Christopher Seward, Keynote Speaker, Author, and Founder of Upward & Onward

Expect an engaging, high-energy experience built around storytelling, humor, audience interaction, and practical takeaways. I aim to connect with people in a way that feels authentic and relatable while challenging them to think differently about who they are, what they are capable of, and what they want to pursue.

My goal is to create more than a temporary motivational high. Audiences can expect to leave with greater self-awareness, renewed confidence, and practical ideas they can apply to their own lives. Every presentation is tailored to the audience and event, with a focus on resilience, purpose, leadership, and helping people discover the personal mission that moves them forward.

Christopher Seward is a motivational speaker, author, and founder of Upward & Onward, a motivational brand focused on helping people build resilience, discover purpose, and live with greater intention. His message is rooted in a simple belief: that life never goes backward—only Upward & Onward.

Drawing from his own experiences with adversity, reinvention, leadership, healthcare, entrepreneurship, and personal transformation, Christopher speaks about what it means to keep moving forward when life does not go according to plan. His work centers on helping people better understand themselves, recognize their strengths, uncover their personal mission, and develop the courage to pursue what once felt impossible.

Through storytelling, humor, reflection, and practical application, Christopher creates engaging experiences for students, professionals, leadership groups, and organizations. His goal is not simply to leave audiences feeling motivated for a moment, but to help them walk away with greater confidence, clarity, resilience, and a renewed desire to Aim Higher, Be Resilient, and Chase the Impossible.

To create the best experience for your audience, I ask that the following technical and room requirements be accommodated.

For audio, my microphone preference is a wireless headset, followed by a wireless lavalier, then a handheld microphone. I also request a second wireless handheld microphone for the audience, since my presentations include questions and back-and-forth interaction.

Please provide good lighting and seat the audience as close to the presentation area as the venue allows. I do not require a podium and prefer room to move. Depending on the event, I may use a projector and slides; I’ll confirm those needs in advance. I also request a brief sound and technology check before the presentation.

Please play music beginning 20 minutes before I take the stage and again after the presentation. I’d like “I Got You (I Feel Good)” by James Brown and the Famous Flames to play immediately after I finish. We can coordinate the rest of the music with the event organizer beforehand.

Please have water available both behind the presentation area and onstage, and provide an onsite contact for room access, audiovisual needs, and timing. I may take photos or video of my presentation and request access to any professional photos, video, or other media produced or published by the event that features me.