Dan Thurmon

Dan Thurmon energizes audiences with powerful insights on leadership, change and performance, showing how to thrive in motion and lead with confidence.

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Dan’s book is a classic, providing great advice to help you simultaneously fuel your work, family & personal life. Read it now!

Jeffrey Gitomer

New York Times bestselling author ofLittle Red Book of Selling

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+1 347 223 5128 +44 20 3744 5675

Why book Dan Thurmon for your next event

Dan blends compelling leadership insights with unforgettable performance to show teams how to embrace change with confidence and clarity.
He offers practical, fast-acting tools to help leaders elevate results, navigate uncertainty and strengthen culture.
His keynotes energize events and leave audiences with strategies they can apply immediately to grow, contribute and perform at a higher level.

Non-binding request for Dan Thurmon

Transformational keynote speaker on leadership, change and performance.

Dan Thurmon is a transformational keynote speaker who has spent decades helping leaders and organizations move boldly through change. As the founder and President of Motivation Works, Inc., he equips teams to become more capable, more resilient and more impactful. Known for a high-energy style that blends deep leadership insight with remarkable performance, Dan has spoken across six continents for world leaders, top global brands, educators, entrepreneurs and even troops serving on the front lines. His message is clear: growth happens in motion, and those who learn to operate with confidence amid uncertainty unlock a far greater level of contribution and achievement.

Introducing Dan Thurmon

Dan Thurmon has built a career dedicated to strengthening leaders and organizations as they navigate transformation. As the founder and President of Motivation Works, Inc., he works with teams that want to become more capable, achieve meaningful progress and elevate the way they contribute. His approach is grounded in real-world experience and brought to life with a compelling delivery that energizes audiences while giving them tools they can use immediately.

Dan’s client list includes some of the world’s most recognized brands such as Bank of America, Coca-Cola, Delta Airlines, Honeywell, Johnson & Johnson, Kraft, Marriott, Microsoft, Procter & Gamble, Prudential, State Farm and Walmart. These partnerships reflect his ability to speak to diverse industries while addressing universal leadership challenges, uncertainty, change, performance and the pursuit of excellence.

Why Events Choose Dan Thurmon

Dan is known as an expert speaker and performer, having delivered thousands of presentations across six continents. His audiences range from Fortune 500 companies and global executives to educators, entrepreneurs and military personnel. He has also brought his message directly to troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, reinforcing his belief that leadership and resilience matter most in environments where pressure and unpredictability are constant.

In 2011, Dan was inducted into the Speaker Hall of Fame, an honor held by fewer than 200 living speakers. He later served as President of the National Speakers Association, guiding the 3,000-plus member organization through a major transformation. His leadership helped introduce new governance structures, a refreshed mission, vision and values, increased member value and stronger financial accountability.

Work, Writing and Impact

Beyond the stage, Dan is a dedicated writer and content creator. He has authored three impactful books, Success in Action, Off Balance On Purpose and Positive Chaos, each offering practical strategies for navigating complexity while staying aligned with personal and professional priorities. His weekly video-coaching series and podcast deliver short, powerful lessons on leadership and life enhancement from locations around the world, always under three minutes.

Dan’s journey began long before his global speaking career. In the late 1980s, he built a live entertainment company to finance his education at the University of Georgia, where he earned a degree in Business. By the mid-1990s, he shifted the company’s focus from entertainment to corporate education, allowing him to combine his expertise in peak performance with a desire to help organizations succeed in more meaningful ways.

A Keynote Experience Like No Other

Dan’s keynotes stand out because he embodies the principles he teaches. A lifelong advocate for health and fitness, he continues, well into his mid-50s, to train and perform advanced acrobatics. His personal interests include golf, mountain unicycling and the flying trapeze, pursuits that reflect his belief that growth happens when you challenge your limits.

This unique combination of expertise and physical mastery creates a keynote experience that is both intellectually engaging and visually unforgettable. To support event planners, here is a brief snapshot of what makes Dan an exceptional choice:

He blends actionable leadership insights with dynamic performance elements.
His techniques help teams handle rapid change while staying focused and effective.
He inspires audiences to grow, contribute and lead with purpose.

The Lasting Effect of Dan’s Message

Organizations book Dan because he delivers far more than motivation. He provides a framework for understanding how to operate amid complexity, how to stay grounded while moving forward, how to embrace uncertainty rather than resist it and how to transform chaos into progress. His message is accessible, energizing and rooted in firsthand experience leading others through change.

Whether speaking to senior leadership teams, entire companies or global audiences, Dan helps people see possibility where they once saw pressure. He equips them to raise their own standards, contribute at a higher level and embody the mindset needed to thrive in motion.

Dan Thurmon brings courage, clarity and momentum to every stage he steps onto, making him a standout choice for events that aim to inspire meaningful action and lasting capability.

Customer Reviews

Dan’s book is a classic, providing great advice to help you simultaneously fuel your work, family & personal life. Read it now!

Jeffrey Gitomer New York Times bestselling author ofLittle Red Book of Selling

This book shows you how to grow while staying connected to the most important aspects of life.

Chris Widener New York Times bestselling author of The Angel Inside and The Art of Influence

An extremely refreshing perspective and innovative approach on how to deal with life’s many challenges.

Dr. John Affleck Graves Executive VP, University of Notre Dame

“Most business and personal development books highlight a problem. Some even prescribe a surface change in behavior or approach. Positive Chaos is distinctive. Dan Thurmon not only highlights the turmoil many of us feel, but he delivers meaningful and detailed specifics on developing the skill set required to thrive amongst today’s seeming disorder and the anxiety it can bring. I’m making impactful changes because of this book – and I’ll bet that you will, too!”

Scott McKain Author of ICONIC: How Organizations and Leaders Attain, Sustain, and Regain the Highest Level of Distinction

“Through groundbreaking research, insightful examples, and powerful stories, Dan Thurmon challenges our thinking and invites us to reset our expectations. Positive Chaos will have you reexamining your present in order to create a compelling future.”

Skip Prichard CEO of OCLC, Inc. and WSJ best-selling Author of The Book of Mistakes: 9 Secrets to Creating a Successful Future

“Dan Thurmon always delivers, and his latest book, Positive Chaos, is an off the charts must-read for leaders … or anyone who wants to break through old patterns and reach new levels of personal growth and success.”

Vanessa Fukunaga Owner, President | CEO of Engel & Völkers Snell Real Estate; Owner, CEO | Publisher of Ocean Blue World

“This book helps you use what’s ‘out of control’ to fuel your future, life, and leadership.”

Phil M. Jones Author of Exactly What to Say: The Magic Words for Influence and Impact

Believe it or not, chaos can be a good thing. In Positive Chaos, Dan Thurmon helps you understand today’s chaos, simplify the complex, and take confident steps forward!

Shep Hyken New York Times best-selling author of The Amazement Revolution

Not only did we gain insights and breakthroughs on a professional level, but also a level of personal clarity I hadn’t had in a long time. On top of all that, we had some adventure thrills we’re still talking about to this day. If you want to make a breakthrough, this is a one-of-a-kind, must attend experience!

Ford Saeks CEO | PrimeConcepts

Well, once again you knocked their socks off! Your performance goes beyond motivation-you managed to stimulate everyone present.

Jack E. Middleton CEO, SMC3

By far, the highest-rated aspect of our conference, based on attendee survey results. His presentation was inspirational, energetic, and captivating.

Scott Frymire Senior Manager, Marketing, Activant Solutions

Having a lot of experience planning these meetings each year, I know what it takes to ensure things run smoothly, and Dan and his team made it very easy for us with great responsiveness and attention to prep and customization.

Julie Schwab Director of Organizational Development, Methodist Healthcare System

Let me start with WOW! Dan, over my 35 years of being a part of different seminars and conventions, I have never had a speaker that has received better ratings as well as had the impact on our people you did.

James Junkin COO, D.L. Rogers Companies

Your presentations at our eleven ‘In Focus Events’ delivered an important and inspiring message, unlike anything our dealers have ever experienced.

Blane Haywood Director of Residential Marketing, Shaw Flooring Alliance

Dan received a standing ovation at the end of his presentation. Our group rarely gives standing ovations to our speakers, so that was truly high praise from our attendees.

Donna Ettenson VP Operations, America’s SBDC

Your combination of entertainment, humor and a powerful message was the perfect blend for our audience. We have had entertaining speakers in the past, but none with a message as powerful as yours.

Richard Katt State Director, Nebraska Career Education

There’s not a single thing I’d change about the experience and can honestly say, if you are looking for a real WOW! for your next franchise convention, Dan Thurmon is a sure bet!

Tom Coba CEO & President, Murphy Business & Financial Corporation, LLC

His unique message was on target, thought-provoking and entertaining, and the times he pulled up audience members made it personal and really engaging. All 96 replies gave Dan the top score of a 5!

Kristina Bernatis Director of Training, Monogram Residential Trust

Enthralled our audience with amazing displays of acrobatics, whilst delivering messages that were totally on point!

Petrina Thomas Sun Microsystems

Your presentation was OUTSTANDING and it really helped us start our week on a positive note. All of our attendees have said how much they enjoyed your session – it was informational, motivational, and FUN!

Sarah Wegner Director of HR, Drury Hotels

Your performance was the hit of our meeting and attendees continued to talk about you all weekend. You involved the whole audience, and it was a significant part of our overall success

Martin B. Lessans General Counsel, Passport Health

Wow! People still stop me in the hall to tell me what a wonderful job you did. Far and away, your presentation received the highest ratings ever!

Bryan Kindred CEO, DCH Health System

You took the issues, challenges, everyday stresses, and strains of our plant and turned them into part of an educational but entertaining action-packed message.

Jack L. Murphy GM of Beijing, Johnson Controls, Inc.

I was inspired to re-examine my life. Because of your powerful words, I have definitely gained a deeper insight and perspective on how a juggle all the tasks, obligations, challenges, and joys of life every day.

Wayne Benson CEO, EPL Inc.

Your ability to put such a positive spin on something like multitasking – which many people dread – is a testament to your skill and ability.

Miki Wilson Regional VP, AIMCO

Dan brings the entire suite of expertise needed form creative to production and performance. Our results have been amazing and our guest satisfaction scores are beating projections in every category. Working with Dan’s team couldn’t be more rewarding!

Jeff Daniels Director of Guest Services Steamboat Ski and Resort Corp

The feedback about your presentation has been absolutely outstanding. You were the perfect combination of entertainment, personality with a strong and very relevant message.

Sue Wolk Deputy Executive Director, Programs, National Court Reporters Association

I was amazed at your ability to integrate our theme and our audience’s day-to-day challenges into your key points. It was relatable, relevant, and you took customization to another level!

Kristen Ferrell Event Coordinator, Ash Brokerage Corp.

You helped kick off the meeting in such a positive way, that it was contagious for the rest of the week!

Dennie Galloway LABSCO

Targeted, well-planned message with an entertaining spin landed the points our team needed to hear, and energized them!

Bob Kubacki Pella Corporation

Your message was on point and well-received by our attendees. Your high-energy performance to underscore the key points was entertaining and impactful – quite a combination!

Bruce T. Whitehurst President & CEO, Virginia Bankers Association

After hiring you three times, I still find tremendous nuggets of wisdom to take away from your exhilarating presentations.

Reed A. Lynn Senior VP, WILD Flavors, Inc.

If you want to motivate, inform, educate, entertain and deliver a presentation that your team will not forget… by all means pick Dan Thurmon to ‘deliver the difference’ for you.

Ken Myers President, Romacorp, Inc.

Thank you for customizing. We were able to build off Dan’s message and incorporate it throughout the remainder of the event. Kept Dan and his message alive afterwards!

Dan Kirwan COO, The Maids, International

Your heartfelt message changed someone’s life today. I will never be the same. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, Dan.

Katie Claessens U.S. Bank

You are, without a doubt, the most memorable keynote speaker we’ve had in the past ten years – a span that covers more than 250 events. Equally, you are the most professional speaker we’ve ever met. It was an absolute pleasure.

Jack Mortimer National Conference Director, Government Technology Events

We worked with Dan both before and after the actual keynote to create a program that would allow the messaging and presentation to be taken from the conference down to our associates at the hotel level.

Josh Davies VP Training and Development, Sage Hospitality

Dan not only made the presentation fun and engaging for our attendees, he seamlessly wove our company messaging into his performance. This was voted the best keynote we have ever had at this conference.

Julie Ewing Transition Coordinator, JLL

Dan’s extraordinary skill to inspire, entertain, and advance us all to the next level in life is simply incredible.

Abraham Ekstein President & CEO, Brooklyn Financial Group

The presentation blew the committee and me away! The audience hasn’t seen an energetic, high impact presentation like that in a long time! It was the highest rated presentations at NOHRC.

Kelly Davis NOHRC Chair

Your message was clear, focused, allowing members to walk away with a positive view on mentoring, team building, and strategies for success in our daily lives both professionally and personally.

Louis J. Pepe, RSBA President, NJ Assoc. of Business Officials

Your sessions were a huge hit, and our attendees always walk away very pleased. This year was no exception. You and your team are an absolute pleasure to work with.

Bridget Dunn Director of Education Programming, NAA

An engaging and important session with amazing production value! It was a pleasure to work with you to bring your message live to our virtual attendees. You made it look easy!

Joey Sirmons Oracle Applications and Technology Users Group

Dan was amazing! He set the precedent for the remainder of the conference. Almost every speaker during the conference commented on how they couldn’t top his presentation.

Kristen Fleming Executive Director, Colorado Medical Group Management Association

You challenged us to use our gifts, and to take action when we have the chance. On behalf of all 72,000 members of the Raytheon team, please accept my deepest thanks.

William Swanson Chairman and CEO, Raytheon Company

Your lesson to let go of things that hold us back was exactly right for our members who face the daily challenges to make the right decision for their communities – it truly resonated.

Ross King Executive Director, ACCG

Dan was AMAZING as our closing keynote! He really connected with our audience and shocked them to life! His concept of work/life balance being impossible to reach was really important for them to hear.

Danica Schroth Conference & Content Manager, Administrative Professionals Conference

We couldn’t stop talking about the session. The entertainment elements were all tied to the learning. It was a home run!

Jim Mulcahy Training Director, McDonald's

The valuable strategies you were able to visually convey through your presentation gave our participants a strong image and affiliation with our goals and objectives.

Pam Elledge Director of Business Development, Delta

The power behind your motivating speech helped our field force to make sure about the importance of attitude, take commitment with action and how looking up is superior to looking down!

Elaine M. Acosta Elaine M. Acosta, District Sales Manager, GlaxoSmithKline P.R.

Dan was the perfect end to a very successful day. I’m still getting positive feedback on your message four weeks later!

John Nyland Managing Partner, IBM

Your ability to weave what you learned during our meetings and your trip with one of our consultants in the field really helped build up your credibility with our field staff.

Mark G. Moraitakas Chick-fil-A

I have heard attendees say that you are the BEST presenter they have ever seen, and I have to agree! Your energy and enthusiasm are evident from the moment you take the stage, and it’s infectious.

Ellen H. Wentz Deloitte

Keynotes

Keynote by Dan Thurmon:

Off Balance On Purpose & Positive CHAOS

In today’s fast-paced world, change is constant, and balance seems elusive. Dan Thurmon, renowned speaker and performance expert, brings a dynamic, inspiring program that combines the transformative insights from his two signature presentations: Off Balance On Purpose and Positive Chaos. This engaging experience will empower you to embrace uncertainty, navigate challenges, and thrive amidst chaos.

Dan reveals that perfect balance is an illusion, and true success comes from intentionally leaning into life’s off-balance moments. In Off Balance On Purpose, he teaches how to embrace change, take meaningful action, and transform stress into progress. Building on this foundation, Positive Chaos explores how to harness the energy of disruption to create new opportunities. Rather than resisting chaos, Dan shows how to welcome it, adapt quickly, and drive innovation and growth.

With practical strategies, unforgettable performances, and a contagious enthusiasm, Dan will guide you on a journey to approach life’s challenges with confidence and a fresh perspective. Whether you’re a leader, team member, or entrepreneur, this program will leave you equipped to handle the unexpected and move forward with purpose.

Join Dan Thurmon for this transformational experience that will inspire you to live boldly, lead with intention, and turn chaos into your greatest asset.

As a result of attending this program attendees will:

Know how to act with confidence, even when it's uncomfortable.
Have a model to align personal growth to professional excellence.
Feel more excited and optimistic about what's to come, and their role in making it happen.
Understand and use the principles of Chaos Theory in order to take more confident action during uncertain times.
Identify existing patterns within seemingly random or unpredictable events, or within consistent recurring similar situations and obstacles.
Shape those patterns more intentionally to create dramatically better future results.

At the end of this presentation, attendees are more resourceful, confident and comfortable in the midst of change, for themselves and those they lead.

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