Biography
Book Leland Melvin through The Keynote Curators.
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.
Contact us for Leland Melvin’s fees and availability.
Videos
An astronaut's story of curiosity, perspective and change | Leland Melvin
STEM Career Playbook Featuring Hyundai's Olabisi Boyle
Celebrating Black Lives In The Space Industry: An Exchange Of Leadsership Stories & Experiences
Episode 3: A Journey into Space with Astronaut/Engineer and former NFL player, Leland Melvin
Celebrating Black Lives In The Space Industry: An Exchange Of Leadsership Stories & Experiences
A Conversation: Leland Melvin and Bill Nye
Speech TopicsExpand each topic to learn more
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.
Blog Posts
Courageous Leadership Skills Every Event Planner Needs
Discover the courage mindset event planners need to lead with confidence, manage risk, and thrive in high-pressure event environments with insights from Julian Pistone.
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The Adventurer’s Guide to Resilience with Squash Falconer
Resilience keynote speaker Squash Falconer shares how self-trust, smart decisions, and redefining failure build elite performance.
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Emotional Intelligence Under Pressure Keeps Teams Steady
Lessons from keynote speakers on how emotional intelligence under pressure keeps teams clear, kind, and useful when the stakes are highest.
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Purpose at Work Helps You Make Smarter Career Decisions
Discover from Adrian Gostick how defining your purpose at work reduces anxiety and helps you make clearer, more confident career decisions.
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Events That Make People Feel Seen and Create a True Sense of Community
Learn how keynote speaker Michelle Poler designs experiences for live events around core values to create real community and belonging
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Explore Your Creativity with Everyday Actions, with Fredrik Haren
Creativity is a trainable mindset, not a talent. Learn how keynote speaker Fredrik Haren helps businesses unlock everyday creativity for innovation.
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