Mohamed Massaquoi
Strategic Partner in Transformation; Former NFL Wide Receiver; Amputee; Founder of VESSOL
Biography
Mohamed Massaquoi is an organisational psychologist and former professional American football player who brings a distinctive perspective to the challenges of leadership, resilience and high-performance culture. His career spans elite sport, finance, and psychology, culminating in the founding of VESSOL, a leadership development organisation that supports individuals and teams through periods of transition and change. A former wide receiver in the NFL, Mohamed was selected by the Cleveland Browns in the second round of the 2009 draft and played professionally for five seasons. After retiring from football, he moved into finance at Morgan Stanley before earning a master’s in Industrial-Organisational Psychology and completing Harvard Business School’s Program for Leadership Development. In 2017, a life-changing off-road accident resulted in the loss of his left hand, redefining his understanding of growth and resilience. This experience, along with his academic and professional background, informs his work today. Mohamed now helps teams and organisations navigate disruption with clarity, purpose and strength, offering strategies grounded in both lived experience and psychological insight. Through VESSOL, he supports leaders in adapting to change and building high-performance teams that can thrive in uncertainty. His engaging keynotes challenge audiences to reframe obstacles as opportunities and to lead with intention and resolve. Drawing on lessons from elite sports, business and personal transformation, he presents a balanced and compelling message on growth through adversity. Mohamed holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree from the University of Georgia, where he also captained the football team and was named a first-team All-SEC player. He was recognised as one of the university’s 40 Under 40 in 2018 and served on its Alumni Board from 2017 to 2020.
Speech Topics
Q&A Fireside Chat
Mohamed frequently engages in fireside chats and Q&A sessions, discussing topics related to organizational psychology and effectiveness, employee well-being and performance, as well as leadership.
DEI As a Superpower
Highlighting how diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) should be seen as a superpower rather than a challenge to be solved. Diversity is akin to valuable puzzle pieces scattered across different demographics. By bringing together the right collection of these pieces from around the world, organizations can unlock opportunities to create unique and non-commoditized outputs. Such organizations are constantly able to innovate as they foster new experiences.
Overcoming Resistance to Change
In order to thrive through change or disruption, it is essential to unpack the necessary steps. This involves aligning organizations to a meaningful cause, cultivating the right relationships to navigate challenging situations, and continuously evolving with new skillsets. The talk concludes by emphasizing the importance of capitalizing on the opportunities presented in the next chapter after successfully overcoming change.
Leaders Empowering Others
True leadership lies in empowering others rather than simply taking charge. Organizations can only ascend to the level of their teams. It is when leaders assist their people in reaching new heights that they themselves expand the realm of possibilities for the entire group. Discover strategies to adapt with agility, foster collaboration, and achieve peak performance amidst organizational change.
Videos
Testimonials
"Mohamed was thoughtful in his approach. We had just completed a large merger. He took the time to learn and understand our newly combined company, its culture, and our challenges and opportunities."
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I check Mohamed Massaquoi's availability or request a quote?
You can inquire about Mohamed Massaquoi'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 factors influence the speaker's fee?
Other factors that influence a keynote speaker's fee include their reputation, expertise, demand, experience, duration of the presentation, travel requirements for the event location, and any additional services, activities or customization options they offer.Are travel expenses included in the speaker's fee?
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 Mohamed Massaquoi for my event?
The speaker booking process typically involves the following steps: contact Key Speakers to confirm Mohamed Massaquoi'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?
Keynote speakers can speak at a wide range of events, virtual or in person, including conferences, corporate meetings, industry conventions, seminars, workshops, fundraising galas, educational programs, and other special occasions where an inspirational or informative address is desired.How do I select the right keynote speaker for my event?
When selecting a keynote speaker, consider the following factors: the speaker's expertise and knowledge relevant to your event's theme or industry; their speaking style, ability to engage the audience, and deliver impactful messages; past client testimonials, reviews, or references; and the speaker's availability and fee within your budget.What are the payment terms and conditions?
A deposit is required upon signing the contract, with the remaining balance due 2–4 weeks before the event. If the event is taking place within 30 days, the full balance is due upon signing.How far in advance should I book a keynote speaker?
It is generally advisable to book a keynote speaker as early as possible, especially if you have a specific speaker in mind or if your event is during a peak season holiday. Ideally, booking a speaker three to six months in advance can increase the chances of securing your desired speaker.Can you help me with the logistics and technical requirements for the speaker's presentation?
Yes, we can assist you with the logistics and technical requirements for the speaker's presentation. We stay actively involved during pre-event planning to coordinate with you and ensure that the necessary audiovisual equipment, staging, lighting, and other technical aspects are in place for a successful presentation.Are there any special requirements or accommodations that need to be considered for the speaker?
Keynote speakers may have specific requirements or accommodations that need to be considered, such as travel arrangements, accommodation preferences, dietary restrictions, or accessibility needs. Some speakers have a performance rider we include in the contract, others have minimal requirements.Do keynote speakers offer customization options for their presentations?
Yes, many keynote speakers offer customization options for their presentations. They can tailor their content, examples, or case studies to align with your event's theme, industry, or specific audience. Discuss your customization needs with us so we can guide you accordingly.Can the speaker participate in pre-event activities such as panel discussions or Q&A sessions?
Some keynote speakers are open to participating in pre-event activities such as panel discussions, Q&A sessions, or meet-and-greet sessions. Please share your specific requirements with us during the firm offer phase, so we can work on getting you everything you need.How long is a typical keynote speech?
The duration of a standard keynote speech can vary depending on the speaker and the event's schedule. Typically, keynote speeches range from 30 minutes to 90 minutes, including any Q&A sessions or interactive elements. Some speakers can accommodate half or full day sessions and extended keynotes. Discuss the desired duration with your representative to determine the appropriate length for participation.Can I provide feedback or reviews about the speaker's performance?
Yes, we encourage and appreciate feedback about the speaker's performance as well as our services. You can share your feedback via email after the event, or via our survey feedback form. Your feedback can help us improve our services and assist other clients in making informed decisions.Are there any discounts or special offers available for booking multiple speakers or multiple events?
Often, yes. It's worth inquiring about such possibilities with your Key Speakers representative to explore any available cost-savings options.Why book Mohamed Massaquoi through Key Speakers?
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 Mohamed Massaquoi
Rev. Nontombi Naomi Tutu
As the daughter of Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Naomi Tutu struggled to find her own place in the world. As a human rights advocate, she pulls from her personal challenges of growing up black and female in apartheid South Africa. Her professional experience ranges from being a development consultant in West Africa, to a program coordinator for race and gender-based violence in education at the African Gender Institute at the University of Cape Town. In addition, Tutu has taught at the University of Hartford and Brevard College in North Carolina. She also leads workshops on conflict resolution and racism. In addition to speaking, Tutu is a consultant for the Spiritual Alliance to Stop Intimate Violence (SAIV), founded by renowned author Riane Eisler and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Betty Williams, and the Foundation for Hospices in Sub-Saharan Africa (FHSSA). Audiences are captivated by her story growing up in apartheid South Africa and moved by her message of healing and wholeness.
Fee Range: $12,500–$15,000
Travels From: GA
Princess Sarah Culberson
Princess Sarah Culberson is an African princess who discovered her royal heritage in Sierra Leone in her late twenties. She is the host of the "Modern Royalty" podcast, where she delves into the lives and insights of individuals who are redefining what it means to be royalty in today's world. Her journey has captivated audiences worldwide, garnering features on CNN, GMA, and BBC, among other prominent media outlets. Her compelling story is the inspiration behind her coauthored book, "A Princess Found," which Disney has acquired to adapt into a major motion picture. With over 15 years of experience in education, Princess Sarah has been invited to speak globally at NASA, Wells Fargo, Princeton University, and many others. Her expertise has led her to roles including president and co-founder of Sierra Leone Rising, a nonprofit organization, and a businesswoman in the entertainment industry, with her work reaching global audiences. Sierra Leone Rising supports initiatives such as keeping young girls in school, constructing wells for clean drinking water, and promoting cultural understanding through coding. Her contributions have been recognized with the Trumpet Impact Award, highlighting her efforts to foster a culture of belonging on a large scale.
Fee Range: $17,000–$20,000
Travels From: CA
Eric Boles
Eric Boles is the CEO and Founder of The Game Changers, Inc., a noted global expert in talent development, business strategy, change management, cultural transformation and peak performance. Eric is also an author of a book, Moving to Great…Unleashing Your Best in Life and Work. Prior to becoming a sought-after speaker and consultant, Eric learned many of his principles of peak performance, team dynamics and leadership from his experience as a wide receiver with the National Football League’s Green Bay Packers and New York Jets.
Fee Range: $19,500–$25,000
Travels From: WA
Check Mohamed Massaquoi’s Availability
Tell us about your event and we’ll be in touch shortly.