Get Inspired
Discover stories of success and perseverance from remarkable graduates
About Amy Poehler
Amy Poehler: An American actress and comedian who is best known for her work on Saturday Night Live and Parks and Recreation.
About Arianna Huffington
Arianna Huffington: A Greek-American author and businesswoman who is best known for co-founding The Huffington Post.
About Barack Obama
Barack Obama: An American politician who served as the 44th president of the United States from 2009 to 2017. He is the first African American to hold the office of president.
About Barack Obama
Barack Obama: An American politician who served as the 44th president of the United States from 2009 to 2017. He is the first African American to hold the office of president.
About Beyoncé
Beyoncé: An American singer, songwriter, and actress who has won numerous awards for her music including Grammy Awards and MTV Video Music Awards.
About Bill Gates
Bill Gates: An American business magnate who co-founded Microsoft Corporation. He is also known for his philanthropic work through the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
About Chadwick Boseman
Chadwick Boseman: An American actor who is best known for his role as T’Challa in the Marvel Cinematic Universe film Black Panther.
About Conan O’Brien
Conan O’Brien: An American television host, comedian, writer, and producer who is best known for hosting several late-night talk shows including Late Night with Conan O’Brien and Conan.
About David Foster Wallace
David Foster Wallace: An American author who is best known for his novel Infinite Jest. He also wrote several other books including The Pale King and Consider the Lobster.
About Denzel Washington
Denzel Washington: An American actor who has won several awards for his work including Academy Awards, Golden Globe Awards, and Tony Awards.
About Ellen DeGeneres
Ellen DeGeneres: An American comedian, television host, actress, writer, and producer who is best known for hosting The Ellen DeGeneres Show.
About Ellen Johnson Sirleaf
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf: A Liberian politician who served as the 24th president of Liberia from 2006 to 2018. She was the first elected female head of state in Africa.
About J.K. Rowling
J.K. Rowling: A British author who is best known for her Harry Potter series of books. She has also written several other books including The Casual Vacancy and The Cuckoo’s Calling.
About Jeff Bezos
Jeff Bezos: An American business magnate who is best known for founding Amazon.com. He is also the owner of The Washington Post and Blue Origin.
About Jim Carrey
Jim Carrey: A Canadian-American actor and comedian who has won several awards for his work including Golden Globe Awards.
About Kamala Harris
Kamala Harris: An American politician who served as the 49th vice president of the United States from 2021 to 2023. She was the first woman to hold the office of vice president.
About Madeleine Albright
Madeleine Albright: An American politician who served as the 64th secretary of state from 1997 to 2001. She was the first woman to hold that position.
About Maria Shriver
Maria Shriver: An American journalist, author, and former First Lady of California. She is also a member of the Kennedy family.
About Maya Rudolph
Maya Rudolph: An American actress and comedian who is best known for her work on Saturday Night Live and Bridesmaids.
About Michelle Obama
Michelle Obama: An American lawyer, author, and former First Lady of the United States. She is also known for her work on issues related to health and education.
About Neil Gaiman
Neil Gaiman: A British author who is best known for his novels Stardust and American Gods. He has also written several comic book series including The Sandman.
About Oprah Winfrey
Oprah Winfrey: An American talk show host, actress, producer, and philanthropist who is best known for hosting The Oprah Winfrey Show.
About Oprah Winfrey
Oprah Winfrey: An American talk show host, actress, producer, and philanthropist who is best known for hosting The Oprah Winfrey Show.
About Peter Dinklage
Peter Dinklage: An American actor who is best known for his role as Tyrion Lannister in the HBO series Game of Thrones.
About Sheryl Sandberg
Sheryl Sandberg: An American businesswoman who is the COO of Facebook. She is the author of the book Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead.
About Stephen Colbert
Stephen Colbert: An American television host, comedian, writer, and producer who is best known for hosting The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.
About Steve Jobs
Steve Jobs (1955-2011) was an American entrepreneur who co-founded Apple Inc., one of the world’s largest technology companies
About Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift: An American singer-songwriter who has won numerous awards for her music including Grammy Awards and MTV Video Music Awards.
About Tim Cook
Tim Cook: An American business executive who has been the CEO of Apple Inc. since 2011.
How Great Leaders Inspire Action
About Simon Sinek
Simon Sinek: A British-American author and motivational speaker who is known for his work on leadership and management. He is the author of several books including Start With Why and The Infinite Game.
The Power of Vulnerability
About Brené Brown
Brené Brown: An American author and research professor who is known for her work on vulnerability, courage, shame, and empathy. She is the author of several books including Daring Greatly and The Gifts of Imperfection.
My Stroke of Insight - Taylor’s speech was about her experience of having a stroke and how it changed her life.
About Jill Bolte Taylor
Jill Bolte Taylor: An American neuroanatomist who is known for her work on the human brain. She is the author of the book My Stroke of Insight which details her experience of having a stroke and her subsequent recovery.
Your Elusive Creative Genius - Gilbert’s speech was about creativity and how to find it.
About Elizabeth Gilbert
Elizabeth Gilbert: An American author who is best known for her memoir Eat, Pray, Love. She has also written several other books including Big Magic and City of Girls.
Your Body Language Shapes Who You Are
About Amy Cuddy
Amy Cuddy: An American social psychologist who is known for her work on body language. She is the author of the book Presence: Bringing Your Boldest Self to Your Biggest Challenges.
The Puzzle of Motivation - Pink’s speech was about what motivates people.
About Dan Pink
Dan Pink: An American author who is known for his work on motivation and management. He is the author of several books including Drive and To Sell Is Human.
Do Schools Kill Creativity?
About Sir Ken Robinson
Sir Ken Robinson: A British author and educator who is known for his work on creativity in education. He is the author of several books including The Element and Out of Our Minds.
The Danger of a Single Story
About Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie: A Nigerian author who is known for her novels Half of a Yellow Sun and Americanah. She has also given several TED Talks including “The Danger of a Single Story.”
Why We Have Too Few Women Leaders - Sandberg’s speech was about why there are too few women leaders.
About Sheryl Sandberg
Sheryl Sandberg: An American businesswoman who is the COO of Facebook. She is the author of the book Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead.
The Power of Introverts
About Susan Cain
Susan Cain: An American author who is known for her work on introversion. She is the author of the book Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking.
The Game That Can Give You 10 Extra Years of Life - McGonigal’s speech was about how playing games can help you live longer.
About Jane McGonigal
Jane McGonigal: An American game designer who is known for her work on alternate reality games. She is the author of several books including Reality Is Broken and SuperBetter.
The Happy Secret to Better Work - Achor’s speech was about how happiness leads to success.
About Shawn Achor
Shawn Achor: An American author and motivational speaker who is known for his work on positive psychology. He is the author of several books including The Happiness Advantage and Big Potential.
Love, No Matter What - Solomon’s speech was about love and acceptance.
About Andrew Solomon
Andrew Solomon: An American writer who is known for his work on mental health. He is the author of several books including The Noonday Demon and Far from the Tree.
Looks Aren’t Everything. Believe Me, I’m a Model - Russell’s speech was about beauty and self-esteem.
About Cameron Russell
Cameron Russell: An American model who has worked with several high-profile fashion brands. She has also given a TED Talk titled “Looks Aren’t Everything. Believe Me, I’m a Model.”
The Surprising Science of Happiness
About Dan Gilbert
Dan Gilbert: An American social psychologist who is known for his work on happiness. He has given several TED Talks including “The Surprising Science of Happiness.”
8 Secrets of Success
About Richard St. John
Richard St. John: A Canadian businessman who has given a TED Talk titled “8 Secrets of Success.”
Underwater Astonishments
About David Gallo
David Gallo: An American oceanographer who has given several TED Talks about ocean exploration.
The Best Stats You’ve Ever Seen
About Hans Rosling
Hans Rosling: A Swedish physician who was known for his work on global health. He has given several TED Talks including “The Best Stats You’ve Ever Seen.”
Teach Every Child About Food
About Jamie Oliver
Jamie Oliver: A British chef who has hosted several cooking shows including The Naked Chef and Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution.
Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams
About Randy Pausch
Randy Pausch: An American computer science professor who gave a lecture titled “The Last Lecture” after being diagnosed with terminal cancer.
Believe in yourself and all that you are. Know that there is something inside you that is greater than any obstacle.
About Christian D. Larson
Christian D. Larson (1874–1954) was an American New Thought leader and teacher and a prolific author of metaphysical and New Thought books
Believe you can and you’re halfway there.
About Theodore Roosevelt
Theodore Roosevelt: 26th President of the United States. He was known for his conservation efforts and his foreign policy. He was also a prolific writer and historian.
Don’t let yesterday take up too much of today.
About Will Rogers
Will Rogers (1879-1935) was an American humorist and actor known for his folksy demeanor and witty social commentary
Don’t watch the clock; do what it does. Keep going.
About Sam Levenson
Sam Levenson (1911-1980) was an American humorist and television host known for his witty one-liners
I attribute my success to this: I never gave or took any excuse.
About Florence Nightingale
Florence Nightingale: A British nurse who is considered the founder of modern nursing. She was known for her work during the Crimean War and her efforts to improve sanitation in hospitals.
I can’t change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination.
About Jimmy Dean
Jimmy Dean (1928-2010) was an American country music singer and television host4.
I cannot live without books.
About Thomas Jefferson
Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826) was an American statesman who served as the third President of the United States from 1801 to 1809
I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.
About Thomas A. Edison
Thomas A. Edison: An American inventor who is best known for inventing the light bulb. He also invented the phonograph and the motion picture camera.
I never dreamed about success; I worked for it.
About Estée Lauder
Estée Lauder (1908-2004) was an American businesswoman who co-founded Estée Lauder Companies with her husband Joseph Lauder in 1946
I’m a great believer in luck, and I find the harder I work the more I have of it.
About Thomas Jefferson
Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826) was an American statesman who served as the third President of the United States from 1801 to 1809
If opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door.
About Milton Berle
Milton Berle (1908-2002) was an American comedian and actor known as “Mr. Television” during the early days of television in the United States
If you really want to do something, you’ll find a way; if you don’t, you’ll find an excuse.
About Jim Rohn
Jim Rohn (1930-2009) was an American entrepreneur and motivational speaker who authored several books on personal development
If you want something you never had, you have to do something you’ve never done.
About Thomas Jefferson
Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826) was an American statesman who served as the third President of the United States from 1801 to 18095.
If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.
About John Quincy Adams
John Quincy Adams (1767-1848) was an American statesman who served as the sixth President of the United States from 1825 to 1829
Imagination is more important than knowledge.
About Albert Einstein
Albert Einstein (1879-1955) was a German-born theoretical physicist who developed the theory of relativity and is widely considered one of the most influential scientists of the 20th century10.
It always seems impossible until it’s done.
About Nelson Mandela
Nelson Mandela (1918-2013) was a South African anti-apartheid revolutionary who served as President of South Africa from 1994 to 1999 after being imprisoned for 27 years for his activism against apartheid.
It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.
About Confucius
Confucius (551 BC – 479 BC) was a Chinese philosopher and politician whose teachings have had a profound influence on Chinese culture and beyond
It’s not about how hard you hit, it’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward.
About Rocky Balboa
Rocky Balboa is a fictional character portrayed by Sylvester Stallone in the Rocky film series
Success is not final; failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.
About Winston S. Churchill
Winston S. Churchill: A British statesman who served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom during World War II. He was also a prolific writer and historian.
Success is not how far you got but the distance you traveled from where you started.
About Steve Prefontaine
Steve Prefontaine: An American long-distance runner who competed in the 1972 Olympics. He set numerous American records and was known for his aggressive racing style.
Success is not how high you have climbed, but how you make a positive difference to the world.
About Roy T. Bennett
Roy T. Bennett: An author who has written several books on personal development and self-help.
Success is walking from failure to failure with no loss of enthusiasm.
About Winston Churchill
Winston Churchill (1874-1965) was a British statesman who served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1940 to 1945 and again from 1951 to 1955
Success seems to be connected with action. Successful people keep moving. They make mistakes but they don’t quit.
About Conrad Hilton
Conrad Hilton (1887-1979) was an American hotelier who founded the Hilton Hotels chain
The best way out is always through.
About Robert Frost
Robert Frost (1874-1963) was an American poet known for his realistic depictions of rural life and his use of colloquial language.
The best way to predict your future is to create it.
About Abraham Lincoln
Abraham Lincoln: 16th President of the United States. He is known for leading the country through its Civil War and for his Emancipation Proclamation which abolished slavery in the United States.
The difference between successful people and very successful people is that very successful people say ‘no’ to almost everything.
About Warren Buffet
Warren Buffet is an American investor and business magnate who is widely considered one of the most successful investors in history
The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.
About Eleanor Roosevelt
Eleanor Roosevelt (1884-1962) was an American political figure who served as First Lady of the United States from 1933 to 1945 during her husband Franklin D. Roosevelt’s presidency.
The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.
About Nelson Mandela
Nelson Mandela (1918-2013) was a South African anti-apartheid revolutionary who served as President of South Africa from 1994 to 1999 after being imprisoned for 27 years for his activism against apartheid.
The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today.
About Franklin D. Roosevelt
Franklin D. Roosevelt: 32nd President of the United States. He is known for leading the country through its Great Depression and World War II.
The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be.
About Ralph Waldo Emerson
Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882) was an American essayist and poet known for his transcendentalist philosophy which emphasized individualism and self-reliance.
The only place where success comes before work is in the dictionary.
About Vidal Sassoon
Vidal Sassoon: A British hairdresser who revolutionized hair styling in the 1960s with his geometric haircuts.
The only thing worse than starting something and failing…is not starting something.
About Seth Godin
Seth Godin is an American author and entrepreneur who has written several books on marketing and business strategy.
The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing.
About Socrates
Socrates (469/470 BC – 399 BC) was a Greek philosopher credited with laying the groundwork for Western philosophy.
The only way around is through.
About Robert Frost
Robert Frost (1874-1963) was an American poet known for his realistic depictions of rural life and his use of colloquial language.
The only way to do great work is to love what you do.
About Steve Jobs
Steve Jobs (1955-2011) was an American entrepreneur who co-founded Apple Inc., one of the world’s largest technology companies
The stock market is a device for transferring money from the impatient to the patient.
About Warren Buffet
Warren Buffet is an American investor and business magnate who is widely considered one of the most successful investors in history
The true sign of intelligence is not knowledge but imagination.
About Albert Einstein
Albert Einstein (1879-1955) was a German-born theoretical physicist who developed the theory of relativity and is widely considered one of the most influential scientists of the 20th century10.
Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right.
About Henry Ford
Henry Ford: An American industrialist who founded Ford Motor Company and developed the assembly line method of mass production.
You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.
About C.S Lewis
C.S Lewis: A British writer who is best known for his series of children’s books, The Chronicles of Narnia.
You can’t build a reputation on what you are going to do.
About Henry Ford
Henry Ford: An American industrialist who founded Ford Motor Company and developed the assembly line method of mass production.
You can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards.
About Steve Jobs
Steve Jobs (1955-2011) was an American entrepreneur who co-founded Apple Inc., one of the world’s largest technology companies
You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great.
About Zig Ziglar
Zig Ziglar: An American author and motivational speaker who has written several books on personal development and salesmanship.
You have brains in your head, you have feet in your shoes, you can steer yourself any direction you choose.
About Dr Seuss
Dr Seuss: An American writer and illustrator who is best known for his children’s books such as The Cat in the Hat and Green Eggs and Ham.
You learn more from failure than from success. – Don’t let it stop you. Failure builds character.
About Unknown
You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.
About Wayne Gretzky
Wayne Gretzky: A Canadian former professional ice hockey player who is considered one of the greatest hockey players of all time. He played 20 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL) for four teams from 1979 to 1999.
Your time is limited, don’t waste it living someone else’s life.
About Steve Jobs
Steve Jobs (1955-2011) was an American entrepreneur who co-founded Apple Inc., one of the world’s largest technology companies