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Marcus Allen

Former Pro Athlete Turned CEO | Advocate for Inclusive Leadership and Community Transformation

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Marcus Allen is a visionary leader, former professional basketball player, and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters Independence (BBBSI), the largest one-to-one mentoring organization in Pennsylvania. Appointed as the first African American CEO in BBBSI’s 100-year history, Marcus has spearheaded initiatives that transform the lives of countless young people through mentorship, innovation, and collaboration. His leadership extends beyond the nonprofit sector, making him a trusted keynote speaker for Fortune 500 companies on topics like sales motivation, DE&I, overcoming adversity,
and leadership.
 

Before joining BBBSI, Marcus served as CEO of ACHIEVEability, where he helped break the generational cycle of poverty for low-income families. His personal journey, growing up in poverty and finding inspiration through mentorship, fuels his passion for empowering others to achieve their full potential. Marcus’ charisma and authenticity make him a sought-after speaker who inspires audiences with his stories of resilience and transformation.


Under Marcus’ leadership, BBBSI has partnered with organizations like the Philadelphia Eagles and Lincoln Financial Field to expand mentoring programs. A passionate advocate for social justice, Marcus has appeared on CNN and Oprah Winfrey, addressing issues such as dismantling the school-to-prison pipeline. His efforts earned him prestigious appointments, including a role with the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights in Pennsylvania and as a Senior Fellow at the University of Pennsylvania’s Fels Institute of Government.


Marcus’ expertise is widely recognized. He has delivered keynote speeches for high-profile organizations like Bank of America, Deloitte, and Independence Blue Cross, captivating audiences with his insights on team building, leadership, and employee engagement. His signature presentations, like “The Five I’s of Leadership” and “Do It Again, I Dare You," provide practical tools for achieving sustained success in any industry.
 

In addition to his professional accolades, Marcus holds an MBA in Technology Management and is a two-time inductee into the Paine College Sports Hall of Fame. His numerous honors include Philadelphia Business Journal’s Most Admired CEO Award and the McDonald’s Anthony De Luz Black History Maker of Today Award.

Speaking Topics

Do It Again, I Dare You: The Three Tools To Replicating Success

Success is not a one-time event—it’s a process that must be replicated and sustained. Marcus Allen, a professional athlete turned visionary CEO, has mastered the art of achieving and repeating success. Through his leadership experience, battles with adversity, and commitment to community impact, Marcus has identified three key tools that anyone—business leader, entrepreneur, or changemaker—can use to replicate their success consistently.


At the 2022 EOS Conference in Orlando, Marcus delivered this keynote to a captivated audience, who ultimately voted him the best speaker of the event. Now, he brings this impactful presentation to organizations ready to break through barriers and build sustainable success.


Key Takeaways:

  • Commitment – Success begins with an unwavering commitment to a goal, and the discipline to execute it daily. Marcus shares strategies for staying resilient in the face of challenges and maintaining focus when the excitement fades.
  • Authenticity – True leaders and high performers embrace their authentic selves. Marcus explores how leading with transparency and integrity creates trust, strengthens teams, and fuels long-term success.
  • Compassion – A people-first approach is a winning approach. Marcus reveals how demonstrating empathy and compassion—whether in leadership, business, or life—leads to greater impact, stronger relationships, and a deeper sense of purpose.

Embrace The Future: How To Lead The Next Wave Of Innovation

The future is not something to fear—it’s something to shape. But what is holding you or your organization back from stepping boldly into the next big opportunity? Marcus Allen has spent years working with innovation incubators, leading transformative initiatives, and guiding organizations through change. In this keynote, he challenges audiences to stop waiting for “what’s next” and start actively creating it.


Key Takeaways:

  • Identify What’s Holding You Back – Discover the hidden barriers—mindsets, strategies, or outdated practices—that prevent you from stepping into a brighter future.
  • Adapt and Evolve – Learn how the best leaders anticipate change, embrace discomfort, and pivot with confidence.
  • Lead the Way – Instead of reacting to change, Marcus shows how organizations can proactively shape the trends, technologies, and movements that will define their industry.

The Five I’s Of Leadership: Winning With A Championship Mindset

While there may be no “I” in Team, there are two in Championship—and great leadership requires both individual excellence and collective empowerment. Marcus Allen, a seasoned executive, former professional athlete, and transformational leader, has identified five essential traits that define championship-caliber leadership. Leaders who master these five “I’s” lower turnover rate, boost productivity, and create a thriving organizational culture.


This keynote is designed for executives, managers, and anyone striving to become a stronger, more effective leader. Attendees leave with actionable strategies to cultivate a winning mindset and lead with purpose.


The Five I’s of Leadership:

  • Insight – The ability to see beyond the present moment, recognize patterns, and make informed decisions that drive success.
  • Intelligence – Not just academic knowledge, but emotional intelligence—the key to building strong relationships, fostering collaboration, and making high-impact decisions.
  • Intuition – The best leaders trust their instincts. Marcus shares how to develop and refine your intuition to make bold, confident choices.
  • Iteration – Success is not static. It’s a process of continuous improvement. Learn how to embrace failure as a stepping stone to innovation and excellence.
  • Influence – Leadership is about impact. Discover how to inspire, motivate, and drive change—in your company, community, and industry.

Marcus Allen's Experiences

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