Learn more about Chad's bestselling book, Blind Ambition™
DISRUPTION-PROOF: HOW AI, TRUSTED DATA, AND RESILIENT LEADERSHIP DRIVE BUSINESS GROWTH
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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DISRUPTION-PROOF: HOW AI, TRUSTED DATA, AND RESILIENT LEADERSHIP DRIVE BUSINESS GROWTH
Let’s get real: AI isn’t coming — it’s already here, rewriting the rules of the game while most companies are still trying to find the rulebook.
We’re talking about a complete rewiring of how businesses compete, grow, and survive. Whether it’s cutting costs, driving revenue, or unleashing creativity, AI isn’t just a tool—it’s your new competitive edge.
And Cloudera? They’re not just riding the wave. They’re building the engine room for it—empowering companies with data strategies that fuel trusted, accurate, revenue-driving AI. I’ve seen it firsthand. As a leadership keynote speaker and someone who’s spent a career turning adversity into advantage, I know one thing: your mindset has to move as fast as the technology you’re trying to use.
AI is no longer an emerging trend—it’s the engine room of innovation. Companies using AI to personalize experiences, automate grunt work, and predict customer behavior aren’t just saving time—they’re multiplying revenue.
Need proof? McKinsey says AI-powered personalization alone can drive a 10%-15% revenue lift, with some companies seeing as much as 25% growth. Accenture found AI automation can cut operating costs by 30%.
That’s not hype. That’s hard-hitting, high-impact ROI. But AI is only as smart as the data feeding it. Garbage in? Goodbye growth.
That’s why Cloudera’s trusted data architecture is a game changer. Cloudera isn’t just another platform; it’s the connective tissue between data chaos and AI-driven clarity. Their lakehouse architecture merges the flexibility of data lakes with the performance of warehouses, delivering a high-octane engine for predictive analytics, generative AI, and business agility. Blending scalability with speed, Cloudera gives businesses:
That’s not just IT talk. That’s innovation strategy. And this isn’t theoretical—this is happening now.
GENERATIVE AI IS ONLY AS SMART AS YOUR DATA
WHY LEADERSHIP STILL MATTERS (SPOILER: IT ALWAYS WILL)
Here’s where I come in.
You can have the best AI stack in the world—but if your leaders can’t adapt, it’s game over. I partner with organizations to build leadership cultures that don’t just survive disruption—they thrive in it.
“The rules of the game are changing. Tasks once considered “easy” will be obsolete. What we used to call “hard” will become the new baseline. And what seemed “impossible” yesterday will soon be achievable—and expected.” — Micha Kaufman, CEO, Fiverr
At events like Cloudera’s EVOLVE24, I walk teams through the mindset shifts that make or break AI adoption:
Choosing courage over comfort Telling the right internal stories Owning the response to uncertainty Using adversity as innovation fuel This is what separates the disrupted from the disruptors.
As an AI keynote speaker, change keynote speaker, and resilience keynote speaker, I show teams how to break through the noise—and lead with visionary clarity, not fear. “Excuses are for losers. The facts aren’t going to change—so your mindset better.” — Chad E. Foster, Leadership Keynote Speaker
The highlight of the Sales Kick Off … was Chad’s inspirational talk. I have eyes but lack [his] vision…. [He is] indeed a visionary.
"These aren’t science fiction stories—they’re results:
These wins aren’t happening in spite of AI. They’re happening because of it—with the right data, the right tools, and the right mindset.
Looking ahead, here’s where the smart money is betting:
That last one? That’s not code. That’s culture.
The companies winning tomorrow are investing in AI and in the people who can lead through disruption today.
Highly recommend Chad if you are looking to build a team that thrives in change!
"AI is powerful. But it doesn’t lead.
People do.
That’s why I work with forward-thinking organizations—from startups to giants like Google—to create leaders who can unlock the full potential of AI, drive innovation, and build the kind of culture that converts chaos to clarity—using adversity to ignite advantage in the marketplace.
Whether you need an innovation keynote speaker, an AI keynote speaker, or someone who can build a mindset forged in fire—I’m here to help your team see what’s possible… even when it seems impossible.
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"Made me inspired… empowered me to… coach, train, and develop others to reach their potential."
To inquire about speaking, call 855-GET-CHAD and press Option 1 to connect with Brandy Gibson at Executive Speakers Bureau.
Not just stories. Not just entertainment. It’s about connection, clarity, and calling people out - to step up, think bigger, and get uncomfortable enough to change.
How do I do it? Well, I went totally blind at 21, and I didn’t just adapt - I went from blind and broke to leading billion-dollar deals, building software Oracle said couldn’t be done, and started battletesting myself with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and taking on black diamond slopes with nothing but a guide and grit - all with my eyes closed. As a high-impact sales keynote speaker, leadership keynote speaker, and change keynote speaker, I deliver keynotes to titans like Google, Salesforce, and Fidelity that don’t just inspire - they transform.
I don’t just tell stories - I live them. I take your audience inside the moments that tested me, broke me, and built me.
Nobody remembers boring. I bring the laughs, the surprises, the raw emotion - and yeah, the edge.
Research backs it up: Emotional engagement significantly boosts retention.
This isn’t recycled motivational junk. I give your people tools they can use - now. Simple, sharp, and straight-up actionable.
Everything I teach is rooted in real-world experience and human behavior science. But don’t worry, no lab coats here.
Research Insight: Applying behavioral science can accelerate change adoption.
👉 McKinsey
If you want a ‘bless your heart’ speaker who leaves your people unchanged, don’t book me. But if you’re ready to break through barriers, eliminate the excuses, and get your audience fired up to own their outcomes, then let’s talk.
As a top-rated business keynote speaker, I’ve got the passion and the playbook to power your performance. Let’s get started.
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.
