Speakers and Topics

Ryan Estis
Business Performance Expert

Ryan Estis has more than 20 years of experience as a top-performing sales professional and leader. As the former chief strategy officer for the McCann Worldgroup advertising agency NAS, he brings a fresh perspective to business events. As a keynote speaker, Ryan is known for his innovative ideas on leading change, improving sales effectiveness and preparing for the future of work. He was recently recognized as one of “the best keynote speakers ever heard” by Meetings & Conventions magazine alongside Tony Robbins, Bill Gates, Colin Powell and Mike Ditka.

David Spisak
Disruptive Growth Solutions

David Spisak is currently the founder and chief consultant at Disruptive Growth Solutions; a firm dedicated to helping business leaders accelerate growth based on real-world expertise and tactical strategies.
Previously, David was President & CEO of ReverseRisk, a web-based analytics program used by dealers to help manage their operations. David founded ReverseRisk in 2008 and sold it to Reynolds and Reynolds in 2016. He has worked with the owners of many leading groups to help them use data to optimize their performance and evaluate acquisition opportunities.
David also has 30+ years in retail automotive management where he ran single-point stores and large groups. He was the operator at Smythe European, a Mercedes-Benz dealership, that generated $29M in net profit in a single year, the record for the most profitable dealership anywhere in the United States. Smythe European also achieved an industry-low 3% employee turnover, the #1 rank in fixed ops gross profit, and the top 10 in used cars and F&I. Later David joined AutoNation where he was responsible for managing a $2.3 billion, 35-store region with over 3,500 associates. He won AN’s top honor for guiding his market to becoming the highest-performing in the entire country.

David’s front-line experience and work with groups of varying sizes have given him a unique perspective on what works today in our industry, how conditions are changing, and what leading dealers are doing to prepare for the future, and how they are creating sustainable success in any economy.

In addition to working with retail auto dealers like Brian Benstock, he also advices highly-successful companies like Tekion, Constellation Agency, Foundation Direct, and others. David has been invited to present to over 100+ 20 Groups in addition to hundreds of privately owned dealerships and groups.

Scott Jennings
CNN Contributor, Conservative Columnist, & Former US Presidential Advisor

Scott Jennings is a prominent conservative political commentator on CNN, known for his sharp insights and thought-provoking analysis. Dubbed “The Black Sheep of CNN” by the Daily Mail and “Lonely Scott” by Bill Maher for his engaging nightly debates, Jennings has become a fixture of CNN’s election and major event coverage. As the network’s senior conservative commentator, Scott brings a unique perspective, blending humor and candor grounded in his rural American roots, to deliver compelling arguments and lively discussions on the news of the day.

Scott uses his extensive experience navigating high-stakes political campaigns, advising top leaders, and crafting impactful messaging to shed light on leadership and the evolving landscape of American governance. With a unique position as both a political insider and a media personality, Scott is a sought-after voice on national and international platforms. He is exclusively represented by Leading Authorities speakers bureau.

When Scott Jennings speaks, audiences leave equipped with more than just knowledge—they gain a renewed understanding of political and organizational dynamics. Scott makes complex political strategies relatable and applicable to real-world scenarios. Whether addressing corporate leaders or civic organizations, he empowers listeners to think critically, communicate effectively, and lead confidently in their spheres of influence.

Scott’s career spans decades at the intersection of politics, media, and academia. A trusted advisor on four presidential campaigns, he served as Special Assistant to President George W. Bush and played pivotal roles in high-profile Senate and congressional races. His expertise in political strategy has made him a respected analyst on CNN and a prolific writer featured in publications like the LA Times and Gannett. Beyond the campaign trail, Scott has taught at Harvard’s Kennedy School, shaping the next generation of public servants. He is also a founding partner of RunSwitch Public Relations, Kentucky’s largest PR and public affairs firm.

Alex Acosta
A Visionary Leader in the Automotive Industry

With a career spanning over two decades, Alex Acosta is a paragon of leadership and innovation in the automotive sector. As the Assistant Vice President of Consumer Solutions for the West Coast at Cox Automotive, Alex has been instrumental in steering the company towards unprecedented growth and customer satisfaction.

Educational Excellence: Alex’s academic journey has laid a solid foundation for his professional achievements. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Studies from the esteemed Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and an MBA from The Master’s University in Santa Clarita, CA. These qualifications are a testament to his unwavering commitment to continuous learning and pursuit of excellence.

Industry Expertise: With a rich experience of 13 years in the dealership, Alex has gained a comprehensive understanding of the automotive landscape from the ground up. His current tenure of 11 years at Cox Automotive is marked by strategic leadership and a forward-thinking approach, particularly in his role as the Senior Director of Sales for vAuto. Under his guidance, key products like Instant Cash Offer, Autotrader, Kelley Blue Book, Stockwave, iRecon, and Homenet have not just thrived, but have also solidified the company’s position as a leader in automotive solutions.

Personal Life: Beyond his professional achievements, Alex is a devoted family man. Married to Josie Acosta, he is a proud father to a vibrant 8-year-old, Jordan Acosta, who is undoubtedly inspired by his father’s dedication and success.
Alex Acosta’s journey is one of passion, perseverance, and performance, making him a distinguished figure in the automotive industry and an inspiring role model for professionals and aspiring leaders.

Diana Nyad
World Champion Athlete, World Renowned Inspirational Speaker and Author

25 million people worldwide rooted for Diana Nyad as she reached the Florida shore, at long last achieving her 35-year-old quest of becoming the first person to swim from Cuba to Florida.

Speaking the words “Never Ever Give Up” to the wildly cheering crowd on a Key West beach on September 2, 2013, Diana demonstrated to the world the power of the human spirit.

Diana’s amazing record: 110.86 miles in 52 hours, 54 minutes, 18 seconds.

A prominent sports journalist, filing over thirty years for National Public Radio, The New York Times, and others, Diana has earned her place as one of our compelling storytellers. Her memoir, Find a Way, has earned worldwide praise. Her groundbreaking OpEd piece on her childhood sexual abuse for The New York Times drew a passionate response from around the world.

Also a uniquely entertaining and inspiring public speaker, Diana has now fulfilled another lifelong dream, bringing her performance of her play The Swimmer to the storied off-Broadway Minetta Lane Theater. The show played to sold-out crowds.

Diana’s best friend and Cuba Swim expedition leader Bonnie Stoll has further collaborated with their nationwide walking initiative EverWalk, sparking America to become a nation of walkers.

And EverWalk in turn has recently launched yet another initiative, OceansCommit, hosting walks along our shorelines, asking individuals and businesses to reduce single-use plastic.

Diana has been inducted into the International Women’s Sports Hall of Fame, and the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame, among other Halls of Fame and awards of distinction.

President Obama invited Diana to congratulate her in the Oval Office and then asked her to accompany him on his peace visit to Havana in 2014.

Oprah Winfrey chose Diana’s interview for her SuperSoul Sunday broadcast to be the first to extend to two hours.

Diana has written four books and speaks three foreign languages fluently.

NYAD, the Academy Award-nominated feature film based on Diana’s life, was released in the fall of 2023 starring Annette Bening, and Jodie Foster, and directed by Academy Award winners Jimmy Chin and Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi (Free Solo).