Keynotes – 2024 NBAA Leadership Conference

Visionaries, game-changers and leaders. Don’t miss these dynamic keynote speakers at the 2024 NBAA Leadership Conference.

Tuesday, Feb. 6

Ryan Campbell

Youngest Solo Pilot to Circumnavigate the Globe, One of Australia’s 50 Great Explorers, Plane Crash Survivor, Incomplete Paraplegic and Best-Selling Author

Few people have encountered the extreme, polar opposites of success and tragedy that Ryan Campbell has, let alone by the age of 26. As the youngest person to fly solo around the world, Campbell’s life changed in an instant following a serious light plane crash. He survived against all odds and was admitted to a spinal rehabilitation ward as a complete paraplegic with no movement from his waist down. Campbell proved his mental fortitude as a record-breaking pilot, but demonstrated his mastery by learning to walk again and fighting his way back into the sky. This gamut of human experience led Campbell to share his own secrets on how to live life #TurbulenceTough, helping leaders create resilient, unstoppable teams.

8:50 a.m. – 9:50 a.m.
What’s Your Pink Cadillac? The Unconventional Road to Becoming Turbulence Tough

Sarah Kalmeta

Founder, Pivot Point International

Today’s world moves at unparalleled speed and we’ve all been sold on “being busy,” but what’s the real cost – and is it effective? When you move too fast, you’re constantly in crisis mode and unable to act decisively or lead effectively. Too caught up in hurry mode, opportunities are missed, relationships frayed and business feels like a hamster wheel with no chance to exit. Learn the secret superpower that business programs worldwide forgot to mention, and hit your targets without sacrificing health, performance, safety or your sanity. All you need is a one degree shift in perspective to gain exponential results. Break all the rules, slow down and win more.

10:40 a.m. – 11:40 a.m.
Slow Down to Speed Up

Kevin LaRosa II

LaRosa is a third-generation pilot and second-generation aerial coordinator and stunt pilot. Known for his work on major blockbusters like “Top-Gun: Maverick” (2022), “Devotion” (2022) “The Avengers” (2012), “Iron Man” (2005) and “Transformers: The Last Knight” (2017), LaRosa has worked on more than 100 motion picture and commercial productions.

By the time he was 18, LaRosa was a commercially rated helicopter and multi-engine fixed wing pilot, and today he is one of Hollywood’s most sought-after stunt pilots and aerial coordinators – who is certified and trained annually in a multitude of aircraft.

He also holds type ratings in several Learjet models in addition to the C-130/ L-382 Hercules and the Sikorsky S-70/ UH-60, as well as an FAA Part 107 UAS rating for flying unmanned aircraft.

With his new company XBrand, LLC (Advanced Aviation Cinematography) LaRosa is determined to innovate and improve the tools that are used for aerial storytelling.

1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
An Interview With Kevin LaRosa II

Dr. Sophie Bostock

Dr. Sophie Bostock is a Sleep Evangelist on a mission: to help millions of people improve their lives by unlocking the science of sleep.

With a background in medicine, Bostock became fascinated by the overlooked role of sleep and circadian rhythms. She launched TheSleepScientist.com to provide training and consultancy for clients in business, the media, the military and elite sport, to help them reach their potential.

3:25 p.m. – 4:25 p.m.
Sleeping for Peak Performance

Wednesday, Feb. 7

Heidi Hanna, PhD

Chief Energy Officer, Synergy Brain Fitness

Dr. Heidi Hanna is the Chief Energy Officer of Synergy Brain Fitness, a company providing brain-based health and performance programs to individuals and organizations, a former instructor at Harvard Extension, and a Fellow and Advisory Board Member for the American Institute of Stress. She is a NY Times bestselling author who has written seven books, including The Sharp Solution, Stressaholic, Recharge and What’s So Funny About Stress?

Dr. Hanna has been featured at many global conferences including the Fortune Magazine Most Powerful Women in Business Summit, ESPN Leadership Summit and the Million Dollar Round Table. Her clients have included Google, Starbucks, Microsoft, Principal Insurance, Morgan Stanley, Ameriprise, and WD40 as well as the PGA Tour, and the National Football League. Dr. Hanna is also a Certified Humor Professional with the Association for Applied and Therapeutic Humor, although she won’t admit she’s funny.

9:40 a.m. – 10:40 a.m.
From Stressed to Recharged

Ryan Leak

Author and Executive Coach

Ryan Leak is a best-selling author, esteemed executive coach and a highly sought-after transformational speaker. With an incredible reach of over 50,000 people every month, Ryan’s words have the power to transform lives. Each year, he dedicates his expertise to the growth of over 25,000 leaders, spanning the spectrum from Fortune 100 corporations to elite professional sports teams.

Leak’s remarkable journey was catapulted into the limelight when his viral surprise wedding story made headlines on shows like Good Morning America and the Today Show, but that’s just the beginning of his story. Leak is the creative mind behind the USA Today best-selling book, “Chasing Failure: How Falling Short Sets You Up for Success.” This transformative work has guided countless people on their journey to turn setbacks into stepping stones toward success. His latest release, “Leveling Up: 12 Questions to Elevate Your Personal And Professional Development,” has ascended to the ranks of Wall Street Journal Best Sellers list.

Join the ranks of those who have already been inspired and transformed by Ryan Leak’s empowering message.

1:45 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.
Self Leadership