Dave is an excellent presenter – very personable to both organizer and audience. It was truly a pleasure to meet him.”
On January 15, 2009, Dave Sanderson's life changed dramatically when he became the last passenger to exit US Airways Flight 1549 after its emergency landing on the Hudson River—an event known as the "Miracle on the Hudson." Demonstrating selfless leadership, Dave risked his own safety to assist fellow passengers, an experience that ignited his mission to inspire others to harness their defining moments.
Transitioning from a successful career in sales and security, including a decade with Tony Robbins' organization, Dave has become a globally recognized motivational speaker and author. His works, including Moments Matter, From Turmoil to Triumph, and The Limitless Life, offer practical strategies for turning adversity into opportunity.
Named one of Inc.com's Top 100 Leadership Speakers, Dave has delivered over 100 presentations annually, sharing insights on resilience, leadership, and personal growth. His commitment to service is evident in his efforts that have raised over $14.8 million for the American Red Cross.
Dave believes that everyone has a "personal flight plan"—a unique path shaped by their experiences and choices. Through his speaking engagements, workshops, and mentorship programs, he empowers individuals and organizations to navigate uncertainty and achieve their fullest potential.
Life is defined not by what happens to us, but by how we respond — and the story we choose to tell ourselves. In this powerful talk, Dave Sanderson, a survivor of the Miracle on the Hudson, shares how a single moment can reshape your perspective, reframe your narrative, and propel you toward extraordinary success.
Drawing from his near-death experience, Dave reveals how resilience, mindset, and decisive action can turn even the most challenging circumstances into opportunities for growth, leadership, and transformation. His journey from survival to success demonstrates how anyone — regardless of their past or current obstacles — can take control of their story and create a future of purpose, impact, and fulfillment.
Key Takeaways
100-day strategy to get your outcome
The key to building a consistent high-performance team
High-velocity decision making (speed is a competitive advantage)
Problem solve via anticipation (the power of pattern recognition)
“Plural pronouns” to foster collaboration, unity, and shared purpose
In today’s fast-paced sales environment, AI is transforming how teams engage customers, analyze data, and drive revenue. But while AI improves efficiency, it can’t replace trust, relationships, or the human connection that ultimately closes deals.
In this engaging keynote, Dave introduces The Real AI Approach: Access to Influence — a strategy that blends AI-driven insights with the irreplaceable impact of authentic personal connection.
Attendees learn how to:
Use AI as a tool (not a replacement) to enhance authentic engagement
Master “Access to Influence” to build trust, credibility, and sales success
Balance data-driven insights with emotional intelligence and intuition
Create a high-performance sales strategy without losing the human touch
In this presentation, Dave shares lessons and strategies that guided his decisions after the crash of US Airways Flight 1549 — “The Miracle on the Hudson.” He unpacks the mindset and leadership habits that help individuals and teams navigate disruption, stay grounded under pressure, and turn uncertainty into forward motion.
Key Takeaways
Aviate, Navigate, Communicate
Confidence, Competency, Creativity
Creating conditions around you for success
On January 15, 2009, on a routine air flight, Dave Sanderson suddenly found himself in a life-or-death struggle - the plane crash, known as the Miracle on the Hudson. What he learned during the crash and afterwards has helped him to live a limitless life and now you can too.
We live in uncertain times. In this book The Limitless Life, Dave shares with you 15 lessons that will help you take the uncertainty you feel and turn it into opportunities to live the life you want. Each strategy stands alone, yet when you add them all together you get a blueprint for conquering anything that life throws at you.
On January 15, 2009, on a routine air flight, Dave Sanderson suddenly found himself in a life or death struggle - the plane crash known as Miracle on the Hudson. For the next 24 minutes he summoned everything he had learned from his mentors to turn the turmoil of that experience into triumph. Dave Sanderson shares the 13 lessons he laerned that created the pathway to success.
You face turmoil in your life, are you prepared?
By the end of From Turmoil to Triumph, you will understand how to create your own flight path towards the happiness and fulfillment you desire and deserve. It will be the point in time that will change everything in your life.