Managed
Tom Shadyac
- Visionary director behind many of the most iconic comedies of the '90s including Ace Ventura, Liar Liar, and Bruce Almighty
- Sought after keynote speaker on ‘Storytelling for Life’ and ‘Storytelling for Leadership’
- One of the highest-grossing comedy directors of all time with over $1.5B in worldwide box office sales
Travels From
Tennessee
Tom Shadyac Speaker Biography
Tom Shadyac is a visionary filmmaker behind some of the most iconic comedies of the 1990s and 2000s, including Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, The Nutty Professor, Liar Liar, Patch Adams, and Bruce Almighty. He has worked with legendary comedic talents such as Jim Carrey, Eddie Murphy, Robin Williams, and Steve Carell, guiding them to create films that not only entertained millions but became cultural touchstones.
In 2007, Tom’s life took a transformative turn after a near-fatal accident. This experience led him to dramatically change his lifestyle, leaving behind his 17,000-square-foot mansion for a simpler life in a mobile home. His profound journey of self-discovery became the subject of the acclaimed documentary I Am, where he explored what truly brings fulfillment and meaning in life.
Tom’s search for deeper meaning ultimately brought him to Memphis, Tennessee, where he founded Memphis Rox—a transformative community center and climbing gym located in one of the most struggling neighborhoods in the U.S. Through this work, Tom has witnessed firsthand the power of human connection to heal trauma, build resilience, and create lasting positive change.
Today, Tom is a sought-after speaker and educator, translating the storytelling principles that made him one of Hollywood’s most successful comedy directors into powerful lessons for personal and professional growth. In his keynotes, Storytelling for Life and Leadership for Life, Tom shows how stories shape perceptions, drive engagement, and connect us in ways that lead to greater impact. He challenges corporate leaders to tell their stories in more meaningful and engaging ways, while creating genuine connections with their teams. His sessions are inspiring, unique, and fun—leaving audiences energized and ready to make a difference.
Tom’s insights on leadership, creativity, and purpose resonate deeply with corporate audiences, offering a unique perspective on finding meaning in both work and life.
Storytelling for Life
In this keynote, Tom translates the storytelling principles that made him one of Hollywood's most successful directors into lessons for business and life. He explores how the stories we tell shape not just our individual narratives but also how we connect with others, influence outcomes, and build culture. Tom shows corporate leaders and teams how to harness the power of story to create deeper engagement, spark creativity, and drive meaningful change.
Leadership for Life
In Leadership for Life, Tom shares insights from his unique journey as both a filmmaker and a leader. Drawing from his experiences working with some of the greatest comedic talents of our time, Tom discusses the importance of authentic leadership, servant leadership, and leading with purpose. He offers a compelling perspective on how to inspire teams, foster resilience, and cultivate a work culture that prioritizes well-being and meaning alongside success. This keynote challenges leaders to rethink what it means to lead effectively, drawing on wisdom gained through both his successes and personal transformations.
