The Top Echelons of
Speaking Excellence
In February 1977, the National Speakers Association (NSA) established the Council of Peers Award for Excellence (CPAE)® Speaker Hall of Fame to honor professional speakers who have reached the top echelon of platform excellence.
Admission into the CPAE Speaker Hall of Fame is a lifetime award for speaking excellence and professionalism. Inductees are evaluated by their peers through a rigorous and demanding process. Each candidate must excel in the following five categories1.
Message
Presentation & Delivery
Experience
Professionalism
Collateral Material
1The award is not based on celebrity status, number of speeches, or amount of income.
Excellence Exemplified
2022 CPAE
Speaker Hall of Fame Inductees
Stacey Hanke, CSP, CPAE
Stacey is the CEO of a highly sought-after consulting and training company where she mentors leaders who want to ensure their employees perceive them as an influential leader – those who are working towards a promotion – and sales professionals to ensure their message and style resonates with their clients. Her 19 years of studying influence across cultures and industries, leading large corporate teams makes her the perfect fit for organizations large and small who are ready to influence on a consistent basis. Read More
Mike Staver, CSP, CPAE
In the last 30 years, Mike has influenced over 200,000 people in ways that have not only transformed thinking and action but improved results. His message is grounded in the belief that leadership is about influence regardless of position, title, or power. In all Mike's work, the goal is simple – helping leaders perform better and live better lives. To accomplish this, Mike uses counterintuitive perspectives, a storytelling style, and entertaining delivery that makes the often-challenging realities of work and life easier to absorb and put into practice. Read More.
Kelly Swanson, CSP, CPAE
Kelly Swanson is an award-winning storyteller, comedian, motivational speaker, Huffington Post Contributor, and cast member of The Fashion Hero television show. Kelly’s wacky wit and powerful stories have charmed hearts and tickled funny bones for over 18 years. In addition to her role as a funny motivational speaker, Kelly teaches people how she does it by sharing what she has learned about connecting and engaging to have more influence in business, through the use of one tool – strategic storytelling. Read More.
Mike Domitrz, CSP, CPAE
Decades before sexual harassment cases were on the cover of every major media publication, Mike Domitrz was being brought in by leading educational institutions and the U.S. military to help them pursue a new standard of consent and respect. In 2003, he founded The Center for Respect which conducts trainings for tens of thousands each year. Today, small and large companies and associations are turning to Mike Domitrz to have him help them do what he has done for universities and the US Military: Create a culture of respect throughout their organization. Read More.
Meridith Elliot Powell, CSP, CPAE
Voted one of the Top 15 Business Growth Experts to watch by Currency Fair, Meridith Elliott Powell is an award-winning author, keynote speaker and business strategist. With a background in corporate sales and leadership, her career expands over several industries including banking, healthcare and finance. Meridith worked her way up from an entry-level position to earn her seat at the C-Suite table. She is Certified Speaking Professional, a designation held by less than twelve percent of professional speakers, and a member of the prestigious Forbes Coaching Council. Read More.
Previous Years
2021 CPAE
Speaker Hall of Fame Inductees
Ross Bernstein, CSP, CPAE
The best-selling author of nearly 50 sports books, Ross Bernstein is an award-winning peak performance business speaker who’s keynoted conferences on ALL SEVEN continents for audiences as small as 10 and as large as 10,000. Ross and his books have been featured on thousands of television and radio programs over the years including CNN, ESPN, Bloomberg, Fox News, and “CBS This Morning,” as well as in the Wall Street Journal, New York Times and USA Today. Read More
Mark Eaton, CSP, CPAE
Mark Eaton is a successful, award-winning motivational speaker, entrepreneur and best selling author of The Four Commitments of a Winning Team, who has earned the coveted CSP (Certified Speaking Professional) designation, the speaking profession’s highest international measure of professional competence. Read More
Laurie Guest, CSP, CPAE
An entrepreneur, keynote speaker and author, Laurie Guest, CSP, CPAE is a “go-to" resource for customer service excellence. For more than two decades, she has shared her practical point of view on customer service and staff development with audiences and companies across the country, blending real-life examples and proven action steps for improvement. Read More
Phil M. Jones, CSP, CPAE, MDSG
Phil M Jones is a master of influence and persuasion – the author of the best-selling “Exactly” Book Series with over 1 million copies sold – producer of the “Most Listened To” non-fiction Audiobook of all time – a trusted advisor for some of the world’s biggest brands – and entrepreneur since the age of 14. Read More
Anna Liotta, CSP, CPAE
Anna Liotta, creator of Generationally Savvy™ Communication Solutions, is an award-winning speaker, business consultant, and author. She engages audiences with her practical strategies for attracting, growing, and retaining top talent and loyal clients from every generation. Read More
Sam Silverstein, CSP, CPAE
Accountability Keynote Speaker Sam Silverstein’s mission is to empower people to live accountable lives, transform the way they do business, and to thrive at extraordinary levels. By challenging leaders to shift priorities, cultivate an organizational culture based on accountability, and inspire both individuals and teams to take ownership in fresh and results-producing ways – he is helping companies dramatically increase productivity, profitability, and growth. Read More
2020 CPAE
Speaker Hall of Fame Inductees
Barry Banther, CSP, CPAE
Barry Banther knows lasting leadership. And he learned it with over 4 decades of hands on experience first as a leader in a nationwide enterprise and then as the founder and CEO of two professional services firms. He has been the senior consultant on more than 400 engagements to help develop leaders. His clients have included multinational companies as well as mid to large size family-owned businesses across America. Read More
Jason Dorsey, CSP, CPAE
Jason's passion is solving generational challenges for leaders using his unique research discoveries. He delivers results through his acclaimed keynote presentations, strategic advisory work, and unique behavioral research. His talent is applying insights from his 65+ research studies with his frontline experience working with over 700 clients to uncover specific, new solutions that drive measurable results. Read More
Mary Kelly, Phd, CSP, CPAE
A high-energy keynote speaker, Mary is focused on using research, laughter, and experience to show professionals how to excel. Mary’s relatable, no-nonsense approach inspires audiences to embrace their roles, surpass their goals, and plan for the future. Read More
Sam Richter, CSP, CPAE
Sam is founder and CEO of SBR Worldwide/Know More. Through his in-person keynote presentations and online programs, Sam trains leading organizations and entertains tens of thousands of persons around the world. His programs promise to be the highest-content, most take-home-value presentations attendees have ever experienced. Read More
Ford Saeks, CSP, CPAE
Ford Saeks has redefined the formula for business success. His efforts have helped companies generate a total of over a billion dollars in sales worldwide. From start-ups to Fortune 500’s, Saeks is widely recognized as a Business Growth Profit Innovator. With over 20 years’ experience (ranging from retail to wholesale), he has founded over ten companies, authored four books, secured three U.S. patents, and received numerous industry awards. Read More
2019 CPAE
Speaker Hall of Fame Inductees
Rory Vaden, CSP, CPAE
Rory Vaden, CSP, CPAE, is the New York Times bestselling author of Take the Stairs. His insights have been featured in the Wall Street Journal, Forbes, CNN, Entrepreneur, Inc, and in several other major media outlets. Read More
Carey Lohrenz, CSP, CPAE
Carey Lohrenz, CSP, CPAE, is a dynamic communicator with an incredible story. As the first female F-14 Tomcat pilot, she was a pioneer in military aviation. Having flown missions worldwide as a combat-mission-ready United States Navy pilot, Carey Lohrenz is used to working in fast moving, dynamic environments where inconsistent execution can generate catastrophic results. Read More
Bill Stainton, CSP, CPAE
Bill Stainton, CSP, CPAE, 29 Time Emmy Award Winning Keynote Speaker, spent 15 years leading a world-class creative team to unparalleled results. Today he is one of the top keynote speakers for corporations and associations that want their people to produce better results and come up with breakthrough ideas on demand. Read More
2018 CPAE
Speaker Hall of Fame Inductees
Jay Baer, CSP, CPAE
Jay Baer, CSP, CPAE, has spent 25 years in digital marketing and customer experience, consulting for more than 700 companies during that period, including 34 of the FORTUNE 500. Read More
Lenora Billings-Harris, CSP, CPAE
Lenora Billings-Harris, CSP, CPAE, is a diversity strategist, author, and international speaker, who specializes in helping organizations make diversity and inclusion a competitive advantage. She is included among the top 100 thought leaders on Diversity by the Society of Human Resource Management. Read More
Bob Burg, CPAE
Bob Burg, CPAE, entertains and educates onstage. He is coauthor of the international bestseller The Go-Giver (rated #10 on Inc. Magazine's list of the Most Motivational Books Ever Written), now in 22 languages. Total sales of all his books are well over 1.5 million copies. Read More
Marilyn Sherman, CSP, CPAE
Marilyn Sherman, CSP, CPAE, has spent years motivating and inspiring audiences to get out of their comfort zone and get a front-row seat in life. She is seen as a go-to motivational keynote speaker for corporate and association markets that want their people achieve more results. Read More
Scott Stratten, CPAE
Scott Stratten, CPAE, is co-authors of five best-selling business books, co-owners of UnMarketing Inc and co-hosts of The UnPodcast along with his wife, Allison. He was put on this earth to remind the world that not all Canadians are passively polite. Read More
2017 CPAE
Speaker Hall of Fame Inductees
Jolene Brown, CSP, CPAE
Jolene Brown, CSP, CPAE, is a farmer, author and family business consultant. Her worldwide audiences laugh while they learn! Jolene’s unique credibility, authenticity, humor and wisdom are in high demand. She’s proud to use her platform to celebrate the people of agriculture. Read More
Colette Carlson, MA, CSP, CPAE
Colette Carlson, MA, CSP, CPAE, is the Founder of Speak Your Truth, Inc., and a human behavior expert who inspires individuals to connect and communicate in real and relevant ways. How to create effective connections, and leverage them for greater success, is the thread woven into every one of Colette’s presentations. Read More
Connie Dieken, CSP, CPAE
Connie Dieken, CSP, CPAE, guides leaders of the world’s top companies on how to elevate their presence and influence in the spotlight. She combines two rare qualities: the keen instincts of a TV journalist who’s also been inducted into the Radio/Television Hall of Fame® and the astute business insights of a high-integrity advisor to high-performing CEOs. Read More
David Horsager, MA, CSP, CPAE
David Horsager, MA, CSP, CPAE, is author of The Trust Edge and CEO of Trust Edge Leadership Institute. As the global expert on trust, he invented The Enterprise Trust Index™ and produces the nation’s foremost trust study—The Trust Outlook™. Read More
Bruce Turkel, CPAE
Bruce Turkel, CPAE, has created valuable brands for over 25 years. Bruce works with the world’s most compelling brands, including Hasbro, Amex, Charles Schwab, Citicorp, Discovery Networks, Bacardi, HBO, Canyon Ranch, and more. He’s an author, musician, artist, runner, and speaker. Read More
2016 CPAE
Speaker Hall of Fame Inductees
Jane Herlong, CSP, CPAE
As a Southern humorist, Jane Herlong, CSP, CPAE, entertains using funny, original Southern stories, folksy wisdom and singing to help folks live more productive, stress-free lives. Jane believes in the extraordinary healing power of humor and story telling. Read More
Linda Larsen, MFA, CSP, CPAE
Linda Larsen, MFA, CSP, CPAE, has been helping people worldwide upgrade their thinking, improve their communication and get much better quality results in life, both personally and professionally. She does this in such a fun and memorable way that she is sought after around the globe by meeting planners. Read More
David Glickman, CSP, CPAE
David Glickman, CSP, CPAE, has been a professional speaker and entertainer for over twenty five years and has presented over 2000 programs. Before transitioning from “show business” to “business shows,” he worked with everyone from The Beach Boys to Steve Martin and performed at private parties for singer Gloria Estefan and former President Jimmy Carter. Read More
Jason Hewlett, CSP, CPAE
Over 2,000 events, speeches, and performances in his 15-year career, for Fortune 500 companies, and clients such as American Express, Delta Airlines, 2002 Salt Lake Olympics, Coca~Cola, Wells Fargo, Experian, NuSkin, Younique and many more, have solidified Jason Hewlett, CSP, CPAE, as the go-to solution for corporate event needs. Read More
John Sileo, CSP, CPAE
Combining real-world experience with years of study, John Sileo, CSP, CPAE, became an award-winning author, trusted advisor and keynote speaker on identity theft, cyber security, online privacy and digital fraud. John specializes in making security fun and engaging for audiences, so that it works. Read More
2015 CPAE
Speaker Hall of Fame Inductees
Laura Stack, MBA, CSP, CPAE
Award-winning keynote speaker and bestselling author of seven books, Laura Stack, MBA, CSP, CPAE, is a noted expert in employee and team productivity. She is best known by her moniker, “The Productivity Pro®.” Read More
Simon T. Bailey, CSP, CPAE
Simon T. Bailey, CSP, CPAE, derives great joy by sharing and inspiring men and women with a simple transformational framework and the tools needed to create a purposeful life and a meaningful and profitable business. Read More
Walter Bond, CSP, CPAE
Now retired from the NBA, Walter Bond, CSP, CPAE, shares stories, lessons, and the type of motivation that sparks the superstars to success, moves the middle players into action, and provides the knowledge and skills needed to take the proven path away from the pack and into the peak performer’s spotlight. Read More
Jeffrey Hayzlett, CPAE
Jeffrey Hayzlett, CPAE, is a global business celebrity, speaker, best-selling author, and Chairman of C-Suite Network, home of the world’s most trusted network of C-Suite leaders. He shares his executive insight and commentary on television networks like Bloomberg, MSNBC, Fox Business, and C-Suite TV. Read More
Stephen Shapiro, CSP, CPAE
Stephen Shapiro, CSP, CPAE, cultivates innovation by showing leaders and their teams how to approach, tackle and solve their business challenges. Applying the knowledge he has accrued over decades in the industry, Stephen is able to see what others can’t: opportunities to improve innovation models and the cultures that support them. Read More
2014 CPAE
Speaker Hall of Fame Inductees
Christine Cashen, CSP, CPAE
Christine Cashen, CSP, CPAE, delivers a fast-paced, hilarious program with useful content that makes her a sought after speaker worldwide. She is an authority on sparking innovative ideas, handling conflict, reducing stress and energizing employees. Read More
Ron Culberson, CSP, CPAE
Ron Culberson, CSP, CPAE, helps people become extraordinary by helping them focus on seeking excellence while making their work experience more enjoyable. He helps leaders understand the components of an organizational culture that will attract great employees, develop excellent leaders, and deliver extraordinary products and services. Read More
Ken Futch, CSP, CPAE
Ken Futch, CSP, CPAE, professional speaker, humorist, career coach, author and survivor of his own life. He’s the president of Ken Futch and Associates, a training company that teaches organizations and individuals how to turn situations into opportunities and opportunity into success. Read More
Scott Halford, CSP, CPAE
Scott Halford, CSP, CPAE, is an Emmy Award winning writer and producer, an engaging presenter, and a long-time consultant to Fortune 500 executive teams. His expertise and experience enriches the contribution that he makes to every client. Read More
Brad Montgomery, CSP, CPAE
Brad Montgomery, CSP, CPAE, teaches people how to use happiness to boost productivity, creativity, innovation & profits. He turns typical meetings into transformational events using, the power of happiness. Oh, and he’s pretty funny. Read More
2013 CPAE
Speaker Hall of Fame Inductees
Randy Gage, CPAE
Randy Gage, CPAE, has spoken to more than 2 million people across more than 50 countries, and is the author of ten books translated into 25 languages. Read More
Jeff Salz, CPAE
Jeff Salz, CPAE, has led over one hundred wilderness, mountaineering and anthropological research expeditions around the world, including a number of first ascents and first solo- ascents of summits in Southern Patagonia and the remote Western Himalaya of India. Read More
Waldo Waldman, CSP, CPAE
Waldo Waldman, CSP, CPAE, teaches tactics on how to build trusting, revenue producing relationships with employees, partners, and customers while sharing his experiences as a decorated fighter pilot and sales expert. Read More
Brian Walter, CSP, CPAE
Brian Walter, CSP, CPAE, is an expert on taking your meeting-specific content and crafting it into compelling onstage experiences and productions. Read More
Mikki Williams, CSP, CPAE
Whether addressing the prestigious Million Dollar Round Table, or sharing the platform with Suze Orman or Tony Robbins, Mikki Williams, CSP, CPAE, unique storytelling is transformational, thought-provoking and she holds her audience members accountable to action. Read More
2012 CPAE
Speaker Hall of Fame Inductees
Steve Gilliland, CSP, CPAE
As a recognized master storyteller and brilliant comedian, Steve Gilliland, CSP, CPAE, can be heard daily on SiriusXM Radio’s Laugh USA. He shows audiences how to open doors to success in their careers, their relationships and their lives. Read More
Sally Hogshead, CPAE
Sally Hogshead, CPAE, is an international keynote speaker. Using her science-based Fascinate system, she teaches audiences how to instantly persuade and captivate in a world with a 9-second attention span. Read More
Ross Shafer, CPAE
Ross Shafer, CPAE, is one of the most sought after keynote speakers and seminar leaders on the subjects of Customer Urgency and Empathy, Personal Motivation, Reinvention, and Market Relevance. Read More
Peter Sheahan, CSP, CPAE
Peter Sheahan, CSP, CPAE, is the Founder & Group CEO of Karrikins Group, Peter Sheahan is known internationally for his innovative business thinking and thought leadership. Read More
Terri Sjodin, CSP, CPAE
Terri Sjodin, CSP, CPAE, is a “high content” speaker. Her approach is fresh, real-world, and her style is sassy and practical. Each presentation is loaded with street-worthy ideas, methods, and tips that men and women can use immediately to get results. Many consider Terri to be today’s sales professionals’ speech coach. Read More
