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Deborah Gardner
rom Olympic Trial swimmer to one of the first female broadcasters with CBS & NBC Sports to crashing weddings (on purpose!) to Mrs. America to a six-time bestselling author to owning three businesses, to being a professional channel swimmer, Deborah knows how to lead, compete, and WIN!
Today, Deborah is an in-demand global keynote speaker, record-breaking performance expert, and CEO of DG International. Through Deborah’s first-hand experiences, failures, and successes, she inspires audiences worldwide with their own ACTIONABLE wins with humor, heart, and no fluff. Let’s just say Deborah has mastered the art of unlocking human potential, which profiles her as the best when turning ambition into real-world results.
Better known as the Pit Bull in a Skirt by Fortune 500 giants, Deborah brings her relatable, fun, and authentic real-life adventures while growing up in a 16-ft trailer, crashing a wedding (on purpose!), operating three businesses,…
Topics
Own Your Lane
In a world that never stops changing, the biggest threat to performance isn’t fear — it’s complacency. Settling for “good enough” and letting potential drift is the quiet enemy of growth, ambition, and bold action. It fuels uncertainty, self-doubt, hesitation, and scarcity, keeping those from going after what matters most. Don’t just tread water - make waves, own your lane, and propel forward beyond ever imagined! Inspired by Deborah’s recent, bold, history-making GUINNESS WORLD RECORD swim with the sharks, this electrifying and interactive keynote teaches leaders and teams how to dive into a simple, actionable strategy where making waves fuels record-breaking performance. Deborah’s WAVE METHOD™ gives audiences the structure, tools, and confidence to take ownership, embrace challenges, and thrive through turbulence at work, at home, and anywhere ambition calls.
Never Swim Alone
You may think you’re swimming solo, but take a good look around. You are surrounded by colleagues, managers, suppliers, partners, and even people who believe in you. And when trust becomes your current and collaboration becomes your rhythm, there is no obstacle too strong, no change too fast, and no goal out of reach. When you swim with a crew, you don’t just survive—you SURGE. Through her gripping personal ongoing swimming career stories, powerful business lessons, and compelling real-world discoveries, Deborah takes audiences on an unforgettable journey into the heart of high performance, trust, and excellence from her own fiercely competitive and demanding daily environments. This keynote is a wake-up call to true record-breaking performance, and the greatest breakthroughs happen when you stop swimming alone because success is never a solo sport. You’ll be inspired to go deeper, swim stronger, and move faster by learning that you have Wave Makers who will help you face challenges with courage, adapt through change, and maximize your full potential in business and in life.
Lead Ambitiously
Today’s leaders are juggling wild expectations, fierce competition, shifting priorities, and curveballs that come out of nowhere. The pressure is real. The chaos is relentless. The uncertainty? Oh, it’s alive and well. But here’s the good news: so is the opportunity. And the secret weapon? Ambition - activated, amplified, and aligned. How? Introducing Gitfluence™ - Deborah’s signature blend of grit + influence that transforms leaders into built-tough, grit in action, forward-moving powerhouses to win. This isn’t your typical leadership program. It’s a full-throttle, high-energy, interactive laugh-while-you-learn experience designed to reset anyone’s mindset, reshape how to perform, and recharge true ambition. Deborah pulls back the curtain with real, first-hand stories from decades inside corporate America — the trenches where leaders often thought they were influential… but rarely were. You’ll get the truth, the tools, and the turbo boost to operate with clarity, courage, and unstoppable confidence. Ready to elevate ambition, ignite results, and lead ambitiously? Buckle up, hydrate, and bring your energy. It’s GO time!
Be Ambitiously You
n a world where change barrels forward faster than a caffeine-fueled deadline, social media amplifies every voice (except your own), and disruptions hit like surprise Friday emails, staying true to yourself can feel impossible. Here’s the good news: whether launching something new, seizing opportunities, energizing your team, or crushing your goals, the moment to shine starts now! Success today demands more than playing it safe. It’s about stepping up as the ultimate action pro, armed with fearless vision, unstoppable determination, and the drive to turn dreams into reality. Based on Deborah’s first-hand experiences and her motto, YOBO™ — You Only Breathe Once, this massively interactive keynote delivers jaw-dropping, relatable stories, laugh-out-loud moments, and game-changing insights that will inspire you to take charge, electrify your mindset, awaken your potential, and thrive splashtastically. This high-energy, transformative experience lights up the room, ignites ambition, and powers participants to tackle their dreams, passions, and goals with full-throttle focus.
Other Popular Programs
• Accelerating Your Sales Goals for Winning Results
• Packaging “YOU” into a High Performance Sellable Product
• Competitive Sales Strategies to Crush the Competition
• Naked Negotiating: Exposing Advanced Negotiating Strategies For More Success
• Naked Selling: Revealing The Bare-Bones Truth of Today’s Top Sales Performers
• Buyer Beware: 3 Ways to Influence Your Customers and Grow Sales Today
How can I check Deborah Gardner's availability or request a quote?
You can inquire about Deborah Gardner's availability or get a customized quote by contacting Key Speakers directly. Our team will help you determine fit, logistics, and budget options for your upcoming event.
What is Deborah Gardner's speaking fee?
The typical range for Deborah Gardner's speaking fee is $10,000–$32,000. The low end of the fee range represents their standard virtual fee. The high end of the fee range represents their standard fee for a US-based in-person speaking engagement. Appearances which require an extended schedule of activities or international travel will possibly exceed this fee range. Speaker fees update frequently. To receive a personalized quote for Deborah Gardner to speak at your event, please consult with a Key Speakers advisor for up to date information and assistance.
What factors influence the speaker's fee?
Other factors that influence a keynote speaker's fee include their reputation, expertise, demand, experience, duration of the presentation, travel requirements for the event location, and any additional services, activities or customization options they offer.
Are travel expenses included in the speaker's fee?
Travel expenses are typically not included in the listed speaker's fee and are quoted separately. If the speaker needs to travel internationally, fees will be higher. These expenses may include airfare, accommodation, ground transportation at home and in the event city, and meals. We can provide more detailed information about travel expenses and arrangements once you've selected a speaker.
How do I book Deborah Gardner for my event?
The speaker booking process typically involves the following steps:
- Contact Key Speakers to confirm the speaker's availability, fees, and any unique requirements. We can also help negotiate fees and terms.
- Submit a firm offer to extend the invite to your speaker. These details will be used to create an agreement once the speaker accepts.
- All parties coordinate and finalize the terms of the booking, including contract terms and conditions.
- Confirm the booking by signing the contract and making the necessary payments.
What types of events do keynote speakers typically speak at?
Keynote speakers can speak at a wide range of events, virtual or in person, including conferences, corporate meetings, industry conventions, seminars, workshops, fundraising galas, educational programs, and other special occasions where an inspirational or informative address is desired.
How do I select the right keynote speaker for my event?
When selecting a keynote speaker, consider the following factors:
- The speaker's expertise and knowledge relevant to your event's theme or industry.
- Their speaking style, ability to engage the audience, and deliver impactful messages.
- Past client testimonials, reviews, or references.
- The speaker's availability and fee within your budget.
What are the payment terms and conditions?
A deposit is required upon signing the contract, with the remaining balance due 2–4 weeks before the event. If the event is taking place within 30 days, the full balance is due upon signing.
How far in advance should I book a keynote speaker?
It is generally advisable to book a keynote speaker as early as possible, especially if you have a specific speaker in mind or if your event is during a peak season holiday. Ideally, booking a speaker three to six months in advance can increase the chances of securing your desired speaker.
Can you help me with the logistics and technical requirements for the speaker's presentation?
Yes, we can assist you with the logistics and technical requirements for the speaker's presentation. We stay actively involved during pre-event planning to coordinate with you and ensure that the necessary audiovisual equipment, staging, lighting, and other technical aspects are in place for a successful presentation.
Are there any special requirements or accommodations that need to be considered for the speaker?
Keynote speakers may have specific requirements or accommodations that need to be considered, such as travel arrangements, accommodation preferences, dietary restrictions, or accessibility needs. Some speakers have a performance rider we include in the contract, others have minimal requirements.
Do keynote speakers offer customization options for their presentations?
Yes, many keynote speakers offer customization options for their presentations. They can tailor their content, examples, or case studies to align with your event's theme, industry, or specific audience. Discuss your customization needs with us so we can guide you accordingly.
Can the speaker participate in pre-event activities such as panel discussions or Q&A sessions?
Some keynote speakers are open to participating in pre-event activities such as panel discussions, Q&A sessions, or meet-and-greet sessions. Please share your specific requirements with us during the firm offer phase, so we can work on getting you everything you need.
How long is a typical keynote speech?
The duration of a standard keynote speech can vary depending on the speaker and the event's schedule. Typically, keynote speeches range from 30 minutes to 90 minutes, including any Q&A sessions or interactive elements. Some speakers can accommodate half or full day sessions and extended keynotes. Discuss the desired duration with your representative to determine the appropriate length for participation.
Can I provide feedback or reviews about the speaker's performance?
Yes, we encourage and appreciate feedback about the speaker's performance as well as our services. You can share your feedback via email after the event, or via our survey feedback form. Your feedback can help them improve our services and assist other clients in making informed decisions.
Are there any discounts or special offers available for booking multiple speakers or multiple events?
Often, yes. It's worth inquiring about such possibilities with your Key Speakers representative to explore any available cost-savings options.
Why book Deborah Gardner though Key Speakers?
- We provide a comprehensive service that takes the guesswork out of hiring a speaker—from speaker selection to logistics to post-event feedback. We know you have lots of responsibilities on top of finding and coordinating event speakers, so having a committed and proactive partner on your side that is an expert with the talent booking process is crucial. Every time you book a speaker with Key, your dedicated events manager will support you throughout the entire planning process. We work closely with you from speaker selection to post-event success and always ensure that your needs are addressed first.
- We help you negotiate contractual details such as speaker fees and travel terms so that you end up with the most favorable deal. Leave the fine print to us so you can focus on other aspects of your event. Key Speakers mediates and absorbs some of the contractual risks that inherently come with booking a keynote speaker.
- With our highly communicative booking and proposal model, you'll never be left in the dark with the status of your speaker. We pride ourselves on speedy response time and always keep you updated on all new developments relating to your event. Our experienced agents are personable (after our morning coffee!) and always eager to do whatever it takes to secure a fantastic speaker for your event.
To put it simply, Key Speakers is your one-stop resource for finding, booking and managing speakers for your event. We do the heavy lifting for you. Our dedicated and knowledgeable advisors ensure that your speaker's message and personal brand perfectly align to your event objectives.
Remember that the specific details and offerings may vary among different speakers, so it's always recommended to consult with your Key Speakers representative for accurate information and assistance.
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