All American Entertainment Named to Inc. Best Workplaces in 2022. Read more
AAE Named to Inc. Best Workplaces in 2022. Read more
Don Yaeger

Don Yaeger

Keynote Speaker: Award-Winning Leadership Coach & Best-Selling Author

Don Yaeger Biography

Don Yaeger is a nationally acclaimed inspirational speaker, longtime Associate Editor of Sports Illustrated, author of over 30 books, eleven of which have become New York Times Best-sellers, and host of Corporate Competitor Podcast. He began his career at the San Antonio Light in Texas, and also worked at the Dallas Morning News and the Florida Times-Union in Jacksonville before going to work for Sports Illustrated.

As an author, Yaeger has written books with, among others, Hall of Fame running back Walter Payton, UCLA basketball Coach John Wooden, baseball legends John Smoltz and Tug McGraw, and football stars Warrick Dunn and Michael Oher (featured in the movie The Blind Side). He teamed with Fox News anchor Brian Kilmeade to pen the 2013 best-seller "George Washington’s Secret Six," a look at the citizen spy ring that helped win the Revolutionary War and then again in 2015 for "Thomas Jefferson and the Tripoli Pirates: The Forgotten War that Changed American History," and in 2017 for "Andrew Jackson and the Miracle of New Orleans: The Battle that Shaped America’s Destiny."

Yaeger left SI in 2008 to pursue a public speaking career that has allowed him to share stories learned from the greatest winners of our generation with audiences as diverse as Fortune 10 companies to cancer survivor groups, where he shares his personal story. More than a quarter-million people have heard his talks on “What Makes the Great Ones Great.” He collaborated with the Florida State University School of Business’s Continuing Education Program to build a corporate webinar program focusing on lessons building a culture of success within an organization. This naturally led to another keynote speech on “What Makes the Great Teams Great.” The release of his tenth New York Times best-seller, "Teammate," was the inspiration for his newest keynote on “Becoming a Team of Great Teammates.”

Contact a speaker booking agent to check availability on Don Yaeger and other top speakers and celebrities.

Don Yaeger Speaking Topics

Turning Adversity into Advantage.

Don, a cancer survivor, relates stories and lessons taken from those who have encountered great challenges and become better, not despite them, but because of them. In this speech, he reminds his audience that adversity is one of the most potent forces in life – it can build you up or tear you down. Your reaction to adversity – big or small – shapes your character, clarifies your priorities and defines your path. And, as described in this speech, it can fuel your greatness. He has discussed this subject with athletes and entertainers like Tim McGraw, who watched his father lose a battle with brain cancer. McGraw's experience preceded the release of Don’s monster hit, "Live Like You Were Dying."

When The Media Comes Calling

In today's age of instantaneous communication, companies and individuals alike need to be more knowledgeable than ever when it comes to media relations. If a member of the press contacts you, will you be ready for that call? How will you react when a question comes your way that you weren't expecting? And what if you actually want to tell your story? Is there a trick to getting a reporter to see your story as worth telling?

Don Yaeger has developed a national reputation for answering these questions. His expertise has been sought out by countless high-profile athletes, business leaders and elected officials. As a New York Times bestselling author and former associate editor of Sports Illustrated, Don has been on both sides of the microphone. He has conducted interviews around the globe and has been interviewed on countless national television and radio shows about his work. His 20-plus years of experience gives him the qualifications to teach you how to win the battle between a professional interrogator and an amateur respondent.

Crisis Management

As the author of the best-selling book on the Duke lacrosse scandal - a spectacular example of poor crisis management - Don has studied ways to prepare for and manage potential crises. This seminar is a shortened version of a one-semester course that he taught at a major university.

Institutional Reputation Management

Don Yaeger, a four-time New York Times best-selling author, major newspaper veteran and former Sports Illustrated associate editor, has covered some of America’s most challenging stories over the last two decades.

This session will cover everything from tips on how to create a well of good will with today's media to developing a communications plan to guide you through any potential crisis.

Building Your Personal Brand

Everyone recognizes the value of a brand. In fact, BusinessWeek magazine once said that Coca-Cola’s brand alone is worth $67 BILLION. But you don’t have to be a Fortune 500 company to be a brand. Today, in the Age of the Individual, every one of us is a brand. And, just as executives at Coca-Cola must do, it is your responsibility to increase your brand value daily.

Don Yaeger is a nationally recognized expert on the development of Personal Brands, having worked with business leaders, elected officials and world-class athletes on building their brands. In this workshop, Don challenges your audience members to work on the fundamentals of personal branding, including: identifying what they want their brand to be; understanding what intentional acts they must take to get to that place; and discussing the responsibilities of brand ownership.

Why should your employees or members attend this session? Because those who possess, develop and constantly work on their personal brand find their path to professional success a little smoother. People do business with those they enjoy, trust and respect, all are characteristics of a strong brand. Like most skills, some people do these things intuitively. But, most of us must work on these things intentionally. This program lays the framework for that growth.

Don Yaeger Videos

Excuses are the Killers of Leaders with Don Yaeger
The Corporate Competitor with Don Yaeger
Don Yaeger - Greatness Story

How to book Don Yaeger?

Our booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure talent like Don Yaeger for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment for over 15 years. The team at All American Entertainment represents and listens to the needs of organizations and corporations seeking to hire keynote speakers, celebrities or entertainers. Fill out a booking request form for Don Yaeger, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get pricing information and check availability for Don Yaeger or any other celebrity of your choice.

How much does it cost to book Don Yaeger?

Booking fees for Don Yaeger, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. Pricing often varies according to the circumstances, including the talent's schedule, market conditions, length of presentation, and the location of the event. Speaker fees listed on this website are intended to serve as a guideline only. In some cases, the actual quote may be above or below the stated range. For the most current fee to hire Don Yaeger, please fill out the booking request form or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak with an experienced booking agent.

Who is the agent for Don Yaeger?

All American Entertainment has successfully secured celebrity talent like Don Yaeger for clients worldwide for more than 15 years. As a full-service talent booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Fill out the booking request form or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Don Yaeger for your next private or corporate function.

What is a full-service talent booking agency?

All American Speakers is a "buyers agent" and exclusively represents talent buyers, meeting planners and event professionals, who are looking to secure celebrities and speakers for personal appearances, speaking engagements, corporate entertainment, public relations campaigns, commercials, or endorsements. We do not exclusively represent Don Yaeger or claim ourselves as the exclusive booking agency, business manager, publicist, speakers bureau or management for Don Yaeger or any other speaker or celebrity on this website. For more information on how we work and what makes us unique, please read the AAE Advantage.


Don Yaeger is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics including Business, Teamwork & Teambuilding and Sales. The estimated speaking fee range to book Don Yaeger for live events is $20,000 - $30,000, and for virtual events $10,000 - $20,000. Don Yaeger generally travels from Tallahassee, FL, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Coach Ken Carter, Shannon Miller and Scott Hamilton. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Don Yaeger for an upcoming event.

Don Yaeger Speaking Topics

  • Turning Adversity into Advantage.

    Don, a cancer survivor, relates stories and lessons taken from those who have encountered great challenges and become better, not despite them, but because of them. In this speech, he reminds his audience that adversity is one of the most potent forces in life – it can build you up or tear you down. Your reaction to adversity – big or small – shapes your character, clarifies your priorities and defines your path. And, as described in this speech, it can fuel your greatness. He has discussed this subject with athletes and entertainers like Tim McGraw, who watched his father lose a battle with brain cancer. McGraw's experience preceded the release of Don’s monster hit, "Live Like You Were Dying."

  • When The Media Comes Calling

    In today's age of instantaneous communication, companies and individuals alike need to be more knowledgeable than ever when it comes to media relations. If a member of the press contacts you, will you be ready for that call? How will you react when a question comes your way that you weren't expecting? And what if you actually want to tell your story? Is there a trick to getting a reporter to see your story as worth telling?

    Don Yaeger has developed a national reputation for answering these questions. His expertise has been sought out by countless high-profile athletes, business leaders and elected officials. As a New York Times bestselling author and former associate editor of Sports Illustrated, Don has been on both sides of the microphone. He has conducted interviews around the globe and has been interviewed on countless national television and radio shows about his work. His 20-plus years of experience gives him the qualifications to teach you how to win the battle between a professional interrogator and an amateur respondent.

  • Crisis Management

    As the author of the best-selling book on the Duke lacrosse scandal - a spectacular example of poor crisis management - Don has studied ways to prepare for and manage potential crises. This seminar is a shortened version of a one-semester course that he taught at a major university.

  • Institutional Reputation Management

    Don Yaeger, a four-time New York Times best-selling author, major newspaper veteran and former Sports Illustrated associate editor, has covered some of America’s most challenging stories over the last two decades.

    This session will cover everything from tips on how to create a well of good will with today's media to developing a communications plan to guide you through any potential crisis.

  • Building Your Personal Brand

    Everyone recognizes the value of a brand. In fact, BusinessWeek magazine once said that Coca-Cola’s brand alone is worth $67 BILLION. But you don’t have to be a Fortune 500 company to be a brand. Today, in the Age of the Individual, every one of us is a brand. And, just as executives at Coca-Cola must do, it is your responsibility to increase your brand value daily.

    Don Yaeger is a nationally recognized expert on the development of Personal Brands, having worked with business leaders, elected officials and world-class athletes on building their brands. In this workshop, Don challenges your audience members to work on the fundamentals of personal branding, including: identifying what they want their brand to be; understanding what intentional acts they must take to get to that place; and discussing the responsibilities of brand ownership.

    Why should your employees or members attend this session? Because those who possess, develop and constantly work on their personal brand find their path to professional success a little smoother. People do business with those they enjoy, trust and respect, all are characteristics of a strong brand. Like most skills, some people do these things intuitively. But, most of us must work on these things intentionally. This program lays the framework for that growth.

Don Yaeger Videos

Excuses are the Killers of Leaders with Don Yaeger
The Corporate Competitor with Don Yaeger
Don Yaeger - Greatness Story

Don Yaeger Reviews

  • The O.N. Equity Sales Co - Sep 23 2021

Don Yaeger News

  • Don Yaeger Slated to Speak at Vitality 2015

    Everything we do and stand for here at Vi is building up to one momentous event—Vitality. This year we’re excited to announce business leadership coach and eight-time New York Times Best selling author Don Yaeger as our keynote speaker.

  • Don Yaeger shares characteristics of greatness in new book

    Don Yaeger has spent many years in the world of professional sports interviewing legendary athletes. He has written 22 books from his experiences and recently wrote another called "Greatness: The 16 Characteristics of True Champions."

How to book Don Yaeger?

Our booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure talent like Don Yaeger for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment for over 15 years. The team at All American Entertainment represents and listens to the needs of organizations and corporations seeking to hire keynote speakers, celebrities or entertainers. Fill out a booking request form for Don Yaeger, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get pricing information and check availability for Don Yaeger or any other celebrity of your choice.

How much does it cost to book Don Yaeger?

Booking fees for Don Yaeger, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. Pricing often varies according to the circumstances, including the talent's schedule, market conditions, length of presentation, and the location of the event. Speaker fees listed on this website are intended to serve as a guideline only. In some cases, the actual quote may be above or below the stated range. For the most current fee to hire Don Yaeger, please fill out the booking request form or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak with an experienced booking agent.

Who is the agent for Don Yaeger?

All American Entertainment has successfully secured celebrity talent like Don Yaeger for clients worldwide for more than 15 years. As a full-service talent booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Fill out the booking request form or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Don Yaeger for your next private or corporate function.

What is a full-service talent booking agency?

All American Speakers is a "buyers agent" and exclusively represents talent buyers, meeting planners and event professionals, who are looking to secure celebrities and speakers for personal appearances, speaking engagements, corporate entertainment, public relations campaigns, commercials, or endorsements. We do not exclusively represent Don Yaeger or claim ourselves as the exclusive booking agency, business manager, publicist, speakers bureau or management for Don Yaeger or any other speaker or celebrity on this website. For more information on how we work and what makes us unique, please read the AAE Advantage.


Don Yaeger is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics including Business, Teamwork & Teambuilding and Sales. The estimated speaking fee range to book Don Yaeger for live events is $20,000 - $30,000, and for virtual events $10,000 - $20,000. Don Yaeger generally travels from Tallahassee, FL, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Coach Ken Carter, Shannon Miller and Scott Hamilton. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Don Yaeger for an upcoming event.

BOOKING INFORMATION REQUEST
DON YAEGER

We are happy to assist you with your interest in booking a speaker or celebrity for your event, your organization, and the type of talent you would like to secure, and an agent will be in touch shortly.

Fill out the form below to or call us at 1-800-698-2536 if need immediate assistance.

Tell us about your event!

We respond to most inquiries within 4 hours. Under special circumstances, it may take up to 24 hours.


This website is a resource for event professionals and strives to provide the most comprehensive catalog of thought leaders and industry experts to consider for speaking engagements. A listing or profile on this website does not imply an agency affiliation or endorsement by the talent.

All American Entertainment (AAE) exclusively represents the interests of talent buyers, and does not claim to be the agency or management for any speaker or artist on this site. AAE is a talent booking agency for paid events only. We do not handle requests for donation of time or media requests for interviews, and cannot provide celebrity contact information.