Danelle travels the world with her husband, Rob, as a ski racing team and motivational speaker. In her speech, How to do the Impossible Every Day, she reveals the 4 secrets to leading and empowering teams to overcome obstacles and go for the gold.
Diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa, a degenerative eye condition, Danelle refused to let blindness define her. She and Rob have competed at the highest levels of international ski racing, medaling at the Paralympic Games and capturing multiple World Cup titles.
Off the slopes, Danelle is a sought-after keynote speaker who shares her story of resilience, teamwork, and determination. Her presentations empower audiences to embrace challenges, lead with courage, and create more inclusive environments.
Danelle Umstead shares how trust, vision, and resilience drive her journey as a blind Paralympic ski racer.
In this short feature, Danelle Umstead introduces herself as a Paralympic alpine ski racer. She describes her limited vision, seeing only bright lights and contrasting colors when conditions align. Her husband and guide, Rob, skis ahead in bright clothing so she can detect his outline as they race down the slopes together.
Danelle shares her mindset at the start of each run: trust in training, let go, and focus only on the bond between her and Rob. The clip underscores the essence of her journey—courage, teamwork, and resilience in the face of adversity.
00:00 – Danelle introduces herself as a Paralympic alpine ski racer
00:07 – Explanation of her visual impairment
00:20 – Rob describes his guiding role with high-visibility clothing
00:32 – Danelle shares her mental focus at the race start: trust and let go
00:45 – Closing reflection on skiing as one with her guide
A 1:46 emotional short that shows how Danelle Umstead skis the world by sound, guided by her husband Rob, turning loss into freedom and high-performance teamwork.
This 1 minute 46 second film is a poetic portrait of Paralympic alpine skier Danelle Umstead. She explains that sound is how she experiences the world: it paints a picture, gives rhythm, and guides her down the mountain. Danelle describes losing her mother, her usable vision, and her will to live, and then discovering an unexpected freedom when she first skied. Her husband and guide Rob provides vocal commands that direct her racing line.
The piece intercuts brief audio cues of Rob shouting prompts and the announcer calling Danelle at the finish, culminating in the sound of the national anthem. The final moments frame skiing as a shared dance between Danelle and Rob and as “the sound of living the impossible.” The film emphasizes trust, sensory adaptation, resilience, and the emotional payoff of elite performance.
00:00 Opening line: “Sound is how I see the world.”
00:08 Sound as a sensory map: painting, rhythm, and guidance.
00:20 Contrast: Danelle does not see the slopes the way others do.
00:28 Racing audio: Rob calls commands “Up! Move!” and guides her down.
00:38 First-time memory: fear after losing her mom and vision.
00:50 Turning point: discovering freedom and joy on skis.
01:05 Intimate view of the partnership: “He’s my husband… my everything.”
01:18 Finish-line moment: announcer calls Danelle and Rob; crowd and anthem.
01:36 Closing line: hearing those sounds is “the sound of living the impossible.”
A 1:56 first-person profile of Paralympic alpine skier Danelle Umstead describing how skiing, trust, and adaptive communication rebuilt her life and aim for gold.
Danelle Umstead introduces herself as a Paralympic alpine ski racer who competes with her husband as guide. She explains her visual impairment, retinitis pigmentosa, and how she can perceive shapes only at very short distances. After losing her mother and much of her vision, Danelle says she lost her will to live—until she tried skiing. The film captures the immediate freedom she felt on her first run with her father guiding her, a moment that reignited purpose and joy.
Danelle then demonstrates the helmet communication system (Cardo) they use: two speakers, a microphone, and a Bluetooth pack that lets Rob give live instructions. She describes the minimal, high-trust commands they use—essentially wait or go—and how that teamwork pushes them to pursue gold rather than bronze. The piece closes on a determined note: they are training toward the 2014 Sochi Paralympics with gold as the goal.
00:00 Opening: Danelle identifies as a Paralympic alpine ski racer.
00:10 Explains visual impairment caused by retinitis pigmentosa; limited usable sight.
00:24 Personal low point: losing her mother, vision, and will to live.
00:36 Turning point: first run with her father guiding—instant freedom and joy.
00:52 Description of equipment: Cardo helmet comms, speakers, microphone, Bluetooth battery pack.
01:06 How the guide-athlete communication works: Rob gives concise commands; Danelle trusts and responds.
01:22 Mindset: pushing for speed and performance together; trust as the foundation.
01:36 Closing ambition: aiming for gold at the 2014 Sochi Paralympics.
01:52 End.
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.
Ready to find the perfect speaker for your event? Use our advanced search feature or contact us to get started today!
In order to view the below you must be logged in.
Cassandra Worthy is a trailblazing thought leader in change management, known for her disruptive insights and dynamic approach to organizational transformation. As the world’s leading authority on navigating change, she equips companies with the mindset and tools to build resilience and adaptability in today’s fast-paced business landscape. With her signature energy and expertise, Cassandra has […]
Julie Austin is an award-winning author, inventor, futurist, innovation speaker, and member of the World Future Society. She’s an internationally known thought leader on the topic of innovation, and CEO of the consulting firm Creative Innovation Group. She’s been an innovation keynote speaker for corporations such as Procter & Gamble, Novartis Pharmaceuticals, Northrop Grumman, and […]
Sugar Ray Leonard, a name synonymous with boxing excellence and indomitable spirit, is a legendary figure whose impact extends far beyond the ring. With a career that has seen numerous world titles and accolades, Leonard’s journey is one of resilience, dedication, and triumph. As a speaker, he brings the same intensity and passion to the […]
Ari Gunzburg learned about death early in life. He experienced a traumatic moment when only 10 years old, when his teacher passed away while on a hiking trip. This would affect his life deeply and change his perspective forever. Following the death of this teacher, there was trouble afoot at school for all of the […]
Tracy Tutor is a dynamic and influential figure in the world of real estate and motivational speaking. As a top agent at Douglas Elliman, Tracy has carved out a remarkable career characterized by her tenacity, charisma, and unparalleled expertise in high-end properties. Her prominence skyrocketed when she became a star on Bravo’s “Million Dollar Listing […]
Peter Vidmar stands as a testament to the heights that can be achieved through dedication, innovation, and excellence. As the highest-scoring American gymnast in Olympic history, Peter’s journey from a young enthusiast to a celebrated Olympic champion serves as an inspiring narrative for audiences worldwide. His core message emphasizes the principles of Risk, Originality, and […]
Angelica Malin Speaker is a dynamic and versatile professional emcee, author, awards host, and keynote speaker who bridges the bustling cities of New York and London. Known for her boundless energy and infectious enthusiasm, Angelica transforms live events into unforgettable experiences, leaving a lasting impression on audiences worldwide. Her charisma and professionalism have made her […]
Peter Sheahan is a globally recognized thought leader, keynote speaker, and best-selling author specializing in business transformation, innovative leadership, and growth in the face of disruption. As the founder and CEO of Karrikins Group, Peter has worked with some of the world’s most prominent brands, including Apple, Goldman Sachs, and Microsoft, helping them navigate change, […]
These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.
All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.
Our Mission:
© All rights reserved 2025. Designed using Voxel
