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Professional development keynote · Three-time Olympian
Professional development keynote speaker
We live in a world that is constantly changing. Unfortunately, the pace of this change has never been faster. Devon Harris helps your people, from the C-suite to the front line, keep growing and keep pushing through it.
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Professional development speaker
Why professional development can't wait
"During times of change, some people are so far behind that they think they are ahead."A saying Devon often comes back to
Such a dynamic marketplace requires organizations to be nimble and create a culture of employee engagement. Such rapid change also dictates that employees and professionals keep abreast of changes in their respective industries and general market trends while keeping current with technology.
A Professional Development keynote speaker plays a very crucial role in the growing of employees and the growth of a company. It is often said that during times of change, some people are so far behind that they think they are ahead. Engaging in professional development training is one way to ensure that you are indeed ahead of the curve. Numerous professional keynote speakers can help an organization engage its employees through professional development speeches, workshops, or seminars. Companies can even introduce employees to self-help or motivational books written by professional development speakers.
While it is clear that employees must participate in professional development training to stay ahead of the rapid speed of change and ultimately render themselves more valuable to the company and the marketplace, organizations must engage a professional development speaker. The best companies understand the importance of investing in employees' professional development. The top career development speakers have the knowledge and expertise to help employees, from C-suites to entry-level employees, improve their leadership skills and emotional intelligence and give them the tools needed to navigate the pitfalls standing between them and their goals.
GROWTH
For meeting planners
Hiring a professional development keynote speaker
Companies have recognized the critical role professional development plays not just in adapting but also thriving during times of disruptive change. As such, more and more companies are hiring a professional development keynote speaker who can engage their employees – from high-level executives to front-line staff. During these professional development keynote speeches, workshops, and seminars, leaders are shown how they can engage, inspire, and develop their employees. Employees are given the tools to pursue personal and professional development. As they say, "a rising tide floats all boats." The company is bound to do the same when employees grow and develop.
In hiring a professional development speaker, meeting planners should consider that they could function as an opening or closing keynote speaker or lead a breakout session where they may function as a motivational speaker by supporting employee engagement by focusing on personal development or motivational subject. In addition, some professional development speakers, including some top personal development speakers, are known to function as inspirational speakers for schools and colleges.
Regardless of their role, a professional development keynote speaker will be engaging and motivational. Their experience and expertise will also allow them to deliver content relevant to the industry and organization. They will not only be able to entertain but educate the audience, giving them tools that will help them to grow and become more effective and productive.
Where Devon fits your development program
Tell us about your eventProfessional development days
An opening keynote that sets the tone for a full day of professional learning, for corporate teams, educators and in-service days.
Leadership development programs
A keynote for leaders at every level on engaging, inspiring and developing their people through change and pressure.
Employee engagement and all-hands
A shared story and a common language your whole organization can use, from front-line staff to the executive team.
Conferences and breakouts
Opening or closing keynote, or a breakout session on personal growth, motivation and a growth mindset.
See Devon in action.
Speaking Kit and more videosDevelop a resilient mindset
A short talk from Devon on building a resilient mindset and the Keep On Pushing approach.
How to develop and inspire high-performing teams
Devon on how leaders develop and inspire high-performing, resilient teams.
How Devon turns growth into habit: the 3R System.
A practical way for people and teams to keep developing when pressure hits, so the keynote turns into something your team keeps using long after the event.
R1
Responsibility
Own the moment. What is ours to own?
“Stop asking how do I win this, and start asking how do we win this.” 0:06
R2
Reframe
Change the frame. What perspective creates better options?
“Individuals that play to win don't wait for the evidence. They become the evidence.” 0:05
R3
Reset
Win the next run. What must we release, realign and do next?
“It's not why me. It's not who's to blame. But rather: now what?” 0:18
For your next event
Ready to take employee engagement to the next level?
Three-time Olympian and founding member of the Jamaica bobsled team, Devon Harris is a professional development speaker, seminar leader, and motivational keynote speaker. Devon inspires audiences worldwide to keep pushing past the obstacles in their lives, grow, and ultimately live their best lives. Devon delivers his engaging, high-energy, inspirational keynotes to corporate events for fortune 500 companies, non-profits, governmental organizations, schools, and universities.
His journey, from a barefoot boy in Kingston, Jamaica, to a graduate of the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, an officer in the Jamaica Defence Force and a member of his country's first Winter Olympic team, gives your people a story they remember and practical tools they can use the next morning. Read Devon's full story.
What your people leave with
Ownership of their growth
Personal and professional development reframed as something each person drives, not something that happens to them.
Tools for change
A practical way to adapt to new technology, new markets and new expectations instead of falling behind them.
Leaders who develop others
Leaders shown how to engage, inspire and develop their people, from high-level executives to front-line staff.
Energy that turns into action
Higher engagement, with people ready to set bigger goals, take bold action and keep pushing toward them.
Length
Up to an hour
A professional development keynote typically runs up to an hour including Q & A. Devon can also lead a workshop or seminar alongside the keynote.
Format
In person, virtual or hybrid
Opening or closing keynote, breakout session, leadership meeting or professional development day, built around your theme and goals.
Investment
Based on your event
Fees depend on the date, location, format and length of your program. Ask for Devon's fee for your date.
What clients say after Devon speaks
Read all client reviews“Devon brings perspective from an incredible personal journey to reaching heights of performance many aspire to but few can attain. He brings an energy that leaves us feeling anything is possible with resiliency and determination. We can’t wait to have Devon back to spend time with us again!”

“Devon and his program have made such a positive impact within our Digital Sales Organization at Adobe. We came out of the keynote with a ton of positive energy…. ending the quarter hitting 119%, in what is historically low quarter. I can say, Devon keynote speech contributed to 15+% in production.”
“In looking over our participant surveys, Devon's presentation was consistently rated as the highlight of our meeting.”
“Thank you for the wonderfully inspiring, informative and entertaining talk you gave to our Finance, Actuarial and Risk management teams at Arch Capital Group. You absolutely hit the nail on the head. It was obvious to all that you had done your homework on us and took the time to understand our team’s goals and priorities.”
Filmed minutes after Devon left the stage
Development for your audience
More keynotes for growing teams
Professional development keynote questions
What does a professional development speaker do?
A professional development speaker helps employees and leaders keep growing in a marketplace that keeps changing. Devon Harris combines his story, from Kingston to the Winter Olympics, with practical tools from his 3R System (Responsibility, Reframe, Reset), so your people keep developing long after the event.
Can Devon speak at our professional development day?
Yes. Devon often opens professional development days, in-service days and professional learning events for corporate teams, educators and associations, and he can add a workshop or seminar to the keynote.
Who is a professional development keynote for?
Everyone, from the C-suite to entry-level employees. Devon has spoken for Fortune 500 companies, non-profits, governmental organizations, schools and universities, and every keynote is built around your audience and goals.
How long do professional development keynote speakers speak for?
A professional development keynote typically runs up to an hour including Q&A. The program can be longer, or paired with a workshop, depending on the type of event you are hosting.
How much does a professional development keynote speaker cost?
The cost of a professional development keynote speaker varies based on experience as a keynote speaker, celebrity status and the length of your program. Send your date, location and audience through the form below and Devon's team will come back to you with availability and fees.
Can Devon deliver the keynote virtually?
Yes. Devon delivers in-person, virtual and hybrid keynotes. See the Speaking Kit for his bio, photos and introduction.
Invest in your people. Bring Devon to your team.
Tell us about your event and Devon's team will come back to you with availability and fees.
speaker@devonharris.com · 844-853-3766
Prefer to talk? Call 844-853-3766, email speaker@devonharris.com or follow Devon on LinkedIn.