October 29-31, 2026 | Chicago

Keynote Speakers

Connection, courage, and clarity.

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Over three days in Chicago, our keynote speakers will inspire you with ideas you can put into practice when you get home. Hear from a human connection expert, one of America’s most trusted broadcast journalists, and a leadership coach to the world’s top performers, and leave with practical ways to build trust, lead with purpose, and cut through the noise.

DAY 1 | OPENING KEYNOTE

Riaz Meghji

Bestselling author, human connection expert, and broadcaster

Human Connection & Leadership: Building Extraordinary Relationships in a Changed World

Thursday, October 29

In a world shaped by rapid change, meaningful human connection has never been more important. Drawing on years of experience interviewing leaders across industries, Riaz Meghji shares practical strategies for building trust, fostering collaboration, and creating stronger relationships. Attendees will gain insights into authentic communication, inclusive leadership, and the power of connection to inspire teams and drive meaningful impact.

Riaz Meghji is a human connection expert and author of the book Every Conversation Counts: The 5 Habits of Human Connection That Build Extraordinary Relationships. His insights have been featured in Fast Company, Harvard Business Review and Financial Post.

An accomplished broadcaster with 17 years of television hosting experience, Riaz has interviewed experts across current affairs, sports, entertainment, politics, and business. He has hosted for CityTV’s Breakfast Television, MTV Canada, TEDxVancouver, CTV News, and the Toronto International Film Festival. A natural storyteller, he has a proven ability to conduct engaging, in-depth conversations across a wide range of disciplines.

Drawing from his experience interviewing established leaders in business, entertainment, and innovation, Riaz shares practical strategies for sparking authentic conversations, earning trust, building inclusive cultures, strengthening collaboration, and crafting compelling stories that motivate people to take action. His approach focuses on helping people build and maintain meaningful relationships with clients and teams in an increasingly polarized, disconnected, and hybrid world. His work demonstrates how authentic conversations can help leaders reinvent themselves, re-energize their teams, and move their organizations forward.

DAY 2 | KEYNOTE

Robin Roberts

Co-Anchor, Good Morning America, and President, Rock’n Robin Productions

A Conversation with Robin Roberts

Friday, October 30

Robin Roberts shares the rules that have guided her through life's greatest challenges and triumphs, offering powerful insights on resilience, courage, and leading with heart. Through candid stories and meaningful reflection, she explores the importance of optimism, authenticity, and finding strength in difficult moments.

Robin Roberts is co-anchor of ABC’s Good Morning America. Under her leadership, the broadcast has won numerous Emmy Awards for Outstanding Morning Program, and the 2017 People’s Choice Award for Favorite Daytime TV Hosting Team.

In 2014, Roberts launched Rock'n Robin Productions, an independent production company creating original broadcast and digital programming. Current series include the award-winning “Thriver Thursday” digital series, the “Robin Roberts Presents” banner of scripted and documentary projects for the Lifetime Television Network, and Turning the Tables with Robin Roberts for Disney+.

Roberts began contributing to Good Morning America in 1995 and was named co-anchor in May 2005. Prior to that, Roberts was a host of ESPN’s SportsCenter and contributed to NFL PrimeTime.

Roberts was diagnosed with breast cancer in June 2007, and five years later, she was diagnosed with MDS. Roberts underwent a bone marrow transplant, her sister Sally-Ann was a perfect match. Her story triggered an outpouring of support from across the nation. She joined forces with Be the Match to inform the public about the need for more donors, and since her diagnosis, the bone marrow registry has seen a tremendous increase.

Her battle has been recognized with awards and honors from organizations around the country, including The Susan G. Komen Foundation and The Congressional Families Cancer Prevention Program. Roberts was also honored with a George Foster Peabody Award and Gracie Award. Additionally, Roberts was recognized with the Arthur Ashe Courage Award at the ESPY’s in July 2013 for the strength and courage she has displayed throughout her life and career.

Roberts graduated cum laude from Southeastern Louisiana University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in communications. She was a standout performer on the women’s basketball team, ending her career as one of the school’s all-time leading scorers and rebounder. In 2012, Roberts was named an inductee to the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame.

Roberts is the author of From the Heart: 7 Rules to Live By and Everybody’s Got Something. Her third book Brighter By The Day: Waking Up to New Hopes and Dreams debuted in 2022.

Roberts is a native of the Mississippi Gulf Coast and currently resides in New York City.

DAY 3 | CLOSING KEYNOTE

Jesse Israel

Leadership coach, entrepreneur, and founder of The Big Quiet

Unleashing True Potential

Saturday, October 31

As the pace of change continues to accelerate, leaders face increasing pressure to stay focused, connected, and resilient. Drawing from his work with some of the world’s top performers, Jesse Israel shares practical tools to help leaders quiet distractions, navigate uncertainty, unlock their potential, and lead with greater clarity and purpose.

Jesse Israel is a leadership coach, entrepreneur, and founder of The Big Quiet, a global movement that helped bring mindfulness and meditation into mainstream culture. He has led some of the largest meditations on earth, including sold-out arenas on tour with Oprah Winfrey and global broadcasts with Deepak Chopra.

Before founding The Big Quiet, Jesse ran a record label that signed multi-platinum bands and led a music technology investment fund. After experiencing debilitating anxiety and panic attacks during that career, he built a body of work around human performance and wellbeing that now reaches millions. He is a five-time Audible worldwide bestseller, and his work has been featured in more than 200 publications including Forbes, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and Fast Company.

Today Jesse coaches elite performers, from top CEOs and senior government advisors to Academy and Grammy Award winning actors and musicians, and delivers keynotes for organizations including Google, American Express, Aetna, Ford, and Charles Schwab. His Amplified Quiet Framework is a three step system that helps leaders and teams navigate uncertainty, break through performance barriers, and realize their full potential.

Be in the room

All three keynotes are part of the general session program and are included with full conference registration.

Join thousands of nurses in Chicago, October 29-31, for a transformative experience. Connect, be inspired, and leave with memories that will last long after the Magnet & Pathway Conference®.