RaShad Bristo
Keynote Speaker | Leadership & Resilience Strategist
Developing High-Performance Leaders Under Pressure
LEADERSHIP
RESILIENCE
PERFORMANCE
Performance rises when leadership strengthens under pressure
RaShad Bristo
Keynote Speaker | Author | Resilience Strategist
"My condition is not my conclusion"
Helping leaders, teams, and students turn adversity into growth.
First in the country with one arm to graduate from a police academy and serve in law enforcement.
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About RaShad
RaShad Bristo is a keynote speaker, author, and resilience strategist who helps leaders, teams, and students turn adversity into growth and perform at their highest level under pressure.
As the first person in the country with one arm to successfully graduate from a police academy and serve in law enforcement, RaShad’s journey reflects a powerful example of perseverance, determination, and purpose-driven leadership. His story resonates across corporate, academic, and community audiences seeking practical insight on overcoming obstacles and leading with resilience.
RaShad began his career in public service after earning a degree in Criminal Justice from Grambling State University. Despite facing significant opposition and being denied certification just days before graduating from the police academy, he persevered and went on to build a distinguished career spanning more than 16 years in law enforcement. His service included roles as a deputy sheriff, D.A.R.E. officer, juvenile probation officer, and correctional officer, experiences that shaped his deep understanding of leadership, accountability, and human potential.
Following his law enforcement career, RaShad transitioned into the corporate sector, where he has built more than a decade of experience in leadership, community engagement, and strategic outreach with Elevance Health, a Fortune 500 organization. In this role, he has been recognized for strengthening partnerships, expanding community impact, and advancing initiatives that improve lives across diverse populations.
RaShad’s work and leadership have earned statewide recognition, including the Ken Vince Memorial Award from the Governor’s Office of Disability Affairs for his ongoing contributions to empowering individuals and communities.
Today, RaShad speaks to organizations, universities, and leadership teams across the country, sharing lessons drawn from real-world experience. Through compelling storytelling and actionable strategies, he equips audiences to navigate change, build resilience, strengthen culture, and lead with clarity and confidence.
Whether addressing executives, educators, students, or emerging leaders, RaShad’s message is both practical and deeply motivating, challenging audiences to rise above limitations and embrace growth through adversity.
Outside of his professional work, RaShad remains grounded in his commitment to family, service, and community. He enjoys time with his family, ranching, and mentoring others, continually reinforcing his belief that leadership begins with purpose and personal responsibility.
RaShad’s guiding philosophy is simple: life’s experiences will shape us — and we each have the choice to grow stronger through them.
Census Committee Appointment
Gov. Edwards selects statewide Census committee
Louisiana Governor, John Bel Edwards, has signed an executive order creating the Louisiana Complete Count Committee (LCCC), which will help to create the 2020 Census Awareness Campaigns throughout the state.
“It’s my distinct honor to be recognized and appointed by Governor John Bel Edwards to serve on the Louisiana Complete Count Committee (LCCC) to help create the 2020 Census Awareness Campaigns throughout the beautiful state of Louisiana. The work we will do can help give our government the best information to shape our state going forward for the next decade,”
RaShad Bristo
Book RaShad Bristo
Motivational speech "Why we do what we do" for the Louisiana Council on Aging Conference.
Speaking at the Old State Capital in Baton Rouge, LA.
Speaking to a student body.
Motivational speech "Why we do what we do" for the Louisiana Council on Aging Conference.
Thank you for considering RaShad Bristo for your upcoming event. RaShad partners with organizations, universities, and leadership teams to deliver engaging and transformative experiences that equip audiences to navigate adversity, strengthen leadership, and perform with purpose.
What You Can Expect:
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A customized presentation aligned with your goals
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Engaging storytelling with practical takeaways
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Professional collaboration before and after your event
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A message that resonates long after the program ends
Booking Process:
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Submit your inquiry
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Schedule a discovery conversation
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Confirm program details
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Deliver an impactful experience
VIDEO & MEDIA
CLIENT TESTIMONIALS
"Rashad is an excellent motivational speaker who gets straight to the truth and stays on target, all the while captivating his audience with humor interspersed throughout. Rashad as a presenter is capable of addressing diverse audiences on a wide array of topics based on his personal experiences."
Gale Dean, LCSW, LPC
Executive Director
New Horizons Independent Living Center
"Thank you so much for the presentation that you made for our corporate meeting, Snell's Stars. Our employees were very moved by your inspirational message, "Why are you here?" Your style of speaking from the heart left everyone feeling as if they were talking to a lifelong friend about the important values in their lives. You lead us through laughter and tears while providing us with an entertaining and informative message. We left blessed by your heart felt words and challenged to take action."
W. Clint Snell
Snell's Orthotics and Prosthetics
"Mr. Bristo, thank you for being an excellent example of a dream. My the lord continually bless you with Heaven's blessings."
Katrina A. White
Executive Director
Central Louisiana Marine Institute