Talks and Appearances
Olympian. Technologist. Storyteller. Leader.
From the starting line at the Olympics to boardrooms and classrooms, Aquil Abdullah brings a unique voice to conversations about performance, purpose, and the power of inclusion. Drawing on a career shaped by elite sport, software engineering, and nonprofit leadership, Aquil shares personal stories and actionable insights that challenge, connect, and inspire.
Whether delivering a keynote, sitting on a panel, or leading a conversation, Aquil helps audiences rethink how we lead — and who we include — in the pursuit of excellence.
Speaking Topics
- Leading from Any Seat
Lessons in resilience, accountability, and leadership from rowing and life. - The Distance Between Us
On access, equity, and the real barriers to participation — in sport, tech, and leadership. - Rowing Toward Purpose
How movement, mindset, and community can unlock transformation. - From the Water to the Workplace
What elite sport teaches us about building high-performing, inclusive teams. - The Power of the Reframe
How adversity shaped Aquil’s journey — and how leaders can use reframing to build trust and momentum.
Featured Appearances
- Keynote, Potomac Conservancy, Take Me To The River Gala
- Panelist, "The Impact of Diversity on Team Culture", The Conference for Rowing Coaches
- Speaker, The Kent School, Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration
Speaking at BLJ Community Rowing Boat Giving
Speaking at Windsor School in the Bahamas
Book Aquil
Aquil speaks to corporate leadership teams, universities, nonprofits, athletic organizations, and community groups.
Looking to inspire your team, deepen your DEI work, or open a new kind of conversation?
Let’s talk.