Brian Hicks

It doesn't take long to understand why Brian Hicks is consistently asked back as a return speaker by most of his clients, and why audience members refer to him as “a natural,” “the best,” and “entertaining, informative & inspirational.”

Brian has been inspiring audiences with his signature blend of humor and practical wisdom for nearly 20 years, though he is quick to point out that he is “not your father’s motivational speaker.” In fact, he would argue he’s not a motivational speaker at all! He doesn’t walk on hot coals, nor does he teach any habits or laws. He instead teaches a simple, time-tested practical philosophy based on his experience training and managing independent salespeople for nearly 2 decades. These experiences have landed him in each of the 50 states, US Territories, foreign countries and even The Smithsonian Institute!

Brian spent 20 years with the Fortune 200 insurer, Aflac - 15 of them as a manager and top trainer. In fact, for 11 years he was responsible for training independent sales associates and managers in Tennessee & Alabama/West Florida, two of the company's top state operations. He created The Leadership Development Institute (LDI) and The LDI Audio Series, and helped lead the Alabama/West Florida group to become the producing sales operation in the company in 2007 & 2008, with combined sales in those 2 years topping $85 million! Considered a training pioneer at Aflac, Brian became one of the highest earning sales and management trainers in the company.

His passion was to create inspirational training programs for the sales force to improve retention and productivity. Aflac’s salespeople are independent contractors, paid 100% commission - in essence, they're volunteers. The business can be brutal and turnover is very high. Brian helped create what became the Field Force Development department, responsible for training and motivating sales associates and managers across the country.

After being in the sales operation for the company in the world in its industry, Brian was ready to broaden his message beyond the Aflac bubble by writing and speaking, so he and his wife decided to relocate their family to Nashville, Tennessee.

Since relocating to Tennessee, Brian has created The Tinderbox Tapes Club - an online personal development membership club named after his book of the same title - and has been taking his message to audiences across the country. To complement his keynotes and workshops, he continues to develop audio programs as well.

As a preacher’s kid, Brian has an innate desire to creatively communicate messages of hope and inspiration. His desire is to weave valuable life lessons into good stories to help and encourage those who may not otherwise seek such lessons from the traditional avenues, such as nonfiction self-help books and programs.

This philosophy led him to write his first inspirational novel, The Tinderbox Tapes. He is represented by Premiere Authors Literary Agency, and is currently seeking a publisher for the book.

Brian resides in Nashville, Tennessee with his wife of 18 years and their 3 boys.