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Keynote Speaker Bios

Joel Zeff

Joel Zeff creates energy. His spontaneous humor and vital messages have thrilled audiences for almost 25 years. As a national workplace expert, speaker, author and humorist, Joel captivates audiences with a unique blend of hilarious improvisational comedy and essential ideas on work and life. He has shared his experience and insight on collaboration, leadership, change, communication, innovation, fun and passion at more than 2,500 events. His book, Make the Right Choice: Creating a Positive, Innovative and Productive Work Life, is consistently listed as one of the top work/life balance books on Amazon. He has appeared on CNBC and featured in the Dallas Morning News, Houston Chronicle, The Kansas City Star and many other media outlets. He holds a degree in journalism from the University of Kansas. For more information, visit his website at www.joelzeff.com.

Joel Zeff headshot
Jyarland Daniels, Esq., MBA

Jyarland Daniels is an award-winning Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) leader, and Founder and President of Harriet Speaks. To this work, Jyarland brings clients more than 10 years of executive-level leadership experience in social justice and civil rights nonprofit organizations. Prior to her work in nonprofits, she worked for several Fortune 100 companies in marketing, luxury branding, crisis communications and public relations.

Jyarland’s understanding of diversity stems from having lived and studied in Japan and Germany, as well as having led global teams. She holds an undergraduate degree in Business Administration with a concentration in East Asian Languages and Cultures from the University of Kansas, an MBA in Marketing and Finance from the Ross School of Business at The University of Michigan – Ann Arbor, and a law degree in Civil Rights and Education Law from Wayne State University Law School in Detroit, Michigan. She is licensed to practice law in the state of Michigan and is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.

Jyarland Daniels headshot
Bill Self

Since taking up residence on the sidelines of James Naismith Court in the friendly confines of Phog Allen Fieldhouse, Bill Self has proven himself more than capable of carrying on the great tradition of coaches who have passed through the University of Kansas. A graduate assistant under Hall of Fame coach Larry Brown, Self returned to Kansas in 2003 after coaching stints at Illinois, Tulsa, Oral Roberts and his alma mater, Oklahoma State.

While at Kansas, Self has won two national championships, 17 Big 12 Conference titles and nine league tournament championships. He has guided KU to four Final Fours and nine Elite Eights, and holds a 292-16 record for games played in historic Allen Fieldhouse.

Enshrined as a first-ballot honoree in the Class of 2017 Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, Self became the ninth fastest coach in NCAA history to win 600 career games.

Bill Self headshot

A printable version of the full schedule is available here.