DAVID ATKINS
David Atkins helps organizations lead with resilience, make decisive choices, and overcome adversity through authentic storytelling and real-world, no-nonsense leadership.
Retired State Police Captain · Resilience Speaker · Mindset & Performance Strategist
David Atkins equips audiences to lead under pressure, break through excuses, and build unstoppable momentum—blending street-tested leadership, real-world resilience, and the power of one bold decision.
Crisis-Tested Leader · Ground Zero First Responder
David began his career in law enforcement, rising to the rank of Captain during his 22-year tenure with the New York State Police. As a first responder at Ground Zero after 9/11, he led with courage under extreme pressure, commanding operations across one of the busiest regions in New York. His leadership was forged through crisis, tested by adversity, and refined by real consequences—bringing unmatched authenticity and urgency to every stage he steps on.
First Responder. Author. Action-Focused Keynote Speaker.
David delivers a message forged in the fire of real-world adversity—blending grit, heart, and high-stakes leadership into every keynote. His bestselling book The One Decision Away Philosophy captures the mindset that propelled him from Ground Zero to million-dollar entrepreneur, and his keynotes show audiences how to trade excuses for action and pressure for performance. Whether he's speaking to executives, first responders, or sales teams, David leaves people inspired to act—and equipped to win.
PRESENTATION
"The One Decision Away Philosophy"
Keynote by David Atkins: Retired NY State Police Captain | Ground Zero First Responder | Million-Dollar Entrepreneur
Every team faces fear, adversity, and mindset hurdles—but only the most resilient leaders know how to turn pressure into performance. In this high-impact keynote, David Atkins shares the powerful One Decision Away philosophy that helped him lead through life-and-death situations in law enforcement and scale a multimillion-dollar business in a highly competitive market.
Drawing on his experiences as a New York State Police Captain, Ground Zero first responder, and award-winning entrepreneur, David delivers real-world leadership strategies designed to eliminate excuses, build mental toughness, and drive urgent action.
This keynote is ideal for organizations focused on resilience, culture, and high performance—and for individuals ready to stop waiting and start leading.
Key Learning Objectives:
Vision — Clarify and commit to a focused internal vision that drives aligned, intentional action.
Mindset — Strengthen mental resilience to lead with confidence, clarity, and purpose.
Urgency — Move from hesitation to execution by acting on what matters most—starting today.
Ideal Audiences:
• Corporate leaders and executives who need to ignite their team’s next-level performance
• Sales teams looking to break through stagnation and take bold action
• Organizations seeking momentum, accountability, and high-energy culture shifts
• Entrepreneurs navigating pressure and plateaus in their business
• First responders, law enforcement, and public service professionals building mental and emotional resilience
Audience Takeaways:
• A renewed sense of personal responsibility and drive to achieve big goals
• A clear, emotionally connected vision of what success looks and feels like
• Tactical mindset shifts to stay positive and focused, even in high-stress environments
• Immediate, no-excuse action steps to move forward with clarity and urgency
Great Speaker for
- Leading with clarity and confidence in high-stakes situations. Ideal for executives and frontline leaders facing crisis or change.
- Strengthening mental toughness, resilience, and accountability. Great for teams focused on engagement and performance.
- Driving results with the One Decision Away philosophy. Perfect for sales kickoffs, culture shifts, and fast-moving teams.
- Inspiring lessons from a 9/11 responder and entrepreneur. Ideal for closing keynotes and culture-driven events.
Travels from NYC, NY
