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Training and Development Solutions

Keynote Presentations

Engaging, Insightful, Memorable

David D. Knapp, Ph.D., is a dynamic keynote presenter who brings together decades of experience in leadership development, organizational consulting, and live performance. With a unique ability to blend storytelling, humor, and deeply researched insights, David engages audiences from the first moment to the last. His keynote presentations are equal parts inspiring, educational, and entertaining – crafted to resonate with both heart and mind.

Whether speaking to corporate executives, nonprofit teams, or conference audiences, David delivers content that is immediately applicable and deeply impactful. His keynotes reflect the principles of his Marathon Leadership® philosophy: clarity, resilience, service, and forward motion. Audiences leave with more than just motivation – they leave with tools they can use right away to lead and live more effectively.

From emotional intelligence and intergenerational communication to the power of personal transformation, David’s keynote presentations are tailored to meet the unique needs of each group he serves. His speaking style is meaningful, relevant, and high-energy – whether for corporate audiences, nonprofits, or professional associations in Denver or across the country.

If your organization is searching for a keynote that is both educational and entertaining, Dr. Knapp offers presentations that spark insight, provoke action, and leave a lasting imprint. Explore the topics below, and contact Marathon Leadership to inquire about availability and event customization.

Signature Keynote Topics

Chasing Windmills

To celebrate his 50th birthday in 2014, Dr. David Knapp ran 52 full marathon races (1,362.40 miles) over the course of a single calendar year, raising funds for the Colorado Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. “Chasing Windmills” chronicles that extraordinary journey. Drawing inspiration from Don Quixote and Joseph Campbell’s The Hero’s Journey, this keynote inspires audiences to embark on their own heroic quests — to discover the windmills they’re meant to chase, even if others call them crazy for trying.

(Note: While David originally planned to run 50 marathons, he ran two additional races in honor of Alzheimer’s caregivers, who – as he puts it – “go the extra mile each and every day.”)

Marathon Leadership®

This keynote is tailored for corporate, nonprofit, and community leaders seeking to lead with purpose and resilience. Centered around the “26.2 Lessons Every Leader Must Learn and Live”, it begins with the foundational idea: “The ‘point to’ being a leader is serving others.” With humor, real-world stories, and cutting-edge research, Dr. Knapp delivers a motivational and accessible framework for leadership development – whether audience members are marathoners, casual joggers, or self-professed couch potatoes who don’t even like driving 26.2 miles.

The Emotionally Intelligent Leader

Based on Daniel Goleman’s landmark work Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ, this presentation explores the five realms and 15 components of emotional intelligence and how they affect leadership performance. As a certified EQ coach and facilitator, Dr. Knapp weaves together research, narrative, and practical application to help leaders enhance their emotional self-awareness, social skills, and overall impact. A dynamic introduction to one of the most critical success factors in modern leadership.

From Managing a Machine to Leading in a Living System

In a world of constant flux, many leaders still operate from outdated, industrial-era management models. This keynote challenges that mindset. Dr. Knapp helps leaders understand the urgent need to shift from mechanistic control to adaptive, systems-based leadership. He explores how this reframing is essential in addressing today’s volatile global economy, changing demographics, increased stakeholder expectations, and rapid technological shifts. Both deeply reflective and immediately actionable, this talk invites a new paradigm of organizational leadership.

Talking ‘Bout My Generation

Dr. Knapp’s most requested keynote presentation addresses one of today’s most relevant workplace challenges: navigating generational differences. Audiences will gain practical insight into the unique strengths, needs, and communication styles of Baby Boomers, Generation X, and Millennials. With humor, data, and high energy, David explores how to recruit, retain, and effectively engage a multigenerational workforce – all while keeping the audience laughing and furiously scribbling down notes on how to bridge the generational gap.

Ready to Motivate and Inspire Your Audience?

Whether you’re planning a company-wide event, a nonprofit gathering, a leadership summit, or a professional conference, Marathon Leadership’s keynote presentations are designed to spark insight, ignite enthusiasm, and leave a lasting impression. From high-impact storytelling to research-backed leadership lessons, David Knapp (and team) deliver messages that move people to think differently – and lead with purpose.