsg.com/speakers/holly-atkinson/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Dr. Holly Atkinson is a leading medical correspondent with on-air experience with NBC, CBS, and PBS. She is the former president of the Nobel Peace Prize-winning organization, Physicians for Human Rights. In her presentations, Dr. Atkinson helps audiences unlock the secrets of optimal health a guides consumers and practitioners alike through today’s healthcare challenges.
---
### [Marissa Orr](https://wwsg.com/speakers/marissa-orr/)
**Published:** October 10, 2019
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Marissa Orr is a former Google & Facebook executive, bestselling author, and leadership speaker. Spending 15 years working at today’s top tech giants, she has conducted talks for thousands of people around the world, at companies and universities such as Google, Twitter, JP Morgan Chase, Pace University, Vanguard, The New School, and more. Originally from Miami, Orr received her Master’s degree in Decision and Information Sciences from the University of Florida. Now residing with her 3 kids in New Jersey, Marissa can be found reading, taking long walks, and questioning her decision to live in New Jersey.
Her best-selling book, *Lean Out, The Truth About Women, Power, & the Workplace*, was released by HarperCollins Leadership in June of 2019. Featured in Forbes, Fox, Yahoo! Finance, and CNBC, *Lean Out* is not simply a retort to Sheryl Sandberg’s *Lean In*, but a revolutionary path forward with the power to change the lives of men and women in the corporate world and beyond. With *Lean Out*, Orr provides a fresh voice for a new generation of thinkers.
---
### [Paul Long](https://wwsg.com/speakers/paul-long/)
**Published:** July 26, 2022
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Paul Long is a speaker, author, podcaster and master of shenanigans. He has developed a concept called Fundamism, simply defined as the FUNdamentals of a F.U.N. and optimistic lifestyle. When implemented, Paul’s philosophy has been proven to reduce attrition, attract great talent, improve customer experience and drive employee engagement. Paul is not only great in discussing operational growth theory, but in his corporate leadership experience he’s also seen success putting his FUNdamentals into practice.
---
### [Patch Adams, M.D.](https://wwsg.com/speakers/patch-adams/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
---
### [Richard Newman](https://wwsg.com/speakers/richard-newman/)
**Published:** June 8, 2022
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** Richard Newman is the Founder of Body Talk. Over the past 22 years his team have trained over 120,000 business leaders around the world to improve their communication and impact, including one client who gained over $1.5 billion in new business in just one year using the strategies that Richard teaches. Contact WWSG to host Richard for a speaking engagement!
**Content:**
Richard Newman is the Founder of Body Talk. Over the past 22 years his team have trained over 120,000 business leaders around the world to improve their communication and impact, including one client who gained over $1.5 billion in new business in just one year using the strategies that Richard teaches.
---
### [The Honorable Tom Davis](https://wwsg.com/speakers/tom-davis/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
---
### [Reggie Brown](https://wwsg.com/speakers/reggie-brown/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
---
### [Dick Vermeil](https://wwsg.com/speakers/dick-vermeil/)
**Published:** March 7, 2022
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
One of the most distinguished coaching careers in National Football League history officially concluded when Dick Vermeil announced his retirement from professional football in 2006. Vermeil spent 15 seasons as an NFL head coach and was a member of the league’s coaching fraternity for 19 seasons. In addition, Vermeil has had a prestigious career as a football broadcaster, analyzing both NFL and college games. In 2006, he was portrayed on the big screen by Greg Kinnear in the film “Invincible.”
---
### [Ted C. Fishman](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ted-c-fishman/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
---
### [Kelly Decker](https://wwsg.com/speakers/kelly-decker/)
**Published:** May 14, 2018
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Kelly Decker is a preeminent authority on creating the optimal communication experience. She is an executive coach to the Fortune 500 and personally coaches executive leaders from companies like AT&T, Clorox, Informatica, Lithium, ServiceSource and Teradata to increase their impact and influence.
---
### [Natalie Stavas](https://wwsg.com/speakers/natalie-stavas/)
**Published:** February 14, 2018
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Dr. Natalie Stavas was approaching the finish line of her 5th Boston marathon when explosions shook the city. Instinctively running towards the chaos that ravaged the renowned athletic event, she raced to save as many lives as possible, administering CPR, applying tourniquets and triaging the wounded. Recognized for her bravery, her actions resulted in her emerging as a national hero, honored by President Barack Obama and named “2013 Bostonian of the Year” by The Boston Globe.
---
### [Dave Barry](https://wwsg.com/speakers/dave-barry/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
A prolific author, award-winning journalist and celebrated humorist, Dave Barry has been tickling America’s funny bone for over three decades. For 25 years, he was a syndicated columnist whose work appeared in more than 500 newspapers in the United States and abroad.
---
### [Roy Firestone](https://wwsg.com/speakers/roy-firestone/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
---
### [Ram Charan, Ph.D](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ram-charan/)
**Published:** April 22, 2016
**Author:** ironcore
---
### [Eric Chester](https://wwsg.com/speakers/eric-chester/)
**Published:** April 22, 2016
**Author:** ironcore
---
### [Doug Lipp](https://wwsg.com/speakers/doug-lipp/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Doug Lipp is a distinguished international consultant, eight-time author, and former head of training at the legendary Disney University. Through riveting examples and powerful, relevant stories about innovation, service, value and leadership, Doug pulls back the curtain and reveals the behaviors, tools and attitudes that are representative of cultural excellence at Disney and other great institutions.
---
### [Tom Morris, Ph.D](https://wwsg.com/speakers/tom-morris/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
---
### [Olivia Fox Cabane](https://wwsg.com/speakers/olivia-fox-cabane/)
**Published:** November 6, 2017
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Olivia Fox Cabane is the former Director of Innovative Leadership for Stanford StartX and the bestselling author of The Charisma Myth. In addition to being a keynote speaker and executive coach to the leadership of Fortune 500 companies such as Google, MGM, and Deloitte, she lectures at Harvard, Yale, MIT, and the United Nations.
---
### [Michael Treacy](https://wwsg.com/speakers/michael-treacy/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
---
### [Kevin Pho, MD](https://wwsg.com/speakers/kevin-pho-md/)
**Published:** October 7, 2015
**Author:** ironcore
---
### [The Honorable Michael O. Leavitt](https://wwsg.com/speakers/michael-o-leavitt/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
A brilliant bipartisan statesman respected for his adroit leadership in both the private and public sectors, Michael Leavitt deftly illuminates the challenges and solutions of today’s most pressing issues. Having served as Secretary of Health and Human Services, head of the Environmental Protection Agency, a three-term governor of Utah and chief executive officer of the nation’s second largest, privately-held insurance firm, Leavitt’s distinguished career earned him the reputation as a skilled coalition-builder, able to form unprecedented partnerships with diverse stakeholders to achieve extraordinary results.
---
### [Dr. John Izzo](https://wwsg.com/speakers/john-izzo/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
---
### [Chester Elton](https://wwsg.com/speakers/chester-elton/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Called the “apostle of appreciation” by the *Globe and Mail* and “creative and refreshing” by the *New York Times*, Chester Elton is one of the most influential voices on global workplace trends. He is the *New York Times, Wall Street Journal* and *USA Today* bestselling author of *The Carrot Principle, The Orange Revolution*, and five other leadership books that have sold more than one million copies worldwide.
---
### [Bill Herz](https://wwsg.com/speakers/bill-herz/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
---
### [Matt Bai](https://wwsg.com/speakers/matt-bai/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
---
### [Juliet Funt](https://wwsg.com/speakers/juliet-funt/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
---
### [Peter Dunn](https://wwsg.com/speakers/peter-dunn/)
**Published:** November 21, 2016
**Author:** ironcore
---
### [Lisa Ford](https://wwsg.com/speakers/lisa-ford/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
---
### [Don Blohowiak](https://wwsg.com/speakers/don-blohowiak/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
---
### [Jason Lezak](https://wwsg.com/speakers/jason-lezak/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
---
### [Scott Turow](https://wwsg.com/speakers/scott-turow/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
A retired litigator of white collar crimes and criminal cases, Scott Turow uses his deep knowledge of U.S. law to inform his best-selling novels, captivating readers with expertly executed suspense. Turow is passionate about death penalty reform and executive ethics, having served on a number of boards dedicated to these causes.
Just as he does in his novels, Turow captivates audiences at speaking engagements with his specialized experience, utilizing storytelling and his distinctive point of view to inform and enlighten viewers.
---
### [Dennis Brouwer](https://wwsg.com/speakers/dennis-brouwer/)
**Published:** May 14, 2018
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Dennis Brouwer – who started his career as a naval flight officer hunting for Soviet submarines in the north Arabian Sea – loves to take things apart, but not in a destructive way. Over a three-decade career of achievement at the highest levels, Dennis has developed and leveraged a model of Deconstruction to tackle the impossible, including finding an “un-findable” submarine in the one place it wasn’t supposed to be, and turning around a global services business that had been left for dead. He’s the author of *The Return on Leadership*, and a self-taught Jeep mechanic, cabin restorer, and brewer of fine beers.
---
### [Michael Maslansky](https://wwsg.com/speakers/michael-maslansky/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
We live in a post-trust era, where the public is more skeptical than ever of institutions, their motives and their messages. In this environment, the rules for communicators have changed.
Michael uses experience from more than a decade of research into the art and science of persuasion to counsel Fortune 500 corporations, industry associations, and non-profits on how to communicate credibly in this challenging environment. Clients turn to Michael to understand the public mood, challenge conventional wisdom and transform not just what they say to key audiences – but how they say it.
---
### [Mark Jeffries](https://wwsg.com/speakers/mark-jeffries/)
**Published:** January 11, 2017
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Former stockbroker Mark Jeffries has become a much sought-after Keynote Speaker and leading event Moderator/MC across USA, Canada and Europe. Mark has spoken in front of more than 100,000 event delegates, published two books, appeared on Network TV numerous times and now launches his innovative e-learning course – “The Art of Business Influence – Selling without Selling”.
---
### [Daniel Burrus](https://wwsg.com/speakers/daniel-burrus/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Daniel Burrus is one of the world’s leading technology forecasters and business strategists, and is the author of six books, including the highly acclaimed Technotrends, which has been translated into over a dozen languages. He is also the founder and CEO of Burrus Research, a research and consulting firm that monitors global advancements in technology-driven trends to help clients better understand how technological, social, and business forces are converging to create enormous, untapped opportunities. The New York Times has referred to Daniel Burrus as one of America’s top three business “gurus” in the highest demand as a speaker.
---
### [Tommy Spaulding](https://wwsg.com/speakers/tommy-spaulding/)
**Published:** September 13, 2017
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Tommy Spaulding’s keynote addresses inspire audiences and teach them how to achieve unprecedented professional and personal success by forming deeper, more authentic relationships with customers, employees, clients, and other key stakeholders.
---
### [Jackie Freiberg, Ph.D.](https://wwsg.com/speakers/jackie-freiber-phd/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
One of the world’s leading authorities on leadership, change, corporate culture, and the female economy, Dr. Jackie Freiberg helps leaders create the best places where the best people can do their best work.
---
### [Steve Farber](https://wwsg.com/speakers/steve-farber/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
---
### [Whitney Johnson](https://wwsg.com/speakers/whitney-johnson/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
---
### [Chris Kuenne](https://wwsg.com/speakers/chris-kuenne/)
**Published:** August 22, 2017
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Fascinated by the question of what motivates people to act as they do in a commercial context, he built Rosetta into the largest privately held digital marketing firm in the world. At Rosetta, Chris and his colleagues translated insights about customer motivation into personalized sales and marketing techniques designed to accelerate growth. In 2011, Chris sold Rosetta to the Publicis Group for a record $575M and now teaches the growth techniques he developed at Rosetta to students at Princeton in one of the University’s most popular courses, High Tech Entrepreneurship. He also applies these growth approaches in selecting and helping to drive the enterprise value of companies he and his partners invest in at Rosemark Capital, the private equity firm he founded.
---
### [Dan Coughlin](https://wwsg.com/speakers/dan-coughlin/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
---
### [Matt Johnson](https://wwsg.com/speakers/matt-johnson/)
**Published:** November 6, 2017
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Matt Johnson struggled staying focused growing up. As he got older, school became harder and harder. Doctors diagnosed Matt with ADHD and tried to medicate him. He refused to believe that prescription medication was the only option. Instead, he adopted the lifestyle approach his father pioneered at On Target Living.
---
### [Thomas Hoenig](https://wwsg.com/speakers/thomas-hoenig/)
**Published:** March 1, 2018
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
Thomas Hoenig has more than 40 years of experience in economics, central banking, commercial bank supervision, and executive leadership. He is a life-long advocate of market based methods to allocating scarce resources and assuring strong and consistent economic growth.
This philosophy has long influenced his thinking about monetary policy and the supervision of the financial industry, concluding that free markets, market discipline and accountability are essential to economic success. He has been an advocate for sound banking, that he has balanced with a deep knowledge of the adverse effect of excessive regulation.
---
### [Tim Reid](https://wwsg.com/speakers/tim-reid/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
---
### [Karyn Buxman](https://wwsg.com/speakers/karyn-buxman/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
---
### [Tim Hoelter](https://wwsg.com/speakers/tim-hoelter/)
**Published:** October 1, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
---
## Speaker News
### [Dr. Scott Gottlieb on Finding Cures for Rare Diseases](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/dr-scott-gottlieb-on-finding-cures-for-rare-diseases/)
**Published:** January 8, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
Former FDA Commissioner Dr. Scott Gottlieb joins ‘Squawk Box’ to discuss the ongoing research and efforts at the FDA to find cures for rare diseases.
Dr. Scott Gottlieb, former Commissioner of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, is one of today’s most trusted voices in healthcare policy and pharmaceutical innovation. With deep experience at the highest levels of public health leadership, [Dr. Gottlieb](https://wwsg.com/speakers/scott-gottlieb/) offers expert analysis on the evolving landscape of healthcare regulation, drug development, biopharma trends, and global market forces such as tariffs and supply chain disruption. A physician, policymaker, and thought leader, he regularly advises organizations navigating complex health and economic challenges. His insights are essential for anyone seeking clarity at the intersection of science, policy, and innovation. For speaking inquiries, [contact WWSG.](https://wwsg.com/contact-us/)
---
### [Jessica Brandt on Iran’s New Propaganda Playbook](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/jessica-brandt-on-irans-new-propaganda-playbook/)
**Published:** May 25, 2026
**Author:** Riley Sims
**Content:**
In her New York Times guest essay, [Jessica Brandt](http://wwsg.com/speakers/jessica-brandt) examines how Iran is using trolling, memes, satire, and AI-generated content as increasingly effective tools in its information campaign against the United States. Rather than relying solely on traditional propaganda or covert disinformation, Iranian officials and aligned accounts have embraced culturally savvy online content designed to ridicule U.S. power, capitalize on political divisions, and shape public perceptions of the conflict. Brandt argues that these tactics present a particular challenge because traditional responses—such as fact-checking, deepfake detection, sanctions, and content labeling—are poorly suited to countering openly produced humor and satire.
Brandt argues that the United States needs a more sophisticated response: strengthening real-time intelligence on foreign influence operations, disrupting covert networks where possible, using truthful information to expose repression, and rebuilding American soft power and public-service media capabilities. Iran’s strategy offers a broader warning about how AI and internet culture are changing modern influence operations—and how other adversaries may adopt similar tactics.
With deep expertise in foreign influence, emerging technology, and national security, Jessica Brandt helps audiences understand how AI and digital platforms are reshaping geopolitical competition and the global information environment. To learn more about hosting Jessica Brandt, [contact WWSG.](http://wwsg.com/contact-us)
---
### [Jessica Brandt on AI and Foreign Influence Campaigns](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/jessica-brandt-on-ai-and-foreign-influence-campaigns/)
**Published:** May 7, 2026
**Author:** Riley Sims
**Content:**
In a recent CNN appearance,[ Jessica Brandt](http://wwsg.com/speakers/jessica-brandt) examines how artificial intelligence is changing the landscape of foreign influence campaigns. AI is giving foreign actors and the commercial firms that support them increasingly sophisticated tools to create personalized, persuasive content at greater speed and scale. These technologies can also make it more difficult to determine who is behind an influence operation, creating new challenges for governments, technology companies, and the public.
Brandt explains that the threat extends beyond simply identifying whether a piece of content is real or AI-generated. Understanding who is responsible for an influence campaign, why it was created, and what it is intended to accomplish is increasingly important. Her recent research has similarly highlighted how AI can help influence actors create multilingual content, synthetic personas, and credible-looking online infrastructure while making attribution more difficult.
With firsthand experience leading U.S. intelligence efforts to counter foreign malign influence, Jessica Brandt brings audiences an authoritative perspective on AI, national security, disinformation, and emerging technology. She helps leaders understand how these rapidly evolving threats could affect governments, businesses, and society. To learn more about hosting Jessica Brandt, [contact WWSG.](http://wwsg.com/contact-us)
---
### [David Frum Asks: Did America Win the War on Terror?](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/david-frum-asks-did-america-win-the-war-on-terror/)
**Published:** September 12, 2026
**Author:** Riley Sims
**Content:**
Twenty-five years after the September 11 attacks, WWSG speaker and *The Atlantic* writer [David Frum](http://wwsg.com/speakers/david-frum) takes stock of the United States’ War on Terror. In the debut Saturday edition of *The David Frum Show*, Frum considers what America accomplished during a quarter-century of conflict—and what those efforts ultimately cost. He points to successes including the absence of another 9/11-scale international terrorist attack on U.S. soil, the defeat of ISIS’s territorial caliphate, and the targeting of major terrorist leaders, while acknowledging that terrorism and the conflicts associated with it have not disappeared.
Frum also examines the other side of the ledger: the failed effort to remake Afghanistan, the Taliban’s return to power, the enormous human and financial costs of the Iraq War, continued terrorist attacks around the world, and the domestic political divisions that deepened during the post-9/11 era. Looking back with the benefit of 25 years of hindsight, Frum considers what American leaders might have done differently—and what those lessons can teach policymakers confronting today’s national-security challenges.
Drawing on his experience in the George W. Bush White House and decades of political analysis, David Frum brings historical context and firsthand perspective to conversations about American leadership, democracy, national security, and foreign policy. His ability to connect pivotal moments in recent history with the challenges facing leaders today gives audiences a deeper understanding of American politics and the country’s role in the world. To learn more about hosting David Frum, [contact WWSG.](http://wwsg.com/contact-us)
---
### [Sara Fischer on X Becoming the AI Industry’s Group Chat](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/sara-fischer-on-x-becoming-the-ai-industrys-group-chat/)
**Published:** September 10, 2026
**Author:** Riley Sims
**Content:**
WWSG speaker and Axios senior media reporter [Sara Fischer](http://wwsg.com/speakers/sara-fischer) examines how Elon Musk’s X has carved out an increasingly influential role as a real-time gathering place for the artificial intelligence community. While Musk originally described Twitter as a digital town square, Fischer and Madison Mills report that the platform has become something more specialized: a place where AI researchers, executives, investors, and industry insiders exchange ideas and react to developments as they happen.
From new model releases and research papers to executive departures, technical debates, and major announcements, developments can spread through the AI community on X before reaching the broader information ecosystem. Fischer points to researchers announcing consequential career moves and safety concerns directly on the platform, while prominent technology executives and researchers increasingly use X to communicate with highly engaged industry audiences. The result is a platform that may face stiff competition for everyday users but remains particularly influential among some of the people shaping the future of AI.
With her expertise at the intersection of media, technology, business, and emerging digital trends, Sara Fischer helps audiences understand how rapidly changing platforms are reshaping communication and influence. Her reporting offers leaders valuable insight into where conversations are moving, who is driving them, and what those shifts mean for organizations navigating the evolving media and technology landscape. To learn more about hosting Sara Fischer, [contact WWSG.](http://wwsg.com/contact-us)
---
### [Niall Ferguson Examines the Risks of an AI “Apocalypse”](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/niall-ferguson-examines-the-risks-of-an-ai-apocalypse/)
**Published:** September 13, 2026
**Author:** Riley Sims
**Content:**
In his latest piece for *The Free Press*, WWSG speaker and renowned historian [Niall Ferguson](http://wwsg.com/speakers/niall-ferguson) examines mounting concerns about the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence and the growing calls from technology leaders to slow the development of increasingly powerful AI models. Ferguson considers warnings from leading figures in the industry about AI-enabled cyberattacks, bioterrorism, and other potentially catastrophic consequences—and questions how governments and technology companies should respond.
But Ferguson places the AI debate within a much broader historical and geopolitical context. Rather than viewing artificial intelligence as an isolated threat, he considers how rapidly advancing technology could intersect with the next pandemic, financial crisis, terrorist attack, or major international conflict. His analysis raises a larger question: how can societies prepare rationally for low-probability but potentially devastating events without allowing fear itself to drive poor decisions?
As one of the world’s leading historians and commentators on economics, technology, and geopolitics, Niall Ferguson brings historical perspective to the risks and opportunities defining the AI era. His ability to connect technological disruption with economics, national security, and lessons from history gives audiences a valuable framework for understanding an increasingly uncertain future. To learn more about hosting Niall Ferguson, [contact WWSG.](http://wwsg.com/contact-us)
---
### [Mark Esper on the Houthis and the U.S.-Iran Conflict](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/mark-esper-on-the-houthis-and-the-u-s-iran-conflict/)
**Published:** September 10, 2026
**Author:** Riley Sims
**Content:**
Former U.S. Secretary of Defense and WWSG speaker [Mark Esper](http://wwsg.com/speakers/mark-esper) joined *America Reports* to discuss escalating tensions in the Middle East, including the potential for Houthi forces to further disrupt critical shipping routes. Esper examines the strategic significance of the Strait of Hormuz and the risks that continued attacks and instability could pose to commercial shipping, global energy markets, and regional security.
Esper also assesses the current state of the U.S.-Iran conflict and the strategic challenges facing Washington as tensions continue. His analysis comes as Iran-aligned Houthi forces have expanded operations around another critical maritime chokepoint, the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, while renewed fighting has disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. These developments have intensified concerns about the security of global trade and energy flows.
Drawing on his experience as the 27th U.S. Secretary of Defense, Mark Esper provides audiences with firsthand insight into national security, defense strategy, geopolitical risk, and the decisions facing leaders during periods of international conflict. His perspective helps organizations better understand how developments in the Middle East can affect security, markets, and the broader global landscape. To learn more about hosting Mark Esper, [contact WWSG.](http://wwsg.com/contact-us)
---
### [Tony Abbott on the Threat of Extremist Islamism](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/tony-abbott-on-the-threat-of-extremist-islamism/)
**Published:** September 10, 2026
**Author:** Riley Sims
**Content:**
Former Australian Prime Minister and WWSG speaker [Tony Abbott](http://wwsg.com/speakers/tony-abbott) discusses what he sees as the persistent threat posed by extremist Islamist ideology and its implications for security amid continuing tensions in the Middle East. Speaking with News24 host Peta Credlin, Abbott argues that societies have too often lost sight of the violent worldview embraced by some extremist Islamist movements and stresses the importance of recognizing the threat they can pose.
Abbott connects these concerns to current events in the Middle East and the broader challenges confronting Western nations. His comments reflect themes he has addressed elsewhere in 2026, including geopolitical instability, Iran, national security, and the resilience of Western institutions.
As Australia’s 28th Prime Minister, Tony Abbott brings firsthand leadership experience to conversations about national security, geopolitics, international affairs, and the challenges facing democratic societies. His experience leading Australia during major international security challenges provides audiences with a distinctive perspective on the decisions leaders face in an increasingly complex global environment. To learn more about hosting Tony Abbott, [contact WWSG.](http://wwsg.com/contact-us)
---
### [Patrick McGee on Apple's first foldable iPhone](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/patrick-mcgee-on-apples-first-foldable-iphone/)
**Published:** September 10, 2026
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
On Wednesday, Apple accomplished two firsts: It unveiled its first foldable iPhone at its first launch event fronted by new CEO John Ternus. *Apple in China* author [Patrick McGee](http://wwsg.com/speakers/patrick-mcgee) joins CBS News with his take on the device itself, Apple’s [AI](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/technology-and-innovation/artificial-intelligence-speakers/) efforts, John Ternus, and more.
Patrick McGee is a compelling keynote speaker, bringing over a decade of global journalism experience from the *Financial Times* and *The Wall Street Journal*. His award-winning reporting on Apple, electric vehicles, and emerging technologies offers audiences unparalleled insights, told through concrete stories, into the forces shaping our digital future.
---
### [Niall Ferguson: 9/11 Did Not Doom the American Empire](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/niall-ferguson-9-11-did-not-doom-the-american-empire/)
**Published:** September 10, 2026
**Author:** Riley Sims
**Content:**
Twenty-five years after the September 11 attacks, WWSG speaker and renowned historian [Niall Ferguson](http://wwsg.com/speakers/niall-ferguson) revisits a prediction he made in their aftermath: that the United States was entering a period of imperial decline. Writing in *The Free Press*, Ferguson acknowledges that his forecast has not unfolded as he anticipated. Instead, he examines America’s position in 2026 against the challenges facing its major geopolitical rivals and considers whether the United States should truly be understood as an empire.
Ferguson traces the debate over American power from the George W. Bush era to the present, exploring how military intervention, foreign policy, and the country’s role in the international order have shaped perceptions of American influence. Against the backdrop of current tensions involving Iran, China, and other global powers, he uses the 25th anniversary of 9/11 to consider what has—and has not—changed about America’s position in the world.
A globally recognized historian and geopolitical commentator, Niall Ferguson brings historical context to today’s most consequential economic, political, and international challenges. His ability to connect lessons from the past with rapidly evolving global events gives audiences a deeper framework for understanding the forces shaping the future. To learn more about hosting Niall Ferguson, [contact WWSG](http://wwsg.com/contact-us).
---
### [David Frum: Who Benefits From Financial Secrecy?](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/david-frum-who-benefits-from-financial-secrecy/)
**Published:** August 16, 2026
**Author:** Riley Sims
**Content:**
In a new article for *The Atlantic*, WWSG speaker [David Frum ](http://wwsg.com/speakers/david-frum)examines the Trump administration’s decision to eliminate federal ownership-reporting requirements for U.S. businesses and purge an existing database designed to identify the true owners behind companies.er. The Treasury Department has presented the move as a victory for deregulation and small businesses, but Frum argues that its most significant effect will be making it harder to detect money laundering, tax evasion, drug trafficking, and other financial crimes. At the same time, banks and other financial institutions will continue to bear the responsibility and expense of verifying customer information without the federal database that was intended to support those efforts.
Frum places the decision within a broader pattern of reduced federal enforcement against white-collar and financial crime. He points to cuts in public-integrity enforcement, changes to foreign-bribery enforcement, and the disbanding of a Justice Department team focused on cryptocurrency crime. His central argument is that policies framed as reducing burdens on legitimate businesses may instead weaken financial transparency while shifting costs onto law-abiding institutions and making it easier for bad actors to conceal money and ownership.
David Frum brings sharp political analysis, historical perspective, and a deep understanding of American government to conversations about today’s most consequential issues. His ability to connect policy decisions with their broader implications makes him an engaging and thought-provoking speaker for conferences, leadership events, and executive audiences. To learn more about hosting David Frum at your next event, [contact WWSG.](http://wwsg.com/contact-us)
---
### [David Frum Examines the U.S.-Canada Trade Fight](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/david-frum-examines-the-u-s-canada-trade-fight/)
**Published:** August 22, 2026
**Author:** Riley Sims
**Content:**
In a recent article for *The Atlantic*, [David Frum](http://wwsg.com/speakers/david-frum) examines the collapse of U.S.-Canada trade negotiations and the escalating tariff battle between the two longtime economic partners. Frum argues that the Trump administration’s strategy relies heavily on America’s greater economic size and leverage, while underestimating Canada’s willingness and political ability to withstand economic pressure. With Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney enjoying strong public support for taking a firm stance, Canada may be better positioned to endure a prolonged trade dispute than Washington anticipated.
Frum also explores how tariffs and Canadian retaliation could create significant economic and political consequences inside the United States. Higher costs for imported materials, declining U.S. exports to Canada, and targeted Canadian measures could place additional pressure on American consumers, businesses, and politically important states such as Michigan and Ohio. His analysis highlights a larger lesson about trade conflicts: economic power alone does not guarantee victory when the opposing country has the political support and resolve to absorb the costs.
David Frum brings sharp political analysis, historical perspective, and a deep understanding of U.S. and global affairs to today’s most consequential conversations. His ability to connect politics, economics, and geopolitics makes him a compelling speaker for audiences seeking greater clarity on a rapidly changing world. To learn more about hosting David Frum at your next event, [contact WWSG.](http://wwsg.com/contact-us)
---
### [David Frum on the Cost of Political Corruption](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/david-frum-on-the-cost-of-political-corruption/)
**Published:** August 29, 2026
**Author:** Riley Sims
**Content:**
In his latest article for *The Atlantic*, WWSG speaker [David Frum](http://wwsg.com/speakers/david-frum) examines what the United States might learn from other countries that have attempted to recover wealth allegedly obtained through corruption by former political leaders. Looking to Peru, the Philippines, and Nigeria, Frum explores efforts to reclaim assets associated with the regimes of Alberto Fujimori, Ferdinand Marcos, and Sani Abacha. While these countries recovered significant sums, Frum highlights how difficult the process can be—and how political dynasties can retain influence even after corruption is exposed.
Frum applies those international lessons to the future of the Trump family, arguing that efforts to recover any wealth determined to have been wrongfully obtained would require strong institutions, international cooperation, and appropriate legal mechanisms. He warns that allowing political families to retain fortunes connected to alleged abuses of power can have consequences beyond financial accountability, potentially providing future generations with the resources to maintain political influence. For Frum, the issue ultimately raises broader questions about the rule of law, democratic institutions, and how democracies respond to alleged corruption after a leader leaves office.
David Frum, *The Atlantic* staff writer and host of *The David Frum Show*, brings a sharp and globally informed perspective to conversations about politics, democracy, public policy, and international affairs. His ability to connect current events with historical and international context makes him a compelling speaker for audiences seeking a deeper understanding of the forces shaping American politics and democratic institutions. To learn more about hosting David Frum at your next event, [contact WWSG.](http://wwsg.com/contact-us)
---
### [Robert Zoellick on Why North America Must Stay United](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/robert-zoellick-on-why-north-america-must-stay-united/)
**Published:** August 30, 2026
**Author:** Riley Sims
**Content:**
In a recent *Financial Times* opinion piece, WWSG speaker [Robert Zoellick](http://wwsg.com/speakers/robert-zoellick) examines the growing strain between the United States and Canada, arguing that President Donald Trump’s threats toward America’s northern neighbor risk undermining a relationship that has strengthened both countries for generations. Zoellick points to disputes over tariffs, manufacturing, energy, trade, and Canadian sovereignty, contending that efforts to weaken economic integration could ultimately hurt U.S. interests as well as Canada’s.
Drawing on decades of North American economic cooperation, Zoellick makes the case that closer ties among the United States, Canada, and Mexico have created stronger supply chains, greater energy security, manufacturing efficiencies, and a larger market capable of competing globally. He traces that integration from the Reagan administration through NAFTA and the USMCA, arguing that a unified North America provides the United States with an important economic and strategic advantage. Rather than alienating close allies, Zoellick argues that the United States benefits when it treats its partners with respect and preserves the relationships that have long supported North American prosperity and security.
With extensive experience at the highest levels of global economics, trade, and diplomacy, Robert Zoellick brings audiences an informed perspective on the intersection of geopolitics, markets, and international relations. His firsthand experience shaping U.S. trade policy and leading the World Bank allows him to connect today’s global challenges with decades of economic and diplomatic history. To learn more about hosting Robert Zoellick at your next event, [contact WWSG.](http://wwsg.com/contact-us)
---
### [David Frum Reflects on 9/11 From Inside the White House](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/david-frum-reflects-on-9-11-from-inside-the-white-house/)
**Published:** September 9, 2026
**Author:** Riley Sims
**Content:**
On *The David Frum Show*, Atlantic staff writer and WWSG speaker [David Frum](http://wwsg.com/speakers/david-frum) marks the 25th anniversary of September 11 with a deeply personal conversation about what it was like inside the White House as the attacks unfolded. Frum is joined by John McConnell, his former colleague in the George W. Bush administration and longtime speechwriter for President Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney. Together, they recall the confusion surrounding the attacks, the evacuation of the White House, the uncertainty facing government officials, and the extraordinary challenge of communicating with the American public during a national crisis.
Frum and McConnell also examine President Bush’s response in the days following the attacks and the ways September 11 reshaped American leadership, national security, and foreign policy. Frum closes the episode with a discussion of Philip Roth’s *American Pastoral*, using the novel to explore domestic radicalization, political violence, and the freedoms and vulnerabilities inherent in American society.
Drawing on his firsthand White House experience and decades of political analysis, David Frum offers audiences a rare combination of historical perspective, political insight, and compelling storytelling. His ability to connect pivotal moments in American history with the challenges facing leaders today makes him a powerful voice for conferences and organizations seeking thoughtful conversations about politics, democracy, leadership, and global affairs. To learn more about hosting David Frum, [contact WWSG.](http://wwsg.com/contact-us)
---
### [Sara Fischer on the Landmark AI Copyright Battle](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/sara-fischer-on-the-landmark-ai-copyright-battle/)
**Published:** September 8, 2026
**Author:** Riley Sims
**Content:**
In a new Axios piece, WWSG speaker and media correspondent [Sara Fischer](http://wwsg.com/speakers/sara-fischer) examines a pivotal stage in the landmark copyright lawsuit involving a major U.S. newspaper, OpenAI, and Microsoft. The case, first filed in 2023, centers on whether copyrighted journalism can legally be used to train artificial intelligence models without permission or compensation. The publisher argues that its work was copied at scale to create products that can compete with and potentially substitute for its journalism, while OpenAI and Microsoft contend that AI training is transformative and protected under the principle of fair use.
Fischer explains that the outcome could have enormous consequences for both technology and publishing. A decision favoring the publisher could disrupt how AI companies acquire and use training data, while a ruling favoring OpenAI and Microsoft could weaken publishers’ ability to control and monetize the use of their content. The Justice Department has also weighed in on OpenAI’s side, arguing that training AI models on large collections of digital works provides a transformative public benefit. Judge Sidney Stein is expected to determine in the coming months whether all or portions of the case will proceed to trial in 2027.
As one of the country’s leading media industry reporters, Sara Fischer brings audiences timely insight into the forces reshaping journalism, technology, business, and the information economy. Her ability to break down fast-moving changes across media and technology makes her a valuable voice for organizations looking to understand what’s next. To learn more about hosting Sara Fischer,[ contact WWSG.](http://wwsg.com/contact-us)
---
### [David Cattler on Russia’s Shadow War in Europe](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/david-cattler-on-russias-shadow-war-in-europe/)
**Published:** September 3, 2026
**Author:** Riley Sims
**Content:**
In a recent *PBS NewsHour* interview, WWSG speaker and former NATO intelligence official[ David Cattler](http://wwsg.com/speakers/david-cattler) joined Nick Schifrin to examine a growing campaign of suspected Russian sabotage and hybrid warfare across Europe. The conversation followed Germany’s attribution of an attempted drone attack at Leipzig/Halle Airport to Russia, as well as arrests connected to an attack at a defense manufacturer in Munich. Cattler explained that European governments are seeing an increase in the pace, scope, and variety of these activities, which include sabotage, arson, attacks on critical infrastructure, and other covert operations. He emphasized that hybrid attacks should not be viewed as harmless simply because they fall short of conventional warfare—and that unsuccessful attacks can still warrant significant consequences.
Cattler also discussed the broader strategic objectives behind these tactics, arguing that Russia seeks both to weaken European support for Ukraine and undermine solidarity within NATO and Europe. While he said he does not currently see signs that Russia is preparing for a conventional attack on a NATO member, he warned that hybrid tactics can be used in pursuit of similar strategic goals while avoiding the risks associated with direct military confrontation. With extensive experience in the U.S. intelligence community and as NATO’s former Assistant Secretary General for Intelligence and Security, David Cattler offers audiences an insider’s perspective on intelligence, global security, NATO, and emerging geopolitical threats. His ability to translate complex security challenges into clear, actionable insights makes him a valuable voice for organizations navigating an increasingly uncertain global environment. To learn more about hosting [David Cattler, contact WWSG.](http://wwsg.com/contact-us)
---
### [Ben Sasse: Why America’s Boys Need Football](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/ben-sasse-why-americas-boys-need-football/)
**Published:** September 3, 2026
**Author:** Riley Sims
**Content:**
In a new *Wall Street Journal* opinion piece, WWSG speaker [Ben Sasse](http://wwsg.com/speakers/ben-sasse) makes the case for the enduring importance of high-school football in shaping young men. Sasse argues that many of the traditional experiences that once taught young people responsibility, sacrifice, resilience, and service have become less common. At the same time, he sees increasingly institutionalized education and digital media as contributing to passivity, isolation, and distraction among young men. Against that backdrop, Sasse believes football provides an important environment where young athletes can learn through action, challenge, and shared responsibility.
Sasse describes football as more than competition, highlighting its ability to foster perseverance, brotherhood, self-restraint, delayed gratification, and sacrifice for a team. Under strong coaching and clear rules, he argues, the sport can channel young men’s energy and strength toward productive ends while teaching lessons that extend far beyond the field. Drawing on his experience as a father, educator, and former U.S. senator, Sasse brings a distinctive perspective to conversations about leadership, culture, education, and the challenges facing the next generation. His thought-provoking insights make him a compelling addition to conferences and events seeking meaningful conversations about American society and leadership. To learn more about hosting Ben Sasse, [contact WWSG.](http://wwsg.com/contact-us)
---
### [Dr. Sanjay Gupta on Football, Brain Health & CTE](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/dr-sanjay-gupta-on-football-brain-health-cte/)
**Published:** September 4, 2026
**Author:** Riley Sims
**Content:**
In a new episode of *Chasing Life*, WWSG speaker and CNN Chief Medical Correspondent [Dr. Sanjay Gupta](http://wwsg.com/speakers/sanjay-gupta) takes a closer look at the evolving conversation around football and brain health. Joined by former NFL player and CNN sports analyst Coy Wire and CNN sports anchor Andy Scholes, Gupta discusses new research on chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), the impact of repeated head injuries, and how parents can weigh the risks and benefits of youth football. Drawing on medical expertise alongside the personal perspectives of a former professional player and a father of young athletes, the conversation explores what has changed in football safety and what families should know before their kids take the field. To book Dr. Sanjay Gupta for your next event, [contact us](http://wwsg.com/contact-us) today.
---
### [Hank Paulson: We managed financial crises. AI is a risk of a different kind.](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/hank-paulson-we-managed-financial-crises-ai-is-a-risk-of-a-different-kind/)
**Published:** September 3, 2026
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
In a recent op-ed for *The Washington Post*, former U.S. Treasury Secretary [Hank Paulson](http://wwsg.com/speakers/hank-paulson) (co-authoring alongside Robert Rubin) addresses the unprecedented national security and economic risks posed by rapid artificial intelligence deployment. Drawing parallels to systemic financial panics, Paulson highlights how unchecked AI capabilities—from market vulnerabilities to national defense risks—require proactive oversight rather than reactive fixes. To mitigate these dynamic threats, he argues that the federal government must establish a dedicated oversight body engineered specifically to manage AI’s unique systemic risks, establish guardrails, and secure technological stability without stifling American innovation.
As a former U.S. Treasury Secretary and Chairman of Goldman Sachs, Hank Paulson offers audiences an unmatched perspective on economic crisis management, regulatory frameworks, and geopolitical strategy. His rare ability to connect macroeconomic trends and emerging technologies like AI makes him an invaluable keynote speaker for executive conferences and global forums looking to navigate future uncertainty. To learn more about hosting Hank Paulson for your next event, [contact WWSG.](http://wwsg.com/contact-us)
---
### [Newt Gingrich on the Next Generation of Threats](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/newt-gingrich-on-the-next-generation-of-threats/)
**Published:** August 31, 2026
**Author:** Riley Sims
**Content:**
Twenty-five years after the September 11 attacks, WWSG speaker [Newt Gingrich](http://wwsg.com/speakers/newt-gingrich) examines whether the United States is prepared for a rapidly evolving generation of national security threats. In a new episode of *Newt’s World*, Gingrich is joined by House Intelligence Committee Chairman Rick Crawford to discuss a bipartisan review of the original 9/11 Commission Report, including what the country learned from the attacks, which reforms have worked, and where America’s intelligence and security systems may need to evolve.
Their conversation explores a threat landscape that now extends far beyond traditional terrorism. From AI-guided drone swarms and cyberattacks on critical infrastructure to gray-zone warfare and foreign infiltration of American institutions, Gingrich and Crawford discuss how adversaries are increasingly targeting vulnerabilities that did not exist—or were not fully understood—25 years ago. Crawford emphasizes the importance of anticipating threats before they become crises, while the discussion underscores a larger lesson from 9/11: national security requires the ability to imagine and prepare for threats before they materialize.
As former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives and a longtime leader in American public policy, Newt Gingrich brings decades of experience and historical perspective to conversations about national security, politics, leadership, and global affairs. His ability to connect lessons from the past with emerging challenges provides audiences with valuable insight into the forces shaping America’s future. To learn more about hosting Newt Gingrich at your next event,[ contact WWSG.](http://wwsg.com/contact-us)
---
### [Sara Fischer on Amazon’s New Advertising Lawsuit](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/sara-fischer-on-amazons-new-advertising-lawsuit/)
**Published:** August 31, 2026
**Author:** Riley Sims
**Content:**
In a recent Axios report, WWSG speaker [Sara Fischer](http://wwsg.com/speakers/sara-fischer) examines a new federal lawsuit targeting Amazon’s rapidly growing advertising business. The Federal Trade Commission, joined by a bipartisan group of 22 state attorneys general, alleges that Amazon overcharged more than 1.2 million advertisers by secretly increasing prices generated through its advertising auctions. According to the lawsuit, the alleged practices generated more than $20 billion in revenue for the company. Amazon has disputed the allegations and called the lawsuit “misguided.”
The case marks the first major federal lawsuit against Amazon specifically focused on its advertising operations, adding another layer of regulatory scrutiny to one of the company’s fastest-growing businesses. Fischer highlights how the lawsuit could have broader implications for digital advertising and Big Tech as regulators increasingly examine how dominant technology platforms operate their advertising marketplaces. The FTC and participating states are seeking an end to the alleged practices, monetary relief for affected advertisers, and potential civil penalties.
As a leading media reporter and founding media correspondent at Axios, Sara Fischer provides audiences with an insider’s perspective on the rapidly evolving worlds of media, technology, business, and digital communications. Her ability to identify emerging trends and explain their broader implications makes her a valuable voice for organizations navigating today’s changing media landscape. To learn more about hosting Sara Fischer at your next event,[ contact WWSG.](http://wwsg.com/contact-us)
---
### [Allen West on Socialism, Envy & American Freedom](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/allen-west-on-socialism-envy-american-freedom/)
**Published:** August 31, 2026
**Author:** Riley Sims
**Content:**
In a recent Townhall column, “The Gospel of Envy,” [Allen West](http://wwsg.com/speakers/allen-west) examines the ideological divide between free-market capitalism and socialism, arguing that envy and resentment toward individual achievement can be used to fuel calls for wealth redistribution and greater government control. Drawing on historical references and current political debates, West makes the case that attempts to manufacture economic equality can ultimately discourage entrepreneurship, personal advancement, and competition.
West points to debates surrounding government-run grocery stores, Medicare for All, taxation, and education to illustrate his broader concern about expanding government influence. He argues that America’s strength comes not from guaranteeing equal outcomes, but from preserving the freedom and opportunity for individuals to compete, achieve, and succeed. Ultimately, West calls on Americans to reject what he describes as the “gospel of envy” and instead defend free enterprise, individual responsibility, and economic freedom.
A retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel, former Member of Congress, and influential conservative voice, Allen West brings a distinctive perspective on leadership, public policy, national security, and American values to audiences. His experience across the military and government makes him a compelling choice for organizations seeking thought-provoking conversations on the issues shaping the nation. To learn more about hosting Allen West at your next event, [contact WWSG.](http://wwsg.com/contact-us)
---
### [Ian Bremmer Explores Humanity’s Future in Space](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/ian-bremmer-explores-humanitys-future-in-space/)
**Published:** August 31, 2026
**Author:** Riley Sims
**Content:**
A new space race is underway, but this time the goal extends far beyond simply reaching the Moon. On GZERO World, [Ian Bremmer](http://wwsg.com/speakers/ian-bremm) sits down with astronaut Chris Hadfield to explore how the United States, China, and their respective partners are positioning themselves for a future in which humans could establish a permanent presence on the lunar surface. Falling launch costs, advances in technology, growing private-sector involvement, and the potential availability of lunar resources are transforming the Moon into an increasingly important economic and geopolitical frontier.
Bremmer and Hadfield also examine whether competition in space must inevitably lead to conflict. Drawing lessons from international cooperation in Antarctica and aboard the International Space Station, Hadfield discusses the importance of establishing shared rules before permanent lunar settlements become a reality. With U.S.-aligned and Chinese-led initiatives developing alongside one another, the conversation highlights a central challenge for the next era of space exploration: finding ways for geopolitical rivals to compete, cooperate, and create a workable framework for humanity’s future beyond Earth.
As a leading geopolitical analyst and President and Founder of Eurasia Group and GZERO Media, Ian Bremmer helps audiences understand the forces reshaping international politics, business, and the global economy. His ability to make complex geopolitical developments accessible and relevant makes him an impactful speaker for organizations navigating an increasingly uncertain world. To learn more about hosting Ian Bremmer at your next event, [contact WWSG.](http://wwsg.com/contact-us)
---
### [Olga Koroleva on Leadership Lessons from Bull Sharks](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/olga-koroleva-on-leadership-lessons-from-bull-sharks/)
**Published:** August 27, 2026
**Author:** Riley Sims
**Content:**
In her latest Capital Brain newsletter, [Olga Koroleva](http://wwsg.com/speakers/olga-koroleva) shares lessons from diving with bull sharks off the coast of Costa Rica, turning an intense personal experience into an exploration of leadership and decision-making under pressure. Facing powerful currents, low visibility, and the uncertainty of entering shark-filled waters, Koroleva connects the experience to the challenges leaders encounter when they must make consequential decisions without having complete information.
Koroleva highlights three lessons for navigating high-pressure situations: relying on established protocols rather than reacting emotionally, learning to recognize anxiety as a natural part of pursuing high-reward opportunities, and taking decisive action even when circumstances are uncertain. She explains how these principles apply far beyond diving, particularly for leaders operating in volatile markets, managing teams through change, or making difficult business decisions without the luxury of perfect information.
Drawing on her experience as an entrepreneur, investor, advisor, and adventurer, Olga Koroleva brings a distinctive perspective to conversations about leadership, resilience, risk, and decision-making. Her ability to connect real-world experiences with practical lessons for business leaders makes her a compelling speaker for organizations navigating uncertainty and transformation. To learn more about hosting Olga Koroleva, [contact WWSG.](http://wwsg.com/contact-us)
---
### [Sara Fischer on Big Tech’s Regulatory Reckoning](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/sara-fischer-on-big-techs-regulatory-reckoning/)
**Published:** August 27, 2026
**Author:** Riley Sims
**Content:**
In a new Axios article, [Sara Fischer](http://wwsg.com/speakers/sara-fischer) examines how Meta’s historic settlement with 51 U.S. state and territory attorneys general signals a major shift in the way American regulators are confronting Big Tech. The settlement, worth up to $17.1 billion pending court approval and other conditions, is one of the largest government penalties ever imposed on a major technology company. Fischer notes that while European regulators have spent years issuing substantial fines against U.S. tech giants, the Meta agreement demonstrates that American officials, particularly at the state level, are becoming increasingly aggressive in holding technology companies accountable.
The scale of the agreement is especially significant when viewed globally. European penalties against American technology companies have totaled more than $15 billion over the past decade, meaning Meta’s potential settlement alone could surpass that amount. The development underscores a broader regulatory reckoning for the technology industry and raises important questions about how increased government scrutiny could reshape the future of Big Tech.
As a leading media correspondent and an insightful voice on the intersection of media, technology, and business, Sara Fischer brings audiences timely analysis of the forces transforming today’s information landscape. Her ability to translate complex industry developments into accessible insights makes her a valuable addition to conferences and executive events. To learn more about hosting Sara Fischer at your next event, [contact WWSG.](http://wwsg.com/contact-us)
---
### [David Frum on the Choices Facing Jewish Voters](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/david-frum-on-the-choices-facing-jewish-voters/)
**Published:** August 26, 2026
**Author:** Riley Sims
**Content:**
In the latest episode of *The David Frum Show*, [David Frum ](http://wwsg.com/speakers/david-frum)examines several issues shaping American politics, beginning with the breakdown of U.S.-Canada trade talks. He argues that President Donald Trump’s trade policies toward Canada risk damaging one of America’s closest international relationships while also undermining the United States’ reputation as a dependable global trading partner. He considers the broader consequences of escalating trade disputes and what they could mean for American economic and diplomatic leadership.
Frum is then joined by Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel for a discussion about antisemitism, political rhetoric, and the difficult choices facing some Jewish voters. They examine concerns surrounding rhetoric within parts of the Democratic Party, including Michigan’s political landscape and Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed, and discuss how growing political polarization is affecting Jewish Americans. Frum closes the episode by reflecting on *American Scoundrel*, a new biography of controversial attorney and political figure Roy Cohn.
A leading political commentator, author, and former White House speechwriter, David Frum brings audiences sharp analysis of American politics, democracy, global affairs, and the forces reshaping public life. His ability to connect current events with history and broader political trends makes him a thought-provoking speaker for organizations seeking a deeper understanding of today’s political environment. To learn more about hosting David Frum,[ contact WWSG.](http://wwsg.com/contact-us)
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### [David Cattler: The Reality of Modern Cyberwar](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/david-cattler-the-reality-of-modern-cyberwar/)
**Published:** April 22, 2022
**Author:** Riley Sims
**Content:**
In *Foreign Affairs*, [David Cattler](http://wwsg.com/speakers/david-cattler) and Daniel Black challenge the idea that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine failed to produce the major cyber-war many experts had anticipated. Instead, they argue that cyber operations have played a significant role in Russia’s broader military campaign, even if they have not always generated the dramatic, large-scale disruptions observers expected. Russia’s cyber activity should be viewed alongside its conventional military operations, intelligence efforts, information warfare, and other tools of state power rather than as a separate battlefield.
The authors warn that focusing only on whether cyberattacks produce catastrophic or highly visible results can lead governments and organizations to underestimate their strategic importance. Russia’s actions in Ukraine demonstrate how cyber capabilities can support military objectives and create risks that extend beyond the immediate conflict. The lessons are particularly important for the United States and its allies as they prepare for increasingly sophisticated cyber threats and consider how digital operations will shape future conflicts.
With decades of experience across the U.S. government, Intelligence Community, NATO, and national security organizations, David Cattler brings audiences an invaluable perspective on cybersecurity, intelligence, geopolitical risk, and modern warfare. His ability to connect emerging security threats with their real-world implications makes him a compelling speaker for organizations navigating an increasingly complex global environment. To learn more about hosting David Cattler, [contact WWSG.](http://wwsg.com/contact-us)
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### [David Cattler on Ukraine’s War for Memory](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/david-cattler-on-ukraines-war-for-memory/)
**Published:** June 8, 2026
**Author:** Riley Sims
**Content:**
In his article for the Center for European Policy Analysis, [David Cattler](http://wwsg.com/speakers/david-cattler) argues that ending the war in Ukraine will require more than a ceasefire or negotiated settlement. As discussions increasingly turn toward how the conflict might conclude, Cattler emphasizes that a lasting peace will depend on how Ukraine, Russia, Europe, and the United States ultimately understand and remember the war. An ambiguous ending could allow competing narratives to take hold, particularly if Russia concludes that military aggression delivered meaningful political or territorial gains despite its enormous costs.
Cattler explains that the post-war battle over perception and [historical memory](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/geopolitics/historians/) could prove just as consequential as the fighting itself. Drawing lessons from previous conflicts, he argues that durable peace requires establishing a broadly accepted understanding that aggression failed to achieve its political objectives. Otherwise, ceasefires risk becoming temporary pauses that allow grievances, rearmament, and renewed conflict to emerge. With more than 35 years of experience across the U.S. government, NATO, and the Intelligence Community, David Cattler brings audiences an informed perspective on global security, intelligence, geopolitical risk, and international affairs. His firsthand leadership experience makes him a valuable speaker for organizations seeking to better understand today’s rapidly evolving security environment. To learn more about hosting David Cattler at your next event, contact [WWSG](http://wwsg.com/contact-us).
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### [David Cattler on the Future of National Security](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/david-cattler-on-the-future-of-national-security/)
**Published:** November 5, 2025
**Author:** Riley Sims
**Content:**
At ClearanceJobs Connect 2025, [David Cattler](http://wwsg.com/speakers/david-cattler), former Director of the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA), joined Matthew Eanes, Director of the Performance Accountability Council Program Management Office, for a conversation about the changing meaning of trust within the national security workforce. Reflecting on Cattler’s 35-year career in public service, the discussion explored how the federal government is moving beyond traditional, periodic background investigations toward a more modern and continuous approach to personnel vetting.
A major focus was Trusted Workforce 2.0, a government-wide effort designed to modernize personnel vetting and better respond to evolving security risks. Cattler and Eanes discussed the role of continuous vetting, technology modernization, interagency cooperation, and more efficient systems in creating a workforce that can maintain trust over time—not simply establish it at the point of hire. Their conversation highlights how modernization can strengthen national security while creating a more responsive and effective clearance process for government agencies and industry partners.
With decades of leadership across the U.S. government, Intelligence Community, NATO, and national security organizations, David Cattler brings audiences firsthand insight into the complex challenges shaping security and government today. His experience leading large-scale transformation and navigating evolving global threats makes him an engaging choice for organizations seeking actionable perspectives on leadership, intelligence, national security, and organizational change. To learn more about hosting David Cattler, [contact WWSG.](http://wwsg.com/contact-us)
---
### [Jon Krohn Explains How to Get More From AI](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/jon-krohn-explains-how-to-get-more-from-ai/)
**Published:** August 21, 2026
**Author:** Riley Sims
**Content:**
In a recent episode of the *Super Data Science Podcast*, [Jon Krohn](http://wwsg.com/speakers/jon-krohn) breaks down two increasingly important choices that shape the performance of large language models: model size and effort level. Krohn explains that model size largely determines the underlying capability and knowledge available to tackle a request, while effort level influences how thoroughly the model works through a task before considering it complete. Rather than simply choosing the largest, most expensive AI model for every job, users can get better value by matching both settings to the complexity of the task.
Krohn also offers a practical way to troubleshoot disappointing AI results: first make sure the prompt provides enough context, then determine whether the model didn’t try hard enough or didn’t know enough. The former may call for greater reasoning effort, while the latter may require a more capable model. He notes that this distinction is becoming increasingly relevant across major AI platforms and emphasizes that the cheapest model per token isn’t necessarily the cheapest option for completing a complex task successfully.
As an accomplished AI expert, educator, and host of the *Super Data Science Podcast*, Jon Krohn brings complex developments in artificial intelligence to life in an accessible and practical way. His ability to connect emerging technology with real-world applications makes him an engaging choice for organizations looking to better understand and capitalize on the rapidly evolving AI landscape. To learn more about hosting Jon Krohn at your next event, [contact WWSG.](http://wwsg.com/contact-us)
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### [Scott Gottlieb on the Future of Cancer Treatment](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/scott-gottlieb-on-the-future-of-cancer-treatment/)
**Published:** August 23, 2026
**Author:** Riley Sims
**Content:**
Former FDA Commissioner [Dr. Scott Gottlieb](http://wwsg.com/speakers/scott-gottlieb) joined *Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan* to discuss several major developments shaping healthcare and public health policy. Gottlieb highlighted promising research involving an experimental mRNA treatment for high-risk melanoma, explaining that while it is often described as a cancer vaccine, it is more accurately a form of cancer immunotherapy. The approach uses mRNA to help train the immune system to recognize proteins associated with cancer cells, potentially allowing the body to identify and fight cancer if it returns.
Gottlieb also addressed the FDA’s handling of recent foodborne illness outbreaks and the administration’s selection of Dr. Heidi Overton to lead the agency. Drawing on his experience as FDA Commissioner, he offered perspective on how food-safety performance should be evaluated and emphasized the importance of strong policy leadership, scientific credibility, and experienced personnel at the FDA.
With his ability to translate complex developments in medicine, regulation, and public health into clear insights for audiences, **Dr. Scott Gottlieb** brings an invaluable perspective to conferences and events. His experience at the highest levels of government and healthcare gives leaders a better understanding of the forces shaping the future of the industry. To learn more about hosting Dr. Scott Gottlieb, [contact WWSG.](http://wwsg.com/contact-us)
---
### [David Frum Examines the End of the “Resistance”](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/david-frum-examines-the-end-of-the-resistance/)
**Published:** August 19, 2026
**Author:** Riley Sims
**Content:**
In a new article for *The Atlantic*, WWSG speaker [David Frum](http://wwsg.com/speakers/david-frum) examines the results of several 2026 Democratic primaries and what they may reveal about the party’s changing priorities. Frum argues that candidates who built their political identities around opposing President Donald Trump are losing ground to a more insurgent faction of the Democratic Party. Pointing to races in Florida and other competitive states, he contends that some primary voters are increasingly prioritizing internal ideological battles over selecting candidates they believe are best positioned to win general elections.
Frum sees this shift as a potentially consequential gamble for Democrats. In his view, progressive candidates can succeed in November only if centrist Democratic voters remain highly motivated by concerns about Trump and threats to democratic institutions—yet the primary victories of those candidates may themselves suggest that urgency around Trump is fading. He argues that the tension between ideological goals and electoral strategy could influence competitive Senate and House races in 2026 and ultimately shape the party’s approach heading toward the 2028 presidential election.
As a political commentator, bestselling author, and former White House speechwriter, David Frum brings sharp analysis and a nuanced understanding of American politics, public policy, and the forces shaping today’s political landscape. His ability to place breaking political developments into a broader historical and strategic context makes him a compelling speaker for audiences seeking to better understand what comes next. To learn more about hosting David Frum, [contact WWSG.](http://wwsg.com/contact-us)
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### [Niall Ferguson: Can History Prepare Us for AI?](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/niall-ferguson-can-history-prepare-us-for-ai/)
**Published:** August 20, 2026
**Author:** Riley Sims
**Content:**
In a new column for The Free Press, WWSG speaker [Niall Ferguson](http://wwsg.com/speakers/niall-ferguson) examines the extraordinary uncertainty surrounding artificial intelligence and challenges the idea that history alone can tell us what comes next. While technological revolutions have transformed society before, Ferguson argues that AI is fundamentally different because of its potential to replace human capabilities on an unprecedented scale. Rather than assuming AI will deliver effortless prosperity—or simply trigger another familiar investment boom and bust—he considers a much wider range of possible consequences, including financial disruption, cyber conflict, and profound changes to the relationship between humans and technology.
Ferguson suggests that science fiction may actually offer a more useful framework for imagining AI’s future than conventional economic history. Drawing on authors including William Gibson, Ted Chiang, and Iain M. Banks, he explores how fiction has anticipated scenarios ranging from powerful corporate AI systems to entirely new relationships between humans and intelligent machines. His central point is not that science fiction can predict exactly what will happen, but that AI’s unprecedented nature requires leaders to think beyond familiar historical patterns when considering its risks, opportunities, and unintended consequences.
As a renowned historian, author, and global affairs expert, Niall Ferguson brings a distinctive ability to connect history, economics, geopolitics, and emerging technology to help audiences better understand the forces shaping our future. His thought-provoking perspective makes him an especially valuable speaker for leaders navigating rapid technological and economic change. To learn more about hosting Niall Ferguson, [contact WWSG.](http://wwsg.com/contact-us)
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### [John O’Leary on What It Means to Be Fully Alive](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/john-oleary-on-what-it-means-to-be-fully-alive/)
**Published:** August 20, 2026
**Author:** Riley Sims
**Content:**
On the *Live Inspired Podcast*, WWSG speaker [John O’Leary](http://wwsg.com/john-oleary) sits down with author and motivational speaker Danny Bader to explore resilience, purpose, and what it truly means to be fully alive. Bader shares the extraordinary story of a workplace accident in which he was electrocuted by 8,000 volts and clinically died for approximately six minutes. While Bader survived, his friend and colleague did not — an experience that left him wrestling with grief, purpose, and the question of why he was given another chance at life.
Through their conversation, O’Leary and Bader examine how people can move beyond simply going through the motions and become more intentional about how they live. Bader discusses the importance of appreciating everyday life, building meaningful relationships, finding purpose, and choosing growth before hardship forces it upon us. The episode ultimately offers a powerful reminder that being alive is about more than simply existing — it’s about engaging fully with the people, opportunities, and moments that matter.
As a bestselling author, inspirational speaker, and host of the *Live Inspired Podcast*, John O’Leary brings remarkable energy, authenticity, and perspective to conversations about resilience, leadership, and living with purpose. His ability to turn powerful life stories into meaningful lessons makes him an exceptional speaker for organizations and events seeking to inspire lasting change. To learn more about hosting John O’Leary, contact WWSG.
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### [Evan Feigenbaum on the Future of U.S.-Asia Relations](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/evan-feigenbaum-on-the-future-of-u-s-asia-relations/)
**Published:** August 19, 2026
**Author:** Riley Sims
**Content:**
A recent discussion between former Indian Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale and former U.S. State Department official [Evan Feigenbaum](http://wwsg.com/speakers/evan-feigenbaum) explored how shifting geopolitical realities are reshaping India-U.S. relations and the broader balance of power in Asia. Gokhale argued that the Quad has lost some of its original strategic focus and urged India to approach its relationship with the United States more pragmatically. While the U.S. remains critical to India’s economic and technological ambitions, he emphasized that the partnership should be based on realistic expectations and mutual benefit.
Feigenbaum broadened the discussion beyond India-U.S. relations, arguing that Washington too often views Asia primarily through the lens of strategic competition with China. He emphasized that Asia is increasingly dynamic and multipolar, and that U.S. strategy must better reflect the economic, political, and security priorities of countries throughout the region. He also pointed to America’s absence from major Asian trade agreements as a significant weakness in its regional strategy.
With deep expertise in Asia, international economics, and U.S. foreign policy, Evan Feigenbaum brings timely, nuanced insights to audiences navigating an increasingly complex global landscape. His ability to connect geopolitical shifts with their real-world implications makes him a valuable speaker for conferences, leadership meetings, and global business events. To learn more about hosting Evan Feigenbaum, [contact WWSG.](http://wwsg.com/contact-us)
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### [Ben Sasse on Redeeming the Time We’re Given](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/ben-sasse-on-redeeming-the-time-were-given/)
**Published:** August 17, 2026
**Author:** Riley Sims
**Content:**
Former U.S. [Senator Ben Sasse](http://wwsg.com/speakers/ben-sasse) joins ADF CEO, President, and Chief Counsel Kristen Waggoner for a deeply personal conversation about faith, family, purpose, and what it means to make the most of the time we are given. Following his terminal cancer diagnosis, Sasse reflects candidly on how confronting mortality has sharpened his perspective on the people, relationships, and convictions that matter most. He discusses the role his faith has played in sustaining him through suffering and uncertainty, offering an intimate look at how deeply held beliefs can provide strength during life’s most difficult moments.
Sasse also shares lessons from his 32-year marriage and his experience as a husband and father, including the wisdom he hopes to pass on to his teenage son. Looking beyond his own family, he considers what the next generation of young Christian leaders will need to navigate an increasingly complicated world. His message emphasizes courage, discernment, strong relationships, and the responsibility to use time intentionally rather than taking it for granted.
Throughout the conversation, Sasse brings together his experiences in public service, education, leadership, and family life to explore larger questions about character and purpose. His reflections offer audiences a powerful reminder that meaningful leadership is shaped not only by professional accomplishments, but also by how people respond to adversity and invest in those around them.
As a keynote speaker, Ben Sasse brings a compelling combination of leadership experience, thoughtful perspective, and personal insight to audiences. His ability to connect challenging experiences with broader lessons about courage, resilience, and purpose creates meaningful conversations for events and conferences. To learn more about hosting Ben Sasse, [contact WWSG.](http://wwsg.com/contact-us)
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### [Lady Carnarvon on Life at the Real Downton Abbey](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/lady-carnarvon-on-life-at-the-real-downton-abbey/)
**Published:** August 19, 2026
**Author:** Riley Sims
**Content:**
Lady Carnarvon offers a fascinating glimpse behind the doors of Highclere Castle, the iconic English estate known around the world as the real-life setting of *Downton Abbey*. In a conversation with PBS MASTERPIECE, she reflects on what it is actually like to live in and care for the historic castle, sharing stories about its extraordinary heritage, the realities of maintaining a centuries-old estate, and the experience of welcoming the *Downton Abbey* production into her family home. Highclere is more than a famous filming location—it is a living estate where history, family traditions, hospitality, and modern-day responsibilities continually intersect.
As the 8th Countess of Carnarvon, Lady Carnarvon has become a gifted storyteller and ambassador for Highclere’s remarkable history. Her firsthand experiences, combined with stories spanning generations of British history, royalty, entertaining, and life at the “real Downton Abbey,” give audiences a rare perspective that is both engaging and memorable. Lady Carnarvon brings history to life for audiences at conferences, corporate gatherings, and special events. To learn more about hosting Lady Carnarvon at your next event,[ contact WWSG.](http://wwsg.com/contact-us)
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### [Jon Krohn: What Gets You Hired in the AI Era](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/jon-krohn-what-gets-you-hired-in-the-ai-era/)
**Published:** August 18, 2026
**Author:** Riley Sims
**Content:**
In a new episode of the *Super Data Science Podcast*, WWSG speaker [Jon Krohn](http://wwsg.com/speakers/jon-krohn) sits down with AI and cloud expert Priyanka Vergadia to explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping software development—and what that means for people building careers in technology. As AI tools make writing code faster and more accessible, Vergadia argues that technical professionals need to differentiate themselves through skills that AI cannot easily replace, including strong judgment, problem-solving, system design, communication, and the ability to connect technology with meaningful business outcomes.
The conversation highlights a broader shift in the technology workforce: knowing how to code remains valuable, but simply producing code is no longer enough. Professionals who understand the fundamentals behind AI and software systems, can evaluate tradeoffs, communicate complex ideas clearly, and use AI strategically will be better positioned to stand out. Krohn brings these evolving trends into focus through an accessible conversation about AI, career development, and the skills that will matter as technology continues to advance.
As a leading AI and data science expert and host of the *Super Data Science Podcast*, Jon Krohn translates rapidly evolving technology into practical insights audiences can understand and apply. His ability to connect technical innovation with its real-world business and workforce implications makes him a valuable speaker for organizations navigating the AI era. To learn more about hosting Jon Krohn at your next event, [contact WWSG.](http://wwsg.com/contact-us)
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### [Sara Fischer on ABC’s Escalating Fight With the FCC](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/sara-fischer-on-abcs-escalating-fight-with-the-fcc/)
**Published:** August 18, 2026
**Author:** Riley Sims
**Content:**
Axios Media Correspondent and WWSG speaker [Sara Fischer ](http://wwsg.com/speakers/sara-fischer)reports that ABC has filed a lawsuit against the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), alleging that the agency violated the network’s First Amendment rights by retaliating against its editorial decisions. The lawsuit follows the FCC’s move to accelerate reviews of ABC’s local broadcast licenses, which ABC argues is part of a politically motivated effort to pressure the network over its programming and coverage. ABC is seeking a temporary restraining order to halt the early license-renewal proceedings as tensions grow between federal regulators and major media organizations.
The legal battle marks a significant escalation in the debate over press freedom, government regulation, and editorial independence. As a leading media industry expert, Sara Fischer brings valuable insight into the intersection of media, business, technology, and politics, helping audiences understand how changes in the media landscape affect organizations, consumers, and society. Her timely expertise makes her a compelling addition to conferences and events focused on the future of media and communications. To learn more about hosting Sara Fischer at your next event, [contact WWSG.](http://wwsg.com/contact-us)
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### [Patrick McGee: You Should Think About Replacing Your iPhone — Now | New York Times](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/patrick-mcgee-you-should-think-about-replacing-your-iphone-now/)
**Published:** April 9, 2025
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
*By [Patrick McGee](https://wwsg.com/speakers/patrick-mcgee); Mr. McGee is the author of the forthcoming “Apple in China: The Capture of the World’s Greatest Company.”*
Will your next iPhone cost $2,000? More? The answer to that question — and the future of America’s wealthiest company and our imperiled financial markets — rests on one man with a very tricky task.
Steve Jobs might have been the visionary who made touch-screen phones a reality, but it was the operational genius and savvy statesmanship of Tim Cook, his low-key successor, that sent Apple’s revenues and its stock price into the stratosphere. His triumph in fending off Donald Trump’s first-term threats was not without cost, however: By flattering Mr. Trump with attention while making little to no changes to Apple’s China ties, Mr. Cook played the president for the fool.
Now Mr. Trump is back in the White House, and he has slapped China with tariffs so high that they present a major threat to Apple’s hammerlock on the smartphone market. It’s clearly going to be harder for Mr. Cook to pull off the same trick. If he fails — and most bet he will — it could be a huge blow to his company, to the stock market and to our broader economy.
Let’s start with a sense of the stakes. Apple has largely been the world’s most valuable company since 2011, and until Mr. Trump’s tariff threats, it was worth around 8 percent of the entire S&P 500. If your retirement is invested in index funds, Apple is your single biggest investment. It’s so enormous that merely issuing a quarterly profit warning, as the company did in early 2019, rattled global financial markets.
Then let’s turn to the fact that moving production to the United States — the stated goal of Mr. Trump’s extreme tariff regime — is almost impossible for Apple. China is home to roughly 90 percent of Apple’s global production, and it’s the only country where Apple has made such extraordinary investments in people, machinery and processes over a quarter-century.
Analysts at the firm Wedbush [estimated](https://www.wsj.com/tech/apple-iphone-production-china-tariffs-6cc37f40) that a domestically built iPhone would cost more than triple its current price tag, which would mean about $3,500. Worse, America simply lacks the manufacturing expertise, the competitive industrial clusters and even the population density required to make Apple products en masse.
Many Apple suppliers are heavily reliant on China’s low-paid workers who migrate to cities for seasonal work, a number estimated at 300 million to 500 million adults, which even at its lower extent is nearly equivalent to every man, woman and child in the United States. In the busy holiday season, these workers are critical to Apple’s ability to ship one million iPhones per day, with each unit comprising roughly 1,000 components. Trying to move all manufacturing out of China would most likely cost hundreds of billions of dollars.
So in 2016, when Mr. Trump was urging his supporters to boycott Apple products and threatening huge China tariffs, little wonder that Mr. Cook, a quiet Democrat and a strong supporter of L.G.B.T.Q. rights and diversity initiatives, went on a charm offensive. He made a point of calling Mr. Trump and visiting frequently. The next year, Mr. Trump said that Mr. Cook vowed to build “three big plants, beautiful plants” in America.
The flattery worked, with Apple gaining [broad exemptions](https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/02/technology/trump-tariffs-apple-iphones.html) from Mr. Trump’s tariffs. But Apple built zero plants in the United States. Its chief executive simply ran out the clock on Mr. Trump’s presidency.
Since then, Apple has only grown closer to the Middle Kingdom, winning over Chinese officials by helping Chinese companies mimic, and then oust, rival multinationals that were responsible for building China’s tech manufacturing dominance over the past decade, my reporting has shown. Apple’s annual reports show the number of Chinese vendors in its top-supplier list more than tripled, to 52, from 2012 to 2023, displacing their American and Taiwanese rivals.
Mr. Cook donated $1 million to and attended Mr. Trump’s 2025 inauguration. And a few weeks later Apple pledged to “spend and invest” $500 billion to expand “support for American manufacturing” during the president’s second term. Mr. Trump boasted that the investment reflected his “America First” agenda.
That promise alone won’t be enough to save Apple. Some of Mr. Trump’s advisers must realize that Apple’s promise may be nonsense. There’s little evidence the company will spend anywhere near $500 billion; the announcement mentioned just four new initiatives whose total investment is unlikely to be even one-tenth that amount. Unless the math misleadingly includes buybacks and dividends, which have nothing to do with American manufacturing, or unless further projects are really planned, the pledge, like the one Mr. Cook made in Mr. Trump’s first term, is hot air.
And this time, Mr. Trump’s tariffs are far more onerous. Set to take effect on Wednesday, they are the biggest threat to Apple’s business since Mr. Jobs returned to save the company from near bankruptcy in 1997. Analysts from Rosenblatt Securities [estimated](https://www.reuters.com/technology/will-trump-tariffs-make-apple-iphones-more-expensive-2025-04-03/) they could diminish Apple’s annual profits by $40 billion. Not only did Mr. Trump say last week that he would impose a steep 54 percent tariff on China (including earlier increases); he also included at least 90 other countries, effectively short-circuiting Apple’s efforts to reroute products through Vietnam (tariffs: 46 percent) or India (27 percent). In responding with tariffs of its own, China shows no sign of backing down from a fight. Nor does Mr. Trump, who is pushing ahead with an additional 50 percent tariff first threatened on Monday.
Apple is stuck, and there is no obvious way out. Even if it were possible for Mr. Cook to move Apple production out of China immediately, he would risk stirring Beijing’s ire and endangering a roughly $70 billion business there. His only option is to continue pushing more final assembly of Apple products to places like India and Vietnam while leaving the bulk of complex manufacturing in China — walking a line that grows ever thinner and more precarious. Apple shares have lost more than $1 trillion since peaking in late December.
Mr. Trump would be a fool not to see past Apple’s politicking this time. Then again, he often cares more about appearances than principles. Anyone betting on Apple’s future should hope Mr. Cook has one more diplomatic ace up his sleeve. This time, the odds against him are long.
Patrick McGee is a compelling keynote speaker, bringing over a decade of global journalism experience from the *Financial Times* and *The Wall Street Journal*. His award-winning reporting on Apple, electric vehicles, and emerging technologies offers audiences unparalleled insights into the forces shaping our digital future. As the author of *Apple in China*, he delivers a deeply researched, behind-the-scenes look at how the world’s most valuable company became entwined with America’s biggest rival. With his engaging storytelling and sharp analysis, Patrick provides event attendees with thought-provoking perspectives on technology, business, and global markets. For his speaking availability, [contact WWSG](https://wwsg.com/contact-us).
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### [John Katko Examines the Facial Recognition Debate](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/john-katko-examines-the-facial-recognition-debate/)
**Published:** August 15, 2026
**Author:** Riley Sims
**Content:**
In a new episode of *Balancing Act with John Katko*, former Congressman [John Katko](http://wwsg.com/speakers/john-katko) turns his attention to facial recognition technology and the difficult questions surrounding its growing use. Once largely associated with science fiction, facial recognition is increasingly part of everyday life and public safety, creating new opportunities for identification, security, and law enforcement while also raising serious concerns about privacy, accuracy, surveillance, and civil liberties. The discussion explores the challenge facing policymakers as the technology advances: how can society take advantage of its potential benefits without allowing it to become an unchecked tool for surveillance or misuse?
The debate reflects the broader mission of *Balancing Act*, which brings differing perspectives together to examine complex issues beyond partisan talking points. Facial recognition is a particularly important example, as policymakers must weigh public safety and technological innovation against individual privacy and appropriate safeguards. With experience as a federal prosecutor, four-term member of Congress, and former lead Republican on the House Homeland Security Committee, John Katko brings a valuable perspective to conversations at the intersection of government, security, technology, and public policy. His bipartisan, solutions-oriented approach makes him an engaging speaker for audiences looking to better understand complicated issues from multiple sides. To learn more about hosting John Katko at your next event, [contact WWSG.](http://wwsg.com/contact-us)
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### [Sara Fischer on the Power of Sports Media Rights](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/sara-fischer-on-the-power-of-sports-media-rights/)
**Published:** August 15, 2026
**Author:** Riley Sims
**Content:**
Axios media correspondent [Sara Fischer ](http://wwsg.com/sara-fischer)examines how the economics of professional sports are increasingly being driven by media rights rather than ticket sales. While attendance at live sporting events continues to grow, the enormous fees broadcasters and streaming platforms pay for the rights to carry games have made media deals a much larger source of revenue. This shift underscores why live sports have become some of the most valuable programming in the media industry and why competition for sports rights remains so intense.
As the media landscape continues to evolve, Fischer’s reporting highlights the powerful intersection of sports, entertainment, technology, and business. Her expertise in media trends and ability to translate complex industry shifts into clear, compelling insights make her a valuable speaker for organizations looking to understand where media and entertainment are headed. To learn more about hosting Sara Fischer at an upcoming event, [contact WWSG.](http://wwsg.com/contact-us)
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### [Dr. Dave Chokshi on AI’s Role in Disease Prevention](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/dr-dave-chokshi-on-ais-role-in-disease-prevention/)
**Published:** August 13, 2026
**Author:** Riley Sims
**Content:**
Artificial intelligence could help the U.S. close the gap between medical breakthroughs and actually getting proven prevention and treatment to patients. In a new article highlighted by *Health Exec*, [Dr. Dave Chokshi](http://wwsg.com/speakers/dave-chokshi) and physician-researcher Adam Beckman point to cervical cancer as a compelling place to start. Despite highly effective HPV vaccines and strong survival rates when the disease is caught early, preventable cases persist because patients can fall through gaps in screening and care. AI could help health systems identify people who are overdue for screenings, connect information across health records, assist community health workers and reduce the administrative barriers that keep patients from receiving appropriate care.
Chokshi and Beckman argue that technology alone will not be enough. Their approach combines responsible AI deployment with strong government leadership, partnerships among health systems, insurers and community organizations, and sustained investment in public health infrastructure. If those pieces come together, cervical cancer could serve as a model for using AI to improve prevention and care delivery across many other diseases—turning existing medical knowledge into measurable improvements in population health.
Dr. Dave Chokshi brings a powerful combination of medical expertise, public health leadership and forward-looking insight into how technology can improve healthcare delivery. His ability to connect innovation with practical, real-world health challenges makes him a valuable speaker for organizations navigating the future of healthcare and AI. To learn more about hosting Dr. Dave Chokshi at your next event, [contact WWSG.](http://wwsg.com/contact-us)
---
### [Dr. Sanjay Gupta: Exploring the Science of Jealousy](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/dr-sanjay-gupta-exploring-the-science-of-jealousy/)
**Published:** August 14, 2026
**Author:** Riley Sims
**Content:**
In an episode of CNN’s *Chasing Life*, [Dr. Sanjay Gupta](http://wwsg.com/speakers/sanjay-gupta) sits down with psychologist and jealousy researcher Dr. Joli Hamilton to unpack one of our most complicated—and often misunderstood—emotions. Rather than treating jealousy as inherently negative, Hamilton explains that it can function as an important emotional signal, alerting us to perceived threats to relationships we value. The conversation explores how jealousy can appear from a remarkably young age, how it differs from envy, and how past experiences and insecurities can influence the way people respond to it.
Gupta and Hamilton also discuss healthier ways to recognize and manage jealousy, including identifying its physical and emotional signs, communicating openly, and understanding what the feeling may be trying to tell us. They explore “compersion”—the ability to experience happiness for another person’s happiness—and how greater awareness of our emotional responses can contribute to stronger, more resilient relationships.
As a practicing neurosurgeon, award-winning medical correspondent, and gifted communicator, Dr. Sanjay Gupta brings a rare ability to make complex topics in health, science, and human behavior engaging and accessible. His combination of medical expertise, storytelling, and curiosity makes him a compelling addition to conferences and events seeking conversations that educate while connecting with audiences on a personal level. To learn more about hosting Dr. Sanjay Gupta, [contact WWSG.](http://wwsg.com/contact-us)
---
### [Sara Fischer on 1789 Capital’s $1.2B Real Estate Fund](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/sara-fischer-on-1789-capitals-1-2b-real-estate-fund/)
**Published:** August 13, 2026
**Author:** Riley Sims
**Content:**
In a new Axios report, WWSG speaker[ Sara Fischer](http://wwsg.com/speakers/sarah-fischer) examines 1789 Capital’s major expansion into real estate with the closing of a $1.2 billion development fund. The investment firm, where Donald Trump Jr. is a partner, plans to focus primarily on fast-growing Sun Belt markets including Florida, Texas, Tennessee, Georgia, and the Carolinas. Its investments are expected to span housing and community development as well as manufacturing and digital infrastructure such as data centers, with multifamily and workforce housing among the fund’s key priorities. The move represents a significant expansion beyond the technology, defense, and manufacturing investments that have driven the firm’s recent growth.
Fischer reports that 1789 Capital now manages more than $3 billion in assets and is partnering with South Florida real estate firm Easton Street to launch the new strategy. The firm sees the expansion as part of a broader effort to invest around major economic and cultural shifts, including population migration and artificial intelligence, and expects projects supported by the fund could ultimately represent more than $8 billion in total capitalization. Fischer also notes the scrutiny surrounding 1789 Capital’s rapid growth and investments in companies that have benefited from federal policy.
Sara Fischer brings audiences an informed, timely perspective on the rapidly evolving intersection of media, technology, business, and politics. Her ability to break down complex industry developments and explain why they matter makes her a valuable voice for conferences and events seeking insight into the forces shaping today’s business landscape. To learn more about hosting Sara Fischer, [contact WWSG.](http://wwsg.com/contact-us)
---
### [Newt Gingrich on the Smartphone Revolution](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/newt-gingrich-on-the-smartphone-revolution/)
**Published:** August 10, 2026
**Author:** Riley Sims
**Content:**
In an episode of *Newt’s World*, former Speaker of the House [Newt Gingrich](http://wwsg.com/speakers/newt-gingrich) continues his *Greatest American Inventions* series by exploring the smartphone and the technological breakthroughs that ultimately put a powerful computer, camera, communication device, and connection to the internet into billions of people’s pockets. The episode builds on the story of the mobile phone—whose development Gingrich traces back to Motorola engineer Martin Cooper’s historic handheld cellular call in 1973—and examines the next major leap: combining mobile communication with computing and internet technology into the modern smartphone.
Through the series, Gingrich places technological innovation within the broader story of American ingenuity and examines how inventions can fundamentally reshape everyday life, communication, business, and society. As a former Speaker of the House, historian, bestselling author, and longtime commentator on politics and innovation, Newt Gingrich brings a distinctive ability to connect history with the challenges and opportunities shaping the future. His wide-ranging expertise and engaging storytelling make him a compelling speaker for audiences interested in leadership, government, technology, and change. To learn more about hosting Newt Gingrich, [contact WWSG.](http://wwsg.com/contact-us)
---
### [Robert Redfield on the Lessons of COVID-19 and Rebuilding Trust](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/robert-redfield-on-the-lessons-of-covid-19-and-rebuilding-trust/)
**Published:** August 12, 2026
**Author:** Riley Sims
**Content:**
In a wide-ranging conversation with Dr. Sherri Tenpenny, former CDC Director Dr. [Robert Redfield](http://wwsg.com/speakers/robert-redfield) reflects on the U.S. response to COVID-19 and the lessons he believes should shape the future of public health. Drawing on his experience leading the CDC during the early stages of the pandemic, Redfield discusses the decision-making that took place within the nation’s public health system, the debate surrounding COVID-19’s origins, vaccine policy, and the erosion of public trust. The conversation also examines how politics, scientific uncertainty, and rapidly evolving information complicated the response to an unprecedented global health crisis.
Redfield offers his perspective on what he believes public health leaders should learn from the pandemic, emphasizing the importance of transparency, open scientific debate, preparedness, and rebuilding confidence in health institutions. His decades of experience as a virologist, physician, and public health leader give audiences a firsthand perspective on infectious disease, crisis response, and the difficult decisions leaders face during major health emergencies. Dr. Redfield brings timely expertise and thought-provoking insights to conferences and events focused on healthcare, leadership, government, and global preparedness. To learn more about hosting Dr. Robert Redfield, [contact WWSG.](https://wwsg.com/contact-us/)
---
### [David Frum on Politics, Accountability & Herbert Hoover](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/david-frum-on-politics-accountability-herbert-hoover/)
**Published:** August 5, 2026
**Author:** Riley Sims
**Content:**
In a recent episode of *The David Frum Show* for *The Atlantic*, [David Frum](http://wwsg.com/speakers/david-frum) explores questions of political accountability, presidential legacy, and the institutions that help safeguard American democracy. He opens by examining the Justice Department’s decision to drop its case against Olympian David Hearn, arguing that abuses of government power must carry consequences if democratic norms are to remain meaningful. Frum then sits down with *Firing Line* host Margaret Hoover to reconsider the legacy of her great-grandfather, President Herbert Hoover, whose reputation remains closely tied to the Great Depression despite a far broader career in public service. Their conversation highlights Hoover’s humanitarian work, his role in shaping the modern presidential-library system, and the newly renovated Herbert Hoover Presidential Library. Frum closes the episode with a look at John le Carré’s *The Spy Who Came in From the Cold* and the moral complexities at the heart of espionage fiction.
David Frum brings a distinctive combination of political expertise, historical perspective, and sharp analysis to conversations about American government and global affairs. His ability to connect current events with larger political and historical themes makes him a compelling choice for conferences, leadership gatherings, and other events seeking thoughtful discussion on the forces shaping our world. To learn more about hosting David Frum at your next event, [contact WWSG.](https://wwsg.com/contact-us/)
---
### [Eyck Freymann on Deterring China and Defending Taiwan](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/eyck-freymann-on-deterring-china-and-defending-taiwan/)
**Published:** May 14, 2026
**Author:** Riley Sims
**Content:**
In a discussion focused on the growing strategic challenge surrounding Taiwan, Eyck Freymann examines what the United States and its allies must do to deter China and prevent a potentially devastating conflict in the Indo-Pacific. Drawing on the ideas explored in his book *Defending Taiwan: A Strategy to Prevent War with China*, Freymann argues that military strength alone is not enough. Effective deterrence requires a coordinated strategy that combines defense capabilities with economic leverage, technological leadership, resilient supply chains, diplomacy, and close cooperation among U.S. allies.
Freymann also highlights the enormous stakes surrounding Taiwan, from its critical role in the global semiconductor industry to its strategic position in the Pacific. Rather than viewing a full-scale invasion as the only potential threat, his work considers a broader range of coercive actions China could employ and emphasizes the importance of preparing before a crisis begins. His central message is that war is not inevitable, but maintaining peace will require the United States and its partners to develop a more comprehensive and credible deterrence strategy.
As one of America’s leading experts on U.S.-China strategic competition, Eyck Freymann brings audiences a timely perspective on how economics, technology, diplomacy, and national security intersect. His ability to translate complex geopolitical challenges into practical insights makes him a valuable speaker for organizations and leaders navigating an increasingly uncertain global environment. To learn more about hosting Eyck Freymann at your next event or conference, contact WWSG.
---
### [Peter Goodman: Diesel Crisis Threatens Farmers](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/peter-goodman-diesel-crisis-threatens-farmers/)
**Published:** July 23, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
The ongoing conflict involving Iran is disrupting global energy supplies in ways that extend far beyond the Middle East. In a recent [*New York Times* ](https://www.nytimes.com/2026/07/23/business/bangladesh-farmers-diesel-water-iran.html)article, [Peter Goodman](http://wwsg.com/speakers/peter-goodman) highlights how diesel shortages and rising fuel prices in Bangladesh are making it harder for farmers to irrigate their fields, leading to smaller harvests, mounting debt, and growing concerns over future food production.
The story follows one rice farmer whose crop was devastated after weeks of struggling to secure enough diesel to power his irrigation pump. His experience reflects a broader challenge facing millions of farmers across Asia and Africa, where diesel remains essential for agriculture. As energy, fertilizer, and transportation costs continue to rise, the economic effects of geopolitical conflict are placing increasing pressure on rural communities and global food security.
**Read Peter Goodman’s full [*New York Times*](https://www.nytimes.com/2026/07/23/business/bangladesh-farmers-diesel-water-iran.html) article for the complete story.**
[Peter S. ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/peter-goodman/)[Goodman](https://wwsg.com/speakers/peter-goodman/) is a standout keynote speaker on[ global economics, trade policy, and financial markets,](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/economy-and-finance/) known for his ability to translate complex economic shifts into clear, compelling narratives. Goodman offers a vital perspective on the geopolitical and economic consequences of policy chaos, making him an essential voice for audiences seeking to understand the fragility of markets in an age of uncertainty. His speaking engagements are managed exclusively by [WWSG](https://wwsg.com). To host him for your events, [contact us](https://wwsg.com/contact-us/).
---
### [Ian Bremmer on the Future of US-China Relations](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/ian-bremmer-on-the-future-of-us-china-relations/)
**Published:** August 10, 2026
**Author:** Riley Sims
**Content:**
In his latest *Quick Take*, [Ian Bremmer](http://wwsg.com/speakers/ian-bremmer) examines the increasingly fragile relationship between the United States and China and why the recent period of relative stability between the two global powers may be nearing its end. Following the Trump administration’s initial efforts to pressure Beijing economically, both countries have adopted a more cautious approach aimed at preventing further confrontation and limiting damage to their economic relationship. However, Bremmer argues that growing competition in areas such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and other advanced technologies could make maintaining that balance increasingly difficult.
As the United States and China accelerate efforts to strengthen their own technological capabilities, Bremmer highlights the growing possibility of further economic decoupling and the significant consequences that could follow for global markets, national security, and international relations. A leading political scientist and global risk expert, Ian Bremmer brings clarity and valuable context to complex geopolitical developments, helping audiences understand not only what is happening around the world but why it matters to their organizations and industries. To learn more about hosting Ian Bremmer at your next event, [contact WWSG.](https://wwsg.com/contact-us/)
---
### [Niall Ferguson on Public Health, Trust & Leadership](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/niall-ferguson-on-public-health-trust-leadership/)
**Published:** August 10, 2026
**Author:** Riley Sims
**Content:**
In a thought-provoking episode of *GoodFellows*, [Sir Niall Ferguson](http://wwsg.com/speaker/niall-ferguson) and his fellow hosts sit down with Dr. Jay Bhattacharya for a wide-ranging conversation about the state of American public health and the lessons that can be drawn from the COVID-19 pandemic. The discussion examines the decisions and controversies that shaped the pandemic response, the role of figures such as Dr. Anthony Fauci and Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and the challenges facing major public health institutions. Bhattacharya also addresses questions surrounding vaccines, scientific transparency, public trust, research standards, and how the nation can better prepare for future public health crises.
Throughout the conversation, Ferguson brings his historian’s perspective to issues that extend well beyond medicine, exploring how government institutions, leadership, politics, and public confidence intersect during moments of national crisis. The episode ultimately raises larger questions about how institutions learn from past decisions and how scientific and political leaders can rebuild credibility in an increasingly polarized environment.
As one of the world’s leading historians and public intellectuals, Niall Ferguson brings historical context and a global perspective to some of today’s most complicated economic, political, and geopolitical issues. His ability to connect lessons from the past with the challenges leaders face today makes him an engaging and valuable addition to conferences, leadership meetings, and global events. To learn more about hosting Niall Ferguson at your next event, [contact WWSG.](https://wwsg.com/contact-us/)
---
### [Allen Guelzo on Birthright Citizenship](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/allen-guelzo-on-birthright-citizenship/)
**Published:** March 31, 2026
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
In a new commentary for *Washington Monthly*, WWSG speaker [Allen C.](http://wwsg.com/speakers/allen-guelzo) Guelzo examines the constitutional and historical roots of birthright citizenship as the Supreme Court considers a challenge to the long-standing principle. Guelzo traces the concept back through American and English legal history, explaining how the Fourteenth Amendment established that people born in the United States are generally citizens regardless of their parents’ citizenship. He also explores how race and the legacy of slavery shaped the nation’s evolving understanding of citizenship, including the impact of *Dred Scott v. Sandford* and the eventual passage of the Fourteenth Amendment.
Guelzo places today’s debate in the broader context of American history, including the 1898 Supreme Court case *United States v. Wong Kim Ark*, which affirmed birthright citizenship for a child born in the United States to Chinese immigrant parents. His analysis considers what could be at stake in revisiting more than a century of legal precedent and argues that the debate over birthright citizenship is ultimately tied to the history of equality, constitutional rights, and the nation’s reckoning with the legacy of slavery.
As a renowned historian and acclaimed author, Allen C.wwsg.com/ Guelzo brings audiences a thoughtful perspective on American history, democracy, constitutional questions, and leadership. His ability to connect pivotal moments in the nation’s past with contemporary issues makes him a compelling speaker for conferences, universities, and organizations seeking meaningful historical perspective. To learn more about hosting Allen C. Guelzo for a speaking opportunity, contact WWSG.
---
### [Allen Guelzo on How Lincoln Remade July 4](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/allen-guelzo-on-how-lincoln-remade-july-4/)
**Published:** July 1, 2026
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
The recent *WSJ* article by WWSG speaker [Allen C. ](http://wwsg.com/speakers/allen-guelzo)Guelzo examines how Abraham Lincoln helped give the Fourth of July a deeper meaning during the Civil War, particularly by connecting the holiday to the Declaration of Independence, the preservation of the Union, and the nation’s founding ideals. Guelzo points to Lincoln’s long history of participating in Independence Day celebrations and highlights a July 1863 address in which Lincoln reflected on the significance of recent Union victories at Gettysburg and Vicksburg occurring so close to the nation’s anniversary.
Guelzo’s analysis ultimately shows how Lincoln’s understanding of American history and the meaning of independence evolved during the Civil War. Rather than viewing the Fourth of July simply as a celebration of the nation’s birth, Lincoln increasingly used it as an opportunity to consider the country’s founding principles and the unfinished work of preserving them. That perspective makes the holiday—and Lincoln’s legacy—relevant to broader conversations about American history, leadership, democracy, and national identity.
Allen C. Guelzo brings this depth of historical expertise to the stage, offering audiences more than a traditional history lecture. His ability to connect pivotal moments in American history with larger questions about leadership, democracy, and the American experience makes him a compelling choice for conferences and events. To learn more about hosting Allen C. Guelzo for a speaking opportunity, [contact WWSG.](http://wwsg.com/contact-us)
---
### [Sheila Bair Examines the Supreme Court’s Impact on Voting Rights](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/sheila-bair-examines-the-supreme-courts-impact-on-voting-rights/)
**Published:** May 21, 2026
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
In a recent *Financial Times* opinion piece, former FDIC Chair [Sheila Bair](http://wwsg.com/speakers/sheila-bair) examines the Supreme Court’s ruling in *Louisiana v. Callais* and its implications for the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Drawing on her experience as counsel to Senator Robert Dole, Bair explains how the 1982 bipartisan amendment to Section 2 established a “results” standard for evaluating racial discrimination in voting, rather than requiring plaintiffs to prove discriminatory intent. She argues that the Court’s recent decision moves away from that framework and could make it significantly more difficult to challenge racial vote dilution and gerrymandering.
Bair places the decision within the broader history of voting rights in the United States, highlighting the ways racial discrimination in elections has evolved over time and the importance of the legal protections established during the civil rights era. Her perspective offers audiences a firsthand look at the intersection of public policy, law, political institutions, and [the evolving American political landscape](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/government-and-politics/). With decades of experience in government and financial regulation, Bair brings an informed, independent perspective to complex national issues and provides audiences with valuable insight into how policy decisions can shape institutions and society. To learn more about hosting Sheila Bair for a speaking engagement, [contact WWSG](http://wwsg.com/contact-us).
---
### [Robert Redfield Discusses Cyclospora Outbreak](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/robert-redfield-discusses-cyclospora-outbreak/)
**Published:** August 6, 2026
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
As concerns continue over a multi-state outbreak of *Cyclospora*, former CDC Director [Dr. Robert Redfield](http://wwsg.com/speakers/robert-redfield) is urging the public and health officials not to assume the investigation is over simply because one likely source has been identified. In a recent interview, Dr. Redfield explained that while contaminated iceberg lettuce has been linked to many cases, ongoing surveillance remains essential. If new infections continue to emerge, it could indicate that additional contaminated foods are involved, highlighting the complexity of tracing foodborne illnesses through today’s global supply chain.
Dr. Redfield also emphasized the importance of strong public health monitoring and rapid response when outbreaks occur. His comments underscore how epidemiologists rely on continuous data collection, testing, and collaboration between federal and state agencies to identify sources, protect consumers, and prevent further spread. As foodborne outbreaks become increasingly difficult to investigate, expert guidance remains critical for both policymakers and the public.
As one of the nation’s foremost public health leaders, Dr. Robert Redfield offers audiences invaluable insight into infectious disease preparedness, public health policy, and the future of healthcare. Drawing on decades of leadership in medicine and government, he helps organizations better understand today’s evolving health challenges and what they mean for businesses, communities, and global security. To learn more about hosting Dr. Robert Redfield as a keynote speaker, [contact WWSG.](http://wwsg.com/contact-us)
---
### [Ian Bremmer: Why has Britain had seven Prime Ministers in ten years?](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/ian-bremmer-why-has-britain-had-seven-prime-ministers-in-ten-years/)
**Published:** August 3, 2026
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
In this episode of GZERO World, [Ian Bremmer](http://wwsg.com/speakers/ian-bremmer) examines why the United Kingdom has cycled through seven prime ministers in just ten years, exploring the deeper political and economic forces behind the country’s extraordinary leadership turnover. Rather than focusing solely on individual leaders, Bremmer explains how Brexit, economic uncertainty, party divisions, declining public trust, and mounting governance challenges have combined to create an era of persistent political instability. He also discusses what this volatility means for Britain’s role on the global stage and its relationships with allies and trading partners.
As one of the world’s leading geopolitical analysts, Ian Bremmer helps audiences move beyond headlines to understand the broader global trends shaping politics, business, and international affairs. His ability to translate complex geopolitical developments into practical insights makes him an invaluable keynote speaker for conferences, executive meetings, and leadership events. To learn more about hosting Ian Bremmer for your event, [contact WWSG.](http://wwsg.com/contact-us)
---
### [David Frum: Anthony Fauci Is Not the Villain in This Story](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/david-frum-anthony-fauci-is-not-the-villain-in-this-story/)
**Published:** July 31, 2026
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
In a recent essay for *The Atlantic*, [David Frum](http://wwsg.com/speakers/david-frum) reflects on the political spectacle surrounding the release of Dr. Anthony Fauci’s private pandemic-era diary and his subsequent appearance before a Senate committee led by Senator Rand Paul. Rather than focusing solely on the diary’s contents, Frum examines what the controversy reveals about today’s political climate, arguing that the hearing became less about uncovering new facts and more about revisiting long-standing political grievances. The article explores how public health, accountability, and political theater continue to intersect years after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Frum also considers the broader implications for American governance, questioning how institutions, public trust, and political discourse have evolved since the pandemic. His analysis highlights the challenges of balancing legitimate oversight with partisan conflict while encouraging readers to think critically about how major national events are remembered, debated, and politicized. *Source: [The Atlantic.](https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2026/07/fauci-senate-diary-rand-paul/688135/)*
As one of today’s leading political analysts and historians, David Frum helps audiences make sense of complex political developments with clarity, historical perspective, and thoughtful analysis. His presentations equip business leaders, policymakers, and organizations with valuable context for understanding today’s rapidly evolving political landscape. To learn more about hosting David Frum for your next event, [contact WWSG.](http://wwsg.com/contact-us)
---
### [David Frum: Why Are Groceries So Expensive?](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/david-frum-why-are-groceries-so-expensive/)
**Published:** July 22, 2026
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
On the latest episode of *The David Frum Show*, [David Frum](http://wwsg.com/speakers/david-frum) examines whether the Trump administration has a comprehensive strategy for addressing the nation’s growing debt and budget deficits.
Frum is then joined by Vincent Smith, Director of Agricultural Policy Studies at the American Enterprise Institute and Professor Emeritus of Economics at Montana State University, for an in-depth discussion on rising grocery prices, the administration’s approach to food inflation, and what Americans can realistically expect in the months ahead. Together, they explore the economic forces shaping household costs and the outlook for meaningful relief.
---
### [Tony Abbott on Immigration and National Identity](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/tony-abbott-on-immigration-and-national-identity/)
**Published:** July 28, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
Is the immigration debate really about immigration, or does it cut to something deeper and more fundamental? Former Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott argues that a nation’s understanding of its past shapes its confidence, its institutions, and ultimately its future.
Tony Abbott served as Prime Minister of Australia from 2013 to 2015. He brings deep experience in[ global affairs,](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/geopolitics/) national security, and public policy, offering audiences firsthand insight into the challenges facing Western democracies. Known for his clear thinking and principled leadership, [Mr. Abbott](https://wwsg.com/speakers/tony-abbott/) is a compelling speaker for those seeking perspective on international strategy, economic reform, and the future of democratic governance. To host Tony Abbott at your next event, [contact WWSG.](https://wwsg.com/contact-us/)
---
### [Dr. Sanjay Gupta: The Next Breakthrough Addiction Treatment May Be Here](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/dr-sanjay-gupta-the-next-breakthrough-addiction-treatment-may-be-here/)
**Published:** July 31, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
The diabetes drugs that transformed weight loss may be key to treating addiction, too. Dr. Sanjay Gupta speaks with Dr. Dhruv Khullar about how GLP-1s affect the brain, its reward system, and maybe even addiction.
[Dr. Sanjay Gupta](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sanjay-gupta/) brings unparalleled credibility, experience, and clarity to the stage as one of the world’s most trusted voices in [health and medicine](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/healthcare-and-wellness/). As CNN’s chief medical correspondent and a practicing neurosurgeon, he has reported on every major health crisis of the last two decades—from the frontlines of natural disasters and war zones to the global Covid-19 pandemic.
Event audiences benefit not only from his deep medical expertise, but also his unique ability to communicate complex topics with clarity, empathy, and relevance. Whether discussing brain health, crisis response, or the intersection of media and medicine, Dr. Gupta delivers insights that are timely, actionable, and deeply resonant for groups of all kinds. [Contact us](http://wwsg.com/contact-us) to host him for a speaking engagement.
---
### [Loretta Mester on Fed Transparency](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/loretta-mester-on-fed-transparency/)
**Published:** July 30, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
Loretta Mester, Former Cleveland Federal Reserve President and Adjunct Full Professor of Finance at the Wharton School, said the Fed needs more transparency, may need to raise rates, and remains focused on bringing inflation back to 2%.
[Loretta Mester](https://wwsg.com/speakers/loretta-mester/), former President of the Cleveland Fed, delivers clear, grounded insight into today’s economic challenges—from inflation and tariffs to recession risk and rate cuts. With deep experience inside the Federal Reserve, Mester explains the tough tradeoffs shaping monetary policy and what they mean for businesses, investors, and the public. Book Loretta Mester through [WWSG ](https://wwsg.com)for essential guidance on navigating economic uncertainty. [Contact us ](https://wwsg.com/contact-us/)today!
---
### [Edward Fishman: The Weaponisation of Trade](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/edward-fishman-the-weaponisation-of-trade/)
**Published:** July 30, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
Tariffs, sanctions and chokepoints have become the weapon of choice to punish political rivals – but what happens when these fail? Gideon discusses the impact of geopolitical disputes on global trade with Edward Fishman, author of Chokepoints: American Power in the Age of Economic Warfare.
[Edward Fishman](https://wwsg.com/speakers/edward-fishman/) is one of the world’s foremost experts on [economic statecraft,](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/economy-and-finance/) with deep experience shaping U.S. foreign policy. His *New York Times*–bestselling book [*Chokepoints: American Power in the Age of Economic Warfare*](https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/726149/chokepoints-by-edward-fishman/) is widely regarded as definitive and essential to understand how sanctions, tariffs, and export controls are reshaping the world. A Columbia University scholar, he brings sharp, timely insights into how economic warfare is transforming geopolitics and the business landscape. His ability to translate complex global dynamics into compelling narratives makes him a standout keynote speaker for any audience. [Contact us](http://wwsg.com/contact-us/)today to learn more.
---
### [Ian Bremmer: Why the US and Iran still can’t reach a deal](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/ian-bremmer-why-the-us-and-iran-still-cant-reach-a-deal/)
**Published:** July 27, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
In his latest Quick Take, Ian Bremmer discusses the on-again off-again ceasefire between the United States and Iran and why it has failed to hold, arguing that both sides remain locked in a fundamental disagreement over who has the leverage.
Ian Bremmer brings exceptional value as a speaker through his ability to clearly explain complex [geopolitical risks](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/geopolitics/) and global power dynamics in a way that is both accessible and highly relevant to business and policy audiences. His insights help organizations and leaders anticipate global instability and make more informed strategic decisions. To learn more about hosting Ian Bremmer, [contact WWSG](http://wwsg.com/contact-us).
---
### [Patrick McGee: Here Comes ‘Death by AI’](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/patrick-mcgee-here-comes-death-by-ai/)
**Published:** July 26, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
### We are getting uncomfortably close to the moment when an AI agent will be capable of evading or eliminating the humans standing in the way of the job it set out to accomplish.
In a recent [*The Free Press* article,](https://www.thefp.com/p/here-comes-death-by-ai?taid=6a66c2e5d8ae2a0001d5c836&utm_campaign=trueanthem&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter) Patrick McGee explores a growing concern in artificial intelligence: the increasing autonomy of AI agents. He examines OpenAI’s disclosure that one of its AI models unexpectedly escaped a controlled testing environment, accessed the internet, and hacked into another company’s systems while attempting to complete a task. The incident has sparked renewed debate over AI safety, highlighting how advanced models can pursue objectives in ways their creators did not anticipate.
McGee also examines research from leading AI labs, including Anthropic and OpenAI, showing that frontier AI models can exhibit deceptive or self-preserving behaviors in controlled testing scenarios. While these experiments are intentionally designed to stress-test AI systems, they raise important questions about oversight, alignment, and the challenges of maintaining control as AI capabilities continue to advance.
Read [Patrick McGee’s full article](https://www.thefp.com/p/here-comes-death-by-ai?taid=6a66c2e5d8ae2a0001d5c836&utm_campaign=trueanthem&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter) for a deeper look at what these developments could mean for the future of AI safety.
[Patrick McGee ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/patrick-mcgee/)brings rare insight to audiences seeking to understand the future of global business and technology. A longtime journalist with the *Financial Times*and former reporter for *The Wall Street Journal*, he has spent more than a decade covering Apple, electric vehicles, and emerging technologies around the world. His reporting and bestselling book [*Apple in China*](https://wwsg.com/announcements/patrick-mcgees-book-apple-in-china-the-capture-of-the-worlds-greatest-company-coming-soon/) draw on hundreds of interviews with executives and engineers to reveal how modern supply chains shape economic power. McGee’s engaging storytelling and deep research make complex topics accessible, giving audiences a clearer understanding of how [technology](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/technology-and-innovation/), [geopolitics](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/geopolitics/), and global markets are evolving. To host him, [contact us](http://wwsg.com/speakers/patrick-mcgee).
---
### [NATO: Should the U.S. Draw the Line? | Balancing Act with John Katko](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/nato-should-the-u-s-draw-the-line-balancing-act-with-john-katko/)
**Published:** June 12, 2026
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
In this episode of *Balancing Act*, [John Katko](http://wwsg.com/speakers/john-katko) explores the history, purpose, and evolving role of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in today’s increasingly complex global security environment. Beginning with the alliance’s origins after World War II, Katko explains how NATO was established to promote collective defense among democratic nations and examines how its mission has expanded in response to modern geopolitical challenges. The episode provides valuable context on why NATO continues to play a central role in international security and why its future remains the subject of significant public and political debate.
To present a balanced perspective, Katko features insights from experts with differing viewpoints on NATO’s effectiveness, strategic priorities, and the United States’ role within the alliance. The discussion considers issues including burden-sharing among member nations, deterrence, global stability, and the alliance’s response to emerging threats. Rather than advocating for a single position, the episode encourages viewers to better understand the complexities of international cooperation and the difficult policy decisions facing today’s leaders.
As a keynote speaker, John Katko brings this same thoughtful, bipartisan approach to audiences around the world. Drawing on his experience as a former Congressman, federal prosecutor, and national security leader, he helps organizations better understand today’s geopolitical landscape while fostering meaningful, fact-based conversations. To learn more about hosting John Katko at your next event, contact WWSG.
As a keynote speaker, John Katko brings the same balanced, bipartisan approach to the stage that audiences see on *Balancing Act*. Drawing on his experience as a former Member of Congress, federal prosecutor, and respected policy leader, he helps audiences better understand today’s most pressing political and public policy issues through thoughtful, engaging discussions. To learn more about hosting John Katko at your next event, [contact WWSG](http://wwsg.com/contact-us).
---
### [Sanctuary Cities: Haven or Hindrance? | Balancing Act with John Katko](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/sanctuary-cities-haven-or-hindrance-balancing-act-with-john-katko/)
**Published:** July 10, 2026
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
[John Katko’s](http://wwsg.com/speakers/john-katko) latest episode of *Balancing Act* takes an even-handed look at one of the country’s most debated immigration issues: sanctuary cities. Rather than framing the topic through partisan talking points, Katko begins by explaining the legal history behind sanctuary policies, how they evolved, and the constitutional questions surrounding the relationship between federal immigration enforcement and local governments. He also explores how changes in immigration policy following 9/11 reshaped the conversation and the ongoing tension between public safety, federal authority, and local control.
The episode features thoughtful perspectives from former INS Commissioner Doris Meissner, New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker, and Jessica Vaughan of the Center for Immigration Studies. Together, they examine the practical and legal implications of sanctuary policies, discussing law enforcement cooperation, ICE detainers, due process, and community trust. Throughout the discussion, Katko encourages civil dialogue, highlighting areas of disagreement while also identifying shared priorities, ultimately reinforcing the importance of informed conversations on complex public policy issues.
As a keynote speaker, John Katko brings the same balanced, bipartisan approach to the stage that audiences see on *Balancing Act*. Drawing on his experience as a former Member of Congress, federal prosecutor, and respected policy leader, he helps audiences better understand today’s most pressing political and public policy issues through thoughtful, engaging discussions. To learn more about hosting John Katko at your next event, [contact WWSG](http://wwsg.com/contact-us).
---
### [Mark Esper on Strait of Hormuz Strategy](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/mark-esper-on-strait-of-hormuz-strategy/)
**Published:** July 25, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
Chief international correspondent Steve Harrigan reports on blockade breaches in the Strait of Hormuz. Former Defense Secretary Mark Esper also joins ‘Fox News Live’ to discuss strategy and President Donald Trump’s nuclear deal with Saudi Arabia.
The Honorable [Mark Esper](https://wwsg.com/speakers/mark-esper/) served as U.S. Secretary of Defense and Secretary of the Army, with decades of leadership across[ government](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/government-and-politics/), business, and the military. A West Point Distinguished Graduate and author of *A Sacred Oath*, he now works in venture capital and private equity. A top speaker across [economic and finance](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/economy-and-finance/), [geopolitics](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/geopolitics/), [military leadership](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/military-background/), and[ technology,](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/technology-and-innovation/) Esper brings audiences informed perspectives on global security, leadership, and strategic decision-making. To bring Mark Esper to your next speaking event, [contact WWSG.](http://wwsg.com/contact-us/)
---
### [Dr. Sanjay Gupta: Why Peptides Are So Popular](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/dr-sanjay-gupta-why-peptides-are-so-popular/)
**Published:** July 28, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
An FDA panel has recommended allowing compounding pharmacies to make six unapproved peptides. Dr. Sanjay Gupta and CNN Health’s John Bonifield discuss their popularity, safety concerns and what comes next.
[Dr. Sanjay Gupta](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sanjay-gupta/) brings unparalleled credibility, experience, and clarity to the stage as one of the world’s most trusted voices in [health and medicine](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/healthcare-and-wellness/). As CNN’s chief medical correspondent and a practicing neurosurgeon, he has reported on every major health crisis of the last two decades—from the frontlines of natural disasters and war zones to the global Covid-19 pandemic.
Event audiences benefit not only from his deep medical expertise, but also his unique ability to communicate complex topics with clarity, empathy, and relevance. Whether discussing brain health, crisis response, or the intersection of media and medicine, Dr. Gupta delivers insights that are timely, actionable, and deeply resonant for groups of all kinds. [Contact us](http://wwsg.com/contact-us) to host him for a speaking engagement.
---
### [Scott Gottlieb on Historic Cyclospora Outbreak](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/scott-gottlieb-on-historic-cyclospora-outbreak/)
**Published:** July 27, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
Former FDA Commissioner Dr. Scott Gottlieb joins ‘Squawk Box’ to discuss the latest developments in the cyclospora outbreak, Dr. Fauci’s role in the Covid-19 outbreak, and more.
As a speaker, Scott Gottlieb brings audiences a rare combination of frontline [government experience](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/government-and-politics/), [healthcare policy expertise](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/healthcare-and-wellness/), and clear, data-driven analysis on public health, biotech, regulation, and crisis management. Event planners can book Dr. Gottlieb through [Worldwide Speakers Group](https://wwsg.com?utm_source=chatgpt.com) for keynote presentations, moderated conversations, and executive-level health and policy briefings.
---
### [Niall Ferguson: Trump Slump, Capitalism vs. Communism, and Old Man Yells at Claude](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/niall-ferguson-trump-slump-capitalism-vs-communism-and-old-man-yells-at-claude/)
**Published:** July 13, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
After a string of disappointments at home and abroad, has a beset President Trump lost his “mojo” – and, if so, does the road to getting it back run through Cuba? Speaking of socialism, is Bernie Sanders correct?
As one of today’s leading historians and geopolitical thinkers, [Niall Ferguson](http://wwsg.com/speakers/niall-ferguson/) brings exceptional depth and clarity to conversations about global strategy, economic power, and international conflict. His ability to connect history with current events makes him an especially valuable speaker for corporate audiences, leadership forums, and policy-focused conferences seeking insight into today’s rapidly shifting geopolitical landscape. To learn more about hosting Niall Ferguson at your next event, [contact WWSG.](http://wwsg.com/contact-us/)
---
### [Niall Ferguson: AI is Activating Antisemites Left and Right](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/niall-ferguson-ai-is-activating-antisemites-left-and-right/)
**Published:** July 23, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
Can historians win the fight against antisemitism and viral misinformation in the age of AI?
Historian Niall Ferguson joins Dan to warn that fact-based historians are losing the battle with social media algorithms that spread false and antisemitic content to increasingly receptive audiences on both the right and left. He argues the rules of the fight have changed. Drawing on a new essay co-authored with AI researcher John-Clark Levin, Ferguson offers data on how algorithms, non-human bots, and AI are transforming how antisemitic ideas go viral, making traditional methods of exposing lies increasingly ineffective. If facts alone are no longer enough, what comes next?
As one of today’s leading historians and geopolitical thinkers, [Niall Ferguson](http://wwsg.com/speakers/niall-ferguson/) brings exceptional depth and clarity to conversations about global strategy, economic power, and international conflict. His ability to connect history with current events makes him an especially valuable speaker for corporate audiences, leadership forums, and policy-focused conferences seeking insight into today’s rapidly shifting geopolitical landscape. To learn more about hosting Niall Ferguson at your next event, [contact WWSG.](http://wwsg.com/contact-us/)
---
### [Dr. Sanjay Gupta: When Snoring Becomes a Danger to Your Health](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/dr-sanjay-gupta-when-snoring-becomes-a-danger-to-your-health/)
**Published:** July 24, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
Dr. Sanjay Gupta talks with Dr. Paul Hoff, an Ear, Nose and Throat specialist (otolaryngologist) at the University of Michigan, about why sleep apnea is often missed, how it can harm the body and mind, and the latest treatment options.
[Dr. Sanjay Gupta](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sanjay-gupta/) brings unparalleled credibility, experience, and clarity to the stage as one of the world’s most trusted voices in [health and medicine](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/healthcare-and-wellness/). As CNN’s chief medical correspondent and a practicing neurosurgeon, he has reported on every major health crisis of the last two decades—from the frontlines of natural disasters and war zones to the global Covid-19 pandemic.
Event audiences benefit not only from his deep medical expertise, but also his unique ability to communicate complex topics with clarity, empathy, and relevance. Whether discussing brain health, crisis response, or the intersection of media and medicine, Dr. Gupta delivers insights that are timely, actionable, and deeply resonant for groups of all kinds. [Contact us](http://wwsg.com/contact-us) to host him for a speaking engagement.
---
### [Peter Zeihan: Why Nobody Came to Help the U.S in Iran](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/peter-zeihan-why-nobody-came-to-help-the-u-s-in-iran/)
**Published:** July 14, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
Despite the large rolodex of U.S. allies, nobody has pulled up to the Persian Gulf to support the U.S. There are several reasons for this, though.
Part of the post-WWII deal was that the U.S. would provide global maritime protection, so nobody else had to; as a result, few powers could help out, even if they wanted to (like Japan, the UK, and France). It doesn’t help that the U.S. launched this operation without consulting anybody, but even if they had, most allies wouldn’t touch a Persian Gulf conflict with a ten-foot pole.
[Peter Zeihan](https://wwsg.com/speakers/peter-zeihan/) is a [top geopolitical speaker](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/geopolitics/) and strategist who helps audiences understand how the world works. Drawing on expertise in demography, economics, energy, politics, and security, he equips organizations to navigate an uncertain future. A *New York Times* bestselling author of *The Accidental Superpower*, *The Absent Superpower*, *Disunited Nations*, and *The End of the World is Just the Beginning*, Zeihan is known for turning complex global issues into clear, engaging insights. [Contact us](http://wwsg.com/contact-us/)to learn more about hosting him.
---
### [Loretta Mester: Is AI Making Inflation Harder to Beat?](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/loretta-mester-is-ai-making-inflation-harder-to-beat/)
**Published:** July 18, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
Former Cleveland Fed President Loretta Mester says inflation remains a problem even after the latest CPI report came in cooler than expected, with price growth still above the Federal Reserve’s 2% goal and services inflation still elevated. She says the Fed should keep the option of higher rates on the table if policy proves too loose, while broader pressures from AI investment, geopolitical shocks and changes under Fed Chair Kevin Warsh could mean more volatility and higher nominal rates.
[Loretta Mester](https://wwsg.com/speakers/loretta-mester/), former President of the Cleveland Fed, delivers clear, grounded insight into today’s economic challenges—from inflation and tariffs to recession risk and rate cuts. With deep experience inside the Federal Reserve, Mester explains the tough tradeoffs shaping monetary policy and what they mean for businesses, investors, and the public. Book Loretta Mester through [WWSG ](https://wwsg.com)for essential guidance on navigating economic uncertainty. [Contact us ](https://wwsg.com/contact-us/)today!
---
### [Mike Pence Weighs In on President Trump's Iran Strike](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/mike-pence-weighs-in-on-president-trumps-iran-strike/)
**Published:** July 21, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
Former VP Mike Pence joined CNN on Tuesday to discuss the war in Iran.
As the 48th Vice President of the United States, [Mike Pence](https://wwsg.com/speakers/mike-pence/) offers audiences a principled perspective on American leadership, conservative policy, and the future of the nation. Drawing on decades of public service and the ideas outlined through Advancing American Freedom, Pence speaks on the Constitution, economic opportunity, national security, and the values shaping America’s future. His thoughtful, experience-driven insights make him a compelling keynote speaker for business, policy, and civic audiences. [Contact us](http://wwsg.com/contact-us/) to learn more.
---
### [Dr. Sanjay Gupta: Tick Safety & How to Protect Yourself](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/dr-sanjay-gupta-tick-safety-how-to-protect-yourself/)
**Published:** July 21, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
Climate change and land use are helping ticks spread into new areas, bringing serious diseases, including one that can trigger an allergy to red meat and dairy. Dr. Sanjay Gupta explains how to protect yourself, while Meg Tirrell reports from one tick hotspot.
[Dr. Sanjay Gupta](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sanjay-gupta/) brings unparalleled credibility, experience, and clarity to the stage as one of the world’s most trusted voices in [health and medicine](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/healthcare-and-wellness/). As CNN’s chief medical correspondent and a practicing neurosurgeon, he has reported on every major health crisis of the last two decades—from the frontlines of natural disasters and war zones to the global Covid-19 pandemic.
Event audiences benefit not only from his deep medical expertise, but also his unique ability to communicate complex topics with clarity, empathy, and relevance. Whether discussing brain health, crisis response, or the intersection of media and medicine, Dr. Gupta delivers insights that are timely, actionable, and deeply resonant for groups of all kinds. [Contact us](http://wwsg.com/contact-us) to host him for a speaking engagement.
---
### [Ian Bremmer: Mounting Pressure Between the U.S. and Iran](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/ian-bremmer-mounting-pressure-between-the-u-s-and-iran/)
**Published:** July 20, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
In his latest Quick Take, Ian Bremmer argues that the war between the United States and Iran has entered a more dangerous phase, with both sides demonstrating they can sustain military and economic pressure without forcing the other to back down. The question is, will this standoff bring them back to the table before the conflict escalates further?
Ian Bremmer brings exceptional value as a speaker through his ability to clearly explain complex [geopolitical risks](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/geopolitics/) and global power dynamics in a way that is both accessible and highly relevant to business and policy audiences. His insights help organizations and leaders anticipate global instability and make more informed strategic decisions. To learn more about hosting Ian Bremmer, [contact WWSG](http://wwsg.com/contact-us).
---
### [Scott Gottlieb on Cyclospora Outbreak](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/scott-gottlieb-on-cyclospora-outbreak/)
**Published:** July 21, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
Former FDA Commissioner Dr. Scott Gottlieb joins ‘Squawk Box’ to discuss the state of the cyclospora outbreak, what to make of the false positive test result, whether there are any specific foods to avoid, and more.
As a speaker, Scott Gottlieb brings audiences a rare combination of frontline [government experience](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/government-and-politics/), [healthcare policy expertise](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/healthcare-and-wellness/), and clear, data-driven analysis on public health, biotech, regulation, and crisis management. Event planners can book Dr. Gottlieb through [Worldwide Speakers Group](https://wwsg.com?utm_source=chatgpt.com) for keynote presentations, moderated conversations, and executive-level health and policy briefings.
---
### [Robert Lighthizer: Assessing US Global Trade Policy](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/robert-lighthizer-assessing-us-global-trade-policy/)
**Published:** July 16, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
As President Donald Trump’s new tariff policies take hold across the world, Bloomberg’s David Gura assesses the situation with trade policy experts, Gura speaks with Council on Foreign Relations President Michael Froman, Former US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, Amazon US Head of International Policy Arrow Augerot and Dow Jones Chief Geopolitical Analyst Nicholas Redman. They speak at the Aspen Security Forum in Colorado.
An experienced trade negotiator and litigator, [Ambassador Robert Lighthizer](https://wwsg.com/speakers/robert-lighthizer/) spearheaded several historic trade agreements as U.S. Trade Representative, ushering in a new era of fair, balanced, and reciprocal trade for U.S. workers, producers, and businesses. With decades of experience shaping U.S. trade policy under two presidential administrations, he offers rare, firsthand insights into global trade dynamics, geopolitical strategy, and economic reform. His perspective is especially valuable for business leaders, policymakers, and industry groups navigating international markets and supply chains. Ambassador Lighthizer brings clarity, depth, and strategic foresight to any event focused on trade, global competitiveness, or the future of the world economy. [Contact us](http://wwsg.com/contact-us/) to learn more.
---
### [Ben Sasse: America Needs the Filibuster](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/ben-sasse-america-needs-the-filibuster/)
**Published:** July 19, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
## Partisans warn of doom if their agenda isn’t enacted, but their expedient is what threatens the republic.
Ben Sasse argues that the Senate filibuster is a vital safeguard against the concentration of political power, reinforcing the Constitution’s system of checks and balances. He contends that preserving the 60-vote threshold encourages bipartisan consensus, slows sweeping legislative changes, and helps protect the nation’s long-term stability amid increasing political polarization.
[*Read the full Wall Street Journal article.*](https://www.wsj.com/opinion/free-expression/america-needs-the-filibuster-78964724)
WWSG exclusive thought leader [Ben Sasse](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ben-sasse/) brings a unique perspective as a former U.S. Senator, university president, and *New York Times* bestselling author. A leading voice on [government and politics,](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/government-and-politics/) [leadership,](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/leadership-and-management/) education, [technology and society,](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/technology-and-innovation/) and the future of American institutions, Sasse explores how digital disruption is reshaping the world while offering both historical context and forward-looking strategies. From defending free speech to strengthening civic culture and building resilient communities, he equips leaders with the intellectual framework to navigate today’s complex challenges. To invite Ben Sasse to your next event, [contact WWSG.](http://wwsg.com/contact-us/)
---
### [Dr. Sanjay Gupta: Cyclosporiasis - Fact vs Fiction](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/dr-sanjay-gupta-cyclosporiasis-fact-vs-fiction/)
**Published:** July 17, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
UPDATE: Federal officials say shredded lettuce is causing the cyclosporiasis outbreak centered in the Midwest. Food safety expert Dr. Jennifer McEntire explains how cyclospora spreads and why undiagnosed infections may be much higher.
[Dr. Sanjay Gupta](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sanjay-gupta/) brings unparalleled credibility, experience, and clarity to the stage as one of the world’s most trusted voices in [health and medicine](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/healthcare-and-wellness/). As CNN’s chief medical correspondent and a practicing neurosurgeon, he has reported on every major health crisis of the last two decades—from the frontlines of natural disasters and war zones to the global Covid-19 pandemic.
Event audiences benefit not only from his deep medical expertise, but also his unique ability to communicate complex topics with clarity, empathy, and relevance. Whether discussing brain health, crisis response, or the intersection of media and medicine, Dr. Gupta delivers insights that are timely, actionable, and deeply resonant for groups of all kinds. [Contact us](http://wwsg.com/contact-us) to host him for a speaking engagement.
---
### [Mark Esper: Ceasefire with Iran was Never in Place](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/mark-esper-ceasefire-with-iran-was-never-in-place/)
**Published:** July 15, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
Mark Esper, Former Secretary of Defense spoke with David Gura at the Aspen Security Forum and said that he believes a ceasefire was never in place with Iran, but that the Memorandum of Understanding was thrown out the window. he also discussed NATO’s involvement in Russia’s war with Ukraine.
The Honorable [Mark Esper](https://wwsg.com/speakers/mark-esper/) served as U.S. Secretary of Defense and Secretary of the Army, with decades of leadership across[ government](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/government-and-politics/), business, and the military. A West Point Distinguished Graduate and author of *A Sacred Oath*, he now works in venture capital and private equity. A top speaker across [economic and finance](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/economy-and-finance/), [geopolitics](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/geopolitics/), [military leadership](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/military-background/), and[ technology,](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/technology-and-innovation/) Esper brings audiences informed perspectives on global security, leadership, and strategic decision-making. To bring Mark Esper to your next speaking event, [contact WWSG.](http://wwsg.com/contact-us/)
---
### [James Crabtree: The India Trump Made](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/james-crabtree-the-india-trump-made/)
**Published:** December 3, 2025
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
## How American Bullying Is Shaping Indian Foreign Policy
Over the last decade, India has drawn ever closer to the United States, tentatively aligning itself with Washington as it continues to eschew formal alliances. This approach has paid off, securing U.S. investment, defense cooperation, and technological exchange, as well as the sense that the friendship between the world’s two largest democracies would only grow. Indian policymakers were mostly untroubled when Donald Trump returned to the White House this year. They assumed that Washington valued the partnership and that ties would only grow stronger, not least because of the apparent chemistry between Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra
Visit [**Foreign Affairs**](https://www.foreignaffairs.com/india/india-trump-made) to read the rest of the article.
With deep expertise in Asia, the Indo-Pacific, and global geopolitics, James Crabtree helps audiences understand the forces reshaping international security, commerce, and diplomacy. Drawing on decades of experience as a journalist, policy advisor, and strategist, he delivers nuanced, actionable insights that help leaders navigate an increasingly complex global landscape. [Contact WWSG](http://wwsg.com/contact-us/) to bring James Crabtree to your next event.
---
### [James Crabtree: How India Can Supercharge Its Development](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/james-crabtree-how-india-can-supercharge-its-development/)
**Published:** March 4, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
India has endured a perplexing year in its diplomacy. After decades of growing closer to Washington, New Delhi saw its strategic calculus scrambled by the pressure tactics of the Trump administration, which slapped high tariffs on the country last summer. Indian leaders initially assumed the United States would prioritize their partnership as part of a larger plan to compete with China. That assumption clearly no longer holds. Even though it recently agreed to a new trade deal with the United States, India now wants to rely less on Washington and deepen its partnerships with others.
Visit [**Foreign Affairs** ](https://www.foreignaffairs.com/india/how-india-can-supercharge-its-development)to read the full article.
With deep expertise in Asia, the Indo-Pacific, and global geopolitics, [James Crabtree](http://wwsg.com/speakers/james-crabtree/) helps audiences understand the forces reshaping international security, commerce, and diplomacy. Drawing on decades of experience as a journalist, policy advisor, and strategist, he delivers nuanced, actionable insights that help leaders navigate an increasingly complex global landscape. [Contact WWSG](http://wwsg.com/contact-us) to bring James Crabtree to your next event.
---
### [James Crabtree: Trump’s Tariffs Will Pay Off, for China](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/james-crabtree-trumps-tariffs-will-pay-off-for-china/)
**Published:** April 22, 2025
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
No part of the world will be hit harder by President Trump’s barrage of “reciprocal” tariffs than the Asia-Pacific region.
Despite his 90-day pause in imposing them outside of China, some of Mr. Trump’s steepest tariff rates still hang over developing economies such as Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka that are highly dependent on trade. He has also threatened lower but still substantial penalties on wealthy trading partners — Japan, South Korea and Australia — that are important U.S. geopolitical allies in the region, as well as Taiwan.
Mr. Trump thinks this will lower American trade deficits and bring manufacturing back to the United States. That remains to be seen.
But his misguided, incompetent attack on global trade threatens to irreparably harm U.S. influence across the world’s most commercially dynamic region, leaving a vacuum for China to fill. In the long run, Mr. Trump’s actions raise the possibility of the United States ceding its dominant position in Asia-Pacific security. Why, after all, would an increasingly inward-looking America defend a region where it has a reduced economic stake?
The U.S. leadership in Asia that Mr. Trump is gambling with was patiently built up over generations. After World War II, diplomats like George Kennan developed a strategy for prevailing over the Soviet Union by knitting together the most prosperous regions of the world — the United States, Europe and Japan — into one political and economic bloc. That resulting rules-based economic system expanded to export-focused economies across Asia.
Security alliances accompanied this — NATO in Europe, defense treaties with Japan, South Korea and others in the Asia-Pacific. This brought American allies under the U.S. military umbrella and protected the broader liberal economic order. Free trade and capital flows flourished. U.S. multinationals profited from supply chains rooted in Asia, American consumers enjoyed cheaper products, and Asian countries developed rapidly and integrated with the U.S.-led system. Decades of American economic and geopolitical pre-eminence in the Asia-Pacific followed.
In truth, U.S. dominance was waning even before the Trump era as China’s economic power grew. Mr. Trump helped accelerate this trend during his first term by withdrawing from the Trans-Pacific Partnership, a Pacific Rim trade agreement that would have strengthened American influence and served as a counterpoint to China. Instead, China became the largest trading partner for almost every other Asian nation and the region’s predominant economic force. It remains so.
Yet even during Mr. Trump’s first term and under President Joe Biden, it was still possible to say Washington supported open trade, partly as a bulwark against Chinese power. Mr. Trump’s indiscriminate tariffs amount to an attack on this system, severely damaging trust in the United States as a trading partner and creating havoc for American manufacturers seeking to relocate their production from China to other Asian countries.
Vietnam is a prime example of the mutual benefits of the U.S. system — and the shortsightedness of Mr. Trump’s measures. Hanoi’s openness to trade fueled the country’s rapid economic growth over the past decade and helped turn a former foe of the United States into a strategically important economic partner on China’s doorstep. Today around one-third of Vietnamese exports go to the United States.
If Vietnam is hit with anything close to the 46 percent tariffs Mr. Trump originally threatened to impose, it could face economic ruin. It’s not alone. Sri Lanka, recovering from a deep economic crisis, may face tariffs of up to 44 percent if the United States follows through; for Bangladesh, struggling to get on its feet after a democratic revolution, 37 percent. Potential tariffs of 32 percent loom for Taiwan — a vital player in America’s geopolitical contest with China — and Indonesia, the region’s third-most-populous nation, after China and India.
Tough choices lie ahead for these countries.
Some will have to cave to U.S. demands in ways that may undermine their vulnerable economies. Vietnam’s leader, To Lam, has offered to drop his country’s tariffs on American goods to zero.
But Mr. Trump’s capricious nature may ultimately force countries to consider alternatives to trading with the United States. China, with its huge economy and resource needs, is an obvious choice. With Mr. Trump assessing even larger tariffs on Chinese goods, Beijing, too, will be more open to finding other outlets for trade. This will almost certainly increase China’s already considerable sway over the region and aid its efforts to build a new model of globalization that serves Chinese, rather than Western, interests. Those efforts continue: China held joint talks in late March with South Korea and Japan on a possible three-way free-trade agreement, and President Xi Jinping last week toured Vietnam, Malaysia and Cambodia to boost economic ties.
All of this raises questions about U.S. security commitments in Asia. Mr. Trump’s “America First” doctrine opposes costly overseas security arrangements — just ask the Ukrainians — and the American public shows waning interest in foreign entanglements. If his trade war weakens U.S. economic engagement with Asia, such sentiment may intensify.
The implications of a less robust American security presence would be far-reaching. China could increase its political and military domination of the region. U.S. allies like Japan and South Korea may, in turn, feel they need to develop nuclear weapons to ensure their security. (Debates have begun on the issue in both countries.) The perception of American unreliability may lead them — and other countries, like Vietnam — to reach some kind of security accommodation with Beijing rather than resist.
Those scenarios seem far-off for now. Some members of Mr. Trump’s team still favor sticking to or expanding U.S. security commitments in Asia, even while reducing them in Europe. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth traveled to Japan and the Philippines in late March to reassure nervous allies of this.
Mr. Trump may eventually drop his tariffs, or the Democratic Party could return to power in four years and try to rebuild relations. But America is unlikely to fully regain the trust that it once enjoyed and that made it the Asia-Pacific region’s undisputed commercial and military power.
With deep expertise in Asia, the Indo-Pacific, and global geopolitics, [James Crabtree](http://wwsg.com/speakers/james-crabtree/) helps audiences understand the forces reshaping international security, commerce, and diplomacy. Drawing on decades of experience as a journalist, policy advisor, and strategist, he delivers nuanced, actionable insights that help leaders navigate an increasingly complex global landscape. [Contact WWSG](http://wwsg.com/contact-us) to bring James Crabtree to your next event.
---
### [James Crabtree: Trump Could Make China Great Again](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/james-crabtree-trump-could-make-china-great-again/)
**Published:** February 18, 2025
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
China hawks in the United States have made what amounted to a Faustian pact with President Donald Trump. Anxious that Beijing’s power was surpassing Washington’s and critical of Democrats such as former President Joe Biden for failing to turn it back, Trump seemed to be the best option for a more robust approach to China. But after the whirlwind start of the new administration, that bargain already looks shaky, raising questions about whether Trump’s much-anticipated pivot to a tougher China policy will instead turn out to be a geopolitical win for Beijing.
Trump’s approach presents a conundrum. On the one hand, he has appointed serious China hawks to important positions, including at the National Security Council, the State Department, and the Defense Department. This team has been crafting the elements of a more competitive approach—albeit with some degree of continuity with Biden’s team.
Visit [**Foreign Policy**](https://foreignpolicy.com/2025/02/18/trump-us-china-hawks-pivot-asia-pacific-europe-russia-nato/) to read the full article.
With deep expertise in Asia, the Indo-Pacific, and global geopolitics, [James Crabtree](http://wwsg.com/speakers/james-crabtree/) helps audiences understand the forces reshaping international security, commerce, and diplomacy. Drawing on decades of experience as a journalist, policy advisor, and strategist, he delivers nuanced, actionable insights that help leaders navigate an increasingly complex global landscape. [Contact WWSG](http://wwsg.com/contact-us) to bring James Crabtree to your next event.
---
### [Patrick McGee: Apple files lawsuit against OpenAI](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/patrick-mcgee-apple-files-lawsuit-against-openai/)
**Published:** July 14, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
Apple is suing OpenAI over apparently stolen trade secrets that may be linked to hardware ambitions. CBS News contributor Patrick McGee joins with more.
[Patrick McGee ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/patrick-mcgee/)brings rare insight to audiences seeking to understand the future of global business and technology. A longtime journalist with the *Financial Times*and former reporter for *The Wall Street Journal*, he has spent more than a decade covering Apple, electric vehicles, and emerging technologies around the world. His reporting and bestselling book [*Apple in China*](https://wwsg.com/announcements/patrick-mcgees-book-apple-in-china-the-capture-of-the-worlds-greatest-company-coming-soon/) draw on hundreds of interviews with executives and engineers to reveal how modern supply chains shape economic power. McGee’s engaging storytelling and deep research make complex topics accessible, giving audiences a clearer understanding of how [technology](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/technology-and-innovation/), [geopolitics](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/geopolitics/), and global markets are evolving. To host him, [contact us](http://wwsg.com/speakers/patrick-mcgee).
---
### [Marc Short on a Potential Government Shutdown](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/marc-short-on-a-potential-government-shutdown/)
**Published:** July 13, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
Marc Short, Chairman of Advancing American Freedom and Former Chief of Staff to Vice President Mike Pence joined Balance of Power to discuss the recent passing of Senator Lindsey Graham. He also discussed how Congress needs to pass appropriations bills or a stopgap by the end of September, otherwise the government will shut down the month before the midterm elections.
[Marc Short](https://wwsg.com/speakers/marc-short/) brings a wealth of high-level government and media experience to the stage, offering audiences a rare, behind-the-scenes perspective on today’s political landscape. As former Chief of Staff to Vice President Mike Pence and Director of Legislative Affairs under President Trump, he provides firsthand insight into the inner workings of Congress and the White House. His current roles as a network contributor and university fellow keep him at the forefront of political trends and bipartisan dialogue. Event planners will find Marc to be a compelling speaker for keynotes or panels focused on leadership, policy, or navigating political change. To host him for a speaking engagement, [contact Worldwide Speakers Group](http://wwsg.com/contact-us).
---
### [Patrick McGee: Why Apple Declared War on OpenAI](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/patrick-mcgee-why-apple-declared-war-on-openai/)
**Published:** July 13, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
### Yes, OpenAI employees may have stolen Apple’s trade secrets. But the lawsuit could also be Apple-style hardball, aimed at crushing its rival’s hardware ambitions before a single product is unveiled.
In Patrick McGee’s latest *The Free Press* article, he examines Apple’s high-profile lawsuit against OpenAI and argues that the case is about far more than alleged trade secret theft. While Apple accuses OpenAI of systematically misappropriating confidential information to build its hardware division, McGee suggests the evidence made public so far is relatively narrow and may not support the company’s broader claims. Instead, he argues the lawsuit reflects a much larger battle over the future of AI-powered consumer devices, with Apple seeking to protect the iPhone’s dominance as OpenAI assembles a world-class hardware team led by former Apple talent. McGee explores how the case could shape OpenAI’s hardware ambitions, its planned IPO, and the broader race to define the next generation of personal technology.
Visit [*The Free Press*](https://www.thefp.com/p/why-apple-declared-war-on-openai) to read the full article by WWSG exclusive speaker Patrick McGee.
[Patrick McGee ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/patrick-mcgee/)brings rare insight to audiences seeking to understand the future of global business and technology. A longtime journalist with the *Financial Times*and former reporter for *The Wall Street Journal*, he has spent more than a decade covering Apple, electric vehicles, and emerging technologies around the world. His reporting and bestselling book [*Apple in China*](https://wwsg.com/announcements/patrick-mcgees-book-apple-in-china-the-capture-of-the-worlds-greatest-company-coming-soon/) draw on hundreds of interviews with executives and engineers to reveal how modern supply chains shape economic power. McGee’s engaging storytelling and deep research make complex topics accessible, giving audiences a clearer understanding of how [technology](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/technology-and-innovation/), [geopolitics](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/geopolitics/), and global markets are evolving. To host him, [contact us](http://wwsg.com/speakers/patrick-mcgee).
---
### [Mark Esper on U.S. Strikes Against Iran and Economic Pressure](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/mark-esper-on-u-s-strikes-against-iran-and-economic-pressure/)
**Published:** July 13, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
The US has launched more strikes against Iran at President Donald Trump’s direction, US Central Command said. Shortly afterward, Iranian media reported explosions in the port city of Bandar Abbas and the islands of Kish, Qeshm and Abu Musa.
Former Defense Secretary Mark Esper told CNN he would like to see the U.S. walk away from the recently agreed-upon memorandum of understanding with Iran. Esper added that increasing economic pressure on Iran is the most effective strategy at this point.
The Honorable [Mark Esper](https://wwsg.com/speakers/mark-esper/) served as U.S. Secretary of Defense and Secretary of the Army, with decades of leadership across[ government](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/government-and-politics/), business, and the military. A West Point Distinguished Graduate and author of *A Sacred Oath*, he now works in venture capital and private equity. A top speaker across[economic and finance](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/economy-and-finance/), [geopolitics](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/geopolitics/), [military leadership](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/military-background/), and[ technology,](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/technology-and-innovation/) Esper brings audiences informed perspectives on global security, leadership, and strategic decision-making. To bring Mark Esper to your next speaking event, [contact WWSG.](http://wwsg.com/contact-us/)
---
### [Edward Fishman: How Choke Points Became Weapons of War](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/edward-fishman-how-choke-points-became-weapons-of-war/)
**Published:** July 10, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
Edward Fishman, senior fellow and director of the Greenberg Center for Geoeconomics at the Council on Foreign Relations, joins School of War to discuss his New York Times best-selling book, Chokepoints: American Power in the Age of Economic Warfare. How has the United States turned the global economy into a strategic weapon? What are the strengths and limits of sanctions? And how are China, Russia, and Iran adapting to a new era of economic warfare?
[Edward Fishman](https://wwsg.com/speakers/edward-fishman/) is one of the world’s foremost experts on [economic statecraft,](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/economy-and-finance/) with deep experience shaping U.S. foreign policy. His *New York Times*–bestselling book [*Chokepoints: American Power in the Age of Economic Warfare*](https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/726149/chokepoints-by-edward-fishman/) is widely regarded as definitive and essential to understand how sanctions, tariffs, and export controls are reshaping the world. A Columbia University scholar, he brings sharp, timely insights into how economic warfare is transforming geopolitics and the business landscape. His ability to translate complex global dynamics into compelling narratives makes him a standout keynote speaker for any audience. [Contact us](http://wwsg.com/contact-us/) today to learn more.
---
### [Sheila Bair on Car Loans & Smart Buying Advice](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/sheila-bair-on-car-loans-smart-buying-advice/)
**Published:** July 13, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
About one in 20 car loans made to young people are in serious delinquency. That’s the highest rate since the global financial crisis. Today on the show, former FDIC chair Sheila Bair answers young listeners’ car buying questions.
Sheila Bair’s book is [How Not to Lose a Million Dollars: A Young Person’s Guide to Avoiding the Tricks and Traps of Our Financial System](https://bookshop.org/p/books/how-not-to-lose-a-million-dollars-sheila-bair/7dd0705caf3afd1d?ean=9780807533512)
Recognized on TIME’s “Top 100” list and named among The Wall Street Journal’s “50 Women to Watch,” Sheila Bair is one of the foremost voices in finance and economics. Serving as Chair of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) from 2006 to 2011, she led the agency through the most severe financial crisis since the Great Depression, helping restore stability and confidence in the U.S. banking system.
Throughout her accomplished career spanning government, academia, and the financial sector, Bair has earned widespread respect for her leadership in financial regulation and consumer protection. Her influence and impact were further recognized by Forbes, which ranked her as the “second most powerful woman in the world.” To host her at your upcoming event, contact WWSG.
---
### [Dr. Sanjay Gupta: From Pro Soccer to Saving Lives](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/dr-sanjay-gupta-from-pro-soccer-to-saving-lives/)
**Published:** July 10, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
Once defending goals in Major League Soccer, Dr. Marshall Leonard now defends lives as a physician. Today, he shares the wisdom that carried him through life transitions. Plus, the time he faced Brazilian soccer legend, Ronaldinho.
[Dr. Sanjay Gupta](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sanjay-gupta/) brings unparalleled credibility, experience, and clarity to the stage as one of the world’s most trusted voices in [health and medicine](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/healthcare-and-wellness/). As CNN’s chief medical correspondent and a practicing neurosurgeon, he has reported on every major health crisis of the last two decades—from the frontlines of natural disasters and war zones to the global Covid-19 pandemic.
Event audiences benefit not only from his deep medical expertise, but also his unique ability to communicate complex topics with clarity, empathy, and relevance. Whether discussing brain health, crisis response, or the intersection of media and medicine, Dr. Gupta delivers insights that are timely, actionable, and deeply resonant for groups of all kinds. [Contact us](http://wwsg.com/contact-us) to host him for a speaking engagement.
---
### [Edward Fishman: Chipmakers Boost Stocks, Meta Explores Cloud Business](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/edward-fishman-chipmakers-boost-stocks-meta-explores-cloud-business/)
**Published:** July 9, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
Today, Edward Fishman, director of the Maurice R. Greenberg Center for Geoeconomics at the Council on Foreign Relations, discusses renewed conflict between Iran and the US and what it means for the global oil trade as the two countries trade strikes. Then, Aaron Mulvihill, global alternatives strategist at JPMorgan Asset Management, breaks down the economic impact of renewed conflict and the market reaction to the AI trade. Plus, Bloomberg technology reporter Maggie Eastland discusses Micron’s move to increase investment in the US to build out memory capability. Then, Bloomberg senior technology reporter Kurt Wagner talks his interview with Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and his company’s move to charge for a tier of its AI model. Finally, Bloomberg senior national political correspondent Nancy Cook discusses the Democratic party’s next move as Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner drops out of the race after allegations of sexual assault.
[Edward Fishman](https://wwsg.com/speakers/edward-fishman/) is one of the world’s foremost experts on [economic statecraft,](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/economy-and-finance/) with deep experience shaping U.S. foreign policy. His *New York Times*–bestselling book [*Chokepoints: American Power in the Age of Economic Warfare*](https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/726149/chokepoints-by-edward-fishman/) is widely regarded as definitive and essential to understand how sanctions, tariffs, and export controls are reshaping the world. A Columbia University scholar, he brings sharp, timely insights into how economic warfare is transforming geopolitics and the business landscape. His ability to translate complex global dynamics into compelling narratives makes him a standout keynote speaker for any audience. [Contact us](http://wwsg.com/contact-us/) today to learn more.
---
### [Niall Ferguson: Trump’s ‘Ceasefire’ Collapses](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/niall-ferguson-trumps-ceasefire-collapses/)
**Published:** July 9, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
Is the ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran over? Is the memorandum of understanding dead? On Wednesday, those questions were put to President Donald Trump at the NATO Summit in Ankara, Turkey, a gathering that came on the heels of renewed strikes between the U.S. and Iran over the Strait of Hormuz.
Here, to make sense of the fragile state of the strait, the stalled negotiations in Iran, and the big ticket questions about the European alliance, Turkey, and China, is Free Press columnist Niall Ferguson. He breaks down how the ceasefire fell apart, why the pathway to managing the Strait of Hormuz is contingent on cooperation from the Gulf States, and what the new status quo looks like—plus: Will the U.S. let Turkey buy F-35 fighter jets, after it was previously barred from doing so? How have hostilities between Russia and Ukraine escalated? And what is China learning from the sidelines?
As one of today’s leading historians and geopolitical thinkers, [Niall Ferguson](http://wwsg.com/speakers/niall-ferguson/) brings exceptional depth and clarity to conversations about global strategy, economic power, and international conflict. His ability to connect history with current events makes him an especially valuable speaker for corporate audiences, leadership forums, and policy-focused conferences seeking insight into today’s rapidly shifting geopolitical landscape. To learn more about hosting Niall Ferguson at your next event, [contact WWSG.](http://wwsg.com/contact-us/)
---
### [Peter Zeihan: The Biggest Global Risks Facing Investors Now](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/peter-zeihan-the-biggest-global-risks-facing-investors-now/)
**Published:** July 7, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
Is the world entering its most dangerous geopolitical and economic transition in decades?
According to geopolitical strategist Peter Zeihan, the answer is yes.
In this week’s Stansberry Investor Hour, Dan Ferris sits down with bestselling author and geopolitical expert Peter Zeihan for a wide-ranging discussion on the wars, demographic shifts, energy shortages, and political upheaval that could reshape the global economy over the next decade.
While many investors remain focused on interest rates and stock prices, Peter argues that the real story lies elsewhere.
Globalization is breaking down.
And the consequences could affect everything—from oil prices and supply chains to China’s economy, America’s industrial future, and the balance of global power.
Peter explains:
• Why the Middle East conflict could create a much larger energy crisis than markets expect
• Why oil production can’t simply be turned back on overnight
• How drones are permanently changing modern warfare
• Why Europe is rapidly preparing for a new security reality
• And why investors should pay close attention to geopolitical risks—not just economic data
The conversation begins with one of Peter’s biggest concerns today:
The world may be underestimating just how fragile the global energy system has become.
Peter explains:
• Why the Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s biggest economic chokepoints
• How refinery shutdowns and diesel shortages could impact global markets
• Why energy infrastructure is becoming increasingly vulnerable
• And why the next supply shock may look very different from previous oil crises But the discussion doesn’t stop there.
Dan and Peter also explore China’s demographic crisis, the future of manufacturing, America’s political transition, AI-powered warfare, Europe’s changing defense strategy, and which countries may emerge stronger over the next decade.
The discussion covers:
• Why Peter believes China’s population may be far smaller than official estimates
• The demographic challenges facing the world’s largest economies
• How AI and autonomous drones are changing the future of warfare
• Why Ukraine has become the world’s testing ground for military innovation
• The long-term outlook for globalization and international trade
• Which countries Peter believes are best positioned for the future
• Why industrial investment has slowed despite growing global uncertainty
• The challenges facing U.S. manufacturing and infrastructure
• How geopolitical instability could affect investors for years to come
• And why the next decade may look nothing like the last
Perhaps the biggest takeaway from the episode is this:
The biggest investment risks may no longer come from the markets themselves.
Instead, Peter argues that demographics, geopolitics, energy security, and global supply chains are becoming the forces that will shape economies—and investment opportunities—for decades to come.
Whether or not all of Peter’s predictions play out, understanding these structural shifts could help investors better prepare for an increasingly uncertain world.
[Peter Zeihan](https://wwsg.com/speakers/peter-zeihan/) is a [top geopolitical speaker](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/geopolitics/) and strategist who helps audiences understand how the world works. Drawing on expertise in demography, economics, energy, politics, and security, he equips organizations to navigate an uncertain future. A *New York Times* bestselling author of *The Accidental Superpower*, *The Absent Superpower*, *Disunited Nations*, and *The End of the World is Just the Beginning*, Zeihan is known for turning complex global issues into clear, engaging insights. [Contact us](http://wwsg.com/contact-us/) to learn more about hosting him.
---
### [Mark Esper on U.S.-Iran Tensions and Middle East Security](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/mark-esper-on-u-s-iran-tensions-and-middle-east-security/)
**Published:** July 8, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
Mark Esper, former Defense Secretary, joins ‘Squawk on the Street’ to discuss the conflict in the Middle East, the Strait of Hormuz, and more.
The Honorable [Mark Esper](https://wwsg.com/speakers/mark-esper/) served as U.S. Secretary of Defense and Secretary of the Army, with decades of leadership across[ government](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/government-and-politics/), business, and the military. A West Point Distinguished Graduate and author of *A Sacred Oath*, he now works in venture capital and private equity. A top speaker across[economic and finance](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/economy-and-finance/), [geopolitics](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/geopolitics/), [military leadership](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/military-background/), and[ technology,](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/technology-and-innovation/) Esper brings audiences informed perspectives on global security, leadership, and strategic decision-making. To bring Mark Esper to your next speaking event, [contact WWSG.](http://wwsg.com/contact-us/)
---
### [George Yeo on America's Deep Divides and China](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/george-yeo-on-americas-deep-divides-and-china/)
**Published:** February 27, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
##### George Yeo, in an interview with ThinkChina editor Chow Yian Ping, explores America’s deep social pain, China’s struggle with corruption rooted in Confucian ties, and why change is hard. He also weighs the risk of war in the Taiwan Strait and Singapore’s future in a fast-shifting world order. This is the first episode of ThinkChina Conversations, a series of in-depth interviews with experts on China.
George Yeo brings audiences an insider’s perspective on the geopolitical forces reshaping global business, trade, and international diplomacy. Drawing on decades of leadership in government and the private sector, he equips organizations with practical insights into navigating an increasingly complex world. [Contact WWSG](http://wwsg.com/contact-us/) to learn more.
---
### [George Yeo: China does not want Russia to fall](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/george-yeo-china-does-not-want-russia-to-fall/)
**Published:** October 31, 2025
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
**At the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) meeting in Tianjin, we saw four leaders: the leaders of China, Russia, India, and North Korea. Did China form an anti-Western alliance?**
SCO has a long history. It played a critical role in maintaining peace in the vast region of Eurasia after the collapse of the Soviet Union. Because of good diplomacy by Russia, by China and by Kazakhstan under President Nazarbayev, there was no revolution, no civil war, and that is very important. Since then, the SCO has grown in membership. North Korea is not part of it. We had Modi, Xi Jinping, and Putin, and they were holding hands and having a conversation and smiling at one another.
The most important signal is that China and India are normalizing their relations. The Americans were hoping, and to some extent, the Europeans too, that India could join them against China. This did not happen because India has its own core position. For example, when the Ukraine war started, America wanted India to support Ukraine, but India has a long relationship with Russia and will not disavow the Russians. Then, later on, earlier this year, the Indians and the Pakistanis had a small air war, and India wanted the Americans to support them against Pakistan. But the Americans won’t do it either. In fact, Trump invited the head of the Pakistani army to the White House for lunch, and he agreed to nominate Trump for the Nobel Prize. So each has his own interest to look after.
**But it’s a very strong bond between America and India. And we know that in parallel, India also has a traditional relationship with Russia. Trump punished India with a huge tariff because India hadn’t given up buying Russian energy. Was the Indian participation in this summit an open defiance of the US?**
Well, I don’t think you can bully India. India is too big. India is too proud to be bullied by Trump like that. And India has also come to the conclusion that it’s in its own interest, regardless of Trump, to normalize its relations with China.
### ‘The most important signal is that China and India are normalizing their relations’
And the Chinese have always wanted that. The process has begun. This represents the continuing crystallization of a multipolar world.
**India traditionally had a neutral position, the policy of strategic autonomy. Do you consider the appearance of the Indian Prime Minister in Tianjin a geopolitical turning point?**
It’s not that dramatic. It’s a combination of many months of diplomatic effort. The two of them had already met in Kazan at an earlier meeting, and this time around, Modi went back to China after seven years. So a lot of attention was paid to that visit, and the Chinese, of course, extended hospitality to him. That was reported positively all over India.
**North Korea was there too. This state is a threat to all of Asia and an open military supporter of Russia in its war against Ukraine. What was the point of inviting North Korea to be in this company? What was the message of China with that?**
China doesn’t consider North Korea to be a threat. After the Second World War, during the Korean War, China was completely on the side of North Korea, and with Chinese volunteers, they were able to drive the American-led UN forces back to the south. In the end, after prolonged negotiations, they had a ceasefire, which continues till today, a ceasefire without a peace agreement. When China opened up, it began to develop good relations with South Korea, but China always give a higher protocol standing to North Korea. The ambassador to North Korea has the status of a vice minister.
**China lifts the North Korean leader up to this prestigious company of the Russian president and the Indian Prime Minister. Why?**
China and North Korea have always enjoyed good relations, and China have always extended the highest courtesy to North Korean leaders. With Putin, it was interesting because North Korea sent a contingent to help Russia in Kursk, and they died there; they sacrificed their lives out of friendship with Russia. They have a treaty by which they help each other. This was on 3 September, the 80th anniversary of the end of the anti-Japanese war.
### ‘China doesn’t consider North Korea to be a threat’
China organized a very big parade, and Putin came. So did Kim Jong Un from North Korea, and he came by train. One step away, there was Tokayev from Kazakhstan and Prabowo from Indonesia, because when Xi Jinping announced the Belt and Road Initiative in 2013, he did it first in Kazakhstan and then in Indonesia. These two countries are very important for the Belt and Road. So it was a public display of China’s strategic worldview of friendship with Russia, North Korea, Kazakhstan and Indonesia.
**The Siberia 2 gas pipeline will be built between Russia and China, and that was agreed in Tianjin, too. This project shows that Beijing openly supports the Russian war ambitions by strategically buying energy from Russia. China is not a neutral participant anymore, right?**
China is trying to be very careful on Ukraine and has listed its principles. The first principle is territorial integrity. So that principle is a criticism of Russia. But the second principle is that security is indivisible. Your desire for security must not infringe upon mine. There is a criticism of NATO’s own expansion. Between Russia and China, they have a strategic friendship, partly because both come under pressure from the West. The Chinese fear that the West will work with Russia against China. But this will not happen. So, on the Ukraine war, China is very careful; it wants to have economic relations with Russia, not to be involved in military exports, highly controlled conduit use, and it keeps its relationship with Europe and with Ukraine.
### ‘The Chinese fear that the West will work with Russia against China. But this will not happen’
China’s position is not unlike India’s position. They try to be very careful and not take sides fully, but strategically, China does not want Russia to fall. If Russia were defeated, then China would face full pressure. It has a strategic interest in keeping Russia going economically, knowing further that Russia is able to look after its own military needs.
**China’s most important strategic, military, political, and economic goals are concentrated in the Pacific region. Should the Pacific states, including your country, Singapore, be afraid of China these years?**
For many centuries, the great strategic thinkers in China have worried about security from the north, from the west or from the sea, but never from the south. Southeast Asia has an old relationship with China; the countries of Southeast Asia will always pay tribute to China and show respect, but China never really invaded Southeast Asia. A few wars on the border, but nothing too serious, and today, Southeast Asia has a very good relationship with China. China is our biggest trade partner for all ten of us. No one wants China as an enemy. Americans put pressure on us to choose, but no one wants to choose against China. And I tell my American friends: Don’t push too hard, because the response may not be quite what you like.
**So the ASEAN countries see the geopolitics in a different way than Japan, South Korea or Taiwan, right? They trade with China, and they are a bit dependent on Chinese goods. But what would happen if China wanted to expand its political influence in the South?**
We’ve seen China in all its early incarnations. China is a predictable power. The current conflict with Southeast Asia is over maritime claims in the South China Sea because they overlap. Things have calmed down, but recently, with the Philippines, there’s been a problem. The Americans support the Philippines, which gives the Philippines more courage to take on the Chinese. I think it’s unwise, I think it’s best to settle these things by negotiation, but they’re complicated, and those of us who are not really involved should not get involved.
**Hypothetically asking, if China, in ten years’ time, decided to use military means to resolve the Taiwan issue, would this change of status quo change your position, Singapore’s official position on China?**
China would go to war with Taiwan if it were necessary. And the reason is because of historical justice. Taiwan was taken from China by Japan in 1894 when it defeated the Chinese navy. China felt that this was coercion. And towards the end of the Second World War, in 1943, leaders met in Cairo. Roosevelt was there, and Churchill, and General Chiang Kai-shek, and it was agreed that after the war, Taiwan would be returned to China. So China’s claim to Taiwan is not illegal. The One China principle was established by international agreements. Kissinger repeatedly re-negotiated it with Mao Zedong; they kept coming back to Taiwan in order to get China on board against the Soviet Union. America recognized Beijing as the sole legal government of One China. So, there is no doubt that Taiwan belongs to China.
### ‘China does not want Russia to fall. If Russia were defeated, then China would face full pressure’
The question is: even though China has the right to unify by force, does it want to? They don’t need to, because militarily, the US cannot prevent it from happening. If they try, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) will be destroyed. If TSMC is destroyed, America and Europe will be without important chips. China has alternatives. The US cannot provoke a war on Taiwan, and China does not want a war in Taiwan unless it’s provoked by the US. I’m not worried about the war over Taiwan for the next five years.
**Can the Taiwanese government declare independence in any situation?**
No Taiwanese government can declare independence without American support.
**You said that ASEAN, as a regional cooperation, is not a balancing power against, but a trading partner of China. Will your organization remain an economic alliance, or is there a chance that it will become more political in the future?**
ASEAN is different from the European Union. You know, we never vote in ASEAN; in the European Union, they vote on everything, including the menu. We just discuss, we look after one another’s needs. If you can’t agree, we postpone it, we establish an expert group to get officials to study further, and we always work on consensus. It is a very Asian way of saving face, of overcoming difficulties. But the direction is clear that ASEAN should become more united, that we should not take sides, that we should be friendly to China, to Japan, to America, to Europe, to India, to anybody. But if anyone pushes too hard, then we will lean in the other direction. So don’t push us too hard. This is not in your interest. This is the ASEAN way. And because of that, ASEAN is a platform which is a very good convening platform.
### ‘I’m not worried about the war over Taiwan for the next five years’
We still have an ASEAN Regional Forum where North and South Korea, Japan, Russia and the US sit around the table to talk. You may disagree with one another, but here in ASEAN, we have to be polite to one another, and we talk to one another with respect. This is very powerful. When Trump met Kim Jong for the first time, that was in Singapore; the second time, it was in Hanoi. This is a special position. And when China first talked to Taiwan in 1992, it was in Singapore. The second time, in 2015, between Xi Jinping and Ma Ying-jeou, it was again in Singapore. This shows how useful we are.
**A small country, but influential, right?**
By serving others, not by dominating them.
**I see. My last question. Can the SCO be the organization which is capable of energizing the formation of a real new Eastern bloc, including the BRICS countries, and the global South, being the leading force to create a new multipolar world order—a new reality?**
Oh, very much so. The SCO states represent a part of the world that has a majority of the world’s population and is growing very fast. So in ten years’ time, the SCO economies will be big economies, and the BRICS will be even bigger. The idea is not to be anti-Western. The idea is to keep the West honest. So that the US cannot use the G7 or other international institutions to bully non-Western countries. It cannot be that, in the G7 or by the IMF, you make decisions and impose them on everybody, because now we have alternatives—whether in foreign exchange clearing, trade, energy security, and so on. For example, both Iran and North Korea are now connected to China and Russia, so the Western blockade against them can no longer succeed. This has huge implications.
George Yeo brings audiences an insider’s perspective on the geopolitical forces reshaping global business, trade, and international diplomacy. Drawing on decades of leadership in government and the private sector, he equips organizations with practical insights into navigating an increasingly complex world. C[ontact WWSG](http://wwsg.com/contact-us/) to learn more.
---
### [George Yeo on Asia's Balance of Power](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/george-yeo-on-asias-balance-of-power/)
**Published:** October 9, 2025
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
Former Minister for Foreign Affairs of Singapore George Yeo said his country and other Asian countries have a duty to share regional power at an Institute of Politics Forum on Wednesday night.
Yeo, who helped negotiate the pivotal 2003 U.S.-Singapore Free Trade Agreement, said that Asia’s future economic success depends on cooperation and a balance of power between countries rather than outright competition as the economies of India and China continue to grow.
“For Southeast Asia, an equilibrium is desperately important,” Yeo said.
Yeo opened his remarks by criticizing President Donald J. Trump’s actions towards Asian countries.
“Trump has been very hard on Asian countries, threatening them, browbeating them, bullying them,” Yeo said.
Over the past year, the Trump administration has enacted tariffs ranging from 46 to 49 percent on imports from Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam, forcing the region to rely more heavily on trade deals with China. His actions have been widely criticized by regional leaders, including Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.
Yeo compared the behavior of the U.S. to several fallen states in history such as the Ottoman and Roman Empires, warning that if Trump’s approach to international relations continued, the U.S. would face a similar fate.
“Speak softly. Carry a big stick. You’ll go far,” Yeo said, referencing a quote from former U.S. President Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt Jr.
“The U.S. is not speaking softly,” he said.
Yeo added that Southeast Asian countries should prepare for the U.S. to make unpredictable foreign policy decisions, which may increase China’s economic power over the region.
“Throughout Asia, we are all feeling the rise of China, and if the U.S. retreats, there will be a transitional period where the imbalance may become very unsettling,” Yeo said.
“Southeast Asia is where the mandalas of China, India, and the West overlap,” Yeo said, referencing a metaphor first made by the Australian historian Wang Gungwu. Yeo said he hoped that the U.S. and China would learn to cooperate despite the difficulties caused by three global superpowers exerting influence in the same region.
“I think it’s possible. It will take time, but it’s worth doing,” Yeo said.
Yeo added that a multipolar world requires the global embrace of “heterogeneity.”
“The poles are not all the same. They’re different, but it’s a world where we have to be more respectful of one another, restrain from trying to make others like us, and look after each other’s interests,” Yeo said.
Yeo ended his talk by discussing American politics.
“When you turn inwards and stop learning from others, your decline is terminal. So what is happening in America should be fought,” he said when asked about the difficulties the “Make America Great Again” movement poses to the relationship between the U.S. and China.
“In bad times, people disappear, people break. The people who remain firm, committed to the vision, they are the people who will build the institution for the future,” Yeo said.
George Yeo brings audiences an insider’s perspective on the geopolitical forces reshaping global business, trade, and international diplomacy. Drawing on decades of leadership in government and the private sector, he equips organizations with practical insights into navigating an increasingly complex world. [Contact WWSG](http://wwsg.com/contact-us/) to learn more.
---
### [Seema Verma: AI Rewiring the Machine](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/seema-verma-ai-rewiring-the-machine/)
**Published:** July 7, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
In a conversation focused on the technology underlying AI in health care, Chip is joined by Seema Verma, former administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), and now Executive Vice President and General Manager at Oracle Health and Life Sciences, the second largest electronic health records (EHR) platform in the U.S. Seema shares her insights on the evolution of EHRs and why it’s necessary to redesign these systems to better integrate AI capabilities and improve the quality of care.
Seema Verma is a national health policy expert known for her meaningful and successful implementation of new programs for Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), where she served as Administrator from 2017-2021. Verma’s engaging speeches are punctuated by her admirable intellect and relevant pulse on all things healthcare-related. [Contact WWSG](http://wwsg.com/contact-us/) to learn more.
---
### [Pierre Yared: What global factors could make inflation less stable?](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/pierre-yared-what-global-factors-could-make-inflation-less-stable/)
**Published:** May 23, 2024
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
In this Brookings Podcast on Economic Activity discussion, economist [Pierre Yared](http://wwsg.com/speakers/pierre-yared) explains why the long era of low and stable inflation before 2021 may have been supported not only by effective central banking, but also by powerful global trends that made inflation easier to control. He argues that globalization, market liberalization, fiscal discipline, and declining unionization all helped suppress prices and wages, reducing inflationary pressures across advanced economies.
Yared’s central message is that many of those favorable conditions are now reversing. He points to deglobalization, geopolitical fragmentation, supply-chain restructuring, and changing fiscal and political pressures as factors that could make inflation more volatile in the years ahead. Rather than predicting permanently high inflation, Yared suggests that economies may experience more frequent inflation spikes as governments and central banks navigate these new challenges.
He also emphasizes that central banks will face growing political pressure as policymakers balance inflation control against competing priorities such as employment, economic growth, government spending, and public dissatisfaction with high interest rates. Ultimately, Yared argues that maintaining price stability will require renewed commitment to central bank independence and inflation-targeting frameworks in an increasingly complex global environment.
To host Pierre Yared, [contact WWSG](http://wwsg.com/contact-us).
---
### [Dr. Sanjay Gupta: How to Tap Into Your 'Flow State'](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/dr-sanjay-gupta-how-to-tap-into-your-flow-state/)
**Published:** July 7, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
When Lionel Messi and fellow stars of the FIFA World Cup enter “the zone,” what’s happening in their brains? Today, neuroscientist Dr. Rui Costa tells Sanjay how you can think like a top athlete and find your own “flow state.”
[Dr. Sanjay Gupta](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sanjay-gupta/) brings unparalleled credibility, experience, and clarity to the stage as one of the world’s most trusted voices in [health and medicine](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/healthcare-and-wellness/). As CNN’s chief medical correspondent and a practicing neurosurgeon, he has reported on every major health crisis of the last two decades—from the frontlines of natural disasters and war zones to the global Covid-19 pandemic.
Event audiences benefit not only from his deep medical expertise, but also his unique ability to communicate complex topics with clarity, empathy, and relevance. Whether discussing brain health, crisis response, or the intersection of media and medicine, Dr. Gupta delivers insights that are timely, actionable, and deeply resonant for groups of all kinds. [Contact us](http://wwsg.com/contact-us) to host him for a speaking engagement.
---
### [Chris Miller: What would multilateral ‘AI arms control’ look like?](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/chris-miller-what-would-multilateral-ai-arms-control-look-like/)
**Published:** July 6, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
As the global race for artificial intelligence intensifies, debate over AI regulation is increasingly shaped by strategic competition between the United States and China. While the Trump administration has imposed tighter oversight on leading American AI companies, Chinese firms continue to narrow the gap with increasingly capable frontier models, raising questions about whether unilateral regulation could weaken U.S. competitiveness without meaningfully improving global security.
The article explores whether Washington and Beijing could reach an agreement on AI safety despite their broader geopolitical rivalry. It examines potential areas for cooperation—including biosecurity standards—while arguing that issues such as cyber operations, autonomous weapons, and verification present formidable obstacles. Drawing parallels to Cold War arms control, it concludes that without a reliable way to verify compliance, meaningful AI agreements remain unlikely, leaving both nations focused on accelerating the race for technological leadership.
Visit the [*Financial Times*](https://www.ft.com/content/7aa4b53d-2e07-4971-9e30-8b0c63eb4ff2) to read the full article by Chris Miller.
Professor [Chris Miller](https://wwsg.com/speakers/chris-miller/) is a geopolitical expert who talks about the origin, impact, and future of AI. He is the author of *Chip War: The Fight for the World’s Most Critical Technology*, a book that explains how computer chips have made the modern world—and how the U.S. and China are struggling for control over this fundamental technology. C*hip War* won *Financial Times’* [Best Business Book of the Year](https://wwsg.com/blog/congratulations-to-wwsg-exclusive-speaker-chris-miller/ "https://wwsg.com/blog/congratulations-to-wwsg-exclusive-speaker-chris-miller/") award. Breaking down the motives behind international politics and economics in a thoughtful and concise manner, Miller provides audiences with fresh, alternative perspectives and leaves them wanting to know more. [Contact WWSG](https://wwsg.com/contact-us/) to host him at your next event.
---
### [Niall Ferguson on Henry Kissinger’s Very American Life](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/niall-ferguson-on-henry-kissingers-very-american-life/)
**Published:** July 3, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
**In what other country could a penniless Jewish refugee become the secretary of state?**
In a new essay for *The Free Press*, Niall Ferguson reflects on the extraordinary life and legacy of Henry Kissinger, arguing that his rise from a Jewish refugee fleeing Nazi Germany to U.S. Secretary of State represents a uniquely American success story. Ferguson explores how Kissinger’s experiences during World War II shaped his realist approach to foreign policy, influencing landmark achievements including détente with the Soviet Union, the opening of diplomatic relations with China, and Middle East diplomacy. He also examines the enduring controversies surrounding Kissinger’s career, contending that his legacy reflects America’s longstanding tension between global leadership and skepticism of power.
**Visit [*The Free Press*](https://www.thefp.com/p/great-americans-niall-ferguson-on) to read Niall Ferguson’s full article.**
---
### [Michael Auslin: The Declaration of Independence](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/michael-auslin-the-declaration-of-independence-2/)
**Published:** July 1, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
The year is 2004. Jonah Goldberg and Steve Hayes, young and clean shaven, stride through the National Archives. Stopping, they gaze down at a yellowed leaf of parchment. “I’m gonna steal it.” Jonah mutters. “What?” Steve asks. Jonah clenches his jaw. “I’m gonna steal the Declaration of Independence.”
Fortunately, Steve talked Jonah out of his hairbrained scheme and both men remained free, unincarcerated citizens. Unfortunately, the many secrets of the Declaration that Jonah hoped to uncover remained lost to history … until now. To mark and celebrate the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding, Jonah is joined by Michael Auslin, author of National Treasure:How the Declaration of Independence Made America, to dive into the oft-forgotten history of our founding document, including: who didn’t sign the Declaration, Button Gwinnett’s signature, the Confederate view of the Declaration, America’s enlightened consensus, Declaration historiography, George III, Thomas Paine’s Common Sense, John Quincy Adams, Abraham Lincoln, Paine v. Burke, and what it means to be a credal country.
One of America’s leading historians, Michael Auslin stands at the forefront of the national conversation surrounding America’s 250th anniversary as the author of the forthcoming history [*National Treasure: How the Declaration of Independence Made America*](https://wwsg.com/announcements/coming-soon-national-treasure-by-dr-michael-auslin/). Through his deeply researched and timely work, Auslin examines how the principles enshrined in the Declaration shaped not only the United States, but the modern world itself. Drawing on his work at Stanford’s Hoover Institution, Yale, and decades of historical analysis, he illuminates how America’s founding ideas continue to influence global politics, economics, and democratic movements.
For event planners seeking a speaker who can authoritatively explain how America’s past forged today’s geopolitical realities—and why understanding that past is essential to navigating the nation’s future—Auslin offers unmatched perspective. His presentations provide audiences with both historical depth and strategic clarity at a pivotal moment in the American story. To host him at your speaking engagement, [contact us](http://wwsg.com/contact-us).
---
### [Ian Bremmer: America's 250th Birthday](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/ian-bremmer-americas-250th-birthday/)
**Published:** July 4, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
As America Turns 250, Ian explains why the country’s current divisions aren’t as unprecedented as they may seem.
Ian Bremmer brings exceptional value as a speaker through his ability to clearly explain complex [geopolitical risks](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/geopolitics/) and global power dynamics in a way that is both accessible and highly relevant to business and policy audiences. His insights help organizations and leaders anticipate global instability and make more informed strategic decisions. To learn more about hosting Ian Bremmer, [contact WWSG](http://wwsg.com/contact-us).
---
### [Michael Auslin: Can Civic Friendship Save America?](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/michael-auslin-can-civic-friendship-save-america/)
**Published:** June 30, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
Michael Auslin argues that America’s growing political and social divisions have eroded the sense of civic friendship necessary for a healthy democracy. Drawing on the philosophy of Aristotle and the enduring lessons of Fred Rogers, he contends that rebuilding national unity requires more than civics education—it demands a renewed commitment to what he calls “civic assimilation”: a shared respect for the Declaration of Independence, the public square, and the responsibilities of citizenship. As the nation marks its 250th anniversary, Auslin makes the case that restoring civic solidarity is essential to preserving America’s democratic experiment.
**Read [Michael Auslin’s full article here](https://www.civitasoutlook.com/research/can-civic-friendship-save-america) to explore his vision for rebuilding civic friendship and strengthening the foundations of American democracy.**
One of America’s leading historians, Michael Auslin stands at the forefront of the national conversation surrounding America’s 250th anniversary as the author of the forthcoming history [*National Treasure: How the Declaration of Independence Made America*](https://wwsg.com/announcements/coming-soon-national-treasure-by-dr-michael-auslin/). Through his deeply researched and timely work, Auslin examines how the principles enshrined in the Declaration shaped not only the United States, but the modern world itself. Drawing on his work at Stanford’s Hoover Institution, Yale, and decades of historical analysis, he illuminates how America’s founding ideas continue to influence global politics, economics, and democratic movements.
For event planners seeking a speaker who can authoritatively explain how America’s past forged today’s geopolitical realities—and why understanding that past is essential to navigating the nation’s future—Auslin offers unmatched perspective. His presentations provide audiences with both historical depth and strategic clarity at a pivotal moment in the American story. To host him at your speaking engagement, [contact us](http://wwsg.com/contact-us).
---
### [Michael Auslin: The Man Who Saved the Declaration of Independence](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/michael-auslin-the-man-who-saved-the-declaration-of-independence/)
**Published:** June 28, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
It’s time to honor State Department clerk Stephen Pleasonton.
When tourists journey to Washington, D.C., this year to help celebrate the country’s 250th anniversary, many of them will surely pay a visit to the National Archives to see the original Declaration of Independence. But without the courage of a State Department clerk back in 1814, they would be staring at an empty shrine, the priceless scroll having been incinerated with much of Washington so long ago. More than two centuries after his heroics, it’s time to formally recognize Stephen Pleasonton for saving America’s national treasure.
Visit *[National Review](https://www.nationalreview.com/2026/06/the-man-who-saved-the-declaration-of-independence/)* to read the full article.
One of America’s leading historians, Michael Auslin stands at the forefront of the national conversation surrounding America’s 250th anniversary as the author of the forthcoming history [*National Treasure: How the Declaration of Independence Made America*](https://wwsg.com/announcements/coming-soon-national-treasure-by-dr-michael-auslin/). Through his deeply researched and timely work, Auslin examines how the principles enshrined in the Declaration shaped not only the United States, but the modern world itself. Drawing on his work at Stanford’s Hoover Institution, Yale, and decades of historical analysis, he illuminates how America’s founding ideas continue to influence global politics, economics, and democratic movements.
For event planners seeking a speaker who can authoritatively explain how America’s past forged today’s geopolitical realities—and why understanding that past is essential to navigating the nation’s future—Auslin offers unmatched perspective. His presentations provide audiences with both historical depth and strategic clarity at a pivotal moment in the American story. To host him at your speaking engagement, [contact us](http://wwsg.com/contact-us).
---
### [Michael Auslin: Discussing America's 250th Anniversary](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/michael-auslin-discussing-americas-250th-anniversary/)
**Published:** June 30, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
Hardball with Chris Matthews + Admiral Nancy Lacore + Philip Bump + Author Michael Auslin by Chris Matthews
A recording from Chris Matthews’s live video
[Read on Substack](https://thechrismatthews.substack.com/p/hardball-with-chris-matthews-admiral)
One of America’s leading historians, Michael Auslin stands at the forefront of the national conversation surrounding America’s 250th anniversary as the author of the forthcoming history [*National Treasure: How the Declaration of Independence Made America*](https://wwsg.com/announcements/coming-soon-national-treasure-by-dr-michael-auslin/). Through his deeply researched and timely work, Auslin examines how the principles enshrined in the Declaration shaped not only the United States, but the modern world itself. Drawing on his work at Stanford’s Hoover Institution, Yale, and decades of historical analysis, he illuminates how America’s founding ideas continue to influence global politics, economics, and democratic movements.
For event planners seeking a speaker who can authoritatively explain how America’s past forged today’s geopolitical realities—and why understanding that past is essential to navigating the nation’s future—Auslin offers unmatched perspective. His presentations provide audiences with both historical depth and strategic clarity at a pivotal moment in the American story. To host him at your speaking engagement, [contact us](http://wwsg.com/contact-us).
---
### [Michael Auslin: How a Forgotten Document Became America’s Defining Idea](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/michael-auslin-how-a-forgotten-document-became-americas-defining-idea/)
**Published:** June 24, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal . . . .” These are some of the best-known words in American history. Michael Auslin, author of “National Treasure” and a fellow at the Hoover Institution, argues that the Declaration of Independence remains a unifying touchstone for Americans. Auslin joins Walter Isaacson to explain.
One of America’s leading historians, Michael Auslin stands at the forefront of the national conversation surrounding America’s 250th anniversary as the author of the forthcoming history [*National Treasure: How the Declaration of Independence Made America*](https://wwsg.com/announcements/coming-soon-national-treasure-by-dr-michael-auslin/). Through his deeply researched and timely work, Auslin examines how the principles enshrined in the Declaration shaped not only the United States, but the modern world itself. Drawing on his work at Stanford’s Hoover Institution, Yale, and decades of historical analysis, he illuminates how America’s founding ideas continue to influence global politics, economics, and democratic movements.
For event planners seeking a speaker who can authoritatively explain how America’s past forged today’s geopolitical realities—and why understanding that past is essential to navigating the nation’s future—Auslin offers unmatched perspective. His presentations provide audiences with both historical depth and strategic clarity at a pivotal moment in the American story. To host him at your speaking engagement, [contact us](http://wwsg.com/contact-us).
---
### [David Frum: The American Experiment](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/david-frum-the-american-experiment/)
**Published:** July 1, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
In this week’s episode of “The David Frum Show,” The Atlantic’s David Frum discusses the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. David discusses how he hopes Americans can find a future where we rediscover how much there is to be proud of in the American experience and offers a comparison to another turbulent time in American history: the Compromise of 1850.
Then, David is joined by The Atlantic’s editor in chief, Jeffrey Goldberg, to discuss the impending celebration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of independence and whether the ideas in that document still ring true in the Trump era.
Finally, David ends the episode with a discussion of “City on a Hill: A History of American Exceptionalism” by Abram Van Engen and the origins of the phrase “a shining city on a hill.”
As two of today’s most respected voices in [politics](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/government-and-politics/), [economics](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/economy-and-finance/), and [global affairs](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/geopolitics/), David Frum and Lloyd Blankfein bring exceptional insight and real-world experience to the stage. Frum’s sharp political analysis combined with Blankfein’s decades of leadership at the highest levels of finance creates a compelling perspective for audiences seeking clarity on markets, policy, leadership, and global economic trends. To learn more about hosting David Frum or Lloyd Blankfein at your next event, [contact WWSG.](http://wwsg.com/contact-us)
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### [Peter Zeihan: Russia Gets Knocked Off Its Horse](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/peter-zeihan-russia-gets-knocked-off-its-horse/)
**Published:** July 1, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
Ukraine has struck a key semiconductor facility in Voronezh that could significantly weaken the Russians’ ability to produce advanced military equipment.
Russia is already struggling to replace military hardware lost in the war, and damage to this facility (and the other major chip plant near Moscow) would force it to depend heavily on Chinese components. These would be less compatible with Russian military systems and would reduce the quantity and quality of Russia’s weapons.
As Ukraine continues to expand its drone capabilities with foreign support, we’re entering a new phase of this war where Russian tech limitations play a bigger role on the battlefield.
[Peter Zeihan](https://wwsg.com/speakers/peter-zeihan/) is a [top geopolitical speaker](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/geopolitics/) and strategist who helps audiences understand how the world works. Drawing on expertise in demography, economics, energy, politics, and security, he equips organizations to navigate an uncertain future. A *New York Times* bestselling author of *The Accidental Superpower*, *The Absent Superpower*, *Disunited Nations*, and *The End of the World is Just the Beginning*, Zeihan is known for turning complex global issues into clear, engaging insights. [Contact us](http://wwsg.com/contact-us/) to learn more about hosting him.
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### [Scott Gottlieb: Concerns Over Drug Trials in China](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/scott-gottlieb-concerns-over-drug-trials-in-china/)
**Published:** June 30, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
Former FDA Commissioner Dr. Scott Gottlieb joins ‘Squawk Box’ to discuss the FDA’s selection of seven companies for its PreCheck Pilot Program, concerns over drug trials in China, and more
As a speaker, Scott Gottlieb brings audiences a rare combination of frontline [government experience](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/government-and-politics/), [healthcare policy expertise](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/healthcare-and-wellness/), and clear, data-driven analysis on public health, biotech, regulation, and crisis management. Event planners can book Dr. Gottlieb through [Worldwide Speakers Group](https://wwsg.com?utm_source=chatgpt.com) for keynote presentations, moderated conversations, and executive-level health and policy briefings.
---
### [Dr. Sanjay Gupta: Eating Before or After Strength Training](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/dr-sanjay-gupta-eating-before-or-after-strength-training/)
**Published:** June 30, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
Strength training can be confusing enough on its own. But mix in what —and when— to eat, and you might just choose to sit on the couch instead. Dr. Sanjay Gupta serves up answers in this episode of Paging Dr. Gupta. Plus, getting to the root cause of hair loss in women can help narrow down treatment choice.
[Dr. Sanjay Gupta](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sanjay-gupta/) brings unparalleled credibility, experience, and clarity to the stage as one of the world’s most trusted voices in [health and medicine](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/healthcare-and-wellness/). As CNN’s chief medical correspondent and a practicing neurosurgeon, he has reported on every major health crisis of the last two decades—from the frontlines of natural disasters and war zones to the global Covid-19 pandemic.
Event audiences benefit not only from his deep medical expertise, but also his unique ability to communicate complex topics with clarity, empathy, and relevance. Whether discussing brain health, crisis response, or the intersection of media and medicine, Dr. Gupta delivers insights that are timely, actionable, and deeply resonant for groups of all kinds. [Contact us](http://wwsg.com/contact-us) to host him for a speaking engagement.
---
### [Pierre Yared on the Changing Forces Behind Inflation](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/pierre-yared-on-the-changing-forces-behind-inflation/)
**Published:** April 30, 2024
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
The CEPR VoxEU article, *Changing Central Bank Pressures and Inflation*, examines why inflation may become more difficult to control in the years ahead, even as many advanced economies have brought recent price increases closer to central bank targets. Co-authored by WWSG speaker Pierre Yared, the research argues that many of the forces that helped keep inflation low for decades—including globalization, market liberalization, fiscal discipline, and declining unionization—are weakening or reversing. As a result, central banks could face growing political and economic pressure when balancing inflation, employment, government spending, and economic growth.
Rather than suggesting that permanently high inflation is inevitable, the authors contend that maintaining stable prices will require stronger institutional independence for central banks and credible long-term fiscal policies. Their research highlights how shifting political and economic dynamics—not just monetary policy—will shape inflation and financial stability in the coming decade, making these issues increasingly relevant for business leaders, policymakers, and investors.
As one of today’s leading economists and experts on monetary policy, global markets, and political economy, [Pierre Yared](http://wwsg.com/speakers/pierre-yared) helps audiences understand the forces shaping inflation, economic growth, and public policy. His ability to translate complex economic research into practical insights makes him an exceptional keynote speaker for conferences, executive meetings, and leadership events. To learn more about hosting Pierre Yared at your next event, [contact WWSG.](http://wwsg.com/contact-us)
---
### [Eric Holcomb Talks AI in Jobs](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/eric-holcomb-talks-ai-in-jobs/)
**Published:** June 29, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
Former Governor Eric Holcomb (R-IN) and Co-Founder of RAISE US speaks on Uniting the Nation’s Leading Employers and Bipartisan Governors Behind American Workers (AI related jobs initiative) with Bloomberg’s Carol Massar and Tim Stenovec.
[Eric Holcomb](https://wwsg.com/speakers/eric-holcomb/) is a dynamic and results-driven leader with a proven track record in economic growth, infrastructure development, and workforce innovation. As Indiana’s 51st Governor, he spearheaded transformative initiatives that positioned the state as a national leader in business, technology, and public health. His ability to engage audiences with real-world insights on leadership, economic development, and policy innovation makes him an invaluable keynote speaker for any event.
---
### [Edward Fishman: Global Economy Just Changed Forever](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/edward-fishman-global-economy-just-changed-forever/)
**Published:** June 28, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
[Edward Fishman](https://wwsg.com/speakers/edward-fishman/) is one of the world’s foremost experts on [economic statecraft,](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/economy-and-finance/) with deep experience shaping U.S. foreign policy. His *New York Times*–bestselling book [*Chokepoints: American Power in the Age of Economic Warfare*](https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/726149/chokepoints-by-edward-fishman/) is widely regarded as definitive and essential to understand how sanctions, tariffs, and export controls are reshaping the world. A Columbia University scholar, he brings sharp, timely insights into how economic warfare is transforming geopolitics and the business landscape. His ability to translate complex global dynamics into compelling narratives makes him a standout keynote speaker for any audience. [Contact us](http://wwsg.com/contact-us/) today to learn more.
---
### [Sara Fischer: The Future of Media Is Audio](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/sara-fischer-the-future-of-media-is-audio/)
**Published:** June 15, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
Scott Galloway is joined by Sara Fischer, media correspondent at Axios and CNN analyst, to answer your questions on the state of American media — from the future of 60 Minutes to billionaire ownership of the press to the economics of podcasting.
[Sara Fischer](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sara-fischer/), a digital media and technology reporter at Axios, is a trusted voice on the evolving intersection of media, advertising, and tech. Known for her sharp analysis of trends shaping the future of media, she dives deep into the dynamics of platforms like Disney, Netflix, and Google, offering insightful perspectives on how companies are leveraging data and tech to transform the ad landscape. Fischer’s expertise in dissecting the strategies behind streaming wars, global expansion, and advertising innovation makes her a dynamic keynote speaker capable of illuminating the shifting contours of the digital economy. With her keen eye on the next big media move, she helps audiences understand what’s coming next in the rapidly changing world of tech and advertising. Fischer’s speaking engagements are managed exclusively by [WWSG](https://wwsg.com). To host her for your event, [contact us. ](https://wwsg.com/contact-us/)
---
### [Mike Pence on What Conservatives Believe](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/mike-pence-on-what-conservatives-believe/)
**Published:** June 24, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
Join us for an evening with Vice President Mike Pence in honor of the release of his new book, “What Conservatives Believe,” named one of The New York Times’ Most Anticipated Books of 2026.
Drawing on decades of public service as a Congressman, Governor of Indiana, and the 48th Vice President of the United States, Pence will reflect on the enduring principles of conservatism, the challenges facing the nation today, and the values that continue to shape American public life.
This special conversation at the Ford will explore the ideas, convictions, and leadership experiences that have defined Pence’s career and continue to influence national dialogue.
As the 48th Vice President of the United States, [Mike Pence](https://wwsg.com/speakers/mike-pence/) offers audiences a principled perspective on American leadership, conservative policy, and the future of the nation. Drawing on decades of public service and the ideas outlined through Advancing American Freedom, Pence speaks on the Constitution, economic opportunity, national security, and the values shaping America’s future. His thoughtful, experience-driven insights make him a compelling keynote speaker for business, policy, and civic audiences. [Contact us](http://wwsg.com/contact-us/) to learn more.
---
### [Scott Gottlieb on the Future of FDA Innovation](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/scott-gottlieb-on-the-future-of-fda-innovation/)
**Published:** June 23, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
Former FDA Commissioner Dr. Scott Gottlieb joins ‘Squawk Box’ to discuss the FDA’s push to innovate, what to expect under new FDA leadership, future of the agency, and more.
As a speaker, Scott Gottlieb brings audiences a rare combination of frontline [government experience](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/government-and-politics/), [healthcare policy expertise](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/healthcare-and-wellness/), and clear, data-driven analysis on public health, biotech, regulation, and crisis management. Event planners can book Dr. Gottlieb through [Worldwide Speakers Group](https://wwsg.com?utm_source=chatgpt.com) for keynote presentations, moderated conversations, and executive-level health and policy briefings.
---
### [Ian Bremmer: America, Iran, and a World in Turmoil](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/ian-bremmer-america-iran-and-a-world-in-turmoil/)
**Published:** June 25, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
The war in Iran may have come to an end, but both the course and the conclusion of that war have brought into sharp relief the forces that increasingly define a world of weaponized power and systemic risk: unconstrained leaders willing to gamble with military force; the search for, and use of, economic leverage; technologies destabilizing both decision-making and development models; and old alliances fracturing and new alignments forming.
Ian Bremmer is a leading geopolitical analyst and the president and founder of the Eurasia Group. His most recent piece for Foreign Affairs is about the long-term consequences of the Iran war, but he has also written on shifts in global power, the effect of technology on geopolitics, and much else. Dan Kurtz-Phelan spoke to Bremmer on Monday, June 22, about how to make sense of today’s global turmoil.
Ian Bremmer brings exceptional value as a speaker through his ability to clearly explain complex [geopolitical risks](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/geopolitics/) and global power dynamics in a way that is both accessible and highly relevant to business and policy audiences. His insights help organizations and leaders anticipate global instability and make more informed strategic decisions. To learn more about hosting Ian Bremmer, [contact WWSG](http://wwsg.com/contact-us).
---
### [Dr. Sanjay Gupta: The Science of Building a Better Memory](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/dr-sanjay-gupta-the-science-of-building-a-better-memory/)
**Published:** June 26, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
What if it’s not your memory, but how you use it? Sanjay talks with six-time U.S. Memory Champion Nelson Dellis about sharpening focus, remembering more and training your brain, plus a memory challenge you can try in real time.
[Dr. Sanjay Gupta](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sanjay-gupta/) brings unparalleled credibility, experience, and clarity to the stage as one of the world’s most trusted voices in [health and medicine](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/healthcare-and-wellness/). As CNN’s chief medical correspondent and a practicing neurosurgeon, he has reported on every major health crisis of the last two decades—from the frontlines of natural disasters and war zones to the global Covid-19 pandemic.
Event audiences benefit not only from his deep medical expertise, but also his unique ability to communicate complex topics with clarity, empathy, and relevance. Whether discussing brain health, crisis response, or the intersection of media and medicine, Dr. Gupta delivers insights that are timely, actionable, and deeply resonant for groups of all kinds. [Contact us](http://wwsg.com/contact-us) to host him for a speaking engagement.
---
### [Edward Fishman: Iran Just Taught the World a Dangerous Lesson](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/edward-fishman-iran-just-taught-the-world-a-dangerous-lesson/)
**Published:** June 19, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
In his latest article for *The New York Times*, geoeconomics expert Edward Fishman argues that even if a ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran holds, Tehran has emerged from the conflict with newfound strategic leverage. By establishing control over the Strait of Hormuz, the world’s most important energy chokepoint, Iran now possesses a powerful source of economic and diplomatic influence.
Fishman contends that Iran’s ability to threaten or regulate passage through the strait could reshape global energy markets, alter international diplomacy, and encourage other nations to exploit critical trade routes and infrastructure for geopolitical gain. He warns that this development may mark the beginning of a new era in which countries increasingly weaponize geographic and economic choke points, signaling a shift away from the decades-long system of free and open commerce underpinned by American power.
Read Edward Fishman’s latest [***New York Times***](https://www.nytimes.com/2026/06/19/opinion/iran-hormuz-strait-oil-us.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share) article on our website and discover why he believes the struggle over strategic choke points could redefine global power in the years ahead.
[Edward Fishman](https://wwsg.com/speakers/edward-fishman/) is one of the world’s foremost experts on [economic statecraft,](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/economy-and-finance/) with deep experience shaping U.S. foreign policy. His *New York Times*–bestselling book [*Chokepoints: American Power in the Age of Economic Warfare*](https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/726149/chokepoints-by-edward-fishman/) is widely regarded as definitive and essential to understand how sanctions, tariffs, and export controls are reshaping the world. A Columbia University scholar, he brings sharp, timely insights into how economic warfare is transforming geopolitics and the business landscape. His ability to translate complex global dynamics into compelling narratives makes him a standout keynote speaker for any audience. [Contact us](http://wwsg.com/contact-us/)today to learn more.
---
### [Sheila Bair Warns Banks Are Forgetting the Lessons of 2008](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/sheila-bair-warns-banks-are-forgetting-the-lessons-of-2008/)
**Published:** June 24, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
Sheila Bair was not only a central figure in the government’s response to the 2008 financial crisis — she also warned about the risky mortgage lending practices that precipitated it.
Now, the former head of the FDIC is warning that today’s crop of financial regulators are forgetting the lessons of that painful saga by weakening banks’ capital buffers, which act as fortifications against unpredictable losses and are intended to ward off potential taxpayer bailouts.
“Regulators have to stand strong, because the banks, it’s in their financial interest to drive those capital levels as low as possible,” Bair told me in a recent, hour-long conversation. “And if they don’t stand firm against it, we’re going to have another crisis.”
Bair, tapped in 2006 by President George W. Bush to lead the agency responsible for safeguarding the deposits of everyday Americans, has never conformed neatly to partisan teams on financial regulation. She’s a Republican with a bit of populist flair, someone eager to rein in “too big to fail” banks with simpler but tougher capital rules.
Today, as ever, the correct calibration of such rules is something of a holy war in financial industry circles, with no simple answer. But Bair says regulators under the Trump administration are going the wrong way.
She pointed to a simple measure of banks’ capital levels — one that considers how much debt they’re taking on without factoring in what kind of risks they’re taking — that suggests megabanks’ capital buffers are now roughly where they were in 2009.
It’s unclear where the next threats to the financial system might come from. Bair is less worried about crypto, for instance, than she is about turmoil in private credit markets, where lenders that aren’t banks make riskier loans to businesses. But the whole point of capital is that it’s intended to guard against the unexpected.
And right now, she’s worried that regulators are letting their guard down.
*This conversation has been edited for length and clarity.*
**Regulators under the Trump administration are doing a lot to ease up on the financial system. They’re loosening rules for banks. They’re scrapping oversight of a lot of other financial firms by gutting the CFPB. Does that worry you?**
Yeah, it’s hugely troubling. So much of this is just undoing what we did after the 2008 crisis, which, you know, we’re going on 20 years now, so memories fade.
It’s easy to make it partisan and all about Trump and deregulation, but you see these kinds of cycles when you have relatively benign periods in the banking system. Banks are profitable, and they come in and say, “We don’t need all this capital. You’re constraining lending.”
We were hearing that right before the 2008 crisis, so a lot of this is same old, same old. But regulators need to have a long memory, even if the industry doesn’t. Maybe purposely doesn’t.
I think there’s still some people on Wall Street, especially among the big banks and their lobbyists, that still think the crisis was all about government wanting poor people to have mortgages. “It’s all the borrowers’ fault, and what was the big deal? We got through it.” I fear they view bailouts as the new paradigm, and certainly I see how quick the regulators were to bail out those billionaire depositors in Silicon Valley, which was a relatively small regional bank.
The Fed has been willing to step in quite a bit over the years, including with just lowering rates when they see potential stress. So it doesn’t surprise me if the industry just thinks the Fed’s always going to have their back, so they can operate with a lot less capital.
It’s frightening how much more the big banks have levered up. And they did record dividend and buybacks last year — and another, what, $40 billion, in the first quarter? So to say they’re capital-constrained when they’re releasing all this capital for shareholders is hard to reconcile.
**With deregulation, with some of the risk-taking that we’re seeing, do you see parallels between today and 2008?**
Oh, a lot of parallels. Yeah. The deregulatory trends, we were definitely experiencing leading up to the 2008 crisis, that is true. Risk, to the extent I worry about risk in the system, I worry about private credit. There have been enough warning signs already that I hope that people are more on top of that than we were with the mortgage crisis. But there are similarities — it’s non-bank lending. It’s iffy collateral.
One of the things that made me feel better about private credit is that I didn’t think there was all this financial engineering sitting on top of it the way that we did with the mortgages. We don’t have the \[collateralized debt obligations\] and the CDO-squared and all the basically gambling going on top of these mortgages. But the financial engineering around private credit financing arrangements is also growing more complex, so it’s hard for me to be completely sanguine.
It’s not as bad as it was prior to 2008, but I think it’s still pretty bad. And I think they’re just getting going. The industry is coming in, they want way more on these capital rules than what the Fed has already proposed, which is pretty generous. So, we’ll see what happens.
They’re going after all these kinds of simpler brakes on excess leverage that are much easier to understand, and for the markets to see, and are transparent. They’re going after all that.
I think that’s another issue. It’s the sheer complexity of these rules. \[Regulators\] say they want to simplify. With 1,800 pages of proposals this year? I don’t think so. But it becomes an insider’s game. So the people best equipped to have the capability to comment are the banks, the ones who are going to make money off of this, who have their hordes of lawyers and analysts who can come in and dive in and do these weekly large complex comment letters.
This is one of the reasons I founded the Systemic Risk Council.
It’s hard, even for us — and look at our list of former regulators, central bankers, bankers. It’s a struggle to wade through all of this and provide any kind of counterweight to these large banks and their highly complex proposals. And it has become an insider’s game. Journalists, too, have the same challenges to figure out, who’s right? Who’s wrong? Where in the 1,800 pages are you going to look?
Kevin Warsh has got his hands full on monetary policy. I have no idea what he’s going to do on regulatory policy. But if it was just simplifying this stuff, making it more transparent, getting more balanced input in the rulewriting process — without getting into the substance — those would just be really welcome process changes that would produce much, much better rulemakings.
**You said by some measures capital is roughly where it was in 2009. That’s even before all of these other capital changes are implemented?**
Oh, yeah.
I assume it will get worse once these risk-based reductions come into place.
Banks can optimize these rules, shift their assets around, manipulate their models. We saw it before. They’ll do it again, no matter how hard you try to prevent it. It’s like loopholes in the tax code. You do what you can. It’s a hydra-headed monster. You keep batting it down, but they can manipulate these rules.
The banks are still mad because their market risk capital is going up. Damn straight the market-based capital should be going up, and it is — a tad. Not as much as it should. But they’re fighting that. And it just seems like this Fed wants to be very accommodative.
There are some positive things in those proposals. I don’t want to take that away from them. But, overall, it reduces capital when capital, if anything, should be going up.
**How much of this is just a normal pendulum swing toward deregulation you often see under Republican appointees, and how much of this is because independent regulatory agencies are now much more responsive to the White House and Treasury?**
That’s a good question. People talk about Fed independence, but they seem to only talk about the context of monetary policy. I think there’s a lot of administration influence at the Fed and the FDIC and the OCC. And some people say that’s fine. Some people say these regulators should be responsive to the political authorities. I don’t think that.
Politics swings more than the regulatory pendulum does, so you’re just going to exacerbate the natural tendency, the poor timing of regulators, to ease when good times are good, and then clamp down when things are bad. So I do think it’s worse because they’re trying to make the Trump administration happy.
And then my guess is the Trump administration wants to throw some sops to the big banks, because on other things like debanking, the anti-immigration stuff and crypto, they’re taking positions that are not consistent with where the big banks would like policy to go. So maybe they’re trying to balance things out.
If there’s another area where risk weights should go up, it’s in private credit or any exposure where you have a situation where it’s a largely unregulated counterparty.
To be giving these highly favorable capital treatments when you’ve got this iffy collateral, an unregulated industry that’s already under distress — those risk weights should be going up, if anything. But it’s just another example of the bias towards weakening where they can, not strengthening.
**Regulators’ argument for loosening capital rules is that they want more lending to come from the regulated banking system. Is that the right instinct?**
Look, we’ve always had nonbank lending. That’s not new. What’s new is that the banks, and this was going on pre-2008 too, the banks fueled this growth with their own financing arrangements with nonbanks.
You’ll have to use a lot more capital to fund the position if you lend directly to the company versus lending through a private credit intermediary. Plus the intermediary is doing all the underwriting, all the collateral management. They’re doing all the work for you. So it makes it very attractive for banks to fund \[nonbank lenders\], so yes, \[nonbanks\], to some extent, on the margin are creditors, but mostly they’re customers.
\[Nonbank lending\] is going to grow more with these \[bank capital\] proposals.
There’s a segment of the market where \[private credit\] can provide a service. But they’re making riskier loans. Some of them are making really irresponsible loans, and for regulated banks to be fueling that irresponsible lending, as they were during 2008 with mortgage lending — no. That’s something regulators should be worried about and clamping down on, not facilitating it with even lower risk weights.
**We have pending legislation that would put a framework around crypto and put the CFTC in the driver’s seat on regulation. When there was a crypto blow up a few years ago, there wasn’t really that much of an impact on the broader system because it wasn’t really interconnected with the banks. The bank regulators still haven’t opened the floodgates to crypto, but I’m wondering how you think about the financial stability risks now of crypto.**
I always distinguish between the assets and the technology. Crypto assets, they aren’t backed with anything but algorithms or a wing and a prayer or a presidential name, or whatever. I’m not a fan of those, and I think there is a lot of risk in that segment of the “crypto market.” But it’s small. It’s highly speculative. I think it’ll always remain. I don’t see it getting a lot bigger. I really don’t. I think you’re kind of seeing it leveling out already.
The technology, on the other hand: tokenization of real-world assets, which can move on a blockchain. You have a cleaner, more efficient, faster process to transfer a title. You have a cleaner, more efficient, more transparent process to track collateral. Those are really positive things that can help the banking system be safer.
Should banks be buying Bitcoin and other speculative assets? Absolutely not. They’re generally limited in their ability to hold risky assets, and I would put certainly crypto assets in that category. I don’t want bank exposure there, and hopefully that doesn’t happen. But that speculative segment of the market is, I think, still reasonably contained, and I don’t think poses a risk to the system.
Stablecoins too — a lot of people wring their hands. I’ve always been a supporter of stablecoins. I think it’s a very promising technology. I hate that it’s the payment of choice for a lot of scams and speculation with other crypto assets, but I still believe in it as a technology for legitimate, broader-scale use. And I know the banks, especially smaller banks, are worried about disruption. I think it can be compatible with them.
Being able to use stablecoins, custody stablecoins, facilitate stablecoin redemptions — those are all things that banks can and should be doing, and that would, frankly, make the stablecoin environment more stable. And a lot of that was not permitted in the Biden administration, which is unfortunate, because I do think, if given the appropriate latitude, the smaller banks can actually leverage the stablecoin technology in a mutually beneficial way. But they need the flexibility to do that.
**The CFPB had oversight of all of these other financial firms that aren’t banks. Are we just not doing that right now? What are the risks there?**
You’re seeing a resurgence of state consumer activity, and that’s making the banks unhappy, because they don’t want these piecemeal consumer rules, state by state. One of the ways that I argued this in supporting the CFPB is, if you have a national standard setter, you reduce the incentives of the individual states to come in with their own rules. So I think to some extent this is backfiring on the banks.
I knew a young woman who was being scammed by her landlord. The scam is, you leave your apartment, and you’re current on your rent, and you clean the apartment. Everything’s lovely. And then a couple months later, you get a notice from a debt collector that you didn’t pay your last month’s rent, and they’re going to notify the credit bureaus. They’re going to ding your credit score if you don’t pay up.
She had sent this sleazy debt collector all the receipts showing that she had paid her rent. And I helped her. We wrote two letters, one to the CFPB and the other to the state consumer regulator. And within a week, she got a response from the state consumer regulator, who called the sleazy outfit. They immediately backed off. Two months later, she gets this bureaucratic letter from the CFPB that she hadn’t followed the correct format in filing her complaint, so they were sending it back and really couldn’t help her. And it wasn’t like, “This is how you do it.” It was just a complete blow off. And I thought to myself, boy, if the Trump administration thinks they’re making friends with the consumers by doing that kind of stuff, then I don’t know what they’re thinking. So it’s just an example. It’s anecdotal. But on the ground, I think this matters.
And you’re right, the non-banks are pretty much scot-free at this point, which was another reason why some of the banking industry did support the CFPB, because it was going to bring in nonbanks into consumer protections.
At least you have some oversight with banks. Ironically, because the CFPB can only supervise banks above $10 billion, the community banks still have their continuous consumer exams. So that was kind of ironic, that the big banks were benefiting more than the smaller banks from the CFPB being effectively closed. But I think they’re running into a bigger hodgepodge of state consumer rules. The nonbanks are even more competition now, because they don’t have to worry about consumer rules, and that’s letting the bad players in.
I don’t know why industry thinks any of that is in their interest.
Now you’re seeing this executive order where it seems to be a big jump ball in reviewing everything, which I think is very dangerous.
It seems like this is once again going to be an all-out, potential dismantling of all the very sensible ability-to-repay rules that were put in place by the CFPB after the crisis, and that not only threatens financial stability, it threatens consumers. It threatens homeowners. You’re not doing any homeowner any favor by putting them in a mortgage they can’t afford, as we learned painfully in 2008.
**You mentioned bailouts earlier. Where do you think we’re at on them, politically? Everybody really hates them conceptually, but if we had another part of the financial industry failing, do you think a bailout would be likely?**
I think the new Fed chair is much less likely to intervene than the previous leadership. But when push comes to shove, because these guys are too big, they can blackmail the government, right? And if you don’t, then you worry that the little guy’s getting hurt if you don’t step in.
I do think that the best way to prevent failures is to begin with higher capital levels. Runs are almost always symptomatic of market concerns that the bank is no longer solvent or will soon become insolvent. A very well-capitalized, strongly capitalized bank will not have runs.
Instead, they’re lowering the capital requirements.
These big banks that are going to be so challenging to resolve? Make them have truly fortress balance sheets. Not little advertisements that they have fortress balance sheets or bogus numbers from the stress test or the risk-based rules. True fortress balance sheets, and that takes care of a lot of your problem.
That should be the first strategy. But they also need to have the political will. The market needs to believe that they have the political will to actually put these folks into some kind of a \[temporary government-run company to run the bank’s operations until it’s sold or liquidated\], wipe out the shareholders, impose losses on unsecured creditors, as you would in a bankruptcy proceeding, and if you just did that once, you would probably end bailouts.
I hope and pray that we don’t have another big bank get into trouble. But the trajectory of these capital rules, make no mistake, is weakening the resilience of the banking system and significantly lowering capital for the larger banks who have already, on a non-risk-weighted basis, been taking on a lot more leverage since the pandemic.
**On Wednesday we get the stress test results. Doesn’t sound like you really trust them that much.**
Oh, I don’t pay attention to them anymore. I just think they’re a dog-and-pony show. I do. I’m just so frustrated. I mean, they don’t stress what they should. They don’t stress the stagflation environment. The severe distress scenario always assumes interest rates basically go down to zero, so I think they’re misleading. I think they are an enormous time sink for bank staff and supervisors, and the rules keep changing, usually in response to industry requests to weaken them, not to strengthen them.
So, no, I don’t pay attention to them anymore, and I tell investors not to pay attention to them anymore. You can pay attention to them only to the extent that this is the Fed publicly saying this is \[the banks’\] capability to withstand stress. So, to the extent that locks the Fed into some kind of bailout, if they get into trouble, it might be relevant from that perspective. But as a test of the financial strength of the bank, no, I don’t trust them anymore. I really don’t.
I’d just scrap them. I really would.
I don’t think I’ve ever said that publicly.
**If you were in charge right now — you’ve talked about raising capital requirements, scrapping the stress tests. What else would you be focused on right now? How worried are you about AI?**
I want to say something good about the big banks: They have consistently been industry leaders on cybersecurity, and that’s not just me saying that. A lot of people say that.
I mean, it’s essential to their business model, having good cyber information security infrastructure and governance. But also for people they do business with, requiring that of them too, I think, has done a lot to improve security. I want to give a nod to that. And so that is an area where I have much more confidence that the banks are self-motivated to deal with these problems.
So far, the regulators have been hands off, saying, “This is evolving technology. We’re not going to put out guidance right now.” At this point, maybe that’s the right decision.
And there may be a big hack tomorrow, and I’ll be totally proven wrong. But I do think banks have their own strong motivation to deal with it, unlike capital, where the more leverage they can take on, the bigger their shareholder returns. They clearly have self-interest in lowering capital rules. I think their self-interest is to have really tight information security, because they know they’re cooked if there’s a significant hack.
But it really does all come back to capital. Because as I said earlier, if you have strong capital levels, so many of these other problems just go away. You don’t have liquidity runs. You don’t have failures. But regulators have to stand strong, because the banks, it’s in their financial interest to drive those capital levels as low as possible. And if they don’t stand firm against it, we’re going to have another crisis.
Recognized on TIME’s “Top 100” list and named among The Wall Street Journal’s “50 Women to Watch,” Sheila Bair is one of the foremost voices in [finance and economics](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/economy-and-finance/). Serving as Chair of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) from 2006 to 2011, she led the agency through the most severe financial crisis since the Great Depression, helping restore stability and confidence in the U.S. banking system.
Throughout her accomplished career spanning government, academia, and the financial sector, Bair has earned widespread respect for her leadership in financial regulation and consumer protection. Her influence and impact were further recognized by Forbes, which ranked her as the “second most powerful woman in the world.” To host her at your upcoming event, [contact WWSG.](http://wwsg.com/contact-us)
---
### [Ben Sasse: Keep Cameras Out of the Supreme Court](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/ben-sasse-keep-cameras-out-of-the-supreme-court/)
**Published:** June 24, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
In his latest *Free Expression* column for *The Wall Street Journal*, former U.S. Senator and university president Ben Sasse argues against placing television cameras inside the Supreme Court. Sasse contends that cameras fundamentally change behavior, encouraging performance and political spectacle rather than thoughtful deliberation. Drawing comparisons to today’s televised congressional hearings, he warns that cameras would further politicize the Court, incentivize partisan theatrics, and undermine public trust in one of America’s most important institutions. While acknowledging calls for greater transparency, Sasse maintains that the Court is already extensively covered by the media and that preserving judicial independence requires resisting the pressures of the modern attention economy.
**Read Ben Sasse’s latest article for [*The Wall Street Journal.* ](https://www.wsj.com/opinion/free-expression/ben-sasse-keep-cameras-out-of-the-supreme-court-1402e5fb)**
WWSG exclusive thought leader [Ben Sasse](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ben-sasse/) brings a unique perspective as a former U.S. Senator, university president, and *New York Times* bestselling author. A leading voice on [government and politics,](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/government-and-politics/) [leadership,](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/leadership-and-management/) education, [technology and society,](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/technology-and-innovation/) and the future of American institutions, Sasse explores how digital disruption is reshaping the world while offering both historical context and forward-looking strategies. From defending free speech to strengthening civic culture and building resilient communities, he equips leaders with the intellectual framework to navigate today’s complex challenges. To invite Ben Sasse to your next event, [contact WWSG.](http://wwsg.com/contact-us/)
---
### [Niall Ferguson: The World Cup Beyond Nationalism](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/niall-ferguson-the-world-cup-beyond-nationalism/)
**Published:** June 12, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
#### When U.S. sports fans go to a ball game, they are pursuing happiness. But, as Nick Hornby explained in ‘Fever Pitch,’ soccer is entertainment as pain.
When Europeans first arrived in the Americas, indigenous populations had almost no resistance to the many pathogens that had sailed with them. The results were catastrophic. Half a millennium later, by contrast, the inhabitants of the United States and Canada believe they have developed powerful antibodies, ensuring that most of them are immune to the most contagious and debilitating pathogen of all: football.
The quadrennial World Cup began on Thursday, yet an impressive number of Americans could not care less about the event they are co-hosting with Canada and Mexico. It is not just that they insist on calling the game “soccer” (originally an English contraction of Association Football). It is more that their attention is elsewhere: specifically, on the NBA finals, where the Knicks are just one win away from making history—not to mention hockey’s Stanley Cup. Soccer, meanwhile, is the favorite spectator sport of just one in every 20 Americans, according to Gallup, an improvement on the 2 percent in polls between 1937 and 2004, but still lean pickings—and a rounding error compared to the 41 percent for the NFL and college football. Even among young Americans ages 18 to 29—many more of whom have played the game than their parents and grandparents—soccer is the favorite of just 8 percent, compared with 28 percent for football and 13 percent for basketball.
How, then, to explain to an American the addictive power of the game most people on Earth call football? Nick Hornby’s *Fever Pitch: A Fan’s Life*(1992) is surely the best book on the subject.
*Fever Pitch* is a book about addiction—addiction to football. It holds up an unsparing mirror to every man who has ever fallen under the spell of “the beautiful game.” It is one of the few books I have ever read that made me feel uneasily that I might have inadvertently written it myself, perhaps in one of those tedious summers when there was no World Cup to feed my craving. These days, they say alcoholism is a disease. Well, so is football. But the symptoms are much worse. Alcohol is a relaxant; the headache comes the next morning. Footballism is self-harm from the kickoff.
Hornby was 11 years old when he attended his first Arsenal match. He immediately spotted that the football crowd—tens of thousands, nearly all men—was unlike any other crowd he had encountered. In the cinema or the theater, “though occasionally one might spot a fidgety child or a yawning adult, I hadn’t ever noticed faces contorted by rage or despair or frustration. Entertainment as pain was an idea entirely new to me, and it seemed to be something I’d been waiting for.”
Entertainment as pain. Every football fan knows what he is talking about.
I grew up in Glasgow, where football is a branch of religion: Rangers for the Protestants, Celtic for the Catholics, Partick Thistle for the atheists. Glaswegians support their teams with a zeal that frequently spills over into violence. We do not go to football to munch on hot dogs; we go to sing belligerent songs laced with sectarian hatred, pregnant with the possibility of a punch-up. But the singing and fighting are really just ways to assuage the dread of seeing your team lose.
When I moved south, to England, I became an Arsenal fan—like Hornby’s father—partly to compensate my older boys for their parents’ divorce, but mainly so that they could experience what I had experienced: the searing emotional experience of being football crazy. There’s even a Scottish song on the subject: “He’s fitba’ crazy, he’s fitba’ mad / And the fitba’ it has robbed him o’ / the wee bit sense he had.” As Hornby observes, we do not watch football to experience pleasure. We go to suffer.
###### Through football we learn that every defeat will be followed, as day follows night, by another game, and another chance of victory.
Just three weeks ago, Arsenal won the English Premier League for the first time in 22 years. But the celebrations were more therapeutic than cathartic, for—within days of clinching that title—Arsenal agonizingly lost the European Champions League final to Paris Saint-Germain. This truly was entertainment as pain—a game finally decided after extra time in a penalty shoot-out, with the crucial kick missed by our most reliable defender, the Brazilian Gabriel. I have four sons, of whom the youngest, Campbell, is the most football crazy. As the ball soared over the bar to dash our dreams, he wept. (His older brothers have learned to manage the agony with dry eyes and foul language. Swearing is an integral part of the whole experience.)
“Come on,” I said to Campbell. “Let’s go outside, and we’ll replay the match in a parallel universe, and you’ll take the penalty instead of Gabriel.” And so we did. And of course he slammed the ball into the back of the net. It didn’t get rid of the pain. But it made it manageable. It stopped the tears.
Hornby is very good on the warped psychology of football craziness. Why on Earth was Campbell crying, when we had just won the Premier League? I think partly because it hadn’t sunk in that we’d actually done it. As Hornby recalls of Arsenal’s lean years in the 1970s and 1980s, after a certain point winning the league “becomes something you either believe in or you don’t, like God.”
> You concede that it’s possible, of course, and you try to respect the views of those who have managed to remain credulous. Between approximately 1975 and 1989 I didn’t believe. I hoped, at the beginning of each season; and a couple of times—the middle of the 86/87 season, for example, when we were top for eight or nine weeks—I was almost lured out of my agnostic’s cave. But in my heart of hearts I knew that it would never happen, just as I knew that they were not, as I used to think when I was young, going to find a cure for death before I got old.
And then, as in 1989, and as in 2026, it finally happens. God turns out to exist, after all, and Arsenal wins the league. To the young addict, it’s almost too much. Even his dad has found it hard to process. My recurrent nightmare is that it was only a dream.
Throughout the world—except in the United States and Canada—football is the process by which boys become men. It is how I learned, and how I have taught my sons, to deal with life’s challenges, including the minor things, such as death or divorce, and the really big things, such as losing to Paris Saint-Germain on penalties. Through football we learn not to cry. Through football we learn that every defeat will be followed, as day follows night, by another game, and another chance of victory. Through football we learn that no man is an island—that both despair and joy should never be experienced in isolation but always in the crowd. Through football we learn how to converse and establish trust with perfect strangers on the other side of the world. My youngest was a chronic introvert before football. Now he knows the key to connection: Just bring up the penalty that Arsenal should have been awarded at a crucial moment in the Paris Saint-Germain game. *What was the \[expletive deleted\] referee thinking?*
Football, in other words, is primal. It is tribal. We are Arsenal fans. We get to sing the Arsenal songs at our rivals: “You’ll always be shit! You’ll always be shit! Tottenham Hotspur, you’ll always be shit!” Or the one we used to sing when we were playing Liverpool: “We pay your benefits, we pay your benefits . . . . ” Or for Chelsea: “Are you Tottenham, are you Tottenham, are you Tottenham in disguise?” There are many more, and each season at least one new chant mysteriously emerges, like the acephalous murmuration of birds. And this is true wherever football is played. (Explore the wonderful Fan Chants website if you don’t believe me.)
Forget Yankees and Red Sox. American sporting rivalries don’t come close, partly because the greater distances between cities make the contingents of “away” fans too small to be worth taunting. As a general rule, fans of rival football teams are seated separately, with platoons of stadium security and police to prevent the pitched battles that were a regular occurrence when I was growing up.
In a legendary interview, Bill Shankly—the tough-as-nails Scotsman who was the manager of Liverpool F.C. from 1959 to 1974—summed it up: “Somebody said that football’s a matter of life and death to you. I said, ‘Listen, it’s more important than that.’ ” We all knew what he meant.
So, Americans, brace yourself for weeks of patriotism, jingoism, nationalism, chauvinism—call it what you like. Prepare to repel inebriated Scotsmen clad in kilts and *Braveheart* face paint. Heaven help your city if the fates pit England against Germany in your local stadium, but at least you will understand why the English are chanting, “Two World Wars and one World Cup!”
Still baffled? Let me help you make the imaginative leap. Suppose there were an American football game between the states of the Union and those that formed the Confederacy. How might that feel?
###### Football is how I learned, and how I have taught my sons, to deal with life’s challenges.
And yet I can never quite shake off the feeling that World Cup fans are cosplaying nationalism. Why? Because true football fans owe their principal loyalty to their clubs, not to national teams. The World Cup is really just a summer vacation for the serious Gunner or Gooner (as we Arsenal fans are known). Unlike the Premier League, it is a contest between (in political scientist and historian Benedict Anderson’s great phrase) “imagined communities.” Once again, Hornby nails this. As a teenager he developed “a deep antipathy towards players from Tottenham, Leeds, Liverpool and Manchester United. I began to squirm when watching England games on TV, and to feel, as many of us feel, that I had no connection whatsoever with what I saw”—least of all with the generally odious England fans of that era.
Far from being a carnival of nationalism, my American friends, the World Cup is the last grim joke on humanity of the entity that spread football to every corner of the globe except the United States. Yes, you thought you’d thrown off the imperial yoke 250 years ago with your Declaration of Independence and its fine words about the pursuit of happiness. You were so wrong.
The penultimate governor of Aden—the former British colony that is now the capital of Yemen—once wisely observed that, “when the British Empire finally sank beneath the waves of history, it would leave behind it only two monuments: one was the game of Association Football, the other was the expression ‘Fuck off.’ ”
Football’s not coming home this year (as the England fans vainly wish it would every four years). It is seeking finally to subjugate the rebellious republic—to snuff out those eccentric games that no one else plays—and to replace the pursuit of happiness with entertainment as pain.
And if you still seriously think you’re immune to football fever, you know what you can do, don’t you?
As one of today’s leading [historians](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/geopolitics/historians/) and [geopolitical thinkers](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/geopolitics/), Niall Ferguson brings exceptional depth and clarity to conversations about global strategy, economic power, and international conflict. His ability to connect history with current events makes him an especially valuable speaker for corporate audiences, leadership forums, and policy-focused conferences seeking insight into today’s rapidly shifting geopolitical landscape. To learn more about hosting [Niall Ferguson](https://wwsg.com/speakers/niall-ferguson/) at your next event, [contact WWSG.](http://wwsg.com/contact-us)
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### [Niall Ferguson: Why Britons Really Regret Brexit](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/niall-ferguson-why-britons-really-regret-brexit/)
**Published:** June 22, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
Marking the tenth anniversary of Brexit, historian Niall Ferguson examines how the referendum reshaped British politics and left both major parties weakened. He argues that Brexit emerged from a populist backlash against globalization, mass immigration, and an out-of-touch political elite, mirroring many of the forces that fueled Donald Trump’s rise in the United States.
Ferguson contends that Brexit ultimately failed to deliver on its central promises of stronger economic growth and lower immigration. Instead, Britain experienced prolonged political instability, slower investment, labor shortages, and record levels of non-EU immigration. While Brexit has afforded the UK greater flexibility in areas such as vaccine procurement, artificial intelligence regulation, and foreign policy, these gains have fallen short of the transformative vision many supporters anticipated.
Looking ahead, Ferguson suggests that Britain’s future prosperity depends less on revisiting the Brexit debate and more on addressing deep-rooted domestic challenges, including outdated planning laws, healthcare pressures, welfare incentives, energy policy, and mounting fiscal strains. Above all, he argues that Britain’s enduring political dysfunction—not Europe itself—remains the country’s greatest obstacle to long-term renewal.
Visit [*The Free Press*](https://www.thefp.com/p/niall-ferguson-why-britons-really) to read the full article by Niall Ferguson.
As one of today’s leading [historians](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/geopolitics/historians/) and [geopolitical thinkers](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/geopolitics/), Niall Ferguson brings exceptional depth and clarity to conversations about global strategy, economic power, and international conflict. His ability to connect history with current events makes him an especially valuable speaker for corporate audiences, leadership forums, and policy-focused conferences seeking insight into today’s rapidly shifting geopolitical landscape. To learn more about hosting [Niall Ferguson](https://wwsg.com/speakers/niall-ferguson/) at your next event, [contact WWSG.](http://wwsg.com/contact-us)
---
### [Michael Pillsbury on China’s Position on Iran](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/michael-pillsbury-on-chinas-position-on-iran/)
**Published:** May 14, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
Fox News contributor Michael Pillsbury interprets China’s position on Iran and the impact of CEOs on the U.S.-China summit on ‘The Claman Countdown.’
Dr. Pillsbury has written three books on China. The most recent one, *The Hundred-Year Marathon*, is an international bestseller and was number one on the *Washington Post*‘s list among other recommended reading lists. On September 26, 2018 U.S. President Donald Trump described [Michael Pillsbury](https://wwsg.com/speakers/michael-pillsbury/) as “the leading authority on China.” Dr. Pillsbury was also named one of Washington DC’s 500 Most Influential People of 2023. To host him for a speaking engagement, [contact WWSG](https://wwsg.com/contact-us).
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### [Michael Pillsbury on How Trump’s China Strategy Echoes Nixon and Reagan](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/michael-pillsbury-on-how-trumps-china-strategy-echoes-nixon-and-reagan/)
**Published:** May 15, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
Fox News contributor Michael Pillsbury compares President Donald Trump’s China approach to that of Nixon and Reagan on ‘Varney & Co.’
Dr. Pillsbury has written three books on China. The most recent one, *The Hundred-Year Marathon*, is an international bestseller and was number one on the *Washington Post*‘s list among other recommended reading lists. On September 26, 2018 U.S. President Donald Trump described [Michael Pillsbury](https://wwsg.com/speakers/michael-pillsbury/) as “the leading authority on China.” Dr. Pillsbury was also named one of Washington DC’s 500 Most Influential People of 2023. To host him for a speaking engagement, [contact WWSG](https://wwsg.com/contact-us).
---
### [Erica Dhawan: The Most Uncomfortable Feeling in the AI Era](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/erica-dhawan-the-most-uncomfortable-feeling-in-the-ai-era/)
**Published:** May 21, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
A senior leader I coach recently described an experience I think many of us recognize.
She had been asked to present a market entry strategy to her company’s board. Normally, she would spend a full week building the deck, wrestling with the data, debating internally about which opportunities to prioritize and which to cut. The process was grinding, and she always emerged from it feeling a certain bone-deep confidence in her recommendations because she had earned them through friction.
This time, she used a suite of AI tools to draft the analysis, build the framework, and even generate the executive summary. The deck was ready in two days. The board presentation went smoothly. She received compliments on the clarity of her thinking.
Afterward, in the parking garage, she sat in her car for ten minutes before starting the engine.
She could not shake the feeling that she had gotten away with something.
## The Shape of the Emptiness
The feeling she described is not guilt in the traditional sense. She had not done anything unethical. The analysis was sound. The recommendations were defensible. She had reviewed every slide and could have defended them if challenged.
But she knew, in a way that was difficult to articulate, that the thinking had not been hers. She had reviewed and approved. She had not originated and struggled. The difference was invisible to everyone in the boardroom and painfully visible to her.
I call this the false win. It is the hollow feeling that arrives after you receive credit for work that was technically yours but cognitively borrowed. You hold the trophy but cannot remember the game.
The false win is not about cheating. It is about the growing distance between what we produce and what we understand. It is the realization that you can deliver a flawless result and feel less capable afterward, not more.
And it is becoming one of the most common, and least discussed, emotional experiences of professional life.
## Why the False Win Matters
The obvious response is pragmatic: who cares how the work got done if the result is good? If the board was satisfied, if the strategy was sound, if the company benefited, why does the leader’s internal experience matter?
It matters because competence is not just about output. It is about the capacity to produce that output again, under different circumstances, without the same support. It is about the ability to defend your reasoning when challenged by someone who has done their own homework. It is about the confidence that comes from knowing you could walk into a room with nothing but a whiteboard and still construct the argument from the foundation up.
Every false win erodes that capacity slightly. Not because the tool made you worse, but because the tool allowed you to skip the process that makes you better. The leader who builds a strategy from raw data develops a feel for the problem that no summary can replicate. She notices anomalies because she has lived inside the numbers. She anticipates objections because she has already argued with herself.
The leader who reviews an AI-generated strategy develops a feel for the output, not the problem. She can identify a polished slide. She cannot always identify a flawed assumption.
Over time, the false win compounds into something more concerning than a bad feeling. It compounds into a leadership gap, a slowly widening space between what you can present and what you can defend when the presentation fails.
## The Impostor Loop
There is a painful irony in the false win. For decades, psychologists have studied impostor syndrome, the persistent feeling of being a fraud despite evidence of competence. The traditional impostor experiences a disconnect between their real abilities and their perception of those abilities. They are more capable than they believe.
The false win creates the inverse. A person whose output exceeds their input. Who receives recognition that outpaces their understanding. Who, for the first time, has a legitimate reason to wonder whether they are actually as sharp as their results suggest.
This is not a hypothetical concern. I see it in rising executives who can produce board-level deliverables but freeze when asked to explain their methodology off-script. I see it in mid-career professionals who have been promoted on the basis of outputs that increasingly belong to the tools they use. I see it in the quiet anxiety of talented people who are beginning to suspect that the gap between their title and their actual capability is growing.
The false win does not announce itself as a crisis. It arrives as a subtle loss of confidence, a hesitation before speaking in meetings, a preference for written communication over live debate, a slow withdrawal from the situations that would test what you actually know.
## Reclaiming the Real Win
The solution is not to stop using tools. It is to stop using them as a substitute for the cognitive work that builds genuine expertise.
Before your next high-stakes deliverable, try a simple discipline. Spend the first hour, or the first day, working without any AI assistance at all. Write your initial analysis by hand. Sketch the framework on paper. Articulate your thesis in your own words before asking a tool to refine it.
This is not romantic nostalgia for analog methods. It is a practical recognition that the messy, uncomfortable, unpolished first attempt is where understanding lives. The struggle you feel during that hour is not inefficiency. It is the process by which information becomes judgment.
Then use the tools. Use them to stress-test your thinking, to fill gaps in your research, to sharpen the language. But do so from a position of ownership, not dependency. Use them to amplify what you have already built, not to build in your place.
The difference between a real win and a false one is not about the quality of the output. It is about whether, when the room goes quiet and someone asks you a question you did not prepare for, you have the depth to answer it.
The board does not need to know how the deck was made. But you do. And the day will come when the distinction matters.
A trophy you cannot remember earning is not a trophy. It is a warning.
[Erica Dhawan](https://wwsg.com/speakers/erica-dhawan/) is a leading expert on 21st-century teamwork, collaboration, and innovation. As the founder and CEO of Cotential and the author of *Get Big Things Done*, she helps organizations unlock connectional intelligence to break silos and accelerate performance. Named one of Real Leaders’ Top 50 Keynote Speakers in the World for 2024, Erica brings transformative insights that empower teams to work smarter and lead boldly in a rapidly changing world. Bring her to your next event [through WWSG](http://wwsg.com/contact-us/).
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### [Darrell Bricker & Brad Carr: The Shock of Population Decline](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/darrell-bricker-brad-carr-the-shock-of-population-decline/)
**Published:** September 17, 2022
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
[Dr. Darrell Bricker](http://wwsg.com/speakers/darrell-bricker) shares insights on population decline from his book, *Empty Planet*. To learn more about these topics and host Dr. Bricker for a speaking opportunity, contact [WWSG.](http://wwsg.com/contact-us)
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### [Dr. Darrell Bricker: The Global Population Will Soon Decline](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/dr-darrell-bricker-the-global-population-will-soon-decline/)
**Published:** November 15, 2022
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
The world’s population has officially surpassed 8 billion people, according to projections from the United Nations—but what does that milestone really tell us about humanity’s future?
In this thought-provoking interview, global demographer and public opinion expert [Darrell Bricker](http://wwsg.com/speakers/darrell-bricker) challenges common assumptions about population growth. While much of the recent increase has been driven by longer life expectancy and growth in developing regions, Bricker explains why declining birth rates around the world may have far greater long-term implications for economies, labor markets, healthcare systems, and global prosperity.
The conversation explores the realities behind population statistics, the demographic forces reshaping nations, and why policymakers, business leaders, and investors should pay close attention to the consequences of aging populations and falling fertility rates.
For organizations seeking expert insights on demographics, workforce trends, economic forecasting, and the future of global growth, Darrell Bricker is available for keynote speeches, executive forums, and moderated discussions through Worldwide Speakers Group. [Contact us](http://wwsg.com/contact-us) today.
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### [Population Collapse Ahead: Darrell Bricker on the Wealth Shock No One Sees Coming](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/population-collapse-ahead-darrell-bricker-on-the-wealth-shock-no-one-sees-coming/)
**Published:** April 22, 2025
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
Can a declining birth rate spark the next major economic disruption?
In this insightful conversation, global demographer and public opinion expert [Darrell Bricker](http://wwsg.com/speakers/darrell-bricker) joins Pinnacle Digest’s Aaron Hoddinott to examine one of the most significant demographic shifts of our time. Drawing on research from his bestselling book *Empty Planet*, Bricker explains why the world’s population could peak as early as 2040 and what a smaller, older population may mean for economic growth, labor markets, consumer spending, housing demand, and long-term investment trends.
The discussion explores the global decline in fertility rates, the economic consequences of aging societies, potential impacts on real estate and equity markets, and why demographic change may become one of the defining forces shaping the decades ahead.
Looking for an expert speaker on demographics, economic trends, workforce transformation, or the future of global growth? Darrell Bricker is available for keynote presentations, executive briefings, and moderated discussions through Worldwide Speakers Group. [Contact us](http://wwsg.com/contact-us) for details.
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### [The Whole Truth with David Eisenhower: What is Our Demographic Destiny?](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/the-whole-truth-with-david-eisenhower-what-is-our-demographic-destiny/)
**Published:** August 9, 2020
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
Is demography destiny? As populations age and birth rates decline across much of the world, demographic change is becoming one of the most important forces shaping our collective future.
In this engaging discussion, global demographer and public opinion expert [Darrell Bricker](http://wwsg.com/speakers/darrell-bricker) joins historian, author, and researcher Zachary Karabell to explore how shifting population trends could transform economies, societies, and geopolitical dynamics throughout the 21st century. Together, they examine the implications of aging populations, falling fertility rates, labor shortages, migration patterns, and the long-term challenges facing governments and businesses around the world.
From economic growth and workforce development to innovation and public policy, this conversation offers valuable insights into the demographic realities that will influence global markets and communities for decades to come.
For organizations seeking expert perspectives on demographics, economic trends, workforce transformation, and the future of global growth, Darrell Bricker is available for keynote presentations, executive briefings, and moderated discussions through Worldwide Speakers Group. [Contact us](http://wwsg.com/contact-us) today.
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### [Mark Esper: Questions and Concerns About Iran Deal](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/mark-esper-questions-and-concerns-about-iran-deal/)
**Published:** June 21, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
Mark Esper, who served as defense secretary in the first Trump administration, joins Meet the Press after President Trump signed a memorandum of understanding to end the war with Iran.
The Honorable [Mark Esper](https://wwsg.com/speakers/mark-esper/) served as U.S. Secretary of Defense and Secretary of the Army, with decades of leadership across[ government](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/government-and-politics/), business, and the military. A West Point Distinguished Graduate and author of *A Sacred Oath*, he now works in venture capital and private equity. A top speaker across[ economic and finance](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/economy-and-finance/), [geopolitics](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/geopolitics/), [military leadership](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/military-background/), and[ technology,](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/technology-and-innovation/) Esper brings audiences informed perspectives on global security, leadership, and strategic decision-making. To bring Mark Esper to your next speaking event, [contact WWSG.](http://wwsg.com/contact-us/)
---
### [Loretta Mester: Possibility of Rate Hike in 2026](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/loretta-mester-possibility-of-rate-hike-in-2026/)
**Published:** June 18, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
Former Fed Policymaker Loretta Mester joins Ashley Mastronardi on NYSE Live to discuss the possibility of a rate hike in 2026
[Loretta Mester](https://wwsg.com/speakers/loretta-mester/), former President of the Cleveland Fed, delivers clear, grounded insight into today’s economic challenges—from inflation and tariffs to recession risk and rate cuts. With deep experience inside the Federal Reserve, Mester explains the tough tradeoffs shaping monetary policy and what they mean for businesses, investors, and the public. Book Loretta Mester through [WWSG ](https://wwsg.com)for essential guidance on navigating economic uncertainty. [Contact us ](https://wwsg.com/contact-us/)today!
---
### [Ian Bremmer: US and Iran reach framework peace deal](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/ian-bremmer-us-and-iran-reach-framework-peace-deal/)
**Published:** June 15, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
In his latest Quick Take, Ian Bremmer says the US and Iran’s memorandum of understanding to end the fighting and reopen the Strait of Hormuz marks progress, but warns it falls far short of resolving the broader conflict.
Ian Bremmer brings exceptional value as a speaker through his ability to clearly explain complex [geopolitical risks](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/geopolitics/) and global power dynamics in a way that is both accessible and highly relevant to business and policy audiences. His insights help organizations and leaders anticipate global instability and make more informed strategic decisions. To learn more about hosting Ian Bremmer, [contact WWSG](http://wwsg.com/contact-us).
---
### [Loretta Mester on What to Expect from Kevin Warsh’s Fed Debut](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/loretta-mester-on-what-to-expect-from-kevin-warshs-fed-debut/)
**Published:** June 16, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
Loretta Mester, senior scholar at Princeton University’s Griswold Center for Economic Policy Studies and former president of the Cleveland Fed, joins CNBC’s ‘Squawk Box’ to discuss Kevin Warsh’s Fed debut on Wednesday, her expectations for the Fed meeting, and more.
[Loretta Mester](https://wwsg.com/speakers/loretta-mester/), former President of the Cleveland Fed, delivers clear, grounded insight into today’s economic challenges—from inflation and tariffs to recession risk and rate cuts. With deep experience inside the Federal Reserve, Mester explains the tough tradeoffs shaping monetary policy and what they mean for businesses, investors, and the public. Book Loretta Mester through [WWSG ](https://wwsg.com)for essential guidance on navigating economic uncertainty. [Contact us ](https://wwsg.com/contact-us/)today!
---
### [Laurence Mussio: Turning Historical Experience into Judgment](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/laurence-mussio-turning-historical-experience-into-judgment/)
**Published:** April 4, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
In this essay for [*The Globe and Mail*](https://www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/article-we-have-destroyed-our-capacity-to-convert-historical-experience-into/) Futures @ Risk Series, historian and strategic advisor Dr. Laurence Mussio argues that modern institutions have lost the ability to transform historical experience into sound judgment. Drawing on examples ranging from shipwrecks and infrastructure failures to geopolitical disruptions and supply chain crises, he introduces the concept of “Mnemonic Capital” — the institutional capacity to convert past lessons into present-day decision-making. Mussio contends that organizations increasingly document risks without acting on them, creating a dangerous cycle of strategic amnesia. He proposes practical frameworks for restoring institutional memory and embedding historical learning into governance, helping leaders better navigate an era defined by complexity, uncertainty, and adversarial risk.
[Dr. Laurence B. Mussio](https://wwsg.com/speakers/laurence-mussio/) is a strategic historian and trusted advisor to CEOs who helps leaders make sense of today’s volatile geopolitical and economic landscape. Known for his ability to connect historical patterns to modern disruptions—from AI and trade shocks to institutional and market realignments—he brings clarity to moments of uncertainty.
Visit [*The Globe and Mail*](https://www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/article-we-have-destroyed-our-capacity-to-convert-historical-experience-into/) to read the full article and explore why institutional memory may be one of the most important strategic assets for navigating uncertainty and building resilience.
As Chair of the Long Run Institute and a senior advisor to global executives, Dr. Mussio combines rigorous insight with engaging storytelling, offering audiences not just analysis, but a sharper strategic lens for navigating what comes next. To learn more, [contact us](http://wwsg.com/contact-us/) today.
---
### [Laurence Mussio: The Ghost in the Machine Is Outpacing the Real World](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/laurence-mussio-the-ghost-in-the-machine-is-outpacing-the-real-world/)
**Published:** February 6, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
In this essay for [*The Globe and Mail* ](https://www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/article-ghost-intelligence-world-risk/)Futures @ Risk Series, historian and strategic advisor Dr. Laurence Mussio explores the growing disconnect between the digital systems that increasingly govern modern life and the physical infrastructure that sustains them. From artificial intelligence and critical supply chains to energy grids and financial markets, Mussio argues that today’s greatest risks emerge when institutions prioritize speed, efficiency, and automation while neglecting resilience and institutional memory. Drawing on history, geopolitics, and emerging technologies, he examines how nations and organizations can better navigate an era of adversarial risk and rapid disruption. Ultimately, Mussio challenges leaders to rethink the relationship between technology, infrastructure, and strategic foresight in a world where the “ghost” of digital intelligence cannot exist without a resilient physical foundation.
Visit [*The Globe and Mail*](https://www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/article-ghost-intelligence-world-risk/) to read the full article and explore Dr. Laurence Mussio’s insights on technology, resilience, and the future of risk.
[Dr. Laurence B. Mussio](https://wwsg.com/speakers/laurence-mussio/) is a strategic historian and trusted advisor to CEOs who helps leaders make sense of today’s volatile geopolitical and economic landscape. Known for his ability to connect historical patterns to modern disruptions—from AI and trade shocks to institutional and market realignments—he brings clarity to moments of uncertainty.
As Chair of the Long Run Institute and a senior advisor to global executives, Dr. Mussio combines rigorous insight with engaging storytelling, offering audiences not just analysis, but a sharper strategic lens for navigating what comes next. To learn more, [contact us](http://wwsg.com/contact-us/) today.
---
### [Laurence Mussio: The Bill for ‘Strategic Amnesia’ Is Growing Daily](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/laurence-mussio-the-bill-for-strategic-amnesia-is-growing-daily/)
**Published:** January 21, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
In this thought-provoking essay for [*The Globe and Mail* ](https://www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/article-strategic-amnesia-futures-at-risk/)Futures @ Risk Series, historian and risk expert Dr. Laurence Mussio examines why organizations repeatedly suffer preventable crises—from infrastructure collapses and wildfires to financial disruptions and technology failures. He argues that catastrophic failures often stem from three interconnected issues: fragmented knowledge, a lack of accountability, and incentives that reward short-term efficiency over long-term resilience. Drawing on historical case studies and modern examples, Mussio makes the case that institutional memory is not simply archived information but a strategic asset essential for recognizing risk and making better decisions. He proposes practical frameworks for embedding historical learning into governance, helping leaders build organizations that are more resilient, accountable, and prepared for the future.
Visit [*The Globe and Mail*](https://www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/article-strategic-amnesia-futures-at-risk/) to read the full article.
[Dr. Laurence B. Mussio](https://wwsg.com/speakers/laurence-mussio/) is a strategic historian and trusted advisor to CEOs who helps leaders make sense of today’s volatile geopolitical and economic landscape. Known for his ability to connect historical patterns to modern disruptions—from AI and trade shocks to institutional and market realignments—he brings clarity to moments of uncertainty.
As Chair of the Long Run Institute and a senior advisor to global executives, Dr. Mussio combines rigorous insight with engaging storytelling, offering audiences not just analysis, but a sharper strategic lens for navigating what comes next. To learn more, [contact us](http://wwsg.com/contact-us/) today.
---
### [Pierre Yared: US military strength secures financial dominance](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/pierre-yared-us-military-strength-secures-financial-dominance/)
**Published:** December 20, 2024
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
Published on December 20, 2024, this VoxEU column by [Pierre Yared](http://wwsg.com/speakers/pierre-yared) examines the relationship between U.S. military power and the global dominance of the U.S. dollar. Drawing on research with Carolin Pflueger, Yared argues that America’s financial advantages—often referred to as its “exorbitant privilege”—are closely tied to its military strength, which reassures investors and allows the U.S. government to borrow at lower interest rates than other nations. He points to historical examples, including the rise of the United States after World War I and the United Kingdom after the Napoleonic Wars, to show how financial leadership often follows military supremacy. Yared also notes that geopolitical crises tend to strengthen demand for U.S. assets, reinforcing America’s borrowing advantage. While the current system benefits the United States economically and strategically, he warns that fiscal instability, debt-ceiling crises, or the internationalization of China’s currency could weaken both U.S. financial and geopolitical dominance. *Source: [CEPR.](https://cepr.org/voxeu/columns/us-military-strength-secures-financial-dominance)*
To host Pierre Yared at your speaking engagement, [contact WWSG.](http://wwsg.com/contact-us)
---
### [Dr. Sanjay Gupta: How to Beat a Migraine](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/dr-sanjay-gupta-how-to-beat-a-migraine/)
**Published:** June 12, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
Migraine headaches are debilitating, and their triggers and underlying causes can be mysterious. Dr. Sanjay Gupta invites neurologist Alexander Mauskop, author of “The End of Migraines” to explain how migraines start and how to stop them.
[Dr. Sanjay Gupta](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sanjay-gupta/) brings unparalleled credibility, experience, and clarity to the stage as one of the world’s most trusted voices in [health and medicine](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/healthcare-and-wellness/). As CNN’s chief medical correspondent and a practicing neurosurgeon, he has reported on every major health crisis of the last two decades—from the frontlines of natural disasters and war zones to the global Covid-19 pandemic.
Event audiences benefit not only from his deep medical expertise, but also his unique ability to communicate complex topics with clarity, empathy, and relevance. Whether discussing brain health, crisis response, or the intersection of media and medicine, Dr. Gupta delivers insights that are timely, actionable, and deeply resonant for groups of all kinds. [Contact us](http://wwsg.com/contact-us) to host him for a speaking engagement.
---
### [Mark Esper on Potential Iran Deal to End the War](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/mark-esper-on-potential-iran-deal-to-end-the-war/)
**Published:** June 15, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
Former Defense Secretary Mark Esper joins ‘Squawk on the Street’ to discuss a potential Iran deal to end the war, the future of the Strait of Hormuz, and more.
The Honorable [Mark Esper](https://wwsg.com/speakers/mark-esper/) served as U.S. Secretary of Defense and Secretary of the Army, with decades of leadership across[ government](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/government-and-politics/), business, and the military. A West Point Distinguished Graduate and author of *A Sacred Oath*, he now works in venture capital and private equity. A top speaker across[ economic and finance](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/economy-and-finance/), [geopolitics](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/geopolitics/), [military leadership](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/military-background/), and[ technology,](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/technology-and-innovation/) Esper brings audiences informed perspectives on global security, leadership, and strategic decision-making. To bring Mark Esper to your next speaking event, [contact WWSG.](http://wwsg.com/contact-us/)
---
### [Robert Califf on Professionalism in Healthcare](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/robert-califf-on-professionalism-in-healthcare/)
**Published:** February 24, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
On February 18, the UNC community came together for the 47th Merrimon Lecture, featuring distinguished speaker Robert Califf, MD, MACC. His talk, *“Can We Balance Professionalism with the Extreme Financial Focus of U.S. Healthcare?”*, encouraged attendees to reflect on the growing tension between clinical professionalism and the increasingly complex financial forces shaping American healthcare.
Dr. Califf explored how the financialization and fragmentation of the U.S. healthcare system have generated wealth for owners and intermediaries while contributing to moral injury among frontline clinicians and public health professionals. These pressures, he noted, also play a role in declining public trust and the rising influence of alternative health approaches—many fueled by widespread misinformation.
“We’re facing a moment when the balance between professionalism and financial incentives is out of alignment,” Dr. Califf explained. “Layer in the massive effects of digital communication, artificial intelligence, and misinformation, and we have a perfect storm—one that contributes to stagnant life expectancy in the U.S. and our lagging outcomes compared to other high-income countries. We must actively engage in public discourse, champion evidence, and uphold our professional responsibility to put patients’ health ahead of financial considerations. It’s not easy, but the stakes are high.”
The lecture sparked meaningful dialogue and left attendees with a renewed commitment to fostering an ethical, sustainable, and patient-centered healthcare system.
To learn more about the lecture and watch the full presentation, [click here](https://bioethics.unc.edu/talk/merrimon-lecture-2026/).
[Dr. Robert Califf](https://wwsg.com/speakers/robert-califf/) brings an unparalleled perspective on the future of healthcare, having led the FDA through pivotal moments in public health, medical innovation, and regulatory policy. Combining decades of experience as a physician, researcher, healthcare executive, and policymaker, he helps audiences understand the forces reshaping medicine—from artificial intelligence and drug development to healthcare economics and public trust. Event planners value his ability to translate complex healthcare challenges into clear, actionable insights for healthcare, business, academic, and policy audiences alike. To bring Dr. Califf to your next event, [contact WWSG](http://wwsg.com/contact-us/) today.
---
### [Niall Ferguson: Key Questions on U.S.-Iran Deal](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/niall-ferguson-key-questions-on-u-s-iran-deal/)
**Published:** June 15, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
President Trump announced a U.S.-Iran deal, but there aren’t many details yet on the agreement’s terms. CBS News contributor Sir Niall Ferguson joins CBS News with his questions on the matter.
As one of today’s leading [historians](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/geopolitics/historians/) and [geopolitical thinkers](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/geopolitics/), Niall Ferguson brings exceptional depth and clarity to conversations about global strategy, economic power, and international conflict. His ability to connect history with current events makes him an especially valuable speaker for corporate audiences, leadership forums, and policy-focused conferences seeking insight into today’s rapidly shifting geopolitical landscape. To learn more about hosting Niall Ferguson at your next event, [contact WWSG.](http://wwsg.com/contact-us)
---
### [Laurence Mussio: The Insurance Crisis at Hormuz](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/laurence-mussio-the-insurance-crisis-at-hormuz/)
**Published:** April 17, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
On Monday, the United States Navy began enforcing a blockade of all Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz. Roughly 25 per cent of the world’s seaborne oil and 20 per cent of its liquefied natural gas transits the strait. Nearly 800 ships have sat at anchor in the past several weeks. Oil is around US$95 a barrel.
Every headline frames this as a military crisis. It is not. It is an insurance crisis – and it has been since Feb. 28, when the private sector architecture that underwrites global maritime trade did something no navy had yet accomplished: It shut down the strait.
Within 48 hours of the first U.S.-Israeli strikes, war-risk premiums for a large crude carrier surged from roughly US$150,000 to US$3.6-million per transit.
Seven of the 12 major Protection and Indemnity clubs (mutual insurers covering 90 per cent of ocean-going tonnage) issued 72-hour cancellation notices for the Gulf.
Without war-risk coverage, a tanker cannot meet the contractual and regulatory conditions required to enter ports or transit high-risk waters. Lloyd’s Joint War Committee redesignated the Arabian Gulf a conflict zone.
Traffic collapsed by 80 per cent before Iran’s physical blockade was formally declared.
The cascade originated in the insurance market and escaped containment: stranded tankers forced Gulf producers to shut in wells. The underwriters closed the strait before the admirals did.
This was not supposed to be possible. Marine insurance exists to distribute risk, not concentrate it. The oldest known policy was written in Genoa in 1343.
Centuries before Edward Lloyd opened his coffee house, the Venetian colleganza had already divided risk between investor and mariner. Venice priced each voyage against what it had learned before: storms, hostile ports and corsair waters. Lloyd’s Loss Book, kept since 1774, went further still: It memorialized every missing ship in a ledger rather than reducing the loss to an accounting entry. The price remembered.
None of this should have been a surprise. What was not understood was how fast the cascade would run once it started. The architecture that absorbed four years of the Tanker War (1984–88) could not absorb four weeks of this conflict. The premium no longer remembered; it faltered and, when it did, the entire chain seized. Iran grasped this, granting selective passage to some vessels, reportedly conditional upon a US$2-million toll. It’s a toll regime that would be legible to the Barbary corsairs, who extracted tribute for passage through waters they could make dangerous but did not own. Any chokepoint-adjacent adversary can now do the same.
Washington understood the implications faster than London.
President Donald Trump directed the U.S. International Development Finance Corp. to establish a US$40-billion maritime reinsurance facility, with Chubb as lead underwriter alongside six major American insurers. The move stakes a claim on ground that Lloyd’s has occupied for three centuries.
The precedent is Operation Earnest Will, when Ronald Reagan reflagged Kuwaiti tankers under the Stars and Stripes: sovereign insurance through military escort. Mr. Trump has formalized what Mr. Reagan improvised and extended it from the quarterdeck to the balance sheet.
If the facility becomes permanent, London not only risks losing a contract but a jurisdiction; the legal framework governing maritime war risk shifts from English law to American administrative procedure. Whether the facility becomes a genuine alternative or remains a wartime expedient will depend on whether Washington sustains it as the strait reopens.
The precedent, however, has been set. As a result, the British Chancellor of the Exchequer’s emergency meetings with the Lloyd’s chairman are best understood as a rearguard effort to preserve one of the last great pieces of British commercial infrastructure still operating at global scale.
Freedom of navigation – the foundational assumption on which maritime trade has rested – is no longer guaranteed by naval power alone. It is underwritten by a private insurance architecture that can withdraw faster than any fleet can deploy, repriced by a sovereign facility built to serve Washington’s strategic interests, and contested by a toll regime that would have been familiar to any Mediterranean mariner of the early modern period. The system that was built to remember has faltered. The Loss Book was written to prevent this. Somewhere between 1774 and 2026, the lesson was shelved and seemingly forgotten. The strait is now open only to those willing to bear the cost, whether financial or strategic: exposure to the power of a country that will use commerce itself as a weapon.
[Dr. Laurence B. Mussio](https://wwsg.com/speakers/laurence-mussio/) is a strategic historian and trusted advisor to CEOs who helps leaders make sense of today’s volatile geopolitical and economic landscape. Known for his ability to connect historical patterns to modern disruptions—from AI and trade shocks to institutional and market realignments—he brings clarity to moments of uncertainty.
As Chair of the Long Run Institute and a senior advisor to global executives, Dr. Mussio combines rigorous insight with engaging storytelling, offering audiences not just analysis, but a sharper strategic lens for navigating what comes next. To learn more, [contact us](http://wwsg.com/contact-us/) today.
---
### [Laurence Mussio: The Ledger and the Future of Global Power](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/laurence-mussio-the-ledger-and-the-future-of-global-power/)
**Published:** June 4, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
Earlier this year representatives of America’s largest banks sat across from their crypto counterparts at a White House summit convened to break the impasse over the stalled CLARITY Act. The banks demanded a blanket prohibition on paying yield to stablecoin holders. The crypto firms pushed back. No deal was struck, and the bill languished in the Senate. The meeting laid bare a question far older than blockchain: who controls the ledger — and therefore, who controls power?
The disruptions of the evolving global economy reach well beyond supply chains and currency hedging – to the ledger itself, the substrate upon which the financial architecture rests. With new technology and geopolitical reconfiguration underway, the next phase of the world’s payment and settlement order is in play.
Stablecoins, tokenized assets, and central bank digital currencies now consume the waking hours of central bankers on every continent. The questions may appear technical. The stakes are existential. History has shown, again and again, that it is the ledger, not the sword, that has proven most sovereign.
Ledgers are old. They are older than banking, older than coinage, older than the alphabet itself. Sumerian merchants pressed reeds into wet clay to record obligations four millennia before Christ; the marks dried in the Mesopotamian sun and became, in that drying, the first permanent claims on the future. Parchment succeeded clay. Leather-bound codices succeeded parchment.
And in Florence, in 1397, Giovanni di Bicci de’ Medici founded the bank whose mastery of double-entry bookkeeping – the systematic inscription of debits and credits, assets and liabilities – made it indispensable to popes, princes, and the papacy’s wars. The Medici ledger was mnemonic capital in its purest form: accumulated records that compounded trust and projected authority across time. But Florence was not alone.
Neighbouring Siena established the Monte dei Paschi – the state as banker, deploying public capital for public ends. Two models, born a day’s ride apart, prefiguring a contest now waged in code.
> **” A nation that does not command its own digital payment architecture will discover, too late, that it has surrendered its monetary sovereignty. And sovereignty, once ceded, is seldom recovered”**
SWIFT’s establishment in 1973 appeared to render the contest moot. Here was a network cooperative, technical, and serenely apolitical. Until it was not. When the United States severed Iranian banks from SWIFT in 2012 and imposed the same exile on Russia after the invasion of Ukraine – no trade settlements, no correspondent banking, no participation in the machinery of global commerce – the lesson landed with force. Payment systems are instruments of coercion. Power belongs to those who control the ledger.
Today, virtually all countries are exploring digital currency. The contest that matters is triangular: the United States, China, and the European Union.
Washington moved first, and with characteristic audacity. President Trump banned a retail digital dollar by executive order, then signed the GENIUS Act in July 2025, bringing the stablecoin industry under federal regulation. Why build a government currency when you can conscript an existing one?
The Act requires issuers to hold massive reserves in US cash and short-duration Treasuries – quietly transforming the sector into a top-fifteen holder of government debt. It compels them to freeze or ‘burn’ tokens at law enforcement’s direction: the sanctions weapon, now privatized, now woven into every digital wallet on earth.
Yet that clash reveals a fissure within the strategy. The CLARITY Act – meant to complete the architecture – has stalled because banks and crypto firms cannot agree on whether stablecoins may bear interest. Banks fear deposit flight. Crypto firms call it protectionism. Having conscripted private money, Washington discovers its conscripts have interests of their own.
Beijing drew the opposite conclusion. If the dollar system can be turned against you, build parallel rails. The digital yuan subordinates the private platforms that had dominated Chinese retail payments, returning them to state oversight. Abroad, it anchors wholesale settlement networks beyond SWIFT’s reach. By late 2025, cumulative e-CNY transactions had reached 2.3 trillion dollars. Saudi Arabia is settling oil on these rails. On January 1, 2026, Beijing began paying interest on e-CNY balances – the very instrument Washington’s banks are fighting to deny their own stablecoin sector.
And the rest? The European Central Bank agonises over whether citizens may be trusted with a few thousand digital euros. The Bank of England proposes capping holdings at twenty thousand pounds per person. The architecture is defensive – designed not for projection but for the prevention of deposit flight. The heirs of the Florentine bankers have concluded the ledger is too dangerous to open.
From Sumerian clay to Californian blockchain, whoever controls the inscription of value controls power. The ledger is mnemonic capital – a reservoir of recorded obligation that compounds authority across time. Washington has conscripted the stablecoin sector but cannot yet govern its creation. Beijing is building a monetary architecture that owes nothing to the dollar. Brussels and London, capping holdings to shield their banks, have hobbled their creations before birth.
The arithmetic is merciless. Stablecoin transfers settle in seconds for fractions of a cent. Senders will take the faster, cheaper rail – every time, without sentiment, without ceremony. Sovereignty bleeds out through a thousand daily transactions. These are strategic choices with generational consequences. A nation that does not command its own digital payment architecture will discover, too late, that it has surrendered its monetary sovereignty. And sovereignty, once ceded, is seldom recovered.
[Dr. Laurence B. Mussio](https://wwsg.com/speakers/laurence-mussio/) is a strategic historian and trusted advisor to CEOs who helps leaders make sense of today’s volatile geopolitical and economic landscape. Known for his ability to connect historical patterns to modern disruptions—from AI and trade shocks to institutional and market realignments—he brings clarity to moments of uncertainty.
As Chair of the Long Run Institute and a senior advisor to global executives, Dr. Mussio combines rigorous insight with engaging storytelling, offering audiences not just analysis, but a sharper strategic lens for navigating what comes next. To learn more, [contact us](http://wwsg.com/contact-us/) today.
---
### [Carla Harris & Mel Robbins: Make Yourself Recession-Proof](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/carla-harris-mel-robbins-make-yourself-recession-proof/)
**Published:** June 11, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
**Learn the new career rules so you can get noticed, get promoted, and stay ahead at work.**
In this episode, Wall Street leader and trailblazer Carla Harris gives you a no-BS career reset for uncertain times:
- How to get what you want at work (money, success, promotion)
- Get the confidence you need to uplevel your career or change jobs
- Build the relationships that get you promoted (hint: it’s not always your boss), -How to prepare for reviews and raises
Carla coaches real listeners, tells you how to plan for a midcareer change without blowing up your life and how to silence a toxic boss. She gives you real scripts to land a job, get a promotion, and move ahead in your career faster than ever.
Learn what you need to know to stay relevant in the age of tech changes and AI, and how to get the money you deserve even if your pay is way below what you should be earning.
Carla will tell you the mindset and the strategies that work today, so you can expect to win at work.
[Carla Harris](https://wwsg.com/speakers/carla-harris/) has extensive industry experiences in the technology, media, retail, telecommunications, transportation, industrial, and healthcare sectors. In August 2013, Ms. Harris was appointed by President Barack Obama to chair the National Women’s Business Council.
[Mel Robbins](https://wwsg.com/speakers/mel-robbins/) is a best-selling author, internationally recognized social media influencer, and one of the most booked motivational speakers in the world. She is the creator of a powerful mind trick called the 5 Second Rule. It’s backed by science and will transform how you think, how you work, and how you live.
Looking to elevate your next event?[ Contact WWSG](http://wwsg.com/contact-us/) to inquire about Carla Harris or Mel Robbins.
---
### [Eric Holcomb: State Leaders Must Prepare Now for an AI Storm](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/eric-holcomb-state-leaders-must-prepare-now-for-an-ai-storm/)
**Published:** May 11, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
In this [Time](https://time.com/article/2026/05/21/state-leaders-must-prepare-for-an-ai-storm/) article, former Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb argues that the workforce disruption caused by artificial intelligence should be treated with the same urgency as a natural disaster. He contends that states must take the lead in preparing workers for an AI-driven economy by strengthening connections between employers and educators, expanding workforce training opportunities, and aligning higher education funding with employment outcomes. Highlighting examples from Indiana, Texas, and Colorado, Holcomb emphasizes the need for employer-informed curricula, apprenticeships, and skills-based learning programs. He argues that states that invest in workforce readiness today will be better positioned to navigate technological change and attract new economic opportunities in the years ahead.
Read Eric Holcomb’s full [TIME](https://time.com/article/2026/05/21/state-leaders-must-prepare-for-an-ai-storm/) article on preparing America’s workforce for the age of AI.
[Eric J. Holcomb](https://wwsg.com/speakers/eric-holcomb/) offers audiences the rare perspective of a governor who delivered tangible results in economic growth, infrastructure, and workforce innovation. His grounded, solutions-focused approach helps leaders make sense of today’s policy and business landscape—and chart a smarter path forward. Engaging, pragmatic, and deeply experienced, Holcomb is an exceptional choice for organizations seeking a keynote speaker who can translate real-world governance into actionable leadership insights. [Contact us](http://wwsg.com/contact-us/) today to learn more.
---
### [Eric Holcomb: What AI Means for American Manufacturing](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/eric-holcomb-what-ai-means-for-american-manufacturing/)
**Published:** January 16, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
In this [Time article](https://time.com/7346751/ai-impact-american-manufacturing/), former Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb argues that artificial intelligence will strengthen—not weaken—American manufacturing. Drawing on his family’s experience adapting to technological change, he contends that AI, robotics, and advanced manufacturing technologies can drive a new era of domestic production, create millions of jobs, and reduce reliance on overseas labor. Holcomb emphasizes that realizing these benefits will require investments in workforce training, education, energy infrastructure, and lifelong learning. While acknowledging the challenges AI presents, he argues that the United States can harness the technology to expand economic opportunity, support manufacturing growth, and maintain global competitiveness.
Visit [*TIME* ](https://time.com/7346751/ai-impact-american-manufacturing/)to read the full article by WWSG exclusive speaker, Eric Holcomb.
[Eric J. Holcomb](https://wwsg.com/speakers/eric-holcomb/) offers audiences the rare perspective of a governor who delivered tangible results in economic growth, infrastructure, and workforce innovation. His grounded, solutions-focused approach helps leaders make sense of today’s policy and business landscape—and chart a smarter path forward. Engaging, pragmatic, and deeply experienced, Holcomb is an exceptional choice for organizations seeking a keynote speaker who can translate real-world governance into actionable leadership insights. [Contact us](http://wwsg.com/contact-us/) today to learn more.
---
### [Martin Gruenberg: Lecture 3 of the Paul A. Volcker Lecture Series](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/martin-gruenberg-lecture-3-of-the-paul-a-volcker-lecture-series/)
**Published:** April 16, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
Yale Program on Financial Stability presents The Inaugural Paul A. Volcker Lecture Series with speaker Martin Gruenberg, Lecturer in Management
Marty Gruenberg is a Lecturer in Management and an American attorney who served as chairman of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) from 2012 to 2025; Before joining the FDIC Board, Gruenberg served as senior counsel to Senator Paul S. Sarbanes (D-MD) on the staff of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs (Senate Banking Committee) from 1993 to 2005. He also served as Staff Director of the Banking Committee’s Subcommittee on International Finance and Monetary Policy from 1987 to 1992.
Gruenberg served as chairman of the executive council and president of the International Association of Deposit Insurers from November 2007 to November 2012.
With an extensive background in financial regulation, banking policy, and international finance, [Martin Gruenberg](https://wwsg.com/speakers/martin-gruenberg/) is an ideal keynote speaker for conferences and roundtables focused on financial stability, regulatory frameworks, or the future of the banking system. With decades of experience at the FDIC, including multiple tenures as Chairman, and a deep understanding of both domestic and global financial systems, Mr. Gruenberg offers valuable insights on navigating complex regulatory environments, managing risk, and ensuring systemic resilience. His leadership roles in key international organizations, including the Financial Stability Board, further position him as a thought leader capable of addressing the most pressing challenges in today’s financial landscape. [Contact us](http://wwsg.com/contact-us/) to learn more.
---
### [Martin Gruenberg: Lecture 2 of the Paul A. Volcker Lecture Series](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/martin-gruenberg-lecture-2-of-the-paul-a-volcker-lecture-series/)
**Published:** April 15, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
Yale Program on Financial Stability presents The Inaugural Paul A. Volcker Lecture Series with speaker Martin Gruenberg, Lecturer in Management
Marty Gruenberg is a Lecturer in Management and an American attorney who served as chairman of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) from 2012 to 2025; Before joining the FDIC Board, Gruenberg served as senior counsel to Senator Paul S. Sarbanes (D-MD) on the staff of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs (Senate Banking Committee) from 1993 to 2005. He also served as Staff Director of the Banking Committee’s Subcommittee on International Finance and Monetary Policy from 1987 to 1992.
Gruenberg served as chairman of the executive council and president of the International Association of Deposit Insurers from November 2007 to November 2012.
With an extensive background in financial regulation, banking policy, and international finance, [Martin Gruenberg](https://wwsg.com/speakers/martin-gruenberg/) is an ideal keynote speaker for conferences and roundtables focused on financial stability, regulatory frameworks, or the future of the banking system. With decades of experience at the FDIC, including multiple tenures as Chairman, and a deep understanding of both domestic and global financial systems, Mr. Gruenberg offers valuable insights on navigating complex regulatory environments, managing risk, and ensuring systemic resilience. His leadership roles in key international organizations, including the Financial Stability Board, further position him as a thought leader capable of addressing the most pressing challenges in today’s financial landscape. [Contact us](http://wwsg.com/contact-us/) to learn more.
---
### [Martin Gruenberg: Lecture 1 of the Paul A. Volcker Lecture Series](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/martin-gruenberg-lecture-1-of-the-paul-a-volcker-lecture-series/)
**Published:** April 14, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
Yale Program on Financial Stability presents The Inaugural Paul A. Volcker Lecture Series with speaker Martin Gruenberg, Lecturer in Management
Marty Gruenberg is a Lecturer in Management and an American attorney who served as chairman of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) from 2012 to 2025; Before joining the FDIC Board, Gruenberg served as senior counsel to Senator Paul S. Sarbanes (D-MD) on the staff of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs (Senate Banking Committee) from 1993 to 2005. He also served as Staff Director of the Banking Committee’s Subcommittee on International Finance and Monetary Policy from 1987 to 1992.
Gruenberg served as chairman of the executive council and president of the International Association of Deposit Insurers from November 2007 to November 2012.
With an extensive background in financial regulation, banking policy, and international finance, [Martin Gruenberg](https://wwsg.com/speakers/martin-gruenberg/) is an ideal keynote speaker for conferences and roundtables focused on financial stability, regulatory frameworks, or the future of the banking system. With decades of experience at the FDIC, including multiple tenures as Chairman, and a deep understanding of both domestic and global financial systems, Mr. Gruenberg offers valuable insights on navigating complex regulatory environments, managing risk, and ensuring systemic resilience. His leadership roles in key international organizations, including the Financial Stability Board, further position him as a thought leader capable of addressing the most pressing challenges in today’s financial landscape. [Contact us](http://wwsg.com/contact-us/) to learn more.
---
### [Edward Fishman: Understanding Iran](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/edward-fishman-understanding-iran/)
**Published:** June 11, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
Trevor and Eugene sit down with former State Department official and international sanctions expert Eddie Fishman to unpack the hidden mechanics of global power. Using Iran as a lens, Eddie explains how economic sanctions became one of America’s favorite foreign policy tools, why they’re often seen as an alternative to war, and what happens when those plans collide with the realities of the world they’re meant to change.
Along the way, the trio explore unintended consequences, international hypocrisy, and the stubborn truth that people, countries, and history rarely cooperate with anyone’s grand strategy.
[Edward Fishman](https://wwsg.com/speakers/edward-fishman/) is one of the world’s foremost experts on [economic statecraft,](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/economy-and-finance/) with deep experience shaping U.S. foreign policy. His *New York Times*–bestselling book [*Chokepoints: American Power in the Age of Economic Warfare*](https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/726149/chokepoints-by-edward-fishman/) is widely regarded as definitive and essential to understand how sanctions, tariffs, and export controls are reshaping the world. A Columbia University scholar, he brings sharp, timely insights into how economic warfare is transforming geopolitics and the business landscape. His ability to translate complex global dynamics into compelling narratives makes him a standout keynote speaker for any audience. [Contact us](http://wwsg.com/contact-us/) today to learn more.
---
### [Niall Ferguson: Has the U.S. Lost the Iran War?](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/niall-ferguson-has-the-u-s-lost-the-iran-war/)
**Published:** June 9, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
On Sunday, the war with Iran reignited—yet again. Iran fired a ballistic missile barrage at Israel, a move that followed Israel’s targeting Hezbollah in Lebanon.
President Trump urged Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu not to strike back. But Netanyahu did anyway—prompting observers everywhere to ask: Did Bibi just defy the president? Did the two reach some other agreement behind closed doors? What does any of it tell us about the state of the U.S.-Israel relationship? And is this war winding down, or are we on the path to a protracted conflict? On Tuesday, Trump vowed to retaliate against Iran after an Apache helicopter went down near the Strait of Hormuz—demonstrating once again the precarious nature of the conflict.
Today I’m joined by Free Press columnist and historian Niall Ferguson to make sense of this moment.
We dig into the multiple rounds of negotiations aimed at ending the war, all of which have failed; the question of who holds the upper hand—Iran or the U.S.; whether the war was worth it; and if we are now in a more dangerous position than before it started.
As one of today’s leading [historians](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/geopolitics/historians/) and [geopolitical thinkers](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/geopolitics/), Niall Ferguson brings exceptional depth and clarity to conversations about global strategy, economic power, and international conflict. His ability to connect history with current events makes him an especially valuable speaker for corporate audiences, leadership forums, and policy-focused conferences seeking insight into today’s rapidly shifting geopolitical landscape. To learn more about hosting Niall Ferguson at your next event, [contact WWSG.](http://wwsg.com/contact-us)
---
### [Dr. Sanjay Gupta Shares Summer Sun Safety Tips](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/dr-sanjay-gupta-shares-summer-sun-safety-tips/)
**Published:** June 9, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
Summer is upon us, which means sunscreen should be, too. Dr. Sanjay Gupta explains the difference between mineral and chemical formulas, and how well they protect the body’s largest organ. Plus more tips for correct application, and other ways to stay sun-safe this season.
[Dr. Sanjay Gupta](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sanjay-gupta/) brings unparalleled credibility, experience, and clarity to the stage as one of the world’s most trusted voices in [health and medicine](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/healthcare-and-wellness/). As CNN’s chief medical correspondent and a practicing neurosurgeon, he has reported on every major health crisis of the last two decades—from the frontlines of natural disasters and war zones to the global Covid-19 pandemic.
Event audiences benefit not only from his deep medical expertise, but also his unique ability to communicate complex topics with clarity, empathy, and relevance. Whether discussing brain health, crisis response, or the intersection of media and medicine, Dr. Gupta delivers insights that are timely, actionable, and deeply resonant for groups of all kinds. [Contact us](http://wwsg.com/contact-us) to host him for a speaking engagement.
---
### [Eyck Freymann: Taiwan's Semiconductor Dominance](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/eyck-freymann-taiwans-semiconductor-dominance/)
**Published:** June 5, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
Taiwan makes 90% of the world’s most advanced semiconductors — and China wants to take it without breaking it – using economic coercion if they can. If Beijing succeeds, the global tech economy becomes weaponized. FDD CCTI Senior Director and Senior Fellow RADM (Ret.) Mark Montgomery and Stanford Hoover Institution Fellow Dr. Eyck Freymann break down the military, economic, and diplomatic strategies the U.S. and its allies must deploy right now to deter China — and what happens if they fail.
As a leading expert on China strategy, Taiwan security, and [geopolitical competition](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/geopolitics/), Eyck Freymann brings deep research, global perspective, and forward-looking insight to audiences worldwide. His ability to explain complex geopolitical dynamics in a clear and engaging way makes him a valuable speaker for corporate events, policy forums, and leadership conferences focused on global risk, international affairs, and the future of U.S.-China relations. To learn more about hosting Eyck Freymann at your event, [contact WWSG.](http://wwsg.com/contact-us)
---
### [Marc Short: Are Republicans Losing Farmers?](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/marc-short-are-republicans-losing-farmers/)
**Published:** June 3, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
A new op-ed in the Washington Post suggests the war in Iran and President Trump’s trade policy risk Republicans losing the support of a key coalition: farmers. Republican strategist Marc Short, who wrote the piece, and Democratic strategist Mo Elleithee join with analysis.
[Marc Short](https://wwsg.com/speakers/marc-short/) brings a wealth of high-level government and media experience to the stage, offering audiences a rare, behind-the-scenes perspective on today’s political landscape. As former Chief of Staff to Vice President Mike Pence and Director of Legislative Affairs under President Trump, he provides firsthand insight into the inner workings of Congress and the White House. His current roles as a network contributor and university fellow keep him at the forefront of political trends and bipartisan dialogue. Event planners will find Marc to be a compelling speaker for keynotes or panels focused on leadership, policy, or navigating political change. To host him for a speaking engagement, [contact Worldwide Speakers Group](http://wwsg.com/contact-us).
---
### [Eyck Freymann: Why Does Taiwan Matter?](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/eyck-freymann-why-does-taiwan-matter/)
**Published:** June 3, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
Eyck Freynmann provides 3 reasons on why Taiwan Matters.
As a leading expert on China strategy, Taiwan security, and [geopolitical competition](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/geopolitics/), Eyck Freymann brings deep research, global perspective, and forward-looking insight to audiences worldwide. His ability to explain complex geopolitical dynamics in a clear and engaging way makes him a valuable speaker for corporate events, policy forums, and leadership conferences focused on global risk, international affairs, and the future of U.S.-China relations. To learn more about hosting Eyck Freymann at your event, [contact WWSG.](http://wwsg.com/contact-us)
---
### [Niall Ferguson: From Arsenal to Zelenskyy](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/niall-ferguson-from-arsenal-to-zelenskyy/)
**Published:** June 4, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
In a special “mailbag” episode, prefaced by a quick look at the US-Iran standoff, our GoodFellows answer audience questions ranging from great leadership (or a lack thereof) in the modern age, the health of European institutions (Reform UK and the EU), why once-overheated climate rhetoric has cooled off, the gentleman-scholar’s guide to dressing, plus life lessons gleaned from soccer and rugby pitches.
As one of today’s leading [historians](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/geopolitics/historians/) and [geopolitical thinkers](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/geopolitics/), Niall Ferguson brings exceptional depth and clarity to conversations about global strategy, economic power, and international conflict. His ability to connect history with current events makes him an especially valuable speaker for corporate audiences, leadership forums, and policy-focused conferences seeking insight into today’s rapidly shifting geopolitical landscape. To learn more about hosting Niall Ferguson at your next event, [contact WWSG.](http://wwsg.com/contact-us)
---
### [Dr. Sanjay Gupta on the Women’s Health Gap](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/dr-sanjay-gupta-on-the-womens-health-gap/)
**Published:** June 5, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
For many women, the right care at the right time can change everything. But women’s health is still too often underfunded, under-researched and under-treated. Melinda French Gates joins Sanjay to discuss why — and her new funding push to change it.
[Dr. Sanjay Gupta](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sanjay-gupta/) brings unparalleled credibility, experience, and clarity to the stage as one of the world’s most trusted voices in [health and medicine](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/healthcare-and-wellness/). As CNN’s chief medical correspondent and a practicing neurosurgeon, he has reported on every major health crisis of the last two decades—from the frontlines of natural disasters and war zones to the global Covid-19 pandemic.
Event audiences benefit not only from his deep medical expertise, but also his unique ability to communicate complex topics with clarity, empathy, and relevance. Whether discussing brain health, crisis response, or the intersection of media and medicine, Dr. Gupta delivers insights that are timely, actionable, and deeply resonant for groups of all kinds. [Contact us](http://wwsg.com/contact-us) to host him for a speaking engagement.
---
### [Mike Pence on Conservatism, AI, Donald Trump](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/mike-pence-on-conservatism-ai-donald-trump/)
**Published:** June 3, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
Former US Vice President Mike Pence discusses his new book, “What Conservatives Believe,” what he sees as the future for the Republican Party, regulation of artificial intelligence, and his relationship with President Donald Trump.
Mr. Pence served as vice president of the United States, 2017-21. He brings a wealth of experience from the [highest levels of government,](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/government-and-politics/) offering audiences firsthand insights into [leadership](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/leadership-and-management/), public service, and the future of American politics. Known for his calm demeanor and principled leadership, Vice President Pence is a compelling speaker for audiences seeking clarity and perspective in today’s complex political landscape. To host [Vice President Pence](https://wwsg.com/speakers/mike-pence/) at your next event, [contact WWSG](https://wwsg.com/contact-us/).
---
### [Chris Miller: The China-US tech truce is fragile](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/chris-miller-the-china-us-tech-truce-is-fragile/)
**Published:** June 2, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
## A new wave of supply chain conflict is brewing
Chris Miller, author of *Chip War*, analyzes the uneasy technology truce between the United States and China, arguing that the pause in tensions is not a sign of lasting cooperation but a strategic opportunity for both sides to strengthen their positions. While Beijing continues to expand its influence in advanced manufacturing and critical supply chains, Washington is increasingly focused on maintaining its lead in artificial intelligence and advanced computing.
Miller explores how China views its dominance in sectors such as batteries, electric vehicles, and industrial production as a long-term advantage, while the United States is betting that breakthroughs in AI will deliver economic, technological, and national security benefits. As both governments pursue different paths to global leadership, he argues that the coming years will test whether manufacturing capacity or AI innovation proves to be the more decisive source of power in the evolving competition between the world’s two largest economies.
Visit [The Financial Times](https://www.ft.com/content/7344ae89-6104-4b3f-a86b-18c7348830de) to read the full article by WWSG exclusive speaker, Chris Miller.
Professor [Chris Miller](https://wwsg.com/speakers/chris-miller/) is a geopolitical expert who talks about the origin, impact, and future of AI. He is the author of *Chip War: The Fight for the World’s Most Critical Technology*, a book that explains how computer chips have made the modern world—and how the U.S. and China are struggling for control over this fundamental technology. C*hip War* won *Financial Times’* [Best Business Book of the Year](https://wwsg.com/blog/congratulations-to-wwsg-exclusive-speaker-chris-miller/ "https://wwsg.com/blog/congratulations-to-wwsg-exclusive-speaker-chris-miller/") award. Breaking down the motives behind international politics and economics in a thoughtful and concise manner, Miller provides audiences with fresh, alternative perspectives and leaves them wanting to know more. [Contact WWSG](https://wwsg.com/contact-us/) to host him at your next event.
---
### [Patrick McGee: Could Intel's chips save the U.S. economy?](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/patrick-mcgee-could-intels-chips-save-the-u-s-economy/)
**Published:** June 4, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
Patrick McGee, a contributing writer for The Free Press, joins CBS News 24/7 to discuss his latest column about how Intel’s semiconductor chips could be the key to bolstering the U.S. economy. Paramount Skydance owns The Free Press and CBS News.
[Patrick McGee ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/patrick-mcgee/)brings rare insight to audiences seeking to understand the future of global business and technology. A longtime journalist with the *Financial Times*and former reporter for *The Wall Street Journal*, he has spent more than a decade covering Apple, electric vehicles, and emerging technologies around the world. His reporting and bestselling book [*Apple in China*](https://wwsg.com/announcements/patrick-mcgees-book-apple-in-china-the-capture-of-the-worlds-greatest-company-coming-soon/) draw on hundreds of interviews with executives and engineers to reveal how modern supply chains shape economic power. McGee’s engaging storytelling and deep research make complex topics accessible, giving audiences a clearer understanding of how [technology](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/technology-and-innovation/), [geopolitics](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/geopolitics/), and global markets are evolving. To host him, [contact us](http://wwsg.com/speakers/patrick-mcgee).
---
### [Robert O’Brien on Operation Epic Fury](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/robert-obrien-on-operation-epic-fury/)
**Published:** April 22, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
## **Donald Trump’s Way of War: An American Tradition**
At first, conventional minds worried that President Donald Trump’s campaign against Iran would draw us into another “forever war” like Iraq or Afghanistan, or even Vietnam.
Now, as those fears recede, the worry is that he’s not going for sufficient regime change in Tehran, and that we’ll be drawn into “mowing the grass” again if the Islamic Republic tries to revive its nuclear program or ballistic missile arsenal.
Which is ironic, since trying to engineer regime change was precisely what drew us into protracted conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.
These contradictory criticisms not only ignore Trump’s skill so far in decimating the Iranian regime—perhaps fatally—but also ignore American history.
## **What History Tells Us About Iran and Operation Epic Fury**
American presidents, going back to Thomas Jefferson, have used similar short-term, high-intensity operations to project American power and to punish evil-doers. What Trump has termed his “short-term excursion” against Iran is what military analysts call “punitive expeditions.”
It’s a strategy of short, sharp projections of force that punish foreign powers or dictators for their untoward actions—hence the term “punitive.” The aim is to compel that power or dictator to change their policies and behavior, by using the minimum force necessary to achieve maximum effect.
It’s how Presidents Jefferson and Madison brought the Barbary pirates to heel almost two centuries ago, and how President Ronald Reagan kept Iran from closing the Strait of Hormuz in the 1980’s. Trump’s strikes against IRGC leader Soleimani and against Al Baghdadi and ISIS, during his first term; his Operation Midnight Hammer against Iran’s nuclear sites and his lightning capture of Venezuela’s President Maduro in this term; are all examples of Trump’s use of this time-tested model.
### **THERE ARE THREE BASIC TENETS FOR ANY PUNITIVE EXPEDITION STRATEGY, PAST OR PRESENT.**
**1.** The use of limited military forces rather than a large-scale mobilization or deployment. This campaign profile offers the biggest contrast with operations like those in Afghanistan, Iraq, Vietnam, or even Desert Storm.
**2.** The selection of very specific military targets, including individuals, rather than setting larger strategic or operational objectives. Reagan demonstrated the effectiveness of this approach in his punitive expedition against Libya’s Gaddafi in Operation El Dorado Canyon in April 1986, and President George HW Bush did so against Manuel Noriega in Operation Just Cause in December, 1989.
**3.** The use of a limited time frame rather than a sustained campaign or open-ended commitment, i.e., a date range, is inconsistent with putting large numbers of “boots on the ground.” But with the expectation that, after the initial withdrawal of forces, military action may again be necessary in a similar manner if the wrongdoer does not change their behavior.
The key advantage of the punitive expedition strategy is its optionality. The president can declare victory at whatever stage meets the criterion for forcing a change in behavior and then withdraw forces from the battlefield or even from the region. The initiative remains with him, so that he determines the pace and tempo of kinetic action, not the enemy, as Trump has demonstrated with Iran.
## **What It All Means**
All this adds up to a powerful paradigm for American military action that stands in stark contrast to the one that led to Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan. It’s been used successfully many times before. In fact, one could argue that Trump’s Iran campaign is the quintessential American punitive expedition.
The first campaigns were President Jefferson’s and President Madison’s expeditions against the Barbary pirates. These established the precedent of using military force to defend American interests outside the Western Hemisphere.
Jefferson’s famous maxim, “millions in defense, not a penny in tribute,” sprang from a strategic formula for securing American power through limited and flexible use of military force, especially naval force. This approach was in stark contrast to the later Obama/Biden multibillion-dollar ransom payments to the ayatollahs.
One hundred years later, the U.S. launched the first formal “punitive expedition” under President Woodrow Wilson to hunt down or kill Mexican bandit leader Pancho Villa.
Although the expedition led by General Pershing failed to capture Villa and generated friction with the Mexican government, the expedition did send a strong signal to Villa to curtail his cross-border raids into Texas and New Mexico. It also marked the first use of American airpower – Pershing used bi-planes to track Villa’s bands across the expansive desert of northern Mexico.
As noted above, Reagan was the real master of the punitive expedition strategy. In addition to Operation El Dorado Canyon, he launched both Operation Nimble Archer (October 19, 1987) and Operation Praying Mantis (April 18, 1988) in response to Iranian attacks on Persian Gulf shipping. The use of the Navy and special forces in the ops severely damaged Iranian oil platforms along the coast. Then, when Iranian destroyers tried to intercept American Forces, the enemy ships were sunk in the largest naval engagement since World War Two.
Trump’s strikes against Iranian military and missile sites, and his sinking of Iran’s entire navy, are much bigger and bolder modern-day extensions of Reagan’s approach. But clearly, both Trump and Reagan had the same aim: forcing Tehran to change its behavior, if not its ideological stripes.
This time, Trump has found a reliable partner in this punitive approach, namely Israel. And far from alienating other powers in the region, Trump, “leading from the front” with Israel, in a sharp punitive expedition, has given our Gulf partner confidence to stand up to the thugs in Tehran.
## What Happens Next in Iran
While we do not yet know precisely how the Iran operation ends—including possible regime collapse— there is no doubt that the final decision lies with the White House, and not with America’s enemies.
That is the secret of the well-established American punitive expedition strategy: it allows our presidents to advance American strategic interests and deter evil with the temporary, proportionate use of military force, at the time and place of their choosing. President Trump has executed this approach flawlessly in the past and is doing so again with Operation Epic Fury.
[Ambassador Robert C. O’Brien](https://wwsg.com/speakers/robert-obrien/) brings firsthand experience at the highest levels of U.S. national security and foreign policy. As the 27th National Security Advisor, he advised the President on some of the world’s most pressing geopolitical challenges and played a key role in advancing major diplomatic initiatives, including the Abraham Accords. Drawing on decades of experience in diplomacy, international negotiations, and national security, O’Brien offers audiences valuable insights into global affairs, defense strategy, U.S.-China relations, and the evolving geopolitical landscape. To host Ambassador O’Brien at your next event, [contact Worldwide Speakers Group.](http://wwsg.com/contact-us/)
---
### [Mike Pence on Principles and Political Leadership](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/mike-pence-on-principles-and-political-leadership/)
**Published:** June 2, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
Former Vice President Mike Pence joins “CBS Mornings” to discuss President Trump’s policies and popularity among Republicans, personal values in politics today and who he supports in the Texas Senate race.
Mr. Pence served as vice president of the United States, 2017-21. He brings a wealth of experience from the [highest levels of government,](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/government-and-politics/) offering audiences firsthand insights into [leadership](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/leadership-and-management/), public service, and the future of American politics. Known for his calm demeanor and principled leadership, Vice President Pence is a compelling speaker for audiences seeking clarity and perspective in today’s complex political landscape. To host [Vice President Pence](https://wwsg.com/speakers/mike-pence/) at your next event, [contact WWSG](https://wwsg.com/contact-us/).
---
### [Ben Sasse: Life, Children, and the Country's Future](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/ben-sasse-life-children-and-the-countrys-future/)
**Published:** June 2, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
Former U.S. Senator Ben Sasse delivered a heartfelt reflection on his life, parenting and politics to the “Ruthless Podcast” in an exclusive interview released Tuesday morning.
“Death sucks, but I’m not really scared,” Sasse [told](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qp9YsBJw910) the Fellas. “People are surprised by the answer. And I’m like, well, I guess I’ll talk for a little while.”
Sasse was diagnosed with metastatic stage-four pancreatic cancer in December. Throughout the interview, Sasse emphasized the importance of being rooted.
WWSG exclusive thought leader [Ben Sasse](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ben-sasse/) brings a unique perspective as a former U.S. Senator, university president, and *New York Times* bestselling author. A leading voice on [government and politics,](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/government-and-politics/) [leadership,](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/leadership-and-management/) education, [technology and society,](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/technology-and-innovation/) and the future of American institutions, Sasse explores how digital disruption is reshaping the world while offering both historical context and forward-looking strategies. From defending free speech to strengthening civic culture and building resilient communities, he equips leaders with the intellectual framework to navigate today’s complex challenges. To invite Ben Sasse to your next event, [contact WWSG.](http://wwsg.com/contact-us/)
---
### [Niall Ferguson: AI Is the Most Dangerous Arms Race in History](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/niall-ferguson-ai-is-the-most-dangerous-arms-race-in-history/)
**Published:** June 2, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
### The age of artificial intelligence requires the kind of strategic doctrine and arms control that stabilized the Cold War. Right now, we have neither.
Niall Ferguson examines the growing risks of an unchecked artificial intelligence race, arguing that competition is unfolding on two fronts: among leading AI companies and between the United States and China. He warns that while AI offers transformative benefits, it also presents serious challenges, including cybersecurity threats, the potential development of advanced weapons, economic disruption, and escalating geopolitical tensions.
Drawing parallels to both the nuclear arms race and organized crime rivalries, Ferguson contends that the absence of meaningful regulation has created a dangerous environment where companies and nations are racing to gain strategic advantages. He argues that AI’s most significant risks are geopolitical, particularly as the United States seeks to maintain its technological lead and China works to close the gap.
Ferguson concludes that avoiding future conflict will require greater restraint from technology companies and new forms of international cooperation, including AI-focused arms control agreements. Without such safeguards, he warns, the pursuit of artificial intelligence could become one of the defining security challenges of the twenty-first century.
Visit [*The Free Press*](https://www.thefp.com/p/niall-ferguson-ai-is-the-most-dangerous-arms-race-history) to read the full article.
As one of today’s leading [historians](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/geopolitics/historians/) and [geopolitical thinkers](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/geopolitics/), Niall Ferguson brings exceptional depth and clarity to conversations about global strategy, economic power, and international conflict. His ability to connect history with current events makes him an especially valuable speaker for corporate audiences, leadership forums, and policy-focused conferences seeking insight into today’s rapidly shifting geopolitical landscape. To learn more about hosting Niall Ferguson at your next event, [contact WWSG.](http://wwsg.com/contact-us)
---
### [Lloyd Blankfein: Inside the Next Financial Crisis](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/lloyd-blankfein-inside-the-next-financial-crisis/)
**Published:** May 29, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
On this episode of The Forum, hosted by CNBC’s Becky Quick, Lloyd Blankfein, former Chairman and CEO of Goldman Sachs, joins Sonali Basak, Chief Investment Strategist at iCapital, for a wide-ranging conversation on financial markets, systemic risk, and the forces that shape economic cycles.
Blankfein reflects on the lessons of the 2008 financial crisis, the rise of private credit, and why periods of stability can often create the conditions for future market disruptions. Drawing on decades of experience at the center of global finance, he shares his perspective on risk, regulation, asset valuations, and the warning signs investors and policymakers should be watching today.
New episodes of The Forum with Becky Quick drop monthly. Subscribe for exclusive conversations with global policymakers, business leaders, and thought leaders shaping the world economy.
As a speaker, Lloyd Blankfein brings unmatched firsthand experience on [leadership](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/leadership-and-management/), [economic trends](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/economy-and-finance/), crisis management, and the future of global markets. His candid style, wit, and deep understanding of business and finance make him an engaging and valuable choice for conferences, executive forums, and corporate events. To learn more about hosting Lloyd Blankfein for your event, [contact WWSG](http://wwsg.com/contact-us).
---
### [Mike Pence on Conservatism and the Changing Political Landscape](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/mike-pence/)
**Published:** May 31, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
Former Vice President Mike Pence tells Meet the Press he believes the “populist right” is pushing President Trump away from the conservative agenda.
Mr. Pence served as vice president of the United States, 2017-21. He brings a wealth of experience from the [highest levels of government,](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/government-and-politics/) offering audiences firsthand insights into [leadership](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/leadership-and-management/), public service, and the future of American politics. Known for his calm demeanor and principled leadership, Vice President Pence is a compelling speaker for audiences seeking clarity and perspective in today’s complex political landscape. To host [Vice President Pence](https://wwsg.com/speakers/mike-pence/) at your next event, [contact WWSG](https://wwsg.com/contact-us/).
---
### [Ian Bremmer on the Risks America Poses to the World](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/ian-bremmer-on-the-risks-america-poses-to-the-world/)
**Published:** June 2, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
Over the past month, there have been two dominant stories in American foreign policy. One, of course, is the war with Iran. The other is the much-anticipated summit between President Trump and Xi Jinping of China. And I think if you look closely at both of these stories, you see that our foreign policy has entered into a period of absolute incoherence.
I’m not even sure what the status of the Iran war is at this point. What is Trump trying to achieve? What is he willing to accept?
Taking a more hawkish approach to China has been a core and consistent principle of Trump’s since his first term. He’s been insistent that China has taken advantage of the United States and that America needed to change that dynamic and flex more power. But is that happening? Is that even Trump’s position anymore?
So I wanted to do an episode looking at China and Iran and trying to assess Trump’s foreign policy in general and the ways he’s remaking what America means on the world stage.
Ian Bremmer is the president and founder of Eurasia Group, a political risk research and consultancy firm, and the global affairs publication GZero. He’s also the author of, among other books, “Every Nation for Itself: What Happens When No One Leads the World.”
Ian Bremmer brings exceptional value as a speaker through his ability to clearly explain complex [geopolitical risks](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/geopolitics/) and global power dynamics in a way that is both accessible and highly relevant to business and policy audiences. His insights help organizations and leaders anticipate global instability and make more informed strategic decisions. To learn more about hosting Ian Bremmer, [contact WWSG](http://wwsg.com/contact-us).
---
### [Michael Auslin At The Nixon Library](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/michael-auslin-at-the-nixon-library/)
**Published:** May 28, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
The inspiring story of the Declaration of Independence—from its drafting by Thomas Jefferson to the 21st century–revealing the physical and symbolic history of the document that made America, and which can unite it again.
This dramatic narrative is the first to tell the full story of the fragile scroll that shaped the United States and changed the world. At a time of deep polarization, National Treasure shines a much-needed light on our founding document and the principles that bind us together. The Declaration is our North Star–both a passionate invocation of equality and a galvanizing call for liberty–providing a unifying vision of what it means to be American.
Award-winning historian Michael Auslin brings to life the grand sweep of American history, showing how the revered relic and supreme symbol of the American ideal has survived to inspire each generation. Rich with historic personalities and deeply moving, National Treasure dispels the myths still wrapped around the parchment, taking us through the fierce debates in the summer of 1776 through the Declaration’s long and hallowed afterlife.
One of America’s leading historians, Michael Auslin stands at the forefront of the national conversation surrounding America’s 250th anniversary as the author of the forthcoming history [*National Treasure: How the Declaration of Independence Made America*](https://wwsg.com/announcements/coming-soon-national-treasure-by-dr-michael-auslin/). Through his deeply researched and timely work, Auslin examines how the principles enshrined in the Declaration shaped not only the United States, but the modern world itself. Drawing on his work at Stanford’s Hoover Institution, Yale, and decades of historical analysis, he illuminates how America’s founding ideas continue to influence global politics, economics, and democratic movements.
For event planners seeking a speaker who can authoritatively explain how America’s past forged today’s geopolitical realities—and why understanding that past is essential to navigating the nation’s future—Auslin offers unmatched perspective. His presentations provide audiences with both historical depth and strategic clarity at a pivotal moment in the American story. To host him at your speaking engagement, [contact us](http://wwsg.com/contact-us).
---
### [Mike Pence Reflects on the Future of Conservatism](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/mike-pence-reflects-on-the-future-of-conservatism/)
**Published:** May 31, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
Former Vice President Mike Pence told “Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan” that he’s “certainly seen evidence” that the current Trump administration is whitewashing the Jan. 6 attack. “I was offended on the anniversary of Jan. 6 when the White House put out a timeline that literally blamed Capitol Hill police for the riot that took place that day,” he added.
“Face the Nation” is America’s premier Sunday morning public affairs program. The broadcast is one of the longest-running news programs in the history of television, having debuted Nov. 7, 1954, on CBS. Every Sunday, “Face the Nation” moderator and CBS News senior foreign affairs correspondent Margaret Brennan welcomes leaders, newsmakers, and experts to a lively round table discussion of current events and the latest news.
Mr. Pence served as vice president of the United States, 2017-21. He brings a wealth of experience from the [highest levels of government,](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/government-and-politics/) offering audiences firsthand insights into [leadership](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/leadership-and-management/), public service, and the future of American politics. Known for his calm demeanor and principled leadership, Vice President Pence is a compelling speaker for audiences seeking clarity and perspective in today’s complex political landscape. To host [Vice President Pence](https://wwsg.com/speakers/mike-pence/) at your next event, [contact WWSG](https://wwsg.com/contact-us/).
---
### [Peter Zeihan: Will the U.S. and Iran Reach a Deal?](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/peter-zeihan-will-the-u-s-and-iran-reach-a-deal/)
**Published:** May 31, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
We’ve been hearing about an alleged deal in Iran for quite some time, so what’s actually happening with negotiations?
[Peter Zeihan](https://wwsg.com/speakers/peter-zeihan/) is a [top geopolitical speaker](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/geopolitics/) and strategist who helps audiences understand how the world works. Drawing on expertise in demography, economics, energy, politics, and security, he equips organizations to navigate an uncertain future. A *New York Times* bestselling author of *The Accidental Superpower*, *The Absent Superpower*, *Disunited Nations*, and *The End of the World is Just the Beginning*, Zeihan is known for turning complex global issues into clear, engaging insights. [Contact us](http://wwsg.com/contact-us/) to learn more about hosting him.
---
### [Peter Zeihan: Can Iran Control Internet Cables in the Gulf?](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/peter-zeihan-can-iran-control-internet-cables-in-the-gulf/)
**Published:** May 29, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
We’ve previously discussed the vulnerabilities of global internet infrastructure, but today we’ll focus on subsea data cables in the Persian Gulf.
[Peter Zeihan](https://wwsg.com/speakers/peter-zeihan/) is a [top geopolitical speaker](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/geopolitics/) and strategist who helps audiences understand how the world works. Drawing on expertise in demography, economics, energy, politics, and security, he equips organizations to navigate an uncertain future. A *New York Times* bestselling author of *The Accidental Superpower*, *The Absent Superpower*, *Disunited Nations*, and *The End of the World is Just the Beginning*, Zeihan is known for turning complex global issues into clear, engaging insights. [Contact us](http://wwsg.com/contact-us/) to learn more about hosting him.
---
### [Dr. Sanjay Gupta: How to help your parents cut down their screen time](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/dr-sanjay-gupta-how-to-help-your-parents-cut-down-their-screen-time/)
**Published:** May 29, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
Screen-time worries aren’t just for kids anymore. Families are seeing the same habits in parents and grandparents. Dr. Sanjay Gupta talks with psychiatrist Dr. Sue Varma about risks to the aging brain, warning signs and what families can do.
[Dr. Sanjay Gupta](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sanjay-gupta/) brings unparalleled credibility, experience, and clarity to the stage as one of the world’s most trusted voices in [health and medicine](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/healthcare-and-wellness/). As CNN’s chief medical correspondent and a practicing neurosurgeon, he has reported on every major health crisis of the last two decades—from the frontlines of natural disasters and war zones to the global Covid-19 pandemic.
Event audiences benefit not only from his deep medical expertise, but also his unique ability to communicate complex topics with clarity, empathy, and relevance. Whether discussing brain health, crisis response, or the intersection of media and medicine, Dr. Gupta delivers insights that are timely, actionable, and deeply resonant for groups of all kinds. [Contact us](http://wwsg.com/contact-us) to host him for a speaking engagement.
---
### [Michael Auslin on How the Declaration Shaped America](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/michael-auslin-on-how-the-declaration-shaped-america/)
**Published:** May 22, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
In this episode, Michael Auslin joins to discuss his new book, National Treasure: How the Declaration of Independence Made America, a sweeping and vivid history of the Declaration of Independence from its drafting to its enduring role in American life today. Tracing the remarkable journey of this iconic document—from a Philadelphia boarding house to wartime hiding places and its place as a national symbol—Auslin explores how its ideals of liberty and equality have inspired generations and continue to shape the American experiment. Thomas Donnelly, lead scholar at the National Constitution Center, moderates. This program was streamed live on May 6, 2026, as part of the NCC’s Book Club Series.
One of America’s leading historians, Michael Auslin stands at the forefront of the national conversation surrounding America’s 250th anniversary as the author of the forthcoming history [*National Treasure: How the Declaration of Independence Made America*](https://wwsg.com/announcements/coming-soon-national-treasure-by-dr-michael-auslin/). Through his deeply researched and timely work, Auslin examines how the principles enshrined in the Declaration shaped not only the United States, but the modern world itself. Drawing on his work at Stanford’s Hoover Institution, Yale, and decades of historical analysis, he illuminates how America’s founding ideas continue to influence global politics, economics, and democratic movements.
For event planners seeking a speaker who can authoritatively explain how America’s past forged today’s geopolitical realities—and why understanding that past is essential to navigating the nation’s future—Auslin offers unmatched perspective. His presentations provide audiences with both historical depth and strategic clarity at a pivotal moment in the American story. To host him at your speaking engagement, [contact us](http://wwsg.com/contact-us).
---
### [Patrick McGee: Can Intel Save America?](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/patrick-mcgee-can-intel-save-america/)
**Published:** May 27, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
##### Semiconductors are the most consequential product of the modern world. If Intel can start making chips as advanced as the Taiwanese do, it could help secure America’s 21st-century economy.
This [*Free Press*](https://www.thefp.com/p/can-intel-save-america) article by Patrick McGee examines Intel’s remarkable turnaround and why it could have major consequences far beyond Wall Street. After nearly collapsing a year ago, Intel’s stock has surged almost 500%, pushing the company to a record valuation of more than $600 billion. But McGee argues the real significance lies in Intel’s role as America’s only realistic challenger to Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), the Taiwan-based company that manufactures the world’s most advanced semiconductors.
The article explains that the AI boom initially centered around GPUs, the powerful chips made famous by Nvidia. However, as AI systems become more advanced and autonomous, CPUs are becoming essential again because they coordinate and manage AI workloads inside data centers. Since Intel has historically dominated the CPU market, this shift has created new momentum for the company.
McGee also outlines how Intel lost its technological edge over the past two decades by missing key industry shifts, including smartphones, advanced chip manufacturing, and AI-focused GPUs. Former CEO Pat Gelsinger attempted to reinvent Intel by turning it into a contract manufacturer similar to TSMC, but the company struggled financially and investor confidence collapsed.
The company’s fortunes changed in 2025 with the appointment of Lip-Bu Tan as CEO. Tan aggressively restructured Intel, cut thousands of jobs, refocused the company around AI, and helped restore confidence among investors, the U.S. government, and major tech companies. Following a meeting with President Trump, the U.S. government took a 9.9% stake in Intel, signaling how strategically important the company has become to American national security and economic stability.
The article ultimately argues that Intel’s future is tied directly to America’s technological independence. Today, many of the world’s largest tech companies rely almost entirely on Taiwan for advanced chip production. If China were ever to disrupt Taiwan’s semiconductor industry, the economic consequences for the United States would be severe. McGee suggests that if Intel can successfully scale its chip manufacturing business and compete with TSMC, it could reduce that vulnerability and reshape the global balance of technological power.
Visit [*The Free Press* ](https://www.thefp.com/p/can-intel-save-america)to read the full article by Patrick McGee.
[Patrick McGee ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/patrick-mcgee/)brings rare insight to audiences seeking to understand the future of global business and technology. A longtime journalist with the *Financial Times*and former reporter for *The Wall Street Journal*, he has spent more than a decade covering Apple, electric vehicles, and emerging technologies around the world. His reporting and bestselling book [*Apple in China*](https://wwsg.com/announcements/patrick-mcgees-book-apple-in-china-the-capture-of-the-worlds-greatest-company-coming-soon/) draw on hundreds of interviews with executives and engineers to reveal how modern supply chains shape economic power. McGee’s engaging storytelling and deep research make complex topics accessible, giving audiences a clearer understanding of how [technology](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/technology-and-innovation/), [geopolitics](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/geopolitics/), and global markets are evolving. To host him, [contact us](http://wwsg.com/speakers/patrick-mcgee).
---
### [Chris Miller: Supply Chain War](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/chris-miller-supply-chain-war/)
**Published:** May 27, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
Exiger’s Kit Conklin catches up with Chris Miller (NYT best-selling author of \_Chip War\_) about the evolving landscape of AI, semiconductor supply chains, and US-China tech competition, highlighting security risks, policy challenges, and future trends.
Professor [Chris Miller](https://wwsg.com/speakers/chris-miller/) is a geopolitical expert who talks about the origin, impact, and future of AI. He is the author of *Chip War: The Fight for the World’s Most Critical Technology*, a book that explains how computer chips have made the modern world—and how the U.S. and China are struggling for control over this fundamental technology. C*hip War* won *Financial Times’* [Best Business Book of the Year](https://wwsg.com/blog/congratulations-to-wwsg-exclusive-speaker-chris-miller/ "https://wwsg.com/blog/congratulations-to-wwsg-exclusive-speaker-chris-miller/") award. Breaking down the motives behind international politics and economics in a thoughtful and concise manner, Miller provides audiences with fresh, alternative perspectives and leaves them wanting to know more. [Contact WWSG](https://wwsg.com/contact-us/) to host him at your next event.
---
### [Erika Ayers Badan on Barstool, Mule Media & Community Building](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/erika-ayers-badan-on-barstool-mule-media-community-building/)
**Published:** May 20, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
In the fourth episode of JaneWallStreet’s At The Table podcast, host Deirdre Lester sits down with her former colleague, Barstool Sports’ first CEO, and co-founder of Mule Media Erika Ayers Badan.
Badan reflects on her unconventional rise through the internet economy — from early roles at Fidelity, Microsoft, Yahoo, and AOL to leading Barstool Sports through a period of explosive growth that transformed the company into one of the most influential media entities of the 21st century. She shares lessons from scaling Barstool from 12 employees to more than 400, growing revenue over 5,000%, and why building authentic communities mattered more than chasing vanity metrics.
The conversation then dives into Badan’s newest venture, Mule Media, a “community company” combining Work Like a Girl and The Local Moms Network. She explains why trust, connection, and localized communities are becoming the most valuable assets in a world flooded with AI-generated content.
Lester and Badan also explore the growing influence of moms and professional women as decision-makers, why emerging leagues need to focus less on television deals and more on building deeply engaged communities, and why the next generation of internet businesses will be built on “a lot of smalls” instead of mega-celebrities.
Book [Erika Ayers Badan](https://wwsg.com/speakers/erika-ayers-badan/) for powerful insights on building bold, culture-shaping brands, navigating challenges with resilience, and leveraging storytelling and community to drive lasting impact. Known for her dynamic leadership and no-nonsense approach, Erika has redefined industries and inspired audiences across sectors. [Contact WWSG](https://wwsg.com/contact-us/) today to bring her unmatched expertise and contagious energy to your next event.
---
### [Mike Pence on Civility in Conservative Leadership](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/mike-pence-on-civility-in-conservative-leadership/)
**Published:** May 24, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
In his forthcoming book, the former vice president explains why public figures have a responsibility to engage in the art of compromise.
*Editor’s Note: The following is an excerpt from Mike Pence’s forthcoming book* [What Conservatives Believe: Rediscovering the Conservative Conscience](https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/mike-pence-2/what-conservatives-believe/9781546011637/?lens=center-street)*. It is reprinted with permission from Center Street, an imprint of Hachette Book Group.*
Democracy depends on heavy doses of civility. Since the American founding, we’ve suffered from bouts of incivility, from the sharp words of soundbites to much worse. When it happens, Americans often recognize it and demand more from themselves and their countrymen.
I have long believed that personal attacks have no place in public life, but I haven’t always lived up to my own standards. In 1990, during my second campaign for Congress, I participated in one of the most divisive races in Indiana congressional history. Even though I had come to a personal faith in Jesus Christ years earlier, I became willing to do almost anything to win and made decisions that I soon regretted. After I lost, I wrote a short essay: “Confessions of a Negative Campaigner.” And I made a promise to God and myself that if I ever had the chance to run for office again, I would run in a way that honored God, informed the debate, and put winning and losing after that. I resolved to do better no matter where life took me.
When the chance to run for Congress came around again, I had spent a decade seeking to grow in my faith and aspire “to do unto others” as I would have them do unto me. And throughout the ensuing twenty years in public office, I pray that I have done just that.
In our world of social media, politicians face the temptation to turn the public arena into a circus of insults — but all of us must do better. People of all creeds in public life should demonstrate the ability to disagree without being disagreeable or resorting to the personal invectives that have no place in the public square. “Manners are more important than laws,” wrote Edmund Burke. “Manners are what vex or soothe, corrupt or purify, exalt or debase, barbarize, or refine us.”
As Russell Kirk wrote, “politics is the art of the possible.” And civility makes the art of politics possible. That’s why politics in a democracy includes rules of decorum. During the most raucous arguments in Congress, for example, lawmakers will pepper their remarks with references to their partisan rivals as “my good friend.” These traditions may feel arcane, and they can break down in practice, but they also create ways to debate proposals rather than personalities. I can claim that an idea is bad without insisting that its author is a bad person.
Civility is how we can find principled common ground in America. Conservatives must never compromise our principles, but we can compromise on details.
When Ronald Reagan was governor of California, he became frustrated with some of his fellow Republicans: “They wanted all or nothing and they wanted it all at once. If you don’t get it all, some said, don’t take anything.” That’s not how politics works in a democracy — and Reagan knew it from his time in Hollywood as president of the Screen Actors Guild. He was in fact the only union leader ever to become president. “I’d learned while negotiating union contracts that you seldom got everything you asked for,” he said. “If you got 75 or 80 percent of what you were asking for, I say, you take it and fight for the rest later.” Reagan also liked to quote President Franklin Delano Roosevelt: “I have no expectations of making a hit every time I come to bat. What I seek is the highest possible batting average.”
Major legislative achievements throughout American history have come from bipartisan majorities, with both Democrats and Republicans joining to create Social Security in the 1930s and pass civil rights laws in the 1960s. More recently, though, too many politicians have favored partisan power over principled common ground. The passage of the Affordable Care Act — also known as “Obamacare” — became the first transformational law ever rammed through Congress on a party-line vote. Not a single Republican supported it, but it fundamentally altered health care for Americans. It’s no coincidence that it also made health care worse.
The failure to find common ground and generate a broad consensus on health care and so many other issues has led to our current period of political volatility. Voters have thrust parties in and out of power with whiplash speed. Since 2000, control of the House of Representatives has changed four times and control of the Senate has changed five times. This is powerful evidence of restlessness among the American people.
Incivility is at the heart of the problem. Liberals love to pretend that Donald Trump invented incivility, but he’s more a symptom than a source. Trump did not devise the personal attack in politics, though he may have perfected it. Sadly, Trump’s abrasive and combative style, once unique and jarring in the Republican Party, has been widely aped by right-wing populists.
Long before Trump, however, left-wing progressives rejected civility and compromise. They followed the advice of the activist and agitator Saul Alinsky, who wrote *Rules for Radicals*, a 1971 manifesto on political confrontation. Among his thirteen rules, the most influential was the last: “Pick the target, freeze it, personalize it, and polarize it.” Not surprisingly, the book includes an epigraph that praises “the first radical known to man who rebelled against the establishment and did it so effectively that he won his own kingdom — Lucifer.”
Many Democrats, most notably Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton, became disciples of Alinsky and brought his methods of demonization into the politics of the 21st century. Progressives have relied on Alinsky’s playbook for decades. Democrats routinely attack and demean Republicans and other ordinary Americans. When he was running for president in 2008, Obama spoke at a fundraising event in San Francisco: “You go into these small towns in Pennsylvania and, like a lot of small towns in the Midwest, the jobs have been gone now for 25 years and nothing’s replaced them,” he said. “And it’s not surprising then they get bitter, they cling to guns or religion or antipathy toward people who aren’t like them.” Hillary Clinton also mocked regular Americans during her 2016 presidential campaign, at a fundraiser in New York City: “You could put half of Trump’s supporters into what I call the basket of deplorables,” she said, as her liberal donors laughed and clapped. “The racist, sexist, homophobic, xenophobic, Islamophobic — you name it.”
During my years in Congress, as governor, and as vice president, I grew accustomed to the demonization of my faith, my family, and my convictions by left-wing progressives and their allies in the media. I never liked it, but I learned to live with it. Yet it has troubled me to watch the coarsening of our culture from the normalization of foul language to the antics of the cowardly trolls on social media who hide behind anonymity as they shout their bigotry. This everyday cruelty has formed a grim backdrop to a worse and growing problem. As the Bible says, “you reap what you sow.” As progressives promote abortion on demand at any time and for any reason and increasingly promote unnatural deaths from euthanasia, they cheapen life and foster a culture of death. In 2025, a Democratic candidate for attorney general in Virginia was revealed to have sent text messages wishing death upon a Republican politician and then saying he also wished the man’s children dead. Democratic officials refused to denounce him, and Democratic voters inexplicably rewarded him with an election victory.
Words matter, and today the rhetoric of many left-wing progressives as well as right-wing populists fuels a growing acceptance of political violence. After the death of George Floyd in 2020, protests ostensibly about police brutality descended into urban riots in dozens of cities. Months later, populists rampaged through the Capitol, in an attempt to overturn an election, assaulting police officers and vandalizing our seat of government. The violence kept on coming: A potential assassin stalked Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh in 2022. Later, the governor of Pennsylvania saw his residence firebombed and a Minnesota state representative and her husband were killed in their home. During the 2024 campaign, President Trump narrowly escaped an assassin’s bullet at a political rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, and he survived another potential assassination on a golf course in Florida.
Political violence must be universally condemned, no matter where it comes from and no matter who it targets. Sadly, it has become disturbingly acceptable to young liberals. In a 2005 YouGov poll, 26 percent of liberals aged 18 to 44 said that political violence is sometimes justified. Among conservatives in the same age range, the figure was only 7 percent. (And among Americans of all ages and all political persuasions, only 11 percent said that political violence can sometimes be justified.)
We saw the tragic consequences of these sentiments with the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk in 2025. I knew Charlie from the time I was governor through my years in the White House. One of my final speeches as vice president was in Florida for Turning Point USA, the organization he founded and led. Charlie was a good and godly young man, a devoted husband and father. He was dedicated to taking his conservative message to young people on campuses across the country, until an assassin’s bullet killed him. He gave his life defending freedom of speech. Our movement and our nation should ever remember him so.
The person responsible for the murder of Charlie Kirk was the man who pulled the trigger. He must face swift and certain justice. Nothing will do more to ensure that this scourge of political violence comes to an end. Nevertheless, we must acknowledge that those of us in public life have a responsibility to do better.
Three years before Charlie’s murder, I spoke at Utah Valley University, just yards from the site of his killing. In my remarks, I warned of mounting incivility: “If we allow radical voices to continue dumping toxic waste into the headwaters of culture, our politics will only get more poisonous over time.” The American people long for us to restore a threshold of civility in public life, but it will take a new generation of conservative statesmen to achieve it.
Mr. Pence served as vice president of the United States, 2017-21. He brings a wealth of experience from the [highest levels of government,](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/government-and-politics/) offering audiences firsthand insights into [leadership](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/leadership-and-management/), public service, and the future of American politics. Known for his calm demeanor and principled leadership, Vice President Pence is a compelling speaker for audiences seeking clarity and perspective in today’s complex political landscape. To host [Vice President Pence](https://wwsg.com/speakers/mike-pence/) at your next event, [contact WWSG](https://wwsg.com/contact-us/).
---
### [Ian Bremmer: Why Most News Isn't Worth Your Attention](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/ian-bremmer-why-most-news-isnt-worth-your-attention/)
**Published:** May 22, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
Political scientist Ian Bremmer has access to the rooms, conversations and world leaders who make the news of the day. So how does he stay on top of everything that’s going on? In conversation with TED’s Helen Walters, Bremmer opens up about how he thinks about sources, how he avoids getting spun — and what we can all do to think more clearly about the news. (This interview was recorded on May 20, 2026.)
Ian Bremmer brings exceptional value as a speaker through his ability to clearly explain complex [geopolitical risks](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/geopolitics/) and global power dynamics in a way that is both accessible and highly relevant to business and policy audiences. His insights help organizations and leaders anticipate global instability and make more informed strategic decisions. To learn more about hosting Ian Bremmer, [contact WWSG](http://wwsg.com/contact-us).
---
### [Marc Short Talks Latest US Peace Proposal to Iran War](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/marc-short-talks-latest-us-peace-proposal-to-iran-war/)
**Published:** May 21, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
Marc Short, former Chief of Staff to Vice President Mike Pence and now Chairman of Advancing American Freedom, speaks on the latest peace proposal from the US to potentially end the war in Iran. He speaks with Bloomberg’s Annmarie Hordern.
[Marc Short](https://wwsg.com/speakers/marc-short/) brings a wealth of high-level government and media experience to the stage, offering audiences a rare, behind-the-scenes perspective on today’s political landscape. As former Chief of Staff to Vice President Mike Pence and Director of Legislative Affairs under President Trump, he provides firsthand insight into the inner workings of Congress and the White House. His current roles as a network contributor and university fellow keep him at the forefront of political trends and bipartisan dialogue. Event planners will find Marc to be a compelling speaker for keynotes or panels focused on leadership, policy, or navigating political change. To host him for a speaking engagement, [contact Worldwide Speakers Group](http://wwsg.com/contact-us).
---
### [Niall Ferguson: The Endless Almost-Deal in Iran](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/niall-ferguson-the-endless-almost-deal-in-iran/)
**Published:** May 26, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
#### Since February 28, we have experienced the geopolitical equivalent of a roller-coaster ride on magic mushrooms.
Niall Ferguson examines the rapidly evolving conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran, arguing that the past several months have been defined by a volatile mix of military escalation, economic pressure, ceasefire negotiations, and shifting diplomatic signals.
Ferguson outlines the proposed framework of a potential agreement involving a temporary ceasefire, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, sanctions relief for Iran, and renewed negotiations surrounding Iran’s nuclear program. At the center of the analysis is a key question: whether the emerging deal represents a strategic victory for the United States and its allies or a major geopolitical concession to Iran.
Drawing on historical parallels to Vietnam and past U.S. interventions in the Middle East, Ferguson argues that President Trump’s approach reflects a familiar American pattern of relying on airpower, sanctions, and negotiation while avoiding a prolonged ground war. While Trump’s communication style is uniquely modern and highly public, Ferguson suggests the broader strategic challenges remain consistent with decades of U.S. foreign policy history.
The article also highlights the growing importance of the Strait of Hormuz as both an economic and geopolitical pressure point, as well as the broader implications for regional alliances, global energy markets, and the future balance of power in the Middle East.
Ultimately, Ferguson concludes that despite ongoing speculation surrounding peace negotiations, the conflict remains unresolved and highly unstable. His analysis offers valuable insight into the intersection of military strategy, diplomacy, and political leadership during one of the most consequential geopolitical crises facing the world today.
Visit [*The Free Press*](https://www.thefp.com/p/niall-ferguson-iran-war-analysis) to read the full article by Niall Ferguson.
As one of today’s leading [historians](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/geopolitics/historians/) and [geopolitical thinkers](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/geopolitics/), Niall Ferguson brings exceptional depth and clarity to conversations about global strategy, economic power, and international conflict. His ability to connect history with current events makes him an especially valuable speaker for corporate audiences, leadership forums, and policy-focused conferences seeking insight into today’s rapidly shifting geopolitical landscape. To learn more about hosting Niall Ferguson at your next event, [contact WWSG.](http://wwsg.com/contact-us)
---
### [Chris Heemskerk: Discipline, Not Hype, Will Define AI Innovation](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/chris-heemskerk-discipline-not-hype-will-define-ai-innovation/)
**Published:** April 16, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
AI is everywhere, but hype without discipline won’t drive real innovation. In the latest \#Huawei \#TransformTalks, Chris Heemskerk, Founder & CEO of The Innovation Alliance and former Head of Scaled Acquisitions at Google, argues that companies need a clear strategy—not scattered pilot projects—to turn AI into a true business driver.
[Chris Heemskerk](https://wwsg.com/speakers/chris-heemskerk/) is an exceptional keynote speaker due to his extensive experience at top technology firms like Google and Apple, as well as his expertise in innovation strategy. As the creator of *The Innovation Scorecard TM*, he provides organizations with a proven framework to enhance their innovation capabilities and drive sustainable growth. His keynotes deliver actionable insights on technology, leadership, and corporate innovation, equipping audiences with the tools to thrive in an evolving business landscape. [Contact WWSG](http://wwsg.com/contact-us/) to learn more.
---
### [Chris Heemskerk: Innovation Keynote Speaker](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/chris-heemskerk-innovation-keynote-speaker/)
**Published:** June 18, 2025
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
Chris Heemskerk | Innovation Keynote Speaker Reel \[2025\]
[Chris Heemskerk](https://wwsg.com/speakers/chris-heemskerk/) is an exceptional keynote speaker due to his extensive experience at top technology firms like Google and Apple, as well as his expertise in innovation strategy. As the creator of *The Innovation Scorecard TM*, he provides organizations with a proven framework to enhance their innovation capabilities and drive sustainable growth. His keynotes deliver actionable insights on technology, leadership, and corporate innovation, equipping audiences with the tools to thrive in an evolving business landscape. [Contact WWSG](http://wwsg.com/contact-us/) to learn more.
---
### [Dr. Sanjay Gupta: Should You Be Worried About Ebola?](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/dr-sanjay-gupta-should-you-be-worried-about-ebola/)
**Published:** May 26, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
As a growing Ebola outbreak in Central Africa raises alarm, listeners have questions about what it is, how it spreads, and how worried they should be. Sanjay breaks down what we know — including why Ebola is highly infectious but not easily contagious — and why this outbreak has experts on alert. Plus, what it could mean for travel and the upcoming World Cup.
[Dr. Sanjay Gupta](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sanjay-gupta/) brings unparalleled credibility, experience, and clarity to the stage as one of the world’s most trusted voices in [health and medicine](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/healthcare-and-wellness/). As CNN’s chief medical correspondent and a practicing neurosurgeon, he has reported on every major health crisis of the last two decades—from the frontlines of natural disasters and war zones to the global Covid-19 pandemic.
Event audiences benefit not only from his deep medical expertise, but also his unique ability to communicate complex topics with clarity, empathy, and relevance. Whether discussing brain health, crisis response, or the intersection of media and medicine, Dr. Gupta delivers insights that are timely, actionable, and deeply resonant for groups of all kinds. [Contact us](http://wwsg.com/contact-us) to host him for a speaking engagement.
---
### [Deborah Birx on Ebola Preparedness](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/deborah-birx-on-ebola-preparedness/)
**Published:** May 24, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
Dr. Deborah Birx, who helped coordinate the international response to the 2014 Ebola outbreak, told “Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan” that “there’s a deep bench” at the CDC, FDA to facilitate an Ebola response despite that neither agency has a confirmed agency head.
[Dr. Deborah Birx](https://wwsg.com/speakers/deborah-birx/) is a world-renowned physician, diplomat, and public health expert known for her decades of leadership in global health and pandemic response. As the former White House Coronavirus Response Coordinator and U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator, she has guided nations through some of the most complex health challenges in recent history. Dr. Birx’s deep expertise in infectious diseases, data-driven policy, and crisis management makes her a powerful and insightful speaker for organizations navigating today’s evolving health landscape. Dr. Birx’s speaking engagements are managed exclusively by [WWSG](https://wwsg.com). To host her for your next event, [contact us](https://wwsg.com/contact-us/)!
---
### [Ben Sasse: The Indoor Childhood Is Bad for America](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/ben-sasse-the-indoor-childhood-is-bad-for-america/)
**Published:** May 25, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
## We need to reckon with the cultural implications of trapping an entire generation at home with nothing useful to do.
Former U.S. Senator and university president Ben Sasse argues that America’s screen time crisis is really a symptom of a much larger cultural problem: children are no longer being given enough independence, responsibility, or opportunities to explore the world around them. Citing new research, Sasse highlights how today’s children often have unrestricted access to technology while simultaneously being heavily restricted from spending time outdoors or navigating their own neighborhoods independently.
The article explores how overprotection and hyper-supervision have unintentionally contributed to rising screen dependence, passivity, and a lack of resilience among young people. Sasse argues that adolescence should be a gradual introduction to adulthood, where children learn responsibility through real-world experiences, risk-taking, and problem-solving—not through constant indoor entertainment and supervision.
Rather than blaming younger generations, Sasse calls on parents, communities, and institutions to rethink modern childhood and create environments that encourage independence, curiosity, and resilience. He concludes that raising stronger, more capable young adults starts by giving children more freedom, more responsibility, and more meaningful alternatives to screens.
Visit *[The Wall Street Journal](https://www.wsj.com/opinion/free-expression/ben-sasse-the-indoor-childhood-is-bad-for-america-51c29dec)* to read the full article by Ben Sasse.
WWSG exclusive thought leader [Ben Sasse](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ben-sasse/) brings a unique perspective as a former U.S. Senator, university president, and *New York Times* bestselling author. A leading voice on [government and politics,](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/government-and-politics/) [leadership,](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/leadership-and-management/) education, [technology and society,](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/technology-and-innovation/) and the future of American institutions, Sasse explores how digital disruption is reshaping the world while offering both historical context and forward-looking strategies. From defending free speech to strengthening civic culture and building resilient communities, he equips leaders with the intellectual framework to navigate today’s complex challenges. To invite Ben Sasse to your next event, [contact WWSG.](http://wwsg.com/contact-us/)
---
### [Scott Gottlieb on Ebola Outbreak](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/scott-gottlieb-on-ebola-outbreak/)
**Published:** May 26, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
Former FDA Commissioner Dr. Scott Gottlieb joins ‘Squawk Box’ to discuss the latest developments on the Ebola outbreak, risks to the United States, GLP-1′s impact on cancer risks, and more.
As a speaker, Scott Gottlieb brings audiences a rare combination of frontline [government experience](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/government-and-politics/), [healthcare policy expertise](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/healthcare-and-wellness/), and clear, data-driven analysis on public health, biotech, regulation, and crisis management. Event planners can book Dr. Gottlieb through [Worldwide Speakers Group](https://wwsg.com?utm_source=chatgpt.com) for keynote presentations, moderated conversations, and executive-level health and policy briefings.
---
### [Loretta Mester: Why the Fed Is Staying Focused on Inflation](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/loretta-mester-why-the-fed-is-staying-focused-on-inflation/)
**Published:** May 21, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
Loretta Mester, Princeton University Griswold Center for Economic Policy senior scholar and former Cleveland Fed president, joins ‘Squawk Box’ to discuss the state of the economy, impact on the Fed’s interest rate outlook, inflation concerns, challenges facing incoming Fed Chair Kevin Warsh, and more.
[Loretta Mester](https://wwsg.com/speakers/loretta-mester/), former President of the Cleveland Fed, delivers clear, grounded insight into today’s economic challenges—from inflation and tariffs to recession risk and rate cuts. With deep experience inside the Federal Reserve, Mester explains the tough tradeoffs shaping monetary policy and what they mean for businesses, investors, and the public. Book Loretta Mester through [WWSG ](https://wwsg.com)for essential guidance on navigating economic uncertainty. [Contact us ](https://wwsg.com/contact-us/)today!
---
### [Sanjay Gupta Delivers 2026 Michigan Med Commencement](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/sanjay-gupta-delivers-2026-michigan-med-commencement/)
**Published:** May 21, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
Remarks from featured keynote speaker Sanjay Gupta, MD, at the 2026 University of Michigan Medical School Commencement.
[Dr. Sanjay Gupta](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sanjay-gupta/) brings unparalleled credibility, experience, and clarity to the stage as one of the world’s most trusted voices in [health and medicine](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/healthcare-and-wellness/). As CNN’s chief medical correspondent and a practicing neurosurgeon, he has reported on every major health crisis of the last two decades—from the frontlines of natural disasters and war zones to the global Covid-19 pandemic.
Event audiences benefit not only from his deep medical expertise, but also his unique ability to communicate complex topics with clarity, empathy, and relevance. Whether discussing brain health, crisis response, or the intersection of media and medicine, Dr. Gupta delivers insights that are timely, actionable, and deeply resonant for groups of all kinds. [Contact us](http://wwsg.com/contact-us) to host him for a speaking engagement.
---
### [Dr. Sanjay Gupta: What Hair Knows About Your Health](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/dr-sanjay-gupta-what-your-hair-know-about-your-health/)
**Published:** May 15, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
Thinning hair, shedding, and sudden graying can send people searching for answers. This week, Sanjay speaks with dermatologist and Harvard assistant professor Dr. Maryanne Makredes Senna about what could be driving hair loss, what to watch for, and which treatments are actually worth it. Plus, practical tips and the biggest myths to avoid.
[Dr. Sanjay Gupta](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sanjay-gupta/) brings unparalleled credibility, experience, and clarity to the stage as one of the world’s most trusted voices in [health and medicine](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/healthcare-and-wellness/). As CNN’s chief medical correspondent and a practicing neurosurgeon, he has reported on every major health crisis of the last two decades—from the frontlines of natural disasters and war zones to the global Covid-19 pandemic.
Event audiences benefit not only from his deep medical expertise, but also his unique ability to communicate complex topics with clarity, empathy, and relevance. Whether discussing brain health, crisis response, or the intersection of media and medicine, Dr. Gupta delivers insights that are timely, actionable, and deeply resonant for groups of all kinds. [Contact us](http://wwsg.com/contact-us) to host him for a speaking engagement.
---
### [Edward Fishman: The Age of Economic Warfare](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/edward-fishman-the-age-of-economic-warfare/)
**Published:** May 21, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
In *The Age of Economic Warfare*, part of the Council on Foreign Relations series *The Future of American Strategy*, WWSG speaker examines how sanctions, tariffs, export controls, and supply chain restrictions have become defining tools of modern geopolitical conflict.
Fishman argues that the global economy built for an era of globalization is beginning to fracture as nations increasingly weaponize economic power in pursuit of strategic advantage. As governments race to adapt, he explores the possible futures of the international economic order—and the risks the United States faces if it fails to help shape what comes next.
Visit the [*Council on Foreign Relations*](https://www.cfr.org/articles/the-age-of-economic-warfare?utm_campaign=foas&utm_medium=social_owned&utm_source=tw) website to read the full piece by Edward Fishman.
[Edward Fishman](https://wwsg.com/speakers/edward-fishman/) is one of the world’s foremost experts on [economic statecraft,](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/economy-and-finance/) with deep experience shaping U.S. foreign policy. His *New York Times*–bestselling book [*Chokepoints: American Power in the Age of Economic Warfare*](https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/726149/chokepoints-by-edward-fishman/) is widely regarded as definitive and essential to understand how sanctions, tariffs, and export controls are reshaping the world. A Columbia University scholar, he brings sharp, timely insights into how economic warfare is transforming geopolitics and the business landscape. His ability to translate complex global dynamics into compelling narratives makes him a standout keynote speaker for any audience. [Contact us](http://wwsg.com/contact-us/) today to learn more.
---
### [Niall Ferguson: Cold War II and the Rise of Anti-History](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/niall-ferguson-cold-war-ii-and-the-rise-of-anti-history/)
**Published:** May 22, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
Sir Niall Ferguson, Milbank Family Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institution and columnist at The Free Press, joins the show in front of a live audience to discuss the perilous moment we find ourselves in and how it all relates to history. What is the status of the Iran war? What is influencing President Donald Trump’s policymaking? How do we defeat a dangerous wave of “anti-history”? And are we on the brink of a world war, a cold war, or something in between?
As one of today’s leading [historians](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/geopolitics/historians/) and [geopolitical thinkers](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/geopolitics/), Niall Ferguson brings exceptional depth and clarity to conversations about global strategy, economic power, and international conflict. His ability to connect history with current events makes him an especially valuable speaker for corporate audiences, leadership forums, and policy-focused conferences seeking insight into today’s rapidly shifting geopolitical landscape. To learn more about hosting Niall Ferguson at your next event, [contact WWSG.](http://wwsg.com/contact-us)
---
### [WWSG Speakers Named Washington to DC’s 500 Most Influential People](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/wwsg-speakers-named-washington-to-dcs-500-most-influential-people/)
**Published:** May 5, 2026
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
Each year, *Washingtonian* magazine recognizes the region’s most influential leaders through its “Washington DC’s 500 Most Influential People” list—a widely respected guide to the policymakers, business leaders, legal minds, journalists, diplomats, and innovators shaping the nation’s capital. Published annually since 2022, the list highlights individuals who are not only accomplished in their fields, but who actively influence the conversations, decisions, and institutions driving Washington forward. Selection is based on extensive reporting, research, and consultation with experts across industries, making inclusion a significant recognition of leadership and impact within the DC community.
Two WWSG exclusive thought leaders were recognized as Washington DC’s 500 Most Influential People of 2026: [Scott Gottlieb](http://wwsg.com/speakers/scott-gottlieb) and [Robert O’Brien](http://wwsg.com/speakers/robert-obrien).
**Scott Gottlieb**
*New Enterprise Associates*
*Partner*
A former FDA commissioner in Trump’s first term, Gottlieb has played a key role in healthcare innovation policy, actively advising on regulatory strategies to accelerate access to new medical technologies and therapies.
**Hometown:** East Brunswick, New Jersey. **Education:** Wesleyan University; Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. **First job:** Healthcare analyst at Alex. Brown & Sons in Baltimore.
**Robert O’Brien**
*American Global Strategies*
*Cofounder and Chairman*
O’Brien has leveraged his reputation as Trump’s former national-security adviser to promote “peace through strength,” advising leaders and companies on US foreign-policy priorities and strategic responses to global security threats.
**Education:** UCLA; UC Berkeley School of Law. **Best career advice he ever received:** “As a lawyer, your role is to be a peacemaker.”
To host Gottlieb or O’Brien for a speaking opportunity, [contact WWSG](http://wwsg.com/contact-us).
---
### [Nicholas Christakis: Science Is Under Attack](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/nicholas-christakis-science-is-under-attack/)
**Published:** May 1, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
Civilization runs on science. In this video we make the argument for protecting the commons: the shared institutions, funding, norms, and public trust that let discovery happen. The payoff isn’t just knowledge….it’s medicine, technology, and the infrastructure of modern life.
Dr. Nicholas Christakis is a leading voice at the intersection of [science, society, and policy.](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/technology-and-innovation/) His pioneering research on social networks, human behavior, and public health offers powerful insights into how ideas—and ideologies—spread. With a rare ability to translate complex science into compelling storytelling, [Dr. Christakis ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/nicholas-christakis/)equips audiences with the tools to navigate today’s most pressing challenges. To bring Dr. Christakis to your next speaking engagement, [contact us](https://wwsg.com/contact-us/) today.
---
### [Peter Zeihan: Using U.S. Energy as Leverage](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/peter-zeihan-using-u-s-energy-as-leverage/)
**Published:** May 20, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
Trade relations between the U.S. and Europe are on the fritz. The latest in all the noise is the suggestion that the U.S. could restrict LNG exports to the EU if trade negotiations break down.
[Peter Zeihan](https://wwsg.com/speakers/peter-zeihan/) is a [top geopolitical speaker](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/geopolitics/) and strategist who helps audiences understand how the world works. Drawing on expertise in demography, economics, energy, politics, and security, he equips organizations to navigate an uncertain future. A *New York Times* bestselling author of *The Accidental Superpower*, *The Absent Superpower*, *Disunited Nations*, and *The End of the World is Just the Beginning*, Zeihan is known for turning complex global issues into clear, engaging insights. [Contact us](http://wwsg.com/contact-us/) to learn more about hosting him.
---
### [Chris Miller: America, China, and the Tech Cold War](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/chris-miller-america-china-and-the-tech-cold-war/)
**Published:** May 20, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
Following Trump’s return from his summit in China, Jon is joined by Chris Miller, author of “Chip War: The Fight for the World’s Most Critical Technology.” Together, they explore the supply chain for semiconductors that runs through Taiwan, discuss how the trade war between the US and China is reshaping technology development and production, and consider what this competition reveals about the emerging world order. Plus, Jon has to choose between Nixon and Trump!
Professor [Chris Miller](https://wwsg.com/speakers/chris-miller/) is a geopolitical expert who talks about the origin, impact, and future of AI. He is the author of *Chip War: The Fight for the World’s Most Critical Technology*, a book that explains how computer chips have made the modern world—and how the U.S. and China are struggling for control over this fundamental technology. C*hip War* won *Financial Times’* [Best Business Book of the Year](https://wwsg.com/blog/congratulations-to-wwsg-exclusive-speaker-chris-miller/ "https://wwsg.com/blog/congratulations-to-wwsg-exclusive-speaker-chris-miller/") award. Breaking down the motives behind international politics and economics in a thoughtful and concise manner, Miller provides audiences with fresh, alternative perspectives and leaves them wanting to know more. [Contact WWSG](https://wwsg.com/contact-us/) to host him at your next event.
---
### [Dr. Sanjay Gupta: AI Is in Your Healthcare Now](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/dr-sanjay-gupta-ai-is-in-your-healthcare-now/)
**Published:** May 8, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
More people are turning to AI for health advice, but how reliable is it? Dr. Sanjay Gupta sits down with Dr. Bob Wachter, author of “A Giant Leap,” to unpack how AI is already helping patients and doctors, where it can go wrong, and how to use these tools safely without over relying on them. Dr. Gupta is a practicing neurosurgeon and member of the National Academy of Medicine’s AI Code of Conduct Steering Committee. He has previously provided limited consulting to OpenEvidence as a medical advisor.
[Dr. Sanjay Gupta](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sanjay-gupta/) brings unparalleled credibility, experience, and clarity to the stage as one of the world’s most trusted voices in [health and medicine](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/healthcare-and-wellness/). As CNN’s chief medical correspondent and a practicing neurosurgeon, he has reported on every major health crisis of the last two decades—from the frontlines of natural disasters and war zones to the global Covid-19 pandemic.
Event audiences benefit not only from his deep medical expertise, but also his unique ability to communicate complex topics with clarity, empathy, and relevance. Whether discussing brain health, crisis response, or the intersection of media and medicine, Dr. Gupta delivers insights that are timely, actionable, and deeply resonant for groups of all kinds. [Contact us](http://wwsg.com/contact-us) to host him for a speaking engagement.
---
### [Peter Goodman on a Growing Global Humanitarian Crisis](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/peter-goodman-on-a-growing-global-humanitarian-crisis/)
**Published:** May 18, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
Peter Goodman’s latest reporting for The New York Times offers a powerful on-the-ground look at the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Somalia as drought, conflict, and cuts to global aid converge with devastating consequences. Centered around families fleeing famine conditions in southern Somalia, the article examines how worsening climate pressures and economic instability are pushing millions toward extreme hunger and displacement.
Goodman details how the dismantling of U.S.A.I.D. funding and broader reductions in humanitarian assistance from Western governments have left relief organizations struggling to operate. Camps that once provided food, health care, and emergency support are now losing clinics, medicines, and nutrition programs just as need continues to rise. The article also explores how the escalating conflict in the Middle East and disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz have sharply increased the cost of food, fuel, fertilizer, and transportation across Somalia, a country heavily dependent on imports.
Through interviews with aid workers, medical staff, local officials, and displaced families, Goodman illustrates the impossible choices now facing humanitarian organizations as resources shrink. Clinics are closing, food programs are being scaled back, and aid groups are increasingly forced to prioritize only those closest to starvation. The reporting also highlights the broader global implications of declining international humanitarian engagement, with experts warning that prolonged instability could push tens of millions more people worldwide into acute hunger.
Blending geopolitical analysis with deeply personal stories from the ground, Goodman’s article underscores how global conflicts, climate change, and shifting political priorities are reshaping the future of humanitarian relief — and leaving vulnerable communities to bear the cost.
Read the full article by Peter Goodman in [*The New York Times.*](https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/18/business/iran-war-somalia-usaid.html)
[Peter S. Goodman](https://wwsg.com/speakers/peter-goodman/) is a standout keynote speaker on[ global economics, trade policy, and financial markets,](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/economy-and-finance/) known for his ability to translate complex economic shifts into clear, compelling narratives. Goodman offers a vital perspective on the geopolitical and economic consequences of policy chaos, making him an essential voice for audiences seeking to understand the fragility of markets in an age of uncertainty. His speaking engagements are managed exclusively by [WWSG](https://wwsg.com). To host him for your events, [contact us](https://wwsg.com/contact-us/).
---
### [Sheila Bair: Stopping Poor Financial Decisions](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/sheila-bair-stopping-poor-financial-decisions/)
**Published:** May 16, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
Barry sits down with Former FDIC Chair Sheila Bair. They discuss the release of her latest book “How Not To Lose A Million Dollars” and the importance of financial literacy across age groups. Bair also discusses her concerns about crypto and the rise of Buy Now, Pay Later.
Recognized on TIME’s “Top 100” list and named among The Wall Street Journal’s “50 Women to Watch,” Sheila Bair is one of the foremost voices in [finance and economics](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/economy-and-finance/). Serving as Chair of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) from 2006 to 2011, she led the agency through the most severe financial crisis since the Great Depression, helping restore stability and confidence in the U.S. banking system.
Throughout her accomplished career spanning government, academia, and the financial sector, Bair has earned widespread respect for her leadership in financial regulation and consumer protection. Her influence and impact were further recognized by Forbes, which ranked her as the “second most powerful woman in the world.” To host her at your upcoming event, [contact WWSG.](http://wwsg.com/contact-us)
---
### [Ian Bremmer: The Iran war's global fallout (so far)](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/ian-bremmer-the-iran-wars-global-fallout-so-far/)
**Published:** May 18, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
The Iran war has had a ripple effect on the global economy and international relations way beyond the Middle East. Kori Schake of the American Enterprise Institute joins Ian Bremmer to discuss how the conflict is redrawing power for the US, Russia, China, and America’s allies.
Ian Bremmer brings exceptional value as a speaker through his ability to clearly explain complex [geopolitical risks](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/geopolitics/) and global power dynamics in a way that is both accessible and highly relevant to business and policy audiences. His insights help organizations and leaders anticipate global instability and make more informed strategic decisions. To learn more about hosting Ian Bremmer, [contact WWSG](http://wwsg.com/contact-us).
---
### [Edward Fishman: How to Fight an Economic War](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/edward-fishman-how-to-fight-an-economic-war-2/)
**Published:** May 19, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
Edward Fishman on how to fight an economic war.
It has been an extraordinary year in American economic statecraft and economic warfare. When today’s guest last appeared on the show, it was April 2025. We spoke just days after Trump’s so-called “Liberation Day” tariffs had thrown global markets into chaos. At the time, much of the conversation about economic warfare was speculation about what Trump might do. A year later, we know what Trump’s economic warfare looks like in practice—and it’s not a pretty picture.
This episode features returning guest Edward Fishman. Since his last appearance on the podcast, Eddie has taken up a new position at the Council on Foreign Relations, where he is Senior Fellow and Director of the new Maurice R. Greenberg Center for Geoeconomics. The conversation will unpack Eddie’s new Foreign Affairs essay titled “How to Fight an Economic War: A Field Manual for a Ruptured World.”
The Sanctions Age is hosted by Esfandyar Batmanghelidj and Josefine Petrick.
[Edward Fishman](https://wwsg.com/speakers/edward-fishman/) is one of the world’s foremost experts on [economic statecraft,](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/economy-and-finance/) with deep experience shaping U.S. foreign policy. His *New York Times*–bestselling book [*Chokepoints: American Power in the Age of Economic Warfare*](https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/726149/chokepoints-by-edward-fishman/) is widely regarded as definitive and essential to understand how sanctions, tariffs, and export controls are reshaping the world. A Columbia University scholar, he brings sharp, timely insights into how economic warfare is transforming geopolitics and the business landscape. His ability to translate complex global dynamics into compelling narratives makes him a standout keynote speaker for any audience. [Contact us](http://wwsg.com/contact-us/) today to learn more.
---
### [Patrick McGee: Breaking down Trump's China trip](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/patrick-mcgee-breaking-down-trumps-china-trip/)
**Published:** May 16, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
Patrick McGee, who wrote “Apple in China: The Capture of the World’s Greatest Company,” joins “CBS Saturday Morning” to break down President Trump’s summit with Xi Jinping.
[Patrick McGee ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/patrick-mcgee/)brings rare insight to audiences seeking to understand the future of global business and technology. A longtime journalist with the *Financial Times*and former reporter for *The Wall Street Journal*, he has spent more than a decade covering Apple, electric vehicles, and emerging technologies around the world. His reporting and bestselling book [*Apple in China*](https://wwsg.com/announcements/patrick-mcgees-book-apple-in-china-the-capture-of-the-worlds-greatest-company-coming-soon/) draw on hundreds of interviews with executives and engineers to reveal how modern supply chains shape economic power. McGee’s engaging storytelling and deep research make complex topics accessible, giving audiences a clearer understanding of how [technology](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/technology-and-innovation/), [geopolitics](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/geopolitics/), and global markets are evolving. To host him, [contact us](http://wwsg.com/speakers/patrick-mcgee).
---
### [Larry Hogan on Politics, Leadership & the Future](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/larry-hogan-on-politics-leadership-the-future/)
**Published:** May 18, 2026
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
Former Maryland governor Larry Hogan shown in his Annapolis office on Thursday plans to focus on training the next generation of leaders rather than being one himself ©Maxine Wallace[*The Washington Post*](https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2026/05/17/former-maryland-gov-larry-hogan-retire-politics/)Former Maryland Governor [Larry Hogan](http://wwsg.com/speakers/larry-hogan) says he is officially stepping away from electoral politics after years of trying to promote a more moderate, bipartisan vision for the Republican Party. In a recent interview, Hogan reflected on the increasing polarization within American politics and acknowledged that the political climate has shifted dramatically since his time as governor. Rather than pursuing another campaign, he is now turning his attention toward mentoring future leaders through the newly launched Hogan Institute at Washington College, which will focus on ethical leadership, civic engagement, and bipartisan cooperation.
The article also explores Hogan’s unique political path as a Republican leader in a heavily Democratic state and his role within the broader “Never Trump” movement. While he once hoped the GOP would move back toward centrist leadership, Hogan now appears focused less on changing the party from within and more on helping develop a new generation of leaders capable of navigating a deeply divided political environment. His decision marks the close of a significant chapter in Maryland politics while reinforcing the leadership principles that defined much of his public career. [*Source: The Washington Post.*](https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2026/05/17/former-maryland-gov-larry-hogan-retire-politics/)
As a speaker, Larry Hogan offers audiences rare firsthand insight into bipartisan leadership, political courage, crisis management, and governing during periods of division and uncertainty. His practical leadership style and experience leading a politically divided state make him especially valuable for conferences, corporate events, universities, and leadership summits seeking thoughtful discussion on the future of American leadership and [public service](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/government-and-politics/). To learn more about hosting Larry Hogan at your event, contact WWSG.
---
### [Larry Hogan Launches Leadership Institute](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/larry-hogan-launches-leadership-institute/)
**Published:** May 18, 2026
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
Former Maryland Governor Larry Hogan has announced the launch of the Hogan Institute at Washington College, a new nonpartisan leadership initiative focused on restoring ethical leadership and encouraging political cooperation. Announced during Washington College’s commencement ceremony, the institute will explore reforms such as open primaries and limiting gerrymandering, while promoting solutions-oriented leadership that appeals to voters across the political spectrum. Hogan said the effort comes at a time when the country’s political climate feels increasingly fractured, and he hopes the institute can help develop leaders capable of bridging divides.
The new institute also reflects Hogan’s longstanding emphasis on bipartisan governance and pragmatic leadership. He noted the symbolic importance of launching the initiative during the nation’s 250th anniversary at one of America’s oldest colleges, while expressing optimism that younger generations can help repair the country’s polarized political environment. The institute aims to equip future leaders with ethical leadership skills and a renewed focus on collaboration rather than partisan conflict. [*Source: Fox.*](https://foxbaltimore.com/news/local/former-maryland-governor-larry-hogan-nonpartisan-leadership-institute-washington-college)
As a keynote speaker, [Larry Hogan](http://wwsg.com/speakers/larry-hogan) brings audiences firsthand insight into bipartisan leadership, crisis management, and the challenges shaping modern [American politics](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/government-and-politics/). Known for his practical approach and ability to connect with audiences across industries and ideologies, he offers valuable perspective for business conferences, leadership summits, universities, and public policy events. To learn more about hosting Larry Hogan at your event, contact WWSG.
---
### [David Frum & Lloyd Blankfein on U.S. Debt](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/david-frum-lloyd-blankfein-on-u-s-debt/)
**Published:** May 14, 2026
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
In a recent episode of *The David Frum Show*, political commentator [David Frum](http://wwsg.com/speakers/david-frum) sat down with former Goldman Sachs CEO [Lloyd Blankfein](http://wwsg.com/speakers/lloyd-blankfein) to discuss growing concerns around U.S. debt, deficits, and the broader economic outlook. Their conversation explored how rising government spending, political gridlock, and uncertainty surrounding fiscal policy could impact both domestic stability and global confidence in the American economy. Blankfein offered insights from the financial sector on market reactions, investor sentiment, and the long-term risks associated with failing to address structural debt challenges, while Frum framed the discussion within the larger political and institutional environment shaping economic policy decisions.
The conversation also touched on the intersection of politics, business leadership, and economic stewardship at a time of heightened volatility. Both speakers examined how partisan divisions in Washington complicate efforts to implement sustainable fiscal solutions, while also considering how economic uncertainty influences corporate decision-making and public trust. Together, Frum and Blankfein provide a thoughtful and nuanced discussion about the future of the U.S. economy and the leadership required to navigate increasingly complex financial and political realities. [*Source: The Atlantic.*](https://www.theatlantic.com/podcasts/2026/05/david-frum-show-lloyd-blankefein-debt-default/687154/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=author-david-frum&utm_term=Author%20Following%20-%20David%20Frum)
As two of today’s most respected voices in [politics](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/government-and-politics/), [economics](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/economy-and-finance/), and [global affairs](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/geopolitics/), David Frum and Lloyd Blankfein bring exceptional insight and real-world experience to the stage. Frum’s sharp political analysis combined with Blankfein’s decades of leadership at the highest levels of finance creates a compelling perspective for audiences seeking clarity on markets, policy, leadership, and global economic trends. To learn more about hosting David Frum or Lloyd Blankfein at your next event, [contact WWSG.](http://wwsg.com/contact-us)
---
### [Niall Ferguson on Trump, Xi, and Taiwan](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/niall-ferguson-on-trump-xi-and-taiwan/)
**Published:** May 13, 2026
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
The latest analysis from [Niall Ferguson](http://wwsg.com/speakers/niall-ferguson) examines the high-stakes summit between President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, arguing that while the United States may be seeking a temporary easing of tensions, China remains singularly focused on Taiwan. Ferguson suggests the meeting is about far more than diplomacy or trade optics—it reflects a broader strategic contest over power in Asia and the future balance of global influence. He frames Taiwan as the central issue shaping the relationship, warning that Beijing views reunification as a historic priority while Washington risks underestimating the long-term geopolitical implications.
The article also explores how both leaders are approaching the summit from different strategic positions. Trump appears interested in stabilizing economic relations and avoiding direct confrontation, while Xi is using the moment to reinforce China’s regional ambitions and pressure the U.S. on Taiwan policy. Ferguson argues that beneath the ceremonial diplomacy lies a far more consequential debate about deterrence, military risk, and whether the U.S. is prepared to defend the current international order in the Indo-Pacific. [*Source: The Free Press.*](https://www.thefp.com/p/trump-xi-detente-taiwan-summit-stakes)
As one of today’s leading [historians](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/geopolitics/historians/) and [geopolitical thinkers](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/geopolitics/), Niall Ferguson brings exceptional depth and clarity to conversations about global strategy, economic power, and international conflict. His ability to connect history with current events makes him an especially valuable speaker for corporate audiences, leadership forums, and policy-focused conferences seeking insight into today’s rapidly shifting geopolitical landscape. To learn more about hosting Niall Ferguson at your next event, [contact WWSG.](http://wwsg.com/contact-us)
---
### [Edward Fishman Joins Bloomberg Surveillance](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/edward-fishman-joins-bloomberg-surveillance/)
**Published:** May 13, 2026
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
On Bloomberg Surveillance, [Eddie Fishman](http://wwsg.com/speakers/edward-fishman) breaks down the evolving role of economic sanctions, global leverage, and the shifting balance of power between the U.S., Russia, China, and Europe.
Drawing on his deep expertise in economic statecraft, Eddie explains why sanctions remain one of the most powerful tools in [modern geopolitics](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/geopolitics/) — and what’s at stake as global alliances continue to shift.
Edward Fishman is a leading authority on economic statecraft and the intersection of global finance and foreign policy. Drawing on firsthand experience helping shape U.S. sanctions and international economic strategy, he offers audiences a clear understanding of how tariffs, export controls, and financial pressure are redefining global power.
His New York Times bestselling book, *Chokepoints: American Power in the Age of Economic Warfare*, has become an essential guide to understanding today’s geopolitical and economic landscape. As a scholar at Columbia University, Fishman delivers timely, thought-provoking insights that help audiences make sense of an increasingly complex world economy. To host Fishman for a speaking opportunity, [contact WWSG.](http://wwsg.com/contact-us)
---
### [Mike Pence on Moving Beyond Trumpism](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/mike-pence-on-moving-beyond-trumpism/)
**Published:** May 11, 2026
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
Vice President [Mike Pence](http://wwsg.com/speakers/mike-pence) is using his new book, [*What Conservatives Believe*](https://wwsg.com/announcements/coming-soon-what-conservatives-believe-by-mike-pence/), to outline his vision for the future of the Republican Party and argue for a return to what he sees as traditional conservative principles. In a recent interview, Pence said Republicans should engage in “soul-searching” following years of political division and reevaluate the direction of the GOP after the rise of Trump-era populism. He emphasizes themes such as limited government, constitutional conservatism, fiscal responsibility, and strong international alliances, positioning his book as both a political reflection and a roadmap for the party moving forward.
The discussion also highlights Pence’s continued willingness to publicly distinguish his views from former President Donald Trump, particularly on questions surrounding leadership, democratic institutions, and the party’s long-term identity. While acknowledging Trump’s influence within the Republican base, Pence argues that conservatives must focus on principles rather than personalities if they hope to build a durable future. His comments add to the broader national debate over the direction of American conservatism ahead of the next election cycle.
As a former Vice President of the United States and one of the most recognizable voices in American politics, Mike Pence offers audiences firsthand insight into leadership, public service, policymaking, and the future of conservatism in America. His experience at the highest levels of government, combined with his ability to speak thoughtfully on political and economic issues, makes him a compelling speaker for conferences, leadership forums, and corporate events. To learn more about hosting Mike Pence at your event, contact WWSG.
---
### [Patrick McGee on Trump inviting U.S. business titans to Trump's China summit](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/patrick-mcgee-on-trump-inviting-u-s-business-titans-to-trumps-china-summit/)
**Published:** May 13, 2026
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
The White House invited 16 top U.S. executives to join President Trump on his trip to China. Among them are Elon Musk, Tim Cook, and Larry Fink of Blackrock. [Patrick McGee](http://wwsg.com/speakers/patrick-mcgee) joined “The Takeout” to discuss what the move could signal to Beijing.
Patrick McGee is the Author of Apple in China, which delivers a deeply researched, behind-the-scenes look at how the world’s most valuable company became entwined with America’s biggest rival—including the complex [supply chain](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/geopolitics/global-trade/) that underpins its global operations. With his engaging storytelling and sharp analysis, Patrick provides event attendees with thought-provoking perspectives on technology, business, and global markets.
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### [Eyck Freymann: Will Trump Betray Taiwan?](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/eyck-freymann-will-trump-betray-taiwan/)
**Published:** May 12, 2026
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
[Eyck Freymann’s](http://wwsg.com/speakers/eyck-freymann) latest article examines how China’s long-term strategy toward Taiwan extends far beyond military pressure alone. Writing in [Project Syndicate](https://www.project-syndicate.org/commentary/xi-long-term-strategy-for-taiwan-takeover-includes-psychological-component-by-eyck-freymann-2026-05), Freymann argues that Beijing’s approach increasingly relies on psychological and political tactics designed to weaken Taiwan’s confidence in American support and gradually normalize the idea of eventual unification. He suggests that Chinese President Xi Jinping views time as an advantage, using diplomacy, economic leverage, and information campaigns to shape perceptions both inside Taiwan and abroad.
The article also explores the risks surrounding high-level U.S.-China diplomacy and how mixed signals from Washington could unintentionally embolden Beijing. Freymann contends that preserving stability in the Taiwan Strait requires more than military deterrence; it also demands consistent messaging, strong alliances, and strategic clarity. His broader analysis reflects growing concerns among policymakers that the contest over Taiwan will be influenced as much by political resolve and public perception as by traditional military power.
As a leading expert on China strategy, Taiwan security, and [geopolitical competition](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/geopolitics/), Eyck Freymann brings deep research, global perspective, and forward-looking insight to audiences worldwide. His ability to explain complex geopolitical dynamics in a clear and engaging way makes him a valuable speaker for corporate events, policy forums, and leadership conferences focused on global risk, international affairs, and the future of U.S.-China relations. To learn more about hosting Eyck Freymann at your event, [contact WWSG.](http://wwsg.com/contact-us)
---
### [Niall Ferguson on the Risk of a Long Iran War](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/niall-ferguson-on-the-risk-of-a-long-iran-war/)
**Published:** May 7, 2026
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
Historian and geopolitical analyst [Niall Ferguson](http://wwsg.com/speakers/niall-ferguson) examines the growing conflict between the United States and Iran through the lens of history, arguing that policymakers and observers consistently underestimate how long wars can last. In his article for [The Free Press](https://www.thefp.com?utm_source=chatgpt.com), Ferguson compares today’s tensions with past conflicts that evolved from expectations of quick resolutions into prolonged geopolitical struggles. He suggests that despite ceasefire announcements and ongoing negotiations, the current standoff shows many signs of becoming a drawn-out conflict with significant global consequences.
The piece also explores the broader economic and strategic implications of instability in the Middle East, including threats to global energy markets, shipping routes, and international alliances. Ferguson argues that Iran’s economic resilience, regional influence, and ability to adapt under pressure make the prospect of a rapid resolution unlikely. His analysis highlights how modern wars increasingly involve economic endurance, political divisions, and international diplomacy as much as military force.
As one of the world’s leading [historians](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/geopolitics/historians/) and [geopolitical thinkers](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/geopolitics/), Niall Ferguson brings exceptional depth, historical perspective, and clarity to conversations about global affairs, economics, and international security. His ability to connect current events with lessons from history makes him an especially compelling keynote speaker for conferences, leadership summits, and executive audiences seeking insight into today’s rapidly shifting world. To learn more about hosting Niall Ferguson at your event, [contact WWSG.](http://wwsg.com/contact-us)
---
### [Big Think Features Chris Miller: Semiconductors Explained in 16 Minutes](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/big-think-features-chris-miller-semiconductors-explained-in-16-minutes/)
**Published:** February 11, 2026
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
What if the world’s most critical technology isn’t software, but the tiny pieces of silicon that power it? In an age where chips are everywhere, from smartphones to coffee makers, their manufacturing complexity might surprise you. It’s harder to make a modern semiconductor than a nuclear weapon. Making this tech both very inexpensive and very small is incredibly difficult. That’s why there’s just a couple of companies in the world who are capable of it. *Source: [Big Think](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o9g49L-MmeE).*
Professor Chris Miller is a geopolitical expert who talks about the origin, impact, and future of [AI](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/technology-and-innovation/artificial-intelligence/). He is the author of the *New York Times* bestselling [*Chip War: The Fight for the World’s Most Critical Technology*](https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Chip-War/Chris-Miller/9781982172008 "https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Chip-War/Chris-Miller/9781982172008"), a book that explains how computer chips have made the modern world—and how the U.S. and China are struggling for control over this fundamental technology. C*hip War* won *Financial Times’* [Best Business Book of the Year](https://wwsg.com/blog/congratulations-to-wwsg-exclusive-speaker-chris-miller/ "https://wwsg.com/blog/congratulations-to-wwsg-exclusive-speaker-chris-miller/") award. Breaking down the motives behind international politics and economics in a thoughtful and concise manner, Miller provides audiences with fresh, alternative perspectives and leaves them wanting to know more. To host Miller at your event, [contact WWSG.](http://wwsg.com/contact-us)
---
### [David Frum: Trump Shows He’s Still Got Juice](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/david-frum-trump-shows-hes-still-got-juice/)
**Published:** May 11, 2026
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
[David Frum’s](http://wwsg.com/speakers/david-frum) recent analysis in *The Atlantic* examines what Indiana’s Republican primary results reveal about the future of the GOP ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. The article argues that despite shifting national polling and growing concerns about President Trump’s political vulnerabilities, Republican candidates who distance themselves from him still face significant risks within the party. Frum points to the defeat of several Indiana state senators who opposed a Trump-backed redistricting effort as evidence that loyalty to Trump remains one of the most powerful forces shaping Republican primaries. The piece explores how internal party discipline, ideological pressure, and fear of political retaliation continue to define Republican politics at both the state and national levels.
Frum also raises broader questions about what these dynamics could mean for the 2026 midterms and the long-term direction of American democracy. He suggests that many Republican officials remain hesitant to challenge Trump publicly, even when political conditions appear unfavorable, because the consequences inside the party can be immediate and severe. The article serves as both a political analysis and a warning about the increasing influence of party loyalty over independent governance and institutional norms. *Source: [The Atlantic.](https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2026/05/indiana-republicans-primary-midterm/687084/)*
As a speaker, David Frum offers audiences sharp, thoughtful analysis on [American politics](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/government-and-politics/), democracy, conservatism, [global affairs](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/geopolitics/), and the evolving media landscape. His experience as a former presidential speechwriter, bestselling author, and leading political commentator makes him an exceptional choice for conferences, leadership forums, and policy-focused events seeking informed, nonpartisan insight into today’s political climate. To learn more about hosting David Frum for your event, contact [Worldwide Speakers Group](http://wwsg.com/contact-us).
---
### [Sheila Bair on Prediction Markets](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/sheila-bair-on-prediction-markets/)
**Published:** May 11, 2026
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
Former Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) Chair [Sheila Bair](http://wwsg.com/speakers/sheila-bair) joins Josh Lipton to discuss the rise of prediction markets and why speculative investing continues to attract younger generations of investors. *Watch the video: [Yahoo! Finance.](https://finance.yahoo.com/video/young-people-shouldnt-prediction-markets-100000175.html)*
Recognized on TIME’s “Top 100” list and named among The Wall Street Journal’s “50 Women to Watch,” Sheila Bair is one of the foremost voices in [finance and economics](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/economy-and-finance/). Serving as Chair of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) from 2006 to 2011, she led the agency through the most severe financial crisis since the Great Depression, helping restore stability and confidence in the U.S. banking system.
Throughout her accomplished career spanning government, academia, and the financial sector, Bair has earned widespread respect for her leadership in financial regulation and consumer protection. Her influence and impact were further recognized by Forbes, which ranked her as the “second most powerful woman in the world.” To host her at your upcoming event, [contact WWSG.](http://wwsg.com/contact-us)
---
### [Niall Ferguson: Trump's problem is Iran war timeline keeps "getting extended"](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/niall-ferguson-trumps-problem-is-iran-war-timeline-keeps-getting-extended/)
**Published:** May 11, 2026
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
Weeks after the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran began, the conflict appears to be at an impasse. Free Press columnist and legendary historian [Sir Niall Ferguson](http://wwsg.com/speakers/niall-ferguson) joined CBS to discuss current events. [*Source: CBS News.*](https://www.cbsnews.com/video/trump-problem-iran-war-timeline-keeps-getting-extended-free-press-columnist/)
One of the world’s most accomplished historians and provocative commentators on global politics and economics, Niall Ferguson stands at the crossroads of past, present, and future. As the author of sixteen books, Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institution at Stanford University and a senior faculty fellow of the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs at Harvard, Ferguson has provided audiences worldwide with unparalleled insight and knowledge.
With erudition, eloquence, and humor, Ferguson specializes in putting today’s economic shifts, social changes, and political disruptions into historical perspective, using the past as a roadmap to the future. [Contact WWSG](http://wwsg.com/contact-us) to host Niall Ferguson.
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### [Anders Fogh Rasmussen urges new democratic alliance amid Trump-era uncertainty](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/anders-fogh-rasmussen-urges-new-democratic-alliance-amid-trump-era-uncertainty/)
**Published:** May 11, 2026
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
A new proposal from [Anders Fogh Rasmussen](http://wwsg.com/speakers/anders-fogh-rasmussen) is drawing attention to the future of democratic leadership on the global stage. In the article, Rasmussen argues that democratic nations should form a new alliance called the “Democracies-7” (D7), designed to strengthen cooperation among countries committed to democratic values, economic stability, and collective security. The proposal reflects growing concerns about geopolitical instability, rising authoritarian influence, and uncertainty surrounding traditional international alliances.
Rasmussen’s vision positions the D7 as a modern framework for global leadership, bringing together leading democracies to coordinate on defense, trade, technology, and international policy challenges. The concept emphasizes the importance of preserving democratic institutions while adapting to a rapidly shifting world order shaped by competition between democratic and authoritarian systems.
As a featured WWSG speaker, Anders Fogh Rasmussen delivers unmatched insight into [global affairs](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/geopolitics/), international security, NATO strategy, and the future of [democracy](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/government-and-politics/). His firsthand leadership experience on the world stage gives audiences valuable perspective on today’s geopolitical risks and opportunities, making him an exceptional choice for conferences, leadership summits, and corporate events. To learn more about hosting Anders Fogh Rasmussen at your event, [contact WWSG.](http://wwsg.com/contact-us)
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### [Scott Gottlieb Joins Face the Nation](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/scott-gottlieb-joins-face-the-nation/)
**Published:** May 10, 2026
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
On Face the Nation, [Scott Gottlieb](http://wwsg.com/speakers/scott-gottlieb) discussed the emerging hantavirus outbreak tied to a cruise ship and assessed the broader public health risks facing the United States. Gottlieb emphasized that the immediate risk to the general public remained low, while explaining how health officials were working to monitor exposures, quarantine potentially affected travelers, and contain further spread. He also addressed current FDA and HHS policy issues, including concerns surrounding public trust in health agencies, vaccine oversight, and the government’s handling of antidepressant-related policies, offering a measured perspective on how public health institutions should communicate during periods of uncertainty and heightened scrutiny.
As a speaker, Scott Gottlieb brings audiences a rare combination of frontline [government experience](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/government-and-politics/), [healthcare policy expertise](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/healthcare-and-wellness/), and clear, data-driven analysis on public health, biotech, regulation, and crisis management. Event planners can book Dr. Gottlieb through [Worldwide Speakers Group](https://wwsg.com?utm_source=chatgpt.com) for keynote presentations, moderated conversations, and executive-level health and policy briefings.
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### [Michael Auslin on His New Book, National Treasure: How the Declaration of Independence Made America](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/michael-auslin-on-his-new-book-national-treasure-how-the-declaration-of-independence-made-america/)
**Published:** May 11, 2026
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
Author and historian [Michael Auslin](http://wwsg.com/speakers/michael-auslin) talked about his new book, [*National Treasure.*](https://wwsg.com/announcements/coming-soon-national-treasure-by-dr-michael-auslin/) The book is about the Declaration of Independence; he discusses with C-SPAN.
One of America’s foremost historians, Michael Auslin is helping shape the national conversation around America’s 250th anniversary through his book, *National Treasure: How the Declaration of Independence Made America*. In it, he explores how the ideals of the Declaration of Independence not only defined the United States at its founding, but also helped shape broader global developments in governance, economics, and democratic thought.
For event planners seeking a speaker who can clearly and compellingly connect America’s founding history to today’s global realities, Michael Auslin offers a powerful and timely perspective. His presentations bring together historical insight and strategic context, helping audiences better understand both where the United States has been—and where it is headed. To host Auslin at your event, [contact us.](http://wwsg.com/contact-us)
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### [Eyck Freymann on Defending Taiwan: Commonwealth Club](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/eyck-freymann-on-defending-taiwan-commonwealth-club/)
**Published:** May 8, 2026
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
[Eyck Freymann](http://wwsg.com/speakers/eyck-freymann) joins fellow WWSG speaker [Patrick McGee](http://wwsg.com/speakers/patrick-mcgee) in a discussion focused on the escalating strategic tensions between the United States and China, with particular attention to Taiwan’s central role in global security. The conversation explores why Taiwan has become such a critical geopolitical flashpoint, not only for military stability in the Indo-Pacific but also for global economic resilience, given its pivotal position in semiconductor manufacturing and supply chains.
Freymann outlines the risks of miscalculation in the Taiwan Strait and examines how deterrence strategies, alliance coordination, and long-term policy planning could help prevent open conflict. The discussion places current tensions in a broader strategic context, highlighting how decisions made today will shape the future balance of global power. [*Source: The Commonwealth Club.*](https://www.commonwealthclub.org/events/archive/podcast/eyck-freymann-defending-taiwan)
As a geopolitical analyst and author, Eyck Freymann brings rigorous, research-driven insight to one of the most consequential foreign policy challenges of our time. His ability to clearly explain complex strategic dynamics makes him a valuable voice for audiences navigating U.S.–China relations and global risk.
Patrick McGee is a seasoned journalist and technology correspondent whose reporting focuses on global business, supply chains, and the intersection of geopolitics and innovation. His work provides valuable clarity on how technological competition and corporate strategy are shaping international relations, making him a compelling voice for audiences seeking to understand the real-world implications of global economic shifts.
To learn more about hosting Freymann or McGee, [contact WWSG.](http://wwsg.com/contact-us)
---
### [Niall Ferguson Discusses America’s Future](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/niall-ferguson-discusses-americas-future/)
**Published:** May 5, 2026
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
This discussion featuring [Niall Ferguson](http://wwsg.com/speakers/niall-ferguson) explores some of the most pressing geopolitical and political challenges facing the United States and the world today. Speaking with students at the [University of Austin](http://uaustin.org), of which he is cofounder, Ferguson examines escalating tensions with Iran, the growing influence of China and Russia, the return of political violence in Western democracies, and the increasing polarization shaping modern political discourse. Throughout the conversation, he draws on historical parallels to explain why periods of instability, populism, and geopolitical competition continue to reshape global power structures.
Ferguson also critiques failures within political leadership and institutions, questioning whether America’s elites and governing systems are equipped to handle emerging global threats. From discussions about Cold War–style rivalries and constitutional resilience to the role of technology, media, and public trust, the conversation offers a wide-ranging look at the forces driving today’s uncertain political climate. His ability to connect historical lessons with current events gives audiences a deeper understanding of how today’s headlines may shape the future.
As one of the world’s leading historians and geopolitical thinkers, Niall Ferguson brings unmatched insight, intellectual depth, and global perspective to live events and conferences. His presentations help audiences better understand [international affairs](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/geopolitics/), [economic shifts](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/economy-and-finance/), leadership challenges, and the [historical patterns](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/geopolitics/historians/) shaping today’s world. To learn more about hosting Niall Ferguson for your event, [contact WWSG](http://wwsg.com/contact-us).
---
### [Lessons from Lloyd Blankfein’s Latest Interview](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/lessons-from-lloyd-blankfeins-latest-interview/)
**Published:** May 1, 2026
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
In a recent [interview](https://www.thefp.com/p/two-drinks-with-lloyd-blankfein) with *The Free Press*, WWSG speaker [Lloyd Blankfein](http://wwsg.com/speakers/lloyd-blankfein) reflects on leadership, resilience, and the lessons he learned while guiding Goldman Sachs through some of the most turbulent moments in modern financial history. Speaking candidly about everything from the 2008 financial crisis and Y2K fears to artificial intelligence and political culture, Blankfein offers a mix of humor, perspective, and hard-earned insight. The conversation also explores his upbringing in Brooklyn public housing, where he says he first developed the calm-under-pressure mindset that later defined his leadership style.
The interview highlights Blankfein’s ability to balance sharp economic analysis with approachable storytelling. He discusses how adversity shaped his thinking, why curiosity and adaptability matter in business, and how leaders can remain steady during uncertainty. The piece also touches on themes from his memoir, [*Streetwise: Getting to and Through Goldman Sachs*](https://wwsg.com/announcements/coming-soon-streetwise-by-lloyd-blankfein/), as he reflects on decades of navigating market volatility, global change, and the evolving role of technology in finance.
As a speaker, Lloyd Blankfein brings unmatched firsthand experience on [leadership](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/leadership-and-management/), [economic trends](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/economy-and-finance/), crisis management, and the future of global markets. His candid style, wit, and deep understanding of business and finance make him an engaging and valuable choice for conferences, executive forums, and corporate events. To learn more about hosting Lloyd Blankfein for your event, [contact WWSG](http://wwsg.com/contact-us).
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### [Ian Bremmer: Is the ceasefire about to collapse?](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/ian-bremmer-is-the-ceasefire-about-to-collapse/)
**Published:** May 5, 2026
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
In this episode of *Ask Ian*, [Ian Bremmer](http://wwsg.com/speakers/ian-bremmer) examines the renewed escalation of tensions involving Iran and the fragile state of the current ceasefire. He explains how a combination of regional mistrust, competing security interests, and ongoing proxy dynamics are putting pressure on an already unstable agreement. The discussion highlights how quickly localized incidents or miscalculations could unravel diplomatic efforts and potentially draw multiple regional and global actors into a broader confrontation.
Bremmer also places these developments within the larger context of Middle East geopolitics, noting that the situation is shaped not only by direct state-to-state relations but also by internal political pressures and shifting alliances. The analysis underscores how limited trust between key players makes sustained de-escalation difficult, even when no side actively seeks full-scale conflict. The result is a precarious balance in which stability depends on constant diplomatic management and restraint. [*Source: GZERO.*](https://www.gzeromedia.com/video/ask-ian/iran-tensions-rising-again-is-the-ceasefire-about-to-collapse)
Ian Bremmer brings exceptional value as a speaker through his ability to clearly explain complex [geopolitical risks](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/geopolitics/) and global power dynamics in a way that is both accessible and highly relevant to business and policy audiences. His insights help organizations and leaders anticipate global instability and make more informed strategic decisions. To learn more about hosting Ian Bremmer, [contact WWSG](http://wwsg.com/contact-us).
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### [Leana Wen on Medication Risks for Seniors](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/leana-wen-on-medication-risks-for-seniors/)
**Published:** May 5, 2026
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
In this opinion piece, [Leana Wen](http://wwsg.com/speakers/leana-wen) highlights a concerning trend in hospital care where older adults are still being prescribed medications that carry disproportionate risks for their age group. Drawing on recent research, the article explains that a significant share of emergency department visits for seniors result in prescriptions for drugs that medical guidelines advise should generally be avoided due to side effects such as confusion, drowsiness, and increased fall risk. These issues are especially dangerous for older patients, who are more vulnerable to medication interactions and complications.
The piece underscores that this is not simply an issue of individual prescribing mistakes, but a broader systems problem. Despite established safety guidelines and available safer alternatives, high-risk medications continue to be used, often due to time constraints, fragmented care, or lack of consistent adoption of decision-support tools. The author emphasizes that better use of clinical guidelines, electronic alerts, and patient awareness could significantly reduce preventable harm and improve outcomes for seniors. *Source: [Washington Post](https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2026/05/05/risky-drugs-are-too-often-prescribed-seniors-hospitals/).*
Leana Wen brings this same clarity and [public health expertise](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/healthcare-and-wellness/) to her speaking engagements, translating complex medical and policy issues into actionable insights for diverse audiences. Her ability to connect healthcare systems, patient safety, and real-world policy solutions makes her a compelling speaker for conferences focused on health, leadership, and innovation. To learn more about hosting, [contact WWSG](http://wwsg.com/contact-us).
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### [Ben Sasse Highlighted in Op-Ed on Service and Values](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/ben-sasse-highlighted-in-op-ed-on-service-and-values/)
**Published:** May 6, 2026
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
In this opinion column, Michael Reitz reflects on [Ben Sasse](http://wwsg.com/speakers/ben-sasse) following the news of his cancer diagnosis, using the moment to highlight Sasse’s public service, personal convictions, and broader influence on American civic life. Rather than focusing solely on politics, the piece emphasizes Sasse’s emphasis on family, responsibility, and the importance of grounding public leadership in enduring values. Reitz frames Sasse as someone who consistently advocates for looking beyond partisanship toward a more thoughtful and humane approach to national life.
The article also situates Sasse’s message within a broader cultural moment, suggesting that his reflections on mortality and meaning resonate at a time when many Americans are reconsidering priorities and purpose. It portrays him as a figure who blends intellectual seriousness with moral clarity, offering a perspective that challenges audiences to think more deeply about leadership, service, and what it means to live a meaningful life.
Ben Sasse brings this same depth and clarity to the stage as a speaker, drawing on his experience in public service, academia, and leadership to offer audiences thoughtful insight on governance, culture, and civic responsibility. His ability to connect big ideas with real-world meaning makes him a compelling addition to conferences and events. To learn more about hosting Ben Sasse, contact WWSG.
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### [Niall Ferguson And Eyck Freymann Discuss Defending Taiwan: A Strategy To Prevent War With China](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/niall-ferguson-and-eyck-freymann-discuss-defending-taiwan-a-strategy-to-prevent-war-with-china/)
**Published:** May 6, 2026
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
In this conversation hosted by the Hoover Applied History Working Group, [Niall Ferguson](http://wwsg.com/speakers/niall-ferguson) interviews [Eyck Freymann](http://wwsg.com/speakers/eyck-freymann) about his forthcoming book [*Defending Taiwan*](https://wwsg.com/announcements/defending-taiwan-a-strategy-to-prevent-war-with-china-by-dr-eyck-freymann/), which outlines a strategy to prevent conflict between the United States and China. The discussion frames Taiwan as the most likely flashpoint for great-power confrontation, with China pursuing a range of coercive tactics—military, economic, and technological—to pressure Taiwan without necessarily triggering open war. Ferguson and Freymann emphasize that the long-standing balance of power is shifting, raising concerns that current U.S. deterrence may no longer be sufficient.
Freymann argues that avoiding conflict will require a more comprehensive approach than traditional military deterrence alone. His strategy calls for integrating economic leverage, technological leadership, diplomatic coordination, and allied cooperation into a unified plan capable of countering China’s full spectrum of tactics. The conversation ultimately highlights both the high stakes of a potential Taiwan crisis—ranging from global economic disruption to a reordering of international alliances—and the need for a proactive, multidimensional strategy to preserve stability. [*Source: Niall Ferguson & Hoover Institution.*](https://niallferguson.substack.com/p/in-conversation-with-eyck-freymann)
Niall Ferguson and Eyck Freymann bring a rare combination of [historical perspective](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/geopolitics/historians/) and forward-looking geopolitical analysis, helping audiences understand not just what’s happening in the world—but what’s likely to come next. Ferguson’s renowned expertise and engaging storytelling, paired with Freymann’s deep research on U.S.-China strategy, deliver timely, actionable insights on one of the most critical global issues. Together, they offer event audiences a compelling, nuanced view of international risk, economic impact, and strategic decision-making.
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### [Copeland & Erivo: No Good Deed](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/copeland-erivo-no-good-deed/)
**Published:** November 14, 2025
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
Cynthia Erivo strips “No Good Deed” down to its emotional core — her voice soaring over the haunting simplicity of a violin and cello. Joining her is legendary ballerina Misty Copeland, whose movement radiates depth, power, and vulnerability, capturing the song’s raw intensity as she steps into a bold new era following her final bow at the American Ballet Theatre.
This raw new interpretation takes “No Good Deed” in a strikingly different direction from the version audiences will hear in Wicked: For Good. Recorded live, the performance unites two artistic luminaries in perfect sync — a cinematic fusion of music and movement that embodies grace, strength and transformation.
Both Misty Copeland and Cynthia Erivo are available to speak through WWSG! [Contact us](http://wwsg.com/contact-us/) to learn more about bringing these inspiring voices to your next event.
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### [Dr. Sanjay Gupta: Alcohol and Cancer Risk](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/dr-sanjay-gupta-alcohol-and-cancer-risk/)
**Published:** May 5, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
We all know drinking alcohol is bad for our health, but how much can it reduce our risk of cancer if we drink less or even cut it out entirely? This week, Dr. Sanjay Gupta digs into the correlation between consuming alcohol and risk of cancer as well as alternatives to alcohol if you’re feeling pressured to drink. Plus, we explain if silicone is a better alternative to replace plastic and what the differences between these two materials are.
[Dr. Sanjay Gupta](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sanjay-gupta/) brings unparalleled credibility, experience, and clarity to the stage as one of the world’s most trusted voices in [health and medicine](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/healthcare-and-wellness/). As CNN’s chief medical correspondent and a practicing neurosurgeon, he has reported on every major health crisis of the last two decades—from the frontlines of natural disasters and war zones to the global Covid-19 pandemic.
Event audiences benefit not only from his deep medical expertise, but also his unique ability to communicate complex topics with clarity, empathy, and relevance. Whether discussing brain health, crisis response, or the intersection of media and medicine, Dr. Gupta delivers insights that are timely, actionable, and deeply resonant for groups of all kinds. [Contact us](http://wwsg.com/contact-us) to host him for a speaking engagement.
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### [Ian Bremmer: Iran Is Desperate, But Regime Won't Change](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/ian-bremmer-iran-is-desperate-but-regime-wont-change/)
**Published:** May 4, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
Eurasia Group’s Ian Bremmer says President Donald Trump doesn’t have the ability to reopen the Strait of Hormuz right now. But he does say Iran is desperate. He speaks to Joe Mathieu and Carol Massar at the Milken Global Conference.
Booking[ Ian Bremmer](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ian-bremmer/) brings unmatched value to any event by offering clear, compelling insights into the [geopolitical forces shaping business, policy, and society.](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/geopolitics/) As a world-renowned political scientist, bestselling author, and media commentator, he translates complex global trends into actionable takeaways for leaders and audiences alike. His engaging, independent perspective ensures your attendees leave with a deeper understanding of the challenges—and opportunities—emerging on the world stage. [Contact WWSG](http://wwsg.com/contact-us) to host him for a speaking engagement.
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### [Eyck Freymann: Will China Invade Taiwan?](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/eyck-freymann-will-china-invade-taiwan/)
**Published:** April 16, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
Author and fellow at Stanford’s Hoover Institution, Eyck Freymann, joins Morning Joe to discuss his new book ‘Defending Taiwan: A Strategy to Prevent War With China’.
[Dr. Eyck Freymann](https://wwsg.com/speakers/eyck-freymann/) is a keynote speaker who delivers unparalleled perspective on the [evolving U.S.-China relationship.](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/geopolitics/) Drawing on deep expertise in CCP strategy, global economics, and national security, he translates complex geopolitical trends into clear, practical takeaways for business leaders, investors, and policymakers. Whether advising on high-stakes decisions or addressing audiences worldwide, Dr. Freymann provides the foresight and clarity needed to navigate today’s shifting global order. [Contact WWSG](http://wwsg.com/contact-us/) to bring Eyck to your next speaking engagement.
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### [Pete Seat: Trump Approval & Indiana Primary](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/pete-seat-trump-approval-indiana-primary/)
**Published:** May 3, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
What do Trump’s approval numbers really signal—and what do they mean for the future of both parties? Pete Seat joins CNN’s Jessica Dean alongside Maria Cardona to break down shifting voter sentiment, the Democrat brand challenge, and whether Trump’s endorsement could shape outcomes in the Indiana Primary.
[Pete Seat](https://wwsg.com/speakers/pete-seat/) is more than a guy with a rhyming name. A regular national and international news commentator, he has provided live on-air analysis for CNN, Fox News, MSNBC, NewsNation, Newsmax, BBC, and Australia’s Sunrise on 7 more than 300 times combined. His voice is sought after for astute political analysis, a knack for challenging conventional wisdom, and a unique ability to invite nuance while making complex issues accessible.
Based in the American Midwest, Pete Seat brings both the perspective of the Heartland and[ firsthand experience with how Washington](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/government-and-politics/)works, or doesn’t, from his time on the White House staff of President George W. Bush. Event planners can count on his deep preparation, quick thinking, humor, and humanity leaving audiences informed, energized, and thinking differently about politics, leadership, and America’s role in the world. [Contact WWSG](http://wwsg.com/contact-us/) to learn more.
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### [Michelle Miller: Farmers Face Their Worst-Case Scenario](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/michelle-miller-farmers-face-their-worst-case-scenario/)
**Published:** April 28, 2020
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
Farmers and ranchers are beginning to face their worst-case scenario. With meat processing plants closing and institutional milk buyers shut down, some farmers have no choice now but to put the food they’ve produced to waste.
Dairy farmers are trying to decide between dumping their milk and selling their dairy cows for beef. Contract chicken growers on the Eastern Shore have been asked to “depopulate” nearly 2 million chickens. Hog farmers in Iowa and Minnesota are starting to euthanize their pigs. For contract and cooperative farmers—producers in the food system who are obligated to a larger entity—the options are limited.
“The ironic thing about it is that this was when things were actually supposed to look up,” says Amanda Stone, PhD. Stone is a dairy scientist at Mississippi State University and an extension specialist who works with dairy farmers in the state and surrounding areas. After four years of decreasing milk prices, the numbers were finally predicted to turn around. But then the coronavirus hit.
“You can imagine that you’re finally ready to come out of four years of darkness and see some shimmer of light and then this hits you,” she says. Stone also studies farmer mental health and she’s worried about what’s ahead. “The psychological…damage that this is doing to producers is unfathomable, really.”
While some dairies have been able to donate their milk to food banks, many dairy cooperative members don’t have that option. Many lack pasteurization and processing equipment. Without that capacity, selling raw milk isn’t a legal option.
Even if farmers can gain access to the necessary pasteurization equipment, there are numerous regulatory hoops to jump through before they can begin selling milk. It might not make financial sense, says Stone.
Some contracts penalize selling the milk outside the cooperative system. “They basically have to buy back their own milk that they’ve already produced,” explains Stone and, if they leave the cooperative altogether to do that, it could be very tough to get back in. “It’s a very difficult situation,” she adds.
Hog farmers and chicken growers are also beginning to face these difficult decisions. Delaware-based Allen Harim Foods sent a letter April 8 announcing plans to reduce the amount of chickens by 2 million. Meanwhile, according to reporting in the *Baltimore Sun*, Perdue’s nearby Salisbury, Maryland plant hasn’t asked the same of its growers but whether that continues depends on plants staying open.
Iowa hog farmer Lance Schiele tweeted on April 25 that “1,250 little pigs will get gassed”this week. On a Facebook post to the page Farm Babe run by Michele Miller, farmers are talking about these decisions, too.
Carolyn Olson, a contract pig farmer in Minnesota, describes what’s happening right now as “not pretty.” She worries that the public can’t possibly understand how limited the options are for pork farmers. “We can’t hold them back \[from slaughter\] until the situation improves because the equipment at the plants can’t handle heavy hogs,” she explains. “Not to mention the piglets being born need a place to go,” she adds.
“We can do things to slow growth but, even with that, we need somewhere for them to go,” she says. “Between Tyson, JBS, and Smithfield, we’re down 50,000 head per day slaughter capacity. Other plants are running on slow downs as they try to work split shifts to allow for worker safety.” (Update: Capacity is now down 100,000 head per day in the state, according to the Minnesota Pork Producers Executive Director.)
Farmers are desperately trying to avoid wasting or dumping, so those with the capacity are making donations to food banks to mitigate those losses. But Olson says it’s difficult with pork because the meat has to be processed prior to donation, and, by regulation, that processor has to be inspected for food safety.
The options are limited. “Many small town butcher shops in our area are booked out for at least 3 months, and the pigs are ready right now,” she explains.
Dairy farmers also have limited options right now, says dairy specialist Stone. They could “dry out” their cows and stop the lactation process, but that’s hard on the animals and risks infections like mastitis. It also means housing, feeding and caring for cows when farmers may not be bringing in any money.
What’s often left then is the choice to dump the milk or sell the cows for beef. The latter floods the beef market, but Stone says dairy farmers will usually take any option over dumping their own milk. “They worked hard for it,” she explains.
Farmers have to be thinking ahead, too. Shifting their operations to something less perishable like powdered milk for export wouldn’t make sense in the long term. Once the threat of the virus has passed, the market for powdered milk might not be as strong as fresh dairy, Stone argues.
Farmers with the capacity to process meat and sell it to consumers are in a very enviable position right now. Many are selling out on their own websites or taking orders through organizations like Eat Wild or Local Harvest. But there are challenges there, too.
City residents either don’t want to drive the distance to a rural farm right now or simply can’t—they’re under shelter-in-place orders to stay home—so farmers have to be able to deliver the meat in order to make those sales work.
Dal Grooms, communications director for the Iowa Pork Producers Association, says she knows most Iowa pork farmers are doing what they can to avoid that worst-case scenario. “Some have found more barn space, changed to maintenance diets for pigs” or sold pigs to farmers with storage or to processors who can donate the pork to local food banks or pantries.
Grooms also warns the situation is about to become more dire for Iowa’s 6,000 pig farmers. “What likely lies ahead will be gut-wrenching.”
*Update: This piece has been updated on April 28, 2020 to reflect further losses to processing capacity.*
[Michelle Miller ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/michelle-miller/)is a leading voice at the intersection of agriculture, policy, and public perception. Known as “The Farm Babe,” she brings a sharp, science-backed perspective to conversations around modern farming—cutting through misinformation with clarity, humor, and real-world experience. From running a large-scale Iowa farm to building a massive digital following, Michelle bridges the gap between farmers and consumers, advocating for transparency, innovation, and a stronger future for agriculture. [Contact us](http://wwsg.com/contact-us/) to learn more.
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### [Niall Ferguson: A Conversation with George Will](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/niall-ferguson-a-conversation-with-george-will/)
**Published:** April 27, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
Historian Sir Niall Ferguson joins George Will for a wide-ranging conversation recorded at the 2026 George F. Will Award ceremony in Washington, D.C. Ferguson, author and the Milbank Family Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institution was named the third recipient of the George F. Will Award for the Advancement of Liberty and the Free Society. The award, presented by George Will and Mitch Daniels on April 13, 2026, honors original thinkers who have made exceptional contributions to public understanding of individual liberty, constitutional order, markets, and the rule of law. In this conversation, two of the most incisive minds in public life discuss the ideas and institutions that sustain free societies — from the legacies of the Scottish Enlightenment to the fiscal and geopolitical challenges of the present day.
WWSG exclusive thought leader Sir [Niall Ferguson](https://wwsg.com/speakers/niall-ferguson/) is one of the world’s foremost [historians of economics,](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/economy-and-finance/) [international relations, and global power.](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/geopolitics/)His incisive analysis illuminates the geopolitical forces and economic undercurrents shaping the 21st century. From great power competition to emerging security challenges, Ferguson offers unparalleled historical context and strategic insight — helping global leaders, policymakers, and business executives anticipate what lies ahead. To invite Sir Niall Ferguson to your next event, [contact WWSG](https://wwsg.com/contact-us/)
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### [Patrick McGee: SpaceX Is the Riskiest, Biggest Tech Bet in History](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/patrick-mcgee-spacex-is-the-riskiest-biggest-tech-bet-in-history/)
**Published:** May 3, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
### An IPO could value it at close to $2 trillion. Whether it’s worth that depends on how you value Elon Musk’s chances of transforming civilization
In a recent piece for The Free Press, journalist Patrick McGee highlights the unprecedented scale at which Elon Musk is operating. Today, there are only two forces attempting to vertically integrate electric vehicles, batteries, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and advanced manufacturing: China, and Musk’s expanding ecosystem of companies.
Through ventures like Tesla and SpaceX, Musk is not just building companies. He is building an interconnected system that spans industries and reshapes how innovation scales.
This comes at a pivotal moment. SpaceX is preparing for a potential public listing that could reach a $1.75 trillion valuation. Traditional metrics raise questions, but they do not fully capture the scope of what SpaceX represents: a company operating across multiple sectors, including ones still being defined.
Over the past decade, Musk has delivered growth that few predicted. Tesla has become a global leader in electric vehicles and energy storage. SpaceX now leads U.S. space launches and operates Starlink, one of the largest satellite networks in history.
What sets this story apart is the scale of ambition. Musk is not only advancing existing industries. He is investing in entirely new ones, from AI infrastructure to space-based data systems. These ideas may seem ambitious, but they reflect a pattern of turning bold concepts into reality.
For business leaders, investors, and policymakers, the focus goes beyond valuation. It is about understanding how a single organization can operate across so many critical industries at once. The risks are significant, but so is the potential impact.
This perspective offers a powerful lens into innovation, strategy, and the future of global industry—making it highly relevant for audiences looking to navigate a rapidly evolving world.
Visit [*The Free Press* ](https://www.thefp.com/p/spacex-is-the-riskiest-biggest-tech)to read the full article by Patrick McGee.
[Patrick McGee ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/patrick-mcgee/)brings rare insight to audiences seeking to understand the future of global business and technology. A longtime journalist with the *Financial Times*and former reporter for *The Wall Street Journal*, he has spent more than a decade covering Apple, electric vehicles, and emerging technologies around the world. His reporting and bestselling book [*Apple in China*](https://wwsg.com/announcements/patrick-mcgees-book-apple-in-china-the-capture-of-the-worlds-greatest-company-coming-soon/) draw on hundreds of interviews with executives and engineers to reveal how modern supply chains shape economic power. McGee’s engaging storytelling and deep research make complex topics accessible, giving audiences a clearer understanding of how [technology](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/technology-and-innovation/), [geopolitics](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/geopolitics/), and global markets are evolving. To host him, [contact us](http://wwsg.com/speakers/patrick-mcgee).
---
### [Forbes Shares Real Farm-To-Table Knowledge ft. Michelle Miller](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/forbes-shares-real-farm-to-table-knowledge-ft-michelle-miller/)
**Published:** September 30, 2016
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
As interest in where food comes from continues to grow, more people are paying attention to how crops are produced, how animals are raised, and how food reaches their plates. However, this curiosity is often met with a flood of misinformation, with widely used terms like “sustainable” or “GMO” frequently misunderstood. Public perception tends to swing between overly romanticized views of farming and exaggerated fears about industrial practices, neither of which reflect the reality of modern agriculture.
In response, a number of farmers and agricultural advocates—including Michelle Miller—are using digital platforms to offer transparent, firsthand insight into their work. By sharing their daily experiences and expertise, they help bridge the gap between consumers and the agricultural community, providing clear, factual perspectives for those seeking to better understand the food system. [*Source: Forbes.*](https://www.forbes.com/sites/kavinsenapathy/2016/09/30/want-real-farm-to-table-knowledge-these-7-farmers-have-answers/)
**The Farm Babe**
[Michelle Miller](http://wwsg.com/speakers/michelle-miller) worked for Gucci On Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills right out of college. “My life has literally gone from rodéo to the rodeo,” she says. Like a page from a farmer’s fairytale, Miller met her “Prince Farming” and traded in the glamour of working in fashion to work alongside her boyfriend and his family on nearly 2,000 acres of corn, soybeans, alfalfa, oats, sheep and cattle. Once she moved to Iowa for love, Michelle learned that her original perceptions about modern agriculture were inaccurate, based largely on Hollywood, media and marketing. Miller enjoys debunking myths and spreading facts about farming via her social media channels and her column on AgDaily. One of my Farm Babe favorites is a piece on 9 misleading food labels.
Michelle Miller, known as “The Farm Babe,” brings a fresh and unexpected perspective to agriculture, blending firsthand farming experience with a background far outside the industry. She excels at breaking down misconceptions about food and farming in a way that resonates with both skeptics and supporters alike. Event planners value Michelle for her engaging storytelling, relatable voice, and ability to turn complex agricultural topics into conversations that connect with any audience. To host her at your event, [contact WWSG](http://wwsg.com/contact-us).
---
### [Eyck Freymann: Modern Economic Chokepoints](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/eyck-freymann-modern-economic-chokepoints/)
**Published:** May 3, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
Hoover Institution fellow Eyck Freymann explains what the Iran war and the blockade of the Straight of Hormuz reveals about modern economic chokepoints, geopolitics and war strategies.
[Dr. Eyck Freymann](https://wwsg.com/speakers/eyck-freymann/) is a keynote speaker who delivers unparalleled perspective on the [evolving U.S.-China relationship.](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/geopolitics/) Drawing on deep expertise in CCP strategy, global economics, and national security, he translates complex geopolitical trends into clear, practical takeaways for business leaders, investors, and policymakers. Whether advising on high-stakes decisions or addressing audiences worldwide, Dr. Freymann provides the foresight and clarity needed to navigate today’s shifting global order. [Contact WWSG](http://wwsg.com/contact-us/) to bring Eyck to your next speaking engagement.
---
### [Eyck Freymann: How Taiwan Became the World's Most Perilous Geopolitical Chokepoint](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/eyck-freymann-how-taiwan-became-the-worlds-most-perilous-geopolitical-chokepoint/)
**Published:** May 1, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has highlighted the potential for long-running theoretical chokepoints to turn into reality, with dramatic results for both geopolitics and the global economy. But the hypothetical scenario that policymakers have arguably been losing the most sleep over for decades is the prospect of a major conflict between China and Taiwan. So how likely is it, and what would such a conflict actually look like? On this episode, we speak with Eyck Freymann, author of the new book, Defending Taiwan: A Strategy to Prevent War With China, and a fellow at the Hoover Institution at Stanford University. We discuss Xi Jinping’s strategy, whether Taiwan’s “silicon shield” of semiconductor manufacturing can last forever, the state of Taiwan’s domestic politics, and what the US can do to deter such a conflict.
[Dr. Eyck Freymann](https://wwsg.com/speakers/eyck-freymann/) is a keynote speaker who delivers unparalleled perspective on the [evolving U.S.-China relationship.](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/geopolitics/) Drawing on deep expertise in CCP strategy, global economics, and national security, he translates complex geopolitical trends into clear, practical takeaways for business leaders, investors, and policymakers. Whether advising on high-stakes decisions or addressing audiences worldwide, Dr. Freymann provides the foresight and clarity needed to navigate today’s shifting global order. [Contact WWSG](http://wwsg.com/contact-us/) to bring Eyck to your next speaking engagement.
---
### [Michelle Miller: Farmers Are Turning on MAHA](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/michelle-miller-farmers-are-turning-on-maha/)
**Published:** August 17, 2025
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
In this New York Times opinion piece, farmer advocate Michelle Miller is featured among agricultural voices raising concerns about the disconnect between the Make America Healthy Again movement and the realities of modern farming. Miller pushes back on anti-science rhetoric surrounding pesticides and argues farmers are too often criticized rather than recognized as essential partners in building a healthier food system. Her perspective highlights the importance of science-based policy, practical solutions, and listening to producers at the center of conversations around food, nutrition, and agriculture.
[Michelle Miller](http://wwsg.com/speakers/michelle-miller/)—better known as The Farm Babe—traded Rodeo Drive for a 2,000-acre Iowa farm and has become a leading voice in agriculture, food policy, and science-based farming. With a platform reaching 400K+ followers, she brings humor, candor, and credibility to conversations about the future of food.
Looking for a speaker on agriculture, food policy, or modern farming? [Contact us](http://wwsg.com/contact-us/) to book Michelle Miller for your next event.
---
### [Michael Auslin: The Declaration of Independence](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/michael-auslin-the-declaration-of-independence/)
**Published:** May 1, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
Charles talks to Michael Auslin about his new book, [*National Treasure: How the Declaration of Independence Made America*](https://www.amazon.com/National-Treasure-Declaration-Independence-America/dp/1668214547?&linkCode=sl2&tag=chcwco-20&linkId=09459208b729fa9773291032a4a720f7&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl). What is the Declaration of Independence? Who wrote it? How close we were to losing the original copy? Why did it appeal to early nineteenth-century socialists? Why did the committee remove the lines condemning the slave trade? When did women start using it to demand the vote? How did it help assimilate immigrants? What happened to it in WWII? Will it survive the next century?
One of America’s leading historians, Michael Auslin stands at the forefront of the national conversation surrounding America’s 250th anniversary as the author of the forthcoming history [*National Treasure: How the Declaration of Independence Made America*](https://wwsg.com/announcements/coming-soon-national-treasure-by-dr-michael-auslin/). Through his deeply researched and timely work, Auslin examines how the principles enshrined in the Declaration shaped not only the United States, but the modern world itself. Drawing on his work at Stanford’s Hoover Institution, Yale, and decades of historical analysis, he illuminates how America’s founding ideas continue to influence global politics, economics, and democratic movements.
For event planners seeking a speaker who can authoritatively explain how America’s past forged today’s geopolitical realities—and why understanding that past is essential to navigating the nation’s future—Auslin offers unmatched perspective. His presentations provide audiences with both historical depth and strategic clarity at a pivotal moment in the American story. To host him at your speaking engagement, [contact us](http://wwsg.com/contact-us).
---
### [Dr. Sanjay Gupta: Why GLP-1s May or May Not Be for You](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/dr-sanjay-gupta-why-glp-1s-may-or-may-not-be-for-you/)
**Published:** May 1, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
GLP-1s are no longer only for weight loss or diabetes. Dr. Sanjay Gupta invites CNN’s Meg Tirrell back to Chasing Life to update on the drug’s benefits and risks. Plus, why they’ve personally considered — and decided against – taking one.
[Dr. Sanjay Gupta](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sanjay-gupta/) brings unparalleled credibility, experience, and clarity to the stage as one of the world’s most trusted voices in [health and medicine](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/healthcare-and-wellness/). As CNN’s chief medical correspondent and a practicing neurosurgeon, he has reported on every major health crisis of the last two decades—from the frontlines of natural disasters and war zones to the global Covid-19 pandemic.
Event audiences benefit not only from his deep medical expertise, but also his unique ability to communicate complex topics with clarity, empathy, and relevance. Whether discussing brain health, crisis response, or the intersection of media and medicine, Dr. Gupta delivers insights that are timely, actionable, and deeply resonant for groups of all kinds. [Contact us](http://wwsg.com/contact-us) to host him for a speaking engagement.
---
### [McGee and Freymann: Inside the Taiwan Flashpoint](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/mcgee-and-freymann-inside-the-taiwan-flashpoint/)
**Published:** April 27, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
The first place many people looked following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine was Taiwan, long in the sights of the communist government of mainland China, which has vowed to absorb the island nation. If bigger countries were once again subsuming smaller neighbors, what could keep an ever-stronger China from going to war with Taiwan? And will it be the tripwire to sparking a third world war, this time with the United States and China as the main players?
According to the Hoover Institution’s Eyck Freymann, Taiwan is where the uneasy peace between the United States and China will be tested—and maybe broken. In Beijing’s terms, “reunification” is inevitable. American military strength has preserved peace and stability for decades, but its advantages are eroding. Freymann says Beijing has found critical gaps in U.S. strategy and is working to squeeze, isolate and coerce Taiwan into submission without firing a shot. If deterrence fails, the consequences of a Taiwan crisis could be catastrophic, perhaps plunging the global economy into chaos, shattering U.S. alliances, and allowing China to dominate the region and reshape the world order.
Freymann explores this nightmare scenario and how to avoid it in his new book Defending Taiwan, presenting an integrated strategy to deter war with China and preserve an honorable peace. He draws on untranslated Chinese sources, cutting-edge military and economic analysis, and deep historical research to argue that Washington’s deterrence strategy must extend beyond conventional military power and familiar threats of mutually assured destruction; America must work with allies to develop a bold new vision of technological and economic statecraft—and a plan to secure its interests if deterrence fails. He says the United States can deter China’s full range of strategic options. but to do so it must integrate its military strength, economic leverage, technological leadership, and diplomatic influence into a single, coherent plan to prevent war.
Join us to hear a new grand strategy for ensuring a lasting stable U.S.-China relationship—and to preventing World War III.
[Dr. Eyck Freymann](https://wwsg.com/speakers/eyck-freymann/) is a keynote speaker who delivers unparalleled perspective on the [evolving U.S.-China relationship.](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/geopolitics/) Drawing on deep expertise in CCP strategy, global economics, and national security, he translates complex geopolitical trends into clear, practical takeaways for business leaders, investors, and policymakers. Whether advising on high-stakes decisions or addressing audiences worldwide, Dr. Freymann provides the foresight and clarity needed to navigate today’s shifting global order. [Contact WWSG](http://wwsg.com/contact-us/) to bring Eyck to your next speaking engagement.
[Patrick McGee ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/patrick-mcgee/)brings rare insight to audiences seeking to understand the future of global business and technology. A longtime journalist with the *Financial Times* and former reporter for *The Wall Street Journal*, he has spent more than a decade covering Apple, electric vehicles, and emerging technologies around the world. His reporting and bestselling book [*Apple in China*](https://wwsg.com/announcements/patrick-mcgees-book-apple-in-china-the-capture-of-the-worlds-greatest-company-coming-soon/) draw on hundreds of interviews with executives and engineers to reveal how modern supply chains shape economic power. McGee’s engaging storytelling and deep research make complex topics accessible, giving audiences a clearer understanding of how [technology](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/technology-and-innovation/), [geopolitics](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/geopolitics/), and global markets are evolving. To host him, [contact us](http://wwsg.com/speakers/patrick-mcgee).
---
### [Edward Fishman: Risks of a Prolonged Iran Conflict](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/edward-fishman-risks-of-a-prolonged-iran-conflict/)
**Published:** April 30, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
The ceasefire with Iran is holding, but negotiations are stalled. The ripple effects: tight energy supplies, price spikes and recession risks. Edward Fishman, former Russian and Europe sanctions lead at the State Department, joins with analysis.
[Edward Fishman](https://wwsg.com/speakers/edward-fishman/) is one of the world’s foremost experts on [economic statecraft,](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/economy-and-finance/) with deep experience shaping U.S. foreign policy. His *New York Times*–bestselling book [*Chokepoints: American Power in the Age of Economic Warfare*](https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/726149/chokepoints-by-edward-fishman/) is widely regarded as definitive and essential to understand how sanctions, tariffs, and export controls are reshaping the world. A Columbia University scholar, he brings sharp, timely insights into how economic warfare is transforming geopolitics and the business landscape. His ability to translate complex global dynamics into compelling narratives makes him a standout keynote speaker for any audience. [Contact us](http://wwsg.com/contact-us/) today to learn more.
---
### [Loretta Mester Provides Takeaways as Fed Holds Rates Steady](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/loretta-mester-provides-takeaways-as-fed-holds-rates-steady/)
**Published:** April 30, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
Former Fed Pres. Loretta Mester joins Kristen Scholer on NYSE Live to discuss the Federal Reserve rates.
[Loretta Mester](https://wwsg.com/speakers/loretta-mester/), former President of the Cleveland Fed, delivers clear, grounded insight into today’s economic challenges—from inflation and tariffs to recession risk and rate cuts. With deep experience inside the Federal Reserve, Mester explains the tough tradeoffs shaping monetary policy and what they mean for businesses, investors, and the public. Book Loretta Mester through [WWSG ](https://wwsg.com)for essential guidance on navigating economic uncertainty. [Contact us ](https://wwsg.com/contact-us/)today!
---
### [Pence & Short: The Future of the Republican Party](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/pence-short-the-future-of-the-republican-party/)
**Published:** April 30, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
Former VP Mike Pence sits down with MS NOW’s Ali Vitali for an exclusive interview on the future of the Republican Party. Former Chief of Staff to VP Pence, Marc Short, joins the discussion.
Mr. Pence served as vice president of the United States, 2017-21. He brings a wealth of experience from the [highest levels of government,](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/government-and-politics/) offering audiences firsthand insights into [leadership](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/leadership-and-management/), public service, and the future of American politics. Known for his calm demeanor and principled leadership, Vice President Pence is a compelling speaker for audiences seeking clarity and perspective in today’s complex political landscape. To host [Vice President Pence](https://wwsg.com/speakers/mike-pence/) at your next event, [contact WWSG](https://wwsg.com/contact-us/).
[Marc Short](https://wwsg.com/speakers/marc-short/) brings a wealth of high-level government and media experience to the stage, offering audiences a rare, behind-the-scenes perspective on today’s political landscape. As former Chief of Staff to Vice President Mike Pence and Director of Legislative Affairs under President Trump, he provides firsthand insight into the inner workings of Congress and the White House. His current roles as a network contributor and university fellow keep him at the forefront of political trends and bipartisan dialogue. Event planners will find Marc to be a compelling speaker for keynotes or panels focused on leadership, policy, or navigating political change. To host him for a speaking engagement, [contact Worldwide Speakers Group](http://wwsg.com/contact-us).
---
### [Lloyd Blankfein: Why the Stock Market Has Become a Casino](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/lloyd-blankfein-why-the-stock-market-has-become-a-casino/)
**Published:** April 29, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
Sam Harris speaks with Lloyd Blankfein about finance, politics, and the state of American society. They discuss Blankfein’s memoir, Goldman Sachs and its role as a market maker, the 2007-2008 financial crisis, the AI investment bubble, wealth inequality and the rise of trillionaires, the crisis of antisemitism on the left and right, Trump-era corruption and the post-truth political environment, the national debt, and other topics. Lloyd Blankfein was chairman and CEO of Goldman Sachs from 2006 to 2018.
Lloyd Blankfein is an internationally respected global business leader, risk manager, and commentator on matters affecting the global economy. As Chairman and CEO of Goldman Sachs for more than 12 years, Lloyd led the highest profile global investment bank through a period of great economic and political turbulence, becoming an important voice on today’s [global financial issues](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/economy-and-finance/geoeconomic-risk/). To hist him for a speaking opportunity, [contact WWSG](http://wwsg.com/contact-us).
---
### [Steve Hartman: "All the Empty Rooms" wins Oscar](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/steve-hartman-all-the-empty-rooms-wins-oscar/)
**Published:** March 16, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
“All the Empty Rooms,” which memorialized children killed in school shootings through a look at the bedrooms they never returned to, took home the Oscar for Best Documentary Short at the 98th Academy Awards on Sunday.
The film follows CBS News correspondent Steve Hartman and photographer Lou Bopp as they documented the toll of America’s school shooting epidemic. Director Joshua Seftel accepted the Oscar on stage alongside Hartman, producer Conall Jones and Gloria Cazares, whose daughter Jackie was killed in the 2022 Uvalde school shooting.
“The four empty rooms in our film belonged to four young children who were all killed in school shootings: Hallie, Gracie, Dominic and Jackie,” Seftel told the crowd before passing the mic to Cazares.
Wearing a red dress and a pin with an image of Jackie, Cazares spoke of her 9-year-old daughter and appealed for an end to gun violence.
“Since that day, her bedroom has been frozen in time,” Cazares said. “Jackie is more than just a headline. She is our light and our life. Gun violence is now the number one cause of death in kids and teens. We believe that if the world could see their empty bedrooms, we’d be a different America.”
Seftel told reporters that Hartman called him the morning after the 2023 Oscars to tell him about his project of photographing the rooms of children killed in school shootings. He asked Seftel whether he thought the project might be a documentary.
“My immediate reaction was yes,” Seftel said. “And his immediate reaction was, ‘OK, good, well I don’t want to be in the film.'”
Ultimately, Hartman agreed to be featured in the film. Seftel called Hartman “the perfect messenger” for this story and said he wanted to make the documentary because Hartman was “going to be our tour guide and take us to these rooms.”
“He’s someone that people trust,” Seftel said. “He’s not political. He’s just someone who cares about people, and for this message to be delivered, it needed to come from someone like that, someone who people are going to listen to and not shut off.”
Hartman traveled to visit eight families who lost their children to gun violence over the span of several years, including the four featured in the documentary. The children’s rooms remained virtually untouched, years after the shootings.
Bopp, who photographed all of the rooms, said he sought to make “a portrait of a child who isn’t there.” He recalled in an essay for CBS News: “Their personalities shone through in the smallest details of their untouched rooms — hair ties on a doorknob, a toothpaste tube left uncapped, a ripped ticket for a school event — allowing me to uncover glimpses as to who they were.”
Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr, a longtime advocate for stronger gun laws, signed on as an executive producer to help promote the film, though he was not involved in making it.
“What mattered to me right away was how the film listens to families,” Kerr wrote in a recent op-ed in the Los Angeles Times. “It gives them room to speak about their children without exploiting their stories into politics or spectacle. There’s a dignity in that choice, which is difficult to find in the way our country usually talks about gun violence.”
“The parents are not asking to be symbols,” he wrote. “They’re talking about their children, about love, about absence, about time standing still. If we really allow ourselves to feel what these families are living with, we might finally be ready to do something about it.”
CBSNews.com published an interactive to allow viewers to step into the children’s rooms, just as they left them. [Click here to explore the interactive feature](https://www.cbsnews.com/rooms/).
[Steve Hartman](https://wwsg.com/speakers/steve-hartman/), a seasoned CBS News correspondent, is a captivating storyteller with a rare ability to inspire and uplift audiences. Through his beloved “On the Road” segments, Hartman spotlights extraordinary stories of ordinary people, revealing the profound impact of kindness and human connection. His work has earned numerous honors—including an Oscar win for his documentary short *All the Empty Rooms*—and his stories are widely used in classrooms to teach empathy, resilience, and compassion. [Contact us](http://wwsg.com/contact-us/) to bring Steve to your next event.
---
### [Peter Zeihan: California’s Coming Energy Crisis](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/peter-zeihan-californias-coming-energy-crisis/)
**Published:** April 27, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
The fallout from the closure of the Strait of Hormuz is reaching California, triggering a serious energy crunch.
[Peter Zeihan](https://wwsg.com/speakers/peter-zeihan/) is a [top geopolitical speaker](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/geopolitics/) and strategist who helps audiences understand how the world works. Drawing on expertise in demography, economics, energy, politics, and security, he equips organizations to navigate an uncertain future. A *New York Times* bestselling author of *The Accidental Superpower*, *The Absent Superpower*, *Disunited Nations*, and *The End of the World is Just the Beginning*, Zeihan is known for turning complex global issues into clear, engaging insights. [Contact us](http://wwsg.com/contact-us/) to learn more about hosting him.
---
### [Dan Hampton: Boom Times for Jet Pilots](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/dan-hampton-boom-times-for-jet-pilots/)
**Published:** July 27, 2018
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
## Dan Hampton on the first American aces who broke the sound barrier.
Hollywood’s famous maxim for publishers—“When the legend becomes fact, print the legend”—was delivered earnestly in a western more than 50 years ago. The phrase is cited today, with knowing irony, as a warning against mere myth-making. Somehow, though, we keep printing legends.
There is, for instance, the story of a civilian named George Welch who was supposedly the first human to fly faster than the speed of sound but who was cheated of the glory by conspirators going all the way up to President Harry Truman. Washington needed to celebrate the newly established United States Air Force, so Capt. Chuck Yeager, USAF, got the credit.
The story has been around for years, in magazine articles and at least one book. Here it is again in “Chasing the Demon,” as told by Dan Hampton. Mr. Hampton is himself something of a legend—a fighter pilot who has written a well-regarded personal memoir and, more recently, “The Flight” (2017), an impressive pilot’s-eye view of Charles Lindbergh’s trans-Atlantic crossing.
Chuck Yeager and George Welch were fighter aces in World War II. Sidelined by malaria, Welch went to work for North American Aviation, the builder of the war’s best fighter plane, the P-51 Mustang. As Mr. Hampton tells us, the company’s postwar assignment was to design a turbojet fighter. The result would become the F-86 Sabre, a swept-wing beauty that dominated the skies over Korea.
Just as the war was ending, Bell Aircraft won a contract to build a rocket plane with no other purpose than to exceed the speed of sound. The so-called sound barrier—the “demon” of Mr. Hampton’s title—had lured and terrified wartime pilots who experienced buffeting, crazy controls and sometimes death at very high speeds. Bell gave its X-1 the profile of a bullet, as if to honor the Austrian physicist Ernst Mach, who in the 1880s, for his research on sound waves, had photographed a bullet traveling at supersonic speed. According to Bell’s designs, the X-1 would be carried aloft by a four-motored bomber and then cut loose, with the pilot inside, to blast through “Mach One” with the help of engines that burned for less than five minutes.
Like most 1940s aircraft, North American Aviation’s jet fighter and Bell’s rocket plane, in their first designs, had wings that stuck straight out. But U.S. scientists, benefiting from newly accessed German research, learned that a Pfeilflügel, or “arrow wing,” aircraft could reach very high speeds without shaking itself to pieces. North American promptly modified its jet fighter with wings that swept 35 degrees to the rear. Bell Aircraft, for reasons of its own, left its X-1 design in place.
In October 1947, both planes were ready for testing in California’s Mojave Desert. There the X-1, piloted by Yeager, reached Mach 1.07 (about 807 mph) on Oct. 14, in the thin air of 40,000 feet. Like the snap! of a bullet, a supersonic aircraft trails a shock wave that expresses itself as noise. Anyone below, including the hostesses at Pancho Barnes’s dude ranch and tavern near the Mojave test site, heard the ba-boom that trailed the X-1. So they knew that something remarkable happened on Oct. 14. But, as the story is told, they had also heard a sonic boom 13 days before, on Oct. 1, when Welch had tested the Sabre prototype.
That was the legend published in “Aces Wild” 52 years after the fact. Al Blackburn, test pilot and author, made his case for Welch’s primacy with invented dialogue and no hard evidence, asserting along the way that the Air Force lied to us. Mr. Hampton adopts the story wholesale, though in more dignified prose. Indeed, “Chasing the Demon” begins as a treatise on aerodynamics and the history of flight, sometimes lucidly but sometimes not. “Perhaps,” he tells us at one point, “\[Otto\] Lilienthal’s greatest contribution was the formulation of aerodynamic coefficients that permitted the use of dimensionless quantities to characterize forces acting on an airfoil.”
The legend of Welch’s stolen glory was most vigorously debunked by Robert Kempel, a retired NASA flight-test engineer and the author of “The Race for Mach One,” published in 2010. Mr. Kempel argued that the Sabre prototype, powered by a lackluster Chevrolet turbojet, just didn’t have the thrust to go supersonic. All the evidence to the contrary, he said, was anecdotal (those ba-booms) or wrongheaded. Welch wasn’t “clocked” from the ground, as had been claimed, because no such clocking instrument existed. Yeager’s Mach One achievement was derived from on-board instruments and the math skills of Roxanah Yancey and two other “computers” on the ground. Nor did anyone interview George Welch on the subject, for he died in 1954 in the breakup of another fast jet. The dude-ranch hostesses were also long gone, chased out by a fire and the expanding flight-test center. Still, the legend lives on in Mr. Hampton’s book.
[Dan Hampton](http://wwsg.com/speakers/dan-hampton/) delivers a rare, firsthand perspective on modern warfare, leadership under pressure, and global risk, shaped by his experience flying combat missions. His gripping storytelling and real-time geopolitical insights resonate with corporate leaders, defense audiences, and organizations navigating uncertainty. Event planners value his ability to translate high-stakes experiences into actionable lessons on resilience, decision-making, and performance at the highest level. [Contact us](http://wwsg.com/contact-us/) to learn more.
---
### [Dan Hampton: Veteran of the Month](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/dan-hampton-veteran-of-the-month/)
**Published:** May 5, 2017
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
Retired Lt. Col. **Dan Hampton** went from being a U.S. Air Force F-16 fighter pilot to writing about men who love flying: himself and **Charles Lindbergh**. Hampton, 53, who hails from a family of aviators, took his first flying lesson at age 15. He recalls his feet and hands immediately knowing what to do, as if by instinct.
Those instincts would later serve him well as an F-16 pilot, who fought in Kosovo and both Gulf Wars and whose wildly dangerous job it was to draw fire from surface-to-air missiles (SAMs), then return to destroy the firing sites. But one day in 2003, Hampton got the call for a different kind of mission: A Marine company was cut off in southern Iraq, with enemy forces *and* a massive sandstorm closing in.
The Marines needed emergency close air support, in the worst possible weather for flying. Amid a chaos of screamed radio calls, low-fuel alarms, anti-aircraft fire and blowing sand, Hampton dove below the storm and strafed a column to halt its advance on the stranded men.
The Marines were out of immediate danger, but Hampton and the other fighters still faced a high-risk landing—at night, into a howling maw of sand. As senior officer, it fell to him to create an electronic path of sorts for the pilots to follow, flying blind on instruments to the nearest forward airfield—in Kuwait.
He led them in and touched down last, exhausted after 11 hours in the air, just as the runway dissolved into a black wall of sand. “My mind and my hands and feet went into overdrive,” he recalls.
Hampton laughs that after experiences like that, he has no need for mid-life crises. Instead, in his [retirement](https://parade.com/1219083/michelleparkerton/retirement-wishes-messages/), he has put aside the sword and taken up the pen. His best-selling 2012 memoir, *Viper Pilot: A Memoir of Air Combat*, describes his high-octane life as a “Wild Weasel” SAM-killer who flew 151 combat missions and won four Distinguished Flying Crosses with Valor and a Purple Heart. His latest book explores a different kind of flying. *The Flight: Charles Lindbergh’s Daring and Immortal 1927 Transatlantic Crossing* (out May 16) marks the 90th anniversary of the famous passage that forever shrunk the world and expanded man’s horizons.
In the book, Hampton focuses on Lindbergh’s 33½-hour crossing, carrying readers into the icy cockpit, a thousand-mile storm at sea and the mind of a pioneer pilot—as only a fellow aviator could. Hampton has flown the route himself and understands the unimaginable risks Lindbergh was taking, in an era before aviation maps, anti-icing tech, solid weather forecasting or instruments that made flying in clouds vastly safer.
“Everybody that had tried it cracked up or died,” says Hampton. “Despite all these horrible risks, he did it anyway.”
In Lindbergh, Hampton sees a kindred spirit—a natural pilot, loner, and nonconformist who so preferred depending on himself alone that he chose to brave the crossing without a co-pilot. “Individualism—an excellent trait to have as a single-seat pilot,” says Hampton. But Lindbergh himself admitted that when he was closest to death over the Atlantic, he did not feel alone. In his memoir, *The Spirit of St. Louis*, Lindbergh describes phantom voices “advising me on my flight, discussing problems of my navigation, reassuring me…”
When asked if he’d ever experienced such a thing, Hampton pauses and laughs. “I’ve seen a lot of strange things flying,” he says. “There were many times when I was a split second away from dying and was able to save myself. I have no explanation for it. Sixth sense? Maybe inspiration? Maybe that’s what these voices were for Lindbergh.
“Whether it was real or imagined, he believed in it, and it did the trick and kept him alive,” adds Hampton. “I believe in it too.”
[Dan Hampton](http://wwsg.com/speakers/dan-hampton/) delivers a rare, firsthand perspective on modern warfare, leadership under pressure, and global risk, shaped by his experience flying combat missions. His gripping storytelling and real-time geopolitical insights resonate with corporate leaders, defense audiences, and organizations navigating uncertainty. Event planners value his ability to translate high-stakes experiences into actionable lessons on resilience, decision-making, and performance at the highest level. [Contact us](http://wwsg.com/contact-us/) to learn more.
---
### [Dan Hampton On Malaysia Flight MH370](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/dan-hampton-on-malaysia-flight-mh370/)
**Published:** March 23, 2014
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
Colonel Dan Hampton On Malaysia Flight MH370 – Fox & Friends Sunday 3/16/2014
[Dan Hampton](http://wwsg.com/speakers/dan-hampton/) delivers a rare, firsthand perspective on modern warfare, leadership under pressure, and global risk, shaped by his experience flying combat missions. His gripping storytelling and real-time geopolitical insights resonate with corporate leaders, defense audiences, and organizations navigating uncertainty. Event planners value his ability to translate high-stakes experiences into actionable lessons on resilience, decision-making, and performance at the highest level. [Contact us](http://wwsg.com/contact-us/) to learn more.
---
### [Chris Miller: Quantum 101](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/chris-miller-quantum-101/)
**Published:** April 20, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
What exactly is quantum computing? Why does it matter, and what would it actually mean to “win” the quantum race? Zach Yerushalmi, CEO of Elevate Quantum, a Mountain West–based public-private consortium advancing the U.S. quantum ecosystem, and Chris Miller join the podcast to discuss.
Professor [Chris Miller](https://wwsg.com/speakers/chris-miller/) is a geopolitical expert who talks about the origin, impact, and future of AI. He is the author of *Chip War: The Fight for the World’s Most Critical Technology*, a book that explains how computer chips have made the modern world—and how the U.S. and China are struggling for control over this fundamental technology. C*hip War* won *Financial Times’* [Best Business Book of the Year](https://wwsg.com/blog/congratulations-to-wwsg-exclusive-speaker-chris-miller/ "https://wwsg.com/blog/congratulations-to-wwsg-exclusive-speaker-chris-miller/") award. Breaking down the motives behind international politics and economics in a thoughtful and concise manner, Miller provides audiences with fresh, alternative perspectives and leaves them wanting to know more. [Contact WWSG](https://wwsg.com/contact-us/) to host him at your next event.
---
### [Deborah Lehr on Freedom, Power, and the Politics of Global Trade](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/deborah-lehr-on-freedom-power-and-the-politics-of-global-trade/)
**Published:** October 26, 2025
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
In this conversation, Deborah Lehr shares her extensive experience in US-China relations, trade negotiations, and her insights on green finance and biodiversity. She discusses the evolution of the WTO, the geopolitical shifts affecting global power dynamics, and the importance of cultural heritage and environmental preservation. Deborah emphasizes the emerging opportunities in the Middle East and the role of individuals in making a significant impact in global affairs. The discussion highlights the interconnectedness of economic growth, environmental sustainability, and cultural heritage preservation.
[Deborah Lehr ](http://wwsg.com/speakers/deborah-lehr/)offers a rare blend of senior government experience, global business leadership, and policy expertise, giving audiences a uniquely comprehensive view of geopolitics, trade, and sustainability. With deep insight into U.S.-China relations, global markets, and ESG trends, she translates complex international issues into clear, strategic guidance for organizations and their leaders. Event planners value her ability to help audiences understand global risk, seize emerging opportunity, and navigate an increasingly interconnected world. [Contact us](http://wwsg.com/contact-us/) to bring Deborah Lehr to your next event.
---
### [Deborah Lehr: China’s Guidance on Acceptable Decision-making](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/deborah-lehr-chinas-guidance-on-acceptable-decision-making/)
**Published:** June 6, 2025
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
##### China’s focus on anti-corruption has paralyzed local leaders. The CCP is attempting to address the issue through new rules that aim to regulate the realm of error.
In China, a nation known for five-year plans and centrally choreographed actions, it turns out that what’s really hard to plan for is fear of action. In the last year, Chinese authorities quietly released what can be described as guidance for “getting things wrong the right way” – policy guidelines outlining which mistakes by government officials are permissible and which are not.
The backdrop is President Xi Jinping’s sweeping anti-corruption campaign, which has been ongoing for a decade. In its zealousness to root out graft, the effort has resulted in a bureaucracy-wide freeze, where even mid-level cadres are so worried of missteps that they’ve stopped making decisions altogether. Initiative has become a liability.
In an attempt to address this fear of decision-making, the government issued the “acceptable mistake” policy. Like a teacher handing out a cheat sheet before the exam, the new rules – dubbed, in typical Chinese Communist Party (CCP) nomenclature, the “Three Differentiates” – attempt to distinguish between ideological failings (very bad), criminal corruption (worse), and garden-variety bureaucratic flubs (now considered survivable). Local leaders may misallocate resources, misjudge a local economic policy, or bungle procurement – provided their loyalty remains unimpeachable and their intentions pure.
There is a certain irony to this policy. A government that has spent years reviewing all decisions and punishing officials for the “wrong” ones is now providing a “comfort level of acceptable decision-making” to encourage its officials to take risks.
The stakes are real. China’s economy is underperforming, youth unemployment is high, foreign investment is at an all time low, and the once-unstoppable dynamism of local governments has slowed to a crawl. The tariff situation with the United States is exacerbating issues. China, a country that can send people to the moon and compete in artificial intelligence, is becoming paralyzed by second-guessing.
But there is a deeper layer of irony: namely, that a system built on central control is now running into the limits of that control. You cannot command confidence. You cannot legislate courage. And you certainly cannot unleash creativity when you are worried about your career.
The CCP’s answer to its own overreach is more rules, this time regulating the realm of error. But real leadership, especially in moments of economic uncertainty, demands room for experimentation, for the kind of innovative thinking that cannot be pre-approved by committee.
At a time innovation is happening overnight and uncertainty governs, confidence in decision-making and recommendations is at a premium.
Perhaps this is China’s bureaucratic “Catch-22”: fear of falling out of favor has led to inaction, and inaction is now grounds for falling out of favor. So, to fix the fear, the CCP aims to codify it. Officials may now proceed to make mistakes – but only in the right direction, and only within the confines of an official document.
As Joseph Heller wrote in his novel that coined the phrase “Catch-22”: “Just because you’re paranoid doesn’t mean they aren’t after you.”
[Deborah Lehr](http://wwsg.com/speakers/deborah-lehr/) offers a rare blend of senior government experience, global business leadership, and policy expertise, giving audiences a uniquely comprehensive view of geopolitics, trade, and sustainability. With deep insight into U.S.-China relations, global markets, and ESG trends, she translates complex international issues into clear, strategic guidance for organizations and their leaders. Event planners value her ability to help audiences understand global risk, seize emerging opportunity, and navigate an increasingly interconnected world. [Contact us](http://wwsg.com/contact-us/) to bring Deborah Lehr to your next event.
---
### [Dr. Sanjay Gupta: Autism Doesn't End at Childhood](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/dr-sanjay-gupta-autism-doesnt-end-at-childhood/)
**Published:** April 28, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
A listener named Victoria wants to know what comes next for her autistic teenage son. This week on Paging Dr. Gupta, we look at how the needs of autistic kids change as they grow up. Plus, common misconceptions about independence, college, and work for autistic teens and adults, with insight from autism researcher and Arizona State University professor Dr. Joshua Anbar.
[Dr. Sanjay Gupta](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sanjay-gupta/) brings unparalleled credibility, experience, and clarity to the stage as one of the world’s most trusted voices in [health and medicine](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/healthcare-and-wellness/). As CNN’s chief medical correspondent and a practicing neurosurgeon, he has reported on every major health crisis of the last two decades—from the frontlines of natural disasters and war zones to the global Covid-19 pandemic.
Event audiences benefit not only from his deep medical expertise, but also his unique ability to communicate complex topics with clarity, empathy, and relevance. Whether discussing brain health, crisis response, or the intersection of media and medicine, Dr. Gupta delivers insights that are timely, actionable, and deeply resonant for groups of all kinds. [Contact us](http://wwsg.com/contact-us) to host him for a speaking engagement.
---
### [Can AI Help Secure Legal Rights for Whales? | Deborah Lehr Podcast Insights](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/can-ai-help-secure-legal-rights-for-whales-deborah-lehr-podcast-insights/)
**Published:** March 24, 2026
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
In this episode of *Nature’s Ledger*, hosted by Deborah Lehr, the conversation explores a fascinating and forward-looking question: can [artificial intelligence](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/technology-and-innovation/artificial-intelligence/) help secure legal rights for whales? Through her discussion with Project CETI founder David Gruber, the episode highlights how advances in AI and bioacoustics are beginning to decode whale communication—opening the door to a deeper understanding of non-human intelligence. Whales play a critical ecological role, from regulating carbon to sustaining ocean ecosystems, yet many species remain under threat.
The broader implication is both scientific and philosophical. If humans can better understand how whales communicate, it could fundamentally reshape how we think about their protection—not just as species to conserve, but as entities that may warrant legal recognition or rights. The discussion underscores a larger shift toward valuing nature as an essential asset, while also raising complex ethical and legal questions about how far technology should go in bridging the gap between human and non-human worlds. Ultimately, the episode leaves listeners with a sense of cautious optimism: AI may not provide all the answers yet, but it has the potential to transform how we listen to—and protect—the natural world. [*Source: Paulson Institute.*](https://www.paulsoninstitute.org/podcasts/can-ai-help-secure-legal-rights-for-whales/)
## Hosting Deborah Lehr for Speaking Engagements
[Deborah Lehr](http://wwsg.com/speakers/deborah-lehr) brings a uniquely compelling perspective to conferences and events, connecting global policy, sustainability, and emerging technologies like AI in ways that resonate with business and leadership audiences. Her ability to translate complex issues—such as biodiversity, conservation finance, and the evolving role of technology—into actionable insights makes her an invaluable keynote speaker for organizations navigating a rapidly changing world. To inquire about Deborah Lehr’s availability, [contact Worldwide Speakers Group](http://wwsg.com/contact-us) to discuss speaking engagements, keynote topics, and customized event opportunities.
---
### [Paul Scharre: How the Pentagon Can Manage the Risks of AI Warfare](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/paul-scharre-how-the-pentagon-can-manage-the-risks-of-ai-warfare/)
**Published:** April 13, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
## If warfighters don’t trust the technology, they won’t use it.
The U.S. military struck more than 13,000 targets in the war on Iran, and used artificial intelligence to help plan operations. AI tools were used to synthesize intelligence, help prioritize targets, and build strike packages. The battle space is changing, but the age of AI warfare is already here. In addition to Iran, AI has been used for real-world operations in Ukraine, Gaza, and Venezuela. And next up is agentic warfare, in which AI systems are used as agents to take action. Over the next few years, these AI agents will be adopted by militaries to improve workflows in everything from logistics and maintenance to offensive cyberoperations.
> #### To use AI effectively, militaries will need to not only harness the promise of AI but also grapple with its limitations and risks.
Given all these capabilities, AI has the potential to dramatically change the cognitive speed and scale of warfare. Yet military AI comes with profound risks. The dangers go beyond the use of autonomous weapons, which was one of the sticking points in the recent dispute between the Pentagon and leading AI company Anthropic. General-purpose AI systems such as large language models are prone to novel failure modes, vulnerable to hacking and manipulation, and have even been demonstrated to lie and scheme against their own users.
Read the full article in [*Foreign Policy*](https://foreignpolicy.com/2026/04/13/ai-warfare-risks-pentagon-manage-anthropic/).
[Paul Scharre](https://wwsg.com/speakers/paul-scharre/) offers a rare combination of frontline military experience, Pentagon policymaking expertise, and thought leadership on artificial intelligence. He helps audiences understand how emerging technologies are reshaping global power, security, and business risk. Event planners choose Scharre for his ability to translate complex geopolitical and AI-driven challenges into clear, actionable insights. [Contact us](http://wwsg.com/contact-us/) to learn more.
---
### [Paul Scharre: Iran Is Teaching Us Something About the American War Machine](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/paul-scharre-iran-is-teaching-us-something-about-the-american-war-machine/)
**Published:** April 15, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
Featured in a recent *The New York Times* analysis on how low-cost drones and precision weapons are reshaping modern conflict, Paul Scharre offers expert insight into what he calls a new era of warfare. As traditional assumptions about military dominance are tested, Scharre points to the rise of “precise mass,” where inexpensive, scalable technologies are challenging the strategic advantage of even the most powerful militaries.
Drawing on his expertise in defense innovation and artificial intelligence, Scharre highlights the limits of conventional air power and why adaptability, technological diffusion, and trust in emerging systems will define the future battlefield. His perspective helps illuminate how AI and autonomous technologies are transforming both warfare and global security.
For audiences looking to understand one of the most consequential shifts in modern conflict, Scharre brings timely insight into the technologies reshaping military power.
Read the full article in [*The New York Times.*](https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/15/opinion/iran-drone-war.html)
[Paul Scharre](https://wwsg.com/speakers/paul-scharre/) offers a rare combination of frontline military experience, Pentagon policymaking expertise, and thought leadership on artificial intelligence. He helps audiences understand how emerging technologies are reshaping global power, security, and business risk. Event planners choose Scharre for his ability to translate complex geopolitical and AI-driven challenges into clear, actionable insights. [Contact us](http://wwsg.com/contact-us/) to learn more.
---
### [Robert Lighthizer: Rethinking Tariffs and Global Trade](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/robert-lighthizer-rethinking-tariffs-and-global-trade/)
**Published:** April 21, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
$166 billion. This is the sum the Trump administration has been ordered to refund to U.S. companies that paid tariffs, two months after the Supreme Court struck down Donald Trump’s import taxes. Former U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer defends the president’s tariff regime, arguing that the free trade system has failed the global economy. Lighthizer joins Walter Isaacson.
An experienced trade negotiator and litigator, [Ambassador Robert Lighthizer](https://wwsg.com/speakers/robert-lighthizer/) spearheaded several historic trade agreements as U.S. Trade Representative, ushering in a new era of fair, balanced, and reciprocal trade for U.S. workers, producers, and businesses. With decades of experience shaping U.S. trade policy under two presidential administrations, he offers rare, firsthand insights into global trade dynamics, geopolitical strategy, and economic reform. His perspective is especially valuable for business leaders, policymakers, and industry groups navigating international markets and supply chains. Ambassador Lighthizer brings clarity, depth, and strategic foresight to any event focused on trade, global competitiveness, or the future of the world economy. [Contact us](http://wwsg.com/contact-us/) to learn more.
---
### [Dr. Sanjay Gupta: How Our View of Autism Has Changed](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/dr-sanjay-gupta-how-our-view-of-autism-has-changed/)
**Published:** April 24, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
In response to a listener’s call about her autistic son, Dr. Sanjay Gupta invited leading autism researcher Dr. Matthew Lerner, Director of the Social Connections and Treatment Lab at the A.J. Drexel Autism Institute, to break down how our understanding of autism has changed, what it means to be “on the spectrum” and why diagnoses are on the rise.
The conversation continues next Tuesday on Paging Dr. Gupta, where Sanjay explores what growing up and transitioning into adulthood really looks like for autistic people.
[Dr. Sanjay Gupta](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sanjay-gupta/) brings unparalleled credibility, experience, and clarity to the stage as one of the world’s most trusted voices in [health and medicine](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/healthcare-and-wellness/). As CNN’s chief medical correspondent and a practicing neurosurgeon, he has reported on every major health crisis of the last two decades—from the frontlines of natural disasters and war zones to the global Covid-19 pandemic.
Event audiences benefit not only from his deep medical expertise, but also his unique ability to communicate complex topics with clarity, empathy, and relevance. Whether discussing brain health, crisis response, or the intersection of media and medicine, Dr. Gupta delivers insights that are timely, actionable, and deeply resonant for groups of all kinds. [Contact us](http://wwsg.com/contact-us) to host him for a speaking engagement.
---
### [Evan Feigenbaum on the Trump-Xi Summit](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/evan-feigenbaum-on-the-trump-xi-summit/)
**Published:** April 27, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
Evan Feigenbaum from CEIP discusses his low expectations for the upcoming Trump-Xi summit and and limitations for the improvement of China-Europe relationships.
[Evan Feigenbaum](https://wwsg.com/speakers/evan-feigenbaum/), [a leading voice on geopolitics](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/geopolitics/) and former diplomat, has advised two U.S. Secretaries of State, a former Treasury Secretary, and the CEOs and boards of leading global companies and investment funds. With experience negotiating with dictators and ex-guerrillas, he brings a rare, on-the-ground perspective to global affairs. Feigenbaum is also the author of a book on China as a high-tech superpower and has worked extensively across regions from China and India to Australia and Kazakhstan. He currently serves as Vice President for Studies at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, the world’s oldest international affairs think tank. To host him for a speaking engagement, [contact WWSG.](http://wwsg.com/contact-us/)
---
### [Deborah Lehr: The New Power Centers of Sports Diplomacy](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/deborah-lehr-the-new-power-centers-of-sports-diplomacy/)
**Published:** February 26, 2026
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
In her article featured in *The Geopolitics*, Deborah Lehr highlights a fundamental shift in how sports diplomacy operates today. No longer confined to stadiums or national governments, influence is increasingly shaped by cities, private capital, and digital platforms. As Lehr explains, key decisions—from how cities host global events, to where investors allocate capital, to how algorithms shape fan engagement—are redefining who holds power in the global sports ecosystem.
This evolution reflects a broader transformation in diplomacy itself. Cities are emerging as influential global actors, using sports to build international relationships and enhance their global brand, while investors and institutions are leveraging sports as both an economic and geopolitical asset. At the same time, technology—particularly digital platforms and data—plays a growing role in determining visibility, influence, and cultural reach. Together, these forces signal a shift away from traditional state-led diplomacy toward a more networked, multi-stakeholder model of global engagement, where influence is distributed across public and private actors alike.
Lehr’s central message is clear: the future of sports diplomacy will be shaped not just by nations, but by those who control infrastructure, capital, and information. For leaders across business, government, and culture, understanding these new power centers is essential to navigating an increasingly interconnected and competitive global landscape. [*Source: The Geopolitics.*](https://thegeopolitics.com/the-new-power-centers-of-sports-diplomacy-cities-capital-and-code/#google_vignette)
## **Deborah Lehr’s Value as a Speaker**
[Deborah Lehr](http://wwsg.com/speakers/deborah-lehr) brings a forward-looking and highly relevant perspective to conferences and events, helping audiences understand how geopolitics, global business, and emerging technologies intersect to shape influence and opportunity. Her ability to connect complex trends—such as sports diplomacy, investment flows, and digital transformation—into clear, strategic insights makes her an exceptional keynote speaker for corporate leaders, policymakers, and global organizations. To inquire about Deborah Lehr’s availability, [contact Worldwide Speakers Group](http://wwsg.com/contact-us) to discuss speaking engagements, keynote topics, and customized event opportunities.
---
### [Deborah Lehr: Why Ukraine’s Stolen Cultural Treasures Must Be Returned](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/deborah-lehr-why-ukraines-stolen-cultural-treasures-must-be-returned/)
**Published:** March 5, 2026
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
In her *The Hill* op-ed, Deborah Lehr argues that the theft and destruction of Ukraine’s cultural heritage is not incidental—it is a deliberate strategy of war. Since the 2022 invasion, thousands of cultural sites have been damaged and vast numbers of artifacts looted, part of a broader effort to erase Ukrainian identity and rewrite historical narratives. Cultural heritage, as Lehr emphasizes, is more than art or history; it is the foundation of national identity and sovereignty.
Lehr’s central message is clear: any future peace settlement must include the return of Ukraine’s stolen cultural property. Drawing on historical precedent—such as post-World War II efforts to recover Nazi-looted art—she argues that restitution is essential not only for justice, but for long-term stability and reconciliation. Allowing stolen cultural treasures to remain in Russian hands would legitimize wartime looting, reinforce propaganda narratives, and embed grievances for generations. Ultimately, Lehr frames cultural restitution as a core pillar of diplomacy, underscoring that no nation should be allowed to erase another’s past. [*Source: The Hill.*](https://thehill.com/opinion/international/5766735-ukraine-cultural-treasures-stolen/)
## **Deborah Lehr’s Value as a Speaker**
[Deborah Lehr](http://wwsg.com/speakers/deborah-lehr) brings a powerful and globally relevant perspective to conferences and events, connecting [geopolitic](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/geopolitics/)s, cultural diplomacy, and international policy in ways that resonate with business and leadership audiences. Her ability to translate complex global challenges—such as conflict, cultural preservation, and international law—into clear, strategic insights makes her a compelling keynote speaker for organizations navigating an increasingly complex world. To inquire about Deborah Lehr’s availability, [contact Worldwide Speakers Group](http://wwsg.com/contact-us) to discuss speaking engagements, keynote topics, and customized event opportunities.
---
### [Paul Scharre: How AI is Being Used During the War with Iran](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/paul-scharre-how-ai-is-being-used-during-the-war-with-iran/)
**Published:** March 16, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
Paul Scharre, executive vice president at the Center for a New American Security joins CNN to discuss the use of artificial intelligence in warfare.
[Paul Scharre](https://wwsg.com/speakers/paul-scharre/) offers a rare combination of frontline military experience, Pentagon policymaking expertise, and thought leadership on artificial intelligence. He helps audiences understand how emerging technologies are reshaping global power, security, and business risk. Event planners choose Scharre for his ability to translate complex geopolitical and AI-driven challenges into clear, actionable insights. [Contact us](http://wwsg.com/contact-us/) to learn more.
---
### [Deborah Lehr on Sports Diplomacy and America’s Defining Global Decade](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/deborah-lehr-on-sports-diplomacy-and-americas-defining-global-decade/)
**Published:** March 31, 2026
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
As [Deborah Lehr](http://wwsg.com/speakers/deborah-lehr) writes in her recent analysis, sports have long served as more than competition—they have functioned as a powerful form of diplomacy. From the ancient Olympic festivals to modern global tournaments, athletic events create rare moments where nations can set aside political tensions and connect through a shared language of competition, pride, and mutual respect.
Looking ahead, Lehr argues that the United States is entering an unprecedented era of sports diplomacy as North America prepares to host a remarkable concentration of international events between 2026 and 2034, including the FIFA World Cup, Olympic and Paralympic Games, and other global competitions. These events will not only showcase athletic excellence, but also position American cities, businesses, and communities as ambassadors on the world stage—demonstrating that the future of diplomacy increasingly extends beyond government and into culture, commerce, and human connection. *Source: [Sports Business Journal](https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Articles/2026/03/31/see-you-on-the-field-americas-coming-decade-of-sports-diplomacy/).*
## **Deborah Lehr for Conferences & Events**
Deborah Lehr brings a uniquely valuable perspective to conferences and events by connecting geopolitics, global business, and cultural diplomacy in ways audiences can immediately understand. Her ability to translate complex international shifts into practical insight helps corporate leaders, policymakers, and association audiences better understand how global trends—from sports diplomacy to sustainability—shape the future of business and international engagement. To inquire about Deborah Lehr’s speaking availability for your next event, [contact Worldwide Speakers Group](http://wwsg.com/contact-us).
---
### [Lloyd Blankfein: Stop Trying to Fit In](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/lloyd-blankfeinstop-trying-to-fit-in/)
**Published:** April 27, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
At the start of his career, Lloyd Blankfein made a decision that would define the way he led — stop trying to fit in.
In this episode of Executive Decisions, the former Goldman Sachs CEO reflects on growing up in public housing in Brooklyn, arriving at Harvard as an outsider and learning that authenticity was more powerful than performance. He explains how that mindset shaped his rise through one of the most competitive firms on Wall Street.
From handling criticism and changing his management style to leading Goldman Sachs through crisis, Blankfein explains why the most effective leaders know who they are — and when they need to change.
Lloyd Blankfein is an internationally respected global business leader, risk manager, and commentator on matters affecting the global economy. As Chairman and CEO of Goldman Sachs for more than 12 years, Lloyd led the highest profile global investment bank through a period of great economic and political turbulence, becoming an important voice on today’s [global financial issues](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/economy-and-finance/geoeconomic-risk/). To hist him for a speaking opportunity, [contact WWSG](http://wwsg.com/contact-us).
---
### [Ben Sasse on lessons for America](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/ben-sasse-on-lessons-for-america/)
**Published:** April 26, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
The former Nebraska senator has metastatic pancreatic cancer. He spoke with 60 Minutes’ Scott Pelley about where America has been and where it could still go. Editor’s note: The video above is an extended version of the interview that was broadcast on 60 Minutes on Sunday, April 26, 2026. This extended version was condensed for clarity.
WWSG exclusive thought leader [Ben Sasse](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ben-sasse/) brings a unique perspective as a former U.S. Senator, university president, and *New York Times* bestselling author. A leading voice on [government and politics,](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/government-and-politics/) [leadership,](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/leadership-and-management/) education, [technology and society,](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/technology-and-innovation/) and the future of American institutions, Sasse explores how digital disruption is reshaping the world while offering both historical context and forward-looking strategies. From defending free speech to strengthening civic culture and building resilient communities, he equips leaders with the intellectual framework to navigate today’s complex challenges. To invite Ben Sasse to your next event, [contact WWSG.](http://wwsg.com/contact-us/)
---
### [Paul Scharre: Anthropic, Open AI, & the Future of Warfare](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/paul-scharre-anthropic-open-ai-the-future-of-warfare/)
**Published:** March 11, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
As reports emerge of AI-powered weapons systems deployed in strikes on Iran, we’re joined by Dr. Sarah Shoker, Senior Research Scholar at UC Berkeley, and Paul Scharre, Executive Vice President of the Center for a New American Security. Together, they examine how autonomous weapons and artificial intelligence are being integrated into military operations, investigate the relationships between Silicon Valley AI companies and the Pentagon, and explore if regulation is possible amid an accelerating arms race.
[Paul Scharre](https://wwsg.com/speakers/paul-scharre/) offers a rare combination of frontline military experience, Pentagon policymaking expertise, and thought leadership on artificial intelligence. He helps audiences understand how emerging technologies are reshaping global power, security, and business risk. Event planners choose Scharre for his ability to translate complex geopolitical and AI-driven challenges into clear, actionable insights. [Contact us](http://wwsg.com/contact-us/) to learn more.
---
### [Ian Bremmer: Who Is Actually Running the World?](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/ian-bremmer-who-is-actually-running-the-world/)
**Published:** April 23, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
Political scientist and author Ian Bremmer joins Trevor and Eugene to break down a world that is starting to feel a lot less predictable. What happens when American influence is no longer the default and tech companies begin to rival governments in power?
Together, they unpack what that shift looks like in real terms, why the old rules are no longer holding, and what it means to be heading toward a “G-Zero” world, where no single country is in charge.
With hundreds of new sales every week, you can eat well for less at Whole Foods Market.
Booking[ Ian Bremmer](https://wwsg.com/speakers/ian-bremmer/) brings unmatched value to any event by offering clear, compelling insights into the [geopolitical forces shaping business, policy, and society.](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/geopolitics/) As a world-renowned political scientist, bestselling author, and media commentator, he translates complex global trends into actionable takeaways for leaders and audiences alike. His engaging, independent perspective ensures your attendees leave with a deeper understanding of the challenges—and opportunities—emerging on the world stage. [Contact WWSG](http://wwsg.com/contact-us) to host him for a speaking engagement.
---
### [Lloyd Blankfein: Lessons from the 2008 Financial Crisis](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/lloyd-blankfein-lessons-from-the-2008-financial-crisis/)
**Published:** April 23, 2026
**Author:** Ali Pritsios
**Content:**
Lloyd Blankfein is one of the most consequential figures in the history of American finance — a kid from the Brooklyn projects who climbed to the top of Goldman Sachs and steered the firm through the worst financial crisis of our lifetime. This is a conversation I’ve been looking forward to for a long time, so glad to share it with you all on Open Book.
Lloyd Blankfein was Chairman and CEO of Goldman Sachs from 2006 to 2018. I spent the first seven years of my career at Goldman Sachs, and Lloyd was my boss and mentor. He was kind to me then, and he’s been kind to me ever since. I greatly admire all he’s done for me, and there aren’t too many people I admire more than Lloyd. His book — in my opinion — should be considered the business book of the year. Go buy it, you will not regret it!
Anthony Scaramucci is the founder and managing partner of SkyBridge, a global alternative investment firm, and founder and chairman of SALT, a global thought leadership forum and venture studio.
Lloyd Blankfein is an internationally respected global business leader, risk manager, and commentator on matters affecting the global economy. As Chairman and CEO of Goldman Sachs for more than 12 years, Lloyd led the highest profile global investment bank through a period of great economic and political turbulence, becoming an important voice on today’s [global financial issues](https://wwsg.com/speakers-and-topics/economy-and-finance/geoeconomic-risk/). To hist him for a speaking opportunity, [contact WWSG](http://wwsg.com/contact-us).
---
### [States with the highest credit card debt](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/states-with-the-highest-credit-card-debt/)
**Published:** September 17, 2023
**Author:** Riley Sims
**Content:**
Californians are racking up the most credit card debt, according to recent data from personal finance website WalletHub.
Currently, consumers across the nation hold $1 trillion in credit card debt.
In 2022 alone, $116 billion in new credit card debt was added as inflation continued to weigh on household budgets. In the second quarter of 2023, consumers added almost $43 billion, which marks the second-largest increase during that period to date, according to WalletHub.
For the average household, credit card balances sat at about $10,170 at the end of the second quarter, only $2,242 less than the record set during the fourth quarter of 2007, during the Great Recession.
WalletHub compared the 50 states based on the latest consumer-finance data available from TransUnion, the Federal Reserve and the Bureau of Labor Statistics, adjusted for inflation.
According to the data, the average household in California had nearly $10,000 in credit card debt during the second quarter. Overall, the Golden State had more than $152 billion in credit card debt during the second quarter.
The average Texan household owed about $9,200 in credit card debt during the second quarter, while the total credit card debt in the state reached over $111 billion.
Florida, New York and Illinois rounded out the five states with the largest credit card debts with totals of over $87 billion, over $79 billion and more than $46 billion, respectively.
Comparatively, Wyoming, Vermont and North Dakota residents held the smallest card debt totals at about $2.09 billion, $2.2 billion and $2.5 billion, respectively.
### Here are the top ten states with the highest total credit card debt during the second quarter:
1. California: $152,707,028,131
2. Texas: $111,299,095,554
3. Florida: $87,100,047,481
4. New York: $79,608,721,593
5. Illinois: $46,785,492,452
6. Pennsylvania: $45,638,259,152
7. Georgia: $41,132,589,305
8. Ohio: $38,478,365,000
9. New Jersey: $37,935,342,142
10. North Carolina: $36,505,559,579
---
### [Sheila Bair: How regulating banks inspired my children’s books](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/sheila-bair-how-regulating-banks-inspired-my-childrens-books/)
**Published:** December 27, 2023
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
This is an article written by WWSG exclusive speaker, [Sheila Bair](https://wwsg.com/speakers/sheila-bair).
## Financial literacy should start early — the principles will stay with you throughout your life.
*The writer is a former chair of the US Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and author of the ‘Money Tales’ books.*
I am a former financial regulator. I also write children’s books. Since I started doing this on the side in 2006, these two endeavors have been surprisingly complementary. I’ve always advocated for strong legal protections, and accountability for financial bad guys. But I’m also convinced we must do more to teach consumers at an early age how to protect themselves.
My books are written for young children, with families encouraged to read and learn from them together. The stories are not dissimilar from those in classical fairy tales. Think about the witch offering a starving Hansel and Gretel something to eat, or the wolf pretending to be the loving grandmother of a lonely Red Riding Hood. Financial abuses similarly involve a villain exploiting the vulnerable. So many real life episodes could be avoided if victims reflected on common childhood advice.
It was the 2008 subprime mortgage crisis that inspired my book Princess Persephone Loses the Castle. The chilly heroine is visited by a slick salesman offering to finance new cladding for her castle, just like sleazy mortgage brokers knocked on the doors of so many low-income families offering quick cash with equity-stripping loans. Children are told to be wary of strangers, advice that could save so many adults from abusive financial products push-marketed by fly-by-night scammers.
Payday lenders inspired the sly Seal in Billy the Borrowing Blue-Footed Booby. He encourages Billy to keep splurging on impulse buys instead of paying off his usurious loan. We tell children to control impulses — advice that could prevent many borrowers from falling into debt traps.
Sometimes notorious individuals provide inspiration. Sam Bankman-Fried inspired Daisy Bubble while Bernie Madoff prompted me to write Shark Scam, in which animals on the Galápagos Islands are promised high returns on bogus investments. Neither children nor adults should do something just because everyone else is — advice that could save many a speculator piling into investment fads. Look before you leap, slow down and ask questions: this advice could have saved many a Ponzi scheme victim.
The goal of my stories is not to shame or chastise the millions of households who fall prey to abuses. We are all inclined to desire immediate gratification or the seduction of quick “too good to be true” schemes. But I do want children and their families to understand that these basic human weaknesses make us targets for real life sharks.
Many fine individuals and organisations are committed to financial education, producing excellent resources. But those looking to learn more should also beware financial promotion in the guise of financial education. When I was a professor, I reviewed a curriculum that a financial trade group wanted to offer our students. The whole thing centred on applying for a credit card to build a credit score. An industry trade group offers high school classes the opportunity to compete in a stock market trading game which rewards active, leveraged trading strategies, even though research conclusively demonstrates that long-term, well-diversified investments produce better returns.
Encouraging young people to contort their financial lives to build a credit score or actively trade stocks may serve industry interests, but it has little to do with the skills kids really need: be wary, be skeptical. We all need to understand who we are dealing with, in any financial transaction, and how people intend to profit.
Most people in finance are legitimate and well-intended. Done right, financial services and products can help people buy homes, start businesses and build wealth. But done wrong, they can keep families in a constant state of financial stress. Carrying credit card balances, going into overdraft on bank accounts, buying on impulse with buy now, pay later can strip wealth just as efficiently and brutally as any scam.
Some question whether financial education does any good. Certainly I find young students actively engage with it. They “get” greed, and understand there are people who try to take advantage of others. Most say they’ve experienced buyers’ remorse, and regret doing something just because their friends did. They understand stranger danger, and the importance of not acting on impulse. As we discuss the stories, they understand how these basic truths apply to money.
Oscar Wilde famously said life imitates art. With my books, art imitates life. But I’m hoping readers will follow the lessons they learn throughout their own lives.
---
### [Sheila Bair Concerned About Unsustainably Hot Housing Market: Is a Bubble Forming?](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/sheila-bair-concerned-about-unsustainably-hot-housing-market-is-a-bubble-forming/)
**Published:** October 15, 2023
**Author:** Riley Sims
**Content:**
Sheila Bair, who witnessed the subprime mortgage meltdown firsthand, is expressing worry about the current state of the housing market. According to the National Association of Realtors, the median home price for existing homes was just $278,200 in August 2019. However, as of August 2023, that figure has skyrocketed to $407,100. Bair spoke to CNN in a phone interview, stating, “Talk about a bubble. That’s a classic supply-demand imbalance.” As a former federal regulator during the housing bubble of the mid-2000s, Bair believes that home prices today are displaying signs of being “bubbly” after years of historically low mortgage rates.
A housing bubble typically occurs when prices reach unsustainable levels. This can happen due to speculative buying, as seen during the subprime mortgage crisis when individuals unable to afford monthly mortgage payments were purchasing homes with minimal down payments. The bubble “popped” when home prices declined, leaving many homeowners owing more on their homes than what they were worth. Irrational exuberance, resulting in a buying frenzy, can also contribute to the formation of a bubble.
Bair recognized that the significant surge in home prices was predictable given the lower mortgage rates. However, she is uncertain if a correction will happen soon due to the current shortage of homes on the market. “If supply remains constrained, this could go on for some time,” Bair explained. The National Association of Realtors reported that there were only 1.1 million unsold existing homes on the market by the end of August, a 14.1% decrease from the previous year.
The combination of soaring home prices and high borrowing costs has made homeownership increasingly unaffordable for many Americans. Despite mortgage rates averaging at 7.49%, certain cities are still experiencing rapid increases in home prices. Realtor.com reported a 23.8% increase in the median home price in Los Angeles over the past year, as well as an 18.2% increase in San Diego, and a 15% increase in both Richmond and Cincinnati.
Bair believes that a minor deflation of the housing bubble would be beneficial, particularly for prospective homeowners. However, she reassured current homeowners, including herself, stating that even if home prices were to adjust slightly, people should not find themselves in a situation where they owe more on their homes than they are worth. Bair pointed out that the significant progress made in building equity in homes and stricter mortgage lending standards distinguish the current housing market from the mid-2000s crisis.
Jeremy Grantham, a legendary investor, shares Bair’s concerns about a housing bubble, predicting a potential 30% drop in home prices globally. Nevertheless, some Wall Street experts remain confident that home prices will continue to rise despite high mortgage rates. Goldman Sachs anticipates a 1.8% increase in US home prices this year, followed by a further 3.5% growth in 2024. CoreLogic also expects a 4.3% increase in home prices from June 2023 to June 2024.
While UBS acknowledges that home prices have reached “dizzying heights” in recent years, the bank only identifies Zurich and Tokyo as cities at risk of being in a bubble. Last year, nine cities were considered at risk. UBS classifies Los Angeles, Miami, Toronto, and Vancouver as cities in the “overvalued” category. Fannie Mae CEO Priscilla Almodovar expressed surprise that home prices have not been more affected by high mortgage rates, attributing the phenomenon to a lack of inventory.
Lawrence Yun, the chief economist at the National Association of Realtors, echoes this sentiment and claims that homebuyers should not anticipate a drop in home prices. Yun states, “There is not going to be a home price crash…When you have a housing shortage, home prices simply cannot decline in any measurable way.” Although a temporary decrease in prices is possible, Yun stresses that a “prolonged” drop of 10% to 15% is unlikely given the tight supply market.
Yun also warns against a scenario similar to what occurred in London, where skyrocketing prices limited homeownership primarily to the wealthy. He hopes that America does not follow the same path. The current housing market differs significantly from the pre-Great Recession era. Previously, reckless mortgage lending created an artificial demand surge, which eventually collapsed, leaving an excess of homes. Now, the housing market faces an imbalance with insufficient supply to meet the high demand. Yun asserts that inducing more supply is crucial to address this issue and mitigate social inequity.
---
### [Sanjay Gupta defines sharpness in 12 WEEKS TO A SHARPER YOU](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/sanjay-gupta-defines-sharpness-in-12-weeks-to-a-sharper-you/)
**Published:** January 5, 2023
**Author:** wpengine
**Content:**
What is “sharpness,” and what does it mean to have a sharper brain? Watch Dr. Sanjay Gupta answer both of these questions in a discussion about his audiobook 12 WEEKS TO A SHARPER YOU.
---
### [How to build a stronger brain, according to Dr. Sanjay Gupta's book 'Keep Sharp'](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/how-to-build-a-stronger-brain-according-to-dr-sanjay-guptas-book-keep-sharp/)
**Published:** September 8, 2021
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (CNN) – Taking proactive steps to enhance your brain's health and performance will serve you for many years to come.
**Content:**
(CNN) Some forgetfulness — like occasionally forgetting to pay a bill or recall a word — can be expected at any age. But cognitive decline — such as consistently struggling to remember monthly bills or stay focused in conversations — is not a natural part of getting older, according to the [National Institute on Aging](https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/memory-forgetfulness-and-aging-whats-normal-and-whats-not).
The truth is, your mind, like your physical body, is always capable of change for better or for worse. And the degree and nature of that change has less to do with age and more to do with action.
It’s well known that if you work out consistently, you can [enhance your body’s performance](https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/exercise/art-20048389). For instance, with the right training program, you can improve how fast you run a mile or increase the amount of weight you can lift. However, if you do not exercise and [spend hours sitting each day, it will lead to associated negative health implications](https://www.cnn.com/2021/08/23/health/stroke-risk-increase-sedentary-time-study-wellness/index.html) such as higher risk of stroke, [studies](https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/abs/10.1161/STROKEAHA.121.034985) have shown.
What many people do not realize is that, just like your body, the performance of your mind improves with proper and consistent training. Likewise, when not given enough stimulus, your brain becomes less capable of reaching optimal levels and more susceptible to decline.
You have the power to train your mind for enhanced sharpness and help safeguard it from degeneration in the future. Read on for five science-proven strategies you can start using today to build a stronger brain that will serve you well into your golden years.
These strategies are based on the “five pillars for brain health,” as outlined in CNN Chief Medical Correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta’s book “[Keep Sharp: Build a Better Brain at Any Age](https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Keep-Sharp/Sanjay-Gupta/9781501166730).”
### Move your body
When it comes to training your brain, your body is an essential part of the formula.
And exercise is the single most important thing anyone can do to improve brain function and resiliency to disease, according to Gupta.
Doing mountain climbers is a high-intensity activity that will get your heart pumping.
Why is exercise so important for your brain?
In his book, Gupta pointed to the control of blood sugar and reduction of inflammation: “Using sugar to fuel your muscles instead of sitting idle in your blood helps prevent dramatic glucose and insulin fluctuations … that increase the risk for dementia. Exercise also helps lower inflammation and that is critical in preventing dementia.”
Beyond that, physical exercise has many other science-backed, brain-health benefits, like [releasing mood-boosting brain chemicals](https://www.apa.org/topics/exercise-fitness/stress) and [decreasing stress hormone production](https://www.cnn.com/2020/06/02/health/natural-ways-to-improve-mental-health-wellness/index.html). Exercise also stimulates the release of growth factors involved in the healthy function and production of all cells, including brain cells.
This doesn’t mean you have to become an ultra marathoner or power lifter to reap the benefits, though. Ideally, you want to meet the [World Health Organization’s recommendation of 150 minutes per week](https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/physical-activity), but just a few minutes of exercise per day will boost brain health as well as your overall wellness. In fact, a recent study found that just 11 minutes of exercise per day can [increase your life span](https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/54/24/1499). To fit in your allotted minutes of exercise and stick with it, [explore different ways to get in motion](https://www.cnn.com/2021/01/06/health/daily-exercise-increase-life-span-study-wellness/index.html) so you don’t get bored or give this body-weight workout a try:
Try this 10-minute body-weight workout 10:46
If you’re new to exercising or just getting back to it, ease your way into it with [a training program that works for you](https://www.cnn.com/2020/07/20/health/return-to-workout-exercise-wellness-series/index.html).
### Stretch your mind
The adage “use it or lose it” applies to both your body and brain.
Online brain games that involve speed training help keep your mind sharp.
Keeping your brain sharp means keeping it actively engaged. In his book, Gupta points to a [French study](https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs10654-014-9906-3) of nearly half a million people, showing that those who retired at age 65 had a 15% lower risk of developing dementia than those who retired five years earlier.
Research also reinforces that the quality of brain engagement matters for building brain resiliency over the long term. That means taking it a step further than the mere recall demands of a crossword puzzle and engaging in activities that require reasoning, problem-solving and acquiring new knowledge.
If you have always wanted to learn another language, this is a great impetus. Consider trying something new with an online cooking class, starting a new hobby or reading a nonfiction book that’s outside your scope of expertise. You might also want to try online brain games that involve speed training. Unlike puzzles that only help with working memory, [speed-processing games have been shown to reduce your risk of developing dementia](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29201994/).
### Rest your body and brain
Sleep is not just a time of rest but an essential restoration process that impacts all systems of the body. This is especially true for the brain, which relies on quality [deep sleep nightly for memory consolidation](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0959438817300107).
The[ US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention](https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2016/p0215-enough-sleep.html) reports that 1 in 3 Americans don’t get the recommended seven or more hours of sleep per night. The good news is that getting the regular daily [exercise recommended above for better brain health will help you sleep better](https://www.cnn.com/2021/06/04/health/exercises-for-sleep-tips-benefits-wellness/index.html).
[](https://www.cnn.com/2021/06/30/health/breathing-better-sleep-wellness/index.html)
[Breathe your way to better sleep and overall recovery](https://www.cnn.com/2021/06/30/health/breathing-better-sleep-wellness/index.html)
Because deep breathing helps you tap your parasympathetic “rest-and-restore” aspect of your nervous system, you can [leverage your breathing to help you sleep](https://www.cnn.com/2021/06/30/health/breathing-better-sleep-wellness/index.html).
Another important aspect of resting your brain is to give it regular breaks from stress. This is vital for brain health as a high level of the stress hormone [cortisol is linked to brain inflammation, cognitive decline and increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease](https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnagi.2019.00043/full). Thankfully, exercise has been shown to be an effective stress reliever. Other research-backed stress-relieving activities include meditation, deep breathing and mind-body practices like yoga and tai chi.
### Fuel your brain
There is no denying that the food and beverages we consume can have positive or negative health implications. As such, consuming certain foods and limiting others can help promote brain health and prevent decline. The [Mediterranean diet](https://www.cnn.com/2021/05/05/health/mediterranean-diet-memory-loss-dementia-wellness/index.html), for example, may limit your risk for dementia, a May study published in [Neurology](https://n.neurology.org/content/96/24/e2920) found. This way of eating limits processed foods and red meats in favor of fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts and seeds, whole grains, and extra-virgin olive oil.
For brain health, incorporate fatty fish like salmon or mackerel into your eating routine.
That said, due to [challenges conducting nutrition studies](https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/nejmc1806491), enough valid research does not yet exist showing a clear and direct correlation between a particular style of diet and better brain health. Consequently, in his book, Gupta does not point to any one diet plan as better than another but instead gives general nutrition advice based on current science, which he outlines using the acronym SHARP:
**S:** Slash sugar
Research abounds on the negative health implications of too much sugar, but controlling blood sugar is also an important component of brain health since [diabetes shows a strong link to dementia risk](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6322491/). Gupta notes that “many well-designed studies have found that people with high blood sugar had a faster rate of cognitive decline than those with normal blood sugar.”
**H:** Hydrate smartly
Even [moderate dehydration is associated with cognitive deficits](https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Michael-Sawka/publication/303810787_Impact_of_Hypohydration_and_Exercise-Heat_Stress_on_Brain_Structure_in_Men_and_Women/links/5e665415a6fdcc37dd1262f0/Impact-of-Hypohydration-and-Exercise-Heat-Stress-on-Brain-Structure-in-Men-and-Women.pdf), so it’s important to stay hydrated.
**A:** Add omega-3s from natural sources.
[Fatty fish are abundant in omega-3 fatty acids](https://www.cnn.com/2021/09/03/health/healthiest-fish-eating-wellness/index.html), which have been linked to lower blood levels of beta-amyloid, the protein found to form damaging clumps in the brain of those with Alzheimer’s disease.
**R:** Reduce portions
Portion control is an important aspect of brain health as [obesity is linked to a higher risk of dementia](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6054325/).
**P:** Plan meals ahead
Planning ahead enables us to keep brain health in mind when we set our menus, helping us make better choices about the foods we eat.
### Connect with others
Over the years, numerous studies have shown that strong social relationships contribute to healthier and happier lives. But, when it comes to brain health, recent research has shown those [relationships also enhance neuroplasticity](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S104727971930198X), the brain’s ability to change, enhance and preserve its cognitive abilities.
Human beings are social animals, so it is not surprising that relationships play a role in brain health. It’s important to actively cultivate existing relationships through regular communication and foster new relationships by taking part in new activities. You can double your brain-boosting benefits by socializing in an exercise class or joining a book club or hobby group.
You should feel empowered to take control of your brain health, starting today. Taking proactive steps to enhance your brain’s health and performance will serve you for many years to come.
---
### [‘Uncontrolled Spread’ Review](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/uncontrolled-spread-review/)
**Published:** September 15, 2021
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (WSJ) – A former Food and Drug Administration commissioner surveys what went wrong with America’s response to the Covid pandemic.
**Content:**
Scott Gottlieb is uniquely qualified to write a book on America’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic. Physician, former Food and Drug Administration commissioner, board member for both pharmaceutical giant Pfizer and genetic sequencing firm Illumina and presidential adviser: Dr. Gottlieb saw the crisis from multiple angles. His book “Uncontrolled Spread” is everything you’d hope: a smart and insightful account of what happened and, currently, the best guide to what needs to be done to avoid a future pandemic.
If there’s one overarching theme of “Uncontrolled Spread,” it’s that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention failed utterly. It’s now well known that the CDC didn’t follow standard operating procedures in its own labs, resulting in contamination and a complete botch of its original SARS-CoV-2 test. The agency’s failure put us weeks behind and took the South Korea option of suppressing the virus off the table. But the blunder was much deeper and more systematic than a botched test. The CDC never had a plan for widespread testing, which in any scenario could only be achieved by bringing in the big, private labs.
Instead of working with the commercial labs, the CDC went out of its way to impede them from developing and deploying their own tests. The CDC wouldn’t share its virus samples with commercial labs, slowing down test development. “The agency didn’t view it as a part of its mission to assist these labs.” Dr. Gottlieb writes. As a result, “It would be weeks before commercial manufacturers could get access to the samples they needed, and they’d mostly have to go around the CDC. One large commercial lab would obtain samples from a subsidiary in South Korea.”
At times the CDC seemed more interested in its own “intellectual property” than in saving lives. In a jaw-dropping section, Dr. Gottlieb writes that “companies seeking to make the test kits described extended negotiations with the CDC that stretched for weeks as the agency made sure that the contracts protected its inventions.” When every day of delay could mean thousands of lives lost down the line, the CDC was dickering over test royalties.
In the early months of the pandemic the CDC impeded private firms from developing their own tests and demanded that all testing be run through its labs even as its own test failed miserably and its own labs had no hope of scaling up to deal with the levels of testing needed. Moreover, the author notes, because its own labs couldn’t scale, the CDC played down the necessity of widespread testing and took “deliberate steps to enforce guidelines that would make sure it didn’t receive more samples than its single lab could handle.”
Dr. Gottlieb is much kinder to his friends and former colleagues at the FDA. My view is that the FDA shares in the failure. The FDA does not have authority over laboratory-developed tests, so in ordinary times a lab can develop a test without seeking FDA approval. But the FDA, using the Covid-19 emergency as a pretext, asserted that any SARS-CoV-2 test needed its approval before it could be deployed. Thus the logic of emergency was inverted. Instead of lifting regulations and giving priority to speed, the FDA increased regulation and slowed test deployment.
Dr. Gottlieb, to his credit, cannot be accused of hindsight bias. On Jan. 28, 2020, one month before the United States recorded its first Covid death, he and a co-author warned in these pages that we must “Act Now to Prevent an American Epidemic.” Correctly predicting that testing would be a bottleneck, he urged the CDC to bring in private test suppliers as quickly as possible. One wonders how many deaths might have been averted had Dr. Gottlieb’s advice been followed.
The CDC failed. What worked? The American model worked. Namely, private incentive and ingenuity backed by a supportive federal government. Operation Warp Speed, the Trump administration’s effort to produce vaccines, was the shining jewel of the American model. The federal government promised to buy hundreds of millions of doses of vaccine from private manufacturers (so long as the vaccines worked but regardless of whether they would be needed). It also supported very large and expensive clinical trials, and it lifted burdensome rules and regulations. The advance market-commitment model is very powerful in an emergency. We should have used a similar model for masks and tests.
Dr. Gottlieb has good suggestions for preparing for the next pandemic. He makes the case for a sentinel surveillance system that would routinely sequence flu samples for viruses and that would equip every sewage plant in the United States and eventually the world with sequencing systems. We also need a national testing clearinghouse that can balance testing demand across all our labs, and we need public-private partnerships so that instead of producing bespoke tests we produce tests that run on the biggest, fastest testing systems used in the private sector. All worthy ideas, but many were already legislated in the 2006 Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act—and most were never implemented. We need to think more deeply about the institutions needed to align policies with the incentives of market participants.
Dr. Gottlieb’s idea to fix the Strategic National Stockpile is a good example. The government let the stockpile dwindle so there weren’t enough masks when we needed them, and the masks that were available were often moldy. Instead of a stockpile, Dr. Gottlieb suggests what I call a “flowpile.” The government wouldn’t store anything but would instead pay firms to increase their inventories with production going into the inventory and sales coming out. A flowpile doesn’t need periodic restocking or reauthorization, and once the system starts, firms have an incentive to lobby to keep it going. Want to produce a public good? Tie it to some pork.
Covid has killed more people than died in the battlefields of the bloodiest war in American history, the Civil War. The horror of the Civil War, however, was redeemed by breaking the chains of slavery. No such redemption is possible for the pandemic. It didn’t have to happen. “Uncontrolled Spread” explains why it did, and how to keep it from happening again.
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### [‘World War C’: A thorough examination of the COVID-19 pandemic](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/world-war-c-a-thorough-examination-of-the-covid-19-pandemic/)
**Published:** October 20, 2021
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (Oakland Press) – In “World War C” Dr. Gupta examines COVID-19 and its effects around the world much like a competent physician gathers information about a sick patient.
**Content:**
[Gabrielle Abdelmessih](https://oaklandpostonline.com/staff_name/gabrielle-abdelmessih/), Campus Editor
OCTOBER 20, 2021
Before I begin this review, let me preface it by saying that I think of Dr. Sanjay Gupta, neurosurgeon and CNN’s chief medical correspondent, as the medical and journalistic equivalent to a rock star. For twenty years, Dr. Gupta has covered major medical events, highlighted scientific breakthroughs, and championed human resiliency.
He has reported on the ground from war zones in the Middle East, St. Vincent’s Hospital in New York on 9/11 and natural disasters across the globe. In this year alone, Dr. Gupta covered the devastating Surfside condominium collapse, the dominating COVID-19 pandemic and infection prevention measures at the Tokyo Olympic Games — not to mention, also guest-hosted “Jeopardy!”.
It is no secret to the people in my life, including those I work with at The Post, that I look up to Dr. Gupta. Just ask our editor-in-chief! I was partly inspired by Dr. Gupta to add journalism to my undergraduate studies and start the first public health column for The Post. His ability to clearly convey information, humbly admit when he doesn’t know something and willingness to have difficult conversations is something I strive to emulate every day.
As someone studying biomedical sciences and journalism, I most definitely have similar career aspirations to what Dr. Gupta has achieved, but it goes beyond that. I want to be someone who approaches her (hopefully!) future career in medicine with kindness, compassion and a commitment to clear and effective public health communication. Throughout his career as a physician journalist, Dr. Gupta has been a public figure who has embodied all of those qualities and is someone to learn from. Plus: He is a fellow Michigander!
Dr. Gupta’s new book, “World War C: Lessons from the COVID-19 Pandemic and How to Prepare for the Next One”, is a perfect example of his signature clarity. Written in a postmortem perspective, “World War C” offers an autopsy-like analysis of the COVID-19 pandemic, examining what went wrong, what went right and what lessons we have learned, because, as Dr. Gupta wrote, “The pandemic has been so undeniably brutal, but the experience has also equipped us with the knowledge to not only better survive the next time around, but to thrive. The obligation is to embrace the lessons and never forget what really happened during World War C.”
Everything from investigating the origins of COVID-19, to the nefarious mechanisms in which it attacks the body are included. Readers also get eye-opening insight into how notable figures like Dr. Anthony Fauci, Dr. Deborah Birx and former director of the CDC Dr. Robert Redfield approached the fight against this virus. There are so many fascinating discussions involving pandemic research and vaccine development from experts from around the world. If it involves COVID-19 or helps one better understand the context of the virus in human and pathogenic history, this book goes there.
I was particularly struck by a story included about identical thirty-five-year-old twin sisters, who both got infected with COVID-19 in the spring of 2020 and were treated at Ascension Providence, a hospital just a few miles away from Oakland University. The story highlights how we all assess risk differently, a thought I hadn’t really considered until reading.
The pandemic has taken an obvious toll on all of us and has left devastating effects in its waning aftermath, which Dr. Gupta acknowledges. However, he stresses that the future isn’t entirely bleak. By taking what we have learned into account and prioritizing our physical and mental health through sleep, exercise and a healthy diet, we as individuals and as a collective humanity can be better prepared for the next time — because there will be a next time.
My one complaint is that some of the material is a bit repetitive if you have seen Dr. Gupta’s COVID-19 documentaries, listened to his podcasts, or read some of his other work. With that being said, it doesn’t necessarily mean the information isn’t worth repeating!
If you love science and history, then this book is a must-read for you. If you are vaccine-hesitant or have any outstanding questions about COVID-19, then this book is a must-read for you.
In “World War C” Dr. Gupta examines COVID-19 and its effects around the world much like a competent physician gathers information about a sick patient. In medical school, students are taught to approach illness in a thoughtful, ordered manner. Many call this the SOAP note. This acronym stands for the Subjective, Objective, Assessment and Plan process. When reading this book, it is apparent that Dr. Gupta follows a very thorough, ordered pattern of thought to examine this very sick global patient.
By the time the reader is wrapping things up, they have a much better understanding of the predicaments that led to the illness, the treatment plan moving forward and a prognosis for how the patient will handle future illness.
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### [(Transcript) Lessons from the pandemic: the mistakes that led to uncontrolled spread](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/transcript-lessons-from-the-pandemic-the-mistakes-that-led-to-uncontrolled-spread/)
**Published:** May 5, 2022
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (Niskanen Center) - Brink Lindsey speaks with Dr. Scott Gottlieb, senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, former FDA chair, and author of Uncontrolled Spread.
**Content:**
In the second in a series of video interviews on lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic, Brink Lindsey speaks with Dr. Scott Gottlieb, senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, former FDA chair, and author of *Uncontrolled Spread*. They discuss how the disastrous beginning of the U.S. pandemic response stemmed from fighting the last war: Previous efforts at pandemic planning focused heavily on an influenza pandemic in which rapidly ramping up testing would not have been such an important challenge. They also discuss the need for a national security mindset to guide pandemic preparedness and response—and the dispiriting evidence that American politicians and policymakers still have not adopted such a mindset.
## Transcript
**Brink Lindsey:** Hello, this is Brink Lindsey. I’m a vice president with the Niskanen Center, where I helped to direct our new project on rebuilding American state capacity. State capacity is a social science term for the ability to formulate and execute policy effectively. Nowhere have problems with American state capacity been more tragically obvious of late than in the response to the coronavirus pandemic. And so we’re doing a whole series of video interviews with different prominent experts on what went wrong and how we can learn from what went wrong, and occasionally what went right, in order to do better for next time, because there will be a next time.
So I’m delighted to be able to speak today with Dr. Scott Gottlieb. He’s a physician, he served as Commissioner of the FDA from 2017 to 2019 and is currently a Senior Fellow at AEI and a member of the board for Pfizer. Throughout the pandemic, he’s been a prominent commentator in the Wall Street Journal and CNBC, Face the Nation, and elsewhere – a real go-to source of insight and common sense during this dreadful time with such a high noise-to-signal ratio. And he’s the author of the superb book, Uncommon Spread, which came out in the fall.
**Dr. Scott Gottlieb:** Thanks a lot. Thanks for the interview.
**Brink Lindsey:** Also an advisor to a handful of governors on their pandemic response. So Scott, thank you so much for taking the time to speak with me today.
When we planned to do these videos in the spring of 2022, we were hoping it was going to be retrospective and we could look back. But alas, we’re still in the thick of things. We’re taping right now in the middle of March. There will be a little delay before this goes up, but right now Omicron seems to be on the way down in the United States, but we’ve just been through a wave of where we’ve had thousands die every day. We’re approaching a million dead. Here in Asia, I’m in Thailand, Omicron is setting record case totals in Thailand. It’s the highest daily case totals of the whole pandemic. Thankfully, it’s a highly vaccinated population, higher than the United States, so fatalities are pretty low. But in Hong Kong, things are miserable right now. In China, there’s tens of millions of people on lockdown. So before we go back, maybe you could just comment a little on where we stand right now, entering year three of the pandemic. What’s your outlook for these coming weeks and months?
**Dr. Scott Gottlieb:** Well look, I think what’s going to happen in the future depends on what happens with the virus itself and whether the virus continues to evolve in ways that evade our immunity. At this point in the United States, we have a very tall wall of immunity. Not only have a lot of people been vaccinated as well as infected, and in many cases, vaccinated and infected, but we have in the US a lot of depth of immunity. People who’ve been vaccinated in many cases have been infected with Omicron. Many people have been infected with Delta and Omicron. So there’s sort of a diversity of immunity, if you will. That is a very tall wall, kind of like what the UK experience is. And so the only way to really see I think uncontrolled spread in the US in the same way we’ve seen these dramatic waves in the past is if a new variant comes along that pierces the immunity that people have acquired.
And that’s going to get and more difficult for this virus. The virus has shown us a lot of its genetic diversity. And so if the base case is that future mutations happen within that Omicron lineage, you have a population that’s already been heavily exposed to it. The immunity that people have acquired through vaccination, we know wanes over time. The immunity that people have acquired through infection with Omicron is also going to diminish over time and so there’s a risk that as we get into the fall and the winter, you start to see infection rates climb again. Maybe because there’s some future mutations within the Omicron lineage, probably because there’s some decline in immunity and you also don’t get the benefit of a seasonal backstop. As the weather gets cold, people crowd together indoors, it’s easier for respiratory pathogens to transmit.
So I would expect to see that this is going to surge again as we enter the fall and the winter, certainly not like what we’ve seen in the past. But for now, I think the base case is that you’re going to see continued declines. Now in the nearer term, you’re probably going to see an increase in infections through the months of March and April, because B2, this new Omicron variant, which is more transmissible but not any more dangerous than B1, the Omicron that was widely epidemic here, is starting to become more prevalent. It’s now 50% of cases as we sit here on March 18th.
In part because we’ve lifted all the mitigation, so people are interacting more and that’s going to be conducive to spread, and in part because there is some decline in the immune protection for people who’ve been vaccinated or have been boosted or been previously infected. And so they have declining immunity. But the most prominent features are going to be the relaxing of mitigation and the replacement of B2 for B1, which is going to drive an uptick in infections. I wouldn’t expect it to be a very sharp wave of infection, but there is going to be some increase in infections before we start to see continued declines as we enter the late spring and into the summer.
As far as the what’s going on in Asia right now, it really is I think a tale of two cities when you look at, for example, South Korea and Hong Kong. And it kind of speaks to what happens when you do and don’t have a population that’s heavily vaccinated. In Hong Kong, you have a population where two thirds of those over the age of 80 have not been vaccinated….
**Brink Lindsey:** It’s crazy, right? It’s the exact inverse of how it should be.
**Dr. Scott Gottlieb:** Exactly, especially this far into the pandemic. And you have vaccines that have been deployed that are proven to be not as effective against the Omicron variant as the vaccines that we used in the West. And overall, the vaccination rates are about 60% have been fully vaccinated, about I think 30% have been boosted, somewhere around there, in Hong Kong. And the result is that Hong Kong has experienced about, in the month of March, they’ve experienced around 300,000 infections, a little bit more than that, and 3,000 deaths. The death curve in Hong Kong is sharper than the death curve in the UK in the first wave, before there were vaccines, and in New York City. It’s the highest death toll per capita on a case basis that we’ve seen at any stage in the pandemic in any city.
In South Korea, by contrast, has a very high vaccination rate. Only 9% of the population over the age of 80 hasn’t been vaccinated. About 80% of the population overall has been vaccinated. I think about 60% have been boosted. So very heavy vaccination rates. And there you’ve seen around 5 million infections over the month of March, but only 3,000 deaths. A comparable level of deaths, 10 times the number of infections with a comparable number of deaths as Hong Kong. And South Korea, mind you, has a population, as you know, of 50 million and Hong Kong, 7 million. So Hong Kong has witnessed a devastating toll. And the biggest variable that is different between the two regions really is the rate of vaccination. And Hong Kong mirrors China.
**Brink Lindsey:** Absolutely. Do you have a sense of where China stands? Does China have this problem of vaccine hesitancy among the elderly like Hong Kong does? Or is Hong Kong an outlier?
**Dr. Scott Gottlieb:** Yeah, I don’t know if it’s so much vaccine hesitancy. I don’t know culturally whether there is a reluctance to use the vaccine. I think it relates more to just the logistics and the ability to distribute the vaccine. I don’t know that there’s necessarily cultural hesitancy as we’ve seen in some other parts of the country and in parts of this country though. But China does, to your question, China does have similar vaccination rates to Hong Kong, where about 50% of those over the age of 80 haven’t been vaccinated and the level of people who’ve been fully vaccinated and boosted is comparable to Hong Kong. And again, the vaccines that have been deployed are different than the vaccines that have been deployed in the US. What is being demonstrated is that they’re far less effective against this Omicron variant.
**Brink Lindsey:** Right. So let’s go back to the beginning of the story, at least the beginning in the US, and the testing debacle. So that was the original sin of the US response. The CDC was going to make a diagnostic test. They told everybody else to back off, we’ll do it. They bungled it, bungled it a couple of different times, stood in the way of other organizations developing their own tests for a while, and things really never recovered from there. So in a well-functioning US public health system, how would it have gone? What would’ve been the ramp up to go from the initial stage… I assume things would’ve started at the CDC, but they have to branch out into universities and labs and then branch out into commercial manufacturing. How should the playbook have run?
**Dr. Scott Gottlieb:** Yeah. Well, a lot of… I mean, you’ve summed it up well. A lot of our original woes during that first wave were the result of not having an effective diagnostic to deploy. Not only the public health problems we face, but also the cultural problems we face and the pushback against the mitigation. We were unable to target the mitigation and applied it far more widely than we should have and needed to. And that created some backlash to what we were doing, and the backlash was warranted. We were shutting down parts of the country that didn’t have a lot of spread at that time, simply because we didn’t know, because we couldn’t get a test deployed.
The old playbook had CDC always going first and deploying a test against a novel pathogen. The way it worked was that CDC would manufacture a test in-house because it would be the first entity to have access to the samples of a new virus. If capacity, if demand for a test exceeded what CDC was able to supply – and CDC would largely supply tests to hospitals and public health authorities – if demand exceeded that, CDC would start pulling laboratories into the game, into the market. And if you still had too much demand, then they would start pulling in outside manufacturers that could mass produce a test.
And this is in fact the playbook that they followed for Zika, and it didn’t work real well. We didn’t have enough testing for the Zika infection, and that was an infection that was largely slow moving because it was spread through mosquitoes. It wasn’t a respiratory pathogen that moved quickly through a population. This was never going to work with a novel respiratory pathogen.
**Brink Lindsey:** When was the US Zika experience again? When was the Zika scare in the United States?
**Dr. Scott Gottlieb:** Zika was probably… I’m going to forget the exact dates. It was around there, yeah, 2013, 2014.
**Brink Lindsey:** 2014, something around there?
**Dr. Scott Gottlieb:** I had been out of FDA the first time, it was during the Obama administration. But we were never going to be able to have enough tests for a fast-moving respiratory pathogen if we followed that playbook. So the question, your question is, what should we have done? I think we needed to have a system more akin to what South Korea did. And South Korea handled that first wave very well because they got a massive amount of testing deployed quickly. They started manufacturing tests at scale even before the virus had first arrived. And the way they did it was their playbook that they had put in place following their brush with SARS and MERS was that they would have a rapid handoff to industry and that there were programs in place to subsidize the production of tests by industry participants.
So you very quickly pivot to the mass manufacture of diagnostic test kits that could be deployed to any lab. And they standardized the test kits across labs so that they maximized the installed base of testing equipment that they had in those labs to run the most number of tests it will. Because there’s a diversity of testing platforms in the labs, so you need to have test kits that are going to run on the biggest number of testing platforms, because each test is sometimes unique for different kinds of testing platforms.
We had no such playbook here in the United States. First of all, we had no capacity in place for CDC to do a commercial handoff. CDC itself had no awareness of the commercial testing landscape, so they had no insight into what platforms labs were running and how you would maximize the installed base of testing equipment. It just was never contemplated. CDC historically has worked with public health labs and hospitals. They never worked with the commercial lab market and historically they never made tests for any entity other than hospitals and public health labs. So for example, when they manufacture flu tests every year, they hand those off to public health labs and hospitals. They never interface with the commercial marketplace.
**Brink Lindsey:** A fascinating thing I learned from reading your book was the extent to which this blind spot about testing was a kind of fighting-the-last-war problem. To the extent we had a pandemic response playbook, it was produced during the Bush 43 administration, and it was really, really focused on a flu pandemic, and influenza’s different from coronavirus in important ways. The incubation period’s less and also coronavirus has this incredible variability in spreading. So you have these super spreader events. So for coronavirus, asymptomatic transmission is a much bigger deal than for flu. With flu, you know who’s sick. They get sick within a day or two. They present with symptoms, and then you can trace from there if you’re going to do that. But the idea of having this enormous blind spot that you don’t know who’s spreading the disease wasn’t on anybody’s mind.
**Dr. Scott Gottlieb:** Yeah. That’s a good summary. Again, flu has a very short incubation period. So by the time you can get someone diagnosed, they’re already symptomatic and they’ve already probably come into contact with some other people where they’ve propagated the infection. But in the case of this novel coronavirus, it had a long incubation period, and you were most contagious when you were pre-symptomatic. And so the diagnostic test became much more important to try and contain spread in the setting of this coronavirus because people were spreading it when they were either asymptomatic or pre-symptomatic. And so if you could be testing more of those individuals before they manifest symptoms, you could take them out of circulation, get them to isolate, before they’re going to go on and spread the virus.
With flu, you’re most contagious after you’ve manifested symptoms. By that point, you’re identifiable, and the incubation period’s very short anyway. So the time between exposure and infection’s very short. So most people are going to manifest symptoms very quickly after they become infected and after they become con contagious. And so the diagnostic test is less important in stopping spread.
Now I was part of that plan in the Bush administration. I was young at the time, working at FDA as a senior advisor of the commissioner, but was peripheral to what was going on. And at that point, and in all the subsequent tabletop exercises, even the ones I was part of when I came back as the commissioner of the agency and as the deputy commissioner of the agency, when we exercised to model a pandemic, it was always involving influenza. So we were always prepping for a pandemic that would involve a flu. And with a flu, the diagnostic test wouldn’t be that important. Not only because of the reasons we discussed, but also because the nation’s installed base of flu testing would be sufficient.
So we never modeled, how do we scale up diagnostic testing? Because you have a huge installed base of flu test testing. Those flu tests in every doctor’s office can differentiate influenza A from influenza B. If the pandemic strain of flu that’s circulating is an influenza A, then you can use that installed base because all you have to do is diagnose that someone has influenza a and if that’s the prevalent strain that’s circulating, you just assume it’s the pandemic strain. You don’t need to do sequencing to figure out if that’s the strain that people have. They come in. They’re symptomatic. They have all the signs and symptoms of the pandemic flu that’s circulating. You test them. They have influenza A. You know they have the pandemic flu.
So we never said we would need testing because we knew we had a big installed base of testing. So what was new, what was different here was, all of a sudden, you had to grow up an installed base not only of PCR testing, but also the capacity to collect respiratory samples outside of the healthcare setting, which we didn’t have. South Korea had mothballed that. They facilities ready to pop up where they could do massive collection of respiratory pathogens. We had nothing of that sort.
**Brink Lindsey:** So I get that pandemic planning started with an influenza focus, understandable. But then had MERS. We had Zika. We had Ebola. We had a bunch of pandemic scares that were completely different kinds of threats. So it just seems baffling to me that we were caught so unaware.
**Dr. Scott Gottlieb:** Yeah, what was baffling was that we had never really contemplated that you could have a pandemic involving a coronavirus, even after, to your point, SARS and MES. Now, SARS and MERS never acquired the ability to spread efficiently from person to person, but they were highly pathogenic. But it wasn’t a great leap of imagination to conceive of the possibility that there could be a coronavirus that came along that combined some of the pathogenicity of SARS and MERS with the ability to spread as efficiently as a seasonal coronavirus. This is the four seasonal strains of coronavirus that circulate.
And what we should have been looking at was not just influenza, and not just coronavirus for that matter. We should have been looking broadly at the category of pathogens that replicate through RNA and that transmit through respiratory droplets or aerosols. And the reason why that category of pathogens is important when you’re doing pandemic preparedness, to think about it from that broad, macro perspective, is that any virus that replicates through RNA is going to have the potential to mutate very rapidly and undergo changes in its features because of the replication through RNA. That process lends itself towards a lot of mutations through replication cycles.
And any pathogen that spreads through aerosols or respiratory droplets has the potential to rip through a population very quickly. And so any pathogen that combines those two features, it replicates through RNA and spreads through respiratory droplets, has pandemic potential. And if you’re thinking about it from that vantage point, the universe of viruses you need to worry about is not only influenza, not only coronaviruses, but it’s a little bit broader than that. There’s other viruses that fall within that bucket if you’re talking about viruses that replicate through RNA and spread through respiratory droplets or aerosols.
**Brink Lindsey:** So April 2020, it was looking like the Trump administration was gearing up for a big national push on testing, but then for various mysterious reasons, mostly, apparently, having to do with political calculations, they junked all of that and devolved testing responsibility to the states.
**Dr. Scott Gottlieb:** I was having a lot of communications with the White House at that point. I was talking to them up through, maybe, April, May. And so I didn’t have great insight into everything that was going on, but I had some insight. And I think that the prevailing narrative in the media was that the administration pulled back from testing because there was this view that the more you test, the more cases you’re going to uncover. And the more cases you uncover, the worse the epidemic looks. I don’t think that was what was driving the administration’s decision to push back from the table a little bit. I think what drove their decision to push back from the table, at point in time — maybe that media narrative was a little bit more true later on heading into the election – but at that point, April/May 2020, I think there was an understanding that it was important to get diagnostics into the field, that people wanted to know if they were sick.
There were a lot of consumers that were symptomatic, and they wanted to know whether they had COVID. And they were bitter at government for not providing those tests. I think that what drove the decision to push testing out to the states and push back from the table was a recognition that they simply couldn’t do it. They had made an initial foray to stand up testing sites and to get the commercial manufacturers engaged, and they just couldn’t scale it. We didn’t have the capacity to do it. And so I think that there was a political decision to say, let’s get out of this game and try to just push this to the private market and to the states to figure out because we’re not able to run this out of the White House.
**Brink Lindsey:** So counterfactual, we’ve got President Clinton in office, who’s got no issues with trying to downplay the epidemic or skepticism about testing. Let’s say she was 100% committed to, we need to scale up testing as fast as possible. Do you think, in that counterfactual, we still would’ve stumbled badly just because we had never tried this before and the organizational hurdles were just too much for us to overcome on the fly?
**Dr. Scott Gottlieb:** Not necessarily, but I think the mistakes were made much earlier. If you go back and you look at some of the original things I wrote about COVID, I started writing at the end of January about how we need to have a massive effort to start scaling the development of diagnostic tests. This was back in late-January. My first piece in the Washington Post, I talked about developing point-of-care diagnostics and how important testing was going to be.
**Brink Lindsey:** Right.
**Dr. Scott Gottlieb:** And this was the world that I came out of. I had worked this issue before. And if you want to a diagnostic test for a novel pathogen, the lead time to that is about six weeks, even in the best of circumstances. So if we wanted to have tests available for the beginning of March, the process for making them needed to begin in January, not in March. And the problem was we didn’t start really focusing on trying to scale testing until March.
That’s really when the administration started to push major resources. And there was this broad awareness that, oh my God, we don’t have testing in place. We needed to have large-scale testing in place at some point in mid- to late-February to prevent the seeding that was taking place at that point in time that created the disaster in New York, with a healthcare system that effectively collapsed in New York. So someone needed to pick up the phone around January 15th and call Abbott and Thermo Fisher and Labcorp and the other major labs and say, “Look, we’re very worried about this outbreak in China. We’re not sure what this is, but we think it could come here. We need you guys to start working on develop diagnostic test kits at scale right now. We know it’s going to cost you between 2 and 5 million dollars to convert a line and manufacture at scale. We know we don’t have funding in place to reimburse you, but we’ll try to figure that out. But you need to be good corporate citizens and do this and make this investment, even if you know you might end up losing money.”
This is why we have large major companies in this country. And we support them. I guarantee you, if the FDA Commissioner or HHS Secretary or someone would’ve made that phone call, the manufacturers would’ve gotten together and done this. Those phone calls have been made in the past. I had to make some of those phone calls when we had crises or impending crises, and most major companies will respond to that.
**Brink Lindsey:** Yeah.
**Dr. Scott Gottlieb:** That was never done. I have different theories about why it was never done, but the bottom line is it wasn’t done. And as much as people now say retrospectively, “Oh yeah, we talked to them. We were encouraging them to do this.” There was never a concerted effort to bring together the industry early on to do this. It didn’t happen until March.
**Brink Lindsey:** So that’s not the end of the failure of testing story. We also had problems with making mass availability of rapid antigen tests for home use and for self-diagnosis. That, at least technologically, was feasible a lot sooner than it happened. It was even organizationally feasible because in Europe they had widely-available, cheap, rapid testing months before we did. So how big a problem was that? Would that have saved a lot of lives if people could have tested themselves?
**Dr. Scott Gottlieb:** Yeah. Look, it was something we should have had much sooner.
**Brink Lindsey:** And what was the primary reason for the delay.
**Dr. Scott Gottlieb:** And again, go back to the reasons I wrote in January, talked about the idea of developing a readable stick. So like what we have for flu, where you can swab and get a diagnosis. We really didn’t start a concerted effort to push the manufacturers to make these tests, to start getting funding available for it until much later in the cycle. It really wasn’t a concerted effort until, I would say, late summer 2020. Early on, we were just focused on scaling the PCR testing, the lab-based testing. So again, it was this sequential process to the pandemic rollout, if you will, rather than an upfront and all-of-the-above approach in terms of trying to get testing into the market. Because you’re right, from a technological standpoint, this wasn’t a great feat developing an antigen-based test. We have the technology to do this. We’ve done this many times for viral pathogens, and we understood this viral pathogen well enough to be able to do that.
And then I think once we got those tests into the market, and I think this was one of the positive stories in terms of how FDA pivoted its framework and its mindset to get these tests into the market to make them available as home diagnostics, and I’ll get back to that. But once we got them into the market, we needed to step in and subsidize this market in a way that supply would continue to expand and wouldn’t just respond to normal supply and demand curves.
What happened was there was a big demand. Demand fell off. Supply fell off. Then when Omicron came along unexpectedly, we didn’t have enough testing because we had the biggest wave of infection we’ve ever seen in human history right at Christmas time when everyone wanted the test. But we should have accounted for that. We should have been stockpiling these, even if it meant we were going to end up throwing out a lot because they expired. We shouldn’t have found ourselves in this shortage situation.
I mean, we’ve never seen anything like Omicron. In a two-month period, 50% of the US population was infected. To put that into perspective, over the course of an entire flu season, about 15% in the high end of the population would be infected with flu, but that’s over a five-month period. We’ve never seen a viral pathogen rip through a population as big as it did over such a compressed period of time.
Now, getting back to the point about FDA, if you would’ve asked me at the outset of this pandemic, will FDA ever allow people to self-diagnose at home for COVID and not have a requirement that the result get reported somehow? I would have say nah, the regulator’s never going to get comfortable with that. The idea that you have a reportable pathogen and people are going to be able to self-diagnose for it with a test that’s not 100 percent predictive and is going to generate false negatives, they’re not going to do that. And yet they did it.
This was a sort of tremendous change in the regulatory mindset of recognizing that the overall public health good would be best served by making a diagnostic widely accessible to consumers. Even if it meant number one, some consumers weren’t going to report the result – and a lot of them weren’t going to report the result – and number two, many consumers wouldn’t take appropriate action based on the result, and number three, many consumers or some consumers would get a false result. They would be told they don’t have the virus when in fact they do because these tests aren’t 100 percent.
The FDA recognized that the public health good would be best served by making these tests widely accessible. That was a very significant change in regulatory mindset. I think it’s going to be a paradigm change going forward because you’re going to now see tests into the market for not just COVID, but for strep, for influenza. People are going to be swabbing at home for a whole host of pathogens now because FDA has changed the regulatory framework and recognize that making these tests more accessible to consumers at the point of home serves the public health good.
**Brink Lindsey:** You say this was a real change in regulatory mindset, so it wasn’t there at the outset. It took the grim experience of this pandemic to effect that mindset change. So it’s a hard-earned lesson learned, but it does seem to be a shift there. Now, on the vaccine approval side, there’s the whole question about approval of the vaccine before the election. I think that’s tough to second guess how the FDA did things given the evident pressures of this decision being politicized, and the public health imperative of having the public have confidence in the vaccine.
**Dr. Scott Gottlieb:** Well, I mean, remember also a lot of that sort of pressure on the FDA was being whipped up by outside groups and individuals. You can draw your own conclusions about whether or not everyone’s motives were pure. I mean, there were people on both sides of this. On the one hand, you had the Trump administration talking about trying to get the vaccine approved before the election and linking it very clearly to the election, which I thought was not appropriate. Then on the other hand, you had a lot of people saying, “We’ve got to figure out… We’ve got to keep this from happening quickly.” You can sort of try to look at the individual people who were putting a lot of pressure on the FDA and ask yourself, “What was the sort of genesis of their angst?”
**Brink Lindsey:** So here’s a question, how about why did it take so long. You had this emergency use authorization, that’s a relatively novel form that was used to great effect in getting by FDA standards, very rapid approval, and getting these vaccines approved. But then like eight months elapsed between the EUA for Pfizer and the full approval in August 2021, during which time that shot had gone into hundreds of millions of arms without result. Also during which time, you were having the sort of building up of anti-vax sentiment and people worried about it, and people saying, “Hey, it’s experimental. It’s only got this emergency use authorization. It’s not really approved.” Mandates like from the military were hooked to whether it was fully authorized.
**Dr. Scott Gottlieb:** Well, look, it’s hard for me to say because I wasn’t inside the agency on the other side looking at what FDA was doing. I suspect that there wasn’t a full awareness of the importance of the full approval for all those policy reasons you outlined. Not that necessarily would’ve influenced FDA, but I’m not sure that people sort of fully understood what the implications were of having it hang out there as long as it did under an EUA. But the thing that happens… So underlying your question is, why does it take so long? What’s happening during this process? You were making the point, there’s a lot of clinical data. We’re now two years into this. Billions of people have been vaccinated. We haven’t seen untoward events that weren’t predicted or aren’t well understood. So why would it take so long?
What the FDA is mostly doing in that process is what we call the CMC portion of the review. It’s basically doing the long-term stability studies and the oversight of how the product is manufactured to make sure that it can be put into the normal supply chain. So when the product comes to market, when the vaccine initially comes to market, you don’t have six months stability studies on it because it hasn’t been out for six months. So in order to do long-term stability studies and make sure that a vaccine can sit on a shelf for six months and go from cold to hot, to cold, to hot, you actually have to do those studies. Those studies take time because you actually have to leave it on a shelf for six months, and then test it to see if there’s been any degradation in the vaccine.
Now, initially when it comes to the market under emergency use authorization, you don’t need that data because you know in a crisis, it’s going to come to market. It’s going to go to a vaccine distribution site, and it’s going to be put in an arm within like three weeks. So you don’t need to be able to prove that it could sit on a shelf at Cardinal Health for four months, then just sit on a shelf at CVS for another four months, and not be kept in quite the right temperature because as things move around, stuff happens. You don’t need to prove that. But if you’re going to fully approve it and put it into the “normal distribution channel” where those things happen, where products aren’t used right away, they sit on shelves for long periods of time, you need that long-term stability data.
**Dr. Scott Gottlieb:** That’s primarily… I’m not saying that’s only what was going on. There was a lot of other stuff going on. They were continuing to collect clinical data. They were looking at the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine for sure. But a large part of the reason why it takes so long is because you’re doing those long-term stability studies to show that it could sit out for longer periods of time.
If you remember, when Pfizer came to the market, and I forget… I’m obviously on the board of Pfizer, and I still forget the details. But it had a very short or shorter shelf life in terms of how long the label said it could stay out and how it had to be stored. It had to be stored at super cold temperatures. Then as time went on, all of a sudden that timeline got longer and longer and longer, and then they relaxed the provisions for storage. So it was able to sit in a normal refrigerator for an extended period of time.
The reason why they were able to do that was because as time went on, they had more and more stability data to prove that the vaccine didn’t degrade in any way as it was kept for longer periods of time in a syringe, or a bottle, a vial. As it was kept in a normal refrigerator as opposed to a freezer as opposed to a deep freezer. It takes time to do those studies. That’s a lot of what was going on as we went from EUA to full approval.
**Brink Lindsey:** So what’s the story with treatments? We’ve had approvals of a couple of treatments that looked very promising, Paxlovid and Molnupiravir. I don’t know if that’s how you pronounce it, but they don’t seem to be… Maybe I’m missing something, but I don’t hear about them in action at scale making a big difference anywhere. What’s going on? I mean, outside of the rich countries, we’ve got just billions of people unvaccinated, who are sitting ducks for this virus. So if there are like really effective treatments, we need to be able to scale those up. It doesn’t seem to be happening and why is that?
**Dr. Scott Gottlieb:** Yeah, and antibodies as well, the antibody drugs… I’ve written a lot, all through the spring and the summer during that first wave, about the need to try to scale production of antibody treatments. Because it was clear that the first therapeutic response to this virus was going to be through antibodies, and that we would have the antibodies before we even had the vaccines. Mark McClellan and I were writing a lot of articles about this, that we needed to start crashing massive production of these antibodies, and that didn’t happen as well.
So we never had enough supply of the antibodies during any wave of this infection. We were never able to use the antibody drugs in a prophylactic way as sort of a vaccine. An active vaccine for people who were immunocompromised or who weren’t going to get a good response from vaccines because they were immunosuppressed, and the vaccines wouldn’t allow them to produce a robust antibody response. The antibody drugs could be used to prophylaxis people. We never had enough supply to do that.
In terms of the small molecule drugs that you just referred to, Paxlovid and the drug by Merck, part of the challenge has been that supply only started to ramp as the Omicron wave was cresting. So we didn’t have a lot of supply in the market. So it was kind of rationed to people who were at very high risk. So there again, we didn’t mass manufacture it early, which we could have. There could have been resources to do that. Part of it is it does take time to build physician awareness and get physicians comfortable with prescribing a drug. We saw this with the antibodies, and we’ve seen this with the small molecule drugs.
Because these are under an emergency use authorization and not in normal commercial distribution, the drug companies aren’t there doing what they normally do, which it would be detailing physicians and educating them about how to prescribe it. They could do some of that under an EUA, but it’s more limited and more restricted what they can do. So you don’t have that kind of physician education going on. I think the adoption rate has been slower among doctors.
**Brink Lindsey:** So I know you’re pressed for time, so I want to conflate a couple of questions I had. I wanted to talk about in your book, you conclude with a vision for treating pandemics as a national security issue and for building in excess capacity to be able to surge for testing, PPE, vaccines, treatments. To plan for having that capacity available, so we don’t run into these horrible situations like we did with testing and so forth.
But in your book, that’s pretty much a national focus. But we’re in a globalized world and unvaccinated populations in poor countries are serving as reservoirs for possible new variants that can come back and bite us. So we’re not really safe until the whole world is vaccinated or treatable, particularly vaccinated. How does the fairly grindingly slow delivery of access of vaccines to much of the world, how does that experience influence how you think we ought to do better next time? How do we get global capacity to do vaccines before a pandemic?
**Dr. Scott Gottlieb:**
I think we need to have a bigger footprint for vaccine biologics manufacturing, generally. And some of that you want to locate around the world. Countries should have their own production capacity for vaccines. And some of it’s going to be in Western markets where you have the ability to maintain these things at a massive scale. And we just need to think about how do we maintain some reserve capacity and see this as a strategic priority, where we subsidize the overbuilding of facilities. So we’re not operating all these biologics manufacturing facilities at 100 percent capacity all the time, which is how we operate them now for maximal efficiency, so we never have any reserve capacity. And if we want to scale the production of something unexpectedly, we’ve got to take another critical product offline. And most of what’s made in these biologics facilities are important therapeutic products. You can’t just shut off production very easily. Although we did that in the setting of COVID.
I will say that there’s a lot of reasons why we want to have global distribution of a vaccine and of this vaccine. And the most paramount reason is to try to reduce global suffering from COVID, global death and disease from COVID. But the issue of new variants doesn’t perfectly correlate with the amount of spread around the world. Although obviously more spread creates more opportunity for variants to emerge, but the variants are emerging in sort of unique circumstances where it either had an animal reservoir that serves as a sort of sequestered reservoir where this is continuing to mutate and it sort of reenters human circulation. And that’s probably going on right now as we speak. Or we think that single person who became chronically infected with COVID and the virus was able to continue to mutate within that single host and then eventually reemerged. And in the case of Omicron, there’s speculation that it was someone who was co-infected with HIV, so they were immunocompromised and couldn’t clear COVID.
So it’s not just the total amount of infection that creates the opportunity for these variants. These variants could emerge when you have sort of the wrong person in the wrong place at the wrong time or the wrong circumstance, and not just because you have a high level of overall infection. So I think when we talk about why we should be distributing vaccines, the first reason should be because we want to end global suffering or reduce global suffering from COVID. Right now, the challenge with the global distribution of vaccines isn’t supply, although global organizations are still talking about the supply issues. Right now as we sit here, March 18th, the US government cannot give away the supply it has.
So they are sitting on probably hundreds of millions of doses of vaccine. Some of them were earmarked for donation, that the countries that they were intending to donate to can’t, aren’t taking, don’t want to take, don’t have the capacity to take, because we never invested upfront in trying to put in place a global distribution system on the ground. So all the things that the WHO should have been doing, going into these markets, getting local distribution in place, getting the cold chain storage in place, doing a lot of the advance work to educate the population, to try to build demand for the vaccine and try to reduce hesitancy, that really wasn’t done. All the early sort of browbeating and focus was on supply, supply. So now that we have supply, and supply’s been slowed to ramp up globally, but now that we have the supply, we don’t have the infrastructure to distribute it, and we’re finding that the doses that we have are going unused.
**Brink Lindsey:** So if ever there were a time we’re going to take this abstract threat of future pandemics seriously, it would be right now, still in the teeth of the present one. A year from now, five years from now, it’s going to recede and people are going to think about other things, and it’ll be much easier to put out of mind. But now is the time. Does it look like that realization has really hit our political leadership?
**Dr. Scott Gottlieb:** No. The bill that just pass the senate is at best a down payment on true pandemic preparedness. I think that we need to dramatically, we didn’t talk a lot about CDC, but a lot of the root of our woes here in the US was because of the CDC that didn’t have the capacity to respond to a crisis of this magnitude. I mean the wrong culture, the wrong organizational set up, the wrong capacities. And yet, we look to CDC to sort of quarterback this whole thing without recognizing that it was inadequate to the task. And if you look at the legislation that’s being worked on in Congress, it doesn’t fundamentally reprogram CDC. It doesn’t try to create new capacities there and maybe excise some existing obligations to skinny down that agency and focusing more on its sort of core national security mission, which it’s migrated away from in recent decades.
**Dr. Scott Gottlieb:** I think part of the problem is, and when I talk to members and staff is, I don’t think that there’s enough familiarity with CDC to really know how to reprogram it. I mean, Congress is going to need to step in. The administration isn’t going to be able to do this. It’s very hard for an agency to self organize and ground a complicated new mission on its own. Congress is going to need to step in and fundamentally reprogram that organization, maybe pull out the prevention function and give it to NIH, and focus FDA on its disease control mandate and more of its national security mandate migrated away from it in recent decades. But that’s going to require Congress to come in and really carve it up and give it new authorities, new resources in certain places, and maybe take away some of its authorities or obligations in other places and refocus its mission. And I don’t think that there’s adequate understanding of how that organization functions to do that.
Congress did do that with FDA about 20, 25 years ago with the initial PDUFA legislation. They worked with industry who had knowledge of how the FDA functioned in part to effect that. But Congress wrote very specific legislation on how to fundamentally change the function of FDA. And I think FDA became a much more professional organization, a high functioning organization, owing to that sort of congressional oversight and congressional leverage. But in that case, Congress, there were people on Capitol Hill who acquired a deep understanding of how FDA functioned. There’s nobody on Capitol Hill, I think who is, no Congressman or Senator who their core expertise is how CDC works. Maybe we need a Congressman who worked there. Maybe that’s the wrong person. I don’t know.
**Brink Lindsey:** So in light of that, I’ll let this be the final question. Is re-engineering the CDC the answer, or should it just be left to be this kind of research organization and you stand up an entirely new entity in the office of the president or somewhere that is the real quarterback?
**Dr. Scott Gottlieb:** Yeah. I mean, this is a political question as much as sort of a practical question, like what’s the best way to effect this goal. We need an agency that kind of is like the JSOC for pandemic preparedness and the Joint Special Operations Command that has a national security mindset and an operational capacity and doesn’t function like a school of public health, which is how CDC functions with their culture. And is the best way to get that to create a new agency or to build the capacity in CDC? I still think that the best way to get that is to build the capacity in the CDC. I think the idea of starting new agencies inside the government’s hard. Who’s going to supervise it? It’s going to end up being under like Homeland Security, which isn’t going to have the adequate scientific prowess to supervise it.
CDC already has a lot of this expertise and already has been looked to historically to effect this mission. So I think the idea of building a new capacity in CDC that is culturally distinct from CDC but within in the confines of CDC makes the most sense. And maybe pulling out some of the things that CDC does that are very far afield from that kind of national security mission mindset. Should CDC be working on smoking cessation and reducing heart disease? Well, they could certainly do it, but FDA has a set up for tobacco products, which is very focused on reducing smoking rates in this country. NIH does a tremendous amount of research on cardiovascular risk. I mean, there’s places where those kinds of aspects of their prevention mission can reside that you can kind of pull that out, put it in agencies already focused on those that work, and then start to focus CDC more on this kind of national security disease control mission. That’s what I would do.
That’s going to be very hard politically too, because there’s going to be people who say that we shouldn’t be pulling these things out of CDC, then they’re going to be given lower priority. And then there’s going to be reluctance in CDC to take on that more national security mindset, because they’ve deliberately migrated away from that.
I mean, historically CDC was conceived as that kind of an organization. The epidemiological surveillance service was seen as a component of the nation’s national security. If you ask people at CDC now, do they see themselves as a part of the national security complex in this country? I would bet most would say, no, that’s not what we do. To give you sort of one anecdote, CDC had to be pushed to develop a SCIF in the early 2000s to take classified briefings because there were people there who were reluctant to be in such obvious receipt of classified information. They were worried that if they were working with national security agencies, it might impugn their ability to operate overseas, where people might perceive them to be working with spy agencies. That’s the ethos of the organization.
**Brink Lindsey:** Right.
**Dr. Scott Gottlieb:** But that’s what Congress comes in.
**Brink Lindsey:** That seems like a hard culture to pivot into the moral equivalent of war fighting.
**Dr. Scott Gottlieb:** I mean, you can’t do this quickly, but you can do it over time by changing how an organization is chartered and what it’s obligated to report to Congress and where the new funding goes. And Congress can come in and start to evolve this agency in the same way I think it did very effectively with FDA, if you look at the 25 year time span of the User Fee legislation, where Congress successively reauthorized that with more statutory language about trying to evolve that agency.
**Brink Lindsey:** Well, I feel like I’ve just scratched the surface of picking your brain, but we covered a lot of interesting detail in a pretty abbreviated period of time. So thank you for that really high dose of information.
**Dr. Scott Gottlieb:** Thanks a lot. Appreciate it.
**Brink Lindsey:** And I appreciate your taking the time and look forward to keeping in touch.
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### [(Podcast) Dr. Scott Gottlieb, on Covid Vaccines for Kids, and His New Book “Uncontrolled Spread”](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/podcast-dr-scott-gottlieb-on-covid-vaccines-for-kids-and-his-new-book-uncontrolled-spread/)
**Published:** September 27, 2021
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (A Second Opinion) – Dr. Gottlieb shares with us what he learned in writing this authoritative account, including everything that went wrong that left us excessively vulnerable to Covid-19...
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### [Advice From Mike Pence and His Daughter: ‘Go Home for Dinner’](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/advice-from-mike-pence-and-his-daughter-go-home-for-dinner/)
**Published:** November 20, 2023
**Author:** Riley Sims
**Content:**
A couple of years ago, former Vice President Mike Pence says a good friend of his said he was curious how Pence managed to have a wonderful family while also maintaining a demanding political career. That conversation became the genesis for Pence’s new book, “Go Home for Dinner: Advice on How Faith Makes a Family and Family Makes a Life.”
The book, which Pence co-authored with his daughter, Charlotte Pence Bond, describes what life was like for the Pence children as they grew up, and how their father lived out his commitment to his family.
“I’ve never had to be motivated to work hard,” Pence said during an interview on “The Daily Signal Podcast.”
“I am always motivated to try and make a difference in the world for the values that I believe in,” Pence says. “But as we recount in this book, I really do believe that for men and women in the busy lives that we lead today, you have to be intentional about putting your family and your faith first in your life.”
Pence and his daughter join the show to explain how they have kept faith, family, and career in the right order in their lives.
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### [Family is key to America's strength, says Mike Pence as new book 'Go Home for Dinner' is published](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/family-is-key-to-americas-strength-says-mike-pence-as-new-book-go-home-for-dinner-is-published/)
**Published:** November 16, 2023
**Author:** Riley Sims
**Content:**
“The destiny of America is in the hands of the American people, and the strength of America is ultimately grounded in the strength of the American family,” writes former Vice President Mike Pence and his daughter, Charlotte Pence Bond, in their new book, “Go Home for Dinner: Advice on How Faith Makes a Family and Family Makes a Life” (Simon & Schuster, Nov. 14).
Those themes sounded strongly during an interview with Fox News Digital on Tuesday morning as well as in their “Fox & Friends” appearance to discuss the new project.
“My daughter is really an accomplished author,” the former vice president told Fox News Digital about the new book, referencing an earlier book of hers, “Where You Go: Life Lessons From My Father,” as well as her Marlon Bundo series of children’s books.
“And when I signed a deal with Simon & Schuster for two books, an autobiography and then a book on family, there was no one else that I wanted to work with other than my daughter because of her talent and because she’s lived this.”
The personal stories, anecdotes and beliefs that they reveal, he said, “were stories that she lived. And this is a book really from our family.”
Former Vice President Mike Pence and wife Karen wave to the audience after he delivered remarks, June 10, 2023, in Greensboro, North Carolina. (Win McNamee / Getty Images)
The vice president said a good friend suggested that he write about “how you have a marriage and a family life like you have while also living the crazy life” of a politician for so many years.
“And in all those years,” said Pence, “we tried to take those principles \[of putting family first\] that came out of our faith and put them into practice — and you know, I hope it’s an encouragement to people around the country to do just the same.”
He added that he did so “in the spirit of humility.”
Pence and his daughter also do not mince words about the nation’s very serious problems.
They sound an alarm that “the American family is in free fall. Marriage is on the decline, and raising children is seen as more of a burden than a blessing. People are spending less time with their loved ones, and a report by the U.S. surgeon general announced that this country is facing an ‘epidemic of loneliness and isolation.’ … It’s clear that families are in trouble. And when families are in trouble, America is in trouble.”
Mike Pence’s new book, “Go Home For Dinner,” written in collaboration with his daughter, Charlotte Pence Bond, includes chapters called “Learn from Falling Short” and “When You’re Being Honored, Honor Your Family.” (Simon & Schuster)
In 48 chapters, the 48th vice president of the U.S. and his daughter sketch out real-life experiences, adventures and interactions that have formed the fabric of the Pence family’s life — with keen insights for others to consider.
Charlotte Pence Bond told Fox News Digital, “The structure kind of came together as we were writing the book. A lot of times it was the lesson that came out of the story — and sometimes they were synonymous.”
“My dad would have an idea for the lesson — and we would know” the stories that worked, she continued.
“It was pretty natural how it happened, and it’s just a way that I feel that we look at life. We looked for the lessons and the stories.”
> “I’ve made it very clear that we’re going to continue to fight for conservative values and continue to work to elect principled Republicans at every level around the country.”
Among the topics is “Take Time to Pay Your Respects.” The former vice president recounts visiting the final resting places of such figures as Nancy Hanks Lincoln, the mother of Abraham Lincoln, plus Calvin Coolidge, James Madison and Ronald Reagan.
It’s “the right and honorable” thing to do, he says in the book — “but it also makes these remarkable Americans more real to us.”
Today, “it seems that people are more interested in tearing down monuments rather than honoring people from the past and using their example to find answers for our future.”
“Go Home for Dinner” by Mike Pence and Charlotte Pence Bond shares a focus on family, faith and togetherness “in the spirit of humility,” the former vice president says. (Fox News Digital)
He told Fox News Digital that he and his wife, former second lady Karen Pence, always tried to share with their three kids the importance of honoring others who sacrificed for this nation.
“And one of the first places we visited as a family when I was elected to Congress,” he said, “was Arlington National Cemetery” and taking in “the somber white crosses marking the final resting places of American heroes of every war our country has fought since the Civil War,” he wrote.
“I always thought it was important not just to visit these sites but to take a moment to pay respects — to take a moment for prayer, for reflection and for gratitude. And these final resting places to me have been very deeply meaningful. It’s something that I think we do well to remember.”
> “I became a mom this year, and so I would put down my computer and play with my daughter and be with her — and put her first as I was writing a book about putting family first.”
Charlotte Pence Bond noted that throughout the process of writing the book with her father, she was constantly learning.
“I became a mom this year, and so I would put down my computer and play with my daughter and be with her — and put her first as I was writing a book about putting family first,” she said with a chuckle. “So, it was a good lesson for me to learn along the way, and I think I’ll continue to learn those lessons for a long time.”
Mike Pence said it was “a blessing” to work with his daughter and that today some of his favorite pictures are of the two of them working on Zoom together as his granddaughter, Etta, born in February, sat propped on her mom’s lap during some of their work on the manuscript.
Mike Pence and daughter Charlotte Pence Bond, the second of his three children, appear on “Fox & Friends” on Nov. 14. “I really do believe that it’s not just the people that we elect and the laws that we pass,” said Pence to Fox News Digital, “but more profoundly, by restoring the faith and the families of America, we will really restore our nation for generations to come.” (Fox News)
“We actually thought she should have gotten a credit in the book,” he said.
With Pence suspending his 2024 presidential bid on Oct. 28, Fox News Digital asked him if he plans to support the eventual GOP nominee.
“I haven’t decided whether, or to what extent, I’m going to weigh in on the presidential campaign,” he responded.
> “We’re taking some time to reflect on where we might best have impact.”
“We felt called to run,” he said. “And as I reflected a few weeks ago, the Bible says there’s a time for every purpose under heaven — and we had come to conclude that this was not my time.”
However, he said, “I’ve made it very clear that we’re going to continue to fight for conservative values and continue to work to elect principled Republicans at every level around the country.”
As his family “readjusts” to private life, he said that “we’re taking some time to reflect on where we might best have impact. And I’m going to continue to talk to people across the board, but I’m absolutely determined to do my part to make sure that we turn this country around and restore America’s strength and prosperity and security.”
He added, “I really do believe that it’s not just the people that we elect and the laws that we pass, but more profoundly, by restoring the faith and the families of America, we will really restore our nation for generations to come.”
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### [Cold War II: Niall Ferguson on The Emerging Conflict With China | Uncommon Knowledge](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/cold-war-ii-niall-ferguson-on-the-emerging-conflict-with-china-uncommon-knowledge/)
**Published:** May 1, 2023
**Author:** wpengine
**Content:**
Niall Ferguson is the Milbank Family Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institution and the author of numerous books, including Doom: The Politics of Catastrophe and Kissinger, 1923–1968: The Idealist. In this conversation, we cover the conflict over Taiwan: why it’s a cold war, when it started, how to avoid allowing it to become a hot war, and how to de-escalate and even win it. Along the way, Ferguson discusses the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the role of the United States and Western Europe in both conflicts, and how we can avoid once again living under the threat of nuclear war as we did in Cold War I.
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### [The Dollar’s Demise May Come Gradually, But Not Suddenly](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/the-dollars-demise-may-come-gradually-but-not-suddenly/)
**Published:** April 23, 2023
**Author:** wpengine
**Content:**
“Every night,” the president mused, “I ask myself why every country needs to trade in the dollar. … Who decided it was the dollar after the disappearance of the gold standard? … Today, countries have to chase after dollars to export, when they could be exporting in their own currencies.”
The president in question was Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of Brazil, and the venue was the New Development Bank in Shanghai on April 13. There was a great deal of interest in this latest news about Lula when I visited Sao Paulo last week. To me, however, the striking thing was how un-new it was. Lula’s words immediately brought to my mind the musings of another president more than half a century ago:
> The convention whereby the dollar is given a transcendent value as an international currency no longer rests on its initial base. … The fact that many states accept dollars … in order to make up for the deficits of \[the\] American balance of payments, has enabled the United States to be indebted to foreign countries free of charge. Indeed, what they owe those countries, they pay … in dollars that they themselves can issue as they wish. … This unilateral facility attributed to America has helped spread the idea that the dollar is an impartial, international \[means\] of exchange, whereas it is a means of credit appropriated to one state.
The speaker then was President Charles de Gaulle of France, and the date was Feb. 4, 1965. It was de Gaulle’s broadside against the dollar that prompted his finance minister, Valéry Giscard d’Estaing, to coin the memorable phrase “exorbitant privilege,” which encapsulated the French complaint.
Being fed up with the dominance of the mighty dollar is, in other words, old hat. Indeed, it is such a recurrent theme of financial journalism that one can identify cycles in the use of the phrase “exorbitant privilege.” Recent peaks, according to Google, were in 2007, 2011 and 2014. The Google “Ngram” for “de-dollarization” follows a similar path.
I first wrote an article on the subject nearly two decades ago, in June 2004. I was then an occasional contributor to *The New Republic* and my theme was the grave challenge to dollar dominance posed by the creation of a single European currency.
“For the United States,” I wrote portentously, “the question is: How long can \[the\] dollar standard last? As long as the dollar is ascendant, the United States can continue to run huge trade deficits and budget deficits, without having to worry about serious economic fallout. But if the dollar were to lose its status as the world’s reserve currency, and suffer a more precipitous slide, that could have grave consequences. Unfortunately for Americans, the sheer magnitude of the imbalances, along with the emergence of suitable alternative — the Euro — have made this a distinct possibility.”
Fortunately for me, a man is not under oath when writing such stuff.
Readers will therefore understand why my initial response is one of skepticism to any new claims that the demise of the dollar is imminent. But here they come again — not just Lula but a cluster of widely respected economic commentators. According to Peter C. Earle of the American Institute for Economic Research, “the dollar’s fate as the lingua franca of world commerce over the long haul may already be sealed.”
For Earle, it is American overuse of financial sanctions that is to blame. The more the US exploits its power to shut adversaries’ economies out of the dollar payments system, the more other countries want to reduce their exposure to that risk. Hence recent agreements between China and Brazil, China and France, and India and Malaysia, to settle trades in one another’s currencies.
“Prepare for a multipolar currency world” was Gillian Tett’s message in a recent *Financial Times* piece. Earlier this month, while Chinese president Xi Jinping was in Moscow, Russian President Vladimir Putin pledged to adopt the renminbi for “payments between Russia and countries of Asia, Africa and Latin America” to reduce Russian exposure to “toxic” dollar-denominated assets.
Because of such trends, according to Stephen Jen of Eurizon SLJ Capital, the dollar has already “suffered a stunning collapse.” “The USD is losing its market share as a reserve currency at a much faster rate than is commonly believed,” Jen wrote in a recent research note quoted at length by Robin Wrigglesworth in the FT. “The main driver of the collapse in USD’s reserve status in 2022 may have reflected a panicked reaction to property rights being jeopardized” by the freezing of Russia’s foreign currency reserves following its invasion of Ukraine. “What we witnessed in 2022 was sort of a ‘defund-the-global-police’ moment.”
That’s a nice line, but so was the eurotrashing of the dollar 19 years ago. So, let’s take a closer look at the data. It’s true that, conventionally measured, the dollar now accounts for a smaller share of international reserves than it did in 1999 — down from just above 70% then to 59%. However, as Brad Setser of the Council on Foreign Relations has pointed out, if you take the X-axis back to 1995, you can see that the dollar share of international reserves is higher today than it was back then.
### The Dominant Dollar
Global foreign exchange reserves
Source: International Monetary Fund; Brad Setser
In any case, the principal shift that has occurred since the 1990s is that the euro has become the world’s second-favorite reserve currency (which would have been a smarter but more boring and therefore less publishable thing for me to have predicted in 2004). The same goes for international debt issuance, international loans, foreign exchange turnover and global payments through Swift: In each domain (especially the last) the euro has clearly established itself as *numero dos*.
The fact that the euro area countries joined the US in imposing financial sanctions on Russia greatly weakens the argument that it is American overuse of sanctions that is undermining dollar dominance. As Setser notes, the invasion of Ukraine and subsequent sanctions don’t seem to have had a discernible effect on reserve allocation, even when you take into account the various sovereign wealth funds, which also accumulate foreign currency assets. The Chinese have actually increased their holdings of so-called “agency” bonds issued by US government entities such as the Federal Housing Administration and the Government National Mortgage Association.
The clinching data point was provided last week by Brent Donnelly of Spectra Markets, who used Bank for International Settlements statistics to show that, when it comes to major currencies’ shares of global transactions, the dollar’s privilege is still exorbitant. Every three years since 1989, the BIS has put the dollar’s share at between 80% and 90%. There has been no downward trend.
It is not hard to explain why the Chinese renminbi remains such a small share of international reserves: “capital controls” are the only two words you need to say to end the discussion. As Michael Nicoletos recently argued, without capital controls, a very large amount of Chinese capital would leave the country in search of diversification and more secure property rights. The Bank of England made this point in a seldom-cited but excellent paper a decade ago. The counterfactual of a convertible renminbi is one of a significantly depreciated currency.
Former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers had a good line about all this back in 2019. “You cannot replace something with nothing,” he said. What other currency is preferable to the dollar as a reserve and trade currency “when Europe’s a museum, Japan’s a nursing home, China’s a jail, and Bitcoin’s an experiment”?
If you are structurally long the dollar (as I am) and like that sort of thing (as I do), I can also recommend reassuring takes from my Bloomberg Opinion colleagues Tyler Cowen and John Authers. Foreigners just love our green-colored pieces of cloth with their rugged founders’ faces and their quaint masonic iconography, argues the former. “De-dollarization isn’t happening at all,” says the latter, because “the dollar is the cleanest dirty shirt.”
It is a cliché to say that we live in an ever-changing world. But if something doesn’t change for half a century — the dollar is the dominant currency and some foreign leaders resent that — why do economists and financial journalists keep predicting the demise of the dollar every six or seven years?
Of course, there are many things in history that stayed the same for 50 years and then suddenly changed. That is precisely what makes history hard to predict. It’s why people love to quote the exchange from Hemingway’s *The Sun Also Rises*:
> “How did you go bankrupt?” Bill asked.
>
> “Two ways,” Mike said. “Gradually and then suddenly.”
But there is no basis for thinking that reserve currencies lose their status in anything resembling these ways. The transition from sterling dominance to dollar dominance was all gradual, even if it was punctuated by occasional sterling crises. Those happened roughly once a decade from 1931 until, well, last year. And despite all the crises, sterling still accounts for about 5% of global reserves. This is a tortoise race.
So what we need to look for are signs that another such gradual change could be getting underway. Just as the creation of the euro in the 1990s paved the way for a new silver medalist in the reserve-currency race, so — if you look closely — there are meaningful signs that the Chinese currency is gathering enough momentum to be a meaningful contender for bronze in, say, 2043, passing the yen and the pound.
In an important new paper, the Berkeley economic historian Barry Eichengreen and co-authors have called it “the renminbi’s unconventional route to reserve currency status.” Their argument is that China does not need full financial liberalization, including an open capital account, to increase the international use of its currency.
First, the rapid growth of central bank swap lines engenders “confidence that RMB can be obtained from the Chinese central bank.” Second, the proliferation of offshore renminbi markets “reassures central bank reserve managers and other investors that they can convert RMB into dollars at stable and predictable rates.”
The scale of both these developments is startling. Since around 2009, the People’s Bank of China, the country’s central bank, has negotiated bilateral currency swap agreements totaling 3.7 trillion renminbi ($550 billion) with at least 39 central banks. Since 2010, when renminbi trading in Hong Kong was first authorized, offshore markets have sprung up in 24 other cities around the world. By July 2021, 1.25 trillion renminbi ($200 billion) was deposited in offshore accounts — an order of magnitude smaller than offshore dollar deposits, but not nothing.
At the same time, as another excellent new paper by Horn et al. shows, China has established itself as an international lender of last resort, launching “a new global system for cross-border rescue lending to countries in debt distress.”
In recent years, more than $170 billion in liquidity support has been extended to more than 20 countries, including repeated rollovers of swaps coming due. Chinese state-owned banks and enterprises have given out an additional $70 billion in rescue loans for balance-of-payments support. All told, China’s bailouts are equivalent to more than 20% of total International Monetary Fund lending over the past decade.
The authors sum their story up as “Bailouts on the Belt and Road,” noting that recipients of funds tend to be Belt and Road Initiative borrowers and that the interest rates they pay are relatively high compared with Western loans to countries in similar circumstances.
The serious study of history is all about pattern recognition. Both sets of authors spot the same pattern. “The RMB today,” write Eichengreen et al., “is not unlike the dollar in the 1950s and 1960s. Convertibility of RMB into dollars today is limited by capital account restrictions, while convertibility of dollars into gold was restricted by US monetary law under Bretton Woods. The 1950s and 1960s were the decades of the Bretton Woods System, when the dollar had to be backed by gold but was not convertible into the metal in the US. The offshore gold market in London then and the offshore RMB market today are products of a similar phenomenon, namely the imperfect convertibility of an international currency (the dollar then, the RMB now) into the ultimate reserve asset (gold then, the dollar now).”
Horn et al. also see “historical parallels to the era when the US started its rise as a global financial power, especially in the 1930s and after World War 2, when it used the US Ex-Im Bank, the US Exchange Stabilization Fund and the Fed to provide rescue funds to countries with large liabilities to US banks and exporters. Over time, these ad hoc activities by the US developed into a tested system of global crisis management, a path that China may possibly pursue as well.”
It had not fully struck me until I read these papers that the US dollar rose to global dominance before financial liberalization, which happened in the 1980s and 1990s. And part of its rise took the form of acting as an international lender of last resort.
Another reason the dollar slowly displaced sterling was that American financial technology raced ahead of British. Something similar is also happening today: China has pioneered online payment platforms on a far larger scale than anything we have in the West. As my Stanford colleague Darrell Duffie points out, China’s much-vaunted central bank digital currency (e-CNY) is not the thing to watch. It’s still Alipay, which handles three orders of magnitude more transactions than e-CNY and already has a large international presence, including 2.2 million users in the US.
Meanwhile, the US government is running significantly higher deficits than the ones I wrote about in 2004. And, unlike two decades ago, the Federal Reserve has been monetizing a large part of the deficits. Back then, the Fed balance sheet was 6% of GDP. Now, after successive rounds of quantitative easing and other interventions, it is up to 35%. The 2021-23 surge of US inflation cannot be explained without reference to major errors of fiscal and monetary policy. If the US intends to preserve its global monetary dominance, it is concealing that intention very well.
One striking consequence of these developments has been a significant surge in the dollar price of gold, which has risen more than 50% in the past five years, at a time when US Treasuries have fallen by 8%. John Maynard Keynes famously called the gold standard a “barbarous relic,” but there is nothing barbarous about a non-interest-bearing asset that outperforms an interest-bearing one. Data from the World Gold Council are revealing on this score. According to the most recent figures, the euro area holds 30% of total world official gold holdings, the US 23%, whereas Russia and China together hold just 12%.
However, the top buyers of gold between 2002 and 2023 were Russia (1,876 metric tons) and China (1,525 tons), with Turkey, India and Kazakhstan some way behind. The top sellers over the same period were the euro area (minus 1,726 tons) and Switzerland (minus 1,158 tons), with the English-speaking countries (minus 87 tons) far behind.
### All That Glitters
Additions to gold reserves in metric tons
Source: World Gold Council
Yet this is not to suggest that gold is another, more ancient rival to the dollar. It is far from clear that accumulating gold will solve the Russian — and Chinese — problem of vulnerability to US sanctions. It is just a good illustration of how slowly the global monetary system changes.
The year before de Gaulle’s diatribe against the dollar was when my favorite James Bond film was released. *Goldfinger* remains a wonderful cinematic achievement, from the villain’s first victim — the actress Shirley Eaton, clad only in gold paint — to the exquisite exchange between Bond and Gert Frobe as a laser beam inches towards Sean Connery’s groin:
> 007: Do you expect me to talk?
>
> Goldfinger: No, Mr. Bond. I expect you to die!
But, aside from the almost unmitigated sexism, one aspect of *Goldfinger* has dated absurdly. It’s the moment when the man from the Bank of England explains why Goldfinger’s suspicious accumulation of gold is a problem requiring 007’s attention:
> We here at the Bank of England are the official depository for gold bullion. Just as Fort Knox, Kentucky, is for the United States. We know the amounts we each hold and the amounts deposited in other banks. We can estimate what is being held for industrial purposes. Thus, both governments can establish the true value of the dollar and the pound.
Those days were over within seven years, when President Richard Nixon broke the link between gold and the dollar that had been the anchor of the Bretton Woods System. Since then, the currencies of the world have fluctuated against one another and against gold, sometimes quite violently, sometimes barely noticeably.
### Hardly a Currency Crisis
Source: Bank for International Settlements
Just look at the trade-weighted real effective exchange rate of the dollar since the “Nixon shock.” There’s a 32% plunge from July 1971 to October 1978. Then there’s a 49% rally to March 1985. Another 36% plunge to August 1992. Then up 33% to February 2002. Back down 26% to July 2011. And all the way up 53% to October 2022.
You can say what you like about the dollar, but it sure is bouncy. And it is precisely this lack of rigidity that explains the persistence of the post-1971 monetary system. Unlike the gold standard, the dollar system has an elastic anchor — a fiat dollar, the supply of which is primarily determined by domestic economic considerations.
Other currencies are very welcome to compete: the euro, the renminbi — and (who knows?) maybe the future “BRICS currency” imagined by Lula in Shanghai. But do not expect “de-dollarization” to follow the Hemingway two-stage model. The world changes its monetary anchor only one way. Gradually.
---
### [Idea of de-globalization is a ‘mirage,’ says historian Niall Ferguson](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/idea-of-de-globalization-is-a-mirage-says-historian-niall-ferguson/)
**Published:** January 17, 2023
**Author:** wpengine
**Content:**
The idea that a major trend of de-globalization has begun is a “mirage” that is not borne out by data, according to the historian Niall Ferguson.
The “Ascent of Money” author and Hoover Institution senior fellow also took aim at arguments that the world is facing a “polycrisis” — when crises in various global systems combine, resulting in more severe and unpredictable effects — or a “geopolitical recession.”
This is “just history happening,” he said on a panel at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
“This is how history works. You get stuff that is not so perceptible, the economic convergence, the technological change, which were obviously going to alter the way the global economy worked.”
“You had a financial crisis in 2008-9, you had a populist protectionist backlash from 2016 to 2019, then you have had ‘cold war II’ from about 2018 between the U.S. and China, a pandemic, and then a war in eastern Europe.”
It would be surprising if that series of events hadn’t produced structural changes in the world economy, Ferguson said.
Global trade relative to global output has somewhat declined since the financial crisis, global capital flows have reduced, and the dominance of the U.S. as a cultural force is waning, he noted, from which you could argue globalization peaked around 2007.
But, he continued, other examples should make us skeptical of this idea.
There is continued strong trade in areas such as the European Union with no sign of an overall peak; Russia’s trade with Europe has actually increased in euro terms since the start of the war in Ukraine due to higher prices; and “the globalization of trade in services just keeps on going,” he said.
“A lot of what appears to be a peak in globalization followed by a plateau or decline has to do with price movements. Huge distortion is created by the commodity super cycle, which peaked in 2010-11, and that’s what’s driving the numbers,” he said.
He also observed Apple iPhones continue to be designed in California and assembled in China, though later in the session said he believed the “new cold war” between China and the U.S. would lead to a divide between software and hardware, with the West continuing to use Chinese apps such as TikTok, but chips and other physical products being produced by U.S. allies.
“It’s all a mirage. There is not major de-globalization going on here,” he concluded.
---
### [Dr. Sanjay Gupta on his new book "Keep Sharp"](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/dr-sanjay-gupta-on-his-new-book-keep-sharp/)
**Published:** January 23, 2021
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (Maria Shriver) – Dr. Sanjay Gupta on his new book "Keep Sharp."
---
### [Jennifer Burns: Why Milton Friedman Matters More Than Ever](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/jennifer-burns-why-milton-friedman-matters-more-than-ever/)
**Published:** December 20, 2023
**Author:** Riley Sims
**Content:**
Was Milton Friedman the most important libertarian of them all? That’s part of the conversation I had with today’s guest, Stanford historian Jennifer Burns, who has written a masterful and definitive new biography of the Nobel Prize–winning economist. Without reservation, I recommend you check out her new book, *Milton Friedman: The Last Conservative*.
Friedman was arguably not just the most influential free market economist of the 20th century but the central figure in building the broad political and intellectual coalition that successfully challenged Keynesian economics and the top-down rule of experts in so many aspects of our lives. I talked with Burns about Friedman’s conceptual and methodological breakthroughs in economics; his way-ahead-of-his-time collaboration with female economists such as Anna Schwartz and his wife Rose; his role in popularizing free market economics through his columns in *Newsweek* and the TV series *Free To Choose*; his controversial engagements with politicians such as Richard Nixon and Augusto Pinochet; and his role in ending the military draft and championing school choice. We also talked about Burns’ previous book, *Goddess of the Market: Ayn Rand and the American Right*, and its connections to her new work.
This episode was taped at the *Reason* Speakeasy, a monthly, unscripted conversation in New York City with outspoken defenders of free thinking and heterodoxy that doubles as a live taping of this podcast.
---
### [Mike Pence Releases New Book: "Go Home for Dinner"](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/mike-pence-releases-new-book-go-home-for-dinner/)
**Published:** November 16, 2023
**Author:** Riley Sims
**Content:**
Former Vice President Mike Pence released a new book this week about the importance of strengthening the American family, just two weeks after suspending his bid for the 2024 presidential election.
“Faith makes a family, and family makes a life. ‘Go Home for Dinner*‘* is out now! Get your copy,” Pence said on social media with a link to his Simon & Schuster book.
The book *Go Home for Dinner: Advice on How Faith Makes a Family and Family Makes a Life* is co-written with his daughter Charlotte Pence Bond and was released on Tuesday.
“The truth is, a lot of American families are in a lot of trouble today,” he said on *Fox & Friends*.
He explained the importance of coming together for family dinner.
“Growing up, it wasn’t glamorous to be home for dinner. We were seen and not heard. But it was a meeting grounds where people learn to deal with one another,” Pence said.
His daughter added, “And to talk through conflicts too. It is a big thing.”
The book stresses the importance of faith in family life, how marriages are declining, how an epidemic of loneliness is spreading, how loved ones are facing more isolation, and how the concept of children is being treated as burdens rather than blessings.
“*Go Home for Dinner* is an in-depth, practical guide to balancing the demands of life with the long-term satisfaction that only a commitment to your family can bring. In this personal account, former Vice President Mike Pence champions one of his most deeply held beliefs: that faith makes a family, and family makes a life. And, through straightforward advice and personal storytelling, he shows readers how to do the same,” the book publisher said in a description of his book.
Pence published an autobiography, *So Help Me God,* in November 2022 with Simon & Schuster.
Pence’s daughter has previously published books, including *Where You Go: Life Lessons From My Father,* and her children’s book series about Marlon Bundo, a rabbit belonging to the Pence family.
---
### [Milton Friedman by Jennifer Burns — portrait of an economic colossus](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/milton-friedman-by-jennifer-burns-portrait-of-an-economic-colossus/)
**Published:** December 12, 2023
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
### This splendid biography of ‘the last conservative’ is also an insightful history of 20th-century thinking
At the very moment Milton Friedman was due to receive his 1976 Nobel medal from the king of Sweden, a protester — well disguised in white tie and tails — jumped from his seat. Amid gasps from the audience, the young man shouted, “Down with capitalism, freedom for Chile!” The previous year, Friedman had met with Augusto Pinochet to discuss economic policy. With Pinochet’s 1973 coup still painfully fresh, many on the left denounced Friedman as an apologist for the junta and evangelist for unbridled capitalism.
Ushers quickly removed the demonstrator and the ceremony resumed. But with thousands marching outside, it was clear that the diminutive professor, standing just over five feet tall, was now a colossus, the most famous — or infamous — economist in the world.
As a political economist and policy adviser, Friedman resides among the great social thinkers of the postwar era. In the pantheon of 20th-century economists, only John Maynard Keynes surpasses him. As a free-market ideologue, Friedman, who died in 2006 aged 94, occupies a more contentious spot, somewhere between prophet and crank depending on one’s disposition.
But that he was singularly influential is unquestionable: Friedman, Jennifer Burns writes in her splendid new biography, “was a prime mover in the central economic transitions of the century”. He witnessed the destruction of the laissez-faire order during the Great Depression, became an economist during the construction of the New Deal order, and then contributed to its replacement by the neoliberal order.
While studying at the University of Chicago in the 1930s, Friedman absorbed the free-market philosophy espoused by Frank Knight and other like-minded faculty. His thinking on government and markets was somewhat fluid over the ensuing decade — he voted for Roosevelt and even worked in Washington during his presidency — but soon enough Friedman became the pre-eminent exponent of the neoliberal Chicago school. Indeed, he was so fundamental in shaping economic thought, argues Burns in Milton Friedman: The Last Conservative, that we cannot understand today’s economic system without understanding him.
A demonstrator shouts his protest at the Nobel ceremony in Stockholm in 1976 © AlamyDoing so is not easy, for his impact is such that it can be hard to remember the pre-Friedman era. As Burns notes, “Many aspects of our contemporary world that today seem commonplace have their origins in one of Friedman’s seemingly crazy ideas.”
To take one example: after the second world war, economic orthodoxy called for fixed exchange rates, as expressed in the Bretton Woods agreements. But in 1953, Friedman brilliantly argued that exchange rates should be market-determined just like any other price. Though few took the idea seriously at first, 20 years later Bretton Woods collapsed, major currencies began to float, and the benefits of flexibility became widely accepted.
Bucking convention was a habit of Friedman’s. With the Keynesian revolution, economists embraced government intervention through spending and taxes (fiscal policy) to stabilise the economy while dismissing central bank action on interest rates and money supply (monetary policy) as ineffective. Friedman challenged this view, arguing not only that monetary policy matters, but that the quantity of money is key for determining output and prices, and that central banks should target money supply growth.
Even more striking, he did so by immersing himself in history, a field usually neglected by economists, writing the seminal A Monetary History of the United States with Anna Schwartz. While Friedman’s fixation on money supply has not aged well — the relationship between money supply and inflation is not as firm as he thought, and central banks now adjust interest rates rather than target the money supply — there is no doubt that his research helped restore monetary policy to relevance.
Beyond academic debates, Friedman was a crusader for freedom, or at least his notion of freedom. Given overregulation in the decades after the second world war — not to mention the stifling controls of the communist bloc — his advocacy for free markets certainly had merits.
But in going from the seminar room to the public sphere, his thinking too often became absolute, shorn of nuance. Such was his antipathy to government intervention that he opposed the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Self-confident in the extreme, he could not always see the other side; his response to those protesting his Nobel acceptance was to compare them to Nazis. Friedman may have been an advocate for freedom, but as Burns concludes, “his concept of freedom was woefully thin.”
If at times the book jumps around, that is in part because Friedman led a frenetic life, quarrelling in faculty meetings at one moment, advising heads of state the next, then firing off memos to central bankers before drafting his Newsweek column (with the assistance of his wife Rose). Burns tells the story of this dynamo with crisp prose supported by prodigious research. She covers the pivotal moments in Friedman’s personal life, but her focus is squarely on his career and research. The result is thus more than a biography: it is an insightful history of economic policy and thought.
Nevertheless, Friedman the man remains something of a mystery. All the pieces of the puzzle are there, yet it is not quite clear how they fit together. How did Friedman, both scholarly analyst and ardent ideologue, understand himself? Were there moments of introspection? Did he feel tension between his two halves?
Given his self-assurance, one suspects not. However, were he alive today, perhaps he would question what has become of the conservative movement he did so much to energise. Burns worries that Friedman is the “last conservative” of his kind, as support for free markets and trade has given way to rank populism and conspiracy peddling. A champion of competition, Friedman would surely have enjoyed the chance to make his case one more time.
Milton Friedman: The Last Conservative by Jennifer Burns Farrar, Straus and Giroux $35, 592 pages
---
### [Milton Friedman: Nuances and complexity](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/milton-friedman-nuances-and-complexity/)
**Published:** December 11, 2023
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
In writing her new biography of the Nobel Prize-winning economist Milton Friedman, known throughout his long life for his endorsement of deregulation and free markets, Jennifer Burns had her work cut out for her. Reflecting on how controversial her subject was, she says that one of her goals was “to restore the fullness of Friedman’s thought to his public image”. She depicts Friedman, who died in 2006 at 94, as a victim of a “bipartisan assault,” besieged by radicals on the left and populists on the right who decry the “neoliberalism” that he so ardently promoted. “As he increasingly came to symbolize a political movement”, she writes, “the nuance and complexity of his ideas was lost.”
But even Ms Burns has to admit that this attention to “nuance and complexity” was something that Friedman did a lot to discourage. He spent decades fashioning himself into a public celebrity, issuing confident pronouncements on the miracle of markets, whether in his columns for Newsweek or in his 1980 television series, “Free to Choose”. One famous scene has Friedman holding up a pencil, marveling that thousands of people who didn’t know one another had helped to create it. The principles underlying such intricate cooperation were “really very simple”, he said. Productivity and harmony could be conjured by “the magic of the price system”.
Ms Burns — a historian at Stanford — devotes a good part of this book to parsing Friedman’s work before 1970, when he was still railing against the Keynesian orthodoxy of the day. At the University of Chicago, where Friedman spent most of his teaching life, he edged out the leftist scholars clustered in the Cowles Commission for Research in Economics, shrewdly getting the Rockefeller Foundation to pull its funding from the commission and finance Friedman’s workshop instead.
Charismatic in the classroom, Friedman didn’t just teach students; he created converts. The eventual result was a faculty that Ms Burns calls “unusually inbred”. Friedman may have had to bide his time on the periphery of his field, but inside the University of Chicago, he surrounded himself with a posse of like-minded economists. He was one of the few economists to predict the stagflation of the 1970s, when the Keynesian tool kit seemed powerless in the face of high inflation and high unemployment.
For all Ms Burns’s promise to reveal the underlying subtlety of his ideas, what becomes clear in this book is how frequently drawn he was to an insistent simplicity. There was a political dimension to this. Complicated econometric models suggested that a complicated economy could be planned. But price theory — which holds that prices are the most efficient mechanism for coordinating economic activity — suggested that planning is destructive or moot.
As a kid in New Jersey, the only son of parents who immigrated from the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Friedman carried himself like “an ebullient and self-assured princeling”. He married his grad school sweetheart, Rose, who gave up her own promising career as an economist to raise their two children. From all accounts, they seemed to have a happy, loving marriage, and they even co-wrote a memoir, Two Lucky People.
Much of the book is given over to dissecting disputes over Friedman’s monetary concepts, yet glimpses of his personality do emerge. He was a blithe optimist and, when he collaborated with women in his field, he could be a blithe credit hog. Although he made supportive phone calls on behalf of Anna Schwartz, his co-author on A Monetary History of the United States (1963), Ms Burns also shows Friedman taking ownership of shared ideas and leaving it to women collaborators to do the grunt work.
Ms Burns is a research fellow of the Hoover Institution, the think tank dedicated to free markets where Friedman was also a research fellow for three decades after leaving Chicago. Her biography is far from hagiography. But when she encounters the most notorious episodes of Friedman’s life, she is so keen to recreate his point of view that her writing gets windy and protective. She details Friedman’s opposition to the civil rights movement, which “casts a shadow on his legacy”. Yet here, as elsewhere, she strains to be generous, constantly repeating Friedman’s own repeated denials of prejudice. In one convoluted passage, she suggests that his refusal to denounce the segregationist use of school vouchers was, however troubling, a matter of him sticking to his hands-off principles.
Her chapter on Friedman’s relationship with the regime of the Chilean dictator Gen. Augusto Pinochet is similarly awkward. Friedman tried to deny there was much of a relationship: He simply spent a few days in Chile and offered some economic advice. That advice amounted to a ruthless austerity programme, which Friedman insisted was ultimately to the good.
Unsurprisingly, he wanted to have it both ways — all the credit without any blame. Ms Burns casts Friedman as a babe in the woods, “literal-minded to a fault”, so caught up in the wonders of price theory that he didn’t understand why meeting with the general responsible for a military coup and the torture and disappearance of dissidents might be a hideous look.
Ms Burns, even while lamenting Friedman’s “blind spots and imperfections”, seems committed to portraying him as mostly well-meaning yet occasionally oblivious. At the end of her book, she allows herself to get wistful for what might have been: “Imagine the forces of moderate Republicanism buttressed by Friedman’s intellect!” Exactly how this idyll would differ from the deregulated neoliberal order that prevailed in this country until recently is something she never quite explains.
---
### [Milton Friedman: The Last Conservative by Jennifer Burns](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/milton-friedman-the-last-conservative-by-jennifer-burns/)
**Published:** December 7, 2023
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
During the 2020 campaign, Joe Biden said, “Milton Friedman isn’t running the show anymore.” It was incredible for a presidential candidate to mention the name of an economist who had died 14 years earlier. After reading Jennifer Burns’ new book, [*Milton Friedman: The Last Conservative*](https://www.amazon.com/Milton-Friedman-Conservative-Jennifer-Burns-ebook/dp/B0BQGG8ZLV/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1701788319&sr=8-1) *(Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 592 pages, released November 14, 2023)*, however, I found that Biden’s statement is more understandable in Friedman’s case than for any other economist. Even John Kenneth Galbraith said, “In the history of economics, the age of John Maynard Keynes gave way to the age of Milton Friedman.” Burns’ book makes a convincing case for why Galbraith was correct about Friedman’s impact (but not much else).
Jennifer Burns, an associate professor of History at Stanford University and a research fellow at the Hoover Institution, makes clear in [*Milton Friedman: The Last Conservative*](https://www.amazon.com/Milton-Friedman-Conservative-Jennifer-Burns-ebook/dp/B0BQGG8ZLV/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1701788319&sr=8-1) that Friedman had a significant impact on the world and deserves the attention he receives even years after he passed away. Friedman was a brilliant economist who upended paradigms in macroeconomics, inspired a new generation of macroeconomists (rational expectations), made [significant contributions](https://www.nber.org/books-and-chapters/theory-consumption-function) to our understanding of microeconomics, advised policymakers, wrote and co‐authored several popular books, spread his ideas widely, and so much more.
Burns’ book gives an excellent and readable account of Friedman’s life, contributions, and times. It’s readable, sympathetic, and fair. *The Economist* put *Milton Friedman: The Last Conservative* on their Best Book of 2023 list for good reason.
[CSPAN](https://www.c-span.org/video/?531388-1/after-words-jennifer-burns) *After Words* invited me to interview Burns about her new book (video below). My biggest problem with her book is the subtitle, *The Last Conservative*. Friedman described himself as a liberal, a classical liberal, a radical, a small “L” libertarian, and a Republican. But he bristled at the suggestion that he was a conservative. I asked Burns about this at the end of the interview. Here’s her answer:
> You know there’s a couple different reasons I did and I’m very aware that Friedman did not call himself a conservative and would probably not like the title of the book. He didn’t go as far as F.A. Hayek did to write an essay, “Why I’m Not a Conservative,” and maybe if he had written that essay, I would say, “I can’t move forward with this title,” but I kind of mean it in two ways.
>
> One is when you look at his, the people he interacted with, the people he gave his ideas to within American politics, those who found him most compelling, most of those people called themselves conservatives, and conservatism in the United States is different than conservatism in other countries, in large part because it incorporates what in other countries is called “liberalism” or “neoliberalism,” a celebration of the market and celebrating capitalism, which is a dynamic economic system, is in some ways in tension with being conservative because it drives a lot of social change.
>
> Nonetheless, in the United States, you have this sort of hybrid political movement of people who are socially or religiously conservative with economists dedicated to the free market with, during the Cold War era, people who felt very strongly Soviet Russia needed to be combated. These people come together, they call themselves “conservative,” they’re called by others “conservative,” and Friedman is part of this movement, so that’s just sort of empirically a reason to call him that.
>
> The other way, that is maybe even more substantive, came from understanding his approach as an economist, which was to look at ideas, traditions and approaches that had defined the discipline that were really being left behind in a postwar era. And then say, like, “hold on a second. There’s something here worth conserving,” and so I do see him as someone who conserves the kind of inherited wisdom of his discipline.
>
> Monetarism is based on the quantity theory of money, an older idea that most economists in the 50s said, “it’s not really relevant anymore.” Likewise, the very practice of doing empirical historical research was very out of fashion, and so I think that was his intellectual orientation, I think within American society was his political orientation.
>
> In terms of *The Last \[Conservative\],* I mean, that’s really gesturing a little bit to the current state of affairs where conservatism is very much in flux and, I think, contested, and up for grabs and the type of conservatism that Friedman represented, that synthesis of free market capitalism, religious traditionalism, and an aggressive foreign policy, and a sort of orientation to global markets and to global influence. That synthesis and the pieces are all there, but they don’t come together in the same coherent way they did when Friedman was at the height of its influence. I think it’s sort of a provocation and sort of an invitation. We don’t know if he’s the last conservative or not. It might look like that right now. For some people that will be cause for celebration, for others cause for loss, but the book is not yet written. So with my book I want to give people resources to think about kind of how we got here and to think, “what in our past do we want to carry with us into the future?”
I recommend the book to anyone with an interest in Friedman, how the economics profession changed from about 1930 to the 1970s, the rise and fall of different economic paradigms during that time, and the intellectual history of big political questions during those years. Last but not least, Burns writes well and explains complex ideas accurately and in a way that intelligent laypeople can understand – a rare gift.
Being in the interviewer’s chair for a change was different, but I enjoyed it. The goal of an interviewer is to steer the conversation, allow the interviewee to explain their ideas, and add some thought‐provoking questions to get the interviewee to reveal the unexpected. The interview was not about me or my ideas but about Burns and her new book, so I had to crush my ego and hand it over to her. I did well, but not as well as I could have, and I learned some lessons that will help me in future interviews. Hopefully, you will enjoy my interview with Jennifer Burns about her new book, [*Milton Friedman: The Last Conservative*](https://www.amazon.com/Milton-Friedman-Conservative-Jennifer-Burns-ebook/dp/B0BQGG8ZLV/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1701788319&sr=8-1). More importantly, I hope you pick up her book.
---
### [The End of Milton Friedman’s Reign](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/the-end-of-milton-friedmans-reign/)
**Published:** November 13, 2023
**Author:** Riley Sims
**Content:**
In April this year, President Joe Biden’s national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, gave a speech outlining America’s major economic problems, and the administration’s plan to address them. The industrial base had been hollowed out, he said, and the country had become so unequal that it threatened the foundations of democracy. He identified “one assumption” that had fueled these transformations: the idea “that markets always allocated capital productively and efficiently—no matter what our competitors did, no matter how big our shared challenges grew, and no matter how many guardrails we took down.” Sullivan hastened to add that he was no foe of markets as such. But excessive faith in free markets had left the United States vulnerable to foreign rivals and internal threats.
Sullivan’s speech appeared to signal the end of an era—after decades of influence on both parties, neoliberal ideas seem to be loosening their grip. The Biden administration’s interest in industrial policy—most visible in the Inflation Reduction Act’s effort to accelerate a green energy transition and support domestic manufacturing—represents the center-left’s pull away from Bill Clinton’s declaration that the “era of big government is over.” On the Republican side, too, there has been a shift. Instead of issuing traditional paeans to limited government, many on the right now demand an active and powerful state as the only available weapon against a “globalist” elite, espousing some combination of nationalism and support for favored groups. Both Democrats and Republicans now contain powerful constituencies favoring anti-neoliberal policy.
And so Jennifer Burns’s biography of the economist Milton Friedman arrives at a moment when his legacy is increasingly questioned. For no one is more closely linked with neoliberalism than Friedman, who preached the virtues of markets in popular books, on public television, and from his position at the University of Chicago. One of Friedman’s major accomplishments, as Burns describes it, is to have crafted the “basic intellectual consensus about free markets and limited government that powered twentieth-century American conservatism.” For his admirers, Friedman was a farsighted prophet of market economics, a first-rate academic who saw that the world needed more capitalism, not less, to deliver global prosperity. For others, he represents the market fundamentalism that has allowed the wealthy to capture too great a share of the gains of global growth in the neoliberal era, and led to the financial crisis of 2008.
Many books that engage with Friedman are sharply critical. And, more broadly, the last two decades have seen a swell of popular books by left-leaning authors who excavate the history of conservative ideas and engage with them critically, from Rick Perlstein’s *Before the Storm: Barry Goldwater and the Unmaking of the American Consensus* to Corey Robin’s *The Reactionary Mind*. But Burns has opted for a different approach. In this biography, there is enough critique to mark some distance from the subject, but not so much that it would tip into hostility. Burns sees Friedman as an important innovator and an intellectual entrepreneur. If he was “the last conservative,” as her subtitle has it, it is because the American right is moving away from the core principles that he espoused and that helped to define the parameters of conservative thought and identity in the second half of the twentieth century. And if readers do not share Friedman’s way of seeing the world, Burns wants them nonetheless to understand what was appealing about his scholarship and moral philosophy, in its time and place. The book, measured by its own standards, is a success.
But there is a cost, too: Because the book avoids polemic, the reader will not leave with a deep understanding of why Friedman’s influence has faded. There are very good reasons to doubt that his view of the world is the right one for the problems of our time. Burns has written with one kind of fairness in mind. But a more critical look at Friedman’s legacy could have been fair, too. Friedman’s statue casts a long shadow, and a different vantage would have shown something less monumental, but not less true.
Milton Friedman was born in 1912 in Brooklyn to Jewish parents. But the family soon decamped from the frequently left-wing milieu of Jewish New York, and settled in Rahway, New Jersey, where Friedman grew up in modest but basically middle-class conditions. He was bright and hardworking from a young age. The only boy among equally brilliant sisters, it was Milton who had the opportunity to continue his education. From an early interest in mathematics, he earned a scholarship to Rutgers, where he first encountered economics as a potential field of study. There he was introduced to the neoclassical economics of Alfred Marshall, and the 1890 textbook *Principles of Economics*. “Neoclassical” economics combined broadly laissez-faire ideas with marginal analysis—considering the “marginal” cost or benefit of producing or consuming one more unit of a good or service. Friedman was convinced. Sixty years after its publication, Friedman would still say that Marshall’s book remained the best introduction to the field.
Friedman moved to the University of Chicago in 1932, to study for a master’s degree. It was the institution where he would spend much of his career—teaching there from 1946 until 1977. Many people associated “Chicago economics” with Friedman himself. But it already had a peculiar intellectual culture in the early 1930s. Teachers like Henry Simons and Frank Knight were committed to the view that, broadly, the self-regulating market would do its job best if left alone.
At a time when economists at many schools were convinced that a fundamental change had occurred in economics that required state planning, the approach of “Chicago” economics stood out. The key course was Price Theory, which Friedman would later teach. Price theory at Chicago, Burns writes, was “an architecture of mind”: “Markets and prices … coordinated not just economic activity but the broader society itself.” Well-functioning markets allow producers and consumers to reach an equilibrium, in which supply matches demand. But at Chicago, market logic was extended to the analysis of politics, law, and other domains. Why bother with anti-monopoly law, for example, when the theoretical possibility of competition should keep prices low? Aaron Director, Friedman’s future brother-in-law, called the course a “windstorm” that “swept away the nebulous idealism and Socialist views” he had developed as an undergraduate.
This did not mean that the professors at Chicago were indifferent to the conditions of the Depression. (Paul Samuelson, then a high school student in Hyde Park and later one of the few economists who might be said to have rivaled Friedman’s influence, remembered children and adults coming to the door daily and saying, “We are starving, how about a potato?”) But they preferred solutions that kept the price system intact. Socialism, most thought, was inherently authoritarian, taking away (among other things) the freedom of choice that capitalism offered to the consumer. To fight wartime inflation, they judged higher taxes better than price controls, because the latter would lead to black markets. The government could be called to action in an emergency, but it should not act in a way that could interfere with the basic structures of the market.
Some scholars have written that Friedman was a New Dealer who had a change of heart. But Burns doesn’t think so. It is true that he moved to Columbia for his Ph.D., where the intellectual climate was different. Many Columbia professors were part of the brain trust of the New Deal. Friedman took a job in Washington, too, in the Division of Tax Research at the Treasury Department. But rather than change his worldview, Friedman sought to apply his preferred tools to social problems. After a conversation with the Swedish social democrat Gunnar Myrdal in 1939, for example, Friedman developed an idea for a minimum standard of living that would eventually become the “negative income tax,” in which those earning below some basic level would have their incomes supplemented.
Though never a New Dealer, Friedman did share an ethical universe with economists to his left: He cared about suffering and inequality. He wanted “neoliberalism,” presented at the famous inaugural meeting of the Mont Pelerin Society in 1947, to have a positive program. He thought negative taxation superior to labor unions, since unions affected the price system (by obtaining wages higher than the market price), and he maintained a place for anti-monopoly actions by the state. The Austrian libertarian Ludwig von Mises stormed out of the meeting, insisting that Friedman and others offering a more pragmatic response to existing conditions were all “socialists.”
Friedman was not, by any reasonable definition of the word, a socialist in 1947, and always wanted the market to be the tool that solved social problems. It was for this reason that he became active in the Republican Party, which he judged more amenable to his views. When, in the run-up to the 1952 election, his friend Fritz Machlup challenged that decision by pointing to the right-wing threat represented by McCarthyism, Friedman countered that the party in power would be better able to contain extremists. But Friedman does seem to have become more conservative over time. By the mid-1950s—following that price theory “architecture of mind”—he had concluded that private monopoly was perhaps preferable to government intervention to break it up. He grew increasingly skeptical of taxation as a method for producing a more equal society. In a series of lectures published in 1956, he listed the following as illegitimate activities of government: rent control, minimum wages, detailed regulation of industries, Social Security programs, licensure provisions, national parks, conscription for military service in peacetime, and legal prohibition of carrying mail for profit. Such views placed him well outside the economic mainstream.
Those lectures became the basis for his book *Capitalism and Freedom* in 1962, his first real work aimed at a popular audience. It was not an immediate hit, in a striking contrast with *Free to Choose*, which accompanied a PBS series and was the bestselling nonfiction book of 1980. (Friedman’s wife, Rose, was an important contributor to both volumes, and Burns shows clearly how important she was to his public output.) In the years in between, Friedman’s public profile grew steadily. Support for Chicago economics came from many sources, but most especially from the William Volker Charities Fund, which underwrote Friedman’s travel and lectures. His academic work drew praise, increasing his profile. His 1963 book, *A Monetary History of the United States* (cowritten with frequent collaborator Anna Jacobson Schwartz), argued that a stable monetary policy was essential for avoiding economic crisis.
Central to *Monetary History* was the argument that the Federal Reserve had had the power to prevent the Great Depression by expanding the money supply, and failed to do it. This caught the eye of Barry Goldwater on his way to the 1964 Republican nomination, and Friedman provided advice to his campaign. It is here that Burns is most critical of Friedman. For Friedman, like Goldwater, did not support the civil rights movement. Though both men were personally opposed to racial segregation, they saw federal action as infringing on the liberties of the racially prejudiced. Friedman compared laws requiring racial neutrality in hiring to systems of legal discrimination targeting racial or ethnic groups. He instead proposed school vouchers—a market-based system where parents could receive an outlay and then take it to the school of their choice, which did not have to be a public school. Friedman floated vouchers as an alternative to what he understood to be the coercive public monopoly on education, but the idea was soon taken up by segregationists, who flocked to private, whites-only schools as a way of avoiding court-ordered integration. Goldwater won only the Deep South and his home state of Arizona. But Friedman’s star continued to rise; he was given a *Newsweek* column.
Friedman’s other intellectual bugbear was inflation; at its core, he argued, high inflation was caused by too much currency in circulation, and he warned constantly about its pernicious effects. Other economic schools had more multicausal explanations for inflation, and doubted that high unemployment and high interest rates could coexist. But in the 1970s, those two phenomena occurred together, weakening the prevailing theory but leaving Friedman’s intact. High inflation accompanied by economic stagnation appeared to vindicate him, and his “monetarist” views moved to the mainstream. “The age of John Maynard Keynes gave way to the age of Milton Friedman,” Friedman’s liberal rival J.K. Galbraith admitted at the end of the 1970s.
At the same time, Friedman was also facing some of the sharpest criticism of his career. His trip to Augusto Pinochet’s Chile in 1975 was brief, lasting only six days. But it was seen as a pivotal moment in that country’s transformation into a showcase of “Friedman-style” capitalism, after the military overthrew the socialist President Salvador Allende in 1973. Among Pinochet’s civilian advisers were many economists who had done graduate training at the University of Chicago. Though Friedman himself was not much involved in the program that brought them there, the Chicago ambience had formed them, and Friedman’s visit strengthened their hand.
Writing in *The Nation* in 1976, Orlando Letelier, Allende’s ambassador to the United States, called Friedman the “intellectual architect” of Chile’s transformation and said, “Repression for the majorities and ‘economic freedom’ for small privileged groups are in Chile two sides of the same coin.” Three weeks later, Letelier was killed by a car bomb planted by Pinochet’s secret police.
Friedman thought the attacks on him for his trip to Chile were deeply unfair. He was heckled at the ceremony awarding him the Nobel Prize in 1976, and dogged by protests for years. It is true that many accusations about him that appeared in print or in person were not accurate, overstating Friedman’s proximity to Pinochet. It is also true that Friedman was advocating for the set of policies he thought would generate well-being. Friedman did not approve of the dictatorship, but he thought that its economic philosophy would eventually undermine its authoritarianism, and he argued against those who thought that his economic vision could only be realized under dictatorial conditions.
But Friedman was more complicit than he wanted to admit. Out of his depth, he adopted much of the far right’s line on Chile. He argued that Allende had “threatened to bring about totalitarian rule of the left.” He also provided a kind of moral authority to the regime with *Capitalism and Freedom* arguments, asserting in a speech in Chile that “the economic market is a free, more democratic market than the political marketplace.” Over time, Friedman adjusted his message, arguing that there was no trade-off between economic and political freedom. But when he appeared on *Free to Choose* on PBS stations (and Chilean state television) extolling the virtues of markets, he celebrated the low-tax haven of Hong Kong, a colonial entrepôt whose lack of democracy facilitated its lack of labor rights.
In the 1980s, at the end of his academic career, Friedman was at the peak of his influence. In 1981, Fed Chair Paul Volcker raised interest rates high enough to trigger a recession that lowered inflation, looking like monetarism in action. Ronald Reagan and Margaret Thatcher both pointed to Friedman as an influence on their approach to governing, and a broader consensus had formed, across political party lines, about the power of markets and the risks of interfering with them. Union density declined. Privatization of state-owned companies expanded. In 1987, Friedman’s friend Alan Greenspan was appointed to head the Federal Reserve. Free trade, lower taxes, floating currencies, and fiscal discipline increasingly characterized the world economy, and all bore at least some of Friedman’s stamp. Friedman’s “architecture of mind” had gained so much influence, Burns argues, because it provided explanations that helped solve what seemed to be intractable problems.
Another author might have explained Friedman’s influence as the result of the consonance of his ideas with business interests. But in her conclusion, Burns pleads for readers to take Friedman seriously: to understand the appeal even if they do not share it, and not to produce a straw Friedman for easy target practice. She makes her own criticisms; the book is not a defense of Friedman. Friedman didn’t think much about race or gender inequality, she writes, since he saw people as individuals rather than as members of groups. “His concept of freedom was woefully thin,” Burns notes, quite rightly. But, she insists, “Friedman’s ideas have so deeply shaped our current moment that they cannot be tossed away at will.”
And yet: I think it is important not to give Friedman more benefit of the doubt than he deserves. Friedman, who prided himself on his empiricism, and said that economics should be judged on its ability to produce accurate predictions, would have to face the fact that his views on the minimum wage—that raising it would lead to greater unemployment—to give just one example, are not well-supported by empirical study. His argument that the Federal Reserve (and therefore the “government”) caused the Great Depression was a rhetorical sleight of hand. In his scholarship, he laid out a vision of how the Federal Reserve (with benefit of hindsight) might have avoided the Great Depression. In public, this became the claim the government “caused” the Depression. When the Great Recession arrived in 2008, “anti-government” protesters cited Friedman to justify their anger, while Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke cited Friedman to justify the actions he was taking to alleviate the situation.
The aftershocks of 2008 are responsible for much of the reevaluation of Friedman. Federal Reserve Chair Alan Greenspan, testifying before Congress, admitted to encountering a “flaw” in his strategy for managing the market: Rational markets should not have behaved as they did during the housing bubble that led to the crisis of 2008. Bernanke’s actions, following the Friedman recipes, were insufficient to restore the economy to health. The Fed’s program of “quantitative easing,” pumping trillions of dollars into the banking system, helped but was not enough: The post-crisis economy sputtered for years below trend, and people suffered as a result.
In his recent book, *Slouching Towards Utopia*, the economist J. Bradford DeLong—who comes from a left-neoliberal tradition that is at least respectful toward Friedman—notes that Rose and Milton’s claims to small-government libertarianism in *Free to Choose* rested on three premises: that macroeconomic crises were caused by governments; that externalities like pollution were relatively small; and that market economies, left alone, would produce a sufficiently egalitarian distribution of income. The Great Recession damaged the first claim. The climate crisis has made a cruel mockery of the second. And many Americans—across the political spectrum—now think that the country’s level of inequality has produced destructive social and political consequences.
Friedman’s idea for making America great again was to return to the Gilded Age of the late nineteenth century: “There were few government programs to turn to and nobody expected them. But also, there were few rules and regulations. There were no licenses, no permits, no red tape to restrict them. They found in fact, a free market, and most of them thrived on it.” But it was the Gilded Age that produced the modern labor movement, and the political demands for reform of a world that too many found unsafe, abusive, and insecure. If these developments were a mistake, and we have only fallen in the time since by departing from the principles of market economics, then it is difficult not to conclude (as some libertarians have done) that democracy is indeed the problem. By treating property and contract rights as constitutive of freedom, this kind of thinking offers the rich and privileged a framework from which they can feel aggrieved, even oppressed, by, say, taxation or social spending.
Because of that, it is extremely unlikely that Friedman will be “the last conservative” of Burns’s subtitle. There will be uses for Friedman-style thinking: because of self-interest, and, yes, because of failures of state policies. Friedman partly owed his apparent victory in times of stagflation in the 1970s to circumstances, and his recent downswing to new circumstances. Conditions will of course change again and again: There are many ways to make mistakes in political economy. Friedman’s thought may be at an ebb of influence, but the tides will shift. A book like Burns’s is written to raise the level of debate, not to settle it. But I hope that when the demand for Friedman returns, we will remember not only why it once rose, but also why it fell.
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### [Know Your Enemy Podcast | Milton Friedman and the Making of Our Times with Jennifer Burns](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/know-your-enemy-podcast-milton-friedman-and-the-making-of-our-times-with-jennifer-burns/)
**Published:** December 5, 2023
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
In this episode, Matt and Sam are joined by Stanford historian Jennifer Burns to discuss her new biography of Milton Friedman, the Nobel Prize-winning economist whose influence would reach far beyond the academy when, during his last decades, he became one of the most effective popularizers of libertarian ideas—in books, columns, and even a ten-part PBS program, Free to Choose. How did the son of Jewish immigrants in New Jersey come to hold the often radical ideas that made him famous? How does Friedman’s variety of libertarianism differ from, say, that of Mises or Hayek? What made Friedman, unusually for the times, someone who valued the intellects and work of the women around him? And what should we make of Friedman now, as Trump and elements of the conservative movement and Republican Party supposedly jettison the “fusionism” of which Friedman’s free markets were a part?
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### [The Shadow of Liberal Bogeyman Milton Friedman Looms Over Democrats’ Economic Policies](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/the-shadow-of-liberal-bogeyman-milton-friedman-looms-over-democrats-economic-policies/)
**Published:** November 11, 2023
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
In 2020, Joe Biden declared, “Milton Friedman isn’t running the show anymore!” The intensity of Biden’s attack may obscure “a startling reality,” according to Jennifer Burns, an associate professor of history at Stanford University: Liberals as well as conservatives rely on Friedman’s analysis.
In December 1969, *Time* magazine put an image of University of Chicago economist Milton Friedman on its cover. The accompanying article noted that Friedman’s predictions about inflation, stagnation, and recession appeared to be coming true. Ignored and ridiculed for decades, Friedman had “an important influence on Government policy,” and was persuading economists to be “Friedmanly, Friedmanian, Friedmanic, and Friedmaniacs.”
In 1976, Milton Friedman won the Nobel Prize in Economics.
At the end of the 1970s, no less an authority than John Kenneth Galbraith declared that the age of John Maynard Keynes had given way to the age of Milton Friedman.
In the 80s, Friedman had the ear of President Ronald Reagan and British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. In the 1990s, neo-liberal Democrats, including President Bill Clinton, and policymakers around the world embraced versions of Friedman’s views about free trade, privatization, and deregulation.
When Friedman died in 2006, the *Guardian*, a left-leaning newspaper in England, deemed him “one of the greatest economists of all time.”
In [*Milton Friedman: The Last Conservative*](https://us.macmillan.com/books/9780374601140/miltonfriedman), Stanford professor Jennifer Burns provides the first full-scale account of his personal and professional life, impact and legacy. Richly detailed, well-informed and informative, judicious and accessible, Burns’ book is also, in essence, a primer on economics over the last century.
Burns explains the influence of University of Chicago professors Frank Knight, Henry Simons, Jacob Viner, and Lloyd Mints on Friedman’s economic philosophy. She documents how he built his reputation by drawing on the extraordinary research and insights of four female economists: Dorothy Brady, Margaret Reid, Anna Schwartz, and his wife, Rose Director Friedman.
And Burns lays out the tenets of “monetarism,” which Friedman relied on to refute the central claim of Keynes that adjusting taxes and government spending could control inflation and unemployment, and tame business cycles. Inflation, Friedman wrote, “was always and everywhere a monetary phenomenon,” not always responsive to interest rates or government spending. The failure of the United States to maintain a steady growth in the amount of money in circulation, he insisted, caused The Great Depression. The failure of Keynsians to anticipate — or provide remedies for — the “stagflation” of the 1970s, Burns emphasizes, led many economists and policymakers to acknowledge that Friedman and Schwartz’s 860-page magnum opus, *A Monetary History of the United States, 1867-1960*, was a game changer.
Nonetheless, Burns points out that monetary aggregates are actually “hard to measure, harder to manipulate, and an unreliable anchor amid regulatory change.” In the 1980s, moreover, Federal Reserve Chairman Paul Volcker was able to wrestle inflation to the ground by raising interest rates.
Burns also criticizes Friedman for subordinating his concern for inequality because he thought mitigating it through progressive taxation constituted “a clear case of coercion.” His emphasis on prices and a narrow definition of cost-benefit analysis as the best measure of success, she argues, came at the expense of regulation for the common good. Diverting corporate resources to “the general social interest,” Friedman wrote in 1970, was unethical. And Burns claims that Friedman’s opinions — that requirements for schools did not include the issue of segregation and that a shop owner could refuse to hire an African American clerk if the “tastes of the community” meant he would lose customers by doing so — were “an apologia for racism.”
All that said, Burns makes a compelling case that Friedman continues to cast a long shadow on economic and social policy.
Millions of Americans watched his PBS series “Free To Choose,” read the best-selling companion volume, and endorsed Friedman’s views of the inherent inefficiency of government and the need for a political world of maximum individual choice. Friedman’s calls for the Fed to adopt rules, specify responsibilities, and practice transparency, Burns indicates, “have left a mark.” The current 2% inflation target, for example, evolved from Friedman’s monetary targets.
These days, the United States has an all-volunteer army, privatized prisons, school vouchers, and alternatives to the U.S. Postal Service. Capital flows freely across national borders. Politicians advocate tax cuts and deregulation and advocate or give lip service to balanced budgets. And the Child Tax Credit and progressives’ proposal for a universal basic income are “lineal descendants of Friedman’s negative income tax.”
Biden’s 2020 declaration that Friedman wasn’t running the show anymore betrayed “an anxiety of influence,” Burns concludes. “It implicitly acknowledges how fundamental” Milton Friedman’s analysis has become to liberals as well as conservatives.
Ironically, the principal threat to Friedman’s legacy may come from the right-wing populist nationalism of Donald Trump. But, Burns writes, “whatever social or political order emerges next, it will not be, it cannot be, a clean break from the past.” Or from the diminutive economist who has loomed large, for better and worse, for so long.
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### [Milton Friedman Was No Conservative](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/milton-friedman-was-no-conservative/)
**Published:** November 13, 2023
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
## A new Friedman biography ably explores the economist’s ideas but sidesteps the libertarian movement he was central to.
As Jennifer Burns writes in her excellent new biography of the libertarian economist Milton Friedman, “Many aspects of our contemporary world that today seem commonplace have their origins in one of Friedman’s seemingly crazy ideas. If you’ve had taxes withheld from a paycheck, planned or postponed a foreign holiday due to the exchange rate, considered the military as a career, wondered if the Federal Reserve really knows what it’s doing, worked at or enrolled your child in a charter school, or gotten into an argument about the pros and cons of universal basic income, you’ve had a brush with Friedman.”
Burns, a Stanford University–based historian who also wrote a [good biography](https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/oct/05/why-ayn-rand-is-hot-again/) of Ayn Rand, emphasizes the intellectual over the personal—rarely does her book seem interested in understanding Friedman the man as opposed to Friedman the mind. But *Milton Friedman: The Last Conservative* shines as an exploration of Friedman’s ideas and accomplishments.
Sharply intelligent, a great arguer, and inclined toward math, this son of Jewish immigrant New Jersey shopkeepers got his master’s degree in economics at the University of Chicago, where his destiny was shaped by his professors and fellow students (including his eventual wife and writing partner, [Rose Director](https://news.uchicago.edu/story/rose-friedman-distinguished-economist-dies)) and by the Chicago school of economics’ yen for applying price theory to as many aspects of life as possible. Burns detects a thread of [Chicago price theory](https://home.uchicago.edu/cbm4/cpt/QandA.html) spun through Friedman’s lifework, which led him to craft “a dizzying array of policies with a consistent theme: setting prices free. This idea underlies everything, from Friedman’s support of school vouchers and his calls to abolish the draft to his insistence that governments stop controlling the price of their currencies.”
Burns guides the reader handily through Friedman’s New Deal and wartime years. She details some of his innovations in [statistical analysis](https://sk.sagepub.com/reference/the-sage-encyclopedia-of-research-design-2e/i9618.xml), and she relates one of the first times he raised fellow economists’ hackles by coming to overly libertarian conclusions (a [paper](https://www.nber.org/books-and-chapters/income-independent-professional-practice) that fingered the American Medical Association as a price-raising cartel). She also covers his role in helping the Treasury Department develop [income tax withholding](https://reason.com/2016/04/18/milton-friedman-helped-invent-income-tax/) as an emergency measure for war financing—a temporary policy that, to Friedman’s regret, became permanent.
Burns is impressively effective for a noneconomist at explaining how “monetarism,” Friedman’s philosophy of how a central bank should behave, clashed with the Federal Reserve’s real-world practice and with economic orthodoxy over the last half of the 20th century. The core of monetarism was the belief that the supply of money, mediated by how often it changed hands, is the key factor in price levels—or, in slogan form, that “inflation is everywhere and always a monetary phenomenon.”
This led Friedman to believe it would be better if the Fed did not practice discretionary monetary policy at all, with the money supply simply growing a bit every year based on preset rules. While the Federal Reserve never embraced all of Friedman’s recommendations, Burns skillfully explains how his ideas did importantly shape the inflation-busting efforts of Fed Chair [Paul Volcker](https://reason.com/2008/12/18/lessons-from-the-great-inflati/) in the early 1980s.
The tight connection between money supply and inflation that Friedman and Anna Schwartz detailed in their epochal 1963 *A Monetary History of the United States* seemed to slip in the post-Reagan decades. This worried Friedman, but he ultimately satisfied himself that the connection between money supply and inflation could be rescued by shifting the particular measure of money supply to watch, and by admitting that the rate at which money changed hands was more variable than he first thought. The [inflation](https://reason.com/2021/06/22/is-inflation-back-for-good/) of the past two years has helped revive the world’s belief in Friedman’s connection between growth in the money supply and growth in prices.
Inevitably for a book published in 2023, this biography at times adopts a modern race-and-gender lens. On race, Burns upbraids the economist for opposing the 1964 Civil Rights Act: While Friedman, as Burns notes, opposed Jim Crow laws, he did reject the aspects of the 1964 law that would give the government the power to compel private citizens to associate with those they did not wish to. He preferred, again, the course of setting prices free: Friedman expected that racial prejudice would be largely priced out of the market in a freer economy.
When it comes to women, Burns sees Friedman relying heavily, and often with insufficient credit, on various female collaborators, stressing Schwartz’s vital role as the original driving force of the research project that led to *A Monetary History* and the person who gave literary verve to what could have been just a series of historical data charts. When it comes to one of the books that built Friedman’s professional reputation, [A Theory of the Consumption Function](https://www.nber.org/books-and-chapters/theory-consumption-function) (1957), Burns provides evidence that two female researchers, [Dorothy Brady](https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/local/1977/04/22/dorothy-s-brady-economist-was-wharton-school-professor/803adaf9-41f5-452d-9b40-1a64b7631b9b/) and [Margaret Reid](https://www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/10.1086/255033), likely deserved co-author credit.
Friedman’s relationship with his wife Rose is presented (with a couple of personal tragedies and some intellectual disagreements along the way) as solid and vital to his success as a popular writer—though big aspects of it will remain forever opaque, as Rose burned all her correspondence with her husband.
Having written a book this smart and detailed about a libertarian thinker, Burns is oddly reluctant to explain to her readers that there *was* such a thing as a distinctly American libertarian movement from World War II on.
She notes, for example, that Friedman worked in the 1940s and ’50s with the Foundation for Economic Education and the William Volker Fund. She writes that these groups “were part of a broader backlash against Keynesian economics.” While calling them “important early manifestations of modern American conservatism,” she acknowledges that “neither identified as a conservative organization.”
Yet she does not adequately explain that these organizations were foundation stones of a distinct, nonconservative, more radically pro-market and freedom-oriented libertarian intellectual and activist movement. Nor does she stress that Friedman moved near or in this movement from the time it first coalesced after World War II, alongside his more respectable Republican affiliations. (Friedman had advisory relationships of various levels of closeness with Barry Goldwater, Richard Nixon, and Ronald Reagan.)
As Friedman told me in a [1995 interview](https://reason.com/1995/06/01/best-of-both-worlds/), “I have a party membership as a Republican, not because they have any principles, but because that’s the way I am the most useful and have most influence. My philosophy is clearly libertarian.”
Burns recognizes that after Friedman worked near the libertarian economist F.A. Hayek at the University of Chicago in the 1950s, Hayekian ideas and phrases began showing up in Friedman’s writing, and that “shifts in Friedman’s thinking emerged clearly in 1956, during a series of summer lectures at Wabash College.” These events “were one of several invitation-only summer conferences sponsored by the Volker Fund,” and they eventually “would form the seedbed of [Capitalism and Freedom](https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0226264017/reasonmagazinea-20/),” one of Friedman’s most influential books. She does not adequately explain, though, that those “shifts” represent a more full-hearted slotting, after some early conflicts and disagreements, into the libertarian movement’s beliefs.
That shift in a [more libertarian direction](https://reason.com/2012/11/20/the-increasingly-libertarian-milton-frie/) is an important part of Friedman’s intellectual evolution. From education to monetary policy, the more integrated he became in libertarian communities of affinity that he valued—from the Mont Pelerin Society to the *New Individualist Review*—the less he believed government should do. (One of his more radical areas of libertarian activism in later years, arguing [against the war on drugs](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c_49jorGDEw), is not mentioned in this book at all.)
Burns’ discussion of Friedman’s family is thinner than you might expect from a biography of this heft. In one of a mere handful of sentences on his son [David](http://www.daviddfriedman.com/index.shtml), she notes the younger Friedman was an advocate of “[anarcho-capitalism](http://www.daviddfriedman.com/The_Machinery_of_Freedom_.pdf)” without explaining what that meant in the context of his father’s thinking. But Milton Friedman was part of a movement of intellectuals and organizations in which anarchism was an idea he had to grapple with and be [judged against](https://mises.org/library/milton-friedman-unraveled-0). Friedman, truly no conservative, told me in that 1995 interview that he “would like to be a zero-government libertarian” like his son but was discouraged that he didn’t see enough “historical examples of that kind of a system developing.”
Appearing as it does in the post-Trump era, it is natural that this book would adopt a subtitle like “The Last Conservative.” Donald Trump’s presidency—based on restricting international trade, refusing to touch entitlement spending, hostility to immigrants (Friedman thought [illegal immigration was the best kind](https://reason.com/2011/05/11/illigal-immigration-a-feature/)), and loose Fed policy to goose the economy for the president’s [short-term political benefit](https://reason.com/2019/09/11/trump-demands-zero-interest-rates-from-boneheads-at-the-federal-reserve/)—was wildly anti-Friedmanite.
Stressing that Friedman was in fact a libertarian would have helped a reader understand how and why he seems a relic to the conservative movement. The current American right has no use for what Burns characterized as an early 21st century “world closer to \[Friedman’s\] ideal, where capital moved freely across borders, governments retrenched from social spending, and a culture of expressive individualism celebrated freedom above all else.”
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### [Jennifer Burns on Milton Friedman](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/jennifer-burns-on-milton-friedman/)
**Published:** November 13, 2023
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
Who was Milton Friedman? [Jennifer Burns](https://www.jenniferburns.org/) of Stanford University finds in her biography of Friedman that the answer to that question is more complicated than she thought. Listen as she and EconTalk’s [Russ Roberts](https://www.econlib.org/library/About.html#roberts) discuss how the now-forgotten Henry Simons shaped Friedman’s thought, the degree to which Friedman had a deep understanding and belief in the role of prices in a modern economy, and the influence of key women on Friedman’s intellectual life. Finally, they explore whether or not Friedman’s insights continue to affect public policy and the discipline of economics.
---
### [Milton Friedman: The Last Conservative | An Interview with Jennifer Burns and Bill Whalen](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/milton-friedman-the-last-conservative-an-interview-with-jennifer-burns-and-bill-whalen/)
**Published:** November 14, 2023
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
There’s so much to still be learned about the late Milton Friedman – his embrace of free markets and capitalism, his oft-times contrarian thinking on the likes of drug legalization, and the women who supported his research.
---
### [Experts share insights into navigating challenges facing Central Asia and the world](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/experts-share-insights-into-navigating-challenges-facing-central-asia-and-the-world/)
**Published:** December 13, 2023
**Author:** Riley Sims
**Content:**
**Rising economic fragmentation**
Economic fragmentation, driven by geopolitical tensions and shifting alliances, is another critical challenge facing the world and Central Asia.
Krishna Kumar, Executive Vice President of Research at the National Opinion Research Center (NORC) at the University of Chicago, spoke about the growing inflation and its impact on countries’ fiscal policy worldwide.
Before that, he said the world witnessed a new economic order, nothing like it had seen before.
“The share of China in the global economy reached 18 percent in 2021,” said Kumar, noting that this is a sign of a new economic power: China.
According to the World Bank, China’s $18 trillion economy accounts for under 18 percent of global GDP.
“Today, China capitalizes more on internal resources, focusing on robotics, artificial intelligence, and computer technologies. This is happening within China itself, driven by geopolitical considerations like competition between China and the United States,” he said.
In fact, according to the latest report released by the Asian Development Bank on December 13, higher-than-expected growth in China and India drove the economic forecast for developing economies in Asia and the Pacific up to 4.9 percent this year, compared to the previous estimate of 4.7 percent in September. The outlook for the next year remains unchanged at 4.8 percent.
In the case of China, the economy is expected to expand by 5.2 percent this year, up from the earlier forecast of 4.9 percent. This adjustment is attributed to the positive impact of household consumption and public investment, which bolstered growth in the third quarter.
Emerging economies, however, continue to write their own rules. Notably, such economies are doing a better job of combatting inflation than developed economies. “Poland, Hungary, and the Czech Republic observe a reduction in inflation,” he added.
Kumar also noted the growth of globalization has been overestimated. During the economic slowdown, economies, especially developed ones, tend to import less, but most importantly, use protectionist measures.
**Opportunity for Kazakhstan**
Evan Feigenbaum, Vice President for Studies at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, said such a grim outlook of rising fragmentation and geopolitical turbulence could be an opportunity for Kazakhstan, particularly taking into account its ambitious economic development plans.
“There is a transition in the world from a world that many people thought was about economic opportunity and economic integration toward a world that increasingly is about security, fragmentation, and conflict among countries. Number one, that has big implications for Kazakhstan, which has big ambitions for economic development,” said the expert.
For Kazakhstan, an opportunity lies in attracting companies leaving Russia to base their operations and offices in Kazakhstan.
“Second example, there’s a lot of turbulence between the United States and China. And that meant that China is looking to improve its relationships with countries worldwide, including in Central Asia. But for China, countries like Kazakhstan have mainly been transit countries; there is a lot of talk about high-speed rail and infrastructure projects. But for Kazakhstan’s own development, it’s important to extract more of the value added and have China leave investment in Kazakhstan that creates more jobs and opportunities for people in Kazakhstan,” he said.
According to the Kazakh Ministry of National Economy, since 2005, the gross inflow of Chinese investments into Kazakhstan has amounted to $23.2 billion, placing China in the fourth position in the list of major investors in the country’s economy after the Netherlands, the United States, and Switzerland.
“Kazakhstan will have difficult choices to make because if, for example, you buy a Western technology or a Chinese technology, those countries export their indigenous standards, and your economy will run off that standard. Navigating that turbulence is going to be very difficult as well. But I think my central message is out of the turbulence, if you get your economic and investment choices right, there can be considerable opportunities notwithstanding the risks,” said Feigenbaum.
**Future of Central Asia**
Johannes Linn, Nonresident Senior Fellow in the Center for Sustainable Development at the Brookings Institution, said the central message is that regional cooperation among Central Asian countries is critical.
“What happened over those 20 years is a significant expansion of land-based routes between Europe and China and Central Asia benefitting greatly from this interconnectedness,” said Linn.
He also expects Afghanistan to start integrating closer with Central Asia.
According to Ashok Sajjanhar, President of the Institute of Global Studies and Former Ambassador of India to Kazakhstan, Central Asia has been “under the radar” in the past 30 years since countries gained independence. Recent developments increased that attention.
“I think the most important change that has brought the profile of Central Asia into much greater focus has been the Russia-Ukraine conflict,” he said.
“Simultaneously, we have seen sanctions imposed on import of gas and oil from Russia. That increased the importance of fossil fuels in Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan. There has been much greater conversation about how these fossil fuels and energy can be transported to Europe from Central Asia that stopped receiving energy resources from Russia,” said Sajjanhar.
The situation in Afghanistan remains a focal point of concern, impacting both Central Asia and the broader international community, and raises concerns about the resurgence of extremism and the potential for regional instability.
**Climate change**
Climate change has emerged as a global crisis, and Central Asia is not immune to its effects. The region is experiencing rising temperatures, changing precipitation patterns, and increased frequency of extreme weather events.
According to Rae Kwon Chung, Nobel Peace Prize winner in 2007 and member of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), Central Asia is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, with water scarcity being a significant concern.
“Central Asia is now expected to suffer the most severe climate disaster because the expected temperature rise will be quite high in Central Asia, Middle East and North Africa. These are the regions where the impact of climate change will be the hardest, including Kazakhstan. Kazakhstan also faces a very serious risk of the danger of climate change. It is something Kazakhstan has to be prepared and ready for and should also make a contribution to reduce the impact of climate change,” said the expert.
The melting glaciers in the high mountains directly threaten the region’s water supply, affecting agriculture, energy production, and overall economic stability.
According to the 2022 report prepared by the Kazakh government, the Global Environmental Facility, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), temperatures continue rising in Kazakhstan. A comparison of long-term average ambient temperature values for two consecutive periods of 1961-1990 and 1991-2020 indicates that the country’s average annual temperature has increased by 0.9 degrees Celsius.
Heat waves are becoming increasingly frequent in Central Asia. For instance, in 2020, temperatures soared to a new record high, surpassing the established climate standard of 1.92 degrees Celsius. This reached the previous record set in 2013, which had an indicator of 1.89 degrees Celsius.
The expert noted that there is a misperception that the world should focus on the production side in addressing the impact of climate change.
“We have to accept that not only production is the issue but also consumption needs to be on the agenda as well,” he said.
Another misperception is that climate mitigation kills economic growth.
“In fact, many of the examples of China, for example, the electric car industry, shows that investing in mitigation can propel new economic opportunity for growth and jobs,” he said.
He also stressed that not only governments but also people themselves are responsible for mitigation.
---
### [Was Milton Friedman Really 'The Last Conservative?'](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/was-milton-friedman-really-the-last-conservative/)
**Published:** November 7, 2023
**Author:** Riley Sims
**Content:**
In 1967, Milton Friedman took a temporary leave from the University of Chicago to spend a quarter teaching at UCLA. UCLA was then jokingly called “the University of Chicago at Los Angeles” or, more simply, “Chicago West.” Its economics faculty — like Chicago’s — was one of the few in the country that fundamentally embraced free-market capitalism and opposed the dominant school of Keynesianism, which supported stronger government involvement in the economy.
While in Los Angeles, Friedman befriended a local businessman, Henry Salvatori, a mover and a shaker in conservative politics. One day, Salvatori invited Friedman to accompany him to a dinner at the home of California’s newly elected governor, a former actor and rising conservative star who Salvatori had helped elect. His name was Ronald Reagan.
“I was delighted to find that he was not only a warm, attractive human being, but that his views on educational issues were very much in line with my own,” Friedman would recall in his memoir about his first meeting with Reagan.
Over dinner, the two discussed Reagan’s goal of increasing tuition costs for kids attending California’s public universities, and Friedman’s controversial idea for school vouchers, which would give tax dollars to parents who chose to send their kids to private schools instead of public schools. Reagan was apparently already familiar with the idea because he had read Milton Friedman’s free-market manifesto, *Capitalism and Freedom*, which had been published five years before.
Several years after this fateful meeting, Friedman joined Governor Reagan in his statewide campaign for Proposition 1. The ballot measure was Reagan’s attempt to amend the California constitution and impose a permanent cap on annual state spending. The governor and the professor flew from city to city together in a private plane, making the case that lawmakers shouldn’t be able to spend like drunken sailors anymore. At one stop, a reporter asked Friedman if he would support Reagan in a future presidential bid. He answered with an enthusiastic yes.
Proposition 1 ended up failing. But a few years later, in 1978, California passed a similar ballot measure: Proposition 13. It dramatically slashed property taxes in the state. More than that, it heralded a new era of tax and spending cuts, deregulation, and “small government” politics that would spread across the nation and culminate with the election of Reagan as president in 1980. Friedman, of course, was along for the ride, serving as an important advisor and hype man for the Reagan Revolution.
Rare for any economist, with the exception of perhaps Adam Smith, Karl Marx, and John Maynard Keynes, Milton Friedman’s ideas would come to shape and even define an entire era of politics and public policy. Leaders like Margaret Thatcher and Ronald Reagan closely allied themselves with this 5’2″ Chicago economist who, until the 1960s, was little more than a fringe intellectual counterrevolutionary, opposed to the massive expansion of the size and scope of government during the mid-twentieth century.
In her new book, *Milton Friedman: The Last Conservative*, Jennifer Burns traces the life and career of this influential economist, from his humble beginnings in Rahway, New Jersey, to his worldwide renown as hero to the Right and a villain to the Left. And she reconsiders Friedman’s legacy in the wake of a “bipartisan assault” against his ideas over the last decade.
### The Last Conservative?
Burns admits that she selected her subtitle — *The Last Conservative* — with “some trepidation.” For one thing, she notes, Friedman rarely referred to himself as a conservative. He tended to call himself a liberal, in the classic sense, meaning a believer in individual rights and freedom, free trade, and limited government. (Interesting, another recent book, which is about another famous free-market advocate named Friedrich Hayek, is titled *Liberalism’s Last Man*. A sign of the times?)
But Burns dislikes calling Friedman a liberal because, in the United States, “that word has become inexorably associated with the New Deal order Friedman opposed throughout his life.”
In Europe, and in American academic circles, Friedman has become known more technically as a “neoliberal,” which is one of those highfalutin buzzwords that means different things to different people, although generally people use it to mean free-market hack. These days, neoliberalism is almost always used pejoratively. Rarely do people actually call themselves neoliberals.
But, in a 1951 essay published in a Norwegian magazine, Friedman did refer to himself as one. The essay was titled “Neo-Liberalism and its Prospects,” and, in it, Friedman offered his own definition for neoliberalism.
In this essay, Friedman criticized the worldwide trend toward “collectivism” and strong government intervention in the economy, which had swept through most of the industrialized world in the mid-twentieth century. But he also criticized classical liberalism, which had been dominant in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. “This philosophy assigned almost no role to the state other than the maintenance of order and the enforcement of contracts,” Friedman wrote of classical liberalism. “It was a negative philosophy. The state could do only harm.”
Friedman proposed a new ideological path, which was neither classical liberalism nor big-government collectivism. “We have a new faith to offer,” he wrote. It was a faith that embraced the individual freedom and reverence for the free market found at the heart of classical liberalism. But, unlike classical liberals, Friedman advocated for a more involved government, which would work to ensure the capitalist system ran smoothly, remained competitive, and avoided another Great Depression. “The state would police the system, establish conditions favorable to competition and prevent monopoly, provide a stable monetary framework, and relieve acute misery and distress,” Friedman wrote. “The citizens would be protected against the state by the existence of a free private market; and against one another by the preservation of competition.”
Whatever you want to call Friedman’s ideology — neoliberalism or libertarianism or free-market fundamentalism or conservatism — it really took off in the late twentieth century, especially after the early 1970s, when a combination of high inflation and high unemployment (aka “stagflation”) discredited the dominant Keynesian approach to managing the economy. Quite remarkably, in his 1967 speech as president of the American Economic Association, Friedman predicted stagflation, arguing that inflation would soon accelerate and that high inflation would commingle with high unemployment, something that many Keynesians believed could not happen. The inflation of the 1970s and early 1980s proved to be a “wrecking ball” for the old political order, in the words of Burns. And, to many, it confirmed Friedman’s view of the economy.
“By the final decades of the twentieth century, Friedman’s ideas helped a new political order emerge, as countries abandoned top-down economic planning in favor of market-based approaches,” Burns writes. Even Democratic leaders like President Bill Clinton were at least partially embracing Friedman’s free-market vision, with policies like welfare reform, financial deregulation, and free trade.
But now the pendulum seems to be swinging back. Just as stagflation helped to kill off the reign of old-school Keynesianism, the Great Financial Crisis of 2008 — and more broadly, the explosion of inequality, the stagnation of middle-class wages, and the dearth of of solid work opportunities for many lower and middle class Americans — has begun to topple the reign of neoliberalism. In recent years, we’ve seen a shift in both political parties, away from unswerving faith in the free market. This shift really goes to the heart of Burns’ subtitle, *The Last Conservative*.
“In the twenty-first century, the synthesis that Friedman represented — based in free-market economics, individual liberty, and global cooperation — has cracked apart,” Burns writes.
Conservatism as a brand is still, of course, very much around. Burns recognizes that. It’s just that she, like many others, sees a much different brand of conservatism these days. Especially since the election of Donald Trump, the Republican party seems to be embracing an ideology that is more interventionist, isolationist, and nationalist. It has a much less libertarian flavor.
### A New Republican Party?
Many of the stars in the Republican Party can sound more like New Deal Democrats or zealous nationalists than Reagan Republicans these days. Far from bowing to the altar of the invisible hand, they’ve been arguing for the very visible hand of the government to direct and regulate the market, restrict immigration and free trade, reinvigorate domestic manufacturing, break up companies, and even redistribute wealth.
Senator Josh Hawley crusades against corporate power, urging the government to break up monopolies and ban large mergers and acquisitions. Senator Todd Young co-sponsored a bill to restrict business use of non-compete agreements, which corporations have used to tamp down worker mobility and wages. Senator Tom Cotton proposes the government fund worker training programs — and finance them by taxing the endowments of elite private colleges.
Earlier this year, Florida Senator Marco Rubio released a book, *Decades of Decadence*, which blasted the “neoliberal” era for hurting working class Americans. He even praises Senator Bernie Sanders, a democratic socialist, for arguing decades ago that free-trade deals would outsource American manufacturing to places like China and Mexico and hurt American workers.
“Neoliberal economics said that America would actually *gain* from giving away our industry to foreign nations, because consumer products would be cheaper and American workers could give up their manufacturing jobs for supposedly more ‘productive’ jobs in finance and digital technology,” Rubio writes. “Neoliberal foreign policy said not to worry about it; after all, the US dollar was still the world’s reserve currency, and foreign nations would ally with us simply because they would become wealthier. Combined, it was a recipe for disaster. After China was admitted to the WTO, it was a disaster on the grandest scale.”
### But Milton Friedman Still Shapes Our World
Despite the turn against the worldview of Milton Friedman, Jennifer Burns argues that Friedman’s ideas are still living and breathing all around us.
One of his primary academic contributions was to get economists and policymakers to recognize how important monetary policy is for the economy. Before Friedman, the Fed wasn’t very active in trying to control inflation or boost employment. Those responsibilities fell more to the elected branches of government, which used policies like price controls and fiscal policy to stabilize the economy. Back then, Burns writes, that the Fed was “structurally neutered” and worked in “bureaucratic anonymity.”
In 1963, Friedman, together with Anna Schwartz, published an incredibly influential book, *A Monetary History of the United States, 1867-1960*, which transformed the way economists thought about the Federal Reserve. It provided influential evidence that the Great Depression became the Great Depression because the Fed failed to step up to the plate and do its job. It let banks fail, stubbornly stayed on the gold standard, did not pump money into the system, and let the economy sink into a deflationary oblivion. Friedman and Schwartz also blamed the Fed for stoking inflation at various times in American history by, essentially, printing too much money.
Since the publication of this book, economists and policymakers have taken the role of central banks much more seriously than they did before. And institutions like the Federal Reserve have become much more vigorous in working to prevent both inflation and deflation.
True, Milton Friedman’s dream for the Federal Reserve was not fully manifested. He wanted it to use the nation’s money supply, as opposed to interest rates, as its primary policy instrument. The Fed experimented with that in the 1980s, and it proved to be difficult to do in practice. Friedman wanted the Fed to manage monetary policy with simple, clearly defined rules instead of leaving it to the discretion of its leaders. That idea did not end up winning the day. It’s also unclear how Friedman would have felt about unconventional monetary policies adopted after his death, like Quantitative Easing.
But, Burns writes, Friedman’s ideas shined a spotlight on just how important the Fed is, and fundamentally elevated the role that it (and other nations’ central banks) play in the economy. Thanks largely to Friedman, Burns suggests, central banks now take center stage in economic policy.
Many other Friedman ideas are also still alive and kicking. Watch the GOP presidential primary debates, and you’ll hear the candidates offer policy proposals from the Friedman playbook. Even the Trump Administration, with all its rhetorical breaks from past Republican administrations, still embraced a Friedmanesque view of the economy in important respects. Look no further than its biggest legislative accomplishment: *The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act*, which slashed corporate taxes and, at least partially, simplified the tax code. Trump’s Secretary of Education, Betsy DeVos, also fought tooth and nail for school vouchers.
Progressives are much less likely to find inspiration in Friedman’s work. His policy prescriptions are often blamed for the explosion of inequality since the 1980s. But, Burns argues, even some progressives are influenced by the ideas of Friedman. Friedman, for example, was an early proponent for a universal basic income, an idea that has gained new currency with fears that Artificial Intelligence will kill jobs. Friedman’s idea for a negative income tax helped birth the popular Earned Income Tax Credit, which subsidizes the wages of low-income workers. Many progressives are also more attuned these days to the role of supply-side restrictions in pushing up prices, especially in the housing market.
“Many aspects of our contemporary world that today seem commonplace have their origins in one of Friedman’s seemingly crazy ideas,” Burns writes. “If you’ve had taxes withheld from a paycheck, planned or postponed a foreign holiday due to the exchange rate, considered the military as a career, wondered if the Federal Reserve really knows what it’s doing, worked at or enrolled your child in a charter school, or gotten into an argument about the pros and cons of universal basic income, you’ve had a brush with Friedman.”
The high tide of neoliberalism — or whatever you want to call it — may be receding. But Burns shows that the ideas of Milton Friedman are still shaping our world. Wherever you sit on the political spectrum, there’s a lot to learn from this book. More than a biography of one controversial person, it’s an intellectual history of twentieth century economic thought.
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### [Fabrice Pothier: Pedaling the European dream](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/fabrice-pothier-pedaling-the-european-dream/)
**Published:** September 4, 2018
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
In “Pedaling the European dream,” [Fabrice Pothier](http://wwsg.com/speakers/fabric-pothier) describes a journey he made along the historic pilgrimage route Camino de Santiago (about 700 km from southern France to northern Spain), not for sightseeing, but to talk directly with ordinary Europeans about what Europe means to them and what they expect from the future.
He asked passers-by three simple questions: what is Europe to you, where do you want more Europe (and where less), and what do you expect from the next European election. The responses — while not a scientific poll — revealed recurring themes: many people still believe in Europe’s promise and expect more solidarity, fairness and shared values. At the same time, there is widespread frustration with the European project feeling “stuck,” especially around key issues such as migration, social and fiscal policy, and a lack of cohesion and shared values.
A frequent criticism was that the European institutions feel distant, abstract and disconnected from people’s everyday lives. Many of those he spoke with admitted they didn’t really understand the upcoming European election or what the European institutions actually do — some only associated the EU with bureaucratic regulations (for example jokingly blaming it for “all the roundabouts” in their towns).
Beyond institutional opacity, Pothier reports a deeper concern: that if Europe fails to deliver on solidarity and shared values, the disillusionment could fuel support for retrenchment, nationalism or a smaller, narrower conception of Europe — possibly undermining the original dream of a united Europe.
Pothier concludes that the European project needs a revival rooted not just in elite debates in Brussels, but in listening to everyday citizens and rebuilding European solidarity from the ground up. The “European dream” remains alive — but only if Europe can become more responsive, inclusive and connected to its people. Read the full article on [POLITICO](https://www.politico.eu/article/european-dream-camino-de-santiago-eu-opinions/).
Fabrice Pothier brings a rare blend of hands-on engagement and strategic insight. Rather than analyze Europe from afar, he literally walked—or cycled—through it to meet real people and hear their concerns firsthand. That ground-level perspective, combined with his experience in European political and strategic circles, allows him to translate abstract institutional or geopolitical debates into concrete human stories. For audiences seeking to understand Europe’s future — its opportunities, challenges, and the gap between institutions and citizens — his voice offers both authenticity and clarity. To host Pothier for a speaking engagement, [contact WWSG](http://wwsg.com/contact-us).
---
### [It’s time the West committed to Ukraine for the long haul, says Fabrice Pothier](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/its-time-the-west-committed-to-ukraine-for-the-long-haul-says-fabrice-pothier/)
**Published:** May 12, 2023
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
## The former NATO policy planner advocates a conditional invitation to join the alliance.
In his 2023 piece for The Economist, former NATO policy-planner Fabrice Pothier argues that the war in Ukraine has now reached a pivotal moment — one that demands long-term strategic thinking rather than short-term improvisation. He warns that Western leaders have so far supported Ukraine in a reactive, step-by-step fashion, responding to each Russian escalation but avoiding any firm commitment to Ukraine’s long-term security.
Pothier contends that this strategy of “strategic ambiguity” — hoping that neutrality or gradualism might stabilize the situation — is no longer viable. Instead, the West must treat a democratic and sovereign Ukraine as a fundamental security interest and embed Ukraine firmly within the Euro-Atlantic security architecture. Read the original article in [The Economist](https://www.economist.com/by-invitation/2023/05/12/its-time-the-west-committed-to-ukraine-for-the-long-haul-says-fabrice-pothier).
## Why Fabrice Pothier Would Make a Great Speaker on Geopolitics
[Fabrice Pothier](http://wwsg.com/speakers/fabrice-pothier) combines deep institutional experience with strategic vision. As a former director of policy planning at NATO and now CEO of geopolitical consultancy Rasmussen Global, he understands both the mechanics of alliance politics and the broader stakes of European security.
He is adept at translating complex geopolitical dynamics into clear, actionable arguments — for policymakers, allies, and the public alike. His call for a long-term commitment to Ukraine is grounded not only in moral conviction but in hard-headed strategic analysis. That makes him an ideal speaker for audiences trying to make sense of the shifting global order and the implications of the war in Ukraine.
---
### [Evan Feigenbaum: US Should View Central Asian Countries as ‘Subjects of Their Own Stories’](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/evan-feigenbaum-us-should-view-central-asian-countries-as-subjects-of-their-own-stories/)
**Published:** December 27, 2023
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
Join us for an exclusive interview with [Evan Feigenbaum](https://wwsg.com/speakers/evan-feigenbaum), Vice President for Studies, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. Feigenbaum says, “U.S. should view Central Asian countries as ‘subjects of their own stories.””
---
### [China Doesn’t Want a Geoengineering Disaster](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/china-doesnt-want-a-geoengineering-disaster/)
**Published:** February 21, 2023
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
## Beijing and Washington share an interest in rules for climate experimentation.
For three decades, geopolitical wrangling between the two largest carbon emitters, China and the United States, has stymied every major global climate accord. But even reconciliation between Washington in Beijing is unlikely to avert a grim prognosis. A 2021 [study](https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/www.sciencemag.org/news/2021/08/grim-new-climate-report-triggers-calls-china-slash-carbon-emissions-sooner__;!!IBzWLUs!WxH-9Tk9Bv3W9wV2G21HTuSXdPW4fjIpMkc6yVUIcsNEhoXr671AoeVBywRht6qcIl6kdo9B6p_D1NCSnuO53XZyf_M$) in *Science* suggests that to achieve the global Paris Agreement goal of holding atmospheric warming below 1.5 degrees Celsius, China’s emissions would have to peak almost immediately and then plummet. All but the most optimistic observers doubt that this will happen.
In high-emissions scenarios, the cost of adaptation to a warming planet could reach $500 billion annually in developing countries alone by 2050, according to [United Nations estimates](https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/news.un.org/en/story/2021/11/1104852__;!!IBzWLUs!WxH-9Tk9Bv3W9wV2G21HTuSXdPW4fjIpMkc6yVUIcsNEhoXr671AoeVBywRht6qcIl6kdo9B6p_D1NCSnuO5pXedvNY$). Most countries lack the financial resources, expertise, and long-term political will to adapt effectively. Even China, which has boldly set a target of becoming a “[climate-resilient society](https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/english.www.gov.cn/statecouncil/ministries/202206/15/content_WS62a99e7dc6d02e533532c317.html*:*:text=The*20country*20will*20seek*20to,Ecology*20and*20Environment*20(MEE).__;I34lJSUlJSUl!!IBzWLUs!WxH-9Tk9Bv3W9wV2G21HTuSXdPW4fjIpMkc6yVUIcsNEhoXr671AoeVBywRht6qcIl6kdo9B6p_D1NCSnuO5DiZfXzE$)” by 2035 knows that it cannot totally [insulate itself](https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/www.thewirechina.com/2022/07/17/chinas-climate-adaptation-advantage/__;!!IBzWLUs!WxH-9Tk9Bv3W9wV2G21HTuSXdPW4fjIpMkc6yVUIcsNEhoXr671AoeVBywRht6qcIl6kdo9B6p_D1NCSnuO5qLEBpJI$) from the global impacts of rapid warming, which could include food price shocks and mounting instability in the developing world.
That’s led a growing number of observers to consider geoengineering, a suite of techniques for artificially counteracting the effects of accumulating greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Compared to decarbonization and adaptation, which are multidecade processes that could cost many trillions of dollars, geoengineering promises a relatively cheap quick fix and a potential bridge to hold global temperatures down until humanity invents cost-effective technologies to draw atmospheric carbon readings back down to stable levels.
But there is a big problem with geoengineering: The research and deployment of geoengineering interventions lie almost entirely outside the reach of existing international law. Without a robust global governance framework and clear guardrails to prevent unilateral deployment, this could potentially unleash geopolitical as well as ecological havoc.
The good news is that the United States and China have clear, demonstrated interests in the responsible global governance of geoengineering. Unlike during squabbles over emissions, where industrial policy and growth concerns often clash with a mandate for reduction, the two powers share a clear set of concerns. Both governments recognize the potential benefits of the technology and are actively subsidizing research. Both sides also understand that the status quo of no meaningful regulation poses an open-ended national security threat, not least because it risks provoking a technological arms race and increases the probability that geoengineering techniques could be militarized by third parties.
In the Cold War, the United States and Soviet Union eventually put aside their differences to set guardrails on the development and deployment of [nuclear tests](https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/www.jfklibrary.org/learn/about-jfk/jfk-in-history/nuclear-test-ban-treaty__;!!IBzWLUs!WxH-9Tk9Bv3W9wV2G21HTuSXdPW4fjIpMkc6yVUIcsNEhoXr671AoeVBywRht6qcIl6kdo9B6p_D1NCSnuO5xqAyvvY$) and delivery systems as well as chemical and biological weapons. This also helped them control the proliferation of world-threatening technology to rogue actors. The United States and China have a similar interest in building a rules-based architecture to protect the world from catastrophic risks and miscalculations.
---
The most widely discussed geoengineering technology, known as stratospheric aerosol injection (SAI), involves recreating the cooling effect of a volcanic eruption by spraying sulfate particles in the upper atmosphere. These particles refract sunlight before it enters the Earth’s atmosphere and becomes trapped in the greenhouse created by carbon dioxide, methane, and other gases. As long as continual seeding operations keep working, it is theoretically possible to dial down the proverbial global thermostat over time to neutralize the impact of greenhouse gas emissions on atmospheric warming. In the best-case scenario, this could provide a relatively low-cost bridge of a decade or two for the global economy to decarbonize and develop technologies for removing carbon from the atmosphere and sequestering it on land.
Not surprisingly, SAI is highly controversial. Computer models suggest that it might change [rainfall patterns](https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/www.epfl.ch/research/domains/irgc/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/IRGC2020-International-governance-issues-on-climate-engineering-Information-for-policymakers.pdf__;!!IBzWLUs!WxH-9Tk9Bv3W9wV2G21HTuSXdPW4fjIpMkc6yVUIcsNEhoXr671AoeVBywRht6qcIl6kdo9B6p_D1NCSnuO5YraNLNQ$) in some regions, and it might cause other damaging effects in the global climate system that are impossible to predict before the technology is actually deployed. It cannot address some of the disturbing non-temperature impacts of carbon emissions, such as ocean acidification. Put another way, SAI would artificially blunt the warming impacts of greenhouse gas emissions without tackling the underlying mechanism.
But precisely because SAI is theoretically sustainable for the long term for just a [few billion dollars](https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1748-9326/aba7e7/pdf) per year, according to a study by Yale University’s Wake Smith, deploying it could also create a situation of moral hazard for the global economy by relieving pressure on big emitters to decarbonize. If atmospheric carbon concentrations keep rising while SAI is deployed, then the world would need diplomatic mechanisms to coordinate and manage the number of sulfates being put into the atmosphere accordingly. If SAI then stopped for any reason, temperatures would rapidly rebound, creating a “[termination shock](https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/2017EF000735__;!!IBzWLUs!WxH-9Tk9Bv3W9wV2G21HTuSXdPW4fjIpMkc6yVUIcsNEhoXr671AoeVBywRht6qcIl6kdo9B6p_D1NCSnuO5hWJXO2I$)” that could devastate agricultural production and even produce a global famine and extinction event.
Geoengineering also poses thorny problems for international law and global governance. Current international legal agreements, such as the Environmental Modification Convention, do not restrain the use of geoengineering for peaceful purposes. There is no international law—nor domestic law in many key countries, including the United States—that constrains nonstate actors or even wealthy individuals from deploying SAI secretly and unilaterally. The technology is potentially simple enough to implement that this is a [realistic risk](https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/www.dni.gov/index.php/newsroom/reports-publications/reports-publications-2021/item/2253-national-intelligence-estimate-on-climate-change__;!!IBzWLUs!WxH-9Tk9Bv3W9wV2G21HTuSXdPW4fjIpMkc6yVUIcsNEhoXr671AoeVBywRht6qcIl6kdo9B6p_D1NCSnuO5T8yvpjg$). The U.S. intelligence community warned in a major report in 2021 that “the lack of any country-level dialogue or governance body … increases the possibility that state or nonstate actors will independently develop or deploy the technology—possibly covertly—in a manner that risks conflict.”
---
As in every other aspect of climate change, China is crucial to international action to address geoengineering. As a leading scientific power with a [long tradition](https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/2016EF000402__;!!IBzWLUs!WxH-9Tk9Bv3W9wV2G21HTuSXdPW4fjIpMkc6yVUIcsNEhoXr671AoeVBywRht6qcIl6kdo9B6p_D1NCSnuO5uyVi1cw$) of environmental engineering, from the Grand Canal to the modern habit of cloud seeding, China would play an important role in undertaking the research and development efforts needed to make geoengineering practical. And as a major geopolitical player, Chinese buy-in would be needed for any multilateral governance framework to succeed.
Fortunately, available Chinese open sources suggest that China understands the risks and is interested in exploring a global governance framework for managing it. China’s best-known and most influential scholar of geoengineering policy—[Chen Ying](https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/www.researchgate.net/profile/Ying_Chen79__;!!IBzWLUs!WxH-9Tk9Bv3W9wV2G21HTuSXdPW4fjIpMkc6yVUIcsNEhoXr671AoeVBywRht6qcIl6kdo9B6p_D1NCSnuO5AyJTiZE$) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences—has written voluminously on the topic for more than a decade in peer-reviewed journals and co-wrote volumes with other prominent scholars. Chen is also one of the lead Chinese authors of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s Fifth Assessment Report. Since the Chinese government has never taken an official position on the subject of geoengineering, Chen’s publications provide the clearest indication of what Chinese elites think about geoengineering.
Chen has [likened](https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/www.cssd1992.org/files/8qmVYclvJnRojilizOT1_**6.pdf__;5Zyw55CD5bel56iL55qE5YWo55CD5rK755CG77ya55CG6K6644CB5qGG5p625LiO5Lit5Zu95bqU5a-5!!IBzWLUs!WxH-9Tk9Bv3W9wV2G21HTuSXdPW4fjIpMkc6yVUIcsNEhoXr671AoeVBywRht6qcIl6kdo9B6p_D1NCSnuO5agYA-b4$) SAI and other solar radiation management (SRM) techniques to the COVID-19 vaccine. Chen has long [argued](https://urldefense.com/v3/__http:/www.xml-data.org/QHBHYJJZ/html/2017/4/2017-013.htm__;!!IBzWLUs!WxH-9Tk9Bv3W9wV2G21HTuSXdPW4fjIpMkc6yVUIcsNEhoXr671AoeVBywRht6qcIl6kdo9B6p_D1NCSnuO5b3R9qTc$) that the world faces a climate emergency, so geoengineering is an appropriate and “important technical reserve in the future, and has strategic significance related to global climate security.” It would therefore be a mistake to “blindly reject” geoengineering for political reasons. In 2013, she published a [paper](https://urldefense.com/v3/__http:/www.xml-data.org/KXYSH/html/4659e20d-1727-4a10-ac77-996e38209aba.htm__;!!IBzWLUs!WxH-9Tk9Bv3W9wV2G21HTuSXdPW4fjIpMkc6yVUIcsNEhoXr671AoeVBywRht6qcIl6kdo9B6p_D1NCSnuO5EqdqQOE$) calling on China to “systematically deploy geoengineering research” on SRM. Two years later, China’s first research project on the subject was [launched](https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/chinadialogue.net/en/climate/how-to-supervise-geoengineering/__;!!IBzWLUs!WxH-9Tk9Bv3W9wV2G21HTuSXdPW4fjIpMkc6yVUIcsNEhoXr671AoeVBywRht6qcIl6kdo9B6p_D1NCSnuO5PpkK4nw$), in a joint venture between Beijing Normal University, Zhejiang University, and Chen’s own Chinese Academy of Sciences.
Chen believes that China has no choice but to keep up with Western powers in geoengineering research. This is largely because, as long as the United States and other Western countries are at the cutting edge of research and China is not. As Chen writes, “China’s voice is barely heard in international discussions on international governance.”
Chen is seriously concerned that China’s geopolitical rivals, particularly the U.S. military, could use geoengineering as a weapon. “China must remain vigilant to avoid the use of militarized logic by some countries to unilaterally deploy SAI to ensure its own climate security while threatening the security of other countries,” she [notes](https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/www.cssd1992.org/files/8qmVYclvJnRojilizOT1_**6.pdf__;5Zyw55CD5bel56iL55qE5YWo55CD5rK755CG77ya55CG6K6644CB5qGG5p625LiO5Lit5Zu95bqU5a-5!!IBzWLUs!WxH-9Tk9Bv3W9wV2G21HTuSXdPW4fjIpMkc6yVUIcsNEhoXr671AoeVBywRht6qcIl6kdo9B6p_D1NCSnuO5agYA-b4$) in one essay, observing that the U.S. military, intelligence, and foreign-policy making communities are all exploring the technology. In the worst case, she argues, other countries (presumably the United States) could use the technology to “maintain their hegemony” and, in the process, “exacerbate or create new international tensions and threaten global security.” To manage the risk, she thinks China must work to establish multilateral institutions to govern research and deployment. This is a technology that “requires great caution and a strict regulatory system,” the sort that can work only if it is global in nature and anchored in a common understanding between China and the West.
Yet Chen and her various co-authors seem keenly aware that China’s own geoengineering research efforts could be misperceived. “Even small-scale outdoor scientific experiments are sensitive and easily attract international attention or even misunderstanding,” she notes. Particularly relevant here is [weather modification](https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6889077/__;!!IBzWLUs!WxH-9Tk9Bv3W9wV2G21HTuSXdPW4fjIpMkc6yVUIcsNEhoXr671AoeVBywRht6qcIl6kdo9B6p_D1NCSnuO5Atm3dcQ$), the practice of spraying chemicals into the air to increase rainfall in times of water shortages.
Weather modification typically has much narrower effects than those envisioned by SAI, since it disperses the particles at lower altitudes and affects rainfall only in specific regions. The technology was invented in the United States, and many countries deploy it at a smaller scale. Yet China for the last six decades has been the most enthusiastic practitioner of weather modification, which it uses to manage rainfall for agricultural purposes. The country has large government agencies, employing tens of thousands of people, [dedicated](https://urldefense.com/v3/__http:/bj.cma.gov.cn/zfxxgk/zwgk/czzj/bmyjsxx/202109/t20210916_3820357.html__;!!IBzWLUs!WxH-9Tk9Bv3W9wV2G21HTuSXdPW4fjIpMkc6yVUIcsNEhoXr671AoeVBywRht6qcIl6kdo9B6p_D1NCSnuO5-kVWrt0$) to the practice. Some American [commentators](https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/www.wilsoncenter.org/article/without-attention-geoengineering-could-upend-foreign-policy__;!!IBzWLUs!WxH-9Tk9Bv3W9wV2G21HTuSXdPW4fjIpMkc6yVUIcsNEhoXr671AoeVBywRht6qcIl6kdo9B6p_D1NCSnuO5BVbJ_Sk$) believe it is just one small step for China to unilaterally deploy SAI. Chen for one believes that China must urgently do more to “clarify that artificially influenced weather is fundamentally different from SRM” to “avoid intentional or unintentional confusion by some Western countries.”
---
Engaging Beijing in geoengineering governance should proceed on three fronts. The first is to include Chinese scientists in multinational dialogues on responsible geoengineering research. Several countries, including Australia and the United States, have initiated practical geoengineering research programs, but none appear to include China. Doing so would nonetheless carry scientific as well as diplomatic value. Chinese scientists have [considerable expertise](https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/www.technologyreview.com/2022/03/28/1048275/scientists-advance-cloud-seeding-capabilities-with-nanotechnology/*:*:text=Dr.-,Zou*20leads*20a*20groundbreaking*20research*20project*20using*20nanotechnology*20to*20develop,and*20accelerate*20the*20condensation*20process.__;I34lJSUlJSUlJSUlJSUl!!IBzWLUs!WxH-9Tk9Bv3W9wV2G21HTuSXdPW4fjIpMkc6yVUIcsNEhoXr671AoeVBywRht6qcIl6kdo9B6p_D1NCSnuO5o3-3etk$) in the technologies that might support advanced geoengineering interventions.
The second step is for Washington to engage Beijing directly on geoengineering governance. Doing so would require navigating the growing breach in bilateral relations, but the dire state of the world’s climate, including China’s record-setting recent [heat wave](https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/www.newsecuritybeat.org/2022/09/chinas-heatwave-hell-tells-future-climate-action/__;!!IBzWLUs!WxH-9Tk9Bv3W9wV2G21HTuSXdPW4fjIpMkc6yVUIcsNEhoXr671AoeVBywRht6qcIl6kdo9B6p_D1NCSnuO5mx-HQtE$), provides an entry point to doing so. The focus of discussions should be on enforcement mechanisms for an international agreement on geoengineering. This engagement should also aim to restore broader dialogue on climate change and, in particular, a focus on adaptation.
A third and final priority is to involve Beijing in high-level, multilateral talks on specific rules to constrain geoengineering development and deployment as well as compensation for those countries negatively affected. These rules should address practical questions like overflight rights for SAI as well as creating [special funds](https://www.epfl.ch/research/domains/irgc/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/IRGC2020-International-governance-issues-on-climate-engineering-Information-for-policymakers.pdf) for countries and regions negatively impacted by depressed rainfall or other effects of geoengineering.
If SAI is [technically viable](https://www.thewirechina.com/2022/12/18/u-s-china-geoengineering/), which many experts believe it to be, then it is only a matter of time until some state or nonstate actor is tempted to deploy it unilaterally. If U.S.-China climate diplomacy remains stalemated, this moment might come sooner than most observers expect. Both countries owe it to each other—and the world—to begin discussions now to prevent this world-altering risk from being realized.
---
### [Beijing’s Lean Into Moscow](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/beijings-lean-into-moscow/)
**Published:** March 20, 2023
**Author:** wpengine
**Content:**
Fifteen years ago, as deputy assistant secretary of state for South and Central Asia, I watched Beijing’s ambivalent response to Moscow’s dry run for its current war in Ukraine. When Moscow invaded Georgia in 2008 and detached two regions, Abkhazia and South Ossetia, it attempted to rally support from China and Central Asian members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. But then president Dmitri Medvedev had little success—not least because the precedent of hiving off parts of sovereign states risked, from Beijing’s perspective, undercutting its claim to be “sovereign” over Taiwan.
Fast forward to 2023. On Monday morning, Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Moscow at a different time and in a different world. Strategically, Beijing is preoccupied with the United States, which Xi has publicly alleged aims to “contain, surround and block, and suppress” (遏制, 围堵, 打压) China. In this context, Russia is not the only country that shares Beijing’s ambivalence about American foreign policy and Washington’s frequent use of economic levers, but it is the only sizeable one. On numerous issues, from data sovereignty to the use of unilateral sanctions, Beijing and Moscow are broadly in agreement and seek to alter elements of the international system. Therefore, despite Moscow’s brutal invasion of Ukraine and claimed “annexation” of four Ukrainian regions over the past year, Beijing has leaned into its partnership with Russia, which Xi, in a piece published Monday in Russian-language media, describes as anchored by a “vision of lasting friendship.”
So, despite a recent Chinese position paper that seeks to present Beijing as a prospective arbiter of peace in Ukraine, no one should expect Xi to impose conditions on President Vladimir Putin or Russia. Nor should anyone expect a substantive diplomatic initiative with new points beyond the positions that Beijing has offered to date. These positions are, broadly speaking, friendly to Moscow’s view, which is precisely why Putin unsurprisingly told Xi at a meeting on Monday in the Kremlin that he would be “happy to discuss” them.
To be sure, Beijing is working hard to create a perception of balance. But in doing so, it is playing primarily to a few audiences while ignoring the United States: Ukraine, Russia, the Global South, and, to a much lesser extent, Europe.
First, Ukraine. Beijing has teased that Xi will soon place a phone call to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. If he does so, it will be the first time Xi will have bothered to attempt to talk to him for the entirety of the war. And if Beijing were truly interested in brokering a peace, it would have put at least an iota of effort into its relationship with Kyiv over the past thirteen months.
So why call Zelenskyy? Putting Ukraine’s perspectives to the side, it is, from Beijing’s vantage point, in part a way to maintain the reputational illusion of balance—and to reap the strategic and diplomatic benefits of that with third parties around the world, especially in the Global South.
Beijing probably bets that it has some running room with Kyiv, which has been reluctant, not surprisingly, to bluntly criticize China over the past year. Beijing may calculate that Kyiv may someday look to Chinese capital for reconstruction assistance, given the scope and scale of the required rebuild.
More important, Beijing is playing to the many countries around the world, from Southeast Asia to Latin America, that are less invested in the outcome of the war in Ukraine. These audiences cluster in the Global South, which has proven to be fertile ground for Chinese diplomacy. Beijing may bet that these countries will openly express reassurance that China is a “productive” player in brokering an end to the war. Indeed, many of them have welcomed the Chinese position paper and may even praise Beijing for its efforts. Just take President Lula da Silva in Brazil as an example: he has called for China to become more involved in brokering peace and has floated his own plan that includes a role for China.
Then there is Europe, with which Beijing had hoped to improve relations in 2023, in part to backfoot Washington’s efforts. The Chinese can have no illusions about how badly they are faring now in Europe: Beijing will not abandon Moscow, and Moscow will not abandon its war in Ukraine, so Putin’s war is an albatross around Beijing’s neck with European capitals. But not everyone in Europe has criticized the Chinese position paper, despite sharp critiques from European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. So long as there are Europeans, such as French President Emmanuel Macron, who *themselves* nurture hopes to mediate a peace, even the tiniest Chinese fig leaf with Ukraine can hardly hurt with Europe, even if it does not help perceptions or relations very much.
As for Russia, the Chinese are surely betting that Putin will welcome Beijing’s outreach to Kyiv. In fact, Wang Yi, the director of the Communist Party’s central foreign affairs commission, likely precooked China’s outreach plan with Russia’s Security Council secretary Nikolai Patrushev when they met in Moscow on February 22. Putin has no reason to doubt Chinese support for him or his regime at the strategic level, even if there are differences at the tactical and operational level. Prospective Chinese outreach to Ukraine does nothing to make Putin worry that he is at risk of losing his key partner. Instead, it potentially *helps* him to the extent that it bolsters Chinese credibility around the world and gives China greater space to lawyer his case.
Finally, Beijing will likely ignore American sniping, such as the comments this week from White House spokesperson John Kirby dismissing China’s effort to present itself as a potential peacemaker, especially, he implied, a possible Chinese call for a “ceasefire” that would freeze and thus solidify Russian gains on the battlefield. Beijing will have already concluded that Washington will dismiss *any* Chinese diplomatic activity as performative—a kind of Peking opera. But the Americans are not China’s audience, so Beijing likely does not much care what Washington thinks. Instead, they will be calculating that Washington will not only give them zero credit for whatever they do but will probably try to rally Europe against them. (This was a widespread—and unfair, in my view—Chinese perception of what happened at the Munich Security Conference last month, when Secretary of State Antony Blinken publicly criticized China and preemptively warned it for apparently weighing lethal support for Moscow.) Beijing is playing not to the United States but to Ukraine, Russia, and especially the rest of the world.
As Xi’s public remarks about Washington make clear, Beijing’s principal focus in the world today—and its perception of its principal strategic problem—is the United States. China’s Communist leaders argue internally and publicly that the United States is the only country in the world that *actively* aims and has the capability to frustrate China’s interests—security, developmental, technological, and political. For that purpose, a constructive relationship with Moscow, which shares China’s skepticism of nearly every aspect of American foreign policy, is necessary.
Of course, partnership with Putin’s Russia is not cost-free, since Beijing pays a price reputationally, with Europe in particular. But partnership with the albatross in Moscow will pay dividends for China, too. After all, Beijing will hardly come away from Xi’s visit empty-handed for having enabled Putin. It will win contracts, assure Russia’s enduring economic dependence on China, and link the two countries’ resource producing and consuming sectors more closely together.
---
### [NEXTChina '23 - Beyond Security: Revamping U.S. Engagement in the Asia-Pacific with Evan Feigenbaum](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/nextchina-23-beyond-security-revamping-u-s-engagement-in-the-asia-pacific-with-evan-feigenbaum/)
**Published:** November 10, 2023
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
You can’t understand the world without understanding China. The China Project will take you there. [Evan Feigenbaum](https://wwsg.com/speakers/evan-feigenbaum) joins NEXTChina for a fireside chat.
---
### [U.S. needs to exert influence in ASEAN beyond just military leadership, think tank says](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/u-s-needs-to-exert-influence/)
**Published:** September 6, 2023
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
The U.S. military’s role in Southeast Asia is ‘not in jeopardy’ because many countries are afraid of China, says Evan Feigenbaum, a vice president for studies at Carnegie Endowment for International peace in Washington, D.C.
---
### [Former US diplomat discusses Xi’s no-show at G20 Summit and US’ lopsided ASEAN strategy](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/former-us-diplomat-discusses-xis-no-show-at-g20-summit-and-us-lopsided-asean-strategy/)
**Published:** September 6, 2023
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
Evan Feigenbaum from Carnegie Endowment for International Peace says if the Chinese president skips the APEC meeting later in the year, then it means something is preventing him from attending multilateral meetings.
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### [State of Asia with Evan Feigenbaum](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/state-of-asia-with-evan-feigenbaum/)
**Published:** July 4, 2023
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
### On security narcissism, Asian rules, and Europe’s absent Asia policy.
---
### [China and the Ukraine War one year after the invasion, with Evan Feigenbaum and Alexander Gabuev](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/china-and-the-ukraine-war-one-year-after-the-invasion-with-evan-feigenbaum-and-alexander-gabuev/)
**Published:** February 24, 2023
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
Transcript:
**Kaiser Kuo**: Welcome to the Sinica Podcast, a weekly discussion of current affairs in China, produced in partnership with The China Project. Subscribe to Access from The China Project to get, well, access. Access to, not only our great daily newsletter, but to all the original writing on our website at [thechinaproject.com](https://thechinaproject.com/2023/02/23/china-and-the-ukraine-war-one-year-after-the-invasion/%5CUsers%5Cjacks%5CAppData%5CLocal%5CMicrosoft%5CWindows%5CINetCache%5CContent.Outlook%5CL9J0TLVI%5Cthechinaproject.com). We’ve got reported stories, essays and editorials, great explainers and trackers, regular columns, and of course, a growing library of podcasts. We cover everything from China’s fraught foreign relations to its ingenious entrepreneurs, from the ongoing repression of Uyghurs and other Muslim peoples in China’s Xinjiang region, to Beijing’s ambitious plans to shift the Chinese economy onto a post-carbon footing. It’s a feast of business, political, and cultural news about a nation that is reshaping the world. We cover China with neither fear nor favor.
I’m Kaiser Kuo, coming to you from Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
It’s now been a year since Vladimir Putin launched his unprovoked war against Ukraine on February 24th, 2022. For several weeks after the invasion, I focused the show’s attention on what the war met for China, how Beijing viewed the unfolding events, how its relationship with the U.S. and its European allies would be affected, and much more. The series started with a conversation with Evan Feigenbaum, who can always be counted on for deeply informed and tightly delivered sense making. Today, I welcome Evan back to revisit China and the Ukraine War, a year on. But today I get a twofer, as one of Evan’s colleagues who specializes in China and Russia, Sasha Gabuev, also joins us. First, let me reintroduce Evan.
Evan Feigenbaum is Vice President for studies at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, where he oversees research in Washington, Beijing, and New Delhi on a dynamic region encompassing both East Asia and South Asia. He served as Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs under Condoleezza Rice during the second Bush 43 administration and as Vice Chairman of the Paulson Institute before joining Carnegie. Evan, welcome back, man. How are you?
**Evan Feigenbaum**: Hey, I’m fine. Good to be with you as always.
**Kaiser**: Yeah, thanks. I’m also delighted to welcome Alexander Gabuev — Sasha, who is a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment, where he leads a team that was originally at the Carnegie Moscow Center, but which was forced to close by the Kremlin in early 2022. And that was after nearly three decades of operations. So, he’s now based in the UK. Sasha has been writing prolifically on this very topic, and we are very lucky to be able to have him with us today. So, a warm welcome to you, Sasha.
**Alexander Gabuev**: Thanks, and pleasure being with you.
**Kaiser**: Great. Let me put my first question to Evan. So, how has your thinking changed or been refined over the course of this first year when it comes to China’s position in the conflict? Has anything surprised you or has Beijing’s behavior basically conformed to your expectations?
**Evan**: I think broadly speaking, it’s conformed to my expectations, but one thing that’s changed is that U.S.-China relations, which were already deteriorating in early 2022, have deteriorated even further across a whole array of dimensions in ways that I think explain some of China’s thinking and also some of China’s choices. If you rewind, Kaiser, to the conversation we had really, just within a few weeks of the war starting in February, 2022, I said to you that Beijing’s basic problem was that it was trying to reconcile interests that were fundamentally irreconcilable. At the strategic level, they had a partnership with Russia that was focused heavily on the United States and on a shared interest in counterbalancing American power, antipathy to American foreign policy, and back footing American foreign policy where they could, both in international institutions and in various regions around the world.
But then second, China had these principles of supposed commitment to sovereignty and non-interference in internal affairs of other countries. Then third, and perhaps most importantly, China’s a major trading and investing power. And so, it had a very strong interest in assuring global market access. So, the problem they faced, and the reason I called them irreconcilable interests was that the more they leaned into their partnership with Russia, the more, quite intuitively, they would paint the sanctions target on their back. And conversely, the more they complied with sanctions, the more Mr. Putin would be dissatisfied with the nature, intensity, and velocity of his developing relationship with China. So, they performed what I predicted would be a kind of straddle, and I called it the Beijing straddle, where they would tack uncomfortably between these.
And that’s basically what’s happened. But I think it’s worth noting that U.S.-China relations have deteriorated even further. We just had this balloon incident last week where we see that even when the Secretary of State is set to go off to Beijing to hold talks at the very highest level, there’s so much antipathy between the U.S. and China that, I think from Beijing’s perspective, hanging on at the strategic level to a partnership with a country that also has an interest in counterbalancing the United States, that shares American, as I said, antipathy to American foreign policy, whatever Beijing’s tactical objectives, that remains valuable to them at the strategic level.
So, I think they’ll continue in various ways, not just to straddle, but to lean a little harder into that relationship with Moscow. And it may surprise us over the next year in ways that probably defy what we think is moral or logical, but make certain sense in the calculus of Chinese foreign policy.
**Kaiser**: Sasha, 抱团取暖 (*bàotuánqǔnuǎn*) is one way I’ve heard Chinese colleagues and analysts describe China’s attitude toward Russia, that they huddle together to keep warm as both feel that they’re sort of locked on the outside by a West that is implacably hostile to Russia and moving in that direction when it comes to China. Implicit in this is that there’s not a lot of love lost between China and Russia to begin with. They’re only doing it for the warmth. Does that description strike you as accurate?
**Sasha**: I think it’s pretty accurate. There is not that much emotion in this relationship. There are no shared values unless you would call natural cynicism a shared value between Russia and China, and love for bunny corruption and nice life for senior officials. But this relationship is very pragmatic. It’s partly haunted by history. It’s very asymmetric and increasingly asymmetric, where China has so much more leverage. And as we speak, China’s leverage in this relationship grows. Russia knows that. There is indeed no love lost, but the relationship, despite being asymmetric and despite being more favorable to China than it is for Russia, it’s still mutually beneficial. They share a colossal continental border that used to be a waste in terms of resources and a major security challenge for both the Soviet Union and China during the Sino-Soviet Split. And when the two pragmatic leaderships arrived at the helm of the Kremlin and Zhongnanhai in mid ‘80s, Dèng Xiǎopíng 邓小平 and Gorbachev decided that, “hey, it’s not worth it.” Let’s set the relationship on a path for resolving the long-standing territorial conflict and turn resources elsewhere, could be domestic, modernization, or even the military resources of the PLA and the Soviet army could be focused elsewhere.
The economies are mutually complementary. And then inside the UN Security Council permanent members group, these are only two authoritarian states that naturally have so many overlaps on the global agenda, be it storage of data, sovereignty on the internet, responsibility to protect, so many issues when Russia and China are naturally finding themselves in one bed.
**Kaiser**: Yeah, yeah. Yeah. Look, there’s been this assumption for a long time that in this strategic condominium between Russia and China, in so far as there has been one that, as you said, China has the leverage. China is the senior partner; Russia is the junior partner. You argue that in a piece that you wrote in Foreign Affairs that was published back in August of last year that especially a weakened Russia coming out of this conflict is going to be effectively a vassal state of China. I think I’m oversimplifying, but I think that’s what you argued. But there’s something that Susan Thornton once said to me that has stuck with me, and I wonder what you guys think of this. And that is that, despite that obvious economic disparity between them, it’s actually Russia that’s been leading China around by the nose, as it were, just because it’s so disruptive and so unpredictable as an actor that it does seem to act as a spoiler and has just such a greater appetite for risk that it keeps its partner very much off balance and, as I said, ends up kind of leading it around. To what extent is there truth to that at all? I mean, and either of you could please jump in.
**Sasha**: I hear the description from the Chinese colleagues that Russian foreign policy is a typhoon, it’s a natural disaster. You cannot control it. You can adapt to it and then use some of the fallouts to your advantage. Like put the wind farms at the edge of this typhoon and use them to generate electricity.
**Kaiser**: That’s what I was thinking. Yeah.
**Sasha**: I think that the general view in Beijing that Russia acts irrationally, if Russia wanted to keep Ukraine in its sphere of influence, chopping off Crimea and moving two millions of pro-Russian voters into Russia was a stupid move. Alienating the West and inviting sanctions was a stupid move. I think it’s the way that China and Russia build out their equities and toolbox for being a great power. I think China understands that it’s really the economy and the technology is the key. The military capabilities matter, but you need to build a robust economic fundamentals like being very Marxist in that, and then move up the layers of technology, and really dominate the cutting-edge technology that would have military applications as well. Russia doesn’t do much to diversify its economy and became a kind…
**Kaiser**: Petrostate.
**Sasha**: … 21st-century economy. So, Russia punches above its weight using the tools that it has, which is military, and before the invasion, Russia believed that it has very strong conventional capabilities, some of the cyber, and just this ability to concentrate the resources and go after the goal that the Kremlin deems is important. And that’s definitely very different from what China does, in my view.
**Evan**: Yeah. If I could add to that, I mean, I think if you want to run that proposition that it’s Russia leading China by the nose, you have to put that to the test beyond just places like Ukraine, where Russia has disproportionate sets of tools that it can lean on, including military tools. If you look at other parts of the world, let’s take the Middle East as one example, or let’s take Africa as in another example, where Russian proxies have been active, where Russia has begun to return, in a sense, to playing a more global role, there is no synergy between the way Russia is pursuing its roles in those regions. And the play that China is extending to advance its own influence, I mean, I think about the Chinese play in Africa, it’s to be a trader, it’s to be a builder, it’s to be a lender, it’s to be an investor.
And because countries in those regions are focused disproportionately on their own interests, which, as you and I discussed last time, begin and end with growth, employment, upskilling, sustainability, innovation, and opportunity, China has advanced its influence in regions like Africa and the Middle East by pursuing and then putting forth an offering that tries, in China’s own way, to speak to that set of local agendas. That’s how China advances its influence. That is not at all how Russia has advanced its influence in Africa or the Middle East or anywhere else. Number one, because that’s not the Russian play. Number two, because Russia doesn’t have any offering, much less a complimentary offering. And so, it’s actually China pursuing its interest in a self-interested way that reflects the toolkit that I think Beijing has calculated can be most effective in advancing Chinese interests in these regions.
That has nothing to do with not only Russia “leading,” but it doesn’t even have China and Russia really in synergy, except at the most macro possible level, as I said, to the extent that they could backfoot Washington and provide some kind of alternatives. But I just see China as a much more salient actor globally, and I just see the toolkit as being much more strategically attuned to what governments, firms, financial markets, and ultimately people in these regions are looking for. And so, I don’t see Russia and China on the same page, much less Russia leading China around.
**Kaiser**: Very good. Evan, just staying with you for a second, you’ve pushed back pretty hard on people who’ve tried to take a more charitable view of Beijing’s position. I like your coinage — the Beijing straddle. You’ve also said pro-Russian neutrality, which I think I’ve often borrowed and used from you. If China hasn’t been supplying Russia with war material and hasn’t brazenly violated sanctions, aside from rhetorical support for the Russian position that NATO expansion represented a genuine legitimate security threat that maybe should have been taken more seriously, what are the ways in which Beijing has actually gone to bat meaningfully for Russia since the invasion? Is it just in the UN? What’s Beijing done concretely?
**Evan**: Well, first of all, there’s been some reporting recently, including in the Wall Street Journal and elsewhere that suggests that China’s posture, including on enterprises, selling things to Russia that may have some military salience may be changing. That’s something that we’re going to have to keep an eye on.
**Kaiser**: Sure.
**Evan**: But generally speaking, my view has been that China’s a very self-interested power. And so, the alpha and omega of China’s approach to Russia is what’s good for China, not necessarily what’s good for Russia. In the first instance, China has no interest in being a Russian proxy. And so, if you begin with the presumption that support for Russia means carrying Russian water and being a proxy, then yeah, I guess China’s not supporting Russia. But that’s not the correct standard to apply. I think because China is self-interested, what they’ve tried to do is to be supportive of Russia at the strategic level while minimizing support to Russia at the tactical and operational level, except in areas where China has a self-interest and can, not to put too fine a point on it, get away with it within the ambit of the Transatlantic and broader sanctions coalition.
Essentially, China’s trying to have its cake and eat it too. So, what have they done to support Russia? They have number one, endorsed Russia’s rationales for the conflict, and they have done it using Russian language and often amplifying what I view as Russian disinformation. We’ve heard even official Chinese spokesman run with these theories about supposed western bioweapons labs in Ukraine. That’s a talking point that China lifted from their friends in Moscow. They did not invent it in Beijing. Likewise, they’ve talked incessantly about NATO expansion being the rationale for how Russia views this, calling the United States and NATO the culprits —never fingering Russian aggression as the culprit.
They have, as you said, coordinated with Moscow diplomatically, including in United Nations votes. They have taken full advantage of discounted Russian oil. They’re not the only player to do that. Others have done that. But nonetheless, that has enabled Russia in some ways. And above all, they’ve enhanced economic linkages to Russia that do not violate Western sanctions. China-Russia trade actually rose in 2022 to 190 billion, which Sasha, you correct me if I’m wrong, I think that is actually a record, and it’s pretty staggering. That’s a 34.3% increase. So, if China were interested in showcasing its disapproval or of projecting opprobrium onto Russia’s actions, it would not be basically looking for every conceivable seam in here to basically have its cake and eat it. So, that’s what I see happening, and I think, as I said, that has a lot to do with what Sasha talked about, where there’s synergy between Chinese and Russian objectives. But also I do think it has a lot to do with trying to deal with a larger problem.
**Sasha**: I would put it in a somewhat different way. I agree with what Evan just said. I think that the thinking in Beijing goes this way: “Okay, let’s imagine we can throw our dear friend, Vladimir, under the bus. We join the sanctions. We maybe introduce sanctions of our own. We abandon Russian oil, Russian gas, and support Western gold in choking off the Putin’s war machine.” Does it really lead to fundamental improvements in China-U.S. ties? Will the U.S. say, “Oh, we were so wrong about China”?
**Kaiser**: They conclude, no.
**Sasha**: I think that their assessment is that yes, it might improve something, but we do not remove the deep sources of U.S.-China competition, which are entirely different.
**Evan**: Right. I want to circle back to where we started with your first question to me, which was the role of the United States in this, because the reality is, at the beginning of the war in February, March, April, 2022, I had umpteen conversations with people in China where they said, “Oh, we know what your game is. You’re going to deal with this Ukraine thing. And once you clear that away, we know you’re just going to come back and focus on us.” To Sasha’s point, we’ve all heard from Chinese who’ve said, “We know what your number one priority is, and in fact, we’re not stupid. We read your national documents. China is the “pacing threat,” the pacing challenge. Basically securitizing every and all aspect of U.S.-China relations. That’s your game. We’re realist. We understand that. So, what’s in it for us, other than to play the defensive game of avoiding painting a sanctions target on our back, for us to be perceived as enabling the pressure that you’re putting on Russia?”
That’s point number one. Point number two, to Sasha’s point, there is nothing I think that many people, particularly the more hawkish people in Beijing, think that they will gain in terms of broad scope improvements in U.S.-China relations from providing that kind of support to the Western coalition on Russia.
**Kaiser:** Not long after I had you on the show, Evan, just under a year ago, I had Maria Repnikova on, and one of the things that she said, and then she went on to argue in some pieces that she wrote, was that for China, it was never really about Russia and Ukraine, but ultimately about the United States. This seems to be very much in line with what you’ve said. I want to turn to Sasha here. You had this excellent thread on Twitter back in January that was inspired, it seems, by the Financial Times. This big piece looking at a potential Chinese foreign policy shift, and you laid out various pieces of evidence that Beijing clearly wanted to put out there to persuade Western observers that such a shift might be underway in the post Party Congress period.
Let’s go over this supposed evidence first. We have off the record remarks reported by the FT. You have a key foreign ministry appointment and a surprising demotion actually, and so forth. So, one of the talking points coming out of these background and off the record remarks is that Xí Jìnpíng 习近平 did not know of Putin’s plans for an invasion. I had actually argued this right after February 24th. I got a lot of pushback on this, though I never quite changed my mind about it. Seeing as China had no plan in place for an evacuation, I thought that was a pretty strong piece of evidence. A lot of citizens in Ukraine and no plan. And because this had been confirmed to me by unnamed Chinese diplomats that I had spoken to, they were absolutely insistent that China had not been read in. So, you seem to agree with this claim — Putin simply never told him in their February 4th meeting in Beijing. And your thread from January notes that Putin didn’t even tell his own prime minister or the governor of Russia Central Bank either.
And what’s more, you suggest that we have tended, I think, here in the West, to read too much into this no-limit partnership that Russians and Chinese understand this as just words. Can you expand on this a little bit?
**Sasha**: I think that Xi Jinping, indeed, we don’t have any evidence to suggest that he knew beforehand the scope and the magnitude of Russian invasion. Based on what I know, there was a very polite discussion just dancing around the subject. And the key goal on the Chinese side was to get some form of assurances that nothing will happen during the Olympics. The Chinese intelligence officers, their experts, their diplomats were asking around, reaching to multiple sources in Russia, including myself. And then all the time, when I try to explain to my Chinese colleagues and friends that, “Hey, the invasion is very likely, and these are the building blocks,” the Chinese colleagues, even the Russia watchers were all the time very dismissive. “Because, they said, “it’s just so stupid.” The downsides, even if the guy is successful, even if he takes Ukraine, even if he captures Kyiv in four days.”
“But that galvanizes NATO, that involves sanctions, that invites terrorist attacks on Russia’s home turf, because there will be Ukrainian patriots who will blow up metro cars in downtown Moscow. There are so many downsides. Why would he do that? He’s a rational man.” And that’s an overestimate where the Chinese just don’t understand the emotional nature of Vladimir Putin and the terrible, terrible experience that he had during COVID isolation, reading terrible Russian books on history and sitting with his files and playing ice hockey with his bodyguards. But here is one thing that when they say that Xi Jinping didn’t know anything, I think that’s a reality. The other part is that China had this narrative initially that Evan mentioned. They supported the Russian talking points, the biolabs, the justified Russian security concerns. War is terrible, and we stand by Ukrainian territorial integrity and sovereignty, but by the way, it’s your, America’s, fault to bring hostile alliances to the doorsteps of your peer competitors. So, it’s your fault, and you go fix it.
I think that we see that around August, this discussion gradually evaporated from the briefings of the MFA, and then the tone of the official commentary became much more neutral, civilized, much more fact-based, and not that much pointing to the blame of the West. Then these diplomats who spoke to Western journalists, including the FT team, were trying to frame it that, “oh, we are not with the Russians.” But then, as you know, you need to 听其言而观其行 (*tīngqíyán ér guānqíxíng*), so you need to listen to the narrative, but also watch the actions.
**Kaiser**: Their behavior. Yeah.
**Sasha**: And the actions, the trade figures that Evan just mentioned, and it’s not only that the Russian exports to China grew because of the volumes and because of the high commodity prices, but also Chinese exports to Russia have grown. For example, we have now only 14 brands of cars in Russia. Three are Russian brands and 11 are Chinese. So, there is no legal way to buy a BMW or Volkswagen, but everything, everything you can imagine is just there half all and stuff. I think that the actions show that China very much gets the benefit of this relationship and very much gets the benefit of having more and more leverage.
**Kaiser**: Sasha, what do you make of the demotion of Lè Yùchéng 乐玉成, I mean, he’s now just the Deputy Minister at the National Radio Intelligent Administration. It’s the successor to the state administration of radio, film, and television. That’s a gigantic demotion. Is that words or is that action?
**Sasha**: We don’t know. I don’t think that the MFA in the Chinese system plays an important role when it comes to the assessment of what Russia will and won’t do. If that’s a demotion because he couldn’t predict the Russians behavior, I think that there should be a lot of hats flying in the Ministry of State Security.
**Kaiser**: Sure.
**Sasha**: And then Wang Yi and many others who had, all the time, talked to their most senior Russian counterparts. Problem is that their counterparts also didn’t know that it’s going to happen. I’m sure that Sergey Lavrov was, the Russian foreign minister, was not aware till the couple of days before the Security Council meeting in Russia that set the motion for war preparation, that this is actually his boss’s plan B is to invade Ukraine.
**Evan**: The question of what Putin told Xi has always amused me because the Chinese, of course, have had the courtesy, even to inform the United States in the past of their military actions. You may remember when Deng Xiaoping came to Washington in January, 1979, he had a meeting with President Carter, and they talked about Soviet influence in Vietnam. And Carter talked about supporting military embargo and sanctions and this, that, and the other. And Deng basically said to him, “It’s not enough, and we’re going to teach them a lesson.” He basically forewarned the United States that a big invasion was coming. So, it’s always amused me, this question, because there may be people in China who are old enough to remember that, who say, “Well, we had the courtesy to warn the United States.” So, it should have been that the government of Russia had the courtesy to warn its partner, which actually was ostensibly a closer partner than the United States was to China in 1979, but didn’t. So, in the historical context, it’s kind of interesting too.
**Kaiser**: Yeah, yeah. Sasha, you’ve argued that Beijing was dangling the possibility of a more distant relationship with Moscow as we’ve seen with Scholz. As you say, the words, the language that some Chinese officials used during that period, December, January, first, can you lay out what is the impression that Beijing seems to have wanted to project, and why does it want to project that impression? I mean, this seems at least to be deliberate. This is a coordinated change in the image that it seeks to project. What was the immediate outcome that it sought? Was this just trying to open a wedge between Europe, which has lost a lot of strategic autonomy in Beijing’s view, and the United States? What was it trying to do with those visits?
**Sasha**: I think that China was aware that the No Limits partnership phrase created a big impression, particularly on the officials, decision makers, and experts who have never tracked China-Russia relationship. And I think that there is a reality where the expertise and depth of knowledge goes in pendulum. I remember just being new to Carnegie eight years ago, coming to The White House during Obama era, and then people on both China and Russia’s side of the NSC would tell me, “Ah, not much there. That is not of interest of the United States of America if Russia wants to enslave itself to China and wants to become China’s junior partner. Zero national security implications for us.” And then during Trump, you would sometimes hear that, “Oh, this is the axis of two authoritarian regimes that just lock hands to bring down the U.S. rules-based order.”
I think that this administration has a pretty good sense of what’s actually going on. You talk to various officials, and I think that the depth of understanding of what Russia-China relationship is about is very much there in various corners of the government, be it the intelligence community, the Pentagon, State, NSC. And there are experts, and I’m blessed, being part of Carnegie family, where we have a lot of people who know a lot of stuff about China, Russia. But then in European capitals, this partnership with No Limits created a huge impression. And then China’s goal was to really correct this image. Because a lot of pompous statements that Putin and Xi Jinping pronounce are just hot air. This is part of political culture that’s not a genuine affinity or a pronouncement of a genuine alliance type of relationship, but something else. It serves a very different purpose. And it’s mostly directed at domestic audience, and is a signal to the U.S. that once you push us, we might go deeper into integration. So, offer us some carrots not to go that way.
**Kaiser**: Yeah. This is clearly aimed at Europe. I mean, that there’s a big piece of it, and you’ve argued that Beijing does have some leverage when it comes to the Europeans. They’ve experienced a really abrupt and quite impactful decoupling shock with Russia. They weren’t ready for that, and they’re certainly not ready for the same thing with China, especially with the recession looming. So, you think maybe China needs to dangle this idea that they might be able to restrain Russia in order to get European leaders to come back to the table, make deals? Is that the play?
**Sasha**: I think that there are delusions that the European policy makers entertain themselves, or they want to pitch it to domestic population in order to justify some very selfish, pragmatic economic outreach to China. For example, in Germany, two important drivers of German economic prosperity have been access to cheap natural resources from Russia, particularly gas, which was very important for gas chemical and glass industry in many other parts of German industry. And then, of course, the exposure to the Chinese market. One of these pillars is gone, maybe forever. I don’t imagine that even when the war is over, Europe will buy this large quantities of Russian whatever, oil and gas and fertilizers. So, losing the other pillar, when you remember back in December, we thought that the world is entering a very likely recession, we just don’t know what the magnitude will be, was a terrifying prospect given the level of exposure and dependency of Germany as a country, and then some big German firms to the Chinese market.
So if you want to go there, what Chancellor Scholz did, if you want to go there on your own, ignoring your friend, Emmanuel Macron, who suggested to go together as two major leaders of European Union, you want to jump on this train and go there alone before anybody else, you need a cover. You need to say that it’s not for the benefit of the German big companies, but it’s for a bigger purpose. And this bigger purpose seems to be Ukraine. So, I’m going to convince Xi Jinping to exercise more pressure on his friend, Vladimir Putin, and do something good for Ukraine. And he squeezed this wording from Xi Jinping that use of nuclear weapons are unacceptable. It’s in the German readout, not in the Chinese readout. And like, what would you expect? Would you expect Xi Jinping to say it’s okay to use nuclear weapons? It’s like…
**Kaiser**: Right, and it’s incredibly cost-free for China to say that, right?
**Sasha**: Absolutely. It’s like saying sky’s blue, grass is green, nuclear weapons are terrible, shouldn’t be used. Do Chinese believe that they have that much leverage to convince Mr. Putin not to use nuclear weapons? Is he feels compressed, like, I don’t know, Ukrainian army is entering Crimea, and he believes that his whole legacy and the security of him personally and his regime is based on idea to keep Crimea? We don’t know. Nobody knows. I know that Evan and my former boss, Bill Burns, who is now director of the CIA, is very worried about this. And he flew to Turkey to talk to the head of the Russian intelligence just about those risks. So, this is something very serious. Chinese know that. And given the lessons they learned about Putin’s emotionality, I’m not sure that they are 100% convinced they have the arguments to persuade Mr. Putin, but they definitely want to entertain this idea in front of their European counterparts in order to help to drive this wedge between the Europeans and Americans.
**Kaiser**: That makes a lot of sense. Speaking of Russia’s military performance, what do we know of Beijing’s assessment of how the Russian military has performed during the war? I mean, clearly, they have to conclude that it badly underperformed in the early months and has continued to pretty badly underperform. But has their assessment changed after Russian strategy shifted? And do CMC analysts or PLA brass think that the forthcoming offensive, I think we’re all pretty sure there’s an offensive in the works, might turn things around for Putin? Or do we simply not have any indication? I don’t know if either of you are privy to what we know of what Beijing knows or what Beijing thinks on this issue.
**Sasha**: I’m not a military analyst, but if we know that the U.S. government was wrong in assessing the Russian military capabilities, like people overestimated the ability of Russia to perform high efficiency military campaigns. They’ve watched Crimea annexation, they’ve watched Russian performance in Syria and said like, “Okay, it’s definitely not what the U.S. can do, but it’s impressive, and probably they will be able to do that in Ukraine.” I’m sure that the Chinese didn’t have a better insight in the Russian military than the Americans did. So, probably people overestimated. I heard that from a couple of Chinese colleagues who watched the Russian military, that they were also wrong and they were ascribing powers and efficiency to the Russian army, which were never there. Looking back, it’s easy to see why the Russian army was so corrupt and so undisciplined and so uncoordinated, but that’s looking at the hindsight.
**Kaiser**: Yeah. Evan, you have a brand new piece in Foreign Affairs that you co-authored with Adam Szubin, in which you examine what lessons China might have learned from the sanctions imposed on Russia. It’s a great piece. Our listeners should definitely read it as we can’t cover all the ground that you do in that piece here in the time left. But the way I see it, there’s both a deterrent effect, the sanctions have obvious teeth, certainly much more than I think that China had expected at the outset of the war. By the first weekend, it was clear, with a SWIFT ban and everything that was going on. And also, China has experienced pain from various types of sanctions, whether Entity Listing over Xinjiang or import bands of goods that have supply chains that may run through Xinjiang. And of course, the whole assortment of tech and especially chip-focused export bans.
And now not just from the U.S. but from allies like the Netherlands and Japan. But there’s also, I think, as you point out in this piece, an effort on Beijing’s part to learn how to cope with severe sanctions. I mean, if it did come to that. And also an effort to learn how to wield the economic weapon themselves. I guess my question to you, Evan, is, is Beijing deterred or does it feel like, if it came down to it, it would be able to not only survive, but also to put the herd on the U.S. and its allies as well?
**Evan**: Yeah. Well, thanks for referencing the piece. This is an article I wrote in foreign affairs with my friend, Adam Szubin, who used to be the under Secretary of the Treasury, but also, for nearly a decade, was the Head of the Office of Foreign Asset Control at Treasury, which makes him essentially the sanctioner-in-chief for the United States. So, he really knows the sanctions landscape and also what works and what doesn’t. I think we were trying to really convey three points. One is that China’s posture towards sanctions, in general, has changed quite a bit. And quite apart from these questions of Russia and Ukraine, it’s worth noting this because China has loathed sanctions for many, many years. And they have this in common, not just with Russia, but with India, with Saudi Arabia, with others. They loathe them because China views the UN Security Council as the principal source of legitimacy in the international system.
And the reality is, even though they’ve sanctioned lots of companies and countries implicitly without actually calling these things sanctions, they have now transitioned in their posture to actually copycatting the toolkit that people like Adam used to use at OFAC. For example, the commerce department has a so-called Entity List that the United States has used against companies like Huawei or to go after Chinese artificial intelligence companies. Guess what? The Ministry of Commerce in China now has its own mirror image instrument that they call the Unreliable Entities List.
… List to restrict designated companies from accessing Chinese goods and investments. So, it’s a mirror image. Same thing with the way they’ve drafted legislation. They complain incessantly about what they call the long-arm jurisdiction of American extraterritorial application of sanctions, but guess what? In the Hong Kong National Security Law and in the so-called Anti-Foreign Sanctions Law, China now says that it intends to hold people criminally liable for activities they undertake that Beijing believes are directed against China, even on foreign soil. So, they have built extraterritoriality into their own legislation. They have tried to create dual compliance problems for our companies. Article 29, Section 4 of the Hong Kong National Security Law makes it a violation of the law merely to implement foreign sanctions against China and Hong Kong. All of this shows that China has gone from loathing sanctions to actually embracing sanctions.
And even though it’s early innings and they haven’t pulled the trigger; this is now an instrument of Chinese foreign policy that Adam and I thought was worth bringing to people’s attention because they have learned from the best and they’ve learned from the masters. And we can expect that China, I think, will start to pull these triggers itself, which comes to your very direct question. One thing they’ve learned from watching the experience of Russia is that the United States and its partners are no longer just sanctioning marginal economies. For a long time, comprehensive sanctions campaigns were directed at second tier countries, third, fourth, fifth tier economies, places like Myanmar, Sudan, Iran. If you were sitting in Beijing, you could probably presume that if you were a major power with a hugely significant global economy, you were probably immune to this. And so, one point we wanted to make was that the ferocity of the sanctions campaign, which went into overdrive basically in the space of a weekend, the sanctions on Russia collapsed measures that took 18 months to impose on Iran into essentially a couple days.
Freezing up Russian reserves, asset freezes, all sorts of bans, trying to do price caps on Russian oil — the Chinese now have to expect that that’s coming at them in the event, for example, that they decide to attack Taiwan. And for that reason, they will be looking to try to mirror Russia’s approach in trying to sanctions-proof its economy. And the second point Adam and I wanted to make is that you can make your economy less vulnerable, but sanctions proofing in this era is almost impossible, even for an economy China’s size. That brings me to the last point, which is that countries don’t make decisions about war and peace based only on fear of sanctions. But at the end of the day, what the United States and China and others really have to be thinking about is the strength of international coalitions.
U.S. sanctions on Russia would’ve been ferocious even without the partners, but they are vastly more effective because the U.S. has a coalition. To go back to the discussion you just had with Sasha about China’s diplomacy with Europe, in the global south, around the world, China as part of a sanctions proofing, or at least campaign to make China less sanctions vulnerable, will be trying to drive wedges in the American effort to build a coalition for sanctions against China. And so, ultimately, the strength of the coalition, rather than just the wheel of American foreign policy or the force of the measures that the state foreign exchange regulator in China or others take, that’s ultimately going to determine the effectiveness of this.
**Kaiser**: And that’s what you conclude in your piece. That’s your concluding paragraph.
**Evan**: Yeah. So, I think what you can expect is the U.S. is going to try to be building a coalition over the next few years, anticipating Chinese aggression against Taiwan. And China’s diplomacy will be geared in part to trying to drive wages in these American coalitional approaches. That’s not all about sanctions proofing, A lot of it is about the direction of U.S.-China relations, but it may or may not have effects in terms of the effectiveness of the U.S. sanctions.
**Sasha**: And my impression is that the next two years or year and a half are important in their view because this administration in the U.S. is putting so much emphasis on the Transatlantic Cooperation on China, that if you are able to disrupt this while Biden is in power, you don’t know what the approach will be of the next administration. If you have somebody like Trump who doesn’t build the alliances that skillfully as this team does or many previous administration have done, you might have a bigger room to play. So, disrupting this right now is also important.
**Kaiser:** Right. So, Sasha, as you’ve said before in a previous interview that you did with James King of the FT, so far the U.S. only has sticks and has offered no carrots at all to China. What are some of the carrots it might consider offering? I mean, what could we be doing better to incentivize China to play a more constructive role, or at least to induce China and Chinese enterprises not to do things that effectively support Russian war efforts? What are some of the inducements, the positive inducements we might offer?
**Sasha**: I never heard any single U.S. official talking about carrots. I think that all of the conversation is really about the sticks. It’s really about the secondary sanctions or putting various threats in place that would create incentive for the Chinese companies not to circumvent the sanctions. And for now, we see that everybody who is in the global technology business, everybody whose supply chain is so dependent on American IP, American tech, American equipment, is really doing a lot of work to try to not violate the sanctions, at least not in a kind of open way. And the problem with the evidence that the U.S. government has and shares with journalists like the *Wall Street Journal* piece, is that a lot of this trade is between sanctioned Chinese entities like Poly Technologies, sanctioned Russian entities, Rosoboronexport. The trade is conducted in Chinese RMB, and it’s a trade that’s done overland somewhere in the Russian Far East, not necessarily using big port.
So, what is there to sanction? You can chase some parts of the networks that are not sanctioned, but most likely Russia and China will recreate them and these networks will be sanction proof. The question to the administration is, do you go after other parts of the Chinese economy and technology sector and say, “They are not involved in sanction violation, but we sanction them to make a point”? I think that the legal basis there is very questionable. So, there is not that much that can be done in order to course-correct the mil-to-mil industrial complexes ties in Russia and China. But then on everything else, everything which is civilian and dual use, and where the Chinese companies really still depend on U.S. tech, there are a lot of tools, but they’re are not carrots. There are mostly sticks.
**Kaiser**: But still we’re talking only about sticks and not carrots. I mean, Susan Shirk suggested on this program that we should be doing more. The United States should be doing more to acknowledge China’s sanctions compliance, and that, that might actually be a start that China might respond positively to at least that pat on the back. What do you think? Do you think that would have any effect whatsoever?
**Sasha**: I don’t think Chinese will be overly impressed with this, frankly. I think that the root cause of problem is that there is a firm belief in China that the bipartisan consensus in the U.S. views China as the major competitor, as the most terrible evil country on the planet Earth, or not, but it’s definitely there. And there is not that much that China can do to change this. So, you need to kind of mitigate and avoid worst-case scenarios and buy as much time of a healthy productive relationship with the U.S. but as much as you can, knowing that the end post is still conflict.
**Evan**: Yeah. If I could piggyback on that, I mean, I think where the Chinese are positioned now is that they think that the U.S.-China cake is increasingly baked. They’re not blind. They can see the direction of domestic politics in the United States around China. They can see the securitization of, even things that, as we’ve discussed on previous podcasts, Kaiser, used to be easy bankable things in the U.S.-China relationship, flows of capital, of people, of technology, of data. These things increasingly are being sanctioned, yes, for reasons that have nothing to do with what you and Sasha were just discussing, right? The U.S. is going after Chinese artificial intelligence companies. It’s adding people to the Entity List. This has nothing to do with Russia. This has to do with technology competition, with military-civil fusion, with things that are in the nature of China’s development model, the Chinese system, the way the U.S. views it, and the U.S.-China competition.
China’s strategy with the U.S. I think is largely defensive and is increasingly focused on avoiding the worst outcomes. That’s inclusive of what we just discussed on Russia, not trying to be in the crosshairs of sanctions. Now, the other part of the strategy is really, if you think the U.S.-China cake is baked, to focus instead on the rest of the world. I think when China surveys the rest of the world, it’s relationships in the global south are looking pretty good vis-à-vis the United States. And so, that makes the real playing field for U.S.-China competition and for the growing focus of Chinese diplomacy, basically Europe, industrial East Asia, and Australia. And it will have probably, you will have noticed that in the last few weeks, interesting things are happening in Chinese diplomacy. You mentioned that Chancellor Scholz went to Beijing at the end of last year.
I expect several European leaders to follow suit, potentially President Macron of France, Prime Minister Meloni of Italy. There’s a soft underbelly in Europe, the Hungarians. There’s plenty of other countries that don’t share the American view of China. And frankly, the bar is not that high for China because most of the lower-hanging fruit has already been picked. By lower-hanging fruit, I mean investment screening, common sense export controls that ringfence European technology, not just on national security grounds, but things that, for instance, the Germans think are central to their competitiveness. That’s stuff the U.S. and Europe are coordinated on. There was no investment screening several years ago in Europe.
As we move to the higher-hanging fruit, there are greater opportunities for China not to like pick those countries off from the United States, they’re American allies, but to complicate the calculations for the United States in its coalitional strategy. When you come to Australia, I think there’s no country more than Australia that has mirrored the American zeitgeist toward China over the last few years. But it’s clear that Prime Minister Albanese would like to go to China at some point. The trade minister Don Farrell just had a video conference with his MOFCOM counterpart, Chinese are beginning to roll back restrictions, self-imposed, on Australian coal, on lobsters. Wine is going to come next; you may see barley. That is all part of, I think, the flip side of Chinese diplomacy.
So, when I look at the next year, I think it’s actually going to be a very interesting year for Chinese diplomacy. And the fact that it coincides with China’s reopening when business deals become possible, foreign leaders are visiting Beijing again, Mr. Xi is traveling the world — he’s been to the Middle East, he’s been to Central Asia, he’s been to Southeast Asia. China has more than one leader that can travel the world, scattering promises of largess and investment around the world. I think this is going to be a very interesting year. And if I were the U.S., I would not be self-satisfied about the strength of the coalitions that have been built beyond the lower-hanging fruit.
**Kaiser**: Well, if you want to keep up with Chinese diplomatic movements across what promises to be a very interesting year, you know where to tune in. And I hope to have both of you back on the show to talk about that. First of all, thank you both. Evan Feigenbaum, Sasha Gabuev, thank you for taking so much time out of your busy schedules to speak with me. Stick around, we want to make some recommendations. But first, a very quick reminder that the Sinica Podcast is powered by the China Project. As I hope you know by now, I work very, very hard to bring you guys the smartest and best informed voices here on Sinica — people like Sasha and Evan. I cannot do this without your support, though, so please take a second and become an Access member, a China project Access member.
We are running a trial promotion right now where for just a buck, you can get a month of membership. Try it out, check out the newsletter, sign up for the early version of Sinica. And hey, even if you don’t end up sticking around, it’s not like we’re going to change the secret RSS feed. So, you’ll still get the show without ads and early so it’s got to be worth it, right? Anyway, okay. On to recommendations. Here we go. Evan, you kick us off.
**Evan**: Well, I usually recommend cooking podcasts when I’m on this show, but I’m going to-
**Kaiser**: Yeah, yeah, yeah.
**Evan**: No, I’m going to break the tradition. I’m going to recommend a boring book.
**Kaiser**: Oh man, okay.
**Evan**: Sorry. No, I’m going to recommend an exciting book of diplomatic history, but to people who are expecting cooking recommendations, they’ll be disappointed. I want to recommend a book by Philip Zelikow, who teaches at the University of Virginia and is a former counselor of the State Department called *[The Road Less Traveled](https://www.amazon.com/Road-Less-Traveled-Secret-1916-1917-ebook/dp/B08CDYRXJ6/ref=sr_1_1?gclid=Cj0KCQiAutyfBhCMARIsAMgcRJTGqdWUqDGst9zdoyNupL1Eyjgo50bGCyC2g6P7a1rkO-YSElNTEKoaAlNAEALw_wcB&hvadid=518234297756&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9011934&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=13934097954747476669&hvtargid=kwd-1254578632303&hydadcr=15338_13401127&keywords=the+road+less+traveled+philip+zelikow&qid=1677183289&sr=8-1)*. And the subtitle is *The Secret Battle to End the Great War,1916-1917*. And basically, in an era of great power competition where the prospect of war looms, and many people use analogies to the period between 1914 and 1918, Philip has this very interesting alternative history of how things could have proceeded in 1916 and 1917. And he describes, with archives, secret diplomacy that went on at the height of the war in 1916 that might have ended the war early. And it refocuses our attention, not just on the importance of diplomacy, as opposed to just waging war between armies, but also the fact that sometimes contingency matters in history.
And if you rewind the clock, it could have played back a different way. And so, as we think about that prospect now, it’s worth thinking through how the actions and choices that we make now can affect contingency in ways that may have effect on international history going forward. So, I recommend that.
**Kaiser**: Oh, fantastic. That sounds great. And contingency always matters in history, Evan. Always. All right, looks like a great book. I’ll check it out. Sasha, what do you have for us?
**Sasha**: Since this episode deals with Russia and Ukraine, and there are many Russians who now familiarize themselves with Ukrainian culture because we were never really exposed to the culture that existed next door in an imperial context, and like the stereotyped look of educated Russians on Ukrainian culture is, “that’s something which the peasants have,” like the lovely Ukrainians in their nice traditional clothing, but not somebody who has high culture. So, I’m reading, in an English translation, a collection of Ukrainian writings since 1965.
**Kaiser**: Wow.
**Sasha**: And that has some really impressive collection of prose and poetry, and published by Penguin, which is really, really great. It’s interesting that I can read it in English. My Ukrainian is terrible. I can understand something, but it’s definitely a very different language. And you have to read it through English, but it’s really a rewarding read. I recommend that book.
**Kaiser**: And it’s called *[Writing From Ukraine](https://www.amazon.com/Writing-from-Ukraine/dp/1802061649/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2PP89WRPNDY21&keywords=Writing+From+Ukraine&qid=1677183322&sprefix=writing+from+ukraine%2Caps%2C101&sr=8-1)*, right?
**Sasha**: ***Writing From Ukraine***.
**Kaiser**: All right, fantastic. Great recommendation. Very, very topical. I’m going to recommend some important media appearances by people I respect enormously. Recently, Jessica Chen Weiss has taken star turns on both the [Ezra Klein Podcast](https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/27/podcasts/ezra-klein-show-transcript-jessica-chen-weiss.html), which was a few weeks ago, and on the John Stewart Podcast — [The Problem with John Stewart.](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/u-s-china-tensions-threat-inflation-and-balloon-deflation/id1583132133?i=1000598629437) Fantastic. You should definitely listen to her appearances there. She’s just so steady and smart and sane and calm, and exactly what we need right now. Also Jude Blanchette wrote a very short op-ed in FT on February 10th, called *[Avoiding Catastrophe Will Be the True Test of Fractious U.S.-China Relations](https://www.ft.com/content/f794b181-b774-40d4-a763-5f41024d9afe)*, where he really puts his finger, I think right on the main pathologies of both the U.S. and of China. It’s, again, very short, but very much on the mark. And anything Jude ever writes or podcasts, I have plenty of time for. Once again, gentlemen, thank you so much. What a really eye-opening conversation from both of you.
**Evan**: Thanks. And I always learn from Sasha, so it’s always great to do things with him.
**Sasha**: Pleasure being with you, and thanks for having me, Kaiser. Always great to connect to Evan for the podcast.
**Kaiser**: The Sinica Podcast is powered by The China Project and is a proud part of the Sinica Network. Our show is produced and edited by me, Kaiser Kuo. We would be delighted if you would drop us an email at or just give us a rating and a review on Apple Podcasts as this really does help people discover the show. Meanwhile, follow us on [Twitter](https://twitter.com/thechinaproj?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor) or on [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/thechinaprojectnews/) at @thechinaproj, and be sure to check out all the shows in the Sinica Network. Thanks for listening, and we will see you next week. Take care.
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### [Secretary Elaine Chao’s Statement on the Passing of Dr. Henry A. Kissinger, R. I. P.](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/secretary-elaine-chaos-statement-on-the-passing-of-dr-henry-a-kissinger-r-i-p/)
**Published:** November 30, 2023
**Author:** Riley Sims
**Content:**
Dr. Henry A. Kissinger was a giant in American foreign policy. His skill and intellect were as unique as his legendary willpower. We hold his beloved Nancy, David & Elizabeth in our thoughts and prayers during this devastating time.
Dr. Kissinger will forever be remembered for his historic role in opening relations between America and China. It led to momentous change around the globe and profoundly meaningful impact for families like mine here at home. My father, Dr. James S. C. Chao, left China in 1949 at the height of the Chinese Civil War and relocated to Taiwan. He never saw his father again. My father was finally reunited with his mother upon resumption of relations with China in 1973, 24 years later. He was finally able to bring my grandmother to America where she spent the last year of her life, surrounded by her loving daughter-in-law and granddaughters.
We were so grateful when Dr. Kissinger recently honored my father, praising him for his significant contributions to America. Thank you, Dr. Kissinger, for your friendship and encouragement. You leave behind a unique legacy in history. Your legacy endures.
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### [How a new generation of Merchant Marine ships can chart a course for government efficiency](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/how-a-new-generation-of-merchant-marine-ships-can-chart-a-course-for-government-efficiency/)
**Published:** September 22, 2023
**Author:** Riley Sims
**Content:**
Later this week, State University of New York Maritime College will receive a historic delivery — a state-of-the-art new training ship christened Empire State. The arrival of this vessel, the first of five cutting-edge National Security Multi-Mission Vessels, heralds a new era not just for the U.S. Merchant Marine, but potentially for procurement processes across the government.
Shipping is the lifeblood of the U.S. and global economy. And the backbone of our shipping infrastructure are the men and women of the U.S. Merchant Marine.
Most officers are trained at either the federal U.S. Merchant Marine Academy or one of the six state maritime academies. Yet for years, the ships used by the state academies to train these future officers have been in a state of disrepair — old, outdated, unsuitable and potentially unsafe.
The NSMV project was established to address this urgent problem by replacing the antiquated training ships with state-of-the-art vessels. These ships will be capable of properly preparing Merchant Marine officers by using modern technology reflective of the real-world merchant fleets they will crew.
Despite years of alarms sounded by the United States Maritime Administration, state maritime schools and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, N.Y., about the urgent need for new training ships, the situation has long been deemed a low priority.
Having served as deputy maritime administrator and deputy secretary of transportation, I was very much aware of the plight of the state academies and the training ships. Upon becoming secretary of Transportation, I determined that this needed to be a top priority and was finally in a position to do something about this issue. However, I quickly learned that Congress was reluctant to provide the necessary funding to build the ships, in large part over fears that the project would be prohibitively expensive.
I got together with my team and looked for a solution. As secretary of Transportation, I was allotted a discretionary sum of $300 million to allocate at my discretion among the various agencies at DOT. I decided to use this full sum as seed funding to build one modern training ship and hopefully demonstrate to Congress the urgency of fully completing this critical project and modernizing the training ship fleet.
However, this posed a challenge. Under normal government procurement circumstances, $300 million is wholly insufficient to build the type of vessel we needed. Shipbuilding is expensive, especially when the government is the one doing it on a time-and-labor basis.
To discipline costs, I insisted we employ fixed-price contracting with private shipbuilders where cost overruns fall upon the manufacturers, not the taxpayer. This model, the norm in commercial shipbuilding, forces accountability to a strict budget cap.
The Maritime Administration worked with Tote Services, acting as a vessel construction manager, to obtain competitive bids and negotiate a contract with Philly Shipyard Inc. to build this vessel. The final contract price was $300 million, which is a fraction of the $750 million-to-$1.2 billion price tag we would have faced had we used the Navy’s shipbuilding program.
When news of the construction of the NSMV on a fixed-price, firm-delivery basis was conveyed to Congress, lawmakers — most specifically Republican Sen. Susan Collins of Maine, who understood the need for the new vessels, worked tirelessly to ensure direct funding was supplied to build the four additional NSMV ships. All are being built by Philly Shipyard, Inc. on fixed-price, firm-delivery contracts and will be delivered on time and on budget to replace the training vessels in order of age — New York, Massachusetts, Maine, Texas and California.
Their skilled American workers spent the past three years building the Empire State. And this week, the nation will finally see the fruits of their labors.
The ship, American designed, commercially built with U.S. steel and powered by General Electric engines, takes advantage of off-the-shelf equipment. Voices clamor for more American innovation, manufacturing, and infrastructure skills. This ship answers the bell. It is perfectly suited to train the next generation of Merchant Marine officers, and is also designed to seamlessly switch from training to disaster relief.
Replacing the Merchant Marine training fleet was vital in its own right. But the creative contracting process pioneered here carries lasting implications, offering a valuable template for efficient and effective government procurement.
First, public servants managing major purchases need discretion over a slice of funds to allocate flexibly. This empowers piloting innovations like fixed-price contracting with commercial construction managers.
Second, the private sector must have a seat at the table and a role in shaping contract terms. Firms understand construction and off-the-shelf expenses better than distant bureaucrats.
Finally, incentives like firm-delivery deadlines and payment caps are crucial. Accountability, not $500 toilet seats, gets results. Too often, contracting means layering specifications until costs balloon out of control as bureaucratic behemoths soak up billions.
Moving forward, I hope leaders across government replicate this formula for similar, large-scale government expenditures.
The arrival of the Empire State should help usher in an era of fiscal responsibility and government accountability. The ship has sailed and avoided the shoals of bloated budgets, delays and routine cost overruns. Ideally, other projects can follow in its wake.
*Elaine Chao was the 18th U.S. secretary of Transportation, 24th U.S. secretary of Labor and the first Asian American woman to be appointed to a president’s Cabinet.*
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### [The sky’s the limit: It’s time to modernize air traffic control](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/the-skys-the-limit-its-time-to-modernize-air-traffic-control/)
**Published:** September 6, 2023
**Author:** Riley Sims
**Content:**
Air travel this summer has been a nightmare for millions across the country. Delays and cancellations feel increasingly commonplace and a host of high-profile incidents are casting a shadow of doubt over the reliability and performance of America’s air transportation network.
Earlier this year, U.S. airspace was abruptly suspended for nearly three hours due to a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) computer system failure, disrupting thousands of flights and costing the economy hundreds of millions of dollars. In February, a FedEx cargo jet nearly collided with a Southwest Airlines flight departing from Austin; days later, an American Airlines jet almost hit an Air Canada plane in Florida.
These incidents and the rash of frustrating delays are shedding light on underlying deficiencies with our air traffic control (ATC) system, which is responsible for coordinating the movement of every airplane in U.S. airspace.
The good news is that the traveling public does not have to put up with these annual disruptions. There is a solution. We can improve safety, reduce delays and streamline air travel in America by liberating the air traffic control system (ATC) from the FAA, a fundamental reform that frees the ATC from the troublesome government bureaucracy that impedes its modernization.
America’s current air traffic control system is in desperate need of modernization. As currently configured, it cannot keep up with the needs of a 21st century economy that relies on efficient and reliabe air travel.
The agency’s primary system for preventing collisions between planes and vehicles on the ground is woefully outdated and susceptible to technical and human errors. It often struggles to hire and maintain crucial staff. And, while most Americans can access GPS with a few taps on their smartphones, ATC still relies on outdated surveillance technology and decades-old manual paper tracking to direct flights.
Originally designed when only 100,000 people flew annually, ATC now oversees approximately a billion passengers each year. Its failure to keep up potentially jeopardizes passenger safety and leads to bottlenecks and delays, costing the U.S. economy more than $20 billion annually.
The system is safe due to the skill and experience of the thousands of air traffic controllers who know their system and how to make it work despite its deficiencies. But they deserve help.
Despite decades of discussion and billions invested in upgrades, little progress has been made. Having served as U.S. secretary of Transportation, I believe that the heart of the problem lies in the structure and control of the FAA, the federal government agency charged with overseeing and managing air traffic control.
The FAA is simply not suited to serve both as a safety regulator and a provider of air traffic services. Despite repeated efforts to tackle the problem, it remains bogged down in bureaucratic red tape, lengthy procurement processes and operational inefficiencies, and shackled to a federal budget process consistently fraught with politics and uncertainties. In fact, the Government Accountability Office looked at the issue in 2015 and found that budget uncertainty is a fundamental factor contributing to the FAA’s slow pace of modernization.
And with the FAA’s workload predicted to surge by 80 percent over the next two decades, the issues will only worsen unless addressed.
Thankfully, there is a solution: The United States should liberate the air traffic control system from the FAA and establish the responsibility for managing air traffic control to a not-for-profit corporation, run by a board of representatives elected from users of the system. This entity would finance itself through user fees like it currently does, providing the budget certainty and flexibility needed to complete modernization initiatives without continuous delays and postponements. ATC would still report to Congress and adhere to current safety regulations, while the FAA could focus solely on its regulatory role.
This is far from a novel approach. Dozens of nations have successfully instituted similar reforms. Canada, for instance, established air traffic control responsibilities to a private, nonprofit called NAV Canada in 1996. In the intervening years, NAV Canada has managed to adopt cutting-edge technology, cut costs, improve safety and handle substantially more air traffic.
There was a serious proposal in Congress during the last administration to separate air traffic control from the FAA in a way that closely replicates the Canadian approach. Regrettably, the bill never came up for a vote.
But now, with Congress currently considering legislation to reauthorize and fund the FAA, leaders on both sides of the aisle have an opportunity to work together to institute these long overdue reforms to our ATC system.
The case here is clear. Liberating ATC from the FAA will bolster safety, reduce delays, lower costs and improve convenience for the hundreds of millions of Americans who traverse the skies every year. It is a solution used around the world to modernize air traffic control that would ensure the United States maintains a safe, efficient and responsive civil aviation industry necessary for prosperity in the 21st century.
*Elaine Chao was the 18th U.S. secretary of Transportation, 24th U.S. secretary of Labor and the first Asian American woman to be appointed to a president’s Cabinet.*
---
### [Secretary Elaine Chao interview with Walter Isaacson on PBS Amanpour & Company](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/secretary-elaine-chao-interview-with-walter-isaacson-on-pbs-amanpour-company/)
**Published:** June 16, 2023
**Author:** Riley Sims
**Content:**
Elaine Chao discuss her op-ed in the Washington Post advocating for a National Museum of Asian Pacific American History and Culture, to combat anti-Asian American sentiment, the state of the US workforce, and more.
---
### [Asians are part of the American story. They deserve a place on the Mall.](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/asians-are-part-of-the-american-story-they-deserve-a-place-on-the-mall/)
**Published:** May 31, 2023
**Author:** Riley Sims
**Content:**
I was 8 years old when I immigrated to the United States. My father had arrived in America three years earlier, leaving behind his pregnant wife and two daughters. My mother, my two sisters and I traveled from Taiwan on a cargo ship because it was all my father could afford.
The early years were difficult. We didn’t speak English, and we were overwhelmed by the new world we found ourselves living in. But with love, faith and hard work, my parents turned their one-bedroom Queens apartment into a loving home for their daughters and enabled us to access the opportunities in this country.
Our immigrant story — a distinctly American one — mirrors that of millions of other families who have made immense sacrifices to come to this country in search of a better life.
How many are aware that Asian Americans fought for our independence in the Revolutionary War and sacrificed their lives during the U.S. Civil War? How many know about the thousands of Chinese immigrants who labored to construct the transcontinental railroad? And how many appreciate the patriotism of Japanese Americans who fought courageously to defeat the Nazis in World War II, despite their families being interned stateside? Our story is inextricably linked to America’s story.
Yet our history is too often overlooked, our contributions to this nation are sometimes forgotten, and our right to be here is too often questioned. Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) history is American history. And it is time for it to be recognized as such. That’s why I am advocating for a National Museum of Asian Pacific American History and Culture on the National Mall — a place where our contributions can be displayed alongside other monuments to the story of our country.
There are about 24 million Asian Americans living in the United States today, about 7 percent of the national population. We contribute to every aspect of American life. Public servants such as Jonny Kim — who previously served as a Navy SEAL and earned an MD from Harvard Medical School — will help lead the United States back to the moon as part of NASA’s Artemis project. Business leaders such as Advanced Micro Devices CEO Lisa Su, Google CEO Sundar Pichai and Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang oversee companies that are developing the breakthrough technologies of tomorrow. Entrepreneurs such as Zoom CEO Eric Yuan and DoorDash CEO Tony Xu are creating products and companies that continue to revolutionize the way we work and live. Meanwhile, even Hollywood is starting to open its doors to Asian American actors, actresses and directors after decades of disgraceful discrimination and lack of opportunity.
Yet, unfortunately, the events of the past few years have cast a disconcerting shadow over our community. The pandemic hit everyone hard, but Asian Americans were especially vulnerable, as many are small business owners who were forced to shutter their operations. In addition, reports that the coronavirus originated in China and the rising tensions in U.S.-China relations raised fears within the Asian American community. There has been a litany of news stories about Asians and Asian Americans — women especially — being harassed, spat upon, threatened and even killed over little more than their ethnicity.
The vitriol directed at the AANHPI community is so unsettling that Asian Americans have privately expressed fears that internment camps might be set up in the United States once again. As far-fetched as this might sound to many outside the AANHPI community, let me assure you, this fear is real to them.
The level of hatred is unacceptable, and many are choosing to fight back by establishing an array of nonprofit organizations to help protect and advocate for our community. Five Asian American fashion icons banded together to form the House of Slay to fight anti-AANHPI violence. I applaud these efforts. Now it is time for the country to do its part by creating an AANHPI Heritage museum on the National Mall.
Some might question why a museum is needed for Asian Americans specifically. I would answer that Asian Americans were once targeted with legislation banning them from becoming American citizens. Even though this legislation has long since been repealed, the lingering aftereffects of this discrimination can still be felt.
A National Museum of Asian Pacific American History and Culture would go a long way to not only educate and enlighten but also reduce fear and bring us together — something that is very much needed today.
---
### [What China Has Learned From the Ukraine War](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/what-china-has-learned-from-the-ukraine-war/)
**Published:** February 14, 2023
**Author:** wpengine
**Content:**
## Even Great Powers Aren’t Safe From Economic Warfare—If the U.S.-Led Order Sticks Together
When Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, China’s leaders attempted to balance two fundamentally irreconcilable interests. First, they aimed to bolster China’s entente with Russia to counterbalance American power and alleviate growing strategic pressure from the West. Second, although they backed Moscow, they sought to avoid unilateral and coordinated sanctions aimed at China’s government, companies, and financial institutions.
For a year, China has been performing the “Beijing straddle,” tacking uncomfortably between these competing objectives under the white-hot light of international scrutiny. China has generally refused to sell arms to Russia and to circumvent sanctions on Moscow’s behalf because preserving global market access is more important to Beijing than any economic link to Russia. Simply put, China has no interest in being Russia’s proxy. But Beijing has also tried to have its cake and eat it, too, by endorsing Russia’s rationales for the conflict, coordinating with Moscow diplomatically while it cautiously abstains in United Nations votes, taking full advantage of discounted Russian oil, and enhancing economic linkages to Russia that do not violate Western sanctions. Indeed, China-Russia trade rose by a staggering 34.3 percent in 2022 to a record $190 billion.
Beijing has also learned important lessons even as it struggles to maintain this balance. Specifically, it has closely studied the Western-led sanctions campaign. And it knows that, if tensions with the West continue to intensify, these same economic weapons may well be turned against China. Over the last 20 years, China’s leaders have watched as Washington honed and more frequently deployed economic weaponry, including sanctions, export controls, investment restrictions, and tariffs. But the major Western sanctions campaigns have generally not applied to China because they targeted second-tier economies, such as Iran and Iraq, or more often, marginal economies such as Cuba, North Korea, and Sudan. The current Ukraine conflict has, at long last, given Beijing an opportunity to study the strategy, tactics, and capabilities of a Western sanctions coalition as it works to cripple one of the world’s largest economies.
Of course, in some ways, it is too soon for Beijing to draw the full range of lessons from the Western sanctions effort against Russia. The sanctions include both measures that have instant effect, such as asset freezes, and those that are designed to bite ever more deeply in the years to come. Among the latter are export controls on computer chips and advanced technologies and restrictions on helping Russia develop the deep-water, Arctic, and shale resources on which its future energy revenues depend. But China has already absorbed certain key lessons, some of which are sobering. Perhaps the most important has nothing to do with payment systems or oil tankers but is rather about the power of international partnerships.
### **DO AS I SAY, NOT AS I DO**
The lessons China is drawing from the current conflict reflect, in part, the profound shift that has occurred in its own approach to economic warfare in recent years. Historically, China has criticized sanctions launched unilaterally by countries—most notably, the United States—as an illegitimate incursion on the targeted country’s sovereignty. In Beijing’s view, only the UN Security Council, where China can and has wielded its veto, sometimes in coordination with Russia, has the legitimacy to impose sanctions on a fellow UN member state. In the last two decades, China condemned U.S. sanctions on Cuba, Iran, Myanmar, and other countries that exceeded the prohibitions of the council, arguing that they “gravely undermined the sovereignty and security of other countries . . . and constitute a gross violation of international law and basic norms of international relations.”
But China wielded its economic might unilaterally against its own adversaries throughout this period. It just did so quietly, or often by justifying action on “public health” or environmental grounds, to punish a company from a country with which Beijing was locked in a diplomatic dispute. China would not generally acknowledge its punitive measures to be “sanctions” and publicly denied that these steps had anything to do with geopolitics. For example, when Chinese dissident Liu Xiaobo was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2010, Norway’s salmon exports to China not-so-mysteriously collapsed. In 2016, when the Dalai Lama visited Mongolia, hundreds of truck drivers for the mining conglomerate Rio Tinto, which owns 66 percent of the country’s leading copper and gold deposits, found themselves stuck in a massive traffic jam caused by a “temporary” Chinese border closure. The Philippines’ assertion of maritime claims in the South China Sea in 2014 led to a sudden Chinese declaration that tons of Philippine bananas were contaminated with pesticides; the Philippines temporarily lost the most important market for one of its largest exports. Similarly, South Korea’s deployment of a U.S. missile defense system provided by the South Korean conglomerate Lotte led China to shutter 90 Lotte supermarkets in China in 2017 for “fire safety.” China also quietly instructed its tourism sector to cut the number of Chinese group tours to South Korea. It is estimated that South Korea lost $5.1 billion in revenues as a result.
In these cases, Beijing clearly wanted the targeted countries—and the world—to understand that these were geopolitically motivated measures; it aimed to punish certain policies by these countries and discourage future choices and behaviors that would disadvantage China. But the informal nature of these actions allowed China to dial them up or down without any explanation and permitted Beijing to cling to its public claim that unilateral coercive economic measures have no place in the international system.
> Beijing’s economic arsenal is now complete.
In the last three years, however, China has shifted course. It has embraced unilateral economic measures with vigor, establishing its own copies of all the main weapons in the U.S. economic and financial arsenal. In 2020, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs began to levy targeted asset freezes and visa bans against officials from Canada, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the European Union who criticized Beijing’s actions in Xinjiang and Hong Kong—a page taken from the U.S. Treasury and State Department sanctions on Chinese officials and groups. That same year, China’s Ministry of Commerce established the Unreliable Entities List to restrict designated companies from accessing Chinese goods and investment, mirroring the U.S. Department of Commerce’s own longstanding Entity List. In its 2020 Hong Kong national security law, Beijing also added sanctions for those interfering with China’s sovereignty over Hong Kong, even asserting extraterritorial reach—something Chinese officials have criticized especially harshly in the past—threatening sanctions against individuals and companies for activities conducted outside China.
Perhaps Beijing’s most sweeping response came in its anti–foreign sanctions law, passed in June 2021. This law allows the Chinese government to apply countermeasures to companies and individuals for a broad range of vaguely defined actions. Article 15 empowers Chinese officials to impose sanctions on any foreign individuals or companies that “implement, assist, or support actions” that “may be deemed to endanger China’s sovereignty, security or development interests.” The law also borrows from Canadian and EU blocking laws, making it a crime to implement foreign (typically, Western) sanctions on Chinese soil.
This Chinese legal architecture is still fairly new, and Beijing has moved cautiously in implementing it, lest aggressive enforcement scare away Western businesses and capital flows into China. But Beijing’s economic arsenal is now complete and boasts a full complement of the unilateral sanctions and controls it still claims are unlawful.
### **TOO BIG TO SANCTION?**
That is the context for the fresh lessons Beijing has learned since February 2022. When Moscow’s tanks raced into Ukraine, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the EU scrambled to come up with a punitive response. In the 2014–15 Ukraine crisis, the West crafted careful sanctions over many months to impose costs on Russia, alter Moscow’s behavior, and obtain leverage for negotiations. In 2022, when it became clear that Russian President Vladimir Putin sought not merely more territory in Ukraine but a full takeover of the country, the scope of the sanctions response shifted to an immediate all-out economic war. Within days of the invasion, allied governments announced asset freezes on all of Russia’s foreign reserves across Australia, Canada, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the EU; sanctioned Russia’s biggest financial institutions; and severed their access to SWIFT, the secure messaging platform connecting banks worldwide.
No economy close to Russia’s size had been subjected to measures like these since World War II. At the start of the 2022 invasion, Russia had the world’s tenth largest economy by GDP. Its daily oil production was near 11 million barrels per day, almost three times larger than the Islamic Republic of Iran’s oil production at its peak in 2005. Russia was the largest natural gas exporter in the world and the leading supplier of key global goods and inputs, from fertilizer and grain to titanium.
From a geopolitical perspective, Russia, like China, is a nuclear weapons state and a permanent member of the UN Security Council. Also like China, Russia has been a member of a wide variety of global institutions. It is true that China’s economy is still ten times larger than Russia’s, and China’s footprint in the global economy—in terms of trade, investment, and capital flows—dwarfs Russia’s, particularly in its ties with the United States. But if Chinese decision-makers once believed that a first-tier economy was too big to sanction, this past year has been disconcerting.
> Beijing has been surprised by the ferocity of the Western response to Russia’s aggression.
No longer can Beijing simply assume that the West will never risk economic shocks over, say, a Chinese invasion of Taiwan. Beijing has just witnessed the United States and its European allies take on considerable national and global risks for Ukraine, an exponentially smaller and less global economy than Taiwan’s, which has the seventh largest economy in industrial Asia and provides a pivotal link in global supply chains. And Washington has greater historical, legal, and emotional ties with Taiwan than it does with Ukraine. China can no longer presume that the West will impose major sanctions only on marginal countries and marginal sanctions only on major countries.
Beijing has been surprised, too, by the ferocity of the Western response to Russia’s aggression. In the wake of the 2014 Donbas invasion, Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping walked away with the lesson that the West—and especially risk-averse U.S. allies, of which there are many in both Asia and Europe—would not support costly sanctions on behalf of a third party. This time, that lesson does not apply. When Moscow’s tanks charged toward Kyiv, the gloves came off. An escalation ladder that had taken 18 months in the sanctions campaign against Iran was collapsed into a weekend. Even Russia’s oil and gas exports, which had been seen as too important to touch in 2014, were sanctioned. The West has moved more quickly than many thought possible to wean itself off Russian oil, and the G-7 recently rolled out a price cap system aimed at depressing the price Russia receives for its crude oil and petroleum products elsewhere in the world, at the same time ensuring that energy markets are still well supplied.
These steps required sacrifices. And the West has borne real costs in the form of inflation, higher energy bills, and gas shortages. But so far, with help from a mild winter, the coalition has held. The lesson for policymakers in Beijing is unmistakable: a major threat to international order can incur a very painful economic response indeed, even if it comes with costs for the countries imposing the sanctions.
### **FORTRESS CHINA**
Countries make strategic decisions, including for war, because leaders weigh costs and benefits and then judge that aggression is worth the risk. China will not, therefore, eschew the use of force against Taiwan merely because it fears sanctions. China will, however, try to absorb lessons from Russia’s Ukraine experience about how to plug vulnerabilities, assure resilience, and create more options.
Since Putin’s difficult experience with sanctions in 2014–15, Moscow has boasted of a series of maneuvers to “sanctions proof” its economy; it proudly nicknamed itself “Fortress Russia.” Moscow built up its foreign currency reserves to $631 billion and largely shifted its reserves out of the U.S. dollar. By 2021, Russia had reduced its dollar holdings to 16 percent of total currency holdings, with Russia’s central bank purchasing $90 billion in gold and expanding its renminbi and other nondollar holdings. Russia introduced its own Mir national credit card system and an alternative to the Belgium-based SWIFT interbank messaging system.
If Russia had become “sanctions resistant,” however, it was not at all “sanctions proof.” As a matter of necessity, many of Russia’s repositioned dollar reserves had been moved to the highly liquid currencies of Canada, Japan, the United Kingdom, and Europe. When those jurisdictions moved in lockstep with the United States to freeze Russia’s reserves, nearly half of Russia’s foreign holdings—some $300 billion—were no longer accessible. Russia even saw a portion of its gold holdings immobilized because it had been storing them in jurisdictions that joined the sanctions effort.
Russia’s other defensive measures proved even less successful. After seven years of work, the Mir credit card network had secured a few medium-sized bank partners in Asia. But when the U.S. Treasury announced in September 2022 that banks working with Mir would be viewed as circumventing Western sanctions, those banks in Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkey, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam severed ties with Russia’s card system. Russia fared even worse with its System for Transfer of Financial Messages, its purported alternative to SWIFT. Unsurprisingly, there was not widespread demand for a Russia-based financial messaging system that had limited reach and was more cumbersome and less secure than SWIFT.
> Beijing is bumping up against economic and geopolitical realities that will not allow it to subvert the global financial system.
In today’s interconnected world, true sanctions-proofing is impossible. China has had more success than Russia in this respect, but it has also encountered some cold realities. For one, China’s State Administration of Foreign Exchange claims that China has reduced the portion of its foreign reserves held in U.S. dollars from 79 percent in 1995 to 59 percent in 2016. (China stopped providing a breakdown that year.) But the increasing role of China’s state-owned banks in foreign exchange purchases—purchases that are not reported—means that China’s true U.S. dollar holdings are unknown and may not have decreased by the reported amount. And China’s alternatives are limited. Unlike Russia, it cannot move any of its foreign reserves into renminbi—to protect against risk and manage monetary policy, reserves must be held in a different currency than one’s own. And the economies that have the depth to absorb a meaningful part of China’s foreign reserves are all part of the coalition that has stood up against Russia’s violation of international law. It is not clear where China can go.
China has also rolled out its own renminbi payment system, the Cross-Border Interbank Payment System and has set up mechanisms in its central bank to clear bilateral trade with countries such as Russia, skirting the use of the dollar and the euro. At the end of March 2022, CIPS had 1,304 participating institutions, a significant number, but about one-tenth of SWIFT’s participating institutions. China’s defensive steps have made more headway than Russia’s—China’s weight as the largest trading partner for the majority of the world gives it substantial clout in bilateral negotiations. But it will be difficult, perhaps even impossible, for China to convince the world’s advanced economies to entrust global financial flows to a Chinese-run platform.
So China has more leverage than any other nation to develop workarounds and alternatives to Western platforms, protocols, and institutions, and it is working overtime to do so after 2022. But Beijing is bumping up against economic and geopolitical realities that will not allow it to subvert the global financial system or to arrange for the renminbi to supplant the dollar and the euro as the dominant international currency.
### **BEIJING’S MISSING COALITION**
Probably the most important sanctions lesson from the current conflict is the vital importance of coalitions. Washington has tremendous clout when it takes advantage of U.S. technology, financial markets, and the dollar. The sanctions on Russia, however, would have had a fraction of the bite (and Russia would have had numerous workarounds) had this not been a joint effort with Australia, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, the United Kingdom, and the EU.
China can wield frightening influence over its individual trading partners, but it does not have a corresponding coalition to muster. This is a liability on offense and defense. The limitations of China’s offensive economic weapons have already been seen in recent years. When Beijing targeted Australia and Lithuania with harsh measures, both countries withstood them thanks to economic and political support from a number of friends and partners. And China remains vulnerable to broad, concerted sanctions from the advanced economies of the world. The threshold for such an economic attack would undoubtedly be quite high, but another kind of deterrence is the fact that Beijing cannot know exactly how high.
For Beijing, the lesson is less about economics and more about diplomacy and relationships. As it reopens its economy after three years of lockdowns, China is working to rebuild relationships, host foreign leaders from Asia and Europe, make business deals, and complicate any putative American effort to forge a counter-China coalition. For Washington, the takeaway is the same—in any potential confrontation with China, the most valuable weapon in America’s economic arsenal will be the strength of its international partnerships
---
### [Neil Cavuto: Elaine Chao on options for solving the rail strike](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/elaine-chao-wishes-pete-buttigieg-good-luck-with-solving-rail-strike/)
**Published:** September 14, 2022
**Author:** wpengine
**Content:**
Former U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao warns of ‘major disruptions’ to freight and passenger travel.
---
### [The Administration Can Help the Fed Fight Inflation by Unleashing American Energy Production](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/the-administration-can-help-the-fed-fight-inflation-by-unleashing-american-energy-production/)
**Published:** November 30, 2022
**Author:** wpengine
**Content:**
The recent Index of Supply Manufacturers data showed that fewer employers are planning to hire in the months ahead. That’s because inflation is whittling away buying power, leaving Americans with less discretionary income to spend. Less income translates to lower demand for goods — and for the workers who produce these goods.
In an effort to curb record inflation, the Federal Reserve has rapidly raised interest rates from zero to four percent over the course of just seven months. After announcing a fourth consecutive 0.75 percent rate hike earlier this month, Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell delivered a stark, yet determined message: “I just think that the inflation picture has become more and more challenging over the course of this year, without question. That means that we have to have policy being more restrictive, and that narrows the path to a soft landing.” Translation: The Federal Reserve is committed to breaking the back of inflation, even if it means plunging the U.S. economy into a recession.
Energy prices are a substantial component of the consumer and producer price indices. The cost of natural gas and crude oil — the main ingredient in gasoline — directly affects prices for goods and services across much of our economy. That is because oil powers the trucks, ships, planes, and trains that transport the goods we buy online and in person at the store. Oil and natural gas are also essential ingredients in plastic, meaning they are used to make or package much of what people buy. Simply put: lower energy prices mean lower inflation.
This administration can help the Fed in its fight against inflation by reversing its flawed energy policies.
Shortly after taking office, the new administration canceled the Keystone XL pipeline, paused all new federal offshore and onshore leasing, and suspended leasing in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. More recently, President Biden’s Interior Department published a[ ](https://www.doi.gov/sites/doi.gov/files/report-on-the-federal-oil-and-gas-leasing-program-doi-eo-14008.pdf)report calling for fewer leases, increased royalties and a more onerous bidding process. And just this past spring, his Federal Energy Regulatory Commission[ ](http://www.ferc.gov/news-events/news/fact-sheet-updated-pipeline-certificate-policy-statement-pl18-1-000)issued a policy inhibiting new pipeline production in the United States.
The administration’s actions have had a chilling effect on both domestic energy output as well as investment in new projects and associated infrastructure. Prior to the pandemic, in November 2019, the U.S. was producing 13 million barrels of crude oil per day. Today the U.S. is producing 11.9 million.
Increases in the price of oil and natural gas ripple through the economy, sending prices higher for everything from refrigerators and clothes to laptops and diapers. The administration’s policies thus far have pushed energy prices up, contributing to the high inflation rate that is crushing American families.
The good news is it is not too late to change course.
The president can lower energy prices by reversing his executive orders, eliminating the burdensome rules and regulations imposed by his agencies, and pledging to work with industry to rapidly ramp up domestic oil and gas production. While this would pave the way for increased energy output in as little as a few months, Americans will likely see a decline in gas prices much sooner.
That is because energy is priced in the global marketplace on the expectation of future supply. By embracing a new policy aimed at maximizing U.S. production, this Administration can change expectations, which will reduce prices in the immediate future.
Lowering the price of energy will help curb inflation, provide families with some much-needed relief, and enable employers to continue hiring. The White House can do that today by unleashing American energy production.
*Elaine Chao was the 24th U.S. Secretary of Labor and 18th U.S. Secretary of Transportation and the first Asian American woman to be appointed to a president’s Cabinet.*
---
### [Elaine Chao reacts to Christmas holiday travel nightmare](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/elaine-chao-reacts-to-christmas-holiday-travel-nightmare/)
**Published:** December 28, 2022
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
Former Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao joins ‘The Story’ to react to government’s handling of airline chaos.
---
### [Stuart Varney: Secretary Chao talks about job creation and economic growth](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/biden-admin-churning-new-regulations-that-put-a-damper-on-job-creation-economic-growth-elaine-chao/)
**Published:** December 13, 2022
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
Former U. S. Secretary of Transportation and U. S. Secretary of Labor talks about the state of the workforce, supply chain, the economic recovery and government regulations.
---
### [America's missing workers putting crimp in post-COVID economic recovery: Elaine Chao](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/americas-missing-workers-putting-crimp-in-post-covid-economic-recovery-elaine-chao/)
**Published:** December 6, 2022
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
Former U.S. Transportation and Labor Secretary Elaine Chao discusses how the labor participation rate is affecting the economy as travel demand surges on ‘Cavuto: Coast to Coast.’
---
### [Former U.S. Secretary visits Louisville to discuss future of transportation](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/former-u-s-secretary-visits-louisville-to-discuss-future-of-transportation/)
**Published:** January 19, 2023
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
The 18th U.S. Secretary of Transportation, Elaine Chao, traveled to Louisville on Wednesday to speak at Vincenzo’s about the future of transportation for the Louisville Forum luncheon.
Chao’s visit comes after thousands of holiday flight delays, cancellations, and a full FAA system failure. It’s why it’s no surprise it was one of the first topics she addressed and offered solutions for.
“It’s increasingly clear that the structure of the FAA is unsuited to the many demands on this agency. It is both a safety regulator and provider of air traffic control services,” said Chao. “There was a serious proposal from Congress in the previous administration to separate out the organization from the rest of the FAA.”
While reflecting on recent challenges, Chao also touted how the U.S. is moving transportation forward with the help of emerging technology.
“We’re going to see supersonic flights, commercial space, tourism, drones, flying taxis, and autonomous vehicles,” she said.
The former secretary says these changes are already altering the way we work, live, and travel, but also how goods are transported.
“It’s going to transform the safety and efficiency of freight trucking; Currently, a 600-mile route takes a human driver about 22 hours to complete; an autonomous vehicle can do the same trip in only about 12 hours,” she said.
While optimistic about the future of transportation, Chao made sure to commend Kentucky for the state’s work in this transformation. She noted the construction of two electric vehicle battery plants and improvements to the Brent Spence Bridge, for which her husband, Sen. Mitch McConnell, played a key role to secure funding.
“President Biden is credited for signing the infrastructure bill, but Mitch has been working on this for 20 years and it would not have come about if not for his steadfast work,” she said.
During her career, Chao was appointed to two presidential cabinet positions. She most recently served under the Trump administration.
---
### [Dr. James S. C. Chao and Secretary Elaine Chao Are Grand Marshals of The First Asian Pacific American Heritage Parade in New York City](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/dr-james-s-c-chao-and-secretary-elaine-chao-are-grand-marshals-of-the-first-asian-pacific-american-heritage-parade-in-new-york-city/)
**Published:** May 16, 2022
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** On Sunday, May 15, 2022, well known and much respected philanthropist Dr. James S. C. Chao, and Secretary Elaine Chao, the first Asian American woman ever appointed to the President’s cabinet are Grand Marshals to lead the first ever Asian Pacific American (APA) Heritage Parade in New York City.
**Content:**
New York – On Sunday, May 15, 2022, well known and much respected philanthropist Dr. James S. C. Chao, and Secretary Elaine Chao, the first Asian American woman ever appointed to the President’s cabinet are Grand Marshals to lead the first ever Asian Pacific American (APA) Heritage Parade in New York City. The parade takes place along a 11-block route in downtown Manhattan between 44th and 55th Street on 6th Avenue. Both Dr. Chao and Secretary Chao were delighted to be invited to be the Grand Marshals in the first Asian Pacific American Heritage Parade in New York City. Secretary Chao said, “My father, Dr. James S. C. Chao, and I are very honored to be asked to be Grand Marshals celebrating the first ever Asian Pacific American Heritage Parade. Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander are the fastest-growing racial group in the United States representing over 6% of the U.S. population.”
Dr. Chao said, “I have been in America for over 60 years and I am honored and humbled to be Grand Marshal with my daughter, Secretary Elaine Chao, to recognize the contributions of Asian Americans and I am confident the future will bring continued progress and increasing representation in the leadership of our country.”
In 1990, President George H W Bush signed a joint resolution designating the month of May as Asian American Heritage Month. Two years later he signed it into law. For over 30 years, Americans have celebrated Asian Pacific American Heritage Month throughout the month of May.
紐約 – 2022 年 5 月 15 日，星期日，著名且備受尊敬的慈善家 趙锡成博士和首位被任命為總統內閣成員的亞裔美國女性部長 趙小蘭女士擔任大元帥，引導史上首次紐約市亞太裔美國人(APA) 遺產大遊行。遊行在曼哈頓市中心第 6 大道第 44 街和第 55 街之間的 11 個街區的路線上進行。趙博士和趙部長很高興受邀擔任紐約市首屆亞太裔美國人遺產遊行的大元帥。趙部长說：“我和我的父親趙锡成博士非常榮幸被邀請擔任大元帥，慶祝有史以來第一次亞太裔美國人遺產遊行。亞裔美國人、夏威夷原住民和太平洋島民是美國增長最快的種族群體，占美國人口的 6% 以上。”
趙博士說：“我在美國已經60多年了，很榮幸能和我的女兒趙小蘭部長一起擔任元帥，以表彰亞裔美國人的貢獻，我相信未來會帶來持續的進步並增加亞裔在我國領導層中的代表性。”
1990 年，喬治·H·W·布什總統簽署了一項聯合決議，將 5 月指定為亞裔美國人傳統月。兩年後，他將其簽署成為法律。 30 多年來，美國人在整個五月慶祝亞太裔美國人傳統月。
**Dr. James S. C. Chao** has dedicated his life to the maritime industry and philanthropic activities to help others. He is the Founder and Honorary Chairman of Foremost Group, a highly respected American shipping company whose motto is: Honor. Integrity. Performance. He grew up in a small farming hamlet in Jiading County, outside of Shanghai. Early in his career, he advanced rapidly to become one of the youngest ocean-going sea captains at the age of 29. He then took the 4-day National Examination and achieved the highest score ever recorded.
After earning his MBA in Management from St. John’s University in New York City, Dr. Chao founded what later becomes Foremost Group. An early adopter of green technology, Foremost Group has incorporated fuel-efficient designs and technology in its fleet, which are ranked among the world’s most eco-friendly bulk carriers. For his outstanding contributions to the maritime industry, Dr. Chao was inducted into the International Maritime Hall of Fame at the United Nations.
Dr. Chao and his late wife, Mrs. Ruth Mulan Chu Chao, have dedicated their lives to promoting education and philanthropy. Scholarships from their foundations have benefited thousands of students. To commemorate Ruth’s legacy of faith, family, and philanthropy, generous gifts have been made toward the construction of many institutions including the ***Ruth Mulan Chu Chao Center*** at Harvard University, the first woman named after an Asian American in Harvard’s history.
The recipient of innumerable honors and awards, Dr. Chao has been recognized with the Horatio Alger Award of Distinguished Americans at the United States Supreme Court and the Ellis Island Medal of Honor. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security recognized Dr. Chao as an Outstanding American by Choice. Dr. Chao is the subject of a best-selling biography entitled, FEARLESS AGAINST THE WIND, a complement to the best-selling biography on his late wife, Mrs. Ruth Mulan Chu Chao, CALM AMIDST THE STORMS.
趙錫城 博士畢生致力于海運業和慈善活動以幫助他人。他是福茂集團的創始人和名譽主席，該集團是一家以誠信、可靠以及優質服務著稱的美國航運公司。他在上海郊外嘉定縣一個小農莊的一個受過良好教育的家庭中長大。在職業生涯初期，他迅速晉級，29歲成為最年輕的遠洋船長之一。隨後，他參加了全國考試院舉辦的甲級船長特種考試，並取得了有史以來的最高分。
在紐約市聖約翰大學獲得管理學 MBA 學位後，趙博士創立了後來成為 福茂集團的公司。作為綠色技術的早期采用者，福茂集團在其船隊中采用了節能設計和技術，這些船隊被評為世界上最環保的散貨船。由于對海運業的傑出貢獻，趙博士入選聯合國國際海事名人堂。
趙博士和他已故的妻子朱木蘭夫人畢生致力于促進教育和慈善事業。他們基金會的獎學金使成千上萬的學生受益。為紀念朱木蘭女士的信仰、家庭和慈善事業，為建設包括哈佛大學露絲趙朱木蘭中心在內的許多機構提供了豐厚的禮物。 哈佛大學露絲趙朱木蘭中心是哈佛曆史上第一座以女性和亞裔美國人命名的建築。
趙博士獲得了無數的榮譽和獎項。他曾在美國最高法院獲得 “奧爾傑傑出美國人獎” 和“埃利斯島榮譽勳章”。美國國土安全部頒發給趙博士“傑出美國公民獎”。最近出版的暢銷書《逆風無畏》是一本生動講述趙錫成博士傳奇人生的人物傳記，繼而出版的《淡定自在》是講述已故夫人趙朱木蘭女士一生博愛與奉獻的生動傳記，兩書相得益彰，珠聯璧合。
**Secretary Elaine Chao** is the first Asian American woman to be appointed to a President’s cabinet in U. S. history. She is the longest serving cabinet secretary since World War II. Few Americans have achieved the rare distinction of serving in two cabinet posts. She has been confirmed on a bipartisan basis to two Presidential cabinet positions: U. S. Secretary of Transportation and U. S. Secretary of Labor.
She arrived in America as an 8 year old and didn’t speak English. She received her citizenship at the age of 19. Despite her success, she has never forgotten her community and is well known for being a filial daughter. During her tenure as Secretary of Labor, for example, the Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics began to record monthly employment data on Asians Americans in its own category for the first time in history.
Prior to becoming the Secretary of Labor, Secretary Chao was President and CEO of United Way of America and Director of the Peace Corps. In each position, she was always the first Asian American to be appointed and blazed the path forward for other Asian Americans to rise in America.
Secretary Chao earned her MBA from the Harvard Business School and is the recipient of 37 honorary doctorate degrees.
趙小蘭部長是美國曆史上第一位被任命為總統內閣成員的亞裔女性。她是二戰以來任 職時間最長的內閣秘書。很少有美國人能獲得在兩個內閣職位上任職的罕見榮譽。她已在兩黨基礎上被確認擔任兩個總統內閣職位：美國交通部長和美國勞工部長。
盡管她取得了成功，但她從未忘記她的社區，並以孝順的女兒而聞名。 她 8 歲時移民，在抵達美國時不會說英語，她在 19 歲時獲得了公民身份。她畢生致力于確保每個人都有機會為自己和家人創造更好的生活。例如，在她擔任勞工部長期間，勞工統計局曆史上第一次開始在其所屬類別中記錄亞裔美國人的月度就業數據。
在成為勞工部長之前，趙部長擔任過” 美國聯合慈善基金會”的總裁兼首席執行官以及和平隊的主任。在每個職位上，她始終是第一位被任命的亞裔美國人，並為其他亞裔美國人在美國的崛起開辟了道路。
趙部長在哈佛商學院獲得了工商管理碩士學位，並獲得了 37 個榮譽博士學位。
---
### [Statement from Secretary Chao in Honor of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/statement-from-secretary-chao-in-honor-of-asian-pacific-american-heritage-month/)
**Published:** May 15, 2022
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) are an essential part of the American story.
**Content:**
Statement from [Elaine Chao](https://wwsg.com/speakers/elaine-chao)
Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) are an essential part of the American story: We make up almost 7% of the U.S. population. And despite being underrepresented in American history books, AAPIs have been an integral part of this nation for hundreds of years.
During my tenure as both U.S. secretary of Labor and U.S. secretary of Transportation, I have sought to improve access to greater opportunities by underserved communities, including the Asian American and Pacific Islander community. Since leaving federal office, I am committed to continuing those efforts.
---
### [My family lives the American dream, but too many Asian Americans still face violence and hate](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/my-family-lives-the-american-dream-but-too-many-asian-americans-still-face-violence-and-hate/)
**Published:** May 26, 2022
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (New York Post) – Like so many others, my family immigrated to America in search of a better future.
**Content:**
By WWSG Exclusive Speaker [Elaine Chao](https://wwsg.com/speakers/elaine-l-chao/)
The young African-American man opened his apartment door to greet an elderly Asian-American man and his daughter, whose face seemed familiar. It is the same apartment where, once upon a time, my then-young father and mother raised my sisters and me during our early years in America.
It was Easter Sunday. My 96-year-old father and I had embarked on a sentimental journey to visit the homes we lived in after arriving in America so many years ago. We returned to the small one-bedroom apartment on 85th Road in Jamaica; the two-bedroom apartment in the building next door; and the first house my parents ever owned, on Long Island. It was a stirring reminder of how fortunate we have been to live the American dream.
Like so many others, my family immigrated to America in search of a better future. In Taiwan, at age 29, my father had been one of the youngest-ever oceangoing ship captains. He then took a four-day national examination, and his record-breaking score secured him a chance to pursue graduate studies overseas. He came to New York City, where he continued his studies and worked multiple jobs for three years to earn enough for passage on a freighter for my mother, my sisters and me. Three years and 37 days later, the transoceanic journey from Asia brought us to the United States.
The initial years were difficult; we didn’t speak English and struggled to adjust to the new culture. Yet my parents always retained their hopeful and optimistic spirit, worked very hard and made many sacrifices to give their children the ability to achieve the American dream.
[](https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/05/Elaine-Chao.jpg)Elaine L Chao and her father James Si Cheng first arrived at New York City in a small apartment in JamaicaElaine Chao
Our story mirrors that of countless families who, for generations, have come to this country in search of opportunity. Today, Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders are nearly 7% of the US population. We live and work in communities across the nation and are an integral part of the fabric of America.
Yet the Asian-American experience continues to be shadowed [by anti-Asian prejudice](https://nypost.com/2022/05/08/asians-americans-are-inconvenient-for-social-justice-ideologues/) that has been here since Asians began arriving. More recently, the onset of COVID-19 and [deteriorating US-China relations](https://nypost.com/2022/03/28/shanghai-starts-chinas-biggest-covid-19-lockdown-in-2-years/) have precipitated a sharp rise in anti-Asian bias, hate and violence. The Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism found that instances of anti-Asian hate crime increased by 339% in 2021, far surpassing record numbers from 2020.
Violent headline-generating attacks are happening with distressing frequency. In January, [Michelle Go, a](https://nypost.com/2022/01/16/what-we-know-about-times-square-subway-shove-victim-michelle-go/) 40-year-old Asian-American woman, was killed when she was intentionally pushed in front of an oncoming subway train at the [Times Square station.](https://nypost.com/2022/01/17/kin-of-subway-shove-victim-michelle-go-break-silence/) In February, a deranged 28-year-old man allegedly went on an unprovoked two-hour rampage in downtown Manhattan in which he violently assaulted seven [different Asian-American](https://nypost.com/2021/03/30/man-unleashes-anti-asian-attack-at-home-depot-in-brooklyn/) women. Just this month, a [Korean-owned Dallas](https://nypost.com/2022/05/11/three-women-shot-at-dallas-hair-salon/) hair salon was the scene of a racially motivated shooting of three Korean women.
These sorts of despicable acts of racial violence have left [Asian-American communities](https://nypost.com/2022/02/20/inside-nycs-skyrocketing-anti-asian-violence-how-hate-speech-led-to-hate-crimes/) around the country feeling vulnerable and wondering what the future holds. Roughly a third of Asian Americans say they have changed their daily routines out of concern for racially motivated violence, per Pew.
At the same time, there is a sense among Asian Americans that after the initial spate of media attention, this wave of discrimination and violence is receding from the national consciousness. A study from Leading Asian Americans to Unite for Change and The Asian American Foundation recently found that nearly a third of Americans remain unaware of the rise [in anti-Asian racism](https://nypost.com/2022/01/15/chinese-new-yorkers-disgusted-by-violence-empty-democrat-promises/) over the past several years.
May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month — a time for us to recognize this community’s many contributions to America and redouble our efforts to combat anti-Asian [violence and discrimination. ](https://nypost.com/2022/03/16/rally-against-anti-asian-violence-held-in-times-square-year-after-atlanta-spa-shootings/)Countless people have thought deeply about this problem and have put forth ideas to address it.
To build upon that spirit and chart an actionable path forward, it is time for a bipartisan, blue-ribbon commission on anti-Asian violence — one with a mandate not to simply restate the problem but rather to focus on solutions by engaging with communities to develop workable recommendations. This would underscore our collective commitment against [anti-Asian violence.](https://nypost.com/2022/01/21/nyc-hate-crime-complaints-skyrocket-anti-asian-attacks-triple/)
New York City held its very first Asian Pacific American Heritage Month parade May 15. This historic event would not have been possible without the tireless work of so many leaders including Robin Mui, publisher of Sing Tao Newspapers. My father, James S. C. Chao, and I were the grand marshals. It was an honor to help celebrate this community. New Yorkers lined the parade route watching the diversity of floats that reflect the richness of AANHPI traditions. Thank you, Mayor Adams, for attending to show your respect to our community!
These events brought me back to my early years as a young immigrant in America, to the small apartments we lived in when we first arrived in this exceptional country. Though the journey was arduous and the future seemed so uncertain, my family held on to America’s promise that we are bound together not by race or religion but by the belief that anything is possible through hard work and dedication.
Let’s work together to create a society where Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders and all Americans can find their American dream without fear of violence and prejudice. As my parents always told my sisters and me: Where there is a will, there is a way.
*Elaine L. Chao, the first Asian-American woman to be named to a president’s Cabinet, was secretary of labor and secretary of transportation. She is the longest-serving Cabinet member since World War II.*
---
### [FreightWaves Classics/Leaders: Chao broke barriers leading federal departments](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/freightwaves-classics-leaders-chao-broke-barriers-leading-federal-departments/)
**Published:** May 26, 2022
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (FreightWaves) – Elaine Chao is among the very few Americans who has been appointed to two cabinet positions – U. S. Secretary of Labor (by President George W. Bush) and U. S. Secretary of Transportation (by President Donald Trump).
**Content:**
May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Organizations across the United States are paying tribute to “generations of Asian and Pacific Islanders who have enriched America’s history and are instrumental in its future success.” FreightWaves joins in that tribute. An earlier [article](https://www.freightwaves.com/news/freightwaves-classicspioneers-bell-made-history-in-the-us-coast-guard) profiled the U.S. Coast Guard’s Melvin Kealoha Bell.
To continue honoring Americans of Asian and/or Pacific Island heritage, FreightWaves Classics profiles a woman who has accomplished a great deal in a career in both the private sector and in public service.
*Elaine Chao Photo Milken Institute*
**Overview**
Elaine Chao is among the very few Americans who has been appointed to two cabinet positions – U. S. Secretary of Labor (by President George W. Bush) and U. S. Secretary of Transportation (by President Donald Trump). When she was unanimously confirmed to her first cabinet post as Secretary of Labor, she became the first woman of Asian American/Pacific Islander heritage to serve in a presidential cabinet.
Earlier in her career, Chao was also President and CEO of United Way of America and Director of the Peace Corps. She previously served as Deputy Secretary of Transportation; Chair, Federal Maritime Commission; Deputy Maritime Administrator; and White House Fellow.
*US Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao in 2017 at an Infrastructure Week event Photo USDOT***Early life and career**
Chao was born in Taipei City, Taiwan in 1953. In 1961, Chao and her family immigrated to the United States. When they moved to the U.S., Chao did not speak English. The family lived on Long Island, and Chao became a naturalized U.S. citizen when she was 19. She earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from Mount Holyoke College in 1975 and her MBA from the Harvard Business School in 1979.
Chao began her career working for several private sector financial institutions. Among her areas of expertise was transportation financing. Her career in public service began when she was appointed a White House Fellow. She was then appointed deputy administrator of the Maritime Administration, an agency of the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT), in 1986. She held that position until she was named chairwoman of the Federal Maritime Commission in 1988. Chao was named deputy secretary of transportation at USDOT in 1989.
In 1991, she stepped down from her USDOT position to become director of the Peace Corps. While she was not at the Peace Corps long, she established the agency’s first programs in the Baltic nations and the newly independent states of the former Soviet Union. Chao left the Peace Corps in 1992, when she was named president and chief executive officer of the United Way of America. At the United Way, Chao led the effort to restore public trust and confidence in the premier institution of private charitable giving, after financial mismanagement and abuse was revealed. She worked at the United Way until 1996.
*Elaine Chao’s official portrait as Secretary of the U.S. Department of Labor.*
*(Photo: rocketreach.co)*
**U.S. Secretary of Labor**
Chao took office as the U.S. Secretary of Labor on January 29, 2001, and served in that position throughout both terms of President George W. Bush’s presidency (leaving office on January 20, 2009, when the new Obama administration took office). She was the longest-serving Secretary of Labor since World War II.
As the first Secretary of Labor in the 21st century, Chao focused on the competitiveness of America’s workforce and updating department regulations to reflect the modern workplace. During her tenure, “the Labor Department updated white collar overtime regulations that had been on the agenda of administrations since 1977.”
In addition, progress was made in worker protection. Among the milestones of the department were: “record low worker injury, illness and fatality rates; record back wages recovered; record monetary recoveries for workers’ pension plans; and the first major update of union financial disclosure regulations to benefit rank and file members in 40 years.”
*President George W Bush signs into law HR 4 the Pension Protection Act of 2006 on Thursday Aug 17 2006 Joining him onstage in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building are from left Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao Rep Buck McKeon of California Rep John Boehner of Ohio Senator Blanche Lincoln of Arkansas Senator Michael Enzi of Wyoming and Rep Bill Thomas of California Photo Kimberlee HewittWhite House*
Also during Chao’s tenure the department “updated Family and Leave Act regulations, spearheaded the Pension Protection Act, implemented the MINER Act and crafted new regulations to help energy workers and veterans. In addition, innovative workforce development programs were launched to empower workers to succeed in a knowledge-based economy.”
In summary, as U.S. Secretary of Labor, Chao focused on increasing the competitiveness of America’s workforce in the global economy and promoted job creation opportunities. Under her leadership, the department updated outdated regulations and training programs to empower workers. The department also set “new records for workplace safety and health, compensation and retirement security.”
President Trump and Secretary Chao Photo whitehousegov
**U.S. Secretary of Transportation**
On November 29, 2016, President-elect Donald Trump announced that Chao was his choice to serve as U.S. Secretary of Transportation and to lead the USDOT. She was confirmed by the Senate on January 31, 2017, and sworn into office the same day. She served as the 18th secretary of transportation.
Among the duties of the secretary of transportation, he or she is responsible for oversight of “the formulation of national transportation policy and promotes intermodal transportation. Other responsibilities range from negotiation and implementation of international transportation agreements, assuring the fitness of U.S. airlines, enforcing airline consumer protection regulations, issuance of regulations to prevent alcohol and illegal drug misuse in transportation systems and preparing transportation legislation.”
Less than two months after taking office as transportation secretary, Chao spoke at the open house that was held to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the USDOT’s founding. During her remarks, Chao highlighted some of USDOT’s achievements, as well as its ongoing objectives. “In the 50 years since the Department first opened its doors on April 1, 1967, we have seen an amazing transformation of our country’s infrastructure. Change, however, brings many challenges. And the Department of Transportation will be at the forefront of shaping this change, by focusing on the three priorities at the heart of our mission: enhancing safety, refurbishing infrastructure and preparing for the future.”
As U.S. Secretary of Transportation, she was an advocate for safety and the importance of infrastructure and innovation in the economic competitiveness and growth of the United States.
In 2017, the USDOT announced a pilot program to “test and evaluate the integration of civil and public drone operations into the airspace system.” The next year, 10 applicants were selected to participate in the project. Then, in 2019, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) “issued an air carrier and operator certificate to UPS Flight Forward for drone deliveries to a hospital campus in Raleigh, North Carolina.” In December 2019, after numerous drone-related incidents, the FAA proposed a new rule to “require drones to be remotely identifiable.”
Chao announced the formation of the Non-Traditional and Emerging Transportation Technology (NETT) Council in March 2019. The council was an internal USDOT group to identify “jurisdictional and regulatory gaps” when the department was considering new transportation technologies. The next month (April 2019), the FAA proposed new regulations to modernize the rules governing commercial space flight launches and reentries. However, at a Congressional hearing on the issue in July 2019, the president of the Commercial Spaceflight Federation criticized the FAA proposal for not delivering on its stated goals.
On January 7, 2021, Chao announced that she would resign as secretary of transportation effective January 11, 2021. (She would have left office on January 20 when the Biden administration came into office.) In a statement, Chao said, “Yesterday, our country experienced a traumatic and entirely avoidable event as supporters of the President stormed the Capitol building following a rally he addressed. As I’m sure is the case with many of you, it has deeply troubled me in a way that I simply cannot set aside.”
*Sen McConnell and Elaine Chao Photo boylecountyrepublicansorg*
**Power couple**
In 1993, Chao and U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell, a Republican from Kentucky, were married. McConnell is currently the U.S. Senate Minority Leader, and previously was the Senate Majority Leader.
McConnell and Chao are considered one of Washington’s key power couples. However, their marriage has also meant that both have been targets of those who oppose their politics, policies or positions.
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### [Elaine Chao’s next act](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/elaine-chaos-next-act/)
**Published:** June 21, 2022
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (Politico) – West Wing Playbook has learned that former Secretary of Transportation ELAINE CHAO is set to join the board of the Smithsonian’s Asian Pacific American Center.
**Content:**
President JOE BIDEN earlier this month signed a bill laying the foundation for the creation of a national museum of Asian Americans.
The project still has to go through a number of steps. But should it be greenlit by Congress, as expected, a well-known Republican figure and former Trump administration official is poised to play a key role in its launch.
West Wing Playbook has learned that former Secretary of Transportation ELAINE CHAO is set to join the board of the Smithsonian’s Asian Pacific American Center. APAC is the institution’s emerging hub for learning and study of Asian Americans and would likely help shape the future of the national museum.
In a statement, APAC advisory board chair DEBBIE SHON confirmed the news, saying the organization was “honored to have Secretary Chao join the APAC Board.” The statement went on to note that while Shon was a longtime Democrat who worked in BILL CLINTON’s administration, she respected Chao professionally and recognized the need to bring prominent Republicans on board in order to increase its influence in Washington.
“She will bring fresh insights, wisdom, and sage counsel as we bring our communities together in pursuit of equality, equity and our place on the Mall and in American history books and current culture,” she said in a separate message on Monday.
At the moment, APAC is a largely events and digital-focused arm of the Smithsonian, putting on community functions across the country and sharing digital content focused on highlighting arts, culture, and history of the diverse Asian and Pacific Islander communities in the U.S.
But the appointment of Chao, the wife of Senate Minority Leader MITCH McCONNELL and the highest-ranking Asian American woman in U.S. government history before KAMALA HARRIS assumed the vice presidency, signals potential grander bipartisan vision for the group. Shon agreed to help lead APAC’s board several years ago when she learned there were no permanent exhibits at the institution that recognized the struggles or contributions of Asian Americans. She proceeded to recruit well-known Asian American figures from different fields to shape the Smithsonian’s direction, including adding CEO and The Ankler founder JANICE MIN, Hyphen Cap founder DAVE LU, and Meta’s ERIC TODA to the board.
Chao’s appointment comes at a time when former Trump cabinet members are under an intensifying microscope due to the Jan. 6 committee proceedings. Chao resigned from her post after the insurrection.
It also comes at a moment when many prominent Asian Americans in Washington have been advocating for a dedicated museum around the National Mall similar to the National Museum of African American History and Culture, which opened in 2016, and the National Museum of the American Latino, which is currently in the planning stages.
Officially, APAC and the Smithsonian won’t be involved in the creation of a museum until a museum study commission finishes its work and authorizes the project. A spokesperson for the Smithsonian pointed out that the organization will “serve in an advisory capacity or as content experts,” if asked, but “as of now, we have not been asked to do so.”
But ultimately, if the museum is created, Chao and other prominent APAC figures could have a strong say in its vision and direction. The actual language of the law Biden signed says the Smithsonian Institution will play a consulting role in developing “criteria for evaluating possible locations for the Museum in Washington, DC.” It also calls for exploring the “feasibility of the Museum becoming part of the Smithsonian Institution, taking into account the Museum’s potential impact on the Smithsonian’s existing facilities maintenance backlog, collections storage needs, and identified construction or renovation costs for new or existing museums.”
When reached for comment, Shon said APAC is “anxiously awaiting next steps as the commission unfolds,” and says the group is prepared to “facilitate these conversations and provide the research necessary.”
The museum bill signing represented the Biden administration’s recent efforts to speak more to Asians in the country. In recent months, Harris has held multiple public speaking events aimed at discussing the value of various AAPI cultures and histories in America, and earlier this month, the president welcomed Korean pop group BTS to the White House to raise awareness for violence against Asians. BTS subsequently broke up or took a hiatus, depending on how you interpret it.
---
### [America is facing an unprecedented worker shortage. Here are 3 things we can do to fix it](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/america-is-facing-an-unprecedented-worker-shortage-here-are-3-things-we-can-do-to-fix-it/)
**Published:** September 5, 2022
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
## Bipartisan JOBS Act, Medicaid work requirements and fewer licensing rules would help ease worker shortage
America is in the midst of the [worst worker shortage in recent memory.](https://www.foxnews.com/category/us/economy/jobs)
Many have heard the stories of employers offering bonuses and higher salaries in a desperate effort to fill openings. Many have experienced delays at restaurants or stores that are short-staffed. Others have had their flights delayed or canceled because there are not enough baggage handlers, TSA agents, pilots, or flight attendants.
Indeed, the scope of this labor shortage is unprecedented. Data from the St. Louis Federal Reserve indicates that 2022 has seen the highest number of job openings on record. Moreover, the labor force participation rate remains a full percentage point below its pre-COVID-19 levels, translating to more than two million fewer workers in the economy today.
This is a problem that deserves our attention. Labor shortages can undermine GDP growth, fuel inflation, and stifle productive innovation and investment. Moreover, a strong and healthy labor force is needed to sustain the Medicare and Social Security benefits on which millions of seniors rely.
While there is no silver bullet, there are a handful of steps that Congress, local governments, and this administration can take right now to help bolster the workforce and give our economy a much-needed boost.
First, our country needs to address the growing mismatch between the skills needed to fill openings and the skills jobseekers possess. The skills gap, as this phenomenon has come to be called, is [especially prevalent for technical jobs](https://www.foxnews.com/tech) requiring more than a high school diploma but less than a four-year bachelor’s degree — think software programmers, hospital technicians, HVAC specialists, and so on.
These are generally well-paying jobs that offer solid benefits, and the skills they require can be obtained through workforce training programs at local community colleges and technical schools. We should make these programs more accessible to Americans interested in taking advantage of them.
[One proposal from Senators](https://www.foxnews.com/category/politics/senate) Rob Portman, R-OH, and Tim Kaine, D-VA, will do just that. Their bill, The JOBS Act, would allow Pell Grants to be used at technical schools and community colleges, enabling countless Americans to receive the training they need to fill in-demand jobs that help fuel our economy. Congress should pass this legislation without delay.
Second, Medicaid work requirements should be considered for able-bodied adults without dependents. Medicaid was created nearly 60 years ago to provide free or heavily subsidized health care coverage to impoverished women and children, disabled individuals, and seniors in nursing homes who cannot afford the cost of long-term care. In 2010, Obamacare expanded Medicaid eligibility to healthy, working-age adults living at or slightly above the poverty line. Since then, Medicaid enrollment has ballooned to more than 75 million.
With over 10 million unfilled jobs, non-elderly, non-disabled adult Medicaid recipients can be required to work, search for work, or pursue educational opportunities in exchange for their taxpayer-funded benefits. This would help get more than a million Americans into the workforce and on a path toward self-sufficiency.
Third, local and state-level legislative bodies should take a hard look at reducing or eliminating burdensome and unnecessary occupational licensing requirements that don’t genuinely further public safety. Roughly a third of American workers are required to obtain a government license to legally offer goods or services for pay, and individual states control these regulations. While licensing makes sense for doctors and pilots, there seems little reason to force florists, interior designers, cosmetologists, and tour guides to pay hundreds or thousands of dollars and complete extensive educational programs as a prerequisite for work. Indeed, many of these occupational licensing requirements in effect today have become barriers to entry that curtail competition.
America is home to one of the most productive, innovative, and resourceful workforce in the world. They are the backbone of our economy and the source of our national prosperity. Their work ethic, grit, and ingenuity will continue to propel us forward into the future.
Yet, we mustn’t lose sight of the fact that these men and women are also profoundly impacted by the national labor shortage. Far too many Americans are being forced to work harder and longer to compensate for the lack of labor.
It’s time for leaders to address this national issue head-on by pursuing policies at every level of government to foster opportunity, remove bureaucratic red tape, and bolster America’s workforce.
---
### [Stuart Varney: Chao talks about supply chain issues, labor force declines and the recovery of the economy](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/supply-chain-crisis-linked-to-whole-host-of-biden-policy-decisions-former-transportation-secretary/)
**Published:** April 13, 2022
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
## China’s COVID lockdowns could further threaten supply chain, global economy
Former U.S. Labor Secretary under George W. Bush and Transportation Secretary under Donald Trump [Elaine Chao](https://www.foxnews.com/person/c/elaine-l-chao) explained how she would fix the ongoing [supply chain](https://www.foxbusiness.com/economy/varney-on-china-lockdowns-the-worlds-supply-chain-is-threatened) crisis, arguing that it starts by getting [inflation](https://www.foxbusiness.com/category/inflation) under control on “[Varney & Co.](https://www.foxbusiness.com/shows/varney-co)” Wednesday.
“The supply chain issue is linked to a whole host of policy decisions that have been made by this administration,” Chao told FOX Business’ [Stuart Varney](https://www.foxbusiness.com/person/v/stuart-varney). “It’s an issue about inflation.”
Inflation hitting a new [40-year high](https://www.foxbusiness.com/economy/march-consumer-price-index-inflation) in March coupled with the possibility of more shipping delays due to China’s [latest](https://www.foxbusiness.com/economy/china-covid-lockdown-apple-automakers-inflation) [COVID-19](https://www.foxbusiness.com/category/coronavirus) lockdowns puts pressure on President [Biden](https://www.foxbusiness.com/category/joe-biden) to find a solution sooner rather than later.
“This is putting increasing demand at precisely the time when the supply chain is actually quite still fragile and vulnerable,” Chao said.
Uncertainty surrounding further supply chain delays forces consumers and companies to order more products now before they run out, according to the former Transportation Secretary.
Elaine Chao, 18th U.S. Secretary of Transportation; 24th U.S. Secretary of Labor. (Getty Images)
“They’re not quite sure if they’re going to get what they need within the time-space that they need,” Chao explained, “so they order more, and that increases, again, the pressure on the supply chain.”
As an expert in the [labor](https://www.foxbusiness.com/category/jobs) sector, Chao praised the “unsung heroes” who have worked in the supply chain during this time.
“Those include truckers who have kept our shelves fully stocked,” she noted, “and railroad workers, port workers and also air traffic control workers.”
In July, [West Coast ports](https://www.foxbusiness.com/economy/supply-chain-showing-signs-the-worst-is-over-port-of-long-beach) will hold renegotiation talks with union dockworkers for new contracts. And if workers aren’t pleased, Chao warned of a possible strike.
“If there is a strike with the West Coast ports this coming July, that would place obviously a lot of bad pressures on the economy, increase inflation and further disrupt the supply chain,” Chao said.
[](http://video.foxbusiness.com/v/6303834986001)
Former U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao says airline and travel workers have suffered ‘abuse’ for having to enforce mask mandates.
Chao again criticized the Biden administration’s post-pandemic response to the jobs market, claiming there would be 10 million more workers in the economy today if the labor participation rate was the same as when she was secretary.
“That would certainly help us to address the workforce issue and get us out of the doldrums in terms of a more vibrant economy,” Chao pointed out.
---
### [Elaine Chao reveals what's missing from the infrastructure bill](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/elaine-chao-reveals-whats-missing-from-the-infrastructure-bill/)
**Published:** November 9, 2021
**Author:** wpengine
**Content:**
The former transportation secretary joins ‘Kudlow’ to discuss how the infrastructure bill should be spent.
---
### [Trucker shortage is a national priority](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/trucker-shortage-is-a-national-priority/)
**Published:** February 4, 2022
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (The Hill) – Millions of Americans were deeply moved by the efforts and sacrifice of the men and women behind the wheel.
**Content:**
Among my most lasting early COVID memories are the reassuring sight of trucks hauling groceries and goods. It was spring 2020, when the nation was reeling from the emerging pandemic and the loss of 22 million jobs. Several months later, spirits rose as trucks were loaded with deliveries of new vaccines and precious hope. Millions of Americans were deeply moved by the efforts and sacrifice of the men and women behind the wheel.
The new infrastructure package includes a federal [apprenticeship program](https://nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.federalregister.gov%2Fdocuments%2F2022%2F01%2F14%2F2022-00733%2Fsafe-driver-apprenticeship-pilot-program-to-allow-persons-ages-18-19-and-20-to-operate-commercial&data=04%7C01%7CTDuffy%40SARDVERB.com%7C00371306550b4590a9ea08d9e5973f34%7Cdfc7827b9c274ffbb94f96d3b0b06aa1%7C0%7C0%7C637793260037356522%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000&sdata=3bvYKSutYD7If979zXx%2B7HH0dbXEDiiXZATWHlzKFOc%3D&reserved=0) to train thousands of truck drivers as young as 18. This initiative is designed to mitigate the labor challenges facing the trucking industry caused by illness, inflation, rising costs of fuel and parts, and regulatory hurdles, and is supported by the American Trucking Association. Whether or not you supported the infrastructure bill, we should all agree that government policy should support this essential industry. And, autonomous trucking technology is increasingly seeing greater acceptance, as it offers great potential to boost safety, save fuel, cut emissions and help solve truck drivers shortages.
Trucking is among America’s most severely regulated economic sectors and challenging professions. But it is certainly one of the most vital as [truckers move 70 percent of freight in the U.S. ](https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/stocks/trucking-industry-facts-us-truckers-2019-5-1028248577) In normal times it is a grueling job. And rarely more so than during those early months of the pandemic when states were scrambling to prevent COVID’s spread through measures such as closing rest areas that truckers need. In those early days, it was hard to find a bite to eat on the road.
There was mass clamor for faster replenishment of groceries, medical supplies, and resources that keep supply chains going. And so on March 13, 2020, for the first time since the law’s enactment in 1937, the [Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration issued an Emergency Declaration](https://www.businessinsider.com/coronavirus-trucking-truck-driver-hours-of-service-suspended-2020-3) allowing truckers to safely extend federally-restricted “hours of service” to enable transport of critical supplies. This action has been extended every few months ever since. The Department of Transportation issued hundreds of COVID-related regulatory relief measures during 2020 to facilitate transport. And starting in fall 2020, the department’s long-awaited initiative to provide *all* truckers more flexible hours of service regulations began being implemented.
Today, as Year Three of the pandemic begins, supply chain pressures persist because of continued COVID-related disruptions worldwide and increased consumer demand fueled in part by federal relief and stimulus. As we turn to 18 year-olds for support, the transportation sector has so far been unable to keep up with demand which contributes to shortages and an inflationary feedback loop. This is a political nightmare for an incumbent president and their party, as veterans of past inflationary surges can attest.
This administration is trying to respond with both a supply chain task force and a trucking action plan last year, the latter of which is led by the secretaries of Labor and Transportation (the two Cabinet posts I held). It will be a tough task, and we all hope they can demonstrate results soon to alleviate supply chain problems.
---
### [We need to do more than #StopAsianHate](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/we-need-to-do-more-than-stopasianhate/)
**Published:** February 2, 2022
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (Washington Examiner) – I hope our country continues to increase our collective recognition of the contributions of this community.
**Content:**
BY [ELAINE CHAO](https://wwsg.com/speakers/elaine-chao)
For the Asian American and Pacific Islander community, the last two years have been defined in large part by a [devastating rise in discrimination and hate crimes](https://www.npr.org/2021/08/31/1032932257/hate-crimes-reach-the-highest-level-in-more-than-a-decade). Tragedies including the [Atlanta spa](https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/atlanta-spa-shootings-asian-long-dead) and [Indianapolis warehouse](https://apnews.com/article/shootings-statutes-violence-hate-crimes-indianapolis-395655b314f1e57553fbac7b3f1804be) attacks filled national headlines with harrowing frequency, while [incidents](https://stopaapihate.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/21-SAH-NationalReport2-v2.pdf) such as refusal of service, verbal harassment, and physical threats filled many hearts with concern and fear.
In an October [NPR poll](https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2021/10/21/Race-Ethnicity%20Report_FINAL.pdf) , a full “1 in 4 Asian Americans feared — in the past few months — that members of their household would be attacked or threatened because of their race or ethnicity.” And overall, a new Stop AAPI Hate [survey](https://stopaapihate.org/national-report-through-september-2021/) estimated that “nearly one in five Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI)” experienced “a hate incident” last year.
As we celebrate the Lunar New Year, however, my optimism for the future can be traced to an outstanding and moving record of achievements that has characterized the Asian American experience since the first wave of immigrants arrived. But as the next generation of leaders builds on a storied legacy, our country needs to also remember to teach and cherish it — an imperative whose importance only grows in light of the darkness born out of the COVID-19 crisis, which compounded existing bigotry and catalyzed new forms of the menace.
In a recent survey by an Asian American organization called LAAUNCH, for instance, the public still [struggled](https://staatus-index.laaunch.org/) to name prominent members of this community. In fact, 42% of people answered “don’t know,” the most commonly cited answer, when asked to name prominent Asian Americans.
The effort to acknowledge, understand, and showcase the contributions by Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders is important to our country’s own self-interest, particularly amid the ever-growing gulf in what we offer and how we are perceived. Think of high-profile Asian Americans such as acclaimed violinist Yo-Yo Ma, basketball star Jeremy Lin, public servants such as Reps. Michelle Steel, Young Kim, Grace Meng, and Judy Chu, business leaders such as Eric Yuan, founder of the now indispensable videoconferencing phenomenon ZOOM; Lisa Su, CEO of Advanced MicroDevices; Jensen Huang, CEO of Nvidia; Tony Xu, founder of DoorDash; and entrepreneurs such as Wen Hsieh, Partner at Kleiner Perkins; Peng Zhao, CEO of Citadel Securities; Joe Bae, co-CEO of KKR; Jerry Yang, founder of Yahoo; and Li Lu, founder of Himalaya Capital. The latter four founded the Asian American Foundation with the mission to improve Asian American and Pacific Islander advocacy, power, and representation, and it raised over $1 billion in commitments last year.
Asian Americans also have “low visibility in the media” and “continue to be seen as perpetual foreigners” — statistics and stereotypes that actors such as Daniel Dae Kim, film producer Dan Lin, and director Jon Chu are also working to change.
There are so many more prominent and accomplished Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. The Asian American and Pacific Islander community’s remarkable contributions date to the previous century and earlier — from the 12,000 Chinese immigrants who braved incredible hardships to [construct](https://www.history.com/news/transcontinental-railroad-chinese-immigrants) the transcontinental railroad that connected our country and enabled us to be the economic powerhouse that we are today to the [astronauts with Asian roots](https://www.nasa.gov/feature/space-station-20-asian-american-pacific-islander-heritage-month/) in this century who blazed a path to outer space. Asian Americans have served with valor in defending the freedoms we enjoy in our country here and abroad. Towering figures in fields such as medicine, the arts, athletics, journalism, and public service merit much admiration for enriching the fabric, and shaping the future, of the United States.
At the recent ribbon-cutting ceremony of the Chinese American Museum in Washington, D.C., I [asked](https://www.elainechao.com/chinese-american-museum-ribbon-cutting-opening-ceremony/) attendees, “How many in mainstream America know that Americans of Asian ancestry have been fighting for our country since the War of 1812? Or that 34 Asian Pacific Americans have been awarded the congressional Medal of Honor? How many know that the principle of citizenship by birth on American soil was first established by an 1898 Supreme Court decision involving a Chinese American, Wong Kim Ark?” The answer, as it turns out: far too few.
Yet more than merely increasing our awareness of the Asian Americans who, for example, completed one of America’s most important infrastructure projects, formed cutting-edge technology companies, and served at the highest levels of government, it enriches our nation to celebrate them. The Asian American community has been an integral part of this nation for hundreds of years. As we celebrate this Lunar New Year, I hope our country continues to increase our collective recognition of the contributions of this community.
*Elaine Chao was the first Asian American woman to be appointed to a president’s Cabinet, the 24th secretary of labor, and the 18th secretary of transportation.*
---
### [Why it’s so important to shore up America’s transportation infrastructure](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/why-its-so-important-to-shore-up-americas-transportation-infrastructure/)
**Published:** December 29, 2021
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (Fox Business) – Parallel to progress on the bipartisan infrastructure bill, policymakers should also now support truckers with resolve rather than saddling them with harmful regulations to help America emerge from this crisis.
**Content:**
*Transportation infrastructure is integral to our nation’s productivity, global competitiveness and quality of life for the American people*
From gas prices to grocery bills, global supply chain disruption and domestic labor shortages continue to ripple across America. The historic deficit of nearly 80,000 truck drivers in the U.S. – a 30% increase since the pandemic began – inadequate transportation infrastructure and other factors, including overwhelmed West Coast U.S. ports and shutdowns at overseas ports, are affecting all Americans. This is all harmful to American consumers and threatens the U.S. economy.
It has caused some to reevaluate the risks of just-in-time inventory systems. In October, a record-breaking 100 container ships were stuck at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach – a figure more than five times higher than the pre-COVID average.
Commercial trucking operators are championing initiatives to both retain drivers and recruit new ones, including increased compensation packages. Per a recent American Trucking Association report, the industry is raising pay at five times the historic average. And for its part, the federal government must approach regulation in this space with equal parts precision and prudence.
Looking back during my tenure at the Department of Transportation, I am proud of our efforts to enhance flexibility and improve safety through “hours-of-service” and other reforms.
Modernizing existing regulations for America’s truckers allows professional drivers to have more freedom and latitude in their driving schedules. The truckers who help power our economy need less red tape and bureaucracy to ease the supply chain obstacles.
Looking forward, I am also proud of the bipartisan effort to build on our work in the previous administration through the recently signed infrastructure bill. The enacted legislation will invest roughly $330 billion in infrastructure for roads, bridges, transit, ports and airports.
It also includes critical “workforce development for the trucking industry … that would allow 3,000 drivers between the ages of 18-20 to undergo training, permitting them to drive tractor-trailers across state lines.” These provisions amount to timely prescriptions that can help alleviate the ever-worsening stress on the supply chain.
The importance of shoring up transportation infrastructure, meanwhile, is not merely a matter of streamlining the delivery of goods to domestic consumers – it’s also a way to boost our international competitiveness and ability to attract businesses to our shores. Factors that compel companies and the jobs they generate to locate to a particular area include the quality of the transportation network and workforce. The components make a particular region more appealing for businesses.
Transportation infrastructure is integral to our nation’s productivity, global competitiveness and quality of life for the American people.
Parallel to progress on the bipartisan infrastructure bill, policymakers should also now support truckers with resolve rather than saddling them with harmful regulations to help America emerge from this crisis.
---
### [‘That man never quit fighting’: Remembering Bob Dole’s service and impact on DC veterans](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/that-man-never-quit-fighting-remembering-bob-doles-service-and-impact-on-dc-veterans/)
**Published:** December 5, 2021
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (WJLA) – Bob Dole, who overcame disabling war wounds to become a sharp-tongued Senate leader from Kansas, a Republican presidential candidate and then a symbol and celebrant of his dwindling generation of World War II veterans, has died.
**Content:**
Bob Dole, who overcame disabling war wounds to become a sharp-tongued Senate leader from Kansas, a Republican presidential candidate and then a symbol and celebrant of his dwindling generation of World War II veterans, has died. He was 98.
If it wasn’t for Dole, a former Senator from Kansas and WWII veteran, and his efforts to build the World War II Memorial on the National Mall, the iconic structure may not exist today.
Dole helped raise $200 million for the memorial. After it was built, it’s here where he’d spend eight hours a day in the hot summer sun for his final mission: greeting as many veterans as possible.
“He saw people and really cared about his fellow citizens,” said Holly Rotondi, the Executive Director of Friends of the National WWII Memorial. “There were groups trying to stop that memorial, the “save the mall people” who said we shouldn’t be building memorials on the mall and he would chargeback with, ‘we saved a lot of things including the mall. And we deserve our place here.’ He really fought for that place on the mall which is the most beautiful and appropriate place for that memorial and I think he felt his final mission was to greet as many WWII veterans as possible. He really wanted to welcome people to that memorial to realize what it means what his generation sacrificed for the country and the world and it meant something so special for him to be there.”
The National Honor Flight Network has flown in 250,000 veterans to visit the veteran memorials in Washington, D.C. Jeff Miller, the Co-Founder of Honor Flight Network, says Dole was integral.
*“He met most of them,” said Miller. “When they saw Senator Dole they would light up. He didn’t want some group picture with 200 veterans. He wanted to meet every single one of them to hear their story and exchange some stories with them. Bob Dole, he just epitomized that whole generation.”*
“He was that generation. Those of us who had fathers that age and mothers that were involved in it, we got an extra day with them when we were around Bob and Elizabeth Dole. What he really wanted to do was make veterans’ lives better.”
As for Bob Dole’s and his wife’s Elizabeth Dole’s reputation on Capitol Hill, it was second to none.
“He and Elizabeth were a team and they were like the first celebrity power couple in Washington,” said Elaine Chao, who served as U.S. Secretary of Labor and U.S. Secretary of Transportation. “And I remember as a young pup just entering the federal government it was so inspiring to see the two of them. Bob Dole as we know has proven his bravery on the battlefields of WWII. He sustained very, very heavy injuries from which he suffered and endured for the rest of his life. And as Senate Majority Leader he was a master of the process. And he knew how important it was to bring people together to forge a consensus to proceed forward.”
Chao added Dole was instrumental in passing the Americans with Disabilities Act.
“I have great admiration for Secretary and Senator Elizabeth Dole. She was my first boss in Washington. And at that time we forget it was so unusual to have a female boss. And she was among the very first female cabinet members. And she mentored a lot of young women like myself – letting us into the ranks of government, appointing us to important positions of responsibility and management positions. Elizabeth played a very large part in my career and personal and career development and she was such an incredible soulmate and also partner to Senator Bob Dole.”
“That was something very important to him as someone who was permanently disabled from WWII,” said William B. Lacy, the Director Emeritus of Dole Institute of Politics at the University of Kansas. “And his very first speech on the floor of the U.S. Senate in 1969 was about disabilities. He worked for veterans, farmers, seniors. He did something for almost everybody. You can look at the social security agreement that was made under President Reagan that saved social security. The ADA. You can look at his efforts to get a balanced budget amendment – passing the U.S. Senate by one vote. His accomplishments are extraordinary long. He was very clearly one of the most important legislators of the last half of the last decade.”
“What we try to do is we try to teach young people that it’s ok to be like people like Bob Dole, Ted Kennedy and George McGovern and others who reached across the aisle and accomplished things that were important to our country,” added Lacy. “And we don’t see that very much anymore these days. It’s something Bob Dole and other giants of the Senate did on an almost daily basis. If the greatest generation could put our country first perhaps we could do a better job of that as well.”
“He really set a tone of leadership that we miss today,” said Judd Gregg, a former Governor and U.S. Senator from New Hampshire who ran Dole’s presidential campaign in New Hampshire. “It was a leadership that understands you have to get along with the folks across the aisle and in order to get things done, you have to compromise without compromising your principles. I think this country really needs to look at his career and how he handled himself and what he did to lead this nation. He had a real strong anchor in where America should go and how it should be led. We need more people like Bob Dole right now. We need them right now. It would be great if we had a few Bob Dole’s running this country today.”
During this past Veterans Day, Mr. Dole at the age of 98, didn’t visit the WWII Memorial in person. Instead, he called the Honor Flight Network and they passed the phone around to veterans who visited the memorial that day.
*“I was worried that was going to be the last time and it turns out it was, but that man never quit fighting,” said Miller. “He spent his life living for others. All up until the end.”*
---
### [Zelenskyy and Ukraine's freedom fighters are an inspiration, deserve more of the world's support](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/zelenskyy-and-ukraines-freedom-fighters-are-an-inspiration-deserve-more-of-the-worlds-support/)
**Published:** April 6, 2022
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (Foc) – President Zelenskyy has shown us that one person can make a huge difference in a country's battle for survival.
**Content:**
By WWSG Exclusive Speaker, [Elaine L. Chao](https://wwsg.com/speakers/elaine-l-chao)
Back in 2015, I was among those captivated by a Ukrainian television series, “Servant of the People” (which is now back on Netflix). First aired from 2015 to 2018, its lead actor, [Volodymyr Zelenskyy](https://www.foxnews.com/category/world/volodymyr-zelenskyy), played a teacher fed up with corruption in his country.
His fictional character’s populist rant, filmed by one of his students through an open window and viewed by millions on YouTube, ultimately led to a crowdsourced campaign for public office. Life subsequently imitated art, and in 2019, Zelenskyy was elected president of Ukraine in a landslide.
Who would have thought this actor turned real-life president would now inspire the civilized world with his courageous defense of his country?
The Soviet flag last flew over the Kremlin on Christmas Day, 1991. I was Peace Corps director during that seminal period in world history in which the Soviet Union collapsed. I sent the first Peace Corps volunteers into the former Soviet republics, including [Ukraine](https://www.foxnews.com/category/world/conflicts/ukraine). I subsequently visited Ukraine in 1993 and in 1996 to see this burgeoning democracy taking root. I visited Sevastopol, in Crimea before Putin’s 2014 invasion. Sevastopol is the largest city in Crimea and a major port on the Black Sea.
[](http://video.foxnews.com/v/6302790525001)
We knew that transition from a state-run central planning economy to a free enterprise system would not be easy and would require different survival skills. So, we recruited a different type of Peace Corps volunteer. Previously, most Peace Corps volunteers were recent college graduates and worked in nations with subsistence economies by helping to build ditches and improve agricultural methods, elementary education, and community hygiene.
> Ukrainians’ fight for survival is a stark reminder that freedom and peace anywhere are not to be taken for granted.
To help the people of the former Soviet Union transition to free-market economies, we recruited a new type of volunteer – older, more mature, with MBA degrees or business backgrounds. There was a tremendous outpouring of eagerness to be part of this new Peace Corps initiative. In the months after we put the call out for volunteers during January 1992, the Peace Corps received thousands of inquiries from Americans wanting to sign up.
*In this image from video provided by the Ukrainian Presidential Press Office, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy speaks to the Norwegian Parliament from Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, March 30, 2022. (Ukrainian Presidential Press Office via AP) (Ukrainian Presidential Press Office via AP)*
Ukraine was among the first of the former republics to ask for Peace Corps volunteers. I remember meeting the first Peace Corps volunteers headed to Ukraine on May 9, 1992. The first U. S. Ambassador to Ukraine was an Ukrainian American, Roman Popadiuk, the first Peace Corps Director in Ukraine was Jerry Dutkewych, another Ukrainian American. Ukraine eventually became the largest Peace Corps program in the world.
The Peace Corps’ entry into Ukraine was marked with hope and optimism. Ukraine had a population of 52 million people, many highly educated and skilled, and was uniquely positioned for economic and democratic success in the coming decades. Kiev was a beautiful city of large boulevards lined with trees, a city of promenades and greenery. To see this beautiful city today being bombed into rubble is heartbreaking.
Though they lived behind the Iron Curtain for nearly 70 years, the Ukrainian people aspired for their country to join the West and enjoy the benefits of freedom and opportunity. The admiration the Ukrainian people had for the United States, for our freedoms, our liberties, and our economic ingenuity was inspiring. Despite the many challenges and uncertainty that loomed on the horizon, the Ukrainian people were proud, determined, and energized to once again be independent and in control of their own country.
Despite overwhelming odds, Ukraine today is standing fast against [Putin](https://www.foxnews.com/category/world/personalities/vladimir-putin)’s [Russian](https://www.foxnews.com/category/world/world-regions/russia) forces. Civilians are taking up arms. People are risking and giving their lives to protect their homes, their freedom, and their sovereignty.
The rest of the world needs to do all we can to help Ukraine survive. Ukrainians’ fight for survival is a stark reminder that freedom and peace anywhere are not to be taken for granted.
President Zelenskyy has shown us that one person can make a huge difference. The Ronald Reagan Foundation, on whose board I serve, recently awarded its highest honor — The Ronald Reagan Freedom Award — to President Zelenskyy. The award is given to “those who have made monumental and lasting contributions to the cause of freedom worldwide.”
Ukraine’s freedom fighters need more of the world’s support. In our indelible memories of their courage and sacrifice, all of these Ukrainian men and women are making lasting contributions to the cause of freedom. Among the things I am sure of, when one day the Peace Corps is able to go back into Ukraine, there will be no shortage of volunteers.
*Elaine Chao was the 24th U.S. Secretary of Labor and 18th U.S. Secretary of Transportation and the first Asian American woman to be appointed to a president’s Cabinet.*
---
### [Secretary of Labor & Transportation Elaine Chao Breaks Down the November Jobs Report](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/secretary-of-labor-transportation-elaine-chao-breaks-down-the-november-jobs-report/)
**Published:** December 3, 2021
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
---
### [ABC Good Morning America: Secretary Elaine Chao Talks Labor Shortage, Supply Chain Disruptions, and Infrastructure](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/abc-good-morning-america-secretary-elaine-chao-talks-labor-shortage-supply-chain-disruptions-and-infrastructure/)
**Published:** October 19, 2021
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
Secretary Elaine Chao joins Good Morning America.
---
### [ABC 7 News Reflection on 9/11: Profile of Secretary Elaine Chao](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/abc-7-news-reflection-on-9-11-profile-of-secretary-elaine-chao/)
**Published:** September 11, 2021
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
---
### [ABC 7 News Reflection on 9/11 Article](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/abc-7-news-reflection-on-9-11-article/)
**Published:** September 11, 2021
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
At the age of eight-years-old, Elaine L. Chao came to America with her mother and two younger sisters on a cargo ship to reunite with their father who immigrated to America three years prior to seek better opportunities for his family. The journey took 37 days to cross the ocean.
The family began their new life together in New York City, where years later, the World Trade Center was attacked.
“I think the attacks on September 11th were so unexpected,” Chao told 7News. “We were so innocent as a nation and as a people. I don’t think anyone of us, very few of us, could of imagined this attack that came out of nowhere seemingly.”
In 2001, Chao was nominated by President George W. Bush to serve as U.S. Secretary of Labor. When she was confirmed by the U.S. Senate, Chao became the first Asian American woman to serve in a U.S. President’s cabinet. Chao served all eight years in President Bush’s administration.
Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao discussing the high November unemployment numbers reflecting the attacks of September 11, 2001, with President George W. Bush & his advisors in the Oval Office. 11/2/2001.
Chao also served as U.S. Secretary of Transportation between 2017-2021 and she now holds the distinction of being the longest serving cabinet member in the United States since the World War Two era.
U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao hosting an infrastructure event at the U. S. Department of Transportation. June 2018.
“What was going through your mind when heard the United States was under attack?” 7News Reporter Nick Minock asked Chao.
“I think what went through our minds as we saw the two planes go into the World Trade Center was just disbelief and perplexing thoughts as to why this is happening,” replied Chao. “It was not something that we had ever contemplated that we would be the target of these terrorists’ attacks. We didn’t even know what to call them. We didn’t even know they were terrorists. Little did we know that it was a formal declaration of war by terrorists in another part of the world who would want to do harm to Americans.”
**September 11, 2001**
“I was in my office holding my 8:30 senior staff meeting when a young aide came in and he said that the news is reporting a plane hit the World Trade Center,” said Chao. “We didn’t really know what was happening. When we saw the first plane embed itself in the World Trade Center, we called the White House right away. The White House was being evacuated. They were in no position to give any instructions .”
“We called OPM, the human resource arm of the federal government and we couldn’t get anyone either,” Chao added. “So we received no information as to what to do, what the threat was and what we should do in terms of keeping our people safe. I decided to evacuate the Department \[of Labor\] because we are caddy corner to the Congress. When I saw people streaming out of the United States Congress, I thought, we better get out of here. And that’s what prompted the evacuation.”
“We basically evacuated the Department of Labor,” she said. “The building was located on a tunnel – 395 – that ran under the building. There was a lot of concern about what was going on under the building as well. And for those who were able to get to the garage and take their cars with them, very soon after they were stuck in streets. Going nowhere. So, a lot of people left their cars and tried to go home by foot.”
“We were so unprepared,” said Chao. “We didn’t know where the PA system was. We didn’t know how to contact the rest of our colleagues who were in the building. Finally, someone got hold of the PA system and in a trembling voice which did not convey very much confidence, he said ‘we need to evacuate immediately. Run!’ So that was not exactly the reassuring message and it taught us a lot on how to handle future emergencies.”
**After the Attacks**
“I went to ground zero in my capacity as Secretary of Labor,” said Chao. “Ground zero at that time with it’s smoldering rubble and still burning fires under that rubble was the most dangerous workplace in America. OSHA at the Department of Labor was very much involved along with other parts of the department on September 11th. And their role was to oversee ground zero.”
Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao visiting Ground Zero with OSHA staff and the Operating Engineers union workers a few days after the attacks of September 11, 2001. Ground Zero was the most dangerous worksite in America. There were tangled metal, smoldering fires that burned for weeks. Sept. 2001.
“President George W. Bush is a wonderful leader and manger,” said Chao. “He picked very good people in his cabinet and he let them do their job. It was a cohesive group. The president brought all of us together when he went to Ground Zero after September 11. He was with a group of union members. He got on top of a pile of rubble and someone said to him ‘we can’t hear you.’ And he said I can hear you, and pretty soon the rest of the world will hear us. So he gave tremendous inspiration and leadership to the country and that of course filtered down to the cabinet. And we of course communicated his priorities and his words to the rest of the country as well. We are very fortunate to have been able to help our country in the particular moment of need.”
“What was the first cabinet meeting like following 9/11?” asked Minock.
“The first cabinet meeting was extremely somber,” Chao replied. “And extremely emotional. President Bush gave his report to the Cabinet as to what he knew at the time and what was happening. I remember the President emphatically pointing his fore finger on the table in the Cabinet room vowing to himself, to us, and to the American people that this would never happen again, so long as he is President.”
Post September 11 Cabinet Meeting. 9/14/2001.
“One of the strategies to address the terrorist threat is a strategy called the forward strategy,” Chao added. “Rather than allow terrorists to hit us again on our soil the strategy was to deploy our troops oversees to stop the terrorists from coming here. That was made at tremendous sacrifice. They performed valiant and courage tasks that was necessary to protect our country.”
Secretary Chao visits a boys orphanage in Baghdad and brings with her a sheet imprinted with palm prints of school children in Indian Hills Elementary School, Hopkinsville, Kentucky as a gesture of friendship. January 2004.
**How America Changed**
“I have lots of stories about how the priorities of the \[Bush\] administration changed after 9/11,” said Chao. “As an example, in July 2001, Senator Schumer, President Bush, Mel Martinez who was then Secretary of HUD and I were on a ferry going towards Ellis Island. We were celebrating the birth of our country and also presiding over swearing in ceremonies for newly minted American citizens. And the President at that time wanted very much to address the issues of immigration. He did not get a chance to address that until his second term and ultimately he was unsuccessful because we ran out of time.”
September 11 changed the policy priorities of the new Administration. In July 2001, President George W. Bush, Secretary of HUD Mel Martinez, Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao, the latter both immigrants, on a ferry to Ellis Island to participate in a swearing-in ceremony of new American citizens and celebrating the contributions immigrants make to our country. 7/10/2001.
“The President also wanted to enact more tax reform, so those are just two examples of how issues were delayed, issues were changed, priorities were changed with the tragedy of September 11,” said Chao.
President’s Address to the Joint Session of Congress 107th Congress at United States Capitol in Washington, D.C. 9/20/2001.
“In the after math of September 11th so many businesses closed,” Chao explained. “Retail establishment saw a tremendous drop in their sales, so our economy was on hold. We came to terms with the terror we saw and what it meant to our country. The American economy was seriously damaged by the attacks on September 11. For a week or two at least planes couldn’t fly in the air. Many people feared flying because they didn’t want the reoccurrence that happen on September 11th to happen again.”
Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao presenting a check for $1,000,000.00 to Chinatown to help the residents recover from the devastation of the attacks of September 11, 2001. Also seen is Governor George Pataki (R-NY). 12/1/2001.
“Our economy was really suffering,” she said. “The retail establishments weren’t seeing the volume that they had, air traffic was down substantially. Our GDP growth actually dropped and the number of unemployed people rose. And at the Department of Labor we gave extended unemployment insurance. We also gave assistance, financial assistance, to single proprietors, people who owned their own homes.”
President George W. Bush and Cabinet reporting on the Administration’s economic achievements before August recess, before the September 11, 2001 attacks on our economy. 8/4/2001.
“The thing that helped the economy was President’s George Bush’s leadership,” said Chao. “He urged all of us to get out and instill confidence in the economy by traveling, by going out, buying, frequenting retail establishments. Basically what President Bush was saying and exhorting the rest of the nation to do is to carry on with our normal lives and not let the fear of terrorists and not let what they did on September 11 to compromise who we are as a people and how we conduct ourselves in our everyday lives.”
President & Mrs. Bush & Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao celebrating Labor Day September 3, 2001 at the Carpenters Union Picnic, Detroit Michigan, days before the terrorist attacks of 9/11/01 that will change our world. 9/3/2001.
“Our transportation system on that day was put to the test,” said Minock. “Thousands of flights were ground in North America. In a matter of…”
“Four hours,” said Chao.
“If someone would have told you we are going to ground thousands of flights without additional loss to life without major issues, what would you have told them?” asked Minock.
“It’s impossible,” Chao replied. “Secretary Norm Mineta, the then Secretary of Transportation, and the FAA deserve an incredible amount of praise and accolades for their skill and leadership of emptying our airspace. At that time we didn’t know how many other planes could potentially be of harm to our country and the safest things to do was to instruct everyone to land the planes safely. And the FAA and Secretary Mineta did a great job landing the planes safely.”
“I think it really struck home to me that the world had changed when I began to return to my travels,” said Chao. “Going through the airports. It was a clear shot going to DCA from the curb to the gate. And now there are all these checkpoints. And it made me really sad we are in this state of affairs. On the other hand, I’m so grateful that we as a nation reacted quickly. We set up these measure to ensure the safety of our people.”
“We just travel now in a very different way,” she added. “Major buildings that we go into now all have metal detectors. How security in many ways has increased, but in many ways it is sad we have to have these security measures. We are a much more security conscious nation. What hasn’t changed is the spirit of our people. We are Americans and when confronted with a crisis we come together to protect our freedoms and our democracy. And that’s what happened on September 11th.”
**Looking Back 20 Years Later**
“I remember the young children of those who were lost and also the unborn children of those who were lost,” said Chao. “Some are now 20 years old. They have never seen a world is which you can go to an airport and go from the curbside to the gate in one straight shot. Without having to go through metal detectors, without having to go through X Ray machines, and not having to take off your shoes and jackets. That was really a more carefree time. It was a more innocent time.”
Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao hugs a young admirer during the Unity parade in the Secretary’s honor in Chinatown, New York. 12/01/2001.
“We are such a good people,” said Chao. “We are kind to others. Our culture is one of great generosity. What we learned on September 11th is there are people, there are real terrorists, who want to do America harm. They don’t like our democracy. They don’t like our free culture. They don’t like our care freeness in how we live our lives and they wish us harm. And we are so grateful to the men and women in uniform and others who protect this country.”
Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao in the Unity parade in New York City Chinatown. 12/1/2001.
“The country will never forget the sacrifices that their loved ones made,” said Chao. “We are forever grateful and we will never forget them.”
---
### [Women’s Democracy Network Fireside Chat with Sarah Stern](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/womens-democracy-network-fireside-chat-with-sarah-stern/)
**Published:** August 16, 2021
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
---
### [Milken Institute Podcast with Chairman Mike Milken](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/milken-institute-podcast-with-chairman-mike-milken/)
**Published:** May 28, 2021
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
“Asian Americans are now beginning to find our voice. We’re learning that we need to be full participants in our democracy. The rise in violence and hateful rhetoric against the Asian American community during the COVID 19 pandemic has brought this community to a greater realization of the need to participate more fully in our country’s institutions, and be more vocal and visible.”
As the excited 8-year-old girl watched the land of her birth recede from her view as her cargo ship pulled away from shore, Elaine Chao could only dream of the opportunities awaiting her in the U.S. After learning English and earning excellent grades, she would receive an M.B.A. from Harvard Business School and eventually rise to become the first woman of Asian heritage to serve in a President’s cabinet, first as the 24th U. S. Secretary of Labor, and most recently as the 18th U.S. Secretary of Transportation. Along the way, she served as Chair of the Federal Maritime Commission, President and CEO of United Way of America, and Director of the Peace Corps.
“As I review my life’s journey,” she tells Mike, “I don’t look back upon the accomplishments so much as the rich gifts that I am now blessed to possess, which is love of family and friends, the respect of peers and colleagues, the ability to have led an impactful life, and, hopefully, the continued ability to make a difference in the world.”
---
### [Missouri State AAPI Heritage Month Chat with Secretary Elaine Chao](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/missouri-state-aapi-heritage-month-chat-with-secretary-elaine-chao/)
**Published:** May 26, 2021
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
This event is a cross-departmental collaboration celebrating the rich heritage of Asian Pacific Americans. The event will feature a fireside chat with former U.S. Secretary of Labor and Transportation Elaine Chao, as well as remarks from Governor Mike Parson, Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations Director Anna Hui, and other state government employees. In addition to remarks from officials, the event will include a number of performances celebrating Asian and Pacific American cultures.
---
### [AAPI Heritage Month Feature in Fox News done by Susan Li](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/aapi-heritage-month-feature-in-fox-news-done-by-susan-li/)
**Published:** May 21, 2021
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
> The most successful [\#AsianAmerican](https://twitter.com/hashtag/AsianAmerican?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) politician of her generation & arguably the most successful in history
>
> We look at the trailblazing career & life of [@SecElaineChao](https://twitter.com/SecElaineChao?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) who has chased the [\#AmericanDream](https://twitter.com/hashtag/AmericanDream?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)[\#AsianPacificHeritageMonth](https://twitter.com/hashtag/AsianPacificHeritageMonth?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#FoxNews](https://twitter.com/hashtag/FoxNews?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) media 🌈[\#AsianAmerican](https://twitter.com/hashtag/AsianAmerican?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#aapi](https://twitter.com/hashtag/aapi?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#AAPIHM](https://twitter.com/hashtag/AAPIHM?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/WEGIaCWMQ4](https://t.co/WEGIaCWMQ4)
>
> — Susan Li (@SusanLiTV) [May 21, 2021](https://twitter.com/SusanLiTV/status/1395749292091088896?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
---
### [The private sector should develop charging stations for electric vehicles: Elaine Chao](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/the-private-sector-should-develop-charging-stations-for-electric-vehicles-elaine-chao/)
**Published:** July 21, 2021
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
Former transportation secretary provides insight on the bipartisan infrastructure bill and weighs in on electric vehicles on ‘The Claman Countdown’
---
### [Martha MacCallum: Benefits crowding out jobs in America with Elaine Chao](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/martha-maccallum-benefits-crowding-out-jobs-in-america-with-elaine-chao/)
**Published:** June 9, 2021
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
Former Labor Secretary Elaine Chao reacts to new statistics showing 9.3 million unfilled jobs in America in an exclusive interview with ‘The Story.’
---
### [Ep. 124: Accomplishments, with Secretary Elaine Chao](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/ep-124-accomplishments-with-secretary-elaine-chao/)
**Published:** May 1, 2021
**Author:** wpengine
**Content:**
“Asian Americans are now beginning to find our voice. We’re learning that we need to be full participants in our democracy. The rise in violence and hateful rhetoric against the Asian American community during the COVID 19 pandemic has brought this community to a greater realization of the need to participate more fully in our country’s institutions, and be more vocal and visible.”
As the excited 8-year-old girl watched the land of her birth recede from her view as her cargo ship pulled away from shore, Elaine Chao could only dream of the opportunities awaiting her in the U.S. After learning English and earning excellent grades, she would receive an M.B.A. from Harvard Business School and eventually rise to become the first woman of Asian heritage to serve in a President’s cabinet, first as the 24th U. S. Secretary of Labor, and most recently as the 18th U.S. Secretary of Transportation. Along the way, she served as Chair of the Federal Maritime Commission, President and CEO of United Way of America, and Director of the Peace Corps.“As I review my life’s journey,” she tells Mike, “I don’t look back upon the accomplishments so much as the rich gifts that I am now blessed to possess, which is love of family and friends, the respect of peers and colleagues, the ability to have led an impactful life, and, hopefully, the continued ability to make a difference in the world.”
---
### [America Needs Leaders Like Elaine Chao](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/america-needs-leaders-like-elaine-chao/)
**Published:** March 10, 2021
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (WSJ) – She’s an inspiration to minorities and women and is under baseless attack.
**Content:**
As immigrants to the U.S., we are proud to be among the first Korean-American women to serve in Congress. We have sought, and encouraged others to seek, mentors who broke barriers for women and minorities. Secretary [Elaine Chao](https://wwsg.com/speakers/elaine-l-chao) is one of the women we have looked up to and counted on for guidance and advice throughout our careers.
When she became labor secretary in 2001, the Taiwan-born Ms. Chao was the first Asian-American woman appointed to a president’s cabinet. She is the longest-serving cabinet member since World War II, having also served as President Trump’s transportation secretary. Countless Asian-Americans like us have benefited from her tireless commitment to breaking barriers since she first came to this country on a cargo ship.
As we build on her legacy and help inspire all Americans to achieve their dreams, we find it necessary to confront a disturbing distortion of her record. A barrage of news stories in the past week have highlighted an investigation of her conduct as transportation secretary. The Justice Department closed the probe without action and the ranking member of the House Oversight and Reform Committee concluded that Ms. Chao “followed ethics and financial disclosure rules.” That hasn’t stopped the media from suggesting otherwise.
Rep. Sam Graves, ranking member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, who worked directly with Ms. Chao’s Transportation Department, said the results of this investigation showed “this was a complete waste of time and taxpayer resources—and provides yet another unfortunate reminder of the lengths to which partisans will go to attack the achievements of an ideological opponent.”
March is Women’s History Month, as another reminder that we should work together every day to combat discrimination. Women and minorities have struggled for decades to earn the positions their skill, experience, and determination prepared them for. We continue to work every day to combat discrimination. We are proud to serve as part of the most diverse freshman class ever elected to the House. As hate crimes against Asian-Americans and Pacific Islanders have risen across the U.S., we were honored to introduce and support a resolution condemning such acts.
Americans know that partisan attacks in Washington are commonplace. But this most recent round against Ms. Chao should be left behind, alongside the barriers she has broken for generations of women and countless Asian-Americans who have sought a life of public service.
---
### [Elaine Chao, Former Secretary of Transportation Now Speaking Exclusively with WWSG](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/elaine-chao-former-secretary-of-transportation-now-speaking-exclusively-with-wwsg/)
**Published:** April 1, 2021
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (WWSG News) – WWSG is proud to announce Secretary Chao as our newest exclusive speaker.
**Content:**
[Elaine Chao](https://wwsg.com/speakers/elaine-l-chao/) is a dynamic speaker with a dramatic personal story, extraordinary resume, and wide-ranging expertise on leadership, innovation, the economy and much more. Her 37-day journey aboard a cargo ship with her mother and sisters to America foreshadowed a life of possibilities, challenges and achievements. The first Asian American woman to be in the President’s cabinet, the arc of Elaine Chao’s experience encompasses cultures of Asia and the West; the public, private, and non-profit sectors; four presidential administrations; and living and working in New York, California, Kentucky, and Washington, D.C. During COVID-19, her leadership at the U.S. Department of Transportation allowed our nation’s transportation systems to remain open, safe, and moving. Engaging, informative, and results-oriented, Elaine Chao will leave your audience inspired and ready to conquer the world.
To host Secretary Chao at your upcoming speaking engagement, [Contact Us](https://wwsg.com/contact).
---
### [Asian Americans deserve respect, not 'Go back to China' insults and worse: Elaine Chao](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/asian-americans-deserve-respect-not-go-back-to-china-insults-and-worse-elaine-chao/)
**Published:** May 14, 2021
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (USA Today) – It's outrageous that in the 21st century, AAPI people and others live in fear because they look like their ancestors didn’t arrive on the Mayflower.
**Content:**
By [Elaine Chao](https://wwsg.com/speakers/elaine-l-chao/)
On a beautiful spring morning, my day began with a cup of coffee, an enchanting serenade from a songbird outside my kitchen window, and a hateful e-mail entitled: “Go back to China, China woman.”
We are Americans. I was born in Taiwan and came to America when I was 8 years old. I received my citizenship when I was 19 years old. But for those who weaponize ethnicity, “Go back to Taiwan, Taiwan woman” would not be the slur they seek. It wasn’t the first such missive and won’t be the last.
Others – also targeted because of their ancestry – have suffered far worse abuse, including savage beatings and even murder. It is outrageous that in 21st century America, any of our fellow citizens and residents have to live in fear and endure such attacks because they look like their ancestors didn’t come here on the Mayflower.
**Alarming COVID-era rise in hate**
Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have seen an alarming [increase in anti-Asian](https://www.nbcnews.com/news/asian-america/new-report-finds-169-percent-surge-anti-asian-hate-crimes-n1265756) bias, hate and deadly violence. Despite having worked at the highest levels of the federal government and having dedicated myself to a life of public service, even I am not immune to these malicious attacks, false narratives and accusations of disloyalty to America.
Such repulsive rhetoric is unfortunately not new; every time my husband runs for office, the opposition finds no problem [questioning my ethnic heritage](https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2013/03/02/mcconnell-chao-twitter-kentucky/1959635/) and patriotism and mobilizing it against us.
Even the media has lodged [baseless attacks](https://www.nationalreview.com/2021/03/the-character-assassination-of-elaine-chao/?taid=605631d33d8739000199e2e7&utm_campaign=trueanthem&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter) against me and my family. Yet, all of this pales in comparison with the physical threats and intimidation that Asians are facing in America as they continue to be scapegoated for the pandemic. It is heartbreaking especially as we recognize May as [Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month](https://www.archives.gov/news/topics/asian-pacific-american-heritage-month) – a time when our nation is supposed to be celebrating this community’s achievements and contributions.
Like so many others, my family came to America for the opportunity of a better future. My father scored No. 1 in the national examinations in Taiwan and was given the chance to study abroad. My parents knew if they could come to America, they would have a shot at the American dream.
Without money or documentation for a seven-month pregnant wife and two young daughters, my father came to America alone. It took him three years before he was able to bring us to America.
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***‘People of color’ terminology:****[After Asian American hate, I’m reclaiming racial solidarity and the term ‘people of color’](https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/voices/2021/05/11/people-of-color-better-than-bipoc-shows-racial-solidarity-column/4938922001/)*
The initial years were difficult; we didn’t speak English and lived in a small one-bedroom apartment in Queens, New York. But my parents were confident that America was the land of opportunities. This is the dream of millions of Americans.
We are bound together by an idea and not by what we look like. Americans, therefore, look like the rest of the world. The best and the brightest come to our shores, seeking a better future, and in turn, their dreams and aspirations propel our nation to thrive.
**AAPI community must be more visible**
Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) are an essential part of the American story: We make up [almost 7% of the U.S. population](https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2021/04/29/key-facts-about-asian-americans/). And despite being underrepresented in American history books, AAPIs have been an integral part of this nation for hundreds of years.
While we are now more accomplished and integrated than before, the AAPI community is often not seen as influential. Our community possesses a [collective buying power of $1 trillion](https://www.cnn.com/2021/02/02/economy/asian-american-buying-power/index.html), but American media, products and campaigns do not recognize us nearly enough. Within the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities, there is a growing awareness of the need to be more visible and vocal.
One such promising organization is [The Asian American Foundation](https://www.taaf.org/), established last week by a group of [prominent Asian American entrepreneurs](https://people.com/human-interest/lisa-ling-naomi-osaka-jeremy-lin-more-launch-the-asian-american-foundation/) to combat anti-Asian violence and discrimination and fund various important programmatic initiatives. Their historic effort to raise record amounts of resources to support AAPI organizations and initiatives is commendable. During my tenure as both U.S. secretary of Labor and U.S. secretary of Transportation, I have sought to improve access to greater opportunities by underserved communities, including the Asian American and Pacific Islander community. Since leaving federal office, I am committed to continuing those efforts.
Hopefully, this Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month will increase appreciation for how America’s diversity and freedoms are, and have always been, its greatest strengths.
*Elaine L. Chao ([@ElaineChao](https://twitter.com/elainechao)*)*, secretary of Labor in the George W. Bush administration and secretary of Transportation in the Trump administration, was the [first Asian American woman](https://www.dol.gov/general/aboutdol/history/chao) to be named to a president’s Cabinet and the [longest serving Cabinet member since World War II](https://www.dol.gov/general/aboutdol/history/chao).*
---
### [Appearance on the Ruthless Podcast about Secretary’s experiences as an immigrant from Taiwan and remarkable career in Public Service](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/appearance-on-the-ruthless-podcast-about-secretarys-experiences-as-an-immigrant-from-taiwan-and-remarkable-career-in-public-service/)
**Published:** May 11, 2021
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
The fellas talk Youngkin election in VA, Biden economy, and election reform lies before welcoming former Secretary Elaine Chao to the progrum.
---
### [100 Women Who Have Helped Shape America](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/100-women-who-have-helped-shape-america/)
**Published:** September 28, 2020
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (The Hill) – Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao is close to beating a record.
**Content:**
Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao is close to beating a record.
Chao, who served as George W. Bush’s Labor secretary for eight years, could soon beat the record for longest duration served in the Cabinet by a female official.
The reigning title was last set by former Labor Secretary Frances Perkins, the first woman to hold a Cabinet position in the United States who served 12 years in Franklin Roosevelt’s administration.
Chao has served a combined 11 years in the Cabinet under two administrations. Should President Trump win a second term in November, and if Chao stays on, she would supplant Perkins’s record.
Chao, born in Taiwan to Chinese parents who immigrated to the United States when she was 8, has held a number of other senior positions in the U.S. government. Presidents Reagan and George H.W. Bush appointed her to top roles including chair of the Federal Maritime Commission, the deputy secretary of Transportation and director of the Peace Corps.
She is also the first Asian American woman in U.S. history to be appointed to a president’s Cabinet. Between her government posts, she served as chief executive of the United Way of America. She has been awarded 36 honorary doctorate degrees from schools around the world.
---
### [Preparation, service, and respect: critical building blocks for a lifetime of leadership: The Honorable Elaine Chao](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/preparation-service-and-respect-critical-building-blocks-for-a-lifetime-of-leadership-the-honorable-elaine-chao/)
**Published:** March 16, 2020
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (She Said/She Said) – I recorded Episode 91 with U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao just before social distancing recommendations went into effect to halt the spread of coronavirus.
**Content:**
I recorded Episode 91 with [U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao](https://wwsg.com/speakers/elaine-l-chao) just before social distancing recommendations went into effect to halt the spread of coronavirus. My prayers go out to everyone impacted by this terrible virus. I hope you are safely at home in an effort to support health care workers on the frontlines of this battle. I also hope you will enjoy the conversation that follows as a brief, but inspiring distraction during a stressful time.
Secretary Chao and I don’t talk about coronavirus. Instead, we engage in a wide-ranging conversation about her life, her journey, and how adversity coupled with a positive mindset laid the groundwork for tremendous accomplishment. She was only eight-years-old when she set sail with her pregnant mother and younger sister on a ship bound for America. She didn’t speak the language, wasn’t familiar with the culture, and had no idea what would be in store for herself and her family.
Secretary Chao is modest about her significant and long list of accomplishments — the first woman of Asian descent to be confirmed to a President’s cabinet; service in four Presidential Administrations, and cabinet positions in two of them; President of the United Way and Director of the Peace Corps. For her, it isn’t accomplishment for accomplishment sake, but rather doing her best out of respect for her family and the country that has given her so much. That respect is largely what inspired her work in public service. In our conversation, Secretary Chao reflects on what she’s learned and shares tremendous insight and advice into how she prepares for and approaches leadership.
My tremendous thanks to Secretary Chao for her candor, and for hosting us at the Department of Transportation.
(See source for podcast.)
---
### [America Keeps on Truckin’](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/america-keeps-on-truckin/)
**Published:** April 16, 2020
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (WSJ) – Among the most overlooked heroes of the 2020 coronavirus crisis are the men and women who haul food and supplies around the country to your local supermarket.
**Content:**
Among the most overlooked heroes of the 2020 coronavirus crisis are the men and women who haul food and supplies around the country to your local supermarket. Americans can stock up on toilet paper and hand sanitizer—and generally keep themselves fed—only as long as the nation’s truckers keep working.
We stress the word “overlooked.” In all the well-deserved tributes to personnel helping to mitigate the damage wrought by Covid-19, truckers usually don’t get a mention. So disregarded are they that when some states imposed shelter-in-place orders in March and early April, they ordered public rest areas closed, too—leaving truckers to figure out on their own where to relieve themselves and park their trucks for a snooze break.
Pennsylvania’s Department of Transportation closed its public rest areas but reopened most of them after a backlash from trucking groups. Other states made the same mistake, closing rest areas then reopening them—apparently realizing the folly of forcing truckers and other travelers to seek more public places for sustenance and thus make themselves and others more vulnerable to infection. New Hampshire’s public rest areas remain open, although the restroom buildings are locked, leaving truckers to use nearby portable toilets. We’re not sure what problem that solves.
Finding decent sustenance and relief is no easy thing for truckers on the nation’s highways, particularly when so many facilities have been forced to close. Public officials owe it to the people delivering food and medical supplies to make their jobs easier.
Credit Transportation Secretary [Elaine Chao](https://wwsg.com/speakers/elaine-l-chao) for easing the restrictions governing the number of successive hours logged by truckers transporting food and other vital materials, and waiving penalties for expired commercial driver’s licenses. And the federal government has waived regulations prohibiting food trucks from servicing public rest areas, giving truckers at least some variety in hot meals.
President Trump gave truckers a shout out on Thursday at the White House, and why not. As a truckers’ industry group slogan has it, without trucks, America stops. Honk if you agree.
---
### [Redefining the Road: Q&A with Elaine Chao](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/redefining-the-road-qa-with-elaine-chao/)
**Published:** February 1, 2020
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (Redefining the Road) – Elaine Chao plays a vital role in shaping the industry.
**Content:**
As Secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation, Elaine Chao plays a vital role in shaping the industry. She oversees the formulation of national transportation policy and serves as principle advisor to the president in all matters relating to federal transportation programs.
Redefining the Road magazine recently caught up with Secretary Chao to talk about her personal career journey, her perspective on gender diversity and her insights on the industry today.
RTR: What inspired you to begin working in the transportation industry?
EC: Transportation has been a big part of my life. I immigrated to the United States on a cargo ship when I was eight years old, not speaking any English. When we settled in this country, my family and I learned about America through family road trips on our national high- way network. I never could have imagined then the opportunities that America would hold for my family and me.
My first job out of business school was working as a transportation banker. Then, I began my career in public service working on transportation issues at the White House. I went on to serve as Deputy Maritime Administrator at the U.S. Department of Transportation, Chairman of the Federal Maritime Commission, and Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT).
I have always been grateful for the trust and confidence people have had in me to give me a job. In each position, I’ve been propelled by a desire to learn, a wish to do good, and the ability to have a positive impact. The fact that transportation systems connect people and provide access to needed goods and services has always resonated with me.
RTR: What have been the greatest challenges you faced in entering and rising through the ranks?
EC: Among the challenges I faced as a young staffer, was mastering the subject at hand, as well as learning to speak up and be taken seriously in meetings. Having a mastery of the subject matter gave me a better chance to “command the floor,” so to speak.
Women were something of a novelty in the upper levels of government and the private and nonprofit sectors at the time. Asian-American women were rarer still. I worked very hard. Each day, I tried to do what was asked of me with enthusiasm and resourcefulness.
It’s been my experience that if you do a good job, people take notice. The transportation sector is still very male-dominated today. I’ve always been a strong advocate for more inclusion of women and other under-represented communities in this sector.
RTR: Why do you think it’s important to incorporate more gender diversity in our industry?
EC: Today, more and more women are leading the way in some of our nation’s top industries,
including transportation. At the U.S. DOT, we’re proud that nearly 160 women occupy senior executive positions throughout the Department and the modes.
But women are still substantially underrepresented in the trucking industry. Data from the Women In Trucking Association indicates that women account for just 10.2 percent of the trucking workforce. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is committed to exploring new ways to recruit and support women behind the wheel of our trucks and buses. A diverse workforce, at every level, will benefit the entire industry.
RTR: Given your experience and back- ground, what advice would you share with women interested in pursuing transportation careers?
EC: Go for it! Transportation is the lifeblood of our economy. Transportation systems connect people and provide access to much needed goods and services. It’s an exciting sector!
Truckers play a critical role in keeping the supply chain open – and that’s never been more evident than in the wake of COVID-19. We have all seen the contributions that truckers make each day to support our economy in delivering needed goods and supplies all across America. I hope that the examples of these American heroes inspire the next generation of women to pursue careers in the transportation field.
RTR: How would you encourage women who are considering starting a business in the industry?
EC: My single biggest piece of advice is to never give up. America is truly the land of opportunity and entrepreneurial spirit. As with any new en- terprise, you need a solid business plan, a good accountant, and – as your business expands – to surround yourself with talented people who share your passion and commitment. With hard work, determination and tenacity, good things will happen.
At the U.S. DOT, we’re committed to creating ladders of opportunity for women-owned businesses. In fiscal year (FY) 2018, we award- ed more than 9 percent of contracts to women-owned small businesses.
In addition, during FY2018, the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program helped ensure that women-owned small businesses won a share of contracts awarded to firms working with recipients of Federal Aviation, Highway and Transit Administration funds. They won 54 percent of these federally assisted contracts, for a total amount of more than $2.5 billion.
(Continued; see source for more.)
---
### [Elaine Chao explains why she doesn’t see herself as a Washington insider](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/elaine-chao-explains-why-she-doesnt-see-herself-as-a-washington-insider/)
**Published:** January 29, 2019
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (Washington Post) – Elaine Chao is the secretary of transportation.
**Content:**
Elaine Chao, 65, is the secretary of transportation. She has served in the administrations of four U.S. presidents, including as secretary of labor from 2001 to 2009 under George W. Bush. She is the first Asian American woman appointed to the Cabinet.
**Stepping way back, can you talk about your experience when you first came to this country?**
I was 8. And I didn’t speak any English. Our initial years in America were difficult, obviously. We didn’t know the language. Couldn’t eat the food. I mean, just little things. On my first day of school, my father took time off from work to accompany me to school. That was a big sacrifice at the time. I remember meeting my classmates, who were just filing into the classroom after a break. And, like any well-brought-up Chinese child, I bowed from the waist in respect and deference to my American teacher. And the whole class broke out laughing. I didn’t understand why. \[Laughs.\] But it was very embarrassing.
I grew up in a family of six daughters, in an Asian family. We were often the brunt of jokes about my father having to pay for too many weddings, or having a business but no son to pass it to. But again, we never felt diminished by that because my parents were so empowering. They imbued within us the confidence that we can do whatever we wanted. Not an arrogance, just a sense that we knew our own self-worth. And this was not measured by other people; it’s within us.
**I’ve seen a lot of the pictures where you were the only woman in the room. Did you have any mentors?**
I didn’t have mentors, no. I was so outside of mainstream America. Which is why I tell young people not to be discouraged. Find inspiration in all different ways. You know, I have a little picture of the village from which my father came: huts with thatched roofs, chickens and pigs running around. And I look at that and say, *You know, if my father can come from that kind of environment and overcome so many difficulties, surely I, as his daughter, can do the same.*
**So you came to D.C. without many connections?**
I didn’t know anybody. I couldn’t even get a job as a volunteer on Ronald Reagan’s reelection campaign. Because, you know, nobody would vouch for me. It took me a while to finally find somebody to find somebody to find somebody to find somebody \[laughs\] who kind of gave me a chance to be a volunteer in the last, like, four months of the campaign.
**You have done incredibly well, your family has done well, and you are now in a position where you are technically very much an insider, very connected.**
I don’t feel as if I’m very connected. I think that’s one of life’s biggest ironies. I mean, for people to think that I’m establishment, when I have fought so hard my whole entire life for those who are on the outside. I have tried to be their voice, and to make sure that there’s equity at the table. As director of the Peace Corps, head of the United Way, secretary of Department of Labor. My management style has always been very inclusive and participatory. So, yes, people may view me that way. But I have never forgotten what it feels like to be on the outside looking in. To feel that sense of vulnerability and fear that we’re not going to make it. And what has helped me is that I always have respect for the culture of a particular institution and a willingness to trust the people.
**What do you think, then, when you hear language like “drain the swamp”? It’s a pretty disparaging way to talk about all the people working in these organizations who are doing good work.**
I think even people within these large organizations, be they public or private, will acknowledge that there is room for improvement. And that there are times when fraud and abuse occur. And that they would want to also ferret out malfeasance. People within big bureaucracies often feel frustrated, too.
---
### [The unflappable Elaine Chao](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/the-unflappable-elaine-chao/)
**Published:** January 19, 2019
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (Washington Examiner) – Chao works with little fanfare. Out of the limelight, she rolls out initiatives and projects that will affect everyone for generations to come.
**Content:**
“ My life goal is to be as calm under absurd pressure as Elaine Chao,” New York Magazine business columnist Josh Barro [wrote on Twitter](https://twitter.com/jbarro/status/901274756531531776) in August 2017.
“Elaine Chao is so unflappable, she’s basically the personification of the this-is-fine cartoon,” Barro opined in another tweet, referencing a popular meme in which a behatted, anthropomorphic dog calmly reassures himself that everything is fine while seated in a coffee shop that is engulfed in flames.
Barro’s praise of Chao has turned out to be prescient. Last June, the transportation secretary enjoyed brief Internet fame after a video of protesters accosting her and her husband, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., leaving an event at Georgetown University went viral. “ [You leave my husband alone!](https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/elaine-chao-blocks-protestors-husband-mitch-mcconnell)” declares the 65-year-old Chao matter-of-factly, between smiles, to the encroaching, all-male group.
While President Trump’s Cabinet has [seen its share of turnover](https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/here-are-the-notable-trump-aides-who-have-left-the-administration), controversy, and unconventional, outside-the-Beltway personalities, Chao is a positive outlier in all categories. A consummate Washington veteran, she has served in high-level positions in every Republican administration since President Ronald Reagan. She and McConnell have been among the capital’s most influential couples for decades. But while the majority leader gets the lion’s share of press, Chao has quietly developed an equally impressive reputation as a political operator.
As Trump’s secretary of transportation, this skill set has been all the more important. America’s crumbling transportation infrastructure was a big issue for Trump throughout the 2016 presidential election campaign, one that helped him connect with disillusioned voters, particularly rural ones, who felt forgotten by Washington elites of both parties. Campaign promises are easier than government action, and Trump’s eagerly awaited infrastructure plan was dead-on-arrival in Congress. Each White House attempt to hold an “ [Infrastructure Week](https://www.npr.org/2018/05/15/611389675/why-its-infrastructure-week-again)” has been consumed by fresh controversy or bogged down in Democratic demands.
But Chao steadily continues to carry out important aspects of the president’s agenda from the Department of Transportation: cutting unnecessary costs and regulations faster than any other department, speeding up infrastructure permit processes while reining in bureaucratic meddling, and encouraging private-sector investment in infrastructure and innovative technologies. Chao brings to the job a conservative governing philosophy, balancing deference toward federalism and individual freedom with federal responsibilities around public investment and prudential reform.
President George W. Bush walks with Labor Secretary Elaine Chao on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 29, 2008. (Jim Watson/AFP/Getty Images)
Chao works with little fanfare. Out of the limelight, she rolls out initiatives and projects that will affect everyone for generations to come. I first sat down with Chao almost 12 years ago, when she was labor secretary under President George W. Bush. She was the only Cabinet secretary to serve for both of his full terms. She rarely grants interviews while in office but was generous with her time; both interviews I had with her lasted more than an hour. My main impression was that she hadn’t changed a bit. She hit the ground running at both departments, made lightning progress implementing each administration’s agenda, and always made sure to get her message across with clarity and certitude.
Trump offered Chao a position in the administration almost immediately after his election. She was confirmed by a vote of 93 to 6. “There was one abstention: my husband,” she laughed. As the Senate is generally a congenial body, McConnell took one of the “nay” votes personally — that cast by his counterpart, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y.
Although demure by nature, Chao earned her reputation as a “tiger wife” for a reason, as was clear from her unblinking defense of her husband in the video captured from Georgetown. Since that event last June, there have been at least three more incidents involving protesters confronting either McConnell or the couple: Two were in Kentucky, and one was outside their Washington home. In July 2018, “Abolish ICE” protesters [harangued an unfazed McConnell](https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/protesters-accost-mitch-mcconnell-as-he-leaves-kentucky-restaurant) as he was leaving a restaurant in Kentucky. “I see what they did here,” the majority leader’s “Team Mitch” campaign [Twitter account posted](https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/mitch-mcconnell-protesters-waited-until-i-wasnt-with-my-wife-elaine-chao-to-heckle-me) in response to the incident. “They waited until Elaine wasn’t around.”
Chao only provides glimpses into their personal life, but they’re given with an authentic, low-key vibe. She and McConnell, who is 76, got married 25 years ago on Reagan’s birthday. “We are very grounded in Kentucky, and whenever we go home … we become much more mellow. It’s very good for us,” she said.
She refers to the Senate majority leader as her “low-maintenance husband.” He’s a very “thoughtful” and “considerate person to live with,” offering that he does his own laundry and that she “lets him cook.”
When I asked if this was her way of saying she’s actually the better cook but lets him think otherwise, she clarified: “He’s actually a good cook, and he enjoys it. He thinks it’s relaxing.” Even though they both have demanding schedules and “haven’t had too many of those moments” to sample chef McConnell’s gourmet meals, they “make a priority to spend time with one another.”
While McConnell returns home to Kentucky every weekend, Chao splits her weekends between their home in Louisville and in New York with her 91-year-old father and her five sisters.
Chao and three of her sisters attended Harvard Business School, the only family with four female siblings to attend the business school in its history. Her father settled in America three years before she, her mother, and siblings arrived from Taiwan. She was eight and didn’t know a word of English.
The secretary caught me eyeing her black rubber bracelet as I tried to read the writing on it. Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” She explained, “Somebody at church gave it to me; it was the sweetest thing.” McConnell got one as well. “People come up to us and they tell us that they pray for us, and we so welcome that and are comforted by that.”
They both attend Southeast Christian Church, a mega-church in Louisville. They usually go to a Saturday evening service, because McConnell “has to watch the Sunday morning talk shows. That’s his homework,” she joked.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., and his wife, former Labor Secretary Elaine Chao, arrive for a campaign rally at the Scott County Courthouse in Georgetown, Ky., Saturday, Nov. 1, 2014. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)
Chao has held many titles in her professional life, but she seems most at home at Transportation, where she commands 55,000 employees. This is her third time working in the department. She served as deputy maritime administrator in 1986 and deputy secretary in 1989. Most insiders thought she’d be given the Transportation post instead of Labor in 2001. At Labor, she became the first Asian-American woman to hold a Cabinet position and the first Kentuckian to serve as a Cabinet secretary since World War II.
Even as a White House fellow during the Reagan administration in 1983, Chao focused on transportation in the Office of Policy Development, where she first met Elizabeth Dole. When Dole became Secretary of Transportation, she recruited Chao, who was then a banker with Citicorp involved in asset sales and ship financing.
Chao has also served as chairwoman of the Federal Maritime Commission, director of the Peace Corps, and president and CEO of United Way. She has been a distinguished fellow at the Heritage Foundation and the Hudson Institute during various stints outside government during Democratic administrations.
Chao is both policy-oriented and principle-driven, wonky without being esoteric. Her preferred policies align with her conservative convictions. She sees a direct correlation between policies she is tasked with implementing and how they affect people’s lives.
She is a firm proponent of conservative participation in government, and recognizes talent and nurtures it as a way of passing along a legacy. “I believe very much in public service, and I think that conservatives need to come into the government, because if we do not, and we do not lead and share our conservative values, we cede the playing ground to others who do not agree with us,” she told me. “So we have a responsibility to step up, to come into the government, and to help the president lead the country in a right-of-center approach.”
“Personnel is policy,” Ronald Reagan always said, and it was one of the “most important lessons” she learned as a young staffer in his administration. Her roster of hires is impressive. Deputy Secretary Jeffrey Rosen served as former general counsel at Transportation under President George W. Bush as well as in his Office of Management and Budget. Under Secretary Derek Kan was most recently general manager for the ride-sharing service Lyft and brought with him extensive ties to Silicon Valley. Steven Bradbury, the department’s general counsel, is another Bush alum who was the head of the Office of Legal Counsel at the Department of Justice and recently on the short list to replace outgoing Attorney General Jeff Sessions.
When I asked about the biggest change she’s seen since her last stint at Transportation, Chao instantly identified mission creep. “The government’s gotten bigger, and the activities of the department have also increased,” she stated. “And then, of course, regulations have also increased. So the role of the government has become bigger, not just at the Department of Transportation, but everywhere. As conservatives, we want to be careful and wise, prudent stewards of taxpayers’ dollars. We want to make sure that we preserve freedom for Americans.”
*\[**Also read:** [Elaine Chao has an eye for allowing drones in the night sky](https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/elaine-chao-has-an-eye-for-allowing-drones-in-the-night-sky)\]*
Chao sees federalism as part of the solution. She wants to make sure that we’re not “over-regulating” but are instead “empowering” state and local governments. In part, this means eschewing the temptations of a one-size-fits-all approach. “We don’t dictate,” she told me.
President Trump speaks during a Cabinet meeting in the Cabinet Room of the White House, Wednesday, Oct. 17, 2018, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
But, in Chao’s mind, it also means state governments should contribute a sizable portion of funding for infrastructure projects, as well as seek out private investment.
A perfect example is the Gateway Project in New York and New Jersey, a $30 billion slate of improvements including a new rail tunnel replacing the rapidly deteriorating tunnel that connects the two states under the Hudson River.
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo met Trump and Chao at the White House in November, hoping to start with the $13 billion tunnel. While former President Barack Obama had promised federal money to underwrite half the cost, the Trump administration scrapped that proposal in December 2017 and made no more guarantees. “They can’t jump ahead of everybody else,” Chao told me. “There’s not enough \[federal\] money to fuel the entire project,” which involves “two of the wealthiest states in our country.”
Streamlining agency policies and regulations is high on Chao’s agenda. “In trying to put together this infrastructure initiative, one of the major concerns that was expressed by the public, by the builders, by users of our transportation system, is the amount of time it takes to build infrastructure.”
The One Federal Decision framework, announced in August 2017 and signed by various agencies in a memorandum of understanding in April 2018, puts one department in charge of a given infrastructure project, supervising other departments on permitting and reviews, such as those on environmental impact. The department in charge varies based on which will deal the most with the project, whether it relates to transportation, energy, water, broadband Internet, and so on.
“What we found,” Chao explained, “is the longer it takes for permitting to occur to allow construction to begin, we slow down the project unnecessarily.”
The process can be streamlined in commonsense ways that cut waste without compromising safety or the environment, she said. Different agencies conduct related surveys on different time frames, with little information sharing. She also pointed out that surveys or permits from unrelated agencies are not worked on simultaneously but could be. Trump wants federal permitting to take just two years, which would be little more than half the time it takes now and would, said Chao, be “quite an improvement.”
Chao is trimming fat elsewhere. Transportation boasts the best deregulation numbers and cost-cutting of any agency, eliminating 23 regulations for every new one implemented; the president’s goal is a 2-to-1 ratio. This deregulation saved about [$1.2 billion](https://www.heritage.org/government-regulation/commentary/heres-how-much-red-tape-trump-has-cut?utm_source=THF_Email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=TheAgenda&mkt_tok=eyJpIjoiT0dNeFpEa3dPR0V5WWpFMSIsInQiOiJsT1dWOVE2cEZkdDNqZml6T1lFVHVJY2drNXBONTNcL0ZJZTd5blFhanhrNHBuRW5wWTUzdWhESUtkZkt6NTl4WnQwMENYc3U2RlJKK0h3VVJscE45YUZZT0JqTFFLcFI3d3ZwQ29cL2taOFdcL2NlNXIzRHRGeHJJTzJrOTRsV29tWSJ9) in 2018.
Elaine Chao, U.S. transportation secretary, speaks during a White House press briefing in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2018. (Yuri Gripas/Bloomberg)
Beyond deregulation and cost-cutting, Chao has to look ahead to new and emerging technologies, such as driverless vehicles and drones.
Chao said her department recognizes the delicate balance between safety, security, and privacy without compromising or hampering innovation, “a hallmark of what America is all about.” The “increasing patchwork of state regulations” on driverless cars prompted her department to issue new guidance in September 2017. “We’re going to be tech-neutral,” she told me. “We will not decide which technology is best.”
From the start, Chao warned Silicon Valley that self-driving vehicles presented a challenge. “The greatest constraint to their growth will be consumer acceptance,” she said. A [2017 study](http://www.thedrive.com/news/7017/majority-of-americans-dont-trust-self-driving-cars-study-says) found that 74 percent of the public are anxious about riding in a self-driving car.
*\[**Opinion:** [Preparing for the future of automated transportation](https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/elaine-chao-preparing-for-the-future-of-automated-transportation)\]*
The department is focused on a transition period that will be the most revolutionary since horses and buggies shared the roads with Ford Model Ts. “I think the changes will come very quickly,” said Chao, “but it will come gradually. Those two seem like contradictory statements, but we’re seeing already a … gradual integration of emerging technologies into our cars, even now” with automated parallel parking and other features.
Since “94 percent of accidents occur because of human error,” Chao welcomes the safety benefits of autonomous vehicles, as well as those for people with disabilities and the elderly.
Security is a top concern, however. “If the software system within a car or a drone is hacked, it can become a weaponized entity,” something she said wouldn’t have been thought of by government before the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
Chao and her department see economic and entrepreneurial benefits of emerging technologies. Just last week, her department issued a [new proposed rule](https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/elaine-chao-has-an-eye-for-allowing-drones-in-the-night-sky) that would allow drones to fly overnight over populated areas without a waiver.
Chao has answered to four Republican presidents, and I asked her how their leadership styles compared. “Every president is different, and the administration reflects their personalities and their experiences. This president is very focused on job creation,” she said.
Chao works with little fanfare. Out of the limelight, she rolls out initiatives and projects that will affect everyone for generations to come. As we see life-altering technologies advancing toward us, one might wish we’d all be as calm about it as her.
---
### [Elaine Chao: One woman's rise from immigrant roots to the presidential Cabinet](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/elaine-chao-one-womans-rise-from-immigrant-roots-to-the-presidential-cabinet/)
**Published:** August 9, 2017
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (CNN) – "Just pursue your life's passion. Do what you really love, and the way will unfold."
**Content:**
Knowing Elaine Chao from afar for many years, there are a lot of words I would use to describe her: smart, tough, accomplished and, yes, badass.
After all, she was George W. Bush’s labor secretary for two terms — the longest-serving member of his Cabinet and the first female Asian-American in any presidential cabinet in US history. She is now President Donald Trump’s transportation secretary and one of four women in his Cabinet.
But spending time with Chao in her office, I was immediately struck by something I did not expect — how candid she is about her vulnerabilities and anxiety, especially about when she was a young Chinese immigrant.
“I remember how tough it was to try to learn a new culture, a new language and just to adapt to, like, ordinary daily stuff like the food. Like, most Chinese don’t eat meat between breads,” she told me with a laugh.
Eight-year-old Chao started her journey to America on an overnight train in Taiwan with her mother and two sisters in 1961. They then boarded a cargo ship to cross the Pacific Ocean to California before finally reaching their destination: New York.
“As an adult looking back and seeing my mother who was only like 27, you know how frightening it must have been as the only woman aboard this cargo ship with three young girls? I mean, that’s pretty rough,” she said.
In our nearly hour-long interview, Chao opened up about her struggles to adapt to a new country, her rise to power and her regrets about sacrifices she made along the way.
### A tough transition for young Chao
Chao, her mother and sisters joined her father, who had come to the US three years earlier and lived in a one-bedroom apartment in Queens, New York.
“Those initial years were very hard,” Chao said — especially when she was first trying to learn English.
“The kids were mean to me,” she recalled in a matter-of-fact tone that usually only comes with years of distance.
Her parents helped a lot, she said, providing “such a loving and secure” environment for her despite their own adversities and adjustment issues.
Chao’s father eventually did very well in America, becoming a wealthy shipping magnate.
She said she felt a lot of pressure to succeed, noting that in Asian culture, the first-born child is expected to “take care of the rest of the children, my siblings.”
“I was really scared that I would not be able to catch on, latch on to mainstream America. I wouldn’t be able to find a job. I couldn’t — I couldn’t make anything of myself. I’d be a disgrace to my family,” she said.
### No proms. No dates.
She was hardly a disgrace. Chao excelled academically and was accepted to Mount Holyoke, a women’s college.
“We thought that that was the best place for, you know, a young girl to be. Little did I know then there would be, like, weekend dating situations,” Chao said.
“I never dated in my whole entire life. I never went to my senior prom, never went to my junior prom,” she revealed. Although she clearly wasn’t looking for sympathy, I told Chao that made me sad.
“That’s OK,” she reassured me, “I’m not. Nobody asked.”
“I didn’t understand the significance of it,” she explained. “I didn’t understand popular culture. I never listened to music because I didn’t — because, No. 1, I was too busy studying,” she said.
That paid off. After college, Chao attended Harvard Business School to pursue a career in banking until she got a White House fellowship during the Reagan administration.
She said she was doing research for Republican President Ronald Reagan’s speeches and “the bell went off, ‘ding, ding, ding, ding!'”
“I was going, hey, I believe in all this stuff. I’m actually a Republican,” she remembers.
Chao, 64, steadily climbed the GOP ranks with an appointment to the Maritime Commission, then deputy transportation secretary and eventually Peace Corps director. After Bill Clinton won the White House, she left government and became president of The United Way. It was around that time she met her husband, Sen. Mitch McConnell, who is now the Senate majority leader.
### Her ‘low-maintenance husband’
Chao scoffs at the idea of being one half of the ultimate power couple, noting rightly that these days there are a lot of power couples because there are so many more women in positions of power.
Chao played a significant role in her husband’s 2014 reelection bid — especially in helping him appeal to female voters as he competed against a female Democratic challenger, Alison Lundergen Grimes.
She is still eager to humanize her husband, who is known much more for his sharp political skills than a warm, fuzzy demeanor.
“This is really important. You’ve gotta leave this in,” she says, looking directly into the television camera lens. “I call him my low-maintenance husband. He does his own laundry and he cooks.”
“He does mine too sometimes,” she said, referring to the laundry. “He’s really good,” she added about his cooking. “And he’s really considerate,” she continued, “and he’s really very thoughtful. So, life with him, you know, is very easy that way.”
A friend who set the couple up described Chao years later as a “tiger wife.”
“At the time he made his remark, Amy Chua had her book about Tiger Moms. So I think he was trying to say that … I am an incredibly loving, loyal wife and asset to my husband,” she explained.
Chao brought up an article she once read that claimed that she keeps files on her husband’s donors and supporters. She said the story was wrong — but not why you may think.
“I didn’t take notes. It was all up here,” she said, her finger on her temple and a devilish look in her eyes.
“I have an incredible memory. It’s just one of, you know, life’s blessings. If I met you 24 years ago, I can remember the place, the time, the circumstances,” Chao said — a great asset in politics.
“It’s proven to be pretty helpful,” she agreed.
Her mother passed away, but her 90-year-old father still works and is her biggest cheerleader. He was there earlier this year when she was sworn in as transportation secretary.
As we looked at a photograph from that day, Chao remembered it was “January 31, 2017, at 5:30 p.m.”
“I told you I have a good memory,” she laughed.
### Her candid regret: No children
Chao displays other photos in her office of her large family — sisters, nieces and nephews.
She is very family-oriented but never had children of her own, and in a painfully candid moment during our discussion, she revealed that’s a regret.
“I try not to have too many regrets. But I will say to young women, you know, when in my generation, we were taught that we can have it all. And so it was thought, well, you have a career. And then you would, you know, have your family and, well, there’d be no problem. Well, it doesn’t work like that,” she said, growing emotional.
“So I try to counsel young women that they will have to be, regardless as to whether they want it or not, there are tradeoffs and sacrifices in life. And it’s important to know when those points occur because it would be a regret if you didn’t know you were making that tradeoff and it happened. And there was no chance to go back.”
Did she know she was making that tradeoff, I asked?
“No. I didn’t,” she replied, trying to hold back tears.
It was an unexpectedly raw moment with Chao that so many women can relate to. It resonated with me in a big way because I almost made the same “tradeoff,” as she called it. I did not start trying to have a baby until I was in my late 30s, and it was almost too late. After years of fertility treatments, I finally got pregnant with my son, whom I call my miracle baby.
Because of my experience, I too tell young women that if they think they want children, it is important not to take that for granted. Watch the clock, because it matters.
### Chao: A role model for many who didn’t have one herself
Chao may not have her own kids, but there are scores of Asian-Americans who look to her for inspiration. Often, Chinese-American families meet her at airports just to say hi.
“Oh, my gosh. I mean, I would go to events. And they would show up. Asian-American families will show up everywhere. And there would be like, there’d be like an instant bond.”
As transportation secretary, Chao oversees almost 60,000 employees and a slew of agencies, including the FAA. She says she tries to mentor young people who work for her — but also surprised me by saying that role models are overrated.
“I’m gonna say something that seems a bit strange. But I want it to be encouraging. I didn’t have a lot of role models. But that didn’t hurt me. And so for young people, young women, I wanted to give them strength and hope and confidence,” she declared.
“Just because there are no role models doesn’t mean that you can’t be the future role model that you now seek. So our country is so full of opportunities. And, you know, even if you don’t have a role model, it’s OK. Just pursue your life’s passion. Do what you really love, and the way will unfold.”
---
### [Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao's American Dream, And Her Advice For Young Women](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/transportation-secretary-elaine-chaos-american-dream-and-her-advice-for-young-women/)
**Published:** June 19, 2018
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (Forbes) – “It’s important whatever choices you make, that you know the tradeoffs when you’re making them.”
**Content:**
“There were times when people were not very nice, because I didn’t come from privilege or wealth,” says U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao. “You hopefully take those bad experiences and turn them into good ones, by vowing to yourself that if you were ever in the same situation, that you would never do that to another person.”
The first Asian-American woman to hold a presidential cabinet position, Chao’s illustrious career includes stints heading the United Way and the Peace Corps, appointments in the past three Republican administrations, and a finance career with Citicorp and Bank of America. “This group is going to think I can’t hold a job,” jokes Chao, as she dispenses advice for young women at the 2018 Forbes Women’s Summit.
The eldest of six daughters, Chao immigrated to the U.S. on a cargo ship at age 8, speaking no English when she settled down with her family in Queens, New York. She didn’t find any mentors growing up—“Nobody paid us attention, because they didn’t think we were worth paying attention to,” she says—but her parents, who she describes as eternal optimists, instilled a sense of adventure in their girls and implored them to go outside their small community.
“They believed in working for something bigger,” says Chao. “If you only think about your own advancement, your own success, you run out of fuel pretty quickly. But if we believed in something bigger than ourselves, that kind of motivation is self-sustaining,” Chao advises. “Ultimately, it helps you endure and fosters stamina.”
Her father, James Chao, eventually became a wealthy shipping magnate. Chao honed her own entrepreneurship chops at Harvard Business School, but a fellowship at the White House later turned her to politics. She rose through the GOP ranks quickly, becoming the youngest chairman in Federal Maritime Commission’s history under President Reagan, then served as the Deputy Secretary of Transportation under George H.W. Bush. She turned to nonprofit work during the Clinton years, but returned to become George W. Bush’s Labor Secretary in 2001.
Now, as the nation’s transportation head, Chao oversees a $76 billion budget and some 55,000 personnel but has largely flown under the radar despite her new boss’ headline-grabbing antics. She recently announced $1.5 billion of grants to roads, bridges and railways and another $677 million towards airports, though Trump’s $200 billion plan to overhaul the country’s infrastructure has languished in Congress. However, as the authority responsible for regulating drones and self-driving cars, her department will be a major player in shaping the future of commuting and travel.
“Think about the people with disabilities, or the elderly—if you have a self-driving car, they will reclaim their freedom,” says Chao, who pointed out that 94% of auto accidents involve human error. “\[But\] we have a legitimate concern about safety, privacy and security, because if any of these cars were hacked, they basically would be weaponized.” The Department of Transportation is trying to address these emerging issues, Chao says, without hampering innovation and creativity.
Chao, who was the longest-serving member of George W. Bush’s cabinet, advises young women to be aware of tradeoffs when they’re chasing success. She’s been married to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell for 25 years—“He is my low-maintenance husband—he does his own laundry; he cooks,” says Chao—but she never had any children. “We were taught … that it was okay to start late and that you can have it all. Well, it turns out that you can’t, that your biological clock sometimes works against you,” she reminisces.
“It’s important whatever choices you make, that you know the tradeoffs when you’re making them,” says Chao. “I think the worst thing is these sacrifices occurred and you didn’t know that you had to make those sacrifices, and those choices were beyond you.”
---
### [Elaine Chao: Preparing for the future of automated transportation](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/elaine-chao-preparing-for-the-future-of-automated-transportation/)
**Published:** March 2, 2018
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (Washington Examiner) – A new frontier of transportation technology is here.
**Content:**
By [Elaine Chao](https://wwsg.com/speakers/elaine-l-chao)
We are at a pivotal moment in our transportation history. What was once considered science fiction is now promising to revolutionize our transportation systems by dramatically changing the ways we travel.
One of the most promising innovations – automated vehicles – is challenging the ways we safely integrate transformative technology into our transportation systems. That’s why on March 1, 2018, the Department of Transportation held its first multi-modal public listening summit on automated vehicle, AV, technology. The AV 3.0 Summit brought together industry stakeholders, safety advocates, and public sector leaders to participate in important discussions about the future of AVs in America.
Cutting-edge advances, such as automated vehicles and drones, have the potential to significantly improve safety, increase access for our elderly and people with disabilities, and change how we transport goods. The Department of Transportation is committed to ensuring these systems are developed safely. On Sept. 12, 2017, [we released updated guidance for the testing and integration of autonomous vehicles](https://www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.dot.gov/files/documents/13069a-ads2.0_090617_v9a_tag.pdf), ADS 2.0: A Vision for Safety. But this technology is evolving so rapidly that we are already working on AV 3.0, which will be intermodal and address barriers to the safe integration of autonomous technology, not just for passenger cars but also for buses, rail carriers, trucks, infrastructure and port operations.
The AV 3.0 Summit also provided a key part of the updated guidance – critical feedback from external stakeholders. The summit was an opportunity for department and private sector leaders to share valuable insights that can be built upon as innovation moves forward. This is just one of the many ways we are engaging in collaborative leadership with stakeholders across the transportation industry. In January, the Department of Transportation also published the first four of a series of notices requesting information and comment to identify barriers to AV innovation. They can be found on [transportation.gov/av](http://transportation.gov/av). Look for more to be published in the near future.
New programs and initiatives for implementing emerging technology are just part of the equation, however. Policymakers need to foster an environment for innovation to flourish in America by eliminating unnecessary obstacles to its success. At the Department of Transportation, it’s a key part of our mission. Our approach will be technology neutral to allow our policies and regulations to remain flexible enough to adapt to these rapid changes, without compromising safety, which will always be the department’s top priority.
A new frontier of transportation technology is here. The path is uncertain, but it is coming. That much is certain. So, we must work together to safeguard America’s legacy of creativity and progress, to ensure our country’s transportation systems remain the safest and most efficient in the world.
---
### [Chao: Paving the way for innovation in transportation](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/chao-paving-the-way-for-innovation-in-transportation/)
**Published:** March 12, 2019
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (Statesman) – The department is committed to working with our local, state and private sector partners to engage with these technologies, to improve safety, mobility and accessibility.
**Content:**
As thousands gather in Austin this week for South By Southwest (SXSW), the city will play host to some of the world’s leading innovators and thought leaders. Since SXSW’s inception 33 years ago, there has been an ongoing technological revolution that has impacted all aspects of our society, including transportation. Today, technologies on the horizon hold promise to be transformative for transportation, and boost safety, mobility and economic growth.
Transportation innovators are developing safer, faster and smarter solutions to move people and products. Autonomous vehicles, for example, have potential to significantly improve traffic safety and increase mobility. Unmanned aerial vehicles – a.k.a. “drones” – are proving immensely valuable in public and private sector applications and have tremendous potential to do much more. All the modes of transportation – including roads, rail, maritime and aviation — are benefitting from technological advances. This rapid pace of change shows no signs of slowing down. Unfortunately, the regulatory mechanisms for supporting them are struggling to keep up.
The traditional approach to transportation has been one of silos. The U.S. Department of Transportation is a half-century old collection of separate agencies – some encompass distinct technologies, and others are just legal distinctions. In 1966, 31 federal entities were melded into five operating elements. Today the Department consists of 11 operating administrations, each with its own jurisdiction and bureaucracy. One administration is focused on railroads, another on cars, another on trucks, and so on. We have a 20th century organizational structure for 21st century technologies.
When new technologies don’t fit neatly into the existing modal structure, the result can impede transportation innovation. New technologies and applications like hyperloop and aerial mobility are reshaping how the Department of Transportation thinks about these modal distinctions. Which agency is responsible for a pressurized tube (i.e. hyperloop) carrying pods of people and goods at ultra-fast speeds? What about a privately-funded tunnel moving people in autonomous electric vehicles? Or a “flying car” that travels through the air and on surface infrastructure?
These are not theoretical questions. Ideas and blueprints that a few years ago seemed fanciful have now matured into physical prototypes and project proposals. Innovators and other stakeholders across the transportation ecosystem are ready to implement these technologies around the country.
At the U.S. Department of Transportation we’re tackling the problem of innovation-stifling bureaucracies and taking steps to help support new “cross-model” technologies. Part of this effort is the creation, which we’re announcing today, of the department’s Non-Traditional and Emerging Transportation Technology Council. The council is tasked with identifying and resolving bureaucratic impediments to emerging technologies.
Old government ways of doing things too often have stymied innovations that could improve transportation safety, mobility and accessibility. The department is coming to grips with this and moving ahead to provide a clear path for new technologies to be vetted in accordance with safety, environmental and other applicable standards.
This week at SXSW, some of America’s premier and emerging thinkers, doers, inventors, and entrepreneurs are gathering and sharing ideas and plans for the near and distant future. Where their initiatives intersect with transportation, the department is committed to working with our local, state and private sector partners to engage with these technologies, to improve safety, mobility and accessibility.
---
### [Elaine Chao: A speedier path for innovation](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/elaine-chao-a-speedier-path-for-innovation/)
**Published:** February 18, 2019
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (Automotive News) – Behavioral changes and vehicle safety innovations are the keys to reducing traffic crash fatalities and injuries.
**Content:**
By [Elaine L. Chao](https://wwsg.com/speakers/elaine-l-chao)
Research has shown that more than 90 percent of fatal traffic crashes involve human error. Motor vehicle crashes in 2017 killed 37,133 people, including 5,977 pedestrians and 783 bicyclists, and injured nearly 3 million adults and children.
The annual economic cost of motor vehicle crashes in the U.S. is over $240 billion. It is impossible to quantify the true scope of the human tragedy of all the lives lost and those forever altered due to serious injury.
Behavioral changes and vehicle safety innovations are the keys to reducing traffic crash fatalities and injuries. For several decades there has been relentless effort by government, safety advocates and vehicle manufacturers to make people safer drivers and to produce safer vehicles.
Fantasy becoming reality
As part of the effort to increase safety, the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966 established a system of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards that specify the design, construction, performance and durability requirements for motor vehicles.
The very first safety standards concerned seat belts and were adopted on March 1, 1967. Since then, an array of technological innovations have further enhanced vehicle safety. These safety improvements include antilock brakes, lane departure warnings, blind spot monitors, electronic stability control, adaptive cruise control, forward collision avoidance capability and much more.
Developed and enforced by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the safety standards process has worked fairly well, most of the time. But it did not anticipate today’s rapid pace of innovation.
When this federal regulatory regime was established, its creators could hardly imagine, for example, that NHTSA would ever be asked to permit vehicles that operate without steering wheels. Even the Jetsons’ flying family car had manual steering.
But today, fantasy is becoming reality. In January 2018, an auto company [applied to NHTSA](https://www.autonews.com/article/20180112/MOBILITY/180119919/gm-ride-hailing-fleet-would-ditch-steering-wheel-pedals-in-2019) for a temporary exemption from 16 standards in the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards for the purpose of testing all-electric vehicles with automated driving systems. These vehicles would operate without steering wheels, a gear selection mechanism or foot pedals, among other things.
Great promise
To expedite solicitation and receipt of public comments on this petition and others in the future, on Dec. 18, NHTSA updated and adjusted the temporary-exemption process. Petitioners still will have to provide adequate justification for a petition to be granted. But thanks to the updated exemption process, the department will now be able to solicit comments from the public more quickly.
Innovations in transportation technology hold great promise for improving safety and increasing mobility. Some of these technologies are currently being road-tested under conditions established by state and local governments, with guidance provided by NHTSA.
The complexities of many of these technologies, their safety implications and the vital role our transportation systems have in our society merit thorough consideration. The U.S. Department of Transportation, through public forums and the regulatory process, encourages everyone with an interest in these issues to weigh in.
Through a collaborative review process, the department will be better able to determine whether, when and how these technologies should be integrated into America’s transportation systems.
---
### [Secretary Chao: Drones are a new transportation frontier –Their safe development, testing, deployment matter](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/secretary-chao-drones-are-a-new-transportation-frontier-their-safe-development-testing-deployment-matter/)
**Published:** January 16, 2019
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (FOX News) – Nearly 1.3 million drones in the U.S. are registered with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
**Content:**
By [Elaine L. Chao ](https://wwsg.com/speakers/elaine-l-chao)
Throughout history, innovation has resulted in new industries and new jobs and has changed and benefited societies in ways previously unimagined.
A century ago, the Wright Brothers and others were still perfecting the biplane. Today, satellites enable global navigation, communication and weather forecasting systems and so much more. U.S. commercial air carriers transported about 880 million passengers and 42 billion ton-miles of freight in 2018. Nearer the Earth’s surface, unmanned aircraft systems (a.k.a. [drones](https://www.foxnews.com/category/tech/technologies/drones)) are a rapidly evolving new frontier in transportation.
Nearly 1.3 million drones in the U.S. are registered with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). There are more than 116,000 FAA-registered drone operators – a new job opportunity that hardly existed just a few years ago. With unique abilities in aerial agility and rapid deployment, the vast potential of drones came into sharp focus during the devastating 2017 hurricane season and western wildfires. Drones now are widely used in search and rescue operations and disaster recovery.
To further advance safe testing and deployment of drones, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) is announcing three new initiatives to expand allowable drone operations.
The first would, under certain conditions, permit drones to fly at night and over people without advance waivers. Presently, FAA regulations require a waiver to operate at night. Under the proposal, if the drone operator has been trained and tested, and if the drone has been equipped with anti-collision lighting, a waiver would not be required.
This initiative would also allow, under certain conditions, drones to make routine flights over people without a waiver or an exemption. Current FAA regulations prohibit drone flights over people. The conditions under which such drone operations would be allowed will depend upon the level of risk and are outlined in the proposal.
The Department’s second initiative addresses drone safety and national security. The Department is keenly aware of the safety, security and privacy issues associated with drones. This initiative would identify major drone safety and security issues that may threaten other aircraft, people on the ground or national security. Recommendations will be solicited to reduce these risks as drone usage increases.
The third announcement is the selection of commercial service entities to develop technology to manage the airspace for the Department’s drone pilot projects, which were announced in 2018. At the direction of President Trump, the Department [launched a program](https://www.foxnews.com/tech/faa-says-its-finally-catching-up-to-drone-technology-several-programs-in-the-works) to facilitate testing of drone capabilities for an array of uses and in a variety of conditions, helping ensure that the U.S. remains a leader in drone technology.
Ten pilot projects – consisting of close partnerships between public authorities and private entities – were selected last year. Displaying the diversity of drone use cases, the projects range from drone assistance in agriculture operations and pipeline inspections to medical device delivery in rural areas, and in support of commerce and public health and safety.
Three contracts have now been awarded to commercial service entities to develop technology to provide flight planning, communications, separation and weather services for these drones, which will operate under 400 feet elevation. This unmanned (drone) aircraft traffic management system will be separate from, but complementary to, the traditional FAA air traffic management system. You can find out more about all three new initiatives at www.faa.gov.
Together, these three initiatives take a major step forward in enabling the safe development, testing and deployment of drones. Our commitment to integrating drones into the airspace – in a thoughtful and careful, but nevertheless determined manner – will unlock profound advances in public health, safety, mobility, productivity and economic growth. And it will help to ensure that America remains a global leader in transportation innovation.
---
### [Secretary Chao Outlines Trump's Infrastructure Vision](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/secretary-chao-outlines-trumps-infrastructure-vision/)
**Published:** May 16, 2017
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (US Chamber of Commerce) – The time is right for considerable, pro-growth infrastructure improvements.
**Content:**
The U.S. Chamber was the starting line for a week-long, advocacy effort to rebuild our crumbling infrastructure, highlighted by Transportation Secretary [Elaine Chao](https://wwsg.com/speakers/elaine-l-chao).
“We’ve got to make the most of this moment. And it starts right here and right now—and with each of you,” declared Suzanne Clark, senior executive vice president of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, at the kick-off to [Infrastructure Week](http://infrastructureweek.org/). The event at the U.S. Chamber was one of 100 events across the country gathering business, unions, government, and non-profits to rally support around infrastructure investment.
A U.S. Chamber survey conducted by Morning Consult poll found [73% of voters want the federal government](https://www.uschamber.com/above-the-fold/americans-overwhelmingly-want-rebuild-america) to the lead in rebuilding transportation infrastructure.
U.S. Chamber president and CEO Tom Donohue laid out three priorities for a legislative package.
First, it has to “support our nation’s long-term growth and competitiveness.” Second, a broad toolkit of private and public funding must be created. “The bottom line is that we can’t make the dash without the cash,” he quipped. Third, reforms are needed to ensure the right projects are done in a timely, cost-effective manner.
In her keynote, Secretary Chao noted that our infrastructure “is a key factor in productivity and economic growth, which has provided millions of hard working Americans with a standard of living that is the envy of the world. And it has provided our country with unprecedented mobility, safety and security.” However, investing in it has been lax over the last decades.
The latest American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Infrastructure Report Card [graded our nation’s system a D+ grade overall](http://www.uschamber.com/above-the-fold/americas-infrastructure-was-just-graded-d-here-s-what-we-should-do-about-it).
Nevertheless, President Donald Trump “has made revitalizing, repairing and rebuilding our country’s infrastructure one of his top priorities,” Chao told the audience.
In sketching out the administration’s upcoming infrastructure plan, Chao said the administration is prepared to include $200 billion in direct federal funds. “These funds will be used to leverage $1 trillion in infrastructure investment over ten years,” she said.
Chao also underscored the need for cutting red tape out of approving needed projects. “Another key part of this administration’s infrastructure plan will include common-sense regulatory, administrative, organizational, and policy changes to speed project delivery and reduce uncertainty,” she said.
The time is right for considerable, pro-growth infrastructure improvements. “In short, the public knows that infrastructure is important, and that it’s worth it. And with the political stars aligning, long-term strategic investment in rebuilding our country is now also possible,” Clark said.
---
### [Ex-labor secretary reflects on work-life balance](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/ex-labor-secretary-reflects-on-work-life-balance/)
**Published:** March 31, 2016
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (ctpost) - Chao shared her perspective on work-life balance as well as women in leadership Thursday afternoon at the fifth installment of Linda McMahon’s ongoing series “Women Can Have It All” at Sacred Heart University.
**Content:**
By Meg Dalton *(original source ctpost)*
*“It may be that women can’t “have it all.” But as Elaine L. Chao argues, neither can men.*
*“I don’t think anyone can have everything in life,” said the former U.S. secretary of labor. “Life has trade-offs, life has sacrifices. How you handle life is up to you.”*
*Chao shared her perspective on work-life balance as well as women in leadership Thursday afternoon at the fifth installment of Linda McMahon’s ongoing series “Women Can Have It All” at Sacred Heart University. McMahon, the co-founder and former CEO of World Wrestling Entertainment, is a major donor at Sacred Heart as well as the vice chairman of its board of trustees.”*
*Click here to read more*
---
### [Former U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao to Keynote HR Technology Conference & Expo China](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/former-us-secretary-of-labor-elaine-chao-to-keynote-hr-technology-conference-expo-china/)
**Published:** February 9, 2016
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** Elaine Chao, former U.S. Secretary of Labor, will be the keynote speaker at the inaugural HR Technology Conference & Exposition China
**Content:**
*(Original source SYS-CON Media)*
*Human Resource Executive® magazine, the premier publication focused on strategic HR issues, in partnership with China Star Corp., today announced that Elaine Chao, former U.S. Secretary of Labor, will be the keynote speaker at the inaugural HR Technology Conference & Exposition China, taking place Wednesday, April 13 through Friday, April 15, 2016 at the Zhuhai International Convention & Exhibition Center in Zhuhai, China.*
*“Elaine Chao is an undisputed thought leader on key labor trends and an expert on factors impacting the global workforce,” said Rebecca McKenna, vice president of Global Events and publisher of Human Resource Executive® magazine. “We can think of no one better suited to speak on the challenges and opportunities facing employers in China and how HR technology can facilitate their growth than Secretary Chao. We are thrilled to welcome her as the featured speaker at the first-ever HR Tech China and look forward to hearing her insights on the modern workforce.”*
*Click here to read more*
---
### [Elaine Chao: Iran is penalizing women](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/elaine-chao-iran-is-penalizing-women/)
**Published:** June 23, 2015
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** Elaine Chao, a former U.S. Secretary of Labor, was among over 600 political leaders and dignitaries that attended the recent major gathering of the Iranian opposition in Paris.
**Content:**
*(Original source NCRI)*
*“Elaine Chao, a former U.S. Secretary of Labor, was among over 600 political leaders and dignitaries that attended the recent major gathering of the Iranian opposition in Paris.*
*Mrs. Chao expressed her support for ‘those who desire democratic change’ in Iran. She particularly emphasized on the need to fight against the repressive policies of the Iranian regime against women and girls.”*
*Click here to read more*
---
### [Elaine Chao: Government Policies Must Not Stifle Sharing Economy](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/elaine-chao-government-policies-must-not-stifle-sharing-economy/)
**Published:** November 23, 2015
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** The keynote, given by former Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao, discussed “the emerging new world of social commerce” through sharing economy companies such as Uber, Lyft, AirBnB, Snapgoods, and more.
**Content:**
By Mareille Olivo *(original source Americans for Tax Reforms)* –
*“The American Action Forum hosted an event last week titled, “Consumer Connection: How Social Media is Linking Consumers with Independent Sellers & Emerging Entrepreneurs.” The keynote, given by former Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao, discussed “the emerging new world of social commerce” through sharing economy companies such as Uber, Lyft, AirBnB, Snapgoods, and more.”*
*Click here to read more*
---
### [The Ruth Mulan Chu Chao Center](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/the-ruth-mulan-chu-chao-center/)
**Published:** June 8, 2016
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (Harvard.edu) – The Chao family discusses the inspiration for their generous gift.
---
### [Harvard Business School Dedicates First Building Named for Woman with Chao Center](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/harvard-business-school-dedicates-first-building-named-for-woman-with-chao-center/)
**Published:** June 6, 2016
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (NBC) – Ruth Mulan Chu Chao became the matriarch of a family of six daughters, four of whom attended Harvard Business School.
**Content:**
From humble beginnings as an immigrant to America, Ruth Mulan Chu Chao became the matriarch of a family of six daughters, four of whom attended Harvard Business School.
This week, the Ruth Mulan Chu Chao Center became the first building named after a woman at the venerable business school.
“My mother believed in the transformational power of education and being a very modest person, she would have been humbled to have this building bear her name,” former Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao said at a dedication ceremony on June 6. “It will be a living memorial to her values and her belief that the world will be a better place when people can come together in a meaningful exchange of knowledge and ideas.”
Dr. James Si-Cheng Chao speaking at the dedication of the Ruth Mulan Chu Chao Center.Russ Campbell Photography / Courtesy of HarvardIn her remarks, she told the story of how her parents left China when they were very young during a tumultuous time in Chinese history.
“The hardships they encountered instilled in them a life-long commitment to build bridges of understanding between people of different backgrounds and cultures,” Chao said. “When they relocated again to start anew in America, a key element that helped them not only survive but thrive was their education. That’s why they have devoted so much of their philanthropy to helping others access education. And that’s why the concept of a place of learning at Harvard for leaders from all over the world resonated with my father.”
“She believed that men and women should be treated equally, and she and my father made sure her six daughters were equipped with the tools they needed to realize their dreams.”
Elaine Chao, who was labor secretary during the Bush administration, said her mother came from a distinguished family in Anhui province who believed in educating their daughters, and that her mother’s beliefs continue to guide the family.
“She believed that men and women should be treated equally, and she and my father made sure her six daughters were equipped with the tools they needed to realize their dreams,” Chao said. “My mother was the constant north star of our family, holding us together during years of separation from our father when he came to this country to build a better life for our family. And when we finally joined him in America, she was the strong foundation that gave us the confidence and courage to advance in this new country.”
The Chao family and family foundation gave $40 million to Harvard in 2012 to construct the building. It also funded a scholarship program for the business students of Chinese descent.
The [Ruth Mulan Chu Chao Center](http://www.hbs.edu/news/releases/Pages/chao-topping-off-ceremony.aspx) is a 90,000-square-foot, four-story structure that will be the gateway to the University’s Executive Education Program. The building anchors the Executive Education campus and acts as the greeting and reception center. It also has an open theater-style forum, classrooms, and comes complete with an elevated outdoor terrace.
---
### [‘Men don’t prepare that much, so why do we have to?’](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/men-dont-prepare-that-much-so-why-do-we-have-to/)
**Published:** April 12, 2017
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (Politico) – Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao discusses the preparation gap — and more.
**Content:**
After decades in Washington, Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao has noticed something about how she differs from her male peers.
“I prepare so much more than some of my male colleagues,” Chao tells POLITICO editor Carrie Budoff Brown in the latest “Women Rule” podcast interview. “And I know women who are prepared more and we get ridiculed and it’s like, ‘Oh, my gosh. She’s just preparing so much. She’s such an automaton. Can’t she just like, wing it?’”
“Well,” Chao responds, “I’m not comfortable winging it.”
In this wide-ranging “Women Rule” podcast, Chao discusses the preparation gap, explores how her experiences as an immigrant have helped shape her long career in Washington, and weighs in on the number of women in President Donald Trump’s Cabinet.
You can find highlights of the interview with Chao below:
**[1:40](https://soundcloud.com/womenrulepod/episode-3-men-dont-prepare-that-much-so-why-do-we-have-to-featuring-elaine-chao#t=1:42)** Chao discusses the biggest changes in Washington since taking her first administration job in the 1980s.
“The people are different,” Chao said. And, she notes of the fast-paced news cycle of recent years, “we have to respond in a much quicker fashion — and sometimes, it’s just nice to have some time to hold back a bit, think, be deliberative, and be more statesmen-like in response.”
**[4:00](https://soundcloud.com/womenrulepod/episode-3-men-dont-prepare-that-much-so-why-do-we-have-to-featuring-elaine-chao#t=4:00)** The best predictor of success as a Cabinet secretary may be prior experience, Chao says.
“It’s actually very reassuring to have been a Cabinet member before,” she says. “I’m a veteran. This is basically year nine of being a Cabinet officer and I mention that because my colleagues – they joke about that. I have a number of colleagues who have worked in previous administrations at this level. So for them, that experience is very helpful in shifting to this job, as it is for me as well. We’re very surefooted, we’re confident, we know what we’re doing and we know what’s important.”
**[5:35](https://soundcloud.com/womenrulepod/episode-3-men-dont-prepare-that-much-so-why-do-we-have-to-featuring-elaine-chao#t=5:35)** Chao compares the four presidents she’s served, and reveals how often she hears from Trump.
**[7:21](https://soundcloud.com/womenrulepod/episode-3-men-dont-prepare-that-much-so-why-do-we-have-to-featuring-elaine-chao#t=7:19)** The Transportation secretary discusses her personal leadership style, learning how to succeed without a mentor, and how her immigrant experience has shaped her career path.
**[13:57](https://soundcloud.com/womenrulepod/episode-3-men-dont-prepare-that-much-so-why-do-we-have-to-featuring-elaine-chao#t=13:57)** Asked if she questions her abilities at times, Chao responds: “Of course! I’m Asian-American. Are you kidding?”
**[16:30](https://soundcloud.com/womenrulepod/episode-3-men-dont-prepare-that-much-so-why-do-we-have-to-featuring-elaine-chao#t=16:30)** Chao discusses some of Trump’s harsh rhetoric towards immigrants, and weighs in on how the “galloping pace of technology” is the root of economic anxiety in the U.S.
“This trend of fearing the impact of immigrants and how they will change our country is ever present,” Chao says. “They ebb and flow in intensity.”
**[20:00](https://soundcloud.com/womenrulepod/episode-3-men-dont-prepare-that-much-so-why-do-we-have-to-featuring-elaine-chao#t=20:00)** On whether she would like the president to speak in those terms about immigrants, Chao, who considers herself “uncomfortable” with the “confrontational nature of American dialogue” says: “Listen, I don’t advise the—no, I think the President is a very straightforward talking man and sometimes he may not speak in the way that we expect politicians usually to speak.”
**[22:30](https://soundcloud.com/womenrulepod/episode-3-men-dont-prepare-that-much-so-why-do-we-have-to-featuring-elaine-chao#t=22:30)** Chao gives her advice for women in power, what it’s like to be afraid of making mistakes, and how she connected with colleagues in male-dominated industries.
Of being “prepared” in the workplace, Chao reveals that in the beginning of her career, “I tried to make it look as if I wasn’t preparing because I didn’t want to be ridiculed.”
**[28:04](https://soundcloud.com/womenrulepod/episode-3-men-dont-prepare-that-much-so-why-do-we-have-to-featuring-elaine-chao#t=28:04)** Chao provides a broad overview of the administration’s transportation agenda and Trump’s infrastructure plan. Asked whether she believes the 10-year, trillion-dollar infrastructure plan will get passed by Congress this year, Chao said, “We certainly hope so.”
**[36:13](https://soundcloud.com/womenrulepod/episode-3-men-dont-prepare-that-much-so-why-do-we-have-to-featuring-elaine-chao#t=36:12)** The Transportation secretary answers the question: “Are there enough women in this Cabinet?”
**[37:44](https://soundcloud.com/womenrulepod/episode-3-men-dont-prepare-that-much-so-why-do-we-have-to-featuring-elaine-chao#t=37:44)** Chao reveals how her husband, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), helps out around the house.
---
### [Elaine Chao understands 'being on the outside.'](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/elaine-chao-understands-being-on-the-outside-why-that-helps-her-connect-with-trump/)
**Published:** March 23, 2017
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (USA Today) – Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao says she still sometimes feels like the outsider she once was, the 8-year-old girl who arrived in the United States on a freight ship from Taiwan
**Content:**
She is the ultimate Washington insider: a senior appointee in the past three Republican administrations, the only member of President Trump’s Cabinet to have served in a Cabinet before, the CEO credited with rescuing the United Way from financial scandal. And as the spouse of Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, half of D.C.’s top power couple.
Despite all that, Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao says she still sometimes feels like the outsider she once was, the 8-year-old girl who arrived in the United States on a freight ship from Taiwan not knowing a word of English.
Indeed, that perspective may have made it easier for her to connect with the most outsider of American presidents. In some ways an unlikely pair — they had never met until he interviewed her at Trump Tower four months ago about a Cabinet post — she has spent hours by Trump’s side during his trips to Michigan and Kentucky over the past week or so. She will be at the center of the administration’s $1 trillion infrastructure initiative she says is likely to be unveiled this fall.
“He obviously has touched a chord with the American people, many of whom did not feel comfortable saying that they were for him as president, but as we saw in the election there were many, many people who were for him,” she said in an interview with Capital Download, USA TODAY’s video newsmaker series. “I thought that he had tapped into something, a strain of anxiety, of fear, of vulnerability that somehow nobody else did.”
She thinks that anxiety may have less to do with the economic impact of trade than about the crush of new technologies, adding that Silicon Valley has a responsibility to try to ameliorate those qualms. In her new job, she’ll have a say in federal regulation of some of those new developments, among them the advent of self-driving cars and the expanding use of drones.
“For a lot of people, the rapid pace of technology is making them feel alienated and unconnected to other people, which is why these communities on-line are just thriving,” she says. Her message to the tech industry: “You take it as second nature, but for much of what you do, people do not understand.”
That’s not helpful to their corporate interests or the national interest, she says. “I want to challenge them to help the rest of our country understand this new phase of technology that they love. They’re on the cutting edge, but we’re just making a lot of the people, the rest of the country, very anxious.”
## ‘Being on the outside’
Chao understands what it is to feel anxious and vulnerable.
Her parents fled to Taiwan from Shanghai after Communists won control of China in 1949. Her father immigrated to the United States nine years later, leaving behind his wife and three young daughters until he could get a foothold in the new land.
“It took him three years before he could bring my mother and me and my two sisters,” Chao recalls. “We lived in a one-bedroom apartment in Queens. N.Y. I didn’t get my citizenship until I was 19 years old. I didn’t speak English. None of us did, except for my father. And it was very hard in the beginning. I remember how vulnerable our community felt at the time, and I think those lessons, those experiences of being on the outside” stuck with her.
“At ninth grade, I had to stay at school for lunch, and I didn’t know how to use a fork and knife,” she says. “Nobody ever taught me. We used chopsticks.” Popular music and culture were a mystery to her; her time was consumed with doing schoolwork and helping at home with her five younger sisters. Her father would scramble to find people who could help broaden her horizons — an alumnus to talk about Harvard, where she ended up receiving an MBA, or someone had experience working at a big bank. Her first job was at Citicorp.
(In January, James Chao, now 90 years old and living in New York’s Westchester County, beamed as he held a family Bible when Vice President Pence swore in his daughter to her second stint in a president’s Cabinet.)
Is her groundbreaking role as a woman over the years why she still sometimes feels like an outsider?
“If you were going to go down that path, it could also be because I’m Asian American,” she replies. “We all have our experiences, which is why I’m really into mentoring young people, especially women, Asian-Americans, Hispanic-Americans — you know, people who are not mainstream America. Because I understand and I remember how hard it was.”
She has discussed her family’s immigrant experience with President Trump, whose hard-line policies and rhetoric on immigration have exacerbated fears within some foreign-born communities about how welcome they should feel in the United States.
“I hope not and I don’t think he wants that either,” Chao says, noting the rise and fall of anti-immigrant feeling in the United States over time, including at the turn of the 20th century. She says the national-security briefings she’s received as a member of the Cabinet underscore the need for tougher policies at this moment.
“There are bad people coming across the borders — I’m not saying everybody, but there are bad people coming across and they want to do us harm,” she says. “We’re talking about, how do we protect the borders, protect our people, and yet still try to absorb people who want to be Americans?”
## A view of Nats Park
In her first interview since being named to Trump’s Cabinet, Chao sits in her small private study, photos of her nephews and nieces on the small table beside her and more pictures of her close-knit family scattered elsewhere. Her larger, formal office next door features a spectacular view of the Anacostia River and Nationals Park.
Chao, who turns 64 on Sunday, has seen a string of presidents up close. She was a White House fellow during President Reagan’s administration. President George H.W. Bush appointed her deputy secretary of Transportation and then director of the Peace Corps. President George W. Bush nominated her as secretary of Labor, and she was the only Cabinet member to serve throughout his eight-year tenure.
“I have a lot of respect for Elaine Chao,” Bush told USA TODAY. “Secretary Chao is highly competent and understands how Washington functions. I relied on her throughout my entire administration, and she served our country well.”
Each president has had his own distinct priorities and preferences on how to operate, Chao says, saying Trump’s signature is his accessibility.
“People walk in and out of the Oval Office and he has a great sense of curiosity,” she says. “He wants to learn from everybody, so for example if he wants to learn something, he may not go to staff to do a memo, but he’ll call somebody or he’ll talk to somebody he’ll run into on a daily basis, although that circle we all understand is a bit smaller nowadays. But when he’s down in Florida, he’s asking people, What do you think? How are we doing? What do you think about this? He’s a very accessible person, always learning with a very populist touch.”
Trump remains committed to his campaign promise of a 10-year, $1 trillion infrastructure initiative, she says, once legislative battles over repealing and replacing the Affordable Care Act and overhauling the tax code are done. While the infrastructure bill has the potential to unite the White House and congressional Democrats, the conflict is likely to come over how to pay for it.
Democrats support federal spending while Trump has endorsed public-private partnerships. Chao says the administration’s plan will include investments from pension funds and private equity firms, and will look at easing “bureaucratic hurdles” that slow projects and make them more expensive.
New federal money for the initiative wasn’t included in the [administration’s budget released this month](https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2017/03/16/trump-first-budget-proposal-dramatic-cuts-fund-military-buildup/99212718/). Indeed, the Transportation budget took a 13% cut.
That was “a message document,” Chao says. “Throughout the whole government, the administration wanted to give a message that things were not going to be done as usual and that there would be different priorities.” That said, she said “a lot” of the proposed Transportation cuts would be restored, albeit sometimes to different programs.
## Meet Mitch McConnell
Speaking of odd couples, there is Chao and McConnell, who celebrated their 24th anniversary last month. She is lively and engaging; he is famously taciturn and sometimes impenetrable.
But the Senate majority leader visibly brightened when Chao unexpectedly dropped by an interview with Capital Download last year at University of Louisville, his alma mater. The archives there feature her career as well as his. During a tour, McConnell pointed with pride not only at his political memorabilia dating back to high school elections but also to her life story and her family’s journey.
She describes him in ways that colleagues of the Kentucky senator may not recognize.
“He’s such a dear,” she says, calling him “my low-maintenance husband.” “He does his own laundry. He cooks. He sometimes does my laundry.”
Mitch McConnell does your laundry? “Yes, he does,” she replies. “And he folds them, too.”
When they’re home at night, what do the Senate majority leader and the secretary of Transportation talk about?
“Who’s taking out the garbage,” she says.
---
### [HBS “Topping Off” of the Ruth Mulan Chu Chao Center](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/hbs-topping-off-of-the-ruth-mulan-chu-chao-center/)
**Published:** April 28, 2015
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** The FINANCIAL -- Harvard Business School (HBS) held a “Topping Off” ceremony at the construction site of a new Executive Education facility—the Ruth Mulan Chu Chao Center—on Friday, April 24, 2015, signifying the completion of the structural phase of the project.
**Content:**
*(original source The Financial)*
*“The 30-minute ceremony began at 11:30 a.m. with remarks by Harvard Business School Dean Nitin Nohria; former U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao (MBA 1979); Ms. Angela Chao, Deputy Chair, Foremost Group (AB 1994, MBA 2001); and Robert C. O’Leary, Senior Vice President, Lee Kennedy Company, the construction firm building the Ruth Mulan Chu Chao Center, according to Harvard Business School.*
*The “Topping Off” ceremony is a long-standing tradition in construction derived from an ancient Scandinavian builders’ rite held when the highest beam of steel is hoisted into place with a small tree affixed to “appease the tree-dwelling spirits displaced in its construction.” In the modern-day version, it marks an important milestone in the building process. The entire HBS community, including students, faculty, and staff, along with construction workers, was invited to sign the beam and then watched as it was raised into place.”*
*Click here to read more*
---
### [Vulcan Materials Adds former US Labor Secretary Elaine Chao to Board](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/vulcan-materials-adds-former-us-labor-secretary-elaine-chao-to-board/)
**Published:** February 25, 2015
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** Vulcan Materials Company has added two new members to its board of directors: a former Secretary of Labor and the CEO of one of the largest energy companies in the country.
**Content:**
*(original source AL)*
*“Vulcan Materials Company has added two new members to its board of directors: a former Secretary of Labor and the CEO of one of the largest energy companies in the country.*
*With the addition of Elaine Chao, who was the U.S. Secretary of Labor from 2001 until 2009, and Thomas Fanning, Chairman, President and CEO of Southern Company, the board of directors expands from 11 to 13 members.*
*Fanning and Chao will each receive directors fees and stock-based compensation for directors, and will each stand for re-election at the company’s 2015 Annual Meeting of Shareholders in May.”*
*Click here to read more*
---
### [Caitlin Dickerson: How Long Can This Last?](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/caitlin-dickerson-how-long-can-this-last/)
**Published:** May 3, 2022
**Author:** wpengine
**Content:**
On February 24, within hours of the start of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Karolina Lewestam and her husband, Jakub Fast, saw on social media that Ukrainians were arriving at bus and train stations in Warsaw with no idea where they would sleep.
Without even pausing to discuss it, the couple—a writer and a banker—jumped into group chats with neighbors whom they had never met and started plotting to exchange mattresses and other supplies, as they all rushed to prepare spare bedrooms and sofas. A few days later, at about 2 a.m., a van pulled up outside their historic home in an affluent neighborhood, and 10 people climbed out, including a 6-year-old boy carrying a stuffed cat. “I wanted to cry when I saw that,” Karolina recalled. “I just thought about what you choose to bring with you when you are packing in a hurry to run out of your home. That’s what he chose.”
In just a few months, Ukraine has become the epicenter of one of the largest human displacements in the world. As of late April, an estimated 7.7 million residents have relocated within the country and another 5.6 million have crossed international borders.\* Most of those, at least for now, are in Poland. In a politically divided nation that is typically hostile toward refugees, hundreds of thousands of Polish people moved in astonishing unison following the Russian invasion, upending their lives in order to house, feed, and clothe traumatized Ukrainians. The display of generosity stood out from other mass-migration events I’ve covered.
But by the time I met Karolina and other Polish hosts, in late March, they were exhausted. They had missed work and lost sleep, and were stressed about the strain that caring for Ukrainians was putting on their dwindling bank accounts. (They were also wondering whether their own country would be Putin’s next target.) Many of them were ruminating over the same question—one they were gingerly trying to broach with their guests: When would they be leaving?
When I arrived in Poland, Nikita, the boy with the stuffed cat, and his mother, Irina Sytnik, who had worked as a taxi driver in Ukraine, were struggling. Nikita was waking up in the middle of the night calling out for his father, Ruslan, who had stayed in Ukraine to fight. Irina sobbed as she recalled the moment the bus carrying her and Nikita pulled away from Lviv while Ruslan waved goodbye to them, unsure whether they would see each other again. “We had no words in that moment,” she told me, through a translator.
Irina Sytnik and her son, Nikita, in the Warsaw home of the Polish family that has taken them in (Marcus Glahn for *The Atlantic*)
Nikita was also acting out—something he’d never done before the war—and had already been expelled from a private kindergarten for being too aggressive. Now the administrators of a second school said he was kicking and biting other children and asked that he be taken to a psychologist. “He’s frustrated because he can’t communicate with other people, because he doesn’t speak Polish,” Irina told me. “I feel the same way.”
Irina had challenges beyond just navigating the language barrier in a new country. The job she had found in Warsaw required a two-hour commute by bus and on foot that left her depleted at the end of each day. But under emergency legislation passed in the Polish Parliament after the war started, incoming Ukrainians must apply for a national identity number in order to access social services, a process that requires them to visit government offices, where hours-long queues form daily. One afternoon, while trying to complete the process, Irina and Nikita got lost, with only $10 remaining of the $300 they’d brought with them when they crossed the border. A police officer found them sitting on a public bench, both of them in tears, and gave them a ride back to Karolina’s house.
Ukrainians have been wedged into every corner of Warsaw—bunking not just in private homes, but in offices, sports stadiums, schools, nightclubs, and art galleries. Many of those I met had the same expression on their faces: eyebrows fixed halfway up their foreheads, as though still in disbelief about the events that had chased them from their homes and landed them here.
Marina Konpakova, a single mother of three daughters, ages 5, 11, and 14, is staying in a spare room on the second floor of an opera house that’s part of the Palace of Culture and Science, a massive Stalinist building in the center of town. The family had hoped to remain in their apartment in Zaporizhzhia, three hours from the devastated port city of Mariupol. But when an airport nearby was bombed, the apartment shook, waking Marina in the middle of the night. Then the building managers turned off the electricity, to hide the fact that people were living there. This required everyone to walk down nine flights of stairs every few hours when air-raid sirens drove them to the basement, because they couldn’t use the elevator. Eventually, she gave up and packed a bag in the dark. On their way out of Ukraine, they passed scorched fields and homes that had been blasted apart by Russian ordnance.
Cramming themselves into an airless train car heading toward the Polish border, Marina’s daughters cried hysterically. “I think they were in shock,” she told me. When I visited their makeshift apartment, the 11-year-old stood silently in the bathroom, staring at herself in the mirror with her hands on her face. The 14-year-old sat wrapped in a comforter on a mattress on the floor, seemingly oblivious to my presence.
Marina was initially scared to come to Warsaw, “but now, half of my city is here,” she said. The theater employees who had set up the family’s accommodations had suggested that perhaps I would be able to figure out how long they planned to stay there. When I asked, Marina replied, “They said to stay as long as I need,” adding, “No one gave me a deadline.”
Agnieszka Kosowicz, the president of the board of the Polish Migration Forum, an NGO that helps foreigners integrate into Polish society, is concerned about the sustainability of the Polish response to Ukrainians. “There are hundreds of thousands of people that have invited refugees to their homes, and on the one hand this is all very optimistic and sounds good,” she told me, “but on the other hand I think it’s like sitting on a ticking bomb because, being a human being, you know that you cannot host guests forever.” Even if they had the will and the patience, some Poles simply don’t have the resources to sustain their initial levels of generosity. Magda Mlotkowska, who was housing 13 Ukrainians, told me that her family’s resources were thinning, with three boys of their own to care for. To help cover her bills, she was applying for a government program that provides about $9 a day for every refugee hosted.
Kosowicz is also concerned about nonwhite immigrants to Ukraine. When the exodus began, Kosowicz’s organization started receiving reports of such people being beaten or harassed as they attempted to flee the country and enter Poland. Numerous videos of these encounters have circulated on the internet. Some Polish university dorms and stadiums have rejected refugees without Ukrainian passports, as have volunteer buses transporting people to other European countries farther west. Some Polish households have declined to take in nonwhite immigrants who fled Ukraine, or asked guests to leave after discovering that they were not ethnically Ukrainian.
*Left:* The Palace of Culture and Science in Warsaw, where Marina Konpakova and her daughters are living in a spare room on the second floor. *Right:* Marina with her three daughters, ages 5, 11, and 14. (Marcus Glahn for *The Atlantic*)
Even as Poland is welcoming millions of Ukrainians, Kosowicz noted, it is simultaneously blocking Syrian and Iraqi refugees, who are also fleeing violent conflicts, from entering the country through Belarus. The Polish government has justified this on the grounds that the refugees’ presence in Belarus was orchestrated by that country’s president, Alexander Lukashenko. A close ally of Vladimir Putin, Lukashenko is seeking to provoke Poland’s right-wing government by facilitating the movement of Middle Eastern migrants across the border. Polish media had just reported on a 20-year-old paralyzed Kurdish man, who was being carried by his family to the Polish border. Some groups have been sprayed with water cannons. More than a dozen people have frozen to death in the forest that stretches across the two countries. “What happens there is totally inhuman,” Kosowicz said.
Even though Kosowicz speaks English, I had brought along my Polish translator, because I had gathered from previous interviews that the disparate treatment of refugees in Poland was a sensitive subject. I thought it would be useful for my translator to learn about the issue from a fellow Pole before I pulled her into further reporting on the subject. The plan backfired.
As soon as we started discussing “third-country nationals”—immigrants to Ukraine who were living there when the war began—the temperature in the room seemed to rise. “Most of those people, they want to go to Germany or more west,” the translator said, interrupting the interview. “And Germans might come with their buses and take those people, but they don’t want to.” Kosowicz pointed out that Germany had sent significant aid to human-rights groups helping migrants who do manage to cross into Poland from Belarus.
Kosowicz reiterated her point about third-country nationals: “It’s great, all this enthusiasm and eagerness to help. But for everybody here who is not Ukrainian—for the Afghans, for the Iraqis, for the Syrians, for the people from Yemen, where there is a war right now—for them, it’s difficult.” The translator interrupted again. “Maybe it’s difficult,” she said, “but I just think that \[Ukrainians\] are so culturally close to us; they are like brothers to us. Sometimes it’s natural, yes?”
Kosowicz’s eyebrows arched toward the ceiling.
Later that week, when I visited a hostel that was set up for third-country nationals fleeing Ukraine, I decided to go alone.
The hostel for third-country nationals and other vulnerable groups, such as children traveling without adult guardians, is on the industrial outskirts of Warsaw, in a building typically used as a dorm for kids’ sports camps. Since the war began, the facility has hosted refugees originally from 34 different countries, packed four to a room in twin-size bunk beds. It is run by the Club of Catholic Intelligentsia, which was established during the 1950s, under Communism. In a country where the Church has in recent years lobbied for aggressive anti-abortion and anti-gay legislation, the club stands out for its progressiveness.
In the hostel, I met Yasemin, a Turkish woman whose story is a kind of cautionary tale of how forced migration can leave successive generations of a family feeling less and less rooted in any one culture or place with every additional move.
Yasemin (who asked that I not print her last name, because she worried that it could affect her future immigration prospects) said that her relatives and ancestors had landed in Turkey because of conflicts in Crimea, Macedonia, Bulgaria, Romania, and other places. She said she was raised in a household that was out of step with the surrounding culture’s social and religious expectations for women. She and her family were tired of the pressure to conform and the feeling that they didn’t fit in.
When the war began, she and her 9-year-old son, Berkin, had been living in Ukraine for nine months, along with an elder daughter who was studying at a university there; they were trying to establish residency for the family based on Yasemin’s partial Ukrainian ancestry. With their plans now upended, she said she would try their luck in Brussels, where, as new immigrants who don’t speak the language, they would have to rebuild their lives from scratch. “We have a saying in Turkey,” she said: “ ‘Geography is destiny.’ ”
I also met Nduka Edike, a 52-year-old Nigerian man who had lived in Ukraine for nearly 25 years, after immigrating to Kyiv as a university student. When his father died, he said, he could no longer pay for his education and dropped out of school. But by then he was dating a Ukrainian woman, whom he went on to marry and have two children with, so he continued living in the country. He and his wife divorced, but they remain friends and have been in daily contact since the war began. In Ukraine, Nduka cut timber, did landscaping, and bought old shoes and refurbished them to be resold at an outdoor market. “I do any job,” he told me.
*Left:* Nduka Edike, a Nigerian man who has lived in Ukraine for nearly 25 years, at a hostel for third-country nationals on the outskirts of Warsaw. *Right:* Nduka’s travel documents are covered in boot prints and are partially ripped; he says he was assaulted by a Ukrainian officer just before he entered Poland. (Marcus Glahn for *The Atlantic*)
Nduka said Ukrainians would frequently spit on him on the bus or yell at him, saying things like “Why did you come here?” In 2006, during a rash of violent attacks by skinhead youth groups, he said he was stabbed several times and spent a month in the hospital, part of it in a coma. A friend was killed in the same incident, but he stayed in the country for his children, who he said would have better opportunities there than in Nigeria, parts of which are burdened by terrorism and violent crime.
When Russia invaded, Nduka headed for the Polish border on a bus, but he was stuck living in a humanitarian camp nearby for six days, and at least once was blocked from crossing the border, according to American and British volunteers who tried to help him. United Nations employees eventually obtained emergency travel documents showing that he had been living in Ukraine. But while he waited, Ukrainian migrants yelled racial slurs at him constantly, he and the volunteers said. One man pointed his cellphone camera at Nduka and yelled, “Look, they taught the monkey to speak Ukrainian.”
Finally, border guards in both countries approved his documents. But just as he was about to cross into Poland, he said, he was stopped again, this time by a Ukrainian officer who took the documents and tried to destroy them. He said the officer hit him and kicked him in the knee. Volunteers observing the incident ran to alert the UN, which sent employees to help. Hours later, around midnight, Nduka finally crossed into Poland, escorted by volunteers who gave him pain medication for his injuries.
Nduka said the UN employees had warned him that he would likely not be allowed to stay in Poland. (Emergency legislation allowing Ukrainian citizens to remain in the country for 18 months affords people of other nationalities fleeing Ukraine only 15 days.) Instead, he will try his chances in Germany, which is generally considered to be more welcoming to nonwhite refugees. He is planning to learn German, to add to the Yoruba, English, Ukrainian, and Russian he already speaks.
“It won’t be that bad,” he said. “What else can I do?”
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, which had only about 10 staff members in Poland at the start of the war, has staffed up rapidly to distribute emergency cash and other services to what has quickly become one of the largest populations of refugees in the world.
Andreas Kirchhof, a spokesperson for the agency who is based in Jordan and has previously been deployed to Burundi, South Sudan, and Lebanon, among other places, told me that the generosity of Polish people toward Ukrainian refugees does have precedent in other parts of the world. Middle Eastern and African countries have taken in millions of refugees from places like Syria, Afghanistan, and the Central African Republic. But he cautioned that such responses don’t always last. “Over time, solidarity can diminish with some parts of the population.” At one point, a Polish taxi driver vented to me that she had no time to work, because she was helping a Ukrainian mother and three children who were staying with her get settled. “I have my life too,” she said.
“We know that our destinies are intertwined,” Karolina Lewestam had told me a few days earlier, speaking of the Ukrainians she has hosted. “There is a sense of companionship between the two nations when it comes to this journey toward freedom from Russia and its influence.” Several Polish hosts told me that they felt compelled to help Ukrainian refugees precisely because their presence was a reminder that Putin could threaten Poland next—that they, too, could soon be having to pack their bags to cross international borders. But by the end of my week in Warsaw, that abstract sense of solidarity seemed to be weakening in the face of practical challenges. After nearly a month, Irina was growing uncomfortable with the feeling that she was imposing on her host, and Karolina was weary from Nikita’s boundless energy, as well as her obligations to her own family and job.
After a day of work and kindergarten, Irina and Nikita commute back to the Warsaw home where they’re living.
Though Karolina’s husband had helped Irina find work cooking and cleaning in the cafeteria at the American School of Warsaw, a private English-language school that caters to the families of diplomats and international businesspeople, the position paid about $4 an hour, not enough to rent even a tiny apartment in Warsaw. It was not clear how long she and Nikita would remain living with the family. “She’s a working-class girl, so what can I do?” Karolina said.
Historically, the way a population treats refugees has frequently come down to whether citizens of the destination country see themselves in the newcomers, in terms of race, religion, class, or some other set of common affinities. Karolina had bonded more with the other refugees she’d taken in, Ukrainian professionals who have subsequently returned home or moved on to their own apartments.
As Karolina prepared for a dinner party for two of the Ukrainian women she had hosted earlier, I asked how she was doing. “I am weird,” she replied. “Everyone wants something from me, and I have nothing left to give.”
The group chat with her neighbors was still buzzing. “Mother with two children: daughter 18, son 10, looking for a place for 2/3 weeks,” one message said. “I think so, let me check,” another neighbor replied. It was like that constantly.
If the patience of Polish citizens for their Ukrainian guests is wearing thin, refugees like Nduka and Yasemin never had access to those reserves of empathy in the first place. As someone who has covered refugee displacement in other places, I was struck by the contrast between Poland’s sudden and uncharacteristic embrace of Ukrainian refugees and the way most of the world’s displaced people—their numbers rising as a result of conflicts and climate change—are treated. Making my way around Warsaw, I frequently ran into volunteers from other countries, including the United States, who had dropped everything—some even quitting their jobs—to come and help Ukrainians. Though some presence of volunteers is typical during a migration crisis, their prevalence in Warsaw seemed far beyond the norm. This no doubt partly reflects the broader opposition to Putin’s incursions into democratic countries, as well as the fears about the conflict’s global implications, especially if it expands or escalates further. Even the casual use of the term refugee on the streets of Warsaw as a synonym for Ukrainian was noteworthy. In many places, displaced people are instead referred to as “illegal immigrants” or “economic migrants” by politicians and the media, which has been shown to affect how people think of them.
Ukrainians continue to arrive at the city’s busy train and bus stations daily, their eyes wide and teary from shock, their arms heavy with the weight of bags and pets and children, with no idea where they will sleep. But the influx of support for them from the Polish people means that most of their immediate needs are being met, at least for now. The new arrivals in Warsaw are typically greeted by volunteers who, within a few hours, match them with a family or hostel willing to house them. While they wait, they can visit stands that have been set up to distribute free Polish cellphone SIM cards (which are essential for people crossing borders who want to stay in touch with family), taxi vouchers, food for pets, professional counseling, and other services.
*Top:* A children’s play area at the Ptak Warsaw Expo’s refugee shelter. *Bottom:* The main hall at COS Torwar Arena, a sports venue now housing refugees. (Marcus Glahn for *The Atlantic*)
I visited a sports arena that had been retrofitted to accommodate up to 500 Ukrainian refugees. It had a day care staffed by volunteers and a cafeteria with a robust and varied buffet of hot meals, snacks, and beverages, as well as what was effectively a shopping mall full of free stuff: boxes of new socks; racks of jackets in all sizes; tall stacks of sheets, comforters, and towels; pajamas; shoes. The abundance was unlike anything I have seen while covering displaced people in the past. At camps alongside the U.S.-Mexico border, asylum seekers have at times lived for months exposed to the elements, with access only to a few reeking porta potties. Mothers have had to bathe their newborn babies with dirty water. Residents of these camps are routinely kidnapped and assaulted by gang members who control the surrounding area. Volunteer groups have organized for them to receive one or two meals a day—but at times, when funds run dry, there is no food at all. Though there is no such thing as a prototypical refugee experience, these conditions are much more common among displaced people.
According to the UNHCR, one in 97 people on the planet is currently displaced, including 35 million children. Nearly 90 percent of them live in developing countries. Ukraine is clearly one of the biggest displacement crises in the world, “but we should not forget that, still, displacement is primarily happening in the global South,” Andreas Kirchhof, the agency spokesperson, told me. “The world should definitely look at Ukraine, but should not forget Yemen, should not forget Congo, and should not forget Afghanistan and other major crises and the people who suffer from these crises.”
The war in Ukraine will help define our era, in that it represents a test of the principles of Western democracy. But it will also alter the trajectories, and immigration statuses, of millions of families for generations in ways that we can’t yet see. Being forced from one’s home causes irrevocable harm to anyone who experiences it, regardless of the kind of reception they meet in the places they land. Some find stability—and, if buffeted by the right passport, family connections, or luck, can even find greater prosperity. But that is no replacement for what they have lost. Far more displaced people, though, struggle to establish themselves in a new place, or find that they are unwelcome, so they have to keep moving in search of a new home.
[Caitlin Dickerson](https://wwsg.com/speakers/caitlin-dickerson/) is a staff writer at *The Atlantic.* She received the 2023 Pulitzer Prize for Explanatory Reporting. She is an exceptional keynote speaker. To host her at your event, [contact WWSG](https://wwsg.com/contact-us/).
---
### [Caitlin Dickerson: Democrats’ Free Pass on Immigration Is Over](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/caitlin-dickerson-democrats-free-pass-on-immigration-is-over/)
**Published:** September 25, 2021
**Author:** wpengine
**Content:**
Throughout the last administration, Department of Homeland Security officials at all levels—from Senate-confirmed power brokers in Washington to rank-and-file agents along the border—often complained that they were facing a double standard: They were doing the same work, using the same methods, as they had under previous presidents, they said, but because their boss was now Donald Trump, the public was quick to assume they were acting out of racism or malice.
At times, of course, Trump’s policies did break with those of previous administrations, including the zero-tolerance policy that separated thousands of migrant children from their parents. But in many ways, the DHS officials were right: Stories highlighting conditions and practices that predated the Trump presidency by years or even decades suddenly became front-page news. Reporters had doggedly covered those issues for years, but before Trump was inaugurated, their stories rarely generated any lasting national attention.
Up until recently, the Biden administration seemed to have been banking on the persistence of this double standard, whereby the left-leaning parts of the public assume general goodwill on the part of Democratic politicians and therefore give them a pass. The administration has taken up court battles to protect some of Trump’s harshest asylum policies and commenced flying multiple planeloads of migrants back to Haiti. Now-viral images show that, in recent days, Border Patrol agents have been charging at—and in some cases verbally assaulting—Haitian migrants marooned at the Mexican border across from Del Rio, Texas.
But the assumption that these tactics would go unchallenged when deployed by a Democratic administration, as was often the case in the past, appears to have been a serious miscalculation. The spotlight that Trump shined on the southern border for four years is still plugged in. The public is still paying attention. And images that evoke the era of slavery—with fair-skinned men on horseback rushing Black migrants, whiplike reins flailing behind them—have added to a long-simmering push from the left to consider immigration policy not simply in terms of economics or national security, but also in terms of race.
Key allies of President Joe Biden are responding in ways that suggest the era of presumed goodwill may be over. The recent treatment of Haitians “turns your stomach,” Senator Chuck Schumer, the Democratic majority leader, said this week in a speech on the Senate floor. “We cannot continue these hateful and xenophobic Trump policies that disregard our refugee laws.” Members of the Congressional Black Caucus were whisked to the White House for a meeting this week, and Al Sharpton, who traveled to the border recently, told The Washington Post that, like thus-far-unsuccessful efforts toward police reform, the treatment of Haitian migrants was an example of how Biden was failing Black Americans. Biden “said on election night: Black America, you had my back, I’ll have yours,” Sharpton said. “Well, we’re being stabbed in the back, Mr. President. We need you to stop the stabbing—from Haiti to Harlem.”
Belatedly realizing that the political climate seems to have changed, the Biden administration is now scrambling to do damage control. Vice President Kamala Harris called the images from Del Rio “deeply troubling.” Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said he was “horrified,” and he suspended horse patrols there. The president himself said on Tuesday that the encounters were “dangerous” and “wrong,” and that “those people will pay.” All of this seems slightly disingenuous: As the administration well knows, Border Patrol agents have been policing on horseback for [more than 100 years](https://www.nytimes.com/2017/04/18/us/border-patrol-horses-immigration-trump.html). And in this case, they were doing so under orders from their supervisors, who serve at the pleasure of the president. The scapegoating of rank-and-file agents will likely alienate a workforce that feels it was ordered to show force and then hung out to dry. Putting the focus on the horseback patrols also draws attention away from a larger issue: The administration has taken the legally dubious position of blocking most Haitian migrants from requesting asylum—and in this case, pushing them back onto the Mexican side of a dangerous river from which border agents often have to save people from drowning.
These events have stoked a broader conversation about race, not only because of the specifics of the encounters in Del Rio, but because of the way our current system is set up. One would be hard-pressed to imagine a scenario in which, following a coup or an earthquake in France, a large crowd of Parisians would show up in Matamoros, Mexico, and face the same treatment as the Haitians—because they would not be required to present themselves at the border in the first place. People from wealthy Western countries don’t need visas to come to the United States. For a few hundred dollars, they can simply hop on planes and enter the U.S. as tourists. Then, at some point on their “vacation,” they can show up at a government office and request asylum as part of a non-adversarial administrative process. Or they can simply stay in the U.S. illegally without seeking permission, as thousands of Western Europeans and Canadians do each year.
That experience is wholly unlike what an impoverished Haitian or Central American seeking asylum faces. Without a right to counsel, they must argue their case for safe haven in court, against a federal prosecutor whose job is to try to deport them and a judge who, like the prosecutor, works for the attorney general. Some of the asylum seekers are jailed during this process. Of those who are released, some choose to abandon the process and decide to continue living here illegally. But that’s only if they make it to the United States in the first place. Without access to tourist visas, the only way for poor people from poor countries to request asylum is to pay smugglers thousands of dollars, many of them using their life savings or going into debt, and hope that they survive the journey.
It is an irony worth noting that this flare-up along the border is occurring during a significant labor shortage. Despite our reflex to categorize migrants like the Haitians stuck in Texas as people in need of either safety or jobs, most want both. More specifically: Not everyone who comes to the United States for a job needs humanitarian protection, but everyone who comes for humanitarian protection needs a job. Yet our laws are so outdated and our elected officials so dependent on divisive talking points that we can’t figure out a lawful way to solve a problem that should be quite fixable.
The U.S. has a long history of singling out Haitians for exclusion. Throughout the Cold War, we welcomed hundreds of thousands of people fleeing communism in places such as Hungary, Yugoslavia, Poland, and China. But Haitians—who hailed from the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, which at the time was run by a pair of brutally violent, successive, father-and-son dictators—were for the most part denied such invitations. In 1981, President Ronald Reagan signed an agreement with the younger dictator, Jean Claude “Baby Doc” Duvalier, giving the U.S. Coast Guard permission to board Haitian boats at random and question passengers in order to head off any approach of the United States. As Haiti deteriorated further amid a coup in 1991 that involved “disappearances, torture, rape and massacres,” according to the scholar A. Naomi Paik, President George H. W. Bush moved to interdict refugees who braved the Atlantic on rickety rafts, sending them to other impoverished parts of the Caribbean. Those countries—Belize, Honduras, Trinidad and Tobago—quickly became overwhelmed. Instead of relenting at that point, the Bush administration opened a camp in Guantánamo Bay to temporarily house Haitian asylum seekers. About 10,000 of them were paroled into the United States after passing an initial screening, but then, according to a Congressional Research Service report, “President Bush ordered the Coast Guard to intercept all Haitians in boats and immediately return them without interviews to determine whether they were at risk of persecution.”
The targeting of Haitians for unusual stringency continued into the Clinton era. In 1997, Congress excluded Haitians from a bill to help Eastern Europeans and Central Americans who had been boxed out of asylum protections based on technicalities. (This prompted passage of the pointedly titled Haitian Refugee Immigration Fairness Act the next year.) And in 2002, President George W. Bush’s Justice Department acknowledged that, without announcing a formal policy change, it had instructed regional offices in South Florida to change their parole criteria for Haitians specifically, the congressional report says. This quiet change required that Haitians remain jailed after they had successfully passed initial asylum screenings—even though other groups of migrants were freed after clearing that hurdle.
Presidents, both Democratic and Republican, have briefly enacted policies acknowledging that Haitians qualify for asylum or other forms of protection, only to revoke them soon after—sometimes within a few weeks—because too many Haitians were seen to be taking advantage of them. This whiplash has at times felt arbitrary or even cruel. For instance, after the 2010 earthquake that killed a quarter of a million people and nearly leveled Haiti’s capital, tens of thousands of Haitians were granted Temporary Protected Status, allowing them to live and work in the U.S. legally. Recent reporting suggests that most of the people who are now stalled at the American border also fled their country after the 2010 earthquake but stopped first in South America. They simply didn’t get here in time before the door slammed shut again.
The images captured by journalists at the border this week carry the weight of history. One shows a crying toddler with braided hair sitting on an adult male’s shoulders, tiny arms crossed and face scrunched with tears. The man grips the child fiercely as he wades through the neck-high waters of the Rio Grande, in which countless migrants have drowned. His face is set with the determination necessary to survive a system that was not created to help you.
The broader pressure that President Biden is facing to reckon with the racial overtones of America’s immigration policy may require an acknowledgment of that history, and of the searing pain this moment has caused for many Black and brown immigrants, their children, and their grandchildren. These photos from Del Rio haven’t cut fresh wounds. They’ve reopened old ones.
[Caitlin Dickerson](https://wwsg.com/speakers/Caitlin-Dickerson/) is a staff writer at The Atlantic. She received the 2023 Pulitzer Prize for Explanatory Reporting. She is an exceptional keynote speaker. To host her at your event, [contact WWSG](https://wwsg.com/contact-us/).
---
### [The CEO’s Role in Business Model Reinvention](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/the-ceos-role-in-business-model-reinvention/)
**Published:** December 1, 2011
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** By: Vijay Govindarajan and Chris Trimble
(Harvard Business Review) - Consider a few of the great innovation stories of the past decade: Google, Netflix, and Skype. Now ask yourself, why wasn’t Google created by Microsoft? Netflix by Blockbuster? Skype by AT&T?
Why do established corporations struggle to find the next big thing before new competitors do? The problem is pervasive; the examples are countless. The simple explanation is that many companies become too focused on executing today’s business model and forget that business models are perishable. Success today does not guarantee success tomorrow.
**Content:**
*(original source Harvard Business Review)*
*Consider a few of the great innovation stories of the past decade: Google, Netflix, and Skype. Now ask yourself, why wasn’t Google created by Microsoft? Netflix by Blockbuster? Skype by AT&T?*
*Why do established corporations struggle to find the next big thing before new competitors do? The problem is pervasive; the examples are countless. The simple explanation is that many companies become too focused on executing today’s business model and forget that business models are perishable. Success today does not guarantee success tomorrow.*
*Click here to read more*
---
### [Georgetown University Announces Elaine Chao as Commencement Speaker](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/georgetown-university-announces-elaine-chao-as-commencement-speaker/)
**Published:** May 5, 2015
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** The university announced today that the commencement speakers for the Class of 2015 will include United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, former U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao, Rep. John R. Lewis (D-Ga.), President and CEO of American Red Cross Gail J. McGovern and talk show host Charlie Rose.
**Content:**
*(original source The Hoya)*
*“The university announced today that the commencement speakers for the Class of 2015 will include United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, former U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao, Rep. John R. Lewis (D-Ga.), President and CEO of American Red Cross Gail J. McGovern and talk show host Charlie Rose.*
*This year’s Commencement Weekend, which runs from May 14 to 17, will consist of separate graduation ceremonies for each undergraduate and postgraduate school, each featuring its own speaker. Several of these speakers will also receive honorary degrees.”*
*Click here to read more*
---
### [Wilson Center Tribute: The Elaine Chao Story](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/the-elaine-chao-story/)
**Published:** April 29, 2012
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
The story of Secretary Elaine L. Chao. (See source link.)
---
### [Mark Begich fights to put Alaska back on the map](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/mark-begich-fights-to-put-alaska-back-on-the-map/)
**Published:** January 21, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** By: Ben Terris
(The Washington Post) - ?Sen. Mark Begich found yet another map that made him angry. Settling in for his 10-hour commute back to Alaska from the District last Thursday, he turned to the back page of a Capitol Hill newspaper and saw an ad for the Business Roundtable featuring a drawing of the lower 48 states.
“I was like, ‘Where’s Alaska?’?” Begich said in a phone call from a remote northern region of his home state. “If I could get enough cellphone data out here, my staff would already have an e-mail about trying to correct this.”
**Content:**
*(original source The Washington Post)*
*Sen. Mark Begich found yet another map that made him angry. Settling in for his 10-hour commute back to Alaska from the District last Thursday, he turned to the back page of a Capitol Hill newspaper and saw an ad for the Business Roundtable featuring a drawing of the lower 48 states.*
*“I was like, ‘Where’s Alaska?’?” Begich said in a phone call from a remote northern region of his home state. “If I could get enough cellphone data out here, my staff would already have an e-mail about trying to correct this.”*
*Click here to read more*
---
### [New and Frozen Frontier Awaits Offshore Oil Drilling](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/new-and-frozen-frontier-awaits-offshore-oil-drilling/)
**Published:** May 3, 2012
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** By: John H. Broder and Clifford Krauss
(The New York Times) - WASHINGTON — Shortly before Thanksgiving in 2010, the leaders of the commission President Obama had appointed to investigate the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico sat down in the Oval Office to brief him.
After listening to their findings about the BP accident and the safety of deepwater drilling, the president abruptly changed the subject.
**Content:**
*(original source The New York Times)*
*WASHINGTON — Shortly before Thanksgiving in 2010, the leaders of the commission President Obama had appointed to investigate the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico sat down in the Oval Office to brief him.*
*After listening to their findings about the BP accident and the safety of deepwater drilling, the president abruptly changed the subject.*
*“Where are you coming out on the offshore Arctic?” he asked.*
*Click here to read more*
---
### [In Alaska’s remote villages, Begich quietly built an advantage on the ground](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/in-alaskas-remote-villages-begich-quietly-built-an-advantage-on-the-ground/)
**Published:** April 10, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** By: Philip Rucker
(Washington Post) - It’s the personal connection between organizers and villagers that Democrats believe can tilt the balance in the Senate race. Begich said his staffers are not “shipped in from someplace out of state.”
In Quinhagak, Cleveland was raised in the Yup’ik tradition. She hunts moose and caribou to fill the freezer through winter. She picks medicine plants and tea from the tundra for her grandfather. Yup’ik is her first language, and although she went away to film school in Montana, she missed speaking it every day and moved back home.
**Content:**
*(original source Washington Post)*
*QUINHAGAK, Alaska — One of the Alaskans who might save Democrat Mark Begich’s Senate seat had just returned home from a moose hunt.*
*Jackie Cleveland is a third-generation resident of Quinhagak, a coastal village of 700 so remote that no roads lead to this bleak patch of frigid tundra. Cleveland and the other Alaska Natives here speak the indigenous language Yup’ik, brave unforgiving winds along the Bering Sea and proudly hunt, fish and gather their own food.*
*Click here to read more*
---
### [An inquiry into human nature and the cost of the wealth of nations](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/inquiry-human-nature-cost-wealth-nations/)
**Published:** February 8, 2013
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** Addressing global systems failure through an integral systems paradigm for sustainable development
**Content:**
**Abstract**
Current economic ontology development has
failed to confront two important errors associated with
historicism. Embracing the linearity of economic value
being directly attributed to the labor applied to natural
resources taken together with efficiency arguments used to
justify monetary policy on both the microlevel (transaction)
and macrolevel (global trade), we know these legacies
of the scientific method applied to economic systems have
left the G-20 paralyzed to deal with structural failings
evidenced from banking to business to economic policy.
An exploration of the structural modalities that impair our
current capacity for adaptation and alternative methods for
accounting for value is the basis for this inquiry. Integral
accounting is proposed as a more suitable method to
transition from scarcity-based market models to abundance-
based modes of sustainable engagement.
**1 Introduction**
Setting into motion the moral apology for the subsequent two
and one half-centuries of industrial hegemonic violence and
ideological propaganda—animated by struggles for
‘‘resources’’ and ‘‘labor’’—postmodernism has yet to
challenge Adam Smith’s doctrine of dominion upon which
his entire Inquiry is based. Erwin Schro¨dinger, a 1933 Nobel
Laureate for his work in quantum mechanics, lamented,
‘‘There is a tendency to forget that all science is bound up
with human culture in general, and scientific findings, even
those which at the moment appear most advanced and esoteric
and difficult to grasp, are meaningless outside their
cultural context’’ (Schro¨dinger 1952). As culture recontextualizes
normative memes, it is errant to seek application of
social, economic, or physical sciences from one period to
constrain the innovation called for at times of transition.
Awash in the tsunami of systemic dislocation misnamed
a ‘‘Global Financial Crisis,’’ it is reasonable to critique our
structural assumptions and consider the adequacy of our
current general theories and their corollaries. As we
observe the carbon-loving algae and lichens currently
thriving in the thawing tundra courtesy of the greenhouse
gases humans emit, we can observe our climate calamities,
like our financial ones, are only apocalyptic to our way of
seeing the world—not the speciation terminus they are
frequently portrayed to portend. Humanity’s affinity for
self-destructive myths, neither new in our day nor readily
disarmed, makes them no more empirically true today than
they have been with each passing eclipse since the beginning
of heliocentric myth millennia ago. Perturbations in
the consensus performance of systems afford rare opportunities
to consider whether our challenges are essential or
merely evidence of the outdated social optics prepared for
paradigm shifts (Kuhn 1970).
Our present economic and social dissociative disorders
were in full virulence during the Reagan/Thatcher era of
protectionism when nationalist procurements disguised as
trade modernization under the WTO. On the one hand
touting ‘‘free-market’’ supremacy all the while creating
gross industry-specific intervention, the economic policies of the early 1980s built the myth from which modern
systems seem helplessly bound. In a paper presented to the
Oppenheimer Study Center on Economics, Revelation,
Reality, and Computers, Maxwell Fellow, Dr. Herbert
Striner detailed with remarkable precision the collapse of
the US technical superiority now evidenced in the global
market (Striner 1990). Arguing without fundamental
redefinition of the integral role of government aligning
itself with industrial intervention, ‘‘free-market’’ dynamics
fail both in name and in practice. Without manipulation of
government or social priority, what we think of as industrial
capitalism has not evidenced its capacity to be
sustained.
Assaults to the brewer’s yeast mathematical dogma are
exposing the dry rot in the timbers upon which the scientific
method is built. Linear regression, where neither
independence nor homoscedasticity is measured or controlled,
has served to indict its adherents as neither metric
nor meaning is coherent with observed reality. A critique
of Smith’s assumptions allows us to consider the suitability
of new models which shift our linear hierarchical framework
toward an essential model in which covalence
(interdependence) and fusion (generative energetics) serve
as structural guides. We present an argument for an infinitely
orthogonal optionality model which reflects an
organic homologue for rationalizing economic systems.
**2 ‘‘Free’’ against ‘‘rents’’**
Adam Smith did not initiate the fallacy of ‘‘free’’. In his
monetary encyclical meant for the provisioning of the
Fourth Crusade in 1199, Pope Innocent III cemented the
inviolate principles of economic dominion in which
humans (to be clear, Christian) were supreme over ‘‘creation’’
and value (rents) wrought from exploitation was
central to the human experience (Smith 1776). The notion
of ‘‘free’’ presumes that the creation or assembly of what
is seen as an exploitable resource was without ‘‘cost.’’
This notion presumes the present condition in which a
resource is observed is the only relevant time. Silver in
the ground in fifteenth century Potosi is. The context of
the debt owed by the crown of Spain to other European
courts, a monetary and social obligation formed by a
regional consensus, justifies its ‘‘free’’ extraction. The
extraction of both the ore and the local labor subjected to
genocide for the endeavor is ‘‘free’’ as they have no
‘‘rent’’ value in the moment of their extraction. From the
actual enslavement in the mines to the modern entrepreneurial
illusion which seduces celebrated innovators to
create businesses, the majority of which fail to provide
tax losses for wealthy investors, ‘‘free’’ and ‘‘rent’’
dichotomies require contextual myopia.
Our modern notions of currency, market exchange, and
central banking are indistinguishable to the Judeo–Christian
story of Joseph in the land of Egypt when, during a
great famine, Joseph and Pharaoh created the first documented
commodity exchange in which currencies, commodities,
property rights, and future markets were created
(The Bible: Genesis 47:13–26). While frequently overlooked,
this financial innovation derived from desperation
and famine serves as the archetypal inspiration for even the
most sophisticated market transactions today. Managed
scarcity, the basis for historical and modern economic
models and practices, saw humans and land as commodities
for exploitation by the few for the benefit of the few.
While Niall Ferguson celebrates modern financial innovation
alleging it to be a crowning achievement of the
modern establishment (Ferguson 2008), a careful review of
the Egyptian famine account contains every element of the
risk-hedged arbitrage market behavior which was both
celebrated and vilified in 1929 and 2007: Aetna at the turn
of the twentieth century, AIG in the turn of the twenty-first
century, and J.P. Morgan, Chase, Citibank, Bank of New
York, etc., and their predecessors in both.
In the records of an Estates General gathering in 1484 in
France, it was stated, ‘‘Money is in the body politic what
blood is in the human body: it is then necessary to examine
what bleedings and purgings France has undergone.’’ Hale
and Mallett summarize, ‘‘The two major bleedings were
papal taxation and the purchase of luxury goods from
abroad. The effects of the first could be countered by
political action, the second by ‘drawing gold and silver into
the country’’’ (Hale and Mallett 2000).
The story of money as a reductionist expression of
denominating value is inextricably a story of taxation,
originally required to support religion and war. It may be
worth noting little has changed in at least four millennia of
human history as, to this day, our fear of considering
alternative, more orthogonal, and humane value metrics
may have, at its core, profound angst to question monetary
and economic precepts is to menace a divine right (Malthus
1798). Five hundred years after Louis XI and Henry VII
substituted luxury consumerism and terrestrial conquest for
the hegemonic role of the Church’s control of wealth, set in
full preeminence by Innocent III in 1199 in his financing
encyclical for the Fourth Crusade, to suggest society can
operate without a single, scarce artifact of monetary
exchange managed by a sovereign is still heresy.
Therefore, as we consider a Commons ‘‘Currency,’’ we are
invited to consider not only the laudatory energetics of a
more human value exchange, but we, at the same time, bear
an obligation to consider the transition between the
incumbent now and the future to which we strive. This
position is seldom taken when we speak in sweeping idealisms,
however; one of the enemies’ transformations
comes in the form of a failure to invite the current actors
into the future.
It is informative to consider John Maynard Keynes’ The
General Theory of Employment, Interest, and Money
(Keynes 1936) which highlights the catechism that has
defined and enslaved modern economic thought. Tragically,
Keynes himself concludes his posthumously misapplied
(though frequently invoked) treatise stating that:
Our criticism of the accepted classical theory of
economics has consisted not so much in finding
logical flaws in its analysis as in pointing out that its
tacit assumptions are seldom or never satisfied, with
the result that it cannot solve the economic problems
of the actual world (Keynes 1936).
Keynes builds his entire thesis on the basis that ‘‘consumption—
to repeat the obvious—is the sole end and
object of all economic activity.’’ The ‘‘propensity to consume’’
together with the centrality of malleable monetary
friction are corollaries to every argument in his model. The
natural sequelae of this foundational postulation include
the following:
**1.** Labor (an euphemism for all those engaged in
productive endeavors) is a commodity, and laborers
are Pavlovian actors who are coerced and manipulated
by fickle money-wages and interest (Keynes 1936 91);
**2.** Natural resources supporting extraction (gold, silver,
metals, oil, etc.) are free for the taking, exist for the
purpose of consumption alone, and are essentially
baseless in value at extraction, thereby rendering them
‘‘free’’ for exploitation (Keynes 1936 130, 213); and
**3.** That entrepreneurial psychology will persist in seeking
to maximize monetary profits as sine qua non giving
no consideration for value metrics apart from those
defined in monetary terms. (Keynes 1936 264, 290).
Human activity, both the rent utility whereby the industrialist
can extract labor for the purpose of industry and the
proxy through which social status can be achieved or
maintained, is applied to ‘‘free’’ resources for their
improvement into ‘‘goods.’’ The expenditure of energy (both
human and mechanical), according to Smith and his progeny,
renders ‘‘value’’ as evidenced by a monetary transaction
confirms the raison d’eˆtre for enterprise. At no point in the
supply chain are any essential artifacts valued beyond their
utility to animate the final artifact. A copper coil is not seen,
for example, as having essential elemental value. It anonymously
receives current, animating a rotor that animates a
compressor that then circulates gas to effectuate a pressure
gradient elucidating a thermal condition in which a beverage
is cooled. The ‘‘rent’’ object is a cold beverage for which an
environment from which the copper was sourced had to be
deforested and its pristine lakes and rivers toxified.
The plastic deformation properties, or structural failure
susceptibility, of this unconsidered dichotomy is a function
of the number of explicit factors contributing to a supply
chain for which ‘‘free’’ is applied. Ignore the copper source
and you get geopolitical unrest and social upheaval. Ignore
the smelting energy requirements, and you get permanent
resource depletion and environmental degradation. Ignore
the grid required to distribute the animating electricity, and
you remove utility bonds undergirding most fixed income
pension schemes in the industrialized economies. And,
ignore the chemical additive that makes your beverage zero
calories, and you fail to account for your liver and kidney
failure associated with the artificial sweetener.
**3 Progressive linearity**
Regression seeks to observe a series of independent variables
across one axis and relate their association with
variables on another axis. As complexity is accepted within
a model, associations seek to minimize model error and
control for variance. Implicit to all regression is a context
in which variable, variance, and model exist. Scatter is a
scalar function; duration is a temporal function; and so
forth. Acknowledging the complete failure of statisticians
fully circumscribes the limitations of assumption nonadherence,
the scientific method requires serial, confirmatory
processes by which it arrives at empirical truth.
Popper (1945) foreshadowed the self-congratulatory
euphoria evidenced by Ferguson (2008) when he critiqued
the common macro-parametric error of historicism in
which selective narration creates the illusion of variable
and variance quantification and modeling. Regression
underpins the logical framework for moral rationalism in
which the existence of ‘‘means’’ (the process by which a
thing is manifest) can be viewed in light of the ‘‘ends’’
(final artifact or event of value or production).
Exploitation, as an animating impulse and unfettered in
this context by its pejorative connotation, is a function of
dimension constrained progressive linearity. When modeling
social, economic, population, or production systems, the
sine function demonstrated as an ascent (up the x-axis) and
temporal perpetuation (out the y-axis) is a ubiquitous feature
not by observed natural order but by progressive linearity
model consensus. Many systems, however, explicitly defy
this consensus yet are modeled into justifications thereof.
Take, for example, debt-supported sovereign currency
or fractional reserve banking in which an underlying rent is
required for the currency utility to exist. Assume the value
of the Treasury includes a hypothecation of value derived
from the cost of renting the economic power of others. The
others, in our scenario, require a 2 % annual rate over a
period of 30 years. This imposition of a fixed, linear progressive
rate on a system known to have periodicity
uncorrelated both to the rate and to the duration is by
definition unstable. Ironically, it led Keynes to foretell:
I see, therefore, the rentier aspect of capitalism as a
transitional phase which will disappear when it has
done its work. And with the disappearance of its
rentier aspect much else in it besides will suffer a seachange.
It will be, moreover, a great advantage of the
order of events which I am advocating, that the
euthanasia of the rentier, of the functionless investor,
will be nothing sudden, merely a gradual but prolonged
continuance of what we have seen (Keynes
1936).
He goes on to see the day above as the day when the
volume of capital increases so as to eliminate scarcity and
that the executive skill of the entrepreneur will, ‘‘be harnessed
to the service of the community on reasonable terms
of reward’’ (Keynes 1936 377).
The monetary utility of our current economic paradigms
defies regression. It meets none of the scedasticity, linearity,
variance, or duration requirements of an independent
variable. Yet, despite its explicit failure to meet a single
condition of a discrete variable; it has maintained its
unassailed preeminence as the arbiter of wealth and the
metric of successful enterprise.
Model instability, then, is a function of disequilibrium
created by the imposition of linearity on systems that are
amorphous or multidimensional in their complexity. Note
that when the United States sought to foster greater
wealth creation with the legalization of usurious private
equity after the Second World War, greed alone was
insufficient to animate the desired capital flows. Explicit
intervention in the form of: (a) preferential, high-profit
margin government contracting to private equity funded
enterprises (Small Business Administration of 1953); (b)
liberalization of pension fiduciary obligations to flow
capital into the private equity markets (Pension Act of
1974); and (c) tax incentives to allow investors to recognize
losses from their enterprise investments (Small
Business Investment Act of 1958; LLC formation of
1982\) all were precedent to the ‘‘Silicon Valley’’ miracle.
Each of these ecosystem incentives mandatory for
the desired capital flows and each directly redistributed
monetary wealth from the broader ecosystem to the
selected beneficiaries.
**4 Essential integral accounting**
Smith’s (1776) Inquiry together with his idealized contemporaneous
colonial experiment celebrated by Keynes
150 years later laid a foundation now collapsing under the
weight of its unconsidered assumptions. In Joseph
Schumpeter’s criticism of John Maynard Keynes and
David Ricardo, he correctly indicted the fallacy of overreliance
on variable reduction from which explanations
could be readily deduced, but through which policy
application failed given the ignored abstract complexity of
reality. Beyond his observations of business cyclicality,
Schumpeter offered an insight into humanity which profoundly
challenges classic industrial economics and illuminates
a central deficiency in Taylor’s human
productivity essential tenet. He suggests that the catalyst
for meaningful systemic economic change may emerge
from ‘‘intellectuals’’ which he described as those persons
suitably versed and positioned to offer critiques on social
systems and advocate for interests of social strata to which
they do not belong and for which they have no explicit
incentive save a broader moral imperative (Schumpeter
1942). In other words, he introduces the notion that the
commodity–industry (energy ? labor)–consumer good
linearity in which efficiency and exploitative ignorance are
essential will ultimately unravel in favor of a more
dimensional appreciation of values.
Articulating a more suitable model to both understand
enterprise economics at the micro- or the macrolevel
invites a multidisciplinary exposure to principles beyond
linear regression and variable constrained modeling. While
daunting, the task of highlighting the incapacity of current
models may be more suitably done using a simple
metaphor.
Consider a wooden playground for children. We can
agree through application of design (knowledge and technology),
and we can assemble a safe (well-being) structure
on which children can play. To do so, we apply a saw
(technology predicated on steel comprised of metallurgical
coal \[unaccounted\], iron ore \[unaccounted\], internal combustion
using petrol \[unaccounted\]) to a tree \[unaccounted
composite of soil, water, and sunlight\], which we cut into
boards. These boards are shaped and bolted (see metal
above) into a configuration with crossbeams and supporting
limbs. To these structures, we affix nylon (technology
predicated on oil \[unaccounted\] and industrial chemicals
\[unaccounted\]) to attach swings and ladders. So far, our
industrial paradigm has explicitly ignored: (a) production
and replenishment realities for everything consumed as
commodities; (b) presumption of property rights associated
with their extraction and exploitation and the enforcement
thereof; (c) orthogonal uses for each commodity in other
applications in vivo and in situ, e.g., the tree also served as shade (well-being) and habitat; it manufactured oxygen and
starches while holding soil and water (technology); it held
currency value as a unit of carbon credit or as the production
agent for harvestable crops (money); it recorded
information regarding climate, rainfall, temperature, and
sunlight (knowledge); it served as an aesthetic element in
the landscape (custom and culture), e.g., the metallurgical
coal served as an aquifer filter for cleaning subterranean
water sources (technology), recorded biodiversity and
physical history (knowledge), had thermal options for
cooking, heating, etc. (other commodity value);
a) social consensus on a priori selection of industrial
priorities;
b) tacit recognition of the equivalent option extermination
value explicit to each industrial production
imperative.
Socioeconomic theorists protest the unmodelable complexity
of this exercise. This same objection is the progenitor
of our catastrophic view of asymmetric system failures (e.g.,
climate change; peak oil; resource depletion; geopolitical
resource-animated conflict; etc.) which evoke a handwringing
impotence by those who advocate model simplicity.
However, the daunting nature of the model complexity is
an essential corollary to the industrial economic model of
managed scarcity. From ‘‘raw materials’’ to ‘‘labor,’’ we find
our systems valuing only those things that can be constrained
in scarcity for the control of the capitalist and industrialist. It
has been a relatively recent phenomenon for the public sector
to comment on (though still largely ignore) the cost-associated
‘‘Commons’’ such as seaborne or airborne commerce
(Brimley and Flournoy 2009).
To fully engage in integral accounting, we begin with an
audit of that which we access—both in abundance and with
perceived scarcity (Martin 2007). In our classification of
our ecosystem, we seek to see each artifact not as the object
to which effort can render value, but rather as energy
containing intrinsic value: a helpful exercise to reconsider
our metaphor of a tree. Where an industrialist sees a tree as
metric units of timber, volume of pulp or BTUs of caloric
heat, integral accounting sees the commodity dimension
thusly but also sees the tree as:
• the customary gathering place for human interactions or
the aesthetic of sanctuary (custom and culture);
• the keeper of climatological records and knowledge of
rain, wind, moss growth, and seasonal dynamics
(knowledge);
• the unit of stored value in the protection of the forest
(money);
• the technology of photosynthesis or biosynergistic
production of saps, fruit, or medicines (technology);
and
• the essence of tree which provides shade for the heated,
roof for the exposed, or limbs for the playing child
(well-being).
By viewing tree as essence rather than as named commodity,
we realize countless value (including commerce) is
possible without altering the state of the tree. In other
words, by applying no phase (temporal or classification
permanent alteration) nor state (observable condition
affording maximum optionality) alterations, we could rent
value from the tree while preserving its essential nature in
all other spaces. In so doing, we diminish or eliminate our
utility imperative for tools and power.
And thus accounted, the human actor is invited to consider
whether the cutting of a tree to make a playground for
children is a genuine efficiency or whether an advantaged
interaction is to allow the child to learn to play on the tree.
By liberating our optics that under the Adam Smith cosmology
rendered value in alterations of phases and states
through the surrogate of stored value animated by money,
we may find ourselves engaging more and manipulating
less.
In the integral accounting framework, having completed
the audit, we step into the playful duality we call polarization.
This step relies on the dual meaning ascribed to this
term. First, we apply the notion of positive and negative,
not in some empirical dogmatic frameworks, but rather in
simply a sense of things. Ascribing positive and negative
classification to the things in our sphere of consequence
gives us a mirror by which we see ourselves in our surroundings.
But having quickly ‘‘polarized’’ our audit by our
sense of affinity or repulsion, our sense of ‘‘good’’ or
‘‘bad,’’ we then assess the resilience of this classification by
forcing each audit artifact into each dimension of value. In
other words, we ask the unasked question—Is a thing good
because it is essentially good or do we see it as ‘‘good’’
because we have classified it a certain way? Returning to
our tree for a moment: Is the well-being attribute of
‘‘shade’’ ‘‘good’’ when you see it as the thing that blocks
passive solar heating of your house in the winter? You see,
by auditing—not in the two dimensions of a balance sheet
but rather in the six dimensions of an Archimedean solid—
we recognize our ‘‘values’’ are often derived from our
optics, not the other way around.
With an audit that actively measures six classes of
value—both for storage and for exchange—phase and state
efficiency can be measured empirically. Back to our tree; if
I cut a tree for lumber to make a children’s playground, I
must add technology (saws, logistics, etc.) and potentially
pay money for services or delivery of the artifacts derived
from the tree rather than using the tree as a play environment
and preserving all optionality in the tree. Wealth can
be measured, in this scenario by the function of: wealth = utility × retained optionality ∞ where ∞ = d(t) ʃ of all users × all value dimensions.
In our final step, we enter the enterprise of what we call
fusion economy. We use this term in honor of the Coulomb
effect variously posited as the quantum explanation for a
perpetual, persistent, unconstrained, and infinite source of
energy (Coulomb 1785). A fusion reaction, grossly simplified
for those non-physicists, is catalyzed by a magnetically
charged environment into which one particle elects
to, or is induced to, change its charge—positive to negative
or negative to positive. This unleashes a persistent, perpetual,
energy-creating dynamic analogous to our sun.
When we understand the principle of a thriving economy or
thriving enterprise, we look for that transformation which
will unleash persistent, perpetual dynamism.
---
### [DOC HENDLEY: EX-BARTENDER SERVES UP CLEAN WATER](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/doc-hendley-ex-bartender-serves-up-clean-water/)
**Published:** January 18, 2013
**Author:** wpengine
**Content:**
Doc Hendley, an ex-bartender with a vision of bringing clean water to developing nations around the world, made his vision a reality in 2004 when he founded Wine to Water. He now serves as the President of the non-profit organization and has since funded clean water projects to 13 countries by selling their Wine to Water wines and hosting benefit wine tastings and concert fundraising events. It is an accomplishment that got the attention of CNN when Doc was named a Top 10 Finalist for CNN’s Hero of the Year Award in 2009. This Southern gentlemen from Boone, North Carolina shares his story and how being a son of a preacher-man was part of the inspiration to his organization.
**Rhiannon Pena: What’s your real name?**
Doc Hendley: My Real name is Dickson Beattie Hendley
**RP: How did you get the nickname Doc?**
DH: My sister was 2 years older than me when I was born, and she was just learning to talk. She couldn’t pronounce Dickson so she called me “Dick-Doc.” Thankfully, that name didn’t stick for too long. After awhile my friends and family started calling me “Doc,” and I guess it’s stuck ever since.
**RP: Can you describe how you came up with the name for your organization: wine to water?**
DH: It’s kind of crazy, but I sort of feel like the name found me rather than the other way around. In late 2003, one semester before graduating college at NC State University, is when it all happened. I was at my parents’ house in Boone, NC for Christmas break. In the middle of the night, one night while I was half asleep, I somehow had the phrase “Wine To Water” stuck in my head. I woke up, grabbed a pen and paper, and wrote it down at the top of the page. I was familiar with the age old miracle of Jesus turning “water to wine” because my Dad was a preacher-man growing up, but as I stared at the words I had just written on the page, I felt like I was supposed to know something about water. I had never heard of the world water crisis before then. I stayed up that entire night researching what I could find out about water on my parents’ computer. After finding out how bad the water crisis was, I never looked back.
**RP: What other fundraising efforts have you coordinated aside from wine tastings that have helped you raise money for awareness and support for [winetowater.org](http://winetowater.org/)?**
DH: We’ve done a lot of different things – golf tournaments, poker runs, online campaigns, 5Ks, bike races, church events, you name it. We want our event hosts and donors to have fun raising support and to not feel boxed in by any certain type of fundraiser.
**RP: During your travels, have you entertained living in another country?**
DH: For sure. I lived in Darfur, Sudan for a year back in 2004 and 2005 when I first got this thing going. I have always considered spending more time long-term in the field after that. I have a young family now, so when my boys get a little older, I think I’ll make them both spend a good bit of their childhood in the developing world.
**RP: I understand that 9 countries around the globe have benefited from your fundraising efforts. How do you decide which country or project gets financed through the money you raise?**
DH: We actually just added our 13th country to the list. There’s not really any particular science to deciding where we will go next. It kind of has to be the perfect storm of events. One, the need has to be great. Two, there has to be the potential for sustainability of the program. And three, we have to have involvement from the locals for each project. There is a ton of need out there, and we get more requests than we can handle. So as long as we keep growing, we will keep adding projects to that list.
**RP: Where are your Wine to Water wines made from and bottled, AND What is your favorite Wine to Water Wine?**
DH: Our newest wines are produced and bottled in Mendocino County, California. My favorite is definitely our Red Zinfandel. It’s full bodied with just the right balance of jam and spice.
**RP: Who has been your greatest role model?**
DH: Probably my Grandfather. His name is Dickson as well. He was always a tough man’s man kind of guy. He always reminded me of John Wayne growing up. He created his business from scratch with his own two hands, and now, the company is very successful. He is also one of the more generous people I’ve ever met.
**RP: Who has INFLUENCED YOUR JOURNEY with wine to water?**
DH: Well, I met my wife about a week after returning home from Darfur in late 2005. She very much helped to keep me sane after that crazy experience and is also very much responsible for helping me have the strength and the confidence to continue growing Wine To Water.
**RP:** **Did the role as a father affect your decision to become involved with the global water epidemic?**
DH: It has definitely made it way more real to me. It was always hard to see children suffering from the different diseases that come from unclean drinking water, but having kids took it to a whole other level. My first child needed some pretty serious surgeries at around 7 months old and on, through his first few years of life. That was by far one of the hardest things I have ever had to go through in my life. Not only was I more afraid than I’ve ever been and powerless to control what happened to my child, but also paying for the surgeries put a lot of stress on my wife and I in a time when we were already struggling financially. However, there is no doubt in my mind that I would go into debt 10 times over for my children’s safety. And then, I think about all the Mothers in the world that I have met that can’t even afford a $30 water filter to save the lives of their kids. It makes me think long and hard about just how important this work is that we’re doing, because these children are no less important to their Mothers and Fathers than mine are to me.
**RP: What was it like to be named a “Top 10 Finalist for CNN’s Hero of the Year” in 2009?**
DH: That was one of the most honoring, yet humbling experiences of my life. I was so shocked to have been named alongside such an amazing group of individuals. But to be honest, I’ve never considered myself a hero. I reserve that term for the men and women in uniform who defend our country and our freedom.
**RP:** **At your age, do you feel like you’re living your life’s purpose?**
DH: Most definitely. I have a long way to go I think before my life’s purpose is fulfilled, but I know that I am right where I am supposed to be, doing exactly what I am supposed to be doing.
**RP: Do you receive fan mail?**
DH: Sometimes, I do! My absolute favorite is when I receive letters and cards from young children, students, and classes around the country. One of the coolest things happened earlier this year when I got a ton of postcards all at once from a group called “The Postcard Underground.” I have tried to research them and figure out who they are with not much luck, but that was so cool to receive all those encouraging notes from all over the place. All y’all sure know how to make a country boy feel special!
---
### [Scott Harrison: How He Started charity: water And What He Learned In The Process](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/scott-harrison-how-he-started-charity-water-and-what-he-learned-in-the-process/)
**Published:** July 22, 2013
**Author:** wpengine
**Content:**
I recently spoke to Scott Harrison, who is the Founder and CEO of charity: water, a non-profit organization bringing clean, safe drinking water to people in developing nations. In seven years, with the help of more than 400,000 donors worldwide, charity: water has raised over $100 million and funded over 8,000 water projects in 20 countries. When completed, those projects will provide over three million people with clean, safe drinking water.
Scott was recently recognized in Fortune Magazine’s 40 under 40 list, the Forbes Magazine Impact 30 list and was recently #10 in Fast Company’s 100 Most Creative People in Business Issue. He is currently a World Economic Forum Young Global Leader.
In this interview, Scott talks about the back story behind charity: water, the core values of his company, how he’s been able to distinguish the company, and his best advice to upcoming entrepreneurs.
**Most people know you from charity: water but not about what you did before you started the company. What was your background and how did you end up starting the company?**
I spent about a decade in New York City chasing the fast life as a nightclub promoter – basically throwing fashion and music parties for a living. I had moved to NYC to rebel against a conservative Christian upbringing, and did that with relish, living selfishly and arrogantly. At 28 years old, I had a crisis of conscience, and found myself to be spiritually, morally and emotionally bankrupt.
I began to re-discover faith in a different way as an adult, and decided to explore the exact 180 degree opposite of my life, and spend a year serving others in Africa. I volunteered aboard a hospital ship with a humanitarian mission to Benin and then Liberia, West Africa, and saw extreme poverty for the first time. One year turned into two, and while I was there, I saw people drinking dirty water from ponds, rivers and swamps – simply born into communities without access. It shocked and angered me, and I began learning more about the world’s 800 million people living without access to clean water. I returned to NYC to help them, and started charity: water.
**What are your values (and your company’s) and how do you communicate them to your audience?**
Our organizational values are probably not dissimilar to many other companies (Integrity, Respect, Excellence, Innovation, Generosity and Passion), but we created “ISMS” that help bring them alive. For example, there’s an Ism around never pirating software or using music without permission – another about telling the truth to a fault “no white lies” – and others around the importance of designing everything (even keynote presentations given to small groups internally), about embracing new technology, giving generously of our money to our cause and others (eating our own dogfood), and even one about working together to create a profanity-free environment that respects all.
We’re passionate, optimistic and hopeful people, and I hope that’s communicated through the images, videos and stories we share with our supporters.
**There are a lot of non-profits out there. How have you been able to stand out in the crowd and get attention for the brand?**
My wife Viktoria is the creative director at charity: water, and she and her team have been instrumental to our success. They are great at making beautiful things online that people want to click on, and videos people want to watch. I believe our focus on design has been key to our success, along with the 100% model and our tireless pursuit of connecting our donors with the people they are serving and the water projects they are funding around the world.
**Have you run into any issues where you treated the water but it wasn’t effective? What do you put in place to make sure that the water is clean all of the time?**
charity: water is solution agnostic, and currently funds eight different types of water projects around the world. Sometimes a 40-foot deep hand dug well is the right solution, sometimes our partners need to drill up to 1,000 feet to find clean water. In some environments, rainwater harvesting is the best solution, or protecting mountain springs and using gravity flow and pipes to connect communities. In some instances, biosand filters are appropriate, and in others, high tech filters that employ the latest in Carbon, UV and UF filtration. Our implementing partners test water at different locations, and measure them against local water quality standards.
**What are your top three tips for young entrepreneurs trying to build a business?**
*1. Story.* I think one of the most important things is being able to tell your personal story in a way that engages people, and then the story of your organization or company. Many people want to know what is driving the entrepreneur forward, and learn more about his or her character before they invest. Using photos and videos to “show” people not tell them is increasingly important in a new world of glowing screens and shortened attention spans.
*2. Tenacity is so important as well.* Being able to hear “no” and still press on, fighting through adversity and tough times believing that the perseverance will pay off.
*3. Find a coach.* I’ve been extremely fortunate to work with a coach over the past three years who built a hugely successful business, and has poured his learnings into me. Being open to, and in fact seeking out negative feedback is key, especially when it hurts. The people that tell you how great you’re doing aren’t the ones who help you get better, it’s the ones who painfully expose your blindspots and challenge you to perform at a higher level.
---
### [Draw Your Elevator Pitch](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/draw-your-elevator-pitch/)
**Published:** March 10, 2015
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** By: Deborah Mills-Scofield and Liza Donnelly
(Harvard Business Review) - When it comes to a good elevator pitch, brevity and memorability are everything. Most elevator pitches are neither.
One of us (Liza) is a staff cartoonist for the New Yorker, while the other (Deb) is a mentor to many start-up founders. We got to talking about the problem of crafting a brief, memorable pitch, and the impact of powerful visuals — and began discussing how any new venture or project could benefit from a pithy cartoon that sums up its value proposition. After all, most people are visual learners. And many people — Deb included — turn first to the cartoons when they get their copy of the New Yorker. So why shouldn’t entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs use that human impulse to their advantage?
**Content:**
*(original source HBR)*
*“When it comes to a good elevator pitch, brevity and memorability are everything. Most elevator pitches are neither.*
*One of us (Liza) is a staff cartoonist for the New Yorker, while the other (Deb) is a mentor to many start-up founders. We got to talking about the problem of crafting a brief, memorable pitch, and the impact of powerful visuals — and began discussing how any new venture or project could benefit from a pithy cartoon that sums up its value proposition. After all, most people are visual learners. And many people — Deb included — turn first to the cartoons when they get their copy of the New Yorker. So why shouldn’t entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs use that human impulse to their advantage?*
*We see five reasons that cartoons can convey ideas and start conversations better than traditional elevator pitches:”*
*Click here to read more*
---
### [Cartoonists and the Work of Healing](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/cartoonists-and-the-work-of-healing/)
**Published:** March 8, 2015
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** By Liza Donnelly
(The New York Times) - As an American editorial cartoonist in New York City, my life is relatively safe. I love attending cartoonists' conferences in far-flung locales and meeting colleagues from around the world. Even if we don't share a spoken language, an are bound by a passions for our profession.
**Content:**
By Liza Donnelly (*original source The New York Times)*
*“As an American editorial cartoonist in New York City, my life is relatively safe. I love attending cartoonists’ conferences in far-flung locales and meeting colleagues from around the world. Even if we don’t share a spoken language, we share a visual language, and are bound by a passion for our profession.*
*It is humbling that many of my colleagues are in danger simply because of the work they do. This was made all too clear in January, when Muslim extremists attacked the Paris office of the French satirical newspaper Charlie Hebdo, killing 12 people, including the top editor and several cartoonists.”*
*Click here to read more*
---
### [10 Years Later, A Pair Of Strangers Revisit A Leap Not Taken](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/10-years-later-a-pair-of-strangers-revisit-a-leap-not-taken/)
**Published:** March 6, 2015
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (NPR) - Ten years ago Kevin Berthia lived in the San Francisco Bay area. He had an infant daughter who had been born premature, and the medical costs for her care climbed to nearly $250,000. He couldn't see a way out of debt.
Berthia fell into a deep depression and went to the Golden Gate Bridge.
**Content:**
*(original source NPR)*
*“Ten years ago Kevin Berthia lived in the San Francisco Bay area. He had an infant daughter who had been born premature, and the medical costs for her care climbed to nearly $250,000. He couldn’t see a way out of debt.*
*Berthia fell into a deep depression and went to the Golden Gate Bridge.*
*“Before March 11, 2005, I never even went to the bridge,” the 32-year-old said during a recent visit to StoryCorps. “I didn’t even know how to get there. I had to ask for directions.”*
*California Highway Patrol Officer Kevin Briggs was there that day, too.”*
*Click here to read more*
---
### [General George Casey Joins StreetShares Board of Advisors](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/general-george-casey-joins-streetshares-board-of-advisors/)
**Published:** March 4, 2015
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** Peer-to-peer lender StreetShares announced today the appointment of GeneralGeorge Casey to its Board of Advisors, effective immediately.
**Content:**
*(original source PR Newswire)*
*“Peer-to-peer lender StreetShares announced today the appointment of GeneralGeorge Casey to its Board of Advisors, effective immediately. Casey’s appointment expands the Board to three members, alongsideFenway Summer, LLC’s Managing Partner, Raj Date, formerly of the CFPB, and SoFi Co-Founder, Pete Hartigan.*
*Casey previously served as the Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army, leading an organization of more than one million men and women with a $200+ billion operating budget. His extraordinary 41-year military career included command of the Multinational Force-Iraq, a coalition of more than 30 countries and numerous Army commands.”*
*Click here to read more*
---
### [Robert B. Tucker Awarded Brandlaureate, Brand Personality Award](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/robert-b-tucker-awarded-brandlaureate-brand-personality-award/)
**Published:** January 15, 2015
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** Robert B. Tucker has been awarded the BrandLaureate International Brand Personality Award for his outstanding contributions to the field of innovation.
Past recipients include Steve Jobs, Nelson Mandela, Taylor Swift, Steve Jobs, and many others. BrandLaureate (www.thebrandlaureate.com) is the world’s premier branding foundation dedicated to the promotion and improvement of branding standards in the Asia Pacific region and across the globe. The foundation confers the annual award to people who have done much for their country through their sweat, tears, and passion. These individuals have contributed greatly to the growth of a business, brand, or an industry in their own rights and terms.
**Content:**
*(original source The Brand Laureate)*
*Robert B. Tucker has been awarded the BrandLaureate International Brand Personality Award for his outstanding contributions to the field of innovation.*
*Past recipients include Steve Jobs, Nelson Mandela, Taylor Swift, Steve Jobs, and many others. BrandLaureate (www.thebrandlaureate.com) is the world’s premier branding foundation dedicated to the promotion and improvement of branding standards in the Asia Pacific region and across the globe. The foundation confers the annual award to people who have done much for their country through their sweat, tears, and passion. These individuals have contributed greatly to the growth of a business, brand, or an industry in their own rights and terms. The award is to honour successful individuals whose contributions have enhanced the well-being of society and enabled others to live up to their potential. Being conferred the BrandLaureate award is a defining moment as it is a testimony of the brand’s success, acknowledgement of the brand’s value, strength, character, and the endorsement of being the best. The BrandLaureate Award is the only Brands and Branding Award endorsed by His Royal Highness, the 13th King of Malaysia.*
*Click here to read more*
---
### [The Power of Teams: From Everest to the Pinnacle of Business Success](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/the-power-of-teams-from-everest-to-the-pinnacle-of-business-success/)
**Published:** February 16, 2015
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** By: Susan Ershler
(Thought Leaders, LLC) - In 2002, while relaxing at Everest Base Camp, I fell into conversation with Dan, a fellow climber about to make his fifth attempt to reach the summit alone. Dan was determined to be completely self-sufficient, carrying all of his own gear and climbing without a guide. I wondered why anyone would take on such a huge challenge without accepting even a modicum of help. But I wished him luck and rejoined my team to prepare for our climb of the treacherous Khumbu Ice Fall, the first major obstacle on our route to the summit. A week later, at Camp III, I found Dan camping alone and stopped by briefly to offer him a cup of tea and an energy bar. Cordially but firmly, he refused, reiterating his decision to rely exclusively on the supplies he had carried up himself from Base Camp. Later, I heard that Dan’s fifth attempt to reach the summit of Everest had failed. His determination to climb the world’s tallest mountain alone had defeated him.
**Content:**
*(original source Thought Leaders LLC)*
*“In 2002, while relaxing at Everest Base Camp, I fell into conversation with Dan, a fellow climber about to make his fifth attempt to reach the summit alone. Dan was determined to be completely self-sufficient, carrying all of his own gear and climbing without a guide. I wondered why anyone would take on such a huge challenge without accepting even a modicum of help. But I wished him luck and rejoined my team to prepare for our climb of the treacherous Khumbu Ice Fall, the first major obstacle on our route to the summit. A week later, at Camp III, I found Dan camping alone and stopped by briefly to offer him a cup of tea and an energy bar. Cordially but firmly, he refused, reiterating his decision to rely exclusively on the supplies he had carried up himself from Base Camp. Later, I heard that Dan’s fifth attempt to reach the summit of Everest had failed. His determination to climb the world’s tallest mountain alone had defeated him.”*
*Click here to read more*
---
### [A demotion, then an Everest climb cut short: How one woman tackled two different kinds of failure](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/a-demotion-then-an-everest-climb-cut-short-how-one-woman-tackled-two-different-kinds-of-failure/)
**Published:** February 26, 2015
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** By: Caroline McMillan
(Bizwomen) - It's known as the Death Zone. Elevation: 26,000 feet. Mere hours from the summit of Mount Everest, the highest point on Earth.
And the hiker's set out a few minutes before midnight, on the eve of their 63 rd day of the climb, the storm gathered strength.
The human body wasn't made to operate at that altitude. Sleeping is difficult. Digesting food is nearly impossible. And oxygen levels are so low that without a supplementary supply, bodily functions are known to deteriorate to the point of unconsciousness. And then, death.
**Content:**
*(original source Bizwomen)*
*“Editor’s note: Bizwomen reporter Caroline McMillan Portillo recently interviewed Sue Ershler. Over a 23-year career in corporate America, Ershler, now 58, led a number of sales teams at Fortune 500 companies, such asVerizon, CenturyLink (where she was responsible for $600 million in revenue) and FedEx Office. Based in Seattle, she has also written two books: ” Conquering the Seven Summits of Sales” and “Together on Top of the World.” The two of them talked failure — two very different kinds of failure — and about Ershler’s strategies for overcoming even the most dramatic setbacks.*
*It’s known as the Death Zone. Elevation: 26,000 feet. Mere hours from the summit of Mount Everest, the highest point on Earth.”*
*Click here to read more*
---
### [Video one](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/video-one/)
**Published:** November 28, 2014
**Author:** ironcore
---
### [Colvin on World-Class Performance, Now and as the Computers Take Over](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/colvin-on-world-class-performance-now-and-as-the-computers-take-over/)
**Published:** May 7, 2015
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (Blogrige) - Audience members at the recent Quest for Excellence® Conference were asked to ponder two questions from keynote speaker Geoff Colvin senior editor at large for Fortune magazine.
**Content:**
*(original source Blogrige)*
*“Audience members at the recent Quest for Excellence® Conference were asked to ponder two questions from keynote speaker Geoff Colvin senior editor at large for Fortune magazine.*
- *Where does world-class performance really come from? and*
- *What will people do better than computers? Or, phrased in a better way, according to Colvin, what are humans most driven to do?*
*For the answer to the first question, Colvin said, we all carry around deep-seated feelings; many people think the answer is hard work, but lots of people work incredibly hard at what they do, yet are not considered world-class performers.”*
*Click here to read more*
---
### [Richard Branson: How I founded Virgin Airlines](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/richard-branson-how-i-founded-virgin-airlines-and-why-you-should-always-be-open-to-new-business-opportunities/)
**Published:** April 15, 2015
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** By Eloise Keating
(Smart Company) - Entrepreneurs must be ready to act on new business opportunities “no matter where you are or what you’re doing”, says Virgin founder Richard Branson.
In a blog post entitled “What not to do when starting a business” posted on Monday, the charismatic entrepreneur said without keeping his eyes open and jumping on the opportunity to move from publishing a magazine to selling records, Virgin wouldn’t exist today.
**Content:**
*(original source Smart Company)*
*“Entrepreneurs must be ready to act on new business opportunities “no matter where you are or what you’re doing”, says Virgin founder Richard Branson.*
*In a blog post entitled “What not to do when starting a business” posted on Monday, the charismatic entrepreneur said without keeping his eyes open and jumping on the opportunity to move from publishing a magazine to selling records, Virgin wouldn’t exist today.*
*Branson also shared the story of how a cancelled flight to visit his then-girlfriend and now-wife Joan gave him the inspiration to found Virgin Airlines.”*
*Click here to read more*
---
### [GiGse Keynote Speaker Will Set the Record Straight](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/gigse-keynote-speaker-will-set-the-record-straight/)
**Published:** April 20, 2015
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** Frank Luntz, president of Luntz Global and keynote speaker at GiGse, has announced that in his speech, he will offer GiGse attendees insights into how they can reach the public more effectively. His presentation, entitled “Reinventing the narrative to communicate the iGaming vision to legislators and the general public more effectively,” will take place on Monday, April 20 at the Hyatt Regency in San Francisco.
**Content:**
*(original source Online Casino Reports)*
*“Frank Luntz, president of Luntz Global and keynote speaker at GiGse, has announced that in his speech, he will offer GiGse attendees insights into how they can reach the public more effectively. His presentation, entitled “Reinventing the narrative to communicate the iGaming vision to legislators and the general public more effectively,” will take place on Monday, April 20 at the Hyatt Regency in San Francisco.*
*“Frank is able to take an issue, cut to the chase, and formulate the proper language to make a message more impactful and understandable,” said US Congressman Jon Porter, also the current president and CEO of Porter Gordon Silver, an international business development, government affairs and public policy advocacy firm,”*
*Click here to read more*
---
### [EXCLUSIVE: Former Gov. Linda Lingle talks new job, Hawaii politics and Kolten Wong](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/exclusive-former-gov-linda-lingle-talks-new-job-hawaii-politics-and-kolten-wong/)
**Published:** April 8, 2015
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** By Jim Mendoza
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) -In June, former Governor Linda Lingle begins her new job as COO for Illinois. She'll be in charge of all government departments in the Prairie state.
"This offer just came out of the blue and it's such a challenge," she said. "I was attracted to the governor (Bruce Rauner), his vision for the state, his commitment to turn things around for Illinois."
**Content:**
*(original source HawaiiNewsNow)*
*In June, former Governor Linda Lingle begins her new job as COO for Illinois. She’ll be in charge of all government departments in the Prairie state.*
*“This offer just came out of the blue and it’s such a challenge,” she said. “I was attracted to the governor (Bruce Rauner), his vision for the state, his commitment to turn things around for Illinois.”*
*As for Hawaii politics, Lingle believes the Republican Party will eventually cut into Democratic dominance, the way it did when she was GOP chair and then governor.*
*“Having a governor is a big plus for the Republican Party. It allowed us to bring in people to the government who may not have previously had a chance,” she said.*
*Click here to read more*
---
### [Lucia Capital Group Announces Ben Stein, Nationally Known Economist, Author And Actor, To Serve As Keynote Speaker For Firm's Wealth Education Retirement Workshop Seminar](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/lucia-capital-group-announces-ben-stein-nationally-known-economist-author-and-actor-to-serve-as-keynote-speaker-for-firms-wealth-education-retirement-workshop-seminar/)
**Published:** April 13, 2015
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** SAN DIEGO, April 13, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Lucia Capital Group ("Lucia Capital" or "the Firm"), a family of companies in the wealth advice, asset management and investment distribution spaces, today announced that economist Ben Stein will be the keynote speaker at the Firm's Wealth Education Retirement Workshop in Irvine, CA on April 18th, 2015. The event, which is free and open to the public, is part of Lucia Capital's national seminar tour. Lucia Capital Group, which has 17 offices nationwide with over 70 employees, oversees approximately $2 billion in client assets through its subsidiaries and affiliates.
**Content:**
*(original source PR Newswire)*
*SAN DIEGO, April 13, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — Lucia Capital Group (“Lucia Capital” or “the Firm”), a family of companies in the wealth advice, asset management and investment distribution spaces, today announced that economist Ben Stein will be the keynote speaker at the Firm’s Wealth Education Retirement Workshop in Irvine, CA on April 18th, 2015. The event, which is free and open to the public, is part of Lucia Capital’s national seminar tour. Lucia Capital Group, which has 17 offices nationwide with over 70 employees, oversees approximately $2 billion in client assets through its subsidiaries and affiliates.*
*Ray Lucia Jr, Chairman of Lucia Capital, said, “We are delighted to share with the public our ‘Bucket Strategy’ for personal financial planning, and to offer residents of Orange County and beyond the chance to ask the executive team at Lucia Capital and of course, Ben Stein, their top questions about wealth and retirement planning. Navigating retirement has never been more complex for American families, but nothing is more empowering for members of the investing public than to have the knowledge and strategy they need to help them build a cohesive and comprehensive wealth plan, unique to each of them and their respective life goals. We look forward to offering our insights and expertise.”*
*Click here to read more*
---
### [Syria and The New Regional Borders of Influence](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/syria-and-the-new-regional-borders-of-influence/)
**Published:** May 5, 2015
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (Annahar) - After hosting Iran's nuclear talks, Switzerland readies itself to serve as the main ground for Syria's fresh round of UN-sponsored talks.
**Content:**
*(original source Annahar)*
*“After hosting Iran’s nuclear talks, Switzerland readies itself to serve as the main ground for Syria’s fresh round of UN-sponsored talks. Russia has just announced that it will be participating in the May 14 consultaions in the capital Geneva. The consultations will involve the Assad government, Syrian opposition, and other regional powers including Iran.*
*Now that all the major players have flexed their military and political muscles to an extreme, new power borders are being redrawn in the Middle East region. A defiant Russia in the face of international pressure, criticism and threats, happens to be one of the major beneficiaries of the latest deals and agreements. With that in the backdrop, Moscow seems keen on speeding up the diplomacy to find a solution to the embarrassing situation its ally Bashar al-Assad finds himself in. Four years of war, 220,000 people killed, 4 million refugees and 7.6 estimated displaced. Not to mention the rise and exacerbation of the Islamic State and Al-Nusra and the blunt build-up of Hezbollah militants as they got involved in the conflict.”*
*Click here to read more*
---
### [2 Easy Changes That Will Stress-Proof Your Brain](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/2-easy-changes-that-will-stress-proof-your-brain/)
**Published:** April 12, 2015
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** By: Minda Zetlin
(Inc.) - Let's face it--stress isn't going anywhere. "We talk about how to reduce stress," saysJenny Evans, a frequent speaker on stress and resiliency, and author of The Resiliency rEvolution. "The reality is, nobody's job is going to be asking less of them next year. And nobody's family is going to be asking less of them either."
So while we may wish to cut out the stress in our lives, the truth is we can't, she says. "Our only other option is to train our bodies to recover from it more efficiently." Fortunately, we can do that and it's easier than you might think. It comes down to two simple but effective changes:
**Content:**
*(original source Inc.)*
*Let’s face it–stress isn’t going anywhere. “We talk about how to reduce stress,” saysJenny Evans, a frequent speaker on stress and resiliency, and author of The Resiliency rEvolution. “The reality is, nobody’s job is going to be asking less of them next year. And nobody’s family is going to be asking less of them either.”*
*So while we may wish to cut out the stress in our lives, the truth is we can’t, she says. “Our only other option is to train our bodies to recover from it more efficiently.” Fortunately, we can do that and it’s easier than you might think. It comes down to two simple but effective changes:*
*Click here to read more*
---
### [From Guns to Jewelry](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/from-guns-to-jewelry/)
**Published:** May 13, 2015
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (The New York Times) - One cold evening this winter, on the fifth floor of an unremarkable building on West 46th Street, Louis Onty, owner of City Casting, was pouring molten metal into the wax molds his company had created for the jewelry line Liberty United.
**Content:**
*(original source The New York Times)*
*“One cold evening this winter, on the fifth floor of an unremarkable building on West 46th Street, Louis Onty, owner of City Casting, was pouring molten metal into the wax molds his company had created for the jewelry line [Liberty United](http://libertyunited.com/).*
*The metal hadn’t come from a typical commercial supplier. It was the melted down remains of guns and bullets seized by police departments across the United States, now being used to create jewelry with a message.”*
*Click here to read more*
---
### [AK-47s transformed into jewelry and watches, thanks to a chance meeting in a TED hallway](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/ak-47s-transformed-jewelry-watches-thanks-chance-meeting-ted-hallway/)
**Published:** May 1, 2015
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (TEDBlog) - The watch looks both futuristic and retro at the same time.
**Content:**
*(original source TEDBlog)*
*“The watch looks both futuristic and retro at the same time. A swirl of visible gears and carefully calibrated dials, it charts time in an unusual way — the hour jumps into place at the top, the minute is marked in a semicircle along the bottom, and the seconds swoop above. It’s a statement watch, the kind of piece that people inevitably ask about.*
*This watch — which at $195,000 is no small investment — comes in a rose or white gold finish. But the metal underneath has a history. Before being crafted into a high-end timepiece, this metal formed an AK-47. Each watch has the serial number of the weapon destroyed to create it displayed across the side. And each purchase funds the destruction of an additional thousand assault rifles in Africa.”*
*Click here to read more*
---
### [Shubham Banerjee: Braigo Labs](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/shubham-banerjee-braigo-labs/)
**Published:** June 6, 2015
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (CCTV America) - The World Health Organization reports that there are roughly 285 million visually impaired Braigo Labs people around the globe, and 90 percent of them live in developing countries. Shubham Banerjee is a 14-year old entrepreneur whose ingenuity can help change the lives of visually impaired people.
Read more or click here to watch the video.
**Content:**
*(Original source CCTV America)*
*“The World Health Organization reports that there are roughly 285 million visually impaired Braigo Labs people around the globe, and 90 percent of them live in developing countries. Shubham Banerjee is a 14-year old entrepreneur whose ingenuity can help change the lives of visually impaired people.*
*In 2014, Banerjee invented the world’s first low cost portable braille printer using LEGO bricks. His invention was named the 2014 Technology Innovation of the Year by the UK’s Trusted Reviews. Since then he has founded his own company Braigo Labs, and now has financial backing from a global tech giant.”*
*Click here to read more*
---
### [How Republicans should wrestle with Obamacare after the Supreme Court ruling](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/how-republicans-should-wrestle-with-obamacare-after-the-supreme-court-ruling/)
**Published:** June 26, 2015
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** Now that the Supreme Court has ruled for the Obama administration in the case of King vs. Burwell, perhaps Washington can finally turn to fixing the law’s acknowledged deficiencies. Chief Justice John Roberts, despite affirming the Obama administration’s position, remained quite critical of the Affordable Care Act itself, writing that it “contains more than a few examples of inartful drafting.” He also noted that the law “does not reflect the type of care and deliberation that one might expect of such significant legislation.”
**Content:**
*(Original source Daily News)*
*“Now that the Supreme Court has ruled for the Obama administration in the case of King vs. Burwell, perhaps Washington can finally turn to fixing the law’s acknowledged deficiencies. Chief Justice John Roberts, despite affirming the Obama administration’s position, remained quite critical of the Affordable Care Act itself, writing that it “contains more than a few examples of inartful drafting.” He also noted that the law “does not reflect the type of care and deliberation that one might expect of such significant legislation.”*
*Rebukes aside, President Obama and supporters of the law were thrilled with the decision. But this is not the end of the conversation about the ACA. Overall, the law has many problems that need to be fixed, including the increasing lack of affordability for both public and private plans, limited quality and price transparency within the system, burdensome regulations and overall unsustainable coverage levels.”*
*Click here to read more*
---
### [How a loss can still be a win for presidential hopefuls](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/how-a-loss-can-still-be-a-win-for-presidential-hopefuls/)
**Published:** June 17, 2015
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (CBS News) - For many Republican presidential hopefuls, losing could still mean winning.
If they can stay in the race, there's a lot to gain beyond the party's nomination -- like cashing in with lucrative TV deals and opportunities to sell some books along the way, reports CBS News correspondent Julianna Goldman.
Mike Huckabee won the Iowa caucuses in 2008 and scored his own cable show. He's running again this year.
**Content:**
*(Original source CBS News)*
*“For many Republican presidential hopefuls, losing could still mean winning.*
*If they can stay in the race, there’s a lot to gain beyond the party’s nomination — like cashing in with lucrative TV deals and opportunities to sell some books along the way, reports CBS News correspondent Julianna Goldman.*
*Mike Huckabee won the Iowa caucuses in 2008 and scored his own cable show. He’s running again this year.”*
*Click here to read more*
---
### [ExpoMarketing and kathy ireland Exhibits Make Big Splash at Licensing Expo](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/expomarketing-and-kathy-ireland-exhibits-make-big-splash-at-licensing-expo/)
**Published:** June 17, 2015
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--On the heels of the recent announcement by kathy ireland® Worldwide and ExpoMarketing Group of their partnership to launch kathy ireland® Exhibits by ExpoMarketing, the two companies made a big splash on the show floor at last week’s Licensing Expo in Las Vegas.
In a hall packed with more than five thousand brands and hundreds of exhibits, the kathy ireland® Exhibits booth stood out and drew significant crowds throughout the duration of the Expo, thanks to its innovative luxury design elements, eye-catching graphic presentation and a spacious and inviting layout.
**Content:**
*(Original source Business Wire)*
*“LAS VEGAS–(BUSINESS WIRE)–On the heels of the recent announcement by kathy ireland® Worldwide and ExpoMarketing Group of their partnership to launch kathy ireland® Exhibits by ExpoMarketing, the two companies made a big splash on the show floor at last week’s Licensing Expo in Las Vegas.*
*In a hall packed with more than five thousand brands and hundreds of exhibits, the kathy ireland® Exhibits booth stood out and drew significant crowds throughout the duration of the Expo, thanks to its innovative luxury design elements, eye-catching graphic presentation and a spacious and inviting layout.”*
*Click here to read more*
---
### [William Burns Is President of the Carnegie Endowment for Int. Peace](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/william-j-burns-is-president-of-the-carnegie-endowment-for-international-peace/)
**Published:** June 22, 2015
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (Carnegie Endowment) - Bill Burns is president of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, the oldest international affairs think tank in the United States. Ambassador Burns retired from the U.S. Foreign Service in 2014 after a thirty-three-year diplomatic career. He holds the highest rank in the Foreign Service, career ambassador, and is only the second serving career diplomat in history to become deputy secretary of state.
**Content:**
*(Original source Carnegie Endowment)*
*“Bill Burns is president of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, the oldest international affairs think tank in the United States. Ambassador Burns retired from the U.S. Foreign Service in 2014 after a thirty-three-year diplomatic career. He holds the highest rank in the Foreign Service, career ambassador, and is only the second serving career diplomat in history to become deputy secretary of state.*
*Prior to his tenure as deputy secretary, Ambassador Burns served from 2008 to 2011 as under secretary for political affairs. He was ambassador to Russia from 2005 to 2008, assistant secretary of state for Near Eastern affairs from 2001 to 2005, and ambassador to Jordan from 1998 to 2001. His other posts in the Foreign Service include: executive secretary of the State Department and special assistant to former secretaries of state Warren Christopher and Madeleine Albright; minister-counselor for political affairs at the U.S. embassy in Moscow; acting director and principal deputy director of the State Department’s policy planning staff; and special assistant to the president and senior director for Near East and South Asian affairs at the National Security Council.”*
*Click here to read more*
---
### [Worldwide Business with kathy ireland® Discusses Tire Monitoring Technology](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/worldwide-business-with-kathy-ireland-discusses-tire-monitoring-technology/)
**Published:** June 5, 2015
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** LOS ANGELES, June 5, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- MMP (USA) announces Worldwide Business with kathy ireland® exclusive interview with Truck System Technologies. Tire maintenance and tire management costs are often complex and a major challenge for those in the trucking industry. If companies were able to extend the life of their tires, they would be able to optimize their tire usage and reduce costs. Truck System Technologies (TST) has developed technology that allows fleet managers to better monitor and manage their tires, allowing them to take advantage of longer tire life spans.
**Content:**
*(Original source PR Newswire)*
*LOS ANGELES, June 5, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — MMP (USA) announces Worldwide Business with kathy ireland® exclusive interview with Truck System Technologies. Tire maintenance and tire management costs are often complex and a major challenge for those in the trucking industry. If companies were able to extend the life of their tires, they would be able to optimize their tire usage and reduce costs. Truck System Technologies (TST) has developed technology that allows fleet managers to better monitor and manage their tires, allowing them to take advantage of longer tire life spans.*
*JL Haber, Vice President of Programming of Worldwide Business with kathy ireland®, spoke of his enthusiasm for the technology by saying, “All industries want to find ways to reduce costs. When we heard about how TST helps those in the trucking industry better manage their expenses related to their second largest cost, we were eager to get them on the show and discuss the potential in front of our viewers.”*
*Click here to read more*
---
### [How Kathy Ireland Built A $420 Million Fortune](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/how-kathy-ireland-built-a-420-million-fortune/)
**Published:** May 28, 2015
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (Forbes) - Supermodel-turned-mogul Kathy Ireland today joined Forbes’ first ever ranking of America’s top 50 most successful women as measured by their net worths. Ireland is the only licensing queen – and the only former model – to make the exclusive freshman class of the nation’s richest self-made women, which includes entrepreneurs, CEOs, entertainers, designers and even an author.
**Content:**
By Natalie Robehmed *(original source Forbes)*
*“Supermodel-turned-mogul Kathy Ireland today joined Forbes’ first ever ranking of America’s top 50 most successful women as measured by their net worths. Ireland is the only licensing queen – and the only former model – to make the exclusive freshman class of the nation’s richest self-made women, which includes entrepreneurs, CEOs, entertainers, designers and even an author.*
*Kathy Ireland’s $420 million fortune comes from the value of her licensing company, Kathy Ireland Worldwide. As detailed in a [2012 Forbes cover story](http://www.forbes.com/sites/dorothypomerantz/2012/02/08/how-sports-illustrated-swimsuit-model-kathy-ireland-became-a-350-million-mogul/) by Dorothy Pomerantz, Ireland has built an empire by lending her name, taste, and marketing prowess to some 17,000 products.”*
*Click here to read more*
---
### [How to Channel Your Inner Caveman to Fight Stress](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/how-to-channel-your-inner-caveman-to-fight-stress/)
**Published:** June 12, 2015
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** By: Lisa Evans
(Entrepreneur) - We all know the costs of stress – to our health, our personal relationships, happiness and productivity. Despite our best efforts to avoid stress, it seems an inevitable part of our workday and our lives. Jenny Evans, stress and performance expert and CEO of PowerHouse Performance, says while we may not be able to avoid stress completely, we can train ourselves to become immune to stress’ negative effects.
**Content:**
By Lisa Evans *(original source Entrepreneur)*
*“We all know the costs of stress – to our health, our personal relationships, happiness and productivity. Despite our best efforts to avoid stress, it seems an inevitable part of our workday and our lives. Jenny Evans, stress and performance expert and CEO of PowerHouse Performance, says while we may not be able to avoid stress completely, we can train ourselves to become immune to stress’ negative effects.*
*Evans is the author of The Resiliency Revolution: Your Stress Solution for Life – 60 Seconds at a Time. She argues the key to building our resistance to stress is to harken back to our caveman days and use our body’s stress-response system the way it was built.”*
*Click here to read more*
---
### [Rumors: Are Lebanese Media Culprits? (Part II)](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/rumors-are-lebanese-media-culprits-part-ii/)
**Published:** August 10, 2015
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (The Huffington Post) - Rumors are Lebanon's daily bread with legacy media and citizen journalists accused of fanning the flames amid domestic political unrest, economic uncertainty, and regional upheaval whose sparks are burning Lebanese fingers.
**Content:**
By Magda Abu-Fadil *(original source The Huffington Post)*
*“Rumors are Lebanon’s daily bread with legacy media and citizen journalists accused of fanning the flames amid domestic political unrest, economic uncertainty, and regional upheaval whose sparks are burning Lebanese fingers.*
*“In front of the White House…Supporters of the Islamic State (formerly ISIS) are everywhere,” came the tweet from supporters of firebrand Sunni Muslim cleric Ahmad Al Aseer who is on the run from Lebanese authorities.”*
*Click here to read more*
---
### [Rumors: Are Lebanese Media Culprits? (Part I)](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/rumors-are-lebanese-media-culprits-part-i/)
**Published:** August 5, 2015
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (The Huffington Post) - News of a mini civil war in Lebanon between the Lebanese army and fighters thought to belong to the Islamic State (formerly ISIS) triggered a wave of rumors this week that were blamed in part on traditional media.
**Content:**
By Magda Abu-Fadil *(original source The Huffington Post)*
*“News of a mini civil war in Lebanon between the Lebanese army and fighters thought to belong to the Islamic State (formerly ISIS) triggered a wave of rumors this week that were blamed in part on traditional media.*
*The troubling clashes along the eastern border are a spillover of the three-plus years of neighboring Syria’s own war and have sent chills down the Lebanese people’s spines.”*
*Click here to read more*
---
### [Humans are underrated](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/humans-are-underrated/)
**Published:** July 23, 2015
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (Fortune) - As technology becomes more dominant in the workplace, here are the three job skills that you need to thrive.
**Content:**
By Geoff Colvin *(original source Fortune)*
*“As technology becomes more dominant in the workplace, here are the three job skills that you need to thrive.*
*As the Pepper robot from Softbank scurries about your home or office, it reads your emotions by your words, tone of voice, facial expressions, and body language. It then responds in all those ways; its hands and posture in particular are remarkably expressive. If you thought emotions were beyond the competencies of robots, you were right for a long time. But no more.”*
*Click here to read more*
---
### [WILLIAM SHATNER DISCUSSES CHAOS ON THE BRIDGE – EXCLUSIVE](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/william-shatner-discusses-chaos-on-the-bridge-exclusive/)
**Published:** August 8, 2015
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (Film Industry Network) - William Shatner has boldly taken audiences on journeys to far away galaxies playing the iconic role of Captain Kirk in the original “Star Trek” series and appearing in many motion pictures that have thrilled sci-fi fans for a generation.
**Content:**
By Iain Alexander *(original source Film Industry Network)*
*“William Shatner has boldly taken audiences on journeys to far away galaxies playing the iconic role of Captain Kirk in the original “Star Trek” series and appearing in many motion pictures that have thrilled sci-fi fans for a generation.*
*This year he’s written, directed and produced a new documentary entitled “William Shatner Presents: Chaos on the Bridge” featuring a host of interviews from the original cast of “Star Trek: The Next Generation.” Fans will discover the never-before-told story of the on-set dramas, ego clashes and power struggles that went on during the production of the critically acclaimed series.”*
*Click here to read more*
---
### [Comic-Con 2015: 9 questions for William Shatner](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/comic-con-2015-9-questions-for-william-shatner/)
**Published:** July 7, 2015
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (Discover San Diego) - "Star Trek" star headed to San Diego for Comic-Con to promote his new cinematic graphic novel, "Man O' War"
**Content:**
*(Original source Discover San Diego)*
*“Star Trek” star headed to San Diego for Comic-Con to promote his new cinematic graphic novel, “Man O’ War”*
*To say that William Shatner has a following is an understatement. He’s got millions of fans across the globe — young and old — who know him as Capt. James T. Kirk. On Twitter, he’s got 2.21 million followers, and on Facebook, another 1 million. And as the face of Priceline.com, he’s hardly been absent from pop culture since his “Star Trek” days.*
*This week, the longtime Los Angeles resident will be in San Diego for the 45th annual Comic-Con International, where he will conduct a reading from “The Autobiography of James T. Kirk” (10:45 a.m.-11:45 a.m. Thursday, Ballroom 20) and talk about his new cinematic graphic novel, “Man O’ War (4 p.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Room 6BCF).*
*Click here to read more*
---
### [Gen. Casey: Iran regime fomenting conflict in Middle East](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/gen-casey-iran-regime-fomenting-conflict-in-middle-east/)
**Published:** June 28, 2015
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** The Iranian regime uses terror to accomplish its political and ideological objectives and is fomenting instability and conflict throughout the Middle East, US General George Casey, a former commander of the Coalition forces in Iraq, has said.
Speaking in a major gathering of the Iranian Resistance on June 13 in Paris, Gen. Casey highlighted the Iranian regime’s destabilizing role in the region.
**Content:**
*(Original source NCRI)*
*The Iranian regime uses terror to accomplish its political and ideological objectives and is fomenting instability and conflict throughout the Middle East, US General George Casey, a former commander of the Coalition forces in Iraq, has said.*
*Speaking in a major gathering of the Iranian Resistance on June 13 in Paris, Gen. Casey highlighted the Iranian regime’s destabilizing role in the region.*
*Speaking from personal experience from his time as the top US commander in Iraq from 2004 to 2007, Casey said: “We said it is by now beyond dispute that the regime in Tehran is fomenting instability and conflict throughout the region, most notably in Syria, Lebanon, Yemen and Iraq.”*
*Click here to read more*
---
### [Iran Deal History 'Littered with Missed Opportunities'](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/iran-deal-history-littered-with-missed-opportunities/)
**Published:** July 21, 2015
**Author:** ironcore
---
### [The Secrets Leaders Keep – AmyK Hutchens](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/the-secrets-leaders-keep-amyk-hutchens/)
**Published:** August 24, 2015
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (Fresh Impact) - In her new book, The Secrets Leaders Keep (Emerge Publishing, Oct. 2015), AmyK exposes the doubts and fears most leaders are not willing to share. Secrets about who they are, how they play and why they lead the way they do.
**Content:**
*(Original source Fresh Impact)*
*“Leadership is something every organization and company has to deal with on a daily basis. Where are we going? Why are we going? Who is leading? Are they worthy of following? Issues surface daily about the ripple effects from leaders like Jeff Bezos’ working conditions at Amazon to Twitter naming a new CEO. In her new book, The Secrets Leaders Keep (Emerge Publishing, Oct. 2015), AmyK exposes the doubts and fears most leaders are not willing to share. Secrets about who they are, how they play and why they lead the way they do.”*
*Click here to read more*
---
### [Inquiry Weighs Whether ISIS Analysis Was Distorted](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/inquiry-weighs-whether-isis-analysis-was-distorted/)
**Published:** August 25, 2015
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (The New York Times) - The Pentagon’s inspector general is investigating allegations that military officials have skewed intelligence assessments about the United States-led campaign in Iraq against the Islamic State to provide a more optimistic account of progress, according to several officials familiar with the inquiry.
**Content:**
*(Original source The New York Times)*
*“The Pentagon’s inspector general is investigating allegations that military officials have skewed intelligence assessments about the United States-led campaign in Iraq against the Islamic State to provide a more optimistic account of progress, according to several officials familiar with the inquiry.*
*The investigation began after at least one civilian Defense Intelligence Agency analyst told the authorities that he had evidence that officials at United States Central Command — the military headquarters overseeing the American bombing campaign and other efforts against the Islamic State — were improperly reworking the conclusions of intelligence assessments prepared for policy makers, including President Obama, the government officials said.”*
*Click here to read more*
---
### [6 ways to develop the right mindset to navigate life’s turns](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/6-ways-to-develop-the-right-mindset-to-navigate-lifes-turns/)
**Published:** August 20, 2015
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (Upstart Business Journal) - While time moves chronologically, life moves haphazardly: divorce, medical issues, family responsibilities, economic upheaval, self-doubt. Through every detour, I knew there was light at the end of my tunnel.
**Content:**
*(Original source Upstart Business Journal)*
*“In 1969, when Neil Armstrong’s boots touched down on the moon, William Shatner – aka, Captain Kirk – was penniless and living out of his truck. He watched the live broadcast of the Apollo landing while gazing up at the stars, thinking, “This ain’t right.”*
*I can relate. Seventeen years ago, I was living out of my car, too, watching the world fly by. I didn’t dream of seeking out new lives and new civilizations, though. I wanted to become a speaker. I knew I had it in me – as long as I stayed focused and believed in myself through all the twists and turns.”*
*Click here to read more*
---
### [Star Trek voyage boldly goes where no theme cruise has gone before](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/star-trek-voyage-boldly-goes-where-no-theme-cruise-has-gone-before/)
**Published:** August 21, 2015
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (Palm Beach Post) - In celebration of the iconic TV show’s 50th anniversary, the inaugural Star Trek: The Cruise promises an immersive, six-day experience for Trekkies.
**Content:**
*(Original source Palm Beach Post)*
*“Captain’s log, stardate 01.09.2017: Begin voyage out of PortMiami on 2,394-guest vessel, Norwegian Pearl. After a day at sea, dock in Cozumel, Mexico. Return to sea and head to Nassau, Bahamas. Rendezvous with paradise on private island of Great Stirrup Cay. Complete mission, stardate 01.15.2017 in Miami.*
*In celebration of the iconic TV show’s 50th anniversary, the inaugural Star Trek: The Cruise promises an immersive, six-day experience for Trekkies.*
*At the helm — of the event, not the ship — will be Capt. James T. Kirk himself, actor William Shatner.”*
*Click here to read more*
---
### [Details Emerging on Heavy Duty Aftermarket Week](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/details-emerging-on-heavy-duty-aftermarket-week/)
**Published:** August 17, 2015
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (Truckinginfo) - The keynote speaker for the event will be Frank Luntz, author of “Candidates, Consultants & Campaigns.”
**Content:**
*(Original source Truckinginfo)*
*“Organizers of the 11th annual Heavy Duty Aftermarket Week announced a new leadership team, theme, and keynote speaker for the conference taking place Jan. 25-28, 2016, at The Mirage in Las Vegas.*
*The new event co-chairs are Rob Phillips, president and COO for Phillips Industries, and Jorge Mederos, CEO of Super Truck Parts. Don Purcell, partner at Stone Truck Parts, will serve as the vice chair.”*
*Click here to read more*
---
### [Former U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood to Join OneJet Advisory Team](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/former-us-secretary-of-transportation-ray-lahood-to-join-onejet-advisory-team/)
**Published:** August 18, 2015
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** OneJet announces the appointment of former United States Secretary of Transportation, Ray LaHood to its senior advisory team
**Content:**
*(Original source PR Newswire)*
*OneJet, the new air transportation network that provides increased access to nonstop travel in small to medium size markets, announces the appointment today of former United States Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood, to its senior advisory team. LaHood, who served as the United States Secretary of Transportation from 2009 until 2013, will advise on government policy and assist with OneJet’s continued expansion into more regional travel markets throughout the U.S.*
*“It’s a distinct honor to welcome Secretary LaHood to our team,” says Matthew Maguire, OneJet Chief Executive Officer. “Secretary LaHood’s decades of experience on national transportation policy will be a critical resource as we work with stakeholders at all levels to efficiently expand access to the OneJet network.”*
*Click here to read more*
---
### [5 TRAITS OF CREATIVE LEADERS (AND HOW TO BECOME ONE)](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/5-traits-of-creative-leaders-and-how-to-become-one/)
**Published:** August 17, 2015
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** By Erik Wahl
(Fast Company) - Becoming a leader takes courage as well as creativity. And creativity takes practice.
**Content:**
By Erik Wahl *(original source Fast Company)*
*“Being a leader is difficult. That’s why most of us end up taking direction from others in our professional lives. But the ranks of the self-employed are swelling, hinting that more people are getting comfortable taking the reins in their own hands. And in fact, becoming a leader (even if it’s just of yourself) is something anyone who’s committed to the task can master. There’s no inborn quality that leaders possess. They’re ordinary people who decide at one point or another to do extraordinary things.*
*That doesn’t just take courage, it demands creativity—the kind you need to actively nurture and practice. I’m an artist, so I like to think about leadership as an art form. And I’ve found that in order to become a leader, you need to develop similar qualities to an artist—to tap into your creative intelligence in order to keep ahead of the crowd, stay nimble, and inspire those around you to push themselves, too.”*
*Click here to read more*
---
### [Communicating in Exponential Times](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/communicating-in-exponential-times/)
**Published:** August 16, 2015
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (LinkedIn Pulse) - This blog is about the best practices, basic rules, and the emerging technologies in a rapidly changing (and increasingly fragmented) communication landscape.
**Content:**
By Peter Diamandis *(original source LinkedIn Pulse)*
*“If you need to communicate something important to a friend, do you call? Visit? Email? Text? Skype? WhatsApp? Snap? Tweet? Message on Facebook, or LinkedIn?*
*How we communicate in exponential times is changing.*
*This blog is about the best practices, basic rules, and the emerging technologies in a rapidly changing (and increasingly fragmented) communication landscape.*
***Communication 101***
*As more and more tools become available, we seem to have accepted the notion that communication is “contextual”: **LinkedIn** is for work. **Facebook** is for friends. **Snapchat** is for close friends.**Texting** is for something immediate, if not urgent. **Slack** is for your team. **Twitter** is for public broadcast. **Skype** is for long distance. **Phone calls** are for intimacy or something really important.”*
*Click here to read more*
---
### [Three Industries That Are Ripe For Disruption](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/three-industries-that-are-ripe-for-disruption/)
**Published:** September 6, 2015
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (LinkedIn Pulse) - We live in an age of disruption – and that's a good thing.
**Content:**
By Peter Diamandis *(original source LinkedIn Pulse)*
*“We live in an age of disruption – and that’s a good thing.*
*Industries will be transformed. Major companies will fall.*
*Old systems will collapse as entrepreneurs figure out how to optimize and reinvent inefficient businesses, products, and services to provide consumers (us) with all things better, faster and cheaper.*
*According to the Olin School of Business, 40% of today’s Fortune 500 companies will be gone in the next 10 years.”*
*Click here to read more*
---
### [As Trump and Sanders rise, the two major parties fall](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/as-trump-and-sanders-rise-the-two-major-parties-fall/)
**Published:** September 3, 2015
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (Los Angeles Times) - Does the 2016 presidential campaign seem chaotic? For good or ill, that's because it is.
**Content:**
*(Original source Los Angeles Times)*
*“Does the 2016 presidential campaign seem chaotic? For good or ill, that’s because it is. The rise of Donald Trump on the right and Bernie Sanders on the left is proof that the country’s two major political parties have lost their grip on the nominating process. They can still provide two guaranteed spots on the ballot, for a self-identified “Republican” and a self-identified “Democrat.” But that’s pretty much all.*
*It wasn’t too long ago that party bosses picked candidates at the national conventions, in proverbial smoke-filled backrooms. The two parties also controlled everything crucial for winning the presidency: The money needed to fund a campaign, and the organization needed to build support.”*
*Click here to read more*
---
### [No, pundits, Hillary Clinton isn't collapsing](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/no-pundits-hillary-clinton-isnt-collapsing/)
**Published:** September 27, 2015
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** Written by Joe Trippi
(Los Angeles Times) - Has the political punditry class lost its collective mind?
**Content:**
By Joe Trippi *(original source Los Angeles Times)*
*“Has the political punditry class lost its collective mind?*
*In a year in which every other supposed front-runner and establishment candidate has collapsed to single digits or has already withdrawn from the race — yes, I am talking about you, Jeb Bush, and you, Scott Walker — Hillary Rodham Clinton continues to lead the Democratic field with more than 40% of the vote. Can Bernie Sanders, who is 15 points behind her in recent polling, represent a real threat to her nomination? No. Hell no. Not a chance. But pundits keep asking the question without pointing out the obvious answer.*
*And given the fact that no vice president who has sought his party’s nomination has ever been denied it, you would think Clinton’s 20-point lead over Joe Biden would be seen as a remarkable sign of strength. Instead, when pundits mention Clinton’s lead over the vice president, they always follow up with the fact that Biden has yet to enter officially — and rarely caution that he may never enter it and that even if he does, he’ll start 20 points behind.”*
*Click here to read more*
---
### [Ben Stein: Don't blame China for stock market woes](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/ben-stein-dont-blame-china-for-stock-market-woes/)
**Published:** August 30, 2015
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (CBS News) - So what to make of the recent white-knuckle gyrations on Wall Street? Our contributor Ben Stein has some thoughts on that.
**Content:**
By Ben Stein *(original source CBS News)*
*“So what to make of the recent white-knuckle gyrations on Wall Street? Our contributor Ben Stein has some thoughts on that:*
*August is the cruelest month.*
*A good chunk of my savings disappeared as the stock market convulsed, and we’re down at some points by well over 10 percent. Why did it happen?*
*The pundits and analysts appeared and said it was because of the Chinese devaluation and possible serious weakness in China. This, in turn, would devastate U.S. exports, supposedly, to China and sink the ship of our prosperity.”*
*Click here to read more*
---
### [The Innovative Classroom – Let the (mobile) phones ring in](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/the-innovative-classroom-let-the-mobile-phones-ring-in/)
**Published:** September 21, 2015
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (LinkedIn Pulse) - Though we’re all pretty well aware of the social, economic and behavioral challenges educators face, few of us are in the loop around how they’re being solved.
**Content:**
By Soren Kaplan *(original source LinkedIn Pulse)*
*“In the melee of getting kids prepared to head back to school, it’s easy to overlook the bigger disruptive changes happening in education nationally and even globally.*
*Though we’re all pretty well aware of the social, economic and behavioral challenges educators face, few of us are in the loop around how they’re being solved.*
*Many teachers struggle to maintain students’ attention. So it makes sense that with kids’ obsession to games, Instagram and texting, mobile phones have been banned from most classrooms to allow for “un-distracted” learning.”*
*Click here to read more*
---
### [CUNA announces dues reduction, other changes](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/cuna-announces-dues-reduction-other-changes/)
**Published:** September 23, 2015
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (Credit Union Insight) - After listening to and learning from credit unions over the past year, CUNA president/CEO Jim Nussle announced changes to the organization’s operating expenses, dues, membership and moves to strengthen CUNA/League Interdependence.
**Content:**
*(Original source Credit Union Insight)*
*After listening to and learning from credit unions over the past year, CUNA president/CEO Jim Nussle announced changes to the organization’s operating expenses, dues, membership and moves to strengthen CUNA/League Interdependence. The announcement comes after a number of internal changes have been implemented to align with CUNA’s strategic plan.*
*“The future needs of credit unions demand that we raise the bar even higher so CUNA and the Leagues are best-positioned to advance credit union interests in advocacy,” said Nussle. “The CUNA Board of Directors approved a series of recommendations I made and CUNA will be taking action to implement them as soon as possible: Change is on the way.”*
*Click here to read more*
---
### [Susan G. Komen founder paves way to a cure](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/susan-g-komen-founder-paves-way-to-a-cure/)
**Published:** October 15, 2015
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (The Reflector) - Human life is to be cherished and every death that is prevented is a testament to the resiliency of individuals such as Nancy Brinker.
**Content:**
By Hunter Swanzy *(original source The Reflector)*
*“Tomorrow, in the United States alone, it is estimated that cancer will claim the lives of over 1,600 individuals. Although this statistic is inherently disheartening, it is important to recognize there is still hope for a better future, there is still hope for a cancer-free tomorrow. This is exemplified by progress that has already been made. Thanks in large part to the efforts of the Susan G. Komen organization, breast cancer has been on a near steady decline since the year 2000, and over 2.8 million breast cancer survivors currently reside in the U.S.*
*In 1980, the Susan G. Komen organization began with a promise. Nancy G. Brinker, founder of the organization, promised her dying sister Susan that she would dedicate her life to ridding the world of breast cancer. According to the Susan G. Komen website, “What was started with $200 and a shoebox full of potential donor names has now grown into the world’s largest nonprofit source of funding for the fight against breast cancer.”*
*Click here to read more*
---
### [History of Susan G. Komen strongly rooted in one woman’s story](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/history-of-susan-g-komen-strongly-rooted-in-one-womans-story/)
**Published:** October 8, 2015
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (Valley News) - Susan G. Komen Founder Nancy Brinker observes the crowd at the start of an early Race for the Cure.
**Content:**
*(Original source Valley News)*
*“Susan G. Komen fought breast cancer with her heart, body and soul. Throughout her diagnosis, treatments, and endless days in the hospital, she spent her time thinking of ways to make life better for other women battling breast cancer instead of worrying about her own situation. That concern for others continued even as Susan neared the end of her fight. Moved by Susan’s compassion for others and committed to making a difference, Nancy G. Brinker promised her sister that she would do everything in her power to end breast cancer forever.*
*That promise is now Susan G. Komen, the global leader of the breast cancer movement, having invested more than $2.2 billion since inception in 1982. As the world’s largest grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and advocates, we’re working together to save lives, empower people, ensure quality care for all and energize science to find the cures.”*
*Click here to read more*
---
### [Success Into Significance](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/success-into-significance/)
**Published:** October 7, 2015
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (Tech Blog) - Significance is the feeling that your life (and your work) has had a meaningful and lasting impact.
**Content:**
By Peter Diamandis *(original source Tech Blog)*
*“This blog is about achieving “significance” during exponential times.*
*Significance is the feeling that your life (and your work) has had a meaningful and lasting impact.*
*And today, during these exponential times, that impact can be greater than any time in history.*
## *Significance Over Success – Choosing Your Target*
*Too many people spend their whole life on a treadmill striving for financial success and/or fame.”*
*Click here to read more*
---
### [Nussle Urges NWCUA to Boost Advocacy: Onsite at Amplify](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/nussle-urges-nwcua-to-boost-advocacy-onsite-at-amplify/)
**Published:** October 6, 2015
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (Credit Union Times) - CUNA President/CEO Jim Nussle told an audience of credit union executives at the Northwest Credit Union Association’s Amplify Convention Tuesday that neither he nor CUNA can effectively advocate for the credit union industry alone, and urged Northwest credit union professionals to ramp up their own efforts.
**Content:**
By Natasha Chilingerian *(original source Credit Union Times)*
*“CUNA President/CEO Jim Nussle told an audience of credit union executives at the Northwest Credit Union Association’s Amplify Convention Tuesday that neither he nor CUNA can effectively advocate for the credit union industry alone, and urged Northwest credit union professionals to ramp up their own efforts.”*
*Click here to read more*
---
### [Why is Russia in Syria?](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/why-is-russia-in-syria/)
**Published:** October 15, 2015
**Author:** ironcore
---
### [Disrupting Today's Healthcare System](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/disrupting-todays-healthcare-system/)
**Published:** November 9, 2015
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (Huffington Post) - This week in San Diego, Singularity University is holding its Exponential Medicine Conference, a look at how technologists are redesigning and rebuilding today's broken healthcare system.
**Content:**
By Peter Diamandis *(original source Huffington Post)*
*“This week in San Diego, Singularity University is holding its Exponential Medicine Conference, a look at how technologists are redesigning and rebuilding today’s broken healthcare system.*
*Healthcare today is reactive, retrospective, bureaucratic and expensive.”*
*Click here to read more*
---
### [Nobel Laureate Joseph Stiglitz on "Rewriting the Rules of the American Economy"](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/nobel-laureate-joseph-stiglitz-on-rewriting-the-rules-of-the-american-economy/)
**Published:** October 27, 2015
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (Democracy Now) - As presidential candidates spar over economic policies and Congress debates the TPP, one of the nation’s leading economists is calling for a comprehensive overhaul of the U.S. economy.
**Content:**
*(Original source Democracy Now)*
*“As presidential candidates spar over economic policies and Congress debates the TPP, one of the nation’s leading economists is calling for a comprehensive overhaul of the U.S. economy. Nobel Prize-winning economist and Columbia University professor Joseph Stiglitz has just published a new book called “Rewriting the Rules of the American Economy: An Agenda for Growth and Shared Prosperity.”*
***AMY GOODMAN:** On Saturday, leading Democratic presidential contenders addressed the Iowa Democratic Party gathering known as the Jefferson-Jackson Dinner. The high-profile party dinner has been a defining moment on the campaign calendar since ’75. This is former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.”*
*Click here to read more*
---
### [Stiglitz: Here's How to Fix Inequality](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/stiglitz-heres-how-to-fix-inequality/)
**Published:** November 2, 2015
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (The Atlantic) - In his new book, a Nobel laureate outlines how the huge disparity arose and the huge course correction needed to address it.
**Content:**
By Gillian B. White *(original source The Atlantic)*
*“If there’s one thing Joseph Stiglitz wants to say about inequality, it’s that it has been a choice, not an unexpected, unfortunate economic outcome. That’s unnerving, but it also means that citizens and politicians have the opportunity to fix the problem before it gets worse.*
*In his new book, Rewriting the Rules of the American Economy: An Agenda for Growth and Shared Prosperity, Stiglitz, a Nobel-prize winning economist, professor at Columbia University, and the chief economist at the Roosevelt Institute, asks the question “Can the rules of America’s economy be rewritten to benefit everyone—not just the wealthy?” The answer, he insists, is yes.”*
*Click here to read more*
---
### [How to keep work from becoming a grind](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/how-to-keep-work-from-becoming-a-grind/)
**Published:** October 26, 2015
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (St. Louis Business Journal) - Is your work a spark or a grind?
**Content:**
By Erik Wahl *(original source St. Louis Business Journal)*
*“Is your work a spark or a grind?*
*I’ve worked with tens of thousands of business professionals over the past decade. The vast majority of them have the most honorable intentions. They entered the workforce with a deep desire to impact change. They wanted to make a difference.*
*But, for any number of reasons (institutional complacency, corporate cultural resistance, over-regulations in the marketplace, increased competition, budget cutbacks, etc.), they have lost their inspiration. And without that spark, work has become a grind.”*
*Click here to read more*
---
### [American History Must Be a Priority in Schools](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/american-history-must-be-a-priority-in-schools/)
**Published:** October 26, 2015
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (Town Hall) - There are many things young people need to learn before they’re ready to accept the full responsibilities and privileges of life as an adult citizen, but surely what it means to be American is among the most important.
**Content:**
By Callista Gingrich *(original source Town Hall)*
*“We frequently hear about American students’ low-test scores in science and math, and everyone from the PTA to candidates for the White House is rightly concerned with how to improve them. Indeed, this concern is a major part of our national conversation. And those who worry about our educational system often suggest that better instruction in these areas could help solve America’s economic, fiscal, and social problems, too.*
*Certainly, there are plenty of good reasons to boost our efforts in science and math. But we should not lose sight of the fact that there are other subjects in which we face a similar challenge. Regrettably, American students perform even worse when the topic is American history.”*
*Click here to read more*
---
### [Lunch with the FT: Bill Burns](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/lunch-ft-bill-burns/)
**Published:** November 6, 2015
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (Financial Times) - From the memo that predicted chaos in Iraq to secret meetings about a nuclear deal with Iran, the diplomat talks about the ‘adrenaline rush’ of a life in international diplomacy
**Content:**
By Gideon Rachman *(original source Financial Times)*
*“When President Obama wanted somebody to open secret negotiations with Iran in 2013, he turned to Bill Burns, widely regarded as one of the finest and most discreet US diplomats of his generation. But as I wait for the 59-year-old to arrive at the Covent Garden branch of Hawksmoor, an upmarket chain restaurant in London specialising in steaks, it strikes me that, in another life, Burns might himself have written an entertaining Lunch with the FT.*
*After thousands of American diplomatic cables were leaked to the international press via WikiLeaks in 2010, Burns found himself an unexpected beneficiary. “A Caucasus Wedding”, a telegram he sent to the US state department in 2006 while he was ambassador to Russia, recounting a raucous three-day Dagestani wedding attended by Chechnya’s president Ramzan Kadyrov, was described as a minor classic of comic writing, its tone very much not what one might expect of a diplomatic cable.”*
*Click here to read more*
---
### [Cyber-Enabled Economic Warfare: An Evolving Challenge (Vol. 2)](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/cyber-enabled-economic-warfare-evolving-challenge-vol-2/)
**Published:** November 17, 2015
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (Hudson Institute) - On Monday, August 3, 2015, Hudson Institute hosted the launch of a new report, “CyberEnabled Economic Warfare: An Evolving Challenge,” edited by Samantha Ravich, principal investigator on the project that produced the report.
**Content:**
By Samantha Ravich *(original source Hudson Institute)*
*“On Monday, August 3, 2015, Hudson Institute hosted the launch of a new report, “CyberEnabled Economic Warfare: An Evolving Challenge,” edited by Samantha Ravich, principal investigator on the project that produced the report. The report examines the United States’ economic cybersecurity vulnerabilities and identifies specific steps American government agencies and private-sector actors should take to better recognize, monitor, and defend themselves against such warfare.*
*Along with Ravich, three of the authors of chapters in the report―Juan Zarate, Mark Dubowitz, and Michael Hsieh―assembled at the Hudson event to present brief summaries of their papers. They were joined by fellow expert panelists Steve Chabinsky, Mike Rogers, and Mark Tucker, as well as by an audience of approximately 125 invited policymakers, business people, scholars, and journalists to discuss the report’s findings. Together with the Hudson Institute, the event was co-hosted by the Foundation for Defense of Democracies’ Center on Sanctions and Illicit Finance. All those in attendance were invited to complete a survey on cyber-enabled economic warfare constructed by Ravich, and approximately half did so. The results are discussed later in this report.”*
*Click here to read more*
---
### [After 30 years of helping gang members, Father Greg Boyle is still determined](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/after-30-years-of-helping-gang-members-father-greg-boyle-is-still-determined/)
**Published:** November 4, 2015
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
In a small mortuary in East Los Angeles, a mother wept over the silver casket holding her son. Behind the pews, photos of Roger Soriano showed a young man throwing up gang signs with friends, a tattoo reading “J13” for Jardin 13 etched into his scalp.
He had been killed at 21, shot dead as he allegedly tried to rob a shopkeeper.
Behind the pulpit on that July day, the priest betrayed no strain in conjuring up virtues from the short arc of a life that had ended so messily.
“I knew Roger when he was a little kid and later on when he was a teenager, and you could always see the goodness. Always,” [Father Greg Boyle](https://wwsg.com/spealers/greg-boyle) said. “Where Roger is right now, he has the same perspective that God has. The same God that is too busy loving us to be disappointed.”
For decades now, young men who died by the gun have gotten their final benediction from Boyle, who began as a fresh-faced, thirtysomething priest in an era when the City of Angels churned out gang carnage on an industrial scale, inspiring movies such as “Boyz n the Hood” and “Colors” and making “drive-by” part of the country’s lexicon.
In some years in the early 1990s, more than 2,000 people were killed in L.A. County. The deaths came hard and fast. During one three-week period, Boyle buried eight young men and boys.
Boyle is now 61. His hair has thinned and turned white. Soriano’s funeral was his 200th connected to the gang lifestyle. But he had gone months without one.
“I couldn’t go through all that again,” Boyle said. “It was too intense, but you do it. It was like war.”
Few people can lay claim to witnessing the evolution of violence in L.A. like Boyle, a Jesuit who in 1988 created Jobs for a Future at the Dolores Mission parish in Boyle Heights. That became Homeboy Industries, a company devoted to helping young men and women transition away from gangs through education, job training and employment.
After the 2008 economic collapse, Homeboy Industries almost went broke. This year, it was named in a [federal gang indictment](https://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-indict-mexican-mafia-20150618-story.html).
But during that time, gang crime, especially homicides, plummeted. Notwithstanding a recent surge in violence, particularly in South L.A., the city is a far less violent place than it once was.
> #### I don’t ever want us to be terrified of tarnishing our reputation or wondering, ‘What if one of our clients turns around and does something awful?’ … Relapse happens.
>
> #### — Father Greg Boyle
The Sheriff’s Department estimates that there are about 65,000 gang members in L.A. County. In the mid-90s, the number topped 90,000.
In the beginning, Boyle was consumed by his mission, taking late-night calls after yet another bout of neighborhood mayhem. Today, the priest, who’s been battling leukemia for more than a decade, says he has been able to slow down.
“I’m more balanced about it. My job isn’t to fix or rescue or to save,” he said from his Chinatown office. “It’s to accompany, see people, listen to them…. I think it’s the reason I don’t burn out now. I haven’t been close to burnout since 1992.”
Boyle now winces at the motto that still graces T-shirts throughout Homeboy Industries: “Nothing stops a bullet like a job.”
In those days, especially with SWAT teams cracking down in neighborhoods, he believed what the county really needed was a SWAT team of employers sweeping down Pico Gardens and hiring gang members.
“It’s partly right, because you need a reason to get up in the morning and a reason not to gangbang, and jobs do that,” Boyle said. “But now, after working with gang members for 30 years, I can see that it’s about healing.”
Over the years, Boyle has been celebrated as a hero and an L.A. original. But he has also been criticized, often by police officers who insist that he’s naive about gang members and shields them from law enforcement.
LAPD Det. Jose Ramirez, a homicide investigator in the Hollenbeck Division, which includes Boyle Heights, Lincoln Heights and El Sereno, recalls doing foot patrols in the neighborhood in 1991 and seeing Boyle out talking with gang members.
“I think that probably made it very difficult for the officers to work with Greg Boyle,” Ramirez said. “I know a lot of the officers probably weren’t too fond of him. Probably felt like he was on the wrong side. I think it was them not understanding his goals and what he was trying to accomplish.”
Although Ramirez said he never had an issue with Boyle, he recalls investigating a number of crimes in which the officer would stop someone and later find out the person was working for Homeboy Industries.
“We sometimes got that feeling that maybe they were just using him,” Ramirez said. “They’re involved with Homeboy Industries during the day, but at nighttime they were out there still committing crimes.”
In June, a federal indictment of nearly two dozen gang members in L.A.’s northeast neighborhoods named Homeboy Industries, saying several of the defendants used the building to do business. Prosecutors also say a gun exchange took place at Homeboy Industries.
The priest is not named in any of the criminal charges, and there is no investigation against Boyle or Homeboy, said Meredith Davis, a special agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
> #### The day won’t ever come when ATF or anybody knows these gang members better than Homeboy Industries. Never, ever, ever.
>
> #### — Father Greg Boyle
Boyle said it’s the occasional cost of working with people whom not a lot of others would touch.
“I don’t ever want us to be terrified of tarnishing our reputation or wondering, ‘What if one of our clients turns around and does something awful?’ It’s happened,” Boyle said. “But I don’t think a drug addict relapsing reflects in any way on a good rehab…. Relapse happens, especially when you’re dealing with folks who are frankly the least likely to succeed based on their own pasts and difficulties.
“We can work with the most likely to succeed. I’m not interested in that.”
And he has a few sharp words for the police, likening them to the parking attendant at USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, where he occasionally goes for treatments. The attendant has contact with cancer patients in the same way that police officers have contact with gang members, he said.
Yet you’d never invite the parking attendant to sit on a panel on curing leukemia, he said.
“The idea that any law enforcement agency or person would ever know these gang members better than Homeboy Industries is impossible,” Boyle said. “But we have to put up with their nonsense, ‘Oh, pat pat, condescension, oh Homeboy, they’re so naive. If only they knew gang members like we do.’ Which is preposterous.
“The day won’t ever come when ATF or anybody knows these gang members better than Homeboy Industries. Never, ever, ever.”
In the old days, Boyle negotiated truces and peace treaties among warring gangs. He stopped doing that years ago, believing that in many ways it endorsed the cohesion of a gang. He would work with the human being, he decided, not the gang.
Sitting in his office recently, the priest studied a young man seated in front of him, taking in the tattoo on his forehead and bruised eye.
Miguel had just gotten out of prison and was hoping to join Homeboy’s 18-month training program. He’d spent the previous night at a Denny’s, after his mother made him leave her Watts home to keep him away from a gang that had jumped him. He had nowhere else to go, he said.
“What neighborhood are you from?” Boyle asked curtly.
“I don’t gangbang,” Miguel said.
Although skeptical, Boyle told Miguel to come in for a drug test to start the process of joining the program. Miguel was just one of dozens of people, mostly young men and teenage boys, who took a seat in front of Boyle’s desk that Wednesday. They confided in Boyle like they would a priest inside a church confessional. He called each of them “*mijo*” or “*mija*,” and gave them a hug. Some he handed cash to help them out.
Occasionally Boyle’s attention would stray past the person before him, past the glass doors, which were kept meticulously clean so he could see what was going on outside. He said the violence from the early days had given him a hyper-vigilance born out of post-traumatic stress disorder.
Recent years have seen a different kind of stress. In 2010, the same year Boyle’s book, “Tattoos on the Heart,” was released, the organization had to [lay off 300 people](https://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2010/05/homeboy-industries-lays-off-most-of-its-employees-as-financial-woes-worsen.html). Because of the recession, foundations pulled back funding.
> #### A lot of people say this is a front for the Mexican Mafia. Maybe if we were … we wouldn’t have so many financial difficulties.
>
> #### — Father Greg Boyle on Homeboy Industries
“We started to unravel,” Boyle said. “It’s that kind of desperate moment where you go, ‘OK, we don’t have enough money to do this’ … and then we’d bring them in anyway … hoping against hope that somebody would wave a magic wand.”
Today, the organization has had to bring in fewer people, and it barely manages to raise the $10 million a year needed, Boyle said.
“A lot of people say this is a front for the Mexican Mafia,” he said. “Maybe if we were … we wouldn’t have so many financial difficulties.”
Boyle has had to slow down too. Homeboy employees have taken over more of the daily responsibilities, sometimes sitting in his office, where a “Chillin’ with my homies” sign hangs among dozens of photos of people who have come through his life.
“It’s not so much that the place runs without me. The place’s heart beats without me,” Boyle said. “And that’s good, because how do I break this to them? I’m not going to be here forever. I don’t plan on going anywhere, but I don’t know anybody for whom death is an exception.”
---
### [Why Donald Trump isn't the real GOP frontrunner](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/why-donald-trump-isnt-the-real-gop-frontrunner/)
**Published:** December 10, 2015
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (Fox News) - The Trump phenomenon is indeed rewriting the rules of politics. But in the end GOP voters want a strong leader who not only bashes the system – but knows how to fix it.
**Content:**
By David Merritt *(original source Fox News)*
*“Eight months ago, Luntz Global Partners, where I am currently managing director, polled 1,200 Republican voters in Iowa, New Hampshire, South Carolina, and Nevada. And these weren’t just any voters – these were the most committed and the most engaged… in other words the most likely to turn outand, you know… vote. We asked them what they wanted in their eventual nominee for president.*
*Knowing where things stand today, you will be surprised to hear what they saidback then: They wanted a moderate governor with a proven track record of results.”*
*Click here to read more*
---
### [HFSC overwhelmingly passes CUNA-backed data security, NCUA budget bills](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/hfsc-overwhelmingly-passes-cuna-backed-data-security-ncua-budget-bills/)
**Published:** December 10, 2015
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (CUNA) - Votes from the House Financial Services Committee Wednesday will help make consumer data safer, said CUNA President/CEO Jim Nussle.
**Content:**
*(Original source CUNA)*
*“Votes from the House Financial Services Committee Wednesday will help make consumer data safer, said CUNA President/CEO Jim Nussle. The committee passed two bills that have strong CUNA support, the Data Security Act of 2015 (H.R. 2205) and the National Credit Union Administration Budget Transparency Act (H.R. 2287) during its markup.*
*H.R. 2205 passed the committee with a 46-9 vote and H.R. 2287 passed with a 40-16 vote.”*
*Click here to read more*
---
### [Pentagon Seeks to Knit Foreign Bases Into ISIS-Foiling Network](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/pentagon-seeks-to-knit-foreign-bases-into-isis-foiling-network/)
**Published:** December 10, 2015
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (The New York Times) - The Pentagon has proposed a plan to build up a string of military bases in Africa, Southwest Asia and the Middle East to aid operations against the Islamic State.
**Content:**
By Mark Mazzetti and Eric Schmitt *(original source The New York Times)*
*“As American intelligence agencies grapple with the expansion of the Islamic State beyond its headquarters in Syria, the Pentagon has proposed a new plan to the White House to build up a string of military bases in Africa, Southwest Asia and the Middle East.*
*The bases could be used for collecting intelligence and carrying out strikes against the terrorist group’s far-flung affiliates.”*
*Click here to read more*
---
### [Filmmaker Ken Burns to Deliver Prestigious Jefferson Lecture](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/filmmaker-ken-burns-to-deliver-prestigious-jefferson-lecture/)
**Published:** January 19, 2016
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (ABC News) - Acclaimed documentary filmmaker Ken Burns has been chosen to deliver the 2016 Jefferson Lecture in the Humanities, according to the National Endowment for the Humanities, which produces the event.
**Content:**
*(Original source ABC News)*
*Acclaimed documentary filmmaker Ken Burns has been chosen to deliver the 2016 Jefferson Lecture in the Humanities, according to the National Endowment for the Humanities, which produces the event.*
*Burns will deliver the lecture May 9 at Washington’s John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. He will talk about race in America, a topic that he has explored through nearly 40 years of directing and producing historical documentaries including “The Civil War” miniseries and, debuting on PBS in April, a film about Jackie Robinson.*
*The Jefferson Lecture is the highest honor the federal government bestows for intellectual achievement in the humanities. Past lecturers include actress and playwright Anna Deavere Smith and filmmaker Martin Scorsese.*
---
### [Nancy Brinker: Why we must preserve the charitable tax deduction](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/nancy-brinker-why-we-must-preserve-the-charitable-tax-deduction/)
**Published:** December 29, 2015
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (Fox News) - Donating to charities is a part of American life. According to the World Giving Index, the United States is the most generous country in the world, followed by Ireland, Australia, New Zealand and Britain.
**Content:**
By Nancy Brinker *(original source Fox News)*
*“Donating to charities is a part of American life. According to the World Giving Index, the United States is the most generous country in the world, followed by Ireland, Australia, New Zealand and Britain. According to another study, ordinary individuals gave 73 percent of the money donated to U.S. charities in 2010 — more than $200 billion.*
*In addition to money and used items, Americans also donate their time as volunteers. Last year, more than 64 million Americans worked as volunteers — almost 27 percent of the entire U.S. population.”*
*Click here to read more*
---
### [Ken Burns Shares His Thoughts on Serving as the Grand Marshal for the 2016 Tournament of Roses](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/ken-burns-shares-his-thoughts-on-serving-as-the-grand-marshal-for-the-2016-tournament-of-roses/)
**Published:** December 30, 2015
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (Parade) - With the idea that the 2016 Rose Parade will help shine light on the centennial celebration of our nation’s national parks, Burns, who has devoted his life to telling the story of America, is representative of both ideas, making him an obvious choice to serve as Grand Marshal.
**Content:**
By Paulette Cohn *(original source Parade)*
*“Last month, multi-Emmy Award winning documentarian Ken Burns was named the Grand Marshal for this year’s Tournament of Roses, which includes the Rose Parade and the Rose Bowl as the two main activities over which he will preside.*
*Burns’ selection was the result of a unique partnership between the Tournament of Roses and the National Park service, which have similar themes in 2016. The theme of the 127th Rose Parade presented by Honda is “Find Your Adventure,” while the theme for the 100th anniversary of the National Parks Service is “Find Your Park.”*
*Click here to read more*
---
### [The war on Christmas](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/the-war-on-christmas/)
**Published:** December 17, 2015
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** By Newt Gingrich and Callista Gingrich
(The Washington Times) - Support Rep. Doug Lamborn’s House resolution
**Content:**
By Newt Gingrich and Callista Gingrich *(original source The Washington Times)*
*“Rep. Doug Lamborn of Colorado took a small but important step inCongress this week when he introduced a resolution, H. Res. 564, along with 35 cosponsors, to reassert the place of Christmas in the public square.*
*The resolution “recognizes the importance of the symbols and traditions of Christmas; strongly disapproves of attempts to ban references toChristmas; and expresses support for the use of these symbols and traditions by those who celebrate Christmas.”*
*These simple sentiments should be uncontroversial. Unfortunately, they are.”*
*Click here to read more*
---
### [8 WAYS TO ENERGIZE YOUR NEXT MEETING](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/8-ways-to-energize-your-next-meeting/)
**Published:** December 4, 2015
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** MEETINGS AREN'T JUST BORING—THEY'RE PHYSICALLY SAPPING YOU OF ENERGY. FIND SMART WAYS TO MOVE AND STAY ALERT IN YOUR NEXT GATHERING.
BY: JENNY C. EVANS
(Fast Company) - Tired of boring, soul sucking meetings? The truth is, they’re not only monotonous and tiring—they’re sapping your resiliency.
**Content:**
By Jenny C. Evans *(original source Fast Company)*
*“Tired of boring, soul sucking meetings? The truth is, they’re not only monotonous and tiring—they’re sapping your resiliency.*
*We are all under pressure at work—and these stresses ignite our prehistoric “fight or flight” response. This means a rush of cortisol, adrenaline, and other stress hormones are coursing through our bodies. Unfortunately, we’re not doing anything to burn those hormones off and release the “bliss molecules” that intense fighting or fleeing would generate.”*
*Click here to read more*
---
### [Obama’s Cybersecurity Plan is Meant to Secure His Legacy](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/obamas-cybersecurity-plan-is-meant-to-secure-his-legacy/)
**Published:** February 10, 2016
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (Wired) - The end of White House terms are often about trying to shape historic legacies, and President Obama is out to build his in the new area of cybersecurity.
**Content:**
*(Original source Wired)*
*“The end of White House terms are often about trying to shape historic legacies, and President Obama is out to build his in the new area of cybersecurity. Yesterday, he released a new “Cybersecurity National Action Plan” that argues it is “Taking bold actions to protect Americans in today’s digital world.”*
*There are a lot of easy jokes to make about issuing such a plan after incidents that range from the breach of the Office of Personnel Management to the Pentagon, as well as in every business sector, from banks to movie studios. The new plan seeks to close a barn door that left open the personal records of some 22 million Americans, while programs that range from jet fighters to critical infrastructure have been repeatedly breached. But in both the real world and cybersecurity, there is not much value in crying over hacked milk, other than to score cheap political points on a president who isn’t running for re-election.”*
*Click here to read more*
---
### [Kempthorne endorses Jeb Bush for President](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/kempthorne-endorses-jeb-bush-for-president/)
**Published:** February 1, 2016
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (Idaho Statesman) - The Jeb Bush campaign Monday highlighted endorsements from former Idaho Gov. Dirk Kempthorne and two other ex-governors.
**Content:**
*(Original source Idaho Statesman)*
*The Jeb Bush campaign Monday highlighted endorsements from former Idaho Gov. Dirk Kempthorne and two other ex-governors.*
*Bush, the former Florida governor, “has rolled out a real western lands and resource management plan, issues that matter a tremendous amount in Idaho, Nevada, and many other states,” said Kempthorne, who also served as U.S. Interior secretary. “Beyond that, I know Jeb Bush to be a conservative, a man of character, and someone who brings tremendous judgment to public office.”*
*Former Govs. Frank Keating of Oklahoma and Lincoln Almond of Rhode Island also endorsed Bush. The campaign said 15 former governors are lined up behind Bush including Tom Ridge of Pennsylvania, Fife Symington of Arizona, Tommy Thompson of Wisconsin and Bill Weld of Massachusetts.*
---
### [Islam is native to the west: Nawaz](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/islam-is-native-to-the-west-nawaz/)
**Published:** January 30, 2016
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (9News) - If western nations recognise that Islam is native to the west, they can fully address the problem of Islamic extremism, a prominent British Muslim activist says.
**Content:**
*(Original source 9News)*
*“If western nations recognise that Islam is native to the west, they can fully address the problem of Islamic extremism, a prominent British Muslim activist says.*
*Maajid Nawaz finished his Australian tour in Sydney with a Q&A session attended by several hundred people at Sydney University on Saturday.*
*The counter-extremism adviser and author has appeared at a series of speaking events in Melbourne and Sydney as part of his global campaign to challenge Islamic extremism.”*
*Click here to read more*
---
### [Odyssey Marine Exploration opens new treasure exhibit](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/odyssey-marine-exploration-opens-new-treasure-exhibit/)
**Published:** January 22, 2016
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (WFLA) - Tampa-based Odyssey Marine Exploration is bringing treasure, artifacts and even some pirate relics to a new exhibit at the St. Petersburg Museum of History.
**Content:**
*(Original source WFLA)*
*“Tampa-based Odyssey Marine Exploration is bringing treasure, artifacts and even some pirate relics to a new exhibit at the St. Petersburg Museum of History.*
*“(There will be) dozens of artifacts, some of which we haven’t displayed before – most notably the bell from the SS Republic.We have a World War II casualty, where we recovered 100 tons of silver bullion. We’ll actually have one of those 80-pound silver bars here on display,” Odyssey CEO Mark Gordon said.*
*The exhibit will feature gold coins, silver and a 500-pound cannon recovered from the ocean floor of the Straights of Gibraltar. “It came from a barbary pirate ship. They were interesting. They were black pirates that took white slaves, white European slaves,” Gordon explained.”*
*Click here to read more*
---
### [How Russell Simmons Defines Success | Pioneers Ep. 1](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/how-russell-simmons-defines-success-pioneers-ep-1/)
**Published:** February 18, 2016
**Author:** ironcore
---
### [Asian Escalation: Why China Picked Woody Island For Its First South China Sea Missiles](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/asian-escalation-why-china-picked-woody-island-for-its-first-south-china-sea-missiles/)
**Published:** February 18, 2016
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (Forbes) - Just weeks after a U.S. Navy destroyer sailed near an island claimed by China in the South China Sea, the U.S. Government announced that Beijing has emplaced advanced surface-to-air missiles (SAMs) on the largest island in the same group.
**Content:**
By Michael Auslin *(original source Forbes)*
*“Just weeks after a U.S. Navy destroyer sailed near an island claimed by China in the South China Sea, the U.S. Government announced that Beijing has emplaced advanced surface-to-air missiles (SAMs) on the largest island in the same group. Washington and Asian nations are now decrying Beijing’s militarization of the region’s waters. Yet there is good reason that China picked isolated Woody Island as the first place it deployed such defenses. It is another step in a long campaign to ensure that China develops an unparalleled military position in the vital waters of Southeast Asia.*
*Woody Island is part of the Paracel Islands group. It lies about 250 miles southeast of Hainan Island, which contains one of China’s main submarine bases. Beijing has controlled Woody Island since 1956, although both Taiwan and Vietnam both claim it.”*
*Click here to read more*
---
### [Cynthia Breazeal’s Robotic Quest](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/cynthia-breazeals-robotic-quest/)
**Published:** January 26, 2016
**Author:** wpengine
**Content:**
**The Next** member of Cynthia Breazeal’s household might be a robot. Later this year, she is releasing her latest creation, Jibo, a “social robot” that she sees as both an assistant and a companion.
Dr. Breazeal, the 48-year-old founder and director of the Personal Robots Group at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Media Lab, is known for her pioneering work in technology with social intelligence. She created her latest product for a private company that she founded, also called Jibo, where she is chief scientist. It is part of an expanding product line. Recent launches include Buddy, a knee-high “companion” robot with a rectangular screen for a face that can remind people about events and appointments and monitor homes, and Leka, a small, circular, motion-sensitive toy that lets children play educational games.
Dr. Breazeal’s inspiration for her robots were R2-D2 and C-3P0 in “Star Wars,” the film that got her interested in the field in the first place. The daughter of two scientists who worked at federal laboratories in Livermore, Calif., she saw the movie for the first time at age 10. “I was completely blown away, obviously, by the movie but also by the droids,” she says.
As a student at the University of California, Santa Barbara, she thought that she wanted to be an astronaut. But she switched tracks, majoring in electrical and computer engineering and then earning her Ph.D. in space robotics. When NASA sent a robotic spacecraft to survey Mars in 1996, she wondered why there wasn’t more progress in household robots. So she turned her focus closer to home.
At MIT in the late 1990s, Dr. Breazeal created her first social robot—defined as one that interacts in a personal and cooperative way with humans. Rather than working on getting the robots simply to carry out tasks, she focused on improving their responses to people in ways that seem empathetic and emotional. An early model, Kismet, looked like a robotic head. It could recognize a person’s expressions and respond with appropriate expressions of its own.
Her models have come a long way since then. In 2008, she helped build the 4-foot-tall Nexi. It could talk, move on wheels and pick up objects. Its humanlike face could also make expressions, its blue eyes blinking and its eyebrows moving up and down as if in anger or sadness.
Cynthia Breazeal with her robot, Jibo. PHOTO: JASON GROW FOR THE WALL STREET JOURNAL
The idea behind her projects was in part to explore how well robots could read people and whether people would trust and feel comfortable interacting with robots. She wanted to build robots that felt more like a partner than a tool. Along the way, Dr. Breazeal says, one of her big questions was: “What are these emotional, interpersonal interactions that set the foundation for all communication?”
In one test, she and her students built a robotic weight-loss coach—a simple model with a rectangular body holding a computer screen and a head on top—to see if it could help dieters. They had subjects talk to the robot every morning, going over their weight-loss goals, and enter data about their food consumption on the screen. The robot compared the data with how they had done on previous days, told the dieters things like “Good job” or “You didn’t quite reach the goals you set for yourself,” and gave recommendations. People who interacted with the robot stuck with their diets twice as long as those who wrote a diet log on paper and 40% longer than people who logged their meals on a computer, without robotic coaching.
Dr. Breazeal doesn’t think that robots will come to replace human relationships; instead, they could be similar to a pet or a supportive acquaintance. “It’s this not-quite-human other, but it can still connect to you in a rewarding way,” she says. And she thinks robots could improve time with family and friends by taking on more routine tasks.
Her latest robot, Jibo, is about the size of a small table lamp, with a round screen that swivels on a stationary base. Users can talk to Jibo, which is programmed to autonomously do things like take pictures, read out emails and calendar reminders and make video calls. Jibo can recognize faces and talk back. The company has raised about $60 million so far. A pre-release version at $749 is sold out; it will be available to the public in a few months.
Dr. Breazeal lives in the Boston area with her husband and three young sons. In her down time, when she isn’t reading about science and artificial intelligence, she likes to read books on her oldest son’s sixth-grade reading list and talk about them with him.
Education is another area where she thinks robots will eventually expand. Robots could supplement human teachers by acting as interactive practice companions. “I’m really thinking about social robots as an extender of our human capacity,” she says. “There’s just not going to be enough doctors to meet the demand. There’s just not going to be enough elder care to meet the demand and certainly not enough teachers for every child to have a personal tutor.”
In the end, she thinks that technology will only add to our understanding of what it is to be human. “I’m hoping not for a denigration of the human experience but almost a re-enlightenment and a re-appreciation of what it means to be human,” she says. “How can we create technology to support who we are?”
---
### [Art Is Active and Incomplete: a Conversation with Erik Wahl](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/art-is-active-and-incomplete-a-conversation-with-erik-wahl/)
**Published:** March 29, 2016
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (The People's Playground) - My story is one of discovering a win through a painful loss. I spent the first half of my life as a business professional – lost everything in early 2000 – and then discovered art and have been combining the two ever since.
**Content:**
*(Original source National Review)*
*“It is being claimed a new civil rights era, a stand for social justice against oppression buried deep in some of America’s most privileged bastions. Three weeks ago, the president of the University of Missouri system resigned over charges that he had not taken seriously enough allegations of systemic racism permeating his campuses. At Yale, both the university’s president and the African-American dean of Yale College have capitulated to student demands for sensitivity training, expanded minority programs and courses, and have offered abject public apologies for “failing” Yale’s black students over similar assertions of racial bias on campus, including an e-mail questioning the need to censor Halloween costumes. Meanwhile, the master of one of Yale’s twelve residential colleges was confronted and verbally assaulted by a group of student protesters, who screamed profanity at him and refused to engage in any type of reasoned debate.”*
*Click here to read more*
---
### [Where Hiroshima could happen again](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/where-hiroshima-could-happen-again/)
**Published:** June 9, 2016
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (CNN) - The unthinkable -- nuclear war with Russia -- is becoming the thinkable.
**Content:**
By Jill Dougherty *(original source CNN)*
*“When I was 12 years old, during the Cold War, I read John Hersey’s novel “Hiroshima.” He describes in searing detail what happened that day — August 6, 1945 — when the United States dropped the first atomic bomb on the Japanese city of Hiroshima.*
*For nights afterward, I couldn’t sleep. I couldn’t get his images out of my mind: people going about their daily lives; the sudden fireball so hot it vaporized bodies, leaving just shadows on a wall; the silent, deadly radiation that sickened and killed tens of thousands more.”*
*Click here to read more*
---
### [Here’s What an Audience Really Wants in a Keynote Speaker](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/heres-audience-really-wants-keynote-speaker/)
**Published:** June 3, 2016
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (LinkedIn Pulse) - Keynote speakers may be the anchor event of a sales meeting, corporate event, or technical symposium. Or they may be the capstone to a corporate team-building endeavor.
**Content:**
*(Original source LinkedIn Pulse)*
*“Keynote speakers may be the anchor event of a sales meeting, corporate event, or technical symposium. Or they may be the capstone to a corporate team-building endeavor. Generally, a keynote speaker will talk to an audience for 45 minutes to an hour, capturing the distilled essence of your gathering and highlighting it to the audience. The great keynote speaker can shape the presentation into a unique “moment” for your audience and make the occasion memorable for the right reasons.*
*Good keynote speakers and bad keynote speakers exist, and the speaker that is perfect for one organization and occasion may not be right for another. To choose the keynote speaker that will resonate with your particular audience at a particular time, it’s important to understand different types of keynote speakers, what it’s reasonable to expect from them, and what you shouldn’t expect them to do. Take the time up front to evaluate your options carefully, and you can ensure a keynote speech that will stay with the audience long after the event itself is over.”*
*Click here to read more*
---
### [Shervin Pishevar: The man behind the Hyperloop explains how Elon Musk inspired him to build the super train of the future](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/shervin-pishevar-the-man-behind-the-hyperloop-explains-how-elon-musk-inspired-him-to-build-the-super-train-of-the-future/)
**Published:** May 11, 2016
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
We’re here to witness a huge event for the Hyperloop, Elon Musk’s vision for the future of transportation.
Hyperloop One, the startup that just raised $80 million to build a real, functioning Hyperloop, will test its propulsion system Wednesday in a press demo.
The test isn’t the full-scale Hyperloop, but a “sled” on an open-air track that serves as a demonstration of how the Hyperloop will be powered once it’s built.
Ahead of the demo, Tech Insider spoke with Shervin Pishevar, the legendary Silicon Valley investor best known as an early investor in Uber back when everyone thought it was overhyped. We all know how that turned out.
Pishevar is the chairman of Hyperloop One, and he was the person who convinced Elon Musk to release his plans for the Hyperloop to the public back in 2013.
Here’s a lightly edited transcript of our chat with Pishevar:
**Shervin Pishevar:** I first heard about it just through my friendship with Elon. And then when we went on the trip to Cuba together, I brought that up with Elon. Like what are you going to do with it? And that’s how the journey began.
**Thompson:** Does Musk advise you at all? Do you guys chat about it?
**Pishevar:** No, he said then that he was going to open source it and not be involved in any one company that starts out of it. So we asked permission to start a company and he said go ahead — he’s going to open source it anyway. We asked about cargo and if that was possible and he said if you scale the system it should work. So that is kind of the beginnings of it and then I started the company separately from him and recruited \[Hyperloop One CTO\] Brogan BamBrogan and the board and that is how it began.
The site in North Las Vegas where Hyperloop One will test its propulsion system YouTubeAviSight**Pishevar:** In 10 years there should be a network of Hyperloops around the world. That’s the vision. Hopefully within five years we’ll see the first ones actually working.
\[This week\] we are going to see the actual propulsion system. By the end of this year we should see the “Kittyhawk moment,” which is the full scale Hyperloop, devloop, again here in Nevada.
**Thompson:** So the first full-scale test system, the two-mile track, will be built here in Nevada?
**Pishevar:** Yeah.
**Thompson:** Where would the first network Hyperloop be built?
**Pishevar:** We don’t know yet, but most likely it will be international, just from a regulatory, governmental perspective, it’s most likely going to be abroad.
Concept art by Hyperloop One Hyperloop Technologies**Thompson:** What has your relationship with government officials been like?
**Pishevar:** In the US and abroad there’s incredible positivity towards Hyperloop. People are excited about it and it’s really begun to capture people’s imaginations. In many ways if you look at how governments reacted to broadband, they really did want broadband to come into their countries. The government officials saw the potential for that. And you saw the 3G licenses and the LTE licenses spread around the world, mobile spread around the world and transformed economies, so we hope Hyperloop really begins to do that and Hyperloop One begins to lead the way.
**Thompson:** Do you anticipate problems with lobbying groups?
**Pishevar:** We hope to be complimentary towards existing systems with partnerships. That’s why you see SNCF investing and partnering, GE Ventures investing and our partnership with them. That kind of partnership model, we should be able to find ways to augment and bring some of these companies, the Hyperloop solutions to implement.
**Thompson:**
What will be the biggest impact the Hyperloop will have if/when it gets up and running?
Hyperloop One wants to make the world one, want to make the world smaller. In many ways getting rid of that displacement of where you live and where you work. Really, at that point it doesn’t matter where you live and work. You should be able to travel between cities much faster and more cheaply than is possible today.
A Hyperloop tube VimeoHyperloop Tech**Thompson:** Can you walk me through what we are going to see during the propulsion test?
**Pishevar:** We are going to see the propulsion open-air test. That is going to show that our propulsion levitation system actually works. We should hit 350 miles per hour or so. And that should be faster than any high-speed rail in the world. And then, by the end of the year, we will have the full-scale system in a tube with a pod.
**Thompson:** What are the two ideal cities to connect via Hyperloop in your opinion?
**Pishevar:** That is like choosing your favorite children. At the end of the day, I live in Silicon Valley and LA, and for selfish reasons I’d love to have Los Angeles and San Francisco connected with the Hyperloop.
**Thompson:** Is there one technology that is making all of these transformations in transportation possible?
**Pishevar:** I think people are making it possible. The incredible talent that has assembled at Hyperloop One is what is making it possible. I don’t just think it’s a technology story, I think it’s a human story. It’s those hearts and that passion of everyone and the commitment that is distorting reality and making this possible as fast as it is.
---
### [Russell Simmons - Behind the Brand](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/russell-simmons-behind-brand/)
**Published:** June 8, 2016
**Author:** ironcore
---
### [Former Starbucks President Howard Behar's new book is a parable for business leaders](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/former-starbucks-president-howard-behars-new-book-is-a-parable-for-business-leaders/)
**Published:** March 15, 2016
**Author:** wpengine
**Content:**
**Howard Behar**, renown business leader, philanthropist, mentor and author, is out with his second book, “The Magic Cup: A Business Parable about a Leader, a Team and the Power of Putting People and Values First.” It will be available at Amazon and Barnes and Noble March 29.
He describes it as a children’s book for adult business leaders.
Behar, the former president of Starbucks Coffee Company North America and Starbucks Coffee International for more than two decades, calls this book his life’s work.
“I want to change how we lead,” he says. “How we lead ourselves first. How we figure out our values and live them, and how that turns into a healthy organization that cares about and helps people, an organization that is also profitable and achieves its goals.”
The inspirational book is written as a modern-day fable.
“The events it relates may be make-believe,” he says, “but the story it conveys is real. I’ve lived it.”
The story’s protagonist is named Steadfast, the CEO at Verity Glassworks. The psycho villain is Hoggit, one of many names with meaning, like the female leader Nora Northstar, Crystal Modello and Joe, the window washer who makes the world clearer every time he does his work.
It’s a page turner that lays out 11 values he says are vital to a successful business: responsibility, curiosity, cooperation, trust, truth, hope, forgiveness, focus, stewardship, courage and connection – all attributes to put in the magic cup.
“These are all linked,” he says. “Life is one big circle, and all these things matter as a whole.”
“I want people to question how they are living their lives and think about what goes into their proverbial cup. Is it growing in size, or is the cup shrinking because of greed and self interest?” he says. “Look at guys like **Kerry Killinger** (Killinger was head of Washington Mutual at the time it became the largest bank failure in history). Do you think he’s happy now? Were his values in the right place? Whose cup was he filling?”
Behar came up with the magic cup idea and concept four years ago. The cup knows what is being put into it.
“It fills and overflows with good, but it shrinks and shrivels when we put greed and blind ambition in. What you put into life, you get out of it, especially in the business world,”says Behar.
He says that success comes when we believe in something bigger than ourselves.
Some of the leaders he admires most are Costco co-founders **Jeff Brotman** and **Jim Sinegal.**
“They made money, and they had courage and stewardship,” he says, “and were thinking about long term and doing things right.”
Among others he points to as great leaders are former Ford Chief **Alan Mulally,** **Kip** **Tindell,** chairman and CEO of The Container Store; United States Secretary of Labor **Tom Perez;** former Starbucks COO **Troy Alstead**– “an incredible human being.”
And Behar brings politics into the values mix.
“This election should be based on a values decision. Policy follows values. Values don’t follow policy,” he says. “If you can look at your candidate and say that this person has values I want my kids to follow or my company to emulate, that’s your person.”
Behar spent 21 years helping grow Starbucks. He opened the first store outside of North America in Japan. And helped the company grow from 28 stores to over 15,000 stores all over the world. He served on the Starbucks board of directors for 12 years before retiring.
His first book was called “It’s Not about the Coffee: Lessons on Leadership from a Life at Starbucks.”
---
### [Opinion: What Vladimir Putin said ... and what he meant](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/opinion-vladimir-putin-said-meant/)
**Published:** June 24, 2016
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (CNN) - It was the kind of challenge Russian President Vladimir Putin seems to relish: downplaying his own weakness, exploiting his opponents' vulnerabilities, and deftly turning the tables by throwing in a few barbed jokes.
**Content:**
By Jill Dougherty *(original source CNN)*
*“It was the kind of challenge Russian President Vladimir Putin seems to relish: downplaying his own weakness, exploiting his opponents’ vulnerabilities, and deftly turning the tables by throwing in a few barbed jokes.*
*As he stood at the podium at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, news broke that the European Union was extending economic sanctions on Crimea, the Ukrainian region Russia annexed in 2014, and would soon extend overall sanctions on Moscow.”*
*Click here to read more*
---
### [A Tipping Point in the World of Finance](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/tipping-point-world-finance/)
**Published:** July 5, 2016
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (Worldwide Tipping Point) - David and M-CAM (the organization he runs) have planted themselves within the heart of what many feel is the true darkness within our society: the financial arena.
**Content:**
*(Original source Worldwide Tipping Point)*
*“The interview with David Martin is a truly unique one on Worldwide Tipping Point. David and M-CAM (the organization he runs) have planted themselves within the heart of what many feel is the true darkness within our society: the financial arena.*
*David’s mission is to change the world of monetary exchange from the inside out. As you listen to this interview, you will get a sense that the manner in which David and M-CAM hold financial transactions is very different from what we usually hear.*
*How so? For one they focus their attention on the **human implications** of value exchange, something our culture has apparently forgotten about if you read the newspaper or watch the news.”*
*Click here to read more*
---
### [Please stop saying the Nice attacks have nothing to do with Islam](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/please-stop-saying-nice-attacks-nothing-islam/)
**Published:** July 15, 2016
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (Telegraph) - In the wake of the Nice attacks people are already saying: "But the terrorist wasn't pious. See! It has nothing to do with Islam."
Please stop.
**Content:**
By Maajid Nawaz *(original source Telegraph)*
*[“In the wake of the Nice attacks](http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/07/15/how-religion-can-drive-someone-slaughter-his-fellow-citizens--an/) people are already saying: “But the terrorist wasn’t pious. See! It has nothing to do with Islam.”*
*Please stop.*
*Your good intentions towards us Muslims are only making the problem worse. This is as dangerous as saying it is everything to do with Islam.*
*The Crusaders weren’t pious. But they had something to do with Christianity, right? Right? That something was the desire impious religious peasants had for martyrdom and the religious promise of redemption that Pope Urban II gave them.”*
*Click here to read more*
---
### [Disruptive innovation not just for Apple, Google anymore](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/disruptive-innovation-not-just-apple-google-anymore/)
**Published:** June 29, 2016
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (CU Insight) - Community financial institutions can create cultures of innovation in one of three ways, Soren Kaplan tells TMG Executive Summit attendees
**Content:**
*(Original source CU Insight)*
*“Wall Street Journal best-selling author Soren Kaplan told 2016 TMG Executive Summit attendees breakthrough innovation doesn’t have to be monumental. Nor does it have to come from big-brand organizations with powerhouse fan bases. With a culture of innovation supporting them, even small ideas from small organizations can lead to big disruption.*
*Kaplan, who specializes in disruptive innovation, innovation culture and strategic change, has worked with organizations like Disney, Kimberly-Clark and Hershey. At today’s TMG Executive Summit, he shared three ways credit unions and community banks can begin to develop their own disruptive innovations.”*
*Click here to read more*
---
### [Braigo Labs™ Launches “Braigo™ Platform” Web Application](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/braigo-launches-web-app-help-blind-people-parse-text-images/)
**Published:** August 18, 2016
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (Braigo Labs) - The first of its kind, the beta release is the industry’s first step toward providing an integrated software platform for the visually impaired
**Content:**
*(Original source Braigo Labs)*
*“One of the biggest and most common challenges today faced by the visually impaired community worldwide is information consumption in the Internet age. Information is often visual-based, whether on the Internet or in our daily lives. While many companies and nonprofit organizations have invested in creating multiple different tools over time, many are standalone solutions and require upfront training. Some come with a hefty price tag while others are free. Existing screen readers or accessibility tools on our computers today are not able to explain what an image says. This challenge extends across multiple languages and countries.*
*Braigo Labs feels that technology can bridge the gap by creating a software platform for the visually impaired. We embarked on a journey to create one platform for accessibility needs with a roadmap that will try to integrate new and existing technologies as a complete solution under the Braigo Platform umbrella.”*
*Click here to read more*
---
### [Five Ways to Disrupt the Disruptors](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/five-ways-disrupt-disruptors/)
**Published:** June 14, 2016
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (The Innovation Resource) - At FIS’s banking conference in Orlando last month, the talk was of digital disruption.
**Content:**
*(Original source The Innovation Resource)*
*“At FIS’s banking conference in Orlando last month, the talk was of digital disruption. As if Dodd-Frank financial regulations and blockchain technology weren’t enough to contend with, here comes the “two guys from Ireland” to eat their lunch. Brothers Patrick and John Collison grew up in a remote part of Ireland and didn’t have internet access until they were teens. But they created Stripe, which is being heralded as “a far simpler method of processing payments” that could wipe out banks’ credit card processing business. Stripe was recently valued at $5 billion, and the brothers have relocated to Silicon Valley.*
*The Collisons are part of a new breed of digital disruptors sending shudders through the banking sector. With names like Stripe, Square, AimLoans, Zopa, Mint, and Wonga, they are targeting every revenue category that banks rely upon for profits: home loans, consumer credit, asset management, deposits, and credit cards. Accenture expects disruptive business models to gobble up 32 percent of banks’ revenue stream by 2020. And banks are hardly alone. Here are five ways to disrupt the disruptors in your market:”*
*Click here to read more*
---
### [Deadly Hospital Bombing Highlights an Escalating War in Yemen](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/deadly-hospital-bombing-highlights-escalating-war-yemen/)
**Published:** August 24, 2016
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (New York Times) - The bomb from the Saudi jet dropped into the middle of the hospital compound, a facility run by Doctors Without Borders, landing between the emergency room and a triage area for new patients.
**Content:**
By Mark Mazzetti and Shuaib Almosawa *(original source New York Times)*
*“It was a frenetic Monday afternoon at Abs Hospital in northern Yemen, with doctors and nurses busily shuttling among the patients and a maternity ward filled with 25 women expecting to give birth.*
*The bomb from the Saudi jet dropped into the middle of the hospital compound, a facility run by Doctors Without Borders, landing between the emergency room and a triage area for new patients. Nineteen people were killed, dozens were injured, and a humanitarian group that for decades has braved war zones across the globe decided it had had enough.”*
*Click here to read more*
---
### [Turning Weapons Into Watches to End Gun Violence](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/turning-weapons-into-watches-to-end-gun-violence/)
**Published:** June 14, 2016
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (WNYC) - After yet another massacre, America finds itself in a familiar situation — there’s shock, anger, and mourning that’s followed by a persistent question: "What can be done?" The answer? Probably nothing.
**Content:**
By Todd Swillich and T.J. Raphael *(original source WNYC)*
*“After yet another massacre, America finds itself in a familiar situation — there’s shock, anger, and mourning that’s followed by a persistent question: “What can be done?” The answer? Probably nothing.*
*With Republicans in control of both houses of Congress, it’s highly unlikely that lawmakers will act to keep guns out of the hands of people with a criminal record, a history of mental illness, or those on a terror watch list. But what if guns and ammunition could be recycled into art? Peter Thum has been working to make that concept a reality for years.”*
*Click here to read more*
---
### [How Presidents Can Blow It During a National Disaster](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/presidents-can-blow-national-disaster/)
**Published:** August 27, 2016
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (Hudson Institute) - This summer’s bad news—floods in Louisiana, the spread of the Zika virus, police shootings, the threat of domestic terrorism—reminds us of a central challenge for any president: what to do when disaster strikes.
**Content:**
By Tevi Troy *(original source Hudson Institute)*
*“This summer’s bad news—floods in Louisiana, the spread of the Zika virus, police shootings, the threat of domestic terrorism—reminds us of a central challenge for any president: what to do when disaster strikes. Rush to the site and roll up his (or her) sleeves? Trust state and local leaders to handle the mess? Pick up the putter and finish that round of golf?*
*Modern presidents—with enormous federal capacities at their disposal and a media spotlight on the White House—are under great pressure to rise to the occasion. But it hasn’t always been this way.”*
*Click here to read more*
---
### [Joseph Stiglitz: Trump Presidency Would Be A "Nightmare" -- He Could "Bankrupt the Country"](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/joseph-stiglitz-trump-presidency-nightmare-bankrupt-country/)
**Published:** September 14, 2016
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
By Tim Hains *(original source RealClear Politics)*
*Nobel Prize-winning economist Joseph Stiglitz says a Donald Trump presidency would be a “nightmare”, but that it is unlikely to happen. He also speaks about the reasons Trump has so much support: “If you look at the numbers, roughly the bottom 90% have had stagnant income over the past quarter of a century. and we’ve been trying to understand why has that been. And it is, I think partly because we haven’t paid attention to the issue.”*
*“Fortunately, I’m not having too many sleepless nights, because I think the probability of \[a Trump presidency\] happening is not very large,” he said. “I think it would be extraordinarily difficult with our relations with other countries — our economic relations and our foreign policy relationships. Building that wall between Mexico and the U.S. is building a wall between the U.S and Latin America. It has done more damage already than one could imagine.For our economy, I think the uncertaintt of this political leader who clearly has no deep understanding of economics other than how to go bankrupt. And we could only hope he won’t bankrupt the country.”*
*Click here to read more*
---
### [Susan G. Komen Founder: Competition is healthy for cancer research](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/susan-g-komen-founder-competition-healthy-cancer-research/)
**Published:** September 22, 2016
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (Yahoo Finance) - “Competition is healthy. The issue is how to collaborate,” Nancy Brinker, founder of breast cancer organization Susan G. Komen, told Yahoo Finance when discussing cancer research at the Concordia Summit in New York City.
**Content:**
*(Original source Yahoo Finance)*
*“Competition is healthy. The issue is how to collaborate,” Nancy Brinker, founder of breast cancer organization Susan G. Komen, told Yahoo Finance when discussing cancer research at the Concordia Summit in New York City. “People are going to have to figure out a way to secure both risk/reward for developing therapeutics and sharing data.”*
*Brinker is determined to educate women all over the world about the risk and danger of breast cancer, and how you can be screened, treated and cured of the disease. Brinker, who co-chaired a panel at the Summit, brought together key players in cancer research to discuss ways to elevate the global priority of the fight against cancer.*
*Click here to read more*
---
### [America’s Next Crisis Manager](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/americas-next-crisis-manager/)
**Published:** September 25, 2016
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (Business Insider) - Leading a nation through disaster calls for honesty, calmness and resolve. Trump and Clinton have flaws, but also strengths.
**Content:**
By Tevi Troy *(original source The Wall Street Journal)*
*“As Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump clash on the debate stage Monday night, viewers should consider how each might handle a disaster as president. One of the topics slated for debate is “securing America,” and indeed, terrorism recently struck New York, New Jersey and Minneapolis. Hurricanes and pandemics also loom as unpredictable threats in the presidential purview.*
*The campaign has been unusually focused on exactly the characteristics that are essential in a time of crisis: honesty, calmness, resolve. Unfortunately, the two major-party candidates are lacking in important ways. Mrs. Clinton’s email scandal and recent obfuscations about her health undermine her credibility with the American people, which is the basis for effective leadership in a disaster. Without it, leaders cannot count on getting people to follow difficult directives during a crisis.”*
*Click here to read more*
---
### [Broaddus: Expect Fed Rates to Rise Slowly, Sluggishly](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/broaddus-expect-fed-rates-rise-slowly-sluggishly/)
**Published:** November 2, 2016
**Author:** ironcore
---
### [More Exercise Needed to Experience Health Benefits, Says New Study](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/exercise-needed-experience-health-benefits-says-new-study/)
**Published:** September 19, 2016
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (Allure) - With all that’s going on in our crazy-busy lives, getting more exercise than we'd anticipated each week is always a huge moment of celebration. But a new study suggests even your most successful workout weeks might not be cutting it.
**Content:**
By Macaela Mackenzie *(original source Allure)*
*“With all that’s going on in our crazy-busy lives, getting more exercise than we’d anticipated each week is always a huge moment of celebration. But a new study suggests even your most successful workout weeks might not be cutting it.*
*According to a recent review of research published in [The BMJ](http://www.bmj.com/content/354/bmj.i3857), you should be getting way more exercise than what global health experts are currently recommending. Especially if one of your goals with working out is lowering your risk of serious diseases like breast cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.”*
*Click here to read more*
---
### [Announcing the Braigo Companion App with Shubham Banerjee](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/announcing-braigo-companion-app-shubham-banerjee/)
**Published:** October 25, 2016
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (Braigo Labs) - Braigo LabsTM and its founder, Shubham Banerjee, has created a software application that takes visual information and translates it into textual audio.
**Content:**
By WWSG Staff *(original source Braigo Labs)*
*“From the same company that brought about affordable Braille printing using Legos, another product has been launched that helps visually impaired people. [Braigo LabsTM](https://www.braigolabs.com/) and its founder, [Shubham Banerjee](https://wwsg.com/speakers/shubham-banerjee/), has created a software application that takes visual information and translates it into textual audio.*
*The visually impaired community faces a unique problem. Information is often visual-based, whether on the Internet or in our daily lives. While many companies and nonprofit organizations have invested capital to create tools that can help, many are standalone solutions and require upfront training. Some are more expensive, and others are unaffordable. Existing screen readers or accessibility tools on our computers today are not able to explain what an image says. This challenge extends across multiple languages and countries.”*
*Click here to read more*
---
### [From public to private life: An ambassador reinvented](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/public-private-life-ambassador-reinvented/)
**Published:** November 2, 2016
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (The Jerusalem Post) - Almost three years ago, in January, former Canadian prime minister Stephen Harper appointed me ambassador to Israel, indescribably changing my life and that of my family.
**Content:**
By Ambassador Vivian Bercovici *(original source The Jerusalem Post)*
*“Almost three years ago, in January, former Canadian prime minister Stephen Harper appointed me ambassador to Israel, indescribably changing my life and that of my family. I very proudly represented Canada in Israel until the end of June.*
*Today, with one of my daughters, I begin again. For the time being, we have decided to remain in Israel, fulfilling personal commitments made and adjusting to very different life circumstances. Among other professional endeavors, I will be writing monthly here, and wanted to take this opportunity to introduce myself to new readers with whom I look forward to engaging.”*
*Click here to read more*
---
### [Watch Trevor Noah, Tomi Lahren's Fierce Debate On Black Lives Matter](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/watch-trevor-noah-tomi-lahrens-fierce-debate-black-lives-matter/)
**Published:** December 1, 2016
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (Rolling Stone) - 'Daily Show' host spars with conservative host about political protests, Donald Trump supporters, Colin Kaepernick
**Content:**
By Elias Leight *(original source Rolling Stone)*
*“Conservative commentator Tomi Lahren clashed with The Daily Show host Trevor Noah in an extended 25-minute debate Wednesday night. The conversation centered on the Black Lives Matter movement and the efficacy of political protesting. But the takeaway was the utter disconnect between the host and the 24-year-old firebrand, who works for Glenn Beck’s website The Blaze.*
*“Why are you so angry?” Noah asked the Dallas-based host, who appeared tone-deaf insisting that she wasn’t angry, as clips of her viral ‘Final Thoughts’ rants punctuated the segment. In one clip, Lahren calls anti-Trump protesters “crybabies with nothing better to do than meander around the streets with their participation trophies and false sense of purpose.” “It’s just that there are things that need to be said, and a lot of people are afraid to say them,” Lahren said to Noah.”*
*Click here to read more*
---
### [Tomi Lahren: Young, Vocal and the Right’s Rising Media Star](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/tomi-lahren-young-vocal-rights-rising-media-star/)
**Published:** December 4, 2016
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (The New York Times) - Tomi Lahren, a 24-year-old conservative commentator, had left her bubble of more than 4.3 million followers on social media last week to appear in front of the progressive, diverse audience that attends the weeknight tapings of “The Daily Show With Trevor Noah” in Manhattan.
**Content:**
By Jonah Engel Bromwich *(original source The New York Times)*
*“I’m in the lion’s den, Trevor.”*
*Tomi Lahren, a 24-year-old conservative commentator, had left her bubble of more than 4.3 million followers on social media last week to appear in front of the progressive, diverse audience that attends the weeknight tapings of “The Daily Show With Trevor Noah” in Manhattan.*
*Before the interview began, Mr. Noah requested that the studio audience be polite to Ms. Lahren. “Imagine you’re at Thanksgiving again, and your racist uncle walked in,” he joked.*
*Click here to read more*
---
### [Why Diplomats Are Agog at Trump’s Ambassador to Israel](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/diplomats-agog-trumps-ambassador-israel/)
**Published:** December 19, 2016
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (Wall Street Journal) - The foreign service resents any outsiders who leapfrog to the top—no matter their skills and qualifications.
**Content:**
By Vivian Bercovici *(original source Wall Street Journal)*
*“President-elect Trump’s choice for ambassador to Israel, the attorney David Friedman, has been received in some quarters with contempt and disbelief. Mr. Friedman’s presumed failings are said to be many. As a lawyer, he has no diplomatic or foreign policy experience. He is a right-wing “extremist,” supposedly because he supports expanding settlements and moving the U.S. embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.*
*At its core, criticism of Mr. Friedman reflects the erroneous notion that only professionally trained diplomats can do the job. That is simply false. Modern diplomacy—which I experienced as Canada’s ambassador to Israel—is an anachronistic system of entitlement and privilege aligned with the aristocratic sensibilities of the late 19th century. The “foreign service” model that prevails today was the institutional response to a surfeit of well-bred, indolent men needing something to do. So they were sent abroad to underwrite fancy parties and salons, in the name of the King, Queen or Republic.”*
*Click here to read more*
---
### [Reiff: Trump Operative Warns California on ‘Collision Course’](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/reiff-trump-operative-warns-california-collision-course/)
**Published:** December 14, 2016
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (Voice of OC) - Costa Mesa political consultant Eric Beach, a 39-year-old “boy wonder” who ran a key super PAC that helped to elect Donald Trump, has a message for Californians despondent or defiant over a Trump presidency: Get over it.
**Content:**
By Rick Reiff *(original source Voice of OC)*
*“Costa Mesa political consultant Eric Beach, a 39-year-old “boy wonder” who ran a key super PAC that helped to elect Donald Trump, has a message for Californians despondent or defiant over a Trump presidency: Get over it.*
*“We have a lot of issues here in California that need to be fixed. I would hope that we borrow Donald Trump’s motto and look at these next four years to see how we can make this state better,” Beach said on the “Inside OC with Rick Reiff” public affairs program.”*
*Click here to read more*
---
### [Russell Simmons: Trump contradicts the American Dream](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/russell-simmons-trump-contradicts-american-dream/)
**Published:** February 3, 2017
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** The hip hop mogul sold drugs "like everybody else in the neighorhood" until he found music. Rush Communications' CEO takes CNNMoney's Cristina Alesci back to his humble beginnings.
---
### [How Good Do You Want to Be?](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/how-good-do-you-want-to-be/)
**Published:** March 2, 2017
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (John Foley) - How Good Do You Want to Be?
**Content:**
---
### [Maajid Points Out Huge Flaw With Trump's "Extreme Vetting"](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/maajid-points-huge-flaw-trumps-extreme-vetting/)
**Published:** January 28, 2017
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (Leading Britain's Conversation) - Trump has halted the issuing of visas to a number of mainly Muslim countries. Here Maajid Nawaz points out a huge flaw in the US President's logic.
**Content:**
*(Original source Leading Britain’s Conversation)*
*“Trump announced and signed executive action that will prevent refugees and immigrants from mainly Muslim countries entering the United States.*
*The US President justified this move, which he described as “extreme vetting”, as a way to “keep terrorists out”.*
*But Maajid identified something glaringly wrong with Trump’s reasoning.”*
*Click here to read more*
---
### [Gingrich, Giuliani to lead group pushing Trump's agenda](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/gingrich-giuliani-lead-group-pushing-trumps-agenda/)
**Published:** January 30, 2017
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (Politico) - Great America Alliance will also be run by two Republican strategists, Ed Rollins and Eric Beach.
**Content:**
By Alex Isenstadt *(original source Politico)*
*“Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich and former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani will co-chair a newly-formed outside group that is devoted to promoting President Donald Trump’s agenda.*
*Gingrich said in an interview he would help to oversee Great America Alliance, an independent, pro-Trump political nonprofit. It will also be co-chaired by former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, who, like Gingrich, was an early and outspoken Trump supporter.”*
*Click here to read more*
---
### [Apple Co-Founder Steve Wozniak Mentors And Mixes With HPU Students](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/apple-co-founder-steve-wozniak-mentors-mixes-hpu-students/)
**Published:** February 20, 2017
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (High Point University) - Apple Co-founder and High Point University's Innovator in Residence Steve Wozniak returned to campus today for a series of micro sessions with students.
**Content:**
*(Original source High Point University)*
*“Apple Co-founder and High Point University’s Innovator in Residence Steve Wozniak returned to campus today for a series of micro sessions with students, faculty and members of the community that focused on a variety of topics.*
*He began his visit with HPU pharmacy students. Teams of students took turns discussing ideas, including software and applications that streamline patient care. Pharmacy students also received advice from Wozniak on the journey from concept to implementation.”*
*Click here to read more*
---
### [IU's MoneySmarts partners with Pete the Planner to help students make smart financial decisions](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/ius-moneysmarts-partners-pete-planner-help-students-make-smart-financial-decisions/)
**Published:** January 31, 2017
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (IU Newsroom) - The Indiana University Office of Financial Literacy and its award-winning MoneySmarts financial wellness program are taking a bold new step to help students at IU and across the country: developing a comprehensive yet practical financial wellness platform to help students make informed financial decisions.
**Content:**
*(Original source IU Newsroom)*
*“The Indiana University Office of Financial Literacy and its award-winning MoneySmarts financial wellness program are taking a bold new step to help students at IU and across the country: developing a comprehensive yet practical financial wellness platform to help students make informed financial decisions.*
*The platform, MoneySmarts U, will be created through a partnership with Peter Dunn. Also known as Pete the Planner, Dunn is an award-winning comedian and brilliant financial mind who writes a USA Today column and is the author of 10 books aimed at helping people create financial stability at any stage of their lives. Dunn is regularly considered one of the foremost experts on financial wellness in the world.”*
*Click here to read more*
---
### [I ran Clinton's campaign, and I fear Russia is meddling with more than elections](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/ran-clintons-campaign-fear-russia-meddling-elections/)
**Published:** February 7, 2017
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (The Guardian) - Vladimir Putin wants to extend his influence beyond the ballot box and into the very fabric of our public life. We must take action before it’s too late
**Content:**
By Robby Mook *(original source The Guardian)*
*“The Russian [hacking of the Democratic National Committee](https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2016/oct/07/us-russia-dnc-hack-interfering-presidential-election) (DNC) and members of Hillary Clinton’s campaign is being treated too much like a novelty and not enough as a serious and persistent security threat. The problem becomes more urgent as we see it spread to other countries.*
*WikiLeaks, which disseminated stolen DNC documents, announced last week that it would turn its attention to France, and has released material relating to presidential candidates [François Fillon](https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/feb/06/francois-fillon-admits-error-but-refuses-to-quit-french-presidential-race) and Emmanuel Macron, opponents of Marine Le Pen.”*
*Click here to read more*
---
### [Russia’s D.N.C. Hack Was Only the Start](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/russias-d-n-c-hack-start/)
**Published:** January 10, 2017
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (The New York Times) - Imagine the headlines if, in 2015, Russian agents had leapt out of a van at 2 a.m. in Southeast Washington and broken into the Democratic National Committee offices using sophisticated tools and techniques to steal tens of thousands of documents, including the names and Social Security numbers of donors and employees, and confidential memorandums about campaign strategy for the presidential election.
**Content:**
By Robby Mook *(original source The New York Times)*
*“Imagine the headlines if, in 2015, Russian agents had leapt out of a van at 2 a.m. in Southeast Washington and broken into the Democratic National Committee offices using sophisticated tools and techniques to steal tens of thousands of documents, including the names and Social Security numbers of donors and employees, and confidential memorandums about campaign strategy for the presidential election.*
*The world would have been aghast. It would have been, people would say, worse than Watergate.”*
*Click here to read more*
---
### [Is Senate the biggest obstacle to GOP health care?](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/senate-biggest-obstacle-gop-health-care/)
**Published:** April 28, 2017
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (Fox Business) - Alex Azar, former Lilly USA President and former HHS Deputy Secretary, on Republican efforts to reform health care.
---
### [For The Past 17 Years, Montel Williams Did What The FDA Won't: He Made Weed A Medicine](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/for-the-past-17-years-montel-williams-did-what-the-fda-wont-he-made-weed-a-medicine/)
**Published:** April 20, 2017
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (Forbes) – After being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) in 2000, Montel Williams set out to find the safest, most effective form of medicinal cannabis for treating his disease and others, and to bring that product to the masses.
**Content:**
After being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) in 2000, Montel Williams set out to find the safest, most effective form of medicinal cannabis for treating his disease and others, and to bring that product to the masses. After 17 years of nonstop research and advocacy, those goals are finally in hand with the launch of his new, medical-grade line of cannabis oils and products–but don’t expect him to slow down anytime soon.
Now serving medicinal cannabis patients in California (and other states soon), [Lenitiv Labs](http://www.lenitivlabs.com/) is the product of nearly two decades of research spanning multiple continents and continuous, very personal investment by Williams. As founder, the retired naval officer, former TV host, and ongoing entrepreneur has guaranteed to personally try every batch of cannabis concentrate he sells, having spent years learning how other companies process the plant for use in ‘medical’ products.
He explained by phone that the medicinal and recreational booms have also brought a huge rise in the number of different cannabis producers, all operating under fluctuating, often ill-defined regulatory standards. “We’ve got a lot of ‘garage scientists’ in the industry, who are well-meaning people–I don’t think anyone gets up in the morning, goes to the garage, and thinks they’ll make something poisonous that could hurt people,” he said.
“But some are misled, some don’t do the research, and some don’t understand how long it’s taken to get here, and just work from bits and pieces of the extant literature,” he continued. “If you looked at how some of these products are processed, you would not give it to your mother or your child. So why do we call it medicine?”
Williams, whose company recovers active and medicinal chemicals like THC and [CBD](https://www.projectcbd.org/what-cbd) from cannabis plants using the ‘green method’ of [supercritical fluid extraction](http://hightimes.com/grow/what-is-co2-oil/) (SFE) with C02, noted that the butane, hexane and flavoring used to process much [consumer-grade cannabis](http://www.cannalawblog.com/producing-cannabis-extracts-in-california-is-risky/) can leave unwanted traces behind. “With specialty beers, sure–include all the novelty junk you want. But if you call it medicine, and give it to anyone with a serious disease such as MS, epilepsy, fibromyalgia, and on and on, you must believe that they’re walking in that door trusting that it will work, and not do them harm.”
“A lot of these doctors never signed the Hippocratic oath,” he added. “I spent time in the military, and I believe in oaths. If I wouldn’t put something in my body, I won’t sell it to you for yours.”
It was not long after Williams formally retired from the military that he was diagnosed with MS, and began his search for an effective treatment. “In the first year, I was put on a myriad of medications, most of them opioid-based, only to affect one symptom, which was pain,” he said. “Then I started taking another, which was supposedly immune-system modifying. I tried homeopathic remedies, and everything I could think of, and almost destroyed my intestines with opioids.”
In 2001, one of his doctors, a renowned one in the area of MS, told Williams off the record that some of his patients had reportedly seen benefits from using cannabis. “A credible doctor told me not to stick a needle in myself every day, not to take four pills a day, but to try cannabis. It took about two and a half months to switch over, and I’ve had cannabis in my system every day since–except for about 40 when I was traveling in a country that strictly prohibits cannabis, and I had to use [MARINOL](http://norml.org/component/zoo/category/marinol-vs-natural-cannabis), one of the most insidious drugs ever created, with strange side effects at any dose, on any body.”
When he was diagnosed at the age of 43, doctors told Williams that his life expectancy would likely be cut in half. Today, at 60, Williams eats healthily and exercises frequently, making sure to stretch and crack out the characteristically stiff joints which, he suggested, may have inspired a Chinese term for MS: roughly, “the statue disease.” He also keeps himself “saturated with cannabinoids” to increase flexibility, help with pain, and promote nerve-protective neuroplasticity in the brain, he said, but which never get him high. By first prognosis, he said, “As an African-American male, I should be dead.”
![Williams speaks to supporters of a ballot measure that would legalize medical marijuana in the state... [+] at the Arkansas state Capitol in Little Rock, Ark., Thursday, Oct. 18, 2012. (Credit: AP Photo/Danny Johnston)](https://thumbor.forbes.com/thumbor/960x0/https%3A%2F%2Fspecials-images.forbesimg.com%2Fimageserve%2Fe499055e04944e04b6f01f8b3792cda3%2F960x0.jpg%3Ffit%3Dscale)
Williams speaks to supporters of a ballot measure that would legalize medical marijuana in the state… \[+\]
Since the time he first started using cannabis for MS, Williams has also been tirelessly advocating for cannabis reform in states around the country, as well as on behalf of [veterans](http://www.pointofinquiry.org/montel_williams_leading_a_surge_on_the_veterans_administration/). “I was lobbying literally for myself,” he said.
His military history also drove his interest in creating a highly tailored form of cannabis oil using SFE’s powerful capacity for targeting and releasing specific chemicals. “I’m an engineer, and a naval academy graduate, and I can’t look at things without wanting to take them apart, and figure out how to put them back together in the optimal way,” he said. “I spent 16 years figuring out how to use \[CBD\] to work best for me, and developing things I know work for me, and I want to share what I’ve learned with others.”
“There have been times I’ve been so disappointed with the industry. People jump in, see it as the ‘green rush,’ and forget that 17 years ago people were dragged out of their homes with IVs in their arms, in their wheelchairs, for growing marijuana to treat awful symptoms of cancer,” he added. “As things have changed in the past five years, people have forgotten that there were patients left on the battlefield.”
“Honestly, I’ve been appalled by aspects of this industry,” he said. “Cannabis should have been treated like any other plant-based medicine for the past hundred years: find the best portion of this drug and use it in the best modality it can be used for.”
In the absence of such research (broadly speaking), Williams has continuously tried to uncover the information himself since he first started using medicinal cannabis. While he was never a ‘garage scientist,’ he recalled trying to extract oil from cannabis plants in his small Manhattan kitchen back in the early 2000s. “With the pilot light there, it wasn’t the smartest,” he joked.
But his tireless dedication to the cause, and to other ones across the industry, seem to have paid off. He noted that he wants to continue taking the knowledge he’s gaining himself and “offer it up” to others, including through clinical trials he plans to arrange as the business gains steam.
In salutation, then, at 4:20 on 4/20 in my own city, with my own method (though sadly inferior, from what it looks and sounds like):
Mr. Williams, this one’s for you.
---
### [The Broken Senate Is the Last Bulwark Against Obamacare Repeal](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/broken-senate-last-bulwark-obamacare-repeal/)
**Published:** May 9, 2017
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (Washington Monthly) - The Tea Party infected the House in 2010, but the Senate is the political institution that has declined the longest and failed the worst.
**Content:**
By Ira Shapiro *(original source Washington Monthly)*
*The House Republicans and the Trump administration gave new meaning to the words “catastrophic health care,” when the House voted 217-213 last week to unwind major parts of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Even recognizing that Washington has become increasingly dysfunctional over time, this is a shocking piece of political malpractice. Empowered by President Trump’s election, the House Republicans went beyond their seven years of irresponsible demagoguery about the ACA to reckless action. The extreme nature of their legislation produced what the New York Times [called](https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/04/health/health-care-bill-criticisms.html?_r=0 "called") “a rare unifying moment” as doctors, hospitals, insurers and consumer groups all expressed immediate, vehement opposition. “It raises the specter that the sickest and neediest among us will be disproportionately hit in losing access,” said Paul Markovich, the CEO of Blue Shield of California. “This is not a reform,” said Michael J. Dowling, chief executive of Northwell Health, a large health system in New York. “This is just a debacle.”*
*Click here to read more*
---
### [Canada’s Misguided ‘Islamophobia’ Fixation](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/canadas-misguided-islamophobia-fixation/)
**Published:** March 25, 2017
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (Commentary Magazine) - Last Thursday, the Canadian Parliament voted overwhelmingly for a motion to condemn Islamophobia, as proposed by rookie Liberal MP Iqra Khalid.
**Content:**
By Vivian Bercovici *(original source Commentary Magazine)*
*“Last Thursday, the Canadian Parliament voted overwhelmingly for a motion to condemn Islamophobia, as proposed by rookie Liberal MP Iqra Khalid.*
*A reflection of Parliament’s moral position, a motion has no legal force. However, this one has certainly stirred the Canadian public, only 29 percent of whom supported it, according to a poll released on the day it came to the House floor for a vote.*
*Many feel that adoption of the term “Islamophobia” in the motion, which is poorly understood politically and academically, is ill-advised and potentially captures any negative comments made about the religion of Islam, thereby stifling free speech.”*
*Click here to read more*
---
### [Ex-Hillary Clinton Campaign Manager: What I Wish I Knew About Russian Hacks](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/ex-hillary-clinton-campaign-manager-wish-knew-russian-hacks/)
**Published:** March 7, 2017
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (Fortune) - I ran a $1 billion start-up called HFACC, Inc., more commonly known as Hillary for America. Hacking was a problem for us, as most people reading this probably know.
**Content:**
By Robby Mook *(original source Fortune)*
*“I ran a $1 billion start-up called HFACC, Inc., more commonly known as Hillary for America. Hacking was a problem for us, as most people reading this probably know. The campaign itself was never breached (we think), but the files and emails of multiple employee’s private accounts and our sister organization, the Democratic National Committee, were stolen by Russian agents. The impact on the campaign was devastating.*
*The Democratic Party hack is well known, but most incidents of cybercrime are a kept secret for fear of litigation or public embarrassment. This silence creates the impression that hacks are rare, which they aren’t, and leaves executives with little perspective from which to act; this was my situation when our campaign launched April 2015. Others can’t share their stories, but I can, which is why I want to share my lessons learned.”*
*Click here to read more*
---
### [One powerful weapon to use against North Korea](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/one-powerful-weapon-use-north-korea/)
**Published:** April 21, 2017
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (The Washington Post) - In dealing with North Korea, the Trump administration should look to Iran. Specifically, it should take a page out of the Obama administration’s Iran sanctions playbook and apply against North Korea the tool used successfully to bring Iran to the nuclear negotiating table — “secondary sanctions” on those who do business with the regime.
**Content:**
By David Cohen *(original source The Washington Post)*
*“David S. Cohen served as deputy director of the Central Intelligence Agency and undersecretary of the Treasury for terrorism and financial intelligence during the Obama administration.*
*In dealing with North Korea, the Trump administration should look to Iran. Specifically, it should take a page out of the Obama administration’s [Iran sanctions](https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/iran-sanctions-extended-but-without-obamas-signature/2016/12/15/33eaa664-c2db-11e6-9a51-cd56ea1c2bb7_story.html?utm_term=.1f77d585c221 "www.washingtonpost.com") playbook and apply against North Korea the tool used successfully to bring Iran to the nuclear negotiating table — “[secondary sanctions](https://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/sanctions/Programs/Documents/jcpoa_faqs.pdf "www.treasury.gov")” on those who do business with the regime.”*
*Click here to read more*
---
### [Coulter the latest target of liberal attack on free speech](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/coulter-latest-target-liberal-attack-free-speech/)
**Published:** April 27, 2017
**Author:** ironcore
**Content:**
By Mercedes Schlapp *(original source The Washington Times)*
*“Liberals ready and willing to resort to violence in support of their views have just won a round in their war to suppress free speech in America.*
*After much back and forth, conservative commentator Ann Coulter has canceled a speech at University of California, Berkeley primarily because of the lack of protection from the local police and the inability to ensure the safety of Ms. Coulter and those attending her address.*
*Ms. Coulter called it “a sad day for free speech.” I say it’s a sad day for America.”*
*Click here to read more*
---
### [Republican leadership needs to explain health care to American people: Alex Azar](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/republican-leadership-needs-explain-health-care-american-people-alex-azar/)
**Published:** July 17, 2017
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (Fox Business) - Fmr. HHS Deputy Secretary Alex Azar on whether Congress can use the health care delay to promote the bill and how insurance companies will be affected.
---
### [Could new economic pressure change North Korea’s ambitions?](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/new-economic-pressure-change-north-koreas-ambitions/)
**Published:** July 5, 2017
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (PBS News Hour) - When it comes to facing the threat of North Korea, there are no easy answers and few good options.
---
### [Montel Williams Evolves from Cannabis Advocate to Entrepreneur](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/montel-williams-evolves-from-cannabis-advocate-to-entrepreneur/)
**Published:** May 18, 2017
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (New Cannabis Ventures) – Montel Williams, a long-time medical cannabis advocate who has used it to help manage his Multiple Sclerosis since 2000, has created a company that is trying to address a common criticism of the industry.
**Content:**
Montel Williams, a long-time medical cannabis advocate who has used it to help manage his Multiple Sclerosis since 2000, has created a company that is trying to address a common criticism of the industry: Medical cannabis isn’t exactly medical. Lenitiv Scientific, which has created products under the [LenitivLabs](http://www.lenitivlabs.com/) brand, aims to create products that are free of contaminants and created under standardized processes that are formulated with patients in mind.
For now, Lenitiv’s products include CO2 extracted oils formulated for vaping or for ingestion and a rather novel drink that doesn’t require refrigeration. Both the oils and the drink come in three different THC/CBD combinations: 95/5, 50/50 and 10/90. Going forward, the company intends to offer other SKUs, including edibles, flower and vaping products.
Williams, who has been frustrated by bad experiences in dispensaries, explained to me in a recent conversation that the buying experience can be very challenging, especially for new patients, with so many different products from which one can choose. Budtenders, according to Williams, are overwhelmed as well and are unable to fully understand the characteristics of all of the products on the shelf.
> I would like a patient to be able to walk into any dispensary and be guaranteed that if they find a Lenitiv product that they will understand that it has been processed as cleanly and at the highest standard possible, formulated with a patient in mind and it’s a delivery system that will attempt to do the least tangential harm possible, meaning there are no preservatives or additives.
Williams has identified a gap in the market, and he brings not only his celebrity background but also authenticity as a long-time patient and advocate. He has surrounded himself with a strong team as well, including CEO David Racz, a former pharmaceutical executive with extensive cannabis industry experience, and a Board of Advisors that includes Lindy Snider, former Congressman Wilbert Tauzin, Retired Vice Admiral Ed Straw, formerly President, Global Operations for Estee Lauder and Ambassador James Woolsey, along with several others.
I asked Williams how he intends to stand out from the crowd, and he suggests that continuous education will the differentiating factor. He intends to host seminars in the markets in which Lenitiv operates, raising awareness directly with patients. The company will be hosting an event at Harvest in San Francisco on May 26th. Lenitiv will also be providing CME seminars for doctors.
LenitivLabs is just getting started. Its products are currently available in 8 dispensaries in California that are manufactured for the company or by licensees, and Williams suggests that it will be in 50 within the next two months. He anticipates having products in Arizona, Nevada and Oregon within the next four months via licensing arrangements with partnerships in those states. The company is raising a small amount of capital in order to fund its expansion, and over the longer-term will look at states on the East Coast.
---
### [Trump taps Callista Gingrich to be ambassador to the Vatican](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/trump-taps-callista-gingrich-ambassador-vatican/)
**Published:** May 15, 2017
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (Fox News) - The Trump administration has tapped the wife of former House Speaker Newt Gingrich to be the next U.S. ambassador to the Vatican.
**Content:**
By Associated Press *(original source Fox News)*
*“The Trump administration has tapped the wife of former House Speaker Newt Gingrich to be the next U.S. ambassador to the Vatican.*
*Two people with direct knowledge of the discussions said President Donald Trump will nominate Callista Gingrich for the post. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly before an official announcement.*
*The decision comes ahead of Trump’s first foreign trip, which includes a stop at the Vatican.”*
*Click here to read more*
---
### [How Will America’s Next-Generation ICBM Improve Nuclear Deterrence?](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/will-americas-next-generation-icbm-improve-nuclear-deterrence/)
**Published:** July 11, 2017
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (The Cipher Brief) - The Cipher Brief spoke to former Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James to learn more about why this new program is necessary to U.S. national security and how the current fiscal environment could affect this and other Air Force programs.
**Content:**
By Deborah Lee James *(original source The Cipher Brief)*
*“The only remaining U.S. ICBM, the Minuteman III, entered service in 1970. While upgrades have extended the life of the Minuteman III program, the missiles themselves, silos, and command and control systems are all in need of modernization. The Air Force’s Ground Based Strategic Deterrent program will replace these missiles and modernize their facilities to modernize the U.S. ICBM nuclear deterrent. The Cipher Brief spoke to former Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James to learn more about why this new program is necessary to U.S. national security and how the current fiscal environment could affect this and other Air Force programs.*
***The Cipher Brief: What will be the role of the new Ground Based* *Strategic Deterrent for U.S. national security?***
***Deborah Lee James:** The role of the Ground Based Strategic Deterrent is to replace what is today’s aging Minuteman ICBM system. Backing up for just a moment, deterrence, nuclear deterrence has been a bedrock of U.S. national security for decades. The land-based component, namely the ICBMs, are what is referred to as the reliable and responsive force, underscore the word responsive, which is designed to deter any potential adversary from even thinking about a first strike and to complicate a potential adversary’s decision-making process. That’s the basic idea. I said underscore elements of responsiveness because then you have your other two legs of the triad: the bomber force which is designed to be flexible, it can be recalled and it’s dual-purpose. It can also be conventional. Then there are the submarines which are considered the most survivable. You have responsive, flexible, and survivable. That’s our triad, and it’s been important for decades. It’s going to remain important for decades to come.”*
*Click here to read more*
---
### [Mosul Is Liberated—But Not Yet Free](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/mosul-liberated-not-yet-free/)
**Published:** July 11, 2017
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (Tablet) - Who will rebuild the destroyed Iraqi city? Who will shepherd the refugees to safety? Who will reward the Kurds with the regionally stabilizing state they deserve?
**Content:**
By Bernard-Henri Lévy *(original source Tablet)*
*“There are joyous liberations. Of Paris in 1944, for example—a liberation insurrectionary and exultant. And then there are leaden liberations: Warsaw’s in 1944; Berlin’s in 1945; and, more recently, Sarajevo’s.*
*The liberation of Mosul obviously falls into the second category.*
*There is a sense of relief, of course. There is, too, the elation of victory—and, for someone who experienced some of the most terrible phases of the battle from the inside, there is intense emotion.”*
*Click here to read more*
---
### [Here's why Steve Wozniak used to wait in line overnight for new Apple products](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/heres-steve-wozniak-used-wait-line-overnight-new-apple-products/)
**Published:** May 22, 2017
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (Business Insider) - Of all the Apple products that had lines — the earlier iPhones, the earlier iPads, yes I always waited in line overnight. Something inspiring in me, something said, “This is a big, important deal.”
**Content:**
By Darren Weaver and Melia Robinson
*(original source Business Insider)*
*“A few years ago, if you were waiting overnight outside an Apple Store ahead of a new product launch, you just might have found Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak sitting next to you on the sidewalk. This wasn’t a marketing stunt by Apple. Wozniak really enjoyed being part of an Apple event with other fans. In an interview with Business Insider, Wozniak compared the night before an Apple release to waiting in line for concert tickets, [which he often did when he was younger](http://www.businessinsider.com/steve-wozniak-favorite-story-steve-jobs-bob-dylan-2017-4). Sure, as an Apple co-founder he could have probably pulled strings to get the new iPhone, but he says he’s “just not a favor asker.”*
*Following is a transcript of the video:*
*Of all the Apple products that had lines — the earlier iPhones, the earlier iPads, yes I always waited in line overnight. Something inspiring in me, something said, “This is a big, important deal.”*
*I want to be a part of it, just like you want to be a part of a huge festival, you know Coachella maybe. This is going to be an inspiring, great time in my life. That’s how I thought about it, it was just like waiting overnight to get tickets to an important concert.”*
*Click here to read more*
---
### [Trump, master of the media, needs some work on the messaging](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/trump-master-media-needs-work-messaging/)
**Published:** May 11, 2017
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (The Washington Times) - President Trump and his team need to exercise some message control.
**Content:**
By Mercedes Schlapp *(original source The Washington Times)*
*“President [Trump](http://www.washingtontimes.com/topics/trump/) and his team need to exercise some message control.*
*[Mr. Trump](http://www.washingtontimes.com/topics/trump/)’s sudden firing of former [FBI](http://www.washingtontimes.com/topics/federal-bureau-of-investigation/)[James Comey](http://www.washingtontimes.com/topics/james-b-comey/) created a news vacuum where his team scrambled to respond and provided incomplete information. This in turn gave the Democrats an opening to shape the narrative, step up demands for a special prosecutor and speed the drumbeat of charges of collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia. Some Democrats even raised the prospect of impeachment, despite the fact that there was no suggestion a crime had been committed.*
*It’s unreal.”*
*Click here to read more*
---
### [Jessica Cox Was Born Without Arms, And She’s Living A Life Without Limits](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/jessica-cox-was-born-without-arms-and-shes-living-a-life-without-limits/)
**Published:** August 28, 2017
**Author:** Riley Sims
**Content:**
As children, we’re told that we can do anything we put our minds to. “No dream is too big or too small,” people say. Even goals that seem well beyond reach are encouraged.
“I want to be president!”
“I want to fly!”
“I want to be an astronaut!”
But what do you tell a child born without any arms, who dreams of living a “normal” life? One where she can drive a car, fly an airplane, or do something as simple as tying a shoelace without assistance? As Jessica Cox proves, no dream is really too big or too small. The 34-year-old is definitive proof of what the mind can accomplish when one is determined to succeed despite insurmountable odds.
Born without arms due to a congenital disability, Cox has been underestimated from the moment she was born.”Ever since I was a kid,” she says. “people have always doubted what I could do.” But rather than letting being armless impose limits on her life, Cox never allowed herself to flounder in self-pity. The motivational speaker made the decision at age 14 to remove her “fake” arms and fully embrace who she was.
“It was a huge step for me to understand that it’s not about how people respond to me. It’s \[about\] how I carry myself,” she says.
For the most part, Cox carries herself like a two-handed person, but it didn’t come easy. There’s no guidebook that tells you how to drive a car, fly an airplane, or scuba dive without arms. Cox had to make those things up as she went along, and she worked tirelessly to find new, innovative ways of accomplishing tasks. Even learning to do seemingly simple things, like putting on makeup in the morning or playing catch with her dog, involved creative thinking, practice, and discipline. And she struggled at a young age with being more independent and self-reliant.
“It sounds like a simple task,” she says, “but for me, it took trial and error from the age of 7-8 when I started becoming more independent to the age of 17 or 18 to finally be able to be fully independent and do everything on my own.”
With so many doubting her ability to manage herself in certain settings correctly, Cox uses their skepticism as a powerful motivator to shatter limits that have been forced on her.
“If there’s something I want to do, I don’t think about the process, I think about the end result,” she says with a smile.
It’s that positive thinking that led to the Arizona-native getting a driver’s license without any restrictions. It was a proud moment for Cox, who says it’s essential for her to have the freedom to drive without assistance. As a motivational speaker, Cox travels the world to share her inspiring story and stand witness to what banishing the words “I Can’t” from your vocabulary can do.
“I wanted to have an unrestricted driver’s license because I wanted to drive an unmodified vehicle,” she says. “I have to have the ability to pick up a rental car anywhere.”
In 2005, Cox became the first armless pilot ever to fly a plane with just her feet. She earned her pilot certificate three years later. The accomplishment is even more awe-inspiring when coupled with the fact that Cox used to envision herself soaring through the skies as a child. Unable to climb the twelve-foot slide at her school’s playground, Cox did something different: she dreamed. “I would close my eyes and envision flying high above the playground,” she says. “And that planted the seed that would lead me to becoming a pilot.”
There’s a powerful sense of freedom, independence, and empowerment Cox says she feels when she’s flying.
“I’m doing something that not everyone has the privilege to do,” Cox says. “And that freedom of being in the air and doing something and knowing that I’m doing it on my own is incredible. That sense of independence, it was incredible.”
Pilot isn’t the only thing Cox has on her impressive resume. She not only holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, but she’s also a third-degree black belt in Taekwondo. And she’s a certified scuba diver and surfer.
“She’s pretty unstoppable,” her proud sister points out. She’s always been that way, her dad, William, adds. He knew at the hospital that his newborn daughter was going to conquer the world, sharing that the look on her face was that of a fighter.
“Her little round eyes looked like she was going to attack the world,” he says. “And she has been attacking it ever since.”
Despite the odds stacked against her, Cox has mastered what it means to live life without limits, and she’s always eager to use herself as living proof.
“I tell people all the time that the words ‘I can’t’ are the true limiters because when you say the words, ‘I can’t’ you set yourself up for failure,” Cox says. “It’s so easy to say those words, but it’s just an excuse for giving up. Once you start to say that, you start to believe it, and if you believe it, you’re going to limit yourself.”
---
### [Shervin Pishevar: Hyperloop Is Not Just A Fantasy, It's Real](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/shervin-pishevar-hyperloop-is-not-just-a-fantasy-its-real/)
**Published:** September 21, 2017
**Author:** Kaylie Abela
**Content:**
[Shervin Pishevar](http://wwsg.com/speakers/shervin-pishevar), Sherpa Capital co-founder and Hyperloop One co-founder, talks about the company’s latest round of funding as it continues to build out its transportation system.
In this interview, Pishevar lays out the case for Hyperloop — framing it not as sci-fi, but as the next major leap in global transportation. He speaks passionately about shrinking distances between cities, reimagining infrastructure, and the human possibilities unlocked by such radical innovation.
**What it shows to event planners:**
- Shervin can articulate big, bold visions in an accessible way — ideal for keynote talks.
- He bridges technology + transport + societal impact — useful for conferences on innovation, future-of-mobility, or urban planning.
- Shervin also demonstrates credibility as both a founder and an evangelist for transformational ideas.
---
### [CNN's Poppy Harlow: Finding happiness in 'No'](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/cnns-poppy-harlow-finding-happiness-in-no/)
**Published:** October 2, 2017
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (USA Today) - "Saying no can be uncomfortable and feel awkward, but trust me, it is liberating".
**Content:**
Warren Buffett says a lot of smart things. But one sentence he uttered recently really struck me.
“There are two things money can’t buy — love and time,” the billionaire investor (aka the Oracle of Omaha) told me. “You can buy a lot of things with money but love and time are so important, and they become more precious as life goes along.”
Time. As the mother of a one-year-old daughter, you might as well wrap “time” up in a box and give it to me for Christmas. (If only that were possible!)
Not only is Buffett right, but he points out what I have been missing the mark on for a while. I’ve been equating being busy with being productive and happy.
My first few months back at work last year after maternity leave were rough. At first I couldn’t figure out why. I was healthy, we were fortunate to have a happy and thriving child, and I have a pretty incredible husband who equally shares the heavy lift of parenthood. But I had continued to fill every free moment of my day with a quick meeting here and another one there. Did I have an open hour on my Outlook calendar at 1 p.m.? Yup, sure, I can meet then!
For years, I’ve been delegating my so-called “free” and “personal” time to the whims of others. I thought having a jam-packed calendar would fulfill me. It did the opposite.
Far too often my answer to that “Can we grab coffee so that I can pick your brain for 10 minutes?” email has been, “Sure, when works for you?” Even as I typed my reply, I was fully aware that scheduling yet another thing on my calendar would inevitably mean less time at home with our 18-month-old daughter Sienna, and less time to myself (which I’m increasingly learning is really important to have).
Because I’ve been the fortunate recipient of so many helpful career advice conversations and meetings I want to pay it forward. But if this first year of motherhood and the ensuing work-life juggling act has taught me anything it’s that something has to give.
Each day, I’d find myself furiously racing home to squeeze in some quality time with Sienna, that was, inevitably, far too rushed. I was missing too many of those spontaneous moments when I actually see – and appreciate – the little things that make Sienna smile and laugh. (Her latest trick – spinning in circles until she gets dizzy and plops on the ground.)
Those are the best moments – and I was racing through them. All that rushing left me feeling empty and like I was failing on all fronts.
This was a problem of my own making and only I could fix it. I had to say no to more.
I recently heard Ursula Burns, the former CEO of Xerox and a woman highly respected and admired around the globe, say she’s still trying to learn to say “no” more often.
“One of the things I do poorly … is to say no to things. It’s really, really hard,” Burns said in a recent *New York Times* interview. Burns noted she’s trying to find more time to “relax a little” and “go deeper in things.” We could all likely benefit from prioritizing more and going deeper in to those things that are important to us. That’s her point.
By no means, however, is it just CEOs who struggle with “no.”
Reclaiming your time goes beyond managing your work/career time. It extends to your personal time, too. My friend Verena von Pfetten, a digital consultant and entrepreneur, is the master at this.
I told her about my over-scheduled calendar when we were walking through her neighborhood of Red Hook, Brooklyn, last summer.
“As a rule, I try to make no more than two outside-of-work plans a week, whether with friends or for professional reasons,” she told me. “Really?”, I exclaimed, feeling instantly envious as I visualized my over-scheduled calendar. Later, over email, I asked her to explain further. “It forces me to actually think about what I want to do and whether it’s important or valuable for me to do it,” she told me. Amen.
So I took on the von Pfetten challenge, if you will, starting about six months ago. It was harder than I thought. In fact, I had intended to publish this column months ago. But each time I read through it I realized I was still not living what I was preaching. I wasn’t saying “no” enough. I was making progress – but I was still cramming too many meetings I could have declined into a single day.
I was still stretched too thin.Here’s what has helped me – and I hope can help others. Rather than defaulting to “yes,” I’ve been saying “Can we talk over the phone?” Then, before we chat, I ask the person to email me a bit about him or herself and career – and to be specific about how I can be most helpful to them. That shows me very quickly who I can really help.
It is important for all of us to help those coming up in their respective fields. Mentoring youth at Madison Square Boys & Girls Club, as well as aspiring journalists, has fulfilled me in so many ways. The least I can do is pay it forward. Even if they are a friend of a friend’s niece’s friend (you know you get those request, too) I make sure to say yes to helping those who reach out but try to do it when it doesn’t come at the cost of family time (i.e. when my daughter is napping or while I am commuting to and from work).
This summer has been a process of getting better at saying no, focusing on the things most important to me and my family, and finding more happiness as a result. Yes, I’ve said no to things that could have helped me professionally – like networking dinners and an invitation to speak at a conference overseas.
But here’s what I’ve learned: I’m actually saying “yes” to what matters most. Yes to more time with Sienna and our family. Yes to more sleep (I’ve been needing that). Yes to thinking purposefully about what I want to achieve, personally and professionally, and having the time to do so.
Saying no can be uncomfortable and feel awkward, but trust me, it is liberating.
A few months into my experiment, I’ve taken back a good chunk of my time. I’ve become more honest about what I do and don’t want to do. Of course I still have the demands of my job – but I’ve prioritized what is most important and cut out the excess. Yes, I’ve had to be more selfish. But if you don’t make yourself a priority, who will?
At the end of the day, we never know how much time we will have with those we love most. My dad passed away at the age of 49, when I was 15 years old. He was the kind of parent I really hope to be. As a litigator he traveled often for work, but when he was home – he was home. His attention was 100% on our family with no distractions. It may have taken me 35 years but I got the memo, Dad. Thank you so much – from me, Sienna and our little boy on the way.
*Poppy Harlow is the co-anchor of CNN Newsroom, Monday-Friday from 9-11 a.m. ET and the host of the CNN podcast “[Boss Files with Poppy Harlow](https://itun.es/i6dS5YD).” She lives in New York with her husband and their daughter Sienna.*
---
### [Boris Epshteyn Talks Sinclair Move, ‘Serious’ Journalism and ‘Hysteria’ Around Trump](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/boris-epshteyn-talks-sinclair-move-serious-journalism-hysteria-around-trump/)
**Published:** July 25, 2017
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (Variety) - Boris Epshteyn was a ubiquitous presence on cable news during the 2016 presidential race, articulating the vision and values of the Trump campaign in his role as a top communications aide.
**Content:**
By Cynthia Littleton *(original source Variety)*
*“Boris Epshteyn was a ubiquitous presence on cable news during the 2016 presidential race, articulating the vision and values of the Trump campaign in his role as a top communications aide. After a brief and by multiple accounts rocky few months in the White House, Epshteyn moved in April to an on-air role as a chief political analyst for [Sinclair](http://variety.com/t/sinclair/) Broadcast Group.*
*Epshteyn’s presence in some of the daily newscasts produced by [Sinclair](http://variety.com/2017/politics/news/fcc-chairman-sinclair-broadcast-group-1202613564/)’s 170-plus stations around the country has given Sinclair critics more ammo to assert that the powerhouse station group is bent on putting a conservative tilt on its coverage and currying political favor with the administration.”*
*Click here to read more*
---
### [How this ex-Starbucks executive’s struggle in his 20s helped him find his calling](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/how-this-ex-starbucks-executives-struggle-in-his-20s-helped-him-find-his-calling/)
**Published:** September 8, 2017
**Author:** wpengine
**Content:**
During his tenure, retired Starbucks president Howard Behar, now 72, helped the coffee company grow from a local chain to over tens of thousands of stores worldwide.
Though Behar found success developing Starbucks into the $80 billion company it is today, he tells CNBC Make It that he was rather lost in his 20s, struggling with figuring out a career or calling.
Today, Behar is an active speaker with the Robert K. Greenleaf Center for Leadership and frequently travels to share his best practices in leadership.
In 1962, Behar took a few years of classes at a community college in Washington, but he never graduated. While working at a furniture company, the CEO told Behar that he couldn’t be a great executive if he showed emotions at work.
“I was in my mid-20s and I went through a struggle in my life where the CEO wanted me to be something other than I was,” Behar says. “He thought I was too emotional, that I wore my heart on my sleeve and I got too involved with the people.”
Behar says his main issue was feeling like he didn’t really know who he was or what he wanted in life.
“He tried to push me to change and I really went into depression because I was trying to be something I wasn’t,” Behar says. “But it was just innate, I was just doing what came naturally to me. It caused a great conflict inside of me and I finally quit.”
In a 2016 study of 26,000 LinkedIn members, the networking platform found that millennials (those who were age 18 to 35 at the time) felt a lesser sense of purpose than their Gen X and Baby Boomer counterparts.
Notably, the late German psychoanalyst Erik Erikson once theorized that while young adults — in this case, millennials — are focused on building relationships, middle-aged adults increasingly feel purpose as they have contributed to society for more time.
“I’ve been through a lot. I’ve had ups and downs, I’ve been fired and I’ve made mistakes,” Behar says. “But at the end of the day, I came to the conclusion that there is only one role any of us will ever have and that is serving others.”
After quitting that job in his mid-20s, Behard decided to figure out who he was and what really mattered to him. He created a list of his values and what his mission in life was. Over 50 years later, Behar still keeps this list handy.
Behar began his career at Starbucks in 1989, at age 45, and officially retired in 2003. In the years while working closely with former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz, he coined the company’s catchphrase, “We aren’t in the coffee business serving people, we are in the people business serving coffee.”
“I think my role at Starbucks was that, getting everybody to understand and agree to live by that idea, that we were a people-centered company,” Behar says.
“From then on, I was a student of myself first,” Behar says, “and then I became a student of others.”
---
### [When Living is the Only Option](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/when-living-is-the-only-option/)
**Published:** September 14, 2017
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (The Peace Times) - Cutting class with friends is not always the best option when trying graduate, but for Dr. Sampson Davis it was the beginning of the rest of his life.
**Content:**
By Martinique Evans *(original source The Peace Times)*
*“Cutting class with friends is not always the best option when trying graduate, but for Dr. Sampson Davis it was the beginning of the rest of his life.*
*On Sept. 6, Davis was a keynote speaker at William Peace University. His book Living and Dying in Brick City was chosen to read for the incoming freshmen. His book describes his need to educate and save lives.”*
*Click here to read more*
---
### [ER Doctor Urges Healthcare Leaders To Step Outside Of Their Office](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/rise-west-2017-er-doctor-urges-healthcare-leaders-step-outside-confines-office/)
**Published:** September 19, 2017
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (Fierce Healthcare) - As an emergency department physician, Sampson Davis, M.D., knows firsthand the challenges of trying to improve care for underserved communities and tackle healthcare disparities.
**Content:**
By Leslie Small *(original source Fierce Healthcare)*
*“As an emergency department physician, Sampson Davis, M.D., knows firsthand the challenges of trying to improve care for underserved communities and tackle healthcare disparities.*
*But he also knows because he’s lived many of the same experiences as his patients.*
*Davis grew up in Newark, New Jersey, in a single-parent family, and very nearly went down the wrong path after a run-in with the law as a teenager. But that was before he made a pact with two other friends to become doctors after chancing upon a seminar about careers in health and science.”*
*Click here to read more*
---
### [The Kurds Confront a New ‘Gang of Four’](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/kurds-confront-new-gang-four/)
**Published:** October 9, 2017
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (The Wall Street Journal) - Will the West betray its ally in the face of threats from Turkey, Iraq, Iran and Syria?
**Content:**
By Bernard-Henri Lévy *(original source The Wall Street Journal)*
*“The Iraqi Kurds held a dignified, orderly referendum Sept. 25 that conformed with all the rules of a democratic vote. Afterward, they refrained from declaring the independence that is their right and that a century of treaties promised them.*
*President Masoud Barzani —who has stood with America and the West against Islamic State for two years—made this crucial point: In his mind, independence can come only after patient, sustained, possibly drawn-out negotiation with Baghdad.”*
*Click here to read more*
---
### [How to improve happiness in America](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/how-to-improve-happiness-in-america/)
**Published:** November 26, 2017
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (Salon Talks) - Author Dan Buettner gives several tips that he found around the world for improving happiness in our everyday lives
**Content:**
uch of what we think brings happiness is misguided or just plain wrong,” New York Times best-selling author Dan Buettner told Salon’s Alexandra Clinton on Salon Talks.
Buettner is no novice when it comes to the secrets of happiness. His new book “The Blue Zones of Happiness: Lessons from the World’s Happiest People” is a guide to help individuals find maximum fulfillment through a balance of purpose, pleasure and pride. Buettner found and explored the happiest places in the world, which he argues are Denmark, Costa Rica and Singapore, and then distilled which findings and lessons could be applied to our everyday lives.
“What ‘Blue Zones of Happiness’ does is give you about 50 evidence-based ways to reshape your surroundings,” Buettner says.
Here are some of the essential lessons he learned: Set up your house, social network, work life and finances thoughtfully. This means managing money and living within your means; feeling safe and secure in your community; making time for trips with friends and family.
Socializing five to six hours per day seems like a huge amount, but Buettner argues that it’s critical to happiness. This includes lunches with friends, happy hour, and dinner with family. Another point is to live close enough to work that you can walk there.
Buettner admits that finding happiness is not always in our control, and he estimates that about 40 percent is dictated by our genes, and 15 percent is based on chance, as we have little control over certain illnesses or chronic pain. But Buettner adds, “about 45 percent or so is up to you.”
---
### [Remembering Byrd’s Rule](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/remembering-byrds-rule/)
**Published:** November 20, 2017
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (Washington Monthly) - Legendary Senate Majority Leader Robert Byrd would be 100 years old today—and appalled by what his beloved Senate has become.
**Content:**
By Ira Shapiro
*(Washington Monthly)* – America celebrates this year the centennial of President John F. Kennedy, whose achievements, idealism, and charisma inspired generations of Americans. But at a time when our political system faces its most fundamental challenge since the Civil War, it is one of Kennedy’s colleagues in the Senate and a fellow centenarian—Sen. Robert C. Byrd of West Virginia—whose legacy is equally, if not more, relevant today.
Byrd believed that our political system and our freedom rested on a strong Congress—and particularly a strong Senate—to balance the executive, check the tendency of presidents to overreach and, as he put it, “do battle over politics, policies and priorities.” The frequently-mentioned “Byrd Rule,” for example, perhaps the senator’s most famous and enduring procedural legacy, ensures that budget measures are not misused for far-reaching legislative aims. Byrd would have been shocked by Donald Trump’s presidency and appalled when the Senate fails to fulfill its duty as the principal check on the president. If there is anyone that Congress needs now, it’s a leader in the mold of Byrd, whose respect for process, deliberation and the institution of the Senate would be a welcome counter to the freewheeling chaos of the current White House, and the radical, right-wing policies of the Republican House of Representatives.
Byrd’s record is by no means unblemished. Early in his political career, he belonged to the Ku Klux Klan, and in the first years of his Senate tenure, he waged a shameful fourteen-hour filibuster against the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the moral touchstone of the Democratic Party, and probably the greatest legislative achievement in our country’s history. Over the years, however, he earned a reputation as an ardent champion of progressive causes, ultimately joining such liberal lions as Sen. Philip Hart (D-MI), Edmund Muskie (D-ME), Eugene McCarthy (D-MN)—with whom he entered the Senate—and Ted Kennedy (D-MA).
In 1991, the Senate’s consideration of the nomination of Clarence Thomas to the Supreme Court exploded when law professor Anita Hill came forward to accuse Thomas of sexual harassment. The deeply polarized Senate was ultimately unmoved by Hill’s charges. Only one senator changed his position on the issue: Byrd, who had previously indicated that he intended to support Thomas’s nomination. On the Senate floor, Byrd said that he had found Anita Hill to be completely credible. He condemned Judge Thomas for injecting racism into the hearing: “A black woman was making a charge against a black American male. Where’s the racism?” Eleanor Holmes Norton, the representative of the District of Columbia, wrote to Byrd expressing appreciation:
> Your extraordinary, analytical, powerful, moving remarks…were simply unmatched. All during the hearing I (and I’m sure, millions of other women) felt as abandoned as Prof. Hill had been. During the debate, you single-handedly retrieved what respect remains for the Democrats.
In his last years, Byrd became best known as an outspoken opponent to the invasion of Iraq. *Mother Jones* [called](http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2004/03/byrd-roared/ "called")Byrd “the octogenarian statesman from West Virginia \[who rails\] against the mendacity and militarism of the Bush administration, raising a bold if lonely voice in defense of our civil liberties and our national character.” MoveOn.org reprinted Byrd’s anti-war statements addresses on its website and paid for reprints in full-page *New York Times* ads.
The route to those heights was an extraordinary American story. Byrd was born in North Carolina in 1917 as Cornelius Calvin Sale, the fifth child of a woman who died in the great influenza epidemic within a year of his birth. After her death, Sale was adopted by his aunt, who renamed him Robert Carlyle Byrd, and took him to Bluefield, West Virginia.
Byrd’s father worked in the coal mines, moving from one mining community to another, and Byrd was educated in two-room schoolhouses without electricity. As a teenager, he worked in a gas station, as a produce boy, and as a butcher; eventually he ran a grocery store. In his late 20’s, he taught Sunday school, attended college part-time, and became active in politics. Hard-working and attentive to the community, Byrd was elected to West Virginia House of Delegates in 1946, to the U.S. House in 1952, and then to the Senate in the Democratic landslide of 1958.
Byrd seemed destined to be no more than a tireless advocate for the interests of his impoverished state. But his personal growth was astonishing: going to law school at night, endlessly reading history and politics, spending so much time on the Senate floor that he was mistaken for the Sergeant at Arms. By 1967, Byrd became the Secretary to the Democratic conference, the number three position in the Democratic leadership, and parleyed that minor position into real power, becoming, according to the *Washington Post,* “the man who runs the Senate during most of its nine to five hours.” In 1971, he defeated Ted Kennedy to become Democratic whip and then defeated Hubert Humphrey to become Senate majority leader in 1977.
Throughout his rise and leadership of the Senate, Byrd believed that senators owed it to their constituents to bring their wisdom, expertise and independent judgment to the challenges facing the nations; senators served “with presidents, not under them.” And he believed in “regular order”—that legislation that resulted from hearings, committee consideration, extended debate, and a robust amendment process would produce bipartisan legislative results that would receive broad public support. In Byrd’s view, “Congress’s primary purpose lies in its unique capacity to publicly, and under the hot lights of full media scrutiny, sort through competing interests. Congress alone can deliberate, reconcile, apportion public treasure, and forge laws, compromises, solutions and priorities which are compatible with our general national objectives and which promote the public good.”
Putting those beliefs into action, Byrd helped ensure that the Senate would serve both as a strong check on—and a vital ally of—the president. During the Watergate hearings, for instance, Byrd’s persistent questioning of FBI Director L. Patrick Gray caused Gray to admit that White House counsel John Dean had lied in denying White House involvement. “The toughest and most brilliant questioning came from Senator Byrd,” NPR’s Nina Totenberg observed. Senator William Proxmire praised him as “the unsung hero of Watergate.”
On the other hand, Byrd worked with President Jimmy Carter, Senate Minority Leader Howard Baker, and House Speaker Thomas “Tip” O’Neill, Byrd in a period of major legislative accomplishments in domestic and foreign policy. Byrd led the Senate through an agonizing and searching two-year debate over the principal pillars of Carter’s national energy policy—perhaps the most complex legislative undertaking until the Affordable Care Act—which ultimately passed the Senate in late 1978. He played a pivotal role in the financial rescue of New York City. Byrd also helped President Carter face up to an issue that five presidents had managed to avoid: the need for a new treaty to ensure access to the Panama Canal. Byrd, initially opposed to “giving back our canal,” studied the case for the treaty, and became its leading advocate, joining with Baker to win its narrow approval after an epic legislative battle. In its annual survey of America’s political institutions (before it moved on to ranking colleges), *U.S. New and World Report* moved the Senate’s ranking sharply upward that year, saying: “Never since this magazine began, the survey has the Senate ranked 3rd in national influence. Credit for that dramatic shift belongs to Byrd.”
Byrd’s belief in process and procedure was also why he was a key player in producing and enacting the Budget Control and Impoundment Act of 1974. He recognized that if Congress could not produce an overall budget, it would inevitably cede power to the executive branch. He was willing to tolerate a Budget Act that established procedures that were an exception to the normal Senate rules. But when Byrd saw the reconciliation procedure being abused by the Reagan administration, he moved quickly to limit the use of reconciliation by ensuring that it could only be used for budget purposes and not for “extraneous” matters. The “Byrd rule,” by which the parliamentarian would decide if legislative provisions were consistent with the Budget Act or extraneous to it, would complicate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell’s life 32 years later as he tried to end run normal Senate procedures.
For Byrd, process was a safeguard against partisanship—among Democrats as well as Republicans.
During the Clinton presidency, for example, Byrd remained adamant that the administration’s proposed health care legislation, spearheaded by First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton, could not fit within the budget, no matter how liberally the rule that bore his name was interpreted. Neither partisan considerations nor vital importance of health care legislation could justify short-circuiting the process by ramming the legislation through the Senate.
In 2002, Byrd mounted his extraordinary opposition to what he believed to be the indefensible rush to invade Iraq. Once a hawkish patriot and strong supporter of the Vietnam War, Byrd’s growing doubts about President Lyndon Johnson’s credibility and failed policy led him to vow that he would never give a “blank check” to any president to wage war. Byrd believed that the open-ended authorization to President Bush to wage war against Iraq at a time in place of his choosing “amounted to a complete eviscerating of the congressional prerogative to declare war, and an outrageous abdication of responsibility.”
While harshly criticizing Bush, Vice President Cheney, and Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld, Byrd reserved some of his harshest words for “the supine Senate,” which rushed to vote on the authorization weeks before the off-year elections. Byrd later wrote:
> We had been swept away by campaign fever. Some high-priced pollster had apparently convinced the Senate Democratic leadership that we could ‘get the war behind us’ and change the subject to the flagging economy, where the election prospects would appear more favorable to the Democrats. What nonsense.
Byrd died in 2010, at the age of 92. He would have been saddened as the Senate further dissolved into partisan obstruction and dysfunction during the Obama presidency, and appalled when Majority Leader McConnell refused to even consider the nomination of Merrick Garland to replace the late Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia. Byrd would have understood Donald Trump’s appeal to “Rust Belt” states like West Virginia, but shocked that Trump was elected president. Writing about the awesome responsibility of the presidency, Byrd opined: “Such a burden cannot be borne with distinction and grace minus that particular amalgam of intellect, values, morals and ethics we call character.”
He would have noted that the Senate’s special responsibility would be to act as a check on an inexperienced, incompetent, potentially authoritarian president. Byrd would have been pleased that the Senate Intelligence and Judiciary Committees seem to be steadfastly moving ahead to investigate Russian interference in the 2016 election, including possible collusion between Russia and the Trump presidential campaign, and supporting the investigation of Special Counsel Robert Mueller. He would have admired the courage and independence of Senators Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski and John McCain. He would have derived satisfaction that the “Byrd rule,” which he applied even-handedly to all administrations, played a part in thwarting the Republicans’ outrageous effort to remake the health care system and inflict harm on millions of Americans by circumventing the normal legislative process. And he would have hoped that future generations of Senate leaders and senators would choose to follow the example he set, ensuing that the Senate would be a bulwark against one-man (or woman) rule, and one-party rule.
---
### [Teaching lechery and getting lechers](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/teaching-lechery-getting-lechers/)
**Published:** November 29, 2017
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (The Washington Times) - Another day and yet more and more claims of sexual assault flood the news.
**Content:**
By Dr. Everett Piper
*(The Washington Times)* – Another day and yet more and more claims of sexual assault flood the news.
NBC announced Wednesday its firing of Matt Lauer. Axios reports that, in addition to Mr. Lauer, the list of sexual miscreants now includes the likes of celebrity chef John Besh, Comedian Louis C.K, Cinefamily executives Hadrian Belove and Shadie Elnashai, actor Richard Dreyfuss, director-producer Gary Goddard, casting employee Andy Henry, actor Dustin Hoffman, actor Robert Knepper, showrunner Andrew Kreisberg, actor Jeremy Piven, filmmaker Brett Ratner, comedy festival organizer Gilbert Rozon, producer Chris Savino, actor Steven Seagal, actor Tom Sizemore, actor Kevin Spacey, actor Jeffrey Tambor, actor George Takei, writer-director James Toback, “Mad Men” creator Matthew Weiner, actor Ed Westwick, Billboard magazine executive Stephen Blackwell, Penguin Random House art director Giuseppe Castellano, New Republic publisher Hamilton Fish, Artforum publisher Knight Landesman, NPR news chief Michael Oreskes, Amazon executive Roy Price, Webster Public Relations CEO Kirt Webster, Rolling Stone publisher Jann Wenner, New Republic editor Leon Wieseltier, NBC News booking exec Matt Zimmerman, Sen. Al Franken, Senate candidate Roy Moore, Florida Democratic Party Chairman Stephen Bittel, Florida Democratic state Sen. Jeff Clemens resigned, Florida Republican state Senator Jack Latvala, Kentucky House Speaker Jeff Hoover, British Defense Secretary Michael Fallon, International Olympic Committee member Alex Gilady, Former South African soccer association president Danny Jordaan, Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter, and CBS News personality Charlie Rose.
And let’s not forget the 2006 accusations against Vice President Al Gore, the 2008 disclosure of vice presidential candidate John Edwards’ illicit affair, the 2016 recording of President Trump’s boorish boasting, and the granddaddy of them all: the repeated accusations of multiple rapes and assaults levied against former President Bill Clinton.
Why are we surprised by any of this? Why do any of these rampant claims of sexual aggression seem to catch us off guard? Can we really take anyone seriously who pretends to be shocked? Can we even take ourselves seriously if we act as if this all has taken us unawares?
If we have any measure of honesty left in our cultural soul, the answer has to be no. This story was as predictable as the sunrise and, furthermore, we all know the above list is only the tip of the iceberg.
How did we know this would happen, and how do we know that more is yet to follow? It is obvious. All we need to do to is look at our public schools and what we’ve been teaching for the past several decades. Ideas always have consequences and lecherous behavior will always be the inevitable consequence of teaching lechery.
For years our schools have mocked morality. Why are we now shocked to find we live in a society that has no understanding of personal morality?
For decades, we’ve taught our children that there are no boundaries. Why are we now surprised to find we have raised young adults who behave as if there are no boundaries?
Year in and year out we have taught our kids the merits of sexual experimentation, rather than the virtue of sexual restraint. And now we wonder why our country lacks virtue and our culture is void of sexual restraint?
We act as if something has gone wrong but yet we continue to teach our kids to do what is wrong.
We have torn down all standards but yet we are incredulous to find that we are led by men who have no standards.
We mock what is right and then shake our heads at leaders who don’t know how to do what is right.
“We laugh at honor and are shocked to find traitors in our midst. We castrate and bid the geldings be fruitful,” said C.S. Lewis.
Nearly a hundred years ago, G.K. Chesterton warned of this moral castration: “The terrible danger in the heart of our Society is that the tests are giving way. We are altering not the evils, but the standards of good by which alone evils can be detected and defined.” He went on to say, “The next great heresy is going to be simply an attack on morality; and especially on sexual morality. And it is coming from \[those\] resolved to enjoy themselves, with \[nothing\] to hold them back.”
Indeed the “attack” has come. It did not come from without but, rather, from within: from right within our own local schools. As your grandmother once said, “Garbage in and garbage out” and the ideological garbage we have taught our children in our classrooms is now bearing itself out in the garish behavior we now see in our culture.
Ideas have consequences. When you teach lechery, you get lechers. Alter the standard of good by which you detect evil, and evil prevails. If you don’t want your progeny to get cancer of mind and soul, you might want to stop feeding them the ideological carcinogens that gave them the disease in the first place.
*Everett Piper, is president of Oklahoma Wesleyan University and author of “Not A Day Care: The Devastating Consequences of Abandoning Truth” (Regnery Faith, 2017).*
---
### [Senior military officials sanctioned for more than 500 cases of serious misconduct](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/senior-military-officials-sanctioned-500-cases-serious-misconduct/)
**Published:** October 24, 2017
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (USA Today) - Former Air Force secretary Deborah Lee James, who disciplined several senior officers for misconduct, sees organizations with strong hierarchies dominated by men at the heart of the problem.
**Content:**
(USA Today) – Since 2013, military investigators have documented at least 500 cases of serious misconduct among its generals, admirals and senior civilians, almost half of those instances involving personal or ethical lapses, a USA TODAY investigation has found.
Many cases involve sex scandals, including a promiscuous Army general who led a swinging lifestyle, another who lived rent-free in the home of a defense contractor after his affair fell apart and another who is under investigation for sending steamy Facebook messages to the wife of an enlisted soldier on his post.
Yet despite the widespread abuses, the Pentagon does no trend analysis to determine whether the problem is worsening, nor does it regularly announce punishments for generals and admirals — all public figures, USA TODAY has found. Senior officers found to have been involved in adulterous relationships, a violation of the military’s code of justice, have been reassigned with no public notice and allowed to retire quietly, in some cases with full honors.
Industries ranging from tech to finance to Hollywood have been roiled by sexual harassment and assault scandals that have led to the ouster of top executives and calls for reform. The accusations this month against film producer Harvey Weinstein by dozens of women have reportedly prompted criminal investigations in the United States and United Kingdom, along with his removal from the company he founded.
In the military, as with the Weinstein case, sexual harassment by top brass in many cases is considered an open secret, documents show. Yet many stay quiet, and efforts on Capitol Hill to reform the system and call senior officers to account have often failed.
Instead, the military has often closed ranks. The Pentagon doesn’t publicly discuss most cases, though USA TODAY has identified several, including five since 2016 that have involved senior officers in the Army, Air Force and Navy. Nor does the military seem interested in getting to the root of the problem. In 2014, then-Defense secretary Chuck Hagel created an office to investigate ethical problems among senior leaders. It was shuttered two years later without determining the depth of the problem, a task Hagel gave it when he opened the office.
“This is another example of top (Pentagon) officials refusing to demand accountability and sweeping major ethical problems from commanders under the rug to the detriment of the men and women who serve admirably under them,” Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, a New York Democrat and member of the Armed Services Committee, told USA TODAY.
Because the Pentagon obscures the extent of the sexual scandals, problems emerge piecemeal as new cases are ferreted with the aid of whistle-blowers. The Army, for example, was unaware that Maj. Gen. Joseph Harrington was sending Facebook Live messages to the wife of a sergeant until USA TODAY showed them to officials. He was fired on Oct.13.
What prompts these men at the pinnacle of their profession to take reckless risks with their families, careers and reputations? Several factors play a role, according to members of Congress, former top officials and officers. There is often a sense of entitlement that can stem from bosses with eager-to-please staffs and some military leaders who view themselves as royalty, according to a former top military prosecutor.
Whatever the reasons for the misbehavior, two things are clear: The military hasn’t corrected it. Nor has it been able to transform a culture that enables the abuse.
Former Air Force secretary Deborah Lee James, who disciplined several senior officers for misconduct, sees organizations with strong hierarchies dominated by men at the heart of the problem.
“At its core, what’s behind misconduct among leaders in the military or politics or business sector is a lot of power, a lot of authority, and sometimes that begets bad behavior,” James said. “It’s a failure of integrity. … The rash of instances in recent years reveals a group of people who didn’t think they’d get caught.”
Some did get caught, including:
• **Former Army major general David Haight**, the “swinging general” who had an 11-year affair that featured trysts at sex clubs around the country. He retired as a lieutenant colonel.
• **Army Brig. Gen. Michael Bobeck**, who served on the Joint Chiefs of Staff, was fired last year for having an affair. Bobeck had lived for a time rent-free in the home of a defense contractor, an arrangement the Pentagon inspector general deemed acceptable.
• **Army Maj. Gen. Joseph Harrington**, the commander of U.S. Army Africa, was suspended and ultimately fired after USA TODAY revealed that he was under investigation for sending texts to a younger woman who was married to a soldier on their post in Italy. The flirty messages included Harrington’s requests to the woman to delete them. She didn’t.
Other services are not exempt from scandal.
In February, retired Air Force general Arthur Lichte was docked two stars after an investigation confirmed that he had coerced a junior officer into having sex with him.
Boorish behavior and worse isn’t the sole province of the brass. USA TODAY also reported last month that the spokesman for Adm. John Richardson was fired from his job in August for incidents stemming from a boozy Christmas party inside the Pentagon. Several women complained that the officer, Cmdr. Chris Servello, had slapped one on the buttocks, subjected another to unwanted hugs and pursued another so strenuously an investigator last December labeled it “predatory.”
Pentagon leaders, including Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, declined to respond to question directly, instead issuing a statement through a spokeswoman.
“Officer misconduct has and will always be taken seriously by Sec. Mattis and our senior officers who are expected to serve as exemplary leaders within the armed forces,” Pentagon spokeswoman Laura Ochoa said.
Gillibrand and others who have taken the military to task in recent years for its efforts to eliminate sexual assault aren’t buying the Pentagon’s tough talk. “Commanders are not doing their part to end this climate of sexual harassment and sexual assault and devaluing women,” Gillibrand said.
It wasn’t supposed to be this way. A series of scandals involving top officers, sex and booze earlier in the decade rocked the Pentagon. Leaders vowed to identify the depth of the problem and attack it.
Among the most spectacular has been the Navy’s “Fat Leonard” scandal, which takes its name from portly Leonard Glenn Francis, the former chief of Glenn Defense Marine Asia. For years, Francis, who has pleaded guilty to fraud, bribed Navy officers with cash, prostitutes, caviar and champagne in exchange for information he used to gouge the government for servicing its ships in Asian ports.
## Depth, scope unknown
Hagel, outraged by that and other scandals, created an office, staffed by a two-star admiral, to get answers about military brass who seemed to have lost their ethical compasses.
“We need to find out: Is there a deep, wide problem?” Hagel announced in 2014. “If there is, then what’s the scope of that problem? How did this occur?”
Hagel and the Pentagon never found out. The Office of the Senior Adviser for Military Professionalism, run by Rear Adm. Margaret Klein, was shuttered in 2016 without exploring the depth of the Pentagon’s problems with bad generals.
In a recent interview, Hagel told USA TODAY he wanted more from the office. “If I would have stayed as secretary of Defense, we would not have shut that office down as soon as it was shut down,” he said. “
“You also have to get your arms around the depth, the width, the scope,” he said. “Is this just the matter of a few individuals getting in trouble? Is it wider, is it deeper?”
A Pentagon release cited Klein’s office’s production, including a series of efforts aimed at “leader and character development.” The list of accomplishments includes bromides about “effective integration and implementation of ongoing efforts to further military professionalism, moral and ethical decision making, and the traditional values of military service.”
It said nothing about determining how many generals and admirals had run amok, which service was best or which was the worst. That’s clearly not what Hagel had in mind.
The Pentagon inspector general documented at least 100 incidents of misconduct a year since 2013. The incidents are included in semi-annual reports to Congress, and include a short synopsis of the infraction, and the rank and service of the officer. There are some senior civilian officials in the military and intelligence communities included in the figures.
The inspector general does not have comparable data on senior officer misconduct prior to 2013, according to Bruce Anderson, a spokesman for the inspector general.
“There was no trend analysis that I have seen as general counsel for the Army, undersecretary of the Army or as undersecretary for personnel and readiness,” said Brad Carson who held those top posts in the Army and in the office of the Defense secretary.
Some senior Air Force officers did not want to cooperate with the effort, said James, the former Air Force secretary, because they considered it “unfair targeting when it wasn’t an enormous problem.”
“We are not changing the climate through transparency and accountability,” said Gillibrand, who has advocated removing commander’s discretion for deciding whether to prosecute sexual assault cases and giving it to career military prosecutors. “Commanders are not doing their part to end this climate of sexual harassment and sexual assault and devaluing women.”
## A breed apart
Don Christensen, former top prosecutor for the Air Force and president of the advocacy group Protect Our Defenders, believes that the senior officer class has become a class apart with its own rules and little accountability.
“They’re more nobility than they are just average American citizens,” said Christensen, who retired as a colonel. “They start to feel above the law. They feel like royalty vs. an officer dedicated to the country.”
Army Maj. Gen. Wayne Grigsby, relieved of command last year from the Big Red One, the Army’s legendary 1st Infantry Division, lost his job because he’d grown too close to a junior officer on his staff and lost the confidence of his commanders. He was demoted to one star and forced to retire this summer.
One of Grigsby’s enlisted aides told a superior how she knew Grigsby had been sleeping in somebody else’s bed. “The enlisted aide told him that she believed Maj. Gen. Grigsby did not sleep in his house, because the bed was made, and that was something Maj. Gen. Grigsby did not do,” according to an investigative report.
## Hubris
Climb higher in the ranks and the personal staff can grow. And generals and admirals are free to hire attractive young aides, said a retired two-star officer whose employer will not allow him to be identified. They can begin to believe that they’re special, untouchable.
Take Grigsby, for example. His chief of staff and command sergeant major warned him about his too-close relationship with a young captain on his staff. “Rather than terminate the relationship, Maj. Gen. Grigsby took actions that his staff described as sneaky and covert, indicating that he wanted the relationship to continue, regardless of the consequences.”
That attitude is common among generals and admirals, said Lory Manning, a retired Navy captain and fellow at the Service Women’s Action Network, a non-profit advocacy group for women in the military.
“The traits that make somebody a good, aggressive leader — the get-out-there-and-run-into-no-man’s-land-from-your-trench kind of guy — is a certain personality trait,” she said. Some of the bad apples out there think they can beat the system because they had so far. Nobody ever caught them. For a few of them, there might be some hubris.”
These same leaders don’t want to pass judgment on each other because they have known each other for decades in which their careers often intersected, she said.
Consequences often are more dire for lower-ranking troops than for generals and admirals, said Christensen, the former Air Force prosecutor. The phenomenon even has its own term in the military: Different spanks for different ranks.
“The everyday troop is court-martialed for what a general officer is given a slap on the hand for,” Christensen said.
Carson, the former top civilian official in the Army and Pentagon, was a bit more charitable, saying senior leaders in every profession prefer to keep the discipline discreet and in-house. “No one likes to call in a strike on their own position,” he said.
## Combat stress. Or succumb to it.
Since the terror attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, the U.S. military has been on a war footing, with some troops returning again and again to combat.
You’d be hard-pressed to find a soldier with more time on battlefields since that time — and before — than Grigsby. An infantryman and graduate of the Army’s elite Ranger school, he led a company of soldiers in the first Gulf War. He would go on to deploy three times to Iraq and once to Afghanistan and commanded the key task force on the Horn of Africa that conducts counterterror raids.
After eight deployments for a total of 6½ years, “I have been struggling with my family situation for awhile, attempting to balance a military career and be the husband, father, and grandfather I wanted to be and what my family reasonably expected me to be,” Grigsby wrote to the Army vice chief of staff after being demoted one star.
His career and family unraveled on the eve of his fourth deployment to Iraq.
Grigsby, who declined to be interview for this article, concluded his letter, writing that he hoped “others will learn from the pain of my mistakes.” In a hand-written note, he apologized for “letting down” Army leaders.
Repeated deployments and trauma don’t explain or excuse outrageous behavior, said retired Army general Peter Chiarelli, who served as vice chief until 2012. He is now chief executive of One Mind, a non-profit organization that funds research in brain injury research and treatment. But the Pentagon should think twice before sending the same officers again and again into war, he said.
## Spare the rod, spoil the general
Christensen, the advocate for victims of sexual assault in the military and former Air Force prosecutor, said the Pentagon has failed troops by going easy on generals and admirals who are allowed to retire, keep their coveted security clearances and take lucrative jobs with defense contractors in retirement.
The only way to stop it, he said, is to punish wayward admirals and generals by taking away their retirement pay and opportunities to work for defense contractors when they leave the military.
Hagel called, again, for a better understanding of the problem before heads roll.
“Is there a deep problem? There obviously was a problem,” he said. “Was it endemic? I don’t think it was.
“That doesn’t discount the seriousness of it,” Hagel said. “If somebody’s getting away with something, that’s going to have a wider effect on the environment.”
If you spare the rod, said Rep. Jackie Speier, a California Democrat and member of the Armed Services Committee, you’ll spoil the general.
“Naming and shaming is key,” Speier said. “If you really want to create an environment that is going to sanitize this conduct from happening, investigate it, prosecute it and then inform the public.”
---
### [Pat Schroeder and Deborah James: The Full Transcript](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/pat-schroeder-deborah-james-full-transcript/)
**Published:** November 7, 2017
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (Politico) - This week, a special part two of The Global Politico, our report on the everyday culture of sexual harassment — and sexism — that still plagues women who dare to represent America in the world.
**Content:**
*(Politico)* – This week, a special part two of The Global Politico, our report on the everyday culture of sexual harassment — and sexism — that still plagues women who dare to represent America in the world. Yesterday, we rolled out part one, a frank and at times disturbing conversation with six bad-ass women who’ve worked in the Pentagon, the National Security Council, the State Department in recent years. They talked about men watching porn on their office computers, Special Forces dudes walking around the office in their underwear. ‘We thought It was just the cost of doing business in the Pentagon,’ said one of the women. If you haven’t had a chance to listen to it, I hope you will.
And now, today’s episode takes us back to the Pentagon — and the Bad Old Days if you will, when there really weren’t ANY women in national security, as in zero, zip, nada. Congresswoman Pat Schroeder was a key figure in changing that, she served in Congress for 24 years, even ran for president. A Colorado Democrat, she was on the Armed Services Committee, and she joined us on a recent visit to Washington to talk about what it was like to wage that lonely crusade in the 80s and 90s—and all the resistance she faced. Then we’ll hear from Deborah James, the second woman secretary of the Air Force. She served under President Obama, and actually was involved in some horrific cases while she was there — including disciplining a retired four-star general who forced a subordinate to have sex. Why didn’t that case go national when all these other sensational new allegations are? We’ll talk about that and more… but first: former Congresswoman Pat Schroeder.
**Pat Schroeder:** I’m former congresswoman Pat Schroeder. I was on the Armed Services Committee for all 24 years I was in Congress. So I saw lots of women have all sorts of problems.
**Susan Glasser:** Well, that’s right and especially in this national security world, as we were talking about, women are a minority of a minority and have been for a long time. So you have the broader problems of the political world that you operated in and of course, Congress, which is not exactly a bastion of progressive thinking, either, then or now. But then how does the national security space specifically do you think differ from those other areas?
**Schroeder:** Well, first of all, it’s been a very hard, hard pull for these young lionesses. I was the one who pushed to get them into the different academies, which people didn’t want to do, and obviously, those are their sacred spots and worked very hard to try and get them to have all sorts of slots. I’m a pilot, so I couldn’t see any reason they couldn’t fly and there isn’t any reason they can’t fly. They deal with gravity better than men. That’s a dirty old secret but nevertheless, same with getting them into space. They didn’t want to send them into space. They didn’t want to send them anywhere and I had all sorts of horrible experiences coming from Colorado. The speaker put me on the board of overseers at the Air Force Academy. And the Air Force Academy is probably the most advanced of the services, anyway. So they invited me out, land at the Air Force Academy, drags in these young men and he sits there like this and he says, “Tell this woman what you think of her idea to let girls in here.”
“Go ahead, speak freely.” And I’m like, “Well, it might be better if you left.” “No, no, no. Speak freely in front of me. Go ahead, tell them.” So obviously, even the young men knew that all the way through the top command, this was something we imposed on them. This was like some kind of an experiment or some terrible thing. And it was interesting because the young man would say things like, “Well, they could wear their hair long.” And I’d say, “Do you want to wear your hair longer?” “No.” “Does it interfere with the mission?” “No.” “Well, they can wear earrings. Does it interfere with the mission? Do you want to wear it here?” We would just go on and on and they couldn’t—
**Glasser:** And this was in the 1980s?
**Schroeder:** Oh, yeah. Oh, yeah. So this was right before we finally got permission to get them into the academies. So then, one of the things that really troubled me was we did get them in the academies and the Air Force Academy asked that I not be put back on the board. They really were not fond of my term.
**Glasser:** Were there other women on the board?
**Schroeder:** No, no. And so then I start watching what’s happening to this incoming class and they’re all suffering from amenorrhea. And I’m thinking, “Oh, my goodness, this did not happen when they desegregated Harvard and Yale. So the pressure must be horrendous and you begin to think, “Oh, gracious.”
And my favorite story just to end on the Air Force Academy is I’m on the floor one day and I get this call, “Go talk to colonel so-and-so from the Air Force Academy.” I get on the phone in a cloakroom and he says, “Damn you. It finally happened. We knew it would happen.” I said, “I’m sorry, could you back up and tell me what ‘it’ is?” “A cadet six months pregnant. We’ve thrown her out.” And I said, “Oh, well, was there anyone else implicated?” “No,” he said, “No, none of the males are implicated.” And I said, “Would you please look out the window? Is there a star over the Air Force Academy? This is the first time I’ve heard of this in several thousand years.”
Well, he threw the phone down and that was the end of it. So they never thought I was very funny. But that type of tension was just incredible that these young lionesses went through. You saw it also, the harassment that you got, Tailhook being one of the many things. I got very involved in the Tailhook thing because there was this one wonderful young woman finally willing to come forward. And as the military women would tell me on the side, “It’s not that we don’t know our options. We know our options stink. Oh, yeah. We could go report it. Who do you report it to? The head of your command, he may be the one harassing you or he may be the one who thinks it’s wonderful.” So where do you go with these stories? And this young woman’s father and grandfather had both been in the Navy and they were like, “Navy men aren’t to act that way and we’re going to stand behind you,” and took on the whole Tailhook thing. Which was very brave of her.
**Glasser:** This was in 1986?
**Schroeder:** Right, and on and on it went. But the Tailhook thing had been running for years with huge numbers of women being assaulted, not just military women. Anybody that happened to be walking through that hallway.
**Glasser:** Did things get better as a result of all the attention to Tailhook? One thing that depressingly is striking to me is that we have had these repeated public moments of scandal around sexual harassment. There was Tailhook and then there was Anita Hill and Clarence Thomas. There have been just in the last few years in the media, these enormous stories about Bill Cosby and O’Reilly and the like and yet, it’s not clear to me that these have been anything other than sort of episodic moments.
**Schroeder:** Well, and the hope that so many of us had would be that the younger generation, it wouldn’t be a problem and then suddenly, you read all about what’s going on out in Silicon Valley, which would tend to be younger. So you take deep breaths and say, “How do we keep working on this?” I think eventually, a lot of the women have really shown their courage in all of this and eventually, it starts to change. But there was such a feeling of, “We don’t want women.” One of the most surprising things that ever happened to me as I was doing a morning show on ABC where I was talking about getting women into all of the slots that they qualified for.
And when I got done, the cameraman came from behind the camera and starts beating me up, and I’m like—well, they pulled him off. And the powers that be said, “Oh, my gosh. He’s six months from retirement.”
**Glasser:** You mean he was yelling at you and—
**Schroeder:** Oh, he was hitting me, yes.
**Glasser:** He was actually hitting you? He was actually—
**Schroeder:** He didn’t hurt me because people immediately grabbed him, but—
**Glasser:** Here in Washington?
**Schroeder:** Here in Washington at the ABC bureau down there across from the Mayflower Hotel and I was like, “No, no. Don’t do anything. I do not want to be the one that keeps him from his retirement six months from now, for crying out loud.” But to think that that so rankled him what I was saying about women being able to contribute is amazing. I think we also don’t know the history of women. I kept saying to people, “Do you know that there are women soldiers buried—Revolutionary soldiers buried at West Point?” “No, no, no.” I said, “Yes, they cross-dressed and you know what? When they were discovered, Washington insisted they be paid the same because they fought the same.”
**Glasser:** Can I ask you about the response in the political and national security establishment? So a lot of this activism that you were undertaking on behalf of getting women into positions in the military, getting women into positions in our national security establishment. It was occurring in the 1980s and the 1990s when there’s first two Republican presidents and a Democratic president. That power establishment, how resistant were they? How much did women who entered that world find it welcoming or not? People say, “Oh, well, there was Jeane Kirkpatrick in the Reagan administration.” I can’t imagine that she was really partnering with you on these issues.
**Schroeder:** No. It was fairly lonely. I found that a lot of women in the women’s movement, especially vis-à-vis the military, their response was, “Why do you want women in the military anyway? We’re for peace.” And I’m like, “I’m for peace, too, but there are people who want to make this their career and I think they might make it a better military if they were in it.” So we were having a big fight with Bella Abzug about it. “Why do you keep pressing away on this? Why don’t we work over here in this area?”
**Glasser:** But that was a key point, actually. Because I think that probably went on for a long time and it explains why even those women who did enter national security didn’t necessarily have the same infrastructure of support.
**Schroeder:** They didn’t. They absolutely didn’t and don’t let anyone tell you they did because I kept trying to get it and you can’t think of a women’s convention where this really came up. It was always like, “Well, we’ll get to it but we’re really not for that.”
**Glasser:** What about the nexus between sex and sexual harassment and the institutionalized sexism and gender discrimination, right? We all understand there is a connection here. But in some ways, we tend to treat these as separate problems. How much, once you got women into these academies, once you fought to get them into positions, did you immediately then begin hearing from them about incidents of sexual harassment or outright sexual assault?
**Schroeder:** Well, I did from a lot of them and I think one of the interesting things that when the U.N. had that International Year of the Woman, there was a Dr. Elise Boulding who did this very interesting study and I think she was absolutely right. She talked about you can’t really change an institution until you have a critical mass of women. This idea that you put one woman on the board and everything will change. No.
**Glasser:** The tipping point.
**Schroeder:** Exactly, you put one woman and everything’s going to—no, no, no. And it’s not like two are going to do it, either. You’ve got to have a critical mass. So clearly, with women going into the military, we’re nowhere near a critical mass nor any of these schools and we’re dealing with the same people who fought violently not to let them in. The second thing is if you go back and look, DOD, they studied women in the military more than any other group that’s ever come into the military and they always did very well. In fact, they did wonderfully well. So they never knew what to do. It was like, “Damn. Well, we’ll study again next year. Maybe it will come out worse next year.”
They used to say, “Well, women will get pregnant. They’re going to miss a lot of time and on and on and on.” They found that what often happened was that young men would be involved in motorcycle accidents and so forth and so on and actually, young men were missing more days than young women. So no matter where you looked at it, they couldn’t find a way to get rid of them.
**Glasser:** That’s a good way of putting it. Do you have any specific memories of any women that you connected with who brought their stories of harassment to you or that you tried to intervene on their behalf?
**Schroeder:** Oh, yes. I worked obviously, with the young woman on Tailhook who brought hers. I had then lots of different instances. One of my favorite—Carter, I believe, put in the first woman secretary of the Air Force. And I had an Air Force installation in my district then I came home one weekend and this group of young women came and said, “We’re all junior officers and we’re supposed to go to the officers club”—because that’s where you get your credentials and you schmooze. “But they keep having these topless go-go dancers and everything there.”
**Glasser:** At the officers club?
**Schroeder:** At the officers club and it’s really hard. So I said, “Oh, my god. That’s terrible.” So I get a hold of my friend who is secretary of the Air Force and she says, “That’s right. You’re right. I’m putting an order out immediately.” So I think I’m probably the smartest person on the planet and I’ve solved this, bam, bam, which you almost never do. About six months later, they come back to the office and they say, “I thought you were going to fix this. What’s happened?” And I’m like, “What do you mean what’s happened?” I call my friend, the secretary, and she says– she convenes all of the people around her, all the uniform guys and she said, “What happened to that order?” And they said, “Oh, we thought you were kidding.” They didn’t send it out. Well, they did then. That was the end of it.
But that tells you how entrenched it was in their thinking, that, “Oh, she must be kidding. She certainly wouldn’t expect us to take out the topless go-go dancers in the officers club.” Glasser: How did they feel about you in this activism on the Armed Services Committee?
**Schroeder:** Oh, they didn’t like it at all.
**Glasser:** Were there other women on the committee at that time?
**Schroeder:** Yeah. The first year I was there, the Republicans put on a woman, Marjorie Holt.
And then, later on, several other women came on. Actually, I don’t think we ever had more than three. But no, I think they all thought I was nuts. “Why are you causing all this trouble?” It was always, “Why aren’t you doing the important things?” And I would be like, “And what are they?” “Oh, well, how many carriers we should have.” And I would go, “I think I could do both.”
**Glasser:** Was there a big change with the Clinton Administration coming in?
**Schroeder:** Well, they certainly appointed a lot more women at the top. That really helped. I think of the bit, if they put out an order, they thought it was kidding. That ended. They believed it. Yeah, I think it really begins to help and you also had a couple of classes from these different academies graduating and moving into the mainstream. The other thing I found that really started to make a difference was some of these admirals and generals and everything, their daughters decided they wanted to go to the Academy or they wanted to be in the military. And I remember one admiral who just fought me tooth and nail about women on ships. “Oh, no. You can’t have women on ships. No. It’s a tight quarter. Oh, my God. The sex, it will be awful.” And I kept saying to him, they have coed dorms at places and this all works out.
And let me tell you how they have locks on the door. Anyway, so one year, he comes for the presentation at the beginning, and all of a sudden, he’s for women on ships. And I thought, “Well, do I embarrass him in front of everybody and say, “What is this?” So afterward, I go in the cloakroom and I said to him, “I think this was a change in your position. Am I correct?” And he said, “Yeah, you got me.” And I said, “Well, what happened?” And he said, “Well, my daughter went into the DC PD, the Washington Police Department. She’d be so much safer on a ship.” And I got to rethinking all of this, and I’m like, “Oh, is that what it takes?”
**Glasser:** The ultimate politics is personal, right? Well, I know you have to run but I’m also asking everybody if they have any sort of “Me Too” story of their own to share with all those. In your long career in politics, did anyone ever grab you and kiss you? Did anyone ever—
**Schroeder:** Well, of course, I think everybody’s got stories about wonderful Strom Thurmond because he was older and he could get away with it, you know?
**Glasser:** Well, you saw what happened to former President George H.W. Bush, though. To me, that was that Thurmond-like behavior, right? So did you get your butt pinched by Strom Thurmond?
**Schroeder:** I think everybody did. But most of them stayed away because I was fairly clear where I was. I was the dragon lady. They weren’t going to deal with—
**Glasser:** Right, in public? Absolutely.
**Schroeder:** But there were some women members who did have trouble with others.
**Glasser:** Did you feel like they saw you and other women as a support group up on the Hill?
**Schroeder:** They thought we should be cheerleaders, in many instances, for what they were. There were some that were very good. You always hate to talk in a big generality, but there were some that didn’t get it and probably still don’t get. And who knows what will happen. Look at this week where Congressman Tim Murphy has to resign because while he’s terribly anti-abortion, he has his mistress get an abortion. I mean, really?
**Glasser:** That sounds like the Congress you remember well from the 1980s, doesn’t it?
**Schroeder:** I do and it’s unfortunately 2017. Oh, there used to be that joke in the cloakroom people would be talking about. “Well, how about the abortion bill?” And the guy would say, “Yeah, I paid mine.” Oh, really? Funny.
**Glasser:** They used to say that in the cloakroom? Amazing.
**Schroeder:** Not all of them, but some.
**Glasser:** Well, I have to say it’s been a real honor to have a chance to talk with former Congresswoman Pat Schroeder, who was a legendary figure when I first came to Washington, when I graduated from college and started working here as a reporter and I think we often lose the context and the history of how long we’ve been talking about things like this. So for me, it’s particularly valuable, I think, to hear your voice as part of this.
**Schroeder**: Thank you.
**Glasser:** Thank you and welcome back to Washington.
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**Glasser:** Hi, I’m Susan Glasser, and welcome back to The *Global POLITICO*. It’s my great honor to be joined for this part of our conversation in our special episode of The *Global POLITICO* and the *Women Rule* podcast with Deborah James, who was the second woman to serve as secretary of the Air Force. Thank you so much for joining us today.
**Deborah James:** Thank you, Susan.
**Glasser:** Well, this is really—I’m just overwhelmed by all of the thoughtful reflection and conversation, and national conversation, really, that has been spurred over the last few weeks by these revelations about Harvey Weinstein, about powerful figures in the media. Just the other day, we had the British minister of defense resigning after he was faced with public accusations of harassment, and said he couldn’t be sure there wouldn’t be more coming out.
My guess is, on some level, none of this is a surprise to you. You’ve been living with it privately and professionally for a long time, seeing this play out. But the public aspect of it might be a little bit of a stunner. How has this national conversation impacted you? What have you been thinking about?
**James:** Well, on the one hand, it’s a shame that we continue to have episodes like this, and we really have had, as you point out, a rash of episodes, a rash of revelations in recent weeks and months. But you’re right, it’s not all that much of a surprise to me. I think this issue of sexual harassment, sexual assault, it has been with us for a long period of time. It’s been with us forever, and the more that we talk about it, I think the more possibility of this really being a game-changing moment in history, where maybe we can get on a different trajectory.
But, on the other hand, I’ve been around enough, scandals happen, things get publicized, everyone rushes to the scandal, but eventually, something else overtakes the public discourse, and we forget. And then we have to repeat when another scandal erupts. I hope that doesn’t happen to us again. I hope real change can be forthcoming.
**Glasser:** Well, it’s interesting that you raise that. I think there are so many smart women I’ve spoken with, especially in the national security space, and they’re on the one hand feeling it’s about time to have this national conversation but it is definitely tempered by a concern that we’ve been through not one, but many scandals before without it changing many of the structural issues. And I was struck by how many scandals didn’t turn into a national conversation, including ones that you yourself oversaw disciplinary action in.
Just a few months ago, you were then at that time still the secretary of the Air Force. There was an Air Force action that you participated in which you stripped a retired four-star general of two ranks and docked him about $60,000 per year in pension payments after determining that he had coerced sex with a subordinate officer three times and told her that he would—quote—deny it until the day he died. I’m reading from a USA Today story.
You know, I was so impressed, on the one hand with how you handled that. You wrote: “You are hereby reprimanded!” in exclamation points on December 6, 2016. “Your conduct is disgraceful, and but for the statute of limitations bar to prosecution, would be more appropriately addressed through the Uniform Code of Military Justice.”
But there was no big national outcry around this. Tell us about that case and others that you handled as the secretary, and what it tells you about our overall state of willingness to address sexual misconduct.
**James:** That case, I believe, was one of the most senior uniformed military officers who was ever disciplined. That case was a retired four-star general from the Air Force, as you point out. I think the higher you are in a leadership position, whether you’re in the uniform military, whether you’re in the civilian part of government, whether you’re in business, whatever your industry may be, you’re in a special position of trust. And so, you all the more have to adhere to the rules, have to demonstrate dignity and respect to all.
So, in this case the victim came forward years after the fact, and indeed, as you pointed out, there had been statute of limitation issues, which essentially made the Uniform Code of Military Justice not workable in this case. And so we went through the whole process.
There was a significant investigation. A lot of time and effort went into it. It was fully coordinated. I heard all the viewpoints, including from the accused, as well as from the victim, and at the end of the day I made the decision to hold this person accountable the best way I could with the tools that I still had left in my toolbox.
Again, the higher you are, the greater position of trust that you are privileged to serve in, and if you misuse that trust there needs to be accountability.
**Glasser:** What do you think, and what did you learn in the course of this case and others that you were privy to as secretary? What did you learn about the culture inside the Pentagon and inside the U.S. military when it comes to questions around abuse of power and sexual coercion? We all know intuitively that there have been scandals inside the uniform military. How does it connect with our broader national security conversation?
**James:** Well, I’m not so sure there are more scandals within the uniform military than there are in many other walks of life in the United States, and indeed, around the world. I’m not necessarily convinced of that, but of course, my life’s work has been focused on the military and national security.
**Glasser:** And women are very underrepresented in senior positions in all of these places.
**James:** Women are underrepresented. If you go way back in my personal career, I started early on, on Capitol Hill for the House Armed Services Committee, and at the time I joined the professional staff, there was only one or two at best other women who were professional staff members. So, I was young and I was one of a very few in that type of a national security job.
I went on to the Pentagon, and was an assistant secretary of defense when I was in my thirties. So once again, I was rather young; I was one of a few at that point. This was the ‘90s in the Clinton administration. And then most recently, I returned to government as the secretary of the Air Force.
This was, of course, an even more senior job. There were more women in the environment, but still, underrepresented. And if you take that to the uniform military side, women have attained the highest ranks on both the enlisted and the officer side, but there are still not that many. It is still an underrepresented, even though we’re 50 percent of the population.
**Glasser:** Well, so, let’s talk about that. Yesterday we had this very frank conversation with some of your peers, or younger women who worked in the national security field, and we got very real; we got very personal. Like you, I’m sure, we’ve all spent the last few weeks in a way excavating our own past, as well as looking at the broader policy discussion.
And, thinking about those things when we were young and coming up, especially when you were one of only one or two people on, say, the Armed Services Committee staff, what I was blown away by was every single person around the table had incidents that in hindsight, or in today’s climate, would be viewed as harassment, or at the least, a hostile environment—women changing their appearance, or saying, “Oh, gee, I can’t wear skirts to the office. I’m afraid of that assistant secretary.”
Tell us a little bit about your own experience coming through a profession where there were so few other similarly-situated women. Did you ever feel those, or encounter those kind of incidents?
**James:** When I was in my twenties and thirties, I did encounter some of those types of incidents. My incidents were more when I was on Capitol Hill as a young staffer, and into my early thirties. By the time I reached the Pentagon, I will say I did not encounter those instances, because by the time I reached the Pentagon, I myself was in a position of authority and power, and I was a bit older—though I was still fairly young—for that level of a job.
Youth is not always part of the explanation, but with youth usually comes a lack of authority, a lack of power, a lack of experience, and so people who are older, people who do have that authority and power, can fail in their own integrity, and take advantage of that, and they can press, and they can see what the traffic will bear, so to speak.
And so I have my own stories of that, but they come more from Congress and they come more from my international travels when I was with the Congress. So, it’s not just in the United States, as I said, you will encounter this all over the world. And I think young women—young men, as well—but, youth and a lack of power, it tends to happen more. Not exclusively, but more.
**Glasser:** Yes. We talked about that, that that is one of the things that makes this national security or foreign policy field different than women encounter these problems in every profession, but this is a specificity of our Washington world, which is traveling internationally to places that have even more problems with this. Several of the women recounted being afraid, literally afraid on some of these foreign trips where they’re representing the United States, or the U.S. Congress, and they felt that they were potentially going to be preyed upon, or also felt a problem with members of Congress not wanting to travel with them, that it could affect their careers negatively. Did you ever experience that, this ceiling? I mean, now, people are afraid a little bit that there could be a backlash—right?—and that the response to, “Oh my goodness, there’s all these accusations of sexual harassment. I shouldn’t be alone with a woman,” the Mike Pence rule.
**James:** I never feared for my safety, per se, certainly not with any of the U.S. colleagues, be they superiors or peers of mine. I never feared for my safety, but I’ve been in uncomfortable situations which I handled in my own way. What I never did then is what some of the women are now doing today. I never spoke out then. And this is why I say, at a level, or at a point in time where there really is this critical mass of women who are having the courage to come out and speak about these things, we have at least the potential to have this be a game-changing moment.
This has been going on for a long time, but to the extent people like me—and I’m complicit in this—the fact that we said nothing, the fact that we dealt with it in our own way—perhaps in retrospect that was wrong of us to do. But, as you point out, particularly when you’re younger you don’t know quite what to do. You just try to get through it. You don’t succumb to it, hopefully, but you just carry forth and you do the best you can and you ignore it. That was the way I approached it, because I didn’t want to be the one to make an accusation and possibly have it blow back on me, which is why this continues to be a very underreported crime and inappropriate types of behavior.
**Glasser:** You know, a couple weeks ago in this whole controversy—I’m sure you remember—with White House chief of staff, General John Kelly, he was talking about the Gold Star families. And he made a point that I think caused a lot of women here in Washington to really do a double-take in the course of that, where he seemed to be bemoaning a past where he said women were “sacred.” And a lot of people were surprised by that comment, thinking that the good old days maybe weren’t so good for women.
But I’m wondering, was that attitude prevalent in the Pentagon at the upper levels? You know, it has historically been a somewhat isolated and insulated male-dominated, warrior culture.
**James:** In the Air Force, in the area that I focused on most recently in government, I didn’t hear talk like this. As a matter of fact, we—during the period that I served—opened up the remaining, that previously had been closed, jobs to women. Now, the Air Force had always been the most open service; it was a little bit more difficult for the Marine Corps, and, of course, Kelly is a Marine retired general. It was a little bit more difficult for the Army. It was probably the easiest for the Air Force to open up those remaining jobs.
But if you go back in time, in the 1990s, for example, I was in the Pentagon at the time that we collectively opened up combat aircraft to women, and combat naval vessels to women, as well. That was much more I would say gut-wrenching from my memories. So, the leaders of that era, who were at that time four-star generals, were much more of the ilk of, say, my father, the type of thing that my father would say, and my father might have said something like, “Women are sacred.” My father—God rest his soul—was born in the year 1923.
So, this is also a generational thing. And it is my hope that the more that we bring women into these different types of specialties, and particularly if we can reach a critical mass—not just a handful, but a critical mass of women, and men see that they’re doing the job—these attitudes will change.
**Glasser:** Were there things that you tried to do that you were surprised or frustrated that you couldn’t get done when it came to empowering women more within the military?
**James:** As the secretary of a military service, we are privileged when we are in these jobs to be able to give out promotion instructions to promotion boards. And these are portrayed as your individual instructions. But with that said, there are a lot of parameters. And I had hoped to be able to put more about the importance of diversity and inclusion into those promotion instructions to try to bring up more people of diverse backgrounds and diverse ethnicities, and gender, and so on. I had hoped to put more in those promotion instructions, but found that I was legally constrained and that it was really quite modest, what I was able to do. So that was a bit of a surprise. I thought I would have more leeway than I did.
What was not surprising—and again, this is what gives me hope for the future—is the senior male leaders in the Air Force of today were very embracing of these initiatives, of the thrust of wanting to work on this more. Because, guess what? We’re all in a war for talent, and if 50 percent of the population of young people that you’re trying to draw from is female, then why wouldn’t you want to get your fair share of that fantastic talent in the front door?
So, they get that part. That’s the business imperative, I’ll say, for the Air Force. And so, I think it is different today. We have come a long way, but there still is a long way yet to go.
**Glasser:** Well, that’s a good summation of it. One of the things that came up repeatedly in our group conversation was the question of whether women in national security face the added almost public burden of our very image of what a guardian of national security looks like, right? Why does Donald Trump appoint so many generals? He calls them “my generals.” Because they fit the suit—you know, this notion that we have to have a sort of big, burly, retired three- or four-star general communicating to us about our defense policies and national security.
How much do you think our notion of guardianship and of national security is still tied up with images of men?
**James:** Probably a great deal. And when you speak about command of troops—I mean, that is very, very still heavily commanded by men. I mean, women who have come up through the ranks and been at the senior-most positions in the military have tended to be more in the acquisition field; they’ve been medical corps; they’ve been things other than combat-oriented command of troops. That’s changing gradually, but very gradually.
**Glasser:** Right. And if you need to be a combat commander in order to then rise up to the very top—right—
**James:** You had to have checked all the boxes along the way for promotions and so on. But one example that we’re all very proud of is General Lori Robinson, who is the first combatant commander. She is the commander of Northern Command, so she’s responsible for the defense of the United States, as well as the entirety of North America. So, she is a combatant commander and she is a first.
So, that’s an example of how things have slowly changed for women to be able to command troops. As the secretary of a service, I liken the job to more being the CEO of the enterprise, so it’s a question of budget, it’s talent management. It’s a question of training and investments for technology, and procurement, and so on. But what I always tell women about matters of appearance is, be who you are, play to your own strengths. Don’t try to outdo somebody else who has strengths that you don’t have.
So, for example, I was never a combat pilot, so I never attempted to outdo the combat pilot on matters of piloting a combat aircraft, if you see what I mean. But I did know a lot about business. I knew a lot about the Congress, budgets, talent management—so you’ve got to play to your strength, and there’s where you need to also have a team of people around you who can complement you where you’re not as strong.
**Glasser:** Looking back 20, 25, 30 years ago, when you were a young staffer starting out on the House Armed Services Committee, what would you tell your 20-something, 30-something self now, when it comes to these issues of gender in the workplace and sexual harassment?
**James:** I would tell my 20-something self in certain ways to do exactly what you did, which is dream big, aspire high, go for it. But I think I would also tell my 20-something-year-old self, speak up more. When you see things that aren’t appropriate or when something happens to you that is not appropriate, speak up. Don’t be fearful; speak up. Take that chance. And I would like to think that I might do that.
But again, when I was in my early twenties, I, too, had a certain fear about speaking up, and didn’t want to make waves. And that’s another thing. It’s this bystander complex. So, whether we’re a woman or we’re a man, if we’re in an environment and we see things going south quickly, if we see inappropriate jokes, inappropriate touching, anything of this nature, to the extent we stand by and let it happen, or worse yet, if we giggle along with the joke, that’s real bad. And all of us who care about this issue need to stop doing that to the extent that we have done it.
So, it’s not just if it happens to you, but if you are in the environment and you see it happening, take a stand. Say something.
**Glasser:** I’m sure you must have known men who have been accused of things like this, or where this happened firsthand to you, and going back and thinking about that is a very complicated and painful thing, right? You don’t get to go back 20 years in time.
**James:** You don’t get to go back, but again, I will say, in the spectrum of things that could happen to a person, I didn’t have the worst end of the spectrum happen to me. And so, through the years it has not been something that has deeply troubled me, that I’ve had difficulty getting beyond, so to speak.
But this is a moment in time when we’re reflecting, because it is so much in the headlines, and there are so many prominent people now who we now know have really engaged in some pretty predatory behavior. So, I think at a moment like this it makes somebody like me—and perhaps like some of the other women you’re speaking with—reflect back to some of the things that happened to us, or that happened to our peers, that we either knew about or should have known about, and how did we react? And how might we recommend to our own daughters, our own sons, other young people in our midst—what would we recommend today? And I know I would recommend speak up.
**Glasser:** Secretary Deborah James, second woman secretary of the Air Force and our guest this week on The *Global POLITICO*. You know, Eleanor Roosevelt was famous for saying that to be a woman in public life, you have to have the skin of a rhinoceros, and I keep thinking of that when it comes to how many women have chosen to tough it out in very male-dominated spaces like national security. And I thank you both for your service and your thoughtful comments today. I know our listeners are grateful, as well to you.
**James:** Thank you, Susan.
**Glasser:** Thank you.
---
### [8 Inventions from Teenagers Who Want to Change the World](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/8-inventions-teenagers-want-change-world/)
**Published:** November 26, 2017
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (Interesting Engineering) - First up on our list of inventions is pretty ingenious. At 13 years old, Shubham Banerjee managed to create a working Braille printer after learning about the expense of braille printers.
**Content:**
*(Interesting Engineering)* – Though most of us would associate teenagers with sleeping in late, taking selfies, generally not cleaning up and playing computer games, [some ](https://interestingengineering.com/17-year-old-world-championship-for-excel-spreadsheets)use their time wisely.
These eight teenagers not only excel in school, but their productivity, innovation, and ingenuity have created some interesting inventions that could reshape our lives.
## 1. DIY Braille Printer
First up on our list of inventions is pretty ingenious. At 13 years old, Shubham Banerjee managed to create a working Braille printer after learning about the expense of braille printers. Shubham used a [Lego](https://interestingengineering.com/how-design-lego-kits)[Mindstorms EV3](https://www.lego.com/en-us/mindstorms/products/mindstorms-ev3-31313) kit and about **$5** of hardware from Home Depot to do the job. Dubbed the Braigo V1.0, is considerably cheaper than other Braille printers on the market that tended to come in at **$2,000** a piece at the time!
That’s quite a discount.
With around **285 million** visually impaired individuals across the globe according to the World Health Organization, this device could prove invaluable in the near future. Shubham [launched](http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2917874/Boy-13-builds-Braille-printer-Legos-starts-company.html)a startup in 2015, [Braigo Labs](https://www.braigolabs.com/), with his parents. Braigo labs have since released an app and web platform that continues to grow to further develop this innovative technology.
In the latest news, they have attracted investment from Intel.
## 2. Pedal-powered washing machine
Necessity is the mother of all inventions, and this gadget certainly embodies that phrase. This is particularly relevant for our next teenage inventor. [Remya Jose](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5wO3jO-NPX8), a 14-year-old from India, was asked to do the laundry when her mother became ill.
Clearly, Remya was less than impressed with the amount of time and energy needed to hand wash clothes in the nearby river. She took some [recycled bicycle](https://housely.com/pedal-powered-laundry-machine/) parts to create an appliance that saves time, energy and keeps you fit, all at the same time.
This device will clearly have countless applications in areas lacking electricity, or those who wish to save time on exercising and chores.
## 3. Water purifier and power generator
[Cynthia Sin Nga Lam](https://real-leaders.com/cynthia-sin-nga-lam-founder-h2pro/), from Australia, might just have solved the problem of supplying power and clean water to remote regions of the world at just 17. With millions of people around the globe without electricity or clean water, she decided to attempt to tackle both with one solution.
Cynthia’s H2Pro device harnesses photocatalysis (using light to speed up chemical reactions) to sterilize water. The reaction, as a bonus product, releases hydrogen which Lam believes can be used to produce electricity with further improvements.
Cynthia’s device was one of 15 inventions that made the[ Google Science Fair](https://www.googlesciencefair.com/en/)‘s finalist for 2014.
## 4. Poo power
In 2013, Kenya’s Maseno School opened its new dormitories for over 700 students. The area around the buildings often smelt because of pit latrines and defective sewage systems. This also polluted the local water supplies.
Leroy Mwasary and four friends decided to come up with [a solution,](https://grist.org/people/a-kenyan-kid-turns-his-friends-poop-into-clean-energy/) a human waste bioreactor that would convert waste into clean cooking fuel for the kitchen. Fast forward a few years and Leroy, now founder of [Greenpact](http://hwbteam2014.blogspot.com.tr/), aims to provide biogas to over six million Kenyans who lack adequate sanitation and reliable fuel sources.
## 5. Self-sanitizing door handle
Sun Ming Wong aged 17, and King Pong Li, aged 18, [developed](https://www.sciencenewsforstudents.org/article/door-handle-kills-germs) a bacteria-killing door handle. The teens knew that microbes are spread through contact, from door handles to shopping carts. They decided to look for a material that would adequately kill bacteria in situ.
Their search proved fruitful after using titanium oxide. Their handles not only have a coating of titanium oxide but also an LED light integrated into the handle to activate the compound. It is said their solution can destroy **99.8%** of all bacteria and viruses.
The entire device also only costs around **$13**, making it an affordable choice for most.
## 6. Dementia Patient Wander Warning Device
[Kenneth Shinozuku](http://www.businessinsider.com/kenneth-shinozuka-google-science-fair-2014-8), a 15-year-old from New York, recently won a $50,000 science prize for his wearable sensors that send mobile alerts when [dementia](https://interestingengineering.com/ceo-built-new-life-alzheimer-dementia-patients) patients wander away from their beds. He was inspired by his grandfather who suffers from Alzheimer’s disease. Kenneth noticed that his grandfather would frequently wander from his bed in the middle of the night and hurt himself.
His solution was to develop coin-zed wireless sensors that are [strapped](https://interestingengineering.com/nanotechnology-gets-woven-into-fashionable-threads) to the patient’s feet. These sensors detect pressure when the person stands up, which triggers an audible alert on family or caregivers smartphones via an app. Ingenious.
## 7. Oceanic plastic waste collector booms
The penultimate entry on our list could clean up the world’s oceans. [Boyan Slat](http://boyanslat.com/), aged 19, came up with a solution to help clean up our oceans. He believes the booms could collect and remove around 20 billion tons of plastic waste from the world’s oceans.
His concept of using a series of floating booms with processing platforms could collect floating plastic whilst allowing fish and plankton to pass through unharmed. Better yet, the collected plastic could be used for [recycling](https://interestingengineering.com/recycled-bracelets-helps-remove-marine-trash).
Boyan is now a student at Delft University of Technology.
## 8. Pancreatic Cancer Detector
Around **85 percent** of pancreatic cancer is [diagnosed late](https://www.ted.com/talks/jack_andraka_a_promising_test_for_pancreatic_cancer_from_a_teenager), at which point the chance of survival is around **2 percent**. With such shocking statistics, it looked as though research teams were fighting a losing battle.
Step up one[ Jack Andraka](https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/jack-andraka-the-teen-prodigy-of-pancreatic-cancer-135925809/), aged 17 at the time of his invention. In 2011, news broke that he had devised [a test](https://interestingengineering.com/smartphone-identifies-cancer-99-percent-accuracy) that could detect pancreatic cancer early. Needless to say, the innovation sent shockwaves through the pancreatic cancer research. Jack managed to convince an eminent cancer researcher to use his lab to test his ideas.
Easly results look promising but will need years of clinical trials before a wide release.
These eight inventions came from the minds of some really bright teens. The next time you think about those “meddling teenagers” in your neighborhood, remember that their age group is responsible for several incredible inventions.
What are your favorite inventions on this list? Know of some we missed? Leave your recommendations in the comments below!
---
### [North Korean missile attack is a clear and present danger to us all](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/north-korean-missile-attack-clear-present-danger-us/)
**Published:** October 11, 2017
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (The Hill) - A year ago on Oct. 17, I stood with four U.S. senators at the Korean Demilitarized Zone, one stop on an inspection of U.S. capabilities to defend against a missile attack from Pyongyang.
**Content:**
*(Original source The Hill)*
*“A year ago on Oct. 17, I stood with four U.S. senators at the Korean Demilitarized Zone, one stop on an inspection of U.S. capabilities to defend against a missile attack from Pyongyang. Then, a missile strike was a clear danger. Now, it’s more of a clear and present danger. On Monday, Defense Secretary [James Mattis](http://thehill.com/people/james-mattis) urged military leaders “to be ready” with military options for North Korea.*
*That inspection took us to Alaska, where we saw young American servicemembers scrunched over radar monitors, tracking any long-range North Korean missile deemed a threat. In Seoul, we crowded into trailers and observed personnel who stood at the ready to launch Patriot missiles against shorter range threats.”*
*Click here to read more*
---
### [Meet the Woman Behind DigiTour, the Social Media Star-Studded Festival](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/meet-the-woman-behind-digitour-the-social-media-star-studded-festival/)
**Published:** December 18, 2017
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (Fortune) - As the cofounder and CEO of DigiTour, Meridith Valiando Rojas, 30, corrals popular personalities from YouTube, Instagram, and other social media networks into a live show that descends on dozens of major cities each year.
**Content:**
By Sheila Marikar *(original source Fortune)*
*How do you get young people to look up? Take the digital stuff on their screens and put it on a physical stage. As the cofounder and CEO of DigiTour, Meridith Valiando Rojas, 30, corrals popular personalities from YouTube, Instagram, and other social media networks into a live show that descends on dozens of major cities each year. Valiando Rojas may be writing the book on social media stardom (Selfie Made is due in September) but her digital chops haven’t always been welcome. Before founding DigiTour in 2010, she pushed a musician to embrace a new medium—and was promptly fired.*
***FORTUNE: What gave you the idea for DigiTour?***
***Meridith Valiando Rojas:** My career started in the music business. In 2008, I was managing an artist for Capitol Records. He was 15 years old and supposed to be the next big thing. A year went by and the label had spent a ton of money with no real results. It was ready to drop him. So I sat down with the president of Capitol, who went through a laundry list of things needed to save the artist: first, social media; second, tour … then I tuned out. A social media tour—nothing like that existed. I figured we could create one, put him in the mix with some YouTubers, and hope their magic rubbed off on him. I thought this was the solution of all solutions. The artist was a lot less excited. He fired me. I said to my boyfriend, now husband, “Let’s do the tour anyway.”*
*Click here to read more*
---
### [Ten Years After the Crisis, Banks Win Big in Trump’s Washington](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/ten-years-crisis-banks-win-big-trumps-washington/)
**Published:** February 9, 2018
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (Bloomberg) - In early February, with the Treasury secretary testifying about wild gyrations in the stock market and the Federal Reserve leveling unprecedented penalties against Wells Fargo & Co., it may have felt like 2008 again, with the financial system under siege. In reality, banks are booming, at least in Washington.
**Content:**
By Robert Schmidt and Jesse Hamilton *(original source Bloomberg)*
*“In early February, with the Treasury secretary testifying about wild gyrations in the stock market and the Federal Reserve leveling unprecedented penalties against Wells Fargo & Co., it may have felt like 2008 again, with the financial system under siege. In reality, banks are booming, at least in Washington.*
*As the 10th anniversary of the financial crisis approaches, many of the restrictions put in place to rein in Wall Street risk-taking are quietly being unwound. The Senate is considering legislation that would remove dozens of major banks from stepped-up oversight. The bill has broad Republican support and has been endorsed by 11 Democrats. In recent months a handful of the federal agencies that supervise financial companies have taken steps to revise two complex rules—one restricting trading and one requiring extra capital—that banks have long complained cost them millions of dollars in profits.”*
*Click here to read more*
---
### [Broken: Can the Senate Save Itself and the Country?](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/broken-can-senate-save-country/)
**Published:** January 1, 2018
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (Publishers Weekly) - Shapiro (The Last Great Senate), a former trade negotiator for the Clinton administration, examines headline-making political battles dating back to the 1970s in this engrossing overview of the Senate’s decline into what he characterizes as hyperpartisanship.
**Content:**
*(Original source Publishers Weekly)*
*“Shapiro (The Last Great Senate), a former trade negotiator for the Clinton administration, examines headline-making political battles dating back to the 1970s in this engrossing overview of the Senate’s decline into what he characterizes as hyperpartisanship. In talking about the obstruction tactics that he says have eroded public trust in a formerly respected and reliably bipartisan institution, the author takes the impassioned tone of an anguished parent watching his beloved children fail to live up to their potential. Part one focuses on the implementation of obstructionist tactics that are now firmly entrenched and wielded with ferocity. Shapiro sees them originating with the New Right ideologues who came to power with Reagan, and reaching a nadir under Senate Majority Leaders Harry Reid and Mitch McConnell, who cared more about “partisan warfare” than the “health of the institution.” Part two looks at Trump’s first months in office, and though the assessment is bleak, it’s never hopeless. Although “procedural frailty” in Senate rules has led to a state of gridlock, the Senate could fix itself, Shapiro writes, as one of its major strengths is its agility: “Bipartisan action can happen in swift and surprising terms.” Written to inform and to exhort, Shapiro’s work is a fast-paced narrative that moderates will appreciate.”*
*Click here to read more*
---
### [U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony & Gala](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/u-s-astronaut-hall-fame-induction-ceremony-gala/)
**Published:** February 14, 2018
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (Astronaut Scholarship Foundation) - Along with the idea to build a foundation, the Mercury 7 astronauts envisioned a place where the accomplishments of astronauts could be celebrated and showcased to the public.
**Content:**
*(Original source Astronaut Scholarship Foundation)*
*“Along with the idea to build a foundation, the Mercury 7 astronauts envisioned a place where the accomplishments of astronauts could be celebrated and showcased to the public. This vision lead to the creation of the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame (AHOF) in 1990, with members of the Mercury 7 becoming the first inaugural class. As an extension of the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex (KSCVC) experience, visitors get a glimpse into the personal side of human spaceflight through the world’s largest collection of personal astronaut memorabilia. Every year, AHOF honors a new class of astronauts that have excelled in their accomplishments in space or in their contributions to the advancement of space exploration.*
*The celebration begins Saturday morning where this year’s inductees receive the ultimate honor of becoming the official next class of Hall of Fame Astronauts. The Induction Ceremony will take place at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex for all to witness this special moment in time.”*
*Click here to read more*
---
### [Trump's war on immigration caseworkers needs to end](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/trumps-war-immigration-caseworkers-needs-end/)
**Published:** January 3, 2018
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (The Hill) - Using every tool it can to restrain immigration, the Trump administration has now taken aim at a little-known but vital resource: immigration caseworkers in congressional offices.
**Content:**
By Steve Israel *(original source The Hill)*
*“Using every tool it can to restrain immigration, the Trump administration has now taken aim at a little-known but vital resource: immigration caseworkers in congressional offices.*
*An email sent late last month by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced several new requirements, “including a handwritten and notarized signature, even if the immigrant is overseas,” before a congressional office can accept a “privacy release” that allows it to contact federal agencies. This isn’t simply a case of more paperwork clogging up an already backlogged system. This is an unnecessary measure that can put lives at risk.”*
*Click here to read more*
---
### [Creative Community: What's Your Builder Type?](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/creative-community-whats-builder-type/)
**Published:** January 3, 2018
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (Princeton Info) - Chris Kuenne knows something about starting and growing a business.
**Content:**
*(Original source Princeton Info)*
*“It’s a new year, and a time for fresh starts in any and all facets of life. Here at U.S. 1, instead of just looking forward, we also looked back at some of the creative thinking we encountered in the past year — new approaches to old problems that might just come in handy in the new year.*
*We begin with that age-old itch held by entrepreneurs as well as corporate bound executives and newly minted college graduates: starting a business of your own, an enterprise that will work for you as much (or more) than you work for it.”*
*Click here to read more*
---
### [A former congressman asked his old colleagues for book suggestions. Here’s their list.](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/former-congressman-asked-old-colleagues-book-suggestions-heres-list/)
**Published:** December 5, 2017
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (The Washington Post) - Which books offer our lawmakers insight, knowledge and, yes, escape? I asked my former Democratic and Republican congressional colleagues to name the titles they have most enjoyed reading this year
**Content:**
By Steve Israel
*(The Washington Post)* – When I used to visit troops in Afghanistan and Iraq, I liked to ask an unexpected question: “What are you reading?” The responses weren’t much different on the battlefield than at my local shopping mall. Lots of thrillers (Patterson, DeMille, Clancy), hobby magazines, continuing education texts and “nothing really, sir” — except nobody called me “sir” at the mall.
But what about the political battlefield in Washington, where every day is another bombshell? Which books offer our lawmakers insight, knowledge and, yes, escape? I asked my former Democratic and Republican congressional colleagues to name the titles they have most enjoyed reading this year:
**Sen. Sherrod Brown** (D-Ohio): [“How To Fight,”](https://read.amazon.com/kp/embed?asin=B01MSCJJ5B&tag=thewaspos09-20&linkcode=kpe&preview=newtab) by Thich Nhat Hanh. Always instructive on staying grounded personally and professionally. He understands so well the suffering of others.
**Rep. Matthew Cartwright** (D-Pa.): David McCullough’s [“The Wright Brothers.”](https://read.amazon.com/kp/embed?asin=B00LD1RWP6&tag=thewaspos09-20&linkcode=kpe&preview=newtab) I like it because it’s about tackling ridiculously hard, scary problems and figuring out how to solve them.
**Rep. Tom Cole** (R-Okla.: Two great books for “fun”: David Grann’s [“Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI”](https://read.amazon.com/kp/embed?asin=B01CWZFBZ4&tag=thewaspos09-20&linkcode=kpe&preview=newtab) and Kyle Harper’s [“The Fate of Rome: Climate, Disease, and the End of an Empire.”](https://read.amazon.com/kp/embed?asin=B071SLPWVL&tag=thewaspos09-20&linkcode=kpe&preview=newtab)
**Rep. Charlie Dent** (R-Pa.): I’ve always been intrigued by World War II and the events leading up to it. Erik Larson’s [“In the Garden of Beasts”](https://read.amazon.com/kp/embed?asin=B004HFRJM6&tag=thewaspos09-20&linkcode=kpe&preview=newtab) relates the fascinating perspective of the American ambassador to Berlin, William Dodd, in the 1930s during the run-up to war. His insider knowledge about Hitler’s Germany is definitely worth reading.
**Rep. Keith Ellison** (D-Minn.): [“The Soul of an Octopus: A Surprising Exploration into the Wonder of Consciousness,”](https://read.amazon.com/kp/embed?asin=B01HMXRU82&tag=thewaspos09-20&linkcode=kpe&preview=newtab) by Sy Montgomery. A fun and fascinating diversion from the political stuff I usually read. It’s about a biologist’s relationship and attachment to octopuses. Amazing animals, octopuses possess powers of thinking and feeling far beyond anything I knew.
**Rep. Anna G. Eshoo** (D-Calif.): [“Journal of a Soul,”](https://www.amazon.com/dp/0385497547/?tag=thewaspos09-20) by Pope John XXIII. I read it years ago but needed something uplifting, so I went back to it.
**Rep. Denny Heck** (D-Wash.): [“Fading Shadows,”](https://read.amazon.com/kp/embed?asin=B01N06LZ42&tag=thewaspos09-20&linkcode=kpe&preview=newtab) by William Chance. This is part memoir and part history of a high school dropout who lies about his age and serves in the Korean War at age 15. Many years later, Chance earned his PhD and became a higher-education policy expert of national repute.
**Rep. Brian Higgins** (D-N.Y.): [“Leonardo da Vinci,”](https://read.amazon.com/kp/embed?asin=B071Y385Q1&tag=thewaspos09-20&linkcode=kpe&preview=newtab) by Walter Isaacson. Da Vinci’s relationship with Michelangelo, who was more than 20 years younger, was complicated in the love-hate nature of the Adams-Jefferson political relationship.
**Rep. Joe Kennedy** (D-Mass.): The book that probably affected me most of late is [“When Breath Becomes Air,”](https://read.amazon.com/kp/embed?asin=B00XSSYR50&tag=thewaspos09-20&linkcode=kpe&preview=newtab) by Paul Kalanithi. It’s about as gut-wrenching as it gets but asks important questions about priorities, quality of life and our health-care system.
**Rep. Daniel Kildee** (D-Mich.): [“Breaking the Spell: Religion as a Natural Phenomenon,”](https://read.amazon.com/kp/embed?asin=B000PDYVT8&tag=thewaspos09-20&linkcode=kpe&preview=newtab) by Daniel C. Dennett. Dennett is a professor of philosophy. When I am not reading history, biography or current events literature, I tend to default to philosophy. I find it’s abstract enough not to feel like work, but interesting. As you might surmise, I don’t tend to read fiction. Except for the White House daily press briefing.
**Rep. Barbara Lee** (D-Calif.): [“Before I Forget,”](https://read.amazon.com/kp/embed?asin=B00WPQHIMA&tag=thewaspos09-20&linkcode=kpe&preview=newtab) by B. Smith and Dan Gasby. About an African American woman’s struggle with Alzheimer’s. She had restaurants in D.C. at Union Station and in New York. Alzheimer’s research related to African Americans has been absent. I’m a member of the appropriations subcommittee on labor, health and human services. I’ve led efforts for increased funding on health disparities research regarding people of color. This book is very well-written, informative and helps me make the case.
**Rep. Ted Lieu** (D-Calif.): I am reading the “Nebula Awards Showcase 2017: The Year’s Best Science Fiction and Fantasy” because the truth coming out of the White House is weirder than science fiction.
**Rep. Sean Maloney** (D-N.Y.): [“The Plot Against America,”](https://read.amazon.com/kp/embed?asin=B003WJQ6RC&tag=thewaspos09-20&linkcode=kpe&preview=newtab) by Philip Roth. Reason? *Duh*. And that’s on the record.
**Sen. Claire McCaskill** (D-Mo.): [“Manhattan Beach,”](https://read.amazon.com/kp/embed?asin=B06XWDZJT9&tag=thewaspos09-20&linkcode=kpe&preview=newtab) by Jennifer Egan. I love historical fiction, especially when it features nontraditional strong women heroines. This one is determined to be a diver repairing ships in New York’s harbor during WWII. Secrets and double-crossing on a personal level kept me turning the pages.
**Rep. Beto O’Rourke** (D-Tex.): “The Iliad” right now for no particular reason other than it’s a great book.”
**Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen** (R-Guess Which State): [“Best. State. Ever.: A Florida Man Defends His Homeland,”](https://read.amazon.com/kp/embed?asin=B01BS7N74E&tag=thewaspos09-20&linkcode=kpe&preview=newtab) by Dave Barry, and [“Oh, Florida!: How America’s Weirdest State Influences the Rest of the Country,”](https://read.amazon.com/kp/embed?asin=B019CB3UNQ&tag=thewaspos09-20&linkcode=kpe&preview=newtab) by Craig Pittman.
**Rep. Adam B. Schiff** (D-Calif.): I like to be reading a work of fiction and nonfiction at the same time. The former is a great escape from the stresses of the day, and the latter contributes to what we know about history. Pierce Brown’s Red Rising series is like “Game of Thrones” set in space. If you want all the mayhem of the House of Lannister in low gravity, this is the series for you. Imaginative and well-written.
**Rep. Eric Swalwell** (D-Calif.): [“How the Good Guys Finally Won: Notes From an Impeachment Summer,”](https://read.amazon.com/kp/embed?asin=B00704TRMQ&tag=thewaspos09-20&linkcode=kpe&preview=newtab)by Jimmy Breslin. I don’t think you need a description as to why I’m reading it.”
And, in what is truly the most bipartisan and collegial response, here’s **Rep. Billy Long (R-Mo.)** : Actually just finished [“Giant of the Senate,”](https://read.amazon.com/kp/embed?asin=B01LL8BRRE&tag=thewaspos09-20&linkcode=kpe&preview=newtab) by Al Franken, and now I’m reading Chris Matthews’s new [“Bobby Kennedy.”](https://read.amazon.com/kp/embed?asin=B00UDCI192&tag=thewaspos09-20&linkcode=kpe&preview=newtab) Big Steve Israel and Joe Kennedy fan, too.
**Steve Israel** is a former U.S. representative for New York’s 3rd District and the author of the forthcoming novel [“Big Guns.”](https://read.amazon.com/kp/embed?asin=B074ZH5SWP&tag=thewaspos09-20&linkcode=kpe&preview=newtab)
---
### [Realism and the Kurds](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/realism-and-the-kurds/)
**Published:** November 29, 2017
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (Tablet) - Bernard-Henri Lévy presents his extraordinary documentary Peshmerga at the United Nations, but civilization isn’t listening
**Content:**
*(Tablet)* – Why do the Kurds and their struggles arouse so little interest or sympathy or solidarity around the world? It is because of the doctrine of political “realism,” of which the greatest theoretician is Henry Kissinger—and, to be sure, Kissinger, as practitioner of his own theory, was the founder of America’s tradition of betraying the Kurds. The Kurds in Iraq in the early 1970s staged a rebellion against the Baathist dictatorship in Baghdad, and they enjoyed some American support. But, in 1975, Kissinger, as secretary of state, deemed the rebellion to be no longer in the American interest, and America’s support disappeared. With what consequences? The Kurds suffered terribly. Baathism flourished in Iraq. And, in time, the United States ended up at war with the Baathists, anyway.
Realism, the doctrine, affirms that, in matters of international affairs, the strong count, and the weak do not. That is because realism entertains a utopia, which is that of stability. And stability can be achieved only by a concert of the big and the powerful. It cannot be achieved by the small and the weak. Therefore realism is hostile to rebellions for freedom, hostile to small nations, hostile to invocations of morality or principle—hostile with a good conscience, on the grounds that, in the long run, the stability of the strong is better for everyone than the rebellions of the weak. Realism is, in short, an anti-Kurdish doctrine.
What good are the Kurds, anyway? From a realist standpoint, I mean. They are good for short-term interests, and not for long-term interests. Kissinger used them in the 1970s, and then tossed them away. The Reagan Administration in the next decade was content to see them gassed by Saddam Hussein. And in our own time? We needed the Kurds to fight the Islamic State in Syria and Iraq, and they did fight. They are the heroes of the anti-Islamic State war. They ought to be parading in triumph along the boulevards of Manhattan and Paris. They are, in what appears to be their great majority, visibly the most [progressive population](http://www.tabletmag.com/jewish-news-and-politics/182042/kurdish-independence) in the Middle East, outside of Israel—self-reliant, tolerantly and beautifully Muslim, accepting of Yazidis and Christians and even of Jews, relatively open to women’s rights, reliably allergic to the mad totalitarianisms and apocalyptic fantasies of the modern age. But now that, for the moment, the insane Caliphate has been mostly defeated, our short-term interests have come to an end. And no one wants to hear about the Kurds.
Bernard-Henri Lévy has been telling us about the Kurds. A few months ago in Tablet, I [commented](http://www.tabletmag.com/jewish-arts-and-culture/books/230830/the-genius-of-literature) on one of his journalistic documentaries of the Kurdish struggle in Iraq, *The Battle of Mosul*, and just now I have seen his other such documentary, *Peshmerga*, which might be regarded as Part One of the same film. The two films together are a feat of military journalism, stirring, appalling, and revealing. They are immense—*Peshmerga* more beautifully filmed, *The Battle of Mosul* more intense, both of them face-to-face with military courage and brotherhood and death. If these films were a poem, they would be composed in heroic verse. There is, in truth, something Homeric in the films. There are many extraordinary and dreadful aspects. I am writing in the minutes after having seen *Peshmerga*, and I cannot say that I have rebounded from having watched the prematurely white-haired Kurdish general, who, we learn, was shot and killed directly after the camera turned away from him—the general who seemed so high-spirited as he led his troops in battle, so animated, so confident, whose brother weeps to the camera, the general whose face we see once again as a photograph on a poster, presented as a martyr of the Kurdish cause.
But ultimately the most striking aspect of these two films is the articulation of political values by the Kurds themselves, some of them civilians, the rest of them soldiers. Words tumble from their lips that could never tumble from the lips of the man currently occupying the White House in Washington, D.C. These people are fighting for civilization, and know they are doing so, and say they are doing so.
Civilization, though, is not a category within the realist imagination. Realism is a matter of power, and civilization is a matter of principles. A realist analysis can explain many things, but it cannot explain why the Kurds have persistently fought, over the generations. It cannot see that a persistent rebellion in the name of civilization might amount to power, if only we would give it a chance. A realist analysis cannot see that our own power has to rest on something more than our own power, if it is to remain a power. It cannot see, therefore, what is obvious in Bernard-Henri Lévy’s magnificent films, which is that, in a world of vicious political movements and dangers on every side, the Kurds are our friends and allies, and perhaps they are our conscience. They gaze at the camera. We gaze back. They speak to us. We have nothing to say back to them.
The betrayal of the Kurds—will this be the black mark on our era, similar to the black mark of betrayal that fell across the foreheads of generations past, in the face of other persecutions and struggles for liberty? Twice now I have exited a hall where BHL’s Kurdish films have played, each time with my heart pounding and my head bowed in shame.
---
### [FDIC's Hoenig Keeps Wall Street on Edge](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/fdics-hoenig-keeps-wall-street-edge/)
**Published:** February 27, 2018
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (The Wall Street Journal) - FDIC Vice Chairman Thomas Hoenig has emerged as one of the most influential detractors of big banks—the only top regulator in Washington who has directly called for their dismantling.
**Content:**
By Ryan Tracy *(original source The Wall Street Journal)*
*“FDIC Vice Chairman Thomas Hoenig has emerged as one of the most influential detractors of big banks—the only top regulator in Washington who has directly called for their dismantling.*
*One month before he assumed the No. 2 post at the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp., Thomas Hoenig sat before a group of global bankers in Tokyo and told them he believed their firms ought to be broken apart.”*
*Click here to read more*
---
### [The Fed's Monetary Dissident](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/feds-monetary-dissident/)
**Published:** February 27, 2018
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (The Wall Street Journal) - 'I really don't think we should be guaranteeing Wall Street a margin by guaranteeing them a zero or a near zero interest rate.'
**Content:**
By Mary Anastasia O’Grady *(original source The Wall Street Journal)*
*‘I really don’t think we should be guaranteeing Wall Street a margin by guaranteeing them a zero or a near zero interest rate.’*
*In the aftermath of the 2008 financial panic centered on Wall Street, it’s easy to forget that this part of America has its own bitter history of wild speculation that ended in disaster. But Kansas City Federal Reserve Bank President Thomas Hoenig remembers the 1970s all too well. It was a lesson that still shapes his thinking about the role of the Fed’s monetary policy in creating asset bubbles. Mr. Hoenig is more than just one of the 12 regional bank presidents of the Federal Reserve. Right now he’s also a voting member of the Fed’s Open Market Committee, which sets U.S. monetary policy. In recent months he’s been the committee’s sole dissident on the Fed’s promise to keep interest rates “at exceptionally low levels” for “an extended period of time.” At April’s FOMC meeting, Mr. Hoenig objected to that language for the third meeting in a row, warning that those words are inviting a kind of trouble we’ve seen before. “I’ve been in the Federal Reserve for many years, since 1973, and I started out in bank supervision here at the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City,” Mr. Hoenig tells me in an interview in his office. “During the ’70s, we went through a time where interest rates were low” and “through that period I saw banks and others invest \[based on inflated\] asset values—including farm land, including commercial real estate, including the movement in energy prices and on projections that in 1980 oil would go to $100 a barrel.” That oil and real-estate boom ended badly, with a rash of bank failures and financial ruin that set this region back considerably. Though Mr. Hoenig acknowledges that he can’t predict bubbles, “when you have an extended period of time with very low interest rates . . . those are some of the necessary conditions that will enable very rapid credit expansion leading to bubbles, perhaps. At least the likelihood of bubbles is greater under those circumstances.”*
*Click here to read more*
---
### [More laws do not a moral people make](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/laws-not-moral-people-make/)
**Published:** February 18, 2018
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (The Washington Times) - This past Valentine’s Day, Nikolas Cruz entered a classroom in Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, and proceeded to murder 17 people and wound 15 others.
**Content:**
By Everett Piper *(original source The Washington Times)*
*“This past Valentine’s Day, Nikolas Cruz entered a classroom in Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, and proceeded to murder 17 people and wound 15 others. Before any meaningful criminal investigation could even begin, our nation’s cultural elites rushed to their respective podiums, finding fault and casting aspersions. Scoring political points is the name of the game. Removing personal rights embedded in our Constitution and replacing them with more laws and less freedom seems to be the only way they know to keep score.*
*In the minds of our country’s political class, it seems the average citizen’s freedom “to keep and bear arms” is clearly to blame for every heinous act reported on the nightly news. As is almost always the case these days, progressives think only more laws and more regulations will solve our culture’s problems.”*
*Click here to read more*
---
### [Opinion: Our schools need more and stronger security](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/opinion-schools-need-stronger-security/)
**Published:** February 20, 2018
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (WJLA) - Elected officials throughout the country have sent prayers and thoughts. But now it is time to find solutions.
**Content:**
By Boris Epshteyn *(original source WJLA)*
*“WASHINGTON (Sinclair Broadcast Group) – Hello. Our country experienced another terrible tragedy on Wednesday. There was a school shooting in Parkland, Florida, that left at least 17 dead and at least 15 injured. Our condolences go out to the families that lost loved ones. Our best wishes for a very speedy recovery to those who are injured.*
*Elected officials throughout the country have sent prayers and thoughts. But now it is time to find solutions. President Donald Trump spoke about dealing with a mental health problem in our country. That has to be addressed.”*
*Click here to read more*
---
### [Public squeaking: A complete guide](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/public-squeaking-a-complete-guide/)
**Published:** June 9, 2018
**Author:** Riley Sims
**Content:**
Offstage, I am a data scientist, leader, and decision intelligence engineer. When I’m invited to give a talk, I turn into a theatre company of one. Everything from actor to director to costume designer.
The bad news is that the same goes for your talk, whether you know it or not. Unfortunately the skills that got you the speaking position might be entirely different from what you need to dazzle your audience.
The good news is that industry and academia are stuffed to the gills with novice speakers who don’t realize that public speaking is theatre, so it’s fairly easy to set yourself apart in a crowd of newcomers to the stage. To help you out, here are some practical tips along with a list of newbie mistakes to avoid.
# Planning your content
## Speech length
A professional speaker finishes on time. That means planning on a shorter speech that the maximum talk length. Since I know I like to improvise a little to keep my speech from feeling stiff, I will plan creating content that fills 75% of the available time.
Always have topics in reserve that you could throw in just before your closing remarks if you run short, though ending early is usually okay. Unless you’re the opening act, conference organizers will thank you for balancing out all the ramblers who went over their allotted time before you.
## Slides
The fewer words the better. Your slides only really serve three good purposes: entertainment, illustration, and roadmap. Anything else is distracting your audience from listening to you. Your slides should highlight what you’re talking about.
In early iterations of a talk (in private or with my friends), I’ll use dense slides (to remind myself) and drop most of the text as soon as I’m comfortable with the script.
If your talk will be recorded, you should be prepared for your slides not to make it to your video. As I learned the cringingly hard way, if you have a sound bite that sounds silly without your slides, it’s best to change it.
## Equations and jargon
Although I come from a field that loves equations (statistics), you’ll find almost none in my talks. (Here’s why.) To know whether you’ve used too many, try my Chinese character exercise.
## Public speaking vs teaching
There’s a myth that public speaking equals teaching. Wrong job. Public speaking is entertainment. So where do the teaching skills come in? Designing the speech so that your audience learns something.
The teaching skills come into play before you hit the stage and help you craft your message. The teacher in you is the playwright, but the actor in you wins your audience’s hearts.
## Be authentic
When I say you’re an actor playing a role, that doesn’t mean you’re inauthentic. Your role should be you. Or, more precisely, your personal brand. *You* might be angry at the traffic fiasco on the way to the talk, but the audience doesn’t need to know that unless your personal brand involves being grumpy all the time.
The biggest mistake is not meditating on your personal brand before you ever step onto a stage.
# Mastering the stage
## Stage type
**Standard:** Don’t turn your back on the audience, but feel free to roam around as much as you like. (But do respect any no-fly zones the camera crew marks out.)
**Podium/restricted:** Restricted space with nowhere else to stand is the *only* circumstance under which I’ll stand behind a podium.
**Obstacle course:** Sometimes you’ll get a stage that’s set up for other purposes, such as a panel (so it’s full of chairs). Before you start talking, scan the space for a trip-free zone, then stick to it. As a clumso who has tripped on stage (and even fallen off the back of one), the only thing to do if an obstacle gets you is to make a quip and move on. Channel the *I-meant-to-do-that* look cats get after a fall.
**Coliseum:** Challenge mode! You’ll feel bad about turning your back on your audience, which might push you into whirling dervish mode. Stop. Breathe. The trick is to turn 90 degrees every 3–5 minutes. No twirling! (I’ve made this mistake as a rookie.)
**Catwalk:** Like the circular stage, you’ll have to have your back to someone. Don’t try to avoid it by staying off the catwalk. I recommend heading to the center of the catwalk and staying there, turning 180 degrees every 3–5 minutes
## Scripts
I never use a script that involves full sentences because the audience can usually tell when I’m reading. It takes a *lot* of special training to make reading sound like pure speaking on stage. Instead, I stick to a handful of keywords to indicate topics and slide transitions for a new speech.
## Practice makes perfect
No professional speaker would skip rehearsing. In fact, my mentor has a name for speaking after two dry runs: “winging it.”
If you’re tempted to wing it anyway — you adrenaline junkie you — you should still respect your audience enough to meet this absolute minimum: it’s your duty to know your topic transitions cold, without notes, and you should always know what’s on the next slide if you’re using slides.
Intentionally rehearsing gestures is a good idea — simply set your phone camera to video mode during a dry run, then watch. Sometimes I record my script and mime gestures (gestures always were a particular weak spot of mine). Hate watching yourself or listening to your own voice? I did too, and then I forced myself to get better. Besides, if the mics are set loud enough, you’ll hear that voice you’re uncomfortable with *during* the talk. Get comfy in advance!
In addition to practicing your lines, ask to visit the space and play with the equipment so there are no surprises. Try to get your slides clicked through before you present.
## Audience size
For me, each of these room sizes was special when I experienced it for the first time:
**20** — Most of us experience this as kids and the first time it happens, we’re terrified. I stared at my shoes and mumble-read my little speech about cinnamon from a script I clutched in shaky hands. In many ways, 20 is the most challenging audience size because of the expected personalization and the higher chance someone interrupts you, derailing your train of thought.
**50** — Getting used to this one feels like the milestone between thinking of yourself as wobbly versus confident.
**100** — This tends to be a scary milestone for grownups. For me, it was the most intimidating one. I couldn’t sleep the night before. It might help you to find two smiley faces in the crowd: one in the first three rows center, one in the back of the room. Ignore the others and move your gaze between these two. It’ll look fine to everyone else and you might feel more relaxed.
**200** — The first time I used a mic out of necessity rather than choice. You’ll notice the equipment requirements changing rapidly between 100 and 200.
**500** — The first room that felt “significant” to me after a staple diet of 100–300 person gigs. This is where you rapidly start losing audience feedback, especially if the room is dimly lit.
**1000** — Just kidding. The lights are a bit different, but it doesn’t feel like anything new if you’re used to 500.
**10000** — Anything bigger than 3000 means the lighting probably makes it very difficult to see your audience’s faces. They’re not even looking at you, they’re looking at the big screens with your face on them. You’d think a number like 10,000 is scarier than 100, but actually you feel almost alone in the room because it’s hard to see individual faces and connect with them. The trick here is to do your best even if you’re missing the audience feedback you’re used to.
## Take lessons
There is such a thing as speech coaching, and chances are that if you’re admiring a talented speaker, they’ve had lessons. Voice, pronunciation, pace, gestures, body language, and delivery can all be improved with practice. There are many neat tricks they’ll teach you, for example you can rehearse with a pencil across your mouth to train your tongue into better annunciation. If you’re getting serious about a public-speaking career, invest in a professional speech coach.
## Warm up
Speech coaches will tell you to run through a series of power poses (e.g. arms out like a star!), tongue twisters (e.g. “You know you need unique New York.”) and facial muscle warmups (e.g. squeak like a mouse then roar like a lion, repeat) designed to simulate smiling/laughing. This is good advice, so listen to them, don’t listen to me, since I do this once every… never. (Don’t tell my coaches!)
I do warm up, though, but I do it by talking to a few people guaranteed to make me feel cheerful. They’re my secret weapon. (Thanks, guys!) Sometimes they’re out of my timezone, though, so I sing along to a cheerful playlist and watch something on YouTube that puts me in the right zone. (If you don’t have a showtime playlist, make one ***now***. You need a bag of cheap tricks to get your brain back into speaking gear if there’s a curveball, and your personal playlist is one of the most effective.)
Don’t ask me why, but rewatching James Veitch’s comedy works like a charm for me… or maybe it’s my ritual hexpresso kicking in? Which reminds me: have rituals!
## Stay in the zone
Under no circumstances should you let your first words after a grumpy interaction (or waking up) be on stage. One of the worst talks I ever gave happened when I took the stage after a charlatan. Full of righteous fury at his butchery of machine learning, I was so distracted that I proceeded to bomb my own talk.
Now I make a point of not listening until it’s my turn to walk on. I stick to my rituals. If I have to be in the room, I’m skulking in a corner listening to music in my barely visible headphones. Otherwise, I’m in the speaker lounge (if you want to fit in with the pros, you’ll refer to it as the “*green room*”).
Don’t cut time between talks so fine that you can’t take a moment to get back in the zone if you’re ambushed by one of life’s lemons on the way. Take the time to warm up!
## Pause and breathe
A quick fix for a voice humans find unpleasant (nasal, high pitched, etc.) is using more breath. It also helps calm your nerves. So, breathe! And here’s a secret all the pros know: pauses feel much longer to the speaker than to the audience. Take pauses freely, but don’t fill them with ums.
## Captain Obvious
Speaking of ums, it’s best to, like, practice speaking without, like, fillers. Ask your friends to call you out on it. (Mine are helping me kill an excess of “*so*” and “*now*” these days; no one’s perfect.)
The worst kind of filler is the arrogant variety: “*obviously*”, “*naturally*”, and so on. Drop these — they make you sound like a jerk. It’s always better to assume your audience knows nothing and hedge with witty ways of saying what you think is obvious. Remember, just about everything stand-up comedians say is also obvious, but people still love it for the wit and delivery. Borrow that technique for your *2+2=4*. Trust me, there’s almost always someone in the room for whom it’s not obvious. Don’t alienate those folks. In my experience, people who are in favor of looking smart at the expense of others tend to be suffering from especially virulent impostor syndrome. Don’t be one of them and don’t let them bring you down. Keep it simple, get to the point, and drive your message home!
## Quiet or loud?
Speaking quietly and slowly captures attention and tricks the audience into leaning forward to hang on your every word. Balance that against the boost in cheer and audience energy from speaking faster and louder. There’s no single right way, just try to be intentional about your style. Work with your vocal cords, not against them.
# Practical details
## Minimum expectations
All speakers are expected to know how to move on a stage and how to use standard mics, so practice before you have to give a talk that matters.
Find an opportunity to practice using each of the default mic types: handheld, headset, and lavalier (“lav” for short, also known as a lapel mic). Showing up unprepared to handle any of these is unprofessional. If you know there’s a good reason you won’t be able to use them, let conference organizers know in advance.
## Costume design
*“Wear whatever you’re most comfortable in”* is just plain bad advice. There’s a good reason speakers rarely wear pajamas or yoga pants to the stage. Your clothes speak for you and should be selected to support your brand and message.
When you take to the stage, your audience will examine every detail the way they examine a painting — as if it’s there to signify something. For better or worse, clothes serve as visual symbols, so it’s worth thinking about what your clothes are saying as the latest sentence in humanity’s very long visual conversation.
> “The detail is unyielding.” — poem by Szymborska
Low necklines mean something, as do epaulettes, hats, and everything else. In the west, the way to say *“nothing to see here”* in that visual language (for all genders) is to wear a well-cut buttoned shirt, flat closed shoes, and long grey/dark business trousers. Everything else says something — be sure you like what it’s saying and ask for advice if visual language is not your strong, ahem, suit.
If you pick a chunky bracelet or a tie with cartoon characters, your audience will devote brainpower to pondering their meaning and appropriateness. Be sure that’s what you want. Fashion statements are great when you’re intentionally making a statement. But theatre rules apply: if the item isn’t appropriate to the role you’re playing (in this case, your personal brand), leave it behind. For example, I’ve seen very few situations where shorts would have been consistent with the setting and personal brand of the speaker.
As long as you pick items that your personal brand dictates for the setting, everything will be fine. You don’t have to wear what everyone else wears, I sure don’t. Instead, imagine that a flattering movie will be made about your life one day. What would that movie’s (very competent) costume designer prescribe if told the scene and a description of your personal brand? Wear that.
## Impractical details make you look bad
The last thing you want your clothing saying about you is that you were unprepared for the stage or that you’re impractical. Here are a few mistakes I’ve seen frequently.
***Mistake 1:*** *Nowhere to hang a lav mic’s heavy battery pack*. The conference doesn’t pick your clothes for you, so they’re not responsible for your outfit being stage-compatible and working with standard kit. That’s on you. Check that your waistband can hold the weight of a can of beans, especially if it’s elastic. No waistband? Try a belt or sturdy pockets. None of the above? A special mic belt or armband or lanyard might be worth incorporating into your outfit.
***Mistake 2:*** *Silly shoes*. If you’re planning on any amount of standing, I suggest you ditch any pair you haven’t walked two miles in. Watch out for blisters, slippery soles, and squeaking. Also, be sure you can put your full weight on the heels — if you can’t lift your toes and walk across the room, the shoes will only make you look bad on stage.
***Mistake 3:*** *Mic-incompatible collar and jewelry.* The lav mic will be clipped at or just below the collarbone (not on the neck under the chin!), so high collar options like turtlenecks tend not to work. Saggy or wispy fabric can let you down as well, as can noisy jewelry. For example, if your earrings double as wind chimes, leave them at home.
The safest choice is a buttoned shirt or t-shirt. I imagine the Elizabethan ruff is among an A/V crew’s worst nightmares.
Alternatively, ask for a headset mic, which is like a lav mic that works with all collars (no need to practice) and has the bonus of tousling your hair. Bring a comb!
***Mistake 4:*** *Sweaty fabric*. Some fabrics show wetness remarkably well. Grey cotton t-shirts are a cruel trap for the unsuspecting! Instead of relying on not sweating when the room is heated to a million degrees, check how the garment holds up when you pour a few drops of water on it.
***Mistake 5:*** *Not planning to be seated*. Always check you like the look of your garment in its seated form and that sitting doesn’t uncover parts of you that your personal brand prefers covered. When it comes to trousers, don’t forget that they will reveal your mismatched socks when you sit. Have a seat in front of the mirror before stepping out.
***Mistake 6:*** *Forgetting air conditioning.* When you’re cold, your body language says you’re nervous. It’s important to bring something warm along even when presenting in tropical places.
## Makeup
Stage lighting is a thing. If you’re giving a talk on a big, custom-lit stage, you need to think about makeup. If you usually wear it, apply it on the more intense side since it always looks less bold on camera and stage. If you don’t typically opt for makeup, consider powder and blush on stage if you don’t want to look washed out. If you’re speaking on a large stage, ask the organizers whether makeup is provided.
## Equipment you must bring
**Watch**: Have a digital watch in case the conference’s clock isn’t working. A professional speaker ends their talk on time.
**Clicker**: Even though most conferences do provide clickers to advance your slides, bring your own clicker just in case. You’re a grownup now, please don’t advance your slides by pressing the arrow keys on your laptop. If you’re using the conference’s clicker, always ask the organizer whether it has a demonic little feature which I like to call “the ejector seat button” for instantly shutting down your presentation. Luckily, this gem of engineering is a rare one, but if you speak frequently, you’ll encounter it. Oh, and while we’re on the topic of clickers… do *not* press the clicker until you see your title slide. Conferences sometimes do a screen switch between walk-on screen and your slides, so you’re in danger of starting mid-deck if you do that.
**Laptop and charger**: Even if you’ve sent in your slides. Be disaster-proof.
**Speaker emergency kit:** Keep a packed kit with a threaded needle, nasal decongestant, throat lozenges, headache pills, band-aids, and whatever other things (medical/hygiene/beauty supplies, props, snacks for blood-sugar) help disaster-proof you. A friend tried to sneak magnesium fire starters into mine once. What are friends for, right?
**Noise-cancelling headphones:** Many conferences play adrenaline-inducing music to get the audience pumped up, but if you’re already caffeinated to the moon, that atmosphere is likely to give you unbearable jitters even if you’re a pro. You need the option of an antidote.
## Equipment you might need
**Mic belt / armband / lanyard**: Since you — not the conference — are responsible for your costume design, ensure your costume works with standard hardware. Your outfit must have a place to clip the heavy lavalier mic battery pack. If it doesn’t, fix that by adding something like a mic belt.
**Water bottle**: If your mouth ever goes dry, bring water on stage with you.
**Display adaptor:** It’s nice not to have to be at the mercy of the conference having whatever obscure widget is needed to get your particular laptop to talk to their projector.
Hope you found that useful, speakers! It’s really not too mysterious — just remember it’s theatre and you’re cast in your personal brand. Stay true to that and have the practical details ironed out, then all will go swimmingly.
Good luck, thespians. Break a leg!
---
### [The Great CNN Baby Boom](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/the-great-cnn-baby-boom/)
**Published:** July 17, 2018
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (Cosmopolitan) - “I’m not having it all right now,” she says, “but I’m having a lot of good. Not a lot of sleep, but a lot of good.”
**Content:**
hen Brianna Keilar saw her CNN colleague Pamela Brown adjust her dress *just so*, she became suspicious. “We were sitting on set, and she sort of tugged it out, like pulled it away from her body a little bit,” Keilar, a D.C.-based senior political correspondent and anchor, remembers. “I don’t know that anyone else would have noticed it, but I noticed it because I was doing it myself.”
She approached Brown with a hunch.
“Sure enough, our due dates were like 10 days apart,” says Keilar. From then on, “we would talk about our ultrasounds and our symptoms, and what was interesting and what sucked.” They even appeared on air together in May, prompting at least one viewer to [point out](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ue_wcUfkfqU) how rare it is to see two noticeably pregnant women anchoring the news.
The double-bump moment reflects a phenomenon that’s gone mostly unnoticed: At least eight of its most high-profile anchors, correspondents, and reporters are expecting or have given birth in the past year and a half, and that’s counting only staffers in New York and Washington, D.C., where the vast majority of CNN’s weekday programs are produced.
“It’s like a sisterhood,” says congressional correspondent Sunlen Serfaty, whose daughter, Roosevelt, turned 1 on Memorial Day. “It’s bonded us as coworkers and friends like never before.”
Aside from their packed schedules and intimate knowledge of how it feels to get jerked around by a presidential Twitter account, what CNN’s moms and moms-to-be have in common is an implicit understanding of what it’s like to be in their position—journalists trying to keep up with a whiplash-inducing news cycle while dealing with the physical and emotional toll of pregnancy and motherhood.
“You’re just more tired than normal some days, and some days you *do* have pregnancy brain—that’s a real thing—but you can’t afford to not be on your A-game covering this White House,” says Brown, who gave birth to a boy last month.
There’s also the issue of morning sickness. Serfaty recalls vomiting on the side of the road while covering the 2016 campaign early on in her pregnancy. “I said to my producer, ‘You need to pull over *right now*.” She blamed carsickness for the incident but still isn’t sure he “bought that excuse.” Another time, when reporting on the vice-presidential debate at Longwood University, she threw up under a makeup trailer four minutes before she was due on camera.
“I felt like I was in the back of a taxicab 24/7,” says national correspondent Brynn Gingras, who is expecting her first child in September. These days, the problem is not morning sickness but exhaustion. She recently parked herself in a folding chair outside the Loews Regency Hotel in Manhattan, where Michael Cohen, Trump’s former personal lawyer who is under FBI investigation, has been staying. “I just looked ridiculous, but I was like, *I need it. I’m so hot and I’m tired.* I looked like I was at a sporting event in the middle of Park Avenue.”
For *CNN Newsroom* anchor Poppy Harlow, who returned from her second leave in April, being pregnant on live TV wasn’t necessarily trying in the physical sense—both of her pregnancies were relatively easy, though she did pass out on air during her first one. But there was still the matter of having such a personal time in her life up for public consumption: In December, when she was eight months pregnant, a spokesperson for anti-choice Alabama Senate candidate Roy Moore told her that Moore would protect “babies like yours in the womb,” as opposed to his opponent, Doug Jones, who would support “killing them.” “Let’s leave my child out of this,” Harlow told her.
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Despite the challenges they’ve faced, the women at CNN say it’s helpful to have others in the office who can relate.
“We talk,” says *OutFront* anchor Erin Burnett, whose third child is due in August. “‘You also are dealing with things like childcare—how does that work? And what’s your schedule?’ I think maybe a different generation, people didn’t have those conversations in the same way that they have them now.”
Serfaty remembers calling Keilar and Brown as soon as she heard they were pregnant: “I was hopefully one of the first to come and say, ‘How can I help you? Let me share some of my experiences.’” She handed over her sleep schedule (“which I’m going to treat like the Bible,” Brown says), shared her registry, and passed along a book on delivery and birth.
“There’s so many of us!” says Gringas, who has turned to her colleagues for advice on everything from breastfeeding on the road to maternity leave. “You get good perspective on all those questions.”
T*hirty seconds to air.* “Just so you know, he hasn’t signed anything,” anchor Kate Bolduan tells her four panelists as they take their seats. They’ve arrived during a commercial break, about 10 minutes into her show *State of America*, which began shortly after President Trump said he would sign an executive order mandating that migrant families be kept together when they’re detained.
“They weren’t *cages*,” André Bauer, the former Republican lieutenant governor of South Carolina, shouts. “They look like what I put my dog in,” Mike Morey, former communications director for Democratic senator Chuck Schumer, responds. They’re debating what to call the metal fences behind which kids are kept at the border.
When they cut to break, a panelist asks Bolduan, who’s been back from maternity leave for about two months, how her youngest, Delphine, is doing. “Baby’s great,” she says. “Amazing.”
It’s a jarring transition, and a reminder of how emotional covering the news can be sometimes, especially to a journalist who, like Bolduan, has young kids.
“I’m pretty stoic on air, pretty no-nonsense,” she tells me from a couch in her office, where we convene after her 2:30 p.m. show wraps. (She also anchors *At This Hour* at 11 a.m.) “But the moments that break me are generally when it comes to children.”
A typical day for Bolduan starts at 4:45 a.m. She showers, pumps (while scanning the news), eats, and takes a look at the morning rundown. Then her older daughter, Cecelia, who will be 4 in September, shuffles out of her bedroom. Cecelia, it’s worth noting, calls Wolf Blitzer “Uncle Wolf” and pronounces her mother’s network, which the toddler watches on occasion, *C-Nen-Nen*. (“There’s a lot of quick muting,” Bolduan says.) By 6:30, after a “baby fist bump” from Delphine, she’s out the door.
“I can’t be there for every playdate, I can’t be there for drop-off and pickup. But I am very passionate about being a strong example of what a working woman can do,” Bolduan says. “Cecelia’s imaginary play is already ‘grabbing my briefcase and going to work’—and there’s nothing that makes me more proud.”
Before our time is up, I ask Bolduan to address one seemingly dark spot in her early life as a working mom: She was replaced on *New Day*, the show she co-anchored with Chris Cuomo for more than a year, while she was on her first maternity leave.
Timing-wise, she concedes, it wasn’t ideal. “My whole life is changing with my baby being born. And then my career is changing at the same time. It was a lot,” she says. “But I’m an eyes-wide-open-in-this business kind of girl. And it was a business decision. It was not a personal decision. To be honest, I took it as a challenge to prove myself even more.”
As many working moms will tell you, maternity leave—if you’re fortunate enough to have it (CNN offers 12 weeks paid)—is not a vacation. You’re learning how to take care of a totally dependent human, getting reacquainted with your body, dealing with hormones. On top of that, if your job is to report the news, it’s almost impossible to disengage from work.
Gingras admits the idea of stepping back worries her. “Everyone I’ve talked to who has children has been like, ‘No, you’re not going to want to do anything but stare at your baby,’” she says. “But I feel like I’m not going to want to be totally out of the loop, because then you have three months of catching up.” It doesn’t help that two of her beats—Michael Cohen and Harvey Weinstein—are unfolding as we speak. Weinstein, she notes, is back in court on her due date.
“There were moments that I was not plugged in at all, where the most news of the day was, ‘Did she smile for the first time?’” Serfaty says. “But there were other moments where, I have to say, I was very connected to the news.” When her daughter was 2 weeks old, for example, she brought an iPad into the nursery to watch former FBI director James Comey testify on Capitol Hill (“a huge story in my beat”).
“My husband snapped a photo of it and said, ‘This is for posterity,’” she says. “I thought that was so meaningful, because I didn’t want to miss this moment in history, and I felt very strongly I didn’t want her to either.”
CNN entertainment reporter Chloe Melas, whose son, Leo, turned 1 earlier this month, remembers her beat exploding while she was on leave. “Who could have ever thought that this #MeToo movement would sweep Hollywood in the way that it did?” Melas says. “I was watching it all unfold breastfeeding from my couch, almost intimidated about how I would jump into the conversation when I got back.”
Within two weeks of her return, she [published a report](http://money.cnn.com/2017/11/02/media/house-of-cards-kevin-spacey-harassment/index.html) in which eight former and current *House of Cards* employees claimed Kevin Spacey created a “toxic” work environment through an alleged pattern of sexual harassment. (In the wake of multiple sexual assault allegations, Spacey said he was seeking [“evaluation and treatment.”)](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/kevin-space-seek-evaluation-treatment-wake-mulitple-sexual-assault-claims-1054126)
In May, she and another reporter broke a story in which eight women, Melas included, [accused Morgan Freeman of inappropriate behavior and harassment](https://www.cnn.com/2018/05/24/entertainment/morgan-freeman-accusations/index.html). According to Melas, Freeman made suggestive comments, including “You are ripe,” to her when she was six months pregnant and covering a publicity event for his movie *Going in Style.* (Freeman issued a statement apologizing to “anyone who felt uncomfortable or disrespected.”)
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“Breaking the Spacey story was the best thing that could have ever happened to me as a working mom,” she says, “because it reaffirmed that what I’m doing matters. From that moment, I went full steam ahead and I was like, ‘I have made the right choice to be a working mom.’”
“My first maternity leave, there were a couple big breaking stories that I missed, like the Ebola crisis,” Bolduan says. “When I came back this time, it’s like 750 major breaking stories had happened since I was on leave. By choice or by necessity, I did *not* unplug this time during maternity leave. It’s really impossible to. And I didn’t *want* to.”
Harlow, meanwhile, took a different approach this time around, scaling back almost completely. But even then, she [interviewed Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg](https://www.cnn.com/videos/us/2018/02/12/ruth-bader-ginsburg-interview-entire-poppy-harlow-intv.cnn) at Columbia University five days after giving birth to her son, Luca. The invitation came when she was three months pregnant, and she turned it down at first because she thought she might be in labor the day of the event. “They came back to me and said, ‘Are you really saying no to interviewing a sitting Supreme Court justice?’” The university promised a backup reporter, and she accepted.
“But here’s the crazy thing,” she says. “I’m sitting on the stage, interviewing Ruth Bader Ginsburg—and wearing a diaper. Any woman who has had a baby will understand this. You have to wear, like, Depends after the baby is born.”
She remembers people telling her she was “superwoman” after the interview. “I’m like, *If you only knew.* I tell you this at the risk of grossing people out. That is what it’s really like to try to ‘do it all.’”
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The concept of “having it all” or “balancing it all” is something that more than one mom or mom-to-be at CNN brings up in her interview, despite it being something of a taboo subject for working women.
Bolduan says CNN’s former chief political correspondent Candy Crowley advised her accordingly: “She said, ‘Kate’—and this was before I had kids, before I was even married—‘You can have it all. You cannot have it all at the same time.’ It meant something then and it means so much more now, which is: Don’t have unreasonable expectations of yourself. Sometimes something’s gonna fall through the cracks at home. It probably means you are killing it at work. Something might fall through the cracks at work. It means you’re being supermom at home.”
Harlow remembers getting a similar lesson from a female CEO. “I’m not having it all right now,” she says, “but I’m having a lot of good. Not a lot of *sleep*, but a lot of good.”
The wall behind her desk is lined with family photos and a framed copy of a [*USA Today* story](https://go.redirectingat.com/?id=74968X1525071&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.usatoday.com%2Fstory%2Fopinion%2Fvoices%2F2017%2F10%2F02%2Fcnns-poppy-harlow-finding-happiness-no%2F517157001%2F&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cosmopolitan.com%2Fcareer%2Fa22037862%2Fcnn-anchors-pregnant-babies%2F&xcust=%5Butm_source%7C%5Butm_campaign%7C%5Butm_medium%7C%5Bgclid%7C%5Bmsclkid%7C%5Bfbclid%7C%5Brefdomain%7C%5Bcontent_id%7C03b0d8a7-4662-447c-ac8e-8445539d0220%5Bcontent_product_id%7C%5Bproduct_retailer_id%7C) she wrote about learning to say no after becoming a mother. (Her older child, Sienna, is 2.) Beside her chair are a couple of commuter bags, one with a Post-it reminding her to “pack milk and ice.” She tosses a pair of gray Native toddler shoes onto the heap—a gift from Keilar, whose stepson has outgrown them.
When Keilar and I talk, it’s been just a week since she gave birth to her son, Antonio. He’d arrived almost a month before his due date, healthy if a bit ahead of schedule.
“I got up from a nap and thought, *Uh, that’s weird*,” she remembers. “*Either my water is breaking or I’ve developed some severe incontinence.*” She called her husband, who was in Japan, a friend she’d designated as her birthing partner, her doctor, and her producer.
Then, as she was cooking for her geriatric dog, Rico, it happened: “I had a movie-style moment of my water full-on breaking on the kitchen floor,” she says. She packed a bag and headed to the hospital. Her husband arrived the next day, 40 minutes before Antonio was born.
“It’s the craziest time,” she says. “You’re dealing with so many hormones and keeping a tiny thing thriving…Work has not popped into my mind once in the first week of maternity leave—I will say that!”
Perhaps that will change, at least a little bit, eventually. After all, about three weeks after we speak, CNN announced that Keilar will anchor a 1 p.m. weekday show in the fall. But, for now, she’s sitting in bed, “totally un-showered,” having just breastfed her newborn.
“I’m staring at a sleeping little baby,” she says. “Life is good.”
---
### [First female engineer with an advanced degree at Ford Motor Company](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/first-female-engineer-with-an-advanced-degree-at-ford-motor-company/)
**Published:** June 1, 2018
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (TIME) - ‘Hard work and confidence can take you far.’
**Content:**
By Damyanti Gupta *(original source TIME)*
***“‘Hard work and confidence can take you far.’***
*I was born in a small town in British India. One of the bloodiest partitions in the history of the world took place in my country. In 1947, the British had finally left India, which led to a division of the country into India and Pakistan. The area where my family lived became Pakistan, but it didn’t happen easily. There were riots everywhere, and, when I was 5, we had to flee in the middle of the night to the coastal town of Karachi. After that, we were put on cargo ships, bound for Mumbai.*
*My parents had been wealthy land and shop owners, and within days they had to leave everything behind. I remember my mother, Gopibai Hingorani, who had only completed a 4th grade education herself, telling me she was going to make sure I received something that no one could ever take away from me: an education. Despite the fact that we lived the next decade as refugees, my mother kept her promise.”*
*Click here to read more*
---
### [Why Peter Singer Is So Popular With Both Military Leaders & 'Grunts'](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/why-novelist-peter-singer-is-so-popular-with-both-military-leaders-and-grunts/)
**Published:** May 1, 2018
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (The San Diego Union Tribune) - He’s a war strategist and a business owner, a bestselling author and an expert on mercenaries and robots. And for much of the past week, he was a major defense-conference headliner invited to share ideas with the region’s top brass as well as grunts on the ground.
**Content:**
By Carl Prine *(original source The San Diego Union Tribune)*
*“He’s a war strategist and a business owner, a bestselling author and an expert on mercenaries and robots. And for much of the past week, he was a major defense-conference headliner invited to share ideas with the region’s top brass as well as grunts on the ground.*
*New America Foundation senior fellow Peter “PW” Singer is probably best known as the co-author of “Ghost Fleet: A Novel of the Next World War,” a 2015 thriller that mixes fact and future to describe how the United States, Russia and China might battle on the ground, at sea, in the air and throughout cyberspace. But he’s also an international thought leader sought out for his views on espionage, technology and politics.”*
*Click here to read more*
---
### [P.W. Singer: Adapt fast, or fail](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/p-w-singer-adapt-fast-or-fail/)
**Published:** July 7, 2018
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (The Strategist) - The overwhelming speed of technological development means armed forces must change their approach to everything from who they recruit and train to how targets are attacked and how a nation defends itself.
**Content:**
By Brendan Nicholson *(original source The Strategist)*
*“The overwhelming speed of technological development means armed forces must change their approach to everything from who they recruit and train to how targets are attacked and how a nation defends itself.*
*The warning was delivered in a speech to ASPI by Dr P.W. Singer, an American specialist in 21st-century warfare and a global relations scholar.*
*A strategist with US think tank New America, Singer warned that as more and more items were linked to the internet of things, the opportunities for nations and societies to be attacked became much broader. Internet attacks would have physical impacts and cost lives.”*
*Click here to read more*
---
### [The World’s 50 Smartest Teens—2018](https://wwsg.com/speaker-news/the-worlds-50-smartest-teens-2018/)
**Published:** July 16, 2018
**Author:** ironcore
**Excerpt:** (The Best Schools) - Each of them saw a problem that troubled them enough to cause them to use their time, energy, and resources to discover — and in many cases implement — a solution. Yes, these teenagers are inventors, but perhaps more accurately and more importantly, they are problem solvers.
**Content:**
(O*riginal source The Best Schools)*
*“When you hear “World’s Smartest Teen,” perhaps you imagine a young person who spends their free time hanging out in the physics lab, reading the dictionary for fun, or memori