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DAVID BLAKE
MOTIVATIONAL
SPEAKER
What if the biggest obstacle in your way…was actually your next big breakthrough?
David Blake helps audiences flip their thinking, reframe adversity, and take action - starting now.
At the height of a thriving entertainment career, David walked into a routine ankle surgery - only to awaken to a life forever changed by a recalled drug that caused a traumatic brain injury. Left unable to walk, speak clearly, or hold himself up, he lost almost everything except his will to rebuild. His journey is a raw, human story of resilience, reinvention, and turning unimaginable loss into purpose.
With humor, heart, and tools that work in the real world, David inspires people to stop waiting for “someday” and start building a life and work they’re proud of - even when things are hard.
"David, The World Needs What You Have to Share." -Jack Canfield
FLIP FLOP PHILOSOPHER
MEET DAVID BLAKE
At 40 years old, David Blake was a fixture in Chicago’s corporate entertainment scene—an energetic force behind high-impact events, game shows, team-building experiences, and dynamic stage moments. He led one of the city's premier entertainment companies and was fresh off a nonstop 22-day run of events leading into the holidays when a simple fall on the ice changed everything. What was meant to be a routine ankle surgery turned catastrophic when a recalled drug caused a traumatic brain injury. David walked into the hospital under his own power—and left unable to walk, speak clearly, or hold himself up.
Told by specialists that he had just five months to live, David was advised to “get his affairs in order.” That was nine years ago. Despite profound physical setbacks, misdiagnosis, and the isolation that followed, David’s journey became one of radical resilience. He refused to accept the end of his story and instead began rewriting it—step by hard-fought step. Today, David speaks, shares, and creates with a mission: to explore what it truly means to be human—and help make today’s world more human in return.
KEYNOTES THAT INSPIRE
Navigating the Unknown:
Rebuilding Focus, Resilience, and Clarity in a World of Disruption
AUDIENCE TAKEAWAYS
In this compelling, humor-infused keynote, David Blake takes your audience on a journey through uncertainty — using his personal recovery from a neurological injury to unlock powerful, practical tools for navigating disruption, stress, and change. Audiences leave not just inspired, but equipped to reset, refocus, and re-engage with what matters most.
A practical framework for turning distraction into purposeful action
Neuroscience-based strategies to rebuild focus and calm the overwhelmed mind
How to set meaningful goals — even when the future feels unpredictable
Tools to create momentum and engagement across teams
Permission to be human — and resilient — in a world that demands constant output
This keynote is often customized to align with your event’s core theme, with expanded focus on:
• Wellness & Burnout Recovery (wellness)
• Leading Through Uncertainty (leadership)
• Change Readiness & Adaptability (change)
• Goal-Setting & Motivation (Goals)
TESTIMONIALS
David... Wow, what a fantastic & fun day! You are truly a special human...a treasure.
Again, thank you 10x for EVERYTHING you have done to keep this beautiful organization beating.
Meeting Professionals International
David, The world needs what you have to share.
Jack Canfield, Co-Author: Chicken Soup for Your Soul
Wow!, Thanks David Blake
WGN Chicago Morning News
David, you are such an inspiration and role model for us all.
-Gregg Golson CPCU, CSM, ACS, AIC, AIM, AINS, API
Just want to thank u for being hands down amazeballs on so many levels. I have mad respect for everything you have put in place in Chicago… I’m so glad I stayed… Some days are hard, but it’s days like today that make me remember we change lives for the better. Ur a great inspiration to many and Im proud to say you’re on my team :)
5th 3rd Bank
David Blake, President of NSA Central Florida chapter, thank you for tireless efforts in keeping this organization organized, engaged, educated, and happy!
Dana, Speaker/Association Member
I was just recording a session today and the guest spoke so highly of how much value you gave on your Chat. --- you are The Valuable Leader!
Velma, Podcast Host of The Valuable Leader
I would refer your business and Lisa Ann without hesitation.
Davey
Forever grateful for the trainings you did for students and teachers throughout Florida and for your willingness to always lend a hand regardless of the short notice. Grateful to have had you on my team.
Gladys, Sandy Hook Promise
Thank you for being so on top of it and going above and beyond! You helped make the event a huge success! Sincerely, Thank you!
Noah's Hope
David Blake is a one-man support system! I love that dude, especially in flip flops!
Chad, Elevated Funding
A great job David Blake on your role in building a solid leadership team!
Hardy, Institute of Organization Management-US Chamber of Commerce Foundation
I would like to thank you for the great job you did for us at Girl’s Night In. It was a huge success thanks to you and many other generous people. Vendors and attendees are still buzzing about it. Many people asked me where I found you and I gave them our flyer, so you maybe getting a lot of business out of this.
Irish American Heritage Association
Bravo! Thank you so much for everything you've done to add value to our community and everything you do to set up the next team for success.
Sylvie, CEO
The event was a success and everyone seemed to enjoy. As always, it’s a pleasure working with you. You are a true professional. Until next time
Hosts Chicago
On behalf of the Activities Committee, a sincere thank you for outstanding services during last week’s event at ADP Elk Grove. I am receiving feedback via an online survey from the attendees.
ADP
Thank you! Rave reviews and really fun, and I’m so grateful people were so engaged. Please feel free to use me as a reference in the future. Thanks, Dave.
Hard Rock Cafe
Thanks for a different & upbeat experience. Success!
True Value
It was an amazing hit all around! Nothing but great comments from the staff. You sure know how to work a room!
Live Nation
Thank you so much, David. When I saw you posting about positive things, I really wanted to let you know what I was doing.
Tiffany
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU.
Thanks again for your genuine interest and support with this event. So appreciated.
Citi Group
The Chicago Movie Blues made the event! We have had nothing but wonderful compliments from our clients. Thank you for all your great work!
Daikin
The 50’s Rock’N’Bowl –“We LOVE You. We had a great time! You were a huge hit. People could not stop talking about it the next day.
Sabre Holdings
Our 80’s Day event last September, received the best employee reviews ever!
This year the Activities Team has decided to do a “Game Show Day” Everyone on the A-Team said to “bring Flip Flop back!” We hope this date works for your schedule
Munich RE
Just wanted to send a quick note to say thank you for an amazing program! The guests had a blast dancing on stage and playing inflatable guitars. You really helped make our event a success. Thank you!
Hasbro
Cheryl and I are very glad we met you a few years back and look forward to working together many times in the future.
Mount Prospect Park District
David, Our Chapter is certainly in need of your experience leadership in our industry right now.
Andy, Association President
