Fortunes From Speaking- With Chris Widener

Alan is a business consultant, sales trainer and an in-demand professional speaker, domestically and internationally. Alan speaks at national industry trade shows: National Speakers Association, Wedding MBA, WeddingWire World, Assoc. of Bridal Cons. (ABC), ISES, NACE, WEVA, PPA, catersource, ADJA & local chapters.

Karyn Buxman is an international speaker, successful author, and neurohumorist (living at the intersection of the brain and humor). Karyn is a pioneer in the field of applied humor, starting with her masters thesis in graduate school and now continues her partnerships with leading neuroscientists.

Bestselling business author Sam Richter, CSP, is considered one of the world's foremost experts on Sales Intelligence prospecting and sales meeting preparation. Through his in-person motivational keynote presentations and sales workshops to his online sales training and sales search resources, Sam works with leading organizations around the globe and the results are phenomenal - not only his program reviews but also the millions of dollars of new business companies have generated directly because of the strategies and techniques that Sam shares.  

Ravi Hutheesing is an international keynote speaker and cultural catalyst. He empowers businesses, educators, and millions of people worldwide to pivot and transcend cultural and generational divides, and his incomparable life story keeps audiences on the edge of their seats.

JT DeBolt is a former US Navy pilot and naval officer. He spent over 12 years on active duty—working his way up from enlisted aircraft mechanic with Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 131 to combat-decorated Naval Aviator with Patrol Squadron 1 and Naval Air Station North Island in Coronado, California. JT completed his service in 2008 and began an entrepreneurial career with his wife, Mia. He is the CEO of Mach I Strategies and Consulting.While flying was a lifelong dream, JT found the most rewarding aspect of military service to be the leadership lessons learned while serving with tremendous people, both as an enlisted sailor and naval officer. Today he shares those lessons with others.As a dynamic motivational speaker, JT focuses on practical ways employees, team members and entrepreneurs can motivate each other to take a company to success far exceeding what they thought possible.

Colette Carlson is a human behavior expert and CPAE Hall of Fame motivational keynote speaker who inspires organizations and individuals to connect and communicate in real and relevant ways. With wit, humor and sincerity, each of Colette’s presentations weaves together real-life lessons on genuine connection and the tools to leverage those connections for personal and professional success.

Bob Pike, known as the “trainer’s trainer,” has been developing programs for government entities and businesses since 1969. Pike and his staff offer both public and in-house seminars and workshops, including a train-the-trainer boot camp and research-based creative teaching techniques course. He is also the author of The Creative Training Techniques Handbook, and co-author of several books, including Dealing with Difficult Participants and One-on-One Training.

Shep Hyken is a customer service and experience expert and the Chief Amazement Officer of Shepard Presentations. He is a New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestselling author and has been inducted into the National Speakers Association Hall of Fame for lifetime achievement in the speaking profession. Shep works with companies and organizations who want to build loyal relationships with their customers and employees. His articles have been read in hundreds of publications, and he is the author of "Amaze Every Customer Every Time," "Moments of Magic ," "The Loyal Customer," "The Cult of the Customer" and "The Amazement Revolution." He is also the creator of The Customer Focus program, which helps clients develop a customer service culture and loyalty mindset.

Known as "The Charismatic Communicator" Judi Moreo, is one of the most in-demand speakers on motivation, communication skills, and personal development in the world. She is the author of You Are More Than Enough: Every Woman’s Guide to Purpose, Passion, and Power and its companion, Achievement Journal and is the publisher of both the Life Choices book series and Choices magazine as well as the host of the popular Choices with Judi Moreo internet radio show.

Joel Block is a professional speaker with a unique background in capital formation and CrowdFunding.

Kristin Arnold blends the best of two worlds as a Certified Speaking Professional (CSP), as well as a Certified Professional Facilitator (CPF). Her unique background and personality have enabled her to work as a mainstage conversationalist™, engaging and involving the audience in shaping the content.

Jeff Tobe is a Customer Experience Expert, Innovation and Creativity Guru and Employee Engagement Engineer. Jeff was chosen by readers of Convention & Meetings Magazine as one of the top 15 speakers in North America.

Brian Walter is an Extreme Emcee™. For over 20 years, he’s specialized in turning boring meetings into exciting experiences. A wide range of organizations have trusted Brian with their most important events. Past clients include Starbucks, Microsoft, Verizon, Wells Fargo, Genentech, UMass Memorial Health Care, the American Payroll Association, a regional office of the IRS, and even the Dairy Farmers of Washington.

Gene Hammett is an author, speaker and experienced entrepreneur who is the founder of multiple multi-million dollar businesses. Now as a strategic business mentor, Hammett works with other entrepreneurs to help them master themselves and their business so they can do work that matters

Phil Gerbyshak is a speaker, sales expert, corporate sales trainer and small business coach. Phil trains his clients on the power of connection, leveraging the reach of social media, combined with the deeply personal work of nurturing 1:1 relationships, growing profitable long-term clients, transforming businesses and boosting revenue.

Voted one of the Top 15 Business Growth Experts to watch by Currency Fair, and one of the top 20 Sales Experts To Follow by Linked In. Meridith Elliott Powell is an award-winning author, keynote speaker and business strategist. With a background in corporate sales and leadership, her career expands over several industries including banking, healthcare and finance. Meridith worked her way up from entry-level to earn her position in the C-Suite. She is a Master Certified Strategist, Executive Coach and Certified Speaking Professional, a designation held by less than twelve percent of professional speakers. She is Master Certified DISC Trainer and Coach, and has facilitated and coached thousands in the program.

John Assaraf is one of the leading mindset and behavior experts in the world. He's appeared on national TV shows, and his latest bestselling book Innercise: The New Science to Unlock Your Brain’s Hidden Power, helps individuals recognize and release the mental and emotional blocks that prevents them from achieving their life’s biggest goals and dreams.  

Best-selling author, multiple award-winner and one of the most sought after speakers on the circuit, Phil M Jones is highly regarded as the world’s leading sales trainer. From training more than two million people worldwide to coaching some of the biggest brands in the world – Phil’s mission to "teach the world to sell" has resulted in his expertise being globally recognized.

Laura Ries is an advertising and branding consultant at her firm, Ries & Ries since 1994. She has also been a television personality and has been invited to be a commentator on contemporary branding news for television and written publications. 

Jason Hewlett's speaking career began following the performance of his popular One-Man Show at a corporate event. The client was so impressed with the powerful messaging Jason included in his act that he was asked to be the keynote speaker for their Management & Leadership Conference the following year. Jason's customized presentation and content, combined with music and comedy, was so well received it has turned into multiple speeches for nationwide clients.

Brian Fanzo is a millennial keynote speaker and founder of iSocialFanz. Brian is a professional speaker on social media, technology and digital marketing. 

Mark "The Sales Hunter" helps companies find and retain better prospects they can close at full price. He does this through speaking, training, and consulting. He does this through speaking, training, and consulting

Mike Staver is the author of "Leadership Isn't for Cowards" and an internationally respected speaker and coach. Mike takes noisy, often complex, leadership content and makes it immediately useful, digestible and entertaining. Mike has degrees in Business Administration and Counseling Psychology and is a Certified Speaking Professional.

Waldo Waldman is an American author, motivational speaker and leadership consultant, and founder of The Wingman Foundation. He is a decorated fighter pilot and retired Air Force Lt. Col. and combat veteran, having flown 65 combat missions. He is the author of Never Fly Solo, a New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestseller. He has won multiple awards during his military and speaking career, including being inducted into the Speaker Hall of Fame by the National Speakers Association.

Mark Baker is widely regarded as one of the worlds most sought after speakers, but that description barely scratches the surface of what he really delivers because he is a sales speaker, a Success & Mindset speaker and one of THE most inspirational Speakers’ you will ever hear in your entire life!

Mary Kelly is an internationally recognized economist, author, and speaker who shares her perspective on creating strong leadership, productivity and communication. A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, with a PhD in economics, Mary learned lessons in leadership during more than 20 years of active duty in intelligence and logistics in the U.S. Navy.

Diane Darling knows the value of relationships and how to build them. She is the author of McGraw-Hill’s definitive book on networking, The Networking Survival Guide. Diane speaks and trains thousands of people each year on ways to build relationships, leading to opportunities and growth.

Known worldwide as The Millionaire Marketing Mentor®, Adam Urbanski is the go-to guy for successful B2B coaches, consultants, and expert-preneurs who want to better monetize their unique brilliance, quickly attract more clients, convert more high-value sales, build an authority brand, and grow a business that makes a bigger income and impact.  Using his Revenue RevUp™ method Adam’s clients multiply their revenues two to four times in just 90 days! He built and sold his first 7-figure business in less than 10 years starting with only $194 and a limited ability to speak English. Today he influences over 100,000 entrepreneurs. Through his company, the Marketing Mentors®, and his programs he helps his clients to transform their limiting, time-intensive businesses into highly-leveraged, automated money-making machines that Attract Clients Like Crazy® while he spends up to six months a year globetrotting the world.  

Jairek Robbins optimizes human performance. He is a Best-Selling author. FastCompany calls him inspiring and says he’ll make your life less ordinary. Forbes says Jairek will teach you how to succeed. Deepak Chopra will advise you to go to Jairek to help create meaning and fulfillment in your life. Brian Tracy applauds Jairek’s ability to teach people how to develop meaning and purpose in life, and then to make a difference in the lives of others. Looking for ways to level up in life and business? Jairek is your guy.

Through highly interactive programs and carefully choreographed retreats, Mary uses compelling questions and thought-provoking techniques to encourage participation. Mary’s presentations and facilitated events strike a chord with audience members and she’s asked back by clients frequently. Mary helps associations remain relevant in an increasingly competitive environment. The author of Race for Relevance: 5 Radical Changes for Associations and Road to Relevance: 5 Strategies for Competitive Associations, she’s worked with a wide variety of associations (both individual membership and trade groups) and helps volunteer leaders and staff alike create a viable and sustainable future. Mary is the founder of Associations Today broadcasts and is a frequent contributor to association publications.

Phillip understands the crisis of change on a personal, professional, and even physical level. He has worked hard to overcome obstacles and break through barriers in each of those areas. He has established a track record of transformational leadership – and a reputation as “The Turn-Around Guy” – in his 25+ years as a successful businessman in several industries. He uses his diverse experiences to help his audiences transform their personal and professional lives by tapping into their own power to overcome their own obstacles and break through their own barriers. Working for Zig Ziglar corporation as Motivational speaker with no legs to  being a Texas Motivational Speaker and running the Small Business Coaching program and Consulting Small businesses for Ziglar.

Rich Hopkins speaks to inspire and empower his audiences using his Perflexativity formula: Persistence, Flexibility, and Creativity - teaching them through his experiences as a Sales & Marketing Expert, Presentations Coach, and a father of six. He's spent over 20 years in front of audiences of every size, from one-on-one to groups of 500+, sharing motivational stories, leading sales presentations, and coaching award-winning speakers. No matter your audience age or background, including private companies, entrepreneurs, or students, learning to Win Anyway will be crucial to their success - and yours.

Chris West is the owner of Video Narrative, a company dedicated to helping speakers and business owners tell their story in a way that connects with their audiences and generates income.   

Keynote Speaker, Coach and Fundraising Auctioneer Frank Kitchen teaches leaders how to be positive difference makers and life changers in their communities. He is the Founder/CEO of Frank Kitchen Enterprises, LLC and creator of the "Live F.R.E.S.H." Methodology. 

Isabelle is a momentum generator - pure and simple. Her passion is to help entrepreneurs raise the bar and create massive value to build and deliver outstanding experiences. As host of LeapTV.com, one of North America’s Top Small Business Influencers, Entrepreneur of the year at the 2003 Lauriers de la PME, TEDx Speaker and one of the bestselling authors of the business and marketing book titled, The Next Big Thing: Top Trends From Today’s Leading Experts to Help You Dominate the New Economy; Isabelle’s sole purpose as a brand builder and business performance catalyst is to empower change and growth.

Isabelle is a momentum generator - pure and simple. Her passion is to help entrepreneurs raise the bar and create massive value to build and deliver outstanding experiences. As host of LeapTV.com, one of North America’s Top Small Business Influencers, Entrepreneur of the year at the 2003 Lauriers de la PME, TEDx Speaker and one of the bestselling authors of the business and marketing book titled, The Next Big Thing: Top Trends From Today’s Leading Experts to Help You Dominate the New Economy; Isabelle’s sole purpose as a brand builder and business performance catalyst is to empower change and growth.

Peter de Jager is a speaker/writer/consultant on the issues relating to the Rational Assimilation of the Future. He has published hundreds of articles on topics ranging from Problem Solving, Creativity and Change to the impact of technology on areas such as privacy, security and business. His articles have appeared in The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, The Futurist and Scientific American.  Having spoken in more than 34 countries he is recognized worldwide as an exciting and engaging speaker. His audiences have included the World Economic Forum, The World Bank and The Bank for International Settlements.

Brenda Bence, MBA/CSP/Certified Global Speaking Professional, is sought after on six continents for her unique combination of leadership and branding, resulting in her award-winning Leadership Branding System, for both companies and individuals. She is the only Executive Coach and Professional Speaker to specialize in helping companies and individuals make “the Corporate Brand/Personal Brand Connection™.”

Hall of Fame speaker and best-selling author Eric Chester is the leading authority on workplace culture, employee engagement, and the emerging generation.

Suzanne Evans, owner and founder of Suzanne Evans Coaching, LLC, is the tell-it-like-it-is, no fluff boss of business building. She went from zero to #225 on the INC 500 list for fastest growing companies in the US.  Suzanne supports, coaches and teaches over 30,000 women enrolled in her wealth and business building programs.  

A poor upbringing from one of the roughest areas of Chicago didn't stop Victor from earning a B.S. Electrical Engineering, an MBA and building a 20 year career as a top sales executive and becoming President of Global Sales and Marketing for a $420M company.      As Vice President of International Sales in a Fortune 500 $3B corporation at the time, he was selected from over 500 sales managers to join the President’s Advisory Council for excellence in sales and management.  He has shared the stage with top business speakers: Zig Ziglar, Daymond John (Shark Tank),  Rudy Giuliani, Paul Otellini (CEO of Intel), and John May (CEO of FedEx Kinkos). 

Featured on FOX, CBS, ABC & NBC, Betsy Allen-Manning is recognized as one of the top leadership speakers, a 3-time author & human behavior expert. She has held leadership positions in global billion dollar companies, developed 5-star training programs for luxury hotels, and has trained high-impact leaders for companies like Toshiba, Fidelity, Six Flags & The U.S. Dept. of Defense. Founder of the consulting firm, Motiv8u Enterprises, and a seasoned expert in leadership and culture development, Betsy helps smart companies develop ‘ready-now’ leaders to drive growth, spark innovation & build mission-driven cultures.

Jeffrey Hayzlett is a primetime television host of C-Suite with Jeffrey Hayzlett and Executive Perspectives on C-Suite TV, and business podcast host of All Business with Jeffrey Hayzletton C-Suite Radio. He is a global business celebrity, speaker, best-selling author, and Chairman of C-Suite Network, home of the world’s most trusted network of C-Suite leaders. Hayzlett is a well-traveled public speaker, the author of four bestselling business books, The Mirror Test,  Running the Gauntlet, Think Big, Act Bigger: The Rewards of Being Relentless. and The Hero Factor: How Great Leaders Transform Organizations and Create Winning Cultures. Hayzlett is one of the most compelling figures in business today and Hall of Fame keynote speaker. 

Terry Brock is an internationally recognized speaker and trainer in the areas of technology, the Internet and marketing.  Active in the National Speakers Association, Terry Brock is a past national board member, a former chapter president, and has earned his CSP, Certified Speaking Professional. He is also a member of ICF, the International Coaches Federation. Terry Brock has taught martial arts, worked in radio, newspapers, is studying the Russian and Japanese languages, rides a unicycle and is learning to play the guitar. In his spare time, he still finds it possible to work on computers almost 24 hours each day!

Recognition expert, Sarah McVanel is passionate about guiding each of us to re-discover our own greatness, and recognize the greatness in others.  An experienced and dynamic speaker and coach, Sarah McVanel provides experiences customized to every organization. She offers the business evidence to back up how recognizing greatness in ourselves and others is key to sustained business success through improved morale, increased top talent retention, and generating a positive corporate culture.  

Dov Baron is recognized as one of the top 100 leadership speakers to hire and corporate cultural strategist. He is the founder of "Full Monty Leadership" and a bestselling author

Jill Konrath is a sales strategist, speaker and the author of the sales books Selling to Big Companies and SNAP Selling.

Larry Winget is the best branded, most recognizable speaker in the business. Many speakers claim to be original, but Larry Winget is THE original. He has established himself as an icon in the world of personal development and self-help. Larry is a six-time NYT/WSJ bestselling author and has spoken to nearly 400 of the Fortune 500.  In this episode of Fortunes From Speaking, you'll hear an interview from the Chris Widener Speaking Academy, where Larry reveals some of his secrets for building a successful brand. 

Mark Scharenbroich’s career as a motivational speaker began with the Jostens award-winning film, “The Greatest Days of your Life…(so far)”which featured Mark speaking to high school students about engagement. It was viewed by millions of high school students worldwide in the 1980s. His ability to connect with students, and keep them engaged with humor and life-changing messages, earned him the reputation for being the most in-demand speaker for high school students. Mark is often times invited to speak at conferences by business leaders who heard him speak years ago in their high schools  . . . and still remembering the powerful impact of his presentation. He is an award-winning keynote speaker, winner of an Emmy Award® as writer/producer for an ABC-TV special, and recipient of several international film awards. In 2003, Mark was inducted into the National Speaker’s Association prestigious Hall of Fame — an honor bestowed upon less than 5% of professional speakers worldwide.  Fellow inductees include President Ronald Reagan, General Colin Powell, Zig Zigler and Ken Blanchard.

Randy Gage is a thought-provoking critical thinker who will make you approach your business — and your life — in a whole new way. Randy is the author of eleven books translated into 25 languages, including the New York Times bestsellers, Risky Is the New Safe and Mad Genius. He has spoken to more than 2 million people across more than 50 countries, and is a member of the Speakers Hall of Fame. When he is not prowling the podium or locked in his lonely writer’s garret, you’ll probably find him playing 3rd base for a softball team somewhere. 

Ed Rigsbee is the author of PartnerShift-How to Profit from the Partnering Trend, Developing Strategic Alliances and The Art of Partnering. He has authored several video and audio programs. With more than 1,000 published articles to his credit, Rigsbee is a regular contributor to business, trade and professional publications throughout North America. Through his writing, he regularly shares cutting-edge information in a no-nonsense format with thousands monthly. Ed is the president of Alliance Works in Thousand Oaks, California, a division of Rigsbee Enterprises, Inc., founded in 1981. Rigsbee has been an adjunct professor for both the Universities of California at Santa Barbara and California Lutheran University. Further, Ed Rigsbee has served as a trainer for Dun & Bradstreet delivering full-day seminars across the country. From the business perspective, Ed brings extensive strategic management, marketing, and sales expertise to the platform. He has real-world experience to share. His work experience ranges from retail and sales management positions in his twenties, as president and owner of a manufacturer representative firm in his thirties. Today, Ed Rigsbee is a best-selling author and nationally recognized professional speaker. Throughout his career partnering has been his standard method of operation.