What It’s Like to Have Jon in the Room…

The best sources for references on a speaker are the people who have hired him in the past.

Allow some of Jon Colby's past clients to share their experiences.


“Going into the session, I was honestly nervous. We had a room full of introverts, and my biggest concern was that people would feel uncomfortable or put on the spot. What actually happened couldn't have been more different, everyone was moving, contributing, and genuinely enjoying themselves. By the end, every person walked away with a meaningful commitment to change something about how they approach their life or work. Out of our entire three-day all-hands event, Jon's session was overwhelmingly the highlight.”

— Alisha Haiderali, Regional Payroll Leader, Intuit

“By far, the highest-rated keynote speaker we've ever had. I literally could not believe that my stoic, serious C-Suite members would be so giddy and involved. We hired him for two more sessions after that. I still use the techniques he taught, on a daily basis.”

— Barry Moline, Executive Director, California Municipal Utilities Association


“For our premier event we were looking for someone to bring incredible energy to a program that mirrors our relentless culture. Jon was able to captivate every single person to participate, and did so by creating a fun and collaborative environment. A truly first-rate experience.”

— Nick Bailey, Chief Real Estate Officer, T3 Sixty (quote from his time as President & CEO, Century 21)
— Jason Newhouser, Site Director, Harrison College

“In my 20+ years of organizing professional development for educators, I have never experienced someone making the impact and leaving an imprint like Jon Colby.”

— Tyler Mayer, Chief of Corporate Work Study, Cristo Rey Network

"I was nervous hiring Jon for a room of Fortune 500 executives, and nervous again hiring him for our European event, worried about cultural fit. Both times, the same transformation happened immediately. By the end, customers were sharing nothing but positive feedback, and asking about having him speak at their own events."

— Linda McNairy, CEO, Markey's (quote from her time as Global VP, Strategic Meetings, American Express)

“The audience was up on their feet, interacting with each other all while absorbing the solid strategic messaging about agility and communication. We wouldn't hesitate to book him again.”

— Angela Raab, Senior Vice President, Residential Division, F.C. Tucker

“For our premier event we were looking for someone to bring incredible energy to a program that mirrors our relentless culture. Jon was able to captivate every single person to participate, and did so by creating a fun and collaborative environment. A truly first-rate experience.”


“I have partnered with Jon Colby every year since 2020 to be a part of conferences I’ve planned with two different organizations. He wears many hats, emcee, workshop presenter, keynote, and adapts to any situation. We'll continue to partner with him moving forward.”

— Desiree Dolecki, CMP, Director of Conferences, American Nuclear Society, & Former ​​​​Senior Director, Conferences & Events, Association of Manufacturing Excellence

“He agreed to fill in on ONE HOUR'S NOTICE! Not only did he hit it out of the park, he hit it out of the solar system. One of the best presentations ever.”

— Yonason Goldson, Professional Speaker and Advisor


“He agreed to fill in on ONE HOUR'S NOTICE! Not only did he hit it out of the park, he hit it out of the solar system. One of the best presentations ever.”

— Michael Mecklenburg, Director of Sales, Paylocity

“Jon joined our group of electric utility professionals for a luncheon keynote and knocked it out of the park. After the keynote, he led yet another raucous breakout session. Several attendees have indicated they'd love to have him offer sessions at their own municipal offices.”

— Elizabeth Bendele, Director of Member Services, Florida Municipal Electric Association

“Jon has always delivered thought provoking content and rave reviews. He makes you re-think what is important and how to be a better partner and listener. The 'first letter, last letter' exercise is a must.”

— Gerardo Tejado, SVP Professional Services and GM for Meetings & Events, American Express Global Business Travel


“Jon's presentation set a tone and energy level I have never witnessed with our group. Even the harshest critics were won over.”

— Michael Mitchell, President & COO, PRO Distributors

Current & Past Clients from Companies & Universities

  • “He is high energy and gets the room literally on their feet and involved.”

    — Chase Cox, VP & District Manager, Flatiron Construction

  • “We asked Jon to train our Leadership Team on his 'Yes And' program. He completely knocked it out of the park!”

    — Dean Merder, President & CEO, TrueScripts Management Services

  • “I saw him at my Vistage meeting in Dallas and knew he was the guy for Pepco!”

    — Heath Williams, President, Pepco Sales and Marketing

  • “He wowed our training professionals in 2019 and we're bringing him back virtually for another train-the-trainer event in 2020.”

    — Cecelia Chott, CRB, CRP, GMS, Executive Director, Leading Real Estate Companies of the World

  • “'Yes, and' have now become part of our company's vernacular, and we're all the better for it.”

    — Gary Rivera, CEO, Creative Design Group, Inc.

  • “Jon spoke at KLH's annual meeting, with all employees, and did an outstanding job reminding our team what it means to truly listen, collaborate, and communicate with intentionality.”

    — Jim Tavernelli, President & CEO, Kohrs Lonnemann Heil Engineers, INC

  • “Having utilized his services on several occasions, I can attest to his exceptional ability to captivate and engage audiences.”

    — Todd Skaggs, Vice President, Great Lakes Region, Beacon Building Products

  • “He brought a new level of energy, enthusiasm and a new mindset to communication and collaboration.”

    — Steve Mangapit, Chief Operating Officer, Western Growers

  • “He brought down the house! People are still talking about the lessons he shared.”

    — Gretchen Schott, VP of Learning & Development, trueU

  • “There is a reason Vistage Worldwide Chairs bring him in to coach our CEOs and Executives. He makes a difference!”

    — Bob Wightman, Vistage Master Chair, Executive Coach