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Jacob Brown        

Co-Founder of Varlo & Former NFL Athlete

Jacob Brown's journey from the rigorous NFL fields to international stages is nothing short of inspiring. Today, as a seasoned entrepreneur, riveting speaker, and acclaimed writer, he stands as a testament to the power of resilience. Beyond his athletic achievements, Brown co-founded Varlo—a premier brand specializing in cycling and triathlon apparel.

Life has thrown its share of challenges at Brown—be it academic setbacks, business hurdles, personal losses, or even the bitter pangs of homelessness. Yet, in each stumble, he found strength. He failed forward. He discovered that failure isn’t the end – it’s fuel.

A three-time TEDx speaker, Brown was distinguished as one of the '40 Under 40' in 2015. His insights and stories have graced the pages of Forbes, Wall Street Journal, and Good Morning America. Notable institutions and brand—including Intel, Meta, UPS, Stellantis, University of Notre Dame, University of Michigan, University of Wisconsin, and Central Michigan University—have been captivated by his talks.

But Brown's mission extends beyond mere motivation. He champions a transformative approach, advocating for a mental reset, a reframing of life's view, and the ignition of one's true calling. With his signature #FailForward philosophy shared across LinkedIn, motivational posts, and compelling videos, Brown has become a beacon for countless individuals worldwide, teaching them to harness the energy of setbacks.

At the heart of it all, Brown remains a dedicated family man, cherishing the roles of a loving husband and a doting father to four wonderful children.

Speech Topics


FAILING FORWARD: TURNING FAILURES INTO FUEL

In a world where success is glorified, the true essence of growth often lies hidden within our failures. Jacob unravels the lessons learned from his time in the NFL and the entrepreneurial world, showcasing how embracing setbacks can become our most potent catalyst for growth.

FROM DARKNESS TO DAYLIGHT: MY MENTAL HEALTH JOURNEY

In this candid and deeply personal talk, former NFL athlete and transformational speaker Jacob Brown peels back the layers on the often-overlooked topic of mental health. Using his own life as an unfiltered canvas, Jacob discusses his struggles with alcohol addiction and his bout with suicidal thoughts. In a society where the spotlight is often on success and strength, Jacob shines a light on the importance of addressing mental health issues head-on.

FINDING PURPOSE: CRAFTING A LIFE OF MEANING

Purpose acts as the compass guiding our life's journey. With captivating stories and insights, Jacob navigates the intricate process of self-discovery, urging attendees to delve deep within themselves to uncover their true mission.

HUNTING GOALS: ALIGNING ASPIRATIONS WITH ACTIONS

While setting goals might seem straightforward, the journey to achieving them is riddled with challenges. Using strategies honed from diverse experiences, Jacob offers a comprehensive guide to not just setting, but relentlessly pursuing and achieving one's goals.

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