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
Never Give Up, Never Quit: Lessons on Resilience from Travis M
Resilience keynote speaker Travis Mills shares how surviving as a quadruple amputee teaches us to find strength in gratitude and keep going.
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Brand Trust Strategies Every Event Pro Needs to Know
Learn how event professionals build brand trust through integrity, consistency, and small details, with insights from brand expert Denise Lee Yohn.
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Creativity Strategies That Transform Workplace Culture, with Nir Bashan
Creativity transforms workplace culture when leaders treat it as a learnable skill, not a personality trait. Nir Bashan explains how.
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The Reach-Out Rule for Mental Health
One simple rule for mental health this May: if someone crosses your mind, reach out. No agenda. Just humanity.
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Playing the Game of Life: Events and Experiences That Actually Transform
Events create human collision points that digital tools can't replicate. Here's why in-person experiences matter more than ever, with insights from Jess Ekstrom.
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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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