Mindfulness & Resilience Expert; Founder of Coherence Consulting; Author of "The Wound Is Where the Light Enters"
Chris Young Biography
Chris Young is a consultant, author, and public speaker who inspires audiences to recognize the power of choice—even in circumstances that seem to leave no choices at all. His work explores mindfulness, resilience, and human potential, drawing on an extraordinary personal journey that began with a life sentence at age 22 for a nonviolent drug offense.
While incarcerated, Young educated himself across disciplines ranging from philosophy and economics to history, politics, and quantum physics, and taught himself to code without access to a computer. His ability to find agency, purpose, and possibility within extraordinary constraints became the foundation for the perspective he brings to audiences today.
Young’s story ultimately attracted national and international attention, leading to a successful campaign for his freedom and executive clemency. After his release, he earned a degree in economics and public policy from Southern Methodist University and founded Coherence Consulting, where he combines data, policy analysis, and lived experience to help organizations rethink how they invest in human potential.
The author of "The Wound Is Where the Light Enters," Young challenges audiences to consider how mindfulness can create space for better decisions, how resilience can be cultivated rather than simply endured, and how the choices we make—especially under pressure—can change the trajectory of a life.
His story and ideas have been featured by CNN, PBS's "Amanpour and Company," CBS News, BBC, and Variety. As a keynote speaker, Young offers a powerful message about moving beyond circumstance, reclaiming agency, and discovering what becomes possible when we recognize the power of choice.
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How do I book Chris Young to speak at my event?
Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Chris Young for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for Chris Young, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for Chris Young or any other speaker of your choice. -
What are the speaker fees for Chris Young
Speaking fees for Chris Young, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Chris Young are $10,000 - $20,000 for live events and available upon request for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Chris Young, click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent. -
What topics does Chris Young speak about?
Chris Young is a keynote speaker and industry expert whose speaking topics include Author, Black Heritage, Business Consulting, Disruptive Thinking, Government, Mental Health, Mindfulness, Non-Fiction Authors, Overcoming Adversity, Resilience, Social Activism, Storytelling, Thought Leadership, Youth -
Where does Chris Young travel from?
Chris Young generally travels from an undisclosed location, but can be booked for private corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. For more details, please contact an AAE Booking agent. -
Who is Chris Young’s agent?
AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully booked keynote speakers like Chris Young for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Chris Young for your next private or corporate function. -
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AAE Speakers Bureau is a full-service speaker booking agency, meaning we can completely manage the speaker’s or celebrity’s engagement with your organization from the time of booking your speaker through the event’s completion. We provide all of the services you need to host Chris Young or any other speaker of your choice, including offer negotiation, contractual assistance, accounting and billing, and event speaker travel and logistics services. When you book a speaker with us, we manage the process of hosting a speaker for you as an extension of your team. Our goal is to give our clients peace of mind and a best-in-class service experience when booking a speaker with us. -
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Chris Young is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics. The estimated speaking fee range to book Chris Young for your event is $10,000 - $20,000. Chris Young generally travels from and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Felice Upton, Shaka Senghor, Michael Arterberry, Jarrett Harper and D. Watkins. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Chris Young for an upcoming live or virtual event.
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