TEDx speaker and Varlo co-founder Jacob Brown unlocks peak performance by transforming setbacks into strategic growth.
5.00 of 5
Top rated!5 of 5
Thank you to Jacob Brown for your master class in professional speaking & energizing a crowd! You delivered an inspirational message, got folks on their feet & participating, and even managed a standing ovation in your first two minutes. Thank you for your contribution and for reminding us to #failforward.
Carolyn Henry
Intel Corporation
From NFL grit to global stages, Jacob Brown delivers transformative keynotes that turn adversity into advantage. As a TEDx veteran, Forbes-featured entrepreneur, and co-founder of Varlo, he equips teams with elite performance strategies, resilience tools, and a purpose-driven mindset, trusted by Meta, Intel, UPS, and top universities worldwide.
Keynote Speaker Jacob Brown is a powerhouse of resilience, leadership, and purpose-driven performance. From the high-stakes world of the NFL to international keynote stages, Jacob has built a reputation for delivering transformative talks that leave lasting impact. His journey, from professional athlete to entrepreneur and acclaimed speaker, is a compelling testament to the power of perseverance and mental agility in the face of adversity.
As a three-time TEDx speaker, co-founder of Varlo (a leading cycling and triathlon apparel brand), and a recognized voice in Forbes, Wall Street Journal, and Good Morning America, Jacob brings real-world credibility and media-proven influence. His #FailForward philosophy empowers leaders and teams to embrace setbacks as springboards for innovation, growth, and cultural reinvention.
Organizations that book Jacob Brown for their event gain more than motivation, they gain actionable strategies to foster resilience, unlock potential, and reignite purpose at every level of the business. Jacob’s keynotes have inspired Fortune 500 giants like Meta, Intel, UPS, Stellantis, and the Dallas Cowboys, as well as prestigious academic institutions such as the University of Notre Dame and the University of Michigan.
If you're looking to challenge your team’s mindset, drive meaningful change, and elevate performance across the board, Keynote Speaker Jacob Brown delivers an unforgettable experience tailored to your organizational goals. Book Jacob Brown for your event and turn inspiration into transformation.
5 of 5
Thank you to Jacob Brown for your master class in professional speaking & energizing a crowd! You delivered an inspirational message, got folks on their feet & participating, and even managed a standing ovation in your first two minutes. Thank you for your contribution and for reminding us to #failforward.
Carolyn Henry Intel Corporation
Jacob Brown
5 of 5
We were so glad to have Jacob at AT&T Stadium to talk to our ticket & suite sales, service, and operations groups. His discussion on failing forward really hit home for our group! Jacob's incredible story of success is an inspiration! We have had several speakers in over the past several years, and Jacob is one of my favorites.
Doug Dawson Dallas Cowboys
Jacob Brown
5 of 5
Jacob Brown was the perfect speaker for our Cadillac Wholesale Team Meeting. His message on resilience and the power of failing forward was truly inspiring. He challenged us to shift our mindset, embrace obstacles as opportunities, and always keep pushing forward—exactly the motivation our team needed as we gear up for a winning year. His energy, authenticity, and leadership left a lasting impact, and we would absolutely welcome him back anytime. Grateful for his insights and the encouragement he brought to our team. Highly recommend Jacob for any organization looking to ignite perseverance, empowerment and a winning attitude!
Stephanie Curry Cadillac
Jacob Brown
5 of 5
Jacob was a great addition to our annual leadership conference this year. He was full of positivity, and he energized the group. He is a naturally open, and humble speaker with a powerful story to tell. Many of his messages including "owning it", being strong, not being afraid to take action/make decisions, learning from your mistakes and being better next time resonated with the team and with our objectives for our ALC. Thank you Jacob.
Alan Dunlea Symmetry Energy Solutions
Jacob Brown
5 of 5
Jacob Brown brought a tremendous sense of passion and purpose to our students at the Central Michigan University IMPACT program. His story connected with our students and allowed those in attendance to understand the importance of their own purpose.
Stan Shingles Central Michigan University
Jacob Brown
5 of 5
Great energy! Great speaker! I enjoyed working with you, Jake! So many people came up to me and thought this really was what was needed for IDEA Week. Would love to have again!
Jessica VanDeVeire University of Notre Dame
Jacob Brown
5 of 5
You are the real deal. Having hired many keynote speakers, I can confidently say you are at the top of my list as my number one favorite. Your ability to connect with the audience, deliver powerful messages, and spark real change is unparalleled. You not only captivate and motivate your audience but also leave them with actionable insights and a renewed sense of purpose. Your passion, authenticity, and expertise shine through in every interaction, and it’s clear that you genuinely care about making a positive impact.
Melanie Balestro Atlantic Health System
Jacob Brown
5 of 5
We had the distinct pleasure of having Jacob as our keynote speaker and goal setting workshop facilitator at Eastridge Workforce Solutions' 50th Anniversary conference and celebration. Jacob's keynote left a big impression on our conference attendees. As the CEO of Eastridge Workforce Solutions, I have seen my fair share of keynote speakers, but Jacob's message resonated with our audience on an unprecedented level. Jacob's personal story, weaving in insights into the world of failure and success, was truly inspirational. Jacob was able to discuss the value of failure as a stepping stone to success. This message was reassuring to our audience, who are encouraged to experience and share "learning moments" for the benefit of all. Jacob's ability to connect with the audience, inspire change, and deliver practical wisdom is a testament to his expertise and passion. I wholeheartedly recommend Jacob as a keynote speaker for any event seeking to spark inspiration and growth.
Seth Stein Eastridge Workforce Solutions
Jacob Brown
5 of 5
Jacob’s speech was very inspiring and left a mark on all of us in the room. From the moment Jacob stepped on stage he transmitted very positive and driven energy, charisma, and an undeniable passion for motivating others. He connected with each person in the room on a personal level leaving a spark of motivation and inspiration within everyone present.
Sue-Ellen de Freitas Sousa Aruba Chamber
Jacob Brown
5 of 5
Jacob is awesome! He spoke at an event that my organization put on and he was engaging, professional and extremely motivating. All of the feedback that we received we received was very positive. Thank you Jacob!
Nick Plocek RockCon
Jacob Brown
5 of 5
We recently had the pleasure of hearing Jake Brown give an inspiring keynote on the power of embracing failure and "failing forward." His dynamic presence and ability to engage with the audience truly set the tone for an uplifting experience. His message—that fear should never stand in the way of trying—resonated deeply with our workforce development audience. Through personal stories, humor, and actionable insights, he not only inspired confidence but empowered us to view failure as a stepping stone toward growth and success. By the end of the session, it was clear that everyone left feeling motivated to face challenges head-on, knowing that progress comes from the courage to fail forward.
Kimberly Way Michigan Works! Association
Jacob Brown
5 of 5
If you want someone to speak to your staff, group, team or club that will connect with them immediately and keep them engaged throughout the entire presentation, you should contact Jacob Brown! He has a unique ability to blend story telling with messages pertinent to today that will keep anyone captivated and listening. He is able to gently send a powerful message of hope and draws people in with his smile, sincerity and honesty, teaching them there is only way to Fail....Forward! My staff felt connected to him, and his workshop has our team excited about the months ahead. You will feel like you have gained another team member after spending time with Jacob Brown.
Kevin D Barclay Orthopaedic Rehab Specialists Physical Therapy
Jacob Brown
Keynote by Jacob Brown:
Fear of failure often stands in the way of innovation, growth, and meaningful progress for individuals, teams, and entire organizations. This keynote challenges audiences to rethink the role of fear and reframe setbacks as necessary steps toward success. Through powerful storytelling and real-life experiences, Jacob Brown shares practical strategies for embracing fear, eliminating the “what ifs,” and building a mindset rooted in resilience and intentional action. Attendees will walk away with tools to unlock their full potential, move through uncertainty with confidence, and create environments where failure is not feared but leveraged. Whether you're a leader, entrepreneur, or team member navigating change, this talk will inspire you to lead with courage, take bolder action, and fail forward on purpose.
Keynote by Jacob Brown:
Watch Jacob Brown in action!
Watch Jacob Brown in action
Watch Jacob Brown in action
