Insights from Conversations with These Industry Experts

CY WAKEMAN, CSP, CPAE

Cy Wakeman is a dynamic drama researcher, global thought leader, and New York Times best-selling author, renowned for her revolutionary approach to leadership. With over 20 years of experience, Cy has developed and championed the Reality-Based Leadership philosophy, encouraging employees and leaders to ditch workplace drama and embrace personal accountability. Her unique methods empower individuals to focus inward, unleash innovation, and produce results, setting her apart as a sought-after expert in transforming organizational cultures. As a certified speaking professional (CSP) and conference headliner, Cy consistently captivates audiences with her engaging insights and actionable strategies, making her one of the top 3% of speakers globally.

As a highly respected speaker, Cy holds a Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) designation from the National Speaker’s Association and headlines hundreds of events each year. Her thought-provoking presentations have inspired audiences at companies like Medtronic, Bayer, and New York Presbyterian, where her research into workplace dynamics has revealed how drama and ego-driven behaviors waste valuable time and energy. Frequently featured in top publications like Forbes, Business Insider, and The New York Times, Cy continues to lead the conversation on leadership and accountability, helping professionals across industries transform their organizations and achieve measurable results.

JON PETZ, CSP, CPAE

Jon Petz is the founder and CEO of Bore No More LLC, a company dedicated to increasing people’s value at work and their enthusiasm for life. With over 1,500 presentations under his belt, Jon has captivated more than 1,000,000 audience members across 200 industries as an opening keynote speaker and conference emcee. His unique ability to blend business insights, entertainment, and inspiration has made him a highly sought-after speaker, helping organizations from Dell to Deloitte boost employee engagement and drive results. As a Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) and a member of the prestigious Million Dollar Speakers Group, Jon’s career as a speaker has spanned decades, cementing his reputation as an expert in delivering powerful, engaging messages.

Jon’s background as a professional magician sets him apart from other speakers. His expertise in creating captivating moments through sleight-of-hand and illusion allows him to forge an unparalleled connection with his audience. Jon has performed magic globally and founded the "7 of Hearts Mission," spreading messages of hope and inspiration through pay-it-forward initiatives. He also produced "Miracles and Magic," a 501(c)(3) organization that offers children with life-threatening illnesses the chance to escape their daily struggles through the wonder of magic. Jon’s presentations, which blend his business acumen and magical flair, are unforgettable experiences that inspire audiences to take action.

DON YAEGER, CSP, CPAE

Don Yaeger is an award-winning keynote speaker, business leadership coach, and eleven-time New York Times best-selling author. With a career spanning decades, he has become one of America’s most influential thought leaders, sharing insights from his firsthand experiences with some of the world’s greatest sports legends. As a highly sought-after speaker, Don has captivated audiences across Fortune 500 companies, cancer survivor groups, and other organizations by delivering powerful lessons on achieving greatness. His expertise lies in translating the success of legendary sports teams into actionable strategies for building a culture of greatness in business, and as an Executive Coach, Don has worked with leaders across industries to inspire championship-level performance in their teams.

Throughout his career, Don has established himself as a world-class storyteller, with invitations to appear on major programs like The Oprah Winfrey Show, CNN, and Good Morning America. His journalistic journey, which includes over a decade at Sports Illustrated as an Associate Editor, has taken him around the globe, chronicling remarkable stories of perseverance, leadership, and triumph. Don's profound ability to weave business lessons into captivating narratives has made him a highly sought-after coach and speaker. With 29 books, including collaborations with icons like Walter Payton and John Wooden, and several movie adaptations of his works, Don continues to inspire leaders and teams to reach new heights of success.

JOHN REGISTER, CSP, CPAE

John Register is an esteemed keynote speaker and a force of nature, renowned for his ability to help companies embrace change and overcome adversity. When John speaks, he does more than tell a story—he ignites a fire in the hearts of his audience, challenging them to think bigger, push harder, and turn setbacks into powerful comebacks. After losing his leg in a life-altering accident, John defied the odds, overcoming not just physical obstacles but the mental barriers that threatened to hold him back. His inspiring message resonates with audiences worldwide, empowering them to break through their own limitations and rise stronger after every fall.

As a decorated combat veteran, Paralympic silver medalist, and founder of the U.S. Olympic Committee’s Paralympic Military Sports Program, John has transformed his own challenges into opportunities to help others succeed. His unique ability to connect personal triumph with actionable insights for businesses makes him a sought-after speaker for high-stakes events and conferences. John’s dynamic presentations and insightful perspectives have earned him induction into the National Speakers Association Hall of Fame and recognition as one of the Top 50 Global Leadership Speakers by Real-Leaders magazine. Through his powerful storytelling, John inspires audiences to build lasting legacies and to turn adversity into an advantage.

LINDA SWINDLING, CSP, CPAE

Linda Swindling is a sought-after negotiation speaker who helps leaders master the art of negotiating everything from high-stakes deals to challenging workplace dynamics. With over 20 years of experience and expertise backed by advanced training from institutions like Harvard and MIT’s Program on Negotiation, Linda provides leaders with actionable strategies that produce real-world results. Her keynote presentations are engaging, based on original research, and filled with take-home tactics that empower leaders to enhance business relationships, improve communication, and approach negotiations with confidence. As a Certified Speaking Professional and a top-ranked Global Guru in Negotiation, Linda’s practical, results-oriented approach consistently helps audiences communicate more effectively, ask for what they really want, and drive positive outcomes without alienating others.
An experienced mediator and former attorney, Linda’s speaking style is deeply rooted in her hands-on experiences in the courtroom and boardroom, where she negotiated multimillion-dollar deals and mediated seemingly impossible disputes. She has delivered powerful presentations to Fortune 500 companies, governmental organizations, and international associations, helping professionals at all levels increase their negotiation prowess. Her innovative material stems from her work as the author of over 20 books, including the best-sellers Ask Outrageously! and Stop Complainers and Energy Drainers. Linda is also a TEDx speaker and frequent media guest, sharing her expertise on platforms like Forbes, Fast Company, and Fox Business, where she continues to inspire and educate leaders to achieve breakthrough success in their negotiations.