MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER & WORLD-CLASS ATHLETE
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My comeback story inspires resilience and helps people and organizations find practical ways to thrive through change and uncertainty.
Seattle Motivational Speaker
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Hey, I'm Charles Clark
I was once one of the fastest men in the world. But a career-ending injury forced me to rebuild everything— my body, my mind, and my purpose. That journey shaped a message that has now helped over 700,000 people build resilience and start thriving. Event planners don’t hire me just to motivate. They bring me in because I make people feel something and then give them the tools to do something about it.
For the past 12 years, I’ve worked with top-performing teams, Fortune 500 companies, and national conferences to unlock the mindset that delivers results. My keynotes are backed by science, built for real life pressure, and designed to meet the moment. Audiences leave uplifted with practical strategies they can apply immediately to reset, take bold action, and lead with confidence. Let’s create something epic for your next event.
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Seattle motivational Speaker
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What people are saying about Charles:
HIRE A MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER THAT UPLIFTS AND CHANGES LIVES AT YOUR EVENT.
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Charles wowed an audience of hundreds of higher education professionals. He brings such energy and authenticity -- the audience was glued to his every word.
karen o.
He was able to engage with our group and hit our hearts and minds in an incredible way to help our organization THRIVE.
carl f.
He hit the ball out of the park! The way he energized the room and kept the crowd engaged, demonstrated why he was a world class athlete, and highlighted the lessons he brought to our group!
jonathan n.
From the very moment Charles stepped onto our town hall stage, I knew we were in for a transformative experience.
holly m.
Charles presented an interesting and engaging talk to our group tailoring his comments specifically to our group's profession and the challenges we face.
walter j.
He kept our employees engaged and truly made them feel heard, seen and valued!
krystal f.
Charles worked collaboratively with me to provide my program members with a specific and customized presentation that supported their growth in overcoming adversity.
ben c.
I have never worked with a speaker that was so attentive to details. Charles took the time to meet with us to ensure he was an excellent fit for the event.
derria f.
Your energy, authenticity and inspiring message set the stage for our annual conference.
stephanie s.
He shared his vulnerabilities and a pathway to wellness that inspired attendees to walk away with a plan to work on themselves.
chris a.
He is authentic and incredibly personable, and most of our attendees said he was their favorite part of the day. I would recommend Charles for any event!
jennifer l.
Unlike some speakers, Charles was 100% relatable, sincere and down to earth. He kept it real throughout his speech.
kristine g.
He was able to connect with our student-athletes on finding their inner drive and visualization of success.
renia e.
From our first phone meeting, I knew that Charles' story and approach to overall mental health would resonate with our group.
shannon m.
He was able to make a connection with our audience, support them in thinking deeply about how to thrive, offer words of encouragement and advice in bringing these ideas to fruition.
nick p.
He is very personable and easy to relate to! Charles offered many practical, motivational strategies for both personal and work related situations!
region 10 s.p.
The energy Charles brought to the event was amazing and contagious!
maria b.
All participants felt the presentation was right on the mark and exactly what we were looking for to rekindle energy within our company.
shannon s.
Charles' motivation and hype was contagious! Walking away from this experience feeling empowered and ready to THRIVE!
jennifer p.
Charles brought the energy we needed to boost up our event! I would definitely recommend him if you're looking to re-energize your events and really connect with your people!
lauren a.
REVIEWS
300+ REVIEWS AND ALL RAVING
Charles wowed an audience of hundreds of higher education professionals, and I'm so glad he agreed to speak at our conference. He brings such energy and authenticity -- the audience was glued to his every word. I highly recommend him as a guest speaker to get your crowd energized and positive.
karen Oehme
He hit the ball out of the park! We had hired speakers in the past to help with kickoffs, but Charles was the best! The way he energized the room and kept the crowd engaged, demonstrated why he was a world class athlete, and highlighted the lessons he brought to our group!
Jonathan Nycz
I have never worked with a speaker that was so attentive to details. Charles took the time to meet with us to ensure he was an excellent fit for the event. He can be flexible, is energetic, and knows how to engage an audience. He has set the bar high for the organization. I don't know what we will do next year because his performance has set the bar high. He pays attention to details, and it shows.
Derria FORD
Charles was by far the best motivational speaker our company has ever hired. He kept our employees engaged and truly made them feel heard, seen and valued! I have a wide range of employees from ages ranging from 18-78, and different cultures and backgrounds from all walks of life. Charles truly impacted each and everyone of them.
Krystal fernandez
Charles, you knocked it out of the park for us!! Your energy, authenticity and inspiring message set the stage for our annual conference, and left our park and recreation professionals ready to take on the world.
Stephanie Stephens
Charles brought the energy to our meeting, even doing his speech live virtually for us. He captured the team's attention immediately. Unlike some speakers, Charles was 100% relatable, sincere and down to earth. He kept it real throughout his speech.
Kristine Glancy
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Charles was the Speaker at our Entrepreneur (EO) Retreat and it was excellent. He gave great energy, fostered crowd participation, presented new ideas, and reinforced known concepts from a different approach. The group found great value and would definitely recommend.
Brian May
Charles spoke at our company's annual leadership conference. His message really resonated with our group and his energy was contagious. We received positive comments on our conference survey. Highly recommend him!
Sandra Barfield
Charles created a powerful atmosphere and brought the energy to our event. By the end of the talk, it felt like each person had gained tools for self-care and growth and a renewed sense of responsibility to go after what you want... We also got 300 copies of Charles' book where attendees lined up for a book signing after the event. People were still in line when we finished cleaning up the event. We appreciate Charles taking the time to meet and sign books for everybody.
Savhana Garland
Charles was a phenomenal keynote speaker! He tailored his presentation to apply and connect with our event's audience in the most meaningful way!... The in-depth conversations audience members had with him post-show was validation of his impact on our attendees. His team was exceptional to work with and very timely on deliverables... I would definitely recommend him if you are looking for a keynote speaker for your event!
Krystal F.
Charles Clark was passionate, engaging and really held our audience's attention. He and his team were a dream to work with.
Holly South
He is a true powerhouse speaker with an incredible journey and knows how to ignite the fire within all of us. If you're thinking of securing him for your event, DO IT!!
Chanté Markus
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Charles exceeded our hopes and expectations and I could not recommend him more highly. He was able to make a connection with our audience, support them in thinking deeply about how to thrive, ... and advice in bringing these ideas to fruition, and inspiring all of us to reach further than we thought possible individually and as a community.
Nick Pinkerton
Charles Clark did a great job of connecting and was well received by all staff! He is very personable and easy to relate to! Charles offered many practical, motivational strategies for both personal and work related situations! Recommend, especially for educators and athletes...
Region 10
Charles Clark is phenomenal!! His presentation at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff for the YMTF Professional Development conference was much needed. He left the students and me wanting to hear more. The positive affirmations given were much needed even in my own personal life and experiences. I strongly recommend Mr. Clark as a motivational speaker for any event.
Tonia Crumpton
Charles brought energy as soon as he entered the room and he kept the energy level up and engaged our audience throughout the program. I think each person connected in some way and were able to relate to him. He inspired everyone to reflect on their lives, both professionally and personally. I would highly recommend bringing in Charles to your next event.
Randy Jacobs
The amount of energy & passion Charles brought to his message had our team excited and engaged. Absolutely thrilling!
Heather Jones
We were looking for someone to motivate our group... Charles did not disappoint. His high energy electrified the room and motivated our group of small business owners to thrive...!
Bradford Rowley
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Charles Clark came to speak at our BOMA Orlando May luncheon and he was a hit! His anecdotal stories helped everyone to connect and relate on their own personal journeys. We would recommend him time and time again. Don't miss out!
Amy Ravenelle
🔥 From the very moment Charles stepped onto our town hall stage, I knew we were in for a transformative experience. As a team comms manager, it's crucial for me to ensure that the messages shared with my team not only inspire but resonate on a personal level. Charles Clark achieved this and more.
Holly Millward
Charles Clark brought the energy and synergy needed to kick-off our year! He was able to connect with our student-athletes on finding their inner drive and visualization of success. Our coaches raved about how he brought home some of the messages they were trying to emphasize with their teams. His clear message and engaging personality made for a seamless conversation with our students.
Renia Edwards
From our first phone meeting, I knew that Charles' story and approach to overall mental health would resonate with our group of over 300 early childhood teachers. I highly recommend Charles and his team for both small and large events--because he makes everyone feel like family.
Shannon Moodie
He is authentic and incredibly personable, and most of our attendees said he was their favorite part of the day. I would recommend Charles for any event!
Jennifer Lee
Charles spoke in front of our small group and did a great job! He was very genuine and down to earth and interacted very well with the audience. Communication before, during, and after the event was great!
Kevin M
BOOK CHARles
HIGH ENERGY
He offers high energy delivery that actually keeps your audience engaged. Your audience will leave fired up, ready to create an impact internally and with those they come in contact with.
relevant
Charles crafts speeches specifically for your audience and the challenges they’re facing in life. He speaks to your audience with empathy, giving them the tools to break down barriers and create lasting change.
authentic
Charles speaks from his heart and shares messages that are relevant to himself and his audience. He peels back the curtain on his life, allowing the audience to get to know him authentically.
relatable
Charles uses his past of pain, fear and heartache to tell a story that’s relatable and impactful, challenging audiences to create change in their lives, just like Charles did.
ENGAGING
Charles’ messages are simple, impactful and engaging - the kind that keep your audience begging for more. As a part of Charles' audience, you're not just a number, you're an individual person that he connects to, making his events feel more like an intimate conversation rather than a speech.
BOOK CHARLES
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IAAF World Championship
01. Send a Message
3 ways to book charles
Email us at events@thecharlesclark.com with a brief overview of your event needs. You can also message us using the video popup.
02. Fill Out a Form
Fill out the requested details on the form here, giving Charles’ team everything they need to know about your event.
03. Shoot a Text
Text "Thrive Experience" to 813-687-7560 and Charles' team will help you take next steps.
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Most Popular Speeches
Speaker Topics & Descriptions
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Please note: all keynotes are customizable to meet your event needs.
CHOOSE TO THRIVE (adaptability)
From the exhilarating highs of being recognized as one of the fastest men in the world, US Silver Medalist, 10x All-American, 3x NCAA National Champion and standing on the precipice of athletic greatness, to the heart-wrenching lows of a career-ending injury, Charles’ story is a testament to the human spirit's unconquerable will. It's a message not just about loss, but about the pivotal moments of choice that redefine our paths and propel us toward fulfilling our destinies.
Audiences of all ages and backgrounds will discover that regardless of your season—be it personal, within their companies, or the collective challenges of our times—they are merely a choice away from thriving. Charles will illuminate how making the right choices, even in the face of uncertainty, is the cornerstone of living a life that not only pursues dreams but achieves them.
In this keynote attendees will be able to:
Emphasize the significance of thriving by focusing on controllable factors.
Encourage investing in personal growth to cultivate a winning mindset.
Highlight the necessity of taking responsibility for setbacks to drive positive change.
Explore the impact of decision-making and how strategic choices can accelerate goal achievement.
Uncover the science behind behaviors and methods to reprogram your mindset.
Share strategies for living a thriving life and becoming your best self.
Offer techniques for maintaining consistent habits to lead a fulfilling life and build momentum toward
your goals.
"Choosing to Thrive" is more than a message based on his latest book Guide to Thrive; it's a journey that encourages individuals to rise above their circumstances, embrace the power of resilience, and make choices that are best for them. It's a call to action for everyone to not only dream but to be an active participant in fulfilling those dreams, ensuring that we live lives that make us proud.
Who this topic is for: Anyone looking to develop leadership and top performers.
Formats: Virtual events, Sports Teams, Sales Teams, Conferences, Kick-off Events, Associations, Colleges,
Corporate EventsHow to Make Choices that Lead to a Richer & Meaningful Life
BACK TO Topics
How To Navigating Your Mental State During Times of Extreme Change
The mental game of winners (mental health)
BACK TO Topics
How To Get Unstuck, Out Of Your Head, And Thrive
Recognizing the difference between a mentally tough moment and a mental health moment and what to
do about it. Charles knows the highs of success and the lows of defeat. As an experienced and decorated athlete, he was familiar with the challenges life throws at us and had mastered control of his mind as well as his physical body—or so he thought!
When a devastating injury took away his future in track, this life-altering event sent him into a downward
spiral of anxiety and depression that manifested in panic attacks and a new kind of struggle, unlike
anything he had ever experienced. Understanding the stigma of mental health, he knew how important it was to change this narrative for himself and others. His relentlessness took a new turn as he dove into learning the importance of self-care and wellness practices and creating a mindset shift.
Charles has committed himself not only to becoming the best version of himself but helping others to do
the same through mental health awareness and coping skills to experience more resilience, post-traumatic growth, and well-being.
In this session on mental health, Charles will:
Identify what mental health is and what it isn’t
Provide tools and resources to recognize mental well-being
Share several self-therapy techniques to lead, take control, and win in life after anxiety, overwhelm,
and uncertainty
Provide practical coping skills/tactics to help manage stress and optimize your performance
Discuss the importance of self-care and its impact on your future and well-being
Provide guidance and effective strategies for taking ownership of your mental health and wellness
Share ways to become mentally tough and engage in a mental “tune-up”
Explain how to change the view and stigma about mental health
Provide ways to incorporate mental health awareness with team members, coworkers, and staff
Who this topic is for: Anyone looking to take control of their life and win.
Formats: Virtual events, Sports Teams, Sales Teams, Conferences, Kick-off Events, Associations, Colleges, Corporate Events
the "i" in team (leadership)
BACK TO Topics
The Playbook To Create A Winning Culture And Thriving Business
What makes a winning team? Is there a difference in mindset between those who often seem to “win” in life versus those who, well, DON’T? Why do organizations, teams, and team members who all seem to be striving for their vision of success often miss the mark?
Winning teams know it takes individuals doing their part to contribute to the team's success. Charles refers to this leadership concept from his best-selling book as the "I in Team." Charles Clark uses his experience as an entrepreneur, NCAA 3x National Champion, and sixth fastest man in the world to help organizations and leaders develop the winning play that elevates people's performance, buy-in, and communication to a championship level. With his work with elite athletes, Olympians, MLB teams, NFL teams, and Fortune 500 companies such as Kellogg's, Pepsico, Amazon, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and Johnson & Johnson—and more than 600,000 people—Charles understands most people fail and do not achieve their desired goals because they don’t view themselves as a key player in the game, so they struggle to take control of their life and the position they are entrusted with.
The “I” in Team session is a playbook for becoming an All-Star, creating a winning culture, and thriving business. As an authority on overcoming adversity, taking control, and winning, Charles shares concepts from his “I” in Team playbook that demonstrate how to:
Invest in yourself to develop a winning mindset.
Automate your life to increase productivity and free up your time to get faster results.
Build impactful relationships among your team and create a lasting legacy.
Take ownership when things don’t go as planned to create positive change.
Identify the gaps that are stopping you from creating momentum and building on your success.
Be coachable to become a top performer, foster a high-achieving culture, and become part of a winning team.
Discover the best follow-through strategies that create change in the workplace and position you to live the life you want professionally and personally.
Who this topic is for: Anyone looking to develop leadership and top performers.
Formats: Virtual events, Sports Teams, Sales Teams, Conferences, Kick-off Events, Associations, Colleges, Corporate Events.
Does Charles speak on adaptability and navigating uncertainty?
What is the format of Charles’s keynote?
What is Charles' core message about?
Clarity for your next event.
Why should we book Charles as our Seattle motivational speaker?
What Type of Groups Does Charles Not Speak To?
What does Charles’s keynote include?
What does a motivational speaker do?
What is Charles' core message about?
Charles’ core message centers on the science of thriving. Thriving is both a decision and a condition. It is a state of acting and being where your mindset and your actions align with the best version of who you are meant to become. At its core, thriving is the continual choice to move forward no matter the pressure, to grow through both success and struggle, and to make decisions that elevate your future instead of protect your comfort. Charles teaches leaders and teams how to improve the quality of their thinking so they can improve the quality of their outcomes. Through practical mental performance strategies, he empowers leaders to lead with purpose, helps teams unify around a shared mission, and equips organizations to adapt, compete, and perform at a higher level so that meaningful growth happens and lasting impact takes center stage.
Does Charles speak on adaptability and navigating uncertainty?
What is the format of Charles’s keynote?
Why should we book Charles as our motivational speaker?
What Type of Groups Does Charles Not Speak To?
What does Charles’s keynote include?
What does a motivational speaker do?
Does Charles speak on adaptability and navigating uncertainty?
Yes. Adaptability is one of Charles’s core topics, woven directly into both his message and his lived experience.
After becoming the sixth fastest man in the world, Charles was forced to pivot when a career-ending injury closed one chapter of his life. That transition from elite athlete to international keynote speaker was not accidental. It required clarity, identity work, and the ability to evolve under pressure. That same framework is what he now teaches organizations.
In today’s fast-moving business environment, uncertainty is constant. Markets shift. Leadership changes. Priorities evolve. Charles helps teams manage their mental state during change, focus on controllable factors, accept the process, and respond with intention rather than reaction. He teaches the mental game required to win when the circumstances are not ideal.
From rebuilding after injury to building a brand that operates among the top tier of speakers worldwide, Charles models that adaptability is not optional. It is essential. His message equips teams to thrive in uncertainty, move with clarity, and perform at a high level no matter what changes around them.
What is the format of Charles’s keynote?
What is Charles' core message about?
Why should we book Charles as our motivational speaker?
What Type of Groups Does Charles Not Speak To?
What does Charles’s keynote include?
What does a motivational speaker do?
What is the format of Charles’s keynote?
Charles’s standard keynote format is a 45-minute session followed by a 15-minute Q&A.
However, this is not limiting. He adapts to the needs of the client, whether that includes extended sessions, breakouts, workshops, or additional engagement touchpoints. His goal is simple. Deliver the format that creates the most impact for your event's mission and vision.
Does Charles speak on adaptability and navigating uncertainty?
What is Charles' core message about?
Why should we book Charles as our motivational speaker?
What Type of Groups Does Charles Not Speak To?
What does Charles’s keynote include?
What does a motivational speaker do?
What does Charles’s keynote include?
- Unlimited pre-event calls to ensure complete clarity and alignment. These conversations allow Charles to understand your brand, language, leadership priorities, and event objectives so the message supports your bigger vision.
- A customized keynote created specifically for your organization, not a recycled presentation.
- A box of signed copies of Charles’s books for your attendees.
Does Charles speak on adaptability and navigating uncertainty?
What is the format of Charles’s keynote?
What is Charles' core message about?
Why should we book Charles as our motivational speaker?
What Type of Groups Does Charles Not Speak To?
What does a motivational speaker do?
Why should we book Charles as our Seattle motivational speaker?
As one of the fastest men in the world turned mindset and performance expert that teaches on the science of thriving, Charles blends science-backed mental performance strategies with real-world experience. He does not just speak about pressure, setbacks, and reinvention. He has lived them at the highest level. From competing on national stages to overcoming a career-ending injury, he understands what it takes to rebuild identity, regain momentum, and win again.
When you bring Charles to your stage, you can expect:
- High energy and commanding presence that captures attention from the first moment
- Customized keynotes built around your goals, audience, and event vision
- Practical tools for resilience, adaptability, and navigating uncertainty
- Real strategies rooted in mental performance science
- A speaker who meets people where they are and moves them forward
- Inspiration that translates into measurable change
- A relatable, down-to-earth style that connects from the C-suite to the front line
If your event is about growth, momentum, and helping your people perform at their best, Charles is not just a speaker. He is a strategic partner in helping your audience choose to thrive.
Does Charles speak on adaptability and navigating uncertainty?
What is the format of Charles’s keynote?
What is Charles' core message about?
What does Charles’s keynote include?
What Type of Groups Does Charles Not Speak To?
What does a motivational speaker do?
What Type of Groups Does Charles Not Speak To?
Charles primarily works with universities, corporations, leadership teams, athletic organizations, and mission-driven companies that are serious about growth and performance.
He does not speak at elementary or middle school events. High school engagements are rare and considered only for very special causes within the Florida area.
His focus is young adults and above. Organizations that are on fire to make a difference. Teams that are not satisfied with average. Leaders who want to grow beyond current success and reclaim their competitive edge.
Charles thrives in environments where there is a real need to get better. To elevate culture. To sharpen mindset. To compete at a higher level. He gets most energized when there is mutual hunger in the room. When inspiration, innovation, and growth are not just buzzwords, but expectations. That is where transformation happens.
Does Charles speak on adaptability and navigating uncertainty?
What is the format of Charles’s keynote?
What is Charles' core message about?
Why should we book Charles as our motivational speaker?
What does Charles’s keynote include?
What does a motivational speaker do?
What does a motivational speaker do?
A motivational speaker helps organizations change their mindset, refocus priorities, and activate performance.
The right speaker does more than energize a room. They create clarity during uncertainty, strengthen belief during pressure, and give people tools they can apply immediately. Charles Clark, world-class athlete and best-selling author, is the definition of motivationa speaker as he helps teams build confidence, increase mental resilience, and navigate change with intention. His keynotes are designed to create lasting momentum, not temporary hype.
Does Charles speak on adaptability and navigating uncertainty?
What is the format of Charles’s keynote?
What is Charles' core message about?
Why should we book Charles as our motivational speaker?
What Type of Groups Does Charles Not Speak To?
What does Charles’s keynote include?
Clarity for your next event.
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Complete the form below, and Charles's booking manager will provide you with my pricing, availability, and a personalized roadmap to craft your custom keynote experience within 24 hours!
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Complete the form below, and Charles's booking manager will provide you with my pricing, availability, and a personalized roadmap to craft your custom keynote experience within 24 hours!
