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

Last night, Connor led his team to a victory last night with a double-double, 18pts, 17rbds and was named Player of the Game! Today, I brought him to the UofM vs Rutgers game. This kid is living his best life!

Jacob Brown

Jacob Brown's journey from the rigorous NFL fields to international stages is nothing short of inspiring. Today, as a seasoned entrepreneur, riveting speaker, and acclaimed writer, he stands as a testament to the power of resilience. Beyond his athletic achievements, Jacob co-founded Varlo - a premier brand specializing in cycling and triathlon apparel.

Life has thrown its share of challenges at Jacob - be it academic setbacks, business hurdles, personal losses, or even the bitter pangs of homelessness. Yet, in each stumble, he found strength. He failed forward. He discovered that failure isn’t the end - it’s fuel.

A three-time TEDx speaker, Jacob was distinguished as one of the '40 Under 40' in 2015. His insights and stories have graced the pages of Forbes, Wall Street Journal, and Good Morning America. Notable institutions and brand - including Intel, Meta, LinkedIn, UPS, Stellantis, Dallas Cowboys, University of Notre Dame, University of Michigan, University of Wisconsin, and Central Michigan University - have been captivated by his talks.

But Jacob's mission extends beyond mere motivation. He champions a transformative approach, advocating for a mental reset, a reframing of life's view, and the ignition of one's true calling. With his signature #FailForward philosophy shared across LinkedIn, motivational posts, and compelling videos, Jacob has become a beacon for countless individuals worldwide, teaching them to harness the energy of setbacks.

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

For speaking inquiries: www.failforwardbrown.com

Human Being | Keynote Speaker on Leadership & Workplace Culture | Former NFL | Coach | Bestselling Author | 3x TEDx | Co-Founder of Varlo | Speaking Inquiries: jakebrownspeaks.com

I thought December would be a slow month, but God said "Nah, you've got work to do."

This week is a doozy as I have a triple header starting tomorrow:

Keynote for leadership at Oerlikon - Dec. 2
Keynote for T200 leadership members - Dec. 3
Keynote for Built to Lead men's leadership conference - Dec. 4
Chapeling for Pittsburgh Steelers - Dec. 20

December will be an amazing month and cap to 2025. Looking forward to 2026!

I'm looking forward to speaking alongside these great men today at the Built To Lead Conference in Pontiac! We will be teaching men how to lead their business, families, and themselves more effectively in 2026 and beyond! Keep us lifted! 🙌🏽

Never underestimate the power of your presence and the positive impact you can have.

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.

Today, I shared the A.V.O.C.A.D.O. Leadership™ framework with a room full of C-level executives and here's what I learned:

The higher leaders rise, the more they crave spaces to slow down, reflect, and reconnect with who they are at the core.

Skills matter. Strategy matters.

But alignment, values, and clarity still win every time.

When leaders understand their layers, love languages, and values - everything changes.

They lead differently, communicate effectively, and show up authentically.

The future of leadership isn’t about knowing more - It’s about leading deeper.

Remember this: a normal day for you is someone else's dream. Be grateful.

WOW! Yesterday's Built To Lead conference was absolutely powerful! A room full of men coming together to learn how to lead better. Their businesses, their teams, their families, their own lives. Can't wait for next year's conference!

Looking forward to speaking to the leadership team at Oerlikon today! I'll be teaching them how to lead from the inside out using my A.V.O.C.A.D.O. Leadership™ Framework, showing how the layers and makeup of an avocado mirror modern leadership and to strengthen their culture in the age of AI.

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.

Beyond honored to have partnered with Feei Ang and the incredible women of T200 this past week! I couldn't be more grateful for the awesome testimonial and I look forward to partnering with you all again! 🙏

I hear this a lot - "AI is changing the workplace and making it harder to lead."

I think I've got a cure for that!

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