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Dan Stecken
Stressed Leaders Founder
Dan is the Superintendent of Seneca High School District #160 in Seneca, Illinois. He has been in education for over 20 years and is a Hall of Fame coach. A leader who has recently lost over 100+ pounds and challenges himself to "Do Hard Things." Dan has led keynote addresses on leadership and school culture. Dan's keynote will shock your system to get you out of your rut.
Dan Cox
Main Keynote: Leading on Empty: Why Burnout Isn't a Badge of Honor
Dan W. Cox is a nationally recognized educational leader, speaker, and endurance athlete with over 25 years in education, including 15 years as a public school superintendent. He’s known for guiding school districts through growth and high-stakes challenges, all while building resilient, high-performing cultures.
Through Endurance Edge, Dan blends leadership development with hard-earned lessons from his personal journey, losing 100 pounds, becoming an ultramarathon runner, and completing the 50-mile World’s Toughest Mudder. His keynotes inspire audiences to embrace discomfort, beat burnout, and lead with grit.
Dan’s philosophy is clear: Do hard things. Grow through challenge. Lead on the edge. He challenges leaders to rise above burnout, imposter syndrome, and complacency by leaning into adversity and showing up with purpose, every single day.
Sara Ellis Olson
A cancer surviving fierce female leader, Sara is a veteran elementary classroom teacher who weaves her life's journey into her leadership lessons. Sara's story will stress the importance of transformational leaders going last to serve others in life.
Mike Donatelli
The "Best Day Ever" guy | Helping men achieve physical feats they never thought possible | A powerlifter, Ironman, and up for any challenge. Join Mike's community of savages & get in the best shape of your life. Mike's message promotes leaders who go first into a challenge.
Brandi Kelly
Dr. Brandi Kelly is an accomplished author, speaker, podcaster, coach, and consultant with a passion for building thriving organizational culture. 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 is a photographer with 10 years of experience photographing thousands of students, athletes, and teachers. Jake will share with you how having your portrait taken and then hanging it on the wall can inspire confidence, and change and create momentum that will drive you towards accomplishing your goals. He will be around to create a complimentary updated portrait for you during the event.
Valerie Butron
By day, she empowers educators through professional development and bilingual storytelling. By sunrise, she’s chasing finish lines—literally. An ultramarathoner and certified running coach, she brings the same endurance, strategy, and heart to running as she does to supporting school and district leaders. She's an author, co-owner of Tumbao Bilingual Books, founder of the nonprofit Crete Community Runners Association, and a firm believer that movement—whether in schools or on the trail—starts with one intentional step at a time.
Jonelle Carter
Jonelle Marie Carter is a transformative leader, blending resilience, passion, and vision to inspire women to embrace their unique paths. From overcoming cancer to creating empowering spaces for growth, her story is proof of the power of purpose-driven living. Learn more about her journey and how she can guide yours.
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