Learn more about Chad's bestselling book, Blind Ambition™
How I Turned Pain Into Power - And How You Can Too
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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How I Turned Pain Into Power - And How You Can Too
Adversity doesn’t care if you’re ready. It shows up uninvited, kicks the door in, and dares you to quit. But here’s the truth: you’re stronger than you think. The obstacle in front of you? It’s not permanent. It’s just a test. And you don’t pass it by wishing - it takes action, grit, and a mindset that’s forged in fire.
I’m Chad E. Foster - a leadership keynote speaker, sales keynote speaker, and change keynote speaker who went blind at 21 while in college. I know what it feels like to lose something big. But I also know what it takes to win it all back - and more. Today, I’m happier, more successful, and more driven than I ever was when I could see. As a business leadership speaker, I help people at organizations like Blue Cross Blue Shield, IBM, and Harvard take back control from whatever’s standing in their way.
Here’s how I flipped the script on adversity - and how you can too.
Doubt will eat you alive if you let it. I had every reason to believe life would get worse after losing my sight. But belief isn’t about logic - it’s about choice.
Science backs it: People with high self-efficacy are 50% more likely to achieve their goals.
Adversity isn’t what breaks you - the story you attach to it is. I could’ve told myself I was cursed. Instead, I told myself I was built for this. Both stories were true, but only one kept me moving.
Research says: People who reframe adversity as growth experience 23% higher resilience.
Inaction is the killer. Progress isn’t about huge leaps - it’s about relentless micro-movements. I didn’t go from blind to black diamond skier overnight. I stacked small wins.
Research Insight: Building resilience through small, consistent actions can lead to significant personal growth.
Plans change. Life changes. I didn’t plan to go blind - but here I am, living a bigger life because of it. Adapt or get left behind.
Research Insight: Organizations that prioritize adaptability and well-being can unlock substantial performance gains.
👉 McKinsey
Sounds cliché? Good. It’s also the only way to win. I don’t care how many times you get knocked down - just don’t quit. Own your challenge, own your result.
Research Insight: Grit, defined as perseverance and passion for long-term goals, is a significant predictor of success.
You’re not responsible for every crappy thing that happens to you. But you’re 100% accountable for what you do next. That’s where the power is. That’s how you turn adversity into your greatest weapon.
I’ve lived it. I’ve beat it. And so can you.
Now - what’s your next move?
Looking for a business keynote speaker or leadership keynote speaker who inspires action, ignites potential, and fuels breakthrough performance? Let’s go!
Explore our programs to see which one can help your organization create a culture that unleashes leadership potential to maximize individual and company performance.
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.
