
Dr. Daniel Puder, LHD
TED Talk Speaker | U.S. Marine Corps League Member | Undefeated MMA Fighter | WWE $1 Million Tough Enough Champion | Educator | CEO | Humanitarian Leader
Dr. Daniel Puder, LHD, is a globally recognized speaker, undefeated MMA fighter, WWE’s $1 Million Tough Enough Champion, and founder of the worldwide 501(c)(3) nonprofit My Life My Power. Once a bullied kid with a learning difference, Daniel turned adversity into fuel—becoming a champion athlete, entrepreneur, and educator dedicated to empowering youth through character, purpose, and emotional intelligence.
He is the CEO and co-founder of Foundation Academies, a corporately accredited private school network with nine campuses across Florida, West Virginia, and Arizona, serving over 1,500 students with a 97% graduation rate. Through innovative real estate strategies, his team repurposes community assets like churches and theaters into sustainable schools at a fraction of traditional costs. To scale impact, he launched Puder.AI, an education-technology company that builds AI-driven personalized learning tools, integrates emotional intelligence and leadership development, and supports schools across the nation. Together, his schools, real estate ventures, and tech platform form an ecosystem that reimagines how education is delivered and sustained.
Daniel’s nonprofit curriculum, GPS for SUCCESS, developed with The College of William & Mary, has been implemented in schools, police departments, and communities nationwide—helping reduce bullying, drug use, and gang involvement. He has shared his story on stages around the world, from TED Talks to Capitol Hill, and his books GPS for Life and Significance Breeds Success inspire readers to live with purpose and create lasting impact.
From the wrestling mat to the classroom, from building schools to building leaders, Daniel continues to live out his belief that “Significance Breeds Success”—empowering the next generation.