Keynote Speakers
A PCBC hallmark, our keynote sessions feature engaging and thought-provoking speakers – legendary thinkers and doers in the fields of business, strategy, performance, entertainment, leadership and motivation.
Open to all registered attendees
Bakari Sellers
My Vanishing Country
Wednesday, June 19, 2024
8:30am-9:30am
Based on his New York Times best-selling memoir, My Vanishing Country, Bakari Sellers takes audiences on an eye-opening journey through America’s past, present and future. Part memoir, part historical and cultural analysis, Sellers explores and honors the lives of America’s forgotten black working-class men and women—people who are often overlooked by the media but have nonetheless played a pivotal role in shaping our country. In a courageous conversation about race and America’s path forward, Sellers will inspire us to tackle society’s challenges head-on, beginning with a willingness to engage meaningfully with one another—even those (especially those) who see the world differently than we do.
Bakari Sellers made history in 2006 when, at just 22 years old, he became the youngest member of the South Carolina state legislature and the youngest African American elected official in the nation. He is an attorney, activist, CNN political analyst, two-time bestselling author, and podcast host addressing topics ranging from politics, race, sports, media, the presidential campaign, and much more.
PCBC 2023 Keynote Sponsors
Past years' keynote speakers include:
Kudzi Chikumbu (2023)
TikTok global head of creator marketing
Shawn Achor (2015, 2023)
Leading expert on happiness and success
Sekou Andrews (2019)
Two-time national poetry slam champion

Chip Conley (2016)
Head of Global Hospitality, Airbnb

Sheryl Connelly (2014)
Global Trends & Futuring, Ford Motor Company
Steven Kotler (2017)
Co-founder, Flow Genome Project

Patrick Lencioni (2018)
Renowned bestselling author

Alison Levine (2019)
First American Women's Everest Expedition Team Captain

Matthew Luhn (2017, 2022)
One of the original story creators at Pixar

Platon (2018)
Award-winning Photographer

Joshua Cooper Ramo (2016)
Vice Chairman, Kissinger Associates
Benjamin Zander (2014)
Conductor, Boston Philharmonic Orchestra

Jade Simmons (2022)
Rockstar Concert Pianist & Activational Speaker

Simon Sinek (2015)
Bestselling author, leadership expert

Adam Steltzner (2017)
Chief Engineer, NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Gary Vaynerchuk (2012, 2014)
Bestselling author, social media expert