Jacob is a former NFL athlete turned entrepreneur, transformational keynote speaker, best-selling author, and business coach. He is also the co-founder of Varlo, a leading brand in cycling, triathlon, and athleisure fitness apparel. Jacob has faced plenty of challenges – academic setbacks, business hurdles, personal losses, and even homelessness. But with each stumble, he found strength. He learned that failure isn’t the end; it's a stepping stone. As a three-time TEDx speaker, Jacob was also named one of the '40 Under 40' in 2015.

His insights have been featured in Forbes, Wall Street Journal, and Good Morning America. Top brands and institutions like Intel, Meta, LinkedIn, Dallas Cowboys, UPS, Stellantis, University of Notre Dame, University of Michigan, University of Wisconsin, and Central Michigan University have been captivated by his talks. Jacob's mission goes beyond motivation.

He promotes a transformative approach to life, advocating for a mental reset and a shift in perspective to discover one’s true calling. His #FailForward philosophy, shared on LinkedIn, through motivational posts, and in powerful videos, has inspired countless individuals worldwide to turn setbacks into strength.

Ready to connect? Text or call me @ 248-805-6093 or email me at jacob@failforwardbrown.com

For speaking inquiries: www.failforwardbrown.com

Jacob Brown

This should ring true both professionally and personally.

Jacob Brown 🎤

When I was 27, I applied for a position I knew I wasn’t qualified for – and I landed it.

It was my "dream job."

This position was a lead role for a very large digital agency and one that I had always wanted to work for.

I had a phone interview on a Wednesday, a face-to-face that Friday, and was made an offer that Sunday.

Yep, Sunday.

I even received my benefits package the same day.

They offered me $30k more than what I was currently making at the time, 4 weeks of PTO, and every other Friday off during summer.

Jackpot, right?

Nope!

That Monday, I received a call that the position was going to be eliminated due to lack of budget.

Thank God I hadn't already put in my 2 weeks.

I was crushed.

But I was not defeated.

Shortly after, I was offered an even better position and life went on.

Moral of the story - fail forward.

Hey, new followers and connections! 🖐

If you’re new to my page - welcome! I’m so glad you’re here, and I want to take a moment to introduce myself.

My name is Jacob Brown 🎤, but you can call me Jake! 

I’m a former NFL athlete turned keynote speaker, leadership coach, and bestselling author who is obsessed with one thing: helping humans lead from within.

Before I ever stepped on a stage, I spent 15+ years as a Creative Director, leading teams, managing pressure, coaching talent, and building culture in fast-moving environments.

Today, I work with:
 ⚡ HR leaders and people teams
 ⚡ Associations and conferences
 ⚡ Organizations in tech, healthcare, finance, auto, manufacturing, education, and many more
 ⚡ Executives and mid-level leaders navigating change, burnout, or culture drift

And I speak about:
 🗣️ Leadership alignment
 🗣️Culture transformation
 🗣️Navigating burnout and disengagement
 🗣️Turning failure into fuel
 🗣️Building teams that actually trust each other
 🗣️Leading with purpose instead of pressure

I’ve been fortunate to share this work with companies like Intel, Meta, GM, UPS, LinkedIn, and the Dallas Cowboys - along with universities, associations, and SHRM chapters across the country.

But more than any credential, here’s what matters most: I care deeply about helping people grow. Not just as professionals, but as humans.

I’m glad we connected.

I’m here to serve.

- Jake

I put together 5 leadership lessons that I wish I knew sooner as a leader.

5 Leadership Lessons I wish I knew sooner

Before you'll ever enter rooms you wish to be in, you must first enter them in your mind.

2026…we're coming for you. Here’s to building powerful rooms together next year.

Sunday evening reminder that you still have PTO left this year - so take it.

Public confidence is found in private discipline.

Design2Train

SAIC

Business Analyst

Unisys

Project OCM Communications: commercial and Federal Agencies

Organizational Change Manager

American General Life Companies

eCommerce Director - VALIC Insurance, Red Apple Online Project
Leader for national K12 education online community site Red Apple Online.  The website launched with 500,000 hits the first week. Won 2002 ISPI National Training Award for Outstanding Instructional Communication.

Director Ecommerce

Questia Media

Recruited to develop a secondary school initiative for a pre-IPO DOT.com startup.  Assisted in developing a national database of college text books for launch of a innovative online library.

Marketing Manager

Compaq Computer Corporation

Responsible for managing Commercial Portable Division team to produce new product training to 300,000 worldwide community of internal trainers and field sales / service staff. Consistently delivered all products (CD, Video, PowerPoint, Intranet / Internet / Extranet Websites) on-time. Saved over $250K in development costs the first year.  Received 1999 ASTD Excellence in Practice Award for Electronic Learning, the first Compaq recognition for training leadership.  Member of the Global Training Steering Committee for policy development.

Commercial Portable Training Manager

Electronic Learning Facilitators

Training project leader for three multi-media contracts $1Million FAA - Airway Facilities and Civil Aeronautical Medical Institute with a staff of twelve. I was hired to interview / hire all employees, furnish and network the office, and deliver all projects on-time.  Received bonus for on-time delivery, Responsible for obtaining additional $400K contract for creating training for a Red Cross Emergency Field Response Vehicle. Office closed to corporate restructure.

Site Manager

The Zenith 

Lead knowledge architect consultant of $8 Million business process re-engineering project, responsible for CBT work simluation exercises in a Model Office. Co-founded a corporate university, internal consultant on performance management and workforce productivity.

Instructional Design Consultant

National University

Taught 250 graduate students : Clear CA Teaching Credential - Computers in Classroom
Twenty-five students became technology leaders in their schools districts as a direct result from my course.

Adjunct Professor

GTE Education Services

Developed and delivered corporate training on: The Electric Pages - a proprietary host and communications software; SpecialNet - special education , K12 educators / administrators at the state, national and international levels.  Lead the development of CA.Schoolcom - a California K12-based network. Trained educators on: email, bulletin boards, databases, and computer conferencing.  Recruited and trained professional education organizations as content providers.

Regional Marketing Manager

Val K Miller, M.Ed. CMP
Award-winning Instructional Designer, founded Design2Train (2001) eLearning services

PLAN239 (2018) eLearning project leadership coaching system, based on consistent delivery of 100s of hours of custom training On-Time & On-Budget to Fortune 500 & Federal agencies.

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