Keynote Speakers | Conference for Community Bankers

Nikolas Badminton, Author, Advisor and Thought Leader

Nikolas Badminton has spent 30+ years working with leadership at over 300 organizations including NASA, United Nations, Google, Microsoft, Intel, United Way, Bayer, Bank of Canada, Rolls Royce, Procter & Gamble, and more. Author of “Facing Our Futures,” Nikolas’ research has been featured by the BBC, VICE, The Atlantic, Fast Company, Business Insider, Forbes, Sunday Telegraph and more. He appears on SiriusXM and CTV, was a key advisor to the “Age of AI” series with Robert Downey Jr. and narrates the Franklin Institute's series, “2050”.

Simon T. Bailey, Success Coach, Author, Entrepreneur, Television Host and Philanthropist

Simon T. Bailey is recognized among Success magazine’s Top 25 alongside Brené Brown, Tony Robbins, and Oprah Winfrey, as well as the leadersHum Top 200 Power List in 2023. With the Disney Institute as his launchpad, he’s left an indelible mark on 2,300+ organizations in 54 countries, such as American Express, Deloitte, Marriott, Visa, Stanford Health Care, and Taco Bell. Through books, speeches, and coaching, Simon captivates the lives of countless individuals around the globe, inspiring them to lead better, stay curious, and embrace a growth mindset.

Colin Coggins and Garrett Brown, Leadership and Sales Mindset Advisors, USC Professors of Entrepreneurship

Colin Coggins and Garrett Brown, creators of the concept, and authors of the book of the same title, “The Unsold Mindset”, are known for their surprising and entertaining approach to leadership, personal and professional development, and the selling (of ourselves, our ideas, and, yes, products and services) we all do, every day. Their paths crossed at Bitium – a software startup acquired by Google. Today, they serve as adjunct professors of entrepreneurship at the University of Southern California’s Marshall School of Business.

Gary Warner, Director, Threat Intelligence, DarkTower, Director of Research in Computer Forensics, University of Alabama-Birmingham

After twenty years in the industry, culminating as an IT director at Energen Corporation, Gary Warner came to UAB in 2007 where he was instrumental in creating UAB’s Digital Forensics academic program. His lab has been contracted by Microsoft, Facebook, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, eBay, a variety of NGOs and Government Agencies. Gary served for ten years as a task force officer on the Birmingham FBI Cybercrime Squad, and co-created the Birmingham chapter of the FBI’s InfraGard program. Gary is a frequent conference speaker, world-wide security trainer and published academic.

Darren Woodson, Podcast Host, Former ESPN Analyst and Dallas Cowboy, Entrepreneur

A three-time Super Bowl champion and five-time Pro Bowl selection, Darren Woodson is often recognized as one of the greatest players to wear a Dallas Cowboys uniform. Upon retiring from the NFL in 2004, Darren joined ESPN as an NFL analyst. In 2017, he joined ESRP Advisory Dallas, LLC., now Cresa, and turned his focus to commercial real estate. Darren serves Cresa’s Dallas-Fort Worth region as a managing principal, and an active board member. Darren also serves as an active board member at C5 Youth Foundation of Texas – helping high-potential youth with limited resources become community leaders.