Asheville has long drawn artists, adventurers, and visionaries to its mountain hollows.
But beyond the galleries and breweries, the region is quietly home to a remarkable collection of nationally recognized speakers, authors, and change-makers — people who regularly take the stage at Fortune 500 offsites, outdoor summits, and leadership conferences around the world, then come home to the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Here are five you should know:
Brad Stulberg
Author · Performance coach
Brad Stulberg is a New York Times bestselling author, performance coach and speaker whose work explores what it means to pursue excellence in a sustainable, deeply human way. His books, including The Way of Excellence, The Practice of Groundedness, and Master of Change, blend science, philosophy and psychology into practical frameworks for leadership, performance and meaningful work.
A former columnist for Outside magazine whose work has appeared in publications including The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal, Brad has become a leading voice in conversations around burnout, ambition, resilience3 and long-term growth. His keynotes resonate across industries because they challenge the idea that success must come at the expense of well-being.
Dr. Amy Climer
Speaker · Creativity Consultant
Amy Climer helps organizations build stronger teams by treating creativity not as a vague spark of inspiration, but as a skill that can be intentionally cultivated. A nationally recognized speaker and Certified Speaking Professional, she specializes in innovation, collaboration and the systems that help teams generate better ideas together.
Her interactive keynotes combine research-backed insights with practical tools audiences can immediately apply, whether they’re leading a company, managing a team or navigating creative problem-solving in rapidly changing environments.
Meridith Elliott Powell
Business Strategist · Keynote Speaker
Meridith Elliott Powell is an award-winning keynote speaker, author and business strategist known for helping organizations navigate uncertainty with clarity and confidence. A member of the Speaker Hall of Fame, she brings an energetic mix of strategic insight, humor and real-world experience to audiences across the country.
Her work centers on one increasingly relevant question: how do leaders adapt when the rules keep changing? Through talks focused on resilience, leadership and growth during disruption, she helps organizations build momentum even in unpredictable moments.
Jennifer Pharr Davis
Adventurer · Author · Speaker
Jennifer Pharr Davis has spent years exploring what happens when people push beyond their perceived limits. A National Geographic Adventurer of the Year and the first woman to set the overall record for the fastest completion of the Appalachian Trail (averaging 47 miles per day for 46 days), Jennifer has become one of the outdoor world’s most compelling voices on endurance, adaptability, and purpose.
Noted for her ability to translate more than 14,000 miles of on-trail adventures into real-life takeaways, Jennifer utilizes her experiences as a small business owner, working parent, and breast cancer survivor to connect with audiences from all walks of life. Her talks, workshops, and guided hikes inspire collective groups to embrace challenges and change, while simultaneously equipping individuals with practical tools for leadership, resilience and well-being.
Earl Hunter Jr.
Outdoor Advocate · Speaker
Earl Hunter Jr. is the founder and CEO of Black Folks Camp Too, an organization dedicated to making the outdoors feel more welcoming and accessible for communities of color. Through national speaking engagements, partnerships and advocacy work, he’s helping reshape conversations around who belongs outside and how shared experiences in nature can build stronger communities.
His message is rooted in something both simple and powerful: the outdoors should feel inviting to everyone.
theunityfolks.com/our-founder/
Planning a corporate retreat, summit or event in Asheville?
Western North Carolina is home to an extraordinary community of thinkers, artists, adventurers and storytellers whose work is shaped by the creative spirit of the Blue Ridge.
Whether you’re planning a leadership retreat, outdoor summit, wellness gathering or company offsite, Asheville offers more than inspiring scenery. It offers access to people and perspectives capable of shifting how audiences see the world around them.
Planning a meeting in Asheville? Destination advisors play a critical role early in the planning process, helping connect meeting goals with the right venues, experiences and community partners. Explore Asheville’s Business Development team brings well over 50 years of combined experience in the meetings and events industry, offering both destination expertise and a practical understanding of how to bring a program to life. Contact the Explore Asheville Business Development team for complimentary planning support, venue recommendations, and local connections tailored to your gathering.
