Closing Banquet and Keynote Address 

D.J. Vanas on Warrior Spirit in Leadership
 
Turbulent times call for exceptional leadership. Join us for dinner and an inspiring discussion from D.J. Vanas on the intersection of warrior spirit and leadership. A dynamic blend of humor, practical examples, and powerful tools for established and emerging leaders, this program will draw from leadership best practices that have met the toughest challenges in history.

D.J. will explain how to leverage the principles that our Native American warriors have always used to develop courageous leaders who are visionary, tenacious, innovative, resilient, grounded in values, and balanced in battle. He will explore how these principles can transform leadership and help us understand that the role of warriors can make us warriors in our roles! We all want to be brave. We all want to deliver when it matters — and in this session, you’ll be inspired to do both. 
 

D.J. Vanas

Speaker, Author, and Owner of Native Discovery Inc.

D.J. Eagle Bear Vanas is a thought leader, celebrated speaker, and best-selling author whose expertise is showing individuals and organizations how to apply the warrior spirit. He is the author of the best-selling book The Tiny Warrior, which is printed in six countries, and the novel Spirit on the Run. D.J.’s newest book, The Warrior Within, will be available in summer 2022 from Penguin Random House.

An enrolled member of the Ottawa Tribe and a former officer in the U.S. Air Force, D.J. inspires his listeners to practically apply warrior spirit principles to serve at their best, stay resilient, and lead with courage. For two decades, he has delivered his dynamic programs in 49 states and overseas to clients such as Walt Disney, NASA, Intel Corporation, the U.S. Army, Subaru, Costco, and hundreds of tribal governments and organizations. He has also been invited to speak at the White House — twice. 

He holds a BS from the U.S. Air Force Academy and an MS from University of Southern California and has served on the board of directors of the National Board of Certified Counselors. D.J. is the president and owner of Native Discovery Inc. He is featured in the PBS documentary The Warrior Tradition, which explores warrior spirit traditions across Indian Country. The program aired nationwide on Veterans Day. He was also the host of his own PBS special Discovering Your Warrior Spirit, which aired nationally in 2021.
 

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