Jordana Green
Jordana Green is an Emmy award winning television news anchor, a Marconi award winning podcast writer and producer, and drive-time news-talk radio talk show host. Jordana started her career in television news at various stations in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Her career advanced to television news anchorwoman in Indianapolis and the Twin Cities. Jordana migrated from a teleprompter to broadcasting her points of view on a variety of topics as the co-host of the “Paul & Jordana Show” on WCCO Radio in the Twin Cities. She considers learning how to snowboard at age forty as one of her greatest physical accomplishments until being challenged with a rare form of leukemia in 2020. Her straight talk Jersey girl truth telling is funny, transparent, and humble. Her colleagues all agree that when Jordana enters a room, the energy shifts to the positive and everyone knows she’s there… and on ‘their’ side. She has learned many life lessons from her challenges of and rebounding from job loss, moving from city to city, divorce, balancing her career with motherhood, and leukemia. She remarried and is raising three teenagers in her Minneapolis home filled with lunacy, love and laughter. “Finding Your Moments of Clarity”, Jordana’s presentation allows listeners to dig deep into their experiences to identify life changing moments that have molded their past decisions. She offers clear steps to identifying future ‘moments of clarity’ that will generate the confidence everyone needs to make the next right moves. Jordana is inspiring, vulnerable, and funny. She connects deeply with all who hear her and motivates them with specific guidelines to be on their true career, personal and spiritual paths.
Greg Schwem
Greg Schwem tells all his clients, “I’m here to make you laugh but, at the end of the day, I want to be your biggest cheerleader too!” That approach is why the Chicago Tribune recently proclaimed Greg “king of the hill in the growing world of corporate comedy while HuffPost calls Greg, “Your boss’ favorite comedian.” Indeed, Greg’s comedic take on the 21st century workplace and work/life balance has landed him on SIRIUS Radio, Comedy Central and the cover of Exceptional People Magazine. During the 2020 pandemic, Greg’s virtual keynote, You Can‘t Quarantine Laughter, was lauded by clients such as Cisco, Verizon, Merrill Lynch and his alma mater, Northwestern University. One participant called it “fantastic and just what everybody needed during this time.” More than just a business humor keynote speaker and sought-after corporate emcee, Greg is also an author, nationally syndicated humor columnist for the Chicago Tribune, award-winning greeting card writer and creator of funnydadinc, voted one of the top Dad humor sites on the web in 2020. His recent business travels have resulted in a hilarious web series, A Comedian Crashes Your Pad, currently streaming on Roku and AppleTV. He has shared the concert stage with the likes of Celine Dion, Jay Leno and Keith Urban.
What sets Greg apart from other corporate entertainers is his ability—and willingness—to customize material for his audience while working within the parameters of the corporate environment. That means no profanity or politically incorrect material. “That’s never been a part of my show anyway,” Greg recently told a reporter.
When Greg presents, live or virtually, at whatever time of day, audiences will see and hear the following:
- A heavily researched and customized presentation featuring material created with the help of Greg’s client. Greg doesn’t “phone it in.”
- Customized multimedia support that includes video, audio and screen grabs from a client’s website.
- A motivational message that uses humor and real world examples from actual companies that show the “do’s and dont’s” of succeeding in business. Let Greg tell your audience about his experiences with the highly successful American Girl Doll company!
Greg’s preparation always includes a conference call with company executives and, in some cases, an onsite visit.
Customized Material from Past Shows
John Hancock: You sell the U.S. Global Leader Growth Fund. Is there a U.S. Regional Follower Growth Fund as well?
Michigan Realtors Assoc.: Your organization has been around since 1915? What kind of sessions did realtors attend at the 1915 convention? “The do’s and dont’s of selling that log cabin!”
Campbell’s Soup: You make “premium organic” baby food? Don’t you realize that, after the baby eats your incredibly healthy food, he’s gonna grab a fistful of the cat’s hair and eat that too?
Greg also is the author of two Amazon best sellers: Text Me If You’re Breathing: Observations, Frustrations and Life Lessons From a Low-Tech Dad and The Road to Success Goes Through the Salad Bar: A Pile of BS (Business Stories) From a Corporate Comedian.
Vineeta Sawkar
Vineeta Sawkar is a five time Emmy award-winning television anchor who is now the Director of Public Relations at the University of St. Thomas. Vineeta spent twenty-three years in the television news business. She is best known for her eighteen years at KSTP-TV in Minneapolis. She left KSTP in 2013 and pioneered a new role at the Minneapolis Star Tribune as a video host. She and her family are proud St. Paul residents. Vineeta is a former Friends of the St. Paul Public Library board member and Children’s Hospital Association board member. She is now volunteering with the Minnesota Wild to recruit more kids of color to play the sport of hockey.
Jason Schechterle
After serving four years in the Air Force, at the age 26, Jason achieved his goal to work on the streets of Phoenix as a rookie police officer. Then, only 14 months into his career, Jason’s life took an unexpected tragic turn. On the night of March 26th, 2001, a taxi cab crashed into the rear of Jason’s patrol car. Upon impact, Jason’s car burst into flames, trapping him inside.Through a series of miraculous and fateful circumstances, Jason survived the crash and ensuing physical and emotional catastrophe. He suffered severe burns to over 40% of his body which drastically altered his appearance. He has undergone more than 50 surgeries just to have the ability to accomplish simple daily tasks we often take for granted.Jason’s journey chronicles his fight for life, his triumph over tragedy and the inspiration that enables him to continue to overcome unimaginable adversity. His personal narrative exemplifies that the power of the human spirit can never be underestimated or extinguished.
Vincent Phipps
Vincent Ivan Phipps is owner of Communication VIP Training and Coaching. Vincent is featured in the Top 1% of the world’s best motivational speakers and corporate trainers. Audiences call Vincent, “The Attitude Amplifier.” This is due to Vincent’s dynamic passion for amplifying companies, conferences, and professionals to improve their interpersonal communication, leadership, and presentation skills. Vincent’s philosophy is, “If I can get you to laugh, I can get you to listen. If I can get you to listen, I can help you amplify!”.
Kim Becking
Inspiring. Engaging. Riveting. Laugh-out-loud funny. Authentic. Highly entertaining. With a rare ability to connect at a deeper level with her audiences, Kim Becking is a sought-after keynote speaker and thought leader on change and resilience who helps leaders, teams and organizations build a “Momentum Mindset” to conquer change, boost resilience, connect and lead more effectively and accelerate success no matter what.
KIM PROVIDES POWERFUL INSIGHTS. PRACTICAL SOLUTIONS. IMMEDIATE IMPACT.
HER PROGRAMS HELP YOUR LEADERS AND TEAMS:
- Become More Flexible and Adaptable
- Inspire Bold Action and Boost Confidence
- Boost Performance and Productivity
- Reduce Stress, Avoid Burnout and Boost Resilience
- Build Better Work-Life Blend While Working Wherever You Are
- Create Stronger Relationships and Connection in This Ever-Changing World
- Strengthen and Enhance Team Connection And Resilience
- Lead with More Confidence and Clarity During Change and Uncertainty
Using humor and vulnerability, Kim has the ability to connect with her audiences at a deeper level. Her authentic, engaging, humorous, and empowering messages of extraordinary resilience, conquering change, and creating success regardless of your circumstances have made her a favorite among her audiences. Her messages would not only inspire and motivate, but would provide tactical and practical skills that your people could apply IMMEDIATELY.
Kim has been featured in national media such as People, SELF, The New York Times, USA Today, Good Morning America and Lifetime Television for her expertise on resilience and thriving in the midst of change. She knows a thing or two about change and challenges through her own experiences in business and life. As an attorney, serial entrepreneur running 2 successful businesses, communications strategist and “recovering” political consultant, Kim has conquered the ever-changing tough worlds of business, government, and politics. She’s also conquered cancer and other life challenges.
Kim has boosted communication, collaboration and consensus building capabilities from Fortune 100 companies, to small and medium sized businesses, to associations, government, and non-profit organizations. Her Momentum Mindset framework provides practical tools, strategies and tangible takeaways for leaders to effectively manage change, boost resilience, connect better and deal with difficult people, tough conversations, and hard issues.
Kim graduated with honors from Missouri State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in marketing and received her Juris Doctorate with honors from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law. She is a member of the National Speakers Association, the International Association of Business Communicators, the Association of Talent Development and holds a Certificate of Public Participation from the International Association of Public Participation. A best-selling, award-winning author, Kim recently launched her Momentum Mindset series of business success tip books focusing on change, resilience, leadership and communications. Kim resides in Columbia, Missouri with her blended family of five and delivers programs virtually, hybrid and in-person throughout the world for conferences, conventions, and events.
Kim knows that no two audiences are the same. That’s why she creates highly customized content for you using her Momentum Customization Process. She creates additional value including engagement pre-event with customized promo videos, interviews and/or a survey if wanted and ongoing engagement and interaction during the program. Kim also helps you create Momentum after the program with additional Momentum Boosters including a recap video or article to keep the momentum going long after her program is over.
Marilyn Sherman
Hall of fame business speaker Marilyn Sherman is known for inspiring audiences to improve their results through shifting their perspective. Her dynamic presentations have helped managers, executives, and entrepreneurs get out of their comfort zone and live and lead their life in the front-row. Her front-row philosophy shows how life is too short to be stuck in the balcony and top performers live in the front-row. And, if people don’t like the seat they are in now, they can either change their perspective on the seat they are in, or they can move to another seat. Marilyn shows people how to increase sales, decrease stress, increase employee morale and decrease conflict with keynotes that are high in content yet high in energy and entertainment. With 25 years of professional speaking experience, she is a consummate professional knowing that the success of an event is measured by the connection the audience has with the presenter. Marilyn is a master of audience engagement from the moment she walks into a room. No matter where people sit, they are in for a front-row experience with a keynote by hall of famer, Marilyn Sherman!
Tasha Schuh
A Must-Have for Your Next Corporate Event or Conference! When Tasha Schuh comes rolling in your door, you will get a lot more than just a story. A healthy meal of inspiration and hope, sprinkled with a layer of laughter and topped off with a few tears will leave people clamoring for more. Emotional, uplifting, and life changing are just a few ways to describe Tasha’s message.
Unique Story. After a tragic theater accident left her paralyzed from the chest down, Tasha discovered invaluable lessons that resonate with audiences of all demographics. Since 2007, she has been traveling across the country inspiring and challenging her listeners to overcome, no matter what life throws at them.
Recognized Speaker. Tasha received her first bachelor’s degree in communication studies from Winona State University and has been speaking ever since. Averaging 50-70 engagements every year, she has inspired thousands while creating a vast client list ranging from Mayo Clinic to IBM.
Relevant Message. A fit for all audiences, Tasha will inspire, empower and instill a renewed zest for life. Her clientele spans corporations, annual conferences, women’s conventions, education and healthcare.
Billy McLaughlin
Billy McLaughlin is recognized internationally as a world-class guitarist, composer and inspirational performer who has appeared on Billboard’s TopTen Chart. Previously signed to Virgin Records’ Narada label, McLaughlin has 14 CD releases, 3 National Campus Entertainer of the Year Awards*, 5 Minnesota Music Awards and his decades of national concert touring earned him the Hall of Fame Achievement Award*.
But in 1999 McLaughlin vanished from sight as his career crumbled due to a little-known neuro-muscular disorder called Focal Dystonia. After suffering several years without a cure, he embarked on an unlikely attempt to regain his career by re-learning his instrument left-handed. His remarkable comeback is captured in the documentary film Changing Keys (airing on PBS 2010) and a concert film called Coming Back Alive featuring McLaughlin with string orchestra and a reunion of his longtime rock band.
Now serving as Ambassador for Awareness for the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation, McLaughlin is the winner of the 2010 Public Leadership in Neurology Award** whose previous winners include Paul Allen, Julie Andrews, Leon Fleischer and Michael J. Fox.
McLaughlin has resumed an international schedule of concert appearances and keynote speaking. He resides in his home state of Minnesota where he is proudly raising two boys.
Chris Norton
Whether I’m inspiring people to change their lives, or helping them access recovery resources through my foundation, my purpose is to help others overcome any challenge they face. Life isn’t about getting knocked down – it’s about getting back up. Stand in the face of adversity. Stand for an idea. Stand to empower the world.
Chris suffered a spinal cord injury while playing football at Luther College (Iowa). The doctors gave Chris a 3% chance of moving anything below his neck again. Four years later, he defied the odds and walked across stage at his college graduation with his fiancé, Emily Summers. The video went viral twice, garnered 300 million+ views, and caught the eye of the country’s top media outlets (Good Morning, America, TodayShow.com, NBC Nightly News, CBS, USA Today, Sports Illustrated, etc.).
Three years later, Chris attempted another incredible feat – this time, perhaps the most important walk of his life – down the aisle with his wife, Emily. As with his Graduation Walk, Chris prepared relentlessly, spending four hours per day in the gym. Chris and Emily joyfully conquered the challenge – and walked seven yards down the aisle after their wedding ceremony. Seven yards symbolized the seven-year anniversary of his injury. Their beautiful story once again captured the heart of the world, with coverage ranging from nearly all of the top-tier U.S. media outlets to media in Germany, Italy and London, to name a few.
Chris is a well-respected motivational speaker and speaks at numerous events across the country. He was named to the ITA Group’s Hottest Keynote Speakers List, alongside Michael Strahan, Magic Johnson and Mark Cuban. Chris’ message focuses on the fact that we all face challenges, but our circumstances don’t define us – we do. With inspiring anecdotes and positive action steps, Chris connects with his audience in a genuine, entertaining and impactful way. His message resonates with all of us: adversity is universal, but we all have the Power to Stand. Additionally, Chris has written a book; he and Emily are working on their second book; and a documentary is being made about them.
Chris’ story is now on Prime Video and AppleTV! “The world watched as I took ten impossible steps on my college graduation day. That was just my beginning. 7 Yards: The Chris Norton Story shares my story of how I battled unbelievable odds with a faithful determination to discover that life’s lowest moments can be our greatest gifts. This film will redefine your outlook on how to overcome adversity with strength and resilience, but also the importance of family and friends. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that we all have the Power to Stand.”