Biography

Book Chris Gardner through The Keynote Curators.

Chris Gardner is an international motivational speaker, entrepreneur, bestselling author, and single parent.

His autobiography, the Pursuit of Happyness, became a New York Times #1 bestseller, and has been translated into over forty languages. Chris is also the inspiration for the critically acclaimed movie “The Pursuit of Happyness” for which Will Smith, starring as Gardner, received a Golden Globe, Screen Actors Guild and Academy Award nominations for his performance.

His second bestselling book, Start Where You Are, was published in 2009 and Chris is currently working on his third book Spiritual Genetics and the New Universal Dream.

Chris recently produced his first film, a documentary entitled Maya Angelou– And Still I Rise, and considered Maya Angelou a very good friend and mentor.

He has “re-enlisted” in the US Military and works closely with the U.S. Veterans Administration to end homelessness amongst veterans. Chris is a major supporter of food banks and pantries across the US. His aim, through his speaking engagements and media projects, is to help others achieve their full potential.

Contact us for Chris Gardner’s fees and availability.

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Videos

United Nations Chris Gardner Speech

AT&T Business Circle // Agility According to Chris Gardner

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Speech TopicsExpand each topic to learn more

Life, Legacy, & The Pursuit Of Happyness.

Chris Gardner's inspiring keynote speech focuses on messages of perseverance and personal responsibility in times of crisis. Chris communicates these themes through the story of his own triumph over adversity while homeless on the streets of San Francisco with his son, to his subsequent success as stock broker, CEO, single father, and author of the best-selling autobiography, The Pursuit of Happyness and Associate Producer of the film starring Will Smith in the role of Chris Gardner.

In his speech, Chris Gardner discusses:

What he has learned about beating the odds and overcoming obstacles.

The application of an entrepreneurial approach to remaking your life and fulfilling your own “Pursuit of Happyness.”

Why passion is a prerequisite for success.

The necessity of a clear plan to realize your dreams, with the characteristics Chris Gardner calls the “5 C’s”: Clear, Concise, Compelling, Committed, Consistent.

Why recessions are the best time to initiate a new business or career path.

The importance of fatherhood and insights on balancing family and career commitments.

Testimonials

Chris has the extraordinary ability to motivate, inspire and engage his audience. He encourages us to see the good and beauty in the world as he guides us to use his life journey, as an insight into our own. He is a truly gifted speaker, teacher and life visionary. I have heard Chris speak many times and each opportunity has left me mesmerized by the power of his observations, his wisdom, and his humanity.
– Jan Jones Blackhurst
Thank YOU for making it awesome...you are spectacular. You made our theme come to life, thanks for your inspiration.
– Chris Fox, Vice President of Sales at Amgen

Booksby Chris Gardner

The Pursuit of Happyness

Start Where You Are

Permission to Dream

For Meeting Planners

Photos
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Blog Posts

Happiness at Work Starts with Progress, Not Perks

Happiness at work goes beyond perks. Discover the research-backed factor that drives real engagement and fulfillment.

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Resilience Lessons to Rebuild Your Life, with Military Veteran Travis Mills

Resilience keynote speaker Travis Mills shares how he rebuilt his life after losing all four limbs, with lessons on mindset, purpose, and never quitting.

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AI Impact in the Workforce Demands These Keynote Speakers

Discover how AI is reshaping work in 2026 and which keynote speakers can guide your team through the shift.

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Event Planning Strategies to Book the Right Keynote Speaker

Learn how to choose the right event keynote speaker by balancing executive expectations with what your attendees actually want.

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Ambition and Contentment Can Coexist. Here’s How

Ambition doesn't have to mean restlessness. Learn how to stay driven while finding peace in the present moment.

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Good Stress Strategies That Genuinely Improve Your Health with Jeff Krasno

Discover how good stress, from cold exposure to fasting, can build resilience and improve your health, with insights from keynote speaker Jeff Krasno.

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