Speaker Reel - https://vimeo.com/852683375?fl=pl&fe=vl

Personalized Message for Deciding Team/Committee - https://vimeo.com/1129303839/5dcba0e122

Speaker Profile - https://www.gravityspeakers.com/speakers/smiley-poswolsky

Speaker Website - https://www.smileyposwolsky.com/financial-services-keynote-speaker

Relevant Post [Linkedin]

‍

Why Smiley?

‍
For sales leaders and sales support professionals, connection is currency. Smiley’s proven frameworks teach leaders to strengthen client relationships, inspire team commitment, and close performance gaps through intentional acts of inclusion and empathy. With experience tailoring his message to the financial services industry, Smiley will resonate deeply with Elavon’s audience and leave them with tangible ways to enhance relationships both internally and with customers.

‍

Suggested Topic*

^{*for further tailoring by Smiley}

The Future of Belonging: Leading with Empathy to Drive Sales Performance‍

The financial services industry in 2025 is characterized by a complex environment of regulatory changes, technological disruption, market volatility, industry consolidation, and evolving consumer behaviors. AI is expected to become integral to banking, potentially increasing profits by $170 billion to $340 billion by 2028.

But employees need time to learn new skills and training, specifically as it relates to consumer engagement and building deeper relationships and trust with teams, clients, and customers. In high-pressure environments and challenging times, employees and customers need to feel cared for and supported.

In a nonstop, disengaged, overwhelmed workplace; with wall-to-wall Zoom meetings, 24/7 Teams messages, AI agents, and the rapid adoption of GenAI & ChatGPT; the value of meaningful human connection increases exponentially and business is about building belonging for your people, your customers, and your community. High-levels of employee belonging create a 56% increase in job performance, lead to a 50% drop in turnover risk, and can save a company $52 million a year.

Smiley’s practical keynotes provide an actionable toolkit for financial services leaders to attract + retain top talent across generations, lead culture transformation, increase employee engagement + retention, build high-performing super-connected teams, build a culture of trust, psychological safety, and belonging, and drive growth in the future of work.

‍

Highlights

• Bestselling author and top voice on workplace belonging and human connection.
• Worked with Google, Apple, and multiple Fortune 500 financial services companies.
• Featured in Harvard Business Review, The New York Times, and Fast Company.
• Known for engaging, interactive sessions with measurable takeaways.
• Expertise in translating empathy into higher sales, stronger retention, and increased referrals.
• Creator of practical “belonging rituals” adopted by leading organizations.

‍

“Your presentation on belonging in the workforce was phenomenal, and we received overwhelmingly positive feedback from our attendees. The information you shared as thought-provoking and will guide us as we move forward in equipping employees andleaders with the skills of today—and tomorrow—here at MetLife.”— Head of Global Technology and Operations, MetLife

‍

Speaker Reel - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GDss3M6bttE

Speaker Video - Big Little Breakthroughs

Personal Video Message from Josh Linkner - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PHMVxEJ4KPU

Speaker Profile - https://www.gravityspeakers.com/speakers/josh-linkner

‍

Why Josh?

‍Sales leaders are constantly challenged to meet targets in evolving markets. Josh teaches how to innovate not just in products and services, but in the way teams approach sales, client relationships, and market positioning. His experience in financial services and proven track record of helping organizations unlock fresh ideas make him an ideal fit for Elavon.

‍

Updated Material

^{related to the theme --}

‍

Thoughts on "Accelerating What's Possible"

Josh Linkner’s work sits squarely at the intersection of creativity, agility, and performance — exactly where “Accelerating What’s Possible” lives. Drawing from his experience as a five-time tech CEO, venture capitalist, and jazz guitarist, Josh helps leaders and sales teams turn disruption into momentum through practical, repeatable frameworks that drive measurable growth.

At the heart of his message is the Find A Way™ framework, a proven system that equips leaders to move faster and smarter through change. Rather than relying on brute force or overwork, Josh teaches how to blend agility, creativity, and disciplined execution to achieve breakthrough results. Teams learn to replace friction with nimble experimentation, improvise under pressure, and apply small, bold moves that remove bottlenecks and unlock big outcomes. Borrowing from his jazz background, Josh shows how improvisation and adaptability — reacting, adjusting, and inventing in real time — enable teams to thrive when the playbook no longer fits.

Josh will draw from his most recent bestseller - Big Little Breakthroughs - revealing how transformation happens through a steady stream of fast, low-risk innovations rather than one massive leap. By empowering every team member to innovate, Josh gives leaders the tools to drive consistent progress and momentum. This approach helps organizations stack small wins into exponential results — the essence of “Accelerating What’s Possible.”

Through his venture capital firm, Muditā Venture Partners, Josh brings firsthand insight into how AI, automation, and human creativity can fuse to multiply performance. He shows leaders how to use technology as an accelerator — enhancing ingenuity, speed, and precision — and how the right mindset can unlock possibilities far beyond current limits.

Ultimately, Josh helps leaders transform challenges into catalysts, unlock creative solutions, and convert potential into performance. His frameworks empower teams to adapt quickly, innovate relentlessly, and accelerate the possible — not someday, but right now.

‍

Fun connection points

• Event is in Savannah, Georgia. Josh served on the Board of Directors of the Savannah Bananas and can bring forward their story from first-hand knowledge and experience.
• Last year's keynote - Ryan Estis - is one of Josh's closest friends. Josh will connect with Ryan in advance of your event, share notes, and align on how to best build off last year's momentum.

‍

One Hour vs. One Year

Most speakers deliver only one hour of value. Please see the attached summary* of how Josh delivers a full year of value to your and your guests.

^{*via email}

‍

‍

Suggested Topics

^{for further customization from Josh}

Innovation in the Age of AI

The Big Idea

With the most significant technology revolution in decades fully underway, the route to growth, competitive advantage, and enterprise value has fundamentally changed. The path forward involves integrating human creativity with artificial intelligence to thrive amidst uncertainty, rapid change, and disruption.

Keynote Description

In an era where artificial intelligence is not just a tool but a transformative force, Josh Linkner invites you on a thought-provoking journey into unlocking the synergies between AI and human potential for next-gen engagement, growth, and profitability.

Josh Linkner, a prolific tech CEO, venture capital investor, and innovation expert, has been a technology pioneer for over 30 years. He founded, launched, and sold five groundbreaking tech businesses that leveraged cutting-edge innovation to gain a competitive advantage. Today, Josh remains at the forefront of tech transformation, running a venture capital firm and innovation studio focusing on the next generation of AI disruption.

In this mind-opening keynote, Josh shows leaders a new model where human creativity and AI fuse together to win during relentless waves of disruption and change. Through groundbreaking research, compelling stories, and unexpected insights, this keynote illuminates the path forward as AI reshapes nearly every dimension of business and life.

What you’ll discover:

• The Human Edge. Learn about the unique human skills that AI cannot replicate – creativity, empathy, and intuition - and how cultivating these skills can give you an irreplaceable edge in the AI-driven world.
• Creative Disruption. Learn how to use AI as a springboard for creative disruption, turning challenges into opportunities and ideas into revolutions.
• The Power of Unconventional Thinking. Discover new techniques to foster nontraditional thinking and break free from established and new digital competitors.
• Ethical Imagination. Explore the ethical dimensions of AI innovation and the responsibility of creators to imagine and steer technology toward outcomes that uplift humanity and protect our values.
• The Myths of Creativity in the AI Era. Uncover the common myths surrounding creativity and AI and explore how rethinking these myths can lead to breakthrough innovations.

Outcomes & Experiences

Audience: This Keynote Serves Leaders & Teams Who Are:

• Seeking a new synergistic way where AI and human potential.
• Feeling overwhelmed and unprepared by the rapid change from AI-powered transformation.
• Looking for a playbook that mitigates risk and maximizes opportunities in this new wave of disruption.

Outcomes: The Audience Will Leave With:

• An elevated understanding of the changes AI will bring and what to do right now to adapt and prepare.
• A leadership model to embrace the AI revolution instead of fearing it.
• Strategies to fuse human creativity with AI to gain competitive advantage and drive profitable growth.
• Mindsets and tactics to boost relevance, agility, and adaptability.

Suggested Event Formats: While Josh carefully customizes this keynote for every event type, Innovation in the Age of AI is especially effective in the following settings:

• Senior leadership meetings
• Strategy kick-offs
• Client events
• All-team meetings
• Association conventions

‍

Find A Way ^tm

Description: A proven innovation framework to solve problems, accelerate opportunity, and sustain growth. This keynote by Josh Linkner focuses on a 5-step innovation framework for full-organization ingenuity, offering tools for sustainable success. The framework emphasizes agility, creativity, and improvisation over traditional approaches.

Outcomes: Leaders and teams will leave with a model for harnessing ingenuity to solve problems and seize opportunities, innovative strategies for daily results, and the confidence to tackle the unknown and emerge victorious.

‍

Big Little Breakthroughs^tm

Description: This keynote addresses how small, everyday innovations can drive oversized results. It presents a practical approach to unlocking dormant creative capacity, focusing on small, daily creative acts that lead to significant long-term rewards.

Outcomes: Attendees will gain a framework for cultivating a high volume of innovations, inspiring stories demonstrating the power of creative problem-solving, and insights into the habits and tactics of the world's most prolific innovators.

‍

Highlights

• New York Times bestselling author on business innovation.
• Founded and scaled multiple tech companies to success.
• Venture capitalist with investments in over 100 startups.
• Advisor to leading financial services organizations.
• Known for energizing, story-driven, and actionable presentations.
• Provides tools for applying innovation directly to sales growth.

‍

_{“Josh Linkner delivers a roadmap to help future generations of entrepreneurs and innovators push boundaries and explore the art of the possible. He provides a clear path to help you build an army of everyday innovators and turn ideas into action.” -Steve Case, Co-Founder and Former CEO, AOL, Chairman, Revolution Partners}

_{“In today’s fiercely competitive global marketplace the most important resource any business has is the creative thinking of its people. Josh Linkner lays out a road map that will guide individuals, teams, and companies to higher levels of creativity. It is a journey that will lead to better ideas and breakthrough thinking.” - Bill Ford, Executive Chairman, Ford Motor Company}‍

Speaker Reel - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yFL12AZz114

Speaker Profile - https://www.gravityspeakers.com/speakers/erica-dhawan

‍

Why Erica?

‍
For Elavon’s sales leadership audience, where building and sustaining client relationships often spans multiple channels, Erica’s expertise in reading and responding to “digital body language” is a game-changer. She will equip leaders with strategies to communicate trust, empathy, and credibility across email, video calls, and digital touchpoints—helping them shorten sales cycles, improve collaboration, and increase customer satisfaction.

‍

Tailored Topic*

^{*related to the theme --}

Accelerating What’s Possible: The New Rules of Connectional Intelligence in the Age of AI

‍In a world where disruption is constant and technology is rewriting every rule, the real competitive advantage isn’t just speed, it’s connection. Erica Dhawan, the world’s leading expert on Connectional Intelligence, shows audiences how to unlock the hidden power of collaboration to accelerate what’s possible across teams, customers, and industries.Through dynamic storytelling and cutting-edge research, Erica reveals how top organizations are using Connectional Intelligence to break silos, spark innovation, and reimagine what teams can achieve in the age of AI.Audiences will discover how to:

• Build trust and connection in a hybrid, fast-changing world
• Turn everyday interactions into opportunities for innovation and impact
• Leverage technology without losing the human touch
• Lead with clarity, curiosity, and collaboration to drive measurable results

With her signature energy and practical tools, Erica helps leaders and teams move from reaction to reinvention, accelerating performance, engagement, and transformation across their organizations.

‍

Suggested Topic*

^{*for further tailoring by Erica}

Digital Body Language: Building Trust and Closing Deals in a Hybrid World‍

This isn’t your ordinary keynote; it’s a front-row seat to the future of inspiration and impact in the age of AI. WSJ Bestselling Author and award winning keynote speaker Erica Dhawan promises not just a talk but an immersive experience, where the secrets to unlocking peak performance and team spirit are revealed in the new world of work. Get ready to be captivated, motivated, and equipped with the tools to bring out the best in yourself and those around you.

Discover the exact strategies to build 21st century teams that defy the odds, whether it’s how to be a better leader in the AI revolution or turn challenges into triumphs in the digital-first world. Spoiler alert: AI won’t replace us, but leaders who master it will redefine the game. Globally recognized teamwork expert Erica Dhawan provides actionable insights, equipping attendees with the knowledge and strategies to not only adapt to the changing landscape but to thrive in it.

Learning Outcomes:

• Build Trust in Times of Change: Learn proven techniques to foster trust within teams amidst constant digital and AI transformation
• Thrive Amid Uncertainty: Gain actionable tips to enhance engagement, minimize friction, and confidently navigate the unpredictable terrain
• AI as a Leadership Tool: Recognize AI as an asset rather than a threat, and harness its capabilities for organizational success
• Cultivate Team Spirit: Uncover strategies to enhance collaboration, experimentation, and camaraderie within your teams

‍

Highlights

• Bestselling author of Digital Body Language.
• Recognized as one of the Top 50 Management Thinkers in the world (Thinkers50).
• Advisor to Fortune 500 companies, top banks, and global nonprofits.
• Expert on trust, collaboration, and empathy in hybrid and digital-first environments.
• Frequent contributor to Harvard Business Review, Forbes, and Fast Company.
• Delivers frameworks that directly improve client trust and team cohesion.

‍

^{“Erica’s session was engaging, relevant, and actionable. She is thoughtful, inspirational, and smart with a contagious positive energy. All organizations and executive leaders would benefit from having her as an advisor to drive behavioral change, harness the power of networks, and think beyond traditional cohorts. She is a thought leader in the development of collaborative ways of working, improving productivity and customer engagement and experience.” ―Lisa McCann, COO & Global Head of Customer Success and Delivery Services, Korn Ferry‍}

^{“Erica’s presentation was absolutely perfect for our leaders. Our group was diverse and Erica was a hit with everyone! Her storytelling style of presenting along with a healthy dose of informative case studies kept everyone engaged and interested and excited about using connectional intelligence to transform our business”. ―George Chavel, Chairman Emeritus, Sodexo}‍

Speaker Reel and Demo - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ED8CqDIQHd8

Personalized Video Message for the Deciding Team - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bUPrZn4LcDo

Speaker Profile - https://www.gravityspeakers.com/speakers/seth-mattison

‍

Why Seth?

Elavon’s sales leaders face constant change—shifting client expectations, evolving market conditions, and the challenge of leading diverse teams. Seth specializes in equipping leaders to thrive in these environments, emphasizing empathy, adaptability, and trust as core leadership skills. His track record with financial services audiences ensures his message will resonate and drive action.

‍

Suggested Topic*

^{*for further tailoring by Seth}

The Human Advantage: Strategies for Winning in the Age of Machines

As we find ourselves propelled into the age of artificial intelligence and hyper change, it's easy to think that tools will define our trades and machines will dominate our work. With jobs evolving faster than people, thriving in this era requires unlocking the power of both technology and human potential. While machines can replicate tasks, they can never replicate the heart and soul behind the work.

As technology commodifies competitive advantages, organizations must innovate and shift from mere efficiency to true augmentation. By blending Al with human creativity, empathy, and complex problem-solving, businesses can achieve a synergy that drives unprecedented growth and engagement. Let's harness new tools to drive efficiency and scale while amplifying the human touch that makes us unique.

Key Takeaways:

• ‍Embracing our Humanity: Tap into the irreplaceable aspects of human creativity, empathy, and emotional intelligence that drive meaningful work and innovation.
• ‍Differentiating Authentically: Stand out in the Al era by forging  genuine, human connections to create standout customer experiences that algorithms can't replicate.
• ‍Deepen Customer Connections: Go beyond digital to build personal  human touchpoints to create a bond that feels authentic and irreplaceable.
• ‍Unleashing Workforce Potential: Foster a culture where passion, purpose, and personal investment are at the forefront, making every task and interaction distinctly human and impactful.

This Program Is Perfect For Leaders And Teams:

• Navigating the challenges of Al adoption and workforce transformation
• Seeking to leverage human creativity and emotional intelligence for competitive advantage
• Aiming to create a culture of innovation, adaptability, and resilience

‍

Highlights

• Trusted advisor to Fortune 500 brands, including major financial services companies.
• Over 15 years of research on workforce trends and leadership in change.
• Expert at blending motivation with practical leadership tools.
• Recognized for dynamic, high-energy keynote delivery.
• Deep experience customizing content for sales leadership audiences.
• Proven ability to inspire action and foster lasting culture shifts.

‍

_{“Seth's work with the agency has had a big impact. A number of leaders have continued to reference the session and how much of an impact the ideas have had on their thinking as it relates to leading digital transformation at the agency.” - Jane Datta, Chief Human Capital Officer, NASA}

_{“As we navigated our own transformational journey, Seth’s research and insights provided a spot-on and powerful framework to help our executive team challenge the assumptions they've made and the beliefs they carry about who they are and how they're showing up in the world as leaders.” - Susan Cisco, Head of HR & Employee Experience, MassMutual}‍

‍Growth and Perseverance Keynote Speaker, Bestselling Author of The Third Door - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=alJNKEu-3CU&t=89s

The Mindset of Exponential Growth: Alex Banayan Keynote Speech - http://youtube.com/watch?v=K8qReHZ9XIM&t=6s‍

Speaker Profile - https://www.gravityspeakers.com/speakers/alex-banayan

‍

Why Alex?

In sales, finding the “third door” to opportunity—an unexpected yet effective pathway—is often the key to success. Alex’s high-energy keynotes inspire sales leaders to innovate, take smart risks, and relentlessly pursue their goals, making him an ideal motivator for Elavon’s SKO.'

‍

From Alex related to the theme --

The "Accelerating What's Possible" theme is a fantastic fit. Could you pass along these two pieces of content to your client? I think it will help them a lot in making their final decision:

1. Full keynote video about "The Mindset of Exponential Growth", with a special tool about how to navigate setbacks as the organization accelerates what's possible: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K8qReHZ9XIM&t=6s
   
   • See above.
2. Tailored topic titled "There's Always a Way" in the attached PDF on Page 6. ‍
   
   • PDF attached in email

‍

Suggested Topic*

^{*for further customization from Alex}

The Third Door: Unlocking the Keys to Breakthrough Sales Success

We all face rejection. We all deal with fear. At times, it can feel like there are dozens of obstacles holding us back from achieving our biggest goals.

But it doesn’t have to be that way. There are certain mindsets and tools that can clear the obstacles along your path and add rocket fuel to your success. After spending fifteen years researching and interviewing the world’s most innovative leaders, bestselling author Alex Banayan’s widely acclaimed Third Door™ framework can help any organization achieve its goals and radically accelerate its growth.

In this high-energy keynote, Banayan takes audiences on an unprecedented adventure, from hacking The Price is Right to chasing Larry King through a grocery store to the multi-year quest to learn from Bill Gates and Lady Gaga. Alongside these larger-than-life stories, Banayan takes the insights from his bestselling book The Third Door to a whole new level, making them practical and applicable for organizations of all sizes. This powerful presentation teaches you how to:

• Cultivate a culture of bold thinking
• Instill the mindset of persistence and going “all in”
• Fuel growth, no matter the external economic environment
• Become more capable of achieving your company’s biggest objectives

This wildly entertaining keynote is packed with tools and lessons guaranteed to supercharge your mindset—to the point where growth becomes inevitable.

‍

Highlights

• Bestselling author of The Third Door.
• Youngest business author to be published by Crown Business.
• Interviewed some of the world’s most successful leaders and innovators.
• Inspiring storyteller with actionable lessons on persistence.
• Popular speaker for corporate sales and leadership audiences worldwide.
• Known for delivering motivation that sparks immediate action.

‍

^{“The Third Door is a favorite book of many employees in our company, so having Banayan speak at our headquarters was an amazing experience. The keynote was both down to earth and kept everyone wanting more. Banayan also stuck around after to meet and connect with each and every person. Having Banayan speak at our company was a giant success and employees ask, to this day, when we can have him back.” — Justin Copie, CEO, Innovative Solutions}

^{“Alex Banayan was the best speaker we’ve ever had. He brought a whole new element to our leadership offsite, unleashing the energy of our team in a way I’ve never seen before. His messages resonated deeply with our team, enabling us to continue to grow in the midst of uncertain times. I can’t recommend him enough.”— Jeff Oberbillig, Senior Director, Red Hat}‍

Speaker Showreel [2026] - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=782lo-ED4f8

Speaker Website - https://nikolasbadminton.com/

‍

Why Nikolas?

‍Nikolas is uniquely qualified to speak to Elavon’s sales and leadership teams as they navigate the future of payments, financial technology, and customer experience. His ability to translate complex signals of change into clear, actionable strategies makes him an ideal fit for forward-thinking organizations ready to stay ahead of disruption. With deep experience advising leading financial institutions—including American Express, VISA, PayPal, JP Morgan, and the Electronic Transactions Association—Nikolas brings unmatched credibility and relevance. His engaging, research-driven keynotes empower audiences to think like futurists, build innovation mindsets, and uncover opportunities that drive long-term growth.

‍

Suggested Topic*

^{*for further customization}

‍
Supercharging Innovation: How to Uncover New Opportunities and Grow Your Business

‍
Every organization wants to be seen as innovative, solving real world problems and leading their industry. The majority fall at the first hurdle – taking a chance and empowering their people to explore possibilities. Leading executives are now finding that the process of innovation can be revolutionized by leading with futures work to speculation on the futures ahead of us and their place in those incredible worlds. Nikolas reveals how the most successful organizations are revolutionizing innovation by combining futures thinking with actionable strategy. He will help Elavon’s leaders:

• Build resilience and innovation into every layer of the organization.
• De-risk innovation through futures work—spotting signals, trends, and emerging opportunities.
• Think like a futurist—question assumptions, anticipate change, and design thriving futures.

‍

Highlights

• Chief Futurist at Futurist.com and global foresight thought leader.
• Author of the bestselling Facing Our Futures—named a Top-50 Business Book by The Next Big Idea Club and JP Morgan Private Bank’s “Next Gen Pick.”
• Advisor to The White House, NASA, VISA, American Express, JP Morgan, and the U.S. Department of State.
• Has delivered 300+ keynotes to 200,000+ attendees across 30+ countries.
• Frequent contributor to BBC, Forbes, Fast Company, The Atlantic, and Business Insider.
• Advisor to Robert Downey Jr.’s Age of A.I. series; featured in SMART DRUGS – A Futurist’s Journey into Biohacking.
• Helps organizations build futures literacy, anticipate risk, and create bolder visions of growth and innovation.

‍

^{“You were amazing! Everyone is saying that was our best keynote yet!!” - Electronic Transactions Association (ETA)}

^{“Nik came in and wowed us. He surprised many of us with his foresight and predictions and gave our audience information on subjects they didn't even realize they should be considering. The group he presented is in the business of making predictions, so for him to surprise us was inspiring.” - TD Bank}

^{“THANK YOU for your amazing presentation! We’ve had so much positive feedback from our team and everyone loved the conversation between you and our CEO.” - Alex Ford, Communications Manager, American Express Canada}‍