The Story Behind the Speaker

Glenn S. Henderson is an entrepreneur, motivational speaker, author, and philanthropist, who has received widespread attention for his success as former founder / CEO of AFC Worldwide, and his timeless insights into best practices for life, faith, family, and business. 

Business Leadership  

As CEO of AFC Worldwide, a global transportation and logistics company, Glenn and his Atlanta-based team built one of the largest African American–owned logistics firms in the US. As a result, AFC was named Hallmark Cards’ “Vendor of the Year” three consecutive years, recognized by Black Enterprise as one of the nation’s “Top 100 Minority Business Enterprises,” and played a pivotal role in relief efforts during 9/11, earning commendations from Motorola in providing service to both the White House and FBI.

 Following the sale of AFC Worldwide, Glenn launched several other successful business ventures, including AFCLS, a global logistics and transportation firm, Business Accelerators, an incubator for startups and nonprofits, Upscale Personal Care Home, a premier assisted living facility in Jacksonville, Florida, and Impossible Business Solutions, an innovative consulting group. 

Thought Leadership  

An innovative thought leader, Glenn challenges audiences to think deeply about the issues that matter most, combining powerful storytelling, thought-provoking discussions, and practical wisdom drawn from his role as entrepreneur, husband, father, church, and community leader.

 During his time at AFC, Glenn developed the Glenn Henderson Economic Development Institute (GHEDI), a business development program designed to assist small and large organizations improve leadership, management, and organizational effectiveness. As a result, he has been invited to teach the principles at leading universities such as Harvard Business School, Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, Georgia Institute of Technology, Kennesaw State University, Stetson University, Beulah Heights University and others.  

 In addition to his work with education institutions, Glenn has consulted with small to large businesses on best practice principles and strategies, been a guest on WGN’s Minority Business Report, hosted radio programs, and contributed to a variety of business publications. He also shared his business principles and life-lessons through books, blogs, podcasts, online learning, and live speaking engagements in the US and abroad. 

Glenn’s international impact includes teaching at the Disney Institute, participating in Experiencing God in Liberia, Africa with Henry Blackaby, and speaking at other events in Uganda, Zimbabwe and elsewhere where he combined faith and leadership in transformative settings.

Faith-Based and Community

Glenn’s passion for serving others is reflected in his extensive philanthropic faith-based and community leadership.

He has been a guest and keynote speaker at many church and faith-based events in the US, sharing his life-story and principles for successful living. He has also sponsored back-to-school programs, provided essential supplies to underserved communities, created financial grant programs for students, and taught entrepreneurial skills to middle and high school students. Serving on boards including Stetson University, Easter Seals National, Georgia Minority Supplier Development Council, Boys & Girls Club of Cherokee County, Institute for Organizational Leadership, and Crown Financial Ministries, and others.

Public Recognition  

Mr. Henderson’s passion to improve the lives of others has earned him the respect of business, community, and religious organizations. Two examples include Jacksonville Business Journal’s “2014 Diversity Award,” and a feature by Ebony Magazine as part of one of the “Coolest Black Families in America” alongside his wife Regina, and their three children — Valerie, Cameron, and Allegra.  

Current Activities and Involvement

While successful entrepreneurs often retire to enjoy the fruits of their labor, Glenn continues to add value to individuals, families, faith-based organizations, and businesses through motivational speaking, online podcasts, YouTube, media events, and writings. He is currently serving on the board for Lifework Leadership First Coast/Jacksonville.