IN THE MEDIA | ON THE STAGE

Media & Testimonials

Orvin Kimbrough’s voice resonates across the nation—from service recipients to C-suite leaders. His insights on leadership, resilience, and purpose-driven success have inspired nonprofits, businesses, and emerging changemakers alike. See where he’s been featured—and what people are saying.

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What Thrivers Are Saying

“Anyone looking for a speaker to engage and inspire an audience should be looking for Orv! He has the ability to walk into a room full of strangers and leave with a group of new friends. His keynote address was authentically and unapologetically him, yet it resonated personally with just about everyone in the room. Orv spoke from the heart and connected to the heart of the work that we do with a deep understanding that was unexpected and uplifting.”

— Attendee, Parents As Teachers Annual Summit

May 6, 2025

“Your words lit a fire in every heart—young and old—igniting a passion to keep pressing forward, despite hardship. Your transparency, wisdom, and unwavering encouragement spoke directly to the soul of our community.”

— Traci S. Daniels, President, NAACP Edwardsville Branch

May 31, 2025

"Orv doesn’t say 'one day'—he lives like it’s day one. He’s not just changing life for his family, he’s transforming communities across the country. Real. Raw. Inspirational."

— Attendee, YPO Inside the Boardroom

April 17, 2025

“Orvin’s keynote earned a 4.33/5—putting him just behind one of the best professional speakers we’ve ever seen. 146 attendees gave him a 5-star score. Insightful. Powerful. Memorable.”

— Tim Slater, AAIM

May 8, 2025

“Your story was moving—and it has the power to shape lives and reshape the finance industry. Your speech today needs no changes. Please take it to Washington tonight.”

— Attendee, Beck Flavors Company Breakfast

June 6, 2025

“This developing and leading effective teams course has been life-changing.”

— Jacklynn

June 6, 2025

“You have no idea how impactful this class has been. 100% thanks and gratitude.”

— Tameka

“I am so impacted by this. I’ve been aware of your career lead and it is inspiring to hear your wisdom and knowledge.”

— Lakeysha

“You were everything I expected—thank you truly.”

— Anonymous

“This experience has been enlightening for me both personally and professionally. I’m inspired by your story, adaptability, and leadership. Thank you for this opportunity.”

— Jennifer

“This has been one of the most transformational experiences of my life. You are truly brilliant, inspirational, and full of gems of wisdom. I am forever grateful to you.”

— Nikki

 What I speak on 

Orvin Kimbrough delivers transformational keynotes that connect faith, leadership, and resilience — helping audiences move from being stuck to strengthened.
His signature talk, Who’s Ready to Rise?, draws from his journey from foster care to the boardroom. Through his E.L.E.V.A.T.E.™ framework — Emotion. Laughter. Experience. Vision. Action. Truth. Empowerment. — Orvin inspires people to lead from wholeness, turn adversity into advantage, and rise with their scars, not hide them.
From boardrooms to classrooms to congregations, Orvin’s messages empower leaders, teams, and communities to reframe challenges, reclaim purpose, and rename what’s possible. 

Topics Include:

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Leadership & Human Potential

Leading from self-awareness and emotional intelligence

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Faith & Transformation

Overcoming adversity through faith and purpose

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Resilience & Wholeness

Finding strength in struggle and presence over escape

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Community & Systems Change

Building prosperity that lifts everyone

FEATURED

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The St. Louis American: R&R Marketplace Makes Its Triumphant Debut

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FORTUNE: Why Are We Letting America’s Smallest Businesses Die?

CNBC: The Small Business Playbook — Advice for Challenging Times

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CEO World Magazine

“Unrealistic Expectations: The Power of Education to Change a Life”

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Entrepreneur Podcast Network

“A Trailblazer in Community and Economic Development”

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US Business News

“Twice Over a Man by Orv Kimbrough: A Journey of Resilience, Identity, and Self-Discovery”

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BOSS Magazine

“Turning Trauma into Triumph”

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Book Orvin

Interested in having Orvin speak at your event?

Interested in having Orvin speak at your event? He brings powerful stories of resilience, leadership, and faith—drawing from his journey from foster care to the boardroom. With a message that inspires growth, purpose, and transformation, Orvin equips audiences to rise above challenges and thrive personally and professionally.