Chris Klieman

Championship Leadership Keynote Speaker on Team Building, Motivation, Sports, Culture & Overcoming Adversity

Expert on

  • Leadership
  • Inspirational
  • Motivational
  • Sports
  • Team Building
  • Overcoming Adversity 

Fee Range

$50,000–$60,000

Travels from

FL, US

Biography

Chris Klieman is a proven championship coach known for building a culture of selflessness, discipline, toughness, and commitment.

While coaching Kansas State Football for seven seasons (2019-2025), he guided the Wildcats to a 54-34 (61%) record, five eight-win seasons, a Big 12 Championship in 2022, 6 bowl game appearances, 7 wins over Kansas, and multiple top-10 victories—more than any other active Big 12 program since 2019. His teams delivered sustained success with three straight nine-win seasons, consistent national rankings, and record-setting bowl performances, while producing numerous All-Big 12 and All-America honorees.

Klieman’s leadership has elevated K-State into one of the nation’s most reliable winners. The Wildcats ranked among the top Power 4 programs over the last several years, highlighted by comeback victories, dominant home performances, and player development that has produced multiple NFL Draft picks. His commitment to excellence always extended beyond the field, fostering a culture that balances competitive toughness with strong character and accountability.

A four-time FCS National Champion as head coach at North Dakota State (2014-2018), Klieman owns a 126-47 (73%) career record and stands among college football’s winningest active coaches. His tenure is also defined by academic achievement, with over 200 Academic All-Big 12 selections under his watch. A former All-Gateway Conference defensive back, Klieman began his coaching career at Northern Iowa and has built championship-caliber programs at every stop.

He and his wife, Rhonda, have three children: Devin, Colby, and Haley.

The Edge in the Details

How Championship Teams Build a Winning Culture Every Day

Championships aren’t won by accident. They are built through the daily habits, disciplined preparation, and unwavering commitment to the details that others often overlook.

As one of college football’s most successful coaches, Chris Klieman has built championship teams by creating a culture where accountability, trust, and continuous improvement become the standard. In this inspiring keynote, he shares the leadership principles that have helped his teams consistently perform at the highest level, even under intense pressure.

Whether you’re leading an organization, managing a team, or striving to elevate your own performance, you’ll discover how focusing on the small things creates a lasting competitive advantage and drives extraordinary results.

Audience Will Learn How To:

  • Build a championship culture where accountability and excellence become the standard.
  • Develop leaders who inspire trust, confidence, and high performance.
  • Strengthen teamwork by creating a shared purpose and commitment to collective success.
  • Build the mental toughness and resilience needed to overcome adversity and embrace change.
  • Coach individuals and teams to consistently perform at their highest potential.
  • Stay composed and make confident decisions when the pressure is on.
  • Turn everyday habits and attention to detail into sustained peak performance.