Gerry Valentine inspires people to build resilience—to overcome setbacks, look at challenges in new ways, and understand that adversity can become a source of opportunity. Gerry’s a Public Speaker, Executive Coach, and Author. He has more than 25 years of experience as a Fortune 100 leader. As the Founder of Vision Executive Coaching, he is a trusted advisor to corporate executives and entrepreneurs on how to use setbacks as a teacher, unlock creativity and innovation, and use the best within oneself to inspire others.

Gerry built a career with some of the world’s most respected firms—companies such as American Express and Pfizer, Inc.—where he led multi-million-dollar lines of business. This was an unlikely path, as Gerry’s early life was spent in poverty, in a low-income part of New York City, and as the child of a single mother. He went on to earn a BS in Engineering from Cornell University and an MBA from New York University. Along the way, Gerry found that the adversity of his youth had given him the resilience he needed to succeed in the corporate world, and that building resilience is a skill he can teach others.

Today, Gerry gives keynotes and workshops across the country on building resilience, leading with resilience, and unlocking innovation. He is a TEDx speaker and a contributor to Forbes.com. Gerry has also taught Executive Leadership at Colorado State University School of Professional Studies. In addition, he is a member of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and the National Speakers Association.

Gerry divides his time between New York City and New Paltz, New York—a picturesque town in the Hudson River Valley. He’s an outdoor enthusiast who enjoys running, cycling, hiking, and skiing. Gerry has also completed eight Ironman Triathlons, five marathons, and many shorter-distance events.