Courtney Clark
Entrepreneur & Cancer Survivor
With two successful businesses, four rounds of cancer (so far!), and one brain aneurysm under her belt..
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Full Bio
With two successful businesses, four rounds of cancer (so far!), and one brain aneurysm under her belt, Courtney Clark is the luckiest unlucky person in the world. Diagnosed with cancer for the first time at age 26, Courtney went to work for several cancer nonprofits. At age 29, Courtney founded the nonprofit Austin Involved, creating programs to engage young professionals in philanthropy in simple, affordable ways. In the first year of operating Austin Involved, Courtney was diagnosed with a brain aneurysm and underwent three brain surgeries.
Today, Courtney is an in-demand Keynote Speaker who presents internationally to organizations on how to adapt faster and achieve more by developing Accelerated Resilience ™. Organizations hire Courtney to speak at their conferences and events because of her unique blend of what she calls “content-based motivation.” Her presentations balance left brain strategies with right brain storytelling, so every single member of the audience walks away feeling primed for success, no matter their personality or learning style. She works with teams who need to succeed during stress and change without burning out, lashing out, or giving up.
Courtney’s resilience work has been featured in Forbes, Psychology Today, USA Today, and The Chicago Tribune. Her two books on resilience, The Giving Prescription and The Successful Struggle, have been called “practical,” “powerful,” and “empowering” by industry leaders.
In her free time, Courtney serves on the board of directors of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and the Junior League of Austin. With the Junior League, Courtney has chaired the annual Coats for Kids event, and is currently piloting a new program called Kids in Cool Shoes (KICS), where children in need will receive a pair of free athletic sneakers.
Courtney’s work on behalf of others has earned her several honors. She has been recognized with the Leadership Austin Ascendant Award, as well as her high school’s Distinguished Alumnae Award. In 2013, Courtney was a candidate for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Woman of the Year. She has been recognized by Austin Monthly magazine as one of “20 in their 30s,” and by GivingCity magazine as one of 2012’s “New Philanthropists.” She has her Masters Degree in Philanthropy from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, where her graduate research focused on the role of philanthropy in helping people heal from traumatic life events. Her research, which became the basis of her first book, was honored with the University’s Outstanding Graduate Research award.
Courtney’s experience in the community has also helped her grow her family. Soon after launching Austin Involved, Courtney and her husband, Jamie, were at an Austin Involved volunteer day when they met a young high school student with dreams of college and success as a musician. Today, Courtney and Jamie have welcomed Anthony into their family, and Courtney can often be seen proudly wearing her “UNT Mom” t-shirt around town. Courtney and her family live in Austin, TX with so many rescue animals that they have lost count.
Testimonials
Ernie was perfect for our Elders Conference at Little River Casino Resort in Manistee, Michigan. We will definitely be using PDA again!
LITTLE RIVER BAND OF OTTAWA INDIANS
Our speaker was great and the crowd enjoyed her! She was very engaging. Thank you again PDA for the great list of suggestions!
MEDTRONIC
Everything went great! and our speaker was wonderful! Thank you so much for all your help PDA! Looking forward to the next one.
UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI – KANSAS CITY
I hope that this message finds you well. We had a phenomenal time with Atsuko this past Thursday. We wanted to just let you know how amazing she was. All those that were in attendance thoroughly enjoyed her and had nothing but amazing things to say about her. Thank you for working with us to make sure this happened!
BAYLOR UNIVERSITY CAMPUS
We had a fantastic day with Inge! She was very engaging with all those that attended. Her personal stories about the holocaust were very special and we were moved that she was willing to share them with everyone. Thank you again, PDA for all your hard work and dedication to make this program such a success!
SALT LAKE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Dear PDA Group, Thank you so much for your hard work in scheduling our speaker! From the moment we reached out to you the first time, you worked with us on all details and logistics and kept us up-to-date on the progress. Thank you for all your hard work on making our event such a success! We couldn't have done it without you and your team!
SAP COMPANY
Thank you again, Dr. Kimbrough, for a great presentation, our attendees are still talking about it!
CAMPUS LABS
Dr. Henry Lee's presentation was entertaining, insightful and wise. I, and everyone at Pfizer, especially appreciate the remarks you directed about following your passion and preparing yourself to excel. Thank you, everyone, at PDA for helping to make this happen!
PFIZER
The event was successful! I received many messages expressing how awesome, outstanding and inspiring Ms. Webb-Christburg's speech was."
DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. MEMORIAL BREAKFAST, BOSTON, MLK SPEAKER
Everything went well. Atsuko was very easy to work with and the students enjoyed her performance! Thank you again for your recommendation and I hope to work with you again in the future!
CENTRAL MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
Dr. Novello left this morning after a very successful event on our campus! Thank you PDA Group for your help from the first phone to the last you were with us every step of the way.
GRAND VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY
Jordan Carlos was very very entertaining! A majority of students who answered the event survey indicated they really enjoyed Jordan and definitely will bring him back!
WESTERN CAROLINA UNIVERSITY
On behalf of myself and my organization Entertainment Unlimited the Campus Programming Board of Ferris State University, we thank you PDA and Dan for a successful event!! Dan was magnificent! Students really enjoyed the presentation. I know I did. Can't wait to bring in more programs with PDA Group.
FERRIS STATE UNIVERSITY
It was a great pleasure to work with PDA Group! The communication was always prompt, friendly and helpful. We loved the speakers and events we booked through Mr. Peter Walker (PDA Group).
WESTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
Thank you, Peter, for all your help, you'll be happy to know that the event went incredibly well! Aneesa Ferreira was by far one of the best speakers we've ever had!
FURMAN UNIVERSITY
Topics
Detour: Winning When Life Doesn’t Go According to Plan
ReVisionary Thinking™: The Science and Strategy of Adapting to Change
The Art of Accelerated Resilience: Adapt Faster and Achieve More
Videos
Speaking Reel - Courtney Clark
Resilience Speaker Courtney Clark's 1-Minute Exercise for When Things Aren't Going Your Way
Books
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Testimonials
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