Leadership Readiness for the Moments That Matter
We help leaders and sales-driven organizations build the clarity, resilience, and execution systems required to perform when pressure rises.
When the stakes are high, your team doesn’t rise to the occasion. They fall to their level of preparation. This is how you prepare them.
Leadership Readiness for the Moments That Matter
We help leaders and sales-driven organizations build the clarity, resilience, and execution systems required to perform when pressure rises.
MEET DAVE
On January 15, 2009, Dave Sanderson's life took an extraordinary turn when he became the last passenger to exit US Airways Flight 1549 after its emergency landing on the Hudson River—an event known as the "Miracle on the Hudson." Demonstrating selfless leadership, Dave risked his own safety to assist fellow passengers, an experience that ignited his mission to inspire others to harness their defining moments.
Transitioning from a successful career in sales and security, including a decade with Tony Robbins' organization, Dave has become a globally recognized motivational speaker and author. His works, including Moments Matter, From Turmoil to Triumph, and The Limitless Life, offer practical strategies for turning adversity into opportunity.
Named one of Inc.com's Top 100 Leadership Speakers, Dave has delivered over 100 presentations annually, sharing insights on resilience, leadership, and personal growth. His commitment to service is evident in his efforts that have raised over $14.8 million for the American Red Cross.
Dave believes that everyone has a "personal flight plan"—a unique path shaped by their experiences and choices. Through his speaking engagements, workshops, and mentorship programs, he empowers individuals and organizations to navigate uncertainty and achieve their fullest potential.
TESTIMONIALS
My mentor, Jim Rohn, got me to realize that the secret to life was to work harder on myself than my job or anything else because then I'd have something to give people. Having a mentor is essential, as is getting the right one; they will inspire you to achieve more than you ever believed you could. Dave Sanderson found that mentor that helped him excel, and I was honored to help him take those lessons he learned and teach him distinctions that he used to become a true servant leader.
TONY ROBBINS
Entrepreneur, #1 NY Times best-selling author, philanthropist, and the nation’s #1 life and business strategist.
Dave’s message really landed with our team — especially the idea that jolts don’t define us, but how we think, lead, and show up does. His framework around getting clear, getting free, and getting going aligned perfectly with our 90‑Day Action Plans, helping us focus on clarity, courage, and taking the next best step. If you’re a leader looking to elevate your organization’s mindset and momentum, bringing Dave in is a powerful catalyst. His message is practical, energizing, and immediately actionable.
ALEX NELSON
Financial Advisor, Edward Jones 2026 Sales Kick Off Meeting
From beginning to end, Dave was outstanding! His dedication to making a positive impact was clear in every aspect of his presentation. In an industry as challenging as ours, he provided valuable insights that left our members inspired and equipped with actionable takeaways to move forward.
DORAN P. HUTCHINSON
Vice President of Member Services & Education, Virginia Health Care Association
Dave, our bankers were talking about you, our opening keynote, right through the end of the conference. Your story was so personal to all of us, and your lessons hammered it home on why your experience can be transforming for all. Thank you!
CLARE CUSACK
President & CEO, New York Bankers Association
As OHUG’s Executive Director and conference organizer, I’ve worked with many speakers over the years, but Dave Sanderson’s session at Ascend 2025 truly stood out. From the moment he took the stage, he had the audience fully engaged. His ability to weave personal experience with practical leadership insights created a powerful connection that resonated deeply with our attendees.
What impressed me most was how Dave aligned his message with the evolving challenges our community is facing; especially as AI begins to reshape how we lead, connect, and build systems. His session, AI + Human Leadership: Reframing the Narrative, challenged attendees to think differently: AI may drive efficiency, but it’s human leadership that inspires teams and drives transformation. He was not only professional and easy to work with behind the scenes, but he also brought a level of authenticity and impact that is rare to find.
The feedback we received from attendees was overwhelmingly positive; people were moved, inspired, and left with actionable takeaways they could bring back to their organizations. If you're looking for a speaker who delivers heart, relevance, and results, I can’t recommend Dave Sanderson highly enough.
JANICE D'ALOIA
Executive Director, OHUG
Dave Sanderson’s powerful story and heartfelt message captivated the audience at the MBANJ 41st Annual Conference, leaving us all inspired to find purpose through adversity. His insights on resilience and leadership were unforgettable and deeply moving.
LAURA BRANDAO
CEO Lighthouse Advisors & 1st Vice President, Mortgage Bankers Association of New Jersey Board of Directors
It is my pleasure to recommend Dave Sanderson as a speaker for any organization or event seeking an engaging, inspiring, and impactful presenter.
Dave spoke at our 50th First Responder Mental Health and Wellness Conference in September 2024, where he captivated our audience with his compelling message and dynamic presence. His ability to connect with attendees on a deep and meaningful level was evident, as he not only engaged but truly inspired those in the room. His presentation resonated with first responders, leaving them with valuable insights and a renewed sense of purpose.
Dave’s professionalism, authenticity, and ability to tailor his message to his audience make him an outstanding choice for any speaking engagement. I wholeheartedly recommend him to any group looking for a speaker who can educate, motivate, and leave a lasting impact.
SHAWN THOMAS
Founder and CEO, 1st Responder Conferences
In organizing our LEADERCON Program, we researched many great authors, speakers, etc. During this process, we were impressed by the number of peer referrals you received, and believe that you definitely delivered, meeting and exceeding all expectations. I also ran across a great quote by John Quincy Adams, that to me pretty well meshes your vision with our conference mission, "If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.
MAJOR DAVID STUCKENBERG
USAF, Event Organizer
Life has a way of keeping us humble. But it’s up to us to seek and take advantage of the opportunities we’re given and the advice imparted on us. Moments DO matter and this book will remind you to always look for opportunities, capitalize on them, and get ahead. Dave is a master at capturing the moments that radically alter the course of your life. Grab a copy and get ready to act! Opportunity doesn’t knock twice.
JEFFREY HAYZLETT
Primetime TV & Podcast Host, Speaker, Author and Part-Time Cowboy
When I served as Chief Communications Officer of the American Red Cross Los Angeles Region, I asked Dave if he would be our keynote speaker at a major fundraiser. When he said yes, we knew we could anticipate a sold out event, but I could never have anticipated the effect his inspirational words had on our guests. While he spoke, the usual murmuring came to a complete standstill and you could have heard the proverbial pin drop in the room. Afterwards, so many attendees told me that they found his message to be life-affirming and unforgettable. I highly recommend David to you as a speaker -- yes, he will tell you about what it was like to be part of the Miracle on the Hudson, but that is just the beginning of his story. It is what he learned from that experience and how he has applied what he has learned that will stick with you...and may even inform your own choices.
TERRI CORIGLIANO
Chief Communications Officer, American Red Cross, Los Angeles
Dave Sanderson is the real deal. His mindset and commitment to excellence puts him in the Leadership Hall of Fame on the first ballot. No one does it better than Dave and his ability to navigate the complexities of the world make his lessons a slam dunk for everyone.
DOMINIQUE WILKINS
NBA Legend and Basketball Hall of Fame, 2006
When Dave Sanderson finished speaking at the LIDMA Annual Conference it was clear that his message was powerful and resonated with everyone in the audience by the standing ovation he received. Not only does Dave have an incredible story based upon his experiences, but he is inspiring, motivational, engaging and has a great sense of humor! Dave's stage presence and presentation style are outstanding for a closing keynote session. I say closing as opening with Dave would simply be a tough act to follow for anyone! Dave is also genuinely a great guy, opening himself to questions and taking the time to interact with event attendees throughout his time there. We highly recommend Dave Sanderson for your next meeting, conference or convention regardless of the industry you are in. His message reaches beyond industries and affirms belief in the human spirit!
GINA GRANTHAM
CEO, Life Insurance Direct Marketing Association
Dave Sanderson is truly a miracle and an inspiration for everyone, especially when we experience hurdles or challenging times. The Florida Association of Healthcare Resources of Materials Management chapter asked him to be the motivational speaker for our conference in Miami in December 2022. The conference had 6 hour long sessions over an 8 hour period. Dave’s session was the only session that truly held the audience captive for his entire hour long session. You could hear a pin drop. Not only is he an engaging speaker, he is a true professional speaker. I know Dave initially from the healthcare software world and it was an honor being a part of the audience listening to him share his experience and how his life changed on January 15th, 2009. Dave’s story will impact all audiences. It’s a reminder that we are all human and life is going to happen around us. What matters the most is how we react and grow from these experiences, no matter the size or impact. We should always be growing and evolving based on what we have been through. Thank you, Dave for sharing your story.
CARRIE GORMAN JOBE
Florida Association for Healthcare Resources & Materials Management
Media Coverage
SPEAKING
It's up to us to take advantage of the opportunities we're given, but few of us know the path to take to accomplish that. Dave Sanderson shares his personal story to ensure that audiences have a blueprint for success no matter what adversity they are facing, whether it be personally or professionally. Participants leave inspired, motivated and confident that they can create opportunity out of uncertainty.
Leadership
Consulting
Global leaders are now facing more adversity than ever. Sometimes it just takes hearing from someone who didn't have a choice when facing a harrowing situation. As the last passenger off the back of the plane on that fateful day, Dave Sanderson took responsibility for the well-being and safety of others while risking his own life in frigid water. Despite the hazards to himself, he only thought of helping others and emerged from the wreckage with a mission: to encourage others to do the right thing.
Dave now travels the world to share his own “turmoil to triumph” moments, all of which were compressed into that day when his plane crashed. This pivotal experience profoundly changed his life and made him realize that his life lessons were worth sharing. He knows the value of goal setting and shows the leaders and the teams he works with how you can accomplish whatever you set out to do by creating your own flight plan, embracing uncertainty, and inviting opportunities you may not even realize exist.
CHECK OUT DAVE'S MOST RECENTLY AUTHORED BOOK
The Limitless Life
On January 15, 2009, on a routine air flight, Dave Sanderson suddenly found himself in a life-or-death struggle – the plane crash, known as the Miracle on the Hudson. What Dave learned during the crash and afterward has helped him to live a limitless life, and now you can too!
Moments Matter
Dave shares practical and implementable strategies on resiliency, leadership, and state management anyone can use to not only survive their “personal plane crash” moment but grow and thrive.
From Turmoil To Triumph
Dave has built a career as a motivational speaker, mentor, and author and was recently named one of the top 100 Leadership Speakers in Inc.com.
Latest blog
The Human Performance Optimization Framework: What the Miracle on the Hudson and Tony Robbins Taught Me About Anticipation
Most leadership frameworks measure one thing—skill, or style, or outcomes. None of them measure the whole person operating inside the…
Latest blogs
The Human Performance Optimization Framework: What the Miracle on the Hudson and Tony Robbins Taught Me About Anticipation
Most leadership frameworks measure one thing—skill, or style, or outcomes. None of them measure the whole person operating inside the…