Retired NY State Police Captain. Ground Zero First Responder. #1 Bestselling Author. Creator of the One Decision Away Three-Step Framework. Available nationwide.
David Atkins is a motivational keynote speaker based in New York who delivers high-energy presentations on leadership, resilience, decision making, mindset, and peak performance. Each talk is built around his One Decision Away Three-Step Framework -- a proven system that shows audiences exactly how to Assess the Opportunity, Address the Obstacles, and Take Action.
He customizes his message for corporate events, leadership conferences, sales kickoffs, first responder trainings, HR and SHRM conferences, staffing and recruiting summits, and more -- across the United States and internationally.
The One Decision Away Three-Step Framework is a practical, repeatable system David delivers from the stage to help individuals and teams break through hesitation, overcome obstacles, and take decisive action. It is the foundation of every keynote David delivers and the reason audiences walk out with more than inspiration -- they walk out with a plan.
Most people are overwhelmed because they try to solve everything at once. David teaches your team to identify the single decision that creates the most momentum right now -- and act on it.
No matter how prepared you are, adversity will show up. Obstacles are not a stop sign -- they are a growth sign. David helps teams develop the mindset to respond rather than react.
Tomorrow is not guaranteed. Every attendee leaves not with good intentions, but with a written, public commitment to act today. That is the Post-it wall -- and it changes the energy of every room.
David Atkins is a retired New York State Police Captain with 22 years of service, a Ground Zero 9/11 First Responder, and a #1 Amazon Bestselling Author of The One Decision Away Philosophy. During his law enforcement career he was named NY State Trooper of the Year (2003) and Investigator of the Year (2007), commanding operations for Westchester County, NY -- overseeing more than 400,000 annual 911 calls.
Beyond law enforcement, David built a 1,400-person international direct sales organization, became a seven-figure earner, and completed a 62-mile ultramarathon in Black Canyon, Arizona. He has delivered keynotes to audiences of up to 20,000 people -- including the NFL Super Dome in New Orleans -- and is a husband and father of three daughters, based in Westchester County, New York.
David is the only keynote speaker who retired as a NY State Police Captain, stood at Ground Zero on 9/11, and built a 1,400-person million-dollar organization. That is not just a backstory -- that is the framework.
Your audience gets more than inspiration. They get the One Decision Away Three-Step Framework, an emotional story that drives it home, and a live call-to-action they commit to before they leave the room. With 2,844 verified Talkadot reviews, 99% of audiences find his message valuable and 95% say they would see David again.
David has delivered powerful keynotes to intimate leadership teams of 50 and to audiences of over 20,000 people at the NFL Super Dome in New Orleans. Whether presenting at a corporate leadership summit, national sales conference, association annual meeting, or first responder training, David adapts his message and delivery to ensure every attendee -- no matter the room size -- feels personally connected and ready to act.
Yes. David follows the 80/20 rule -- 80% of his keynote features his core One Decision Away Three-Step Framework on leadership, mindset, and resilience, while 20% is customized specifically for your organization, event theme, industry, and audience goals.
He also includes his signature Post-it wall call-to-action: every attendee writes the one decision they are going to make today and places it on a designated wall, creating a public mural of real commitments. It makes every keynote interactive, memorable, and lasting -- long after the event ends.
Yes. David offers virtual and hybrid motivational keynotes that reach global audiences while delivering the same energy and impact as his in-person events. Whether your team is in New York City, Los Angeles, Dallas, Chicago, Atlanta, Phoenix, or London, David delivers powerful presentations via professional broadcast platforms that engage attendees, encourage participation, and drive measurable results for remote and distributed teams.
David is based in Westchester County, New York and travels extensively throughout the United States and internationally for conferences, corporate meetings, and leadership events. He frequently speaks in New York City, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Phoenix, Orlando, San Diego, Denver, and Las Vegas, and is available for global events and corporate retreats. His team handles all travel logistics to make booking simple and stress-free.
To book David for your next conference or corporate event, you can reach out in any of these ways:
Online: Complete the inquiry form at davidatkinsspeaks.com/contact
Email: david@davidatkinsspeaks.com
Phone: 914-221-7390
You will receive a quick response with details on availability, speaking fees, and event customization options. Early booking is strongly recommended, especially for leadership conferences and annual meetings on the East Coast and nationwide.
Audiences leave David's keynotes with clarity, renewed motivation, and the One Decision Away Three-Step Framework they can apply starting Monday morning. His message empowers individuals and teams to lead with courage, improve communication, and make decisions that drive growth.
Event planners consistently report that attendees feel energized, accountable, and inspired -- and the Post-it wall means every person walks out with a written, public decision already made. Whether in a corporate ballroom in New York City or a national convention in Dallas, David's impact lasts long after the event ends.
Check availability for your conference, corporate meeting, or association event -- nationwide and internationally.