John O’Leary

John O’Leary is a bestselling author, popular podcast host, and one of the most in-demand inspirational speakers in the country. At age nine, he was burned on 100 percent of his body in a house fire and given less than a one percent chance of survival. Against every medical prediction, he not only survived but built a life of extraordinary purpose, gratitude, and impact.

A Story of Survival, Gratitude, and Purpose

In 1987, a curious nine-year-old O’Leary was critically burned when he accidentally ignited a can of gasoline. He spent five months in the hospital, endured dozens of surgeries, and lost all of his fingers. Doctors told his parents he would not survive. His recovery was fueled by the love of his family, the care of his nurses, and the encouragement of people like Hall of Fame broadcaster Jack Buck, who visited him in the hospital and helped inspire his will to live. He is the author of the bestselling book On Fire: The 7 Choices to Ignite a Radically Inspired Life and the host of the Live Inspired podcast.

Igniting a Radically Inspired Life

O’Leary has spoken to hundreds of organizations worldwide, leaving audiences profoundly moved and fundamentally changed in how they see gratitude, purpose, and resilience. His keynotes deliver deeply powerful presentations on choosing gratitude and purpose in every circumstance, resilience and the will to overcome the impossible, leadership rooted in service and compassion, and the choices that ignite extraordinary lives.

The Power of One – How One Attitude, One Action, And One Person Can Change The World

Expected to die, John O’Leary now teaches others how to truly live.

John was a curious nine-year-old boy. Playing with fire and gasoline, he created a massive explosion in his garage and was burned on 100% of his body. Given less than 1% chance of survival, John is proof of the power of the human spirit.

His unlikely recovery meant a journey of pain and loss that could have easily been insurmountable. However, far from being an example of someone who simply endured tragedy, John is a luminous example of thriving through adversity.

Surprisingly, this “survivor” story isn’t focused on John – rather, it is a celebration of heroes who intimately served him and his family. From a dedicated Hall of Fame sports announcer to a visionary burn nurse (and countless others), every individual involved in this 1987 fire teaches us this truth: one person can make a profound difference in the lives of others.

With emotional storytelling and unexpected humor, John reminds audiences of the significance of daily attitudes, the power of gratitude, and the impact of serving others with courage. He reawakens audiences to realize the gift of today and the possibility of tomorrow.

John is consistently referenced as “the best speaker we’ve ever had” – earning five star reviews and inspiring 50,000+ individuals at 100+ events each year. His book, On Fire: The 7 Choices to Ignite a Radically Inspired Life was an instant #1 national bestseller in Spring 2016.

On Fire – The 7 Choices To Ignite Your Radically Inspired Life

We live in a world where “accidental living” – mindlessly moving through routines, wasting countless hours on social media, or complaining about what’s wrong in our jobs, families and society – has become the norm. But John O’Leary reminds us that just because we got out of bed this morning, does not mean that we are truly living.

What would our day, impact and output look like if we lived a radically inspired life, every, single day?

Living radically inspired means you learn from past mistakes, rise above challenges and thrive no matter the circumstances. No one embodies this more than powerhouse inspirational speaker John O’Leary – who was nearly killed in a devastating fire at age nine. Today, John inspires 50,000+ people each year around the world.

In his #1 national bestselling book ON FIRE: The 7 Choices to Ignite a Radically Inspired Life, John has identified choices to transform your life and business.

John shares the critical truth that “inflection points” – moments in time that change everything that follows – occur daily. John will help you realize it’s your choice how inflection points affect you. Your life has much less to do with what happens to you, and much more to do with how you react to it. Are you ready to live on fire?

Be the Light – How To Follow Your Calling To “Be Light” In The Modern World

It is easy to feel like we are living in a period of darkness, with the current global tensions, political unrest, fragmented communities and intensifying violence.

Be The Light reminds us that light pushes back darkness, love destroys evil, God still reigns and the best is yet to come.

Most importantly, we’re reminded that as Christians, we are called to be the light. In his keynote, John shares 8 keys to empower you to fulfill this calling.

No one understands the importance of having light in a dark world more than powerhouse inspirational speaker John O’Leary – who was nearly killed in a devastating fire at age nine. Today, John inspires 50,000+ people each year around the world.

John’s poignant storytelling is a blend of emotion, humor and authenticity. His faith testimony beautifully illustrates the power of prayer and God’s presence during our times of greatest challenge.