Jacob is a former NFL athlete turned entrepreneur, transformational keynote speaker, best-selling author, and business coach. He is also the co-founder of Varlo, a leading brand in cycling, triathlon, and athleisure fitness apparel. Jacob has faced plenty of challenges – academic setbacks, business hurdles, personal losses, and even homelessness. But with each stumble, he found strength. He learned that failure isn’t the end; it's a stepping stone. As a three-time TEDx speaker, Jacob was also named one of the '40 Under 40' in 2015.

His insights have been featured in Forbes, Wall Street Journal, and Good Morning America. Top brands and institutions like Intel, Meta, LinkedIn, Dallas Cowboys, UPS, Stellantis, University of Notre Dame, University of Michigan, University of Wisconsin, and Central Michigan University have been captivated by his talks. Jacob's mission goes beyond motivation.

He promotes a transformative approach to life, advocating for a mental reset and a shift in perspective to discover one’s true calling. His #FailForward philosophy, shared on LinkedIn, through motivational posts, and in powerful videos, has inspired countless individuals worldwide to turn setbacks into strength.

Ready to connect? Text or call me @ 248-805-6093 or email me at jacob@failforwardbrown.com

For speaking inquiries: www.failforwardbrown.com

Jacob Brown

This should ring true both professionally and personally.

Jacob Brown 🎤

When I was 27, I applied for a position I knew I wasn’t qualified for – and I landed it.

It was my "dream job."

This position was a lead role for a very large digital agency and one that I had always wanted to work for.

I had a phone interview on a Wednesday, a face-to-face that Friday, and was made an offer that Sunday.

Yep, Sunday.

I even received my benefits package the same day.

They offered me $30k more than what I was currently making at the time, 4 weeks of PTO, and every other Friday off during summer.

Jackpot, right?

Nope!

That Monday, I received a call that the position was going to be eliminated due to lack of budget.

Thank God I hadn't already put in my 2 weeks.

I was crushed.

But I was not defeated.

Shortly after, I was offered an even better position and life went on.

Moral of the story - fail forward.

Hey, new followers and connections! 🖐

If you’re new to my page - welcome! I’m so glad you’re here, and I want to take a moment to introduce myself.

My name is Jacob Brown 🎤, but you can call me Jake! 

I’m a former NFL athlete turned keynote speaker, leadership coach, and bestselling author who is obsessed with one thing: helping humans lead from within.

Before I ever stepped on a stage, I spent 15+ years as a Creative Director, leading teams, managing pressure, coaching talent, and building culture in fast-moving environments.

Today, I work with:
 ⚡ HR leaders and people teams
 ⚡ Associations and conferences
 ⚡ Organizations in tech, healthcare, finance, auto, manufacturing, education, and many more
 ⚡ Executives and mid-level leaders navigating change, burnout, or culture drift

And I speak about:
 🗣️ Leadership alignment
 🗣️Culture transformation
 🗣️Navigating burnout and disengagement
 🗣️Turning failure into fuel
 🗣️Building teams that actually trust each other
 🗣️Leading with purpose instead of pressure

I’ve been fortunate to share this work with companies like Intel, Meta, GM, UPS, LinkedIn, and the Dallas Cowboys - along with universities, associations, and SHRM chapters across the country.

But more than any credential, here’s what matters most: I care deeply about helping people grow. Not just as professionals, but as humans.

I’m glad we connected.

I’m here to serve.

- Jake

I put together 5 leadership lessons that I wish I knew sooner as a leader.

5 Leadership Lessons I wish I knew sooner

Before you'll ever enter rooms you wish to be in, you must first enter them in your mind.

2026…we're coming for you. Here’s to building powerful rooms together next year.

Sunday evening reminder that you still have PTO left this year - so take it.

Public confidence is found in private discipline.

CTR Electronics

Head of Marketing & Business Development

Make-A-Wish Michigan

Vice President of Marketing & Communications

SPI Media

Lead the marketing and product-led growth strategy, bringing this startup to the next level, growing brand awareness, lead generation and CRO through PR, partnerships, co-marketing, email, social, digital and community.

Marketing Director

Ziebart International

Owned top-of-funnel and conversion rate optimization strategy to solidify this legacy company as a leader in the retail and franchise automotive aftermarket space. Developed new go-to-market strategies through market research, persona creation, customer journey touchpoint development, and KPI analysis.
Key Results: Grew retail leads 40%, boosted brand awareness 53%, increased website engagement 45%  and raised positive online reviews 26%.

Advertising Director

NorthRidge Church

Developed and led all internal and external communication, brand awareness, experiential, and advertising strategies, effectively leading a team of 10 employees and 25 volunteers. 
Key Results: Amplified digital presence 275% YOY, increased event attendance 30%, and boosted social engagement 70%

Director of Marketing & Events

Fox Broadcasting Company

Ideated unique, multi-platform partnerships that grew revenue by leading the strategy, analyzing marketplace trends, negotiating competitive rates, and optimizing media performance. 
Key Results: Expanding digital ad sales over 30% and the new business pipeline by 66%.

Digital Account Executive

Viacom

Grew digital campaign revenue by developing standout pitches, negotiating partnership agreements, and delivering outstanding value for the client by maximizing media campaign performance. 
Key Results- Exceeded sales goals by 34% and grew pipeline 70%.

Sales Service Executive, Strategic Partnerships

5-hour ENERGY®

Gained additional startup experience leading the go-to-market strategy launching 5-hour internationally. Led new market launch strategy with sampling events, paid search, experiential, social media, PR, product integration, influencer marketing, SEO / SEM, radio, & TV.
Key Results: Exceeded lead generation goals by 65% and boosted brand awareness by 80%.

International Business Development

American Laser Skincare

Instrumental in creating process and strategy for a national aesthetic service startup, leading corporate communications, CRO marketing, PR, reputation management, social, digital advertising, print, radio, and influencer marketing.
Key Results: Grew ROI from $2M to over $5M in less than 12 months with a lower ad spend and generated 324% revenue growth.

Event Marketing, PR & Social Media

Planned and executed national and local events and PR stunts for Ford Motor Company including launch tours, media partnerships, ride and drives, concert tours, giveaways, and dealer promotions.

Experiential Marketing

•	Secured linear TV buys for Ford, negotiated rates, and analyzed performance.

Asst. Broadcast Negotiator

Startup, nonprofit and Fortune 500 branding and marketing expert with constant success leading the marketing strategy for rebrands, startups, and new product launches, achieving valuable ROI for conservative budgets and multi-million-dollar plans. An excellence-driven servant leader bringing a unique combination of analytical and creative thinking to amplify brand awareness, market share, lead generation and conversion, revenue growth, retention, and referrals that create connections and impact.    
   ►	Surpassing a 30-day product launch stretch goal in 3 days, generating over 200% revenue goal.
   ►	Growing brand awareness by 40% YoY in less than a year.
   ►	Increasing leads YoY by 26% during a pandemic by leading a CRO marketing strategy.
   ►	Driving social engagement growth by 70% and increasing digital presence 275% YOY. 

I am a music and classic movie-loving extrovert who loves a good theme party, lake life, skiing, dancing, photography, and volunteering.

taplio

The Battle

Jacob Brown

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The Battle

Jacob Brown

Mandy Gove💫

Followers

Posts

Engagements

Likes

Performance Score.css-goub6s{font-size:var(--chakra-fontSizes-md);font-weight:500;color:var(--chakra-colors-gray-600);display:block;margin-top:var(--chakra-space-1);}Jacob Brown's LinkedIn Performance

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