A Message Students Will Actually Repeat to Each Other
Chris Sund speaks to high school students about the gap between what they are doing and what they are capable of — built on research with 200+ professionals who wish someone had told them sooner. No lecture, no talking down, no assembly they forget by lunch.
What Students Walk Out With
High schoolers can spot a canned assembly in thirty seconds. What holds their attention is an adult who is honest about not having had it figured out either — and who treats them as capable of hearing something real. Chris talks about the ceiling people set for themselves, why nobody feels ready, and what a decision made at seventeen is actually worth.
- The ceiling most people put on themselves long before anyone else does
- Why nobody feels ready — and why that is not a reason to wait
- Research they can hold onto: 92% of adults believe they are capable of more
- What compounds: the unremarkable days, not the big moments
- Something specific to do, not just something to feel
Programs for High School Audiences
Every session is customized to the occasion — assembly, awards night, leadership day, or graduation.
You Are Capable of More
The signature keynote, adapted for students — potential, self-doubt, and starting before you are ready.
The Power of Small Moments
How ordinary days build the person you become, and who is watching.
Athletic Banquet Talk
For teams and sports awards nights — what the season actually taught them.
Student Leadership
For student council, NHS, and leadership retreats.
School Events Chris Speaks At
Related pages: Student Leadership Speaker · Athletic Banquet Speaker · School Administrator Speaker
Where Chris Is Speaking to Students
Booked and past engagements with student and young-professional audiences.
“Chris Sund presented to various disciplines in our organization and broadened their knowledge further than most other speakers on leadership. He promotes teamwork and leadership as well as strategies for individuals to lead a more enriching and fulfilling life.”
Long-Term Care Provider AssociationConference feedbackWhat Schools Ask
Will it hold a gym full of teenagers?
Chris does not open with a lecture. He opens with something honest about himself, which is what buys attention from a room that has learned to tune assemblies out.
Is the content appropriate for all grades?
Yes. The material works from freshmen through seniors and is written so nothing needs to be screened out for younger students.
Can he speak at an awards night rather than an assembly?
Yes, and it is one of his favorite formats. An awards night has families in the room, which changes the message for the better.
What about budget?
Chris works with school budgets and is straightforward about it. Ask — the answer comes back quickly rather than after three rounds of negotiation.
You Are Capable of More
The bestselling book behind the talk — ten principles for closing the gap between who you are right now and who you are capable of becoming. Written for adults, but the students who read it tend to be the ones who needed it most.
Schools often pair the talk with copies for graduating seniors or award recipients. Bulk pricing and signed editions are available.
He Was Not the Obvious One Either
Chris is President & COO of Uniti Med, GQR Healthcare and Nebula, and took the first from startup to one of the largest healthcare staffing firms in the country. None of that was visible when he was seventeen.
That is why the message lands with students. He is not describing a straight line from honor roll to corner office. He is describing what it actually takes, including the part where you are not sure you are the kind of person who can do it.
He is a bestselling author, a Maxwell Leadership Certified coach, an Inc. contributor, and a Forbes Business Council member — and he lives in Fremont, Nebraska.
As Seen & Heard
Television, national business press, and the podcasts where Chris talks potential and growth.
Bring Chris to Your School
Tell Chris about your students and the occasion. You’ll get a fast, straight answer on fit, budget, and availability.
Check Availability & FeesResponse within one business day · Speaker kit, bio & headshots