Keynote Presenters
Prepare to be inspired! Stay tuned for more details on the MeridianLink® LIVE! 2025 keynote speaker lineup.
Here’s a look at the incredible keynotes who headlined in 2024.
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Diana Nyad
At the age of 64, Diana Nyad emerged onto the sands of Key West after swimming from Cuba to Florida in an epic feat of both endurance and human will. From the dedicated crew who navigated the waters to the expert nutritionists who fueled her body and the motivational coaches who kept her spirits high, Diana credits her success to the unwavering collaboration of her team.
As a prominent sports journalist and uniquely entertaining and inspiring public speaker, Diana has earned her place as a compelling storyteller. With over 30 years of contributions to National Public Radio, The New York Times, and others, she has captivated audiences worldwide. Her memoir, Find a Way, and her OpEd on childhood sexual abuse for The New York Times sparked a global conversation. Diana even fulfilled a lifelong dream by bringing her play, The Swimmer, to sold-out crowds at the off-Broadway Minetta Lane Theater.
As the co-founder of EverWalk, a nationwide walking initiative, and OceansCommit, which champions plastic reduction, Diana Nyad continues to inspire action for health and sustainability. Inducted into multiple Halls of Fame and celebrated by President Obama and Oprah Winfrey, her extraordinary life became the subject of the 2023 Academy Award-nominated film NYAD.
In this conversation, Diana shares powerful examples of teamwork from her years-long pursuit of this goal while also discussing how to assemble a high-performance team and how to face challenges with a resilient mindset. This is not a sports story. It’s a story of the refusal to give up, the unwavering commitment to pursue perhaps impossible dreams, the courage to fail by drilling down to one’s true grit, even if the journey does not end at the final destination.
David Gardner
As Co-Founder and Chief Rule Breaker of The Motley Fool, Chairman of The Motley Fool Foundation, and a member of several prestigious boards, David Gardner has dedicated over three decades to making the world smarter, happier, and richer. From famously recommending Amazon in 1997 at a split-adjusted price of 16 cents to pioneering successful stock-picking services such as Motley Fool Stock Advisor and Motley Fool Rule Breakers, David consistently delivers market-beating insights. His services achieved annualized returns of 20.6% and 16.2%, respectively, far outpacing the S&P 500. Today, you can catch David sharing his expertise and passion through his podcast, Rule Breaker Investing. Since its launch in 2015, the podcast has engaged a community of 90,000+ monthly listeners and become a trusted resource for investing, business, and life.
In his keynote, David will explore the profound connection between financial freedom and human flourishing. Drawing on insights from the Freedometer and other frameworks centered on autonomy and connectedness in financial decision-making, he will emphasize the power of empowering individuals to take charge of their financial futures. David will also explore how fintech innovations are playing a pivotal role in enabling customers to achieve greater autonomy and purpose in their financial lives. With his vast experience as an investor, author, and advocate for conscious capitalism, David will challenge conventional thinking and share actionable strategies that have driven lasting impact for individuals and organizations alike. From bold investments to purpose-driven decision-making, his insights will inspire fresh perspectives on achieving both financial and personal growth.
Logan Mohtashami
HousingWire’s lead analyst, Logan Mohtashami, brings over two decades of experience in the mortgage industry. Renowned as “The Chart Guy” and recognized for his insightful analysis of the U.S. economy and real estate market, Logan’s ability to decode complex economic data and provide actionable insights has made him a sought-after commentator. Fueled by a passion for data and economics, coupled with years of direct lending experience, Logan is a frequent presence on major platforms such as CNBC, the HousingWire Daily podcast, and industry conference speaking stages.
At MeridianLink LIVE!, Logan will share his insights and commentary on current U.S. economic trends and address the questions that many are asking right now: Are we headed into a recession, or will the U.S. economy continue to expand? Is household credit breaking down on the Federal Reserve? What is happening in the housing market? Will inventory grow with higher rates, and what will happen to home prices? Mohtashami will bring his unmatched enthusiasm, humor, and charts to share his perspectives on current economic and market developments.
General Session Presenter
Larry Lerner
partner, McKinsey
& Company
Larry Lerner advises financial institutions on advanced analytics, data transformations, and scaling of digital and analytics capabilities. He specializes in developing strategies for risk and fraud analytics, fostering insight-driven product and customer growth. His recent work includes helping clients improve their advanced analytics programs, launch digital banks and data businesses, and create centralized analytics environments.
