Gregory Shepard
Co-Founder BOSS Capital Partners & Co-Founder BOSS Startup Science, Serial Entrepreneur & Neurodiversity Advocate
Biography
Autism. Dyslexia. Synesthesia. Growing up in poverty. These struggles aren’t easy. But for Gregory Shepard, these experiences shaped the entrepreneur he is today. Gregory succeeded not in spite of the unique way his neurodiverse mind functions, but because of it. With 12 businesses in MarTech, AdTech, TransitTech and BioTech built and sold, he’s received four private equity awards from transactions between $250M to $1B. He’s also been a TEDX and Keynote speaker at multiple universities and conferences around the world and has been featured in publications like Fortune, Entrepreneur, the New York Observer, DEAL and Thrive Global. Gregory is the ultimate embodiment of the American Dream! Over the years, he’s proved again and again that diversity is good for business and that a different approach can be incredibly profitable. Growing up in poverty taught Gregory that it’s often social position and circumstances that determine what opportunities someone gets, rather than their talent or ideas. This has led him to develop a philosophy of “Altruistic Capitalism,” which includes supporting young entrepreneurs from underserved communities who are working towards sparking positive change in the world around them. Gregory founded BOSS Capital Partners and co-leads a global investment syndicate focusing on series seed technology businesses. Based on his 20+ years of entrepreneurial experience, he developed the BOSS (Business Operating Support System) methodology and framework to empower entrepreneurs and increase the overall startup success rate. His most recent success story is Delerrok, which was acquired by Cubic Transportation for $48M just under 3 years of initial investment, as a result of using this BOSS framework. Gregory believes in the power of fearless optimism and steadfast determination, and his goal is to give other intelligent and determined young professionals the tools they need to strive toward success,
Speech Topics
Altruistic Capitalism: Empowering Change
Join us for an inspiring keynote as we delve into the remarkable journey of Gregory Shepard, a testament to the power of resilience and determination. Despite facing poverty and navigating seven neurodivergent conditions, Gregory has triumphed over adversity, becoming a successful author, speaker, and angel investor. In this thought-provoking talk, Gregory shares his personal experiences and unveils the concept of "Altruistic Capitalism." Discover how Gregory harnesses the deal-making culture of Silicon Valley to empower underserved entrepreneurs and inject capital into ventures aimed at driving positive change in the world. Prepare to be inspired by Gregory's unwavering optimism and his transformative approach to capitalism. Key Takeaways: • Draw inspiration from Gregory's fearless optimism and steadfast determination. • Explore the concept of Altruistic Capitalism and understand how it can serve as a catalyst for positive change. Discover the potential to leverage business and • capital to empower underserved entrepreneurs and create a meaningful impact in society. • Learn from Gregory's experiences as an angel investor and understand how to identify and support fearlessly ambitious, creative, and passionate entrepreneurs who are driving transformative change in their communities. • Discover how you can contribute to creating a more inclusive and sustainable world through your own entrepreneurial journey.
From Struggle to Strength: A Journey of Resilience, Ingenuity, and Success
Discover the awe-inspiring story of Gregory Shepard, an entrepreneur who triumphed over adversity and became a renowned figure in the business world. From a challenging childhood marked by poverty and neurodivergence, Greg defied all expectations, building and selling successful ventures in Martech, BioTech, TransitTech, and AdTech. Join us as Greg shares his path, from selling snakes as a child to overcoming prejudice and finding confidence through bodybuilding. Learn how he pushed boundaries, set audacious goals, and achieved remarkable feats, inspiring audiences with his resilience and unwavering determination. Don't miss this captivating keynote that proves anything is possible with passion and perseverance. Key Takeaways: • Resilience against the odds: Gain insights into Greg's extraordinary journey, showcasing the power of resilience in overcoming challenges and achieving success despite difficult circumstances. • Unlocking ingenuity: Discover the value of creative thinking and innovative problem-solving, as Greg's experiences highlight the importance of ingenuity in entrepreneurial endeavors. • Stepping out of the comfort zone: Learn the transformative impact of setting ambitious goals and embracing discomfort, as Greg's story inspires you to push boundaries, conquer fears, and unlock your full potential. • Discover how you too can unleash your inner strength and achieve greatness.
Embracing Neurodiversity for a Brighter Future: Empowering Individuals and Revolutionizing the Business World
In the quest for diversity, equity, and inclusion, neurodiversity often remains overlooked. Yet, up to 20% of the global population is neurodivergent, with unique ways of interacting with the world due to conditions like autism, ADHD, or learning disabilities. In this inspiring keynote, Gregory Shepard shares his remarkable story of true grit, resilience, and ingenuity and the challenges he faced as a neurodiverse individual. Discover how Gregory's remarkable journey reflects the untapped potential and extraordinary contributions neurodiverse individuals bring to society and the business world. Join us in this inspiring keynote to unlock the true potential of neurodiversity and pave the way toward a more inclusive and prosperous future. Key Takeaways: • Gain insights from Gregory Shepard's personal journey of triumphing over poverty and navigating neurodivergent conditions. • Understand the immense value neurodiverse individuals bring to society and the business world, including their capacity for innovation and creativity. • Envision a more inclusive future where embracing neurodiversity benefits society as a whole and propels the business world toward greater success.
Cracking the Code: Understanding Why Founders Fail and How to Rise Above
Have you ever wondered why the failure rate of startups is so high? In fact, studies show that approximately 90% of founders fail. But what steps can we take to decrease this failure rate? In this engaging keynote, renowned serial entrepreneur, author, and angel investor Gregory Shepard shares invaluable insights into the common missteps made by early-stage startups and unveils strategies to avoid them. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned business leader, this transformative keynote filled with compelling stories and real-world examples equips you with the knowledge and tools needed to shape your entrepreneurial path and chart a course toward sustainable success. Key Takeaways: • Gain insights into why approximately 90% of founders fail. • Discover actionable approaches and proven methods to mitigate risk and increase your chances of startup success. • Learn about practical tools - Business Operating Support System (BOSS) to pave your entrepreneurial path to success.
Videos
Testimonials
"“On behalf of the ACETECH team and Board, thank you so much for your contribution to the success of the Acetech Leadership Summit. CEOs rated the overall value of the Summit 9.0 out of 10! We are thrilled!”"
"“The entire audience was engaged and inspired!”"
"“Greg is an engaging and powerful speaker. His BOSS method is practical, efficient, and focused on execution. Every entrepreneur, investor, or business leader would benefit from it.”"
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You can inquire about Gregory Shepard's availability or get a customized quote by contacting Key Speakers directly. Our team will help you determine fit, logistics, and budget options for your upcoming event.What is Gregory Shepard's speaking fee?
The typical range for Gregory Shepard's speaking fee is $5,000–$20,000. The low end of the fee range represents their standard virtual fee. The high end of the fee range represents their standard fee for a US-based in-person speaking engagement. Appearances which require an extended schedule of activities or international travel will possibly exceed this fee range. Speaker fees update frequently. To receive a personalized quote for Gregory Shepard to speak at your event, please consult with a Key Speakers advisor for up to date information and assistance.What factors influence the speaker's fee?
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Travel expenses are typically not included in the listed speaker's fee and are quoted separately. If the speaker needs to travel internationally, fees will be higher. These expenses may include airfare, accommodation, ground transportation at home and in the event city, and meals. We can provide more detailed information about travel expenses and arrangements once you've selected a speaker.How do I book Gregory Shepard for my event?
The speaker booking process typically involves the following steps: contact Key Speakers to confirm Gregory Shepard's availability, fees, and any unique requirements (we can also help negotiate fees and terms); submit a firm offer to extend the invite to your speaker, with the details used to create an agreement once the speaker accepts; coordinate and finalize the terms of the booking, including contract terms and conditions; and confirm the booking by signing the contract and making the necessary payments.What types of events do keynote speakers typically speak at?
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We provide a comprehensive service that takes the guesswork out of hiring a speaker — from speaker selection to logistics to post-event feedback. We know you have lots of responsibilities on top of finding and coordinating event speakers, so having a committed and proactive partner on your side that is an expert with the talent booking process is crucial. Every time you book a speaker with Key, your dedicated events manager will support you throughout the entire planning process. We help you negotiate contractual details such as speaker fees and travel terms so that you end up with the most favorable deal. With our highly communicative booking and proposal model, you'll never be left in the dark with the status of your speaker. To put it simply, Key Speakers is your one-stop resource for finding, booking and managing speakers for your event.
Speakers Like Gregory Shepard
Haley Moss
Haley Moss is a neurodiversity expert, lawyer, and the author of five books that guide neurodivergent individuals through professional and personal challenges. She is currently a speaker, consultant, and neurodiversity advocate for organizations and corporations that seek her guidance in creating an inclusive workplace and a sought-after commentator on disability rights issues. She has won multiple awards, from Forbes 30 Under 30 to ABA Making a Difference and much more. The first openly autistic lawyer in Florida, Haley’s books include Great Minds Think Differently: Neurodiversity for Lawyers and Other Professionals, The Young Autistic Adult’s Independence Handbook, and Talking The Talk About Autism: How To Share And Tell Your Story. Her articles have appeared in outlets including the Washington Post, Teen Vogue, and Fast Company. Haley’s life experiences, advocacy, and dedication guide her to leave the state of inclusion better than she found it.
Fee Range: $7,000–$11,000
Travels From: FL
Jonathan Mooney
Jonathan Mooney is a dyslexic writer and activist who learned to read when he was 12-years-old. He since earned an honors degree in English Literature at Brown University and has written and published two books. The first, Learning Outside The Lines hit bookshelves when he was 23. Coupled with his most recent book, The Short Bus, Jonathan has established himself as one of the foremost leaders in LD/ADHD, disabilities, and alternative education. Jonathan also founded and is President of Project Eye-To-Eye, a mentoring and advocacy non-profit organization for students with learning differences.
Fee Range: $7,000–$15,000
Travels From: CA
Lizzie Velasquez
Lizzie was born with a rare syndrome that makes it impossible for Lizzie to gain weight. At this time there are only 2 other people in the world that are known with this rare syndrome. Lizzie was bullied during her childhood and she credits her parents and loved ones for instilling in her the courage and strength to be herself. The negativity of others couldn’t stop her from reaching the goals she had set for herself including becoming a motivational speaker and an author. In 2010, she published an autobiography titled Lizzie Beautiful: The Lizzie Velásquez Story. Her second book, Be Beautiful, Be You, urged her readers to accept and love themselves for who they are. Her latest book is Dare to Be Kind: How Extraordinary Compassion Can Transform Our World. She has become one of the most popular TEDx Keynote Speakers including appearances at the TEDxYouth and TEDx Women events.
Fee Range: $10,000–$14,000
Travels From: TX
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