Jason Dorsey TOPICS: Team Building Performance Improvement Education Leadership FEE CATEGORY:* 5.0k to 10.0k TRAVELS FROM: Texas Video Profile Program Outlines Testimonials/Client List Books & Videos Request This Speaker

Jason Dorsey: Profile

Jason Ryan Dorsey knows the courage and determination it takes to turn a calling into a career.

Growing up in small-town Texas, Jason never quite fit in. He started high school at 4’10” and often felt picked on. He responded to the bullying with humor and by hanging out with local “troublemakers.” At a critical time, Jason’s tenth-grade science teacher intervened. The teacher, Mr. Price, challenged Jason to do something positive with his quick wit and street smarts. Inspired by Mr. Price’s belief in his abilities, Jason left high school to start college early.

Going to college early and out-of-state changed Jason’s perspective about what was possible for his future. He spent a summer studying medicine in south Florida, another summer working on an archeological dig in Ashkelon, Israel, and a year in upstate New York attending college full time. Jason’s New York experience included tutoring college students who were struggling academically and from difficult backgrounds—an area in which he excelled.

After his year in New York, Jason enrolled at the University of Texas at Austin as an 18-year-old junior. Through hard work and calculated risks he positioned himself for excellent job opportunities upon his graduation. But on January 7, 1997, at 1:58AM, Jason made a life-changing decision. He decided to forego his safe path into corporate finance and instead follow his passion for helping his peers from tough backgrounds transition into college and the workforce. To do this Jason chose to write a book revealing the lessons he learned going from a small-town with seemingly few opportunities to being 18 years old and having an extensive network, experienced mentors, valuable internship, and excellent job prospects.

Taking a major financial and personal risk, Jason wrote and self-published Graduate to Your Perfect Job at age 18. Soon he was $50,000 in debt and sleeping on the floor of a friend’s one-car garage apartment. With nowhere to go but up, Jason told everyone he could about his book and mission. Eventually a local school invited Jason to speak to their toughest students on how to get a great job. The students enjoyed Jason’s humor and practical strategies. That speech led to Jason keynoting a statewide teacher conference, which led to him keynoting a statewide business leaders conference, which led to many more speeches…Only two years after taking the risk to follow his passion, Jason keynoted his first national conference for 5,000 education and business leaders—the other keynote speaker was First Lady Barbara Bush!

Jason’s unique high-energy humor quickly made him the most sought after young speaker in America. He has now delivered over 1,500 keynotes at events across the US and as far away as India, Finland, Spain, The Netherlands, and Egypt. And he’s been featured as a voice for his generation on 20/20, NBC’s Today Show, ABC’s The View, TeenPeople and in The Wall Street Journal. In recognition of his entrepreneurial success, Jason won the Austin Under 40 Entrepreneur of the Year Award in Education when he was 25 years old.

Graduate to Your Perfect Job has now sold over 200,000 copies and is currently used in 1,650+ schools, colleges, and workforce development programs. Jason followed the success of his first book with two more critically acclaimed books, Violence Not Allowed and 50 Ways to Improve Schools for Under $50. These books have been recognized by leaders such as the President of the United States and multiple Commissioners of Education for their innovative approach and inspiring call-to-action.

Three years ago, Jason realized that many of his peers were struggling to find their place in the “real world.” These talented but frustrated Twentysomethings did everything their parents and college advisors told them to do, but they were disappointed with the results. Jason felt this emerging generational crisis of purpose and direction—one he understood from his own life journey—warranted his full attention. He’s now spent three years researching this complicated issue and the result is My Reality Check Bounced! The Twentysomething’s Guide to Cashing In on Your Real-World Dreams. This peer-to-peer book shares the inspiring stories, step-by-step actions, and practical strategies any Twentysomething can rely on to break free of their rut and start living with more meaning and courage. To read the first chapter of My Reality Check Bounced!

Ten years after choosing to follow his passion, Jason has expanded his speaking and consulting expertise to benefit corporate executives, managers, community leaders and entrepreneurs. He teaches them exactly how to retain, motivate, and lead new hires and young professionals. Jason’s message is credible and entertaining. He uses his unique frontline perspective—gained from speaking to 350,000 of his peers about workplace strategies—to candidly reveal his generation unique perspective, personality, and workplace priorities. Jason is an ideal liaison between his generation and employers, because it is estimated that 100,000 of his peers have used his books to land their first job or a better job.

* Please note that while this speaker's specific fee falls within the range posted at the top of this page (for Continental U.S. based events), fees are subject to change without notice. Also note that most celebrity keynotes begin in the $25,000 and up range (most list "Contact for Fee Schedule"). For current fee information or international event fees, please contact your Speakers Platform representative.