ALL THINGS DAVID ATKINS

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Retired NY State Police Captain & Ground Zero First Responder. Million-Dollar Entrepreneur. Creator of the “One Decision Away” Philosophy. #1 Best Selling Author & Ultramarathoner. 

 David Atkins helps organizations lead with resilience, make decisive choices, and overcome adversity through authentic storytelling and real-world, no-nonsense leadership. 

David Atkins, a retired New York State Police Captain and Ground Zero first responder, was honored as New York State Trooper and Investigator of the Year. He commanded Westchester County police operations, led over 100 officers in crisis, and directed high-profile events like the USGA 2020 US Open in New York.

A million-dollar entrepreneur, he built a 1,400-person team with Beachbody. He created the “One Decision Away”philosophy, authored two books including #1 Best Selling “One Decision Away”, is an ultramarathoner, and hosts the Personal Perseverance Project Podcast.

As a trusted keynote speaker for conferences and events across industries, David inspires audiences from hundreds to 20,000 at iconic venues like the NFL Super Dome in New Orleans.

David Atkins is a retired New York State Police Captain, an award-winning entrepreneur, and a trusted keynote speaker for conferences and events across industries. His mission is to empower leaders, teams, and organizations to break through fear, adversity, and excuses, unlocking their potential to achieve at the highest level. As the architect of the “One Decision Away” philosophy, David distills his real-world leadership, resilience, and entrepreneurial success into an actionable blueprint for transformation.

His new book, The One Decision Away Philosophy, empowers readers to break through barriers, providing practical tools and mindset shifts that unlock personal and professional growth, one decisive step at a time. David’s journey is a blueprint for overcoming adversity and achieving excellence. As the first in his family to pay his own way through college, he worked multiple jobs and launched entrepreneurial ventures at just 12 years old, demonstrating initiative and self-reliance from the outset. His relentless work ethic and refusal to settle for “Plan B” set the stage for a remarkable career.

For 22 years, David served with distinction in the New York State Police, rising to the rank of Captain and commanding all operations for Westchester County, a jurisdiction handling over 400,000 emergency calls annually. He led over 100 officers through life-or-death situations, earning recognition as New York State Trooper of the Year (2003) and Investigator of the Year (2007). David’s leadership was tested at Ground Zero following the 9/11 attacks, where he spent weeks as a first responder, supporting recovery efforts and demonstrating courage under pressure.

Beyond law enforcement, David built a million-dollar international direct sales business with Beachbody, leading a diverse team of 1,400 people to success in a highly competitive, female-dominated industry. His ability to inspire and motivate others has made him a trusted keynote speaker for business gatherings, team-building sessions, and leadership conferences. David has presented to audiences ranging from a few hundred to over 20,000 at high-profile venues such as the NFL Super Dome in New Orleans.

David is the author of The Leveled-Up Life and authored two books including #1 Best Selling “One Decision Away”, which distills his most powerful lessons into actionable strategies for personal and professional transformation. He is also the host of the Personal Perseverance Project Podcast, where he shares real-world stories and practical tools for building resilience and leadership.

An ultramarathoner who has conquered the Black Canyon mountains and trained through harsh New York winters, David embodies the physical and mental resilience he teaches. Most importantly, he is a husband and father of three daughters. His personal story of perseverance, leadership, and service is a powerful reminder that success is not defined by circumstances, but by the decisions we make and the actions we take.

Through his authentic, direct, and high-energy presentations, David Atkins leaves event professionals, planners, and conference organizers inspired, motivated, and equipped with the tools to overcome adversity, build resilient teams, and achieve breakthrough results, empowering them to play a bigger game in business and life.

David Atkins’ speaking fee is $20,000 for in-person keynotes, plus a $2,500 travel buyout. For virtual presentations, the fee is $20,000.

See Agency pays a 25% commission to speakers bureaus.

New York City, New York

• Delivering keynote speeches on resilience, leadership, and overcoming adversity
• Inspiring leaders, teams, and organizations—from corporate, government, healthcare, and education sectors—to embrace a “no excuses” mindset and take decisive action
• Driving growth through real-world, actionable strategies for business transformation, vision, and mindset
• Helping teams thrive through authentic storytelling, high-energy engagement, and a culture of ownership, accountability, and perseverance 

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

“Absolutely incredible! So motivational, and every lesson is something you can apply to your life.”

Laci Buzzelli, Senior Vice President

ADP

“David not only did not disappoint but he absolutely crushed it. While bringing his very moving true-life experiences into his presentation, his message of taking ownership of yourself and looking within yourself, while not looking for reasons you can't succeed, definitely resonated with all of us! It was exactly what we all needed to be reminded of and hear as we head into another record-breaking sales year!”

Gregory Scott - VP of Sales

Whelen Engineering Company

“I plan several events each year for my organization across the country and have worked with numerous motivational speakers, speakers bureaus and agencies. Working with David Atkins was a magical experience in itself. The entire process, from our initial conversations to his keynote speech itself was phenomenal. He took the time to learn about our company, our mission, overall objective of our meeting and more. He then tailored his dynamic message specifically to our audience to where you felt he was a part of your company. Our attendees were mesmerized and hung onto his every word. He was relevant, empathetic, motivational and really connected with our audience. He made himself available to our group the entire time he was with us even serving as a guest judge for our team building event. If you are looking for an exceptional speaker to work with who will impact your organization, leave a lasting impression and who is also great to work with, look no further than David Atkins… there is NO EXCUSE.”

Jessica Davis, Senior Vice President of Marketing,

Acentria Insurance & Foundation Risk Partners

“David brought a very meaningful message that resonated with our staff members. His excitement and enthusiasm made his presentation the highlight of our conference.”

Craig Bargfrede - CEO, Winter Operations Administrator

Iowa DOT

“We had David speak at our annual kick-off meeting this past January 2023. He was outstanding and provides real-life stories that correlate with success in the business world. He is captivating when he speaks and knows how to hold an audience’s attention. I especially liked how the themes that are important to us, were incorporated into his presentation. I highly recommend using David at your next corporate event!”

Joseph Wetmore - CEO, President

ClearBridge Techonology Group

“David’s presentation was spectacular! The stories really hit a cord with our workforce. This was truly the morale booster the Department needed. Our work matters and we have to bring our best self every day! Thank you and we want to have you back next year!”

Moira Manning, Commissioner

Albany County Department For Children Youth and Families

“Captain Atkins possesses a keen ability to connect with and captivate an audience. He commands any room with his energy and ability to tell a story.”

Christopher Herbst, Business Development Manager

Pearson VUE

“David Atkins was a tremendous asset to our Annual Conference! From our first conversation, David was responsive, easy to work with, and personable. In addition, Mr. Atkins took the time to learn more about our organization and its members even meeting with our leadership to deepen his understanding of his audience. During his presentation, David was personable and kept our interest the entire time. Our group left feeling motivated and energized and excuse free.”

Nick Rhoad, CEO

ARELLO (Association of Real Estate License Law Officials)

“Each year we have an appreciation banquet for customers and their spouses. One of the highlights of the event is to have a featured speaker that brings meaningful insight to the audience. This year we had David Atkins speak and he knocked it out of the park. He shared his story about being with the New York State Police, and how that helped mold his perspective on life. The impact his message had on everyone was both inspiring and emotional. I have listened to many speakers throughout my career that were impressive, but David has a unique gift because he impacts the audience in a way that is truly life changing. It was an honor getting to know David. He definitely has the "Wow" factor.”

Tom Severson, Marketing Manager

GROWMARK Retail Division

“I had the pleasure of hearing David speak at the New York Staffing Association Leadership and Growth Summit. All I can say is WOW. If you ever had any doubt about what is important in life and business, you must hear David. His personal experiences coupled with his energy makes you realize you can do anything!”

Doug Klares, NY Staffing, CEO Infinity Consulting Solutions

“I had the pleasure of bringing David to the Massachusetts Staffing Association Annual Conference as our keynote speaker. He opened the day with a powerful presentation filled with passion, energy and emotion that everyone in the audience could feel. If you are looking for a speaker who can really engage with your audience, I would recommend connecting with David. His story really was just as unforgettable as his delivery!”

Daphne Phalon, Massachusetts Staffing Association,

President Ardent Staffing Solutions

“As one with prior law enforcement experience and still connected to the First Responder community via Fund the First and the Fallen First Reserve, David is the real deal. Every once in a while someone touches your heart and soul, that someone was David Atkins. Last week, Acentria Insurance engaged David to be one of our key speakers at our annual sales event at the JW Marriott in Orlando, FL; we had approximately 500 team members at the conference and you could hear a pin drop within just a few moments of his presentation. Let me start by saying David is new to the speaking circuit, but you would never know it. Engaging us with meaningful words, while his stage presence was off-the-charts. You could not only hear David, you could feel the enormity of what he was saying and the meaning behind his experiences. There wasn’t a dry-eye around me, but more importantly, we all walked away feeling enlightened, knowing you just were a part of something special; David’s life story!”

Mitchell Weinstein, Acentria Insurance, Partner

“We had David speak at our conference as our opening keynote. He was passionate and his story was so amazing for our members!!! Everyone left his session inspired and wanting to make a difference in their lives!!!”

Jay Ramos, California Staffing Professionals, President Amtec Inc

“Thoroughly enjoyed your presentation! Very engaging impactful! Thank you for doing what you do! Great job!”

Pauline Gourdie, California Staffing Professionals Attendee,

CEO CSL Staffing

“Your speech was amazing, emotional and inspiring. Thank you for being authentic, vulnerable and true to yourself. You made a serious impact. I realized that I have to live today, work on my health and increase the time I spend with the ones I love!”

Patricia Hanks, California Staffing Professionals Attendee, Operations Manager BBSI

• Robyn Benincasa - World Champion Adventure Racer, Firefighter, Author. Like David, Robyn combines high-stakes teamwork, real-world leadership, and inspiring storytelling, showing how resilience and collaboration drive success 
• Allison Levine - Mountaineer, Everest Expedition Leader, Leadership Expert.0020Allison’s credentials in leading teams in extreme environments and her focus on resilience and decisive action mirror David’s law enforcement and entrepreneurial leadership
• Alex Weber - American Ninja Warrior, World-Record Holder, Motivational Speaker. Alex’s high-energy, authentic, and results-driven approach to leadership and overcoming adversity is similar to David’s “no excuses” mindset and real-world achievements
• Jocko Willink - Retired Navy SEAL Officer, Leadership Expert, Author. Jocko’s military leadership, discipline, and direct, no-nonsense style align with David’s law enforcement background and leadership philosophy.
• Bear Grylls - Explorer, Adventurer, Survival Expert, Author. Bear’s emphasis on resilience, overcoming adversity, and thriving under pressure parallels David’s crisis leadership and motivational message.

• The Leveled Up Life      (2022)
  The blueprint for personal growth and high performance.
• The One Decision Away Philosophy (2025) #1 Amazon Best Seller
  Empower your team and yourself, one decision at a time.