Morgan Housel
Renowned Author of "The Psychology of Money" & "Same as Ever"; Partner, The Collaborative Fund. Top Finance and Behavioral Economics Speaker
Chris Gardner
Inspiration for the Movie The Pursuit of Happyness Author, Entrepreneur and Philanthropist
When speaker Chris Gardner encourages readers to “start where you are,” they take notice. Hero of the memoir The Pursuit of Happyness, Gardner endured homelessness to make a better life for his son. Now a successful investor, he encourages others to follow their dreams, however distant they may seem. Events that champion the human spirit find their ideal focal points in Gardner’s riveting, rousing keynote addresses.
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Chris Gardner biography
The Pursuit of Happyness brought his story to the world, but motivational speaker Chris Gardner life is even more inspiring.
When he completed his tour of duty with the US Navy, Chris Gardner was determined to build an entirely new life. Moving to San Francisco, he left behind the poverty and violence of his midwestern childhood and became a medical researcher. But fatherhood inspired Gardner to set his sights on a more lucrative career, and finance seized his attention.
After a custody battle with his son’s mother, Gardner earned a place in Dean Witter Reynolds’ unpaid broker-training program. His earnings from side jobs were too meagre for Gardner to avoid homelessness, but he persevered. His stellar performance at Bear Stearns gave him the experience to found his own brokerage firm, Gardner Rich, in 1987.
Starting with just $10,000, Chicago-based Gardner Rich began by specializing in public pension funds. It soon expanded its offerings, trading in global markets and underwriting corporate initiatives. Gardner sold his stake in the firm in 2006, using the multimillion-dollar proceeds to found Christopher Gardner International Holdings.
In the same year, Gardner published a memoir of his struggles and successes, The Pursuit of Happyness. The book quickly became a bestseller and then an Oscar-nominated film starring Will Smith. A second bestseller, Start Where You Are, appeared in 2009.
A devoted philanthropist and unforgettable keynote speaker, Chris Gardner has earned international recognition for his good works. He works with the National Fatherhood Initiative, the International Rescue Committee, and the National Education Association Foundation, among other organizations. His awards include multiple NAACP Image Awards, the LA Commission on Assaults Against Women’s Humanitarian Award, and the Continental Africa Chamber of Commerce’s Friends of Africa Award.
Chris Gardner Speaking Videos
Chris Gardner - Somewhere in the World
Chris Gardner on the Pursuit of Happiness
Chris Gardner Keynote Topics
The story of Chris Gardner is so amazing that it ended up in Hollywood with Will Smith playing as him. A homeless, single father that knows nothing about the stock market that becomes a multimillionaire broker, bestselling author and sought-after international keynote speaker. Chris is the definition of perseverance and fighting for your dreams. He is the perfect opening or closing motivational speaker for your next event.
After his autobiography, the Pursuit of Happyness, became an international bestseller, Chris published his second book as a practical guide for other people that want to achieve his success. In this speech, based on his second bestseller, Chris will talk about the secrets that turned his life from being a homeless single father into a multimillionaire stock broker.
Chris Gardner turned his life around from being homeless into starting his own brokerage firm with just $10,000. He grew the company and became a millionaire in just a few years. In this speech, Chris will talk about his entrepreneurial success and how he kept his motivation and perseverance overcoming all the obstacles that life put in front of him.
Chris Garner knows that without the assistance he received when he became homeless in the 80s he wouldn't be where he is today. After turning his life around and becoming a successful entrepreneur and businessmen, Chris knew he had to give back and help others in the same way he was helped before. In this speech, Chris will talk about the importance of philanthropy, giving back and aiding others, and how companies should look further than just business profits and become social enterprises.
Speaker topics
FAQs on Booking Chris Gardner
How to book Chris Gardner as a keynote speaker?
Aurum Speakers Bureau can help you book Chris Gardner as a speaker for your next event, conference, or board meeting. Simply fill out our contact form to inquire about Chris Gardner's availability for a speaking engagement. One of our booking agents will respond to your request immediately and contact the speaker to let them know you want to hire them. We will assist you with obtaining speaking fees, booking information, and confirming availability for Chris Gardner or any other top keynote speaker or celebrity of your choice.
How much is Chris Gardner speaking fee?
Chris Gardner speaking fees are determined by several factors, including the event's date, whether it's a virtual or in-person event, the duration, format, preparation required for their speech, and more. The same applies to the cost to hire any other top expert speakers and celebrities. The Speaker Fee Range listed on our website is simply a guideline and is subject to change without notice. If you would like to hire Chris Gardner to deliver a keynote speech for your event, please fill out the contact form or email us at info@aurumbureau.com with as much detail as possible. One of our experienced agents will get in touch with you and let you know exactly how much it will cost to book Chris Gardner.
How can I contact Chris Gardner?
We only work with Chris Gardner on paid speaking engagements. Aurum Speakers Bureau can assist you in booking Chris Gardner and will handle all negotiations, contracts, and logistics associated with having Chris Gardner speak at your event. We will be your sole point of contact throughout the process. Get in touch with Aurum Speakers Bureau today, and we will reach out to any motivational speaker or celebrity you want to enquire about speaking at your event. If you wish to contact Chris Gardner for any other reason, we will be unable to assist you as we are not authorized to provide personal contact information.
Can I book Chris Gardner for a virtual keynote?
Yes, Chris Gardner is available for virtual keynotes and webinars. To book Chris Gardner for a virtual event, please complete the contact form or send us an email to inquire about the special fees for virtual engagements.
