Dan Nielsen – Leader, Speaker, Author
I spent much of my career as a healthcare executive, including 15 years as a hospital CEO and 15 years as the lead executive and innovator of national healthcare education and networking programs. I have also served as a faculty member at 4 universities and launched several successful businesses. After trying retirement for 7 months, I realized I couldn’t sit still that long, and have been staying busy ever since as an entrepreneur, author, and speaker. [see full bio]
I have been writing for many years and have published over 1,000 articles on achieving greater success and developing leadership excellence. I have also authored 3 books on leadership, Presidential Leadership: Learning from United States Presidential Libraries & Museums (2013), Be An Inspirational Leader: Engage, Inspire, Empower (2017), and most recently, Be An Inspirational Leader Workbook (2024). [learn more]
I am an engaging keynote speaker with more than 25 years of experience delivering presentations and facilitating meetings for groups of all sizes. Participants and event planners alike have praised my ability to engage a room full of people—not merely entertaining them, but inspiring and equipping them to take action on the concepts I present. [see testimonials or FAQ]
Which is the best fit for your group?
Workshops
I will lead a full or half-day highly interactive and engaging workshop for your team, department, or organization. Participants will be engaged in thought-provoking discussion and asked to complete quick but creative assignments individually and as a group. Each session will be uplifting and inspiring as well as relevant and productive, with a focus on personal, professional, and organizational strategies and impact. Participants will leave the session with specific and definitive plans or objectives resulting from the individual and collective knowledge, wisdom, and participation of the group. Individuals and teams will be engaged, inspired, and empowered to return to their work with the determination to leverage their individual and collective strengths to achieve their potential and accomplish great results—at work and in every area of their lives! LEARN MORE
Keynotes
I will deliver an inspiring and uplifting 60-minute presentation relevant for participants at all levels. With a variety of topics to choose from, every keynote is based on in-depth research, personal experience, and real-life stories from interviews all across America. With great energy and enthusiasm, I will provide insights, encouragement, and proven strategies to help participants leverage their strengths, become more effective in their roles, and achieve their full potential for greater personal, professional, and organizational success. VIEW TOPICS
Facilitated Discussions
I will begin with a brief presentation designed to stimulate thought and conversation. I will then invite questions and discussion, facilitating and guiding the conversation to further explore the concepts I presented and better understand their impact on your group—individually and collectively. I will provide structure for the conversation and help ensure productive individual and group behavior and engagement. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions, offer perspectives, and gain new insights on relevant and impactful concepts and ideas and how they affect their personal, professional, and organizational lives. At the end of the discussion, I will summarize the results, reinforcing tangible outcomes, actions, behaviors, habits, and objectives. SEE FAQ
A Few of the Organizations I've Served:
- Affinity Health System
- American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE)
- American Hospital Association
- Association of National Account Executives (ANAE)
- Becker's Healthcare
- California Hospital Association
- Florida Hospital Association
- Healthcare Industry Supply Chain Institute (HISCI)
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Dan is a great communicator and inspirational speaker. His message is positive and always very motivating.
I recommend Dan to help any organization optimize their employee’s potential.
John Penhollow
Healthcare Consultant
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Dan is one in a million. His integrity is untouchable. His professional motivation is at its peak and he keeps it there. Probably the most interesting person I know.
Bob Furman
YMCA Camp Director
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Dan has a passion for leadership and for providing the tools for others to become effective, insightful leaders.
Linda DeWolf
Philanthropic foundation coFounder
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Dan Nielsen is a gifted facilitator and inspiring presenter. He truly has a passion for leadership and for getting to the heart of the matter. He knows what it takes to motivate both individuals and groups and genuinely leads by the example he sets.
Sharla K. Jones
Learning & Development Manager
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Dan Nielsen is a man of wisdom and passion. His excellent presentation to our leadership team included his inspiring personal story and the wisdom of the ages based on teachings from Benjamin Franklin to Og Mandino. Our team was inspired, intrigued, and challenged by Dan.
Dan Neufelder
Health System President
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Mr. Nielsen was the facilitator of a leadership conference with senior level “C” Suite attendees. He was engaging and made his role a seamless integration of the entire conference structure. He led a truly thought-provoking and organized event. I hope to have the pleasure of attending another one in the future.
Kay White
Senior HR Professional
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Dan is a high energy and creative individual, with decades of experience at the highest levels of healthcare. His management style when I worked for him was inclusive and enthusiastic.
Ed Crane
Development Consultant
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Dan is a gifted leader who has the extraordinary ability to develop a strategic vision and mobilize an organization to achieve it. He operates with great integrity and character. Dan completely understands business dynamics and utilizes that understanding to optimize exceptional leadership. If you’ve heard Dan lecture, he is an inspiration and motivation to all he reaches. It has been my honor to know him.
Stacy Shillan
Neurology & Immunology DIRECTOR
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I’ve known Dan for many years and he has always demonstrated that he is an individual of integrity and character and practices what he preaches. Dan has great insight and an exceptional ability to communicate inspirational and heartfelt messages. It is a privilege to recommend Dan as a skilled facilitator and leader.
Sharla K. Jones
Learning & Development Manager
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Dan is a forward-thinking leader who is optimistic, collaborative and open to change. He is trusted and respected by colleagues. His speaking style is enthusiastic, confident and engaging. You know that a successful outcome will be delivered when Dan is leading the way.
Rick Provencher
Account Executive
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Dan’s keynote presentation met all of my expectations and from other comments I heard, it surpassed the expectations of the attendees.... it was refreshing to hear: ‘I am so glad the presentation was something for me, something that I can use in my personal and professional life.'
Dan’s presentation kicked off the meeting on a very positive note.
Dee Ann Cross
Clinical Resource Director
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Dan is a very talented facilitator and presenter... He has the talent to engage his audience due to his wide range of knowledge on many subjects. He is very well read and incorporates his wide breadth of readings into his meeting facilitation or presentations. I highly recommend Dan as a facilitator or presenter.
Lawrence Dooley
VP National Accounts