Jason Black is a walking, talking miracle. As a budding young opera singer, he was involved in two catastrophic accidents that nearly took his life. With support from his wife, Tausha Black, he defied the odds with a will that would not accept a devastating prognosis from doctors. The couple share lessons learned from overcoming these tragic accidents.

As lead solo pilot of the Blue Angels, the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, John Foley had to perform consistently as part of a team in an intense, high-stakes environment. Using insight from his experience with the Blue Angels and his education in business, Foley developed an effective model for closing the performance gap. He shares his approach with audience members, providing concrete tools to reach and sustain excellence.

As daughter of the “Candid Camera” television show’s creator, motivational speaker and stress expert Juliet Funt has spent her life observing the hidden truths behind our social selves. Bringing her family tradition of hilarity and warmth to attendees, Funt shows audience members how to smile, relax, and cope with the pace and pressure of busy lives.

Tom Hegna, CLU, ChFC, vice president of New York Life Insurance Co., has given more than 2,000 retirement planning seminars across the country, including at the 2009 MDRT Boomertirement Road Shows and 2009 Top of the Table Annual Meeting. He explains why the life insurance industry was built for times of uncertainty and instability, and proposes dynamic solutions on how to provide baby boomer clients with a guaranteed paycheck for life.

Mark Johnson is the founder of PLAYING FOR CHANGE, a movement promoting global unity through music. Johnson and his team have been on an incredible journey to record and tape performers from more than 100 countries around the world – from blues singers in post-Katrina New Orleans to chamber groups in Moscow, from a South African choir to music-makers on the Himalayan mountaintops. Highlighted in the media from The Colbert Report, Larry King Live and an acclaimed PBS documentary, PFC is a profound testimony to the transformative power of music and its ability to transcend geographic, political, economic, spiritual and ideological backgrounds.

One of a handful of experts dedicated to conquering the generational divide, Cam Marston has spent more than a decade studying workforce dynamics, with a keen focus on the effects of generational bias in the workforce. Marston, whose clients include General Electric and the U.S. Army, shares his personal experiences, research findings and proven strategies for attracting and serving clients from different generations.

Described as the world’s happiest philosopher, author and speaker Tom Morris, Ph.D., has become one of the most active public philosophers in the world because of his ability to bring practical philosophy back into the cultural mix. Bringing the greatest wisdom of the past into challenges of the present, Morris shares “The 7 Cs of Success,” a set of conditions that provide a universal framework for satisfying and sustainable success.

Futurist and author Ian Morrison discusses how significant long-term changes in demographics, technology, consumer behavior and globalization are challenging conventional business models and providing new opportunities for growth and success. He explains the emerging business environment, and how organizations and individuals can adapt and thrive in the decade ahead.

Speaker and award-winning television host Ross Shafer is a fierce proponent of taking personal responsibility for what happens in your personal and professional life. Shafer teaches attendees how to shed blame toward the economy and their competition. He also shares inventive practices he has gleaned from dozens of thriving organizations, and reveals how innovation and “customer empathy” can help you remain relevant in any economy.

Known as “Canada’s doctor,” Marla Shapiro, M.D., is host of the highly rated “Balance: Television for Living Well,” a talk show on CTV News Channel, Canada’s largest private broadcaster. A wife, mother and doctor with a thriving practice, she teaches people how to achieve work/life balance and manage stress. In 2004, Shapiro’s life was turned upside down with the news that she had an invasive form of breast cancer. Ever the teacher, she made the courageous decision to discuss her life-threatening condition and share her positive outlook with the public.