Last night, I was privileged to be the guest speaker at a special event hosted at Montgomery Bell Academy in Nashville. The mother-son dinner was truly remarkable—a tradition that I deeply believe more schools should embrace. As someone who lost my mother to cancer during my childhood, this evening held an even greater resonance for me. Reflecting on my journey, becoming an Olympian in 2004 opened doors to an array of speaking engagements. Initially, it was predominantly schools, teams, clubs, and churches. However, as time progressed, corporate and keynote opportunities emerged, including engagements with esteemed organizations like Johnson & Johnson, Reebok, and Price Waterhouse. While I cherished the chance to share my story and inspire others, I found balancing speaking engagements with my athletic pursuits to be both time-consuming and emotionally taxing. Consequently, when my first son was born a decade ago, I made the decision to take a hiatus from accepting speaking requests. Last night's event served as a powerful reminder of the impact of storytelling and the importance of sharing experiences to motivate and inspire others. Each of us possesses a unique narrative, but there's something inherently captivating about the journey to the Olympics that resonates deeply with people. However, beyond the glitz of the Games lies the real story—the adversity, the losses, and the fortuitous encounters that shape us. If you're seeking a keynote speaker, for your event, I am excited to announce that I am now open to accepting 3-4 opportunities in 2024. I look forward to the possibility of collaborating with you to inspire and empower your audience. Feel free to reach out if you believe my story aligns with the message you wish to convey. Bio: 5xOlympian 2xOlympic Medalist 20 consecutive years sub 4 minutes in mile
Congrats Nick Willis, sounds like a wonderful talk. And any event would be very lucky to have you speak - you have an amazing story!
Nick, I still remember your passion and dedication when you connected with a small bunch of young athletes in Masterton on our mission to influence some talented youngsters in need of some direction. Seriously, goosebumps! I hope more doors open for you to share with the same authenticity and vulnerability that you did that day!
Regional Vice President at Workday
3moYou're a great leader Nick Willis