Biography

“I graduated from the school of hard knocks. The solutions I offer are for the real-world. They are straightforward, common-sense ideas that will work in your life.”

My Background
I was born the son of hard-working Polish immigrants who came to the U.S. with not much more than the clothes on their back. My father worked hard in a foundry to bring the American dream to his family. I didn’t start talking until I was three years old. By that time, my parents were ready to take me to a specialist. Ironically, here I am now, a professional speaker. Because I needed to assimilate the Polish and American cultures simultaneously, my childhood gave me a unique perspective and appreciation of the diversity of America, as well as some of the challenges that come along with it.

After earning a Masters Degree in Education from Wayne State University and a Masters Degree in Public Health from University of Michigan, I began my real education, in the school of hard knocks. My early “speaking” career began as a teacher and football coach at Wayne State University. This is where I learned how to motivate and inspire. I also found out that people learn more when they’re having fun, so humor became an integral part of my communication style. I have my personal reasons too. Let’s face it, life is just a lot easier with a smile on your face and a hearty belly laugh.

I enjoyed my success at Wayne State. I even won a football championship, but after a number of years I was eager to find another growth opportunity. I found it in the healthcare industry. I directed programs at hospitals including the Wellness Initiative for 10,000 employees at Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, Michigan.

A “Solutions” Speaker
I continued to fine-tune my leadership skills until I took the ultimate leadership role, President of Potential Unlimited, a company I founded and still run. Today, I travel all over the country to speak to audiences of all sizes and interests. I also run workshops that offer one-on-one skills development in a number of topics essential to the success of individuals and businesses today.

I like to think of myself as a “solutions” speaker because even though I pride myself on keeping my audience entertained, my primary goal is to help people achieve success by providing them with solutions for their own unique challenges. The fact that I use comedy and even magic tricks during my speeches is simply the teacher in me doing whatever it takes to bring the message home.

Read More
Request Availability

Speech TopicsExpand each topic to learn more

Great Leaders Touch the Heart

This speaker tailors this topic for each event. Please let us know if you'd like us to source a topic description.

The Human Touch Makes The Difference

This speaker tailors this topic for each event. Please let us know if you'd like us to source a topic description.

For Meeting Planners

Blog Posts

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

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

Read More

Related Leadership 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.

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
  • Fill out the form so we can best understand your needs.
    A representative from The Keynote Curators will reach out to you.

  • MM slash DD slash YYYY
  • This field is hidden when viewing the form
  • This field is hidden when viewing the form
  • This field is hidden when viewing the form
  • This field is hidden when viewing the form
  • This field is hidden when viewing the form
  • This field is hidden when viewing the form