Steve Gleason: Inspirational Speaker

Inspirational keynote speaker and former NFL player Steve Gleason empowers audiences with purpose-driven resilience after his ALS diagnosis and groundbreaking disability advocacy.

Quick Facts:

  • Highlights:
    • Former NFL player
    • Diagnosed with ALS in 2011
    • Co-founder of Team Gleason
    • Namesake of The Steve Gleason Act\
  • Formats: Inspirational Keynote Speaker on Resilience, Purpose, and Advocacy
  • Audiences: Healthcare organizations, corporate leadership teams, nonprofits, government institutions, advocacy groups, and audiences seeking inspiration through adversity and purpose-driven leadership.
  • Outcomes:
    1. Renewed perspective on resilience and personal purpose
    2. Inspiration to lead and advocate despite adversity
    3. Greater awareness of inclusion, accessibility, and assistive technology
Reading time: 2 min
Reviews: (0 reviews)
  • Travels from: New Orleans, LA
  • **Fee range: On Request

Talent Services

Keynote Topics:

A Purposeful Life – Helping audiences unlock the extraordinary within themselves, Steve talks about finding deep meaningful work from within.

He provides insights and tools to aim for boundless heights with relentless commitment, yet without attachment to the outcome. “The truth is that we all experience pain in our lives, but I believe that the problems we face are our opportunity to find our human purpose.

Life is difficult. Not just for me or other ALS patients.

Life is difficult for everyone. Finding ways to make life meaningful and purposeful and rewarding, doing the activities that you love and spending time with the people that you love – I think that’s the meaning of this human experience.”

In this talk your audience will be inspired to look at their life differently, from a perspective of hope, positivity and purpose.

Steve shares how life’s limitations cannot hold us back from achieving our full potential. Resilience becomes critical to our success and requires us to accept our powerlessness, revealing an unknown future which offers limitless potential.

He’ll describe how to overcome personal difficulties, and your audience will take away three key lessons

How to find the extraordinary within

How to focus on lasting change

Talent Short Bio

Steve Gleason is a former NFL player, ALS advocate, and inspirational keynote speaker whose life demonstrates courage, purpose, and transformative leadership in the face of adversity. Diagnosed with ALS in 2011, a terminal neuromuscular disease, Steve made a defining decision: he would not simply endure the diagnosis, he would thrive through it.

Together with his wife Michel, Steve co-founded Team Gleason, an organization dedicated to advancing awareness, technology, and quality of life for people living with ALS. Their mission is to bring ALS to the forefront of public consciousness while inspiring others to rise above life’s greatest challenges.

Steve has shared his story across major global media platforms including ESPN, ABC, CBS, CNN, HBO, and the NFL Network. He was named Inspiration of the Year by Sports Illustrated and has addressed audiences at the United Nations Social Innovation Summit.

Steve Gleason received an ALS diagnosis in 2011. He was determined to thrive after the terminal neuromuscular disease diagnosis. He spends his life encouraging others to life with purpose. He and Michel, his wife, formed Team Gleason, with the mission of bringing ALS to the forefront and inspiring others to overcome the challenges of the disease.

Following his inner guidance, Steve has told his own story numerous times through the media, including ESPN, ABC, CBS, CNN, HBO, and the NFL Network. He has been the Inspiration of the Year for Sports Illustrated. Steve has also spoken at the United Nations Social Innovation Summit twice.

In 2015, Congress passed “The Steve Gleason Act” unanimously to make communications devices available to those who need life-sustaining support. By 2018, after 3 years, the “Enduring Voices Act” passed in February, replacing the first law to ensure the availability of life-sustaining communication devices for those who are most in need.

Steve Gleason’s enduring commitment to serving as a spokesperson to raise awareness about ALS has garnered national support. On an international level, the NFL player turned political activist has placed ALS on the forefront of Congressional and United Nations agendas. He travels the world encouraging those with ALS and all of humanity to find purpose in life’s challenges.

Contact us at Speakers Inc and follow us on  LinkedIn

Videos

Interest to Book? Send us your enquiry

Speaker Contact Form

Enquiry Form

No reviews available for this post.

Was this profile helpful?

Talent FAQ's

Speaker fees can vary depending on factors such as expertise, demand, and event specifics. While some speakers may charge a flat fee for their services, others may have hourly rates. It’s best to discuss fee structures directly with the speaker or their representative to understand the pricing model.

Keynote speeches typically range from 30 to 90 minutes, with the duration determined by the speaker’s expertise, the event’s agenda, and audience preferences. Keynote speeches often include a combination of inspirational stories, practical insights, and actionable advice tailored to the event’s theme or objectives.

The scale of the event and audience size can indeed impact a speaker’s fee. Larger events with a broader reach or higher attendance may command higher fees due to increased exposure and demand. Conversely, smaller events or niche audiences may offer opportunities for more flexible pricing arrangements.

Travel expenses such as transportation, accommodation, and meals are typically negotiated separately from the speaker’s fee. These costs vary depending on the speaker’s location, travel distance, and event duration. It’s important to clarify travel arrangements and expenses during the booking process to avoid misunderstandings.

Many speakers require a deposit to secure a booking, with the remaining balance due closer to the event date. Deposits are often non-refundable and serve as a commitment from both parties. It’s advisable to discuss deposit requirements and payment terms with the speaker or their representative when finalizing the booking.

  • Virtual speaking appearances are a cost-effective alternative to high speaking fees, often 10-50% cheaper than in-person rates.
  • There is typically no difference in fee for a 15-minute speech versus a 60-minute speech.
  • Some motivational speakers are open to discounting their fee if hired for more than one event by the same organization.
  • When browsing speakers, consider their location to keep travel costs down.
  • Personal connections to your organization or event location can increase your chances of securing a renowned speaker.
  • Be upfront about your needs and expectations to ensure a successful partnership.
  • Speaker bureaus like Speakers Inc help guide you through the booking process to negotiate the best deal with favorable terms.

Ready to find the perfect speaker for your event? Use our advanced search feature or contact us to get started today!

You may be interested in...

  • (22)
speakers inc

Aerial Cube Contortion from Christine Lee has been a professional circus performer and teacher for 15 years, she’s performed internationally and locally here in California. She also works with a troupe of performers and can provide variety entertainment/shows and custom packages. She performs aerial acts (lyra, silks, trapeze, cube, chains, moon etc), ground acts (cube […]

  • Travels from: San Francisco, CA
  • Aerial Performers
  • (20)
  • (6)
Phillip Van Hooser

Phillip Van Hooser is an award-winning keynote speaker, leadership expert, and business strategist known for helping organizations elevate their leadership practices and transform workplace culture. With over three decades of experience in training leaders across industries, Phillip has established himself as a trusted authority in the field of leadership development. His practical, real-world insights combined […]

  • Travels from: Princeton, KY
  • Leadership Speakers
  • (19)
Kym Priess

Kym Priess is an emcee, comedian, actor, songwriter, and acting coach, Kym embodies the essence of entertainment. With her innate talent, she brings joy, creativity, and humor to every event she hosts. Are you in search of an event emcee who can captivate audiences, infuse humor, and ensure an unforgettable experience? Kym Priess | Event […]

  • Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
  • Event Emcee
  • (28)
Melissa Agnes - Image 10 (February 12, 2026)

Founder and CEO of the Crisis Ready Institute, Melissa Agnes is a recognized leading authority on crisis preparedness, reputation management, and brand protection. Agnes is the creator of the Crisis Ready® Model and author of Crisis Ready: Building an Invincible Brand in an Uncertain World. She is a coveted speaker, commentator, and advisor to some of today’s […]

  • Travels from: New York, NY
  • Crisis Management
  • (9)
Eric Termuende - One Degree Shift

Eric Termuende is a seasoned keynote speaker and best-selling author who has given over 400 presentations to industry-leading businesses and associations all over the world. Now, with The Great Resignation in full force and organizations and associations struggling to attract and retain top talent, Eric Termuende keynote presentations inspire business leaders to prepare for the […]

  • Travels from: Vancouver, BC
  • Generational Speakers
  • (115)
Kemba Smith Pradia

Kemba Smith Pradia went from college student to drug dealer’s girlfriend to domestic violence victim to federal prisoner, and in 1994 she was sentenced to 24. 5 years in federal prison. Kemba’s case drew support from across the nation. Often labeled the “poster child” for reversing a disturbing trend in the rise of lengthy sentences […]

  • Travels from: Washington, DC
  • Motivational Speakers
  • (14)
Dr Mark van Rijmenam

Dr. Mark van Rijmenam is a globally recognized strategic futurist, keynote speaker, and thought leader on artificial intelligence, blockchain, and the future of work. As an in-demand speaker, he equips organizations with the knowledge and insights needed to navigate digital disruption, drive innovation, and prepare for the rapidly changing technological landscape. His ability to translate […]

  • Travels from: Sydney, NSW
  • Futurists Speakers
  • (6)
Daniel Yergin - Image 01 (March 4, 2026)

Daniel Yergin is a highly respected authority on energy, international politics, and economics. He is Vice Chairman of S&P Global and chairman of CERAWeek, which CNBC has described as “the Super Bowl of world energy”. Time Magazine said, “If there is one man whose opinion matters more than any other on global energy markets, it’s Daniel […]

  • Travels from: Boston, MA
  • Geopolitical Speakers
Disclaimer
The profiles and images embedded on these pages are from various conference entertainers and other talent.

These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.

Fee ranges where listed on this website are intended to serve as a guideline only.

All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.

Subscribe to our Newsletter and get connected:

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Newsletter

Subscribe to our newsletter and stay updated.

We use Brevo as our marketing platform. By submitting this form you agree that the personal data you provided will be transferred to Brevo for processing in accordance with Brevo's Privacy Policy.

Our Mission:

We are your partner creating memorable and engaging experiences that go beyond the event itself.

© All rights reserved 2026.  Designed using Voxel

AI Assistant
Speakers Inc Logo 2024
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.