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.

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
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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
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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
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Travels From
California, United States


John Powers

Emmy Award Winning Writer, Former Teacher, and Motivational Speaker

Emmy Award Winning Writer, Former Teacher, and Motivational Speaker John Powers is the Founder of the Powers of Motivation Institute in 1988.  John has raised three million dollars for his Broadway musical production, and has coordinated the activities of various […]

In-Person Fee Range
$10,001 to $20,000
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Travels From
Illinois, United States


Amy Purdy

Three-Time World Cup Medalist, Double-Amputee, Dancing with the Stars Runner-Up and the Co-Founder of Adaptive Actions Sports

Three-Time World Cup Medalist, Double-Amputee, Dancing with the Stars Runner-Up and the Co-Founder of Adaptive Actions Sports At 19, after experiencing flu-like symptoms, Amy was rushed to the hospital in a state of septic shock. En route, she experienced respiratory […]

In-Person Fee Range
$50,000 or greater
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Travels From
Colorado, United States


Nido Qubein

President of High Point University, Author, Consultant, Motivational Speaker, and Businessman

President of High Point University, Author, Consultant, Motivational Speaker, Businessman Dr. Nido R. Qubein is an accomplished university president and a nationally recognized author, speaker, and leader. Dr. Qubein came to the United States with $50 in his pocket and […]

In-Person Fee Range
$20,001 to $50,000
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Travels From
California, United States


Felipe Rose

Native American Indian in the Village People, Chef, and Motivational Speaker

Native American Indian in the Village People, Chef, and Motivational Speaker Felipe Rose came to prominence in the 1970’s out of the urban gay clubs and discotheques in New York City,  best known as the Native American Indian he is […]

In-Person Fee Range
$5,000 to $10,000
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Travels From
New Jersey, United States


Rudy Ruettiger

Famed Football Player from the University of Notre Dame and Inspiration for the Blockbuster Film, Rudy

Famed Football Player from the University of Notre Dame and Inspiration for the Blockbuster Film Rudy Against all odds on a gridiron in South Bend, Indiana, Daniel “Rudy” Ruettiger in twenty seven seconds, carved his name into history books as […]

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

Travels From
Nevada, United States


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