News: Leadership 2008

2008 Theme:
"Walk the Walk: Identifying Your Strength as a Leader"

Keynote speaker Jeff Yalden:

Jeff Yalden's timely message about life and purpose is delivered with humor and hard-hitting honesty to high school and middle school-aged students around the world. 

Jeff is from Sagamore Beach, MA and has spoken to more than 3,000 youth audiences in all 50 states and representing over 48 different countries. 

A solid motivator and educator, Jeff Yalden is a role model for youth with which he is comfortable: Yalden has spent the last twelve years touring the world, coaching and delivering his highly motivational speech to youth, educators and parents to make better life and family choices.  He has saved lives and impacted youth to live a life of purpose and commitment.

So effective is Yalden's work, in fact, the National Speakers Association has awarded him its highest honor. In 2002, the organization granted Yalden the title of Certified Speaking Professional. Less than 7% of professional speakers worldwide carry the designation.  Also, MTV called his show their best show in the six seasons of taping MTV MADE.  His show was the longest running show seen by over 70 million youth.

As an author, Yalden has six books to his credit:

• They Call Me Coach (ISBN )
• Keep it Simple: A Teenager's Handbook for Life (ASIN B0006RT7MY, Yalden Books, 2001)
• Traits of a Leader, 20 Ways to Keep it Simpl
• Pathway to Purpose (ISBN 097474820X, Yalden Press Publications, 2004).
• Co-authored Lead Now or Step Aside (ISBN 0965144747, Chespress Publications, 2000)
• Contributing author of the New York Times best-seller A Cup of Chicken Soup for the Soul (ISBN 1558744215, HCI, 1996).

To encourage young people to think before they act, Yalden also created the popular "Take Time To Think" wristbands. Formerly a two-time Marine-of-the-Year and Mr. New Hampshire Male America, Yalden draws upon his own life experiences to reach out to students.

“You can’t be angry about yesterday’s circumstances.  However, you can choose to accept the past and make better choices today to make the circumstances of tomorrow more fulfilling, meaningful, and rewarding,” Yalden states.