Linda Armstrong Kelly

Biography

Linda Armstrong Kelly is a shining example of spectacular triumph against incredible odds. From high school dropout to mother of Lance Armstrong, seven-time Tour De France champion and cancer survivor, Linda’s story motivates people to achieve their own dreams, regardless of the obstacles they face.

Linda’s life is a lesson in self-determination and hope. In her book, NO MOUNTAIN HIGH ENOUGH-Raising Lance, Raising Me (Broadway Books; 2005), she shares her life experiences as a young, single mom raising her unstoppable baby boy.

Growing up in the Dallas projects and receiving a GED, Linda’s guiding principles enabled her to rise from an entry level temp job to her career goal as a global account manager with Ericsson Microelectronics. She spent 15 years demonstrating her strength, positive attitude, and survival skills.

Linda Armstrong KellyA passionate activist and speaker, Linda captivates audiences on the causes closest to her heart; battling adversity and overcoming odds much greater than the mountains Lance lived to climb. At the core of her inspirational messages are the importance of dedication and hard work in accomplishing one’s goals.

Linda is proud to be a member of the National Speakers Association. She also serves on the board of a non-profit hospital, is an active volunteer, and assists nonprofit organizations with fundraising.

Linda was the subject of a one-hour television biography on The Learning Channel (TLC) entitled, Raising A Champion: The Linda Armstrong Kelly Story. Most recently, she received the “Outstanding Mother of the Year” award from the National Mother’s Day Committee. Her television appearances include “The Dr. Phil Show,” CNN and ESPN. She’s been featured in national magazines such as People, The New Yorker, USA Today, Ladies Home Journal and Texas Monthly, as well as many local newspaper, radio programs and television news shows.

Publications

From the mother of champion cyclist Lance Armstrong—an extraordinary story of the resilience of the human spirit and the remarkable effect of great parenting.
Lance Armstrong has dazzled the world with his six straight Tour de France championships, his winning personality, and his poignant victory over life-threatening cancer. Yet the adage that "behind every strong man there is a stronger woman" has never been more true than in Lance’s case. His mother, Linda Armstrong Kelly, is a force of nature whose determination, optimism, and sheer joie de vivre not only nurtured one of our era’s greatest athletes but fueled her own transformation from a poverty-stricken teen in the Dallas projects to a powerful role model for mothers everywhere. This luminous memoir, written with humor and compassion, tells Linda’s story of survival. Pregnant at age seventeen, kicked out of her home, and mired in an abusive relationship, Linda was a perfect candidate for disaster. But armed with a fierce belief in herself as a work in progress, and buoyed by a tidal wave of love for her little boy, Linda flouted statistics and became both a corner-office executive and a no-nonsense, empowering mom whose desire to excel was contagious. Her resolve to find “the diamond in the Dumpster, the blessing in every bummer” set an extraordinary example for Lance—and will inspire everyday moms to dream big and make a difference. Funny, resonant, down-to-earth, and utterly unforgettable, No Mountain High Enough is exhilarating proof that sheer willpower can—and occasionally does—triumph over adversity.

Titles

No Mountain High Enough
You will not only be captivated but also humored when Linda speaks to your audience. As a result of hearing Linda speak, they will have a better understanding of how they may:
•Maintain a positive attitude
•Improve leadership skills
•Achieve peak performance
•Create work/life balance
•Develop and deliver strong work ethics
•Set and achieve goals both personally and professionally
•How to turn a bad choice into a life-learning opportunity

Not to mention, perseverance. She is a walking testimony! Your audience will leave wanting more.

This keynote speech is based on Linda's book, No Mountain High Enough: Raising Lance, Raising Me. Her early life experiences helped her form the values and positive attitude that both she and Lance carried forward into adulthood. Linda believes that living with love and joy, maintaining focus, and risk-taking are at the heart of every successful endeavor and that these things are the foundation for a life well lived.
Linda's presentation speak powerfully to timely tough topics such as:
•Teen Pregnancy
•Domestic/Substance Abuse
•Single Motherhood
•Cancer Survival
•Challenges Women Face in the Corporate Environment

She is ideal for many diverse audiences including corporate clients, students and educators, healthcare and professional associations.