- The Keynote Curators - Top Speaker Agency in North America
Leland Melvin is a space thought leader, astronaut, engineer, educator, and former NFL wide receiver for the Detroit Lions
Leland Melvin is the only person drafted into the National Football League to have flown in space. He was featured on National Geographic’s One Strange Rock, hosted by Will Smith, where he explained how his brain repaired itself after an injury that left him deaf and almost stopped him from ever going to space
Even after being medically disqualified to fly in space by NASA flight surgeons, Leland completed two Space Shuttle missions to help build the International Space Station. Served as the co-chair of the White House’s Federal Coordination in STEM Education Task Force, developing the nation’s 5-year plan for STEM education.
His memoir, Chasing Space, shares his personal journey from the gridiron to the stars, examining the intersecting roles of community, perseverance and grace that align to create the opportunities for success.
Consultant on National Geographic’s second season of Mars.
Leland looks back on his uncommon life — he was the first person in human history to catch a pass in the NFL and walk in space. Leland will examine his life through the prism of success and achievement. How did he succeed where he rightly should have failed? What motivated him to overcome injuries, setbacks, expulsions, and debilitating deafness? Leland will not only recount his path with honesty and curiosity, but he will also mine the latest thinking by researchers, authors, and academics, applying their work to his own life – and by extension giving the audience applicable takeaways.
Learn from Hall of Fame speaker Bruce Turkel how story transforms events from forgettable content into experiences attendees quote months later.
Read More
Design your New Year with intention using proven strategies from top thought leaders & transform your 2026 events from calendar fillers into meaningful moments.
Read More
Learn from emcee Scott Bloom how shifting your attention from yourself to your audience creates transformative speaking experiences that drive real engagement.
Read More
Learn from keynote speaker Chris Schembra how gratitude transforms leaders and help them build a workplace culture that people want to be part of.
Read More
Gratitude isn't about being nice; it's a performance tool. Learn how to design events that help attendees feel seen, process hard years, and leave inspired.
Read More
Discover the Best Artificial Intelligence Speakers for Retail & eCommerce Conferences and design AI agendas that grow revenue, CX, and loyalty.
Read More
© 2025 The Keynote Curators. All Rights Reserved | Terms and Conditions
The Keynote Curators, 8275 South Eastern Avenue, Suite 200, Las Vegas, NV 89123
Local (310) 299-4595 | Toll Free (888) 585-8715 | info@thekeynotecurators.com
The Keynote Curators - Top Keynote Agency, USA.
Booking a Keynote Speaker: The Essential Checklist
