KEYNOTE SPEAKERS

Jade Simmons

Wednesday, June 5, 1:15 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.

Represented by: Goodman Speakers Bureau

Audacity! Dare to Lead on Purpose
An incredible thing happens when audacious leaders dealing with the pressures of monumental change are given the tools to connect, improvise and unlock the undiscovered gifts of their team members…breakthrough breaks out.

Learning Objectives:

• Leaders will be given the tools to connect on a more personal and purposeful level with their team members.
• They’ll be awakened to the possibilities of implementing improvisation as a skill set in their leadership and in the modes of operation of their teams.
• They will be given unique ways to unlock the undiscovered gifts of their team members to create more buy-in and ownership from individuals and key influencers.

About Jade
How do you get to be named Classical Music's "No.1 Maverick?” Just ask Jade Simmons. By repeatedly defying expectations, delivering riveting performances and innovating at every turn, Simmons is one of the most versatile concert artists on the scene today. Simmons, however, doesn’t simply play the piano to impress audiences. She uses the piano as an instrument for providing inspiration, information and entertainment in order to profoundly move people. Listed as one of Ebony magazine's Top 30 Leaders under 30, Simmons’ impressive musical background and diverse cultural experiences have made her a pioneer and source of inspiration for her legions of fans. In her truly unique keynotes, Jade Simmons offers her inspiring messages alongside her world renowned piano performances. Her expertise has been called upon by an array of organizations looking to create a culture of excellence and foster meaningful change. A gifted speaker, her presentations give powerful insights into how creating a unique leadership brand can inspire the creation of ideas that will have a lasting impact on the world. With boundless energy and intellect, Jade Simmons teaches audiences not only how to lead, but how to start achieving beyond what they ever thought possible. 

Harris III

Thursday, June 6, 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

Represented by: Premiere Speakers Bureau

Wonder: The Magical Power of Storytelling
Since the beginning of time human beings have told stories. Stories are how we make sense of everything. But often, organizations fail to communicate clearly as a result of losing the art of telling stories, and even those who do engage in storytelling rarely make use of storytelling’s most powerful tool: Wonder. In this educational and inspirational talk, learn how to invoke wonder, curiosity and imagination in the stories you tell, how to use those stories to communicate powerful ideas, and discover why teams of people from companies like Disney Imagineering, Pinterest, Intel, IBM and more pay to attend STORY, the annual conference-style gathering produced by Harris and his team.

About Harris III
While hundreds of thousands of people around the globe know Harris "the Third" as an award-winning illusionist, in the last few years his career has exploded into becoming a sought-out keynote speaker, storyteller, event curator and creative consultant. His endeavors expanded as an entrepreneur as he founded the Istoria Collective, an experience design and production company that creates and executes meaningful and transformative experiences for people and brands through both film, live events and a variety of other mediums.

Harris's greatest strength as a communicator is often found in his unique form of storytelling. He attracts audiences and holds their attention in a way few other speakers do, not only because of his 20-year background as a master illusionist, but also a highly effective and memorable keynote speaker who helps audiences discover what he refers to as "real magic."

After an already successful career as a speaker and performer, Harris is now entering the next decade of his career with a new enthusiasm for stories and art. With his perspective of what real magic is, Harris' presence is quickly being felt in new circles and industries. In 2016, he launched STORY, the nation's premier conference for creators and storytellers. What began as a simple two-day annual conference has exploded into a prolific movement of culture-shaping storytelling. Under Harris' leadership, STORY has turned into a community who is gathering in multiple cities around the world through a variety of workshops, conferences, and events, attended by creative teams and executives from companies like Apple, Google, Disney, IBM, and more.

Harris is awakening child-like wonder, imagination, and curiosity in a way that only someone who believes in real magic can.

Alex Sheen

Friday, June 7, 10:15 a.m. -11:30 a.m.

Represented by: Eagles Talent Speakers Bureau

because I said I would
Alex Sheen believes that every individual has the strength to become a person of their word. In this session, Alex shares his insights and actionable ways to become better at fulfilling commitments. He inspires others to become more accountable to their promises through compelling and real-life examples from the “because I said I would” movement.

About Alex
Alex Sheen is a four-time TEDx Talk speaker who is known for keeping promises to better humanity. He once even walked 240 miles across the entire state of Ohio to keep a charitable promise. His work has been featured on ABC World News with Diane Sawyer, Good Morning America, the TODAY show, Steve Harvey, and many other programs. Alex inspires audiences around the world to keep the promises they make. In 2017, he spoke at over 130 events in over 100 cities.