Dan Clark
Dan Clark
Dan Lee Clark's journey from Zama, Japan to the NFL, and his celebrated role as 'Nitro' on American Gladiators, paints a picture of determination and tenacity. His TEDx talk, with over 500k views, resonates with a wide audience, highlighting his deep insights on goal attainment and facing adversities. His life story serves as an inspirational roadmap, guiding students through the multifaceted journey of dream-chasing. Dan's philosophy revolves around the belief that life is a blend of challenges and triumphs, and it's our perspective on this mix that truly shapes our success.
Dan Lee Clark's journey from Zama, Japan to the NFL, and his celebrated role as 'Nitro' on American Gladiators, paints a picture of determination and tenacity. His TEDx talk, with over 500k views, resonates with a wide audience, highlighting his deep insights on goal attainment and facing adversities. His life story serves as an inspirational roadmap, guiding students through the multifaceted journey of dream-chasing. Dan's philosophy revolves around the belief that life is a blend of challenges and triumphs, and it's our perspective on this mix that truly shapes our success.
Central to his speaking engagements is the “Big Boys Don’t Cry (But Men Do!)” program, which underscores the importance of mental well-being and encourages help-seeking behavior in men. A testament to his perseverance is the decade since his life-altering heart attack. This chapter not only highlights his fight but stands as a beacon for those looking to turn challenges into strength. His narrative of “living not dying” is a call to embrace life, urging students to discover joy in each phase of their journey.
Outside of his speaking circuit, Dan’s influence permeates various media. His bestselling books, “F Dying” and “Gladiator: A True Story of Roids, Rage, and Redemption”, are staples for many seeking motivation. Concurrently, he’s actively involved in Netflix’s “Muscles & Mayhem – The Unauthorized Story of the American Gladiators”, both as a producer and star. Offstage, Dan’s zest for life is evident in his love for pickleball and his continuous advocacy for causes he deeply resonates with, notably the Talk About Autism initiative.
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PROGRAMS
GLADIATOR: Powerful Principles for Achieving Your Greatest Potential
Keynote | Workshop | Virtual
When you close your eyes to imagine a successful future, what do you see? Is it a big house, fancy car, or expensive possessions? While those things might seem cool, Dan Clark suggests there are things far more important.
In this passion-filled and impactful program, Dan will share with you his journey of becoming a television icon as an original cast member of The American Gladiators, a Netflix documentary star and producer of Muscles and Mayhem, and an internationally recognized speaker and author.
But, here’s the head fake: being a success isn’t about any of those things.
It’s about living your life with purpose and following core principles related to gratitude, courage, integrity, and relationships.
It is about the “inside game.”
Audience members will…
Discover the core principles of creating a purposeful life.
Consider how each of these is connected to long-term goals and success.
Define what being a GLADIATOR means on their own journey
Ideal Audiences
- Fraternity/Sorority Life
- New Member Orientation
- Mental Health & Wellness
- Healthy Masculinity
The Best Life: What I Learned from Nearly Dying, Exploring Purpose, and Discovering Happiness
Keynote | Workshop | Virtual
To most, Dan “Nitro” Clark has lived a full life.
As a collegiate and professional athlete, actor, author, speaker, television star, and internationally recognized popular culture figure, one might assume Dan has had it all. All the things many aspire to be.
On December 18, 2013, Dan nearly died from a heart attack. In the process he began to explore how to develop a world of fulfillment, gratitude, purpose, and happiness. In this dynamic and powerful program, he shares not only his process of discovery but, most importantly, how audiences can apply these lessons and strategies to leading their best life also.
This program is intended for people to help shift mindsets, identify, and understand core values, and live passionately.
Audience members will…
Consider how we create and make meaning of goals.
Process how true happiness is developed through gratitude.
Develop a personal mantra to overcome the hardest challenges.
Ideal Audiences
- Fraternity/Sorority Life
- New Member Orientation
- Mental Health & Wellness
- Healthy Masculinity
Big Boys Don’t Cry (But Men Do!)
Keynote | Workshop | Virtual
Some of the most impactful lessons about masculinity and manhood are received when we are children. Lessons that create a framework for how we will be for the rest of our lives, whether we know it or not. For Dan Clark, he heard a message loud and clear:
Big boys don’t cry!
This message fueled Dan’s journey through adolescence, college, fraternity, professional sports, and eventually in his role as an original American Gladiator. But what he learned was…it was all wrong!
In this thought-provoking and honest program about how we learn to be men in society, Dan explores the roots of this message, the cultural assumptions connected to it, and how our opportunities to live full, healthy, and happy lives are limited by false assumptions.
Ideal Audiences
- Fraternity/Sorority Life
- New Member Orientation
- Mental Health & Wellness
- Healthy Masculinity
Audience members will…
Explore how culture teaches us to be men.
Consider the power of expressing emotion as a means of developing true strength and emotional well-being.
Challenge personal perceptions of what masculinity means in groups and society.