High Point, NC - Meridith Elliott Powell, a bestselling author and a nationally recognized business expert and motivational speaker, has joined the growing list of industry leaders who mentor students as part of High Point University’s Access to Innovators program. She serves as HPU’s Business Growth and Leadership Expert in Residence and will share her decades of experience in business leadership with students.

Powell was named by LinkedIn as one of the top 100 sales influencers. She’s the founder and chief executive officer of MotionFirst, in which she strategizes with clients that include CEOs and high-ranking executives to find new ways to make their organizations more successful even during uncertain times. She has used her background in corporate leadership and sales to help shape the banking, finance and health care industries.

“I am so honored to be joining Dr. Nido Qubein, High Point University and this distinguished group of experts in offering such an original and impactful program,” Powell said. “As High Point University's Business Growth and Leadership Expert in Residence, I am excited to engage with these talented students on real-world challenges and experiences that will prepare them for future success."

Powell is the author of nine books, including the award-winning “THRIVE: Turning Uncertainty to Competitive Advantage.” The book shares stories of highly successful companies that have overcome adversity and continued to thrive in an ever-changing marketplace. Powell is an invitation-only author for LinkedIn, with more than 600,000 learners around the globe taking her online business courses.

In addition, Powell has garnered numerous honors as a motivational speaker. She was inducted by the National Speakers Association (NSA) into its Council of Peers Award of Excellence Hall of Fame. She serves as the NSA’s chair-elect and shares her inspirational message and business strategies as the host of two podcasts, “Sales Logic” and “THRIVE.”

“I’m excited for our students to learn from Meridith Elliott Powell about how successful business leaders guide their companies to success, which is a lesson that will prepare our future graduates for what life holds,” said HPU President Nido Qubein. “Ms. Powell has inspired audiences around the world, and I look forward to the positive impact she’ll have on HPU.”

HPU’s Access to Innovators program includes dozens of global leaders, such as:

 - Apple Co-Founder Steve Wozniak, HPU’s Innovator in Residence

 - Netflix Co-Founder Marc Randolph, HPU’s Entrepreneur in Residence

 - Dallas Mavericks CEO Cynt Marshall, HPU’s Sports Executive in Residence

 - Domino’s CEO Russell Weiner, HPU’s Corporate Executive in Residence

 - Former U.S. Ambassador and FCC Chairman William “Bill” Kennard, HPU’s Global Leader in Residence

 - Sean Suggs, Toyota Battery Manufacturing, North Carolina (TBMNC) president, HPU’s Technology Executive in Residence

 - Former CEO of Tufts Medical Center Dr. Ellen Zane, HPU’s Health Care Executive in Residence

 - ABC News’ “Nightline” Anchor Byron Pitts, HPU’s Journalist in Residence

 - American Actor, Producer and Television Producer Dean Cain, HPU’s Actor in Residence

 - Dee Ann Turner, former vice president at Chick-fil-A and HPU’s Talent Acquisition Expert in Residence

To view a full lineup, visit www.highpoint.edu/accesstoinnovators.