KEYNOTE SPEAKER DAVID ATKINS
One decision sparks courage, drives action, and creates results.
David Atkins is a Leadership & High-Stakes Decision-Making expert who helps audiences lead with resilience, make clear choices under pressure, and turn adversity into action. Through authentic storytelling rooted in real-world experience, he equips teams to stay steady, decisive, and effective when it matters most.
Retired NY State Police Captain · Resilience & Performance Strategist
A former New York State Police Captain, David brings leadership under pressure, crisis-tested resilience, and practical performance strategies to every audience. He teaches teams how to stay focused, break through excuses, and generate momentum through the discipline of one bold decision at a time.
Crisis-Tested Leader · Ground Zero First Responder · Action-Focused Keynote Speaker
David’s perspective was shaped across 22 years in law enforcement and during his service as a Ground Zero first responder after 9/11. His leadership training was forged in real crises: commanding high-stakes operations, guiding teams through uncertainty, and making rapid decisions with real consequences.
He now brings that same clarity, urgency, and high-stakes leadership insight to organizations navigating complexity and change.
$1M Entrepreneur · #1 Best-Selling Author · Mindset Expert
David combines crisis-forged leadership with the mindset that took him from Ground Zero to successful entrepreneur and best-selling author. In his hit book One Decision Away, he breaks down the performance habits that eliminate excuses and accelerate results.
His keynotes give audiences practical tools for decisive action, accountability, and sustained performance—whether they lead teams, protect communities, or drive revenue.
KEYNOTE PRESENTATION TITLE & TAKEAWAYS
"The One Decision Away Philosophy"
Every leader faces pressure, adversity, and moments where hesitation costs progress. David Atkins shows audiences how one decisive choice can shift direction, build resilience, and drive meaningful results—especially in high-stakes environments.
Drawing from his experience as a retired NY State Police Captain, Ground Zero First Responder, and entrepreneur, David delivers real-world leadership strategies that eliminate excuses, strengthen mental toughness, and inspire action when it matters most.
Key Learning Objectives
- Build the clarity and confidence needed to lead through pressure
- Strengthen resilience and personal accountability
- Move from hesitation to decisive action
Ideal Audiences
- Leaders navigating change or performance challenges
- Sales teams needing urgency, focus, and momentum
- Organizations rebuilding culture, clarity, or confidence
- First responders and public service professionals strengthening resilience
Audience Takeaways
- A renewed sense of ownership and personal responsibility
- A clear understanding of what success looks and feels like
- Practical tools to stay focused and resilient in high-pressure moments
- A simple framework for decisive action and forward progress
Great Speaker for
Budgets of- $20,000+
- Leading with clarity in high-stakes moments. Ideal for executives and frontline leaders during crisis or rapid change.
- Building resilience, mental toughness, and accountability for performance-driven teams.
- Activating urgency with the One Decision Away philosophy—perfect for sales kickoffs and fast-moving organizations.
- Sharing real-world lessons from a 9/11 responder and entrepreneur. Great for closing keynotes and culture-driven events.
