Jeff Yalden

Jeff Yalden overcame incredible odds to become the man he is today. As a teenager, he lost interest in life, in school, and in himself. He took the SATs twice and received very low scores. Moreover, Yalden dealt with a stutter, a facial tic, bad acne, and a learning disability. His self-esteem in the gutter, Yalden graduated high school 128th in a class of 133.

Despite these tribulations, Yalden's relentless spirit led him to accomplishments, including becoming a Two-Time Marine of the Year during his four years of honorable service in the United States Marine Corps. His professional journey also includes engaging roles as a Teacher and Coach at Hollis Brookline High School and St. Augustine High School. Furthermore, Yalden has had 30 years of experience as an accomplished Youth Motivational Speaker, Author, Radio Show Host, and Teen & Family Celebrity Life Coach, specializing in Teen Mental Health, Suicide, and Crisis Intervention in School Communities.

Yalden's commitment to staff development and implementation of best practices is well recognized, and it is reflected in his role as an experienced Program Director and People Motivator. Driven by passion, he is also a technology director, 4X best-selling author, TEDx speaker, and philanthropist. In 2002, he earned the Certified Speaking Professional designation, the highest designation by the National Speakers Association, a distinction earned by fewer than 10% of all speakers.

Yalden routinely presents for family and social service organizations and high school and middle school assemblies and is often a keynote speaker for many state and national leadership organizations. His expansive career has also led him to appear routinely in print, a subject for newspapers and magazines across the country. He is the author of "Your Life Matters," "They Call Me Coach," "Keep It Simple," "20 Ways to Keep It Simple," and "Traits of a Leader." He co-authored "Lead Now or Step Aside" and contributed to The New York Times bestseller "A Cup of Chicken Soup for the Soul."

Having addressed audiences in all 50 states, 48 countries, and every Province in Canada, Yalden has left an indelible mark on millions. Seventy million viewers know him as a Life Coach on MTV’s longest-running reality show, "MADE." As he gears towards the future, he is expanding his interests into real estate investment and property management, with plans to venture into the field by 2024.