
The Highest Standard in Professional Expertise
Certified Professional Experts
The designation earned by Tracy, Brown, Fripp, Qubein, and 35 more. Not just a certificate. A transformation.
What Is CPE?
A Standard, Not a Course
Jim Cathcart created the Certified Professional Expert designation to recognize professionals who have achieved the highest level of expertise in their field. This is not a weekend seminar or an online certificate.
It is a rigorous personal mentorship with Jim, built on the same diagnostic framework he has used for over 50 years, the same framework that shaped the careers of some of the most recognized names in professional development, sales, and leadership.
The CPE designation says something specific: this person has been evaluated, mentored, and certified by the man who has spent 53 years defining what professional expertise means. That is not a small thing. For the 39 people who hold it, it has been a turning point.
“This is not about a certificate on your wall. It is about who you become in the process of earning it.”
Jim Cathcart

Jim presenting CPE medallion to Kevin Davis, CPE.

CPE holders at the Summit dinner. The people in the room are the curriculum.
In Jim's Own Words
What It Means to Become a CPE
Jim explains what CPE means and who it is for: the designation, the process, and what it requires of the person who pursues it.
CPE Introduction, 3:36 | Filmed April 2026

What It Takes
The Six Requirements
These are not checkboxes. They are the qualities that, together, define what a Professional Expert actually is.
Demonstrated Expertise
A proven, specific body of professional knowledge that has been tested and refined through real-world application over years, not months.
Published Body of Work
Books, courses, articles, or programs that have advanced the field. Evidence that the candidate has not only mastered their domain but contributed to it.
Speaking or Training Experience
A record of standing in front of professional audiences and delivering that expertise with clarity, credibility, and measurable impact.
Peer Recognition and Endorsements
Acknowledgment from fellow professionals, industry organizations, and the people who have been changed by the candidate's work.
Commitment to Ongoing Growth
A living, demonstrated dedication to growing the field and the next generation of practitioners, not resting on a credential but continuing to earn it.
Jim's Mentorship Program
Completion of a personal mentorship with Jim Cathcart. The final, defining step that distinguishes CPE from every other professional designation.
The Designation Holders
CPE Directory
39 professionals. One designation. Fifty years of proof.

Joe Willard, CPE
Insurance Executive, Rancher, Investor & Mentor
Joe Willard is an insurance executive, rancher, investor, and mentor. He brings decades of experience across multiple industries and serves as a trusted advisor to professionals and business leaders.
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Nido Qubein, CPE
President, High Point University
Dr. Nido Qubein has been the President of High Point University since 2005, transforming it into one of the most innovative universities in America. He is a highly sought-after speaker on leadership, selling, and communication.
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Tony Alessandra, CPE
Personality Assessment Expert, Keynote Speaker & Author
Dr. Tony Alessandra is one of the world's leading experts on personality assessment. He is a renowned keynote speaker and author, and the founder of Assessments24x7, helping individuals and organizations improve communication and collaboration.
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Patricia Fripp, CPE
Hall of Fame Keynote Speaker & Executive Speech Coach
Patricia Fripp is a Hall of Fame keynote speaker and an exceptional executive speech coach. She helps leaders, sales teams, and professionals deliver powerful presentations that drive results.
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David Chu, CPE
International Business & Branding Expert
Dr. David Chu is a distinguished figure in international business and branding based in Asia. He is the founder of World Masters Speakers Bureau in China and Taiwan, connecting global thought leaders with audiences across the Asia-Pacific region.
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Don Hutson, CPE
Hall of Fame Speaker & Sales Strategist
Don Hutson is a celebrated sales strategist and motivational speaker. One of the founders of the National Speakers Association, he has spent decades helping professionals and organizations master the art and science of selling.
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Allan Pease, CPE
Body Language Expert, Author & Motivational Speaker
Dr. Allan Pease is an Australian author and motivational speaker. Known worldwide as an expert on body language, he has authored numerous bestselling books on communication and human behavior.
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Ivan Misner, CPE
Founder & Chief Visionary Officer of BNI
Dr. Ivan Misner is the Founder and Chief Visionary Officer of BNI (Business Network International), the leading networking organization in the world. He is a New York Times bestselling author and is widely recognized as one of the foremost authorities on business networking.
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Christina Richter, CPE
Global Authority in Leadership & Executive Communications
Christina Richter is a global authority in leadership and executive communications. She helps leaders and organizations communicate with impact and build high-performance teams.
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Brian Tracy, CPE
Motivational Speaker, Author & Business Strategist
Brian Tracy is a globally renowned motivational speaker, author, and business strategist. With over 80 books and thousands of presentations delivered worldwide, he is one of the most influential voices in personal and professional development.
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Les Brown, CPE
Motivational Speaker & Author
Les Brown is one of the world's most renowned motivational speakers. His powerful message of possibility and resilience has inspired millions around the globe to pursue their dreams and overcome obstacles.
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Dave Kauffman, CPE
Business Coach, Speaker & Author
Dave Kauffman is a distinguished business coach, speaker, and author. He helps entrepreneurs and business leaders achieve breakthrough results through strategic thinking and proven methodologies.
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Erik Swanson, CPE
Keynote Speaker & Founder of Habitude Warrior
Erik Swanson, affectionately known as "Mr. Awesome," is a globally acclaimed keynote speaker and founder of the Habitude Warrior brand. He inspires audiences worldwide with his message of positive habits and personal excellence.
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Jim Cathcart Jr., CPE
Hotel/Resort General Manager & Hospitality Executive
Jim Cathcart Jr. is a career hospitality executive with 26 years in Luxury Hospitality HR, and now serves as a Hotel/Resort General Manager. His expertise spans leadership, team development, and guest experience in world-class properties.
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M. Kevin Davis, CPE
Keynote Speaker, Leadership Coach
For over 30 years, M. Kevin Davis has inspired and equipped others to achieve their goals through speaking engagements, one-on-one leadership development, and servant leadership.
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Anthony M. Criniti IV, CPE
Financial Scientist & Podcast Host ("Dr. Finance")
Dr. Anthony M. Criniti IV, known as "Dr. Finance," is a pioneering financial scientist and leading podcast host. He has dedicated his career to advancing financial literacy and the science of wealth building.
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Victor Antonio, CPE
Sales Trainer, Author & Keynote Speaker
Victor Antonio is a globally recognized sales trainer, author, and keynote speaker. With a background in engineering and corporate leadership, he brings a unique analytical approach to sales strategy and persuasion.
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Dennis Madden, CPE
Automotive Industry Expert & Novelist
Dennis Madden is a seasoned professional in the automotive industry, novelist, and author. He brings decades of real-world business experience combined with creative storytelling.
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Troy Hoffman, CPE
Entrepreneur & Business Strategist
Troy Hoffman is a dynamic entrepreneur and business strategist. He helps organizations and professionals develop winning strategies for growth and market leadership.
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Michael Graham, CPE
Mindset Expert & Performance Coach
Michael Graham is an accomplished mindset expert and performance coach. He works with high-achievers and organizations to unlock peak performance through mindset mastery.
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Michael D. Butler, CPE
Publishing Industry Leader & Author
Michael D. Butler is a renowned figure in the publishing industry. He helps aspiring authors and thought leaders bring their books to market and build their personal brands.
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Todd Duncan, CPE
Best-Selling Author & Mortgage Industry Leader
Todd Duncan is a best-selling author and cofounder of MyFUEL.io. He is a leading voice in the mortgage industry, helping loan officers and financial professionals achieve extraordinary results.
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Brian Livingston, CPE
Founder of The Traffic Ticket Guru & Business Consultant
Brian Livingston is the founder of The Traffic Ticket Guru. A trainer and business consultant based in Canada, he has built a unique expertise in legal representation and entrepreneurship.
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Robin Creasman, CPE
Television Producer, Musician & Keynote Speaker
Robin Creasman is an award-winning television producer, musician, and keynote speaker. He trains other personalities to grow their businesses and expand their media presence.
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Ron Karr, CPE
Sales & Leadership Expert
Ron Karr is a sales and leadership expert known for his Velocity Mindset framework. He helps leaders and sales professionals accelerate results by shifting their mindset from activity to impact.
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John Mitchell, CPE
Personal Development Expert, Professor & Author
John Mitchell is a transformative figure in personal development. He is a University Professor and Author of The Missing Secret, helping people bridge the gap between knowing and doing.
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Beth Robins, CPE
Health & Life Coach, Author of Carpe Diem
Beth Robins brings over four decades of experience in health and life coaching. She is the Author of Carpe Diem and helps people transform their health, mindset, and quality of life.
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Terry Paulson, CPE
PhD Psychologist, Novelist & Political Commentator
Dr. Terry Paulson is a PhD psychologist, novelist, political commentator, and faith leader. He brings a unique blend of psychological insight, storytelling, and practical wisdom to his audiences.
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Niki McCuistion, CPE
Television Producer, Speaker & Leadership Expert
Niki McCuistion is a television producer, speaker, leadership expert, and journalist. She is known for her insightful interviews and commitment to advancing leadership and public discourse.
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Denis Waitley, CPE
Personal Development Legend & Author of The Psychology of Winning
Dr. Denis Waitley is one of the all-time greats in the field of personal development. Author of The Psychology of Winning and numerous other bestsellers, he has inspired millions with his timeless principles of human excellence.
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Rene Godefroy, CPE
Thought Leader in Quantum Leadership & Achievement
Rene Godefroy is an inspiring thought leader in quantum leadership and achievement. From humble beginnings in Haiti, he has become a powerful voice for transformation and possibility.
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Dan Clark, CPE
CSP, CPAE, Hall of Fame Professional Speaker
Dan Clark, CSP, CPAE is one of the most accomplished professional speakers in the world. A primary contributing author to the Chicken Soup for the Soul series, he inspires audiences with stories of courage, leadership, and human potential.
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Brian Biro, CPE
Championship Swimming Coach, Author & Professional Speaker
Brian Biro is a championship swimming coach, multi-book author, and leading professional speaker and counselor. He brings extraordinary energy and transformational insights to audiences worldwide.
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Danielle Ribeiro, CPE
Mindset Mastery Expert & Certified Spiritual Life Coach
Danielle Ribeiro is a Mindset Mastery Expert and Certified Spiritual Life Coach. She helps individuals unlock their potential through mindset transformation and spiritual alignment.
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John Murphy, CPE
Author & Change Mastery Expert
John Murphy is the author of 20 books including The Miracle Minded Manager. He is a Change Mastery Expert who helps organizations and individuals navigate transformation with clarity and confidence.
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Chip Bell, CPE
Customer Care Expert & Author
Dr. Chip Bell is one of the most popular and respected voices on Earth in the area of customer care. A bestselling author and sought-after keynote speaker, he helps organizations create magnetic service cultures.
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Ali Sweeney, CPE
Clairvoyant Energy Healer & Meditation Guide
Ali Sweeney is a Clairvoyant Energy Healer and Meditation Guide with a degree in Engineering from Cornell and a Masters in Leadership from the University of Denver. She combines analytical rigor with spiritual practice.
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Poh Teck Lim, CPE
Professional Trainer, Speaker & Human Development Expert
Poh Teck Lim is Malaysian born and lives in Singapore. He has been a professional trainer, speaker, and human development expert for many years and is certified as a master trainer by numerous organizations.
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Jeff Rogers, CPE
Innovation & Improvisation Expert
Jeff Rogers is an expert in Innovation and Improvisation. He recently won the National Speakers Association Storytelling Competition and has been certified by MIT and Harvard among others.
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Candidate selected
Finalizing process
The next Certified Professional Expert has been chosen and is completing the requirements. Announcement coming soon.
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The next Certified Professional Expert
The path is open to professionals who have earned the standard and are ready to meet it. Start the conversation.
Start a Conversation →Already an Established Expert
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No Mentorship required
For experts who have already built the body of work. If you qualify, the application and certification fees are all that stands between you and the designation.
Apply for CPE →
Legacy
Professionals who helped define the standard
Cavett Robert
Founder, National Speakers Association
Bill Brooks
Sales Trainer & Author
Somers White
Management Consultant & Speaker
Dottie Walters
Speaking Industry Pioneer & Author
Og Mandino
Author of The Greatest Salesman in the World
Charlie Jones
Author & Motivational Speaker
Zig Ziglar
Legendary Motivational Speaker & Author
Harvey Mackay
Best-Selling Author & Business Leader
Jim Rohn
America's Foremost Business Philosopher
Earl Nightingale
Pioneer of Personal Development
Napoleon Hill
Author of Think and Grow Rich
Norman Vincent Peale
Author of The Power of Positive Thinking
Roger Dawson
Negotiation Expert & Author
Naomi Rhode
Past President, National Speakers Association
Rosita Perez
Motivational Speaker & Author
Art Linkletter
Television Pioneer & Motivational Speaker
Alan Weiss
Million Dollar Consulting Author & Consultant
John Maxwell
Leadership Expert & Best-Selling Author
Bob Burg
Author of The Go-Giver & Sales Expert
Jeffrey Gitomer
Sales Expert & Best-Selling Author
Scott McKain
Distinction Expert & Hall of Fame Speaker
Randy Pennington
Leadership & Change Expert
Dave Yoho
Business Strategist & Hall of Fame Speaker
Bill Gove
First President, National Speakers Association
Gene Perret
Comedy Writer & Humor Expert
Tom Hopkins
Sales Trainer & Author, Legacy CPE Holder
Mark Victor Hansen
Co-Creator of Chicken Soup for the Soul, Legacy CPE Holder
Larry Winget
The Pitbull of Personal Development, Legacy CPE Holder
Mark Sanborn
Author of The Fred Factor, Legacy CPE Holder
Robert Schuller
Founder of Crystal Cathedral and Hour of Power
Larry Wilson
Founder of Wilson Learning
D. John Hammond
Motivator, event promoter
Robert Henry, EdD
Humorist, speaker, NSA leader
Ty Boyd
Speaker, broadcaster, mentor
Dr. Kenneth McFarland
Orator and educator
Jeanne Robertson
Humorist, Philanthropist
Global Reach
International CPE Holders
The CPE designation is not limited to North American platforms. Professionals across Asia and the Pacific have earned and carried the standard. Proof that what Jim built speaks a universal language.
Dr. David Chu, CPE
CPE #5
China & Taiwan
Dr. Allan Pease, CPE
CPE #7
Australia
Michael D. Butler, CPE
CPE #21
Thailand
Brian Livingston, CPE
CPE #23
Canada
Poh Teck Lim, CPE
CPE #38
Malaysia & Singapore

Jim with CPE recipients. The medallion marks a before and after.


Jim presenting the CPE to Nido Qubein. The circle of recognition.
The Ceremony
The Medallion and What It Represents
When a Certified Professional Expert receives their medallion, it is not just sent in the mail. It is presented. In person. By Jim.
The ceremony is deliberate. Jim believes that a credential without a moment of recognition is not merely paper. The medallion and the presentation together say: this was earned, this is real, and the person handing it to you has staked his own name on your standard.
For many CPE holders, the presentation is the memory they carry longer than any speech they have ever given.

Nurture Your Nature.
Becoming a Certified Professional Expert Begins with a Conversation
Not every professional is ready for CPE. But if you have spent years building real expertise and you want it recognized by someone who has spent 53 years defining the standard, this is where that conversation starts.