For over three and a half decades, Dr. Ken Keis has dedicated his life to one powerful mission: helping people live, lead, and work on purpose. As the CEO of Consulting Resource Group International (CRG) and the author of acclaimed books such as The Quest for Purpose, Why Aren’t You More Like Me?, and Deliberate Leadership, Dr. Keis is a leading force in the personal and professional development landscape.
Yet, he doesn’t consider himself a motivational speaker. “I see myself as someone who creates the conditions for others to be inspired—by helping them rediscover their identity, purpose, and potential,” he shares. And indeed, his message isn’t one of hype—it’s one of transformation, built on decades of lived experience and grounded truth.
Dr. Keis grew up on a dairy farm, where he learned the value of hard work, integrity, and responsibility. Those early lessons, coupled with formative leadership experiences in 4-H, instilled in him a deep sense of purpose. At just 16, he was selected to speak at the National 4-H Conference in front of 400+ delegates and CEOs—a defining moment that sparked his passion for public speaking.
But life took him on a winding path. After running his own dairy operation, Dr. Keis experienced a moment of quiet revelation during a sunrise. “I asked myself, ‘If I’m standing in this same spot 20 years from now, would that be okay?’ The answer was clear—no.” That pivotal moment became the catalyst for his professional pivot. He left farming to fully embrace his calling as a speaker, trainer, and entrepreneur.
Dr. Keis’s journey wasn’t without setbacks. Early business failures and financial uncertainty tested his resolve. “Quitting was never an option,” he says. His tenacity, cultivated through years of farm life, gave him the grit to press forward. A key turning point came when he hired a coach in 1989—long before coaching was mainstream. That experience crystallized his life’s purpose and confirmed that he was meant to speak, teach, and empower others.
His faith has also played a vital role. “I’ve come to understand that my calling isn’t about ego—it’s about service,” he reflects. Through prayer, reflection, and intentionality, he’s maintained his sense of direction even through seasons of doubt.
In an age where motivational content is commodified and often diluted, Dr. Keis stands apart through his commitment to authenticity and substance. He doesn’t speak from theory—he speaks from experience. “I share real tools, real stories, and I never talk about something I haven’t lived through.”
Through CRG, he’s authored over 4 million words of development content, including transformational assessments and interactive online courses. His presentations are not passive lectures—they’re highly engaging sessions designed to provoke thought and ignite personal clarity.
“I’m not interested in impressing audiences. I’m here to serve them.”
For Dr. Keis, one of the biggest misconceptions he aims to dismantle is that motivation can be handed to you. “Motivation is a myth. No one can motivate you. What we can do is inspire action, but taking the step is always a personal choice.”
He’s equally critical of the one-size-fits-all version of success that dominates today’s culture. In his signature course and book The Quest for Purpose, he helps individuals explore 13 different life areas to define success on their own terms—then align their actions to that definition. “Most people are out of sync. They say they want one thing, but their lifestyle and decisions reflect something else. That misalignment creates frustration.”
Throughout his career, Dr. Keis has been shaped by mentors and peers who modeled integrity, wisdom, and service. Leaders like Jim Janz, Jim Rohn, and Brian Lee each played a role in helping him refine his message, embrace his unique voice, and grow his professional impact.
Yet, finding his voice was a journey. “Early on, I tried to mimic speakers like Zig Ziglar. But it didn’t work. I wasn’t being me. The turning point came when I realized that the most powerful presentations I gave were the ones where I was simply myself—authentic, transparent, and focused on service, not ego.”
Dr. Keis doesn’t shy away from personal stories. In fact, his presentations often include vivid family experiences, life-altering moments, and heartfelt reflections that resonate deeply with audiences worldwide. “But vulnerability isn’t therapy on stage—it must always be in service to the audience,” he explains.
By choosing stories carefully and reading his audience with care, he creates emotionally engaging and transformational learning moments.
So, what is the greatest challenge facing individuals today? Disconnection from purpose, says Dr. Keis. “People are overwhelmed—by social media, noise, and the pressure to conform. They’ve stopped thinking for themselves and are constantly comparing.”
His solution: helping people rediscover their identity, silence the noise, and stop seeking approval from others. “If you’re following people who don’t have the life you want—why are you listening to them?”
Transformation Begins with Self-Awareness
According to Dr. Keis, the most undervalued mindset that creates real transformation is self-awareness. “Without holistic self-awareness, you can’t grow. Yet 85% of individuals misjudge how others experience them.”
His work at CRG, including proprietary assessments and personal development tools, is focused on helping people benchmark themselves accurately, understand how they’re wired, and continuously improve. “Growth doesn’t come from guessing. It comes from knowing—then acting.”
In a world saturated with noise, few voices offer the grounded wisdom and purposeful clarity of Dr. Ken Keis. He’s not here to entertain—he’s here to transform. With his tools, insight, and servant-hearted approach, he continues to help thousands worldwide step into their purpose and live the life they were designed to lead.
Because for Dr. Keis, speaking isn’t a career—it’s a calling.
Discover more insightful articles on education trends, exclusive interviews, in-depth magazines, and the latest educational news—explore now on the Education Eureka website.
Welcome to the future of digital storytelling, where creativity meets innovation. We’re not just a magazine platform; we’re a team of passionate visionaries committed to transforming how stories are shared, celebrated, and experienced in the digital age. Join us as we inspire, inform, and redefine the world of digital magazines.
© Copyright 2025 | educationeureka | All Rights Reserved.