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Resilience speaker & crisis expert

Austin Hatch

Transform team resilience and crisis management with Austin Hatch, resilience keynote speaker. Austin equips organizations facing significant change with his G.R.I.T. framework, teaching actionable strategies for overcoming adversity. Featured across national media and honored by the University of Michigan for his extraordinary comeback story.

Trusted by Northwestern Mutual, Coastal One Financial, New York Life, Prudential Financial, Lincoln Financial

Austin Hatch, Speaker | 2x Crash Survivor, Ex-College Athlete
Austin Hatch

Austin Hatch

Detroit, United States

Typical fee range

$26k–50k

This is an estimated fee range for local in-person events. Location and format affect the final fee.

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Detroit, United States

Starting from

$26k–50k

Send an email

loading@getapeptalk.com

Give us a call

+44 203 835 2929

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Austin Hatch's biography

At a glance

  • Survived two plane crashes and overcame severe injuries
  • Former University of Michigan basketball player
  • Motivational speaker with a focus on overcoming adversity
Austin Hatch is a resilience speaker who survived two plane crashes that killed members of his family and left him in a coma fighting for his life. After the second crash in 2011, he relearned how to walk and talk, then fulfilled his commitment to play basketball for the University of Michigan under Coach John Beilein. His story has been featured across national media, and he now works with organizations facing significant change and adversity. Austin helps teams develop what he calls G.R.I.T., a framework built on four components: Growth Mindset, Resilience through massive action, Integrity in keeping commitments, and Team First Mentality. His approach connects personal adversity to workplace challenges, showing how the principles that helped him recover from catastrophic injury apply directly to business obstacles. He focuses on practical strategies rather than abstract motivation, drawing from his experience of setting and achieving goals when circumstances seemed impossible. Audiences learn how to reframe setbacks as opportunities for growth, take decisive action when facing uncertainty, and maintain commitments even when conditions change. Austin provides specific methods for building individual resilience while strengthening team cohesion, particularly valuable during organizational transitions or market disruptions. His presentations equip people with tools to move forward productively rather than becoming paralyzed by difficulty. Austin brings a tested framework for turning obstacles into fuel for achievement, delivered by someone who lived it.

Austin's showreel and videos

Topics, sessions and talks

The G.R.I.T. Framework
In his signature talk, Austin Hatch explores how individuals and organizations can overcome adversity using the G.R.I.T. framework. He emphasizes that grit—passion and perseverance for long-term goals—is essential for success. Drawing on insights from experts like Angela Duckworth, Austin presents actionable steps to cultivate a growth mindset, harness inner drive, and foster resilience. Attendees will learn to appreciate teamwork, support others, and positively influence their environment, equipping them to face challenges effectively in any setting.

Why we recommend booking Austin

Austin's incredible journey of resilience and determination in the face of unimaginable adversity will inspire your people to overcome their own challenges. His powerful message on the importance of grit, growth mindset, and teamwork offers actionable insights for achieving success against all odds. Booking Austin as a speaker will not only motivate your group but also equip them with the tools to thrive in difficult situations.

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Trusted by Northwestern Mutual, Coastal One Financial, New York Life, Prudential Financial, Lincoln Financial

Testimonials

Thanks again Austin. You were awesome!

John Kennedy

President, Lincoln Financial

Austin's message of what it means to have GRIT and the power of perspective is truly inspiring.

Aaron Miller

Managing Partner, Northwestern Mutual

His powerful message of G.R.I.T. and overcoming obstacles is extremely inspirational.

Jeffrey R. Martinath

Managing Director, Prudential Financial

frequently asked questions

Something we've not covered here?

How do I book Austin Hatch for my next event?
Email austin.hatch@getapeptalk.com or call PepTalk on +44 20 3835 2929 (UK) or +1 737 888 5112 (US), and one of our speaker agents will contact you within hours to confirm Austin's availability and fees. If you can, please include your budget upfront – it helps us fast-track your request. It’s also helpful to know the date, format (virtual or in-person), location, and a bit about your audience.
What is Austin Hatch's speaking style like?
Austin Hatch structures his presentations around the G.R.I.T. framework — Growth Mindset, Resilience through massive action, Integrity in keeping commitments, and Team First Mentality — applied through his own account of surviving two plane crashes and rehabilitating to play Division I basketball.
What topics does Austin Hatch specialise in?
Austin Hatch speaks on resilience, growth mindset, and team cohesion, drawing his G.R.I.T. framework across sessions covering adversity response, integrity in commitment, and team-first culture. He survived two plane crashes, relearned to walk and talk following the second in 2011, and went on to fulfil his scholarship commitment to play basketball at the University of Michigan under Coach John Beilein.
Can PepTalk help plan the speaker programme for my event?

Yes. Beyond booking a single speaker, PepTalk helps shape a full programme, matching voices to your agenda, audience, and goals across a day or a series. It is a consultative service, not just a booking. Tell us about your event at getapeptalk.com.

What does 'typical fee range' mean?

Speaker fees vary based on factors like event location, format, and availability. The 'typical fee range' figure gives you a baseline of someone's local, in-person rate sits, and we'll confirm the exact fee when you get in touch.

What logistics should I prepare before my speakers arrive?

Before your speakers arrive, confirm AV is tested, a green room is ready, and printed schedules are on hand. Prepare warm introductions for each speaker and brief your team on timings. PepTalk speakers come fully briefed, making event-day logistics smoother and stress-free from the start.

What's the difference between a keynote speaker, an MC, and event entertainment?

A keynote speaker delivers an inspiring or informative talk. An MC hosts and guides the event, keeping things on track. Entertainment — like a band or comedian — creates atmosphere and fun. Each serves a different purpose, and PepTalk can help you book the right talent for all three.

What happens if I need to cancel or reschedule a speaker booking?

Life happens! Most speaker bookings can be rescheduled with reasonable notice. Cancellation terms vary by speaker, but PepTalk handles all the details & contracts transparently upfront so there are no surprises. Our team supports you through any changes, making the process as smooth as possible.

Have all the speakers on the website previously worked with PepTalk?

Not necessarily. While the speakers listed on our website may not have worked with PepTalk in the past, they are recognized professionals in the industry and known to engage in similar events and engagements. Alongside direct talent, we work with a wide variety of speaker agents and talent agencies, to ensure we have the best selection of speakers, hosts, comedians and entertainers available.

What information do I need to provide when booking a comedian?

When booking a comedian, share your event format, audience size and demographics, any sensitive topics to avoid, and the tone you're after. PepTalk makes this easy — their booking process guides you through a simple checklist so nothing gets missed and your comedian is perfectly matched to your crowd.

What information do I need to provide when booking a speaker?

When booking a speaker, you'll need your event date, audience details, format, key objectives, and budget. Having these ready makes the process smooth and straightforward. PepTalk's team uses this information to match you with the perfect speaker quickly and efficiently.

Can I book entertainment and speakers as a package?

Yes! At PepTalk, you can absolutely bundle entertainment and speakers into one seamless package. It's a great way to create a fuller event experience while enjoying simplified booking and better value. Our team handles everything together, making the process effortless for you.

Can I request autographs, personal greetings, signed merchandise, or fan mail from the speakers?

Sorry, we do not accept requests for autographs, signed merchandise, fan mail, or any non-commercial contact with the speakers, comedians or entertainers.

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If you notice something that needs attention or have any queries regarding an expert speaker profile, please email us at experts@getapeptalk.com, and we’ll be happy to assist.

How far in advance should I book a motivational speaker?

Book a motivational speaker at least 3–6 months in advance, especially for popular speakers or large events. Top speakers get booked quickly, so earlier is always better. For major conferences or peak seasons, booking 12 months ahead ensures you secure your first choice.

Help, I need a last-minute speaker for my event!

No problem! We often handle last-minute requests and can secure or replace a speaker, comedian, awards or event host quickly — almost anywhere in the world. However, speaker availability might be limited as the event date approaches. Email hello@getapeptalk.com with your requirements.