Middle & High Schools

Top 20 Mental Health Podcast Host

Lead Unmasked · A New Student Leadership Experience

The Authentic Leadership Tour

Speaker, Top 20 Mental Health Podcast Host, and Author Will Craig is bringing a new student leadership experience to schools across the country — helping students build confidence, resilience, and the courage to lead as their authentic selves.

Will Craig, authentic leadership speaker for schools

Speaker • Author • Podcast Host

Will Craig

Not Another Motivational Assembly

A different kind of student experience.

Rather than a one-off motivational assembly, the Authentic Leadership Tour helps students build the confidence, resilience, and courage to lead as their authentic selves — inside and outside the classroom.

Trusted by Global Speakers

What event leaders are saying.

Global Speakers Talk testimonial: Will Craig delivered a thought-provoking and deeply authentic PowerTALK on authentic leadership

Featured by Global Speakers Talk — a 15-minute PowerTALK on leading without the mask.

What Will Speaks On

Topics for middle & high school audiences.

Authentic Leadership

Students learn how to lead from who they are—not who they think they're supposed to be.

Confidence Without Pretending

Build confidence rooted in character instead of comparison.

Emotional Resilience

Develop practical tools for handling setbacks, pressure, and failure.

Supporting Peers & Asking for Help

Knowing when to ask for help — and how to show up for others.

Leading with Character

Integrity that shows up in the classroom, the hallway, and after the bell.

Tailored for Your District

Built around what your students need.

The experience can be customized to fit your district — from full-school assemblies to intimate leadership workshops and faculty sessions.

Student assemblies

High-energy, story-driven talks for the full student body.

Leadership workshops

Smaller-group sessions for student leaders, athletes, and clubs.

Faculty sessions

Conversations with teachers and staff on leading students authentically.

Student Q&A

Open, honest dialogue where students get to lead the conversation.

Will's Story

A message rooted in real experience.

Will's message is rooted in his own journey through six brain surgeries, overcoming depression, and discovering that authentic leadership begins with being honest about who we are.

Today, he is an author, speaker, and host of the Sunday Reset podcast, where he helps people build healthier, more authentic lives — and now he's bringing that same message to students through the Authentic Leadership Tour.

Questions Schools Ask

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about booking the Authentic Leadership Tour for your students.

Booking & Logistics

I present primarily for middle school (6–8) and high school (9–12) students, as well as universities. Every presentation is customized to the developmental stage and needs of the audience.

Most assemblies are 45–60 minutes, though I also offer keynote presentations, leadership workshops, and extended sessions up to 90 minutes.

Absolutely. Many schools book multiple assemblies for different grade levels, leadership groups, or staff throughout the day.

Yes. While I'm based in Florida, I speak at schools throughout the United States.

Typically just a projector or large display, HDMI connection, microphone (for larger audiences), and sound system. I'll coordinate with your team beforehand to make setup simple.

The Program

I cover authentic leadership, mental health, resilience, confidence, character, modern masculinity, identity, decision-making, peer pressure, emotional intelligence, and purpose.

Both. Students should leave inspired, but more importantly they should leave with practical tools they can actually apply after the assembly.

Absolutely. Every school has different goals. Whether you're focusing on leadership, school culture, mental health, or student engagement, I tailor each presentation to fit your community.

Outcomes

Students leave with greater confidence, practical leadership skills, a better understanding of authentic leadership, healthier perspectives on identity, greater resilience, and practical tools for handling challenges.

I don't believe students need another motivational speech they'll forget by lunch. My goal is to create conversations that continue long after the assembly ends by combining storytelling, research, and practical leadership lessons students can immediately apply.

Pricing

Every event is different depending on location, audience size, and number of presentations. Contact me for a customized quote. I'll always provide transparent pricing with no hidden fees.

Decision Makers

A guest speaker can reinforce school values, support teachers, start important conversations, create memorable shared experiences, and complement SEL and leadership initiatives.

Yes. The focus is on leadership, character, mental health, responsibility, and authentic living rather than political or partisan issues.

Many students think leadership begins when someone gives them a title. I believe it begins much earlier—with everyday decisions, integrity, courage, and the willingness to be yourself even when it's difficult. Authentic Leadership teaches students that influence isn't something they earn later in life. It's something they practice today.

A great school assembly does more than entertain students for an hour. It creates a message that stays with them long after the bell rings. The best assemblies are engaging, age-appropriate, and built around practical lessons students can immediately apply in their daily lives.

Schools should look for a speaker whose message aligns with their educational goals, connects with students at an age-appropriate level, and provides practical takeaways that extend beyond the assembly itself. Consider whether the message supports your values, whether the presentation can be customized, and whether the speaker has experience engaging middle and high school audiences.

Students should expect more than a motivational speech. A leadership assembly should challenge them to think differently about influence, responsibility, and the choices they make every day. My presentation teaches students that leadership isn't reserved for team captains or student government members—leadership begins the moment someone chooses integrity over popularity, courage over comfort, and service over recognition.

A great motivational speaker helps students see new possibilities for themselves while providing practical tools to navigate real challenges. The goal isn't simply to create an emotional moment—it's to encourage lasting personal growth. Students often begin viewing their own challenges differently when they hear authentic stories of overcoming adversity and leading with character.

Student leadership programs help young people develop skills they'll use throughout their lives, including communication, problem-solving, collaboration, and thoughtful decision-making. They also help students recognize that influence doesn't begin with a title. When schools invest in leadership development, they often see stronger engagement, improved school culture, and increased confidence among students.

Still have questions? Ask about your event

Bring the Authentic Leadership Tour to your school.

Tell us about your district, your students, and what you're hoping the experience will create — and we'll be in touch.