< Back To Speakers Theresa Payton Advisor to Boards | CEO Fortalice® Solutions LLC | Top 10 Cybercrime Books in The Guardian "Manipulated" | TEDx | Contact For Booking Theresa Payton is a trailblazer in technology and cybersecurity, making history as the first female White House Chief Information Officer, under President George W. Bush. She’s recognized as one of the world’s top advisors on secured digital transformation, AI and privacy, consulting Fortune 500 boards, CEOs, and technology executives to safeguard critical assets and navigate complex digital challenges. Because she’s the go-to expert among network television news programs and other major media outlets for her broad cybercrime-fighting knowledge, relatable persona and ability to make complex technology understandable, she starred as Deputy Commander of Intelligence on the CBS TV reality hide-and-seek show, “Hunted.” She’s also CEO and chief advisor of a leading digital security firm, Fortalice. KEYNOTE TOPICS • AI and the Future of Us: Navigating the Promise and Perils of Artificial Intelligence • Secured Digital Transformation: Innovating Without Compromising Trust • From the White House to Your House: Leadership & Life Lessons

< Back To Speakers India Hicks A&B Women | Author | Entrepreneur Fashion/Design | Speaker Contact For Booking India Hicks has spent over 30 years shaping modern ideas of beauty, home design, and entertaining with her signature style—effortless, layered, and slightly undone. Known for her Caribbean-inspired interiors and creative work, she’s built a lifestyle brand centered on making spaces feel personal, lived-in, and a bit wild. Her work spans interiors, product design, and publishing, all influenced by her richly textured life. Her newest book, India Hicks: Entertaining, with a Side of Chaos, published by Rizzoli on September 8, offers a guide to hosting with warmth, humor, and a touch of beautiful imperfection. TV appearances include on-air roles across BRAVO and BBC, contributing lifestyle, design, and culture expertise. She is the author of design and lifestyle books including ISLAND LIFE, ISLAND BEAUTY, ISLAND STYLE, A SLICE OF ENGLAND, AN ENTERTAINING STORY, and LADY PAMELA. India serves as an Executive Board member of GLOBAL EMPOWERMENT MISSION, supporting international disaster relief efforts including Hurricane Dorian recovery, the Surfside collapse, U.S. tornado relief, and humanitarian aid work in Ukraine. She is also a patron of THE KING’S TRUST, supporting initiatives that empower young people facing adversity. Born in London, England to renowned interior designer David Hicks and Lady Pamela Hicks, she is a member of the Mountbatten family — a family with incredible historical impact as recounted on THE INDIA HICKS PODCAST (2019-2025) through over a dozen intimate conversations with her mother Lady Pamela. India splits her time between the Bahamas and Oxfordshire, England, where she lives with her husband David Flint Wood and their five children. KEYNOTE TOPICS •An Unexpected Journey: Lessons from building a lifestyle brand including the gritty failures and success. •A Slice of England: The story of four houses filled with heritage & history and the power of family legacies. •Be A Gem: Action on the front lines of philanthropy, relief and recovery. •Island Living: Lessons from life on a small island in the Bahamas and the richly inspired aesthetics. Presented in collaboration with artist&brand.

< Back To Speakers Scott Tillema SWAT Crisis Negotiator | FBI-Trained Hostage Negotiator | Expert in High-Stakes Communication. Contact For Booking Scott Tillema is a nationally recognized FBI-trained hostage negotiator, SWAT crisis negotiator, and senior law enforcement leader with over 20 years of experience in high-stakes communication. He completed negotiation training through Harvard Law School’s Program on Negotiation and holds degrees in behavioral science and forensic psychology. His insights have reached global audiences through his TEDx talk on negotiation- viewed over 1 million times - and features in Newsweek and at Harvard events. Known for his calm authority and real-world insight, Scott helps organizations improve communication when it matters most, drawing from experience forged in crisis and sharpened in the nation’s top negotiation programs. KEYNOTE TOPICS •Communication and Connection: Insights from a Hostage Negotiator •The Four Pillars of Negotiation: A Framework for Influence •Leading Under Pressure: Decision-Making When It Matters Most •Building Trust Fast: Lessons from Hostage Negotiation

NAL Speakers Bureau - Top Philadelphia based Speakers Bureau for High Quality keynote speakers engaging audiences and adding value to events. like Mel Robbins, Barbara Corcoran, Daymond John Your search for premium, relevant speakers ends HERE. Supercharge your event into an impactful, high-level audience experience — seamlessly. SEE OUR SPEAKERS Why choose NAL Speakers to be your event partner? You need valuable, relevant event presenters offering game-changing insights that fill seats. We facilitate and manage connections to the most dynamic and impactful voices in business, technology, and innovation — streamlining the process so you can focus on results. Keynotes & Events Speaker Matching We pair you with the right speaker for your audience, organization, culture, and budget. Proven Impact Our speakers consistently over-deliver, exceeding expectations and leaving audiences highly engaged. Our speakers bring clarity, deliver takeaways to boost competitive edge and strategic advantage. End-to-End Event Support We deliver a seamless events experience, driven by our commitment to excellence. Speaker & Thought Leader Services Offering professional speaker guidance and training, as well as branding and design services for speakers and thought leaders. GET STARTED HERE “I’ve had an excellent experience working with the NAL Speaker’s Bureau. Their ability to consistently deliver exceptional speakers for our conferences has been invaluable. The speakers they’ve provided not only have been knowledgeable and engaging but also have shown a remarkable ability to tailor their content to our specific needs. Nicole, the president of the Bureau, has been instrumental in identifying the perfect speakers for each event. I highly recommend the NAL Speakers Bureau for anyone seeking top-tier speaking talent.” — Afrika Alsup, Black Employee Network (BEN), President, at Amazon Dynamic Speakers. Trending Topics. High Level Service. Take a seat and explore the voices of today’s most important issues Leadership Joe Hart President and CEO of Dale Carnegie | #3 WSJ Best Seller Charles D. Smith NBA Legend | US Olympian Head of Sports & Entertainment Mediacom | Fierce Facilitator Dr. Taryn Marie #1 International Expert on Resilience, Mental Health, Wellbeing, and Leadership Motivation Joyel Crawford Speaker | Author | Consultant Dr. Victor Santiago Pineda Educator | Change Maker Founder | Urbanist | Author Mel Robbins Creator and Host of the Award-Winning The Mel Robbins Podcast #1 New York Times Bestselling Author Celebrities Dr. Mahalia Hines Educator | Retired Principal | Author, Speaker | Board President for Common Ground Foundation Dondré Whitfield Actor | Speaker | Commentator Restoration Agent | Author Alimi Ballard Actor I Motivational Speaker I Host I Youth Empowerment Facilitator Belonging & Inclusion Leslie Short Founder-The Cavu Group: Corporate Operations Strategist Author: Expand Beyond Your Current Culture Dr. Joe-Joe McManus Keynote Speaker | Anti-Racism Advisor | Change Maker | Author Dr. Britta M. Wilson-Uter Chief Engagement Strategist & Former Pixar Executive | Champion of Authentic Narratives & Inclusive Cultures | Author & Speaker Business Wagner Denuzzo Latino Fortune 100 Executive Global speaker & Thought Leader | Author Ingrid Polini CEO at SafetyDocs Global International Speaker | Mentor Google Accelerator Alumni André Swanston Founder | DynamicTech Innovator Media Magnet Spirituality Chinwe Esimai Forbes Contributor | Award-Winning Lawyer | Speaker Citi Chief Anti-Bribery Officer JiNan Glasgow George IP Attorney | CEO of Magic Number | Founder of NEO IP Greg Coleman Inspirational Keynote Speaker NFL Legend | Author of PUNT: Flip the Field & Get a Leg Up On Life VIEW ALL SPEAKERS Spotlight on Our Speakers: Stories that Inspire Dr. Taryn Marie How Resilience Breaks Us Out of Our Vulnerability Cage When we tell our resilience story, two powerful things happen: 1. We deepen our own resilience when we share our resilience story generously with others so they can learn the lessons of our experience vicariously. 2. We role model vulnerability, encouraging ourselves and others to not be held hostage by the fear of being vulnerable, and instead, to step forward in vulnerability, breaking out of our vulnerability cages. Abhi Golhar The Cultural Shift Indian-Americans Need to Empower Their Children If my parents got involved earlier and encouraged me to pursue my dreams...is a question that has plagued many children over the years. Join me to change the narrative from what if...with steps to overcome familiar fears and setbacks to follow your dreams. Joyel Crawford Why We Should Go Bald Together? A survivor of alopecia areata, Joyel will show us all a new way of looking at and overcoming individual challenges with the BALD method. Learn how to overcome personal challenges and live your best life by hearing Joyel’s story and her step-by-step practical advice. NAL Speakers' purpose is to inspire each of our patrons to make the change they need to accomplish their goals. Our avant-garde agency is here to serve when you need a speaker that puts you on the edge of your seat. Our clients are the people who stay up all night thinking – What if I could change just one thing? Through the power of connection building, storytelling, and forward-thinking, our speakers are able to connect profoundly with their audience to drive them to make a change. — Nicole Anderson, President & CEO of NAL Speakers Featured Books Check out the books by our speakers that have us talking Our mission is to maximize your event’s impact, ensuring it not only meets but wildly exceeds your goals. With extensive experience in designing and delivering corporate speaking events, we optimize your event strategy while simplifying the entire process — freeing up your time and energy, and ultimately driving greater revenue for your organization. We connect you with dynamic speakers from around the world, including celebrities, top-tier CEOs, and Pulitzer Prize winners. Our roster is thoughtfully curated to feature speakers known for their game-changing insights and breakthrough perspectives. These experts deliver unmatched knowledge, actionable takeaways, and strategic advantages that give your organization a competitive edge. PROSPECTIVE SPEAKERS Choose an option Submit

< Back To Speakers Lisa Kelley Global CEO Executive Advisor | Mentor at Lisa Kelley Speaks | Partner at Sales: Creative LLC | Motivational Speaker Contact For Booking Lisa has spent the past 15+ years focusing on her personal development. She overcame some major childhood obstacles and took the initiative to explore the other parts of her that stopped her from her dreams. Kelley overcame her self-sabotaging behaviors, and in doing so, it provided her a passion for helping others do the same. She has a heart for helping others find their light through her coaching and consulting. She allows individuals to go deep within their souls to discover the blocks that stop them from reaching their greatness. In the end, they overcome them and find their voice, just like Lisa rediscovered hers. When organizations and non-profits that focus on helping women and young girls call on Lisa to speak to them, she jumps at the chance to do so. She shares her life experiences, the need to be hopeful in life and tells them that they can achieve anything they put their heart and soul to. She meets people right where they are and inspires them to move into a new phase of their journey. As a Certified Master Coach, she has many skills and insights that she has learned over the years and loves to share.

Exclusive Booking Incentives for January & February Events Kick off the new year with inspiration by featuring dynamic authors at your events! These thought leaders bring fresh perspectives, tailored insights, and memorable presentations that captivate and empower your audience. From leadership retreats to conferences, these authors offer actionable takeaways and added value through books and resources that deepen the impact. Every detail is managed to ensure a seamless experience, so you can stay focused on the big picture. Make your 2025 events unforgettable, creating high-impact experiences for your team. DEADLINE EXTENDED! Book by December 31st, 2024 , and unlock this special offer: 10 FREE Books From Select Speakers* Transform your 2025 events into unforgettable experiences with NAL. Reserve now and get ahead of the game! BOOK NOW *DEADLINE EXTENDED! Promotion is available for bookings greater than $10K (does not include T&E) MEET OUR AUTHORS BOOK NOW

< Back To Speakers Jennifer Lynn Robinson Keynote Speaker| Lifestyle & Communications Expert | Media Contributor | Patient Advocate Contact For Booking Jennifer Lynn Robinson, Esquire is a professional speaker. Her expertise is in strategic networking, communications, leadership, resilience, and workplace relations. Jennifer gave a TEDx talk in June 2020. She is a media contributor who has been featured both locally and nationally. Some of her media coverage includes Cheddar, CBS, NBC, PHL17, FOX, Forbes, The Huffington Post, Thrive Global, Chicago Tribune and Philadelphia Magazine. Jennifer is also a contributor for Entrepreneur Magazine. She teaches Business Communication at The Wharton School. Jennifer was named the Top Small Business Influencer of 2018 (Fit Business), one of the 45 Philly Business Influencers to Follow on Twitter 2018 (Philadelphia Magazine), “Best Networker” 2018 (Philly Current Magazine), and “Power Woman” 2017 (Main Line Today). She was featured as one of “Philly’s Faces” by the Jewish Exponent in July 2020. Jennifer was named “Marketer of the Year” in 2021 by Empowering Women in Business & Industry. Most recently, Jennifer won the world title and was crowned Mrs. Classic Universe 2022-23. Jennifer received her Bachelor of Arts from Haverford College and her law degree from Villanova School of Law. She holds certifications in Event Planning, Non-Profit Management, Social Media Marketing, Diversity & Inclusion, Hospitality & Tourism and Conflict Resolution. She is also a certified virtual presenter. Jennifer lives outside Philadelphia, PA with her husband Walter and their two rescue dogs, Jake and Lilly. You can learn more at purposefulnetworking.com and follow Jennifer at @areyounetworked on Twitter or Instagram. KEYNOTE TOPICS • How to Build Your Personal Brand & Visibility • How to Overcome Anything • How to Build Relationships • How to Be a Powerful Public Speaker

< Back To Speakers Rakia Reynolds Partner/Brand Strategist| Keynote Speaker | Equity in Communications Specialist | Board Advisor/ Board Builder/Founder Contact For Booking Rakia Reynolds is an accomplished thought leader and proven authority in branding, creative strategy and business development. As a Partner at Actum and former Founder/Executive officer of Skai Blue Media, she guides clients across multiple verticals with inspiration, and strategic guidance on how to navigate increasingly complex cultural landscapes and heightened consumer expectations. Rakia routinely interacts with a diverse mix of creators and key opinion leaders who are affecting the world and require her unique insight to guide them as they navigate their ever-changing needs while the landscape continues to shift. Reynolds, a recognized branding expert, and advocate for equitable storytelling, has spent nearly two decades advising some of the world’s most influential companies, creatives, and change-makers. A Professor in Residence at TikTok and a visionary leader recognized in Forbes Next 1000, Inc.’s 27 Business Leaders Aiming to Change the World, Dell’s “Inspire 100” list, and recipient of New York Women in Communications’ 54th Annual Matrix Awards, she brings a proven track record of transforming high-potential brands and personalities into cultural icons. Under her leadership, the agency became a go-to partner for launching, revitalizing, and amplifying brands at the intersection of culture, creativity, and commerce. An influential change agent and keynote speaker, Rakia is in demand from companies and entrepreneurs to address topics that will affect the future of their industry and how they might operate differently. She captivates audiences as her talks span branding, media, multicultural business, economic development, and the entrepreneurial journey, all of which are relevant to the recent turbulent times. These include discussions on how marketers need to preserve their authenticity while embracing the powers of AI, distinguishing Your vision And mission through storytelling and other hyper-focused topics challenging organizations. A spirited moderator, Rakia is also called upon by high profile brands including Fast Company, TikTok, Adweek and more to bring intriguing topics to the stage. KEYNOTE TOPICS •Navigating Economic Development, Storytelling and the Entrepreneurial Journey during Turbulent Times •The "A" word: How marketers need to preserve their authenticity while embracing the powers of AI •Distinguishing Your Vision And Mission Through Storytelling •The Future of Creative Strategy and Marketing

< Back To Speakers Anton Gunn Executive Leadership Expert on Power, Influence, and Boardroom Dynamics | Author | Board Chairman at FLYCAE.COM Contact For Booking Anton Gunn is a former senior advisor to President Barack Obama and a leading expert on Socially Conscious Leadership. He was the first African American in history elected to the South Carolina Legislature from his district early in his career. Anton is a graduate of the University of South Carolina (USC) where he played SEC football for the Gamecocks. He also earned a master’s degree in Social Work from USC and was a Resident Fellow at Harvard. He is the bestselling author of Just Lead, The Audacity of Leadership, and The Presidential Principles, and has been featured in TIME Magazine, The Wall Street Journal, INC Magazine, BBC, NPR, and on Good Morning America. Anton was named one of the Ten Most Influential Minority Executives in Healthcare by Fierce Healthcare. An international keynote speaker, management consultant, and the CEO of 937 Strategy Group, Anton has worked with renowned organizations like Mercedes-Benz Vans, KPMG, Rock Ventures, Sodexo, WellPath, Verizon Wireless, Aetna, T-Mobile, American Organization of Nurse Leaders, Emory Healthcare, Blue Shield of California, and The Boeing Company. Anton is a Certified Speaking Professional (CSP), a designation earned by the top echelon of professional speakers and held by fewer than 10% of the members belonging to the International Federation for Professional Speakers. He has spent his life helping leaders build diverse, high-performing teams, and world-class workplace culture. KEYNOTE TOPICS • Just Lead – How to Increase Influence and Impact • World-Class Culture™ - Boost Employee Retention and Build Your Bottom Line • The Diversity Advantage • Break Down Barriers and Build a Winning Organization • Radical Recovery • How Great Leaders Prepare for and Come Back from Tough Times

< Back To Speakers Trent Shelton Former NFL wide receiver and Author who inspires over 50 million people weekly with messages of creating lifelong changes Contact For Booking Trent Shelton is a former NFL wide receiver turned one of the most impactful speakers of his generation, reaching over 60 million people weekly through his hard-hitting, inspirational videos. He is the author of The Greatest You and Straight Up, where he shares life lessons, personal missteps, and thought-provoking guidance on relationships, fear, depression, and overcoming past trauma. After his NFL career ended prematurely, Trent took time to reevaluate his life and purpose. To hold himself accountable, he began posting two-minute videos documenting his journey of self-improvement under the hashtag #RehabTime. His raw, uplifting messages quickly resonated worldwide, building a massive, engaged following. Trent is the founder of the RehabTime Organization, a Christian-based nonprofit dedicated to helping people create lasting change from within. The organization’s mission focuses on faith, mindset, self-care, relationships, and leadership—empowering individuals to rebuild their lives with purpose and confidence. Through his authenticity, passion, and commitment to service, Trent continues to inspire millions to face reality, release negativity, and live their purpose. His work reminds people everywhere that no matter your past, you can transform your future when you start the rehab process on yourself. KEYNOTE TOPICS • Inspiration • Championship Mindset: Strengths to Overcome Anything • Personal Brand Building

< Back To Speakers Dr. Joe-Joe McManus Author | Educator | Antiracism and Leadership Expert Contact For Booking Dr. Joe-Joe McManus is a nationally recognized author, speaker, and consultant whose groundbreaking work champions racial equity, antiracism, and inclusive excellence. As the author of A Brother’s Insight: Guidance on Defeating Racism and Advancing Freedom, Dr. McManus inspires audiences to confront systemic challenges with actionable strategies, particularly during this critical era of increasing anti-DEI legislation and societal pressures. With over three decades of experience, Dr. McManus has shaped transformative initiatives across sectors, working as a trusted advisor to leaders in education, corporate spaces, and nonprofit organizations. His expertise lies at the intersection of antiracism, diversity, equity, inclusion (DEI), and leadership development, offering innovative insights to create sustainable change. Dr. McManus’s work is deeply personal, driven by his upbringing in a multicultural, interreligious family and his firsthand experience confronting racism, classism, and anti-Semitism. A powerful advocate for resilience and justice, he draws from these experiences to guide individuals and organizations toward a more equitable future. His story of fighting racism alongside his brother and channeling personal loss into purpose has become a beacon of hope for many. A former Chief Diversity Officer and senior leader in higher education, Dr. McManus has served at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), international institutions, Ivy League universities, and university system offices. He has also been a prominent voice on national and international platforms, consulting, lecturing, and serving on panels to promote equity and leadership. Dr. McManus currently serves as an Executive Advisor on Antiracism and Inclusive Excellence and holds influential roles on several boards, including the National Advisory Council for the National Conference on Race and Ethnicity (NCORE). Previously, he contributed as an expert for the Global Diversity & Inclusion Benchmarks (GDIB) and as a board member for the National Association for Multicultural Education (NAME). Dr. McManus holds a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from Florida A&M University and remains steadfast in his mission to empower individuals and organizations to build a more just and inclusive world. KEYNOTE TOPICS • A Brother’s Insight (Custom book talks) • Beyond the Headlines: Inclusive Excellence in Education • Defending DEI: Addressing the Backlash Constructively • Developing Your Own Approach to Antiracism • Making Organizational Equity and Excellence Real

< Back To Speakers Edwina Findley Entrepreneur | Actor | Author | Keynote Speaker | Spiritual Teacher Contact For Booking Edwina Findley is an award-winning film, television, and theatre actress, praised by critics as “a marvel to watch.” Known to global audiences as ‘Sheila’ in Shonda Rhimes’ hit Netflix series “The Residence,” Edwina first captured hearts as 'Tosha' on HBO's groundbreaking series "The Wire," before being handpicked by industry titans Tyler Perry and Oprah Winfrey to star as 'Kelly' in the drama series "If Loving You Is Wrong” for five seasons. A vibrant and versatile performer, Edwina has starred in "Fear the Walking Dead," Amazon's global thriller "The Power," "Veep," "Chicago Med," "Black Lightning," HBO's "Treme," Ava DuVernay's Sundance-winning "Middle of Nowhere," Warner Brothers comedy "Get Hard" alongside Will Ferrell and Kevin Hart, and she earned an Independent Spirit Award nomination for her "skin-prickling performance" as Melva in "Free In Deed.” Proclaimed in the New York Times as a “life force,” Edwina is passionate about helping others to discover and manifest the God Dream over their lives. She is the CEO of Abundant Life University, and travels the world inspiring audiences to bravely press past their fears, unleash their highest vision, and manifest the life they’ve been praying for. Edwina has been featured in Oprah, People Magazine, Time Magazine, The New York Times, The Washington Post, In Style, Essence, Hollywood Reporter, and more. Edwina’s most cherished blessings in life are her loving husband Kelvin Dickerson and their bright and beautiful little girls, Victoria and London. If your audience is ready to be inspired —Edwina is the voice they’ve been waiting for. KEYNOTE TOPICS • The World Is Waiting For You: Strategies to Fearlessly Embrace Your Calling, Manifest Your Vision, and Harness Your Gifts to Change the World • The Mission-Driven Mogul: Creating A World-Changing Business • Multi-hyphenate Mompreneur: Balancing Faith, Family, and Fierce Female Foundership • The Manifestation Revolution: Unleash Your Ultimate Vision