Biography
Book Diana Nyad through the Keynote Curators.
Twenty-five million people worldwide rooted for Diana Nyad as she reached the Florida shore, at long last achieving her 35-year-old quest of becoming the first person to swim from Cuba to Florida.
Speaking the words “Never Ever Give Up” to the wildly cheering crowd on a Key West beach on September 2, 2013, Diana demonstrated to the world the power of the human spirit.
Diana’s amazing record: 110.86 miles in 52 hours, 54 minutes, 18 seconds.
A prominent sports journalist, filing over thirty years for National Public Radio, The New York Times, and others, Diana has earned her place as one of our compelling storytellers. Her memoir, Find a Way, has earned worldwide praise. Her groundbreaking OpEd piece on her childhood sexual abuse for The New York Times drew a passionate response from around the world.
Also a uniquely entertaining and inspiring public speaker, Diana has now fulfilled another lifelong dream, bringing her performance of her play “The Swimmer” to the storied off-Broadway Minetta Lane Theater. The show played to sold-out crowds in September 2019.
Diana’s best friend and Cuba Swim expedition leader Bonnie Stoll have further collaborated with their nationwide walking initiative EverWalk, sparking America to become a nation of walkers.
And EverWalk in turn has recently launched yet another initiative, OceansCommit, hosting walks along our shorelines, asking individuals and businesses to reduce single-use plastic.
Diana has been inducted into the International Women’s Sports Hall of Fame, the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame, among other Halls of Fame, and awards of distinction.
President Obama invited Diana to congratulate her in the Oval Office and then asked her to accompany him on his peace visit to Havana in 2014. Oprah Winfrey chose Diana’s interview for her SuperSoul Sunday broadcast to be the first to extend to two hours.
Diana has written four books and speaks three foreign languages fluently.
And now Nyad is slated for 2022 release as a feature film, the inimitable Annette Bening signed to play Diana.
Contact us for Diana Nyad fees and availability.
Videos
NYAD | Official Trailer | Netflix
Keynote Speaker: Diana Nyad
Diana Nyad | 7 Super Tips
Speech TopicsExpand each topic to learn more
Learn what it takes to “Find A Way” to fuel your hopes and dreams, no matter your age.
At the age of 64, Diana Nyad emerged onto the sands of Key West after swimming from Cuba to Florida in an epic feat of both endurance and human will.
From the dedicated crew who navigated the waters to the expert nutritionists who fueled her body to the motivational coaches who kept her spirits high, Diana credits her success to the unwavering synergy of her team.
In this conversation, Diana shares powerful examples of teamwork from her years-long pursuit of this goal while also discussing how to assemble a high-performance team and how to face challenges with a resilient mindset.
Testimonials
Blog Posts
Confidence Without Vulnerability Creates Teams That Never Improve
Can ego and vulnerability coexist in teams that actually win? Most leaders think they have to choose. Either you build confident people who believe they're excellent, or you create humble people who accept feedback. Either...
Read More
Financial Planning in 2026 Requires a Clear Strategy
Have you noticed that the internet has never given more financial planning advice than it does right now? That's actually the problem. Your feed has become a 24/7 trading floor of hot takes. "Buy this."...
Read More
Crisis Leadership Lessons from September 11 Reveal Everyday Resilience
What if the most powerful crisis leadership lesson from September 11 isn't about the decisions made in underground bunkers, but about the farmers, truckers, teachers, and everyday workers who make heroic responses possible? After sharing...
Read More
Best Artificial Intelligence Speakers for Cybersecurity Conferences (2026 Guide)
Quick Links Artificial Intelligence Speakers Healthcare Keynote Speakers Top Technology Speakers Innovation Speakers Leadership Speakers Future of Work Speakers Get Proposal (availability & fees) If you’re searching for the Best Artificial Intelligence Speakers for Cybersecurity...
Read More
Communication Strategies from Sarita Maybin that Transform Workplace Conflict Into Collaboration
Why Your Team's Real Problem Isn't Strategy—It's Communication When was the last time a workplace conversation went sideways, not because of what was said, but how it was delivered? Most organizations pour resources into strategic...
Read More
The 2026 Keynote Speaker Lineup That Creates Real Momentum
If you're looking for a sign to power start your 2026, here it is: this is the year you stop negotiating with your potential. January arrives packed with goals, spreadsheets, and ambitious plans. However, goals...
Read MoreRelated Inspirational & Motivational Speakers
Get in TouchContact US
Fill out the form so we can best understand your needs.
A representative from The Keynote Curators will reach out to you.