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Category: Overcoming Obstacles
Overcoming obstacles speakers at Speakers.com inspire audiences to push past adversity, build resilience, and achieve lasting success in both personal and professional life. These motivational keynote speakers share powerful real-world stories of perseverance, grit, and transformation, offering actionable strategies for overcoming challenges such as failure, change, uncertainty, and setbacks. Whether you’re planning a corporate event, leadership conference, or educational program, our overcoming obstacles speakers deliver high-impact presentations that empower teams to develop a growth mindset, strengthen mental toughness, and turn obstacles into opportunities. Book a top overcoming adversity speaker at Speakers.com to energize your audience and drive meaningful, lasting change.
Showing 122 speakers
Captain Larry Brudnicki
Featured Speaker
U.S. Coast Guard Captain and Inspiration for the Motion Picture The Perfect Storm
U.S. Coast Guard Captain and Inspiration for the Motion Picture The Perfect Storm Captain Larry Brudnicki led two dramatic rescue missions during the worst weather in 100 years, dubbed “The Perfect Storm.” This harrowing story of real people battling for […]
In-Person Fee Range
$10,001 to $20,000
All fees are in USD
Travels From
New Hampshire, United States
Jon Dorenbos
Featured Speaker
Motivational & Inspirational Keynote Speaker, Magician, America's Got Talent Finalist, and Former NFL Player
Magician, America’s Got Talent Finalist, Motivational Speaker, and Former NFL Player Jon Dorenbos, a captivating motivational speaker, enjoyed a successful 14-season career in the NFL. Notably, he earned two Pro Bowl selections as a Philadelphia Eagles long snapper. In 2016, […]
In-Person Fee Range
$50,000 or greater
All fees are in USD
Travels From
California, United States
Brandon Leake
Featured Speaker
Award-Winning Poet, Artistic Educator, America’s Got Talent Winner, and Motivational Speaker
Award-Winning Poet, Artistic Educator, and America’s Got Talent Winner Brandon Leake, a gifted spoken word poet, educator, and impactful motivational speaker, emerged from the challenging environment of south side Stockton, California. As a compelling motivational speaker, his journey is a […]
In-Person Fee Range
$20,001 to $50,000
All fees are in USD
Travels From
California, United States
Chaunte Lowe
Featured Speaker
4-Time Olympian Medalist, Author, Ted-X Speaker & Cancer Thriver
4-Time Olympian Medalist, Author, Ted-X Speaker & Cancer Thriver Chaunté Lowe is a celebrated American high jumper with an impressive career. Competing in four Olympic Games, from 2004 to 2016, she has achieved significant international recognition. Moreover, Lowe has earned […]
In-Person Fee Range
$20,001 to $50,000
All fees are in USD
Travels From
Florida, United States
J.R. Martinez
Featured Speaker
Actor, U.S. Army Veteran, Dancing with the Stars Champion, New York Times Bestselling Author & Resilience Expert
Actor, U.S. Army Veteran, Dancing with the Stars Champion, New York Times Bestselling Author & Resilience Expert J.R. Martinez is an internationally acclaimed keynote speaker whose extraordinary journey from wounded U.S. Army soldier to bestselling author, actor, and television personality […]
In-Person Fee Range
$20,001 to $50,000
All fees are in USD
Travels From
Texas, United States
Allison Massari
Featured Speaker
Iconic Storyteller for Leaders and Changemakers—Celebrated Artist, Burn Survivor, Entrepreneur, Encourager
Top Expert on Resilience, Change, Company Culture, Retention, Adversity, Self-Leadership, Empowerment and Healthcare Allison Massari, hailed as delivering “life-changing” and “riveting” presentations, is an unforgettable resilience speaker. Her keynotes uplift and energize teams and leaders while alleviating burnout and fostering […]
In-Person Fee Range
$20,001 to $50,000
All fees are in USD
Travels From
California, United States
Michael Massimino
Featured Speaker
Astronaut, Columbia Professor, Media Personality, Author and Inspiration for the Movie, Gravity
Astronaut, Columbia Professor, Media Personality, Author, and Inspiration for the Movie Gravity Mike Massimino, a former NASA astronaut and the first person to tweet from space, now serves as a Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Columbia University. He is also […]
In-Person Fee Range
$20,001 to $50,000
All fees are in USD
Travels From
New York, United States
Will Miller
Featured Speaker
Emotional Wellness Expert, Speaker, Psychotherapist, Educator, Comedian, and Best-Selling Author
Emotional Wellness Expert, Speaker, Psychotherapist, Educator, Comedian, and Best-Selling Author Dr. Will Miller has established himself as an exceptional keynote speaker and workshop facilitator. He is a recognized expert in stress management, interpersonal relationships, organizational well-being, overall wellness, and workplace […]
In-Person Fee Range
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All fees are in USD
Travels From
Indiana, United States
Debbie Phelps
Featured Speaker
Retired Educator, Children's Activist, and Mother and #1 Supporter of the Greatest Olympian of All Time, Michael Phelps
Retired 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 […]
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Travels From
Virginia, United States
Judge Victoria Pratt
Featured Speaker
Judge, Lawyer, Professor, and Renowned Criminal Justice Reform Advocate
Judge, Lawyer, Professor, and Renowned Criminal Justice Reform Advocate Judge Victoria Pratt is a driven and innovative speaker Judge Victoria Pratt, gaining national and international recognition. Her commitment lies in reforming the criminal justice system. During her time as Chief […]
In-Person Fee Range
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All fees are in USD
Travels From
New Jersey, United States
Mike Sarraille
Featured Speaker
Retired U.S. Navy SEAL, Member of SEAL Team 6, Ranked #3 for Global Leadership Gurus
Retired U.S. Navy SEAL, Member of SEAL Team 6, Ranked #3 for Global Leadership Gurus Retired U.S. Navy SEAL Mike Sarraille is a 3-time best-selling author and 3-time Global Gurus Top 30 and ranked #3 in the world in 2026 […]
In-Person Fee Range
$20,001 to $50,000
All fees are in USD
Travels From
Texas, United States
Amy Van Dyken
Featured Speaker
Six-Time Olympic Gold Medal Swimmer & Emmy Award Winner
Six-Time Olympic Gold Medal Swimmer & Emmy Award Winner Amy Van Dyken-Rouen is a six-time Olympic champion and Emmy Award–winning sports personality who has made a lasting impact on the world of athletics and beyond. She captured four gold medals at […]
In-Person Fee Range
$20,001 to $50,000
All fees are in USD
Travels From
Arizona, United States
Alice Walker
Featured Speaker
Pulitzer Prize-Winning Author of The Color Purple and Activist
Pulitzer Prize-Winning Author of The Color Purple and Activist Alice Walker stands as an internationally celebrated writer, poet, and dedicated activist. As a prominent civil rights speaker, her extensive body of work includes seven impactful novels, four insightful collections of […]
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All fees are in USD
Travels From
California, United States
Captain Sandy Yawn
Featured Speaker
World Renowned Superyacht Captain and Star of Bravo’s Below Deck Mediterranean
World Renowned Superyacht Captain, Keynote Speaker, and Star of Bravo’s Below Deck Mediterranean Captain Sandy Yawn continually uses her experience and life’s trials and tribulations to educate and help others. She survived a life-threatening motorcycle accident, a fire onboard a […]
In-Person Fee Range
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All fees are in USD
Travels From
Florida, United States
Jim Abbott
One-Handed Major League Pitcher, Olympic Gold Medalist, ESPY Jimmy V Award Recipient & Inspirational Keynote Speaker
One-Handed Major League Pitcher, Olympic Gold Medalist, ESPY Jimmy V Award Recipient & Inspirational Keynote Speaker Jim Abbott is one of the most inspirational athletes in baseball history. Born without a right hand, Abbott refused to let perceived limitations define […]
In-Person Fee Range
$10,001 to $20,000
All fees are in USD
Travels From
California, United States
Cathrine Ann
Award-Winning Entrepreneur, Inspirational Speaker & Author
Award-Winning Entrepreneur, Inspirational Speaker & Author Born and raised in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, Cathrine has achieved a level of success few would have expected: She divides her time between two businesses; she heads Consumer Connection Inc. and as such, has […]
In-Person Fee Range
$10,001 to $20,000
All fees are in USD
Travels From
Canada
Patty Arvielo
Inspirational Hispanic Entrepreneur, CEO & Co-Founder of New American Funding, and Champion for Homeownership & Women's Leadership
Inspirational Hispanic Entrepreneur, CEO & Co-Founder of New American Funding, and Champion for Homeownership & Women’s Leadership Patty Arvielo is one of the nation’s most respected entrepreneurs, an inspiring keynote speaker, and the co-founder and CEO of New American Funding, […]
In-Person Fee Range
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Travels From
Nevada, United States
John Baumann
Internationally-Recognized Inspirational, Motivational and Educational Speaker with Parkinson’s Disease
Internationally-Recognized Inspirational, Motivational and Educational Speaker with Parkinson’s Disease John Baumann, a Motivational Speaker with Parkinson’s, offers a unique perspective that resonates deeply with audiences worldwide. Despite living with Parkinson’s disease for over 20 years, John leads a fulfilling life, […]
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All fees are in USD
Travels From
Florida, United States
Kim Becking
Motivational Keynote Speaker, Change & Leadership Expert, Cancer Survivor, and Award-Winning Author
Motivational Keynote Speaker, Change & Leadership Expert, Cancer Survivor, and Award-Winning Author The driving force behind the Unstoppable Momentum Movement, Kim Becking is changing the way we think about change and resilience in a rapidly changing world that NEVER SLOWS […]
In-Person Fee Range
Call for Fee
All fees are in USD
Travels From
Missouri, United States
Dr. Lonise P. Bias
Social Services Advocate, Community Activist and Inspirational Speaker
Social Services Advocate, Community Activist and Inspirational Speaker Dr. Lonise Bias has moved from grief to empowerment, passing on over thirty years of wisdom inspiring, encouraging and empowering her audiences. She has become a internationally known motivational speaker, trainer, certified […]
In-Person Fee Range
$5,000 to $10,000
All fees are in USD
Travels From
Maryland, United States
Ryan Blair
Self-Made Multimillionaire and Serial Entrepreneur-Breaking All the Business Rules
Self-Made Multimillionaire and Serial Entrepreneur Ryan Blair is a serial entrepreneur, establishing his first company, 24-7 Tech when he was only twenty-one years old. Since then, he has created and actively invested in multiple start-ups and has become a self-made […]
In-Person Fee Range
$20,001 to $50,000
All fees are in USD
Travels From
California, United States
Rocky Bleier
Vietnam Vet and Four-Time NFL Super Bowl Champion
Vietnam Vet and Four-Time NFL Super Bowl Champion Rocky Bleier’s story – a gripping tale of courage on both the football fields of America and the battle fields of Vietnam – has held audiences in rapt attention for years. Yet, […]
In-Person Fee Range
$10,001 to $20,000
All fees are in USD
Travels From
Pennsylvania, United States
Molly Bloom
Award-Winning, Inspirational Keynote Speaker, Entrepreneur, and Bestselling Author of Molly’s Game, an Oscar-Nominated Film
Award-Winning, Inspirational Keynote Speaker, Entrepreneur, and Bestselling Author of Molly’s Game, an Oscar-Nominated Film Molly Bloom is an inspirational keynote speaker, entrepreneur, and bestselling author of Molly’s Game. She is best known for her memoir, Molly’s Game, which was adapted […]
In-Person Fee Range
$20,001 to $50,000
All fees are in USD
Travels From
California, United States
Albert Bosch
Internationally Renowned Adventurer and Entrepreneur
Internationally Renowned Adventurer and Entrepreneur Albert Bosch has a long track as Adventurer, Entrepreneur and Writer. Adventures Among many other adventures, has crossed Antarctica unassisted from the coast to the South Pole (1.152Km. -98% Solo); he has completed the ‘7 […]
In-Person Fee Range
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Travels From
Spain
Dana Bowman
Retired Army Special Forces Sergeant First Class, Double Amputee and Sought-After Inspirational Speaker
Retired Army Special Forces Sergeant First Class, Double Amputee and Sought-After Inspirational Speaker Dana Bowman has astounded the nation and the world with his drive, determination, and will to succeed. He is a retired Sergeant First Class with the U.S. […]
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Travels From
Texas, United States
Shannon Boxx
3x Olympic Gold Medalist, World Cup Champion, Sports Analyst, Mentor, and Lupus Advocate
3x Olympic Gold Medalist, World Cup Champion, Sports Analyst, Mentor, and Lupus Advocate Shannon Boxx is a retired American Soccer player who played for the University of Notre Dame where she helped the Fighting Irish win the school’s first NCAA […]
In-Person Fee Range
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All fees are in USD
Travels From
Oregon, United States
Rhonda Britten
Life Coach on NBC's Starting Over, Founder of the Fearless Living Institute and TEDx Speaker
Life Coach on NBC’s Starting Over, Founder of the Fearless Living Institute and TEDx Speaker Whether that’s a fear of rejection or loss; fear of failure or success; fear of abandonment or pain, Rhonda has created a method for anyone […]
In-Person Fee Range
$10,001 to $20,000
All fees are in USD
Travels From
Colorado, United States
Erin Brockovich
Environmental Activist, Best-Selling Author, TV Producer & Iconic Consumer Advocate
Environmental Activist, Best-Selling Author, TV Producer & Iconic Consumer Advocate Erin Brockovich is a well-known whistleblower speaker on accountability whose fight against corporate negligence made history and inspired millions. Her relentless pursuit of justice—often against overwhelming odds—has defined her as […]
In-Person Fee Range
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All fees are in USD
Travels From
New York, United States
Les Brown
Diversity Expert, Best-Selling Author, and Motivational Speaker
Diversity Expert, Best-Selling Author, and Motivational Speaker As one of the world’s most renowned motivational speakers, Les Brown is a dynamic personality and highly-sought-after resource in business and professional circles for Fortune 500 CEOs, small business owners, non-profit and community […]
In-Person Fee Range
Call for Fee
All fees are in USD
Travels From
Illinois, United States
Reggie Brown
Motivational Speaker, Comedian, and Emcee Known for His Obama Impressions
Reggie Brown as President Barack Obama “Comedian in Chief” While he always felt a greater calling, no one could have ever predicted that Reggie Brown would one day become the President of the United States…Well…Sort of…. Reggie Brown is the […]
In-Person Fee Range
$10,001 to $20,000
All fees are in USD
Travels From
Illinois, United States