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Shawn Harper

7-Year NFL Lineman. Founder and CEO. Delivering Over 25 Years of Transformational Impact

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Book Shawn Harper

Shawn Harper is a dynamic force in the world of personal and professional development. As a former NFL offensive lineman with the Rams, Colts, and NFL Europe, Shawn knows firsthand what it takes to play at the highest level—and now he’s teaching teams, companies, and individuals how to do the same.

 

From flunking first grade and being labeled with multiple learning disabilities, to being voted “Most likely to fail,” Shawn refused to accept the script written over his life. Instead, he rewrote it—earning Hall of Fame honors at North Iowa Area Community College, graduating from Indiana University, and reaching the NFL against all odds.

 

Today, he’s the CEO of American Services and Protection, one of Ohio’s largest minority- owned security firms, and an internationally recognized speaker trusted by brands like Procter & Gamble, FedEx, JPMorgan Chase, Dow, and Sonic. His life and leadership insights help organizations shift from survival to success—and from success to winning.

 

Shawn delivers more than motivation. He brings a message of mental toughness, clarity, and momentum that activates change. Whether live or virtual, his events are immersive experiences—built around actionable frameworks like the P.L.A.Y. Formula and his signature Winning Edge principles.

 

He is the author of The Winning Edge: 8 Principles That Will Bring Out the Winner in You and The Winologist, a compelling look into the psychology of winning from the inside out. When Shawn steps on stage, he brings more than a story—he brings transformation. He doesn’t just teach audiences how to win; he reminds them that they already have what it takes.

Speaking Topics

The Winner's Mindset

Too many organizations operate in defense mode—protecting resources instead of pursuing opportunities. Shawn equips leaders and teams to embrace a growth mindset, adapt to challenges, and seize new possibilities.


Outcomes:

  • Leaders who confidently navigate change and uncertainty.
  • Teams that take ownership and deliver proactive solutions.
  • A culture that replaces fear with innovation and momentum. 

Creating A Culture Of Champions

Thriving companies are built on cultures where people feel valued, connected, and driven. Shawn shares practical steps for reducing burnout, boosting morale, and creating workplaces where employees want to stay and succeed.


Outcomes:

  • Reduced turnover through stronger employee engagement.
  • Greater team resilience in high-pressure environments.
  • Increased performance fueled by connection and shared purpose. 

The Winner's Edge For Peak Performance

In today’s competitive workplace, talent alone isn’t enough—organizations need a strategic edge to perform at their best. Shawn draws from real-world experience, revealing how small shifts in mindset and daily choices create momentum.


Outcomes:

  • Equip leaders and teams with strategies to consistently perform under pressure.
  • Build a culture that transforms setbacks into stepping stones for growth.
  • Empower employees with tools to create momentum. 

Identity Driven Leadership

Authentic leadership drives trust, and trust drives performance. Shawn introduces his Identity-Driven Leadership model, helping executives and managers align who they are with how they lead—so they can inspire action at every level.


Outcomes:

  • Leaders who influence through authenticity and clarity.
  • Stronger collaboration across teams and departments.
  • A leadership pipeline built on trust, accountability, and growth. 

From The Locker Room To The Boardroom

Winning in sports and winning in business share the same DNA: teamwork, strategy, and resilience. Shawn translates NFL-tested principles into actionable insights for organizations that want to win in today’s competitive landscape.


Outcomes:

  • Teams that communicate and collaborate more effectively.
  • Leaders who balance short-term wins with long-term growth.
  • A resilient workforce prepared to perform under pressure. 

Shawn Harper's Experiences

EXPERIENCE DETAILS

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Virtual In-Person

Experience Details

Virtual In-Person
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Testimonials

"Thank you so much for being our guest speaker yesterday. At Thryv, we are committed to making sure our employees continue to learn, grow and feel like a part of something. The content was perfect and you left each attendee feeling positive and wanting more. I received more positive comments about your presentation than any other speaker we have had on this program. I thoroughly enjoyed hearing your story as did everyone else on the session. You have absolutely found your calling as a speaker and motivator."

"In April 2023, Shawn Harper was our keynote speaker at our Lean Rocket Lab LOCAL Fundraising program. I had originally heard Shawn speak at another event that I had attended in 2019 and was amazed by his passion for winning and knew he was the right speaker for our event. The Lean Rocket Lab LOCAL program is geared toward growing and strengthening our community’s entrepreneurs and small businesses by helping owners gain access to capital in the form of a small business loan program and resources to help their businesses be successful. The audience at the event was remarkably diverse including representatives from small and large businesses, schools, community leaders, and more. Shawn held a special session for our program participants before his main presentation. This was a wonderful opportunity for our small business owners to hear Shawn’s story firsthand and to ask questions. Shawn was a powerful, amazing, and compassionate speaker. He connected with so many and sparked a drive and determination to not just be successful, but to win among the entire audience. Our team has been overwhelmed with the positive feedback we received from this event. American 1 Credit Union and Lean Rocket Lab of Jackson, Michigan, highly recommend Shawn Harper to speak at your event and make a powerful impact on your audience."

"The Fischer Homes BASECAMP training program is designed to develop our Co-Ops and Interns and immerse them in the company culture as they begin their career within the organization. Keynote addresses were a new addition to the program this year. As such, I was specifically looking for a speaker that would set the tone for what our collegiate scholars would experience over the course of the two-day program. The gift we received from Mr. Harper was truly phenomenal. If you are looking for a speaker that will inspire, motivate, challenge, empathize, encourage, engage, and ignite, then look no further. Shawn Harper took us on a journey. From the first sentence, the audience was drawn into his natural storytelling style. We laughed, we paused to reflect, we learned, and at times the room went completely silent as we were on the edge of our seats – hanging on to every word. The wisdom he imparted was priceless. His message will resonate with all – from early childhood to the C-Suite. I appreciate the time he took to ask questions to get to know our organization and our audience. I highly recommend Shawn Harper for your next event. Fischer Homes will be glad to have him again in the future."

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