Deborah Gardner
CMP, CVP
AZ, USReady to IGNITE your audience to ACTION, INSPIRATION, and RESULTS? Bring in Guinness World Record holder and Top 75 Keynote Speaker Deborah Gardner! She empowers leaders to OWN THEIR LANE, crush audacious goals, and lead with UNSINKABLE grit, strategy, and bold confidence NOW!
At seven years old, Deborah Gardner was terrified of swimming in a pool, convinced a shark was going to eat her. Ironically, that same little girl would grow up racing toward a BIG dream fueled by relentless training and fierce determination. Then came the devastating blow: the 1980 Olympic boycott. In an instant, the dreams of an entire generation of athletes, including Deborah’s, were crushed. But champions aren’t defined by the race they lose. They’re defined by how they rise afterward.
OWN YOUR LANE. CATCH YOUR GOALS AND DREAMS. GET OFF THE BLOCK AND GO!
Deborah Gardner took that fire and forged a remarkable career, becoming one of the most decorated ultimate-hype businesswomen in the country. Breaking barriers, as one of the first female sports broadcasters for CBS and NBC, to wearing the crown of Mrs. America, to owning three successful enterprises. Most recently, she earned a spot in the Guinness World Record holder by swimming 21 miles across the Catalina Channel as the oldest woman to complete it. One thing is certain: Deborah’s journey is packed with grit, reinvention, and bold moves, and she knows what it means to perform under pressure.
Hailed as a top keynote speaker alongside icons like Magic Johnson, Les Brown, and Colin Powell, Deborah is anything but typical as she channels her hard-earned lessons to help leaders and teams think bigger, act faster, and perform at record-breaking levels. Fortune 500 companies call her the “Pit Bull in a Skirt” because she doesn’t just talk about perseverance; she lives it - NOW! Let’s just say, she’s mastered the art of turning human ambition into real-world results with lots of fun and high-energy interaction.
Her work and recent story have been featured across major media outlets, including ABC, Bloomberg, CBS Sports, ESPN, FOX News, Canada Business Review, World News, C-Span, Access Hollywood, MSNBC, Yahoo News, USA Today, and more.
The best part? With more than 30 years in hospitality, Deborah is a Certified Meeting Professional (CMP, CVP) and one of only seven speakers worldwide to hold the CMP credential. She’s also the creator and host of the broadcast show HOSPITALITY TODAY LIVE, which makes her a logistics pro who understands the back-of-the-house like no other. In other words, working with Deborah is seamless.
Off duty, this Arizona-based mermaid wannabe enjoys her desert-meets-ocean hybrid lifestyle with her husband, Jerry, and their pup, Cami.
Want more info? Go to www.DeborahGardner.com or just Google, and you'll find her.
"Deborah's keynotes are like doing a cannonball into a pool of espresso—splashy, fun, and impossible to sit still for.” - DB, VP Sales & Revenue Mgmt., PCH Hotels
BOOK PUBLICATIONS
- OWN YOUR LANE: Where Brave Leaders Dive In With Unsinkable Spirit and Make Waves (Release 2027)
- COMPETE BETTER NOW! 52 Challenges for a Kick-Butt Winning Year
- Naked Negotiating: The Bare-Bone Truth for Effective Negotiating
- Naked Negotiating: Revealing Top Business Negotiation Strategies for Leaders
- Naked Negotiating: Exposing Advanced Negotiation Formulas for Success
- How to Sell to Men Without Wearing a Low-Cut Dress
AWARDS & RECOGNITION
- Guinness World Record Holder, Ultra-Marathon Channel Swimmer
- Eventex Top Most Influential People in the Events Industry
- Top 30 Global Gurus in Hospitality
- Successful Meetings' Convention Industry Council's Top 30 Influential Meeting Professionals
- Arizona's Most Fabulous People To Watch
- Meetings Mean Business Ambassador
- Smart Meetings Magazine's Top Women Meetings Leader & Best of the Stage Smart Speaker
- Meetings & Conventions Magazine's "Planners' Favorite Speaker" List
- Top 5 Most Requested Speakers by Meeting Professionals International (MPI)
- Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) Recipient
- Past President Meeting Professional International Arizona Sunbelt Chapter
- Convention Industry Council's Top 30 Most Influential Meeting Professionals
- National #1 Swim Collage Team & 2-Time Sr. National Gold Medal Swimming Champion
WHERE DEBORAH DELIVERS IMPACT:
- Opening Keynotes – Ignite your audience with energy, inspiration, and actionable takeaways to set the tone for a powerful event.
- Closing Keynotes – Leave a lasting impression by reinforcing key insights and motivating attendees to take immediate action and beyond the event.
- Leadership Team Meetings – Energize leaders and entrepreneurs at all levels to innovate, collaborate, and elevate performance.
- Annual Sales Kick-Offs – Boost engagement, connection, and momentum to drive revenue and exceed sales goals.
- Women’s Conferences – Inspire and empower women to own their strengths, lead boldly, and create impact.
- College & Alumni Events – Motivate emerging leaders with practical strategies to achieve goals, build confidence, and step into their next chapter.
At seven years old, Deborah Gardner was terrified of swimming in a pool, convinced a shark was going to eat her. Ironically, that same little girl would grow up racing toward a BIG dream fueled by relentless training and fierce determination. Then came the devastating blow: the 1980 Olympic boycott. In an instant, the dreams of an entire generation of athletes, including Deborah’s, were crushed. But champions aren’t defined by the race they lose. They’re defined by how they rise afterward.
OWN YOUR LANE. CATCH YOUR GOALS AND DREAMS. GET OFF THE BLOCK AND GO!
Deborah Gardner took that fire and forged a remarkable career, becoming one of the most decorated ultimate-hype businesswomen in the country. Breaking barriers, as one of the first female sports broadcasters for CBS and NBC, to wearing the crown of Mrs. America, to owning three successful enterprises. Most recently, she earned a spot in the Guinness World Record holder by swimming 21 miles across the Catalina Channel as the oldest woman to complete it. One thing is certain: Deborah’s journey is packed with grit, reinvention, and bold moves, and she knows what it means to perform under pressure.
Hailed as a top keynote speaker alongside icons like Magic Johnson, Les Brown, and Colin Powell, Deborah is anything but typical as she channels her hard-earned lessons to help leaders and teams think bigger, act faster, and perform at record-breaking levels. Fortune 500 companies call her the “Pit Bull in a Skirt” because she doesn’t just talk about perseverance; she lives it - NOW! Let’s just say, she’s mastered the art of turning human ambition into real-world results with lots of fun and high-energy interaction.
Her work and recent story have been featured across major media outlets, including ABC, Bloomberg, CBS Sports, ESPN, FOX News, Canada Business Review, World News, C-Span, Access Hollywood, MSNBC, Yahoo News, USA Today, and more.
The best part? With more than 30 years in hospitality, Deborah is a Certified Meeting Professional (CMP, CVP) and one of only seven speakers worldwide to hold the CMP credential. She’s also the creator and host of the broadcast show HOSPITALITY TODAY LIVE, which makes her a logistics pro who understands the back-of-the-house like no other. In other words, working with Deborah is seamless.
Off duty, this Arizona-based mermaid wannabe enjoys her desert-meets-ocean hybrid lifestyle with her husband, Jerry, and their pup, Cami.
Want more info? Go to www.DeborahGardner.com or just Google, and you'll find her.
"Deborah's keynotes are like doing a cannonball into a pool of espresso—splashy, fun, and impossible to sit still for.” - DB, VP Sales & Revenue Mgmt., PCH Hotels
BOOK PUBLICATIONS
- OWN YOUR LANE: Where Brave Leaders Dive In With Unsinkable Spirit and Make Waves (Release 2027)
- COMPETE BETTER NOW! 52 Challenges for a Kick-Butt Winning Year
- Naked Negotiating: The Bare-Bone Truth for Effective Negotiating
- Naked Negotiating: Revealing Top Business Negotiation Strategies for Leaders
- Naked Negotiating: Exposing Advanced Negotiation Formulas for Success
- How to Sell to Men Without Wearing a Low-Cut Dress
AWARDS & RECOGNITION
- Guinness World Record Holder, Ultra-Marathon Channel Swimmer
- Eventex Top Most Influential People in the Events Industry
- Top 30 Global Gurus in Hospitality
- Successful Meetings' Convention Industry Council's Top 30 Influential Meeting Professionals
- Arizona's Most Fabulous People To Watch
- Meetings Mean Business Ambassador
- Smart Meetings Magazine's Top Women Meetings Leader & Best of the Stage Smart Speaker
- Meetings & Conventions Magazine's "Planners' Favorite Speaker" List
- Top 5 Most Requested Speakers by Meeting Professionals International (MPI)
- Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) Recipient
- Past President Meeting Professional International Arizona Sunbelt Chapter
- Convention Industry Council's Top 30 Most Influential Meeting Professionals
- National #1 Swim Collage Team & 2-Time Sr. National Gold Medal Swimming Champion
WHERE DEBORAH DELIVERS IMPACT:
- Opening Keynotes – Ignite your audience with energy, inspiration, and actionable takeaways to set the tone for a powerful event.
- Closing Keynotes – Leave a lasting impression by reinforcing key insights and motivating attendees to take immediate action and beyond the event.
- Leadership Team Meetings – Energize leaders and entrepreneurs at all levels to innovate, collaborate, and elevate performance.
- Annual Sales Kick-Offs – Boost engagement, connection, and momentum to drive revenue and exceed sales goals.
- Women’s Conferences – Inspire and empower women to own their strengths, lead boldly, and create impact.
- College & Alumni Events – Motivate emerging leaders with practical strategies to achieve goals, build confidence, and step into their next chapter.
OWN YOUR LANE
How to Lead Stronger Than the Current for Record-Breaking Performance
Great leaders don’t wait for calm waters; they rise in the current. Drawing from her Guinness World Record Catalina Channel swim, Deborah Gardner shows the mindset behind her record-breaking performance, proving that bold action, resilience, and focus can help you own your lane and lead stronger than the current. Delivered with a high-energy, entertaining, no-excuses...
NEVER SWIM ALONE
Where Splash-tastic Teams Win
Swimming solo in business—or life? Think again. When was the last time you truly succeeded alone… or crossed an ocean without a crew? In today’s fast-moving, hyper-competitive world, the teams that cheer each other on, build trust, and move together are the ones that outsmart the sharks and win big.
Welcome to the G FORCE Experience, where Deborah Gardner takes you on...
PICK YOUR GO
What are you waiting for… permission, perfection, or a giant lifeguard whistle to shove you off the block?
Resistance, fear, and hesitation love to talk loudly. They tell you to play small, stay safe, and wait for “someday.” But ambitious people? They don’t wait… they GO!
In this high-energy, laugh-out-loud keynote, Deborah takes audiences on a bold ride through all the excuses that keep people stuck in the slow lane. Through powerful firsthand experience, an...
BE UNSINKABLE
Navigating Changing Waters and Making Waves
What if you were truly UNSINKABLE? Ever feel like pressure is coming at you from every direction? Like no matter how hard you try, the waves just keep crashing? Most people hesitate, stall, or sink, but not you. In this high-energy, interactive keynote, Deborah Gardner shows you how to stay steady, focused, and moving forward no matter what life throws at you.
From ultra-marathon channel...
LEAD AMBITIOUSLY
How To Master Pressurized Leadership in a Resistant World
In today's fast-paced, high-pressure environment, leaders face mounting demands, fierce competition, and constant change. The chaos is real, but so is the opportunity. Your secret weapon? AMBITION!
This isn’t your typical program. It’s a fast-paced, game-changing experience that recalibrates your thinking, challenges your mindset, and turbocharges your leadership...
BE AMBITIOUSLY YOU
The Power to Claim Your Voice and Conquer Your Goals
In a world where change barrels forward faster than a caffeine-fueled deadline, social media amplifies every voice (except your own), and disruptions pop up like surprise emails on a Friday afternoon, staying true to you can feel nearly impossible. But here’s the good news: whether you’re launching something new, grabbing opportunities with both hands, revving up your team, or gearing up to...
AWAKEN YOUR INNER CHAMPION
The Record-Breaking Mindset To Working And Living In The Fastlane
Ever feel like you’re sprinting but the finish line keeps moving? Wondering why having talent or an advantage isn’t enough to consistently win?
Drawing from her record-breaking competitive swimming career, Deborah Gardner shows that success isn’t just about having the edge; it’s about strategy, focus, and unsinkable action. To reach the next level,...
STREAMLINE INTO ACTION FOR HUGE RESULTS
Are you ready to stop hesitating and start achieving? Too often, even when we know what we want, we stall and opportunities slip by quickly. In this high-energy, interactive keynote, Deborah Gardner shows you how to streamline into action and turn your skills, talents, and ideas into immediate results. Fast-paced, hands-on, and packed with real-time exercises, this session equips you to act decisively, overcome obstacles, and thrive while working and living in the fast...
THE GO METHOD WORKSHOP
Ready to stop overthinking and start GO-ing? In this high-energy, laugh-out-loud interactive workshop, Deborah Gardner shares The GO Method, a simple, powerful process behind her famously successful feat as a Guinness World Record holder.
Participants will uncover bold goals, activate their passions, and learn how to turn ideas into immediate action. Expect big energy, real breakthroughs, and plenty of “aha!” moments as dreams...
19 recommend Deborah
Post your own verified review when you hire this speaker through eSpeakers.
Henkel Company
On-Site
A.L., Henkel Company
The results are contagious!
Mount Juliet High School Quarterback Club
On-Site
A.D.R., President, Mount Juliet High School Quarterback Club
Verified @gracefultables.comWOW! A dynamic competition message like no other! A true motivating force for our Football Team! If your group needs a Winning Attitude, Deborah's your gal!
American Express Business Travel
On-Site
L.M.J., Meeting Manager, American Express Business Travel
You were fantastic. Thank you for making our kick off meeting a success.
Timeline Meetings & Events LLC
On-Site
D.M., Timeline Meetings & Events LLC
A talented orator that has a phenomenal humorous message and delivery style.
Credit Management Association
On-Site
J.O., Education Team Leader, Credit Management Association
Such a strong keynoter that was so engaging, energetic, and entertaining. My members loved her message. Most of all, she was extremely easy to work with! Can't wait to get her on a future program! A+
Society of Government Meeting Professionals
On-Site
G.P., Education Director, Society of Government Meeting Professionals
Your session was very popular and well received. As a matter of fact, the most attended in the history of our conference. Thank you!
Elite Ideas
On-Site
J.C., Elite Ideas
Amazing high-content speaker with a strong message who is motivational in style and tone.
Walmart Stores, Inc.
On-Site
I.W., VP, Walmart Stores, Inc.
Thank you for that fantastic keynote presentation! You most certainly are a 'pit bull in a skirt' speaker that delivers what you promised. Thank you again for kicking off what turned out to be a great Educational Day.
Consumer Credit Industry Association
On-Site
S.J.C.J.A.., Exec. VP & COO, Consumer Credit Industry Association
What great energy and understanding of our group's needs. WOW! Deborah's message is very clear, direct and engaging and brings people into the discussion without making anyone feel like they are spoken to but rather in the room with her for an exchange of ideas. Everyone MUST consider Deborah for their next meeting.
Professional Convention Management Association,
On-Site
A.J., Associate Director, Professional Convention Management Association,
It's been a year since your presentation at PCMA and people are still talking about it" Thank you for making our job easy.
Mastro's City Hall Steakhouse
On-Site
S.A., Director of Events, Mastro's City Hall Steakhouse
Deborah is a fresh voice that inspires me to keep coming back to her programs! It's amazing how fast Deborah turned around every problem I needed to solve. Her interactive presentation is like a laser of inspiration that keeps the audience involved and entertained. I would highly recommend her to any company or organization!
Adventures in San Antonio
On-Site
D.G., Adventures in San Antonio
Verified @adventuresinsa.comThere's only one word for Deborah Gardner...Unforgettable!
Specialized Carriers & Rigging Assoc.
On-Site
K.E., Meeting Professional, Specialized Carriers & Rigging Assoc.
Great news, I was stopped so many times to hear how great you were, how everyone had a wonderful time with you, and how they really enjoy the best energetic session they have ever experienced! As a planner, it was the first time that I actually sat through an entire session. You truly made my job easier and it's much appreciated.
Marriott
On-Site
L.M., Director of Sales, Marriott
What a success the session was today! We greatly appreciate you sharing your experiences and wisdom with our Arizona Marriott Hotels. This program really helped kick off our Global Customer Appreciation Week.
HPN Global
On-Site
B.L., HPN Global
High content speaker with a strong message who is motivational in style and tone.
SGMP-AZ
On-Site
P.W., SGMP-AZ
One of the best programs we have had in a long time.
Cathy Ewing Event Consulting, LLC
On-Site
C.E., President/Owner, Cathy Ewing Event Consulting, LLC
Verified @ewingmtgs.com"Your amazing training & consulting directly influenced the acceptance of our latest new client business proposal. Honestly, I don't think we could have done it without you. You are such an inspiration!"
Sarah McVanel, LLC
On-Site
S.M.G.M., Owner, Sarah McVanel, LLC
"You rock Deborah - thanks soooo much for your session!!! We absolutely have to have you back next year!
Greatness Magnified
On-Site
S.M., Chief Recognition Officer and Founder, Greatness Magnified
"You rock Deborah! Thanks soooo much for your session!!! We absolutely have to have you back next year!"
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