Leadership Conference - Speakers

Pat Dwyer is a high-impact keynote speaker, bridging the gap between entertainment and actionable professional development. He specializes in crafting "motivationally humorous" sessions that dismantle corporate silos and re-energize teams, blending master-level storytelling with data-backed insights. By leveraging humor as a strategic tool for engagement, Pat helps organizations navigate complex change and foster deeper connections, ensuring every attendee leaves laughing, with a fresh perspective and a tangible roadmap for growth. Pat has been ARRM's Leadership Conference emcee for several years, and we're thrilled to have him back in 2026!

Connor Fields is a three-time Olympian, two-time World Champion, and the only American to win Olympic BMX Gold. At the 2021 Tokyo Games, he suffered a severe crash resulting in life-threatening injuries, requiring extensive rehabilitation. Connor emphasized focus on resilience and gained new appreciation for the importance of mental health through his recovery. He is now a keynote speaker, the host of PBS's "Outdoor Nevada," and an Emmy award winning NBC sports BMX commentator. His inspiring story has been featured on The Today Show, Sports Illustrated, and in Vanity Fair. Connor motivates audiences with his journey, answering the ever present question: “Now what?” Lessons of resilience, peak performance strategies, and the powerful message emphasizing the importance of even the smallest decision prepare an audience to be prepared for their own moments of “now what?”

Meg Myers Morgan, PhD speaks on the power of self-worth and how recognizing it transforms how we negotiate for ourselves, protect our time, and defend our boundaries. She’s the author of the award-winning essay collection Harebrained, the best-selling personal development book Everything Is Negotiable, and the critically acclaimed novel The Inconvenient Unraveling of Gemma Sinclair. An associate professor at the University of Oklahoma, Meg has mentored hundreds of graduates students into careers their love. A master storyteller with a PhD and a punchline, Meg blends research, humor, and heart to deliver a talk that ands and lasts. 

Erik Therwanger is a dynamic international speaker, accomplished author of eight books, and passionate trainer. With over 30 years of experience, Erik has inspired thousands of professionals within organizations of all sizes, ranging from startups to Fortune 500 companies – across nearly every industry – to unlock their full potential. Drawing on his background as a United States Marine, caregiver, and executive business leader, Erik’s interactive style, practical tools, and relatable storytelling empower audiences around the world to take bold action and create lasting enhancements in their organizations. With a reputation for delivering highly impactful and engaging presentations, Erik specializes in leadership development, strategic planning, and sales excellence. As the founder of Think GREAT, a veteran-owned company, Erik is committed to transforming lives and magnifying results through keynote speeches, customized training programs, and corporate coaching. Whether on stage or in workshops, Erik is known for his high energy, relatability, and ability to connect with diverse audiences.

Austin Walker is a Meta Performance Coach with Novus Global who partners with leaders, teams, athletes, and organizations to break out of the cycle of “trying harder to do better” and discover what they’re actually capable of. His coaching helps high performers move beyond incremental improvement and into transformational growth. With over 15 years of experience leading multi-site teams in the nonprofit sector, Austin brings a deep understanding of leadership, systems, and human potential. He holds a Master’s Degree in Transformational Leadership and has worked with a diverse range of clients—including CEO’s founders, executives, athletes, artists, lawyers, construction leaders, educators, and mission-driven teams. Known for his rare blend of authenticity and intentionality, Austin helps clients clarify life-changing vision, uncover blindspots, and build the internal capacity to lead at a whole new level. His coaching doesn’t just improve performance, it changes lives. Based in St. Paul, Minnesota, Austin lives with his family and spends his free time chasing his daughters around the backyard, analyzing college football, and staying as-current-as-he-can on the latest binge-worthy shows.