Five Motivational Speakers to Help You Stay Positive
- By Declan McManus
- Apr 03, 2020
Five Motivational Speakers to Help You Stay Positive!
No matter what industry you work in or country you are from, the coronavirus crisis has impacted everyone in various ways. With wide financial strain and mental health challenges brought on by lockdowns and social distancing, now is an important time to find motivation and inspiration.
As Engage continually strives to connect audiences with transformative experiences, below are five great motivational speakers to provide insight and inspiration during this time:
Ben Nemtin
A world-renowned motivational speaker and bestselling author of What Do You Want to Do Before You Die?, Ben Nemtin is an expert on finding inspiration in times of challenge. In his first year of college, Ben was on an academic scholarship and on the rugby team at a top-tier university when he was hit with crippling depression and anxiety. Ben eventually had to drop out of college and became a recluse in his parents’ house, unable to leave. It was during this time when Ben realized that his dreams had been buried by trying to live the live other people wanted him to live.
In an attempt to reset his life, Ben decided to only surround himself with people who inspired him and made a list of ‘100 Things to do Before You Die.’ With his companions, Ben bought an RV and a camera and hit the road to tackle their list of impossible dreams. While they only planned to be on the road for 2 weeks, the road trip has lasted over 10 years and has truly shifted Ben’s perspective on what is possible. While the current state presents many challenges and roadblocks, Ben’s story offers great inspiration for finding opportunity in times of difficulty. To learn more about Ben and his documentary in production The Buried Life, visit Ben’s profile.
Erik Weihenmayer
Erik Weihenmayer is no stranger to adversity. By the age of fourteen, retinoschisis began to rob Erik of his vision. But Erik always knew that his blindness would never hold him back in life. On May 5, 2001, Erik broke records when he became the first blind person to reach the summit of Mt. Everest. He made history again in 2008 when he climbed Carstensz Pyramid in Papua New Guinea to complete The Seven Summits, the highest point on every continent.
In one of his most powerful quotes, Erik said “I think this is the best time in history, the most precious time in history to be a pioneer, to reach out, to seize hold of adversity and challenges we face, to harness energy not only to transform our own lives, but to elevate the world around us.” Erik’s perseverance and determination serve as a great example of how to overcome challenges that may seem insurmountable. While present conditions make it difficult to work or live the way we would like, Erik’s story is a great inspiration to keep pushing forward.
Kendall Burton
Born with a unilateral cleft palate, Kendall Burton had twenty-three surgeries by the time she was seventeen. However, her birth defect never held her back and she found strength, confidence, and love in softball. After battling insecurities and setbacks caused by her surgeries, Kendall eventually received a softball scholarship to the University of Texas at San Antonio.
Everything came to a halt again during her first semester at UTSA when she survived an acute ischemic stroke that left her physically capable but unable to speak, write, read for months. Kendall persevered and was back on the field within months as she started every game for the Roadrunners in the 2015 season. Kendall eventually found her forever home at the University of Georgia where she had the opportunity to play for the Bulldogs in the 2017-2018 softball season and win the Women’s College World Series. Kendall is a renowned motivational speaker and hopes to use her story to impact the lives of young athletes and empower confident young women. Kendall’s story provides a great lesson that there is always a silver lining if you work hard enough and are determined.
Jamie Komer
Jamie Komer is a wellness guru, motivational speaker, and Olympic medalist who uses her philosophy of a positive mindset and overall well-being to help people find their true potential. As an Olympic Goalkeeper for the USA Women's Water Polo Team, Jaime knows how to tap into a positive mindset and live and lead purposefully in order to perform well long-term. Jamie believes in a philosophy of self-care and intentional living that has helped her to motivate groups and audiences across the globe. As people need to practice intention and self-care now more than ever, Jamie has the expertise and tools to help people reach their true potential.
Eric Rittmeyer
A former US Marine and expert in mental toughness and emotional intelligence, Eric Rittmeyer knows what it takes to overcome adversity and strengthen your mind. Titled “the Mental Toughness Speaker,” Eric travels around the world teaching organizations to and executives how to overcome the limits brought on by fear and emotions and replace them with clear critical thinking. As many people today feel trapped and helpless in the current situation, Eric has the knowledge to help people use emotional intelligence and mental toughness to be happy and successful. Eric has developed resources including free emotional intelligence handbooks, motivational books, and online training courses in overcoming obstacles.
To view more talent and to check out virtual events and resources, visit the Engage website at http://www.letsengage.com/.
