Thomas Sadoski is an acclaimed, Tony-nominated Broadway, television and film actor whose 25 year career includes leading roles in the hit HBO series The Newsroom, CBS’s Life In Pieces, and Apple TV’s The Crowded Room. He starred in the international blockbuster film Devotion and has lead roles in the forthcoming Adult Children (which he also produced) and Lilly opposite Patricia Clarkson, among many other feature roles. A veteran of the stage, he has starred in and earned raves for his performances in a wide variety of Broadway and off-Broadway productions, including reasons to be pretty, which earned him a nomination for a Tony Award in the Leading Actor Category, as well as Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle and Drama League Award nominations.   

Thomas is also a tireless advocate for refugee and human rights causes. He is a Founding Ambassador of the award-winning international aid organization War Child USA. For two decades he has worked to support—through active fundraising, public speaking, government relations and media engagement—those living with war and gender-based violence. His humanitarian work has taken him to war torn countries throughout the world and has benefited hundreds of thousands of civilians.

In this capacity, he has appeared on many news outlets, including CNN, CBC, CTV and many others, providing insight and analysis on humanitarian and war-related issues. He has served on the boards of Refugees International, INARA and Fortify Rights. He has also engaged members of the U.S. Congress and Senate on human rights-related matters, giving first-hand testimonials on the realities and risks facing children living with armed conflict.

Thomas’s work and activism have been widely recognized, including features in Global Heroes, Sharp Magazine, the New York Times, Variety, and The Hollywood Reporter, among others. He will be honored with an Honorary Doctorate at Spring Convocation, 2024, by Niagara University for his efforts on behalf of refugees and war-affected children.

He is a passionate, thoughtful, and compelling speaker who bridges breathtaking storytelling with deep understanding, on-the-ground experience, and a seasoned actor’s capacity to move and entertain audiences.

Topics:

  • This hour-long keynote presentation explores the professional and creative strength, resilience and insight that can be harnessed when approaching challenges and opportunities—in the workplace and beyond—in unexpected ways. Through personal storytelling that includes lessons from more than two decades of experience in the film, television, and theatre industry—which is in a constant state of evolution and revolution—Thomas eschews complacency and conformity, bringing audiences on a journey behind-the-scenes of some of his most memorable performances and toughest experiences, including his engagement in human rights causes that have taken him to war zones throughout the world. Moving, engaging, thought-provoking and even hilariously relatable, this talk is a studied reflection on the role of risk and rejection in fostering lifelong creativity and conviction.

    This presentation is ideal for audiences of all ages and professional backgrounds, including those grappling with change, uncertainty, or unpredictability, or who are looking for tools to approach challenges (personal, industry or professional) in new and unconventional ways.

  • Looking to strengthen internal and external communications to achieve stronger results and better team cohesion? Wondering how to become a more effective leader through enhanced presentation skills and more confident public speaking? This keynote presentation helps audiences achieve their personal and professional goals through the development of enhanced communications techniques. Weaving stories and lessons from his body of work over a quarter century on stage and in front of a camera, Thomas Sadoski entertains and engages as he provides tangible tools for improved communications—in the lunchroom, the board room or anytime a microphone is on.

    This talk instills in audiences the confidence to become more dynamic and persuasive speakers and leaders as they develop a deeper understanding of the role of pacing, posture, inflection, and rhetorical devices in effective communication. Communication is essential to growth, team building, a shared sense of responsibility for outcomes, reaching targets and better management—leading to improved outcomes. This presentation is ideal for groups looking to enhance their internal and external communications, work towards shared goals and strengthen leadership capacity across their organization. Speak Up is also helpful for groups who have gone through significant change or challenges, or who are seeking to realign towards a common vision and understanding.

    ** Speak Up can also include a comprehensive package of a keynote session followed by tailored workshops and/or one-on-one training for those looking for more individualized feedback, coaching and skills development.

  • How do others see us? How do we, in turn, see ourselves? How does this shape and frame our personal and cultural narratives: who we think we are, the choices we make, the kind of societies we want to build?

    During this talk, Thomas Sadoski shares his compelling, moving and insightful journey—grounded in his experiences from Broadway to L.A. and on the ground in the world’s most neglected crises—into the power and potential of humanity. At once a deeply personal exploration of the role of art and creativity in modern society (and the toll this can take), it is also a call to action for greater awareness and understanding of the broader political, social and economic forces shaping our present and likely to define our future.

    In this talk, Thomas explores the lessons learned not only from his television and theatrical career (and the nature of “celebrity”), but also the big, overlooked concerns which are having a devastating impact on millions of people throughout the world. This hour-long keynote presentation is ideal for audiences interested in the stories behind the headlines and deepening their understanding of current and foreign affairs. Above all, it is a thought-provoking and inspiring reflection on the power of creativity and individual actions in addressing some of the biggest challenges facing the planet.

    This presentation also touches on themes of personal and professional uncertainty, withstanding adversity and thinking globally.

  • Thomas Sadoski is a seasoned, eloquent, and charismatic host/emcee for any event—corporate, non-profit, or fundraising. As an adept spokesperson and powerful storyteller, he has extensive experience interviewing executives and other personalities on stage for stakeholder, donor and general audiences with a view to supporting key messages and organizational and/or fundraising goals (as needed). Above all, he is flexible and adaptable, and able to work from (or prepare) scripts to support events and/or improvise as required to ensure activities run smoothly and on-time. He has frequently emceed and interviewed nonprofit and human rights leaders at conferences and events, deepening audience engagement and amplifying impact.

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