Overcoming Obstacles

How does one muster the courage to persevere in the face of sheer adversity? Speakers.com overcoming adversity keynote speakers demonstrate the determination, self-confidence and the drive to win in spite of overwhelming obstacles. Our engaging and inspirational speakers share their stories of dedication, motivation and sacrifice and instill a true winning spirit in their audience.

Cathy O’Dowd

World-Class Mountaineer, Adventurer, Author, and Motivational Expert

World-Class Mountaineer, Adventurer, Author, and Motivational Expert Cathy O’Dowd is the first woman in the world to climb Mount Everest, the world’s highest mountain, from both its north and south sides. Her first ascent of Everest happened in the midst […]

In-Person Fee Range
$10,001 to $20,000
(Inquire for virtual fee)

Travels From
Unknown, Spain


Scott O’Grady

Air Force Pilot Shot Down in Bosnia Whose Story Inspired "Behind Enemy Lines"

Air Force Pilot Shot Down in Bosnia Whose Story Inspired “Behind Enemy Lines” Captain Scott O’Grady was born in Brooklyn, New York on October 12, 1965. He moved with his family to Long Beach, California in 1970, then to Ridgewood, […]

In-Person Fee Range
$10,001 to $20,000
(Inquire for virtual fee)

Travels From
Texas, United States


Brian O’Malley

Adventurer, Author, Climber, and Award-Winning Photographer

Adventurer, Author, Climber, and Award-Winning Photographer Adventurer, author and award-winning photographer, Brian O’Malley has entertained, empowered, and energized hundreds of audiences. By drawing parallels from his experiences, his multi-media presentations inspire audiences to better handle the everyday challenges and adventures […]

In-Person Fee Range
$5,000 to $10,000
(Inquire for virtual fee)

Travels From
Colorado, United States


Paul Orfalea

Founder and Chairperson Emeritus, Kinko’s, Inc.

Paul Orfalea founded Kinko’s in 1970 near the University of California at Santa Barbara with a simple idea: provide college students with products and services they need at a competitive price. The space that Orfalea rented for his copy business […]

In-Person Fee Range
$20,001 to $50,000
(Inquire for virtual fee)

Travels From
California, United States


Vince Papale

Legendary NFL Player, Cancer Survivor, and Inspiration for the Movie Invincible

Legendary NFL Player, Cancer Survivor, and Inspiration for the Movie Invincible A middle school teacher and part-time bartender, Vince Papale left his hometown of Interboro, Pennsylvania in the spring of 1974 to try out for the Philadelphia Bell of the […]

In-Person Fee Range
$10,001 to $20,000
(Inquire for virtual fee)

Travels From
Florida, United States


Carly Patterson

Olympic Gold Medal Gymnast

Olympic Gold Medal Gymnast At the 2004 Summer Olympics, Carly Patterson became the first American woman in 20 years to win the All-Around Olympic Gold medal since Mary Lou Retton in 1984. Gymnastics Carly discovered gymnastics in 1994 after attending […]

In-Person Fee Range
$20,001 to $50,000
(Inquire for virtual fee)

Travels From
Texas, United States


Dave Pelzer

Best-Selling Author and Inspirational Survivor

Best-Selling Author and Inspirational Survivor In a word, Dave Pelzer embodies Esprit: Spirit, Humor & Wit. As a child, his resilience enabled him to overcome extreme life-threatening obstacles. As an adult, for over 20 years, Dave’s inspirational work has encouraged […]

In-Person Fee Range
$10,001 to $20,000
(Inquire for virtual fee)

Travels From
California, United States


Barry Petersen

Legendary Reporter for CBS News

Legendary Reporter for CBS News CBS News calls Barry Petersen one of their most experienced correspondents.   In a career spanning more than three decades with CBS News, he has reported on everything from wars and natural disasters to Paris fashions […]

In-Person Fee Range
$10,001 to $20,000
(Inquire for virtual fee)

Travels From
Colorado, United States


Debbie Phelps

Educator, Children's Activist, and Mother and #1 Supporter of the Greatest Olympian of All Time, Michael Phelps

Educator, Children’s Activist, and Mother and #1 Supporter of the Greatest Olympian of All Time, Michael Phelps As swimmer Michael Phelps won his 22nd Olympic medal (his 18th Gold) he lovingly tossed his Olympic bouquet to his mother in the […]

In-Person Fee Range
Call for Fee
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Travels From
Maryland, United States


Charles Plumb

North Vietnamese Prisoner Of War; Author, I'm No Hero; Motivating and Compelling Speaker

North Vietnamese Prisoner Of War; Author, I’m No Hero; Motivating and Compelling Speaker Captain Charlie Plumb graduated from the Naval Academy at Annapolis and went on to fly the F-4 Phantom jet on 74 successful combat missions over North Vietnam. […]

In-Person Fee Range
$10,001 to $20,000
(Inquire for virtual fee)

Travels From
California, United States


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