Vanessa McNeal and John Kriesel: Two Impactful Speakers Coming to North Dakota on June 8 and September 17

North Dakota audiences are in for two powerful and transformative keynote experiences this year, as Vanessa McNeal and John Kriesel bring their inspiring messages to the stage on June 8 and September 17.

These two speakers deliver very different—but equally compelling—perspectives on resilience, leadership, and human potential, making them standout choices for organizations looking to create lasting impact.

Vanessa McNeal – June 8

Vanessa McNeal is one of the fastest-rising voices in leadership, resilience, and workplace well-being. Named a Top 10 Rising Speaker of 2026, she combines neuroscience, storytelling, and real-world strategies to help leaders and teams move from burnout to sustainable high performance.

Her keynote goes beyond surface-level conversations about stress. Vanessa helps audiences uncover the deeper patterns driving burnout, disengagement, and overwhelm—and equips them with practical tools to regulate their nervous systems, strengthen emotional intelligence, and lead with clarity and confidence.

With experience working with organizations ranging from Fortune 500 companies to military audiences, Vanessa’s message resonates across industries. Her approach is both science-backed and deeply human, making her an ideal speaker for teams ready to reconnect, refocus, and perform at their best.

John Kriesel – September 17

John Kriesel delivers one of the most powerful stories of resilience you will ever hear. A decorated U.S. Army veteran, Kriesel survived a devastating roadside bomb attack in Iraq that resulted in the loss of both of his legs—and the loss of two close friends.

What sets John apart is not just his story, but how he tells it. Blending humor, authenticity, and hard-earned perspective, he connects with audiences in a way that is both deeply emotional and incredibly uplifting.

Today, John is a nationally sought-after motivational speaker, inspiring audiences from corporate teams to community organizations with his message of perseverance, gratitude, and choosing positivity in the face of adversity.

His keynote leaves audiences energized and reminded of what truly matters—both professionally and personally.

Why These Events Matter

While Vanessa McNeal focuses on internal transformation—helping individuals and teams regulate stress and unlock performance—John Kriesel brings a powerful external story of overcoming unimaginable adversity.

Together, these two speakers represent the full spectrum of resilience:

  • The science of thriving in today’s high-pressure world
  • The human spirit’s ability to overcome life’s greatest challenges

Bring These Speakers to Your Organization

If you’re planning an event in North Dakota or beyond, these are two speakers who will leave a lasting impression on your audience.

Vanessa McNeal and John Kriesel don’t just deliver keynote presentations—they create experiences that shift perspectives, inspire action, and drive meaningful change.

If you’re interested in bringing Vanessa or John to your organization in North Dakota, fill out our contact us form.   https://www.speakernow.com/contact/

By: Midwest Speakers Bureau, Inc.