Learn more about Chad's bestselling book, Blind Ambition™
The Classroom Has Changed Forever - Are You Ready to Teach the Future?
Every organization is struggling with the current velocity of disruption, but what most leaders don’t realize, is that the current rate of change is the slowest it will be for the rest of our lives. Now, more than ever, organizations need to IGNITE people’s RESILIENCE, accountability, and INNOVATION—leading to resilient organizations that create more customer value by adapting and spotting the opportunities created by disruption.
Most people believe resilience is an idea, but it’s really a set of learned behaviors. Chad has spent the last TEN-plus years unpacking the anatomy of resilience — what allowed him to thrive after going blind at 21-years-old. He built software Oracle said was impossible; directed financial strategies that generated billions in revenue, industry-leading margins, and countless jobs; was the first blind executive to graduate Harvard’s leadership program; and became a black diamond downhill skier and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Practitioner — all with his eyes closed. Many thought leaders on resilience and change offer platitudes that create zero sustained impact on people’s behavior. Due to Chad’s firsthand experience with personal transformation while building massive enterprise value, Chad inspires action, ignites accountability, and unlocks potential by breaking down the anatomy of resilience at a practical level — providing tried and tested tools that empower people to emerge from setbacks stronger, sleeker, and resolute to succeed.
Connecting inspiration to implementation™, Chad enables your team to embody the mindsets and beliefs for success, while adopting the narratives and stories that will change the meaning of the challenges they experience. They’ll have the tools to remain comfortable in the face of discomfort, equipping your organization to turn disadvantages into advantages, and your obstacles into opportunities.
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The Classroom Has Changed Forever - Are You Ready to Teach the Future?
Education isn’t going “back to normal.” The pandemic didn’t just disrupt - it accelerated the transformation. We went from COVID chaos to trade war whiplash and market meltdowns. The world isn’t slowing down. It’s breaking rules - and you better believe it’s bulldozing comfort zones too.
Learning is now flexible, digital, on-demand. Students expect more. Staff are burning out. Budgets are tighter. Tech is moving faster. The scary part? The velocity of disruption now is the slowest we’ll experience for the rest of our lives. Let that sink in.
As an education keynote speaker and leadership keynote speaker, I’ve worked with institutions like Harvard Business School, Kansas Association of School Boards, and education leaders worldwide. I help teams adapt, innovate, and lead with resilience in times when change isn’t optional - it’s relentless, and it’s coming for all of us. As someone who went blind at 21, but still built a career winning billion-dollar deals, developing software Oracle thought was impossible, skiing black diamond slopes and training for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitions, I know a thing or two about transformation. It’s no wonder I get called in to Fortune 500 leaders all over the world to break down my blueprint for.
Students increasingly favor hybrid and online learning modalities, especially those living off-campus.
Nearly half of working-age adults without a college degree believe they need additional education, and many are looking to employers for opportunities.
Faculty and staff are experiencing significant burnout, impacting their ability to support students effectively.
State and local support for higher education increased nearly 5 percent in the 2022 fiscal year, yet public colleges still face financial headwinds.
The AI in education market is projected to grow significantly, reaching USD 5.82 billion by 2030.
Only about half of bachelor’s degree graduates secure employment in a college-level job within a year of graduation, highlighting a significant disconnect.
Institutions that streamline offerings and focus on core strengths are better positioned to adapt to changing demands.
The future of education requires flexibility, adaptability, and personalization to meet diverse learner needs.
"Chad was a keynote speaker for one of our HBS events and his keynote had an extraordinary impact on everyone. He engaged and energized the crowd with a laughter-filled presentation that delivered a high-impact message — earning a standing ovation from the hundreds of business leaders in attendance. His thought-provoking stories challenged each of us to think differently about dealing with adversity, navigating change, and nurturing resilient mindsets — all key ingredients for leaders currently guiding their organizations through the Digital transformation."
- Harvard University"Awesome presentation yesterday at the closing session…totally rejuvenated after hearing you."
- Kansas Association of School BoardsAs a change keynote speaker and innovation keynote speaker, I empower organizations all over the world - from Google to Blue Cross Blue Shield - to navigate disruption using my Blind Ambition Framework™. Let’s create institutions that don’t just teach about change - they lead change with Blind Ambition™.
Explore our programs to see which one can help your organization create a culture that unleashes leadership potential to maximize individual and company performance.
Inquire About Speaking"I was impressed with Chad's ambition in life. His message could not have been more clear. He truly has a gift to open the eyes of those who can see, when he himself can not!"
- Keynote Attendee
To inquire about speaking, call 855-GET-CHAD and press Option 1 to connect with Brandy Gibson at Executive Speakers Bureau.
Change doesn’t knock. It kicks the door in. Disruption? It’s not coming — it’s here. Explosive inflation, market meltdowns, trade war whiplash — it’s all reshaped how we sell, how we lead, how we live. The question is: how do you win in a world like that?
I’m Chad E. Foster — a business keynote speaker who has led teams through billion-dollar deals, built software Silicon Valley said was impossible, and delivered leadership keynotes for powerhouses like Google and Salesforce — all after going blind at 21. I know what it takes to adapt, thrive, and dominate in uncertainty.
I don’t give your team ideas. I break down the anatomy of resilience using my Blind Ambition Framework™ and give them the playbook to power their performance.
Let’s get real — tools and tech won’t save your business. Your people will. But only if you give them the mindset, the culture, and the drive to convert chaos into commission.
The world changed. Did you? Because what worked last year won’t cut it now.
Proof: Companies that prioritize adaptability are better positioned to absorb shocks and transform them into opportunities.
👉 McKinsey
Remember Best Buy? They turned brick-and-mortar “liabilities” into the weapon that outflanked the customer experience of online giants. That’s how you “take advantage of your disadvantages.”
Your people won’t rise to a challenge they’re not prepared for. Culture eats disruption for breakfast — if it’s built right.
Mindset isn’t fluff. It’s the engine of every action, every result.
Fact: Teams with a growth mindset culture are more likely to foster innovation and support risk-taking.
I don’t just do inspiration. I connect inspiration to implementation ™ and drive transformation. I help businesses stop playing defense and start rewriting the rules. Disruption is here to stay — so let’s own it.
I’ll show your team how to see what others miss, act when others freeze, and win while others wait.
When your people think bigger, act bolder, and embrace change? That’s when your business becomes unstoppable.
Looking for a business leadership speaker who can ignite your team’s potential? I’ve got the stories, the strategy, and the spark to empower your team to light up the scoreboard. Let’s go!
If you don't feel like you're reaching the levels of happiness that you see others enjoy, or your goals seem out of reach, you're not alone. Life is too short for regrets. Learn how to use your mindset to reach your most daring dreams. Chad's stories and lessons will inspire, empower, and prepare you to face uncertainty with hope and optimism. Want to be mentally tough, strong, resilient and prepared to adapt and thrive in changing circumstances? Self-confident to become your best you? It's time to break free from the self-destructive thoughts that hold you back.
Ready To Turn Your Biggest Obstacle Into Your Biggest Advantage? The stories we tell ourselves either limit us or propel us towards our goals.
