2025 Speakers

Steve Gilliland

Recognized as one of North America's most requested and popular speakers, Steve Gilliland was inducted into the celebrated Speaker Hall of Fame in 2012. He is a master storyteller and brilliant comedian, evidenced by his status on SiriusXM Radio's Laugh USA and Jeff and Larry's Comedy Roundup. In 2015, he was recognized by his peers as on of the top motivational speakers in the world from over 9,000 candidates.

A prolific and accomplished author, Steve Gilliland was named Author of the Year for his book Enjoy the Ride. He has authored ten other books, including  Detour, Hide Your Goat, It is What you Make of It, Laughter is the Best Medicine, Laugh Out Loud, Making a Difference, The Cherry on Top, The Story about Margaret, Turn the Page  and Words to Live By.

Steve Gilliland built a multimillion dollar company from the ground up, which the Pittsburgh Business Times named one of the fastest-growing companies in the region. He believes that if you continually add value to your company, industry, customer and yourself, you will always be a leader. You will be purpose-driven rather than process-driven and make a difference.

Topic: It Is What You Make of It

More than ever, individuals hold the power to rely on collective strength, think differently, and find ways to make themselves stronger and more complete. Your response to challenges is not a product of circumstances but a reflection of your mindset. This relevant and timely speech unveils tools to cultivate a specific mindset that directly impacts your behavior in different situations. It illuminates the keys to solving the problems instead of accepting it and guides you on how to readjust your thinking and react in any situation to impact your success positively. It's time to let go of the passive "it is what it is." It's time to embrace a new mindset: it is what you make it!

 

Key Takeaways:

• How to shrink the negatives, find the positives, and magnify them.

• How to shut out the noise, eliminate distractions, and stop permitting people and circumstances to ruin your day.

• How to keep moving foward, regardless of what the world throws in your path.
• How to create a ripple that will impact others and leave behind a legacy.

 

Website: www.stevegilliland.com

Kelly Swanson, CSP, CPAE

Kelly Swanson is an award-winning storyteller, comedian, motivational speaker, Huffington Post Contributor, and cast member of the Fashion Hero television show airing on Amazon Prime. She is also author of Who Hijacked My Fairy Tale, The Land of If Only, The Story Formula, and The Affirmation Journal for Positive Thinking. She was a featured entertainer for Holland American Cruise Lines, keynote speaker for the International Toastmasters Convention, and has keynoted major conferences and corporate events from coast to coast. She just launched her one-woman show Who Hijacked My Fairy Tale in theaters and it is being booked all over the country. In July 2022, she was inducted into the National Speakers Association Speaker Hall of Fame.

Kelly's wacky wit and powrful stories have charmed hearts and tickled funny bones for over 18 years. In addition to her role as a funny motivational speaker, Kelly teaches people how she does it by sharing what she has learned about connecting and engaging to have more influence in business, through the use of one tool - strategic storytelling. Sharing her own powerful journey through story and the formula she discovered, you come to the magical place where the art of story meets the business of persuasion.

Topic: Story Driven Impact - Where the Art of Story Meets the Business of Persuasion

 

No matter what industry you are in, or what job title you hold, at some point you will find yourself in a position of influence - wanting or needing to convience someone else to do something. The goal is clear: to connect, engage, persuade, and leave a lasting impact. Yet, many professionals find themselves falling short, often missing that crucual emotional connection that drives action and loyalty.

 

Enter the transformative power of storytelling.

 

By the end of this highly interactive program, participants will not only understand the mechanics of effective storytelling but will also be equipped to harness its power in their professional roles.

 

Whether you're pitching a product, leading a team, or serving a customer, storytelling is the key to forging deeper connections and achieving desired outcomes. Under Kelly Swanson's expert guidance, you'll master the art of crafting compelling stories that hit the mark every time.

 

Learning Objectives:

• Learn to find and craft stories that relate to a specific audience
• Master how to tap into your listener's story
• Build trust to become a more authentic communicator

• Explore ways to talk about yourself without talking about yourself

• Discover six ways to connect with those you serve
• Weave Story into your presentations and use them to create buy-in

 

Website: motivationalspeakerkellyswanson.com