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Anton J. Gunn    

Motivational Leadership Speaker, Author & Healthcare Expert

Anton J. Gunn is the Founder & President of the 937 Strategy Group, LLC, a national consulting firm that equips the next generation of social and political entrepreneurs in the health & human services industries. Anton Gunn’s current work sits at the intersection of healthcare, wellness, technology and innovation. He currently advises start ups and healthcare organizations on the development of new products and services. Previously, Anton Gunn served as a senior official in the Obama Administration as the Director of External Affairs at the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, where he advised President Barack Obama and Secretary Kathleen Sebelius on public engagement strategies to introduce Main Street to the Affordable Care Act.

Delivering more than 900 healthcare presentations, Mr. Gunn is a nationally recognized thought leader in the ever-changing healthcare sector. From radio to television, a wide range of media outlets seek out Anton’s insights on national policy issues. No matter the venue, Anton delivers insider knowledge that provides the keys to understanding healthcare reform. As an experienced former advisor to the President of the United States, Anton presents the clearest and most comprehensive game plan for success in healthcare reform.

Anton is also a coach, speaker & trainer focusing his services on those leaders in the helping professions of healthcare and public service. From healthcare executives and start-up CEOs to non-profit leaders and elected officials, Anton helps leaders increase their influence with intentionality. Anton is also an author. His first book, The Audacity of Leadership, was released in September 2009. His next book, The Healthcare Reform Playbook: Secrets and Strategies for Capitalizing on Financial Opportunities arising from the Affordable Care Act is due out in late 2017. Anton also has been featured in the Los Angeles Times, Wall Street Journal, The Source and Time Magazines. He also has appeared on ABC’s Good Morning America, CBS Evening News, MSNBC Life and CNN”s The Situation Room.

Mr. Gunn has a distinguished twenty-year career of service in healthcare & human services as a chief executive, organizational development trainer, thought leader and social & political strategist. Mr. Gunn also previously served as an elected leader in the South Carolina House of Representatives, becoming the first African American in history to represent his district in 2008. Mr. Gunn’s years of professional experience has garnered him the recognition as one of the Top 50 Progressive Activists who are Changing America. His list of honors and awards are numerous but include: 2014 Congressmen Clyburn & Sprat Public Service Award for Healthcare; 2012 James E. Clyburn Health Care Leadership Award; 2012 Young Alumni of the Year, Univ of South Carolina; 2011 Liberty Fellowship; Greenville HBCU Classic, 2009 Education Maverick of the Year; 2008 Community Change Champion Award, Center for Community Change; 2007 Consumer Health Advocate of the Year, Families USA.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in History (B.A.) and master’s degree in social work (M.S.W.) from the University of South Carolina where he lettered in Division I college football. Anton is a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives, National Speakers Association, Aspen Global Leadership Network and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.

Speech Topics


Leadership is Not About Titles or Idols

Some people think when you get promoted to a new position and have a big title that makes you a leader. It doesn't. Titles don't make you a leader, it just means you have a leadership position. Being an actual leader is about the impact you have on the people you serve. Having an impact on the lives you serve doesn't require you to have the highest title. It just requires you to have the highest influence. As John Maxwell teaches, "Leadership is influence, nothing more nothing less".

In 1989, a 16 year old rapper from Brooklyn, NY released his debut album called, Youngest in Charge. Special Ed came on the Hip Hop scene in the same year a flurry of other artists and albums were released. Among all of these competing artists and albums released, Special Ed became the youngest Hip Hop artist to sell 500,000 copies. He was not the biggest named artist. He was not the most famous artist but he was one of the most influential artists because of his lyrical content, character and personal style. He inspired millions of young people in Hip Hop, yours truly included. Special Ed's lyrics have meant so much to me. He has helped to build my belief system about what I could achieve and obtain. I knew that I could be "magnificent" because of Special Ed. For me and lots of others, Special Ed had INFLUENCE.

Don't just look to have a title to make you a leader, figure out how you can have influence in people's lives. If you have influence, you don't need a title. #TheLeadersDailyBriefing

News


Fathers of the White House | Anton Gunn
Anton Gunn serves as the principal adviser for cultivating and maintaining relationships with external stakeholders for the secretary of Health and Human ...
Black Men: Here's Your Wake-up Call | The White House
Posted by Anton J. Gunn on March 22, 2013 at 01:39 PM EDT. Ed. note: This is cross-posted forom The Grio. Have you received a wake-up call yet?

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