From Army Command to Your Conference Stage: Leadership/Success Speakers You Can Trust

A conference audience can tell within a few minutes whether a speaker has actually done the thing they're talking about. When someone has led people through real pressure, the stories carry weight, and the advice sounds like it came from experience instead of a book. That's why more event planners are asking where a speaker's leadership experience came from before they ask what the talk is about.

Why Does Military Command Experience Matter on a Conference Stage?

It matters because command experience is leadership practiced under real consequences, and audiences hear the difference. A leader who has had to make decisions, hold people accountable and keep a team focused when conditions were hard brings examples that can't be invented. Those examples translate well to business teams, which face their own versions of the same problems: unclear priorities, tension between people and pressure to deliver. A speaker who has handled those moments with real people can explain not only what to do but why it works and where it goes wrong.

What Makes Leadership/Success Speakers Trustworthy?

Trustworthy speakers show verifiable experience, relevant training and a clear approach to follow-up. Look for these signals:

• A track record of leading people, with specifics you can check
• A recognized certification or training background
• Video of full live sessions, not only a highlight reel
• References from organizations similar to yours
• A plan for what happens after the event ends

If a speaker can't point to most of these, you're being asked to trust a polished pitch instead of evidence.

What Does McKinley Curtis III Bring to the Stage?

McKinley Curtis III served 30 years in the U.S. Army and retired as a Command Sergeant Major, then spent 14 years in federal civil service at the GS-13 level. He is a certified Maxwell Leadership Coach, Trainer and Speaker, and he leads Curtis Leadership and Training from Harvest, AL. That mix of long leadership experience and structured training methods shapes how he builds each session: practical, specific and tied to what the audience actually does at work. Before an event, he talks with the organizer about the team's goals so the content fits the room instead of repeating a stock presentation.

What Topics Do Leadership/Success Speakers Cover?

Leadership/Success Speakers typically cover the skills that decide whether a team performs well. In classes offered through Curtis Leadership and Training, those include goal setting, building personal resilience, strategic planning, crisis leadership and emotional intelligence. Other sessions focus on conflict resolution, measuring team performance, communication etiquette, and improving productivity and processes. The topic should follow your team's real challenge, so describe what's happening before you pick from a menu. A team struggling with handoffs needs something different from a team facing a leadership transition.

How Do Hands-On Classes Differ From a Standard Keynote?

A hands-on class asks people to practice, while a keynote asks them to listen. In a class, participants work through scenarios, discuss them in small groups and try a technique before they leave the room. That practice is what makes the learning stick, because people remember what they've done far better than what they've heard once. Planners who book Leadership/Success Speakers for a class instead of a talk often find that managers return to work with a specific habit to try, not just a good feeling. A keynote still has a place for energizing a large audience, but if you want a skill to change, give people time to use it.

How Do You Know a Speaker's Experience Is Real?

Ask for specifics and check them. Request the speaker's background in writing, ask for two or three references you can call, and watch a full recording of a live session. Pay attention to how they answer questions about their own mistakes, since leaders with real experience can usually describe something they got wrong and what they learned. Be cautious of vague claims, borrowed stories or a bio that never names an organization or role. Trust grows when a speaker welcomes these checks instead of dodging them.

How Do You Book a Speaker for Your Event?

Start with your goal, audience size, date and format, then contact the speaker directly with those details. A good first conversation covers what you want people to do differently, how much time you have and what follow-up makes sense. Book early, since popular dates fill up, and ask for the agreement to include the session length, preparation steps and any materials.

If you're planning an event and want a speaker whose experience you can verify, start by writing down the one change you'd like to see in your team. Then talk with a few candidates about how they'd help you get there. The conversation will show you quickly who has done the work and who is only describing it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a leadership speaker do?

A leadership speaker delivers keynotes, workshops or classes that help people lead more effectively. Content usually covers communication, decision-making, conflict, goal setting and team performance, and the best sessions include practical steps attendees can use right away.

What is the difference between a leadership speaker and a motivational speaker?

A motivational speaker focuses mainly on inspiring and energizing an audience. A leadership speaker does that too, but adds teachable frameworks and skills that managers can apply after the event.

How much does a keynote speaker cost?

Fees vary widely based on the speaker's experience, event length, travel and customization. Ask for an itemized quote so you can compare what each option includes.

How do I choose the right leadership speaker for my event?

Start with your goal, then look for a speaker with verifiable leadership experience, relevant training and references from similar organizations. Watch a full video of a live talk before you decide.

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Homecoming

When you hear the words homecoming, what thoughts cross your mind?

I recently saw a post on Facebook, and someone I have known for over 40 years said, “We’re at the greatest homecoming on earth and gave his affiliation to his college.”

That moment made me reflect on the power of education and our loyalty to our alums.

A few years back, when I was attending my 50th High School Class reunion, it was our homecoming as well.  Although it was only a High School Homecoming, it was nothing like what we see today at our HBCUs.

However, for an HBCU, there is a difference between a “Homecoming” and “Homecoming.”

I happen to live in the city of the largest HBCU in the State of Alabama: Alabama A&M University, the largest Historically Black College and University (HBCU) in the state (Huntsville, AL).

For over seven years, now as an Alabama resident, I have seen the hype and traffic as people from all over come to Alabama A&M University homecoming games.

However, this year, something changed.

This year, in the name of safety, Alabama A&M University 2026 homecoming 2026 changed for those who attended.

What you need to know about 2026 Alabama A&M homecoming week

Not to be outdone, I also have friends who are Alabama State alumni.

Alabama State Homecoming 2026: October 10, Montgomery, AL

In any case, it’s all about having a great time, fellowship, and the marching bands.

I’ve chosen these two Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in the state where I currently reside.

It’s also an opportunity for those associated with the “Divine Nine” to fellowship.

The Divine Nine Organizations: A Complete Comparison Chart | Ireishprint Official Website

I would be remiss not to mention the Magic City Classic 2026, which happened this past weekend (October 31, 2026).

It was the 85th Magic City Classic in Birmingham at Legion Field, featuring Alabama A&M vs. Alabama State.

Magic City Classic

I’m sure having it on Halloween, and the impact on Birmingham, AL, and the surrounding areas, continues to make an economic impact, with this being the largest HBCU Event in the United States, attracting around 200,000 participants.

The Magic Classic 2026 was unforgettable this year as “After four years of losses in the rivalry, Alabama A&M left the Old Gray Lady with a win.”

“The victory marked the first Classic win for Alabama A&M head coach and Birmingham native Sam Shade.”

Photos: See the biggest moments from the 2026 Magic City Classic – al.com

As homecomings come to an end in the United States, many in Alabama are preparing for the Auburn-Alabama football game this Thanksgiving weekend; it will be another show of pride.

Auburn Tigers at Alabama Crimson Tide (Sat, November 28, 2026) | Alabama Football

By the way, I found out years ago when I moved here that, depending on where you are from in Alabama, they only recognize two teams.

So, with all the hype about homecoming, think of the pride that is happening all around you.

Today, I challenge you to take a moment with your alum friends to reflect on what homecoming means and all the images associated with it.

“Every traveler has a home of his own, and he learns to appreciate it the more from his wandering.” ~ Charles Dickens

“To look backward for a while is to refresh the eye, to restore it, and to render it the more fit for its prime function of looking forward.” ~ Margaret Barber

Bloog source: https://mckinleysthoughts.com/homecoming/

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Reminiscing

This past week, someone I knew back in the early 1980s called me.

As I thought about what I wanted to write this week, I landed on “Reminiscing.”

When was the last time you took the time to reminisce with someone you have lost touch with and see how they are doing?

That was the purpose of the phone call I received.

Wade reached out because we last saw each other at his 50th birthday party in Augusta, Georgia.

It’s also amazing that he got my phone number from someone I know well who lives a few houses away in the same neighborhood.

They were talking, my name came up, and, to my surprise, he gave him my phone number.

How we talk, treat people, and live our lives’ matters.

Sometimes we never know the impact of our empathy, leadership, character, or how we carry ourselves when we mentor others.

In the 1980’s as a soldier, I was responsible for the health and welfare of my two soldiers assigned to me.  I will get to the other one shortly.

Hearing him thank me for the leadership I provided, and how he uses the lessons learned then now, meant a lot.

At the end of our conversation, he asked whether he could pray for me, which I gladly accepted.  That’s a part of character.

As we closed out the conversation, he asked if I had Eric’s number.

Keep in mind that I hadn’t spoken to Eric in years, and it was a long shot that his phone number was still in my phone and hadn’t changed.

I texted Eric before bed and received a call the following morning.

Eric is the other Soldier I was responsible for, assigned to me for his health and welfare.

Both Eric and Wade were Privates in the Army, and I was their Sergeant during my second tour in Germany.

I was a young Sergeant (E5) then, and was promoted to Staff Sergeant (E6).

When I think back to the early 80s, I had a great conversation with Eric for about twenty minutes.

After I hung up with Eric, I realized Eric and Wade set the stage for my next duty assignment as a Drill Sergeant at Fort Benning, Georgia.

I was an Infantry Drill Sergeant who had just finished three years with the 2^nd Armored Cavalry in Nuremberg, Germany.

Every day, we stayed on high alert, and they would call a drill early in the morning when everyone was supposed to be sleeping.

Life teaches you lessons along the way, and we pass them on to others who later tell you how well you passed the test.

I can tell you all three of us retired from the military, and all have done well for ourselves.

I wrote in my gratitude journal about connecting with each of them and what God’s grace has bestowed on me.

Today, I challenge you to take time to reflect and reminisce about a recent phone call with someone you have lost touch with over the past year.

I can honestly say I have nothing bad to say about Wade and Eric because their character hasn’t changed from then to now.

Truly, I am blessed to connect with my soldiers.

“You can’t reminisce too much. Because you’ve got to keep pushing forward, you know?” — Daniel Caesar

“We do not remember days, we remember moments.” — Cesare Pavese

“Memories are the invisible threads that keep us tied to the people we love.” — Unknown

“It’s great to reminisce about good memories of my past. It was enjoyable when it was today.” — George Foreman

Blog source: https://mckinleysthoughts.com/reminiscing/

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Work of Art

I often hear people say a specific person is a work of art.

It can be condescending or used to say something negative about a person.

Today, it is not the case.

Each of us is a work of art and a masterpiece.

The legendary John Wooden has said: “Make everyday a masterpiece.”

This week, as I reflect on life in general and on those around me who are no longer here today, I know God created a work of art within each of us.

Earlier this week, I learned of another of my peers passing away from something where his body didn’t function properly.

Often, we take for granted the simple pleasure of using the bathroom on our own.

I’m amazed by the complexity of the human body and how much better we must care for it.

Doctors study human anatomy and help us in that process, each specializing in their own area.

I have two nieces who are pediatric doctors working at different hospitals.

I know that their training is priceless, and parents depend on them for their children.

In the words of Father Vernon Huguley, my District Chaplain for the Gulf Coast District for Knights of Peter Claver, he always says, “Sometimes you must go through it to get to it.”

I find that so true every day as I age and better understand my own body.

I know we are each a masterpiece, because everything must work together for us to live.

Just like a watch tells time, its gears work in tandem.

I’m also reminded of the song “How Great Thou Art” when I think about my health and how we heal, and of the line, “Sometimes you must go through it to get to it.”

Many years ago, when I was in the military, I attended and graduated from a course called Master Fitness Class at Fort Benjamin Harrison, Indiana.

Although this course isn’t the same as it was in the 80s when I attended, I learned invaluable tools that still resonate with me today when it comes to our health.

We have to do a better job of caring for our bodies and eating properly.  One thing that sticks out most that I learned in the 80s is eating water-rich foods like fruits and vegetables.

Not to mention exercising.

Remember that your body is a work of art, and each day we must keep making it a masterpiece by living a healthy lifestyle.

Today, I challenge you to reflect on your body and the understanding that it is a work of art. How well are you working on your masterpiece?

“The true work of art is but a shadow of the divine perfection.” – Michelangelo

Blog source: https://mckinleysthoughts.com/work-of-art/

 

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The clock doesn’t stop

Today, Monday, Oct. 12, is when both Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples’ Day are observed.

Columbus Day, celebrated on the second Monday in October, has been a federal holiday since 1892 and is celebrated nationwide with parades highlighting Italian-American heritage and pride, according to Smithsonian Magazine.

What’s open and closed on Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples’ Day?

Last Friday morning, while listening to Rick Piña’s Today’s Word Podcast, he said something powerful.

Today’s Word With Rick Piña

Rick said, “Life is nothing but a vapor.

This is so true of life: you are here today and can be gone today.

How we live our lives each day is so important, just like we witnessed during 9/11, when, in a matter of minutes, the people in the World Trade Center vanished without knowing how their day would be.

Because the clock doesn’t stop, I often hear people say on a Monday morning or after a long holiday that the weekend was too short.

They try to figure out where the time went.

Watching the clock isn’t good for us either, in my opinion.  Eventually we’re at a standstill, even though we feel time isn’t moving fast enough.

With football season well underway and many football fanatics around us, people live for the weekend.  I heard the Philadelphia Eagles will face the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London.

Believe it or not, I didn’t know NFL teams were playing in London until recently.

“The Eagles’ participation in this London matchup reflects the NFL’s ongoing international expansion efforts.”

I’m sure all those loyal fans who traveled to London this past weekend are watching the clock, too, as they head back home this week. The anticipation of the game, and then the flights to catch to get back home.

By the way; “The Jags’ 19-17 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles on Oct. 11 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London began with a 90-yard kickoff return for a touchdown by rookie Josh Cameron that was nullified by a holding penalty (along with three other flags, a fight and two players ejected) and it ended with Cam Little’s 57-yard walkoff field goal when holder Logan Cooke pulled down yet another high snap from backup long snapper DaVon Hamilton and got it down in time for Little to drill the ball through the uprights.”

Speaking of “the clock doesn’t stop.”

Wild plays bookend Jacksonville Jaguars’ victory over Philadelphia – Yahoo Sports

For those who grew up in my era, we lost a legend this past weekend: Mike Ditka died at 86. I’m sure Chicago is reflecting on who he was and what he meant to the city.

Chicago Bears legend Mike Ditka passes away at 86

The clock doesn’t stop, and I have learned over time that you cannot manage time; the clock doesn’t stop.

Sometimes we try, and time slips away, so we must make a concerted effort to stay on track with our tasks.

As my two weeks wind down, I’m humbled by how time has allowed my sister and me to bond and reconnect.

We weren’t disconnected, but spending ten days in the same space is precious time well spent.

In these moments, I’m humbled that she spent time with my wife and me, making everything easier for all of us.

Her husband joked that he would send me the bill, and no price could capture the comfort and care she provided.

As I listened to the news last Friday, with Governor Kay Ivey issuing mandatory evacuation orders, I thought about how the clock doesn’t stop, especially as Isaias strengthened into a major hurricane.

Ivey orders Alabama Gulf Coast tourists to evacuate ahead of Hurricane Isaias – al.com

Because of mandatory evacuation orders, many residents in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama, had to decide whether to cross the bridge before it closed at noon last Friday.

I’m sure everyone affected by the evacuation order understands that the clock doesn’t stop, and those who wait until the last minute know the repercussions.

After finding where the storm hit, I called three people yesterday afternoon to triangulate the damage, as power still wasn’t on in Destin, Florida, when I called.

Today, I challenge you to reflect on your recent week and how it’s been for you.  Has the clock affected your mindset, or do you go with the flow of time?

Time can tick when there is no clock. ~Anne Rice

“We are hardly ever grateful for a fine clock or watch when it goes right, and we pay attention to it only when it falters, for then we are caught by surprise. It ought to be the other way about.”  ~Lord Chesterfield

Blog source: https://mckinleysthoughts.com/the-clock-doesnt-stop/

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Why Every Growing Company Needs a Leadership Development Coach

Growth sounds like a good problem to have, until the cracks start showing in how your managers actually lead. New hires pile up faster than onboarding can keep pace, decisions bottleneck at the top, and the people you promoted for being great individual performers suddenly have to lead teams — a skill nobody taught them. That's usually the exact moment a company realizes it needs outside help.

Why Does a Growing Company Need Outside Leadership Support?

A motivational keynote can light a fire for a day. What actually closes that gap long-term is ongoing, structured support that sticks around past the applause.

What Does a Leadership Development Coach Actually Do?

A leadership development coach works one-on-one or with a team over weeks and months, not just a single session, to strengthen the specific skills a leadership role demands: decision-making under pressure, delegation, conflict resolution, and clear communication. Rather than a generic curriculum, the work is built around your organization's actual goals and adjusted as challenges shift. The emphasis stays on practice, not theory, so skills carry over into real meetings and real decisions rather than staying confined to a workshop room.

When Should a Company Bring In a Leadership Development Coach?

Most companies wait too long to bring in coaching support, usually until a specific problem forces the issue: a high performer who can't delegate, a team that keeps missing deadlines, or a new manager who's drowning six months into the role. The better time is earlier, before those patterns calcify into how your organization operates by default. Coaching brought in proactively tends to produce stronger results than coaching brought in as damage control after a resignation or a blown project.

How Is a Leadership Development Coach Different From a Mentor?

A mentor typically shares their own path and advice based on personal experience, which is valuable but isn't structured around measurable progress. A leadership development coach is different: it's a defined relationship with specific goals, regular check-ins, and accountability for applying what's discussed between sessions. Some leaders benefit from both at different points, but conflating the two often means a company ends up with informal advice instead of the structured skill-building it actually needed.

What Results Can You Expect?

Results vary by organization, but the pattern that shows up consistently is fewer repeated mistakes, faster decision-making, and managers who handle conflict directly instead of letting it fester. Teams led by someone who has gone through structured coaching tend to report clearer expectations and less turnover, since much of what drives people to quit traces back to poor management rather than the work itself. None of this happens instantly; it builds over a period of consistent engagement, not a single session.

How Do You Choose the Right Coach for Your Team?

Choosing the right fit matters more than choosing the most credentialed name available. Look for real leadership experience behind the coaching, not just a certification earned without ever having led a team under real pressure. Ask how sessions are structured, what a typical engagement length looks like, and whether the approach adapts as your organization's needs change, rather than running a fixed program regardless of fit.

If your growth has started exposing gaps in how your managers lead, that's usually a sign worth acting on rather than waiting out. The organizations that handle growth best tend to be the ones that invest in leadership capability before it becomes an emergency, not after.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a leadership coach cost?

Rates vary widely by experience and format, typically ranging from around $150 to $600 or more per hour depending on the coach's background and whether sessions are individual or team-based. Ask for a clear quote based on your specific engagement rather than comparing a single average figure.

What's the difference between a coach and a mentor?

 A mentor shares advice based on their own experience, while a coach works through a structured process with defined goals and accountability, focused on building a specific skill rather than offering general guidance.

How long does leadership coaching typically last?

Most engagements run several months to a year, with regular sessions spaced out to allow time to practice and apply what's discussed before the next check-in.

Can leadership coaching work for small businesses, not just executives?

Yes. Coaching is often associated with C-suite executives, but small business owners and first-time managers frequently see the biggest relative improvement, since they're usually leading without much formal training to begin with.

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We Remember

This past Friday, we remembered what happened during 9/11 over 25 years ago.

Some of us, like me, were still on active duty and remember the impacts we faced as we embraced change.

We remembered the wake-up call that we must be more vigilant and not take things for granted.

We remembered exactly where we were and what we were doing when the two planes hit the Twin Towers.

But what about the people who are reliving the scenario in their minds both in New York and the Pentagon?

Do we remember to pray for them and their families?

As I thought about what I wanted to write about this week, I focused on remembering our past and preparing for the future.

Those who never experienced that tragic day have no idea what we remember: that time was lost from our lives.

They have no idea why we go through the various procedures at airports or when entering military bases.

However, there are sometimes things that we must also remember regardless of the world situation.

I’m also aware that we take some things for granted and forget them because they may not seem important.

“The enormity of what happened on Sept. 11, 2001, and the aftermath has had a profound impact not only on the physical health of so many, but their mental health as well.”

9/11 had a profound impact on the mental health of tens of thousands of first responders, doctors say – CBS New York

The psychological effects of 9/11, in my opinion, are often forgotten, and we need to remember that many are suffering and need to be remembered in our prayers.

I would ask you to remember that we are a nation that does not always remember our past.

“A nation which does not remember what it was yesterday, does not know what it is today, nor what it is trying to do. We are trying to do a futile thing if we do not know where we came from or what we have been about.”  ~  ― Woodrow Wilson

Today, I challenge you to reflect on why we need to remember certain things in our lives, especially those who lost their lives 25 years ago on September 11, 2001.

Blog source: https://mckinleysthoughts.com/we-remember/

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