John O’Leary
Expected to die ... now, he's teaching others how to truly live.
He was expected to die. Now, John O’Leary now teaches others how to truly live. In 2008, John O’Leary began speaking about his personal life experience of being burned as a nine-year-old. His story, previously kept private, was showcased when his parents wrote a book to share with family and friends about their amazing journey of healing. This book led to organizations around the world requesting to hear first-hand from John how he defied the odds. A movement began. John, recognizing his calling to become a change agent of overcoming adversity, continues to ignite life – and the world around him – with possibility. His book, On Fire: The 7 Choices to Ignite a Radically Inspired Life, was published in 2016. John is consistently given industry-defying gold stars across the board for his emotional storytelling, genuine humor and ability to empower his audiences to take back their lives and change their worlds. Given less than one percent chance to survive, John intimately illustrates how your greatest challenges can be transformed into outstanding growth.
In Awe: Rediscover Your Childlike Wonder to Unleash Inspiration, Meaning, and Joy
There was a time when we once joyfully raised our hand high to answer every question, connected more easily with others around us, believed that anything was possible and fearlessly jumped into new experiences; when we experienced our days, not as something to endure, but as a marvelous gift to absorb and savor; when we danced through our days In Awe of the ordinary moments of the day and eager for the promise of tomorrow.
Unfortunately, many of us experience life very differently today. The pace of change has never been so stunningly rapid, and it will never be this slow again. With engagement within our professional organizations waning and burnout rising, many of us find ourselves caught in a life of dogged responsibility and mind-numbing repetition, we feel disconnected and burned out. Social media reminds us we don’t measure up and mainstream media barrages us with constant negativity. The years of test-taking, relentless striving toward someone else’s goals, and the daily struggle to earn a living, have caused us to lose the sense of wonder that we once awoke with every day.
In his new book, In Awe, John O’Leary invites us to return to the joy of navigating life like a child. He identifies the five senses children innately possess, explains why those senses fade, and shares emotional, humorous and inspirational stories of how we can return to them.
Where John’s first book On Fire leveraged his life experiences and challenges as a mirror for readers to better navigate their own, In Awe specifically identifies the most substantial challenges readers face in living more fully. It then calls out the cause of those challenges, while providing practical and inspired solutions to address them.
Strengthened by the past, and empowered for the future, In Awe shows us how to seek fresh insights, reach for new solutions, and live our best lives.
Objectives:
INNOVATION: Whether they want to play professional sports, think they can fly, or expect there is a solution to every problem, children are born with a naturally curious spirit that challenges the status quo. John invites us to explore what might happen when we no longer see obstacles as impossibilities, or rely on what has always been done, but reengage our natural curiosity that asks questions, pushes boundaries, and liberates us to innovate with new ways of thinking, solving, leading, and living.
COLLABORATION: Many of us find ourselves in a society where we feel isolated, alone, and enduring an epidemic of loneliness. Yet, we once were in touch with our sense of openness. Kids are always looking to expand their world, see potential friends everywhere and aren’t afraid to start conversations with those around them. John invites us to stop building fences focusing on our differences, and instead show our vulnerability and need for others, which resuscitates the feeling of acceptance, belonging and community. Learn how to reignite an environment built on shared goals, values and focus.
EMPOWERMENT AND ACCOUNTABILITY: Despite our best exhortations, kids don’t like to play it safe, but are natural risk-takers and adventurers, dreaming big and boldly going after what they want. John invites to see what’s possible when we set aside the protectionism that keeps us safe, begin to own our choices, claim our power, and live again as if anything is possible.
The Power of One: One person can change the world – that person can be you
Journey alongside John O’Leary as he revisits the day he was burned on 100% of his body as a nine-year old. On this dynamic walk, you will stand with him the night he was told he would die; the afternoon he first believed he wouldn’t and other formative experiences after the fire. Along the way,John will share the critical lessons he learned with help from friends both old and new. This keynote will illustrate the powerful significance of your thoughts, words and actions. You will gain tools to enhance your:
- Career
- Relationships
- Finances
- Health
- Spirituality
- Emotional well-being
Through his most popular keynote, John will inspire you to tap into your possibility and fulfill your potential. Each member of your team, organization or association will define his or her plan to embrace challenges, discover opportunities, strengthen relationships and achieve outstanding results. You will be moved from tears to laughter and given confidence for today and hope for tomorrow. The Power of One will inspire growth in all facets of life.
You will leave knowing that one person can change the world; and that person can be you. Prepare to take back your life, ignite your possibility and change your world.
The Lens of Life: Perspective changes everything
What if you learned that the lens through which you view the world each day is out of focus? That could mean that the challenges you perceive today may be massive opportunities you recognize tomorrow – but you’ll never know unless your lens is adjusted.
As a nine-year-old, John O’Leary was burned on 100% of his body. That experience, and the remarkable support of his family, healthcare team, and community, forged within him insights on how to rise above challenges,see unexpected opportunities and thrive in all areas of life.
In this unforgettable session, John unwraps the gift you possess to view challenge as opportunity, to choose freedom over control, and to serve others instead of yourself. John illustrates how an askew vision alters everything – from what you view, hear, and internalize – which ultimately colors your professional and personal outcomes.
The Lens of Life is ideal for individuals, teams, organizations and associations facing:
- Professional and personal challenges
- Fatigue and stress
- Poor organizational culture and morale
John will empower you to alter your lens and ultimately open a door to your new life – one full of hope and
certainty for tomorrow. They practical action steps he shares will ensure that the best is yet to come!
Be The Light: Eight keys to shine hope, possibility and faith into a dark world
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:15-17
We live in a period of darkness: global tensions, political unrest, economic crisis, fragmented communities, intensifying violence and broken homes. While these issues impact all of us, we can each strive to overcome them in our lives by being the light of Christ. Be The Light reminds us that Light pushes back darkness, that Love destroys evils, that the Author of Life still reigns and that the best is yet to come. John O’Leary will inspire you to be a shining Light in the world, reflecting possibility, hope and faith to a community starved for it. You will be reminded that God still works miracles, that He does amazing work through regular individuals here on earth and that He has called you to Be The Light!
Partnership Program: Leverage John’s Unique Insight to Convey Your Unique Mission
The power of John O’Leary’s message, genuine delivery and universal application will be crafted to the specific needs or your organization. John will partner with your leadership team to create a presentation that complements your conference, meeting or event. John’s strength is in leveraging his unique insight to convey your mission, values, history and specific event objectives in a truly unforgettable experience for your entire team. John’s message is universally applicable and has worked with clients in the following fields:
- Healthcare
- Sales/Marketing
- Executive Leadership
- Finance/Insurance
- Safety
- Education
“I’ve utilized John more than 30 times for my business. He’s authentic, tailors his message beautifully, and is better every time I hear him. His message transcends business, inspires leaders to do and be more, and literally changes lives.”
“I heard John’s keynote key messages at LAUNCH, but this time we had time to drive them even deeper. The speakers supported and layered these messages in a very holistic way. It was phenomenal to come back to that core message from John.”
“LAUNCH taught me to focus on love, because really that’s what it’s all about —especially in your business. Relationships are vital. If you value people, they will give way more than 100%. So be vulnerable.”