Finding Purpose and Loving What You Do

The GenXer who started her professional life in Sales for Fortune 500 companies—and who now works to help the generations collaborate more effectively at work. A performer who now puts his acrobatic, juggling and comedic skills to use as a Hall of Fame speaker who inspires peak performance.

Meet the 2016 APC keynotes, each of whom took a winding path to their true calling and each is committed to inspiring others to find their purpose.

Mel Robbins, Award-Winning On-Air CNN Commentator, Author, Human Behavior Expert and Coach wants you to practice “The 5 Second Rule – Achieve Breakthrough Performance In Your Career & Life”

Mel Robbins is an award-winning CNN legal analyst, former public defender and inspirational force. In 2014, she won "Outstanding News Talk Show Host" at the Gracie Awards. Robbins is also one of America's top motivational speakers. She gets off the stage and into your brain, motivating you with scientific research, vivid imagery, engaging exercises and videos and music. Mel’s TEDx Talk "How to Stop Screwing Yourself Over" has over two million views and her best-selling book Stop Saying You're Fine: The No BS Guide to Getting What You Want has been translated into five languages. Prior to joining CNN, Robbins launched and sold two companies and hosted Cox Media Group's, "The Mel Robbins Show," A&E's "Monster In-Laws," FOX's "Someone's Gotta Go" and was a contributing editor to Success Magazine.

Joi Gordon, CEO of Dress for Success, knows a lot about “Finding Purpose & Finding Confidence”

Joi Gordon graduated from law school and began her career as an assistant District Attorney in New York. Feeling unfulfilled and somewhat out of place in that position, Joi heard about Dress for Success, donated a suit, got involved and the rest is history. Joi is currently the Chief Executive Officer of Dress for Success Worldwide, the international grassroots organization that has provided professional attire, support and career development tools to more than 600,000 disadvantaged women In the past 20 years. Dress for Success now serves 65,000 women each year in more than 110 cities. Joi was named by Network Journal Magazine as one of the 25 Most Influential Black Women in Business in 2009. In 2007 Joi received an Ellis Island Medal of Honor. Office Depot, Harlem YMCA and Coalition of 100 Black Women in New York City, among other organizations, have presented Joi with community service and visionary awards to acknowledge her contributions.

Meagan Johnson, Generational Expert, Humorist, and Author shares techniques for managing and motivating with “Generations Redefined: Zap the Gap to Work Together Seamlessly”
After graduating from business school, Meagan worked in sales for three Fortune 500 companies. Although very successful, she was discouraged by negative comments about Generation X. Being a Gen Xer, she felt these comments were unfounded. She began researching small and large corporations to find successful ways to work with different generations. From that search, the seeds for her book, Generation Inc., From Boomers to Linksters: Managing the Friction Between Generations in the Workplace, were planted. Since then, Meagan has entertained and educated thousands of audience members across the globe. Today's workforce includes four, and in some cases, five generations of employees. They are in a constant state of flux and work with each other in multiple roles. Meagan helps us move beyond complaining about the generations and focus on capturing and using the talents of all.

Dan Thurmon, Author, Peak Performance Expert and Professional Acrobat makes sense out of being “Off Balance On Purpose: Navigating Change in Uncertain Times”

Dan Thurmon isn’t just a world-renowned Hall of Fame keynote speaker. He’s also an author, entrepreneur, workplace performance expert, fitness advocate, acrobat, unicyclist (even on mountains – yes, really), drummer, and is (in his late forties) learning flying trapeze! Dan is known for delivering powerful keynotes in jaw-dropping style. He began his performance career at eleven years old, crafting a one-man-show incorporating comedy, juggling and acrobatics. He developed a strong work ethic and learned fundamental lessons about performance excellence. A recent inductee to the prestigious “Speakers Hall of Fame,” Dan delivers experiences that go beyond motivation, teaching concepts and skills in a highly engaging and entertaining manner. Dan tells you how to navigate change and encourages you to embrace reality, get aligned with your purpose, lean forward and initiate positive change!