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Dan Stecken
Stressed Leaders Founder
Dan Stecken brings a perspective shaped by the pressures of leadership and what it takes to stay in the game when things get heavy.
He is the Superintendent of Seneca high School District #160 in Seneca, Illinois, with over 20 years of experience in education and a background as a Hall of Fame coach. Known for challenging himself to "Do Hard Things," Dan leads from the front, both personally and professionally.
Through his keynote presentations on leadership and school culture, Dan pushes leaders to break out of autopilot, confront burnout, and re-engage with how they show up in their roles.
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Speaker Highlights
Dan Cox
Main Keynote: Leading on Empty: Why Burnout Isn't a Badge of Honor
Dan W. Cox brings a perspective shaped by decades of leadership under pressure and what it takes to perform when the stakes are high.
A nationally recognized educational leader, speaker, and endurance athlete, Dan has over 25 years in education, including 15 years as a public school superintendent. He's know for guiding school districts through growth and high-stakes challenges while building resilient, high-performing cultures.
Through Endurance Edge, Dan blends leadership development with hard-earned lessons from his personal journey, loosing 100 pounds, becoming an ultramarathon runner, and completing the 50-mile World's Toughest Mudder. His keynotes challenge leaders to embrace discomfort, beat burnout, and lead with grit.
His philosophy is simple: Do hard things. Grow through challenge. Lead on the edge.
Sara Ellis Olson
Sara Ellis Olson brings a perspective shaped by resilience, leadership, and her personal journey through adversity.
A cancer survivor and veteran elementary classroom teacher, Sara weaves her life experience into powerful leadership lessons. Her story highlights the importance of serving others first and leading with intention, reminding leaders that real impact starts with how we show up for those around us.
Mike Donatelli
Mike Donatelli brings a perspective shaped by pushing limits, embracing challenge, and doing what most people won’t.
Known as the “Best Day Ever” guy, Mike helps men achieve physical feats they never thought possible. A powerlifter and Ironman competitor, he builds communities around discipline, accountability, and showing up when it’s hard.
His message is simple: leaders go first. Step into the challenge, raise your standard, and follow through.
Brandi Kelly
Dr. Brandi Kelly brings a perspective shaped by decades of leadership, growth, and building strong organizational culture.
An accomplished author, speaker, podcaster, coach, and consultant with over 20 years of experience, Dr. Kelly is dedicated to empowering leaders to inspire growth, create positive change, and cultivate environments where success thrives.
Jake Carr
Jake Carr brings a perspective shaped by helping others see themselves differently and build confidence through that shift.
With over 10 years of experience photographing thousands of students, athletes, and educators, Jake uses portrait work as a tool for transformation. His approach shows how something as simple as a photo can create confidence, spark change, and build momentum toward personal and professional goals.
During the event, Jake will be offering complimentary updated portraits for attendees.
Justin Pickens
Justin Pickens brings a refreshing, real-world perspective on what it means to build a life and career that actually fit. After exploring roles across physical education, finance, fast food, and back to education—all within two years—he gained powerful insight into navigating change, managing stress, and recognizing true alignment.
Through his journey, Justin shows that you don’t have to choose between making an impact and having a life—you just need clarity, intentionality, and the mindset to stay grounded under pressure.
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Jonelle Carter
Jonelle Marie Carter brings a perspective shaped by resilience, personal growth, and helping others step into their own path.
From overcoming cancer to creating spaces that support growth and connection, her story reflects the power of purpose-driven leadership. Jonelle works with women to build confidence, embrace their journey, and move forward with clarity and intention.
Caden Vittorini
Caden Vittorini brings a perspective shaped by leadership at a young age and a commitment to helping others step into their potential early.
As CEO and Founder of Vitt Factor, a TEDx speaker, and #1 best-selling author, Caden has reached over 40,000 students through interactive assemblies and workshops. His work focuses on leadership, mindset, and taking ownership at every stage.
He leads a growing network of young professionals and entrepreneurs through The Mission Academy and continues to build spaces where the next generation can rise.
Phil Januszewski
Phil Januszewski is a nationally known dynamic keynote speaker that empowers our “givers” in the world to flourish more in their personal lives in order to create greater impact in their careers and community; all while avoiding burnout, boredom, and cynicism.
Phil is an energetic speaker (since 2013), experienced educator (20 years), and charismatic creator. He holds a bachelor’s in chemistry, a master’s in teaching leadership, and a positive education certification. Known for his high energy, blend of entertainment and impact, and heavily tattooed skin, Phil lives out his personal mission of creating and spreading happiness through motivation, education, and entertainment.
Craig Williams
Craig Williams is a storyteller, entrepreneur, education advocate, and founder of Journey12. With more than four decades of experience building businesses and serving on nonprofit, community, and school boards, Craig is passionate about helping schools strengthen connections with their communities through authentic storytelling.
He is the author of Brand Your School With [its own] Stories (2024) and works with educational leaders to build trust, engagement, and stronger outcomes for students.
Craig holds an MBA from Washington University in St. Louis and is a proud husband, father of three, and self-described "treehouse dad" who believes every leader has a story worth telling.
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