Lance Allred

Lance Allred, with his 5 Principles of Perseverance, is the first legally deaf player in NBA history and an expert on leadership, perseverance, and grit. Born with 80% hearing loss due to RH complications at birth, Allred's early life was spent in a polygamist commune in rural Montana until his family left when he was 13. This unique upbringing and his physical challenges did not deter him; instead, they shaped his resilient character.

Standing at 6'11", Allred did not start playing basketball until the eighth grade, a late start for most professional players. He played internationally and his perseverance led him to become the first deaf player in the NBA at the age of 27—seven years later than the average NBA rookie. Beyond the basketball court, Allred uses his personal journey and professional experiences to inspire audiences worldwide. He has shared his "5 Principles of Perseverance" with over 40,000 students in the United States and numerous corporations, including Costco, Keybank, Coldwell Banker, and Coca-Cola.

As a best-selling author, Allred has written five books, including "Longshot: The Adventures of a Deaf Fundamentalist Mormon Kid and His Journey to the NBA," published by HarperCollins in 2009. His TEDx talk, "What is Your Polygamy?" has been viewed over 4.6 million times and highlights his innovative thinking. Allred's extensive engagement as a keynote speaker covers essential topics such as leadership, teamwork, and overcoming adversity. His keynote addresses, such as "Lions & Leaders: The Principles of Perseverance," "Limitless Goals," and "Legendary Sales," utilize his decade-long basketball career and life experiences to motivate and educate his listeners on achieving their full potential.