Willie Jolley is a man on a mission! He is a Hall of Fame speaker, singer, best-selling author, and popular media personality.
In December 2024, Dr. Jolley was presented with the "Titans of Public Speaking" award at the Hope Global Forum annual conference in Atlanta, GA. The Hope Global Forum is an annual event that unites influential leaders across government, business, and community sectors to discuss solutions for economic empowerment and inclusion. Attendees include renowned figures such as Ambassador Andrew Young, SBA Administrator Isabel Guzman, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, Milken Institute Chairman Michael Milken, Delta CEO Ed Bastian, and esteemed minister and businessman Bishop T.D. Jakes.
In July 2023, he was the recipient of The National Speakers Association’s highest and most cherished award, The Cavett, named after the association’s founder, Cavett Robert.
In January 2023, he received the Joseph R. Biden Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award.
Dr. Willie Jolley has achieved remarkable heights in life, after coming from humble beginnings. His father died when he was a teenager and he put himself through college by singing in nightclubs and recording jingles for radio and television commercials. He went on to become a multi WAMMIE (Washington Area Music Association) award-winning nightclub performer. Yet, at the top of his nightclub career, he was fired and replaced by a karaoke machine, during the karaoke craze that swept America! Dr. Jolley decided that he was not going to give up, so he took that setback and turned it into an amazing “Comeback!”
Dr. Jolley started his speaking career as a drug prevention coordinator for the DC Public School System and went on to speak to millions of young people around the world. He produced and starred in the first PBS Special for teens, “Dare To Dream, Dare To Win,” which has become the #1 selling youth video in America. He was named “One of America’s Top Youth Speakers” by Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA).
He has gone on to be named “One of the Outstanding Five Speakers in the World” and “Motivational & Inspirational Speaker of The Year” by the 175,000 members of Toastmasters International. In 2005, he was inducted into the prestigious Speaker Hall of Fame and received the CPAE Award (Council of Peers Award of Excellence).
Dr. Jolley soon started receiving speaking requests from other industry sectors and went on to great success speaking to colleges, associations, and corporations. He was the expert Ford Motors called on in 2006, when they were on the brink of bankruptcy. He worked with Ford from 2006 to 2009, and they were able to reject a government bailout and go on to billion-dollar profits.
He has achieved the distinction of Certified Speaker Professional (CSP) by the National Speakers Association. He is a recipient of the Ron Brown Distinguished Leadership Award and was named “One of the Top 5 Leadership Speakers” by Speaking.com and “Legend of The Speaking Industry” by the Veterans Speakers Association.
Dr. Willie Jolley became the featured speaker for The Moneywise National Tour in 2012 and in 2014, he was chosen to replace the legendary Zig Ziglar on the National Get Motivated Tour. On that tour he joined a who’s who of world-renowned speakers such as Les Brown, Shark Tank star Daymond John and sales guru, Tom Hopkins.
Dr. Jolley was recently invited to be an “Personal Development Expert Artist in Residence” at High Point University, where Dr. Nido Qubein is president. He joins a list of high-profile individuals including Steve Wozniak, co-founder of Apple Inc., and best-selling author and leadership guru, Dr. John Maxwell.
Dr. Jolley was the first African American President of the Washington, DC Chapter of The National Speakers Association (NSA) and was able to double membership and revenues in one year. As a result, he went on to become the first African American elected to the National Board of NSA. He is a former Chairman of The Speaker Hall of Fame Leadership Committee and is the first African American to hold that position.
Dr. Willie Jolley uses his public platform to pursue his mission of empowering and encouraging people to rise above their circumstances and maximize their God-given potential! No matter the venue, from his exciting global television appearances to his Sirius XM radio show to corporate audiences like Walmart, General Motors, Comcast, Verizon, Marriott, Johnson, and Johnson Dubai, Coca-Cola US, Coca-Cola South Africa, Prudential Australia, and Prudential Malaysia or The Million Dollar Round Table. Dr. Willie Jolley keeps it moving with high energy and enthusiasm. He delivers powerful nuggets on how every person can live a better life and win more, every day!
Dr. Willie Jolley is the author of several international best-selling books including, It Only Takes A Minute To Change Your Life, A Setback Is A Setup For A Comeback, Turn Setbacks Into Greenbacks and An Attitude of Excellence (which was endorsed by former Ford Motors CEO, Alan Mulally and Dr. Stephen Covey, author of the landmark book, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People). And contributing author of Chicken Soup for The Christian Soul, where he is featured on the front cover with Joyce Meyer, Dr. Tony Campolo and Naomi Rhode.
Dr. Jolley is co-author, with his wife of 37 years, Dee Taylor-Jolley, of the popular marriage book, Make Love, Make Money, Make It Last! - 10 Secrets To Shape A Great Marriage.Their TED Talk from the book entitled, “How To Never Argue Again in Marriage” is a big hit for relationships globally.
Dr. Jolley is a popular media personality and can be heard and weekly on his #1-rated The Willie Jolley Wealthy Ways Show on Sirius XM Channel 141 and heard daily on the syndicated "Get Up! Mornings with Erica Campbell" show on the Radio One Network. Plus, his popular podcast, The Willie Jolley Wealthy Ways Podcast, can be heard on iHeart Radio, C-Suite Radio, Spotify, TuneIn, and Apple Podcasts. All his radio and podcast programs are sponsored by Truist Financial.
Additionally, his “Dr. Willie Jolley Motivational Minute” daily TV program was a popular staple on many television stations across America and now is available globally on Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram, where Walmart has been a sponsoring partner. Dr. Jolley and his wife host a weekly marriage advice show called “The Jolley Marriage Show” airs Monday nights at 9 pm ET on Facebook Live,Instagram Live, and LinkedIn Live. All episodes can also be found on his YouTube channel at JolleyMarriageShow.com.
Dr. Jolley’s philanthropic interests are expressed through his non-profit organization, Jolley Good News, which focuses on helping reduce prison recidivism and encourages youth, particularly urban youth, to pursue leadership and academic excellence.
He holds an earned Doctorate (D. Min) Degree in Faith-Driven Achievement from the California Graduate School of Theology, a master’s degree in theology from Wesley Theological Seminary, and a B.A. in Psychology and Sociology from American University.
Dr. Willie Jolley resides in Washington, DC and shares his life with his wife, Dee, his two adult children and two grandchildren.
Willie Jolley is a man on a mission! He is a Hall of Fame speaker, singer, best-selling author, and popular media personality.
In December 2024, Dr. Jolley was presented with the "Titans of Public Speaking" award at the Hope Global Forum annual conference in Atlanta, GA. The Hope Global Forum is an annual event that unites influential leaders across government, business, and community sectors to discuss solutions for economic empowerment and inclusion. Attendees include renowned figures such as Ambassador Andrew Young, SBA Administrator Isabel Guzman, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, Milken Institute Chairman Michael Milken, Delta CEO Ed Bastian, and esteemed minister and businessman Bishop T.D. Jakes.
In July 2023, he was the recipient of The National Speakers Association’s highest and most cherished award, The Cavett, named after the association’s founder, Cavett Robert.
In January 2023, he received the Joseph R. Biden Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award.
Dr. Willie Jolley has achieved remarkable heights in life, after coming from humble beginnings. His father died when he was a teenager and he put himself through college by singing in nightclubs and recording jingles for radio and television commercials. He went on to become a multi WAMMIE (Washington Area Music Association) award-winning nightclub performer. Yet, at the top of his nightclub career, he was fired and replaced by a karaoke machine, during the karaoke craze that swept America! Dr. Jolley decided that he was not going to give up, so he took that setback and turned it into an amazing “Comeback!”
Dr. Jolley started his speaking career as a drug prevention coordinator for the DC Public School System and went on to speak to millions of young people around the world. He produced and starred in the first PBS Special for teens, “Dare To Dream, Dare To Win,” which has become the #1 selling youth video in America. He was named “One of America’s Top Youth Speakers” by Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA).
He has gone on to be named “One of the Outstanding Five Speakers in the World” and “Motivational & Inspirational Speaker of The Year” by the 175,000 members of Toastmasters International. In 2005, he was inducted into the prestigious Speaker Hall of Fame and received the CPAE Award (Council of Peers Award of Excellence).
Dr. Jolley soon started receiving speaking requests from other industry sectors and went on to great success speaking to colleges, associations, and corporations. He was the expert Ford Motors called on in 2006, when they were on the brink of bankruptcy. He worked with Ford from 2006 to 2009, and they were able to reject a government bailout and go on to billion-dollar profits.
He has achieved the distinction of Certified Speaker Professional (CSP) by the National Speakers Association. He is a recipient of the Ron Brown Distinguished Leadership Award and was named “One of the Top 5 Leadership Speakers” by Speaking.com and “Legend of The Speaking Industry” by the Veterans Speakers Association.
Dr. Willie Jolley became the featured speaker for The Moneywise National Tour in 2012 and in 2014, he was chosen to replace the legendary Zig Ziglar on the National Get Motivated Tour. On that tour he joined a who’s who of world-renowned speakers such as Les Brown, Shark Tank star Daymond John and sales guru, Tom Hopkins.
Dr. Jolley was recently invited to be an “Personal Development Expert Artist in Residence” at High Point University, where Dr. Nido Qubein is president. He joins a list of high-profile individuals including Steve Wozniak, co-founder of Apple Inc., and best-selling author and leadership guru, Dr. John Maxwell.
Dr. Jolley was the first African American President of the Washington, DC Chapter of The National Speakers Association (NSA) and was able to double membership and revenues in one year. As a result, he went on to become the first African American elected to the National Board of NSA. He is a former Chairman of The Speaker Hall of Fame Leadership Committee and is the first African American to hold that position.
Dr. Willie Jolley uses his public platform to pursue his mission of empowering and encouraging people to rise above their circumstances and maximize their God-given potential! No matter the venue, from his exciting global television appearances to his Sirius XM radio show to corporate audiences like Walmart, General Motors, Comcast, Verizon, Marriott, Johnson, and Johnson Dubai, Coca-Cola US, Coca-Cola South Africa, Prudential Australia, and Prudential Malaysia or The Million Dollar Round Table. Dr. Willie Jolley keeps it moving with high energy and enthusiasm. He delivers powerful nuggets on how every person can live a better life and win more, every day!
Dr. Willie Jolley is the author of several international best-selling books including, It Only Takes A Minute To Change Your Life, A Setback Is A Setup For A Comeback, Turn Setbacks Into Greenbacks and An Attitude of Excellence (which was endorsed by former Ford Motors CEO, Alan Mulally and Dr. Stephen Covey, author of the landmark book, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People). And contributing author of Chicken Soup for The Christian Soul, where he is featured on the front cover with Joyce Meyer, Dr. Tony Campolo and Naomi Rhode.
Dr. Jolley is co-author, with his wife of 37 years, Dee Taylor-Jolley, of the popular marriage book, Make Love, Make Money, Make It Last! - 10 Secrets To Shape A Great Marriage.Their TED Talk from the book entitled, “How To Never Argue Again in Marriage” is a big hit for relationships globally.
Dr. Jolley is a popular media personality and can be heard and weekly on his #1-rated The Willie Jolley Wealthy Ways Show on Sirius XM Channel 141 and heard daily on the syndicated "Get Up! Mornings with Erica Campbell" show on the Radio One Network. Plus, his popular podcast, The Willie Jolley Wealthy Ways Podcast, can be heard on iHeart Radio, C-Suite Radio, Spotify, TuneIn, and Apple Podcasts. All his radio and podcast programs are sponsored by Truist Financial.
Additionally, his “Dr. Willie Jolley Motivational Minute” daily TV program was a popular staple on many television stations across America and now is available globally on Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram, where Walmart has been a sponsoring partner. Dr. Jolley and his wife host a weekly marriage advice show called “The Jolley Marriage Show” airs Monday nights at 9 pm ET on Facebook Live,Instagram Live, and LinkedIn Live. All episodes can also be found on his YouTube channel at JolleyMarriageShow.com.
Dr. Jolley’s philanthropic interests are expressed through his non-profit organization, Jolley Good News, which focuses on helping reduce prison recidivism and encourages youth, particularly urban youth, to pursue leadership and academic excellence.
He holds an earned Doctorate (D. Min) Degree in Faith-Driven Achievement from the California Graduate School of Theology, a master’s degree in theology from Wesley Theological Seminary, and a B.A. in Psychology and Sociology from American University.
Dr. Willie Jolley resides in Washington, DC and shares his life with his wife, Dee, his two adult children and two grandchildren.
How To Turn Your Setbacks into Comebacks
Taken from his popular television special, Turning Setbacks into Comebacks, Willie Jolley explains how in these times of uncertainty, high anxiety and fear for financial security, we can survive, and dare we think, thrive!
Willie Jolley is right on time with this message of how to turn your setbacks into comebacks! He has interviewed people of all walks of life on how they came back from great adversity. He shares their techniques,...
An Attitude of Excellence - 5 Simple Steps For 5 Star Success
Description:
Developing "An Attitude of Excellence" is Willie Jolley's answer to the age-old question of what secrets, principles and strategies help "5 star" organizations create consistent success.
This highly entertaining and comprehensive program is based on his work with these leading edge companies.
This program is designed to help participants:
- Develop a workplace culture of...
Change IS GOOD - When Your Attitude is GREAT!
"The best way to build your future is to build yourself. And the best way to build your organization is to build your people." -Willie Jolley
Description:
In this program, the audience is sold on the positive perspective of change! Change is essential to any growth process. Everyone wants progress, but nobody wants to change!
Willie Jolley shares his patented "VDAD" (vision, decision, action, desire) Formula for successfully...
How To Be Unstoppable! Leadership & Achievement!
Description:
Willie Jolley believes leadership is an action not a position! He reminds us that great leaders always focus on the possibilities rather than the challenges! Great leaders are willing to do whatever is necessary rather than doing what is comfortable! And leaders look to develop more leaders rather than more followers!
Willie Jolley takes you on a memorable roller coaster ride of why you must develop the leader within you and then gives you...
Turn Setbacks Into Greenbacks
Description:
Willie Jolley is the inspirational thought leader Ford Motor Company used to go from the brink of bankruptcy to billion dollar profits.
Tough times create new opportunities, that either make you or break you! When you implement Willie Jolley's 7 steps for turning setbacks into greenbacks, you will be ready to make those new opportunities work for you!
Willie Jolley helps you discover how...
9 recommend Willie
Post your own verified review when you hire this speaker through eSpeakers.
Ford Motor Company
On-Site
N.H.M., Strategy Analyst, Ford Motor Company
Verified @ford.com"Your message of the importance of taking a positive approach to a less than desirable situation was refreshing and inspirational, and exactly what the employees needed to hear. The professional style in which you delivered your message gave you instant credibility and allowed the audience to value the information that you were providing. Your willingness to adjust to adverse speaking conditions at several venues was greatly appreciated, as was your flexibility exhibited in accepting last minute changes to both scheduled dates and times."
Sagicor Life Jamaica Ltd.
On-Site
M.R., Seminar Director, Sagicor Life Jamaica Ltd.
Verified @sagicor.com"We are truly amazed each year at the amount of work and effort it takes to plan and execute the Sagicor Motivational Seminar. My eyes have only now been opened to the fact that we truly are on a NEW MISSION each time we set out to raise the bar year after year with our seminar. A significant part of the mission is to find world class speakers who will inspire, uplift and resonate. We accomplished our mission when we found you! We cannot express in words how grateful we are for your contribution to the success of SMS2012. Your inspirational, uplifting and thought-provoking message resonated with the entire team. It is unquestionable how far your message has reached and the value it has added to our individual journey. This is already evident in the overwhelming volume of calls and e-mails that we have received since the conclusion of your presentation. We are so happy that we had the opportunity to connect with you and in turn connect you with the rest of the team. Our attendees left feeling a renewed sense of hope and spirit to challenge their individual and collective mission going forward. On behalf of the entire Sagicor family, we say thank you and wish you all the best in your future pursuits."
Defender Direct
On-Site
M.L., Chief Learning Officer, Defender Direct
Verified @defenderdirect.com"Having Mr. Willie Jolley as one of our two keynote speakers this past February,and the feedback we continue to receive is awe-inspiring. Willie's message from the stage was both captivating and humbling,and what made him especially unique was the fact that his appearance did not end when his speech was over,but instead,he made himself available in our Marketplace to meet employees and hear their stories. We are extremely grateful for the opportunity to meet and work with Wlilie Jolley and we are excited to continue to find new ways we can work with and learn from him in the future."
Hyatt Regency Baltimore
On-Site
G.E.S.H., General Manager,, Hyatt Regency Baltimore
Verified @hyatt.com"Please let me express to you the impact you made at our meeting last week. You are an exceptionally inspiri ng, highly energetic, forward-thi nking, motivational speaker. I knew i t was the right decision to have you speak to my fellow team members when at the end of the presentation you received a standing ovation. Willie, I look forward to your return to give us our six-month check up. However, a week after the presentation our team members are still talking about your insight into exceptional service and what it means to each of us personally as well as professionally."
University of the District of Columbia
On-Site
M.C.R., VP, University Advancement, University of the District of Columbia
Verified @udc.eduDear Dr. Jolley: Please accept this letter of sincere appreciation for your presentation at the Strategic Planning Committee Retreat for the University of the District of Columbia. Your presentation helped to support our theme, "Vision 2020: A Roadmap for Renewal, Innovation, Success and Sustainability." Retreat participants were intrigued by your message and have acknowledged the timeliness of the topics discussed. Your inspiration and enthusiasm helped to establish the tone for the work that remains to be done with our process. Thank you again for your contributions to this critical effort for the University and we appreciate your support.
Cox Media
On-Site
J.W., SVP, Cox Media
"Unbelievable","Fantastic","Uplifting" were just a few of the comments that I heard after your extremely motivating presentation to our Sales Executives in Orlando. Thank you so much for being a part of our Sales Training Conference. You were the perfect ending to a great meeting and it is difficult to find the words to express how you made everyone feel. Your enthusiasm and passion for life was apparent when you addressed our group. Our Sales Executives have sent me letters, notes and emails about the conference and they have all referenced what a difference you made in how they will approach their jobs as well as their lives. Our Sales Training Conference survey has returned with you receiving the highest marks from the group. Thanks again for an outstanding performance. You were right on the mark and accomplished everything we needed."
Society for Human Resource Management
On-Site
J.R.C., VP, Human Resource & Strategic Planning, Society for Human Resource Management
"On behalf of the Society for Human Resource Management, please accept my heartfelt and sincere thanks for the inspiring presentation you gave the SHRM staff. I believe your message touched many lives. Your unique and motivating style caused us all to think more carefully about taking responsibility for our own words, thoughts and deeds. Diversity messages can sometimes be murky, and the audience may go away not clearly understanding-or being moved by-the speaker's message. That, however, was not the case with you. By bringing us through an enlightening journey about valuing diversity, you helped us understand the importance of leadership, change, challenge and responsibility. The stories you chose to punctuate your teaching points were as profound as they were memorable. Thank you for reinforcing life's important lessons. Thank you too for reminding us how important it is to dream, to care, and to make music together by embracing diversity and valuing it."
YMCA of Metropolitan Washington
On-Site
A.L.R.H., President & CEO, YMCA of Metropolitan Washington
Thank you for enhancing our First Report Rally for the YMCA of Metropolitan Washington's Building Bridges Campaign. Your motivational remarks were poignant, timely and extremely energizing. Every time I hear you speak, I am reminded of why you are "The Jolley-Good Guru of Acclaimed Speakers!" Many attendees have shared how your books, CDs and audio clips have positively impacted their perspective and renewed their sense of self. For many years you have partnered with the YMCA of Metropolitan Washington to foster the spiritual, mental and physical development of individuals, families and communities according to the ideals of inclusiveness, equality and mutual respect for all. Thank you for helping the YMCA of Metropolitan Washington remain committed to strengthening communities in the areas of youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. We appreciate your generosity and look forward to working with you again in the near future."
Weichert Real Estate Affiliates, Inc.
On-Site
M.J.R., Real Estate Associate, Weichert Real Estate Affiliates, Inc.
"Dear Willie, THANK YOU ... not only for your inspiring message of hope and tenacity but for making our real estate team feel so very special. You obviously did your research and listened to our challenges. Real estate people, like many others in our country, have been suffering. You tailored your message to our professional needs. But you also touched our hearts by your profound personal message and willingness to spend additional time at our reception and afterwards to recognize and encourage so many of our group. If you need a personal endorsement, have anyone call me. YOU DESERVE TO BE LABELED ONE OF AMERICA'S VERY BEST SPEAKERS! Thanks for making our convention one of the very best. You delivered!"
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Covers & Jackets
Documents
- Turn Setbacks Into Greenbacks
- Willie Jolley Award-Winning Speaker
- The WOW of Willie Jolley
- Top5 Speaker Award Press Release
- WillieJolley_Champion_of_Business_Award_WashingtonDC_2015_PR
- Dr. Willie Jolley's Keynote Presentations
- Dr. Willie Jolley's One-Sheet
- Presidential Lifetime Achievement Awards Press Release
- One Man Show Press Release
- Cavett Award Press Release
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